The convalescent home room was more spacious than Lu Chenzhou had imagined. Floor-to-ceiling windows opened onto a meticulously manicured lawn, with a fountain in the distance refracting rainbows in the sunlight. The moment she entered, Yao Yao ran to the window, calling out excitedly, "Brother! Look, there's a squirrel!"
Lu Chenzhou walked over and followed her pointing finger. Sure enough, a small brown squirrel was darting along a tree branch. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly; the icy shell around his heart seemed to crack a little at the vibrant sight.
"I'm glad you like it." Fu Jingshen's voice came from behind. He was directing the orderly to place the luggage in the walk-in closet. "Tell the orderly if you need anything. Or call me directly."
Yao Yao nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Fu."
Lu Chenzhou didn't turn around. He just said softly to his sister, "You rest for a bit. I need to speak with the orderly about your medication."
He deliberately avoided Fu Jingshen and walked straight out of the room. The corridor was carpeted thickly, muffling all sound. Sunlight streamed through the glass window at the far end of the hall, casting a glaring strip of light on the floor—like an insurmountable boundary.
The orderly was sorting documents at the nurses' station. Lu Chenzhou approached and carefully detailed Yao Yao's medication schedule and precautions, even reiterating small details like her sensitive stomach and not drinking cold milk. The orderly took notes patiently, occasionally glancing up at him with a look of sympathy—likely sensing the tension between him and Fu Jingshen.
Finished, Lu Chenzhou didn't return to the room immediately. Instead, he leaned against the corridor railing, watching the elderly residents strolling on the lawn below. They sat in small groups, basking in the sun, chatting, their faces peaceful and smiling—a serenity he had never known.
"Not going back up?"
Fu Jingshen's voice sounded suddenly beside him. Lu Chenzhou straightened up as if scalded, taking a half-step sideways to create distance. "Waiting for you."
His tone was flat, unreadable, yet it seemed to say, 'I'll go back after you're gone.'
Fu Jingshen's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He followed Lu Chenzhou's gaze to the scene below. "The environment here is good. Let Yao Yao stay for two months, build up her strength."
"Mm," Lu Chenzhou acknowledged, offering nothing more.
They stood side by side like that, half an arm's length between them, an invisible river flowing between them. The sunlight stretched their shadows long across the floor, overlapping yet distinctly separate.
"I have to go back to the office this afternoon," Fu Jingshen broke the silence first. "I'll come back tonight."
Lu Chenzhou didn't turn his head. "No need. I'll stay here with Yao Yao."
"The orderly can take care of her," Fu Jingshen's tone was unyielding. "You're coming back with me tonight."
Lu Chenzhou finally turned to look at him. "Has Mr. Fu forgotten? My current identity is that of a substitute, isn't it? What difference does it make if I accompany her here or accompany you back at the villa?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "substitute," as if reminding Fu Jingshen, and himself.
Fu Jingshen's face darkened instantly, suppressed anger churning in his eyes, but he didn't lash out. He knew Lu Chenzhou was still angry; saying more would be futile. "I'll come pick you up tonight."
With that, he didn't look at Lu Chenzhou again, turning and walking away. His steps were quick, carrying a trace of barely perceptible discomposure.
Lu Chenzhou watched his retreating back disappear around the corner of the corridor before the tension in his shoulders slowly eased. He leaned back against the railing, letting out a long breath, but his chest felt blocked, aching dully.
He thought saying those words would bring catharsis, a sense of vindication. But seeing the instant darkening of Fu Jingshen's face had brought no satisfaction, only a vast emptiness.
"Brother?"
Yao Yao's voice came from behind. Lu Chenzhou turned sharply to see his sister standing in the doorway of her room, her eyes worried. "Why did you come out?"
"You were gone for a long time…" Yao Yao walked over and took his hand. "Are you still angry with Mr. Fu?"
Lu Chenzhou ruffled her hair, forcing himself to sound cheerful. "No, don't overthink it."
"But…" Yao Yao bit her lip. "I heard you just now… you said you were a… substitute? Brother, what does that mean?"
Lu Chenzhou's heart clenched. He hadn't expected his sister to hear. He opened his mouth to explain, but didn't know what to say. He couldn't very well tell her he was being held prisoner by Fu Jingshen and seen as someone else's shadow.
"It's nothing," he avoided her gaze, speaking vaguely. "Just a quarrel. Angry words."
Yao Yao clearly didn't believe him, but she didn't press further. She just said quietly, "Brother, Mr. Fu is actually really good. The day I woke up from being unconscious, I heard him tell the doctor to use the best medicine, that money wasn't an issue. The way he looks at me… it's a bit cold, but it's sincere."
