"Furthering your studies—is that a bad thing? It can improve your personal qualities, help you establish yourself better in society in the future."
"You’re talking nonsense!" Does he think she’s stupid? Hua Hua’s words grew increasingly blunt, her temper flaring. "You clearly said that in this lifeti, I could live however I wanted, do whatever I pleased, since I’m not short on money anyway! And what do you an I can’t establish myself in society? I’m an internationally renowned designer right now; people are offering outrageous sums to have make clothes for them, and even then, it depends on my mood! If you’re tired of spending your money, then fine, I won’t ask you for it anymore. I’ll support myself!"
After that, she stopped paying any attention to Gu Shaocheng, storming upstairs with resentnt, leaving him alone in the living room.
Gu Shaocheng lifted his gaze slightly, crossing his legs. He took another drag from his cigarette before firmly extinguishing it in the ashtray.
He stood up and followed her upstairs.
Hua Hua had locked the bedroom door from the inside. He pushed it twice but couldn’t open it, so he started knocking on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Hua Hua, open the door first."
Her voice ca through the closed door: "I’m going to sleep now. Go back, bro, no need to see off!"
She sat on the balcony, her breath erratic, her body lightly trembling. She had never imagined that her brother would one day want to send her away! She couldn’t contain her agitation; her eyes brimd silently with moisture, and even the air she exhaled tasted bitter.
Turning to lie sideways on the couch, she slowly wiped the corners of her eyes, yet the tears that spilled couldn’t be restrained.
The repeated knocking on the door irritated her to no end. She grabbed a pillow and covered her head, trying to block out the sound.
No matter how bitter, no matter how upset, she told herself she could endure it, she could hold on. But her brother couldn’t send her away, not especially while he was sick. If he didn’t make it back in a few years... Her long lashes fluttered closed; a premonition ca over her. Was her brother trying to arrange his affairs?
To tell her to stand on her own two feet, to send her away—was he setting things up so he could rest in peace?
Gu Shaocheng found the spare key downstairs, opened the bedroom door, and stepped inside.
He looked around the room but didn’t see anyone. Finally, he spotted Hua Hua on the balcony, facing away from him.
He walked over with asured steps, coming up beside her. Leaning on the railing, the cool night breeze carried a slight chill. He slipped a hand into his pocket, pulled out a cigarette, lit it with a soft hiss from the lighter, and casually held it between his lips.
Lowering his gaze slightly, he looked at Hua Hua. Her entire head was buried under the pillow, with only her hand gripping it visible—knuckles distinct, gripping tightly.
Her muffled voice ca from beneath the pillow: "Stop trying to convince . This isn’t negotiable. I’m absolutely not leaving City E, nor am I leaving you. Unless you kill ."
"What nonsense are you saying?" He scoffed at her talk of life and death, nudging her ankle with his foot. "Take the pillow off; I want to talk to you."
Hua Hua didn’t respond, turning over to keep her back to him again.
Gu Shaocheng chuckled in resignation, turning to look at the silent night sky. His figure seed to lt into the darkness as he smoked one cigarette after another. The ground was littered with butts.
Feeling stifled beneath the pillow, Hua Hua realized her brother had no intention of leaving. Frustrated, she abruptly sprang to her feet, tossed the pillow back onto the couch, and headed back into the room. After fiddling with sothing for a bit, she sat cross-legged on the carpet and started playing gas.
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