TPIL - 57

Luo Andi’s introduction to handicrafts began in her childhood when she tore her dress during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at her father’s winery and secretly hid away. Qi Xiaochuan found her and, taking the initiative, used a sewing kit to patch up her dress. After returning home, she developed an endless admiration for dexterous hands and asked the household staff to prepare materials for her. From then on, she began making objects by following books.

The driver dropped her off at home. After tidying up a few things, Luo Andi returned to the shop.

Her ordeal hadn’t yet spread, and her absence was simply explained as being unwell. After checking the member courses, Luo Andi went upstairs. As she bent down to change the garbage bag, the door behind her suddenly made a sound. Turning around, she saw her colleague, who had arrived unannounced, her face filled with hesitation.

“What’s wrong, Xiao Ruo?” Luo Andi’s face carried its usual gentle expression as she straightened up. “Is there anything at work you need help with?”

It seemed her colleague wasn’t troubled by business matters. She said, “A student arrived early.”

They went downstairs together. Until they reached the front hall, Luo Andi kept her gaze forward. However, Xiao Ruo, seemingly unable to hold back any longer, finally asked, “Anjie, I encountered traffic police while looking for the car that day, so I couldn’t get there in time… Are you alright?”

Luo Andi didn’t stop walking, continuing forward with steady steps, her voice still crisp: “Mm, it’s nothing. Don’t worry.”

But her colleague didn’t seem ready to drop the subject: “Is that so? That’s good. I heard that Mr. Su Yining, who often comes to the shop, was also there? Is he okay?”

“No accidents at all, don’t worry. These aren’t things you need to concern yourself with.” Her reply was calm and polite but firm, consistent with her usual demeanor.

“That’s good,” she said, though it seemed her purpose hadn’t been fully achieved, and the questions continued. “Mr. Su has always paid close attention to you, Anjie. He introduced friends to the shop and sent flowers. His family is well-off, and he’s quite handsome… Anjie, don’t you think he likes you?”

The stream of絮絮叨叨 advice flowed past her ears. Luo Andi’s profile remained cheerful, but she stayed silent.

Xiao Ruo vaguely tapped into her instinct for bravado and continued, “His conditions are excellent, and most importantly, he’s entirely devoted to you, Anjie. If it were him, he’d definitely be able to protect you. Only he deserves you—”

The figure walking ahead paused momentarily. Luo Andi turned around and smiled. She said, “Do you really hope something develops between me and him?”

At first, Xiao Ruo was a little nervous, but she quickly seized the opportunity and argued earnestly, “Yes, he loves you so much, and his family background is great. Compared to those cold-hearted men who exploit your kindness, he’s a thousand times, ten thousand times better. Some people are despicable and only use your goodwill. Anjie, I want you to live a better life. You should accept Mr. Su instead of those who only drain you. Only Su Yining deserves you.”

She fell silent for a moment. Luo Andi turned around, lifted the curtain, and entered. The seating area inside, which should have been filled with cheerful chatter, was awkwardly silent until their appearance prompted everyone to hurriedly find topics of conversation, though the atmosphere remained微妙. Xiao Ruo realized she had overlooked the setting, but Luo Andi ignored the curious gazes around her.

Just as everyone, whether they had eavesdropped earlier or not, prepared to tactfully shift the topic, she said, “I’m already with Qi Xiaochuan.”

She turned around and, under the watchful eyes of everyone, smiled as if answering Xiao Ruo but drew the attention of every person present. This was the first time Luo Andi had spoken such heartfelt words—calm, composed, light, and confident: “I’ve known him since we were children. You must have heard about me from Su Yining, right? Back then, I was just like this, even more so. I always thought as long as others were happy, it didn’t matter how I felt. I wanted to help others within my ability. Because of this, most people liked me, thinking I was humble and easygoing.

“But when I first met Qi Xiaochuan, he didn’t need me, nor did he expect anyone to help him. He never exploited anyone’s kindness and was always wary of others’ goodwill. In his eyes, I was a nuisance, yet he still extended a hand to me. He was the first person I ever met like that.”

Luo Andi had always believed her emotions were duller than most people’s. During her childhood, many moments were brushed off with silly laughter. However, the initial taste of bitterness from wounded pride didn’t come too late. On the last train after finishing a night shift, a sudden fantasy struck her. Perhaps many young women had similar fantasies of becoming the beloved of a heroic figure riding in on a white horse to find them. But she realized she didn’t want to see him like that. It was fine to remain the image of a princess in Qi Xiaochuan’s heart until death. Even years later, when he recalled her, she would still be the little girl bundled in a woolen cloak with braided hair, surrounded by love and care on that snowy night.

Qi Xiaochuan had once questioned her. He was straightforward about her habitual behavior—he observed her pattern of identifying others’ wounds and immediately rushing to heal them. Qi Xiaochuan’s unease had valid grounds; he was confrontational, believing she treated him the same way. Her mother learned of his background from his mother, and thus she became aware.

However, Qi Xiaochuan still had some oversights.

When he retrieved the ball for her, she didn’t even know his name.

