[Combined double chapter, 1,000 bonus words. This chapter: 7,000+ words]
The next morning—
Everyone was up early. Madam Yun whipped up breakfast for the whole household, then handed a stack of silver notes to Young Master Jia (Ivy Shen), and bustled off to handle her business.
At the table, Liam Willow kept his head down, grinning as he slurped congee. He was so happy his mouth wouldn’t close, and the porridge kept dribbling down his chin.
Seeing this, Lucian Vane shook his head in mock annoyance: "Little white rabbit, do you really have to be this happy? You’re just provoking the rest of us!" One look at that blissful face and it was obvious—he’d gotten lucky last night!
"Sorry, Second Brother." Liam quickly wiped his mouth and apologized to Lucian, then went back to eating his breakfast like a good boy.
Meanwhile, Ivy Shen acted like nothing had happened, calmly eating her meal. Adrian Night, ever attentive, picked up a fried dough stick and placed it in her bowl.
"I’m full!" Colin Kerr suddenly grumbled, his voice thick with dissatisfaction.
"Huh? You’re full?" Ivy looked up at Colin. This guy usually eats a ton—how could he be full after just one bun? But when she saw him glaring, it was clear: he was 'full' of anger, not food!
"Young Master Kerr," Liam suddenly turned to him, speaking earnestly, "Thank you for taking care of me all this time. Now that I’ve found my wife, I want to stay by her side and hope you’ll find someone you love too."
"Are you trying to kick me out?" Colin stared at Liam in disbelief, his expression instantly wounded.
Seeing this, Liam jumped up and bent over apologetically. "Young Master Kerr, you’ve got it wrong! It’s just... I’ve told you so many times, I only like my wife. I won’t even glance at anyone else, so... so..." He wanted to say his orientation was 'normal,' but thought better of it, afraid it would hurt Colin’s feelings, so he let it go.
"You have your pursuits, I have mine. It’s none of your business." With that, Colin grabbed his sword and stormed out in a huff.
Liam stood there awkwardly, at a total loss for words.
"Sit down, little white rabbit," Ivy finally spoke up, her tone gentle but firm.
"Wife..." Liam’s sad expression said it all—he really didn’t want to hurt anyone.
"Liam, you know, sometimes you can’t help who you like. Just like you worked so hard all these years for a single promise. I’m not used to Colin’s preferences, but I don’t reject him either. I trust he’s a decent guy who won’t cross any lines. Honestly, when I’m not around, I’m glad he’s by your side." Ivy had always figured Colin was reliable—otherwise, she’d never have tolerated him hanging around her little white rabbit for so long!
"But..."
"Just listen to Ivy, little white rabbit. Besides, Colin seems pretty decent. Hey, don’t give me that look—I mean his character’s good! Relax. Deep feelings don’t always need physical stuff to show." Lucian, for once, offered a whole speech on love.
"Alright, I trust Liam gets it." With that, Ivy turned to Adrian and Lucian: "Are your bags packed?"