Chapter 118 (Extra)
Chi Wang stared at Xie Siheng in astonishment, eyes widened to the max.
His expression was plain for anyone to read: “Why are you poking my cheek?”
“…,” Xie Siheng withdrew his hand. He wasn’t sure himself why he’d suddenly reached out to poke him. His fingers dropped to his side, absently rubbing the lingering soft sensation on his fingertips. Maintaining his composure, he acted as though nothing had happened. “Why aren’t you in class?”
Snapping back to reality, Chi Wang answered slowly, “I just transferred here, so I don’t have to attend the lesson yet. I’m just supposed to watch from the side.” He paused, then said naturally, “You were amazing just now, Big Brother. I didn’t even catch all your moves before you won—that was so cool.” He finished, a smile lighting up his face, large eyes gleaming with a hint of admiration.
Xie Siheng: “I beat your brother. That makes you happy?”
Chi Wang: “Huh?”
Chi Wang didn’t get what he meant and simply kept smiling. To an outsider, it made him look a bit silly.
Xie Siheng said nothing more and turned to leave.
Chi Wang wasn’t surprised he left without a word. They barely knew each other; exchanging a sentence or two was already more than enough.
He backed away from the fencing barrier, freeing his chubby cheeks. Then he poked them himself, finding nothing odd about them.
Once Xie Siheng was out of sight, a boy nearby sidled over. “You know Xie Siheng?”
Chi Wang smiled. “Not really. I’ve just seen him once before.”
Hearing that, no one pressed further.
Chi Wang snuck a final glance in the direction of Xie Siheng, who was now picking up his water bottle and stepping out of the fencing hall, apparently finishing early.
*
Afterward, Xie Siheng went to the shower room for a quick rinse and a change of clothes.
Xiao Fu blocked him at the door. “Shower? Weren’t we heading to the judo room for a fight? Chickening out?” He wore a grin, but his eyes were cold, carrying a trace of malice. Clearly, he was looking to settle the score.
Lowering his gaze, Xie Siheng’s lashes veiled his annoyance. Having someone provoke you day in and day out was enough to sour anyone’s mood.
He understood why Xiao Fu targeted him—during their very first duel, he’d injured Xiao Fu’s face. Back then, he’d been younger and chosen a lighter saber. He’d knocked off Xiao Fu’s helmet, and because his moves were so quick, the tip of the blade sliced Xiao Fu’s face, leaving a scar.
Feeling guilty, Xie Siheng had always been tolerant of him. Whenever Xiao Fu wanted to pick a fight, he went along. In time, the two had clashed like this for years.
Now, for some reason, an image of Chi Wang’s plump little cheeks surfaced in Xie Siheng’s mind. Hard to believe that kid was Xiao Fu’s younger brother—they looked nothing alike.
His mood dimming, he said icily, “If you’ve got this much time, maybe go check on your little brother.”
Xiao Fu froze. “What little brother?”
Xie Siheng paused, lifting his eyes. His gaze was cool and distant. “Your mom’s back. You didn’t know?”
Xiao Fu: “….”
A flush crept across his face, as if his sore spot had been exposed. Rage flickered in his eyes. He suddenly grabbed Xie Siheng and slammed him against the wall. “You trying to get yourself killed?”
Just then, the bell rang and students from the fencing class spilled out. Spotting the confrontation between Xiao Fu and Xie Siheng, they instantly fell silent, gathering at a distance to watch without daring to interfere. Even the teacher who emerged merely pulled out a phone to call for backup, not bold enough to step in and break it up.
Pinned against the wall by a hand at his chest, Xie Siheng’s gaze flicked to the side—he saw Chi Wang at the edge of the crowd, standing on tiptoe to peer over. Meeting his eyes, Chi Wang hesitated, then ducked down out of sight.
Xie Siheng refocused on Xiao Fu and said, “Judo room.”
Xiao Fu didn’t let go. Brow furrowed and eyes dark, he said, “Right now,” dragging Xie Siheng forward by the collar.
They barely advanced a few steps before a voice cried out, “W-wait! You can’t bully him!”
Xiao Fu glanced back, saw it was a lower-year kid, and ignored him—until that kid hurled himself over like a cannonball, causing Xiao Fu to stagger forward a few steps, nearly toppling.
With Xiao Fu’s hold broken, Xie Siheng smoothed out the collar that had been rumpled by Xiao Fu’s grip. Seeing Xiao Fu about to grab the little intruder, Xie Siheng quickly pulled the child behind him to protect him.
“What the—?!” Furious, Xiao Fu glared at the little brat behind Xie Siheng. “Which grade, which class?”
A gasp went through the crowd. Everyone was shocked that someone dared rush at Xiao Fu.
