Chapter 409: Every Strand of Hair Was Regretful

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

This was within the second ring of the Imperial Capital. Almost all the buildings here were important institutions and companies. There were very few living quarters except for the old courtyard houses. Other than that, in this place where every square inch of ground was expensive, there was no other empty space.

“Mr. Zhou, come with me.” Shi Jin brought him through an alley and stopped at the entrance of a courtyard house.

She knocked on the door. An elderly couple opened the door and greeted her respectfully, “Miss Shi.”

“Uncle, Auntie, this is Mr. Zhou. He’s here to help me look after the flowers,” Shi Jin introduced.

“Alright, Mr. Zhou, please come in.” The uncle welcomed him in.

It was not that Zhou Xu had not been inside a courtyard house before. However, this was the first time he had seen such a spacious courtyard house in the capital. The courtyard house had green bricks and red tiles. It was very big and was filled with all sorts of exotic flowers and herbs. The fragrance was overwhelming.

“No wonder.” He’d been standing outside earlier, and he’d smelled something exotic, sober and comforting.

He couldn’t help, but walk further along the path. It was only when he looked towards the distance and felt that he couldn’t see the end of it that he realized that this wasn’t a single courtyard house. This was many courtyard houses with the walls knocked down so they would be connected.

The size of one courtyard house alone was already impressive. After a few of them were connected, it became even more spectacular.

In the Imperial Capital, there was no land area even within the Fifth Ring Road that could be used to build new houses. Such a courtyard house was really rare. You can’t even buy it with money.

The uncle poured some tea. “Mr. Zhou, please have some tea.”

Zhou Xu picked up the teacup and took a sip. The tea leaves were fragrant and had an indescribably pleasant taste. He looked down and saw a light pink petal floating inside.

He knew that it was most likely made by Shi Jin.

“Mr. Zhou, I still want to plant something else, but I need your help with the soil.”

“Feel free to make any requests.”

“I need a lot of soil and it’s quite complicated. I’ll make a detailed list for you. Please help me prepare it.”

Zhou Xu took the list and looked at the various data listed on it. He did not find it troublesome. Instead, he felt that doing such a thing was a form of enjoyment. It had been a long time since he felt this way.

He looked at the garden and said, “You’re renting such a big place to plant flowers?”

Rent?

Shi Jin laughed, but did not explain further. She only said, “There are still some flowers in the room. Do you want to take a look?”

After looking at the flowers, Shi Jin bade Zhou Xu goodbye and returned to the car.

Xiao Li smiled and said, “Shi Jin, Brother Yao said just now that Old Master Li sent you some flower seeds. He sent them back to Orchid Pavilion.”

“Okay, got it,” Shi Jin replied as she got into the car.

She opened her WeChat and saw a message from Old Master Li.

“Gynostemma seed.jpg”

“Kusnezoff monkshood root seed.jpg”

“Chinese lantern seed.jpg”

“Shi Jin, see if these are suitable. I’ve sent them to Jiahong and asked him to bring them to you.”

Ever since she reunited with Old Master Li, Shi Jin would occasionally consult him on WeChat to learn about this. After that, the old master became interested. Whenever he encountered good seeds and medicinal herbs, he would remember to send one to Shi Jin.

“I got it, Grandpa.”

Shi Jin sent a picture of the flowers she had planted.

She had yet to inform Grandpa about the changes she made to the courtyard house.

She told him about it.

“It’s a good change, a good change. I wanted to renovate it like that a while ago.”

Old Master Li was elated and even sent a sticker. “Send me more pictures.”

Shi Jin smiled and picked some more to send to him.

“By the way, I gave some of the tea you gave me last time to my old friends. Everyone agreed it was good after drinking it. I’m afraid you can’t buy those tea leaves outside, right?”

“You can’t buy it, but I’ll send you more. Take more this time. Don’t be reluctant to share with your friends.”

The tea that Shi Jin gave her grandfather last time was specially made with medicine that could calm one’s mind and nourish one’s body. It was very good for the elderly. It was no wonder that everyone felt that it was effective after drinking it.

