Chapter 10 – The Hug That Shocked the World
The next morning, the mansion's atmosphere was strange — quiet but full of unspoken tension.
Xun Lanyue arrived, dressed elegantly, a carefully crafted mask of kindness stretched across her face.
She stepped into the hall where Han Zixuan sat with Qiao Xueran beside him. Her eyes flicked briefly to Xueran — bruises still faintly visible — but her smile never faltered.
"Cousin," she said sweetly, bowing slightly, "I apologize on behalf of my family. Last night… we went too far. It was shameful. Please, come back with me. I'll take care of you myself."
Her words dripped honey, but her eyes burned with poison.
Xueran flinched. Her body trembled. Without thinking, she reached out and clutched Han Zixuan's sleeve, hiding behind his shoulder like a frightened child.
Han's jaw tightened.
Xun's lips curved higher, feigning kindness.
"Don't be afraid, Xueran. I'm your cousin… I only want to protect you."
Han lowered his gaze, studying the girl holding onto him.Finally, he spoke.
"If you go, be careful."
Xueran hesitated, her lips trembling. Then, with that childish tone, she whispered,
"Hug."
The room went dead silent.
Han Zixuan — the cold, ruthless mafia boss who had never shown warmth to a soul — actually leaned down and pulled her into his arms.
Xueran buried her face against his chest, clinging to him as if he were her only lifeline.
Xun Lanyue's nails dug into her palms until her smile nearly cracked.
But the funniest sound came from the side of the room.
Fang Ye (nicknamed Feng by some) stood frozen, jaw dropped so wide it looked like it might fall off.
"Boss… wait… HUH??""You— you hugged her?! Just like that??!""Do you realize I've been your loyal dog for ten years and you never even— not once— hugged ME when I asked after that gunfight??!"
He waved his arms dramatically, eyes wide like saucers.
"What is happening to the world?! Hugging a fool but not me— I'm hurt, Boss, I'm really hurt!!"
Han Zixuan's glare snapped to him, colder than an ice storm.
"Fang Ye."
The assistant froze, swallowing hard.
"Shut up before I break your legs."
Silence.
Then Fang Ye muttered under his breath, still sulking,
"Hugs for fools but not for brothers… tsk, love really is unfair."