01

He approaches you, carrying the fragrance of spring, as if stepping on a pond full of clear lotus flowers. The fairy with pointed ears dances, while the elegant gentleman sings a love song. You speak softly and tenderly of nostalgia, as he sleeps in an unknown alley of the southern country, together with the east wind

Well? You ask me, who is Xiao Chen

Upon pushing open the door to the house and confirming for the third time that all the doors and windows were securely locked, I finally went downstairs. This apartment was purchased by Aunt Song before she had Xiao Chen in this city, and since both Xiao Chen and I were studying here, Aunt Song allowed us to move into this apartment

At that moment, a cold hand firmly grasped my arm. My heart skipped a beat, and I inhaled sharply as I quickly turned my head.

The gaze swept around the room and finally landed on the writing desk, where there was a piece of notepaper. I walked over, picked it up, and glanced at it. It contained the following line: "Xiao Yao, there are some matters at home, I need to return for a while. Since you were still sleeping, I did not wake you. I will be back tomorrow. The food is in the refrigerator, just heat it up yourself."

Xia Ranchen, known as Xiaochen, is the son of Aunt Song, and I was adopted by Aunt Song when I was eight years old. In summary, Xiaochen and Aunt Song are my adoptive mother and my brother with no blood relation.

Still no one has responded to me

The room is empty, with only the warm sunlight shining on the floor, and the pot of hyacinths on the windowsill has already bloomed

I chatted with Aunt Song for a while, then her phone was taken by Xiao Chen. I exchanged a few more words with Xiao Chen before ending the call

That is, I plan to go out and buy egg tarts myself

Strange

Rubbing my growling stomach, I lifted the quilt and got out of bed. After freshening up, I pushed open the door and walked out, calling out as I went: "Xiao Chen, Xiao Chen, I am hungry!"

In fact, Aunt Song did not know who was older between Xiao Chen and me, because at that time, I could not express my age or birthday. After thinking for a long time, Aunt Song finally said to Xiao Chen and me: "It is better for a girl to be a younger sister, so that the older brother must protect the younger sister"

A pair of cold, star-like eyes, devoid of any expression, were staring at me motionlessly

He lay with his eyes closed as if asleep, possessing a high and straight nose, and rosy lips, his expression cold and distant, exuding an air of aloofness that kept others at bay.

I paused by the white fence, and through the blooming roses, I could see several exquisitely crafted wicker chairs placed on the emerald green lawn. One of the wicker chairs was occupied by a young man, and the clusters of roses accentuated his handsome features even more.

I took the breakfast out and heated it in the microwave for a while, then I began to eat. Halfway through, I inadvertently noticed a food magazine. I opened the magazine, and a very tempting picture of a egg tart appeared before my eyes

I, Xia Xueyao, am a complete directionally challenged person. To what extent am I directionally challenged? Without Xiao Chen guiding me, I cannot find my way back from school to home.

I held the note as I walked out of Xiao Chen's room, went to the living room, picked up my phone, and dialed Aunt Song's number. On the other end of the line, Aunt Song's warm and kind voice came through, just like Xiao Chen, giving a very gentle feeling.

Three hours ago

Although I would like to tell you about my current situation, it is better to start any story from the beginning

Upon exiting the apartment building, I walked straight along the asphalt road and soon encountered the first intersection. Turning left at the intersection, the buildings before me began to appear unfamiliar, causing a sense of urgency to rise within me

The closer I am to the dim sum, the more excited I become; there are actually no other people here, truly a blessing from heaven!

However, after calling for a long time, no one responded to me. I frowned and walked to the door of Xiao Chen's room, knocking hard a few times: "Xiao Chen, are you still sleeping in? Hurry up, I'm hungry!"

I followed the fragrance forward, turning at several intersections, moving from the main road to a small path, until a luxurious villa appeared before my eyes. Outside the villa was a vast expanse of emerald green lawn, at the end of which were many rose bushes, enclosed by a white wooden fence.

I couldn't help but shiver, instinctively wanting to escape. I struggled vigorously, trying to break free from his grip. For some reason, I felt that this person was somewhat dangerous, and I had to leave this place

Little Chen? I tried to twist the doorknob, and with a "click," the door opened in response

Ah, I really want to eat egg tarts

I thought it would be no problem just to go out and buy a custard tart, but I clearly overestimated my abilities

Standing at the bustling crossroads, surveying the seemingly similar buildings, my heart is on the verge of collapse

Closer, closer

I pushed the door open and walked in. Xiao Chen's room was very clean and tidy, unlike my room, which is always a mess

I stealthily circled to the front door, crouched down and ran inside, my gaze fixed on the plate of pastries on the small table. I had already made up my mind; I would take advantage of the moment when the young man was asleep to grab that plate of pastries and run away

The hands of the bedside clock have pointed to 9, and the sun, climbing high, has finally succeeded in shining its rays through the glass window, landing right on my eyelids

"Xiao Yao, I am fine, you need not worry, Xiao Chen will be going back tomorrow," Aunt Song said to me with a smile.

I was dreaming of eating roast duck, and in my dream, I was incredibly happy while eating. Suddenly, I encountered a great fire, and I was startled awake.

I suddenly ceased my struggle and redirected my gaze to the boy's face, who was looking at me thoughtfully

After walking for three hours, I must admit a fact, that is—I am lost

I rushed to the edge of the table and reached out to grasp the edge of the plate

Beside the rattan chair, there is a small table, on which is placed a plate of dim sum and a cup of fragrant black tea.

Well, Aunt Song, please take a good rest. Next time, I will definitely go home with Xiao Chen. I let out a sigh of relief and lay on the sofa while holding my phone

I touched my still-hungry stomach, hesitated for a moment, and then made a decision that I would come to regret deeply

I have a vague feeling of concern in my heart; is Aunt Song unwell?

At this point in the story, it seems I have yet to introduce myself

Thus, for this reason, Xiao Chen became my older brother, even though I have never called him brother; we have always addressed each other by our names.

"Have I seen you somewhere before?" A somewhat cold yet slightly perplexed voice echoed in my ear

Aunt Song is Xiao Chen's mother and has always suffered from asthma. Xiao Chen is in such a hurry; could it be that Aunt Song's asthma has flared up again

I am so hungry, I murmured as I put my phone back in place and walked to the refrigerator, opening the door to find the breakfast that Xiao Chen had prepared.

Is there something wrong at home

Suddenly, a particularly fragrant aroma wafted into my nostrils, causing my stomach to rumble "gugugu".

I am so hungry! After walking for so long, the little food I ate in the morning has long been digested. I continue to walk forward aimlessly, feeling weak and powerless.