She reached out and grabbed his sleeve again, this time with a soft smile.
"I won't suffer," she said, "Because I have you."
Yuanfeng inhaled sharply, eyes growing misty again.
"...I'll buy you ten ice creams after this."
"Deal!" Huaijin grinned.
***
The car drove through the tall iron gates, entering the sprawling estate of manicured gardens, towering trees, and the intimidating old manor.
Servants lined up neatly near the entrance, bowing as soon as the car door opened.
Yuanfeng stepped out with the expression of a man walking into an execution chamber.
Huaijin hopped down beside him, holding his hand.
Inside the manor, the air smelled faintly of sandalwood and old money.
And there—
Standing at the top of the stairs, hands behind his back, stern and dignified in a dark traditional robe…
***
Was Chi Wenzhou, or say in short, Grandfather Chi, the patriarch of the family?
His gaze landed immediately on Huaijin with a complicated expression.
