Back at home, Mom dropped her bag on the coffee table and sank into the sofa, saying nothing and paying no attention to anything.
Dad quickly took charge and said to An Nuo, "Bei Bei lives on campus and isn't usually home, so you can stay in her room for now."
I carried An Nuo to Bei Bei's room. She looked around timidly and asked, "If I stay in Bei Bei's room, will she be upset?"
I helped tidy up the room and casually replied, "She's not home most of the time anyway, so why worry about whether she's happy or not?"
Dad said, "Don't overthink it. Just treat this place as your own home and settle in comfortably."
Mom stood at the doorway and suddenly remarked, "That's right. You are your dad's biological daughter, after all. This is your home."
Dad glanced back at her. Mom stared at him with a half-smile and said, "Why are you looking at me? Am I wrong?"
Dad clicked his tongue, sighed, and didn't dare respond.
After settling An Nuo in, we all left the room. Dad whispered to Mom, "No matter what, she's still… so young and pitiful. Could you… be a little gentler with her?"
Mom snorted and laughed, "Where haven't I been gentle? I'm even thinking of buying some pork ribs this afternoon to make her something nourishing."
Dad let out a long sigh and shook his head. Mom sneered, "What are you sighing about? You've brought your little daughter home, and the family is reunited. You must be so happy and content."
"Alright, alright, I won't argue with you. I can't win anyway," Dad waved his hands repeatedly and retreated to the side.
Mom turned to look at me and asked coldly, "What are you still doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?"
"Oh! I forgot I still have school. I'm going, I'm going," I quickly grabbed my backpack and headed out.
On the way, I kept thinking about everything that had happened, feeling a bit unsettled. I had thought An Nuo's actions were to get closer to me, hoping I'd take care of her. I never imagined she'd go to such lengths just to move into our home.
But thinking about it carefully, this girl is really something. To achieve her goal, she'd go so far as to harm herself—truly terrifying.
When I returned home from school in the evening, the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by the rich aroma of meat. I went to the kitchen and saw that Mom had indeed made pork rib soup. I couldn't help but smile.
Mom glared at me. "What are you smiling about?"
I quickly explained, "I'm not laughing at you. I just think that even though you seem cold and tough on the outside, you still have a soft heart."
Mom gave me a sidelong glance. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"I'm complimenting you. Beneath your iron-hard exterior lies a soft and kind heart."
"Stop with the sweet talk. I haven't even asked you yet—how did you get mixed up with her in the first place?"
"I already told you. She framed me on the bus, and you even thought I was some pervert groping people's legs. We ran into each other a few more times after that and ended up getting acquainted. But I really had no idea she was my half-sister back then."
After a long silence, Mom said quietly, "Your dad is really despicable."
I quickly agreed, "Yes, Dad is the worst. Everything is his fault."
"You too!" Mom shot me a glare, annoyed. "I can't stand the sight of you right now. If it weren't for your upcoming college entrance exams, I'd really want to kick you out of the house."
I wasn't sure if Mom was thinking about that upsetting matter again, but either way, it wasn't the best place to linger. After praising the food a couple of times, I made a quick escape.
I went into Beibei's room, where Annuo was sitting on the bed, head down, playing with her phone. When she saw me come in, she glanced up and casually said, "Brother's back~! Welcome home."
I couldn't help but laugh. "You've adapted pretty quickly, treating this place like your own home already."
"This is my dad's home, after all."
I sat down beside her and said, "Put your phone away for a bit. I need to talk to you about something serious."
Annuo hesitated for a moment, set her phone down on the bed, turned to look at me, and smiled. "What is it, brother? Go ahead."
I scratched my head, trying to organize my thoughts, then said to her, "My mom might seem cold and distant, but she's actually quite soft-hearted. It's just that… anyone in her situation would feel upset. What I'm trying to say is… if Mom gives you a hard time, don't take it personally. She's not targeting you—she's just angry at my dad."
"I understand," Annuo nodded obediently.
"Also… I admit, you're smarter than me. I admire you, truly." As I spoke, I clasped my hands together and bowed slightly toward her.
Annuo blinked, looking confused. "What do you mean?"
"Come on, don't be modest. My greatest strength is knowing my own limits." I smiled earnestly. "I just want to discuss something with you. Look, you've already moved in as you wished. Officially, it's for you to recover from your injury, but realistically, there's no way you'll be kicked out now."
"Why not?" Annuo tilted her head and asked.
"Isn't it obvious? Your mom and your original dad are gone. Your grandma and uncle aren't blood relatives, and they don't treat you well. Now, the only family you have left by blood is in this house. You're still so young—even if Mom doesn't like you, she can't just throw you out."
She looked at me, silent, as if waiting for me to continue.
"So, since you've moved in and are now part of the family, could you… could you try to cherish the happiness you have right now?"
Annuo tilted her head again, looking at me with a puzzled expression.
