Chapter 599: 536 Falling Leaf Manor
From the past, his political adversaries would criticize his appearance, feeling that most of his votes came from women.
But... facts spoke louder than words.
Over the years, Wen Nian had implemented numerous policy reforms, offending many of the older, powerful generation, yet inspiring an increasing number of young people to take action.
According to a recent international survey statistic, the emigration rate of Country G’s citizens was the lowest, and Country G’s talent retention rate was the highest.
Five years ago, the controversies that arose from Wen Nian’s election as President—the young President’s immaturity, instability, had surprisingly become an advantage today.
In the world, the issue of an aging population was becoming increasingly serious in most countries.
Country G was no exception. Yet under Wen Nian’s leadership, while effectively addressing the aging population issue, he also maintained a balance in social relations, making the Guo Family’s attitude and culture appear younger.
Economics and politics seemed to be two massive challenges in the eyes of ordinary people.
They always felt that if those in power could boost the nation’s economy and release some reasonable and beneficial policies, that would be good enough.
Little did they know, culture was the hardest part.
Wen Nian... he had always been using his extraordinary abilities and determination to work on these things.
The words he had told her were now gradually being realized.
"... still spending money on flowers?"
Song Lili stepped out onto the porch, and Wen Nian handed her the small bunch of flowers he had been hiding behind his back.
Nine red balloon flowers, interspersed with baby’s breath, simply tied into a small bunch, exquisite, delicate and artistic.
"Thank you."
Song Lili took the bouquet and rose on her toes to plant a kiss on his cheek.
Wen Nian opened the door to the passenger seat for her.
Song Lili paused, "You’re driving?"
"Yes."
"Going out without an entourage, just like that?"
"Yes," replied Wen Nian.
Song Lili hesitated for a moment, not dispirited, and got into the car directly.
Music was playing inside the car, Wen Nian drove, both hands resting on the steering wheel, his expression focused.
"You keep staring at me like that, distracting me, be careful or there might be an accident."
Wen Nian was obviously looking straight ahead, yet he caught her sneaky glances.
"I just find it very refreshing. Like this, with you driving, just the two of us in the car, no driver..."
"I know you like it," Wen Nian said, his tone brimming with pride, as if he had seen right through her thoughts.
Song Lili leaned against the passenger seat and hummed,
"Even now, you still won’t tell me where you are taking me?"
"I said we’re going to have dinner first."
"Where are we having dinner?"
"Are you going to keep asking? Can’t you just sit quietly, listen to the music, and wait to arrive at the destination?"
Wen Nian sounded quite helpless. Lili just wasn’t getting any more tactful.
Song Lili made a face of distaste,
"Fine, let’s keep your mysterious vibe, Falling Leaf Manor."
The car swerved slightly.
Wen Nian looked at Song Lili in astonishment, "How did you know?"
"Pfft, am I not your pillow talk?"
"...Yes."
"Well then, that settles it, doesn’t it? What could you possibly hide from me?"
Song Lili’s laughter grew even more smug.
Wen Nian shook his head.
The car continued on its way.
Falling Leaf Manor, a private estate in Anlin City, only welcomed four guests every day.
The owner of the estate was quite a character and, of course, was not lacking in money.
Falling Leaf Manor, as the name suggested, was famous for its falling leaves.
Spring, the season when all things grow, this holds true even in Anlin; the flowers, grasses, and trees take advantage of the brief spring to grow wildly and barbarically.
It makes one witness the tenacity and resilience of life.
When it comes to fallen leaves, everyone tends to think of autumn.
But in Falling Leaf Manor, the manor’s owner planted a type of tree that does the exact opposite of most.
It grows in autumn and winter, and sheds its leaves in spring and summer.
Thus, even in the slightly hot seasons, one can enjoy a stroll on the leaf-strewn path in the breeze of the evening.
The manor covers a vast area, planted with many fruit trees, and homemade fruit wine is one of Falling Leaf Manor’s specialties.
The car was parked by the manor’s butler.
Starting from the manor’s main gate, motor vehicles were not allowed to enter.
Wen Nian led Song Lili by the hand as they walked inside.
Song Lili looked at the vast planting area before her, as well as the meandering grassy pathways that stretched out of sight. She blinked in astonishment, dumbfounded,
"How long will this take?"
Song Lili looked toward Wen Nian.
"Half an hour."
"Wen Nian..."
"Hmm?"
"I’m already hungry," Song Lili looked to Wen Nian, speaking the truth.
"Then we better hurry up. Once we reach the restaurant, you can eat."
"You’re not kidding, right? I really am hungry. By the time we get to the restaurant, I’m sure I could faint within this half hour."
Song Lili was not being delicate; it was already nearly one o’clock, and she had eaten breakfast at seven.
When they set out, she hadn’t anticipated traveling this far and naturally hadn’t packed any snacks.
Even when she was still in the car, she was already feeling rather peckish.
Wen Nian glanced at her, and Song Lili was pouting in a way that made her appear rather frail.
He knew Song Lili too well.
Could this woman, who could march tens of kilometers a day in the army, really faint from hunger in half an hour?
His wife... was clearly giving him a hard time.
Wen Nian circled in front of her and squatted down.
Song Lili was taken aback, "What are you doing?"
"Playing dumb? I’ll carry you, alright?"
"Wouldn’t that be... uncouth?"
Song Lili said, feigning modesty, and earned an eye roll from Wen Nian. Her expression didn’t seem like someone who would care about being proper or not.
"Hop on."
"Well... I won’t be polite then."
Song Lili bit her lip and jumped onto Wen Nian’s back. Wen Nian cradled her long legs and hoisted her up.
"If you get tired, tell me, okay?"
"Tell you?"
"Yeah, if you get tired, I’ll let you rest a bit."
Song Lili wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder, chuckling softly.
"Should I be thanking the lady for her gracious favor?"
"Hey, my lord, you are being far too polite," Song Lili teased.
Wen Nian carried her along the shaded pathway.
On both sides were the fruit orchards of the manor.
At this time, there weren’t many fruit farmers picking the produce, but there were a few scattered about.
"Hey, old man, could you give me an apple?"
Wen Nian suddenly called out to an elderly man in the apple orchard, startling Song Lili.
"Hey, catch!"
The old man didn’t even ask; he tossed an apple straight over, and Wen Nian bent slightly, freeing one hand to catch it steadily and passed it to Song Lili before securing her again, not letting her feel the slightest insecurity.
Song Lili was astounded.
At nearly forty years old, she was swept up by Wen Nian, feeling waves of girlish excitement ripple through her.