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{Chapter: 197 What drink would you like?}
Hearing Mei Yuxian's casual suggestion that Lin Yuan stay the night, Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan both looked at each other with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
There was a brief silence before Mei Yuxian smiled gracefully and elaborated, "Let's allow Xiao Yuan and Qingtong to enjoy their time together. If a strong bond forms between them, it will also deepen the connection between our families. And to be honest… I truly admire Xiao Yuan. He's thoughtful, accomplished, and mature beyond his years."
Her words, though gently spoken, carried a certain weight and meaning behind them.
Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan exchanged another glance—this time more amused than surprised. Both parents let out a chuckle.
"Of course, of course," Meng Yuelan said, nodding. "We wouldn't dream of interfering. Xiao Yuan isn't a child anymore. If he chooses to stay, we'll support his decision."
Lin Jianjun agreed with a warm smile, "He's grown up now. He knows what he's doing."
It was clear that Mei Yuxian's open approval of Lin Yuan and her personal invitation for him to stay the night were positive signs. Not only did she hold him in high regard, but she also trusted him to spend the night in her home—something she wouldn't offer lightly.
Lin Yuan, of course, had already anticipated this moment.
He knew Mei Yuxian would eventually bring up the idea of him staying overnight. It wasn't merely hospitality—he could tell there were underlying intentions.
Naturally, he didn't hesitate.
Smiling confidently, he said, "Alright then. I'll stay at Sister Yuxian's place tonight. Mom, Dad—go ahead and head home first."
Lin Jianjun and Meng Yuelan both gave him a final nod before turning to leave, clearly satisfied and reassured.
Lin Yuan watched them depart before turning his gaze back to Mei Yuxian. He knew her offer wasn't made on a whim. Beyond her appreciation for him, she clearly had other things on her mind—one of which involved her daughter, Gui Qingtong.
But that wasn't all.
Lin Yuan had subtly set the stage for this during the time he spent helping Song Xuan recover from her illness. His actions had already sown the seeds.
He wasn't in a hurry.
'One bite at a time,' he reminded himself inwardly. 'The night is still young.'
With a playful smile, Lin Yuan asked jokingly, "Sister Yuxian, are there any guest rooms available for me to sleep in tonight?"
Mei Yuxian returned his smile with a teasing look of her own. "Don't worry. The beds in my home are big enough, and the house is more than spacious."
She gave a brief introduction to the layout of the mansion.
The first and second floors were primarily designed for entertaining guests—lavish halls, banquet spaces, lounges, and music rooms. These floors had just hosted the event that was slowly winding down.
The third and fourth floors, in contrast, were far more private. They housed the family's personal bedrooms and living quarters.
As for the household staff, and bodyguards they resided in a separate, adjacent building on the estate grounds—well away from the main living area, allowing the family complete privacy.
After giving a few final instructions to the servants to tidy up the aftermath of the banquet, Mei Yuxian personally led Lin Yuan and Gui Qingtong up to the fourth floor.
The upper level was elegantly designed and very spacious, with soft lighting, polished floors, and a quiet ambiance. A central living room on this floor had plush seating and a tea table made of fine sandalwood.
Mei Yuxian brewed a fresh pot of tea herself, and the three of them sat down together.
What followed was a warm and stimulating conversation.
Lin Yuan and Mei Yuxian were both well-read and intelligent, and their exchange of ideas flowed naturally. They discussed everything from music, literature, economics, to traditional philosophies. There was no awkwardness—only mutual respect and curiosity.
Gui Qingtong sat beside them, occasionally chiming in with her own thoughts, though she was clearly more interested in Lin Yuan than the subjects being discussed.
She busied herself by cracking nuts and feeding them to the two adults. First, she peeled one and gently handed it to her mother, Mei Yuxian. Then she peeled another and shyly fed it to Lin Yuan.
Seeing that Mei Yuxian made no objections, Gui Qingtong grew bolder and continued to shell nuts and share them, her movements delicate and endearing.
If her mother hadn't been present, Gui Qingtong might've taken things a step further—perhaps leaning closer, or brushing her hand against Lin Yuan's.
But ten minutes later, Mei Yuxian suddenly turned serious.
With a slightly stern tone, she said, "Qingtong, it's late. Go to bed now."
Mei Yuxian was known to be strict when it came to discipline. Despite her usual gentleness, she wouldn't tolerate mischief at night.
Gui Qingtong pouted but didn't dare argue. She had hoped to spend more time with Lin Yuan, maybe even show him a few "homework" problems she'd specially picked for the occasion—little tricks she had seen online meant to create intimate moments.
But alas, her plans were foiled.
With a reluctant glance at Lin Yuan, she stood up and walked toward her room.
Before closing the door, she looked back one last time, her expression filled with disappointment and longing. Then, with a quiet sigh, she disappeared into her room and gently shut the door.
The atmosphere in the living room changed slightly after her departure.
A minute passed in silence.
Then, without warning, Mei Yuxian rose from her seat.
Her sudden movement drew Lin Yuan's attention.
