Chapter 1, Arrival at the Chen Family

Zhao Xiaojun returned to her room after finishing a call with her mother, leaving the light off and sitting dazed in the darkness. Her mother still called her "Xiaoxiao," and that was the only thing she remembered. The people here only called her Xiaojun. Her memory was much sharper than that of an average person, and she recalled many small details clearly. She even remembered her father's appearance. Her father would hold her as she rode on his shoulders, taking her around and buying her cotton candy. It was the kind made from a greasy machine at a street stall, where a handful of white sugar was thrown in, and it would puff out into fluffy, snow-white cotton candy. Her father would hold her as she rode on his shoulders, taking her around and buying her cotton candy. It was the kind made from a greasy machine at a street stall, where a handful of white sugar was thrown in, and it would puff out into fluffy, snow-white cotton candy. With a thin wooden stick, he would slowly turn it around, and before long, there would be a large bundle, bigger than little Xiaojun's head. Xiaojun remembered every detail; that was all she had of her father. Her father passed away when she was three years old. After that, she lived with her grandmother. Xiaojun did not continue to think further. Her memory abruptly halted with a "click." Xiaojun remembered every detail; that was all she had of her father. Her father passed away when she was three years old. After that, she lived with her grandmother. Xiaojun did not continue to think further. Her memory abruptly halted with a "click." She stood up to turn on the light

Before long, when Qian Meiqin returned, she brought a cup of juice for each person. Zhao Xiaojun held onto Chen Qiaoqi's hand tightly, fearing that he might suddenly disappear again. Chen Qiaoqi shook his hand but did not pull away. He still felt a lingering unease from Zhao Xiaojun's earlier gaze, and it was rare for him not to struggle free as he usually did. Qian Meiqin noticed this and was somewhat surprised. Later that evening, when there was nothing to do, she smiled and mentioned it to Chen Nianxian. Chen Nianxian also smiled and said, "It seems that Qiaoqi listens to Xiaojun; they are probably just children and get along well together." He then sighed and added, "Nowadays, children are all only children, lonely and isolated. Qiaoqi's cold and strange personality might have developed because of this. We are often busy and cannot accompany him all the time, so having Xiaojun with him is quite good."

Qian Meiqin was originally troubled by taking two children to the mall, but fortunately, Zhao Xiaojun was extremely well-behaved, following closely behind her. Chen Qiaoqi, on the other hand, refused to be led and walked ahead in silence. Upon arriving at the children's clothing section, Qian Meiqin picked out a few items and was about to have them wrapped up when Chen Qiaoqi, with a sullen face, said irritably, "I don't want this." The salesgirl at the boutique, noticing his pretty and adorable appearance, playfully teased him, asking, "Aren't these nice? What do you like then?" Chen Qiaoqi ignored her. The salesgirl continued to tease him with a few more questions, asking how old he was and whether he was in school, but he grew somewhat impatient and rolled his eyes before walking away. The salesgirl smiled at Qian Meiqin and said, "This child really has a personality." Qian Meiqin pursed her lips and replied, "This little ancestor is simply impossible." Although she shook her head and sighed, her tone was filled with affection.

Qian Meiqin thought for a moment and said, "How about letting Xiao Jun stay here? We can live like this for a few years and discuss it later. Her mother probably won't disagree." Chen Nianxian had always had this intention but found it difficult to express. He had heard that Zhao Xiao Jun's mother had not been doing well lately, and her restructured family was somewhat complicated. This was why Zhao Xiao Jun had been living with Old Lady Jiang. Now that his wife had taken the initiative to bring it up, there was no reason to refuse. Chen Nianxian held great respect for Old Lady Jiang, as there was a long-buried story behind it.

