Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 5 : 'That Matter'

"Didi, Father is looking for you. Could you go back and see what he needs?" Yi Xuan said, turning to Yichen.

Yichen hesitated, glancing at Zhu Yan. Sensing his reluctance, Zhu Yan reassured him with a soft smile. "It's alright. You should go, I'll wait here."

Yi Xuan added with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry. I'll keep your friend company until you return."

Yichen turned to Zhu Yan, smirking. "I'll be right back. In the meantime, you can catch up with your model of virtue."

Zhu Yan smirked back, "So, you're Zhuo Yichen. I finally get to know your name after almost a year"

"I'm sorry" Yichen said, a bit sheepishly. "I worried that if you knew, you might avoid me."

Zhu Yan frowned, puzzled. "Why? Why would you think that?"

"Because with Zhuo as my family name, everyone expects me to live up to it. But I don't have anything to offer... I don't even know the basics" Yichen confessed, his eyes revealing a glimpse of painful memories. His voice softened as he added, "I'll come back. Just wait for me."

He turned to leave but stopped abruptly when he heard Zhu Yan's next words.

"It suits you."

"What?" Yichen turned back, confused.

"Your name. It suits you" Zhu Yan replied, his gaze gentle.

For a moment, Yichen was speechless, memories of his past swirling in his mind—moments of feeling like an anomaly, dismissed for being 'unworthy' of his family name.

"Don't let anyone tell you that you don't deserve the Zhuo name" Zhu Yan said, meeting Yichen's tear-filled eyes with quiet conviction. "It's the other way around—the name is lucky to have you. You're more than they realize, Zhuo Yichen."

Yichen stood frozen, stunned by the words. Before his tears could fall, he nodded and turned to leave, his hands clenched. He made his way back to his brother, pausing briefly to look back at Zhu Yan. "Take care of him, Gege. You're his hero. I'll be right back."

He walked down the stairs to the shop's ground floor and stepped into the waiting carriage by the entrance. Casting a final smile toward Zhu Yan, he disappeared inside as the carriage pulled away.

Yi Xuan, who had been watching their exchange with interest, sighed softly. Tightly holding his sword, he approached Zhu Yan. "Zhao Yuan Zhou, let's talk somewhere private" he said, gesturing for Zhu Yan to follow him toward one of the shop's private rooms.

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Zhuo Yi Xuan had reserved a private room for them, and the two took their seats inside. The room was beautifully adorned with flowers, and the warm, comforting scent of incense filled the air. Red lanterns with delicate tassels cast a soft glow, while painted fans and calligraphy scrolls decorated the walls, giving the space an elegant, calming atmosphere.

Zhu Yan glanced at his hero, who appeared slightly tense. As he observed Yi Xuan, he noted the likeness between the brothers—they shared a gentle presence, though Yi Xuan's eyes were sharper, reflecting years of experience.

Yi Xuan broke the silence, initiating their conversation. "So, Zhao Yuan Zhou, what kind of demon are you?"

Zhu Yan was caught off guard and silently scolded himself for not expecting this question. He forced a confident smile and responded, "As expected, Hero Zhuo Yi Xuan truly is a seasoned demon hunter."

Yi Xuan didn't respond, his gaze remaining steady. Under the scrutiny, Zhu Yan finally answered, his voice losing its confident edge. "I'm a white ape, Mr. Zhuo Yi Xuan."