Even after reaching adulthood without being beaten, a conditioned reflex had still formed. As for a rebellious phase... what a joke, it never existed.
"This... My little sister didn't want it mentioned, she... she said she didn't want to worry you, Dad." In his desperation, Pei Zhengnian forcefully squeezed out an excuse.
Under their father's scrutinizing gaze, which resembled that of a judge interrogating a criminal, the eldest resignedly closed his eyes. The excuse was too flimsy; his little sister never took such things into account.
However, to his surprise, Pei Huaiyi said nothing. He just hunched his back, stood up, and without a word returned to his room with his teacup in hand.
Watching his father's bent back, Pei Zhengnian became somewhat startled.
In his memory, their father always stood tall like a pine tree, his voice booming like a bugle call.
