Downstairs, the man carrying her hadn't the slightest trace of labored breathing; Mei Ran couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "His stamina is incredible!"
The murky, yellow-brown water flooding the steps was unthinkably foul; she couldn't fathom how this man had managed to cross it. Aside from his shoes being wet, there was no trace of disarray on him.
Yet, the next moment provided an answer to all her questions. The man tightened his hold on her and stepped steadily into the water. Peering down, Mei Ran saw that the water level, which could have reached her thighs, merely lapped at his shins. She couldn't resist asking, "How tall are you?"
Seemingly caught off guard by the sudden question, Fu Shijin was momentarily stunned before turning his head toward her. "One hundred and eighty-eight centimeters."
Mei Ran chuckled softly, "No wonder."
He heard her but didn't respond, focusing instead on navigating the flooded path step by step, carrying her out of the residential complex.
The hospital was in the city center, situated on higher ground and thus considered a lightly affected area, yet the first floor was packed with people, the corridors jammed beyond passage.
A nurse applying ointment complained to her, "With this flood, the hospital's been hit with another wave of patients. So busy we don't even have time to take a sip of water. Too many patients, not enough beds in the wards either. So now we have to resort to using the corridors, sigh… it's so crowded the gurneys can't even get through…"
Mei Ran immediately abandoned any thought of staying overnight at the hospital.
The nurse then winked slyly, "Dr. Mei, is that super handsome guy outside your boyfriend?"
Before Mei Ran could reply, the nurse snickered knowingly, "Heh heh, I get it. Keep it low-key, of course. But don't forget to give out wedding sweets when the time comes!"
Mei Ran: "……"
"Medicine's applied, be careful not to get it wet these next few days," the nurse said. Considering the severe flooding outside, she thoughtfully wrapped Mei Ran's foot in a layer of plastic film.
After thanking her, Mei Ran was about to stand up when a tall, straight figure entered her peripheral vision.
He probably disliked such crowded places, his expression cool and aloof, but the hand he used to support her was warm and reassuring.
"Mr. Fu, could I trouble you to take me to the nearby Regent Hotel?"
Her home was still without water and electricity, with no telling when it would be restored. Going up and down the stairs was also troublesome; staying outside for the next couple of days would be more convenient.
The man tilted his head, his gaze fixated intently on her eyes, speaking unhurriedly, "The elderly lady at home has been suffering frequent insomnia and headaches lately, but she refuses to come to the hospital. Coincidentally, Dr. Mei is an expert in this area. I wonder if I could trouble you to come home with me?"
Since his first lengthy statement was a request for her to examine the elderly lady, Mei Ran couldn't refuse and had no choice but to agree.
The car stopped in front of a villa halfway up the mountain. The elderly lady, upon seeing the person stepping out of the car, immediately came forward to greet them.
"Ah!" she exclaimed excitedly, circling Mei Ran. "Shijin, is this the one you mentioned last time…"
"Great-Aunt," Fu Shijin interjected calmly. "This is Dr. Mei Ran. I've invited her over to examine you."
How sharp-witted was the elderly lady? Emphasizing 'Dr. Mei Ran Mei'—just remembering a doctor's surname was impressive enough before—it seemed this one was undoubtedly the "still working on it" he had mentioned.
The elderly lady, in her youth, had seen countless young ladies from prominent families south of the Yangtze, but this young woman possessed a serene grace, clear and bright eyes, and a refined aura that was not one bit inferior. In her heart, she gave her an immediate high score.
Mei Ran had been letting her inspect quietly and now showed a faint, gentle smile. "Greetings, madam."
"Good!" The elderly lady nodded repeatedly, taking Mei Ran's hand to lead her inside.
Inside, the decor had an antique charm. Mei Ran took a seat on the wooden sofa while the elderly lady hurriedly prepared tea and snacks. Noticing Mei Ran looking around, she explained with a smile, "This house was left by Shijin's maternal grandfather, quite old now. They, grandfather and grandson, adore these antique things."
"I quite like them too."
From the genuine sincerity in her brows, the elderly lady deduced this wasn't mere empty agreement, increasing her fondness for the girl even more.
After taking the elderly lady's pulse, Mei Ran prescribed several mild traditional Chinese medicine formulas. Seeing that it was about time to leave, it was unfortunate that rain began to fall outside again.
This suited the elderly lady perfectly. "Dr. Mei, why don't you stay for a simple meal?"
Mei Ran hesitated inwardly but could not conjure any reason to refuse such warm hospitality, so she allowed herself to be led to the dining table.
At this moment, Fu Shijin also came downstairs, having changed into casual loungewear, seating himself directly opposite her. Their gazes met, and Mei Ran abruptly looked away.
She couldn't even explain the reason herself.
After the meal, they rested for more than half an hour. Mei Ran genuinely considered it was time to leave. Then, the elderly lady emerged from the side hall with a platter of fruit. "Dr. Mei, I'm afraid we'll have to trouble you to stay the night."
Huh?
The elderly lady frowned in explanation, "According to Old Yang, a section of the mountain road has been blocked; cars can't pass." She patted Mei Ran's hand. "Fortunately, there are many rooms in the villa. I'll have someone prepare one for you later."
