บท 49: Yang Lingbing's memorial garden

In the backyard of the magnificent Yang family villa, nestled amid lush greenery and gently swaying trees lies a breathtaking memorial garden. The sun casted a warm and golden glow over the landscape; painting a scene of serene beauty and heartfelt remembrance.

As Xia Lihua approached the stone path that led to the memorial garden dedicated to Yang Lingbing, her heart felt heavy with a mix of emotions. The sight of the carefully curated and beautiful garden brought forth a torrent of memories and feelings that she had tried so hard to suppress since his passing.

The meandering stone path, thoughtfully paved with smooth river stones, leads visitors through the garden, surrounded by a bed of soft, velvety grass that invites visitors to sit and reflect on the precious memories of the late soul. Along the pathway, clusters of pure white roses bloomed in abundance, their delicate petals glistening with dewdrops in the morning light. The roses symbolize the purity and innocence of Yang Lingbing's spirit, as if he were still watching over the garden with a gentle smile.

Amidst the roses and fragrant carnations, splashes of vibrant chrysanthemums added their regal charm to the setting— majestic and full-bloomed. A small, trickling fountain stood near the edge of the garden, its melodic sounds providing a soothing and comforting atmosphere.

When she passed the bed of blue forget-me-nots adorning the trickling fountain, a pang of guilt washed over her. She felt as though she had not done enough to keep his memory alive, that she had somehow failed in her role as a friend. She wished she could have spent more time with him, shared more laughter and created more memories together.

Birds chirp cheerfully from the nearby trees, adding to the tranquility of the surroundings. Butterflies gracefully dance from flower to flower, seemingly drawn to the beauty and peacefulness of the garden.

Xia Lihua turned towards the pavilion, distinct from the others with its charming bridge that stretched over the lotus pond. Stepping out of the pavilion, she found herself on a rustic cobblestone path. Despite its simplicity, the ambiance of this place was enriched by the vibrant hues of the lotus flowers adorning the pond, and the graceful Birch trees that swayed gently in the breeze. Moreover, the area remained undisturbed by the bustling household with only a handful of servants venturing here, creating an oasis of peace and serenity.

Sitting by the lotus pond, Xia Lihua closed her eyes, immersing herself in a wave of nostalgia. This tranquil place held precious memories of her past, especially the times spent with her dear friend Yang Lingbing when they were young. Those days seemed like a distant but cherished dream and she couldn't help but miss them dearly.

As a child, Xia Lihua and Yang Lingbing had been inseparable. They would come to this very spot by the lotus pond to play, chase butterflies, feed the koi fish and share secrets under the shade of the nearby willow tree. The memories flooded back, and Xia Lihua could almost hear their laughter echoing through the air.

Startled by the unexpected presence beside her and the faint sound of sipping tea, Xia Lihua slowly opened her eyes and turned her head to see a man standing there, holding a teacup in his hand.

"Ahhh!" Xia Lihua was scared out of her wits and placed a hand over her heart. "You'll reduce my life span one of these days with your sudden appearances!"

"Am I truly that scary to elicit such a strong reaction from you?" Yang Lingyun placed the tea cup on the stone table and looked straight into her eyes.

Clink.

Xia Lihua averted her gaze and looked at the vibrant lotus pond in front of her. She chuckled nervously, trying to calm her racing heart. "Well, it's not that you're scary, but you have a talent for surprising me at the most unexpected times," she replied, a playful smile sprouted on her curved lips.

"Well, you didn't seem scared when you threw my coat at me from your car."

Xia Lihua immediately felt a rush of nervousness and embarrassment. "I... I didn't need it... I told you that, but you insisted I take it. So, I threw it," she explained, trying to justify her actions.

Yang Lingyun remained silent and the atmosphere between them turned chilly and tense.

The gentle breeze caressed the surroundings, causing the Chinese silver birch trees to sway and produce a soft rustling sound.

The wind delicately tousled the long, black hair of the girl sitting there. She remained quiet and composed, seemingly at peace with the world around her.

Her attire exuded a relaxed charm, wearing a simple and comfortable Metersbonwe t-shirt paired with a short skirt. Her natural beauty needed no embellishment, for her long black hair cascading over her shoulders added an aura of grace to her appearance. She had chosen not to wear any makeup; but her radiant features were captivating. Her delicate slender legs were exposed to his eyes.

His throat suddenly was burning.

Dressed in a casual blue t-shirt that clung slightly to his damp skin, Yang Lingyun looked visibly affected by the girl's presence who seemed to have walked out of a painting. He vigorously wiped his wet hair with the towel that was draped across his neck. He had just taken a refreshing shower, but he wanted to head back inside the house for another cold shower.

"Hey, take it easy. Why are you being so aggressive?"

Yang Lingyun was torn when he saw Xia Lihua's cherry pink lips forming those words. Her charming, sweet voice akin to the delightful taste of maple syrup, only added to his inner conflict.

"Did you come here right after showering? You should have used a hairdryer to dry your hair. If you use more force you will go bald."

Yang Lingyun: "*_*"

Xia Lihua: "Your mom has almost gone bald."

Xia Lihua's concern for his hair was endearing and he didn't miss the playful twinkle in her eyes. "You're right, I should have used a hairdryer," he said, glancing down at the towel still in his hand. "I'll remember to be gentler with my hair next time. Wouldn't want to go bald from being too aggressive."

As he looked at her, he couldn't help but admire her natural beauty. She was like the epitome of grace, even in her casual attire— like lotus blooming in snow.

"This place has always been a sanctuary for you, hasn't it?"

Xia Lihua nodded, appreciating his understanding. "Yes, it's a place filled with beautiful memories," she replied, glancing once again at the lotus pond. "I used to spend a lot of time Bing gege here, when we were younger."

Yang Lingyun felt a twitch in his heart, but his expression remained indifferent. "Hmm."

His voice resonated with a deep and clear tone like cello, carried gently by the wind as it caressed the girl's ears.

She turned her gaze back towards him, her movements deliberate and measured.

As she looked at him, her eyelashes fluttered with a subtle tremor, a delicate expression of emotion crossing her face.

The golden rays of sunlight filtering through the branches fell on them- one standing and the other sitting. The beauty of their surroundings seemed to enhance the allure of the moment, creating an enchanting scene that could rival those found in the most captivating Hollywood romance movies.

Xia Lihua had encountered numerous men whom she considered outstanding. None of them had ever made her heart skip a beat quite like Yang Lingyun did. As she sat there, her heart seemed to quicken its pace.