Several children nearby craned their necks to look at Chu Yigui and Wan Qiu leaning together, pointing and laughing at them one by one.
Wow, Brother Chu is so old and still acting like a child!
Chu Yigui, however, was not embarrassed and, unusually, teased, "After all, this brother is also my brother."
The children laughed and played around, even mischievously imitating each other leaning on one another.
Chu Yigui turned her head to Wan Qiu and said, "Brother, I have something to do and need to leave for a while. Wait for me here."
“Mm,” Wan Qiu replied.
Chu Yigui moved closer to Wan Qiu, as if hugging a warm hot water bottle to dispel the winter chill.
Even the smell is warm and cozy.
Chu Yigui stood up and left Wanqiu, the air separating them.
Chu Yigui went to the door.
Standing in front of the dean, he turned and glanced back at Wan Qiu.
Wan Qiu was also looking at him.
He then looked away and followed behind the dean.
The sky was still bright when Chu Yigui walked down the corridor, which was slightly colder than the room, and looked out the window.
Snow still piled up in the simple courtyard outside the window, and the children's playground was clean, having been swept and played on.
Chu Yigui raised her head and looked at the large lamp that was attached to the top of a long pole and did not provide light during the day.
This lamp looks rather simple and plain during the day.
Unlike the bright yellow light that shines at night, giving a sun-like visual effect.
The director's destination was the reception room in the corner on the other side of the orphanage.
Chu Yigui stepped over the slightly worn door frame and saw the person who was said to be very sincere.
The man was slightly tall, with broad shoulders, gray hair, and wore frameless glasses.
His long black trench coat hung quietly, with a plaid scarf draped beside him.
Even his gray hair and wrinkles around his eyes cannot hide his undoubtedly outstanding appearance in his youth.
Unlike Chu Jianshu, he looked more scholarly.
"You are... Chu Yigui, right?"
Even without asking, both parties can get their own answers.
When looking at each other, they can find similarities to themselves that they see in the mirror every day.
"Hello, I am Ran Yongrui." Ran Yongrui said his name.
Chu Yigui's fingertips trembled slightly, but he finally revealed a polite smile: "Hello, Mr. Ran, I am Chu Yigui."
The dean quietly closed the door and sighed as he stood at the entrance.
"Please have a seat, Mr. Ran."
Chu Yigui then had Ran Yongrui, who had been waiting, sit on the sofa in the reception room.
Ran Yongrui sat down as instructed, his gaze following Chu Yigui.
Chu Yigui easily found the teacup in the reception room, brewed some tea leaves, and placed it in front of Ran Yongrui.
"The orphanage can't offer very good tea, please forgive us."
Ran Yongrui watched Chu Yigui's practiced movements and simply said, "Thank you."
He was sizing up Chu Yigui.
Chu Yigui was also sizing him up, even though he didn't seem to have much interest in Ran Yongrui.
"This is the meeting room, which is usually used for parents who are interested in adopting a child and who are visiting the orphanage to meet."
Chu Yigui sat down in front of Ran Yongrui.
Ran Yongrui nodded.
The tea steamed with rising white mist, and there was a faint silence in the air.
“Although I think we should do another paternity test, after seeing you, I feel that this is just a confirmation step,” Ran Yongrui sighed.
Chu Yigui simply smiled and said, "It seems I might have inherited your looks."
Chu Yigui's unreserved answer left Ran Yongrui somewhat unsure of what to do.
Ran Yongrui asked, "What kind of family adopted you?"
Chu Yigui replied, "They are a very wealthy family, and there is nothing to criticize about their material possessions."
Ran Yongrui seized on Chu Yigui's words and asked, "Is it because you're being treated badly emotionally?"
However, Chu Yigui shook her head: "It's a family that's gradually improving, and I've gained a lot here."
As Ran Yongrui listened, he inexplicably sensed a subtle distance in Chu Yigui's tone.
"I heard from the dean that you have excellent grades at school and have always been first in your grade."
Chu Yigui nodded.
"Are you having any difficulties with your studies?"
Chu Yigui smiled and said, "Yes, but my parents will hire the best tutors for me, so they can quickly solve any difficulties."
Ran Yongrui's smile finally revealed a hint of bitterness: "It sounds like a very good family. You look very healthy and have a good complexion. You must be well treated in your family."
"Yes," Chu Yigui replied.
"……Yeah?"
There seemed to be something hidden in Ran Yongrui's sigh.
It's as if you already know what the gift in the box is, but you still open it with anticipation and joy, only to find that it's exactly what you expected.
What kind of person is your father now?
However, this time, Ran Yongrui's question went unanswered.
