Chapter 96: Honeymoon Journey (1)

A-list Superstar

A gentle breeze brushed through the coconut palms, swaying them softly. The amber sunlight spilled across the golden sand, while the pure, sky-blue seawater shimmered like translucent crystal, clear to the very bottom. The entire island shut out the surging crowds and the clamor of the mortal world. At the cliff's edge by the shore, waves crashed against the rocks in a scene of solitary grandeur, while within the village, lush greenery and vibrant blossoms framed elegant villas nestled among the trees—standing there felt like being perched at the edge of the world.

On this breathtaking, isolated island stood a pristine white villa, surrounded by verdant trees. Blue sky, white clouds, emerald sea, golden sands—while the north languished in the cold of early winter, this private island near the equator was in its absolute prime season. A stunningly beautiful woman reclined on a beach lounger, opening her dark, mesmerizing eyes like a mermaid who had come ashore to rest. The vast, endless sea stretched around her, untouched by human presence, and the silence and harmony of this secluded haven washed over the soul.

The gorgeous, alluring woman wore the latest in bikini beachwear, radiating a lazy, seductive charm, while the faint frown between her brows only made her more pitifully endearing. Seeming to have woken from her nap, she walked toward the white villa not far away. Her graceful figure against the azure water and sky was unquestionably a breathtaking sight—but unfortunately, there was no one around to admire it.

Approaching from a distance, the full exterior of the white villa came into view: a lavishly extravagant, high-end luxury residence. At one corner of the rooftop terrace was a large private swimming pool; one could simply push open the door and dive straight in. Seen from afar, the pool's edge seemed to merge with the sky and sea, as if swimming might carry you into the dazzlingly blue Indian Ocean. When night fell, absolute silence enveloped everything, broken only by the occasional chirp of crickets, while the sound of the waves grew even clearer than in the daytime.

That peerless woman was none other than Rong Qing, the internationally renowned superstar who had just tied the knot. She lounged lazily on an open-air bed. Through the bright skylight, the stars filled the sky in an overwhelmingly beautiful display; lying there felt like becoming one with nature itself, serene and boundless. She had been on the island for seven days now, on her honeymoon, indulging in the height of luxury—yet the endless days of idle, lazy living had begun to bore her. Sure enough, she was simply destined for a life of hard work!

Huo Lingtian finished handling company matters and looked at his wife rolling around on the bed, clutching the blanket with her round backside on display. The desire that had lain dormant for some time began to stir again. Ever since they'd arrived at their private island, as if in a world of their own, they'd spent three full days and nights on the water bed, living a decadent, indulgent existence.

In the end, Huo Lingtian scooped the bundle on the bed into his arms, as if she were his most treasured possession. "Wife, are you hungry? The steward has prepared some delicacies—let's go eat."

"Again?" Rong Qing pouted so hard she could hang an oil jug from her lips. On this island, aside from the initial excitement of the first few days, every day was nothing but sleeping, playing, and eating. The island's private steward had gone out of his way to bring in delicacies from all over the world—fresh fruits and vegetables airlifted in every morning, milk so fresh it was still warm, and an endless supply of seafood. It had directly led to her living in decadent luxury, lavishly squandering without restraint! Why, oh why, did she so deeply miss her days of hard, grueling work?

Rong Qing changed into a casual lounging outfit—a white casual dress that accentuated the fineness of her skin, demure and elegant like a noble mistress of the house. On the entire private island, aside from the staff, the security guards, and the elderly steward who had retired there for his health, she couldn't spot a single living soul. Damn capitalist, she thought.

Rong Qing chewed on a crispy bagel with vicious intensity!

"Uncle Tian, are there no other tourists on the island besides us?" Rong Qing licked her lips, which were slightly slick with oil—the gesture was graceful and adorable, without the slightest hint of impropriety.

Steward Tian, as an old retainer who had served the Huo family his entire life, held considerable standing within the household. Yet he knew his place and status well, speaking and acting with caution, never overstepping a single boundary, and showing the newly minted young mistress of the Huo family ample care and respect. "Miss, aside from the small beach opened to the public on the east shore, the entire island is Huo family territory. You needn't worry."

What I'm worried about is that there's no one around! Rong Qing asked casually, "Then could we go play on the public beach?"

Steward Tian was slightly puzzled. "You could, if you'd like. The Huo family opened a tourist attraction specifically so the island wouldn't feel too empty. It's your turf, after all. It's just that the water in the public area is somewhat polluted, and the crowds are large and disorderly—not really a good place to visit."

"Oh, thank you, Uncle Tian!" Rong Qing replied obediently. But those black, crystal-like eyes of hers darted about restlessly. Anyone who knew her well would recognize that her mischievous ideas were swirling again—for instance, her man, Huo Lingtian.

At night, a gentle breeze swept over the equatorial sea, pleasantly comfortable. The golden sand, warmed by the day's sunlight, retained its residual heat, making barefoot strolls along the beach even more delightful. Unlike the lively clamor of the east shore, the Huo family's private island was rather quiet and secluded.

As winter set in, many wealthy people, tormented by the cold season, chose to travel south. The Huo family's private bay, with its pristine waters and impeccable facilities, had become a favored winter haven for many. Even at night, a fair number of tourists came to explore the island. Undeniably, its charm drew people from near and far.

