Chu Zhang looked at his younger brother sitting opposite him. This period of time was the longest he had spent with Wan Qiu.

There was no barrier or conflict between them.

Wanqiu was perfectly obedient.

Every time Chu Zhang looked into those beautiful, clear eyes, he felt as if he were the entire world.

Sometimes Chu Zhang felt that Wan Qiu had portrayed the role of his younger brother too perfectly.

Then he...

Has he become a good older brother in Wanqiu's eyes?

"Did Wanqiu have fun at Big Brother's place?"

Wan Qiu nodded.

"Have you found anything you want to do?"

Wan Qiu pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

Chu Zhang's smile was different from his usual confident one; it held a hint of helplessness: "I hope you can relax a bit."

Wan Qiu nodded: "I'm relaxed."

Chu Zhang stared longingly at Wan Qiu, and Wan Qiu looked back at him.

Chu Zhang finally burst out laughing.

But the laughter gradually subsided under Wanqiu's bewildered gaze.

The final laugh was tinged with a soft sigh.

“Wanqiu, Mom told me something,” Chu Zhang said slowly. “It’s about how your parents were involved in abandoning you.”

At this moment, Wan Qiu's previously relaxed and cheerful expression tensed up.

The changes are not very noticeable.

It's like water that was originally swaying freely, being carried by a rope bag, but because the rope was suddenly tightened, it lost the space to sway.

Judging from Wan Qiu's reaction, Chu Zhang knew that the impact of this matter on Wan Qiu would not be over so quickly.

This was also something Chu Zhang had been worried about.

This is something that cannot be discussed with Zhao Xinghua.

“That was a mistake, and I won’t defend my parents,” Chu Zhang said.

However, Wan Qiu replied, "It's alright."

“If Wanqiu wants, Big Brother can curse Dad and Mom together.” Chu Zhang’s voice was tinged with laughter, but there was no real joy in it. “Wanqiu can curse Big Brother if he wants.”

Wanqiu said, "My parents said they will never abandon me again."

Chu Zhang asked, "Is that all?"

"Mm." Wan Qiu nodded.

Chu Zhang knew that Wan Qiu believed in the promises Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu made to him.

Simply believing doesn't mean having no reservations, nor does it mean being able to let go immediately.

Chu Zhang had no memory of being abandoned, so he couldn't empathize with Wan Qiu.

The reason why Wan Qiu and Chu Yigui are closer may be because they share the same feelings and mutual respect as people who have been abandoned together.

He did not want Wanqiu to have such memories and impressions.

"Wanqiu, do you know the difference between abandoning and losing?"

Wan Qiu pondered for a moment and nodded.

"What's the difference?" Chu Zhang asked.

“To abandon means to discard, to lose means to discard,” Wan Qiu replied, but he did not receive the correct answer, only a simplistic understanding.

"Abandonment is discarding what you don't want."

Chu Zhang stared intently into Wan Qiu's eyes, not giving him a chance to think about other complicated matters.

"Losing means accidentally losing something you want, something important, or something you don't want to give up."

Wan Qiu slowly opened his eyes wide.

“Wanqiu, we lost you, we didn’t abandon you, we always have.”

Chu Zhang's words offered a unique interpretation for Wan Qiu.

It seemed to have touched upon a fact that Wan Qiu had already firmly believed in his heart.

Chu Zhang knew that Chu Yigui could not tell Wan Qiu these things; only the people involved knew them.

"From the very beginning, the loss was an accident, and we have never given up looking for you."

Chu Zhang did not intend to tell Wan Qiu, because Wan Qiu's disappearance had made the atmosphere at home tense and strange.

But he had to tell Wanqiu: "We've been looking for you all along because we don't want to lose you."

Whether it's my parents or me,

Wanqiu, you should have heard me say that I wrote songs hoping you would hear them, remember?

Wan Qiu's fingers quietly clenched together. He remembered finding out when he was with Zhou Peiyu.

“If we wanted to abandon you…” Chu Zhang reached across the table, lifted Wan Qiu’s chin with his palm, so that Wan Qiu could look at him more intently and listen to him say, “Wan Qiu, you have no chance to come back.”

