Chapter 84: There Must Be a Time to Throw Caution to the Wind

Lin Yu sipped his tea meaningfully, his eyes resting on Song Hui with a faint smile as he spoke in a mild tone.
“You’re not foolish, just as I expected. So, this matter isn’t as difficult as it seems—if we can get the information on any one of their projects, that’s enough.”

Song Hui hesitated, not out of any lingering sentiment for the Shen family, but because it was indeed a reckless move. If anyone from the Shen family caught wind of it, the consequences would be unimaginable. She could easily end up in prison, just like her father.
Moreover, if Fu Yixing were to find out, he would surely meddle.

“If it weren’t so difficult, would you be coming to me for help?” Song Hui’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze burning as she fixed her eyes on Lin Yu.

Lin Yu squirmed under her stare, shifting his neck before explaining, “We could handle this ourselves, but we’d rather not have such dirty work pass through our own hands. Besides, for now at least, the Shen family is less wary of you. It’ll be easier for you to pull this off, and it allows us to achieve our goal as quickly as possible.”

Dirty work—how ironic.
From beginning to end, she was nothing more than a tool for their filth, and yet she’d somehow inexplicably fallen for Fu Chen. Now he wouldn’t even meet her himself, sending Lin Yu to negotiate in his stead.
What a joke.

Song Hui picked up the teapot, watching the stream of water pour into the cup, a billow of white steam obscuring her expression.

“Aren’t you afraid Fu Yixing will find out about this?” she asked.

“Don’t worry. If we dared to ask you, it means we’ve made every necessary preparation.”

There was nothing more Song Hui wanted to know. There was no way forward or back; for now, she could only follow Lin Yu’s instructions, taking things one step at a time.

“Fine. It’s settled, then.” She had no wish to linger. Just as she was about to leave, she paused. “I almost forgot to ask—why are you bringing Yu Yunxi into this? What do you want her to do?”

Lin Yu’s gaze deepened, but his voice remained light. “That’s not your concern. I’ll speak to her separately when the time comes.”

———

As Song Hui stepped out of the teahouse, a gust of wind swept by, prompting her to wrap her cotton coat tightly around herself. The weather was growing colder by the day. She looked up at the bleak, gray sky, the oppressive air making it hard to breathe.

Shops along the street were already decked out in Christmas decorations. Two giant Christmas trees flanked the entrance to the shopping mall. Though night had not yet fallen, colorful lights were already twinkling, drawing the attention of passersby.

Song Hui passed a gift shop and, through the window, saw the delicate wares inside, piquing her interest.

The moment she pushed open the door, a bell chimed overhead. Looking up, she saw two small yellow bells hanging from the doorframe—utterly charming.

The shop was bustling, many people choosing gifts for their significant others. Song Hui thought she ought to pick out something for Yu Yunxi as well—she had relied on her help a great deal lately.

She browsed through hairpins, earrings, bracelets, and ornaments, but nothing truly caught her eye. She was just about to ask a shop assistant for a recommendation—something exquisite and unique—when a male voice interrupted her.

“Miss, is there anything you’re looking for? I’d be happy to help.”

Song Hui turned, startled by the youthful, vibrant face before her. A pang of guilt washed over her.

Mu Jinghuai didn’t recognize her at all. The last time they’d met, she was dressed in bright, lively colors. Now, she wore a simple off-white cotton coat over a pale blue hoodie and fitted jeans, her hair in a low bun—she looked more like a student than anything else.

Over the past few days, Mu Jinghuai had followed the Fu family’s affairs in the news. He had thought of seeking out Song Hui countless times, but the memory of their last encounter and the words she’d spoken to him had always held him back.

Perhaps staying away was truly best for her.

“It’s been a while,” Song Hui broke the silence first, burying her chin in her scarf, her nose tinged red from the cold.

“Yes, it’s been a long while,” Mu Jinghuai replied, a bright smile breaking across his face, his adorable dimples deepening.

He had a way of radiating warmth with every gesture, like a gentle sunbeam that could pierce even the thickest clouds and, in the end, cast its light upon the earth and into people’s hearts.

Song Hui turned to study the small trinkets on the wall, asking, “I’m here to pick out a gift for someone, too. Do you have any special recommendations? I’m not fond of anything too ordinary.”

Mu Jinghuai hesitated. “Is it for a man or a woman?”

“A woman. My best friend,” Song Hui replied, glancing at him with a small smile.

In that instant, Mu Jinghuai’s spirits soared. “Come with me,” he said, leading her to a room at the back, stopping before two shelves. He pointed to a Santa Claus ornament. “This one.”

Song Hui reached out, but it was just out of reach. Suddenly, Mu Jinghuai snapped to attention, reached over her shoulder, and took the Santa Claus down.
From the side, it looked as if he had enveloped her in his arms, his cheek brushing past her ear, carrying a faint trace of wind. For a moment, Song Hui was dazed.

She quickly recovered, turning the Santa Claus over in her hands, but at first glance, it didn’t seem particularly special.

“There doesn’t seem to be anything interesting about it,” Song Hui murmured, fiddling with it curiously.

Mu Jinghuai pointed to the sack of gifts slung over Santa’s back. “Here, press this.”
Song Hui obliged, and suddenly, Santa’s face changed, sticking out his tongue in a comical expression.

Song Hui burst out laughing, a playful light in her eyes, her dimples deepening and making her smile all the sweeter.

“It is amusing, and the face is quite funny,” she said.

Mu Jinghuai raised his eyebrows. “Try pressing it again.”
Song Hui did as he suggested, and the sack popped open, revealing a pair of tiny red socks.

This time, Song Hui laughed even more brightly. Seeing her like this, Mu Jinghuai’s smile grew wider, spreading from his lips to his eyes, impossible to restrain.

“I’ll take it! Please find a nice box and wrap it up for me. Thank you,” Song Hui said happily, handing the Santa Claus to Mu Jinghuai, clearly pleased with her choice.

Mu Jinghuai’s gift-wrapping was indeed exquisite. After paying, Song Hui smiled at him. “I’ll be off, then! Thanks again for your help today.”

Mu Jinghuai nodded woodenly, watching her leave the shop in a daze, his feet heavy as if rooted to the floor, unable to follow.

The shopkeeper’s wife glanced up at Mu Jinghuai and said quietly, “While you’re still young, don’t let yourself be left with regrets you can never undo.”

Mu Jinghuai stared at her in astonishment, and she met his gaze with a look of affirmation.

Perhaps it was that single word of encouragement that spurred him into action, sending him rushing out the door, casting everything aside.