Yan Mo casually opened the door and stepped inside, reaching up to turn on the light. The layout of the room instantly became clear and bright.
The furnishings inside were simple—a typical black, white, and gray aesthetic. A white bed, a gray sofa, a small round solid wood table in black, and a square wooden stool. Further in, there was a spacious walk-in closet and a bright bathroom.
This room was a world apart from the living conditions at The Compound. At the thought, a small measure of comfort soothed the girl’s bleak and helpless heart.
“This was originally my room, but I’ve hardly ever stayed here. I have my own residence—this place is just for the occasional overnight stay. It’s been a long time since I last used it. Don’t worry, the sheets and bedding have all been freshly changed. For now, the toiletries are only men’s, but if you don’t mind, you can make do with them for tonight. Tomorrow I’ll have someone stock up new ones for you.”
With that, Yan Mo gave the girl’s clothes another once-over and said thoughtfully, “As for clothing… make do with my clothes in the closet for now. They’re a bit big on you, but they’ll barely work. There’s no time today—tomorrow I’ll figure out a way to get you properly outfitted!”
Nie Zhenzhen stood behind the door, not daring to meet Yan Mo’s gaze. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. “Thank you, Mr. Yan. This place is already more than enough…”
“It’s getting late. Get some good rest—tomorrow I’ll introduce you to my brother.” Yan Mo glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table and reminded the girl in a gentle tone.
“Alright, Mr. Yan. You should rest early too.” The girl said with gratitude written across her face.
With that, Yan Mo stepped out of the room, leaving the girl alone inside.
Dragging her exhausted body, Nie Zhenzhen picked out suitable clothes in the walk-in closet. Her fingertips brushed back and forth across the hangers before she finally settled on a loose gray cotton-linen long-sleeved top and a pair of dark gray cotton-linen cropped pants—at least these had drawstrings to adjust the fit.
As for underwear… forget it. She was only staying in the room. She could tough it out for one night, and things should be properly stocked by tomorrow. She couldn’t exactly… wear men’s, could she?
After selecting satisfactory clothes, the girl stepped into the bathroom. Looking at the haggard, broken reflection in the mirror, she almost didn’t recognize herself. She had lost weight—a full size at least. Her already delicate and petite chin had grown even sharper, her cheekbones jutted out prominently, her eye sockets were sunken, and dark circles shadowed her eyes…
She let out a helpless, disgusted sigh, then walked into the shower and reached up to turn on the nozzle.
As the warm water slowly flowed over every inch of her skin, half of the tension, exhaustion, confusion, helplessness, and utter despair of the past days seemed to wash away. She closed her eyes tightly and tilted her head back, feeling the water run freely over her. As the warm mist enveloped her body and mind, she felt a comfort and relaxation she had never known before.
After finishing her bath, the girl dried her body and hair with a clean towel, put on the loose, comfortable cotton-linen clothes, and lay back into the warm, soft bedding. She was too tired—too tired to have the time or energy to think about anything. For now, she just wanted to… sleep soundly…
Nie Zhenzhen quickly fell into a deep slumber. In her dream, she saw the people she longed to see: Xiang Wan, Grandma, her godfather and godmother, and… her Brother Ji Wei… A faint smile tugged at the corner of the girl’s lips.
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Top Floor of the Main Building, Study
After leaving the room, Yan Mo didn’t immediately exit the main building. He thought for a moment, then headed upstairs to the study on the top floor.
“Knock, knock, knock!” Yan Mo knocked politely.
“Come in.A deep, low male voice came from inside.
Yan Mo walked in at the sound and closed the door behind him.
He turned, stepped forward a few paces, and finally came to a stop in the center of the study.
“It’s this late and you’re still not heading home.” Li Yantang didn’t look up at him, still buried in the report in his hands, and said coldly.
“Brother, I brought you back a gift today. I’ve temporarily placed it in my room—just waiting for you to unwrap it tomorrow!” Yan Mo’s tone was lazy and casual, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
“A gift? You haven’t given me anything in ages. What’s this all about?” A trace of curiosity showed in Li Yantang’s eyes.
“This gift is different. She’ll keep you feeling young and rejuvenated! Don’t say your little brother doesn’t care about you—you’re almost 32. If I were your age, your nephew would probably be bold enough to point a gun at your head demanding red envelopes by now!”
Li Yantang looked up at Yan Mo coldly and said with a hint of mockery, “At least he’d have more guts than his father.”
“Hey… Brother, I’m serious—I’m not joking with you!” Yan Mo smacked his lips, putting on a deliberately earnest expression.
“I don’t have time for your jokes. Get rid of her immediately. Don’t bring random people back from now on.” Li Yantang warned in a low, stern voice.
“Brother, this is a one-of-a-kind exhibit I won for a full 200 million at auction! The highest-priced piece of the entire event!” Yan Mo said with a note of pride.
“I’m not interested in women.” The man replied coldly.
“You should have said so earlier! I’ll keep an eye out for a male one for you—they’re cheaper too!” Yan Mo joked without restraint.
Li Yantang shot Yan Mo a fierce glare. “If there’s nothing else, get back now.”
Yan Mo knew his brother’s temper well. Having been so clearly shown the door, he had no choice but to take the hint and leave.
“Alright, bro, I’m heading off then.” With that, Yan Mo turned and walked out of the study.
He was feeling troubled now. He’d finally managed to bring her back and get her settled, but the old iron tree still wouldn’t bloom. What was he supposed to do now? He couldn’t very well take her back to his own place, could he? Or maybe, pass her on to someone else?
He didn’t have a plan at the moment. Whatever, he’d figure it out tomorrow… Yan Mo walked resignedly toward his car.