Chapter 6 Kaelen

Chapter 6: Kaelen

After Sun Zhiqiang and his men left, the shop returned to its usual calm.

Xie Fengshi was busy in the kitchen, and Isaac sat in the corner with a glass of water Aunt Lin had poured for him.

Isaac didn't drink; he stared at the cup, his mind still going over what had just happened. His grasp of what was said was actually pretty limited.

Although his own family had issues, the Zephyr family was never short of money. He had indeed run away from home, but his bank card had no limit, and he could live wherever he wanted.

But Xie Fengshi was different. Isaac recalled the first time he saw Xie Fengshi in the hallway. Back then, Xie Fengshi looked like a shadow with no substance, his steps unsteady.

Isaac had noticed him then. The apartment next door had been silent for two whole months—eerily quiet. Sometimes Isaac wondered if the guy in there had died.

Then one day, the door opened.

Isaac didn't know what had happened to Xie Fengshi, but he knew that the Xie Fengshi who came out that day was the one he knew.

This train of thought made Isaac angry. How dare that guy talk about Xie Fengshi like that?

Isaac didn't understand how they defined "bad luck." He only knew that eating Xie Fengshi's meals every day had actually made him gain a little weight—far from being unlucky. A few days ago, when he looked in the mirror, he noticed his cheeks had gotten a little fuller.

Those people couldn't eat Xie Fengshi's cooking—that was the real bad luck!

As Isaac thought about this, he suddenly recalled the Xie family.

The Xie family that person mentioned sounded really powerful.

But Isaac had truly never heard of it. The surname Xie, to him, was just the "Xie" in Xie Fengshi's name.

But for that person to be so arrogant, this Xie family must be something big.

Isaac got curious. He pulled out his phone and stared at the screen for a long time. He was looking at his chat with Kaelen. After their last call, he hadn't picked up his brother's calls or replied to his texts.

But today, he wanted to ask. He typed out a message and then deleted it.

Asking like that was too obvious. Kaelen would definitely ask why Isaac was suddenly asking about it. Then Kaelen would know Isaac was concerned about someone, and he'd look into Xie Fengshi.

Isaac didn't want Kaelen to find out about Xie Fengshi.

That was his friend, not his brother's business.

But if he didn't ask, he really wanted to know what the Xie family was like. A family that would kick Xie Fengshi out must be awful.

Through the door curtain, Isaac could hear Xie Fengshi talking with Uncle Li inside, with the occasional sizzle of cooking—it was a comforting sound.

Aunt Lin brought a plate of appetizers and placed it in front of him: "Hungry from waiting? Have a little snack to hold you over."

Isaac shook his head: "Not hungry."

Aunt Lin looked at him with a smile: "You're a quiet kid, aren't you? Xiao Xie says you come to his place for meals every day?"

Isaac nodded.

"Xiao Xie's cooking is good, isn't it?"

Isaac nodded vigorously.

Aunt Lin's smile widened: "I knew it. That kid's cooking is really good. Even our Old Li praises him. How can someone who studied painting cook so well?"

Isaac thought for a moment, then said: "Because he puts his heart into it."

Aunt Lin was taken aback, then her eyes crinkled as she laughed: "Oh my, how can you be so endearing? Xiao Xie would be thrilled to hear that."

Isaac said nothing, but the tips of his ears turned red at Aunt Lin's laughter.

When Xie Fengshi came out with two plates of food, he saw Isaac sitting in the corner, with a plate of appetizers in front of him. Aunt Lin stood beside him, laughing so hard she was doubled over. Isaac's ears were as red as a lobster.

Xie Fengshi set the plates down in front of Isaac: "What's going on? Aunt Lin, were you messing with him?"

Aunt Lin waved her hand: "I didn't mess with him. He said it himself. Alright, you two eat. I'll go see what Old Li is doing in the back."

After Aunt Lin left, Xie Fengshi sat down across from Isaac: "What was she laughing about?"

Isaac looked down at his food and said quietly: "She said your cooking is good."

"And then?"

"I said it's because you put your heart into it."

Xie Fengshi was caught off guard for a second, then laughed out loud: "Nice one, Isaac. So you do know how to compliment people?"

Isaac looked up at him, his gray-blue eyes serious: "It's not a compliment. It's the truth."

