Chapter 16: Making You Happy

Chapter 16: Making You Happy

At that moment, the air around them seemed to fall silent.

Sheng Xiyang's back was pressed tightly against the wall as he looked at Sheng Ai. He had originally wanted to run away, but since he had already been seen, there was no point in fleeing anymore.

Sheng Ai stared at him for a long time before gently closing the door behind him.

He approached Sheng Xiyang.

Sheng Xiyang's back pressed even tighter against the wall.

From what Sheng Ai had said earlier, Sheng Xiyang understood that Sheng Ai likely knew he was not his real younger brother, but he had no other choice.

The more he realized this, the more worried Sheng Xiyang became.

He was not an arrogant person and could not act as haughtily as the original Sheng Xiyang. Now that Sheng Ai knew his true identity, he was unsure how to continue living in the mansion.

As Sheng Ai stepped closer, Sheng Xiyang instinctively closed his eyes tightly.

However, he felt Sheng Ai's presence linger in front of him.

Before Sheng Xiyang could open his eyes, he sensed a hand about to touch his cheek.

Thinking Sheng Ai was going to hit him, he turned his head away with his eyes still closed.

But in the next instant, he felt the warmth of Sheng Ai's palm on his cheek.

Sheng Xiyang was taken aback.

He lifted his head and looked at Sheng Ai.

Sheng Ai's palm gently caressed his cheek.

After a long silence, Sheng Ai asked, "Why didn't you dry your hair before coming out?" He paused briefly, "And why aren't you wearing shoes? Aren't you cold?"

Sheng Xiyang's Adam's apple moved slightly.

He had only come out because he was bored and ended up overhearing Sheng Ai and Sheng Ming's conversation.

After a moment's hesitation, Sheng Xiyang lowered his head, "I... just wanted to take a walk."

Sheng Ai did not say anything but simply stated, "Go back and put on some shoes. Dry your hair a bit too."

Sheng Xiyang agreed.

But he did not move, nor did he show any intention of going back.

Sheng Ai slightly lowered his eyes, seemingly smiling lightly, "What, do you want me to carry you back?"

"No..." Sheng Xiyang immediately replied.

He sidestepped and took a few steps upstairs, then turned back, noticing Sheng Ai still standing there, lost in thought.

After a moment's hesitation, Sheng Xiyang softly called out, "Brother."

Sheng Ai raised his head and looked at Sheng Xiyang.

Sheng Xiyang whispered, "Could you... come up later?"

Sheng Ai seemed surprised.

But Sheng Xiyang had already turned and gone upstairs.

Back in his room, Sheng Xiyang dried his hair and put on his shoes. He wasn't sure why he had called Sheng Ai up, but he felt that the one who needed comfort now was not himself, who had been mistreated for a few days, but Sheng Ai.

Yet, Sheng Xiyang also felt he could not openly tell Sheng Ai, "I am not your brother."

Moreover, he sensed that he had become a kind of emotional support for Sheng Ai.

Like... a substitute.

Sheng Xiyang finally found the right word.

Yes, he was now a substitute for the real Sheng Xiyang.

He existed as a substitute for Sheng Xiyang by Sheng Ai's side.

Unlike the typical substitute plot in novels, Sheng Xiyang felt this was a different kind of substitute story, where he replaced Sheng Ai's real younger brother.

With his thoughts still in disarray, the door was gently knocked on.

Sheng Xiyang immediately perked up.

He believed that if he was a substitute, he should be a good one, at least not causing trouble for Sheng Ai and, at the very least, making Sheng Ai happy.

Sheng Xiyang walked to the door and opened it.

Sheng Ai stood by the door.

Sheng Xiyang let Sheng Ai in.

Without waiting for Sheng Ai to speak, Sheng Xiyang closed the door and led him to sit on the sofa in the room. Then, he squatted down beside Sheng Ai, looked up, and blinked his clear black-and-white eyes, asking, "Brother, can I ask you a question? Please answer truthfully."

Sheng Ai was slightly taken aback.

But he quickly nodded, "Sure."

Thus, Sheng Xiyang inquired, "I want to ask, brother, what can I do to make you happy?"