Although Ran Yongrui was alone, he wasn't too nervous when facing a large group of people.

Finally, his gaze fell on Chu Yigui, who was standing to the side.

“Child, I didn’t see you today,” Ran Yongrui said to Chu Yigui.

“I never told you where I live,” Chu Yigui said.

“I just wanted to know where my child was.” Ran Yongrui took a deep breath and exhaled. “But I still apologize for inquiring without permission. I’m sorry.”

Wanqiu couldn't help but look at his parents.

Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu did not seem surprised.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Ran Yongrui, and I am Chu Yigui's biological father. I apologize for not greeting you all before."

No one present seemed surprised.

The silence of the crowd made Ran Yongrui look somewhat suspicious.

Chu Jianshu spoke first: "We have been waiting for Yi Gui to bring this up with us. It is clear that you do not respect Yi Gui as much as we do."

Wan Qiu looked up at Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu.

Does this mean that Mom and Dad already knew?

"Since you already know, it's easier to handle. I can directly state my demands."

Ran Yongrui's eyes behind his glasses deepened.

"Can you give my child back to me?"

The entire space was somewhat quiet.

Black ash continuously emerges in the space, staining every object and gradually seeping into every crevice it can penetrate, making it impossible to remove.

Wanqiu wanted to step forward and reach out to grasp those gray things.

He didn't want any of these things to get close to Chu Yigui.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of Wan Qiu.

With a refreshing scent that Wanqiu loved, the ocean and sunshine dispelled the scorching smell, and her loose, wavy hair, like azure waves, swept away the ashes.

Yang Xiaoyu stood in front of everyone.

Compared to the always calm Chu Jianshu, Yang Xiaoyu is much more sharp-tongued.

“We don’t need to know what your demands are, nor do we want to know what you want to do. Stranger, please leave.”

Ran Yongrui frowned: "I'm here to discuss..."

"What do we need to discuss regarding the children's affairs?"

Yang Xiaoyu interrupted Ran Yongrui directly.

"I can tell you right now that we will not influence any of Yi Gui's choices and will respect her decisions! Beyond that, we have nothing to discuss with you!"

Ran Yongrui frowned deeply: "So I can assume that if Yi Gui is willing to go back with me, you won't stop her, right?"

“Yes,” Yang Xiaoyu replied, but she raised an eyebrow and sneered, “But Yi Gui is intelligent and clear-headed in dealing with things. No matter what choice he makes, he will never look at you!”

Ran Yongrui seemed somewhat unhappy this time.

The intense, almost angry emotion that Wan Qiu saw was turning Ran Yongrui's eyes bloodshot.

"Today is Yi Gui's birthday."

Chu Jianshu walked past Yang Xiaoyu and gestured to Ran Yongrui to leave.

Please do not disturb our celebration.

Wanqiu watched helplessly as everything unfolded.

Wanqiu looked somewhat bewildered.

Just as Wanqiu was trying to figure out what he could do, his parents suddenly stood in front of him.

He wanted to protect Chu Yigui.

Before this, their parents protected them.

At this moment, Ran Yongrui, who was being ostracized, looked at Chu Yigui.

However, Wan Qiu seemed to sense Ran Yongrui's gaze and suddenly grabbed Chu Yigui's wrist.

Chu Yigui looked down at Wan Qiu.

Having received no response, Ran Yongrui could only say, "I hope I can have a chance to discuss this next time. I apologize for disturbing you today."

Yang watched Ran Yongrui leave.

Chu Yigui whispered in Wan Qiu's ear, "It's alright, he's gone."

Wan Qiu suddenly realized that, out of nervousness, he was gripping Chu Yigui's wrists tightly with both hands.

"What bad luck," Yang Xiaoyu said, pursing her lips. "Should we light some incense to ward off evil spirits?"

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, making the already tense atmosphere stiff again.

Yang Ze's expression was extremely serious, but he still opened the door.

