Lin Jie wasn't sure if his mother or younger sister would be home—after all, it had already been several months since he last returned. And then there were the Duo'er sisters... he wondered how they were doing too.
On the surface, Zhu Zhuqing looked calm, but inside, she was incredibly nervous. Lin Jie half-pulled, half-guided her by her slightly warm, sweaty hand as they stepped into the house together.
As expected, once they entered, Lin Jie saw that his mother wasn't home, nor was his sister Lin Ran. The Duo'er sisters were likely out with his mother as well.
Seeing that the house was empty, the tight knot of nerves in Zhu Zhuqing's chest finally loosened.
Lin Jie couldn't help but chuckle at the subtle relief on her face. "Zhu Zhuqing, my mom probably went out to take care of the shop. Around this time, she should be back soon."
After giving Zhu Zhuqing a quick tour of the house, he brought her to his own room. To his surprise, it was still fresh and spotless—no trace of dust or mustiness. Clearly, his mother or the Duo'er sisters had been keeping it clean.
The moment Lin Jie lay down on his familiar bed, a wave of peace washed over him. No bed in the world was as comfortable as the one at home. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly relaxed.
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been standing somewhat awkwardly by the side, slowly walked over and sat beside him. In a quiet voice, she asked, "Lin Jie… do you think your mother will like me?"
Hearing her question, Lin Jie opened his eyes and, with a quick tug, pulled Zhu Zhuqing into his arms. She let out a surprised yelp as she fell directly onto his chest.
He held her close, her soft waist wrapped in his arms. Looking at her beautiful face that he adored so much, he smiled gently and said, "Of course. My mom isn't that old-fashioned. Besides, you're my woman. As long as I like you, that's enough."
As he spoke, he reached out and gently caressed her delicate cheek.
"Mhm. I know," Zhu Zhuqing murmured, her face instantly turning red. Though she was already used to Lin Jie's affectionate gestures, her naturally reserved nature and feminine modesty still made her blush easily.
She buried her face in his chest, and the two of them lay there in silence—warm and close.
Lin Jie loved this feeling—holding the one he loved in his arms, quietly enjoying the comfort of the moment.
Zhu Zhuqing loved it too. This warmth made her feel safe—so safe. Before she met Lin Jie, she had lived each day in fear, constantly worrying that she would be hurt by her cruel family or heartless sister. But now, lying in the arms of the man she loved, she felt utterly at peace.
She was addicted to this feeling. And within that growing addiction, her love for Lin Jie became deeper and more genuine.
Time passed without her even realizing it. Still resting in his arms, Zhu Zhuqing fell asleep with her eyes gently closed. Her cold and elegant face now carried a peaceful smile, like a spring breeze brushing across the heart.
Back when Lin Jie first met Zhu Zhuqing, it was her stunning appearance and fiery, seductive figure that had captivated him. He had sworn to make her his woman. At that time, it was pure lust—he had desired her at first sight.
After all, loving beauty was in a man's nature, especially when the woman in question was as perfect in looks and figure as Zhu Zhuqing.
Later, after their first time together, he became completely obsessed with her flawless body.
But as they spent more time together, and she slowly opened up about her past and her pain, Lin Jie began to see beyond her icy demeanor. He saw her quiet nature, her sensitive yet rich inner world, her determination and perseverance, her hunger for strength—and her stubborn pride tempered by a willingness to accept failure.
What began as desire turned into concern, affection, and eventually… love.
Looking down at Zhu Zhuqing's sleeping face, with that serene smile blooming on her lips, Lin Jie felt a wave of fulfillment. He knew—this was someone he needed to protect and cherish.
Though he couldn't give her all of his love, what he could give—he wouldn't hold back.
She was resting peacefully in his arms, yet Lin Jie didn't feel the slightest burden. Her slender body was soft, like a sponge molded perfectly to his own.
To help her rest more comfortably, Lin Jie gently shifted her onto the bed and pulled the blanket over her. Then he leaned in and placed a feather-light kiss on her tender lips.
Not long after, Lin Jie heard the sound of voices in the courtyard below. He glanced at the sleeping Zhu Zhuqing but didn't wake her.