Chi Wang felt he had no other choice. He’d just watched Xie Siheng get picked on; how could he do nothing? Figuring Xiao Fu wouldn’t really hit an elementary kid, or if he did, well—Chi Wang wasn’t afraid of pain—he charged in.
Now that he was behind Xie Siheng, he felt a bit braver. He hugged Xie Siheng’s waist, peeked out, and said, “You can’t bully my brother!”
Bold words, but the moment he finished, he shrank behind Xie Siheng again, dodging Xiao Fu’s murderous gaze. Actually facing off against someone so tall—well over 1.8 meters—was intimidating enough that Chi Wang’s heart hammered in his chest.
Xie Siheng felt the child clinging to his waist, frowned slightly but didn’t push him away. Instead, he rested a hand on Chi Wang’s shoulder. “Why are you asking about his grade and class? You planning to get back at a grade-schooler?”
Xiao Fu let out a cold laugh. “I can make him transfer. So what?” On the inside, though, he was startled by how fiercely Xie Siheng defended the kid. Who on earth is that little brat? I’ve never seen him before, but he’s apparently on very good terms with Xie Siheng?
Without replying, Xie Siheng kept his grip on Chi Wang’s shoulder and turned to leave.
At that moment, the vice-principal arrived, sweating profusely as he dispersed the crowd. Xiao Fu decided not to continue tangling with Xie Siheng in front of so many people, merely watching them leave together.
*
Outside the school building, Xie Siheng finally asked Chi Wang in a low voice, “Why did you jump in just now?”
Blinking, Chi Wang said, “Because I saw you.”
Xie Siheng: “So if you see me, you have to intervene?”
Chi Wang answered, “You’re my brother. If you’re being bullied, of course I have to help.”
Xie Siheng lowered his gaze, his tone chilly. “I’m not your real brother.”
Chi Wang said, “Even if you’re not my real brother, you’re still my big brother.”
Xie Siheng asked, “You’re not afraid he’d hit you?”
Chi Wang flashed a grin, voice lively. “I am. But I’m not afraid of pain.”
From an early age, Chi Wang had rarely felt pain. Even if he fell and scraped holes in both knees, it never bothered him much. At school, whenever kids tried to bully him, he’d rely on his fearlessness of pain to take them down instead.
At that point in his life, Chi Wang considered his high pain threshold an advantage.
Xie Siheng said nothing else. After a while, he remarked, “That was actually your real brother.”
Chi Wang: “Huh?”
Puzzled, he lifted his eyes to Xie Siheng’s face.
Xie Siheng repeated, “He’s your blood brother—his mother is your mother. You protected the wrong person.”
Chi Wang didn’t understand, and Xie Siheng had no desire to keep explaining. He let go of the boy’s shoulder and walked away.
Chi Wang, used to how abruptly he came and went, just stood there, puzzling over his words without making sense of them.
*
Back at home, Chi Wang told Yang Qingdai all about it.
She froze for a long moment before coming back to herself.
Chi Wang tugged on her sleeve. “Mom?”
Forcing herself to focus, she said, “Yes, you do have an older brother. But I never imagined he’d be in Qingteng, too.”
Xiao Fu had gone to a different private elementary school; logically, she never thought he’d end up at Qingteng. By now, he should’ve been in junior high.
Chi Wang pressed on. “Mom, is he called Xiao Fu?”
Yang Qingdai: “You’ve seen him?”
Chi Wang nodded. “Mm-hm. He’s super tall and really handsome.” He didn’t mention the bullying since her expression already looked distressed.
She wavered. How many years has it been since I last saw my eldest son? Nine? He was just seven back then…
He’d been so picky about food, reluctant to eat anything the housekeeper made—only her cooking drew him in enough to eat an extra bowl or two. Even at six or seven, he insisted on sleeping with her, immensely attached. He’d watch public-service ads and then try pouring warm water for her feet, so cute and thoughtful.
But the more she remembered how adorable he’d been, the more afraid she felt of facing him again.
Chi Wang studied her face. “Mom, do you not want that brother?”
She said nothing.
Scratching his head, Chi Wang said, “Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’m not bothered.”
He wasn’t sure what complicated feelings she had. He just assumed she feared he might be upset at having an older brother. In truth, since he was the second child, he didn’t see the problem.
Still, a flicker of concern lingered in his own mind: If Xiao Fu is my brother, he might bully me for real next time, and I can’t possibly beat him. One punch from him would be game over.
He privately thought, If only Xie Siheng were my real brother. Even if he’s aloof, at least we click better.
Just then, Yang Qingdai’s phone rang. It was Chu Qing. “Hey, Qingdai, Xiao Fu just called, asking about you. I didn’t tell him anything since I didn’t know how you felt. Do you want me to give you his number so you can contact him?”
