Outside the room, the two men waited for a full hour. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Feng An pushed open the door. This time, Nolan didn't stop him, and they both entered the room one after the other.
Upon entering, they were greeted by the soft sound of a lullaby. They tiptoed closer and saw Fu Junran gently patting the person on the bed. Zuri was lying quietly, her breathing even and steady.
The scene before them was so serene and heartwarming that they hesitated to approach, unwilling to disturb the atmosphere.
Fu Junran sensed someone had entered the room. She turned around, frowned at the two men, and waved them away with a look of disdain.
"Xiaoyinger just fell asleep. You both should leave," she whispered.
Seeing the clarity in his wife's eyes and the soft glow in her expression, Feng An felt a surge of joy.
"Alright," Feng An agreed readily, pulling his son, who remained rooted in place.
Nolan glanced at Zuri, who was sleeping soundly, then back at his mother. Feng An tugged Nolan away. Once outside the room, Feng An's expression darkened slightly as he spoke with a hint of displeasure, "Are you still worried your mother might harm her?"
Nolan glanced at him. "Zuri doesn't recognize us."
Feng An's eyes dimmed. "You're still holding onto that incident. Your mother was mentally unstable back then, which is why it happened. She felt deeply remorseful afterward. Her mental state has improved significantly over the years. She would never harm Xiaoyinger."
Nolan remained silent.
How could he ever forget that night? If it hadn't been for his and Adam's quick reactions, they might not have survived that stormy night.
He had been only eleven years old then.
Owen might have forgotten, but he hadn't.
As they descended the stairs, Owen and Adam both looked up.
"Big brother, what happened? How did Zuri react?" Owen asked anxiously.
He had wanted to check on the situation upstairs several times but was stopped by Adam.
"For now, everything is fine. But it won't be easy to change her mind."
"What should we do?" Owen frowned, looking worried.
"She'll start school here in a month."
When that time comes, they would have more time to slowly change her mind. Right now, she was on guard against everyone. Opening up her heart fully would take more than just one meeting.
Their mother's illness was the only reason she couldn't refuse to see a pitiful person.
When Zuri awoke, a flash of confusion crossed her eyes. As her memory returned, she turned her head to see the woman sleeping peacefully at the bedside.
Had she stayed by her side the whole time?!
Zuri felt a pang of emotion.
Carefully, she lifted the blanket, slowly and gently got out of bed, walked over to a nearby shelf, picked up a thin blanket, and lightly covered the sleeping woman.
She quietly exited the room, gently closing the door behind her.
When Zuri came downstairs, the living room was empty. Aunt Zhang, hearing movement, emerged from the kitchen. Seeing Zuri, she smiled and said, "Miss, you're awake. Are you hungry? I've kept some hot porridge ready for you. What would you like to eat? I can have the cook prepare it."
Zuri glanced at the time. It was already two in the morning.
"No need. A bowl of porridge will do."
"Alright. I'll bring it over."
After serving the porridge, Aunt Zhang returned to the kitchen.
Zuri sat alone in the vast dining room, holding the steaming bowl of porridge.
A short while later, Aunt Zhang brought out two golden-fried eggs and a few side dishes.
"You can't be full with just a little porridge. Miss, take your time eating. I'll go upstairs to call the young master," Aunt Zhang said, smiling as she took off her apron.
"It's so late. He should be resting by now."
Aunt Zhang chuckled, "The young master didn't know when you would wake up, so he specifically instructed the kitchen to keep the porridge warm for you. The cook has been waiting all this time. He also told me to wake him if you woke up in the middle of the night."
"No need to wake him. Let him rest."
He hadn't slept all night yesterday and had traveled today. He must be exhausted. There was no need to disturb him.
Aunt Zhang smiled, "Miss, you're so considerate, just like the madam."
Zuri smiled slightly but said nothing more.
After finishing the bowl of porridge, her previously empty stomach felt warm, and her body became more relaxed. Having slept for so long, Zuri didn't feel sleepy at all. She walked to the window and looked up at the night sky.
Tonight, there was no moon; dark clouds covered the sky.
Suddenly, someone appeared beside her. Adam stood silently, his gaze fixed on the dark night sky.
"Don't think too much. Just follow your heart," Adam said quietly.
Zuri let out a bitter smile.
They had brought her here to see her mother, who was sick with longing. How could she not feel anything?
They had indeed posed a difficult dilemma for her.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow," Zuri said softly.
Adam didn't try to persuade her otherwise. "Alright."
Inside the room, Fu Junran opened her eyes. Seeing the empty bed, her expression changed drastically, and she rushed out of the room, frantically calling out, "Xiaoyinger, Xiaoyinger."
Hearing the commotion, Zuri and Adam turned around. They saw Fu Junran, barefoot, frantically searching around like a headless chicken.
"I'm here."
Hearing the voice, Fu Junran followed the sound. When she saw Zuri, she quickly ran to her, embracing her tightly while repeatedly saying the same words.
"Baby, don't run off. Don't run off, don't run off…"
Adam watched his mother, who had once again become dazed and confused, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
Zuri gently patted her mother's back, soothing her softly, "I won't run off. I'll be good and stay."
Perhaps her calmness and obedience gradually soothed her mother's emotions.
"Shall we go to bed now?" Zuri asked gently, as if coaxing a child.
Fu Junran smiled at her, her fingers lightly brushing Zuri's cheek. "Alright, I'll do as Xiaoyinger says."
Adam watched as the mother and daughter left, a soft light flickering in his deep eyes.
After putting her mother to bed, Zuri found herself wide awake. Suddenly, her phone on the bedside table vibrated slightly.
Leo: [Are you asleep?]
Zuri: [No.]
Leo: [I know what's going on with you.]
Leo: [If you're not happy there, let me know. I'll take you back.]
Zuri stared at the text message, remaining silent for a long time.
Finally, she replied.
Zuri: [Okay.]
At that moment, a tall figure stood outside the Feng family's courtyard, gazing up at the second floor. The phone in his hand lit up, and Leo looked at the word "Okay," a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
The Feng family wanted Zuri back, but it wouldn't be easy.
Leo put away his phone and strolled toward the neighboring Ye family's house.
The next morning, Zuri walked into the living room, holding Fu Junran's hand. When the four men—Feng An, Nolan, Adam, and Owen—saw them, they all stood up simultaneously.
Feng An immediately pulled out a chair beside him for his wife.
Nolan and his brothers simultaneously pulled out their chairs for Zuri.
Fu Junran and Zuri exchanged a glance, then walked to the other side and sat down, leaving the four pulled-out chairs ignored.