Because of Wan Qiu's actions, Yang Ze and Wan Qiu waited for three days without seeing Ran Yongrui again.

Ran Yongrui is, after all, a person with a respectable profession, and he certainly wouldn't act like an ordinary person and make unreasonable demands.

Although it's only been temporarily suspended, Chu Yigui can finally focus on her studies.

With the high school entrance exam just a month away, Chu Yigui was noticeably busier.

Following Chu Yigui's middle school entrance exam, Wan Qiu's entrance exam came next, although there was no distinction between passing and failing the exam for direct admission from primary to junior high school.

Wan Qiu was putting in a lot of effort into his studies.

Two days before Chu Yigui's exam, Wan Qiu took the initiative to cook for him.

My aunt said that cooking something delicious could motivate the test takers.

Wanqiu hadn't cooked for a while. She remembered that her cooking skills weren't very good, so she listened to her aunt and made a sausage and two eggs.

Chu Yigui laughed nonstop after seeing it.

Although Wan Qiu was completely baffled as to why Chu Yigui was smiling like that, he still saw that Chu Yigui had finished eating.

Chu Yigui's exam went quickly, and he looked relaxed, as if there was absolutely no suspense.

A week later, Chu Yigui's results came out.

As expected, he came in first place and received his desired high school acceptance letter without any suspense.

The results were posted at the school, because Chu Yigui's score was not only the highest in the school's grade, but also the highest in the entire city's high school entrance examination, even surpassing the second-place student by several tens of points.

Chu Yigui still saw Ran Yongrui on the day the exam results were announced.

Ran Yongrui stood next to the honor plaque for a long time.

When Wan Qiu heard about this, he asked Chu Yigui if she had spoken to Ran Yongrui.

Chu Yigui said they had spoken.

Chu Yi returned the message and thanked him.

Wan Qiu didn't know what Chu Yigui and Ran Yongrui had talked about, but Chu Yigui didn't seem to care at all from beginning to end.

Even though Wan Qiu knew that Chu Yigui and Ran Yongrui had talked for a long time.

When Yang Xiaoyu heard that Chu Yigui had gotten first place in the exam, it was entirely within her expectations.

Although he wanted to celebrate, Chu Yigui refused.

Because Wanqiu is about to take her exam.

Wan Qiu also took the entrance exam two weeks after Chu Yigui's exam.

Wan Qiu studied very hard, and Chu Yigui even tutored and provided Wan Qiu with practice questions for two weeks after the exam.

After leaving the examination room, Wan Qiu felt that he had done a good job on the questions.

After that, Wanqiu conducted another exam to test whether he could skip a grade.

The two results came out together, and unfortunately, Wan Qiu failed to meet Chu Jianshu's requirements.

However, this final exam result was the highest ever achieved by Wanqiu.

“It’s something to celebrate.” Yang Xiaoyu was clearly very happy and had been planning how to celebrate.

Wan Qiu quietly raised his eyes and looked at Chu Yigui beside him.

His younger brother smiled as he looked at the person in front of him.

"Dad, Mom," Chu Yigui said with a smile, "Can I go see the sea?"

They were located some distance from the sea.

Chu Yigui rarely travels with her family, or rather, the entire Chu family rarely travels.

Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu both own their own companies and spend most of their time working. They prefer working to enjoying life in their daily lives.

Yang, on the other hand, is a quiet person and doesn't particularly show any interest in traveling.

Even... Wanqiu's trip was unique to the Chu family.

Although Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu wanted to go to popular beach spots abroad, Chu Yigui said she wanted to find a quiet place.

Although it was rare, Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu were very supportive when Chu Yigui took the initiative to say what she wanted to do.

In the end, Yang Xiaoyu borrowed a seaside villa from a friend, had it cleaned in advance, and freed up her rest time to travel and relax.

It was also Wanqiu's first time seeing the sea, so he was a little nervous.

However, Wan Qiu was closer to Chu Yigui than usual, and he held Chu Yigui's hand more firmly.

