Lin Chen returned home late at night.

These days, he had been going out frequently and coming home late, and had specifically instructed Wen Shaozhuo not to wait for him.

When he returned home the past few days, the lights in the house were usually off. Today, however, the lights in the villa were still on for some reason.

But the wind was quiet.

Lin Chen opened the door gently. As soon as he entered, he saw a young boy leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window next to an easel in the living room. His eyes were tightly closed, and his chest rose and fell slowly; he appeared to be sound asleep.

A pile of colorful papers was scattered by his feet. It looked as though they had fallen to the floor after the young man fell asleep.

During this period, A’Shao had been painting furiously. Especially after submitting his transfer application.

Even though Lin Chen hadn’t been home much lately to accompany his little client, he could clearly perceive this change through the consumption of art supplies at home and the increasing number of orders on the platform day by day.

What he saw, the System naturally saw as well.

The System’s camera vision was slightly better than Lin Chen’s. As soon as the door closed, the System exclaimed, “Wow, Host, even though he successfully found a mentor and is about to transfer schools, how come he’s got dark circles under his eyes instead!”

Lin Chen walked softly, intending to put the strawberries he had specifically brought back into the refrigerator first.

He said, “Only those who are barefoot don’t fear having no shoes. Now that he has shoes, isn’t he doing everything possible not to return to being barefoot?”

Lin Chen tried to walk as quietly as possible.

But as he approached Wen Shaozhuo, the young man instantly opened his eyes, sitting up from the floor-to-ceiling window as if he had received a huge shock!

His movement was too sudden, causing the chair to wobble. His shock turned immediately into panic. With a cry of “Aiya—!”, Wen Siheng immediately lunged forward and scooped him up, barely preventing Wen Shaozhuo from falling off the chair.

Wen Shaozhuo was still shaken, using all four limbs to stabilize himself. “B-Brother! You’re back so early today!”

He tried hard to squeeze out a smile for Wen Siheng.

Wen Siheng glanced strangely at his phone; the time was clearly 1:30 AM.

Wen Siheng: “Why is A’Shao sleeping here? Did you just have a nightmare?”

Wen Siheng asked with concern as he casually picked up the scattered drawing papers from the floor. The plastic bag holding the strawberries rustled incessantly on his wrist.

Wen Shaozhuo: “Ah… I’m fine, Brother. I was just a little sleepy… Where did Brother go today? Why did you bring strawberries back?”

As Wen Shaozhuo spoke, the smile on his still-groggy face looked somewhat forced.

Wen Siheng smiled and held the strawberries up to him. “I got hungry at night and had a late-night snack, so I brought some strawberries back for A’Shao.”

He glanced at the half-finished painting on Wen Shaozhuo’s easel and said, “A’Shao’s painting skills are already excellent. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just like A’Shao always told me before, you should rest when you need to. What nightmare did you just have?”

His brother changed the subject too quickly, catching Wen Shaozhuo off guard.

He didn’t really want to tell his brother, but his brother looked back at him, those bright and gentle eyes staring quietly, and repeated the question, “What nightmare did A’Shao just have?”

Wen Shaozhuo: “…”

Wen Shaozhuo couldn’t withstand his brother’s gaze.

He was quiet for two seconds before finally stammering, “Just now I dreamed… I dreamed that the transfer application wasn’t approved…”

Wen Siheng retorted without changing his expression, “That dream sounds fake. A’Shao has such a good foundation and even convinced the dean of the Art Academy. What possibility is there for failure?”

Wen Shaozhuo’s eyes drooped, and he said somewhat uneasily, “And then… I dreamed that Mom and Dad took me back home.”

Wen Siheng fed him a strawberry. “Dreams are opposites. With me here, how could Mom and Dad take A’Shao back?”

Wen Shaozhuo took the strawberry from his brother and took a small bite. His expression didn’t brighten; instead, it became very depressed due to memories and contemplation. “Brother, you just came home, you don’t know how many people Mom and Dad know. If they really want to stop me from transferring, they just have to make a phone call to the school… That’s how they got me into the School of Finance back then.”

“And…”

Wen Shaozhuo hesitated to speak. After a long pause, he said softly, “Brother, in a few days… we might need to go home.”

He paused and said, “It’s the day before the transfer application results come out.”

Encouraged by his brother, he hadn’t seen his parents for quite some time. This life had given him the rare feeling of truly living in the human world.

If possible, he really wished to extend this life until his transfer was successful, until graduation, until he completely escaped his parents’ shadow.

