Chapter 3

Chu Xiaoyi watched as the little girl crawled over to her father like a snail, yet she did not look up at him, instead keeping her head down. Emotionally, he still found it difficult to accept his half-sister, but having endured a few years of the harsh realities of society, he managed to remain composed and smiled, saying: "Xiaoxiao, hello, I am your brother"

My uncle's wife is usually quiet and low-key, speaking in a soft voice. When she saw the little girl open the gate to the small courtyard, she hurriedly put down the vegetable basket in her hands and said, "Xiao Xiao, where do you want to go? I will accompany you outside"

Chu Xiaoyi actually did not want to talk to his younger sister, but as an adult, he felt that the atmosphere was not right. He made small talk by asking, "Are you watching this to learn English?"

Chu Xiaoyi still remembers the look in his father's eyes when he was injured, as if he had been deeply struck. Chu Jiadong subsequently sought out his son several times, but Chu Xiaoyi avoided him, unwilling to return and also rejecting financial support. Chu Xiaoyi consciously avoided news from home, not even wanting to see his mother. Fortunately, it wasn't long before he found a good company, and his career gradually began to get back on track

Come inside quickly, is it cold outside? Work must be very hard!

Chu Xiaoxiao shook her head and said honestly, "I have eaten at home."

Yang Yin is a unique presence among Chu Xiaoxiao's friends. Their ages and family backgrounds differ greatly, yet they share an inexplicable bond. At present, Chu Xiaoxiao does not understand the conventional rules of friendship; she possesses a distinctive method of discerning people, which is to judge based on the emotional colors of others. When she first met Yang Yin, she saw a red heart, which was the first time she encountered a red heart outside of her family, naturally leading her to develop a fondness for Yang Yin

Yang Yin instantly projected her own experiences onto Chu Xiaoxiao, and just thinking about the troubles the latter was about to face made her feel somewhat restless and uneasy

Yang Yin immediately took her pen to correct the answers; she was very diligent with her studies and spent her free time practicing problems. Chu Xiaoxiao had previously learned English with Yang Yin, and they read the English version of "The Little Prince" together. Later, Chu Xiaoxiao's proficiency gradually surpassed that of Yang Yin, who did not feel annoyed but instead asked Chu Xiaoxiao to help her practice speaking.

Although Chu Xiaoxiao's intellectual development is above that of her peers, she still cannot understand certain vocabulary and naively asked, "What is a betrothal gift?"

Yang Yin explained for a long time with great effort, and only then did Chu Xiaoxiao suddenly realize, immediately retorting: "Mom and Dad would never sell me!"

The little girl, resembling a white glutinous rice dumpling, lifted her head. Her face was tender, her eyes bright, with irises slightly lighter than those of an adult. She quietly gazed at Chu Xiaoyi for a long time without responding immediately. After a moment, she lowered her gaze and said, "Hello"

Xiao Yi is back!

Oh, oh, oh, this is your agent, come in and have a seat, come in and have a seat...

Chu Xiaoxiao reluctantly set down the iPad, and she slowly walked to the door, opening it a crack to secretly observe the situation in the living room

He Xin is not an only child; he has a large number of siblings back in his hometown and does not take the affairs of the Chu family too seriously

Aren't you going to rest at home for a while? Are you leaving already?

On the iPad screen, the pink little pig emits a grunt at the right moment, inexplicably conveying a hint of mockery

Chu Xiaoyi listened to his little sister's faint humming and asked, "Then can I learn English well with this?"

Chu Xiaoxiao did not stay in the security dormitory for long. After finding no help, she bid farewell to Yang Yin. Upon returning home, she felt somewhat dejected, partly troubled by the issues concerning her younger brother, which left her anxious and uneasy; and partly because she thought that Yang Yin would eventually leave, which inexplicably made her feel a bit sad

As of today, Chu Xiaoyi has already gained immense popularity, yet he still does not feel that he has surpassed his father. Chu Jiadong has gradually reined in his sharp demeanor, becoming cautious and reserved in front of Chu Xiaoyi. It is not that he is genuinely pleased with his son's achievements; rather, it seems to be a reluctant compromise born out of helplessness. This is the most disheartening aspect for Chu Xiaoyi; he no longer even possesses the opportunity to win, as his father has directly abandoned him and surrendered.

