Shen Tazhi was quite puzzled but still answered, “Jiang Que is my little brother, I think he’s very cute.”
Shen Qingxue fell silent for a moment and then asked, “Is that all?”
“What else can there be?” Shen Tazhi was confused.
He didn’t see Jiang Que as a little brother; did Shen Qingxue expect him to see Jiang Que as an older brother?
Shen Qingxue persisted, “You see him as a little brother now. But when he grows up, starts dating, and prepares to start his own family and career, what will you do then?”
Shen Tazhi was taken aback.
Until now, the most unsettling thing he had faced was Jiang Que starting to distance himself due to school. In his mind, Jiang Que was still the little brother who needed his protection. Shen Tazhi had never thought about Jiang Que “starting his own family and career” which seemed so far away.
If Jiang Que were to start a family and career…
Shen Tazhi couldn’t quite describe his emotions. He sighed softly and said, “That’s just how things are. He will grow up eventually. No matter what, he is still my little brother. Mom, don’t worry, I won’t drift apart from Jiang Que because of these things.”
He thought Shen Qingxue was worried that he and Jiang Que might grow apart due to age and distance.
“You…” Shen Qingxue was at a loss for words.
It seemed like they had grown up together indeed. They both had similar responses to such questions.
Zhao Ruxin poured a cup of tea for Shen Qingxue and said, “Don’t rush it. They’re both still young. Being impatient won’t help.”
Shen Tazhi didn’t understand and inexplicably looked at his father, who seemed particularly strange tonight.
The next moment, Zhao Ruxin’s words caught his attention, “Are you planning to continue your studies?”
“Yes.” Shen Tazhi refocused and said, “The family isn’t in a hurry for me to come back now. I plan to finish my master’s degree before returning to take over the company in China.”
It was an expected response; Shen Tazhi had always excelled academically, and everything was going smoothly at home. He had no reason to stop pursuing further education. However, Shen Qingxue couldn’t help but ask, “After being away for so long, aren’t you worried that Jiang Que might miss you?”
Shen Tazhi blinked and slowly replied, “He… seems like he hasn’t thought about me?”
He had always been the one to maintain contact with Jiang Que. The ungrateful Jiang Que seemed to be enjoying himself at school, not even remembering he had a wandering brother out there.
Shen Qingxue couldn’t help but laugh: “Where hasn’t he missed you? When you’re not around, he takes the initiative to clean your room. As soon as it’s close to winter or summer break, he’s always asking me when you’ll be back.”
Shen Tazhi was somewhat surprised by this: “Is that so? He’s never mentioned any of this to me.”
“Because Xiao Que has grown up now, he cares about his image, how could he possibly say these things to you face to face.” Shen Qingxue chuckled.
“Grown up, huh.” Shen Tazhi once again felt this way.
He couldn’t quite describe his emotions. Knowing that Jiang Que still cared about him definitely made him happy, but a faint sense of loss lingered.
They used to have a relationship where they could talk about anything. Jiang Que would tell him those childish and absurd stories he made up, whisper secrets to him, and they would have late-night conversations in his bedroom countless times.
But now they had to start hiding things from each other… Is this what growing up is like?
Just as Shen Tazhi was starting to think, “If only I had stayed in the country to accompany Jiang Que as he grew up,” Zhao Ruxin spoke up:
“If you want to continue studying, go ahead. After all, you’ve been studying for four years already, what’s another three years? Our family can afford to support your education.”
Shen Tazhi looked up in surprise, only to see his father seemingly understanding his thoughts, calmly saying, “People have to grow up. Even if you’ve always been with him, it doesn’t mean you’ll always be inseparable.”
“You’re still young, and the future is long. Things you can’t understand now can be figured out later.”
What couldn’t he understand?
Shen Tazhi didn’t get it.
Zhao Ruxin stood up, patting his shoulder, “Xiao Que has a parent-teacher meeting after finishing his final exams in a few days. Do you want to go and help him?”
“Okay.” Shen Tazhi subconsciously agreed.
