"Aren't you going to introduce him now?"
Suo Ran's voice settled into the space between them, light in tone but sharp in intent. It didn't rush or press, yet it lingered just enough to make the silence feel heavier than it should. For a brief moment, no one spoke. Cai Lang didn't look up immediately. He finished the bite he had taken, his movements unhurried, as if the question hadn't disrupted anything at all. Then, finally, he set his chopsticks down.
"Why are you acting like he's a thief or something?" Cai Lang said, his tone calm but edged with quiet irritation. His gaze lifted briefly, settling on Suo Ran. "Curiosity isn't always a good thing. It's not like I'm going to hide this forever."
Suo Ran didn't look away. "I'm staying here," he replied evenly. "So I have the right to know who's staying with me. Is it wrong to ask?"
For a second, the air tightened. Then Cai Lang exhaled softly, as if deciding it wasn't worth stretching further. "Okay."
A brief pause followed before he continued, voice returning to its usual calm. "This is my elder brother Anxin."
Suo Ran's brows lifted slightly. "Elder brother?" There was a faint edge to his tone, more probing than surprised.
"You didn't mention him before," Lian Ziho added quietly, not accusatory just observant.
Cai Lang's expression didn't change. "There are a lot of things I don't mention," he replied flatly. Jun Wei, oblivious to the shift in tone, leaned forward with bright curiosity. "So he's been away this whole time?"
Anxin gave a small, polite smile but didn't answer. Cai Lang spoke instead, cutting the moment cleanly. He paused slightly, then added, "He'll be staying with us for a few days."
Anxin inclined his head slightly, his posture straight, composed in a way that didn't feel forced. "Hello, sorry to bother you! " he said, his voice even, polite without being distant. Lian Ziho gave a small nod, his reaction calm as ever. "No...no, It's your home. We are the one who is bothering you "
Anxin said no, you are not! They exchange smile. Jun Wei, on the other hand, lit up immediately. "You are his brother?" he echoed, eyes widening as if this was the most exciting thing he'd heard all day. He leaned forward slightly, unable to sit still. "Then… can I call you Xin-ge?" The question came out bright and hopeful, completely unfiltered. Anxin looked at him, and for the first time, something softened just slightly. "Of course," he said. "I'd like that." Jun Wei beamed. "Yay!" The moment passed lightly too lightly.
Suo Ran didn't smile. His gaze had already fixed on Anxin. The name echoed faintly in his mind, like something half-buried, just out of reach. His fingers stilled against the table. I've heard that before. The thought came suddenly, sharp enough to catch his attention. His brows drew together slightly as he tried to follow it, trace it back somewhere, some time, some conversation but nothing came. It slipped away before he could grasp it gone.
Suo Ran exhaled quietly, leaning back just a fraction. Forget it. Why should I worry. It's doesn't matter whatever name he has. (....)
But his eyes didn't move. They stayed on Anxin.watching, measuring. Something about him didn't sit right. Not because he had done anything wrong, but because of how easily he fit into the space. As if he had always been meant to be there. He kept staring. Long enough for it to become noticeable. "Suo Ran."
The voice was calm. Suo ran didn't notice.
A second passed. "Suo Ran."
This time, slightly clearer. Still nothing. Suo Ran's focus didn't break, his gaze locked, thoughts circling that same unreachable point. Beside him, Lian Ziho glanced over before reaching out and giving his shoulder a light shake. "Hey."
Suo Ran blinked once, the moment snapping cleanly as he looked away, then back again, awareness returning all at once. "…Yeah?" His gaze shifted, landing properly this time on Anxin. "…Hi." It came a second too late.
Anxin watched him, that same faint, unreadable composure resting in his expression. Then, slowly, a small smile formed not warm, not cold, just enough.
" Seems like you are not happy? " He said.
" No, why I would be unhappy. It's not like you are my enemy "
"I'm glad. " he said. " enemy?you are intersting. " After a brief pause, he added, almost gently," It's Nice to talk with you" " Am I ?" He said. Then he added with smile " same."
"You seem very curious about me. I hope you're satisfied now." The words weren't accusatory but they weren't innocent either. Suo Ran held his gaze for a second. Then a small smile pulled at his lips, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "No," he said lightly. "It's not like that." A beat passed. "I was just… worried."
"I know," Anxin said quietly. Then, without asking, he reached over and placed some food into Suo Ran's bowl..A simple gesture.
Yet something about it felt off.
Suo Ran's fingers tightened slightly around his chopsticks as he watched Anxin. Then the man's gaze softened slightly, and he spoke quietly, almost conversationally. "So… you're Suo Ran?" His tone was calm, polite, without any edge. He nodded toward Jun Wei. "And this little one," he said with a faint smile, "he's your little brother? He's… quite cute."
