129: Chapter 129 A lavish investment fulfills a wish! Luxury cars add color and bring joy; Leisurely living and chasing the waves, forgetting worldly weariness (2)

Zhou Ming sat in the passenger seat, buckled his seatbelt, and watched the scenery speed by outside the window. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Mu Li, you're just too incredible! Buying a house and a car in a single day, spending nearly ten million without even blinking—you're the definition of a tycoon! If I were as rich as you, I would have quit my job long ago to travel everywhere and enjoy life." His tone was full of envy, mixed with a bit of lighthearted teasing.

Mu Li smiled, his eyes focused on the road ahead, his tone calm and gentle. "It was all earned through hard work; it's nothing to show off. I put a lot into the nuclear fusion power station project—working day and night, troubleshooting equipment hazards, guarding against the threats of the 'Dark Web Phantom,' and bearing immense pressure. I even faced life-threatening danger several times. This bonus is the best reward for all my hard work, and it's what I deserve. Besides, I usually don't have much to spend on. Aside from basic living expenses, I saved the rest. Buying the house and car now is a reward for myself, a way to treat myself after working hard for so long."

Zhou Ming nodded, the envy on his face gradually fading, replaced by admiration. "You're right, you get what you put in. Although I didn't see your hard work on the project with my own eyes, I can imagine it. To withstand such pressure and face so many dangers while still persevering to complete the project so well—you really are amazing. Getting such a high bonus and buying such a nice house and car is well-deserved. Anyway, now that the house and car are sorted, what do you plan to do next? You can't stay at the Auto City forever."

Mu Li gently turned the steering wheel, and the car slowly drove out of the Auto City toward the "Bihai Lantian" neighborhood. He said in a relaxed tone, "First, I'll head back to the ocean-view house. I left in a hurry earlier and haven't had a chance to tidy up or buy daily necessities like towels, toothbrushes, and shampoo. Otherwise, I won't even be able to rest tonight. Then, I'll spend a few days having fun in Qingyu Town to completely unwind. I've been wound too tight during the project; it's time for a good rest. Are you free lately? If so, stay and join me. It'll be good to have company."

"I'm free! Of course I'm free!" Zhou Ming said excitedly, his eyes lighting up. "I took half a month off specifically for this trip, so I have plenty of time. I was worried it would be boring to travel alone, but having you with me is perfect. Being able to explore Qingyu Town with you, stay in your ocean-view house, and eat the local specialty seafood—I couldn't ask for more! How could I refuse?"

"That's good then." A gentle smile appeared on Mu Li's face, and his voice carried a bit more warmth. "It'll be livelier with you around. Otherwise, living in such a big house alone would be quite lonely. Once we've tidied up the house and bought the necessities, we'll go for a stroll around Qingyu Town. We'll check out the Xishan Viewing Platform, the Old Pier Lighthouse, and the Folk Custom Street that Auntie Li and her husband recommended. We should experience the coastal charm of Qingyu Town properly."

The two chatted and laughed along the way. The car traveled smoothly along the roads of Qingyu Town. A gentle sea breeze drifted through the gaps in the windows, brushing against their faces, refreshing and comfortable. The scenery along the route was beautiful; the roadside coconut trees were lush, their branches swaying in the wind. Occasionally, they saw small clusters of wildflowers blooming brilliantly. The air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers and the salty scent of the sea, making them feel exceptionally refreshed. In less than ten minutes, the car came to a steady stop at the entrance of the "Bihai Lantian" neighborhood.

Mu Li and Zhou Ming pushed open the car doors and stepped out. When the security guard saw the property deed and car keys in Mu Li's hand, he recognized him as a new owner and greeted him warmly, "Mr. Mu, you're back! This must be your friend? Please, come in, come in." Mu Li nodded and responded with a smile before leading Zhou Ming into the neighborhood. The environment inside was as beautiful as ever, with lush trees, colorful flowers, a crystal-clear artificial lake, and ducks swimming leisurely, forming a stunning picture that was a joy to behold.

