Whispers in the Winter Wind

As they strolled toward Jingliu's home, the falling snow blanketed them in a gentle embrace. Hand in hand, their silence spoke volumes, a new experience for them both. Though they had shared hugs in the past, this simple act of holding hands felt novel, particularly for Jingliu.

Yasushi, having done more intimate acts in his previous life, found this progression less surprising. Yet, he was mindful of Jingliu's pace in embracing this peculiar bond between them — something akin to lovers yet not quite defined as such, bordering on a deeper connection than mere friendship.

"Will I be invited to stay the night?" he gently broke the snowy hush, his words punctuating each step's crisp cadence beneath their feet. Jingliu, initially lost in the rhythmic crunch of snow, met his gaze, pondering the unspoken layers of their evolving companionship.

"...there might be a high chance of that..." she replied, fixing her gaze on him with anticipation.

"Hmm. Then I may as well accept. Being alone in that big house of mine can get pretty lonely," he responded with a playful grin, meeting her eyes.

Jingliu returned his smile, and once again, a comfortable silence settled between them. This quiet companionship persisted until they arrived at her home's gate after a few minutes of leisurely walking. Yet, instead of entering right away, Jingliu stopped them.

"I want to say something," she began, her eyes earnest as Yasushi focused intently on her.

"I—" she started, only to be interrupted by Xinyi's boisterous voice slicing through the air.

"Heeey! Why are you two being slow! Hurry up already!!" Xinyi's sudden appearance caused them to startle, prompting them to release each other's hands in a swift motion.

As Xinyi swung open the gates, a mischievous grin adorned her face. "I had a feeling you two would be together, but I also knew we'd all be gathering at Liu's place today. Surprised to see me?" she quipped, hands on her hips, her grin widening.

"Sorry, we weren't trying to keep it a secret; we just made a spontaneous detour," Yasushi explained apologetically.

Xinyi tilted her head, a playful gleam in her eyes. "At a women's store?" she pointed at the bag Jingliu carried, teasing Yasushi until his lips twitched, caught off guard.

"Err..." Yasushi faltered, searching for a response as he met Xinyi's laughter. Suddenly, he brandished a bag of his own. "Um... pastries?" he offered, attempting to steer the conversation away from their impromptu shopping excursion.

"You can't change the subject! But I'll let it slide," Xinyi declared, seizing Yasushi's wrist and whisking him away.

Jingliu, momentarily taken aback, blinked several times before her irritation surfaced. Closing the gate behind her with a determined click, she hastened to catch up with them.

Inside the house, one of the living rooms boasted two large TVs, where the trio, accompanied by three maids including Catherine, Layena, and another unnamed maid, gathered. Behind Yasushi stood the trio of maids.

"They'll be here in five minutes, Lady Jingliu, Lady Xinyi, Yasushi," Yinhaie informed them, indicating the imminent arrival of their parents on the screens.

"Nice place, Jingliu," Xinyi commented, leaning in a bit too close to Yasushi, prompting a glare from Jingliu. However, Xinyi, undeterred, grinned back, almost as if silently declaring a playful rivalry.

Yasushi observed the unfolding drama but remained silent, still grappling with the complexity of the situation. Jingliu, sensing his confusion, inched closer, her hand delicately grasping Yasushi's arm and drawing him nearer.

Xinyi, taken aback by this gesture, mirrored Jingliu's action, transforming Yasushi into an unwitting participant in their impromptu game of tug-of-war. The maids, finding amusement in this unexpected turn of events, observed with entertained expressions as Yasushi found himself at the center of their playful rivalry.

Lost in his thoughts, Yasushi remained oblivious to the amused glances exchanged by the maids. His attention was elsewhere, his mind wandering.

As the anticipated five minutes elapsed, the TVs flickered to life, connecting to an unfamiliar app that Yasushi presumed to be associated with his parents' company. Six rectangles materialized on the screens — one for each of their parents, forming a virtual gathering of families.

Releasing Yasushi's arm, both girls turned their attention to the spread of food, with Xinyi diving into the delicacies without hesitation. Waving cheerfully to their respective parents on the screens, she inquired, "Hey dad, mom, Mr. and Mrs. Yang. What's this meeting about?" Her tone was casual, belying the weight of the gathering.

Xingyu Cheng, Xinyi's father, chuckled softly before addressing the group. "Apologies for this impromptu arrangement. However, there's something we need to discuss collectively as parents who share a close professional relationship."

Liang Yang, Jingliu's father, joined in, his tone measured. "Indeed. We've been contemplating this ever since we discovered that our children attend the same school and share a friendship. It seemed prudent to address it collectively in this manner."

Beside Liang Yang stood Jingliu's mother, a striking figure with long, straight black hair and crimson eyes, clad in a sleek black and white business dress. "I regret the brevity of this visit, Jingliu. Our aim is to return in approximately six months, hence why we're convening in this manner," Yuhan Yang, Jingliu's mother, conveyed with a touch of apology in her voice.