"I know you understand. I'm just asking you—could you maybe tone down your scheming a bit? Don't use it on your own family, especially not on my mom."
I looked at her, and she looked back at me. After a long silence, she nodded and said, "I understand."
"Do you really?"
"Yeah, you're telling me not to provoke your mom, right?"
"Exactly, that's it. Mom has been through too much lately. Please don't upset her."
"I wouldn't dare," Annuo lowered her head, fidgeting slightly. "I'm just an outsider. How could I dare to upset the lady of the house?"
"Hmm…" I nodded with relief, then suddenly remembered something and added, "Also, you absolutely must not let anyone in the family know about… our thing."
"Huh? What thing?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
"Oh..." Anno wore an expression of sudden realization. "So it's about what you did to me."
"Shh! Keep your voice down." I made a shushing gesture, then lowered my voice to tell her, "Don't tell anyone else. If my family finds out, I'm done for."
"Don't worry, I won't let you be done for." Anno looked at me with a grin, then clasped her hands together to form a heart shape and said, "I like you."
I rested my forehead in my left hand and sighed helplessly.
When Dad came home from work, we could finally have dinner. I helped Anno to her seat.
Mom came out of the kitchen and saw Dad and me sitting there like lords, which immediately irritated her. She untied her apron and threw it forcefully onto the coffee table.
I was taken aback at first, then quickly realized what was happening. Muttering, "Serve the food, serve the food," I lowered my head and scurried into the kitchen.
I brought out the stewed pork rib soup and ladled a bowl for each person. Dad said with a smile, "Nuo Nuo, Auntie made this especially for you. Try it—Auntie's cooking is really good."
Anno took a small sip and said with a smile, "It's delicious. Thank you, Auntie."
Mom nodded expressionlessly without saying a word.
Dad smiled and said, "If it's good, have some more."
Seeing Mom sitting there motionless, I urged, "Mom, have some too."
Mom glanced at me and said indifferently, "I have no appetite."
"You've just recovered from a serious illness. You need to nourish your body too."
"Just eat your meal. Why so much talk?"
I had wanted to be attentive, but ended up flattering the wrong person. Feeling awkward, I shut up and drank my soup.
Seeing that Anno was only drinking the soup, Dad gently advised, "Don't just drink the soup—have some ribs too." As he spoke, he picked up some ribs from his own bowl and put them into hers.
Anno took a bite of the ribs and seemed to freeze instantly, stiffening in place. After a moment, she let out a sob, and tears began to fall.
Dad, Mom, and I were all stunned, looking at her in confusion.
Dad asked with concern, "What's wrong? Is your leg hurting?"
Anno's eyes were red. Biting her lower lip, she sobbed, "I miss my mom. She used to stew ribs for me often too."
Mom and Dad exchanged glances, at a loss for words.
Anno looked up, tears still in her eyes, and forced a smile. "Auntie, yours tastes even better than my mom's."
Mom stared at her for a moment, then picked up a ladle and expressionlessly scooped a few more ribs into her bowl.
Watching from the side, I couldn't help but admire her. If I had her skills, I would have avoided so many beatings growing up.
As everyone was almost finished eating, Mom still sat there, frowning with a worried expression, not having touched the pork rib soup in front of her.
Feeling puzzled, I asked with concern, "Mom, are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
Mom turned to look at me, and I felt a bit unnerved under her gaze. After a moment, she picked up her bowl and was about to drink the soup when her expression suddenly changed. She put down her bowl and chopsticks and rushed quickly to the bathroom, where she began vomiting.
Dad and I exchanged glances. After a moment of silence, Dad put down his bowl and chopsticks and walked to the bathroom, with me following close behind.
We saw Mom leaning over the sink, looking pale. Dad gently patted her back and asked softly, "What's going on? Why are you vomiting all of a sudden? Is your stomach acting up again?"
Mom said weakly, "Maybe. I haven't been feeling well lately."
"Should I take you to the hospital?"
"No. Don't worry about me. Go eat."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
After Dad left the bathroom, I went over and tried to pat Mom's back. She turned her head and glared at me, saying coldly, "Get out." I shuddered and quickly scurried away.
Mom was really unpredictable these days—one moment she could be laughing and chatting, and the next, she'd turn icy cold. It seemed the rift between us wouldn't be mended anytime soon.
After coming out of the bathroom, Mom didn't return to the dining table. Instead, she shut herself in the bedroom.
An awkward silence fell over the table. Dad cleared his throat to break the tension and said, "Hurry up and eat. Xiaodong, after dinner, go back to your room and study."
Annuo stared at our parents' bedroom door, lost in thought. I waved my hand in front of her face and asked, "What are you daydreaming about?"
She snapped out of it and smiled. "Nothing. I'm just worried about Auntie's health."
Yeah, I was worried about Mom's health too. After dinner, I went back to my room but couldn't settle down.
