Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Nyoi-Bo Studio

  Shen Luo’an looked at her and yanked her toward him.

  Shen Manting was standing rooted to the spot, but Shen Luo’an’s forceful tug made her move in his direction reluctantly.

  Shen Luo’an turned around and continued dragging her along as he strode forward.

  Shen Manting didn’t make a sound and followed him in silence.

  They arrived at the restaurant that Shen Manting used to frequent. She especially favored the way the dishes were prepared at this restaurant.

  It was not a fancy restaurant by any means, but Shen Manting hadn’t dined in such a restaurant for a long time.

  She sat down with Shen Luo’an. The waiter quickly brought them the menu and waited for their order.

  Shen Luo’an ordered an assortment of dishes. Shen Manting realized that many of the dishes he ordered were her favorites, be it coincidence or not.

  Shen Luo’an didn’t like spicy food very much, but Shen Manting did.

  At least half of the dishes he ordered today were spicy.

  A strange feeling engulfed her heart.

  She lowered her head without saying a word. There was nothing she wanted to add anyway.

  She looked at him and said, “I need to use the washroom.”


  “All right.” Shen Luo’an took a sip of tea. “After our meal, I’ll take you to see your son.”


  Shen Manting stiffened for a while before walking quickly to the washroom.

  In the washroom, a thought suddenly dawned on her: Did he expect her to escape?

  That’s why he specifically mentioned her son when she stood up to leave.

  She had to admit that the reassurance was a very effective method.

  Even if Shen Manting had any intention of escaping, she might have been convinced by his words to give up on her plan.

  Shen Luo’an knew her all too well.

  She washed her hands carefully in the washroom and returned to their table.

  Shen Luo’an was on the phone. His expression was calm, looking neither sad nor happy.

  “I know. I’m having my meal. We’ll talk about it later,” Shen Luo’an said casually. Then, as if a thought had just occurred to him, he added, “By the way, Manting will be coming home with me later. Be prepared.”


  Shen Manting looked at him in surprise.

  The voice on the other end of the line exclaimed incredulously, “What?”


  “She’ll leave after catching a short glimpse of the baby.” Shen Luo’an cast a questioning glance at her, as if to seek confirmation.

  Shen Manting smiled awkwardly, nodded, and sat down.

  The dishes were soon served. Shen Luo’an hung up the phone.

  No one spoke a word. They finished their meal in silence.

  Despite the silence, Shen Manting felt at ease. She no longer felt tense and generously helped herself to the food.

  Shen Luo’an paid the bill and brought Shen Manting back home.

  Looking at the familiar villa before her eyes, Shen Manting’s steps became leaden.

  Although she didn’t grow up living in that house, it was the place she had called home for several years at the very least.

  Those years were filled with both joy and sorrow.

  Everyone in the house, except Shen Luo’an, had treated her kindly.

  Shen Manting had always felt indebted to them.

  Now she had mixed feelings about returning to this place.

  Shen Luo’an rang the doorbell and turned back to glance at Shen Manting, who was trailing far behind him, and said coldly, “Not moving along, are you? Still waiting for me to invite you in?”


  Shen Manting’lips parted as if wanting to say something, but no words came out.

  She walked toward the entrance.

  When Mrs. He saw Shen Luo’an, she said, “Thank goodness you’re finally back. The baby……”


  But before she finished her sentence, she caught a glimpse of the figure standing behind Shen Luo’an.

  She stopped talking. For a moment, she couldn’t believe her eyes.