CH 25

t/n: Sorry for the small hiatus, everyone! I had surgery and took a few weeks to recover (>_<) Also for those of you asking about my update schedule…. we are officially in VIP chapters now and they are muuuuuch longer. So I won’t be updating every week anymore. It will probably be every two or three weeks depending on my schedule. Sorry and I love you!!! (づ￣ ³￣)づ

*

Being looked at like that by Luo Qin made Lin Zhixia turn his gaze away, feeling uncomfortable.

“So, you told that young man to sit here in the restaurant?”

“Yes,” Luo Qin said, “In fact, the last few days I’ve been sitting in the cafe across the street. I was worried that something would happen. Today, I planned to go on a business trip, so I asked Xiao Qi to help me watch over you. It turned out that something really did happen.” 

Lin Zhixia had ten thousand swear words and ten thousand question marks in his heart but he held back and simply said, “Your dad is really awful.”

“Yes. I apologize for him and I’ll pay for the damage to the store,” said Luo Qin, “But Zhixia, what happened today is just the beginning. My father has too many ways to make you suffer.”

He sighed, “Today might have been just a warning to you. I have no idea what he will do next. I can’t watch over you all the time and your restaurant can’t just close up while we try to figure out what he’ll do.”

“I…” Lin Zhixia didn’t know what to say. 

“My dad told me that he won’t be staying in Tongcheng long term but even in another city, it would be easy for him to bother you. That’s why I asked you and Keai to come back with me to the manor. With you there, it would be easier for me to investigate his movements and keep you safe.”

“Zhixia, I know being there is difficult for you but I really can’t think of another way.”

Luo Qin knew Luo Zhengyan very well.

When Luo Zhengyan was young, the Luo family was less powerful but their potential was infinite. The young Luo Zhengyan was much more willful and arrogant than Luo Qin was at that age. Because of that arrogance, Luo Zhengyan lost control of the Luo family to his father, Luo Qin’s grandfather. 

After that, Luo Zhengyan became more eccentric and paranoid. Luo Qin had never been close with his father and in his heart, their father-son relationship was tenuous. He had thought before of moving against his father but nothing was ever that simple. The Luo family was large and the roots of their family tree were very intricate and delicate. 

If father and son decided to start a fight and tear at each others’ faces, the problems that would cause for the Luo family were endless. 

Luo Qin also knew that the stronger he became, the more Luo Zhengyan would target and blame Lin Zhixia. 

Luo Qin, who was always decisive and resolute, suddenly knew what it was to have a weakness. With his worry about Lin Zhixia and Lin Keai, it was hard for him to take action against his father.

Lin Zhixia understood what Luo Qin was saying but he was still concerned, “I can go back with Xiao Ai?” 

“Yes, you can go back with him. Don’t worry, I will do everything to convince my dad to leave you alone as soon as possible. But before then, staying with me will keep you safe.”

When Luo Qin asked Lin Zhixia to go back to the Luo home with Lin Keai, did he have a selfish intention? Maybe a little. Luo Qin wanted Lin Zhixia and their son to return home but he never would have done it like this. 

After all, Lin Zhixia already hated him enough.

“Luo Qin,” Lin Zhixia wavered but once he pictured in his mind the last day he spent in that place, he bit his lip and pressed on, “I really don’t want to go back. I only lived there for a month and I still feel suffocated thinking about it…”

Luo Qin frowned, “A month?”

Hearing Luo Qin repeat that, Lin Zhixia realized that he had let something slip that he shouldn’t have. He blinked and quickly changed the subject, “Anyway, I don’t want to go back, especially not to the main house. I’m uncomfortable even thinking of living there again.”

Luo Qin saw the panic and fear in Lin Zhixia’s eyes and hurried to say, “Actually, my dad’s intention is for Xiao Ai to live and be raised by me. It won’t be a problem if we live in my separate house again. As for Luo Yao, she moved out after she went to college. You won’t ever see her. And Wang Ma, I can send her to another property.”

“Also…” Luo Qin’s expression dimmed, “If you don’t want to see me again after this, I promise you that I won’t appear in front of you again.”

After hearing that, Lin Zhixia’s expression looked like he was deeply moved, “Really?”

