Chapter 39 Exclusive Release: Trip to Switzerland (Pure Sweetness...)
Yuan Ning forced herself to put aside all work and stood in the center of the dressing room, where a classic silver Rimowa suitcase lay spread out on the floor.
A slight smile played on her lips as she pondered what she should bring on this trip.
Aside from skiing equipment, Yuan Ning didn't prepare many formal dresses or formal attire.
She chose several cashmere sweaters, mostly cream white or light blue-gray. Just thinking about wearing them in the snow made her feel warm, like a little kitten.
But when she thought about her underwear, Yuan Ning blushed, which was unusual for her.
She couldn't admit what she was thinking, but she packed the entire set of pink lingerie into her suitcase.
Silk, lace, fuzzy...
Some thoughts are like feathers, brushing against the heart, while the fingertips, with their own will, tug at the soft lace bra strap.
Wynne, this is just a piece of ordinary luggage; you need to wear underwear no matter who you're with.
Next, another set, black.
Her cheeks felt like they were being slowly baked by a gentle fire under her skin.
Would Elias prefer a cute kitten or a sexy kitten? She couldn't help but wonder.
"Just in case..." she said to herself, "What if? I can't exactly wear pure cotton underwear, can I?"
Then came the nightgown.
She chose a pale dogwood pink silk spaghetti strap dress. The color was so gentle it was almost shy, and the length was ankle-length; the fabric was the kind that would rub against her skin with every movement.
It was carefully folded and placed in a separate silk bag, like an unopened love letter to the night.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Her gaze swept across the city in the twilight outside the window, but her thoughts had already drifted uncontrollably into the distance.
Regarding fragrance, Yuan Ning abandoned all the scents she used to like; those cool or sweet floral and fruity notes seemed to fall short at this moment.
She remembered how she and Emily used to sit in Parsons' dressing room, trying on new samples and rambling on about the urban legend of "fragrance hunting."
The conversation jumped from brand anecdotes to dating tips, and someone scoffed, "Forget about matching in high-class settings. If you really want to seduce a man, listen to me, just close your eyes and choose something milky. Not the baby kind, but... well, like freshly baked almond shortbread or warm vanilla butter, the kind that makes you want to get close, want to bury yourself in it and take a deep breath."
It makes you want to get closer, to bury yourself in it and take a deep breath...
Instead of searching for those expensive niche perfumes, Yuan Ning went to the bathroom and took out a niche perfume she had bought long ago from the depths of a drawer.
The simple label on the bottle reads: 【Lait de Rêve】
The French translation is "Dream Milk".
When sprayed on the body, it doesn't feel like perfume, but rather like a warm, sweet scent emanating from the skin itself, ambiguously blurring the line between perfume and body odor.
Yuan Ning took a gentle sniff; it silently enveloped her, radiating an almost instinctive, warm attraction.
It will linger in the fibers of the scarf, and remain on the fabric of the suit after you've hugged her.
She wasn't trying to seduce anyone. Yuan Ning thought to herself, she just... wanted to smell warmer and softer, more suitable for the atmosphere by the fireplace on a snowy mountain night. That was all.
She carefully placed the perfume bottle in the innermost layer of her toiletry bag, right next to her hair removal tools.
As she fastened her suitcase, Yuan Ning stood up and looked around her walk-in closet.
This place contains her prudence, her desires, her pretense, as well as her innocence and naivety, her girlish thoughts and romantic fantasies.
Just then, the phone rang, vibrating and buzzing in the quiet walk-in closet.
It's Elias.
The message was brief, as is his style:
"I've arrived. Let's go downstairs."
Yuan Ning was so excited that just a few simple words were enough to make her heart flutter.
An imperative sentence that leaves no room for doubt, carrying his unique, calm sense of control.
She took one last look at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from packing, but her eyes were surprisingly bright, and her lips were more vibrant than usual.
She grabbed a thick white cashmere shawl hanging by the door, wrapped it around herself, pulled her suitcase, and pushed open the apartment door.
As the elevator descended, the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned upwards.
The elevator doors opened with a "ding".
The apartment lobby was warm and bright. Through the huge glass revolving door, she could see the quiet black Bentley in the night outside.
The rear window was lowered halfway.
Elias sat there, looking at her with a gentle expression.
Charles was already standing by the car. When he saw her come out, he nodded slightly and took the suitcase from her.
Good evening, Miss Wynne.
Good evening, Charles.
Charles opened the car door for her with one hand, and Yuan Ning got in.
Elias's scent enveloped her, and Yuan Ning's heart pounded, but she didn't look at him.
But she could feel his gaze slowly sweeping over her cheeks and ears as she sat down.
She pretended not to know and sat there shyly.
How strange! Wynne, who always enjoys teasing boys, actually showed shyness on her face.
Charles drove the car off, and Elias reached out her hand.
