Stabilizing Madness [Interstellar]

Chapter 84: When Things Are Out of the Ordinary, There Must Be Trouble

Xu Qingran, in his pajamas with slightly disheveled hair, came downstairs.

He fell silent upon seeing the figure standing outside his front gate on the small screen by the door.

It was truly an unexpected visitor.

The person outside, seeing no response, persistently rang the doorbell a few more times.

He also spoke into the intercom by the door: "Brother, I know you're home. Please, just give me a chance to talk."

It was drizzling outside.

Xu Qingan wore a waterproof jacket, the hood loosely draped over his head. The rain and strong wind made it hard for him to keep his eyes open.

When he looked up at the intercom camera, he looked quite pitiful.

Xu Qingan had the advantage of a face that could easily look tearful, along with high emotional intelligence, making him more likable than the original host in those days. But now, he was trying to use this trick on him?

Inside, the white dog followed Xu Qingran downstairs.

Standing beside him, it didn't see Xu Qingan on the screen but caught the unfamiliar scent from outside the gate. It seemed to dislike Xu Qingan too, baring its teeth and growling at the closed door.

As if, given the chance, it would rush out and bite him on the spot.

The white dog stood nearly as tall as Xu Qingran's shoulder.

He reached out, hugging its neck and burying half his face in its clean, fluffy white fur: "Ignore him. He's just here for entertainment."

Seeing Xu Qingan was certain he was home, he stopped pretending and pressed the intercom button: "Fine, you can stand there and talk."

"I'm listening," he said.

The wind outside had picked up.

It buffeted Xu Qingan's fragile frame, making him sway unsteadily. After turning on the speaker, Xu Qingran headed to the kitchen to make himself a cup of hot cocoa.

He was starving, having eaten nothing all day.

The fridge was empty.

Xu Qingan stood outside in the cold wind, realizing Xu Qingran was truly heartless. Shivering, he spoke: "Brother, after entering the Tower of Evil, I finally understood how helpless you felt back then."

"I've been punished, severely reprimanded, and taught by the staff in the tower. I've reflected deeply and realized how wrong my actions and mindset toward you were."

His voice trembled slightly as he recalled something: "So, I'm here today to apologize to you."

The spoon clinked crisply against the cup.

Xu Qingran turned on the heating and sat on the living room sofa, listening to the soft, weak voice echoing around him.

"Brother, you were right."

"My mother and I were the ones who truly destroyed your family. I should have been content with the life of a young master in the Xu family. I was too greedy, always wanting to take everything that rightfully belonged to you."

Xu Qingran stirred enough, then took a few sips from the cup.

The warm, rich cocoa soothed his throat, making him squint with comfort.

"I... I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness. It's fine if you hate me, resent me, or refuse to accept me. I came here today mainly to plead for our father."