Chapter Six: Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother

“All right, I get it.” Qi Bin was quite curious about why Qi Yue suddenly seemed so concerned about Lu Wenchuan. He frowned slightly, then glanced over at her. “Hey, do you really not have any feelings for Lu Wenchuan at all?”

“None whatsoever.” Qi Yue shot him a glare, replying with clear annoyance. “Have you even seen what’s trending on Weibo right now?”

“There’s a whole pack of people barking like mad under your sister’s video posts.” Qi Yue crossed her arms and leaned back against the sofa. “It’s not just the videos now—Weibo itself is under siege.”

Qi Bin had already heard about the situation from her. “Weren’t you the one who approached her first?”

“I…” Qi Yue was caught off guard. Sang Yijia’s “accomplishments” in the entertainment circle were truly many and infamous. Qi Yue’s curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she’d gone over—who could have guessed it would land her in so much trouble.

“Let this be a lesson.” Qi Bin gathered up two empty plates from the table and carried them to the kitchen. “I’ll see if you’re still so nosy next time.”

As his words faded, the sound of running water came from the kitchen. Qi Yue snorted. “It’s just a streak of bad luck. Next time it’ll be different.”

Qi Bin didn’t respond. He quickly washed the plates, dried them, and set them aside. Then, after wiping his hands with a napkin, he said, “I’m heading out in a bit.”

“Do whatever you want at home, it’s none of my business.” He picked up his car keys from the bar counter. “If you want to go back to school, do it early.”

“Don’t stay out too late.”

“Got it,” Qi Yue replied indifferently.

“Only twenty-four and you nag like an old man. No wonder nobody wants you.” She made a funny face at his retreating back, hugged a cushion, found a comfortable position on the sofa, and started scrolling on her phone.

Qi Bin truly couldn’t stand her antics, but he knew nothing he said would make a difference. After changing his shoes, he left.

Meanwhile, Qi Yue once again opened Weibo, searched for Sang Yijia, and stared directly at the pinned apology statement.

“Trying to clean up her image?” she muttered.

—

Sang family villa.

After dinner, Mr. Sang was sent off by Mrs. Sang to clear the table. Sang Qibo had wanted to stay and chat with Sang Yijia, but a single glance from his mother sent him obediently to the kitchen to help with the dishes.

Sang Qiwen went to prepare some fruit. He’d intended to wash the fruit Sang Yijia had brought home, but found nothing in the fridge.

“Big brother, has our little sister really given up on that Shen guy?” Sang Qiwu set down the dishes but didn’t rush out; after peeking into the hall, he asked in a low voice.

“Is it just for show?” Sang Qibo, like Sang Zheng, didn’t buy Sang Yijia’s words. “Just a stalling tactic?”

“I don’t think so.” Since he couldn’t find the fruit Sang Yijia had bought, Sang Qiwen simply took out some grapes. Before he could wash them, Sang Qiwu grabbed one and popped it into his mouth.

Sang Qiwen shot him a look, then continued, “Judging by her attitude, I think she’s serious this time.”

“But even you just said it’s only ‘think,’” Sang Qibo pointed out, squeezing beside Sang Qiwu at the sink. With practiced movements, he squirted dish soap onto a sponge and began washing the dishes unhurriedly.

“Didn’t she join that variety show just to date Shen Jin?” Sang Qibo stated flatly.

Sang Qiwen cleared his throat. “Let’s wait and see.”

“I still want to trust what she says.”

Sang Qibo fell silent.

Sang Qiwu glanced outside again. “I really don’t see what’s so great about that scrawny Shen Jin. I could knock out two of him with one punch.”

“Our little sister’s taste isn’t the best,” Sang Qiwen remarked.

Sang Qibo and Sang Zheng: “…”

—

In the main hall.

Sang Zheng glanced at Sang Yijia. “Sit down.”

“Okay.” After dinner, Sang Yijia was struck by the warmth of the Sang family. She’d gotten to know each member a little better, but she still worried about being found out as an imposter.

“You’ve graduated now,” Sang Zheng began, reminding Sang Yijia that the original self was only twenty, just out of university. She’d entered the entertainment industry last August, and this year had already become a pariah on the internet.

In less than a year, the original must have done plenty to earn such public contempt.

“Your mother and I have talked it over. If you want to stay in the entertainment industry, we have no objections,” Sang Zheng said, sighing. “But we’d still rather you come home and manage the family properties.”

“Dad, I have plans for the future. You don’t need to worry.” Before arriving here, Sang Yijia had worked as a screenwriter—a job not far removed from the entertainment world.

She pressed her lips together, then looked up to see all three brothers coming in. At some point, her mother had settled behind her, resting a comforting hand on hers—a silent show of support.

“Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, there’s something I want to tell you.” Sang Yijia hadn’t initially planned to say anything, but the original’s family cared so much for her that she felt she owed them honesty.

Sang Qiwen sat opposite her on the couch, Sang Qiwu leaned against the sofa’s backrest, and Sang Qibo found a single chair for himself.

The whole family fixed their eyes on Sang Yijia.

Their gazes were intense.

“After I finish recording the variety show and my contract is up, I want to leave the entertainment industry.” The show business was simply too messy; Sang Yijia wanted no part of its endless drama.

Now, after she finished speaking, she anxiously watched their reactions. Seeing them all momentarily stunned, she frowned, lips slightly parted, about to ask a question.

Sang Qiwen spoke first. “If you want to terminate the contract now, that’s fine too.”

“We can easily afford the penalty,” he added.

“Exactly,” Sang Qiwu chimed in. “It’s not like our family is short on cash.”

“I have lawyer friends. Do you need one?” Sang Qibo offered.

Sang Yijia was utterly taken aback. “Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, I…”

“All right, that’s enough from the three of you.” Sang Zheng raised a hand, cutting off whatever Sang Yijia was about to say. “Our family values keeping our word. Since you’ve signed the contract, finish it properly.”

“But, Jia Jia,” he paused, his brows furrowing slightly, “are you sure you’ve cut all ties with Shen Jin?”

Just as Mrs. Sang was about to scold them, Sang Yijia replied without the slightest hesitation, “I’m sure.”

“Dad, I’ve really let it go. I won’t do anything reckless or embarrassing again.”

The three brothers exchanged glances; only Sang Qibo remained skeptical.

Sang Zheng was half convinced, half doubtful. Mrs. Sang shot a glare at the four men. “What’s the use of all this talk?”

“How many times has Jia Jia said she’s back now?” With a snort, she turned and comforted Sang Yijia. “Don’t dwell on it, Jia Jia.”

“In the future, we’ll have your brothers set you up with some successful men. There’ll be someone who catches your eye.” Mrs. Sang had always thought her daughter was too precious to marry off. She’d rather have a son-in-law come live with them instead, keeping her daughter close under her watchful eye.

Sang Yijia gave an awkward laugh. “Mom, I don’t need that for now.”

“For the moment, I’d like to focus on my career.”

“All right, that’s fine.” Mrs. Sang didn’t press her. Whatever her daughter wanted was fine by her.

After laying everything out for the family, Sang Yijia felt a weight lift from her heart.

When it was time to leave, she called a ride-hailing service to pick her up, refusing all offers from her brothers to drive her home.