Suo Ran's lips curved into a brief, amused smile. "Yeah… that's Jun Wei," he said lightly, glancing down at the boy who was still eagerly nibbling at his noodles.
Anxin's gaze shifted back to Suo Ran, still calm and friendly. "And… what's your relationship with Cai Lang?" His voice carried no accusation, only curiosity.
Suo Ran raised an eyebrow, considering the question. "I…We've been working together a lot lately," he said carefully, keeping his tone neutral. He wasn't sure why he felt slightly guarded even in such a normal conversation.
Anxin nodded slowly, as if noting the answer without pressing further. "I see. That makes sense. He seems… reliable. I can understand why you'd be involved with him."
"So you're his friend? Right ?" "You can say that "
" Why are you staying here? "
" There is some problem with my apartment"
" I see " he added " so how long are you going to stay here? "
" Don't know when situation will be better "
"Hmm" Anxin said.
" We are not going to bother you for long time " Suo ran said with forced smile.
" No, I didn't mean to say that." he added " sorry if it hurts you "
" No, it's okay. " Lian Ziho, quietly observing from across the table, added softly, " food is going to cold. Let's eat it. "
Suo Ran's fingers tightened slightly around his chopsticks. What is this… He didn't say anything.
Across the table, Cai Lang continued eating, as if none of it concerned him. Then his phone rang. The sound cut cleanly through the space. Cai Lang glanced at it once, his expression unchanged. He stood without a word, already stepping away as he answered. "I'll take this." And just like that, he was gone.
The room shifted not visibly, but enough. The conversation didn't pick up immediately. Jun Wei returned to eating after a moment, occasionally glancing at Anxin with open curiosity. Lian Ziho remained calm, focused on his food, though his attention flickered between Suo Ran and the empty space Cai Lang had left behind.
Suo Ran, however, barely touched his meal. His gaze drifted again back to Anxin. Elder brother… The word didn't sit right either. Why does it feel like there's more to it? He frowned slightly, looking down at his bowl before forcing himself to eat. Across from him, Anxin remained composed, his movements neat and unhurried, as if the weight in the room didn't exist at all.
Inside the other room, the air felt colder, heavier, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath. Cai Lang closed the door behind him with a soft click, the sound muted but somehow final. He lifted the phone to his ear, fingers gripping it lightly, expression calm on the surface but taut underneath. "What are you planning now?"
The voice came immediately sharp, controlled, imbued with the kind of authority that brooked no hesitation. "How long are you planning to hide?" Cai Lang didn't answer at once. He let the silence stretch, measured, deliberate, as if he were weighing each word before even considering speaking. The pause was uncomfortable, the kind that made the air in the room feel like ice.
"I heard Anxin is with you," the voice continued, colder this time, cutting into the quiet like a blade. "Why? Why is he suddenly there?"
A subtle tightening passed through Cai Lang's jaw. Calm, steady, he replied, "He needed a place to stay. That's all." His words were clipped, precise. No explanation beyond the surface, no hesitation to betray anything more. "That's not what I asked," the voice countered, low and dangerous, with just enough emphasis to make the point clear. "You think I'm blind? You think I wouldn't notice if something changed? Don't waste my patience, Cai Lang. You know better."
Cai Lang's grip on the phone tightened fractionally, knuckles whitening. His tone remained even, unflinching. "He's safe. That's what matters. That's all I needed to do." Another pause, longer this time. The line was filled with the hum of tension, a quiet menace threading through every second. Then the voice returned, slower, deliberate, measured: "You're playing with fire. You can't pretend the past didn't happen. You know the consequences if it does."
Cai Lang's eyes flickered briefly toward the closed door behind him. He knew the dangers always had. Every move he made was shadowed by those who remembered. The voice continued, like ice running through veins: "Do you think bringing your brother here changes the stakes? That a few walls, a few precautions, make you untouchable? There are things you cannot control, Cai Lang. Things that wait, hidden, until you slip."
He remained silent for a moment, breathing steady, measured. His eyes swept the room instinctively, analyzing every corner, every angle, every possible threat even in the safety of his own home. Then he spoke, calm, deliberate: "No. I know what I'm doing. I've accounted for every risk. He's under my protection. And no one will harm him not now, not while I'm here."
A faint hiss of air came through the line, like a warning. "You always think you can handle it, don't you? You underestimate what's watching. You think you've earned trust, that you can shield what matters but remember, Cai Lang, some consequences do not wait. Some shadows never leave, and they're patient. You are not as untouchable as you think."
Cai Lang's jaw tightened imperceptibly, his hand curling around the phone. "I am aware. I've never underestimated anything. But I also know I can't leave things to chance. That's why I'm careful. That's why he's here. That's why I won't repeat the mistakes of the past. I know the risks. I know the dangers. And I'm prepared for them."