Qian Meiqin went to change her clothes, while Zhao Xiaojun sat on the sofa in the living room watching Chen Qiaoqi stack blocks. Chen Qiaoqi stopped and said gruffly, "What are you looking at!" Zhao Xiaojun, unsure of what had offended him, immediately turned her head and stared silently at the other side, no longer looking at him. After a while, Chen Qiaoqi seemed unable to endure the silence and asked, "Hey, do you want to play?" Zhao Xiaojun quickly replied, "No, I can't. You go ahead and play." Chen Qiaoqi glanced at her, grabbed the remote control, and turned on the television, continuing with his unfinished task. Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to watch?" Chen Qiaoqi muttered, "Aren't you the one who wants to watch!" It turned out that Zhao Xiaojun had been staring blankly at the television just now. After a while, Chen Qiaoqi seemed unable to endure the silence again and asked, "Hey, do you want to play?" Zhao Xiaojun immediately said, "No, I can't. You play." Chen Qiaoqi looked at her again, grabbed the remote control, and turned on the television, continuing with his unfinished task. Zhao Xiaojun couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you going to watch?" Chen Qiaoqi muttered, "Aren't you the one who wants to watch!" It turned out that Zhao Xiaojun had been staring blankly at the television just now. She shook her head and said, "I'm not watching. I have to go out with Auntie later."

Standing there in a daze, her mind blank, just as she was about to wipe her tears with the back of her hand, she suddenly heard someone shout "Hey" from behind. She turned around sharply and saw Chen Qiaoqi standing at the top of the slide, smiling at her. Then he crouched down and slid down from the semi-enclosed slide. Zhao Xiaojun felt her strength returning and slowly walked over to help him up. Chen Qiaoqi brushed off her outstretched hand and struggled a bit to get up. He smiled again, revealing his beautiful teeth and a shallow dimple, then asked, "What were you calling me for just now?" Zhao Xiaojun's lost spirit finally returned, and after a moment, she said, "I thought you got lost." Chen Qiaoqi let out a scoff and said, "How could I possibly get lost?" Zhao Xiaojun whispered, "You mustn't get lost. I was really scared just now." Zhao Xiaojun thought to herself, as long as he doesn't get lost in front of her, she couldn't bear the responsibility even if it cost her life.

After finishing dinner, Chen Qiaoqi buried his head in the sofa, stacking blocks. Qian Meiqin stood beside him and asked, "Qiaoqi, are you going to the mall?" Chen Qiaoqi did not even lift his head, completely ignoring her. Qian Meiqin did not ask him again and turned to Zhao Xiaojun, saying, "Xiaojun, how about you accompany Auntie to go?" Zhao Xiaojun nodded and softly agreed. Seeing that the clothes Zhao Xiaojun was wearing were slightly short and her pants had faded from washing, Qian Meiqin thought of taking her to buy a few pieces of clothing in the evening, and also to buy some for Qiaoqi. For children's clothes, it is better to try them on personally, as it is difficult to determine the size accurately. However, since Qiaoqi was not going, she felt helpless about him.

Chen Qiaoqi suddenly smiled and said, "I am not that foolish." He rarely smiled, but today he seemed quite happy. He then asked, "Where is the water?" Zhao Xiaojun just remembered and replied, "I couldn't find a place that sells water." Chen Qiaoqi pointed to the door and said, "Isn't there some outside?" Zhao Xiaojun responded with an "Oh," sat down, and did not move. Chen Qiaoqi did not criticize her and asked, "Are you tired?" Zhao Xiaojun weakly nodded. He asked again, "Where is the water?" Zhao Xiaojun remembered and said, "I couldn't find a place that sells water." Chen Qiaoqi pointed to the door and said, "Isn't there some outside?" Zhao Xiaojun responded with an "Oh," sat down, and did not move. Chen Qiaoqi did not criticize her and asked, "Are you tired?" Zhao Xiaojun weakly nodded. Chen Qiaoqi also sat down and said, "Then I will go." Zhao Xiaojun shot him a glare and pulled him back down to sit. Chen Qiaoqi, who was usually domineering at home, was momentarily taken aback by her glare and obediently sat still.

When Zhao Xiaojun opened the door, he was still standing in the corridor, looking at Zhao Xiaojun and asking, "Do you live here?" Zhao Xiaojun hesitated and nodded. He then asked, "Where do you live?" Zhao Xiaojun pointed to the west. He suddenly said, "There is a restroom over there." Zhao Xiaojun responded with an "Mm." Seeing that he did not make things difficult for her, she felt quite grateful and smiled at him. He turned to leave. Seeing that he did not make things difficult for her, she felt quite grateful and smiled at him. He turned to leave.

