Yang wanted to cherish Wanqiu, but he lacked the ability to cherish someone.
Moreover, Wanqiu is more special than the others.
Wanqiu doesn't like going out; there's no particular reason for him to go out.
All Yang could think of and all he could do was bring back popular, interesting, and novel things for Wanqiu.
However, Yang was also at a loss as to what kind of gift he should give his child.
Under these circumstances, Yang asked his colleagues who had children about gifts for their kids for the first time.
This is just the beginning.
For the next period of time, it seemed that the topic of children helped to improve relationships with colleagues.
Yang was teased by his colleagues for mentioning Wan Qiu too much, and he accepted the nickname without any qualms.
This seems to have torn down the black plastic film that had kept him and his colleagues in a closed relationship, allowing him to communicate with them more.
The once lifeless office became more lively because of this small change.
Although he still hasn't found a good friend, Yang is happy with the change compared to his former self.
It's like...
It was clearly him who wanted to dote on Wanqiu, but it was as if Wanqiu was secretly taking care of him instead.
When Yang was at Chu Zhang's house and chatting with him, he would hear Chu Zhang call Wan Qiu "little angel".
Occasionally, while sitting in the office, he could chat and laugh with his colleagues during breaks, and Yang would think that perhaps his older brother was right.
Yang drove home alone; his and Chu Jianshu's get off work hours were not the same.
He didn't prepare a gift today, and not every day has a gift worth bringing back.
Yang Ze recalled what Chu Jianshu had specifically asked him earlier that day.
"These paintings were drawn by Wan Qiu during psychological counseling sessions. Do you have any clues about them?"
Chu Jianshu gave him several photos taken with his mobile phone, and the paintings in the photos were very uncomfortable to look at.
But Yang shook his head; he had no news.
"Is that really how it is?" Chu Jianshu wasn't too disappointed. It seemed that he hadn't expected anything when he asked Yang Ze. "If you notice anything similar when you're with Wan Qiu in the future, remember to tell us."
Yang agreed, even though he might never be able to come up with any clues.
Throughout the family...
Yang Ze always thought that he and Wan Qiu were the least familiar with each other.
She was also the one that Wanqiu relied on the least.
When Yang returned home, he opened the door and saw Wan Qiu waiting for him.
As the autumn weather gets cooler, Wanqiu is wearing thicker clothes. The soft sweater makes Wanqiu look much fluffier, and her small head looks even cuter against the backdrop of the sweater.
Wanqiu has been waiting for them at the door for more than just a day or two; he'll almost always wait until everyone goes home.
Chu Jianshu once tried to dissuade Wan Qiu from this seemingly meaningless behavior.
Because of their different job duties and the fact that they often work overtime, their return times are not the same.
It seems that Wan Qiu, who had received Chu Jianshu's orders, stopped greeting people at the door for a while.
Although Wanqiu wasn't at the door every day, he would always lean against the windowsill and look out.
This happened almost every day, and it was this subtle behavior that Chu Yigui noticed.
Afterwards, Chu Yigui went to talk to Chu Jianshu, and Chu Jianshu went to find Wan Qiu.
Yang Ze had no idea what his father and third brother had talked about, but Wan Qiu eventually started waiting at the door again.
Later, his father told Yang Ze that if he didn't go home, he should call Wan Qiu.
Yang then asked Chu Jianshu what had happened.
He heard his father's words at that time.
"The child enjoys the process of waiting to go home because he knows we will definitely come home, so he is happy while waiting."
Because Wan Qiu was always lying on the balcony, which was somewhat dangerous, Chu Yigui took the initiative to bring it up.
Yang Ze thought about it for a long time.
He didn't understand his third brother, couldn't guide Wanqiu like Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu did, and couldn't understand Wanqiu like Chu Yigui did.
Since his elder brother returned, he quickly developed a relationship with Wan Qiu. Yang Ze could always see Wan Qiu's bright and joyful eyes when she was with Chu Zhang.
He is a boring person.
Yang was self-aware.
But every time I come home and see Wanqiu...
Wanqiu was always welcoming to him, even if it was only to any of his relatives.
In a great family, you have to work incredibly hard to keep up with everyone else.
But seeing Wanqiu's gaze always calms him down.
Wanqiu's simple, clear gaze was telling him clearly that it didn't matter what he was like or whether he brought back gifts.
The important thing is that he went home.
