Chapter Thirty-Two

Italy, Rome

On the road leading to their destination, long and seemingly endless, two rows of lofty, verdant plane trees lined either side. The car traveled quietly along the forested path. Through the window, Ying Yue gazed outside; the shadows of the trees were lush, and every so often, mischievous little creatures could be seen. They watched the car from a distance, peering secretly between the trunks, and as the car drew near, vanished in a flash. Ying Yue couldn’t help but let a happy smile curve her lips; her eyes brimmed with joy.

Xiahou Yu surveyed the scenery, marveling at it. The landscape here could rival a national nature reserve, he thought. Just by looking at this place, one could tell that Asciugandosilacrime was no ordinary company—not merely a trading firm, and not just wealthy.

The car pressed onward, the view gradually opening up. In the distance, a white building came into sight.

It was a classic Roman-style structure: simple, crisp lines, solid and substantial in form. The roof was pale gray, the walls pristine white, imbued with a strong sense of reverence.

The car stopped opposite the white building, and Ying Yue and Xiahou Yu were surprised to find a small river separating them from the house. On the river, an elderly man dressed as a butler was leisurely rowing a traditional gondola to the shore.

He approached Ying Yue, performed a courtly gesture, and said, “Welcome to Water’s Enchantment Garden. The master awaits you within. Please, follow me.” With that, he motioned for them to board the boat.

Sitting in the gondola, it felt as if they had been transported to Venice—a soothing sensation, a tranquil heart. Ying Yue had felt some apprehension about meeting the person ahead; few knew of her existence, and outsiders only knew Xiahou Yu. But now, her worries eased. Someone who lived in such a place could hardly be an ordinary businessman. Merchants may have wealth, but not everyone could reside in a home steeped in aristocratic elegance. Nobility, after all, had always been exclusive.

At last, they disembarked, standing before gates wrought of white marble.

The gate slowly opened, revealing a dazzling array of flowers—every color, variety, and season, tropical and temperate alike. It was as though they were immersed in a sea of blossoms, the air filled with their refreshing fragrance.

“Please wait here for a moment. I shall inform the master of your arrival,” the butler said, bowing respectfully before departing.

Ying Yue stood amid the flowers, spreading her arms wide and breathing in deeply. A gentle smile hung on her lips, and she couldn’t resist spinning among the blooms.

Xiahou Yu watched her, his eyes stinging. How long had it been since he’d seen her laugh so freely, like a girl, with such pure joy? Only in those moments would she unreservedly collapse into his embrace, but now, his gaze dimmed. It felt as if an eternity had passed since then, so distant, so far away.

From the third-floor window, a slender figure stood behind the curtain, eyes following the shape moving among the flowers, lips curved, with deep dimples at the corners.

After some time, the man turned to look at the old butler. “Invite them to the drawing room. Give her the contract,” he said, walking to the desk and opening a drawer, retrieving a simple but finely crafted gift box. “Give this to her as well. Tell her, ‘May our cooperation be pleasant.’”