Chapter 491

"It's obvious she cares about you and is concerned about you, so I don't recommend that you hide here and keep running away from her. If you can't even face your own sister, then you're a complete failure."

Leng Yan strode over to Nan Zhu, grabbed his collar, and lifted him up. She was shocked when she saw Nan Zhu's pale, bloodless face.

This was the first time she had ever seen Nan Zhu so vulnerable, so fragile that he seemed like a piece of glass that would shatter at the slightest touch. She couldn't believe that the usually sunny and lively boy would turn into this.

What exactly happened to turn Nan Zhu into this person? What untold secrets lie between these siblings?

"Sister Leng, you don't need to interfere in our sibling matters. Qingshui is very strong; she can live a good life even without me as her brother..."

Snap

The crisp sound of a slap echoed through the lounge. Nan Zhu covered his right cheek and stared blankly at Leng Yan, who had suddenly slapped him.

He had never seen Sister Leng get angry before, nor had he ever seen Sister Leng take the initiative to hit an adult, but now...

Pain, a burning pain shot through his right cheek. The other person had used a lot of force, and Nan Zhu felt like his entire right cheek was about to go numb.

"I don't understand what happened between you and your siblings, but what did you mean by that self-destructive remark you made later?"

"Your sister can live a good life without you? You said you were her only family, and this is how you treat your only family?"

Leng Yan frowned and spoke in a low voice, saying that Nan Zhu's love for his sister was very deep, and everyone in the shop knew this.

Nan Zhu is a good brother who would give anything for his sister's happiness, but what he just said was full of negative emotions, as if he was planning to abandon his sister.

"I just feel like I'm not suited to be around Qingshui. I think maybe no one is more suitable for her than me..."

"That child asked me to pass on something to you. She said that her brother is her whole world, and as for the truth, she already knows it all along."

Leng Yan casually tossed Nan Zhu onto the bench and said indifferently, "Nan Zhu will pull himself together. I believe this child won't be easily defeated by reality."

She had already conveyed Nan Qingshui's message to her. It was time to get off work, and she had no obligation to stay here and play with them any longer.

"Qingshui already knew?"

"Ah, yes, that's what the child just told me."

"Why... why... if she already knew all along, why did she still... shouldn't she hate me...?"

"That's an interesting question. Who in this world would hate an older brother who has taken care of them wholeheartedly for so many years?"

Leng Yan scoffed upon hearing this. Nan Zhu really had no self-awareness at all. If his sister really disliked him, why would she be so worried about his hard work and exhaustion that she was almost crying?

"Get out of here quickly, or your sister will be taken away by that weirdo."

Leng Yan waved goodbye to Nan Zhu and left the lounge, hoping that her slap on Nan Zhu wouldn't cause him too much psychological trauma.

If Nan Zhu were to resign and refuse to work again because of this, the store manager would probably be furious.

"So Qingshui already knew all along..."

Nan Zhu spoke blankly, but when exactly did it happen? Why hadn't he noticed Qingshui's feelings towards him at all? Or had Qingshui actually forgiven him from the very beginning...?

Chapter 111: The Complete Chapter - Nan Zhu's Feelings

The rain was drizzling down, and the night wind was always bone-chilling. The cold air gave people goosebumps. The raindrops that fell to the ground broke into small particles, and the crisp sound created a pleasant melody.

Yao Qing glanced at Nan Qingshui, and smiled faintly. He couldn't quite understand Nan Qingshui's feelings for Nan Zhu. Such feelings that went beyond those of siblings were beyond his comprehension.

He also has a younger sister, but his feelings for Yao Shi are only those of an older brother—concern and care—and nothing more.

But the situation is different for Nan Zhu and Nan Qingshui, who are siblings. Although it seems on the surface that Nan Qingshui is only in love with Nan Zhu actually also has feelings for that girl...

Human emotions are uncontrollable, but Nan Zhu's experiences made it difficult for him to face his feelings. Negative emotions such as cowardice and guilt eroded his heart, and that feeling was naturally very painful.

Yao Qing knew what Nan Zhu was thinking. He sealed away his true feelings, buried his fears, and forgot his loneliness. Despite his glamorous appearance, Nan Zhu's heart was already scarred.

He didn't know why he wanted to help Nan Zhu so much. It wasn't out of pity or sympathy. Yao Qing didn't know why she felt this way about Nan Zhu either. Was it because he was the young master's best friend? Or because he was so similar to her former self?

Perhaps it was just a passing fancy, but he might have seen a reflection of his past self in Nan Zhu. Nan Zhu gave him a fairly good feeling, and helping this young man wouldn't be difficult for him.

"What are you still standing here for? You'll catch a cold if you stay in the rain too long."

