Chapter 277: Mountain Sanctuary

Runze’s POV

The quiet hum of the engine and the soft crunch of tires against the gravel mark our departure from the estate.

Behind us, a black car carrying four of our private security guards pulls out at a discreet distance, their headlights trailing smoothly behind our car as we merge onto the main highway leading out of the city.

Bael sits beside me in the back seat, still looking slightly dazed. He has his wool coat unbuttoned, his long legs stretched out into the footwell.

"I still can’t quite believe Shen Rui went along with this," Bael murmurs, leaning his head back against the leather headrest. "He had a full binder of talking points prepared for tomorrow’s dinner."

"He was hesitant at first," I smile, unzipping the tote bag Mrs. Wen packed for us before we left. "But once I told him Grandmother supported it and that she’d be handling the formal side, he agreed right away."

I pull out a container of almond pastries and a thermos of jujube tea. I hand a small pastry to Bael, who takes a bite with a faint, incredulous laugh, the weary tightness around his eyes finally beginning to ease.

In her padded car seat anchored securely beside us, Siying lets out a soft, contented babble, her tiny hand brushing against the plush bear I tucked near her shoulder. Bael’s mouth curves into a faint, gentle smile. He reaches over and gently brushes his knuckle against her palm, letting her grip curl tightly around his finger while he finishes his pastry with his free hand.

"Hand over your work phone," I say gently, holding out my open palm.

Bael looks at me for a second, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone, presses the power button until the screen goes black, and drops it into my hand.

I zip it into the inner pocket of my bag.

"There," I say, leaning over to rest my head against his shoulder as the city lights gradually fade into the dark silhouette of the northern mountain range. "No calls, no reports, no speeches."

Bael turns his head, pressing a lingering kiss against the top of my hair, his fingers tightening around mine. "Best decision ever made."

Two hours later, Liang Feng turns down a private stone driveway lined with tall bamboo hedges, bringing the car to a stop in front of a secluded courtyard villa. The security detail quietly secures the outer perimeter while Liang Feng helps us carry the luggage inside.

The villa is built in a serene, traditional style—warm wooden pillars, stone courtyards, and floor-to-ceiling glass that frames a sweeping view of the dark mountain valley. Tucked into the private inner courtyard, steam rises gently from a heated outdoor swimming pool surrounded by smooth river stones and illuminated by soft, low-standing lanterns.

After settling Siying into the portable crib in the adjoining bedroom and ensuring she is fast asleep, Bael and I change into comfortable linen clothes.

While we were settling in, the villa’s private staff discreetly delivered a dinner tray of local mountain specialties to the dining counter, steamed fish with ginger, braised wild mushrooms, and hot broth, before quietly taking their leave to ensure total privacy for the rest of the night.

We sit together on the deep, plush sofa in the living area, enjoying the late meal in quiet comfort. The mountain air outside is cool, but the floor heating keeps the entire room comfortably warm.

When we finish, I pick up the television remote from the coffee table and turn on the large wall display. "Let’s see how the official reception is going."

The live broadcast from the central hotel pops up on screen. The camera fills with flashbulbs, massive flower arrangements, and crowds of business partners in formal attire circulating through the grand ballroom.

A reporter holds a microphone out to Shen Rui, who stands near the main entrance looking impeccably poised in his tailored suit.

"Is it true President Wuchen won’t be attending tonight’s celebration?" the reporter asks eagerly.

Shen Rui offers a calm, perfectly rehearsed smile. "President Wuchen extends his deepest gratitude to all our partners and guests. He is currently attending to a private, high-priority strategic matter outside the city. Madam Wuchen is hosting the evening on behalf of the family."

The camera pans briefly to Grandmother, who looks regal in a deep maroon silk qipao, gracefully accepting a toast from two senior guests without missing a beat.

Bael lets out a low, quiet laugh, resting his chin on my shoulder as he watches the screen.

"Shen Rui really didn’t blink once," Bael whispers, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind, pulling me flush against his chest. "And Grandmother looks like she’s enjoying herself."

"She told me to let them celebrate their own vanity," I say softly, turning my head to look at him.

I click the remote to turn off the television, returning the room to the soft, warm glow of the floor lamps. Bael buries his face in the crook of my neck, taking a deep, long breath, absorbing the absolute silence of the mountains.

I turn slightly in his arms, wrapping my hand around the back of his neck and running my fingers through his hair. He leans into the touch, his eyes fluttering closed as the heavy weight of the past few weeks completely drains out of him. With no corporate schedules to track or alarm clocks set for the morning, the silence between us feels extraordinarily luxurious.

"Thank you, Runze," he murmurs, his voice thick with genuine, quiet emotion. "I don’t think I realized how much I needed this until we stepped through that door."

I glance over at the clock mounted on the wall. The digital numbers tick closer to midnight, marking the official start of his thirtieth year.

I smile, framing his face with my hands and pressing a warm, unhurried kiss against his lips. "Get some rest now. In just a few hours, the whole day belongs to you."