Chu Zhang suddenly entered the house.

The gate was closed, and Chu Zhang removed his full armor.

"I'm back! My brothers, give me a hug to welcome me!"

Chu Zhang's loud voice suddenly pulled the entire space back to its original atmosphere.

The atmosphere seemed to have become lively again.

No one even mentioned Ran Yongrui, who had just arrived.

Wanqiu raised his head blankly and looked at Chu Yigui.

His brother remained calm.

So calm that it seemed nothing could shake it, no matter what happened around it.

After the birthday party was over, Chu Jianshu stood up and said to Chu Yigui, "Yigui, come upstairs with me for a bit."

Wan Qiu immediately grabbed Chu Yigui's hand, a hint of panic in his eyes.

Chu Jianshu looked over with some confusion.

Chu Yigui grasped Wanqiu's hand in return.

"It's okay, Dad. Just say what's on your mind here."

Chu Jianshu did not go upstairs again, but sat on the sofa.

The chef we hired has finished packing and left; now only members of the Chu family are here.

"Yi Gui, we've been waiting for you to say it, but we haven't heard from you yet. That person came today, did they do it on their own initiative?"

Chu Jianshu's voice was deep and steady, and it was especially authoritative as it was getting late at night.

“It was his initiative,” Chu Yigui explained. “I never told my parents because I felt there was no need to.”

Yang Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean by 'unnecessary'?"

"Because whether Mr. Ran is here or not, it won't affect me," Chu Yigui said calmly.

Chu Zhang, who was standing to the side and had heard about this, narrowed his eyes slightly.

Here we go again, Chu Yigui, who makes him uncomfortable, has appeared.

"Are you really so indifferent?" Yang Ze interrupted, though he rarely did, but then felt something was off about what he was saying.

Chu Yigui's gaze swept over everyone's expressions.

He was indeed calm, so calm that it seemed as if he was truly unaffected by anything else.

“When I was abandoned, I had already severed ties with my former parents.”

Chu Yigui offered a rare explanation.

“I’ve passed the stage where I’m curious about my biological parents. I’m very grateful to the head of the hospital for raising me and to my parents for nurturing me. I cherish my life and my family now.”

"My last curiosity about Mr. Ran has been answered, and my current interactions with him are merely out of politeness."

"The people around you are more worthy of your care than blood ties."

After Chu Yigui finished speaking, everyone fell into a brief silence.

only……

The people's expressions weren't bad.

Yang Xiaoyu stood up and stretched: "It's too late, we should go. Haven't Baobei and Yigui done their homework yet?"

"It's time to go. I still need to get to the hotel near the airport. Ugh... when can I take a long vacation?"

Chu Zhang stretched out his body just like Yang Xiaoyu, looking exactly like a biological mother and son.

Chu Jianshu stood up and straightened his clothes.

Before leaving, Chu Jianshu said to Chu Yigui, "My wishes are the same as your mother's. You are a smart and decisive child, and we are willing to respect your ideas."

"Thank you, Dad," Chu Yigui said.

Yang Ze will stay here that night, Chu Zhang will be picked up and dropped off by Zhao Xinghua, while Yang Xiaoyu will go back to another house with Chu Jianshu.

Yang Xiaoyu was so happy that she drank some wine that night and was slightly tipsy.

But she was in a good mood.

"It's rare to hear Yi Gui express her thoughts so clearly."

Yang Xiaoyu opened the window a crack, feeling the wind flowing in.

"Think about it carefully, is this the first time this child has so openly said how much he values ​​us?"

Yang Xiaoyu started to laugh as she thought about it.

Compared to Yang Xiaoyu, Chu Jianshu had more to say.

The child who used to prioritize their feelings and thoughts in everything they said, this time mentioned "I" a lot.

Unbeknownst to them, the child was also growing up.

Taking a serious look at yourself is also a very important moment in life.

Thinking of how Chu Yigui spoke back then, Chu Jianshu, unusually, smiled on his serious face.

Yang Xiaoyu saw it.

Yang Xiaoyu laughed along with her.

"Would you like to have some more drinks when we get back?"

Yang Xiaoyu stretched out her hand, making a vague gesture as if she were holding a wine glass in the air.

"Okay," Chu Jianshu replied.

——

"Are you sleeping on the sofa again tonight?" Yang asked, somewhat puzzled. "Why do you have to sleep on the sofa?"

Because it's not midnight yet today.

But it will pass quickly.

Chu Yigui simply said, "Well, I guess it's more interesting this way."

Chu Yigui was not lying.

Although Chu Yigui couldn't guess Wan Qiu's reason for insisting on sleeping on the sofa, he still found it interesting.

"Alright." Since it was Wan Qiu who insisted on it, Yang Ze wouldn't refuse.

Yang returned to his room, where the homework of the two of them was still on the coffee table.

The bed was still made on the floor, and Wanqiu sat on it, diligently doing his homework.

Chu Yigui's homework is progressing very quickly.

After putting down his pen, Chu Yigui looked up at Wan Qiu, who was still diligently doing his homework in front of him.

Every stroke of Wanqiu's pen left a deep mark on the paper because he wrote with excessive care.

But Wan Qiu wrote every single word with all his might to make it beautiful.

Chu Yigui watched quietly, without doing anything.

After Wan Qiu finished all his homework, he looked up at Chu Yigui and suddenly met Chu Yigui's gaze.

Unlike Wan Qiu, who could comfortably lie on the coffee table, Chu Yigui didn't look very comfortable on it.

Wan Qiu belatedly realized that he could have gone to the dining table instead.

but……

"Has your younger brother finished his homework?"

"Mm," Chu Yigui replied.

Chu Yigui had already cleaned up her homework and put it aside.

Wanqiu started tidying up her homework, but once she snapped out of her reverie, she couldn't help but notice the time.

It's getting late today.

But there is still an hour until midnight.

Wan Qiu stared nervously at his watch. He had always felt that there wasn't enough time, but this was the first time he had ever felt that time was passing so slowly.

"Isn't your younger brother going to study?" Wan Qiu asked.

"It's my birthday today, so I'm taking a break."

Wan Qiu nodded, sat down next to Chu Yigui, and looked up at him.

Finally, Chu Yigui spoke first: "Brother, what are you worried about?"

Wan Qiu paused for a moment.

"Today is my birthday, and there's only one hour left."

Chu Yigui spoke slowly, a helpless expression on her face.

"Will I be able to see my brother happy in the last hour?"

Wan Qiu was stunned.

Wanqiu was indeed worried.

But today is his younger brother's birthday, which he was also looking forward to.

"I'm sorry," Wan Qiu apologized.

He should have enjoyed the day happily with his brother...

"Don't apologize, I'm not upset," Chu Yigui said.

Wanqiu looked up blankly, gazing longingly at the other person.

"My brother seems to be taking special care of me today," Chu Yigui said.

When we sleep together on the sofa, the warmth we share...

Wan Qiu kept her eyes fixed on him.

A back view that was blocked in front.

The wrist that was being pulled.

And her unwavering demeanor when facing a tall, unfamiliar man.

He received more attention than usual that day.

“But as expected, I still made my brother worry.” Chu Yigui suddenly said.

Wan Qiu did not answer.

Does his brother already know what he's thinking?

"Today, Mom and Dad want to ask me what I think. Do you remember what I said, brother?"

Wan Qiu nodded.

“I didn’t tell my parents what I wanted to do.”

Wan Qiu slowly opened his eyes wide.

After carefully recalling Chu Yigui's words, it seemed that he had indeed not revealed what Chu Yigui actually wanted to do.

"What does my younger brother want to do?" Wan Qiu asked, feeling inexplicably nervous.

Chu Yigui did not answer immediately.

