binnovel Chapter 251 Flowers Bloom in the South of the City, Time to Return 22
Chapter 251 Flowers Bloom in the South of the City, Time to Return 22
The next day, Shen Shuwan was awakened by the clear chirping of birds outside the window.
The sky was already bright, and the clear autumn sun shone lazily through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow on the foot of the bed and the quilt.
She curled up in bed, her consciousness slowly returning, fragments of the conversation in the kitchen last night flashing through her mind.
Slowly, she sat up, still wrapped in the blanket, and leaned against the headboard. Her gaze fell on the gold trim, and she stood there for a moment, somewhat dazed.
Last night... it seemed like they said we could leave Hong Kong in three weeks!
Yes, three weeks!
I was exhausted last night, and the shock and joy brought by this news have not yet fully subsided.
Now, in the clear morning light, this realization has settled into my heart with unparalleled clarity and real weight.
That light, almost soaring feeling quietly rose from the bottom of my heart.
Great! I've been looking forward to going home for so long, and finally there's a definite deadline.
Even the steps I took downstairs unconsciously became a bit lighter.
Stepping onto the silent teak stairs, you can almost hear the subtle, joyful echoes in your heart.
When I arrived at the restaurant entrance, my light steps unconsciously slowed down.
Huo Xingzhou is still alive.
In the few days since she moved in, it had been mostly just her, Uncle Fu, or the maid. She thought it would be the same today, and that he would definitely be out handling business early at this hour.
Seeing him now was quite a surprise.
Unlike last night, when he wore a suit and shirt, his features blurred by alcohol and the darkness of the night.
Today, he was wearing a soft light gray cashmere sweater, with a beige cotton shirt casually worn underneath.
A few strands of black hair fell casually over her forehead, and she was bathed in the bright morning light, which made her look less sharp and more relaxed.
However, those memories that had been temporarily diluted by the morning light inexplicably resurfaced, rippling gently across her heart.
Even though he hadn't said anything, seeing him again now made me feel like something was off, and a vague, unsettling feeling crept over me.
Or... should she turn around and leave now, and come down after he leaves?
However, this thought of retreating was quickly defeated by the increasingly clear feeling of hunger in her stomach.
Shen Shuwan had no choice but to quickly put aside her awkwardness and stepped into the restaurant: "Good morning, Mr. Huo."
Huo Xingzhou gently folded the newspaper in his hand, placed it aside, and looked up.
"Good morning," he said, his voice less deep and magnetic than the one he had the night before, sounding clear and steady in the morning light.
She didn't have to wait long; almost as soon as she sat down, the side door was silently pushed open.
Uncle Fu entered with two maids in neat uniforms, carrying gleaming silver trays.
The aroma of the food spread, a blend of the steaming wheat fragrance of pastries, the sweetness of seafood, and the rich aroma of baked oil.
One by one, the dim sum was placed on the table: translucent shrimp dumplings, golden flaky egg tarts, and shumai brimming with crab roe...
The array of items was dazzling, yet well-arranged, with colors that were even pleasing to the eye.
Although this wasn't the first time she had experienced the chef's skills, each meal still brought her a unique and exquisite enjoyment.
Especially the shrimp dumplings, where the bouncy shrimp meat and the soft skin blend together in your mouth.
It's just right for her taste!
Shen Shuwan's eyes unconsciously narrowed slightly, her cheeks puffed out a little, and she chewed with seriousness and focus, even with a touch of childlike tenderness.
Huo Xingzhou picked up his teacup, but his gaze couldn't help but linger on her.
He has also dined at the same table with many people.
Some are overly cautious, some are boastful, and many are affected and pretentious.
It's rare to see someone eat like this... completely absorbed, calmly and freely enjoying the pleasure that food brings.
She really was something; every time they met, she surprised him.
He lowered his eyes, unaware that the corners of his lips had curved upwards in a barely perceptible arc. He simply brought the teacup to his lips and slowly took a sip.
It turns out that watching people eat can inexplicably improve one's mood.
Seeing that she had almost finished using it, Huo Xingzhou finally spoke: "Are you settling in well here?"
Shen Shuwan put down her water glass, looked up and answered seriously, "Everything is very good, much better than before."
Huo Xingzhou nodded slightly: "That's good then."
He paused, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, "If you need anything, or if there's anything you want, don't hesitate to ask."
“Really not,” Shen Shuwan quickly shook her head. “Uncle Fu and the others took very good care of us.”
“If you feel bored staying in the house,” Huo Xingzhou recalled what Uncle Fu had mentioned that morning—that she had spent most of her time quietly in her room these past few days, except for meals—and casually suggested, “You can have Lao Zhong drive you out for a walk. The sky is high and the clouds are light this season, so the scenery is quite nice.”
Shen Shuwan looked at him with some surprise.
She had assumed that "shelter" meant minimizing going out to avoid any unforeseen complications.
His initiative in making this suggestion seemed exceptionally... thoughtful.
However, if she were still the Shen Shuwan who was pampered by her whole family and knew nothing of sorrow, she would probably have been overjoyed upon hearing such a suggestion and would have disappeared without a trace without saying a word.
But after nearly two years of wandering in Shengui, he just wanted to spend the next three weeks in peace and didn't want any more trouble.
It's incredible to think that in just under two years, she has been transformed into such a thoughtful and composed person.
If this had happened two years ago, her uncle would probably have circled her three times, scrutinizing her from head to toe, and then, while marveling at whether his little rascal had been secretly switched, he would have called the whole family to come and see for themselves.
This thought stirred a faint, bittersweet warmth within her, which she quickly suppressed.
Meeting Huo Xingzhou's gaze, she gently shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Huo, but I'll stay in the house."
She paused, as if remembering something, her eyes brightening slightly: "I heard Uncle Fu mention the other day that the house has a rich collection of books. I wonder... if I may borrow one or two for my own amusement?"
Only after asking did she suddenly realize that the study is usually a private place where the homeowner handles affairs and stores important documents, and that asking in this way seemed a bit abrupt.
So she quickly added, her voice softening and tinged with embarrassment: "It's okay if it's inconvenient, I was just... saying it casually."
“There’s nothing inconvenient,” Huo Xingzhou said casually, as if he were telling her where the kitchen was. “The study is on the second floor, on the east side. You can take any of the books there.”
He probably sensed the caution behind her question, so he stood up and said, "Let's go, I'll show you the way."
"Okay... okay, thank you for your help." She stood up as well.