The days following her conversation with Wei were a mix of emotions for Meixiu. While the weight of her unresolved feelings had lifted, the void left behind was undeniable. She threw herself into her workouts, her work at the family business, and small projects around the villa, anything to keep her mind occupied.
Jiayi, ever the observant sister, watched her carefully. One morning, as Meixiu was preparing breakfast, Jiayi joined her in the kitchen.
"You're up early," Jiayi said, leaning against the counter.
Meixiu shrugged, flipping pancakes on the griddle. "Couldn't sleep."
Jiayi studied her silently for a moment. "You've been handling things well. Better than I expected."
"Is that a compliment or a backhanded comment?" Meixiu asked with a faint smirk.
"A little of both," Jiayi replied with a smile. "But seriously, I'm proud of you. What you did wasn't easy."
Meixiu nodded, her expression softening. "Thanks, Jiayi. I still have a long way to go, but I feel… lighter now."
"And Ye Chen?" Jiayi asked, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.
Meixiu froze for a split second before recovering. "What about him?"
Jiayi smirked. "You tell me."
Meixiu sighed, flipping the last pancake onto a plate. "He's been amazing. Supportive, patient… everything I didn't know I needed."
Jiayi's expression grew thoughtful. "Just make sure you're honest with him—and with yourself. He deserves that."
That afternoon, Meixiu found Ye Chen in the garden, tending to the flowers as he often did. She approached him, her steps light but purposeful.
"Ye Chen," she called, her voice soft.
He looked up, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "Hey, Meixiu. What's up?"
"Do you want to go for a walk?" she asked, her hands clasped nervously behind her back.
"Of course," he said, setting down his tools.
They walked along the villa's winding paths, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over everything. For a while, they walked in silence, the sounds of birds and rustling leaves filling the air.
"Thank you for being here for me," Meixiu said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Ye Chen glanced at her, his expression kind. "You don't have to thank me, Meixiu. I'm happy to be here."
"No, really," she insisted, stopping to face him. "You've been my rock through all of this. I don't think I could have made it through without you."
Ye Chen looked at her, his gaze steady. "You're stronger than you think, Meixiu. But I'm glad I could help."
She hesitated, then reached out to take his hand. "You've been more than just helpful, Ye Chen. You've reminded me what it feels like to be cared for, to feel… alive again."
His eyes softened as he held her hand gently. "You deserve that, Meixiu. And more."
Meanwhile, Lianyi had been quietly observing the changes in Meixiu and Ye Chen's dynamic. One evening, as she was watering her plants, Jiayi joined her on the patio.
"You've been quiet lately," Jiayi remarked, leaning against the railing.
Lianyi smiled faintly. "Just thinking."
"About Meixiu and Ye Chen?" Jiayi asked, her tone knowing.
Lianyi nodded, her gaze distant. "I'm happy for her. She's been through a lot, and it's nice to see her smiling again. But…"
"But?" Jiayi prompted.
Lianyi hesitated, then sighed. "I can't help but feel… something. I don't know if it's jealousy or just longing. Ye Chen has always been kind to me too, and it's hard not to think about what could have been."
Jiayi placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder. "Feelings are messy, Lianyi. But you've always been the most selfless among us. If anyone can navigate this gracefully, it's you."
Lianyi smiled softly. "Thank you, Jiayi. I just want everyone to be happy."
"And you will be," Jiayi said confidently. "You deserve that too."
That night, Meixiu and Ye Chen found themselves on the balcony, watching the stars. The atmosphere was peaceful, but the tension between them was palpable.
"Ye Chen," Meixiu began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you ever wonder… where this is going?"
He turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "Sometimes. But I don't want to rush you, Meixiu. You've been through a lot, and I'm happy just being here for you."
Her heart ached at his patience and understanding. "You're too good to me, Ye Chen."
He smiled faintly. "You deserve it."
She hesitated, then leaned against his shoulder, her voice soft. "I don't know what the future holds, but… I know I want you to be part of it."
Ye Chen's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining. "One step at a time," he said gently.
"One step at a time," she echoed, a small smile playing on her lips.