Suo Ran came out of the bathroom with damp hair and a towel around his neck. He rubbed his hair dry, running his fingers through it to keep it from falling over his eyes. Once he was done, he tossed the towel onto the bed and opened his wardrobe. After a moment, he took out the blue shirt Jun Wei had chosen for him and put it on. He buttoned it up, tucked it into his trousers, and stood in front of the mirror to check his appearance. The shirt fit him well, and the color suited him better than he had expected. He straightened his collar, adjusted his sleeves, and ran a hand through his hair before picking up his phone to check the time.
It was almost time to leave. He glanced at the small gift bag beside his keys, making sure he had everything ready. Just then, Jun Wei's teasing from earlier came back to him. Don't forget the flowers, Gege. You never know when you might need them. Suo Ran shook his head with a helpless smile."You really need to watch something else." he muttered before leaving his room.
When Suo Ran reached Jun Wei's room, he found the boy sitting at his desk, bent over his homework. Several books were spread across the table, and his pencil moved quickly as he worked through the questions. Suo Ran leaned against the doorframe and watched him for a moment. It was rare to see Jun Wei this quiet. Usually, he could find a dozen things to talk about even when he was supposed to be studying. Maybe he's finally growing up, Suo Ran thought, feeling a little pleased. He knocked lightly on the open door. "How much do you have left?" Jun Wei finished writing a line before looking up. "Just a little." His eyes wandered over Suo Ran's face, then dropped to his blue shirt. He paused, tilted his head, and looked him over again.
Suo Ran glanced down at himself. "What's wrong? Is there something on my shirt?"
Jun Wei shook his head slowly. Then he put down his pencil and rested his chin in his hands, a mischievous smile appearing on his face. "Nothing. I'm just wondering why you're dressed like that for a birthday party." Suo Ran raised an eyebrow. "Like what?" "Like you're going to meet someone special instead of eating cake." Suo Ran laughed quietly. "I'm going to celebrate someone's birthday, not get married." "I didn't say you were getting married." Jun Wei widened his eyes innocently. "I only said you look like you're hoping something interesting will happen." Suo Ran walked into the room and tapped the desk with his fingers. "Finish that sentence before you start writing stories in your head."
Jun Wei immediately picked up his pencil and bent over his notebook, but the smile on his face refused to go away. Suo Ran watched him for a moment, noticing how he kept glancing up at him instead of concentrating on his work. He reached over and turned the notebook toward himself. "Let me see how much you've finished." Jun Wei's eyes widened. He quickly slapped both hands over the page and pulled the notebook closer to his chest. "No! You can't look yet!"
Suo Ran stopped with his hand still resting on the desk. He looked at Jun Wei's tightly guarded notebook,"Why? Have you been drawing instead of doing your homework?" "Of course not!"Jun Wei held notebook even tighter. "I'm doing something important." Suo Ran leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "More important than your homework?" "Yes." "Let me guess. Planning my wedding?" Jun Wei's expression brightened so quickly that Suo Ran immediately regretted giving him the idea. "You already know?" Suo Ran stared at him in disbelief before reaching over to pinch his cheek gently. "You're really asking for trouble today."
Jun Wei giggled and twisted away, rubbing his cheek with one hand while protecting his notebook with the other. "I'm only helping you prepare for the future!" "Then help me by finishing your homework." Suo Ran pulled the chair beside him closer and sat down. "Come on, show me what you've done." Jun Wei's smile slowly disappeared. He looked down at the notebook, then up at his brother, as if hoping Suo Ran might suddenly forget what he had asked. When that didn't happen, he let out a small sigh and reluctantly turned the notebook around, keeping one hand over the last question.
Suo Ran glanced over the page, checking the answers one by one. To his surprise, most of them were correct. He nodded approvingly. "Not bad. You've actually finished most of it." Jun Wei immediately straightened in his seat, his earlier worry disappearing. "See? I told you I was working hard." "You were working hard at talking, too." Suo Ran tapped the last question with his finger. "What's this answer?" Jun Wei followed his finger and hurriedly covered the numbers with his palm. "That one isn't finished." Suo Ran turned his head slowly toward him. "You just said you were almost done."
