Chapter 153: The Leaking Walls
"Thank you," Liang Xiaoluo said softly.
With that, Xiluo escorted Liang Xiaoluo back to her home. Standing outside the dilapidated small building, he tilted his head curiously and observed it for a while. "Is this where you live?"
"Yes," Liang Xiaoluo replied indifferently. "Compared to your home, it's quite shabby, isn't it?"
Xiluo's heart clenched with a pang of emotion. He took her hand gently. "Not at all. Compared to my home, this place feels much warmer." Pausing briefly, he added, "Xiaoluo, is it this way?"
He couldn't wait to see the place where she grew up, eager to learn more about her life before they met.
As they climbed the stairs, several shadowy figures who had been tailing them emerged.
"Boss, who's that woman with Prince Xiluo? Should we take care of her too?" one man asked with a sinister grin.
"Hold on. Let's wait for the right moment to strike," another replied.
The modest small building creaked with every step, its stairs appearing on the verge of collapse. A faint musty smell lingered in the air, filling Xiluo with a strange sense of wonder.
"So, houses like this do exist…" he murmured to himself.
Despite being an illegitimate son, Xiluo had grown up in comfort, far removed from the lives of ordinary people. This was his first time in such an environment, and to his surprise, he found himself fascinated by its simplicity.
"Watch your step here," Liang Xiaoluo cautioned, guiding him carefully.
She recalled the time she brought Ye Tianlin here. Back then, she had worried he'd scorn the shabby conditions. Yet, with Xiluo, there was no such concern. His presence felt different, unburdened by judgment.
Knock, knock.
Liang Xiaoluo gently tapped on the door. "Dad, it's me, Xiaoluo."
The tension inside eased as Liang Hui heard his daughter's voice. He opened the door, relief washing over his face. "Xiaoluo."
"Dad."
"You're okay, right? You stormed off this afternoon, and I was worried you went to confront Ye Tianlin," he said, his face still clouded with concern.
Xiaoluo froze momentarily before forcing a smile. "Me? No way. Why would I go looking for someone like him? I couldn't wait to stay far away."
"Good, good. The past is the past," Liang Hui said with a sigh. "This place isn't safe for us anymore. If we have to leave, so be it. We'll find a new place to settle down. Sometimes, you just have to let go."
As he rambled on, his gaze fell on Xiluo for the first time. "Wait, aren't you the man from this afternoon?"
"Hello, sir. I'm Xiaoluo's friend. My name is Xiluo," he introduced himself politely.
Liang Hui studied him for a moment before breaking into a wide smile. "Thank you for taking care of Xiaoluo. Come on in."
Warmly invited inside, Xiluo followed Liang Hui into the modest home. Liang Hui instantly took a liking to Xiluo, especially his warm smile. A man with a good smile couldn't possibly have a bad heart, he thought.
"Meiling, Xiaoluo's back!" Liang Hui called loudly toward the inner room where Lin Meiling rested.
Xiaoluo turned to her father. "I'll go check on my stepmom."
"Go ahead."
Liang Xiaoluo entered the room. Though Lin Meiling was still bedridden, her condition had improved significantly over the past few days. With continued care, she would be able to get up soon. Poverty and Liang Hui's relentless protection had softened her once haughty demeanor. Now, she cherished her family deeply.
Outside, Liang Hui and Xiluo struck up a conversation. As they chatted, they eventually began discussing dinner, their camaraderie growing so naturally that they seemed like old friends.
Together, Liang Hui and Xiluo prepared dinner. Lin Xue arrived just in time to join them, while Lin Meiling had her meal brought to her room.
"Xiluo, you're a talented cook," Liang Hui complimented, enjoying the meal.
"Thank you. I learned by watching Xiaoluo cook while she stayed at my place," Xiluo replied modestly.
"Haha, good eye! Our Xiaoluo is a wonderful girl," Liang Hui said, his affection for Xiluo deepening.
Liang Xiaoluo remained silent, watching the scene unfold. The warm atmosphere reminded her of the time Ye Tianlin visited. The memory made her eyes well up with tears, the emotions she'd buried threatening to overflow.
"Xiaoluo, what's wrong?" Xiluo asked, noticing her unusual demeanor.
Quickly composing herself, Xiaoluo forced a smile. "It's nothing. You just added too much chili. It's making my eyes water."
"Really?" Xiluo took a bite and frowned. "It's not spicy at all."
"I'm full. I'll go check on my stepmom," Xiaoluo said hurriedly, leaving the table before her emotions betrayed her further.
Xiluo watched her leave, baffled. "Did I… do something wrong?"
Liang Hui sighed, setting down his chopsticks. "That silly child."
"Sir, is something bothering Xiaoluo?" Xiluo asked, concerned.
"Maybe she's just emotional from eating a home-cooked meal after so long," Liang Hui replied, avoiding the real issue. He feared that revealing the truth about Ye Tianlin might scare off this kindhearted young man—someone who could bring Xiaoluo happiness.
Though unconvinced, Xiluo chose not to press further.
After dinner, Liang Hui went to check on Lin Meiling, leaving Lin Xue to wash the dishes. Seeing an opportunity, Xiluo approached her. "Lin Xue, let me help you."
Lin Xue glanced at him knowingly. "You're not here to help, are you? You want to ask about Xiaoluo, don't you?"
Caught off guard, Xiluo hesitated. Was he that obvious?
"Back when Xiaoluo was dating Ye Tianlin, he visited once," Lin Xue began. "I wasn't there for dinner, but Dad said the atmosphere was wonderful, just like tonight. I guess Xiaoluo was reminded of those times."
Her words hit Xiluo like a blow. His chest tightened, the ache in his heart growing unbearable.
Later, Xiaoluo announced, "I'm going to buy some fruit. Do you want anything?"
"I'm fine," Lin Xue replied casually.
"What about you, Xiluo?" Xiaoluo asked, noticing his dazed expression.
Before he could answer, Lin Xue chimed in with a sly grin. "Sis, why don't you take Xiluo with you? He can help you carry the fruit—and keep you safe."
Despite her playful tone, her suggestion carried weight. Xiaoluo reluctantly agreed.
As they walked, Xiaoluo spoke without looking at him. "Xiluo, won't your butler, Laien, worry if you're out late? Maybe you should call him."
Xiluo didn't respond. When Xiaoluo turned around, she saw him standing a few steps behind, lost in thought.
"Xiluo, what's wrong?" she asked, walking back toward him.
He looked at her intently, his eyes filled with unspoken emotion. "Xiaoluo, you can't let go of him, can you?"
Her heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly who he meant. "What are you talking about? Let's go. The fruit stand is just ahead."
Before she could take another step, Xiluo grabbed her arm and pulled her close.
"Tell me the truth," he demanded. "You still care about him, don't you? You'll never stop, will you?"
Her defenses crumbled. She shoved him away, her voice trembling with anger. "Who do you think you are to question me? What right do you have to expose my feelings like this?"
Xiluo's own emotions surged. He gripped her shoulders, his voice rising. "I have every right because I love you! I want you to let him go and give me a chance to stay by your side!"
Stunned, Xiaoluo stared at him, her mind reeling. "What… did you say?"
His sincerity left her speechless. For the first time, she didn't know how to face him