Chapter 103: Where Are We Going?

Chapter 103: Where Shall We Go?

The road had long been completed, reaching straight to Zhang Le’s home, sparing them the trouble of carrying so many things over a distance.

“There really are quite a few people coming here. Hey, someone’s having a wedding by the reservoir—look, they’re still taking photos! It’s a pity the peach blossoms haven’t bloomed yet; the pictures would be stunning if they had,” Yang Xin’er said, gazing out the car window at Zhang Le.

“Mountains, water, and peach blossoms—naturally, it would be beautiful,” Zhang Le smiled. “Once we have our wedding here, maybe every year when the peach blossoms bloom, people will come here to hold their weddings.”

If Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er were to celebrate their wedding here, the celebrity effect would surely draw a continuous stream of couples wanting to do the same. Since his elder brother Zhang Huan’s wedding just over two months ago, this place had already hosted several wedding banquets, with one even quite grand in scale.

The car drove into Zhang Le’s courtyard, but to his surprise, no one was home. His brother and sister-in-law were likely busy—after all, the entire resort was Zhang Le’s investment, and Zhang Huan and Lin Yun, as managers, understandably had a lot on their plate.

But where were his parents? Didn’t they know he and Yang Xin’er were coming back today?

“Just leave the things by the door,” Zhang Le smiled and said to Yang Xin’er.

“You have the keys, don’t you? Auntie and Uncle aren’t here, but you won’t go in? You’re a homeowner here; surely, you’re not afraid of being accused of trespassing!” Yang Xin’er placed their belongings where Zhang Le indicated, laughing.

“I don’t know where the keys are. How was I supposed to know they weren’t home?” Zhang Le gave a wry smile. “I’ll call them.”

“How did it go?” Yang Xin’er asked as Zhang Le ended the call.

“My brother’s at the hotel, and my parents went with my sister-in-law to the city hospital,” Zhang Le explained with a smile.

“What’s wrong with Sister Lin? Is she okay?” Yang Xin’er asked anxiously, concern darkening her face.

“It’s serious. My brother and sister-in-law might have caused a life-or-death situation,” Zhang Le joked.

“What?! A life-or-death situation?” Yang Xin’er gasped, then realized the smile on Zhang Le’s face and, exasperated, gave his arm a sharp twist.

“Is Sister Lin expecting?” Yang Xin’er rolled her eyes at him before asking.

“Most likely. I don’t even know if I’m going to have a nephew or a niece,” Zhang Le chuckled.

“That’s a good thing, but hearing you say it like that, I actually thought something bad had happened. You scared me!” Yang Xin’er pointed at Zhang Le, half laughing, half scolding.

Bringing a new life into the world described as ‘causing a life-or-death situation’ was admittedly harsh—but it was also true in a twisted way. Saying ‘life-or-death’ was such an ominous phrase!

“Don’t tell my parents when you call back. People of their generation care a lot about luck. If they hear me say that, I don’t know how much I’d get scolded. It’s the New Year; I can’t afford that,” Zhang Le seemed to realize how inappropriate his earlier words were.

Joking among friends was one thing, but saying that about family was another matter entirely.

“So, should we just wait here?” Yang Xin’er asked.

“Let’s go out for a walk! Let’s roam around and see what’s changed since before,” Zhang Le suggested.

Yang Xin’er nodded eagerly but then seemed to think of something. “If we go out like this, should we...?”

“No need. We’ll just stroll around boldly. We live in our own village; acting like thieves would be too awkward,” Zhang Le shook his head, smiling. “Who knows? Our little walk might make this resort even more popular.”

“Then let’s go!” Yang Xin’er said, taking Zhang Le’s hand and heading out of the yard.

Hand in hand, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er walked by the reservoir. They hadn’t gone far before a group recognized them—the same people Yang Xin’er had seen taking wedding photos earlier.

“Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er! No way, am I seeing things?”

“It really is them!”

Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er exchanged a glance and smiled, both seeing the helplessness in each other’s eyes. Yet, neither showed annoyance or disdain. Instead, they smiled warmly at those who gathered around them.

Having been constantly chased and fawned over, they were long since tired of it. But they still held great respect for their admirers. These were people who liked them, whose support had made their success possible. One must never forget their roots.

“Slow down! Slow down! Don’t fall—you’re at your most beautiful today,” Yang Xin’er said as the bride in a wedding gown lifted her dress and rushed over, leaving the groomsmen dumbfounded.

“I can’t believe I ran into you here! I’m so happy. Can you sign an autograph for me? I really adore you both,” the bride said excitedly, barely able to contain herself.

It was clear she was a fan of the two.

“Of course!” Yang Xin’er smiled. “Congratulations on your wedding!”

“Congratulations!” Zhang Le echoed with a smile.

They signed autographs, gave their blessings, and took photos—none of it took much time. They continued their stroll, occasionally stopping to sign autographs or take pictures with fans, always patient and gracious.

News of their appearance spread quickly, and more and more people came seeking autographs and photos. Some were genuine fans, but many were simply following the trend.

As the crowd grew, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er reluctantly decided to slip away.

“In this mountain village, there are still so many star chasers. Did I underestimate how popular we really are?” Zhang Le laughed, turning to Yang Xin’er.

“This is a mountain village, but the people who come here aren’t,” Yang Xin’er smiled. “Otherwise, why would you invest so much money in building a resort?”

“It’s not just me investing—it’s ‘us’ investing!” Zhang Le said.

“Is there a difference?” Yang Xin’er asked.

“Mine, yours—it’s all ours. Whether it’s your investment or mine, it’s all together. So, no real difference,” Zhang Le smiled without answering directly. Everyone knew this well.

“Looks like we need to think carefully about where to go for our trip,” Zhang Le said after some thought.

“No need to consider domestic places much,” Yang Xin’er nodded, then added.

Although they were well-known domestically—though not household names—their fame was high enough that popular tourist spots at home were out of the question. Even if they went incognito, they’d likely be recognized.

They didn’t want to travel burdened by a team of assistants and bodyguards as unwanted extras. Being recognized would only cause trouble and affect their experience.

“Where do you want to go?” Zhang Le asked with a smile.

“What about you?” Yang Xin’er replied.

Zhang Le thought for a moment, then suddenly recalled a post he had seen online in his previous life listing the top ten foreign destinations newlyweds must visit. “I’ll name ten places, and you pick one. How about that?”

“Sounds good!” Yang Xin’er smiled. “What are the ten?”

“Langkawi Island in Malaysia, Paris in France, Venice in Italy, Hawaii, Florida, Fiji, the Maldives, Singapore, and Bali,” Zhang Le listed.