The conversation then turned to some casual topics. Zhao Ruxin and Shen Qingxue asked about his future study plans, whether he had enough money outside, and if he had encountered any problems.
The three of them, who hadn’t seen each other for a long time, chatted until late at night, dispersing only after finishing the tea.
Shen Tazhi returned to his bedroom, and Shen Qingxue, watching her son’s back, turned to glare at Zhao Ruxin, lowering her voice, “Why didn’t you let me finish?”
Zhao Ruxin smiled good-naturedly, “They are still young. Even if you tell Tazhi about fate and such matters, it may not make a difference. Those who are meant to be together will be together. We don’t need to interfere too much, just don’t cause trouble for them.”
“I know,” Shen Qingxue sighed, “But today’s incident… I’m really scared.”
“I worry about what would happen to these two kids if something really happened to us. I can’t help but feel uneasy if I don’t see them getting along well.”
“Aren’t we still safe from any accidents?” Zhao Ruxin remarked.
He embraced Shen Qingxue’s shoulders, smiling, “Well, let’s not dwell on it too much. Aren’t they getting along fine now?”
The two of them also returned to their own bedroom, closing the door.
In Shen Tazhi’s bedroom…
Jiang Que was completely unaware that Shen Tazhi had gone out. He was sleeping soundly in the middle of the bed, wrapped in a blanket, with all eighteen tentacles spread out in a carefree manner, displaying a domineering sleeping posture that occupied the entire bed.
Shen Tazhi chuckled helplessly, carefully tidied up Jiang Que’s tentacles, fetched another blanket for himself, and then went to freshen up before going to bed.
In the bathroom, Shen Tazhi looked at himself in the mirror, lost in thought.
“Establishing a career and starting a family,” he sighed softly.
The innocent, carefree times spent together were truly slipping away unconsciously. He and Jiang Que would gradually drift apart in the end.
Such a future… was hard to accept.
If only he could stay in childhood forever, Shen Tazhi couldn’t help but think.
…
The next few days were very peaceful.
Shen Tazhi, who had returned home after graduation, picked up and dropped off Jiang Que at school every day. Jiang Que started coming home for lunch again, and on weekends, he would drag Shen Tazhi out to have fun.
Additionally…
Since Jiang Que started high school and Shen Qingxue agreed to help take care of him, He Yun rarely returned home, and Qi Qiu and Qi Qing were nowhere to be found.
Shen Tazhi asked Jiang Que, and Jiang Que frowned and replied, “I don’t know either. Auntie is busy with the Anomaly Investigation Department, and Qi Qiu and Qi Qing seem to have disappeared. I can’t find them anywhere.”
Shen Tazhi was aware of the Anomaly Investigation Department, but only to a limited extent, as he had once accompanied Jiang Que there when his tentacles suddenly turned transparent one day, and he underwent a comprehensive physical examination.
The results of the examination naturally showed no problems, but Shen Tazhi finally learned what the “Anomaly Investigation Department” that Jiang Que often mentioned was all about.
Their interaction with the Anomaly Investigation Department was limited to this. For the most part, Jiang Que, who had been raised as an ordinary human child, continued to live the life that an ordinary person should lead.
On this day, after the final exams ended, the customary parent-teacher meeting was held. Shen Tazhi held Jiang Que’s hand and accompanied him to high school.
The parents of high school students were mostly in their forties, so the twenty-year-old, tall, and handsome Shen Tazhi stood out conspicuously as he walked through the school with Jiang Que.
“Jiang Que!” a girl’s voice came from afar.
A girl ran over.
Jiang Que was already three years younger than his classmates and still hadn’t started growing taller, so he was significantly shorter than this girl by more than a head.
The girl handed Jiang Que a stack of notes and said, “You’re on duty today. The homeroom teacher said the duty students should put the grade slips on everyone’s desks. Remember to distribute them in advance.”
Jiang Que took the notes, but before he could retract his hand, he heard a small gasp from the person in front of him.
“Who’s this?”
Jiang Que looked up and saw the girl staring at Shen Tazhi beside him, her face blushing slightly.