During the meal, Mei Ran had learned to some extent that only three people lived in this spacious villa: the elderly lady, Fu Shijin, and a driver, Old Yang.
If the elderly lady said she'd have someone prepare it, it certainly wouldn't be Fu Shijin. She had already caused them trouble; how could she let two elderly people tidy a room for her?
Since the objective circumstances couldn't be changed, staying one night was reasonable. Mei Ran stood up. "I'll go with you."
Passing by the second floor, the elderly lady pointed to a room in the northeast corner. "That's Shijin's study. If you get bored tonight, you can go there to find a book to read."
Mei Ran gave a slight nod. The elderly lady was very talkative, chatting with her along the way until, unconsciously, they arrived before a door.
"Here we are."
The room was spacious, maintaining the elegant, ancient style. The air held no musty, damp smell; it seemed someone must come regularly to clean.
After changing the bed sheets and quilt cover, the elderly lady left. Mei Ran sat for a while before hearing a knock at the door.
The elderly lady returned, carrying a wooden tray. "These are pajamas that belonged to Shijin's mother. You two are similar in size, so they should fit. Don't worry, the clothes are clean."
Mei Ran quickly thanked her.
The elderly lady smiled kindly. "Rest early."
Watching the slowly retreating figure disappear around the corner, Mei Ran was about to close the door when her glance inadvertently caught a faint light emanating from the room diagonally opposite.
Her heart stirred slightly.
The elderly lady had also warmly informed her earlier that besides reading in the study, if she was interested in antiques, she could also visit the collection room next door.
More than anyone, she was curious about what his other world—besides music—was like.
The man glanced over upon hearing the door open, his clear gaze showing not a hint of surprise, as if he had long been aware of her staying over. Mei Ran asked softly, "May I come in and look?"
He nodded, his deep eyes watching her, seemingly not allowing her to evade in the slightest.
Mei Ran's ears warmed slightly. She saw he was wearing white gloves, his slender fingers cradling a vase about thirty centimeters tall, its lines fluid, proportions graceful, and floral pattern delicate and soft—her most immediate evaluation as an outsider.
But for him, it must be far more than that. Gazing upon such a precious antique, the man's eyes held appreciation, tenderness, even doting.
Clearly knowing these didn't belong to her, Mei Ran couldn't bear to look further, fearing she might become inextricably entranced. She hurriedly lowered her gaze to a label on the glass display cabinet.
"This is the Ming Dynasty Yongle blue-and-white 'mei' vase with interlocking branches, auctioned for 193 million Hong Kong dollars at the Hong Kong Autumn Auction the year before last?"
The man's tone held a trace of surprise. "You know about it?"
Mei Ran immediately looked somewhat embarrassed, feeling she might be "displaying minor skill before an expert." "When my father was young, he was also passionately devoted to collecting antiques. I heard him mention this mei vase. It's said to be one of the rare representative pieces of Yongle porcelain."
She omitted part of the truth: due to her father's influence during university, she had taken an elective course on antique appreciation, and… ever since discovering he was Ansel, she had searched for his information online.
It was clear he held a unique and deep affection for antiques and precious curios; even the curio shelves were crafted from thousand-year-old ebony and premium golden silk nanmu, let alone the priceless treasures displayed upon them.
The temperature in collection rooms was generally set quite low. Mei Ran didn't feel it upon entering, but staying longer became somewhat uncomfortable, and she rubbed her arms.
The man spoke considerately, "It's getting late. You should return to your room to rest first."
Mei Ran murmured an assent. "Good night." She pulled the door shut behind her.
Back in her room, she went to bathe first. Emerging, she heard her phone on the side table cheerfully singing.
"I heard there's a major flood there. Are you alright now?"
Mei Ran briefly recounted the events. Yu Sheng chuckled, sounding a bit schadenfreude. "It's fine, he's a good guy letting you stay over. Just treat it like staying at an ordinary friend's house, unless… you have a guilty conscience yourself… Hey, why aren't you saying anything? Did I guess right?"
Mei Ran lowered her head. She indeed had a guilty conscience.
"Shengsheng, he is Ansel."
Silence lingered on the other end for a few seconds. "How did you know?!"
"Remember that photo of him you once got from your friend?"
"Of course," Yu Sheng suddenly exclaimed. "But I seem to recall it was only a rather unclear side-profile shot?"
Mei Ran fell silent.
Some people, you can't forget after just one glance.
Besides, three years ago in Provence that night, she had looked at him so closely.
The image of him earlier appreciating that blue-and-white mei vase emerged clearly in her mind. She couldn't help feeling an illusion, as if those hands lightly caressing the vase were lingering upon her body. Uncontrollably, a shiver ran through her, as if zapped by an electric current.
What should she do? The closer she got to him, the harder it seemed to resist.
"Ah!"
Yu Sheng asked anxiously, "What's wrong?"
Mei Ran felt a distinct, spreading warmth at her inner thigh and let out another soft exclamation. "Shengsheng, what do I do?! My period… I think it's arrived!"
Heavens, her usually punctual monthly visitor had arrived two days early, and of all places, in such an inopportune location.