Long Fantasy Romance Novel

〈The Reissued Youth〉17

76. The Shadow in the Lonely Waiting Room

The corridor of the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient area was filled with a quiet yet tense atmosphere.

The electronic number display on the wall kept changing, and occasionally the gentle voice of a nurse calling patients could be heard.

Rows of chairs lined both sides of the corridor. Pregnant women waiting for their appointments and their family members sat there. Some spoke softly, while others gently touched their swollen bellies, their faces filled with anticipation for welcoming a new life.

A young pregnant woman leaned against her husband’s shoulder as the two of them quietly discussed what name they should give their baby after birth.

Nearby, a little girl nestled beside her mother, curiously touching her mother’s belly and smiling as she asked when the baby inside would come out.

These warm scenes, however, fell into Zhang Yahui’s eyes and caused an indescribable ache to rise in her heart.

She sat alone in a corner.

There was no husband accompanying her, nor any family member by her side.

She lowered her head and looked at her own hands, her fingers unconsciously intertwined.

She had originally only wanted to confirm her physical condition.

Yet after arriving here, she never expected that seeing couples accompanying each other would make a deep loneliness surge within her heart.

She secretly looked toward a couple not far away.

The husband carefully poured water for his wife and repeatedly asked whether she felt uncomfortable.

That kind of naturally revealed care was something she had never truly possessed.

Zhang Yahui’s eyes dimmed slightly.

She thought of Cai Shinan.

If the person accompanying her today were him...

The moment this thought appeared, she immediately lowered her head and tried hard to push the emotion back into the depths of her heart.

She knew that Shi Nan’s heart belonged to Shi Meilin.

And the only thing she could do now was face her own problem.

At that moment, the door of the examination room opened.

A nurse walked out holding the appointment number sheet and called toward the waiting area.

"Number 13, Miss Zhang."

Zhang Yahui froze for a moment, then immediately came back to herself.

"I’m here."

She picked up the documents in her hand and slowly stood up.

With every step toward the examination room, her emotions grew heavier.

Inside the examination room, the doctor sat in front of a computer reviewing the information.

Zhang Yahui sat on the chair opposite him, both hands resting on her knees, her expression somewhat nervous.

The doctor looked up at her and asked gently,

"Miss Zhang, are you here today for a pregnancy test or for a physical examination?"

"A physical examination."

The doctor nodded.

"Where are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Zhang Yahui was silent for a moment before answering softly.

"Recently... I have had abnormal vaginal bleeding."

She paused briefly.

"And there has also been some thick discharge."

The doctor lowered his head to record the information and continued asking,

"What color is the discharge approximately?"

"Brown."

Zhang Yahui frowned slightly.

"And it has a rotten odor."

The doctor raised his head, his expression becoming more focused.

"May I ask, have you had frequent sexual activity before?"

Zhang Yahui was startled.

She then shook her head.

"No."

Her voice was very soft.

"Never."

After a pause, she added,

"I... have never had a boyfriend."

She looked at the doctor, anxiety appearing in her eyes.

"Doctor, what kind of problem could this possibly be?"

The doctor did not answer immediately.

Instead, he first comforted her.

"We cannot determine the cause yet."

"I will first arrange an ultrasound examination for you to check the condition inside your pelvic cavity."

He looked through the examination form.

"However, some gynecological conditions require further confirmation. An internal examination may be necessary."

Zhang Yahui nodded.

Although she felt afraid inside, she knew that she had to face it.

At that moment, the nurse walked in.

"Miss Zhang, please come behind the curtain."

The nurse pointed toward the examination bed.

"Please remove your undergarments first, then lie down on the bed. We will help you with the examination."

"Okay."

Zhang Yahui answered softly.

She stood up and walked behind the curtain.

The thick curtain separated her from the outside world, and also separated her from the anxiety she was feeling at that moment.

She slowly removed her clothing and lay down on the examination bed.

The cold examination bed caused her body to stiffen slightly.

The nurse approached and gently comforted her.

"Don’t be nervous. Relax."

Afterward, the nurse applied a layer of transparent lubricating gel to her lower abdomen.

