Baima Island had extensive amenities: six restaurants, multiple bars, and spas, offering nearly every imaginable water activity, including various diving options.
Of course, everything came at a separate cost. A casual Western or local Maldivian meal averaged at least $500 per person, and even a basic oil massage started at $1,000-$2,000, with virtually no cost-effectiveness.
While accommodation might not seem exorbitantly priced, expenses on the island were astronomical.
However, the guests here were typically very wealthy, for whom a few hundred thousand dollars was just a number, so they accepted it.
After settling into their two rooms and resting briefly, Ye Chen began arranging dinner.
He shared the island’s restaurant options in their family WeChat group. Ma Lan was the first to respond, “Let’s try Maldivian seafood tonight! I heard the locals make it really well.”
“Alright.”
Ye Chen used the room’s phone to contact the butler, asking him to reserve a spot at the Maldivian restaurant.
After booking, the family changed into beach-appropriate T-shirts and shorts, heading to the restaurant in the sea breeze.
The scenery along the way was breathtaking. Xiao Changkun and Ma Lan barely put their phones down, constantly snapping photos, while Xiao Churan seemed disinterested, taking small steps, clapping her hands in front and behind, looking bored.
Ye Chen asked with concern, “Darling, you seem out of sorts. Are you not happy with the place?”
Xiao Churan forced a smile, shaking her head, “Maybe I’m just tired from the journey. Plus, my period’s due soon, so I’m feeling a bit weak.”
Ye Chen quickly offered, “I have some medicine to boost your energy. I’ll give you some when we get back.”
He planned to dissolve some elixir in water for her, but Xiao Churan shook her head slightly, “No need to trouble yourself. I’ll probably feel better after eating.”
Ye Chen nodded, sensing something was off with Xiao Churan but unsure what. Not being particularly attuned to emotions, he attributed her state to his in-laws’ antics and the long journey, focusing on ordering good food to restore her energy.
At the Maldivian restaurant, the sun was setting over the sea, its fiery glow tinting the clouds, sky, and water, creating a stunning sea-and-sky vista.
The restaurant wasn’t crowded, as the six dining options allowed guests to spread out, keeping each venue tranquil.
The family chose a spot with a view of the sunset and sea. Ye Chen handed the menu to Xiao Churan and Ma Lan to pick their preferred dishes.
Just then, Xiao Changkun looked outside and exclaimed, “Bloody hell, that guy’s got two wives!”
Ye Chen, Xiao Churan, and Ma Lan followed his gaze and saw a man with Middle Eastern features walking with two women in headscarves, both visibly pregnant.
Ma Lan muttered, “What’s the big deal? Isn’t it legal for them to have four wives?”
Seeing Ye Chen’s shocked expression, she asked warily, “Good son-in-law, you’re not thinking about this, are you? Don’t envy them, their system’s different from ours. Just look and move on!”
Ye Chen snapped out of his shock, smiling awkwardly, “Mum, I’m not envious. That’s a friend of mine…”
“Friend?”
The family of three was stunned.
They hadn’t expected Ye Chen to run into a friend here.
Ye Chen confirmed the man’s identity. Though not in military attire, it was indeed his Syrian warlord friend, Hamid.