The living room lighting wasn't actually very bright; they had simply placed a table lamp on the coffee table.

The light source is at the center of Wanqiu and Chuyigui, illuminating a path that connects the two.

"I want to tell my brother about this first."

For some reason, Wan Qiu suddenly felt a bit nervous and lost.

It was as if what he was about to hear was not what he wanted to hear.

"elder brother."

Chu Yigui remained calm and unmoved.

"I'm leaving the Chu family."

In that instant, it sounded as if something was breaking.

Wanqiu lowered his eyes in a daze.

He remembered the decision he had just made that day.

No matter how strange Chu Yigui's decision is, he will comply.

However, upon hearing this, Wan Qiu felt that he might never be able to do what Chu Yigui could do.

I want to ask why.

But Wanqiu didn't know how to ask.

The word 'why' was so familiar, yet it was distorted and deformed before his eyes, becoming indistinguishable.

Wan Qiu discovered that his blurred vision was not a hallucination.

The warm, moist liquid that was gradually filling his eyes was dripping down his cheeks.

It fell onto my jaw again, and then onto my arm.

The water droplets had lost all their heat and become slightly cold.

Looking at him, Wan Qiu suddenly felt that even the moisture and warmth in his body no longer needed him.

“Brother.” Chu Yigui came to Wan Qiu’s side.

His face was cupped in warm hands.

Wan Qiu dared not look up at Chu Yigui's face.

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, only to be wiped away by Chu Yigui's fingers.

"Brother, don't cry. Listen to me, look at me, okay?"

Wanqiu wanted to hear what Chu Yigui had to say.

He understood what Chu Yigui was saying.

But this was the first time Wanqiu realized that there were times when she couldn't control herself.

Wan Qiu tried hard to remember that today was Chu Yigui's birthday, and she should be happy.

But I was so sad that I couldn't control myself.

The dream really came true.

Was Chu Yigui, standing before him, actually just a shell made of ashes, having long since burned away all her patience and emotions?

"Brother!" Suddenly, Chu Yigui's voice was serious, waking Wan Qiu up. "Can you listen to me?"

Wanqiu nodded slowly, looking bewildered.

“Brother, I only want to leave the Chu family, not leave you.”

Wan Qiu's tear-stained eyelashes trembled slightly as she slowly raised her eyes. Her pupils, clear and sparkling like jewels after being washed by tears, reflected Chu Yigui's image.

"I will no longer be a child of the Chu family, but I will stay by my brother's side."

Wanqiu's tears were wiped away with her fingers.

Chu Yigui heard her own voice.

Soft and delicate.

He expressed his apology and concern for Wanqiu's tears.

"What's the meaning?"

Chu Yigui asked Wan Qiu when he saw him.

Those eyes, which had just been filled with sorrow, were gradually filled with a faint hope.

"Everything I said will not change. I will go to the high school I was supposed to attend, stay by my brother's side, and repay my parents for their support."

Wanqiu was bewildered and unable to understand.

Chu Yigui spoke slowly to Wan Qiu.

"However, not as a child of the Chu family."

Wanqiu still didn't understand.

"Aren't you going to be the younger brother anymore?" Wan Qiu asked, puzzled. "Then what will you be?"

Chu Yigui lowered his hands and looked directly at Wan Qiu.

“I can be my brother’s tutor for all subjects in junior high and high school;”

In college, I can be my brother's personal assistant;

Whatever my brother does in the future, I can become his secretary.

I can also be my brother's friend, and I will take care of him.

However, Wanqiu was even more confused.

Why do this?

Isn't it better to be the younger brother?

Are other relationships more reliable than being a younger brother?

"elder brother……"

This is actually a selfish motive.

"Is it because you don't like your mom and dad?" Wan Qiu asked.

“No,” Chu Yigui replied.

Every tear that Wanqiu sheds slides down Chu Yigui's fingertips, and Chu Yigui senses Wanqiu's tension and worry.

