On the way back, Shi Nuan and Song Yansheng didn’t bring up the topic of the scandal; first, because Song Yansheng had already started dealing with it swiftly.

Secondly, since the incident had already occurred, saying more would only add to the troubles without offering any help.

Back at the Song Mansion, Aunt Hui was already waiting there with the others, lined up neatly.

As they got out of the car, Aunt Hui informed Song Yansheng that several pines and cypresses were delivered to the Song Mansion at noon, and the gardener didn’t know where to plant them, so they were waiting for Song Yansheng.

Song Yansheng did not answer Aunt Hui’s question, but instead looked at Shi Nuan, with a soft gaze, asking, "Do you want to plant trees with me, Nuannuan?"

Plant trees together? Shi Nuan only remembered planting trees during the Arbor Day in third grade, seemingly under the teacher’s lead with many little friends.

In the following years, she hadn’t planted any.

The backyard of the Song Mansion was spacious, planted with various flowers and trees; walking through it was like walking in a garden.

Though there were many flowers, they didn’t appear disorderly; it was clear that effort was put into the construction and planting of the flower beds.

No wonder the gardener did not dare to plant randomly; even a small mistake could ruin the entire garden’s ambiance.

Several pines and cypresses had already been brought over. Song Yansheng held the tree-planting tools, while Shi Nuan carried a small bucket, standing in front of an empty spot.

Song Yansheng glanced around, his handsome brow slightly furrowed, seemingly in thought, then asked the little woman beside him who seemed a bit dazed.

"Nuannuan, what do you think about planting one here?"

Shi Nuan nodded: "If Second Uncle thinks it’s okay, then it’s fine!"

Anyway, she didn’t understand enough to give any opinions.

"Then Nuannuan, step back a bit; I’ll dig a hole..."

Aunt Hui stood on the side and called out "Mr...."

Meaning to stop him, as two gardeners followed all the way; once Song Yansheng chose a spot, there was no need for him to plant it himself.

But Aunt Hui had just started speaking when Song Yansheng raised his hand to stop her.

Song Yansheng said: "Forgot what I said earlier?"

Earlier words?

Aunt Hui recalled, filtering through her mind the sentence Song Yansheng said: Do you want to plant trees with me, Nuannuan?

Aunt Hui lowered her head, standing there without daring to speak.

Song Yansheng paid her no mind, rolled up his sleeves, and began to dig a hole.

While digging, he instructed: "You all can leave now; it’s just me and Nuannuan here!"

Aunt Hui replied with a "Yes" and then left with the two gardeners.

Shi Nuan watched Song Yansheng planting trees earnestly. Soon, a deep hole was dug, and Song Yansheng instructed the little girl who was still in a daze: "Nuannuan, put the sapling in!"

Shi Nuan promptly responded with an "Oh", picked up a small sapling, and placed it in the hole.

Song Yansheng began to cover it with soil, saying, "Nuannuan, you can water it now!"

Shi Nuan followed his instructions.

Their movements were unhurried, painting a harmonious picture.

There was even a bit of aesthetic appeal, naturally beautiful given the combination of a handsome man and a lovely woman.

Once the tree was planted, Song Yansheng asked with a smile: "Does Nuannuan know why I chose this time to plant trees?"

Shi Nuan pursed her lips; now it was already autumn, and all trees were gradually withering, with yellow leaves occasionally falling.

The maple trees on Anshan, viewed from afar, were a fiery red.

Yet Song Yansheng chose to plant trees at this season.

Shi Nuan replied: "Second Uncle does things differently from others; naturally, it’s not something others can easily grasp!"

Song Yansheng smiled: "Nuannuan, you’re not like others!"

He said, "Nuannuan, I hope you see that everything seems illogical, yet after being handled by me, Song Yansheng, it can become a miracle!"

Shi Nuan was briefly stunned.

Song Yansheng held Shi Nuan’s hand, gently saying: "Nuannuan, trust me, no matter what we encounter in the future, I will never let you suffer any grievance. I am different from anyone you’ve met before; I have the ability to protect you, and I’m the only one in this world capable of giving you happiness and joy!"

...

That day, Shi Nuan and Song Yansheng planted a total of eight trees, representing the extra eight years of life he had experienced compared to her.

From today on, these eight trees will grow alongside their relationship, slowly becoming strong and flourishing, until they transform into towering trees that can shield from the sun.

That night, Shi Nuan truly dreamed of towering trees.

On the trees was a treehouse like the one in her grandfather’s courtyard—only this one was taller, larger, and stronger.