Qiu Yingying is reborn and bound to a learning system.

After resting enough, I went out. The afternoon temperature in Dali was not too hot. The wind carried the moisture from Erhai Lake and the faint fragrance of flowers along the street, which felt very comfortable on my face.

There were car rental shops right outside the hotel, with a row of cars of all colors parked out. Qiu Yingying immediately spotted a bright pink convertible, her eyes lighting up instantly. She grabbed Meng Yanchen's arm and shook it, exclaiming, "This is it! This is it! It'll be so much fun to drive around in this, it's so pretty and pink, the photos will definitely turn out great!"

Meng Yanchen originally wanted to choose a low-key SUV, but seeing her excited look, her eyes shining like a child who had received a new toy, he decisively listened to his girlfriend, paid for the car, and took the keys.

Once inside the car, Qiu Yingying reached up to secure her white straw hat, afraid it would blow away in the wind. Her fingertips touched the pink interior, and she grinned from ear to ear: "It's so beautiful! Driving this on the road, we'll definitely be the most stylish!"

Meng Yanchen got into the driver's seat, adjusted the seat, and looked at her happy expression. His eyes were also filled with smiles. When he started the car, he deliberately slowed down so that the wind wouldn't mess up her hair. He also took the opportunity to tuck the stray hairs by her ears.

The two didn't rush to circle the sea. They ate some snacks at noon instead of the airplane meal because they were both hungry. They first turned into an alley to find the hand-grabbed rice that the hotel butler had recommended.

The shop wasn't big; the wooden tables and chairs were worn smooth, dried pork ribs hung in the corner, and steam rose from the stove, giving it a warm, homey feel. The owner was a cheerful local auntie who spoke fluent Yunnan dialect and was very enthusiastic: "Young lady and young man, you're both good-looking. Eat more free-range chicken; it's home-raised and very fragrant!" Qiu Yingying blushed slightly at the compliment and thanked her with a smile.

Before long, the hand-grabbed rice was served in a large bamboo basket. Layers of red carrot shreds, green lettuce shreds, and yellow fried potato strips were piled up, with a roasted free-range chicken lying in the middle, its skin crispy and meat tender, glistening with oil. Next to it was sticky purple rice mixed with white rice, along with several dishes of pickled radish, spicy dipping sauce, and golden-fried dried fish.

Qiu Yingying washed her hands and couldn't wait to imitate her aunt's way of making rice balls. She pinched the soft rice with her fingers, wrapped it with a piece of chicken and a few shredded vegetables, dipped it in water and stuffed it into her mouth. Instantly, her eyes curved into crescent moons.

"It's so delicious!" she mumbled, her cheeks puffed out. The aroma of purple rice mixed with the scorching of chicken, the freshness of vegetables neutralized the greasiness of the meat, and the spicy dipping sauce was just right. The umami flavor went straight down her throat.

Meng Yanchen watched as she ate, a few grains of rice stuck to the tip of her nose. He reached out and gently wiped them away for her, his movements natural and tender. He also made a rice ball himself, slowly and deliberately. He usually ate light food, but today he ate an extra half bowl. This kind of delicacy, which could only be found locally, was simply divine.

Seeing that the two were enjoying their meal, the aunt brought them some mushroom soup. The milky white soup was filled with various mushrooms, and one sip was so delicious it made your eyebrows fall off.

Qiu Yingying took two big gulps from the bowl, saying it was delicious. She ate until her belly was round and full before finally putting her hands down, completely satisfied.

After having a good meal, the two drove their pink convertible towards the shore of Erhai Lake.

Meng Yanchen wore a light blue cotton casual shirt with the cuffs casually rolled up to his forearms, paired with navy blue casual pants. He looked less aloof than usual and more gentle and casual.

Qiu Yingying was still wearing that sky-blue dress. A gust of wind caused the hem to flutter gently, highlighting her fair skin. A small white straw hat perched on her head, making her look quite charming. The two seemed to be wearing matching outfits.

The ring road around the lake is smooth, with the shimmering Erhai Lake on one side, its waters a clear, deep blue. Occasionally, white waterbirds skim across the surface, leaving ripples, and sunlight sprinkles on the water, shattering into a sheet of gold foil.

On the other side are scattered villages, with white walls and black tiles hidden among the green trees. The architectural style there is very beautiful, with occasional small buildings that look very nice. There are also tobacco plants grown by the villagers along the roadside.

Qiu Yingying rested her arm on the car window, her white straw hat swaying slightly in the wind. She would occasionally reach out and press it down, humming an off-key tune as her eyes lingered on the roadside scenery.

"Meng Yanchen, look at that cloud over there, doesn't it look like cotton candy? It's so soft, I want to take a bite!" She pointed to the horizon, her voice cheerful, her skirt billowing in the wind and brushing against Meng Yanchen's arm.

Meng Yanchen glanced in the direction she pointed, a smile playing on his lips: "It looks like it. I'll buy you the same one later, so you can bite your fill."

As he drove, his gaze kept drifting towards her, watching her hair being blown by the wind and her bright, sparkling eyes.

As the car passed a lavender field, Qiu Yingying suddenly slapped his arm: "Stop! Stop! This place is so beautiful! Wow!"

Meng Yanchen steadily stepped on the brake, watching her eagerly push open the car door and run out, her skirt fluttering like a light butterfly.

