The sickly one in F4 was the group's darling.

The lake breeze stopped, and the aroma of red dates wafted from the direction of the kitchen, even stronger than before.

Uncle Chen carried the insulated food box into the pavilion and gently placed it on the stone table.

"Young Master, the porridge is ready. As you instructed, I added less sugar."

Bai Jiheng stood up and took it: "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

"It's my duty." Uncle Chen bowed slightly. "The Third Young Master is taking much more care of the Young Master than before."

Bai Jiheng paused slightly in the hand holding the food box.

"He's sick, we can't let my older brother worry about him alone. Alright, I'll be going now."

After saying that, Bai Jiheng picked up the food box and turned to walk back.

When the door to the ward was pushed open, Bai Ci was leaning against the headboard, half of her face buried in the blanket, her eyes staring straight at the ceiling.

He heard the door open, looked up abruptly, his light brown pupils brightened for a moment, then quickly dimmed again the instant he saw who it was.

But he still smiled at Bai Jiheng and obediently called him "Third Brother".

Bai Jiheng stood at the door, holding a food box, and saw the whole scene clearly, from expectation to disappointment, without even trying to hide it.

He glanced around the room, his eyebrows twitching very subtly.

Okay, the older brother will be gone for a while, and the little guy is already looking forward to it eagerly.

"Your face changes so quickly, from bright to dark," he said, placing the food container on the bedside table, his tone as casual as ever, "You've been trained? More sensitive than the motion-activated lights at home."

"……No."

"No?" Bai Jiheng pulled out a chair next to the bed and sat down, crossing his long legs in a relaxed posture. "Then why weren't your eyes bright when you saw it was me?"

Bai Ci glanced at him briefly, then quickly looked away, pursed her lips, and remained silent.

Seeing his sullen expression, Bai Jiheng pressed his tongue against his back teeth, then suddenly leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and stared straight at Bai Ci's face.

Bai Ci felt uneasy under his gaze and shrank back: "...What?"

"Just now," Bai Jiheng said slowly, "when you saw me come in, your face was all scrunched up like a bitter gourd."

Bai Ci's eyes widened instantly: "No way!"

"Yes, his eyes lit up for a moment, then dimmed. His expression clearly said—'Why is it you? Not my brother?'"

"No!" Bai Ci's ears turned visibly red. He sat up straight, trying to make his voice sound indignant. "I just waited too long. You spent ages carrying porridge, so I was watching the door! It has nothing to do with my brother!"

"Oh." Bai Jiheng drawled, a hint of amusement in his eyes, and slowly pressed on, "So you were waiting for me just now?"

Bai Ci was instantly speechless, her cheeks burning.

He had indeed subconsciously hoped that his eldest brother would come back, but when his third brother so bluntly pointed it out, and when he saw the food box the other brother brought over, he was instantly filled with guilt.

My blunt expression of disappointment just now must have upset my third brother.

Fearing the other person wouldn't believe him, he quickly added, his voice soft and exceptionally sincere: "I misread it just now. I wasn't disappointed. I was just a little distracted because I was waiting for the porridge for so long. I know my eldest brother is busy with his medical appointments, and I know my third brother specially brought me porridge and kept me company."

Bai Ci's eyes were clear and straightforward, frank and gentle, as she clumsily and earnestly coaxed him.

In an instant, the slight bitterness of being neglected that Bai Jiheng felt completely vanished.

He had only meant to tease people and hadn't really taken it to heart, but now that Bai Ci was coaxing him so earnestly, his heart felt like it had been soaked in warm water, and he was completely melted.

On the surface, he maintained his nonchalant demeanor, raising an eyebrow with feigned composure: "Really? You're not kidding me?"

"I'm not kidding!" Bai Ci immediately shook her head and said seriously, "I know, Third Brother has always protected me. When I was wronged or bullied before, you were always the first to stand up for me."

These words were soft and sweet, striking straight into Bai Jiheng's heart.

Bai Jiheng couldn't help but smile slightly, secretly pleased: This little thing has a conscience, it wasn't a waste of my love for him.

