C17 At the Edge of the Dreamy Sea(2)

The service on the luxury cruise was truly top-notch. In less than half an hour, the entire table was filled with dishes ordered by the Tong family. Even the waitstaff were amazed, and other diners paused to take a look.

"Did we order too much?" Miaojie wondered, eyeing the table overflowing with food.

"It seems... it might be a bit much," Xiaofu hesitantly replied.

"You didn't just order a bit too much; you ordered way too much. Just look at this: sautéed mushrooms with abalone, fresh green abalone, Arctic clam sashimi, XO sauce lotus root with sea snail, crab claws stuffed with shrimp... Are you trying to eat your dad to death?" Tong's father vented his frustration in one breath, feeling much better afterward.

"If you don't finish all this today, you're in trouble. If there's anything left, I'm not paying," he warned.

"Well, let's dig in, kids," Ms. Yang said, grabbing a crab leg and biting into it with surprising vigor for someone in her sixties.

In less than an hour, the seafood was devoured, leaving only plates and a pile of food scraps, much to Tong's father's astonishment.

"Son, I'm full. I'm heading back to the room to rest. You handle the bill," Ms. Yang said, patting Tong's father on the shoulder before leaving.

"Dad, your dearest daughter is full too. I'm going back to rest. The bill's on you," Miaojie added, following suit.

"Uncle Tong, your daughter's best friend is also full. I'm off to rest. The bill's all yours," Xiaofu chimed in last, leaving Tong's father bewildered.

The next morning, before dawn, cheers erupted outside the yacht. It was 4 a.m., and the sun was slowly rising, casting a glow over the entire sea.

"Xiaofu, wake up! Let's go to the deck to watch the sunrise. The sky is absolutely stunning."

Lin Xiaofu sprang out of bed, threw on a jacket, and dashed out with Miaojie. Fortunately, there weren't many people on the deck yet, leaving plenty of prime spots to choose from.

"Look, isn't that Ms. Yang and Miaojie's dad? Who would've thought these two would be more enthusiastic than us young folks!"

"Come on, let's go over and join them."

"Good morning, ladies!" Ms. Yang spotted them from afar and waved enthusiastically.

"Let's take a family photo before the crowd arrives," Miaojie's dad suggested.

"Miaojie, Xiaofu, you two get in the picture. I'll take it with Miaojie's dad," volunteered Ms. Yang, readying her camera.

"Isn't Miaojie's dad looking sharp?"

"Very sharp!"

"Perfect!" Ms. Yang nodded with satisfaction.

"Miaojie, Xiaofu, look! The sun is rising," Ms. Yang exclaimed, snapping away at the crimson sky.

It was the first time Miaojie had seen such a breathtaking sunrise at sea. She had imagined it countless times, wondering what it would truly be like. Now, witnessing it, she found it indescribable, almost too beautiful to believe.

Beautiful things often seem unreal because of their beauty, so when dreams come true, they can feel like illusions.

The endless ocean stretched out before them, with seagulls occasionally dancing above the waves. The sun, just peeking over the horizon, painted the sky a brilliant red, creating a scene almost too perfect to be real.

In that moment, Miaojie let go of everything. She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the sea breeze through her hair. The rising sun warmed her completely. Miaojie felt at one with nature, savoring the beauty of the moment.

Ms. Yang couldn't stop snapping photos of the fleeting, beautiful moments, while Lin Xiaofu pulled Tong's father into various poses, acting as Ms. Yang's free model. Tong Miaojie awoke from her dream, returning to reality.

At that moment, Tong Miaojie made a firm decision: someday, she would watch a sunrise over the ocean with her loved ones. It would surely be one of the most romantic experiences in the world.

Gradually, the sunrise lost its initial vibrant colors, and the bright red of the sea faded back to its serene blue. Tong Miaojie and Lin Xiaofu returned to their room to enjoy the rest of their journey.

Back in the room, Tong Miaojie's mind was filled with the awe and beauty of the ocean sunrise. She took out her portable drawing tablet and quickly created a sea-themed comic, completing it in one go.

As Tong Miaojie was deep in thought, Lin Xiaofu leaned over with a big grin, "What are you drawing? So focused." The scenes Lin Xiaofu had just seen on the deck were perfectly captured by Tong Miaojie.

"Miaojie, you're truly a comic genius. I'm so impressed. From today on, you're my one and only goddess," Lin Xiaofu declared.

"Cut it out, get lost, don't interrupt my artistic process. Besides, haven't I always been your only goddess?" Tong Miaojie replied, half-reclining on the bed, continuing her work.

"Miaojie, you're no fun. We finally get a chance to play, and you're working. I'm going to keep enjoying my wonderful trip," Lin Xiaofu said, flopping onto the bed and watching a comedy show on TV, bursting into laughter now and then.

By noon, the cruise ship slowly docked at the familiar pier where Tong Miaojie had arrived. Passengers disembarked in an orderly fashion, while a voice repeatedly announced, "We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Starship again."

On the way home, Tong Miaojie, Lin Xiaofu, and Ms. Yang all collapsed into their seats, falling into a deep sleep. Tong's father, though tired, dutifully escorted the three ladies back home.

Tomorrow is Monday, Miaojie's workday. As soon as she got home, Miaojie collapsed into bed and slept until early the next morning. This time, she finally woke up early and easily found a parking spot in the regular lot.

Starting this week, the "Starlight" comic series tour kicks off. It's bound to be a busy and long week for Miaojie. As she stepped into the elevator, she silently encouraged herself: "You got this."

Momo and Lina were already at the office, starting their workday.

"Miaojie, how was your cruise? I saw the photos you posted, and they were stunning. Made me want to go too," Lina said as soon as she saw Miaojie.

"It was great, an unforgettable trip. Next time, Momo, you, and I should plan a vacation together."

"Really? That would be awesome. Oh, by the way, Miaojie, the admin supervisor wants to see you in the office. It's something about the comic convention."

"Okay, got it."