But…

Wen Shaozhuo gripped the hem of his clothes tightly, lowering his head to his chest. He whispered, “That day is Mom’s fiftieth birthday.”

As soon as he finished speaking, as if remembering something, he immediately tried to smile through his depressed expression. “But it’s enough if I go. Brother, you just came home anyway. If you don’t want to go, Mom and Dad won’t do anything to you.”

“Brother, don’t worry. I’ve completely learned how to take orders now. Regardless of whether the transfer is successful or not, I… I can earn our living expenses. I won’t let Brother live so hard again!”

Wen Shaozhuo tried hard to smile at his brother, tried hard to make his voice sound more energetic.

But obviously, his energy wasn’t very successful.

The System mumbled in confusion, “Strange, Host. Why do I feel like Wen Shaozhuo’s smile looks so much like your current identity’s smile! …But he learned it poorly!”

Lin Chen ignored it.

He pinched Wen Shaozhuo’s cheek with one hand, molding that poorly imitated smile—which looked more like sadness or crying—into a round “O” shape.

“I told you, if you don’t want to smile, don’t smile.”

Wen Siheng stared straight at Wen Shaozhuo and said slowly, “Whether it’s for Mom and Dad, or for me—it’s the same for everyone. If you don’t want to do it, don’t do it.”

Wen Shaozhuo’s gaze froze. He stared blankly at his brother. His distorted cheeks made even the action of blinking look very strange.

“Of course!”

His brother suddenly let go, a big smile appearing on his face—that was his brother’s genuine, sunshine-filled, courageous smile.

“If it’s something you want to do, then do it! For example, although I have no interest in attending Mom’s birthday party, as long as A’Shao goes, I will definitely accompany A’Shao. I want to be with A’Shao!”

…Want to be with him?

Everything happened as he expected. The day before Mom’s birthday, she sent him a message asking him to come home on time tomorrow for the party.

Wen Shaozhuo really didn’t want to meet his parents, but a fiftieth birthday had a special meaning after all. He… he couldn’t not go.

Wen Shaozhuo prepared for all the worst-case scenarios.

In his imagination, from the moment he entered the birthday party, he might be criticized, ridiculed, and denied by his parents and many uncles and aunts at the party.

But Brother A’Heng had done so much with him these days, and they had finally reached the step of transferring schools… He couldn’t let their efforts go to waste like this. He didn’t want to go back to the School of Finance, he didn’t want to…

Wen Shaozhuo had a sleepless night.

However, the next day, when he went to the birthday party with his brother, wearing dark circles under his eyes and carrying extreme anxiety and anxiousness, he suddenly discovered that everything was vastly different from what he had imagined!

As soon as he entered, an unfamiliar peer spotted him. The other person’s eyes widened in excitement as they jumped to his side:

“Wow! Shaozhuo! Haven’t seen you for a while. I heard you were favored by the dean of the Art Academy at B University!”

Wen Shaozhuo was startled and almost instinctively wanted to hide behind his brother.

But before he could hide, an uncle from the other side looked over. “I heard about that too. Not bad, Xiao Shao. I never heard your parents mention before that your painting skills were so good!”

Another aunt smiled. “I heard that a while ago you painted a Go Sage picture for old Mr. Cheng, and he even hung it in his Go room?”

Chirp chirp, chirp chirp.

Countless conversations poured into his ears all at once, making Wen Shaozhuo dizzy.

Wait. Wait. He knew that attending the party would definitely involve many people coming up to talk to him socially.

But what… what were they talking about?

They were all talking about him finding a mentor, praising his talent in painting, and supporting his choice to pursue painting?

Also, when did he give old Mr. Cheng…

Wen Shaozhuo looked up abruptly, staring in shock at his brother.

Because he didn’t want to be noticed or talked to, his brother wore a mask and hat today. Catching his gaze, his brother’s eyes curved in a smile.

…So that was what the four paintings his brother asked for were used for?!

Wen Qingcai was not in a good mood today.

“…We’ll proceed according to our original plan. Once the party is over, we’ll question Shaozhuo and Siheng properly about this matter. I’m going to call the principal right in front of Shaozhuo, so he knows not to even think about doing things behind our backs!”

Wen Yifeng, however, rarely didn’t directly agree with his wife. He hesitated and said, “I’ve asked around these days. That Dean Gong is very famous in the art world. If Shaozhuo was really favored by him…”

Wen Yifeng couldn’t help but recall the various words he had heard these days.