“I wouldn’t lie about that.”

The conviction in his voice was very compelling and he looked so different from the aggressive, arrogant Luo Qin of the past. 

Lin Zhixia felt it was strange and said, “Why would you go that far?”

According to Luo Qin’s previous temperament, he would never interfere in Luo Zhengyan’s treatment of Lin Zhixia. He would just stand by and watch. After all, he liked Xiao Ai so much and his personal intention should align with Luo Zhengyan’s own. 

But here Luo Qin was, practically begging Lin Zhixia to go back home with him. 

Although all this drama and turmoil was caused by the Luo family, Luo Qin was diligently working to solve it for Lin Zhixia. Why was he being so humble and acquiescing? Lin Zhixia didn’t understand. 

Luo Qin looked at him and opened his mouth to say something but swallowed the words down. Instead, he chose an explanation that would not overwhelm Lin Zhixia, “Because I feel like I owe you. You’ve tolerated me for Xiao Ai but I messed up your peaceful life. All I want is to restore that peace so you can live well.”

Lin Zhixia looked at him, solemn. “Didn’t you say back then that it was me who messed up your life?”

Although Lin Zhixia knew that those things were not done by himself, in the eyes of others, Lin Zhixia was the only culprit. He had to shoulder that blame as soon as he crossed over to this world. 

Luo Qin looked straight at him, his eyes steadfast and full of inquiry. 

He suddenly asked in a soft voice, “Was that really you?”

Lin Zhixia was stunned and he straightened his back, tense like a frightened bird, “What?”

“Nothing,” Luo Qin moved his eyes away and gestured to his injured hand, “Zhixia, please call a doctor for me.”

“Oh…okay.”

Lin Zhixia walked out of the exam room, his heart full of panic. Recalling Luo Qin’s words, Lin Zhixia had a feeling that they were significant. 

Had Luo Qin figured out that the Lin Zhixia from before and the Lin Zhixia now were two different people?

Was that why Luo Qin’s attitude towards him now was so different? 

Impossible. Absolutely impossible. Except for that one slip of the tongue, Lin Zhixia’s act had been flawless. Lin Zhixia shook his head. That kind of bizarre thing, no one would ever guess it. Just calm down. 

Lin Zhixia patted his face and forced his heart to stop beating so fast. 

Luo Qin’s injury needed to be redressed and Lin Zhixia stayed by his side. Even looking at it made his own hand hurt in sympathy. But through it all, Luo Qin merely knitted his brow. 

Lin Zhixia regretted shaking off Luo Qin’s hand so forcefully. It was his fault that Luo Qin needed to be seen by the doctor again. 

*

After leaving the hospital, Luo Qin took Lin Zhixia back home and then went directly to the Luo family’s main house. 

Luo Zhengyan seemed to know that he was coming and informed the servant in advance. Luo Qin went directly into the study to find that Luo Zhengyan was painting. Luo Qin went over to him and grabbed the brush out of his hand. Luo Zhengyan only coldly responded with, “Hmph.”

“Dad, Keai is going to be living with me from now on along with Lin Zhixia. You’ve achieved your goal so please refrain from sending people to disturb them again, okay?”

Luo Zhengyan looked gloomy, “Luo Qin, are you out of your mind? Who told you to bring back Lin Zhixia?”

The two looked at each other, one glaring and the other blank faced. Luo Qin suddenly thought back to his childhood. His father had always been like this. Whether it was because Luo Qin did not score high enough on a test or he didn’t look good enough in a certain suit, Luo Zhengyan didn’t hesitate to voice his disappointment. 

His father constantly nitpicked at him to look and act proper. It was obvious that Luo Zhengyan only cared about himself and his own reputation. His son only existed to reflect his father’s majesty to the greater public. 

When Luo Qin was in elementary school, his deskmate said he had suddenly gotten a fever at home and his parents had taken care of him all night, not sleeping and worried sick. Luo Qin thought that it would be great to be taken care of by his parents. 

So when he came home that night, he lied to Luo Zhengyan and said that he had a fever. But Luo Zhengyan barely acknowledged him and called for the maid to take care of him. 

