Chapter 64

“So we knew each other from so early on.”
Wen Jiu blinked, eyelashes fluttering.
She cupped Shen Xingzhou’s face, watching him quietly, with the same gaze she reserved for the pink and blue diamonds from the young lady, a true sense of treasure.
She didn’t speak sentimentally, just felt the moment stretch like eternity.
Wen Jiu pressed her lips to Shen Xingzhou’s, warm and gentle.
Her hands held his, feeling his faint tremor.
“I’m back, see? Completely fine. Don’t be afraid.”
She spoke while looking into his eyes.
In that gaze, Shen Xingzhou’s rage at Second Master Chu and the others melted away; the dark abyss became clear spring water, reflecting Wen Jiu.
He closed his eyes, pressing his forehead to hers, the fresh scent of pine and cypress mingling with their unfinished kiss.
Carefully.
He kept his eyes closed, she kept hers open, looking at his handsome face enlarging before her.
She instinctively squeezed his fingers.
Wen Jiu thought… she shouldn’t lie here, she should be on top of him. That would be the right role.
Even though it had only been one night apart, it felt like a reunion across centuries.
The intimate atmosphere enveloped them; Wen Jiu, blushing, stopped him: “W-we’re… in the hospital.”
Good thing she had glanced around.
“The hospital at home, they won’t come in.” He said that, yet Shen Xingzhou still paused to adjust her clothes.
“The hospital at home?” Every word familiar, but together it was hard to grasp.
“My mother owns a private hospital.”
Shen Xingzhou rarely flaunted wealth, and Wen Jiu hadn’t delved into his family’s enterprises.
She always discovered and marveled at his status in small moments.
The moment those words crossed her mind, her professional instinct kicked in.
She grabbed his arm, met his indulgent smile, hovering between cute embarrassment and intimacy, and blurted out: “Young master hasn’t smiled like this in so long.”
Shen Xingzhou’s handsome face paused, then he laughed brightly, his eyes dazzling Wen Jiu.
His youthful energy poured out like a waterfall. Wen Jiu was genuinely captivated.
“Jiujiu, you’re so cute.”
He played along, handing her 1,000 yuan.
Wen Jiu picked up her phone; her smile faltered, pouting silently: “Young master is so stingy.”
Before, she would have leapt up, shouting, “Young master, I’ll follow you forever!”
But now, having seen the world with the young lady, small riches no longer attracted her.
Shen Xingzhou leaned in to watch her expression, then produced a black card from behind: “Always meant for Jiujiu, but feared you’d refuse, so I delayed.”
Wen Jiu wouldn’t refuse.
Seeing the black-and-gold design, she knew it wasn’t ordinary.
She reached for it; Shen Xingzhou let go.
It might look like he was pampering her, but the strange atmosphere made it seem like she was the boss, snatching him and his black card.
Wen Jiu was already a little rich herself, but she still couldn’t take her eyes off the money.
She gave Shen Xingzhou another playful pinch and asked about something she had been concerned with upon waking. “What about the young lady? The one who kidnapped me was Second Master Chu, he was originally after the young lady.”
Shen Xingzhou being here meant that Second Master Chu had likely been dealt with by the police at the highway entrance, and the young lady should be safe. Still, Wen Jiu asked just to be sure.
“Qin Yao is fine. Everyone else has returned to their own affairs. Chu Yan will handle matters within the Chu family himself.”
Wen Jiu didn’t bring up others, and Shen Xingzhou didn’t either.
As for Second Master Chu, his fate was naturally grim. Putting aside the family, Chu Yan wouldn’t let him off. Moreover, the evidence against him for previously selling kidnapped children of the wealthy meant a whole group of people would want him to suffer.
A quick death would almost be a relief, but many wouldn’t allow him to die so easily.
Besides the children rescued alongside five-year-old Shen Xingzhou, the whereabouts of the other children he had kidnapped, past or later, needed to be interrogated. The longer the interrogation, the longer Second Master Chu would be tormented.
Shen Xingzhou hadn’t told Wen Jiu any of this.
He didn’t say, and Wen Jiu didn’t ask further. She knew well enough that Second Master Chu’s end would be terrible. She wouldn’t pity a kidnapper, he got what he deserved.
Her thoughts returned to normal, sleepiness gone. Wen Jiu couldn’t sleep and sent Shen Xingzhou to get their meal.
She lay on the hospital bed, tossing and turning.
She never imagined that her first encounter with Shen Xingzhou would be so utterly extraordinary.
But in a world where transmigration happens, and the author herself had experienced the world’s destruction five times, Wen Jiu appearing during Shen Xingzhou’s childhood wasn’t all that unusual.