Perhaps it was because Dean Gong’s reputation was too great, or because of the trouble Shaozhuo had caused recently, that he subconsciously began to pay attention to people’s views on the profession of painting.

He suddenly discovered that there were actually so many discussions about such topics around him!

First, when discussing a project with Little Lian from the Fang family, Little Lian mentioned staying up late for months for a cooperation project and sighed inadvertently, “Thinking back, I was also talented in art. But at that time, I only thought making money was the absolute principle. Now thinking about it, the family has enough money anyway. One more zero or one less zero doesn’t mean much. It would have been better to pursue an artistic path. Who knows, maybe one day I could have painted a masterpiece that would be handed down for generations?”

Then, while eating with a junior from the Cheng family, the other person said enthusiastically to him, “I heard recently our old man received a painting given by a new student of old Mr. Gong from B University! I don’t know which family’s kid is so lucky. You know old Mr. Gong is the…”

Then, at a certain banquet, he heard young people in the circle coming up to chat with him, praising his Shaozhuo’s artistic talent with envious tones…

Wen Yifeng: “…”

Was it his illusion? Why did he feel that his son had never given him so much face in his life as he did this time??

The monstrous anger he felt when he first heard his son decided to change majors without permission gradually subsided amidst these sentences of envy, flattery, and inadvertent praise.

Wen Yifeng coughed dryly. “I actually think there’s no need to be like this. We can talk to them properly first. If Shaozhuo really has such great talent in art, it’s not impossible to let him try. I think Jingming is right. Look at Xiuyi, look at Fang Ji, look at Yunhui. They didn’t do anything serious after graduation, but as long as they can achieve results, their reputation in the circle is quite good…”

Wen Yifeng’s wavering attitude immediately made Wen Qingcai widen her eyes in anger. “What do you mean, Wen Yifeng? Defecting at the last minute?”

Wen Yifeng: “I’m just stating my thoughts…”

Wen Qingcai glared at him. “Cut the crap. Just one sentence: later, will you stand on my side, or on theirs?”

Wen Yifeng immediately promised, “Wife, I’ll definitely stand on your side!”

Wen Qingcai’s anger subsided slightly. “That’s more like it.”

After smilingly thanking and sending off all the guests who came to celebrate her birthday, Wen Qingcai’s smile finally faded, and her gaze fell on her two sons, one real and one fake.

“Follow me,” she said indifferently.

She took the two into a private room, and Wen Yifeng went in with them. The four faced each other in pairs. Before they even sat down, Wen Qingcai fired directly at Wen Shaozhuo.

Wen Qingcai said in a deep voice, “Speak for yourself. What exactly is going on? Changing majors behind mine and your father’s backs without permission—do you know how much effort we spent to get you into the School of Finance?!”

Wen Yifeng glared along. “Exactly!”

Wen Qingcai’s serious and angry expression frightened Wen Shaozhuo. He lowered his eyes evasively, but felt the gazes on him were like hellfire, burning him inside and out with pain.

“Mom, I…”

Wen Shaozhuo’s voice trembled again, a rare occurrence.

Clearly, he had become much stronger following his brother these past few months.

But why, why when he came before his parents, did he naturally seem inferior? The courage and defenses he had painstakingly built over months became precarious as soon as he stood before them!

Seeing his hesitant and weak appearance, Wen Qingcai’s anger grew even hotter.

She asked aggressively, “Wasting so much of mine and your father’s energy and time to cultivate you, running away from home, deceiving your parents, betraying our trust—let’s put these aside for now—”

“Just regarding your wish to transfer schools, did you get approval from me and your father? You like painting, fine, treat it as a hobby and paint casually. But you actually want to make it your career and paint for the rest of your life? Or did you do this irrational thing just to go against us?!”

Wen Yifeng got a little angry. “Exactly!”

…No! It’s not like that! He just—

Wen Shaozhuo’s heart was screaming loudly.

Countless words were stuck in his throat. These words were turned over and over in his mind during his sleepless nights, but when he truly stood before his mother, they vanished without a sound.

Just then, he suddenly felt something being stuffed into his palm.

Hard, small, warmed by body heat—

“Ding dang…”

Wen Shaozhuo’s eyes widened, and he instantly clenched his palm tight, afraid the bell would make another sound.

…A bell? Why did Brother suddenly give him a bell? Here??

This sudden accident interrupted all of Wen Shaozhuo’s emotions.

So much so that when his mother’s angry shout exploded in his ear, Wen Shaozhuo didn’t immediately return to that suffocating state where he couldn’t breathe.