"Mom, when do you think Big Brother's coming home? I heard the tournament's already over. And his academy even won first place! So how come he's still not back yet?"
From afar, Lin Jie heard the familiar voice full of playful complaint. He couldn't help but smile wryly.
When he walked out into the courtyard, his younger sister Lin Ran, his mother, and the Duo'er sisters had just entered. The moment they saw him, joy lit up their faces.
"Big Brother! It's really you—you're back!"
Like a happy little bird, Lin Ran dashed toward him and circled around, looking him up and down before pouncing into his arms.
"Ranran, easy!" Lin Jie almost got knocked off his feet. He hadn't expected his little sister to be so strong. Then again, it had been months. For those who missed him, it probably felt like years.
He gave her a quick hug before gently pushing her off. Now twelve, Lin Ran was no longer a little girl—she was turning into a young lady. She couldn't be clinging to him like a koala anymore.
Lin Ran didn't seem to care. Still grinning, she said, "Hehe, I heard all about it! Your academy got first place in the tournament! But why'd you come home so late? You don't know how much I missed you—Mom and Sister Duo'er missed you too!"
"Alright, Ranran, let go of your brother. How's he supposed to talk with you hanging on him like that?" their mother chided gently.
Then, with eyes full of warmth, she turned to Lin Jie.
She had heard about the tournament, of course. News of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament had spread far and wide. But never in her wildest dreams did she expect her son to take first place.
This was a national-level competition.
At first, she couldn't believe it. After all, she was just an ordinary woman. When her son became a Spirit Master, that alone had made her proud beyond words. But now? A champion of the entire continent?
It felt like a dream.
Still, facts couldn't be denied. And now that he was home, all her questions melted away. Only tenderness remained on her face.
"Mom, I'm home." When Lin Ran finally let go, Lin Jie looked toward his mother, his eyes filled with warmth and longing.
He rarely got to accompany her. There was a saying: While your parents are alive, don't travel far. But he had no choice. His mother often stayed home alone, with only Lin Ran and the Duo'er sisters for company.
In his heart, he felt a deep sense of guilt. Especially now—he would soon leave again. This time, it might be a year… or several. The time he could spend with her was growing shorter.
"Good. I'm just glad you're home," his mother said softly.
It was just one sentence, but the love and concern in her eyes made Lin Jie's heart ache with warmth.
"Young Master!" two gentle voices rang out in unison. Duo'er and Xiao Li smiled at him happily.
"Duo'er, Xiao Li—how many times have I told you not to call me that? Just call me Big Brother. Otherwise, Mom's going to scold me again for bullying you," Lin Jie replied helplessly.
After he had bought the sisters and brought them home, his mother had taken pity on them and adopted them as her goddaughters. But the sisters still clung to their old habits and called him 'Young Master,' no matter how many times he corrected them.
The truth was, Duo'er and Xiao Li were actually older than Lin Jie—both were already eighteen. Calling him "Big Brother" probably felt a little unnatural to them.
"Yes, that's right," his mother chimed in with a smile. "Duo'er, Li Li, no need to call Xiao Jie 'Young Master' anymore, understood?"
"Got it, Godmother," the sisters answered in unison.
Lin Jie, of course, knew they were just saying that to please her. This was exactly what they'd said last time—and nothing had changed.
Because they hadn't seen each other in so long, everyone chatted in the courtyard for quite a while before realizing they hadn't even gone inside.
"Alright, alright. Xiao Jie, Ranran, come inside now. Xiao Jie must be hungry. I'll make something for you all," his mother said.
Only then did they realize they were still standing outside!
As they entered the house, Lin Jie suddenly remembered the sleeping Zhu Zhuqing upstairs and turned to his mother with a sly grin. "Mom, I've got a surprise for you later."
"A surprise? Hmm, alright then. I'll get started on dinner. You go relax with Ranran and the girls. It won't take long," she said.
"Godmother, let me help you," Duo'er offered eagerly.
"No need. I can handle it," she replied. Then, leaning in close, she whispered something softly to Duo'er. "Talk to Xiao Jie later, okay?"
Duo'er nodded, remembering the words her godmother had spoken to her earlier. She glanced at Lin Jie, and her face turned slightly red.