The car moved gracefully through the labyrinthine streets of the city, eventually returning to the dazzling Square. As the vehicle came to a smooth halt, the spot where Georgia had stood just moments before was now conspicuously vacant, an enigma amidst the bustling crowd.
The city's kaleidoscope of lights played tricks on the eye, casting an air of intrigue around the deserted square. Jack stepped out of the car, his presence a striking contrast to the urban landscape. Du Yue, his ever-attentive companion, emerged from the vehicle and held up an elegant umbrella to shield Jack from the light drizzle that had started to fall.
Du Yue scanned the square, his sharp eyes searching for any sign of life, yet it remained barren. A furrow formed on his brow as he questioned aloud, "Why is no one here?"
Jack's dark eyes deepened with concern, and he accepted a second umbrella from Du Yue, his voice resonating with authority as he issued a directive, "We must search separately!"
...
Inside the car, Georgia couldn't stifle the sudden sneezes that overtook her. The chill from the dampness in the air seemed to penetrate her bones, making her shiver involuntarily.
A mellifluous male voice broke through her discomfort, offering her a lifeline in the form of a packet of paper towels. "Here's something to help," he said, his tone warm and soothing.
Georgia took the paper towels with a grateful smile and uttered a soft, "Thank you."
Moments before, Georgia had found herself stranded on the rain-slicked streets of Xingguangtan Square. Despite her best efforts, she had been unable to hail a taxi. Just when despair had begun to encroach upon her, a car had glided up to her, its window descending to reveal Jack's brother, Yu Gubei.
With no better options at her disposal, she had reluctantly accepted his offer for a ride. As they ventured down an unfamiliar path, Georgia's curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't resist asking, "Where are we headed?"
A playful smile tugged at the corner of Yu Gubei's lips as he accelerated slightly. "First, we'll find you a place to take a hot bath and change into dry clothes."
Georgia hesitated, reluctant to impose on her newfound acquaintance. "No, really, I can just head home."
Despite her discomfort—her clothes clinging to her chilled skin and her body shivering uncontrollably—she didn't want to burden Yu Gubei. After all, they had only met twice, and she hardly knew him.
Yu Gubei chuckled warmly, brushing aside her objections, "You'll catch a cold like this. I have an apartment nearby. I'll take you there; it's quite convenient."
Georgia could no longer resist his persuasive charm and gave him a nod of gratitude. "I appreciate it."
The term "sister-in-law" caught her off guard, and she couldn't help but laugh in response. In terms of seniority, he was absolutely right.
Before long, the car pulled into an upscale residential complex and came to a stop beneath an imposing building. Georgia followed Yu Gubei and his entourage into the well-appointed apartment.
Inside, the apartment exuded an aura of tasteful simplicity, dominated by a monochromatic color scheme of black, white, and gray. It was minimalistic yet elegant, a reflection of its owner's refined taste.
As Georgia stepped into the apartment, Yu Gubei offered a gentle suggestion, "You'll find fresh slippers by the door. Change into them, and you'll discover brand new clothes in the guest room over there. Feel free to pick the outfit that suits you best. I've prepared some hot water for a bath as well."
Gratitude filled Georgia's gaze as she nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you."
With a composed demeanor, Yu Gubei subtly transformed from the charming host into a more reserved figure. After a moment's pause, he inclined his head slightly and instructed the man standing nearby, "Shaozhuo, please make some ginger tea."
"Of course, young master," Shaozhuo replied with a nod before carrying out his task.
Having indulged in a relaxing bath, Georgia emerged, towel-drying her hair with care. From the wardrobe, she selected a simple yet comfortable shirt and trousers. As she dressed, a sense of gratitude filled her heart.
Stepping into the living room, she found Yu Gubei seated in a wheelchair, engrossed in a magazine. His expression was one of deep concentration, and from her vantage point, she couldn't help but notice the long, delicate eyelashes that framed his contemplative eyes.
Though bearing a familial resemblance to Jack, the two brothers were as different as night and day, each possessing a distinct personality—Jack, a stoic and confident figure, and Yu Gubei, a gentle and approachable soul who effortlessly drew others into his orbit.