This truly marked the first time He Zhilan had ever ventured outside her country in both of her two lives. Watching the golden-haired, blue-eyed foreigners bustling around outside the airport, even someone like He Zhilan found herself increasingly fascinated and thrilled.
Before leaving, Lin Chan had told her that not all foreigners are as friendly as John and Lihua. She’d need to stay cautious when interacting with foreigners abroad. This had worried He Zhilan somewhat. However, when she arrived, she found that those passing her by, whether they knew her or not, would each look at her with curiosity, then flash her a friendly smile. It was these harmless smiles that had eased her tension.
"The mansion is a bit far from the city center. I’ve arranged to meet with Bono and his group. We’ll have a meal together first, and then we’ll go to the mansion, okay?" Lihua, grinning as she drove, was clearly delighted and welcoming with the fact that He Zhilan was really in her country.
"Sure." He Zhilan was open to the idea. Knowing Bono and his group were a blessing. They were also benefactors to He Da. If it weren’t for their generous reward, neither she nor He Dongxue would have been able to easily attend Capital University, let alone afford to slip extra money into their father’s pocket without him noticing.
Lihua’s hospitality didn’t stop at taking He Zhilan out for a meal. She brought He Zhilan directly to her home, which she shared with John. By the time they arrived, John and Bono, along with a few others, were already waiting at home. Upon seeing everyone arriving, John, Bono, and the others took turns giving He Zhilan a big hug.
"You look great. You must’ve had a nice summer." Bono pat He Zhilan’s head gently like a big brother would.
"It was great. My brother was in a good form after he came home. Having him at home to keep my father company relieved my worries about studying abroad. I feel lighter and better, thanks to all the help you provided me back in C Province!" He Zhilan nodded and followed Lihua around to tour the house. Afterward, they all gather around the dining table for lunch, lovingly prepared by Lihua and John.
After lunch, He Zhilan bid farewell to Bono and the others, and then John and Lihua drove her to the mansion. As Lihua had said, the mansion was located in a small town a bit far from the city center. By the time the trio arrived at the town mansion, it was almost dusk.
Only on truly arriving at the mansion, seeing its dreamy beauty, did He Zhilan truly understand how limited one’s perspective can be.
She had known country life before, but life at a small-town mansion was entirely unlike what she’d imagined. The mansion wasn’t focused on farming and raising livestock but more on planting flowers. In the height of summer, a sea of flowers stretched out in front of her, seemingly endless, a sight so breathtaking that a woman could quite helplessly lose herself in its beauty.
"It’s so beautiful~" He Zhilan muttered, "Living here must be wonderful!"
"You’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Once you truly get to know this mansion, you’ll find it hard to leave." Lihua grinned, "Aside from work, I spent most of my time vacationing here with my friend. She’s also very hospitable."
Hearing Lihua’s words, He Zhilan became evermore curious about the owners of the mansion. When she finally met them, an aged couple with silver hair, contrasting sharply with her image of typical farmers, He Zhilan found herself even more astonished.