Between Luo Qin and Luo Zhengyan, there were never any heartwarming father and son moments. 

How sad that their relationship was broken to such an extent. 

“‘Dad’…are you even worthy of that title?” Luo Qin asked suddenly, “It’s funny, I don’t even remember anymore the man you used to be. The man who was my father. You don’t look like him anymore, you don’t smell like him either. Every day when I was young, I would think about him and miss him.”

“I never dared to tell you before but I will tell you now. I grew up without a mother and a father by my side. I don’t want Xiao Ai to grow up like me. It’s really too cruel.”

Something flashed across Luo Zhengyan’s blank face but was quickly gone. He turned away and spoke, the tone of his voice was cold, filled with contempt, “As a parent, how can Lin Zhixia even compare to you?”

Luo Qin’s expression didn’t change but his shoulders slumped, as if he wanted to sigh at the question. 

“Dad, I know your reasons for forcing me into this and I know how you view Lin Zhixia. Do you even care about what is best for Lin Keai? Is the Luo family reputation more important than his welfare?”

Before Luo Zhengyan spoke, Luo Qin raised his injured hand and waved it at him. He was too impatient with it on the way here and the wound had split again, pouring blood. 

“I stopped you this time but I know you have more planned. I’m not willing to force Lin Zhixia away from Lin Keai so letting them both come live with me is the best solution. If you are still discontent and you want to keep hurting Lin Zhixia, you should know; if you hurt him once, I will pay it back ten fold.”

Luo Zhengyan was stunned. He looked at Luo Qin as if he had never seen him before. His cold face appeared to crack and he said slowly, “Luo Qin, tell me honestly, the recent distance between you and Qiao Ruxu, is it because of Lin Zhixia?”

Luo Qin didn’t say anything and Luo Zhengyan sneered. He picked up the paint brush again and brought it down hard on the canvas, making a deep scratch on the surface, “Interesting! Really interesting…”

“I brought Lin Keai back to the Luo family as you requested. Isn’t that enough?” Luo Qin continued, “You have spent more than half your life fighting with grandfather. You’ve always been bitter towards him, blaming him for controlling your life and making you feel like a prisoner. So why are you doing the same thing to me?”

Luo Zhengyan didn’t respond to that and Luo Qin waited in silence, unmoving. After a long time, Luo Zhengyan sighed, “Go away.”

Luo Zhengyan didn’t look at Luo Qin and put all his concentration on the canvas, “Don’t bother me while I paint.”

*

Lin Zhixia returned to the restaurant and found that the place had been cleaned up. Seeing the pile of broken dishes, Lin Zhixia was distressed. He sighed, feeling exhausted. 

Qi Mingyuan hadn’t left yet and he walked over to Lin Zhixia and leaned on the counter in front of him, saying, “Boss, Brother Luo ordered me to clean up the place. Does it look okay?”

Lin Zhixia smiled, “You cleaned up just because Luo Qin said to?”

“Not just because of Brother Luo. I’m partially responsible for the mess. Your place was smashed up after I fanned the flames,” Qi Mingyuan continued to apologize, “I should’ve held back. I was too impulsive.”

“It’s okay,” Lin Zhixia responded, “you were just standing up for me.”

“Brother Zhixia, you’re really nice,” Qi Mingyuan smiled and then his face turned angry, “those bad men make me so angry. Look what they did to my Brother Luo’s hand! They are going to pay for it this time!”

‘Brother Luo’ this and ‘Brother Luo’ that. This guy really talked about Luo Qin a lot. Lin Zhixia didn’t say anything. 

Luo Qin said that he suspected his father was responsible for what happened today and that Luo Zhengyan had a lot of people under him willing to do his bidding. Luo Qin’s father had all the time and resources in the world to make trouble.  

Today may have been considered just a warning to Luo Zhengyan but it had cost Lin Zhixia a lot. If the Luo family was serious about targeting him, there was nothing Lin Zhixia could do but take it. Lin Zhixia could withstand anything but what about Lin Keai? 

Lin Zhixia went next door to the hot pot restaurant to pick up Xiao Ai. The little guy had been coaxed successfully by the hot pot uncle with a large lollipop. Xiao Ai was concentrating very hard on nibbling at it as Lin Zhixia walked in. 

