Extra Chapter 04

As the gentle melody came to an end, Ji Zhen Tang looked up at Zhong Yu Bai, who was resting with his eyes closed. She thought he had fallen asleep, but upon closer observation, she realized he hadn’t. The heat from their bodies hadn’t dissipated yet.

However, he had great endurance and said they shouldn’t rush, so he went to clean up first.

After taking a bath, Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t escape another round of washing. The experience in the bathroom was gentle, like ripples spreading from her heart.

Back in the dry and warm bed, she felt weak and exhausted. Even though he was still gentle, she could feel a significant difference. She felt weak and tired, her light and slender limbs bearing too much. The next day, Ji Zhen Tang received a gift, a piece of Burmese jade with a blue-purple hue and clear texture.

When she woke up, the ring was already on her ring finger.

She was still groggy and her limbs were sore. Seeing the dazzling jade, she suddenly opened her eyes, took it off her hand, and despite the soreness, quickly ran downstairs to ask Zhong Yu Bai.

“Why did you buy a ring out of the blue?” she asked, her tone unable to hide her joy.

“Got it at an auction,” Zhong Yu Bai replied calmly, turning to look at her as she came down the stairs. “It’s a women’s ring, I can’t wear it.”

Ji Zhen Tang pouted, looking at the ring, her joy vanished: “Oh, so you gave it to me because you can’t wear it.”

Seeing his calm expression with a hint of hesitation, Ji Zhen Tang suddenly smiled: “Are women hard to please? This way is not good.”

Zhong Yu Bai also smiled faintly: “I thought it would look good on your hand, so I bought it. If you don’t like it, just keep it, it’s yours anyway.”

“But you’re really not particular, only wedding rings should be worn on the ring finger.” She randomly chose another finger and slipped it onto her middle finger, “It looks much better this way.”

“Did you design it?” he suddenly asked.

If he hadn’t mentioned it, Ji Zhen Tang almost forgot she had a proud creation to show him: “It’s not designed for us, it’s for an elderly couple.”

She took out a pair of rings, and he looked at the petal-like symbol on the diamond surface: “A rose?”

Ji Zhen Tang pointed and said: “And a crescent moon, the rose lying on the moon.”

“Not an elderly couple?” He didn’t have any prejudice, just thought that elderly people were usually very simple, and wondered if this color would be too eye-catching.

She said: “These two people are in a midlife crisis, I want their love to shine again.”

Ji Zhen Tang raised her head slightly, looking at him with confidence: “What’s wrong with being an elderly couple? Love doesn’t age.”

Zhong Yu Bai smiled gently, repeating her words: “Love doesn’t age.”

He commented: “Well said.”

“Yes, so it seems that when I’m old, you won’t bother buying me Burmese jade anymore.” She looked at the transparent jade on her finger, feeling indignant.

Zhong Yu Bai said: “Love doesn’t age, you won’t age, and we won’t have a midlife crisis. As long as I can still buy diamonds, you won’t lack any.”

Ji Zhen Tang laughed: “Alright, you know how to please a woman.”

He chuckled and shook his head, feeling like he had just passed a test, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes, thinking that women are not easy to please.

Zhong Yu Bai gently rubbed her hair, then looked at the blooming yellow bellflowers in the garden outside the window and suddenly said: “This garden is filled with many things, but it still looks a bit empty.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“How about planting a tree?” he said.

“Sure, but I don’t know much about trees, so you handle it.”

Zhong Yu Bai thought for a moment and nodded gently.

He examined the rings designed for the elderly couple and said, “They look like they’ll sell well.”

Ji Zhen Tang asked, “How do you know?”

He replied, “I have a keen eye, definitely.”

She grinned happily, “I almost forgot, big businessman, I’ll take your word for it.”

“When will they be on the market?”

Ji Zhen Tang leaned close to his ear, “Soon, my brand will also be launching here.”

Zhong Yu Bai raised his eyebrows in surprise.

She said, “Oh, I originally wanted to keep it a surprise for you, but since you asked, I couldn’t hold it in.”

He smiled lightly and said, “Alright, I’ll pretend I don’t know and wait for your good news.”

In the blink of an eye, it was May. Ji Zhen Tang had to put her studies and internship in Singapore on hold to return home and prepare for her senior year graduation.

