The trip to Hong Kong University was one where I didn't give Emily much practical advice. It was also the time when I met Shirley for the first time. Life really is full of unexpected twists.
As she lay on the bed, reflecting on the events of the past few days, the sound of Aunt Lin's voice suddenly came from downstairs. "Young Master, you're back."
Hearing his faint hum, Grace quickly sat up and rushed barefoot toward the upstairs corridor. Her movement was a bit abrupt, and Julian, who had been changing his shoes, turned his head.
Looking at her in a cool camisole, with her soft hair resting on her snowy back like a black shawl, Julian's eyes also flashed with a brief gleam of light.
Aunt Lin, seeing her rush out, smiled and continued on her way downstairs. Julian unbuttoned his suit, tossed it onto the sofa, and walked upstairs.
Grace, listening to the sound of the rain tapping on the window, saw that since Julian had come upstairs, his gaze had been fixed on her bare feet. She suddenly felt a little embarrassed and quickly explained, "It's hot, I'm used to it."
Julian hummed in acknowledgment, observing her slightly flushed face. His brow furrowed slightly. It was summer, but this was a villa, not a refugee camp.
Of course, there was air conditioning. Was she really that hot? However, he didn't say much and instead walked over, lifting her horizontally into his arms. "Remember to wear shoes next time."
Thinking about how much pain he'd suffered since their little life together began, his gaze now carried more warning. Grace nodded. She hadn't realized it, but when she heard his voice, she just rushed out without thinking. Fortunately, it wasn't outside.
When Julian emerged from the bathroom and saw her sitting there in a daze, he quietly walked over and handed her a cloth. "Wipe."
Grace looked at the cloth in her hand, feeling helpless, and then glanced at his black head resting on her lap as he leaned against her.
As she gently held his hair, his half-closed eyes finally fully shut, as if savoring this rare moment of peace.
"It's raining so heavily outside, why are you still traveling?" Grace casually asked, hearing the incessant rain.
"Why does returning home need a reason?" Julian opened his eyes and gave her a look that said, "Are you dumb?"
Home? Grace's heart stirred when she heard those words, but then her gaze became calm again. This was his villa, so of course, it was his home.
"What are you thinking?"
Seeing her somewhat dazed expression, Julian gazed deeply into her eyes as if trying to peer into her soul.
"Nothing," she replied, speeding up her motion with the cloth, trying to focus. But Julian knew she was simply avoiding his question.
At that moment, he suddenly turned her face to look at him, locking eyes with her. "Do you want to fly?"
Seeing her confused expression, he tightened his hold on her and said, "Shirley contacted me."
That was his explanation for why he asked earlier. After all, the first step in setting this 'canary' free was to unlock the cage and let her fly away.
Grace paused, her motion with the cloth slowing. Finally, she asked, "You built the cage, so the key is in your hands, isn't it?"
She spoke the truth. The decision was in his hands. Whether she wanted to fly or not seemed to be of no concern to him. All she needed to do was wear fancy clothes and wait for his occasional affection.
"Grace, do you hate me?" Julian asked softly.
Grace was slightly surprised. Where did this question come from? She had never hated Julian. If it weren't for him, she might still be caught between the many men, none of whom could be like him—powerful, influential, offering her a safe harbor.
She wanted to leave, but she understood. He could be her temporary shelter, but not her forever. When he found someone else, they, the fleeting visitors in his life, would just be discarded toys.
If she only started learning to save herself when he grew tired of her, it would be too late. Better to learn self-preservation under his wings now, so that even if she left later, she wouldn't be hurt too much.
Seeing her shake her head, with sincerity in her eyes, Julian understood her heart. He pulled her tightly into his embrace and asked, "Why do you want to leave? I'm not someone who can't support you."
Grace pressed her finger to his lips. "Julian, you might be able to support me for a while, but you can't support me for a lifetime. You can't even guarantee you won't get tired of me."
She paused and added, "When you grow tired of me, I might end up with another man. When my beauty fades, the ending is predictable."
"Is this your reason for wanting to fly? What if I promise to take care of you for the rest of your life?" Julian murmured, as if speaking to himself.
Grace was stunned for a moment, then shook her head. "Don't make promises like that to a woman. She'll take it seriously.
" After saying that, she nestled closer to him, as if seeking warmth from his body.
Seeing her face pressed against his neck, Julian's heart felt a dull ache. He seemed unable to give her any promises. After all, someone like him couldn't offer her a life in a normal family.
And her face—if she lost his protection, would those people devour her like hungry wolves? Thinking of this, his eyes deepened with an eerie coldness.
He recalled Shirley's words: "Only the bird you set free can be reborn. If you keep her caged, when you finally let go, she'll be devoured, leaving not even a scrap."
He took a deep breath, then softly said, "I promised him."
Though he knew she was pretending to be pitiful, for some reason, he didn't expose her. This woman had learned to use the skills she acquired on him, and she had succeeded.
Hearing Julian's words, Grace's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. While she knew Shirley had a high status, she didn't think the surprise would come so suddenly.
She understood Julian. This man wasn't the kind to change his mind just because someone asked a favor. What had made him change his thinking?
Seeing the usually cold expression on her face soften with a silly, innocent look, Julian kissed her cheek hard.
Shirley might be right. Rather than keeping her like a canary, it might be better to let her bloom. But would this poisonous mandrake flower ultimately belong to him? He hesitated.