Eclipse Bay, Oregon, at midnight one eight years ago It's a long way to go to get home. In Eclipse Bay shrouded in moonlight, a cold male voice that made women tremble said. Because of the unpleasant incident with Di Barry in the car just now, Heanna turned her head away impulsively. Now she is walking alone in the wilderness. She is both panicked and regretful. Maybe she shouldn't get out of the car.The viewing bay was deserted in the middle of the night, and now she was going to get herself into big trouble.She blamed herself in her heart: Aren't you very rational and careful?Don't you never act rashly?Don't you never make trouble for yourself?

who is it?She stopped suddenly, ready to run away at any moment. A man slowly stepped out from behind the boulder and appeared in the late summer moonlight. You are from the He family.His voice was cold and proud.Don't you know the despicable, lowly and unreliable Mai family? She looked at the strong lines of the face, the black hair shining in the moonlight, and the proud demeanor. She didn't need to add the leather jacket, jeans and black T-shirt. She already recognized him as Merif . He is the most notorious child of the Mai family.Ever since Ma Mitch and He Soli quarreled openly on the street and turned against each other, the He family warned their descendants to stay away from the rebellious Mai family children, and the two families have not communicated with each other for three generations.

Reeve became an orphan at the age of nine, and his elder brother was raised by his grandfather.And this grandfather Mitch, according to Anna's mother, is not a father material at all. Thus, Reeve became a bad boy, but he always just escaped prison.In the eyes of Moon Eclipse Bay residents, sooner or later he will end up in jail. He was twenty-four years old, four years older than her.She knew his grandfather must be very angry with him because he dropped out of college halfway through college to join the army and never learned employability skills.But his older brother Gaby managed to revive the family business unexpectedly.Everyone said Mitch was trying to get the unskilled Reeve to work at Gabe's company.

Although Anna's family went to Eclipse Bay every weekend and summer, Anna never had the chance to get in touch with Reeve when she was growing up.Because of the four-year-old gap, they each have different social circles. Today is her twentieth birthday.By the fall, when she was going to college in Portland, the age gap between her and Merif suddenly seemed less dramatic. Merif was hiding behind a rock, so he must have heard her quarreling with Debarry.The members of the He family never made a fool of themselves in public. How could she be so unlucky to let the members of the Mai family hear her secret?She couldn't help feeling a little annoyed.

do you do this oftenshe asked angrily. do what? Hide behind a rock and eavesdrop on someone's speech. You have to admit, there isn't much entertainment in this town. In particular, there really isn't much specific entertainment.We all know that Reeve's motorcycle is often parked in the parking lot of Virgie's adult book store.What else do you do besides spying? Spy on?He whistled softly.You are really knowledgeable! She said stiffly: Yes! I don't know either.I didn't go to college until I learned some learned words. He was teasing her, she knew, but didn't know how to answer.

If I were you, I wouldn't drop out of school.She clutched the purse tightly and put it on her chest like a shield.My father said, it's a pity that you ruin your future like this. He said you have great potential. Reeve smiled coldly, showing his white teeth.A lot of people have said that, and so has my first grade teacher.But they all think that my potential is not used at all. You have grown up, you should be responsible for your own future, and you should not push the responsibility to others. I'm not shirking responsibility, he said forcefully.I'm proud to say that I take full responsibility for my own failures.

She realized that she was taking too much care, so she took a cautious step back. You said you came here to talk with the guy who just left, he continued.But I don't think your talk makes any sense.Who is that ruffian? She instinctively wanted to defend Barry. Barry was different from Merif, and he would achieve something in the future.Maybe, she just didn't want to be dating a ruffian. His name is Debarry, she said coldly.A graduate of Chamberlain University.Anyway, it's none of your business. I guess he was planning to have a different night. Barry isn't a bad guy, he's just in a hurry.

In a hurry?you think so?Reeve shrugged.It looks like you're coping well.At first, I thought you needed help. Barry is not a violent man.Her anger gradually rose.He is a college graduate who plans to teach political science in the future. real?When did politics become a science? When he gets his doctorate, he will be teaching at Chamberlain University. Wow!If I had known this earlier, I wouldn't have had to worry about you when you were chatting in the car just now.I mean, a guy who's going to get a PhD and be a professor at Chamberlain University certainly wouldn't rape a woman.I really don't know what I was thinking at the time.