As he walked back into the restaurant with Keai, Qi Mingyuan approached him again. He suddenly took Lin Keai out of his dad’s arms and lifted him into the air to make him take flight. At first, Xiao Ai was so scared that he dropped his lollipop and he cried out. 

After he was brought down, Xiao Ai realized how much fun this new game was and he shouted out, “Make me fly again!”

Qi Mingyuan supported his own waist, pretending to breathe heavily as he said, “No, no. I’m too tired!”

Lin Keai, giggling, started chasing Qi Mingyuan around the place, holding his hands up high, “Brother! Brother! I want to fly again!”

Qi Mingyuan was chased in a circle around the restaurant and Lin Zhixia smiled as he watched them. At heart, this young man was still a kid and he played well with Xiao Ai. 

*

The turmoil of Lin Zhixia’s small restaurant had spread all over Yanyu Street and as Qin Zhe finished teaching his class, the news reached his ears as well. He hurriedly rushed over and grabbed Lin Zhixia, turning him left and right, nervously looking him over. 

Lin Zhixia was pushed and pulled until he felt dizzy and he said helplessly, “Big Brother Qin, I’m really fine.”

“Why didn’t you contact me?”

Before Lin Zhixia could respond, Qi Mingyuan rushed over, pulling Qin Zhe away. 

“Who are you? Why are you touching him?”

Qin Zhe looked confused and then angry. He knew Lin Zhixia very well and knew all the people he was familiar with. This man was a stranger and Qin Zhe immediately felt protective. 

“And who the hell are you?” 

After such a day, Lin Zhixia had a headache and his temper felt like a firecracker about to go off. And here Qin Zhe was, trying to pick a fight. He hurried forward and pulled them away from each other.

“Brother Qin is my friend and this is Xiao Qi, a friend I just made. Don’t make such a fuss.”

Qin Zhe looked the young man up and down, taking in his slender frame and blond hair. The thick down jacket he wore did nothing to hide how thin he was, as if a small wind could blow him away. His skin was very white, his features were delicate and the thinness of his face did nothing to distract from his beauty. 

Qi Mingyuan didn’t like the look in Qin Zhe’s eyes. He deliberately raised his voice to ask loudly, “Brother Zhixia, when will Brother Luo come to pick you up?”

Lin Zhixia’s face dimmed, “In two days.”

Qin Zhe was stunned, “Zhixia, where are you going with Luo Qin?”

Lin Zhixia said vaguely, “I’m going back with him.”

Qin Zhe thought he had heard wrong, “What did you just say?”

“He said he’s going back home with Brother Luo. Are your ears okay?” Qi Mingyuan said loudly, “Can you hear what I’m saying?”

Qin Zhe gave him a look and then pulled Lin Zhixia to the side. He stared at Lin Zhixia intensely, “Zhixia, is he forcing you?”

“Something like that,” Lin Zhixia sighed and said in a low voice. He knew he should make things clear with Qin Zhe so he continued, “Brother Qin, don’t worry, I know what’s best for us. After I do this, Luo Qin and I will break apart for good. Luo Qin promised to never appear in front of Xiao Ai or me again.”

“Are you sure? It feels like this is a trick by Luo Qin.”

Qin Zhe was very skeptical. He was worried that Luo Qin was only pretending to retreat and then would take advantage later. 

Lin Zhixia smiled at him, “Brother Qin, I’m not stupid.”

Qin Zhe smiled bitterly, “You’re not stupid but you are too soft-hearted.”

Qi Mingyuan picked up Xiao Ai and walked over. “Brother Zhixia, this little guy is yelling that he’s hungry. Is there anything to eat?”

Qin Zhe could see that Qi Mingyuan was deliberately making trouble and he looked at the young man impatiently. Qi Mingyuan returned his look with a provocative one of his own.

Lin Zhixia didn’t pay attention to the eye contact between the two of them and touched Keai’s head, “Is Baby hungry?” 

Lin Keai’s stomach felt empty twenty-four hours a day so he said, “I’m hungry!”

Lin Zhixia picked him up from Qi Mingyuan’s arms, “Then dad will go make you some meatballs, okay?”

