The Gentle Breeze Reflects in My Eyes - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Xia Lusheng felt a heavy weight in her chest. She held Gu Yitong tightly, not knowing how to comfort her, and for the first time, she detested her own lack of eloquence.

After pouring her heart out, Gu Yitong closed her eyes to steady her emotions. When she opened them again, she was back to normal. She reached out to ruffle Xia Lusheng’s hair and gave a light laugh. “Alright, I’m okay. Don’t worry.”

But the more Gu Yitong acted this way, the more Xia Lusheng’s heart ached.

By the time Gu Yitong led Xia Lusheng downstairs again, it was lunchtime. Mother Gu was placing a clay pot on the dining table. Seeing the two of them, she smiled. “Perfect timing. Lusheng, wash your hands and come eat.”

At the table, Mother Gu enthusiastically used chopsticks to pile food onto Xia Lusheng’s plate. “Here, Lusheng, try this.”

“Thank you, Auntie Gu,” Xia Lusheng replied softly.

Halfway through the meal, Uncle Qi looked at Xia Lusheng and asked, “Lusheng, I heard you’ve been studying the cello in the mornings?”

“Yes.”

Uncle Qi hesitated for a moment before saying, “Lusheng, I’d like to hire a Braille teacher for you. You could use your afternoons to learn Braille. What do you think?”

Xia Lusheng froze in surprise.

Gu Yitong glanced at her and took over the conversation. “Uncle Qi, I’ve already thought of that. I’ve already contacted a teacher for Lusheng, and lessons will start after the National Day holiday.”

Gu Yitong was telling the truth. Lusheng was only sixteen, the prime age for learning. She wanted Xia Lusheng to grow and improve by her side, not to stagnate or let her potential be buried. Lusheng deserved more choices in life; her future shouldn’t be narrow or closed off.

Xia Lusheng was even more stunned; Gu Yitong had never mentioned this to her. Under the table, Gu Yitong quietly squeezed her hand, signaling her to be at ease.

Mother Gu’s expression brightened, and she looked at Gu Yitong with a touch of relief. “I always thought you were still just a kid who didn’t think things through. It seems I underestimated you.”

Qi Jingwen puffed out his chest as if he were the one being praised. “Of course! My sister is extraordinary. She’s my biggest idol!”

Uncle Qi remarked dryly, “Try getting your grades up to at least half of your sister’s before you talk about idolizing her.”

At the mention of grades, Qi Jingwen immediately deflated.

Gu Yitong watched the exchange with amusement, then hesitated before saying, “Mom, Uncle Qi, I still have a lot of things to handle at the company. Lusheng and I will head back tomorrow.”

Mother Gu looked into Gu Yitong’s eyes, then glanced at Xia Lusheng. She looked as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately just nodded. “Alright. Take good care of Lusheng.”

Gu Yitong understood immediately. Her mother saw right through the “company business” excuse; she knew the real reason they were leaving early was for Xia Lusheng’s sake. At that moment, Gu Yitong felt a surge of gratitude for her mother’s silent understanding.

…

That evening, Qi Jingwen knocked on Gu Yitong’s door and sauntered in.

“Sis, play a few rounds of games with me.”

Gu Yitong was currently blow-drying Xia Lusheng’s hair. Without looking up, she said, “I don’t have time.”

Qi Jingwen didn’t expect such a blunt rejection. His pride took a hit, and his temper flared. “You have time to dry her hair but no time to play with me?!”

Gu Yitong felt Lusheng’s hair; it was about eighty percent dry. She turned off the dryer and looked at him. “I have a work call to make in a bit.”

Normally, Jingwen would have listened. But right now, he wasn’t willing to let it go. He knew Gu Yitong was taking care of Lusheng because of her eyes, but he couldn’t help feeling like his sister had been stolen from him.

Usually, when she came home, she spent most of her time with him—gaming, checking his homework, or tutoring him. This time, she hadn’t even asked about his studies. Moreover, she had scolded him today for the first time because of Lusheng. Even though he knew he was in the wrong, it still stung.

Like a child competing for affection, he glared at her, feeling utterly wronged. “I don’t care! Since you’re done with her hair, you have to play with me!”

Hearing his outburst, Xia Lusheng lowered her head and began nervously fiddling with her hem.

Noticing this, and worried Lusheng would blame herself for Jingwen’s mood, Gu Yitong said, “Let’s talk in your room.”

Qi Jingwen stood his ground, his neck stiff with stubbornness. “Tell me first—are you going to play with me?”

Gu Yitong frowned, her voice dropping an octave. “Jingwen.”

Feeling even more slighted, Jingwen looked at Xia Lusheng, then at Gu Yitong, and stormed out, slamming the door so hard the walls vibrated.

Xia Lusheng kept her head down, her expression hidden. Gu Yitong knelt in front of her, cupping her face. “Don’t overthink this. My argument with Jingwen has nothing to do with you.”

“I… I understand how he feels,” Xia Lusheng whispered, her lips trembling. “He feels like I took his sister away.”

“Don’t say such silly things. Just be good and go to sleep if you’re tired. I’m going to check on him.”

…

Qi Jingwen’s door wasn’t locked. When he heard footsteps, he immediately turned over in bed to face the wall, pulling the blanket over his head.

Gu Yitong tugged at the blanket, but he held on tight.

“Still angry? It’s just a game. Come on, let’s play now.”

He sat up abruptly, his eyes red as he glared at her. “No! I’m never playing with you again!”

Gu Yitong almost laughed. “Lusheng can’t see; it’s not convenient for her to dry her own hair. Do you think I shouldn’t help her?”

Jingwen’s tone was sharp, but his words lacked malice. “I know! I don’t think you shouldn’t help her! But… but you haven’t really talked to me since you got back. I’m just… I’m just angry! Get out! I don’t want to see you!”

Gu Yitong really did laugh this time. “Why are you acting like a little girl? So dramatic and prickly. Are we raising a little princess in this house?”

In a fit of rage, Qi Jingwen grabbed his pillow and threw it at her. Not only was she not comforting him, she was making fun of him!