"Do you want to go home?"
Shen Yelan's chopsticks paused midway to her mouth. She looked up from her dinner to find Mo Jingrui watching her with that gentle expression he'd been wearing more and more often lately.
"Home?" she repeated, the word feeling strange on her tongue.
The past couple of days, the two had gotten used to each other's presence, and Shen Yelan was finally able to eat at the table without looking like a scared puppy. She was distant and did not talk much, but based on the research he had done on her, that was just how her personality was. For him, getting her to this point felt like his biggest achievement. She was finally returning to herself and accepting this new chapter of her life.
His other achievement was the rosy flush that had begun appearing on her usually pale cheeks. She still looked fragile, yes, but her skin had gained some healthy color. Her coughs had also gotten better, and she did not look like she would pass out at any moment.
"Mm," Mo Jingrui hummed and reached over to place some braised vegetables in her bowl. "I originally only came to South City for business. I stayed behind after I first noticed you. Then, once I confirmed your identity, I wanted to take you back with me."
Shen Yelan bit her lower lip, her chopsticks moving the vegetables around in her bowl without actually eating them.
Mo Jingrue did not force her and gave her time to think. Throughout the dinner, Shen Yelan did not give him any response. It was only after the table had been cleared that Shen Yelan answered.
"Okay."
.
.
When Mo Jingrui told her the next morning that they'd be leaving today, Shen Yelan had naturally assumed they'd take a car like normal people. The last thing she expected was for the elevator to take them to the rooftop instead.
There were two rows of men in black suits standing on either side in the open space.
The moment they caught sight of Mo Jingrui pushing Shen Yelan's wheelchair out of the elevator, they all bowed in perfect synchronization.
"Young Miss!" Their voices rang out together.
Behind her, Mo Jingrui looked supremely satisfied with this arrangement. He was bringing his sister home and he wanted to do it in the most extravagant, impressive way possible. It didn't matter how much money he spent. That was the last thing he lacked.
He just wanted to show Shen Yelan how important she was to him. He wanted to show her that she wasn't some burden to be hidden away. She was the Mo family's only daughter, and she deserved a proper homecoming.
Before Shen Yelan could even react, she saw a helicopter appear in the sky and land on the helipad.
Shen Yelan blinked at the black helicopter and then at her brother, wondering what exactly was going on in his mind to plan this.
"Let's go," Mo Jingrui grabbed the handles of her wheelchair and began to push it towards the helicopter. Even though he had bought a very expensive electric wheelchair but he preferred to push her himself.
When they reached the helicopter door, he picked her up and helped her inside. Once seated, Shen Yelan realized there was someone else already present inside.
Mo Shiyu stared at Shen Yelan with barely restrained excitement. Yesterday, when Mo Jingrui had told him they'd found their little cousin, he had been beyond shocked.
When she went missing, he was barely a few years old, so he didn't have any actual memories of her. But growing up, there had never been a time when the family had forgotten about her.
Every year, her birthday was celebrated, her room was renovated, and her closet was stocked with new clothes, as if she might return at any moment and need them. All these years, no one had stopped searching for her and had been hoping that she would return one day.
But that shock was soon replaced with happiness, especially when he realized he was the reason she was found. Given that he did not recognize her, but if he hadn't said anything, who knows how long it might have taken?
Yes, it was all thanks to him that they found their little sister.
"Hi, little sister. I am Mo Shiyu, your fourth-oldest brother." He introduced himself to Shen Yelan.
"Hello," Shen Yelan gave him a nod.
Seeing her indifferent expression, Mo Shiyu did not think much and found her really cute. He had always heard his friends complaining about how annoying their sisters. Back then, he did not understand them. Now that he had a sister himself, he still did not understand them. How could someone so adorable be annoying?
Shen Yelan looked away from him and focused her attention on the man sitting next to him. He was already staring back at her.
His features were distinct yet handsome, as if god had taken his time sculpting his face. Sword-like eyebrows framed phoenix eyes so dark they appeared almost black. His nose was high and straight. His lips were curved into a barely perceptible smile. His hair was combed backward perfectly, leaving not a single stray hair. On his wrist, barely visible beneath the cuff of his expensive suit, she could see Buddhist prayer beads.
She knew this man. Just like Mo Jingrui, he was also a famous face in the business world.
Huo Ziyan, the fourth young master of the Huo family who had raised his own empire without any support from his family. Some people called him stupid for leaving behind his family business and starting from scratch. Others called him a genius for what he'd accomplished independently.
He and Mo Jingrui were famous friends...and equally famous rivals. They'd collaborate on some projects while simultaneously trying to sabotage each other in others.
Mo Jingrui noticed her attention on Huo Ziyan. Thinking she was curious about him, he explained, "This is my friend Huo Ziyan. When I told him I was taking you back to the capital today, he asked to hitch a ride. I hope you don't mind his presence."
Shen Yelan nodded her head in understanding.
Huo Ziyan gave an unimpressed look to Mo Jingrui. "This is my helicopter."
Mo Jingrui did not seem embarrassed and shrugged. "I borrowed it from you yesterday. You were the one who decided to tag along at the last minute."
While they talked, the helicopter took off. Shen Yelan looked down the window, her eyes falling on a black car that looked like a tiny dot from here.
Oh right, she forgot to inform them.