The eyes of everyone in the room were focused on Jian Yiyi.
For a moment, she felt a sense of trepidation, like one returning home after a long absence—both expectant and anxious.
She looked around the magnificent villa. The crystal chandelier sparkled with vibrant colors, the high-ceilinged living room was open and bright, the expensive furniture was exquisitely crafted, and the murals on the walls were all treasures. Everywhere she looked, it exuded luxury and elegance.
As for her, she had grown up in a remote mountain village. Her grandmother was an uneducated old woman from the village, and her so-called "father" was a scumbag and a rogue who spent his days eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling.
When she grew a little older, because her "father" had incurred huge gambling debts, she was forced to wander from place to place to escape the pursuit and beatings of debt collectors. She followed her grandmother to Jingbei to find work, renting a dilapidated house in an urban village.
The walls were peeling and mottled, covered in greenish-brown mold.
The roof leaked. Whenever it rained, all the pots and pans in the house were brought out to catch the rainwater.
During damp weather, clusters of white mushrooms would sprout from the floor inside the house.
The clothes she wore consisted of a T-shirt that cost nine dollars and ninety cents, second-hand jeans bought on a flea market app, and cloth shoes sewn by her grandmother. Her entire outfit, from head to toe, cost no more than thirty dollars.
Jian Yiyi looked at Qin Yuyan, who was the same age as her and standing opposite her. With her red lips and white teeth, she was charming and beautiful. The pink little dress she wore was so exquisite and pretty; Jian Yiyi had never seen such a beautiful dress, let alone worn one.
A sudden sense of deep inadequacy and inferiority welled up in her heart.
Standing among such a group of distinguished people, she felt like a poor relative from the countryside trying to cling to the wealthy.
Jian Yiyi's speech became unsmooth: "I... I am..."
Song Xinya held Jian Yiyi's shoulders with both hands, pushed her forward, and introduced her loudly to everyone: "She is my sister, my precious sister."
Song Tingye threw his hands up in the air and cheered enthusiastically, his bright and clear eyes looking at Jian Yiyi: "I knew you were my sister! The first time I saw you, I felt you were my sister!"
He ran towards Jian Yiyi and opened his arms to give her a warm hug: "Sister! We finally found you! I'm so happy! I am your brother, Song Tingye!"
He stood up straight and looked at Jian Yiyi: "We've been longing for the stars and the moon, and we've finally longed for you to come back. Hurry, quick, call me brother so I can hear it."
Jian Yiyi called out obediently: "Brother."
Song Tingye leaned his ear closer to her: "Louder, what did you say? I can't hear you."
Jian Yiyi raised her voice, her tone crisp: "Brother!"
Song Tingye: "Louder still, I still can't hear you."
Jian Yiyi took a deep breath and shouted even louder: "Brother!"
Song Tingye: "I hear it, I hear it! It sounds so good, like the music of heaven!"
Jian Yiyi was made a little shy by her enthusiastic brother, but of course, she was very happy inside.
Song Tingye asked her: "What is your name?"
Jian Yiyi: "Jian Yiyi."
Song Tingye: "Wrong, your name is not Jian Yiyi, your name is Song Tingyou. From now on, your name is Song Tingyou, remember?"
Song Tingyou: "I remember, my name is Song Tingyou."
Song Tingye patted her head: "So good, sister Youyou."
He looked around at everyone in the room, pointed at Qin Yuyan, and said to Song Tingyou: "Let me introduce you. This is our brother-in-law's sister, the little princess, Qin Yuyan."
Qin Yuyan took the initiative to walk up to Song Tingyou. She was poised and generous, reaching out her hand to her: "Hello, I am Qin Yuyan. From now on, we are good friends."
Song Tingyou shook her hand: "Hello, I'm very happy to be friends with you."
Qin Yuyan was as confident as ever: "I am so pretty and cute, everyone who gets to be my friend feels happy."
Song Tingyou smiled. She could tell that although this little princess was a bit pampered, she was friendly, open, and had no bad intentions. She was very straightforward.