“Yeah!”

Qin Zhe was still looking at Qi Mingyuan. Qi Mingyuan wasn’t willing to show weakness so he glared back at him, “Don’t even think about hitting on my sister-in-law.” 

Qin Zhe was speechless and then he laughed, “Sister-in-law? You do realize that Lin Zhixia plans on breaking up completely with Luo Qin, right?”

Qi Mingyuan, “Their relationship is none of your business. I’ve seen guys like you, so self righteous! Brother Zhixia and Brother Luo can figure out their problems together. Don’t get involved!”

Qin Zhe sneered, “You go back and ask your brother what he did to Zhixia. My guess is he won’t have the courage to tell the truth.”

After saying that he left Qi Mingyuan and went into the kitchen to help Lin Zhixia.

*

That weekend, Luo Qin came to pick up Lin Zhixia and Lin Keai.

Lin Zhixia didn’t plan on living with Luo Qin for too long so he only packed a small suitcase with a few clothes. He carried it out and got into Luo Qin’s car. 

While packing, Lin Zhixia’s mind went to four years ago when he’d left the Luo family home. He hadn’t known he was pregnant then and had sworn to never go back. 

But here he was returning and this time as only a guest. 

Now, four years later and standing in front of the door to Luo Qin’s home, Lin Zhixia felt suffocated. 

He held Xiao Ai in his arms and his feet felt stuck to the floor, unable to move forward. 

Luo Qin carried the suitcase and came to stand behind him, looking at Lin Zhixia’s stiff back with a guilty heart. 

“Zhixia…”

Lin Zhixia opened the door as soon as he finished speaking.

Luo Qin had notified Wang Ma in advance, so she was waiting in the living room as they entered. Lin Zhixia glanced at her and Wang Ma showed an awkward smile, “Mr. Lin.”

‘Mr. Lin’, what a strange name to be called.  

Lin Zhixia knew what Luo Qin had said to Wang Ma but he really didn’t have the patience to make pleasantries with her after such a long time. So he hugged Xiao Ai tightly and asked Luo Qin in a low voice, “Where are we staying?”

“The room on the second floor is ready,” Wang Ma hurriedly came forward and led them upstairs, “We followed the young master’s instructions and cleaned up and down ten times. You and the young master will be able to live comfortably, Mr. Lin.”

As she spoke, Lin Zhixia took in her appearance and actions. The more enthusiastic and flattering she was, the more Lin Zhixia remembered how overbearing and nasty Wang Ma had been before.

Luo Qin saw that Lin Zhixia was increasingly uncomfortable and whispered to Mother Wang, “Mother Wang, you go down first.”

The smile on Wang Ma’s face froze and she said repeatedly, “Oh, oh, okay, then you call me if you need anything.” 

Luo Qin led the way into the bedroom that had been prepared for them. The bedroom was very large and had a small enclosed balcony, full of green plants. The plants were very lush and verdant, even in the middle of winter. 

Lin Zhixia looked forward to waking up every morning to see such greenery. He imagined his mood would be very good. 

The room was decorated in warm colors and the furniture was of the highest quality. 

There were several shelves next to the balcony doors, every inch filled with children’s toys. There was even a small elaborate bed sitting next to the big bed. It was clear that great care had been taken in preparation for their arrival. 

Luo Qin saw that Lin Zhixia had been staring at the small bed for a long time and explained, “Keai is small and used to sleeping with you. So I just put the both of you in the same room.”

Lin Zhixia didn’t say anything but, in his heart, he thought that the gesture was quite thoughtful. 

The little guy felt excited when he saw the little bed and he made grabby hands at it. Lin Zhixia hugged him and set him down on it, watching as he happily crawled and rolled around. After a while, Lin Keai smiled and made sure to claim what was his, “Dad, it’s Xiao Ai’s bed!”

Lin Zhixia smiled at him and looked back at Luo Qin’s expectant face. When their eyes met, Lin Zhixia’s smile immediately faded and he said politely, “Thank you for your thoughtful preparation.” 

Luo Qin’s face dimmed and his expression returned to normal as he replied, “Of course, Zhixia. I’ll also send Wang Ma back to the main house.”

