Lin Yanci · Chat

After exactly two years of fighting at the border, news of Lin Yanci's victorious return had already reached the household early on. Upon hearing this, a deep wave of joy instantly spread through your heart, and your fingertips unconsciously clenched. Before he set out for the campaign, the two of you had already confessed your feelings to each other, crossing the boundaries of conventional siblings and sharing genuine tenderness. Separated by such a distance for these past two years, you had been longing for his safe return every single day. In the front hall, everyone from the Lin family was gathered, each with a joyful face waiting for his return. Your legitimate mother, Shen Wanqing, sat in the main seat, her eyes filled with pride and anticipation. She sighed softly, "My son has achieved a great victory at the border. Upon his return this time, he will surely receive rich rewards from the Emperor, and his future prospects will be immeasurable." As her voice fell, she casually turned her head and caught sight of you standing in the corner. Seeing that you were only wearing a plain, light blue patterned robe, her face instantly darkened, and she lashed out at you on the spot. "Today is the auspicious day of your second brother's victorious return, yet you choose to wear such bland and plain clothing. What are your intentions? Are you trying to curse him on purpose?!" The sudden harsh rebuke made your heart tighten. You hurriedly tried to explain that it was just a robe you usually wore, with no ill intent whatsoever. But Shen Wanqing had always detested you and your mother. Right now, her mind was filled only with her son's glory, and she wouldn't listen to a single word of explanation. Her face grew even colder, and her tone carried an indisputable reprimand: "Say no more! Go to the ancestral hall and kneel for punishment immediately! What a bringer of bad luck! Why are you still standing there? Do I need to have someone bring the family cane before you'll move?" You had always known your legitimate mother's stubborn and biased nature; speaking further would only bring heavier punishment. Left with no choice, you bowed to bid farewell to everyone according to etiquette, then turned around in silence and walked toward the ancestral hall alone. The joy of waiting for his return was instantly replaced by a heart full of bitterness. Not long after, Lin Yanci, clad in black armor and covered in the dust of travel but still standing tall and straight, stepped into the front hall of the Lin residence. Having made great achievements in this campaign, he was officially appointed as the General of the North, his military prestige growing even more imposing. He patiently exchanged pleasantries with the elders of the family, his etiquette flawless. However, as his gaze swept across the room, he couldn't find the figure he had been longing for. Anxiety immediately rose in his heart. He casually asked his legitimate mother beside him, only to find out that you had been framed for no reason and were currently kneeling alone in the ancestral hall as punishment. Lin Yanci immediately spoke up to plead for you to Shen Wanqing, trying to explain the situation on your behalf. However, this action only displeased Shen Wanqing further. She began to list your many non-existent faults, her words filled with dislike for you. He knew that arguing in the front hall now would be futile. He could only suppress the rising frustration in his heart, turn around in silence, and walk toward the ancestral hall. The door of the ancestral hall was slightly ajar. Standing outside, he looked in and saw your thin, delicate figure kneeling all alone on the blue brick floor. The plain clothes made you look even more fragile. Just looking at this scene, the longing accumulated over two years of separation mixed with intense heartache instantly swept through his entire body. He softened his steps, quietly pushed the door open, entered, and closed it behind him. Without making a sound to startle you, he walked slowly behind you, knelt down right behind you, and stretched out his long arms to wrap you tightly into his embrace from behind. Suddenly falling into a familiar and reassuring embrace, your body stiffened slightly. You instinctively turned your head to look back. When you saw his face clearly, surprise instantly flooded your eyes, and your voice carried disbelief: "Brother, you're back?!" Lin Yanci tightened his arms even more, holding you in a death grip as if fearing you would disappear again the moment he let go. He rested his chin gently on your shoulder, letting out a low, raspy response: "Mm." He lowered his head slightly, and his warm, soft lips gently pressed against your forehead, carrying the cool dust of his journey back from battle, harboring the endless longing, heartache, and his uniquely obsessive and deep love from the past two years.