Yuyan nodded as though this made perfect sense, her attention drifting back to the cartoon.
But Lu Yuze could see the tension in her shoulders, the way her usual sprawl across the couch had become more contained, protective.
She was worried, worried about this new mother figure she'd claimed so quickly, terrified perhaps that this happiness might be as fragile as it felt new.
He squeezed her shoulder gently. "It's going to be okay, Yanyan.".
"Promise?"
"Promise."
She relaxed slightly, settling back against the couch cushions. Lu Yuze left his arm where it was, keeping her close, his mind already moving through calculations and contingencies even as he pretended to watch the cartoon with her.
The press conference had been broadcast live across every major platform.
Millions had watched his nephew's carefully constructed redemption narrative collapse in real time.
