The song kept playing on repeat in the car, and after a moment of silence, Lu Shouyue said, "Can you send me the video? Just listening to it on the way here isn’t enough."
Lin Wanwan let out a chuckle, was this what they call saying one thing while meaning another?
Still, she obliged and forwarded the video to him.
Half an hour later, the car drove into the underground parking garage of a large villa.
They took the elevator to the first floor, and Lin Wanwan remarked, "Is this your friend’s private villa? There’s even an elevator inside, they sure know how to enjoy life."
Lu Shouyue laughed, "A beachfront villa is indeed a nice place to unwind. Let’s head to the beach; the sun’s almost setting so it won’t be too hot."
As soon as they appeared on the lively beach, they drew quite a few curious glances. While people were sizing up Lin Wanwan, she was also assessing everyone around.
Even though the beach adjacent to the courtyard was crowded, it was quite orderly and had an understated luxurious vibe. There were chefs in culinary uniforms slicing and dicing busily, along with a band and several DJs.
The scene differed a bit from the passionate and exuberant beer and music festival Lin Wanwan had imagined. Some people were playing beach volleyball in swimwear, others lounged on large floats in the infinity pool sipping drinks and splashing water playfully, while some whispered with wine glasses in hand.
Just then, a waiter holding a tray passed by, and Lu Shouyue took two glasses of beer, handing one to Lin Wanwan, "Care for a drink?"
Lin Wanwan thanked him, took the beer, and glanced at the baskets of seafood, murmuring, "Beer is fine, seafood is fine too, but beer with seafood might not be a great idea, it could lead to gout."
Lu Shouyue chuckled, "Indulging just once shouldn’t hurt."
They clinked glasses and took a casual sip. At that moment, the host of the gathering, Wang Bocheng, who was Lu Shouyue’s childhood friend, approached them in flip-flops, beer in hand, after someone pointed out Lu Shouyue’s presence.
Wang Bocheng, with an oily demeanor, teased Lin Wanwan, "Hey beautiful, finally gracing us with your presence? Look, our Lu here has been glued to his phone all day waiting for you."
As soon as he spoke, Lin Wanwan found herself at a loss for words and could only offer a polite smile.
Lu Shouyue, blushing, stepped forward, hooked an arm around Wang’s neck, and smirked sinisterly, "Aren’t you supposed to be tending to your crowd of admirers? Why come here and cause a fuss?"
Wang Bocheng brushed his hand away, stepped back, and said, "Old Lu, how many times have I told you not to stand so close? I just came to say hi since you arrived. Can’t neglect to greet a first-time visitor, right?"
Lu Shouyue snorted, "Thanks a lot, now go back to your flock of girlfriends."
He even lifted his foot to playfully kick at Wang, who quickly dodged and retreated, laughing, "Alright, alright, I won’t disturb your little world! And Lu, don’t wrongly accuse me, I’m single now, no crowd of girlfriends, just friends. Bye, beautiful, enjoy with Old Lu!"
Watching him walk away, Lu Shouyue shook his head helplessly and said to Lin Wanwan, "Don’t mind him, Wanwan. He just talks nonsense, but he means no harm."
Lin Wanwan smiled, "No worries, such a small joke won’t bother me. I can tell you two are quite close."
Lu Shouyue said, "My grandparents and his family lived in the same compound. Before I started elementary school, I lived with my grandparents, and even later, I spent most holidays in Beijing."
Lin Wanwan responded happily, "So, you were raised by your grandparents too? What a coincidence, so was I." Newest update provided by NoveI-Fire.ɴet
It was the first time Lu Shouyue heard Lin Wanwan mention her family, and he looked pleased, "We do share a bond. Even now, my grandparents eagerly look forward to seeing me each holiday."
Lin Wanwan smiled, recalling her own grandparents. The sadness had faded over time, leaving only fond memories.
She turned around, leaning against the open-air bar and gazing at the crowd on the beach, softly saying, "Having someone to look forward to is a great blessing."
Lu Shouyue glanced at her and remembered the two old portraits he’d seen on Lin Wanwan’s living room wall the day before, along with the bits he’d heard due to recent buzz. He knew well and said gently, "I’m sorry for reminding you of unpleasant things."
Lin Wanwan shook her head, "It’s alright. No need to keep apologizing, Mr. Lu."
As they were talking, an excited voice chimed in, "Wanwan! So this is where you are!"
It was Chen Jinyu in a halter-neck cocktail dress, beer in hand, walking towards them. After greeting Lin Wanwan, her gaze shifted to Lu Shouyue, and she beamed, "Lu, you’re here too? You know Wanwan?"
Suddenly, as if remembering something, she covered her mouth and looked at Lu Shouyue with wide, gleaming eyes, exclaiming, "Oh, I remember, during the Chopin event, you were that Mr. Lu!"
Lu Shouyue nodded with a mild smile, showing the same flawless yet distant courtesy as when Lin Wanwan first met him, "Hello, nice to meet you."
Chen Jinyu naturally leaned beside Lin Wanwan and started chatting with Lu Shouyue. She was always personable and outgoing, with great conversation skills and a good drinking tolerance, adept at socializing.
Feeling a bit unnecessary between them and unable to join the conversation, Lin Wanwan excused herself to grab some fruit, leaving them space to talk.
The beer music festival was quite crowded, not just with Wang Bocheng’s company’s signed artists but also many social media influencers with attractive faces. Looking around, it was a vibrant scene full of youthful energy.
Lin Wanwan picked some fruit onto a plate, then half-lay on a vacant beach chair, enjoying the gentle sea breeze, listening to the band’s roaring music, eating fruit, and observing the lively surroundings.
Her outfit of a white T-shirt and camouflage pants contrasted with the glamorous ladies around, but her fair skin and striking looks prevented her from being mistaken for someone who’d wandered into the wrong place.
As soon as she walked away, Lu Shouyue turned to Chen Jinyu with a polite yet firm smile, "It’s been nice chatting, Miss Chen, let’s talk again sometime."
With that, he walked over to where Lin Wanwan was.