He saw Chu Yigui smile and refuse: "I'm sorry, this is not something that can be summarized in a few words, and I'm afraid it's difficult to tell you simply."
Ran Yongrui paused for a moment.
Ran Yongrui picked up the teacup. The teacup was quite hot; even holding the handle, he could feel the scalding heat of the cup.
The bitter tea seemed damp and lacked its usual crispness.
"Is there anything you're curious about about me?" Ran Yongrui asked.
Chu Yigui did not ask immediately.
Ran Yongrui noticed Chu Yigui's hesitation.
He placed the teacup on the table, his hand clenching nervously as he withdrew it.
Why did you abandon me in the first place?
Upon hearing this question, Ran Yongrui felt a surge of joy.
If they still care, it proves that their connection shouldn't be severed.
“I didn’t know you were born.” Ran Yongrui’s expression was a little strange, but he still continued, “I did something wrong before, and I don’t know much about what happened after that.”
Chu Yigui asked calmly, "Do you mean that the person you wronged deliberately gave birth to me and then abandoned me?"
Ran Yongrui's expression showed a subtle hint of stagnation.
Chu Yigui carefully observed Ran Yongrui, but said, "This doesn't sound logical."
Ran Yongrui sighed, "Immature people always do some inexplicable things."
"It seems that this immature person also refers to yourself."
Chu Yigui's tone remained unchanged; he didn't even hesitate before continuing to ask.
"Then why do you know me now?"
Ran Yongrui's fingers tightened, but in the end he loosened them: "I found out by chance."
However, Chu Yigui did not ask what kind of accident it was, seemingly uninterested.
"Mr. Ran, are you here to see me now because you want me to return to your family?" Chu Yigui asked.
Chu Yigui sat upright, just as his etiquette teacher had taught him.
Remarkable refinement, impeccable academic performance, and outstanding appearance.
This is a child that anyone would praise.
While listening to the dean's praise of Chu Yigui, Ran Yongrui was thinking about what the child looked like.
Unlike ordinary teachers who would offer empty praise to their students, Chu Yigui's actions left a deep impression on the director of the orphanage.
Hearing the dean's example was enough for Ran Yongrui to have a very high opinion of Chu Yigui.
When they saw Chu Yigui, it was as if the vague, perfect child in their hearts had been put on a face, and a complete image was formed.
"Do I have this opportunity?" Ran Yongrui did not hide his expectation that Chu Yigui would return.
"You say I made a mistake, then she must not be your wife now," Chu Yigui said directly, "or even... was it marital infidelity?"
“No… I wasn’t married to my current wife at that time,” Ran Yongrui said.
Chu Yigui narrowed her eyes slightly: "So it's during the engagement period?"
Ran Yongrui did not refute this time.
Chu Yigui continued, "Won't sending me back affect your relationship with your wife?"
Ran Yongrui inhaled almost imperceptibly, then quietly exhaled.
"You are...a very intelligent child, beyond my imagination, much like me."
Ran Yongrui lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in memories.
In the end, all he could do was smile helplessly.
“My wife is willing to accept you, I have her permission, she is willing to be your mother, if you are willing…”
Ran Yongrui was getting anxious, wanting to know if Chu Yigui was willing to go back with him.
"Don't you and your wife have children? Don't you need your children's consent?" Chu Yigui asked another question unhurriedly.
Ran Yongrui's usually composed expression finally showed some fluctuation.
Like a drop of water falling into the ocean, creating a faint, imperceptible ripple.
Ran Yongrui closed his eyes, as if he was suppressing something.
When Ran Yongrui opened his eyes again, the bloodshot eyes could not be suppressed as perfectly as his emotions.
"My child left me because of an accident."
Chu Yigui understood and apologized, "I'm sorry, please accept my condolences."
Ran Yongrui took a deep breath: "I have accepted this."
"Don't you and your wife plan to have another child?" Chu Yigui asked.
"yes."
Chu Yigui nodded: "My suggestion is that you can adopt another child. I was born by mistake, and if I were to enter your family now, your wife would have reservations."
Ran Yongrui shook his head: "Blood ties are a very important thing."
Chu Yigui's eyelashes trembled slightly as she turned her head away.
He could still vaguely feel the faint weight of his brother leaning on his shoulder.
Chu Yigui regained her senses and looked at Ran Yongrui, saying, "Blood ties are not as important as you think."
Ran Yongrui replied, "You're still too young."
"So you want your wife to spend the rest of her life having her husband's illegitimate child call her 'mother'?" Chu Yigui asked.
This time, Ran Yongrui remained silent for a long time.
“She understands,” Ran Yongrui finally said.
