Chapter 48: I Like You
As she drove, Zhou Shiqin explained to Jiang Xiaofei, “This van was left to me by an old friend. To me, it’s a remembrance, so I can’t bear to get rid of it.”
Hearing this, Jiang Xiaofei nodded in seeming understanding. “That friend must have been very important to you, Zhou?”
“That’s right.”
“Where is he now?” Jiang Xiaofei asked.
A look of reminiscence crossed Zhou Shiqin’s face as she sighed softly. “He’s gone. He’s left forever.”
Jiang Xiaofei frowned slightly. “You mean he’s dead?”
Zhou Shiqin shook her head. “He’s not dead.”
“Then where did he go?”
She glanced up at the sky and replied, “To a place very, very far away. Somewhere I can never reach.”
At her words, something seemed to dawn on Jiang Xiaofei. “Did he become an immortal or something?”
Zhou Shiqin said nothing.
Seeing her silence, Jiang Xiaofei was convinced he had guessed right. He offered comfort, “Zhou, I believe that one day, you’ll see him again.”
“If only,” Zhou Shiqin sighed. Then, with a half-smile, she looked at Jiang Xiaofei and said, “But you do resemble him quite a lot.”
Jiang Xiaofei was surprised. “Really?”
She pressed her lips together and nodded. “Very much so.”
Jiang Xiaofei grinned. “Then just think of me as him. This way, you can see him every day.”
Zhou Shiqin said nothing, her heart a tangle of emotions. In truth, she had tried to see him in Jiang Xiaofei, but upon waking from that dream, she realized that he was not the man she missed.
Seeing she didn’t reply, Jiang Xiaofei didn’t pursue the matter. He looked out at the endless stream of cars and changed the subject. “Zhou, how much farther is your place?”
“Almost there.”
“How soon is ‘almost’?”
“Up ahead. It’s Fengshan Lake Estate.”
Soon the van turned into Fengshan Lake Estate, and Jiang Xiaofei’s eyes widened in amazement.
Before him stood rows of luxurious villas, each more beautiful than the last. The landscaping was superb, the environment tranquil and the air fresh, as if they’d entered the mountains—a true paradise hidden within the city.
After getting out, Jiang Xiaofei followed Zhou Shiqin curiously. “Zhou, how come I’ve never heard of such a nice villa community in Sanjiang City?”
She smiled. “Because this is my estate, and media coverage is prohibited.”
“What?” Jiang Xiaofei was so astonished he was left speechless. No wonder—the estate was enormous; as far as the eye could see, there were villas upon villas, too many to count.
Seeing his shock, Zhou Shiqin laughed. “Well? Isn’t my estate beautiful?”
“Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it—it’s absolutely one of a kind.”
“If you like it, why not live here?” Zhou Shiqin offered with a smile.
Jiang Xiaofei frowned slightly. “Are you sure that’s all right?”
“Of course! As long as you like it, pick any villa you wish. None of them are occupied anyway.”
“Empty?” Jiang Xiaofei was surprised. “Isn’t it a pity to leave so many villas unused?”
“I like peace and quiet, so I don’t sell them,” Zhou Shiqin explained.
Jiang Xiaofei nodded. “Then why do you want me to live here?”
“Because I like you.”
Her words left Jiang Xiaofei at a loss for words, and he could only smile.
Without saying more, Zhou Shiqin walked up to a villa, opened the door, and said cheerfully, “Come in, won’t you?”
Jiang Xiaofei hesitated. “Should I take off my shoes?”
“No need. If they get dirty, I’ll clean up. Don’t be so formal—treat it as your own home.”
Only then did Jiang Xiaofei step inside, and his eyes lit up at the sight. The interior was lavishly decorated; crystals sparkled under the lights, and the chandeliers above were actually inlaid with gold. The walls were adorned with famous paintings and calligraphy, far more luxurious than anything he’d seen on TV.
Regaining his composure, he asked, “Zhou, do you live in this huge house all by yourself? It must get lonely.”
“Not really,” Zhou Shiqin replied with a smile.
He frowned. “Are there other people living here?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Are your parents here?”
Zhou Shiqin didn’t answer directly. Instead, she looked upstairs and called, “Lin Xuan, come down! We have a guest.”
As her voice faded, footsteps were heard from above. In Jiang Xiaofei’s line of sight, a woman appeared, descending the stairs from the second floor.
She was dressed in pink pajamas, with delicate features, a fine nose, and small mouth. Her complexion was fair and flawless—she was truly beautiful, beyond reproach.
As she walked, she asked, “Zhou, who’s here?”
“See for yourself,” Zhou Shiqin replied with a smile.
Lin Xuan looked at Jiang Xiaofei, and at the sight of his face, she was momentarily stunned, murmuring in disbelief, “It’s uncanny… he looks just like him!”
Jiang Xiaofei also found her gaze puzzling and introduced himself reflexively. “Hello, beautiful. My name is Jiang Xiaofei.”
“Jiang Xiaofei… that name sounds so familiar, but it’s missing a character,” Lin Xuan thought to herself. She ignored him and instead turned to Zhou Shiqin. “Zhou, doesn’t he look a lot like someone?”
Zhou Shiqin smiled. “I used to think so too, but he’s not the same person, so don’t overthink it.”
“Oh.” Lin Xuan nodded slightly, then looked at Jiang Xiaofei. “Even though he’s not him, I still like him.”
Zhou Shiqin laughed. “So do I.”
Listening to their conversation, Jiang Xiaofei felt both awkward and confused.
Just then, Zhou Shiqin said, “Aren’t you going to say hello? Look how embarrassed he is.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan smiled at Jiang Xiaofei. “Hello, I’m Lin Xuan. From now on, we’re friends. If you ever need anything, come to me. I’ll help however I can.”
Jiang Xiaofei returned her smile with a polite nod. “Thank you, but I don’t really like relying on others.”
Lin Xuan’s smile faded a little. “Do you look down on me as a friend?”
Jiang Xiaofei said nothing.
Sensing the tension, Zhou Shiqin quickly interjected, “Why are you both still standing? Sit down!”
At her words, Lin Xuan reluctantly sat down, and Jiang Xiaofei followed, choosing a spot far from her, not wanting to sit too close.
Seeing them both seated, Zhou Shiqin smiled. “Are you hungry?”
“I am,” Lin Xuan replied.
“Then let’s go out for a feast.”