As long as he comes back here.
Wanqiu is happy enough.
“I’m back, Wanqiu,” Yang Ze said.
Although Wan Qiu was still waiting at the door, he was on the phone.
Wan Qiu could vaguely hear Yang Xiaoyu's voice on the other end of the phone. She listened and responded, but kept looking at him.
Yang unconsciously reached out, wanting to pat Wan Qiu's shoulder; the fluffy, soft sweater made his heart flutter.
However, today seems different from the past.
Wan Qiu, who is usually well-behaved like a kitten with a gentle temperament and allows anyone to touch her, grabbed Yang Ze's hand today.
The hand that was no longer always cold was now holding Yang Ze's hand, which was weak and had little strength.
But Yang remained steadfast, refusing to take any action.
Wan Qiu seemed to want to say something.
Hesitation flickered in those beautiful eyes, a faint glimmer of light brewing within them.
Yang Ze, who had never been treated proactively by Wan Qiu before, froze, too stiff to move, and even his breathing became soft.
The intense feeling that made Yang Ze's heart pound filled him with anticipation.
"Honey, have fun at home!"
"Okay, goodbye, Mom." Wan Qiu waited until Yang Xiaoyu hung up the phone, then obediently put her phone back into the decorative pocket on the belly of her sweater.
When Wan Qiu noticed that he was actually holding Yang Ze's hand, he was also taken aback.
Wanqiu's attention can only be focused on one thing at a time.
It seems that Wan Qiu himself doesn't remember why he grabbed Yang Ze's hand.
Wan Qiu subconsciously loosened his grip.
His expression was anxious.
"It's alright," Yang said, withdrawing his hand and slightly averting his gaze, seemingly trying to avoid the stiff expression on his face. "What did they say on the phone just now?"
"Dad and Mom both have to work overtime tonight," Wan Qiu said obediently.
"Has Yi Gui returned?" Yang asked.
Wan Qiu thought for a moment and then shook his head.
Yang paused, so does that mean it's just him and Wan Qiu now?
Yang remained silent for a brief moment, standing still.
Do you want to say something to Wanqiu?
Why did you not bring back any gifts today of all days?
Wan Qiu stood quietly in front of Yang Ze. The atmosphere between the two people who were not good at talking was extremely awkward.
Yang then gave up.
He didn't want his taciturn nature to put pressure on Wanqiu.
"I'm going to change my clothes first. Dinner will be ready soon," Yang Ze said to Wan Qiu. "Yi Gui will probably be back soon, so we can wait a little longer."
Yang turned and left without looking back, unaware of Wan Qiu's expression.
Yang knew, however, that this was his way of escaping his own incompetence.
Before Yang returned to his room, he vaguely heard rustling sounds behind him.
Yang turned around and found that Wan Qiu was actually following him.
Yang asked, "What's wrong? Aren't you waiting for Yi Gui?"
Wan Qiu seemed to be hesitating, her hands unconsciously clutching the fluffy white sweater. She tentatively raised her eyes, her beautiful eyes still filled with trepidation.
Suddenly, Wanqiu's phone beeped with a message notification.
Seeing Wan Qiu looking at him blankly, Yang reminded him, "Wan Qiu, you have a message on your phone, you can check it."
Wan Qiu took out her phone from the large pocket on the belly of her sweater to look at it, and even this small gesture made Yang Ze find it adorable.
Wan Qiu replied with something, and then put his phone in his pocket.
Yang felt inexplicably uneasy.
Wanqiu lowered her head and said, "My brother said he'll be back later today."
Yang was taken aback. Did that mean he would be spending more time with Wan Qiu today?
So he...
Is there anything I can do for Wanqiu?
Yang opened his mouth and said, "There's still some time before dinner. Would you like to come in and chat with Second Brother?"
Wan Qiu looked up at him and finally nodded.
Yang looked at the empty refrigerator with only some beer in it, and it was a pity that there was no milk or juice in his room.
Let Butler Bai prepare some next time.
Yang poured a glass of water for Wan Qiu.
Yang looked at Wan Qiu sitting on the sofa, somewhat bewildered.
After all, it was Yang Ze's own room, and the design of the room was entirely based on Yang Ze's own preferences and dimensions.
Yang was tall from a young age, and with exercise, he became even more robust. The furniture in his room was all of a large size.
Wan Qiu already looked small on the living room sofa, and now he looked even smaller on the sofa in his room.
