Courtyard House: Time Traveler Not Yet a Ghost

She nodded emphatically, leaned on his shoulder, and said with hope in her heart, "I will, Brother Damin, I will definitely cultivate myself well."

Leaving Europe, they crossed the Atlantic and arrived in the United States. The prosperity and modernity of New York City overwhelmed Chen Xueru. Skyscrapers stood shoulder to shoulder, soaring into the clouds, even denser than those in Hong Kong. The streets were bustling with traffic, pedestrians hurrying along, everything moving at such a fast pace. Standing on the observation deck at the top of the Empire State Building, Chen Xueru looked down at the vast city below. The densely packed buildings, arranged like building blocks, made her feel slightly dizzy.

"It's too high." She instinctively covered her eyes.

He Damin couldn't help but laugh: "Don't you know how to fly? Flying on a sword goes much higher than this, so why are you afraid of heights?"

"That's different." Chen Xueru glared at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. "When I'm flying, I can control myself, and I feel at ease. Standing here, I always feel like my feet are on empty ground, like I'm about to fall."

He Damin pulled her into his arms and held her tightly: "Don't be afraid, I'm here. I won't let you fall." Feeling his warm embrace and strong heartbeat, Chen Xueru's heart gradually calmed down.

They went to Washington, D.C., visiting the White House and Capitol Hill; they went to Los Angeles, experiencing the glamour of Hollywood; and they went to San Francisco, enjoying the sea breeze on the Golden Gate Bridge. In Silicon Valley, He Damin specifically took her to see a small company called Intel. At that time, Intel was far from its later fame, consisting of only a few unassuming factory buildings with a few dozen employees working diligently inside. But He Damin told Chen Xueru that it was one of the smartest companies in the world, and that what they were researching would change the entire world in the future.

"In the future," he said to Chen Xueru, pointing to the busy figures, "computers will become smaller and more widespread, entering thousands of households and changing people's lifestyles. This company will play a very important role in this."

Chen Xueru nodded as if she understood, but she trusted He Damin's judgment. Over the years, he had almost never been wrong in his words or deeds.

The final stop on their round-the-world trip was Japan. They spent three days in Tokyo, visiting the towering Mount Fuji, its summit perpetually capped with snow like a white hat. They also went to Kyoto, touring ancient temples and strolling through quiet alleyways, experiencing the distinctly different Eastern charm compared to the West. In Nara, Chen Xueru was amused by the fearless deer and even bought deer crackers to feed them.

Standing at the foot of Mount Fuji, gazing up at the silent yet majestic volcano, Chen Xueru suddenly asked curiously, "Brother Damin, do you think this mountain will erupt again?"

He Damin looked at Mount Fuji, thought for a moment, and said, "Probably. Volcanic eruptions are a natural phenomenon. But that would be a very, very long time from now, maybe hundreds of years, maybe thousands of years."

"Will we still be here then?" Chen Xueru asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of longing for eternity.

"Yes." He Damin grasped her hand without hesitation, his eyes gentle yet firm. "As long as we stay together and cultivate diligently, we will always be here."

Chen Xueru smiled, leaned on his shoulder, and felt the wind blowing from the mountain, carrying the fragrance of snow and pine. Her heart was filled with peace and happiness.

The two-month round-the-world trip, neither long nor short, passed quickly. When the "Xue Ru" returned to Victoria Harbour and saw the familiar coastline and skyscrapers, Chen Xue Ru felt a strong sense of belonging.

It was late autumn when they returned to the villa on Victoria Peak. The old pomegranate tree in the yard had turned completely yellow, and the leaves fell in a rustling sound when the wind blew, carpeting the ground with golden petals. He Yushui was the first to hear the car and rushed out of the house like a cheerful little bird. When she saw them get out of the car, she jumped up with joy.

"Uncle! Aunt! You're finally back! I missed you so much!" She ran over and hugged Chen Xueru tightly, almost lifting her up.

