Chapter 37: Country Garden

Stepping into Green Garden, Chu Yitong finally understood the origin of its name. Though it was already October, the scent of sweet osmanthus still lingered throughout the neighborhood. As the car slowed down, she rolled down the window, greeted by a crystal-clear river and rows of orderly villas.

The surface of the river was covered in lush green leaves. A gentle breeze drifted by, carrying the faint fragrance of osmanthus mingled with the crisp scent of lotus leaves. The glow of the setting sun spilled onto the water, causing ripples to shimmer with a kaleidoscope of colors. She looked up at him, asking, "We’re staying here?"

"Yes. This is where I reside in Linghai City." He paused, as if remembering something, and added, "There are plenty of rooms; I won't make you share a bed with me."

She silently turned her head away, her expression indifferent, though her fingers twisted nervously in her lap. Who would want to share a bed with him, anyway?

Guided by him, the car navigated several intersections smoothly before coming to a stop in front of a three-story villa. After stepping out with Xie Chenjing, she noticed the river was just a short distance away, flanked by lush trees and a serene, secluded atmosphere.

Uncle Hai parked the car, brought her luggage inside, and then took his leave. Chu Yitong watched his retreating figure with confusion, until Xie Chenjing’s voice sounded in her ear: "I will be taking full charge during this time. It’s a good opportunity to give Uncle Hai a short break."

"Oh!" Her grandfather had really thought of everything; what else could she say?

Xie Chenjing opened the shoe cabinet, took out a brand-new pair of women’s slippers, and placed them before her. He looked at her intently. "The room has already been cleaned. Time was short, so I wasn't sure of your preferences. If you need anything, just let me know."

Chu Yitong looked down at the slippers. She seemed to own a pair just like them. She was so dazed by the sight that she hadn't fully caught what he said. "Huh?"

"What is it?" He followed her gaze.

"Um, they look familiar!" Feeling slightly embarrassed, she quickly changed into the slippers.

Xie Chenjing didn't press the matter. He picked up her luggage and headed upstairs. "The room prepared for you is next to mine. If you don't like it, you can choose any other, and I'll have it cleaned for you."

"Since it’s already been tidied up, there’s no need to go to the trouble!" Even though they had been close as children, this was their first meeting in fifteen years. Why, after such a long time, did there feel like no distance between them at all?

By the time they reached the second floor, he had placed her luggage by the wardrobe at the foot of the bed. He glanced at the sky outside and asked, "Would you like to try my cooking tonight?"

"You can cook?" She looked at him in surprise, her eyes scanning his long, clean hands. It was hard to imagine that those hands could...

He raised an eyebrow, a faint arc playing on his lips, his voice clear and cool. "Are you surprised?"

She nodded honestly, making no attempt to hide it. "You really can cook?"

"Want to conduct an inspection on-site?"

She nodded vigorously. She certainly did.

"I'll head downstairs first; come down once you've settled in." He chuckled softly and turned to leave.

Chu Yitong looked at the suitcase on the floor and furrowed her brows. She could unpack whenever she wanted, but an inspection opportunity might not come again. She couldn't lose the forest for the trees, so she followed right behind him.

Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, she watched as he moved with fluid, practiced grace. Chopping, stir-frying—every motion was seamless. It was clear he was an expert. She had wanted to go in and help, but was politely kept out of the kitchen. She could only watch intently, witnessing the culinary magic unfold.

The dinner was simple yet sumptuous: three dishes and a soup. The flavors were delicious and the broth was savory, leaving her feeling pleasantly full. Afterward, she took the initiative to do the dishes. As she stepped out of the kitchen, she saw Xie Chenjing standing by the window on a phone call. Thinking better of interrupting him, she returned to her room to unpack.