Xu Qingru quickly put down the book and said awkwardly, “Comrade Dong, I am truly sorry, I…”
“It was I who asked you to come up. You need not apologize to me,” Dong Yunzhou cut her off.
Xu Qingru was about to speak again when he continued, “Come down and eat.”
Hearing such down-to-earth words spoken so seriously, Xu Qingru nodded instinctively.
Dong Lie also came back at noon. He had been downstairs and was surprised to find Xu Qingru in his home. “Qingru, how did you come to our house!” Realizing it sounded inappropriate, he corrected himself immediately. “I mean you should have told me you were coming. My brother is very stern and would not know how to take proper care of you!”
Dong Lie received a sharp look from Dong Yunzhou and fell silent at once.
Dong Jun brought out the fish. “This fish was brought by Qingru. Taste it later.”
“Brother Dong Lie, Comrade Dong treats me very well. He even let me read books in his study,” Xu Qingru spoke up for Dong Yunzhou.
Dong Lie gasped in amazement. “The study is my brother’s most prized place. He never lets me go in there.”
Dong Yunzhou gave him another sharp look. “Do you think I kept you out for no reason? You nearly burned the place down once.”
Embarrassed by his past foolishness, Dong Lie waved his hands quickly. “That was nothing at all. Let’s eat. I will take a portion for the fourth brother too!” He hurried to fetch bowls to avoid further reminders.
“Qingru, the fourth brother is Dong Shuyan. He is…” Dong Jun hesitated, searching for the right words to describe his reclusive nature. “He is not very used to being around people and is rather shy.” He felt that was a gentle way to put it; he did not want Qingru to be afraid if she knew about his episodes.
Xu Qingru understood. She had heard rumors that the fourth son of the Dong family was not in his right mind, some even called him mad. In her view, he was likely suffering from a mental health condition. Noticing Dong Jun’s discomfort, she said gently, “I understand, Uncle Dong. Let us eat.”
They sat down and Dong Lie returned. “Brother Dong Lie, please sit beside me,” Xu Qingru invited; there was an empty seat next to her.
Delighted, Dong Lie hurried over. “I knew you liked me best, Qingru!”
Dong Yunzhou frowned at their easy familiarity. Were they really that close? She always addressed him formally as Comrade Dong, yet she called the others by warm and familiar names. Did she look down on him? His frown deepened and the atmosphere at the table grew heavy.
Dong Lie reached out to serve food to Xu Qingru but felt Dong Yunzhou’s displeasure and moved faster. “Qingru, this is Father’s signature dish. Try it.” He beamed at her cheerfully.
He could feel a sharp gaze fixed on him and shivered involuntarily. He looked over and saw Dong Yunzhou eating calmly. Was it him watching me just now? Dong Lie wondered. It seemed unlikely; he had not offended his brother today. He smiled awkwardly and served some fish to Dong Jun as well. Fish was always on their table, yet this one tasted exceptionally good. It melted in the mouth, tender and delicious, so fresh one could almost swallow one’s tongue along with it.
After the meal, Dong Lie let out a burp and looked a little sheepish. “That fish was so delicious, Qingru. Where did you buy it? I want to go there next time.”
Dong Jun and Dong Yunzhou looked at her expectantly; they too would like to have more.
“You may not be able to find it there,” Xu Qingru said.
Dong Lie frowned. “That cannot be true!” He was about to press further when his stomach rumbled loudly. He clutched his abdomen and his face paled. “Qingru, excuse me…” He vanished quickly.
“That boy is always so careless…” Dong Jun began, then his expression changed. “I need to go too.”
Dong Yunzhou stood up calmly. “Comrade Xu, please wait here. You may go upstairs and read if you wish.” He walked away in obvious haste.
All three were rushing to the restroom. Dong Lie leaned against the wall, feeling unwell. “Father, did you put something in the food? Why are we all sick?” he groaned.
Dong Yunzhou heard him and spoke suddenly. “We all ate the same food. Why is Xu Qingru unaffected?”
Dong Lie was startled. “Brother, you do not suspect Qingru did this? That is impossible!” He had only been joking.
Dong Yunzhou did not reply, but his doubt was clear. It was possible. She had brought the fish, and now all three of them were ill. His expression hardened. There were sensitive research materials in the study. And she knew far more about science than she let on. He strode toward the living room. If she was an enemy agent, neither she nor her mother would set foot in this house. He would not keep a ticking time bomb under his roof.
He found Xu Qingru just coming out of the kitchen after washing up. “Comrade Dong, is something wrong?” she asked, water droplets still on her fingers, looking confused.
He stopped. He did not like being addressed so formally.
“Eldest son,” Dong Jun called out as he caught up, worried that Dong Yunzhou might blame her. He saw Dong Yunzhou standing before her with a stern and displeased expression. He stepped between them immediately. “What are you doing!” he demanded protectively.
Dong Yunzhou almost laughed at his father’s suspicion. “She is like your sister. You must not be harsh with her,” Dong Jun warned.
Xu Qingru stood behind Dong Jun as Dong Lie came rushing back in. “Father, brother—” He tripped and fell forward. When he lifted his head, there was a bleeding gash on his forehead.