Chapter 38

Chapter 38

"Cen Lin, I'm not leaving."

The grasp was extremely light, holding for only a moment before loosening, like ripples from a breeze on water, fleeting.

Lian Sheng's eyelashes remained lowered, the thick lashes covering his eyes, without so much as a flutter. The corners of his lips didn't move either. Only the faint rise and fall of his chest proved it hadn't been Cen Lin's hallucination.

Cen Lin's body froze in place. He forgot to breathe. The sudden flare of light in his eyes was instantly doused as if by a bucket of ice water, leaving only a deep, chilling darkness.

He slowly raised his hand, his fingertips trembling slightly as he gently touched Lian Sheng's eyelashes. The touch was soft, but there was no reaction.

He wasn't awake.

It was just an unconscious, instinctive movement.

A hollow hope.

The wild elation that had surged in his chest instantly transformed into a dense, dull ache, spreading to every limb.

He knelt by the bedside, pressing his forehead back against Lian Sheng's palm. The warmth was still there, but it no longer stirred even a ripple within him. Only weariness and powerlessness washed over him like a tide.

"Almost..." he murmured, his voice so hoarse it was almost inaudible, his fingertips gently stroking Lian Sheng's slightly cool hand. "Just a little more, Lian Sheng."

The bedroom door was pushed open gently. The Second Elder stood at the doorway holding Kangkang. The baby had woken up at some point, his round eyes wide open, his little head turning this way and that. He babbled softly, his small hand clutching a cloth doll shaped like a Little Lotus Pod.

Seeing Cen Lin by the bed, Kangkang immediately stretched out his chubby little hand, babbling "ah-ah" toward him, his short legs kicking happily in the elder's arms.

Cen Lin looked up, the profound darkness in his eyes fading a little. He stood up, took Kangkang from the elder's arms. His movements were not particularly skilled, but they were exceptionally careful, as if afraid he might hurt the little one.

The moment he was in his father's arms, Kangkang settled down. He rested his little head on Cen Lin's shoulder, his small hand grabbing his collar, his soft cheek nuzzling against the side of Cen Lin's neck. The milky scent mixed with a faint, cool fragrance dispelled some of the heaviness in the room.

This was the child Lian Sheng had risked his life to protect. His features held a vague trace of Lian Sheng, especially those round eyes, very much like the way Lian Sheng's eyes used to sparkle when he looked at him.

Cen Lin lowered his gaze, looking at the soft, chubby little one in his arms, his fingertips gently brushing over the small face. The touch was delicate and warm.

Kangkang seemed to feel his touch. He lifted his head, looking at him with eyes moist, pursed his little mouth, and suddenly reached out his chubby hand, patting Cen Lin's cheek, making a soft "ba-ba" sound.

The touch was light as a feather, yet it landed on Cen Lin's heart like a small stone, slightly relaxing his taut nerves.

He lowered his head, gently pressing his forehead against Kangkang's, his voice softening. "Miss Daddy?"

Kangkang seemed to understand, or at least respond, giggling. His little hand went to grab Cen Lin's hair, giving it a tug. Seeing Cen Lin wasn't annoyed, he laughed even more happily, wriggling his little body in his arms.

The Second Elder stood to the side, watching this scene, and said softly, "Be good, Kangkang. Don't bother Daddy. Daddy is tired."

Cen Lin shook his head. Holding Kangkang, he walked to the bedside and let him lie down next to Lian Sheng. But Kangkang refused to lie down. He immediately leaned over, his little chubby palm gently patting Lian Sheng's cheek, babbling urgently, "Da... da..."

His voice was soft and urgent.

Lian Sheng's eyes remained closed, but he seemed to sense something. His eyelashes trembled slightly, and his fingertips moved a little, as if trying to respond to the child's call.

Watching this, Cen Lin felt a warmth in his chest, mixed with a slight ache.

He sat on the edge of the bed, one hand supporting Kangkang, the other holding Lian Sheng's hand, letting Kangkang wiggle between them. The room was filled only with the little one's soft babbling and Lian Sheng's faint breathing, which together managed to dispel some of the lifeless silence.

