THE REAL PROTEGE-Chapter 484: IT’S YOU I’VE ALWAYS LOVED

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 moment, 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 somewhere 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, merchants called; roasted chestnuts mixed with perfume. 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 members-only malls in the city's heart.

It was Sisu's first time 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 me 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 came. 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 menu. His eyes darted to Mushu, who sat across from him. Relaxed, vigilant. His presence filled the room.

He gripped the menu, knuckles white, heart hammering: 'He doesn't know… he can't know. If he ever finds out, what will he think of me? Will he despise me? Will he leave me again?'

The waiter arrived, and Mushu ordered confidently:

"Xiao Long Bao, Red-Braised Pork belly, Braised duck, steamed 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 me if I let you starve."

Sisu forced each bite down, the food tasting like ash. His heart hammered 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 me."

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 meal, 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 me 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 home that night, Mushu informed Sisu that they had to share the room for a few more nights. Sisu's heart dropped.

'I thought I'd finally escape this torment… 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 me back? Is this a test? Or a punishment?'

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 Torment

For the next three nights, the same 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 time 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, stammering, "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 came 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 me? Why does he tremble every time I touch him? I think… I may need to consult Madam for advice.'