Even Yang Xiaoyu laughed at them, saying they seemed to be conjoined twins.

They went to a private beach together on a beautiful, sunny day, where it was incredibly quiet.

This beach isn't particularly wide, and because it hasn't been developed for tourism, it's not especially beautiful.

However, the completely natural scenery, sculpted by mountains and rivers, makes this place breathtakingly beautiful.

They brought a barbecue by the sea, a chef, and lifeguards just in case.

They also borrowed a friend's yacht.

Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu also asked Chu Yigui what else he wanted, and they said they could fulfill his request.

But Chu Yigui simply said, "Thank you, Mom and Dad, that's enough."

Wanqiu can swim and enjoys playing in the water during the hot summer. He hadn't had a proper swim in a long time, and this time he had a great time.

Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu also managed to take a rare vacation and were enjoying this hard-won time.

Wan Qiu sat in the water, looking up at Chu Yigui by the water's edge.

Once ashore, he sat down in front of Chu Yigui.

"My brother and the seaside blend together, becoming the most beautiful scenery."

Chu Yigui laughed, but her laughter was muffled in the sea breeze.

Wan Qiu blinked, unsure of what to say to Chu Yigui.

But when he lay in the water looking at Chu Yigui...

One would always notice the sky behind Chu Yigui, an endless expanse of blue, where even the clouds seemed insignificant.

"Why did Yi Gui suddenly want to come to the seaside? Does she actually like the sea?" Yang Xiaoyu asked curiously.

Chu Yigui replied, "I just wanted to experience what it feels like to be insignificant. Compared to that, the ocean probably makes it easier to feel that way, right?"

“How could anyone want to experience insignificance?” Yang Xiaoyu did indeed curl the corners of her mouth. “I’m by the sea, and I also feel that I am great.”

Chu Yigui laughed heartily, and he even went along with Yang Xiaoyu's words: "Yes, I've always thought my mother is amazing too."

Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu were not unaware of Chu Yigui's excessive cheerfulness.

Just watching the two boys, one tall and one short, holding hands and walking on the beach at sunset, the roar of the waves only served to create a peaceful world.

At that moment, Yang Xiaoyu seemed to understand the meaning of insignificance.

No matter how noisy they are, they cannot outpace the ceaseless waves.

Everything remained calm and uneventful until I returned home from this trip.

During a dinner after returning home, Yang Xiaoyu suddenly spoke up.

"I have to go back the day after tomorrow, so I'll take the kids shopping tomorrow?"

Yang Xiaoyu is still going to work abroad, and she's thinking about how to get some more clothes for her lovely children.

“I’m free tomorrow too.” Chu Jianshu was unusually willing to participate in Yang Xiaoyu’s schedule, even though he rarely accompanied Yang Xiaoyu shopping.

Yang was also considering whether he had the time.

only……

"Mom and Dad," Chu Yigui's voice suddenly broke the silence.

"What's wrong? Yi Gui, do you have any recommendations?" Yang Xiaoyu asked.

Chu Yigui raised her eyes and suddenly said, "I want to leave the Chu family."

"Leave? Where to?" Yang Xiaoyu didn't immediately understand what Chu Yigui was talking about.

"By establishing a separate household registration, I hope to break free from my status as an adopted son of the Chu family."

Suddenly, the air fell silent.

The housekeeper, Bai, was preparing a fruit salad for Wanqiu after dinner when the spoon in her hand suddenly fell into a glass dish, making a crisp clinking sound.

This noise became the only sound in the sudden silence.

Chu Yigui remained calm, completely unaware that she had made such an explosive statement.

Or perhaps he had already accepted this outcome and anticipated this situation.

Yang Xiaoyu rubbed her forehead and suddenly asked, "Yigui, I'm sorry, Mom didn't hear what you said clearly just now."

"I want to terminate the adoption," Chu Yigui repeated earnestly. "I hope I will no longer be your child."

Yang Xiaoyu vaguely felt pain in her brain.