Thus, Chen Qiaoqi and Zhao Xiaojun attended the same school, entering and exiting together, which saved them a considerable amount of trouble

Qian Meiqin paused and asked, "Oh? What about her parents? Are they not around?" Chen Nianxian sighed and said, "I heard it from the neighbors. Her biological father died in a car accident in another city a long time ago. The perpetrator was never found. Her mother remarried and lives in another place. The old lady was afraid the child would be bullied, so she kept her by her side all the time." Qian Meiqin hesitated and said, "Since she still has a mother, it might not be good to bring her over like this, right? Didn't her mother say anything?" Chen Nianxian shook his head and said, "I haven't seen her mother. The old lady was afraid the child would be bullied, so she kept her by her side all the time." Qian Meiqin hesitated again and said, "Since she still has a mother, it might not be good to bring her over like this, right? Didn't her mother say anything?" Chen Nianxian shook his head and said, "I haven't seen her mother. I heard that when the old lady passed away, her mother was lying in the hospital—complications during childbirth!" Qian Meiqin exclaimed, "Oh," and asked, "What about other relatives or friends?" Chen Nianxian replied, "Old Lady Jiang only has this one daughter left. She had a son in her early years, but he passed away." Qian Meiqin fell silent.

Zhao Xiaojun stood by the bed for quite some time, her gaze vacant and somewhat at a loss. The unfamiliar place and environment brought her a strong sense of unease. The little Xiaojun was accustomed to the narrow alleys paved with bluestone in her small town, to the lingering, outdated afternoon sunlight in her grandmother's house, and to the always slightly humid air carrying a musty scent, all of which felt peaceful and warm. However, this place was entirely different. Zhao Xiaojun could not help but feel anxious and confused. Thinking of her grandmother only brought pain, yet there were no tears. At her age, she could not articulate why, but as the years went by, this pain became clearer and clearer.

Chen Nianxian continued, "The child is quite pitiful; the old lady has passed away, and she is living on the charity of others. I thought of the old lady's past kindness to the Chen family and arranged for the old lady's funeral, so I took this child in to stay for a while. I left a message, and we will make plans once her mother is well again. You have no idea, the look in the old lady's eyes as she left while looking at her granddaughter was one of unfulfilled longing! It is truly heart-wrenching." Qian Meiqin sighed and said, "At such a young age, she is indeed to be pitied!" Chen Nianxian nodded and said, "Let her stay for now; we will discuss it later. Having one more person around makes it livelier." Qian Meiqin nodded, then said, "This child is quite delicate and quiet, unlike children from small towns." Chen Nianxian suddenly laughed and said, "I also feel this child is quite sensible, not like a child of just ten or so years old." Qian Meiqin reached out and playfully hit him on the shoulder, lightly scolding, "If you are going to leave, then hurry up; the car is waiting outside." She said this while seeing him out.

At that time, Chen Qiaoqi was only 5 years old

Qian Meiqin couldn't help but browse a few more stores after entering the mall. It seems that all women in the world have this temperament. Chen Qiaoqi seemed to be well aware of her habits and said loudly, "I am tired." The mall had a play area specifically for children, and Qian Meiqin took him there to rest. Chen Qiaoqi asked, "Are we going back?" Qian Meiqin looked up and said, "There are still some things to buy." Chen Qiaoqi snorted. Zhao Xiaojun sat quietly beside Chen Qiaoqi, watching them talk. Chen Qiaoqi asked again, "Are we going back?" Qian Meiqin looked up and said, "There are still some things to buy." Chen Qiaoqi snorted again. Zhao Xiaojun sat quietly beside Chen Qiaoqi, watching them talk. Qian Meiqin knew he was unwilling to shop, so she suggested, "Then will you wait here?" After saying that, she felt a bit uneasy. Zhao Xiaojun chimed in, "I will wait here too." Seeing her say this, Qian Meiqin felt somewhat reassured. Zhao Xiaojun was much older and very sensible; with her accompanying, there was naturally no major issue. After giving some instructions and saying a word to the elderly lady in charge nearby, she got up and left quickly.

Zhao Xiaojun hurried over to grab Chen Qiaoqi, reproaching, "Chen Qiaoqi!" The young female teacher, hearing the commotion, quickly rushed over to ask what was happening. The surrounding children began to chatter all at once. After listening for a long time, it became clear that the little girl had kissed Chen Qiaoqi as a gesture of gratitude, which made Chen Qiaoqi angry, and he pushed her to the ground. The female teacher coaxed for a long time before she was able to stop the little girl from crying. Suppressing a smile, she turned and said sternly, "Chen Qiaoqi, how can you bully your classmates! Especially a female classmate. This is not right, do you understand!" Chen Qiaoqi still wore a disdainful expression, and even Zhao Xiaojun received a lesson.