She was glad it was midnight, and at least Reeve couldn't see her blushing face.Barry and I have some disagreements! So you've dated quite a few ruffians? Don't call Barry a ruffian. I'm just curious, and in this case, you can't blame me for being curious, can you? I can and I will.she said angrily.You are so annoying. But not as annoying as that ruffian?I didn't touch you. Shut up, I'm going home! I have to remind you that it's midnight and you're out in the wild alone.You want to go home, there is still a long way to go! She catches his speech impediment and fights back immediately.I am not alone.

His smile showed a hint of danger in the moonlight.We know each other well that in the eyes of your family, being with me is worse than being alone.You haven't forgotten my last name is Mai? She lifted her chin proudly.I don't care about those boring historical grievances. That's right, it's a historical grievance.But, do you know what they say about history?Lessons must be learned from history, or it will be repeated. She looked at him in surprise.You sound like my Aunt Isa. I know. Anna was even more surprised.You talked to my aunt? She talked to me.He shrugged.I occasionally do something at her big house.She is a nice old lady.She has a weird personality, after all, she is from the He family.

What would her parents think if they knew that Aunt Isa had hired Reeve to work at Zhumengyuan?No wonder you know how to quote those proverbs. You don't believe I read it from a book, do you? You've been known to do so-called readings at Virgie's Adult Bookstore.God!Her tone was so bitter.I doubt that there are any books or magazines where those proverbs can be found. Reeve seemed startled by what she said, and was silent for a while.However, he recovered quickly.Yes, I mostly look at pictures. I believe. I believe that ruffian must have read poetry and books, right? Suddenly, she couldn't take it anymore.Although Merif is four years older than her and has more experience than her, she is from the He family, so she must be able to handle it. If you're not here to play voyeurism, she said dryly.What are you doing in Eclipse Bay so late? Same as you, he said calmly.I got into an argument with my girlfriend and she kicked me out of the car. Anna was taken aback.Sha Kaelin kicked you out of the car?Because you won't make out with her? We're not arguing about intimacy, he said politely.We fought because she was dating someone else. I see.Kaelin was known to date other people.I heard she wants to marry someone who can take her out of Eclipse Bay. Your message is spot on.Obviously, I don't have the ability to take her away. obviously. Fuck him, I can't even find a regular job, how can I take her away? Anna suddenly felt a little sympathetic to him.You have to admit that you can't afford the expensive life she wants. I know.But I thought we all had a tacit agreement, at least during our relationship, to be loyal to each other and not to be in a relationship with other people at the same time. I thought, Karin doesn't think so? That's right.She said that she didn't want to be tied down by me. Her attitude was obvious. Her primary goal was to find a rich husband. In her eyes, I was just a playmate. it's a pity. Hello!Mai also has feelings! real?she said softly.Why haven't I heard of it? People in my family don't like to be too ostentatious. It's normal, so as not to ruin the image. That's right.But you never know how infuriating it can be to date a woman who is desperately trying to get a rich husband. Karin is proactive by nature, Anna said softly.Everyone knows. Reeve smiled coldly.Tonight, she will unleash her initiative on another. I think she must have been pissed off when you told her you didn't want to be her playmate anymore. She was going crazy. She wanted to see his expression, but she couldn't see what was going on in his heart in the darkness. I don't think you seem to care much about breaking up with your girlfriend. Of course I care.Like I said, I'm an emotional person.However, I'll get through it. What about Karin? Karin's feelings are not a priority in my current life plan. Anna looked at him curiously.You said you have a life planner? You may post a five-year life planning form on the bedroom wall. Of course I don’t have such a specific life goal, but I can always have a small dream, right? Anna thought with a guilty conscience that there was indeed a planner made in the summer in her closet, planning for her life after high school graduation.Her habit is to set goals and then try to achieve them.Everyone in her family is a well-trained organization planner. Her father Nathan often said that a life without a plan is definitely a life of failure. The Mai family is a passionate and willful family. Everyone believes that as long as the Mai family desires something, no one can stop them from striving for it.Breaking up with Sha Kailin tonight, Reeve has the virtue of not caring, which proves that Sha Kailin is definitely not the object of his