Sometimes during the day, Ming Jiang would come to see Lian Sheng.

When he arrived, Cen Lin would silently push a chair over for him, still saying nothing.

Ming Jiang sat down gently, a slight stiffness in his movements. After sitting, he looked up at Cen Lin, sighed deeply, and said, "Lian Sheng hasn't woken up yet, and you're already wearing yourself out. Aren't you afraid he won't like you anymore when he wakes up and sees you like this?"

"Whether he likes me or not doesn't matter," Cen Lin slowly shifted his gaze to Lian Sheng's lying face. "I just want him to wake up."

"How noble of you," Ming Jiang said with a sarcastic, mirthless smile, curling his lip. "But you still can't be like this..."

After that, Cen Lin silently opened his phone and brought up a phone number.

When Ming Jiang saw the contact name clearly, his face instantly changed color. "Cen Lin! Why are you calling him? Put it down!"

"I wasn't planning to call," Cen Lin turned off the phone screen again, the color in his eyes returning to a stagnant pool of dead water. "It's just... what exactly is going on between you and Shen Yunqing now? You've done it, haven't you?"

"Damn! How did you—" Ming Jiang blurted out, but immediately caught himself, covering his mouth to stop.

"Ancestor, can't you speak a little less wildly? I remember you weren't like this before?" Ming Jiang exclaimed in shock.

"It's not important."

"It's just that if you like him, I suggest you tell him sooner rather than later. Otherwise..." Cen Lin didn't finish, just gently grasped Lian Sheng's hand.

The air fell into a long silence. Ming Jiang didn't speak, just shook his head.

"I'll come again next time. I'm leaving now."

The days continued to pass routinely.

Cen Lin left early and returned late, his life a straight line between the hospital and home. His only hope was to come home each day and see Lian Sheng's eyelashes tremble a few more times, his vital signs stabilize a bit more, and hear Kangkang call "daddy" a few more times.

The elders continued to care for Lian Sheng diligently. The two babies were gradually growing. Kangkang was lively and active, always clinging to Cen Lin. The other baby was quieter, often liking to lie by Lian Sheng's bedside, his small hand gently holding Lian Sheng's finger, sleeping peacefully.

In the blink of an eye, half a year had passed since Lian Sheng fell into a coma.

One day, Cen Lin had just returned from the hospital. Pushing open the door, he saw a familiar yet unfamiliar figure standing in the foyer.

The woman had shed her former exquisite and flashy appearance. She wore a sharply tailored black suit dress, her hair loosely tied into a low bun, revealing a smooth forehead. She wore only a light tinted moisturizer. The arrogance in her bearing had diminished, replaced by a steadiness and competence. Only the weariness in her eyes couldn't be hidden at all.

It was Luo Li.

The last time he saw her, she was still a young woman in a velvet red gown, radiant and stunning.

Cen Lin's pupils constricted sharply. The atmosphere around him instantly dropped to freezing point. He casually placed his briefcase on the foyer cabinet, walked over with steady steps. The coldness in his eyes was like a frozen lake surface. His voice was cold and hard, yet carried a hint of restraint from meeting an old acquaintance. "What brings you here?"

It wasn't the accusatory "how dare you come," but a distant confirmation. After all, they were university classmates who had once cleaned classrooms side by side and discussed professional problems.

This connection, even though shadowed by Luo Jingtong's crimes, wasn't entirely erased.

Luo Li didn't avoid his gaze. She met his eyes, her back straight, without a trace of submissive posture, only a solemn expression. "Cen Lin, it's been a long time."

"I'm not here with ill intentions. I came to discuss two matters. One is an apology, the other is a handover."

Her voice was steady, not deliberately lowered, nor feigning weakness. She simply stated the facts clearly, as if facing a business partner.

Cen Lin clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, the chill in his eyes undiminished. "Apology? For your father? Or for yourself? How much did you know about what he did before?"