When they came out, Qian Meiqin let out a chuckle. The young lady beside her also laughed and said, "It looks like a flower boy." It fit him well, but suddenly wearing such a style of clothing, it was inevitable that he felt a bit out of place. Qian Meiqin asked him, "Do you want it?" He nodded, a slight blush on his face, awkwardly tugging at the hem of his clothes. Seeing that he rarely agreed, Qian Meiqin, although not particularly fond of the outfit, bought it without a second thought. Qian Meiqin asked him, "Do you want it?" He nodded, a slight blush on his face, awkwardly tugging at the hem of his clothes. Seeing that he rarely agreed, Qian Meiqin, although not particularly fond of the outfit, bought it without a second thought. Qian Meiqin asked him to go inside and change back, but the salesgirl at the boutique said, "It looks quite nice, just wear it like this." The salesgirl was secretly lazy and unwilling to go through the hassle of changing back and forth. Chen Qiaoqi replied with an "Mm" and walked out wearing it. Qian Meiqin no longer insisted. Although he was a boy, he was still a child, and wearing something bright was not a problem at all.

On a tranquil afternoon, the only sounds that could be heard were the cicadas and insects chirping among the branches and grass, rising and falling, hoarsely calling out, yet refusing to cease. Zhao Xiaojun saw a young and beautiful woman approaching with a smile, her demeanor elegant and composed. She quietly stopped in her tracks, not moving closer. Chen Nianxian stepped forward, smiling as he wrapped his arm around her waist, saying, "What’s this? Did you come out specifically to welcome me?" Qian Meiqin merely smiled without speaking, turning to look at Zhao Xiaojun. Chen Nianxian released her and turned to Zhao Xiaojun, saying, "Xiaojun, this is Auntie." Zhao Xiaojun immediately whispered, "Hello, Auntie." Qian Meiqin nodded, sizing him up for a moment before turning to go inside. Chen Nianxian said, "Xiaojun, what are you standing there for? Come in quickly." Zhao Xiaojun hesitated for a moment but eventually stepped inside.

Chen Qiaoqi stood up to leave, but Zhao Xiaojun grabbed his sleeve and asked, "Where are you going? Just sit here for a while." Chen Qiaoqi sat back down and said, "I'm thirsty, I want to buy some water." Zhao Xiaojun replied, "Let's wait for Auntie to come back before we go." Chen Qiaoqi impatiently said, "I'm thirsty." He jumped down and was about to leave. Zhao Xiaojun, unable to stop him, quickly called out, "Hey, I'll go with you." He indeed paused to wait for Zhao Xiaojun. Suddenly, Zhao Xiaojun said, "You should just wait here. What if Auntie comes back and can't find us?" Saying this, she pushed him firmly onto the inflatable chair. Unable to resist him, she quickly called out again, "Hey, I'll go with you." He indeed paused to wait for Zhao Xiaojun. Suddenly, Zhao Xiaojun said, "You should just wait here. What if Auntie comes back and can't find us?" Saying this, she pushed him firmly onto the inflatable chair. After going out and coming back, she said, "I don't have any money, so let's just wait for Auntie to come back." She thought this would finally calm things down.

Chen Nianxian felt both angry and amused after listening. Qian Meiqin said from the side: "In a little while, Qiao Qi will be six years old. It won't matter if he starts elementary school now. Look at how he is acting, we should just send him in." Chen Nianxian frowned and replied: "School has already started for about a month, besides, can he keep up at such a young age?" Qian Meiqin said: "This little ancestor insists on going, what can we do? Just send him in. It's always a good thing to study." Chen Nianxian suddenly laughed and said: "This child suddenly insisting on going to school really startled me. If he insists on going in, we will have to talk to the principal. Really, if he had said this earlier, it would have saved us a lot of trouble." Since Chen Qiao Qi had not yet reached the school age and was also joining midway, the Chen family spent quite a bit of money to get him through the doors of elementary school.

