This was Jian Xingsui's first visit to the Shen residence.

In his experience, households like Jian's always had several live-in maids. But the grand Shen household was surprisingly quiet. The entrance didn't lead to a grand hall filled with precious antiques or cold marble floors but a cozy living room. The room predominantly featured warm colors, wooden furniture, handcrafted feather ornaments on the walls, and small storage cubes containing jars and warm-colored flowers.

To the left was a wall adorned with a collection of humorously crooked drawings, certificates, and a glass-fronted wooden cabinet displaying handcrafted items. A white fabric sofa was decorated with fluffy cushions, beside which lay an unfinished hand-knit scarf and gloves. A coffee table held a fruit bowl and an open book.

The house felt lived-in and radiated... warmth.

Shen Xingchen whispered from the side, "My mom loves crafts. I hope you don't mind."

Jian Xingsui shook his head, "Not at all."

Despite the mansion's opulence, there weren't many servants. At this moment, an elderly maid approached, taking the coats from Shen Minglang and the others, saying with utmost respect, "Madam, the master called to inform that his flight is delayed due to urgent business. He might return in a couple of days."

Xu Enzhen replied, "That's alright, Mrs. Wu. Thank you for staying up so late."

Mrs. Wu glanced at Jian Xingsui, and without prying, said, "Since the young master is back, I've prepared some food. Please let me know if you'd like anything else."

Xu Enzhen smiled, "Xingsui, why don't you freshen up with Xingchen? Dinner will be ready soon."

Shen Xingchen stretched, "Sounds good. I'm exhausted."

As Xu Enzhen approached Jian Xingsui, she took his hand and gently said, "If you need anything, just let us know, alright?"

Touched by her kindness, Jian Xingsui replied, "I'm well-taken care of, thank you."

Only then did Xu Enzhen reveal a relieved smile.

Jian Xingsui was led up the staircase by Shen Xingchen. Upon reaching the second floor, he noticed the warmth persisted. The hallway walls were adorned with numerous photos, mostly of the two Shen siblings growing up, interspersed with shots of the Shen couple. The photos seemed to be arranged chronologically, but there was a gap spanning several years.

Intrigued, Jian Xingsui couldn't help but voice his curiosity.

Shen Xingchen, understanding his friend's puzzlement, said, "Wondering why there's a gap of several years in the pictures?"

Jian Xingsui gave a gentle nod.

Shen Xingchen explained, “When I was around three or four, my mother was pregnant with my younger brother. However, he didn't survive the hospital stay.”

Had the unborn child passed away after only two or three months, perhaps it wouldn't have cast such a lingering shadow on the mother. But that child, carried to full term, was a pregnancy Xu Enzhen desperately struggled to maintain. Upon birth, Xu Enzhen even laid eyes on him, touching him.

A hint of amusement flashed in Shen Xingchen's eyes. "Did you know? Once, my mom told me that he was unlike my brother and me. Most newborns cry with closed eyes, but not him. When the nurse picked him up, he opened his eyes. Isn't that magical?"

Jian Xingsui remarked, "Can newborns open their eyes immediately after birth?"

"Yes, they can. My mother said that while she was still on the operating table, he opened his eyes. She reached out to touch him, and he grasped her finger. The nurse had to pry it away," Shen Xingchen said, scratching his head. His voice lowered, "Maybe he knew it was their last moment together, and didn't want to let go..."

Perhaps that fleeting contact in the operating room was like a seed planted deep in the heart, which took root, sprouted, and grew uncontrollably.

This made it impossible for Xu Enzhen to move on in the subsequent years, unable to accept what had transpired.

Even though their parting was swift, the devastating news of the child's heart stopping was overwhelming. It led her into severe postpartum depression. No one noticed her unusual behavior until she began to insist that the child hadn't died. Doctors believed she might be having a mental breakdown.

As Shen Xingchen spoke, he led Jian Xingsui to the guest room. "The doctors said my mom's delusions were a result of immense grief and her refusal to face reality. But she always believed they weren't mere illusions. Death is final. Sometimes, I wish I really had a younger brother."

Jian Xingsui curiously asked, "Why?"

"Having a younger brother to back you up is great," Shen Xingchen said, giving him a look that read 'you wouldn't understand'. "My elder brother and Brother Fu are always lecturing me. They're more experienced and knowledgeable. But if I had a younger brother, I could lecture him instead. I'd be the boss then, right?"

"..."

For once, Jian Xingsui found himself at a loss for words.

Once in the guest room, he immediately went to take a shower.

When he emerged wrapped in a towel and started getting dressed, there was a knock at the door. To his surprise, he found Wu Ma (Mrs. Wu) standing outside.