"For the entire Luo family," Luo Li acknowledged frankly. "He admitted it. Before I was sent to France with a cup of sleeping pills, I had some inkling about his affairs, but never confirmed it. That was my mistake."

"My father's crimes, he has paid the legal price. I can't change the past, but I can handle the aftermath. As for me, although I wasn't involved in his affairs back then, because of our blood relation, I indirectly became a beneficiary. This debt, I acknowledge."

She paused, took two documents from the leather briefcase she carried, and handed them to Cen Lin. Her fingertips were steady and straight, not trembling in the slightest. "This is the first one. A detailed statement and freezing certificate for all illegal proceeds of the Luo Group, totaling three hundred and twenty million, earmarked for specific use."

"Part of it will be used to compensate Lian Sheng's family for their losses and cover his care and recuperation expenses, while the other part will go toward compensating the victims harmed by the illegal experiments. The accounts are clear and overseen by a third-party agency at every step. You can verify them at any time."

Cen Lin lowered his gaze, scanning the clear seals and details on the documents without moving his fingertips.

Then, Luo Li handed over the second document: "This is the second one—the equity and business adjustment agreement for Luo Group. I have eliminated all businesses related to illegal pharmaceuticals and biological experiments, retaining only the legitimate pharmaceutical R&D and production divisions. I've restructured the management team; I will serve as chairman and ensure all operations are strictly compliant."

"In the future, aside from operational costs, thirty percent of New Luo Group's profits will be allocated to a public welfare fund dedicated to medical assistance and ecological restoration—as atonement for the Luo family's transgressions."

She looked up, her gaze firm as she met Cen Lin's eyes, her tone sincere but not submissive: "I know this can't make up for the suffering Lian Sheng endured or restore what his family lost."

"But this is the most fundamental thing I can do. As the daughter of the Luo family, I have to clean up this mess. I admit I had a crush on you back then, but I let it go once I saw it was going nowhere. Still, I am your classmate, and I can't have you thinking I lack that basic level of responsibility."

Cen Lin watched her, silent for a long time.

The Luo Li before him no longer resembled the pampered young lady she once was; instead, she seemed more like a responsible leader.

Her demeanor was equal, carrying a sense of accountable apology rather than pitiful atonement.

Finally, he reached out and took the documents, his fingertips brushing against the cool paper, the chill in his eyes softening slightly: "Lian Sheng doesn't want to see you, and his clansmen may not either. I'll pass these documents to his family, and they'll decide how to handle them."

"That's fair." Luo Li nodded without objection, then glanced toward the bedroom, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. She showed a keen sense of boundaries, not asking to go in. "I've been briefed on Lian Sheng's condition."

Cen Lin immediately grew wary.

"I procured some advanced life-support equipment from abroad. It's already downstairs, all purchased through legitimate channels. It might help with his recuperation."

Hearing this, Cen Lin slowly relaxed, pursing his lips slightly and saying only, "...Thank you. I understand."

Luo Li didn't mind his coldness, nodding slightly: "I've said and done what I needed to. I won't disturb your lives again. I'll manage New Luo Group well, and there will be no more problems."

With that, she turned and left, her steps brisk and purposeful.

At the foyer, she paused, glanced back at Cen Lin, her voice softening a little, carrying a final word from a fellow classmate: "Cen Lin, take care of yourself too. Lian Sheng... he will wake up."

Then she pushed the door open and left resolutely.

The entryway fell quiet again, leaving only the two documents in Cen Lin's hands and the faint sound of equipment being moved downstairs.

He looked down at the clear writing on the documents, then toward the bedroom, at Lian Sheng still lying with his eyes closed, and at the baby sleeping peacefully by the bed. The chill in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a complex mix of emotions.

Regardless of Luo Li's intentions, what she had done ultimately provided some support for Lian Sheng's recuperation and the rebuilding of the Xianlian Clan.

Cen Lin put the documents away, walked to the bedroom door, looked at the quiet scene inside, and gently raised his hand to rub his temples.

Life went on, the wait still long, but even the darkest corners seemed to be letting in a faint glimmer of light.