Jiang Que: 😮
He was so happy that his gege could accompany him to the parent-teacher meeting that he completely forgot about the charm his gege had on high school girls.
Since entering high school, he had not received any love letters from classmates, mainly because he was too young. Most girls treated him like a cute little brother, looking at him with a kind maternal gaze. This appearance made him completely forget the possibility that Shen Tazhi could attract attention from others.
Jiang Que immediately hugged Shen Tazhi’s arm and said, “This is my gege!”
My gege! Don’t look!!
If Jiang Que were taller, he would definitely be standing in front of Shen Tazhi right now, but he could only hold onto Shen Tazhi’s arm in helpless rage.
Shen Tazhi couldn’t help but smile. He patted Jiang Que’s head, greeted the girl, and then continued to lead Jiang Que into the classroom.
Jiang Que, with excellent hearing, heard the girl behind him whispering and grabbing her companion.
“Jiang Que’s brother is so handsome!! Jiang Que’s expression is so cute, rarely do we see the fierce little Jiang Que, hehe…”
Jiang Que: …
You’re the cute one, your whole family is cute!!
He was angry! He was fierce!!
So annoying, he wants to growing up!!
Jiang Que distributed the grade slips in the classroom and then sat next to Shen Tazhi, waiting for the parent-teacher meeting to begin. The first half of the parent-teacher meeting only allowed students to listen together in the classroom, mainly for recognizing academic achievements.
Top ten overall, top ten in each subject, top three in progress, top three in stability… In short, out of the thirty students in the class, at least twenty-five of them would be called up to receive awards.
Especially for someone like Jiang Que, who often achieved full marks, he was basically busy going up to the stage, receiving certificates, bowing, and then coming down from the stage.
Shen Tazhi, watching Jiang Que, barely taller than the podium, receiving his certificate, couldn’t help but smile. He took out his phone and took many photos to post in the family group chat “Loving and Caring Family.”
Zhao Ruxin replied with a question mark.
【Zhao Ruxin: Why take so many similar photos?】
【Shen Tazhi: They’re not the same, the certificates are different, look closely.】
【Shen Qingxue: Haha… Do you want to frame them? Then put them in your trophy cabinet.】
【Shen Tazhi: Well, that’s not a bad idea.】
He truly felt proud. His brother was so handsome and talented; it wouldn’t be excessive to frame the certificates and display them at home.
Just then, Jiang Que came down from the stage with his certificate and looked at Shen Tazhi expectantly, “Gege, am I really amazing?”
“Well, Que Que, you’ve always been amazing.”
Shen Tazhi replied warmly.
Receiving praise made Jiang Que even happier. While the teacher was speaking on the stage, he pulled Shen Tazhi aside and whispered, “I’ve always been the first in the class. Aunt Qingxue used to attend parent-teacher meetings for me, you’ve never seen it.”
It sounded like he was showing off yet also playfully complaining.
Shen Tazhi’s heart felt as though it had been lightly tapped by a kitten’s paw, and he couldn’t help but soften. He patted Jiang Que’s head, who was sitting beside him, and said, “I’m sorry, I’ll make sure to attend your parent-teacher meetings more often in the future.”
“It’s not about the parent-teacher meeting,” Jiang Que shook his head, feigning seriousness, “It’s about coming home frequently. Gege, don’t get too caught up outside and forget about me.”
Shen Tazhi laughed. Ironically, he should be the one worried about being forgotten, but this heartless little brother turned the tables. However, he didn’t argue with Jiang Que, simply agreeing gently, “Okay.”
The latter part of the parent-teacher meeting didn’t involve students, so Jiang Que went back to the dorm to wait for Shen Tazhi.
The teacher, who had been smiling moments ago, now looked serious, emphasizing the importance of laying a foundation during the crucial period of the first year of high school. Shen Tazhi, lost in thought, considered suggesting that Jiang Que attend the international department from the start, so he wouldn’t have to work so hard. However, he realized that Jiang Que might have trouble passing security checks and traveling abroad would be complicated. In China, with parents looking after him, it was manageable, but as a young person going abroad without any relatives, unable to even cook, how could he manage a good life?