Lu Chenzhou didn't speak. He knew Yao Yao was telling the truth. Fu Jingshen's kindness towards Yao Yao didn't seem feigned. But that made it all the more ironic—even his kindness to his sister might be built on the foundation of him being a "substitute."
"Brother, please don't fight with him all the time, okay?" Yao Yao looked up at him, her eyes bright. "I know you've been wronged, but… we can't manage without him right now."
The words were like a bucket of cold water, shocking Lu Chenzhou into clarity.
Yes. They couldn't manage without Fu Jingshen.
At least, not now.
Lu Chenzhou took a deep breath and nodded. "I know. I won't fight."
In the afternoon, Lu Chenzhou walked with Yao Yao on the lawn. The sun was warm on their skin, carrying the faint scent of grass. Yao Yao was in high spirits, chatting animatedly about everything from funny school stories to her future dreams, her eyes full of hope.
Lu Chenzhou listened patiently, occasionally responding. Watching the smile on his sister's face, the knot of frustration in his heart gradually loosened.
As long as Yao Yao could get better, could smile and plan for the future like this, what did his own grievances matter?
So be it, a substitute.
At least he could still stand here, seeing his sister well.
As evening approached, the sunset dyed the sky orange and red. Lu Chenzhou was helping Yao Yao back to her room when he saw Fu Jingshen standing in the corridor just outside the door.
He was dressed in a dark suit, clearly having just come from the office. His tie was slightly loosened, and he looked tired, yet still imposing. Seeing them return, his gaze lingered on Lu Chenzhou for a few seconds before shifting away.
"Mr. Fu," Yao Yao greeted him with a smile.
"Hm," Fu Jingshen nodded. "How are you feeling?"
"Great! I even saw a little rabbit on the lawn this afternoon!" Yao Yao said excitedly.
The corner of Fu Jingshen's mouth lifted almost imperceptibly. He looked at Lu Chenzhou. "Ready to go?"
Lu Chenzhou didn't look at him, addressing Yao Yao instead. "I'm heading back now. I'll visit again tomorrow."
"Okay. Bye, brother. Bye, Mr. Fu." Yao Yao waved.
Lu Chenzhou followed Fu Jingshen out of the convalescent home. The evening breeze brushed his cheeks, carrying a slight chill. They walked to the parking lot one after the other, still in silence.
Inside the car, Fu Jingshen didn't start the engine immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Lu Chenzhou. In the dim light, his eyes were deep, like a bottomless lake. "Today… thank you for taking care of Yao Yao."
Lu Chenzhou was taken aback, not expecting this. "She's my sister."
Fu Jingshen didn't reply, starting the car.
The ride back was just as quiet. Lu Chenzhou leaned against the window, watching the city lights flash by, but his heart wasn't as turbulent as on the journey there.
He thought of Yao Yao's words, of Fu Jingshen's care for his sister, of that abrupt thanks… the icy fracture in his heart seemed to shift slightly.
Maybe… he really should try to let go of something?
At the very least, stop being a hedgehog, prickly at every moment.
As the car pulled through the villa gates, Lu Chenzhou spoke suddenly. "Tomorrow morning, I'd like to go early to be with Yao Yao."
Fu Jingshen's step faltered. He turned to look at him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes before he nodded. "Alright. I'll have the driver take you early."
Inside the villa, Aunt Liu had already prepared dinner. Fu Jingshen asked her to serve the food in the dining room. Lu Chenzhou didn't refuse as he had the night before, silently following and taking a seat at the table.
They ate quietly, the occasional clink of cutlery the only sound, but it wasn't as awkward as before.
Halfway through the meal, Fu Jingshen suddenly placed a piece of braised pork rib into Lu Chenzhou's bowl. "This is quite tender. Try it."
Lu Chenzhou stiffened. He looked at the rib in his bowl, then up at Fu Jingshen. The man was focused on his food, his profile softened somewhat by the light, not as harsh as usual.
He hesitated for a moment, then finally picked up the rib and put it in his mouth.
The meat was indeed tender, flavored with a light savory sauce.
Lu Chenzhou didn't speak, but he felt the icy layer around his heart begin to thaw, just a little.
Perhaps things weren't as bad as he thought.
Perhaps Fu Jingshen's kindness towards him wasn't entirely because of a similar face.
Perhaps… there was still a possibility.
The thought surfaced, and Lu Chenzhou forcefully pushed it down. He couldn't afford to hope again. The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment.
He lowered his head and continued eating, though the corner of his mouth turned up almost imperceptibly.