He walked to the bedside, took Lian Sheng's slightly cool hand, leaned down, and pressed a light kiss to his temple, his voice low and firm: "Lian Sheng, everything is slowly getting better. Please wake up soon, okay?"

Lian Sheng's eyelashes trembled slightly.

Two more months passed.

Outside the window, leaves covered the ground, rustling and swirling in the wind.

The sugar-roasted chestnut stand at the alley entrance always steamed with heat, and in the small park nearby, children ran and jumped, chasing leaves.

Only Lian Sheng remained the same, lying in bed, sleeping peacefully.

Kangkang had grown sturdier, his face still chubby, his eyes and brows strikingly like Lian Sheng's. He could now crawl around holding onto things, occasionally even wobbling on his feet for a few seconds—a real handful.

Every morning, he'd wake up and, without needing to be carried, would roll and crawl on his short legs to Lian Sheng's bedside, cling to the headboard, and call out "Daddy" in a milky voice. After that, he'd stuff his stuffed lotus pod toy into Lian Sheng's arms, then lie by the bed, gnawing on a teether while clutching Lian Sheng's sleeve, leaving it damp with drool.

The other child had a calmer disposition, with features resembling Cen Lin's, and spoke little. But now, he fed more vigorously, gripping the bottle tightly and gulping down most of it. After feeding, one of the elders would carry him over, and he'd stare unblinkingly at Lian Sheng's face with his dark eyes, never fussing, just watching.

The elders used their spiritual energy daily to warm Lian Sheng's vital essence, and the equipment Luo Li had sent remained on. Lian Sheng's vital signs were stable, but he simply wouldn't wake up.

The clan members sighed privately, their eyes filled with compassion when they looked at Cen Lin, but no one dared say anything discouraging in front of him, afraid of breaking his heart.

Cen Lin remained the same—hospital and home, two points on a line, leaving early and returning late.

At the hospital, he was the uncompromising Doctor Cen, steady with a scalpel, unfazed even in the most urgent emergencies. But at home, he softened.

As soon as he entered, he'd head to the bedroom, check Lian Sheng's temperature, and wipe his hands and face with a warm towel—movements so familiar they were second nature.

When feeding Lian Sheng tonic soup, he'd do it spoon by spoon, slowly. If any spilled at the corner of his mouth, he'd quickly wipe it away with his fingertip, his hand always trembling slightly.

No one saw him at night.

After the children fell asleep and the elders returned to their rooms, the entire house grew quiet, with only the clock ticking.

Cen Lin would sit by Lian Sheng's bed, cradle Lian Sheng's hand in his own, rest his forehead against their clasped hands, and remain silent for a long time.

Sometimes, his shoulders would tremble lightly, tears falling onto the back of Lian Sheng's hand, scalding hot. But he'd bite his lip, refusing to make a sound.

Once he'd cried enough, he'd wipe the tears from Lian Sheng's hand with a handkerchief, tuck the blanket around him, and gently move his fingers and arms, over and over, until dawn approached, then lean against the bedside and doze for a while.

Autumn deepened day by day, the morning and evening winds growing cooler, a thin layer of dew often forming on the windowsill at dawn.

Kangkang grew more mischievous, always tugging at Cen Lin's sleeve and pulling him toward Lian Sheng's bed, pointing at Lian Sheng and saying, "Daddy, wake up."

Outwardly, Cen Lin seemed unchanged—going to work, taking care of the children—but only he knew how close he was to his breaking point.

At night, as soon as he closed his eyes, he'd see the scene by the lake: Lian Sheng lying on the grass, covered in blood, cold and still. He'd jolt awake, immediately checking Lian Sheng's breathing, and only when he felt that faint warmth would his heart settle slightly.

One evening, Cen Lin returned from the hospital carrying a paper bag of roasted chestnuts, thinking of how Lian Sheng used to love sweets. They were freshly roasted, still warm and steaming.

As he pushed the door open, he saw Kangkang holding onto Lian Sheng's bedside, standing on tiptoe to lean close to Lian Sheng's face.