Qin Yuyan: "I'll just call you Youyou from now on. You are Song Tingye's sister, so you should call me sister."
Song Tingyou opened her mouth, about to call her sister: "Sis..."
"Hold on, hold on," Song Tingye looked at Qin Yuyan. "What sister? Youyou and I are twins. I was born ten minutes before Youyou, and I was born a few months before you. You should be the one calling Youyou sister."
Qin Yuyan scratched her head: "Ah, am I the youngest in the family?"
Song Tingye: "Yes, you are the youngest. We will all spoil you, and you can continue to be the little princess who is loved by everyone."
Qin Yuyan's almond eyes curved into crescents: "Yay, I love being a little princess and being pampered by everyone."
Song Xinya rubbed her head: "Let's not all stand at the door. Let's go inside."
The family was finally reunited, and Song Xinya personally cooked a meal for everyone.
Braised Lion's Head meatballs, symbolizing: a happy reunion.
Tomato beef meatballs, symbolizing: coming together.
Fermented rice ball soup, symbolizing: perfection and happiness.
Glutinous rice pearl meatballs, symbolizing: family reunion.
Red bean and osmanthus glutinous rice balls, symbolizing: sweet happiness.
Brown sugar eight-treasure glutinous rice, symbolizing: sweetness and affection.
The dishes on the table were all perfectly round.
The rice in everyone's bowl had also been shaped into spheres by Song Xinya.
Song Tingye held a rice ball bigger than his face, munching on it eagerly.
"It reminds me of when I was little. Whenever I didn't want to eat, my sister would roll the rice into balls, and then I'd be willing to eat."
Song Xinya: "When you were little, you especially liked eating fried dough sticks dipped in chocolate, strawberries stir-fried with celery, dragon fruit stir-fried with shredded potatoes, and bitter gourd stir-fried with bananas. Do you want me to make these dishes for you?"
Song Tingye's eyes widened.
Oh my god!
What kind of dark cuisine is that!
Were his taste buds broken when he was a kid? How could he like eating those things!
Song Tingye's eyes darted around and landed on Song Tingyou, gleaming with sly playfulness: "Youyou and I are twins. Whatever I like, Youyou must surely like too. Sister, hurry up and make them for Youyou to eat."
Song Tingyou waved her hands repeatedly: "I won't eat it, I won't eat it."
Song Tingye: "Eat it, eat it, we are all family. What are you being so polite for? Just grit your teeth, stomp your foot, and eat!"
Song Tingyou: "Waa, sister, save me!"
The people at the dining table burst into a chorus of laughter.
In a warm and joyful atmosphere, the family happily ate their meal.
In the courtyard, under a crape myrtle tree, stood a tall, straight, and handsome young man.
Jin Ruizhi stood in the dark night, watching the brightly lit living room filled with laughter and cheerful voices.
He was all alone, a spectator to the happiness of others.
His parents were away from home all year round, and he had always lived alone.
Walking alone, eating alone, celebrating his birthday alone.
On New Year's Eve, he was also alone.
He had been used to loneliness since childhood. Usually, he didn't find the quietness unbearable, but whenever he saw the lights of thousands of homes and other families reuniting with laughter and joy, a sense of envy would still surface in his heart.
Jin Ruizhi looked at Jian Yiyi—no, Song Tingyou. The corners of her lips were constantly turned up, her smile endless, and her whole being was immersed in joy.
He knew she was very happy now. She was now a child with people to love and spoil her, and he felt happy for her.
Logically, Jin Ruizhi knew he should leave. It was a family reunion, and as an outsider, it was inappropriate for him to overstay his welcome.
But his legs remained rooted to the spot.
He envied the cheerful laughter echoing in the living room.
He envied the family gathered around the table, sharing a meal.
He envied how warm and friendly all the family members were, filling the entire house with a cozy atmosphere.
It was nice just to look at what others had, even if he didn't have it himself.
In the living room, Song Xinya stood up from her chair. I have prepared a solid dish for you all. Wait here, I will go get it.
