The train slipped smoothly into Qinghu Station as dusk fell, painting the horizon with faint gold that slowly yielded to the gentle wash of evening. The air carried with it the fragrance of early autumn—the scent of sweet osmanthus drifting through the streets, carried by the crisp wind that brushed against the windows.
Gu Ze Yan and Lin Qing Yun stepped out of the car arranged for them, entering the polished marble lobby of a five-star hotel that overlooked the famed Qinghu Lake.
The lake shimmered in the distance like a sheet of jade, lanterns already floating gently atop its surface. Tomorrow would be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and though the streets would be filled with crowds, tonight was calmer, quieter—a prelude to celebration.
Qing Yun looked up at the elegant chandelier lights of the lobby, then at the lake view that spread far beyond the glass. A faint smile curved on her lips. She had never left Liangcheng before meeting Ze Yan, never thought she would see cities that she only read about in books or caught in fleeting pictures online.
Ze Yan touched her hair lightly, leaning close. "Sunny, rest here a while, hm? I'll need to meet with a few clients tonight. It shouldn't take long."
She nodded with her usual gentleness. "Go, I'll be fine."
His gaze lingered a moment longer, reluctant, as though he hated leaving her side even for an hour. Then, with one last squeeze of her hand, he disappeared into the waiting car that would take him to his meeting.
Alone, Qing Yun wandered through the streets near the hotel. Qinghu, with its ancient bridges and glimmering lake, seemed to hold a timeless rhythm. The lanterns that dotted the streets were already lit, glowing faint amber against the rising silver moon. Street vendors roasted chestnuts, their aroma curling in the cool night air. Children ran past, holding paper rabbits that bobbed and swayed in their little hands.
She bought nothing, merely walking slowly, letting the calmness seep into her. From the distance, the lake stretched wide and still, reflecting the faint shimmer of lanterns drifting over its surface. It looked like countless tiny stars had descended into the water.
Qing Yun hugged her thin cardigan tighter against her shoulders, a faint breeze lifting the strands of hair that had escaped her simple ponytail. For a moment, she thought of him—was he still in a crowded room, exchanging polite words, concealing his cold indifference to those who called themselves allies?
She exhaled slowly, her breath curling white in the air.
It was quiet by the lakeside, save for the soft lap of water against the stones.
"Sunny."
The familiar voice cut through the silence, low and deep, threaded with an ache she could almost touch.
She turned swiftly, eyes widening. There he was—Gu Ze Yan, still in his tailored suit, tie slightly loosened from the meeting, but his gaze utterly fixed on her. He was walking toward her, his long strides urgent yet steady, arms already opening wide as though nothing else in the world mattered.
Her heart leapt. Without hesitation, she moved—almost ran, her steps echoing softly against the stone path. When she reached him, she let herself jump lightly into his embrace.
He caught her firmly, holding her tight against his chest. For a moment, the lanterns, the water, the entire world faded into nothing but the sound of his breath against her ear.
"Sunny," he murmured again, voice rough with emotion, "I missed you. Do you know how much I wanted to throw everything away just to find you here?"
Her lips curved into a laugh against his shoulder, soft and teasing. "CEO Gu sounds like a clingy boy right now."
"Only for you." His arms tightened. He buried his face in her hair for a long moment before finally easing enough to see her face. His eyes reflected the glow of lanterns, the kind of gaze that made her feel she was the only person in the entire city.
Intimate Walk by the Lake
They didn't rush. Hand in hand, they walked along the lakeside where lanterns floated like fireflies resting on water. Ze Yan shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders when he felt the night breeze sharpen.
"You'll get cold," he said simply, though his tone carried the weight of command.
She adjusted the coat, smiling faintly. "What about you?"
"I'm already warm." His lips curved. "Because you're here."
Qing Yun gave him a sideways glance, half exasperated, half amused. "When did you become so good at this kind of talk?"
Ze Yan tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing as he leaned closer. "Since I fell for you."
The words, so quietly spoken, scattered her heartbeat into the night air. She looked away quickly, pretending to study the reflection of the moon on the lake's surface.
They strolled farther, leaving behind the hum of the festival. Only the faint sound of rippling water remained. Lanterns floated quietly, glowing as though stars had fallen into the lake just for them.
A wooden bench faced the lake. Ze Yan guided her to sit, his hand never leaving hers. When she settled, he leaned closer, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face, fingers lingering longer than necessary.
Her eyes lifted to his, and for a moment neither spoke.
"Sunny," he whispered, voice low, husky with feeling. "You don't know how much I've missed you."
Her breath caught. She opened her mouth, but words failed her.
He leaned closer, their foreheads nearly touching. His breath mingled with hers, warm against the cool night. Slowly, his lips moved toward hers—
But just then, a paper lantern drifting near the shore bumped against the stone with a soft splash, startling them both.
Qing Yun blinked, then laughed lightly, cheeks flushing red. "Seems the lantern doesn't approve."
Ze Yan sighed, a helpless smile curving his lips. "Next time, I won't let anything interrupt."
He didn't move away. Instead, he rested his forehead against hers, eyes closing, as though memorizing every breath, every second of her presence.
Qing Yun sat quietly, her heart pounding. The world around them seemed vast and beautiful, but in that moment, the only thing that mattered was the warmth of his hand wrapped around hers, steady and sure.
The moon rose higher above Qinghu, painting the lake silver. Lanterns drifted slowly, carrying people's wishes into the night.
For them, no wishes were spoken aloud. But in the quiet of their intertwined fingers, something unspoken blossomed—fragile, bright, and destined to grow.