CHAPTER 515: CHAPTER 376 CAMPING NIGHT SONG_2

"Why don’t we sing a song for you? It’s a folk song from our hometown, and it would be perfect in this wonderful atmosphere. What do you think?"

Li Jing was a bit surprised, but he glanced up at the shimmering sea under the moonlight and then at the two enthusiastic people.

After thinking for a moment, he found this suggestion delightful and agreed with a nod.

Johnson sat steadily and gently strummed the guitar strings, delivering a melodious and soothing prelude that enveloped everyone in a warm atmosphere.

Next, Maria began to sing. Her voice was clear and crisp, and though she hadn’t received professional vocal training, her singing technique was simple, yet it was filled with sincere emotion.

Each note seemed to carry the warmth of their hometown, piercing directly into the hearts of the listeners, making them feel completely at ease.

The melody of this folk song was simple and easy to remember. After hearing it a few times, Li Jing and Sophie involuntarily began to hum along softly.

Sophie’s face beamed with joy, infected by the cheerful atmosphere. She couldn’t help but clap her hands gently, and the crisp applause intermingled with the singing and the sound of the waves, echoing in the night sky.

After the song ended, seeing Li Jing and Sophie still lingering in the moment, Johnson thought for a moment and said:

"We’ve also learned a Chinese song, and you can join us and give it a try."

This immediately piqued Sophie’s curiosity, and she eagerly asked:

"What song have you learned?"

Johnson smiled and said three words:

"甜蜜蜜 (Sweet Honey)."

Li Jing and Sophie were taken aback upon hearing this, quite surprised that they had learned such a classic and old Chinese song.

Johnson’s fingers moved deftly across the guitar strings, and the familiar melody of "甜蜜蜜" began to drift away...

The melodious tune was like a gentle hand, gently plucking the strings of Li Jing’s memory, slowly evoking the memories buried deep inside about this song.

Then, Maria started to sing again. Her voice had a unique texture, though her pronunciation was slightly awkward.

Yet, her earnest dedication didn’t diminish in the slightest; each note was filled with her love for the song.

Sophie’s eyes sparkled with delight and intoxication.

She naturally kept up with the rhythm, her voice clear and pleasant, blending unexpectedly harmoniously with Maria’s voice.

Li Jing wore a slight smile and joined the singing, his smile full of enjoyment for this wonderful atmosphere.

The four of them—one focused on playing the guitar, three joyfully singing, occasionally clapping in time with the rhythm.

On the table, the flames of the portable stove emitted a soft glow, adding a warm tone to the cozy scene.

The noodles in the pot bubbled and steamed, filling the surroundings with a mix of song and sea breeze.

The sea breeze gently brushed past, ruffling everyone’s hair and the edges of their clothes.

The waves rhythmically beat against the shore, as if providing the beat for this impromptu music session.

At that moment, there were no trivial life troubles, no noise or disturbance from the outside world, only pure happiness and relaxation spreading freely in this small world by the sea.

After the singing ended, they ate to their hearts’ content.

Together, they quickly and efficiently cleaned up the dishes and debris, then took a leisurely walk along the beach.

Watching Johnson and Maria take off their shoes and walk barefoot on the sand, Li Jing and Sophie followed their example.

As their feet touched the fine sand, the cool sensation immediately spread from the soles of their feet.

The seawater occasionally lapped gently at their feet, bringing a tingling comfort, as if the day’s fatigue was quietly washed away by the sea.

The moonlight was like water, pouring over the tranquil beach, with the sea breeze carrying the unique scent of the ocean, blowing freely.

In this free and unfettered atmosphere, their conversations became more casual and joyful.

From their talks, they learned that Johnson and Maria had been blissfully in love for three years. After this round-the-East trip and finishing their tour in Hua Country, they planned to return home to prepare for their wedding.

The topic somehow turned to Li Jing and Sophie, and Johnson curiously asked about the relationship between them.

When Sophie heard the question, her smile instantly froze on her face.

