Ye Qiu stopped speaking. Indeed, his parents don’t owe him anything; they gave him life and raised him. But Ye Qing owes him. In their previous life, because of their excessive favoritism towards Ye Qing, his efforts and achievements were all taken away by her. Who should he demand repayment for this cause and effect? 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

He no longer wants to argue these matters. Those things Ye Qing took from him in their past life, those wasted times—he’ll just take them as repaying his parents for raising him.

In this life, he will still repay his parents for their upbringing, but he won’t do it in the way of sacrificing for Ye Qing. He refuses to live in Ye Qing’s shadow any longer.

"I really can’t tell who you take after. Just a couple of words and you’re upset. We’re doing this for your own good; how could family possibly harm you?"

Ye Qiu really wanted to speak now; he wanted to say that in his previous life, he was indeed harmed by his own family. It was partly because he was foolish and didn’t know how to escape. This time around, he’s learned his lesson and won’t make the same mistakes.

"Brother, you’re really something. I was just joking with you earlier, why did you get upset? You don’t have a girlfriend?" Ye Qing said nonchalantly with a smile.

Ye Qiu ignored her, remaining silent.

Ye Qing started to feel embarrassed and added, "Don’t you like me contacting you? At least adding me on WeChat should be okay, right? We’re siblings, aren’t we? Not having a way to contact each other is quite ridiculous."

When she said this, Ye Peilin became angry again: "We said we’d reward you by buying you a phone, but you didn’t even mention that you bought one yourself, wasting everyone’s time."

"You didn’t ask me."

"So if we don’t ask, you won’t ever proactively tell us? If we don’t ask for a lifetime, are you planning on never contacting us?"

"You’re driving, be careful with the road, don’t get distracted." Han Hui interrupted her husband, taking a glance at her son, hesitated. She felt her son was rebellious against the family right now, the more you talk the more he resents. She thought once he ventures into society, he’ll realize his mistakes and return seeking family’s help. Educating him then wouldn’t be too late.

Ye Qiu eventually added his parents and Ye Qing on WeChat, but set Ye Qing on do not disturb.

He spent the summer, as usual, working part-time at the training school, seldom returning home for meals. Since Ye Qing had joined the workforce now, her social engagements were frequent; hence their communication declined, bringing him much peace.

On the other hand, Ye Qing felt embarrassed in front of friends because of him securing the top scorer in science.

Previously, when Ye Qing went out, she loved bringing Ye Qiu along since he could help with chores. Just last summer, she made Ye Qiu go up and down the mountain deliberately, which made her feel pampered and esteemed at home, envied by others.

Hence, she often spoke ill about Ye Qiu to friends, claiming she worried excessively over her brother’s welfare, and even before the college entrance exam results, she mentioned considering suggesting Ye Qiu to learn some vocational skills since his scores couldn’t get him into a prestigious university, expressing concern for his future.

Now with the college entrance scores released, and Ye Qiu being top scorer, there’s no way to hide it. Those who previously disliked her flooded the group chat congratulating.

"With your brother scoring so well, Ye Qing must be thrilled. Congratulations, no more worrying."

"Exactly, and you’ve been humble all along, claiming your brother had poor grades—if top scorer is ’poor’, what about others?"

"That’s unethical, saying little then praising—we’re not fooled, you’re flaunting your brother!"

"Why silent now? Secretly listening to our praises? Get out this weekend for a gathering, bring your brother along."

After saying this, the person deliberately @’ed Ye Qing, insisting she doesn’t hide, prompting a bunch to @ her, forcing Ye Qing to respond.

"Sorry, my boss just called about an unfinished form, wasn’t ignoring everyone intentionally." Ye Qing sent a pitiable emoji.

She explained about Ye Qiu: "Honestly, I didn’t know my brother excelled so much; he never mentioned it at home. Please let me off, I’ll treat everyone to a meal another day?"

Right after, someone jumped in: "Oh come on, Ye Qing, why be humble? You’ve always been concerned about your brother, right? How could you not know his results?"

"Exactly, flaunting isn’t bad—I’d flaunt having such a smart brother too. Free this weekend? Seen your brother’s photo online, he’s become even more handsome and charming over the year! With such a comparison, no wonder you dismiss those pursuing you."

"What are you all insinuating? I don’t dismiss anyone—I’m just young, my parents don’t want me to date now, and I want to enjoy a bit longer. Isn’t it trending online, that single life is blissful? Meal plans, my brother can’t attend; he’s working part-time!" Ye Qing rushed to explain, rolling her eyes; if not for maintaining her public image, she wouldn’t bother with these gossiping friends.

But she didn’t consider; had she not constantly vented, constantly criticized Ye Qiu, and constantly worried frantically, would those flimsy friendships attack her thus?

This group was everyone’s, yet unwittingly became her personal complaint and flaunting space, treating it like her home expecting all to pamper her like her parents?

"Whoa, the top scorer working part-time? If I scored top, my family would take care of everything!"

"He wishes to hone skills, we can’t deny his choice."

"Speaking of your brilliant brother, what gift did you give him? Surely something grand!"

"Studies are his own business, rewarding every achievement doesn’t help in society."

"Seems you’re quite strict as a sister; remember last summer you ordered him around—and during winter, made him run in heavy snow to bring you the scarf—training him deliberately, eh? Future sister-in-law will thank you!"

"He’s a boy, needs to toughen up for success."

"Interpreting your stance, he’s busy at home, yet manages stellar scores—hard task indeed! As they say, strict fathers lead to obedient sons; you’re a strict sister yielding a top-scoring brother!"

Ye Qing sensing a strange tone from the group chat, but no overt insults were made, left her vexed without reason.

She blamed Ye Qiu internally; had he not concealed his results, would she be embarrassed to friends? Making them not trust her, assuming she flaunts intentionally.