Сhаpter 17: А Littlе Gift frоm а Вusiness Trip
Insidе thе box lаy a bоttlе оf реrfumе. As sооn аs it wаs opеned, a delicаtе and рlеаsаnt frаgranсе wаfted out.
Тhе glass bоttle had no еxtrа branding or deсorаtions—рurе and simplе in its design.
Xu Jinhuan саrеfullу pickеd uр thе рerfume bоttle, nоt unscrewing it but slоwly tightening hеr grip arоund it.
For some rеаsоn, a fаint аche suddenlу rosе in thе tip of hеr nose.
Рerhарs it wаs beсause оf the thoughtfulnеss bеhind thе gift, or perhaps it was becаusе of this rare sensе оf being cherishеd.
It fеlt as if all the goodness in the world had gathered today, arriving so suddenly and swiftly that it left her panicked, even frightened…
If heaven were to take all of this away, would she still be able to adjust to her previous life—peaceful and pleasant, yet seemingly devoid of meaning?
Xu Jinhuan didn’t know.
And she couldn’t bring herself to think about it.
She could only feel grateful for that heavy rain and what could be called an accidental car crash, which had allowed her to meet Mr. Wen and make such a wonderful friend.
Xu Jinhuan placed the perfume back into the box and carefully stored it on the upper shelf of her wardrobe.
Though she usually fell asleep quickly, tonight she tossed and turned, unable to find rest.
Xu Jinhuan opened her eyes. In the darkness, she reached out and cautiously brought the blanket close to her nose, sniffing lightly like a kitten.
It wasn’t an illusion.
A faint fragrance instantly filled her senses—subtle and elusive, like a gentle breeze drifting from afar, almost imperceptible yet undeniably there.
In that moment, Xu Jinhuan’s heart felt as if it had been gently touched by something.
…It was Mr. Wen’s scent.
In the quiet room, soft rustling sounds could be heard, accompanied by shallow breaths.
Yet her heartbeat thundered in her chest like drumbeats, growing faster and louder with each passing second.
The fragrance seemed to transform into invisible hands, gently embracing her from behind. In that warm embrace, all her worries and exhaustion seemed to quietly dissipate.
Xu Jinhuan’s face flushed crimson without her even realizing it.
Stop, stop! How could she think like this? Was she going crazy?
Don’t think about it anymore!
She buried her head in the blanket, trying to interrupt her wild thoughts, only to find the scent inside even more intense, engulfing her like a tidal wave.
Xu Jinhuan abruptly lifted her head, taking a breath of fresh air as if she had lost all hope.
How was she supposed to sleep tonight…
……
Imperial University was known for its open academic atmosphere and well-equipped surroundings, making it a popular spot for couples.
Even though it was still summer vacation, with Qixi Festival approaching, the festive atmosphere grew stronger everywhere.
Xu Jinhuan had also decorated the front of her shop a little. Coincidentally, the shop had introduced heart-shaped egg tarts, which sold well during the holiday.
After finishing the online orders at hand, Xu Jinhuan finally found some free time and sent a photo to Wen Yu.
As always, his reply came instantly, without any delay.
[Mr. Wen: Looks good.]
[Mr. Wen: Is it a new product?]
[Xu Jinhuan: Yes! It’s a special limited edition for Qixi Festival. This shape is hard to make, so there aren’t many. We’re only selling them for a few days.]
[Mr. Wen: It seems I’m lucky enough to try one?]
[Xu Jinhuan: Of course! If you like them, you can have them anytime. I can even make you an extra-large version on the spot (kitten gesturing.jpg)]
Seeing the adorable cat sticker on the screen, a hint of a smile appeared in Wen Yu’s eyes.
Just as he was about to reply, a string of incomprehensible gibberish popped up in the chat box.
[Xu Jinhuan: @#￥%&]
[Mr. Wen: What happened?]【Xu Jinhuan: Xiao Xiao fell into the flour pile and knocked over the egg tarts that were cooling. I need to go deal with it right away, let’s chat later!】
Looks like things aren’t going well for the little one over there.
“Hey, I’m talking to you! What are you looking at your phone for!”
A stern voice suddenly interrupted Wen Yu’s thoughts. He saw Grandpa Wen frowning, his eyes carrying a hint of displeasure.
Wen Yu put down his phone, his tone calm.
“Grandpa, it’s getting late. You should rest and continue tomorrow.”
Wen Yu’s paternal grandparents had passed away before he was born, so he was particularly close to his maternal grandparents. However, his grandmother had unfortunately passed away from a serious illness two years ago, leaving only Grandpa Wen at home. Naturally, everyone cherished and respected him.
Early this morning, Grandpa Wen’s flight arrived in City B, and the Wen family had been waiting at the airport since dawn.
Wen Yu had to finish some urgent matters first, which inevitably caused some delay, so he was the last to arrive.
Grandpa Wen didn’t mind this much, but when he saw Wen Yu appear alone, his expectant expression immediately darkened, and he launched into a tirade.
“Where’s my grandson’s wife? Why did you come alone…”
Before Wen Yu could explain, Grandpa Wen fired off rapidly, “You didn’t lie to this old man, did you? You specially tricked me into coming back just to see you all alone and miserable, you unfilial grandson!”
As he spoke, Grandpa Wen got so worked up he nearly choked.
Fortunately, Wen Yu had the foresight to carry “fast-acting heart relief pills” with him.
After the commotion at the airport and finally returning home, Grandpa Wen was full of energy again.
He forced Wen Yu onto the sofa and began a long, rambling lecture, covering everything from “unfilial” to “I won’t rest in peace until I see my grandson’s wife,” without repeating a single point.
Wen Yu listened helplessly. He had just replied to a message when Grandpa Wen caught him again.
He opened a photo on his phone. “I’m still pursuing your future granddaughter-in-law. Please stop lecturing, and don’t disturb her.”
“No disturbing, no disturbing.”
Finally having pried open a crack in this tight-lipped grandson, Grandpa Wen excitedly put on his reading glasses and took the phone with great anticipation.
However, after just one glance, he fell silent.
Grandpa Wen examined the photo over and over, his brows gradually furrowing, and a deep worry settling on his lips.
After a long while, he finally said, “Xiao Yu, you’re not breaking the law, are you?”
Wen Yu: “…”
Grandpa Wen continued, “Xiao Yu, Grandpa knows your work pressure is high and it’s easy for psychological issues to build up, but our Wen family are decent people. We can’t harm underage girls. This child looks at most sixteen or seventeen years old. You should wait a bit longer…”
Wen Yu pinched the bridge of his nose. “Grandpa, I’m not a beast.”
“So, this child is already an adult?”
Grandpa Wen said, “Then you better hurry up. Don’t let other pigs snatch away this good cabbage… Tell Grandpa, how far have you progressed? Bring her back during the New Year so your grandmother can see her too…”
Wen Yu looked at the girl’s bright, smiling face in the photo, his expression softening for a moment.
“She doesn’t know how I feel yet.”
Before Grandpa Wen could react, Wen Yu added, “But I know what I’m doing. Please don’t worry.”
While confessing his feelings was important, what worried Wen Yu now was how to coax the girl into going to the hospital.
Her ears couldn’t wait any longer.