When we reached Cloud Sea Road, he stepped down and waited for me at the bottom of the stairs.
For some unknown reason today, as I descended, I nearly missed a step.
Fortunately, I reacted quickly, and Chu Qingci tightly grasped my wrist, ensuring I steadied myself by his side.
It seemed he was afraid I might stumble again, so he held my hand and guided me forward.
A sense of unease started to stir within me, and my thoughts drifted to that narrow alley.
Soon, the alley appeared before my eyes.
For some reason, with him here, much of my unease faded away.
It was no longer like before.
But the discomfort I felt about the alley still lingered.
I paused at the entrance.
He looked at me with a confused expression, seemingly unaware of what I was feeling.
In that moment, I felt a lump in my throat.
He knew, but somehow, he didn't.
How should I tell him?
I shook my head, remaining silent.
Then, taking his hand, I glanced into the alley.
He understood and took a step forward, leading me into it.
I suppressed my unease and hurried to follow.
Perhaps it was because he was holding my hand, or because we were so close, I could vaguely hear the rhythm of his heartbeat, which brought me a strange sense of comfort.
At that moment, the alley seemed to shorten drastically, as though one step could carry us through.
After we exited the alley and headed towards the old house, I noticed a tall figure loitering by the door.
At that point, Chu Qingci tightened his grip on my hand.
Perhaps in his memory, he recalled the fear I had felt after seeing this man.
Chu Qingci pulled me forward, guiding me toward the door.
The man turned, noticing us.
I saw him too, and the familiar panic and fear surged within me once more.
I dared not look directly at him, my head lowered slightly.
Yet, I could feel a searing, penetrating gaze scanning me, as though he were assessing me with ruthless intent.
Chu Qingci noticed the man's unabashed gaze on me and immediately stepped in front, shielding me with his presence.
His eyes were as cold as the deepest abyss, icy and unyielding.
The man's voice broke the silence, deep and rough, marked by the gravel of middle age.
"Chu Qingci, where's the deed to this house? I've raised you all these years, and it wasn't for nothing. Even if the title is in your name, as long as I'm still your father, this house belongs to me too."
I stayed hidden behind Chu Qingci, stealing a glance at the man.
The moment he spoke, I saw the man's gaze turn feral, like a wild beast ready to devour.
Perhaps because I was there, the man refrained from attacking physically, choosing instead to strike with words.
Chu Qingci, hearing this, let out a mocking laugh, his eyes gleaming with unfiltered scorn.
"Don't talk to me, go talk to the court."
He turned, taking my hand and guiding me inside.
As I followed, I could still feel the weight of that oppressive gaze burning into my back.
I quickened my pace.
Once inside, Chu Qingci shut the door behind us.
The house had been tidied up impeccably, a stark contrast to the last time I visited.
He sat on the sofa, his voice lowering.
"I didn't prepare the bedroom on the first floor; my room is on the second."
I nodded, pointing to one of the rooms and asking,
"May I take a look?"
He stood up and nodded, leading me to the room.
The door was locked, but he took out the key and opened it.
Instead of the dust-filled smell I expected, a faint scent of flowers wafted through.
I stepped in, the room still carrying a delicate fragrance of jasmine—fresh, pleasant, and somehow soothing.
Looking around, I saw numerous photos on the walls, most of them of a young woman. Some showed her with two middle-aged figures, likely her parents. On the desk by the window, a wilted bouquet of jasmine sat, adding to the serene atmosphere.
I understood.
He looked at the photos, his slender fingers gently tracing the woman's face.
"This is my mother. The two people with her are my grandparents."
His voice softened as he spoke these words, and a warmth spread across his features.
"She loved wearing white dresses, and she adored jasmine."
I gazed at him, feeling as if he were lost in a distant memory.
His lips curled slightly as he spoke, his face becoming softer.
I found myself smiling in response.
As the last sliver of twilight faded from the room, I realized the hour was growing late.
Chu Qingci, noticing this, spoke up,
"Shen Jia, it's getting late, you should head back."
I glanced outside.
The sky had darkened, but the western sun still lingered with its final rays.
As we stepped out of the room, I found that he had already taken my bag in hand.
I was about to ask him to give it back to me when he spoke,
"I'll walk you to Cloud Sea Road."
As he spoke, he started walking ahead.
I followed closely behind him.
When we reached the alley, he stopped and grasped my hand tightly with his warm palm.
I looked at him, my eyes curving into a smile, my lips lifting.
Perhaps he knew how much this place unsettled me, but with him by my side, I felt calmer.
As we walked through the alley, my body stayed close to his.
After a peaceful stretch of walking, we soon reached Cloud Sea Road.