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When Shen Baili's phone wouldn't connect, when Butler Lin called, when he learned Su Bowen had run into Shen Baili, when he circled the library several times and still couldn't find her...

Xie Zhiyu didn't need to tell Suìsuì all that and make her feel guilty. He only wanted her to know how many people cared about her.

"Thank you, Eldest Brother!" Shen Baili had so much she wanted to say, but it all came down to one simple, heartfelt thank-you.

Xie Zhiyu rubbed the top of her head. "We're family."

Shen Baili nodded hard. "Mm!"

"Eldest Brother, my mom..."

Xie Zhiyu understood her worry. "Aunt Shen doesn't know. Don't worry."

Shen Wan had gone to Capital City on business and wouldn't be back until tomorrow. News that Shen Baili had gone missing hadn't reached her yet.

Shen Baili said, "Tha... Eldest Brother, you're the best!"

She caught herself halfway through another thank-you.

Xie Zhiyu said, "Mm."

"Eldest Brother is the best. You can always count on me."

The two finished their deluxe instant noodles at the Convenience Store. The lightning and thunder had passed, leaving a fine drizzle.

"Let's go home."

The rain had eased, but puddles still covered the road.

Shen Baili looked at her pink cartoon slippers and considered her chances of making it through without stepping in one.

Xie Zhiyu crouched in front of her. "Suìsuì, hop on."

She'd done it once already. Shen Baili hopped onto Xie Zhiyu's broad back with practiced ease.

"Home we go!"

Shen Baili's voice rang with delight. All her troubles were forgotten.

Shen Wan eventually heard about Su Bowen from Shen Baili, along with the disgusting things he'd said to her daughter. That day, Su Bowen arrived at the Café for their meeting, full of anticipation.

He had barely