She recalled that on the way back, the two of them had even exchanged a few words occasionally, and the atmosphere was very harmonious throughout.
Is it possible to develop such a mature and understanding personality in just a few years?
Jiang Jianhuan recalled Su Mo's behavior when she first returned to China and was very uncertain about this guess.
After finishing his meal, Shen Zaixi went back to his room to rest. He was recovering well after the surgery, but he was still a little weak and needed to be careful at all times.
Jiang Jianhuan pulled Su Mo onto the bed, took off his shoes, and sat down with her facing him.
"Why do you suddenly seem like a different person?" she asked seriously and suspiciously, her face full of inquiry. Su Mo's eyes were innocent, and her tone was light and casual.
"No."
Jiang Jianhuan felt as if her punch had missed its mark. She was furious for a few seconds before questioning him again.
"You...made such a scene before, you were so angry—!"
"I was so immature back then." Su Mo readily offered her self-analysis, making no mention of her meeting with Shen Zaixi that time.
She still can't know about the conversation between the men.
"Fine." Jiang Jianhuan slumped his head in dejection, giving up.
After many years, the three of them were able to live peacefully under the same roof. Shen Zaixi spent his days chatting with the two elders, basking in the sun, reading, and recuperating from their injuries. Su Mo and Jiang Jianhuan were always together, as if they couldn't bear to be apart from each other for even half a minute.
The main example is that on one occasion, Su Mo was called by Jiang Xin to a farm not far away to get milk. Because the quantity was quite large, she had to make two trips back and forth.
Jiang Jianhuan woke up to find Yi Qingxue missing. He first asked her, and she replied that she had gone to get milk.
After a while, when he still hadn't returned, Jiang Jianhuan went to ask again, and Yi Qingxue said he probably hadn't come back yet.
Jiang Jianhuan waited and waited, and finally Jiang Xin returned with the bucket. He hurriedly went up to ask, "Why hasn't Su Mo come back yet?"
Jiang Xin replied that it should be on its way.
As a result, Su Mo brought the bucket back, put it down, and immediately went back to the farm.
Jiang Jianhuan couldn't find him, so she had to go and ask the two elders again. Yi Qingxue was so annoyed by her that she simply told her to call Su Mo herself.
Jiang Jianhuan looked aggrieved before remembering that there was such a thing as a cell phone.
When Su Mo returned, Jiang Jianhuan was thoroughly criticized by them, who said that he was looking for her all the time, just like a child who hadn't grown up.
Jiang Jianhuan explained that it was because he was unfamiliar with the area and worried about what would happen if something went wrong.
"Alright, alright," everyone nodded, giving her a way out.
Shen Zaixi stayed here for about a week, and with careful care, his health was fine. Jiang Jianhuan's annual leave was also coming to an end.
He booked a flight for two days later, and on the last day before his departure, he had an extra lavish dinner as a special send-off.
The atmosphere was exceptionally lively that day, as if they were cherishing this rare moment. They chatted in the living room until late before returning to their rooms. Jiang Xin and Yi Qingxue were still somewhat reluctant to part, but considering their health, they ended the conversation.
Jiang Jianhuan didn't know how long he had slept, but he vaguely felt thirsty. He got up, put on his coat, and went to the kitchen to get a drink of water. When he went out, he was stunned because there was an orange light shining from the kitchen.
She rubbed her eyes and saw Shen Zaixi leaning there, holding a cup.
"Brother Xi...you're still awake?" Jiang Jianhuan walked over, her voice soft and gentle, like a feather, still carrying a lingering sleepiness.
Somewhat dazed, she tiptoed to reach for the cups in the upper cabinet.
Shen Zaixi reached out and took it for her.
"I woke up thirsty, so I came to get a drink of water." He poured her a cup of freshly boiled water from the kettle and casually asked, "Are you one too?"
"Hmm..." Jiang Jianhuan held the warm cup, almost fully awake. "Mom made a little salty chicken wings tonight."
Shen Zaixi lowered her eyes and chuckled softly, "If your aunt hears this, she'll be sad again."
He had a reason for saying that: a few days ago at the dinner table, Jiang Jianhuan casually complained that the meat was a bit tough, and Yi Qingxue nagged her about it for the entire morning. After that, she dared not say anything more.
Jiang Jianhuan also remembered this and couldn't help but chuckle. After the two finished laughing, the air in the deep night became quiet again.
"Be careful on the road tomorrow," Jiang Jianhuan said after a moment, and Shen Zaixi nodded.
The water in the cup had cooled down a bit, so Jiang Jianhuan gently blew on it and carefully drank it sip by sip. After drinking about half a cup, his thirst was relieved.
She ran her fingertips along the rim of the glass, preparing to say goodbye.
"When are you planning to get married?" he suddenly asked. Jiang Jianhuan turned her head to look at him and blinked in surprise.
"It's not confirmed yet, but it should be within the next two years," she replied slowly after a moment.
Shen Zaixi smiled and said, "That's good."
"You need to hurry up too, you're not getting any younger," Jiang Jianhuan joked. Shen Zaixi lowered her eyes, the corners of her mouth remaining unchanged.
I'll try my best.
The two stood side by side quietly for a while, remaining silent.
"Then I'll head back now." She said after a short while, and Shen Zaixi nodded.
"Okay, I'm going to sleep too."
Jiang Jianhuan finished drinking the water, rinsed it, put the cup back in its place, and turned to go back to her room.
In the empty and quiet kitchen, Shen Zaixi stood alone for a while, then put down her cup, turned off the light, and suddenly everything was dark.