Jiang Qiqi’s heart softened at the sight. She walked over and called softly, but he didn’t wake up.
The temperature had dropped sharply in November. Sleeping on the sofa all night would surely make him sick. Carefully, Jiang Qiqi picked up Qin Jiao and carried him towards the bedroom.
Jiang Qiqi usually never entered Qin Jiao’s room. Everyone needed their own private space. She didn’t like others coming into her room, so naturally, she wouldn’t casually enter someone else’s.
This was the first time she stepped inside. She glanced around; it was very clean and tidy, except for the desk which was a bit messy, piled with papers and notebooks.
She laid Qin Jiao on the bed and tucked the blanket around him. She was about to say good night and leave when her peripheral vision caught sight of the desk. Her footsteps stopped.
On top of the pile was a piece of paper titled: A Letter to Parents. Attached below was a mid-term report card.
Curious, she moved closer and was about to pick it up when suddenly a hand pressed down on the paper. A pale, delicate hand refused to let go. She turned around to see that Qin Jiao, who had just been sleeping soundly, was now wide awake, biting his lip and avoiding her gaze.
Jiang Qiqi asked, Can’t I look?
…You can.
Their eyes both fell on the hand holding the paper. Qin Jiao picked up the whole stack, handed her the top one, and locked the rest away in a cabinet.
Jiang Qiqi was curious but didn’t press him about what he was hiding. She smiled teasingly, shook the paper in her hand, and began to read.
The letter was an invitation for parents to attend the upcoming parent-teacher meeting. Attached was the report card, listing every subject clearly along with the class ranking.
Jiang Qiqi’s eyes landed on the very bottom—Class Rank: 34/45.
Qin Jiao noticed where she was looking. Seeing her stare for so long, he reached out to cover it. Don’t look. I didn’t do well.
Jiang Qiqi looked up at him and blinked slowly. I don’t mean anything bad. I’m just a little surprised.
After all, in her mind, villains in novels were supposed to be top students who were also good-looking. In short, they were excellent in everything except their worldview. Seeing Qin Jiao’s grades surprised her at first, but then it made him feel more real than the character in the book.
How could a child who was often hungry, poorly clothed, and bullied every day possibly have the time or energy to study?
There was no time to learn, and perhaps no point either. He was just surviving day by day.
Qin Jiao misunderstood her meaning. The loneliness in his eyes deepened. He clenched his fists tightly and choked out, I will work harder. I really will. Don’t be disappointed in me.
Jiang Qiqi snapped back to her senses immediately. Realizing she had said the wrong thing, she cupped his face in her hands. Tears were welling up in his eyes, and the moment their eyes met, he couldn’t hold them back anymore. Tears streamed down his face. He pulled away from her hands and turned his back.
Jiang Qiqi sighed softly. Why are you crying? Listen to me first.
She moved gently, turning him back to face her. She pulled some tissues from the table and wiped away his tears. Once his breathing had calmed down, she pulled him into a hug and patted his back rhythmically.
In the quiet of the night, her voice was soft and soothing like a lullaby, gentle enough to seep right into the heart.
My Jiaojiao is already so amazing. How could I ever be disappointed in you?
I was surprised because… even though you’ve been through so many bad things, you never gave up. You kept trying. You are such a brave and strong kid. I’m really proud of you. She told a small lie, but not entirely—she truly believed he was brave and strong.
You know, Jiaojiao, I actually don’t care much about grades. If you want to study, then study. If not, you can learn whatever you like. Oh right, is there anything you enjoy doing?
Qin Jiao’s voice was hoarse. I don’t know.
Then there’s no rush. You’re still young. Take your time to think about it, and tell me when you figure it out.
One last question. Does Jiaojiao want me to go to the parent-teacher meeting?
Qin Jiao looked up at her. Jiang Qiqi patted his head. Don’t worry about what I think. Just tell me what you want.
…I don’t want you to go.
Jiang Qiqi had thought he didn’t tell her because he was shy or didn’t want to trouble her, but it seemed he really didn’t want her there. She was stunned for a moment and asked, I’m free this weekend. Are you sure you don’t want me to go?
Qin Jiao shook his head.
Can you tell me why?
Can I not say?
Of course, Jiang Qiqi said. You don’t have to tell me everything. It’s enough that I know how you feel.
Suddenly, Jiang Qiqi remembered something and winked playfully at him. Jiaojiao was awake a long time ago, wasn’t he?
Qin Jiao’s face turned red, but he didn’t deny it.
Then you heard me say good night, right? But Jiaojiao hasn’t said it back to me yet. Hurry up, say it, then it’s time to sleep.
Qin Jiao hesitated for a second, then stepped forward and hugged her. Good night, Sister.
Jiang Qiqi was taken aback for a moment, then smiled happily. Good night to my precious Jiaojiao too!
.
It had been dry for over two weeks, but this morning, a light rain began to fall.
It was the weekend. Jiang Qiqi sat in the living room reading a script, while Qin Jiao did his homework in his room. Accompanied by the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops, everything felt peaceful and comfortable.
The tranquility was broken by a sudden knock on the door.
Ever since the incident with Qin Jiao, Jiang Qiqi had replaced the door with one that had a peephole. Looking through it, she saw a soaking wet boy standing outside, crying his eyes out.
—What is going on?
Jiang Qiqi had no intention of opening the door, but the knocking continued non-stop. Annoyed, she opened the door and asked, What do you want?
The boy brushed his hair away from his face, his eyes red from crying. With a loud thud, he dropped to his knees on the floor. Sister! Please take me in!
Jiang Qiqi: !!!