Not long after, the doctor entered the examination area.

He picked up the ultrasound instrument and slowly moved it across Zhang Yahui’s lower abdomen.

Images of the inside of her pelvic cavity gradually appeared on the screen.

In the black-and-white images, the conditions of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues could be clearly seen.

The doctor stared at the screen.

His eyebrows slowly tightened.

He adjusted the image magnification and enlarged the picture.

The examination room suddenly became silent.

Zhang Yahui lay on the bed.

Feeling the doctor’s silence, anxiety gradually grew in her heart.

After a moment, the doctor spoke.

"Miss Zhang..."

His tone was more serious than before.

"There are two tumors on your left ovary, one large and one small."

At that instant, Zhang Yahui’s entire body froze.

"Oh..."

She let out a soft sound.

It was only a brief syllable, yet it struck her like a heavy blow, causing her mind to instantly go blank.

She stared at the ceiling, her fingers tightly gripping the bedsheet.

The happy scenes she had just seen in the waiting room suddenly felt distant.

She had originally thought she was only here to confirm a minor health issue.

Yet she never expected that what awaited her might be an unknown trial of life.

Outside the window, the sunlight remained bright.

But at this moment, Zhang Yahui’s heart felt as if it had been covered by a layer of shadow.

77. A Test in the Fragrance of Coffee

In the afternoon, Taipei’s sunlight streamed down onto the streets through the gaps between the towering buildings.

Inside a boutique café located in the city center, gentle music slowly flowed through the air, and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans filled the space.

Beside the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the street, a man and a woman sat talking.

Shi Meilin and Lin Wenbin sat across from each other.

On the table, a cup of steaming black coffee released a faint fragrance, while in front of Shi Meilin sat a glass of fresh fruit juice.

Her expression was focused. She rested both hands lightly on the table, listening to Lin Wenbin speak.

Lin Wenbin wore a perfectly tailored suit.

His manner was refined and elegant, and when he spoke, he carried the confidence and composure unique to a business leader.

"Meilin."

He gently placed down the coffee cup in his hand, his tone sincere.

"After Beauty Company and Focus Company complete the cross-industry alliance, we plan to establish a new creative department."

He looked at Shi Meilin, admiration showing in his eyes.

"I hope to invite you to become the Creative Director."

Shi Meilin was slightly startled.

Lin Wenbin continued,

"The main reason is that I truly recognize your ability in the field of fashion design."

"You are not only creative, but you also understand the market and consumer psychology."

Shi Meilin gave a polite smile.

"President Lin, thank you for your appreciation."

She lifted the glass of fruit juice and took a small sip.

"However, I also have my own career plans at Focus right now."

Lin Wenbin nodded.

He did not rush to persuade her.

Instead, he shifted the direction of the conversation.

"Actually, with your abilities, Meilin, you could completely establish your own design company and stand on your own."

Shi Meilin looked at him.

Lin Wenbin spoke calmly.

"If you are willing to start a business, I have the capital and can provide assistance."

Shi Meilin remained silent for a moment.

She knew that this was a very attractive proposal.

However, she was not shaken by the opportunity before her.

"Thank you for your kindness."

She smiled and said,

"But I would like to accumulate more experience first and go through more professional training for a period of time."

Lin Wenbin nodded with admiration.

"Very good."

"People with true ability usually do not rush to prove themselves."

He picked up his coffee cup and took a gentle sip.

"However, if you ever have the idea of starting a business in the future, please tell me anytime."

"My promise will not change."

Shi Meilin nodded.

"Thank you."

A brief silence fell between them.

After a moment, Lin Wenbin suddenly asked as if unintentionally,

"By the way, I heard that... you have a boyfriend who runs a bed-and-breakfast?"

Shi Meilin was slightly startled.

She had not expected the conversation to suddenly shift to her private relationship.

But soon, she regained her composure, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

"Yes."

Lin Wenbin looked at her.

"Meilin."

His tone remained gentle.

"You actually have better choices."

Shi Meilin looked at him for several seconds, then suddenly smiled.

"Is that a kind of hint?"

Lin Wenbin smiled as well.