Returning to the present, hopes dashed, her colleague stared at her in disbelief. Suddenly, a housewife who had been sticking decorations sighed. The woman said, “Youth is wonderful.” Following her remark, other housewives chimed in. In an instant, the room regained its cheerful atmosphere. Zhu Peijie entered with a shoulder bag, vaguely sensing the strange atmosphere, and asked.

“It’s nothing,” Luo Andi smiled and said, “Let’s start today’s handicraft together.”

Socializing was one of the most life-wasting activities Qi Xiaochuan considered in business settings, but out of necessity, he could still complete tasks flawlessly. Amidst clinking glasses, perhaps only a handful of people truly evaluated each speech seriously, and he was certainly one of them.

After exchanging lukewarm pleasantries, Qi Xiaochuan deliberately took a wine glass and prepared to go to the terrace for some fresh air. When the door opened, he thought it was someone else, but seeing Qu Guozhong, he turned back indifferently, unwilling to utter a word first.

Qu Guozhong’s assistant was more concerned, but the elder himself didn’t mind. He probably understood internally that using someone’s biological parents as leverage was indeed hurtful. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the assistant and stepped forward, saying, “How is Mr. Qi’s alcohol tolerance?”

Qi Xiaochuan had no habit of exposing his weaknesses, so he countered, “Isn’t Mr. Qu back in India?”

“Just traveling between a few places. There’s business in Russia, and I also purchased property in Paris this year.” Qu Guozhong said, “Have you considered becoming my neighbor in France?”

Qi Xiaochuan turned his head, not drunk, plus his secretary called almost every half hour, so he refrained from responding with “Consider it a ghost” and instead said, “There’s no need to return to the mainland.”

Qu Guozhong exhaled, smiling as he approached and said, “With an old friend’s daughter here, how could I possibly leave with peace of mind?”

Qi Xiaochuan pondered slightly, then decisively left without a word.

Fortunately, he hadn’t drunk too much, and the quality of the wine was good, so there was no hangover. The next day was a vacation intentionally cleared weeks in advance. Luo Andi also woke up early, intending to play the role of a dutiful wife and mother providing wake-up service, but unexpectedly found herself alone. By the time she went over in her pajamas, Qi Xiaochuan had already prepared breakfast. Holding a spatula, he questioned her from behind, “What are you doing?”

During his rest time, Qi Xiaochuan dressed like the most inconspicuous office worker. If not for his striking face and physique, he might easily blend into the crowd upon stepping in. However, looking down and seeing her own equally ordinary attire, Luo Andi couldn’t help but smile fondly. They were both so ordinary.

Qi Xiaochuan was using chopsticks and noticed her gaze, so he looked back. “What is it?” he asked.

Luo Andi shook her head and grinned, “No matter what you become, I’ll recognize you at first sight.”

He hesitated briefly, then mocked, “I wonder who it was that praised my embroidery skills after meeting me twice and still didn’t know who I was.”

“That’s because it was so sudden.” Luo Andi wasn’t discouraged at all. “I originally thought I’d never meet you again in my life.”

Even as a hypothetical scenario, the thought was enough to displease him. Qi Xiaochuan, with a stern face, urged her to eat quickly.

When leaving, Luo Andi was in a hurry. Qi Xiaochuan stood by the door, silently observing for a moment, then turned back and fetched a hat for her.

After putting it on, Luo Andi smiled at him, adorable like melting ice cream. Qi Xiaochuan reached out and pulled the brim further down, covering her slightly reddened ears.

They drove into the park, having reserved it in advance, so there were no other visitors. Upon entering, the air was noticeably fresher than elsewhere, with the vast lake reflecting the low, rolling hills. The two walked along the path, each gazing at the surrounding scenery.

The sun was warm, and the grass was soft and fluffy. Luo Andi slowly sat down. A fragrant breeze blew, and the sun hat covered her cheeks. Qi Xiaochuan stood nearby, aimlessly looking around. She tilted her head up and couldn’t help but let out a clear, refreshing laugh. “Xiaoxiao, Xiaoxiao,” she reached for his hand, “Why are you like a sheepdog—”

He sat down, their shoulders touching. Luo Andi squinted, her lips wet with laughter. Her face, capable of willingly lowering one’s defenses, was so precious. He suddenly wanted to kiss her. She turned her face, as if seeing through all his inner thoughts, offering him a way out, waiting for him to fulfill his wish with feigned reluctance. Qi Xiaochuan leaned closer, giving a brief touch. She tugged his sleeve again, and he kissed her once more.

Qi Xiaochuan unconsciously avoided her gaze. Luo Andi looked at his profile. “Xiaoxiao, can you tell me a bad joke?”

“No,” he rejected firmly. Qi Xiaochuan had never used words to please anyone in his life. His conversational principle had always been “Annoying people doesn’t break the law.”

Luo Andi didn’t insist, only letting out a single syllable expressing regret. She looked into the distance—the grass was comfortable, and the weather was nice. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

For a moment, there was internal struggle.

“Ahem, I haven’t tried it before,” Qi Xiaochuan said. “I’ll only tell this one.”

<End of Main Text>