He Yuzhu also rushed back from the restaurant, carrying large bags of fresh ingredients. Seeing them, he smiled warmly and said, "Auntie, Uncle, you're finally back! I'll cook a delicious meal for you tonight to welcome you back!"

He Daqing and Qin Huairu also came out to greet them. He Daqing had a simple smile on his face and rubbed his hands together, saying, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. Did you have a good time?" Qin Huairu held Chen Xueru's hand and asked her how she was doing.

Chen Xueru took out the gifts she had bought for everyone from her suitcase. For He Yushui, it was a Hermès silk scarf bought in Paris, in her favorite lake blue color; for He Yuzhu, it was a Rolex watch bought in Switzerland, suitable for him to wear when discussing business; and for He Daqing and Qin Huairu, it was a pair of Hetian jade pendants bought in Florence, Italy, symbolizing peace and good fortune.

He Yushui eagerly wrapped the silk scarf around her neck, twirled around in front of the mirror several times, and grinned from ear to ear: "It looks so good! Thank you, Auntie!"

Dinner was indeed a sumptuous affair. He Yuzhu's culinary skills were becoming increasingly refined; the braised pork was tender and flavorful, rich yet not greasy; the steamed sea bass was fresh and tender; the sweet and sour pork ribs were delicious; and there were also garlic-flavored vegetables and hot and sour soup, all of which Chen Xueru loved. The family sat around the table, eating and chatting happily, sharing their travel experiences and household chores, enjoying a warm and harmonious time together.

After dinner, He Damin and Chen Xueru stood side by side on the second-floor balcony, just as they had before setting off, gazing at the brightly lit Victoria Harbour in the distance. On the sea, a cargo ship was slowly sailing out of the harbor, its stern spray shimmering silver in the moonlight. A cool evening breeze blew, bringing a sense of tranquility and peace.

"Brother Damin." Chen Xueru leaned on his shoulder, her voice soft.

"Hmm?" He Damin looked down at her.

"Thank you." Chen Xueru looked up, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you for showing me this world. Before, I thought Hong Kong was my whole world. Now I realize how big and wonderful the world is."

He Damin laughed and gently flicked her nose: "Silly girl, why are you being so polite with me? The world is big, but for me, with you by my side, everywhere is the same."

Chen Xueru blushed and gently pushed him: "You're just a smooth talker."

He Damin pulled her tightly into his arms and whispered in her ear, "Xueru, we should have a child."

Chen Xueru's face instantly turned hot, like a boiled shrimp. She buried her face in He Damin's arms, didn't say anything, but nodded slightly, and hugged his waist tightly with both hands.

Outside the window, the bright moonlight bathed the two of them, warm and comforting. In the distance, the lights of Victoria Harbour twinkled like countless stars, illuminating the couple whose love had only grown stronger through trials and tribulations. He Damin held Chen Xueru in his arms, feeling her soft body and steady breathing, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. Banks, the internet, satellites, chips, cars, airplanes, yachts… these things that had once occupied most of his energy were now just fleeting memories. Now, he had something more important, something sweeter to do—he was going to be a father.

Chen Xueru nestled in his warm embrace, listening to his strong heartbeat, her heart filled with anticipation for the future. She whispered, "Brother Damin, what do you think our child will be like?"

He Damin thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "If it's a boy, he'll be like me—tall, handsome, and responsible; if it's a girl, she'll be like you—beautiful, gentle, and kind-hearted."

Chen Xueru couldn't help but laugh, snuggling against him: "So, do you hope it's a boy or a girl?"

"Either is fine." He Damin lowered his head and placed a deep kiss on her smooth forehead. "As long as it's our child, I'll love it whether it's a boy or a girl."

As night deepened, a gentle sea breeze blew, carrying the unique tranquility and warmth of Victoria Peak, enveloping the happy couple and their beautiful hopes for the future.

Los Angeles.