He did not deny it.

"Perhaps it is."

He looked out at the people passing along the street outside the window.

"The cosmetics industry and the fashion industry have always been complementary fields."

"If the two companies cooperate, understand each other, and support each other, it may not be a bad thing."

Shi Meilin understood what he meant.

She placed the cup down and her expression became serious.

"President Lin."

"I dont think feelings need to become entangled with career."

Lin Wenbin looked at her, and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"Just as I expected."

He smiled.

"You really are different from ordinary people."

"Not only in appearance, but also in the way you think."

Shi Meilin smiled faintly.

"Actually, I do not want to rely on a man."

She looked at Lin Wenbin, her tone firm.

"I only hope that my future partner can respect my career and respect my choices."

Lin Wenbin nodded.

"I understand."

"Because both you and I have lived, studied, and experienced life in Britain and Europe."

"That kind of environment shaped the independent way of thinking we have today."

He paused, then revealed a confident smile.

"I believe that in the future, we will cooperate very well."

Shi Meilin also smiled and nodded.

She knew that Lin Wenbin was an outstanding entrepreneur.

However, love was not something that could be decided simply by whether someone had excellent qualifications or not.

The two of them stood up.

Lin Wenbin extended his hand.

"May our cooperation be successful."

Shi Meilin also extended her hand and politely shook his.

"May our cooperation be successful, President Lin."

Their hands briefly met and soon separated.

Looking at her, Lin Wenbin suddenly asked,

"Would I have the honor of inviting you to lunch?"

Shi Meilin glanced at her watch and showed an apologetic smile.

"No, thank you."

"There are still some things at the company that I need to handle."

She picked up her handbag.

"Ill take my leave first, President Lin."

"All right."

Lin Wenbin nodded.

Shi Meilin turned and left the café.

Sunlight entered through the glass windows, and her figure gradually disappeared into the crowd.

Lin Wenbin remained seated where he was, quietly watching the direction in which she had left.

There was no disappointment on his face.

Instead, there was a deeper sense of admiration.

This woman was indeed different from the women he had met in the past.

She was beautiful, yet she did not depend on her beauty.

She possessed charm, yet she was not easily controlled by that charm.

And precisely because of this, she made him want to understand her more deeply.

78. A Birthday Invitation in the Sea Breeze

That afternoon at Baisha Fishing Harbor, sunlight scattered across the deep blue sea, and the sparkling reflections danced with the waves.

Along the pier, yachts and sightseeing fishing boats were docked one after another. Tourists carried cameras, moving between the vessels, eagerly waiting to board the boats and head out to sea to admire the coastal scenery.

Among them, a sightseeing fishing boat with the words "Cai Family Happiness" painted on its side quietly rested at the harbor.

After a period of preparation and learning, this boat had become Cai Shinan’s new business venture that he had worked hard to build.

Cai Shinan walked down from the cockpit onto the deck, a satisfied smile on his face.

He wore simple casual clothes. His skin had become slightly tanned from the sea breeze, yet his entire presence carried a sense of freedom and steadiness.

Just as he was preparing to inspect the equipment on the boat, a familiar voice came from behind him.

"Brother Cai!"

Cai Shinan turned around and saw You Sihai and Li Mingde walking toward him.

Both of them had smiles on their faces.

You Sihai patted the side of the boat and carefully examined the new vessel.

"Is this new boat easy to handle?"

He asked with a smile,

"I heard from Mingde that you already passed your captains license exam?"

Cai Shinan smiled and nodded.

"Of course."

He patted Li Mingde on the shoulder.

"If it werent for Mingde as my instructor, watching me train every day for a month, how could I have gotten the hang of it so quickly?"

Li Mingde smiled.

"Brother Cai learns quickly. Many things only need a little explanation before he understands them."

You Sihai nodded.

"Looks like Brother Cai is really going to become a boat owner in the future."

The three of them laughed.

After chatting for a while, Cai Shinan suddenly thought of something and looked at You Sihai.

"By the way, why havent you asked my younger sister out recently?"

You Sihai’s originally cheerful expression suddenly became somewhat awkward.