Thinking of this, she gradually remembered Song Qin.
According to Song Qin, the world should have collapsed yesterday. But everyone was fine, so it seemed safe.
“Ding ding, ”
Perhaps it was the telepathy of fellow transmigrators; Song Qin immediately sent Wen Jiu a message.
Song Qin: Sister! The world didn’t collapse. I don’t know if it’s because the young lady’s marriage is stable and happy or some other reason, but I finally escaped the curse of the world collapsing!
Song Qin: By the way, sister, I was so scared last night I couldn’t sleep. I called you, why didn’t you pick up?
Song Qin: You saw my messages today and didn’t reply? Heartbroken, sister.
Wen Jiu: ……
Wen Jiu: Do you believe me if I say I was kidnapped?
Her lost phone had been returned, but the screen was shattered, sharp to the touch.
Shen Xingzhou had someone bring a brand-new phone and reinserted the SIM card that Wen Jiu kept in her pocket.
The new phone hadn’t synced her WeChat messages, so Wen Jiu didn’t know she had an unanswered call from Song Qin.
Knowing she had cleared that invisible hurdle, her heart felt even calmer.
Although Wen Jiu had no real injuries, Shen Xingzhou still prepared a light brunch for her.
The timing was awkward, 10:40 in the morning.
Too late for breakfast, too early for lunch, so just brunch.
The food filled her up, easing her body and spirit.
“How long will those three kidnappers be in jail?” Wen Jiu recalled the men who had released her and little Shen Xingzhou in the dream, they resembled the three kidnappers.
Perhaps they were the same as the “big boss” the second kidnapper mentioned, the one who kidnapped Shen Xingzhou years ago, let him go, and ultimately took the blame for Second Master Chu.
“Minor cases: five to ten years. For extortion or kidnapping: ten years. Jiujiu, how many years do you hope they get?”
Wen Jiu took a big sip of congee, her mouth full, unable to speak.
She swallowed, waved her hand, “I’m not a judge. Let the law decide.”
The three kidnappers did save her, yes, but they had also kidnapped her.
They didn’t look like outright villains, so maybe, as they had said, they would never do this again.
Leave it all to the law.
“I know what you’re worried about, Jiujiu. Last night’s car trunk didn’t have the five million they mentioned, it may have already been hidden.
Once they serve their sentence and refrain from crime, they could live comfortably on the five million they swindled from Second Master Chu.
But they’re not just guilty of kidnapping. Failing to report child abductions in the village makes them accomplices. That’s a serious charge, and additional years will be added to their sentence.”
Wen Jiu realized Shen Xingzhou really understood her.
Satisfied with the answer, she continued her brunch calmly.
The heavy topic had spoiled the meal’s taste.
Wen Jiu ate quickly, then got out of bed and pulled back the curtains with a “swish.”
The hospital surroundings were beautiful, lush and pleasing to the eye.
Su Yaoyao rushed over and hugged Wen Jiu tightly. “Jiujiu, I’m so glad you’re okay.”
Xie Junyu followed closely behind, almost wagging his tail.
Su Tan, however, wasn’t concerned. He had followed Su Yaoyao deliberately, glaring at Xie Junyu along the way.
Yue Ling also made time to visit Wen Jiu, setting down a bouquet and quietly watching Su Yaoyao lead Wen Jiu around.
Ji Yanting didn’t come inside, speaking with Shen Xingzhou outside the room.
Because Second Master Chu’s involvement concerned the Chu family, the young lady arrived last.
Wen Jiu didn’t mind, hurrying from the bed to see her.
“I’m glad you’re safe, young lady.”
Qin Yao tapped her head lightly. “That’s my line. You bore an undeserved disaster for me.”
If it weren’t for Second Uncle’s greasy presence, she would’ve kicked him last night.
But fearing to dirty her shoes, she had the bodyguards hold him down for a beating instead.
“You fainted so suddenly last night; you scared me to death.” The young lady had seen everything clearly.
But Shen Xingzhou was faster, reaching Wen Jiu first.
Hopefully Wen Jiu hadn’t seen, or she’d be teary-eyed from being touched.
“The industries under Second Uncle are complex. The parts not confiscated, I discussed with Chu Yan, they’ll be under your name.”
Wen Jiu waved her hands, refusing. “His money is too dirty; I don’t want it.”
“Shen Xingzhou said many children who were kidnapped back then are hard to find now. We could use Second Master Chu’s remaining money to set up a foundation for finding kidnapped children.”
The young lady’s eyes lit up. “That makes sense.”
Her action was swift; she immediately called the butler and Chu Yan to arrange it. The funds would soon be used for public welfare.
