A Star Reborn: The Queen's Return

Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Devoid of a Sense of Security

So it was by comparison.

Xia Ling relaxed a little and said, "You're too kind." But wait, what did he mean by "you kids"? She looked over at Li Lei. He looked no more than 24 or 25 years old, even younger than she was in her past life.

Li Lei was unaware of her thoughts as he beckoned to the waiter to serve lunch.

A row of waiters in matching uniforms came holding similar wooden trays and silently served plates and plates of delicacies. Xia Ling quietly watched them. The spread was indeed extensive, there was a steamed bass, barbequed meat, prawn fried with Longjing tea, corn with pines, etc., all placed in polished, white porcelain plates. The food looked succulent and the aroma was intoxicating - just looking at the food made her hungry.

He poured her some wine with the impeccable manners of a gentleman. The rose-colored liquid swirled in the amber cup, the wine's fragrance lingering in the air. "This is a fruit wine that we produced in this mountain villa." He remarked. "Have a taste, it's very refreshing."

She sipped for a taste and it was indeed a good wine. It was slightly warm as it entered her palate, and the initial sweetness left a subtle mellow aftertaste that lasted. In her past life, she had tasted many good wines while with Pei Ziheng. At this moment, she was certain that this wine was not as simple as Li Lei had put it. Even if it were self-produced in this mountain villa, there was definitely an experienced and illustrious wine-maker overseeing the operation.

Yet he kept mum with no intention to brag.

Xia Ling could not resist but steal another look at Li Lei, feeling increasingly impressed by him.

The boat captain skillfully rowed the boat with the bamboo oars in his hands, and the wooden boat traversed the river between the green mountains, following the river's current.

Along the way, Li Lei kept up the intermittent conversation and before long, the wooden boat had traveled past many twists and turns along the river stretch. The scenery on the two banks changed and there were no longer signs of houses or people. Li Lei told her that this river's name was "The River of Longing". It flowed through many of the neighboring peaks with many twists along the way, and they were now no longer in the initial mountain where they started from.

He peeled an orange and passed a segment to her, saying, "Have an after meal fruit and rest for a little longer. We will be reaching another jetty. From there we can switch to a cable car to return to the mountain villa. You will be able to see the Jade Mirror Lake and wild geese midway up the mountain."

His words were lined with a tinge of laughter, fulfilling his role as host well.

Although Xia Ling felt that it was a little waste of time to traverse the entire mountain region just for a simple meal, the year-long prisoner life that she had experienced in her past life, as well as the mundane life of a trainee, was just too boring. Hence, she couldn't help but feel expectant upon hearing about the wild geese he spoke about.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

A sudden downpour sent them scrambling, soaking them from top to bottom. Li Lei used both arms to protect the wound in his abdomen while ordering the boat captain. "Lao Chen, quickly look for a place nearby to hide from the rain."

The boat captain responded with a loud voice and then started rowing in earnest. The little wooden boat picked up speed as he guided it steadily through the many turns that he had become accustomed to. They came to a stop in front of a secluded cave.

Li Lei jumped ashore and stretched out his arm to help Xia Ling out.

This time, Xia Ling did not decline, mainly because the partially recovered wound on her shoulder was hurting badly having been wet through by the rain. She could barely lift her arm to balance herself. Li Lei half dragged, half carried her ashore. She looked disheveled and stood unsteadily as he pulled her into his embrace in one swift motion.