"Almost doesn't mean completely done, Gege." Jun Wei gave him a sweet smile, his eyes narrowing with mischief. "You taught me that." Suo Ran opened his mouth to argue, but the words caught in his throat. He remembered saying exactly that when Jun Wei had complained about having to finish his homework before playing games. The little rascal had remembered it perfectly. Jun Wei watched his brother's expression change and immediately burst into laughter, kicking his feet beneath the desk. "See? I remembered your words!" Suo Ran shook his head, trying to look stern even as the corners of his mouth lifted. "Wonderful. Now use that excellent memory to remember your multiplication tables." He reached over to ruffle Jun Wei's hair, but the boy ducked at the last moment.
Suo Ran's hand passed over his head and landed on the back of the chair. Jun Wei popped back up with a triumphant grin. "Missed me!" Suo Ran withdrew his hand and gave him a long, unimpressed look. "Enjoy it while you can." Jun Wei's grin faltered. He immediately sat up straight, smoothed his hair with both hands, and picked up his pencil, suddenly looking like the most hardworking student in the world. Suo Ran watched him for another moment before standing up."Finish the last question. I'll check it when I get back."
Jun Wei's pencil stopped halfway across the page. He raised his head so quickly that his hair fell over his forehead. "When you get back?" "Yes." Suo Ran adjusted the cuff of his blue shirt. "Why? Do you have a problem with that?" "But what if I finish before you leave?" "Then I'll check it before I leave." Jun Wei frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. He leaned forward over the desk, searching his brother's face for a weakness he could use. "What if I finish after you leave but before you come back?" Suo Ran stared at him for a few seconds. "Then you'll have to wait."
Jun Wei's shoulders slumped. He dropped his forehead onto the notebook with a long, dramatic sigh. "My life is so difficult." Suo Ran couldn't hold back his laughter. He reached over and gave the boy's back a gentle pat. "You'll survive." Jun Wei remained face-down for another second before lifting his head again. His eyes suddenly landed on Suo Ran's shirt, and his expression changed as if he had remembered something much more important than homework. "Gege, wait!" Suo Ran had already taken a step toward the door. He turned back with one eyebrow raised. "What now?" Jun Wei pointed proudly at the blue shirt. "You should thank me for choosing this one."
Suo Ran glanced down at himself. "Thank you for choosing a shirt." Jun Wei's mouth fell open. "That's not enough!" "Oh?" Suo Ran leaned one shoulder against the doorframe. "What would be enough? Should I write you a certificate?" Jun Wei considered this seriously, his fingers tapping against the edge of the desk. Then he nodded. "That would be nice. You should write that I have excellent taste." Suo Ran laughed and walked back to the desk. He bent slightly and gave Jun Wei's cheek another gentle squeeze. "Finish your homework first. I'll think about the certificate."
Jun Wei rubbed his cheek and pouted, looking deeply offended by the unfairness of the arrangement. "You always make me work for everything." "That's because you always want something." Suo Ran straightened and reached for the door again. "I'm your little brother. It's my job." The confident answer made Suo Ran pause. He looked back at the boy, who was already lowering his head toward his notebook, apparently satisfied that he had won the argument. Suo Ran smiled and patted his head once more. "All right, little boss. Do your work."
Jun Wei beamed at the nickname before quickly pretending to concentrate again. Suo Ran shook his head fondly and stepped into the hallway. Just as he reached the entrance, the doorbell rang. He stopped with one hand halfway toward the doorknob and glanced at the clock. Behind him,Jun Wei's chair scraped against the floor as he twisted around to look toward the hallway. "Gege! If that's someone bringing cake, tell them to bring it here!" Suo Ran turned his head and pointed at him. "One more word, and there won't be any cake for you." Jun Wei immediately faced his notebook again. He gripped his pencil and bent so low over the page that his nose nearly touched it. "I'm studying! I didn't say anything!" Suo Ran laughed and turned back toward the entrance.
Suo Ran opened the door and froze when he saw Han Yi and Qin Yue standing outside. His hand stayed on the doorknob as he looked from one to the other. He hadn't expected either of them to visit, especially without calling first. "Is everything all right?" Han Yi didn't answer right away. He stood with one hand in his pocket, dressed in a dark shirt with his sleeves rolled up. His eyes moved over Suo Ran's face before settling briefly on his blue shirt. For a moment, he seemed to forget what he had come to say.
