Yearning For Warmth, Day and Night - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Gifts

Shortly after Wei Hui left, company arrived at the house. Shiyi was just about to step out to visit the stray dog when she emerged into the living room and saw a sleek black sedan parked at the front gate. Emerging from the car was a familiar face—Pei Tian.

Behind him walked several others, a mix of older and younger people. At the front stood a middle-aged woman wearing a kind smile. She nodded to Pei Tian and said, “Mr. Pei, rest assured—we’re fully aware of all the rules.”

“Good,” Pei Tian replied approvingly as he looked at Lady Liu. Standing beside her was a middle-aged man, the butler surnamed Su, whom Pei Tian had recruited from abroad. He’d worked with him several times before and trusted him to know proper etiquette and social hierarchy. He preferred dealing with capable and respectful people, so he’d paid a high price to bring him aboard. Lady Liu had been recommended by Butler Su and seemed acceptable too.

With the staff arrangements complete, Pei Tian saw Shiyi standing at the gate. He nodded to her with a light smile. Shiyi hastily responded in return, but just as a smile began to form, Pei Tian got into the car and drove off. The remaining people made their way toward her, and Shiyi froze.

Butler Su led the group and greeted her respectfully as he approached: “Miss, good morning.”

Miss?

Startled by the title, Shiyi bit her lip and replied, “Y-you all good morning.”

The others bowed respectfully and called in unison, “Good morning, Miss.”

Shiyi became even more awkward.

Seeing her discomfort, Butler Su exchanged a glance with Lady Liu. Lady Liu, picking up on the cue, turned to the others, “Everyone, go on in. Miss, have you had breakfast?”

The attendants quietly entered, leaving only Lady Liu beside Shiyi. Relieved, Shiyi nodded, “Yes, I have. I was just going out for a walk.”

Lady Liu smiled gently, “The morning air is nice for a walk. But it’s chilly—Miss should wear an extra layer.”

A breeze blew and Shiyi’s figure swayed slightly. The November chill had suddenly become pervasive. Dressed in the loose casual clothes Wei Hui had provided, she felt a bit cold standing still in the wind.

Shiyi nodded. “Thank you for reminding me—I’ll be back early.”

Lady Liu’s gentle smile and kind eyes made Shiyi feel at ease. Having gone through stricter housekeepers before, she easily warmed to Lady Liu. She even glanced back at her before leaving.

Light-hearted and even walking more briskly, Shiyi hurried over to the tree where the stray dog was tied. The dog lay on the ground, peeking around curiously. When it saw her, it tried to jump up. Having seen how strong the dog was yesterday, Shiyi quickly stepped back two paces and called, “Shiyi (Dog’s name is ‘Twelve’).”

The fluffy dog barked once—perhaps in response.

Shiyi felt even happier.

She was newly into adulthood and still quite transparent with her emotions. Seeing “Twelve,” she recapped everything that had happened at the Wei household. The dog ate snack treats from the ground while relishing her gentle strokes, occasionally making low hums in agreement. Shiyi’s palms warmed by the dog’s fur, echoing the soft warmth she’d felt earlier when clutching the blanket. Her mood elevated further.

It was the first time since coming to Wei’s that she’d felt so genuinely happy. The dog sensed the shift and playfully engaged with her.

Despite the biting wind, she and the dog played as though time didn’t exist. The dog nudged her into a tree trunk and licked at her cheeks and hands continuously. Dog tongue—rough but affectionate—scratched her skin as she laughed again and again.

Since her grandmother passed away, she hadn’t laughed so freely. Her youthful face brightened, dispelling much of the chill.

By midday, remembering Lady Liu’s warning, she gently patted Twelve’s head, “I’ll go back first. I’ll come visit you again after lunch.”

The dog rubbed its wet nose against her palm and looked at her with moist, reluctant eyes. Shiyi felt her heart soften and bit her lip, “If only Miss Wei would let me keep you…”

She laughed at herself. That was obviously a foolish dream—she was already living off someone else, with no right to claim a dog.

But Twelve…

She really wanted to bring him with her. It was a living being with a fate like her own, and she couldn’t stand to leave him behind.

