Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

73. President Shen Is A Master Of Pretense.

The morning sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting its golden light across the coastal road. The waves sparkled in the sunlight, and the seabirds wheeled and cried overhead.

Shen Ruozhen's trousers, damp from the previous night, were partially dried by the gentle warmth of the wind and the sun warmed his back. As he brushed off the sand, it stained the sheepskin cushions beneath his feet.

Truth be told, Shen Ruozhen wasn't keen on going to Manzhuang. It felt impolite to visit Bai Yongti in such an awkward state. However, Xiang Mingzhang remained silent, driving the car at a rapid pace.

His short hair was disheveled, and he wore only a thin layer of clothing under his coat. One could only imagine the extent of his panic when leaving home.

Finally, the jeep arrived at its destination during the fading dawn.

The imposing gate of the manor stood open, its dark wood polished to a high shine. Beyond the gate, an endless forest of camphor trees stretched out, their tall trunks rising up like sentinels.

The trees were covered in dark green leaves that rustled in the breeze, and their sharp scent filled the air.

Shen Ruozhen felt a sense of unfamiliarity and soon realized that this was not where Bai Yongti resided, but rather the southern area of Manzhuang.

Amidst the greenery of the forest, horse farms, garages, and scattered houses were interspersed. With no time to communicate directions, Shen Ruozhen quickly glanced at the flowers through the car window.

The main building stood tall, a four-story pointed villa with white walls and square windows, surrounded by lush, verdant trees. It dwarfed even the grandeur of the Xiang family mansion in Jingpu.

Xiang Mingzhang parked the car, switched off the engine, and said, "We're here."

Shen Ruozhen stepped out of the car, following Xiang Mingzhang up the stairs. The door closed behind them, its faint echo reverberating in the vast space.

Unlike the elegance of the courtyard in the North District, this house exuded opulence and beauty with its collection of art and antiques, creating an aura of untouchable luxury.

The marble floor glistened, leaving traces of sand in their wake. Xiang Mingzhang guided Shen Ruozhen to a bathroom, equipped with a shower and sauna. Clean clothes were neatly arranged in the cabinet.

Xiang Mingzhang picked out a set of clothes and placed them on a stool by the sofa alongside a pair of slippers. He said, "Take a shower first."

Shen Ruozhen stood still, questioning, "Why won't you let me go home?"

In response, Xiang Mingzhang countered, "Why did you run off to Yaxi Bay in the middle of the night?"

Unable to articulate a clear explanation, Shen Ruozhen rarely acted impulsively, but last night was a hasty exception.

He replied, "I simply wanted to witness the rescued sea."

"Then can you witness the state I'm in now?" Xiang Mingzhang approached, his voice filled with frustration. "Look at me, going crazy because of you. Do you understand how embarrassed I am?"

The streetlights along the coast may have been dim, but it had been enough for Shen Ruozhen to perceive Xiang Mingzhang's fear at that moment. Now, with clear and bright windows, he could see the bloodshot eyes that rested within Xiang Mingzhang's gaze.

A pang of distress gripped Shen Ruozhen. "Are you angry with me?"

Though Xiang Mingzhang harbored anger, it paled in comparison to his overwhelming fear. He didn't answer, instead peeling off Shen Ruozhen's coat and firmly stating, "Take a hot bath to warm up. I'm more concerned about you catching a cold."