Chapter 251: Extra: Birthday, Taking Her Back to the Jin Family
November.
The autumn mood was strong, and the ginkgo trees in Tiantan Park had turned a brilliant golden yellow.
Lian Li finished her school affairs, took a few days off from her professors, and returned to the capital to accompany her boyfriend for his birthday.
Last night was a late one, going until the early hours.
When Jin Shi Yue woke up at dawn, Lian Li was still fast asleep. He held her close, gazing at her sleeping face for a long time before letting go, getting up to wash, and then heading to the study room.
At noon, his work concluded, Jin Shi Yue walked back to the master bedroom.
Lian Li had woken up at some point and was propped up in bed, holding her mobile phone and messaging Xue Shufan.
She lazily hugged a soft pillow, her legs crossed and dangling behind her, gently swaying, like a contented young beast.
After messaging for a long time, her arm grew sore. Lian Li lay in the center of the large bed and turned over, unexpectedly spotting Jin Shi Yue standing at the foot of the bed. She wasn’t startled, but her mind went blank, and she stared at him blankly.
Jin Shi Yue’s shirt sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, the veins on the back of his hands winding like mountain ranges, his skin a stark, cold white. He reached out, grabbed her ankle, and gently pulled her towards him.
Lian Li blinked her long lashes: “Why didn’t you make any noise when you walked?”
“Did I startle you?” Jin Shi Yue helped her sit up.
“No.”
Lian Li’s dark eyes darted slightly, and she added, “You used to scare me all the time.”
Jin Shi Yue’s eyebrows arched slightly, and he said casually, “Didn’t I give you a chance to scare me back?”
Give her a chance.
He said it nicely, but he did everything with justification, acting incredibly arrogant. Who could scare him?
Lian Li raised her hand, her palm pressing against his left chest. The man’s chest felt solid, and his heart beat powerfully, as if nothing in the world could shake him.
“It’s your birthday today, what are the plans?” She withdrew her hand. “Are you meeting Zhong Yang and the others?”
“I’m going back to the old house to see the Old Madam.” Jin Shi Yue tucked her long hair behind her ear. The snow-white skin on his neck still bore faint, noticeable kiss marks.
For other people’s birthdays, Zhong Yang could arrange a lavish banquet. For Jin Shi Yue’s birthday, he could only offer his blessings.
Jin Shi Yue and Jin Yan Ting rarely returned to the Jin Family home. They only stepped through the door during holidays, when Old Master Jin summoned them, or when an elder was ill. It wasn’t easy for the Old Madam to see them.
For Jin Shi Yue’s birthday, the Old Madam had instructed him two days in advance that he must come home for dinner.
Lian Li expressed understanding: “Then you go back, I’ll go find my Senior Sister.”
She turned sideways, about to get out of bed, but was stopped by Jin Shi Yue’s strong, long arm. He said casually, “Let’s go back together.”
“It might be inconvenient for me to join the Jin family for dinner, right?” Lian Li hesitated slightly.
“Inconvenient how?” Jin Shi Yue bent down and picked up her slippers to put them on for her. “My aunt is also here, so you don’t need to have any concerns.”
Lian Li stepped into her slippers and stood on the carpeted floor, contemplating, “Then will you stay by my side the whole time?”
“Yes.”
Jin Shi Yue shed his casual, lazy demeanor. His deep voice brushed against her ear, exceptionally reassuring.
Lian Li looked at him seriously and nodded, saying, “Okay.”
She wasn’t afraid of meeting the Jin family, but she worried about potential conflicts and upsetting the elders.
–
The Jin family residence was a dignified and solemn siheyuan. The architecture was grand, and every flower and tree was meticulously cared for by dedicated staff, exuding an atmosphere of strict order and solemnity.
Today was the Second Young Master’s birthday. The Old Madam had gone to an ancient temple to burn incense and pray during the day. Upon returning to the mansion, she went to the temple hall in the backyard, where she copied Buddhist scriptures with Chen Shifei.
Red carp swam in the pond in the courtyard, their tails disturbing the duckweed on the water’s surface. The autumn wind blew, and the golden bells hanging from the upturned eaves of the temple hall tinkled, mingling with the rustling sound of leaves in the bamboo grove.
It was Lian Li’s first time at the Jin family home, and she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous, wanting to make a good impression, but she didn’t know what gift to buy. Seeing her worry, Jin Shi Yue didn’t tease her and directly told her the gift was ready.
The Old Madam liked ancient books and artifacts, so the gift was an ancient book.
Lian Li examined it several times but couldn’t make out anything special. She only knew the pages were yellowed and that it seemed to have been bought at a high price from an overseas auction.
“In your style, shouldn’t you have snatched it?” Lian Li looked at the man beside her and teased him with a smile.
Jin Shi Yue: “Was I that barbaric?”
“Yes.” Lian Li said.
