After returning home, Nian Xifeng immediately began preparing dinner for the two of them.

Humming a little tune, he focused entirely on cooking. The matter of visiting the Shen Clan had completely slipped his mind.

Nian Yuchi sat obediently on the sofa, waiting for her brother’s meal.

After over half an hour of careful preparation, Nian Xifeng finally finished their dinner.

He placed all the dishes on the table, saving his sister’s favorite—braised pork belly—for last.

"Yuchi, time to eat!" he called out to her in the living room while setting a bowl of rice before her seat.

"Okay!" Nian Yuchi replied cheerfully, skipping over to the dining table.

"Wow! So many delicious dishes!" Her eyes widened at the spread.

Every dish was her favorite—Nian Xifeng had spent hours crafting them just for her.

"Hmph, I know you love these. Eat up today!" Nian Xifeng smiled at her. *If only this peaceful life could last forever...*

Somehow, he sensed trouble brewing. A nagging dread whispered that their carefree days might soon vanish.

"Mhm!" Nian Yuchi nodded vigorously.

"Heh, dig in before it gets cold," Nian Xifeng thought warmly. *That day will come eventually. Might as well cherish these moments now—once lost, they’re gone forever.*

"Mhm!" Nian Yuchi, already impatient, grabbed her chopsticks and began eating heartily. With her brother, she didn’t need to pretend to be ladylike.

Watching her eat, Nian Xifeng smiled softly and started his own meal. *To protect that innocent smile, I’d tear through heaven and earth. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.*

After the meal, Nian Yuchi hesitated before speaking.

"Brother... that person earlier said it was urgent. Aren’t you going?"

She meant the Shen Clan matter. Nian Xifeng had told her everything after his last visit—he kept no secrets from her.

"Oh! Right!" Nian Xifeng had completely forgotten.

"I’ll tidy up and head over," he said, ruffling her hair.

"But won’t that delay things?" Nian Yuchi worried. If it was important, waiting might cause regrets.

"Eh, it’ll be quick!" Her concern warmed his heart. He began clearing the dishes.

"Let me help! You should go first," she offered, reaching for the plates.

"No need. Greasy work’s for me. You rest," he gently refused.

"But—"

"Really, it’ll be fast!" He carried the dishes to the kitchen.

*I just wanted to help...* Nian Yuchi muttered under her breath, watching his back. *He always does everything alone. Every time I try to help, he says "girls shouldn’t handle chores." I just want to share his burdens. We promised to share joys and hardships—but he takes all the hardship alone.*

She knew it was his way of protecting her. Yet she longed to face difficulties together.

Sighing, she sat on the sofa. By the time Nian Xifeng finished cleaning, he was ready to leave.

"Yuchi, I’m off. Behave while I’m gone."

"Mhm! Be careful, Brother!"

"Don’t worry." *No one here can touch me.*

"Off I go!"

"Mhm!"

Leaving home, Nian Xifeng circled the city blocks. Confirming no one followed, he headed toward the Shen Clan’s estate.

...

Inside the Shen Clan’s council hall, elders had waited nearly an hour since the servant reported Nian Xifeng’s reply. Murmurs of irritation rose.

"What time is it? Where is he? He clearly disrespects our Clan!" snapped a man seated left of Shen Yundi.

"Exactly, Clan Head! He shows no intention to cooperate!" another echoed.

"Wait when told. No more nonsense," Shen Yundi cut in sharply.

The two fell silent—they dared not defy their leader. The hall quieted again. Ten minutes later, a voice shattered the stillness.

"Oh? Everyone’s here!" Nian Xifeng materialized like a phantom inside the sealed hall. The closed doors hadn’t slowed him—a display meant to unsettle schemers.

"Heh! You’ve arrived. Please, sit," Shen Yundi rose with a smile.

"Why did you summon me?" Nian Xifeng sat without ceremony. *Why bother with meetings when a message would suffice?*

"Our scouts report the Wang Clan is making a move," Shen Yundi stated, sensing his impatience.

"Oh? Something big if you’re involved. What’s their play?" Nian Xifeng knew this wasn’t trivial.

"You read minds!" Shen Yundi attempted flattery.

"Spit it out. I’m pressed for time," Nian Xifeng replied curtly. He wanted to return to Yuchi.

"This morning, someone arrived at the Wang Clan," Shen Yundi grew grave.

"One person? Hardly alarming."

"Wang Kun, their Clan Head, greeted him personally."

"...Few earn that honor," Nian Xifeng admitted. *Who holds such weight?*

"And this concerns me how?" He saw no link to his feud with the Wangs.

"That person mentioned your name to Wang Kun." Shen Yundi leaned forward. "I believe he’s here for you. We called you urgently to plan countermeasures."

"I’ll handle it. Stay out of this," Nian Xifeng frowned. If they targeted him, precautions were needed—but involving the Shens would endanger them.

"Keep watching the Wangs. Report any moves to me."

"We will. But truly—no help from us?" Shen Yundi pressed, eager to secure his alliance.

"Unnecessary. Anything else? I’m leaving." Nian Xifeng stood. *Keeping them distant protects them. Collateral damage would... trouble me.*

"Ah... as you wish. Stay safe. Call if you need aid." Shen Yundi relented. "Nothing else."

"Then I’m off."

In a flash, Nian Xifeng vanished from the council hall.