Lin Zhixia knew that sending her away was for his own comfort. He knew that Wang Ma had taken care of Luo Qin since he was young and that they were very close. So earlier, when Luo Qin said he would send her away, Lin Zhixia had not made his own opinion clear. 

Qin Zhe was right. Lin Zhixia was indeed too soft-hearted.  

He thought he would feel bad if he were the reason she was sent away. But after arriving, Lin Zhixia felt too uncomfortable in her presence to stop Luo Qin. 

“It’s up to you.”

Luo Qin decided to do it. 

“By the way, Zhixia, I’ve booked a restaurant for the evening-”

“I’m tired,” Lin Zhixia interrupted him, “you go out first and we’ll take a nap.”

Luo Qin politely retreated to the door of the room and stepped out. With a small sound, he closed it firmly behind him. 

Luo Qin felt slightly unsettled, as if he had been shaken out of his own delusion. After arriving at the Luo family, Lin Zhixia was even more indifferent to him. Before, Luo Qin could faintly sense that Lin Zhixia’s gentle nature towards him had been a polite act for Xiao Ai. 

He had waved the thoughts of that away, rationalizing that being distant and cautious was just a part of Lin Zhixia’s personality. But after entering the Luo house, Lin Zhixia had completely lost all warmth and patience. 

In fact, Luo Qin’s guess was correct. After stepping through the front door, Lin Zhixia had been forced to face reality. 

When far away from this place, Lin Zhixia was able to convince himself that the past was the past. It was easy to push those memories away and live his life. 

But being here again, the things Lin Zhixia thought that he had let go of came rushing back. It all felt as if it had happened just yesterday and a sense of grievance and suffocation rose to the surface in his heart. 

He felt like going to find Luo Qin to hit him a few times to get rid of these depressing feelings. He hated it. 

“Dad!”

Lin Keai’s cry brought Lin Zhixia out of his dark thoughts. 

The little guy was still excited about crawling around on the bed. He liked this little bed, so soft and fluffy! His eyes narrowed into crescents, his little face full of joy.

“Keai, we may be living here for a while,” Lin Zhixia consulted with the little guy, “Do you like this place?”

Lin Keai tilted his head and answered him in a milky voice, “Yes, I like to be with Dad.”

Being so young, it was hard for Xiao Ai to express his thoughts well but Lin Zhixia immediately understood what he was trying to say. He went forward and kissed Xiao Ai’s face and then let the little guy press his face into Lin Zhixia’s chest. He hugged Xiao Ai and felt him rub his little face against his shirt. 

“Dad, does Uncle Luo live here too?”

Lin Zhixia frowned at the sudden question and Lin Keai tilted his head, looking confused.

“Xiao Xun said that only family live together. So I live with Dad but Xiao Xun can’t live with us. So…why can Uncle Luo live with us? Is he my family, too?”

Lin Zhixia didn’t know how to answer Xiao Ai. This was the question he had been avoiding and dreading for a long time. 

Fortunately, a child’s attention was easily distracted. As Lin Zhixia tried to think of a suitable response, Lin Keai’s eyes fell on the dinosaur and car toys on the shelf. He reached out grabby hands and insisted that Lin Zhixia take him over to look. 

*

Luo Qin’s room was right next door and the longer he sat in silence, the more he began to resent how good the soundproofing was in his house. He couldn’t hear anything through the walls. 

After a long time, he heard the door to the room next door open. He immediately walked to his own door and opened it, pretending he had just decided to leave as well. 

Lin Zhixia directly ignored him and took the baby downstairs. Luo Qin followed, “Where are you going? I’ll walk with you.”

“I’m going to the restaurant. I already checked the route.”

“It’s very far away. At least an hour by car with traffic.”

Lin Zhixia squatted down and helped Lin Keai tidy up his clothes. The little guy hadn’t woken up yet and his eyes were watery as he yawned. 

Luo Qin spoke again, “Zhixia, I’ll prepare a car for you. Let the driver pick you up and drop you off every day, okay?”

Lin Zhixia originally wanted to refuse but then he changed his mind. The restaurant on Yanyu Street was so far away and he also had to drop Keai off at kindergarten. Luo Qin had put him into this situation, he could also make it easier for him. Why should he make things harder for Xiao Ai and himself? 