Yuan Ning was a little nervous. Was Elias really going to take her hand?
She'll see his family on the private jet soon; will he hold her hand the whole time he boards the plane?
The young girl's thoughts were complicated and detached from reality. Elias was unaware that he was not going to hold her hand; he simply touched the back of her hand lightly with the back of his own.
"Your hands are so cold?"
He touched her briefly, then moved away and turned up the air conditioner vent on her side, directing it towards her.
Throughout the entire journey from her apartment to the airport, Elias didn't say or do anything more to her, but Yuan Ning was constantly enveloped by the car's heater, which remained evenly warm.
She stole a glance at him out of the corner of her eye. He was leaning back in his chair, his eyes closed, as if taking a nap.
Outside the window, light and shadow danced, while inside the car, all was silent. The constant flow of warmth and the silent mingling of our breaths filled the room completely, making it feel airtight.
All unspoken expectations and all shyly unspoken fantasies seemed to find the most fitting place and the gentlest acquiescence during this silent journey enveloped in warm breezes.
Yuan Ning completely relaxed. Since it was a vacation, she shouldn't put any pressure on herself and should just enjoy this short break.
Only after the vehicle smoothly glided into the private terminal's dedicated passageway did he open his eyes and look at her, his expression still expressionless: "Are you warm now?"
Yuan Ning nodded.
She got out of the car with him, and the chilly winter night air made her shiver involuntarily.
The next second, his warm wool coat fell heavily on her shoulders, enveloping her completely.
Seeing her stunned, he chuckled, reached out and put his arm around her shoulder, his large hand and strong arm enveloping her as he led her up the gangway.
The wind howled on the airport platform, whipping her long hair and nearly causing her to lose her footing, but Elias held her tightly, and the two became one in the gale before finally entering the cabin.
After boarding, Yuan Ning saw Dorota, who was already sitting in her seat. Dorota smiled at her and said, "Hello, Ms. Wynne."
Two other familiar maids at the Van der Berg mansion also greeted her: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Wynne."
Yuan Ning was still wearing Elias's coat. For the first time, she felt shy and greeted everyone with a smile: "Hello everyone, I'm so glad you all came along."
Her voice was gentler and sweeter than usual.
But when she looked around, there was no one else on the plane.
Charles told her, "The lady and the viscount's plane will take off a little later; we'll go ahead."
Yuan Ning was somewhat surprised that the family was traveling in two separate planes.
Elias led her to a seat, and this time the two of them sat next to each other.
He explained to her, “They have their own time together. Wynne, have a hot chocolate and then go to sleep.”
The plane began to taxi slowly. Yuan Ning looked out the window again; the dazzling lights of New York City gradually receded and shrank, eventually being replaced by darkness and runway lights. A tremendous sense of acceleration pushed her back as the plane soared into the night sky.
The feeling of weightlessness fascinated her, and at that moment, his hand finally reached out and gently covered the back of her clenched hand.
This private flight from New York to Geneva, Switzerland, will land in the morning light at the foot of the Alps in seven hours and fifteen minutes. This means that when they arrive, it will be around six o'clock in the morning local time.
The long flight was like a piece of amber being extracted from reality.
Ahead lies snow-capped mountains and the unknown, behind lies unfinished troubles.
At this moment, the cabin, suspended in darkness and silence, became a floating island belonging only to the two of them.
She gently moved the hand he was holding, turned her palm over, and intertwined her fingers with his.
Then she slowly fell asleep.
When the plane arrived in Geneva, the cabin lights were gently turned on.
Yuan Ning initially felt her fingers go numb. She opened her eyes groggily and found that she and Elias had been holding hands all night. Then, the first thing that caught her eye was the boundless, fluffy, white sea of clouds outside the window, and at the end of the sea of clouds, the jagged snow-capped peaks of the Alps were bathed in the golden-pink light of the first rays of dawn.
"Have we arrived?" she asked softly, her voice sweet as she had just woken up.
Elias straightened the blanket that had slipped off her and told her, "The plane is descending."
He didn't get up immediately. When he saw her sleepy eyes and faint red marks on her cheeks, a very faint tenderness flashed in his eyes.
He couldn't help but reach out and silently brush his thumb across the corner of her eye. Yuan Ning was unaware that there was a tiny bit of sleep there.
He asked her, "Did you sleep well?"
"Mmm." Yuan Ning nodded. Because she had just woken up, and because of his affectionate gesture, her heart felt like a small ball of honey had melted inside her, sweet and warm.
And what you see as soon as you open your eyes is a magnificent view.
The flight attendant brought over a warm, damp towel and two glasses of refreshing lemon water.
After quickly washing her face, Yuan Ning was led off the plane by Elias.
Next, they will take a helicopter directly to the estate.
To be honest, Yuan Ning started to feel uneasy.