You now feel that your parents are good to you, but it is only because difficult times have not yet arrived; I have seen much more of this. Yang Yin displayed an unusual maturity for her age, calmly revealing the truth. Many people around her have not even had the opportunity to attend high school, working in agriculture at home before marriage, with the bride price used to support their brothers

Yang Yin fell silent for a moment and said: "That is because your family is currently in a good situation, so there is no urgency for you to get married and earn a bride price, just as I am still able to study now. If one day my family is in dire need of money, I would probably have to return to the village to get married and would no longer be able to continue my education."

However, the concerns of Chu Jiadong from back then gradually came true, continuing to haunt Chu Xiaoyi like a shadow. Chu Xiaoyi's high school education was ridiculed, his not particularly outstanding singing and dancing skills were attacked by haters, and coupled with the bleakness of the music market, he had no choice but to switch to acting. He achieved some success in film and television, winning an award of relatively low prestige, yet still faced mockery and sarcasm from haters, referring to him as "Best Actor," as if everything he did was wrong

Chu Xiaoxiao could only put on her cotton coat and hat, resembling a fully armed little doll, as she hopped and skipped towards the entrance of the community

Chu Jiadong noticed his eldest son's distraction and immediately followed his gaze, spotting his little daughter sneaking around. He quickly waved his hand and said, "Xiaoxiao, your brother is back!"

In a secluded area of the community, there is a cluster of low-rise bungalows, which serve as the dormitories for the security guards. Yang Yin, who is around fifteen or sixteen years old, is currently attending high school. She only stays at Yurongtai during the holidays to help her father with cleaning and cooking. Her father is the gatekeeper of the community, and the rest of the family lives in the countryside of a neighboring province, relying on her father's income to make ends meet

"Is that true? Let me take a look?" Yang Yin hurriedly walked over while drying her frostbitten hands with a towel. She carefully checked for a long time, then revealed a relaxed smile and remarked, "I really miscalculated; Xiao Xiao is truly impressive."

The space in the security dormitory is not large; the iron bunk beds, the weathered wooden table, and the wooden chairs filled with condiments take up quite a bit of room. Coupled with the water basins and thermos piled up in the corner, it can be considered completely full. Chu Xiaoxiao is not surprised by this; she pulls out a small chair from under the wooden table and sits obediently on it, waiting for Yang Yin to return.

Chu Xiaoyi did not want to face Chu Jiadong in a disheveled state, nor did he wish to beg the other party any longer. From the moment he left home, a fire had been burning in his heart, preventing him from bowing his head to his father. Chu Xiaoyi frantically searched for work, reaching out to new brokerage firms everywhere, moving between friends' homes or cheap accommodations, exhibiting a kind of rebellious obsession.

Yang Yin thought for a moment and said helplessly: "Not for the time being, let's endure it for now. You are so smart right now, your scores in the college entrance examination will surely be excellent. When the time comes, choose a university far from home; the farther you escape, the better."

What exactly are you trying to provoke me about? Would I really harm you?

Xiao Bi knocked on the door, peeking her head in from outside, and called out: "Xiao Xiao, your brother is back, why aren't you coming out quickly!"

The company where Chu Xiaoyi worked went bankrupt not long after, leaving him with a meager compensation. He found himself homeless in the vast city, without a platform to realize his dreams. His mother, Xiao Bi, intervened to mediate, urging Chu Xiaoyi to return to his studies and seek better opportunities in the future, but he refused her suggestion

Chu Jiadong did not expect his youngest daughter to be so aloof. He quickly rubbed her little face, smiling to lighten the atmosphere, and offered a way out by saying: "Is Xiao Xiao feeling shy? Are you too afraid to speak in front of your brother?"