"Do you hate me?" Wan Qiu asked.

"How could that be?" Chu Yigui gently denied, then earnestly told Wan Qiu, "Because I really like my brother."

"Then why?" Wan Qiu was completely baffled.

Why?

Chu Yigui's gaze, touch, and everything within reach...

It's because of the tears that Wanqiu sheds for him, just like now.

"Actually, it's very painful to be a substitute for my brother."

Amid Wan Qiu's astonished gaze, Chu Yigui was glad she had spoken up.

Chu Yigui knew very well that in the Chu family, he was no longer just a substitute.

He also believed that there was a place for him in the Chu family.

But no one can deny that everything he gained was due to Wanqiu's loss.

He tasted sweetness amidst the suffering of Wanqiu.

He enjoyed his brother's care, dependence, and appreciation.

The more you care...

The more unbearable it becomes.

"I'm sorry, brother, I haven't told you all this time."

Chu Yigui smiled, a smile that was both helpless and complicated.

But those chaotic emotions eventually found an outlet.

This is not an idea that can be achieved overnight.

It wasn't because of the stimulation from the appearance of the biological father.

It is a longer, much longer period of thought and judgment.

Heartache, guilt, and an inability to face it.

He faced his vulnerability and timidity squarely, and...

I decided to accept them.

He no longer took everything for granted, nor did he feel guilty about accepting everything Wanqiu gave him.

Having stolen half of Wanqiu's life, he would probably have to pay the price forever.

Wanqiu didn't understand.

"Is this better for my younger brother?" This was the only thing Wan Qiu cared about.

"Mm." Chu Yigui nodded.

Is this the only way?

"……Um."

Looking at Chu Yigui, Wan Qiu suddenly felt as if he were seeing a walnut seed.

Now, this carefully selected, perfect seed has been meticulously polished and transformed into a beautiful work of art.

But when the seed was given water and soil, it sprouted.

The seed, with the life energy contained within it, attempts to bloom into its own flower.

"Aren't we supposed to be separated?" Wan Qiu asked cautiously.

“Brother.” Chu Yigui’s forehead brushed against Wan Qiu’s forehead, looking into Wan Qiu’s eyes. “I have never planned a future without my brother.”

In the hazy autumn light, it seems as if the soil is being held, planting the tender sprout of this seed.

Perhaps one day, flowers will bloom in his hands.

And Wanqiu will receive the fruit that this seed bestows upon him.

Wan Qiu was in a daze, and was quite frightened by Chu Yigui's words.

After settling down, Wan Qiu still felt as if he hadn't understood anything.

Chu Yigui seemed to see Wan Qiu's worry and said with a smile, "It's okay, it's normal even if my brother doesn't understand."

Although she didn't understand, Wanqiu knew they wouldn't be separated.

That will do.

When Wanqiu looked up, he inadvertently saw that the clock was about to strike twelve.

Wan Qiu looked up, watching the second hand advance little by little.

The clock was silent, yet Wanqiu seemed to hear a ticking sound.

Until it crossed zero.

Until Chu Yigui's birthday, that world filled with ash will never appear again.

Wanqiu lowered his head in bewilderment.

Time... has passed.

"It's so late." Wan Qiu stood up.

For them, today's time can be considered as staying up all night.

"Little brother, go back to your room and sleep," Wan Qiu said.

Sleeping on a cramped sofa for two days in a row must be very uncomfortable.

My younger brother was already tall and strong.

However, Chu Yigui reached out and rubbed Wanqiu's eyes with her fingers.

"You've cried your eyes out," Chu Yigui said.

"Hmm." Wan Qiu also felt a stinging sensation in her eyes.

"Why don't you sleep here tonight too?" Chu Yigui said with a smile. "Can I still hold my brother?"

Chu Yigui turned off the light.

The living room curtains were drawn, but it was still slightly brighter than the bedroom.