desire. All right!You are right.However, she was still not sure if he was laughing at her?What is your life plan? She didn't think he would answer, because he pushed his hand harder into the pocket of his leather jacket, and turned his head slightly to look at the sea. I think my plans are not as interesting as yours, he said simply.I wasn't going to do a masters or anything. She looked at him and said persistently: Tell me. He was silent for a while, as if thinking of something. My grandfather told me that if I wasn't busy fooling around, I was actually quite business-minded.he said softly.He wanted me to work for Gabe's company. But you don't want to go? Max Enterprises was founded by Gaby.Max Enterprises is Gaby's company, and he is the boss.It's not that we don't get along, but I've learned in the military that I'm not the type to do what you're told. I am not surprised. Reeve reached a hand out of his pocket, picked up a stone and threw it into the dark water.I want to do my own business. I can understand. He glanced back at her.can you understand I also don't want to work for the company.When I graduate from school, I'm going to start my own business. Everything is planned? Not quite.However, by the time I graduate from college, most of the details should be ready for planning.And you?What is your primary goal? Stay out of jail. That's a great goal.But I think you might have to read for years and years to get there. Everyone thought I was successful as long as I didn't end up in a cell.He turned and looked at her.And you?What kind of business are you going to start? She picked a big rock and sat down.I'm not sure yet, still researching possibilities.I talked with my father, and he said that the best industry choice for starting a business is the small-scale service industry that ordinary large companies cannot take care of. For example, in-home massage business, or private escort service? very funny. I saw it in travel books.Books that target the business traveler have that kind of ad: all the personal services you would expect in a hotel room. Your humor is not funny at all. You shouldn't expect much from someone without a PhD. I don't think so.She drew her feet back and put her hands on her knees. He walked over and stood beside her.Sorry, I shouldn't have teased you like this. never mind. I believe that you will be suitable for the career you develop, and I wish you good luck. Thanks. Does your future plan include marriage? She gave him a surprised look.Of course there is. I thought, you might marry someone like that ruffian, right? she sighed.I have nothing with Barry.He's just a guy who uses his summer vacation to have some fun.Only, he obviously wasn't having fun tonight. Is he not your Prince Charming? no. Your Prince Charming has to meet a lot of criteria before you marry him, right? His tone made her uncomfortable.I know what kind of husband I want, so what?Do people want to live aimlessly like you? of course not.He sat down beside her suddenly.Tell me, what conditions must your Prince Charming meet? She was taken aback, and pointed out with her fingers: He must be very smart, well educated, graduated from an excellent school, successful in his career, and also, he must be loyal, upright, and trustworthy. And no criminal record? certainly.She continued to wrench her fingers.He must be independent, kind-hearted, considerate, and able to manage married life.It was important that he got along with me and shared my interests and goals. uh-huh. He also had to be happy with my family, love animals, and be supportive of my career. Reeve lay back halfway on the boulder.Without these conditions, is he just an ordinary person? His mocking tone broke her heart.You think I'm asking too much? He smiled lightly.Seriously, that man in your mind doesn't exist at all.Even if someone really meets those conditions, he must have some unexpected problems. real?She narrowed her eyes unhappily.What about your Snow White? I didn't think about it, and I didn't care. Because you're not interested in making a lifetime commitment to anyone? No.The problem is, no one in my family seems to have had much luck in marriage, and I probably can't be particularly lucky either. He is telling the truth.His grandfather had a record of four failed marriages, and his father Mezink was also married three times.If it weren't for the car accident, Sink might have broken Mitch's marriage record. Marriage should not be hasty, she said stiffly.It should be dealt with rationally and seriously. Do you think it is that simple? I didn't say that marriage is simple.I mean, it should be faced with wisdom and reason. What's the point of that kind of marriage? She gritted her teeth angrily.You are making fun of me again! forget it!We Mai people may be born irrational. Don't talk nonsense, Reeve, I mean it, I don't believe you can't change your destiny. He glanced at her gratefully.Do you really think I can break our family's destiny? If you really want to, I believe you