The voice in her ear pulled Yao Qing back to reality. When she saw the strength and determination in Nan Zhu's eyes, Yao Qing realized that he had really grown a lot.

It's worth noting that not long ago, Nan Zhu was just a virgin who would get aroused by himself when he was dressed as a woman. At that time, Nan Zhu looked so naive and immature.

But now, Nan Zhu has developed the spirit to stand on his own. For his sister and for the only person he loves, Nan Zhu has matured a lot.

"But I still prefer the old you."

Yao Qing crossed her arms and smiled maliciously. It seemed that the conversation between the siblings was over, and the two of them must have cleared things up, otherwise Nan Zhu wouldn't have acted so naturally.

"Could you please not say things that could easily lead to the wrong interpretation...?"

Nan Zhu rubbed his head, looking at Yao Qing with a dark expression. This guy was too gay. If it weren't for Miss Yun Xi, he might have really started to doubt Yao Qing's sexual orientation.

However, he really had to Yao Qing this time. If it weren't for her help, if she hadn't come to his rescue in time, he and Qingshui would never have been able to sit down and have a calm conversation.

Yao Qing wasn't a bad person. Apart from occasionally making some silly jokes with him, he really couldn't find any flaws in Yao Qing. He could be described as an almost perfect man.

Miss Shi must be very happy to have such a brother. If he were half as good as Mr. Yao Qing, Qingshui might not have suffered for so long.

"Nan Zhu, the rain is getting heavier."

Yao Qing looked amusedly at Nan Zhu, who had suddenly stood there in a daze. He had come to call her back, but now he was just standing there motionless.

"I've changed my mind, I suddenly want to get some rain..."

Nan Zhu exhaled heavily from his chest, relaxing his body completely as he stood side by side with Yao Qing, looking out at the familiar city.

Seeing this, Yao Qing didn't say anything more, but instead looked into the distance. Whether they were thinking about something or not, neither of them spoke for a long time.

Large raindrops fell on the bustling city, and pedestrians on the street opened their umbrellas, creating colorful umbrella flowers in every corner of the city.

"Observation" is one of Nan Zhu's few hobbies. He likes to observe, he likes to observe anything. Now his vision can see further, and he can see more people and more things.

The cool rain streaked down his cheeks, Nan Zhu suddenly looked up at the gray sky as if he had remembered something. A familiar face inexplicably appeared before his eyes.

"The name Qingshui actually fits quite well with rainy days."

Nan Zhu held his hands together, watching the raindrops gradually fall into his palms. Qingshui was a girl who shone brightly around him at all times—beautiful, strong, lively, and enthusiastic. Qingshui's affection for him was very intense.

He knew this very well, and he knew he couldn't, but he couldn't figure out exactly when he started avoiding Qingshui out of fear.

"I really don't know what you're so conflicted about. You like her and she likes you, isn't that enough? They're not really siblings, why are you getting so emotionally involved?"

"Nan Qingshui's parents asked you to take good care of her, but they didn't say that you should become her biological brother or her lover and take care of her for the rest of your life. Isn't that also a choice?"

Yao Qing slapped Nan Zhu on the back of the head, saying unhappily, "You're such a nuisance. If this kid hadn't been exhausted from working all day, I would have kicked him in the butt long ago."

Why is this grown man so slow? If the young master were here, he would have already forcibly woken Nan Zhu up. Meaningless protection is pointless.

If Nan Zhu truly wants Nan Qingshui to live a happy life, then he should follow Nan Qingshui's will and at the same time unlock the shackles deep within his heart.

"You do have a teacher's air about you right now."

Nan Zhu rolled his eyes at Yao Qing, rubbing the back of his head. Couldn't he have gone a little easier? But Yao Qing was right.

Actually, he had already explained things to Qingshui, and she seemed quite satisfied with his answer. Now it was just a matter of waiting.

He waited for Qingshui's response after she woke up. If it was really possible, he and Qingshui could truly live together after graduating and entering university.

"Alright, it's time to go back, or we'll all be soaked to the bone."

Yao Qing spoke calmly, turned her head to look at the Nan Zhu in the rain, and chuckled. Didn't this kid already have the answer in his heart?

"Yes, I'm going back."

Nan Zhu shook the rain off her head, took a deep breath, exhaled, and repeated this three times before revealing her usual bright smile.

People can't move forward if they keep dwelling on the past. Yao Qing's advice is absolutely right. Although the time is not right yet, he and Qingshui can continue to wait.

These young and restless souls are least afraid of the test of time...

Volume 7: The Test of Courage - Malice Strikes

Chapter One: He Xue

The nights on Bolun Island are quieter than in the city. Even though it's a vibrant travel destination, the tranquility here at night is surprisingly profound.