Wu Ma bowed slightly, "Good evening, Mr. Jian."

Jian Xingsui quickly reciprocated the gesture, "Good evening."

"The madam sent these for you," Wu Ma handed over a tray. "These are Mr. Xingchen's pajamas, not the latest, but from a couple of years ago. They're clean and in good condition. The madam wasn’t sure if you’d sleep comfortably, so she included an eye mask and earplugs. Also, this is..."

Jian Xingsui was left speechless by the array of items.

He knew that in the grand scheme of things, he was a nobody. Even before considering his current detachment from the Jian family or his recent failure at the talent show, by the standards of the prestigious Shen family, he was barely a blip. Yet, every member of the Shen family treated him with kindness and gentleness.

Gratefully, Jian Xingsui took the items, "Thank you, and please thank the madam for me."

"You're very welcome," Wu Ma smiled gently. "It's clear that you're a close friend of the young master, and the madam also thinks highly of you. Please feel at ease here and let me know if you need anything."

Jian Xingsui acknowledged her but refrained from treating her as mere help, and politely bid her farewell.

After changing into the pajamas, he headed downstairs. As he descended, he was greeted by the inviting aroma of food. Spotting Xu Enzhen preparing noodles on a table, he hurriedly approached, offering, "Let me help."

Xu Enzhen looked up, a bit surprised, "You're done so quickly?"

Jian Xingsui smiled gently, saying, "I'll come down once I'm ready. Are you preparing the noodles? Let me do it."

Xu Enzhen remarked, "This is quite hot."

"It's alright." With practiced ease, Jian Xingsui took the bowl, carefully using a spoon and chopsticks to transfer the noodles, saying, "I've helped in a restaurant before. My hands can handle a little heat. But you, please stand back, so the soup doesn't splash on you."

As Xu Enzhen watched Jian Xingsui serve the noodles, she noticed he purposefully avoided the oily parts of the broth. Curiously, she asked, "Why avoid it? Are you concerned about gaining weight?"

Caught off guard, Jian Xingsui quickly replied, "No, this bowl is for you. Seeing you've been busy all night, I wanted to serve you some food. As for the oil, I noticed you have well-maintained skin, so I assumed you'd avoid it. I apologize for making that assumption... I can serve it again."

Xu Enzhen was momentarily stunned, then, seeing Jian Xingsui genuinely about to start over, her heart softened. Gently stopping him and taking the bowl, she said softly, "There was no need to assume. I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

Jian Xingsui, visibly relieved and slightly flustered, responded, "It's nothing, just what I ought to do."

If she was kind to him, of course he'd want to do something for her in return.

As Jian Xingsui continued to prepare the meal, Wu Ma, from a distance, attempted to approach but was subtly signaled to stay back by Xu Enzhen. She stood quietly, watching the young man work diligently, even wiping the table meticulously after a few drops of broth spilled from the spoon.

Xu Enzhen wasn't oblivious. She could sense Jian Xingsui's unease in this environment and did her best to make him feel relaxed. However, for a grateful youth like Jian Xingsui, having a task to focus on seemed to ease his nerves even more.

From the stairs came Shen Xingchen's voice, "Mom! Xingsui! You've both prepared the meal?" Fresh out of a bath with his hair still wet, he jogged over, exclaiming, "This is special! Mom, you're cooking? Usually, it's a rare treat to have your noodles."

Shen Xingchen teased Jian Xingsui with a grin, "You're in for a treat, bro! Mom might not be a gourmet chef, but her egg noodles are legendary. It's a rare delight!"

Xu Enzhen playfully rolled her eyes, "Always the chatterbox, aren't you?"

Wu Ma then called down Shen Minglang from upstairs.

At the dinner table, Shen Xingchen practically devoured his meal. Jian Xingsui tasted the noodles, and while he had experienced many delicacies before, this simple dish offered a comforting charm. Though he yearned for more, he hesitated, feeling it might be improper to ask for seconds in someone else's home.

Across the table, Shen Minglang, ever the solemn figure behind gold-rimmed glasses, intoned, "Wu Ma."

From a distance, Wu Ma approached, "Yes, Young Master?"

"I'm done. Please serve me some more," Shen Minglang said, adding almost casually, "Everyone else seems hungry too. Perhaps bring out the rest."

Wu Ma acknowledged with a nod.

Shen Xingchen mumbled, "Yeah, I'm starving."

As Wu Ma refilled Shen Minglang's bowl, she whispered to Jian Xingsui, "It looks like you've finished. Would you like more?"

