Chu Yigui prepared a large table of food all by herself; the dishes were exquisite and neatly arranged.
Looking at the food on the table, Chu Zhang's expression towards Chu Yigui was complicated.
He casually picked up one of the dishes with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth.
Chu Zhang's tone was strange: "Youngest brother, how come you can even cook? The taste... the taste is actually quite good."
"Brother, you flatter me," Chu Yigui replied politely, neither arrogant nor impatient.
"Is there anything you can't do?" Chu Zhang's question was neither a compliment nor an insult.
"Are you envious?" Yang Xiaoyu said coolly, "Yi Gui has always been praised for everything she learns."
"Is this what a genius is?" Chu Zhang clicked his tongue, unable to suppress a little jealousy.
"I can't write songs, my singing is just in tune, and I have no talent for acting." Chu Yigui answered Chu Zhang's question very seriously, "I have even less talent in music."
music?
Wan Qiu blinked.
He looked at Chu Yigui.
Yang Xiaoyu echoed this statement: "The music teacher we invited before did indeed tell me that Yi Gui doesn't have any talent in this area."
Chu Zhang was taken aback, his gossip-loving nature ignited: "Is that so? Tell me about it!"
Yang Xiaoyu rolled her eyes at Chu Zhang. How could she be so happy to see her younger brother make a fool of himself?
But Yang Xiaoyu still spoke up, because not only Chu Zhang, but even Wan Qiu's eyes were full of curiosity.
"We hired violin and piano teachers, both of whom are professors at the music academy. When they were teaching, they both said that Yi Gui was very talented and could learn anything very quickly, but the more they taught her, the more obvious Yi Gui's shortcomings became."
Chu Zhang raised an eyebrow: "Is there some kind of bad habit?"
"My teacher at the time said that Yi Gui's music only focused on technique and not on emotion. To be honest, I didn't quite understand."
Yang Xiaoyu is a businesswoman. Her definition of music is more about whether it can become popular and whether it has commercial value. Things like sentimentality are things that her subordinates consider and analyze.
Chu Zhang narrowed his eyes, but he wasn't too surprised by the answer.
"Perhaps it's because Yi Gui is still too young."
Yang Ze, who had been silent all along, rarely spoke up and spoke to Chu Yigui.
"When I was learning music, Yi Gui was only about ten years old, so I couldn't express a lot of emotions. If it were now..."
"Not necessarily now. Musicality and emotion are innate," Chu Zhang said, drawing the attention of everyone at the table. He simply shrugged nonchalantly.
Yang Xiaoyu scoffed: "You should really let your fans see how arrogant you are in private every day."
Chu Zhang neither agreed nor disagreed, and even seemed somewhat proud of it.
fan.
Wan Qiu had a feeling that his older brother was probably a celebrity, but he didn't know exactly what kind of celebrity he was; he was probably just someone with some fame.
Because my older brother is often asked for autographs.
If it's a celebrity asking for an autograph, they must be a very famous one.
Big brother is really amazing.
Wan Qiu looked at Chu Yigui again. Even a perfect younger brother has imperfections?
Is your emotional intelligence lacking?
Wan Qiu thought about his ballroom dancing in the dance studio. Although the teacher said his technique was lacking, he always said that his emotional expression was very good.
So, is that...?
Actually, I was also better than my younger brother in some ways?
Can he use his excellence to guide his younger brother?
Wanqiu didn't know either.
However, Wanqiu still held a small hope for the possibility.
The Chu family has a huge music room specifically for storing musical instruments. It was originally used for recording when Chu Zhang was writing songs, but it has been mostly closed since Chu Zhang became increasingly busy.
Today, Chu Zhang was at home, so he simply opened the music room.
Perhaps because of the Lunar New Year, the whole family didn't stay busy at work, but instead gathered together.
Upon entering the music room, Wan Qiu looked out through the bright, large windows. The sunlight reflecting off the snow illuminated the room, making everything seem as if it were enveloped in snow.
There are quite a few musical instruments here, and Wanqiu doesn't even recognize them all.
The place is cleaned twice a week, and everything is very clean.
