Just as Lin Zeqiu had anticipated, Lin Zhixia's first words were: "Dad, Mom, Brother, I've missed you all so much. There's something I need to tell you. I'm in a relationship now. My boyfriend is Jiang Yubai—you've all met him before. He has a wonderful personality, and I'm really happy when I'm with him."
She had finally said it.
Lin Zhixia let out a long sigh of relief.
She considered herself a brave person.
She tilted her head slightly and happened to meet Lin Zeqiu's gaze. Startled, she immediately hid behind Jiang Yubai.
Jiang Yubai calmly faced the scrutiny of his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brother-in-law.
This was the first time in his life he was meeting his girlfriend's family elders in the capacity of a "boyfriend."
Jiang Yubai's speech and demeanor were polite and refined. No matter what questions he was asked, he answered them honestly and earnestly. Upright, sincere, steady, and humble, he openly revealed his genuine heart.
Yet Lin Zeqiu remained silent.
Walking slightly ahead at a brisk pace, Lin Zeqiu only stopped and stood still when Lin Zhixia called out, "Brother!"
His reaction was far calmer and more composed than Lin Zhixia had imagined.
He didn't get angry or scold Lin Zhixia. Over the past two years, he had truly matured, with his emotional intelligence significantly improved. But the look in his eyes sent a chill down Lin Zhixia's spine—she seemed to detect his worry and disappointment.
Lin Zhixia didn't dare meet his gaze.
She stole a glance at her dad.
Her dad's body language was somewhat restrained. Walking side by side with Jiang Yubai, he made casual small talk. He said to Jiang Yubai, "You and Xia Xia have known each other for almost ten years. I've met you a few times and know you're a good kid. I'll be straightforward—the gap between our two families is too wide. Xia Xia's mom and I... well, we're both worried that Xia Xia might suffer. You know how it is with Xia Xia—her memory is excellent... The closer someone gets to her, the easier it is to hurt her."
At the airport terminal exit, amidst the bustling crowd and noisy chatter, Jiang Yubai's voice was soft and deep: "I would never hurt her."
He expressed his true feelings: "I only want to protect her."
Jiang Yubai also mentioned that he and Lin Zhixia had grown up together since childhood, sharing a deep bond. He had already informed his family about their relationship, and his parents greatly admired Lin Zhixia. No matter what, he would never let her suffer.
His father-in-law silently watched him.
Jiang Yubai seemed to be reflecting on himself: "What I'm saying might sound like empty promises... Could you give me a trial period?"
Jiang Yubai's attitude was extremely sincere. He proactively shared his contact information.
Watching his father's expression soften considerably—even patting Jiang Yubai on the shoulder as if approving of him—Lin Zeqiu mentally weighed Jiang Yubai's words over and over.
At that moment, Lin Zeqiu suddenly remembered a day last year when he had called Lin Zhixia and sensed a young man beside her—that guy's voice had been exceptionally charming, almost like he was feeding her a love potion, leaving a deep impression on Lin Zeqiu.
As the memory of that voice overlapped with reality, Lin Zeqiu had an epiphany—that guy was Jiang Yubai!
Back then, Lin Zhixia had told him she had just woken up and ran into her roommate in the kitchen.
The more Lin Zeqiu thought about it, the more something felt off.
He noticed many suspicious points.
He suspected Lin Zhixia had lied to him.Lin Zeqiu's fury instantly surged to an all-time high.
Lin Zhixia was the younger sister he had raised single-handedly. Since childhood, she had always been honest and never deliberately deceived her brother.
So, who exactly made her lie?
How long had Lin Zeqiu been kept in the dark by her?
Did she still have him, her own brother who grew up with her, in her heart?
Lin Zeqiu was seething with rage. He clenched his left hand into a fist inside his pocket, his knuckles making a faint cracking sound, and his face looked as unpleasant as if someone owed him eight million yuan.
Lin Zhixia accidentally caught sight of his expression and was greatly startled. Unconsciously, Lin Zeqiu had truly become as puffed up as a pufferfish.
Lin Zhixia felt that even Jiang Yubai couldn't shield her now. Nervously, she clung to her mother's arm and hurriedly tried to smooth things over: "Mom, Mom, Jiang Yubai and I just took a long-haul flight, and we're both a bit tired today. Let's go home first to rest and recuperate. We can have a meal together another day when we have time and have a proper chat."
