CHAPTER 266: CHAPTER 266: OUYANG XUAN (1)_1

"Brother Qing, Aunt Zhang, I’ll get the door." Upon hearing the knock, Shangguan You sprang from the sofa and trotted to the door. It was the first time a guest had arrived so early; she wondered who it could be.

When Shangguan You saw the visitor, she froze for a few seconds. How could it be him? Why would he come here?

"Girl, you look stunned. Aren’t you going to invite me in to sit?" the visitor’s deep laugh rang out as he reached out to ruffle Shangguan You’s hair.

The man was nearly 1.9 meters tall, dressed in casual black attire, with dark sunglasses perched above his eyes. He appeared to be around thirty, at the height of his charisma, the corners of his mouth curved upwards in a slight smile. Upon seeing Shangguan You, he removed his glasses, revealing a pair of smiling eyes.

His dark eyes were filled with an indulgent humor, and he exuded a strong presence. This presence was distinct; it was different from Shangguan Qing’s scholarly grace, Shangguan Hao’s hardened military demeanor, or Shangguan Yu’s mature stability. His essence was a paradoxical mix of fear-inducing danger, nobility, and a strange allure that inexplicably drew people in.

Shangguan You couldn’t quite place the feeling. She recalled that this man met her only once a year. Each visit revolved around her mother, Lin Mengjie, and the items her mother had sent for her. Even the bracelet that had opened her space was a gift from him.

This man was Ouyang Xuan, her so-called stepfather, another man madly in love with Lin Mengjie. But why has he suddenly come here today? Their usual meetings were always held elsewhere.

"Uncle, what brings you here?" Shangguan You’s initial surprise quickly faded as she stepped aside, inviting Ouyang Xuan in.

"You, who’s at the door?" Shangguan Qing found it strange that Shangguan You hadn’t returned. When he saw Ouyang Xuan enter, he gave a slight nod in greeting, then turned and went upstairs, leaving the two of them alone.

"Brother Qing, it’s Uncle," Shangguan You replied lightly, equally puzzled by Ouyang Xuan’s unexpected arrival.

"Girl, aren’t you happy to see me? I would be heartbroken if that were true. We only see each other once a year; we could rival the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. To think you’re not even happy to see me... Ah, I’m truly heartbroken," Ouyang Xuan teased. Though his tone was somewhat mournful, his upturned eyebrows indicated he was in high spirits.

"Who said that? I’m thrilled Uncle could come! If anyone doesn’t welcome Uncle, I’ll fight them. Hmph!" Shangguan You chuckled, ushering Ouyang Xuan further inside.

"Mr. Ouyang." Aunt Zhang, seeing Ouyang Xuan, stepped aside and greeted him before retreating to prepare tea.

"Mm." Ouyang Xuan merely nodded at Aunt Zhang, his attitude somewhat distant. This must be the real Ouyang Xuan, Shangguan You thought. Despite the warmth he showed her, she could still distinctly sense an underlying indifference and a noble, almost lofty, air about him.

"Uncle, you’re such a busy man. Why did you come? Did you miss me? I’ve missed you too," Shangguan You said, her gaze following Shangguan Qing as he disappeared up the stairs, before turning back to Ouyang Xuan beside her.

"Girl, no matter how busy Uncle is, you’re more important," Ouyang Xuan replied with a smile, his eyes full of satisfaction as he noted how much taller Shangguan You had grown. "You’ve had a rough time lately. I just came to see you, to check how you’re doing."

"Uncle, is Mommy okay?" Shangguan You asked softly. Actually, she didn’t want to just look at photos every time; she longed to see Lin Mengjie in person.

"Your mommy is doing very well. She asked me to bring these for you. Do you like them?" Ouyang Xuan said with a gentle smile, his expression visibly softening at the mention of Lin Mengjie. He handed Shangguan You several outfits he had bought for her, along with a set of jewelry.

Bringing these gifts had become Ouyang Xuan’s habit. Every year, regardless of whether she wanted or liked them, he would bring these things and then vanish completely. She didn’t know where he was or what he was doing, nor did she know Lin Mengjie’s whereabouts. While she could call Ouyang Xuan if something came up, he only visited her once a year. His sudden arrival this year was thus very peculiar.

"I love them! Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Mommy." Shangguan You looked at the princess-style dresses in her hands. Although they weren’t quite suitable for her current self, they were undeniably an expression of her mother’s affection. Even though her mother wasn’t present, she could still feel her profound maternal love, which made her heart glad.

"As long as you like them," Ouyang Xuan chuckled softly. His large hand naturally came to rest on her forehead, like a benevolent father, as he continually instructed her on various matters. Shangguan You had an inexplicable feeling from Ouyang Xuan’s manner of instruction—was he perhaps settling his affairs, as if giving last directives?

"Girl, I have to leave for a period of time," Ouyang Xuan continued, stroking her hair while continuously instructing her in a low voice by her ear. "If you encounter any problems you can’t resolve, or if anyone bullies you, you don’t have to endure it any longer. My, Ouyang Xuan’s, daughter cannot be bullied. When that time comes, you can find Lin Wenjie and Lin Wenhao, or your maternal grandfather, or your Uncle Lin. They will help you." His tone sounded as if he were departing, never to return, making Shangguan You’s hair stand on end.

"Uncle, where are you and Mommy going? Why can’t I find you? Why do I have to find my cousins? Even if you’re going out, I can still call you, right? What if I miss you both? So if I have any problems, I should still find you," Shangguan You said naively.

"We might be away for half a year, or possibly even longer. Our phones might not be reachable. If you really can’t find us then, you must remember: you are never alone. You are not only a member of the Shangguan Family but also of the Lin Family, and simultaneously, the Ouyang Family. No one can bully you, understand?" Ouyang Xuan explained, not directly answering her question but kept bringing up the Lin Family.

Shangguan You’s confusion deepened. What exactly is going on? What does all this mean?

"Girl, stay well in Beijing and wait for us to return. At most, it will be two years, and then your mommy can come to see you." Ouyang Xuan spoke these rather abrupt and inexplicable words, and then, without letting Shangguan You get a word in, directly sent her upstairs to change her clothes.