Luo Qin had the car brought around and watched as Lin Zhixia settled Lin Keai into the back seat. He didn’t dare to step forward or say anything, only watching as he adjusted the car seat for the little guy. 

Lin Zhixia noticed that Luo Qin was frowning and looking at him despondently.

That expression on his face made him look aggrieved and forlorn. 

Who was this sad ghost? Where was Luo Qin’s facial paralysis and who had wronged him so badly?

Lin Zhixia was momentarily speechless. What a weirdo. 

Today was Sunday and Luo Qin had originally had a meeting to attend but he had turned it down to pick up Lin Zhixia and Xiao Ai. But in the end, he had only spent half an hour with them. After setting down his luggage, Lin Zhixia had rushed off back to the restaurant. Left all alone, Luo Qin had nothing to do. 

He read over some documents in his study for a long time, staring without seeing the words. Unable to concentrate, Luo Qin grew irritated and went downstairs in time to meet the new housekeeper, Sister Li. He was polite to her and showed her around the house. 

After that, he retreated back to the study to stare at his documents again. As soon as he sat down, he had a sudden thought and went back downstairs to find Sister Li. 

“Sister Li, are there any good home cooked meals that are easy and quick to learn?”

In all of Luo Qin’s twenty seven years of life, not once had he entered the kitchen with the intent to learn…

Luo Qin, who was good at everything he did, quickly learned that he had no talent for cooking. He was a complete failure. 

The biggest obstacle was his hand injury. With limited use of his hands, it was difficult to make diced potatoes. 

Sister Li, who was instructing him on the side, was watching him and wanted to help, “Master, let me.”

Luo Qin held the kitchen knife in his hand and stared down at the potatoes on the cutting board with a deep frown, “I’m not useless.”

Sister Li put her hands on her waist and smiled at Luo Qin’s awkwardness. She had previously worked in the main house and had a lot of contact with Luo Qin. Like any job, the servants liked to spread gossip about their employers. 

They said that Luo Qin was very nice to the servants but also strict. He was also extremely indifferent to people in general and not quick to anger. But on the first day that Sister Li arrived, she witnessed Luo Qin holding a kitchen knife and glaring at the potatoes. 

All of this seemed to be for Mister Lin to eat. 

Sister Li lamented, “Young Master, you’ve worked hard. You’re very doting.”

Luo Qin looked at the hacked to pieces potatoes that differed in size and thickness and sighed, “How is this any good?”

He bumbled around the kitchen for a long time and only with the help of Sister Li did they produce a few decent dishes. 

Luo Qin remembered that Lin Zhixia usually closed the restaurant around nine but because of how far the manor was, he would close early for the commute. He should be there at nine instead. 

So right before nine, Luo Qin set the table with the dishes he had cooked. 

Around nine thirty, Lin Zhixia arrived at Luo Qin’s home. 

After a full day of working, he was tired and Lin Keai had fallen asleep in the car. He carried Xiao Ai inside, still sleeping soundly with his head on Lin Zhixia’s shoulder. 

As soon as Lin Zhixia entered the house, he noticed that Wang Ma was gone and had been replaced by a new person. She looked younger than Wang Ma and had a kind, open face. 

Lin Zhixia stopped to chat with her and thought that Luo Qin really moved fast. He had said that morning that he would send Wang Ma away and already she had been replaced. 

Entering the living room, Lin Zhixia saw that Luo Qin was setting the table in the dining room. 

He wore a soft, white sweater and his hair was a little messy, not combed smooth like usual. He was sitting quietly with his elbow on the table and his chin in his hand. The shadows of the low light fell on his face, softening the sharp edges, making him look softer. He smiled and it was as if a soft filter surrounded him, like he was a portrait and not a living man.  

“You’re back.”

“Yes,” Lin Zhixia looked at the food on the table, “you haven’t eaten yet?”

“I was waiting for you.”

“Xiao Ai and I already ate at the restaurant.”

Lin Zhixia stood there, confused, looking blankly at Luo Qin. It was already after nine o’clock at night. Did Luo Qin really think they hadn’t eaten yet?

