CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER . 32 DATE

Jason wasn’t sure what to expect when Son Liying messaged him that morning. The text was short—just: "Free today?" followed by a cherry blossom emoji. That was her style. Precise, soft, and impossible to ignore.

By the time he arrived near her residence, she was already waiting at the base of the steps, dressed in a flowing white sundress and a light beige cardigan. Her long black hair was tucked neatly under a soft sunhat. She looked peaceful, but her eyes lit up as soon as they met his.

He gave her a small nod. "Hey."

She didn’t respond with words, only offered a gentle smile and a tiny wave. She motioned toward the sidewalk.

They walked in silence at first, their steps leisurely. Jason picked up a pair of matcha ice creams from a street vendor. She blinked, surprised by the gesture, then gave him a thumbs-up and a quiet nod of thanks.

He glanced sideways at her. "This your idea of a date?"

She raised her phone and typed:

"Maybe."

Jason chuckled. "You don’t talk much, huh?"

She blinked and turned to him, clearly caught off guard by the comment. Her brows knit slightly before she pulled out her phone and began to type.

Jason watched her thumb dance across the screen and pretended to read her reply for the first time.

"I can’t."

Of course, Jason already knew that. The book had made it clear—Son Liying hadn’t spoken a word since the incident in her childhood. It wasn’t just trauma; it was something deeper. She didn’t trust many people, didn’t open up easily. But in the story, it was only after she met the protagonist that she began to bloom again.

Jason wasn’t the protagonist of that story, not really. But he was here now—and she had invited him out.

They never told me she couldn’t speak, Jason thought idly, licking a bit of ice cream off his thumb. I only knew because I read ahead. It would’ve felt weird never acknowledging it at all...

He looked back at her. She wasn’t upset. In fact, her expression was calm, maybe even relieved that he’d brought it up casually rather than tiptoeing around it.

Jason smiled. "Thanks for trusting me."

She paused, then offered a small nod and typed:

"You’re welcome."

She offered a reassuring smile and looked ahead again. The breeze was gentle today, and they made their way toward a quieter part of the city, ending up near the riverside. After a few moments sitting beneath a tree, she motioned for him to follow her.

Eventually, they reached a side entrance near her family’s compound—an unassuming two-story building. When she unlocked the door, Jason stepped inside and was met with the unexpected scent of fabric dye and tea leaves.

Rows of mannequins stood in formation, dressed in outfits that looked like they belonged on magazine covers. A corkboard was plastered with sketches, handwritten measurements, and fabric samples. There was a sewing machine in the corner, surrounded by neatly stacked thread reels.

Jason looked around in disbelief. "Wait... this is all yours?"

She nodded and motioned toward a sketchbook on the desk. Curious, Jason picked it up and flipped through. The designs were intricate—elegant, modern, but full of personality. On one page, there was a pair of matching formal outfits: one for a woman with lace-trimmed sleeves, the other for a man with subtle embroidered details along the collar.

"These are incredible," Jason muttered. "Why haven’t you released this stuff?"

She hesitated, then typed:

"Too scared. What if no one likes them?"

Jason gave her a long look. "You’re talented, Liying. You could out-design half the people running fashion houses in the city."

She blushed slightly, looking away.

Jason turned to the matching outfit again. "Was this meant for someone?"

Her cheeks reddened more. She slowly shook her head.

Jason smirked. "Let me guess. You stayed up all night working on this?"

Her eyelids lowered sheepishly. She gave a small shrug, clearly caught.

"You really made all this yourself?" Jason asked, running his hand over the detailed stitching of the blazer.

She nodded, then pulled out her phone and typed something before turning the screen toward him.

"I usually don’t show anyone," it read. "But... I wanted you to see."

Jason’s expression softened. He looked back at her, genuinely impressed. "You’re talented. You shouldn’t be hiding this."

She looked away, embarrassed but pleased, her lips curling into a shy smile.

For a while, they just stood there, surrounded by the quiet hum of potential. Then, Jason checked the time.

"We should probably head back. Don’t want your grandfather thinking I kidnapped you."

Liying chuckled silently, then gestured toward the clothes again—specifically the suit jacket.

Jason tilted his head. "You want me to wear it?"

She looked up at him and, after a moment, typed:

"Send me your measurements later."

Jason blinked. "What, you’re making me something?"

Her fingers hovered over the screen, then typed slowly:

"Just in case."

Jason smirked. "You’ve been imagining my measurements?"

She froze.

Then, before she could stop herself, her face went bright red. She shook her head, waving her hands rapidly, but the damage was done. Jason laughed, not cruelly—just amused.

"It’s alright. Just make sure you guess the arms right. I work out."

She rolled her eyes at him, but the smile tugging at the corners of her lips didn’t go away.

By the time they returned to the Yun estate, the sun had started its descent. Liying was visibly tired, her steps slower, eyelids heavier. She leaned into Jason briefly as they walked.

Inside, the staff greeted them with quiet bows. Liying’s grandfather

was waiting in his study. He was seated behind an ornate desk, eyes sharp but not unkind.

"Jason," he greeted. "Liying."

Jason nodded respectfully. "Sir."

He motioned for them to sit, and after a few pleasantries, got to the point.

"The Yun Family Head has already signed off on the engagement. All that remains is the public announcement."

He opened a drawer and pulled out two thick, ivory-colored envelopes, sealed in wax. He slid them across the table.

"These are invitations to the Huang Family’s Celebration Ball. It’s The day after tomorrow

They’ve just returned from dominating the Paris circuit. The event will be crawling with press, investors, and vultures. Perfect stage to introduce the two of you properly."

Jason picked up one envelope and cracked it open. The card inside was elegant, the font bold. He let out a low whistle. "Big event."

"Make sure you both dress appropriately," the old man added.

Jason looked at Liying, then smiled slightly.

"You know," he said, "you should make something for the both of us. A matching set."

Her eyes widened.

"Yeah," Jason continued. "Let them see what real style looks like."

She covered her mouth for a moment, overwhelmed but glowing. Jason didn’t say it to flatter her. He meant it.

They stood up to leave. Jason turned at the door. "What, you’re not gonna walk me out?"

Liying blinked, then smiled and linked arms with him.

They walked the hall slowly.

At the door, Jason turned to her, lifting her chin gently. "Thanks for today," he said softly, then kissed her goodnight—just a brush of lips, enough to mean something.

From the study window, Master Son

watched quietly.

"To be young," he murmured.