Qin Yue followed his gaze and immediately grinned.She nudged Han Yi with her shoulder. "Hey, Keep staring like that, and he'll start wondering what's wrong with him." Suo ran looked at them with confusion. Han Yi turned to her with a cold look. "Can you stay quiet for five seconds?" "I could, but then you'd miss my charming personality." Qin Yue grinned and leaned against the doorframe. "Besides, I was starting to wonder if you remembered why we came here." Han Yi ignored her and looked back at Suo Ran. After clearing his throat, he said, "We need to talk."
Suo Ran's smile faded slightly. "About what?" Before Han Yi could answer, Qin Yue pressed a hand to her chest and gave Suo Ran an offended look. "Wait a minute. Is this how you treat guests? We come all the way here, and you leave us standing outside?" Suo Ran blinked at her, then stepped aside to let them in. "You two showed up without warning. I was trying to figure out whether something had happened." "And here I thought you didn't want us in your beautiful home." Qin Yue walked past him and gave his shoulder a friendly pat. "Don't worry. I won't eat all your food." She paused and looked back at him. "Unless you have something good in the kitchen."
"I should have left you outside." Suo Ran muttered as he closed the door. "Too late. I'm already inside." Qin Yue slipped off her shoes and headed straight for the living room. Han Yi followed, quieter than usual. Before walking farther inside, he glanced back at the front door and checked that it was closed properly. Suo Ran noticed and looked at him."Sit down," Suo Ran said, gesturing toward the sofa. "I'll get some water."
As Suo Ran walked toward the kitchen, Qin Yue glanced at Han Yi, who was still looking in the direction he had gone. A slow smile spread across her face. "Well, well. You haven't even sat down properly, and you're already watching him leave." Han Yi turned to her. "I'm looking at the kitchen." "Of course. The kitchen just happens to be in the same direction as Suo Ran." Qin Yue nodded as if she'd finally understood something important. "I see. Should I give you two some privacy?" "You should give me some peace and quiet." Han Yi sat down on the sofa, his expression unchanged.
Qin Yue followed him and sat nearby, still grinning. "You know, if you wanted to see him, you could have just said so. You didn't need to drag me along as an excuse." Han Yi gave her a cold look. "I didn't drag you anywhere. You came because you were curious." "I came because you said it was important. I stayed because watching you pretend not to care is entertaining." She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Honestly, you looked at him for so long that I thought you'd forgotten what you came here to say." "Qin Yue." "What? I'm complimenting your dedication."
Han Yi opened his mouth to answer, but she raised a hand to stop him. "All right, all right. I'll behave." Han Yi shook his head and looked toward the kitchen again.Qin Yue followed his gaze, but this time, she didn't smile. "We know someone has been following him. The problem is, we still don't know who." Han Yi's expression grew serious. "And we don't know what they want. That's why we need to hear exactly what Suo Ran has noticed. If there are details we missed, he might remember them."
Qin Yue leaned back against the sofa, thinking. "Do you think the person has been following him for a long time?" "Possibly. We can't be sure yet." Han Yi glanced toward the kitchen. "I don't want to frighten him with guesses, but we can't ignore this either." Qin Yue nodded. "Especially with Jun Wei at home. If someone is watching Suo Ran, we need to make sure his brother is safe, too." "I know. We should remind Suo Ran to be careful without making him feel like he has to handle everything alone." Qin Yue looked at him for a moment. "You could have told him all this over the phone." "I wanted to talk to him in person." Her lips curved into a small smile again. "Naturally. For the sake of the investigation."
Han Yi turned his head slowly toward her. "Do you want to walk home?" Qin Yue immediately sat up straight. "No, thank you. I care about your safety too much to leave you alone with your terrible temper." Han Yi ignored her and reached for his phone, checking the screen before putting it away. Qin Yue watched him for another moment, then lowered her voice. "Jokes aside, we'll find out who it is. We just need to be careful not to let them know we're looking." Han Yi nodded. "Exactly. Until we know more, we shouldn't do anything that might alert them."
