msmithbooks Chapter 160 The two mothers understood each other without words.
Chapter 160 The two mothers understood each other without words.
Chapter 160 The two mothers understood each other without words.
On August 10, the morning sun in Los Angeles carried the salty, damp scent of the sea breeze, casting alternating light and shadow on the bedroom floor through the blinds of the Beverly Hills villa.
After a full day of rest, the two, completely recovered from the excitement and noise of the wrap party and the fatigue of the past few days of intimate sweetness, felt refreshed.
Liu Yifei picked out a striped shirt from the dressing room. The short skirt reached her calves and was loosely and comfortably cut, outlining her slender waistline.
She took a couple of barefoot steps on the carpet, her skirt swaying lightly.
Her hair wasn't styled much; it was simply tied loosely at the back of her head with a simple shark clip, and a few wispy strands playfully hung down her neck.
She only applied moisturizer and sunscreen to her face, leaving it bare. Her skin glowed with a natural, healthy radiance in the morning light, and her lips were a natural pink.
It looks as fresh as a freshly peeled hard-boiled egg, with a soft glow unique to those nourished by love.
Jiang Yu hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. Looking at her fresh and charming reflection in the mirror, he chuckled, "Is our Miss Liu going to Santa Monica to play the role of an artsy young woman?"
Liu Yifei glared at him in the mirror and said deliberately, "What, Boss Jiang thinks it's not formal enough? Shall I change into a business suit?" She pretended to go change.
"No." Jiang Yu tightened his arms and placed a kiss on her neck. "This is fine. It's my company; the boss's wife can wear whatever she wants."
He pronounced the words "boss lady" very clearly, with a hint of teasing and intimacy.
Liu Yifei's face flushed slightly, and she nudged him lightly with her elbow: "Who's your boss? Go change your clothes, don't keep David waiting and making a fuss."
In the end, Jiang Yu changed into a light gray linen-blend casual suit, with a white T-shirt underneath, soft-soled loafers on his feet, and a pair of understated tortoiseshell-framed sunglasses perched on his nose.
The two stood together, one fresh and artistic, the other casual and unrestrained, yet strangely harmonious, like the California sunshine and sea breeze itself.
Today's destination is the North American headquarters of Light Chaser Animation Studios, located near the Santa Monica waterfront promenade.
The building is bright and open, with movie posters, concept art, and comfortable rest areas everywhere, full of the freedom and vitality unique to the creative industry. You can also faintly hear the sound of the Pacific Ocean waves and cheerful music coming from the dock in the distance.
As soon as the car pulled into its designated parking space in the building's underground garage and came to a stop, before the two of them could even unbuckle their seatbelts, they heard an exaggerated whistle coming from the direction of the elevator entrance.
Immediately afterwards, a figure dressed in an incredibly flashy Hawaiian print shirt, bright yellow beach shorts, and fluorescent green flip-flops darted to the car with a speed that was completely out of place with this outfit. He bent down and, through the lowered car window, revealed an excessively bright smile.
"Surprise! Look who's here! Our elusive boss has finally remembered he has a tiny, struggling company in Santa Monica? Jiang, if you hadn't come soon, I'd almost thought the president of Light Chaser Pictures was going to change his name to David the Beach Watcher! Hello, Boss Lady!"
David's booming voice echoed in the empty garage. His mischievous smile almost overflowed, and his eyes scanned back and forth between Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei without any attempt to hide it. He lingered for several seconds on Liu Yifei's fair and rosy face, her eyes glistening with moisture, clearly showing that she had rested very well. His smile deepened, carrying a knowing teasing tone.
Liu Yifei blushed deeply at the sudden welcome and the implied meaning of the loud "boss lady." She subconsciously moved closer to Jiang Yu, her fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of her skirt.
Jiang Yu remained unfazed, slowly removing his sunglasses and glancing at David's dazzling outfit, speaking in a tone as calm as if he were commenting on the weather.
"Looks like the recent sunbathing on Santa Monica Beach has been quite effective, giving our CEO not only a healthy tan but also a strikingly different sense of style. Should I remind you that while the company dress code doesn't explicitly ban Hawaiian shirts, flip-flops—do they seem to fall outside the 'business casual' category? Or is it that the champagne from the wrap party the other day still hasn't worn off?"
