Translator: 549690339
Bai Man stood in the corner, unable to come back to her senses for a long time.
The conversation between Zhou Ran and Shen Cexian still lingered in her mind, sentence by sentence, slowly forming fragments.
What did it mean?
So Xu Chaomuâs mother knew Shen Cexian and Zhou Ran? And the relationships were unusual?
And as for what Zhou Ran said, âXu Mengxi was killed by me,â what did that mean?
Bai Man froze, rain hitting her face, of which she was completely unaware.
Slowly, a slight curve formed at the corners of her lips.
The lights in the villa were on all along, and soon, Shen Cexianâs coughing could no longer be heard, everything returning to tranquility.
Wind howled and rain lashed around in all directions, and the waves crashed mightily.
After coming to her senses, Bai Man walked back to her car from the corner.
When she returned to the Shen Family home, she found that Shen Chi had already come back.
Bai Man was somewhat damp, so she went to her own room to take a shower.
She changed into a V-neck white silk nightgown, and just when she was about to lie down to sleep, somehow, her heart yearned deeply for Shen Chi.
Thus, she walked quietly towards Shen Chiâs room, where the light was still on.
âShen Chi⦠Are you asleep?â she knocked on the door.
The villa was very quiet; her voice sounded like the gentle trilling of a Goldmanâs Warbler, extra enchanting at this hour.
Shen Chi had just finished showering and was fastening the buttons of his robe. Hearing Bai Manâs voice, he replied in a deep voice, âWhat is it?â âI just want to see you, to talk to you for a bitâ¦â
âItâs late, whatever it is, we can talk tomorrow. Get some rest early.â
âShen Chi⦠weâre about to get engaged, so why are you still so indifferent towards me? In reality, I donât feel secure at all.â Bai Man stood outside the door, her voice melancholic.
Suddenly, her face darkened and lost its luster, her eyes, lacklustre.
A few seconds of silence passed before the door opened. Shen Chi seemed to sigh, âDonât overthink things.â
Only then did Bai Man look up, assessing the man before her.
Having just bathed, he smelled pleasantly of herbs. The lazy grey robe draped over him accentuated his handsome and unrestrained appearance.
Under the light, that distinct facial contour, the furrowed brow, the tall nose, and those lightly pursed lips⦠Everything about him was utterly captivating to Bai Man.
âCome in and talk.â Shen Chi turned and walked into his room.
Bai Man stood at the doorway, watching his retreating figure, a surge of impulsiveness in her heart.
Little by little, she closed the door behind her and followed him inside. Shen Chiâs room was large, but the interior was decorated in a simple and restrained manner, much like his own character.
Yet as soon as Bai Man entered, she saw a small wooden puppet on the tableâshe had seen it before; it belonged to Xu Chaomu. The last time, just as she was about to take a closer look, Shen Chi had scolded her to put it down.
Now, seeing the puppet again, Bai Man felt uneasy.
Whatâs more, Shen Chi had placed it in a prominent spot, though she wasnât sure if it was intentional.
âSit.â Shen Chi pulled out a chair for Bai Man.
âThank you,â said Bai Man. âShen Chi, when did you come back?â
âI havenât been back long.â
âI called you so many times; I was really worried about you, afraid you would be forced to drink a lot when socializing. You have no idea, the last time you got drunk, seeing you so miserable, I wished I could take on some of that burden for you.â
âIâm sorry to have worried you.â
âSeeing youâre okay now, I feel relieved. But⦠how come you didnât answer my calls?â
âI forgot to charge my phone.â
Bai Man gazed affectionately at Shen Chi. She would say something, and he would reply briefly, and although his face didnât show much expression, Bai Man felt somewhat uncomfortable.
She remembered how he was always laughing and joking with Xu Chaomu; even when they argued fiercely, Bai Man couldnât help but feel envious.
Shen Chi rarely smiled, and if he did, it was merely perfunctory.
In a coupleâs relationship, itâs through frequent arguing and playful teasing that a deep bond is formed. Yet Shen Chi was always quite good to her,
He never argued with her, nor got angry with her.
What kind of goodness was that?
She had once told Xu Chaomu during a chat that Shen Chiâs kindness to her was like a brotherâs to his sister, and his kindness to Bai Man was that of a husband to his wife.
But now, sitting in front of Shen Chi, she no longer had such confidence.
Bai Man stood up, moved closer to him with a coquettish smile, âHow could you forget to charge it again? I should have a word with Xiao Mo. What kind of secretary is he?â
âWhy arenât you sleeping? Itâs late,â Shen Chi said indifferently.
âArenât you also awake? Tired? If not, keep me company and chat for a bit, itâs been a long time since weâve just sat and talked.â
âI have to get up early for the company tomorrow, you should go back and sleep. When I have time, Iâll keep you company.â
âNo way, just talk with me for a little while. Iâve waited for you for a long time, and I didnât eat well at dinner. How could you have the heart to reject me? Shen Chiâ¦â
Bai Man leaned coquettishly against Shen Chiâs chest, her slender and delicate hands slowly sliding to his waist, wrapping around him.
She had also just taken a shower, and her body carried a faint fruity scent, like citrus.
Shen Chi furrowed his brow slightly: âStop it, go back to your room and sleep. You have shooting tomorrow.â
âItâs okay, the tasks arenât heavy these next few days, and besides, no matter how tired I am, I feel energized just seeing you. Do you know I wish I could see you every hour of the dayâ¦â
âShen Chi, when I was little, I would always nag you to talk with me, we were so close back then. Over the years, Iâve felt a growing estrangement between us.â
âItâs my fault for being too busy and neglecting you,â Shen Chi said.
Bai Man shook her head, lifting her lovely oval face, âThe company matters are the most important. As for me, itâs okay. But next time, could you please answer my calls? My heart canât settle down; Iâm afraidâ¦â
Her words were cut short as Shen Chi interrupted her, âYou have nothing to fear, on the eighth of next month, we will get engaged.â
Bai Man finally nodded.
Her hands slowly slid up from Shen Chiâs waist, reaching for the tie of his robe.
âShen Chi, when will you have some free time? Shall we go take wedding photos?â
âYou know I might have to go to South Africa soon.â
âThen⦠Could you accompany me to pick out a wedding dress and gown? Just take a little bit of time, just a little.â
âMhm.â
âThatâs wonderful, with your help, Iâm sure I can pick something satisfying.â
Bai Manâs face was brimming with happiness; she rested on Shen Chiâs chest, the corners of her mouth curling into a full smile.
Outside the window, the rain kept pouring down relentlessly, but the room was warm.
A soft yellow halo shone on Bai Manâs face; she slowly squinted her eyes, looking up at Shen Chiâs chin.
Perhaps it was because he had just showered, but Bai Man grew increasingly fond of the charming scent emanating from Shen Chi.
Especially when she was close to him, she could feel her heart beating wildly.
Gradually, she began to untie his robeâ¦.