Yang said he was very grateful to Wan Qiu for coming back.
In Wanqiu's understanding, this might mean happiness.
However, Yang was constantly filled with 'unhappiness'.
Is it possible for happiness and unhappiness to be shared?
Yang did not receive a reply from Wan Qiu, nor did he need Wan Qiu to reply to him.
He just wanted to tell Wan Qiu about this.
"Let's go, your second brother will take you to take a boat."
However, when Wan Qiu and Yang Ze stood at the dock, the staff told them that the last cruise ship of the day had already departed.
Wan Qiu blinked, looking at Yang Ze, whose face was embarrassed.
Yang touched his cheek, unconsciously looking away, appearing slightly guilty.
Wan Qiu and Yang Ze sat together on a bench by the lake. The summer night breeze carried the mist from the lake, bringing a refreshing coolness. The rhythmic splashing of the fountain, in time with the music, made the already noisy lakeside even more lively.
Even though he was sitting in a chair and not going anywhere, Yang still didn't let go of his hand, even though their hands were sweating from holding each other because of the hot weather.
Yang Ze's insistence actually made Wan Qiu feel safe.
It was safe enough for him to spare some attention for looking at the scenery around him.
Yang was very quiet and silent, so Wanqiu listened to the sounds around him.
There were sounds of children noisily surrounding the adults, and also some noisy music coming from the small toys on the stall.
Suddenly the music stopped, and all the water droplets from the fountain fell into the water, creating regular ripples.
The bright colored lights dimmed in several rows, leaving only a few soft lights.
In the sudden silence, a soothing song that had been veiled reached Wanqiu's ears.
The male singer's deep, husky voice brought the silent, cold depths of the sea to the land of a summer night, delivering a cool breeze to everyone's ears amidst the heat, settling into the calm and gentle night.
Wan Qiu remembers that voice.
He had heard this person's songs in many places.
His voice is unique, and many people like it. You can always hear his singing in the streets and alleys. Even if the speakers playing the songs sound a bit noisy, it can't interfere with the singer's beautiful voice.
This song was also the first song Wanqiu heard after arriving in this huge city.
Wanqiu unconsciously glanced at the place where the song was playing. Through the clear glass was a warm and inviting interior, where guests were chatting and laughing.
The gentle song, which didn't overpower the main theme, became a joyful background melody.
Yang noticed Wan Qiu's gaze and also the song, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Was it good?" Yang Ze suddenly asked Wan Qiu after the song ended.
Wan Qiu looked at Yang Ze's expression and saw that Yang Ze seemed to be faintly happy. Was it because his second brother really liked this song?
Wan Qiu nodded.
“Is that so?” Yang Ze rarely spoke more than a few words. “He is indeed very talented and intelligent. He received a lot of attention as soon as he debuted. He has achievements in all aspects. The songs he releases are all top-notch. Of course, there is also a lot of marketing behind the scenes.”
Wan Qiu blinked, not quite sure why Yang Ze had suddenly said so much.
Yang suddenly asked, "Do you know what he looks like? He started acting in TV dramas a year ago, and some of them should have already aired."
Wan Qiu shook his head. He didn't have access to watch TV dramas and didn't really understand them.
But after thinking for a moment, Wan Qiu said, "I have seen him before."
Yang raised an eyebrow: "Where have you seen me before?"
"On TV." Wan Qiu was referring to the times when he would go to an appliance store to watch cartoons and occasionally pay attention to what was being shown on other TVs while waiting for the commercials.
Then he heard the singer's song and saw what the singer looked like.
She has a very beautiful appearance. I didn't know that people with nice voices are also very beautiful.
At that time, Wanqiu only had this one thought.
"I see." Yang Ze's tone was somewhat emotional. "You saw him."
To Wan Qiu, Yang Ze's tone sounded somewhat strange.
But he could see bubbles of happiness emanating from Yang Ze.
Wan Qiu was released when he was back in the car, sitting in the passenger seat.