She left at the end of May. To avoid Zhong Yu Bai making a big fuss about arranging her flight, Ji Zhen Tang bought her own ticket and planned to tell him afterward. After all, her graduation trip was only for a month.

At dusk, Ji Zhen Tang sat in the airport skytrain, moving from one terminal to another. She watched the evening sky, the fountains, and the greenery, and received his call amidst the misty water vapor.

“Why did you leave early without saying anything?” He should have just gotten home by then.

Ji Zhen Tang said, “Ah, I was just about to tell you. You’ve been so busy these days, you didn’t have time to care about me.”

“Busy? Not really,” he said, understanding her meaning, and laughed, teasing her, “A grown woman doesn’t need anyone.”

Ji Zhen Tang also laughed, “It’s because you always worry about me. I wanted to save you some trouble.”

Zhong Yu Bai pondered her words, “Am I too controlling? Are you annoyed?”

“Not at all,” Ji Zhen Tang said, “I’m not annoyed by you. But today, after getting off the plane, I have to go to dinner with my aunt. I was afraid the big fuss would scare her.”

He said he understood.

“Do you need me to see you off?”

Ji Zhen Tang shook her head, “No need, by the time you get here, I’ll be boarding.”

Zhong Yu Bai thought for a moment, having nothing else to say, and hung up the phone.

Unfortunately, the newly planted mimosa in the sky garden had no one to appreciate it.

Zhong Yu Bai sat in the garden for a while, watching the moon rise through the branches and leaves. Then he flipped through the calendar, noting Ji Zhen Tang’s defense and graduation ceremony dates.

On the day Ji Zhen Tang finished her defense, she was picked up from school and taken back to Chen Zhang Garden by his car.

Zhong Yu Bai asked her, “How did the defense go?”

Ji Zhen Tang replied, “I was so nervous, but thankfully I passed and didn’t have to do it again. I’m really grateful to the teachers.” She clasped her hands together, genuinely thankful.

Zhong Yu Bai looked at her and smiled with a hint of emotion, “You’re really graduating.”

“Yes, it feels like I’ve been through so much these past few years.” She yawned as she spoke, having stayed up until dawn preparing for the defense, and now she was so tired that she could barely keep her eyes open.

Since Chen Zhang Garden was in a remote area, the car drove for a while. Seeing that she was a bit sleepy, Zhong Yu Bai didn’t talk to her, letting her rest for a while. But Ji Zhen Tang, despite yawning twice, didn’t fall asleep and instead looked seriously at the street scenes outside the window.

From bustling to quiet.

“What are you thinking about?” Zhong Yu Bai could read even the slightest change in her expression, so he asked again.

“I was thinking about the first time I came here and gave you an earphone. I didn’t expect you to see through it. At that time, I thought, this person really doesn’t give face. I had to muster so much courage to take the risk, and not only did you see through it, but you also made fun of me.”

Zhong Yu Bai laughed, “Take the risk?”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “Of course, I wasn’t trying to catch an ordinary fish. I didn’t expect to catch such a big one in the end.”

He said, “It wasn’t making fun, it was the willing one taking the bait.”

Ji Zhen Tang said, “I see, it was you lowering yourself, not me being capable.”

Zhong Yu Bai said, “You are capable too.”

After saying that, he felt something was off and pinched her earlobe, “Why do you always like to contradict me now?”

Ji Zhen Tang laughed and slipped away from his fingers, “I don’t.”

Zhong Bingwen was picking vegetables at the entrance of Chen Zhang Garden. A leisurely and uncompetitive person, he had turned the precious land of the sanatorium into a vegetable garden. Hearing the car stop, he looked up.

“Hello, Mr. Zhong, long time no see.” Ji Zhen Tang walked up the steps and greeted him generously.

Zhong Bingwen adjusted his glasses and looked at Ji Zhen Tang, “Hello, Miss Ji.”

He nodded to Zhong Yu Bai behind her and said, “You’re back.”

Today’s meal was prepared by Aunt Xu. Because it was very last minute, Zhong Yu Bai didn’t notify in advance, so the dishes were not very sumptuous. Seeing Aunt Xu’s apology, Zhong Yu Bai said, “It’s okay, we’re not particular.”

