Sophia hadn’t brought many belongings, so packing up to move back was a simple task.
Although she had seen the exterior of her house after the renovations, she had not yet checked the interiors. Arriving at her door, she was about to use her key when she noticed the lock had been replaced with a digital code lock.
Upon entering, she was greeted by a white glass conservatory in the yard. The walls of the first floor had been replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the interior featured primarily wooden decor. The furnishings were sparse but gave off a natural and organic vibe. The staircase was wooden and without handrails, leading to a second floor filled with sunlight. The designer had replaced the terrace walls with glass, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding scenery from inside.
Everything felt cozy and welcoming. The minimalist, hard decor was clearly of high quality, while the almost negligible soft furnishings matched Sophia’s preferences perfectly.
Honestly, she would have been happy as long as the roof didn’t leak.
In the afternoon, Nancy and Chloe arrived as planned, helping Sophia prepare food for a small housewarming party.
Looking around the house, Nancy exclaimed, “Not bad! This place has a unique design. It even feels like a villa. The designer even landscaped the yard with grass—how thoughtful!”
“It’s really nice,” Chloe agreed.
“But don’t you feel scared living here alone? There’s no one else around, and the residential area is all the way downhill.”
This was the kind of life everyone dreamed of—though longing for it was one thing, having the courage to make it a reality was another.
“What are you planning to cook, Sophia?” Nancy asked.
“I’m thinking of making a medicinal chicken dish. I’ve grown some eggplants, so I can braise those. I also bought some fresh tea leaves from a local farmer recently, so I’ll make shrimp. For the rest, I’ll stir-fry some homegrown vegetables, make a fruit salad, and grill some things like garlic, scallions, steamed buns, and eggplants—all things I’ve grown myself,” Sophia replied thoughtfully.
“That sounds great! I’ll handle the barbecue!” Nancy eagerly went to set up the grill.
Sophia chuckled and started chatting casually with Chloe. Chloe’s two children were running around the house, filling it with laughter.
By evening, Mr. James, Livinus, and Sophia had also arrived to help prepare food.
Sophia had hung star-shaped string lights around the terrace, making the space feel dreamy and magical.
Sitting there for dinner, with the tea fields in the distance, everyone felt a special kind of warmth.
“This environment is amazing,” Mr. James remarked. “Chloe, when we retire, we should buy a piece of land here and start farming.”
“I wouldn’t mind. But right now, we’re focused on the kids’ education. Why do you think we spent so much on buying a villa in a good school district? Just look at our school district house—it’s tiny, barely 60 square meters, but it cost millions. Moving up here would be a huge financial loss!”
“That’s true,” Sophia laughed. “I don’t have kids, so I don’t have to think that far ahead.”
“It makes me want to move up here too,” Nancy said enviously.
Livinus sat quietly, leaning back in his chair, occasionally joining the conversation with Sophia and the others about local economics and business. Sophia, having little to add, focused on eating.
The children’s laughter echoed in the background, mingling with the rustling sounds from the surrounding fields. Sophia had never felt the world so close and tangible.
As the children had tutoring the next day, Chloe left early with her family.
Nancy also prepared to leave but not before winking at Sophia and teasing, “I won’t interrupt your good time any longer.”
Sophia feigned a scolding tone, “Do you think our President Scott is that kind of beast? Watch what you say!”
Nancy covered her mouth and giggled. “Oh, maybe not Scott, but who knows—maybe Sophia is!”
Caught off guard, Sophia burst into laughter and ushered her out the door.
After a busy day, the house finally quieted down. While Sophia washed dishes, Livinus packed away the barbecue grill.
As she stole a glance at him lifting the equipment, she couldn’t help but think, How does someone even make moving things look so attractive?* He truly was a walking pheromone machine.
It took half an hour to clean up. When Sophia returned, she saw Livinus seated at the desk on the terrace, reviewing documents.
Oddly enough, the designer had placed a desk there, facing the view. Sophia rarely needed to work at home and had wondered about the choice, especially since she had a proper study. But seeing him there, with the desk and chair perfectly suited to him, she suddenly understood.
By 9:00 p.m., Livinus showed no signs of leaving. Sophia hesitated to ask him to go, feeling it might come off as rude.
