As Xia Lan stepped out of the car, her eyes widened and her lips parted slightly in shock.
"Wow… Why is this mansion so huge? Is this some kind of institute or military base?"
Shen Wei chuckled softly beside her and replied with a warm smile,"Little sis, this will be your new home. We'll be living here together."
Xia Lan glanced at Shen Wei and tilted her head."But… all my things are still in that old apartment."
"Don't worry, sis," Shen Wei said reassuringly. "I've already arranged everything for you. Everything you need is here. Come on, let's go meet Mom."
As Shen Wei started walking toward the grand entrance, Xia Lan followed close behind. Her eyes scanned the perimeter. Several men in black suits stood guard at the gates and around the mansion, each with a calm yet piercing gaze.
Xia Lan's eyes narrowed slightly.
These people… they're not just regular guards. Their stance, discipline, and aura—they're ex-soldiers. Well-trained ones. Looks like this place isn't just rich… it's fortified.
In front of the grand doors stood two people.
The woman looked at Xia Lan with eyes full of affection. Xia Lan glanced at her, but quickly averted her gaze.
Why… why is that emotion stirring again? she thought, frowning. I need to control it. If I let it overwhelm me, I'll become an easy target.
Luo Anam's smile faltered when she saw her daughter look away, her heart aching. Without hesitation, she pulled Xia Lan into a gentle embrace.
"My daughter… you've finally come home. You don't know how much I missed you."
Shen Wei, watching the emotional reunion, smiled softly. But when her gaze shifted behind her mother, her expression darkened.
"Where are those bastards?"
Luo Anam, still holding Xia Lan's hands, gave her a brief, sad glance."They're on the second floor, dear."
Shen Lin opened his mouth, ready to scold Shen Wei for her language—but seeing the situation and their strained relationship, he held back.
With a deep frown, Shen Wei turned and marched up the stairs without another word.
Luo Anam turned back to Xia Lan, cupping her cheek gently. She stroked her face as if afraid the moment might vanish.
"You know… I'm so happy right now. I can finally feel our family becoming whole again."
Seeing the sincerity in Luo Anam's eyes, Xia Lan didn't know how to respond. So she simply nodded.
Behind her, Shen Lin hesitated. He reached forward to stroke her head, but stopped halfway, lowering his hand and gaze instead.
I don't know how she'll treat me… if she finds out I gave her name to an adopted daughter…
He gave a bitter smile. Probably like Shen Wei does.
Luo Anam quickly wiped the tears brimming in her eyes."Let's go in, daughter."
On the second floor…
In the upstairs hall, Shen Li and Shen Wu were sitting together.
Shen Li glanced at Shen Wu, noting the scowl on his face.
"Brother," she said softly, "I think… I saw our sister at the exam hall today."
Shen Wu looked startled."What? Shen Wei? She never even talks to you."
Shen Li shook her head quickly and lowered her gaze."No, not Sister Wei… I mean Xia Lan."
At that, Shen Wu's expression darkened. He crossed his arms and grunted."Don't call her my sister. I only have two sisters—hmph."
Trying to keep his attention, Shen Li added, "When I saw her during the exam… she was sleeping the entire time. Didn't even write anything."
That made Shen Wu sit up straighter.
"Really? So she's not only rude, but stupid too. I bet her scores are garbage."
Just as he finished, a cold voice interrupted.
"How ironic, coming from someone who barely passed high school."
Shen Wei had arrived, arms crossed, standing at the top of the stairs with a frosty expression.
"S-Sister! Why are you here?" Shen Wu stammered, sitting up straight.
Shen Wei raised a brow, ignoring Shen Li entirely.
"No manners, huh? Well, she has more than you ever did. And about grades—don't talk like you're a genius. Your high school scores weren't anything to brag about."
Hearing that, Shen Wu opened his mouth to retort—but no words came out.
Beside him, Shen Li put on an innocent face and said softly,"Sister, why are you scolding Brother? He was just expressing his opini—"
Her words faltered as soon as she saw Shen Wei's icy gaze settle on her. She quickly fell silent.
Shen Wu, seeing Shen Li defend him, looked at her with soft affection in his eyes.
Shen Wei scoffed, her eyes cold."Where are those two?"
Shen Wu pointed toward a door down the hall."Inside the office room."
"Then you," she said, her voice sharp, "go downstairs and greet your sister properly."
Shen Wu wanted to protest again, but one look at Shen Wei's expression made him swallow his words. Reluctantly, he got up and walked away.
Inside the office room, Shen Xing was typing away at his laptop when the door opened. Shen Wei entered silently and walked straight to him, closing the laptop without a word.
Annoyed, Shen Xing frowned and started,"Shen Wu, how many times have I told you not to—"
He froze when he looked up and saw Shen Wei.
"Sister! Why are you here?" His voice instantly softened. "Do you need something?"
Shen Wei's expression was still cold, but it carried a touch more warmth than when she'd spoken with Shen Wu.
"Go downstairs. Your little sister is home. Greet her—and take Shen Ming with you. No excuses."
Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked out.
Shen Ming peeked out from behind the desk with a pout.
"Why is she being so nice to that girl?" he grumbled. "We all love Shen Li. Why can't she just accept it?"
Shen Xing gave him a sidelong glance."I don't know. But Sister gave her order. So we go."
"Huh. Don't be a lapdog, bro," Ming muttered under his breath.
Shen Xing turned to him with a bright, unsettling smile."What did you just say?"
"A-Ah, nothing! Let's go already!"