Chapter 17: Sparkling Stars

Chapter 17: Sparkling Stars

Sheng Ai seemed to be taken aback by Sheng Xiyang's question.

In the past, Sheng Xiyang had never cared whether Sheng Ai was truly happy or what he was thinking. It was always Sheng Ai who doted on him and treated him well.

Xiyang thought that if Sheng Ai missed his younger brother so much, it would be good if he could... become a bit more like him.

At least it wouldn't make Sheng Ai's affection go to waste.

Seeing no reaction from Sheng Ai, Xiyang couldn't help but say, "I mean, do you prefer me to be more cheerful, or quieter? Or how do you want me to be? You can tell me." He paused, "Brother, how can I make you like me more?"

Sheng Ai looked at Sheng Xiyang, his Adam's apple moving slightly.

Through his glasses, he felt that this Sheng Xiyang was not the arrogant and domineering one he knew.

Ever since Sheng Xiyang jumped into the river, there were moments when he could see glimpses of the young Sheng Xiyang in him.

When they were young, every day when he went out to work, little Sheng Xiyang would tug at his sleeve and go with him, his round, dark eyes always calling him "brother, slow down."

Looking at Sheng Xiyang now, Sheng Ai couldn't help but think that if the real Sheng Xiyang were still alive, he would be the same age as him.

Would he... be just as cute?

After a moment of silence, Sheng Ai lowered his eyes, smiled slightly, and reached out to ruffle Sheng Xiyang's hair, "I like you any way you are."

Sheng Xiyang found this answer unsatisfactory.

It wasn't exactly dismissive, but it felt like asking the teacher for exam highlights only to be told everything covered in class is important.

He reached out and held Sheng Ai's hand, pouting, "Brother, you need to think about it seriously. Don't give such a dismissive answer. You didn't even put your heart into it."

Sheng Ai was taken aback again.

Xiyang stood up, "I can be many things. I can be obedient, cheerful, mischievous, or even annoying. Which one do you like?"

Or rather, which Sheng Xiyang do you like?

Sheng Xiyang didn't know what the real Sheng Ai's younger brother was like.

"Actually..." Sheng Ai paused.

Sheng Xiyang immediately looked at Sheng Ai earnestly.

"Actually," Sheng Ai finally smiled gently, "what your brother said is true. I like you any way you are. I have no wishes. If you're happy, I'm happy. No matter what you want to do, as long as you're happy... of course, you can't do bad things. I'll be happy."

Sheng Xiyang took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

He felt that Sheng Ai was indeed speaking the truth.

What a loving brother.

Finally, Sheng Xiyang said, "Okay, Brother, I'll be happy every day." He paused, "Tomorrow I'll go back to school. Can I come to the store after school?"

Someone like Sheng Ai would probably want Sheng Xiyang to spend time with him often.

Sure enough, Sheng Ai replied warmly, "Yes, you can come anytime you want."

"That's great." Sheng Xiyang smiled, his eyes slightly curved.

Sheng Ai looked into Sheng Xiyang's eyes, seeing them sparkle as if filled with light.

The floor lamp in the bedroom cast a soft glow, and Sheng Ai felt an unusual flutter in his heart.

Perhaps it was because today's Sheng Xiyang was particularly well-behaved.

As Sheng Ai prepared to leave, Sheng Xiyang suddenly said, "Wait a moment."

He turned to the desk, tore a piece of paper, and quickly folded it into a paper crane, handing it to Sheng Ai.

"For you, Brother," Sheng Xiyang said, "be happy every day."

Sheng Ai looked at the paper crane for a while before taking it.

He lowered his eyes and whispered, "Thank you."

Sheng Ai reached out again to ruffle Sheng Xiyang's hair, his eyes curving along with his smile, "Your brother is very happy."