Chapter 8, An Egg

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Over the course of nearly a month, Fu Yijie became increasingly attached to him, yet spoke less. Fu Kun did not understand why and when he asked, he would not say. He thought it might be due to Aunt Liu's remark about the thief, or perhaps because Fu Yijie saved the eggs every day, claiming he would eat them later, and then fed them to the dog named Diu Diu, resulting in malnutrition and a lack of energy to speak.

Fu Yijie glanced at his face, which showed no change in color, and was immediately somewhat disappointed

"Here you go." Fu Yijie suddenly nudged his arm and stuffed an egg into his hand

Ah, go to sleep

"Sleep, it only makes you hungrier," Fu Kun said as he pressed his stomach, then playfully flicked Fu Yijie's face. "But thank you, at least you know to hide food for me."

In a pot. "Fu Yijie sounded quite calm.

"Let go of me! She insulted my mother! Insulted my brother!" Fu Kun struggled desperately, kicking his legs and glaring at Aunt Liu, his anger making him disregard everything else. "This shrew insults anyone she catches; your husband was the one who ran away after you insulted him! Damn you!"

Kitchen? Fu Kun was taken aback. The eggs in his house were always brought inside, cooked as needed, and it was basically impossible for them to be kept in the kitchen. He suddenly sat up, lowered his voice, "Fu Yijie, where did you get the eggs from in the kitchen?"

"You stole ... ..." Fu Kun nearly bit his own tongue; although he had been quite a troublemaker since childhood, he had never stolen anything before

"Don't exert yourself too much," Fu Kun said with a hearty laugh. Today, he was in a great mood; the splint on his arm had finally been removed. The feeling of freedom in his arm inexplicably made him want to smile. Sitting on the railing by the roadside, he didn't even feel cold. "Where will you spend the winter vacation?"

Fu Yijie remained silent and closed his eyes

Your younger brother? Sun Wei also heard it

Aunt Liu was taken aback by Mom's sudden call, opening her mouth but not saying anything

Before Fu Kun could respond, a clearer sound followed immediately: it was Fu Yijie crying out. He threw the picture in his hand onto the ground, did not bother to take his backpack, and ran inside.

Fu Yijie's fingers pinched and rubbed his shorts, but he remained silent

Fu Yijie found Fu Kun's smile somewhat strange, yet he obediently opened his mouth; when it comes to food, he had little resistance.

My younger brother did not know that it was not our home, and just as he was about to finish speaking, Aunt Liu interrupted him

Aunt Liu was so angry that she wanted to rush up and slap Fu Kun several times, but several men managed to pull her back a few steps

However, ever since he injured his hand, he hasn't been able to play freely. He has been accompanied by Fu Yijie every day. Now that his arm has healed and he is very close to home, he rubbed his hands together and nodded.

Fu Kun frowned and glanced at Fu Yijie, who was hiding behind him with only one eye visible. He felt a bit regretful, wishing he had just taken it himself

"Returning to my grandmother's house," Sun Wei sighed, "I wish for that, but if I don't score at least 90 in the final exam, I won't be able to go anywhere."

This is just like a brawl, with insults, persuasion, and pulling each other back and forth, when someone called Xiao Shuqin, who had just left for work, back.

Well

The silent younger brother is rather dull, so Fu Kun has no choice but to say every day that he will eat the eggs later, pretending that he cannot eat them. He then shoves the eggs to Fu Yijie, but he is always watching Fu Yijie, ensuring that he eats them; otherwise, he fears that this little brat will throw the eggs away.

Sister Liu, it was my Kunzi and Yijie who were in the wrong, I will compensate you for the eggs. Mother walked up to Aunt Liu, then turned around and waved at him and Fu Yijie, saying, Come here, first apologize to Aunt Liu.

Fu Yijie remained motionless, with no expression, just staring blankly.