Dad responded, "Ah, Xia Xia is right. The kids rarely come back, and Xiao Jiang must be very tired too."
Mom also said, "Yes, the airport is crowded. Let's go home first. There are still several days left in the holiday; we can get together when we have time later."
Jiang Yubai knew that Lin Zhixia's parents were not entirely at ease with him. The disparity in their family backgrounds was a huge disadvantage, undermining the sense of security he might otherwise provide. Fortunately, his status had already been acknowledged. Explaining too much would only make him seem glib and opportunistic. He needed to dispel his future in-laws' concerns and worries through long-term, consistent actions, because actions speak louder than words.
Jiang Yubai had it all figured out. He was just about to approach Lin Zhixia when he was unexpectedly blocked by Lin Zeqiu.
Lin Zeqiu got straight to the point: "How long have you been dating Lin Zhixia?"
Before Jiang Yubai could answer, Lin Zhixia quickly interjected, "We spent some time together before we officially got together."
Lin Zeqiu took a deep breath and then asked her, "Where are you living now?"
Lin Zhixia widened her eyes.
What was going on?
Why had her brother suddenly become so sharp and observant?
Lin Zhixia responded with exceptional calm, "Let's talk about it when we get home."
Mom and Dad walked ahead to queue for a taxi. The airport was bustling with travelers, and taxis were particularly scarce. Mom and Dad stood at the back of the line, chatting quietly and not paying attention to their two children.
Taking advantage of their parents' absence, Lin Zeqiu sneered, "Talk about it when we get home? Fine, Lin Zhixia, still trying to protect this guy even now..."
Lin Zhixia's demeanor didn't falter in the slightest: "I'm an adult. I have the right to make my own choices. Mom and Dad haven't criticized me, so why are you being so harsh with me?"
"You still have the nerve to argue," Lin Zeqiu flared up instantly, "I'm just asking you one thing: where exactly are you living?"
Jiang Yubai moved to shield Lin Zhixia behind him.
Both Lin Zeqiu and Jiang Yubai stood at 188 centimeters tall. They could look each other directly in the eye, which annoyed Lin Zeqiu immensely. Especially since Lin Zhixia habitually hid behind Jiang Yubai, which felt like a heavy boulder pressing down on his heart.
He only had Lin Zhixia's best interests at heart, yet he ended up being cast as the villain.
Faced with Lin Zeqiu's anger, Jiang Yubai dropped a bombshell: "Xia Xia lives with me."
Both Lin Zhixia and Lin Zeqiu's heartbeats quickened simultaneously.Lin Zeqiu’s expression remained blank. “What did you say?”
Jiang Yubai repeated himself.
Lin Zeqiu was interning at an internet company specializing in search services and occasionally came across pop-up ads. His mind flashed with phrases like “wealthy young master toying with a poor girl,” and a surge of blood rushed to his head. With his left hand, he grabbed Jiang Yubai by the collar.
Jiang Yubai remained calm and countered, “This isn’t the place for a fight.”
Lin Zeqiu slowly released his grip.
Instead, he punched the stainless steel railing beside him, producing a loud “bang.” Jiang Yubai straightened his collar and said unhurriedly, “What you’re worried about won’t happen. You’re Lin Zhixia’s brother—I understand your concerns…”
Lin Zeqiu cut him off, his tone icy. “Enough. Skip the pleasantries.”
He grabbed Lin Zhixia’s wrist but was careful not to hurt her, holding it gently as he instructed, “Come home with me.”
Lin Zhixia waved at Jiang Yubai. “Video call at six tonight. Don’t be late!”
Lin Zeqiu’s thoughts were in turmoil. He forced out a single word: “You…”
“What about me?” Lin Zhixia retorted confidently.
A wave of frustration welled up in Lin Zeqiu’s chest, and he couldn’t hold back. “You’ve grown up and think you can do whatever you want!”
Lin Zhixia quickly tried to smooth things over. “Don’t be angry. I’ll protect myself. Jiang Yubai and I have known each other for ten years—I know what kind of person he is…”
She added softly, “You’ve always been so good to me, always watching out for me. But I’m also afraid I might interfere with your own life. Your sense of family responsibility is too heavy—sometimes it’s even more exhausting than Mom and Dad’s.”
Lin Zeqiu lifted his head and gazed up at the vast blue sky.
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