In the evening during dinner, Chen Nianxian specifically rushed back. Zhao Xiaojun sat properly and upright at the dining table. Chen Nianxian asked Qian Meiqin beside her, "Where is Qiao Qi? Why isn't he coming down for dinner?" Qian Meiqin helplessly replied, "He refuses to come down to eat, saying he is not hungry." Chen Nianxian sighed and said, "What is he throwing a tantrum about again! You go and get him to come down for dinner." Qian Meiqin shrugged and said, "What can I do if he refuses to eat?" Chen Nianxian told her, "You go up and talk to him. It's Xiaojun's first time having dinner at home. Tell him there are guests, and he should come down to meet them." After saying this, she muttered, "I really don't know who this kid takes after!"

Zhao Xiaojun lowered her head and rummaged through her cloth bag, eventually finding a small square box. It was wooden, slightly yellowed, extremely simple, without any patterns, and even unpainted. The surface was very smooth, likely due to long-term handling. She solemnly placed it on the low table beside the bed and gently opened it, revealing a semicircular glass paperweight. Zhao Xiaojun cradled it in her hands, looking inside under the warm orange sunlight, where vibrant greenery thrived, resembling a mysterious and lush tropical forest, full of allure. She slightly shook it, and fallen leaves fluttered down slowly, like dancing butterflies, graceful and lively. Zhao Xiaojun pressed it against her face, a refreshing chill penetrating deep into her heart, filling a certain empty space within her. She lifted the hem of her clothing, blew on it, and wiped away the fingerprints on the glass paperweight before placing it back carefully. Zhao Xiaojun pressed it against her face, a refreshing chill penetrating deep into her heart, filling a certain empty space within her. She lifted the hem of her clothing, blew on it, and wiped away the fingerprints on the glass paperweight before placing it back carefully

Chen Nian first contacted a nearby school, and Zhao Xiaojun transferred in. She was due to enter the fifth grade of elementary school in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Chen Qiaoqi was attending a private kindergarten next to her school. The Chen couple was often busy with various social engagements and frequently had to travel for work. The large courtyard increasingly felt quiet. Zhao Xiaojun's eleventh birthday quietly passed amidst the busy start of the school year

On a sluggish and hot afternoon, she felt no drowsiness at all. She opened the door to look for the bathroom. She dared not make a sound with her footsteps, though she did not know why. Even when she had used the restroom before, she felt this way, lacking confidence. The house was large and unfamiliar, and she searched from the west to the east without finding it. She felt a bit anxious, having held it in the car all the way. She stopped in front of a slightly ajar door, hesitated for a moment, and then quietly pushed it open a little. She saw a tall sink made of black marble and let out a sigh of relief. The room was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, which was quite pleasant. She gently pulled open the glass door, only to discover a small child standing on tiptoe, struggling to turn the faucet, seemingly having some difficulty. The child stood there, reaching only to Zhao Xiaojun's chin. To be precise, it was a very beautiful little boy, with eyes that were eyes, a nose that was a nose, but his lips were tightly closed.

Zhao Xiaojun came to this large shopping mall for the first time. After taking a round, she could not find a place selling drinks. She was worried about Chen Qiaoqi, fearing that something might happen to him. In a hurry to return, she looked inside but did not see him. Panic set in; she knew very well that Chen Qiaoqi was the "Phoenix" of the Chen family. Her aunt had entrusted him to her, and now he was unexpectedly missing, causing her to break out in a cold sweat and her heart to race. She shouted at the top of her lungs, "Chen Qiaoqi! Chen Qiaoqi!" The music and chatter in the mall were deafening, and her cries were quickly drowned out by the cacophony. Zhao Xiaojun felt weak all over, as if she had just suffered a serious illness. In her fright, all she could do was call out Chen Qiaoqi's name with a choked voice, as if the end of the world was approaching. Her eyes were filled with tears from fear, and she did not dare to let them fall.