Just then Suo Ran returned with glasses of water and placed them on the table. Qin Yue reached for one immediately, but Han Yi didn't touch his. He waited until Suo Ran sat down across from them before speaking. "Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Anyone following you, strange calls, or someone showing up in places where they shouldn't be?" Suo Ran's fingers paused around his glass. "That's a very specific way to ask if I've been having a good week."
Qin Yue took a sip of water. "Well, if you say you've been having a wonderful week, we'll all feel much better." Han Yi gave her a brief look before turning back to Suo Ran. "I'm serious." "I can see that." Suo Ran set his glass down and thought for a moment. "There was someone standing across the street from a shop I visited a few days ago. I noticed him because he kept looking in my direction, but I wasn't sure if he was watching me or someone else. Then I saw someone near my street yesterday. I didn't get a good look at his face."
Han Yi leaned forward slightly. "Did the person follow you home?" "I don't know. I noticed him when I was already close to home, so I took a different route." "Good," Han Yi replied. "Don't confront anyone if you see them again. Let us know, and try to remember what they look like." Suo Ran studied his expression. "You came all the way here just to tell me someone might be following me?" "We didn't come here for the water," Qin Yue said, lifting her glass. "Though I have to admit, the service is excellent."
Suo Ran glanced at her. "Next time, I'll charge you." "That's fine. Han Yi can pay for both of us." "Why me?" Han Yi asked flatly. "Because you look like you have money." Qin Yue smiled sweetly at him. "And because you're the one who made this visit so serious. I think you should cover the emotional damage." Suo Ran almost smiled, but the concern on Han Yi's face stopped him. "Is there something you're not telling me?" Han Yi was quiet for a moment. "We don't have enough evidence to say for certain that someone is following you. I don't want you to panic over a few uncertain sightings. But I also don't want you to ignore them if they happen again."
Suo Ran nodded slowly. "All right. I'll be careful." His eyes moved toward the hallway, where Jun Wei's voice could be heard from his room. "Does this have anything to do with my brother?" Han Yi's expression tightened a little. "We don't know that. For now, just make sure he doesn't go out alone, and don't let him answer the door when you're not home." Suo Ran's hand closed around his glass. "I already look after him." "I know," Han Yi said, his voice softening. "I'm not questioning that." Qin Yue put her glass down and leaned forward, her usual smile fading. " Suo Ran. If someone really is keeping an eye on you, we shouldn't take chances with him."
Suo Ran looked between them, then nodded. "I'll talk to him without frightening him." "Good," Han Yi said. "And if you remember anything else about those people, call me." Suo Ran raised an eyebrow. "You say that as if you expect me to call you at any hour." "You should." Qin Yue slowly turned to look at Han Yi, then back at Suo Ran. "Wow. So direct. Should I leave you two alone?" "No," Han Yi answered immediately. "You should learn when to be quiet." "I've been trying for years. It's a terrible experience."
Suo Ran laughed quietly,Han Yi looked at him for second then he stood, put his phone into his pocket. "We should go. Don't change your plans because of this, but stay alert." Suo Ran got up with them. "I'll keep that in mind." As Qin Yue headed toward the door, she glanced at the blue shirt he was wearing. "By the way, that's a nice shirt. Someone special pick it out?" Suo Ran looked down at himself. "My brother." "Ah, that explains it. He has excellent taste." She glanced at Han Yi. "You could learn something from him."
Han Yi opened the door. "Are you coming or staying here to review everyone's clothes?" "I'm coming. No need to rush me out of a perfectly good home." Qin Yue slipped past him, then turned back to Suo Ran. "Lock the door after us, all right? And if you see that suspicious person again, don't try to play detective." Suo Ran gave her a dry look. "I'll leave the detective work to the person who can't go five seconds without talking." Qin Yue pointed at him, delighted. "See? He's already feeling better. My work here is done." Han Yi caught her by the sleeve and pulled her toward the stairs before she could continue. Suo Ran watched them leave, a faint smile lingering on his face until the door closed.