When she returned home, she found the tea leaves that Fu Xiuyuan had bought. She divided her herbs and added them into the tea leaves according to the ratio. Only then did she hand them over to Yao Jiahong and let him deliver them.

***

Xiuli Entertainment had come up with a contract termination agreement for Shi Xuexin.

“Why… can’t you give me another chance?” Shi Xuexin held onto the agreement and bit her lip pitifully.

Hulai looked at her and said evenly, “There’s no reason. You should go.”

Initially, Xiuli Entertainment was willing to sign Shi Xuexin and spent a large sum of money on her because of Chu Ling. Now that Chu Ling refused to protect her, the company could only follow the normal procedures.

“I want to see Brother Chu Ling again. Sister Lai, help me.”

“He doesn’t want to see you anymore. Take care of yourself.” Hu Lai shook off her hand.

Shi Xuexin walked out alone.

The impact of this incident was too bad. Father and Mother Chu’s impression of Shi Xuexin had also hit rock bottom. The families on both sides have officially become distant.

After Shi Xuexin left, Hu Lai walked into Chu Ling’s office. “Chu Ling, Shi Xuexin has already left.”

“Mm.” Chu Ling nodded.

After sending away that time bomb, both of them felt relaxed.

“By the way, I’ve already bought the villa that you asked me to buy.” Hu Lai handed over the house book. “You want to move there? The Fifth Ring is a little far.”

It was not that Hu Lai did not want to buy a villa within the Fourth Ring. It was just that there were no new villas even within the Fifth Ring of the Imperial Capital. It was not easy to find a villa that someone was willing to sell. However, why did Chu Ling buy such a spacious villa?

“You don’t have to worry about this for now.” Chu Ling picked up the car keys and the property deed and went out alone.

Hu Lai looked worried.

Chu Ling asked around, but did not find Shi Jin’s residence. Or rather, no one knew where Shi Jin lived.

According to what he knew, Li Juekai and his wife only lived in a small villa. That was why he decided to buy this villa for Shi Jin.

After what had happened to Shi Xuexin, he finally realized that Shi Jin was more important to him than all the other things he had thought about.

Thinking of her passionate love, every strand of his hair was radiating regret. Unfortunately, Supreme Entertainment and Yao Jiahong had protected Shi Jin too well. He didn’t even have the chance to see her now.

After walking around outside, he returned home.

Mrs. Chu was on the phone with someone. “I’m really sorry, Mrs. Shi. Even though I’ve watched Xuexin grow up, I really can’t make the decision on this matter. Chu Ling doesn’t have that much authority. Everything in Xiuli Entertainment depends on the opinions of the higher-ups. I’m sorry.”

She hung up then, she sneered and complained, “Why don’t you take a look at how much trouble Shi Xuexin has brought to the Chu family? Do you still want to reconcile now? I’ve been playing mahjong for the past few days and I’ve been laughed at by those people. They said that I gave up on a good lady like Shi Jin and found a jinx.”

“Mom,” Chu Ling called.

Mother Chu looked at her son and said, “Did Shi Xuexin successfully terminate the contract?”

“Yes,” Chu Ling answered casually.

Mother Chu smiled happily. “No wonder Yu Xiuhua kept calling me just now. It’s good that it’s resolved. Who asked Xuexin to be a liar and even deceive people abroad? I’ve already told the Shi family that the engagement between the two families is going to be terminated. I won’t waste time with them anymore.”

Chu Ling pursed his lips as he recalled how he had hurt Shi Jin back then. He said, “I understand. I will think of a way to get Shi Jin back.”

“Get Shi Jin back?” Mrs. Chu did not have a good impression of Shi Jin, especially her cold attitude, it was worse than Shi Xuexin’s. However, since everyone said that Shi Jin was beneficial to Chu Ling’s career, Mrs. Chu had nothing to object to.