Chu Xiaoxiao looked at him in surprise; she did not yet understand the strange concept of adult pleasantries, nor did she comprehend why people who disliked each other still felt the need to converse. She could only respond vaguely, saying: "Mm"

During this time, Chu Jiadong put aside his stern fatherly demeanor for the first time, humbly pleading with Chu Xiaoyi to return, even becoming choked with emotion at one point. This was the first time Chu Xiaoyi saw his father relent, but he felt no sense of victory; instead, he was struck down. He was like a fanciful child, proving nothing but his own incompetence.

Chu Xiaoyi finally stood at the door of his home. Although his father had long treated him with kindness, he still lacked the courage to knock on the door. He Xin, seeing that Chu Xiaoyi was motionless, helplessly reached out to knock on the door for him

The family was bustling inside the house, preparing ingredients, while Chu Xiaoxiao quietly slipped out the door, intending to find her sister Yang Yin. Chu Xiaoxiao was always quite clever; she stealthily avoided her parents' gaze, but was noticed by her attentive little uncle.

He Xin gazed at the complex and nostalgic expression on Chu Xiaoyi's face, momentarily at a loss for words, and could only remain silent

When Chu Xiaoxiao arrived at the dormitory bungalow, Yang Yin was stir-frying garlic sprouts in a small pot, and the fragrant smoke wafted out through the slightly open window. Yang Yin opened the door for Chu Xiaoxiao, then turned back to turn off the heat and serve the dish, asking, "Xiaoxiao, have you eaten? Would you like to have some?"

Yang Yin put on her old, pilled coat and took the still-warm lunchbox, preparing to head to the community gate to deliver food to her father on duty. Before leaving, she closed the dormitory door and reminded Chu Xiaoxiao not to run around, then hurriedly departed.

Chu Xiaoyi: As a former only child, I must be the first to voice my opposition

A few minutes later, Yang Yin returned with the meal. She simply used the pot as a bowl and finished the remaining food, then went outside to wash the kitchen utensils.

Chu Xiaoyi : `` ? ? ? ''

The young Chu Xiaoxiao does not yet understand many principles; she still relies on her animal-like intuition to survive, using her unique ability to judge others. Her attitude towards others is like a mirror, intuitively projecting the emotions of others onto her own face. She likes those who like her, and she dislikes those who dislike her

Oh—" Chu Xiaoxiao replied weakly, but her mother clearly did not notice her little mood

Chu Xiaoyi: "Why? Have you learned it all?"

I just want to prove that you are wrong

He Xin: "Do I have that much anger to spare? Not only do I have a sister, but I also have a brother. Wouldn't you be furious immediately in my place?"

Chu Xiaoyi's heart is a gray-blue color, like a sea shrouded in mist, quietly yet restlessly churning. His smile is as bright as the sun, but his heart is filled with heavy emotions, harboring no fondness for her at all. This is the first time Chu Xiaoxiao has felt such intense aversion towards someone else, even stronger than that towards her kindergarten teacher, leaving her feeling completely uneasy.

Yang Yin rarely showed a sneer: "Of course, you won't be competing with him for the family fortune, and when you get married, you can even bring a bride price to the family. Why would he dislike you?"

After the initial pleasantries, the family members moved Chu Xiaoyi's luggage into the room and busily prepared for dinner. Both Chu Xiaoyi and Chu Xiaoxiao had people occupied in their respective rooms, leaving them to awkwardly coexist in the same space, staying in the living room with nothing to say.

