Mu Jinchen did not need to enquire how she knew of his identity, that much was obvious. “Since we have the same objectives, let’s walk together.”
As he finished, he then stepped forward and led the way.
The wind was particularly strong at that bend, and Wushuang’s hair was blown messily across her face. This was not a good place to talk.
Su Ran wheeled Wushuang along behind Mu Jinchen. Her gossiping nature then revealed itself again. “Chairman Mu? Oh, Mu Jinchen. No wonder he looked familiar. When did you two become so close?” Jun Xiang told her that Mu Jinchen was the one that sent Wushuang to the hospital. He only had a glance at him in the private room last night, thus she did not make the connection immediately.
“Miss Su.” Mu Jinchen acknowledged her with a slight nod.
“Eh? He knows who I am. This must mean I’m quite famous in S City.” Su Ran was so gratified with herself and smiled so widely that her large round eyes were squinted shut.
“Your reputation precedes you,” Mu Jinchen replied lightly. “You’re always on the tip of Jun Xiang’s tongue.”
Qidong suppressed a laugh. It was well known among their circle that the Jun family’s young master had a robust, simple-minded, and crass woman as his betrothed. Nevertheless, this woman was rarely seen. If a person were to meet her, they would be astounded for sure. She was lively and had an adorable appearance to boot.
“Don’t mention Jun Xiang’s name. I have nothing to do with him.”
Wordlessly, Mu Jinchen smiled as he slowed his pace. His hands clasped behind his back as he walked parallel to Jing Wushuang.
This particular section was a film set that depicted the Republic of China[1] period. This was built specifically for a Chenyu Entertainment production in the latter half of the year.
It was as though they were transported back to S City during the nineteen-thirties and forties era. Bygone teahouses flanked the quaint streets while the open-air set permeated the culture of the Lingnan[2] era. Not far ahead was a set of vicissitudes railroad tracks with an old fashioned locomotive.
Drizzle was falling and it imitated a soft misting spray that wafted across their faces like strings of cotton candy. It felt so soft and comfortable.
The four of them trod along the bluestone pathway. Everything was silent except for the sound of the wheelchair rolling along. They tacitly enjoyed the quiet yet romantic atmosphere for a moment.
Both girls were typical fair Southern Chinese[3] girls. Wushuang was naturally gentle and graceful while Su Ran could also pull off this look deceivingly if she was not speaking.
Such a quiet and beautiful picture, straight out of a painting scroll. Qidong felt that the young master’s aura seemed to have converged quite a bit. He had not seen the young master this relaxed in a long time. The expression on his face was truly gentle.
“Rushing[4] waves, flowing waves.
“A thousand miles of the torrential river flows ceaselessly forever.
“Washing away all worldly affairs.
“Bringing in a new world for you and me.
“Is it happiness? Is it sorrow?
“Unable to distinguish happiness and sorrow beneath the waves.”
A sudden burst of intense, surging music shattered the elegant classical atmosphere that had transported them to olden day Shanghai.
Su Ran halted and fished her cellphone out of her purse and blurted out, “Hello.”
They could not hear what was said on the other end, but her expression drastically changed to a distressed look a moment later. “Don’t touch it, and don’t feed it anything. I’ll be back at once! No one’s allowed to touch it until I’m back!”
She immediately turned to Wushuang once she hung up. “Shuangshuang, First Day is critically ill. That fatuous vet said that it can’t be saved. It was fine when I left last night, though. I have to go, but I’ll drop you back at the hospital.”
She then wheeled Wushuang away.
[1] Republic of China (1912-1949).
[2] Lingnan (simplified Chinese: 岭南; traditional Chinese: 嶺南; pinyin: lǐng nán; Jyutping: ling5 naam4; literally: ‘South of the Nanling Mountains’) is a geographic area referring to the lands in the south of the Nanling Mountains. The region covers the modern Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan as well as modern northern Vietnam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingnan
[3] Jiangnan or Jiang Nan (Chinese: 江南; pinyin: Jiāngnán; formerly romanized Kiang-nan, literally “South of the River” meaning “South of the Yangtze”) is a geographic area in China referring to lands immediately to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including the southern part of its delta. The region encompasses the city of Shanghai, the southern part of Jiangsu Province, the southeastern part of Anhui Province, the northern part of Jiangxi Province and the northern part of Zhejiang Province. The most important cities in the area include Anqing, Changzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shaoxing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Wenzhou, and Zhenjiang. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiangnan
[4] These are lyrics to the song Shang Hai Tan (上海灘), the well-known theme song from the period drama television series ‘The Bund’.