The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1289 1289: MORNING AT THE BAI MANSION

Luo Yan inspected his outfit and hairstyle while gazing into the full-length mirror. A soft, brushed light grey crewneck sweatshirt draped over a plain white t-shirt, with its collar just visible at the neckline. His dark jeans featured a neat straight-leg style that hugged his slender build nicely, stopping right above his ankles. Simple white leather sneakers covered his feet. His black hair received a gently textured styling, swept away from his forehead using a mild hold gel, accentuating the sharp features of his face.

He angled his head slightly, a pleased grin blooming on his lips as he studied his mirror image. "Ah, I really am too beautiful."

This marked the start of his second round in university life. He'd taken care to groom himself thoroughly and appear at his finest. Truthfully, he wasn't overly thrilled about attending college again. Yet he'd persuaded himself to savor it this go-around. Free from financial worries and past troubles, he'd chosen to embrace a lighter, more relaxed student existence.

That said, he wouldn't slack on his academics. He intended to treat his courses with respect. His goal was to finish on schedule, and if possible, exit with honors.

Grabbing his backpack, Luo Yan stepped out of his chamber in the Bai family estate. Once military training wrapped up, he'd gathered his belongings from the dorms and settled here. His relatives had consented to this place serving as his base during university. The estate sat merely a short ten-minute drive from T University, barring any road congestion.

His dorm mate, Zhen Yihan, had thrown a full-blown fuss upon learning Luo Yan wouldn't stay in the dorms. He'd griped that they hadn't shared many classic roommate moments, and now Luo Yan was bailing. With their differing majors, he feared they'd barely cross paths. Luo Yan spent a solid twenty minutes calming him down. He vowed they'd grab lunches or chill together when schedules aligned, and he'd retain his dorm spot for quick rests between lectures.

Exiting his room, he headed directly along the corridor to his grandfather's quarters. The male caregiver swung the door open with a faint smile. The interior remained shadowy and quiet. Luo Yan spotted his grandfather reclined on the spacious bed, lids shut, breaths steady and profound in slumber.

The elder seemed frailer than in Luo Yan's memories, the covers engulfing his slim form. His features looked more angular, skin stretched taut over his bones. A sharp pang twisted inside Luo Yan's chest upon the sight. He fought to suppress the idea, but a chill realization gripped his stomach. Days like this, where his grandfather rested so tranquilly, felt fleeting. Luo Yan shoved the weighty emotion aside with determination, denying it any hold.

Moving softly to the bed's edge, Luo Yan bent forward and planted a gentle kiss atop his grandfather's sparse white strands. He rose and gazed at the serene sleeping visage a bit longer. "I'm heading to school now, Grandpa. I'll see you soon."

He pivoted and gave the nurse a courteous, slight smile. Then he departed the room, easing the door shut.

He proceeded toward the primary dining space. Entering, he found every Bai family member seated at the grand table.

Luo Yan flashed a cheerful, welcoming smile around the group. "Good morning, everyone!" he greeted, approaching his regular spot. "Sorry, did I keep you all waiting?"

His aunt Sun Xiulan returned a kind smile from next to his uncle. "No, not at all. You're right on schedule."

His young cousin Bai Ye, aged six now, glanced up with a pout. "Why does Yan Yan seem even taller lately?" the child wondered, his tiny face grave. "You shouldn't grow any more, Yan Yan. Too tall, and you won't be pretty anymore."

Luo Yan let out a light laugh. Since his recent growth surge, Bai Ye had sulked each time he saw him. It was as if Luo Yan had robbed him of his cherished 'pretty Yan Yan' by adding mere inches to his height.

"Xiao Ye, mind your tone with your big brother," Uncle Chen chided mildly from the table's head, addressing his smallest boy. "And do call him 'Brother Yan' correctly."

A deep scowl crossed Bai Ye's adorable round cheeks. Spotting it, Luo Yan interjected swiftly to prevent tears. "It's okay, Uncle. I truly don't care if Xiao Ye uses Yan Yan. I prefer it that way."

Across the table, his elder cousin Bai Ze uttered a quiet tsk. "Don't indulge him so much, Xiao Yan. That's why he's turning into a tiny terror."

"I'm not a terror!" Bai Ye snapped, shooting a fierce look at his big brother from the booster seat.

Bai Ze merely grinned, obviously relishing the chance to provoke his sibling. "A real terror would never admit it by yelling."

"That's enough, you two," Sun Xiulan stated sharply. "Xiao Ye, no yelling at meals. It's rude. And Bai Ze, at twenty-two, quit picking on your six-year-old brother on purpose. That's immature." She shot each son a stern glance, then her face eased. "Now, let's have breakfast before it cools."

While digging into his meal, Luo Yan's thoughts wandered to Shen Ji Yun. He pondered whether the Shen family had any updates or responses following the incident at the shooting range two days prior.