Chapter 338: Jealousy

This time, the group was headed to a mountainous area called Beimang Mountain, located on the outskirts of the city.

It was a newly developed forested area, not particularly tall in elevation, nor especially treacherous in terrain, and it was completely free of dangerous wild beasts.

Because of that, it had always been open to the public.

Most people who came here were either there for camping and cookouts, or for outdoor activities like photography.

What they were after was the natural atmosphere of the place.

After all, the weather was still hot, and with National Day in full swing, the entire country was in peak tourist season.

Compared to squeezing into famous scenic spots, this kind of off-the-beaten-path location was far more comfortable to spend time in.

After a drive of over two hours, with everyone chatting merrily along the way, Lin Xintu simply listened quietly.

Occasionally, when they hit on something amusing, she couldn’t help but crack a smile.

Time seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.

It was just past four in the afternoon. The sunlight had already begun to weaken, and much of the original oppressive heat had faded.

The moment she stepped out of the car, the first thing that met her eyes was a stretch of lush green grassland, with a small river beside it that wasn’t exactly crystal clear.

And beyond the river stood a vast expanse of dense, verdant woodland.

At first glance, it looked quite serene, brimming with rich natural vibes.

Breathing in the noticeably fresher air, Lin Xintu felt her mood seem to settle along with it.

She raised her head and gazed into the distance.

She could faintly make out a few scattered structures, presumably pavilions or rest stops for hikers climbing the mountain.

“Wow! The scenery here is really nice! I’ve never seen mountains like this back in my hometown, especially this close!”

Li Tang, who had gotten out of the car right behind Lin Xintu, looked left and right, unable to help but exclaim in awe, her face filled with excitement.

By comparison, while the others also showed surprise on their faces—since the environment really was unbelievably good—their expressions remained relatively composed, nothing too exaggerated.

Everyone first took a stroll around the vicinity and discovered that aside from them, there were a few other groups there.

Most of them were like them, there for camping and cookouts, or planning to hike the mountain the next day.

A small handful looked like fishing enthusiasts, though they’d already pitched their tents.

It was getting late. After wandering around for a bit, Lin Xintu and the others got ready to set up their tents.

To be honest, Lin Xintu had never camped outdoors before in her life, let alone slept in a tent or pitched one.

Even during that summer vacation trip with Qin Nanfeng, they’d stayed in hotels, and they’d never stopped to rest out in the wilderness.

So when it came to setting up the tent, most of the work was done by Qin Nanfeng.

She just stood by, following his instructions, and the progress was fairly quick.

But by the time the tent was finally assembled, Lin Xintu glanced over at the others in the distance and realized the two of them had finished first by a wide margin.

She couldn’t help but feel a hint of puzzlement toward the man.

This guy… how does he know how to do everything?!

So sometimes, she really felt like he was the child of fortune…

Aside from his perverted nature and his inability to give birth, she felt like that yellow-haired brat could do just about anything…

Thinking about it, Lin Xintu couldn’t help but steal another glance at him.

Her calm face carried a hint of confusion, yet ripples stirred deep in her eyes.

Qin Nanfeng had just stepped out after laying out the bedding when he noticed his wife’s gaze.

He looked straight over, winked at Lin Xintu, and curled his lips into a teasing smile.

Startled, Lin Xintu barely managed to keep up her act of indifference.

She turned her face away and muttered, “So greasy…”

Hearing that, Qin Nanfeng was immediately amused. He walked right up and took his little wife’s soft hand in his.

Lin Xintu froze for a moment. Her instinct was to pull away, but after a second of consideration, she abandoned the idea.

She steadied herself, turned her head back toward him, and looked at him, wondering what he was up to.

He’s not planning on kissing me here, is he…

At the thought, even her seemingly unruffled expression began to crack slightly, and her gaze couldn’t help but waver.

Though she was already used to it by now, and this wasn’t their first time, so there shouldn’t be anything to be shy about, she still felt deeply uncomfortable.

“Yeah, I am greasy.” Qin Nanfeng didn’t seem to mind his girl’s insult in the slightest.

