Chapter 9: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Part 9)

Chapter 9: The Xu Family in Qingshui Town (Part 9)

Xu Zeping's eyes were misty, but upon close contact, he was certain he saw the guilt and panic in Xu Zeli's eyes. In that instant, Xu Zeping felt a chill run through his body. He could be sure that being covered with the blanket was intentional!

Recalling the day of his birth and the malice he sensed then, he couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably.

Good heavens, did he have to suffer an early death again this time around?

When Xu Linshi heard the youngest child crying, her heart tightened, and she called out loudly, "Zeping, what happened? Is the youngest wet?"

Xu Linshi's concern wasn't unfounded. The youngest had always been easy to take care of since birth—whimpering when hungry, crying when wet, and making two cries when needing a change. He slept and ate on schedule, far more manageable than the older siblings. He was like a blessing from the gods, so much easier to handle!

Hearing such pitiful cries now made her worry.

"Mother, it's nothing!" Xu Zeli lied instinctively. "The youngest is probably experiencing his first sun exposure; the heat and brightness might be too much for him!"

Hearing the explanation, Xu Linshi relaxed. After all, the child hadn't seen the sun before; some panic was normal. She said, "Then comfort the youngest a bit."

Xu Zeli responded and bent down to hold the little troublemaker, gently soothing him while patting his back. "Youngest, be good, don't cry. It's your big brother, okay? Don't be angry."

Thoughts raced through Xu Zeping's mind. How could there be such deep hatred between brothers who shared the same parents? The only possible reason could be inheritance?

He wasn't well-read, but he understood that if the Xu family could afford servants, they weren't poor. They might not be wealthy, but they certainly had some assets.

Now, as a young child, Xu Zeli, being the eldest, was already older and stronger. Moreover, he was currently playing the role of a baby, unable to understand or speak. Even if he could talk, no one would believe a baby's words. Therefore, he had to endure.

Thinking back to how he rose from a mere waiter to a manager, he knew it wasn't just through social skills but also through endurance.

After realizing this, Xu Zeping tried hard to control his emotions and calm his trembling body.

Once his emotions stabilized, Xu Zeping blinked his misty eyes and showed a toothless smile: "Ya~"

Seeing that toothless smile, Xu Zeli felt a pang of guilt. The youngest was just a baby, innocent and unaware, having just seen the sun. How could he bring past grievances onto him?

Xu Zeli felt a chill. Calming down, he realized how terrifying he had been, as if possessed by a vengeful spirit, consumed by hatred.

Instinctively holding the youngest with one hand, Xu Zeli reached out with the other to grasp the tiny hand. At that moment, the soft grip on his finger made his heart tremble, feeling the reliance of a baby.

After soothing the youngest to sleep, Xu Zeli placed him in the cradle and gently covered him with a blanket.

Looking at the sleeping youngest, Xu Zeli's mood darkened again. Though he couldn't equate the two, they were still the same person, and he feared the same outcome.

"Big brother, what are you thinking about?"

Xu Zerou bounced over to Xu Zeli, looking up with a sweet smile.

Xu Zeli's thoughts were interrupted by Xu Zerou's smile. Hiding his melancholy, he patted her head. "Nothing, I was just wondering when the snacks would be ready."

At the mention of food, Xu Zerou's eyes lit up, forgetting why she came. She tugged at Xu Zeli's hand and started to pout. "Big brother, Father said you're working on a delicious snack. Can you show me? Please?"

Xu Zeli shook his head. "Not yet! It's not done."

"Please, please!" Xu Zerou pouted harder, trying to be cute. "I promise I'll just look. Big brother, my dear big brother!"

Thinking of his sister's tragic fate in her previous life, Xu Zeli couldn't refuse her. Reluctantly, he said, "No, the youngest is still in the sun. I need to watch him."

Mentioning the youngest, Xu Zerou remembered she was drawn by his cries. Her original intention was to check on him... but now her mind was on the snack. "Big brother, can Cui Zhu watch the youngest? You can show me, right?"

Xu Zeli looked at Cui Zhu, who volunteered. "Young Master, don't worry. I'll take good care of the little master."

Though the Xu family valued education, their rules weren't strict, allowing Cui Zhu and Cuiguo to use "I" instead of "servant."

After Xu Zeli and Xu Zerou left, Xu Zeping's breathing finally steadied...

Xu Zeli, now seven years old, had his own room near the small pond, about a short walk from Xu Songshan's courtyard but very close to the study, just a few steps away.

As soon as Xu Zerou entered Xu Zeli's courtyard, she smelled something foul and quickly covered her nose. "Big brother, do you have manure in your yard? Why does it smell so bad?"

Xu Zeli watched her exaggerated reaction and teased, "What if the smell comes from the snack I'm making?"

—"Ah?"

Xu Zerou's eyes widened. Snack? Her mind conjured images of... the toilet. Her face turned pale. Was big brother so hungry he was delirious? Was he eating manure?

No, she had to tell Mother!

Xu Zeli watched Xiao Rou run off, confused, and shouted, "Xiao Rou, where are you going?"

Xu Zerou turned back and said, "I'm telling Mother you're eating a snack made from manure!"

Hearing Xu Zerou's words, Xu Zeli's mind went blank. He only had one thought—stop her! Otherwise, his reputation would be ruined.