Yuzhou. Xia Yan and Zhan Meng had driven all the way from Jiangcheng, stopping for a few days in towns along the route. Xia Yan had no idea when Zhan Meng had prepared a fake ID; she only knew that when Zhan Meng pulled it out, she genuinely thought her preparation was impressive.
She had never even considered getting a fake ID. If she used her real one, Lu Zhengting would find her within a day, and they wouldn’t be out here enjoying themselves, completely unaware that Jiangcheng was in chaos.
Before leaving, Xia Yan had left her phone at home and bought a new one with a new number—another move Zhan Meng had suggested.
This was the first time Xia Yan could remember visiting Yuzhou. The city was vastly different from Jiangcheng. Economically, Yuzhou couldn’t compete with Jiangcheng, but it had a quiet, almost gentle charm that drew you in.
Yuzhou seemed to embody the essence of a southern water town, though it wasn’t entirely one. From a high vantage point, it looked as if the city was cradled by layers of mountains, their peaks rising and falling. At the summit, you could clearly see thick clouds floating above.
Such a scene was rare in Jiangcheng. If she had to pinpoint the difference between Yuzhou and Jiangcheng, it was that Yuzhou was a livable city—bustling streets with an orderly feel.
Zhan Meng stood at the mountain’s peak, arms outstretched, eyes closed, savoring the sensation of clouds brushing past her ears. Her mood was light. Smiling, she said to Xia Yan, “Yuzhou really is a beautiful city.”
“Yeah,” Xia Yan replied, trying to mimic Zhan Meng’s gesture. Though she wasn’t afraid of heights, standing at this peak made her heart flutter. Looking down, she saw a bottomless abyss—one misstep and she’d be shattered.
Zhan Meng suddenly opened her eyes and carefully moved closer to Xia Yan, nudging her arm with her elbow. “After coming to Jiangcheng, I finally understand why your mom is so gentle.”
“When did you come up with that?”
“Just now.”
Xia Yan had shown Zhan Meng a photo of Xiao Lanzhi. Zhan Meng had been stunned at first sight—Xiao Lanzhi wasn’t overly alluring, but she had a lively beauty. Even though time had left its marks, her spirit remained undeniable.
“But as far back as I can remember, my mom never talked much about her family.”
“Really? Then how do you know your mom’s hometown?”
“I think it was because I was curious as a kid. I pestered her until she told me. She probably got annoyed and gave in.” Xia Yan smiled faintly, recalling those childhood moments with Xiao Lanzhi.
Back then, with her father and mother still around, their family of three had been truly happy. Those were probably the happiest days of her life.
Until Xu Guang passed away, Xiao Lanzhi married Xia Minghui, and she followed into the Xia family.
From then on, her life changed completely.
Zhan Meng glanced at a dusty spot, puffed out her cheeks, and blew hard, sending a cloud of dust into her own face. She looked up at Xia Yan, dazed, then casually patted the ground. “Come sit.”
Xia Yan didn’t refuse. She tiptoed over, but in that instant, she nearly slipped. If Zhan Meng hadn’t grabbed her hand quickly, she didn’t dare imagine what would have happened. Trembling, she sat down, afraid to move.
“Xia Yan.” Zhan Meng wanted to ask about what happened in Jiangcheng, but worried she might reopen old wounds. After a moment’s thought, she dropped it.
“What do you want to say?”
“Nothing. I guess we’re both pretty bored—getting up at four or five to climb a mountain just to watch the sunrise.”
Xia Yan smiled. When she saw the morning light pierce through the thick clouds and hit the peak, her heart felt utterly at peace, not a single sound in her ears. She didn’t know if this counted as cleansing the soul, or more accurately, connecting with nature.
“It’s getting late. Let’s head down.”
“Mm.” Xia Yan nodded, pressing her hands against the ground, moving with extra caution after the close call.
They drove back into the city from the mountain. Instead of staying at a hotel, they checked into a highly-rated guesthouse.
The owners were a couple in their forties. The wife looked younger, but they were both incredibly kind, often inviting them to meals. Their relationship seemed idyllic.
At least, Xia Yan felt a twinge of envy.
The life she dreamed of was being with the person she loved, even if it was simple and ordinary. But she had fallen for someone who didn’t love her, shattering all her fantasies.
