Song Xiaodong had wandered around for quite a while before he finally found his home, which now looked even more chaotic than it had five years ago, completely transformed.
The household consisted of two small and low bungalows that had not changed much, but Xiaodong felt a pang of sadness, realizing his sister Song Xiaoru was still living in this small bungalow after he had left home for five years.
Just as he was about to push the door open, he heard voices from inside.
"Xiaoru, let's talk about you. Living this life alone must be tough, and given your age, it's time to find someone. This time, the match I've found for you will surely satisfy you."
Upon hearing this, Song Xiaodong realized that someone was trying to arrange a match for his sister, which piqued his interest. Due to his unique status, he had rarely called his sister over the years, and every time they did talk, she merely said things were fine. He had also suggested that Xiaoru find someone to marry, but she maintained she hadn't met the right person.
Standing outside the door, Song Xiaodong began eavesdropping.
"Thank you, Auntie Li, but I'm not considering that right now."
"Not considering it? I know you're worried about Xiaodong, but it's been so many years since he's been back, we don't even know if he is alive or dead. You really should think about yourself."
"Auntie Li, Xiaodong is fine, he is in the army. Please don't speak ill of him," said Xiaoru softly, though her tone clearly showed her annoyance.
Song Xiaodong felt warmed by her words. Xiaoru was extremely gentle by nature, and though she rarely lost her temper, she had spoken out for him, showing how important he was to her.
"Alright, I won't talk about that. Let's focus on the main issue. The man I'm introducing to you is quite wealthy, owning assets worth millions, a house spanning over a hundred and forty square meters, and a car worth over four hundred thousand. If you marry him, you'll live a life of luxury."
Song Xiaodong thought the proposal sounded quite promising.
"He's really fond of you. He told me that once you agree, he will immediately give you a million RMB as a dowry. With that money, even if Xiaodong returns, you could afford to get him a bride too. Besides, once you move into his house, you will be in charge of the finances."
Song Xiaodong frowned slightly. The offer seemed appealing, but he couldn't just sell his sister for his own benefit, especially since he wasn't without money after all these years.
"This..." Xiaoru hesitated, seemingly tempted.
"It's just that he is a bit older, forty-three this year. But a man's age isn't a big issue, at this age, he knows how to cherish others..."
Upon hearing this. Song Xiaodong immediately disagreed and, pushing the door open, exclaimed loudly, "I don't agree!"
"Xiaodong!" When Xiaoru saw Song Xiaodong come in, she jumped up in surprise and hurried towards him.
Song Xiaodong stretched out his arms and embraced her, spinning her around twice before setting her down and staring into Song Xiaoru's face, saying, "Sis, I'm back."
"Xiaodong..." Xiaoru buried her face in Song Xiaodong's arms and cried aloud.
Song Xiaodong quickly patted her back, saying, "Sis! Sis! Don't cry, I'm back now, and this time I'm not going anywhere." As he urged his sister to stop crying, his own eyes reddened.
There was another woman in the house, a matchmaker in her fifties named Auntie Li, who chuckled awkwardly at this point and said, "Xiaodong is back, so I'll leave you two alone for now, Xiaoru, we can talk about this tomorrow."
Song Xiaodong glared, saying, "You don't need to come tomorrow. My sister is such a wonderful girl, surely she can find a better match. How could you suggest a man in his forties for her, as if she couldn't do better?"
Auntie Li quickly replied, "No, no, it's just that he's a good match. If you don't like it, then let's forget it. I meant well."
"Meant well my ass, get lost!" Song Xiaodong glared again.
Auntie Li scurried out, muttering under her breath as she reached the door, "This kid actually made it back alive, this is going to stir up trouble again here."
It took a while before Xiaoru could stop crying. They held hands and looked into each other's eyes. Xiaoru gently touched Xiaodong's cheek, whispering, "You've gotten darker."
Song Xiaodong grinned, saying, "Being out in the sun all the time in the army, how could I not tan?"
"But you've gotten stronger," Xiaoru said as she patted his chest, smiling.
"And my sister has become even prettier."
Xiaoru playfully scolded, "You're still so slick. Even the army hasn't straightened you out."
Song Xiaodong immediately replied, "I'm serious, sis, you really have gotten prettier. Auntie Li really made me angry, suggesting such an old man for someone as beautiful as my sister!"
Xiaoru chided him gently, "She meant well."
"Sis, I came back in a rush this time and didn't buy you anything, but here is all the money I've earned over the years," Song Xiaodong said, handing her a bank card.
"You're not giving me an empty card to ask for money back later, are you?" Xiaoru asked with a smile as she took the card.
"Heh, how could I? Could your brother still be such a jerk? You can spend whatever is on this card, buy whatever you want. We'll go buy a big house soon, and I'll get you a nice car so you never have to live in poverty again."
"You talk big. If you could just settle down and get a job, then find me a sister-in-law, I'd be satisfied."
"Getting a wife can wait, but for now, here, take this bracelet. Just wear it when you feel like it," Xiaodong said, pulling out a strand of black pearls.
If a jewelry expert were to see it, they would be amazed. These were top-tier black pearls, incredibly rare. A strand like this was immensely valuable.