A week later, Li Yueran arranged a quiet lunch for Aiden's crew. She had chosen foods that were both nourishing and simple, placed under a large umbrella to shade them from the blazing sun.
Aiden watched silently as she moved among the workers, handing out meals and offering quiet words of encouragement. She never touched him directly, but her eyes always found his, lingering just long enough for him to feel her presence.
He didn't understand why, but a small part of him felt… cared for, even protected. He pushed the feeling aside, wary of the unfamiliar warmth that tugged at his chest.
Meilin, standing beside Li Yueran, noticed her mother's subtle glances toward Aiden. "Mother… aren't you… too involved?" she asked softly.
Li Yueran's gaze remained fixed on her son. "I am involved in his life, yes. But gently. Always gently. I cannot force him to trust me, but I can make myself present, like a shadow he grows accustomed to."
The day ended with Aiden leaving quietly, his mind restless with thoughts he could not name. He noticed the empty container where the ice packs had been, and for the first time, wondered who had placed them there.