Long Fantasy Romance Novel

〈The Reissued Youth〉10

41. A Promise Witnessed by the Sea Breeze

At Baisha Fishing Harbor in the afternoon, sunlight spilled over the deep blue sea, and the shimmering waves gently flickered with the movement of the ocean.

Beside the pier, a brand-new sightseeing fishing boat was quietly docked.

The pure white hull reflected dazzling light under the sun, waiting for the new journey that was about to begin.

Tsai Shih-nan stood inside the captain’s cabin, his eyes focused on the complicated instrument panel in front of him.

Yu Szu-hai stood beside him, patiently introducing each piece of equipment on the boat and explaining the methods of operation.

"This is the main engine control system."

"You need to constantly pay attention to changes in oil pressure, engine speed, and water temperature on this instrument."

Yu Szu-hai pointed at the instruments on the panel.

While explaining, he demonstrated how to operate them.

Holding a notebook, Tsai Shih-nan carefully recorded every detail, nodding from time to time.

"In the past, I thought driving a boat depended only on technical skills."

"Only now do I realize that the truly difficult part is making judgments on the spot."

He raised his head and looked at the vast ocean, speaking thoughtfully.

"Conditions at sea change too quickly."

"Things like avoiding collisions between vessels and maintaining the stability of the boat in strong winds and waves cannot be learned simply from books."

Hearing this, Yu Szu-hai could not help but show an appreciative smile.

"Brother Shih-nan, you really are a scholar. You understand things immediately once they are explained."

He patted the handrail beside the captain’s seat and continued.

"When taking the commercial-level boat license exam, the subject of Boat Handling and Seamanship mainly tests several basic operations."

"These include leaving the shore, moving forward in a straight line, reversing, turning, navigating in an S-shape, and reversing to dock."

He paused for a moment and looked out at the ocean through the window.

"However, these are only the basics."

"To truly become a captain, what you need to learn is how to remain calm and handle unexpected situations."

Tsai Shih-nan looked at Yu Szu-hai, gaining a new understanding of this young man.

In the past, he had always believed that Yu Szu-hai was merely a local street figure involved in the underworld.

He worried that letting him get close to his younger sister would only bring tragedy.

However, after spending this period of time together, he gradually discovered that although Yu Szu-hai did not have a high level of education, he possessed a rare sense of responsibility.

After remaining silent for a moment, Tsai Shih-nan gently sighed.

"Szu-hai, I did have many prejudices against you before."

"Please dont take them to heart."

Yu Szu-hai was stunned for a moment, then revealed a shy smile.

He lowered his head and looked at his own hands, speaking sincerely.

"Brother Shih-nan, actually, I understand."

He raised his head and looked directly at Tsai Shih-nan.

"I like Shih-fen, and I want to pursue her."

"But feelings are not something that can happen just because I like someone."

"Besides gaining your approval, what matters more is whether Shih-fen herself is willing to accept me."

He paused, then smiled somewhat awkwardly.

"I didnt study as much as you did, and I dont have an impressive academic background."

"But my sincerity—I believe it definitely passes."

Listening to his words, Tsai Shih-nan’s lips curved slightly upward.

This time, he no longer looked at Yu Szu-hai only through the eyes of an older brother protecting his younger sister.

Instead, he looked at him as a friend who would soon stand beside him and strive together.

"Szu-hai, hearing you say this makes me feel much more at ease."

He reached out and patted Yu Szu-hai on the shoulder.

"I will no longer stop you from dating Shih-fen."

"However, I hope you will keep your feet on the ground."

"Just like your father, use your own abilities to build a career of your own."

Feeling Tsai Shih-nan’s trust, Yu Szu-hai’s eyes flashed with emotion.

"I will, Brother Shih-nan."

He looked toward the distant ocean, his voice filled with determination.

"Next month, I will go out to sea with my father and learn from him."

"This is not only his arrangement."

"It is also the first step in truly beginning my own life."