"Hey! Boss, you just don't get it!" David immediately raised his hands, making an exaggerated gesture of grievance, but his smile didn't diminish at all; in fact, it became even brighter. "That's called the California work ethic; relax, and creativity can flow! Besides,"
He turned to Liu Yifei, immediately adopting a slightly more serious but still enthusiastic smile. "Liu! I must once again sincerely congratulate you! 'Lucy' has wrapped filming! That old madman Luc called me last night, so excited he was incoherent, praising you to the skies, saying you're the most explosive and versatile actress he's ever worked with, bar none! And Venice, my God, this is simply the best news of the summer! The entire Light Chaser Animation Studios is shining because of you!"
He spoke with utmost sincerity, his eyes filled with genuine admiration and excitement for his partner's tremendous achievements.
"Thank you, David. It's the result of the director's and everyone's joint efforts." Liu Yifei had gradually gotten used to the exaggerated style of this Hollywood elite, and responded with a polite smile, her demeanor becoming much more poised.
"Let's go, let's not hold the press conference in the garage." Jiang Yu opened the car door, patted David on the shoulder, and said, "We have serious business in the conference room."
"Yes, ma'am!" David gestured for them to proceed, then, wearing flip-flops, walked quickly ahead to lead the way.
A private elevator takes you directly to the top floor.
Pushing open the heavy, soundproof door leading to the conference room, I found three people already waiting inside.
One of them was George Miller, the senior director of global marketing for "Black Swan" at Fox Searchlight. He was a typical East Coast elite, in his fifties, with his silver hair neatly combed back. He wore a perfectly tailored dark blue custom suit, and even sitting there, he had his back straight. He was holding a pen and making marks on a document.
The other was Darren Aronofsky, the director of "Black Swan." He looked more weathered and tired than his actual age, but his eyes were unusually sharp and bright. He was wearing his usual black cotton T-shirt and slightly worn khaki work pants, with dirty canvas shoes on his feet. He was looking out the window at the sea view with his arms crossed, exuding the focus and unruliness of an artist.
Another one is a senior public relations manager in the searchlight sector, a capable middle-aged woman.
Upon seeing Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei enter, George and Darren stood up almost simultaneously.
"Mr. Jiang! Ms. Liu! Congratulations on wrapping up filming!"
George strode forward, shook hands firmly with Jiang Yu, then turned to Liu Yifei, bowed slightly, and gave a professional but sincere smile. "Ms. Liu, double happiness! 'Lucy' has successfully wrapped filming, and 'Black Swan' has shone brightly at Venice! These are truly memorable moments in your acting career. Congratulations!"
Darren Aronofsky's steps were more direct; he walked almost straight toward Liu Yifei, his penetrating eyes lingering on her face for a moment, as if assessing the final effect of a work of art he had personally sculpted.
A few seconds later, he slowly nodded, a satisfied and approving smile on his face: "Liu, you're in good shape."
Tired but determined, relaxed yet powerful—excellent, Lin Xin's spirit still resides within you. The shimmering waters of Venice will make her even more enchanting.
His tone was calm, but those familiar with his work know that this is already extremely high praise for him.
Then he turned to Jiang Yu, extended his hand, and said in a more serious tone, "Jiang, thank you. It's not just for the funding, but also for your insistence that this film should go to Venice and be viewed in a broader context, despite the opposition. Your vision opened another door for this film."
"Darren, it is your talent and courage that makes this film worthy of any stage." Jiang Yu shook hands with him, his tone steady and powerful, showing respect for the creators.
The meeting proceeded efficiently and pragmatically thanks to thorough prior communication via email and telephone.
David, representing the team chasing the light, chaired the meeting, and George presented a detailed Venice Film Festival schedule, broken down to the hour.
The media interview list, along with a series of meticulously planned public relations activities, ranged from Q&A sessions with the creators after the official film screenings to small roundtables with European film critics, and important industry networking receptions.
As the film's leading lady and a recent hot topic, Liu Yifei was naturally the focus of all the activities.
