Is anything wrong?
No, nothing is wrong.
Lu Yebai took a deep breath, unconsciously squeezing the plastic bag in his hand. Inside that bag was the medicine he had purchased for her.
He was just…
"Where is she now?"
Lu Yebai asked.
"Miss Xixi hasn't yet returned." The butler hesitated for a moment, "Strange, if Miss Xixi didn't go to find you, why hasn't she returned yet?"
"She did come to find me." It's just that he hadn't had the chance to utter the words.
Lu Yebai did not know what he was feeling. He wanted to laugh at her, to tell her she had brought this on herself, but at that moment, he couldn't find the strength to do so.
He remembered that slap, her torn clothes, and her struggle, biting her lip like a trapped beast yet making no sound.
Throughout it all, she had not called out his name.
Perhaps…
She had known that he would not save her.
Should he praise her for her insight?
Lu Yebai forcefully inhaled again. He felt uncomfortable and suffocated, his face shifting in the light, unnerving the butler
"Young Master, is something wrong?" he asked quietly.
"Nothing…" Lu Yebai glanced at the plastic bag in his hand, "When she comes back, you give her…"
Before he could finish speaking, footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the main door. Meng Xi'er and Lu Qingchuan strolled in, laughing and chatting.
Before she saw him, Meng Xi'er's pale face was filled with a brilliant smile that reminded him of a girl he once knew.
But when she saw him, the smile on her face vanished instantly. From her expression, Lu Yebai clearly saw a flicker of fear. She even stepped back, hiding behind Lu Qingchuan, her face turning a bit pale.
She was afraid of him.
It served her right.
Finally, she knew what fear was!
Normally, this revelation would have pleased him, but watching her now, he found himself inexplicably irritated, a wave of anger surfacing from within.
In Meng Xi'er's hand, clinging onto Lu Qingchuan's arm; Lu Yebai's gaze swept over her face, a trace of sarcasm in his eyes.
"Brother." Lu Qingchuan stepped forward, blocking his sight. He was a year younger than Lu Yebai, his face handsome and gentle, like a romantic Aegean Sea, immediately captivating, "Just got back? I accompanied Xixi to the hospital for a cold spray, then bought her some clothes along the way."
"…" Lu Yebai retracted the hand holding the bag of medicine, and looked at Meng Xi'er who was hiding behind Lu Qingchuan. She was hanging her head, not looking at him. This fact only served to fuel his anger.
However, he didn't even know what he was angry about.
He turned away, threw the plastic bag into the trash bin, and without uttering a word, proceeded upstairs.
After Lu Yebai left, Meng Xi'er emerged from behind Lu Qingchuan.
Her face carried a look of lingering fright. She whispered, "Qingchuan, thank you."
Lu Qingchuan watched Lu Yebai's retreating figure. Hearing Meng Xi'er's words, he turned to look at her.
Then, he smiled gently, stretched out a hand, and ruffled her hair: "Why are you thanking me?"
His smile, his gaze; everything about him made Meng Xi'er feel comfortable. For her, to have someone who remained just as they were before -- five years after her release from prison -- was a blessing.
Her eyes warmed slightly, and she gently hugged Lu Qingchuan, whispering, "Qingchuan, it's so good that you're still here."
Lu Qingchuan's fingers gently stroked her head, looking down at her delicate and beautiful side profile. His eyes were as gentle as the stars and the moon.
"Me too."
He said softly.