The Outing Begins
By mid-morning, Mushu knocked gently. His voice, as always, was calm. Steady.
"Sisu, get ready. Let's go out. You've been grieving too much. A change of scenery will help."
Sisu opened the door, face composed, eyes stormy. He nodded quickly, forcing a smile.
"Yes, Big Brother."
Mushu lingered a mont, sensing heaviness but mistaking it for sorrow for their father. He placed a reassuring hand on Sisu's shoulder.
"We'll shop a little, then dine sowhere nice. You need to relax."
Sisu's heart skipped at the touch, chest tightening. He lowered his gaze, whispering softly,
"Thank you, Big Brother."
Shopping in the City
Shanghai's streets bustled. Lanterns swayed, rchants called; roasted chestnuts mixed with perfu. Mushu walked tall, drawing glances. Sisu followed, eyes fixed on Mushu's back, fighting his emotions. Mushu showed Sisu the busy market, then led him to one of the Li's exclusive mbers-only malls in the city's heart.
It was Sisu's first ti to set foot in such a grand place.
Mushu stopped at a clothing shop.
"You need proper attire. You can't keep wearing travel-worn clothes. Try these."
He handed Sisu a finely tailored suit, dark blue with silver cufflinks from the display.
Sisu hesitated, his trembling fingers lingering on Mushu's as he accepted it. The contact sent heat racing to his cheeks, leaving him breathless.
Inside the fitting room, Sisu stared at his reflection, clutching the suit.
Sisu stared into the mirror, heart pounding, breath shallow. 'How can I stand beside him without tearing myself apart? Father, why did you send back to him?'
When he stepped out, Mushu nodded approvingly.
"It suits you. You look stronger and brighter in it."
Sisu's lips parted. No words ca. He only lowered his gaze, hiding the turmoil in his eyes.
Mushu bought him more clothes, shoes, accessories, and snacks.
Dining Together
By noon, Mushu led Sisu into a fine dining restaurant. The air was rich with the aroma of braised duck and jasmine tea. A private room had been prepared, quiet and elegant.
Mushu gestured for Sisu to sit.
"Order whatever you like. Today is for you."
Sisu's hands trembled as he picked up the nu. His eyes darted to Mushu, who sat across from him. Relaxed, vigilant. His presence filled the room.
He gripped the nu, knuckles white, heart hamring: 'He doesn't know… he can't know. If he ever finds out, what will he think of ? Will he despise ? Will he leave again?'
The waiter arrived, and Mushu ordered confidently:
"Xiao Long Bao, Red-Braised Pork belly, Braised duck, stead fish, and lotus soup. And tea."
Sisu nodded silently, his voice too weak to add anything.
The Silent Battle
Dishes arrived; Mushu ate calmly, urging Sisu to try more.
"Eat. You've lost weight. Father would scold if I let you starve."
Sisu forced each bite down, the food tasting like ash. His heart hamred at every sight of Mushu and the sound of his voice. He yearned to speak his truth, but the words choked him, trapped by fear.
Mushu noticed his silence, mistaking it for grief.
"You miss Father, don't you? He was a good man. He wanted us to stay united. That's why he sent you to ."
Sisu's chopsticks froze mid-air. His vision blurred as tears welled fiercely, and he ducked behind his cup, trying to hide the ache.
"Yes… I miss him."
Inside, Sisu's mind was screaming in silence.
'And you, Big Brother. I miss you. It's you I've always loved.'
Mushu's Helplessness
After the al, Mushu leaned back, studying Sisu's face, brows furrowed.
"You're still restless. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the temple. Maybe prayer will ease your heart."
Sisu's lips trembled, chest aching. He wanted to cry out, but forced a smile.
"Thank you, Big Brother. You're always thoughtful."
Mushu nodded, satisfied with the answer, though unease lingered. He had mastered blades and war, but his brother's silence remained unsolved.
As they left the restaurant, the city lights flickered against the evening sky. Mushu walked ahead, his stride steady, his mind already planning tomorrow's outing.
Sisu followed, heart heavy, emotions a storm he dared not reveal. His eyes lingered on Mushu's back, a silent plea echoing.
'Father, why did you send back to him? How long can I endure this?'
Night swallowed their figures, one walking certain, the other in silence.
Sisu's Emotional Thoughts
When they returned ho that night, Mushu inford Sisu that they had to share the room for a few more nights. Sisu's heart dropped.
'I thought I'd finally escape this tornt… I was ready for my own space, to breathe freely again. But now I have to sleep beside him. How can I control myself? Every night — his glance, his breath — feels like torture. Father, why send back? Is this a test? Or a punishnt?'
Sisu forced a smile, his voice trembling.
"I understand, brother. I'll go wash up first."
He rushed into the bathroom, clutching his chest, his face burning.
The Three Nights of Tornt
For the next three nights, the sa pattern repeated.
Night One: Sisu lay stiffly on the bed, wrapped tightly in his blanket, pretending to sleep. His cheeks glowed red, and his breathing was uneven. Every ti Mushu shifted, Sisu's heart raced. He bit his lip until it bled, whispering, "Calm down."
Night Two: Sisu excused himself to the bathroom longer than usual, splashing cold water on his face, gripping the sink until his knuckles turned white. He stared at his reflection, whispering, "Don't let him see. Don't let him know." When he returned, his hair damp, Mushu frowned at his flushed cheeks.
"Are you sick again?" Mushu pressed a hand to Sisu's forehead.
Sisu jerked back, stamring, "No, Big Brother, I'm fine!"
Night Three: Sisu turned his back to Mushu, clutching his pillow. His body trembled, his mind filled with forbidden images. His breaths ca shallow, face buried in the pillow. Mushu, lying awake, watched silently, despair gnawing at him.
Mushu rubbed his temple, his stoic mask cracking.
'I've mastered blades, guns, and war. But I cannot understand my own brother. Why is he always flushed? Why does he avoid ? Why does he tremble every ti I touch him? I think… I may need to consult Madam for advice.'
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