Chen Nianxian sank into the sofa, took the cup of water, drank a couple of sips, looked around, and asked, "Why is it so quiet? Where is Qiao Qi?" Qian Meiqin brought out some fruit and said, "He is taking a nap and hasn't woken up yet. It was not easy to get him to sleep!" Chen Nianxian responded with an "Oh," and said, "I will go change my clothes; I still have to go to the company for a while." As he spoke, he stood up, glanced at the quiet and silent Zhao Xiaojun, and said, "Meiqin, is Xiaojun's room ready? Please take her to rest. After sitting in the car for so long, the child must be tired." Qian Meiqin agreed and said, "I will go change my clothes; I still have to go to the company for a while." As she stood up, she looked at the quiet and silent Zhao Xiaojun and said, "Meiqin, is Xiaojun's room ready? Please take her to rest. After sitting in the car for so long, the child must be tired." Qian Meiqin agreed and said to Zhao Xiaojun, who was sitting upright on the sofa, "Come, let's go upstairs with Auntie." Thus, the three of them went up to the second floor together. The spiral staircase made Zhao Xiaojun feel a bit dizzy, and she walked cautiously, afraid of falling. She tightly held onto the smooth, reflective, ornate copper handrail, stepping up one step at a time with some effort. The spiral staircase made Zhao Xiaojun feel a bit dizzy, and she walked cautiously, afraid of falling. She tightly held onto the smooth, reflective, ornate copper handrail, stepping up one step at a time with some effort.

Qian Meiqin lay down and indeed brought Chen Qiaoqi down with her. He sat quietly on the chair, leaning against his mother. Chen Nianxian was the first to speak: "Qiaoqi, this is Zhao Xiaojun, who will be staying at our home for a while. Quickly call her sister." Chen Qiaoqi glanced at Zhao Xiaojun, pouted, and then directly called out: "Zhao Xiaojun!" Chen Nianxian looked somewhat displeased and glared at Chen Qiaoqi. Although Chen Qiaoqi was young, he was not intimidated and completely ignored it. Zhao Xiaojun immediately responded with an "Mm." Qian Meiqin quickly changed the subject, saying: "Xiaojun must be hungry, let's eat quickly. The dishes will get cold soon." Chen Nianxian did not pursue the matter further and smiled at Zhao Xiaojun, saying: "Xiaojun, this is Chen Qiaoqi. If he dares to bully you in the future, just come to me directly." Zhao Xiaojun nodded as usual. From a very young age, she understood that if she were truly bullied, what good would it do to find him? He would always be an outsider. Unless she left this place. But she had no way out. She was too small to have any means.

During dinner, Chen Qiaoqi suddenly said that he would no longer attend kindergarten and wanted to follow Zhao Xiaojun to elementary school. Chen Nianxian paused his chopsticks and looked at him, saying, "You are too young; go next year." The next day, Chen Qiaoqi refused to go to class no matter what. Chen Nianxian attempted to discipline him, but he stood there without flinching or avoiding, straightening his back with a stubborn gaze. Qian Meiqin asked him why he insisted on attending elementary school. He replied that he did not like kindergarten and that Zhao Xiaojun was already in the fifth grade, so he wanted to go to elementary school. Chen Nianxian attempted to discipline him, but he stood there without flinching or avoiding, straightening his back with a stubborn gaze. Qian Meiqin asked him why he insisted on attending elementary school. He replied that he did not like kindergarten and that Zhao Xiaojun was already in the fifth grade, so he wanted to go to elementary school.

As the two of them walked back slowly, Zhao Xiaojun suddenly smiled and asked, "Why did that little girl kiss you?" Chen Qiaoqi snorted softly and did not answer. Zhao Xiaojun continued, "You didn't have to push her away, did you?" Chen Qiaoqi muttered, "She deserved it." Zhao Xiaojun looked at him and smiled, then asked, "What's wrong with her kissing you? Others can't even ask for it." Chen Qiaoqi turned his face away and said, "I don't like her." Zhao Xiaojun, still full of curiosity, asked, "How did she kiss you?" Turning around, she noticed he had not caught up, his eyes coldly staring at her. She asked again, "What's wrong with her kissing you? Others can't even ask for it." Chen Qiaoqi turned his face away and said, "I don't like her." Zhao Xiaojun remained curious and asked, "How did she kiss you?" Turning around, she saw he had not caught up, his eyes coldly looking at her. So she walked back, bent down, and asked, "What's wrong?" Suddenly, Chen Qiaoqi stood on his tiptoes, his soft lips brushed against her face, and he turned his head coolly, saying, "Like this." Zhao Xiaojun was startled, covering her face and staring at him, unsure how to react. She was just shocked and had no other thoughts. After a while, she said, "Your face is all wet with saliva, it's disgusting!" She took out a tissue and wiped her face vigorously. Ignoring him, she continued walking ahead.