Another pause followed. Silence stretched. The line vibrated faintly with tension. The voice, finally, lowered, deliberate, almost a whisper but heavy with authority: "Make sure what happened in the past… doesn't happen again." The call ended.
The meal ended quietly, the last bits of noodles and vegetables cleared from the table. Lian Ziho stood and began collecting the bowls, moving with his usual calm efficiency toward the kitchen. Jun Wei sat back in his chair, his small hands folded in his lap, his bright energy slowly giving way to the calm that followed a satisfying meal.
"Can you sing a song for me?" Jun Wei asked suddenly, looking up at Suo Ran with wide, hopeful eyes. Suo Ran glanced down at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "A song?" he asked softly. "For bedtime?"
Jun Wei nodded vigorously, bouncing lightly in his seat. "Please! Just one! I'll listen carefully, I promise!"
"No, let's sleep without any trouble."
"please gege..." " I said no."
Anxin, sitting quietly inclined his head slightly, observing the interaction with interest. "I know a song too," he said calmly. "Would you like me to sing one as well?"
Jun Wei's eyes lit up. "Yes! Please!"
"Jun Wei..." " it's ok "
Suo Ran chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, everyone settle down. It's getting late."
Anxin hummed a gentle melody, soft and even, the kind that seemed to wrap around the room like a quiet blanket. Jun Wei listened intently, swaying slightly in his seat, completely captivated. Suo Ran watched him closely, noting the small, almost imperceptible ways Jun Wei relaxed in the presence of Anxin's calm. Even Lian Ziho paused by the table, quietly taking in the peaceful scene, the ordinary warmth of the apartment a stark contrast to the tension that had lingered earlier.
When the song finished, Jun Wei clapped softly, eyes sparkling with delight. "Again? Or… can we go to sleep now?"
Anxin smiled faintly. "Sleep is important. We'll sing again tomorrow."
"Okay, let's play again tomorrow too."Jun Wei said with happy expression.
"You are really greedy. " suo ran said. And added " let's go to sleep now "
Jun Wei nodded, satisfied, and with a yawn, climbed down from his chair. Suo Ran held out a hand to guide him toward the bedroom, and Anxin followed at a gentle, measured pace. Before leaving the dining area, Jun Wei turned to give them both a bright, drowsy smile. The room settled into quiet again. The faint hum of the kitchen, the soft settling of chairs, and the distant city sounds outside created a calm, almost domestic lull.
Morning sunlight spilled into the apartment, soft and warm, stretching across the floor as Jun Wei stirred in his bed. His small voice called out almost immediately. "Gege…?"
Suo Ran, still half-awake, turned his head from the edge of the bed. "Hm?"
"I'm awake!" Jun Wei announced proudly, bouncing slightly. "Can I get up now?"
"Slowly," Suo Ran replied, sitting up fully and rubbing his eyes. "No rushing. It's morning, not a race." Jun Wei grinned widely. "Morning race is fun!" Suo Ran shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Where does he gets all this energy in morning."
From the kitchen came a quiet, measured voice. "Breakfast is ready," Anxin said, calm and even, as he set a plate of neatly arranged toast, eggs, and fruit on the counter. Jun Wei's eyes lit up. "xin ge ! You're awake already?" Jun Wei exclaimed, bounding out of his room. Anxin inclined his head slightly, moving with deliberate grace. "I am awake, yes. And let's go eat, but we eat calmly, not running into chairs."
Jun Wei laughed, dashing ahead anyway, and Suo Ran followed more slowly, shaking his head but allowing a smile to slip through.
At the table, Jun Wei immediately began piling small portions onto his plate. "Do you want some eggs too, xin ge? I can give you my favorite piece!"
Anxin chuckled softly, faint but audible. "I appreciate your offer. I will take the one you choose." Jun Wei's eyes widened. "Really? Okay! Then I pick the round one in the middle! That's the best one!" He carefully slid it toward Anxin's plate. Anxin observed the action quietly, then inclined his head with a soft "Thank you." Jun Wei's grin grew wider.
Suo Ran took his seat beside Jun Wei, picking up a piece of toast. "You really think he's going to eat all your favorite pieces?" he asked, voice low and teasing. "Maybe," Jun Wei said seriously. "But I like sharing. It's more fun!"
Anxin's gaze flicked toward Suo Ran, calm and unshaken. "Your little one is earnest," he remarked simply. "It is rare to see such sincerity." Suo Ran smirked faintly. "I'd say it's exhausting." Jun Wei tilted his head. "Exhausting is fun too!"
