Unexpected Moment (1)

At around 10 a.m., the massive cruise ship finally docked at an Italian port. The towering iron hull cast a long shadow over the harbor, its sheer size blocking out a portion of the sky.

The port was alive with movement. Several other cruise ships had arrived earlier, and one was already preparing to set sail again. Workers waved their hats energetically as passengers boarded and disembarked, their voices blending with the distant cries of seagulls.

An announcement crackled over the ship's speakers, and soon, travelers began filing out in an orderly manner. The excitement was palpable. Some passengers snapped pictures with vintage cameras, while others chattered enthusiastically about the landmarks they planned to visit.

Jiang Yanxu's family was among the bustling crowd.

Dragging his suitcase, Jiang Yanxu walked at a steady pace, while Ye Xinren clung to his arm, eagerly capturing photos on his camera. Just behind them, Song Yuhang recorded the cityscape with a small camcorder, while Tang Shilin and Shen Ke trailed slightly further back, their luggage rolling behind them. Wen Haoyi, as usual, had gone on ahead. The rest of the Jiang and Wen families—uncles, aunts, and their spouses—were scattered among the throng.

Upon arriving at their hotel, the staff promptly escorted everyone to their respective rooms.

Jiang Yanxu stepped inside and took a moment to survey his surroundings. The space was large and well-furnished. A king-size bed stood in the center, flanked by sleek bedside tables. A closet occupied the left wall, while a set of warm incandescent lamps hung overhead, casting a golden glow. On the opposite side of the room, a window overlooked the city, accompanied by a single plush armchair.

He set his suitcase down beside the closet. Ye Xinren wasted no time unpacking their clothes, his movements quick and efficient.

An hour passed.

Jiang Yanxu sat by the window, cigarette in hand, exhaling lazy curls of smoke. The quiet hum of the city drifted through the glass, filling the space with a distant, rhythmic pulse.

Then—

Knock, knock.

The sudden sound broke the stillness.

Jiang Yanxu remained in his seat, making no move to answer. Instead, Ye Xinren hurried over and opened the door.

Tang Shilin and Shen Ke stood outside, their faces beaming with anticipation.

"We're heading to the Correr Museum," Tang Shilin announced with a smile. "Tell Yanxu to get ready."

Ye Xinren's eyes lit up. "Okay, Mom!"

Tang Shiliu nodded. "We'll be waiting downstairs."

As they turned to leave, Ye Xinren hesitated before asking, "Where's Brother Wen?"

"Oh, he left for the Uffizi Gallery a while ago," Tang Shilin replied.

Ye Xinren sighed, shaking his head. "Seriously? He couldn't even wait for us?"

Tang Shilin chuckled. "He wanted to meet his colleagues."

"Oh, I see," Ye Xinren muttered.

Tang Shilin reminded him again, "Hurry up, or we'll miss the bus."

Ye Xinren nodded before closing the door. Then, he jogged toward Jiang Yanxu.

On the other side of the room, Jiang Yanxu had found a book on the nightstand and was flipping through its pages absentmindedly.

But before he could settle into the words, the telephone rang.

He glanced at it briefly, then reached over and picked it up.

A familiar voice greeted him on the other end.

"Hey, it's me, Haoyi. Come to the Uffizi Gallery. Now."

Jiang Yanxu frowned. "What is it?"

"Aiyaa, just come over," Wen Haoyi insisted.

Then—click—the line went dead.

Jiang Yanxu lowered the receiver, staring at it for a long moment.

Wen Haoyi had asked him to visit the gallery before, but he had always refused. He had chosen, instead, to stay with Ye Xinren. But now, for some reason, he found himself reconsidering.

Before he could decide, Ye Xinren bounced over and grabbed his hand.

"Come on! We're going to the museum," he urged. "Mom and Shen Ke are waiting downstairs."

Jiang Yanxu's brow furrowed. He had no interest in sightseeing with a bunch of tourists.

"I'll pass," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I need to rest."

Ye Xinren's expression fell immediately. His lips pressed together, disappointment flashing across his face.

"You didn't even do anything …," he mumbled.

Jiang Yanxu remained silent.

Ye Xinren sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. "Fine," he muttered, his voice sulky. "I'll go with Mom. You stay here."

A few minutes later, he returned, now dressed in a dark blue shirt and black shorts. A sling bag hung across his chest, his camera tucked safely inside.

He spun in place, flashing a playful grin.

"Hubby," he called out, "do I look good in this?"

Jiang Yanxu, still seated by the window. He turned his head, his gaze settling on Ye Xinren.

A pause.

Then—

"Yeah." A slow, almost imperceptible nod.

Ye Xinren beamed, his cheeks flushing red. Unable to contain himself, he threw his arms around Jiang Yanxu, hugging him tightly.

Jiang Yanxu sighed but patted his back, albeit halfheartedly.

Ye Xinren pulled back slightly, his arms still looped around Jiang Yanxu's neck. Then, without warning, he pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

"I knew it," he whispered. "You never dislike me."

Jiang Yanxu snorted.

Ye Xinren stepped away, smiling.

"Alright, I'm leaving."

Jiang Yanxu nodded.

Downstairs, Tang Shilin immediately noticed Ye Xinren was alone.

"Where's Yanxu?" she asked.

"He's tired," Ye Xinren replied, forcing a light smile.

Tang Shilin frowned. "You two just got married—you should be spending more time together."

Shen Ke smirked. "If I were you, I'd be mad."

They were clearly trying to stir up trouble, but Ye Xinren wasn't fazed.

"It's fine," he said, brushing it off. "He really does look tired."

That shut them up.

As Ye Xinren boarded the tour bus with the others, Jiang Yanxu remained upstairs.

Once the bus disappeared from sight, he turned his gaze toward the distant canal, Wen Haoyi's words echoing in his mind.

He hesitated.

Then, after a long moment—

He grabbed his coat.

And headed for the gallery.