Xie Fengshi felt a bit awkward under Isaac's gaze. He picked up the chopsticks and handed them to Isaac: "Alright, alright, eat up. It won't taste as good once it gets cold."

Isaac took the chopsticks and began to eat. After a few bites, he looked up again: "Xie Fengshi."

"Hmm?"

"Is that Xie family really powerful?"

Xie Fengshi paused: "They're pretty influential back where I'm from."

"Then why did they kick you out?"

Xie Fengshi didn't think it was something he had to hide. Isaac was quiet, but he knew how to keep a secret. Xie Fengshi had seen that clearly during their time together.

Xie Fengshi said: "I'm not related to the Xie family by blood. When they brought back their real son, I was supposed to leave."

Isaac frowned: "You said you were supposed to leave. So why didn't you?"

Xie Fengshi was at a loss. Right—in the memory of the original Xie Fengshi, when Xie Yun was found, he knew he should leave, but why didn't he?

Xie Fengshi suddenly felt something was off. Before Xie Yun returned, the original self had overheard that he wasn't the Xie family's child. At that time, the Xie family hadn't completely turned against him. His adoptive parents' attitude toward him was complex—filled with guilt and reluctance.

If he had left at that point, before Xie Yun had a firm foothold, before the Xie family had fully taken Xie Yun's side, taking the twenty years of resources and connections he'd built up, he could have lived well anywhere.

Why didn't the original self leave?

Xie Fengshi dug frantically through his predecessor's memories and finally found something buried deep.

It wasn't that he didn't want to leave—he simply couldn't.

Every time he worked up the nerve to say he wanted to leave, someone would come by to express concern.

"Fengshi, don't overthink it. The Xie family raised you for twenty years; they won't abandon you."

"Xie Yun just came back; the household is chaotic. If you leave now, won't it make us a laughingstock?"

"Just wait a little longer, until Xie Yun adjusts, then the family will naturally make arrangements for you."

These words sounded like they were looking out for him, but when you think about it, they were all veiled rebuffs.

Once, twice, three times—he was pinned down by these words, unable to move.

By the time he finally came to his senses, the Xie family had already undergone a complete shift.

Xie's parents' eyes had become indifferent, and every accidental mistake or misunderstanding from Xie Yun was like a dull knife, slowly slicing away his place in the family. Those who once promised "we won't abandon you" had all vanished without a trace.

In the end, it was Xie Yun himself who said to him: "You've caused such a big trouble outside. Mom and Dad are very angry. Go abroad and lie low for a while. Wait until the dust settles."

By then, he was completely lost. He didn't even know what trouble he had caused, but he was still forced onto a plane.

Once abroad, he realized the so-called trouble didn't exist at all—but he had already been blocked and erased. Until the day he died, he never knew what he had done wrong.

Xie Fengshi suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

It wasn't that he hadn't thought of resisting—but every time he tried, someone would subtly push him back into place. By the time he realized and wanted to fight back, the net had already tightened around him.

Xie Fengshi picked up his cup and took a sip of water, suppressing the indescribable chill in his heart. He heard himself say: "I don't know either."

He had lived a life and seen plenty of fickleness in human relationships. But no matter how detached he was, he couldn't help but feel he felt so wronged.

Twenty years of pouring out his heart and soul—in the end, it was just a misplaced trust in someone else's eyes. Those gentle, soothing ties were all just nets that had him trapped. When he finally came around, he was the only one left stuck in place, with even the strength to struggle worn away.

Xie Fengshi sighed softly, the melancholy in his eyes fleeting. He looked at Isaac, who was still focused on his food: "Finish up and head back first. The shop's about to get busy with customers, and I need to go help out."

Isaac looked up at that, his gray-blue eyes still holding a trace of naivety. He chewed the food in his mouth, his cheeks puffed out, and nodded. Then, remembering something, he put down his chopsticks, grabbed a napkin from the table to wipe his mouth, and answered "Okay."

He always listened to Xie Fengshi. But as he was leaving, the look in his eyes as he glanced at Xie Fengshi carried a hint of concern, like a little creature that had found a warm burrow.

Xie Fengshi couldn't help but laugh at the sight. He reached out and tapped him lightly on the forehead: "What are you gawking at? Go on, head back."

