Some days ago after Song Shuling drank too much that night, Zhong Ruanxing took care of her and let her sleep. After that, she called Song JinXing and told him that his sister had found out about their secret switch of identities.
Song JinXing had thought that after finding out the brother who had cared for her so much before was not her real brother, Song Shuling would distance herself from him. But unexpectedly, she did not distance herself and instead actively got closer to him.
Fundamentally, Song JinXing was just a passive personality. His mental illness meant he could not express emotions to the outside world. The layer of aloof coldness on the exterior made too many people stop after just looking, but as soon as the other party was unafraid of the frost and actively got close, just like little Zhong You in the past, it was not difficult at all to enter his world.
However, most people in this world lacked the spirit to become braver after setbacks. They were often scared away by just a glance from him.
Little kids who were social rogues like Zhong You were after all still a minority.
Now, Song Shuling seemed to be subtly showing signs of becoming the next social rogue.
By the time Song JinXing had finished changing and washing his hands and came out, there were already three dishes and one soup on the dining table, and they looked quite appetizing.
Song JinXing was a little surprised. "You can cook?"
Song Shuling stood nervously by the table: "This is my first time cooking. I made it according to the recipes." She quickly added: "But I've tasted everything already, the flavors are normal!"
Song JinXing: "......" He pulled out the chair and sat down: "Let's eat."
Song Shuling sat opposite him, watching as he picked up the first bite with his chopsticks and put it in his mouth. Her eyes were wide open as she eagerly asked: "Big brother, is it delicious?"
Song JinXing nodded: "Delicious."
She breathed a sigh of relief, and a big smile appeared on her face. She picked up her bowl and shoveled down two mouthfuls: "As long as it's delicious, I'll come cook for you when I'm free!"
Song JinXing's chopsticks paused while picking up food, and he looked over calmly: "You're my sister, not a nanny I hired. Occasionally cooking is fine."
You're my sister.
Sure enough, as long as she took the initiative a little, her brother would respond.
Song Shuling's nose soured. She quickly lowered her head to eat, mumbling: "I know."
After the meal, Song JinXing stood up and was about to tidy up the bowls and chopsticks to take to the kitchen to wash, but Song Shuling pushed him away in a flash: "I'll do it, I'll do it, I'll do it! Brother, you go work!"
Song JinXing's eyes revealed a trace of helplessness: "There's no more work today. I'll wash up." Seeing that she still wanted to argue, he cut her off: "You go take some fruit out of the fridge, wash them clean, and put them in a fruit bowl. We can eat them later."
Song Shuling: "Oh, okay!"
So Song JinXing rolled up his sleeves and went into the kitchen. Soon, the sound of running water came from inside.
Song Shuling held the fruit and stood sneakily at the door, secretly watching him. She realized this version of her brother seemed so real, completely lacking that usual lofty and cold aura. Every action he took was calm and unhurried, giving people a sense of reassurance just watching him.
In that moment, a memory she had long forgotten suddenly came back to life. A distant scene flashed through her mind.
It was dad's back as he washed fruit in the kitchen. The sunset glow streamed in through the window, framing his silhouette in a halo of golden light. Mom held her as she stood in the doorway, gently saying: "You have to soak the blueberries in salt water."
Dad had turned his head back, his face blurred by the interplay of light and shadow, no longer clearly visible, but his smiling voice was clear: "I know, you just don't trust me to do anything?"
How much could be retained of memories from before age three?
But in that moment, Song Shuling suddenly realized that mom and dad had not disappeared from her world. Even if she had forgotten all her memories as she grew up, in a similar instant like this, those real experiences would still remind her of their existence.
Her brother's back was just like her dad's. No matter if it was dad or brother, they had truly loved her.
Yet she had ignored her brother for so many years, and even worked with others to ostracize him.
When Song JinXing came out after washing the dishes, he saw Song Shuling sitting dejectedly on the sofa with red-rimmed eyes. The coffee table in front held a basket of washed fruit. Seeing him, sadness still filled her eyes but she beamed at him: "Brother, have some fruit."
Song JinXing was silent for a moment before walking over to sit beside her: "What's wrong?"
Song Shuling looked up at him, trying hard to hold back her tears, but her voice was still choked up: "Brother, I'm sorry."
Song JinXing's face held a puzzled expression.
She could no longer hold back and broke down bawling: "Brother, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have hung up on you. I'm sorry! I shouldn't have forgotten you. I'm sorry! I never once visited you overseas. I'm sorry! I even ganged up with others to ostracize you. I'm really so awful, wuwuwu——"
Song JinXing's fingers trembled lightly.
After a long while, he slowly raised his hand, mimicking Zhong Ruanxing's usual actions, and stroked her head comfortingly.
Song Shuling looked up at him tearfully. She heard his low, deep voice: "It's okay. I never blamed you."
She choked out: "Brother, why don't you blame me?"
She thought back to her past behavior, she almost hated herself for it. How could her brother not blame her?
Song JinXing looked down at her, his tone very calm and tranquil: "Because you are my sister."
You are my sister. You are the only family my parents left me. The day you were born, I thanked heaven for bestowing me with such a gift. Even if I don't know how to love you, I would never blame you.
He wouldn't say such words, but his eyes told her.
Song Shuling cried even harder. All the emotions of self-reproach, guilt, relief, joy were released in this bout of tears, eventually leaving behind a clarity like the clouds breaking for moonlight.
...
When she left the estate, the sky was already very dark. Song JinXing had called a driver to send her off, watching until she got in the car before turning to go back inside.
As soon as Song Shuling got in the car, she impatiently made a call to Zhong Ruanxing.
On the other end, there was some noise. Filming night scenes tonight, Zhong Ruanxing hadn't gotten off work yet. She covered the receiver and walked to a quieter spot: "Shuling, what's up?"
Song Shuling was elated and grateful: "Sis, I cleared things up with my brother. He said he never blamed me."
Zhong Ruanxing laughed: "That's good. You two siblings have resolved your misunderstandings now. You can get along well from now on."
Song Shuling said emotionally: "Sis, if not for you, I might have never reconciled with my brother my whole life. When do you finish filming? I'll go pick you up at the airport!"
Zhong Ruanxing calculated the time: "Should be another half month. I should be able to wrap up work before New Year's."
Song Shuling happily said: "Then let me know in advance when you're coming back. I'll go get you."
Zhong Ruanxing laughed: "Sounds good. Pay attention to safety at work too. Call me if anything comes up." She paused, switching to a casual tone: "And keep an eye on your brother eating meals on time. I really suffered from his stomach issues when I was in his body. It was hard to get it back to normal, don't let him mess it up again."
Song Shuling immediately became serious: "I know! I'll supervise his meals every day!"
After chatting a few more sentences, Zhong Ruanxing was called to film by the director, so the two hung up.
When she had finished a scene and sat down to rest, her phone rang again. The caller ID showed Song JinXing.
Zhong Ruanxing stared at the screen for a couple seconds, rather amused.
So you two siblings are using me as the emotional go-between?