Chu Xiaoyi decided to return home on the afternoon of the first day of the Lunar New Year, and this news instantly filled the home with a joyful atmosphere

Chu Xiaoxiao saw that Yang Yin had finally placed the pot down, realizing that the other person's work had come to a pause. She pointed at the numbers on the exercise book and reminded her, "Sister Yang Yin, this question is incorrect"

There was no one else in the car, and Chu Xiaoyi suddenly let out a light laugh, expressing, "Back in the day, I left through this door dragging my luggage, while my father chased after me, scolding me to have the ability not to come back."

He Xin, as a non-only child, naturally does not understand the troubles of being an only child. He is more than a year older than Chu Xiaoyi, and back then, when his parents had younger siblings, there was no discussion; they simply had children. At that time, He Xin even had to change diapers for his younger siblings. If he were to be as easily angered as Chu Xiaoyi, he would have probably died of anger long ago

Chu Xiaoyi left home at the age of eighteen. He felt that even if his parents wanted to play the role of a child again, they should have made an effort at that time. Why have they only started to take action in the past two years

This was what 18-year-old Chu Xiaoyi heard at the entrance of the Yurong Platform. At that time, he was indifferent to his pursuing father, getting into the car with his then-manager, solely focused on chasing his dream of becoming a singer. Chu Xiaoyi still remembers the furious expression on his father's face after being left behind, his face flushed with anger, glaring at him in the car as if he were about to devour him.

Chu Xiaoyi worked tirelessly outside, even refraining from contacting his parents too often, and before he knew it, several years had passed. He feared the dissatisfaction and helplessness in his family's eyes, and was even more afraid of seeing their pity and compassion, which made him feel like a complete failure

Chu Xiaoxiao lowered her head and continued watching the animated series, replying, "Everyone learns different things from it"

Chu Xiaoyi rejected his father, as he always felt that choosing to go home at that moment would mean he would never have the courage to venture out again. He was unaware of when he had developed the illusion that as long as he spent the money given to him by his father, he would be inferior, unable to stand tall, and have no right to voice any further demands

Chu Xiaoyi seemed to sense something; with a casual glance, he spotted a petite figure behind the door. It was a little girl dressed in a pale yellow loungewear, most of her body hidden inside the room. Her eyes resembled those of a kitten in the night, casting a cautious and probing gaze.

"Do you have a biological older brother? And he is coming back soon?" Yang Yin was taken aback upon hearing the news, a hint of distress appearing on her face, "That really complicates things..."

Facing the relentless questioning from her cheap brother, Chu Xiaoxiao finally lifted her head and turned the pink pig illustration towards him, saying softly: "Some people can learn English, while others can only learn to grunt like a pig"

This is her biological brother, but he despises himself and pretends to like her appearance

The management within the Yurongtai community is strict, and it is equipped with surveillance cameras throughout. Even food delivery and courier services are not allowed to enter, resulting in a high level of security. Therefore, the family members have no objections to Chu Xiaoxiao's behavior of going out, knowing that she is going to play with Yang Yin at the community's security booth

Chu Xiaoxiao held her iPad, yet completely lost her usual enthusiasm for studying, having no interest at all in opening foreign language videos

Chu Xiaoyi felt secretly angry, thinking that he could not connect with He Xin. His classmates during his school years were all only children, and none of them had biological siblings, making it difficult for him to accept this in terms of mentality. The more Chu Xiaoyi thought about it, the more annoyed he became, and he began to blame the national policy, wondering why it suddenly allowed for a second child.

He Xin was at a loss for words: "Are you still thinking about this? Why not just ask when you get home?"

What is different?

The familiar door swings open, and the joyful faces of the entire family appear one after another, followed by exuberant greetings.

If you have the ability, then do not come back! I will treat it as if I do not have a son like you

"No need, I'm just in the neighborhood, I'll be back soon!" Chu Xiaoxiao, wrapped in a thick and warm cotton coat, did not want to be caught by her uncle's wife, and quickly ran outside.