During this time, Wan Qiuming has absorbed a lot of nutrients. Has she grown a little taller?
"Second Brother, can you change your clothes?" Yang Ze loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt.
Wan Qiu nodded.
Yang made no attempt to hide anything from Wan Qiu and simply changed into more comfortable home clothes.
Throughout all his actions, Yang Ze was also paying close attention to Wan Qiu's condition.
These subtle movements and behaviors seem more like Yang Ze trying to speak to Wan Qiu in a more natural mood.
However, Yang still saw his cold and serious expression in the mirror beside him.
He didn't do it on purpose.
He was just nervous.
"What do you need me for?" Even though Yang had lowered his voice, it sounded more like he was impatient.
Yang unconsciously lowered his eyes, feeling disappointed in his own performance.
However, when Yang looked up at Wan Qiu, he did not see the same fear and defensiveness that Wan Qiu showed as the others.
Calm, as if you couldn't see his cold face.
"Second Brother..." A soft, youthful voice rang out. Wan Qiu looked up at Yang Ze, who appeared much younger than he was, sitting on the sofa.
Yang heard his own heart pounding; he was so nervous even though his younger brother was asking him a question.
"Second brother, do you take extracurricular classes?"
Yang Ze's expression paused briefly.
"?"
Extracurricular classes?
The topic was completely unexpected and caught Yang off guard: extracurricular classes... did it mean tutoring or hobbies?
Yang thought for a moment and said, "Is there a problem?"
Wan Qiu lowered his head, his hands unconsciously clenching together. He slowly said, "My older brother said I can attend an extracurricular class."
Wan Qiu received a reward.
As a reward for Chu Zhang's satisfactory work this time.
He can choose an extracurricular class that he likes.
Yang thought of Chu Zhang. After all, they were brothers who grew up together. They were not much different in age, so Yang could guess some of Chu Zhang's thoughts.
Chu Zhang has been a restless person since he was a child. He always learns all sorts of things and learns very quickly.
Chu Zhang's excellence once left Yang Ze far behind, but his overly unconventional personality ultimately prevented him from meeting Chu Jianshu's requirements.
but……
Yang Xiaoyu prefers Chu Zhang.
"I attended extracurricular classes while I was in school," Yang said, probably thinking of Wan Qiu's confusion about studying. "I studied Sanda, Muay Thai, swordsmanship, and free fighting, among other things."
Wan Qiu blinked, looking at Yang Ze with a bewildered expression, seemingly completely unaware of what Yang Ze was saying.
Yang stood up and pulled Wan Qiu along, saying, "Come with me."
Yang's original intention was just to hold Wan Qiu's hand, but he didn't expect to use too much force and almost lift the person up.
Afraid of causing Wanqiu pain, Yang subconsciously loosened his grip.
He waited anxiously for Wan Qiu's reaction, but suddenly a hand was placed in his hand.
Wan Qiu grasped his hand; perhaps the size wasn't quite right, but in the end, Wan Qiu held Yang Ze's fingertips.
It's a habit.
Yang suddenly realized that he always seemed to be holding Wanqiu's hand like this.
And now Wanqiu is holding his hand in the same way.
Yang led Wanqiu to a room.
The large room was filled with exercise equipment, all of which were unfamiliar and looked like robots to Wan Qiu.
But Wanqiu knew that this was something used for exercise.
He occasionally sees these beautiful things that help people exercise in the gyms he passes by.
“I only take extracurricular classes in martial arts and combat techniques.” Yang then took off his shirt, revealing his well-defined muscles. “If you don’t understand, I’ll show you.”
Yang Zexue has attended quite a few extracurricular classes, but compared to what Chu Yigui is currently attending, and compared to what Chu Zhang was attending in the past, he is more immersed in the world of sports.
Strength and sweat are involved, and while doing these things, it's easier to clear your mind and focus entirely on defeating your opponent.
It's not just practice, it's about completely defeating your opponent.
It's like, even if in the future his opponent is taller and stronger, an opponent he can't possibly defeat, he can still protect his family.
After completing the entire process, Yang stopped, his body already slightly warm and sweaty.
The thief who had been constantly attacking him in his mind, stealing Wanqiu from his side, had entered his dreams every night.
It is tall, terrifying, and insurmountable.
It seems that only in this way can Yang accept the fact that he has lost Wanqiu.