She said, “This is also a good thing. When the time comes, you two can work together…”

“Mom!” Chu Ling interrupted her. “I don’t want a strong alliance. I just want…”

To compensate Shi Jin for everything he owed her.

He had already changed his mindset. He wanted to get Shi Jin back, not for his career, but for a sincere relationship. He now knew how much he had missed.

“Okay, okay, okay. Anything is fine. Anything is fine.” Mrs. Chu was shocked by her son’s expression.

After a few days, Chu Ling finally found out that Shi Jin was going to a courtyard house.

He was relieved to know where she was staying. Over the past few days, he had pushed aside all his work and was waiting on the path to the courtyard house.

After waiting for a few days, he finally saw Shi Jin’s car. Chu Ling sat up straight.

He had not done his makeup for a few days and he looked tired and rough. Even his die-hard fans would not recognize him when they saw him like this.

Shi Jin’s car stopped. She took off her eye mask, got out of the car, and walked into the alley.

Chu Ling followed her.

Shi Jin stopped in her tracks and turned around warily. She saw Chu Ling walking over.

“Shi Jin.” Chu Ling was afraid that she would avoid him. He hurried forward and stood beside her. “How have you been?”

Shi Jin looked at him coldly. “You don’t seem to have the right to ask this question.”

“I know.” Chu Ling’s voice was filled with pain. “I know that I came late and cared for you too late… but I really want to know your situation.”

“Save those words for your fans.”

“Shi Jin!” Chu Ling took two steps forward and said, “Shi Xuexin and I have broken up. We have also annulled the engagement.”

Shi Jin looked at him as if he was looking at a fool. The words ‘What does this have to do with me’ were clearly written in her eyes.

“I finally understand who is the most important and precious person in my life,” Chu Ling said softly and solemnly. “I also know how many mistakes I have made in the past.”

He lifted his head. “Shi Jin, do you still remember what you said in the past? You said that you wanted a house that belonged to you. You said that you wanted to plant the flowers and plants that you wanted in it and have a world that belonged to you.”

Shi Jin was in a daze. Did she say those words? She had completely forgotten about it.

Compared to her current life, Chu Ling was more like a person who had appeared in a dream. His image in her mind was indifferent and could not stir any waves in her heart. She already had a lot of things that belonged to her now. What he said was not important at all and was not worth her attention.

Chu Ling took out the property deed. He did not know what he could use to move Shi Jin’s heart.

Her coldness and distance stung his eyes, but he had to try again.

“Look, this is the villa I bought. It’s right beside the Fifth Ring. It has a very big garden. You can plant everything you want inside. I can help you loosen the soil and water it. We’ll have children in the future…”

“Shut up!” Shi Jin stopped him coldly.

“It’s better than you renting a courtyard house here to grow flowers and plants!” Chu Ling had asked around and found out that the courtyard house was filled with Shi Jin’s plants.

He said, “The villa I bought has a front yard, a garden platform on the top floor, and a few big balconies. They are all for you to plant flowers and plants. Shi Jin, I want you to consider it. I am very sincere. I want to fulfill your dream and fulfill my own as well.”

“I’m sorry, my dream has nothing to do with you.” Shi Jin took a few steps back when she saw him coming forward.

“Shi Jin…” Chu Ling stepped forward to grab her wrist. However, Shi Jin avoided it easily and did not give him any chance. She looked at him coldly. “Please don’t look for me anymore. There’s nothing between us anymore.”

She looked behind him. “Xiao Li!”

Xiao Li had already run over. He was worried about Shi Jin’s safety and stayed close to her.

“Let’s go,” Shi Jin said to Xiao Li.

“Okay.” Xiao Li glared at Chu Ling before following Shi Jin.

When they got into the car, Shi Jin pinched the space between her eyebrows, feeling a little frustrated.

It was not because his words had touched her, but because Chu Ling had found out about the place where the flowers were raised. It would be inconvenient for her to come over so casually next time.

She had to think of a way.

