Surprise [1]

Fang Lian stepped forward hesitantly, the tips of her shoes just brushing the edge of the carpet. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her sleeve tightly, and her voice trembled as she tried to speak.

"Family Head…" she stammered. "I… I wish to be of help to the family."

Fang Yuan gave her a soft, patient look. "You already are," he said calmly. "You've been taking care of Doctor Mu all this time."

She lowered her head, voice barely more than a whisper. "I… I wish to do more."

Fang Yuan's expression didn't change. He set aside the scroll in his hand and leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk.

"And?" he asked quietly.

Fang Lian bit her lip. Then, after a long moment, she said the words she had been holding back.

"I… I want to make amends. For what my adopted father did."

The room fell into silence.

Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

Fang Guo.