Chapter 1304: YAN YAN'S SURPRISE VISITOR

THE next day, the whole family had a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, Luo Yan accompanied his grandfather in the garden to let him soak in the morning sun. His grandfather was calm today, but as usual his memory drifted in and out. At one point, he started talking to Luo Yan as if he were his own daughter. Luo Yan didn't correct him. He just smiled and went along with it, cradling his grandfather's hand.

This had become a usual routine for them ever since Luo Yan started living here. Whenever he didn't have an early class, he would bring his grandfather out to soak in the sun. The same went for weekends. Most of the time, his grandfather talked to him as if he were his own daughter—Luo Yan's mother. Luo Yan didn't mind. He just listened and responded gently, holding his hand. As long as his grandfather was happy, that was enough.

Aunt Xiulan had told him once with a sad smile that his grandfather had been much more cheerful ever since he moved here. Luo Yan understood there was more behind those words. He had heard that before he came, his grandfather's temper had been getting worse. The old man would fly into rages more often. But ever since Luo Yan started staying here, spending time with him, his mood seemed to have settled.

Of course, his grandfather still forgot things most of the time. The memories came and went as they pleased. But at least now, the people who loved him didn't have to constantly worry that he might hurt himself.

After a while, Luo Yan noticed his grandfather had fallen asleep in his wheelchair. The old man's head had tilted slightly to the side, his breathing slow and steady. Luo Yan sat with him for another minute, just watching the peaceful expression on his face. Then he stood up quietly and went to find the personal nurse. He found him nearby and asked him to take his grandfather back inside to his room. The nurse nodded and walked over to the sleeping old man, gently pushing the wheelchair toward the house.

Luo Yan watched them as they slowly made their way inside. The tight feeling in his chest, the one that always came after spending time with his grandfather, settled back in. He let out a long, quiet sigh. He didn't know how much longer they would have these mornings together. The thought sat heavy in his chest.

The quiet sound of footsteps on stone made him turn. Luo Ren was walking toward him, his hands in his pockets. When he got close, he spoke.

"How is Grandpa these days?"

"As good as he can be, given his condition," Luo Yan said quietly.

Luo Ren was relieved to hear that. But when he looked at his brother's face, he could tell something was bothering him. "What's wrong? Are you worried about something?"

Luo Yan hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should share what was on his mind. Part of him felt that if he said it out loud, it might somehow make it real. And that was the last thing he wanted. He knew it was childish to think like that. But he still couldn't help the way he felt.

He was saved from having to think about it further when a familiar car came into view, pulling into the long driveway of the Bai family mansion. A spark of excitement lit up inside him. But more than that, he was grateful for the distraction. It gave him a perfect reason not to answer Luo Ren's question.

"Brother, it's Brother Ji Yun," Luo Yan said, his voice brightening. "I'm going to go greet him."

Luo Ren raised an eyebrow as he watched his younger brother take off toward the driveway. He shook his head with a small smile. Then his thoughts drifted back to the expression on Luo Yan's face just moments ago. Even though his brother hadn't answered, Luo Ren had a pretty good idea what was bothering him. It wasn't hard to figure out. It had to be about their grandfather.

He gazed down at the stone path beneath his feet. A heavy feeling settled in his chest. He understood now why Luo Yan had looked so troubled. He had a feeling he knew exactly what his brother was thinking. But he didn't want to think about it either. So, he closed his eyes briefly and once he opened them, he managed to retain his calm.

On the driveway, Luo Yan reached the car just as the driver's side door opened and Shen Ji Yun stepped out. The moment Luo Yan saw him, he felt the urge to launch himself into the other's arms. He held back, but barely. It looked like Shen Ji Yun was fighting the same impulse. When their eyes met, his entire face lit up and he took a step forward, his arms already lifting. Then he seemed to catch himself, remembering where they were. His arms lowered again, a little reluctantly, and he settled for a warm smile instead.

"Brother Ji Yun, what are you doing here?" Luo Yan asked, a bright smile on his face. "Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

"Yes, I already ate," Shen Ji Yun said. Then his voice dropped, low enough that only Luo Yan could hear. "And I'm here because I missed you."

"I missed you too," Luo Yan said, matching his quiet tone.

They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other. Neither of them spoke. But the familiar pull to just be closer and hold each other was there. Luo Yan reached for Shen Ji Yun's hand, thinking maybe that they could at least hold hands, even for a moment. But before his fingers could close around Shen Ji Yun's, his older brother's voice called out from behind him.

"Come inside, both of you," Luo Ren said.

When Luo Yan glanced back, he saw Luo Ren already heading inside the mansion. He turned back to Shen Ji Yun with a small smile. "Come on, let's go inside."

Shen Ji Yun nodded and draped his arm over Luo Yan's shoulder as they walked toward the house. Luo Yan felt a small smile tug at his lips. Well, this was fine too. More than fine.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.