She didn't know her status in arriving here to join Elias's family festival.
However, because she was a very courageous girl, she readily accepted Elias's invitation.
but……
The roar of the helicopter continued in my ears, and below me, the snow-capped mountains and forests grew closer and clearer.
Anxiety and courage are not contradictory, and fear is not at odds with the happiness she feels.
But this is Christmas for the Van der Berg family, and the word "family" carries immense weight.
It signifies the most private blood ties, not casual acquaintances in social settings, but the most ordinary, mundane, and intimate interactions.
When the plane finally landed, and the fairytale-like snow-capped mountain estate came into view, she gripped Elias's hand tightly.
His hands were steady, dry, and conveyed strength.
This anxiety did not diminish her happiness and anticipation; on the contrary, it made that happiness seem even more real and precious.
Because she knew perfectly well that she was taking a risk, stepping into a territory that might not entirely belong to her, or even where she might be ostracized.
Well, she thought, she was an adventurer after all.
The wind and snow subsided, and the sun peeked out.
The helicopter landed on the estate platform. Elias personally wrapped a scarf around her neck and whispered, "This is where I grew up. Welcome to my world, Wynne."
Theodora told them that she would be hosting a tea party in the sunlit glass greenhouse that afternoon, and all family members would be there.
Yuan Ning was first taken to Dorota's room and settled in.
The room is located in the east wing of the manor and has a superb view, facing the continuous snow-capped peaks and a tranquil pine forest.
Dorotha drew back the heavy velvet curtains, letting the clear sunlight after the snow fill the room, and smiled, "Miss Wynne, please rest for a moment and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. If you need anything, please feel free to press the bell."
"Thank you, Dorotha. This room is beautiful."
Dorotha would vacation at the manor with her employers every year, so she knew it very well. She said to Yuan Ning, "Of course, this is almost the best room in the manor, except for the one the Viscount and his family are staying in."
Yuan Ning was somewhat taken aback and couldn't help but ask, "Was this Elias's arrangement?"
Dorotha shook her head: "It was Mrs. Theodora's arrangement, Miss Wynne."
After Dorotha left, she opened her suitcase and began packing her clothes.
In this warm and beautiful corner, her anxiety was somewhat relieved.
After tidying up, she went to the small living room connected to the bedroom. A dark blue gift box and a welcome fruit basket sat on the sofa.
Welcome Wynne to the Van der Berg family's Christmas celebration!
The handwriting on the card wasn't Elias's, but rather a more rounded and elegant italic style. Yuan Ning guessed that this was another of Theodora's arrangements.
Inside the gift box was a champagne-colored silk eye mask embroidered with her name, a perfect gift that perfectly suited a girl's taste, silently conveying the hostess's thoughtfulness and taste.
Yuan Ning picked up the eye mask, gently rubbing it against her cheek. The silky touch made her squint slightly. A complex warmth welled up inside her.
Whether Theodora acted out of politeness or genuine affection, she thought she had been touched by the other woman's wisdom in dealing with people.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, Elias came to her room to take her to the tea party.
She asked him, "Elijas, where is your room?"
"In the main wing. At the end of the corridor, go up the stairs, it's the first room on the left."
Yuan Ning was already dressed. She looked warm and appropriate.
The two walked out of the room side by side and headed down the thickly carpeted corridor.
Along the way, Elias slowly explained to her: "Besides my parents, the tea party also includes my brother, Aunt Elspeth, her husband Uncle Hans, and their two children, Oliver and Clara."
"A younger brother?" Yuan Ning took a deep breath and wrote it down. "How come I've never heard you mention having a younger brother before?"
Elias explained, “He’s much younger than me, studied in England the whole time, and just turned twenty this year. He’s not interested in the family business; his mind is all on art and philosophy.” His tone was flat, suggesting the two brothers weren’t very close. “His name is Linus. He’s… rather quiet.”
"Twenty years old, so he's the same age as me."
Yuan Ning was just saying it casually, but Elias remained silent for a long time.
He concluded by saying, "Well, you two might get along."
As they talked, they reached the end of the corridor. A huge double door, inlaid with stained glass, was open, leading to the sunlit glass greenhouse that Theodora had mentioned.
This is a dreamlike space constructed of steel and glass, where the high dome allows the winter sun to pour down unobstructed, creating a warm, spring-like atmosphere. Giant ferns, blooming winter orchids, and hanging vines contrast sharply yet harmoniously with the pristine white snow outside. The air is filled with the scents of damp earth, flowers, and the rich aroma of black tea.
In the center of the greenhouse, there were comfortable rattan chairs and a small round table covered with a snow-white linen tablecloth, on which exquisite porcelain and silverware glittered in the sunlight.
Most of the people have arrived.
Theodora sat in the main seat, wearing a light purple cashmere dress and a pearl necklace that shone brightly. She was smiling and talking to a young man sitting opposite her.
