Chapter 24: A Day of Confusion

The soft evening light bathed the trees surrounding the pond where Yu and Zian sat. The gentle rustling of leaves blended with the chirping of birds, creating a serene backdrop. Yu stared at the rippling water of the pond, his brows furrowed.

"Who does Mao think she is?" Yu muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

Zian glanced at him, his expression calm. "She just wants to talk to you kindly because she likes you, Yu."

Yu scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, but I don't like her. Don't talk to me about her anymore—my head hurts." He paused for a moment before turning to Zian. "Hey, can you massage my head? It really hurts."

Zian's cheeks turned pink as he stammered, "Why don't you go back to your room and rest? That will help with the headache."

Yu sighed dramatically. "No, I can't walk that far right now. You can't even do this much for me after everything? I argued with Mao for your sake, but you—"

"Alright, alright," Zian interrupted, relenting.

Without another word, Yu suddenly leaned his head onto Zian's lap.

Zian flinched. "What are you doing, Yu?"

"I'm resting my head. This way, it won't trouble you to massage it," Yu replied nonchalantly.

Zian sighed and began to massage Yu's head hesitantly.

"Wait, stop!" Yu exclaimed after a moment. "Have you never massaged anyone's head before? You're making it worse!"

Zian froze, looking guilty.

Yu glanced up at him and laughed. "Don't make that face. I was kidding. Can I sleep here for a bit? Your lap is surprisingly comfortable."

Zian's ears turned red, but he didn't argue. Yu, satisfied, closed his eyes and muttered, "Today's been such a good day, hasn't it?"

Zian nodded. "Yeah, it has."

After a pause, Yu opened his eyes again. "Zian, my dad said you're the same age as me. Is that true?"

Zian raised an eyebrow. "How would I know your age?"

Yu smiled smugly. "I'm twelve. So, you must be twelve too, right?"

Zian hesitated. "Uh… no, I'm thirteen."

Yu sat up abruptly, eyes wide. "What? Are you serious? Did my dad lie to me? Does this mean I have to call you 'big brother' now?"

Zian burst into laughter. "No, no! I was just joking. I'm twelve too."

Yu frowned. "Since when did you start joking like me? You're becoming just like me!"

"Definitely not," Zian replied with a chuckle. "Come on, we should head back. Master might be looking for us."

Yu stretched lazily. "What else does he have to do? We're not the only kids around. He's probably busy with the others."

"Still, it's getting late. Let's go," Zian insisted.

Reluctantly, Yu got up, and the two started walking back. On the way, Yu couldn't resist teasing Zian, making the latter shake his head in amused frustration.

As they neared the house, Mao's mother appeared, her expression stern. "Yu, where have you been? And you too, Zian. I heard that you told my daughter to leave. Do you even realize what trouble you could cause if your father finds out?"

Yu crossed his arms defiantly. "If you're so upset about me telling Mao to leave, then why don't you leave too?"

Mao's mother froze, her face turning red, but she said nothing and stormed away.

"See what I mean, Zian?" Yu muttered. "Ever since they came here, my days have been terrible. Like mother, like daughter."

Zian tried to console him. "Don't worry. When your mom comes back, everything will be fine."

Before Yu could reply, his father appeared, a curious look on his face. "What are you two doing here?"

"Nothing, Dad," Yu replied quickly. "We were just heading to our rooms."

"Then go," his father said with a nod.

As they turned to leave, Yu hesitated. "Dad, how long are that aunt and Mao staying here?"

His father sighed. "Until your mother returns. She asked them to stay here."

Yu frowned but said nothing, following Zian back to their quarters. All he could do was wait for his mother's arrival to set everything right.