Chapter 54: Leo

When Lin Yiwei was at the airport terminal retrieving her luggage, she was informed by airport staff that there was an additional piece of luggage for her, sent separately, which required her to wait for a while for retrieval all at once.

Lin Yiwei frowned and inquired with the staff in somewhat broken language, “What luggage is it?”

The staff informed her in English, “It’s a piece of checked baggage sent by a Mr. Xie for you.”

“Alright then.”

In her world, there was only that one willful Mr. Xie. So, Lin Yiwei proceeded to the airport waiting area, took out her pocket-sized notebook, and doodled to pass the time. Fortunately, she only had to wait for forty minutes before the supplemental luggage arrived.

Lin Yiwei went to the baggage claim area with her ticket and was taken aback when she saw the airport staff unload a huge pet carrier from the conveyor belt.

Alive…?

The pet carrier opened, revealing a majestic German Shepherd sitting before her, panting and looking at her with its tongue out.

???

???

Lin Yiwei repeatedly confirmed with the staff, “Is this for me?”

“No, why would it be a dog? Are you sure it’s not a mistake?”

“Could it be! It’s so big!”

The staff patiently explained in English, “Yes, this is indeed your checked baggage.”

“I don’t know this dog, and I’m a bit scared of it… Can’t it be sent back?”

“This was sent to you by Mr. Xie. If you don’t want it, you can contact an animal welfare organization for disposal.”

…Disposal…

Lin Yiwei approached, and the German Shepherd sniffed her and immediately wagged its tail, affectionately nudging her hand with its large head.

Seemingly well-trained, not aggressive.

She felt slightly relieved, patting the dog’s head, and then called Xie Bo.

“Has it arrived?” The man’s voice was as deep and soothing as ever.

“What’s the meaning of this? Why did you have your dog shipped over to me?”

“I was planning to tell you earlier. It used to be a police dog. After retiring, I adopted it. It can guard the house and protect you.”

Lin Yiwei glanced sideways, seeing the dog sitting calmly beside her, even after over ten hours of travel, not knowing if it had relieved itself. It still didn’t run around but stayed obediently by her side.

“We’ve been together for so long. It’s smelled your scent on me, it should recognize you.” Xie Bo’s tone was calm, devoid of the panic he had shown before searching for her, “Feed it twice a day, take it for an evening stroll, that’s all.”

“Xie Bo, I can’t keep it. I’m renting, going to class, and working part-time. I don’t have time to take care of a dog, I can only take care of myself, not it…”

“I’ve already arranged your life. No need to worry; someone will take care of you.”

“Xie Bo, you don’t need to arrange my life for me. Helping me enroll is enough; I can take care of myself.”

Suddenly, the man let out a light scoff, with a hint of cool mockery, “Lin Yiwei, you want to cut off all ties with me, right?”

Lin Yiwei lowered her eyes, looking at the innocent big dog beside her, silent.

Lin Xie’s situation had not yet resolved; she dared not provoke him.

“Not being lovers, not meeting, I can accept these.” Xie Bo understood her internal struggle, unwilling to bully her, took a deep breath, “But I want you to live within my sight, live with my presence. Do you understand, Lin Yiwei? You can’t not love me. When you play with your fancy toys, you must think of me, only me. Can you do that?”

Lin Yiwei lowered her head without saying a word. He was still such an unreasonable person, who, even separated by thousands of mountains, insisted on occupying a dominant place in her heart.

“Xie Bo, the thing you promised me won’t change, right?”

“If you don’t change, I won’t change.”

Lin Yiwei hung up the phone, reached out and rubbed the head of the German Shepherd: “There’s no other way, your owner doesn’t want you anymore, so you’ll have to come with me.”

“Oh, what’s your name?”

Lin Yiwei forgot to ask Xie Bo’s dog’s name and didn’t want to call him again. So she decided, “Forget it, let’s give you a new name. He doesn’t want you, so from now on, you’re mine, and it has nothing to do with him.”

She thought for a moment, a mischievous smile playing at the corner of her mouth, “Then I’ll call you Xie Puppy.”

The German Shepherd stuck out its tongue, looking at her gently, as if smiling brightly in the sunshine.

Carrying her luggage, Lin Yiwei walked out of the airport with “Xie Puppy”.

Immediately, an Asian woman in her forties with an enthusiastic smile approached her, “Miss Lin, are you Mr. Xie’s Miss Lin?”

“Um…” Lin Yiwei awkwardly replied, “I’m Lin Yiwei.”

The woman was well-dressed and spoke graciously, “I’m the housekeeper Mr. Xie hired to take care of you. You can call me Auntie Lu.”

