"Whether my suggestion was acceptable or not, Pei Shi Yu didn't answer. I deliberately blocked the TV and said,

'Actually, there's nothing to be afraid of. Lin Yang's death has nothing to do with us, and besides, everyone has to die eventually.'

'Is knowing someone the same as not knowing them? Besides, he just called me a few days ago.'

'What were you still contacting him about?'

'He said he was getting married next month and invited me to the wedding.'

Death is sad, but also particularly ironic. Even I, his own brother, wasn't invited, yet Pei Shi Yu was notified long ago. I knew in my heart that Lin Yang still harbored feelings for Pei Shi Yu, and she couldn't have been unaware of it.

'Do you have feelings for him?' I suddenly blurted out.

'Isn't it taboo to talk about the dead?'

'It has nothing to do with life or death, just tell the truth.'

'Are you crazy tonight? Always saying things that stab at the heart.'

'Did I hit a nerve? Does that mean you have some feelings for me?' I asked her in quick succession.

Seeing Pei Shi Yu immediately turn to leave, I quickly rushed up and grabbed her, somewhat forcefully making a move to kiss her. Whether it was jealousy or not, I didn't know, but I felt very uncomfortable.

Seeing that she didn't dodge, I forcefully pulled her into my arms. Not caring about Pei Shi Yu's feelings, and with the previous two times as a foundation, I skillfully kissed her, knowing where her sensitive spots were. After all, she was made of flesh and blood, and everyone has physiological reactions.

While kissing, I expertly unbuttoned her coat, completely immersing myself in the moment. With my many years of experience with women, it wasn't too difficult to handle Pei Shi Yu in her current state. Taking advantage of her distraction, I opened my eyes to observe her. Her eyes were closed tightly, her face flushed. I deliberately hugged her tightly, seemingly feeling my provocative action. At the same time, Pei Shi Yu realized she was being too casual and immediately wanted to break free.

My action was just to remind her that to get her, it had to be on the premise of her own willingness, which was also the promise I made to myself before.

With her upper body clothes unbuttoned, they hung loosely on her shoulders, giving off a charming vibe. Not daring to be too bold, I sincerely asked Pei Shi Yu for her opinion:

'Is it okay? I promise to take responsibility.'

Asking this question in such an atmosphere would obviously only make her more sober and reserved. Without even thinking, she replied:

'Don't be a hooligan until I've thought it over.'

'How long will you need to think?' I asked, somewhat dejected.

'I don't know, maybe that day will never come.'

I thought her answer was very likely. Now we were just two people alone in a foreign country, relying on each other in every way. Once we returned to China, I thought it would be a long time, if ever, before I got an answer from Pei Shi Yu, and the probability was very small.

'I respect you, but I'm just afraid that we're both too old to wait. Why don't we just settle for each other? Close your eyes, and the most important thing in life will be solved. Maybe you'll even find a treasure.'

Pei Shi Yu didn't take my words seriously. She buttoned up her unbuttoned coat one by one, not even letting go of the top button, turning herself into a security door, and a double-insured one at that, standing opposite me with her arms crossed over her chest.

I saw her childish side again, which only showed in matters of love. I suddenly became interested and joked with her: 'It's a little late to be so guarded. If you're still so uptight, you'll never get married. We're about the same age, about the same looks, so stop being so picky. Have a baby early and complete the important things in life. You can even use your last name, you don't have to use mine. I even want to change my own last name.'

'I don't care, it's not like the line is dying out.'

'I can't talk to you anymore, I'm going to take a shower first. Whatever you want to do tonight is up to you.'

Without waiting for Pei Shi Yu's response, I took a pair of underwear from my suitcase and walked into the bathroom.

I showered quickly, no more than ten minutes. When I came out, Pei Shi Yu had already left. I immediately threw off the bath towel and quickly got into bed.

It was already ten o'clock at night. If Pei Shi Yu could sleep by herself, I would be able to fall asleep instantly. She didn't give me a clear answer about what she wanted to do. I calculated the time, it should be morning in China. Wang Rui should be at work at this time. She hadn't contacted me after I returned, so I took the initiative to call her...

The phone was answered, and the sound of car horns came through. I asked her, 'Are you still on your way to work?'

'Yeah, I'm stuffing myself with *ci fan* (sticky rice roll) right now,' she replied, chewing.

'I'll be back tomorrow noon.'

'What's wrong? Didn't you succeed?'

'Lin Yang died, you know, the one who's my half-brother.'

'Dead?'

'Yeah, it was pretty tragic. I'm not coming back for him, but for a good brother.'

'How come I haven't heard about such a big thing?'

'We're not from the same sect, how would you know?'

'Mom didn't say anything either!'

'My mom wouldn't know either. It happened today, so it should still be confidential. The murderer hasn't been caught yet.'

'That's terrible, your dad is probably going to collapse this time.'

Every time I heard the word "dad" from other people, I felt particularly awkward, which showed how thin my feelings for him were.

'I don't want to kick him when he's down right now. After all, I'm still related to Lin Yang by blood. I was shocked when I heard it.'

'How did he die?' Wang Rui asked clearly this time.

'I'll tell you when I get back. I'm afraid you'll have nightmares tonight.'

'I'm brave, you can tell me without hesitation.'

'Are you even a woman? Pei Shi Yu was too scared to sleep alone after hearing it.'

'Then isn't your chance coming?' Wang Rui said with a smile.

'I'm a gentleman, I won't take advantage of others. I have the confidence and charm to marry her openly and bring her home.'

'Is there any progress?'

'It's hard to fool women of this age. I can only rely on my own efforts to win her over.'

'That's true, like me now, I won't easily listen to sweet words. I'll get goosebumps when I hear them.'

'She said she was afraid to sleep tonight, I asked her what to do, but she didn't say anything, and now she's gone back to her room by herself. I don't know whether to sleep or not, and I don't dare to knock on her door, so I can only wait.'

'You only think of me, your drinking buddy, when you're bored?'

Hearing these words, I laughed and said, 'Do you know what Pei Shi Yu calls the two of us?'

'It won't be anything good. If you want to say it, say it. If you don't want to, I don't want to hear it.'

'Then don't listen, it's extremely insulting, I'm hanging up.'

I deliberately piqued her curiosity and then hung up the phone directly. I put the phone on the bedside table and relaxed my whole body in a starfish pose. As soon as I closed my eyes, my eyelids became heavy. I gave up the idea of waiting for Pei Shi Yu, turned over, closed my eyes, and fell asleep before long."