The moment Shen Xuan stepped into the main hall, the first thing that reached her ears was her father’s laughter.
It was a deep, hearty laugh.
Not the restrained chuckle Shen Ruiwen sometimes gave when speaking with officials at court.
Not the polite laughter he used when entertaining distinguished guests.
This was different.
It was relaxed.
Warm.
Unhurried.
It was the kind of laughter he only gave when he was surrounded by people he trusted.
The kind of laughter Shen Xuan heard whenever the entire Shen family gathered together.
She slowed her steps.
Her sleepy eyes narrowed slightly.
"Is this really an honoured guest?"
She looked toward the hall with growing curiosity.
"Or did Father secretly invite one of our relatives?"
The moment Shen Xuan lifted her head properly, she froze.
Her sleepy expression disappeared.
Her eyes widened.
The person sitting beside her father was someone she knew.
Very well.
Yichen.
He was dressed completely differently from the simple dark clothing he had worn when he appeared in her room the previous night.
The man sitting in the hall looked like an entirely different person.
He wore a long robe made from fine, dark-blue silk.
The fabric was understated but obviously expensive, with delicate cloud patterns embroidered along the edges in threads that shimmered faintly whenever he moved.
A jade belt rested around his waist, holding a finely carved jade pendant.
His long black hair was gathered neatly beneath a jade crown, with only a few strands falling naturally beside his temples.
His posture was straight.
His shoulders were relaxed.
His expression was composed.
There was a quiet dignity about him that could not be hidden by ordinary clothing.
Shen Xuan stared.
"So he really is a noble young master."
She remembered the eighteen-year-old boy who had appeared in her room years ago.
She remembered him being mysterious.
She remembered her father refusing to explain much about him.
She remembered how quickly he had left.
And now, after four years of silence, he had suddenly returned.
But that wasn’t the strangest thing.
The strangest thing was how naturally he sat beside her father.
Shen Ruiwen was laughing as he spoke to him.
There was no distance between them.
No stiffness.
No careful politeness.
It was almost as though Yichen truly belonged in the Shen Residence.
As though he were family.
Shen Xuan’s eyes narrowed.
"What exactly is his background?"
Perhaps sensing her gaze, Yichen turned his head.
The moment their eyes met, his entire expression softened.
"Awu."
His voice was gentle.
Familiar.
Warm.
Shen Xuan’s thoughts stopped for a moment.
She had been wondering whether he had left again.
She had even felt a tiny pang of disappointment when she woke up and didn’t find him beside her.
But now that disappointment disappeared so quickly that she almost wondered if it had ever existed.
She looked away before he could notice her expression.
Unfortunately, Shen Ruiwen had already noticed her.
"Awu."
Her father smiled.
"Come here."
Shen Xuan obediently walked into the hall.
Her shoes made soft sounds against the polished floor.
The moment she reached them, Shen Ruiwen stood.
He looked at his daughter with affection before turning toward Yichen.
"I was not able to properly introduce the two of you when you were younger."
He paused.
Then his expression became slightly more serious.
"This is Young Master of the Ning Clan."
Shen Xuan blinked.
"The Ning Clan?"
Her father nodded.
"His name is Ning Yichen."
Shen Xuan’s eyes widened slightly.
So that was his full name.
Yichen had always been Yichen to her.
She had never bothered asking for his full name.
Now she finally understood why her father had been so careful when speaking about him.
The Ning Clan was not an ordinary noble family.
They were based in the kingdom to the east of Yin.
They did not sit upon the throne of that kingdom.
There was no Ning emperor.
No Ning king.
Yet everyone who knew anything about the eastern kingdoms understood one simple truth.
The Ning Clan did not need a throne to possess power.
For generations, they had controlled trade routes, maintained relationships with powerful officials, possessed enormous wealth, and cultivated an intelligence network that reached far beyond their own borders.
Kings ruled openly.
The Ning Clan ruled quietly.
Their influence extended deep into the eastern kingdom’s court, and even rulers of neighboring kingdoms treated them with caution.
There were countless rumors surrounding the family.
Some said the Ning Clan could make a kingdom rich with a single decision.
Others claimed they could bring down a powerful household without ever appearing in court.
Whether all the rumors were true or not, one thing was certain.
The Ning Clan was feared.
And the young man standing before Shen Xuan was its heir.
The young master.
Shen Ruiwen’s voice softened again.
"His grandfather and I have known each other for many years. Our families have been friends for a long time."
Shen Xuan stared at Yichen.
"Father’s "family friend" is actually the young master of one of the most powerful clans in the eastern kingdoms?"
"Why does Father always make things sound so simple?"
Yichen’s lips curved slightly.
He clearly enjoyed seeing her reaction.
Shen Xuan quickly composed herself.
She stepped forward and prepared to bow.
"Greetings to Young Master Ning—"
Before she could finish, Yichen immediately reached out.
His fingers gently caught her hand.