He coughed lightly, feigning nonchalance, concealing the smile in his eyes, and maintaining his arrogant demeanor as the third brother: "You're smart to know what's good for you."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and opened the insulated food box, and the warm aroma of dates mixed with the fragrance of rice wafted out.

"I deliberately put less sugar in it for you, so it's just right for you to eat right now."

Bai Ci held his bowl and quietly drank his porridge, his expression gentle yet neat and efficient. He knew in his heart that Bai Jiheng, though seemingly carefree and unreliable, was actually not only protective of his own but also quite dependable.

"Where is my older brother?" Bai Jiheng asked.

"I went downstairs to see Dr. Qin. He said he'd be back soon," Bai Ci answered softly. Then, as if afraid Bai Jiheng would press for answers, she quickly added, "He told me to lie down and rest until you come back."

Bai Jiheng hummed in agreement and didn't ask any further questions.

Dr. Qin, here is your medical examination report.

He mentally went over those words, but didn't show it on his face.

"Third Brother."

"Um?"

Aren't you going to eat?

"You eat yours, I'm not hungry."

Bai Jiheng lowered his head and sent a message to Bai Yanzhi.

"Is your meeting over yet? Some people might not say it, but their eyes are practically bulging through the door."

The reply came quickly: "Coming right away."

After Bai Ci had drunk more than half a bowl of porridge, he casually mentioned, "By the way, I'll have the engineering department check on the heating pipe well next to your house tomorrow."

Bai Ci looked up: "...What are you looking at?"

"Routine inspection. Older houses have more pipes, so regular maintenance is necessary. Also, check the protective netting on the floor drains and vents. The Bai family does this every year before winter; it's your area's turn this year."

Bai Ci nodded as if she understood but not quite.

"Third Brother, if you're busy, you don't need to stay here. I can manage on my own."

"No rush, let's talk about it when my brother gets back."

Bai Ci was quiet for a moment, then suddenly spoke softly, her tone tentative and cautious: "Third Brother, Second Brother... is he easy to get along with?"

Bai Jiheng raised an eyebrow: "Why are you suddenly asking this?"

"I've never been so close to anyone before... I wanted to prepare in advance."

"What are you preparing for? Are you preparing to run away? He looks cold, but he's not bad-tempered with his own people. As long as you don't touch his stones or his snakes, everything else is fine."

"...But what if," Bai Ci's voice softened further, "what if I'm afraid of his snake?"

Seeing his anxious expression, Bai Jiheng felt a pang of jealousy. He was so concerned about his second brother, being nervous and preparing himself mentally. Why hadn't he ever seen Bai Ci be nervous for him?

Bai Jiheng's casual smile faded slightly, a hint of barely perceptible selfishness lurking in his eyes, though his tone remained relaxed and composed:

"If you're afraid, there's no need to force yourself to get involved."

He spoke with such thoughtfulness and candor, clearly concerned for Bai Ci: "Second Brother is a loner, his mind is only on his ores and snakes, he doesn't like to get close to people, you don't need to deliberately find topics to please him."

Bai Ci lowered her eyes slightly and muttered softly, "But we're family..."

"Even family members can get along or not. It's enough for me to handle things with him. You don't need to make things difficult for yourself. Spend more time with me when you have free time, and don't always try to get close to him."

The implication in those words couldn't be clearer.

There's no need to bother trying to please Bai Luochen; having him by my side is enough.

Bai Ci paused, then looked up at Bai Jiheng, not immediately grasping the hidden meaning in his words, only feeling simply reassured: "Really, I don't need to take the initiative to get along with Second Brother?"

"No need." Bai Jiheng snorted lightly, his tone carrying a unique arrogance. "If anything happens, I'll protect you. I've also arranged for the snake's protection. You can just stay with me and your older brother without worry."

He spoke casually, but in his heart he was making plans.

Bai Ci is soft-hearted and easily wronged by others. Rather than having him carefully cater to the aloof Bai Luochen, it would be easier and more comfortable for him to rely on himself.

Bai Ci obediently nodded in agreement, and the anxiety he felt towards his second brother subsided considerably.

Bai Jiheng watched him nod obediently, his face expressionless, but in his heart he clearly made a note: Bai Ci had turned the corner.