In the afternoon, Qi Yan changed into his work uniform and returned to the repair shop, starting work as if nothing had happened.

"Little Yan! You're back. How did your sister's enrollment go?"

"All procedures are done. She starts school tomorrow. Thanks for your concern, Uncle Zheng."

"I was just asking casually—I didn’t help much. You’re the capable one! Back then, I ran myself ragged to keep my brat from getting expelled."

"Well, Uncle Zheng, actually I..."

"What is it?"

"Ah... nothing. Time to work. After two half-days off, there must be a backlog!" Qi Yan rolled up his sleeves, pretending to be full of energy.

Qi Yan knew he had to explain eventually, but the crucial words stuck in his throat, leaving him speechless.

He valued promises deeply. Now, he was breaking his word and jumping ship—becoming the backstabbing, profit-driven person he despised most.

He wouldn’t blame his senior sister; he had no right to. He should be grateful. So many had helped him and Qi Ran overcome hurdle after hurdle.

His senior sister meant well. Anyone else would’ve accepted gladly. But Qi Yan had his principles—until they crumbled under his sister’s pleading gaze.

By quitting time, he still hadn’t spoken up.

Zheng Maocai sat on the steps, pulled out his cigarette pack, and asked, "Little Yan, you’ve been here almost a month now, right?"

"Mm, Uncle Zheng."

"Hardworking youths like you are rare. If I could, I’d want you to take over this old shop when I’m too old. Can’t count on my kid. I dropped out of elementary school to learn this trade. Making ends meet is fine, but this job has no status. My in-laws still look down on me. I ignore them." He lit a cigarette.

"Your dad had it rough too—a top med student stuck in this backwater. Seeing how you’re not favored by anyone, he’s still not accepted. You’re teaching at Eastgrain Middle School now? Work hard. Teachers are civil servants, far more respectable than car repairs. If my brat ever studies, I might bother you, hahaha..." Zheng Maocai slapped Qi Yan’s shoulder, laughing heartily.

"Uncle Zheng, I... about the contract..."

Qi Yan was flustered—Uncle Zheng already knew. His words came out mumbled.

"The contract? This scrap paper?" Zheng Maocai pulled it from his pocket, lit it with his lighter, and tossed it down. The ashes scattered in the wind.

"This wasn’t some tyrannical clause. I thought you, being from the city, needed a contract for peace of mind. Truth is, I hate rigid rules. When I heard you’d become a teacher, I thought you wouldn’t return. But you did... this old man’s heart feels warm. If you feel guilty, just visit when free—chat, complain, that’s enough."

Qi Yan felt no thanks could suffice.

"Uncle Zheng, I’ll be back."

"My door’s always open. If the school fires you, come scrape by here!"

"Yes." Qi Yan replied, tears welling up.

Two grown men, bonded over a month like master and apprentice, shared a sentimental farewell.

By nightfall, they’d probably call themselves disgustingly sappy.

Qi Yan walked alone down DongSui Town’s dusk-lit streets. He patted his cheeks to perk up. No time for life reflections—his sister waited at home for dinner.

He knew the west district’s old alleys like the back of his hand, taking shortcuts home.

Quiet lanes often hid stray cats. Today, none appeared, leaving him slightly disappointed.

A cat lover who’d never owned one—plans always derailed—he now had a giant pet: his sister.

At the rental house, Qi Ran sat on a small stool outside. Their neighbor’s little girl, Luo Yongyue, squatted opposite her. Both drew on the muddy ground with withered twigs.

The overly dramatic teen Luo Ziliang played hopscotch alone with a stone, radiating quiet loneliness.

"Little Ran, what are you playing?"

Luo Yongyue shot up her hand like in class. "Guess what I drew! Big sister’s so smart—she guesses everything!"

Guess what I drew? Perfect for his mute sister.

"Won’t disturb you. I’ll cook dinner inside."

As Qi Yan turned, Qi Ran tugged his sleeve.

"What’s up?"

She raised her arms wide, seeking a hug.

She hadn’t done this since the folding wheelchair was tucked away.

Qi Yan smiled slightly. "Legs gone numb?"

Qi Ran nodded shyly.

"Your legs just healed—don’t get carried away." He lifted her under the arms.

"Up."

Her body leaned against him bonelessly, but her weight was real. Qi Yan staggered back two steps to steady himself.

"You’ve gained weight!" He pinched her cheek fondly. "Finally raised you into a plump little pig. One step closer to great rejuvenation!"

No girl wants to hear that—especially from someone she cares about. Qi Ran pounded his chest with tiny fists.

"Alright, alright, joking! To prove you’re not fat, I’ll cook extra-nutritious food tonight. Then you’ll really get fat..."

Her punches grew stronger.

Meanwhile, Luo Ziliang saw his cousin’s admired big sister leaving. He rushed over. "A-Yue, hopscotch?"

"No. Boring—you always win."

"Guess what I drew?"

"No. You’re too dumb to guess."

"That’s ’cause your drawings suck, A-Yue."

"What did you say, cousin?"

"Nothing! I’m dumb. Hide-and-seek?"

"No. You cheat—hide outside the yard."

"Eagle and chicks?"

"Two people can’t play that! Only eagle and hen."

"Playing house?"

After a pause, Luo Yongyue said, "Too childish. No."

"This no good, that no good—A-Yue, what do you want?"

"Finish your diary and homework first. Then I’ll play."

"Ugh... don’t wanna study..."

Qi Yan, apron tied, watched Luo Yongyue drag the grumbling Luo Ziliang inside. He chuckled. "This guy’s totally under his sister’s thumb. So pitiful."

Qi Ran narrowed her eyes thoughtfully, writing in her notebook: [So envious. I wish I had that day too. Decided: even mute, I’ll keep my brother firmly in my grasp.]

If Qi Yan saw that, his smile would freeze.

All crows are equally black; all brothers are equally foolish. He was the pot calling the kettle black.