There was a wooden boardwalk beside the flower field. Qiu Yingying walked along the boardwalk, bending down to smell the flowers from time to time. She also turned back and waved to him, "Meng Yanchen, come here quickly and take some pictures for me! Make sure the flowers and Erhai Lake are in the pictures!" Meng Yanchen took his camera and walked over, patiently helping her find the right angle. He had her stand at the junction of the flower field and Erhai Lake. The backlit photos made her hair glow with golden sunlight.

"Is it pretty? Is it pretty?" Qiu Yingying leaned closer, her head almost touching his, staring at the photos on his phone, her eyes sparkling. "It's pretty, prettier than flowers." Meng Yanchen's voice rang in her ear, warm and gentle. Qiu Yingying's face flushed slightly. She pretended to admire the scenery and walked deeper into the boardwalk, but the tips of her ears were burning red.

Continuing on, we passed a small dock where several fishing boats were moored. Fishermen were bending over, tidying their nets. The two of us walked slowly along the dock, the wooden planks creaking under our feet. "Look at those fishing boats," one of us remarked, "they're like something out of a painting, so peaceful and quiet."

Qiu Yingying pointed to the distance, where fishing boats on Erhai Lake looked like tiny ink dots, creating a particularly picturesque scene. Meng Yanchen stood beside her, his gaze fixed on her profile. He couldn't help but reach out and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips brushing against her skin, warm as if a gentle electric current had passed through it.

You are looking at the scenery, while others are looking at you.

Qiu Yingying's heart skipped a beat. She turned to look at him and met his eyes. His eyes were like a deep sea, his usually gentle gaze now exceptionally focused, filled with an indescribable tenderness that enveloped her little by little. Through his gold-rimmed glasses, she felt her heart tremble and even her breathing became soft.

The two stood facing each other, half a step apart. The wind lifted her skirt and made her heart pound. His gaze was so intense, it burned from her cheeks to her heart, and her fingertips trembled slightly.

Not far away, on a secluded mudflat, clumps of reeds grow along the shore. When the wind blows, the reeds sway gently and rustle. All around is quiet except for the soft sound of waves lapping against the rocks. Even the distant voices are too faint to be heard.

They stepped on the soft, fine sand, leaving shallow footprints.

Reaching the center of the mudflats, Meng Yanchen stopped and turned to look at her. Qiu Yingying also stopped, looking up at him. Sunlight fell on his face, and she suddenly felt that at this moment, Erhai Lake, the sunlight, the reeds, and the person in front of her, all came together, as beautiful as a dream.

As if possessed, Qiu Yingying took two steps forward, walked up to him, and when she looked up, her nose almost touched his. His gentle gaze suddenly emboldened her. She tiptoed, raised her hand and gently hooked his shirt collar, quickly giving him a soft kiss on the lips, like a dragonfly skimming the water, a fleeting touch.

The moment the kiss ended, Qiu Yingying's face flushed instantly. She hurriedly let go of his hand, turned around and ran towards the other side of the beach. Her white straw hat swayed and almost fell off. She reached out and pressed the hat down, muttering to herself, "Running away, running away." She ran very fast, too shy to even look back.

Meng Yanchen was stunned for a moment; her lips carried a faint sweetness.

Coming to his senses, he took off chasing after her. His long legs moved quickly, and he caught up with her in just a few steps. He reached out and grabbed her waist, pulling her firmly into his arms.

Qiu Yingying struggled a couple of times, but he held her waist tightly and she couldn't break free at all. She could only bury her face against his chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, her cheeks burning hot.

"Why are you running?" Meng Yanchen's voice was low and chuckled as it reached her ear. He cupped her face in his hands, gently lifting it to force her to look at him. His eyes held a tenderness mixed with a touch of domineering, and an undisguised flutter of excitement. Before Qiu Yingying could speak, he lowered his head and kissed her.

He held onto his long-hidden feelings, their lips locked in a passionate kiss, strong yet gentle, protecting her from any harm. Qiu Yingying's hands pressed against his chest, initially stiff, but gradually softening, her fingertips gripping his shirt as he kissed her, their breaths mingling, filled with each other's scent.

Amidst the blue sky and clear water, he held her waist, pulling her even closer to his embrace, as if trying to meld her into his very bones. His kiss was deep and intense, capturing all the fleeting excitement from their earlier brief encounter.

After what seemed like an eternity, Meng Yanchen finally released her slightly, his forehead pressed against hers, his fingertips gently tracing her reddened lips, his eyes full of laughter and doting: "You think you can just run away after kissing me? Not so easy."

His warm breath brushed against her face. Qiu Yingying's face was still flushed, her eyes slightly moist, and she was panting. Her eyelashes trembled slightly. She reached out and gently punched him, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz: "Who told you to stare at me like that... It made my heart flutter. If I didn't run away, would you laugh at me?" Before she could finish speaking, he lowered his head and kissed her again, a soft kiss on the corner of her lips, as if to soothe her.

The two leaned against the rocks by the lake, the wind ruffling their hair, which became tangled together. A small white straw hat slipped off Qiu Yingying's head and rolled into the fine sand, untouched by anyone.

"Meng Yanchen," she called softly, her voice slightly hoarse from catching her breath, "This place is so romantic, I'm almost dizzy." Meng Yanchen lowered his head and kissed her forehead, his voice as gentle as water: "Yes, it is quite romantic." What he really wanted to say was, it's not the place that's romantic, it's having you by my side that makes everything different.