The dog seemed to sense her internal struggle and wagged its tail harder, licking her hands and brushing her arm with its ears. Seeing it cling to her so, Shiyi recalled how terrified she had once been in other households, afraid something bad might happen—and gently stroked Twelve’s head and murmured, “I’ll try.”

Twelve barked at her affirmatively.

Back at home, Shiyi took a quick wash upstairs to freshen up. Coming downstairs, she smelled the lunch cooking and Lady Liu called softly, “Miss, lunch is ready.”

Shiyi approached the dining table and saw several dishes arranged—meat and vegetables looking appetizing. Lady Liu pulled out a chair for her. Shiyi quietly said, “Thank you.”

Lady Liu beamed and replied, “Please help yourself.”

Unlike past meals where she felt monitored, the dining room was now empty except for Shiyi. She glanced over and saw Lady Liu and the others talking naturally—without watching her. Shiyi visibly relaxed.

After lunch, she hugged her knees on the sofa, phone in hand. She thought of Twelve, still outside in the cold wind. She hesitated for a long time before mustering the courage to message Wei Hui.

Not wanting to say “dog” right away, she crafted a gentle message carefully.

Meanwhile, Wei Hui had just closed some files and was about to speak with Pei Tian when her phone rang. She looked down and saw the message: “Miss Wei, have you had lunch?”

Wei Hui held her phone silently.

What was the meaning of that? Suddenly asking after her lunch—not like her usual personality.

Perhaps she disapproved of the people Pei Tian brought?

“Miss,” Pei Tian’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up. “Hmm?”

She typed back two characters and put the phone down.

Shiyi anxiously waited, and after a long while saw the reply: “Ate.”

A simple, curt message with no extra punctuation. Seeing “ate” on screen, Shiyi thought of Wei Hui’s stern face. Her budding courage collapsed and she never touched her phone again.

But Wei Hui stared at the phone: Shiyi wouldn’t randomly check on her—there must be something. After thinking it over for a few minutes, she sent another message: “What is it?”

Shiyi, sitting on the sofa hugging her knees and weighing her words, suddenly saw the screen light up again. It displayed “Miss Wei.” Her heart pounded.

—What is it?

She bit her lip and stared at the screen for a long, long time before replying: “Nothing.”

Shiyi slumped back against the sofa after sending the message. She still couldn’t bring herself to ask about keeping the dog. After all, she hadn’t decided whether she would have a child with Wei Hui. If not, she could leave anytime. Bringing Twelve in would certainly cause Wei Hui a lot of trouble. She couldn’t do that.

Shiyi’s frustration didn’t transfer to Wei Hui—after seeing “nothing,” the latter paused for a moment before placing the phone aside. The office door knocked and Pei Tian said, “Miss Wei, Mr. Shen has arrived.”

Shen Hao had just returned to the country and immediately came to Wei Tian’s, bringing a gift. He was dressed in a crisp black suit and deep red tie—tall and handsome, having carefully groomed himself before arriving, exuding elegance. Several secretaries glanced his way in the reception room.

“That’s Mr. Shen—why is he at Wei Group?”

“To discuss business with Mr. Wei.”

“Are they forming a partnership?”

“Perhaps. I heard the Shen family also holds a stake in the unfinished building project.”

These idle chatter faded as Wei Hui stepped out of the office. The secretary area returned to silence—only the rustle of documents and tapping keyboards. Pei Tian escorted her past to the reception room.

Shen Hao stood and smiled, “Miss Wei.”

Though older than Wei Hui, calling her “Miss Wei” didn’t feel too formal, while “President Wei” felt too distant, and using her given name seemed too bold. So he chose a middle ground—“Miss Wei.”

She approached the sofa and nodded. “Please sit.”

“Miss Wei, were you busy tonight? I was hoping we could discuss the project over dinner.”

His tone was serious and emotionless. Shen Hao hesitated then offered a softener: “Happy birthday.”

He pulled a box from his briefcase, tied with a ribbon—elegant and expensive from appearance alone.

Wei Hui glanced at it with subtle significance in her eyes.

Now, their relationship wasn’t just business. With the building project reaching a rough plan, she couldn’t risk offending him now. The two families were long-established friends. Previously, she could refuse Shen Hao because there was no conflict of interest—or if any, it was within her control. Now, she needed him to counterbalance Luo Zhou Ping.

Shen Hao must have considered this before arriving—confident she would accept the gift.