Thinking about it as an escape, he realized that it wasn't something he could stop at the time; he simply had no other choice.
When Wanqiu was found, he realized that the person who took Wanqiu away was not a tall man, nor was it a gang crime; it was just a woman who was less than 1.6 meters tall and had a mental illness.
Yang stood before Wan Qiu, having shed his former naiveté. He may have become strong enough, both mentally and physically, but he ultimately failed to protect Wan Qiu during the time when she needed protection the most.
"Second brother is learning these things to protect you."
Yang's tall and muscular physique is the result of his continuous training and improvement.
But will all of this allow him to properly protect Wanqiu?
Could these be false pretenses he uses to conceal his inner vulnerability?
Yang looked down and met Wan Qiu's eyes, but unexpectedly saw a bright light in them.
It was as if humanity had witnessed the rising sun atop a mountain cliff, its rays spreading across the earth and coloring the clouds in a breathtaking spectacle, a profound sense of awe and wonder at the power of nature.
Yang gradually became dazed under Wan Qiu's gaze.
"Beautiful," Wan Qiu murmured, "Second Brother is so handsome."
Yang was silent for fifteen seconds before asking, "What?"
Wan Qiu tilted his head and said seriously, "Yes, it was beautiful. Just now, it was really beautiful."
Yang suddenly felt a mix of amusement and exasperation, and the unease in his heart dissipated somewhat because of Wan Qiu's words: "Why?"
"She's especially beautiful when she's focused. If she takes her extracurricular classes seriously, will she become as beautiful as my second brother?"
In Wanqiu's mind, images of those who studied diligently and showed their best selves came to mind.
Yang Ze, who was standing in front of him now, was very beautiful and radiant.
Yang looked down at Wan Qiu.
Wan Qiu doesn't think too complicatedly about anything; what he can see is often just the most superficial things.
But these most superficial things are what Yang Ze himself overlooked.
Even though it wasn't his original idea, his efforts still brought him results.
He simply chose not to notice.
Yang then revealed a somewhat helpless smile.
Wan Qiu reached out and pressed his hand against Yang Ze's abdomen. The muscles there were completely different from his own, and the delicate feel lingered on Wan Qiu's fingertips: "Is it from studying?"
"Yes, I've learned how." Yang then made his muscle definition even more pronounced. "It's muscle; you'll get it with more exercise."
"And me?" Wan Qiu reached out and patted his stomach.
"Maybe...it's possible?" Yang was more worried about Wan Qiu's height than whether Wan Qiu could develop abs.
Wan Qiu pursed his lips, raised his head high, and looked at his second brother, who was very tall and looked very healthy.
"That's great." Wan Qiu's hands unconsciously clenched together. "I'm not pretty."
Yang was taken aback: "Who said you're not pretty?"
Yang frowned and subconsciously went through everyone Wan Qiu could come into contact with, but couldn't find anyone suspicious. Could it be what Wan Qiu's current teacher said?
There is also a mirror in Yang Ze's gym.
Wan Qiu looked at herself and Yang Ze in the mirror.
Yang Ze is tall and very beautiful.
Yang Ze's body seemed to possess absolute power, forcefully causing the air to whistle.
nice.
Even though Wanqiu didn't know how to appreciate beauty, he knew that Yang Ze must be good-looking.
Yang followed Wan Qiu's gaze to the mirror, where the stark contrast between the two of them created an exaggerated effect.
Yang suddenly realized that Wan Qiu had developed a sense of inferiority after gradually understanding the comparison.
"Can I be like my second brother?"
Wan Qiu looked up at Yang Ze.
Chu Zhang said that people can become beautiful.
He can do it too, as long as he works hard enough.
He wanted to get closer to his brothers; he hoped that when he stood beside them, he wouldn't feel so out of place.
Yang listened quietly as Wan Qiu rambled on and on about his thoughts.
Before him, tender silkworms were diligently spinning silk, trying to create a cocoon in which they could safely transform.
Yang Ze's shadow could also be seen in those longing eyes.
Yang unconsciously grabbed his arm, the firm touch making him feel dazed.
Under Wan Qiu's admiring gaze, the distracting thoughts in his mind seemed to make him feel as if he were letting this child down.
I see.
This child, just like him, was confused, yet also trying his best.
