Shen Mianmian felt that the person outside was very likely Lu Siyuan, so without much thought, she directly opened the door, but when she saw the person outside, she suddenly froze.
Before her stood a beautiful woman dressed in a rose-red coat who seemed to be in her twenties. A white fur collar cradled her reddened cheeks, making her look both beautiful and pitiable. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩
Her large eyes were intently fixed on Mianmian, and her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, topped with a fluffy hat. At a glance, her whole attire spoke of someone who had grown up with a silver spoon.
She was holding a suitcase in one hand and a white piece of paper in the other, evidently looking for someone.
Having been in Licheng for so long, Shen Mianmian had never seen such a beautiful and luxurious-looking woman before, and a name unbiddenly rose to her mind—Cheng Xining.
At that moment, the woman, seeing Shen Mianmian, also paused in surprise as if she hadn’t expected to find a young girl here. She glanced at the note in her hand and then handed it to Shen Mianmian.
"Is this the address?" She didn’t bother with polite language, apparently accustomed to speaking to others in such a tone.
Shen Mianmian glanced at it and nodded, "Who are you looking for?" The address was indeed Brother He’s, but she wasn’t sure if the woman was looking for Brother He or the original homeowner.
Though she had her suspicions, they had yet to be confirmed.
"Haven’t asked who you are yet," Cheng Xining said tersely, her tone not very friendly, then she brushed past Shen Mianmian and walked straight into the house.
Just as she was about to say something, she heard the woman crisply call out, "Brother Nan."
Shen Mianmian: "..." So she was indeed looking for Brother He. Almost certain now that the woman in front of her was Cheng Xining, Shen Mianmian prudently closed her mouth.
This was Brother He’s old flame, perhaps his future wife. Brother He had been so good to her; she couldn’t repay kindness with ingratitude and create trouble for Brother He.
He Nan emerged from the kitchen and upon seeing Cheng Xining, his brows immediately furrowed, "Why have you come?"
Cheng Xining’s eyes reddened, "Brother Nan, I had just come back from my aunt’s and heard that you had come back and left again. I pestered Brother Yiyang for a long time before he finally gave me your address. I then bought a train ticket and came over right away."
He Nan’s frown deepened, "Does your family not know?" Although he was asking her, his tone was full of certainty.
Cheng Xining lowered her head in silence, tacitly confirming He Nan’s words.
"I’ll make a call, and have someone come to take you back," He Nan said as he put down the bowl of filling and walked towards the phone.
"I don’t want to." Cheng Xining ran over and pressed down on the phone, "Brother Nan, it’s snowing now, and it’s Chinese New Year’s Eve. If you ask my family to come, not only will you ruin their New Year, but traveling in the snow is also very dangerous."
"You knew and still came?" He Nan said with a frown, his face cold, "Call home yourself and let them know you’re safe."
She took this as an indirect approval of her staying, and, with a burst of joy, Cheng Xining picked up the phone and dialed a number; it was answered almost as soon as it connected.
"Mom, it’s Xining, don’t worry, I’m at Brother He’s place."
"Ah! I just came to see Brother Nan."
"You all fuss too much."
"I’m not going to talk anymore, I’m hanging up."
Cheng Xining informed the other end of her whereabouts. Apparently, they had been searching for her, and upon learning she was in Licheng, while relieved, they also reprimanded her. Impatiently, Cheng Xining hung up the phone.
After she had finished the call, He Nan didn’t pay her any further attention and said to Shen Mianmian, "Come and wrap dumplings." He sounded much more relaxed than when he spoke to Cheng Xining.