Li Mansion was located opposite the Garden of Integrity.
Garden of Integrity, also known as the imperial garden, was a must-visit tourist spot so naturally, Li Mansion was added onto the list as it was just across the garden. The path further down would lead to Sunnyside’s restricted area of the rich where visitors were prohibited.
Shen Xi blended in the crowd of tourists, listening alongside as the tour guide briefly introduced the Li family history. She circled around Li Mansion before returning to the entrance.
She could not put her finger as to why she came here. Perhaps it was to take a look at his childhood residence to get closer to him and shorten the distance between them. She aimlessly joined any tourist group, one after another, circling the residence time and again.
Finally.
The sky had darkened.
With all tourists gone, she was left all alone standing at the gate of the Li’s residence. Lifting her chin to observe the plaque written “Li Mansion” in bold writing, Shen Xi was swept over by a wave of emotions.
Inside Li Mansion.
Kun Lun happened to take a fleeting glance as he passed the control room and noticed Shen Xi standing at the gate. He made haste to report to Li Yuan. “Boss, Ms. Shen is at the door. Should I send her home?”
Ms. Shen appeared rather lonesome. It was already snowing and showed no signs of stopping.
Li Yuan looked up, revealing a pale and sickly complexion. He turned to Kun Lun and said, “Bring the wheelchair here.
Kun Lun respectfully acknowledged as he watched the man in bed slip out from under the covers and put on some clothes. His pale face was looking quite morbid under the light.
Boss had been dreadfully sick the past two days. Afraid that Ms. Shen might find out, he dared not return to the villa and informed her that he was away for business.
A smart and witty woman that she was, Ms. Shen must have guessed Boss’ identity. Otherwise, why would she be standing by herself in front at someone’s door amid all that snow?
Shen Xi quietly stood there, settling into a peace of mind in the still night.
The gate suddenly opened.
Out walked a friendly-looking old man in a long robe and handed her an umbrella. “Young lady, the snow will only get heavier in a bit. Hurry home!”
A security guard in the control room had reported to him that there was someone suspicious circling around Li Mansion and still standing at the door even though the tour groups had dispersed. He was asked what to do about it.
She was just a young lady, probably hanging around because she was in a bad mood. Pitying her, the old man came out to give her an umbrella and shared a few words for her to get home early.
“Thank you.” Shen Xi smiled at the old man before accepting the umbrella. “I will return this to you another day.”
“It’s fine, young lady.” The old man was warmed by her smile. Why did a girl with a bright smile look so glum?
He was turning to walk back to the door.
Watching the old man closely, Shen Xi suddenly blurted, “Grandpa, does it feel empty to live in a big house? Is it scary?”
The old man stopped at his tracks as he harked back to the past. With his eyes welling up, he turned back and replied, “Not in the past.”
The liveliness before was a contrast to the desolation and bleakness right now.
His ancestors were keepers of the Li family. This was his home, a place he grew up in.
He was on vacation abroad when the family met the mishap and by the time he returned, things had changed.
After everyone was gone, the old man stayed behind to keep watch over the empty nest. There were times he felt that living every second of the day was pure agony.
However, he must not die as he had to guard the house for his master while waiting for the retribution to the Fifth Family and for the return of the young master.
At last, after two decades of wait, the residence welcomed the return of its owner.
There was still hope as long as one was alive.
Shen Xi felt a lump in her throat and her eyes welled up, listening to the old man’s weather-beaten voice.
This old man must be the housekeeper of the residence who had watched him grow up and doted on him. At least he would not be so lonely with the old man around.
Stepping into the house, the old man rushed over as Kun Lun was wheeling the young master out. “Why aren’t you resting when you’re sick? Where do you think you’re going?”