Then, Shen Tazhi began to wonder why Jiang Que was so insistent on going to school.
Even if Jiang Que didn’t have to work so hard, even if he didn’t know anything, Shen Tazhi wouldn’t mind supporting him for a lifetime.
If the teacher standing on the podium at that moment knew what the handsome man in the audience was thinking, the teacher’s filter for Shen Tazhi would probably shatter, accompanied by a remark about “indulgent parents”.
Amidst his numerous thoughts, Shen Tazhi suddenly heard the teacher call Jiang Que’s name from the podium.
He snapped back to reality and listened:
“…At this age, parents need to learn to let go. Jiang Que’s parents are a great example. Even though he’s the youngest in the class, his parents have never come to the dorm to make his bed or do his laundry. In contrast, some students older than Jiang Que by three years still take their clothes and shoes home to have their parents wash them.”
“Allowing children to grow, learning to let go, doesn’t affect their academic performance. On the contrary, this is also a form of exercise for the child. Jiang Que has never let daily chores interfere with his studies…”
Shen Tazhi was surprised and asked in the family group chat:
【Shen Tazhi: Have any of you ever gone to school to tidy up Jiang Que’s dorm?】
【Shen Qingxue: No, I wanted to go, but Xiao Que wouldn’t let me. I was planning to tidy up during the open day. How can such a young child manage without parents? But he sent me a photo of his dorm room, showing that he had taken care of everything on his own.】
【Zhao Ruxin: Xiao Que is very independent, not as delicate as you imagine. He just likes to be spoiled by you. By the way, do you know that Xiao Que can cook?】
【Shen Tazhi: ?】
【Shen Qingxue: Oh, I forgot to tell you. On Mother’s Day this year, Xiao Que cooked eggs and fried rice for me! Are you envious? [Photo].jpg】
Shen Tazhi looked at the somewhat amateurish egg fried rice that Shen Qingxue sent and sincerely typed:
【Shen Tazhi: Envious.】
He truly had no idea how much Jiang Que had grown during the time he wasn’t around. The clingy little baby who used to rely on him for everything had already started to change.
His envy was genuine. He had never faced Jiang Que’s growth so directly before.
He had never even eaten a meal cooked by Jiang Que.
Shen Tazhi stared at his phone screen with a touch of melancholy.
By now, the teacher had finished speaking and started playing video clips of the children in school for the parents. Shen Tazhi looked up to watch.
It was evident that the homeroom teacher had great affection for Jiang Que. The video began with the tiny Jiang Que standing on a stool, diligently erasing the writing on the blackboard.
Unable to contain his smile, Shen Tazhi raised his phone to record a video, planning to share it in the family group chat later. Many parents also raised their phones to capture the moment.
In just one semester of high school, a lot could happen. Shen Tazhi saw Jiang Que, who was too small to participate, standing on the side maintaining the scoreboards during the school sports day, classmates celebrating birthdays, Jiang Que eating cake earnestly, unaware of the cream fight starting behind him, Jiang Que sneaking naps during class… and many more moments.
Jiang Que was living a happy life and growing up well.
The final video ended with a class outing in the first year, the silhouette of the class walking away in the sunset, accompanied by slowly emerging text:
“I gradually, ever so gradually, come to understand that the so-called bond between parent and child only means that your fate with him is to watch his receding figure gradually disappear in this lifetime.”
Shen Tazhi was stunned.
He watched Jiang Que’s small figure among the crowd and, for the first time, understood the sense of powerlessness he had felt for so long.
Though he wasn’t Jiang Que’s parent, as an elder brother, his love for Jiang Que was no less than that of his parents.
The feeling of powerlessness was simply the realization that Jiang Que was growing up, his young wings gradually maturing, yearning to try flying, and perhaps never returning.
He couldn’t easily grasp Jiang Que as he did when he was a child. Jiang Que was becoming an independent person, someone not influenced by him.
For four years, he had been desperately trying to salvage things, attempting to revert to the past patterns, but he had forgotten that some changes were irreversible.
