The evening had already deepened by the time silence settled fully inside the apartment. Lu Zhen rested in the guest room, his breathing uneven but stable for now, while the faint sound of the city outside slipped through the windows and blended with the stillness inside, making everything feel deceptively normal.
Anxin had stepped out earlier without much explanation, leaving behind only a vague sense of absence that lingered in the air like something unfinished.
In the living room, Cai Lang sat alone. He didn't move much, his posture appearing relaxed on the surface, yet his mind was far from calm. His gaze lingered on nothing in particular, though it was clear he wasn't truly seeing the room at all. Something kept replaying in his thoughts names, warnings, timing.
Across the apartment, Lian Ziho paced slowly with his phone in hand. He made one call, then another, but there was no answer. He exhaled sharply, lowering the phone for a moment before trying again, only to be met with the same silence. His jaw tightened slightly as frustration crept in, not anger, but worry that refused to settle.
" Suo Ran…" he called again, quieter this time, as if lowering his voice might somehow bring a response. Still there was no answer.
He stopped walking, the silence pressing in around him. " Where are you?"
In the living room, Cai Lang finally looked up and broke the silence with a flat observation. "You're restless," he said. Lian Ziho glanced at him immediately. "He's not answering."
A brief pause followed, but Cai Lang's expression remained unchanged. "He's an adult." "That's not the point," Lian Ziho replied. Silence stretched between them, tense and unresolved. Then Lian Ziho added more quietly, "Something feels off."
Cai Lang studied him for a moment. "You're thinking too much." Lian Ziho let out a short breath, frustration slipping through. "Or I'm the only one thinking enough."
That earned a brief pause from Cai Lang, but no reply. Before the tension could settle further, Cai Lang's phone rang. He looked at it once, then stood up without hesitation. "I'll be back," he said simply, offering no further explanation. And just like that, he left. The door closed behind him, leaving the apartment in a heavier silence than before.
It was around 8 PM when the door finally opened again and Suo Ran stepped inside, quiet and a little tired. The moment the door clicked shut behind him, he immediately noticed the presence in the living room. Lian Ziho was standing there, waiting for him.
Neither of them spoke at first.
Then suddenly, Lian Ziho moved forward and pulled him into a hug without hesitation or warning, as if all the tension he had been holding onto finally broke at once. They stayed like that for a few seconds, completely still, the silence between them carrying more relief than words could. Suo Ran blinked, slightly frozen by the suddenness of it. " What are you doing?" he asked softly. Lian Ziho didn't let go right away. When he finally did, he still kept a hand on Suo Ran's arm, as if making sure he was really there. "Why weren't you picking up?" he asked, his voice low but tight with worry. "Do you know how much I " He stopped himself, correcting the words. " we were worried." Suo Ran lowered his gaze slightly. "My phone died," he said quietly. "I didn't mean to worry anyone."
Lian Ziho's grip tightened just a little. "Don't disappear like that again." Suo Ran nodded slowly. "Sorry." A pause followed before he added, softer, " it won't happen again."
Then, after a brief silence, his eyes shifted slightly as concern returned. "Where is Jun Wei?" he asked quietly. "He didn't trouble you, right?"
Lian Ziho shook his head immediately. "No," he replied, his tone easing a little. "He didn't trouble anyone. He's in the room right now."
Suo Ran let out a faint breath, some of the tension in his shoulders loosening. "In the room?" he repeated.
"Yes," Lian Ziho confirmed. "He got tired after a while and just went in. He's been playing quietly… or trying to."
That earned a small, tired hint of relief from Suo Ran. "That's rare," he muttered under his breath. Lian Ziho glanced at him. "He kept asking where you were, though."
Suo Ran's expression softened slightly at that. " I'll go see him."
Lian Ziho didn't stop him, only added quietly, "He'll be happy you're back."
Suo Ran stepped toward the room where Jun Wei was. The moment he entered, Jun Wei looked up from where he was sitting with his toys. His face lit up instantly, but there was a faint shine in his eyes like he had been holding back tears for a while. "Gege!" Jun Wei called, his voice bright but slightly shaky.
Suo Ran softened immediately. He crouched in front of him and gently wiped the corner of his eyes with his thumb. "Still awake?" he asked softly.
Jun Wei nodded quickly, grabbing onto his sleeve. "I was waiting for you." Suo Ran smiled faintly. "Were you crying?" Jun Wei hesitated, then nodded honestly. "A little… you took long." Suo Ran sighed lightly, brushing his hair back. "I told you I'd come back." Jun Wei sniffed once, then suddenly brightened again. "Where is delicious food?"
Suo Ran blinked for a second. " Food?"
