Chapter 7573
Thanks
The silver tableware reflects a soft luster, paired with exquisite floral arrangements and crystal glasses, exuding ultimate refinement and a sense of ceremony.
A gentle piano melody flowed out from somewhere, it was the classic "Moonlight Sonata".
The soothing melody slowly filled the tranquil space, calming all the restlessness and adding a touch of warmth to this special celebration.
Several people sat around the dining table, clinking glasses, chatting and laughing, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Yun Yuyan and Jiang Xuanxuan frequently congratulated Zhou Keying, while Ji Yin quietly stayed by Xiao Chen's side, her expression respectful and not saying much, but always paying attention to the surrounding movements and silently protecting the group.
Zhou Keying was enveloped in this warmth. Looking at the gentle and considerate Xiao Chen beside her, she was filled with emotion. All her fatigue and pressure vanished at this moment.
By the time the celebration banquet ended, it was already late at night. The city lights were gradually thinning out, and the night sky became even more tranquil.
Jiang Xuanxuan had already left, and Ji Yin also returned home on her own. Xiao Chen drove Zhou Keying and Yun Yuyan back to their residence.
The car came to a smooth stop downstairs in the residential area, the headlights were turned off, and the car instantly fell silent.
Zhou Keying sat in the passenger seat, not in a hurry to get out of the car. She just sat quietly, her head slightly resting on the back of the seat. She remained silent for a long time, as if she had a thousand words to say but did not know how to start.
Xiao Chen didn't urge her. He just sat quietly in the driver's seat, looking out at the night view, his fingertips lightly tapping the steering wheel, giving her enough time to sort out her emotions.
There was no awkwardness in the carriage, only a silent understanding flowing between the two.
Finally, Zhou Keying took a deep breath and slowly spoke, breaking the silence.
"Xiao Chen".
"Hmm?" Xiao Chen turned his head, his gaze falling on her, his tone gentle, with a hint of barely perceptible concern.
"Thank you." Her voice was soft, with a barely perceptible sob, and her eyes were slightly red. The emotion she had been holding back could no longer be contained.
Xiao Chen looked at her and found that she was quietly gazing at him, her eyes slightly red, and a glistening tear hanging on her long eyelashes, making her look pitiful.
"You've helped me so much during this time," Zhou Keying said, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke each word carefully.
"The surprise at the banquet, the secret help on the project, and today, you came out of a predicament for me and stood up for me... I know that none of those were coincidences, but were all things you did on purpose for me."
Xiao Chen didn't speak, but just looked at her quietly, his gaze deep and gentle, as if he could see through all her thoughts and embrace all her emotions.
Zhou Keying took a deep breath, as if she had made a huge decision, and suddenly unbuckled her seatbelt, leaned forward slightly, and gently hugged Xiao Chen.
The hug was light and brief, carrying a hint of tentative caution, as well as an indescribable gratitude and excitement.
In just a few seconds, she quickly let go, her cheeks turning bright red, her eyes darting away, unable to look Xiao Chen in the eye again.
"I know it's impossible for us." She lowered her head, her voice low, carrying a hint of disappointment and trembling.
“I’m not good enough for you, and I know you have many secrets. We’re not from the same world. But I really… don’t know how to thank you, Xiao Chen.” Xiao Chen looked at her flushed cheeks, at the disappointment and gratitude in her eyes, his gaze deep, and a barely perceptible emotion welled up in his heart.
He wanted to say something, something like "there's no question of being a good match" or "it's just because I have a wife," but the words stuck in his throat.
He knew now was not the time to talk about these things.
He carried too many secrets and had an unfinished mission. The road ahead was full of unknowns and dangers. He could not let Zhou Keying get involved, and he could not let her suffer any harm.
In the end, he simply raised his hand, gently patted her shoulder, and said in a tender yet firm tone, "Go back, it's late, be careful on the road."
Zhou Keying nodded vigorously, not daring to say another word, afraid that she would lose control of her emotions. She pushed open the car door and ran quickly into the stairwell, not even having the courage to look back at him.
Xiao Chen sat in the car, watching her figure gradually disappear around the corner of the corridor. After a long while, he slowly withdrew his gaze, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—a mixture of emotion, helplessness, and determination.
He started the car and slowly drove away from the residential area. In the night, the car's headlights pierced the quiet night sky.
He knew Zhou Keying's thoughts and understood that his feelings for this girl were no longer simply about protecting her.
But he also knew that his road ahead was long and his responsibilities were heavy. He could not make any promises to her until he had sufficient strength and had cleared away all the dangers.
In Xiao Chen's villa, just as dawn was breaking and the sky was beginning to lighten, a rich aroma wafted from the kitchen, refreshing the senses and dispelling the morning chill.
Zhou Keying, wearing a light-colored apron, stood in front of the stove. She was slender and serious, carefully stirring the porridge in the clay pot. Her movements were gentle, as if she was afraid of accidentally breaking the ingredients in the pot.
On the cutting board next to the casserole, several precious medicinal herbs were neatly arranged...
The century-old Ganoderma lucidum slices were even, the snow mountain ginseng had clear textures, and there was also top-quality Polygonum multiflorum. She had specially gone to the top Chinese medicine store in the provincial capital early in the morning to select them.
She knew that Xiao Chen must have been very tired during this time, helping her and handling various matters, so she got up early to cook her a bowl of medicinal porridge to help her recover.
Light footsteps echoed down the stairs, accompanied by a lazy yawn.
Yun Yuyan, dressed in loose cartoon pajamas, her hair disheveled and draped over her shoulders, rubbed her sleepy eyes and slowly walked downstairs.
As soon as I reached the kitchen door, I smelled that rich aroma, which instantly woke me up and made my eyes light up.
"Wow, it smells so good!" Yun Yuyan quickly went to the stove, sniffed, and her eyes were full of surprise. "Keying, you got up too early! What are you cooking? It smells so good!"
Zhou Keying turned around, gave her a gentle smile, and said softly, "This is a medicinal porridge with some tonics in it. You've all been working hard lately, so I cooked it for you to nourish your bodies."
Yun Yuyan moved even closer, staring at the bubbling porridge in the clay pot. Her nose twitched slightly as she sensed the aroma emanating from the porridge. Suddenly, her eyes lit up, and the surprise on her face instantly turned into shock.
The aroma emanating from the porridge stirred a subtle restlessness within her dormant spiritual energy, causing it to flow slowly through her meridians. A warm sensation spread throughout her body, and even the fatigue from last night's cultivation dissipated considerably. (End of Chapter)