Wan Qiu looked at his hands, which had been held for a long time and were even a little red from being squeezed, and felt a little strange.
Before today, he had never been held so tenderly and carefully.
His second brother was indeed very strange, just like himself.
Although the roads weren't congested at night, they weren't exactly smooth either. Wan Qiu sat in the passenger seat, watching the taillights of the cars ahead. Their vehicle moved steadily and slowly, standing out from the rapidly passing traffic around them.
Wan Qiu blinked, looking ahead.
“I’m not very good at playing,” Yang said in the silence. “I don’t really know how to play.”
Yang was unsure whether Wanqiu had a good time today.
Wan Qiu doesn't know how to play either. His only concept of playing games is from the past few days he's spent with Yang Xiaoyu.
He couldn't keep up with that conversation either.
"How was your day?" Yang Ze's question seemed somewhat out of place compared to his rugged appearance.
Did you have fun?
I am happy.
Even just seeing so many people laughing happily can make me feel joyful.
Be smarter.
Wan Qiu smiled, a small curve appearing at the corners of her mouth.
You should show your happiness to those who want to see it.
"Mm." Wan Qiu smiled, a faint smile, but it was the first and most genuine smile of the night.
Yang saw Wan Qiu's smile when the light was red.
When the car stopped briefly at the red light, the cars behind it honked impatiently, urging it to hurry up.
Yang showed no impatience or displeasure. He started the car, his gaze, though seemingly serious and fierce, fixed on the road ahead.
But he still managed a slight smile, revealing the most relaxed smile of the night.
Yang was constantly afraid that Wanqiu would be lost from his hands again.
No matter how tightly you clench your fingers, the bones in your palm are soft little hands, yet they seem as if they might disappear at any moment.
When he gets nervous, his expression becomes serious and tense. Does that make Wan Qiu uncomfortable?
When he brought Wanqiu back safely and saw her smile, all his anxiety finally dissipated.
It seems that for a long time to come, he won't be able to let go of Wanqiu's hand when taking her out.
Yang felt somewhat helpless.
Fortunately, Wanqiu didn't seem to be opposed to this.
Although Yang Ze didn't know whether Wan Qiu was truly not opposed to it or was just enduring it.
Wan Qiu was very sleepy. He was basically in a daze when he got home. As he walked beside Yang Ze, Yang Ze subconsciously held Wan Qiu's clothes by the back to prevent him from falling asleep and tripping.
"Remember to wash up and take off your clothes before going to sleep." When Yang led Wanqiu to the bedroom door, he couldn't help but gently remind Wanqiu to at least be a little more awake.
Wan Qiu looked up, his eyes glazed over, like an exhausted animal cub, propping himself up but his eyes already closed.
Yang let go of Wan Qiu's hand, and Wan Qiu stood at the door. His steps were indeed much more steady as he went inside. Yang then reached out and closed the door for Wan Qiu.
At the same time, the door next door opened, and on the other side of the corridor, Yang saw Chu Yigui standing in the doorway.
"Second Brother, welcome back." Chu Yigui leaned against the door with a slight smile.
Yang walked over to Chu Yigui and found that Chu Yigui hadn't changed out of her pajamas yet: "Aren't you asleep at this hour?"
"Something came up and I stayed up a little late." Chu Yigui rubbed his temples and closed his eyes, seemingly to relieve eye strain. In his room, the only light coming from the desk lamp on his desk indicated that he had indeed been studying until now.
"Learning should be done in moderation," Yang Ze reminded.
"I know, Second Brother, how was your day?" Chu Yigui asked.
Yang thought for a moment and said, "It probably went smoothly. Wanqiu didn't seem to be in too much pain."
"And what about Second Brother?" Chu Yigui asked. "How is Second Brother feeling?"
Yang was stunned for a moment, then looked again at Chu Yigui's eyes in the dim corridor light. He seemed calm and didn't care about anything, but was he concerned about his condition?
"It's not as bad as I imagined." Yang smiled, his mood softening considerably because of his youngest brother's concern. "Don't worry too much, fourth brother."
