Chapter 74 Time
Xiao Xiao wiped away her tears of laughter, then suddenly remembered something, leaned closer, and asked mysteriously, "Hey, so tell me... did Xie Shiyan... did he believe your story back then? Did Hou Mingyu really touch your face and slap your hand?" She didn't believe Xie Shiyan was so easily fooled.
Jiang Yining picked up her milk glass, took a slow sip, her long eyelashes drooping, concealing the shrewd glint in her eyes. When she looked up again, gazing out the window, a confident yet sweet smile curved her lips, her voice as soft as a feather:
"He... actually knows everything."
Xiao Xiao followed her gaze.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, twilight gently enveloped the old street lined with plane trees. A Maybach, with its sharp lines and all-black body, had silently pulled up to the side of the road.
The rear window was lowered halfway, revealing the man's impeccable profile. He was staring intently at the girl inside the shop, her eyes crinkling with laughter.
Xiao Xiao instantly understood and gasped. No matter how bizarre the story she wove or how much trouble she caused, he would always stand firmly behind her, protecting her and clearing away all obstacles for her.
He silently mouthed "You're awesome" to Jiang Yining.
Jiang Yining's smile grew even brighter, like a kitten that had successfully stolen some cream. She picked up the exquisite "Midsummer Night's Dream" coin, playfully waved it towards the window, and mouthed silently: "I saved this for you."
The man outside the window seemed to soften his cold, stern features for a moment, and nodded almost imperceptibly.
Jiang Yining put down her snacks, gestured to Xiao Xiao that she was leaving, picked up her bag, and walked briskly out the door.
The car door opened automatically as she approached. Jiang Yining, like a bird returning to its nest, carrying the sweet fragrance of desserts, gracefully slipped inside and naturally sat down next to Xie Shiyan.
"Having a good chat?" Xie Shiyan's deep voice sounded, carrying a hint of barely perceptible gentleness.
"Mmm, Xiaoxiao's new product is super delicious." Jiang Yining presented the small box containing "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to him like a treasure, then as if remembering something, her little face scrunched up, "Oops, I ate a bite... but it was just a small bite."
Xie Shiyan ignored the snacks, his gaze fixed on her bright and lively eyes and brows, made especially vivid by her excitement and smile. The fatigue of the day, the heaviness brought by those long meetings, complicated negotiations, and mountains of documents, vanished without a trace the moment she approached, in the sound of her chattering sharing.
He raised his hand, his warm fingertips brushing gently against the corners of her eyes, which were slightly red from laughing, as if brushing away non-existent dust.
"It's alright," he said softly, taking the small box and casually placing it aside, his gaze still fixed on her face. "I'm glad you like it." The car smoothly merged into the evening rush hour traffic.
Time slipped by unnoticed. Half a year had passed since Jiang Yining awoke inside the flower shop girl's body.
The past six months have been a slow, gentle healing process, with time tenderly smoothing over the wounds. Under the meticulous care of Xie Shiyan and Jiang Yining, Xie's mother's health has gradually returned to its former vitality and spirit.
As if trying to make up for lost time, she and Xie's father became "frequent flyers," traveling everywhere with great enthusiasm. From the misty Jiangnan region to the vast northern frontier, each time they returned weary from their journeys, they were always accompanied by heavy packages of local specialties from all over the country, as well as an exquisite gift specially chosen for Jiang Yining.
These gifts, ranging from exquisite handicrafts to expensive jewelry, were dazzling and almost filled a corner of the living room. Looking at these items that carried his parents' love, Xie Shiyan simply waved his hand and turned the three large, empty rooms on the third floor of the villa, which had always been unused and so spacious that you could hear the echo, into Jiang Yining's exclusive "gift exhibition hall".
Jiang Yining rarely sets foot on the third floor, where there is a huge terrace of over 100 square meters, topped with a full glass dome that shelters from the wind and rain, and is bright and warm when the sunlight pours in. The three empty rooms next to the terrace are no longer lonely, gradually being filled with loving gifts, becoming a silent celebration of the Xie family's return of her.
In contrast, the second floor is filled with the warmth of everyday life, featuring four spacious master bedrooms, one of which is their love nest, and another has been converted into a study and studio.
The third room was completely taken over by Jiang Yining's walk-in closet. As her clothes, bags, and shoes accumulated, Xie Shiyan doted on her so much that he had it transformed into a walk-in closet, giving her beauty a place to reside.
However, when Xiao Xiao gave birth to a healthy and adorable baby boy, Jiang Yining went to visit him. Looking at the soft, cuddly little life and listening to his loud cries, a long-dormant string in her heart was gently plucked. A nameless longing for her future family quietly began to grow within her.
Back home, looking at the empty master bedroom on the second floor, an idea became clear. "Shi Yan," she said, taking his hand, her eyes sparkling, "how about we turn that empty room into a children's room?"
Xie Shiyan answered almost without hesitation, his deep eyes filled with indulgent smiles: "Okay." He immediately arranged for designers and workers.
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