Song Tingye asked, What kind of solid dish? Tell us first, sis, so I can see if it is solid enough.
Song Xinya replied, Braised brick. Tell me, is that solid enough?
Song Tingye exclaimed, Oh my god, that will chip our teeth.
Song Xinya walked toward the kitchen to fetch the dish. Passing by the doorway, she caught sight of the figure standing under the crape myrtle tree.
Seeing Song Xinya look his way, Jin Ruizhi hurriedly turned and walked toward the gate.
Song Xinya chased after him toward the door. Halt! Why are you running? Feeling shy?
Jin Ruizhi asked, Did I interrupt your meal?
Song Xinya replied, No. Have you had dinner yet?
Jin Ruizhi said, I will go home and make some instant noodles.
Song Xinya teased, Tsk, tsk, tsk. So pitiful, Young Master.
Jin Ruizhi said, ...I am leaving.
Song Xinya retorted, Leave? You are already at my door. If I do not invite you in for a meal, it would make me look terribly ill-mannered.
She reached out, grabbed him by the back of his collar, and dragged him toward the living room. Everyone, I found a pitiful little puppy at the door. What do you think? Should we keep him for dinner?
Jian Yiyi looked at Jin Ruizhi, and their eyes met.
She was the first to speak up. Let us keep him.
Song Tingye said, Young Master Jin treated us to a big meal at the Jingbei Grand Hotel before, and it is impolite not to return the favor. Today is the perfect chance to pay him back. We are treating him to dinner.
Qin Yuyan added, The more, the merrier. I love a lively house.
Since everyone agreed, Qin Yuhe was not going to say no and spoil the fun.
And so, Jin Ruizhi smoothly took a seat at Song Xinya and Qin Yuhe's family dinner.
Song Xinya went to the kitchen, brought out the final solid dish, and placed it in the center of the table.
Song Tingye exclaimed, It is a literal brick! If we eat this, our whole family will have to visit the dentist together!
Qin Yuyan was the first to notice. It is not a real brick. It looks like a brick-shaped cake.
Song Xinya smiled. That is right, it is a brick cake.
On top of the reddish-brown brick-like cake were the words:
Revolutionary family ties, as solid as a brick.
Happy birthday, Youyou.
We are your bricks; move us wherever you need us.
Song Tingyou and Song Tingye both looked confused.
Song Tingye asked, Sis, did you get the date wrong? Youyou's birthday passed a long time ago.
Song Tingyou looked at Song Xinya in bewilderment. Yeah.
Beside the brick cake, a beautiful little flower was sculpted out of white frosting.
Song Xinya scooped up a dab of white frosting with her finger and tapped it onto Song Tingyou's nose. Youyou, when you had your birthday this year, I could not be by your side. I am so sorry. I am making it up to you now. Happy birthday to our beautiful Youyou. From now on, may you be safe and sound every year, and always be happy and at peace.
Tears shimmered in Song Tingyou's eyes. Thank you, sister.
Qin Yuyan suggested, Let us sing the birthday song for Youyou. I will start, and you all sing along.
Happy birthday to you...
The sound of everyone singing the birthday song to Song Tingyou echoed through the hall.
As the song ended, Song Xinya said, Make a wish.
Song Tingyou clasped her hands together and made a sincere wish:
I hope that the people I love and the people who love me stay healthy, safe, and free from disaster, always by my side, just as I will be by theirs.
She opened her eyes, blew out the candles, and cut the first slice of cake for Song Xinya, and the second for Qin Yuhe.
The last piece, she kept for herself.
A belated birthday, but the happiest one she had ever had.
After dinner, Song Xinya led Song Tingyou to settle into her new room.
The second floor was Song Xinya and Qin Yuhe's private space, while the three youngest stayed on the first floor.
Song Xinya helped Song Tingyou make her bed. It featured a fluffy, soft pink goose-down comforter, surrounded by light, airy lace mosquito netting. The edges of the bedsheets were adorned with lace trim and delicate bows, and a row of cute, soft plush toys sat at the head of the bed.