"There’s no need for that, Awu."
His voice carried a faint smile.
"You don’t have to treat me like a stranger."
Shen Xuan looked down at their hands.
Then back at him.
Yichen released her after a brief moment.
"And don’t stop calling me Yichen."
His words were soft but carried an unmistakable familiarity.
Shen Xuan nodded slowly.
"Alright."
Shen Ruiwen watched the exchange with obvious satisfaction.
"Good, good."
He looked between the two of them.
"Since you’ve already known each other for some time, I won’t need to worry about you being awkward."
Shen Xuan’s lips twitched.
She had a very bad feeling about where this was going.
Then her father suddenly turned toward her.
"Awu, keep Young Master Ning company for a while."
Shen Xuan’s eyes widened.
"What?"
"I have something to attend to."
Her father was already moving toward the doorway.
"Father—"
"I’ll return shortly."
He disappeared.
Shen Xuan stared at the doorway.
She was stunned.
Then she looked around.
The servants who had been standing in the hall moments earlier had also disappeared.
Not one remained.
Shen Xuan’s mouth twitched.
"Father."
"You really love pushing your daughter into dangerous situations."
She sighed internally.
"I haven’t even eaten breakfast yet."
"I was dragged out of bed because of an honoured guest."
"And now I’m expected to entertain him?"
She turned around.
Yichen was standing a short distance away.
He was looking directly at her.
"Awu."
His voice was filled with concern.
"What’s wrong?"
Shen Xuan blinked.
"Nothing."
She walked toward one of the chairs.
Her stomach gave a very quiet growl.
She immediately pretended she hadn’t heard it.
Yichen definitely heard it.
His lips twitched.
Shen Xuan sat down.
She looked at him seriously.
"Why didn’t you tell me about your identity?"
The smile on Yichen’s face disappeared.
He immediately became tense.
For a moment, he simply looked at her.
Then, without hesitation, he walked over and crouched down before her.
Shen Xuan was startled.
"Yichen?"
"I didn’t know how to tell you."
His voice was sincere.
"There were still matters that needed to be settled."
He lowered his gaze.
"I had not completely dealt with everything concerning my return."
His fingers tightened slightly.
"I was afraid that if I told you before everything was settled, you might misunderstand."
Shen Xuan watched him quietly.
There was genuine anxiety in his eyes.
The young master of the Ning Clan, a person whose name could make powerful people cautious, was currently crouching in front of a fourteen-year-old girl looking as though her opinion mattered greatly to him.
Shen Xuan couldn’t help finding it strange.
"I was only ten when I first met him."
"And even then, Father never explained much about him."
"I suppose I should have realized there was something unusual about him."
She sighed.
"Well..."
Yichen immediately looked up.
Shen Xuan smiled.
"I was only ten then. And Father obviously knew about your identity."
She waved her hand.
"I understand."
Yichen stared at her.
"You’re not angry?"
"No."
"Truly?"
"Truly."
He studied her face for several breaths.
Only after convincing himself that she wasn’t merely saying it to comfort him did his expression relax.
A smile slowly spread across his face.
"Thank you, Awu."
The relief in his voice was so obvious that Shen Xuan’s heart softened.
She quickly looked away.
"There’s nothing to thank me for."
Yichen stood.
"Actually..."
His expression suddenly became lighter.
"I brought something for you."
Shen Xuan’s eyes immediately brightened.
"A gift?"
Yichen nodded.
"Yes."
He turned toward the entrance.
"Ning Mo."
A young man standing outside immediately stepped forward.
He was dressed in dark-blue clothing, and his expression was calm and disciplined.
He bowed.
"Young Master."
"Bring it in."
"Yes."
Ning Mo stepped away.
A moment later, he returned carrying a small wooden cage.
A thick piece of pale cloth covered the entire cage.
Shen Xuan tilted her head.
"What is that?"
Yichen smiled.
"You’ll see."
He walked toward her and extended his hand.
"Come."
Shen Xuan placed her hand in his.
He gently guided her toward the cage.
Ning Mo lowered it carefully.
Shen Xuan crouched down.
Her curiosity was practically overflowing.
Yichen reached for the cloth.
He lifted it.
Shen Xuan’s eyes widened.
Inside the cage was a tiny kitten.
It was so small that it looked as though it could fit comfortably inside both of Shen Xuan’s hands.
Its fur was a soft mixture of snowy white and pale golden-brown, with the darker coloring forming tiny patches around its ears and the tip of its tail.
Its paws were ridiculously small.
Each one was covered in soft fur that made it look as though it were wearing four tiny white socks.
Its ears were triangular and slightly too large for its little head.
One ear was folded slightly at the tip.
Its tail curled around its body like a fluffy little question mark.
But the most adorable thing about it was its face.
It had a tiny pink nose.
Round cheeks.
And enormous, glossy eyes that looked almost too big for its little face.
The kitten had been sleeping.
