I decided to go outside. Before leaving, I thoughtfully pulled the blanket over Yuan Han. Seeing him sleeping so soundly, I pondered for a moment, but then turned and left.
After all… I still don't like sleeping with other people, even friends. But if it were A Xing… maybe it would be different.
I stepped out onto the balcony.
It was very late at night, the sky pitch black. But against that backdrop, tiny stars twinkled, like faint specks of light illuminating the night.
I leaned lightly against the railing, looked up at the sky, and silently gazed at the stars.
While I was lost in thought, a low voice suddenly sounded from behind me.
"You're not asleep yet?"
I was slightly startled and turned around, then quickly composed myself, seeing Yuan Han's father standing behind me.
I nodded slightly.
"Yes… I'm not very sleepy yet."
Then I asked in return:
"You're not asleep either?"
He nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on the sky for a moment before he said,
"Could you come to my study for a moment? I have something to tell you."
I hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.
"Yes, sir."
I followed him to his study.
The room was quite quiet, the soft yellow light creating a tranquil atmosphere.
I sat down in the chair opposite him.
He poured me a cup of tea, then pushed a rather thick envelope towards me.
I looked at the envelope, slightly puzzled.
"This is…?"
Viễn Hàn's father just smiled faintly.
"You'll know when you open it."
With a touch of curiosity, I opened the envelope.
Inside was a thick stack of money.
I was slightly taken aback.
Before I could say anything, he spoke first.
"Just take it. Consider it a small token of my appreciation… and also payment for tutoring A Hàn."
Hearing that, I didn't stand on ceremony.
I nodded, put the envelope away, and looked at him.
"Is there anything else you want to say?"
He chuckled softly.
"It's true, I can't hide anything from you."
After saying that, he took out two files and pushed them towards me.
"I'm planning to cultivate someone… who can protect A Han in my place. But right now, I'm torn between two people."
I took the files.
I opened them.
One was named Ji Yuanshan, the other was Ji Mingsheng.
I frowned slightly, thinking to myself: brothers?
I examined them more carefully and then put the documents down.
Then I looked up and asked:
"Who do you choose?"
Father Yuan Han pondered for a moment and then said:
"I lean towards Ji Yuanshan."
I asked further:
"Why?"
He replied:
"He's neutral. Moreover, he has both talent and virtue." I nodded slightly upon hearing this.
"That's true."
But then I slowly added,
"But I think… we should choose Ji Ming Shen."
He was clearly surprised.
"Why? He's almost entirely on the opposing side. Besides, he's very ambitious."
He paused for a moment before continuing,
"Isn't it dangerous to keep someone like that near A Han?"
I subtly smirked.
"So, if… you offer him enough benefits?"
Father Yuan Han was slightly taken aback.
I continued, my voice still calm.
"He has a quick mind and intelligent strategies."
"Let him follow you for now."
"It's not too late to hand him over to Yuan Han later."
I paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.
"Besides… if we can win over someone who's completely on the opposing side."
"Wouldn't that be more interesting?" I looked at him, my voice carrying a hint of playfulness but also seven parts seriousness.
"Sometimes… keeping someone with great ambitions and ulterior motives by your side isn't necessarily a bad thing."
"Of course, there will be dangers."
"But as long as we give them what they want…"
I tilted my head slightly, a sweet smile on my face.
"They will obey us."
I smiled, my eyes crinkling, my voice still gentle.
But within that gentleness, there was something… hard to decipher.
"Uncle, do you think… I'm right?"
The study fell silent.
Yuan Han's father looked at me for a long time.
Then he chuckled softly.
"You… are indeed not simple."
I just smiled, saying nothing more.