Lele

After preparing gifts, they headed to Zhuang Wen's residence. During the drive, Lin Yue called to mention Huo Xuan's connection with Hua Buyi. In the midst of a corporate meeting, Zhuang Wen bolted upright. "Lin Yue, are you certain?"

"We're en route," Lin Yue replied. "Prepare Lele for his examination."

Zhuang Wen's face flushed with hope. "Splendid! See you shortly." He handed the meeting to a subordinate and rushed home, leaving his baffled team wondering what crisis demanded such urgency.

Zhuang Wen's three-story villa stood between Qing River's eastern banks and a landscaped western park. Wrought-iron gates guarded the entrance, flanked by caretakers' lodges.

A blue-uniformed guard emerged as their car arrived. Upon hearing Lin Yue's name, the man—pre-briefed by Zhuang Wen—hurried them into the courtyard.

A butler in a tailored suit then escorted them indoors.

Instead of opulent modern decor, the villa radiated restrained elegance. Rosewood scholar's chairs anchored the living room beneath contemporary master calligraphy. Curio shelves displayed Song to Qing dynasty porcelain with museum-grade precision.

Huo Xuan's pulse quickened. Any single artifact here could dominate museum collections—or fund a commoner's lifetime.

The butler ushered them into the parlor. A young maid served jasmine tea and almond cookies before retreating. "Mr. Zhuang will arrive shortly," the butler informed them, standing at respectful attention.

Huo Xuan's wandering gaze locked onto an unsigned painting devoid of collector's seals—an anomaly among the curated masterpieces.

The brushstrokes pulsed with latent energy. Compelled, he approached until his breath fogged the glass frame.

An azure-robed figure stood atop a precipice, wind whipping his sleeves and hair. The painting's vertiginous perspective evoked visceral dread of plummeting.

His X-ray vision activated involuntarily. Time fractured—he glimpsed the actual cliff, felt the figure's isolation and domineering ambition to command nations.

"That painting came from Capital's power corridors," Zhuang Wen's voice startled him. "A statesman's gift to my father. I'm surprised it caught your eye."

Huo Xuan turned to find Zhuang Wen observing him. He'd lost track of time staring at the artwork.

"The painter's ambition matches his status," Huo Xuan mused aloud.

Zhuang Wen's eyebrows shot up. "Perceptive. The artist recently ascended to the Politburo Standing Committee."

"Educated guess," Huo Xuan deflected.

"Can you truly arrange an audience with Hua Buyi?" Zhuang Wen's urgency cracked through diplomatic decorum.

"I need to assess your sister's condition first," Huo Xuan confirmed. "Master Hua requires precise diagnostics."

Zhuang Wen clasped his hands in formal salute. "Regardless of outcome, this debt transcends repayment."

"Honor to assist. Where might I examine Miss Zhuang?" Huo Xuan redirected.

Zhuang Wen turned to the butler. "Zhou, has Lele retired?"

The butler bowed. "Miss awoke an hour ago. She gazes blankly at the window, unresponsive to calls."

Ascending the staircase, Zhuang Wen probed gently: "How did you cross paths with Hua Buyi?"

"Circumstantial connections," Huo Xuan deflected.

Zhuang Wen shifted topics. "Lele was normal until fourteen. Now... episodic frenzies."

The reinforced bedroom door swung open, revealing padded walls scarred with bite marks.

Soundproof leather lined the door. Quilted fabric covered every surface—claw and teeth marks visible beneath.

A plastic table and rubber mattress comprised the furniture. Herbal antiseptics tinged the air with bitterness.

"We redesigned this room after she fractured three ribs during an episode," Zhuang Wen explained heavily.

Huo Xuan's gaze settled on the silhouetted figure by the window.

The girl in pink pajamas sat lotus-style, shoulders slumped. Not even their entrance stirred her stillness.

Huo Xuan activated his X-ray vision. Smooth musculature, healthy organs—no physiological anomalies beyond a teenager's developing figure.

Blood circulation pulsed normally beneath fading bruises.

Huo Xuan mirrored her lotus pose. "Lele, I'm your brother's friend."

Zhuang Wen watched hopelessly. Post-episode catatonia often lasted days—his sister's mind trapped behind invisible bars.

The girl possessed delicate features—straight nose, arched brows. Her budding curves hinted at beauty suppressed by illness.

The girl who should radiate sunlit laughter sat frozen, her vacant stare fixed on nothingness—an unsettling mannequin.

Huo Xuan's words dissolved into the sterile air, unanswered.

As he rose to leave, waxen stillness thawed into tremulous life across her features.

Bewildered vulnerability flooded her eyes. She lurched forward, nails digging into his forearm. "Help me," she whispered, the plea cracking like thin ice.