The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1317 1317: IF YOU STAY

A moment of hesitation passed before Yu Jiao activated the doorbell at the Luo family's grand estate. Luo Yan had informed her that his father and elder brothers were slated to return from B City on this very day. Typically, a visit so soon after the Mid-Autumn Festival would be out of the question, as that time was reserved for family. However, given the recent turn of events, she felt compelled to check on them.

Naturally, she was aware of the distressing news concerning Luo Yan's grandfather. When she had spoken with him, he had recounted the events in fractured sentences, his voice clearly strained over the phone. Even from their brief exchange, his profound grief was palpable. It was entirely understandable, given that the deceased was his own grandfather.

She had considered attending the funeral, but the thought of it felt like an imposition. While she considered the Luo brothers and Uncle Wei Tian dear friends, she had never personally met the patriarch of the Bai family. Disposing her respects felt like trespassing on sacred ground, intruding where she had no rightful place. Consequently, she had opted to send messages to Luo Ren, Luo Jin, and Bai Ze. Now that they were back, however, her primary concern was to see how they were holding up.

The electronic gate hummed to life, snapping her back to the present. The family's long-serving housekeeper had granted her entry without a second thought, a testament to her familiarity with the household. The staff at the mansion largely recognized her. As she traversed the path leading to the main entrance, her pace gradually diminished with each step.

Even before her hand could reach the door, it swung inward. It wasn't entirely autonomous; Luo Ren stood in the entryway. Yu Jiao halted, her gaze immediately drawn to his features. She perceived the faint redness encircling his eyes. A subtle smile graced his lips, yet beneath it, she detected an undeniable undercurrent of sorrow.

For reasons she couldn't quite fathom, his appearance stirred a pang within her chest. The Luo Ren she knew projected an aura of unwavering confidence and self-assurance. While capable of gentleness towards those he cherished, an inherent coolness, a cultivated distance, always remained. She had never found this off-putting. Perhaps it was her subconscious belief that he was entitled to such a demeanor. Therefore, witnessing him now, seemingly diminished and steeped in sadness, felt jarringly... incorrect.

Yu Jiao struggled to reconcile her feelings, deeming them inappropriate. It felt wrong, as though she were clinging to a rigid perception of Luo Ren, an image she had constructed mentally, and any deviation from it was met with internal resistance. This, she realized, was unfair to him. He was entitled to his grief. He could allow himself to appear weary and subdued. A wave of guilt washed over her for even entertaining such critical thoughts.

Dismissing the intrusive notions, she offered a gentle, supportive smile and took a step forward. "Brother Ren," she murmured.

Luo Ren's eyes widened slightly. Yu Jiao's presence was unexpected. They had only returned from B City an hour prior. His father had immediately retreated to his study to attend to pressing work matters. Luo Jin had sequestered himself in his room, likely immersed in Arcadia. Luo Ren found himself wishing for a similar diversion, but at this moment, any form of exertion seemed beyond him.

Consequently, upon learning of Yu Jiao's arrival at the gate from the housekeeper, he had intended to greet her outside. However, before he could even exit the premises, she was already standing directly before him.

He hadn't intended to stare, yet he found himself unable to look away. Her hair had lengthened since their last meeting, now styled in a simple low ponytail. She was dressed in a cozy, cream-colored sweater paired with dark jeans. The sight of her was, quite simply, beautiful. The realization struck him with unexpected force. A powerful urge surged within him to close the distance, to draw her near, and to feel the comforting warmth of her presence against him. Even if only for a fleeting moment. A desperate hope flickered that it might quell the persistent ache that had resided in his chest for days.

He was certain it would offer solace. Yet, he reined himself in, remaining rooted to his spot. The thought of embracing her without invitation, however potent the desire, felt unwarranted. He acknowledged that Yu Jiao would likely permit such an advance if explicitly requested. Her inherent kindness made it probable. This was especially true given her perception of him as a friend. Perhaps, he mused, a burgeoning romantic interest was starting to blossom. But until such a certainty could be established, he would maintain his restraint.

"Jiao Jiao," he addressed her, his voice soft. "Please, come inside."

As they entered the residence together, Luo Ren's attention was drawn to the substantial paper bag she carried. Apparently sensing his curiosity, Yu Jiao spoke before he could voice his question.

"My mother and I prepared some soup dumplings this morning," she explained, a gentle smile touching her lips. "Yan Yan mentioned that you, Xiao Jin, and Uncle Wei Tian would be returning today, so I thought I'd bring some over."

"Thank you," Luo Ren replied. He accepted the bag and handed it to a passing household staff member. "I'm certain they will be delicious."

Yu Jiao's smile widened. They proceeded to the living room, settling onto the plush couch. She sat close to him, her hands resting composedly in her lap.

A moment of quiet passed before Yu Jiao finally inquired, "Brother Ren, are you alright?"

Luo Ren was taken aback by her question, though he shouldn't have been. He had anticipated Yu Jiao's visit to check on them. While he couldn't draw her into an embrace as he desired, witnessing her genuine and unguarded concern brought a comforting warmth to his heart. It was just enough to soothe the persistent ache that had resided within him for days.

A sincere smile graced his lips. "Well, if you decide to stay for lunch, I believe I'll be just fine."

A faint blush tinged Yu Jiao's cheeks. "T-then I suppose I shall have to accept your invitation for lunch."

Luo Ren let out a soft chuckle at her response.