The sea breeze blew into the captain’s cabin, moving the corners of their clothes.

The barrier that had once existed between the two men seemed to be washed away by the waves, slowly disappearing.

Tsai Shih-nan once again patted Yu Szu-hai on the shoulder.

At this moment, they were no longer merely two men who might become relatives in the future.

They were friends who, on the same ocean, understood and supported each other.

42. The Storm of Fashion Transformation

In an office building on Songren Road in Taipei’s Eastern District, afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass curtain walls, illuminating a bright yet calm atmosphere of commerce.

However, inside the general manager’s office of Focus Fashion Company, the atmosphere was completely different from the clear weather outside.

In front of the large conference table, the projector displayed the latest seasonal clothing sales data.

The declining lines on the charts were like silent warnings, hanging in the air above the office.

Marketing Manager Chao Chun-ting stood in front of the screen, holding a presentation pointer in his hand, his brows tightly furrowed.

He pointed at the sales report on the screen, his voice carrying dissatisfaction that had been suppressed for a long time.

"Director Shih, the first-season clothing series you launched after joining the company did not receive an ideal response from the market."

He pointed at the numbers on the screen and spoke in a deep voice.

"The data speaks for itself. I am only presenting the actual situation. I am not deliberately blaming you."

Sitting on the other side, Design Department Director Shih Mei-lin had originally remained calm.

But after hearing these words, her eyes gradually became sharper.

She reached out and organized the design drafts on the table.

After taking a deep breath, she responded.

"Manager Chao, before these designs were sent to the factory for production, I already explained that this was only a market test."

She picked up one of the fashion design drawings and gently placed it on the table.

"No brand transformation can be completely accepted by the market from the very beginning."

"Consumers need time to understand a new style, and the company also needs time to build its brand image."

Shih Mei-lin raised her head and looked at Chao Chun-ting.

"The market response did not meet expectations. I will review the reasons and adjust our direction."

"But right now, I am preparing the spring collection exhibition and fashion show for next season."

"I hope that through complete brand exposure, we can increase the companys visibility and improve sales performance."

Her tone was firm, yet it also revealed a hint of helplessness.

"Manager Chao, reform cannot be completed in just one or two days."

"The design team needs to be given some time."

After listening, Chao Chun-ting’s mouth twitched slightly.

Clearly, he had not fully accepted her explanation.

He turned around and looked at General Manager Su Ming-yu, who was sitting behind the office desk.

"General Manager Su, this is exactly where the problem lies."

He pointed at the documents on the table.

"Our Focus originally followed an affordable fashion route."

"Our prices were accessible, and our business model relied on small profits with high sales volume."

"Although the profit margins were not high, the market was stable."

Chao Chun-ting paused for a moment and turned his gaze toward Shih Mei-lin.

"But after Director Shih joined the company, she wanted to completely change our direction."

"She wants to focus on the mid-to-high-end market and even hopes to align us with European fashion trends."

His voice rose slightly.

"The concept is good, but markets do not operate based on ideals."

"Sales have already declined significantly."

"If this continues, everyone in the company will have to bear the consequences."

Hearing this, the emotions Shih Mei-lin had been suppressing finally erupted.

She stood up, placed both hands on the table, and looked directly at Chao Chun-ting.

"Manager Chao, you are right. The market is very realistic."

Her voice remained calm, but it carried a powerful force.

"But if we are always afraid of change and only want to maintain the safe model of the past, Focus will never move forward."

She picked up a brand proposal from the table.

"Wasnt the reason General Manager Su invited me to join Focus because she hoped I could redesign our direction?"

"If we do not build our own brand and only want to become an agent for other brands, there are fashion and cosmetics agencies everywhere on the streets and alleys of the Eastern District."

"Why should we expect to compete with others?"

Shih Mei-lin’s eyes became even more determined.

"If we continue following the low-price route, competing with street-market goods and relying on those tiny profits to survive, the company will still be the same ten years from now."

"A true enterprise should not only focus on how many products it sells today."