On a very cold day... ..." Fu Kun hesitated a bit

However, he cannot articulate how it is beneficial to him

Apologize? Is an apology all it takes? Aunt Liu spat on the ground again and said, "Do you know your precious son hit someone? He even called me a shrew! Do you think an apology is enough to settle this?"

"That's just the way it is," his mother shot him a sidelong glance, "If you plan to rush in and hit someone, no matter how justified you are, the reason won't be on your side."

After Aunt Liu, who was cursing and complaining, was taken away, my mother closed her eyes and let out a sigh, squatting down in front of Fu Yijie and embracing him: "Yijie, you must not take things that belong to others without permission, do you understand"

"No, that's not necessary. Let your mother keep the egg," Aunt Liu said, curling her lip as she turned to walk inside. "Oh dear, your mother is really pitiful. She can't give birth herself, so she goes and picks one up to raise, and even picks a thief... But the ones she gave birth to aren't much better..."

Fu Yijie stared with wide eyes, his mouth displaying a color that was neither blue nor green, leaving him unable to close it. He remained transfixed in front of the mirror for a long time without moving.

Before going to bed, their mother habitually closed the door of the small room and said, "Good night, my little treasures"

The final resolution to this matter was that Mother took ten eggs and went to Aunt Liu's house to apologize to her.

What are you doing!" Fu Kun was taken aback

You are still the union chairman, just like this! Aunt Liu shouted

The next morning, when going to school, Fu Kun led Fu Yijie out and encountered Aunt Liu, who was going out to buy groceries, while waiting for Sun Wei outside the gate

She lay on the ground for half a day without responding, and the neighbors who heard the sounds of the two arguing were all stunned

Forget it, Sister Liu, Kunzi is just a ten-year-old child... The neighbors around are all persuading, "We have lived together for so many years..."

Fu Yijie did not speak, and Fu Kun also did not finish his words. He was quite hungry originally, and now holding an egg in his hand made him even hungrier, as his stomach let out a growl.

"What are you doing!" Aunt Liu shook off his hand and spat on the ground, "Whatever I say, go ask your mother! You can't give birth yourself but still have to enjoy it!"

Good night, old darling. Fu Kun smiled and closed his eyes

He usually doesn't curse much, because every time he does, his mother would tape his mouth shut with a plaster for at least half an hour, but at this moment, he simply couldn't hold it in any longer

Fu Kun smiled as he watched his back, walking away decisively; it was clear that he was in a hurry to sneak off and see Diu Diu

Aunt Liu's husband divorced her because he could no longer tolerate her temper. Everyone in the entire building knows about this, but usually, no one talks about it. Fu Kun has also been instructed by his mother not to casually discuss other people's matters, but this time, his anger got the better of him, and he couldn't hold his tongue.

The blue-tongued little monster, Fu Kun flicked it on its forehead and said, "Stick out your tongue for me to see."

Fu Yijie huddled in the blanket, clutching Fu Kun's underwear without making a sound

"Is it not from your family?" Fu Yijie asked

He has developed a habit of hiding food. In fact, the kitchen contains not only the family's provisions. He is not unaware of this, but he does not think too much about it. When there is food and no one around, he takes a little to hide away, so that he can eat when he is hungry

"Shameless," Sun Wei threw the backpack onto the ground, "Are you taking pictures of the painting?"

"So what do you want to do!" Mother suddenly raised her voice and shouted, "The child is one I can't give birth to, coming from the welfare institute! So what! He hasn't stayed at anyone else's home! He doesn't know what it's like to have a parent! Don't hold her back! Let go! I want to see what she intends to do! Dare to do anything!"

But when he kicked out, he missed, and Uncle Xia, who had run over, caught him from behind: "Kunzi, what are you doing!"

Hmm," Fu Kun took a bite of the egg, "It’s probably from Aunt Liu’s house. I will go talk to her tomorrow.

Fu Yijie turned around but could not bring himself to say a word of goodbye to the aunt. He silently turned back, tugging at Fu Kun's shirt corner, and followed him as they walked out onto the street

"I scared him this time, how was I to know whether he could handle it!" Fu Kun, feeling anxious, threw his backpack aside and bent down to look at Fu Yijie.

