Ren Yuze could hardly remain calm as he watched his father standing in silence, an expression of restrained emotion barely visible on his face. Hirvan's usually calm demeanour was still there, but something about his quiet intensity was terrifying. Ren Yuze swallowed hard, reaching out a hesitant hand.
"Dad… I am sorry… don't be angry," he murmured, his voice filled with worry and guilt.
Hirvan turned his head and said evenly.
"I am not angry."
"Liar! You are!" Ren Yuze blurted, the words slipping out in a burst.
"I am sorry. I don't know what comes over me whenever I see Fu Yan. All I can think about is those times they barged into our home and took you away…"
Hirvan's expression softened as he reached out, his hand brushing through Ren Yuze's hair in a gentle, familiar gesture that instantly soothed him.
"I know you don't like him. And I don't force you to get along with him. So, don't worry. You can act however you want."