“No need for formalities, just call me Weiwei.” Lin Yiwei politely said, “Sorry for the trouble.”

Auntie Lu was very impressed with her first impression, nodding and smiling repeatedly, leading Lin Yiwei out of the airport to a black Mercedes-Benz waiting by the roadside.

Just moments ago on the plane, she was making plans: how much rent she needed for a place, what time to work part-time every day, how much she could earn, using scholarships to offset tuition fees, and so on…She never expected that Xie Bo had already arranged her entire life.

His recent words about her living under his gaze and within his breath… Clearly, Lin Yiwei couldn’t refuse any of this.

Xie Puppy adeptly jumped into the car, and Lin Yiwei followed suit. The driver started the engine.

Looking out through the car window, she saw the landscape passing by. The car was just passing the Thames River, where the willow branches had sprouted new buds after spring, hanging over the river’s surface.

It was early morning, and the sunlight filtered through the mist, casting a pearly shimmer on the river. Several white sailboats drifted with the current, reminding her of “Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again.”

“Mr. Xie sent this car for your daily use. He said you already have a driver’s license, but of course, if you’re not comfortable driving, you can call for the driver anytime.”

Lin Yi nodded silently.

Soon, the sedan turned onto Oxford Street, a very old street where it was hard to find a flat stone on the roadside. There were colorful hat shops, modern jewelry stores, galleries, and antique art galleries along the street…

Lin Yiwei’s place was only three or five streets away from the Art Academy, within walking distance.

The house was a three-story building located in an alleyway. Its old and understated appearance gave a feeling similar to 221B Baker Street in “Sherlock Holmes.” Aunt Lu led Lin Yiwei inside, where there was a small courtyard that could serve as a space for “Xie Puppy” activities.

Blue fences and white stone steps led to the entrance hall, facing the living room, with a three-story spiral staircase on the side. The house was exceptionally tidy, with a warm milky-white carpet in the living room, exquisite Chinese porcelain displayed on the cabinets, two lazy armchairs by the fireplace, and many literary books in Chinese on the large bookshelf. The house seemed to have a lived-in atmosphere.

Lin Yiwei curiously asked Aunt Lu, “Is this house rented by Mr. Xie or did he buy it?”

“This house belongs to Mr. Xie. I used to live here before.” Aunt Lu explained, noticing Lin Yiwei’s puzzled expression. “I am a friend of Mr. Xie’s mother. I took care of her before she passed away. Mr. Xie, out of gratitude, later helped me repay most of my debts, left the red-light district, came to the UK, and provided me with a place to stay. Mr. Xie said you are very important to him. He wouldn’t trust any hired nanny with you, after all, his father…” She paused, “He asked me to take care of you. I naturally couldn’t refuse. Without him, I might have ended up like his mother… sick and left this world early, without the good life I have now.” Aunt Lu was completely transparent with her, which made Lin Yiwei feel very reassured.

She had always been a very suspicious girl since she was young, always guarded against people. Only through honesty could she gain her trust.

Aunt Lu took her to the room on the second floor. The room had a broad view without high-rise buildings blocking it, allowing a view of the wide and rushing river.

After settling in, Lin Yiwei gradually felt drowsy, but she couldn’t sleep due to jet lag. So after eating, she forced herself to go out and explore, measure the time it took to ride a bike to school, and familiarize herself with the shops and streets around her home.

…

Settling in London, daily life was simple – attending classes, painting from life, walking in the evening, shopping for daily necessities with Aunt Lu, sitting by the fireplace on rainy days, listening to the crackling of firewood, chatting with her, and listening to her stories of the past…

At the Royal College of Art in London, Lin Yiwei devoted all her thoughts to her studies, showcasing the diligent and hardworking qualities of Chinese students.

Coupled with her unique and sensitive talent for color, she quickly stood out at the college. Her work was recommended by her mentors for the London Art Exhibition, where it was well received, even making it into newspapers and magazines.

Having basked in the spotlight, Lin Yiwei finally understood why Chi Xiyu constantly sought various art awards, like leveling up in a game, adding layer after layer of gold to her resume, igniting one honor badge after another.

For Chi Xiyu, these are all crowns added to her wings, while for Lin Yiwei, they are chips added step by step for her future luxurious material life.

Leng Zhiyun often comes to London. Every time she comes, besides visiting her father who is ill, she will definitely go to school to visit Lin Yiwei.

The two get along like friends, eating together, or strolling on campus. Sometimes she even brings her baby, and Lin Yiwei enjoys playing with children.