Since Zhan Meng didn’t like sharing a room, they each booked their own. After dinner, Zhan Meng’s first move in her room was to open her laptop. As expected, Ning Xi had hacked into it and tried to install a tracker.
Zhan Meng snorted. “You think I don’t know what you’re up to? Want to know where I am? No way I’m telling you.”
Her fingers flew across the keyboard, typing out a string of code. With a sly grin, she slammed the laptop shut.
After a satisfying afternoon nap, Xia Yan had changed into cooler clothes and was sitting in the garden outside, drinking tea with the landlady.
“Little miss, you’re not from Yuzhou, are you?”
“I’m half from Yuzhou. My mom is from here.”
“I see. Are you adjusting to the weather? Yuzhou’s like this every year around this time—cold in the morning, hot by noon, and then the temperature drops about ten degrees at night.”
“I can manage. Ma’am, could you tell me about Yuzhou?”
“You’ve come to the right person. I’ve lived here for over forty years.”
Xia Yan listened intently as the landlady recounted Yuzhou’s history, so absorbed she didn’t notice Zhan Meng coming downstairs.
“What are you two chatting about so happily?” Zhan Meng yawned lazily.
Xia Yan looked up, puzzled. “You’re awake? Are you that tired? Since we got to Yuzhou, you’ve been sleeping about fifteen hours a day.”
Zhan Meng stared at her in disbelief, pulling out a chair to sit. “I’ve been sleeping that long? That’s weird. I’ve always loved sleep, but not like this.”
“Do you feel unwell?”
“No, I’m eating, drinking, and sleeping fine. Everything’s normal.”
Xia Yan eyed her suspiciously, but seeing Zhan Meng equally confused, she let it go and turned back to the landlady, asking more about Yuzhou’s past.
“Ma’am, what did you just say? Twenty years ago?” Xia Yan suddenly jumped up from her chair, eyes wide, staring intently at the landlady. Her abrupt movement startled her.
“Yes, about twenty-something years ago. I don’t remember the exact time. The youngest daughter of Yuzhou’s richest family suddenly disappeared. Back then, people said she fell for a poor boy and eloped because her family disapproved.”
Zhan Meng was drinking water and spat it out at the landlady’s words. Xia Yan quickly handed her a tissue, whispering, “Why are you reacting so strongly?”
“Hey, Xia Yan, my reaction’s nothing compared to yours. I’m just curious—why would anyone still elope? Such a cliché yet romantic thing. Honestly, if I could, I’d want to try it.”
The landlady laughed at Zhan Meng’s comment. “You little miss, you want to try everything. But if it happened to you, you wouldn’t say that.”
“That’s why I want to try it—because I haven’t.”
“Zhouzhou, come here a moment.”
The landlady looked up at the caller. “What is it? I’ll be right there.” She glanced at the two. “Take your time. I need to get back to work.”
Zhouzhou was the landlady’s nickname, a pet name her husband used for her.
Xia Yan and Zhan Meng exchanged smiles, both shuddering playfully.
******
Jiangcheng.
With Xia Yan missing, Ning Nan and Xu Su had planned to return to Beicheng but stayed instead. For nearly two weeks, Lu Zhengting had searched Jiangcheng and every neighboring city.
He was certain Xia Yan hadn’t left China. Beicheng had been checked too, with no results.
Ning Nan and Ning Xi sat across from each other. Ning Nan looked fine, but Ning Xi’s face was grim. Seeing Lu Zhengting’s dark expression, Ning Nan nudged Ning Xi. “Why do you look so awful? Don’t tell me your woman’s gone missing too?”
“What woman? I don’t have one.”
“Keep lying. You and Zhan Meng.”
“We’re just friends.”
“Stubborn as a mule. Keep it up, and you’ll cry when someone else snatches her away.” Ning Nan slipped over to sit by Xu Su.
“We’ve checked every possible lead. Still no sign of Xia Yan.”
“Then keep looking until we find her,” Lu Zhengting said coldly. He refused to believe Xia Yan could vanish right under his nose.
“What if she’s using a fake ID?” Ning Nan’s sudden suggestion caught Lu Zhengting’s attention.