Zhang Yanyan placed a piece of tender sweet-and-sour pork ribs into Su Yuan’s bowl, then picked up her chopsticks and continued eating slowly.
Su Yuan set down her chopsticks and gazed out at the expansive lake.
“The surroundings here are really nice. Being away from the noise of the city makes me feel completely relaxed.”
Zhang Yanyan followed her gaze toward the lake, where the sunlight shimmered softly across the gently rippling surface.
“This place is well maintained, and the facilities are fully equipped. It’s a great spot to visit in your free time.”
“The horseback riding and archery experiences today were both pretty good,” Su Yuan remarked casually. “The coaches were very professional, and the grounds and equipment were all up to standard. I’m usually so busy with schoolwork that I rarely get the chance to try activities like these. I had a lot of fun giving them a try.”
“Taking a proper break from your studies can help you get into a better state of mind,” Zhang Yanyan said. “You’re about to start your final year of high school, so you must be under quite a bit of pressure. There’s nothing wrong with getting out to relax every now and then.”
Su Yuan nodded as she thought back to the day’s experiences.
“Archery really tests your patience. If you’re too restless, there’s no way to keep your aim steady. Once you calm down and figure out the right way to apply your strength, your accuracy gradually improves.”
“With a few more practice sessions, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.” Zhang Yanyan served her some more stir-fried shrimp.
“Horseback riding is the same. You have to move with the horse’s rhythm and coordinate with it to ride steadily,” Su Yuan said. Activities like these not only exercised the body but also helped one settle down mentally.
The two of them chatted as they ate, their conversation naturally drifting around their studies, hobbies, and everyday life. The dishes were all pleasantly seasoned, and they ate in an unhurried, composed manner, taking roughly two hours to finish the meal.
Afterward, Su Yuan opened her phone gallery and pulled up the scenic and venue photos she had taken during the day, bringing the screen closer for Zhang Yanyan to see.
“I took quite a few photos on a whim. The views here are great, so everything turned out really nice.”
“The scenery photographs beautifully,” Zhang Yanyan said after glancing through the pictures.
“Next weekend, if we have time, we can ask Su Chen to come along,” Su Yuan suggested. “He’s been buried in his studies lately too. It would be a good chance for him to come out and relax on his day off.”
“Sure. We can arrange a time then.”
By the time they left the private restaurant, it was already past three in the afternoon. The sunlight was gentle, and a cool breeze stirred through the trees.
As they walked, Su Yuan asked, “We still have plenty of time. Where should we go next to pass the time?”
“Let’s find a café and sit down for a while,” Zhang Yanyan replied. “After we rest, I’ll take you home. School starts the day after tomorrow, so you can use the time to pack your things and get your mind back on your studies.”
“I remember there’s a members-only café with a view somewhere in the resort,” Su Yuan said. “It has a great view and plenty of privacy. We can sit there and rest our feet, and I can sort through the photos I took today.”
The two of them went to the café together and chose seats by the lake. Broad swaths of sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the room with a peaceful, leisurely atmosphere. Sitting at the table, Su Yuan selected her photos, edited and arranged them into an album, and posted it on social media.
Likes and comments from classmates and friends came in from time to time. She replied to a few of them, and whenever she came across something amusing, she showed it to Zhang Yanyan. The two chatted casually, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
By the time the sky was painted with broad swaths of orange-red sunset and darkness began to fall, they finally got up and left the café.
When they reached the entrance of the resort, Zhang Yanyan signaled the accompanying staff to arrange a vehicle. Su Yuan stood beside the car with several instant photographs in her hand.
“Thank you for bringing me here today. I had such a wonderful time.”
“If you enjoyed it, you can come back whenever you’re free.”
“I’m going to focus on preparing for my exams now. I’ll do my best to get into Tengyuan University.” After saying this, Su Yuan bent down and got into the car. She lowered the window and waved goodbye. “Drive carefully on the way back. Let’s meet up again this weekend.”
Zhang Yanyan raised a hand in response and watched as the car drove away along the road. Only after it had vanished completely from sight did she get into her own car and head home.
By the time Zhang Yanyan returned, it was nearly eight in the evening.
Auntie Chen was waiting for her in the living room. The moment she came through the door, Auntie Chen went over to greet her.
“Did you get tired after being out all day? There’s still some hot soup in the kitchen. Would you like me to make you a late-night snack to fill your stomach?”
“No need, Auntie Chen. I already ate outside, so I’m not hungry at all.” Zhang Yanyan bent down to change her shoes. “You should go to bed early. You don’t have to wait up for me.”
“All right.” Auntie Chen poured a cup of warm water and placed it on the coffee table, reminding her to get some rest before returning to her room.
Zhang Yanyan carried the cup upstairs to her bedroom. After washing up and changing into loose-fitting loungewear, she sat down in the beanbag chair by the window. With a single thought, she entered the Yunhua Space.
The air in the space was filled with the freshness of plants and trees, along with a faint mist of spiritual spring water. Breathing it in was exceptionally refreshing. The small animals in the farming area had grown considerably since before. Their bodies were strong and agile as they ran back and forth through the enclosure, filling every corner with vitality.
The fish fry in the pond were thriving, freely swishing their tails as they swam through the clear water. All the seeds planted in the fields had sprouted, row after row of seedlings growing vigorously and looking full of life.
Zhang Yanyan stood where she was, quietly taking in everything within the space.