Jin Shi Yue lowered his eyes to look at her, the corners of his narrow eyes curved in a smile, and he didn’t refute it.
Walking through the ancient-style corridor, before even entering the hall, the breeze carrying the scent of cold plum blossoms from inside wafted towards them.
Lian Li tilted her head and sniffed lightly.
“Do you like it?” Jin Shi Yue noticed her action.
Lian Li replied truthfully, “I don’t exactly like it, I’m just a little curious.”
Their figures and the quiet interplay of light and shadow were reflected on the nanmu windows.
Inside the room, the Old Madam and the others looked past the Ding ware spring vase towards the entrance.
Lian Li and Jin Shi Yue crossed the threshold and walked straight in.
Ever since their relationship was exposed, Jin Shi Yue would bring a photograph of Lian Li home to the Old Madam.
After seeing many photographs, and now seeing the real person, the Old Madam calmly sized up the young girl in her prime.
Wearing a rose-colored shirt dress, her features were even more delicate and beautiful than in the photographs. Her shoulder and neck lines were exquisite, and her demeanor was elegant and proper. She was a smart, clever, and dignified girl.
“Lian Li is here,” Jin Shuyu said, putting down her tea cup and standing up with a smile.
“Hello, Aunt,” Lian Li replied with a sweet smile.
Jin Shuyu smiled and introduced her to the Old Madam, Chen Shifei, and the two aunts, who were visiting the Old Madam.
Lian Li greeted them all obediently.
Jin Shi Yue did not like to hold a family banquet for his birthday, so not many people came. Jin Yan Ting was also present.
However, he was there because the Old Madam had been unwell recently and was temporarily staying at home to care for her, not specifically to see Jin Shi Yue bring his girlfriend home.
Jin Shi Yue took Lian Li’s hand and they sat down, his movements gentle, showing a hint of caution.
His actions were normal for a couple, but everyone else present found it astonishing.
They knew their Second Young Master very well.
He was not the type to treat people gently.
The Old Madam, with a kind expression, asked Lian Li, “Are you studying abroad now?”
Lian Li hummed in affirmation, “Princeton, majoring in mathematics.”
The Old Madam calmly commented, “It’s not common for girls to study mathematics.”
“Learning doesn’t distinguish between genders; what you like is most important,” Jin Shuyu added, “Lian Li, your aunt supports you.”
Xu Jingxi was a war correspondent, and when her father objected, it was Jin Shuyu who supported her.
Jin Shuyu’s philosophy was somewhat similar to Jin Shi Yue’s: if you want to do something, do it. If no one has done it before, then be the first to set a precedent.
Midway through, the butler came to ask for Jin Shi Yue, saying Jin Yan Ting needed to see him.
Lian Li gave Jin Shi Yue a look, signaling him not to worry.
Jin Shi Yue squeezed her hand, “I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay,” Lian Li replied.
After Jin Shi Yue left, Lian Li and the Old Madam chatted idly.
Chen Shifei had met Lian Li alone before, and seeing her again, she didn’t feel awkward, but there was nothing to say to each other.
The Old Madam Jin did not make things difficult for Lian Li, asking only about her life and studies, such as when she would graduate, her post-graduation plans, and her hobbies. Lian Li answered them all methodically.
Jin Shuyu was as gentle and enthusiastic as ever, inviting her to the tea house for tea and noodles when she had time.
Lian Li smiled and said she would, and would definitely visit when she had time.
Before dinner, Jin Shi Yue returned and went straight to Lian Li, leading her to the restaurant.
Jin Shuyu and the Old Madam playfully chided, “This boy only has eyes for his girlfriend.”
Chen Shifei heard this and sighed inwardly.
Jin Shi Yue’s birthdays were never celebrated with cakes and candles. The food prepared by the family chef was the same as usual, with no significant differences.
With Old Master Jin and Jin Zhengchuan absent, Jin Yan Ting sat opposite Lian Li. She maintained basic politeness, greeting him.
Jin Yan Ting nodded, not showing much concern.
Thanks to the table manners of noble families, this dinner was extremely quiet, and Lian Li ate relatively easily and happily.
After the meal, the Old Madam called Lian Li to her side, took her hand, and placed an Imperial Green bracelet on her wrist.
Chen Shifei witnessed this, and her elegant and noble face showed a hint of surprise.
After Lian Li and Jin Shi Yue left, she finally had an opportunity to ask, “Why did you give her the bracelet?”
“The young girl is very nice, and Ah Yue has good taste.”
The Old Madam put on her glasses, flipped through some ancient books, and continued, “This is the first time I’ve seen him so happy.”
Chen Shifei: “But Lian Li was previously with Yan Ting, and people outside said she was Yan Ting’s canary.”
“Does the Jin Family have to consider what outsiders think?” The Old Madam’s presence was imposing yet gentle and sharp.