The elders were in the kitchen cooking porridge, the faint scent of rice mingling with the sweet aroma of the chestnuts Cen Lin had brought, filling the room with warmth.

Cen Lin set the chestnuts on the table, picked Kangkang up, and walked to Lian Sheng's bedside.

He peeled a chestnut, warm to the touch, and brought it to Lian Sheng's lips, whispering, "Lian Sheng, have a chestnut. You used to love sweets. I just bought these."

Lian Sheng showed no response, his eyelashes lowered, peaceful and still.

Cen Lin's voice grew softer, tinged with weariness and hope: "It's getting cold. The leaves have fallen all over the ground. If you don't wake up soon, Kangkang will be running around..."

As soon as he finished speaking, his palm suddenly tightened.

It was Lian Sheng's hand, giving his a light squeeze.

The grip was faint but unmistakable—not the usual unconscious twitch.

Cen Lin froze completely. Slowly, he looked up, his eyes fixed intently on Lian Sheng's face, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might shatter his chest.

Then he saw Lian Sheng's eyelashes tremble.

Once, then again, like water lily leaves stirred by the wind on the surface of a pond, slowly parting to reveal a sliver of light.

At first, there was only a formless darkness, then those eyes gradually opened, wandering blankly over the light in the room, over Kangkang's little face peering close, over his round eyes, and finally, settling on Cen Lin's face.

Those eyes were no longer empty. They brimmed with light, warm, clear, and lucid, with a faint shimmer, still somewhat dazed as they looked at him.

Cen Lin opened his mouth, his throat was so choked he couldn't utter a single word, but tears suddenly welled up and fell onto Lian Sheng's hand, so hot that Lian Sheng gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

Kangkang stared at Lian Sheng's open eyes, froze for two seconds, then suddenly giggled, patting Lian Sheng's arm with his chubby little hands and shouting, "Dada! Daddy!"

An'an also waved a tiny hand, his dark eyes sparkling as he gently touched Lian Sheng's cheek.

Lian Sheng looked at Cen Lin's red-rimmed eyes, at the exhaustion on his face, then at the two little bundles beside him. The corner of his mouth quivered slightly, and he let out an extremely faint, hoarse call:

"Cen... Lin..."

This whisper, light as a feather, landed solidly on Cen Lin's heart, shattering the nerves he had held taut for so long in an instant.

He almost stumbled as he leaned down, not daring to press hard, only daring to gently touch Lian Sheng's cheek with his fingertips. When his fingertip brushed that real warmth, his whole body trembled.

"I'm here."

His voice was hoarse beyond recognition, each word carrying the suppressed sobs held back for too long. "I'm here, Lian Sheng, I'm here..."

He didn't dare hug him, didn't dare shake him, only dared to carefully press Lian Sheng's hand against his own cheek, letting him feel his warmth, feel his still-beating heart.

Lian Sheng's gaze slowly focused, his expression softening gradually. He was still very weak, only able to roll his eyes slightly, taking in the person before him from head to toe.

So thin.

Doctor Cen was so, so thin.

His eye sockets were slightly sunken, indelible dark circles shadowed his eyes. The man who was always neat and composed now had frighteningly red eyes, his breathing uneven and shaky.

A pang shot through Lian Sheng's heart. With effort, he lifted his other hand, his fingertips gently brushing over the signs of exhaustion under Cen Lin's eyes, his touch as light as if afraid of breaking him.

"You..."

His throat was painfully dry, each word coming out haltingly. "You've been crying..."

Cen Lin squeezed his eyes shut, scalding tears finally breaking free, falling drop by drop onto Lian Sheng's hand and the bedding.

He buried his face in Lian Sheng's palm, the emotions suppressed for so long finally bursting through the dam. Yet he still didn't dare make a sound, only gritting his teeth hard, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably. "I thought..."

He spoke in a muffled voice, the words broken. "I thought you wouldn't wake up."

Lian Sheng's nose stung sharply.

He wanted to lift his hand and stroke his head, wanted to hug him, but his body was too weak to move. He could only gently squeeze back, over and over, telling him in the clumsiest way: I'm here, I'm back.

