Blue Lexuan cradled objects of varying sizes in his arms, gently stroking each one as if greeting beloved treasures.
Finally, his small hands settled on a simple wooden photo frame. Within its modest confines was captured a sweet family moment—everyone except... *that man*.
The backdrop was an amusement park, taken shortly after their return. Mommy had held his and Tongtong's hands, while elder brother stood nearby. Mommy had smiled so brightly back then...
*It's been so long since he'd seen that smile.*
So long that... he'd almost convinced himself he'd grown up.
Only when his calves began to ache did Lexuan rise, his movements slow and deliberate, already carrying traces of his father's dignified bearing.
Approaching the desk, he opened a drawer without hesitation...
After Mommy left, he'd withdrawn into his own world. Perhaps he missed her too much, or perhaps some part of him still refused to accept her absence. When he encountered Jane at the airport, he'd instinctively been drawn to her.
Maybe, deep down, he'd already convinced himself Mommy had returned...
His eyes skipped over the document's technical jargon, going straight to the final line—the result he sought.
After a brief glance... Lexuan remained eerily calm. He closed the file, placed it on the desk, then turned to the potted flower on the windowsill, its delicate fragrance filling the air...
*Knock knock knock.*
Lexuan didn't so much as blink.
After a prolonged silence, the hesitant knocking resumed. This time, he moved toward the door with stiff, mechanical steps.
Pausing at the threshold, he knew exactly who stood on the other side.
The door opened to reveal his still-innocent little sister.
Blue Tongtong peeked inside first, disappointed to see nothing noteworthy, before beaming up at her brother.
"Second brother~ Look! Auntie Jane gave me candy! It's super yummy—want some?"
Before finishing, she proudly displayed the treat cradled in her palm.
In the past, whenever she got snacks, she'd share. Big brother always doted on her, never taking any, while second brother would happily indulge with her.
But now... second brother had become more like big brother. No—worse. He didn't play with them at all. And she could *feel* his sadness every day, which made her own heart ache.
Lexuan silently studied the candy—*he had the same kind, stored in that drawer.*
After a pause, he accepted it.
Tongtong's heart instantly brightened... until the door shut in her face once more.
*That's okay!* Second brother took her candy! And since he couldn't talk right now, she understood.
Humming cheerfully, she turned away—only to quickly wipe her eyes. *She missed Mommy...*
---
When Jane awoke, she found herself nestled in Xuan Mohan's arms. Smiling secretly, she feigned continued sleep.
Not fooled for a second, Xuan Mohan said nothing, his expression overflowing with tenderness. He brushed featherlight kisses across her forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
Jane's fingers twitched against his side. *So ticklish!* But since she was "still asleep," she had to endure...
When she still didn't react, Xuan Mohan's brow arched. *If she's offering this opportunity, who is he to refuse?*
His lips finally claimed their ultimate target, the kiss deepening relentlessly...
"Sleeping" Jane's face burned crimson. Forced to "wake up," she weakly turned her head and pressed against his chest in protest.
Unseen by her, the man above smiled victoriously. All she knew was... *she couldn't breathe!*
"Xuan... Mohan, I can't... breathe. Let go..."
Would Xuan Mohan comply? Her formality displeased him, so... *of course not.*
Jane grew confused. *Why is he getting* more *aggressive? Did he not hear me?*
"Xuan—"
The single syllable was swallowed whole.
Seeing her dazed state, Xuan Mohan finally took pity. "What did you call me?" he chided.
The reprimand sparked realization. Jane shot him an accusatory glare—*so petty!*—which he ignored entirely, his warning gaze leaving no room for debate.
Jane huffed internally. *If he's this domineering now, what will he be like later?*
Confronted with her stubborn pout, Xuan Mohan relented—sort of. Burying his face in her neck, he nuzzled like an overgrown puppy.
Jane's resolve crumbled. His rare displays of vulnerability always melted her defenses, especially paired with that innate melancholy. *How could anyone refuse him?*
With a silent sigh, she murmured two words against his lips: "Mo Han."
Then added weakly, "Can you let go now...?"
Triumph flashed across Xuan Mohan's features. After nipping her earlobe, he released her—only for his eyes to darken dangerously.
Jane barely had time to regret her sympathy before his intoxicating scent enveloped her again...
*"...!"*
*I should* never *pity this man!*
Fortunately, he freed her quickly this time. Rising first, he effortlessly pulled Jane up—directly into his embrace.
In this moment, Xuan Mohan was utterly content. He asked for nothing more than Qianqian by his side.
Lacing their fingers together, he led her out.
"Where are we going?" Jane asked, puzzled. They were still aboard the (currently grounded) plane, and the air held a distinct chill.
Xuan Mohan simply smiled secretively and pressed onward.
Jane's curiosity peaked. *What's with the mystery?* But when they reached the cabin door, she froze.
Though the plane hovered a hundred meters up, the view below was crystal clear—like a landscape painting seared into her mind.
Her whisper was barely audible:
"Did you... plant all these?"