Jun Wei nodded eagerly. "You said you'll bring something tasty!"
Suo Ran paused, then scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Ah… that " He glanced away. "Sorry. I forgot to buy it." Jun Wei's face immediately dropped, his lips forming a small pout. "Gege…" he said softly, disappointment clear. "Why?" Suo Ran froze for a second, clearly guilty. "I..wait, I.."
Before Jun Wei could fully sulk, Suo Ran suddenly reached behind him and pulled out a small food bag he had hidden earlier.
Jun Wei blinked. Then his eyes widened.
"For you," Suo Ran said softly, placing it in his hands. For a second, Jun Wei didn't move. Then his face lit up completely. "You lied!" he said, but there was no anger in his voice only excitement. Suo Ran smiled faintly. "It was a surprise." Jun Wei immediately hugged the bag tightly. "Gege is the best!" Without another word, he opened it quickly and started eating happily, completely forgetting his earlier tears.
Suo Ran sat beside him, watching quietly, his expression softening as the room slowly filled with small, content sounds again.
A short while later, Suo Ran's phone rang. It was an unknown number. He picked it up and said, "Hello?" A teacher's voice came through, calm but firm. "Is this Jun Wei's guardian?" Suo Ran straightened slightly. "Yes."
"We've noticed Jun Wei hasn't been attending school regularly," the voice continued. "If this continues, we may have to suspend him." Silence followed. Suo Ran closed his eyes briefly, absorbing the weight of the words. " I understand," he said quietly. "There were some issues. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
The call ended, and the silence that followed felt heavier than before. Suo Ran sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, his gaze dropping as if the strength had slowly left him.
" What am I supposed to do…" he muttered under his breath. After a pause, he added more softly, " I can't keep failing him like this."
He stayed there for a while before finally standing up and walking back into the living room, where Lian Ziho was already waiting, as if he hadn't moved from that spot.
"We need to talk," Suo Ran said.
Lian Ziho immediately straightened slightly. "About what?" Suo Ran hesitated for a moment before replying, "Jun Wei."
Lian Ziho's expression changed at once, worry flashing in his eyes. "Jun Wei? What happened to him? Is he okay?" he asked quickly. Suo Ran shook his head lightly. "He's fine… physically. But his school called again."
Lian Ziho frowned. "Again?"
"Yes," Suo Ran said quietly. "They said he might get suspended if this continues."
Lian Ziho exhaled slowly. "So that's the issue…" Suo Ran nodded. "We need to decide what to do next."
Lian Ziho frowned slightly, thinking. "We can't keep letting him miss school like this. It's not good for him." Suo Ran lowered his gaze. "I know. But every time something happens here, he gets affected." Lian Ziho softened his tone a little. "He's just a kid, Suo Ran. He doesn't understand all this chaos." Suo Ran let out a quiet breath. "That's why I'm worried." Lian Ziho glanced at him. "What are you thinking then?" A pause..Suo Ran hesitated before speaking. "Maybe sending him back home… or arranging someone to take care of him properly."
Lian Ziho nodded slowly. "A caretaker would keep him stable here… but if things keep getting worse, home might be safer."
Suo Ran's voice dropped. "I just don't want him to feel like we're abandoning him."
Lian Ziho looked at him steadily. "We're not. We're trying to protect him."
Suo Ran stayed quiet for a moment, his fingers lightly tightening at his side. "Protecting him…" he repeated softly, as if testing the words.Lian Ziho nodded. "Yes. That's all this is." A brief silence followed, heavier than before.
Suo Ran looked toward the closed room where Jun Wei was. His voice dropped. "He already depends on us too much." Lian Ziho's expression softened. "That's not a bad thing." "It is," Suo Ran replied quietly. "If something happens again… he'll be the one who suffers the most.".Lian Ziho stepped closer slightly. "Suo Ran, listen to me."
Suo Ran glanced at him. "He's safe right now," Lian Ziho said firmly. "And we're not making decisions out of panic. We'll think properly, find the best option for him."
Suo Ran let out a slow breath. "I just keep thinking I'm failing him." Lian Ziho shook his head immediately. "You're not failing him. You're trying your best in a situation that's not normal." Suo Ran didn't respond right away. His eyes lowered again, quieter now.
"I just want him to smile like before," he murmured. Lian Ziho's voice softened. "Then we'll make sure he keeps smiling. No matter what decision we take."
Lian Ziho stayed quiet for a moment, then added gently, "Whatever we decide, we'll do it together. You don't have to carry this alone." Suo Ran gave a small, tired nod. "I know… it's just.." Before he could finish, a soft voice interrupted from the hallway.