The two took the elevator to the eighteenth floor. When Mu Li opened the door, a breath of fresh air greeted them. The apartment was clean and tidy, with exquisite decor. Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire space. "Make yourself at home. I'll go put these things away, and then we'll head to the supermarket in the town center to buy some necessities," Mu Li said to Zhou Ming. As he spoke, he picked up the property documents and car keys from the entrance and walked into the bedroom.

Zhou Ming nodded and sat down on the sofa in the living room. His gaze swept across the room, his face full of praise. The living room was spacious and bright, with a minimalist yet elegant decor. A large oil painting of the ocean complemented the sea view outside the window. The balcony was wide and comfortable; standing there, one could see the entire beauty of Yueya Bay—the azure water, the white sand, and the soaring seagulls—making one's heart feel instantly light. "This house is just too comfortable. Mu Li, you're going to have a great life here," Zhou Ming couldn't help but remark.

Mu Li walked out of the bedroom and smiled when he heard Zhou Ming's comment. "It's alright. The main thing is that the environment here is good—quiet and comfortable, perfect for relaxing. Let's go to the supermarket. The sooner we buy everything and get settled, the sooner we can go out for a stroll this afternoon." The two walked out together and took the elevator down. Mu Li drove his brand-new mercedes-benz gle slowly out of the neighborhood toward the supermarket in the town center.

The supermarket in the town center wasn't very large, but it was well-stocked with daily necessities, snacks, fruits, and drinks. Mu Li pushed the shopping cart, methodically picking out the items he needed—towels, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, and more. He selected each item carefully, choosing brands that were practical and offered good value. Zhou Ming followed beside him, occasionally tossing snacks and fruit into the cart, muttering, "This is good, you'll definitely like this. Let's get some. Imagine sitting on the balcony at night, feeling the sea breeze, eating snacks, and drinking beer—it'll be so cozy."

They picked out a full cart of items, including daily necessities, snacks, fruit, and some drinks and beer. After checking out, they put everything into the trunk and drove back to the ocean-view house. Once home, they divided the tasks. Mu Li was responsible for putting the daily necessities in the bathroom and bedroom and organizing the bedroom and study. Zhou Ming took charge of placing the snacks and fruit on the coffee table and cleaning the living room. In less than an hour, they had the house clean, tidy, and full of life.

After tidying up, the two sat on the sofa, eating fruit and snacks while discussing their afternoon plans. "Should we go to the Xishan Viewing Platform this afternoon? Auntie Li and her husband said that from there, you can see the entire beauty of Qingyu Town—the distant sea and the nearby villages complement each other perfectly. It's very beautiful," Zhou Ming suggested, his tone full of anticipation. Mu Li nodded. "Sure, let's go to the Xishan Viewing Platform. After that, we'll check out the Old Pier Lighthouse. In the evening, we'll go to the Seafood Market to buy some fresh catch and cook a feast ourselves. My cooking is pretty good; I'll let you have a taste."

"Really? That's great! I've been wanting to try your cooking for a long time. I didn't expect to get my wish today," Zhou Ming said excitedly, a happy smile on his face. After resting for half an hour, they packed their things. Mu Li drove the mercedes-benz gle, taking Zhou Ming toward the Xishan Viewing Platform. It was located at the top of West Mountain in Qingyu Town. The altitude wasn't very high, but the view was excellent, making it the best spot to see the panorama of Qingyu Town.

The car traveled slowly along the winding mountain road. The road wasn't too steep and the surface was smooth. The performance of the mercedes-benz gle was excellent, providing a very stable ride; even on the curves, there wasn't the slightest bump. The scenery along the road was beautiful. The trees on both sides were lush and leafy, and sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the road that swayed gently with the wind, looking very lively. Occasionally, they saw wildflowers blooming brilliantly in various colors, emitting a faint fragrance that made them feel exceptionally refreshed.

