Chapter 8

When Lu Yao received Lin Gejie's call, he was sorting through the things he needed to bring to Sea City.

The moment he answered, Lin Gejie's excited voice came through. "Brother Yao, Old Chenpi got taken away!"

Lu Yao raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What happened?"

Lin Gejie said, "A few people suddenly came to school and took Old Chenpi away from his office. The whole school is buzzing about it now. When I passed by the teachers' office earlier, I overheard them saying those people seemed to be inspectors sent from above. Old Chenpi is done for this time."

As he said that, Lin Gejie could not help laughing happily.

"Huang Li, that little bastard, went pale the second he saw Old Chenpi being taken away. He immediately asked Old Liu for leave and ran home. That'll teach those bastards to deliberately frame you. After a while, Brother Yao, your name should be cleared, and then you can come back to school. You have no idea—these past few days without you, the girls in class have been sighing all day long. My ears are tired from hearing it."

Listening to Lin Gejie complain over the phone, Lu Yao chuckled softly. "Has your goddess been sighing too?"

Lin Gejie had a crush on the class's arts and entertainment representative and secretly regarded that girl as his goddess.

He sighed. "She hasn't been sighing. She's been frowning..."

Lu Yao said, "...Then you might have to keep putting up with their sighing and frowning."

Hearing that Lu Yao did not seem to plan on returning, Lin Gejie was stunned. "What's going on, Brother Yao? You're not coming back to our school? I heard the Lu Group is donating another fifty million to the school to build a new teaching building and computer rooms or something. After that, our school will be the grandest in all of Mountain City. No other school will compare. If you go to another school now, don't regret it later and say I didn't tell you."

Lu Yao smiled and briefly told Lin Gejie about Lu Yao's father and the others coming to find him.

Lin Gejie did not connect Lu Yao's father with the "Lu" in Lu Group. When he heard that Lu Yao's biological parents were coming to take him back to Sea City, he was happy for Lu Yao as well.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Lu Yao heard the class bell ring on Lin Gejie's end and ended the call.

After hanging up, Lu Yao turned on his computer and sent all the evidence he had collected regarding Old Chenpi and Huang Li's relative at the Education Bureau accepting bribes and engaging in corruption to the relevant staff members' email addresses.

When they first received the files, they were completely baffled. Who had sent such highly confidential internal documents? They immediately traced the address, but the sender had erased every trace so thoroughly that they never found out who had delivered such a generous gift.

With the help of those files, the case progressed much faster.

Because of Old Chenpi's case, the principal was naturally called in for questioning and investigation as well.

By the time he walked out of the interrogation room, the principal's legs had nearly gone weak. He could not help wiping away a cold sweat.

Fortunately, he had always been cautious and timid by nature. All he wanted was to work steadily until normal retirement. If he had let greed cloud his mind and done something foolish like Vice Principal Chen, he would likely have ended up the same way today.

Given the current situation, aside from being stripped of all his positions, Old Chenpi would probably have to spend several years in prison.

The investigators also thoroughly uncovered Old Chenpi's malicious attempts to force students out of school.

Although the principal was severely reprimanded by his superiors because of this matter, he was fortunate enough to still be able to retire safely. As for Teacher Liu, this time misfortune turned into a blessing. Though he had offended Old Chenpi because of Lu Yao's case, his constant efforts over Lu Yao being forced out of school had left the Education Bureau leaders with the impression that he cared for his students like his own children.

Because of this sudden turn of events, Huang Li's family had been shrouded in gloom these past few days.

Huang Li's father and their relative at the Education Bureau had both been taken in for investigation on suspicion of collusion between officials and businessmen and bribery. Huang Li's mother had lost count of how many calls she had made begging for favors, but most were rejected, or hung up before she could even speak.

In the end, someone who remembered their past relationship finally gave her a hint. "Someone higher up is putting pressure on this case. No one is allowed to interfere. Everything will be handled impartially, so stop asking people for favors. Helping you now would only bring trouble upon themselves and court death. That student you people tried to crush recently isn't ordinary. You went too far and offended him beyond repair. There's no turning this around now."

When she learned that this whole chain of events had happened because they had offended Lu Yao, Huang Li's mother flew into a rage and slapped Huang Li hard across the face. "It's all because of you, you useless brat! How did I give birth to such a worthless child? All you ever do is cause trouble for this family!"