"I'm hungry." Both of them turned at once. Jun Wei stood there rubbing his eyes slightly, looking completely serious as if it was the most important announcement in the world.
Suo Ran blinked. "I just gave you food… where is it?" Jun Wei hesitated for a second, then answered with full confidence, "In my stomach."
Suo Ran stared at him. " That was fast."
Jun Wei nodded proudly. "I'm big now. Big people need more food."
Lian Ziho couldn't help but let out a small breath of amusement. "Is that your logic?"
Jun Wei nodded again, completely unbothered. "Yes." Then he looked at Suo Ran. "Can I eat again?" Suo Ran sighed, the tension from earlier slowly easing. "Fine… come on." Jun Wei immediately brightened and ran ahead toward the dining table. "I want something tasty!" Suo Ran followed behind him, shaking his head lightly. "You always want something tasty." Jun Wei turned back mid-step, grinning. "Because tasty food makes me happy!"
Lian Ziho watched them both for a moment, then followed quietly, a faint smile still lingering as the earlier heaviness softened into something warmer.
All of them gathered around the dining table. Jun Wei was happily talking again, swinging his legs under the table without a care in the world. Anxin listened quietly, occasionally responding with faint amusement, his calm presence steady and unreadable. Cai Lang had returned as well, though he was quieter than usual, his thoughts clearly elsewhere even as he ate.
Jun Wei suddenly looked at Anxin with curiosity. "Xin-ge, do you always eat so little?" Anxin blinked lightly, then replied with a faint smile. "I eat enough." Jun Wei tilted his head. "But you don't look like you eat enough." Suo Ran let out a quiet chuckle from the side. "Don't start judging people, Jun Wei." Jun Wei pouted. "I'm not judging! I'm observing!" Lian Ziho shook his head slightly. "That's the same thing in your case."
Jun Wei gasped. "It's not!"
Across the table, Cai Lang finally spoke in a low tone, without looking up. "Eat your food."
Jun Wei immediately straightened. "I am eating!" Anxin's gaze shifted briefly to Cai Lang, then back to Jun Wei. "He listens to you quickly," he remarked lightly. Cai Lang paused for a second. "He listens to whoever is louder." Jun Wei nodded proudly. "That's true!" Suo Ran sighed. "That's not something to be proud of." Jun Wei grinned. "But it works!" Lian Ziho couldn't help but smile faintly at the chaos. "This table is impossible."
Jun Wei kept talking happily, completely unaware of the heavier thoughts forming around the table. "Gege said we might go somewhere for a while," he said suddenly, swinging his legs again. "I think it'll be fun!"
Suo Ran's hand froze slightly mid-movement.
" Jun Wei...how did you know?"
Jun Wei replied with fear" gege.. sorry, I didn't mean to overhead. "
" Jun Wei... you are really getting out of control. He added with angry tone " it's not good to overhead someone."
"sorry, gege "
"Don't do it next time "
"okay." Jun Wei back to his world.
His gaze didn't move from Jun Wei. For a moment, he didn't speak. His expression softened in a way that was almost unnoticeable at first then it changed. Quietly.
Something in his eyes dimmed, and then glistened. Jun Wei was still smiling, still talking, completely unaware. Suo Ran just watched him. Silent.
Lian Ziho noticed immediately. His posture shifted slightly, and without a word, he reached under the table and gently held Suo Ran's hand again firmer this time, grounding him. His eyes met Suo Ran's, calm but steady, silently saying it's okay. Suo Ran swallowed and gave a faint, almost invisible nod in return.
Across the table, Cai Lang's eyes narrowed slightly. What now? he thought. Why did the atmosphere change again? His gaze moved between them. Suo Ran looking at Jun Wei. Lian Ziho holding his hand under the table. Jun Wei still smiling like nothing had changed. Am I invisible here?
His voice cut through the quiet, low and controlled. "Why is this being decided suddenly?" he asked, eyes settling on Suo Ran. "Don't you think I should at least be told properly before plans like this are made?"
Suo Ran paused, then lifted his gaze. "He needs to go," he said simply. Cai Lang's expression tightened slightly. "That's not an answer." Suo Ran exhaled softly. "It is. Jun Wei's school is asking questions. Things are getting difficult here. This is the safest option right now." Jun Wei looked between them, sensing the shift but not fully understanding it. "Gege?" he called softly.
Suo Ran immediately softened his expression and turned slightly toward him. "It's nothing serious," he said gently.
Cai Lang leaned back slightly in his chair, gaze still fixed on Suo Ran. "So this is already decided," he muttered. "And I'm just hearing it now." Lian Ziho spoke quietly. "It's not about excluding you. It just happened fast." Cai Lang didn't respond immediately. His eyes flickered once, unreadable, as if weighing something unspoken.
