TDLVSC 46

"Expect a reunion day?" Jin Shiya let out a bitter smile. How she wished there would be a day when she could meet Noland again, but deep down, she knew that possibility was slim.

Being the daughter of a wealthy family, Jin Shiya understood just how vast the gap between them was. Even with Bai Yongyan, who was so far out of her reach, she had to give her all to even have the chance to stand by his side. How could she, a mere assistant to a secretary, ever bridge the distance to someone as distant as Noland? She had no clue where Noland was from, and the fact that even Chen Zichen couldn’t find any information about his background, not to mention the warning she had received after just taking a single step into this world, only served to remind her of her limitations.

It had been a little over a month since she had met Noland, and she still didn’t even know where he came from. And yet, he had spoken of a "reunion day"—but what was the point of that?

Sitting on the sofa in the VIP waiting room, Jin Shiya felt defeated. Because of Noland, no one else was expected to enter the room just yet. She didn’t understand why, after just a little over a month, parting felt so sorrowful. Maybe it was because this could be the last time they met. Maybe it was because... Noland had been so kind to her.

Despite his self-centeredness, domineering attitude, and sharp tongue, this older man had been genuinely good to her—without expecting anything in return. He embraced her in his own way, and even while being sarcastic or dismissive, he was kind and gentle. That kind of kindness was something Jin Shiya had never experienced from the men around her.

Her father was kind, but there was always a sense of distance. He was often serious with her, especially as she grew older. Chen Zichen was gentle, but that was his nature with everyone. Bai Yongyan was occasionally kind, but never to the extent that Noland had been to her.

Their constant bickering, yet the undeniable sense of care and affection—it was something Jin Shiya had never felt from anyone else in her life... except Noland.

This feeling, this kind of attention, should have come from a parent. But in reality, her mother had passed away when Jin Shiya was still young. Her mother, who had been a strong woman in the business world, had left Jin Shiya behind after a tragic plane crash. Jin Shiya didn’t have much of an impression of her mother. She had been even busier than her father, rarely having time to care for her. When she passed, it had been too early for Jin Shiya to really process or form any lasting memories. All she had left of her mother was the symbol of "mother"—nothing else.

Her father had taken over the family business after her mother’s death and expanded it. He became even busier and had less time for her. He made sure to provide for her material needs and kept a close eye on her academic progress, but rarely showed interest in her personal life. His version of "caring" was simply asking if she was doing well each day.

And then Noland arrived, making Jin Shiya experience, for the first time in her life, what it felt like to be cared for unconditionally.

She didn’t have romantic feelings for him, but she longed for his tenderness.

"What am I even doing..." Jin Shiya placed her hands on her forehead. The scarf Noland had left behind had slipped off her shoulder. Even though he was leaving, he still thought of her. The weather had turned cold quickly, and the sudden drop in temperature made it feel like winter had already arrived. Jin Shiya hadn't yet switched to her winter clothing.

She didn’t feel cold at first, but when she wrapped Noland’s scarf around herself, she realized just how chilly it had become. Winter was definitely here, and it was cold outside.

"I don’t even know when we’ll meet again. What am I doing here?" Jin Shiya muttered, feeling conflicted. She stood up from the sofa, wrapped the scarf tightly around her neck, and left the waiting room.

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TDLVSC 46