The direct offer was a lifeline for the reserved Jian Xingsui, and he nodded with a shy smile, "Yes, thank you."

Wu Ma, impressed with the polite young man and sensing his genuineness, served him a full bowl, smiling, "You're welcome. If you need more, there's plenty. Madam made a lot."

Shen Minglang glanced over, ensuring that the reticent youth had been served, before returning to his meal.

Xu Enzhen's eyes were filled with warmth as she softly spoke, "Xingsui, if you enjoy the food, please visit often. I can make this anytime for you."

Shen Xingchen exclaimed in exasperation, "Mom, why didn't you say that when I wanted some?"

Across the table, Shen Minglang murmured, "Even if you had something different, you didn't seem to eat any less."

Shen Xingchen grumbled, voicing his dissatisfaction.

Jian Xingsui silently observed the family eating, feeling a faint envy. This family was genuinely wonderful, always chatting and laughing during meals. There wasn't a strict silence-while-eating rule; their dinners were filled with warmth and affection, occasionally sprinkled with playful bickering. This atmosphere was a stark contrast to the solemnity he experienced at the Jian household.

After the meal, Shen Xingchen said, "Come with me. I want to show you something in my room."

Jian Xingsui was led away by him.

From behind, Xu Enzhen called out, "It's already past 4 a.m. Don’t stay up too late! Shen Xingchen, if you don't sleep, don't keep Suisui up. He still needs to grow!"

Already heading upstairs, Shen Xingchen replied dismissively, "Got it, got it. Mom, you're so naggy!"

Upon reaching his room, Shen Xingchen showed Jian Xingsui around. The room was slightly smaller than Jian Xingsui had imagined, but it was lined with cabinets filled with figurines and toy racks. He proudly declared, "Take a look at my prized collection!"

As Jian Xingsui looked on with curiosity, Shen Xingchen pulled out a large VR gaming pod from a cabinet, saying, "Check this out! It's a limited edition. Not everyone can get their hands on one of these. It's priceless! I couldn’t even buy it at a high price. Brother Fu managed to get it for me as a birthday gift. And there's also this..."

Jian Xingsui's eyes flickered upon hearing the name Fu Jinxiao.

Shen Xingchen pulled him closer, "Alright, alright, let me show you its features..."

Half an hour later when Xu Enzhen came to check on them, she found the two sound asleep on the carpet, surrounded by some of Shen Xingchen's rare collectibles. She assumed he must've been eagerly sharing them with his friend.

Xu Enzhen sighed softly, fetching a blanket to cover Jian Xingsui.

Shen Xingchen lay sprawled out on the floor, with Jian Xingsui sleeping beside him. Their profiles, illuminated by the ambient light, looked strikingly similar. Xu Enzhen felt a fleeting sense of déjà vu, as if the two were meant to be close siblings.

...

early morning

Jian Xingsui was awoken by his phone ringing.

Picking it up, he was surprised to see a call from the Zhang couple. Confused, he answered, and Zhang's voice came through, "Hello, Suisui?"

Still groggy, Jian Xingsui replied with heavy eyelids, "What's up? It's me."

Zhang's voice sounded off, "Didn't you finish recording? Why haven't you come back?"

Jian Xingsui replied honestly, "I'm at a friend's house. What's wrong? Is there an issue?"

On the other end, Zhang's voice trembled, struggling to hold back tears, "Xiangyang, your father... Last night, something happened while he was out. He lost focus while driving home and had an accident. He's in the hospital now."

Jian Xingsui was taken aback, "A car accident?"

Zhang nodded, "Suisui, can you come back soon? I'm really..."

While Jian Xingsui didn't hold strong sentiments for the Zhang couple, he couldn't leave a woman in distress. He promptly responded, "Alright, I'll head back immediately. Send me the address and keep your phone on."

Zhang hurriedly replied, "Okay, okay. I'll be waiting for you."

Jian Xingsui got up, checking the time. It was just 7 AM. He had barely slept for a few hours. Shen Xingchen, on the other hand, was still sleeping soundly.

Jian Xingsui let out a sigh, and despite his reluctance, he got up, slipped back to his guest room to change into his regular clothes from his suitcase. As he descended the stairs, he unexpectedly ran into Mrs. Wu, who appeared groggy from sleep. Emerging from one of the mansion's rooms, she remarked, "Mr. Jian? I heard some noise from the second floor and came out to check. What brings you out at this hour?"

"I apologize, Mrs. Wu, but I need to return home due to a family emergency." Jian Xingsui gave her a gentle smile, "Please relay the message for me later."

Mrs. Wu nodded in understanding.