He said “we,” as if naturally dividing people into camps. Clearly, he was the owner here, but this sentence made him seem like a guest.

Zhong Yu Bai’s thoughts had no deep meaning, just that in his consciousness, he was indeed slowly letting go of some things and maintaining others.

They could only be outsiders to the Zhong family.

After dinner, Zhong Yu Bai arranged for a shadow dance performance. Ji Zhen Tang had been thinking about it all the way, saying she really wanted to see the one Fang Mo performed last time. Zhong Yu Bai arranged it, but today he didn’t invite Fang Mo, instead, he found a Kunqu opera performer.

She asked about Fang Mo again.

He sat in the pavilion, pinched her face lightly, and said in a calm voice, “Do you really want to see Fang Mo, or are you just contradicting me?”

He didn’t pinch hard, but she was still held in place. Ji Zhen Tang smiled, with a pleading expression, and said, “No, no, I won’t mention it again.”

Only then did he release her cheek.

Zhong Bingwen watched them playfully from the side, sighing and laughing.

Before the performance ended, Zhong Yu Bai said he had something to discuss with his father.

As Zhong Yu Bai walked along the cool corridor to the study, he saw a plaque with “Yangxin Zhai” (Heart-Warming Studio) hanging on the beam from a distance.

He found it amusing and thought it was quite fitting. Truly strong-willed people are not weak; those who need to nourish their hearts hang a plaque as a reminder.

Zhong Bingwen thought he wanted to ask about the Zhong family’s current situation and was ready to explain. But as soon as Zhong Yu Bai heard the names that gave him a headache, he raised his hand, signaling to bring the chess pieces, and engaged in a leisurely game with his father.

“Did you buy that jade?” Zhong Bingwen asked meaningfully.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable with his excessive observation, Zhong Yu Bai looked up from the chessboard and said, “What’s wrong with buying something you like for someone you love?”

Zhong Bingwen smiled apologetically, “I was just asking, don’t be so suspicious.”

“I was just answering, which part sounded suspicious to you?”

Zhong Bingwen shook his head helplessly and finally said, “Anyway, you have your judgment. The person you choose must be unique. Since you no longer manage the Zhong family’s affairs, let’s just be pure father and son. Dad blesses you both.”

The phrase “unique” inexplicably softened Zhong Yu Bai’s heart. Feeling the sincerity of his blessing, his voice also softened, “I came back today because I need you to write the marriage certificate.”

Zhong Bingwen asked, “Already planning to get married?”

“The date isn’t set yet,” Zhong Yu Bai said, “Just waiting for her to say yes.”

Zhong Bingwen picked up the pen, dipped it in gold ink, and began writing on a delicate pink gold-flecked paper.

As his pen moved away, Zhong Yu Bai gazed at the words “eternal union” and was deeply moved.

On Ji Zhen Tang’s graduation day, Qin Meilan really came from Singapore. She happily dragged her mother around the playground, taking pictures everywhere.

Zhong Yu Bai waited in the car the whole time.

He wasn’t putting on airs; it was really out of necessity. With many leaders attending the graduation ceremony and their school leaders being too enthusiastic, if he appeared too conspicuous, it would be hard to get away.

To avoid some small talk and gossip, he didn’t get out of the car. But from a high vantage point, he looked at the crowd on the playground. Even though everyone was wearing the same graduation gown, he could still spot her in the crowd and his gaze followed her around.

Another year passed, and the ivy in front of the administration building was lush and green, covering the entire aging structure, adding a touch of vitality.

Ji Zhen Tang called, sounding like she was giving orders: “Take my mom back to the hotel. I have a conference to attend in the afternoon, and we’ll have dinner at Luotang Pavilion tonight. Auntie is inviting us.”

Zhong Yu Bai: “Okay.”

After taking Qin Meilan back to her place and waiting for Ji Zhen Tang to finish the graduation ceremony, Zhong Yu Bai was still at the school. However, he didn’t stay hidden for long. A dean spotted his car and came over to greet him, “Mr. Zhong, long time no see. Are you here for a meeting today?”

The dean asked tentatively.

Zhong Yu Bai politely got out of the car and replied, “I’m waiting for my fiancée.”