She had been eloquently speaking just moments before, but suddenly became awkward, her mind blank, not knowing how to answer. She instinctively turned her pleading gaze to Li Jing.

Li Jing appeared as usual, with a gentle smile on his lips, and smoothly took Sophie’s hand, saying openly and naturally:

"We’re a couple too."

Johnson and Maria heard this, nodded with smiles, just as they had guessed.

Sophie blushed at Li Jing’s response, especially that hand held by Li Jing, as if a current ran through, making her heart race uncontrollably.

Luckily, the deep night covered her shyness and panic skillfully.

She intended to pull away from Li Jing’s hand but for some reason her body wouldn’t obey, allowing him to lead her step by step on the beach.

The four of them strolled under the moonlight, chatting idly about all things from the world’s customs to travel anecdotes, laughter echoing over the beach.

But Sophie’s mind was no longer on the conversation’s content; her full attention was drawn to her tightly held hand with Li Jing and occasionally touching arm.

This intimate contact gave her a strange illusion, as if she really was in a sweet relationship with Li Jing.

Happiness and fulfillment surged like waves, one after another, into her heart, and she silently wished in her heart that this wonderful night could last forever, that time would freeze at this moment.

The night grew deeper, and Johnson and Maria kindly helped Li Jing and Sophie set up a brand new tent, thoughtfully handing out two thick sleeping bags.

Fortunately, the weather in Hainan is pleasant, even at night it doesn’t feel cold, and with the sleeping bags plus simple bedding, one could comfortably spend the night.

Once everything was settled, Johnson and Maria exchanged goodnight with Li Jing and Sophie, and then, hand in hand, returned to their own tent.

Li Jing and Sophie stood before the newly pitched small tent, and the atmosphere suddenly became delicate.

Sophie’s expression was conflicted, her face full of awkwardness, her fingers interlocked unintentionally, revealing a hint of unease in her gaze.

Li Jing saw it, his lips curved slightly, showing a teasing smile, and joked:

"What? It’s not like we’re squeezing into the same sleeping bag, each of us has one. Are you afraid I’m up to something?"

Sophie, hearing this, furrowed her brow irritably and complained:

"Come on! We’re not really a couple, sharing a tent makes me a little concerned, isn’t that allowed?"

Li Jing understood Sophie’s concerns but wanted to tease her, deliberately followed up:

"Then keep fretting outside; I need to get inside for some good sleep. If you’re scared, keeping watch over the tent at night works for me, no complaints whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Sophie panicked, grabbed Li Jing’s arm, and shouted:

"Hey, who’s going to stand night watch for you? If anyone should watch, it’s you!"

Li Jing suppressed a laugh, shrugged, and said:

"I’m not scared, why should it be me? I’m tired, been wanting to get into the sleeping bag for some good rest. You either come inside together, or you stay out there on watch, your choice."

With that, he ignored Sophie and pretended to dive into the tent.

Sophie looked at Li Jing’s "unbudgeable" demeanor and silently cursed "scoundrel" in her heart several times. But she had no other option, hesitated a long while, then reluctantly followed him into the tent.

The tent was very cramped, just enough for two people to lie down.

As soon as Sophie entered, she saw Li Jing had already wrapped himself tightly in the sleeping bag, only his head sticking out, looking very much like a plump chrysalis, adorable somehow, making Sophie burst out laughing.

Li Jing, drawn by the laughter, asked puzzledly: "What?"

Sophie held back her laughter, pointed at Li Jing, and teased: "You look like a giant caterpillar!"

Li Jing didn’t get angry at this, continued to joke: "If you feel cold at night, feel free to squeeze into my sleeping bag with me, I absolutely have no problem."

"Oh, please, who wants to share a sleeping bag with you! I know what you’re up to!"

Sophie’s cheeks heated slightly, rolled her eyes at Li Jing, ignoring his teasing, arranged her own sleeping bag, and quickly slipped inside.

So the two lay side by side in the tent, and neither spoke for a while.