Chapter 38: Waiting to Return Home

Before long, a car pulled into the villa—understated yet luxurious. The girl recognized at a glance that it was Mu Tingye’s car and immediately dashed downstairs. By the time she reached the living room, the engine had just been cut. Mu Tingye swung his long legs out of the car, and as soon as he stood upright, a clear, bright voice rang out behind him, “Uncle Tingye, you’re back!”

Perhaps the villa was too quiet, or perhaps the girl was too full of joy, but her voice carried crisply through the air to his ears, like a golden key turning in a long-sealed door. His feet turned of their own accord, and he saw the girl clutching the doorframe, looking at him with eager anticipation.

Was she… waiting for him to come home?

Bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, the young girl wore the simplest clothes. Wisps of hair fluttered from her bun, her glassy eyes sparkled with delight, and her face brimmed with laughter. She stood poised and graceful, her whole figure gently wrapped in light.

Mu Tingye thought this was the most beautiful scene he had ever witnessed—unforgettable. Indeed, even in his twilight years, this image would often return to him: the girl's gentle smile as she said, “Uncle Tingye, you’re back.” In those moments, life felt perfect.

After a long pause, he finally replied, “Yes, I’m home.”

Mu Tingye might not have realized how tender his gaze had become, how soft his tone sounded.

The girl sensed his heart had been deeply touched, but, seeing him unmoving, she began to feel hungry herself.

She wanted dinner!

Her footsteps pattered as she ran over, her soft little hand tugging his sleeve. “Uncle Tingye, let’s go in—it’s time for dinner.”

Her voice was sweet and gentle, as irresistible as a drug.

When he still didn’t respond, she switched to pulling his large hand, leading him inside. Her small, boneless hand clasped his broad palm, and Mu Tingye’s heart melted. Unconsciously, he followed her, step by step, as if each stride landed directly on his heart.

His gaze lingered on their intertwined hands—his fingers long and elegant, hers delicate and fair—a scene that sent a tremor through his soul.

“Wow, Aunt He has already set the table. Come on, Uncle Tingye, let’s eat!” Her voice was clear and lively, tinged with growing familiarity.

A faint smile curved Mu Tingye’s lips. It seemed the girl was already at ease here, getting along well with everyone.

Once inside the dining room, she let go of his hand and took her seat, ready to eat.

The soft warmth slipping from his grasp left Mu Tingye with a sudden sense of loss.

Glancing over, he saw the girl sitting obediently, unaware of anything amiss. The stifling feeling in his heart returned, and his expression cooled, returning to its usual aloofness.

He sat down to eat in silence, not sparing the girl another glance.

Noticing his demeanor, the girl understood and paid him no further mind, quietly finishing her meal. First things first—after dinner, she still had to discuss her room.

So the meal passed quietly, uneventfully.

The girl remained well-behaved, even when Mu Tingye handed her medicine afterward—she took it without protest. This made him keenly aware something was on her mind.

As he headed upstairs, he called over his shoulder to the girl lagging behind, “If you have something to say, say it.”

She was busy thinking how to broach the subject of her lodging and didn’t catch his words, only realizing he had spoken to her.

“Hm? What?” She looked up, her lips rosy, face tinged with confusion, eyes wide and blinking like a dazed little pet.

With the height difference between them, Mu Tingye lowered his gaze and saw her fair cheeks, her curled lashes casting shadows, her crescent-shaped eyes blinking—softness that unsettled the soul.

Her lips, small and full, seemed to invite mischief.

Curiosity lit her face, her slender fingers tucked into her sleeves, the pink tips peeking out, neat and clean.

Mu Tingye’s expression darkened slightly. “It’s nothing.” He turned and strode ahead without a backward glance.

“Unc—Uncle Tingye, you’re walking too fast…”

Trailing behind, the girl’s voice was small and soft, thick with a sweet fragrance that lingered and stirred the imagination.

Suddenly, he stopped short, causing her, still looking downward, to walk straight into him.

Ouch, so hard.

She reached up to rub her reddened nose, looking up with eyes that glistened with unshed tears, her long lashes trembling.

“Be careful,” he murmured, his deep, cool eyes narrowed, his fingers twitching unconsciously.

He was the one walking so fast and stopping abruptly—how was it her fault for not being careful?

Hmph!

Her little pout amused him, and his frosty lips quirked up.

“Come to my study right away,” he ordered, his low voice brooking no refusal.

“Yes, alright.” She obediently answered.

She watched him disappear into the study before turning back to her room.

Let’s take a bath before seeing Uncle Tingye—fresh and clean, perhaps I’ll make a different impression.

Meanwhile, in his study, Mu Tingye sat at his desk, pen in hand, unmoving. He’d meant to deal with business matters, but his mind was awash with thoughts of the girl, unable to settle…

He sighed. Perhaps a cold shower would help.

After her bath, she chose a pure white nightdress before heading to Mu Tingye’s study. By then, he had composed himself, reviewing documents with his usual air of control, his sharp eyes deep and focused, his high-bridged nose elegantly curved from her angle, his loungewear only enhancing his distinguished looks.

“Uncle Tingye, I’m here,” she called softly, a radiant smile spreading across her face.

At her voice, Mu Tingye paused, glancing up with a blank expression. “Come in. Sit.”

It was her first time inside his study, and she felt awkward, his unreadable expression making her even more nervous. She perched on the edge of the sofa, hands in her lap, as if awaiting correction from a teacher.

Realizing her discomfort, he softened his demeanor and voice. “Didn’t you have something to say? You can tell me now.”

She looked at him in surprise, curious how he knew.

Mu Tingye only smiled knowingly at her innocent, admiring gaze.

Years in the silent battles of the business world had shown him countless people and their thoughts. A girl’s little secrets were nothing—sometimes, with just a word or a furrowed brow, he could guess what was on her mind.

So he waited, saying nothing, simply watching her.

Under his unmoving gaze, she hesitated, opening her mouth to speak but shrinking back repeatedly, stealing timid glances at him before retreating into herself.