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Gradually, a slick, burgeoning warmth radiated from the depths of her core, spreading through her entire body. It was like a flower bud slowly unfurling; a tidal wave of languid heat surged within her, cresting in rhythmic ripples. Xia Yuwei felt herself drifting, lost in the heat of his embrace and the intensity of his movements. The soft, intoxicating moans that escaped her lips only served to ignite the fire of their first encounter. Unable to resist, he lowered his head to kiss her, his passion so searing it felt as though he meant to brand her lips.

After the profound intimacy, it felt as if they were discovering each other anew, both filled with a sense of wonder at this uncharted world unfolding before them.

Xia Yuwei curled up in Lu Yichen’s arms like a contented kitten, her arms draped around his waist. The lingering sensations of their union still hummed through her body.

"Chen..." she murmured his name. This was her man—her first, and her last.

"Weiwei... let’s get married," he said, stroking her soft hair. His Weiwei was simply too sweet, too wonderful. He wanted to take her home this instant and declare his ownership of her to the entire world. "I will treat you well for the rest of my life."

Listening to his words, Xia Yuwei remained still, her eyes welling with tears. She knew that for the rest of her life, she wanted only to belong to him. She wanted only to be by his side.

"Weiwei..." He held her tightly.

A wordless passion stirred the fervent hearts of the two young lovers.

***

After resting for a short while, they had lunch, and then Lu Yichen took Xia Yuwei out.

The silver-gray sports car sped along the highway, both of them feeling refreshed and lighthearted, as if all their worries had been cast aside.

"Weiwei, I’m taking you somewhere special!"

Yuwei looked at him and smiled. How was he so adorable? The more she looked at him, the more endearing he became.

The car pulled up in front of a wide plaza.

The square was vast and open, punctuated every hundred meters or so by a series of staggered steps. There were few pedestrians. From time to time, the silver-bell laughter of elderly folk and innocent children drifted by.

The young couple walking hand-in-hand attracted many eyes. Seeing the way passersby looked at them, Xia Yuwei felt a flicker of shyness. Were they being too conspicuous, walking like this? She thought about withdrawing her hand from his, but he gripped it possessively, refusing to let go.

As they strolled to the center of the plaza, Lu Yichen suddenly gave her hand a mysterious squeeze. "Weiwei, wait for me here. I’ll be right back."

Though reluctant, Xia Yuwei nodded and let go of his hand. Lu Yichen turned and walked away.

Even though the air was chilly, the autumn sun was magnificent. Under the azure sky, the vastness of the plaza stretched out infinitely, sweeping away the gloom that had clouded her heart for days. Standing in the center of the square, she spread her arms wide, her spirit feeling as though it were taking flight. Surrounded by boundless happiness, she told herself that for the sake of this moment, she would never regret her decision.

"Big sister, what are you doing?" a five or six-year-old boy asked, curious as he watched her standing with arms outstretched and eyes closed in bliss.

Hearing the small, piping voice, Xia Yuwei opened her eyes to see a doll-like little boy staring up at her, waiting for an answer. She beamed. "Little brother, I’m flying..."

"Flying? Like this?" The boy mimicked her, spreading his arms and running around her, shouting, "Big sister, I’m really flying! You’re amazing!"

Xia Yuwei giggled at his adorable antics. Just then, music began to play across the square, drawing everyone’s attention. On the flat ground between the steps, a series of neatly arranged vents began to spray water, as if testing their mechanisms. A gentle, bubbling sound of flowing water filled the air.

Xia Yuwei looked around, and the little boy ran over, excited. "Big sister, it’s a fountain! Let’s go up to the steps!"

They stood on the steps, and Xia Yuwei crouched down to pat the boy’s head. The boy curiously reached out to touch her cheek, saying innocently, "Big sister, you’re so pretty. Will you marry me when I grow up?"

Xia Yuwei burst into laughter. "Little brother, you’re so cute!" She reached out to give him a hug.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms reached out, pulling Xia Yuwei up and into an embrace. "She’s my wife!" his voice boomed, thick with jealousy.

Xia Yuwei laughed until her shoulders shook in Lu Yichen’s arms. "Yichen, you’re actually arguing with a little kid!"

Seeing the beautiful lady being whisked away by a man, the boy pouted and ran off to find his mother. Xia Yuwei wanted to comfort him, but Lu Yichen held her firmly. "You little heartbreaker, when will you ever put my mind at ease? I was gone for only a few minutes, and already you’re attracting other men..."

Xia Yuwei rolled her eyes, her face still bright with laughter. "What ‘attracting men’? He’s only six years old! You’re being way too dramatic..."

Before she could finish, the music surged, and thousands of fountains across the square erupted at once.

The columns of water seemed to understand the rhythm of the music, rising and falling, shifting in shape. Crystal-clear spray scattered everywhere, landing with a crisp, rhythmic patter. The open space between the steps became the stage for a grand, aquatic symphony.

"Wow..." Xia Yuwei was stunned by the magnificent sight. She stood in the center of the plaza, staring blankly at the dancing fountains leaping between the tiers of steps.