Beep.
The door swung open, revealing Hu Chengjun. However, he wasn't alone; he held the door open for another, sparking Xiao Luning's curiosity.
'Who is it?' Xiao Luning curiously thought.
When she looked up, she found herself caught in a silent exchange with a man who emanated an undeniable charm.
His warm, brown eyes exuded charm, complemented by his semi-short brown hair that caught the sunlight just right, adding a touch of casual elegance to his overall allure.
A type of handsomeness that could easily be mistaken for that of a model, yet overly manly but with a noticeable strength in his demeanor. Coupled with an approachable nature, he could be mistaken for an old friend.
'What an extremely handsome man!'
Tall but not towering, he carried features reminiscent of an idol, effortlessly drawing attention. Yet, what intrigued her more was the subtle hint of a blue hue beneath his warm brown eyes, adding a layer of mystery to his easygoing persona.
'What was that?'
The silent interaction between them felt like time had momentarily halted. Hu Chengjun, noticing the prolonged standstill, cleared his throat, snapping them back to reality. The man responded with an enigmatic smile, extending a hand for a handshake.
"Hi, Miss! My name is Chen Mingtian. I'm very sorry for what happened. I'm the one who was driving the car. I didn't expect the emergency button to fail. Don't worry, the car is already being inspected." he explained, and Xiao Luning responded with a thumbs-up.
Chen Mingtian, noting her unique mode of communication, clarified, "Do you mean 'it's fine'?" She nodded, and they continued the conversation through typed exchanges.
As Chen Mingtian delved into the circumstances surrounding the accident, Xiao LuNing listened attentively. His explanation of a family emergency and his decision to rush without informing his family resonated with her understanding nod.
Xiao Luning nodded and typed, [Good. You. Fine?]
Chen Mingtian chuckled, "Do you know that you're the first one to ask me whether I'm fine or not?"
Xiao Luning just smiled at him, she didn't know what to say.
Once the formalities were settled, Chen Mingtian read the case summary. He explained his legal responsibility for the aftermath of the accident, emphasizing that the conventional means of evading or threatening were no longer viable in the present times.
Chen Mingtian extended his assistance for her recovery and future needs. He introduced Hu Chengjun as the point of contact, emphasizing that for more complex matters, he would seek his permission.
"So, for the time being, for your recuperation and future endeavors, I prepared a place for you to stay. "
Xiao Luning, absorbed the details of her impending stay, adjusting to this new culture and environment. Meanwhile, Chen Mingtian's gestures appeared mysterious, yet his proposals had an enticing charm that fascinated her.
As Hu Chengjun observed from the sidelines, he marveled at how the two individuals mirrored each other's thoughts and actions.
Chen Mingtian continued, "I heard you have to stay a week more for observa—" Xiao Luning's expression shifted momentarily with a fleeting scowl on her face. Chen Mingtian caught the nuance and swiftly altered his words, "—tion, but we can go now."
Her eyes brightened with excitement, eager to leave the hospital. However, Chen Mingtian restrained her enthusiasm, instructing Hu Chengjun to proceed with the discharge preparations.
In a well-coordinated effort, within 30 minutes, Xiao Luning was freed from the hospital.
Chen Mingtian, ever the gentleman, escorted her to a futuristic hovercar, where she seemed oblivious to its luxurious features. She was enchanted instead by the futuristic cityscape. Chen Mingtian eventually joined her inside the back of the car.
Xiao Luning was a bit startled as she wasn't used to cars levitating and not emitting high volumes of sound. She blinked a couple of times and gradually immersed herself in the passing LED screens and towering buildings.
Eventually, she got bored with the monotonous view. She was about to close her eyes when an unwelcome tune emanated from the radio, prompting a furrowed brow.
"Bip bip pop poro bip beep~"
Chen Mingtian was hoping to hear some news when he sensed her displeasure. Swiftly, he signaled Hu Chengjun, who promptly silenced the intrusive music. Xiao Luning turned towards him and flashed a grateful smile.
She thought, 'He was not just handsome but also a caring gentleman. What a perfect man.'
In the dimming light of the day, the hover car traversed the city's ethereal glow, a spectacle of neon lights, LED displays, and airborne advertisements. Luminescent pathways guided their way, accompanied by hovering drones resembling digital fireflies.
Depleted by the overwhelming sensory experience, Xiao Luning decided to rest.
...
When she woke, the cityscape had vanished, not a single speck of it could be seen. It was replaced by a dark, starlit sky, contrasting with the faint glow on the ground. The road lit up like an airport runway. The silhouette of fir trees could be seen exquisitely aligned on the side.
Arriving at a brightly lit parking lot, they descended. Chen Mingtian offered a hand, saying, "We're here."
Xiao Luning hesitated, glimpsing the vast darkness before her. At first, she thought she was out here to get killed but she courageously turned around.
It was the worst decision ever.
There was a huge, dark, unlit hou- no, mansion behind her.
Observing her trembling shoulders, Chen Mingtian clapped, illuminating the surroundings. Although it was still intimidating, the mansion seemed less daunting in the newfound light.
Hu Chengjun led the way and clapped a few times. A teddy bear that was half the human size throttle towards him. He gave the teddy bear a couple of instructions and went on his way to brief the workers.
Xiao Luning, amidst the high-tech metal and synthetic atmosphere, felt an unexpected comfort. It was as if she got transported back to her timeline but as a privileged young lady.
"Come, I'll show you your bedroom." Chen Mingtian said, inviting her into this futuristic abode that promised both luxury and mystery.
They ascended the stairs. It was not a grand two-way staircase, but it was wide and adorned with numerous steps. At the top, a spacious landing revealed a receiving area on the left.
Ahead lay three distinct hallways, each had its respective purpose.
To the left, the corridor led to Xiao Luning's bedroom. It unfolded into a series of rooms, each offering unique perspectives—some designed for captivating views, others sitting quietly in anticipation.
Straight ahead was Chen Mingtian's realm—his bedroom and personal hobby rooms. The space served as a sanctuary for artifacts of leisure and storage of things that he no longer needed in his professional life. It left Xiao Luning wondering what was Chen Mingtian's job.
The right corridor unveiled smaller rooms, reserved for guests and their accompanying attendants.
Chen Mingtian clarified that certain staff members preferred to reside in the rooms downstairs or the basement. The head maid, chief of security, and electronics maintenance worker found their quarters there.
All in all, the entire floor was private for everyone's comfort.
Chen Mingtian, the guide to this architectural labyrinth, offered, "I can show you around, maybe tomorrow?"
[thumbs up emoji. I. Can. Do. It.] Xiao Luning expressed her readiness for solo adventure through her modular device, flashing the thumb's up emoji and real-life thumb's up.
"Alright," Chen Mingtian concurred, entering the password in the neon light touchpad. Without the annoying 'beep', the door unveiled the entrance to Xiao Luning's designated room.
As the door swung open, a strangely familiar interior design greeted Xiao Luning—a meticulous replication of the modern aesthetics she knew from her timeline.
It was wider and better than the most advanced and expensive hotel rooms in her timeline. Each element seemed purposeful, with custom furniture discreetly concealing storage spaces and functional pieces blending seamlessly.
Engrossed in exploring the nuances of the room, Xiao Luning's fingers traced over surfaces and deftly manipulated hidden features.
Amidst her quiet marveling, Chen Mingtian beckoned, "Come here."
Xiao Luning went towards him and watched as Chen Mingtian activated a concealed mechanism beside the cabinet. A sliding door responded with graceful precision, unveiling a hidden space.
It was the bathroom.