The villa was dimly lit under the cover of night. The moonlight shining through the white gauze windows was so white, like jade, and as beautiful as silver.

He Xue, dressed in only a pure white tank top, had climbed up the balcony railing countless times to gaze at the sleeping night. She quietly watched the scattered stars around the silver moon.

The cool evening breeze lifted her long, flowing hair, and steam rose from her smooth, delicate face, perhaps because she had just taken a shower.

The crimson hue between the tightly packed peaks, and glistening water droplets trickled down her jade-like neck, forming a transparent and colorful pattern within her straight, beautiful bone structure.

He Xue is a rather simple and unpretentious girl. In terms of looks, she cannot compare to any of the women around Wu Liang. In terms of temperament and ability, she is also quite ordinary and unremarkable among the women.

She was the most ordinary girl, and she did like Wu Liang wholeheartedly, but she didn't have any overly romantic fantasies about Wu Liang.

The word "simple" perfectly describes her, which is why, despite always being by Wu Liang's side, she received the least attention.

"I never expected that in the end, it was Mr. Yao Qing and the others who helped resolve the issues surrounding the Test of Courage competition."

He Xue muttered to herself, having already heard about the courage test from the Rat and the Nan Zhu.

She initially thought it was just a whim of the Rat, but in less than half a day they said they were ready.

When exactly did Mr. Yao Qing and Mr. Lan begin their preparations, or were they actually observing Wu Liang in secret all along?

"A test of courage..."

He Xue rested her chin on her hand and silently looked down at the small courtyard, muttering to herself. She had actually played a similar game when she was in middle school.

However, this game wasn't particularly friendly to her; she was easily frightened and was also afraid of ghosts and the like.

During a test of courage in high school, she was terrified for a long time by the boys who liked to play pranks on her, so much so that she had a strong aversion to this type of activity for a long period afterward.

Although quite some time has passed, she is still instinctively afraid of these things; a terrifying creature suddenly jumping out of the bushes can be very frightening.

"Xiaoxue, if you're really scared, you can talk to Teacher Ye. Nobody will force you to go."

Han Yu, who was lying in bed listening to music and applying a face mask, slowly spoke. As He Xue's good friend, she naturally knew what the girl was afraid of.

He Xue was very averse to exploring deep into the forest. Unlike the haunted house in the amusement park, He Xue was unusually sensitive to these mysterious areas full of unknowns.

"No, I want to go and have fun with everyone. If we're all together, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"Besides, everyone will be going to this event, and it would be too boring if I were the only one not to go. I don't want to stay in my room playing on my phone by myself."

He Xue turned around and made a face at Han Yu. She also wanted to go to the event with Xiao Yu and Miss Shi.

It's just a normal adventure anyway. As long as I can stay with everyone, that's all that matters. Even if there's something really scary, the easygoing Miss Milutin will definitely overcome all obstacles.

"I'm afraid I might scare you."

Han Yu sat up and smiled maliciously. Xiao Xue might not know much about Yao Qing, but she knew very well what kind of dark and scheming man he was.

If this test of courage was truly orchestrated by Yao Qing, then it certainly couldn't be an ordinary adventure activity. Yao Qing would never allow anyone to get through tomorrow night safely.

"No, I have nothing to be afraid of with Xiao Yu by my side."

He Xue closed the balcony door and ran to the bed, jumping up onto it. With Xiao Yu by her side, what was there to be afraid of? Even a real ghost would be scared away by Xiao Yu.

"Don't rub against me! I just applied lotion."

Looking at He Xue, who was snuggling close to her like a kitten, Han Yu removed her face mask and playfully flicked He Xue's forehead.

"That's perfect, it's so soft and smooth, how comfortable."

He Xue giggled, her hands taking the opportunity to roam freely over Han Yu's body.

"Don't touch it."

Han Yu blushed and grabbed He Xue's wrist. When did this girl learn these improper actions? What kind of crooked tricks did that woman Milutin teach Xiao Xue?

"Xiaoxue, you like Wu Liang too, right?"

Looking at He Xue's delicate face, Han Yu remained silent for a moment before suddenly uttering these words.

She knew that Xiaoxue liked Wu Liang very much, but she didn't know why Xiaoxue hadn't taken the initiative to contact him for a long time recently. From her perspective, it even seemed like Xiaoxue was avoiding him.

Why? She couldn't quite understand Xiaoxue's actions. This was the first time she hadn't been able to see through Xiaoxue's thoughts. What was this girl thinking?

Why would you deliberately keep your distance from someone you like, or even distance yourself from them in certain situations, when the person you like is right beside you?