The sharp scent of disinfectant filled his nostrils, while a girl’s voice relentlessly poured into his ears.

Zhao Zhuoyang opened his eyes, shifted slightly, and looked at Zhao Zhuoyu beside the bed. “Can you keep it down while gaming with Zhang Ning? I’m a patient here,” he said helplessly.

“Oh, not faking sleep anymore?” Zhao Zhuoyu didn’t look up, still glued to her game.

“Ah, Zhang Ning, hit him! Ugh, are you even any good?”

“What do you mean I can’t say you suck? You’re terrible! Anyway, my brother’s awake. Gotta go.” Zhao Zhuoyu’s deer-like eyes widened as she hung up, cheeks puffing in frustration.

“You two argue every gaming session. Years of this! You’re not tired, but my ears are calloused.” Zhao Zhuoyang picked up his water cup and took a sip.

“Who are you siding with? Look who sacrificed the weekend holiday, turned down bestie invites, stood up the campus heartthrob, just to care for you.”

“Wait, isn’t the campus heartthrob Jiang Juan?” Zhao Zhuoyang asked, half-amused.

“Yeah, President Jiang spoke to me during uniform check. Roughly speaking, we’re acquainted.” Zhao Zhuoyu puffed her flat chest, utterly matter-of-fact.

“Alright, send me the clothing link. I’ll order it.” He shook his head and set down the cup.

“Thanks, bro! Our sibling bond is so simple and genuine.” She grinned, opening Taobao to pick links.

“Bro, why did you really fight? Mom asked, and you just said you had reasons.” She scrolled on her phone casually.

“Cut it out, little spy. You can only wheedle Zhang Ning.” He flicked her forehead with his good left hand.

“Bro!” She covered her forehead, baby-fat cheeks puffing slightly in indignation.

“I’m so done. You and Dad both love being riddlers. Us Zhao women have it tough, guessing your big-man thoughts.”

“Who taught you ‘the Zhao family’?” He chuckled.

“Mom did. She said you two are like mitosis—both tight-lipped.” Zhao Zhuoyu declared confidently.

“............” No wonder she’s a university biology teacher. That metaphor was spot-on.

“Dad and Mom are busy. Your sister cares about you, and you’re mean to me.” She pouted, eyelids drooping as if wronged.

“Alright, at most three links. Your brother’s money won’t cover your spending.”

“Best brother ever!”

Zhao Zhuoyu beamed, browsing clothes. A WeChat voice call popped up. She raised an eyebrow. “Hey, Sister Yuanyuan, what’s up?”

Zhao Zhuoyang’s body stiffened on the hospital bed. His gaze subtly shifted to her phone.

“Ah, my brother? Just woke up. Yeah, didn’t reply to your WeChat or calls?”

He frowned slightly, picked up his dead phone. “Give me the phone.” He nodded to her.

“I’ll give it to my brother. You two talk.”

He took the phone and held it to his ear.

“Hello? Is this Brother Yang?”

Hearing the soft, sweet voice, Zhao Zhuoyang was slightly dazed. A thin layer of sweat formed on his palms. He steadied himself. “Yeah, sorry. Phone died. Missed your call.”

“Brother Yang, I’m sorry. I heard from Brother Guyen you fought outsiders. It’s all my fault.” Her sobs squeezed his heart like invisible hands. He felt a sharp pang inside.

“Don’t say that. You’re just the victim. Don’t blame yourself for everything.”

“But…”

“Enough. Didn’t Guyen say it too? You can’t control our thoughts or actions. We were just too impulsive.” Zhao Zhuoyang cut her off firmly.

Silence hung on both ends. After a while, her voice returned. “Brother Yang, what soup do you like? I’ll cook it tomorrow and bring it to you.” Her tone carried a hint of appeasement.

“Chicken soup is fine.”

“Okay, got it. Take care. I’ll visit tomorrow.”

“Yeah, goodnight. Hanging up first.”

“Goodnight, Brother Yang.”

The call ended. Zhao Zhuoyang still held the phone, dazed.

Zhao Zhuoyu glanced at him, shook her head. “Sister Yuanyuan’s personality… sigh. Can’t blame her. Her mom is just…”

“But bro, you’re so easy to read.”

“Easy to read?” He set down the phone, chuckling back.

“I think so too. I’m too easy to read.” He turned to the window. The bright moon hung high. His longing turned to silver frost, sprinkling his heart.