The two old men had placed bets and forcibly dragged their grandsons into their wager without ever asking for their consent.
The eldest brother, raised under strict military discipline since childhood, had no choice but to obey orders—enrolling in military school, joining the army—each step meticulously following the future Grandpa had laid out for him.
Fortunately, through his own efforts, he excelled, becoming a pilot, performing outstandingly in military school, and graduating smoothly.
He had grown up under Grandpa’s care. Although he had never been physically punished, he was constantly subjected to Grandpa’s rigid, dogmatic lectures on the art of governance, leaving his mind overloaded and groaning in frustration.
“Have you figured out the answer to the question I asked you last time?”
“Why do many people who receive help turn into ingrates? Before others actively seek assistance, don’t presumptuously offer help out of misplaced kindness.”
Unaware of his grandson’s true thoughts, Grandpa seized the opportunity to begin his tireless lecturing once again.
Here we go, here we go…
Can’t even play chess in peace? Is it too much to ask for a moment to breathe comfortably?
Gu Bin silently grumbled inwardly, but his face betrayed nothing. He pretended to ponder seriously, merely humoring Grandpa’s interrogation.
“Because human nature inherently desires to be superior to others. Those who receive charity instinctively envy those who help them for living better lives. So, while giving roses may leave fragrance on one’s hands, presumptuously aiding those in a vulnerable position only moves oneself.”
“Good, you’ve hit the nail on the head with this answer…”
Grandpa nodded in satisfaction, his gaze filled with admiration for his grandson.
______
No. 9 Donghua Street.
On the day of the documentary shoot, Aunt’s entire family had come.
Lin Xiyu’s mother had also specifically taken leave from school, bringing along her half-brother, Xu Yi, to join in the excitement at home.
For once, Lin Xiyu wasn’t wearing her school uniform. Instead, she had changed into a blue denim wrap dress she usually cherished too much to wear, looking exceptionally fresh and radiant.
The young girl wore her hair in a ponytail, her skin as fair as snow, with a slender waist and long legs. Her delicate, elegant face, free of makeup, was stunningly beautiful.
Gu Bin rode his bicycle around the corner of the alley and immediately spotted the graceful young girl standing at the entrance.
His heart fluttered involuntarily.
A strange, uncontrollable emotion surged forth, filling his entire chest.
“Gu Bin, why are you riding that bike again?”
Lin Xiyu had noticed him too. The moment their eyes met, it was clear the young boy and girl were not on the same wavelength.
Her gaze quickly shifted to his bicycle, a frown of displeasure creasing her brow. “We finally found it. If it gets lost again, who’s going to take responsibility?”
Gu Bin: “…”
Could this girl be any more of a jinx?
He was wrong to think she had been waiting for him, letting his thoughts run wild and stirring up a whirlpool of emotions.
“Xi Yu, who are you talking to?”
Hearing the commotion, Cousin curiously ran out from the yard, while Auntie pulled open the telephone booth window and peered out.
“Oh my, isn’t that your handsome classmate?”
As soon as Cousin saw Gu Bin, her gossipy eyes lit up. She pretended to glare at Lin Xiyu in mock dissatisfaction. “What’s gotten into you? Why are you being so rude to your own classmate…”
“I’m just stating the facts. How is that being rude?”
Lin Xiyu vented her frustration through the bicycle: “This mountain bike of his is now more famous than I am in our alley. If you don’t believe me, ask any of the neighbors—everyone knows about it…”
“Being famous is even better.”
Her cousin retorted with a laugh: “Everyone recognizes it at first glance, so it definitely won’t get lost.”