"Wanqiu." Yang suddenly asked, as if with a subtle, tentative, yet also expectant feeling, "Why did you come to ask me? I thought you would be more inclined to ask Yigui."
This statement is out of place.
Yang Ze also knew that he shouldn't give Wan Qiu such a difficult choice.
Perhaps it was simply because Chu Yigui hadn't returned yet that Wan Qiu asked him as a second choice?
However, Yang felt a mix of anticipation and fear regarding the answer, a feeling he couldn't quite put into words.
However, Yang did not receive an answer for a long time.
"I don't know," Wan Qiu said, seemingly not even understanding why Yang Ze would ask such a question. "I haven't thought about it."
Yang's breath hitched.
“If you ask your elder brother, he will give you many choices. If you ask Yi Gui, perhaps Yi Gui will give you a good answer.” Yang Ze thought of the ‘ballroom dance’ that Chu Yi Gui had once proposed. “But if you ask me, I may not be able to give you any answer.”
Wan Qiu opened his mouth, but even though he could understand long sentences now, he couldn't grasp the deeper, implied meanings.
"Is it not allowed to ask?" Wan Qiu was already feeling uneasy.
Seeing Wan Qiu's bewildered expression, which was even starting to show signs of retreat, Yang suddenly stepped forward, grabbed Wan Qiu's neck, and pulled her into his arms.
Why does he keep thinking about all this nonsense?
Wanqiu never considered anything; in this child's eyes, family members don't need any comparison.
Even so, she was still beautiful in Wan Qiu's eyes.
"I'm sorry, Second Brother was wrong. Don't worry, Second Brother was just talking nonsense." Yang Ze comforted Wan Qiu, as if hugging a cute doll.
Wan Qiu nodded blankly, seemingly not understanding Yang Ze's repeated changes of mind.
“Extracurricular classes, huh?” Yang Ze finally let go of Wan Qiu and thought seriously, “I learned these things back then because I thought they were really impressive.”
Wan Qiu nodded.
It's very impressive.
Second Brother's moves look really cool.
"If you have to choose, Wanqiu can choose the one that is closest to what you want to do," Yang thought.
He might not be able to guide Wan Qiu as accurately as Chu Yigui, but at least he could tell Wan Qiu the direction.
"For example, if you want to record beautiful things, you can learn to draw; if you want to hear beautiful music, you can also learn to play music."
Wan Qiu listened attentively to Yang Ze's words and nodded blankly.
"Wanqiu, is there anything you want or want to achieve?"
What do you want to do?
Even now, Wanqiu's concept of 'want' remains vague.
The world where Wanqiu used to be happy as long as he was fed and clothed seemed to have suddenly gained so much more.
Wanqiu looked at his hand as if he were holding a paintbrush.
When painting, there are all sorts of colors, but those colors are the ones that don't blend in well with his family.
Right now, it's just a superficial desire to be as beautiful as my family.
Wan Qiu unconsciously straightened his back and straightened his waist.
“I want to become beautiful,” Wan Qiu said earnestly.
Yang thought Wanqiu was already very beautiful.
Since she stopped being so thin, Wanqiu's appearance has gradually become more adorable, and her already beautiful eyes are becoming even more strikingly cute.
Yang wondered if it was because she had too much of a bias towards her younger brother.
"What do you think is wrong with your appearance?" Yang asked.
Wan Qiu said very seriously, "I can't lift my head, I'm always hunched over, and I can't stand up straight."
Yang looked at Wan Qiu, understood Wan Qiu's concerns, and said directly, "Perhaps we could consider a physical education class?"
Wan Qiu tilted his head: "Physical education class?"
“But if we’re going to take a posture class, why not just learn dance directly…” Yang thought of Chu Yigui’s suggestion, “How about trying Latin dance?”
"Latin?"
The two brothers, one big and one small, sat together, chatting away about choosing extracurricular classes.
Until there was a knock on the gym door.
Yang Ze and Wan Qiu turned around together and saw Chu Yigui standing at the door.
"It's dinner time." Chu Yigui leaned against the door and said to the two men, "Brother, Second Brother, would you like to talk some more, or go eat?"
Yang then realized that his conversation with Wan Qiu had lasted too long, almost to the point of missing dinner.
"Yi Gui, you're back." Yang Ze felt a little dry in his mouth; he hadn't spoken for such a long time in a long time.
"Second brother, aren't you cold?" Chu Yigui then reminded Yang Ze that he hadn't put on a shirt yet.
