Chapter Fifty-Two: Make the Most of It

When Luo Yixia hoisted her suitcase into the back seat of the taxi, she truly had to exert herself. Just what had she packed to make it so heavy? Song Chengyi, having already loaded his own luggage, stood to the side, watching her with an air of amusement. Luo Yixia, fueled by stubbornness, refused to ask for help. It was just a suitcase, after all—she’d hauled hers to school plenty of times before. Eventually, she managed to get it inside and plopped onto the back seat, cheeks puffed with effort.

Song Chengyi got into the car as well and gave the driver their address. The driver, surprised by how fluently Song Chengyi spoke Japanese, praised him repeatedly and even asked if he was an exchange student. Song Chengyi replied that he was just traveling. As for Luo Yixia, she understood nothing. If they’d been speaking Korean, she could have caught a few lines—over a decade of watching Korean dramas wasn’t for nothing. But Japanese dramas? She’d barely seen any. She’d watched her share of anime, but as for what they were saying… she hadn’t a clue.

It was Luo Yixia’s first trip to Japan, and everything was new and fascinating. She was especially curious about Mount Fuji, though it was a pity there were no cherry blossoms this season. Her gaze stayed fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.

Soon, they arrived at the hotel they’d booked. They got out, Song Chengyi leading the way with Luo Yixia following silently behind.

At the reception desk, Song Chengyi conversed smoothly with the front desk clerk. In the end, the clerk handed a single room key card to Song Chengyi. Luo Yixia eyed the solitary card, then pulled out her phone to use a translation app: “Are there any other rooms available? Could I book another one?” The clerk spoke at length, but Luo Yixia couldn’t understand. Seeing her confusion, the clerk switched to English. The Japanese accent was odd, but Luo Yixia managed to grasp the gist: all rooms had to be reserved in advance, and there were currently none available.

Standing by the elevator, Song Chengyi watched as Luo Yixia trudged over, dragging her suitcase and looking dejected. Without a word, she just nodded and obediently followed him. Once inside their hotel room, she had barely set down her suitcase when her phone rang—it was Zhou Yun calling. Luo Yixia walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window and answered, “Mom.”

“Xiaxia, have you arrived at the hotel?” Zhou Yun asked.

“Yes, we just got here,” Luo Yixia replied, absentmindedly tracing the glass with her finger as she watched the bustling traffic below.

“That’s good. Have you two eaten?” Zhou Yun inquired.

“We ate on the plane.”

“In the afternoon, you and Chengyi should go out and explore. Japan has plenty of tourist spots, so take your time. You’re staying there for over a week, no need to rush,” Zhou Yun said, her voice cheerful.

“Okay, Mom, we know.” Through the phone, Luo Yixia heard another voice—it was Yu Wenjing.

“Xiaxia, it’s your mother.”

“What is it?” Luo Yixia asked, her tone less than pleasant. She could still be patient with Zhou Yun, but with her own mother…

“Xiaxia, have you and Chengyi made up?”

“Yes, yes, we have. Stop worrying so much, will you?” Luo Yixia frowned, grumbling in discontent. “Mom, didn’t I say I wanted to stay at a seaside hotel? Why did you book this one?”

“You should be glad you have a place to stay at all. Don’t be so picky, Luo Yixia. Listen to me, your mother-in-law and I have arranged everything for you. Tonight, make good use of the opportunity—get along well with Chengyi, you hear?”

“Mom, what nonsense are you talking about? Enough, I’m hanging up, I’m tired.” Luo Yixia, exasperated, was ready to end the call.

“Alright, alright, you’ll understand tonight. Make the most of it,” Yu Wenjing nagged one last time before hanging up.

Staring at her phone, Luo Yixia muttered, “What on earth? None of that made any sense.”