Chapter 14
“To finalize the engagement,” she added, as if sensing the young girl confusion.
Zhong Ning suddenly understood. “Then I’ll head out first. Just call me when you’re done.”
With that, she gently closed the door. As the door panel met the frame, it gave off a soft *thud*.
A trace of surprise flashed in the assistant’s eyes. She hadn’t expected Zhong Ning to be so different from rumors. But she knew Xie Shiqing’s temperament—she disliked discussing personal matters—so she quickly adjusted her expression and continued reporting on work.
Zhong Ning didn’t return to her room. Instead, she sent quick messages to two people letting them know she’d be home soon, then headed downstairs to find the butler of the villa.
After asking a cleaning maid, Zhong Ning found the butler in the backyard garden. The woman was pruning flower branches, seemingly preparing a bouquet. The elderly butler appeared to be in her fifties or sixties, clearly having spent many years serving in the Xie family. Who could know Xie Shiqing’s preferences better than her?
To repair their relationship and reverse the poor impression she’d left before, Zhong Ning naturally had to cater to the other person’s tastes.
The butler’s hair was impeccably tied up, her suit was sharply pressed, and her face bore a touch of light makeup. She looked like a composed and steady woman.
“Miss Zhong,” the butler spoke first, bowing slightly.
“No need for that, you’re too polite.” Zhong Ning hurried to support her. “I have a few questions. Would I be disturbing you?”
The butler put away her scissors. “Please, go ahead.”
“What kind of things does Miss Xie like? Things she enjoys or dislikes, like food, tastes, hobbies—I’d like to get to know her better.”
The butler, who had once served the original masters of the house and lived through the family’s devastating upheaval, had been with the Xie for more than 30 years. A competent butler was always the most loyal assistant and confidant to the household.
Her responsibilities extended far beyond this villa alone.
Her insight of people and her ability to read expressions had reached a nearly unmatched level.
Her calm and serene eyes observed the young girl before her. Yesterday, she had arrived in a fury, smashing several vases upon entry and hurling insults.
But today, the amber in her eyes reflected pure curiosity and a hint of shyness. The aura around her was calm and gentle, and her politeness seemed to come from deep within her soul.
The butler smiled and said, “Miss likes quiet environments.”
Zhong Ning nodded. “I figured that out. Breakfast was very quiet. Is there anything else? Like, what does she usually do when she’s not working?”
The butler smiled and said, “I am only the butler. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to speak about the master’s affairs.”
“Alright then.”
A little disappointed, but Zhong Ning expressed understanding.
“Please go on with your work. I won’t disturb you any longer.”
She smiled apologetically. “Oh, right. May I have a flower?”
The butler handed her the flower basket. “Please, help yourself.”
Zhong Ning thanked her and took one.
She didn’t know whether it was a Chinese rose or just a pink rose—she had no knowledge of flower varieties. She simply thought the shape looked similar. The petals were a light lavender-pink, like the color formed when the last trace of night met the morning glow at dawn—pale, yet stunning.
The scent was strong, yet refreshing.
When she arrived in the kitchen, she declined the maid’s help and personally trimmed off the small thorns on the stem. After Xie Shiqing finished her work and came out of the elevator, Zhong Ning stood there, a bit nervous, holding the flower.
She wanted to give it, but felt too shy.
As the person approached, the rose’s fragrance gradually grew stronger.
Xie Shiqing was very familiar with this scent. Every flower in the garden had been selected by her personally. This particular one was a variety cultivated in recent years, called “Melancholy Blues.”
She had once taken flower gardening as a hobby and loved unusual colors. But ever since the car accident, her visits to the garden had decreased significantly.
It was the blooming season, so the rose’s fragrance flowed with the breeze to every corner of the house, heralding the arrival of summer.
But even after getting into the car, Zhong Ning still hadn’t said anything.
She merely gave off that hesitant, restless aura again—like a little dog that couldn’t speak, only circling in place to get its master’s attention.
Xie Shiqing: “…”
Xie Shiqing said, “I don’t recall forbidding you to speak.”
Zhong Ning was momentarily stunned, and the tips of her ears gradually turned red.
“You didn’t, wait—how did you know I had something to say?”
Xie Shiqing smiled, her red lips curving lazily. “You were disturbing me.”
Zhong Ning looked bewildered. The car drove out of the garage, sunlight streaming into her amber eyes like maple syrup. “Huh? But I didn’t say anything…”
Xie Shiqing asked, “So what exactly do you want to say?”
“I wanted to give you this flower as an apology for this morning, but then I thought… the flower was picked from your own garden, so it feels a little awkward.”
Zhong Ning’s voice grew softer as she spoke.
This was even worse than offering Buddha flowers from his own altar. Who gave someone a gift from their own house?
“Apology,” Xie Shiqing repeated the word, a smile playing on her lips.
Zhong Ning peeked at her expression—seemed like she was happy? Even if the gift was a bit humble, her desire to apologize was absolutely sincere.
A pale, cool hand stretched out. “The flower?”
Zhong Ning quickly placed the rose into her palm.
She must have held it for a while—the stem was still warm.
The curve of Xie Shiqing’s lips deepened even further.
She didn’t say it out loud, but she was actually quite pleased. If one had to put on an act, then it should be convincing. To see the once arrogant Zhong Ning doing something like this—well, it wasn’t a bad deal.
At the very least, she was indeed amused.
She pulled out her phone and tapped on it a few times.
Zhong Ning’s phone vibrated. She looked down—it was another message.
[An amount of 5,000,000 yuan has been deposited into your bank account ending 4399.]
Again?!
Her hand holding the phone trembled slightly. “Why did you suddenly transfer money to me?”
Xie Shiqing replied carelessly, “I’m in a good mood. Just take it. Don’t ask so many questions next time.”