On such a peaceful day, at such a peaceful dinner.

Shouldn't such remarks be made at a unique time while traveling?

Yang Xiaoyu rubbed her temples: "Is it because of that Ran Yongrui? Yi Gui, I don't think you're such an irrational child."

“No,” Chu Yigui said.

Yang Xiaoyu spread her hands, expressing her utter surprise: "What is that, the rebellious phase?"

"I've thought about it seriously," Chu Yigui said.

Chu Yigui always has a plan and a reason, and she makes choices.

They don't do anything without a reason.

Yang Xiaoyu looked at Wan Qiu and found that Wan Qiu was very calm.

This wasn't a reaction of complete ignorance; Chu Yigui had clearly already told Wan Qiu.

This is enough to prove that Chu Yigui's request was not a whim.

While Yang Xiaoyu was still unable to compose herself, Chu Jianshu spoke up, "Let me hear your reasons for doing this."

“I am very grateful to my parents for raising me, and this gratitude includes love. However, it is very difficult for me to continue to pretend to be a member of this family.”

Chu Yigui used a more direct and simpler method, devoid of emotion, to express his truest thoughts.

"Yi Gui, you know perfectly well..." Yang Xiaoyu slammed her hand on the table, unable to hide her anger.

“I know very well that no one treats me as an outsider.”

Chu Yigui was very calm, so calm that it was hard not to suspect that he had actually simulated this scenario many times.

"It's just an emotional matter; you can't control it just by knowing it."

Yang Xiaoyu was speechless.

Having once been controlled by her emotions, she understands better than anyone the feeling of not being able to control them.

Chu Yigui said a lot.

I've talked about the past.

The past is completely rebuilt around Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu.

He mentioned that it was the first time he had met Wan Qiu.

He spoke of his inner feelings and the turning of his thoughts.

To Wan Qiu, Chu Yigui's voice was very pleasant.

In the quiet space, Chu Yigui's pleasant voice could affect almost everyone.

Even if Chu Yigui didn't slow down his tone, Wan Qiu could already understand what Chu Yigui was saying.

Wan Qiu vaguely realized that she had participated in the entire process of Chu Yigui's change.

When Chu Yigui stopped, Wan Qiu looked at her parents.

After a long while, Chu Jianshu finally said, "This is your decision, isn't it?"

"yes."

“You are a very outstanding child, but I have always been worried that your personality might cause trouble for your future. But now it seems that I was probably overthinking it,” Chu Jianshu said with a sigh.

Chu Yigui smiled and said, "It has always been my immaturity that has troubled Dad."

Yang Xiaoyu still found it hard to accept: "Does it have to be this way? If it's for the reasons you gave, we might be able to work things out, right?"

“It’s not about getting along, it’s that I want to do it this way.” Chu Yigui said to Yang Xiaoyu, “I’m not leaving my parents, I just don’t want this identity anymore.”

“But you’re only sixteen.” Yang Ze, who had been silent all along, pointed out Chu Yigui’s age.

"Yes, I'm already sixteen, second brother."

Chu Yigui's words suddenly left Yang Ze speechless.

“I want to repay my parents, so I also want to sign an agreement with them. I want to be my brother’s tutor in all subjects. I have already achieved good results.”

Yang Xiaoyu was taken aback, then realized that it was indeed the case.

Chu Yigui had been tutoring Wan Qiu for a long time.

And every teacher said that Chu Yigui tutored them very well.

"In the future, I also hope to continue to assist my parents, my eldest brother, and my second eldest brother..."

However, Yang Xiaoyu suddenly interrupted Chu Yigui: "But with your abilities, you can clearly do better. Even if we give you some money to start a business..."

"Mom, actually I don't have such big ambitions."

Suddenly, Chu Yigui said.

He may be intelligent.

He may have a brighter future in everyone's eyes.

However, Chu Yigui knew very well that he was not suitable.

All he could see was this small patch of land right in front of him.

All he wanted to cherish was everything within this small space.

