Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 322 Xu Yunxi's True Feelings

Xu Youwei inquired about the situation, his expression grave.

After hanging up the phone, Xu Youwei stood up and said, "Zhiyuan, I wanted to talk to you for a bit, but there's been an emergency. Fireworks ignited the warehouse, and there have been casualties. I have to get to the scene. The car is already at the door."

He hurried upstairs, and a few minutes later, he came down in a dark jacket, carrying a briefcase.

Wearing an apron, Liu Qingqing came out of the kitchen and said, "Youwei, be careful on the road."

Xu Youwei nodded, his gaze falling on Xu Yunxi: "Yunxi, keep Zhiyuan company, don't mess around."

Xu Yunxi was very happy to see that her father wanted her to accompany Wu Zhiyuan, and quickly said, "Dad, don't worry, we will take good care of Brother Zhiyuan."

Xu Youwei strode away.

Soon, the sound of a car starting and driving away came from the doorway.

Liu Qingqing sighed softly: "Last time we said that setting off fireworks and firecrackers during the New Year would bring out the festive spirit, but unfortunately, if we're not careful, we can cause a big disaster."

Such a terrible accident happened during the Lunar New Year holiday; so many families were devastated. The lesson is profound.

Wu Zhiyuan chimed in, "Teacher Liu is right. Safety is a topic that can never be overemphasized, especially during holidays when people tend to relax."

We hope to bring the situation under control as soon as possible and reduce casualties.

Liu Qingqing nodded: "I hope there will be fewer casualties."

Let's not talk about this anymore. Talking about it won't help us, and it will only make things worse.

I'll go cook; Yunxi can keep you company.

Liu Qingqing took a few steps, then turned back: "Zhiyuan, what would you like to eat?"

Wu Zhiyuan said with a smile, "I love any dish that Teacher Liu cooks."

Liu Qingqing was amused: "Zhiyuan, you really know how to talk."

We used to have a nanny at home who was an excellent cook, almost as good as your mother. She was good at making rustic country dishes, which Old Xu loved. She just went back to her hometown for the Chinese New Year.

Okay, I'll try to make a few simple home-style dishes. I don't know if they'll suit your taste.

Xu Yunxi tentatively said to Wu Zhiyuan, "Brother Zhiyuan, how about you take a look at my bedroom?"

"Yunxi, aren't you going to help Teacher Liu? Teacher Liu is such a good cook, have you tried learning a few tricks from her?"

Xu Yunxi said with a smile, "I've tried to learn it several times, but I still haven't mastered it. I can't even cook scrambled eggs with tomatoes properly."

Aunt Qingqing said that if you want to win a man's heart, you must first win his stomach.

It seems I need to learn to cook. Maybe then I can win a man's heart?

Wu Zhiyuan was amused by Xu Yunxi's words and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "That's not necessarily true. Some people might even find it delicious if you burn the food."

Xu Yunxi chuckled: "Brother Zhiyuan, is the 'he' you're talking about you?"

Wu Zhiyuan gave a vague answer: "I'm not picky about food. Maybe it's because I was used to hardship when I was a child."

Xu Yunxi chuckled and said, "Brother Zhiyuan, I need to learn from Aunt Qingqing properly later. I need to learn at least a few signature dishes so you can't always eat burnt food. Let's go, let's go to the bedroom and see my painting."

Xu Yunxi reached out, instinctively wanting to grab Wu Zhiyuan's hand, but perhaps feeling it was inappropriate, she withdrew her hand.

She went upstairs, and Wu Zhiyuan followed behind.

A three-story villa.

The first floor has a living room, dining room, reception room, and maid's room.

The second floor has two bedrooms, a study, and an unused bedroom that has been temporarily converted into an art studio.

Xu Yunxi lives on the second floor.

She pointed to an unused bedroom and said, "Zhiyuan, this bedroom is unused. If you're not leaving tonight, stay here."

Wu Zhiyuan smiled noncommittally.

The third floor is the bedroom of Xu Youwei and Liu Qingqing.

There is also a practice room with professional soundproofing on the walls and ceiling, because Liu Qingqing often needs to practice her singing, but she can't disturb others.

There is also a gym on the third floor.

The room is about the same size as a practice room, with some fitness equipment inside. Yoga mats are laid out on the floor by the window, and a landscape painting with a profound artistic conception hangs on the wall.

Xu Yunxi explained, "Aunt Qingqing likes to practice yoga, saying it can calm the mind."

Dad works out when he has free time; health is the foundation of everything.

Xu Yunxi first showed Wu Zhiyuan the basic structure of the villa, focusing on the second floor, her bedroom and studio.

The studio faces south and has excellent natural light. In winter, the warm winter sun shines through the glass windows, making the whole room bright and warm.

The room wasn't particularly large, but it was decorated with a very artistic flair.

Several easels stood against the wall, covered with white cloths, holding unfinished works.

Canvases and drawing paper were piled up in the corner.

A solid wood workbench stands against the wall, covered with various paints, palettes, brushes, scrapers, a brush washer, and several plaster geometric shapes and still life models.

The other wall is covered with completed works.

There are watercolor landscape sketches, and oil paintings of still lifes and portraits.

One of the paintings caught Wu Zhiyuan's attention.

It was an oil painting depicting the sunset over the island in the middle of the lake. The setting sun had turned the lake water golden, and several small fishing boats were moored on the shore, with hazy reed beds in the distance.

