"GOOD afternoon. I apologized for the sudden intrusion," Shen Ji Yun greeted when he walked in the dining area and saw the other people standing there.
The only ones he's familiar with were Bai Ze's father – Bai Chen, and Luo Jin. The other two men, he's definitely not familiar with. One was older, probably in the same age range as Bai Chen. He was tall and very fit. One could see that he worked out pretty regularly. That's why anyone would easily assume that he's 10 years younger. The other one was like the younger version of the older man. His every facial feature resembled that of the old man's like a perfect copy. No one would doubt that they're a pair of father and son.
Seeing their slight resemblance to Luo Jin, Shen Ji Yun had no doubt that the two were the rabbit's father and older brother. Realizing that, he suddenly wanted to leave a good impression on them. Something that he never thought he would be bothered of doing.
"Ji Yun, you're always welcome here. So, there's no need for any apologies," Bai Chen said. "I see that you've already met our Xiao Yan," he added.
Because just like the rest, he also noticed the very friendly atmosphere between the two. Shen Ji Yun was even showing such a gentle expression. Something that he had rarely seen for the past decade since this kid and his son became friends.
"Dad, have you forgotten already? Xiao Yan and Xiao Jin are also playing Arcadia. So, they've already met Ji Yun," Bai Ze said while putting down Bai Ye.
"Ah, right. You did mention that," Bai Chen said seemingly only remembering that fact now.
"Oh, that game. Then could this young man be the 'captain' Xiao Yan has been talking about?" Luo Wei Tian asked with interest.
Luo Yan walked beside his father. "That's right. It's him, Dad," he said confirming what his father asked. Then he turned to Shen Ji Yun. "Brother Ji Yun, this is my Dad – Luo Wei Tian. Handsome, isn't he?" he added, smiling proudly while hugging his father's arm.
Luo Wei Tian smiled down at his second son and tap his nose. "You sweet kid. You're making your father blush." He then turned to Shen Ji Yun and offered his hand to him. "It's nice to finally meet you, Shen Ji Yun."
Shen Ji Yun subconsciously stood up straight before shaking Luo Wei Tian's hand. "Likewise, Mr. Luo."
Luo Wei Tian raised one of his brows when he felt the kid's firm grasp. "Although I have no clue how that game works, let me give my thanks for taking care of Xiao Yan and Xiao Jin," he said after taking back his hand.
Luo Jin resisted the urge to correct his father. What taking care of? That might be true for Luo Yan, but certainly not applicable to him.
"No. Both of them are really good players. There's almost no need for me of anyone else to help them."
This time, Luo Jin gave Shen Ji Yun and unbelieving glance. Did this guy just praise him? Wait- more importantly, why did it feel like this guy was kind of sucking-up to his father?
"Ji Yun is right, Uncle. These two are amazing," Bai Ze said while putting his arms on Luo Yan and Luo Jin's shoulders. "If you could see how they fi—"
Bai Ze wasn't able to finish what he was saying because his side was suddenly pinched hard. It took all of his self-control just not to squeak like a little girl. He gazed down at the side where he was pinched and saw Luo Yan smiling at him. But those eyes were definitely not smiling. In fact, it looked threatening. As if silently telling him to not say anything.
"Yes, both Ah Jin and I are good with solving all the little puzzles in the game," Luo Yan said, smiling at everyone. Then he turned to Bai Ze. "Isn't that right, Brother Ze?"
He knew what Bai Ze was about to say earlier – that he and Luo Jin were both good in fighting monsters. How could he let him say that in front of his father and older brother? If the two thought that he was doing something dangerous, even if it was only virtual, it would definitely be a headache convincing them otherwise.
"Y-yes, that's right," Bai Ze said, only because he had a feeling that his side would be pinched even harder if he disagreed.
Just, what had gotten into Luo Yan? It felt like his angel like cousin suddenly disappeared for a second and was replaced by a little demon.
If Luo Jin and Shen Ji Yun knew what he was thinking, then they could answer him and tell him that he just encountered Luo Yan's dark side.
Bai Chen stared at this nephew of his who resembled his sister greatly. His brother-in-law might not have noticed the little gesture Luo Yan made because of his very thick filter when it came to his son, but Bai Chen surely did. He smiled in amusement. Well, it seemed like Luo Yan didn't only inherit his mother's looks but her mischievous side as well.
Luo Ren's filter in regards to Luo Yan might be as thick as his father's, but he did notice his brother's little move. Luo Yan was obviously preventing Bai Ze from saying something about the game. When Luo Yan said that he wanted to play that game – Arcadia, he didn't think too much of it. Because even he played some online games back when he was still a kid. But it seemed like this game needed some further investigating.
He temporarily put that thought back in his mind and just said, "Yan Yan, you're not going to introduce me to your friend?"
Luo Yan felt relieved when the topic finally shifted. So, he quickly walked towards his older brother's side. "Brother Ji Yun, this is my older brother – Luo Ren."
"Hey, Yan Yan, why didn't you say I'm handsome. Just like you did when you introduced Dad?" Luo Ren complained.
Luo Yan only stared at Luo Ren with a black expression on his face before saying, "Brother should not be too shameless."
"Yan is right, Brother. You should not be shameless," Luo Jin seconded. How could he just let go of the chance to tease Luo Ren?
Luo Ren smiled helplessly. "You two brats," he said before ruffling the hair of the two. He then turned to Shen Ji Yun. "Nice to meet you, Shen Ji Yun."
Shen Ji Yun nodded, trying his best not to appear as aloof as usual. "Likewise."
He stared at the interaction of the brothers, add that to how Luo Yan interacted with his father earlier, it was now quite clear that they all had a good, no, a great relationship. Which he was really glad about. Because that meant that the rabbit had a good family life. He was happy that Luo Yan was happy.
Truly, what a weird feeling. Being happy for the happiness of someone. Although, it might only be possible because that 'someone' just so happened to be Luo Yan.