"Are you Lin Xiao's brother? Hello, my name is Qiao Zhaoning, and I'm Lin Xiao's classmate."

Qiao Zhaoning stood in front of Lin Xiao like a little adult, looking at the handsome young man. Although she didn't have a good impression of him, she still had to maintain a gentlemanly demeanor.

The handsome young man raised an eyebrow. "Your surname is Qiao? Could you be a child from some aristocratic family? You've grown so much since I last saw you."

He must have been a little kid when he was young. He seems to have gotten along very well with Xiao Xiao.

"Brother, this is my classmate. You're not allowed to bully him. He's my good brother. His dad isn't home today. Can he come to our house for dinner?"

Nan Lichuan frowned. It wasn't that he didn't want the child in the house, but the child's eyes seemed too shrewd. He was afraid the child would harm Xiao Xiao.

After all, Xiao Xiao was such an innocent child.

Seeing that his brother didn't speak, Lin Xiao knew that he was worried about something again, so he tugged at Nan Lichuan's clothes and acted coquettishly.

"Brother, he's just my brother. He won't do anything to me. Besides, he's just a kid. I don't want him to go hungry."

Nan Lichuan hummed in agreement and didn't say anything this time, sending the two little ones on their way home.

He opened the door with his slender hand. The unfamiliar atmosphere was gone, which reassured him that Lin Yaqin had returned, and he felt at ease.

Otherwise, if my mother saw it, it would be terrible.

A kind-looking figure appeared before Lin Xiao, which puzzled him. He scratched his head, trying to recall information about the person. He realized he didn't recognize him at all.

So he summoned 002, 'System 002, who is this woman? I've never seen her before.'

System 002 kindly reminded its host, 'This woman is the male lead's mother, and thus also your mother, but a stepmother, and a rather wicked woman, so be careful, host.'

The cute reminder amused Lin Xiao, who nodded perfunctorily. But how could he be afraid? He was too busy being excited. The mischievous side of him was about to surface again.

Since it was evening, dinner time, the woman in the kitchen came out carrying the dishes.

When she saw him arrive, her beautiful face beamed with a smile, but such an expression was really inappropriate.

"Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Lin Xiao."

Lin Xiao stretched out his small, short hand, behaving like a gentleman in front of this woman.

Because he knew this woman was his brother's mother, he had to give her face.

Nan Lichuan helped his mother take the vegetables. Seeing the little guy so well-behaved, he was a little unaccustomed to it and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

This little guy is getting cuter and cuter. He's so well-behaved in front of others, but he always acts all cute and affectionate in front of him.

"This must be Ah Chuan's younger brother. He's so cute! Nanshan, is this the child you were talking about? I think he's quite adorable. He'll definitely be a handsome boy when he grows up."

Nan's mother gently stroked Lin Xiao's soft hair, her eyes filled with tenderness, but in that fleeting moment of tenderness, a hint of resentment flashed through her eyes, too quick to be seen.

Although Lin Xiao felt a little scared when touched, he was completely disoriented when someone praised his looks. He proudly raised his head and looked at his older brother.

She smugly thought to herself, "See? I told you I'm cute, everyone likes me. And you still don't want me, huh!"

Nan Lichuan smiled but didn't expose his brother's foolishness. He even kindly chatted with him, completely ignoring Qiao Zhaoning who was standing next to him.

Qiao Zhaoning felt a little uncomfortable, as if she were an extra person. That person was so dazzling, while she was...

Nan's mother noticed the child next to Lin Xiao. She felt like she'd seen him somewhere before—the beauty mark under his eye… Yes, it was that person's child. He's grown so much already.

What a small world! They separated back then, and now their children are all together. But what does it matter? The position of the Nan family's mistress still belongs to her!

"Who is this child? I've never seen him before. Is he Xiao Xiao's classmate?"

Lin Xiao was stunned. How could he have forgotten his brother? He was only focused on his brother's handsome face. His brother was indeed a menace, causing great harm.

He gave an awkward laugh, "Oh, he's my classmate, a new friend I just met today. What's wrong with my brother?"

"Hello, Auntie, my name is Qiao Zhaoning, I am Lin Xiao's classmate. Thank you for your help today. I will treat you to a meal next time you visit my home."

As Qiao Zhaoning was being introduced to Lin Xiao in a very generous manner, he naturally forgot that he was a child. His mature demeanor and somewhat adult-like speech amused Nanshan.

Nanshan laughed heartily, "Haha, so his surname is Qiao? That kid's son is just like him, so stiff, and his face is even red. This won't do."

"How is your father? It's been a long time since we last met, and now a long time has passed in the blink of an eye."

"I didn't expect to run into his son here. He's my good brother. You can come to me if you need anything."

Lin Xiao touched his head, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information he was receiving. What was going on? Was this some kind of melodramatic soap opera?

After the meal, Nanshan ordered someone to send Qiao Zhaoning back. There he saw his younger son pestering his older son with questions. The older son seemed rather unhappy about it.

"What's wrong? Does Xiao Xiao want to know something?"

Lin Xiao shook his head and then nodded, speaking somewhat incoherently, "They're all my brothers." That cold gaze made him unable to speak properly.

"I wanted to see where my brother works, but he said I was too little and had to go to school, so I... I..."

Nanshan stroked his chin and smiled, "So you're angry with your brother, huh? Anyway, Xiaoxiao has a tutor. Since he wants to see it, just take him."

"Xiao Xiao is just concerned about you, don't take it to heart."

Looking into those expressive eyes, which seemed to be pitifully pleading, only he knew that this was just an excuse Lin Xiao gave because she didn't want to stay at school.

"Xiao Xiao, do you really want to go? It's a lot of trouble there."

Lin Xiao nodded vigorously. "Oh my god, I'd do anything as long as I don't have to stay in that school. But I'd be more eager to see my brother."

"Xiao Xiao isn't afraid of trouble, brother. Is it because you want to see me, or is it because you don't like me that you're unwilling? Then I'll..."

Nan Lichuan's heart tightened. Seeing how pitiful the little one was, how could he possibly scold him? He would scold him when he got back.

"No, brother doesn't dislike Xiao Xiao. Be good, don't overthink it, I'll just take you there."