Eat Less Fish in the Future - Chapter 18.2

Zheng Yimian turned her head to look, and heard Zhao Yuan haggling shamelessly. “Boss lady, you’re so pretty, can you give us a discount?”

The boss lady looked at them. “How many of you are there?”

“Uh, let me think, do you have, like, a reference sheet for how many people can sit on what kind of boat…”

Zhao Yuan’s sentence was so jumbled that the boss lady couldn’t understand at all.

“What reference sheet? A price list?”

“No, no.” Zhao Yuan walked up to the boss lady and asked in a lowered voice, “How do five people usually sit?”

The boss lady pointed to the distance. “Just like them, all together on that big one.”

“I see, can you be a bit flexible?”

The boss lady was puzzled. “Flexible about what? Do you want to go swimming?”

“No, when my friends come later, just say that five people can’t go together, it’s not safe.” Zhao Yuan’s little scheme was working out perfectly. “Just say three people should sit on a medium-sized one, and two people on a small one.”

“I don’t mind that, but separate boats will definitely cost more,” the boss lady reminded.

“It’s fine.” Zhao Yuan pointed forward. “He has money, he’ll pay.”

The boss lady asked again. “Why are you going to all this trouble?”

Zhao Yuan: “The little couple is shy, they need a wingman, you know.”

Zheng Yimian and Liang Yu walked up together with the others.

Zhao Yuan gave everyone a meaningful look.

Li Min pulled Zheng Yimian. “Mian Mian, let’s go play on the water pedal boats, do you want to?”

Zheng Yimian smiled. “Sure.”

Zhao Yuan turned around and waved to the boss. “Boss lady, how should we five sit?”

The boss lady understood. “Five people need to be split into two boats, three people in one, and the other two in another.”

Zhao Yuan slapped his thigh as if he’d just had an epiphany. “Great! That’s settled then!”

Zheng Yimian looked over in confusion, not knowing why Zhao Yuan was suddenly so excited, as if he’d been injected with adrenaline.

She planned. “Then I’ll go with Min Min…”

“No!” Zhao Yuan’s volume was as loud as a bell.

Zheng Yimian: “…Why?”

Zhao Yuan opened his mouth, a bit at a loss for words. “…Uh…”

Liang Yu lowered his head and patiently explained. “Because one boat needs a male.”

“Right! That’s why! I just forgot about it!” Zhao Yuan followed up, “Because of this, the person pedaling needs more strength, so you girls can’t handle it…”

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yuan seized the opportunity and jumped onto the boat first, shouting loudly. “Come on! Let’s have fun!”

The two people beside him hurriedly jumped in with him at the same time.

The boss lady quickly set them off, and in just a few minutes, that boat had sailed several meters away from them.

The speed of their actions was so swift, it was like watching a movie in fast-forward.

…?

Zheng Yimian was completely bewildered, not knowing why everyone was in such a hurry and so disciplined.

Liang Yu said softly. “Let’s go, we’ll get on.”

“Mm.” She responded, following closely behind him.

Liang Yu first held onto the railing and jumped onto the boat. The boat swayed back and forth in the water, creating a circle of fine ripples.

The boss lady, holding the rope ready to set them off, smiled at Liang Yu. “Help your girlfriend, will you?”

Zheng Yimian turned back, about to explain, but Liang Yu didn’t intend to explain. He just reached out his hand to help her. “Come on up.”

She thought for a moment and didn’t say anything more, following Liang Yu’s guidance onto the boat.

The boat on the water surface swayed again twice due to the weight, creating an unexpectedly romantic atmosphere.

Zheng Yimian sat down next to Liang Yu, preparing to pedal with him.

This boat required people to pedal; only by pedaling could the boat move forward.

Liang Yu took the helm, controlling the direction, and turned his head to tell her. “You don’t need to pedal, I’ll pedal for both of us, it’s enough. You sit behind me.”

Zheng Yimian was stunned. “I’d rather pedal with you, to share the burden.”

“No need.” Liang Yu reassured her, “My stamina and endurance are very good.”

Given that he had said this much, if she continued to insist on pedaling, it would show a lack of trust in Liang Yu’s stamina and endurance.

At this point, Zheng Yimian changed her position and sat behind Liang Yu.

The sun was mildly intoxicating, and at this moment, Zheng Yimian actually felt a bit drowsy.

It was strange, but with Liang Yu in front of her, she had a sense of security that made her feel “it’s okay to fall asleep now.”

Having thought this, after a while, Zheng Yimian’s eyelids grew heavy.

She gradually closed her eyes, yielding to fate. Her mind began to empty, and her body started to feel heavier.

Liang Yu felt something touch his back.

At first, it was like a pigeon pecking at food, light touches that quickly retreated. Her bangs brushed against his back, seemingly giving him a strange sensation even through his shirt.

He shifted his body, leaning back a little.