After thinking briefly, she accepted the gift with a nod: “Thank you, Mr. Shen.”

He smiled: “You’re welcome. I heard you’ve decided on the proposal for the unfinished building. I have some modest suggestions—if you’re available tonight, perhaps we can discuss over dinner?”

Wei Hui looked up; her gaze remained clear and composed. Her tone slightly colder: “Sorry, I don’t have time this evening.”

Shen Hao studied her for a moment. “So I was too late—do you have other arrangements?”

“No.” A rare soft smile curved at her lips. “But there’s a child at home who depends on me. If I’m late coming back, she might get upset. So, Mr. Shen, I’m sorry.”

At those words, Shen Hao frowned slightly. A child? He recalled the timid little girl Wei Hui had brought to an event before. He had found it peculiar—why she had a child with her—and now he realized their relationship was this kind. Normally he would look the other way—he had many flings himself—but Wei Hui had now made it open, unambiguous. He smiled: “Seems like you’re serious this time.”

The smile at the corner of her lips deepened: “I take everything seriously—including people.”

Shen Hao stood: “Since you’re unavailable tonight, we’ll discuss the partnership later.”

Wei Hui looked at him steadily: “Alright.”

Once Shen Hao left, Pei Tian quietly asked: “Miss Wei, aren’t you afraid…?”

Shen Hao was still in his courtship phase. For Wei Hui to openly declare affection for someone was essentially slapping him. Luo Zhou Ping was waiting for them to break apart so he could pursue Shen Hao.

Wei Hui shook her head: “It’s fine.”

In Shen Hao’s eyes, Shiyi would never be accepted—no matter how serious Wei Hui claimed to be. In their circle, it’s assumed she’s just playing. Whether she was serious or not, she didn’t have time to entertain Shen Hao now. This approach bought her time and spared him embarrassment.

Outside Wei Group, Shen Hao maintained composure—he didn’t show any displeasure. Instead, he told the driver: “Let’s go.”

The secretary, unaware of the situation, asked: “Mr. Shen’s in a good mood—is that because you managed to see Ms. Wei?”

Shen shook his head: “No.”

The secretary looked puzzled. Shen didn’t elaborate, knowing that though Wei Hui declined him, at least she showed desire—she wasn’t emotionally cold. That gave him hope. He still had opportunities to meet her.

Shen directed his assistant: “Don’t return yet. Let’s go to the DL Hotel.”

The assistant nodded and told the driver to change course.

At the window, Wei Hui watched cars pass below, her hands behind her back. The blue blazer made her figure seem taller. Her long hair fluttered in the breeze, the tips tinged with chill.

Soon afterward, the office door tapped again. Pei Tian said: “Mr. Shen has left.”

Wei Hui closed the window and sat at her desk. “Have you found the purpose behind Luo Zhou Ping and Assistant Qiao’s meeting?”

Pei Tian stood at attention and replied respectfully: “There’s a lead—it seems connected to his company.”

After returning to the country, Luo Zhou Ping had acquired a small agency and opened his own firm—not in the same industry as Wei Group. She asked: “His company deals in food trade?”

“Yes, just started.”

Wei Hui considered before saying: “Watch his movement closely; don’t get Wei Group entangled.”

Pei Tian nodded: “Understood.”

Right as he finished, her phone rang again. She glanced—it displayed “Su Ziyan.”

“Where are you? What time will you get off work?” As soon as he answered, Su Ziyan asked directly. Wei Hui frowned: “What’s this about?”

His voice was clear: “To celebrate your birthday.”

“No need.”

Su replied: “Alright—I’m almost at your home. Come back early. I’m going in first.”

Wei Hui hung up and gently shook her head. Pei Tian asked: “Miss Wei, what happened?”

She opened her mouth: “Nothing. Bring me the incomplete building proposals.”

Pei Tian nodded and left the office, returning shortly afterward with several documents. Wei Hui took them, glanced briefly, and abruptly closed them. She rose, took her coat from the chair, and told him: “Off work now.”

Pei Tian checked her watch—still before five o’clock—and looked startled: Miss Wei was leaving so early?

He suddenly recalled the earlier chat with Shen Hao and hesitated to ask, “Are you heading back early to see the little girl?”

Wei Hui glanced at him curtly and remained silent.