Suo Ran turned away from the door and walked toward Jun Wei's room. He found the boy sitting on his bed, his homework neatly stacked on the desk. The moment Jun Wei saw him, he got down from the bed and walked over. "Gege, are they gone?" "Yes. Why? Were you planning to come out and interrogate them?" Suo Ran smiled as he looked at him. Jun Wei shook his head. "I wanted to see if Qin Yue-jiejie brought me anything." Suo Ran stared at him. "That's what you were waiting for?" "She brought snacks last time!" Jun Wei said quickly. "I thought she might bring more." "I'll tell her you miss her snacks. I'm sure she'll be very touched."
Suo Ran smiled, and Jun Wei grinned as he tugged at his sleeve. "Gege, are you leaving for the party now?" "In a little while." Suo Ran glanced at the clock, then looked at his brother. "Have you put everything away?" "Yes. My homework is finished, my books are in their places, and I even cleaned my desk." Jun Wei pointed proudly toward it. Suo Ran looked at the tidy desk and nodded. "Should I take a picture? This might be the only time I see it so clean." "Gege!" Jun Wei complained. "I'm a very responsible student." "Of course you are." Suo Ran smiled. "I'll make sure to inform your teacher."
Jun Wei looked at him suspiciously. "You're making fun of me again." "Would I do that to my favourite little brother?" "You only have one little brother." "Exactly. You should feel honoured." Jun Wei laughed and hugged him around the waist. Suo Ran put a hand on his head and smiled. "I'll be back a little late tonight. If you're sleepy, go to bed. Don't wait up for me." Jun Wei looked up at him. "Will you call me when you arrive?" "If you want me to." "And when you leave?" Suo Ran laughed. "Jun Wei, do you want me to send you a report every thirty minutes?" "That would be good." Suo Ran shook his head with a smile. "You're getting a little too comfortable giving orders." "I learned from you." "I don't remember teaching you that." "You tell me what to do every day."
Jun Wei looked pleased with his answer. Suo Ran couldn't argue with that, so he pinched the boy's cheek lightly instead. "Fine. I'll message you when I arrive. But you have to promise me you'll behave while I'm gone." "I always behave." Suo Ran raised an eyebrow. Jun Wei quickly corrected himself. "Most of the time." "Better." Suo Ran let him go and walked toward the wardrobe to pick up his jacket.
Jun Wei followed him. "Gege, do you think the birthday person will like your present?" "I hope so." "What if they don't?" Suo Ran put on his jacket and looked at him. "Then I'll have to accept that not everyone has excellent taste." Jun Wei looked offended. "But you chose it carefully!" "I did." Suo Ran smiled at him. "That's why I'm hoping they'll like it." Jun Wei nodded, then reached up to straighten Suo Ran's collar. "There. Now you look even better." Suo Ran looked down at him. "Are you sure you're not trying to make me look so good that someone falls in love with me?" Jun Wei's eyes widened before a mischievous smile spread across his face. "If someone does, will you bring them home?" "Absolutely not." Suo Ran answered at once. "Why?" "Because the moment you meet them, you'll start asking when the wedding is."
Jun Wei giggled. "I only ask important questions." Suo Ran laughed. "Then here's an important answer. Finish your reading before bed, and don't eat too many sweets." Jun Wei's smile disappeared. "Those are two completely unrelated things." "They're related if you ask me for sweets tomorrow and blame me for your stomachache." Jun Wei shook his head. "Gege, you always ruin the best parts." "It's one of my many talents." Suo Ran picked up his phone and checked the time. He really needed to leave. He looked around the room one last time, then turned back to Jun Wei. "I'll be back tonight. Lock the door after me, and don't open it for anyone you don't know. If you need anything, call me." Jun Wei nodded, his expression growing a little more serious. "I will. You be careful too, Gege."
Suo Ran looked at him for a moment. "I will." Jun Wei slapped his palm against it, completing their usual little handshake. "Have fun!" Jun Wei said. "I will. And remember, no staying up late." "I'll try." Jun Wei smiled at him. "Jun Wei." "Fine! I promise." Suo Ran picked up his keys and headed for the front door. Jun Wei followed him to the entrance, waving as Suo Ran put on his shoes. "Don't forget my sweets!" "I knew that was the real reason you wanted me to go." "Gege!" Suo Ran laughed, opened the door, and stepped outside. "I'll see you later." He gave Jun Wei one last wave before closing the door. After locking it, he checked his phone and the time, then started toward the party.