The paternity test showed a positive result, proving the relationship between Xiu Cai and Xiu Lin as blood relatives.
He is so happy, except that others are not. Xiu Lin also stared at the result, expecting it already but he was not elated. Instead, he felt even more suffocated.
So what should they do now since it's already proven? Obviously, he has to go back to his family.
Gu Han didn't like that. He wanted to rip that piece of paper and make it not exist, forgetting all about it. At the same time, he wanted to know what Xiu Lin wanted to do. If he goes with Xiu Cai, he'll just propose to him and then they should get engaged. Or maybe they should just get married now so Xiu Lin wouldn't be away from him.
Unfortunately, the young man is still not of legal age and Gu Han didn't know if the boy would agree.
He wanted to hold the back of his neck in frustration or even spat blood, wanting to cry out and just kill Xiu Cai so there won't be any more obstacles between him and his future madam.
He placed a hand around the boy's shoulder, making the shorter one leave his sights on the paternity results and up to meet Gu Han's gaze.
After eleven years of being with him growing up, Xiu Lin knew what his concern was and his current low mood. He must've been thinking that they're going to be separated and he was not reconciled about what was happening. So he gave him a smile and patted the hand that held his shoulder firmly.
Don't worry. Is what seems to be his eyes were saying. Their light hues always made Gu Han feel relaxed whenever he looked into those hypnotizing colors. But right now, he felt even more worried despite the younger's assurance.
He has found his family. And soon enough he might decide that he's going to live with them forever.
He hated this new found insecurity. For Xiu Lin who had little recollection of his parents, he might wish to know his only living kin. This suspicious Xiu Cai. What if he does something despicable to this child?
Xiu Cai laughed very happily, his sight took in Xiu Lin's form with a glint of covetousness which immediately went away and changed into a fatherly look.
As soon as he had this child in his hands, he'll return to their country where even the Gu's won't be able to touch them. After that, he'll show his 'good' brother's grave how he will send this son of his with him in hell.
"My dear nephew. Can I embrace you?" Xiu Cai softly ask.
Gu Han frowned, his hand tightening around the youth's shoulder only for the latter to slip out and made a few careful steps from the nearby Xiu Cai. Xiu Lin was still observing, like a quiet cat studying the prey before launching. But in his case, he didn't launch, just stood a few feet away from the target.
Xiu Cai, impatient, decided to zero in on his direction and embraced the young man himself. "My lovely child. You're finally back." He cried.
Xiu Lin trembled, as if a shockwave hit him and a forgotten memory resurfaced.
There, a woman with beautiful and delicate face was carrying him in her gentle arms. A striking resemblance to Xiu Lin's appearance himself. Under the shade of a tree from the blue skies and the blooming white flowers that surrounded them.
"My little Lin, my sweet boy. I wish for nothing more than for you to grow up healthy and happy." Her voice, as delicate and sweet as a flower, told him with a smile.
.
After that eventful day, Xiu Cai finally left. Saying that he'll be preparing Xiu Lin's room in their villa. His excitement was over the moon. While Gu Han wish to speak up but preferred to hear Xiu Lin's opinion on this matter.
So at the dinner table, with colorful dishes displayed before them, none in the family seemed to have the heart to eat.
Grandpa Gu barely touched his meal while the two youth only played theirs.
"Xiu Lin." He spoke with a serious tone.
The boy who was called, looked up and faced the old man curiously.
"Now that you found your family, what do you wish to do?" He asked.
Xiu Lin signed: 'But you're (my) family.' in his hands.
"Your uncle."
'Visit parent's graves. Then go home.'
"So you don't plan on staying with the Lin family?" Grandpa Gu cleared his throat while Gu Han looked at Xiu Lin expectantly. Is he hearing that correct?
Xiu Lin looked back at Grandpa Gu pitifully. 'Can I not just stay here?' he signed.
"Of course you can! This is your home, we're your family!" Gu Han immediately answered before grandpa Gu could even speak the same words.
Xiu Lin brightened.
"But kiddo, if you feel that something doesn't feel right. You should return as quickly as possible, alright? Or give us a call." Although he didn't want to scare or sow discord between families, but he can tell that Xiu Cai's hands and actions aren't as clean as he tries to act.
According to Xiu Cai, his elder brother was the previous chairman of the growing giant in their country and he had to take over as soon as his brother passed.
This means that Xiu Lin is a legitimate heir. If the Xiu couple's death is unexpected, it only means that the will regarding heirs would automatically pass to this young man. If Xiu Cai wants to take over the entire family business, he might stage similar accident.
What made the Gu's previous head wonder was that why would Xiu Cai look for Xiu Lin if he could just have him assassinated one the spot if he wants him dead. Did he not want any loose ropes and wants to cut it off just like how he did with this boy's parents?
His heart turned cold.
Will that man do the same to that child?
Finishing their dinner, Grandpa Gu did not speak through out the night until they left the table. Xiu Lin was dragged back to their room by Gu Han, making the younger sit on the side of the bed.
The two momentarily stared at each other as if reading the mood in their eyes.
Xiu Lin could guess that Gu Han didn't want him to go with Xiu Cai. Well, it was understandable. Since that person looks vile than he acts.
It's not like he knew everything after the tip of the iceberg. He doesn't have the system to know much of the plot nor did he have useful memories since the body only lived for more than four years. His only experience through the years is knowing the nature of a person after spending five lifetimes in different worlds.
"Lin, are you really going back?" Gu Han finally asked after that momentary silence.
Xiu Lin looked at him, nodding quietly. His eyes, sincere and adorable.
"What if you suddenly decided that Lin house is better and not come back?"
The younger frowned, quiet for a moment before raising his hands to make a sign. 'If I message that I want to stay (at Lin's), make sure to look for me to confirm.' this is a precaution.
Since Xiu Lin couldn't speak yet, he can only communicate through sign language and texts. If one day, Xiu Cai really plans to imprison or kill him and sends a text in Xiu Lin's stead that he wants to stay at Lin's and is doing well, then the Gu family wouldn't know if it's true or false.
He wanted to raise this flag. But maybe...
His light eyes which was staring blankly in the corner suddenly lost its shine.
Maybe it's an opportunity to die there too. He felt a bit guilty leaving Gu Han but... He knew they'll always find each other in every world.
Gu Han who was watching the change in the young man's expression felt a heavy and ominous feeling in his chest. A gnawing feeling that made him feel uneasy the moment the young man in front of him relaxed.
In his years in the business industry of the past life and now combined, he's seen all kinds of people in different countries. Although some may have been divided by language barriers, sometimes, their aura and expressions say more things than what could be understood.
This extremely calm, blank, and blanked look from the person he loves. Although there might not be anything wrong with such a face, it gave him the sight that expresses undeniable resignation. As if he had given up on something and accepted it.
Recently, after knowing the existence of Xiu Cai, some of his words had been cryptic. As if he was telling him something he has yet to figure out.
He didn't disregard those signs, but he couldn't bring himself to ask for clarification. Maybe he'll understand soon enough. Because in this life, it's only him who knew that distant and sad past of little Xiu Lin who saved him.
May it be guilt or love for this young man, but he will make sure that this boy will live happy and healthy, fulfilling the dreams he failed to achieve. That was his vow even if there's an obstacle (Xiu Cai) in his way, he won't stop so easily.