Song Yi’s heart skipped a beat as he turned his head to see a private beach at the hotel, enclosed by a short fence and lined with outdoor stations made of ceramic tiles, intended for guests to rinse off after going down the sea.

Amid the midday heat, a young man was wearing a white shirt, tending to a large golden retriever on one of the shower tables. He held a showerhead in one hand, carefully rinsing the sand from the dog’s golden fur.

His face was bathed in golden sunlight, radiating warmth and brightness. His chestnut-colored hair, soft as chocolate, cascaded halfway down his profile, partially veiling a delicate nose bridge that complemented his jade-like complexion, resembling a masterpiece painted by an artist.

Song Yi’s heart tingled as if struck by an electric current, his lips barely parting to utter the name he had longed to hear all day, “Shen Li.”

As if sensing his gaze, Shen Li glanced in their direction, his cheeks turning red, with a hint of embarrassment flashing through them, standing in place at a loss.

The large golden retriever circled his knees, urging him to continue showering.

Song Yi’s lips quivered his heart racing. He had imagined countless scenarios of reuniting with Shen Li and had many questions to ask him. Yet, in that moment, none of it seemed to matter anymore.

The important thing was that Shen Li was safe and healthy, living well.

Shen Li reached out and awkwardly tousled his hair, walking towards Song Yi.

Gu Xingchuan crossed his arms and observed Shen Li thoughtfully, his mood subtly shifting.

Shen Li did not match the image in his memory.

Memories often come with filters, particularly when it comes to first love. These filters act like enchanting illusions, erasing the unpleasant aspects while magnifying the beauty.

In his memory, Shen Li was a pure and gentle young man, exuding a sense of freshness. Yet, upon meeting again, when the filter was lifted, the reality beneath was underwhelming.

Compared to the tall and slender Song Yi, Shen Li appeared slightly shorter. Although his skin was white, it lacked the healthy flush of color, resembling that someone undernourished, unlike Song Yi’s vibrant complexion.

While Shen Li’s waist was slender, it lacked substance, appearing fragile and delicate, unlike Song Yi’s robust and resilient figure, capable of enduring any twist and turn.

When he thought of this, all he felt was irritability, and… he wanted to forcefully turn Song Yi’s face to look at him.

“I’m sorry, I made you worry.” Shen Li lowered his eyebrows as he murmured with a sigh, apologizing for his disappearance.

Song Yi shook his head and gently extended his arms. Shen Li understood and gave him a firm embrace.

Song Yi patted his back with relief and asked in a low voice, “Where did you go? The text message from that time…”

He saw Gu Xingchuan’s brooding expression and left his sentence unfinished.

Shen Li wiped his face and explained with a wry smile, “Something happened at home recently. I was taken to the countryside to take shelter, I wanted to reach out to you but they confiscated my contact information. I’m sorry, for worrying you both.”

Song Li was familiar with Shen Li’s family situation to some extent. With political and business ties in the capital, Shen Li’s family had some influence and connections. Without delving into specifics, Song Yi smiled at Shen Li and reassured him. “It’s alright, as long you’re safe.”

—