A faint irritation flickered in his expression not anger, but something quieter and unreadable. He looked away first. Without saying anything more, Cai Lang finished his food in silence, pushed his chair back, and stood up. "I'm done," he said flatly.
Jun Wei and Suo Ran went back to their room after dinner, the atmosphere between them quieter now, softer in a way that felt fragile rather than peaceful. The door closed behind them with a soft click, shutting out the rest of the apartment and the tension that lingered there. Jun Wei climbed onto the bed immediately, sitting cross-legged and watching Suo Ran with curious eyes. "Gege… why are we leaving again?" he asked simply.
Suo Ran paused near the edge of the bed. For a moment, he didn't answer. Then he slowly sat down beside him. "Because you have school," he said gently. Jun Wei blinked. "School?" Suo Ran nodded. "You can't keep missing school like this." Jun Wei frowned slightly, thinking. "But I already went there before… I know my classroom." Suo Ran gave a small nod. "I know you do."
Jun Wei tilted his head. "Then why is it a problem now?"
Suo Ran looked at him for a moment longer than necessary, choosing his words carefully.
"Because going once isn't enough," he said softly. "You need to go every day, learn every day." Jun Wei pouted slightly. "But I don't like waking up early." A faint smile touched Suo Ran's lips. "No one does." Jun Wei leaned back on his hands. "Teacher always talks too much." Suo Ran let out a quiet breath. "Still, you have to go." Jun Wei was silent for a moment, then asked again, softer this time, "So… we're really going back just for school?" Suo Ran nodded. "Yes."
Jun Wei looked at him closely. "You're not lying?" Suo Ran shook his head. "Why would I lie about that?" Jun Wei accepted that easily, then shrugged. "Okay then."
A pause. Then he added, "As long as you come with me." Suo Ran's expression softened immediately. "I said I will." Jun Wei nodded once, satisfied. "Then it's fine."
He shifted under the blanket, already relaxing again. "School is boring, but if gege is there… it's okay." Suo Ran reached out and lightly tapped his forehead. "Sleep." Jun Wei smiled faintly. "Okay." Within moments, his breathing slowed, the earlier questions fading away with sleep. Suo Ran stayed beside him for a while, quiet, watching him rest his expression calm on the surface, but carrying the weight of everything he couldn't say.
Elsewhere in the apartment, the dining area had quieted down. Only Lian Ziho and Anxin remained, the earlier noise of dinner fading into a calm, lingering silence. For a moment, they exchanged a small, polite smile not forced, but cautious, like two people carefully measuring the space between them.
Lian Ziho broke the silence first, gathering the bowls. "I'll handle this," he said.
Anxin stood as well. "I'll help." Lian Ziho glanced at him briefly. "You don't have to."
Anxin replied evenly, "It's fine. I don't mind."
There was a short pause before they naturally began working side by side, the soft sound of dishes and water filling the room.
The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, but it wasn't familiar either more like two strangers trying to understand each other without stepping too close.
Anxin glanced at him. "Do you remember me?" That question made Lian Ziho stop for a second. " Sorry?" he asked, turning his head slightly. Anxin's expression stayed calm. "When you came to our house before… to play with Cai Lang. Do you remember that?"
Lian Ziho thought for a moment, then shook his head lightly. "Sorry… I don't really remember it." Anxin nodded once. "I see."
A brief silence followed, only the sound of water continuing between them. Then Anxin added quietly, almost lightly, "It's alright. It was a long time ago. We can get to know each other again." Lian Ziho relaxed slightly at that. "Yeah… sure." Anxin gave a faint, polite smile. "Good."
They continued cleaning in silence after that, the atmosphere easing into something more neutral, less guarded. When the last bowl was placed aside and the counter was cleared, Lian Ziho dried his hands and stepped back. "That's done."
Anxin nodded slightly. "Good work."
A pause. "Good night," Anxin said.
"Good night," Lian Ziho replied. And without any further words, they each turned and walked toward their rooms, the apartment settling once again into quiet stillness.
Morning came softly, light slipping through the curtains. Suo Ran woke first. He sat up slowly, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the pale light. Beside him, Jun Wei was still asleep, breathing evenly, his face calm and peaceful in a way that made the room feel fragile rather than ordinary.
Suo Ran stayed still for a long moment, just watching him. Something in his chest tightened again without thinking too much, he leaned forward and gently kissed Jun Wei's forehead. A single tear slipped down his cheek as he pulled back. He didn't notice Jun Wei stirring beneath him. "Gege…" Jun Wei murmured, voice still heavy with sleep.
