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The village chief's expression softened, though his tone carried weight.
"Her last wish was simple. Anyone who wishes to live in this house must care for her grandson. As for the land money there is no need. But…" He paused, his gaze lingering on the boy before turning to Han Yan. "There is another condition. Dong Hai must also agree. He must have a choice, and not be forced."
Han Yan's eyes fell on the child. Dong Hai looked frail for his age, his hair tied in a messy knot, his thin face marked with dirt and faint bruises. His clothes were old and worn, and though he stood straight, trying not to appear weak, the hardships he had endured since his grandmother's passing were written all over him.
Han Yan frowned slightly. He had never heard of this boy before. His younger sister had never mentioned him had she forgotten? Or perhaps… this was yet another unfamiliar thread of this strange world. With a long sigh, his heart sank again. If all these people exist… then perhaps this world was truly real. And he may have no way of returning home.
Just then, Lin Xin tugged gently at his sleeve, his lips pressed together.
"Yan-ge… I think little Dong Hai will consider…" He trailed off, hesitating.
Han Yan raised a brow, teasing lightly, "Oh? You sound so certain. Is there something you're not telling me?"
Lin Xin quickly shook his head, averting his eyes. His voice dropped to a shy murmur.
"I… I helped them a little before. When his grandmother was still alive, I gave him food sometimes. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before…"
Han Yan chuckled faintly, patting Lin Xin's hand. He did not press further; he already understood. Turning to the chief, he said calmly,
"Village Chief, we would like to acquire this house if Dong Hai himself also wishes it."
He fixed his gaze on the boy.
Dong Hai's thoughts swirled. He knew he could not survive alone without an adult. Lin Xin had shown him kindness in the past, and though Han Yan was a stranger, he seemed… steady. After a moment of hesitation, the boy straightened his back and said politely to the chief,
"I would like them to stay with me."
The chief stroked his beard, visibly relieved. Han Yan was not the first to come seeking this land though it was small, many had tried to persuade the boy. Yet Dong Hai had rejected them all without mercy. The old man had worried no one suitable could be found. Now, at last, his heart settled.
"Very well," the chief said firmly. "Since little Dong Hai has accepted, you must treat him well. I will come by from time to time to check on things." With that, he rose. "I still have other matters to attend to. I shall take my leave."
Han Yan stood and followed him out respectfully.
At that moment, Dong Hai tugged on Lin Xin's robe. His small voice trembled, though his words carried the weight of an adult.
"Brother Xin… is your husband really trustworthy? I only agreed because of you. And… why do you need a new home? Did you leave that bad place?" His little face was filled with worry.
Lin Xin bent down slightly, his gaze gentle with a soft laugh, he gently ruffling the boy's hair. "Little Dong Hai, it is a long story. But I can tell you this Yan-ge is no longer the same as before. You don't need to worry. From today onward, we will care for you together. From now on, we are family."
Outside the old house gate, the chief halted, turning to Han Yan with a grave expression.
"From this day onward, you are on your own. Whatever reason caused you to part with the Han household, remember this you now carry two lives upon your shoulders." He patted Han Yan's shoulder before walking away.
Han Yan remained still, his gaze fixed on the village chief retreating figure. Two lives… The words echoed within him, heavy yet steadying. Only after he slowly closed the gate behind him did he step into the hall. At the doorway, his steps slowed, faltering slightly. From within, he caught the quiet voices.
So… even this little child worries for Lin Xin, like a young eunuch showing loyalty. It was good that he placed his trust in Lin Xin, not in him. Perhaps… that is how it should be. Trust is not given lightly it must be earned.
Hearing Lin Xin's gentle words, Han Yan only inclined his head in silent approval.
Dong Hai lowered his head, fingers twisting at the hem of his sleeve.
"I… I don't have much here. The rooms aren't very good either…"
His voice was barely a murmur, the words carrying a trace of hesitation, as though he wished to speak plainly yet hide the shame tugging at him.
Han Yan caught the faint hesitation in it and sighed softly, before speaking with quiet resolve.
"Lin Xin, stay here with him. I will return to fetch our belongings from the old house. On the way, I will gather some grains and wild vegetables. At the very least, let us have something to eat for today and tomorrow."
"I was also thinking I should go hunting soon" he said after a moment then pause, his gaze falling toward the distant forest. "If I sell the game from my hunt in the countryside, I could buy the cooking necessities we still lack. What do you think ?"
Lin Xin frowned slightly contemplating about his words, unease flickering across his features. After a long moment, he lowered his voice.
"Let me go with you, Yan-ge. I can carry the things from the Han household. You are still recovering don't go hunting yet."
Han Yan chuckled softly and reached out to pat Lin Xin's soft hair. The familiar frown tugging at his features reminded him of his younger sister from his past life. She too had looked at him like this whenever he came home injured.
Only this time, however, someone was worrying about his health in this strange world. Even if the concern wasn't truly for him but the original owner,the warmth that stirred in his chest was undeniable yet comforting.
Quietly, he resolved in his thoughts no matter what hidden dangers lay ahead or that so-called male lead appears, he would protect Lin Xin sincerely.
But then again… when was that male lead supposed to show up? The plot had already been thrown into disorder thank to his butterfly effect.
"Yan-ge, what are you thinking about?" he asked gently tugging on his robe sleeve mustering courage to voice the question.
His clear eyes reflected worry, though his voice trembled slightly.
The gentle call pulled Han Yan back from his thoughts. He let out a faint sigh, lips curving into a helpless smile.
"No, I don't want you going there," he said softly. "I would rather we avoid too much contact with them. And don't worry too much about my health am not as fragile as you think."
He patted Lin Xin's hand, his palm warm and steady his tone soft but firm. Then he turned towards the little boy beside them.
"Why don't you and little Dong Hai go look for some wild vegetables instead? That will be more than enough for now."
Lin Xin bit his lip, hesitating, but before he could reply, Dong Hai piped up.
"I'll take care of Brother Xin. Don't worry Big Brother Yan," the little boy said with surprising firmness, his small face serious as he nodded.
The setting sun spilled golden light across them, softening the air. For a fleeting moment, the three seemed like a small family, bound together against the uncertainty of fate.
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