Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1503 - 723: Brother Cheng’s Charm, Adventure in the Sea Goddess Temple (2)

Zhou Xiumei felt her cheeks getting hotter and hotter.

The unique masculine scent of Fang Cheng penetrated her nostrils, leaving her in a daze.

With the rise and fall of the waves, her tense body gradually softened, completely relying on the tall back in front of her.

Apart from the low hum of the motor, only the roar of the sea breeze passed by her ears and the thumping sound of her heartbeat remained.

Meanwhile, on the shore, Lin Chuqiao was under the sunshade, holding a bottle of sunscreen spray.

Her gaze was fixed on the blue and white motorcycle gradually fading into the distance.

Seeing Zhou Xiumei leaning close against Fang Cheng’s back, arms wrapped lovingly around his waist, she bit her silver teeth in secret frustration.

A sour feeling bubbled up in her heart, her face full of remorse.

Just now, she had acted foolishly again; she should have known better than to show off her driving skills, like drifting on curves.

If a woman loves to show off, acting too competent and independent, she might easily surrender the golden opportunity to someone else.

Look at Fang Cheng, cautiously controlling speed with tenderness.

Anyone with eyes could see that men prefer delicate, pitiable women who need protection.

From now on, she must learn to pretend not to be able to open bottle caps and be afraid of riding motorcycles.

Let alone Lin Chuqiao’s secret vows.

On the sea, Fang Cheng kept the speed at the most comfortable cruising mode.

The vehicle smoothly glided over the gentle breeze and small waves, with the clear sea reflecting the azure sky beneath.

Occasionally, a few startled little fish would leap out from under the sides of the boat.

In the view ahead, a naturally surrounded island gradually became clearer.

The island’s edges extended into a large area of lush thick shrubs, a mangrove forest growing in the middle of the sea.

The pneumatophores interwoven intricately in the shallow waters, a few unnamed seabirds perching on branches, grooming feathers.

Fang Cheng, holding the handle, lowered the speed again and raised his voice:

"Xiumei, look, up ahead is the mangrove forest."

"Mm, it’s so beautiful."

Zhou Xiumei responded softly, lifting her buried face slightly, her eyes sparkling brightly.

Seeing the retreating green leaves and clear shallows, her initial timidness had long dissipated.

Yet the hands wrapped around Fang Cheng’s waist did not loosen, instead, she quietly pressed her cheek closer.

On the unseen backseat, she tightened her arms a little more, a faint smile curved her lips.

As if on this turbulent sea, as long as she had this man before her, she could feel a sense of safety capable of warding off any unforeseen storms.

By the time Fang Cheng took Zhou Xiumei on a lap around the outer circle and returned to the shore, the sun had gradually risen to be directly above.

Pan Wendi and Wen Xin were already tired from playing and were sitting under the sun umbrella, chewing on egg tarts and pineapple buns they brought.

Although Lin Chuqiao felt a bit sour inside, she maintained her elegant demeanor as a lady, organizing a reservation at a famous private restaurant on the island.

In the afternoon, after lunch, everyone changed back into breezy summer attire and rented a convertible off-road vehicle, heading deeper along the winding mountain road.

The first stop on today’s itinerary was the Sea Queen Temple situated halfway up the mountain among dense bamboo groves.

Before even seeing the temple buildings, the distant sound of a deep bell reverberated, echoing gently throughout the valley.

On either side of the mountain path paved with bluestone slabs, tall albizia trees shaded most of the sunlight.

Stepping across the temple gate surrounded by red walls, a blend of pine and sandalwood scents accompanied the mountain breeze, drifting straight into their noses.

The green walls in the courtyard were covered in moss, showing signs of bygone years.

A row of heavy copper bells hung under the eaves, colliding with the wind to produce a crisp jingling sound.

This temple, built halfway up the mountain, had over two hundred years of history.

In earlier times, it was where island fishermen prayed for safety and good weather before setting out to sea and was also the key location for hosting the sea festival.

Now turned into a tourist attraction, its incense remained prosperous, with locals and tourists coming to pray and offer incense, bustling shoulder to shoulder.

Following the crowd inside, an ancient banyan tree as tall as a three-story building, with drooping roots, stood in the center of the front yard.

Its trunk and thick branches were adorned with dense clusters of bright red wish tags, fluttering like flames among the green leaves.

Many tourists gathered around the tree, holding red strings, standing on tiptoe to hang them on the lower branches.

Pan Wendi, hands in the pockets of his floral shorts, looked up at the tree full of red strings and smacked his lips:

"Wow, there are more tags hanging from this tree than fruits it’s bearing, can it really work?"

Lin Chuqiao, wearing a sun hat, responded with a smile:

"These are wish tags. Locals say the Sea Queen here is very responsive, whether wishing for family peace or good fortune in romance and career. As long as you write your wish on a tag and hang it high, the God can see it more easily."

Wen Xin looked up, blinking her eyes:

"Sister Chuqiao, can I make a wish too? I want to wish for a big drumstick to eat every day!"

Her innocent words drew laughter from everyone.

Zhou Xiumei stood on the side, her eyes glinted as her fingers unconsciously tightened on the edge of her clothes, clearly moved by the idea.

Seeing their interest, Fang Cheng nodded and pointed towards the main hall:

"Last time I was here, I remember there’s a place near the main hall for drawing lots and incense offerings. If you wish to pray, you can go now."

Upon hearing this, they immediately entered the main hall.

Inside, a thin smoke curled up, with plate-shaped incense spirals hanging from the beams, burning continuously.

On the central altar stood a three-meter-high statue of the main deity.