"Alright, you two go to school first. In the evening, I will take you both to Aunt Liu's house to apologize again. After all, we took one of her eggs first, and your brother even got physical," Mom stood up, glanced at the clock, and waved her hand at Fu Kun, "Hurry up and go."

Fu Kun was actually quite unconvinced; he did not understand why his mother had to apologize for this. Aunt Liu could utter such harsh words over a mere egg, so why should there be an apology

"Just say it! If you have the guts, let your husband come back!" Fu Kun's mouth was covered by Uncle Xia, and the words that followed became indistinct murmurs.

Fu Yijie leaned closer to the mirror and opened his mouth, instantly becoming transfixed.

Fu Kun told his mother about the matter, lowering his head to prevent her from seeing the tears in his eyes

When Fu Kun saw his mother, his nose suddenly felt a pang, and tears began to well up. He was not one to cry, but in this situation, it was as if a bullied little animal had just seen its mother.

"You can see for yourself." Fu Kun took out his pencil case, opened it, and held the mirror inside up to Fu Yijie.

"Aunt Liu, I am truly sorry, my younger brother did not mean it. When my mother returns, she will return one to you." Fu Kun pulled Fu Yijie, preparing to leave

"Shut up!" His mother turned around and glared at him

"Xiao Shuqin! If you don't give me an explanation today, I will not let your whole family off!" Aunt Liu shouted, pointing at my mother.

Fu Kun lowered his head and said softly, "Understood"

Hmm? Fu Kun responded, but at the same time, his stomach let out a growl; his utterance of 'Hmm' was nearly drowned out by the rumbling sound.

"Aunt Liu, did you boil eggs at home yesterday?" Fu Kun asked, though he was not very willing to talk to Aunt Liu. She was particularly fierce, never showing a good face to anyone, and was known for being unnecessarily harsh.

What nonsense, how can I not be hungry after missing two meals? Didn't you hear that call? Fu Kun almost wanted to say, how can you still have the nerve to ask me when you didn't even leave me an egg? Thinking about the reason for not having meals today, he stopped himself, sighed, "Just sleep, don't provoke me into talking. Once I fall asleep, I won't be hungry anymore."

"Give him a blue tongue." Sun Wei teased him from the side

Sun Wei has a strong opinion about this. Fu Yijie is like a toy bear; no matter how much Sun Wei tells him that Fu Kun is a brother and so is he, he just stares wide-eyed and when he finally speaks, he still says, "Sun Wei"

Sugar is sweet, with no other flavors or strange sensations, and Fu Yijie finds it quite delicious

Uncle Xia held onto Fu Kun tightly, not daring to let go. Usually, Fu Kun was acceptable to look at when nothing was happening, and he was polite to the neighbors, but everyone knew that this kid had been wild since he was little. If no one was watching him at this moment, who knows what he might do.

"Brother." Fu Yijie quietly called him while rubbing the edge of his shorts.

Fu Kun is indeed not an honest child or a good student, but Aunt Liu did not expect him to come crashing in with such a bow of his head

"Winning twenty rounds against you is settled," Fu Kun patted Fu Yijie, "You go back first, it's cold. If I win and cry, he will come back very soon."

While he was busy selecting pictures, Fu Kun suddenly heard a scream coming from the nearby tube building, and he abruptly raised his head

Only those who are close are useful, Sun Wei added.

He never considered whether this was stealing

Come on, draw! Draw! Oh my, that son of the Fu family is really something! I said their family can't raise anything good! Aunt Liu didn't even stand up, just sat on the ground and started shouting, "At such a young age, he can already hit people. What will happen in the future, will he kill someone?"

Mother ignored her and pulled him aside from Uncle Xia: "Tell me, what happened"

Fu Kun felt that Fu Yijie might have been frightened and somewhat regretted being so angry today

"Are you out of your mind?" Fu Kun kicked Sun Wei and said, "Next time, let your sister kiss me."

