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The weather was fine and sunny, with a clear blue sea and sky.

A luxurious, all-white yacht cuts through the waves, leaving a long white wake in its wake.

Several seagulls circled above the yacht, their calls echoing in the sea breeze.

Wow, so many big birds!

On the observation deck at the top of the yacht, Wen Xin, dressed in a blue and white sailor uniform, was running around with her short legs.

She raised her hands high, trying to catch the low-flying seagulls, but although she failed, she had a great time.

Pan Wendi was wearing sunglasses and casually resting his hands on the front railing.

The eye-catching pink Hawaiian print shirt was enveloped by the sea breeze, its collar wide open, revealing a muscular chest.

"Brother Cheng, isn't my 'Poseidon' awesome?"

After gazing at the endless horizon for a while, he turned around and grinned at Fang Cheng, who was on the deck chair:
"When I brought it back from the original Italian factory, I was drawn to its powerful engine. For the first six months or so, it sat on the yacht club's berth collecting dust, and barnacles were practically growing on the bottom of the boat."

"This time I went to Yong'an Island for vacation, so I took the opportunity to drive around and ride on my own boat. It's much more comfortable than squeezing onto those noisy passenger ships."

Fang Cheng leaned back on the thick, soft cushions of the recliner, holding a freshly opened can of iced cola in his hand.

A fine layer of water droplets condensed on the cool aluminum can in the sunlight, sliding down his fingers.

Hearing Pan Wendi's boasting, he tilted his head back and took a sip. The carbonated bubbles burst in his throat, bringing a cool and refreshing sensation.

"It was really good, driving fast and smoothly. I'm so glad I did it."

Fang Cheng put down the can and casually replied.

Upon hearing this, Pan Wendi immediately shook his head repeatedly:

"Brother Cheng, what you're saying is a slap in the face to your own brother."

“You’re the president of our Illuminati. It’s an honor for you to ride on my boat. If you like it, I’ll just change the name and transfer ownership of this boat and donate it to the organization as a public yacht.”

Fang Cheng smiled but didn't respond.

His gaze passed over Pan Wendi's flashy outfit and landed on the beautiful figure on the other side of the deck.

Under the large parasol, Lin Chuqiao was sitting quietly in a wicker chair reading a book.

She wore a woven straw hat and a fitted, custom-made red beach dress.

Her skirt swayed gently in the breeze, revealing her fair arms and legs, perfectly outlining her tall and graceful figure.

Despite the beautiful scenery before him, a sense of helplessness quietly swept through Fang Cheng's heart.

His initial plan for this trip to Yong'an Island was very simple.

Taking advantage of the summer vacation, I took Wen Xin out for a few days of fun, and also invited Zhou Xiumei, who had been busy participating in a talent show, to relax together.

Lin Chuqiao and Pan Wendi were not originally in the team.

The situation has become what it is today entirely because of that meeting two days ago.

That afternoon, he went to the Jinshui Fish Market to inspect the renovation progress of the Illuminati headquarters.

Considering that he would be leaving Dongdu for a few days, Fang Cheng casually gave her a few words of advice.

The gist of it is that he plans to take Wen Xin to Yong'an Island for a vacation.

During this period, the Illuminati must maintain a low profile, be cautious in their words and actions, and try to avoid friction with other forces in the Eastern Capital.

As a result, this clever young lady, after listening, smiled and brought up an old grievance.

Two months ago, Lin Chuqiao was working non-stop to set up the base, and she looked very tired.

Fang Cheng felt sorry for her when he saw this, so he comforted her and said that once the base construction was over, he would take her on a trip to relax.

Fang Cheng hadn't even had a chance to explain the promise he had made himself.

This young lady had already arranged everything swiftly and decisively.

She smiled and said that the main construction of the Jinshui Fish Market had been completed, and the remaining soft furnishing work could be left to Xiaosa and Jiang Xin to follow up, under the guise of "training the newcomers' abilities".

Since Fang Cheng was going on a beach vacation, she could conveniently take the opportunity to fulfill her promise.

Having said that, Fang Cheng had no room to refuse and could only nod in agreement.

As for the tycoon's son who was grinning foolishly in the sea breeze, he was just there to join in the fun.

Hearing from his cousin Lin Chuqiao that Fang Cheng was going to Yong'an Island for a vacation, this guy immediately swarmed over like a hunting dog that had caught a whiff of something.

Not only did he promise to cover all the transportation, but he also insisted on revisiting the old place with us, saying he missed the days when we fought side by side on Yong'an Island.