Her head rested perfectly on his back.

She was well-behaved now, not moving, breathing evenly and softly. She had fallen asleep.

Liang Yu looked up, searching around, and finally found a shaded spot. He slowly steered the boat towards it.

They intermittently passed by several boats. People who had been talking loudly all lowered their voices when they saw them.

Liang Yu maintained that posture, not daring to move for a long time.

He remembered when they were in high school, and she would go to the library to borrow books. He would sit behind her, watching.

She had read for two hours, and seeming tired, she fell asleep on the table, her back rising and falling gently with her breath. Her fingertips rested on the table surface, peeking out from behind her body.

Next to her was a large glass of iced lemon water. The ice cubes in the lemon water gradually melted, and water droplets formed on the outside of the glass. Soon, a thin puddle of water gathered around the base of the glass and continued to spread.

Her fingers were very close to the glass.

He worried that the cold water might wake her up, so he cautiously walked to her seat, used a tissue to wipe away the puddle of water, and then wiped the water droplets off the outside of the glass.

Still not at ease, he placed the glass on the windowsill to her right.

His movements were gentle, and she didn’t wake up. He looked down at her for a moment.

Whether it was due to the shape of her lips or her personality, even when asleep, the corners of her mouth would turn up as if she were having a pleasant dream.

Life became an interesting process under her influence; he often felt satisfied and comfortable.

He had later borrowed the book she was using as a pillow.

He had carefully read the page she had been reading.

He would eat the food she praised as delicious, follow the paths she walked, and learn the songs she hummed.

So many years… it had been four years already.

He had actually managed to keep his feelings hidden for four years.

What was Liang Yu like before he met her?

Back then, the rebellious him only saw brokenness, pain, and hopelessness.

But when he met her, he saw the moon, mountains, and a faint light in her eyes.

Perhaps this was why he had liked her for so long.

Even though he hadn’t left even the smallest footprint on her path at that time; even though she had passively become a part of his life, a character in his story.

But still, when he saw her, he would feel that the world wasn’t so detestable after all.

At least she was still beautiful and vibrant, like a lighthouse suspended in the distance. Although she was too far from him, her light could still bless and guide him.

But it was too precious–like a night traveler suddenly obtaining a night pearl. In the long night, he treasured it, holding it tight for fear of cracking it, yet afraid to let go lest it shatter.

If the time wasn’t right and he rashly confessed his feelings to her, such overwhelming love might overwhelm her, not knowing how to respond, and cause her to avoid him.

Before he was certain that she truly liked him too, he couldn’t bring himself to imagine even the tiniest, one-in-a-million chance of losing her.

Fortunately, now this relationship had begun to show signs, and he could feel that he was different to her.

Next, it was just a matter of opportunity…

The person behind him moved and woke up.

Liang Yu turned his head to see her rubbing her eyes. After a minute, she finally came to her senses.

She looked up at him, blinked, and said in disbelief. “…Did I just fall asleep?”

Liang Yu smiled and shook his head. “You didn’t sleep for long.”

“Ah, I’m really sorry.” She rubbed her brow and smiled apologetically, “Now, now let’s go, they might be waiting for us.”

“Okay,” he answered in a deep voice.

The boat retreated slightly, preparing to turn around. Zheng Yimian lowered her head, waiting, when suddenly the boat lurched forward, as if hitting something. Her nose unexpectedly bumped into Liang Yu’s back–

Ouch.

Zheng Yimian held her nose, feeling a sharp pain.

Liang Yu turned to look at her. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I just need a moment.” Zheng Yimian rubbed her nose, “You can start moving, I’ll be okay in a second.”

Liang Yu moved her hand away, saying, “Let me take a look.”

Zheng Yimian released her hand, watching as he leaned down, his face magnified in front of her.

It was really unfair that a mere boy could have such good skin.

He reached out his finger, lightly brushing her nose, and said with a hint of a smile. “It’s red.”

Zheng Yimian sniffled and touched her nose, asking reluctantly. “Is it really that red?”

“It’s red,” Liang Yu nodded, slightly raising his eyebrows, his voice teasing, “Don’t worry, it’s cute.”

A long ray of light stretched between the two, with layers of green mountains in the background becoming mere scenery.

In his eyes, she saw herself looking stunned.

It seemed like something was fermenting, and what was in his eyes seemed to be more than just her reflection.

After a while, Zheng Yimian stomped her foot, holding the back of her neck and said, “Let’s, let’s drive…”

“No, I mean, let’s sail…”

Liang Yu responded with a smile, turning to adjust the bow of the boat.

Zheng Yimian saw a strand of hair on his back. Without thinking, she reached out to pluck it off, holding it in front of him to see. “On your clothes… whose hair is this?”

The boat moved steadily forward as Liang Yu asked with a half-smile. “What do you think?”

Zheng Yimian brought the hair closer to her face to confirm.

