novelraw Chapter 41 That boy is a bit of a mystery!
Chapter 41 That boy is a bit of a mystery!
As dawn broke, sunlight streamed through the hotel's rooftop arched floor-to-ceiling windows, casting clear, dappled patterns of light onto the luxurious carpets inside.
Shu Qi woke up naturally with a long-lost sense of relaxation.
She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, which was decorated with intricate classical reliefs and had an astonishingly high ceiling, for a few seconds in a daze.
Then, everything from yesterday: the terrifying stories on the cruise ship… the frantic escape from downstairs at home… and the lavish arrangements that surprised her with the young man?
And the words that had slipped out in her extreme anxiety, "...Don't leave tonight," all came flooding back into her mind...
"Tsk..." She took a soft breath and turned her face toward the soft down pillow.
How long has it been since I slept this well!?
Gone are the worries about the past, the tension of the present, and the anxiety about the future that I usually feel when I'm alone at night.
Could it be because she drank the beer that the boy opened and handed to her to ease her embarrassment before leaving?
Looking back now, the ambiguity of that sentence was simply... Her toes, hidden under the thin blanket, couldn't help but curl up again.
But then she remembered that boy named Li Shuo... When she saw the awkward expression on her face when she realized what had happened, it seemed like a fleeting moment of understanding, before she turned and walked towards the small bar, switching to fluent Cantonese.
"I understand. Sister, you just want a beer."
He deliberately emphasized the word "beer," instantly defusing the awkwardness of "don't go."
He deftly popped the bottle cap open with a "snap" and handed over the beer, still dripping with water droplets.
"Hey, a little drink can help you relax and fall asleep easily. Take your time, I won't bother you while you rest. If you need anything, just use the butler's phone at the counter to call the front desk, I'll let them know. Bye~!"
And then he just left so decisively…!?
…Why do I feel a little angry when I think about it again, even though I feel relieved?
Isn't it great to have intentional ambiguity without feeling uncomfortable, and to explore without boundless boundaries?
But this kind of thoughtfulness and sense of propriety is not something someone this age should have, right?
Shuqi only remembered that she used that slightly chilled but tasty beer to climb the smooth, effortless steps, then vaguely removed her makeup, quickly washed up... and fell asleep!?
Before falling into a coma... aside from having his mind filled with thoughts of this mysterious boy, it seemed like none of the usual random things had happened.
She stretched lazily, and the dreamless night seemed to have washed away the fatigue of the past few days.
She sat up, letting the belt of her silk robe hang loosely, her thick, slightly wavy hair, marked with sleep marks and exuding a languid air, draped over her bare shoulders and back.
The morning light outlined a graceful silhouette, and spring quietly bloomed in the bedroom.
She shook her head, got out of bed barefoot, and sank her feet into the soft, thick custom-made carpet that could submerge her ankles.
On the bathroom vanity, a complete set of high-end skincare products, not commercially available, are neatly arranged. The white porcelain is imprinted with the Peninsula Hotel's classic logo. The skincare products have a moisturizing herbal scent, while the bath products exude a delicate magnolia fragrance.
Everything was meticulously planned to the extreme.
Just as she was enjoying the peace and quiet, the doorbell rang softly.
Butler Robert Chen pushed in a silver food cart and gently arranged the breakfast in front of the stunning panoramic window overlooking Victoria Harbour.
"Good morning, Ms. Shu. Mr. Li Shuo instructed last night that he hoped you would have some breakfast that suits your taste when you wake up, so as not to disturb your rest. Therefore, I am sending it to you at this time after confirming that you are awake. This is the chef's special selection for today."
Shu Qi thanked him, her gaze sweeping over the exquisite pastries and the boundless seascape outside the window, and couldn't help but ask, "Butler Chen, when is the check-out time for this suite?"
Robert Chen wore a well-trained, polite smile.
