By now, Meng understood that the only way to truly be considered by the Harris family was to lay bare every aspect of himself—good and bad alike. Only then could he earn their approval.

And he had indeed made the right move.

The Harris family's intervention was proof enough of their recognition.

With that thought, the tension in his brow eased, and his face, which initially appeared calm and unassuming, suddenly transformed into something captivating, impossible to look away from.

Nearby, a tall man glanced at him, his surprise evident.

Having known his half-brother for years, this was the first time he'd seen Meng so animated.

Though the family's steward had repeatedly mentioned how much Meng had changed in recent years, the man had always chalked it up to exaggeration.

After all, his brother had been kept under strict lock and key by their father since childhood, much like their father had sought to imprison Meng's beautiful mother.

Yet, instead of succumbing to destruction under such suffocating circumstances, Meng had retained his clarity of mind and mounted a counterattack that most ordinary people couldn't even fathom.

Meng's mother had been a radiant, happy woman from the East, but under their father's oppressive control, her existence had been erased from the public eye. She lived in semi-confinement at the estate, eventually giving birth to Meng.

Despite being their father's child, Meng had inherited none of his traits. Instead, his appearance and demeanor were imbued with distinctly Eastern features— black hair and = sharp, expressive eyes, a sharp and elegant nose, thin lips, and a quiet but undeniable strength.

Before meeting Meng in person, the man had only interacted with him under the alias "Z."

At the time, he had assumed Meng was just one of their father's secretive subordinates. But after dealing with all his siblings and meeting his isolated father, he was stunned to discover this hidden "relative" who had never surfaced before.

He had been advised by his own people to make Meng quietly disappear. Yet, the moment he saw his brother for the first time, he stopped in his tracks.

Through their conversations, he realized this "Mr. Z" who had offered him life-changing support was none other than his seven-year-old sibling.

Upon learning about the horrors Meng had endured at the estate, he had the steward take Meng and his mother's ashes back to their ancestral homeland.

At the time, he had merely wanted Meng to experience a change of environment, planning to bring him back when the timing was right.

But now.

"It seems you were right. He really has changed, the man remarked. "Indeed. Miss Gerard has been a great blessing to our young sir. That must be her reply he's reading," the steward said warmly, with a hint of admiration.

"Miss Gerard?" The man mulled over the name. "Perhaps I should pay a visit to China after this matter is resolved and meet my future sister-in-law."

Meng Chenzhou, who had been focused on his reply to Zhan Yuxi, finally paused and turned his head toward him.

"It's not time yet. Wait for my signal before you go."

The man raised an eyebrow and tilted his head toward the steward for confirmation.The steward, gripping his cane, nodded in agreement."The young sir is absolutely correct. Miss Gerard is still just a high school student. Your visit might put unnecessary pressure on her. Besides, you're well aware of the Harris family's considerable power and influence in China. It's best not to stir up conflict that might inconvenience the young sir."

"Fine", the man said, shrugging and pursing his lips in reluctant agreement.