He scratched his head and gave an embarrassed smile.

"Well... its actually because I feel embarrassed."

Cai Shinan raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

You Sihai sighed.

"Your younger sister said on the phone that she has been too busy recently to get away, and she also said that she wants to return to school and continue studying."

"She also said... that she isnt in a hurry to date right now."

After hearing this, Cai Shinan smiled.

"Thats just how she is. Give her a few more years."

Looking at You Sihai, he comforted him.

"Anyway, both of you are still young. Theres no need to rush."

You Sihai nodded.

"Thats the only thing we can do."

He glanced at the time.

"All right, we should go take care of our work first. Brother Cai, well talk again when we have time."

"Okay."

Cai Shinan waved his hand.

You Sihai and Li Mingde turned around and walked toward the other side of the pier.

The sea breeze blew across the harbor once again.

Cai Shinan stood beside the boat, looking at his sightseeing fishing boat.

A solid sense of achievement rose in his heart.

At that moment, the phone in his pocket suddenly rang.

He took out his phone and saw the name displayed on the screen.

The corner of his mouth unconsciously lifted.

—Shi Meilin.

He answered the call.

"Hello?"

From the other end came a familiar voice with a hint of a playful, slightly spoiled tone.

"Shinan? Its me, Meilin."

Cai Shinan smiled slightly.

"Oh, Meilin."

There was a brief silence on the other end.

Then Shi Meilin deliberately raised her voice.

"Why havent you called me recently?"

"What? Are you still angry with me?"

Leaning against the side of the boat and looking at the distant sea, Cai Shinan smiled faintly.

"No."

"Ive just been very busy with work recently. How would I even have time to be angry?"

Hearing this, Shi Meilins tone softened slightly.

"Really?"

"Mm."

"All right."

She paused for a moment, as if confirming his attitude.

Then she said,

"The company will hold a spring fashion show next weekend."

"That day also happens to be my birthday."

Cai Shinan listened quietly.

Shi Meilin continued,

"After the fashion show ends, come back to my place with me and celebrate my birthday together."

Cai Shinan was slightly stunned.

"Oh."

The moment the word left his mouth, Shi Meilin’s dissatisfied voice immediately came from the other end.

"Oh what?"

"Are you coming or not?"

Her tone carried a little command, but also a little expectation.

"Answer me with one simple sentence."

Cai Shinan could not help laughing.

He knew this was exactly Shi Meilin’s personality.

Direct, strong-willed, and accustomed to expressing exactly what she wanted.

But he also knew that this woman had indeed been slowly entering his life.

"All right."

He finally answered.

"Ill go."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

Then Shi Meilin’s voice became noticeably brighter.

"Thats more like it."

After ending the call, Cai Shinan put away his phone.

He looked at the endless sea before him.

Yet a complicated feeling emerged in his heart.

He knew that Shi Meilin was waiting for him to move closer.

But the future between him and her—

which direction would it ultimately sail toward?

Like the ocean before his eyes, no one could predict in advance where the next wave would carry the boat.

79. Design Philosophy and the Choice of Love

Inside the design department of Focus Fashion Company, the air was filled with a busy yet creative atmosphere.

The walls were covered with the latest seasonal fashion design sketches. Various fabric samples and color-matching materials were scattered across the desks.

Several designers were quietly discussing details, and from time to time, the sounds of papers being flipped and keyboards being typed could be heard.

Shi Meilin sat at the conference table, holding the revised design drafts from Li Keni, carefully examining every detail.

Sitting beside her, Li Keni and Yan Yongkang waited attentively for her evaluation.

After a while, Shi Meilin put down the drafts, a satisfied smile appearing on her face.

"Keni."

She pointed at several pink-toned suit designs.

"You made very good revisions to this series."

"The use of colors is more mature than before, and it is also closer to consumers’ aesthetic preferences."

Hearing this, Li Keni’s eyes lit up.

She had originally been somewhat nervous, but at this moment, she could not help showing a smile.

"Really?"

She smiled and said,

"I was actually worried that Director Shi would think my designs were too flashy."

Shi Meilin shook her head.