Isaac rubbed his forehead, obediently picked up his coat, and when he reached the door, he turned back to wave at Xie Fengshi before pushing it open and stepping out. The wind chimes let out a single jingle.

...

It was already dark when Xie Fengshi got off work.

The last table of customers had left late. Aunt Lin told him to go first, saying she and Lao Li would clean up. Xie Fengshi didn't refuse. He untied his apron and headed towards his apartment.

The night breeze was a bit chilly. Xie Fengshi pulled his coat tighter, his mind still replaying the conversation he had with Isaac that afternoon.

At the time, that's how he had answered. But all afternoon, that question had been going round and round in his head.

It wasn't that he didn't know, really—it was that he didn't want to dwell on it.

Xie Fengshi sighed. *Oh well, no use thinking about it now. He's gone now. I just need to live well.*

Ahead was a small path that was the only way to his apartment. It was lively during the day but deserted at night. On both sides were old, low walls, and two of the streetlights were broken, leaving the area dimly lit. Xie Fengshi had only taken a few steps when he suddenly stopped.

Three figures stood in the shadows ahead. Before he could see who they were, footsteps sounded behind him. He turned around—two more people had blocked the way from behind.

Five in all, boxing him in.

"Well, well, Xie Fengshi, off work already?"

That voice was all too familiar. Sun Zhiqiang stepped out from the shadows, a disgusting grin on his face: "Been waiting all evening for you. Finally coming out."

Xie Fengshi swore to himself. *I let my guard down.*

Sun Zhiqiang had made a remark during the day, and Xie Fengshi had thought it was just an empty threat. He hadn't expected the guy to actually show up and come after him.

Xie Fengshi kept his face calm, his mind racing: "What do you want?"

Sun Zhiqiang laughed out loud: "Your two bodyguards from earlier aren't around, are they? And that kid's not here either. It's just you now. What do you think I want?"

The others around him joined in the laughter.

Xie Fengshi glanced around. This street was usually deserted, and at this hour, it was even emptier. He couldn't tell if Sun Zhiqiang was really going to do something or just trying to scare him.

Given his current physical condition, he was definitely outmatched in a fight.

Xie Fengshi tried to keep his voice steady: "Sun Zhiqiang, is all this necessary? I'm just a part-timer. Why are you picking a fight with me?"

Sun Zhiqiang leaned in close: "Xie Fengshi, are you really that clueless about your situation? The Xie family has abandoned you. Who do you think you are? I'm here to tell you—there's no place for you here. Get the hell out."

Xie Fengshi instantly understood.

It wasn't personal. Someone didn't want him to have a good life.

"Did Xie Yun send you?"

Sun Zhiqiang's expression flickered, and he stayed silent. That gave it away. He nodded: "Alright, I get it. I'll stay out of your way from now on. We good?"

Sun Zhiqiang sneered: "You think it's that easy?"

Xie Fengshi's heart sank. Sun Zhiqiang raised his hand, and the people behind him began to close in.

Just as they were about to reach him, a blinding flash of headlights suddenly cut through from the street corner. Everyone instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes. The car wasn't speeding—it pulled up smoothly right beside them.

The door opened, and someone got out.

Xie Fengshi couldn't see clearly at first, only a tall silhouette walking against the light. The man's steps were unhurried, leather shoes striking the ground one at a time, carrying an effortless grace.

As the man drew closer, Xie Fengshi finally saw his face.

*Whoa.*

*So handsome.*

Even Xie Fengshi, who thought he had seen his fair share of handsome men, had to admit. *Really handsome.*

His immaculately styled blond hair gleamed under the streetlight with a cool shimmer. His features were chiseled, his expression aloof and elegant, like he stepped off a magazine cover. He wore a perfectly tailored coat over a suit, his collar perfectly in place. From head to toe, he screamed one message:

—I'm loaded, so don't mess with me.

But in Xie Fengshi's mind, there was only one thought: *Holy crap, he's gorgeous.*

The man stopped, his gaze sweeping over Sun Zhiqiang and the others, finally landing on Xie Fengshi. In that single look, Xie Fengshi inexplicably felt like the guy could see right through him.

With a single glance, the man looked away, turning to Sun Zhiqiang. His voice was low, smooth, and icy: "You're blocking the way."