She was about to say no when Chu Qing continued, “Remember, it’s not Xiao Fu’s fault that things didn’t work out with Xiao Wenzhou. He’s your child—what kid doesn’t love his own mother? You’ve been gone for years and he’s missed you. He even got into a fight recently because someone insulted—well, something personal. He’s had it rough, you know.”
With that, Chu Qing hung up and texted Xiao Fu’s number over.
Still at a loss, Yang Qingdai hesitated. Right then, Chi Wang swiped the phone, and before she could stop him, he dialed on speaker.
It only rang once or twice before Xiao Fu picked up. “Hello? Who is this?” His tone was impatient, yet he seemed to be suppressing it.
The moment Yang Qingdai heard that voice—so deep, nothing like the childish tones she remembered—her heart clenched all over again at how she’d missed his entire boyhood and early teens.
Chi Wang spoke up: “Hey, is this Xiao Fu?”
Xiao Fu’s voice sharpened. “Who’re you?”
Seeing her mother overwhelmed, Chi Wang answered for her, “It’s your mom.”
Silence on the other end.
So, with no other choice, Yang Qingdai put the phone back to her ear. She sounded awkward. “Baby, it’s me—Mom.”
Xiao Fu’s breathing changed immediately—he grew tense, his voice betraying emotion: “Mom? When did you get here? Where’ve you been all these years?”
Yang Qingdai said, “I got here yesterday… Are you doing all right?”
All of Xiao Fu’s years of grievance flooded out at once. “No, I’m not! Mom, where are you? I’ll come find you. Just tell me!”
She tried to deflect. “No need. We can just talk on the phone.”
But Xiao Fu remembered that younger voice from earlier and quickly regained his composure. “So you have a new family now? A new kid?”
Yang Qingdai hesitated. “You do have a younger brother…”
Xiao Fu: “…”
He forced a calm tone. “That’s okay. I understand. It was Xiao Wenzhou who wronged you. You getting married again is perfectly fine. Does my little brother have a name? I’ll treat him like my real sibling.”
Yang Qingdai: “…” He’s already your real sibling…
She said, “You’ve actually met him—he’s at Qingteng, too. Didn’t you two meet today?”
Xiao Fu paused. “No. I haven’t seen him.”
With a glance, Yang Qingdai saw Chi Wang shift guiltily, looking anywhere but at her.
Yes, they’d met all right, though it hadn’t gone smoothly. Without Xie Siheng intervening, Chi Wang figured he’d have been turned into Xiao Fu’s punching bag.
Xiao Fu’s tone grew urgent. “Mom, where are you? Tell me. I want to see you. Please, give me your address.”
Feeling guilty for leaving him all these years, and sensing he bore her no ill will, she softened. She gave him her current address.
“I’ll be right there, Mom. Wait for me,” he said, then hung up.
*
When Xiao Fu said he’d come, he meant it; in under an hour, he arrived at the gates of the villa Chi Runyu had purchased. By coincidence, Chi Runyu returned around the same time, and the two cars nearly bumped into each other. Chi Runyu had his driver back up to let Xiao Fu go in first, but Xiao Fu’s car also reversed politely, letting him pass.
Seeing that, Chi Runyu signaled for his driver to head in. He got out of the car, puzzled by the visitor.
Xiao Fu got out as well, the tall teen striding over in a few quick steps. He grabbed Chi Runyu’s hand in a forceful shake. Though his expression held a certain ferocity, he forced a shy, well-behaved smile. “Hello, Dad.”
Chi Runyu: “?”
He kept a neutral face. “You must be mistaken. The mental hospital at Qingshan #592 is reached by turning right at Golden Avenue.”
(Xiao Fu realized he was referencing a psychiatric facility.)
Yet Xiao Fu’s smile never wavered. “Dad, I’m your stepson. Didn’t my mom marry you? I’m not wrong, am I? Your wife is Yang Qingdai, right? If so, I called you the right thing—you really are my dad.”
As he spoke, his eyes roamed over Chi Runyu with veiled contempt. He was already disliking this “stepfather”—he looked too skinny, not nearly as robust as he himself was. The only advantage was that he seemed young, maybe in his twenties, with a slick business vibe.
He found plenty of faults, but outwardly he played the polite, good kid. As long as he acted sweet, he could slip into this household where his mom was. No matter how much he hated having a little brother around, he was determined to “love” that brother, because his mother had no reason to reject him now. He couldn’t let her leave him again.
Chi Runyu: “…”
Blinking once, he said slowly, “You came to find your mother, correct?”
Knowing that many men dislike “baggage children,” Xiao Fu responded very politely and meekly, “It’s been nine years since I last saw Mom. Please don’t mind.”
Calmly, Chi Runyu asked, “Does your father know about this?”
