Chapter 353 - 123 Win someone’s heart, and there are no regrets.
Bai Xiangxiang stood by the window, arms crossed, thinking about her mother’s words from the telephone call earlier.
Tonight, her aunt would host a banquet at the Bai Family’s residence, to which numerous celebrities and media were invited; it seemed quite a setup. Her mother wanted her to bring Mr. Pei back with her, which was quite telling without saying much.
Her mother thought she and Pei Qinghan had already gotten close, but in truth, during these days of convalescence, she hadn’t even seen Pei Qinghan’s face, much less expect him to accompany her to the banquet—it didn’t require any thought.
No, perhaps there was a chance.
Yesterday, she overheard Ah Ling talking with another servant that Pei Qinghan would return today, and she would be sent away this afternoon. This was her only opportunity, and she had to seize it.
With that in mind, she looked at the clock on the wall—it was two in the afternoon.
At the end of May, the temperature in Jiangzhou gradually rose. The sun outside the window was shining brightly, its intense heat scorching the earth, making everyone feel irritable in this somewhat stifling weather.
Bai Xiangxiang paced around the room, and at that moment, the sound of a car horn came from outside the window.
Bai Xiangxiang hurried to the window to look.
She was delighted.
Pei Qinghan had returned.
She meticulously dressed herself in front of the mirror, applying a layer of natural makeup that made her look nearly bare-faced, yet her skin appeared whiter and more tender, brimming with youthful vigor.
She knew her own strengths and weaknesses in terms of appearance; her baby face made her look young, lacking the womanliness that could attract men. Yet, on the other hand, her youthful charm was overflowing. Whenever she wanted, she could act cute in an instant, and some men fell for that.
The outfits Ah Ling brought her were all quite nice, but too mature. She picked out a pink ladylike dress with puffy sleeves, which, on her, embodied the forceful vigor of a youthful beauty.
Timing herself well, she walked downstairs.
A slim, distinguished figure leisurely entered from outside the living room.
She put on a surprised face in time, "Mr. Pei?"
Pei Qinghan glanced at her, that look of his always cool and indifferent. She didn’t see anything different in his eyes.
It was rather Fu Bai who followed behind him that spoke up, "Miss Bai, is your injury better?" His smile was warm, and he seemed more approachable than Pei Qinghan.
Pei Qinghan was like moonlight—cool, detached, and although standing right in front of you, he exuded an air of unattainability.
It was the first time Bai Xiangxiang came so close to Pei Qinghan, and she felt slightly chilled inside. Then she remembered that night in the bar, his agile and sharp movements, and that fear turned into a subtle joy within her.
"Much better, thank you, Mr. Pei, for your care. I will be returning home today."
Fu Bai looked at Pei Qinghan and smiled, "Won’t Miss Bai stay a few more days?"
Bai Xiangxiang shook her head, "No, my aunt is hosting a banquet at home tonight, and I can’t be absent."
Pei Qinghan’s expression remained unchanged as he looked at Bai Xiangxiang, "I’ll have someone send you back later."
Bai Xiangxiang smiled sweetly, her eyes curved like crescent moons, utterly adorable, "Then, I must thank Mr. Pei."
Pei Qinghan stared at those eyes, momentarily losing himself.
But it was just for an instant before he returned to his usual self and headed upstairs.
Fu Bai gave Bai Xiangxiang an apologetic smile and followed Pei Qinghan.
Bai Xiangxiang watched their retreating figures, feeling a hint of disappointment in her heart.
Then, she thought of something, and a glint appeared in her eyes.
——
"Boss, I think that young lady is quite pretty. Why not consider taking her in?" said Fu Bai, drifting off topic after discussing official matters.
"You would be better off spending that time training your men, so they don’t get hit over the head without even knowing it." Pei Qinghan responded indifferently.
"Still, you must feel somewhat different about her, otherwise you wouldn’t have brought her back," Fu Bai said, stroking his chin, scrutinizing Pei Qinghan.
Pei Qinghan’s lips curved slightly, "If there’s nothing else, you may leave, I’d like to be alone."
"Since it doesn’t matter to you, I’ll arrange for Xiao Bei to take her back; you have no objections, right?"
"That’s fine," Pei Qinghan said, propping his elbow on the table and rubbing his forehead, looking somewhat worn out.
His headache had flared up again.
Fu Bai shook his head and walked out.
Bai Xiangxiang had no luggage, so she left without taking anything.
Looking at Fu Bai standing before her, she sighed softly, "Could you please pass on a message to Mr. Pei for me?"
Fu Bai smiled amiably, "Of course, please go ahead."
Bai Xiangxiang gazed at the profusion of bright flowers in the garden and said wistfully, "A decade’s pledge, dear friend, you may take your time to return."
With those words, she turned and got into the car.