"Is it something you want to do to make your loved ones suffer?" Chu Yigui lowered her eyes, not looking at the person in front of her.
Ran Yongrui pursed his lips, but in the end he only said, "You're still young."
This time, Chu Yigui did not respond.
The silence was more like a deathly stillness, and Ran Yongrui felt somewhat uneasy.
"I have nothing more to ask," Chu Yigui said.
"You can ask any more questions that interest you."
Ran Yongrui sensed that Chu Yigui seemed to want to end the conversation, so he immediately interrupted her.
“I am a university professor and have some connections. You are a very good student, and I can give you a lot of guidance for your future.”
Ran Yongrui tried to introduce himself.
“I have been a professor for many years and I still keep in touch with many of my outstanding students.”
"I see..." Chu Yigui murmured.
This man, who has probably spent his entire life in school, still retains the simplicity and self-awareness that only exist in school.
"My parents are very wealthy now. Money can solve most of my problems."
Ran Yongrui frowned: "But I heard that you come from a merchant family, and the family atmosphere has a great influence on your upbringing and development."
Chu Yigui replied, "If you consider your family as a resource, then there is no distinction between superior and inferior resources."
Ran Yongrui noticed that Chu Yigui seemed somewhat unresponsive.
"But your current family already has three biological children, doesn't it? You are an adopted child, so you probably won't inherit any property, nor will you receive all of your parents' love."
Chu Yigui's smile faded.
He stared at Ran Yongrui.
“As long as you come home, you will be our only child.” Ran Yongrui didn’t stop. “My wife and I will love you very much, and we will only love you.”
The tea had stopped steaming sometime during the day.
The aroma of tea that once filled the small space dissipated, leaving behind only a faint, musty smell from the slightly old furniture.
Chu Yigui sat quietly opposite Ran Yongrui.
He simply lowered his eyes and remained silent.
Ran Yongrui sighed: "I..."
“I have an older brother.” However, this time, Chu Yigui interrupted Ran Yongrui.
Ran Yongrui nodded and replied, "I know. You have three older brothers in that family. It's a very complicated extended family."
Chu Yigui narrowed her eyes, a subtle movement that reminded Ran Yongrui of something his wife had once said.
—'You squint your eyes every time you're unhappy.'
“My brother doesn’t speak as politely and logically as you, Mr. Ran, and sometimes he even has difficulty expressing himself.”
Ran Yongrui did not understand Chu Yigui's words.
However, Chu Yigui raised her eyes and said seriously to Ran Yongrui, "But I like every word he says."
Ran Yongrui's expression was somewhat subtle.
This means he said something unpleasant, and he didn't like it.
Ran Yongrui rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit of a headache, and let out a long sigh: "I'm sorry, I was too excited to meet you for the first time today."
"That's all for today," Chu Yigui said, already standing up.
However, Ran Yongrui immediately asked, "Can you cooperate with me to do a paternity test?"
"Do you think this is necessary?" Chu Yigui asked.
Ran Yongrui nodded.
"Okay," Chu Yigui said.
Even after Chu Yigui left the reception room, Ran Yongrui remained seated, feeling frustrated.
When facing Chu Yigui, he was completely different from the students he had always faced.
It doesn't seem like a child who is still growing up in a naive and immature environment.
He is a very unique, independent teenager with his own thoughts.
Throughout the conversation, he acted like an observer.
I calmly watched a light comedy called Ran Yongrui.
Is he overthinking it?
Ran Yongrui rubbed his temples.
Chu Yigui left the reception room and walked down the quiet corridor.
Upon seeing Chu Yigui, the dean, who had been waiting in the office, immediately stood up, took two steps to the door, and stopped Chu Yigui.
"Xiao Chu, how did the talks go?"
Chu Yigui turned her head and said calmly, "Mr. Ran said he is not ready yet."
The dean's expression was somewhat subtle: "Ah, is that so? I suppose you're a little excited to meet you for the first time."
Chu Yigui remained noncommittal.
The dean sighed, "He always seems very serious, and he's come many times. He seems like a good person to me. He even comes to teach our children. I heard he's a university professor. He's a really nice guy."
Chu Yigui nodded, but did not offer any further comment.
“Teachers are generally of good character. They are known for educating and nurturing people. A professor must have something special about him.” The dean smiled at Chu Yigui. “No wonder you were born so outstanding.”
Chu Yigui remained calm, neither refuting nor denying.
"It would be good to meet them. After all, they are blood relatives. In this world, everyone wants to know what it's like to know someone who shares the same blood as them," the dean said with emotion.
However, as the dean continued rambling on, she noticed that Chu Yigui hadn't answered her since the beginning of the session.