Hearing that Lu Yao, that poor nobody, actually had such powerful backing, Huang Li was terrified out of his wits. He grabbed his mother's hand, utterly helpless. "Mom, th-then what are we supposed to do now?"

Huang Li's mother knew that the one who tied the knot had to be the one to untie it. But when they rushed anxiously to Lu Yao's doorstep to beg him for mercy, Lu Yao was already far away in Sea City.

***

Lu Yao had only told Lin Gejie and his neighbor, Grandpa Bai, about his biological parents coming to find him.

Although the day Lu Yao moved happened to be Saturday, tomorrow was National Day, and First High School was making up classes today to adjust the holiday schedule. Lin Gejie could not come see Lu Yao off.

Huiying High School had begun its National Day break yesterday. For some reason, Lu Qi had actually flown from Sea City to Mountain City last night.

When Lu Yao opened the door that morning and saw Lu Qi there too, he was speechless. Did Lu Qi really have nothing better to do? They were going back today anyway, so why go through all that trouble?

Lu Yao's father thought exactly the same way. When he saw Lu Qi suddenly appear in Mountain City yesterday, he scolded him for having too much time on his hands.

Lu Qi could not be bothered with him. Lu Yao coming home was such a major event—how could it not include him, Lu Yao's older brother? He had to be involved from beginning to end!

Lu Yao's luggage was simple: a few clothes, along with his kitten, Milk.

Although it was the Lu family's private jet and Milk could be brought directly into the cabin, Lu Yao worried that the little kitten might misbehave during the flight. So he had prepared a special cat backpack for him.

Lu Yao's suitcase had already been carried to the door by Lu Yao's father. After making sure the water, electricity, and gas were all turned off, Lu Yao locked the door.

Grandpa Bai from next door was waiting by the stairwell with a large pile of Mountain City specialties. When he saw Lu Yao and the others come out, he walked over.

Lu Yao's father and Ms. Li respectfully greeted the old man. They knew he had taken great care of Lu Yao in everyday life and were deeply grateful to him.

Grandpa Bai handed the local specialties to Lu Yao's father. "This old man doesn't have much to buy, so I prepared a few Mountain City specialties for you. Consider it my hospitality as the local host."

Lu Yao's father was flattered and hurriedly said, "How could we accept this? Sorry for the trouble. We should be the ones thanking you."

Grandpa Bai stuffed the gift boxes straight into Lu Yao's father's arms. "Take them when they're offered. If you keep being polite, I'll take it as you looking down on this old man's small token of goodwill."

Hearing the old man say that, Lu Yao's father could not bring himself to refuse again.

Ms. Li could tell that Grandpa Bai was straightforward and openhearted. Smiling warmly, she said, "Uncle Bai, we'll gladly accept your kindness. If you ever want to visit Sea City, please make sure to contact us. Let us show you some hospitality as well."

Grandpa Bai laughed heartily. "All right, no problem. I'll say a few more words to Lu Yao, then I won't delay you any longer."

Grandpa Bai pulled Lu Yao a short distance away. Patting Lu Yao on the shoulder, he said with relief, "Good people are rewarded in the end. It's time you started living a good life, kid." Over the years, the old man had seen all the hardship Lu Yao had endured. Though he had not recognized Lu Yao's father and Ms. Li, he could tell from how they dressed that they were likely well-off.

Although Grandpa Bai felt that Lu Yao's father and Ms. Li seemed reliable, he still could not help adding one more warning just in case. "If you're unhappy over there, come back. Grandpa Bai's door will always be open for you."

It took some time to get from here to the airport. Lu Qi walked over to remind them that it was getting late, only to overhear the old man's words.

He huffed indignantly to himself. That won't happen. How could Lu Yao possibly be unhappy with the Lu family? That was his real home.

When he locked his front door, Lu Yao had not felt the parting quite so deeply. But after hearing the old man's reminder, his eyes could not help turning slightly red.

Lu Yao, who rarely showed his emotions, suddenly reached out and hugged the old man's thin frame. He buried his head against Grandpa Bai's shoulder and responded with a low, hoarse "Mm."

Seeing Lu Qi standing some distance away, Grandpa Bai smiled and patted Lu Yao's back. "Go on. Your family is waiting for you. Today is a good day. Everyone should be happy."

Because of the farewell, Lu Yao's mood remained low even after he boarded the plane.

Seeing that he seemed down, Lu Yao's father and Ms. Li thoughtfully went elsewhere on the plane to rest.