Wanqiu might know about these things.

Perhaps as we learn more, these things will become clear.

He will become more sensible and understanding as he grows.

“My family members are not very good at expressing themselves, so I will tell you for them.”

Chu Zhang raised his eyebrows and smiled, as if all the joy in the world had gathered around him, just like always.

"We miss Wanqiu so much, we really, really want Wanqiu to come back, and we are so happy that Wanqiu is back with us."

Whether it's Dad, Mom, me, or Yang Er,

We never truly abandoned you; none of us ever did that!

Chu Zhang looked at Wan Qiu, whose beautiful eyes, inherited from Yang Xiaoyu, reflected the light like a bright, clear window, encompassing a warm little home.

"But, Mom and Dad..." Wanqiu wanted to ask. "Weren't they involved in abandoning him?"

"They're just stupid!" Chu Zhang mocked his parents directly in front of Wan Qiu. "People always do stupid things in front of the people they love most!"

Wanqiu choked up.

"So Wanqiu, listen carefully." Chu Zhang cupped Wanqiu's cheeks in his hands and pinched them. "There was no abandonment, nothing like that."

Wanqiu, bewildered and at a loss, asked, "Why?"

“Because it never happened from beginning to end! In the end, it was that rotten couple from before who abandoned you, not us!” Chu Zhang said to Wan Qiu with great determination.

Wan Qiu's eyes widened.

Chu Zhang said, "How about I tell you something else?"

"Hmm?" Wan Qiu's voice sounded strange as his chin was being pinched.

Chu Zhang hesitated for a moment.

Is it too early to tell Wanqiu now?

However, after Wan Qiu accepted the 'abandonment' incident, Chu Zhang also thought about it.

Is it really good to keep Wanqiu in a state of anxiety and unease?

In any case, at least let Wanqiu know that he will always think and will always grow.

"Yi Gui," Chu Zhang said to Wan Qiu, pursing his lips, "Have you thought about what the name Chu Yi Gui means?"

Wan Qiu wanted to shake his head, but he was unable to move because of Chu Zhang's restraint.

"I don't know," Wan Qiu said.

Chu Zhang said, "Yi Gui means hoping that you will come back. The name Chu Yi Gui exists to express the wish that you will return."

At that moment, the air seemed to freeze.

Things that I never thought I would know suddenly rushed into Wan Qiu's mind.

Chu Yigui...

Remembering Home...

Wan Qiu was always with Chu Yigui.

He hadn't considered what kind of presence Chu Yigui had at home; Wan Qiu didn't have the intelligence to think about it.

When Wan Qiu heard Chu Yigui's name, his first reaction was not one of comfort or joy.

The first thing that came to his mind was...

Only Chu Yigui remains.

"Of course, although it is a wish, Chu Yigui is also a very important person to us. Although we use the name Yigui, we truly regard him as our family."

Although he and Chu Yigui didn't get along, not all children in every family get along well, right? Chu Zhang thought to himself.

Wan Qiu grasped Chu Zhang's hand, holding that large and thick hand in his palm.

Wan Qiu looked up at Chu Zhang.

Does your younger brother know?

"Yes, we never hid it from him in the first place."

Chu Zhang vaguely sensed that Wan Qiu's mood seemed a bit off, and suddenly tapped Wan Qiu on the head.

"Don't overthink it. Your older brother is telling you this so you know we haven't abandoned you, and we're serious about you, youngest brother."

Chu Zhang's unwavering resolve earned Wan Qiu's understanding.

Yet, I still feel lost and confused, like being shrouded in mist.

There's no way to dispel it.

——

Chu Yigui stood at the hotel entrance, lifted the hem of her clothes to let the sweat from her night run dissipate a little.

When Chu Zhang glanced at him intentionally or unintentionally, he understood that Chu Zhang probably wanted to say something to Wan Qiu.

The summer night was still very hot, the air was scorching, and the buzzing of mosquitoes could be heard.

Chu Yigui entered the hotel lobby, glanced at the time displayed, and was unsure whether she should go back.

