Zhiyuan tapped his finger on the table, his brows furrowing continuously as he stared at Jin seated opposite him.
"What is going on?"
"I just came here to drop Shui off. That's all."
"And you did. So how did it translate to you staying the night here?"
"Sis Nuo is insisting," Jin pressed his lips.
Zhiyuan also pursed his lips in return. "Is she missing her family?"
"No it's not-"
"Are we not treating her well enough that she still misses her family so much?" He burst into tears. "I have failed."
"..."
Jin cleared his throat. "Uncle Zhi, it's not like that. Of course she loves it here. It's just one night anyway."
"You don't understand the significance of just one night!"
Xinyi came in just then, bringing some hot chocolate for him. "Here," she grinned.
"Thanks Aunt."
"Why is Zhiyuan crying?" She blinked.
He sniffled. "Nuo doesn't like it here, Xinyi. She is definitely missing her family so much."
Jin threw a helpless look at Xinyi to which she sighed. "As always, you overthink."
"Mom is right! Who made my sweet Dad cry?" Nuo pouted and rushed to Zhiyuan's side. Behind her, Siying carried Muyang.
"See who is here Muyang. It's your Uncle Jin."
Muyang stared at Jin and his eyes immediately sparkled. He cooed and babbled, his hands flailing furiously at him. Jin obeyed his nephew's command and took him in his arms. "Hey buddy. As chubby and adorable as always."
"Baaaaaa!!!" Muyang giggled against his chest.
At the same time, Shui slightly coughed and quietly joined in too.
Nuo flared her nostrils. "So who made my Dad cry?"
I shouldn't have nudged the tigress...
Xinyi warmly said, "Just call me if you need anything, okay dear?"
"Y-Yes Aunt..." with a pounding chest, he followed Shui upwards.
Xinyi grinned. "Hehe it feels so nice to have Jin here."
Zhiyuan restlessly said, "Siying could have also shown him the guest room."
She threw him a glare.
"W-what? Shui is my precious daughter!"
On top of that, he was well aware of their complicated relationship and feelings. He couldn't help but switch on his overprotective mode.
Nuo chirped. "Don't worry Dad! Shui is your precious daughter and my sister-in-law which is why I insisted Jin to be here. I want them to make up as soon as possible."
Zhiyuan choked hard and he clutched his chest. He really really loved his daughter-in-law but that same daughter-in-law was plotting to mend his daughter's relationship with the man she loved. If she succeeded then it meant he could get to hear the wedding bells soon.
Zhiyuan held mixed feelings.
"M-My daughter-in-law is so sweet and caring..." He said that while his heart bled.
Xinyi and Siying, who had no qualms about the plan, nodded their heads.
Nuo pouted. "See? I care so much about my little brother. I wonder why he would call me devious, hmph."
—
Jin breathed out with a big relief as soon as he stepped into the room. "Haash."
Shui, who was taking out the blankets and other necessities, raised her brow. "What happened to you suddenly?"
"Better I don't tell..." he adjusted his tie, recalling Nuo's murderous expression.
A few minutes later, Shui coughed and said, "I have taken everything out that you might need. If you need anything else, you can call me or Bro."
"Sure."
A moment of awkwardness hung in the air after which Shui quickly trotted towards the door. She turned the doorknob.
Jin noticed her struggle and blinked. "What's wrong?"
Shui gulped and turned back very slowly. Her expression held confusion and incredulousness. "The door is locked."