When the car halted, Yu Mei assisted Xie Ming out. Xie Ming marveled at how this horseless carriage had swiftly transported them to their destination, shielding her from the rain and the cold wind.
To her, it felt nothing short of miraculous.
"Madam, welcome to Jin Villa, your residence," Yu Mei informed Xie Ming, gently reminding her of the residence she used to live in before her accident.
Xie Ming gazed up at the magnificent villa before her, taken aback by its grandeur. It was painted in a pristine white hue and showcased a modern architectural design that exudes beauty. While it couldn't compare to the extravagance of the palace, it possessed a unique charm of its own.
"We should head inside. Let me assist you," Yu Mei prompted, noticing that Xie Ming remained still, entranced by the sight of the villa. She reached out, taking Xie Ming's arm and helping her make her way indoors.
"Oh, alright," Xie Ming nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to enter the villa with the assistance of Yu Mei. Her body remained weak and fragile, occasionally plagued by attacks of extreme weakness and dizziness.
Having been in a coma for the past three months, she found it challenging to walk properly. However, during her hospital stay, she diligently underwent physiotherapy sessions to regain her strength and adjust her body to its unfamiliar state.
Xie Ming stepped into the villa alongside Yu Mei, her eyes wide open as she took in her surroundings. While this place didn't rival the grandeur of the imperial palace, it possessed a unique style and charm all its own. The entire villa was filled with objects and features that she had never encountered in her life, making every corner a source of fascination for her.
Much like the horseless carriage called a car that had left her in awe earlier, Xie Ming now found herself gawking at the various items in the spacious living room of the villa. Everything seemed novel and unfamiliar, capturing her attention and curiosity.
Among the intriguing items, Xie Ming's gaze fell upon a strange machine known as a television, a device she had encountered at the hospital as well. On its screen, she observed people moving about, seemingly trapped within its frame. It was a captivating sight, the idea that she could witness them while they remained unable to escape the confines of the screen.
Her fascination only grew as she continued to watch it.
While exploring the kitchen, Xie Ming's attention was drawn to a strange machine that resembled a cupboard, known as a refrigerator. In her world, they relied on fresh, cold river water to preserve vegetables and always used the freshest ingredients for each meal, avoiding the use of leftovers.
Although the kitchen in the Jin Villa didn't match the scale of the royal kitchen, it was still quite spacious, accommodating the simultaneous work of three to four people. The modern appliances and conveniences were a stark contrast to what she was accustomed to.
Much like the hospital, Xie Ming encountered a machine known as an air conditioner that provided a cool breeze and maintained a comfortable temperature during the summer. In her era, they had relied on hand fans and clever architectural designs in the palace to ensure adequate ventilation, preventing the stifling heat from becoming unbearable indoors. The modern technology she was now encountering was a testament to the advancements of the world she had found herself in.
Every aspect of this new world was filled with novelty and surprise for Xie Ming. As she gazed around with wide eyes, Yu Mei stood by her side, diligently providing explanations about the various objects and their intended purposes, ensuring Xie Ming could start to grasp the workings of this unfamiliar environment.
All the household servants had gathered, their mouths agape in astonishment as they observed Xie Ming's peculiar behavior. She appeared like a curious infant, eager to comprehend every aspect of her unfamiliar surroundings.
Jin Liwei had indeed informed everyone about Xie Ming's condition and the need for additional care and attention. However, witnessing this transformation left them incredulous. This woman, who had once been known for her fiery temperament, now seemed to have lost her sanity and memories completely. Her shock at even the simplest of things, like how the stove lit easily with a lighter, only added to their bewilderment.
It was as if she had not only lost her memories but also her sense of reason.
After she explored the house and its marvels, Xie Ming proceeded directly to her room. Jin Liwei was occupied in his office, and even if he had been at home, there didn't seem to be much to discuss with him at the moment.
Upon reaching her room, she sank wearily onto the bed. The mental exertion of absorbing so much new information had taken its toll on her, and her body felt heavy with fatigue. Before she even realized it, exhaustion overcame her, and she drifted into a deep slumber.
__
In the evening, Jin Liwei returned home. After handing his coat to the butler, he looked around in curiosity and inquired, "Has she arrived?"
The butler carried his briefcase and coat and responded with a polite smile, "Yes, Master. Madam arrived in the afternoon, and has been sleeping in her room since."
Jin Liwei narrowed his eyes and asked, "Still sleeping?" With a hesitant tone, the butler confirmed, "Yes, Master."
Jin Liwei's brow furrowed with concern as he made his way upstairs to check on her. It was getting late, and past dinner time, yet she remained in her slumber. He couldn't help but worry about her health; if she didn't eat on time, it would disrupt her medication schedule.
His actions were not driven by concern for her well-being, he told himself. It was solely to ensure that his grandfather wouldn't be burdened with worry about her, and nothing more.
Upon reaching the first floor in front of her room, he knocked gently, but there was no response. He called her name several times, yet there was still no answer. With growing concern, he decided to open the door slightly. As he entered the room, he found her asleep on the bed, with her blankets scattered on the ground. She had curled up into a fetal position, resembling a vulnerable and frightened child in her slumber.
As he observed her in this vulnerable state, his usually stern expression softened. It was a glimpse of her vulnerability that he hadn't seen before, and it gave him pause.
When he extended a hand to gently cover her with a blanket, she began to mumble and cry softly in her sleep, her words incomprehensible. His brow furrowed in concern as he watched her tearful expression. This was a stark contrast to the woman he had always known—fiery, temperamental, and defiant. Seeing her in this vulnerable state was both surprising and unsettling for him.
Hesitantly, he reached out to gently touch her forehead, attempting to soothe her subconscious distress. To his surprise, her features gradually relaxed as if finding solace in his touch. Before he could withdraw his hand, she instinctively clutched it, placing it beneath her head for added comfort as she continued to slumber.
Her unexpected gesture took him by surprise, but he chose not to retract his hand. Instead, he crouched down beside the bed, gazing at her as she slept. This close proximity provided a rare opportunity for him to observe her more closely, and he couldn't help but notice the length of her dark eyelashes.
Despite her pale complexion, he couldn't help but find her unique and captivating facial features appealing. While sleeping, she seemed harmless, her petite face small enough to fit within his hands. Observing her sleeping soundly, he couldn't help but think to himself, 'She appears more beautiful and tolerable when she's asleep.'
Unconsciously, his other hand reached out to gently stroke her forehead, offering a soothing touch. It then trailed down to her delicate nose and finally landed on her rosy, pink lips. His fingers brushed against her soft lips, and a sudden surge of sensation coursed through him. They felt incredibly tender to the touch, leaving him momentarily entranced.
A thought suddenly crossed his mind: 'What would it be like to taste these lips with a kiss?' Lost in this reverie, he continued to caress her lips, his thoughts wandering. However, just as he pondered this, her eyes suddenly fluttered open, and she caught hold of his hand.