When Xiao Yufan arrived at the bar, it was already past six in the afternoon. After greeting those around him, he walked directly to the spot his master had mentioned.
Xiao Yufan’s heart was still filled with excitement. It had been almost a year since he last saw his master. He could already imagine the scenes of their long-awaited reunion.
But all his imaginings paled in comparison to the moment he actually saw his master again. Seeing the aged figure before him, Xiao Yufan’s eyes misted over—his master had grown older indeed…
“You’re here. I thought you’d have gotten lost in a sea of affection and wouldn’t remember me for a while.”
As if sensing Xiao Yufan’s approach, the figure slowly turned around. The familiar face reappeared in Xiao Yufan’s eyes, still wearing that gentle smile, though now marked by the lines of age and hardship.
“I… came late…” Though countless words crowded at his lips, Xiao Yufan didn’t know what to say. No matter how lofty his master’s status was, to him, the man was simply an elderly person in need of companionship.
“Sit wherever you like. I imagine you’re more familiar with this place than I am. There are so many romantic tales tied to this bar of yours!”
Feeling the warmth in Xiao Yufan’s gaze, the old man’s face softened with contentment. Xiao Yufan had practically grown up under his eyes—whether as a master or a grandfather, he had always been the boy’s closest and dearest companion.
At these words, Xiao Yufan felt a little awkward. Despite being close to the old man, he still felt the weight of respect for his seniority, making him slightly uneasy at the teasing.
“I’m good friends with the owner here. If there’s anything you’d like, Master, I can order it for you…”
The atmosphere had grown slightly awkward. Although Xiao Yufan had a thousand questions, none came to mind now. All he wanted was to sit and chat, and perhaps share a drink with his master. He remembered how much his master loved drinking before he had left home.
“You mean that kid from the Fan family? I’ve already said hello to him!” Waving his hand, the master signaled for Xiao Yufan to sit still. Clearly, he had already placed their drink order.
“The Fan family? It seems like Fan Le and Master are quite familiar with each other!” Xiao Yufan was surprised. He hadn’t expected his master to know Fan Le, and it seemed the two were indeed acquainted.
Just then, Fan Le appeared within Xiao Yufan’s line of sight. Upon seeing him, Fan Le looked even more astonished.
“Master Situ, the person you’re waiting for… isn’t it actually Boss Fan?” Fan Le turned his head to glance at the composed old man, his heart churning with disbelief.
“What’s so surprising about that? Yufan is indeed the one I’m waiting for…” With a light smile, Xiao Yufan noticed his master’s expression held a teasing glint, which left him puzzled. Why were Fan Le and his master so familiar with each other?
“Boss Fan? You’re from the Situ family? Master, surely you’re mistaken! I’ve watched him grow these past few years. Since when does the Situ family indulge in ‘experiencing life’ like this?”
His mouth nearly dropped open. Fan Le couldn’t fathom how Xiao Yufan could possibly be connected to the Situ family. Although he had sometimes suspected the man’s background, this revelation still felt too sudden.
“Yufan is indeed a member of the Situ family. However, due to certain circumstances, he had to leave the family at a very young age…”
The old man’s expression carried a hint of hidden regret. To Xiao Yufan, this frail and aging figure seemed pitiful. His master had already done so much for him—his own situation could never be blamed on the old man.
A heavy silence fell. Fan Le could no longer hear the surrounding noise. His thoughts were frozen. Now he finally understood why the most authoritative figure of the Situ family had always been so kind to him—it was all because of his relationship with Xiao Yufan.
Compared to Fan Le’s shock, Xiao Yufan appeared outwardly calm. Yet inside, his emotions surged like stormy waves. His master’s words had confirmed his suspicions—he truly was a Situ.
“Wow, Boss Fan, you sure know how to keep secrets! A Situ family member—this time I’ve really hit the jackpot…”
Fan Le quickly recovered from his shock, and within an instant, his face broke into a wide grin—one that looked both flattered and sly. Xiao Yufan simply ignored him, clearly indicating he had no idea who this person was.
“Can you just not make me want to throw you out? I’m not even excited, so why the hell are you?”
With no intention of bantering with him, Xiao Yufan shot Fan Le a glare before turning his gaze back to his master. Although he now knew his true identity as a Situ, he still wanted to learn more.
“Master, I want to know more about the Situ family, and… about my parents.”
He slowly calmed his emotions, suppressing the storm within. Now that he had decided to face the truth, he needed to know more—including news of his birth parents.
…
No one could tell how much time had passed. Xiao Yufan and his master had been talking from the dimming twilight until the city lights began to flicker on. The bar was gradually filling with people.
Fan Le had been listening quietly the entire time. He never imagined Xiao Yufan carried such a story. The Situ family—just a glimpse of its power was enough to shake the business world—seemed like an untouchable giant in his eyes.
Regarding Xiao Yufan’s relationship with the Situ family, Fan Le had pieced together the general picture. If he hadn’t misunderstood, Xiao Yufan should be the family’s young master. Yet he still couldn’t grasp why Xiao Yufan addressed the head of the Situ family as “Master.”
“Now you understand a little, right? Back then, your father made that decision out of necessity. For the sake of the entire family, he had no choice. And all these years, they’ve never stopped searching for you!”
“I know all that already. Even if they never stopped looking for me, didn’t they still give me no love? The money they regularly deposit into my account is nothing more than a way to ease their guilt!”
Xiao Yufan understood what it meant to be born with an extremely Yin birth date. Deep down, he didn’t blame his birth parents. But he was still human—how could he feel nothing at all?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage