"Mother, are you serious?"

Su Suyin smiled before gently pushing Li Caiyi towards the dining table. "It's okay. Jie wouldn't mind if we asked him a favor. It would be best if you took this chance to ask him to come out as well. I bought cakes for the three of you. Call your brother while I'm preparing for tea."

"Eh? No, Mother. Let me make the tea, and you can talk with Brother Jie."

"Why are you so reluctant to talk with your brother? Are you really the same girl who used to follow him everywhere once?"

"Mother, that's an old story. We are growing up."

Su Suyin smiled before letting out a sigh. "Actually, I have been worried about Jie as of late, too."

Li Caiyi's step halted before she turned her head. "What do you mean?"

"He is usually reticent but never this quiet before. Maybe because his birthday is coming soon. That's why he was in a bad mood."

"Ah, that's true..." Li Caiyi hummed in acknowledgment.

Li Junjie was a child who was often praised for his exceptional academic grade, his athletic body, and god-like face. He was always revered as the most desirable boy by girls and the most hateful guy by the boys. The surrounding commotion toned down only after he hung out with Meng Renshu since most people would approach the friendly and polite Meng Renshu first before going for Li Junjie.historical

'I think that is the first reason my brother accepted Brother Renshu's presence in the first place.' Li Caiyi was feeling a bit of pity for Meng Renshu. Her brother used the poor guy as a shield to repel those who was disturbing him.

To summarize the story, it happened on Li Junjie's 5th birthday, when he invited his classmates to a small party at the house. It was Su Suyin's idea, and although her brother didn't show it, she knew he was also preparing for it earnestly, like any other quiet five-year-old boy.

However, thanks to his well-known reputation, nobody came to his birthday party that day except for Meng Renshu. That incident hurt the little boy's pride badly since he refused to have any birthday celebration after that.

Later, they found out that the boys didn't come because they hated him, and all the girls agreed no one should go since it would invite the envy of the girls in other classes and most probably cause a class war.

A day that was supposed to be cheerful and joyous became a traumatic event for the pure and serious boy.

Li Junjie was prone to fall into a bad mood whenever his birthday arrived. He claimed he didn't care about it, but would a person who didn't care always lock himself up in his room every year around his birthday?

"Mother, I'm scared. Brother Jie is particularly scary around this time," Li Caiyi felt a chill run down her spine when she stared at the ominous aura leaking out of his brother's closed room.

"You are exaggerating things. Even if Jie was in a bad mood, he would never lash out at his sister. Now don't make any more excuses, and off you go."

Li Caiyi grimaced when her mother left towards the kitchen, completely ignoring her plea.

She had no choice but to do it.

To be fair, Li Caiyi had never actually seen Li Junjie flare up before since he was too rational for that. However, the sheer pressure of his silence was somehow more frightening than the tiger's roar for her.

Although Li Caiyi honestly thought her brother was much more approachable in this timeline than in her previous life, having to knock on his door like this while fully knowing he was in a bad mood was still mentally challenging!

Li Caiyi took a deep breath as she stood in front of Li Junjie's room.

Come to think of it, Li Caiyi had never voluntarily come to her brother's room before this. It was always under other people's urge or order. That was probably why the sound of the knocks felt unfamiliar to her ears.

"Brother Jie? It's Xiaoyi." Li Caiyi carefully called out to her but only received a short and cold response.

"What is it?"

"Uhm, Mother asked me to call you out and have some tea together. There are cakes as well. Shall we eat together?"

There was a brief silence that felt like forever before Li Junjie said again. "No need. You guys can eat without me."

"O-oh.." Li Caiyi couldn't tell if she was relieved or disappointed by his answer.

After receiving a more preferable treatment from Li Chunhua and her mother, there was a small hope in her heart that Li Junjie would probably be the same, but nope.

If the word 'stability' could be associated with someone, then the first person who came to her mind was her brother. That trait of his could be good or bad, depending on the situation. The current one was definitely one of the bad examples.

"Do you want me to bring your share to the room, big brother? Mother also bought Montblanc for you."

Actually, Li Caiyi didn't know what kind of cakes Su Suyin bought, but since Li Junjie wasn't much of a sweet tooth, there weren't many sweets that suited his preference. She just assumed that her mother must have already bought some of those for her brother.

"Just left it in the fridge. I'll get it by myself later."

"Alright." Li Caiyi grimaced, hearing the finality tone in his voice as if warning her not to say anymore.

Why was it so hard to communicate with her brother? How could Meng Renshu stand being friends with this block of ice for years?

The only answer she could find was that Meng Renshu was more sociable and shameless than her.

"Then we'll save your share in the fridge. Let's talk again later, Brother Jie."

"Wait."

Li Caiyi was about to turn around when she heard her brother calling out to her. "Yes?"

"I think I should let you know about this. I have re-read the work you submitted for the contest several times. You did well because I liked it. I'm proud of you."

Li Caiyi's jaw was hung open, hearing that praise coming from her brother. She didn't expect to hear such a dry and flat compliment from him, but at least it sounded sincere.

A small joy bloomed in her heart, knowing Li Junjie, who was hard to please, actually acknowledged her work.

"Really? Thank you, Brother Jie. I'm so happy to hear that from you!"

"Yes. Keep working hard. You can go now since I'm going to read again."

It was roughly the same cold and aloof tone he used earlier. Still, instead of getting intimidated, Li Caiyi felt ticklish this time. "Hehe, yes. I'm going to work even harder, so please read my next work too! Happy reading, Brother!"

Inside the spacious and simplistic room, the young man looked back at the door after hearing the sound of footsteps and walked away. He was currently sitting behind his study desk with a shabby copy of the manuscript in his hand.

Li Junjie felt strange because her sister sounded so happy at a mere compliment from him. He had always thought that Li Caiyi was afraid of him, and Li Chunhua didn't care about him as much as she cared about him.

However, both girls gradually changed, and the difference was apparent.

He glanced at the copy of the manuscript as he muttered in a low voice. "A rebirth, huh?"