Tian You noticed Hua Zhaoxue’s hesitant expression—she seemed eager to speak yet held back, as if worried about his reaction. He couldn’t help but ask:

“Sister Zhaoxue, is there something else you’d like to remind me to be careful about?”

“Uh…”

Just as Hua Zhaoxue struggled for words, heavy, hurried footsteps echoed from the courtyard gate, accompanied by the clamor of a man and several children. Tian You’s gaze shifted instinctively. A man in his early thirties led the same group of kids toward them.

Oddly, despite his tall, sturdy frame, he radiated no rugged masculinity. When laughing with the children, he’d cover his mouth and chuckle, “Hehe…”—a gesture that felt strangely out of place on a grown man.

“I was telling Zhaoxue,” the man began, “these kids said your courtyard’s hosting an *incredibly* handsome young man. Hehe, I didn’t believe it—how could anyone be that…”

His words cut off abruptly. His eyes locked onto Tian You, frozen for a long moment before snapping back. He whipped his head toward Hua Zhaoxue:

“Where on earth did you find him?! Even Hua Feihua, Phoenixdance City’s so-called most handsome young master, couldn’t compare!”

“What are you saying?!” Hua Zhaoxue cut in sharply the instant “Phoenixdance City” left his lips. Realizing his slip, the man clamped his mouth shut.

“See… Uncle Nie? I wasn’t lying…” The little girl gazed dazedly at Tian You, voice trembling. Uncle Nie merely glanced at Tian You, then lowered his head, too flustered to speak.

Unfazed, Tian You offered a slight smile. As onlookers gasped in unison, he turned to Hua Zhaoxue: “Sister Zhaoxue, who is this?”

Hua Zhaoxue’s heart fluttered wildly at that smile. Dazed for a beat, she finally replied softly:

“His name is Nie Wangqing. He’s my… older brother. During my years in Huanan, he’s been the one caring for me, sharing my burdens…”

A trace of emotion flickered in Nie Wangqing’s eyes at her words—but this time, he hid it well.

“Mm.” Tian You stood, stepped toward the bow-headed man, and extended a hand. “I’m Tian You. I’ll be staying awhile—please look after me.”

Flustered by the breathtaking youth’s gesture, Nie Wangqing stared at that fair, slender hand. He dropped the children’s hands, rubbed his rough palms fiercely against his clothes—nearly raw—yet still hesitated.

Tian You gently took his calloused hand and released it before Nie Wangqing could react.

Nie Wangqing scratched his head awkwardly, a guileless, earnest expression blooming on his face. “I’m Nie Wangqing… Uh… if you don’t mind, call me Big Brother Nie.”

“Mm. Big Brother Nie,” Tian You smiled. Though the man’s mannerisms felt odd, seeing how warmly he played with the kids confirmed his kindness.

“Hehe…” A shy, almost feminine smile surfaced on Nie Wangqing’s mature, composed face.

Tian You felt a faint unease—not from memory, but instinct. Even with no past, he sensed… a grown man shouldn’t smile like that.

Noticing the two had connected, Hua Zhaoxue’s exquisite features softened into a subtle smile. She stepped lightly beside Tian You, voice gentle:

“The sun’s setting. If you don’t mind our humble courtyard, Tian You, please stay tonight. Leave only when you have leads tomorrow.”

The children—who’d been staring dazedly at Tian You the whole time—chimed in eagerly:

“Yeah! Big Brother, stay! Sister Zhaoxue’s cooking is *so* delicious!”

“Don’t be silly!” Hua Zhaoxue flushed, her tone more shy evasion than scolding. Her eyes kept stealing glances at Tian You, timid, fearing refusal.

Tian You considered her words. With his memories gone, she was the only person he knew. He sighed softly, an apologetic look on his beautiful face:

“Sister Zhaoxue… could I trouble you for a few days? Right now… I truly don’t know what to do.”

Light flared in Hua Zhaoxue’s eyes. She nodded excitedly: “Mm! Of course! I’ll cook dinner now—Big Brother Nie, you’re joining too!”

She gathered the hem of her crimson gown and hurried joyfully toward the courtyard kitchen. Bathed in the sunset’s gentle glow, her flowing hair and red silhouette painted a serene, enchanting scene—the contrast of black and crimson utterly captivating…