Chu Yigui nodded: "Then, Second Brother, goodnight."
"good evening."
Yang returned to his room and lay down directly on the huge bed.
The soft bed was dented by his weight, and Yang Ze propped his forehead with one hand, finally relaxing at this moment.
Returning home safely is the best thing ever.
——
Wanqiu slept soundly.
Perhaps because she went out at night and saw the bright and beautiful world, Wanqiu dreamed of it all night, with different lights twinkling around her.
He seemed to see himself walking in the Milky Way, surrounded by twinkling stars, and all around him were delicious ice cream, molten cakes, sausages, skewers...
And the song by the unfamiliar man that kept echoing in her ears. Wan Qiu clearly didn't remember the melody of the song, but it kept playing in her ears.
Wan Qiu was woken up by her constantly ringing phone, and the ringing stopped when she opened her eyes.
Sinking into the soft bed, still feeling a bit sleepy, Wan Qiu sat up and reached for his phone. He glanced at the time and realized it was past his usual wake-up time.
If it weren't for the ringing phone, Wan Qiu could have continued sleeping.
Wan Qiu held his phone, looking quite bewildered; he had actually stayed in bed.
When Wan Qiu suddenly received another call on his phone, he was quite bewildered when he saw the contact name 'Big Brother' on it.
Big brother?
Wanqiu suddenly realized that he actually had two older brothers.
But after coming to this family, I've only ever had one older brother.
His older brother seemed to have never appeared, and he had never met him.
Why?
Wan Qiu looked at the caller ID, his mind still a little foggy from just waking up. He was completely bewildered by this stranger, someone he had never met before, and didn't know whether he should answer the phone.
But... it wouldn't be good not to answer.
My mother said that if he makes a phone call, it must be because he has something to say and he needs to hear what his older brother has to say.
However, just as Wan Qiu was about to answer the phone, it was hung up again.
Wan Qiu sat on the bed, holding his phone, his face full of confusion.
A dozen seconds later, there was a knock on Wanqiu's door.
Wan Qiu put her phone on the bed and went to open the door in her slippers.
Standing at the door was Yang Ze. He seemed to have gotten up, was dressed neatly, and was holding a mobile phone in his hand.
"Just woke up? Sorry, I should have let you sleep a little longer." Yang Ze saw that Wan Qiu was still in his pajamas and revealed a barely perceptible smile, pleased that Wan Qiu was being lazy in bed for the first time.
"I'm awake," Wan Qiu explained immediately.
"No need to rush. Staying in bed late isn't a bad thing. Getting enough sleep is the most important thing," Yang Ze patted Wan Qiu on the shoulder.
Wan Qiu blinked, and before he could think any further, a voice suddenly came from Yang Ze's phone.
Because it wasn't amplified, the voice was rambling and speaking very fast, so Wan Qiu couldn't hear it clearly, but he could sense that the person on the other end of the phone was definitely very anxious.
Wan Qiu looked up at Yang Ze, not understanding why Yang Ze wasn't answering the phone.
"Third brother, your elder brother is looking for you." Yang simply handed the phone to Wan Qiu, and after thinking for a moment, decided to put it on speakerphone.
Suddenly, the indistinct, rambling voice amplified several times over, and the person's agitation could be heard even through the phone.
"Let him answer the phone, Yang Er! What are you doing? I told you to let Lao San answer the phone! Can't you stop dawdling all day long and just let my dear Lao San answer the phone?!"
Wan Qiu stared blankly at Yang Ze, who also wore a helpless smile.
"Help! How come I only found out about this so late? Why won't I look at my phone? Why did I have to come to this completely enclosed place to film a movie at this time? Help! I want to go home! Let me go home! I want to see my brother! I want to see my brother! Aa ...
Wan Qiu blinked, and Yang Ze blinked too.
"Third brother, third brother, help! Where's my third brother? Yang Er, let me see him! No, let me hear his voice first!"