Upon seeing the weariness etched on Jian Xingsui's face, her heart went out to him. She thought, 'It's barely past dawn, around six or seven. Anyone with sense would know that their party went on until the wee hours, likely finishing around two or three in the morning. Even if they rushed back and got ready for bed immediately, it would still be four or five. The boy must be exhausted. How could someone call so early in the morning without considering his well-being?'

Meanwhile,

After an hour's drive, Jian Xingsui finally reached the hospital.

Mrs. Zhang had been waiting outside the operating room. Upon seeing him, she broke down, "Xingsui, your father's out of surgery. He hit his head. The doctors say he's temporarily out of critical condition, but his future remains uncertain."

Jian Xingsui consoled her, "It's okay. The successful surgery is a good sign; we can focus on his recovery now."

Mrs. Zhang, wiping away her tears, lamented, "The surgery alone cost tens of thousands. And the doctors say, after examinations, your father's kidney condition has worsened. He might need another surgery. How can we afford it?"

Despite his reservations about the couple, Jian Xingsui's heart softened at the sight of her tears, "It's alright. We can always earn money. What matters now is his health. Use whatever savings we have; life is invaluable."

Mrs. Zhang hesitated for a moment at his words.

A sense of foreboding filled Jian Xingsui, "There... there aren't any savings, are there?"

In a flurry, Mrs. Zhang replied, "No, no, we have some, just not much after the surgery costs. Your father's further medical tests are still pending. I'm just worried about future expenses."

Puzzled, Jian Xingsui said, "I heard from the barber shop near the rice cake store that you and father had saved a considerable sum over the years. If needed, I can also find a job to help out."

Mrs. Zhang appeared somewhat guilty upon hearing this.

True, she and Mr. Zhang had savings, but they had given a significant portion to their daughter Anran when she left home. Even though they had some left, medical costs could deplete it quickly.

"Whatever savings people think we have is just rumors." Mrs. Zhang mumbled, then turned earnestly to Jian Xingsui, "Xingsui, we're counting on you now."

He replied, "I'll do my best to find a job, but currently, I'm short on funds."

Mrs. Zhang responded with discontent, "But aren't you close with Mr. Shen from the Shen family? Can't you borrow from him? And that celebrity, Fu Yingdi, seems fond of you too. Such wealthy families won't mind lending money. Don't you care about your father's wellbeing?"

Silence enveloped Jian Xingsui.

A mix of emotions flooded him.

"My relationship with my friends and my father's condition are two different matters," Jian Xingsui said. "Let's focus on father for now. We can discuss everything else later."

Although Mrs. Zhang seemed slightly peeved, she refrained from further comment.

Entering the hospital room, Jian Xingsui saw his father, Zhang Xiangyang, surrounded by medical machinery, unconscious. He couldn't fathom how his normally cautious father had met with an accident on his way home that night.

Exhausted from the previous night's vigil, Mrs. Zhang said, "Xingsui, please watch over him for a bit. I need to rest."

Despite his own fatigue, compounded by the night's events and lack of sleep, Jian Xingsui merely nodded, "Alright."

...

After a short while, another doctor entered the room.

The doctor came to check on Zhang Xiangyang's condition. After the examination, he turned to Jian Xingsui and asked, "Are you the patient's relative?"

Jian Xingsui stood up, "I am."

"Alright, there are some paperwork for the patient that hasn't been completed. It would be best if you could address it now," the doctor said, his hands in his pockets. "Also, concerning his kidney condition, we've received the results. If it's convenient, could you come by later so we can discuss them in detail?"

A worried look crossed Jian Xingsui's face, "Is the result not good?"

The doctor walked with him out of the room and said, "The patient has been a long-term smoker with a severe addiction. He already had some kidney issues. Based on the recent tests, there is a preliminary diagnosis of potential kidney failure. Given his recent car accident, it will undoubtedly affect his treatment."

Jian Xingsui softly replied, "Please do your best in treating him; we'll cooperate fully."

The doctor continued, "What I'm saying is you need to be prepared for the worst, even considering the possibility of an organ transplant. Finding a suitable kidney donor can be challenging."

"A kidney donor?" Jian Xingsui echoed.

He hadn't realized the gravity of Zhang Xiangyang's condition.

In the past, Jian Xingsui had noticed that Zhang Xiangyang often neglected his health, appearing constantly stressed. The overwhelming urge to smoke seemed like an attempt to alleviate some of that stress, but Jian never imagined it would come to this.

The doctor nodded, explaining to Jian Xingsui, "Yes, it's not easy to find. If you're his child, in extreme cases, you can undergo compatibility tests to check for blood and tissue matches."