"The temperature here is just right, which made me forget." Yang Ze looked slightly embarrassed as he put on his clothes and awkwardly changed the subject, "Why are you so late today?"
Chu Yigui usually gets home earlier than Yang Ze, since going to school and going to work are two different things.
"Well, there was an exam yesterday, but the teacher wasn't here today, so I was in charge of going over the papers, which is why I'm a little late." Chu Yigui bent down to help Wan Qiu, who was sitting on the ground, up. "Sorry, brother, I'm late."
Wan Qiu blinked: "It's okay."
Chu Yigui noticed that Yang Ze's mental state was somewhat subtle at this moment, and said to Wan Qiu, "Brother, go and wash your hands first, dinner is coming soon."
Wan Qiu nodded obediently and left the gym first. However, Chu Yigui's expression was not as gentle as it had been in front of Wan Qiu, and she regained her usual calm.
Chu Yigui turned to look at Yang Ze and asked, "Are you alright, Second Brother? You seem a little strange."
Yang unconsciously rubbed his face: "Did I look too serious?"
Chu Yigui narrowed her eyes and pondered for a moment: "It's just a little different from usual."
Yang Ze simply replied, "I see."
Chu Yigui observed Yang Ze, who seemed to notice his youngest brother's attention and looked away.
What kind of expression is that? Chu Yigui pondered.
Like...
The extreme athletes, who had been climbing steep mountain peaks, took a brief break when they found a stable spot on the rock face to rest on.
Perhaps it's not the right time to ask.
But Chu Yigui spoke up, with a smile, and asked, "What are you two talking about, Second Brother and Brother?"
Wan Qiu had always been more affectionate towards Chu Yigui, which gave Yang Ze a subtle feeling of being the older brother who had stolen his younger brother's thunder.
Driven by this strange mentality, Yang didn't hide anything: "We were discussing the selection of Wanqiu's extracurricular classes."
"Extracurricular classes? Is your brother planning to take extracurricular classes?" Chu Yigui asked.
Yang nodded: "They came to ask me for advice on extracurricular classes."
"Did Second Brother give Big Brother any good advice?" Chu Yigui's question clearly went beyond mere curiosity; it was more like a plea for answers.
Yang vaguely sensed it, but didn't think much of it.
"It's a pity that I can't give Wanqiu any good advice like you or my brother can." Yang Ze smiled helplessly. "All I can do is discuss with Wanqiu what to do or what to do."
"It's alright, at least my brother seems happy." Chu Yigui didn't ask any further questions, and Yang Ze breathed a sigh of relief with this closing remark.
Chu Yigui also knew that ordinary people might prefer to get a definite answer, but Wan Qiu was trying his best to think it through.
Just like a child who longs to grow up immediately, putting on adult clothes and wanting to appear more mature.
Yang, on the other hand, happens to be someone who doesn't know how to guide others.
Wanqiu, he...
It seems like they're instinctively finding ways to get along with their family.
Beneath the clumsiness lies a secret development of wisdom that belongs only to the rules of Wanqiu.
Yang stood next to Chu Yigui, looking at Chu Yigui who was slightly shorter than him.
How does his outstanding younger brother, the youngest brother who puts him under a lot of pressure yet is also easy to get close to, view him?
Yang asked, "Yi Gui, in your eyes, am I not a good older brother?"
Chu Yigui turned his head, a smile returning to his lips. Instead of answering immediately, he asked in return, "Second brother, am I an excellent younger brother in your eyes?"
Yang was taken aback, then smiled wryly: "Of course, you are the younger brother I am proud of."
Chu Yigui turned her head and stared intently at Yang Ze: "But there is no perfect person in this world. I also feel that I have not done very well, and there are still many areas where I need to work hard."
Yang was taken aback, then chuckled, "If you work any harder, I don't know who could possibly be better than you."
Chu Yigui shook his head: "That's not how it is, Second Brother. I also feel inferior. In my eyes, Second Brother is also outstanding in ways that I can't even begin to compare with."
Yang remained silent for a moment.
Everyone has areas of confidence and areas of insecurity. They can see each other's strengths, but they also focus on their own weaknesses.
With just a few words, Chu Yigui had already guessed what he was thinking.
Faced with the same thoughts, his own inferiority complex might actually be seen as arrogance by Chu Yigui.
Did Chu Yigui want to tell him this?
