Chapter 276: Quiet Departure

Runze’s POV

Thursday morning brings overcast skies and a cool breeze as Liang Feng brings the car to a stop outside the community gallery site.

Director Luo is already waiting near the entrance, reviewing a set of printed floor plans in her hands.

"Good morning, Mr. Runze," she greets politely, stepping over a stack of cleared tiles. "The crew finished clearing the interior walls yesterday afternoon."

"Good," I say, stepping inside and looking across the open floor. "Let’s double-check the natural light along the main wall before we confirm where the central display stands will go."

We spend the next hour moving through the main hall. I mark out the floor measurements on my sketchbook, checking where the morning light falls and ensuring visitors can move easily through the space.

"The entrance view opens up nicely," I tell Director Luo. "If we keep the middle display low, the main wall will be the first thing people see when they step through the door."

"That fits the foundation’s vision perfectly," Director Luo smiles, holding out the final agreement paperwork. "We’re completely aligned on the schedule. Once you sign here, we can begin work on Monday."

I take the pen, scan the summary dates, and sign my name clearly on the line. After exchanging a brief farewell, I head back out to where Liang Feng is waiting to drive me back to the estate.

By the time I return home, Grandmother is sitting in the sunroom overlooking the private inner courtyard, holding Siying on her lap and gently bouncing her as she turns the pages of a book.

"You’re back," Grandmother says as I enter the room. "She fell asleep for a little while after you left, but she’s been wide awake for the last hour."

"Thank you for watching her, Grandmother," I say, stepping over to carefully take Siying into my arms. I settle into the armchair across from her while Siying coos softly, reaching for the button on my collar. "I wanted to talk to you about Bael’s birthday next week."

Grandmother sets her book aside, her gaze calm and perceptive. "Hmm. The arrangements for the new hotel reception are getting rather noisy. I doubt Bael is looking forward to spending his evening making speeches."

"He isn’t," I reply. "That’s why I want to take him away for three days. Just him, me, and Siying. I’ve booked a quiet, private courtyard villa two hours out of the city."

A faint smile touches Grandmother’s lips. She sits back slowly, adjusting the drape of her shawl. "You intend to pull the head of the Wuchen Group away right before the media expects him at a public banquet?"

"The organizers can still host their event," I say softly. "The guests can celebrate, network, and give their speeches. They just won’t have Bael standing there for hours when he’s already exhausted."

Grandmother lets out a quiet, amused breath, a touch of warm approval in her sharp eyes. "Let them enjoy their banquet without him. He works hard enough for this family. Take him, Runze. I will ensure no one disrupts your plans."

"Thank you, Grandmother." I carry Siying back to her room for her nap, then head down the hall to my study. Instead of calling directly while he might be in a meeting, I send Shen Rui a brief text: Call me when you have a moment.

My phone rings less than a minute later.

"Young Master," Shen Rui’s voice comes through the speaker, crisp and efficient despite the background noise of a busy office. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine," I reply, leaning against my desk. "I need your help with something, and it needs to stay quiet. I need Bael’s schedule completely clear from Friday evening through Sunday evening next week."

There is a short pause on the line. "Clear? The central hotel reception is scheduled for Saturday evening. Several major partners are expecting to see him—"

"Grandmother and you can handle the formal arrangements," I say gently. "I’m taking Bael out of the city for his birthday. He doesn’t know yet."

A long, quiet breath escapes Shen Rui on the other end, his usual rigid tone softening slightly. "I see. The president has been putting in exceptionally long hours this past week trying to clear his desk before the weekend."

"Which is why he needs a real break," I say. "Can you manage it?"

"Consider it done, Young Master. Madam Wuchen and I will handle the guests and inform the press that the head of the company is attending to a private matter. I will personally make sure his phone remains quiet."

"Thank you, Shen Rui."

With Bael putting in extra hours at the office to finish his work before the weekend, my afternoons while Siying rests give me the time I need.

I sit at my desk in the study with the warm lamp turned on, carefully assembling his gift.

On my work mat are smooth pieces of dark walnut wood and clear, polished glass panels. Over the past few days, I’ve been hand-crafting a small miniature model of a project I plan to build for him on the estate grounds—a private, glass-walled tea library nestled into the quiet hillside behind our living quarters.

Using a fine knife, I fit the last small wooden roof beam into place. The tiny structure looks simple and serene, a quiet retreat surrounded by glass, built specifically for him to sit, read, and relax without any corporate demands.

The sound of car tires against the gravel outside tells me Bael is home.

I carefully lift the small wooden model, place it inside the deep bottom drawer of my desk, and push the drawer shut. I step out of the study just as Bael walks down the main hallway.

***

By Friday afternoon, twilight settles softly over the estate.

While Bael finishes his final morning meetings at headquarters, I pack our travel bags, one for him, one for me, and one with everything Siying needs for the weekend.

At four o’clock, the main entrance door opens, Bael steps inside, looking visibly worn out. He loosens his tie with one hand, his mind clearly lingering on the long weekend of public appearances he thinks lies ahead.

"Runze," Bael says softly, setting his briefcase down near the side table. "I need to quickly change. Shen Rui mentioned the evening schedule starts early—"

I walk over to meet him, holding up his comfortable wool coat.

Resting neatly near the doorway, are our three packed travel bags.

Bael stops in his tracks. His eyes move from the coat in my hands to the luggage near the door, a look of genuine confusion crossing his face.

"What is this?" he asks quietly. "The reception..."

I smile, stepping closer to drape the coat over his shoulders.

"There is no reception for you," I say gently, helping him slip his arms into the sleeves. "Shen Rui and Grandmother are taking care of the public tonight. Leave your work phone behind, Bael. We’re leaving."