can. It's really interesting, who would have thought that members of the He family would also have dreams? All right!What are your plans for the future? this!He said slowly.I find it good to be in the religious business. Be serious!You have a bright future, don't waste your youth.Think about what you want, then make a plan, and then work toward your goals. Don't you think I already have a purpose? Getting out of jail is certainly a short-term goal, but definitely not enough for a long-range goal.Riff, you know that's not enough. maybe!But that's all I can think of right now.He looked down at his watch.You should go back. She also looked down at her watch.God!It's past one o'clock!It's at least half an hour's walk to get home, so I should go. He jumped off the rock.I will accompany you back. Don't bother. no.My surname is Mai, your surname is He. so what? If something happens to you on the way home, they'll blame me. She smiled.Maybe you'll be in jail? right.Then I can't even achieve this small goal. There are no street lights on this road at all, only the sound of waves and darkness around.She knew there were many houses nearby, but she couldn't see anything at the moment. Her family's summer house was nearly two kilometers away, and her great-aunt's big house, Zhumeng Garden, was even further away. It's really a long way to go. She looked back at the well-lit parking lot.This parking lot belongs to the Eclipse Bay Policy Research Center and was recently completed, next to Chamberlain University. My parents are in the guild hall of the research center tonight, and she said nothing.They were at Sandriver's party. Who's running for state legislature? right.She was a little surprised he had noticed Sandriver's election, he wasn't the type to pay attention to politics.Depending on the situation, they will be late, and maybe I will get home before my parents. Good luck, right?That way, you don't have to explain to them why you're with me and not that jerk. She gave him a surprised look.I'll still tell them about tonight tomorrow morning. He patted his forehead exaggeratedly.I forgot again, I was with Miss Honest.Of course you'll let your parents know that you're spending tonight at the beach with me. She was startled and stopped suddenly.I didn't spend a night at the seaside with you, Myrif.If you dare to tell your friends that I spent the night with you, I will definitely sue you! Don't worry, he said softly.I have no intention of announcing this to the whole town. This is the best.She clutched her purse tightly and began to walk quickly.The sooner she gets home the better. Rafe rushed to her side again.She has walked this road countless times, but never at such a late hour.Although there are few crimes in Eclipse Bay, it is a season full of tourists, so you can't be careless.She was very happy that someone was with her at this time, which made her feel relieved. Half an hour later, they finally reached the driveway of the He Family Summer House.River accompanied her to the yard and stopped. I'll take you here, he said.Good night, Anna. She took a step and stopped.Her heart was struggling that she should not have romantic thoughts about Merif.He was the most disreputable young man in town, and there could be no future between them. Thank you for taking me home.she said. You're welcome.Anyway, I have nothing to do tonight.Under the dim light of the yard, his eyes were like a lake of water.Hope your five year plan goes well. She touched his sleeve impulsively.Think about your own plans, Reeve, and don't waste your youth. He grinned, and suddenly stepped forward to peck her mouth.A man has to make the most of what he is good at, and what I'm good at is wasting my life. She was overwhelmed by the light kiss, and immediately blushed.To hide her feelings, she turned her head hastily and rushed up the stairs. She stopped at the door to look for the key, only to find her hands shaking as she opened it.After entering the house, she looked back and saw that Reeve was still standing there looking at her. She raised her hand to wave goodbye to him, and then hurriedly closed the door. The next morning, she woke up to a slight noise and opened her eyes to find a thick fog outside the window. In late summer and early autumn, mornings here are often filled with dense fog.By noon, the fog dissipated.If you are lucky, the sun is not covered by thick clouds, and the temperature at noon is still quite warm.Moon Eclipse Bay is not a place where the sun shines brightly, and no one expects to sunbathe here and get tanned.Tourists who come here like to walk on the cliffs and overlook the vast ocean. The voice downstairs was getting louder, and her parents were talking to someone in the kitchen.a man.She couldn't make out the man's voice, but their tone was tense and serious. She listened to their conversation, and the more she listened, the more curious she became.Who is visiting so early in the morning?Then, she heard a name: Merif. Oh no! She immediately lifted