"No."

She picked up one of the design drawings and explained carefully.

"Our target customers are mature young women."

"Women in this age group want to show a sense of youth, but they also hope to maintain mature charm."

"Therefore, the design cannot be only glamorous."

"It needs to have romance within liveliness, and confidence within elegance."

Li Keni listened seriously and nodded from time to time.

"Director Shi, I understand."

Yan Yongkang, sitting nearby, could not help laughing after hearing this.

"You girls really are more attentive."

Shi Meilin raised her head and looked at him.

"Yongkang."

She smiled slightly.

"It is not that we are more attentive."

"It is that you need to learn to put yourself in the position of a customer."

She picked up the design drafts.

"A designer cannot only think from their own perspective. They must start from the needs of consumers."

Yan Yongkang touched his nose and gave a helpless smile.

"I certainly understand that principle."

He pointed at the design drafts and deliberately said,

"But... I cant really buy these clothes and wear them myself, can I?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Meilin and Li Keni both burst into laughter.

"Yongkang, your way of thinking is really a mans way of thinking."

Li Keni said with a laugh.

Yan Yongkang shrugged.

"I’m just telling the truth."

The small joke relaxed the atmosphere in the office considerably.

Just then, Shi Meilin’s phone on the desk suddenly rang.

She picked up the phone and saw the name displayed on the screen.

Her expression changed slightly.

—Lin Wenbin.

She walked to the side to answer the call.

"Hello?"

From the other end came Lin Wenbin’s gentle and polite voice.

"Miss Shi, this is Lin Wenbin."

"I wonder if I would have the honor of inviting you to lunch today?"

Shi Meilin glanced at her colleagues in the office and replied calmly,

"I’m sorry, President Lin. I already have plans with my boyfriend at noon."

There was an obvious pause on the other end of the phone.

Lin Wenbin seemed somewhat surprised.

"Your boyfriend?"

"Yes."

Shi Meilin answered without hesitation.

Lin Wenbin remained silent for a moment, then asked,

"Then... what about tonight?"

Shi Meilin’s tone remained unchanged.

"Tonight does not work either. I need to spend time with my boyfriend."

This time, a trace of disappointment appeared in Lin Wenbin’s voice.

"I see..."

He paused.

"Then perhaps another day. When the time comes, I hope you will give me the honor."

Shi Meilin did not answer immediately.

She only said politely,

"We’ll see."

Then she pressed the end-call button.

After returning to her seat, Li Keni could not help asking curiously,

"Director, who was it?"

Shi Meilin’s expression remained calm.

"President Lin from Beauty Cosmetics Company."

Li Keni widened her eyes.

"That handsome general manager?"

She leaned closer.

"He asked you out?"

Shi Meilin nodded.

"Yes."

"But I don’t have time to accompany him."

Li Keni showed a regretful expression.

"What a pity."

Shi Meilin looked at her.

"A pity for what? I already have a boyfriend."

Li Keni smiled.

"That doesn’t matter!"

"Unless you have already decided that he is the one, wouldn’t getting to know men of different types give you more choices?"

Hearing this, Yan Yongkang could not help interrupting.

"Keni."

He raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

"With a strategy of keeping multiple options open like yours, I’m afraid men wouldn’t be able to accept it, right?"

Li Keni immediately argued back.

"Why can men keep multiple options open, but women cannot?"

She crossed her arms, looking completely justified.

"This is an era of gender equality!"

Yan Yongkang smiled and shook his head.

Watching the two of them argue, Shi Meilin could not help laughing.

She gently shook her head.

"Keni. My way of thinking is rather old-fashioned."

Li Keni blinked.

"Old-fashioned?"

Yan Yongkang immediately corrected her.

"Director, it should be called conservative."

"It means being more traditional."

Shi Meilin shrugged, a faint smile on her lips.

She said in English:

"Yes, Conservative."

Li Keni and Yan Yongkang looked at each other and smiled.

However, no one noticed that when Shi Meilin said those words, what showed in her eyes was not conservatism, but a kind of persistence toward love.

She believed that love was not a comparison, nor was it a multiple-choice question.

