Echoes of My Heart

Chapter 8

Xiao Yuan closed the door quietly and made his way to the kitchen. He moved with practiced ease, the familiar routine helping to ground him. As he set the kettle to boil and prepared to make some coffee, he couldn't help but feel content.

The house had finally quietened down. Giving one last look at his sleeping brother, Xiao Yuan went down to get his luggage up into his room. Xiao Yuan climbed up the staircase to the second floor, dragging his luggage behind him. As he ascended, the memories of his last visit to the house resurfaced, filling him with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.

He didnt have a home at that time.

There was no future, no hope.

But now, four years later, he is back here.

In the same house, called by the one person who had banished him.

Xiao Yuan didn't have any grudge or bitterness towards Wei Qian or even San Pang. He had understood where they were coming from.

He understood the rationale behind their actions, knowing that the separation away from home had given him time to cool off and think. Analysing each motive or action that had led him to be in another country.

Reflecting on his experiences, Xiao Yuan found that he wasn't bitter or resentful towards Wei Qian or San Pang. Instead, he felt a wave of gratitude. They had sent him away, giving him the opportunity to explore the world, gain new experiences, and truly know himself.

Without ever leaving, Xiao Yuan's whole world revolved around Wei Qian. After being away, after meeting so many people he realised one thing. The time apart hadn't dulled his feelings, but instead, only reinforced them.

So, yes. They helped him understand his wants and desires better.

So, after four years, Xiao Yuan still craved and loved Wei Qian with the same intensity he did all those years ago.

As Xiao Yuan entered his room, he braced himself to find a layer of dust covering everything. He was ready to clean up, but to his surprise, everything was in pristine condition. Even his cactus, which he had expected to be wilted and dead, was thriving, as if someone had taken great care to ensure its vitality.

As Xiao Yuan scanned the room, he couldn't help but notice that everything was in its proper place, not a single item out of its place. The room did not have the bare and empty feel of a room untouched for years; instead, it looked as if someone came in occasionally and stayed there.

Xiao Yuan's mind raced with possibilities as his breathing got laboured.

Can it be Wei Qian?

He turned back to glance at the closed door of his brother and frowned.

Was it Wei Qian who took the pain to do all this?

Does this mean he slept here, missing Xiao Yuan?

Does that mean there is still hope, a chance, a scenario where his feelings could be reciprocated by Wei Qian?

Huh?

The realization then hit him like a truck. It suddenly dawned on Xiao Yuan that there was a possibility, however slim, that Wei Qian could return his feelings. The idea filled him with disbelief and awe.

Could it be true?

Could his brother actually feel the same way he did?

There is a possibility of Wei Qian liking him back.

A sense of excitement and anticipation coursed through Xiao Yuan's veins as he entertained the thought of possibly winning over Wei Qian's love.

All his dormant hopes and desires were suddenly awakened, fueling a fire burning in his eyes. Something ran through his blood, igniting and burning hot as sheer determination to make Wei Qian fall in love with him filled him with newfound resolve.