Chapter 281: Seeing Objects and Thinking of People

The two walked one after the other into the yard, passing through the blooming front garden and directly into the grand building.

The familiarity of the place slowly eased Fang Zhou’s initial tension.

Everything, from the decor, furnishings, and furniture to the decorations, was exactly the same as it had been years ago.

The further they walked, the more astonished Fang Zhou became.

How did he seem to see several things that he had left behind?

For instance, the huge Lego bear in front of the living room TV cabinet, which stood half as tall as a person.

Wasn’t that something he built when he lived here?

He still remembered how he got into crafting, influenced by his sister, but his focus was on bricks and Legos.

When Han Xi was about to turn 27, he thought of gifting her this Lego bear.

To keep it a surprise, he spent several nights working on it, mostly because their schedules overlapped heavily, and he only had time to work on it after she had fallen asleep.

The end result was impressive, and Han Xi loved it, placing it prominently in the house, a response to Fang Zhou’s heartfelt effort.

“Why did you keep it?”

Fang Zhou stopped, his eyes fixed on the Lego bear.

He was momentarily lost, recalling those nights he secretly got up to build the Lego.

Actions speak louder than words. He realized that he had once loved Han Xi sincerely.

Han Xi noticed his gaze and slightly raised an eyebrow, responding calmly, “It looks nice, so I kept it.”

Because you made it, of course, I couldn’t throw it away.

Even though they had broken up at the time, and she had considered getting rid of his things, she ultimately couldn’t.

Keeping them allowed her to see objects and think of the person, while throwing them away would make everything disappear, leaving nothing behind.

Fang Zhou didn’t believe Han Xi’s words at all.

Kept it because it looked nice? She was a billionaire; she had seen countless beautiful things. How could she keep something made by her ex-boyfriend just because it looked nice?

Moreover, he was the man who had dumped her ruthlessly. She should be so angry that she would want to smash it, not keep it.

There was only one reason why she kept these things.

Fang Zhou suddenly felt his heart hit by something, not too hard but noticeable. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Han Xi’s genuine feelings.

People say a pure heart is precious, but the genuine heart of a strong woman who has weathered countless storms is even more important, isn’t it?

He suddenly felt a bit despicable, having done many presumptuous things, relying on Han Xi’s endless tolerance.

If Han Xi didn’t care about him or truly hated him, Fang Zhou might not have made it to where he was today.

He lowered his eyes, pushing all those complicated emotions deep inside, letting them ferment alone.

The two walked through the living room and approached the spiral staircase to go upstairs.

There were the clothes and props Han Xi had arranged on the way, now ready to be used.

“Miss.”

At the entrance to the second floor stood the old butler with a polite smile, his hair meticulously groomed, looking like a programmed robot.

“Uncle Luo.”

Han Xi nodded at the old butler, smiling slightly, showing a sense of relaxation one has with familiar people.

The old butler had been transferred from the old house to take care of Han Xi’s daily life. He had watched Han Xi grow up and knew all her habits, noticing even the smallest details.

Fang Zhou saw the silver-haired old man and felt a pang of anxiety.

The old butler wouldn’t still remember him, would he?

When Fang Zhou and Han Xi were together, the old butler had taken great care of him, extending his kindness as an extension of his affection for Han Xi.

In his words: “Miss is in her first relationship, and she might not handle everything maturely. I hope you can be understanding. Of course, I’m Miss’s butler, and when you get married, I’ll be yours too.”

“Feel free to ask if you need anything.”

But three months after being with Han Xi, Fang Zhou had dumped her.

Fang Zhou suddenly felt extremely guilty.

He lowered his eyes, wishing he could find a hole to hide in.

He finally understood that there’s always payback in life, and the sins he committed would eventually catch up to him.

The old butler was equally surprised to see Fang Zhou, thinking: What is he doing here?

But having worked for so many years, having faced numerous great and small events, he quickly hid his emotions.

He nodded politely at Fang Zhou and then gestured for them to proceed.

“All the things you requested have been prepared. You can check them, and if anything’s missing, I’ll find it.”

The old butler’s eyes remained calm and unperturbed, treating Fang Zhou as just another guest.

Fang Zhou’s guilt and anxiety faded a bit when he realized the old butler wasn’t treating him any differently.

That was for the best. Otherwise, he’d have to put on a face thicker than the city wall.

Han Xi acknowledged, then led Fang Zhou to an enormous room on the second floor, where they saw several rows of neatly arranged clothes and numerous props for the photoshoot on the floor.

The other half of the room was set up with four or five different scenes to choose from.

Even though Fang Zhou had mentally prepared himself, he was still shocked when his eyes fell on the props.

A whip, a collar, and candles?

Oh god, was it too late to leave now?

Perhaps due to Fang Zhou’s terrified gaze, the old butler’s previously calm expression became somewhat amused.

He thought Miss Han had finally opened her heart to accept another man, only to realize it was still Fang Zhou.

If these props were used on him, it would be quite fitting.

After all, those who betray Miss Han deserve some punishment.

“What do you think, Miss? Are these sufficient? If not, I can find more.”

The old butler asked Han Xi with a cheerful smile, showcasing his unwavering loyalty to the family.

Fang Zhou had no doubt that if Han Xi wanted to chop someone, the old butler would hand her the knife with a smile and ask, “Is your hand tired, Miss? Should I do it?”

“That should be enough. You can go now, Uncle Luo.”

Han Xi nodded gently, already at the table where a camera worth tens of thousands was placed.

The old butler smiled faintly and quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Fang Zhou watched Han Xi’s actions, surprised.

Was she going to take the photos herself?