It had been less than a week, and Wen was already regretting asking his brother for help. He had been pleasantly surprised when Shan had shown up that afternoon, whipped out a pad of paper and a pen, and declared he needed more information to continue his investigation. That pleasant feeling had lasted until he asked his first question.
"If you don't know where he lives, it's fine," Shan said, setting down his pen, "but I checked out his old address and didn't get much. I think figuring out where he was living when he disappeared is the first step to trace where he is now. I'll focus all my attention on figuring it out."
"No need," Wen grit out, "it's not relevant."
"It's completely relevant," Shan argued, "I feel like you do know, you just aren't telling me because you hate seeing how competent I've become. I bought a notepad. It makes you insecure."
Wen clenched his jaw harder, "You are not even remotely competent, but if you were I would celebrate it. My life would be so much easier."
"So…you do know where he lives?"
"Yes."
Shan picked up his pen and hovered it above the page, ready to write.
After a long moment, Wen answered.
"17th North Jade Way."
Shan wrote the first two numbers, before stopping to squint his eyes. "17th…you mean in this city right?"
"Yes."
"That's the address of the building you own."
"Yes."
"The one you live in? Alone?"
"I don't live there alone. Are you not listening? I just told you."
"Oh my god." Shan rubbed his forehead. "Why—"
"Not relevant."
"It feels kind of relevant to me!"
"It's not."
"Do you enjoy giving me impossible tasks just to watch me suffer?"
Wen didn't entertain that comment with a reply.
"I'm really trying here!" Shan exclaimed. "I went to his old place. I talked to his neighbors. Even the old one with the rabbits."
Shan sighed and slumped down into the armchair facing Wen's desk. "Besides," he huffed, "even the rabbits didn't know anything."
"Of course they didn't!" Wen snapped, "Don't you think I already checked?"
"Well, then why do you need me?"
It was a fair question. The answer was too depressing to mention. Truthfully, Wen had run out of options. The end of the road seemed to be approaching fast.
"Fine, fine," Shan acquiesced when Wen's only response was to stare morosely ahead, "I'll go back tomorrow. I'll give those bunnies a thorough interrogation because apparently that's my job now."
"Do whatever." Wen didn't bother making eye contact, his empty gaze completely unfocused.
Just weeks ago, Shan would have been overjoyed to have his brother give him express permission to 'do whatever'. Now, it only made his stomach twist. His little brother was falling apart.