Huo Jingchen let out a laugh of disbelief. You really are something else.
Huo Jingli lifted her chin. What is that supposed to mean?
When he said nothing she huffed. You have the nerve to criticize me. I think you are the one whose brains have gone soft. You practically fawned all over Qiao Zhiwei like a lovesick puppy yet with Sister Xia Yin you suddenly act so proper and dignified.
Huo Jingchen looked at her and felt a deep weariness. If I fawned over Xia Yin too where would that leave you?
What do you mean?
I would take your place Huo Jingchen replied seriously. I would steal your job.
How dare you.
Infuriated she raised her hand to strike him but he caught her wrist firmly and held it fast. She could not move an inch and her face flushed bright red. Let go Huo Jingchen.
He narrowed his eyes at her. If you were not my sister you would have been dead a thousand times over do you understand?
Seeing he meant it she grew frightened. It hurts let go please.
He released her his expression turning cold. Get out.
She pulled her hand away hurt and angry and shouted at the top of her voice Father Grandfather.
Hearing her cry Huo Jingchen quickly loosened his tie messed up his hair and slumped back in his chair looking utterly dejected. Huo Qingshan pushed open the study door. Huo Jingli stood there staring bewildered not understanding what had just happened. Huo Jingchen spoke in a weak weary voice I simply cannot manage this sister of mine any longer. He looked helpless and wronged before anyone else could speak.
Huo Qingshan saw the books and writing tools scattered across the floor then looked at his son’s dejected face and turned to his daughter. What is all this about Li why are you fighting with your brother again?
Father he is the one bullying me.
Did you knock all these things over?
She fell silent unable to answer.
Huo Jingchen looked at her with a deeply hurt expression. She overturned everything on my desk and then tried to strike me.
Huo Jingchen what are you talking about I never even hit you you grabbed my hand right away.
Huo Qingshan frowned. You actually tried to hit your own brother?
I said I did not manage to hit him.
You are far too spoiled do you think he will not stand up for himself? How old are you still fighting like children Huo Qingshan said sternly. Before she could reply he ordered Apologize to your brother at once and pick everything up. If this happens again you will lose half your allowance for the month.
It is not like that Father he was unfair to Sister Xia Yin and I stood up for her.
Huo Jingchen sighed. You are so slow witted will you never understand? I was only saying those things to keep the conversation going. If I say something she replies and then I answer back that is how people talk is it not? And what did you do? You threw a tantrum and ruined my image. Besides if Xia Yin felt wronged she would show it.
Xia Yin would never let anyone see Huo Jingchen thought. It would be far too awkward if someone asked why. Huo Jingli was foolish but Huo Jingnian was not.
Huo Qingshan glared at his daughter. Stay out of your brother’s business from now on. Pick everything up and apologize. Then he left the room.
As soon as the door closed Huo Jingchen sat up straight his manner completely composed. You heard him pick everything up at once.
She stared at him seething with anger yet lost for words. Huo Jingchen you are truly despicable.
He pointed at her raised hand warningly. Go ahead try it. If you lift a hand against me again I will fight back. And if you scream I promise you will end up looking far more guilty than you did just now.
Her hand froze in mid air. You are hateful.
He paid her no mind. Insult me all you like but keep working.
Blushing furiously she knelt down and began gathering the things crying. You only know how to bully me.
Huo Jingchen sat back crossing his legs comfortably. That is true there is always something that brings someone down. You only know how to pick on Qiao Zhiwei and Qiao Zhilan when they are at their lowest.
She glared at him. You are actually taking her side?
I am not taking anyone’s side I am only speaking the truth.
She fell silent realizing she could not win either in argument or in strength. Finally she muttered Huo Jingchen how can you be so cunning and such a good actor?
He straightened his tie carefully. It is a natural gift. You could shadow Xia Yin for ten years and you would never learn it.
You.
Seeing her almost speechless with anger he smiled again. It is all right. Qiao Zhilan would not learn it either. You and she should get along perfectly.
I would never get along with her. If she and her sister marry into this family I will make their lives miserable.
Huo Jingchen kept his smile. I doubt Huo Jingnian will give you the chance.
The next morning Qiao Zhiwei opened her door and found Huo Jingnian standing there tall and still. She paused then asked quietly Why are you standing out here did you not think to knock?
I was not sure you were awake.
She invited him in. Have you had breakfast?
Not yet. Will you and Lanlan join me?
She looked up and noticed faint dark circles beneath his eyes. With the wedding so close is he working so hard he cannot even sleep properly?
Just then Qiao Zhilan came out. She no longer greeted him with her former warmth only a quiet hello Jingnian Ge.
He had done nothing wrong yet she could not help feeling disappointed. Perhaps because she had begun to hope for something more. She should trust her sister. Huo Jingnian was not marrying her out of affection or personal feeling.
Jingnian Ge wants us to have breakfast with him Qiao Zhiwei said gently. Let us go together.
Qiao Zhilan hesitated but then thought that since he would marry her sister it was better not to be unfriendly. She nodded. All right.
The three of them walked out and got into the car. The sisters sat in the back. They drove for quite some time moving further away from the usual breakfast spots. Finally Qiao Zhiwei asked Jingnian Ge where exactly are we going to eat?
Just five or six more minutes.
She fell silent watching the scenery pass. The busy morning market gave way to rows of tall white poplars. They passed a government building and a well known university and stopped outside a graceful old house. Huo Jingnian stepped out and the sisters followed.
Qiao Zhiwei looked at the building struck by its familiar elegant beauty. Is this the house from An He’s paintings?
An He was one of the most celebrated artists of the reform era known for capturing historical architecture with extraordinary warmth beauty and atmosphere. She owned one of his paintings and had it hanging in her home.
Huo Jingnian nodded. Yes.
She looked at him in surprise. We are having breakfast at a famous artist’s former residence? Is this how romantic he is?