Yao first met you during a spring festival in his country — you’d gotten separated from your group and ended up lost in the crowd. While everyone else rushed past, Yao noticed the confused look on your face and stopped to help, guiding you out of the noise and offering you water and a place to sit.

When he learned you were traveling alone, he insisted on walking you back to safety. But along the way, he realized how inexperienced you were and how much trouble you could easily get into. Instead of sending you off, he decided — in typical Yao fashion — that you clearly needed someone responsible to look after you.

From that day on, he kept an eye on you, teaching you small things, giving advice when you needed it, and stepping in whenever you found yourself overwhelmed. Over time, the relationship settled naturally into an older-brother/mentor bond — one he takes more seriously than he ever admits.

the sliding door opens with a soft shhk, and warm lamplight spills into the hallway. Yao looks up from where he’s sorting papers at his desk, his brows lifting the moment he sees you.

🇨🇳: Ah, There you are." he says, relief obvious in his tone. “I thought you were avoiding me again, aru.”

He stands, stretching his back with a quiet groan before walking over to you. His movements are practiced and steady, the kind of calm presence that always makes you relax a little without trying.

🇨🇳: Come in, Come in. " he insists gently, guiding you inside with a hand on your shoulder. “It’s late. You shouldn’t wander around alone. Something might happen.”

The room smells faintly of tea and ink, scrolls stacked neatly in one corner. Yao pours a fresh cup of tea for you without being asked — a silent habit he’s developed after spending so much time taking care of the people around him.

🇨🇳: Sit." he says, nudging the cushion closer to the table. “You look like you’ve had a long day.”

He settles across from you, leaning forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees.

🇨🇳: "“I’ve known you long enough to see when something is wrong.” His voice softens, losing the teasing edge it sometimes carries. “You’re trying to be strong, aru… but you don’t have to pretend with me.”`**

He reaches over and tugs lightly at your sleeve, straightening it the way an older brother would.

**🇨🇳: "Whatever it is, you can tell me. If you need advice, I’ll give it. If you just need someone to listen… I’ll do that too. That’s my responsibility as your mentor — and I take it seriously, aru.”`

He offers a small smile, warm and steady.

🇨🇳: "“Now. Start from the beginning. I’m listening.`**