Chapter 26.3

Chu Xiaoyi didn’t want them to scavenge because he believed it lacked value. It was just mundane physical labor that consumed their energy without providing any additional benefits. Could you really become the “Master of Garbage Sorting” by scavenging?

For Chu Xiaoxiao and Yang Yin, their time at this stage of life was precious. They should focus on activities that would truly enhance their personal development.

Listening to Chu Xiaoyi’s sincere tone, Yang Yin found it difficult to refuse. She secretly made up her mind to repay Chu Xiaoyi later. She even wrote out an IOU and insisted that Chu Xiaoyi accept it, finalizing the decision to attend the tutoring classes.

On the way back home, Chu Xiaoxiao was so excited that she felt like jumping up and down. Not only would she be able to go out with Yang Yin on weekends, but they would also have lunch together. Yang Yin was skilled at making small snacks and pastries.

Yang Yin had often gone hungry at home before, but now she could legitimately enjoy a meal with them.

“I want my mom to prepare a lunchbox for me, and Yang Yin can have her own lunchbox!” Chu Xiaoxiao twirled around like a little bird, already planning for the future.

“Then it’ll be just like in kindergarten when Annie and I brought fruits to eat outside.”

Chu Xiaoxiao felt that bringing lunch to class was like the afternoon tea picnics they had in kindergarten, where the kids could each bring their own food and happily share and chat together.

Seeing her overly excited demeanor, Chu Xiaoyi couldn’t help but tease, “You haven’t even started attending classes, and you’re already thinking about food?”

Truly a case of someone questionably enthusiastic about eating.

Seeing his sister’s exuberant state, he couldn’t help but raise his voice, “Chu Xiaoxiao, did you forget to tell me something?”

He still remembered how she had dragged him out earlier, insisting that he talk to Yang Yin about scavenging. Apparently, she had forgotten about that now, her focus entirely on bringing lunch to class.

Chu Xiaoxiao blinked in confusion, “Tell you what?”

Chu Xiaoyi patted his chest, implying, “What do you think of your big brother now?”

He thought he was more forward-thinking than his sister, at least he had a better understanding of what Yang Yin needed in order to find a more suitable solution.

Chu Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and confessed, “You’re really cunning. You’re loan sharking Yang Yin, making her owe you money in the future. You’re engaging in activities that could easily get you caught by the police.”

“???”

Chu Xiaoyi was bewildered by her comment. “Chu Xiaoxiao, how do you see me, exactly?”

He had initially refrained from mentioning anything to protect his little sister’s pride, yet she saw him as a loan shark?

Chu Xiaoxiao pondered for a few seconds and then asked, “Then why didn’t you go to school back then?”

Chu Xiaoxiao actually thought her brother’s plan was quite good, but she also had a deeper confusion. If he knew the importance of attending classes and studying, why did he choose to argue with Dad instead?

Chu Xiaoyi’s smile gradually faded. He showed a puzzled expression, a rare sight for him. After a long silence, he softly said, “Maybe I’m just more timid…”

Chu Xiaoxiao seemed to half-understand, yet he remained utterly confused as to how going to school and courage were related.

It’s not like he’s entering a haunted house?

Facing his parents, Chu Xiaoyi couldn’t openly speak his mind, but he didn’t feel pressured when talking to her. Helplessly, he said, “Because you’ve always been in school, it’s easy for you to adapt, but I’ve been away from campus for too long, so my courage naturally diminished…”

For an average person, choosing to quit their job and take the postgraduate entrance examination requires immense courage, let alone someone with Chu Xiaoyi’s unique career.

If the person finds a better job after the entrance exam, it’s a happy ending. But if the new job was worse than the previous one, one should be prepared for criticism from those around them.

Chu Xiaoyi, of course, knew that education was valuable, but he was unsure of why he should pursue it, what to study, and whether it would meet his expectations. These were all uncertain matters, and he hadn’t yet made up his mind. He was at a crossroads in his life, without the guidance of school mentors, needing to explore his path step by step.

Outsiders easily suggest going to university, but how to plan it all was up to Chu Xiaoyi. He needed to rethink his academic and career trajectory, which was akin to hitting the pause button on life and starting over, while also considering risks and trial-and-error costs.

Chu Xiaoxiao looked at her brother, who seemed lost in thought. She no longer felt that he was an intimidating paper tiger. Instead, he seemed like a wandering stray cat weighed down by his thoughts.

After contemplating for a moment, she decided to comfort him and went over to give him a tight hug.

Because she was still quite short, she could only hug her brother’s leg with all her might.

???

Chu Xiaoyi looked at the hanging ornament on his leg, puzzled.

Chu Xiaoxiao wore a sincere smile, “Thank you for today!”

Seeing her eyes shining, Chu Xiaoyi’s heart softened like marshmallows. He wanted to bend down and give his little sister a proper embrace.

They were back on good terms, ending the recent cold war with a friendly hug of reconciliation.

Chu Xiaoxiao looked at his outstretched hands but remembered the near head-shaving incident. She inexplicably became cautious and swiftly escaped, resolutely saying, “Goodbye!”

???

Chu Xiaoyi’s hands hung in the air as he watched her disappear at astonishing speed.

I can really never keep up with my sister’s train of thought, can I?

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