Until his phone rang.

Chu Yigui lowered her eyes and saw the word 'brother' written on the caller ID.

While answering the phone, I went to the elevator door and waited for the elevator.

"I'm almost at the door, brother, please open it for me," Chu Yigui said.

When Chu Yigui entered the room, the cool air from the air conditioning dispelled the heat, and Chu Yigui first looked at Wan Qiu.

Wan Qiu looked up at him, as if she wanted to come closer.

"I'm going to take a shower; I'm covered in sweat," Chu Yigui stopped Wan Qiu.

"Mm." Wan Qiu grabbed Chu Yigui's arm; Chu Yigui's body was still damp with sweat. "I'll go get you some clean clothes."

Warm water flowed from the showerhead, but Chu Yigui was pondering Wan Qiu's expression at that moment.

A faint gaze, as if testing something.

Chu Yigui had no way of knowing what Chu Zhang and Wan Qiu had said.

Chu Yigui initially didn't intend to ask, after all, it was Chu Zhang and Wan Qiu's privacy.

But now it seems...

Whenever Wan Qiu gave him that look, Chu Yigui couldn't help but investigate.

When Chu Yigui came out, Wan Qiu was standing at the door holding clothes, actually waiting for him the whole time.

"Shall I blow-dry your hair?" Wan Qiu asked after Chu Yigui took the clothes.

Chu Yigui thought for a moment and nodded.

Chu Yigui often blow-dries Wanqiu's hair, and Wanqiu always learns this simple task very quickly.

The sound of the hairdryer became the only sound surrounding the two of them at that moment.

Chu Yigui could feel Wan Qiu's fingers gently running through his hair, bringing a soft touch.

Wan Qiu's movements were always very light, so light that it was as if he were a fragile piece of glass, handled with utmost care.

Perhaps only Wan Qiu would treat him with such caution.

After putting down the hairdryer, Wan Qiu sat down opposite Chu Yigui.

Chu Yigui waited quietly for Wan Qiu to say what he wanted to say, without disturbing or guiding him.

This time, Chu Yigui waited for a longer time, and Wan Qiu looked quite puzzled.

He was clearly not quite sure what the reason for his confusion was.

This time, Chu Yigui took the initiative to speak: "May I know what my elder brother and brother said?"

Wan Qiu raised his head, as if he had been asked a question, and he chose to answer it first.

“My eldest brother told me that Mom and Dad, he and my second brother, have never abandoned me,” Wan Qiu said.

A hint of understanding flashed in Chu Yigui's eyes; clearly, Chu Zhang knew about the current situation at home.

“Yes,” Chu Yigui replied, “Big brother is right.”

Looking at the hesitant Wan Qiu, Chu Yigui realized that this might not be what Wan Qiu really wanted to say.

Wan Qiu seemed a little impatient, her fingers gripping the white hotel sheets. She seemed to want to say something to him several times, but in the end, she always stopped herself from speaking.

It doesn't seem like they forgot what they wanted to say.

Rather, it's that he himself hasn't figured out what he wants to say.

"Is there anything else?" Chu Yigui asked proactively. "Which sentence is it that bothers you, brother? Could you repeat it to me?"

Wan Qiu hesitated, not knowing why he instinctively didn't want to say those words.

But Chu Yigui asked.

"My elder brother said that the name Chu Yigui exists to express his wish for my return," Wan Qiu murmured.

For a moment, Chu Yigui's mind went blank.

He kept looking at Wanqiu, who was hesitating in front of him.

“Brother, you’re unhappy because of what you said, right?” Chu Yigui asked.

Wan Qiu hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

"Is it because you thought of me that you're unhappy?" Chu Yigui asked again.

However, Wanqiu nodded again.

Chu Yigui could see Wanqiu's bewilderment in those completely pure-colored pupils.

Wan Qiu probably didn't understand why he was unhappy, and he couldn't even express the reason for his unhappiness.

Because Wanqiu doesn't understand what a 'substitute' is.

Chu Yigui pondered, unable to decide whether or not to teach Wanqiu the meaning of the word.