"It should think about why consumers will choose us in the future."

The office fell into a brief silence.

Chao Chun-ting opened his mouth, wanting to argue, but for a moment he could not find the right words.

Sitting behind the desk, Su Ming-yu looked at the two of them and finally spoke.

She did not criticize either side.

Instead, she picked up the documents on the table and spoke calmly.

"Manager Chao. Mei-lin."

Both of them turned toward her at the same time.

"I asked Director Shih to join Focus because I hope the company can change its product style and rebuild its brand positioning."

Su Ming-yu leaned back in her chair, her expression composed.

"I know the sales department is under great pressure right now."

"During a transformation period, there will inevitably be a painful adjustment period."

"This is the price that must be paid for reform."

She looked at Shih Mei-lin, her eyes filled with trust.

"Mei-lin, I have already submitted the proposal for renovating all our stores to the board for discussion."

"Next, focus on preparing the spring collection exhibition and fashion show."

Su Ming-yu smiled slightly.

"I look forward to seeing you lead the design team and give Focus a completely new appearance."

Listening to these words, the tense expression on Shih Mei-lin’s face slowly relaxed.

She knew that the road of brand reform would not be smooth.

But at least within this company, there was someone willing to believe in her direction.

Outside the window, traffic flowed quickly through the streets of Taipei.

And Focus Fashion was standing at the crossroads of a critical transformation.

43. Between Ideals and Reality

Inside the design department office of Focus Fashion Company, the afternoon sunlight passed through the blinds, casting alternating patterns of light and shadow across the floor.

After the meeting ended, Shi Meilin returned to her office alone and placed the design drafts she was holding on the desk. She sank into her chair, crossed her arms over her chest, and slightly frowned. The argument from the meeting moments ago still felt like a cloud of frustration stuck in her heart.

It was not that she could not accept criticism. As a designer, she knew that every piece of work had to face the test of the market, and she was willing to confront the pressure brought by sales figures.

However, what she could not accept was that some people only saw the failure in front of them, yet could not see the possibility of a brand’s long-term development.

“Is change really that difficult?”

Shi Meilin whispered to herself as she looked at the carefully designed fashion sketches spread across the desk.

At that moment, the telephone on the desk suddenly rang.

She picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

From the other end of the phone came the familiar yet concerned voice of her mother, Shi Yuhua.

“Baby, don’t forget. At the end of this month, you have to bring your boyfriend home for us to meet.”

Shi Meilin was stunned for a moment. Before she could answer, her mother continued:

“If you don’t have a boyfriend, then obediently accept the arrangements and go on a blind date.”

Hearing those words, she could not help closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead.

The pressure from work today was already enough. She never expected that after returning to the office, she would also have to face her mother’s urging.

“Mommy……”

She sighed helplessly.

“My work is already stressful enough right now. Could you please not add more pressure on me?”

On the other end of the phone, Shi Yuhua also let out a soft sigh.

“Meilin, do you think I don’t have pressure too?”

Her voice carried a mother’s helplessness.

“Your grandfather asks me every few days when you are finally going to settle down. Arranging blind dates for you was also his idea. I’m caught in the middle. What else can I say?”

Listening to her mother’s words, Shi Meilin felt impatient, but she also knew that her parents truly cared about her.

She remained silent for a few seconds before finally giving in.

“Alright, alright, I know. I’ll see what happens at the end of the month.”

After hanging up the phone, she gently placed the receiver back onto the telephone base. Leaning against the back of the chair, she let out a long breath.

The company reform had not yet been resolved, and now her relationship problems had followed one after another.

Suddenly, she felt as if she were standing at two different crossroads in life at the same time. On every road, there was someone urging her to move forward.

At that moment, a knocking sound came from outside the office door.

“Knock, knock.”

Shi Meilin raised her head.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and General Manager Su Mingyu walked inside.

She glanced at Shi Meilin’s expression, then revealed a faint smile.

“Still sulking?”

