Jian walked into the small kitchen with his head lowered. He still couldn't believe it. he... he actually went back in time. 'How is it possible? is this god's gift to me... for all the things I went through...'
His forehead hurt just remembering what had happened in that cell.
Grimacing, he peered at the kitchen counter. the once-clean sink was filled with dirty dishes and there were a few used bowls and cutlery just lying around on the counter.
This was something he was very used to seeing.
When he was young, he had taken up household work because his grandmother was getting tired and old. he would cook and clean the place. But every morning he would wake up to a mess on the table. With a reluctant smile, he would still clean it.
'If they hated me so much, why didn't they just chase me away... instead they made me do all the menial jobs.' He picked up the bowls and placed them in the sink.
Every morning he would be late to school, and eat leftover scraps from breakfast but Bian went to school on time and got adored by the teachers.
" Why do I have to suffer like this… I'm not their family.' He gazed at the kitchen. 'but I have no place to go. So, I have to hold on.'
His heart was already frozen over. His residual feelings for his said 'family' no longer existed. He did not wish to be their foot servant who would do everything for them.
'I need to earn money…'
Jian started to clean up the dishes. The cast iron skillet was heating on the stove he made scallion pancake batter. 'But will they allow me to find part-time jobs?'
He could remember vaguely that when he was seventeen or so he wanted to find part-time jobs to help out the family financially but both his grandma and Bian strongly.
He scowled. 'They just didn't want to let go of their free maid. Maybe they were scared that he will leave them and they would have to do the work.'
So many bad thoughts filled his mind, making his head hurt badly.
He hurriedly cooked a few scallion pancakes and plopped them on the plate. As for his share, he rolled it up and stuffed it in his face. 'School… I need to go to school.' He gazed back at the time. It was six forty and school started by seven. If he started walking by now, he would be able to reach the school by seven-thirty.
'I will be late again'
His teachers were never lenient when it came to him. They would make him stand outside the class and would sometimes even hit him with a rod. every time Bian came to his rescue and begged the teacher for mercy.
'If he did his own breakfast, why did I need to stay here late and clean up… it's his fault that I was late, yet he acted like an innocent person and garnered love from the others.'
Jian took a deep breath calming his raging feelings. 'I can't get over emotional....' he walked to the spice jars and pulled out a small Tupperware.
His grandmother had a small habit of hoarding money in one of the food jars where Grandpa can't see. Since he was the one who cooked the most in the house, he was well aware where these hiding spots were.
Jian took out the roll of cash. 'This way my service is not free.'
He then ran to his small room and picked up his packed bags.
As he walked to the door, his grandmother stopped him. "Where are you going so early! Did clean the kitchen! You need to sweep the floor too! How can you be so lazy!" she swung her cane at him.
Jian swiftly moved and dodged her hit. "I already swept the floor and made pancakes. It's on the kitchen counter. I have a test today so I have to walk early." He ran out without giving her a chance to talk back.
Just out the door, his lips rose up in a smile. Somehow... it was freeing.
Loving this family was such a burden.
But now that he decided to leave them, a sense of relief hit him. it was like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders.
'I will earn enough to leave… and I will survive the alien invasion.'
Jian walked straight to the bus stop. to his surprise, he saw Bian waiting there with a few of his friends. Most of the people Bian associated with bullied him in secret. Some poured cold water on him. Locked him in the toilet, and one of the boys even tried to assault him.
Overall, they were not good people.
If it was in his past life, he would have walked with his head lowered.
But not today.
'Since he wants to act like a good brother ill 'reluctantly' accept his kindness
"Bian!" he smiled and ran up to him.
Bian looked quite surprised. "Jian…. You're early."
"Yeah, I finished the housework soon. You forgot your breakfast."
"ah… Nui brought me some." He gestured to the taller guy next to him.
Jian gave that person a look. This was the guy who tried to assault him. 'so his name is Nui ah…. Good...'
Bian suddenly held his hand. "Sorry I was not able to help. Today I have practice. And my friends urged me to come early."
"it's okay. Tomorrow you can do the house chores."
Bain stiffened up. "y-yes…"
Jian subtly smirked. The past him would have rejected Bian's offer and done all the menial tasks himself but now he was not willing!
While they both were at a standstill the bus came stopped right in front of them.
"Ah my bus is here. bye, Jian." He waved happily and got in along with his friends.
"Oh, wait for me." Being the 'kind' brother he was, he also got into the bus. "Today my feet are hurting. Can I come with you?"
Of course, Bian was acting out the kind brother persona could not reject him.
With a twitching smile, Bian took his ticket.
Jian smirked widely. 'Saved a bit of money… was this guy so easy to manipulate?'