Jiarui and Aanya were happily holding each other's hands and swaying gently. In the small room, where soft, colorful chalk art covered the walls, made by Aanya, the two of them looked like little stars lost in their own galaxy.
A rare smile lit up Jiarui's face, the kind he had barely shown since losing his mother and sister. Aanya's innocent energy and the light twirl of her pink frock made the atmosphere feel magical and fearless.
Jiarui laughed loudly: "You dance really well, Aanya!"
Aanya placed her small hand on her waist, pretending to be angry: "So now you won't call me 'Little Mistress' anymore?"
Jiarui stepped closer, showing their growing friendship: "Never! You're just Aanya. And I'm Jiarui."
They spent a little while lost in their own world—twirling, laughing loudly, and being playful. Behind the huge walls of that luxurious house, their tiny friendship was quietly growing.
Secret and Fear
After a while, the two sat down on the floor, tired.
Aanya, breathing heavily: "I'll really become a dancer when I grow up. I'll go on big stages."
Jiarui looked into her eyes: "And I… I want to become strong. So strong that no one can hurt the people I care about."
His face turned sad for a moment. Aanya, still too young to understand everything, could still feel the fear hidden in his eyes.
Aanya lovingly placed her small hand on his: "You are already strong, Jiarui! You weren't scared of the dark, right? Aunty locked you there!"
Hearing that, the painful memory returned. That dark room… his mother and sister's screams… his breath trembled.
Jiarui closed his eyes, trying to control himself: "No… I wasn't scared."
Aanya fixed her pink frock: "Good! Then you won't tell anyone about my secret room, right? It's only ours. If the Big Mistress Yuxuan finds out, she'll scold me."
Jiarui looked at his friend: "This is our Secret Base! I won't tell anyone. Friends' secrets are confidential!"
Grandfather's Return
Suddenly, the sound of a big car arrived outside and people began moving around.
Aanya, panicking, placed her hand on Jiarui's lips: "Shhh! I think the Big Master, Grandfather Zhenhai, has returned!"
They quickly stood up. Relief and happiness mixed on Jiarui's face. For him, Grandpa Zhenhai was a strong shield.
Jiarui hurriedly: "Aanya, come on! I want to meet Grandpa!"
Aanya: "Okay, but we must go secretly. If the Big Mistress sees you with me…"
Before she could finish, Jiarui gently stopped her. He was still emotional from the comfort Aanya had given him.
Jiarui looked at her deeply: "Thank you, Aanya. You're truly my good friend."
They quietly stepped out of the secret room. Aanya carefully closed the shed door. They walked through the garden toward the mansion entrance.
Inside, Grandfather Zhenhai stood in the living area, giving instructions to the servants. Zhenyu and Yan Yuxuan were also present, but Yuxuan still looked angry.
Jiarui ran straight into his grandfather's arms.
Jiarui, voice trembling slightly: "Grandpa!"
Grandpa Zhenhai hugged him tightly with great affection: "Oh, my brave boy! Where were you? I was looking for you! Do you know what I brought for you today?"
Jiarui smiled softly. His eyes briefly moved to Yuxuan, who continued staring at him with hatred. He quickly hid deeper in his grandfather's arms.
Grandpa Zhenhai looked at Yuxuan and Zhenyu, gently stroking Jiarui's hair: "Tonight we are going to dinner with my old friends. And Jiarui will come with me. The world must see how handsome the new heir of the Yan Empire is!"
Yuxuan's face turned pale with anger.
Jiarui felt that his grandfather's love and Aanya's friendship had given him a new courage.
The Dinner: Presentation of the Heir
Jiarui stayed close to his grandfather for a long time, finding comfort. By evening, the grand house was filled with activity.
Preparation and Yuxuan's Anger
Jiarui was taken to his room, where a new collection of designer suits awaited him. Grandpa personally selected matching navy-blue three-piece suits for both of them.
When Jiarui finished dressing and stood before the mirror, he looked like a miniature version of his grandfather—handsome and impressive.
Downstairs, Yan Yuxuan and Zhenyu waited.
Yuxuan whispered angrily to Zhenyu: "Why are you letting all this happen? A stranger boy, that woman's son, is ruining our son's future! And that old man keeps taking him everywhere!"
Zhenyu replied with a cold expression: "Mother, Grandfather has made his decision. Whatever he does is best for the Yan Empire. We can't do anything." His apathetic face showed how tired he was of everything.
Yuxuan threw her coffee cup on the floor in anger. Hatred for Jiarui was clearly visible in her eyes.
Journey and Grandpa's Affection
Soon, Grandpa Zhenhai and Jiarui entered the living room in their matching suits.
Grandpa Zhenhai said proudly: "Let's go, my boy. Today is your grand entrance."
They sat in a luxurious black sedan. Jiarui stared out the window at the glowing city lights.
Grandpa held his hand: "Are you scared? There will be big people—politicians, businessmen."
Jiarui lifted his head, remembering Aanya, and answered bravely: "No, Grandpa. As long as you're with me, I won't be scared."
Grandpa laughed: "Good! Remember, you are the heir of the Yan Empire. Walk with your head held high."
The car stopped in front of a magnificent five-star hotel. As they stepped out, flashing cameras lit up the surroundings.
Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers, expensive perfumes, and classical music filled the air.
Grandpa announced loudly: "Friends! I want you all to meet the new heir of the Yan Empire, my beloved grandson, Jiarui!"
Silence fell. People stared at Jiarui—some shocked, some questioning, some jealous.
One man asked Grandpa: "Why introduce him instead of your elder son? And he looks just like you!"
Grandpa replied with pride: "Blood speaks, my friend. A true lion shows his identity from birth. My decision is final."
Jiarui felt proud seeing how his grandfather defended and honored him. Yet, when he smiled at guests, he remembered the dark room… and Aanya, who had helped him.
He now understood there were two worlds: one filled with love and courage, and another filled with fear and hatred.
After Dinner: Hidden Affection
After the dinner ended, Jiarui quietly went to find Aanya.
He called softly: "Aanya? Where are you?"
Aanya, who was helping the cleaning staff, heard him and smiled.
Aanya: "Jiarui! You look so handsome in this outfit! How was the party?"
Jiarui gently held her small hand: "It was okay. But I missed you."
He led her to a small guest room downstairs that was empty. The room had a large television.
They quietly closed the door and sat on the sofa.
Aanya asked: "What will we do here?"
Jiarui switched on the TV: "We'll watch TV here, secretly. This is our secret cinema."
They watched cartoons together. Far from the scary outside world, their friendship and innocence found peace.
After a while, Aanya felt sleepy and rested her head on Jiarui's shoulder. She slowly drifted into sleep.
Jiarui felt warmth in his heart. Where there used to be pain and fear, now there was peace and affection. He felt that the only ones who truly cared for him were his grandfather and this little girl.
Jiarui gently leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on Aanya's head.
It wasn't just a kiss.
It was a promise—from his heart—that he would always protect her from everything.
Aanya, half-asleep, smiled and nestled closer to him.