Lu Qi, meanwhile, stayed beside Lu Yao.

Seeing Lu Yao silently staring at the clouds outside the window, Lu Qi suddenly said out of nowhere, "My name is Lu Qi. I'm two years older than you."

Hearing Lu Qi's words, Lu Yao turned around and gave him a baffled look, then nodded lightly. "Oh."

Oh?!

That was it? That was his reaction?

Lu Qi thought Lu Yao might not have heard clearly, so he emphasized it again, louder this time. "I'm two years older than you."

As he spoke, he even held up two fingers.

Lu Yao's expression remained calm as he replied coolly, "Mm, I know."

What the hell did "I know" mean? Shouldn't Lu Yao be calling him big brother?

Lu Qi wanted to say it outright, but then he reconsidered. Wait, if he said it so bluntly, wouldn't he look unsteady and lacking in an older brother's dignity?

No, he had to make this kid say it on his own initiative. He would conquer Lu Yao with his personal charm.

For a long time afterward, Lu Qi kept chattering in Lu Yao's ear, trying every possible method just to hear Lu Yao call him brother.

By the time the flight attendant came over with the menu and asked what they wanted for dinner, he was exhausted to the point that he could barely speak. Why would this bratty little brother not call him brother even once?

Lu Yao had been looking through the menu. When he caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye of Lu Qi slumped over the table in dejection, a smile suddenly tugged at his stern face. He really was an idiot.

The flight attendant waiting nearby had seen everything. Though she looked composed on the outside when she saw the smile on Lu Yao's lips, she was screaming wildly inside. This affectionate interaction between an icy younger brother and a foolish older brother was too adorable.

Perhaps because it was mealtime, Milk, who had been sleeping soundly in the cat backpack, gradually woke up and let out a soft, babyish meow.

Lu Yao looked at the kitten with some difficulty. The moment Lu Qi saw Lu Yao's expression, he guessed what he was thinking.

Lu Qi had never brought a pet on a plane before, so he directly asked the flight attendant, "Hello, may I ask if we can let this kitten out?"

The flight attendant nodded. "Of course, as long as you make sure the kitten doesn't run around. Our crew has pet milk powder suitable for kittens as well. If you need it, we can provide some."

Lu Qi said, "Then please prepare some milk powder for him too."

While Lu Yao and Lu Qi's dinners were still being prepared, Milk's warm milk was already mixed.

The kitten looked adorable drinking his milk. Lu Qi could not help reaching out to pet him, only for Milk to mercilessly smack his hand with his tail.

Lu Qi raised an eyebrow. "Hey! I'm the one who let you out, and I'm the one who had someone make this milk for you. Don't forget the one who feeds you when you're drinking milk. Don't you understand that?"

As if he understood Lu Qi was scolding him, Milk let out an angry meow.

Lu Qi pointed vaguely at Milk's little head. "What? I said a few words to you, and you dare talk back? You're young, but you sure have quite the temper."

Milk seemed to have finished drinking. Impatiently, he lifted his head and gently bit Lu Qi's finger, then immediately let go and ran back into Lu Yao's arms.

Milk's teeth were not sharp. Rather than saying he bit Lu Qi's finger, it would have been more accurate to say he gnawed on it.

Although Lu Qi's finger had not even had its skin broken, he started bickering with the kitten.

Inside the cabin thousands of meters in the air, an incredible scene unfolded: a person and a cat arguing.

After Lu Qi said a few words aggressively, Milk would meow back without yielding, as if counterattacking.

They clearly did not even speak the same language, yet they seemed to be arguing with great enthusiasm.

When Lu Yao saw the flight attendant delivering their meals struggling to suppress her smile, even the usually composed Lu Yao wanted to cover his face.

It was too embarrassing. Lu Qi was the childish fool making a scene, yet Lu Yao was the one feeling ashamed.

Fortunately, the food finally shut Lu Qi up. And not long after finishing his milk, the kitten fell asleep again. Otherwise, Lu Yao had no idea how long they might have kept arguing.

Not long after, the plane began descending.

After getting off the plane, Lu Yao's father and Ms. Li exchanged a glance when they saw that the two brothers seemed much closer. Gentle smiles appeared in both their eyes.

Watching Lu Yao and Lu Qi walking ahead of them, Ms. Li smiled warmly.

From now on, everything would be all right.