He heard a sound and turned to look at Zhao Xiaojun. His black and white eyes were clear, but there was a hint of hostility hidden deep within. Zhao Xiaojun was startled and then walked over to help him turn on the faucet. He washed his hands without drying them, shaking them vigorously, causing water droplets to splash onto Zhao Xiaojun's face. Zhao Xiaojun was not angry; she wiped her face with the back of her hand and turned to leave. He stood there staring at Zhao Xiaojun and asked, "Who are you?" Zhao Xiaojun softly replied, "My name is Zhao Xiaojun." Then she asked friendly, "And you?" He did not answer. Zhao Xiaojun was not angry; she wiped her face with the back of her hand and turned to leave. He stood there staring at Zhao Xiaojun and asked, "Who are you?" Zhao Xiaojun softly replied, "My name is Zhao Xiaojun." Then she asked friendly, "And you?" He did not answer but said, "What are you doing here?" Zhao Xiaojun, feeling guilty, became even more uneasy upon hearing his question, as if she had done something wrong, and obediently said, "I wanted to use the restroom but couldn't find it." He took a while to come out, leaving Zhao Xiaojun alone inside, casually closing the door behind him.

First, Chen Qiaoqi was set aside, and Zhao Xiaojun casually picked up a piece of clothing to try on. It was somewhat large, so she changed to a smaller size, which fit almost perfectly. Qian Meiqin asked, "Do you like it?" Zhao Xiaojun then realized that she was picking clothes for her and felt a bit at a loss, unsure of what to say, and did not respond. The salesgirl next to them kept praising how good it looked, saying, "This child has fair skin, and this piece of clothing really looks good on her." Qian Meiqin decided to take it, then selected a few more pieces according to the sizes, no longer trying them on, and had them wrapped up. She turned to Chen Qiaoqi and asked, "How about this one?" Chen Qiaoqi still refused to take it. The salesgirl next to them continued to praise how good it looked, saying, "This child has fair skin, and this piece of clothing really looks good on her." Qian Meiqin decided to take it, then selected a few more pieces according to the sizes, no longer trying them on, and had them wrapped up. She turned to Chen Qiaoqi and asked, "How about this one?" Chen Qiaoqi still refused to take it. The salesgirl at the boutique interjected, saying, "Then let him choose for himself!" Qian Meiqin couldn't help but laugh and said, "Qiaoqi, what kind of clothes do you want?" Chen Qiaoqi pursed her lips and remained silent. Several people continued to bring him a few pieces of clothing, but he simply turned his head and walked away.

Qian Meiqin came down holding a handbag and called out, "Xiao Jun! We can go now." Zhao Xiaojun immediately stood up. Chen Qiaoqi pushed aside the building blocks in his hands and said, "I want to go too." Qian Meiqin, somewhat surprised, replied, "Didn’t you just say you weren’t going?" Chen Qiaoqi waved his hand, knocking over the neatly stacked blocks, which fell with a crash onto the table and the floor. Qian Meiqin walked over and patted his head, saying, "If you want to go, then go. What are you sulking about, child?" However, Chen Qiaoqi turned away to avoid her touch and said unhappily, "Don’t touch me." He was the first to walk out.

In the new semester, with new classmates, Zhao Xiaojun was even more silent than usual. In just a short summer vacation, her life had turned upside down, and in the face of such upheaval, silence was her only response. After school, she habitually bent down to the nearby "Meifo" kindergarten to pick up Chen Qiaoqi to go home together. While waiting outside, she happened to see chaos inside the classroom, with a great commotion. Chen Qiaoqi forcefully pushed a little girl to the ground, causing the girl to cry out loudly, and the crowd scattered with a collective "wow," loudly blaming him. Chen Qiaoqi stood there, glaring, desperately wiping his face with his right hand. Among the many children, he was the tallest. The little girl cried, her small face covered in tears, no wonder the other children were blaming him.

Qian Meiqin walked into the bedroom and said to Chen Nianxian, who was changing clothes: "Are you leaving now? I'll go with you." Chen Nianxian shook her head: "It's fine for me to go alone. You should take Xiao Jun to get familiar with the environment first. This child is quite pitiful." Qian Meiqin asked: "What exactly happened? It wasn't clear over the phone." Chen Nianxian replied: "She is the only granddaughter of Old Lady Jiang and has been living with her. The old lady suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was unable to move on the spot. I happened to be inspecting the area and heard about it from others, so I rushed over to see the old lady. It wasn't clear over the phone either." Chen Nianxian continued: "She is the only granddaughter of Old Lady Jiang and has been living with her. The old lady suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and was unable to move on the spot. I happened to be inspecting the area and heard about it from others, so I rushed over to see the old lady. Who would have known it would turn out like this."