These three words stunned both the dean and the girl behind him.

“Is she a teacher at our school?”

“It’s me!” Ji Zhen Tang responded loudly, raising her hand. The wide sleeve of her graduation gown brushed against her arm as she ran over, hooked her arm around Zhong Yu Bai’s, and said with a smile, “I am his fiancée.”

After the dean and the girl behind him slowly processed this and eventually left in surprise, Ji Zhen Tang looked at him and said, “Who is your fiancée?”

Zhong Yu Bai smiled slyly, “Whoever answered, naturally.”

Ji Zhen Tang pouted, pretending to be angry.

He said, “You’ll see soon enough.”

With that, he scooped her up and put her in the car.

Going to Luotang Pavilion for dinner was her idea, but the trap was set by him.

Zhong Yu Bai proposed to her there that night.

Ji Zhen Tang returned to the familiar path, her movements habitual as she opened the door. She was about to call out to her aunt when she saw the arranged lights and flowers.

She looked up in surprise and saw Ji Xinhe smiling at her.

Ji Xinhe said, “Mr. Zhong came to set this up a few days ago, knowing you would come back here.”

Ji Zhen Tang turned to look at him, and Zhong Yu Bai anticipated her reaction.

Her graduation cap was still on, and the tassel swayed lightly as she turned her head.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Zhong Yu Bai said with a gentle smile, a hint of self-mockery in his voice, “I wanted to say, I’m actually more anxious than you.”

The ring was presented in front of her, not lacking in ceremony. Zhong Yu Bai knelt on one knee and said, “Marry me.”

The not-so-bright lights of Luotang Pavilion made his face look too soft and sincere at this moment, creating a kind of illusion that made it easy to agree without thinking.

“Will you?”

Ji Zhen Tang choked up, unable to fully say the word “yes,” and instead, she just murmured, “Mm.”

The ring had already bound her.

Zhong Yu Bai lowered his head and kissed the ring that fit perfectly on her hand.

He stood up and hugged her, kissing the corner of her mouth. Ji Zhen Tang pushed him slightly, saying that her aunt was there. Ji Xinhe quickly turned her head and said with a smile, “I didn’t see anything, I’m going to do something.”

Both of them laughed and then embraced gently in that moment.

Zhong Yu Bai took off her cap to get closer, kissing her deeply under the moonlight.

Ji Zhen Tang returned to Singapore right after graduation.

In late August, she successfully completed her courses in Singapore. Melody was very optimistic about her talent and invested some registration capital into her brand. This unexpected joy kept her awake all night, and the next day, while catching up on sleep, she dreamed of giving a speech as a female CEO.

On the third day, Ji Zhen Tang eagerly took the money to find a location for her studio.

Despite the scorching weather, she was sweating everywhere she went. But Ji Zhen Tang couldn’t stay idle.

She couldn’t wander, and neither could her brand.

She personally handled the location selection, decoration, and planning of the studio, without letting Zhong Yu Bai worry about it.

Ji Zhen Tang was so busy those days that she barely went home, but she was happy despite the exhaustion. She finally saw the dawn of her life, and although this dawn had appeared many times before, only today did it truly illuminate her.

With his support, her wings symbolically flapped a few times, but it was only at this moment that she felt the power of soaring.

Zhong Yu Bai only took charge during the final inspection, looking at the shiny red jade butterfly that symbolized her path to prosperity, and smiled, saying, “Congratulations, you’ve made it through.”

“I really became a boss!” Ji Zhen Tang happily jumped into his arms, “Mr. Zhong, I will become a great boss like you, right?”

He chuckled and said, “If you work hard, you’ll have everything you deserve.”

She nodded quickly.

The butterfly tassel swayed in the sunlight, reminding her of the concept she had when designing it: swaying is the soul of freedom.

Under the jade hairpin was a crystal base with a logo, and the word “Begonia” glittered in the sunlight.

While she was busy with her career, Zhong Yu Bai was planning the wedding.

His wedding invitations were respectfully sent to Ji Zhen Tang’s parents.

Although they couldn’t be called a family of three, and the feelings between them were no longer the same, it was still a joyous occasion. Sending invitations was a matter of dignity, and whether they came or not was up to them.

