After finishing her shower, Qing Yan opened her laptop and was dealing with some personal matters when she suddenly heard a knock on the door.
"Darling daughter, are you asleep? Mom brought you some food," came the voice from outside.
"No, I'm not asleep."
Qing Yan lightly tapped her slender fingers on the keyboard a few times, then closed the laptop and got up to open the door.
"Mom was worried that you wouldn't eat enough if you went out with Archen, so she had the chef prepare these for you."
Qing Yan was somewhat surprised when she saw the tray of food. "Barbecue?"
"Mom heard that kids your age love to eat these. Take a whiff, isn't it fragrant?" Song Qiaoying put the food down and looked at her with a smile.
Qing Yan picked up the first skewer and instinctively offered it to Song Qiaoying.
Song Qiaoying felt gratified and happy. "Mom doesn't eat these... you have them! You've been working hard these past few days, with so many things to do at the company. You just returned to this home and haven't had a chance to relax properly..."
"It's not hard," Qing Yan said as she ate the skewer in her hand. "It's quite fun."
At least it wasn't as boring as being at school.
Hearing her words, Song Qiaoying felt even more gratified. "Let others take care of those small matters. Mom will take you shopping, have afternoon tea, do some beauty treatments... our family can even go on a short trip or a long vacation... you can choose the destination, as long as it's something you like, both Dad and Mom are willing to accompany you."
Qing Yan raised her eyes and smiled faintly. "Okay."
"Have you gotten used to being at home recently? Is there anything that needs improvement? For example, is the bed too hard? Do the curtains not block out the light? Is there any decoration you don't like? Or maybe in terms of taste..."
"Everything is fine."
Song Qiaoying looked at the well-behaved and sensible girl in front of her, and she couldn't understand why the Lu family treated her so harshly!
What a good child she was...
"Mom heard that Grandpa Si personally sent someone to bring you afternoon tea today?"
Qing Yan was slightly surprised when she heard this. How did she know about such a small matter?
With a smiling expression, Song Qiaoying said, "Grandpa Si called your dad himself and asked what flavor of afternoon tea you liked. You just returned to this home, and we don't know your preferences very well. Thank goodness for Archen!"
Qing Yan was somewhat taken aback by this revelation.
"Archen knows your preferences inside out. He knows what you like to eat and what you don't, he's well aware of it all," Song Qiaoying said with a relaxed expression, a hint of a smile in her eyes. "Mother can tell that he genuinely likes you."
"When he looks at you, his eyes are filled with nothing but you. With a partner like that, your future is bound to be happy."
Song Qiaoying gently placed her hand on Qingyan's hand, and at that moment, she noticed the bracelet on her wrist again.
"We've known Archen for so many years, and he has always been introverted, taciturn, and serious, rarely smiling or laughing. But in front of you, he seems like a different person, showering you with his affection, and it's only meant for you."
"It's also the first time we've heard that he designs bracelets for girls... You should think of something to give him in return, don't let his deep feelings go unreciprocated."
"Okay." Qingyan obediently nodded, her gaze returning to the butterfly bracelet on her wrist. The sparkling diamonds shone brightly under the light, reminiscent of Si Yechen's clear and devoted eyes.
It seemed like she had never given Si Yechen anything before.
She had no idea what that man would like.
The next day, before dawn, Li Yusha got up and dressed. She deliberately chose a black strapless dress, her hair piled up high, revealing her fair forehead.
"Miss Yusha looks beautiful!" Zhang Mama personally adorned her with a dazzling necklace. "With this appearance, you're much more charming than Miss Liu."
"Zhang Mama, you don't have to comfort me. I know my looks can't compare to my sister's..."
Even if Qingyan dressed simply, her naturally cool aura that emanated from within, along with her exquisitely beautiful face, was enough to captivate everyone.
Zhang Mama's expression froze for a moment, then she continued with a smile, "Miss Yusha's facial features are dignified, just like what a wealthy family should have. Look at Madam's features, they are also dignified and suitable for high society..."
"Do you think... Archen would like my outfit today?" Li Yusha looked at herself in the mirror, with fair skin, delicate features, and rosy lips.
Zhang Mama genuinely admired her appearance. "If I were Mr. Si, I would have been smitten by now! Miss Yusha, be confident. You'll be the most eye-catching one during breakfast!"
Just then, Xiaoqin knocked on the door and said, "Miss Yusha, Mr. Si is here. Miss Qingyan hasn't woken up yet, and Master and Madam are still asleep. Would you like to go downstairs first and extend your hospitality?"
As soon as Li Yusha heard it, she couldn't contain herself any longer and hurriedly touched up her makeup before heading downstairs.
Si Yechen wanted to see the girl he admired earlier, so he came forty minutes early. He told Aunt Lan not to wake anyone up and let them sleep well.
When Li Yusha came downstairs, she saw the man sitting on the couch. His noble and aloof temperament, coupled with his slender figure, made him incredibly handsome.
"Archen, why did you come so early? Sister doesn't have the habit of getting up early..." Li Yusha smiled and approached him. "How about I pour you a glass of milk?"
"No need."
"You must not have eaten anything since you left so early. Have some milk to fill your stomach..."
Just as Li Yusha was about to go to the kitchen, she heard him say in a faint voice, "No need, I'll wait for Yanyan."
Li Yusha's smile froze on her face, but she quickly said, "Since you want to wait for Sister, instead of waiting here, why not take a walk in the garden? It's been a while since you've been here... The garden has planted many new varieties. See if there's anything Grandpa Si likes and bring some for him..."
"No need."
"The air in the garden is quite refreshing and can bring a good mood for the whole day. It's still early, I'll accompany you for a walk, alright?"
"I want to be alone for a while."
Si Yechen's intention was already clear, but Li Yusha suddenly crouched down, gently placing her small hand on his knee, and said with grievance, "Archen, you've become increasingly indifferent to me since Sister came back."
Before she could finish her sentence, Si Yechen's displeasure was evident as he moved to the side. "Please restrain yourself."
Li Yusha's small hand fell empty, and she felt even more aggrieved. "I know you like Sister, but saying a few words to me won't hurt! Sister is a generous person and won't mind. Besides, we haven't done anything, we're just chatting."
The meaning behind her words was that if Qingyan minded their conversation, she would be petty and overly concerned. They were just having a chat, after all...
Seeing that she still wanted to get closer, Si Yechen's gaze turned icy cold. "I mind, Miss Li, please respect yourself."
Li Yusha saw that he didn't appreciate her actions and glanced at Aunt Zhang in the distance. Aunt Zhang hinted at something with her eyes, and Li Yusha once again put on a brave face and touched his knee with her small hand.
This time, Si Yechen immediately stood up and looked down at her. "That's enough."