Chapter Seventy-Two: Yet Another Prodigy

“Oh... it’s you…” Mai Xijun said calmly, lowering her head again and remaining curled up in the corner. At this moment, she resembled a wronged child, but Nian Yuchen had no idea that deep inside, she was actually looking down on him.

So disheveled and helpless—couldn’t he just pretend not to know her and walk right past? She really didn’t want all her embarrassing moments exposed to the world.

Nian Yuchen reached out to adjust the knee of his suit trousers, then slowly crouched down before Mai Xijun.

“What happened? …Maybe I can help you.” He looked at her intently, studying her carefully.

From the first time he’d met her at the jewelry exhibition, to their second encounter at the evening banquet, this was their third meeting. But before, it had always been at night, under the glow of lights, and she’d worn light makeup. Now she was bare-faced, her fair skin clear and flawless, long lashes casting soft shadows, and full crimson lips exuding a captivating allure. He found it difficult to look away.

Hearing his words, Mai Xijun blinked a few times and slowly looked up. At that moment, several strands of Nian Yuchen’s hair fell across his brow, the curve of his lips perfectly measured—a man with such a handsome, chiseled face, almost too beautiful, almost demonic in his allure.

By her estimate, he stood about six foot tall, dressed in a silver-gray suit with a black shirt underneath, no tie. The watch on his wrist was a luxurious limited edition Chaumet. His figure was that of a model, his looks nothing short of flawless—he could stand toe-to-toe with Shen Yanlie.

“I... um…” Mai Xijun suddenly realized she was stammering. She pointed inside, and Nian Yuchen, recalling what she’d just said, smiled openly. “You want to see someone.”

She nodded vigorously, then, after a moment, looked at him with earnest eyes. “Can you help me?”

Asking for help from someone she barely knew, whom she’d only met a handful of times—Mai Xijun felt she was becoming increasingly shameless, reaching a whole new level. But she had no choice; she wanted to see her mother. Even if this man before her refused, at least she would have tried, and she wouldn’t regret it.

Nian Yuchen furrowed his brow, considering briefly. “This place enforces strict measures. There’s no guarantee, but I can try.”

“Really?” Mai Xijun’s joy was uncontainable, excitement lighting up her face as she reached out and gripped Nian Yuchen’s arm. He was momentarily stunned, and as she followed his gaze, Mai Xijun suddenly realized her own impropriety and quickly withdrew her hand. “Heh, thank you.”

Watching her, Nian Yuchen couldn’t help but reach out and gently ruffle Mai Xijun’s hair, a soft dimple appearing on his smiling cheek.

Every time he saw her, she was different—three encounters, three distinct moods.

Mai Xijun dusted herself off and stood up. She’d been planning to wait here patiently, but a benefactor had appeared instead. Just how fortunate was she, really? The thought brought a smile to her lips.

“I have some things to deal with today. Where are you staying? I’ll take you home first,” Nian Yuchen said as he walked ahead, speaking to Mai Xijun, who followed a step behind.

Seeing her here had been pure chance. He would help her, but it would take time, and he had another project to discuss today. This was a compulsory rehabilitation center—not just anyone could go in, not just anyone could be seen.

Perhaps he could ask his prosecutor brother-in-law for help. But if Song Ci knew he’d once entertained feelings for this woman, would he still help? After all, he already had a fiancée, and he and Cheng Manli would be married very soon.

In recent days, he had tried not to surrender to fate, to find a woman he truly loved to marry. But he couldn’t. He had responsibilities that allowed for no such freedom. Yet, Mai Xijun’s appearance had rekindled that desire—to love deeply, to love a woman, and then to marry.

He didn’t want to be bound. He was a man of flesh and blood. His parents had arranged his marriage, and he’d tried to resist, but he could find no reason to oppose them. Cheng Manli was so outstanding—if his only reason was simply that he didn’t love her, then what exactly did he love?

Whatever his reasons, Nian Yuchen wanted to help her. Whatever the motive, he would help her, no matter what.

Mai Xijun gazed at Nian Yuchen’s tall, broad back as he walked away. She stood in place, thinking—of course, it couldn’t be that easy for him to agree to help her. She’d have to wait. Perhaps ten days, half a month, or maybe she’d never hear from him again…

Or maybe he’d just said something polite, and she’d foolishly believed it. They barely knew each other—why would he go out of his way for her?

Nian Yuchen noticed the sudden silence behind him. Frowning, he turned and looked at the woman, her eyes half-closed in the sunlight, her brows drawn together as she stared at him.

After a moment’s thought, Nian Yuchen smiled calmly and returned to her side. “This place enforces strict rules—private visits are forbidden. Trust me, if I find a way, I’ll arrange for you to come.”

“Give me your phone,” he said, reaching out his hand and taking out his own.

“Oh…” Mai Xijun obediently handed her phone over.

As she watched Nian Yuchen’s deft movements, his handsome face illuminated in the dazzling sunlight, Mai Xijun thought, if he really helped her see her mother, it would feel like the reward of countless lifetimes’ good karma. She truly believed it.

“All done. This is my number. I’ll contact you once I find a way.” With elegant movements, Nian Yuchen returned her phone, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if they’d known each other for years, with no need for formality.

Mai Xijun glanced at the screen, noting the number he’d entered and the name—“Little Yu.” As expected, even his nickname was as enchanting as the man himself.

“If you don’t want a ride, so be it. I’ll be off, then.” Nian Yuchen smiled steadily at her before turning away, and Mai Xijun watched him leave without saying a word.

A true enchantment—a man with the height of a conqueror and the beauty of a dream had appeared once more…