Chapter 40: Into The Lake

“But you came out so early. The bus isn’t even operating yet, right? How did you get here?”

“I walked a few miles to the town and took the bus from there.”

Those few miles of non-stop walking while juggling his bags of nerves had become one of the most memorable experiences in Gu Jinghang’s life.

Luckily, all his worries disappeared as soon as he saw her, just like seeing the sun when the clouds had dispersed.

Song Ran looked down at his rolled-up pants and his sneakers which were stained with mud. It seemed like he had traveled over mountains and rivers to get to her.

“It rained last night. The road must have been difficult to walk on, wasn’t it?” As she said this, Song Ran held his hand tighter.

“It’s okay.”

It’s okay. It’s okay. He never complains about his sufferings, and never shows off the things he has done for her. He just stands beside her, sincerely and quietly.

With only a monthly wage of 30 dollars, he would treat her to a Western meal that cost 60 to 70 dollars. To meet her punctually at eight o’clock, he would walk seven to eight miles on a muddy road.

Song Ran teared up again. But she quickly lowered her head and warned herself not to cry anymore. If she continued, her eyes would get puffy.

Gu Jinghang did not notice her unusual behaviors. He hesitated before he asked, “Ran, you told me on the phone that your family has arranged a blind marriage for you. What’s going on?”

Song Ran carefully wiped the corner of her eyes. “Don’t mention it. Talking about it makes my blood boil.”

“What’s the matter?”

“That evil Shen Mengfang is going out of her way to try and push me into a living hell. She manipulated my dad to find a rich guy for me. Then she found a stupid playboy and introduced him to me. That Yao Xifeng wasn’t even fit to carry your shoes. Hmph!”

Gu Jinghang felt a mix of happiness and sadness all rolled into one when he heard what she said. He was happy that Song Ran had her mind set on him. On the other hand, if her dad doesn’t approve of him, Song Ran would be powerless to go up against her dad. What does he have to do in order to win the recognition of his future father-in-law?

Song Ran criticized Yao Xifeng from head to toe. Gu Jinghang just sat there quietly, listening to her non-stop chatter as she vented her anger.

The two of them strolled along the lake. Song Ran dragged him into a line for boat rides. Their ticket allowed them access to all the activities within the park. With all the different facilities, it was more than enough to last them the entire day.

The two of them managed to get a boat in no time. Gu Jinghang placed the lunch bags on the side before he helped Song Ran safely into the boat. He then sat in the driver’s seat and began to pedal the boat with his feet. Soon, the boat was sailing along the lake.

As he pedaled, the boat came to a dark corner on the lake.

Suddenly, Song Ran’s eyes gleamed as though she had discovered a whole new world. She grabbed Gu Jinghang’s arm and lowered her voice. “Look behind that willow tree. A couple is kissing.”

Her pink lips were moving as Team Leader Gu forgot to breathe, and his heart forgot to beat.

Feels like kissing them…

Song Ran was totally unaware of the man’s intentions. She was still exclaiming, “Wow, look. They’re really kissing, and it’s been quite some time. Gosh… They’re really bold…”

Team Leader Gu stopped his feet, and the boat came to a halt, drifting on the gentle water. With the couple under the willow tree acting as the catalyst, Gu Jinghang desired and wanted her lips even more.

He made up his mind and closed his eyes. With his hands on Song Ran’s waist, he lowered his head slightly. Song Ran’s hair was swaying along with the gentle breeze. He could smell the faint lotus shampoo on her hair. Like an active volcano ready to erupt, he was closing in on her lips…

“Help…”

3 s