Chapter 1 (12): The Place to Return
A black shadow slid into the old-fashioned gated mansion.
Rolls-Royce Phantom.
A man stepped out from the driver's seat and opened the door.
From the rear seat, Haotian emerged.
Still in the suit from this morning's conference.
Tie still on.
Informed of Haotian's arrival by servants, the master couple and eldest daughter hurried to the entrance.
"President Li...!"
"My apologies for the concern."
A quiet voice.
"The circumstances were as explained in this morning's conference.
...I'm grateful for ensuring my wife's safety."
Haotian bowed lightly and slipped past the stunned people.
"President Li! Our daughter is already...!"
Xiaomao, rushing out from an inner room upon hearing the commotion, nearly collided with Haotian in the hallway.
"...Master..."
Haotian looked straight down at Xiaomao.
"Lead the way."
Xiaomao, living up to her name like a little cat, led with bouncing steps.
The door creaked open.
"...I've come for you."
That was all.
Before anyone in the house could speak,
Haotian stepped closer to me.
"Let's go."
Haotian took my hand and helped me stand.
I could only nod wordlessly.
Behind us, Xiaomao hesitated for a moment,
then hurriedly gathered my sports bag.
"Miss..."
"It's alright."
My voice, to my own surprise, was calm.
---
The mansion was quieter than expected.
Sitting beside Haotian in the Rolls-Royce's rear seat.
Close, yet not touching.
Outside, Xiaomao hesitated, unsure what to do.
The driver beckoned, pointing to the passenger seat.
Xiaomao glanced our way once.
Haotian merely flicked his gaze, saying nothing.
That was enough.
Xiaomao bowed slightly and slipped into the passenger seat.
The door closed,
and the car pulled away soundlessly.
I didn't even have the composure to look at Haotian's profile.
Inside my chest, constant turbulence.
--He's safe.
--But I don't know what's ended, what's begun.
Haotian, still gazing out the window, murmured:
"I was late. I apologize."
Just that.
Not an apology, not an explanation.
Just a statement of fact.
But it was enough.
---
Arriving at the penthouse,
I finally returned to reality.
"...Um."
Haotian paused removing his shoes.
"Xiaomao should probably return to my family home.
You dislike having people in your home, don't you?"
A moment's silence.
Haotian looked at me.
"You stay here."
Xiaomao's shoulders jerked.
"I'm often absent, and things have been unsettled lately."
Matter-of-fact, businesslike.
"I'll settle things with that household.
Feifei will handle it."
That tone said the discussion was over.
Xiaomao hurriedly bowed deeply.
"...Thank you very much."
Haotian wasn't looking anymore.
Loosening his tie, he headed for the living room.
At this point, one more person in the house wasn’t going to rattle him.
--He'd already
weathered enough battlefields for that.
Watching him from behind, I thought--
Haotian turned back.
"Xiaomao. While I’m home, stay off the upstairs except for the pantry.”
I still have matters to handle remotely. ...You two, rest."
"Yes!"
Xiaomao replied brightly.
---
Just past 9 PM.
The living room lights were dimmed, only Shanghai's night view spreading quietly beyond the windows.
I'd arranged one of the downstairs maid's rooms for Xiaomao and sent her to bed early.
Haotian sat at his study desk, glaring at his laptop screen.
Post-conference cleanup--verifying additional materials for authorities, further instructions to Feifei, IR draft for stock price stabilization.
Still unfinished.
I was in the pantry, boiling water.
Arranged two cups, added a touch of milk to warm tea, and gently knocked on the study door.
"...May I come in?"
Haotian looked up from his screen. "Enter," he answered briefly.
I came in with cups on a tray.
Sat on the sofa beside Haotian,
placed one cup on his desk.
Kept the other in my hands.
Haotian paused his screen for a moment, gaze falling to the tea.
"Let's take a brief break."
Haotian picked up the cup with a slightly puzzled expression, took a sip, then
murmured, "...It's hot."
I couldn't help but laugh.
"I just made it."
Haotian's lips curved slightly.
"Not bad."
Then returned to the screen.
Keyboard sounds echoed quietly.
I sat beside him, knees drawn up, watching the night view.
Shanghai's lights twinkled in the distance.
"Thank you."
I didn't know what to say.
Just felt something accumulated deep in my chest gradually melting.
"Thank you. For coming for me...for bringing Xiaomao too."
Haotian closed his screen, turned his chair slightly toward me.
"Because you waited for me."
I lowered my eyes.
"But I couldn't do anything."
Haotian exhaled softly.
"Waiting is pretty difficult, isn't it?"
I looked up in surprise.
"Until now, I've made you wait alone too much."
Haotian reached out, gently stroking my hair.
His fingertips, unexpectedly warm.
Haotian opened the screen again.
"Thirty more minutes."
I nodded, leaning back deeply into the sofa.
The night view quietly enveloped us both.
The study lamp and rising steam from tea
kindled a small warmth.
( Fin )
