If You Could Hear My Heart

“Uncle Bai is too kind, this is a Pu’erh tea my father has stored for nearly ten years, I am merely making a humble offering with others’ flowers,” Shen Chi said, his face calm like the surface of water, undisturbed by any ripples.

Deep pools of black lay concealed within his eyes, impenetrably dark and seemingly endless.

Just then, Jiang Zhilan glanced around the Shen Family home and, observing the roomful of people, asked with mild curiosity, “I heard that the mother-in-law brought back a little girl eight years ago, how come I haven’t seen her today?”

The butler stepped forward with a smile, “Madam, she went to school, and left early in the morning.”

“Oh really, I see, I’ve heard Manman mention her, she seems to be called… what was it…”Jiang Zhilan pondered, pressing her forehead.

“Xu Chaomu,” said the Butler, taking over the conversation.

“Ah, that’s right, Xu Chaomu. Quite a nice name, she must be a very gentle and quiet lady, children raised by the Shen Family are all exceptional,” Jiang Zhilan said with a slight smile, exuding elegance.

No one spoke; Jiang Zhilan had not met Xu Chaomu—to describe her as a gentle young lady was far from accurate. She was a wildcat who could climb onto roofs, leap over walls, and had an unstoppable nature.

Beads of sweat formed on everyone’s brows.

“It’s been many years since I’ve seen Adi. I remember Adi being very quiet as a child with good academic results, and her violin skills were second to none. It was a pleasure every time I heard her play the violin,” the old Mr. Bai said.

“My eldest sister has been studying abroad these past few years. Should she return soon, we siblings will surely call on you in person,” Shen Chi said.

“Adi is truly outstanding, not like my daughter, who only knows how to cause me trouble,” Jiang Zhilan looked at Bai Man and smiled indulgently.

“Mom, there you go again. Your daughter can dance, play many instruments, and sing. Oh right, and make you happy, isn’t that true?” Bai Man, in the presence of her mother, adopted the demeanor of a young daughter to the delight of Jiang Zhilan.

Seeing this, Jiang Zhilan remarked, “The Young Master is going to laugh at you.”

Shen Chi curved the corner of his lips slightly, “How could I?”

The old Mr. Bai then said, “When will the parents-in-law return? I’ve prepared some humble gifts; Young Master, I will leave them in your care for now.”

Upon saying this, Bai Xuan received several gift bags from the hands of a servant. Called humble gifts, they were items of no small value.

Shen Chi responded lightly, “Uncle Bai is too polite.”

“It’s only right and proper to give gifts. I’m just afraid the items might not be as valuable as those you took to the Bai Family, just a token of goodwill,” Bai Xuan said.

“Thank you, Uncle Bai, and on behalf of my father and mother, I also express our gratitude.”

At all times, Shen Chi’s face maintained the same composure, but everyone knew that this was just his temperament and disposition.

Soon, the butler brought fruits and pastries for the guests, serving them very attentively.

While Bai Man and her mother chatted, Shen Chi and Bai Xuan sat to one side talking.

The servants bustled about, waiting for Shen Cexian and Zhou Ran to return.

“Young Master, I’ve heard that the Shen Group is planning to invest in a diamond project?” Bai Xuan inquired.

The Bai Family was also in business, and Bai Xuan had established a considerable investment company. Over recent years, his business had grown significantly, occupying a substantial part in C City.

Importantly, Bai Xuan had a very good relationship with Shen Cexian, reportedly being classmates in college.

Both families often engaged in business together, and to become related by marriage was a cause for double celebration.

“Indeed, in a few days, I will personally go to South Africa to inspect this batch of diamonds. If the deal goes through, the profits will naturally be considerable. The last acquisition of Wantong Technology will provide the needed technological support for this project,” Shen Chi stated without betraying any emotion.

But in his heart, he understood that this diamond project required a massive sum of capital, one that the Shen Group alone could not cover.

“That truly is a matter for celebration,” Bai Xuan said. “If there’s anything the Bai Family can do to help, feel free to ask. I only have this one daughter, so my position towards you, of course, is undivided.”

Bai Xuan was also aware that the project required substantial investment.

“I want to express my gratitude to Uncle Bai in advance. As for the financial aspect, I am afraid we will indeed have to trouble you when the time comes,” Shen Chi replied.

“I can’t assist with much, but with financial matters, as long as you say the word, I will definitely support you.”

“Thank you, Uncle Bai.”

“However, Young Master, let me offer you a piece of advice. You’ve just taken the CEO position, so you need to be cautious at all turns. I’ve had dealings with Shen Shihan, and like you, he is reserved but not to be underestimated, be wary, ” Bai Xuan kindly warned.

“I understand.”

From the first time Shen Chi laid eyes on Shen Shihan, he knew their confrontation was like a match between equally matched players.

After a while, the conversation flowed and the living room bubbled with lively chatter.

Before long, Zhou Ran and Shen Cexian arrived at the Shen Family home, one after the other.

Eight years after the divorce, Zhou Ran rarely visited the Shen Family home, with most visits ending in an argument with Shen Cexian.

This time, if not for Shen Chi’s marriage, Zhou Ran would not have come to the Shen Family homestead.

She did not want to see Shen Cexian.

Shen Cexian remained unchanged, not often returning home due to health reasons.

He coughed violently the moment he exited the car, his health evidently not as robust as it once was.

Just as he alighted, he saw Zhou Ran striding past him in high heels.

For many years, Zhou Ran had favored a perfume that was pure and quietly elegant, like an orchid. She passed by him without a glance.

“Ahem.” Shen Cexian’s coughing was severe as his gaze lingered on Zhou Ran.

Zhou Ran maintained her usual composure, still gracefully youthful, untouched by age, and exuding a refined elegance.

When she heard Shen Cexian cough, she paused briefly, with what seemed to be both a sneer and a scoff.

“Shen Cexian, long time no see.”

“It’s just the usual, nothing new,” Shen Cexian replied, “You always wished me ill, and your wish is granted.”

A subtle layer of shadow flitted through Zhou Ran’s eyes, like a night sky flickering with dim stars.

“Seeing you in poor shape actually pleases me,” Zhou Ran said with a cold laugh, and without turning her head, she walked away decisively.

She left behind a series of sharp clicks from her heels echoing distinctly in the empty courtyard.

Shen Cexian gazed at her retreating figure for a long time… so long that it was hard to tell whether it was the wind that moistened the corners of his eyes…

He stood in the yard, allowing the wind to sweep silently by. The air still held traces of Zhou Ran’s scent, resembling ethereal orchids and pure lotuses…

Spring days are marked by flourishing grass and soaring orioles, and pear blossoms drifted down like a river of white.

The sun stretched his shadow longer and longer, casting a solitary melancholy on the ground.

As Zhou Ran entered the house, all eyes shifted to her. Her demeanor had always been remarkable, and today, wearing a black dress resembling a gown, she exuded a knowledgeable elegance and dignified grace.

“Aunt Zhou, hello!” Bai Man was the first to come over, smiling as she took the white scarf from Zhou Ran’s hands.

“Hello,” Zhou Ran said, her lips curling into a faint smile, serene as calm waters.

“The mother-in-law has arrived, ” Jiang Zhilan also rose to her feet..