The twilight in Beverly Hills always carries a leisurely, unhurried air. The Pacific wind, carrying a salty, damp scent, creeps ashore, spreading the golden glow of the setting sun all the way to the Santa Monica Mountains. He Damin stands on the teak balcony of his hotel suite, a celadon teacup between his fingers, the delicate aroma of Longjing tea mingling with the calls of distant seabirds filling his nostrils. He gazes at the row of huge white letters on the Hollywood Hills across the way, the sunlight gilding the edges of the letters, as if someone had painted them with gold powder.

In the garden outside the balcony, the shadows of several palm trees stretched long, their leaves swaying in the wind, casting dappled sunlight on the lawn. Uniformed waiters pushed trolleys past, champagne glasses clinking on silver platters. He Damin took a sip of tea; it was pre-Qingming Longjing tea brought from Hong Kong, brewed with spring water, its flavor slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste. Before coming to America, he had specifically instructed his servants to seal it in a tin can and carefully handle it throughout the journey, afraid it might spoil.

"Brother Da Min! Come and see!" Chen Xueru's voice came from inside the house, with a touch of excitement.

He turned and pushed open the door, a warm, cozy scent of perfume wafting in. Chen Xueru was standing in front of the dressing mirror, holding up a fiery red dress, its fabric shimmering softly under the light. She'd bought it yesterday on Rodeo Drive, an Italian brand; the blonde saleswoman had described it as "haute couture." He Damin remembered Chen Xueru clutching the price tag, her eyes wide—three thousand two hundred US dollars, enough to pay a month's rent at their restaurant in Hong Kong, with money left over to give the staff bonuses.

"Does it look good?" She held the dress up against herself, twirled halfway in front of the mirror, and the hem of the dress fluttered. Her face was reflected in the mirror, her eyes sparkling like fallen stars.

He Damin leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, slowly observing her. The dress was fitted at the waist, and the neckline was just right, revealing a small patch of her fair neck. He remembered the first time he saw her; she was wearing a moon-white cheongsam, standing behind the counter of a silk shop, her abacus clicking away, and her eyes were just like that, so bright that he couldn't look away.

"It looks good." He nodded, deliberately drawing out the last word, "But you look even better without it."

Chen Xueru's face flushed red instantly, and she grabbed a cushion from the sofa and threw it at him. "You're so frivolous!" The soft cushion landed on He Damin, who caught it with a laugh and walked over to hug her from behind. The two people in the mirror were close together, her hair hanging on the back of his hand, silky smooth like satin.

"Want to wear this to Universal Studios tomorrow?" He rested his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the jasmine scent in her hair. "I'll have Ah-Zhong bring his camera so I can take a lot of pictures of you."

Chen Xueru hummed in agreement, leaning against him, her eyes still fixed on the mirror. Her skin was still so fair. Ten years ago, when she first married him, he always liked to pinch her cheeks, saying they looked like freshly steamed rice cakes. Now, she had some fine lines around her eyes, but when she smiled, she was still as sweet as she had been back then. He Damin looked at his face in the mirror; he was still the same. Time seemed to have bypassed him, only his eyes had deepened, as if they held a vast ocean within them.

"Brother Damin," she suddenly whispered, "don't you think we should have a child?"

He Damin paused. A gust of wind blew in through the window, lifting a corner of the curtain and revealing the darkening sky in the distance. He turned her around and looked into her eyes. Her eyelashes were long, hanging down like two small fans.

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

"Well..." She twisted her fingers around the belt of her skirt, "I called home a few days ago, and Mom said the rainwater was up to my waist, and she's even helping her with the accounts now. Zhu Zi is also engaged and will be getting married in the spring..." She looked up, a little timid in her eyes, "We..."

He Damin's heart softened. Over the years, he had been busy with his business, traveling all over the world from Hong Kong to Southeast Asia and then to the United States. Chen Xueru followed him through all the hardships, but she never complained. He knew she loved children. Back when Yushui lived at home, she would braid the child's hair every day and tell him stories at night, her eyes overflowing with tenderness.