Their SUV turned off the main road onto a private stone-paved drive, lined with ancient camphor trees whose branches arched overhead like a living cathedral. At the end of the lane stood a secluded traditional Jiangnan-style villa, its dark timber beams and curved tiled roof rising elegantly against the backdrop of glowing flower fields and distant misty hills.
The car rolled to a stop before the carved wooden gates. A few villa staff in pale linen uniforms came forward immediately, bowing deeply.
Lu Zhi Hao stepped out first, adjusting his coat against the cool breeze. He circled to her side and opened the door, offering his hand wordlessly.
Wan Ruyi placed her small palm in his, allowing him to help her down onto the stone driveway. The evening air wrapped around her gently, filled with the faint rustle of rapeseed blooms and the distant calls of cicadas welcoming dusk.