It was her hair, hanging on Liang Yu’s clothes.

So, leaning on his back and falling asleep wasn’t a dream, it was real…

His back was a bit firmer than she had imagined, and even if it had been a dream, the warm sensation still lingered on the top of her head.

The top of her head felt slightly warm, though she wasn’t sure if it was from the sun.

The boats on the water bobbed up and down, swaying back and forth. The people on board seemed intoxicated, experiencing all the symptoms of drunkenness.

Flushed faces, fluttering hearts.

Drunk, not knowing the sky was in the water, a boatful of sweet dreams pressing down on the Milky Way.

“Oh oh oh, they’re leaving, the two of them are leaving–” The roommate squinted, confirming the gossip-worthy situation in the distance, “It hasn’t been that long, they’re leaving so quickly…”

On the boat, Li Min asked Zhao Yuan, “Is it safe for him to stay up there? Maybe we should ask him to come down, it seems dangerous.”

For the sake of gossip, this person was quite dedicated. After wandering around for a while, he saw Liang Yu’s boat stop by a hillside. He had Zhao Yuan hide in a blind spot behind them. As soon as the boat stopped, this person ran up the small hill from the bow of the boat.

For the sake of gossip, all sorts of skills could be activated.

“You’re worried about whether it’s dangerous or not.” Speaking of this, Zhao Yuan suddenly had an idea and said quietly, “Quick, let’s leave, turn around!!”

While the roommate was still on the hillside, Zhao Yuan had already turned the boat around and left.

He stood alone on the hillside, hands on his hips, shouting, “Zhao Yuan, you dog, get back here!”

Meanwhile, Zheng Yimian’s boat successfully docked. The two of them got off the boat, and Liang Yu paid. The boss lady went to the counter to get change.

After a while, Li Min, Zhao Yuan, and the others arrived.

As soon as Li Min arrived, she whispered to Zheng Yimian. “Were you two that intense? Your nose is all red?”

Zheng Yimian nodded. “Yes, I cried so hard thinking about you not being by my side that my nose turned red.”

Li Min: “You’re lying to me, you clearly bumped into Liang Yu!”

Zheng Yimian poked her. “I knew you were spying on us again…”

Li Min asked quietly. “Is Liang Yu’s scent captivating?”

Zheng Yimian: “…”

The boss lady came out from the back and said to Liang Yu. “I’m sorry, I don’t have change for ten yuan. How about I give you a raincoat instead?”

Zhao Yuan asked from the side. “What do we need a raincoat for?”

The boss lady smiled, implying something. “You’ll find a use for it.”

“Alright, alright!” Zhao Yuan agreed enthusiastically on Liang Yu’s behalf, “Then we’ll take the raincoat! Make sure it’s a good one! After all, this thing can’t be taken lightly.”

The boss lady reached into her bag to search, and just as her hand was about to come out, Zhao Yuan panicked. “So brazen? Boss, calm down…”

With a “thud,” a light blue raincoat was pulled out.

Zhao Yuan: “…”

“Oh, it’s, it’s this raincoat…” Zhao Yuan smiled awkwardly, averting his eyes.

Liang Yu took the item from the boss lady and asked Zhao Yuan. “What else? What were you thinking just now?”

Zhao Yuan: “…”

The five of them walked together, and when they passed a large billboard, Li Min got excited. “Mian Mian, look at my husband!”

Li Min made a heart gesture at Nie Jianglan. “My husband is so handsome.”

The man in the billboard had elegant features and a noble air, casually flashing a smile.

“He never used to smile in advertisements before,” Li Min pouted. “This time it must be his favorite photographer. He only smiles when he sees her, it’s so annoying.”

“The photographer? Male or female?”

“Female… Actually, most fans know that he’s been pursuing his personal photographer for a while. There have been several paparazzi shots… There was even one time when the two of them were rolling around in the grass deep in the mountains, it’s so exciting…”

Li Min stopped talking halfway as they were about to cross the bridge. She stopped to take photos and told them to go ahead. “You guys go first, I’ll take a few photos and catch up.”

Zheng Yimian teased her. “You’re even worse than me, at least I like…”

Halfway up the slope to the bridge, her foot slipped on something and she slid backward.

Before she could react, a pair of hands firmly supported her, holding her right shoulder.

…

Zheng Yimian suddenly froze.

No… this scene… why did it feel so familiar?

Her body was more sensitive than her mind, and following this similar scene, it quickly traced back, finding a blurry fragment in her memory.

High school, the icy surface of the school bridge, her body falling backward, the moment someone caught her.

She held her breath, even forgetting to blink.

Liang Yu was behind her, calling to her in a low voice. “Why didn’t you finish?”

“You like…” The young man’s voice was low and mellow, like sweet and crisp wine, gently coaxing, yet husky and pleasant to hear, “… what kind of person?”