Wan Qiu leaned against Chu Yigui, and vaguely seemed to hear the sound of Chu Yigui's heartbeat.

“Brother,” Chu Yigui said.

"Hmm?" Wan Qiu responded.

"Brother," Chu Yigui repeated.

"Hmm?" Wan Qiu echoed in response.

Chu Yigui called out repeatedly, and Wan Qiu responded patiently.

Until Chu Yigui laughed out loud, it sounded to Wan Qiu like a muffled sound coming from his chest.

“If it were an ordinary person, they would definitely ask me why I keep calling you,” Chu Yigui said.

Wan Qiu hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Why do you keep calling me?"

“Because…” Chu Yigui hugged Wan Qiu, “I want to enjoy my brother’s love a little more during these last few days.”

In the darkness, Wanqiu blinked and said matter-of-factly, "I will spoil you from now on."

Chu Yigui smiled again.

Feeling down.

Wanqiu knew that Chu Yigui was probably very happy.

Even though Wanqiu didn't know what he was happy about.

Chu Yigui did not offer any explanation.

It's probably because I won't have to feel this bad anymore, right?

Wan Qiu thought to himself.

Wanqiu had another dream.

The overwhelming ash disappeared, and the world in my dream was spotless.

The malicious words from his memory still surfaced before him.

—He left the Chu family.

These words still came true, but only partially.

Chu Yigui will definitely leave the Chu family.

But Chu Yigui didn't fall down the stairs, didn't break her leg, and didn't argue or curse.

These densely packed words do not completely confirm reality.

So what exactly is it?

No matter how hard Wanqiu tried to recall, he couldn't remember what it was.

——

Yang glanced at the time, stood up, and prepared to leave work.

"Are you going back to take care of your younger brothers today too?" His colleague next to him was also packing his things, but seeing Yang's anxious expression, he couldn't help but tease him.

"Yes, my third brother specifically told me to go there early today."

"That's great. My two boys are always arguing like crazy." Yang Ze's colleague was also waiting for the elevator with him.

"Our family wasn't like this at first." Because his relationship with his colleagues has gradually improved during this time, he has become more talkative.

"I know, it's been since your younger brother came back, you've mentioned it so many times," the colleague teased with a smile.

Yang was somewhat aware of his unconscious boasting about Wanqiu, and touched his nose a little embarrassedly.

"But you seem a little distracted today," a colleague asked.

Yang Ze's expression softened slightly. Suddenly, he asked his colleague, "In your opinion, is blood relation very important?"

"Of course it's important," my colleague replied matter-of-factly. "People with blood ties are definitely closer than those with other people, especially when it comes to children. Who would willingly raise a child who isn't related to them by blood?"

Yang also knew that perhaps that was the case.

“But feelings are feelings, and blood ties are blood ties.” The older colleague patted Yang Ze on the shoulder. “There’s really no need to get hung up on blood ties.”

Yang nodded.

It's a principle that everyone takes for granted, but when faced with it in reality, it's not always the case.

Although everyone seemed indifferent and contemptuous towards Chu Yigui's suddenly appearing biological father, they were not entirely without resentment.

Chu Yigui is very important; she filled a very important part of their home.

The relationship that has lasted for nearly ten years has been built up day by day.

They respect Chu Yigui's decision.

But they genuinely didn't want Chu Yigui to leave them.

Moreover, although they spent the shortest time together, Wan Qiu was the one who relied on Chu Yigui the most.

Yang rubbed his temples, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Suddenly, Chu Jianshu called, and Yang answered.

“If that person comes again tonight, remember to let us know.” Chu Jianshu always spoke directly.

“Okay, Dad,” Yang Ze said.

Chu Jianshu hesitated for a moment, then said, "You're not very good at talking, so no matter what he says, just stay silent."

Yang paused for a moment, then replied, "Okay, Dad."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Ze found his car in the underground parking garage, but stared at it with a dazed expression.

