Chapter 3: He in Her Eyes

Luo Yunlan had thought she could bury that memory deep in her heart forever, never mentioning it, never touching it, never thinking of it.

But when she saw Luo Jiutian’s familiar face just now, her emotions spiraled out of control.

She always remembered.

Remembered the少年 who quietly stayed by her side, giving silently.

Remembered how he called her name, his tone cautious, never crossing boundaries.

She remembered the light in his eyes whenever he looked at her.

That light wasn’t intense but subtle, hidden in every small gesture—

A piece of pastry offered after sword practice, a cloak draped over her in a snowy night, a cup of warm tea quietly placed on her table when she was exhausted.

She didn’t know when those feelings had taken root.

His care had seeped into her life, bit by bit, unnoticed.

Then, the true Young Master of the Luo family returned, and the Patriarch redistributed power, reshuffling the family’s hierarchy overnight.

The new Young Master shone brightly, and people began to subtly exclude Luo Jiutian. Servants grew cold, elders paid him less attention, and even his peers distanced themselves.

Luo Jiutian never complained, only grew quieter.

His smiles faded, his presence lonelier.

Sometimes, when she saw him in a corner, she wanted to comfort him, but he always cut her off first, saying only, “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

In those days, she first faced the panic in her heart.

She realized she didn’t want him to leave, didn’t want him to bow his head, didn’t want everyone to treat him as an outsider.

But she didn’t dare admit those feelings or face his unwavering kindness.

She only tossed and turned at night, questioning herself—why did it have to be like this, why him?

Yet she never found an answer.

Until that day.

They were ambushed during an outing, snow falling heavily.

She remembered it clearly.

The world was a blur of white, cold wind stinging her cheeks.

The enemy’s blades aimed for her, but he blocked them, again and again.

He knew he was outmatched, yet he didn’t retreat a single step.

Once.

And again.

She shouted for him to flee.

But he didn’t turn back.

He just stood there, shielding her.

Blood spilled onto the snow, staining the frozen ground red.

By the time help arrived, Luo Jiutian had collapsed in her arms.

His breathing was faint, as if it might stop any moment.

He looked at her, his eyes free of resentment.

Only a trace of…

Relief.

“Yunlan…”

He smiled, his lips already pale.

“In this life, I protected you for a time… I have no regrets.

If there’s a next life… may we share carefree years among mountains and rivers.”

Those were his final words.

She held him tightly.

Her fingers were cold, her heart colder.

She cried uncontrollably, her voice hoarse.

She called his name in the snowstorm, but no response came.

In that moment, she truly understood.

Her deepest feelings had long belonged to the少年 who had always been by her side.

Everyone thought her grief stemmed from guilt.

Only she knew she’d lost the most important person in her life,

Her unspoken feelings,

A gentleness she could never reclaim…

*

“Yunlan?”

A low voice broke her reverie.

Luo Yunlan blinked, the image of swirling snow fading, though a heavy, indescribable weight lingered in her chest.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her emotions, before looking toward the voice.

In the Luo family’s main hall, atop a raised platform, a middle-aged man gazed at her, his expression stern.

It was her and Luo Jiutian’s father, the current Patriarch of the Luo family—Luo Changqing.

Elders stood on both sides, the hall’s atmosphere heavy, almost suffocating.

At the center, Luo Jiutian stood tall, his gaze calm and steady.

He didn’t move or speak, his eyes cool and unyielding, facing the crowd with quiet dignity.

Luo Yunlan instinctively stepped to his side, her steps light but drawing many eyes.

Luo Changqing glanced at her, then addressed the room: “Everyone, my long-lost son, Luo Chen, has been found and his bloodline verified. From today, the arrangements for the Young Master position will be corrected.”

His words were concise, straight to the point, leaving no room for sentiment.

“Henceforth, the position of Young Master of the Luo family will be held by Luo Chen.”

Silence fell over the hall.

An elder’s fingers twitched, but no one spoke.

Everyone knew what this meant. Luo Jiutian, once the presumed heir, was now stripped of his title. His status remained, but his position was gone.

Luo Yunlan lowered her eyes, saying nothing.

She knew her father wouldn’t entertain objections.

His decisions were final.

Her fingers curled tightly, her peripheral vision glancing at Luo Jiutian beside her.

He stood firm.

Despite the weight of every gaze, despite the loss of his title, his expression didn’t waver.

It was as if the announcement had nothing to do with him.

Luo Changqing nodded slightly, continuing, “Chen arrived this morning and is preparing in the inner courtyard. At tonight’s recognition banquet, he will formally appear and meet everyone.”

He paused, turning to Luo Jiutian with a complicated look.

“Jiutian, you grew up in the Luo family. Though not of direct lineage, you’ve always been sensible and contributed much to the clan.”

Luo Jiutian replied calmly, “I understand. The Patriarch’s position should rightfully go to the true bloodline.”

The hall’s onlookers watched silently, none speaking in his defense.

Luo Changqing sighed softly, his gaze shifting to Luo Yunlan. “Yunlan, as Luo Chen’s elder sister, help him settle in and familiarize himself with clan affairs when he appears.”

The elders nodded subtly, approving the arrangement.

But, unexpectedly, Luo Yunlan didn’t agree immediately as she usually would.

She lowered her eyes, pausing, then said evenly, “I’ll decide after meeting Luo Chen.”

Her words seemed fine, but the evasion and perfunctory tone were clear.

Luo Changqing’s brow furrowed, about to question her, when Luo Yunlan stepped forward, taking Luo Jiutian’s hand in front of everyone.

“Father, Jiutian just returned and looks tired. I’ll take him to rest.”

Without waiting for a reply, she pulled Luo Jiutian away.

The hall fell silent, dozens of eyes fixed on their retreating figures.

The elders exchanged glances but dared not speak.

Luo Changqing’s expression was unreadable. He tapped the armrest, saying after a pause, “Dismissed. Prepare for tonight’s banquet.”