Memories (3)

Yun Lan watched the two little ones follow the maid step by step, their small hands clasped tightly together. A tender ripple stirred in his heart.

He shook his head, a helpless smile playing at his lips. Was this what they meant by planting a willow and getting a shade tree? The threads of fate were woven together in such an unexpected way. How could he have known that the two children he'd casually brought home would turn out to be Yi Jiang and Yi Xuan from Zenless Zone Zero?

The frosted-glass bathroom door closed softly. The faint sound of running water and the girls' quiet murmurs drifted from within. Warm steam seemed to seep through the crack, mingling with the light, fresh scent of body wash.

He was lost in thought when he heard someone nearby trying hard to stifle a sniffle. Turning, he saw Uncle Su pressing a corner of his handkerchief to the corner of his eye. Even a few strands of his neatly combed silver hair seemed to sympathize, drooping slightly, while his shoulders gave a little shake.

Yun Lan found it rather amusing and couldn't help teasing him. "What's wrong, Uncle Su? Looking at you, anyone who didn't know better would think these two were your long-lost precious daughters."

At that, Uncle Su shivered, his professional instincts instantly overtaking his surging emotions. He straightened his back at once and briskly smoothed the front of his suit and his cuffs. It was as if an invisible comb had put every last strand of hair back in place.

He cleared his throat, his expression returning to its usual respectful composure, though his slightly reddened eyes still betrayed him.

"You jest, young master." Uncle Su's voice was steady and clear, though a close listener could still hear a trace of a quaver at the end. "I was just... just happy for you."

He paused and looked toward the bathroom door, hazy with steam. His gaze brimmed with the gentle pride and emotion of a man watching the young master of the family finally come of age. His tone turned meaningful. "At last, young master, you've started bringing girls home. The master and madam can rest easy now."

Yun Lan immediately felt a dull ache in his forehead and instinctively raised a hand to rub it. He drew out his words helplessly. "Uncle Su... I'm still young. Isn't it a bit too soon to be worrying about things like that? It's completely unrealistic."

Uncle Su only bowed slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting in a knowing smile full of expectation. His eyes clearly said, "Young master, anything is possible. This is only a beautiful beginning."

Under Uncle Su's "I understand, I understand" gaze, Yun Lan was utterly at a loss. The explanation on his lips died before he could voice it, leaving only a long, surrendering sigh. Arguing with the old butler who had watched him grow up—and sometimes worried even more than he did—was always futile.

I shook my head, deciding to give up on this "debate" that was doomed from the start. I was about to turn and head back to my room, but my steps halted, as though some warm thought had gently tugged at my sleeve.

"By the way, Uncle Su," I said, turning my face slightly. My tone was casual, though a hint of thoughtful care came through naturally. "Tell the kitchen to prepare two more baskets of char siu buns for tonight. And have someone bring over some clothes for little girls. They'll need a change after their bath. It's New Year's, after all—a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new."

I said it lightly, as if I'd merely thought of adding another snack. But Uncle Su's eyes had seen too much to miss a thing. The moment I finished speaking, the deep smile in his eyes rippled like a lake stirred by the spring breeze, growing richer and more heartfelt.

If the young master truly didn't care, why would he remember what those two children liked to eat?

"Yes, young master." Uncle Su answered respectfully, unable to hide his delight. Even his nod seemed lighter than usual. "I'll have someone bring the clothes over right away. The char siu buns should use pork shoulder, with just the right balance of lean and fat. The glaze should be sweet and savory, and the dough soft and fluffy, correct?"

He had already anticipated nearly every detail Yun Lan might be particular about. This was more than just preparing a snack; it was as if he were treating the young master's rare, understated show of concern with the utmost care.

A trace of embarrassment flickered across Yun Lan's face when Uncle Su saw through him. He gave a vague "Mm," looked away, and headed upstairs. His back, however, seemed much more relaxed than before.

Uncle Su remained where he was, watching the young master head upstairs, then glancing toward the bathroom, where faint sounds of water and murmuring still came from within. The wrinkles on his face softened into a loving smile.

He could already picture the two little girls' eyes lighting up when two extra baskets of steaming, plump, white char siu buns were set before them at the table. He could picture their delight when they put on their new clothes, too.

The air seemed warmer with steam, and a faint aroma, both sweet and savory, seemed to drift in early from the kitchen.

"Perhaps there ought to be one more young mistress in this house... no, two," Uncle Su thought happily as he headed to the kitchen to give the cooks their instructions.

The bathroom door clicked softly. A cloud of warm steam flowed out first, and only then did two small figures emerge, hesitantly.

Washed clean of dust and weariness, Yi Jiang and Yi Xuan looked like pearls polished anew, their natural, gentle luster restored. They wore the new clothes Uncle Su had prepared: soft, well-fitting cotton dresses in a pale goose-yellow shade that brought warmth to their small, pale faces.

A maid gently towel-dried their wet hair until it was only half-damp. It lay obediently against their cheeks, the ends still carrying a sweet fragrance. Yet a barely noticeable wariness still lingered in their eyes, like fawns venturing into an unfamiliar forest.

When they were led to the dining room, the sight before them made both girls stop in surprise.

The broad dining table was laden with all sorts of dishes. Steam curled into the air, and delicious aromas filled the room. At the center sat two especially eye-catching baskets of char siu buns. White clouds of steam billowed through the gaps in the woven bamboo steamers, and the sweet fragrance of the dough mingled with the savory aroma of the meat filling, forming an irresistible assault that struck straight at their empty stomachs and taut nerves.

Yi Jiang managed to maintain some of the restraint expected of an older sister, though her breathing quickened noticeably. Her fingers quietly clutched her younger sister's dress. The younger Yi Xuan, meanwhile, was completely captivated by the two baskets of buns.

Her eyes were wide and unblinking as she stared at the plump white buns, their skins glistening with oil. Her throat bobbed uncontrollably with a loud, clear gulp. Her small body leaned forward as if drawn in by the aroma, and the tips of her feet edged half a step toward the table before she forced herself to stop. She licked her suddenly dry lips, and her stomach let out a long, loud growl at just the right moment. In the dining room, which had fallen abruptly silent, the sound carried clearly.