Chapter 149: Nothing to Say

"She is polite and considerate. Although she can be exceptionally stubborn at times, she has never done anything wrong."

Shen Sinian smiled, his eyes softening in a way completely unlike the bloodthirsty warrior he was on the battlefield. "My parents would give her the best of everything in the world if they could."

Xiao Yan lowered his gaze. Suddenly, his mind was filled with the image of Shen Nanyuan’s every expression.

"From now on, you will follow me."

The gentle voice echoed in his ears, crisp and melodious, sounding like the most beautiful melody in the world.

"I will protect you."

Back then, a soft breeze had brushed past, catching her black hair as it fluttered in the wind. A faint fragrance drifted toward him, and her eyes, clear and deep like a spring, shone as brightly as the stars.

Yet, at that time, he had been full of vigilance, never imagining that he would eventually be so willing to sink into this devotion.

A faint, tender smile still lingered on Shen Sinian’s lips. "This past year has probably been the happiest time of my life."

His younger sister had gradually become lively and cheerful, and his own dream of fighting on the battlefield had finally been realized. Every time he thought about it, the events of this year felt like a dream. Ever since his sister stopped caring for Jun Ci, everything had become something to look forward to—a change he could never have imagined a year ago.

"I feel the same," Xiao Yan said.

He lifted his head slightly, gazing at the pitch-black sky scattered with stars, his dark, lustrous eyes shimmering with a soft light. She was like a beam of light in the dark night, a warm sun in the depths of winter, or a flickering candle flame. Like a moth to a flame, he was willing to throw himself toward her, reckless and devoted.

And he found it sweet.

***

"Yuanyuan," Meng Chuyue walked a little further away from the crowd. Seeing Shen Nanyuan follow, she curled her lips into a faint smile. Reflected in the light of the fireworks filling the sky, she seemed to be wrapped in a layer of gentleness, carrying an indescribable air.

Shen Nanyuan walked to her side and tilted her head slightly, her features full of spirit. "Chuyue, do you have something you want to tell me?"

Another cluster of fireworks bloomed in the sky, thundering as it illuminated the horizon, spilling light like the scattering of flowers by a celestial maiden.

She lifted her chin slightly, her dark eyes reflecting the fireworks. She seemed about to say something, but after a moment, she shook her head with a smile, turning to look at her with crinkled eyes. "It’s nothing."

Meng Chuyue continued, "There's nothing to say."

She decided to keep this matter buried in the depths of her heart. She knew she was not worthy, so it was better to leave it unsaid. Let it be. It was enough that she knew it herself.

After the New Year, Shen Nanyuan noticed that Wu Miaofu did not come to see her very often anymore. Previously, perhaps because she was unfamiliar with the Duke’s Mansion and the capital, she had visited frequently. But now, she only came about once every fortnight, bringing some pastries she had bought in the city.

This was for the best; it made Shen Nanyuan feel remarkably at ease.

Yesterday, Gao Xueluo had sent someone over to ask if she wanted to visit the newly opened Linglong Restaurant. It was said to consist of two buildings: the front was a restaurant, while the back was a space for leisure and entertainment, featuring winding streams for drinking games, Go, and more. Each had its own dedicated floor, and the winding stream was set in a garden between the two buildings with a man-made creek—a scale quite unique in the capital.

Come to think of it, Shen Nanyuan and Gao Xueluo hadn't been out together for a long time. She had assumed Gao Xueluo was still worried about her engagement to Liu Yuli. The Gao and Liu families had been considerate enough not to rush the wedding date.

However, when Shen Nanyuan saw Gao Xueluo, she was astonished by her remarkably good complexion. The restlessness she had seen in her recently had vanished entirely. Shen Nanyuan widened her eyes. "Are you no longer troubled?"

Gao Xueluo’s attitude was vague. "Perhaps."

She seemed unwilling to discuss it, pulling Shen Nanyuan quickly toward the Linglong Restaurant. Because it had just opened, and everyone had heard of this place, the entrance was packed with people—guests were as numerous as clouds. Looking at it, the businesses of the Mingyue and Ruyi restaurants would likely take a heavy hit.

Shen Nanyuan looked troubled. "...How are we supposed to get in?"

"Follow me." Gao Xueluo led her to a busy waiter. Before she could even speak, the waiter saw her and hurriedly cried out, "Oh! Please, this way."

Shen Nanyuan was stunned and hurried after Gao Xueluo, weaving through the crowd and following her up to a private room on the second floor. Even after she sat down, she couldn't hide her shock.

Gao Xueluo’s eyes flickered slightly. "I’ve reserved this spot. If you want to come in the future, just tell the waiter to bring you here."

Shen Nanyuan nodded slightly. She looked around; the room was quiet and secluded, decorated with a few green plants. It effectively blocked out the noisy crowd outside, and the sunlight streaming in made it feel very comfortable.

"This place is lovely," she said.

"Of course," Gao Xueluo replied, her face full of joy. "Doesn't your brother love to eat? You can bring him next time. The food here is better than the other two famous places in the capital!"

Shen Nanyuan: "..."

She felt more and more that something was amiss. Why did it feel like she was being set up?

"How do you know? Didn't this place just open? Have you eaten here before?"

Shen Nanyuan pondered, casting a few glances at Gao Xueluo. She suddenly recalled that in the original story, Liu Yuli eventually became a businessman. Could this restaurant be his?

Thinking of this, she narrowed her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Gao Xueluo: "..."

Just then, the door was knocked a few times, and Liu Yuli pushed it open with a smile. "You came as soon as it opened."

After speaking, he turned and gave a slight nod to Shen Nanyuan. "Miss Shen."

Shen Nanyuan figured her hunch was correct.

Gao Xueluo lifted her chin, sounding righteous. "So what? I helped choose the style of this place, and I helped select and improve the dishes. Naturally, I had to come and inspect it after it opened."

"Yes, yes, yes," Liu Yuli raised an eyebrow. "Thanks to you, Miss Gao, otherwise I really wouldn't have been able to open this restaurant."

He continued, "Anyway, since you helped improve the menu, you know what’s good. I won't say any more."

"As if I needed you to? I’ve already ordered the food, haven't I?"

Gao Xueluo looked at Liu Yuli with feigned disdain, but Shen Nanyuan could see that she was happy.

Liu Yuli sighed helplessly before turning gently to Shen Nanyuan. "Miss Shen, after you finish eating, feel free to take a look at the area in the back."