"Our core strategy is to highlight Ms. Liu's groundbreaking and highly challenging performance in the film, positioning her as a new generation of international film stars who combine commercial value with artistic aspirations."
George pointed to a still of Liu Yifei in "Black Swan" on the PPT, her face a mixture of innocence and wickedness, desire and fear. "At the same time, we will cleverly combine her recent sci-fi action image in 'Lucy' to create the image of an actress with a wide range of roles and unlimited potential. Press releases and interviews will all be based on this perspective."
Regarding the itinerary, George suggested: "The core publicity team, including Darren and myself, will arrive in Venice on August 30th to conduct preliminary media communications, venue coordination, and atmosphere building. Mr. Jiang, Ms. Liu, you can arrive on September 1st..."
Arrive on the day after the film festival opens. This will allow you to avoid the chaos of the opening day crowds and media frenzy, enabling you to participate in the film's most important premiere and subsequent key events in a more relaxed and refreshed state.
Jiang Yu looked at Liu Yifei questioningly. She carefully reviewed the schedule, found the arrangement reasonable, and nodded in agreement.
Jiang Yu then told David, "For security and accommodation, Zhuiguang will coordinate the highest-level team and the most convenient hotels. Safety and comfort are our top priorities."
"Understood, boss!" David immediately took notes. "The hotel has already identified several hotels in the heart of Lido Island with the best privacy, and we can confirm their availability immediately. The security team will be from the most reliable one we've worked with before."
"In addition," David added, "regarding the red carpet look, we have held several transoceanic meetings with Ms. Liu's stylist team and have initially selected a few options, all of which lean towards elegance, sophistication, and design, avoiding anything too exaggerated or vulgar, in line with Venice's emphasis on art. Media releases and social media operations will also be followed up simultaneously."
The meeting concluded efficiently within an hour.
George and Darren also had to rush off to the Venice Film Festival organizing committee for final details confirmation and a final technical check of the film copy.
After seeing them off, Jiang Yu stayed in David's CEO office, which overlooked the Santa Monica pier and the sea view.
"As for 'Twilight: New Moon,' Summit Entertainment's promotional campaign has already begun, and it's working well, with fans having high expectations."
David reported on the other projects, "We provided the necessary support according to the agreement. The focus is on Avatar."
""
His voice lowered unconsciously, tinged with excitement, "The news from James's side is that the final mixing and color grading are complete, and the finished film—in his own words, is enough to change film history." The joint marketing and distribution command center we established with Fox is fully operational, the first official trailer is scheduled for release in late September, and the marketing budget has increased to $1.5 million.
Boss, all I can say is that what we need to do is to instill in the world an incurable curiosity and longing for that blue planet before December 18th!
Jiang Yu nodded and instructed, "Keep a close eye on every aspect, especially the word-of-mouth management for technical screenings and media previews. This film is a crucial battle for us to establish ourselves as a top player in Hollywood."
"Don't worry! I understand its significance!" David assured him, patting his chest.
It was nearly noon when I left the Light Chaser Pictures building.
The cheerful music, tourists' laughter, and seagulls' cries emanating from the Santa Monica pier, mixed with the scent of sunshine and sea breeze, make one's mood involuntarily relax and soar.
Liu Yifei stretched, her beautiful figure displayed in the sunlight. She turned her head to look at the man beside her, her eyes filled with relaxation and anticipation: "Are we really going back to China tomorrow?"
"Yes, we're flying directly to Wuhan." Jiang Yu naturally put his arm around her shoulder and led her to the parking lot. "Haven't you been saying you miss your grandma and mom, and you've been craving hot dry noodles and bean curd sheets for ages? I should go back and see my parents too. If I don't go back soon, my mom's phone will probably ring off the hook."
He paused, a gentle yet firm smile flashing in his eyes, and squeezed her shoulder. "Besides, there are some things we should formally and face-to-face tell our family. We can't keep making them guessing."
Liu Yifei immediately understood what he meant. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but her heart felt as if it were wrapped in warm honey, sweet and delightful.
Yes, no matter how far you wander or how much glory you achieve, you will eventually return to the harbor called home.