With everything settled, Wen Jiu felt a huge weight lifted from her heart.
The men were sent out of the ward. The young lady took Wen Jiu, Su Yaoyao, and Yue Ling to watch the finale of The Rich Family.
“Last night was intense; I didn’t even check the finale data.” The young lady said, pulling out a tablet to show the others.
Opposite them, the TV displayed the last episode of The Rich Family.
She mirrored the screen to show the live comments.
[The ending is so melodramatic! Love it.]
[Ahhh, can’t bear it. This show is addictive.]
[I need a second watch, how did this brother turn from the hero to the villain?]
[I thought this was a mindless melodrama, but it turns out I’m the one who’s mindless.]
“Responses are great.” Wen Jiu glanced at the comments and her data panel.
After the finale, the first episode’s views steadily rose.
Besides new viewers, repeat watchers were looking for details.
They promoted the show so others would be confused until the end, boosting viewership exponentially.
Wen Jiu found it amazing.
All thanks to Su Yaoyao’s great script!
“The celebration’s over, but I still want to celebrate!” the young lady said.
“How will you celebrate?” Wen Jiu asked.
“Since Second Uncle ruined our celebration last night, no banquet this time. I’ll give gifts instead.
Yaoyao gets one too.
Yue Ling gets one too.
Everyone present gets one.”
The young lady pulled three small boxes from her bag.
“Pick quickly and see what you get.”
Wen Jiu, Su Yaoyao, and Yue Ling were familiar with each other and quickly chose their preferred colors and took the boxes.
Yue Ling opened hers first.
The young lady peeked: “Yue Ling got a complete set of diancui headpieces.”
“Really? A whole set?” Wen Jiu curiously leaned over, reading the note in the box.
“Mm, it’s antique.”
Wen Jiu: !!!
“Perfect for Yue Ling. She can wear it while filming.”
Wen Jiu imagined it in her mind, difficult to picture the young lady wearing real antiques in a costume drama.
A full diancui set would cost tens of millions, maybe over a hundred million.
Not just a house, but several villas’ worth.
Su Yaoyao opened her box.
Inside was a quiet orange teardrop-shaped gem set in a ring, sparkling brilliantly.
Having seen pink and blue diamonds before, this was the first orange diamond.
Rare, and certainly expensive.
Wen Jiu couldn’t wait to see her own small box.
Inside the box lay… a red bean?
Wen Jiu carefully picked it up, examining it from all angles, even catching the faint scent of red beans.
“Ah, I was originally going to give this to Chu Yan, but I didn’t expect you to pick it.” The young lady exclaimed.
She covered her mouth and whispered to Wen Jiu, “You can give it to Shen Xingzhou. He’ll definitely like it.”
No diancui, no gemstone, but Wen Jiu didn’t feel disappointed.
She had already received so much; she couldn’t be greedy forever.
But giving it to Shen Xingzhou…
“This is a gift from the young lady. How could I possibly give it to someone else?”
She didn’t know which word in that sentence had struck the young lady’s heart.
The young lady covered her mouth and suddenly laughed, laughing so long her stomach hurt.
“Wen Jiu, you’re just too adorable.” She pinched Wen Jiu’s cheeks with both hands, gently massaging them.
“I said you can give it, so you can.”
“You must give it to Shen Xingzhou.”
The young lady didn’t particularly like Master Shen, thinking he was too scheming. But seeing how considerate he was to Wen Jiu, she didn’t mind helping a little.
If Shen Xingzhou treated Wen Jiu badly, she could always come get her in Beicheng.
Wen Jiu didn’t understand, but the young lady’s words surely had her reasons.
That night, with only Shen Xingzhou and Wen Jiu in the hospital room, Wen Jiu pulled the velvet box with the red bean from under her pillow.
Sitting cross-legged on the bed, she slowly opened the box. “Shen Xingzhou, this is for you.”
Under the warm light, the ordinary, smooth red bean glimmered subtly.
“For me?”
“Mm.” Wen Jiu nodded.
The next second, Shen Xingzhou swept her up in his arms and spun her around.
Wen Jiu quickly closed the velvet box, afraid the red bean might fly out.
“Jiujiu, I do.” He set her back on the bed and took the tightly closed box from her hands.
Wen Jiu: ???
Do what?
“Ah?” she let out a single, bewildered sound.
“Jiujiu proposed to me, and I’m saying I will marry Jiujiu.”
Wen Jiu: !!!
Wen Jiu: ???
She knew giving red beans could express longing, but how did a red bean become a marriage proposal?
Before she could explain that the young lady had told her to give it, Shen Xingzhou pulled a small, exquisite box from his pocket.