She looked closely at Chu Yigui and found that he was just smiling.
He seems to make no comment on anything around him.
From a young age, he was a quiet child who always seemed to be a good listener.
Even now, he only listens to matters that are closely related to him.
“But you have a good family now, and you have a good relationship with your brothers, don’t you?” the dean changed the subject and said.
This time, Chu Yigui answered, "Yes."
"In any case, it all depends on your choice. If you don't want to go back, no one can stop you."
The dean grasped Chu Yigui's hands in both.
A healthy teenager, whose exact age is difficult to discern, has thick, reassuring hands.
"Thank you, Dean," Chu Yigui said.
The dean released Chu Yigui's hand.
With a smile.
"Go ahead, your brother has probably been waiting for a long time and is worried about you."
"Then I'll be going now, Dean."
The dean watched Chu Yigui's departing figure.
The boy had a straight back and handsome features; he was the most unique child she had ever seen since she opened the orphanage.
"Dean." A deep, middle-aged male voice from behind interrupted the dean's recollection.
Ran Yongrui appeared beside him without him even noticing.
The dean immediately turned around and greeted him, "Mr. Ran, how was our first meeting?"
Ran Yongrui's eyes, behind his glasses, held a hint of regret: "He's more outstanding than I imagined."
When the dean heard that Chu Yigui had been praised, he did not hide his pride.
“This child is truly exceptional. He was adopted several times before, but each time he was brought back for similar reasons.”
When Ran Yongrui first heard about this, he asked, "What was the reason?"
"I heard from the adoptive parents who brought Chu Yigui back that the child is too smart and too quiet, so he is a bit difficult to get along with, although I don't feel that way."
The dean didn't have much time to focus on one child. In her memory, Chu Yigui was a child who often helped her and reduced a lot of her chores.
“His excellence is innate, or rather, not just excellent, but outstanding.” Ran Yongrui smiled slightly.
"Yes, and his current adoptive parents have always treated him very well, and he has actually been doing quite well in that family."
The dean's words only elicited a nod from Ran Yongrui.
"If only he could acknowledge that I am his father, blood ties would bring him a different feeling."
The dean sighed helplessly, "You didn't mean to lose him in the first place. Who could have known it would turn out like this?"
"Is there anything I can do to make him happy? Like, what are his hobbies or something? It's a pity I couldn't prepare a gift for him today," Ran Yongrui asked, tilting his head.
Although Ran Yongrui is a serious person, the dean was somewhat moved by his willingness to genuinely connect with the children.
"Xiao Chu..." The dean wanted to say something, but suddenly the words caught in his throat.
What does Chu Yigui like?
The dean recalled Chu Yigui, only to realize that she had never truly noticed Chu Yigui's preferences regarding certain things.
All the children received something that would make them happy, and Chu Yigui would also show happiness.
But the dean still remembered some small things that happened when Chu Yigui was a child.
Everyone received cotton candy brought by the older sister who came here as a volunteer.
One of the children tripped and fell, spilling the cotton candy on the ground, which got very dirty.
Chu Yigui then gave her cotton candy to the other person.
This is a minor matter.
At the time, the dean only felt that this was a heartwarming memory, proof that Chu Yigui cared about the other children.
But thinking about it carefully...
She didn't seem to notice Chu Yigui's disappointed expression at the time.
"Dean?" Ran Yongrui's voice interrupted the dean's recollection.
"Hmm, perhaps you could ask him," the dean subconsciously chose a vague answer.
She has too many children, and each one needs her extra care and attention.
It's normal that she can't know each child's preferences clearly.
"I see." Ran Yongrui was not actually muscular; although he was very tall, he was rather thin.
Therefore, Ran Yongrui's serious face always had a somewhat harsh look.
"But if we're talking about someone I like," the dean said with a smile, "it would definitely be my brother."
Ran Yongrui paused, thinking of the only 'brother' mentioned in their conversation.
"Is that older brother his brother at home?" Ran Yongrui asked.
"Yes, they came today too. They're probably playing games with the kids right now."
Ran Yongrui's gaze shifted to the room from which the children's cheerful laughter was coming, and he asked, "May I go see him?"
“You…” The dean wanted to refuse, but considering Ran Yongrui’s special circumstances, he said, “You can stand at the door and take a look, please be gentle.”
Ran Yongrui curled the corners of his lips, but there was no smile in his eyes behind his glasses: "I understand, thank you for reminding me."
The dean watched Ran Yongrui leave.
The father and son, who look alike, also resemble each other from behind.
For some reason, the dean felt that this similarity actually made the two even more distinct.
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