Coming Ashore

Everyone in North City knew that second young master Shen from the jade family had a razor-sharp carving knife. One jade statue from his hands was so exquisitely crafted it seemed beyond human hands, and once it was put out for sale, people fought over it before anyone else could lay a hand on it.

Inside the private gallery he ran were only the finest pieces, until one day a ruby necklace designed by a newcomer was placed in the display case at the entrance. The meaning was obvious, and the whole circle erupted in an uproar.

When asked about it, Shen Yicheng looked perfectly calm. “It looks good. Why not?”

Everyone knew in their hearts that if Master Shen wanted to champion someone, no one dared say no.

*

When Ning Jia was eighteen and fell on hard times, she had no choice but to turn to her father’s friend, Shen Yicheng.

Over the next few years in the Shen family, she wanted for nothing. Food, clothing, living expenses, connections, reputation, anything she asked for, she got. In the end, Shen Yicheng even paid for himself.

Who would have thought that she had boarded his ship, only to settle everything and disembark so gracefully.

*

Their reunion came at a glittering gala. The rising jewelry designer Ning Jia was dressed in a magnificent qipao, outshining everyone. Amid the glow of pearls and jade, she pressed her red lips together, kept half a step of distance, and lowered her eyes to call him, “Uncle Shen.”

Shen Yicheng seemed to return to that scorching summer day, when she had kissed his lips and called him the same way. Their ears and temples had brushed together, intimate and close, devout and fervent.

*

1. Scheming white rabbit × bodhisattva fox.
2. 1v1, only each other, HE.
3. Age gap of 10.