034 Craving Your Glance Back (1)

——No matter how resplendent and enchanting the flying and falling petals are, they're destined to wither eventually. In this mortal realm, there exists a gentle charm and a light elegance. From the depths of the mist and clouds, the peerless beauty approaches with grace.

The plane touched down on the island in the early morning. They once again boarded a boat and headed for the castle.

Shrouded in the early - morning mist, the castle resembled an ancient garden, dreamy and ethereal on the water. In front of it, white roses were in full, glorious bloom. The roses in the wind still wore a pure, innocent smile that was utterly captivating. Their delicate white petals were so light, and the morning dew on them sparkled like crystal, refracting colorful light under the bright morning sun.

Whether it was sweltering heat or bitter cold, the white roses here always bloomed, never withering.

Chenchen spread her arms wide, tilted her head back, squinted her eyes, and took a deep, refreshing breath. The air here was so pure and fresh. She adored these ever - blooming white roses.

Her flowing long hair, peerless face, and the white long dress gradually emerged from the mist. Like a Chinese ink - wash painting coming to life, she crashed into Chu Muhen's sight. Many years later, just the thought of that early morning would still make his heart skip a beat. That cold and extremely beautiful woman had simply dazzled his eyes.

Chenchen was oblivious to Chu Muhen hiding among the flower - trees. She looped her arm through Chu Rui's and they walked into the castle.

Seeing Chenchen enter, Chu Tian, sitting on the sofa, finally showed a faint smile on his weather - beaten face. Ming Zhengwei, sitting beside him, beamed with delight at the sight of his precious daughter. "My baby, I've missed you so much!" Ming Zhengwei pulled Chenchen into his arms.

What's going on? Dad is here too. It feels like an ugly daughter - in - law meeting her in - laws. It seems that Dad is formally meeting Grandpa for the first time, but they seem to get along quite well.

Chenchen laid her head on her father's chest. This mountain - like man was the pride of her and her mother. He had given her mother a peaceful life and doted on her to the extreme. Lying on his broad and strong chest, she felt a warm glow inside.

Leaving her father's embrace, Chenchen looked at her grandfather. The old man was gazing at her lovingly, with an indescribable look in his eyes that Chenchen couldn't fathom.

"Grandpa!" Chenchen threw her arms around her grandfather.

"Good child, it's great to have you back." The old man hugged Chenchen and sat back down on the sofa, gently stroking her long hair.

"Uncle." Chenchen nestled in her grandfather's arms and looked at Chu Muhan.

Chu Muhan just nodded silently, his eyes gloomy.

"Uncle - in - law." Chu Rui greeted respectfully. He always felt an inexplicable sense of respect for this uncle - in - law.

Ming Zhengwei was a typical northern man, tall and imposing. He had a square face, a crew cut, sword - shaped eyebrows and bright, piercing eyes, a high - bridged nose, and prominent features as if carved by a knife. He exuded an upright and awe - inspiring air. Just by standing there, one could tell that he represented the country and the Party. His righteousness came from the very core of his being, making people不敢直视 (it seems there was an untranslated part here, perhaps "not dare to look him in the eye" was meant to be kept in Chinese in the original context).

Looking at the gentle and polite Chu Rui, Ming Zhengwei just nodded in acknowledgement. He couldn't quite put his finger on his feelings towards this young man who was so close to his daughter. He didn't dislike him. No, this child was so well - behaved and polite, and he doted on Chenchen whole - heartedly. But he couldn't say he liked him either. Both he and A Kang's father had always hoped that Chenchen would be with A Kang. Over the years, they had been helpless about the matter between the two children!

"Go upstairs and see your grandma first." Chu Tian patted Chenchen's hand. There was still that indescribable look in his eyes.

"Okay." Chenchen stood up and walked upstairs with Chu Rui.

"Mom, have some porridge."

When Chenchen and Chu Rui pushed the door open, they saw Chenchen's mother sitting in front of the bed with a bowl of porridge. Grandma was half - reclined on the cushion against the head of the bed. The old lady turned her head away awkwardly. "I won't eat. I'd rather starve to death."

Looking at her grandma, whose face used to be smooth and rosy but now was gaunt, Chenchen's heart ached.

"Grandma, why are you torturing yourself like this?" Chenchen walked to the bed, bent down, and hugged her grandma, pressing her face against her white hair. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Don't cry, silly girl. Grandma won't die." The old woman wiped the tears from Chenchen's face. "Only my little Chenchen cares about me. Look at your heartless mom. She wouldn't come back until I was about to die."

"Mom, you're really something. As soon as Chenchen comes back, you don't want me anymore." Chu Muyu was truly exasperated by her mother. Just now she seemed weak and listless, but now she was like a different person. She even suspected that the old lady wasn't really hungry after not eating for two days. How could she suddenly be so full of energy?

"Mom..." Chenchen left her grandma's embrace and gave her mother a big hug.

"Okay, I'm not as delicate as your grandma." Mom pretended to push Chenchen away. "You're really such a mother. Is this how you treat your child? My dear!" Grandma glared at Chu Muyu. She didn't look sick at all.

"Grandma, have something to eat first. Uncle said you haven't eaten for two days. Don't get too excited. It's not good for your health." Chenchen picked up the bowl of porridge.

"Hehe, I was just scaring them. I've been sneaking food." Grandma smiled slyly. Chenchen was at a loss for words.

"If I didn't do this, would you two come back? Would they be scared? Seriously." The old woman glared fiercely at Chu Rui who was standing beside them. "Tell me, how long has it been since you last came back?"

"It's really our fault, Chenchen and I. Grandma, we're back now. You..." Chu Rui pulled over a chair and sat down, holding the old woman's hand and saying with a smile.

"My illness is not a big deal. Do you know about the even bigger thing?" The old woman's eyes dimmed, losing the vitality from before.

Chenchen looked at her grandma and then at her mother. What big thing could make her usually playful grandma so angry?

"It's all because your grandpa is so capable and still full of vigor. He's kept a mistress outside, and now she's come looking for him!"