About fifteen minutes later, the car came to a steady stop in the parking lot of the Xishan Viewing Platform. Mu Li and Zhou Ming pushed open the car doors and stepped out, instantly struck by the breathtaking scenery before them. The viewing platform was spacious and level, lined with benches for tourists to rest. Standing at its edge and looking out, one could take in the entire beauty of Qingyu Town. In the distance, the vast, azure sea merged seamlessly with the blue sky. The water's surface shimmered, with delicate glints of light swaying gently alongside the rising and falling waves, like a handful of crushed diamonds—dazzling yet gentle. Nearby, Qingyu Town was neatly arranged, with white-walled, red-tiled houses nestled among lush green trees. Wisps of smoke rose from chimneys, filling the air with the breath of daily life. The winding coastline, like a silver ribbon inlaid between the sea and the land, was absolutely beautiful.

“It’s so beautiful! This is simply spectacular!” Zhou Ming couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice. He quickly took out his phone and began taking photos and videos incessantly, his tone filled with surprise and excitement. “Standing here, it feels as if the whole world has gone quiet, and all worries and pressures have vanished in this moment. Mu Li, look! That’s the Yueya Bay we visited this morning. It looks even more stunning from up here!”

Mu Li looked in the direction Zhou Ming was pointing and indeed saw the silhouette of Yueya Bay. The bright, crescent-shaped coastline, the pure white beach, and the azure sea were clearly visible, looking even more beautiful than they had that morning. He took a deep breath. The fresh air, mingled with the fragrance of mountain greenery and the salty scent of the distant sea, was incredibly refreshing, making his entire body feel relaxed. The exhaustion, pressure, and worries from the project during this period seemed to be cleared away in an instant, leaving only peace and freedom.

The two stood on the viewing platform for a long time, admiring the scenery and chatting until the sun began to sink in the west. Only then did they reluctantly leave the platform and drive toward the Old Pier Lighthouse. The Old Pier Lighthouse stood at the end of the pier, boasting a long history. Its body was white with a red lamp stand at the top. Tall and straight, it stood like a loyal sentinel, guarding these waters and the passing fishing boats day and night.

The car parked in the Old Pier parking lot, and Mu Li and Zhou Ming walked onto the pier side by side. The Old Pier was very lively, with a continuous stream of fishing boats coming and going. Fishermen were busy unloading their catches, their faces lit with the joy of a bountiful harvest. The air was thick with the rich aroma of seafood mixed with the salty scent of the sea, which was exceptionally enticing. The two walked slowly along the pier; the bluestone path beneath their feet had been worn smooth and warm by the seawater, and old fishing nets and boats were scattered on either side, exuding a raw, natural atmosphere.

Soon, they arrived at the foot of the lighthouse. The lighthouse was tall, about a dozen meters high, with a pristine white body marked by mottled scars—the imprints left by time. They climbed the narrow stairs step by step to the top of the lighthouse. The view from the top was incredibly open, with the boundless sea stretching out before them. The sea breeze brushed against their faces with powerful force, blowing their hair back and feeling exceptionally refreshing. The distant fishing boats gradually receded into small dots on the sea, and the shimmering light on the water turned golden under the reflection of the setting sun, looking absolutely beautiful.

“Standing here, one feels so small; the sea is just too vast,” Zhou Ming remarked, leaning against the lighthouse railing, his tone full of awe. “No wonder the ancients said the sea admits all rivers and its greatness comes from its capacity. Standing before the ocean, all worries and sorrows seem so insignificant.” Mu Li nodded, deeply agreeing. “Yes, the vastness of the sea can embrace everything. Every time I see the ocean, I can calm my mind, forget all my fatigue and pressure, and rediscover my inner peace.”

They stayed at the top of the lighthouse for nearly an hour until the sun had completely set and night began to fall. Only then did they slowly descend and drive toward the town center's Seafood Market. The Seafood Market was still bustling with activity and brightly lit. Every stall was piled high with fresh seafood—crabs, shrimp, scallops, clams, grouper, and more. Everything was fresh and plump, still carrying the moisture and saltiness of the sea. Stallholders shouted enthusiastically to attract customers, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere.

