The women rode a luxury yacht, sliding out from the coast like a silver fish. At the stern, Tang Coco stood; the sea breeze lifted her black dress like a raven wing, her smooth hair streaming to one side.
Watching the shoreline shrink to a pale stroke, her feelings knotted like drifting kelp in a turning tide. Someday, she would probably leave this city the same way—like a boat crossing the last buoy into open blue.
“Coco, careful, okay~” Suddenly, Ye Yiyi hugged her from behind, her voice warm as a sunlit breeze at the ear.
“Mm, don’t worry.” Tang Coco smiled, a quiet crescent under the sky.
“What’s wrong? What are you thinking?” Ye Yiyi asked, eyes soft as water.
“No… nothing…” Tang Coco shook her head lightly, like a leaf refusing the wind.
“Coco, don’t overthink. If you run into trouble, tell me. I’ll help you.” Ye Yiyi said, her arms tightening like a secure mooring line.
“Relax~ I’m really fine.” Tang Coco clasped Ye Yiyi’s hands over her own, the touch steady as warm sand.
“All right~ we have to enjoy this little holiday, okay~”
“Mm!”
The air between them settled back to its usual gentle warmth, like sunlight smoothing ripples.
“Mmph… proximity gets first pick; Yiyi’s advantage is huge…” On the second deck, Meng Xiaoxiao leaned over the rail, her gaze cloudy as a rainy window, fixed on the two figures by the stern.
“Their bond’s really good~” Meng Yuting murmured, tone mild as soft tea.
“Yeah…” Gu Xin answered, her voice thin as a fading thread.
“What’s wrong? Does it bother you?” Meng Yuting watched her, noticing the slight off-beat in Gu Xin’s mood, like a drum skipping a beat.
“No… it’s nothing… probably haven’t rested these days.” Gu Xin shook her head and walked aside, her back a quiet line against the bright deck. Meng Yuting followed her with her eyes, thoughtful as a shadow among reeds.
After about forty minutes, the yacht reached the mysterious sea park. The sight hit them like a burst of fireworks.
An artificial island spread out vast as a floating city—towers rising like cliffs, rides coiling like serpents of steel. Most eye-catching was the huge white bear in the center, visible from afar, holding a giant sign: “Pixis Amusement Isle.”
“The Xu family… this powerful?” Tang Coco stared at the great island, the thought striking like cold spray. Hard to imagine Ninghai housing such a giant clan.
“Not just the Xu family. Rumor says they partnered with an international conglomerate, backed by Huaguo’s government. Once this project lands, the Xu family’s status will soar.” Ye Yiyi explained, her tone steady as a guidepost.
“Oh~ I see.”
“Let’s hit the hotel, stash our things, then grab a meal.” Ye Yiyi suggested, voice bright as clinking glass.
“Okay~” No one objected.
Soon, the yacht slid into the island’s small harbor, docking with a soft sigh.
“Wow, this place is not bad.” Meng Xiaoxiao said, eyes shining like lake water under sun.
“Mm. A park at this scale in Huaguo is rare.” Gu Xin nodded, satisfaction smooth as silk.
“Huh? They’re dressed so strangely—what are those clothes?” Suddenly, Meng Xiaoxiao pointed at passersby and staff. Aside from Tang Coco and the women, almost everyone wore retro outfits.
“Yeah. Are they filming something here?” Meng Yuting tilted her head, curiosity flickering like a lantern.
“Ladies, hello. I’m a concierge here.” A man in traditional Hanfu approached, carrying a folder, his manners neat as a folded fan.
“Hi—what’s with your clothes?” Ye Yiyi asked, gesturing to his robe, her brow arched like a question mark.
“Oh, the clothes? Looks like you haven’t read our island’s guide…” He laughed, easy as spring water.
“Uh… the guide? This?” Ye Yiyi, puzzled, suddenly remembered the small booklet they’d been handed at registration.
“That’s right. It lays out our island’s signature features.”
“Uh… I didn’t read it…” Ye Yiyi admitted, a little embarrassed, color rising like a blush.
“No worries. I’ll explain.” He smiled, words clear as chimes.
“To give guests a stronger taste of our island’s character, we set a daily theme. All staff, vendors, and visitors align with it to deliver different experiences. So the theme changes every day~”
“Wow, that’s awesome!” Meng Xiaoxiao lit up, delight bubbling like soda—this vibe was right up her alley.
“So, what’s today’s theme?” Gu Xin asked, voice calm as a still pond.
“Please look there.” The man pointed at a billboard by the path, gesture crisp as a brushstroke.
“Elegance of the Ancient Style.” The words gleamed on the sign like carved jade.
“Oh, that explains it. So you’re all wearing these ancient-style outfits.” Meng Yuting nodded, the idea settling like dust on old stone.
“Yes, and more—please look at the shops~” The women turned their heads. Around them, storefronts were dressed with straw and wood, façades mimicking old-time buildings. It wasn’t perfect—high-rises still pricked the skyline—but the effect was charming. Roadside stalls popped up like little caravans, selling trinkets and keepsakes.
“Oh~ very nice.” Gu Xin said, satisfied, her gaze warm as amber.
“One more thing. The Ancient Style theme is special: even phones won’t have signal.” The man reminded them, tone light as a feather.
“Huh? No way.” Meng Xiaoxiao whipped out her phone, hope blinking like a LED.
“There’s signal…”
“Right now. To keep the theme intact and avoid incidents, we block all signals after six p.m.”
“Oh…”
“This is the island map. Please walk to the hotel first.” He handed Ye Yiyi a large map, paper rustling like wings.
“Let’s go. We’ve got a stretch to walk.” Ye Yiyi turned back to the group, smiling, her voice carrying like a bell.
“Okay~”