Fang Cheng then thought about it again.

Having such a goofy guy in the team would liven things up, so I just nodded and agreed.

However, he ultimately underestimated the chemistry that would result from traveling with two women who both had feelings for him.

Tap, tap.

A series of light footsteps came from the direction of the wooden gangway, interrupting Fang Cheng's thoughts.

Zhou Xiumei came up carrying a transparent glass fruit platter.

Today she wore a light green knee-length floral dress and a pair of clean white sandals.

As the yacht gently rocked in the waves, she carefully adjusted her center of gravity, trying to keep the tray stable.

As Zhou Xiumei walked to Fang Cheng's recliner, she stopped and awkwardly pushed the fruit plate forward.
"Brother Cheng, it's sunny on the deck, have a piece of watermelon to quench your thirst."

Her voice was soft, and her eyes revealed a subtle emotion.

Fang Cheng just sat up straight, ready to reach for the small silver fork on the plate.

A soft "click" came from under the parasol next to me—the sound of a book closing.

Lin Chuqiao walked over lightly, wearing a pair of flat, strappy sandals.

She walked to the two of them and gave Zhou Xiumei a gentle smile.

Then, she naturally stretched out her fair and slender fingers and picked up a slice of watermelon directly from the fruit plate.

"Thank you, Xiumei. I was reading for a while and I'm actually a bit thirsty."

Lin Chuqiao brought the watermelon to her lips and took a bite, then looked at Fang Cheng with a gentle gaze:
"Brother Cheng, eating only watermelon is a bit monotonous. Should I go downstairs and wash some strawberries and cherries, and bring over some other snacks and treats?"

As she spoke, she took the fruit plate from Zhou Xiumei's hand and placed it steadily on the round table between two rattan chairs.

The entire movement was practiced and natural, like a hostess entertaining guests, exuding a subtle sense of control.

Upon hearing this, Fang Cheng shook his head:
"No need for trouble, cola and watermelon are enough."

Lin Chuqiao smiled, then took Zhou Xiumei's wrist and said softly:

"Xiu Mei, come, sit here. We've known each other for quite a while, but we're both busy with our own things and haven't had a proper chat yet."

Zhou Xiumei pursed her lips, her hands, which had been holding the fruit plate, fell to the ground, and her fingers unconsciously tightened.

She had no reason to refuse, so she could only follow Lin Chuqiao's lead and sit down on the rattan chair next to her.

In front of Fang Cheng, she could still show some of her lively, girlish nature. But as soon as she faced the elegant Lin Chuqiao, her inherent timidity would instinctively surface.

Fang Cheng took in all of this, but didn't say anything. He simply picked up a piece of watermelon and put it in his mouth.

It's best for a grown man like him to stay out of the squabbles between women.

Over the next few hours, the yacht cut through the waves and sailed at a steady speed across the vast ocean.

The sea breeze gradually subsided, and the sun began to set in the west.

"Brother, there's an island ahead! I see a really big island!"

Wen Xin, who had been running around on the deck and was tired, suddenly pointed to the increasingly clear outline of the land on the horizon ahead and jumped up excitedly.

The subtle atmosphere on the deck instantly dissipated at the little girl's shout.

Fang Cheng got up and walked to the front of the deck.

Lin Chuqiao and Zhou Xiumei also stopped talking and followed him, standing by the railing.

wow-

The sliding hatch below was pushed open, and Pan Wendi emerged from the cabin yawning.

He had just taken a nap downstairs when he was woken up by Wen Xin's shouts. Rubbing his eyes, he muttered:

"We're here! We've finally arrived..."

As the yacht drew closer, the view of Yong'an Island rapidly expanded in our field of vision.

The continuous beaches, the staggered buildings rising from the shore, and the cars driving on the island's ring road have all become clearly visible.

"Wow, look! What are all those big metal frames over there?"

Wen Xin exclaimed curiously.

Zhou Xiumei squatted down and gently straightened Wen Xin's crooked collar.

Lin Chuqiao looked in the direction she was pointing and smiled as she continued the conversation:

"Xin Xin, that's the deep-water cargo terminal on Yong An Island, specifically used for unloading cargo."

After their long and heartfelt conversation, Zhou Xiumei was now completely at ease.

She took a step forward, looking at the town, which was far more prosperous than those on ordinary islands, and sighed softly:
"It's really big, it feels like a small city built on the sea."

