"Great, if you have nothing to do, could you please come back and accompany me? Yes, accompany me home."
When Ai Xiaoxi heard Jiang Hai say he had nothing to do, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. As long as he had no plans, she could continue talking.
"Accompany you home? What's going on?" To be honest, Jiang Hai wasn't particularly concerned when she mentioned wanting him to come back to China.
But, if he went back home, he would naturally be surrounded by Fu Yuan and his group of friends, so boredom wouldn't be an issue. Still, he was a bit confused about why Ai Xiaoxi wanted him to accompany her home.
"It's like this. Do you remember that money you gave me before? At that time, my family was in a really tough spot, so I sent the money to them..." Ai Xiaoxi hesitated before continuing, sensing Jiang Hai's confusion. She felt it was important to explain, especially since the money had come from him.
"Oh, you don't have to explain all this. That money was for you. Spend it however you like," Jiang Hai replied. He had already heard about this from Feng Yunchen, so it didn't seem like a big deal.
"Well… but after my parents received the money, they asked where it came from. They were worried I had earned it doing something shameful. I got nervous and told them it was from my boyfriend—meaning you—so they accepted it. But now it's the Mid-Autumn Festival, and they want to meet you. I was wondering if it would be convenient for you?" Ai Xiaoxi hesitated, her voice a mix of emotion.
Hearing her, Jiang Hai was moved. He knew that while money couldn't define love, the fact that he had given it to her meant something. It showed that she held a special place in his heart. But how strong that position was, he wasn't sure. So, even now, a part of her was unsure.
"Ah! So that's why…" After hearing Ai Xiaoxi's explanation, Jiang Hai's first instinct was to decline.
Although he didn't want to go, he realized that it would be rude to refuse now. It was rare for Ai Xiaoxi to ask him, and if he declined, it might cause trouble between them.
"Please, please, if you come, I'll make sure to treat you well. Please," Ai Xiaoxi pleaded, sensing his hesitation.
Her pitiful tone made Jiang Hai chuckle. The two main reasons he didn't want to go were, first, the long flight, and second, the inevitable awkwardness he'd feel meeting her parents. But since Ai Xiaoxi had asked, he knew he couldn't say no. They did have a connection, after all.
"Alright, I'll come back a couple of days earlier. We'll talk when we meet," Jiang Hai agreed, knowing it was better not to disappoint her.
It wouldn't be so bad—just a bit of travel, and then he'd be back home. Ai Xiaoxi was overjoyed on the other end of the line. After expressing her gratitude, she hung up.
Looking at the hung-up phone, Jiang Hai shook his head. He had originally thought things were quiet, but it seemed that trouble always found its way to him, no matter how hard he tried to avoid it.
Meanwhile, Ai Xiaoxi had been struggling for days over whether to call him. She knew it was a test. If Jiang Hai refused to meet her parents, it would confirm her fears that she was just a passing fling to him. If he agreed, it would be a bittersweet victory, but at least she would know he cared.
When she finally made the call, it was late, after Feng Yunchen had fallen asleep. Ai Xiaoxi had been nervous, but when Jiang Hai agreed, it reassured her. Though her feelings were still tangled, she felt certain that Jiang Hai had a place for her in his heart.
Looking at his photo on her phone screen, Ai Xiaoxi smiled, already planning how to entertain him once he returned. She even wondered if she should return the favor and give something to Jiang Hai in return.
"Are you going back to China?" Jiang Hai didn't know what Ai Xiaoxi was thinking at that moment. After putting the phone back in his pocket, he turned to Dina Taylor, who had stood up, panting.
"Ah, I might go back for a few days at the end of the month," Jiang Hai replied when Dina asked.
"Well, there's still time, but you need to solve all our problems before you leave," Dina said with a grin, preparing for their next task. The battle continued.
Half an hour later, after they returned to the winery, most of the grapes had been picked. Jiang Hai quickly gathered another basket before heading back to lunch. While eating, he mentioned his plans to go back to China at the end of the month. It was still early, but he thought it best to give everyone a heads-up. Most importantly, he was going to Ai Xiaoxi's home, so it wouldn't be appropriate to bring anyone else.
"Mid-Autumn Festival! We haven't celebrated it in so long!" Bernice exclaimed when she heard that Jiang Hai was going back to China.
"You haven't celebrated it in a while, sister. I celebrated it at home the year before last," Xiaoya teased Bernice with a smile.
"How about you come with me? We can celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at home, and then come back together," Jiang Hai suggested, though he wasn't sure about the specifics of Bernice and Xiaoya's family situation. He saw them as friends, even family.
Bernice shook her head. "It's better to stay here for now. Xiaoya's condition is still in the maintenance stage. Returning to China might trigger something. We'll stay here until she's more stable, and then we can go back for Chinese New Year."
Jiang Hai nodded. "Alright, I probably won't be away for long this time."
Meanwhile, Aphra, still concerned about Jiang Hai's "plan," left to find Becky Hall. It wasn't time to rest. She needed to ensure things were in order for the night shift.
Becky Hall was much more confident than Hilda, though a little shy at first. She was willing to follow Aphra's plans, even if they involved some discomfort.
As for the others, each had their own personality. Sheila was carefree, Oshilia was cute but easily distracted, Bridget was timid yet reliable, and Janice, the youngest, was gentle and loved by everyone.
Despite their differences, they all had a place at the manor, working in various roles, including assisting Jiang Hai when needed.