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墨書 Inktalez
She let out a quiet sigh of relief.
The meal had taken a long time, and as the surrounding diners began to disperse, Qiao Shuzhen waved over a waiter to settle the bill. The restaurant was not far from the hotel, so they chose to walk back slowly under the night sky, with streetlights illuminating the way and casting a warm glow from the glass windows.
Halfway back, Shen Du sent a WeChat message asking if she needed him to come pick her up. Yao Nian thought it was about time and replied that they would remain at their original location.
She had calculated the time it would take for Shen Du to drive over, but she didn’t expect that just as she and Qiao Shuzhen stepped out of the hotel, his car would be parked right in front with its hazard lights flashing.
She paused in her steps, glancing at Qiao Shuzhen with a hint of guilt. After all, she didn’t want her mother to recognize Shen Du’s car.
In the next moment, the headlights turned off, and the driver’s door opened as the man stepped out and walked toward them. Yao Nian felt a jolt of panic and quickly gestured at him with her eyes.
However, he seemed oblivious to her signal and continued walking straight toward them.
The moment Yao Nian saw Shen Du, Qiao Shuzhen suddenly understood why her daughter liked him so much. Just looking at him, it was clear that this man was truly one in a million in terms of looks and demeanor.
“Ms. Qiao,” Shen Du greeted her with a smile.
The encounter felt abrupt, and Yao Nian awkwardly introduced them: “Um, this is my mother, and this is—”
“You’re Shen the lawyer?” Qiao Shuzhen interrupted her introduction, her gaze holding an unspoken meaning.
Shen Du nodded in acknowledgment.
“Thank you for taking care of Nian Nian during this time,” he said, unsure if Yao Nian had informed her about their relationship but smiling nonetheless. “It’s my pleasure; it’s what I should do.”
“How old are you this year, Lawyer Shen?” Qiao Shuzhen asked suddenly.
“Mom!” Yao Nian frowned and interrupted her. “What are you doing?”
Qiao Shuzhen shot her a glare. “What’s wrong with asking someone their age?”
Shen Du smiled and replied, "I'm already here this year."
Yao Nian nervously rubbed her arms. "Aren't you cold? Maybe we should head back to the hotel."
Qiao Shuzhen, aware that this wasn't the right moment for probing questions, tilted her head and asked, "Aren't you coming up to sleep with me?"
Me? Yao Nian glanced at Shen Du silently. "Aren't you staying with him?"
"We can book another room."
"That doesn't seem right. It's his first time in China, and how can you bear to let him stay alone in a foreign country?"
Qiao Shuzhen was amused by her response and lightly tapped her forehead. "What a mess you're making of this. I know what you're thinking."
At this point, Shen Du realized that the young girl had laid her cards on the table.
He spoke up at the right moment. "Ms. Qiao, I was initially concerned about letting Yao Nian stay alone in Huaibei, which is why I brought her to stay with me temporarily. If you're still worried, I can move to my father's house before she starts school."
Yao Nian gently tugged at Shen Du's sleeve and whispered, "You don't mind the trouble?"
Perhaps it was due to his profession or his composed demeanor that gave off an air of refinement; Qiao Shuzhen's first impression of him was quite good.
"That's not necessary," she said, glancing at Yao Nian. "But Yao Nian is still young and naive. I have to think a bit more for her sake; please understand a parent's concern."
Shen Du could easily grasp the implication behind her words.
He replied earnestly, "I understand your concerns, so please rest assured."
Finally, Qiao Shuzhen relaxed her expression. "Today has been too rushed. I'll be staying in the country for a while, and I hope that when Lawyer Shen has time, we can have a meal together."
"Of course. Just let me know when you're free; I'm available anytime."
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