But this time, going back has a different meaning.
She softly hummed in agreement, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling that solid support.
On August 12, after a long flight that crossed the Pacific Ocean and the Date Line, the massive Boeing passenger plane finally broke through the clouds and landed smoothly on the wide runway of Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Wang Wei, accompanied by a streamlined team of assistants and bodyguards, parted ways with Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei.
They needed to immediately transfer back to Beijing to handle the backlog of company business and make preparations for their upcoming trip to Venice.
Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei boarded a domestic flight to their hometown of Wuhan.
During the short one-and-a-half-hour flight, Liu Yifei seemed somewhat distracted.
Sometimes she would gaze out the window at the familiar yet unfamiliar land of China rushing past, and sometimes she would lower her head to adjust the cuffs of the light pink silk shirt she was wearing.
She even secretly took out a cushion foundation from her purse and checked her makeup in the small mirror to see if it was appropriate.
The feeling of trepidation upon approaching home was particularly intense in her heart.
Moreover, this time when she returned, her relationship with Jiang Yu had undergone a qualitative leap.
Although her mother and Jiang Yu's parents had long understood each other and were even happy about it, the thought of facing her closest elders with the feeling that "what's done is done" made her restless. The mix of shyness, trepidation, and an urgent desire to be blessed made her uneasy.
Jiang Yu noticed her nervousness, and under the cramped airplane tray table, he slipped his fingers between hers, their dry fingers interlocking.
"Relax," he whispered in her ear, his breath brushing against her earlobe, "Even an ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws eventually, and besides, our Sisi is so beautiful."
He paused deliberately, watching her eyes widen instantly, before slowly smiling and saying, "Besides, do you think Mom and Auntie, with their sharp eyes, could keep it a secret? They might have already guessed from the clues in our video call."
These words did not relax Liu Yifei; instead, they made her even more nervous. Her cheeks flushed, and she pinched his palm hard reproachfully: "It's all your fault—"
Her voice was soft and delicate, with a hint of coquetry, but her fingers unconsciously tightened their grip on his.
The plane landed smoothly at Terminal 3 of Wuhan Tianhe International Airport.
After collecting their checked luggage, the two pushed the luggage cart and followed the flow of people toward the domestic arrivals gate.
From afar, among the crowd of people waiting to pick up passengers, I immediately spotted those three remarkably familiar figures.
Jiang Jianguo and Zhou Huiwen stood side by side.
Today, Mr. Jiang wore a light blue striped shirt and neatly pressed casual pants. His hair was combed neatly, and his refined face carried a calm smile, but the longing in his eyes could not be concealed.
Zhou Huiwen wore a modified cheongsam dress made of high-quality Xiangyun yarn. The light apricot background was embroidered with elegant orchids, which made her temperament even more gentle and dignified. She was carrying a delicate pearl handbag and was tiptoeing, anxiously looking around at the exit.
Standing next to them was Liu Yifei's mother, Liu Xiaoli.
Today she wore a beige silk-linen blend suit, with a blazer-style top and wide-leg pants, looking both capable and elegant.
Her long hair was tied into a low bun at the back of her head and secured with a jade hairpin. Her face was adorned with appropriate light makeup, but her brows and eyes held a hint of composure and experience accumulated over the years, as well as a subtle, almost imperceptible eagerness for her daughter's return.
At that moment, she was also craning her neck, her eyes searching eagerly.
"Dad! Mom! Auntie!" Jiang Yu waved first and raised his voice, while holding Liu Yifei tightly with his other hand and quickening his pace.
"Xiaoyu! Qianqian!" Zhou Huiwen was the first to spot them. Her eyes lit up instantly, and a bright smile bloomed on her face. She quickly pulled Liu Xiaoli, who was beside her, to come forward.
"Uncle, Aunt, Mom!" Liu Yifei released the luggage cart, took a few quick steps, and rushed into her mother Liu Xiaoli's arms, hugging her tightly and smelling her mother's familiar fragrance.
Then he turned around, a little embarrassed but affectionate, and hugged Zhou Huiwen, before politely greeting Jiang Jianguo: "Hello, Uncle."