He opened it deliberately, revealing a massive diamond on a vine-shaped ring, dazzling and eye-catching.
Having seen the young lady’s diancui note and the orange gem earlier, Wen Jiu wasn’t stunned,
But it was still a pleasant surprise.
“Shen Xingzhou, you…”
“Jiujiu asked me before; now it’s my turn to ask. Jiujiu, will you marry me?”
Wen Jiu seriously considered the question.
After a moment, she held out her hand. “I will.”
Shen Xingzhou placed the ring on her finger, it fit perfectly.
When had he secretly measured her finger?
Wen Jiu couldn’t tell, perhaps during some hand-holding moment, he had done it.
“Shen Xingzhou, actually, the red bean wasn’t my idea to give. The young lady said it was okay to give to you.”
Contrary to Wen Jiu’s expectation, Shen Xingzhou smiled. “Your young lady did a good thing.”
At that, Wen Jiu stood on the bed, towering over Shen Xingzhou by half a head.
Hands on her hips, she declared on the young lady’s behalf: “My young lady doesn’t just do one good thing. She’s exceptionally kind, done countless good deeds.”
“Most recently, she established a foundation to find kidnapped children; before that, she invested in a near-bankrupt film crew; and before that…”
Shen Xingzhou looked up at her, hiding all the sharpness and resentment that lingered beneath his gaze, leaving only his consistent joy.
“Jiujiu is right about everything.” Yet he couldn’t bring himself to praise Qin Yao aloud.
Tired of talking, Wen Jiu sat back down, cross-legged, hands cupping her face.
“When we get married, the young lady must sit at the main table!”
Shen Xingzhou only focused on the first four words: “Mm, we’ll get married.”
Wen Jiu: …
Three days later, under the guidance of a psychologist, Wen Jiu fully overcame the trauma of being kidnapped and was discharged.
She hadn’t had major trauma, the biggest shadow was the dream itself. After waking and basking in the sun, she felt fine, no nightmares at all.
But Shen Xingzhou and the young lady insisted she see a psychologist.
Only with the psychologist’s approval could she leave.
Wen Jiu wasn’t injured; her hospital room wasn’t cold, just a mix of disinfectant and floral scent.
But a hospital is still a hospital, not as cozy as home.
The day after returning home, Shen Xingzhou showed her wedding venues on a tablet, letting her choose.
The options dazzled her; glancing sideways, she noticed Shen Xingzhou’s serious attention.
Wen Jiu wasn’t allergic to romance, but the process of choosing the perfect venue was exhausting. She had already helped the young lady survey wedding venues, making a complete PPT.
Perhaps as a semi-professional, doing it for herself felt even more tiring.
The young lady was thoroughly excited.
She came to Wen Jiu’s house, grabbed the tablet, and reviewed each venue.
“This is good, this works…” She even carried paper and pen, jotting notes while speaking.
Finally, she sent all the photos and notes to their friend group and started a poll.
Vote quickly! Which venue do you pick for Wen Jiu’s wedding?
Su Yaoyao and others joined enthusiastically, soon filling the group with 99 messages.
Even before voting, they had chatted a lot.
Wen Jiu glanced at the time, 11 PM.
Normally, the young lady would have been asleep by now. But tonight she was beside Wen Jiu, radiant and animated, more eager about Wen Jiu’s wedding than her own.
Wen Jiu tilted her head, propping her face with her hand, smiling.
It felt really good.
At 11 PM, Shen Xingzhou would normally be holding Wen Jiu in bed. But tonight was different, an outsider was present.
Unexpectedly, the next day, it wasn’t just one person, it was five.
The people from Haicheng had come too.
As a key participant in the wedding, Shen Xingzhou was kicked out while the group discussed plans.
Wen Jiu stood on tiptoe to rub his ear. “Baby, go home yourself. Tonight I’ll sleep with the young lady and the others.”
“I’ll find you tomorrow.”
Wen Jiu planted a sweet kiss.
Normally icy, Shen Xingzhou melted completely. He touched his lips, watching Wen Jiu close the door, not angry, even smiling slightly.
Behind the young lady were Su Yaoyao, then Yue Ling, and behind them the usually uninvolved Song Qin and Lin Yu, all peering curiously.
Once Wen Jiu closed the door, the group turned to chat among themselves.
“The young lady says this venue is good.”
“Yes, this one’s fine too.”
Wen Jiu watched them, and suddenly they winked at her.
“Looks like Shen Xingzhou passed our test.”
“But only for tonight, wedding day will be different!”
“Mm, don’t let him off easy,” Wen Jiu laughed.
The young lady and friends were truly wonderful.
Even with Shen Xingzhou in her life, she wanted to be close with them forever!!