Fu Yijie nodded; this round of argument had frightened him quite a bit

Fu Yijie usually does not pay much attention to Sun Wei's words, but at this moment, he quickly leaned over and kissed Fu Kun on the face. Looking again, there was still no change in color. He squatted down in frustration, poking at the snow with his fingers

Forget it, "Fu Kun gently tapped the eggshell on the edge of the bed, "Do you still remember where the pot is placed?"

"Fallacy," said Dad from the side

"Damn it all to hell," Fu Kun gritted his teeth and cursed.

Fu Kun was just about to say something to comfort Fu Yijie when Fu Yijie suddenly reached out and wrapped his arms around his neck. Before he could react, he felt a warm, wet sensation on his face

What did you say! Fu Kun did not understand the meaning of Liu Shun's words, but he could discern the literal meaning, which was clearly not a good remark. He was instantly enraged, pushed his bicycle to the ground, and went over to grab Liu Shun's arm.

"Say one more word and I'll kill you!" Fu Kun pointed at her and said through gritted teeth

I am not worried about you being with Yijie. " Dad sighed, clearly very upset about this matter.

"On the shelf next to the platform," said Fu Yijie in a low voice

His words immediately infuriated Aunt Liu, who was sitting on the ground. She jumped up, cursing as she rushed over to hit Fu Kun. The neighbors quickly gathered around, trying to hold her back with their hands and feet.

What is there to feel sorry for? The trouble was all caused by you. Where do you get such courage? You dare to confront an adult even before the splint is removed?" Dad frowned, "If you don't temper your temperament, you will get into more trouble in the future.

"Done." Fu Kun nodded, rushed over and lifted his leg.

Fu Yijie did not speak a word the entire evening, except for saying he was going to the restroom after finishing his meal, which was actually to feed the puppy.

Fu Kun and Sun Wei squatted down beside the gate on a patch of cement, both of them taking out their drawings.

"It was taken from the kitchen," replied Fu Yijie

"Are you hungry?" asked Fu Yijie

But Fu Kun is hungry, he knows what it feels like to be hungry

Oh dear, your younger brother—oh my, I didn't see that coming—" Aunt Liu raised her voice, almost shouting, "At such a young age, you've already learned to steal, huh—

The scene fell into chaos, and Fu Yijie helplessly shrank to one side. After being discovered for hiding food in the welfare home, he would typically be punished by standing against the wall and would receive a few scoldings. He could not understand how it had come to this, as he had merely taken an egg from the kitchen.

Fu Kun put the candy beans into his mouth

Looking at Fu Kun's reddened eyes, he stood frozen in place, not daring to move at all

He originally intended to keep it for himself, even though he now eats very well at every meal

Fu Yijie glanced at her and nodded slightly

He is currently thinking about the upcoming winter vacation, the New Year, the delicious food during the New Year, and the new clothes...

"You scared me!" Fu Kun reacted, wiped his face, and after a moment of thought, he laughed again, "Fool, licking won't help."

Fu Yijie licked his face fiercely

"No matter what others say, you are my son, dear, just like your brother. Do you remember?" Mother patted Fu Yijie's head again

"A piece." He called out to Fu Yijie.

"You first insult my mother! And then insult my younger brother!" Fu Kun had originally planned to come and apologize as his mother had advised, but upon hearing this, he stopped.

"Well, I'm off," Fu Kun said as he lifted his bicycle. He had not yet seen a trace of Sun Wei, who was likely late again. "Goodbye, Mom."

Fu Kun is not worried about the exam. Although he is not a good student, scoring around ninety is not a difficult task for him. Moreover, his parents' only requirement for him is to pass.

