“Okay.” Qi Huan’s answer was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
This caught Uncle Ya completely off guard. He had originally expected Qi Huan to raise some objections, or at the very least take some time to consider it.
However, Qi Huan’s straightforward agreement left Uncle Ya momentarily stunned, unsure of how to respond.
Qi Huan seemed to notice his surprise and smiled as he explained, “Zhou Zerui was the one you rescued and raised, after all. You understand him far better than I do. Since you believe this is what’s best for him, I’ll listen to you.”
Then he added, “But don’t worry, Uncle Ya. I’ll provide Zhou Zerui with all the resources, connections, and money he needs. From now on, no one will be able to bully him. Whenever he sees anyone committing some outrageous act, he can step in without hesitation, just as he did with Director Wu Kai today. I’ll take care of all the aftermath for him. In short, from now on, his life will be smooth sailing.”
Uncle Ya was deeply comforted by Qi Huan’s words. He knew that Qi Huan genuinely wanted to help Zhou Zerui.
Uncle Ya turned to look at Zhou Zerui, a questioning gaze in his eyes.
Zhou Zerui understood what he meant and nodded, indicating that he fully agreed with Qi Huan’s arrangement.
In truth, if Zhou Zerui confirmed that he really was Qi Huan’s biological younger brother, then his greatest wish would be to protect Uncle Ya and ensure their safety.
Now that he had Qi Huan’s support and protection, that wish would surely come true!
As far as money was concerned, Zhou Zerui was fully capable of earning it through his own efforts.
However, reality was often cruel. Even if he had ways to make money, those with power and influence could easily cut off every avenue available to him.
That was exactly what had happened after he offended Director Wu Kai. His path in the entertainment industry had become exceptionally difficult.
Director Wu Kai’s position in the entertainment industry was not particularly prominent, yet a single word or decision from him could affect Zhou Zerui’s entire career.
Unless a director with even greater influence than Wu Kai was willing to overlook the fact that Zhou Zerui had once assaulted a director, it would be very difficult for him to establish himself in the industry.
Just like the series Soaring to the Top produced by Da Feng Entertainment, Director Zhang Bufan had originally intended to cast him as the male lead.
It should have been a perfect opportunity—a chance for him to prove himself all over again.
In the end, however, he had still been cut from the cast because of the scandals that had been maliciously fabricated about him.
Zhou Zerui looked at Qi Huan before him. This favored son of the capital’s elite had once seemed so far beyond his reach. Yet, all of a sudden, this man was telling him that he was his younger brother.
It was impossible for Zhou Zerui not to feel a complicated mix of emotions.
He knew that Qi Huan was most likely his biological older brother, but at present, he had no idea what he should call him.
After hesitating for a moment, Zhou Zerui finally said, “...Mr. Qi, I’m sorry. Even if it’s confirmed that I really am your biological younger brother, I’m afraid I won’t be used to calling you ‘Brother’ just yet.”
Qi Huan naturally understood. He showed no sign of disappointment and merely smiled. “That’s fine. Call me whatever you like. You can even just call me Qi Huan.”
His tone was relaxed and natural, as though it were no big deal.
This finally put Zhou Zerui somewhat at ease. He took a deep breath and asked, “Then, when do you think the test results will be ready?”
Although Uncle Ya could testify that he was very likely Qi Huan’s biological younger brother, Zhou Zerui still hoped to receive definite medical confirmation. Only then could he be one hundred percent certain of their relationship.
Qi Huan replied, “Cheng Jing will have the hospital expedite the process. We should have the results tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Zhou Zerui turned to Uncle Ya. “Uncle Ya, let’s move out of here first.”
Uncle Ya nodded.
Qi Huan then arranged for his bodyguards to pack up and take away everything in the house. Meanwhile, Jiang Youli used the time to treat Qi Huan’s leg.
As she expertly inserted the needles, Jiang Youli asked, “Huanhuan, Long Yuan will probably figure out Zhou Zerui’s identity very soon. If we leave him out there, he’ll definitely be in danger.”
Qi Huan looked toward Zhou Zerui, who was packing his belongings outside the room, and said, “I’ll arrange for twelve of the most trusted bodyguards my mother left me to protect him. As long as no one schemes against him the way Qi Yu and her brother did last time, no one will be able to hurt him.”
“That’s true.” Jiang Youli felt relieved. “It’s wonderful that you found your biological younger brother so smoothly, and that he was well cared for.”
She suddenly thought of herself. When she had been brought back to the Jiang family, her two biological brothers had not been nearly as considerate.
It was strange. Why was she thinking about those two mood-killers, Jiang Zhao and Jiang Xing, at a time like this?
“Mm. It’s all thanks to Uncle Ya for protecting him so well.”
Before finding his biological younger brother, Qi Yue, Qi Huan had imagined countless possibilities.
How much suffering had his younger brother endured during the twenty-two years he had been out there?
Fortunately—fortunately, his younger brother was safe and sound. He had even grown into a man brave enough to stand up for what was right.
Noticing that Jiang Youli had been silent for quite some time, Qi Huan withdrew his gaze and caught the fleeting disappointment beneath her relieved expression.
He raised his hand and gently brushed his finger across her brow.
“Little Li’er.”
Jiang Youli looked up. “Hmm?”
“Smile.”
“Huh?”
“You look beautiful when you smile.” Qi Huan made the request with an utterly serious expression.
Jiang Youli blinked. Although she found Qi Huan’s request inexplicable, she still gave him a smile.
Qi Huan nodded in satisfaction. “Sure enough, you look beautiful.”
His praise made Jiang Youli’s smile grow even brighter. “You look even better when you smile. Why go out of your way to look at me? Besides, I’m not aloof. I smile all the time.”
Qi Huan said, “I just suddenly wanted to see you smile.”
“Then I want to see you give me a smile on purpose, too.” After inserting the last silver needle in her hand, Jiang Youli added.
“Okay.”
Qi Huan subdued the smile in his eyes and took a moment to compose himself before forcing his lips into a toothy grin.
Jiang Youli burst out laughing. “You look a little silly when you smile like that.”
Seeing her laugh, Qi Huan’s expression grew even gentler.
Outside, Zhou Zerui heard the laughter coming from the room and could not help peeking inside. He saw Jiang Youli and Qi Huan laughing so hard that their bodies trembled, apparently chatting about something amusing.
These two really were a perfect match.
Once the treatment was over, everything in the house had also been sorted and packed.
Jiang Youli said, “Huanhuan, I won’t go with you. I’ll head back to the company first.”
“Okay.” Qi Huan gazed at her tenderly. “Little Li’er, you’ve worked hard today.”
And so, Zhou Zerui and Uncle Ya got into Qi Huan’s car and moved into the residential complex Qi Huan had arranged for them.
It was an upscale community with tight security. Residents had to register their faces, and facial recognition was required whenever they entered or left before the security guards would let them pass.
After moving all the luggage inside, Qi Huan didn’t stay any longer. She decided to give Zhou Zerui and Uncle Ya some time to process everything. “You two take a nap. I’ll be going now.”
Before she left, Uncle Ya caught hold of Qi Huan’s hand and gestured in sign language.
Seeing the puzzled look in Qi Huan’s eyes, Zhou Zerui translated, “Uncle Ya is asking what you plan to do with that beast, Qi Tianxiang. He wants to see Qi Tianxiang’s fate with his own eyes.”
