After Breaking Up, I Married the Dying Tycoon in a Flash-Chapter 356 - 17: Awaited Years (Part 17)

Bian Yue didn’t know when she had arrived, but she was looking at her with a heartbroken expression, squatting down, supporting Wen Jiao’s arm, and whispering, "Jiaojiao, Zhaoli is wrapping things up, let’s go home. It’s already very late."

Wen Jiao came to her senses, spoke, and her voice sounded desolate, "Did all those people come to offer condolences?"

Bian Yue said everyone had come, and most had already left. Zhaoli needed to take care of the aftermath and couldn’t get away, so she came to pick her up.

Wen Jiao nodded. She tried to walk but barely took a step before her legs went weak and she almost fell.

Bian Yue quickly caught her, her voice filled with concern, "Jiaojiao, are you alright?"

"I’m fine, Bian Yue, I’m just very cold." Wen Jiao’s eyelids drooped, hiding the tears in her eyes as she said, "Please help me walk."

Of course, Bian Yue agreed, and she hastily supported Wen Jiao, walking towards the cemetery exit accompanied by a group of bodyguards.

Along the way, Wen Jiao didn’t speak, staring blankly out of the window.

Bian Yue knew she was in a bad mood, so she didn’t bother her.

Until they were halfway through the journey, Wen Jiao called her out hoarsely, "Yueyue..."

"What is it?"

"When Uncle and Aunt He passed away, how did you come to terms with it?" Wen Jiao’s voice was confused, "I’ve been preparing mentally for so long, but I still can’t accept it. You don’t know—I still feel like all of this is just a nightmare, and once I wake up, my dad will still be here, and everything will be the same as before."

Tears welled up in Bian Yue’s eyes, and Wen Jiao’s words touched her profoundly. Her voice choked up as she whispered, "Back then... it also took me a long time to come to terms. I was too young then. I had nightmares every night and was extremely scared. Jiaojiao, you have to face it yourself. I know these words are really cruel, but no one else can help you."

Wen Jiao was silent, staring out the window.

The dark night seemed to be ready to suck in her soul.

Wen Jiao blinked slowly and her voice was hoarse, "I know... Yueyue, I will come to terms with it."

When they finally reached the Wen family’s doorstep, the rain had intensified.

Wen Jiao saw Shen Zhaoli through the car’s front window.

The wipers were methodically moving, and Shen Zhaoli stood outside, holding a black umbrella.

His jade-like face, handsome and distinct, was looking towards her.

It felt like Wen Jiao was struck by something in an instant. She didn’t wait for the driver to open the door, but got out of the car herself and ran towards Shen Zhaoli.

Shen Zhaoli was startled by Wen Jiao’s abrupt actions; he quickly walked towards her and the moment he embraced her, the umbrella fell to the ground.

Shen Zhaoli bent down, holding Wen Jiao as close to him as possible.

He whispered soothingly, "Don’t be afraid, you’re home now, Jiaojiao, I’ve been waiting for you at the door."

Wen Jiao nodded vigorously, her tears mixing with the raindrops, continuously sobbing, "Zhaoli... I don’t have a dad anymore..."

Shen Zhaoli’s heart ached dull.

He silently hugged Wen Jiao tight, letting her crumple up his suit.

Of all the sorrows in the world that Shen Zhaoli had tasted, none had been so painful.

But if it were any fraction placed on Wen Jiao, he couldn’t bear it.

The death of Wen Yongwei was a huge blow for Wen Jiao.

But except for the first few days following the funeral, she never mentioned it again afterwards.

Her love for Shen Zhaoli grew day by day; sometimes, it was hard to explain the growth of those feelings with specific incidents.

Like water that seeps in a lengthy, continuous stream, or perhaps as Wen Jiao herself said, now Shen Zhaoli was the only family she had.

Winter in Xiangjiang, a cold front approaches.

Shen Zhaoli had prepared many thick clothes for Wen Jiao, some of which Young Master Shen had personally designed during his time off from work.

Wen Jiao recognized instantly those crafted by Shen Zhaoli.

The reason was simple.

Those clothes were just too ugly.

Shen Zhaoli wouldn’t believe it, feeling his designs were marvellously crafted, insisting that Wen Jiao should wear them out for a couple of rounds.

Wen Jiao also didn’t know whether Bian Yue truly admired the few pieces of clothing from the bottom of her heart or was just flattering, as she praised them highly, asking Wen Jiao which designer had created them.

Wen Jiao forced a smile and said, "They are unnamed street stall goods, one hundred yuan for one piece, and three hundred yuan for two."

Bian Yue felt this pricing was somewhat unreasonable.

Meanwhile, Wen Jiao looked down at the text message on her phone. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

She only glanced at it and her expression changed.

Seeing her like this, Bian Yue grew curious, "Jiaojiao, what are you looking at?"

Wen Jiao collected herself and turned the phone face down on the table, saying, "It’s nothing... Let’s continue with the meeting."

Bian Yue, observing the restless look on Wen Jiao’s face, nodded thoughtfully.

That night, Wen Jiao returned home.

Shen Zhaoli came out of the kitchen holding dishes.

Since the death of Wen Yongwei, Shen Zhaoli had taken over the chief responsibility of cooking.

His cooking skills used to be unremarkable, but now, he could cook nearly as well as Wen Yongwei.

Wen Jiao sat down and asked Shen Zhaoli what delicious dishes he had prepared today.

Shen Zhaoli, with a secretive smile, said, "Guess!"

Wen Jiao looked at the fried rice on the kitchen stove.

"Oh, fried rice."

"This is no ordinary fried rice; I peeled the shrimp myself," said Shen Zhaoli, extending his hand, "Look, I even got hurt."

There was a faint scratch on his index finger.

You really couldn’t tell unless you looked closely.

But Wen Jiao, visibly nervous, said, "Why are you so careless? Have you treated the wound?"

Shen Zhaoli, with a playful tone, leaned on Wen Jiao’s shoulder, drawing out his words, "Jiaojiao... not yet, you help me treat it."

Wen Jiao nodded, "Then I will get the medicine."

As she spoke, she really did start to get up to fetch it.

Shen Zhaoli, smiling, held her back, "Let’s eat! My wound has already healed."

Wen Jiao still frowned, "Be more careful next time."

Shen Zhaoli was quite satisfied.

He went back to the kitchen and brought out the fried rice and sea cucumber soup.

Wen Jiao, to show her appreciation, ate it all.

Shen Zhaoli nodded, saying, "Today was very good, now I’ll go clean up."

Wen Jiao stopped him.

"Zhaoli..."

"Hmm?"

"I have something I want to show you."

"What is it?"

Wen Jiao placed her phone on the table, displaying a message.

— ’Jiaojiao, let’s meet.’

Wei Shuqian had returned.

Shen Zhaoli’s expression remained unchanged, he calmly looked at the message, and after a long while, he softly asked, "Jiaojiao, when are you planning to go?"

Wen Jiao looked at Shen Zhaoli, her clear black and white eyes earnest, saying, "I have several meetings tomorrow, go in my place."

Shen Zhaoli’s gaze flickered with uncertainty as he stared at Wen Jiao, seeking confirmation, "You’re saying I should go in your place?"