Instead of constantly trying to reclaim the past, it’s better to accept this change, do what is expected of the “elder brother” role, and then seek out a new way of interacting.
Shen Tazhi put down his phone and took a while to remember to share the video in the group chat for his parents to see.
He asked:
【Shen Tazhi: Father, is this what you mean?】
【Shen Qingxue: What are you talking about?】
【Zhao Ruxin: That’s about right, Zhizhi, dwelling in the past is not right. Xiao Que knows to study hard and move forward. You shouldn’t be stuck in the past like this.】
The rest was a long string of gibberish, indicating Zhao Ruxin being dragged away by the situation-misreading Shen Qingxue for interrogation.
Shen Tazhi looked at his phone and chuckled, then shifted his gaze to the dispersing parents, gradually calming down. Yes, he had to learn to accept it and give Jiang Que more of his own space.
Meanwhile, in the dorm room…
Jiang Que was unusually restless, waiting for the parent-teacher meeting to end. He should have been well-behaved since starting high school, except for a few early incidents where he dealt with a few troublemakers, skipped lunch, and didn’t engage much with his classmates. Shouldn’t there be nothing else to worry about?
Jiang Que went over his entire high school life in his mind, reassuring himself that there shouldn’t be any reason for the teachers to complain about him.
But even so, the uneasiness lingered.
This was the first time Shen Tazhi was attending his parent-teacher meeting, and Jiang Que was determined not to disappoint his brother.
Just as Jiang Que was moving from the chair to the bed, and then back to the chair, preparing to return to the bed, the dorm room door was finally knocked on.
“Gege!”
Jiang Que opened the door and rushed forward.
The person on the other side caught him in a fluster, “I’m here, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jiang Que shook his head, pulling Shen Tazhi inside to cool off with the air conditioning.
“Did the teacher say anything bad about me?”
“No,” Shen Tazhi smiled, “The teacher has been praising you, saying you tidy up your room by yourself, your studies are good, and you’re always well-behaved. The teacher really likes you.”
He glanced around Jiang Que’s room, which was indeed neat and clean. It was hard to imagine that a thirteen-year-old child had tidied it up on his own.
Thinking about Jiang Que’s unnoticed obsession with cleanliness, Shen Tazhi understood it better now. Jiang Que just had that personality of liking things neat and tidy.
“That’s good,” Jiang Que muttered, giving up his seat to Shen Tazhi. “Gege, you cool off with the air conditioning. We’ll head home in a bit.”
At school, students could choose between being day students or boarders. Most high school students opted to board to save time, but Jiang Que was a day student, going home for dinner every night.
“Okay,” Shen Tazhi agreed.
He looked at Jiang Que, thought for a moment, and then spoke up, “Que Que, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”
“Hmm?” Jiang Que, who was pouring water for Shen Tazhi, turned around at his words. “What’s up?”
Shen Tazhi looked at him and said softly, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were growing up. I’ve been calling you frequently. Did it disturb your life?”
He remembered that Jiang Que always hurriedly ended the calls with various excuses.
Though he hadn’t thought much of it at the time, upon reflection, Shen Tazhi began to think that maybe he had been bothering Jiang Que, who couldn’t refuse his calls, leading to this outcome.
Jiang Que: ?
He hurriedly replied, “No, it’s not a bother.”
He just didn’t want to take up too much of Shen Tazhi’s time, to make him realize that he wasn’t the clingy, spoiled child anymore.
But Shen Tazhi continued, “It’s okay, you can talk to me about anything. I’ll try not to disturb you as much in the future.”
Shen Tazhi’s smile seemed a bit forced. “Que Que, you’re growing up, and I shouldn’t be like this all the time.”
Jiang Que: ??
He did want to prove that he had grown up, but he didn’t expect this kind of reaction to his proof.
“Not calling me is considered… me growing up?” Jiang Que asked in confusion.
Shen Tazhi nodded.
Jiang Que: QAQ
Growing up seemed too painful; he didn’t really want to grow up after all.
