The blind boss's nanny

Dang Shen looked at her, her gaze complex, and after a moment of silence, she said:

"Xiaoman, you are very brave."

He paused for a moment, his voice lowering further.

"Braver than me."

Lin Xiaoman knew he was reminded of his own past. She shrugged indifferently, her smile bright and open, and it was clear that her ease was genuine.

"Well, it's good that you've figured it out. Accepting that 'others might not love you as much' isn't actually that hard. Loving yourself is much more reliable than waiting for others to give you love."

She patted Codonopsis pilosula's arm and said sincerely:

"You're great too. Don't we both have families we chose for ourselves now?"

The people she was thinking of were her grandmother and Dean Lin.

Codonopsis pilosula, however, misunderstood the situation and hesitantly asked:

"Is your current family member... the chairman?"

Lin Xiaoman's smile faded slightly, like a thin mist blown away by the wind. She lowered her head and stirred the coffee in her cup, which had long since gone cold, causing small swirls to form in the brown liquid.

After a few seconds, she looked up, her voice very soft:

"We... broke up."

Dang Shen paused slightly in her hand holding the cup, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

He recalled his days at the medical center, how Lin Xiaoman took meticulous care of Lu Tingzhao, her focus and dedication often moving even a doctor like him who was used to seeing life and death.

How could such profound emotions suddenly break down at this crucial moment when the treatment is about to enter its most critical stage?

A rather unpleasant phrase suddenly popped into his mind—"starting a relationship and then abandoning it."

Codonopsis pilosula has always been instinctively cautious towards the so-called upper class, especially businessmen like Lu Tingzhao who hold enormous capital.

If it weren't for Lin Xiaoman's mediation and her sincerity that moved him, he might not have accepted Lu Tingzhao's case so quickly.

Thinking of this, a rare look of indignation appeared on Dang Shen's usually gentle and calm face; it was righteous indignation for his friend.

"Xiaoman,"

His voice was gentle and comforting.

"Don't be too sad. If you'd like, I can be your family too. My daughter likes you a lot and always calls you 'Sister Xiaoman'..."

Lin Xiaoman felt a warmth in her heart, looked up at him, and gave him a genuinely grateful smile:

"Thank you, Codonopsis."

She paused, then steered the conversation back to the main topic, her tone regaining its calmness and seriousness:

"I'm entrusting the chairman's continued treatment to you. I hope everything goes smoothly for him."

Codonopsis's brow furrowed slightly, his doubts deepening. He asked bluntly:

"He treated you like that, pushing you away so coldly, and you... still care so much about his treatment?"

Lin Xiaoman was taken aback at first, then realized that Dang Shen had completely misunderstood. She quickly waved her hand and explained:

"No, no, no, it's not what you think! Neither of us pushed the other; it was... a peaceful breakup. This should be quite common in your culture, right? When a relationship reaches a certain stage, you realize you're not compatible and need space, so you choose to separate."

Dang Shen nodded thoughtfully, most of his doubts dissipating, but a lingering question remained. He asked the question that had been swirling in his mind:

"So... once his eyesight recovers, don't you want him to see what you look like? There's a good chance that will happen."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoman gently shook her head. Her gaze drifted to the bustling street scene outside the window, her profile appearing soft in the light.

"It doesn't matter anymore."

She spoke softly, more like she was whispering to herself.

"Whether he can see the world is important. But whether he can see what I look like... is actually not that important."

The next second, Lin Xiaoman turned her head and looked at the man in front of her with clear and firm eyes.

She recalled the first time she met Dang Shen at the manor, when he was shrouded in dejection and melancholy. Now, he was a completely different person.

The Codonopsis now radiates peace and warmth from within. He is no longer so indifferent to the world, and even shows indignation for her, which makes Lin Xiaoman genuinely happy.

Her lips curved slightly upward, revealing a genuine smile.

"Do you know about Codonopsis pilosula?"

Her voice was very soft.

Seeing you like this makes me even more determined to do what I've always wanted to do.

Through the ginseng, she seemed to see her friends far away.

During my childhood at Sunshine Home, other children always envied those adopted by families overseas. In everyone's imagination, it meant embarking on a smooth road to paradise...

Just like the initial impression of Lu Tingzhao's manor: spacious, bright, materially abundant, and exuding luxury everywhere.

But only those who have actually lived there know the full experience.

It's truly comfortable and warm, with a high bed, soft pillows, and a constant temperature all year round.

But the invisible shackles are also real, just like Lu Tingzhao's airtight control, a net woven with love.

For Codonopsis pilosula, the villa owned by her adoptive parents provided ample material support.

The bone-chilling loneliness and the cold estrangement between loved ones are equally real.

Beneath their seemingly perfect facades, they had all experienced a kind of core deficiency.

This resonance transcends simple sympathy and becomes a profound understanding.

Dang Shen fully understood Lin Xiaoman's unspoken words and the concern in her eyes. He patted her shoulder knowingly, his tone gentle and supportive:

"Xiaoman, I understand your concerns. But please believe me, not all your friends have had such a...dramatic experience as me. Every family and every encounter is unique."

He paused, his eyes filled with utmost sincerity:

"However, as your friend, I fully support your decision. Going to see for yourself and confirm it personally is more meaningful than any imagination or rumors."

The day of departure arrived in the blink of an eye.

Lin Xiaoman arrived at the airport's international departure hall several hours early, hoping to get through security quickly and wait quietly at the boarding gate.

However, when she handed over her documents to check in, the staff behind the counter smiled and told her:

"Ms. Lin, your cabin has been upgraded. You can proceed to our VIP lounge for the waiting area, which will be more comfortable."

She followed the signs toward the door to the lounge.

Pushing open the door, the interior was spacious and elegant, where a person was sitting.

Lu Tingzhao sat upright on the sofa facing the door, his posture relaxed yet impossible to ignore. He seemed to "hear" the door open and turned his head slightly.

Lin Xiaoman felt as if all the blood in her body rushed to her head, then quickly receded. The first thought that flashed through her mind was... turn around! Run immediately!

But before she could move her feet, the man's deep, steady voice came:

"Xiaoman" (Grain Buds).

It's not a question, it's a statement of confirmation.

He was waiting for her.

Lin Xiaoman froze on the spot, her fingers unconsciously tightening and gripping her palm.