mtlumby2d Chapter 249 Flowers Bloom in the South of the City, Time to Return 20
Chapter 249 Flowers Bloom in the South of the City, Time to Return 20
Moonlight seeped in through the gaps in the curtains, drawing a silvery-white stripe on the floor, clear and crisp, like frost.
Shen Shuwan lay on her side on the bed, staring blankly at the shadow for a while.
In the late autumn of the port city, the air carried a dry and chilly feel.
During the day, the sunlight feels warm, but as night deepens, a chill creeps in.
Unconsciously, I snuggled deeper into the fluffy comforter, my cheeks sinking into the soft pillow, and gently rubbed against it—it was so soft.
Having huddled in the storage cubicle kindly provided by the restaurant owner for over a year, she had almost forgotten the sense of security that came from sinking in yet providing just the right amount of support.
After lying quietly for a while, the undeniable dryness in my mouth became even more pronounced.
Licking her lips, Shen Shuwan resignedly got up between getting up to pour water and going to bed.
It's all because I ate too much at night.
Chef Wang's skills are truly exceptional. That bowl of wonton noodles, paired with his carefully prepared shrimp roe sauce, was perfectly balanced in its savory and rich flavor.
She couldn't resist adding a few more spoonfuls, and now she was incredibly thirsty.
As I pulled back the covers, my body instinctively flinched slightly upon touching the cool air.
Even without the lights on, my eyes adjusted to the darkness and I could make out the general outline.
Three days ago, she still chose to accept Mr. Huo's proposal.
After all, compared to the troubles at hand, the unknown has yet to come.
As for the future?
Let your future self worry about it.
Of course, who knows, she might be able to stay safely until the port reopens.
After all, Mr. Fok, who controls most of the shops and ports in Hong Kong, shouldn't be in danger again in just a few months, and shouldn't he be able to endanger his "savior"?
In short, Shen Shuwan moved into the Huo residence with all her possessions (a lunchbox and six silver dollars and eighty-five cents).
Once inside, she surprisingly and quickly let down her guard.
During these days of wandering and struggling to survive, vigilance has become an instinct ingrained in my bones.
But as she stepped into this secluded mansion, a strange sense of relaxation quietly enveloped her.
Perhaps it's this bed that makes you want to sink into it.
Or perhaps it was because, like Uncle Liu in the family, her housekeeper, Uncle Fu, always looked at her with a kind face.
Or perhaps it's Chef Wang's skillful hands, just like Aunt Qian's, that can always transform ordinary ingredients into exquisite delicacies.
In short, it reminded her of home again.
Shen Shuwan smiled silently, casually put on the knitted cardigan draped at the foot of the bed, and quietly pushed open the door.
The wall lights in the corridor were deliberately turned down to the lowest setting, casting a hazy, warm yellow glow.
The stairs beneath your feet are made of a single piece of South Sea teak, and you can barely hear your footsteps when you step on them.
Although Uncle Fu had gently instructed her on the first day she arrived that she should ring the bell if needed.
But since we're under someone else's roof, it's best to avoid disturbing them.
The kitchen is at the far end of the east wing.
She walked through the spacious main hall, which seemed particularly empty due to the night, her gaze habitually sweeping over the huge velvet sofa by the window—
My breath caught in my throat.
There is someone on the sofa.
Her expensive coat was casually placed to the side, her clothes were loose, and a glimpse of her collarbone was visible.
His sleeves were casually rolled up to his forearms, and one hand rested lazily on the armrest. A point of scarlet light flickered between his fingers, and wisps of smoke rose, outlining an eerie shape in the cold moonlight.
His other hand rested on his knee, as if he were playing with a gun.
The dark, metallic gun barrel gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the dim light.
Shen Shuwan's feet were rooted to the spot.
The figure moved, turning its face to the side. The moonlight shone just over the high bridge of the nose and the clearly defined jawline, illuminating half of the face hidden in shadow.
His eyes were still hazy with intoxication, as if covered by a thin mist, yet deep within them gleamed sharp shards of ice.
It’s Huo Xingzhou.
"...Miss Shen?"
His voice wasn't loud, and it carried a hint of husky languor from the alcohol, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a still, cold pool, suddenly breaking the silence of the room.
He didn't raise the gun; he merely lifted his eyelids slightly, his gaze piercing through the dim air and precisely capturing her.
Shen Shuwan felt her throat become even drier, as if frozen by the moonlight.
“It’s me,” she said, her fingertips unconsciously curling into her cardigan sleeves. She heard her own voice, which was fairly steady. “Mr. Huo.”
Huo Xingzhou did not respond immediately, but slowly and deeply took a drag of his cigarette. The red light suddenly brightened, illuminating the corners of his narrow eyes.
Immediately, white smoke escaped from his lips, slowly swirling and spreading in the cold air.
“At this hour,” he began, each word tinged with the chill of the night, “Miss Shen isn’t sleeping, but has come to the living room… for a walk?”
Not really liking the smell of smoke, Shen Shuwan unconsciously frowned and said honestly, "I'm a little thirsty, so I came down to find some water."
"Why didn't you ring the bell? Didn't Uncle Fu tell you?" Huo Xingzhou paused, his hand holding the cigarette paused, and the cigarette he was about to bring to his lips turned away and was stubbed out in the crystal ashtray next to him.
However, the movement caused the robe to loosen slightly.
Shen Shuwan awkwardly looked away and pointed towards the kitchen: "I already said it's getting late and I don't want to bother them, so I'll go to the kitchen first?"
"and many more."
She stopped in her tracks.
“Together,” Huo Xingzhou stood up and stood beside her, his tone casual as if discussing the weather, “I’m thirsty too.”
The kitchen was spacious and clean, as meticulous as a museum.
Huo Xingzhou walked straight to the huge double-door refrigerator, took out a glass water pitcher, and poured two full glasses of water.
As he handed her the cup, his fingertips inadvertently brushed against the back of her hand.
It feels scalding hot to the touch.
"Mr. Huo just got back from a business dinner?" Shen Shuwan held the cool glass, taking small sips. The water soothed her parched throat, relieving her discomfort.
"Hmm." He leaned against the gleaming marble countertop and tilted his head back to drink water.
The neck stretched out with clean lines, and the Adam's apple bobbed up and down with each swallow.
The cool moonlight mingled with the warm yellow light from the corner of the kitchen, casting interplay of light and shadow on him. "Taking care of some chores."
Shen Shuwan had no intention of asking further questions, after all, the "trivial matters" of the Huo family's huge business were not something she, a temporary resident, should dabble in.
Although the Huo residence is nice, it's unclear when she will be able to leave.
As if seeing through her thoughts, Huo Xingzhou suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, "Three weeks from now, the sea ban will be officially lifted. At that time, you can go wherever you want by taking the Huo family's ship."
"That's wonderful!" The invisible pressure from before seemed to melt away instantly, and genuine joy shone in Shen Shuwan's eyes. Her voice also became lighter. "Thank you so much, Mr. Huo!"
However, traveling on the Huo family's ship...
Shen Shuwan unconsciously curled her fingertips, her heart still tightening as she thought of her terrible experience on the boat last time.
Hesitation lingered on his lips for only a moment before being overwhelmed by the eagerness to return home.
She looked up, her voice soft yet clear: "I want to go to Haishi, is that alright? I'll pay you back for the boat ticket when we get there."
"No need." Huo Xingzhou put down his water glass, the bottom of which collided with the table, making a crisp "clink" sound that was particularly clear in the silence.
He raised the corners of his lips slightly, a faint smile flashing in his eyes, and said in a low voice, "My life is worth far more than a boat ticket."