At that, Xiao Fu’s expression twisted with disgust. He spoke very quickly, “Dad, don’t worry. From now on, my only father is you. My biological dad is gay, so there’s no need to worry about him coming around. We’ll be one family now, right?”
Chi Runyu: “…Come on inside.”
*
They entered the living room, where Yang Qingdai and Chi Wang were already waiting. At the sight of Xiao Fu following behind him, a faint flush tinged Yang Qingdai’s cheeks, and she looked uneasy.
The moment Xiao Fu spotted her, his eyes reddened. He rushed over and threw his arms around her, calling out tearfully, “Mom!”
He was tall and grown now, but still clung to her like a child. For a moment, she felt as though she were back in the old days. Xiao Fu had always been clingy: he wanted hugs before meals, at bedtime, whenever he felt sad—just extremely attached.
Aware he shouldn’t seem too needy, he quickly let go and turned to Chi Wang. “And this is my little brother—”
Halfway through his sentence, he froze.
Chi Wang gave him a polite smile. “Hi, Big Brother.”
Xiao Fu: “….”
He wiped his tears and took a closer look—he recognized that lower-grade kid who’d nearly toppled him. Lost for words, he forced a tiny smile, then awkwardly yanked the kid into a hug. “From now on, Big Brother will protect you… won’t let anyone bully you.”
Chi Wang felt he was being squeezed breathless.
Only when he was on the verge of suffocating did Xiao Fu let go. Then Xiao Fu leaned down and kissed Chi Wang on the cheek in a gesture of affection.
Chi Wang: “….”
He reached up to rub the place where he’d been kissed, but Xiao Fu’s attention had already shifted back to talking with Yang Qingdai.
Chi Wang slipped over to stand by Chi Runyu. The man grabbed a tissue to wipe Chi Wang’s cheek once more, then led him upstairs, leaving mother and son to have some space.
In the upstairs sitting area, Chi Runyu pulled Chi Wang onto a couch and asked, “Do you like that big brother?”
Chi Wang shook his head honestly, then quickly smiled. “But as long as Mom is happy, that’s what matters.”
Chi Runyu paused thoughtfully. He patted Chi Wang’s fluffy hair, speaking softly, “Don’t force yourself. If you don’t like him, you don’t have to hang around him.”
Chi Wang said, “It’s okay.”
Though that was how he felt, he soon discovered he really had no reason to dislike Xiao Fu—on the contrary, Xiao Fu seemed eager to please him, going so far as to hoist Chi Wang on his shoulders like a horse.
It was awkward. Chi Wang, eight years old, had no interest in “shoulder rides” anymore, but Xiao Fu insisted, determined to win him over. Chi Wang ended up forcibly perched on his big brother’s shoulders.
Awkward as it was, he also felt a faint, indescribable happiness.
*
The next day, at fencing class, Chi Wang nervously picked at his fingers while inching over to where Xie Siheng was prepping. “Big Brother.”
Xie Siheng glanced at him without responding, busily checking his gear.
Chi Wang sidled closer. “Big Brother,” he called again, pointing at a stray thread on one side of Xie Siheng’s gear. “There’s some fuzz there.”
Xie Siheng paused. “Do you need something?”
Lowering his voice, Chi Wang said, “That guy from yesterday really is my brother.”
Xie Siheng: “So, do you need something?”
Chi Wang scratched his head. “Yes— I told him about it. He said he wouldn’t pick on you anymore.”
Though when Chi Wang mentioned it to Xiao Fu, that grin had instantly vanished from Xiao Fu’s face… but at least he’d agreed.
In a frosty tone, Xie Siheng said, “Even if you hadn’t come out, I’d have beaten him in the judo room.”
Chi Wang said, “But you’d get hurt too, right? Your hand would hurt if you hit my brother?”
Xie Siheng: “…”
He lowered his gaze to Chi Wang, whose earnest face conveyed total sincerity, enough to make anyone’s heart soften. After a tense moment, Xie Siheng said coldly, “That’s not for you to worry about. Go to your lesson.”
Chi Wang: “Okay.”
With that, he walked away, straightforwardly.
Xie Siheng watched him go, momentarily spaced out. Then he felt another gaze—he glanced over and saw Xiao Fu glaring daggers at him.
He ignored Xiao Fu, put on his helmet, and returned to the training area.
Before starting, he looked back one more time and spotted Chi Wang pressing his cheeks to the fencing barrier again, craning for a view. This time, though, a teacher noticed and grabbed Chi Wang by the scruff, carrying him off.
Chi Wang flailed for a moment, then, realizing it was the teacher, gave up and let himself be taken away like a limp fish.
Under his helmet, the corners of Xie Siheng’s mouth curved briefly upward. Catching himself, he pressed his lips together, hiding the smile.
