The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1304: YAN YAN'S SURPRISE VISITOR

Previously on The Return of the God Level Assassin...
The Luo family gathered for a warm dinner at the Bai mansion, where Luo Wei Tian, Luo Ren, and Luo Jin had earlier shared a brief, precious moment of clarity with the elder Mr. Bai before his attention drifted. Amidst light conversation and teasing at the table, the mood remained uplifting despite the empty chair reminding them of his absence. After dinner, the three Luo brothers retreated to the garden pavilion under the moonlight, where Luo Yan shared updates on his enjoyable university life and time with boyfriend Shen Ji Yun. The talk turned personal as Luo Jin clarified his unlabeled but mutual relationship with Yuqi, while Luo Ren opened up about the challenges of harboring deeper feelings for Yu Jiao while remaining just friends, finding solace in her presence.

The following morning, the entire family enjoyed a substantial breakfast. Following that, Luo Yan joined his grandfather in the garden, allowing him to bask in the early sunlight. Today, his grandfather appeared serene, though his recollection continued to fluctuate as always. At times, he addressed Luo Yan as if speaking to his own daughter. Luo Yan refrained from correcting him, simply offering a gentle smile and playing along, while holding his grandfather's hand tenderly.

This routine had become a cherished habit for them since Luo Yan began residing there. On days without early classes, he would escort his grandfather outside to enjoy the sun's warmth. Weekends followed the same pattern. Often, his grandfather conversed with him as though he were Luo Yan's mother. Luo Yan never objected; he merely listened attentively and replied softly, clasping his hand. Seeing his grandfather content was all that mattered to him.

Aunt Xiulan had once shared, with a melancholic smile, that his grandfather's spirits had lifted considerably since his arrival. Luo Yan sensed the deeper implication in her words. He'd learned that prior to his move, the elderly man's irritability had intensified, leading to frequent outbursts. Yet, with Luo Yan's presence and shared moments, his disposition had noticeably stabilized.

Naturally, his grandfather's forgetfulness persisted, with memories arriving and departing unpredictably. However, at least now, those who cared for him no longer fretted endlessly over potential self-harm.

Soon enough, Luo Yan observed that his grandfather had dozed off in the wheelchair. The old man's head had leaned gently to one side, his breaths coming in slow, even rhythms. Luo Yan remained seated beside him for another moment, admiring the tranquil look on his face. Then, he rose silently and sought out the personal nurse. Spotting him close by, he requested that the nurse wheel his grandfather back to his room indoors. The nurse agreed with a nod and approached the slumbering elder, carefully guiding the wheelchair toward the house.

As Luo Yan observed their gradual entry into the mansion, the familiar tightness in his chest returned, a sensation that always followed time spent with his grandfather. He released a soft, drawn-out sigh. Uncertainty lingered about how many more such mornings they might share. The idea weighed heavily upon him.

The subtle crunch of footsteps on the gravel prompted him to turn. Luo Ren approached, hands tucked into his pockets. Upon reaching him, he inquired.

"How is Grandpa doing lately?"

"As well as can be expected under his circumstances," Luo Yan replied softly.

Luo Ren felt a wave of relief at the response. Yet, upon studying his brother's features, he detected underlying concern. "What's the matter? Is something troubling you?"

Luo Yan paused, unsure whether to voice his inner thoughts. Voicing them aloud might somehow solidify them, a prospect he dreaded. He recognized the childishness in such reasoning, yet the emotion persisted unabated.

Relief came as a recognizable vehicle appeared, gliding into the expansive driveway of the Bai family estate. A flicker of eagerness ignited within him. Beyond that, he appreciated the timely interruption, which provided an ideal excuse to evade Luo Ren's query.

"Brother, that's Brother Ji Yun," Luo Yan exclaimed, his tone lifting with enthusiasm. "I'll go welcome him."

Luo Ren arched an eyebrow, observing his younger sibling dash toward the driveway. He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. His mind then returned to the troubled look on Luo Yan's face from earlier. Though unanswered, Luo Ren could readily guess the source of his brother's unease. It undoubtedly concerned their grandfather.

He stared at the path of stones underfoot. A profound heaviness settled in his heart. He now comprehended the reason for Luo Yan's distress. He suspected he shared the exact same apprehension as his brother. But dwelling on it offered no solace, so he shut his eyes for a brief instant, and upon reopening them, composure returned.

At the driveway, Luo Yan arrived just as the driver's door swung open and Shen Ji Yun emerged. Seeing him stirred a strong desire in Luo Yan to rush into his embrace. He restrained himself, though with effort. Shen Ji Yun appeared to battle a similar yearning. Their gazes locked, and his countenance brightened fully; he advanced a step, arms rising instinctively. Then, awareness of their surroundings struck him, and his arms dropped hesitantly, replaced by a heartfelt smile.

"Brother Ji Yun, what brings you here?" Luo Yan queried, beaming brightly. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Yes, I've already eaten," Shen Ji Yun replied. His voice softened to a whisper meant only for Luo Yan. "I'm here because I missed you."

"I missed you too," Luo Yan murmured in kind.

For a brief interval, they simply gazed at one another, words unnecessary. The magnetic draw to draw nearer and embrace lingered palpably. Luo Yan extended his hand toward Shen Ji Yun's, hoping for even a fleeting touch of their fingers. But before he could grasp it, his elder brother's voice rang out from behind.

"Come inside, both of you," Luo Ren called.

Glancing over his shoulder, Luo Yan saw Luo Ren already proceeding into the mansion. He faced Shen Ji Yun again, smiling lightly. "Let's head in."

Shen Ji Yun assented and placed his arm around Luo Yan's shoulders as they proceeded to the house. A subtle grin curved Luo Yan's lips. This felt perfectly acceptable. More than just acceptable.