Different ways home

Dusk, like thick ink, gradually permeated the entire city. The school bell rang, and the bustling crowd on campus began to disperse. Shen Zhihe and Gu Hanzhi walked out of the school gate side by side. After a brief farewell at the intersection, they each set off on their way home.

Shen Zhihe stood in front of the gate of his villa, took a deep breath, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. That smile was like a carefully carved mask, perfect. Pushing open the door, the bright light from the entrance shone on him, forming a sharp contrast with the twilight outside.

"Zhihe, are you back?" Xu Huanxi was wearing a moon-white cheongsam with faint silver orchid embroidered on the collar, and a smoky purple gauze shawl on the outside. The pearl buttons around her neck shone with a warm luster, and her appearance showed the temperament of the mistress of the house.

She leaned on a carved mahogany chair, the icy jade bracelet on her wrist making a crisp sound as she raised her hand. Her drooping hair was slowly tucked behind her ears by her fingertips, and fine lines of smile appeared at the corners of her eyes: "Zhihe, how is life in high school? Are you used to it?" Her voice was as melodious as a nightingale in spring, and the white magnolia hairpin slanted on her temples swayed gently as she spoke, and her whole body was surrounded by a proper and appropriate gentleness.

She walked up to Shen Zhihe and reached out to gently adjust his collar. "How was school today? I heard that you gave a speech on behalf of the freshmen at the opening ceremony. Ah... Auntie is so happy for you."

It had been nearly six years since his father brought his stepmother into the Shen family, but Shen Zhihe still addressed her as "Auntie." Even in his dreams, he still refused to call Xu Huanxi "Mother."

A hint of sneer appeared in Shen Zhihe's heart, but a warm smile still appeared on his face. "It's fine, Auntie, don't worry." His voice was gentle, as if he was really moved by this "concern".

Xu Huanxi nodded with satisfaction. "That's good. I've specially asked the nanny Liu Ma to make your favorite dish for you tonight. Go wash your hands and get ready for dinner."

Shen Zhihe responded and was about to go upstairs when a charming figure ran out from around the corner. Xu Zhiyi was wearing a pink dress, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes gleaming with shyness and anticipation. "Brother!" She trotted over to Shen Zhihe and naturally took his arm. "I have a surprise for you, come to my room!"

Shen Zhihe looked at Xu Zhiyi's excitement, and although he was puzzled, he still followed her to the room. Xu Zhiyi's room was full of girlish atmosphere, with pink wallpaper, cute dolls, and a bouquet of fresh roses on the table.

"Brother, close your eyes!" Xu Zhiyi put his hands behind his back, and his face became even redder.

Shen Zhihe followed his instructions and closed his eyes, wondering what this little girl was up to. After a moment, Xu Zhiyi said softly, "You can open your eyes now."

Shen Zhihe slowly opened his eyes and saw Xu Zhiyi holding an exquisite gift box in his hand. He carefully handed it to him, "Brother, this is a gift I prepared. I hope you like it."

Shen Zhihe took the gift box and the moment he opened it, a dark blue tie caught his eye. The material of the tie looked very high-quality, and it was embroidered with delicate patterns, clearly a lot of thought went into it. "Zhiyi, thank you, I like it very much," Shen Zhihe said sincerely.

Xu Zhiyi bit her lip, her eyes filled with shyness. "As long as I like it..." She lowered her head, not daring to look Shen Zhihe in the eye, but her heart was beating like a little rabbit. Shen Zhihe was so preoccupied with admiring the tie that he didn't notice Xu Zhiyi's shy and smug look.

Meanwhile, Gu Hanzhi stood in front of her own villa, its grandeur. The albizzia trees in the courtyard were her mother's favorite flowers. Looking at the familiar yet cold door, she felt an indescribable sense of oppression. She slowly pushed it open, and a pungent smell of alcohol hit her. The living room was in disarray, with bottles scattered across the floor.

Following the intermittent murmurings, Gu Hanzhi came to the corner of the living room. Her father, Gu Zhengfeng, sat slumped on the sofa, his eyes hazy, clutching the portrait of their mother, Su Wanqing, in his arms. He kept muttering, "Wanqing, I miss you so much... I'm so lonely without you..." His voice was hoarse and choked, tears glistening in his bloodshot eyes.

Gu Hanzhi stood there quietly, a scene she had long since grown accustomed to. Ever since her mother's death, her father had seemed to have lost his soul. He worked diligently during the day, but drowned his sorrows in alcohol at night. The once gentle, strong father was now a mere corpse at night.

"Dad, I'm back." Gu Hanzhi said softly, without a trace of emotion in his voice.

Gu Zhengfeng raised his head, stared at her blankly, then turned his gaze back to the portrait and continued muttering to himself. Gu Hanzhi sighed, said nothing more, and turned to go up to the second floor of the villa.

Her room was at the end of the hallway. As soon as she opened the door, she was instantly enveloped by darkness and oppression. The lights were off, the curtains tightly drawn, and a thin ray of light filtered through the cracks, casting a thin beam on the floor. Gu Hanzhi huddled in the corner of the room, hugging her knees, her mind replaying Shen Zhihe's words.

"Hanzhi, don't be afraid, I'm here."

"You are very good, don't underestimate yourself."

"The future will definitely get better."

Warm words echoed in her ears, and Gu Hanzhi whispered softly: "Why are you so nice to me..." Her voice was filled with confusion and puzzlement, and she seemed particularly lonely in this dark room.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Gu Hanzhi raised his head and asked in a hoarse voice, "Who is it?"

"Sister, it's me." Gu Songyi's childish and concerned voice came from outside the door.

Gu Hanzhi stood up and opened the door. Gu Songyi was standing there, holding a cup of warm milk. He was only fourteen years old, his face still brimming with youthful innocence, yet he was already about the same height as Gu Hanzhi, who stood 5'167". However, his eyes held a maturity and determination beyond his years.

"Sister, have a glass of milk and don't think too much." Gu Songyi handed the milk to Gu Hanzhi, walked into the room and turned on the light.

The room brightened up, dispelling some of the darkness and depression. Gu Songyi sat down next to Gu Hanzhi and gently put his arm around her shoulders. "Sister, I know you're sad, but we can't go on like this. Mother must also want us to live a good life."

Gu Hanzhi looked at her sensible brother, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She drank a sip of milk, and the bitterness in her heart gradually subsided. "Song Yi, thank you, I'm fine."

Gu Songyi smiled, and that smile was like the sunshine in spring, warm and bright. "Sister, no matter what happens in the future, I will be with you. I will work hard to grow up and protect you!"

Gu Hanzhi's eyes moistened as she listened to her brother's words. She leaned on Gu Songyi's shoulder, feeling the rare warmth and support.

After a while, Gu Songyi stood up and said, "Sister, you should go to bed early. You have to go to school tomorrow." Gu Hanzhi nodded and walked Gu Songyi to the door.

After Gu Songyi left, Gu Hanzhi returned to the window and drew back the curtains. Outside, the night was deep and starry. A gentle evening breeze blew, bringing a hint of coolness. She gazed at the sky, remembering Shen Zhihe's gentle eyes and Gu Songyi's resolute smile.

At that moment, Gu Hanzhi felt an unprecedented surge of strength. She decided not to dwell on the pain of the past anymore. She would strive to live her life to the fullest, for herself and for those who loved her. Those dark days would eventually pass, and in the future, there would surely be light and hope waiting for her. She took a deep breath, turned on the light, and the room became completely bright, as if illuminating the haze in her heart...