Chapter 7: The Appearance of Gu Yunchen (2)

When they arrived at the hotel, Meng Yier had already fallen asleep in the car. Seeing how deeply she slept, Gu Yunchen didn’t wake her. He got out of the car, bent down, and gently lifted her into his arms.

Despite his careful movements, Meng Yier was startled awake. She struggled to get down and teased, “Brother, put me down. If others see you like this, how many hearts will you break?”

Carrying her through the hotel lobby, Gu Yunchen’s noble bearing and handsome looks drew the attention of many women. Their eyes fixated on him, and when they noticed Meng Yier in his arms, envy and resentment filled their gazes.

Gu Yunchen ignored her protest. “Silly girl, your leg is hurt and you didn’t even bother to do anything about it. You’re my sister—I can carry you however I want. No one else has a say.”

Meng Yier glared at him but finally broke into a smile. “I’m only foolish because of you. If you and Uncle and Aunt had let me do more things on my own, I wouldn’t give you so much reason to tease me.”

Gu Yunchen fell silent and didn’t speak again until they reached the room, where he finally set her down and carefully tended to her wound.

“When will you ever learn to look after yourself?” he suddenly asked.

“It hurts—” Meng Yier complained, feigning grievance as she looked at him.

Gu Yunchen sighed softly. “You really are a handful—”

Though his tone was reproachful, his hands became even gentler as he worked.

—

Meng Yier—his sister, that lovable and beautiful little girl—had always worn an innocent and kind expression. She was growing up now, already an adult.

Ten years ago, their parents had suddenly brought her before him, beaming as they said, “Yunchen, from now on, Yier is your sister.”

Gu Yunchen was fourteen at the time, and he knew his parents had always wanted a daughter.

It was plain to see that his parents adored Yier. They poured much of their energy into her, lavished the affection and care they once gave him onto her, and gave her the best of everything.

Back then, Gu Yunchen hated her. He disliked how her cuteness charmed everyone, stealing his parents’ attention. He hated those wide, innocent eyes she turned on him, for her look always softened his heart. He also disliked how she followed him everywhere, calling “Brother—Brother—” in that childish voice that always left him both irritated and unsettled.

He thought she was trouble, nothing but trouble, and wished that Uncle Meng would come take her away. But that day never came.

Gradually, he realized this little sister wasn’t so bad after all. She would defend him when their parents scolded him, would try to cheer him up with sweets when he was in a bad mood, and on stormy nights when he was afraid, she would keep him company in his room all day.

As Meng Yier grew older, she became more and more striking. Her delicate, heart-shaped face and large, expressive eyes—dark and luminous, always sparkling, as if they could see straight through to the core of a person—made her stand out.

Gu Yunchen was afraid to meet her gaze. His feelings for her grew ever more complicated, confusing him. He knew he ought to dislike her, yet found himself increasingly unable to resist wanting to be near her, wanting her to cling to him, wanting her always within his sight.

Watching Gu Yunchen silently apply the medicine with a dark expression, Meng Yier finally broke the silence. “Brother, why did you suddenly come back to the country?”

Gu Yunchen paused, looked up at her thoughtfully, and replied, “I came back for work. It’s already been taken care of. Mom and Dad are worried about you. Tomorrow morning, you’re coming back to America with me.”

Meng Yier was reluctant to leave so soon. “But I—”

But what was left for her in Haishi now? She would never get her parents back, and her so-called persistence was all in vain.

Haishi had become a land of sorrow for her.

“Brother, I’ll go with you,” Meng Yier finally decided, letting go of her inner struggle.

The loneliness in her eyes did not escape Gu Yunchen, and he understood her feelings. All he wanted was to get her out of this city, to keep her close, so he could be at ease.

He sat beside her, gently smoothing her hair. “Get some rest. I’ll wait for you downstairs in the morning.”

Meng Yier nodded, and Gu Yunchen left quietly.

The next morning, she boarded a plane with Gu Yunchen, leaving Haishi behind.