The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1328: NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED

LUO YAN surveyed his reflection, his hair artfully styled with a gentle wave and a subtle product, causing it to gleam. He was outfitted in a pristine white suit, its jacket expertly tailored to accentuate his frame. Crafted from a fine wool blend, the material felt smooth and sharp beneath the ambient light. A refined, pale silver tie was secured at his collar, adorned with a simple, dark grey tie clip. His trousers draped impeccably over a pair of polished black leather shoes.

The overall presentation exuded a clean, sharp, and understated sophistication—the hallmark of a professional stylist preparing someone for an event where turning heads was inevitable. He rotated his head, scrutinizing his profile, before smoothing a hand down the front of his jacket.

Were he in his typical state of mind, a few self-congratulatory remarks would have already been uttered. However, in the wake of last night's events, any enthusiasm for today's party had completely evaporated.

Luo Yan found his thoughts drifting back to the moments immediately following Shen Ji Yun's departure.

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"I truly apologize," he confessed, a profound sense of shame coloring his tone. "We had no intention of causing you pain, Father. I swear, none at all."

A heavy sigh was his father's response. "I understand your intentions were pure. Yet, that doesn't diminish the hurt, Xiao Yan."

Luo Yan unconsciously gnawed at his lower lip, at a loss for any words that might assuage his father's feelings.

"Does anyone else know about... the two of you?" his father inquired, his voice laced with concern. "Regarding your relationship, I mean."

The question sent a fresh wave of unease through Luo Yan, causing him to fidget. His stomach churned with anxiety. He was unsure how to respond. Honesty, he feared, would only exacerbate his father's pain. Yet, to lie again risked shattering any remaining trust. His chest tightened, his throat constricted. He despised this feeling—hating that his father's suffering stemmed from his actions. After a prolonged silence, he drew a breath and made a decision. He would speak the truth. No more concealment, no more falsehoods. Even if it worsened the situation, at least it would be genuine.

"Brother, Brother Ze, Ah Jin, Sister Yuqi, and Jiao Jiao," he began, pausing briefly. "And Uncle Yi Mu. They are all aware."

He considered including Uncle Yue and Grandma Wu in his confession, but his father was not well-acquainted with them, rendering their knowledge irrelevant. Furthermore, mentioning Uncle Yue would necessitate an explanation of his connection with Uncle Yi Mu. He felt it was inappropriate to discuss others' relationships, especially at a time when he was only just revealing his own. He had no intention of outing anyone else.

A palpable silence descended. Luo Yan tilted his head, catching a fleeting glimpse of pain on his father's face before the older man masked it. His father shut his eyes tightly, visibly struggling to regain composure. When his eyes reopened, they held a profound sadness that resonated deep within Luo Yan's chest.

"So, I'm the only one left in the dark," his father remarked, a wry, bitter smile touching his lips. "Everyone else knew but me. It seems I wasn't paying close enough attention."

"No, Father, it's not like that at all," Luo Yan interjected hastily. "Ah Jin, Brother Ze, and Sister Yuqi are all part of our circle. We spend so much time together that it simply came up naturally. Jiao Jiao is my closest confidante, so telling her was effortless. Brother is simply too perceptive; he deduced it himself. And Uncle Yi Mu... Brother Ji Yun informed him." He stopped, realizing the more he explained, the more he seemed to complicate matters. "I'm sorry, Father. Please don't believe I withheld this because of a lack of trust. It's just..." His voice trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.

What words could possibly mend this situation? None came to mind. There was only one path forward he could envision.

To lay bare his true feelings.

"Keeping this from you for so long... I believe it wasn't solely due to fear. I was also apprehensive about disappointing you. I understand there's nothing inherently wrong with loving someone of the same gender. I've come to terms with that aspect of myself. However, I'm also acutely aware of societal perceptions surrounding such relationships. The hushed whispers, the ingrained judgments, the way people gossip behind closed doors. I never wanted that burden to fall upon you. I didn't want our family to face different treatment because of me. And while I knew you wouldn't judge me personally, a part of me couldn't shake the fear that, deep down, you might still feel a sense of disappointment. That perhaps you'd wish I were different, or had chosen a simpler path. That's why I repeatedly postponed telling you, convincing myself that a more opportune moment would arise. But that moment never materialized, and, well, here we are."

A tightness formed in Luo Yan's throat as tears welled, blurring his vision. He blinked rapidly, determined to hold back the tears, yet an unexpected lightness washed over him. It was as if an immense burden he'd unconsciously carried for ages had finally been lifted. Before another word could escape his lips, a pair of warm, rough hands gently cupped his face.

His father tilted his head up, a sorrowful smile gracing his features. "I could never be disappointed in you, Xiao Yan. It doesn't matter who you love, or the path you decide to walk. You are my son, and that truth will never waver." He paused, his thumb tenderly stroking Luo Yan's cheek. "I only regret that you didn't tell me sooner. I wish I could have been there from the start, to show you my unwavering belief not only in you but in the love you chose, and the person you chose to share it with."

Luo Yan's sobs erupted, the tears he'd held back now streaming down his face. "I'm sorry."

His father embraced him tightly. "Shh... no more crying. Tell Ji Yun to bring his uncle on Sunday. We will have a proper conversation then."

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Luo Yan remained uncertain of his father's true feelings regarding Shen Ji Yun, but at the very least, the intense anger from the previous night had subsided.