That must be Linus.
He had blond hair similar to Elias's, but softer and slightly wavy, and wore thin-rimmed glasses, giving him a more calm and scholarly air.
Viscount Arthur stood beside a tall fiddle-leaf fig tree, his back to the door, talking to a slightly plump, smiling middle-aged man (Uncle Hans), holding a cigar in his hand, but not lighting it.
Aunt Elspeth was busy handing a plate of freshly baked scones to two well-dressed teenagers, Oliver and Clara.
The moment Elias and Yuan Ning appeared at the door, all eyes turned to them as if by unspoken agreement.
Yuan Ning's heart raced involuntarily, and she didn't know how to react for a moment.
Theodora was the first to stand up, walked over and gave her a big hug: "Darling, I'm so glad you could join us."
Elias gently put his arm around Yuan Ning's lower back, a subtle yet supportive gesture that led her into the area.
“I’m also very happy to be here, Theodora. Thank you for the invitation.” Yuan Ning’s tone was sincere.
Theodora introduced, "This is Wynne, the new friend I mentioned before who will be spending Christmas with us."
Yuan Ning greeted everyone sweetly, "Hello."
Theodora led everyone to their seats. The tea party officially began.
Yuan Ning was positioned between Elias and Linus.
Aunt Elspeth placed a stack of pastries in front of her: "I heard from Elias that you like this."
Yuan Ning felt flattered and looked up at Elias.
It was a small, delicate lemon tart.
Elias nodded almost imperceptibly.
“Thank you, Aunt Elspeth, this looks wonderful.” Yuan Ning thanked her sincerely, picked up a lemon tart, and took a small bite. The sweet and sour flavors were perfectly balanced, and the tart was crisp and delicate. “It tastes really good, even sweeter than what I had in New York City.”
Linus whispered to her, "Actually, the mechanism of sugar accumulation in citrus fruits in cold climates is very interesting; sunlight and temperature differences are key..."
Aunt Elspeth joked, "Look, our little professor is at it again."
Yuan Ning glanced at Linus, then smiled at him. She secretly touched Elias's hand lightly under the table.
He turned around, grasped her hand firmly, and placed it on his lap.
As the afternoon sun began to cast a soft golden hue, the tea party drew to a close. The group discussed their plans for skiing in the valley the following morning and then dispersed.
Yuan Ning returned to her room and took a bath in front of the floor-to-ceiling window facing the snow view.
Then I received a text message from Elias on my phone.
[Shall I take you down the mountain for a stroll in Gstaad? The main street is bustling with activity on Christmas nights.]
Yuan Ning held her phone, secretly delighted.
She replied:
The kitten understands.
She quickly rinsed off the bubbles, wrapped herself in a soft, thick bathrobe, and, still warm and smelling of shower gel, ran barefoot to the warm floor, heading towards the dressing room.
Dating!
Once again, Elias invited her on a date!
She can't be silly enough to ask someone to take her out for pizza this time.
Step 1: Choose your battle uniform.
Her fingertips flew across the clothes rack. To subtly seduce men, Yuan Ning ultimately chose a soft, form-fitting off-white cashmere turtleneck dress, knee-length, with a simple cut that perfectly accentuated her figure. She layered a hazy blue cashmere shawl over it and paired it with suede ankle boots.
Step Two: Makeup and Fragrance.
Sitting in front of her vanity, she abandoned her light makeup from the daytime. She used a warmer rose gold shimmer for her eyeshadow and chose a trendy frostbite rose lipstick.
Then, she picked up the bottle of Lait de Rêve. She lightly dabbed it behind her ears, on her neck, her collarbone, and even at the roots of her hair. Letting the warm, sweet, almost natural scent envelop her from head to toe, it was her silent invitation.
She walked to the window and lifted a corner of the curtain.
Night had fallen, and the lights of Gstaad at the foot of the distant mountains resembled scattered diamonds, while faint music could be heard carried on the wind.
Elias sent another text message:
I've arrived at your door.
Yuan Ning took one last look at herself in the glasses. Tonight, she was simply a girl, her heart filled with sweetness, invited by a gentleman to stroll through the Christmas market.
She walked to the door, then turned back, took out a pair of soft cashmere gloves from her suitcase, and carefully put them on.
Yuan Ning gently opened the door, and Elias was standing in the doorway.
When his gaze fell on her, his nostrils seemed to twitch very slightly.
The sweet, warm aroma, like almond butter, that lingered around her had clearly invaded his senses.
Deep within his eyes, something seemed to be quietly ignited by this carefully crafted aura, flashing a dark and focused light so fleeting it was almost imperceptible before quickly returning to normal.
Then, he turned slightly to the side, deliberately lowering his voice: "Very punctual, Kitty."
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Author's Note: [shy][shy][shy]
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