"It's been so long since I've touched a musical instrument." Yang Xiaoyu took the violin out of the box and slung it over her shoulder.
All of Wan Qiu's eyes followed Yang Xiaoyu's movements. The beautiful Yang Xiaoyu seemed to be given an intellectual air by the elegant violin, and the flowing music suddenly filled the room.
"I'm a bit rusty, it's been a long time since I've played this." Yang Xiaoyu said, repeating a section of the instrument as if trying to get back into the swing of things.
Yang Xiaoyu inadvertently noticed Wan Qiu's gaze and looked at him.
In Wanqiu's surprised and curious gaze, he felt even more delighted and adoring towards her.
Yang Xiaoyu paused for a moment.
"Ah... doesn't my darling know I can play the violin?" Yang Xiaoyu held the violin bow in her hand, which hung limply at her side. Suddenly, she realized that she hadn't actually told Wan Qiu about it.
Wanqiu shook his head blankly.
“Dad plays the piano, and Aze plays the cello,” Yang Xiaoyu said to Wan Qiu.
"Big brother knows a little bit about everything." Chu Zhang immediately moved closer to Wan Qiu.
Wanqiu blinked blankly.
Is he the only one in the whole family who doesn't know how to play a musical instrument?
My younger brother also studied it, but the teacher said he didn't learn it well.
Wan Qiu was shocked.
Yang Xiaoyu covered her mouth and laughed: "Then let's have a performance after so long, for our baby."
As Yang Xiaoyu's melodious violin music began, the piano music started at the same time, and Wan Qiu saw Chu Jianshu sitting in front of the piano.
Wanqiu doesn't understand music.
I don't know what the emotion in music is.
All he knew was that in the duet between Yang Xiaoyu and Chu Jianshu, Wan Qiu saw intertwined, pleasant notes.
Yang also played, but his technique was probably not good enough, and he made quite a few mistakes.
Yang, unusually, showed a hint of embarrassment, which only made his already serious face appear even more serious.
Yang Xiaoyu looked at Yang Ze and said, "That's why we didn't let you continue your studies back then. You really didn't have the talent."
Back then, she made Yang Ze take her surname, thinking that Yang Ze would inherit her business in the future, but unexpectedly, Chu Zhang became more suitable.
Yang looked at Wan Qiu and noticed that Wan Qiu was also observing him. He immediately looked away so that Wan Qiu wouldn't notice his stiff expression.
Yang Ze's ears were already bright red from embarrassment.
"Yi Gui, why don't you give it a try?" Chu Zhang suddenly said to Chu Yi Gui.
At the dinner table, it was mentioned that Chu Yigui had no talent in music, and Chu Zhang was also curious about why the teacher made such an assessment.
Chu Yigui did not refuse; he chose the piano over the violin.
The unique, mellow tone of the piano rang out. Chu Yigui didn't know how to read sheet music, and even though he hadn't touched a piano in a long time, he still remembered it very clearly.
Wan Qiu watched Chu Yigui's fingers intently; her beautiful, slender fingers danced across the piano keys, each stroke outlining a graceful arc.
Wanqiu felt that her younger brother should play very well, without making the same mistakes as her second brother, and was also very skilled.
"This is the first time I've ever seen someone play the piano with such a blank expression. Youngest brother, you really don't love music at all."
Chu Zhang squinted, deeply moved.
"It's like a robot playing a pre-programmed game. Reaching this level can be considered a talent."
Chu Zhang's words puzzled Wan Qiu. In his opinion, Chu Zhang was clearly very capable, so how could he not succeed?
"It's just the result of hard practice." Chu Yigui stood up from beside the piano.
Wanqiu looked up at her tall younger brother and felt that music couldn't seem to make him happy.
During Yang Xiaoyu and Chu Jianshu's duet, Wan Qiu saw the occasional exchange of glances between the two, like a gentle, flowing stream.
But Chu Yigui acted as if he were merely manipulating a piano.
Wanqiu tried hard to think, and figured that what his older brother meant was that his younger brother playing the piano was just like his younger brother cooking.
It tastes exactly the same as what the chef makes.
