Jiang Yushi said he was going on dates, but in fact he always went to an orphanage.

The person he dated each time was actually the female volunteer who went shopping with him.

This incident shocked Wei Chiyan.

Jiang Yushi continued to teach the children, Song Zhili went to the kitchen to help the aunts prepare ingredients for dinner, and Wei Chiyan sat on the steps at the door, listening to the piano music coming from inside the house, and fell into deep thought.

Xia Wan walked over to him and sat down, asking, "Why are you sitting here?"

Wei Chiyan shook his head, lowered his eyes, and said, "Nothing, I just feel a little surprised."

He always thought that he and Jiang Yushi had a very happy life playing and fighting with each other every day, but he never expected that the other party had such a "secret" hidden from him.

Judging from Song Zhili's attitude along the way, it was obvious that he had known about this for a long time.

And he was actually the same as Xia Mu, who only realized it now.

But...but.

Obviously, they have known each other for many years.

The young man sat there with his head down and dejected, unable to hide the disappointment on his face.

Xia Wan noticed something and asked directly: "Wei Chi, you are unhappy, why?"

Wei Chiyan sat on the steps near the wall, his hands wrapped around his knees, his head still hanging, and said insincerely: "It's nothing, why do you think so?"

Xia Wan only said four words, "You are lying."

Not a question, not a guess, but a certainty.

There is no way that Wei Chiyan's face could hide anything; his joy, anger, sorrow and happiness were all revealed in real time.

"Okay." Wei Chiyan stretched out his hand and scratched his hair, saying, "Yes, a little bit, but only a little bit."

Xia Wan took out a candy from her pocket and handed it to Wei Chiyan. It was just given to her by a child in the room. She said, "Tell me about it."

"Who would like to eat this kind of thing?" Wei Chiyan showed disgust on his face, but he still reached out his hand honestly and opened the candy wrapper.

After eating the candy, Wei Chiyan stuffed the candy wrapper back into Xia Wan's pocket. He was so childish.

Xia Wan: "..."

Forget it, I won’t bother with him.

With a sweet taste in his mouth, Wei Chiyan slowly said, "It's not a big deal. I just feel that Song Zhili and Jiang Yushi and I grew up together, but some things seem to be secrets between them. If I don't guess or ask, I will never know anything."

As Wei Chiyan spoke, he rested his chin on his knees, one hand still around his leg, and with the other hand he picked up a stone beside him and scratched it on the ground. His eyes were also looking at the ground, and his voice became even lower.

"They also have what I have, and they also know what I can do. Most of the time, they don't need my help, so it seems reasonable that there is no need to tell me some things. But it makes me feel like I am... a little redundant."

Xia Wan had never expected to hear such words from Wei Chiyan's mouth. In her memory, the boy who was always cheerful and confident to the point of being a little conceited, could actually feel so helpless inside.

Theoretically, the relationship between Jiang Yushi and Wei Chiyan is closer, because Song Zhili's best friend is the F4 member who is still studying abroad as an exchange student and has not returned yet.

Xia Wan hasn't figured out how to comfort Wei Chiyan. After all, she can't say, "Don't let your imagination run wild. According to the script I got, you are Jiang Yushi's best friend."

So Xia Wan could only say: "I think they must have a reason. If you can't figure it out, why don't you just ask?"

"Yeah, there are some things you can ask directly to Ah Shi, or to me."

Song Zhili's voice rang out, holding a plate of watermelon in his hand.

Song Zhili handed the plate of watermelon with toothpicks on it to Xia Wan, and glanced at Wei Chiyan again.

Xia Wan immediately understood what Song Zhili meant. She sat a little to the side and made room for Song Zhili.

Song Zhili looked at Wei Chiyan and said, "Many times it's not that I want to hide it from you, but because there are some things that I don't know how to say at the moment. We can notice it, but you can't see it."

Wei Chiyan: “……?”

Is it his problem?

Song Zhili said calmly: "For example, this welfare house, Jiang Yushi went to your apartment once before wearing the volunteer uniform here, but you only said that the clothes he wore today were really ugly, and then dragged him to play games, without even looking at the clothes carefully."

Wei Chiyan: "..."

It seems that this is really his problem.

Although Wei Chiyan felt somewhat guilty, he still said unhappily: "It wasn't just this time. I didn't know about Jiang Yushi's brother's accident and your...mother's affairs until a long time later."

Jiang Yushi's voice came from behind them, saying, "Because you have such a strong ability to empathize, if we tell you about this unhappy thing before we get over it, you will cry even harder than we do. We really don't have the energy to comfort you, it's so annoying."

Wei Chiyan stood up from the ground and angrily asked, "What are you talking about?"

Song Zhili nodded in agreement and said, "Indeed, some people cried more exaggeratedly than my grandmother when they watched sad dramas with her when they were young."

