Noticing the sudden downturn in Eleanor's countenance, Anirudh felt a pang of anxiety. What if his aunt was truly angered?
Eleanor stood from the bathtub and made her exit.
Her nightgown, now completely soaked, clung to her body, revealing the full curves of her derrière and the sleek lines of her spine, with the black lace undergarments teasingly visible. Her long, elegant legs were fully exposed, yet it was her indifferent silhouette that made Anirudh feel as though he had committed a grave error.
"Auntie..."
"I'm fine. I'm going to my room to take a shower; you should hurry as well..." Eleanor managed to suppress the tumultuous feelings within, stepping out of the bathroom in her damp state...
Anirudh, still filled with trepidation, watched Eleanor's graceful figure recede and dared not speak further. He promptly began to cleanse himself.
Once back in her room, Eleanor turned on the bathroom heater...
"This rascal, he has indeed grown up..." As thoughts of Anirudh crossed her mind, a charming smile played on Eleanor's lips.
It seemed necessary to find him a girlfriend, lest the consequences of his pent-up emotions prove disastrous. The Ye family's lineage must not be allowed to end in such a manner.
But who should she consider?
Rosalind? This young woman and herself were like sisters; if she were to become Anirudh's girlfriend, wouldn't that disrupt the family's generational order?
Estella? Wasn't this girl not yet sixteen? Introducing her to Anirudh could potentially be harmful to her.
Laila? This young woman's age was closer to Anirudh's, but her aloof and proud demeanor might not be compatible with Anirudh's personality.
After much deliberation, Eleanor failed to identify a suitable candidate.
"Never mind, the group of friends will be here tonight. I'll let Anirudh make his own choice then. If all else fails, isn't the semester about to begin? I could always accompany him to school and oversee his search. With so many attractive women in the Business Administration Department, I'm confident we'll find a suitable match..." Having resolved this matter in her mind, Eleanor dismissed the thought and began to refresh herself.
Admiring her peerless silhouette in the mirror, she found herself somewhat captivated, accompanied by a soft sigh: "Now that I've found a girlfriend for Xiaofan, what becomes of my own heart's desire? I'm on the verge of twenty-seven, and I've never known the touch of love. Is this how I'm destined to live out my days?"
Reflecting on the men she had encountered, none had ever sparked a flame within her. A wry smile graced Eleanor's lips; could it be that her standards were set too high?
With a gentle touch, she caressed her smooth, alabaster bosom, her thoughts drifting to the moment when Anirudh had touched her there.
How enchanting it would be if he were to be her lover?
"What am I entertaining? My father and his grandfather are bound by brotherhood; how could I ever entertain such a notion?" Shaking her head, she dismissed the fanciful idea and quickly freshened up.
Fifteen minutes later, Eleanor emerged in a sky-blue floral chiffon blouse, paired with snow-white tight casual pants that accentuated her slender legs, and adorned with crystal high-heeled sandals. Her slightly wavy long hair was elegantly tied up, enhancing her captivating aura.
Exiting her room, she found Anirudh, clad in a white casual ensemble, standing at the door.
Eleanor's eyes lit up...
"I had no idea my little darling could be so handsome. Come, let's go, Auntie will take you to charm some ladies..." As she spoke, Eleanor had already approached and taken Anirudh's hand, guiding him downstairs as if nothing had happened. This left Anirudh, who had been contemplating an apology, quite stunned. Was Auntie not upset?
Almost whisked into the sleek Lamborghini, they sped off and arrived at an upscale restaurant named "A Feast for the Eyes" half an hour later. As they stepped out of the car, two elegant women in cheongsams warmly greeted them.
"Boss, your presence graces us."
Boss? Could it be that my aunt is the proprietor of this venue?
"Indeed, have the guests I've invited arrived?" Eleanor affirmed with a nod.
"All but Miss Lin have gathered..." The two hosts concurred with simultaneous nods.
"Let it be, that coquette is perpetually tardy. Instruct the kitchen to commence with the meal!" Eleanor's brow lifted, issuing her directive, then she ushered Anirudh inside, making their way directly to the grandest and most lavish private dining room on the third floor. At the threshold stood an enchanting woman adorned in a cheongsam. Upon recognizing Eleanor, she offered a respectful greeting and swung open the door for them.
Eleanor, never one for diffidence, pulled Anirudh right into the room. The moment they stepped inside, Anirudh's eyes gleamed with delight because the single large table in the private room was encircled by a bevy of women, and most strikingly, each was a vision of loveliness...
Among them, several possessed such extraordinary beauty that they could easily stand shoulder to shoulder with his own aunt. Was it possible that his aunt had indeed brought him here to mingle with potential romantic interests?
"Yanran..." As the women in the private room cast their gazes upon Anirudh and Eleanor prepared to make introductions, a sultry voice wafted from behind. At the sound of this voice, Anirudh shuddered, and upon turning to look, he found himself utterly spellbound...