Even though Wanqiu didn't understand, she had already made a judgment based on his feelings.

Chu Yigui is not good at accepting emotions.

Now, the affection Chu Yigui sees from Wan Qiu is like the water from a showerhead, wiping away the sticky sweat from her body little by little, bringing warmth and comfort.

“Brother,” Chu Yigui told Wan Qiu, “I was initially adopted as a substitute for my brother.”

Wan Qiu's eyes widened slowly: "A substitute?"

"If your brother has a pen that he really, really loves, but one day it runs out of ink, what will he do?"

Wan Qiu said, "Change the pen refill."

"This is a replacement, because the old one is gone, lost, and unusable, so we've found a new one to replace the old one." Chu Yigui's voice remained calm.

However, Wan Qiu said, "But my younger brother is not a substitute for me."

Wan Qiu understood the matter surprisingly quickly and responded to his words.

“Brother, no one can replace another.” When Chu Yigui said this, it sounded more like he was talking to himself than to Wan Qiu.

He once tried every means to become Wanqiu.

But now he can say such things so easily.

"I have no intention of replacing my brother." All those secrets and hidden thoughts were kept to themselves by Chu Yigui. "I am also trying my best to be myself."

“But…” Wan Qiu hesitated.

"Mom and Dad don't think I can replace you; your brother is irreplaceable."

Wan Qiu stared longingly at Chu Yigui, and finally approached him, taking Chu Yigui's hand in his.

They always held each other's hands like this, as if this allowed them to more clearly convey their feelings for each other.

Wanqiu was unhappy.

Even though Wanqiu had a vague concept of substitutes, he was instinctively unhappy.

“My younger brother is…” Wan Qiu racked her brains trying to find a more suitable word. After thinking for a long time, she suddenly said, “My younger brother is unique. No one can replace him.”

Chu Yigui smiled.

The laughter was clear and crisp in the space where there were only two people.

Chu Yigui turned her head and leaned on Wan Qiu's shoulder.

Wan Qiu was too short, making this movement a bit uncomfortable for Chu Yigui.

However, the warmth transmitted through their touch seemed to let Chu Yigui see the continuous care coming from Wan Qiu.

This concern belongs only to him, untouched by any other external factors.

It was the attention he had worked hard for, and the attention he hoped to continue to receive.

"It's alright, brother. Do you remember what you said to me at the orphanage?"

Wan Qiu blinked, unable to recall which sentence it was.

“My brother told me that I actually have a lot.”

Chu Yigui's soft laughter was tinged with emotion.

“My brother is right. Even if it’s because of a substitute, I’ve gained more than I ever had before.”

Chu Yigui noticed that Wan Qiu was tightening her grip on his hand.

He doesn't seem to agree with his statement.

“You are not a substitute,” Wan Qiu said stubbornly.

Chu Yigui, who had never truly complained before, saw for the first time someone standing unconditionally by her side.

That's how emotions are.

When a person perseveres, their emotions become more resilient and stronger.

But when someone was around, Chu Yigui understood why people become vulnerable when they are with loved ones.

Chu Yigui doesn't cry or make a fuss; maintaining a stable emotional state is extremely important to him.

But perhaps because only his brother is here now, he knows that this place is far from the things and people he is familiar with.

In the somewhat unfamiliar environment, Chu Yigui's emotions broke down a little.

Chu Yigui did not say anything.

He didn't let Wan Qiu see his expression either.

However, Chu Yigui embraced Wanqiu, and the frail Wanqiu lay back on the bed because of his strength, causing the soft bed to shake a few times.

Chu Yigui held him in her arms.

It has a sweet taste, like cream.

Chu Yigui, who clearly had no particular taste preferences, suddenly developed a liking for this sweet flavor.

The one who was fragile and thin was the older brother.

He tolerated his younger brother's occasional whims, preventing his emotional outbursts from being seen as wrong.

"Although it's not right to say it like that, I came to the Chu family because of my brother, and I don't regret it."

Chu Yigui's voice was muffled by the soft mattress and the clothes on Wanqiu's shoulders.

