I took the suitcase from his hand and said, "Calling you ‘Father’ directly still feels strange. May I address you as Uncle Lin for now?"

A warm smile spread across his face. "Of course. Having a father suddenly appear wouldn’t be easy for anyone to adjust to. No pressure at all."

His words instantly raised my opinion of him. With someone like this around, I didn’t need to worry about Mom being mistreated.

"Oh, and you’ve gained a younger brother now. He—"

Before he could finish, a dark blur flashed before my eyes. Mom had already clamped a hand over his mouth.

"I told you not to mention it! Not a word! Hmph!"

He scratched his head sheepishly, turning to Mom like a scolded child. "Honey, don’t be mad. You know my memory’s terrible. Forgive me this once?"

Mom puffed out her cheeks, then turned to me and made a silly face. Behind her, Uncle Lin frantically circled Mom, cooing apologies.

Watching them, the weight lifted from my chest. These two might actually be perfectly matched.

"Shoo, shoo! Take your lovey-dovey act home. None of that in front of me!"

"Aww~ What’s wrong, Xiao Ze? Jealous? Don’t worry—Mom still loves you best!"

I ushered them toward the door while Mom kept grumbling. Seizing the moment, I clapped Uncle Lin’s shoulder firmly and lowered my voice: "Uncle Li. I’m trusting you with my mother. If you ever make her cry... I’ll make sure this world has no place for you."

Uncle Li met my gaze with unwavering resolve—

*Thud.* I shoved them both out and locked the door.

*BANG.*

Muffled voices drifted from the hallway, but the hotel’s soundproofing swallowed every word. After a while, the voices faded. They’d probably left.

I dragged the suitcase to the sofa, sat down, and popped the latches. *Click-clack.* Inside lay an admission letter. I lifted it.

"*Maple Splendor Academy Enrollment Notice.* So this is where I’m headed? Judging by the map earlier, it shouldn’t be far."

Setting the letter aside, I found a freshly laundered uniform—faint detergent scent clinging to it, tags neatly snipped off. The blazer was soft, casual navy with subtle trim, a crest embroidered over the left breast. The shirt underneath was plain white, its lone crest stark against the fabric. Unimpressive at first glance, but... not awful after a second look. The trousers were simply muted blue. *Did the school dump all its budget into the girls’ sailor uniforms?*

Beneath it all lay a satchel. I unzipped it to find textbooks and stationery, meticulously arranged. A smile tugged at my lips. Mom must’ve prepared everything long ago.

By the time I finished unpacking, it was past eight. I grabbed a quick dinner downstairs, then collapsed into bed. Two days on trains had drained me completely. Sleep swallowed me the moment my head hit the pillow.