“Don’t worry about our meals from now on. We can solve it ourselves.”

Luo Qin froze in place. 

Lin Zhixia was tired after the long day and didn’t bother to stick around. “I’m tired, so we’ll go to bed first.”

After speaking, he carried the little guy upstairs. He remembered that there was a bathroom with a large tub on the second floor and he wanted to take a soak before going to bed to relieve his fatigue. 

As he left, Lin Zhixia didn’t notice that anything was wrong. 

The table full of food remained untouched. A feeling of loss filled Luo Qin’s entire body, making it feel heavy. 

A clear image suddenly rose in the back of his mind, drilling into his vision. 

Four years ago, there was another certain person who spent time and energy to make a table full of food. That person also sat down in anticipation, waiting on someone to come home. 

After suffering and agonizing every second of that waiting, what that person got was only a cold rejection. 

No, not even an outright rejection. Luo Qin, thinking that Lin Zhixia was trying to manipulate him further, hadn’t said a word to him. Luo Qin went upstairs, completely ignoring him. 

Luo Qin sat there quietly. 

Is this how Lin Zhixia had felt at that time?

Sister Li, not having heard their conversation, came into the dining room and said, “Young Master, let me warm up these dishes for you. They’ve gone cold.”

Luo Qin shook his head, “Forget it.”

After saying that, he also went upstairs. 

Sister Li called after him, “Master, you haven’t eaten yet. Do you want me to cook something else for you?”

Luo Qin shook his head, “Sister Li, go to bed. I’m not hungry.”

He walked to the second floor and found the door of Lin Zhixia’s room wide open. He subconsciously glanced in the room and saw Xiao Ai sit up from under the blankets. The little guy looked around blankly, looking drowsy. Seeing himself in an unfamiliar environment, with Lin Zhixia nowhere in sight, Lin Keai’s fleshy little face immediately wrinkled in distress and he began to cry. 

“Dad…dad…wuwu…”

Luo Qin hurried over and picked to little guy up, coaxing him in a gentle voice. He had watched a lot of parenting videos and read parenting books recently, so he did his best to do what they said. But after a few minutes, Xiao Ai was still crying, leaving Luo Qin feeling helpless. 

Fortunately, Lin Zhixia heard Xiao Ai’s cries and ran out of the bathroom while hurriedly putting his clothes on. He took the little guy from Luo Qin’s arms and hugged him close. 

“Keai, Shhh. Dad is here.”

Lin Keai stopped crying as soon as he was in Lin Zhixia’s arms and his heavy eyes began to fight off sleep. Lin Zhixia patted his back gently and started to hum a little tune. After not long at all, Xiao Ai fell asleep in his arms. 

Lin Zhixia let out a breath and turned around, only to find that Luo Qin hadn’t left yet. He was standing still, looking at Lin Zhixia as if in a trance.

He whispered to Luo Qin, “I just went to take a quick bath. Thank you for helping me take care of Keai.”

Luo Qin was still thinking deeply about something but Lin Zhixia’s voice brought him out of his mind. He said, “You have to get up early tomorrow for work so make sure to go to bed soon. I’m going to sleep, too.”

After Luo Qin left, Lin Zhixia turned off the lights and went to bed.

When he closed his eyes and relaxed, he smelled a faint familiar fragrance in the room.

Returning to this place, Lin Zhixia had thought he would be unable to sleep. But as he closed his eyes and listened to Lin Keai’s soft snoring, he fell into a deep sleep almost immediately. 

But on the other side of the wall, Luo Qin stood in front of a large window, sleepless and tense. 

A moment ago, Lin Zhixia had come out from the bath, his skin pink and supple, making his eyes shine with a misty haze. He had worn white short sleeved pajamas and even his exposed elbows drew the eye, his arms beckoning with a lustrous glisten. 

He’d been so beautiful that it hurt Luo Qin’s heart to think about. He’d been utterly shocked by the tempting sight. 

Like a steaming, mouthwatering little rice cake, straight out of the oven. 

The memory of Lin Zhixia took root in Luo Qin’s mind and he couldn’t shake it away. He tossed and turned in his bed and only fell into a restless sleep early in the morning.