Shen Yuan clutched his phone, running on pure instinct as he bolted down the stairs of Shen Ming's house and out of the yard.
He was like a runaway colt, galloping toward the Li Family's small house nearby—the home of Li Zhi's grandparents.
But in the short time it took to get there, that initial rush—the desperate need to see Li Zhi at once—was doused with cold water the moment he stood before the Li Family's familiar, wrought-iron gate. His momentum had all but vanished.
The silhouette of the small house grew distinct in the winter morning light. Festive red lanterns and spring couplets hung by the door, radiating a thick New Year atmosphere.
Shen Yuan stopped a few steps from the main gate, his feet seemingly nailed to the ground.
A cold gust of wind swept past, rolling a few withered leaves across the ground and making Shen Yuan shudder.
"My brother must be tired..."
