“Of course I trust you to take care of her. It’s just that Xianxian is such a handful—I’m afraid she’ll get into trouble and cause you guys a headache.” This little girl was so good at getting into trouble that even a dog would shake its head in disbelief.
Ning Wanwan smiled and said, “It’s perfectly normal for kids to be lively. Besides, we’ll be keeping an eye on her. Besides, Xianxian’s grown up now and is much more sensible.”
Jiang Xian nodded her little head vigorously from the side: That’s right, she’s a big girl now!
Xu Shu looked at her daughter and sighed helplessly, “Alright then, I’ll leave her in your care. ” She then admonished Jiang Xian, “Once you get there, you must listen to Uncle Shen and Aunt Wanwan. No getting into trouble.”
“Mom, I know! I promise I’ll be good. Mom, I’ll miss you.” Jiang Xian pouted her little lips, looking as sweet as could be.
Anyone unfamiliar with her temperament would surely be fooled by this act.
Shen Yan held Jiang Xian’s hand tightly. Upon hearing Xu Shu agree to let Jiang Xian go back with them, his furrowed brows finally relaxed.
The Shen Family Mansion.
With Shen Yan and Ning Wanwan holding her hands on either side, the little girl looked around curiously the whole way, her big eyes brimming with wonder.
“Yan Yan, is this where you used to live? Your old house is so big!”
In front of the main residence was a large garden, tended daily by a dedicated gardener, where flowers bloomed all year round.
Shen Yan: “Do you like it here?”
The little girl nodded: “It’s even prettier than the park.”
She loved big, beautiful houses.
Shen Yan: “You can think of this as your own home.”
“Mm-hmm!” the little girl replied happily.
In Jiang Xian’s mind, whatever belonged to Yan Yan belonged to her too.
Yan Yan’s home was her home as well.
“Master, the young master, the madam, and Little Master are back! The three of them had barely reached the entrance of the main residence when they heard the butler’s excited voice ring out.
An elderly man sat on the sofa in the main residence’s living room. Dressed in traditional Chinese attire, his hair was snow-white, and he sat with impeccable posture, exuding an air of authority without raising his voice.
“Dad!”
“Dad!”
“Grandpa.”
The family of three greeted the old man.
The old man gave a noncommittal “Hmm,” his face expressionless.
“Are you Yanyan’s Grandpa? Hello, Grandpa, I’m Xianxian.” Jiang Xian pulled her hand free from Shen Yan’s grasp and scampered over to the old man.
Shushu had told her that when visiting someone’s home, one must be polite and greet people when they see them.
“Aren’t you afraid of me?” The old man’s slightly cloudy eyes settled on Jiang Xian as he scrutinized the little girl before him with a stern expression.
Over the years, having held a position of authority for so long, the old man’s air of authority had grown even more imposing. Few dared to meet his gaze; even adults were afraid to look him in the eye, and the younger generation would have preferred to hide whenever they saw him.
Yet the child before him had a sincere gaze, showing him not a shred of fear.
The little girl’s eyes widened, and she asked with a puzzled expression, “Why should I be afraid? Grandpa doesn’t look scary at all!”
The stern expression on the old man’s face softened slightly, but he did not continue his conversation with Jiang Xian. Instead, he instructed the butler, “Take good care of our guest.”
He then turned to Shen Song’an and the other two and said, “Now that you’re back, make arrangements for A Yan’s matter as soon as possible.” With that, he rose and walked toward his study.
Watching the old man leave, Jiang Xian blinked and asked, “Does Grandpa not like me?”
“No, Grandpa is just tired. You’re so adorable, Xianxian—how could anyone not like you?” After comforting her, Ning Wanwan turned to the butler. “Zhongbo, have you finished preparing the room I asked you to tidy up earlier?”
“Young Madam, the young lady’s room is all ready. It’s right next to the young master’s room,” the butler replied.
Ning Wanwan took Jiang Xian’s hand. “Come on, Auntie will take you to see your room.”
The room the butler had prepared for Jiang Xian was twice as large as the one she had lived in before. Since no girls had ever lived in the house before, all the furnishings had been specially delivered at the butler’s request.
Everything was brand new.
And following Ning Wanwan’s instructions, it had been specially decorated in a style that little girls would love.
“Wow, what a big and beautiful room!”
“Do you like it, Xianxian?” Ning Wanwan asked with a smile.
“I do. I really like this room. Thank you, Auntie Wanwan.”
“I’m glad you do.”
Ning Wanwan ruffled her little head, then pointed to the room next door and said, “Yan Yan lives right next door, and Aunt Wanwan and Uncle Shen live in the room across the hall. If you’re scared at night, Xianxian, just call out for Yan Yan or Auntie.”
“I know!” the little girl replied in a clear, bright voice.
It was her first time at the Shen family’s old mansion, and Jiang Xian was curious about everything, as if every corner held a mysterious treasure. She tugged on Shen Yan’s hand, dragging him along on an adventure.
The sound of innocent laughter drifted into every room from time to time.
The butler stood by the window, smiling as he looked out at the courtyard. “The young master seems very happy.”
The old master’s gaze also fell upon the figures running hand in hand outside the window.
That child has indeed changed quite a bit.
He just didn’t know whether that change was for the better or the worse.
Soon, evening arrived.
The family sat down together for dinner.
The old master sat in the head seat, with the others seated on either side.
Since Shen Song’an was an only son, the dinner table was occupied only by the old master, Shen Song’an’s family, and Jiang Xian.
Although the Shen family was small, they had prepared a table full of dishes, all exquisitely presented.
“Wow, that looks so delicious,” the little girl said, her big eyes sparkling with anticipation as she gazed at the spread before her.
Shen Yan sat beside her; one served the food, and the other ate.
The little girl ate until her belly was round as a ball.
Perhaps because the large group made the meal lively, or perhaps because he enjoyed watching the little girl eat so heartily, the old master—a rare occurrence—served himself an extra bowl of rice.
The butler chuckled from the side, “Now that the young master’s family is back, the old master has such a good appetite he’s even had an extra bowl of rice.”
Hearing this, the old master cleared his throat, set on a stern face, and said, “You’re talking too much!” He then set down his bowl and turned to Shen Song’an, “Come to my study after dinner. I have something to discuss with you.”
With that, the old master stood up and left the table.
Ning Wanwan smiled and asked the two little ones, “Are you full?”
Jiang Xian: “I’m full! My little tummy is all stuffed up!” As she spoke, she patted her tummy twice with her little hands.
Ning Wanwan was amused and stood up, taking one child by the hand on each side. “Let’s go then. I’ll take you to have a bath.” With that, she led the two little ones back to their room.
Shen Yan had finished his bath and was sitting on the bed reading a book.
The door creaked open a crack, and a little head peeked in from outside: “Yan Yan, are you asleep yet?”
“Not yet!” Shen Yan looked toward the doorway.
The door swung fully open, and the little girl stood in the doorway, hugging a pillow. “I’m a little scared. Can I sleep with you tonight?”
Shen Yan shifted over a bit and pulled back the covers. “Come on up!”
Jiang Xian let out a cheer and dashed over like a little cannonball, nimbly climbing onto the bed.