The person on the other end of the phone spoke very quickly, and Wan Qiu could barely keep up with the conversation. The other person said too much, but...
Wan Qiu vaguely sensed a familiarity with that voice.
It was very familiar; even in the midst of a furious growl, Wan Qiu still found the voice unique and pleasant to hear.
Even though he didn't know what the person was saying, Wan Qiu knew that the person was his older brother.
Wanqiu really wanted to answer his elder brother's question.
But his older brother kept talking on and on, and Wanqiu couldn't get a word in edgewise.
Yang looked at Wan Qiu, and Wan Qiu looked at her phone; both of them remained silent.
The door next to it opened, and Chu Yigui had already returned from exercising, showered, and changed her clothes.
Chu Yi returned to their side, looking at this strange scene that suddenly appeared early in the morning.
The incessant chatter coming from the phone immediately made Chu Yigui understand the current situation.
Chu Yigui bent down slightly, bringing his voice closer to the phone, and said, "Big brother, if you keep talking like this, even second brother can't get a word in edgewise."
There was a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a question: "Huh? The youngest? You're here too? What about the third one? Where is the third one?"
Chu Yigui said, "Big brother, be quiet. I'll let my brother talk to you."
In that instant, the other side fell silent, as if their fiery words had never existed.
Wan Qiu stared longingly at Chu Yigui, feeling as if she had found a pillar of support once Chu Yigui arrived.
Chu Yigui also noticed Wan Qiu's gaze and said, "It's because my elder brother wants to talk to you."
Only then did Wan Qiu take the phone from Yang Ze's hand; it was still showing as being in a call.
Wan Qiu didn't know what to say to his older brother, whom he had only contacted by phone.
But if it's a smart, well-mannered child...
Wan Qiu opened his mouth, a hint of unease in his voice, and held the phone to his ear, saying, "Hello, brother, this is Wan Qiu..."
"Ahhh, it's my brother! It's my brother!!!" The sudden sound that exploded in Wan Qiu's ears made him go blank. He forgot that his phone was on speakerphone and reflexively moved it away.
The man on the other end of the phone looked exceptionally happy.
"I'm so sorry, Wanqiu, I'm so sorry I didn't know I'd found you. I'm still out of town and can't come see you right away. Don't worry, today I'm going to tear this whole production apart and fly back to reunite with my little brother!"
Wan Qiu held his phone, his face completely blank. What did it mean? He didn't understand.
"Wanqiu, Wanqiu, it's me, Chu Zhang, your older brother! I'm your older brother! Talk to your older brother again, Wanqiu, please say something to your older brother!" Chu Zhang's excited voice sounded like he was about to jump through the phone and into Wanqiu's face.
Hearing the silence on the other end, Wan Qiu, completely unsure of what to say or how to speak, held her phone with a slightly anxious expression.
He was extremely anxious because he didn't know how to respond.
Chu Yigui spoke at this moment, her tone extremely slow and calm, like cool water quenching the growing restlessness in Wanqiu.
"Brother, what happened when you went out with Second Brother last night?"
Yang watched quietly. He was not good with words and could not guide Wanqiu as clearly as Chu Yigui.
Is it because they are the same age? Is that why Chu Yigui knows so much about Wan Qiu?
Wan Qiu seemed to be pondering, reflecting on what had happened the previous night.
"A dragon." Wan Qiu pondered, holding his phone as if reconstructing his memory. "A dragon, very long, with many colorful lights."
Yang raised an eyebrow unconsciously. What was Wan Qiu talking about? Did they see the dragon lanterns at the night market yesterday?
"Beautiful people, fragrant, delicious food, bright, the big black lake, songs..." Wanqiu's memories were a jumbled mess, like fragments of a torn memory that Wanqiu had picked up, revealing sparkling details. At first glance, they sounded chaotic, but every word was warm.
"...What does that mean?" Yang understood some of it, but not all of it, so he turned to ask Chu Yigui.
Chu Yigui thought for a moment: "It must be saying that the street is like a long dragon, with beautiful lights, delicious food, and beautiful people, or something like that?"
