07

Where to go

At this point, the assistant cautiously glanced at Chen Suining's expression

Jianan smiled self-deprecatingly, thinking that she must have been seeing things. At this point, she understood—this man would no longer take the time to look at her properly.

"No, do not thank me," Chen Suining said with a lazy smile, his tone laden with meaning. "Your father is fine, and I am relieved as well"

In this small valley, several cottages are built, spaced apart and gazing at each other from a distance. In the thin layer of mist, the brick-red roofs and white walls reflect the vast expanse of jungle, resembling a fairy tale. On either side of the country path, the bushes grow wildly, resembling the messy beards of little dwarfs. Jianan stops in her tracks and reaches out to pluck a cluster of red beans

Jianan's heart skipped a beat, she knew... When he was truly displeased, it was like this. He seemed as if he had been lifted from an oil painting, not allowing anyone to detect his emotions, with not a single gap—at this moment, he was also at his most terrifying.

As the two individuals chatted, they did not feel tired during the journey. The originally anticipated two hours for the round trip seemed sufficient. Halfway through the journey, a distant glimmer of a serene lake came into view, when suddenly, with a loud clatter, Jiana's bicycle came to a complete stop.

"Good morning, Miss Xu," said Butler Lin, standing up straight with a smile. "Have you seen the news?"

Berlin scratched his hair, a gesture that made his entire appearance seem somewhat comical. He pondered for a moment, still not speaking, when he heard someone on another path casually say, "What, do you know each other?"

She turned around in astonishment, and the man in the shirt stood not far from her, speaking in a seemingly serious manner.

Jianan's other hand instinctively grasped the handrail of the staircase

Jianan's body is quite slender, and Berlin, with both hands gripping the handlebars, still has ample space left over.

He grasped her wrist with a force as strong as iron, dragging her up to the second floor

The door to the courtyard opened, and Butler Lin cast a rare reproachful glance at Jianan, then said to Berlin: "Mr. Berlin, your meeting this afternoon is about to begin."

After finishing breakfast, Jianan checked the news before planning to go out

Originally, she was particular about her sleeping arrangements; if she changed her location, it would take no less than three to five days of tossing and turning before she could sleep well. However, the exhaustion and travel fatigue she experienced during this period seemed to have cured many of her delicate ailments. She curled her body into a small ball, lying on her side facing the window. When she was very young, Jiana had once heard her father say that if one fell asleep in this position, beautiful dreams would come flying from the stars. Now she certainly knows that it is not true, yet she has developed a habit of it. She curled her body into a small ball, lying on her side facing the window. When she was very young, Jiana had once heard her father say that if one fell asleep in this position, beautiful dreams would come flying from the stars. Now she certainly knows that it is not true, yet she has developed a habit of it

Chen Suining walked down step by step. She wanted to retreat, to rush out the door, but she did not dare to, standing dazed in place until his breath suddenly approached

She hurriedly nodded and followed Chen Suining, who was already impatiently walking out the door, and sat in the back seat of the car. She carefully squeezed into the corner, her gaze falling outside the window, where pedestrians were holding cameras, trying to capture the rare sight of the volcanic ash cloud passing by. She coughed lightly and suddenly felt that the smiles of those people were enviable

It is now late at night

Jianan opened her eyes from a state of half-dreaming, clearly realizing her situation. She quickly shifted to the side and whispered, "I am sorry"

"Sir, Miss Xu has been arranged in the guest room" the butler entered quietly

A beautiful dream ... In the dream, it seemed that someone gently touched her forehead. Jian Nan, still in a daze, opened her eyes and saw a tall figure standing beside her ... She did not turn over, nor did she dare to move at all ... And that figure did not leave immediately; instead, it bent down and slowly embraced her, warm and beautiful.

He nodded slightly, walked to the door, and then remembered something. Turning back, he saw Jianan standing there in a daze, her lips moving slightly: "What are you standing there for?"

She was startled and instinctively turned her head. Chen Suining, however, was leaning back in his seat, eyes closed in rest. The collar of his shirt was unbuttoned, and his expression was neither tense nor sharp; his profile was gentle and handsome

She saw that the shirt-wearing man was not dressed casually as he usually was today; instead, he wore a crisp suit, even meticulously paired with a tie of the same color. Beside him were two individuals who appeared to be assistants, and she suddenly understood.