Mu Li and Zhou Ming entered the Seafood Market and carefully selected their seafood. Mu Li was very experienced in choosing seafood and could tell its freshness at a glance. He picked out several lively large crabs, a pound of fresh Kuruma prawns, some plump scallops, and a fresh grouper—all of which were catches that had just come ashore that morning and were fresh enough to be jumping. Zhou Ming helped carry the bags, occasionally offering his own opinions. Working together, they soon selected a full bag of seafood.

After returning to the ocean-view house, Mu Li went straight into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and began to get busy. His culinary skills were indeed quite good; although he rarely cooked normally, he was methodical and skilled when it came to seafood. He first cleaned the grouper, made a few cuts on its body, added shredded ginger and scallions, drizzled on a little cooking wine and light soy sauce, and placed it in the steamer. Then he cleaned the crabs and boiled them in a pot. He cleaned the scallops, topped them with minced garlic and vermicelli, and put them in the oven to bake. As for the Kuruma prawns, he prepared them by poaching to preserve the original flavor of the seafood to the greatest extent.

Zhou Ming, meanwhile, watched TV in the living room, occasionally popping into the kitchen to check on Mu Li's progress, constantly praising him. “Wow, it smells so good! Mu Li, you’re amazing. The seafood you’re making smells incredible; I’m practically drooling.” Mu Li smiled and said in a gentle tone, “Just wait a bit longer, it’ll be ready soon. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied.”

In less than an hour, Mu Li had prepared a sumptuous seafood feast: Steamed Grouper, Poached Kuruma Prawns, Garlic Vermicelli Scallops, and Steamed Crabs. Every dish was fresh, delicious, and visually appealing. The rich aroma of seafood filled the entire room, greatly whetting their appetites. They sat at the dining table, opened some beers, and ate seafood while drinking and chatting. The conversation was very pleasant, and the atmosphere was warm and lively.

“This is delicious! Mu Li, your cooking is fantastic—even better than what they serve in seafood restaurants. It’s so authentically fresh!” Zhou Ming praised as he ate, his mouth full and his face beaming with satisfaction. “These crabs are so sweet, and this grouper—the meat is tender and not fishy at all. It’s simply divine.” Mu Li smiled, watching Zhou Ming eat ravenously, and said warmly, “If it’s good, eat more. There’s plenty more if you’re not full; I bought a lot of seafood today.”

They ate and talked, moving from nostalgic stories of their college days to their current work and lives, from the beauty of Qingyu Town to their future plans. Before they knew it, they had finished several bottles of beer and the entire table of seafood. After eating their fill, they rested on the living room sofa for a while before heading out to the balcony to enjoy the sea breeze and keep chatting.

As the night deepened, Qingyu Town gradually grew quiet, with only the gentle sound of the waves still echoing like a soft lullaby. On the sea, the lights from the fishing boats dotted the water like stars in the night sky, twinkling movingly. Moonlight spilled over the surface, shimmering with a silver-white glow that enveloped the entire ocean—it was beautiful. A gentle sea breeze blew past, carrying the saltiness of the water and a faint floral fragrance, making one feel exceptionally relaxed. All fatigue and worries vanished in that moment.

“Mu Li, thank you so much for everything lately,” Zhou Ming said sincerely, leaning against the balcony railing. “Thank you for letting me stay in your ocean-view house, for the seafood feast you made, and for accompanying me on this trip. This time has been truly wonderful. If it weren't for you, I definitely wouldn't have had this much fun being here alone.”

Mu Li smiled and shook his head. “Don't be so polite with me. We’re old classmates; it’s only right that we keep each other company. I’ve been very happy having you here too; otherwise, living in such a big house alone would have been quite lonely. Being able to relive our college friendship and relax together is a very precious thing for me as well.”

They chatted for a long time until late at night before returning to their respective rooms to rest. Lying in bed, Mu Li listened to the gentle sound of the waves outside his window, his heart filled with peace and warmth. He knew that from this moment on, his holiday had truly begun. Over the next few days, he would completely set aside the troubles of work and thoroughly enjoy this leisure and freedom, exploring every corner of Qingyu Town with Zhou Ming and experiencing the beauty and warmth of this small coastal town.