Dad went out after dinner to take a phone call. After thinking it over, I mustered up the courage and pushed open the door to my parents' bedroom.
Mom was lying on her side on the bed, her back to the door.
I tiptoed over and peeked. Her eyes were open—she wasn't asleep, but her gaze was vacant, as if lost in thought.
I asked softly, "Mom, what's wrong?"
"Get out," she replied coldly.
"Mom, you didn't eat anything at dinner. Is there anything you'd like to eat..."
Before I could finish, she cut me off icily, "I told you to get out."
I didn't dare say another word and left the room. Standing outside the door, I thought for a moment, then walked to the kitchen. I turned on the stove and boiled some water, planning to make millet porridge for Mom.
I'd never cooked before, but after Mom left home last month, I'd learned some basics from Dad and felt I was doing okay.
When I carried the freshly made millet porridge back to the bedroom, Mom sat up in bed. She was resting her forehead in her hand, her hair disheveled, looking utterly exhausted. Seeing me come in with a bowl of porridge, she seemed surprised.
The porridge was hot, just out of the pot, but I didn't dare let go or walk too fast, afraid I might spill it.
I carefully placed it on the nightstand in front of her, then blew on my red, burning fingers.
Mom glanced at the porridge, then looked up at me and asked, "Did you make this?"
I stammered, "I heard Dad say you often drink porridge when your stomach is upset. I... I learned from Dad. This is my first time making it on my own, so... I don't know how it turned out. I added some red dates for you."
After a moment of silence, Mom picked up the spoon, blew on it, and took a small sip.
I stared at her delicate face and asked nervously, "How... how does it taste?"
"First time making it?" she asked in return.
"Well, not exactly the first time. I've helped Dad before. But this is my first time doing it all by myself. How is it? Is it okay?"
"Not bad." Mom nodded, then scoffed, "If you can't get into college in the future, you can always go out and sell breakfast."
I scratched my head and smiled wryly, "Are you praising me or mocking me?"
"Think whatever you want." Mom began sipping her rice porridge spoonful by spoonful. After a moment, she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye and asked, "What are you still doing here? Is there something else?"
I grinned foolishly, "Nothing, really. I just... wanted to watch you eat."
Mom snorted, "What's so interesting about watching someone eat?"
"You're not in good health. I'm just concerned about you."
"If you're concerned about me, will my health improve?"
"Who knows? If someone cares about you, you might feel better, and maybe your health will improve too."
Mom shot me a glare, "I care about your studies too. Has your academic performance improved?"
"Well... if you cared a little more, maybe it would."
Mom frowned impatiently and said, "Enough! Why are you so annoying? With you chattering away here, I've lost my appetite even more."
"Alright then, take your time eating. There's more in the pot. I'll go back to my room to study."
"Hurry up and leave. So annoying."
After leaving the room, I suddenly remembered something. Hesitating for a moment, I turned and entered Bei Bei's bedroom.
An Nuo was sitting at the desk reading. When she saw me come in, she smiled and called out, "Brother."
Pretending to have nothing better to do, I looked around the room left and right. An Nuo couldn't help but ask, "Is there something you need?"
Casually, I replied, "No, I just came to see you."
"Oh~!" An Nuo looked at me with a half-smile.
Her gaze made me uncomfortable, and I asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Brother, do you want that?" She grinned and raised her right hand, making a pumping motion.
I was already used to her attitude and ignored her. Sitting down on the bed behind her, I said, "Well... Nuo Nuo, how do you think our relationship is?"
"It's pretty good."
I probed cautiously, "Then shouldn't you... delete that video?"
"What video?" An Nuo blinked, wearing a look of confusion.
I was certain she was playing dumb but remained calm as I said, "The video from that day at your house, when we... you know."
An Nuo pretended to suddenly understand, "Oh, you mean the video of you raping me."
Instinctively, I glanced behind me and lowered my voice, "Why are you still saying things like that? You live here now, and I treat you like my sister. We should be honest with each other."
An Nuo lowered her head, her expression awkward as she said, "When you were doing me back then, you didn't treat me like your sister."
"I didn't know you were my sister at the time. If I had known, I would never have done it."
"But I was pretending to be Bei Bei, and you were so excited. Hmm... so you mean you wanted to do Bei Bei, not Nuo Nuo."
"I don't want to do anyone!" I was almost driven mad by her and threatened bluntly, "Hand over that video now, or I'll... I'll make things difficult for you."
"What are you going to do?"
"I..." I thought for a long time but really couldn't figure out how to deal with her. Finally, gritting my teeth, I said, "I'm ignoring you."
"Oh, I'm so scared~! Brother, please don't ignore me." Anuo put on an exaggeratedly frightened expression, but it was so over-the-top that it was clearly fake—and intentionally so, which made it even more infuriating.
Unable to do anything about her for the moment, I could only storm out of the room in a huff. Just before leaving, I heard her mocking laughter behind me: "Brother, come and play often!"
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