"It's good that you're back! It's good that you're back! You must be exhausted after such a long flight!" Zhou Huiwen held Liu Yifei's hand tightly and wouldn't let go, looking her up and down carefully with eyes full of love and joy.
"Oh dear, you do look a bit thinner, your face is so sharp—were you working too hard filming over there? But—"
She paused, her gaze lingering on Liu Yifei's face for a few seconds, a knowing glint in her eyes followed by a deeper smile. "Your complexion is truly wonderful, fair and rosy, your eyes are bright and sparkling, you look even more energetic than on TV!"
Jiang Jianguo smiled and patted his son's shoulder as he approached, his touch firm: "You brat, you've grown wings. You didn't even come back when you went to Shanghai last time, flying all over the world. At least you still know the way home."
Despite saying that, he couldn't hide the pride and satisfaction in his eyes. He glanced at Liu Yifei, who was standing with her two mothers, and then lowered his voice to Jiang Yu, saying, "We and your aunt know about what happened in Venice. You did a great job. Qianqian is also very promising."
Liu Xiaoli held her daughter's hand, her gaze like a highly precise scanner, taking in the lingering shyness in her eyes, the comforting and gentle aura emanating from her, a feeling of being well cared for and content, and then sweeping over Jiang Yu, whose demeanor had become increasingly composed and reserved, yet whose gaze remained tenderly fixed on his daughter.
As someone who had been through it all, she confirmed her suspicions almost instantly.
It was not just a change in demeanor, but a subtle transformation from girl to woman, from dependence to mutual possession.
Her heart skipped a beat, a bittersweet feeling of "her beloved flower, which she had raised for so many years, being taken away pot and all." But then, seeing the overflowing happiness in her daughter's eyes and Jiang Yu's composed and responsible gaze, that bittersweet feeling was quickly replaced by immense relief and blessings.
My daughter has found a good home, a man who truly loves her, respects her, and can protect her. This is more important than anything else.
She subtly raised her eyes and looked at Zhou Huiwen, who was also sizing up the two young people beside her.
The two mothers' eyes met briefly in the air. In that instant, they both understood each other's unspoken understanding, as well as the relief, joy, and tacit agreement that "this day has finally come."
Zhou Huiwen even winked at Liu Xiaoli almost imperceptibly, with a hint of relief and a touch of teasing, her smile deepening.
Liu Xiaoli responded with a knowing smile, everything was understood without words.
"Auntie, Mom, how have you been lately? Are you bored at home?" Liu Yifei felt a little guilty under the gazes of her two mothers, her cheeks flushed, and she quickly changed the subject, her voice sweeter than usual.
"Great, great!" Liu Xiaoli looked away, smiled and patted her daughter's hand. "With you not home, I'm finally free."
I often go shopping, have tea, and listen to opera with your Aunt Zhou. She even enrolled in a landscape painting class at the senior university! Aunt Zhou is painting very well now!
She set aside those major discoveries for the time being, speaking in a relaxed tone.
"Exactly!" Zhou Huiwen affectionately linked arms with Liu Xiaoli, smiling at Liu Yifei and Jiang Yu, "Qianqian, you have no idea, we manage our lives much better than you young people! We even went to Enshi to escape the summer heat a few days ago and took lots of photos! You two are out there working hard, while we two are at home enjoying life—that's called a clear division of labor!"
As she spoke, she gave Jiang Yu a mischievous look, "So that some people won't always complain that we're nagging."
The group chatted and laughed, creating a warm and lively atmosphere, as they pushed their luggage carts toward the parking lot.
Jiang Yu's driver had been waiting for a long time in his spacious and comfortable Mercedes-Benz V-Class van with a low-key exterior.
Jiang Jianguo naturally sat in the front passenger seat, while the three ladies sat in the two more comfortable individual airline seats in the middle row and the row of seats in the back, and Jiang Yu sat in the last seat.
The car smoothly drove out of the airport and merged into the slightly busy traffic of Wuhan in the afternoon.
The scenery outside the car window gradually shifted from the wide and modern airport expressway to streets that better reflected the city's character.
The familiar Han dialect could be faintly heard, and the lush plane trees on both sides of the road cast dappled shadows.
