Lu Family Mansion, 00:35;
Rong Xinghe stepped into her brother's home, only to halt abruptly, her breath hitching at the sight before her.
Xi Yuan lay sprawled on the couch, deep in sleep, an ocean of documents and folders scattered around him. His laptop teetered on the edge of the armrest, dangerously close to slipping. Clothed in a long-sleeved grey sweatshirt and black plaid pants, he looked utterly drained, his head resting against a pillow, dark lashes casting faint shadows over his cheeks. His breathing was even, his face deceptively calm—yet the exhaustion etched into his features was undeniable.
Her chest tightened painfully. Guilt curled through her, cold and brutal. He had always been her fortress, the unyielding force that carried her burdens without hesitation. And yet here he was, worn down, drained—his exhaustion a silent testament to how much he shouldered for her.