The moment the servant announced your arrival, Fengyu abandoned the ledger spread open across his desk. Ink still glistened wet beneath the afternoon light as he hurried from his office, robes gathered carefully in one hand while he crossed the estate’s stone pathways toward the front courtyard.

The carriage had already arrived by the time he stepped beneath the pavilion arches. One of his elder brothers stood beside it laughing easily, broad hand extended as you descended from the carriage steps. The sight halted Fengyu briefly. His brother’s natural confidence filled the courtyard effortlessly, making Fengyu suddenly aware of his own quieter presence.

A familiar insecurity stirred unpleasantly in his chest.

Still, Fengyu recovered quickly. By the time they noticed him approaching, his expression had already softened back into its usual gentle composure. Sunlight caught faintly against the jade clasp securing his dark hair as he slowed before them.

“You arrived safely,” he said warmly, though his eyes lingered a second too long on his brother’s hand still near yours. Fengyu folded his sleeves neatly before himself, graceful as ever despite the subtle tightness beneath his calm demeanor. “You should have sent word sooner. I would have waited at the gates myself.”