Yasushi's father, Yuji Futakao, sheepishly scratched the back of his head, his words tinged with apology. "I have to apologize, Yasu, for the cryptic letter a month ago. Things have become hectic, and we regret our absence. However, we aim to provide more clarity in this meeting."

Kohana Futakao, Yasushi's mother, nodded in agreement with her husband. "That's right, Yasu. Our work demands have intensified, but with it comes the promise of a lot of money. Once this phase settles, we anticipate a substantial break of at least two months, if all goes according to plan."

Yasushi, maintaining his composure, nodded thoughtfully. "Everyone seems to be dancing around the details. Would you care to enlighten us? If it's not too much trouble. Also, it's a pleasure to meet you all," he added courteously, acknowledging Xinyi's parents and Jingliu's mother.

His words elicited a collective chuckle from the parents, signaling a readiness to delve into the specifics. Jingliu's father, clearing his throat discreetly, assumed the role of spokesperson, drawing everyone's focus.

Liang Yang initiated cautiously, "To speak in broad strokes, our venture possesses the potential to revolutionize the global landscape, particularly in the fields of energy, electricity, and fuel. That's as much as I can disclose without inviting undue attention. However, the primary focus of this meeting is centered on you three."

"Us?" Xinyi interjected, her confusion palpable, though she continued to consume her meal with gusto, appetite undiminished.

"Yes, indeed," Liang Yang affirmed, addressing the trio directly. "We are aware of the bond shared among the three of you, and it's precisely because of this friendship that we wish to extend our support. Firstly, if you choose to pursue higher education post-high school, we are prepared to cover all expenses, including accommodation. However, should you opt to remain under our roofs, such arrangements wouldn't be necessary."

Yaqi Cheng, Xinyi's stepmother, interjected with a gentle tone, "Originally, the idea was for all three of you to live together, facilitating matters. However, considering Xinyi's current commitments, it appears that only Jingliu and Yasushi will share a living space. Xinyi, you're welcome to stay over whenever you can, but do prioritize your 'job,' alright?"

Xinyi, caught off guard, felt a surge of protest building within her, but with a resigned exhale, she settled back into her seat. "Okay...mom," she acquiesced, her tone tinged with a mix of surprise and acceptance.

Observing this exchange, Yasushi's curiosity piqued. He stole a glance at Xinyi, aware of her loss, and inferred that Yaqi Cheng must be her new stepmother. Their dynamic seemed amicable, but he wanted to confirm his assumptions post-meeting.

"In light of our spacious residence, Yasushi will temporarily relocate to our home. Within a week or so, we'll arrange for both Jingliu and Yasushi to move into their new home, alright?" Liang Yang elaborated, seeking affirmation. Yasushi and Jingliu nodded in understanding, signaling their acceptance of the plan.

Meanwhile, Xinyi's gaze flickered with a tinge of envy towards Jingliu, but she stifled any outward reaction. Jingliu, outwardly composed, concealed a storm of confusion and anxiety within.

"Yinhaie will accompany you two when the time comes, ensuring you're not entirely on your own. Additional staff will visit weekly to assist with household chores and other essentials. That concludes the plan; if you have inquiries, now's the time," Liang Yang concluded, awaiting their response.

"I don't have any questions; it's straightforward," Yasushi replied, echoed by silent agreement from the two girls by his side.

Following the initial discussions, the meeting meandered through practicalities and nostalgic exchanges about their school experiences. Yasushi's group delved into inquiries about their parents' professional endeavors and personal anecdotes, bridging the generational gap with curiosity and shared stories. Time seemed to slip by unnoticed as nearly two hours elapsed before the meeting concluded.

Upon its conclusion, a sense of contentment permeated the room. However, beneath this veneer of satisfaction lay a layer of confusion, particularly for Jingliu and Yasushi, both grappling with the sudden turn of events. In contrast, Xinyi harbored a quiet envy, longing to share the same living space with Yasushi, her desires masked by an outward semblance of acceptance.

+-+

As they stood by the doorway, ready to part ways, Xinyi couldn't resist a mischievous tease. "Remember, no funny business while I'm gone," she playfully joked, flashing a grin at both Jingliu and Yasushi, who exchanged a knowing glance.

Jingliu's response was a piercing glare, her silence speaking volumes as Xinyi's tongue playfully wagged in defiance. Yasushi, exasperated by Xinyi's remarks, gently flicked her forehead. "Enough of these suggestive comments; it's not appropriate," he scolded, only to find himself on the receiving end of Xinyi's playful retaliation.

"Bye-bye!" Xinyi chimed, skipping away with Catherine, who offered a respectful bow before trailing after her.

With the door now closed, Yasushi turned to Jingliu, a perplexed expression etched on his face. "This situation has taken an unexpected turn," he remarked, voicing the underlying tension.

Jingliu, breaking the silence, caught Yasushi off guard with a blunt question. "Will you spend the night with me?"

Her abruptness left Yasushi speechless, his mind racing to comprehend the sudden shift in their dynamic. "W-what?" he stammered, utterly bewildered by the unexpected inquiry.