Xu Si paused. She had originally intended to explain the recent situation to him, but the words died on her lips. He was going to Germany for an exam; if he heard about this, he wouldn’t be willing to leave. It wasn’t that she was being overly confident; she simply knew the young man’s heart too well. She couldn’t quite describe the feeling, but deep down, Pei Zhen undoubtedly saw her as soone dependable and very important.
This calamity had shattered their tranquil life. Xu Si, however, wore a smile as she earnestly told lies that sounded partly true, partly false. Her voice showed no trace of the impending storm; instead, it held an almost eerie calmness.
"Because I’ll be going back soon too. The reasons I’ve stayed are because the company is very busy, and also because of you. If you decide to stay in Germany, then I won’t have to worry about you being alone on Hong Kong Island anymore. This is a good thing for both of us."
Her reasoning was sound and convincing. She was adept at swaying people’s hearts and knew the young man wouldn’t want to cause her too much trouble. Persuading him was easy.
Hearing her say she stayed because of him, Pei Zhen paused. A smile touched the corners of his lips, his eyes curving like crescents. After a mont of thought, he finally nodded. "Okay, as long as it’s what Auntie wishes, I’ll go."
"Such an obedient boy." Xu Si’s fair, slender fingers tapped on the tabletop. After a brief thought, she said, "I’ll be very busy during this period, so let Sister Jiaojiao take you. After you finish your exams, I’ll co pick you up."
"Okay."
Pei Zhen’s eyes were smiling, but there was a hint of reluctance in them.
Perhaps it was the confirmation of their impending separation—even though it would be brief—but it was enough to make the air in the room feel heavy.
Xu Si sighed inwardly. After all, they hadn’t been separated for two years.
The year they t, both their lives had been struck by major upheavals. They had found companionship in each other and journeyed together since then.
She felt reluctant too. But I suspect that group of people is already watching my every move, never taking their eyes off . Only Wen Jiaojiao, who is far away overseas, is beyond their control and the person I trust the most. Pei Zhen has t her too, so it’s most suitable for her to help escort him.
An oil lamp cast a steady glow in the study. Pei Zhen, seemingly rembering sothing, excused himself and left.
Watching his figure disappear down the corridor, Xu Si picked up the pitch-black telephone. It took her a long ti to finally reach Wen Jiaojiao. While the night was still young, she explained the situation.
Wen Jiaojiao agreed without a second thought, promising to return as quickly as possible.
Xu Si said playfully, "Thanks, Jiaojiao."
Wen Jiaojiao, frantic with worry, spoke with uncharacteristic bluntness, "What rubbish are you talking! Back when I was bullied, weren’t you always the one who shielded and took the hits? This is just a small favor. Wait for , I’m coming back."
Xu Si held the phone. She wanted to say more, but all she heard was the dial tone of the disconnected call.
Wen Jiaojiao seldom hung up on her calls, unless she was really in a hurry.
She understood her friend’s deep affection. In my previous life, in the days imdiately following my father’s death, Wen Jiaojiao hadn’t dared to call on many late nights. She only dared to leave ssages, asking if I was struggling, if I was exhausted. The one ti I called her back, Wen Jiaojiao answered, and the next second, she burst into tears, crying her heart out. It was only then I realized Wen Jiaojiao had always left ssages because she was afraid her own crying would make cry as well. Wen Jiaojiao genuinely cared about .
Xu Si sat in the plush chair. Even the dim light felt harsh to her eyes, prompting her to close them.
Yet, she heard a faint CLICK. It ca from the direction of the terrace, mingled with the sound of two people whispering. If the study hadn’t been so quiet, she might have missed it entirely.
"Young Master Pei, didn’t you dislike taking photos?"
"Miss will likely agree; she used to enjoy photography too."
"It’s no trouble at all, Young Master. It’s what I should do."
Xu Si opened her eyes. She smoothed her long hair, looking at her reflection in the glass front of the bookshelf, then opened the study door and slowly descended the stairs to the spacious, brightly lit reception hall.
Butler Ge stood there, a soft white cloth in hand, carefully wiping down a vintage cara.
Pei Zhen adjusted the cufflinks on his white shirt. Tall and straight, he cradled a bouquet of freshly picked Blue Wind Chis from the garden—similar to, yet not quite the sa as, those displayed at the charity event years ago.
Due to the rainy weather, a white mist swirled around the decorative lights in the courtyard.
He stood by the window, his grey eyes matching the color of the dense fog, tinged with an additional layer of lancholy.
He heard footsteps. Looking up, he saw Xu Si leaning against the doorfra. He looked montarily startled, then his finely shaped lips parted slightly, revealing a brilliant and captivating smile.
"Auntie."
He was like a once-guarded moon, now unveiled and hanging unobstructed in the dark night sky.
Xu Si had been struck by such smiles several tis before, yet even now, she couldn’t help but be montarily captivated by its brilliance.
She walked up to the cara, bent down to look at it, then said to Pei Zhen, "Do you want to take a picture with ?"
So she had heard everything.
The corners of Pei Zhen’s eyes lifted slightly. He didn’t deny it, instead asking gently, "May I? I’d like a photo of myself with Auntie."
Or perhaps, she thought, he’s using the excuse of our parting to ask for a photo he’s wanted for a long ti.
Xu Si rarely refused Pei Zhen’s requests. They were so few they could be counted on one hand, always reasonable and simple, never causing any awkwardness.
This ti was no different. Xu Si agreed. To ensure the photo turned out well, she asked a servant for a mirror and applied a light coat of lipstick.
Then she stood in front of the cara and said to Pei Zhen, "Co on, stand beside ."
Pei Zhen obediently walked over, his gaze fixed intently on the cara lens. He was already very tall, and it seed he had grown a few more centiters in just a short ti. His proportions were excellent too. The sowhat mature suit didn’t look out of place on his youthful fra; instead, it gave him a distinct, dashing handsoness.
The villa quieted down, and the servants ceased their chatter.
Only Butler Ge asked, "Miss, Young Master, are you ready?"
Xu Si nodded. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but she sensed the young man beside her was very nervous, his body stiff and tense.
She chuckled softly, slipping her arm through his sturdy one. "Azhen," she reminded him gently, "you should smile. You look exceptionally handso when you do."
Hearing her words, the young man controlled his expression perfectly. His features were distinct and well-defined, and a remarkably beautiful and dazzling smile curved his lips.
A CLICK echoed in the air. The cara froze that mont perfectly.
In the warm, brightly lit, yet dark-thed luxurious mansion, a beautiful, radiant woman stood arm-in-arm with an exquisitely handso young man, both their faces adorned with brilliant, dazzling smiles.
They resembled a pair of handso and bewitching vampires dwelling in a mysterious ancient castle.
Everyone forgot it was nightti. They ignored the dense fog behind them, a fog that seed to devour all things as it continued to spread.
Xu Si asked Butler Ge to have the photo developed as soon as possible.
That evening, the corners of Pei Zhen’s mouth remained curved upwards. It was just one photograph, yet it made him feel as if he had acquired an incredible treasure.
Subconsciously, Xu Si wished that such a smile could last longer. She asked, "Do you rember all those wishes you’ve saved up with ? Want to use one? For instance, I could buy you a villa in Germany to live in while you study?"
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