"We are hikers," Berlin said cheerfully, even giving Jianan a pat on the shoulder

She got up and drew back the curtains, revealing a vast expanse of forest outside. Due to the overcast weather, the greenery appeared somewhat dull. After she finished her morning routine and changed her clothes, she went downstairs and found only the butler, who was meticulously checking whether the dining room was clean.

Jianan shook her head

The residence is already in sight, and Berlin is riding the vehicle at high speed, saying, "Don't move, don't move, we're almost there."

As the faint citrus fragrance drew near, Chen Suining's body stiffened for a moment. He couldn't help but turn his head to look at the girl beside him. Perhaps she had tired herself out from her earlier self-entertainment and had finally fallen asleep in her drowsiness. Her cheeks bore a light flush, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she might drool at any moment, making her look exceedingly adorable

Jianan looked at him with gratitude. Although most of the time, this old man seemed like a robot, beside Chen Suining... it seemed that only he would smile at her

The weather is very pleasant; although it is winter, the sun warms every inch of exposed skin.

Berlin let out a sound of realization, glanced at the time, mounted the bicycle, and swiftly departed

Jianan let out a soft "hm" and still awkwardly leaned over the front of the car

Are you a senior engineer at OME? At least she knows the purpose of Chen Suining's visit to this meeting

But she knew that being with Berlin angered him

Fortunately, his car can carry people ... although they need to sit in the front.

She said softly, "Thank you"

She nodded, then shook her head, her expression one of confusion and bewilderment

"Not for the time being," Jian Nan said, lowering her head, fully aware in her heart... If her father's health truly was an issue, she feared she could no longer evade it

"Well, I understand," Chen Suining furrowed his brow, "Then let's start on time tomorrow"

Chen Suining looked at her with a complex expression, a mix of pity and disgust, and finally just smiled: "Being as foolish as you is not so bad."

The next morning, when she woke up, she found it somewhat amusing and absurd that what was referred to as an embrace was merely her own arms holding herself tightly.

"Hey, you can sit more comfortably," he beckoned to her. "Isn't it uncomfortable for you to be so stiff?"

His gaze darkened: "You do not need to know so much"

Berlin? Jiana was first astonished, then pleasantly surprised, "How did you end up here?"

He... I mean Mr. Chen," Jianan said hesitantly as she took the juice.

"Oh, Jiana, you also work at OME?" Berlin asked with some curiosity

Jianan forced a smile and glanced at him. He had already restrained his expression and was intently focused on the documents in his hands. At that moment, she quietly relaxed, as the rural scenery outside the car window rushed by. She carefully breathed on the glass, then used the tip of her nail to draw lines that held an inexplicable meaning.

Chen Suining's voice came coldly, startling her to sit up straight, shaking her head and saying: "Not cold"

Finally, the car came to a stop, and Jianan jumped down in a state of disarray, feeling both amused and helpless

She took it over and put it on without saying a word, fully understanding the meaning behind his words. He would not stop because of his physical condition; in the end, the suffering would still be borne by herself

"The time is almost up," the assistant reminded Berlin, as he walked past Jianan and affectionately said, "I will come to find you at noon"

He averted his gaze, took a half step forward with a smile, and slowly said: "You should be introduced to each other. Xu Jianan, the daughter of Uncle Xu Yanhai. Berlin, the CTO I just found for the R&D department of OME." He said meaningfully: "Perhaps in the future, you will encounter each other in your work."

Understood. He did not even lift his head, as if this matter were of no importance, until the butler went out, after which he stood up and slowly walked towards the second floor

Fortunately, throughout this journey, she truly did not have a fever again. When the car stopped, she followed him out without even asking where they were. She only saw that this was a country villa, illuminated by lights, while the surroundings were quiet and shrouded in darkness

Jianan did not dare to say a word and silently followed him back into the house

He casually threw his trench coat to her without looking up: "You better not have a fever right now"

There has been a corporate meeting these past few days, and the gentleman left home very early

"Miss Xu, please inform me where you are going the next time you step out," Butler Lin resumed his serious demeanor. "Otherwise..." He seemed to hesitate for a moment, glancing at Jianan's dirty and already torn skirt. "You should change into a different outfit first."