Happy New Year to everyone, I won't take up much of your time, I am just here to bring Xiao Yi back

He Xin saw his own artist stubbornly refusing to move and shouted, "Stop being so pretentious with me! It's just a girl who isn't even three years old; she probably hasn't even started to remember things yet!"

Chu Xiaoxiao thought of the lively and cheerful atmosphere at home, and inexplicably felt that Yang Yin's words made a lot of sense. Chu Xiaoyi indeed seemed to hold significant weight in the family, having already demonstrated his status even before arriving. She lowered her head slightly, feeling a bit uneasy, and hesitantly asked: "Is there really no way?"

Chu Xiaoyi gazed blankly at the entrance of the community and murmured, "Why do they want to have a second child? Even if they are abandoning their number to start over, it should have been five years ago"

He wishes to walk into the home of the Yu Rong Tai with dignity, yet now he finds himself here in a state of confusion, still enveloped in a sense of bewilderment

Chu Xiaoyi abandoned his studies and family, going to the company alone to practice. At that time, he was filled with determination and could not wait to prove himself to his father. He wanted to stand out and shine brightly, to defeat the stubborn and overbearing Chu Jiadong decisively, but instead, he fell hard first.

Although Sister Yang Yin's linguistic talent is not particularly high, she can use a bamboo pole to pick persimmons, weave beautiful bracelets with colorful strings, and roast fragrant little potatoes. In Chu Xiaoxiao's eyes, she is already capable of anything. Unable to discuss her concerns with her excited family, Chu Xiaoxiao can only turn to her trusted Sister Yang Yin to express her troubles

Chu Xiaoxiao: "Is Sister Yang Yin also going to escape?"

The wooden table was covered with Yang Yin's study materials, and Chu Xiaoxiao casually glanced at the math problems, browsing through them one by one

Chu Xiaoyi displayed a standard professional smile. His acting skills have improved significantly, and having participated in countless magazine shoots, he is not easily shaken by such trivial situations. Regardless of his inner thoughts, at least he would not let his facade break.

Yang Yin nodded upon hearing this. She quickly packed the food into the lunchbox and said, "Please wait for me here; I will return as soon as I finish delivering the meal."

Yang Yin nodded: "Yes, I will definitely not give up on studying, and I will take the exam to get into a university in the south."

Chu Xiaoyi was scrolling through his phone without any soul, while Chu Xiaoxiao was curled up in the corner watching "Peppa Pig". Neither of them paid attention to the other

The uncle stood up and instructed loudly, "Put on your hat!"

Chu Xiaoxiao fell silent for a moment, then mustered the courage to say: "Not necessarily"

Chu Xiaoyi had just chatted casually with his mother. Upon hearing about Chu Xiaoxiao's linguistic talent, he casually picked a topic to discuss.

Indoors, Chu Xiaoxiao unhappily turned up the volume on her iPad, hoping to drown out the lively sounds coming from the living room, in an attempt to suppress her inner restlessness and anxiety. However, her quiet days did not last long before she was interrupted by a knock on the door from Xiao Bi.

Chu Xiaoyi displayed dissatisfaction: "Aren't you angry that this matter is on you?"

Chu Xiaoxiao did not struggle in her father's embrace, but silently allowed him to rub her back and forth. She did not know what to say to Chu Xiaoyi, and was even unable to process the emotions she had just received

Chu Xiaoyi lowered his gaze and said: "They didn't consult me at all, showing no respect for my opinions. Is there still a need for me to go back?"

However, Father said he would like me, so the problem does not seem too serious. Chu Xiaoxiao felt a bit anxious inside and was not comforted by Chu Jiadong's words. She had heard quite a bit about Yang Yin's brother's dark past, and as a result, she was quite wary of the creature known as an older brother.

On the other side, Chu Xiaoyi sat inside the van, gazing at the familiar entrance of the community, remaining motionless. His agent, He Xin, noticing his lack of response, spoke up: "Shall we get out of the car? We have arrived at our destination"