It doesn't have the unique flavor that belongs to my younger brother.
During the seven days of the Lunar New Year, Wanqiu spent the longest time with her family.
They did a lot together.
We made desserts together following recipes, watched TV together, went out to build snowmen together, and took photos together.
The whole family is together, doing anything.
Wan Qiu wrote down a great deal in the diary that Jiang Chengfeng had assigned him.
Today I went out to check on the snowmen we built yesterday. There were twenty-one in total, and none were missing, except that the snowman dad lost a black button, which I put away.
—Today, the whole family went out together. My second brother bought me a safe. Only I know the combination and only I have the key. My second brother said I should put all my precious things in it, but I have too many precious things, so my eldest brother said I should only put money in it.
—My mom really likes dresses, so she prepared a dress for me too. Even though dresses are for girls, my mom said it's a fashion trend.
When Butler Bai returned, everyone else had to start working again.
However, Wanqiu and Chu Yigui's vacation continued.
For so many days, Wanqiu has been working hard to keep the house clean.
After Butler Bai returned, he praised Wan Qiu.
Wan Qiu stayed by Chu Yigui's side as always, looking for Chu Yigui first thing every day, no matter what the matter was.
Wan Qiu didn't know why he was doing this. He had always followed along because of his shallow understanding of 'protection,' which is what bodyguards do.
Today, Chu Yigui received a phone call, and he never tries to hide it from Wan Qiu when answering the phone.
This time, while on the phone, Wan Qiu noticed that Chu Yigui seemed to glance in his direction.
It seemed as if they were wary of something.
"I'm sorry, I can't go... I'm so sorry, Dean."
Even after Chu Yigui hung up the phone, Wan Qiu did not take his eyes off Chu Yigui.
In his memory, Chu Yigui rarely went out.
Chu Yigui said that she usually hires teachers during holidays, but not this winter vacation.
When Chu Yigui rejected the person on the phone, she subconsciously glanced at herself.
Wan Qiu pondered for a long time, gradually sorting out the relationships involved.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Chu Yigui's voice interrupted Wan Qiu. He asked, "Is something on your mind?"
Wan Qiu shook his head.
Chu Yigui picked up Wanqiu's textbook from his desk: "Would you like to begin today's study, brother?"
This time, Wan Qiu did not begin studying with the same enthusiasm as before.
Wanqiu looked up at his younger brother.
In the end, Wan Qiu sat down next to Chu Yigui.
It seemed that he had been sitting next to Chu Yigui like this until before the New Year.
They were very close, but...
The moment Wan Qiu looked at Chu Yigui when he made the phone call was an image that he couldn't shake from his mind.
Wanqiu was unable to concentrate on her studies.
Until he heard Chu Yigui sigh.
"Is your brother bothered by that phone call just now?" Chu Yigui asked.
Wanqiu's fingers tightened subtly as he gripped the pen, ready to begin studying. He was used to his younger brother always being able to guess what he was thinking.
Just now, Chu Yigui seemed to be not wanting him to ask any more questions.
Yes or no……
We shouldn't care.
Is this something that puts Chu Yigui in a difficult position?
“That’s the orphanage’s phone number,” Chu Yigui explained proactively when Wan Qiu hesitated. “I usually spend the Lunar New Year at the orphanage for a while, and this year the director called to ask if I was going.”
Wan Qiu was somewhat surprised, but took this as a signal that he could continue asking questions.
"Why didn't you go this time?" Wan Qiu remembered that during a short holiday, Chu Yigui had been away for a period of time and went to the welfare home.
"I want to stay by my brother's side," Chu Yigui said.
Previously, when Wan Qiu always did everything by herself, Chu Yigui did not specifically stay by Wan Qiu's side.
But now Wan Qiu is always by Chu Yigui's side, it seems that for Chu Yigui, the thing that needs to be taken seriously is Wan Qiu.
"Can't I come along?" Wan Qiu asked.
Chu Yigui suddenly fell silent.
Chu Yigui has always had his own ideas and many of his own reasons.
so……
"Is it a place I can't go?" Wan Qiu asked nervously in a low voice.