At the sound of Shen Xuan’s voice, it slowly opened its eyes.
It blinked once.
Twice.
Then it stared at Shen Xuan.
Shen Xuan’s heart melted.
"Oh..."
She placed a hand over her chest.
"What a little dumpling."
The kitten let out the tiniest,
"Meow."
Shen Xuan’s eyes practically sparkled.
"It even has a tiny voice!"
She immediately crouched closer.
The kitten cautiously stretched one tiny paw toward her.
Shen Xuan slowly extended one finger.
The kitten sniffed it.
Then, apparently deciding that Shen Xuan was harmless, it rubbed its little head against her finger.
Shen Xuan’s expression softened completely.
A memory suddenly surfaced.
Her past life.
There had been a stray cat she often encountered while returning home from work.
She had always carried food for it.
The little creature would wait for her.
Sometimes she had wanted to bring it home.
But her allergy had made that impossible.
She had only been able to feed it from a distance.
Now, looking at the tiny kitten in front of her, she felt an unfamiliar emotion.
Perhaps this life could be different.
Perhaps she could finally have one.
Shen Xuan hesitated.
"Please don’t let me be allergic."
She carefully touched the kitten’s head.
Nothing happened.
No itching.
No sneezing.
No discomfort.
Her eyes widened.
"I’m not allergic!"
Her heart practically soared.
She carefully opened the cage.
The kitten stepped out.
It hesitated for a moment before taking one tiny step toward Shen Xuan.
Then another.
Suddenly, it climbed directly onto her lap.
Shen Xuan froze.
The kitten curled itself into a tiny ball against her dress.
She stared down at it.
Then slowly raised her head.
"I..."
Her voice became soft with happiness.
"I love it."
Yichen smiled.
"I knew you would."
Shen Xuan gently stroked the kitten’s head.
Its tiny eyes slowly closed.
It began purring.
The sound was so faint that Shen Xuan had to lean closer to hear it.
Her smile grew.
"It’s so cute."
Yichen watched her.
The morning light fell through the windows and illuminated her face.
For someone who had spent years wondering what expression she would make when he finally returned, seeing this smile made something inside him settle.
He had chosen the kitten carefully.
He had spent a long time looking for one gentle enough to stay around her.
And seeing it curled happily in her arms made him feel that his effort had not been wasted.
Shen Xuan suddenly looked up.
"Thank you."
Yichen smiled.
"You don’t need to thank me."
"I do."
She hugged the kitten gently.
"No one has ever given me something this cute."
Yichen’s eyes softened.
"Then I’ll find more things that make you happy."
Shen Xuan immediately shook her head.
"No, no."
She looked at him seriously.
"One is enough."
Yichen paused.
"Why?"
"Because if you keep giving me things, I’ll become spoiled."
He smiled.
"What’s wrong with that?"
"Everything."
Shen Xuan looked down at the kitten.
"I already spend most of my days eating, sleeping, reading and playing."
She sighed dramatically.
"If I become any more spoiled, I’ll truly become a useless salted fish."
Yichen chuckled.
"I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that."
Shen Xuan looked at him suspiciously.
"You’re encouraging me?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I like seeing you happy."
Shen Xuan’s heart gave a tiny, unexpected flutter.
She immediately lowered her head.
"Let’s think of a name for the kitten."
Yichen smiled.
"Alright."
Shen Xuan looked at the kitten thoughtfully.
The little creature yawned.
Its tiny pink tongue briefly appeared.
Shen Xuan’s eyes widened.
"Did you see that?"
Yichen nodded.
"It yawned."
"It was adorable!"
She gently rubbed its head.
"You’re definitely staying with me."
The kitten responded with another tiny meow.
Shen Xuan smiled.
"Now I just need to think of a name."
Her stomach suddenly growled.
Loudly.
Silence filled the hall.
Shen Xuan froze.
Yichen stared at her.
Shen Xuan slowly raised her head.
Their eyes met.
Her face turned red.
"I..."
Yichen’s lips twitched.
"You haven’t eaten breakfast yet."
Shen Xuan immediately looked away.
"No."
"Are you hungry?"
"No."
Her stomach growled again.
"..."
Yichen finally laughed.
Shen Xuan covered her face.
"Don’t laugh."
"I’m not."
"You are."
"A little."
She glared at him.
"Then stop."
Yichen smiled.
"Come. Let’s eat."
Shen Xuan blinked.
"Eat?"
"Yes."
He turned toward the doorway.
"Ning Mo."
The servant immediately appeared.
"Young Master."
"Have the kitchen prepare breakfast."
He paused.
Then looked toward Shen Xuan.
"Prepare her favorite dishes as well."
Shen Xuan’s eyes immediately brightened.
She suddenly decided that having an old family friend from the powerful Ning Clan might not be such a bad thing after all.
At least...
He knew how important breakfast was.
A/N: Yes, breakfast is very important.