She said her father’s surgery was quite successful, but his condition is still unstable; his heart cannot handle any stimulation. When her father’s health improves, she still wants to invite Lin Yiwei to have a meal together at home.

Lin Yiwei’s social anxiety suddenly exploded. She really didn’t want to have a meal at the home of Hong Kong’s jewelry tycoon! She doesn’t know how many rules there are; she’s never seen the world, she would definitely embarrass herself.

Leng Zhiyun cares about her a lot when she’s not around. She shows concern, helps her contact many art galleries and exhibitions, increasing exposure opportunities for her work, which makes Lin Yiwei feel quite embarrassed but also deeply grateful.

Xie Bo no longer contacts her, no text messages, no calls. But she knows that Aunt Lu will contact Xie Bo and report on her life in London.Of course, Lin Yiwei is also closely “watching” Xie Bo’s life through her friend Ye Anning.

Xie Bo and Chi Xiyu officially announced their relationship. Chi Xiyu posted about it three times on her WeChat moments from different angles, subtly showcasing and flaunting her happiness to everyone.

Regarding their frequent public displays of affection on WeChat moments, they either go to yacht parties together or have outdoor camping barbecues with both the Xie and Chi families, or Xie Bo accompanies her to art exhibitions…

The two never quarrel; wherever they go, they hold hands sweetly, like a model couple representing the entertainment industry.

Everyone is marveling at how Xie Bo’s young master temperament and Chi Xiyu’s spoiled temperament could be together without quarreling? It’s really unbelievable; that’s why everyone says Xie Bo indulges Chi Xiyu, truly spoiling and loving her… They respect each other like guests and will definitely smoothly enter into marriage.

“There are many posts like this on the campus forum talktok, envying the sweet daily life of the two. It’s obvious that Chi Xiyu hired water armies,” Ye Anning’s critique was merciless. “Does she think not quarreling means sweet? Xie Bo simply can’t be bothered to argue with her, can’t be bothered to invest emotions. Who can’t see that? Obviously, he’s with her because of the conglomerate.”

Lin Yiwei wore headphones, sitting by the Thames River, sketching the scene of an elderly couple with white hair leaning together watching the sunset on the riverbank: “Chi Xiyu probably knows.”

“Do you think she knows?”

“Whether someone loves her or not, even the most foolish person can feel it.”

She watched as the elderly husband brushed the willow fluff off his wife’s clothes.

“If Chi Xiyu truly feels happy herself, perhaps she feels the love. If she’s unhappy but has to pretend to be happy, then she can only rely on herself to know her true feelings.”

“Xie Bo is doing quite well, often attending various business meetings on behalf of his father,” Ye Anning continued. “In a few days, on his twentieth birthday, the Xie and Chi families will announce their engagement. I heard from my dad that a hypermarket chain jointly developed by the two conglomerates, called Yumei Fresh, will be handed over to Xie Bo to manage during the birthday banquet. It’s a birthday gift from Xie Sizhuo to him.”

Lin Yiwei was familiar with Yumei Fresh, with hundreds of chain stores in major provincial capitals across the country, including three in London.

“He’s reaping the rewards of his efforts,” Ye Anning added.

Regardless of how busy he was, Lin Yiwei only hoped he would keep Lin Xie in mind.

No, she couldn’t just rely on hope.

Lin Yiwei had to remind him.

…

On Xie Bo’s birthday, Leng Zhiyun brought Lin Yiwei a customized Buddha stone bracelet.

The design for this bracelet was provided by Lin Yiwei herself, and Leng Zhiyun helped with the processing. Every detail, connection, and the size and shape of the jade stones were personally designed by Lin Yiwei.

The Buddha stone was pure black without any flaws, and the beads selected by Leng Zhiyun were excellent quality from jade gemstones, each one pure and translucent.

Leng Zhiyun mentioned that she had specifically sent it back to China to be blessed by a Buddhist temple, believing it could bring luck and peace

Lin Yiwei transferred the money for the bracelet to Leng Zhiyun according to the agreed price. Initially, Leng Zhiyun said it was a gift, but Lin Yiwei insisted it was a gift and she must pay for it.

Unable to persuade her, Leng Zhiyun accepted, understanding the stubborn temperament of this young girl, but she only took half, more than five hundred thousand, and allowed Lin Yiwei to pay the rest later.

Lin Yiwei persisted, but Leng Zhiyun immediately changed the subject: “By the way, my father’s condition has stabilized. We can arrange a time for you to come to our house for a simple meal. It will only be family: me, my dad, and my brother and his wife. What do you think?”

