Yun Jinping could not seem to relax at the thought that her daughter was about to travel to a foreign land on her own. “I’ve always been with you wherever you go.”
She was always by her daughter’s side as Shen Xi was growing up, except for the time the latter was taken away by the Su family. Yun Jinping was only at ease taking care of Shen Xi right by her side.
“Mom, I’m all grown up. I can handle it myself.” Heartbroken, Shen Xi wiped away Yun Jinping’s tears. “Now, now. Don’t cry. Old Shen’s going to give me a telling off if he finds out.”
Carrying Shen Xi’s luggage, Yun Jinping advised on all the big and small matters while walking. Her daughter indeed grew up a lot since returning from the Su home. Nevertheless, Shen Xi remained a child in her eyes no matter how grown up she was.
Shen Xi entered the boarding gate and waved at Yun Jinping. “Mom, I’m leaving.”
Yun Jinping did not want her daughter to see her cry. Hence, she waved her arm off before turning her back towards Shen Xi and letting the tears loose. Sure, Yun Jinping said she would not worry but how could she not!
Watching on with a lump on her throat, Shen Xi pulled her luggage and walked away.
She wanted Mom to come with her since her mom was better with her hands than she was. However, Mom caught the flu and had not completely recovered from it.
Acclimatizing to new places was an issue as Shen Xi had trouble eating and sleeping. It would take her a long time before her body could adjust to the new climate.
In the past, she had no problems traveling for a day or two to compete around the country. Nevertheless, this trip would take only about a week.
Having known that Shen Xi was going to Vienna to learn embroidery, Fu Qingye arranged for her to stay at the Fu family’s estate in Vienna.
Since he had a week left of his itinerary in China, Fu Qingye could only rush his trip before Shen Xi was done with hers. Otherwise, he would have gone with her.
Fu Qingye gave Shen Xi a call and showed his concern once he received her message saying she had arrived at the estate. “Is it raining there? Did you get caught in the rain?”
Carrying her luggage, Shen Xi ventured further into and looked at the huge estate. She said with a smile, “It stopped raining long ago. It’s beautiful here.”
Vienna was warmer than the capital in the winter, averaging above zero temperature. It was raining and cloudy when she got off the plane.
The Fu family’s estate had mountains in the back and a river in the front. The scenery was breathtaking amid the misty weather, like a paradise on earth.
The Fu family would have vacations in the estate every once in a while, probably no more than twice a year. The caretakers were a Chinese couple who was in charge of the estate’s overall upkeeping.
Shen Xi arrived at a bad time as the old couple had returned home for the year-end holiday. Thus, the estate was left vacant.
“It’s good that you like the place.” Fu Qingye was pleased to learn that the place was to her liking. Nonetheless, he still had his worries. “You must be scared to be alone without Uncle Chen and his wife around. Let me arrange a few maids over.”
“No need for that. I’m here to learn, not to be on vacation.” Shen Xi grinned. “My teacher told me that Mr. Huo can be scary. I probably won’t have time to have lunch.”
Fu Qingye’s heart went out to her. He solemnly urged her, “Don’t forget your meals and to take breaks. I’ll get a few maids to cook for you. I can get a friend of mine to check up on you daily if you find it hard to adjust to the place.”
Shen Xi replied, “Qingye, there’s really no need for that. I’m happy that you provide me with a great place to live. Don’t worry. I’m not a child and can take care of myself.”