"Are you going to sleep now, gege?" Yibo asked, his head tilted slightly as he gazed up at his older brother's face with curious eyes that shimmered under the warm hallway light.
They were walking side by side up the wide staircase that led to the second floor, where both of their rooms were located, their soft footsteps barely making a sound on the polished wooden steps.
The evening had settled gently around the house, bringing with it a calm, cozy quiet.
They had just finished their nightly routine together, cleaning up after dinner, brushing their teeth side by side at the bathroom sink, and changing into freshly washed pajamas that smelled faintly of lavender from the softener.
After enjoying a quiet moment watching TV together in the living room, with Yibo curled beside Zhan like a sleepy cat, it was finally time to go to bed.
Zhan glanced down at Yibo, meeting his round, expectant eyes with a gentle smile.
"I'll tuck you in first, Yibo. Then I'll head to sleep," he replied.
At that, Yibo gave a soft giggle, nodding eagerly.
"Okay, gege!" he chirped, clearly pleased with the answer.
Once they entered Yibo's room, the younger boy carefully climbed up onto his bed, trying not to slip on the thick blanket that covered the mattress.
Zhan reached out instinctively to steady him, one hand hovering protectively near his back just in case he lost his balance.
The last thing he wanted was for Yibo to fall and hit his head on the floor, not when he was already so small and light like a feather, and not when Zhan had always taken it upon himself to make sure he stayed safe. Once Yibo settled under the covers with a soft hum of contentment, he tilted his head again, resting it slightly on the pillow, looking at his gege with those bright, searching eyes.
"Gege," he called softly, his tone filled with innocent curiosity.
"Hmm?" Zhan responded, his attention fully on the little one as he adjusted the blanket over his legs.
"Uhm… did you eat well tonight?" Yibo asked, blinking slowly.
"Yes," Zhan answered with a small smile. "I did."
"Did you like it here?" Yibo continued, his voice gentle and laced with something hopeful.
"You mean the house?" Zhan asked.
"Yes! And your room too!" Yibo said quickly, eyes wide with excitement, as if the idea of Zhan liking the same things he liked made the world feel brighter.
Zhan paused for a second as if thinking, then gave a small nod. "Hmm. I like it here, Yibo. Especially since you and President Wang are here with me."
"Eh?" Yibo pouted a little, a soft sound of protest in his voice. "Why are you still calling papa that?"
"It sounds professional and formal," Zhan replied with a shrug, but there was a trace of amusement in his voice. "Besides, he is the CEO of the most successful business in the whole country. Some people even say it's more successful than many businesses overseas. I like the sound of his title… it suits him."
"Oh… you're right!" Yibo said, nodding sagely like he was trying to appear older than his years.
Then his eyes sparkled again. "But… you're going to be like papa one day too, right?"
"The CEO?" Zhan asked, smiling as he watched Yibo's expression fill with admiration. "Yes. I'll be managing the Xiao Corporation once I turn eighteen. That's why I'm doing my best to graduate on time. If I can't finish earlier, then at least I'll finish right on schedule."
"That's so cool, gege!" Yibo exclaimed with a soft squeal of admiration, his little hands clapping once against the blanket. "You and papa are both so cool. And mama too! Mama is super pretty and kind and everyone listens to her even when she's not trying to be bossy!"
Zhan chuckled quietly, his heart softening even more as he looked down at his little brother's bright eyes and unfiltered enthusiasm.
"Yes. Mama's strong in her own way," he said softly. "Just like you'll be strong one day too, Yibo."
"Me?" Yibo pointed to himself, his eyes wide.
"Of course," Zhan said, pulling a pillow and settling into it as if he'd already planned to stay the whole night.
"Just like me, you're also the only heir to President Wang," he said gently, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Someday, all of Wang Corporation will be passed down to you. It may seem like a big responsibility now, but I know you're strong enough to handle it. That's why you have to work hard and learn everything you can, step by step, alright? Still, if you decide later that you want to follow a different path, something you're truly passionate about, that's okay too. I believe President Wang wouldn't force you to take over the company if it's not something your heart wants. He may have built an empire, but that doesn't mean your dreams should be put aside. Whether you choose to manage the corporation or do something completely different, it won't change the fact that you are his son. You'll still carry his legacy in your own way, and that alone means something."
The little one looked up at me with round, thoughtful eyes. "Hmm… okay, gege."
Zhan smiled at him, the corners of his mouth tugging upward with warmth.
"But for now, what you need most is rest. You need plenty of sleep. It'll help you grow stronger and think clearer. Besides, don't you want to be tall like me? Then sleeping is the first step."
"Okay, gege," he replied with a small yawn, already curling up under the blanket. "I'll sleep a lot, so I can be tall just like you!"
"Gege," he murmured again, voice much softer now, "Can you stay for a little while? Just until I fall asleep?"
Zhan chuckled while Yibo only smiled sleepily, his small hand reaching out from under the blanket to find Zhan's fingers. Zhan held it gently, careful not to squeeze too tight.
Yibo blinked slowly, then yawned, his eyelids beginning to droop as the comfort of his bed, the warmth of the room, and the safety of Zhan's presence began to lull him into sleep.
Not too long after, the little one started falling asleep. His grip loosened with every passing second, his breathing slowing until it became the soft, steady rhythm of slumber.
Zhan watched him for a while, his own body finally beginning to relax after a long day.
And even though he had his own room waiting just beside Yibo's, Zhan made no move to leave.
He reached out and gently tucked the blanket around Yibo's small frame, watching as his eyes fluttered shut.
In the end, his room went unoccupied on the very first night of moving in.