CHAPTER 124: IF YOU STAY, I STAY

Xiaobao’s eyes glistened as she clutched Yu Xi’s sleeve. "Then I will stay with you too."

Yu Xi turned sharply, his gaze firm. "No."

"Why not?" Xiaobao’s voice cracked. "If you stay, I stay. You promised we would live together in the future."

Eros interjected, his voice warm but insistent. "That’s a good idea. You two can look out for each other."

Yu Xi’s chest tightened. He would love nothing more than to live with his brother, to keep him close, but refusing him felt like betrayal. It was as if he were choosing between Xiaobao and Jian Ci—and he chose Jian Ci.

The guilt gnawed at him, whispering that his mother would be disappointed. Yet this was his choice, his path, and he wanted to walk it for himself.

"No," Yu Xi said again, softer this time. "You have to stay with Grandpa. We can meet as many times as possible. I’ll call you every day."

Xiaobao’s voice trembled but was firm. "No, I want to live with you."

Eros raised a hand, his expression softening. "Okay, okay, we can talk about it later. For now, just enjoy each other’s company. Go out, spend as much money as you want, live a little."

Xiaobao’s lips pressed into a thin line. She was still unhappy, but she didn’t want to force Yu Xi into anything. Yu Xi bowed his head slightly. "Thank you."

"There’s no need to thank me," Eros replied, his tone carrying both authority and affection. "I am your family... your only family. If you need anything from me, you tell me."

Yu Xi’s smile was faint but genuine. "I’m really happy to finally meet you."

Eros’ eyes clouded with regret. "We should have met sooner. That’s my fault. But know this—from now on, I am your backer. No matter what happens."

Warmth spread through Yu Xi’s chest, a rare comfort. He had reunited with his brother, and now he had met his grandfather. The only missing piece was his mother, and he wished desperately that she had been alive to see this moment.

The hologram flickered, Eros’ final words echoing: "Don’t cause trouble." Then it switched off.

Xiaobao pouted, turning away. Yu Xi leaned closer. "Bao Bao, are you sulking?"

"Hmph," Xiaobao muttered, refusing to meet his eyes.

Yu Xi chuckled, pinching his cheek gently. "You are still so cute."

Xiaobao’s pout deepened, but her heart softened, warmed by her brother’s teasing affection.

She turned her face away, cheeks flushed. "I am not cute," she muttered stubbornly.

Yu Xi chuckled, his voice warm and teasing. "Yes, yes, our little Bao is not cute—she is beautiful."

Xiaobao’s lips, though downturned, betrayed the faintest twitch upward. Yu Xi leaned closer, his tone playful. "How about you show big brother your room?"

Instantly, Xiaobao perked up, her eyes shining. "It’s just like we imagined when we were kids. Come, let me show you!"

Yu Xi allowed Xiaobao to grab his hand, their fingers tightening with the familiarity of the past. Together they climbed the stairs, Xiaobao’s excitement spilling over as she pointed out every detail, every corner that held meaning.

Meanwhile, Eros sat before the now dim screen, his mind wandering. He was happy, truly happy, to finally meet Yu Xi and reunite the siblings. Yet beneath that joy lay worry, heavy and unshakable.

He couldn’t fathom why Yu Xi was so attached to those brothers, why he chose to remain in their shadow instead of embracing the safety and power his family could offer. The thought gnawed at him, even as he whispered to himself that he would protect Yu Xi no matter what path he chose.

With Jian Rui’s rebellious spirit, turmoil was inevitable, and Yu Xi would be at the very centre of the storm. Eros had long sworn not to entangle himself in palace intrigues again, but for Yu Xi’s sake, he knew he had no choice. His grandson’s safety outweighed his desire for peace.

Suddenly, a projection shimmered before him, and the familiar figure of his wife appeared. She walked forward with a sweet smile, her presence softening the tension in the room. Gently, she rubbed his shoulder, her touch a balm to his weary soul.

"You found them both," she said tenderly. "You did well, darling."

Eros lowered his head. "But I couldn’t bring them back home."

Her smile remained, serene and unwavering. "But you can protect them now. You can give them a great life."

Eros closed his eyes, the pain twisting inside him like a blade. He wanted to cry for his lost child, but no tears would come. His grief was too deep, too old.

At last, his voice emerged, low and dangerous. "I will have to speak to Jian Rui. If anything happens to Yu Xi, I will personally end his entire lineage."

The words were spoken in a whisper, but the threat carried an ominous weight, echoing like a shadow across the empire.

***

Jian Rui leaned back in the velvet chair, the haze of cigar smoke curling around him like a veil. The nobles around him laughed too loudly, their voices slurred with drink as they boasted of trade deals and whispered about their fathers’ influence.

Jian Rui hated these gatherings, the shallow indulgence, the false camaraderie, but he endured them. Playing the role of the useless heir gave him cover, and beneath that mask he gathered fragments of information that mattered.

He took a long drag of his cigar, exhaling slowly, the smoke blurring his vision as if the world itself was mocking him. Just then, his communicator buzzed against the table. He glanced down, his eyes narrowing. A message from an unknown contact: We need to talk.

Jian Rui’s gut tightened. He had a feeling this was the one backing Xiaobao. Stannis had hinted at such a figure, someone elusive, powerful enough to evade both his own network and Stannis’ reach.

He had expected this outcome. Yu Xi would never leave willingly, and Yu Xi’s importance to them meant this invitation was inevitable. Jian Rui typed back quickly: When and where?

The reply came almost instantly: Top floor. Come alone.

Jian Rui stubbed out his cigar, his expression unreadable. The laughter of the nobles faded into the background as he rose, knowing the real game was about to begin.