In the car, the conversation naturally turned to their work and life abroad.
The two mothers listened very attentively, asking questions about details from time to time, from whether the filming was tiring, to whether they were used to the food, and to the specific arrangements in Venice.
.
Upon hearing the detailed schedule and preparations for the Venice Film Festival, Zhou Huiwen excitedly grasped Liu Yifei's hand.
"Oh my, Venice! That's the temple of cinematic art! I heard that only top actresses like Gong Li and Maggie Cheung used to be allowed to walk the red carpet there! Our Sisi really brings honor to our Jiang family—no, to all Chinese people!"
In her excitement, she almost let something slip, so she quickly corrected herself, which made Liu Xiaoli and Jiang Jianguo laugh.
Liu Xiaoli, her eyes brimming with pride, said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Will it be broadcast live on TV? Should we organize a group of relatives and friends to go to Italy to cheer you on and give you some support?"
"Mom~ Aunt Zhou~" Liu Yifei blushed, feeling embarrassed. "You can just watch the news broadcast at home. It's too far to go there, and we don't speak the language, it'll be too much trouble. Jiang Yu will accompany me the whole time, so don't worry."
She subconsciously glanced at Jiang Yu in the back seat.
"Yes, yes, with Xiaoyu here, we can rest assured."
Zhou Huiwen immediately chimed in, glancing at her composed son in the rearview mirror. Her smile deepened, and she said meaningfully, "Xiaoyu is reliable. With him taking care of you, we won't cause any trouble. We can just stay home and watch our Qianqian shine on the red carpet!"
Somehow, the conversation shifted to more relatable topics.
"Xixi, how many days will you be able to stay at home this time?" Zhou Huiwen asked with concern.
"About ten days," Liu Yifei thought for a moment, "and then I'll start preparing my outfit and getting ready for Venice. After that, I'll probably go directly from Beijing to Venice, where there are some post-production dubbing and promotional activities."
"Only ten days—" Zhou Huiwen was a little disappointed, but quickly cheered up again, "Then just rest at home for the next few days and don't think about anything! Just tell Auntie what you want to eat, and Auntie will make it for you! Look at you, you definitely can't eat authentic Hubei cuisine outside, and you've even lost weight—"
She had already started mentally planning the menu: the lotus root and pork rib soup should be simmered for a long time, the steamed Wuchang fish should be the freshest, and the bean curd sheets should be from that time-honored shop—
Liu Xiaoli considered things more carefully. She looked at her daughter, then at Jiang Yu, and asked tactfully, "Qianqian, when you come back this time—are you staying at our own home, or—"
She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was already very clear.
After all, their relationship is different now, and where they live is a subtle signal.
The car fell silent for a moment. Liu Yifei blushed slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting together. She turned her head instinctively, looking at Jiang Yu in the back seat for help.
Meeting the gazes of the three elders, including Jiang Jianguo who had slightly turned from the passenger seat, Jiang Yu spoke calmly and clearly, "Auntie, let Qianqian stay with us this time. Mom has already prepared her room and keeps it clean. It's also close by, making it convenient to take care of her. And—"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Liu Xiaoli, Jiang Jianguo, and Zhou Huiwen, his tone solemn yet natural, "Qianqian and I are together now. I came back this time to formally and in person tell you and my parents. I hope to receive your blessings."
Although they were mentally prepared, the three elders were still slightly taken aback when they heard Jiang Yu's direct, frank, and responsible "annual announcement." Then, smiles of relief, relief, and even joy appeared on their faces.
Jiang Jianguo turned around from the passenger seat and gave his son a deep look.
There was scrutiny and emotion in his eyes, which ultimately turned into a sense of recognition and appreciation that "my son has grown up and is responsible."
He nodded, his words concise yet resolute: "Yes, I understand. You're all adults; you've chosen your own paths, so walk them well. Support each other and respect one another."
Zhou Huiwen was overjoyed. She squeezed Liu Xiaoli's hand tightly, then turned to Liu Yifei with a warm smile that could melt anyone's heart.