the quilt and jumped up, hurriedly put on her clothes, combed her hair casually, and walked downstairs quickly. She recognized at a glance who was speaking to her parents. Sergeant Ye. Good morning, Anna.Ye Feier nodded to her.Ever since Anna could remember, Ye Feier was the only law enforcement officer in the town, but it was his first visit to the He family. She deliberately showed a bright smile to hide the uneasiness in her heart, then looked at her parents and waited for their explanation.From the expressions on their faces, she already knew something serious had happened. Her mother, He Ailian, who usually wore a charming smile, was now tense.Father Nathan also had a straight face.Anna is beginning to sense the seriousness of the situation. What happened?Her eager tone made her father frown. I was just about to go upstairs and wake you up, dear.Eileen said calmly.Sergeant Ye brings bad news. Suddenly, Anna saw the scene of Reeve's body lying on the shore.His journey home last night was much further than hers. She couldn't help gripping the back of a chair nervously.What happened? They found Shakeline's body in Hyden Bay this morning.her father said gravely. God!Well, not Riff.She sat down with a sigh of relief.Suddenly, she remembered the name again.Sha Kaelin? It looked like it fell into the sea by accident.Sergeant Ye said.But I must ask you a few questions. His tone made Anna nervous.Reeve was fine, but his girlfriend died.You don't need to ask too much to know why Sergeant Ye came here.Her brother had told her that when a woman died of unknown causes, the police usually thought of her boyfriend or husband first. Nathan frowned at her.Anna, there are still some doubts about this matter.Phil said that Shakaline was on a date with Merif last night, but Reeve told the sheriff that he was with you when Shakaline died. We've told Phil that's impossible.Eileen said hurriedly.You were with Debarry, a nice young man at Chamberlain University last night. Sergeant Ye cleared his throat.I spoke to Mr Di and he denied it. Nathan glared at Inspector Ye unhappily.We also told him that even if you weren't with Debarry, you couldn't be with Merif. I know that the Mai family and the He family do not communicate.Sergeant Ye said in a muffled voice.But, Reeve swears he's with Ana, I've got to check. Anna finally understood what was going on.You just said that Sha Kaelin's death was accidental, but you still have doubts, don't you? She probably didn't commit suicide, Sergeant Ye held the coffee cup in his hand.The girl has always been optimistic and lively. Eileen frowned.Her family background is not good, but I have never heard anyone say that she will commit suicide. Sergeant Ye took a sip of coffee.There is another possibility. Everyone looked at him expectantly. Maybe because of a quarrel. God!Eileen said in a low voice.You mean, she might have been thrown overboard? Anna asked calmly: Wait.Do you think it was Merif who killed Shakaline? Maybe it was an accident, Sergeant Ye said.But it could also have been a quarrel. Why would Reeve do this? Heard he was upset that she was dating another man.Sergeant Ye said. yes, but Nathan looked at her.Honey, Reeve wants to use you as his alibi.I'm very upset that he dragged you into the water, I'll deal with that later. dad, listen to me Now, you just need to tell Sergeant Ye where you were between midnight and two o'clock in the morning last night. Ana was prepared that they would panic.I'm with Merif. Three days later, Sha Kailin's cause of death was determined to be accidental.However, the rumors did not end so quickly.The news that Anna was with Reeve on the night of Shakalyn's death spread all over the town immediately, and few people believed that they were just chatting among ordinary friends. There's only one person who's excited about Anna and Reeve spending two hours together by the sea in the moonlight.That is Anna's great-aunt He Yisha. Eighty-three-year-old He Yisha is the only romantic member of the He family.She is a retired English literature teacher who lives alone in the three-story house her father left her because she has been single. Many years ago, when Hersoulie and Mami joined forces to form Mai's and He's Enterprises, Isa was the sponsor of the investment.And Isa's biggest regret in this life is that the company of Solly and Mitch broke up, and the friendship between the two was also destroyed.Therefore, she has always dreamed that one day she can resolve the knot between the two parties and restore the friendship between the two families. Anna likes her great-aunt very much, and she knows that her parents have been trying hard to persuade Isa to sell Zhumengyuan and move to Portland to live with them, but Isa refused. On the fourth day after Sha Kailin's death, Yisha went to He's house to sit and chat with Ailian in the kitchen. So romantic!Although Ailian looked distressed, Isa said happily.Their story is like Romeo and Juliet. Nonsense!Eileen said angrily. That's right!Anna