Come Home with Me

Daisy blinked innocently and said, "Yes, my mom has mentioned it many times—that island is called Wagner Island. I wonder if such a place really exists in the world."

Zhou Yi chuckled. "If it does, whoever finds it could become richer than a kingdom."

Daisy didn’t take the story seriously. Cupping her cheeks with a childlike expression, she replied, "But I don’t believe it’s real. If it were, why hasn’t Mom sent anyone to look for it? Why hasn’t anyone else tried?"

Zhou Yi asked 077, "System, does this island actually exist? Run a search for me."

After a quick scan, 077 responded in surprise, "It actually does! But it’s extremely remote."

Zhou Yi’s mind began scheming about the treasure.

What if the story was true?

He narrowed his eyes but stayed silent.

Daisy didn’t notice his shift in demeanor.

She was far more interested in the little animals around them.

Zhou Yi, however, was now entirely preoccupied with the treasure—women had become secondary.

They wandered from morning till night. Daisy’s heels, already bleeding from dancing earlier, had gone unnoticed by Zhou Yi.

After walking all afternoon, she could barely take another step. Wincing weakly, she tugged at his sleeve. "Brother, my feet hurt."

Only then did Zhou Yi glance down at her feet, now raw and bleeding from the high heels.

In the past, he would’ve noticed her discomfort immediately, but this time, his distraction was obvious.

He scolded himself inwardly—how could he be so careless, blinded by greed that he’d ignored her pain?

Quickly refocusing on Daisy, he reminded himself that she was still an SSS-tier beauty with no shortage of wealth.

Putting on a concerned expression, he helped her sit on a nearby bench.

"Let me buy you new shoes. Those heels are too high—they’re not practical for walking."

"It’s okay. I’d rather spend more time with you than go shopping."

For Daisy, moments like these were rare and precious.

"Shopping won’t take long. Besides, it’s almost dinnertime. What would you like to eat?"

"I’ll eat whatever you choose, brother."

Daisy was an obedient girl. The food didn’t matter—only the company did.

Zhou Yi felt a pang of tenderness for her.

A princess, yet her life seemed harder than an ordinary person’s, burdened with responsibilities she shouldn’t have to bear.

As dusk settled, the sunset melted into the horizon over the water. Zhou Yi crouched in front of her. "Hop on. I’ll carry you to the road so we can hail a cab."

Daisy obediently climbed onto his back, resting her chin on his shoulder. Softly, she asked, "Did you carry your sister like this before?"

"Yeah. But besides her, you’re the only one I’ve carried."

077 scoffed. "Tch."

Daisy smiled brightly. "You’re the best brother in the world. Someone like Adel doesn’t deserve a sister."

Zhou Yi teased, "Right. Let’s curse him to never have a sister in his next life."

Giggling, Daisy wrapped her arms tighter around his neck. She and Adel had never shared such warmth.

Her legs swung lightly as Zhou Yi carried her down the long path.

By the time they reached the main road, night had fallen.

Zhou Yi still took her to buy a pair of flats first, then changed her into a simpler dress.

Now, Daisy looked like any other high school girl—if not even younger.

Adel’s calls flooded her phone nonstop.

Daisy ignored them.

Furious, Adel bombarded her with angry messages. He’d turned the castle upside down searching for her, eventually sending people out to scour the city.

But a brother who knew nothing about his sister would never guess where she’d gone.

He didn’t know Daisy’s likes, her wishes—nothing.

He was a failure of an older brother.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yi walked hand-in-hand with Daisy down the street, the girl nibbling on a hamburger in her free hand.

She hadn’t wanted to dine in a restaurant, insisting on walking instead.

Zhou Yi gave in, buying her a burger to eat on the go.

He felt like he was babysitting a daughter.

"Brother, where’s your home? Can I visit you someday? I want to see that place you described—where it’s always spring."

Daisy took a bite, her cheeks puffing up like a little hamster’s.

"You could come home with me. Would you like that, Daisy?"

"I’d love to."

She said it cheerfully, but deep down, she knew it would never happen.

Zhou Yi, thinking she meant it, started mentally checking flight options and pondering how to explain this to You Man.

Knowing her, she probably wouldn’t mind.

"Then where are you staying tonight? Can I come with you?"

"I’m at a hotel. I’ll book another room—I can’t leave you alone out here."

Zhou Yi didn’t want to bring Daisy back to his current lodging. If Xie Tingwan saw her, there’d be questions he didn’t care to answer.

They wandered until midnight before checking into a hotel.

Daisy had no idea Adel was losing his mind searching for her.

Zhou Yi booked a twin room.

"Wait here. I’ll go downstairs to grab something and come right back."

He turned to leave, intending to buy ointment for her blistered heels.

But Daisy anxiously caught his sleeve. "Where are you going? Can’t I come?"

She hated being alone—the fear of abandonment gnawed at her.

Zhou Yi smiled gently. "Don’t worry. I’m just getting medicine. It’s chilly outside, and your dress is too thin—you’d freeze."

Reluctantly, Daisy released his hand.

Only when Zhou Yi left did she dare check Adel’s messages.

Though she’d expected his anger, the cruelty in his words still stung.

Adel’s call came through again. After a hesitant pause, she answered.

"Where are you?"

His voice seethed with fury.

Daisy lowered her eyes. "I didn’t want to attend the auction."

"Then you should’ve told me! Why disappear without a word? Do you have any idea how humiliating this is? The entire plan is ruined. Do you even care about me as your brother? Do you—"

"No. You’re not my brother. A real brother wouldn’t act like this."

Adel fell silent.

"Think of our country. You have duties."

"I know. I never said I wasn’t coming back."

Adel exhaled in relief. "Then when? I’ve already told the princess the auction is postponed. If you return now, I won’t be angry."