Chapter 226: Elena Had Just Set the Table

Elena had just set the table when Daniel burst through the door with his usual energy.

"Daniel?" Elena's face lit up as she rushed to greet him.

He grabbed a fried dough stick and took a big bite. "Got leave today. Came to see you. Went to your department—Leah Young said you were off." He swallowed before adding, "So, when are you heading home for New Year's?"

Elena handed him a steaming bowl of millet porridge. "I have two weeks off."

"Perfect! The CO approved my leave too." Daniel gulped down half the bowl in one go. "Don't worry about train tickets—our captain's got connections."

"Let's leave next Monday then." Elena calculated. "We can pick up some local specialties." She made a mental note to get red ginseng for her sister and dried mushrooms for her foster parents.

Suddenly, Daniel turned to Adrian. "So, Adrian, what's your family situation?" As the eldest brother, he needed answers.

Adrian set down his chopsticks. "My family's in Kyoto. My mother passed early. Father remarried—my stepmother has no children of her own. Three brothers total. I'm the middle one. My elder brother's married with a four-year-old son. Younger brother's a journalist."

"Stepmother?" Daniel's brow furrowed. "Will Elena get treated badly there?" He locked eyes with Adrian. "We country folk speak plain. But Elena's got looks and talent—I won't stand for her being mistreated."

Adrian met his gaze steadily. "You have my word. We'll settle here after marriage, rarely visit Kyoto. Even if we do, I'd never let Elena suffer any slight."

Daniel punched Adrian's shoulder. "Good! Remember what you said today." He turned to Elena. "If he ever hurts you, I'll be the first to deal with him."

Elena's eyes grew moist. This brother—in this life and surely the last—had always cherished her like a treasure.

She suddenly realized: this must be a blessing accumulated over lifetimes.

Foster parents who loved her as their own. Siblings who treated her better than blood. After experiencing life's cruelties, such unconditional love felt more precious than ever.

"Daniel..." Her voice caught.

Daniel shoved a steamed bun into his mouth. "What're you crying for? I just want you happy." He chewed loudly on purpose. "Damn, these buns are good!"

"Since we're all free today, I'll cook something special." Elena wiped her eyes. "Give me your clothes to wash—they'll dry by tomorrow. Stay the night. We've got catching up to do."

Daniel grinned. "Getting spoiled by my little sister before I even get a wife." He winked at Adrian. "Isn't my sister the best? Lucky bastard."

Adrian's gaze softened as it rested on Elena. "I must've done something righteous in a past life."

"You two!" Elena's cheeks flushed pink.

The room filled with joyous laughter, warm enough to melt hearts.