CHAPTER 63: RETURN

In her previous life, even when she lived with Yuanfeng, she carried the heavy shadow of knowing the original plot and fearfully observing every twist.

She had grown up suffocating herself with worry over the story’s future, over the villainess’s fate, over her cousin’s role, over when disaster might strike.

She forgot to relax.

Forgot to smile.

Forgot... to look at her father properly.

And now?

Now, he fussed over her homework time, bedtime, snacks, bathwater, and pillow softness.

He wrapped her in a blanket burrito because she sneezed once.

He nearly cried because she ate her vegetables.

He bought half the supermarket because she said she liked strawberries.

And she...

She loved it.

She Loved the warmth, her father’s warmth speeing in her body when she hugged him, she loved being cherished.

Loved having someone whose whole world revolved around her tiny existence.

So when she went to bed that night, watching her father peek into the room for the tenth time, she didn’t even sigh.

Instead, she smiled into her pillow and let her heart soften.

"Well," she whispered to herself, "this kind of life isn’t half bad."

She drifted to sleep in the glow of her father’s love, warm and safe and content.

But happiness, like all things, had a short timer.

***

It was the next morning, just after breakfast.

Huaijin was drinking warm milk while sitting on her booster seat.

Yuanfeng was hovering behind her like an anxious ghost, holding a napkin, ready to wipe her mouth the second even one molecule of milk escaped.

"Dad," she warned, "I am not a baby."

"You’re my baby," he declared with moral conviction.

Before she could roll her eyes, the doorbell rang.

Ding-dong!

The apartment fell strangely quiet.

Yuanfeng frowned and went to open the door, expecting maybe the postal service or the neighbor returning a borrowed pot.

Instead—

A man in a clean black suit stood at the door, rigid-backed and eyes full of interest.

The Chi family’s butler, Luo Ming.

The same butler who served only one person directly.

"Second Young Master Chi," the butler said with a respectful bow, "Master Chi requests your presence at the Chi manor. Immediately."

Yuanfeng’s eyebrow twitched.

"Why?"

The butler didn’t blink.

"Master Chi did not elaborate."

But his tone did.

It was the tone that suggested:

It’s not optional.

Huaijin froze mid-sip.

Great.

Just great.

She had predicted this eventually, but she hoped she’d have at least a couple of peaceful days before being dragged back into the Chi family’s complicated web of expectations, broken bonds, and unresolved contradictions.

Meanwhile—

Yuanfeng’s face darkened.

Like thunder before a storm.

His jaw tightened, and his eyes sharpened with old wounds.

Since leaving the Chi family three years ago, he had only stepped onto their property twice, and both times ended with dramatic arguments and someone threatening to "cut all ties."

So his first instinct was simple:

"No."

The butler blinked. "Pardon?"

"No." Yuanfeng repeated firmly, tightening his grip on the door. "Tell Father that if he wants to talk, he can come himself."

"...Sir, that is not—"

"Then too bad. We’re not going."

The butler was momentarily stunned.

Not because Yuanfeng refused, that was expected.

But because he refused without hesitation.

But Huaijin...

She lowered her cup slowly, licking off the milk foam from her lips.

To be honest, she didn’t want to go either.

She was having a peaceful life.

She just sold mooncakes, danced a battle, earned money, made a friend, and prepared for a variety show appearance.

She didn’t want drama.

But...

Her mind flashed to Yuanying’s wounded expression last night.

The sadness and confusion.

The anger that wasn’t truly anger but fear wrapped in sharp edges.

Yuanying was hurting.

And Grandpa Chi requesting her presence now...

It wasn’t hard to guess why.

So Huaijin put down her cup and slid off her booster seat.

"Dad."

"What?"

"I think... we should go."

Yuanfeng froze, turning to her with visible shock.

"No. No way. No."

His voice cracked.

"Baby, your father is protecting you, this old man is unreasonable, unpredictable, and controlling! If he scolds you—!"

"I’ll be fine."

"No, you won’t! You’re baby-sized!"

"I’m six."

"Which is basically baby-sized!"

Huaijin tugged his sleeve, gently this time.

"Dad, if we don’t go, Grandpa Chi will think we’re avoiding the family. And he’ll make trouble for us later."

"But—"

"If we go now," she continued calmly, "I can find Yuanying and... check on her."

Yuanfeng blinked.

Then blinked again.

"...Why would you check on her after she challenged you? She literally tried to stomp you off the stage."

Huaijin shrugged.

"She’s annoying sometimes, but she isn’t bad. And she’s hurting."

Her words landed softly but firmly.

Yuanfeng stared at his daughter, moved beyond words.

His eyes began to water.

"Oh my god... my baby is so kind. So mature. So understanding..."

"Dad... don’t cry."

"I won’t!" He wiped his eyes dramatically. "I’m just... emotionally overwhelmed by your goodness!"

The butler coughed politely.

"Shall I tell Master Chi that you will be arriving?"

Yuanfeng glared at the butler like a suspicious cat.

"We’re going," he grumbled.

"But tell him I am not staying for dinner."

"...Sir, it’s 9 AM."

"Then I am not staying for lunch!"

The poor butler had no idea how to respond.

They drove to the Chi manor in a quiet, luxurious car the butler had brought.

Inside, the atmosphere was thick.

Yuanfeng sat stiffly, arms crossed, leg bouncing nervously.

He looked like a kid forced to revisit his strict school principal.

Meanwhile, Huaijin sat beside him, legs swinging, studying the passing scenery.

"Baby," he muttered, "if things get tense at the Chi manor, you hide behind me."

"Mhm."

"And if Father raises his voice, you cover your ears."

"Okay."

"And if anyone so much as looks at you wrong, tell me, and I’ll—"

"Dad."

He shut up.

After a moment, he sighed.

"It’s just... I don’t want you to suffer because of my family."

His voice was low, vulnerable.