"That's wonderful! Sisi, Auntie has always considered you her own daughter! From now on, this is your home, so please don't be shy! I personally check your room every week; the sheets and blankets are always aired out and smell wonderful, just waiting for you to come back and stay!"
She deliberately emphasized the room, then added with a smile, her words carrying the wisdom and consideration of someone with experience, "Of course, you young people can stay however you're comfortable and convenient. We old folks won't interfere, okay!"
The unspoken meaning in her words made Liu Yifei's face instantly turn as red as a ripe tomato, and even her ears felt hot.
Liu Xiaoli's feelings at this moment were the most complicated and the most touching.
She watched her daughter nestled beside Jiang Yu, shy yet radiating happiness and confidence in the future; then she looked at Jiang Yu, tall and upright, his eyes firm and open, offering her daughter unconditional support and a sense of security.
The last vestige of reluctance and slight disappointment in her heart that "her daughter will eventually leave her wings" was completely replaced by immense relief and blessings that her daughter had found a good man to entrust her life to.
She gently patted her daughter's hand, then looked at Jiang Yu with a gentle yet earnest gaze, carrying a mother's solemn entrustment: "Xiao Yu, Auntie is entrusting Qianqian to you. This child has been spoiled by me since she was little, and sometimes she's a bit temperamental and not very good at taking care of herself. Please be more tolerant of her and indulge her. You two should take care of each other out there, and stay safe and sound. As parents, we would be happier than that."
"Auntie, don't worry." Jiang Yu sat up straight, looked directly at Liu Xiaoli, and said solemnly as if making a vow, "I will use all my heart to love her, respect her, and support her in pursuing everything she wants. I will not let her suffer any injustice or sadness."
Please, you, my uncle, and my parents, keep an eye on me.
This promise, though simple and unadorned, carries immense weight.
Liu Xiaoli's eyes welled up with tears. She nodded vigorously, turned her face away, and quietly wiped the corner of her eye.
Zhou Huiwen's eyes welled up with tears, and she tightened her grip on Liu Xiaoli's arm. Jiang Jianguo smiled with satisfaction.
The atmosphere inside the car instantly became more intimate and harmonious because of this solemn honesty and promise, truly giving off a sense of family joy and togetherness.
The two mothers began to discuss enthusiastically whether to eat at home or go out to try the newly opened restaurant that evening, and whether to bring Liu Yifei's grandmother over from home to join in the fun. They already seemed like a familiar family discussing family matters.
The car drove into a quiet, high-end residential area on the shore of East Lake with strict security.
Jiang Yu's house is a three-story modern Chinese-style courtyard villa with white walls and black tiles, and a deep courtyard. It has both classical charm and the simplicity and transparency of modern architecture.
The courtyard is planted with green bamboo and a few late-blooming osmanthus trees, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air.
As soon as they entered, Zhou Huiwen enthusiastically took Liu Yifei's hand and led her to the room that had been prepared for her.
That was the suite on the second floor with the best lighting and the most open view. Pushing open the exquisite carved wooden door, there was a spacious living room that also served as a small study, which connected to a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Outside the master bedroom, there was a small balcony with a view of a corner of East Lake.
The room is decorated in a fresh, modern Chinese style, with natural wood furniture, light-colored wallpaper, soft and skin-friendly light pink bedding on the bed, and cute throw pillows.
Several brand-new loungewear pieces were already hanging in the walk-in closet, with every detail showing the preparer's meticulous care and long-awaited anticipation.
"Sisi, look, if there's anything missing or anything that doesn't suit your taste, just tell Auntie and she'll send someone over right away."
"Okay!" Zhou Huiwen held her hand, looking at her with loving eyes, as if she couldn't get enough of looking at her.
"Thank you, Auntie—" Liu Yifei looked at the carefully decorated space, which was full of warmth and acceptance, and her nose tingled with emotion. "It's already very good, really. It has everything you need, it's especially good—it's even more comfortable than my own room."
"Silly child, why are you being so polite with your auntie?" Zhou Huiwen stroked her hair tenderly, then leaned closer, lowered her voice, and said with a smile and a tenderness that only a woman could understand, "Xiaoyu's room is the one at the very end of the corridor, it's bigger, and it has a large terrace with a view of the whole yard—make yourselves at home, don't be shy."