Suo Ran froze slightly and quickly turned his face away. Jun Wei blinked awake slowly, sitting up a little. His eyes immediately landed on Suo Ran's face. " Why are you crying?" he asked softly. Suo Ran shook his head quickly. "I'm not." Jun Wei frowned slightly, reaching out and holding his sleeve. "You are." Suo Ran forced a small smile. "It's nothing."
Jun Wei studied him for a second longer, then suddenly leaned forward and hugged him tightly. "Don't cry," he said softly. "I'm not going anywhere forever." That broke something in Suo Ran again. He closed his eyes. Then slowly, he returned the hug.
" I know," he whispered. They stayed like that for a few seconds longer before finally separating.
Suo Ran exhaled, forcing himself back into motion. "Come on," he said gently. "Brush your teeth." Jun Wei nodded obediently. "Okay." Suo Ran lifted him carefully and helped him down from the bed.
A short while later, they walked into the dining area together. Lian Ziho was already there, reading a newspaper quietly. Cai Lang stood nearby, speaking on the phone in a low, controlled voice. Anxin was sitting alone, eating slowly and calmly, as if nothing was out of place. Jun Wei immediately brightened. "Good morning!" Lian Ziho looked up and smiled faintly. "Morning."
Anxin gave a small nod. "Good morning."
Cai Lang glanced over briefly but didn't interrupt his call.
Jun Wei sat down happily, swinging his legs again. "Breakfast!" Suo Ran sat beside him, watching him quietly. For a moment, it almost felt normal again. Jun Wei took a sip of milk and smiled. "Today is a good day!" Suo Ran gave a faint smile. "Let's hope so." Lian Ziho looked at Suo Ran briefly, noticing the tiredness in his eyes, but didn't comment.
Anxin continued eating calmly, occasionally glancing around the table. And Cai Lang… remained on his call, expression unreadable.
Then A sudden sound broke through the morning from the guest room. A sharp, broken scream. Everyone froze.
The chair scraped back immediately.
Cai Lang ended his call instantly and moved first. "What happened?" Jun Wei asked, startled, looking around in confusion. Suo Ran stood up quickly but didn't step forward. "Stay here," he said firmly. "Finish your breakfast." Jun Wei hesitated, eyes widening. "But something.." "I said stay," Suo Ran repeated, voice softer but leaving no room for argument. Jun Wei slowly nodded, gripping the edge of the table. "Okay…"
Suo Ran glanced once toward the hallway, then forced himself to remain where he was.
But his expression had already changed.
The calm was gone.
Inside the guest room, chaos had already begun. Lu Zhen was on the floor, body shaking uncontrollably, his breathing uneven and forced, as if each inhale scraped through pain. Cai Lang stepped in first and crouched immediately. "He's not stable. Get him up."
Lian Ziho moved quickly, sliding an arm under Lu Zhen's shoulder. "Careful he's burning up again." "Bed," Cai Lang ordered sharply. "Now."
They lifted him together and placed him down carefully. Lu Zhen's fingers curled weakly against the sheets. "No… don't…"
"Stay still," Lian Ziho said, pressing him down gently. "You're safe." Anxin stepped closer, eyes focused but quiet. "This is worsening faster than before." Cai Lang didn't look at him. "Just help if you can."
"I am helping," Anxin replied calmly. "By observing." Lian Ziho opened the medical kit quickly. "Doctor Gu said this would hold him stable." "Then use it," Cai Lang said.
He took the medicine from Lian Ziho's hand and leaned in. "Lu Zhen. Listen to me."
Lu Zhen's eyelids fluttered slightly, struggling to focus. Cai Lang's voice stayed steady. "You're in my house. You're safe for now. Speak." Lu Zhen's throat moved painfully. "Cai… Lang…" "Good," Cai Lang said immediately. "What happened?" Lu Zhen's breathing hitched again. "They… found…"
"Who found you?" Lian Ziho pressed.
Lu Zhen's fingers trembled. "They… are coming…" Anxin's gaze sharpened slightly. "Define 'they'."
Lu Zhen shook faintly. "Not… time…"
Cai Lang leaned closer. "Who sent you?"
A pause. His voice broke again. "Qiao…"
His body spasmed slightly.
"Shiyan…"Cai Lang's jaw clenched. "Finish the sentence." Lu Zhen struggled harder now, voice barely holding. "Don't… trust…"
"Who?" Cai Lang asked immediately.
But Lu Zhen's strength collapsed mid-breath.
"he…" he whispered weakly.
Then silence. His body slackened completely Unconscious.