Once the truly important person was recognized, there was no need to search for any other answers.

80. An Invitation with Casa Blanca Lilies

In the afternoon, the design department of Focus Fashion Company was still filled with the busy atmosphere of work.

Stacks of design materials were piled on the desks, and the computer screens displayed the revised drafts for the latest seasonal clothing collection.

Shi Meilin sat at her desk, carefully examining every detail.

The pencil in her hand occasionally left revision marks on the design drafts.

To her, design was not merely a job, but also a commitment to beauty and quality.

At that moment, a knock came from outside the office door.

Someone from a flower shop arrived, delivering a large bouquet of Casa Blanca lilies.

The pure white flowers gave off an elegant and delicate fragrance.

The packaging was exquisite, and beside the flowers was an attached card bearing a signature.

After signing for the delivery, Shi Meilin only glanced at it briefly.

She opened the card and saw the signature written on it—

Lin Wenbin.

The message on the card was simple and polite, inviting her to have dinner together that evening.

She remained silent for a moment.

There was no special expression on her face.

She simply placed the card back beside the bouquet, then moved the bouquet of Casa Blanca lilies to the tea table in the corner of the office.

After that, she returned to her desk and continued handling her work.

To her, flowers were beautiful.

But beautiful flowers could not change the choice in her heart.

After a while, Li Keni entered the office carrying the revised design drafts.

"Director."

She walked to the desk, preparing to report the design progress, but suddenly noticed the bouquet of Casa Blanca lilies on the tea table.

She stopped walking, her eyes widening slightly.

"Wow..."

Li Keni walked closer and carefully looked at the flowers.

"Casa Blanca lilies."

She turned back toward Shi Meilin, an envious smile appearing on her face.

"President Lin is really thoughtful."

"He specially sent flowers and even invited Director to dinner."

She gently smelled the fragrance of the flowers and could not help sighing.

"How romantic."

Shi Meilin continued looking down at the design drafts in her hands, showing little reaction.

"If you like those flowers, take them."

Li Keni was stunned.

"Really?"

Her eyes immediately lit up.

"Thank you, Director!"

She reached out and gently touched the petals, her face filled with delight.

Seeing her reaction, Shi Meilin could not help smiling.

"Not just the flowers."

She picked up the card on the desk and glanced at it.

"I am simply too busy with my work right now."

"You can go to this dinner in my place."

Li Keni stopped moving.

She looked at Shi Meilin in surprise.

"What? But..."

"President Lin invited you."

Shi Meilin’s expression remained natural.

"Just tell him that I have been busy revising the design drafts recently and truly cannot spare the time."

"Please attend the appointment on my behalf."

She pointed at the card.

"The restaurant entrance ticket is attached."

Li Keni picked up the card and looked at it.

Deep down, she actually felt somewhat excited.

After all, Lin Wenbin was not only a young and successful entrepreneur, but also an ideal partner in the eyes of many women.

However, she suddenly thought of something.

"But... is this really okay?"

She looked at Shi Meilin.

"After all, President Lin originally wanted to invite you to dinner."

Shi Meilin put down her pen and looked up at her.

"Keni."

Her tone was calm.

"This is only a business dinner."

"Besides, I believe you can handle it very well."

Hearing her director say this, the last bit of concern in Li Keni’s heart slowly disappeared.

A smile appeared uncontrollably at the corner of her mouth.

"Then... all right. Ill go."

Shi Meilin nodded.

"Thank you."

Li Keni picked up the bouquet of Casa Blanca lilies, holding it as if she were holding an unexpected surprise.

When she reached the doorway, she could not help turning back to look at Shi Meilin.

At that moment, Shi Meilin was still focused on her design work, her head lowered.

Li Keni silently sighed in her heart.

The director really was different from ordinary women.

If someone else encountered such an outstanding man showing interest in her, she would probably have been overjoyed already.

But Shi Meilin could remain so calm and maintain such distance.

Holding the Casa Blanca lilies, Li Keni left the office in a cheerful mood.

And that bouquet of flowers, which had originally symbolized an invitation, ultimately led another woman toward an unexpected encounter.