Chen Nianxian was acquainted with Zhao Xiaojun's mother and called her to discuss the matter. She sighed and specifically called to remind her daughter to listen to Uncle Chen and Aunt Chen. Zhao Xiaojun had always been distant from her mother, and after these years, there was little to say. In the end, she only asked softly, "Do you still want me?" Her mother was silent for a long time on the other end before finally saying, "Xiaoxiao! Don't worry, you stay there for now. In two years, I will definitely bring you back." Throughout the conversation, Zhao Xiaojun did not call her mother even once, and she could not help but blame her mother in her heart. At that time, her mother was overwhelmed with worries. Leaving her daughter in someone else's home was also a last resort, and she had many helpless feelings. Thus, Zhao Xiaojun truly settled down at the Chen family.

Qian Meiqin led her to a room in the west, opened the door, and said, "You will live here from now on. Are you tired? You can take a nap first." Zhao Xiaojun nodded and said to Qian Meiqin, who was about to leave, "Thank you, Auntie." Qian Meiqin turned back, looked at her, and replied with a sound of acknowledgment, saying, "Don't stand on ceremony, feel free to speak if you need anything." Zhao Xiaojun nodded, watching the door slowly close. She glanced around at the pure white walls, the lower half painted in light green, and the wooden floor. The afternoon sunlight streamed in through the leaves outside the window, with beams of light filled with dancing dust particles. Zhao Xiaojun stood by the bed, surveying the empty room, which was filled with a completely unfamiliar atmosphere.

When Zhao Xiaojun first arrived at the Chen family, she was only 10 years old. She thought it would be just a temporary stay like at other people's homes, but unexpectedly, it turned into a six-year residence. Chen Nianxian held her small hand as they got out of the car, squatted down with a smile, and said, "Xiaojun, is it okay to stay here for a while?" At first, Zhao Xiaojun did not respond, and after a long pause, she barely nodded. She quietly followed Chen Nianxian as they walked past the tall iron gate and the long steps, looking up to see a beautiful small building. She felt only one thing: it was high, as high and distant as the sky above her head, unattainable. The flowers, grass, and trees in the yards on both sides were flourishing, neat and beautiful, like pictures printed in textbooks, with watercolor colors and hazy outlines, always feeling unreal.

Unexpectedly, Chen Qiaoqi pulled out a one-yuan coin from his pocket. Zhao Xiaojun glanced at it and said, "This is not enough." Chen Qiaoqi simply took out all the money he had on him, a handful of coins, all one-yuan coins, clinking together. Zhao Xiaojun was taken aback, not expecting him to have so many coins hidden in his clothes and pockets. He could only say, "Then you wait here and don't wander off." Chen Qiaoqi nodded. Later, Zhao Xiaojun learned that at that time, Chen Qiaoqi only recognized one-yuan coins and refused to accept paper money, not even fifty-cent coins. He could only say, "Then you wait here and don't wander off." Chen Qiaoqi nodded. Later, Zhao Xiaojun learned that at that time, Chen Qiaoqi only recognized one-yuan coins and refused to accept paper money, not even fifty-cent coins. Chen Nianxian and Qian Meiqin laughed when they recalled this incident, and helplessly had to give him coins. Perhaps due to the thorough care in daily life and not needing to use money much, he did not fully recognize "money". Zhao Xiaojun could distinguish all paper bills and coins by the age of three. Perhaps due to the thorough care in daily life and not needing to use money much, he did not fully recognize "money". Zhao Xiaojun could distinguish all paper bills and coins by the age of three.

Zhao Xiaojun also pointed to a shirt on the hanger and asked Chen Qiaoqi beside her, "Do you want that one?" Chen Qiaoqi quickly glanced at her, then looked at the shirt, unsure if she had seen it clearly. After a while, she finally nodded. The sales assistant in the boutique couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, her eyes sharp and quick, and she hurriedly took it down. It turned out to be a dark red plaid pure cotton shirt with a turned-down collar, very much resembling an adult style. Chen Qiaoqi followed the assistant into the fitting room to change clothes, and did not complain any further.