Beside them, Kangkang was still clinging to the bedside. Seeing the two adults silent, the little one tilted his head, then suddenly shoved the Little Lotus Pod plushie he'd been clutching into Lian Sheng's hand.

"Daddy... play..."

The milky, childish voice instantly softened the ache filling the room.

The second child was also brought to the bedside by the elder. The little one quietly reached out a small hand, gently grasping one of Lian Sheng's fingers, his dark, grape-like eyes blinking unwaveringly at him, filled with an innate dependence.

Lian Sheng looked at the two familiar little faces before him, stunned for a long moment before slowly comprehending.

He moved his lips, looking at Cen Lin, his eyes filled with confusion and a hint of cautious joy.

"They... are..."

Cen Lin lifted his head, his eyes red-rimmed, but he forced an extremely faint, gentle smile.

He reached out, gently lifting Kangkang to sit on the bedside, then pointed to the second child, his voice dropping to an extremely soft, tender tone. "They're our children."

"Our first child's growth was stalled for a long time. The elder said the child only truly started growing after waking up, changing from older brother to younger brother. Do you think... he might be unhappy?"

Lian Sheng's eyes instantly grew moist. He clearly knew Cen Lin was teasing him to make him smile. He smiled, "Our little one won't be unhappy. We'll both love him very, very much, and we'll make it up to him..."

He looked at the two small, soft faces, his fingertips gently brushing Kangkang's cheek, then stroking the baby's little hand. The softest part of his heart felt completely full.

So, during the days he slept, Cen Lin not only watched over him but also raised their children so well.

"Oh, right, he doesn't have a name yet, Doctor Cen..." Lian Sheng suddenly said.

Cen Lin replied, "You choose it. He'll be happy."

"Then let's call him An'an. Just like Kangkang, may he grow up healthy and strong, be the sturdiest little lotus pod," Lian Sheng said softly.

Cen Lin nodded. "Okay. We'll watch over them together."

The elder stood not far away, watching this scene, quietly letting out a sigh of relief, warmth also rising in his eyes. He gently retreated, leaving the space to this family reunited after a long separation.

The room was quiet, only the soft ticking of the clock.

Cen Lin took Lian Sheng's hand again, their fingers tightly interlaced, unwilling to let go ever again.

He lowered his head, placing an extremely light, reverent kiss on the back of Lian Sheng's hand.

"Welcome back, Lian Sheng."

"From now on, I'll never let you leave me again."

Lian Sheng gazed at him, a faint, soft smile slowly spreading across his weary face, like the first ray of autumn sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Mustering all his strength, he softly replied with three words.

His voice was very light, yet crystal clear.

"I'm not leaving, Cen Lin."

Cen Lin clasped his hand tightly in his palm, forehead pressed against his forehead, tears falling lightly yet scalding hot.

Kangkang babbled by the bedside, and An'an slept peacefully, clutching Lian Sheng's finger.

Everything felt too good to be true.

A long time later, Cen Lin finally spoke hoarsely, his voice carrying the steadiness of something lost and regained. He paused before saying, "I... I need to tell you something."

Lian Sheng looked up.

Cen Lin said, "Lian Sheng, my parents... their work ended, and they've returned."

Lian Sheng gave a slight start, weakly lifting his eyes to look at him.

"It happened just a few days ago. They returned early, before you woke up, and didn't know about us." Cen Lin's fingertips gently stroked the back of his hand, his tone calm, though he had long prepared himself for this. "They landed a few days ago, learned everything that happened at home, learned about you, about the children."

"They don't agree."

Lian Sheng's fingertip gave a slight tremble, a wisp of unease flickering in his eyes.

Yes. By human rules, he was a man. Humans pair men with women. How could Cen Lin's parents ever accept him?

As if seeing through his unease, Cen Lin immediately tightened his grip, giving him a reassuring signal: "Don't be afraid."

"I didn't force them to accept it right away. I only told them that you are the one I'm going to spend my life with, the other father of our children, the one I'd fight tooth and nail to keep."