“…Wen Shaozhuo, speak!”

Wen Siheng suddenly spoke up at this moment. “Mom, why are you yelling so loudly? It’s not like A’Shao can’t hear.”

He turned his head and said encouragingly to Wen Shaozhuo, “A’Shao, don’t be afraid. Say whatever you want to say.”

His brother was always this brave and calm when facing Mom and Dad.

…He had clearly made up his mind to grow into someone like his brother!

He wanted to change. Wanted to change. Wanted to change! …He didn’t want to hide behind his brother forever!

As if injected with oxygen by his brother, Wen Shaozhuo’s breathing suddenly became smooth.

He took a deep breath, tried hard to steady his trembling voice, and spoke up. “…No, Mom.”

“I didn’t mean to go against you. I just… have my own likes, my own thoughts, my own strengths and weaknesses.”

His voice wasn’t loud—low and light. If one listened carefully, one could detect the slight tremor at the end.

But once the box was opened, his voice became smoother and smoother. “Mom, painting is the freest, happiest thing in the world for me. I can already support myself by painting now. I can afford rent, afford food, and support Brother. I’m also an adult. So… I want to live my own life, Mom.”

Wen Qingcai attacked, “What do you mean your own life? With your meager manuscript fees…”

But Wen Shaozhuo didn’t stop.

This was the first time he had spoken his heart out in front of his parents, and the first time he tried to let his emotions erupt like this!

Perhaps because this grievance and these words had been held back for too long, the more he spoke, the smoother he got, the louder he got, the more agitated he got, until tears fell from his eyes.

He gritted his teeth tight. “I don’t like the path you arranged for me at all! I can’t listen to a single finance class. When I hear those theories, I want to vomit, I want to die!”

“Although my art path has just started and is still very amateur, I have passion, I have effort, and I have talent! Teacher Gong is willing to take me as a student. He told me that as long as I persist on this path, my achievements won’t be low. So why can’t I choose the path I want to take?!”

“…I don’t want your time, don’t want your energy. If you don’t want to support me, then don’t invest any more money in me. I can live on my own! I don’t need your help, but don’t hinder me either!”

Wen Shaozhuo became more and more agitated as he spoke. This emotion, extremely rare for him, shocked both Wen Yifeng and Wen Qingcai!

However, Wen Shaozhuo had too little experience.

After the outburst, as his brain cooled down slightly, he immediately became bewildered and helpless.

Fortunately, Wen Siheng snatched the conversation before Wen Qingcai could regain her momentum. “A’Shao’s life should be A’Shao’s life, not a continuation of yours! He will taste his own joys and sorrows!”

Saying that, he pulled Shaozhuo and said toughly, “A’Shao, let’s go!”

Before Wen Qingcai and Wen Yifeng could react, he dragged Wen Shaozhuo directly out of the birthday party venue.

Wen Shaozhuo stumbled out the door following his brother.

His emotions had just finished erupting, and he hadn’t quite reacted yet. But when the noisy sounds of cars on the road poured into his ears, his fists loosened slightly, and the old little bell regained space to breathe, tinkling musically in his palm, Wen Shaozhuo belatedly came to his senses.

He actually… really spoke his thoughts to Mom and Dad?

He actually really retreated safely from Mom and Dad with his brother!

They hadn’t even threatened him with the major transfer matter yet!

Wen Shaozhuo slowly realized all this, and his eyes gradually became brighter.

He happily grabbed his brother’s sleeve, wanting to share this joy with him. “Brother! We… we came out safely! Mom didn’t stop us. Was Mom convinced by us? Will she not block my transfer application?”

At this moment, Wen Shaozhuo discovered that his brother also seemed happy about the small victory just now.

His brother’s steps became light, bouncing as if he was about to jump up, and the little ponytail bounced lively behind his head.

Wen Shaozhuo’s gaze fixed on his brother, unable to look away for a moment.

How did he not know… If Brother A’Heng hadn’t come to his side, he could never have done such a thing!

He suddenly gripped his brother’s hand tightly and said seriously to him, “Brother A’Heng! …If I can earn more money in the future, I will also buy a house as big as home for Brother. Then I’ll live with Brother, okay?”

His brother listened happily, eyes curved in a smile.

Brother A’Heng dragged out his voice, “A big house? That’s wonderful, of course! But—”

Brother A’Heng laughed lightly. “If I have money, I’m definitely going to travel the world! Don’t blame me then for leaving A’Shao to live at home alone!”