Rong Qing, wearing oversized sunglasses and a breezy strappy sundress, had her whole face lit up with a satisfied smile. She wandered through the market stalls set up along the beach, touching this and browsing that, thoroughly enjoying herself. Behind her, Huo Lingtian watched with doting affection, carrying out every command his wife gave.

Indeed, the east shore's waters weren't as spacious or clean as those near their villa, but the bustle and noise of the crowds added a certain appeal. Rong Qing dressed modestly, and on this resort island with its mix of races and people, no one would have recognized the superstar Rong Qing in the woman laughing like a girl-next-door.

"Lingtian! Lingtian! Look—how about taking this pink pearl home and putting it in the fish tank?" Rong Qing pointed happily at a slightly larger shop, its jewelry sparkling brilliantly. Though not as rare as what you might find in a high-end jewelry store, the glow emanating from that pink pearl was genuinely lovely.

"Miss, you have excellent taste! This pearl was harvested from the deep sea. Look at its luster and density—worn on the body, it would be worth a small fortune." The shopkeeper immediately launched into his sales pitch, having sized up their attire and demeanor as people of considerable wealth.

Rong Qing looked at her man with eager expectation. Truth be told, she had hundreds upon hundreds of pearls stashed away in the villa—not to mention this single pink one, even the rarest varieties were all at her disposal. But Huo Lingtian still indulged his precious darling's mood, remarking with feigned admiration, "It is indeed quite nice."

Sure enough, the smile on Rong Qing's face grew even brighter, like a cat that had gotten away with stealing the cream. "Boss, I'll take—"

"Boss, wrap up that pink pearl for me!" Before Rong Qing could finish her sentence, a shrill female voice cut in, rudely interrupting her.

The shopkeeper was, of course, delighted—whoever had money was a god in his eyes. He scurried to pack the pearl in a brocade box.

"Hold on. I saw it first. Miss, don't you know the rule of first come, first served?" Rong Qing locked eyes with the woman who had spoken. The woman standing beside her, vying for the pearl, wore exquisite makeup and extravagant clothing. In this warm, humid monsoon weather, she had wrapped herself in a purple-brown mink coat, with a platinum necklace and gold earrings, each piece screaming "I'm loaded."

A young girl, clearly, yet decked out head to toe like a middle-aged auntie who'd struck it rich overnight. Rong Qing had no idea what went through girls like that these days. A look of displeasure crossed her face.

"I paid first, so it's mine." The girl shot a disdainful glance, tossed a wad of cash from her handbag at the shopkeeper, and with an air of superiority, snatched the brocade box and turned to leave, not even bothering to wait for her change.

Rong Qing was momentarily caught between anger and amusement. She really couldn't tell whether the girl was brainless or just plain stupid—walking away from free money. The frustration that had been building in her stomach instantly dissolved. How could she possibly stoop to argue with an idiot? That would only make herself look foolish. Rong Qing took her man's hand and happily continued strolling along the beach.

On a crowded, lively resort island, there was indeed no shortage of amusement. All sorts of comical scenes unfolded before her eyes. Rong Qing played beach volleyball with a group of college students on break; she and Huo Lingtian, as a team, triumphed over every challenger. They were then enthusiastically invited to a barbecue gathering, and afterward joined a masquerade party on the island. Watching all the oddly dressed tourists, Rong Qing deliberately chose a red vampire gown, making her look enchantingly mysterious.

Late into the night, Rong Qing was like a worn-out little puppy, carried on the back of her master and taken home. The coastline of the private island was very long, and the route back to their villa was extensive since Huo Lingtian could only secure a modest standard room at the fully booked villa hotel.

After a night of feeling stifled, Rong Qing slept exceptionally well. In the middle of the night, she even enthusiastically reenacted her volleyball moves, flailing about wildly—even in sleep, she couldn't stay still. In the end, Huo Lingtian had to pin his wife's arms and legs together in his embrace to spare himself further torment.

Probably feeling cooped up after days on the desolate private island, the little rascal was full of energy, eagerly making plans to go surfing early in the morning. After a quick wash, Rong Qing was like a dog let off its leash, frolicking and rolling around all over the beach.

"Hmph, what an uncultured country bumpkin. Getting this excited over nothing." The voice came from not far away, pitched just loud enough to reach Rong Qing's ears. She turned to look—sure enough, it was that phoenix girl, accompanied by a tall, handsome, rich-looking man.

Rong Qing was wearing a one-piece swimsuit, her figure almost entirely covered by the modest fabric. On this luxurious, hot beach, she looked somewhat old-fashioned and conservative by comparison. Next to the girl who had a parasol overhead, sunglasses that screamed arrogance, full makeup, and a bikini, Rong Qing definitely looked outclassed.

What a complete idiot. Rong Qing confirmed the girl's classification in her mind once again. Wearing makeup and carrying a parasol to the beach—as if afraid people wouldn't think she was at a fashion show. Her exposed skin had probably already been groped by the man beside her hundreds of times. Rong Qing shook her head. Truly too stupid to save. She wouldn't bother wasting her energy on that.

Compared to the high-maintenance flowers by the shore competing for attention, Rong Qing's beauty was like a lotus rising from clear water—natural, luminous, an untouched, breathtaking grace. The lively tourists on the island couldn't help but be drawn to that pure, lovely woman. Fresh as a blooming lotus, even in her conservative swimwear, the charm she exuded was simply irresistible.