JR Chapter 38

As it happens, ever since the recent turmoil, Cheng Lulu had been planning to go out and have some fun. She had been looking around but hadn’t settled on anything.

The island was on Cheng Lulu’s list of options, but she always felt that islands were too ordinary—just the same hotels and sea, nothing new. Cheng Lulu thought it wouldn’t do justice to the hardships she had endured recently. However, she did come across a semi-automatic sailboat sea tour that piqued her interest.

A boat that could accommodate a team of fewer than ten people for five days and four nights, sailing out to sea and playing on the water.

They could ride the waves, chase dolphins, watch whales, go sea fishing, and pass by a few uninhabited reefs with white sandy beaches that rivaled any famous vacation island in the world.

Cheng Lulu was very tempted, but five days and four nights seemed a bit long. She wasn’t sure if Mo Lin would want to stay on the boat for that long. But now things were different.

Emotionless Lin wanted to escape. The fearless woman who always faced conflicts head-on was finally retreating once in her life. How rare!

Cheng Lulu had to arrange this well for her.

She made a quick decision, immediately booked the afternoon boat trip, submitted their identification information, and packed their luggage to leave the main group with Mo Lin.

“For the next few days, just use my stuff. I have new disposable items, clothes, and swimsuits. If we’re going to escape, let’s do it professionally.”

Cheng Lulu took Mo Lin to the private sailboat dock. Fully armed with sunscreen, she walked along the pier, talking to Mo Lin, who was following behind:

“As long as you have your phone and signal, people can reach you anywhere. Let’s just go out to sea. Three hours out, the phone signal will weaken. A bit further, and there’ll be no signal at all. Then we can toss our phones and fully enjoy the beauty of nature.”

Mo Lin, who was wearing a hat and sunglasses, listened to Cheng Lulu. She stopped on the pier under the scorching sun and pulled out her phone to check it.

There was a notification from Jiang Yuanmu.

Cheng Lulu, already fully immersed in the joy of the impending sea adventure, had walked far ahead before realizing Mo Lin hadn’t followed.

“Our boat is just ahead. The captain and guide are waiting, Mo Lin, hurry up.”

Absentmindedly, Mo Lin responded, opened her phone, and saw Jiang Yuanmu’s message:

“I’ve booked a beach restaurant for dinner. If you’re willing, I hope we can sit down and talk.”

In the intense heat, Mo Lin’s phone felt like it was burning, urging her to reply quickly and move to a shady spot.

“I’ve left the hotel. I need to think about our relationship and future. I need time.”

The reply came quickly: “Left?”

“Yes.”

The “typing” indicator showed for a while, then a brief message: “How much time do you need?”

“Five days, four nights.”

Mo Lin’s precise timeframe prompted a solitary question mark.

It was as if Jiang Yuanmu were standing before her, confused, tilting his head and saying, “Hmm?”

Mo Lin thought for a moment and continued:

“My phone will have no signal these days, so I won’t be able to respond to messages or calls. Don’t worry, I’ll return safely and promptly discuss further matters with you. There’s not much luggage at the hotel, just a few clothes and cosmetic samples. If you could pack them for me and take them back, it would be appreciated. If not, it’s okay.”

There was silence from his side.

Mo Lin’s phone was overheating to the point of shutting off. Cheng Lulu was urging her, so Mo Lin put away her phone and walked forward.

She felt Cheng Lulu was right. For the next few days, she should embrace this escape. She had already informed him, and now it was her time to take a break.

Lulu’s rented boat had four crew members: the captain, a sailor, a navigator, and a tour guide.

Typically, they would serve a team of no fewer than six people, but this time it was just Cheng Lulu and Mo Lin. The crew was surprised but delighted, as it meant a more relaxed journey ahead.

The boat had two levels for Mo Lin and Lulu to move around: the deck on the upper level and the cabin below. The cabin had a master bedroom at the front and two small rooms at the back.

As soon as Mo Lin entered the cabin, she smelled engine oil. The smell was even stronger in the rooms at the back, making her feel a bit seasick.

The tour guide helped them put their luggage in the master bedroom and briefly explained the boat’s facilities, where they could and couldn’t go, how to shower, and how to use the bathroom. Finally, the guide said meaningfully, “But you might not end up sleeping in here.”

“Where else would we sleep?” Cheng Lulu asked, blinking.

The guide smiled and pointed to the deck, “It’s more comfortable to sleep there.”

At the time, Cheng Lulu and Mo Lin didn’t understand the meaning of this.

Cheng Lulu was very excited, having never spent so much time at sea. She was constantly taking photos, and her excitement rubbed off on Mo Lin, who began to look forward to the trip.

They waited on the boat for an hour, but the captain still hadn’t set sail. Cheng Lulu found it strange.

“Shouldn’t we have left by now?”

“Yes,” the dark-skinned captain replied, “but we have a rule that we must have a companion boat. The neighboring sailboat seems to have some personnel issues, so we’re waiting for them.”

Mo Lin looked at the boat across the pier. It seemed like a family was preparing for a trip. Earlier, they were taking photos everywhere, just like Cheng Lulu. But now, they were getting off the boat with their luggage, seemingly not planning to sail.

Mo Lin watched the family disembark with even more enthusiasm, feeling puzzled. She leaned over the deck and asked them:

“Is it because the kids get seasick? Are you not going?”

“No, someone booked our boat and gave us compensation and an upgrade to a better one,” the dad with the kids responded happily. “We got lucky, going out to have fun and making some money too.”

“Yes, it’s just a day’s delay. Where else could we find such good fortune?” the mom added. “They’re going to join you on the sea trip. I guess they’re rich fools. I see it’s just you two girls on this boat, be careful not to get taken advantage of.”

Mo Lin smiled, “We have two boats and staff members. We’ll be fine.”

But before she finished speaking, a group of “rich fools” came striding down the pier. Recognizing their familiar faces, Mo Lin’s smile gradually froze.

He Ye led the group, with Ji Ming panting at the rear. The one in the middle, his gaze sharp but expression solemn, was none other than Jiang Yuanmu. He glanced up and spotted Mo Lin on the deck.

Their eyes met.

Mo Lin’s heart skipped a beat. Almost instinctively, she asked, “Don’t you have work?”

Five days and four nights—was this even a feasible plan for Jiang Yuanmu?