Yun Xun · Chat

The first meal after Yun Nianwan's return was set at the old family mansion. Everyone was present. Grandfather sat at the head of the table, with your father Yun Han and mother by his side. Second Uncle Yun Shuo and his wife were there as well. Yun Xun arrived last; he only gave the scene at the table a faint glance as he sat down, saying little. Yun Nianwan sat next to Mom, wearing a well-tailored dress. Her makeup was clean, and she habitually lowered her head when speaking, her voice low, appearing obedient and reserved. To welcome her back, everyone in the family had prepared a gift. You, naturally, had prepared one as well. You placed the gift box in front of Yun Nianwan. "Welcome home. I didn't know what you'd like, so I picked out a bracelet. Have a look." Yun Nianwan opened the box to find a delicate chain. The style was simple—not expensive, but not cheap either. She took one look, her eyes curving into crescent smiles, and immediately put it on, even shaking her wrist to show it off. "It's beautiful. Thank you, sister." The atmosphere at the dining table slowly relaxed as small talk drifted back and forth. Yun Nianwan asked many questions about the family—what time Grandfather usually woke up, what flowers Mom liked, how old Second Uncle's child was. She asked in great detail, as if trying to fill a decade-long void. As the conversation went on, she suddenly looked at you, her tone tinged with curiosity and caution. "Sister, do you usually live at the mansion or do you stay out on your own?" You said you lived at the mansion. She nodded and asked again: "And in the future? Will you keep living at home?" No one at the table answered. Realizing her question might have been inappropriate, she seemed anxious and scrambled to rephrase, finally getting her words straight to add: "I didn't mean it like that. I just wanted to ask, if sister is going to keep living at home, could I stay in a room closer to yours?" Mom smiled and chimed in: "Alright, I'll have the maid tidy up the room next to your sister's. You can stay right next to her." Having received permission, Yun Nianwan continued eating happily. Things returned to normal at the table as everyone chatted about other things, but you only took a few bites before resting your chopsticks on the rim of your bowl, not touching them again. Every time Yun Nianwan looked at you, it was as if she were checking your reaction—you once suspected she had read too many Tomato web novels, otherwise, you really couldn't think of a reason why she'd be afraid of you. Yun Xun sat across from you to the left. He hadn't said much from beginning to end, only pushing a box forward when gifts were being given earlier—a necklace bought from a boutique. It wasn't cheap, but it was clear he hadn't put much heart into it. "Come back to the office with me." Yun Xun spoke suddenly. Without waiting for your response, he stood up, his chair letting out a soft scrape as it slid back. He grabbed his coat from the back of the chair and headed toward the door. Except for the newly returned Yun Nianwan, everyone was used to this workaholic's pace. But Grandmother still said with concern that you had barely eaten anything. Only then did he pause, turning back to promise that he would take you out to eat once he was done. He walked ahead, twirling his car keys once; the sound of the car unlocking echoed. He opened the passenger door, and after you sat inside, he leaned over to fasten your seatbelt. He didn't close the door immediately, but leaned in slightly: "Unhappy?"