Chapter 465: Revised: Chapter 475 Who’s Child Is This?
Her outfit leaned toward a Bohemian style: casual yet somewhat flamboyant. With her tall stature and fair skin, even though her small face was mostly covered by sunglasses, she still attracted countless stares wherever she went.
As soon as Shi Yi reached the airport exit, she was recognized by Chu Yan and Song Yi. Chu Yan excitedly waved her hand, "Shi Yi, over here!"
Four years had passed, but Chu Yan’s personality hadn’t changed a bit. Her emotions were always written on her face. Seeing Shi Yi walking toward them, Chu Yan nudged Song Yi, "Why aren’t you hurrying to help Shi Yi with her luggage? Where did your gentlemanly manners go?"
Seeing this, Shi Yi couldn’t help but chuckle. Over the past four years, many things had changed, but these two were still the same bickering pair. Song Yi was still completely under Chu Yan’s thumb.
"It’s so nice to have you back." Chu Yan linked her arm with Shi Yi’s, scrutinizing her up and down with envy and jealousy, "How did you get even fairer after just a few months?"
"Really?"
"Really!" Chu Yan nodded heavily, muttering discontentedly, "Why do you get fairer every day without doing anything, while I pay constant attention and still look like a piece of charcoal."
"Well... maybe it’s genetic."
"Genetic? Both my parents are so dark. Does that mean I’m beyond saving? Oh my god, how frustrating!" Chu Yan pinched her own face, then suddenly leaned close to Song Yi, "How about you get me some cosmetic surgery?"
"Cosmetic surgery? You?" Song Yi snorted, "Someone like you can’t even be saved by plastic surgery."
Song Yi’s words completely enraged Chu Yan. She rolled up her sleeves and immediately grabbed Song Yi’s ear, "Can’t be saved, huh? Tell me, why can’t I be saved? Do you see me as so hopelessly ugly?"
"Ouch, mercy, madam! I was wrong, okay?"
Shi Yi, seeing this, couldn’t stand it anymore. She leaned close to Chu Yan and whispered, "Let him go. This is a public place. Bullying a boy in front of everyone isn’t very nice."
Only then did Chu Yan realize they were still in the airport. She reluctantly let go and glared fiercely at Song Yi, "I’ll deal with you later."
Song Yi rubbed his nearly-torn ear, muttering under his breath, "Like a female bandit, no wonder she can’t find a husband."
"Who’s a female bandit, huh?" Chu Yan glared with wide eyes.
"Female bandit? Where’s a female bandit?" Song Yi feigned ignorance, casually distanced himself from Chu Yan, and fled to the driver’s seat.
The three hadn’t seen each other in a long time. Naturally, Chu Yan had a lot to say to Shi Yi and chattered non-stop about the funny events that had happened recently around her.
After a long chat, Chu Yan finally got to the point and asked Shi Yi, "How long are you planning to stay in the country this time?"
"About a month. If everything goes smoothly, it should only be half a month."
"Are you still planning to stay at a hotel?"
"There’s nothing wrong with staying at a hotel."
"I mean, you could actually stay with us at Yayuan. Besides, we’ve got a room especially reserved for you."
"Better not. The rent there is too expensive; I can’t afford it."
The "rent" Shi Yi referred to wasn’t literal rent, but the cost involved. Last time, she stayed in the basement of Feng Chengyu’s villa for eight months and barely escaped with her life. If she were to stay in the guest room this time, she might not survive Feng Chengyu’s German Shepherd.
"Actually, the boss isn’t as bad as you think."
"I never said he was bad." Shi Yi shrugged innocently, "It’s just that taking advantage of someone’s hospitality comes with strings attached. I’m happier staying freely at a hotel."
"Alright then, I won’t insist. We’re treating you to dinner tonight. What do you want to eat? Song Yi’s paying."
"Why me?" Song Yi protested, as Chu Yan always liked making grand gestures using others’ money.
"You’re the only man in the car. Who else should pay? Besides, you said I’m just a nanny. My monthly salary is less than your pocket change. Why shouldn’t you pay? And Shi Yi is your friend too. Are you really okay with freeloading?"
"Fine, fine, I’ll pay. No way I can argue with you." Song Yi was used to it and didn’t mind much. He turned to Shi Yi with a smile, "What do you want to eat? Big brother is treating you to a feast tonight."
"How about Golden Leopard?" Chu Yan intended to take him for a ride.
"You’ve got some nerve." Song Yi gritted his teeth.
Shi Yi couldn’t help smiling at their exchange. "Let’s have hotpot. I’ve had enough Western food abroad. I just want something spicy."
Since Shi Yi had spoken, Chu Yan didn’t argue. After all, she had just returned and they should cater to her wishes. She figured she could take advantage of Song Yi another time.
The car exited the overpass, entered the city, and finally pulled into a shopping center in the downtown area. There’s a famous hotpot restaurant there, and even on weekdays, it was packed. Fortunately, they were lucky to find an empty table when they arrived.
"I tell you, the hotpot at this place is amazing. I guarantee that once you try it, you’ll be hooked." Chu Yan said while grabbing the menu from the waiter.
Chu Yan wasn’t exaggerating. By the end of the meal, Shi Yi was thoroughly satisfied. She had a heavy palate, and after four years abroad, she still couldn’t get used to sandwiches and burgers. Now that she was back, she naturally took the opportunity to indulge.
Feeling full, Shi Yi decided to take a stroll around to digest. Her hotel was just a 20-minute walk from the shopping center.
"It’s getting late. You guys should head back. No need to wait for me."
"Are you sure you’re okay by yourself?"
"You think there’s a problem? I’ve been abroad for so many years. If I was fine there, I’ll certainly be fine here." The security in China is way better than in the United States.
In the United States, Shi Yi didn’t dare walk the streets alone at night because you never knew what could happen next. One moment, a Black man might point a gun at your temple, demanding all your cash and valuables.
Chu Yan thought about the one-and-a-half-hour drive back to the villa from the shopping center and decided not to insist, "Just be careful. Call me if you need anything."
"Will do. Don’t worry. See you!"
Shi Yi waved goodbye to them and soon disappeared into the crowd. She followed the directions on her phone’s map, slowly making her way to the hotel.
On her way to the hotel, she passed through a plaza. The large plaza was surrounded by European-style buildings, and at its center was a massive fountain that erupted into various shapes to the music every hour.
As Shi Yi walked past the fountain, it happened to stop. The music ceased, and everything quieted down. But just then, a child’s cry broke the silence.
Shi Yi looked toward the sound and saw a little girl, about three or four years old, standing by the fountain. The child looked around helplessly as she cried, seemingly lost.
Shi Yi frowned. Whose child is this?