Wu Zhiyuan's gaze shifted from the sunset over the island in the middle of the lake, passing over several brightly colored watercolor flower and still life sketches, before finally settling on a sketch in the corner.

It was a portrait sketch. The person in the drawing was wearing a white shirt with the collar slightly open, the profile was clearly defined, and the eyes were looking into the distance.

This painting is clearly of Wu Zhiyuan.

Xu Yunxi blushed, a little embarrassed but also a little proud: "Brother Zhiyuan, how is it? Does it look like you? I drew it based on an old photo of you."

"You drew it very well. You made me look more energetic than I actually am," Wu Zhiyuan said with a smile.

Xu Yunxi said with a smile, "How can a photo compare to the real person? Brother Zhiyuan, when are you going to keep your promise to be my nude model?"

"Won't we have to wait three years? Oh right, there aren't three years anymore, it's only two and a half years now."

Xu Yunxi's expression turned somewhat sad: "Brother Zhiyuan, I wish time would pass faster, even faster."

However, I have mixed feelings. I hope that Lin Keke is still alive and that one day she will suddenly appear in front of us.

I'm also afraid that if she lives, I'll never have the chance to be with you.

"Zhiyuan, do you think I'm being selfish?"

Wu Zhiyuan felt a mix of emotions.

Xu Yunxi's feelings are straightforward and passionate, like the sunlight filling the room, warm yet making people feel somewhat overwhelmed.

He was silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking: "Yunxi, this is not selfishness. It's just human nature."

I remember our promise.

That was not only a promise to you, but also an explanation to my own conscience.

I need time to really clarify some things.

I'll also give you time to figure out whether your feelings for me are dependence, admiration, or genuine affection that can withstand the test of everyday life.

As I've said before, these past few years, the agreement has no binding force on you. If you meet a boy you like, you can freely pursue your love.

"Brother Zhiyuan, I don't want any other boys!"

I don't depend on you, nor do I idolize you!

I just like you, I want to be with you, I want to see you smile, and I want you to be happy because of me.

This feeling needs no confirmation!

As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and she looked straight at Wu Zhiyuan: "I know what you're worried about: age, family, and Lin Keke."

I'm not a child anymore; I know what I want.

My father and Aunt Qingqing have never looked down on you because of our family, as you know.

As for Lin Keke, if she really comes back one day, I will respect your choice and the relationship between you.

After a long silence, Wu Zhiyuan said, "Yunxi, I understand you. It is precisely because I understand you that I cannot act rashly."

Our agreement is not an excuse I use to brush you off; on the contrary, it is a way for me to take responsibility for you.

I need to be sure that I can let go of the past and fully commit to a new relationship.

You also need time to experience things, to see your own heart more clearly, and to see what kind of person I really am.

Actually, I have many flaws.

What you see now is probably more of a halo effect, a sense of goodwill created by distance.

Once you get closer, these shortcomings might become unbearable.

Xu Yunxi stubbornly said, "I'm not afraid to see your shortcomings."

Everyone has flaws, and I am no exception.

Does liking someone mean you can only like their good points? That would be too superficial.

What I want to see is the complete you, the good and the bad, I want to see it all.

I know you have your concerns, your responsibilities, and your things you can't let go of.

I won't pressure you, Zhiyuan. It's a promise, I'll wait.

However, you can't stop me from liking you, nor can you stop me from being good to you.

"Yunxi, I understand your feelings."

I will always remember your kindness.

Let's do what we agreed on.

Until then, let's continue as we are now, okay? Let things take their course.

"Okay, but, Zhiyuan, going with the flow doesn't mean standing still."

You need to give me a chance to be good to you, to get to know the whole you, otherwise how can I be sure?

Wu Zhiyuan smiled.

Xu Yunxi pointed out the window: "Brother Zhiyuan, look, the weather is so nice. Shall we go out for a walk this afternoon?"

The City God Temple area is sure to be incredibly lively; if we don't go now, all the fun things will be closing up shop!

"Okay, I'll do as you say."

"Brother Zhiyuan, come and tour my bedroom. I knew you were coming, so I tidied it up carefully. I don't want to leave a bad impression on you and make you think I'm a lazy girl."

Honestly, I can't really call myself a lazy girl.

Wu Zhiyuan was amused by Xu Yunxi's words.

Xu Yunxi's bedroom is at the other end of the corridor, and the door is a light pinkish-white.

The room is decorated in a soft pink tone, with light pink curtains and bedding.

Several plush toys were piled up on the bedside table—a brown teddy bear that was half a person's height, a round pink rabbit, and a cartoon sheep wearing striped pajamas.

The most eye-catching item is a Kapibala doll placed on the bedside table.

It has short, brownish-gray fur, a round body, and beady eyes that give it a naive and innocent look as it sits quietly.

Xu Yunxi walked over, picked up the Kapibala doll, hugged it to her chest, and gently stroked its fur with her fingertips: "Brother Zhiyuan, do you still remember it?"

Wu Zhiyuan certainly remembered.

Wu Zhiyuan saw this in a toy store when Xu Yunxi was in high school in Longcheng. He thought it was interesting and relaxing, so he bought it.

"I remember," Wu Zhiyuan nodded, his eyes softening slightly, "I didn't expect you to still have it."

"Of course I'll keep it, because it was a gift from my dear brother Zhiyuan!"