Hmm. Fu Yijie nodded and turned to leave

He has never shared anything with others before; this is the first time, as Fu Kun has been quite good to him

Mother turned around and pulled Yijie in front of her: "Come! You decide what to do! Don't you dare apologize! What do you want to do! This is my own son! Just try to lay a finger on him! Let me tell you, anyone who dares to touch my son, I will immediately become a shrew!"

"No way, are you scared?" Sun Wei was also taken aback and kicked Fu Kun, "You too, he scared you and you scared him back."

Fu Kun laughed for a while, but then noticed that he had not moved at all, as if he were frightened. He quickly closed the pencil case and covered his open mouth with his hand: "It's just a little bit? It's nothing, just the color, it will go away after a while"

"I boiled them, what for?" Aunt Liu looked at him with an unhappy expression. Before he could speak, she suddenly shouted again, "Did you steal my eggs? I boiled ten yesterday, and when I counted this morning, there were only nine! I was wondering who stole them!"

Fu Yijie looked somewhat bewildered, staring wide-eyed at Fu Kun

Moreover, the hunger felt as if it had been washed with bleach, leaving him with nothing but thoughts of food, with no time to think of anything else

Apologies are necessary; if one is at fault, one must apologize. "Mom stood in the middle of the room with her hands on her hips, saying, 'We must compensate for what we owe and apologize where necessary. Once these matters are settled, she can no longer bring them up endlessly, and then we can act with confidence and assertiveness!'"

"You must not insult others like your brother does; it is wrong to insult others, and it is even more wrong to hit someone. No matter what, Aunt Liu is an elder." Mother said this while glancing up at Fu Kun.

"Open your mouth," Fu Kun said with a smile as he took one out

Little brat! If you dare to say another word, I will skin you alive today

After eating for a while, Fu Kun and Sun Wei looked at him and couldn't help but laugh, finding it extremely amusing

Fu Yijie glanced at the candy and shook his head

However, even so, Fu Yijie still spoke little. Every day, he obediently followed Fu Kun to school, ate, slept, and did his homework without complaint. The only thing that provided Fu Kun with a bit of comfort was that Fu Yijie no longer resisted being held by Sun Wei while sitting in the back seat. However, apart from the first time he called Sun Wei 'brother,' he never referred to him as 'brother' again, always addressing him directly as Sun Wei.

What happened to the union chairperson! Is the union chairperson no longer going to be a mother! Xiao Shuqin shouted even louder than her

"What’s wrong with being ten! Even six-year-olds can steal things!" Aunt Liu shouted, and no one could persuade her.

"A piece of it," Fu Kun jumped down from the railing and pulled out a bag of devil's candy from his backpack, "Have you tried it?"

Oh dear, what a good son, a biological son is not necessarily a good thing, bringing back a found one is still a thief! Your mother really...

When going to bed at night, Fu Kun thought several times about asking Fu Yijie what was going on with the dog named Diu Diu, but after thinking it over, he decided not to ask. What if he asked and Fu Yijie asked him to help plead for the dog to be brought back home? He really wouldn't know what to do.

Aunt Liu probably had not figured out what she really wanted to do, nor did she expect that the usually cheerful neighbor, Xiao Shuqin, would suddenly claim she could transform into a shrew. Thus, she was momentarily taken aback, and the neighbors quickly seized the opportunity to pull her away, several of them pushing and tugging to get her back home

"Don't you feel sorry for me?" Fu Kun looked at his father with some disappointment

Fu Kun was quite surprised, staring at the egg in front of him for a long time. After confirming that it was indeed an egg, he turned his head to glare at Fu Yijie and asked, "Where did this come from?"

Fu Kun's head collided forcefully with her abdomen, causing her to fall to the ground, and the basket of vegetables in her hand flew far away

"How tragic." Fu Kun chuckled a few times.

"What do you mean by your home? This is our home," Fu Kun swallowed the remaining egg in one bite. "Let me tell you, you might not quite understand, that kitchen is shared. It's not just our things that are placed there; others' items are there too. It's not only our family that boils eggs; other families do as well. Do you understand? This egg does not belong to us."