"It's all right. I'll get it for you."
"Mm."
Yun Tian passed the clothes he had fetched inside. Looking at the swimsuit, Dongfang Xiong instantly flushed. Yun Tian was about to turn and leave when a startled cry suddenly came from the changing room. His heart tightened, and he immediately pushed the door open. Dongfang Xiong had fallen to the floor before she had finished dressing. Without stopping to think, Yun Tian hurried forward and helped her up, carefully keeping her from bumping into anything. He quickly steadied her and checked with concern to see whether she was hurt. Seeing how worried he was, Dongfang Xiong did not pull away. Instead, she leaned a little closer, a hint of dependence lingering in her eyes after the fright.
(One evening, while passing Yun Tian's room, Dongfang Xiong had faintly heard voices inside, along with a few remarks that sounded like exercise instructions, such as "Watch your posture. Keep your back straight" and "Stand steady. Keep your balance." As an experienced woman, she naturally knew what was happening. Dongfang Xiong waited until everything inside fell quiet before slipping back to her own room. After falling asleep, she had even dreamed of Yun Tian patiently guiding her through those movements, the scene vivid and lifelike. At the memory, Dongfang Xiong's cheeks burned, and she hurriedly pulled her thoughts back.)
Yun Tian felt Dongfang Xiong lean closer and met her misty eyes. Seeing that she was still unsteady after her fall, her body swaying slightly, he carefully helped her sit on a nearby table. He asked gently where she felt any discomfort and fetched a tissue to wipe the sweat from her forehead, telling her to rest for a while before standing again. Then the two gradually drew closer.
Had anyone been outside the door, they might have heard Yun Tian's reminders from within: "Raise your legs a little higher. That will ease the soreness" and "Don't rush to get up. Take a moment first," along with the sounds of clothing being torn and objects rocking.
After a long while, Dongfang Tiexin and the others noticed that Dongfang Xiong still had not appeared and that Yun Tian had vanished from his beach chair as well, so they decided to look for them.
"Ling'er, you all keep playing. I'll go find Mom."
"All right. Stay safe."
With that, Dongfang Tiexin headed toward the changing room. Just as she reached the door and was about to push it open, it opened from inside first, and Yun Tian stepped out. Puzzled, Dongfang Tiexin asked, "Yun Tian, why are you coming out of here? Where's my mom?"
She started to walk inside as she spoke, but Yun Tian quickly stopped her. "I just saw your mom. I think she went for a stroll around the rest area next door to get some air. She asked me to tell you not to worry."
"Huh? Honestly, Mom could have at least said something." Dongfang Tiexin sounded a little exasperated, then added, "Never mind. Move aside, Yun Tian. I want to change. This outfit isn't comfortable."
Hearing that she still wanted to go inside, Yun Tian quickly took her arm and led her away. "Tie Xin, don't rush to change. I was just looking for someone to play beach volleyball with. How about a match between us? Let's see who's better."
To get her to change her mind, Yun Tian gave her a casual pat on the back and urged her with a smile to get moving.
At the mention of a match, Dongfang Tiexin immediately perked up, forgetting all about changing her clothes. Paying no mind to his gesture either, she readily said, "Sure! I'm definitely beating you this time. Don't cry when you lose!"
With that, she pulled Yun Tian toward the beach. Yun Tian glanced back at the changing room and reflected inwardly, Dongfang Xiong seemed so reserved, but I never expected her to be this easygoing and warm in private. Whenever we talk, I can feel her mature understanding and sincerity. That comfortable ease is something I don't experience with younger girls.
Inside the changing room, Dongfang Xiong had just taken a sip of water and recovered a little. Her face still bore the flush of exertion, and a lingering warmth remained in her eyes. She was straightening her clothes, her body damp with a little sweat and her breathing still somewhat uneven. Water stains remained on the floor beside her.
Dongfang Xiong tried to get up, but her abdomen still ached from the impact of her earlier fall, and she could not steady herself right away. Remembering Yun Tian's attentive care, she could not help feeling a surge of warmth. It made her truly feel that Yun Tian had never cared about her past, but treated her sincerely and cherished her.
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