Chapter 11

The seashell hanging from the necklace was the only thing Shen Yuxiu’s mother clutched in her hand before she died.

Just the day before, they had gone to the seaside together.

He picked up what he thought was the most beautiful seashell and gave it to his mother.

The next night, his mother committed suicide.

Shen Yuxiu held onto the seashell, refusing food and water for three days, until he fainted in his room.

After that day, he made the seashell into a necklace and wore it around his neck.

Until five years ago, when he gave the necklace to me.

That year, my mother passed away. I sat in front of her grave all night, until Shen Yuxiu, covered in the chill of the early morning dew, stood before me.

I was surprised. He had been especially busy during that time, always flying back and forth between countries.

If I remember correctly, he should have been in Country F today.

Shen Yuxiu squatted in front of me, his voice low and tinged with exhaustion from endless work. “Not answering my calls, hmm?”

I shook my head. “Tired. Didn’t want to answer.”

Shen Yuxiu looked at me quietly, saying nothing more.

I tilted my head, staring at the peaceful smile on the woman’s face on the tombstone, and suddenly asked, “Shen Yuxiu, what do you think is the meaning of life?”

I felt that making money was meaningless, tomorrow was meaningless, and today was meaningless too.

Living itself seemed meaningless.

Shen Yuxiu’s breath caught. He gripped my shoulders, forcing me to look at him.

I saw it-the fleeting light in his eyes. “Song Zhiwei, don’t let your thoughts run wild.”

I pressed my lips together and stayed silent.

He took off the seashell necklace and hung it around my neck. Meeting my puzzled gaze, he said calmly, “No matter when, you can use this necklace to make me grant any wish you have.”

“Song Zhiwei, I don’t care what meaning life has for others. You have to live. You must live, and think carefully about what wish you want me to fulfill for you, hmm?”

I touched the cold seashell, but my heart was wrapped in warmth. I whispered, “Okay.”

I buried my head in his broad chest, the scent of his woody cologne with a hint of fruit lingering at the tip of my nose, bringing me a sense of peace.

He patted my back, slow and gentle, as if to comfort me.