He has never been good at speaking, and he is even less adept at expressing his emotions. In the past, Chu Jianshu would deliberately train him.

But now Chu Jianshu's words seem to indicate that he has accepted Chu Jianshu's taciturn nature.

Yang got into the driver's seat and adjusted the rearview mirror.

Unexpectedly, I saw a slightly surprised look on my face in the rearview mirror.

After starting the car, Yang immediately drove onto the highway towards the school.

Today, Wanqiu took the initiative to ask him to pick him up as soon as possible.

Yang thought about the uninvited guest's arrival yesterday, and he remained silent.

He also saw Wan Qiu holding Chu Yi behind him.

Although he was nervous about Chu Yigui, Yang found that he wasn't actually that nervous when he saw Wan Qiu looking serious.

It seems that Wanqiu's existence is the reassurance of the entire Chu family.

Yang believed that as long as Wan Qiu was around, Chu Yigui would be at peace.

Yang called Wan Qiu in advance. When he arrived at the school gate, he got out of the car and immediately saw Wan Qiu running towards him.

Yang was somewhat bewildered.

Wan Qiu reached Yang Ze's side, placed his schoolbag on the back seat, but did not get on the bus.

"Wanqiu?" Yang was somewhat puzzled.

Wan Qiu looked up and said to Yang Ze, "I'm waiting for someone."

"who?"

"That uncle."

Even though Wan Qiu didn't say who it was, Yang Ze knew in that instant that Wan Qiu was talking about Ran Yongrui.

"How did you know he would come?" Yang asked, somewhat surprised.

“My younger brother said so,” Wan Qiu said.

Chu Yigui told him that Ran Yongrui would wait for him at the school gate almost every day after school.

Although the time they spent together was short, he didn't seem to care that it was only a short time.

Chu Yigui said that Ran Yongrui is a rather persistent person.

Although he wasn't interested in Ran Yongrui, he wouldn't refuse him every time out of politeness.

Yang listened, feeling a mix of emotions.

Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu should know about this, but since Chu Yigui hasn't mentioned it, they'll pretend they don't.

But Chu Yigui will tell Wan Qiu.

"What does Wanqiu want to see that uncle for?" Yang asked.

Wanqiu pursed her lips.

There was no response.

"Brother, after we graduate from junior high, shall we go tell Mom and Dad together?"

While at school, Chu Yigui held Wan Qiu's hand tightly and said...

“Okay,” Wan Qiu said.

Wanqiu also asked other questions.

"Is my little brother going to that uncle's house?" Wanqiu was very reluctant to let him go.

"How could that be?" Chu Yigui turned her head and smiled. "Mr. Ran and I don't have the kind of relationship you're imagining, brother. To me, Mr. Ran is just an ordinary elder."

Wan Qiu still remembers what Chu Yigui said back then.

There was no joy or unhappiness, no expectation or disappointment.

That shows that they really didn't care at all.

"Second brother, go ask your teacher for leave," Yang Ze said.

However, Wan Qiu stopped Yang Ze from making a phone call.

"What's wrong?" Yang asked.

"I can only say a few words to my uncle. I still need to study hard," Wan Qiu said.

Yang looked at Wan Qiu, and finally put down his phone.

The two of them stood by the roadside after school, waiting.

Yang himself has a somewhat fierce appearance, and his serious expression makes students passing by avoid him.

After Yang saw several elementary school students with strange expressions because they were afraid of him, and after receiving a lot of attention from the gatekeeper, he reluctantly got into the car.

Wanqiu is waiting.

It took quite a while.

Wanqiu's eyes would scan every passing vehicle until he found his target.

Wan Qiu strode towards the vehicle that had already stopped at the side of the road.

When Ran Yongrui saw Wan Qiu, he had originally planned to wait in the driver's seat, but he simply got out of the car.

When the tall man stood in front of Wan Qiu, he seemed to be able to easily suppress Wan Qiu.