He had no likes or dislikes, no desires, and only now was he barely able to face himself.

"Who can be sure about the future? Aren't you doing very well now?" Yang Xiaoyu said.

“I trust my parents completely. If that day ever comes…” Chu Yigui said with a smile, “I will ask my parents to invest in me.”

"You're taking the wrong path." Chu Jianshu's voice was more serious and cold than usual, but if you listened carefully, it sounded like he was suppressing something.

"I guess that's just my personality. If I hit a wall, I want to keep hitting it until I die?"

Chu Yigui even had the mood to joke.

But Chu Yigui was very clear about everything she was feeling right now; it was actually quite relaxing.

Tell everything...

Very easy...

Yang Xiaoyu let out a long sigh.

I don't know why, but when I think back to everything Chu Yigui has done in the past, I suddenly feel that Chu Yigui's current thoughts are actually quite reasonable.

"Is identity such an important thing?" Yang Xiaoyu couldn't help but ask.

"yes."

At that moment, Yang Xiaoyu suddenly realized that Chu Yigui was actually somewhat like her.

Stubborn...

Too serious.

They tend to overthink things.

Did she unknowingly influence Chu Yigui's personality?

Yang Xiaoyu looked up at Chu Yigui, whom she had always thought was very mature.

I suddenly realized that this is actually still a child.

"I understand, Yi Gui. Just like I said before, I respect your choice."

Chu Jianshu shifted his gaze from Yang Xiaoyu to Chu Yigui: "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Dad, I'm sure."

"Then everything we do to support you in the future will no longer be done without any expectation of reward or justification."

"Yes, that's what I want."

Chu Jianshu suddenly realized that he couldn't understand Chu Yigui anymore.

This child was, in fact, mysterious and magical to him.

"I understand," Chu Jianshu replied. "Do as you say."

Perhaps they should reconsider, give themselves some more time, and try to dissuade Chu Yigui.

But he didn't want to discourage a child who was working hard and thinking deeply.

I don't want to watch this child, under the guise of family, quietly wasting his life.

Chu Jianshu looked at Wan Qiu.

His child, who seemed to have remained completely detached from the whole affair, didn't even utter a single word.

But all these changes truly originated from Wanqiu.

Perhaps this isn't a bad thing.

Chu Jianshu thought to himself.

Since Wanqiu returned here, nothing bad has happened for a long time.

This time, he continued to believe in the changes that Wanqiu would bring to the Chu family.

Wanqiu was very quiet.

He knew that everyone was seriously discussing Chu Yigui's departure from the Chu family.

Wan Qiu didn't quite understand.

Wan Qiu vaguely knew that Chu Yigui might soon no longer be his younger brother.

But they won't separate.

Wan Qiu still doesn't understand what Chu Yigui is thinking.

However, Wan Qiu still remembered the feelings that Chu Yigui had been hiding in her heart when she told him, feelings that must have made Chu Yigui very sad.

It seems that no one intends to try to keep Chu Yigui, just like him.

Because it was something Chu Yigui wanted to do, once Chu Jianshu agreed, all the procedures were completed very quickly.

Even though Wanqiu didn't know what they were doing, he would occasionally hear their progress at the dinner table.

Yang Xiaoyu, who was originally going to work abroad, stayed here for a while longer.

Wanqiu felt that summer was definitely a time when many things would happen.

Wan Qiu saw that the lawyer had given Chu Yigui many documents, and both sides had signed their names next to her parents.

Wanqiu just stared blankly at everything.

"Yi Gui." Yang Xiaoyu watched as the lawyer took the documents away; the matter was now a fait accompli. "You really are a kid who takes things a little too seriously."

Chu Yigui smiled and said, "I'll take it as... Aunt Yang praising me."

Yang Xiaoyu's fingers tightened subtly, then slowly relaxed.

"From now on, you'll be my employee. You'd better take good care of my baby, understand?"

