The Su family residence was nestled in the city's most prestigious old-money villa district. It was less a home and more a miniature fortress, its silent authority built upon generations of influence and wealth. Tall wrought-iron gates slid open smoothly, revealing a driveway flanked by meticulously landscaped gardens that maintained their verdant dignity even in the early winter chill. The manor itself, a study in serene neo-classical architecture with white walls and dark-tiled roofs, exuded an air of unassailable gravity. Every time Su Suo stepped across its threshold, he was met with a familiar, almost suffocating sense of order—a stark contrast to his personal, freely-decorated high-rise apartment. Everything here, from the antique porcelain vases in the corners to the authenticated masterpieces hanging on the walls, spoke silently of the Su family's deep-rooted power.
The weekend family dinner was a non-negotiable ritual decreed by Madam Rong Qing. In her words, it was a "necessary ceremony to maintain the bonds of blood." Su Suo knew it was also his mother's stage for exercising subtle, omnipresent control.
He entered the dining room to find the long rosewood table impeccably set. A crystal chandelier cast a brilliant yet soft light, glinting off fine bone china. His father, Su Haoqian, sat at the head of the table, reading an internal briefing document through reading glasses. Even at home, his erect posture and stern expression commanded respect. His mother, Rong Qing, was quietly instructing a servant on the temperature of the soup. Dressed in an exquisite, understated cheongsam with a soft cashmere shawl, her makeup was flawless, her smile gentle, but her eyes—sharply intelligent like Su Qing's—missed nothing.
Su Qing was already there and greeted him with a warm smile, gesturing to the seat beside him. Li Hongyang was the last to arrive, offering a carefully calibrated smile of apology. "Uncle, Aunt, Brother, sorry I'm late. Traffic was terrible." He wore a new, well-tailored dark suit, his hair meticulously styled, trying hard to blend in, but his excessive eagerness made him seem like oil on water—unable to truly mix.
Rong Qing looked up, her smile unchanged, her gaze sweeping over Li Hongyang and lingering for a fraction of a second on his wrist as he checked the time. The watch, its face reflecting a deep, mechanical beauty under the light, was clearly no ordinary accessory.
"Now that everyone's here, let's begin," Rong Qing said, her voice as gentle as ever, signaling the start of the meal. Conversation flowed, seemingly casual. She asked Su Qing about recent major projects at his company; his replies were concise and measured, his eyes occasionally meeting his father's in silent understanding. Then she turned to Su Suo, inquiring about ideas for his new book, her tone full of pride and encouragement, as if her younger son's choice of the "unconventional" path of writing was a remarkable achievement.
The atmosphere appeared harmonious, like the richly simmered Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup—calm on the surface, yet complex within. However, Su Suo keenly sensed his mother's peripheral attention repeatedly drifting back to Li Hongyang's wrist.
As the main courses were served and a lull fell over the table, Rong Qing dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin and spoke, her tone still light, yet like a pebble dropped into still water. "Hongyang, you're looking well lately. And that watch… quite distinctive. If I'm not mistaken, it's the new Patek Philippe limited edition? I heard the waiting list stretches years." She leaned slightly forward, feigning admiration, but her eyes held none—only scrutiny. "Did you land a major project recently? Such generous bonuses? Your company certainly values talent."
A subtle silence fell over the table. Even Su Haoqian, meticulously deboning a fish, paused almost imperceptibly. He didn't look up, but the air around him seemed to grow heavier.
Li Hongyang's smile froze. A flicker of panic crossed his eyes, so fast it was nearly missed. He instinctively pulled his wrist back, forcing a dry laugh. "Auntie, you flatter me. I could never afford such a watch. This… this is just a high-grade replica, a novelty. The craftsmanship is decent, isn't it? These fakes can be quite convincing nowadays." He tried to mask his discomfort with self-deprecation, but his unease was palpable.
Su Suo's heart sank. The cold, unfamiliar woody scent from last night, the stark red mark on the collar, flashed like specters in his mind. This inexplicable, extravagant watch now felt like a branding iron, searing him with anxiety. He knew perfectly well that Li Hongyang's position and salary made such a purchase impossible. A "company reward"? Or… something else? The vague, dreaded possibility gnawed at him.
Yet, years of defending Li Hongyang had become a reflex. Seeing Li Hongyang's embarrassment under his family's gaze, a mix of pity, stubbornness, and blind protectiveness overwhelmed his doubts. He couldn't bear his family looking down on Li Hongyang, nor accept the seemingly validated label of "unreliable."