"They still haven't come to see you, not because they don't accept you, but because they need time."

"Yesterday, my mother had someone deliver some tonic herbs. My father looked up every resource, domestic and international, that could aid recovery... They're just stubborn, just not ready to face all this yet."

Lian Sheng gazed at him blankly, his eyes slowly welling up.

So, during the days he lay asleep, in places he knew nothing about, Cen Lin had already shielded him from all the storms that might have come.

"I'll wait for them to gradually accept it, no matter how long it takes." Cen Lin lowered his head, placing a kiss as light as a vow on the corner of his lips. "But I won't let go of you, nor will I let anyone pressure me into giving you up. No one can make me."

Kangkang seemed to understand, babbling as he shoved his favorite toy between the two of them, giggling happily.

An'an also wiggled his fingers gently, brushing against Lian Sheng's palm.

Looking at the person protecting him and their two soft, darling children, the unease in Lian Sheng's heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of peace that filled the room.

He didn't have to face sharp opposition or endure humiliating rejection.

His Dr. Cen had already paved the way, smooth and steady.

The Elder stood outside the door, quietly closing it.

Inside the room, sunlight spilled across the bed, their breaths mingling, fingers laced tight.

Perhaps the waiting wasn't truly over yet.

But this time, they weren't waiting alone.

They were a family, waiting together for the winds to calm, the fog to clear, and for all the lack of understanding to turn into gentle acceptance.

Cen Lin murmured against Lian Sheng's ear, his voice soft yet firm: "Take it slow."

"We have a lifetime."

Lian Sheng closed his eyes, gave a soft "Mhm," and settled contentedly against his chest.

All darkness had scattered, leaving nothing but a long road ahead together.

In the blink of an eye, five years passed.

The late autumn sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling onto the polished living room floor, making one's whole body feel lazy and warm.

Lian Sheng, in a pale cyan shirt, was tidying up Kangkang's building blocks while speaking into the communication light-orb by his ear, his expression growing somewhat serious. "Alright, that's settled then. They've worked hard rebuilding the clan these years. We'll all get together for a meal in a couple days. I'll ask the Elders and the others later."

Whoever was on the other end said something, and Lian Sheng chuckled softly. "Of course there's a share for you too. Even though you joined the clan later, you keep things running so smoothly. The Elder has praised you. How could there not be a share for you?"

"Alright, I'll prepare a big red envelope for you." Lian Sheng paused. "Next time you come, don't teach Kangkang and the others any more spells. These two little rascals have been randomly shapeshifting lately. I really need to get them under control... Alright, that's all. Goodbye."

Seeing he was done, Cen Lin immediately handed him a glass of water. "All arranged?"

"Yes." Lian Sheng took a sip. "It's so sweet. Did you add sugar?"

"Mm." Cen Lin's fingers, which had been checking a document on his phone, paused. "Don't like it?"

After finishing the water and setting the glass down, Lian Sheng walked over, wrapped his arms around Cen Lin's neck, and sat on his lap. "Then guess, Dean Cen?"

Cen Lin was as steady and reserved as ever, but the coldness in his eyes had completely faded, replaced only by a gentleness tempered by time. He wrapped his arms around Lian Sheng's waist. "Don't like it?"

"Wrong guess!" Lian Sheng leaned in to look into his eyes. "Of course I—"

"Like it very, very much!"

Hearing this, Cen Lin smiled.

Just as they were talking, Kangkang and An'an suddenly ran over, clearly two little dumplings, delicate as jade.

Kangkang had Lian Sheng's eyes and brows, but unlike his reserved nature, he was energetic like a little sun, bouncing around every day with his little backpack, eager to go to kindergarten, incredibly sturdy.

An'an, on the other hand, took after Cen Lin—quiet and reserved, a boy of few words but deep thoughts, always silently following behind his older brother like a little guardian.

That morning, a faint aroma of porridge wafted from the kitchen.

Kangkang, holding a small spoon in his mouth, climbed onto a chair with his short legs, his little brow furrowed as he spoke like a little adult: "Daddy, the teacher said today we have to draw our favorite person."