Looking at him calmly but intently, she said, "It's a bit chilly here in the living room. Let's go to my room and continue our conversation there. It's more comfortable."
Her voice was soft, but there was a subtle shift in tone—more personal, more inviting.
Mei Yuxian had something important to discuss with Lin Yuan—something she didn't want overheard by anyone, even though there likely wasn't anyone else left lingering around the living room.
Still, she preferred the privacy of her personal space.
Lin Yuan didn't object in the slightest. In fact, if he were being honest, he had been waiting for this moment.
He nodded with a composed smile. "Alright."
With a soft rustle of her dress, Mei Yuxian stood and gestured for him to follow. Together, they left the comfort of the living room and made their way to the most private area of the house—Mei Yuxian's own bedroom.
Upon entering, Lin Yuan took in his surroundings with subtle interest.
The room was spacious, well-kept, and elegant in its simplicity. A luxurious king-sized bed dominated one side of the space, flanked by a matching bedside table and a polished wardrobe. A glass-front wine cabinet stood neatly in the corner, and there were hints of both function and style—a small writing desk, shelves of books, and a few well-placed decorative items.
Though not overly lavish, the space was clearly tailored for someone with refined tastes.
Lin Yuan's gaze lingered for a moment before he turned to Mei Yuxian with a half-playful smile. "Sister Yuxian, this is your bedroom, and I'm still a man, you know. Are you really alright bringing me into your room just like that?"
Mei Yuxian let out a light laugh and waved her hand casually. "What bedroom? Don't tease me like that. Your Sister Yuxian is already in her thirties—I'm not a young, bashful girl anymore. This room isn't just for sleeping. I also use it as my study and office."
There was a hint of mature confidence in her tone.
Lin Yuan understood immediately.
Mei Yuxian wasn't the type to be bothered by superficial formalities. She had a busy life, and to streamline it, she had turned her bedroom into a multifunctional space. More importantly, she didn't see Lin Yuan as a threat or as someone she needed to keep at a distance. She viewed him as a peer—perhaps even as someone she trusted deeply.
If it had been any other man, it would have been impossible for them to even step foot in this room.
But Lin Yuan wasn't "any man."
Still, he wasn't in a rush. Tonight was only the beginning. He intended to slowly, carefully shift Mei Yuxian's perception of him—from a trustworthy junior to someone much more.
Unaware of Lin Yuan's hidden intentions, Mei Yuxian had truly only brought him here to talk in privacy.
Of course, her willingness to do so was already proof that Lin Yuan held a uniquely favorable position in her heart.
They both took their seats in two cushioned chairs near a small glass coffee table.
After a brief moment, Mei Yuxian rose and walked toward the tall wine cabinet against the wall.
She glanced over her shoulder at Lin Yuan. "Xiao Yuan, what would you like to drink?"
There was a softness in her voice—a sense of comfort and familiarity.
In truth, Mei Yuxian had always enjoyed wine. Not in the loud, boisterous way one might drink at banquets or celebrations. She preferred quiet, reflective moments—tasting a glass slowly, savoring its aroma and flavor.
She kept her personal favorites close, hence the presence of the elegant wine cabinet in her private room.
Lin Yuan's eyes swept briefly across the selection.
With a relaxed tone, he answered, "Romanee Conti 1992. That one's always been a favorite of mine."
Mei Yuxian blinked in surprise, then turned to face him more fully.
She looked at him with unexpected curiosity. "You like that one too?"
Lin Yuan gave her a small, knowing smile. "Why? Don't tell me it's your favorite as well?"
Their eyes met, and something unspoken passed between them.
With a gentle laugh, Mei Yuxian nodded. "It is, actually. I didn't expect that."
Lin Yuan teased, "Then what's the matter, Sister Yuxian? You're not thinking of hiding it from me, are you? Or are you unwilling to share it?"
Mei Yuxian chuckled and waved her hand again. "Of course not! No matter how precious the wine is, if I'm drinking it with you, it's more than worth it. I was just surprised, that's all. We really do have similar tastes."
She turned back to the cabinet and began reaching for the bottle in question.
The Romanee Conti 1992 was placed at the very top of the cabinet—clearly one of her most prized selections.
Because of its high position, Mei Yuxian had to tiptoe slightly and stretch out her arm to grasp it.
Lin Yuan didn't look away.
His gaze lingered on her silhouette—on the way her body moved beneath the flowing purple dress.
The loose fabric gently clung to her figure as she extended upward, revealing the graceful curve of her back and the elegance of her posture. It was a quiet, understated moment—but one that highlighted the beauty she possessed.
The way her shoulder blades moved, the subtle sway of her waist, and the delicate rise of her arms created an image as captivating as a painting under moonlight.
Even though Lin Yuan had seen many beautiful women, Mei Yuxian's elegance had a different kind of charm—mature, composed, and refined.
He didn't say anything, but the smile on his face deepened.
Of course, there were other wines in the cabinet he could have chosen.
But he had picked this particular bottle not only because of its quality—but because of its placement.
He wanted to see this side of Mei Yuxian.
And this was only the beginning of the night.
****
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