C10 Guests

The butler nodded, carefully following behind, gesturing for the bodyguards to keep watch.

Bai Chuman had been staying at the family's villa for some time and had quickly bonded with the housekeepers. She wasn't picky about food, had a sweet way of speaking, and ate with such enthusiasm that even the cook took a special liking to her, often preparing extra dishes just for her. As a result, she looked healthier and more vibrant.

Bai Chuman's easygoing nature amazed both Yichen and the butler, who privately advised the staff to remain vigilant. However, their warnings seemed to have little effect. Chuman continued to cheerfully find ways to enjoy the best meals and occasionally attempted to sneak upstairs to bother Yichen. Each time, she was gently escorted back by the bodyguards, leaving Yichen both amused and exasperated by her playful antics, yet without any real reason to reprimand her.

The usually quiet villa was suddenly filled with an unusual liveliness...

As September rolled in, the weather in the hills turned brisk, bringing a hint of autumn's chill. The maple leaves surrounding the villa gradually turned red, stretching out in a vibrant display.

Bai Chuman was curled up in a spherical swing, wearing a white, lightweight jacket over a knitted skirt. Her legs dangled over the edge, swinging gently as she nibbled on a pastry the cook had baked for her. A cool autumn breeze tousled her wavy hair. Her eyes grew tired from reading an unknown novel, so she looked up just as a car drove through the gates of the estate. The butler, accompanied by two staff members, went to greet the newcomer. The man who stepped out of the car wore glasses and a white coat, looking rather unremarkable and scholarly, carrying a silver briefcase that seemed to hold some kind of equipment.

Chuman rarely saw visitors, so her curiosity was piqued. The doctor's timid demeanor seemed oddly out of place.

"Butler, who is that?" Chuman asked with a sweet smile, lounging in the swing shaded by trees, almost easy to overlook.

The butler was startled by her voice, his aged face crinkling with surprise as he clutched his heart, still recovering from the scare.

"Ma'am, this is the doctor the family brought in from abroad for Mr. Yichen's recovery treatment."

Chuman nodded in understanding and offered the doctor a gentle smile. However, the doctor seemed unable to meet her gaze, quickly looking away in apprehension. Chuman raised an eyebrow at this, glancing down at herself, wondering what could possibly be so intimidating.

In the sprawling mansion, the presence or absence of one more person didn't make much of a difference. The doctor, aside from occasionally checking on Yichen's health, stayed holed up in her room, almost invisible, making it easy for people to forget she was even there.

Just when Chuman thought her days would continue in this peaceful, leisurely manner, fate had other plans. She glanced at the glaringly red invitation on the table, a bitter smile playing on her lips. Her time here had been so relaxed that she seemed to have forgotten her real purpose.

Bai Aixue and Jee Hanxin's grand wedding was set for October. The union of the Bai and Jee families wasn't the biggest event in Araamouth, but it wasn't small either. Invitations had been sent out well in advance, and the one in her hand, with its luxurious design, had her name, "Bai Chuman," written in bold, familiar handwriting. The sight of it brought back memories of a gentle young man.

Chuman exhaled deeply, struggling with the heaviness in her heart. She thought she had moved on, but the intense, unforgettable feelings from her youth, no matter how much resentment they carried, couldn't be completely erased.

She gently traced the scar on her wrist, its rough, menacing texture almost numb to the touch. The quiet of the night easily drew out emotions, and memories played in her mind like a film reel. As she numbly recalled the past, her heart remained still, untouched by any wave of emotion.

The phone rang suddenly in the stillness of the night. Chuman hugged her legs tightly, curling up as her fingers gently swiped to answer and put the call on speaker.

On the other end, there was a heavy breathing sound. The two remained silent, yet a mutual understanding hung in the air until the caller finally gave in.

"Chuman," the voice on the line was slightly hoarse. "Did you get the invitation?"

"Yeah, it just arrived today," Chuman replied, unexpectedly calm.

There was another stretch of silence, and after what felt like an eternity, Jee Hanxin spoke again.

"So... will you come?"