As he spoke, Lian Sheng was packing snacks for the two children. Hearing this, his eyes curved into a smile. "Then who does Kangkang want to draw?"

"Draw Father, and draw Daddy too!" Kangkang patted his little chest, full of conviction. "And draw little brother! Our whole family!"

An'an sat beside him, sipping his milk in small mouthfuls, nodding gently, his voice soft. "I... I'll draw Daddies too."

Lian Sheng's heart instantly melted into a puddle. He reached out and ruffled the two children's soft hair.

Steady footsteps sounded from behind. Cen Lin gently embraced him from behind, resting his chin on the top of his head, his voice carrying the low huskiness of just waking up. "What are you talking about, so happily?"

"About how kindergarten wants them to draw their favorite person today." Lian Sheng turned his head, a smile in his eyes. "Do you think they'll draw you as a big monster?"

Cen Lin chuckled softly, his breath brushing against Lian Sheng's ear. "Is there such a handsome big monster Daddy?"

Suddenly, the nanny's voice came from the doorway.

"Sir, Mr. Cen, someone just delivered something, said it was... sent by Mr. Cen's parents."

Lian Sheng was slightly taken aback, exchanging a glance with Cen Lin.

The two walked to the entrance and saw several exquisite wooden boxes, along with two small, delicate gold locks carved with peace patterns.

A note was placed on top, the handwriting steady and forceful. Cen Lin recognized it at a glance as his father's penmanship:

"Mother and I are going on another research trip. Return date uncertain. Tonics for Lian Sheng to recuperate. Gold locks for the two children. May they be safe and well. Household matters, thank you for your hard work."

No fierce opposition, no awkward questioning.

Only a faint, veiled acceptance hidden within the words.

Lian Sheng picked up the pair of small gold locks, his fingertips gently brushing over the intricate patterns, his eyes growing slightly warm. "Your parents, they..."

Cen Lin gently took his hand from behind, his palm warm and strong.

"They... are still soft-hearted beneath their stubbornness." Cen Lin said with a low laugh.

Lian Sheng turned to look at him, a gentle smile spreading in his eyes. "Mm, I know."

He turned and hung the small gold lockets around the necks of Kangkang and An'an.

Sunlight fell on the two children, glinting off the golden lockets on their chests, and also upon the two of them standing in an embrace.

Kangkang touched the small gold locket, his eyes sparkling: "Wow! It's from Grandpa and Grandma!"

An'an also gently touched it, whispering softly: "It's pretty."

Cen Lin raised his hand, drawing Lian Sheng even closer, unwilling to let go, as if Lian Sheng were his very life, his treasure.

Lian Sheng buried his face in his chest for a moment before looking up, his eyes slightly red at the corners, gazing at Cen Lin and saying softly, "It's all okay now."

Cen Lin lowered his head, planting a light kiss on his forehead, his voice gentle and firm: "Yes, everything's fine."

"Every day from now on will be this good."

Outside the window, the autumn light was perfect, the wind rustling through the leaves.

Inside, soft laughter filled the room—the years were peaceful, the rest of life long.

—The End

"Author's Note"

It's finished, it's finally finished. Honestly, writing this one was a bit difficult for me. I'm actually a veteran writer returning to the craft. My biggest issues back when I wrote were plot and character development. In the beginning, I couldn't even distinguish between plot-driven and emotion-driven stories. In this book, my problems started showing again, which means I haven't made any progress at all. My character development is flawed again. Lian Sheng was okay, but I couldn't grasp Cen Lin's deeper core as a character. And I always felt the emotional tension wasn't quite there, like something was missing. I don't know if it's because I haven't written this type of story before and I'm not familiar with it, but I couldn't feel their chemistry. That's a scary thing. My mind and my skills definitely still have issues. Writing this felt a bit oppressive. I didn't realize these problems before starting, but the more I wrote, the more oppressive it felt. I still have a long, long way to go. But no matter what, as long as I'm willing to put in the effort, there will be progress. I'll take it slow.