Su Lan's brows knitted together. "Su Xi?"
Han Li didn't respond immediately. Instead, she simply held Su Lan's gaze, letting the weight of her warning settle. A chill ran down Su Lan's spine.
Han Li wasn't the type to speak without reason. If she had noticed something, it wasn't just idle suspicion.
Su Yan, who had remained silent so far, finally spoke. "I'll have Nok keep an eye on her." His voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge beneath it. If any mishap occur their whole family could be whipped out. And having been aware of Su Xi's ambition he was always cautious against her.
The Su family's business was built on power, alliances, and blood. A single mistake could lead to disaster. If Su Xi had ambitions beyond what she deserved, they couldn't afford to be careless. A viper's fangs, if left unchecked, could poison the whole nest.
Han Li nodded slightly. "Good."
Su Lan exhaled, regaining her composure. "Nok? A new bodyguard?"
Han Li rarely inquired about Su family's security, even though their bodyguards were trained under her subordinates. Her people only handled the training—background checks and placements were up to the Su family.
Su Yan swirled the wine in his glass before replying. "Yes. He's the most skilled of our latest recruits—comparable to an S-rank mercenary."
Han Li's brows lifted slightly. "Interesting." She didn't press further. If Nok was truly that capable, then Su Xi wouldn't be able to move without leaving traces.
As banquet continued, guests presented their gifts, eat dinner before making their way towards their houses.
After everyone left, Han Li presented her gift to grandpa Su, it was a tea set.
"I knew you would appreciate it." Han Li smiled back, her eyes glinting with affection. "An amethyst ceramic Tang dynasty tea set—auctioned last month in the Imperial Capital. I had someone bid it just for you."
Grandpa Su was elated. He loves to collect tea cups or sets, but this is something only people close to him are aware of. He had been eyeing this purple amethyst tea ceremony for quite sometime but couldn't get it.
Opening the traditional tea container box, he took out a cup and carefully observed it. "Good"
Touching the smooth surface, he exclaimed again "Good! Come! Lili, follow this old man to study, let's set these precious treasures along side with others." he said, and carried box with him to the study.
Han Li just smiled and followed, leaving Su siblings behind. They were already used to this scene. It has to be known that old man Su's study is a restricted place for everyone in the family. But Han Li, she can enter even without permission.
Han Li followed Grandpa Su in the study and they arranged the tea set on the shelves behind his study table, where his remaining collections were presented like priced trophies.
After arranging them grandpa Su asked Han Li to sit. He went to the right corner of study and removed the ancient painting hanging there, revealing the safe behind it.
Opening the safe, he took out a metal box. Returning to Han Li's side, he sat on the sofa in front of her and handed the box to her.
"This is what your grandfather left for you in my care." Said grandpa Su with a sad sigh, almost vulnerable voice. "I am truly grateful I was able to live till today to pass it to you"
Hearing it was something from her grandfather Han Li was curious, she took the box and glanced at the lock. The password mechanism wasn't complicated. A series of numbers that didn't take her long to figure out.
Her grandmother's birthday.
The lock clicked open
She thought it was some precious gem or her grandma's personal handovers, but the box opened.
Inside, a silver gun rested on a velvet lining.
Han Li's breath caught in her throat.
Her hands trembled slightly.
For a moment, the entire world blurred at the edges.
She nearly dropped the box.
"Your grandfather said don't blame him for not telling you that it was with him, when you wasted so much time looking for it all around the world. He wanted to give you, but its original owner didn't want it returned to you before you returned China. On his death bed you grandfather handed it to me saying I should give it to you when you decide to return."
Han Li silently listened, her eyes clouded and mind messed-up.
She had been looking for this gun for whole 3 years.
Whole fucking 3 years.
When she noticed she lost it, she almost went crazy, feeling like she lost someone dear to her.
And 'he' fucking told her grandfather not to give it to her unless she return to china.
Good.
Taking a deep breath she hardly calmed herself. She tightly held the gun.
Her fingers traced the engraved name on the handle.
"Athena."
No one—not even those closest to her—understood what this gun meant to her.
Not just emotionally.
But spiritually.
Han Li closed her eyes for a brief moment, steadying her heartbeat. Then, gripping the gun tightly again, she finally spoke.
"I should have known he would keep it from me."
Her voice was quiet.
--------
On the way home in the car, Han Li looked at the passing street lights, densely packed bushes, and towering trees under dark night sky, lost in thought.
---Flashback starts---
It was 1 am and 15 year old Han Li returned home late again, opening the door she looked around the living room, finding the lights off she sighed in relief.
Not wanting to face her grandfather she tiptoed across the hall. He would be very sad and worried over nothing if he found out she returned late again.
It's not that she didn't want to return early, but after her parents' accident this house feels suffocating to her. Everyday after dinner grandfather would sleep early and she would be left alone with loneliness swallowing.
So draining every bits of energy, she returns just to sleep.
Han Li shut the bedroom door behind her, letting out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. The dim glow of the moon spilled through the window, casting long shadows across her room.
Then she saw him.