Wei Chiyan: "???"

Xia Wan: "???"

Xia Wan was very surprised and asked, "Is there such a thing?"

Wei Chiyan immediately denied it: "Don't talk nonsense, this is ruining my reputation!"

Jiang Yushi blinked at Xia Wan and asked, "Do you want to see it?"

Xia Wan nodded vigorously.

Fifteen minutes later.

Lying on the glass window outside a room, I looked at a thin girl who looked about six or seven years old lying on the bed inside. She was sleeping with her eyes closed, looking quiet and beautiful.

Jiang Yushi calmly recounted what the girl had experienced and why she came to this orphanage.

The girl's name is Yuanyuan. She is actually nine years old this year, but due to long-term malnutrition, she looks younger than her actual age.

Yuanyuan's father passed away when she was young, but her mother was strong and raised her well even alone. When she was younger, she was well-known in school for being pretty and cute. She loved dancing and singing. She was the host of various activities from kindergarten to elementary school. A local TV station even wanted to invite her to be a guest on a children's program.

But many beautiful things are just superficial.

As early as when Yuanyuan was six years old, her mother took her to remarry and met a beastly man. This time, the so-called stepfather was actually a pedophile who molested Yuanyuan for two years.

The young girl didn't understand why her stepfather kept doing things that made her uncomfortable. She only knew that she had to listen to him and not tell anyone, including her mother, otherwise he would beat her.

However, in the end, Yuanyuan's mother found out about this and the two had a big fight. The mother felt helpless because she was just an ordinary woman and her stepfather was friends with some local ruffians.

The mother chose to swallow her anger. She had no ability and no courage to pursue the matter. She simply divorced the man and transferred her daughter to another school.

However, the beast did not let them go. He concluded that the mother and daughter were weak and could be bullied. He even found a new elementary school and took Yuanyuan away in the name of her father.

A woman who is forced into a desperate situation and has no choice.

So she gave in and returned to the man again, numbing him with tenderness, saying that she had just realized that she still loved him, and loved him so much that she didn't care what he did to her daughter.

The man was very proud, and he proudly "accepted" the mother and daughter.

Then the woman found an opportunity and stabbed the man to death with a knife while he was sleeping.

Unfortunately, the woman's strength was too weak to deliver a fatal blow. The man woke up in pain and used his last bit of strength to strangle the woman to death.

For the woman, finally no one can bully her daughter anymore, but at the same time no one can protect her daughter anymore.

Later, Yuanyuan came to this welfare home and lived here.

Hearing this, Wei Chiyan's tears began to fall.

Indeed, his empathy is stronger than that of ordinary people.

"Beast." The young man gritted his teeth and could only utter these two words after hearing all this.

He walked to the door and wanted to open it to go in and see the girl, but Jiang Yushi stopped him.

Jiang Yushi shook his head at him and said, "No man can get close to Yuanyuan, otherwise it will easily cause Yuanyuan's emotions to fluctuate."

Because she didn't understand that much, she only knew that it was her stepfather who brought harm to her and her mother, and that she lost everything because of her stepfather. This fear spread to the point where she was afraid of all male existences.

Wei Chiyan let go of the door handle, took a few steps back after hearing this, and asked: "What will she do in the future?"

Jiang Yushi said: "She already has an adoptive father who will come to pick her up next month. They are a same-sex couple. She will have two mothers who love her very much. They will hire a private tutor for her to study at home. But what happens in the future...it all depends on fate."

They don’t know whether they can get out of this and have a new life.

But for Yuanyuan, this is the best possible outcome so far.

Perhaps the gazes of several people outside the window disturbed the girl. She woke up from her dream and got out of bed in her slippers.

Through the window, Yuanyuan waved at Jiang Yushi and called out, "Brother Jiang!"

Jiang Yushi also smiled and waved to her.

Then Jiang Yushi looked at Wei Chiyan with red eyes and said: "A year ago, when I first met her, she would cry when she saw me. Now she has made great progress, and everything will slowly get better. Maybe after another year, or even more years, one day she will be able to fully resume her normal life.

That’s why we didn’t tell you some things right away, firstly because we didn’t know how to tell you at the moment, and secondly because we wanted to wait until things got better before telling you so that you wouldn’t have to worry.”

"I understand." Wei Chiyan lowered his head. Although he said this, he immediately attacked left and right, punching Jiang Yushi and Song Zhili in the abdomen respectively.

Both of them covered the places where they were hit and groaned, their faces full of surprise. They didn't expect Wei Chiyan to suddenly attack.

Wei Chiyan withdrew his hand and raised his head, his eyes red but with a warning smile, he said: "I understand the truth, but brothers must share weal and woe. You must tell me next time."

Jiang Yushi said helplessly: "I know, I know."

