Zhong Ruanxing moved her lips, wanting to explain something, but seeing Song Shuling sobbing uncontrollably, she knew that no explanation would work at this moment. Her subconscious habits had exposed her.
She guessed that Song Shuling was here to relax after being frustrated by Song Jinxing, but she really didn't expect her to see through the truth and come up with this trick to test her out.
Who said Shuling was silly? Such a clever girl!
Oh well, now that she knew, she knew. She was Song Jinxing's sister, and certainly wouldn't do anything to harm them.
Zhong Ruanxing quickly accepted this fact, walked quickly to stand in front of her, and before she could speak, Song Shuling cried and threw herself into her arms, sobbing, "You're my brother, aren't you? Don't lie to me, don't lie to me!"
Zhong Ruanxing hugged her and gently stroked her back, speaking very gently, "Yes, I won't lie to you. Shuling, stop crying first and listen to me."
Sure enough, Song Shuling stopped sobbing and wiped her tears with her sleeves. She looked up at her with swollen red eyes.
Zhong Ruanxing took her by the wrist and led her to sit on the sofa. She said seriously, "You can't tell anyone about this secret. If such scientifically unexplainable things spread, it would cause great shocks and bring unknown dangers to me and your brother. Do you understand?"
Song Shuling nodded heavily, even raising her hand to make a swearing gesture, "I promise I won't tell anyone!"
Zhong Ruanxing just smiled and patted her on the head.
The familiar pat on the head and familiar scent made Song Shuling's eyes turn red again.
Zhong Ruanxing gave her a rough overview of the body swap. Although she had guessed it earlier, hearing her explain it now still made Song Shuling feel incredulous.
So there really were such fantastical things in this world, and it happened to her brother!
Song Shuling was also very curious, "How did You know this secret?"
When Zhong Ruanxing thought of her clever little sister, her gaze unconsciously softened, "She knew as soon as she saw us. I don't know the reason either, I can only attribute it to a child's keen innocence."
Song Shuling's face showed an envious expression. Zhong You was so young but could tell at a glance. She had been with her "brother" for so long yet noticed nothing wrong.
Zhong Ruanxing could probably guess what she was thinking and comforted her, "You and I have always lived together, she's very familiar with me, so it's not surprising she could tell. You and your brother hadn't seen each other for many years before this, it's normal you don't know him well."
Song Shuling lowered her head. After a long time, she said softly, "I envy You so much."
She envied her for having such a gentle sister, and envied the way they got along.
How wonderful it would be if she really was her brother.
The fragrance of peonies drifted in the air. Zhong Ruanxing looked at the girl before her, seeming to see through her thoughts. She got up to pour two glasses of red wine and handed one to Song Shuling, who was visibly startled.
Zhong Ruanxing smiled and shook the wine glass at her, "Can you drink?"
Song Shuling took it with both hands, "I can."
Zhong Ruanxing sat down on the coffee table across from her. Her long, straight legs splayed open in front, one hand holding the wine glass, the other propped on the table. Her long hair was gathered to one side, cascading at her waist, making her look both beautiful and dashing.
Song Shuling was a little stunned. She felt this was what her "brother" really looked like, truly charming.
Zhong Ruanxing took a sip of red wine and asked her, "How old were you when you and your brother were separated?"
Song Shuling was startled for a moment, "Three."
Zhong Ruanxing nodded, "Your brother is five years older than you. He was eight years old then, still a child." She looked at Song Shuling gently, "Shuling, what were you doing when you were eight?"
What was she doing at eight?
Song Shuling drank the red wine and thought back carefully. When she was eight, she was only in 2nd grade primary school. She lived with her grandparents, and had a driver take her to and from school every day. Endless pretty dresses, countless new schoolbags. Her grandma signed her up for many hobby classes - piano, calligraphy, painting, fencing, swimming, but she wasn't interested in any of them and would refuse to go back after one lesson.
Although she didn't have parents, she did live a princess-like life. She wanted for nothing, food and clothing all prepared for her.
Song Shuling's breathing grew rapid, because she could probably guess what Zhong Ruanxing would say next.
Sure enough, Zhong Ruanxing lowered her eyes to look at the red wine in her glass, and said softly, "When your brother was eight, he was living alone overseas. Apart from the nanny taking care of him, he didn't have a single family member. In a foreign land with very different living habits and customs. He must have missed your parents very much then, and missed you too."
"Those dozen-odd years overseas, he was like an outcast of the Song family, forgotten by all of you. He wanted to return to China but couldn't, wanted to see his family but couldn't. Everyone around him were just paid strangers, he couldn't even find someone he could trust to confide in."
Zhong Ruanxing asked her very calmly, "Shuling, after you became an adult, did you ever think of going abroad to see this brother?"
Do you still remember you have an exiled brother?
Under that tranquil gaze, Song Shuling's face flushed red.
She felt ashamed.
Yes, she had never shown this brother any concern, on what basis could she blame him for being cold? Influenced by the biased words of other Song family members, she had even lost the ability to think for herself, never considering things from her brother's perspective one bit.
Song Shuling suddenly recalled that snowy Chinese New Year when she was eight. She was about to go play with friends when grandma called for her to take a call from her brother.
Her playmates' voices urged the little her. Listening to the tender voice on the phone asking about her health and studies, she only felt impatient.
Many years later, at this moment, she finally remembered - the background on the other end of that call was absolutely silent.
Even though it was the liveliest, most family reunion time of the year.
What was he feeling when he made that call?
Her brother was probably only thirteen then.
Yet she had cut short his care and rushed off to play with fireworks.
After that, she never received another call from her brother again.
She had pushed him away with her own hands.
Song Shuling covered her face and wept uncontrollably for a time.
Zhong Ruanxing leaned in close and gently patted her head, "Shuling, I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty. In this matter, you and your brother are both victims. You can feel sad, you can blame the unfairness of life, but you cannot resent your brother because of it. He loves his sister as much as I do."