Chapter 78 - 72: Heart-Wrenching Pain
The room was as bright as daylight. Fu Jichen stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, puffing clouds of smoke, with a few cigarette butts and a pile of ashes at his feet. His deep black eyes stared straight at the front garden through the window.
The rain and snow had stopped. The streetlights emitted halos quietly in the night, illuminating the fountain pool, the octagonal pavilion, the straight and wide main avenue, and the tall greenery along the roadside.
But Shen Jianian’s figure was nowhere to be seen.
Servants passing by Fu Jichen subconsciously lightened their steps, not daring to make any noise to disturb him. Anyone could see he was in a bad mood.
Zhou Rongzhen occasionally glanced at his back but dared not to go over and ask if he needed a late snack.
Since Shen Jianian moved into Rose Manor, the overall atmosphere had changed from before. Although she was quiet and didn’t speak much, one more person always brought more vibrancy.
She had had playful little squabbles with Mr. Fu, but never a proper argument. Today, for some unknown reason, they argued. One stood here silently smoking, the other turned and ran out and hasn’t returned yet.
Zhou Rongzhen sighed silently, focusing some attention on the noise outside the door, ready to spot Shen Jianian at the first opportunity.
She had a hunch that if Jianian didn’t come back tonight, the master would have a hard time, and everyone in the manor would suffer.
Zhou Rongzhen brewed a cup of hot tea and placed it silently on the cabinet near Fu Jichen — where he could reach it with a stretch of his hand.
As she turned, a burnt-out cigarette butt fell on the floor.
Zhou Rongzhen paused her steps, said nothing, and walked towards the kitchen.