Chapter 67: The Women of the Mountain Resort

The next day, Qin Lang drove Lin You to a beautiful mountain resort surrounded by lush greenery and a serene environment.

The resort covered a vast area, with shaded trees swaying gently in the breeze, providing a refreshing coolness that alleviated any heat.

Within the resort, a winding river flowed, its source from the distant mountains, with crystal clear water sparkling in the sunlight. Towering poplar trees lined the banks, and smooth rocks dotted the water’s edge.

Lin You eagerly took off her shoes and stepped barefoot into the cool water. The river reached her ankles, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort.

As she enjoyed the refreshing river, her mood lifted. In elementary school, her parents had taken her to her grandfather’s hometown, which had a river just like this one. If she didn’t know the name, she might think she had returned to a childhood memory.

Later, Qin Lang’s parents often took her out, but she had never encountered such a place again.

Qin Lang was standing by the shore, talking with a gentle woman, occasionally glancing at Lin You with deep affection and tenderness in his eyes.

The woman said to Qin Lang, “She’s very pretty and pure.”

Qin Lang looked at Lin You again and nodded in agreement, “Yes.”

Seeing how much Lin You enjoyed the place, he turned to the woman and said, “I’d like to stay here for a night. Could you please arrange a room for us?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you.”

Around them, many parents had brought their children to play in the water. The clear river allowed for easy viewing of fish swimming by. Some children had even brought fishing gear, hoping to catch the lovely little fish.

Lin You watched the innocent smiles and kind actions of the children, imagining that if she ever had kids, she would definitely bring them here to play and let them experience the purest natural environment.

Noticing Lin You watching the children, Qin Lang approached and quietly asked, “What’s wrong? Is it too noisy?”

“No, look how adorable they are.”

Qin Lang smiled and asked again, “Do you like it?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“We will have our own too.”

Lin You shyly nodded.

“Let’s go eat first.”

Qin Lang took her hand and led her out of the small river.

After lunch, Qin Lang brought Lin You to a room, lifted her gently, and placed her on the bed, carefully removing her shoes and socks.

He also took off his shoes, lay down beside her, and wrapped his arms around her, softly asking, “Are you tired? Want to sleep a bit?”

“I’m okay.”

Lin You buried her head in Qin Lang’s chest and gently asked, “Who was that sister you were talking to today?”

Qin Lang sighed, his tone calm as he replied, “She’s the wife of my comrade.”

Lin You nodded slightly, lifting her head from his embrace, her eyes shining with curiosity. She softly inquired, “Why didn’t I see your comrade?”

A hint of sadness flashed in Qin Lang’s eyes. After a moment of silence, he said, “He unfortunately died a few years ago during a mission.”

Hearing this, Lin You’s heart jolted, instantly understanding the reason for Qin Lang’s current melancholy.

Although she had many worries of her own fearing she might face a similar situation one day she tried to be strong, gently stroking his chest to offer comfort.

Qin Lang tightly grasped her hand, placing it over his heart.

“So, does she manage the resort all by herself?” Lin You continued to ask.

Qin Lang nodded, responding softly, “Yes.”

Lin You felt a surge of admiration, sincerely exclaiming, “She’s so strong!”

Qin Lang stroked her long hair, sensing her apprehension, and gently said, “Don’t think too much. Let’s sleep for a while.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Soon, Lin You’s steady breathing signified she had fallen asleep.

Qin Lang watched her sleep, as if trying to engrave her image in his memory, imprinting her in his heart.

He leaned down and tenderly kissed her forehead, silently apologizing, “I’m sorry, my wife. I have no other choice.”

In her dreams, Lin You seemed to sense the melancholy aura surrounding Qin Lang.

She slowly opened her eyes and immediately caught a glimpse of the fleeting loneliness and sadness on his otherwise calm face, barely perceptible.

Qin Lang was startled that she had woken up so quickly. Nervously, he asked, “Did I wake you?”

“No.”

Lin You furrowed her brows and asked, “Qin Lang, is something bothering you? You seem different.”

Qin Lang quickly shook his head in denial, “No!”

“Then why do I feel like you’re troubled?” Lin You remained skeptical.

“You’re overthinking! Really, nothing’s wrong,” Qin Lang replied, feigning calmness.

“Oh… okay.” Lin You observed Qin Lang’s demeanor, sensing he was unwilling or unable to elaborate, and decided not to press further.

“Do you want to sleep a bit longer?” Qin Lang asked softly.

“Mm-hmm.” Lin You closed her eyes again, attempting to drift off.

But no matter how she tried, she couldn’t fall asleep. She turned in Qin Lang’s embrace and opened her eyes again.

She said to Qin Lang, “I don’t want to stay here anymore. I want to go home.”

“Ah? Why?”

Lin You sat up, anxiously tugging at her hair. Qin Lang followed suit, asking, “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t sleep.”

Qin Lang understood the reason behind her insomnia, but he couldn’t say it, so he held her close again, gently soothing her, “Wife, I understand your worries and fears. That’s why I’m always extremely careful on missions, ensuring I come back safe every time because I know you’re waiting for me at home.”

“So, please don’t worry too much, okay?”

Lin You lifted her head to meet his dark eyes and earnestly said, “Qin Lang, promise me you’ll always come back alive.”

“Okay, I promise.”

Then he buried his head deeply into her neck.

Lin You added, “If you can’t, then I’ll find another husband and forget you completely.”

Qin Lang slowly raised his head. Their gazes met, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Her angry, wide-eyed expression appeared especially cute compared to her usual demeanor. Despite her words being somewhat hurtful, her delicate and beautiful features diminished their impact, making them more endearing.

Lin You realized he wasn’t taking her words seriously, so she pouted and said, “I mean it!”

“Mm-hmm, really! Truly!”

Then he looked at her with deep affection, promising, “I’ll make sure to keep myself safe and not give you a reason to find someone else!”

Lin You felt reassured after hearing his promise.

Neither of them wanted to continue the topic.

Qin Lang sat up straight and turned to her, saying, “The sister I was talking to earlier is named Zhang Qing.”

“Let’s get up and go find her to have a meal together.”

Seeing that Lin You still lay in bed, unmoving, Qin Lang reached out, gently pinching her delicate nose, and tenderly reminded, “But when we see her, remember to call her sister in law.”

Lin You silently grumbled that she understood this basic courtesy. She replied irritably, “I know.”

“Good, our Youyou is the smartest.”

“So, are you getting up now?”

“You have to carry me.”

“Okay.”