Instead, he just smiled. Then, as if spotting something, he gave a subtle tilt of his chin toward the area behind Lin Xintu, signaling her to turn and look.

Somewhat confused, Lin Xintu still turned her head and took a glance.

What she saw was three young women who looked like college students by the tents in the distance.

They were all staring over at the two of them, huddled together and whispering excitedly about something.

Soon enough, they seemed to notice Lin Xintu’s gaze, but the girls showed not the slightest bit of fluster, nor any shame at being caught staring.

If anything, they watched the man with even more enthusiasm.

Seeing that, a wave of irritation surged through Lin Xintu’s heart. But she still quietly turned her head back and just stared straight at him.

Her expression was cold. She barely managed to keep a straight face on her cute little features, but the corners of her mouth that wouldn’t quite stay even gave away the turmoil within.

“Clearly, I’m still pretty popular… Xintu… what do you say?”

Qin Nanfeng raised an eyebrow with a look that practically screamed “you should cherish me.”

He spoke with a hint of smug satisfaction, giving his wife’s little hand a gentle squeeze.

“Hmph…” Lin Xintu, feeling irritated deep down, couldn’t help but let out a light snort.

Even though she knew the yellow-haired brat was doing this on purpose and meant nothing special by it, she still felt bitter about it, and a wave of embarrassment and annoyance washed over her.

“Well then, you just enjoy those little girls’ stares all by yourself. I’m going to go help…”

Her tone was dripping with sarcasm. As she finished speaking, she tried to pull free and head over to the others.

But to her surprise, Qin Nanfeng didn’t hold her back. Instead, he let go obediently without resistance.

Lin Xintu’s heart skipped a beat, but on the surface, she merely furrowed her brow slightly.

She didn’t say anything else, didn’t linger, and simply turned to walk away.

Yet the slightly unsteady steps and the noticeably heavier stomping of her feet didn’t escape him.

To him, she looked absolutely adorable when she was angry.

Qin Nanfeng stood there with his arms crossed, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched her retreating figure, not sparing a single glance at the three girls in the distance.

He caught the moment his little wife secretly peeked back over her shoulder, only to find him watching her, and then pretended nothing had happened as she turned away, flustered.

He really couldn’t hold back his laughter.

Watching the girl he loved as her steps gradually grew lighter, tenderness filled his eyes.

At this moment, it felt like the two of them had returned to how they used to be.

How he wished they could fully go back to the way things were, and soon…

Though Qin Nanfeng knew that was impossible, because the moment the girl’s memories fully recovered, it was already irreversible.

Even if his wife fully broke free from “her” influence later on, those ugly memories would inevitably tint his little Xintu with other colors…

But no matter what, she was still his Xintu…

So pure, so timid and shy, so adorable…

In all the heavens and earth, there was only one Xintu. Meeting her was the luckiest thing that had ever happened to him.

And as for that person’s faults, he would naturally bear them. He would give her a peaceful life, keep her from suffering ever again…

With that thought, a strange light flashed in Qin Nanfeng’s eyes. His gaze gradually darkened, carrying a stubbornness that was hard for ordinary people to fathom.

By the time everyone had finished setting up their tents, the sky had taken on a hazy golden hue, as if casting a filter over the lawn and the distant forest, like a dream.

They set up the grill and started the charcoal, preparing for a barbecue.

Lin Xintu and her three close friends sat on folding stools, watching the distant scenery and chatting among themselves.

“Xintu!”

“Huh?”

She had been staring blankly at a certain figure busy in the distance, lost in thought.

Startled by the call, she turned her head in confusion, only to find herself and three smiling faces reflected in a phone screen.

Li Tang, especially mischievous, had already struck a pose with Liu Qingyan and Yu Wei before Lin Xintu even had time to react.

“Cheese!”

Click—

A group photo of the four of them came out perfectly.

Four beautiful faces full of youthful glow were frozen in that instant, with Lin Xintu’s adorably dazed little face standing out the most among them.

In the background was the warm golden twilight, along with four male figures busily working away.

Years later, this moment would still be remembered…