"Ms. Shu, this is the Peninsula Suite at this hotel. Mr. Li booked it on a long-term basis for a year. He specifically instructed that you are welcome to come here to rest anytime soon, and we will be at your service 24 hours a day."
Peninsula suite? Long-term stay for a year? Even Shu Qi, who had seen the world, was secretly shocked after doing the math.
Although the market in Hong Kong Island is sluggish after the financial crisis, these top-tier suites, located at the pinnacle of Hong Kong Island, with an area of more than 300 square meters and occupying the best view, along with their accompanying services such as a private butler and Rolls-Royce chauffeured service, would cost millions of Hong Kong dollars per year.
Moreover, judging from Li Shuo's behavior last night, he obviously hasn't stayed here much.
This goes far beyond what can be described as "well-off family background".
What kind of family background does he have?
However, shortly afterward, Shu Qi, still feeling dizzy from the shock and confusion, rushed to the set of the movie "City of Glass".
In the dressing room, the assistant whispered that the Heavenly King had thoughtfully sent over snacks and drinks, as well as a small bouquet of fresh lilies.
Shu Qi looked at the exquisitely arranged and thoughtfully presented gift, but a strange sense of boredom welled up in her heart, and she even felt a slight annoyance at being disturbed.
However, she maintained her politeness and said to her assistant, "Please thank them for me later."
She then sat down, closed her eyes, and let the makeup artist begin her work, quickly immersing herself in the role of the film character.
At his home in Taikoo City, Li Shuo also woke up in the sunlight.
[The host has provided assistance to the actress Shu Qi, whose fortune is being improved (weakly). The host will receive a random buff during their next draw!]
Looking at the system's notification, it seems that this help has a positive effect, but it's not yet at the level of being able to draw a prize. However, being able to gain a boost is still a good thing.
Recalling Shu Qi's words that slipped out last night and her eyes widening instantly, filled with "Oh no, I said the wrong thing," he leaned against the headboard and smiled.
That awkwardness was far more vivid and interesting than her captivating charm on screen.
In his previous life, he lived a life of leisure. Although he never had any relationship with such actresses, with his qualities, he still had plenty of opportunities every year, which was quite remarkable.
Now that he's been given a second chance at life, with so many interesting things waiting for him, the system's rank upgrade and exciting rewards right before his eyes, how could he possibly have the energy for romance?
Moreover, he is still a minor and will be entering the entertainment industry in the future. Getting involved in complicated matters too early will slow him down.
Building good relationships and earning rewards is the right thing to do.
In the restaurant, the father, Li Mingyao, had already returned with boxes of various sizes, placing hot porridge and snacks he had packed from the time-honored shop downstairs on the table.
"Awake? Have something to eat."
Father and son sat facing each other, and Li Shuo recalled his father's recent whereabouts.
"Dad, have you been looking at properties on Hong Kong Island these past few days?"
Li Mingyao picked up a shrimp dumpling.
"Hmm, let's take a look. After the financial crisis, prices have plummeted. Some prime properties in core locations are now worth more than half their peak value. It's a rare opportunity; we can buy some."
Li Shuo knew that his father had originally planned to make these arrangements in his previous life, but unfortunately, he was influenced by him and only bought a small amount before his father's accident, thus missing this opportunity.
He suddenly remembered something.
"If Dad ever comes into contact with any high-level executives at companies in Shenzhen and they talk to you about any domestic IT projects, even if it's just casual conversation, please don't forget to let me know."
Li Mingyao glanced at his son, but he had gotten used to his recent strange words and actions.
"Okay, it's rare that you're interested in these business matters now. I'll take you to some occasions directly."
At this moment, Li Shuo remembered... something his aunt had mentioned before his rebirth...
The old man from the bespectacled Ma family, who was about to embark on his ambitious journey, had contact with his father, Li Mingyao, during this period.
We also talked about the project his child was going to work on, but I don't remember exactly when we met.
So this time Li Shuo specifically reminded him... how could he possibly let Lao Li miss such a strategic opportunity!