Haicheng Airport, waiting hall.
“Can’t believe you guys get time off early,” Lu Zheng said. “Leaving two days ahead, it’s not crowded.”
Lin Wan nodded, flipping through a magazine, casually asking, “What’s our itinerary this time?”
“First, Italy. Tony says he’ll host us on his private island for two days. Then we tour Italy from south to north, see the Colosseum, visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, watch a Milan fashion show, and catch a football match.”
Lin Wan blinked. “That’ll take up all our time, won’t it? No other European countries? It’s a rare trip.”
Lu Zheng shrugged. “Too many sights. We can’t spend all our time travelling, can we?”
Lin Wan counted on her fingers. “But I want to see the Eiffel Tower, Neuschwanstein Castle, ski in Switzerland, and attend a concert in Vienna.”
Lu Zheng, “…”
“You’d need at least two months’ leave for that,” Lu Zheng blinked, then teased, “Or just quit, and we’ll travel the world?”
Lin Wan pouted, giving him a look, then consoled herself, “Forget it, watching video highlights will do. Probably not that exciting in person anyway.”
Lu Zheng chuckled, nodding. “True. Like those stunning Hangzhou West Lake promos. When I started uni in Haicheng, I went there during National Day.”
“National Day at West Lake?” Lin Wan looked at him, shocked. “You’re brave!”
Lu Zheng playfully slapped her thigh. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Lin Wan ignored his cheeky move, raised an eyebrow, smirking, clearly curious. “And then?”
She was obviously waiting for a funny story.
“What else? Just saw crowds,” Lu Zheng said helplessly. “Got swept along by the masses at Broken Bridge. Didn’t even see what the railings looked like.”
“Pfft!”
Lin Wan burst out laughing, picturing the chaos of National Day crowds at tourist spots, nodding in agreement.
“Exactly. Now that people are wealthier, they flood domestic attractions during the long holiday. Overseas travel is more relaxed and comfortable.”
A voice came from nearby. They turned to see a middle-aged woman, decked out in gold and jade, speaking. “Italy’s one of the friendlier European countries to China. Nice environment, cheap stuff, close to the Mediterranean. Great choice for your trip.”
Lu Zheng and Lin Wan exchanged glances. Why did every trip come with a lecture?
At least this time it was praise.
Next to the woman sat a young man, tall and handsome. Hearing her strike up a conversation, he glanced over, his eyes flashing with admiration at Lin Wan, then a hint of jealousy towards Lu Zheng.
“Are you going to Milan?” the woman asked Lu Zheng. “It’s Milan Fashion Week. Runways everywhere. Perfect chance to buy your girlfriend the latest styles. She’s tall and gorgeous, looks good in anything. Unlike me, old and faded, I have to pick clothes carefully. Most don’t suit me.”
“Thanks!” Lin Wan could only smile and thank her.
Though the woman clearly took care of herself, her figure and skin still showed signs of age. Lin Wan couldn’t bring herself to flatter her.
“Is this your first time in Italy?” the woman asked.
“Yes,” Lin Wan nodded.
“Travelling independently?”
“Yep!”
…
“You should be careful,” the woman advised. “Abroad isn’t like home. Attractions, commercial areas, rich and poor districts are clearly divided, and not far apart. Be mindful when sightseeing, don’t wander into the wrong place.”
Lu Zheng said, “I know it’s like that in the US. Italy too?”
The woman pursed her lips. “Capitalist countries are similar. Look at *Taken*, human trafficking gangs hiding in Paris, right? France is like that, let alone Italy. Even Rome, Venice, Milan are the same, not to mention smaller cities.”
She paused, then continued, “Stick to tourist spots and commercial areas. If you go out at night, head to busy night markets, take a car back to your hotel, don’t walk alone thinking it’s romantic. It can be dangerous.”
“Got it, thanks. We’ll be careful,” Lu Zheng nodded, expressing gratitude.
“Mm,” the woman smiled. “As long as you avoid secluded areas, tourist spots are safe. Tourism’s a big money-maker for every country.”
…
Ticket check, boarding.
Lu Zheng whispered to Lin Wan, “Didn’t expect her to be so warm-hearted.”
Lin Wan giggled, whispering back, “Only because of you.”
Lu Zheng blinked. “Why me?”
Lin Wan raised an eyebrow. “Maybe ’cause you’re handsome?”
“Tch, I’m not some pretty boy,” Lu Zheng pouted. “And from the guy next to her, I’m not her type.”
“You noticed?” Lin Wan laughed.
“Obvious as day. How could I not?” Lu Zheng said. “Clearly not her son, so obviously her lover.”
“Hehe!” Lin Wan grinned. “Maybe she wants a change of taste?”
Lu Zheng grimaced. “Enough already!”
“She’s pretty well-preserved,” Lin Wan teased, stifling a laugh.
…
Chatting, they found their seats with their tickets.
“What a coincidence!”
The middle-aged woman waved from the seat beside them.
Lu Zheng, “…”
Lin Wan, “…”
They felt caught gossiping, though thankfully their voices were low.
The woman hadn’t expected Lu Zheng and Lin Wan to be in first class. Glancing at them, she noted their casual attire but figured they weren’t short on cash.
First class had spacious individual seats, but Lu Zheng booked late, so no window seats were left, only the middle four.
Lu Zheng had booked the front and back middle seats, while the woman had the front and back window seats, separated by an aisle.
After stowing their carry-ons, Lu Zheng let Lin Wan take the front seat, checked his phone, and said, “Sleep. We transfer in Frankfurt tomorrow noon. Should reach Rome around midday… wait… departing at midnight, twenty hours of flying, and we still arrive at noon? Where’s the logic in that?”