Song Xinya said, Lie down and try it out. See if it is comfortable.
Song Tingyou pulled back the covers and slipped inside. It felt like sleeping in a cloud of cotton—light, comfortable, and sweet-smelling.
Sister, the bed you made is so comfortable.
Song Xinya leaned over, crouching by the bedside. She gently stroked her forehead with her palm and spoke tenderly to her long-lost, newly returned sister. From now on, our Youyou is a little princess, too.
Song Tingyou closed her eyes, and two streams of hot tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes.
Choking back sobs, she told Song Xinya, Sister, I love you.
Song Xinya wiped away her tears. Youyou, I love you too.
She leaned down and pressed her forehead against Song Tingyou's. Sleep well, eat well, and grow up well. Goodnight, Princess Youyou.
Song Tingyou's lips trembled slightly. Goodnight, sister.
Song Xinya stood up and left, while tears continued to flow endlessly from the corners of Song Tingyou's eyes.
Touched, joyful, and happy, she was weeping tears of joy.
Song Xinya walked into the living room and saw Jin Ruizhi trying to bribe Song Tingye.
It is too late. I do not want to go home tonight. Brother Ye, can I squeeze into your bed for the night?
Song Tingye refused, No way, no way. I like to sleep completely naked. If you sleep in the same room as me, would you not see everything?
Jin Ruizhi countered, I also like to sleep naked. We will both be naked. I look at you, you look at me—nobody loses out.
Song Tingye nearly spat out his drink. No, man. Two guys lying naked in the same bed... just think about that image. Is it not an eyesore? Who could look at that!
Jin Ruizhi deadpanned, I could.
Song Tingye sized up Jin Ruizhi. Only guys who swing that way sleep like that. Are you lusting after my body?
Jin Ruizhi replied, ...Do not flatter yourself. I like women.
Song Tingye said, If you like women, then you definitely cannot sleep naked with me. Lying bare-bottomed in the same bed with someone is such a precious experience; you need to save it for your future girlfriend.
Seeing that reasoning was not working, Jin Ruizhi offered, I will give you ten thousand bucks to sleep in your bed for one night.
Instantly, Song Tingye's eyes shone brighter than Ultraman's red briefs!
Ten thousand bucks! Never mind sleeping in my bed, you can sleep with me!
Song Xinya walked over and cleared her throat. Ahem.
Song Tingye said, Sis, I am negotiating a business deal with Young Master Jin.
Song Xinya remarked, The kind of business deal where you sell your own body?
Song Tingye scratched his head. What are you talking about, sis? I was just joking. Selling my first time for ten thousand bucks? Am I really that cheap?
Song Xinya shot back, Nobody would want you even if you sold it for a hundred.
Song Tingye: Looking down on me, are you, Sis? It is not that I am full of myself, but with my looks, as handsome as Pan An and Song Yu, young, strong, lean, and full of energy, if I just stood at the door and hollered, every rich woman within a ten-mile radius would be fighting to be my sugar daddy.
So young and you already want to give up on working hard to be kept by a rich woman. Song Xinya flicked him hard on the forehead. Has a donkey been doing nothing all day but kicking you in the head? Your brain is broken, that is why you are talking such nonsense. A man should stand on his own two feet, got it?
Clutching his forehead, Song Tingye mumbled that he got it. After lecturing her younger brother, Song Xinya went up to the second-floor bedroom.
Qin Yuhe was standing by the table. The buttons of his white shirt were completely undone, revealing his lean, well-defined chest and abs.
Holding a tube of ointment and a cotton swab, he was applying medicine to a wound on his abdomen.
Song Xinya hurried over to his side. Let me do it.
She crouched between his legs, her fair face leveled with his abdomen as she carefully applied the medicine.
Qin Yuhe's voice drifted down from above her head. Worrying about a whole bunch of younger siblings and still managing to remember me. It must be so hard on you.
Song Xinya's fingers paused.
Was he jealous?
