Free Web NovelChapter 1972: Chapter 655: Sayaka
The black Toyota Alphard gradually drove away from the bustling CBD of Yang City.
After passing through several old streets filled with the warmth of everyday life, it finally stopped outside the gates of the Lanxin Garden District.
"Sister Wen Ruan, th-this is the place." Zhang Yan’s voice carried a tone of nervousness and shyness.
"Hmm, it looks quite peaceful, and the environment is nice." Wen Ruan glanced through the car window, observing this somewhat dated neighborhood.
The two got out of the car and walked one after the other into the community.
Looking at the mottled walls and dim corridors around her, Zhang Yan’s heart was in her throat once again.
Nervously, she fished out the keys and opened the old security door.
"Um... the house is a bit old, please, please don’t mind." She turned slightly, almost afraid to meet Wen Ruan’s eyes.
Due to its age, the small apartment was almost devoid of any modern renovations, resembling more of an old rural house and hardly presentable.
And Wen Ruan was the Chairman of Star Cloud International; from her outfit alone, one could tell she was from another world entirely.
Having never interacted with someone from this level of society, she was naturally apprehensive.
However, Wen Ruan’s face showed no signs of disdain or surprise.
Instead, she smiled while surveying this neatly arranged and lively little home.
"It’s nice, a very clean and cozy little home."
Only then did Zhang Yan finally let out a sigh of relief.
Just at that moment—
"Meow~"
A chubby orange cat, like a warm little cannonball, suddenly dashed out from the corner of the sofa.
Affectionately rubbing against Zhang Yan’s pant leg, it purred contentedly.
"Ah, you must be Orange, right?"
Wen Ruan’s eyes lit up instantly, and she immediately crouched down to stroke its fur, her face showing unabashed fondness.
She had already heard Tang Song mention that Zhang Yan had a particularly cute and ravenous orange cat.
"Hello there, little one, I’m Wen Ruan."
As she spoke, she cautiously picked up the cat.
Orange, unfazed by strangers, nudged against her palm.
"Oh, you’re such a good kitty." Wen Ruan was utterly charmed, and she looked up at Zhang Yan with eyes curved into smiles, saying, "To be honest, I have a cat too, a ragdoll named Snowball, who’s incredibly clingy. Perhaps next time, they can meet."
"Mm!" Zhang Yan’s nerves completely relaxed, and a happy smile spread across her face, "Sister Wen Ruan, please have a seat in the living room, I’ll go make dinner."
"Sure, thanks for your hard work, I’ll play with Orange for a bit."
Zhang Yan nodded, put down her backpack, and quickly headed into the kitchen.
Wen Ruan carried a small stool, sitting at the kitchen door.
While petting the cat, she chatted with Zhang Yan through the kitchen door.
They discussed topics ranging from cat dietary habits, to popular TV dramas, to some amusing anecdotes from work.
The sound of the spatula hitting the wok, mixed with the buzz of the range hood, created a long-lost sense of everyday life.
Soon, dinner was served.
Stir-fried kailan, steamed eggplant, tangerine peel ribs, and fragrant rice.
Wen Ruan picked up her chopsticks and tasted the ribs, her eyes immediately squinting in delight.
She couldn’t help but exclaim, "Wow! This flavor is so authentic! Yanyan, your cooking is amazing!"
With such praise, Zhang Yan blushed slightly.
The two sat around the small coffee table, eating and chatting.
Meanwhile, Orange lay quietly at their feet, occasionally letting out a soft "meow."
The atmosphere was warm and natural.
With the meal finished, their relationship seemed to open up completely amid the rising steam.
Zhang Yan, with a shy smile, gradually began to talk more.
She even started to confide in Wen Ruan about her past unfortunate work experiences.
After dinner, Wen Ruan took a brief tour of Zhang Yan’s bedroom.
The room, though old, was clean and tidy, with everything neatly arranged.
Her gaze was soon caught by a photo frame on the desk.
She walked over and picked up the frame.
In the photo, Zhang Yan was dressed in a simple yet elegant hanfu, holding a round fan, standing in a classical garden.
Her gentle temperament and picturesque eyebrows made her look like a lady from ancient poetry.
She seemed like a completely different person compared to her modern outfit.
"This photo is truly beautiful." Wen Ruan sincerely praised, "Where was this taken?"
"It...it was taken at ’Yu Yin Mountain House,’ a classical Qing dynasty garden, very beautiful." Zhang Yan replied somewhat bashfully.
This photo was taken when she recently visited the place with Lulu, where hanfu rentals also provided such a complimentary photo.
It was only in recent days that she had mustered the courage to display it.
"Really?" Wen Ruan’s eyes sparkled, taking Zhang Yan’s hand, "You’ve been pretty worn out lately, and everything is fine with Aunt now, you deserve some relaxation. How about we go there together tomorrow? Honestly, I’d love to take a photo like this myself."
"Ah? S-sure!" Zhang Yan immediately agreed.
Then she glanced at the curves of Wen Ruan standing beside her.
She thought to herself, with Wen Ruan’s body proportions,
wearing such hanfu would surely be quite striking.
It was past nine in the evening, and night had fallen.
The street outside Lanxin Garden District was quiet.
Neon lights in the distance reflected off the gray old walls, with occasional cries from vendors packing up their stalls.
Zhang Yan walked Wen Ruan to the entrance of the district, and they stood side by side under the clear moonlight.
The evening breeze carried a hint of early winter’s chill, ruffling their hair.
"Alright, my car’s here, that’s it for today, see you tomorrow."