Lin Yiwei really didn’t understand why Leng Zhiyun was so insistent on inviting her to her house for a meal, especially to meet her father.

“With my father just recovering from a serious illness, I’d rather not disturb him,” Lin Yiwei replied.

“Don’t worry about that. My dad heard that you saved our Little Pearl and really wants to meet you to express his gratitude in person.”

“Really, there’s no need. It was just a small effort.”

“Yiwei, do you not want to have a relationship with our family? If you have such concerns, I won’t force you.”

Lin Yiwei felt guilty under her words and waved her hands repeatedly. “No, you misunderstand.”

“Don’t worry,” Leng Zhiyun took her hand gently. “It’s just a simple meal, no need to be nervous.”

“Then… let’s wait until Mr. Leng’s health fully recovers. I hope he recovers soon.”

Leng Zhiyun indeed dared not directly tell her about her background. This matter was significant and couldn’t be trusted in any setting outside the family.

She would wait until her father’s illness was completely stabilized before bringing Little Pearl back. After all, he had just undergone heart bypass surgery, and if he became too excited and had a relapse, good things could turn into bad things.

At the same time, it was also for the safety of Little Pearl.

Caution was necessary.

That night, Lin Yiwei watched Xie Bo’s twentieth birthday banquet on a live stream.

After not seeing him for over half a year, he seemed to have slimmed down in the camera, his features becoming sharper, exuding a decisive and determined aura like Xie Sizhuo.

His gaze was decisive and cold, much like the black jade Buddha stone bracelet on Lin Yiwei’s wrist, tranquil and deep.

The Xie and Chi families announced the decision for the families to merge through marriage, furthering their cooperation. Xie Bo and Chi Xiyu stood together like a loving couple, smiling gracefully at the camera.

Lin Yiwei felt they truly resembled the golden boy and jade maiden in front of the Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Xie Bo wore a mask, and perhaps Chi Xiyu did too, but Lin Yiwei had seen Xie Bo’s truest self before, yet had never seen Chi Xiyu without her mask.

Her mask was carried with her 24/7 and was never removed for even a moment.

After sipping from her wine glass and feeling slightly intoxicated, Lin Yiwei pressed her phone and dialed Xie Bo’s number.

The call was answered, and neither spoke first; only their breaths bridged the gap, interwoven, like each of their hurried gasps near each other’s ears.

After a moment, Lin Yiwei spoke first: “Master Bo, any news from my brother?”

On the phone, the man’s voice carried a certain warmth, like a stream brushing over pebbles.

“On my birthday, is this all you want to ask?”

“Happy birthday, Master Bo.”

“I’ve told you, ‘Master Bo’ is what outsiders call me. What should you call me?” His voice grew deeper.

“Xie Bo.”

“And what else?”

“Brother…”

His breath tightened slightly before he continued, “After the engagement, I’ll be taking over many matters for the Chi family. Next month, Chi Xiyu has a solo exhibition, and I’ll handle the process, including the transportation and safekeeping of several paintings. Rest assured, I’ll soon find out where your brother is hiding.”

Tears welled up in Lin Yiwei’s eyes, and she fought to hold them back.

Xie Bo didn’t like her crying over other men.

She tried to keep her voice calm.

“I was watching the replay of your engagement live broadcast. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“You don’t need to thank me for that. I didn’t get engaged to help you find Lin Xie; I did it for my own benefit. Even without you, I would still have gotten engaged.”

His words carried a hint of spite, as if he were retaliating against her…Retaliating against her attempt to sever ties completely.

Lin Yiwei didn’t want to discuss these matters with him, so she changed the subject.

“Xie Bo, so you were born in the summer, a Leo, a proud sign.”

“You’re in September, a Virgo, a star sign that’s a real pain.”

…

They really couldn’t have a decent conversation; they’d start arguing within three sentences.

Xie Bo murmured, “Next month, I’ll be in London for a financial conference, and it’s your birthday. We should meet.”

“We agreed not to meet.”

“Let’s just meet as old classmates,” Xie Bo compromised. “Don’t worry, we’ll just have a meal like friends, and then I’ll leave. How about barbecue? You must be craving it.”

“I’m not meeting you, Xie Bo. Once plans are made, they shouldn’t be broken.”

After an awkward silence on the other end of the phone, Xie Bo let out a scoff.

“You never thought about me, did you?”

“We agreed…”

“Since you want to be moral, let me be the bad guy.”

His tone grew sharper and more forceful, like a barrage of arrows piercing through—

“If you don’t want to meet me in a restaurant, then wait for me in the bedroom.”