"Is that so?" Chu Zhang's voice came. "Is the world this beautiful in Lao San's eyes?"
Yang Ze and Chu Yigui's voices were not loud, even very soft, and could not be transmitted to Chu Zhang through the phone. Yet, Chu Zhang seemed to have truly constructed a beautiful night from Wan Qiu's chaotic words.
Chu Zhang said matter-of-factly, "Third Brother obviously really enjoyed last night's events. Every word he uttered sounded very emotional. He must have had a great night. Did Yang Er take him there alone?"
"Mm," Yang replied.
"Great job, Aze worked really hard." After the irritable voice calmed down, it became a magnetic and gentle voice, like the deep tolling of an ancient bell, a voice that you would never forget once you heard it.
"Big brother..." Yang Ze was somewhat helpless. Chu Zhang always treated him like a child, even though the age difference between them wasn't that big.
"Third brother, Wanqiu." Chu Zhang called Wanqiu again, "Wait for your elder brother, he'll come back to see you right away."
"Is it alright? Wasn't it said that this movie would be filmed in secrecy?" Yang asked. Chu Zhang had been unreachable for some time because of this.
"Even if I don't film anymore, I still have to go home and see my brother whom my family finally found. If he won't let me leave, I'll leave on my own. It's just a breach of contract fee, right? My family doesn't need that little bit of money!" Chu Zhang rambled on, very generously. "Third brother, wait, your big brother will bring you some local specialties when I get back! Now I'm going to fight the film crew!"
Wan Qiu held his phone, still bewildered until he finally hung up.
Although he did not see his elder brother, for some reason, Yang Xiaoyu's image vaguely appeared in front of Wan Qiu.
Burning, bright, scorching.
"Big brother's got a carefree attitude." Yang Ze sighed helplessly, took the phone from Wan Qiu's hand, and asked, "Still sleepy?"
Wan Qiu shook his head.
"Then go wash up. Once you're clean, you can come out for dinner," Yang Ze said.
Wan Qiu watched as Chu Yigui followed Yang Ze downstairs, while he, still in his pajamas, hurriedly went back to his room to find clothes to wear.
When Wan Qiu rushed downstairs, it was just in time for breakfast. Chu Jianshu sat in the main seat, looking at Wan Qiu.
Wan Qiu sat down in his seat. His breakfast was the same as Chu Yigui's, except he had an extra glass of milk compared to the others.
Wan Qiu's food portions are smaller than Chu Yigui's, not because Chu Yigui has a large appetite, but because Wan Qiu has a small appetite.
Chu Jianshu didn't like seeing anyone late for breakfast, and he was always quite demanding of his three sons.
However, after meeting Wan Qiu, Chu Jianshu was unable to maintain his strict attitude towards his child.
Wan Qiu was different. His experiences and extraordinary intelligence made it impossible for Chu Jianshu to treat Wan Qiu like other normal children.
And so, favoritism emerged.
Once favoritism emerges, Chu Jianshu cannot help but reflect on his past parenting methods. Even though his two sons may no longer need their father's guidance, Chu Jianshu is not afraid to start making changes now.
Yang Ze took Wan Qiu out with Chu Jianshu's permission.
However, if Yang Xiaoyu were present, Yang Ze probably wouldn't be able to fulfill this request.
It was because Yang Ze was with Wan Qiu that Wan Qiu was lost, and Yang Xiaoyu was unable to face Yang Ze for a long time.
Yang Xiaoyu was tormented by feelings of self-blame and blaming Yang Ze. Even though she no longer avoided Yang Ze, it didn't mean that the problem of losing Wanqiu was no longer a problem.
Yang Ze was under fourteen when he lost Wanqiu, which happened to be during an extremely sensitive period. As his father, he was unable to understand Yang Ze's true feelings.
But Chu Jianshu clearly remembered that for a long time, he had not seen Yang Ze smile again.
Even now, Yang Ze doesn't seem to have laughed heartily again.
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