The evening rain was fine and gentle, softly tapping against the leaves outside the window, creating a rustling sound. It wasn't the kind of stormy downpour that felt dramatic but carried a quiet sadness, as if the sky was weeping silently. This sound made Su Feiyan's mood even more complicated. He wasn't exactly sad, but there was a trace of confusion, as if he were a lost child standing at an unfamiliar crossroads, unsure which path would lead him home.
Of course, he knew his family and teachers meant well, but… but… He hadn't even sorted out these thoughts when the door suddenly burst open with a loud "bang."
"Oh no, my poor door…" Su Feiyan said with a wry smile. This door had long been the unlucky victim of his sister's surprise attacks.
Su Feiya entered, and their sibling time commenced as always. This time together was their little tradition, rain or shine. While it wasn't so extreme that they'd keep it up through snowstorms or hail, they made time for it on most days unless something special came up. However, tonight, his sister seemed a little different. Normally, she'd chatter endlessly like a babbling brook, but today, she went quiet the moment she came in. Instead, she walked straight over to him and hugged him.
Su Feiyan froze for a moment. It wasn't like she'd never hugged him before, but today's embrace felt different. It lacked her usual playfulness and mischief, instead carrying a quiet sense of warmth and protection. His heart stirred, and he couldn't help but marvel, "My sister really is growing up."
For a moment, it felt like time had rewound. Su Feiyan thought of when his sister was first adopted into the family. Back then, she was so small that she needed to be carried by their mother. Now, the once-little girl had grown into a caring and thoughtful sister. This "little shadow," who always stuck to her big brother and played with him, had been like his eyes, showing him what the world looked like. Having a sister like her was a blessing—and, well, a bit of a hassle too, he thought with a chuckle.
"Big brother, are you feeling sad today?" His sister's clear voice pulled him back from his thoughts.
Su Feiyan hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest. "Not sad, exactly, just… a little lost."
"Lost?" His sister tilted her head, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Yeah, like being in a maze, where you come across two paths. The first path is simple and safe. The second one is a bit risky, but if you succeed, it'll be amazing." He tried to explain. "Which one would you choose?"
His sister thought seriously for a while before replying, "I'd pick the second one."
"Why?" Su Feiyan asked, surprised. "Isn't the first one easier?"
"Because my heart tells me the second one is more exciting," she said with the innocent confidence of a child.
"Your heart?" Su Feiyan chuckled. "What does that mean?"
"Teacher said that when we don't know what to choose, we can listen to our hearts. Our hearts will tell us the answer." Her words left him momentarily speechless.
"What if you choose wrong?" He gently patted her head, her hair so soft that he couldn't resist ruffling it a bit more.
"Stop messing up my hair!" she protested, puffing her cheeks before continuing seriously, "Big brother, I think you already have the answer in your heart."
Su Feiyan was stunned. He hadn't expected such a remark from her.
"No matter which path you choose, your super cute sister and our family will always be here with you!" She looked up at him, her face earnest. "So, don't feel down, okay? Let's start sibling time now!"
Hearing his sister's innocent yet sincere words, Su Feiyan felt the heaviness in his heart lighten. He smiled. "Alright, what should we do?"
"Of course, we can play a game! Or maybe just talk. But not doing homework!" She grinned mischievously, like a little fox.
"Fine, we'll do what you want." Su Feiyan shook his head, pulling her into a hug. Outside, the rain continued to fall, but inside, his heart grew warm. It felt as if a light was piercing through the fog, guiding him forward.