You Ran tugged on the dog leash, and Qian Qian abandoned the frolicking with the other dogs and walked in first. Shen Qian watched You Ran’s tall and slender figure, feeling a sense of regret; such a man, it’s a pity he can’t see. Old Zhang helped Shen Qian carry her luggage to the innermost bedroom on the second floor. As soon as he put down the luggage, Shen Qian thanked him, “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Old Zhang paused, his bent figure turning to look at Shen Qian with a surprised expression, then he gave a wry smile, “You are the young master’s distinguished guest; these are things I should do.” Shen Qian chuckled, feeling a bit awkward; where was her ‘distinction’? Old Zhang continued, “Miss Shen, I’m leaving the young master in your care.”
“Ah?” Shen Qian was taken aback, “What do you mean by that?”
“Me? I’m retiring to my hometown.” Old Zhang grinned, “Now that you’re on the job, it’s only natural for me to step down.”
“Wait, I’m just here to look after Qian Qian, and by the way, take care of your young master.” Shen Qian’s mind went blank for a moment, overwhelmed by Old Zhang’s unexpected and direct words, leaving her at a loss.
“I believe your ‘by the way’ will make our young master more spirited.” Old Zhang walked out of the room, and Shen Qian immediately followed. They arrived in the hall where You Ran was leaning back on the sofa, quietly waiting. At his feet lay two large dogs, panting with their tongues out.
“Young master, the things have been put away.”
“Mm, you can go.”
“Okay.” Old Zhang nodded and turned, catching Shen Qian’s innocent expression. He winked with one eye, a hint of ambiguous meaning in his gaze, leaving Shen Qian even more bewildered and puzzled. After Old Zhang left, the hall was left with just the two of them and the dogs.
Shen Qian asked awkwardly, “Where did Old Zhang go?”
“I sent him to my father’s place; I don’t like having too many people around.” You Ran gently closed his eyes, leaning back fully on the sofa, his expression unreadable.
Shen Qian felt even more awkward, looking around and noticing the clock on the wall; it was lunchtime. She found something to do, “Then I’ll go to the kitchen to make lunch.”
“Hold on.” You Ran sat up straight, walked past her with ease, heading to the piano behind her. He caressed the piano with a look of fondness. Shen Qian watched him curiously, unsure of his intentions.
“I touch it every day, but I never play.” You Ran seemed to be talking to himself, or perhaps to Shen Qian. He sat down, his fingers moving over the keys, adjusting the pedals, tuning the scales. Slowly, notes began to sound; he played with great skill, almost flawlessly.
Shen Qian stood there, listening quietly to this unexpected gift of piano music. It was the world-famous “Wedding March.” During her elective music class in college, her teacher played this piece while telling a moving story. A warrior left his princess for six years, sustained by the hope of returning to marry her. Upon his triumphant return, he learned of a tragedy; his princess, unable to accept the king’s arranged marriage, had chosen the most resolute path. Devastated, the warrior arranged a grand wedding for her, and in the end, drank poison to join her in death. The king, moved by their love, buried them together.
Shen Qian, after hearing the story, told Li Meili it was too fictional, but the teacher’s final words made her remember the piece, “This is a true story.” The composer wrote this piece to commemorate their poignant love. What kind of deep love would make one choose death at their moment of greatest success? Shen Qian remembered the piece.
Three years later, hearing it again played by this enigmatic man, Shen Qian was even more intrigued by You Ran’s past. He must have a story, one as poignant as the background of this piece.
Shen Qian calmed her mind to listen, her mind conjuring up an image of a dimly lit old room, where all furniture was covered with white cloth except for a wooden piano in the center, sunlight casting a spotlight on it. A clear-eyed young man sat at the piano, playing “Wedding March,” his face lit with a morning smile, his gaze softening as he occasionally glanced to the side. Shen Qian tried to imagine who was beside him, but the image remained blurred.
Returning to reality, the music had ended, and You Ran sat still, his gaze empty, staring forward. Shen Qian wondered what he was reminiscing about, a part of his story? Or… he suddenly felt hungry? -_-|||
“Miss Shen, I suddenly feel hungry,” You Ran turned his head slightly, stating this with composure.
Shen Qian felt a trio of sweat drops on her forehead; her intuition was spot on. “Please wait a moment, I’ll check the kitchen.” Shen Qian quickly stepped into the kitchen, annoyed at herself for unconditionally becoming a nanny. The only consolation was she had upgraded from an animal nanny to a human nanny.
Shen Qian, having learned to cook during her repeat year of high school, could at least make food that was palatable. When she emerged from the kitchen with the dishes, she saw You Ran at the dining table, eating chocolate from a large box. He was really hungry.
As soon as Shen Qian stepped closer, Qian Qian jumped up, alerting You Ran to her presence, and the aroma of the food confirmed it.
“Too hungry, had to eat some chocolate to tide me over.” You Ran set down the chocolate politely, placing the box aside, sitting upright, waiting for the meal.
Shen Qian quickly served the rice and handed it to him. Feeling the warmth in front of him, You Ran said, “I can’t see, you’ll have to feed me.”
“…” Shen Qian was speechless, realizing she had just upgraded herself from nanny to full-time caretaker. While feeding him, she inadvertently noticed a piercing on his left earlobe, now empty, easily overlooked. It was hard to imagine such a clean-cut man like You Ran having an ear piercing.
Because Shen Qian’s mind was wandering to the Pacific, she forgot about feeding Yu Ran, and her hand directly shoved the rice into his nose. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Shen Qian hurriedly grabbed a tissue to help Yu Ran wipe it off, but Yu Ran calmly held her flurried hand, showing no concern at all. “What were you thinking just now?” Shen Qian paused, unsure whether to indulge in gossip or not. Yu Ran remained silent, quietly waiting for her to speak. Shen Qian, made even more anxious by his calm demeanor, tentatively asked, “Would you mind if I ask some gossipy questions that might upset you?” Yu Ran chuckled softly, “Go ahead and ask.”
