Chapter 16 Her Choice
"Thank you, Qiao Zhi."
Shen Xiuming reached into his pocket out of habit for a cigarette, but pulled out a handful of lollipops instead. He looked down and gave a quiet laugh.
Qiao Zhi stood there watching him for a moment, then lit a cigarette and leaned against the railing. "Shen Xiuming, once everything here is finished, would you consider coming back to the States with me?"
Shen Xiuming stood against the wind, tall and straight. His gaze drifted toward the SUV not far away.
"No. I had reasons to stay."
"Because of her?"
"Yes. But not only that. This land had her—and our future."
The autumn wind rose. Osmanthus petals fell.
Shen Xiuming opened the car door. Immediately a pair of soft, warm hands pulled him in and tucked his hand into her small pocket.
"Why did it suddenly get so cold! Let's have hot pot tonight!" The girl's eyes sparkled, as if eating hot pot was the happiest thing in the world.
Osmanthus petals landed on the man's brow, drifted into the car, and carried their faint fragrance inside.
"Okay. Whatever my wife says."