Chapter 24.3

The garbage sorting in the residential area was well done. Homeowners generally stacked the cardboard boxes from deliveries separately on one side, and all that was needed to be done was to flatten them and take them away.

Yang Yin, being from the countryside, was quite skilled at hands-on work. Chu Xiaoxiao only needed to assist on the side. Being small, she couldn’t do too much physical work, mostly just adding to the lively atmosphere.

The two of them were working as usual, chatting and laughing, when suddenly a loud shout came from not far away.

“Chu Xiaoxiao, what are you doing!?”

As Chu Xiaoyi walked through the residential area, he noticed his little sister picking up scraps by the garbage bin.

A certain string in his mind suddenly snapped, no less impactful than seeing her jump into a mud puddle on a rainy day. His face was full of anger, and he strode over, exclaiming hysterically, “Come home with me right now!”

Chu Xiaoyi had a mild case of cleanliness obsession. In his mind “garbage bin = breeding ground for bacteria,” and Chu Xiaoxiao was clearly challenging his bottom line!

Chu Xiaoxiao was equally surprised by her older brother’s sudden appearance, and her little face showed confusion. “Why are you here?” she asked.

“Xiaoxiao…” Yang Yin looked at Chu Xiaoyi in bewilderment. She had never seen this person before and couldn’t figure out the situation.

Chu Xiaoxiao explained, “This is my brother, just ignore him.”

The young girl skillfully avoided her brother’s attempt to grab her hand, and protested unhappily, stamping her foot, “You go home first, I’ll be back in a little while!”

Chu Xiaoxiao had wanted to play with Yang Yin for a while longer. After all, Sister Yang Yin would be returning to school on Monday, and they wouldn’t see each other for another week. But her older brother had moved back home while recording a program, so he could easily see her every day.

Seeing that Chu Xiaoxiao showed no signs of remorse, Chu Xiaoyi angrily ordered, “Come home with me right now and wash your hands!”

Yang Yin had been in the middle of bundling up cardboard boxes. She looked at the standoff between the siblings and whispered, “Xiaoxiao, you and your brother should go home first…”

Yang Yin was a sensitive and mature young girl. She could sense Chu Xiaoyi’s anger and didn’t want them to argue further. Even though Chu Xiaoyi’s displeased gaze made her a bit anxious, at the moment, she didn’t pay much attention to these details. She just hoped that Chu Xiaoxiao wouldn’t be upset with her family.

Chu Xiaoyi’s words had no effect on Chu Xiaoxiao, but Yang Yin’s words did manage to temper the little one’s temper.

Reluctantly, Chu Xiaoxiao followed her older brother, her steps filled with annoyance. Chu Xiaoyi didn’t even spare a glance at Yang Yin, seemingly focused on getting Chu Xiaoxiao away.

Yang Yin watched the siblings leave and still genuinely liked Chu Xiaoxiao from the bottom of her heart. However, a faint sadness lingered.

She could understand Chu Xiaoyi’s anger; he thought she was involving Chu Xiaoxiao in something dirty, and his words and demeanor expressed resistance and rejection, even avoiding looking at her.

Yang Yin had met Chu Xiaoxiao’s parents before. They dressed modestly and occasionally greeted her with friendliness on the street, making her forget many details. Chu Xiaoxiao’s family was quite different from what she had imagined. They lived in the Yurongtai Residence, but her father was just a security guard there.

Chu Xiaoyi was also completely different from the impression Yang Yin had of an older brother. He had sharp features, was handsome, and dressed in clean, well-fitted clothing that exuded an air of privilege. He seemed nothing like the careless and timid older brother she had imagined. He was extraordinarily good-looking, almost like a celestial being, yet he wouldn’t allow a speck of dirt on his sister’s hands, his gaze showing annoyance.

Yang Yin suddenly realized that not all older brothers in the world were like her own, and their differences could be significant. She glanced at her rough fingers and the whitened shoes she was wearing. She was just about to explain that she always made sure Chu Xiaoxiao washed her hands properly, but now she felt it was pointless.

She was far, far away from such a person. It was strange that she could be friends with Chu Xiaoxiao.

Back at home, Chu Xiaoyi washed Chu Xiaoxiao’s hands twice, ensuring only the fragrance of soap remained on her little hands before partially relaxing his tense nerves. He then asked Chu Xiaoxiao to change all her clothes and put them in the washing machine, quickly running a cycle.

Chu Xiaoxiao felt like she was shedding her skin through all this cleaning. She was wearing a Pikachu-themed outfit and was now sitting on the sofa, fuming, and exclaimed, “You’re being way too exaggerated!”

Chu Xiaoyi sneered, “Chu Xiaoxiao, just wait. I’m going to report to Mom today. Let them hear about the good deeds you’ve been up to!”

Chu Xiaoyi had initially wanted to send his sister to take a bath, but she was evading on the sofa, so he had no choice but to firmly wash her face and hands.

During dinner, Chu Xiaoyi did indeed report to his parents at the dining table. He eagerly sought to strengthen his argument, urging them to advise his sister not to go near the garbage bin.

Chu Jiadong, upon hearing about his daughter’s collection of scraps, chuckled and said, “Xiaoxiao is really something. Did you earn a few more dollars today?”

Chu Xiaoyi, who had been anticipating a stern warning from his father, was baffled by his tone.

???

Did I ask you to say these things?

Upon hearing the word “again” from his father, Chu Xiaoyi instantly felt that the situation wasn’t good.

Wasn’t this supposed to be the first time?

As expected, Chu Xiaoxiao leaned against her father and complained, “I haven’t finished settling things with Sister Yang Yin, but my brother insisted on dragging me home. He wouldn’t even let me stay longer!”

Chu Jiadong nonchalantly remarked, “Well, why don’t you ask again after finishing your meal? Dad is waiting for Xiaoxiao to save up money and buy me a villa.”

Chu Xiaoxiao nodded earnestly upon hearing this, “I’ll do my best.”

Chu Xiaoyi’s eyebrows twitched as he listened, and he straightforwardly said, “Dad, I can just give you money to buy a villa right now. Can you please say something reliable?”

My sister can only earn a few cents by picking up scrap, and my dad is actually hoping she’ll buy a villa? How ambitious can he be!?

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Author’s Note:

Yang Yin is not in a relationship with the older brother.

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