The child isn't afraid of Summer approaching?
Serena was puzzled and looked down at the child in her arms. Their eyes met... the child's gaze was empty, completely devoid of color or emotion, leaving nothing to read.
"Miss?" Summer called softly, her face full of confusion.
"It's nothing," Serena shook her head. She recalled how the maid who led the way just now hadn't frightened the child when she approached, and understood a little more.
It's probably because the attacker was a man, and the one who died so tragically was also a man. The child has developed a shadow toward men—whenever a man approaches, he can't help but recall what he went through and falls into fear.
Still, although the child doesn't resist women approaching, he refuses to let strangers hold him. When Summer touched him, he let out a low whimper like a wounded animal, desperately burrowing into Serena's arms as if afraid of being abandoned.
Serena had no choice but to carry him into Evan's room: "This child is different from others. He's been through some unhappy things and is a bit withdrawn."
This was Serena's explanation to Zuo An. Zuo An wasn't stupid—just by observing, even if he couldn't guess everything, he could figure out most of it.
Fortunately, the child doesn't need Serena to hold him all the time. As long as they're indoors and Serena is within his line of sight, he feels safe.
Serena carried the child into the inner room and placed him on a small couch not far from Evan: "Be good and wait here for your sister. Your sister needs to check on your little brother."
The child stared motionlessly at Serena, seeming to digest the meaning of her words. After a long moment, his long eyelashes trembled slightly, signaling his understanding.
"Miss, the clean clothes and water are here." At that moment, Summer brought over a basin of clean water to help Serena wash up.
After the chaos at the city gate, Serena's clothes were a mess—she couldn't possibly approach Evan looking so filthy.
"Watch the child for a moment," Serena instructed, then took the clothes behind the screen. Out of sight, the child's body went rigid, his face unusually serious. Summer stared in shock, almost kneeling in fright...
How strange—he's a bit like Ninth Royal Uncle!