Chu Yigui did not answer immediately.
Wanqiu is gradually becoming able to understand Chu Yigui.
Like a tightly closed clam shell, finally revealing a tiny crack.
A small stone, carried by the current, eagerly tried to slip along the edge into the crevice to see what was inside the clam shell.
Wanqiu caught a glimpse of a tiny bit of soft flesh.
This allowed him to discern even a slight aspect of Chu Yigui's emotions.
When Chu Yigui did not answer, it was because he was considering his options.
It was a time of deliberation, figuring out the best way to answer him.
so……
He could actually go, but Chu Yigui didn't want him to go?
Others said that Chu Yigui was adopted from an orphanage.
Even now, Chu Yigui always goes back.
So, for Chu Yigui, is that place the same as the rented room he used to live in?
Just like when Chu Yigui once visited his rented apartment.
"Can I go with my younger brother?" Wan Qiu also hoped to see the place where Chu Yigui had once lived.
He wanted to know more about his younger brother.
I want to get closer.
Chu Yigui looked at Wan Qiu, the older brother who had once been ignorant and needed guidance, but now he was beginning to be curious about him.
They are brothers, friends, closer than anyone else.
But for some reason, at a certain moment...
On the contrary, Chu Yigui herself could no longer look directly into that clear gaze that only contained her.
"If you want to go, ask Mom and Dad." Finally, Chu Yigui closed her eyes.
When it opened its eyes again, it returned to its usual calm and undisturbed state.
Wan Qiu's eyes widened slightly: "Don't we need to study?"
“Brother is on winter break, not in class. I’m just giving him some tutoring, not being his teacher.” Chu Yigui closed her book. “If there’s anything you want to do, you can do it.”
This is a compromise.
Wanqiu did not feel happy or joyful.
Did he ask Chu Yigui to do something that she was unwilling to do?
Because every time Chu Yigui visits the orphanage, he stays there for a considerable period of time.
Therefore, when Wan Qiu asked his parents if they could go, Yang Xiaoyu and Chu Jianshu had many concerns.
If Wanqiu goes, it will be the first time he has been separated from them for a period of time since he returned home.
Yang Xiaoyu was unwilling.
But Chu Jianshu had a different opinion.
Chu Jianshu still remembers his conversations with Chu Yigui. It is undeniable that he was not entirely confident in Chu Yigui.
Perhaps because they were not related by blood, he rarely paid attention to Chu Yigui, but Chu Yigui was, after all, his child.
In their previous conversations, Chu Jianshu also noticed Chu Yigui's subtle abnormality.
However, it seems that Wan Qiu has opened up a connection with Chu Yigui.
It wasn't that Chu Yigui was watching Wan Qiu's expression; rather, Wan Qiu was quietly slipping into Chu Yigui's defenses by following his lead.
Like flowing water, it silently enveloped Chu Yigui, revealing a side of him that was rarely seen.
If possible, it might not be a bad thing if Chu Yigui, who had always replaced Wanqiu, could let down her guard against her identity while getting along with him.
Chu Jianshu and Yang Xiaoyu did some ideological work with them.
Although she was reluctant to let Wanqiu leave her side, Chu Yigui was indeed one of the children she valued, and if things could be improved, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
Wanqiu got permission, and that very evening they packed their things together.
When Wan Qiu received a suitcase and Butler Bai and Yang Xiaoyu came to help him pack his things to take to the orphanage, Wan Qiu realized that he probably wouldn't be gone for just one day.
"I'll be gone for a long time." Wan Qiu sat on the soft carpet, looking at the toiletries that Butler Bai had placed for him inside. "Will you be staying out for a few days?"
Wanqiu never stayed out overnight; he always went home every day.
"Yes, she will stay there. If the baby doesn't want to go, she doesn't have to go now!" For Yang Xiaoyu, it would be better if Wan Qiu didn't go.
Wan Qiu looked down at the half-packed box and said, "It's okay, my brother is here."
Wan Qiu's complete trust in Chu Yigui was clearly demonstrated.
"Does the baby really like his little brother?" Yang Xiaoyu asked.
