Chapter 56
She quickly lowered her head to hide her fluster and pretended to drink some water.
William noticed her reddening ears but didn't tease her anymore. He just sat quietly beside her, occasionally chatting about trivial topics. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.
After staying a while longer, the crowd in the banquet hall gradually thinned out. Ophelia glanced at the time: "It's getting late. Should we go?"
"Okay." William stood up and naturally reached out to help her.
Ophelia took his hand to stand up, but her fingertips accidentally touched his palm, and she pulled back as if shocked by electricity.
William noticed her little reaction, and a smile played at the corner of his mouth, but he said nothing and simply led the way.
Walking out of the banquet hall, the night breeze was refreshing and comfortable against their faces.
"I'll take you home." William opened the car door.
Ophelia nodded and bent down to get in.
The car drove smoothly. Ophelia leaned back in her seat and turned to look out the window.
Tonight's moon was especially large, its light spilling across the earth in a silvery glow.
"The moon is so round tonight." She couldn't help but sigh, a trace of longing in her eyes.
William followed her gaze. The moonlight fell on her face, softening her features and making her look especially beautiful.
"You like looking at the moon?" He was a bit surprised. In his opinion, Ophelia had always been a decisive, career-driven woman. He hadn't expected her to like such romantic things.
Ophelia nodded: "Yes, when I was busy before, I never had the mind to look. Now, when I occasionally have free time, I find the moonlight quite beautiful."
She paused, then added: "Not just the moonlight—I also like sunrises. Watching the sun rise bit by bit, it feels like all worries can just disappear."
William's heart stirred, and he turned to look at her: "Then do you want to go watch the sunrise?"
Ophelia froze: "Now?"
"Yes, if we leave now, we can make it just in time." William said, "Sunrise Pavilion in the suburbs is a great place to watch the sunrise. It's only about an hour's drive."
Ophelia hesitated a bit. She really did want to see the sunrise, but it was almost one o'clock.
"But... I have to work tomorrow." She said quietly.
"It's fine. After we watch the sunrise, I'll take you back to rest. If you're late, I'll explain to Mrs. Smith." William smiled, "It's rare to have such beautiful moonlight and such a good mood—don't waste it."
Ophelia looked at the anticipation in his eyes, and the hesitation in her heart instantly disappeared.
"Okay." She nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Seeing this, William smiled, turned the steering wheel, and changed direction.
The car headed toward the suburbs, soft music playing in the car.
Ophelia leaned back in her seat, watching the moonlight outside the window, her heart full of anticipation.
She hadn't expected William to accompany her to watch the sunrise.
After driving for about an hour, they finally arrived near Sunrise Pavilion.
William parked the car and turned to look at Ophelia: "We're here. Let's go up. It's windy up there—I brought you a jacket."
As he spoke, he reached into the back seat and pulled out a black suit jacket, handing it over.
Ophelia took it. The jacket still carried the woody scent from his body, very comforting.
"Thank you." She put on the jacket. The size was just right, carrying his body warmth—not cold at all.
They walked up the stone steps. The mountain path at night was very quiet, with only the sounds of insects and footsteps.
William walked ahead, occasionally turning back to help her and reminding her to watch her step.
"How much longer?" Ophelia was a bit out of breath. She rarely climbed mountains, and walking uphill like this was actually quite tiring.
"Almost there, just ahead." William stopped and waited for her to catch up. "Want to rest a bit?"
Ophelia shook her head and bit her lip: "No need, I can do it."
Seeing her stubborn look, William couldn't help but smile: "Okay, then I'll go slower."
He slowed his pace, walking alongside her, occasionally reaching out to steady her.
After walking a few more minutes, they finally reached Sunrise Pavilion.
The pavilion was large, with nothing blocking the view around it—the vista was especially open.
Ophelia walked to the railing and looked up at the moon. The moonlight fell on her face, making her look especially gentle.
"It's so beautiful." She said softly.
William walked to her side and looked at the moon with her: "The sunrise will be even more beautiful."
Ophelia turned to look at him, her eyes shining: "Really?"
William nodded, "This is the best place to watch the sunrise. You can see the sun rise bit by bit from the horizon, painting the entire sky red."
Ophelia's heart filled with anticipation. She leaned against the railing, looking at the distant sky.
William stood beside her without speaking, just quietly keeping her company.
The night wind lifted her hair, a few strands sticking to her cheek. William instinctively reached out and tucked the hair behind her ear.
His fingertips touched her skin, and the warm sensation made them both freeze.
Ophelia's cheeks instantly flushed, and she turned to look away.
William also withdrew his hand, his Adam's apple bobbing as a bit of panic rose in his heart.
He quickly changed the subject. "Do you want to rest? You can't just stand here waiting for the sunrise to appear."
Ophelia was a bit surprised at these words and looked around.
"Rest here?"
William saw through her thoughts and laughed.
"I have a tent in my trunk," he pointed toward where the car was parked. "Want to go lie down for a bit? I'll wake you when the sunrise is about to appear."
Ophelia was stunned: "You brought a tent?"
"Last time I went camping with friends, I forgot to take it out," William said casually. "It's a two-person tent, very clean. There's a moisture-proof mat and a thin blanket inside—enough for you to nap for a while."
Ophelia hesitated a bit. There were still a few hours until sunrise. She bit her lip: "Won't that be too much trouble for you?"
"What trouble?" William was already walking toward the car. "Wait here, I'll go get it. Won't take long."
His steps were quick, and within minutes he was back, carrying the folded tent, setting it up skillfully on the open ground beside the pavilion.
"All done, go on in." William dusted off his hands and unzipped the tent. "There's a blanket spread inside—it's not cold."
Ophelia hadn't expected him to be so fast. Without standing on ceremony, she bent down and crawled inside.
The tent wasn't small inside. It was laid with a soft, moisture-proof mat and a beige blanket, carrying the faint scent of sun-dried fabric.
She lay down, the blanket covering her body just reaching her knees. Drowsiness immediately grew stronger.
"I'll be right outside," William's voice came from outside the tent, carrying a lowered gentleness. "I'll wake you ten minutes before sunrise. Sleep without worry."
"Thank you." Ophelia closed her eyes, a shallow smile on her lips.