Wanqiu stretched out his arms and embraced his tall younger brother, who seemed to be surrounded by all his light.

Wanqiu thought hard for a moment and said, "If that's why my younger brother came to our house, then maybe it's a good thing that I was abandoned."

Chu Yigui's body suddenly stiffened.

He didn't speak for a long time.

Wanqiu's unconscious affection rendered all words pale and powerless.

My mind was completely blank.

All his thoughts, emotions, and even calculations were meaningless in front of Wan Qiu.

When he faces this clear and bright mirror, his true self is laid bare.

——

Zhou Peiyu went back, and Wan Qiu also planned to go back.

Just as Zhou Peiyu was worried about dance class, Wan Qiu was also very worried about dance class.

Fifth graders also have some assignments that require crafts, which are not convenient to do here.

Chu Zhang said matter-of-factly, "It's fifth-grade summer homework. If you don't want to do it, you don't have to. It won't cause any problems."

But seeing Wan Qiu's righteous indignation that a good student can't skip homework, and Zhao Xinghua's cold face beside him, Chu Zhang coughed.

"But doing homework is a student's duty, hahaha." Chu Zhang was genuinely afraid that Zhao Xinghua would run to Yang Xiaoyu to complain again.

Suddenly, Chu Zhang felt his clothes being tugged, and he looked down.

Wan Qiu looked up at him and said earnestly, "Big brother, you must work harder."

Normally, Chu Zhang wouldn't like others telling him to work hard.

Wasn't he serious enough? If he hadn't been serious, would the name 'Chu Zhang' still be a household name?

However, if it was Wan Qiu who said it, Chu Zhang felt it was different; it must be a blessing from an angel.

"Okay, I definitely will." Chu Zhang lowered his head and asked Wan Qiu in his ear, "Now Wan Qiu knows why I gave you these things with my picture on them."

Wanqiu's keychain, phone chain, and bag chain all bear Chu Zhang's name and phone number.

This time, Wan Qiu nodded.

"Wanqiu will never be lost again, and no one will abandon our lovely Wanqiu." Chu Zhang couldn't help but touch Wanqiu's hair; the fluffy texture felt wonderful.

"I won't lose it again." Wan Qiu shook his head under Chu Zhang's thick palm. "My brother will find me. I've also memorized everyone's phone numbers."

Chu Zhang raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Wanqiu accepted that he hadn't been abandoned and would gradually recover.

"Yes, if there are any problems, you must call us. Everyone in the family is Wanqiu's support!"

Zhao Xinghua treated Chu Zhang almost like a child, making it difficult to look him in the eye.

Chu Zhang looked up at Chu Yigui, who was standing to the side.

This quiet younger brother seemed to be in a good mood, and his complexion was also very good.

Chu Zhang said, "You and Wan Qiu are usually close, so remember to take care of your brother."

However, Chu Yigui smiled faintly and said, "It's my brother who has been taking care of me."

Chu Zhang raised his eyebrows, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Unfortunately, when Wan Qiu was on his way to the airport, Chu Zhang couldn't get any time off, so Zhao Xinghua had to see him off.

Wan Qiu looked up at Zhao Xinghua and said, "Goodbye, Brother Zhao."

"Go ahead," Zhao Xinghua waved goodbye to Wan Qiu.

Looking at the combination of two teenagers and a bodyguard, Zhao Xinghua thought of what Chu Zhang had said.

"Watching Wanqiu grow up is really too fast. He didn't understand anything at the beginning and couldn't even speak clearly, but now he has his own ideas. Sometimes I feel like my worries are unnecessary?"

Zhao Xinghua shrugged.

He felt that Chu Zhang's worries were unnecessary.

If Chu Zhang realizes this in the future and can work more diligently, then he will truly be thankful.

As Wan Qiu boarded the plane and left, he looked out the window.

My elder brother's words were vaguely etched into my mind.

Going forward, he will continue to maintain a very, very long distance from his older brother, a distance that requires a plane to reach.

However, it doesn't seem to be really out of reach.