Chapter 1257: THE WELCOME GUEST
Chapter 1257: THE WELCOME GUEST
"I'LL get it," Luo Yan offered. Since he had already finished washing the vegetables, it made more sense for him to answer the door than for Shen Ji Yun, who already started cooking.
He did not wait for Shen Ji Yun to respond, knowing his boyfriend would probably insist on answering the door himself to keep Luo Yan from moving. Without giving him the chance, Luo Yan walked out of the kitchen and headed toward the front door.
When he opened the door, he was slightly surprised to see a sophisticated-looking older woman standing there. She appeared to be in her sixties, but she was very well-groomed. Her black hair was styled neatly with only a few strands of silver visible. The wrinkles on her face were faint, as if time had been gentle with her.
She carried herself with an elegant posture, wearing a simple but well-fitted dress and a string of pearls around her neck. Her eyes were sharp yet warm, and she offered a polite smile as she met Luo Yan's gaze. She looked like someone who took care of herself and aged gracefully, still retaining much of the beauty she must have had in her younger years.
"Oh, hello there, young man."
The older woman's voice snapped Luo Yan out of his obvious staring. He felt a flush of embarrassment but quickly gathered himself.
"Good afternoon, ma'am. How can I help you?"
The older woman's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Are you a friend of Xiao Yun? I'm his grandmother. Is he home?"
Luo Yan's eyes widened slightly. Shen Ji Yun's grandmother? That meant she was Uncle Yi Mu's mother. Panic rushed through him, making his words come out stiff and automatic.
"Please come in," he said, his voice a little too formal. "Brother Ji Yun is inside. He's in the kitchen cooking."
He stepped aside and immediately wanted to scold himself. He had sounded so stiff and awkward. What if Shen Ji Yun's grandmother thought he was rude or unwelcoming? This was the first member of Shen Ji Yun's family, other than Uncle Yi Mu, that he had ever met. And no, he was not counting that cousin they had run into once before. It was important to make a good impression.
As Shen Ji Yun's grandmother stepped inside, Luo Yan closed the door gently behind her and said with a humble yet charming smile, "I'm sorry if I seemed a bit stiff earlier. I was just nervous standing in front of someone so beautiful and elegant."
Wu Meixiu glanced back at the young man. He was tall and lean, with pale skin that seemed almost luminous under the soft indoor light. His black hair was carefully styled, falling just so across his forehead. And his eyes, which were shaped like peach blossoms, held a warm, attentive glow. He was, without exaggeration, beautiful in a way that felt both striking and gentle.
She smiled warmly. "Between the two of us, I believe you are the real beauty here."
Luo Yan's cheeks flushed a soft pink at the unexpected compliment. He lowered his eyes for a moment, a shy smile touching his lips as he gently shook his head. "You're too kind, ma'am."
"Oh please, just call me Grandma Wu," the older woman said with a pleased smile. "May I ask your name?"
"It's Luo Yan, but you can call me Xiao Yan, Grandma Wu," Luo Yan replied with a warm grin.
Wu Meixiu already liked the young man named Luo Yan. Not only was he very pleasant to look at, but he was also confident and outgoing. Someone like him seemed like the perfect friend for her reserved grandson.
As if on cue, Shen Ji Yun walked into the living room just then. He looked like he was about to say something to Luo Yan, but the moment he noticed her, his eyes widened in surprise and he quickly moved toward her.
"Grandma, what are you doing here?" Shen Ji Yun asked as he gave her a quick hug.
When the doorbell rang earlier, the last person he expected was his grandmother. He had thought it might be someone from Moonlight Media, or maybe even Bai Ze. His grandmother had not even crossed his mind. When Luo Yan did not return right away, he decided to check who was at the door. He was truly surprised to see his grandmother standing there.
Wu Meixiu raised an eyebrow. "Am I no longer welcome to visit?"
"You know that is not what I meant," Shen Ji Yun replied, his tone gentle but slightly helpless.
Wu Meixiu chuckled and gently patted her grandson's cheek. "I know, dear boy. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by. Luckily, your handsome friend here was kind enough to let me in."
Shen Ji Yun noticed Luo Yan blush at the compliment. A faint smile touched his lips as he thought how adorable the other looked.
"Is Xiao Yan a schoolmate of yours?" Wu Meixiu asked.
"Starting this school year, he will be," Shen Ji Yun replied. When he saw his grandmother's curious look, he added, "He is a freshman at T University." Suddenly remembering the food still cooking, he said quickly, "Grandma, I was actually in the middle of making lunch. Please stay and eat with us."
With that, he turned and hurried back to the kitchen.
Wu Meixiu actually had been about to ask how the two became friends despite being in different years. But seeing that her grandson was busy cooking, she decided to save her questions for later.
Or, she thought as she glanced at Luo Yan, she could simply ask this young man.
She sat down on the sofa and patted the space beside her. "Come, Xiao Yan, sit with me."
Luo Yan obliged and sat down beside her.
"So, how did you and Xiao Yun meet?" she asked directly, her voice full of curiosity.
Luo Yan had a feeling she would ask him that. He smiled warmly and said, "It's a bit of a long story..."