Breakfast

Yang Liu and Han Chen descended the staircase together, heading down for breakfast. As they reached the bottom, their eyes drifted toward the dining table, where Han Wei was already seated, waiting patiently for them. They exchanged a brief glance, both silently thinking the same thing: Ah, so that's where he is.

Butler Ling, who had been standing nearby, noticed them approaching and greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning, Madame, Sir," he said in his usual cheerful tone.

They both returned his greeting, smiling back as they settled into their seats at the table. Breakfast was already laid out, and they began to eat, the familiar comfort of the morning routine settling around them. However, just as they were getting comfortable, the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by the sudden arrival of several people, each carrying an assortment of art supplies—brushes, canvases, paints, and more.

Han Chen raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled by the sudden influx of items filling the dining room. He watched with growing curiosity as the supplies were neatly arranged, taking up more space than he would have expected. Unable to stay quiet any longer, he finally asked, "What's all this?"

Before anyone could answer, Yang Liu's face lit up with excitement. She turned toward Butler Ling, her eyes wide with anticipation. "Is it here? Has it finally arrived?" she asked, her voice practically bubbling over with enthusiasm.

Butler Ling nodded, sharing in her excitement. "Yes, Madame! It's all here, and I'll take it to the studio for you right away."

Yang Liu beamed, her happiness evident. But just as she was about to say something more, she felt a strong gaze on her. Turning her head, she saw Han Chen watching her intently, a look of mild confusion and curiosity in his eyes. It was only then that it hit her—she had completely forgotten to mention something important.

Clearing her throat, Yang Liu began to explain. "Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you. I joined an art club with Secretary Jin's wife," she said casually, hoping to ease into the conversation.

Han Chen nodded in acknowledgment, though he seemed more focused on his breakfast than on what she was saying. Yang Liu took a deep breath, deciding to continue despite his nonchalant response.

"So," she began again, a little more cautiously this time, "there's an art exhibition coming up at Han Wei's school. The teacher thought it would be a great idea if we painted a family portrait to display at the event."

Han Chen stopped mid-bite, his eyes widening slightly as he processed her words. He turned to her, looking genuinely surprised. "And you agreed to this?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Yang Liu smiled, her enthusiasm returning full force. "Of course I agreed! It sounds like fun," she replied brightly. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added with a hint of concern, "You're going to paint with us, right?"

At this, Han Chen's expression turned from surprise to mild alarm. He glanced between Yang Liu and Han Wei, both of whom were now staring at him with wide, hopeful eyes, like two puppies waiting for a treat. He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, though it was mixed with a bit of exasperation.

"You both know I have a job, right? When is this exhibition supposed to happen?" he asked, though he had a feeling he already knew the answer.

Yang Liu, looking slightly sheepish, leaned forward and answered in a quiet voice, "It's... tomorrow."

Han Chen blinked, his brows furrowing in disbelief. "Tomorrow? You want me to paint a family portrait tomorrow?" he repeated, his voice edged with incredulity.

Yang Liu and Han Wei continued to gaze at him with hopeful, pleading eyes, their expressions practically begging for him to agree. Han Chen sighed deeply, realizing that there was no way he could say no to them. They looked too eager, too happy. How could he deny them that?

"Alright, fine," he relented with a sigh, "but I can only join you after work."

The moment the words left his mouth, Yang Liu and Han Wei burst into excited cheers, jumping up from their seats as they shouted in unison, "Yay! He agreed!"

Han Chen blinked in surprise, taken aback by their sudden enthusiasm. He couldn't help but laugh, though he tried to hide it behind a stern look. "Hey, hey! Calm down, both of you. This is the dining table, not a playground," he said, his tone playful but firm.

Realizing they had gotten a little carried away, Yang Liu and Han Wei quickly sat back down, stifling their giggles as they composed themselves. Despite his earlier warning, Han Chen couldn't stop himself from smiling at the sight of them—so full of joy, so unashamedly happy.

As he watched them, a strange thought crossed his mind. Why do they seem more and more alike every day? It was something about the way they interacted, the easy banter, the way they seemed to be in perfect sync, even without speaking. It was almost uncanny.

He shook his head, pushing the thought aside as he focused back on his breakfast. As much as he tried to maintain his usual calm, detached demeanor, there was no denying that this little family of his was starting to grow on him. Slowly, but surely, he was adjusting to this new routine, filled with laughter, warmth, and the occasional chaotic moment.

But deep down, Han Chen was unaware of just how fiercely he would come to protect this family. Though he didn't realize it yet, there was nothing he wouldn't do to keep this newfound happiness safe from anyone or anything that might threaten it.