Sun Zhiqiang was intimidated by the man's aura for a few seconds before recovering and puffing up his chest: "Mind your own business! Who the hell are you?"

The man ignored him and looked back at Xie Fengshi.

Xie Fengshi met his gaze, and his mind clicked. *He's asking me—do you need a hand?*

Xie Fengshi blinked, but before he could say anything, Sun Zhiqiang, already furious, shouted, "I'm fucking asking you! Who the hell are you?"

The man finally looked his way. "It doesn't matter who I am."

The moment he finished speaking, two more people got out of the car.

Xie Fengshi didn't even see how they appeared, only that two tall men were standing behind the first man, expressionless as they looked at Sun Zhiqiang and his men.

Sun Zhiqiang's expression shifted. The men behind him also chickened out, glancing at each other and starting to back away.

Sun Zhiqiang took a step back and pointed at Xie Fengshi. "Fine. You lucked out."

With that, he spun around and ran, his men following close behind.

Xie Fengshi stood there, heaving a long sigh. Suddenly remembering there was someone next to him, he turned. The man was already looking at him.

Up close, he was even more handsome.

His features were as chiseled as a sculpture, with deep blue eyes. Headlights from behind cast a soft halo around him, making him seem less distant but also giving him a surreal glow.

The phrase "drop-dead gorgeous stranger" popped into Xie Fengshi's head again.

Wait.

Xie Fengshi suddenly realized—was this guy's timing a little too convenient?

He gave him a wary look. "You are...?"

Instead of answering, the man asked, "You okay?"

Xie Fengshi shook his head. "I'm fine. Thank you."

The man nodded, then glanced down the street where Sun Zhiqiang and his men had just disappeared. "Those men—do you know them?"

Xie Fengshi smiled bitterly. "Yeah. They're the ones who have it out for me."

"I'll give you a ride," the man said.

Xie Fengshi was taken aback. "No, no, it's fine. I can get back on my own. It's just up ahead."

"I know."

Xie Fengshi blinked. "What does he know? How does he know that?"

The man was already walking back to the car. After a couple of steps, he stopped and looked back.

The message was clear.

C'mon.

Xie Fengshi: ...

Fine.

He followed, staring at the man's back. The hem of his coat swayed gently with each step, his bearing tall and straight. Xie Fengshi couldn't help but marvel.

What does this guy do for a living? What's he doing in a dive like this?

The man reached the car, pulled open the door, and glanced sideways at him. Xie Fengshi met those blue eyes and suddenly realized there was something oddly familiar about him.

This guy reminded him of Isaac.

The thought crossed his mind just as the man said, "Get in."

Xie Fengshi got into the car. The door closed, shutting out the cold wind. The car was warm, the seats were just the right softness, and the space felt unusually roomy.

Xie Fengshi had never been in such a comfortable car.

The man sat beside him, said something to the driver, and the car pulled away.

Xie Fengshi stole a glance at him. His profile was just as stunning.

After a moment, Xie Fengshi couldn't hold it in any longer. "Um... how did you know I was going this way?"

The man's mouth twitched, like he almost wanted to smile. "Just a guess."

Xie Fengshi: ?

A guess? And you guessed that right?

"What's your name?" the man asked.

"Xie Fengshi," Xie Fengshi said. "And you? What's yours?"

The man looked at him, something flickering in those deep blue eyes. "Kaelen. Kaelen Zephir."

Zephir?

Xie Fengshi froze for a moment. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

The car stopped. Xie Fengshi looked outside—they were already at his apartment building.

"Thanks," Xie Fengshi said as he opened the door, turning back to look at Kaelen. "Thank you, really."

In the dim car interior, Kaelen's eyes looked even deeper. "You're welcome."

Xie Fengshi got out and stood on the curb, watching the car turn around and drive into the night.

He didn't turn away until the taillights disappeared around the corner, then headed for the apartment building.

After walking a couple of steps, he stopped.

That name...

What was Isaac's full name again?

Isaac Zephir.

Xie Fengshi: ...

Wait, wait, wait.

Xie Fengshi turned, looked where the car had vanished, then at the apartment building.

Kaelen Zephir.

Isaac Zephir.

Xie Fengshi opened his mouth, and after a long pause, it came out:

"Holy shit."