Wan Qiu nodded very seriously, without hesitation.
Ever since Wan Qiu's last ideological shock caused him to have a fever, Wan Qiu remained silent for a long time, seemingly still reacting to Chu Yigui's behavior.
Yang Xiaoyu did not believe this was an accident; she could only guess that it was the result of multiple factors.
Wan Qiu trusts Chu Yigui, and Chu Yigui also understands Wan Qiu.
That's a good thing.
Perhaps this is how a family should be together.
If she had a clearer understanding of how to cultivate a relationship with children, perhaps Chu Yigui would not have shaken Wanqiu's position as the person he trusted most.
Thinking about her own thoughts, Yang Xiaoyu felt both amused and gratified.
When Wan Qiu got dressed and went out the next morning, he was dragging a large suitcase, which contrasted sharply with Chu Yigui, who was only carrying a small bag.
Wanqiu didn't find anything strange about it.
Everything was prepared by Mom and Butler Bai; they were all very important things that I had to bring.
"Remember to call Mom anytime if anything happens." In the still-dark winter morning, Yang Xiaoyu's breath created wisps of white mist under the lamplight. "Mom is waiting for you to come back."
For some reason, Wanqiu suddenly felt a very complicated feeling at this moment.
My hands, hidden in the rabbit gloves, curled up quietly for some reason. Despite the cold winter day, a warm current kept flowing through my body.
He is about to leave on a long trip today.
His family is waiting for him to come home.
He was like a kite on a string, released far away under the azure sky.
He can gaze at the boundless blue sky, see the bright sun, feel the constant breeze, and look down upon the city with its towering buildings.
But the kite will not lose its way, nor will it be afraid of falling from the sky, because there is always a string holding it, which will bring it back to its home.
Wanqiu's hand, held within the rabbit-shaped glove, seemed to be grasping at the thin thread that bound him, representing family and security.
He loved the feeling of being coiled up even more intensely than a kite.
Wanqiu laughed unconsciously.
"Oh my, why are you so happy, my baby? Is it because you're leaving your mom?" Yang Xiaoyu teased Wan Qiu on purpose.
Wan Qiu still couldn't tell it was a joke, and his smile froze on his face.
Yang Xiaoyu noticed and immediately reached out and gave Wan Qiu's cheeks a good rub.
"Mom was just joking. She just thinks our baby's smile is just too cute. There's no one cuter than our baby in the world," Yang Xiaoyu said with a smile.
Wan Qiu kept observing Yang Xiaoyu under the hat, and only felt relieved after confirming that there was no displeasure on her mother's face.
"Yi Gui, I'm entrusting Wan Qiu to your care." Yang Xiaoyu stood up, reached out and patted Chu Yi Gui's shoulder, "Our Yi Gui is clearly the younger brother, but he's exceptionally reliable."
"Don't worry, Mom. There's a driver with us. We're not going out; we're just going to the welfare home," Chu Yigui said.
Yang Xiaoyu sighed softly, her expression a mixture of trust and helplessness.
"If anything happens, be sure to call Mom first." Yang Xiaoyu looked down and patted Wan Qiu's hat. "Baby, you also need to wear the bracelet when you sleep, and don't take it off except when you take a bath, okay?"
Wan Qiu nodded.
"Then go ahead." Yang Xiaoyu patted Wan Qiu on the back.
As the vehicle drove further and further away, Yang Xiaoyu unconsciously clutched her chest.
Although there is some unease, things seem much better than before.
Wan Qiu sat in the back seat of the car and turned his head to look at Chu Yigui.
Chu Yigui had been silent ever since he saw her that morning.
Wanqiu could not judge Chu Yigui's current mood.
It was impossible to tell whether he was happy or unhappy.
"Don't think too much, brother."
In the silence, Chu Yigui seemed to see Wan Qiu's concerns and turned to gaze at him.
"If it's something I don't want to do, I will refuse."
Wan Qiu opened his eyes wide.
In a hazy vision, Wanqiu seemed to see a simple door that blended almost seamlessly into the boundless wall.
Wan Qiu grasped the doorknob and heard the click of the lock being opened.
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