Chapter 132: Layers

An Tong walked over to the bedside and sat down, gently stroking the fabric of the bedding, her face filled with curiosity as she glanced around the room.

Before long, her attention was drawn to the floor-to-ceiling window.

She approached it and peered through the glass at the scenery outside, faintly catching sight of a hidden hot spring pool nestled in the backyard.

When Rong Shen arrived, he noticed the master bedroom window was open, the curtains on both sides fluttering in the breeze.

An Tong stood on the small balcony outside, wearing only a thin sweater, her arms resting on the marble railing as she leaned forward, peering down at something below.

It was a lively scene; for some reason, the man paused in his steps, choosing not to disturb her.

Winter in Hong Kong was cold, and the chilly wind blowing in from outside dispelled the warmth inside.

After a moment, the figure on the balcony shivered, rubbing her arms and returning indoors on her own.

Unexpectedly, as she turned, she caught sight of the man’s handsome, dignified figure standing not far away, watching her.

An Tong casually closed the window and brushed the wind-blown strands of hair from her eyes. "Has Mr. Su left?"

"Yes," Rong Shen replied, one hand in his pocket as he approached her, warm fingers resting on her slightly cool face. "How long have you been standing out there?"

An Tong held his fingertips gently, smiling faintly. "Just for a little while."

The man looked into her bright, lively eyes, a thin smile playing on his lips as he asked softly, "Any plans for the afternoon?"

"No plans this afternoon, but tomorrow morning I need to... buy some things," An Tong said, her smile dimming slightly as she cautiously asked, "Are you free?"

She guessed that this time he had come back specifically to accompany her to visit the graves.

Though the question was unnecessary, she just wanted to confirm it once more.

"I am," the man said, draping his arm around her shoulders as they walked toward the door. "My schedule is clear until the end of the year. Whatever you want to do, just tell me—no need to hold back."

An Tong glanced sideways, pursing her lips and giving a soft hum in response.

They left the master bedroom and strolled at a leisurely pace.

With Rong Shen’s arm around her shoulders, An Tong couldn’t help but feel the gentle friction between their bodies as they walked.

Especially her arm hanging by her side, which kept brushing against the man’s waist.

She wanted to hold her arm stiffly, but it felt awkward.

Hesitating for a moment, a sudden inspiration struck her.

Before she knew it, her body reacted faster than her mind—her entire arm had already wrapped around the man’s waist.

An Tong gripped the fabric at his side with her fingers and walked forward without a word, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

No wonder she often saw young couples walking arm in arm on the streets.

This feeling was truly indescribable—sweet and intoxicating.

***

The next morning, at the Sacred Rite Hall specialty shop.

When An Tong and Rong Shen entered side by side, Uncle Xu was still sitting in his rocking chair, smoking his pipe.

Only when their backlit figures grew clearer did Uncle Xu sit up in surprise. "Little An?"

It had been over three years since he last saw her with a man by her side.

"Uncle Xu."

Despite being over fifty and having seen countless people, the old man could tell at a glance that Rong Shen was no ordinary man.

This man’s features were sharp, and he carried an aura all his own. Though his expression seemed gentle, his dark eyes held no warmth.

His every gesture exuded restrained authority and pressure—subtle yet impossible to ignore.

He remained silent for a long moment, his cloudy eyes filled with astonishment as they fixed on Rong Shen.

An Tong walked over to the shelves to pick out some offerings, while Rong Shen met Uncle Xu’s gaze and nodded calmly. "Mr. Xu."

He didn’t address him as Uncle Xu but used the more formal "Mr. Xu," subtly breaking the cold distance between them.

Uncle Xu tapped his pipe against his palm, stood up, and chuckled as he greeted them warmly. "Little An, aren’t you going to introduce me?"

An Tong came around from the other side of the shelf, her gaze briefly flickering to Rong Shen as if hesitating.

"He is my partner, Rong Shen."

Unlike An Tong’s hesitation, the man extended his hand openly, announcing his identity himself.

If this had been another elder, upon hearing this relationship, they might have been surprised but would have responded with congratulatory pleasantries.

Yet Uncle Xu’s expression shifted slightly as he instinctively looked at the calm An Tong. "Little An, you’re... married?"

The term "partner" differed from "boyfriend," typically used by married couples.

"Yes, Uncle Xu."

An Tong nodded in confirmation, not even considering denial.

Even if she had been hesitant before, it was only because she didn’t know how to introduce him.

At that, Uncle Xu’s brows lifted as he smiled as if realizing something. "Child, how come you never told us when you got married?"

Before An Tong could reply, Uncle Xu continued, "Such a big matter—didn’t your father come back to visit?"

This subtle probing was obvious to both An Tong and Rong Shen.

***

"The wedding is still being planned. We hope Mr. Xu will honor us with his presence," the man said lightly, neither giving a direct answer nor dismissing the matter, showing a clever tactfulness.

Uncle Xu narrowed his eyes slightly, his impression of Rong Shen deepening.

An Tong quickly finished selecting the offerings, and as they prepared to leave, Uncle Xu suddenly called out behind them.

"Mr. Rong..."

Rong Shen handed the bag to Cheng Feng outside the door and gestured for An Tong to get into the car first.

Under the dim light inside the shop, Uncle Xu picked up an incense burner and asked in a hoarse voice, "Mr. Rong, are you from the Rong family of Mount Xixiao?"

"Mr. Xu has a keen eye," Rong Shen replied.

Uncle Xu set down the incense burner, chuckling, "It’s not my keen eye, but you don’t look like an ordinary man. The Rong surname isn’t common in Hong Kong, so it’s easy to guess your origin."

Rong Shen said nothing further, calmly adjusting his sleeve. "Mr. Xu, if you have something to say, please speak plainly."

"I’m just a seller of offerings; what could I possibly want?" Uncle Xu clasped his hands behind his back and sighed deeply. "I’ve watched Little An grow up. After her family’s troubles, these past few years haven’t been easy for her. Especially since Old An disappeared, we’ve been very worried."

"Thank you for your concern. I will take good care of her from now on. Please rest assured, sir."

Uncle Xu looked at Rong Shen helplessly, words caught between refusal and acceptance.

He didn’t believe Rong Shen couldn’t hear the undertone in his words.

After exchanging a few more polite remarks, Rong Shen made no attempt to linger and left the Sacred Rite Hall.

Uncle Xu stood by the window, watching the business van drive away. After half a minute, he called Second Uncle Xu.

He briefly told him about An Tong’s marriage and shared his suspicions. "You’ve never been able to find Old An. Could it be that the Rong family is backing him?"

On the other end, Second Uncle Xu responded decisively, "Impossible. What is the Rong family? They may be considered a prominent family by some, but frankly, they’re just business people. Even if Old An is struggling, he wouldn’t seek help from these so-called aristocrats. He has a different status—those families aren’t even on the same level."

"Have you considered the possibility that something might have happened to Old An..."

---

Side note:

A short update will be posted tomorrow.

This book was originally intended as a simple, heartwarming short story, expected to conclude next month.

If I can’t finish it, I’ll just delete this side note...

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