He led the two girls to the top floor of the Water Restaurant and pushed open the door. The fresh scent of wood and the rich aroma of coffee beans greeted them.
The entire top floor had been transformed into the stylish Sky Café. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping views of the water and sky blending into one. The interior was simple yet luxurious, with greenery and exquisite ornaments throughout creating a tranquil, comfortable atmosphere.
At that moment, Chen Muyao was holding a design drawing, earnestly discussing the seating arrangement and placement details with several designers from the Construction Group.
Hearing the door open, she instinctively turned around. When her gaze landed on Chen Qianqian behind Chen Lin, she froze. She stared blankly for a full two seconds before her eyes lit up with disbelief and delight.
"Qian... Qianqian?"
A tremor crept into Chen Muyao's voice. She hurried over, took Chen Qianqian's hand, and looked her over carefully.
The girl before her had long since shed the awkwardness of six years ago and blossomed into a graceful young woman, prettier than the stars on television. If not for the faintly familiar contours of her features, Chen Muyao would hardly have dared recognize her.
"Auntie!" Chen Qianqian dropped her clownish antics, and her eyes instantly reddened. She looked at the aunt who had doted on her since childhood. Though time had left a few traces on her face, the tenderness in her eyes was just as it had always been.
"Oh, my sweet Qianqian! You've grown so much!" Unable to hold back any longer, Chen Muyao pulled her into a tight embrace, tears spilling despite herself. Six years of pent-up longing came pouring out all at once.
Aunt and niece held each other and cried. Only after a long while, with