Shi Meilin looked up at her and could not help smiling bitterly.

“What’s the use of being angry?”

She picked up a pen from the desk and slowly spun it between her fingers.

“Some people seem to want to see the egg yolk immediately after beating an egg. They simply cannot accept the waiting process.”

44. An Encounter in the Sea Breeze

In the afternoon waters around Xiaoliuqiu, sunlight spilled over the deep blue sea, and waves were split apart by the bow of the sightseeing fishing boat, creating patches of white spray.

The sightseeing fishing boat owned by the Cai family moved forward against the sea breeze, leaving a long trail of ripples behind its stern.

In the distance, a group of dolphins occasionally leapt out of the water, causing waves of excited cries from the tourists on the deck.

“Look! Over there!”

“Dolphins! So many dolphins!”

The tourists took out their mobile phones and cameras one after another, capturing this rare scene.

Some stood excitedly beside the railing taking pictures, while others could not help waving at the dolphins.

On the deck, a woman wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses was holding a V8 camcorder, focusing intently on recording the scene.

Her name was Shi Meilin.

As the boat gently rocked with the waves, she still maintained a steady posture, capturing the moments when the dolphins leapt out of the water.

The sunlight illuminated her face. Her deep and refined mixed-race features appeared even more bright and captivating under the sea breeze.

Inside the cockpit, Cai Shih-nan held the steering wheel, concentrating on controlling the direction of the boat.

Li Mingde, sitting beside him, held binoculars and observed the surface of the sea. Suddenly, he raised his hand and pointed toward the left front.

“Thirty degrees to the port side, speed thirty knots. Keep up with that group of dolphins!”

“Understood.”

Cai Shih-nan immediately adjusted the steering wheel and skillfully controlled the boat.

“Port side thirty degrees, speed thirty knots.”

After this period of training, he had gradually transformed from a beginner unfamiliar with marine operations into a captain capable of steering independently.

A moment later, the fishing boat stopped at a quiet shallow bay.

The tourists picked up fishing rods and began experiencing the joy of fishing at sea.

Some caught cuttlefish, some caught red sea bream and bigeye scad, while others excitedly displayed the ribbonfish they had just pulled onto the boat.

Shi Meilin sat by the side of the boat, holding her fishing rod and waiting attentively.

Suddenly, the fishing line sank sharply.

“Ah!”

She cried out in surprise.

“Something seems to have taken the bait!”

Hearing her voice, Cai Shih-nan immediately walked over to help.

“Pull slowly. Don’t rush.”

With his assistance, a squid was finally pulled out of the sea, its crystal-like body shining under the sunlight.

Looking at her catch, Shi Meilin revealed a childlike happy smile.

“This is the first time I’ve caught such a big squid.”

Cai Shih-nan took the hook and carefully removed the squid.

“This is the freshest seafood.”

He smiled and said:

“Fresh squid is best for sashimi. Caught and eaten right away—the taste is the best.”

Shi Meilin raised her eyebrows and smiled.

“Boss, then I’ll leave it to you.”

Carrying the squid, Cai Shih-nan walked into the kitchen inside the cabin.

Li Mingde had just finished preparing a red sea bream. After rinsing the cutting board clean with seawater, he immediately took the squid from him.

His knife moved swiftly, skillfully slicing the squid into thin pieces and arranging them neatly on a plate.

Before long, a delicate plate of fresh squid sashimi was completed.

Cai Shih-nan carried the dish back to the deck.

He came to Shi Meilin’s side, slightly bent forward, and jokingly acted like a restaurant waiter.

“Miss, your squid sashimi has arrived. Please enjoy it slowly.”

Shi Meilin could not help laughing.

She picked up a bamboo fork, lifted a slice of squid, dipped it into the specially prepared sauce, and placed it into her mouth.

She closed her eyes and carefully tasted it.

After a moment, a surprised expression appeared on her face.

“Hmm… there is a faint sweetness on the tip of my tongue.”

She opened her eyes and looked at Cai Shih-nan.