Almost before Li Hongyang finished speaking, Su Suo looked up, forcing a bright smile, his tone deliberately affectionate and slightly chiding. "Mom, your eyes are as sharp as ever. But you're mistaken this time!" He reached out, naturally patting Li Hongyang's hand under the table, though his own fingers were cold. "I gave him that watch. For his birthday last month—a surprise. I asked a friend to bring it back from abroad. So, what do you think? My taste isn't bad, is it?" He poured feigned affection and pride into his voice, as if this were truly a lover's sweet gesture.
The moment the words left his mouth, the atmosphere grew even more strained.
Rong Qing looked deeply at Su Suo, her expression complex—understanding, disappointment, and a heart-wrenching "I knew it." She didn't press further, merely picked up her spoon and stirred her soup calmly. "Is that so? Our Suo Suo is learning to give surprises now." Her flat tone made Su Suo's cheeks burn.
Su Haoqian finally looked up, his hawk-like eyes sweeping over Li Hongyang with piercing intensity. He made no comment on Su Suo's explanation, didn't even glance at his son, but said to Li Hongyang gravely, "Young man, keeping your feet on the ground is what matters most. External ornaments are merely decoration." The words, though advice, felt like an invisible slap to Li Hongyang's face, and to Su Suo's heart.
Li Hongyang hurriedly nodded in agreement, sweat nearly beading on his temple.
The remainder of the meal passed in stifled silence. Su Suo tasted nothing. The defenses he'd hastily built for Li Hongyang now seemed frail and foolish under his family's silent judgment. He even regretted his impulsive lie—it hadn't saved face but instead mirrored his own blindness.
After the meal, Rong Qing and Su Haoqian retreated to the study. Anxious to leave, Su Suo headed for the foyer when Su Qing followed him.
"Xiao Suo," Su Qing's voice was as gentle as ever. He was a few years older, inheriting their mother's refined features but with a steadiness honed in business. He had always been the one who doted on Su Suo unconditionally. Now, seeing his brother's forced composure and barely concealed distress, his eyes filled with concern.
"Brother, I'm fine," Su Suo preempted, his tone stiff and defensive. He knew what was coming.
Su Qing sighed, leading him to a secluded conservatory. Outside the glass walls, the winter scenery was bleak, but inside it was warm, with rare orchids blooming quietly. Su Qing handed Su Suo a cup of hot tea, looking at him earnestly. "Xiao Suo, I watched you grow up. I know what's on your mind." He paused, choosing his words. "Li Hongyang… Mom and Dad's judgment of character might be sharper than ours. Don't wait until things are beyond repair…"
"Brother!" Su Suo interrupted sharply, his voice rising with emotion. "I know my own life! I know none of you approve of him, think he's not good enough for our family, right? Is it because of his background? Or is it because I'm gay, and you're ashamed, so you'd rather I be with anyone but him?" He hurled the deepest, most hurtful misunderstanding he harbored—a dagger aimed at his brother and himself. He stubbornly believed his family's opposition stemmed from a hidden disapproval of his sexuality, with Li Hongyang merely as the outlet.
Su Qing's face changed—not in anger, but in profound pain and disbelief. He gripped Su Suo's shoulders, his grasp firm, his eyes deadly serious. "Su Suo! How can you say that?! When have Mom, Dad, or I ever pressured you about that? We love you; we only want your happiness! It's precisely because we care that we can't stand by and watch you…" He choked back harsher words, ending with a heavy sigh. "Forget it. You're too upset to listen now. Just remember, Xiao Suo, no matter what happens, this family is your fortress. I will always be your brother."
With that, Su Qing released him, gave him one last complex look, and walked away.
Su Suo stood alone, the warmth of the teacup fading like the heat in his heart. His brother's final words were a comfort, yet they highlighted the cold absurdity of his own outburst. He knew he had wronged his family, hurt the brother who cherished him most. But the remnants of his stubborn faith in Li Hongyang, and his prideful refusal to admit error, held him captive.
Outside, the sky darkened. The Su manor lit up, its brilliance making the fortress seem more magnificent, yet more distant. Su Suo felt an unprecedented loneliness. On one side, his flesh and blood—critical yet deeply loving; on the other, the man who made his heart race, now shrouded in doubt. A clear fissure had formed on this seemingly peaceful weekend afternoon, in the home where he grew up. Because of Li Hongyang and the watch, because of his blind defense and his family's clear-eyed scrutiny, and exacerbated by his stubborn misunderstanding, the crack deepened. He thought he was defending love, unaware that he was pushing himself away from those who truly cared. The seemingly perfect, crystal-like world now bore its first, unmistakable fracture.