He opened the car door and stepped out.
Before coming, he had made a deliberate effort to freshen up, not to present a perfect image, nor because he didn’t want her to see him in a downtrodden state. He simply did it so that she wouldn’t worry.
After the Minister of Foreign Affairs entered the hotel, and the media slowly dispersed, Ye Ranran and Song Ze did not turn around, they just moved forward casually.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Song Ze caught up with Ye Ranran.
Without outsiders present, Ye Ranran dropped her smile: "What’s it to you?"
"Why has our delicate flower suddenly grown thorns? That doesn’t seem too good."
"I’m a carnivorous plant. Be careful, or I’ll gnaw you down to the last bone."
Song Ze laughed: "Well, carnivorous flower, since you have nothing planned tonight, why don’t we have dinner together?"
"Who said she has no plans?"
A gentle voice, carried by the winter wind, blowing into their ears, instantly dispelling the cold atmosphere around them.
Ye Ranran’s body stiffened, but she did not turn around.
She dared not, yes, she dared not.
She feared that her ears were playing tricks on her, and that if she turned around, he would not be there.
Or perhaps she was dreaming, that once she ran over, he would vanish again.
Both scenarios were not what she wanted to see.
She tried hard to smile, but every time she saw him, she wanted to cry.
She didn’t know why she wanted to cry; she just felt an urge to.
But hadn’t she said she must be strong? Why couldn’t she remain strong in front of him?
She started to dream of him, yet feared she may not dream of him.
If she didn’t even see him in her dreams, where could she find him?
Jun Mochan walked to Ye Ranran’s side, wrapped his arm around her waist, and nodded at Song Ze: "Third Young Master, it’s been a while."
Song Ze’s eyes flashed with surprise, then quickly resumed his composure: "Young Master Jun, it’s been a while."
The two powerful men clasped hands. Even without speaking or doing anything, their air was enough to signal a tacit understanding.
Ye Ranran however, felt nothing. She stood rigidly, maintaining her original posture.
"Since Young Master Jun is here, I won’t disturb you two anymore. Ranran, see you." Song Ze purposefully bid Ye Ranran goodbye.
Ye Ranran did not respond, her face still wore a smile, yet her eyes were vacant, even a touch bewildered.
"Safe travels, no need for goodbyes." Jun Mochan’s smile was warm and distant.
Once they were the only two people remaining, Jun Mochan’s arms moved to enfold Ye Ranran’s waist, he drew her entire body into his embrace.
Ye Ranran’s back tightly pressed against Jun Mochan’s chest. Familiar warmth spread from him constantly.
Jun Mochan’s chin rested on Ye Ranran’s shoulder, his voice soft by her ear: "I finally made it back. Don’t I get a hug?"
Ye Ranran finally lifted her eyelids, but her eyes wounded Jun Mochan.
Her eyes were full of pain, disbelief and complications, but there was not a hint of surprise.
It’s not that Ye Ranran did not want to be surprised, but that she dared not believe.
"Are you real?" She gazed at him, asking softly.
Her voice was so low that it was almost swept away by the wind before it could fully leave her mouth. If not for their close proximity, Jun Mochan wouldn’t have heard it.
Jun Mochan patted her back with his large hand, coaxing her to relax. His other arm remained tightly around her: "Yes, I’m real, Ranran. I’m back, I’m fine, I’m right here in front of you."
Ye Ranran suddenly turned around, Jun Mochan caught off guard slightly let her go.
Staring at Jun Mochan’s refined face, Ye Ranran lifted her hand, but it was a long while before she let it fall.