Her address immediately drew the attention of Qin Ningyi and Qin Feiwan, who looked at her with surprise.
Chen Guochao let out a quiet sigh. It seemed his previous instructions had been ineffective.
He shook his head helplessly, "You really are something."
Huo Rou blinked. Chen Guochao wouldn't dare to do anything to her. These two were giving her a headache. It would be good if they could talk things out, just like she had with Qin Ningyi. She had been hesitant to speak, leading to a prolonged misunderstanding. Now, by inviting him as a sister, she wanted him to stay and clear the air.
"You called him brother?" Qin Ningyi stood beside Huo Rou, looking at her with confusion.
Chen Guochao watched Huo Rou's serene smile and explained their relationship to Qin Ningyi. He could see the sparkle in Huo Rou's eyes, a testament to their years of affection. She truly liked Qin Ningyi. However, the Qin family was not a good place for Huo Rou. He was afraid to tell her about the matter yet, but also felt she should know so she could make her own decisions. Chen Guochao had been troubled by this since their last meeting and still hadn't devised a better plan.
"Woof!"
A bark of a dog momentarily cleared his tangled thoughts. Shenfeng eagerly leaped onto him, uncharacteristically lively for the usually composed dog.
"Shenfeng?" Chen Guochao called out uncertainly.
Shenfeng looked at him with round eyes, "Woof— Woof woof!"
Receiving a response, Chen Guochao's expression became even more surprised. While petting Shenfeng, he looked up at Huo Rou, "You actually brought Shenfeng with you? Is it retired?"
Huo Rou's eyes suddenly deepened, but the change was quick, and she soon regained her smile, "Since Shenfeng is out to welcome you, why don't you come in for a while?"
Qin Feiwan, tugging at her clothes, also looked at him expectantly. Chen Guochao's heart softened completely. But he knew that if he stayed, he would falter. Just like that night after graduation. As long as he was with Qin Feiwan, he would waver... Thinking of this, he looked at Huo Rou again, his gaze complex, "Little sister."
"If you can be happy, then strive for happiness. Smile more." He didn't answer Huo Rou. Standing up, he walked to her, leaned in, and gave her a gentle hug. He whispered in her ear, in a voice only they could hear, "I hope you can be happy, but little sister, if one day a barrier appears that you can't overcome, call me anytime." He knew too much, too early. Every day felt stolen, every smile like the last. He had to go back and give the old man at home a heads-up. As long as Huo Rou was happy, some things could remain only in their memories.
When Chen Guochao hugged Huo Rou, Qin Ningyi unconsciously took two steps forward. Remembering that Huo Rou had just told him this was her adoptive brother who had cared for her since she was little, he forced himself to stop beside them, suppressing his impulse.
After speaking, Chen Guochao released Huo Rou and cast a playful glance at Qin Ningyi. There weren't many things that could make Qin Ningyi anxious; perhaps he could rest assured now.
"I really can't stay. I've been out too long and need to report back!" It was his own selfishness that made him abandon a pile of responsibilities to come here as a guard. Now that he had seen the person, he should leave.
"Sister Qin." He called her like he did when they were children and slowly walked towards her. He adjusted her clothes and unexpectedly saw the ring on her hand again. He suppressed the pain in his chest, "This ring looks quite old. Get a new one."
Qin Feiwan's breath hitched, and she looked at him with disbelief.
"You don't need to return the clothes to me. Take care of yourself." He said, feigning lightness, "Goodbye."
After saying goodbye, without waiting for Qin Feiwan to stop him again, he quickly let go, turned around, suppressed the longing in his eyes, and waved his hand behind him with a潇洒 air. He owed her a proper farewell.
Qin Feiwan was so stunned by his words that she didn't have time to stop him. As the car's headlights and engine sound receded, she blinked. The shape of this ring was something she had drawn according to that one from years ago... She didn't know what Chen Guochao's words truly meant. Had he forgotten the ring, or was it intentional?
Seeing Chen Guochao drive away, Shenfeng, reluctant, chased after him for a couple of steps. Its howling attracted Anan, who came running out of the house.
"Mom?" Anan had come out to see Shenfeng but saw the three somewhat disheveled people standing at the door. "What's wrong?"