At noon, Berlin really did come over

After drinking a large glass of water in the guest room, Jianan fell into a deep sleep

She instinctively took a step back, but her gaze drifted to a short distance away, where Chen Suining was speaking with someone beside him, slightly tilting his head, his lips showing not a trace of a smile... Yet she was not certain whether he had seen this scene or not

"Your father is fine for the time being," he said as he walked past her. "All airports in Europe are closed, but as soon as the first flight back home is available, I will take you on board."

After toiling for half a day, he finally gave up in despair and resignedly said: "Forget it, let's go back; otherwise, I will be late for the meeting this afternoon"

Jianan looked at him, and for a moment, she felt as if he had changed... He resembled Chen Suining from a long time ago, always speaking to her in that helpless yet indulgent tone.

A very familiar voice

Jianan restrained her expression and nodded slightly

He did not hesitate at all, slightly hardening the corners of his lips, and without any softness in his heart, he reached out his hand to push her awake

She turned to go upstairs, but saw Chen Suining quietly standing at the bend in the center of the wooden staircase

Are you very cold

Jianan quietly reminded him: "You need to check... is this made in China?"

Chen Suining walked at the forefront of the crowd, watching the scene before him with great interest

The steward Lin has already tidied everything up and handed him the trench coat: "The car is waiting outside."

Just as they reached the next high slope, moving as fast as the wind, Jianan lifted her feet and screamed in fright. The person riding the bike, however, laughed heartily, filled with the satisfaction of a successful prank

Jianan bit her lip tightly, and Butler Lin said softly: "Miss Xu, your luggage has also been packed."

Shu Gong did not come; she said it was due to health reasons

Hi, that looks fun, but it is poisonous

Most airports are still not open, but rest assured, we are already in contact and will ensure that you can return to your country at the earliest opportunity

He had long since taken off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and called to her, "Come quickly, come quickly!"

Oh, is everything alright at home

Beyond this forest, there is a very beautiful lake. Berlin habitually tousled his hair, "It resembles Walden Pond."

There has been a situation at home, and I am in a hurry to return to my country. However, with the volcanic ash eruption, I can only follow Mr. Chen to see if he has any way to send me back.

The two exchanged glances, and Berlin squatted down, fiddling for a long time, and then exclaimed in anger: "Aren't Germans known for their mechanical precision?"

Breakfast. After you finish, you may take a walk in the forest, but do not wander too far

He let out a sound, raised his eyebrows, and revealed a hint of sarcasm: "I won't eat you."

Chen Suining looked again at Jianan, who was dressed in a thick sweater, a long skirt, and a pair of round snow boots. Her long hair was casually tied up—an outfit that seemed somewhat mismatched, yet appeared refreshingly unique.

"Why are you here?" Berlin asked casually while riding alongside her

"Brought in by the witch," he said seriously, "and you?"

It was merely a way to pass the time out of boredom, yet she found it endlessly enjoyable. Until the sky had completely darkened, and the car entered the tunnel, two rows of lights resembling slender fire dragons wound along the tunnel walls. She had just cleaned the glass, and when she looked up, she saw a reflection— the deep-set eyes of a young man were gazing at her, seemingly lost in thought

His shadow was so elongated that it stretched all the way to the lowest step, and on his handsome face, there was a true expression of indifference

Jianan is truly sorry to refuse: "Where to?"

The car was driving very smoothly, and it was unclear how much longer it would take to arrive. In a daze, Jianan closed her eyes, curled up, and began to sleep

Deep gray and sea blue overlapped and intertwined in her line of sight, as if she had walked to the end of the world. Jianan took a step back, staring blankly at him, as if the only card she held in her hand had been drawn away, leaving her at a loss.

Despite having spent most of the day traveling, Chen Suining stood in the living room, speaking with his assistant, showing no signs of fatigue. He could see Jianan being led to the guest room on the second floor; her steps were somewhat unsteady, suggesting she had not slept well, or perhaps her cold had worsened. He turned his head slightly, his hands still in his pockets, while the assistant continued to relay information: "... everyone has already arrived, and we can start on time tomorrow"

He continued to look at her expressionlessly and said softly, "You must be wondering why I am treating you this way"

Two bicycles were placed at the entrance, and he cordially invited: "I only have two hours of time"

There is nothing to worry about for now. Jian Nan did not want to mention her father's illness