walked in from the door and said.We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, it was a tragedy. But it would be Romeo and Juliet with a comedic ending.Isa said in disbelief.A big comedy to dissolve the hatred between two families. Eileen rolled her eyes.Isa, it's Solly and Mitch who have a heart-to-heart relationship, and the others just don't get along with each other.Moreover, Merev has no interest in such a good girl as Anna. Thanks, Mom.Anna went over and poured herself a cup of coffee.Why don't you just say I'm a boring girl? Eileen glared at her disapprovingly.You know I don't mean that. I know, mom.Anna made a face.But, you're right, Reeve's not interested in me, I'm not his type. Isa's blue eyes suddenly lit up.Why did you say that? Anna smiled awkwardly.Rafe thinks I'm a model good girl. What do you think of him?Isa followed closely and asked. I feel like he's wasting his life.I also told him the truth.We met that day at the beach, and the only thing we had in common was that we both had to walk home because of a bad date.Believe me, it never occurred to him to try to impress me. It was a pity that almost no one in town believed that they had nothing to do with each other.Eileen said with a sullen face.I heard that Sha Kailin's brother thought even more outrageously.He thinks Reeve deliberately seduces you after pushing Kailin into the sea, so that you are willing to help him lie to cover up. Isa's eyes lit up again.he won't really No.Anna said nervously.Like I said, we were just chatting. Eileen shook her head.I believe in you, honey.I also believe that Reeve wasn't there when Karin died.I just hope his alibi is someone else.I'm really afraid that this fictional romance will be talked about endlessly. Come to think of it, it was kind of weird too.The next day, Mina said to Anna while sitting in Baixue Café.Neither you nor I could ever have imagined that we'd be sitting on the beach for two hours with a guy like Merif. Anna looked at her friend with a burger in her hand.Mina has already entered Chamberlain University and plans to teach literature courses after graduation.Now, she's dressed like a philosopher: a long black dress, black top, black coat, black shoes, thin-rimmed glasses, and long, shoulder-length brown hair tied neatly behind her head. I admit this is an unusual situation, said Anna, taking a bite of her burger.It's just a coincidence!It's not all Debarry's fault. Mina made a face.However, your mother thinks that he is a good and motivated young man. He is very motivated. But not a good person? He is gentle and smart.Anna thought of the entanglement in the car that day, and couldn't help shivering with fear.But not nice people. Mina looked into the coffee shop, satisfied that the seats next to her were empty and no one would overhear their conversation.But she still lowered her voice and asked: What happened between you and Merif? No!Like I said, we were just chatting. Mina showed a disappointed expression.that's all?real? Anna couldn't help but think of Reeve's parting kiss.Really do not have. Mina leaned back in her chair in disappointment.What a pity! Do you feel sorry? certainly.Smart, well-bred women like us know not to marry a man like Merif.Still, it's nice to play around with them. But in a place as small as Eclipse Bay, you're sure to get yourself notorious.Believe me, I'm here.Two hours at the beach with MyRaeff had already shattered my image of a good girl in an instant. At least, you were happy then. The day Reeve left Eclipse Bay, he called Anna.Ana happened to be alone at home, and when she heard his voice, it seemed to her that he knew her parents were out. I owe you a favor.He cut to the chase and said. You don't owe me anything.His voice on the phone was as sexy as it had been that night at the beach, and she couldn't help but clutch the phone nervously.I'm just telling the truth. Is everything taken for granted in your eyes?Everything in the world is black and white, right and wrong? This thing is so simple. You don't mind if everyone in town thinks we didn't just hold hands that night? She said helplessly: You never held my hand at all. The other party was silent for a moment.She wondered if he was thinking about the little kiss he had given inadvertently before parting, because that was what she was thinking about. Anyway, I still owe you a favor. Forget it, don't worry about it, to be honest, I still owe you a favor! How to say? I'm no longer the boring guy in town. He fell silent again.You are anything but boring. She didn't know how to answer for a moment.So she just played with the phone line in silence, which was her habit when she was overwhelmed. Anna? What's up? I was telling the truth that night.I sincerely wish your five-year plan goes well, hope your wishes come true, and your career success.He paused, then continued: I hope you will find your Prince Charming. She felt his tone was quite sincere. River? how? What I said that night was also sincere, create your future well.