"I've also been wondering if I'll ever run into you."

Ran Yongrui spoke first, before Wan Qiu.

"Could you please help me get in touch with your parents? I think I need to have a chance to speak with them."

"Why?" Wan Qiu asked.

“He is my child, and I want to take him home,” Ran Yongrui said.

"But your brother doesn't want to go home with you."

Wan Qiu's hands were behind his back, his fingers intertwined nervously and anxiously.

"Aren't you willing to respect your younger brother's thoughts?"

Ran Yongrui didn't seem to want to get entangled with Wan Qiu, but when he looked up, he met Yang Ze standing behind Wan Qiu.

He remembered this person; he had a deep impression of him. He had seen him when he was at the Chu family's residence.

He is probably another son of the Chu family.

Therefore, Ran Yongrui was in the mood to talk to Wan Qiu a bit more.

“He’s still just a child, and many of his ideas are not mature,” Ran Yongrui said.

“That was also my younger brother’s idea,” Wan Qiu said earnestly.

"Even if he is doing well in your home now, he is still not a member of your family. In a family that is entirely based on blood ties, that child will be rejected by you without your knowledge."

Even while speaking to Wan Qiu, Ran Yongrui's gaze was fixed on Yang Ze.

Wanqiu had no way to refute this statement.

"Perhaps so." Wan Qiu's fingers tightened as he tried to, and from Yang Ze's angle, one could see that Wan Qiu's knuckles had turned white.

"You are too young to understand what blood ties bring to people."

Ran Yongrui said earnestly to Wan Qiu.

"Life is conceived because of the connection between the father and mother."

Blood ties can never be severed; they are stronger than any other relationship.

We will treat that child well unconditionally, but you won't.

Yang was momentarily speechless.

Even if he didn't think blood ties were as important as Ran Yongrui said, their kindness towards Chu Yigui was indeed accompanied by too many hidden conditions and reasons.

"I will." Suddenly, Wan Qiu's clear voice, like the striking of metal, suddenly rang in my ears, "I will be good to my younger brother."

Yang opened his mouth.

Wanqiu's earnest, unwavering gaze carried the purest emotions in the world, forging the most innocent connection.

“So, you’re still too young.” Ran Yongrui sighed, as if he felt it was a waste of breath to talk to Wan Qiu about this. “I hope to talk to your parents.”

Yang frowned under Ran Yongrui's gaze.

He didn't like it when unfamiliar people ignored Wan Qiu's words or even disregarded Wan Qiu's ideas.

Yang clenched his fist, his face somewhat gloomy.

"Do you also want to be good to your younger brother?" Wan Qiu suddenly asked.

Ran Yongrui was taken aback, then said, "Of course, he is my child."

How can I be good to my younger brother?

Yang Ze's expression changed from gloomy to subtle. Was it just his imagination that Wan Qiu seemed to be defecting?

"I will fulfill my responsibilities as a parent." However, Ran Yongrui's answer was vague.

Wanqiu looked up.

Wan Qiu would not approach a stranger who exuded an unhappy aura, including Ran Yongrui now.

But Wanqiu did not run away.

"My younger brother is about to take the high school entrance exam, and he needs a lot of time to study."

"My younger brother is a very good student, always ranking first in his grade, and he is now striving to do even better in his studies."

Ran Yongrui's gaze paused slightly.

"My brother wants to get first place," Wan Qiu said firmly. "So my brother needs to focus on his studies."

Wan Qiu was also trying her best not to cause Chu Yigui any trouble.

Even during that period when he always felt lonely, Wan Qiu did not do anything that would disturb Chu Yigui.

"Let your younger brother study hard."

Wan Qiu stood ramrod straight, the tall, slender boy exuding a gentle, husky voice as he went through puberty.

He said earnestly, "My younger brother is now preparing for the high school entrance exam all by himself."

Wan Qiu recalled Chu Yigui's class.