Under Wei Chiyan's threatening gaze, Song Zhili of course nodded.

However--

Watching Wei Chiyan approaching him step by step.

Xia Wan took a few steps back and asked, "What do you want to do?"

"Although you've done okay so far, to be fair, you have to remember this. Come on, take a punch too!"

Wei Chiyan raised his fist as he spoke.

Xia Wan: "???"

Really? Are you crazy? Are you serious? Do you guys have to prove your friendship this way?

It seemed that Wei Chiyan showed no mercy when he just punched Jiang Yushi and Song Zhili.

She doesn't want it!

Xia Wan began to flee, and while hiding she shouted: "Wei Chiyan! Don't go crazy! Stay away from me!"

Xia Wan hid behind Song Zhili. She grabbed the corner of Song Zhili's clothes, but still felt unsafe. She pulled Song Zhili towards Jiang Yushi and asked Jiang Yushi to grab her clothes as well, blocking Wei Chiyan's attack from the front and back.

She ran away, he chased her, and they blocked her.

This scene looks very much like an eagle catching a chick.

Wei Chiyan was looking for a way out, and he said coquettishly, "Just let me punch you once, just one punch."

Xia Wan: "!!!"

Get out!

Try it and you will die!

Several people were playing in the yard.

No one noticed that inside the house, a little girl was standing at the window looking at them and laughing out of amusement.

In her hand, she held a photo of a family of three.

When she was little, her favorite game was "Eagle Catches Chicken".

When the door was opened by the little girl from the inside, the people who were still fighting were stunned at the same time.

Especially Jiang Yushi, because he was the only one who knew that Yuanyuan had never left the room on her own initiative.

When Yuanyuan felt that the four brothers in front of her were staring at her, she was obviously a little nervous, but she still hesitated and took another step forward.

Jiang Yushi's face was full of surprise, but then he was afraid that he might scare Yuanyuan by exaggerating, so he asked, "Yuanyuan, are you here to see Brother Jiang?"

Yuanyuan nodded and shook her head.

Then she mustered up her courage, took two steps forward, and whispered, "Yuanyuan... Yuanyuan also wants to play the game of eagle catching chicken."

"Okay!" Jiang Yushi knew this was a rare opportunity, so he agreed immediately, then bent down and asked, "Which brother does Yuanyuan want to be the eagle?"

Yuanyuan looked around, and was the first to step forward and hold...Xia Wan's hand.

Xia Wan was a little surprised and asked, "Does Yuanyuan want me to be the eagle?"

Yuanyuan shook her head, pulled Xia Wan to stand aside, then pulled Song Zhili's sleeve and asked him to stand behind her, and finally pulled Jiang Yushi and asked him to stand in front of Xia Wan.

Then Yuanyuan stood between Xia Wan and Jiang Yushi.

Her meaning was very clear. She arranged the order of the chicks' team, and as for the "lone" Wei Chiyan, he would naturally be the eagle.

Wei Chiyan was obviously very interested and said, "Come on! I'm going to arrest you all!"

"Cough cough!" Jiang Yushi coughed violently twice and hinted to Wei Chiyan with his eyes frantically that this game was not for winning, but for playing with Yuanyuan.

Wei Chiyan finally reacted.

Wei Chiyan had never run so slowly in his life, pretending to catch the last Song Zhili.

The four of them were playing with the child.

Everyone felt mixed emotions when they heard Yuanyuan's clear laughter.

This time it was Wei Chiyan who reminded them: "Hey, don't just stand there, you have to have fun playing games."

Until the dean heard the commotion in the yard and came over to see, he immediately stood not far away with tears in his eyes, turned his back and quietly wiped his tears.

Everyone knows how quiet and introverted Yuanyuan is, and one could even say that she is afraid of contact with men.

There were so many volunteers coming to the welfare home, but she was only willing to talk to Jiang Yushi for a few more words.

But Yuanyuan looked very happy today, and even when she was tired from playing, she still held Xia Wan's hand.

Jiang Yushi looked at the two people holding hands in surprise and said, "Yuanyuan has never held my hand before. She always holds my clothes."

Even when she was arranging the order of the chicks for them just now, Yuanyuan held Xia Wan's hand, but pulled Song Zhili and Jiang Yushi's sleeves.

Song Zhili also smiled and said: "Xia Mu, it seems that she likes you very much."

Wei Chiyan showed some dissatisfaction on his face and said: "She didn't even hold my sleeves!"

Xia Wan couldn't help but raise the corners of her lips. No one would object to being "favored" by such a cute little girl.

So Xia Wan squatted down and asked, "Yuanyuan, can I help you re-tie your hair?"

Yuanyuan nodded.

Song Zhili immediately walked to the next room, took out a chair and handed it to Xia Wan.