Lin Chuqiao stood up, pressed down on her straw hat which was tilted slightly by the wind with one hand, and gently began to act as her guide:
“This place used to be just a pearl-dredging port. Later, the ocean currents changed and the pearl production plummeted. The town then gritted its teeth and transformed itself to take over the tourism industry.”

"The natural coral reefs on the east side of the island are exceptionally well-developed, attracting more divers and revitalizing the island's economy, which led to the construction of these star-rated hotels."

As Lin Chuqiao explained and Pan Wendi occasionally cracked jokes, the roar of the yacht's main engine gradually subsided, turning into a low idling sound.

The ship cut through the calm waters of the harbor and smoothly approached the pier at the sightseeing dock.

The cable was thrown out and landed securely on the cast iron pile.

Everyone carried their luggage and walked down the aluminum alloy gangway off the ship.

As soon as you step onto the sturdy wooden boardwalk, a pungent aroma of grilled seafood mixed with the smell of fish hits you.

The pier was filled with tourists wearing sun hats, and vendors pushed tricycles along the street, hawking their wares.

Pan Wendi walked at the very back, hanging his sunglasses on the collar of his floral shirt.

He looked around at the newly built shops that had sprung up all around him, stretched his broad shoulders, and his knuckles made two dull popping sounds.

His nonchalant expression softened slightly, and he said with a touch of melancholy:
"It's only been half a year since I last came here, and this place has been completely renovated. I almost didn't recognize it."

He paused, then turned to look at Fang Cheng, his tone now filled with more respect.

"Brother Cheng, speaking of which, if you hadn't single-handedly rescued my cousin and me from those lunatics in the Noah Organization that night, my hundred-odd pounds of flesh would have become food for sea turtles long ago."

"On this return trip, we must go to the best restaurant on the island and toast you properly."

Lin Chuqiao, who was walking slightly behind the two, paused slightly upon hearing this.

She turned her head and gazed intently at Fang Cheng's broad and upright back.

The bloody battle that night seemed vivid in her mind. The image of this man descending like a god, carrying her as they fought their way out of the hail of bullets, was deeply etched into her memory.

She remained silent, and as her eyes shifted, the lingering resentment in her heart dissipated, replaced by a deeper tenderness.

Zhou Xiumei listened quietly to the scene, and seeing the way Lin Chuqiao stared at Fang Cheng, she felt a sudden sense of loss for no reason.

Between them, there seemed to be a bond of life and death that she had never participated in and could never understand.

This made her feel like an outsider, without even a chance to interject.

"Alright, stop nagging on the street. Let's go to the hotel to drop off our luggage first, and then we'll find a highly-rated food stall for a seafood feast."

Fang Cheng raised his hand and patted Pan Wendi on the broad shoulder, interrupting his musings.

The group walked through the market, hailed a taxi, and headed straight for the seaside resort hotel they had booked in advance.

We arrived at our destination in less than ten minutes.

After checking in, the staff pushed luggage carts and led everyone to their respective rooms.

Fang Cheng pushed open the heavy solid wood door of the top-floor suite and casually pressed the smart switch on the wall.

The central air conditioning immediately delivered strong cooling air, quickly dispelling the sweltering heat brought in from the outside.

He walked to the large bed, took off his black shoulder bag, and placed it on the bench at the foot of the bed.

I unzipped the zipper, took out the few spare T-shirts inside, shook out the wrinkles, and hung them one by one in the closet.

Toiletries were arranged one by one on the marble countertop in the bathroom.

After tidying up, Fang Cheng walked to the window and looked outside.

This hotel is pricey, but the service and ambiance are definitely worth it, and the view is absolutely stunning.

The huge floor-to-ceiling window directly opposite the bed offers a panoramic view of the crescent-shaped golden coastline.

The azure seawater tirelessly washes over the golden sand, rolling up layers of snow-white waves.

Fang Cheng slowly closed his eyes, his mind instantly focused, and his thoughts reached the depths of his dantian.

In mystical perception, the once turbulent, azure sea of ​​energy now appeared to be nearly dried up.

The water level has dropped significantly, almost reaching the bottom area.

The once abundant internal energy in my dantian is now like a stagnant pool of lifeless water, barely maintaining basic circulation.

The total reserves of the entire Qihai Lake are now less than a quarter of what they were at their peak.

Fang Cheng suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze passing through the clear glass window as he looked towards the deep sea in the distance.

In fact, the reason he chose to vacation on Yong'an Island was not because of its beautiful scenery or fun beaches.

Rather, there was something of paramount importance that required his personal attention. (End of Chapter)