Yang Xiaoyu remained arrogant, her beautiful, sharp eyes scrutinizing Chu Yigui.

"Of course," Chu Yigui said with a smile.

"Thank you for all these years." However, Yang Xiaoyu's arrogance could not be maintained for long in front of her child, and in the end, she still said it.

"I am truly grateful to my uncle and aunt for nurturing me over such a long period of time."

Chu Yigui spoke very seriously and respectfully.

Chu Jianshu, who had been waiting, asked, "Would you like to change your name?"

The moment those words were spoken, the air seemed to fall silent.

Chu Yigui shook her head: "This is the name I like."

"Really?" Chu Jianshu seemed no different from usual. "If you change your mind, I can help you anytime."

"Thank you, Uncle Chu."

Such a form of address left Chu Jianshu somewhat speechless.

Chu Yigui remained calm.

Even in the presence of such a calm child, Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu maintained the decorum of adults.

Wan Qiu knew that this was probably the time when he could no longer call Chu Yigui his younger brother.

However, Wanqiu didn't feel anything real about it.

Chu Yigui was still standing in front of him.

Just like yesterday, his younger brother, who is even more handsome than the teacher, was helping him with his homework.

Wan Qiu was led by Chu Yigui's hand to Chu Yigui's room.

Chu Yigui's room remained the same as before, with no difference.

This will remain Chu Yigui's room in the future.

Wanqiu did not notice any change.

"Little brother, is it time to start today's lessons?" Wan Qiu asked.

However, Chu Yigui seemed to pause for a moment, and he released Wan Qiu's hand.

"elder brother."

"Hmm?" Wan Qiu asked, tilting his head back.

Chu Yigui smiled: "This is the last time I'll call you that."

Wan Qiu looked at Chu Yigui.

His younger brother is still tall and handsome, and still calls him "brother" affectionately.

But he said it was the last time.

"What will you call me from now on?" Wan Qiu didn't know.

"Do you remember when we first met?" Chu Yigui said with a smile, "I told you I was your friend."

Wan Qiu nodded.

Even though that memory was hazy, Wanqiu remembered it.

Chu Yigui was his first friend, and the first very special person to him.

"Although we are no longer brothers, we are still friends."

“Friends…” Wan Qiu murmured, looking at Chu Yigui, and slowly said, “Are they special, closer than others?”

Chu Yigui tilted her head and smiled, "Yes, that's true for me."

This time, Chu Yigui no longer concealed her true intentions.

He still believes this, both then and now.

However, due to different states of mind, this sense of intimacy brought him different feelings.

He would no longer consider Wanqiu's response to him as a place to stay.

He could have been more innocent and closer to Wanqiu.

"I'm also closer to my younger brother..."

However, Wan Qiu suddenly paused.

He pondered with his not-so-bright brain.

"Yi Gui and I are special; we're closer than with other people."

Chu Yigui wanted to smile.

He just found it hard to control his emotions and force a smile.

He was always loved and pampered by Wanqiu.

This affection once brought pressure.

What it brings now is longing.

There seems to be a sour and astringent sensation rushing into the nasal cavity, affecting the tear glands.

Chu Yigui had never cried like this before.

But now, as an independent person, Chu Yigui has found a position where she can cry.

He wasn't entirely without feelings for the Chu family.

Signing those names wasn't as smooth and steady as when he put pen to paper.

It's actually very painful.

But this way... is better.

Her hands, even smaller than her own, cupped his cheeks.

Chu Yigui sat on the sofa, his hazy gaze fixed on Wan Qiu standing before him.

Wanqiu wiped away the tears welling up in his eyes with his fingers, just as he had done when Wanqiu cried before.

The warmth of her hands was not taken away by her tears.

It was warm, soothing his cheeks.

Wan Qiu stood before him, tall and reliable.

No matter how many tears welled up, Wanqiu would catch them quickly.

Those clear eyes, which concealed a pure white space, still reflected his image.

In Wanqiu's eyes, he occupied a pure and clean world, a world he could return to.