When talking about this matter—

“Ji Huan probably won’t come, right?” She was so unfamiliar with the word “dad” that she called him by his full name. After thinking for a moment, she added, “He’s always so busy, and he has to go abroad? Impossible.”

Zhong Yu Bai said, “If he comes, we’ll treat him well. If he doesn’t, it’s just an empty seat, no big deal.”

She nodded in agreement.

Unexpectedly, Ji Huan did come.

He arrived in a sharp suit to congratulate them, saying, “My daughter has grown up.”

Ji Zhen Tang thought with mixed feelings that perhaps the last bit of dignity in his narrow life was left in this moment. Regardless, she was happy and a bit moved, saying, “Thank you, Dad.”

Besides Ji Huan, many relatives came from afar, which was also unexpected for Ji Zhen Tang.

Of course, she didn’t know if these people were genuinely offering their blessings or just trying to get acquainted with Zhong Yu Bai and flatter him, as he was never short of admirers.

In any case, the liveliness of their wedding exceeded her expectations.

The venue’s decoration was also beyond her imagination, like a dream.

Ji Zhen Tang didn’t choose a very luxurious wedding dress, for a simple reason: she was afraid of tripping. She couldn’t guarantee her own gracefulness.

So in the end, she appeared in a light, white dress, but her elegance and beauty were still dazzling.

When Zhong Yu Bai lowered his head to kiss her, he whispered softly in her ear, “You are the most beautiful bride tonight. I love you.”

Without thinking, Ji Zhen Tang replied, “I love you too!”

Her voice was loud, and a burst of applause erupted from below. Realizing what she had done, she slowly blushed but then smiled.

“Can I wear my wedding dress home?” After the banquet ended and it was already late, Ji Zhen Tang sat in the dressing room and asked him.

He said, “It’s your dress, your decision.”

Perhaps it was psychological, but Ji Zhen Tang felt that Zhong Yu Bai looked even more handsome in his formal attire today than usual. He stood at the door, elegant and composed. Despite a tiring day, his face still carried a steady and gentle expression, without a hint of fatigue.

With his permission, Ji Zhen Tang quickly held onto her veil, which was about to be removed, and smiled at the makeup artist, “I’ll take it off at home. Thank you. Good night!”

As Zhong Yu Bai led her into the elevator, Ji Zhen Tang looked at him with sparkling eyes, “Are we eloping again today?”

“Not today,” he smiled gently, like the moonlight tonight, “Tonight, the whole world makes way for us.”

Strolling through a sea of stars, they returned to their little universe.

Ji Zhen Tang sat on the swing in her wedding dress, gently swaying. Zhong Yu Bai sat beside her, letting her lean on his shoulder. She said, “Today, I don’t want to look at the stars or the sea. I just want to be with you, in our little home.”

Unexpectedly, the wedding night was so exhausting, but the fatigue was also happiness.

Just like that, leaning against him in her wedding dress, they spent the night as if it lasted forever.

“With whom do you want to stay?” Zhong Yu Bai suddenly asked.

“You,” she said, her voice drowsy with exhaustion.

He didn’t reply.

She realized and blushed, stammering out the two words, “Husband.”

Zhong Yu Bai laughed, both amused and touched. He kissed the corner of her mouth and said, “Happy wedding, wife.”

Ji Zhen Tang pointed to the books on the round table, “Read me a poem.”

Zhong Yu Bai obliged.

Ji Zhen Tang lowered her eyes, quietly listening to his voice reading the poem.

The two sat under the tree, the shade alleviating some of the heat.

A few days ago, she asked why he wanted to plant a mimosa tree. He said he had never cultivated this type of tree and wanted to try something new. She asked if it was just for novelty. Zhong Yu Bai then gave a romantic explanation—

If acacia represents love and memory,

Mimosa symbolizes love and forever.

Memory is the past, forever is the future.

Ji Zhen Tang smiled as she opened her eyes after he finished reading the last line of the English poem. She pointed to the last line in the book and asked, “What does this mean?”

The shadow of the mimosa tree was painted by the moonlight, falling irregularly on her dress.

On a night when the whole world made way for them, the universe was so quiet that it couldn’t hold any extra sounds.

All she heard was him saying, “After walking many roads, I still walk towards you.”

[The End]

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