Chapter 21: Why was he keeping the pajamas she used to wear?

Although everyone in the Shang family treated her well, she was merely a temporary guest; this place was not her home.

Furthermore, the tuition at this elite school was exorbitant, all covered by Shang Linyuan. When her father passed away, he hadn't left her a single penny.

That was why she had thought that being expelled from school would be a blessing—it would mean she no longer owed the Shang family or Shang Linyuan any favors.

When Shang Linyuan learned of the situation, he rushed to the school, and from that moment on, everyone knew that Lu Xiaoman was under his protection.

As a member of the school's board of directors, Shang Linyuan’s word was final. The principal could only bow his head and agree with subservient nods.

In the end, those who had bullied her were forced to apologize publicly, and those who previously shunned her scrambled to cozy up to her.

All of this was because of Shang Linyuan.

She had once viewed him as her savior, piously swearing that once she graduated, she would work twice as hard to repay him.

But now, she hadn't managed to do that. Instead, she only wanted to flee—to escape as far away from him as possible.

"Do you not like the style of the pajamas?" Shang Linyuan’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Lu Xiaoman felt an even deeper sense of distress.

It wasn't the style of the pajamas she cared about; it was the person they belonged to.

Her silence led Shang Linyuan to believe he had guessed correctly.

"Then I’ll find another one."

Shang Linyuan walked back to the closet, his gaze lingering on the pair of pajamas he had just set down.

They were made of light beige cotton, washed until they were somewhat faded. The neckline was a simple round collar, devoid of any lace or embroidery—it was clearly something that had been worn and washed many times.

Shang Linyuan hesitated for a moment, remembering Lu Xiaoman’s wet clothes clinging to her body. If she didn't change soon, her cold would only worsen.

He picked up the old pajamas and walked back.

"Put these on."

Lu Xiaoman heard his movements and knew he had picked out something else. But no matter what he chose, wouldn't it still be Chu Yan's clothing?

"Thank you, but I should really just go home..."

She had barely turned halfway around when, caught off guard, her gaze fell upon a simple, understated pale color.

The fabric was held between the man's fingers, the cotton looking exceptionally soft under the warm yellow light, like kapok flowers in the sunset dipped in flowing water.

These pajamas looked so familiar.

She couldn't help but think of her own—the ones she had worn most often when she lived with the Shang family. They were exactly this style.

Seeing her stare at the pajamas for a long time without a word, Shang Linyuan’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly before he spoke, his voice lower than usual.

"These were the pajamas you used to wear. I just happened to grab them when I was packing your things."

Lu Xiaoman was puzzled.

Those pajamas were so old; she had forgotten to take them with her when she left years ago. Why would Shang Linyuan have kept them and brought them along?

"Thank you."

Lu Xiaoman took the pajamas and hurried to the bathroom.

Shang Linyuan stood in the outer room. The soft click of the bathroom door closing felt like a needle pricking his taut nerves.

He stood there for a while, only realizing his palms were slick with a thin layer of sweat when he heard the sound of running water.

What was he nervous about?

The secret of the pajamas was something Lu Xiaoman would never know. As long as he didn't say anything, no one would.

"Mr. Shang, Dr. Wei is here," the maid knocked on the door.

Shang Linyuan glanced toward the bathroom, opened the door, and told the maid, "Go inside and wait for Miss Lu to come out. Let me know if you need anything."

Down on the first floor, Wei Zhenming was engrossed in a game of Ludo with two children.

A man nearing thirty, usually seen in a white coat with a stern expression, looked completely at ease playing with the kids.

Seeing Shang Linyuan descend, he didn't even look up. "Mr. Shang, calling me over in the middle of the day—is it because you drank too much and your stomach hurts, or are you feeling melancholic and need someone to talk to?"

Shang Linyuan sat down beside him. "You'll see in a moment."

"Looks like you're not sick." Wei Zhenming looked up at him with a hint of teasing in his eyes. "Don't tell me it's that Miss Chu who's ill?"

Shang Linyuan glanced at the board and offered a faint smile. "Your plane just got kicked back by Xiao Xi."

Wei Zhenming looked down and almost lost his mind.

"Hey, you little brat, why are you like this? Tell me, are you targeting me? Why only kick my plane?" he glared ferociously at Lu Mingxi.

"Uncle, your plane delivered itself to be kicked," Lu Mingxi shrugged, unfazed.

Wei Zhenming complained to Shang Linyuan, "Whose child is this? He doesn't know how to respect his elders. I'm an elder, you hear me? You have to show respect!"

Lu Mingxi crossed his arms proudly. "And you didn't show me any care or kindness either."

Wei Zhenming was so frustrated he could spit blood. "I'm not playing anymore."

"Shame, shame, can't handle losing. Shame, shame, no sportsmanship," Lu Mingxi made a face at Wei Zhenming.

"You little brat, you're going to be the death of me!" Wei Zhenming leaned over and pinched Lu Mingxi’s ear, pretending to discipline him.

Lu Mingxi immediately cried out to Shang Linyuan for help, "Uncle, save me! The bad guy is trying to silence me!"

"Let him go," Shang Linyuan said, pulling Lu Mingxi into his arms.

Xinxin, who had been watching the show, giggled and clapped her little hands when she saw Wei Zhenming get frustrated. "Uncle Wei is so silly. He lost at Ludo to Brother Xiao Xi and now he's making excuses. Brother Xiao Xi is amazing; he beat Uncle Wei soundly!"

While belittling him, she didn't forget to butter up Lu Mingxi.

She wanted to get back at Wei Zhenming for the shot he had given her in the bottom last time; no matter how much she had cried or begged, it hadn't helped, and she hadn't forgotten.

Wei Zhenming’s focus, however, wasn't on Xinxin. He stared at the little boy nestled comfortably in Shang Linyuan’s arms and asked with wide eyes, "Where... where did you find this one? Don't tell me he's... yours from outside?"

Shang Linyuan had always been a bit of a germaphobe; he rarely even hugged his own niece Xinxin, let alone someone else's child.

The only logical explanation was that this child shared an extraordinary relationship with Shang Linyuan.

In front of the children, he naturally couldn't be too explicit.

But Lu Mingxi was sharp; he actually understood.

"You're the one from outside! My mommy calls Uncle 'Uncle,' and Uncle is my 'Great-Uncle.' We're family, don't you get it?"

Wei Zhenming was even more confused.

What a mess of a family tree.

He looked at the only person who understood, seeking an explanation.

But that person didn't even look at him, simply picking up Lu Mingxi and heading straight upstairs.

When Wei Zhenming tried to follow, he was stopped.

"Stay put and watch Xinxin."

Once he was gone, Wei Zhenming’s gossip-hungry heart began to burn.

"Xinxin, tell Uncle Wei, what exactly is the relationship between this little boy and your uncle?"

Xinxin kept her eyes on the Ludo board, then narrowed them with a smile. "Do you really want to know?"

"Yes, tell Uncle."

"Then let me kick your other plane back, and I'll tell you."

Wei Zhenming: ...

What had he done to deserve this?