***

Chu Ling clenched his fists as he watched Shi Jin’s back disappear. He got into the nanny van and the car disappeared from his sight.

He didn’t believe that Shi Jin would be so heartless to him. How could her past love disappear so quickly?

She had sung so many sincere love songs. Did it have nothing to do with him?

He stood in a daze for a while before walking to the courtyard house and knocking on the door.

The uncle opened the door and asked, “Who are you looking for?”

“Hello, I want to rent this courtyard house at a high price,” Chu Ling said.

If he rented it at a high price, he would be closer to Shi Jin.

He had never thought of buying it because there would be nobody who would sell a courtyard house in the imperial capital. Even if there was, there would be no buyers because they would be… unable to afford it.

Especially in this core area.

“No rent, no sale. The owner is using it,” the old man said and closed the door.

The door almost knocked into Chu Ling’s nose.

Owner is using it? What did this mean?

Chu Ling’s fingers hung on the edge of his pants, not understanding the sentence.

***

When Shi Jin returned to Orchid Pavilion, Fu Xiuyuan had just returned from work.

“Didn’t you say you went to see the flowers?” He was surprised that Shi Jin had returned so quickly.

“I didn’t see the flowers. I saw Chu Ling,” Shi Jin said helplessly.

Fu Xiuyuan frowned slightly. Shi Jin did not hide anything from him and told him the truth.

“So, I’m not in the mood to look at flowers anymore. I came straight home,” said Shi Jin.

When she mentioned Chu Ling, she did not look reluctant at all. Her tone was completely calm, as if that was completely unimportant. As if he wasn’t even a person, just something unimportant.

Fu Xiuyuan’s brows relaxed slightly and said, “I’ll accompany you to the backyard to look at the flowers.”

Shi Jin smiled and placed her hand in his palm. Actually, looking at flowers was secondary. The key was the person who looked at them together.

When she arrived at the backyard, Fu Xiuyuan tidied up his cufflinks and picked up his tools. “I’ll go weed.”

The man with the tie was already looking like a model when he started to weed. He looked more attractive than when he was reading files.

“Then I’ll go water them.” Shi Jin caught up with him.

***

After that, Chu Ling went to the courtyard house a few more times, but he never got close to it again.

The road that they had to pass through was already closed for the purpose of city planning. The cars that came and went had to have a pass to enter. He didn’t have a pass and couldn’t find out where he could get a pass no matter how hard he tried. He had no choice, but to give up on meeting Shi Jin here.

He was busy with work himself and had to postpone things indefinitely.

***

Shi Jin sat in Xiao Li’s car. When she arrived, she saw the closed road.

“Xiao Li, did you get a pass?” Shi Jin asked.

“No.” Xiao Li took a look and said, “I’ll turn around first and ask Brother Yao how to handle this.”

Just as he was about to turn around, the closed path opened up and allowed them to pass.

“What’s going on?” Xiao Li asked the person inside.

“Nothing’s going on. Your car is free to go anywhere.”

Xiao Li mumbled strangely. Shi Jin turned around and roughly understood what he meant.

Fu Xiuyuan, that petty man, deliberately sealed off this area because he didn’t want Chu Ling to take another step in. However, this action really won her heart. She didn’t want to see Chu Ling again.

The two people who opened the road also said strangely, “It’s weird. I didn’t see anything here that needed to be fixed, yet the road is closed.”

“That’s right. Normally, no one would come to this road. It can only lead to the courtyard house over there. Other than the people in that courtyard house, it basically has no effect. I don’t know what kind of strange rule this is.”

“I really don’t understand.”

“If you don’t understand, just keep working. There’s no need for us to understand the world of others.”

***

After some time, Shi Jin went to school.

Her seat next to Li Yuanyuan was not occupied by anyone else. Li Yuanyuan kept it for her. On it was Li Yuanyuan’s book.

“I don’t know why you left a seat for Shi Jin. She doesn’t even come to class.” A girl beside her couldn’t understand.

“What if she comes?” Li Yuanyuan said without looking up..

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