“Delicious! It’s truly incredibly fresh and delicious.”

Seeing her satisfied smile, Cai Shih-nan also smiled.

45. An Encounter in the Hot Spring Garden

In the afternoon on Xiaoliuqiu, sunlight passed through the shadows of bamboo in the courtyard and scattered across the stone-paved walkway.

After the Cai family’s Japanese-style guesthouse had been renovated, the courtyard gained an even more quiet and elegant atmosphere. The wooden corridors, stone lanterns, and lush green plants made travelers who came from afar feel as if they had stepped into a small courtyard in an ancient Japanese city.

The guests at the guesthouse were gradually preparing to go to the hot spring rooms to relax. Cai Shifen pushed a small cart, neatly stacked with piles of pure white towels and Japanese-style bathrobes folded into perfect squares.

She walked along the corridor, delivering them to each room one by one, a warm and friendly smile on her face.

When she arrived at Shi Meilin’s room, she gently pressed the doorbell.

Not long after, the paper sliding door slowly opened, and a beautiful and graceful face appeared.

Shi Meilin had changed into casual clothes, with her long hair naturally falling over her shoulders. Seeing Cai Shifen standing outside the door, she smiled.

“Miss, these are your bath towel and bathrobe.”

Cai Shifen handed her the towel and bathrobe, smiling as she said:

“Later, you can go to the women’s hot spring room to enjoy the bath. There is also a hydrotherapy SPA, so you can truly relax.”

Shi Meilin accepted the towel and bathrobe with both hands. She lowered her head and looked at them, feeling the softness of the fabric.

“Thank you.”

She raised her head and, as if suddenly remembering something, asked:

“By the way, the handsome guy who was steering the boat during the day was……?”

Cai Shifen was slightly stunned. Then she immediately revealed a knowing smile.

“You mean my older brother? His name is Cai Shih-nan. He is the owner of this guesthouse.”

Shi Meilin nodded, and memories of the time on the boat during the day flashed in her eyes.

“I see.”

She smiled and said:

“I saw him sitting on the deck painting.”

Cai Shifen pushed the cart and leaned against the railing nearby. Her tone carried a hint of pride in understanding her brother.

“Painting has been my brother’s hobby since he was young. He used to love painting very much. But later, he realized it was difficult to make a living from it, so he chose another path.”

Shi Meilin gently nodded and looked toward the distant sea view in the courtyard.

“That’s true.”

She said softly:

“I talked with him for a while and discovered that he actually really loves art. It’s just that many times in life, people have to bow to reality first.”

Cai Shifen looked at her and felt that this new guest seemed to understand her brother very well.

She smiled and did not say anything more. She simply pushed the cart and continued walking toward the next room.

Holding the towel and bathrobe, Shi Meilin changed her clothes and followed the signs to the women’s hot spring room.

When she pushed open the wooden door, a warm mist immediately rushed toward her.

A garden-style hot spring pool appeared before her eyes. Artificial rock formations, bamboo forests, and the sound of flowing water intertwined together. A faint herbal fragrance filled the air, making people instantly forget the noise and bustle of the city.

She slowly stepped into the hot spring pool and immersed her body in the warm water.

The gentle current of the water surrounded her whole body. She leaned against the edge of the pool, placed the folded towel behind her head, and slowly closed her eyes.

That day, she had taken a sightseeing fishing boat to watch dolphins, tasted fresh seafood, and then, beneath the sunset, talked about art and life with a man she had just met.

What had originally been only an accidental trip unexpectedly allowed her to experience a kind of long-lost relaxation.

In her mind, the image of Cai Shih-nan sitting at the bow of the boat painting appeared unconsciously.

That man was unlike ordinary businessmen.

In his eyes, there was the calmness of the ocean, as well as the gentleness of an artist.

The corners of Shi Meilin’s lips lifted slightly.

“What a special person……”

She whispered to herself, and her voice quickly blended into the white mist slowly rising above the hot spring pool.