Lin Luo's strength might have waned, but his discernment remained razor-sharp. Naturally, Sakura's obvious pretense wasn't beyond the perception of anyone with average intelligence. He wasn't a fool - he understood her game perfectly well.

Still, he chose to play along, helping her sit on the sofa while gently massaging her silk-clad ankle through the black stockings. "Does it still hurt?" he asked with feigned concern.

It wasn't that he sought advantage; truthfully, Sakura's current performance left him plenty of opportunities for mischief if he desired. But where was the fun in easy wins? With his recent boredom, such entertainment was welcome, so he kept his mind clear while his hands worked their way up to her calves on his lap.

Sakura blushed at his tender touch and words. Though no pain actually lingered, the pleasant sensation made her reluctant to let go of this moment. "A little," she murmured with a bashful pout.

"Then I'll keep going." Lin Luo shifted her legs onto his thighs, working the smalls of her feet while lifting his gaze, "Better now?"

The intimacy thrilled her yet deepened her shyness. She tucked her head low, voice barely above a whisper. "Mm."

As he cradled her legs on his lap, she leaned back against the sofa armrest, her knees slightly bent despite herself. The short skirt revealed more than it concealed - mature black lace and porcelain thighs beckoning temptation.

Lin Luo's gaze flickered before he mastered himself, focusing instead on her face as he asked, "Are you alone in the house today?"

Caught in a tangle of joy and embarrassment, Sakura didn't notice her exposed state. "My sister and Xiao Lian went to visit Grandmother Zhe. Xing Meng went to market with Rider... I'm truly alone now."

Her words suddenly triggered memories of Xing Meng's warnings about lone men and women together. Her heart raced as heat spread through her body. Glancing at Lin Luo's indifferent nod, relief mixed with disappointment - if only he'd take initiative.

Shaking off such thoughts, Sakura steadied herself to probe his feelings. "Um... Brother-in-law, I have something to say."

"Go on."

"A boy confessed to me recently," she whispered, cheeks flaming.

Lin Luo blinked in surprise. "Not strange at all with your charm. Did you accept? Are you dating him now?"

She shook her head rapidly. "No! I told him he's a good person but we're not compatible because... I already have someone."

"...Classic white knight scenario," Lin Luo deadpanned.

"He seemed heartbroken," Sakura continued.

"You know what that sounds like?"

"He said maybe love will never find him again."

Lin Luo nearly choked. What juvenile dialogue!

Sakura rambled on about the boy's virtues - handsome, kind, helpful, skilled in domestic tasks, and idealistic. "Seems impressive, but if you can't look past such a paragon, what are your standards?"

"Um..." She hesitated before blurting out, "I actually like someone already married with children!"

Spit-take time.

Lin Luo's expression shifted rapidly as Sakura worriedly asked, "Will you think less of me? Because I'm pursuing an inappropriate relationship..."

"Love has no parameters," he finally said. "Preferences aren't choices - sometimes they're just there."

"But it's a married man!"

"Morality aside..." He shrugged dramatically, "There's that saying about love conquering even brother-sister bonds."

Sakura brightened instantly at his words, suddenly certain Xing Meng was indeed Lin Luo's biological daughter. Their identical philosophies on love proved it!

Meanwhile in the ancestral home...

Shirou Emiya watched young Xing Lian chase butterflies across the courtyard. After ten years of disappearance with a one-year-old granddaughter to greet him - what expression should he wear?

He crouched down, lifting his grandchild onto his shoulders when suddenly... warm rain drenched his face.

Xing Lian giggled delightedly until Shirou's expression darkened into thunderclouds. Her wails immediately summoned Fujimura and Kururugi sisters from within the house.

Kururugi snatched the child away while Fujimura soothed her, but Xing Lian continued sobbing dramatically as if wronged forever.

"Children's happiness means more than anything!" Fujimura declared, glaring at Shirou for his transgression.

Shirou sighed, raising his hands in surrender. "Should I apologize to the baby?"

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