Xia Wan sat on the chair and carefully braided two cute pigtails for Yuanyuan, and then made them into the shape of two little balls on the left and right sides of her head.

Xia Wan took out her cell phone, turned on the camera mode and took a photo of herself and Yuanyuan. She handed it to Yuanyuan and asked, "Yuanyuan, take a look. Do you like it?"

Yuanyuan took the phone, stared at the photo of herself for a long time, and then nodded vigorously.

Yuanyuan smiled, her eyes curved into a smile, which was very adorable.

At this moment, Jiang Yushi's voice rang out: "Xia Mu, I didn't expect you to have such a good skill."

Xia Wan's smile froze slightly.

Then she made up an excuse: "When I was little, I messed up my sister's hair while playing with her and she would cry. My dad was a famous daughter slave, so I got beaten several times for this. Later, I just pestered my mom to learn how to braid hair, and I would help her braid her hair when she messed up her hair."

After hearing this, Wei Chiyan commented: "Your sister has been unreasonable since she was a child."

Xia Wan: "...Yes, yes."

I curse myself TAT.

Jiang Yushi also said that he understood and said, "So that's how it is. Then come together next time. Other little girls will like the braids you make."

Xia Wan remained calm and said, "Okay."

Just then, a teacher came over and called them over for dinner.

Seeing Yuanyuan in the yard, the teacher had heard what the dean had said, but she couldn't hide her surprise and asked, "Yuanyuan, do you want to come over and have dinner with us?"

Yuanyuan shook her head.

The teacher was a little disappointed, but comforted herself that Yuanyuan's willingness to walk out of the room was already a great progress.

But the next second, Yuanyuan grabbed Xia Wan's hand again and whispered: "I want to have dinner with this sister."

Xia Wan: "!!!"

Everyone: “???”

Wei Chiyan laughed out loud and said, "Xia Mu, she calls you sister! Hahahaha!"

The teacher mistook Xia Wan's stiff expression as embarrassment, so she immediately said, "Yuanyuan, don't talk nonsense, call me brother."

Yuanyuan shook her head and replied seriously: "It's not my brother, it's my sister. My sister smells good and she can braid my hair beautifully. My sister is just like my mother."

Children's intuition is, in some ways, incredibly sharp.

Seeing the embarrassment on the teacher's face, Xia Wan was helpless and said lovingly: "It doesn't matter. If Yuanyuan likes being a sister, then she can be a sister."

Because Xia Wan felt Song Zhili's gaze fall on her with some doubt the moment Yuanyuan said "sister".

If she cared too much, she would be seen as flawed, so she did not refute Yuanyuan's words. This way it would seem that she was just giving in to the child's joke.

Of course, jokes told by children should not be taken seriously.

The author has something to say:

The seeds of doubt began to grow in everyone's hearts—except Wei Chi.

I read in the comments that everyone said Xiao Jiang had already noticed it, but actually that was not the case in my setting, because a woman disguised as a man is very absurd in reality. So even if they noticed something wrong, they would automatically find excuses to rationalize it for Xia Wan, saying that she was thin because she had been recuperating abroad since she was a child and had a poor health. No one would think in this direction. The little girl calling her sister pointed out the existence of this possibility, and then people would start to think in this direction after discovering something unusual.

Anyway, it's too early to reveal the truth.

But in fact, besides Xu Yaoyao, there was actually someone who discovered earlier that Xia Wan was not Xia Mu. I wonder if any little angels noticed it. Thank you to the little angels who voted for me or irrigated nutrient solution during 2022-07-18 22:24:39~2022-07-19 16:52:29~

Thanks to the little angels who cast mines: Lingren's beloved dog, Sunflowers falling on the earth, Put the milk can in your pocket, Hi! Wife, Yangyang, Huyan Jueluo Fengyun, S 1;

Thanks to the little angels who irrigated the nutrient solution: Qiu Yuming 50 bottles; soft father 35 bottles; Jiang Lingqi. 20 bottles; Cherry, Carrying Jade Dragon to Die for You, Yinsi, SY, Xixia, Super Super Like Watermelon Coconut 10 bottles; Aaoooo 9 bottles; Wu Lu 7 bottles; Xiao C, Makiyama 5 bottles; CP is so addictive 4 bottles; Raw., Leonie, Alayuan, Awan 3 bottles; Ren Shu, Huyan Jueluo·Fengyun, Lai Yigeng, Akutagawa Biscuits 2 bottles; MONKEY, Cat on the Tail, 56759116, Chengcheng, I Want to Eat Egg Pancakes, Echo., Mid-air, Playing Tricks, Hua Shengsheng, I Want to Lie Down Every Day, Love Your Free Soul, Yangyang, Wu Qing, Mo Zhaihua, Running, Quiet but Not Quiet 1 bottle;

Thank you very much for your support. I will continue to work hard!