A Day at the Beach
2023
Zhang Zihao hurried down the stairs, skipping steps with agility and determination. He didn't want to spend another minute in that house filled with painful memories.
Overwhelmed by frustration and weighed down by disappointment, a single message from his father was enough to compel him to book the first return flight home.
He always tried to convince himself that he expected nothing from his father, but deep down, he always hoped for a bit of attention and love.
She was waiting for him at the base of the stairs, her forced smile adorning her face. He despised her, hated that fake smile that hid inscrutable intentions.
zhang zihao wished he could tear off that false mask and reveal her true nature to the world. But she quickly grabbed his hand, "Where are you going? You haven't stayed long." He pushed her hand away roughly and continued towards the door, ignoring her questioning tone.
He knew it was she who had planted the idea in his father's head, she who had convinced him to ask Zhang Zihao to return and inject money into their company, a company that would be the inheritance of his illegitimate brother and never his.
After seven years of abandonment, after being cast away and forgotten, here they were remembering him only when they needed him, wanting to benefit from his hard work without any compensation.
But in that moment, he saw the nanny, Ms. Zhou, looking at him with sad eyes. He responded with a faint smile and a nod to assure her he was fine, then turned and forcefully opened the door, inhaling the fresh air that seemed to free him from the shackles of the past.
felt like a bird just released from his father's constraints, feeling the breeze caress his face and his hair fluttering freely.
The sound of a car horn brought him back to reality, and he turned to see Lu Yong standing beside his car with a playful smile on his lips. "What, didn't you miss me?" Luo Yong said cheerfully, gesturing for Zhang Zihao to get in the car.
The area where they stood was one of the most upscale neighborhoods, where every resident owned a fleet of cars and drivers, making it rare for taxis to pass by. Zhang Zihao sat in the passenger seat, leaning his tired head against the seatback.
"How about a very tempting offer? I'll take you on a sightseeing tour. Where do you want to go, sir? I am at your service for the entire day," Luo Yong said enthusiastically. Zhang Zihao laughed heartily, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's go to the sea!" he suggested eagerly. Luo Yong checked his watch and found it was still early, and since their city was coastal, it wouldn't take long to go and come back.
They set off, Luo Yong rolling down the windows to let the clean air fill the car. He looked at Zhang Zihao to find him sticking his hand out the window, finally wearing a relaxed smile on his face. Luo Yong sighed inwardly, knowing that Zhang Zihao's visit to that house would never end well.
Zhang Zihao and Luo Yong arrived at the sunny beach. The gentle sea breeze welcomed them, softly caressing their faces. Zhang Zihao inhaled the salty air, recalling the sense of security he always found beside the calm waves.
The sea was his refuge, the place he turned to whenever he felt miserable, casting his troubles into the waves to be carried far away from his heart.
They got out of the car and began walking on the soft sand, under the golden rays of the sun that were beginning to set on the horizon. Luo Yong caught a mischievous look in Zhang Zihao's eyes, and before he could even think, he was grabbed by the hand and pulled quickly towards the waves.
Before Luo Yong realized what was happening, he found himself submerged in the water, soaked from head to toe. He looked at Zhang Zihao in shock, but that shock quickly turned into a challenge, and he began chasing him along the beach, ending up laughing together, completely drenched.
Finally sitting on the sand, Zhang Zihao looked at Luo Yong with nostalgia, "Do you remember when we spent the entire night here under the stars?" His voice carried a great longing, wishing only that time could take him back to live his entire life in that period.
Luo Yong replied, "That was in our first year of university." Zhang Zihao nodded at Luo Yong and continued, "And it was Wei Ming's first trip with us and his first meeting with Qin Yu." He sighed deeply, and a moment of silence fell between them.
They lay there, listening to the sound of the waves breaking on the shore, each one carrying a story from the past.
.
.
2013:
Tao Mo and Zhang Zihao sat in the university dorm room, with colorful posters covering the walls and books scattered here and there. The air was saturated with the strong smell of coffee and renewed hope. They tried to convince Wei Ming, who was sitting on the bed with hesitant expressions on his face.
"Come with us, Wei Ming, it will be an adventure you won't forget!" Tao Mo said enthusiastically, waving his hand in the air. "Just a day and a night, and we'll be back before the university even realizes we've left."
Zhang Zihao added, looking at Wei Ming with encouraging eyes, "We all need a break from the mid-term exams. It will be an opportunity to recharge and return with more enthusiasm for studying."
Wei Ming seemed hesitant, seriously considering the matter. "But I don't know the others well…" he said softly.
"Oh, they are very nice!" Tao Mo quickly interrupted, smiling slyly. "They have always wanted to meet you. And by the way…" he paused for a moment, whispering softly, "Qin Yu will also be with us."
Wei Ming's eyes lit up with a sudden sparkle, and after a moment of thought, he nodded in agreement. "Well, I won't find a better opportunity than this to see Qin Yu up close."
Tao Mo winked at Zhang Zihao, who was silently observing the situation. Their plan had worked. Zhang Zihao gave Tao Mo a thumbs up in complicity, while Wei Ming dreamed of the awaited meeting with Qin Yu, unaware of the little conspiracy his friends had concocted.
The friends split into two cars, with an agreement to meet on the vast beach. Tao Mo drove his car with Zhang Zihao and Wei Ming in the back seats, while Luo Yong took Qin Yu and Song Hanming in his sleek sports car. Luo Yong arrived first, followed by Tao Mo who parked his car next to him.
Everyone poured out of the cars, and Wei Ming's gaze immediately turned to Qin Yu, who was standing near the waves, contemplating the horizon.
As he walked towards him, Wei Ming stumbled on a stone he hadn't noticed, and cries of warning sounded around him. He closed his eyes expecting to fall, but felt two strong arms catch him. He opened his eyes to find himself in the arms of Qin Yu, who looked at him with concern and a faint smile on his lips.
"Watch your step, Wei Ming," Qin Yu said warmly, making Wei Ming's heart beat wildly.
.
.
In 2023:
Qin Yu reminisces as he runs his hand through the hair of Wei Ming, who is sleeping beside him on the bed. "Do you remember that?" he asks with a nostalgic tone.
Wei Ming puts his hand on his face in great embarrassment. "I was such a fool. Tao Mo made me the subject of his jokes for a whole month because of that, all because I was enchanted by your love."
Qin Yu laughs deeply and kisses him gently. "You didn't look too foolish, just a little."
Wei Ming points his finger, pretending to be angry, and lightly punches Qin Yu in the shoulder, deciding not to talk to him for five minutes. "Okay, you weren't foolish, don't be mad. Okay, you fell first, and I fell deeper."