That's why Yang Zecai always thought Chu Yigui was an excessively outstanding younger brother.
Yang might have felt a little embarrassed if he had heard such words before.
That's why Chu Yigui chose a roundabout, less direct way of comforting her.
But now Yang Ze feels that being exposed isn't actually that painful.
“Wanqiu said I’m very pretty.” Yang Ze laughed as he spoke, “I don’t know what my older brother taught him.”
Chu Yigui smiled faintly, her eyes calm, accepting Yang Ze's feelings.
"Even though I think this is just a cover-up for my inferiority complex, Wanqiu only sees the result of hard work. The reason why seems to be unimportant. It makes me wonder if I am overthinking things."
In Chu Yigui's eyes, Yang Ze's expression relaxed, no longer so serious and rigid.
That is the gradual acceptance and facing one's own gaze.
Chu Yigui said, "Second brother has always been outstanding; it's just that my brother made him admit it by chance."
Yang Ze was also a little embarrassed.
“Yi Gui, actually I’m a little jealous of you, even now,” Yang Ze said with emotion. “You always manage to do things that I can’t.”
Chu Yigui smiled and replied, "Me too, Second Brother."
Yang didn't continue the topic: "Honestly, I'm feeling really strange today. Is it a bit childish of me to say something like that in front of you?"
Chu Yigui shook her head: "My brother always surprises people."
Yang smiled calmly.
Perhaps because the child who touched him was no longer by his side, Yang did not hide his melancholy.
Chu Yigui is an excellent younger brother, and it's easy to expose yourself in front of him.
She had spoken her mind, which was quite unusual for her, but she did not receive a response from Chu Yigui or Ping's team.
It's like...
He was just blindly following his own words, mechanically agreeing with them.
Someone I once thought was normal and intelligent is now inexplicably...
It feels somewhat unreal.
It's like touching a cat's belly fur—warm, comfortable, and soft—and then touching a meticulously crafted rug.
It has the same comfortable feel, but it can't bring the joy of being freely touched by a soft, struggling cat.
The softness of a carpet is meant to be touched.
It cannot respond to human touch.
——
After each meal, Wanqiu would receive a small dish of fruit salad.
However, before Wan Qiu finished eating his fruit salad, the others who had already cleared the table would usually wait for him to finish eating.
Wanqiu also shared his salad with others when he was eating, but they only wanted him to eat it.
"Wanqiu," Yang Ze asked, watching Wanqiu carefully chew the apple, "Don't you get tired of eating it every day?"
Wan Qiu shook his head.
Wanqiu never gets tired of sweet, delicious fruits.
"So, will you also order a fruit cake for your birthday?" Yang asked.
Chu Yigui was taken aback and subconsciously reminded him, "Second Brother?!"
Yang was suddenly called by Chu Yigui and was also puzzled: "What's wrong?"
Chu Yigui said somewhat helplessly, "Mom and Dad must know it's my brother's birthday. The reason they've been telling us until now is probably because they want to give him a surprise."
Yang Ze's expression froze.
He hadn't thought of that.
What... what should we do? Can we still get away with this?
However, when the two of them looked at Wanqiu, they were met with a puzzled expression from him.
But Wan Qiu murmured, "Birthday?"
Chu Yigui sighed. Since she had already said it, she might as well just go along with Wan Qiu's idea: "Yes, brother, your birthday is coming up soon. Is there anything you want?"
Wan Qiu's birthday, just like his name suggests, is in autumn.
It happened recently.
Wanqiu's first birthday back in the Chu family was one he would never miss, no matter what.
Wanqiu, however, kept the last bite of mango in his mouth, chewing silently.
"What's wrong?" Yang noticed that Wan Qiu didn't seem to have any particular reaction to her birthday.
Wan Qiu, however, held the spoon and remained silent for a long time.
Yang glanced at Chu Yigui. If Chu Yigui didn't speak, it meant that now was not a good time to talk.
Wanqiu knows what a birthday is.
only……
"My birthday?" From Chu Yigui's words, Wan Qiu deduced that this birthday was for himself.
Chu Yigui stared at Wan Qiu, and in that narrow, disbelieving gaze, Chu Yigui immediately understood.
“Yes, brother, it’s your birthday soon.” Chu Yigui said to Wan Qiu, his voice still gentle and soft even though he no longer needed to soften it. “Eleventh…”
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