After saying that, she smiled at Liu Yifei with blessings and encouragement before turning around and going downstairs to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Liu Yifei stood alone in this room filled with kindness and a sense of belonging, looking around.
Outside the window, the shimmering East Lake and the city skyline stretched out before me, the setting sun slowly sinking, painting the sky with magnificent colors.
The room was quiet and cozy; this would be her home from now on.
Dinner was eaten at home, with Zhou Huiwen cooking herself and Liu Xiaoli helping out in the kitchen. The two mothers worked together seamlessly.
Soon, a table full of authentic and sumptuous Hubei home-style dishes was laid out on the restaurant's large round table: lotus root and pork rib soup, simmered until the broth was milky white and the lotus root was soft and powdery.
The Wuchang fish, with its tender flesh, is incredibly delicious even when simply steamed with scallions and ginger; the translucent and fragrant pearl meatballs; the savory and refreshing stir-fried cured pork with fresh water chestnuts; and of course, the indispensable cold edamame salad, spicy and sour lotus root shoots, and a small dish of pickled radishes made by Zhou Huiwen herself.
The aroma is irresistible, whetting the appetite and filling the air with the most authentic and touching taste of home.
Liu Yifei's maternal grandmother was also brought over. The old lady was overjoyed to see her granddaughter whom she hadn't seen in a long time and her increasingly handsome and energetic prospective grandson-in-law.
"Sisi, Xiaoyu, eat more! You two can't get this authentic food when you're out here!"
The atmosphere at the dinner was extremely warm and lively.
The elders stopped asking about the specific hardships the two had endured while working abroad, and instead focused on their health. They chatted about the recent changes in Wuhan, shared anecdotes from their neighborhood and among friends, and even reminisced about some childhood memories of Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei, which brought laughter to everyone.
Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei also completely relaxed and shared some lighthearted and interesting experiences they had on Hollywood sets and during their travels.
After dinner, Chi Xiaoli accompanied her satisfied grandmother back home for a stroll, promising to come back for dinner together the next day.
Jiang Jianguo and Zhou Huiwen, being very perceptive, did not linger with the young people. They simply told them that they were tired from the long flight, to wash up and rest early to adjust to the time difference, before returning to their master bedroom on the first floor.
The villa was unusually quiet.
After washing up, Yifei put on her comfortable blue pajamas and stood on the second-floor corridor, but hesitated.
Her room door was open, and warm light streamed onto the carpet in the hallway.
At the end of the corridor, the door to Jiang Yu's master bedroom was also ajar, letting in the same warm light, and you could faintly hear him moving around and opening the wardrobe.
Just as she was hesitating whether to go back to her room or—the door at the end of the corridor was fully opened, and Jiang Yu appeared wearing a gray silk nightgown, her hair half-dry, carrying the fresh moisture from her shower.
He saw Chi Yifei standing in the middle of the corridor, looking somewhat lost in the dim lighting. He raised an eyebrow, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and walked over, naturally taking her hand in his.
"Standing here like a doorman? Unable to sleep in a new bed? Or—"
He leaned closer to her, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe, his low, high-pitched voice carrying a languid allure, "Waiting for me, your local guide, to show you around my territory?"
Liu Yifei blushed, gave a token, slight struggle but didn't really exert any force, letting his hand still envelop hers, and muttered softly, "Who wants to visit—"
Her footsteps, however, followed him honestly, leading into the larger master suite at the end of the corridor.
The room is in Jiang Yu's usual style: spacious, simple, with clean lines, and full of modern feel.
Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows is the courtyard in the night, with a few ground lights outlining the contours of the rockery and green bamboo.
The door was gently closed behind me, completely shutting out the barely audible television and opera spectators from the building and the last chirping of insects in the summer night outside the window.
The two stood in the center of the room on the soft carpet, their eyes meeting, needing no words.
Jiang Yu gently pulled her into his arms, letting out a satisfied sigh, "Finally—I'm home."
, 7
"Mmm." Chi Yifei hugged his lean waist and buried her face in his chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat.