Xia Liyou and Tang Juan both looked over to see Xia Youyang, with his backpack slung over his shoulder, running towards them.
Even though only a few days had passed, he seemed to have grown taller. Despite still being a primary school student, he was already as tall as a middle schooler.
Seeing his rosy complexion and full of energy, Xia Liyou felt relieved.
"Sis, when did you arrive? You even got here before me," Xia Youyang pouted, looking rather adorable.
He had always had a baby face. Even though he was growing taller, his face remained the same, he still looked like a little boy.
Xia Liyou pinched Xia Youyang's face, joking, "What, are you not convinced? Next time I'll come later, I won't be here before you."
Xia Youyang grinned, "That's not what I meant. If you come early to accompany mom, she'll be happy."
This Xia Youyang, he spoke in a very mature manner, not at all like how someone his age should speak.
But after experiencing such a major change, who could remain unaltered?
The three of them chat and laugh, about Xia Liyou's work and Xia Youyang's school life.
With Xia Youyang around, the atmosphere was always lively.
It was not until Tang Juan went to bed that Xia Liyou planned to leave.
Xia Youyang spontaneously walked Xia Liyou to the bus station, and reminded her to be careful of any perverts when she's heading home.
Xia Liyou smiled faintly, patting his head, "There are not that many perverts, and even if there are, I'm not afraid."
"Don't overestimate yourself. You used to cry at the sight of a rat," Xia Youyang exposed Xia Liyou's facade with a single sentence.
Xia Liyou pouted, expressing her displeasure, "You're becoming less and less cute."
Xia Youyang grinned, then lowered his head, starting to rummage through his pocket.
After a while, he pulled out a crumpled fifty yuan note from his pocket and placed it in Xia Liyou's hand.
Xia Liyou blinked her eyes, only to hear him say, "This is money I earned. You take it to pay off the debt."
He said it casually, but every word dug deeply into Xia Liyou's heart.
She felt a stifling sensation in her chest and a warmth in her eyes. There was an indescribable emotion buried within her.
"Don't feel too touched. I just don't want you to carry the burden alone," Xia Youyang blinked as he feigned indifference.
Xia Liyou returned the money to his hand, "Keep it for yourself. Besides, Xia Youyang, I'm warning you, your job now is to study hard. So, don't think about making money again, understand? I'm your sister, if you see me as your sister, listen to me, got it?"
Xia Youyang knew that once Xia Liyou made up her mind, nothing could change it.
He pouted, acting stubborn, "Go ahead and play the heroine alone, hmph."
Seeing his defiant expression, Xia Liyou burst into laughter.
At this moment, the bus drove into the station. Xia Youyang, fearing Xia Liyou would continue to laugh at him, hastened her to get on the bus.
After boarding, Xia Liyou opened the window and reminded him, "You must study hard, okay? Your sister will be counting on you in the future."
Xia Youyang immediately perked up, beating his chest in assurance, "Don't worry, if you get old and no one wants you, I'll definitely support you."
"You're the one who won't be wanted," Xia Liyou rolled her eyes, this little brother, how could he talk like this?
The bus started, gradually driving off.
Xia Youyang stared at the bus for a long time until it completely disappeared from his sight, then he walked back home.
Ou Chengtian hadn't returned home for two consecutive days.
Xia Liyou counted the days. Tomorrow was the day to repay the debt.
Yet Ou Chengtian hadn't appeared even now, which made her a little anxious.
Normally, he would give her the money in advance. Why was it that this month it was already this late, and he still hadn't given it to her?
Fearing that something might have happened, Xia Liyou asked the butler, "Will the master return today?"
"Madam, I'm not sure if the master is coming back since he didn't call," the butler honestly reported.
Xia Liyou pursed her lips, took out her phone, and stared at the name displayed on the screen, but she didn't press 'call'.
She rarely called Ou Chengtian. It was mostly him who called her. Hence, Xia Liyou wasn't sure what to say and hesitated to make the call.
However, thinking about the money she hadn't received yet, Xia Liyou gritted her teeth and made the call.