Cai Lang entered the room quietly then, carrying a small cup of tea. "Good morning," he said simply, his gaze scanning the table before resting briefly on Anxin. "Did you sleep well?" "Very well," Anxin replied, tone even. "Thank you for asking." Cai Lang nodded, then looked at Jun Wei. "And you?"
"I slept okay," Jun Wei answered honestly. "But I want pancakes!" Cai Lang allowed a small, rare smile. "Pancakes can be arranged." Anxin's brow quirked slightly. "Pancakes?" he repeated, curiosity mild but unmistakable. Jun Wei leaned forward eagerly. "Yeah! Big ones with syrup! Can we?" Cai Lang glanced at Suo Ran, who raised an eyebrow faintly, amused. "Fine," Suo Ran said, "but we eat first."
Breakfast continued, the atmosphere light and calm. Jun Wei chattered constantly, asking questions about Anxin's past, about how he cooked the eggs so perfectly, and even if he had pets before. Anxin answered patiently, the calmness of his tone balancing Jun Wei's bubbling energy. "So you are really staying with us for a few days?" Jun Wei asked, eyes wide. "Yes," Anxin said quietly, "for a few days, until matters are settled."
Jun Wei frowned slightly. "What matters? Dangerous ones?".Anxin inclined his head. "Some are better left unexplained to young ears." Jun Wei pouted. "But I'm smart!"
Suo Ran let out a low chuckle. "I'm not sure you're ready to be part of this conversation."
Jun Wei crossed his arms, mock-serious. "I can handle it! I'm brave!" Anxin's gaze softened just slightly. "Bravery is noted."
Suo Ran shook his head again, smiling faintly. "He'll grow up thinking he's a hero."
Cai Lang returned then, carrying a small tray with syrup and butter, setting it gently on the table. "Careful," he said. "Hot." Jun Wei clapped happily. "Yay! Pancakes!" He immediately helped himself, but then paused to offer the first piece to Anxin. "Here, I saved the best one for you!" Anxin inclined his head and accepted it. "Thank you." Suo Ran watched quietly, a faint smile lingering on his lips.
After breakfast, Jun Wei insisted on helping Anxin clear the dishes. "I can wash the forks!" he said brightly. "And you can dry them!"
Anxin glanced at him, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Very well. I shall dry." Anxin and Jun Wei went in kitchen.
Jun Wei splashed water lightly at Anxin as they dried the dishes, giggling when a small spray landed on his sleeves. "Ah! You got me!" he shouted, trying to wipe it off.
Anxin's movements were careful, deliberate, yet even in the playfulness, there was a quiet elegance to him. "Your aim is chaotic," he remarked lightly, reaching over to help steady Jun Wei's small hands.
Suo Ran leaned against the counter, watching the two with a faint, amused smile. "You two seems Closer. Jun Wei you really trust everyone easily.," he muttered under his breath. Jun Wei didn't hear him, of course he was too busy squealing as water splashed again. "No fair! You're cheating!" Anxin inclined his head slightly, a soft chuckle escaping him. "I assure you, no cheating is occurring."
The moment felt calm, domestic, safe. The morning sunlight warmed the kitchen, glinting off the silverware and the small puddles of water they left behind in their playful cleaning.Suo Ran walked toward his room. He entered room with relax mind. He stands near window.
Anxin....he is not that bad. (....)
He is good to Jun Wei. (....)
He is not like his brother. (.....)
Whatever... I just want to end all this thing early. (.....)
Meanwhile, Anxin carefully wiped down the counters, straightening the few dishes that had been left out, his movements calm and precise, restoring order to the small chaos of the morning. Jun Wei, undeterred, had moved into the living room, his small laughter echoing as he played with a ball he had found.
Suddenly, the front door creaked open. Jun Wei froze. "Ahhh ge....!" Jun Wei screamed, the sound cutting through the apartment like a flare. Suo Ran's ears snapped to the noise. "Jun Wei!" he shouted, sprinting toward the living room, Lian Ziho close behind, their expressions a mix of alarm and disbelief.
As they entered, the scene hit them fully. The man in the doorway was badly injured, slumping against the frame as though each step took immense effort. Blood dripped to the floor in small, ominous spots, and the faint ragged sound of his breathing carried a weight of something far more serious than Jun Wei could understand.
Suo Ran froze, heart pounding, his mind racing through every possible explanation accident, attack, danger. Lian Ziho's hands tightened at his sides, eyes scanning immediately for threats. Jun Wei clung to Suo Ran's leg, voice trembling. "Gege… what's happening? Who is he? Why is he bleeding?"
The injured man's eyes flickered weakly toward them, and even in the dim, tense light of the apartment, his expression carried pain and urgency, as if warning them without words. Suo Ran's gaze met Lian Ziho's, both of them silent for a heartbeat, the morning calm shattered entirely.