7: Returning home, the younger sister's ordeal

Dad, why has not this house changed after so many years?

Jiang Chuan and his dad returned together to the suburbs not far from the dump, a place also known as the slums by city residents.

Most of the people living here are the lower class of Jiangbei City, as well as some Young Men who came to the big city to make a living. They live here simply because the rent is cheap enough, and it is not particularly far from the city center.

"As long as we have a place to stay, that is enough. What changes do we need?"

Dad heard Jiang Chuan's words, thought that Jiang Chuan had been away for a few years and was now looking down on his own doghouse, and glared at him indifferently.

"You are right."

"What is it, Dad?"

After Jiang Chuan finished speaking, he noticed his dad looking at him strangely. He could not help but touch his face, found nothing there, and asked in confusion.

"Second Son, you have changed over these three years. You used to never agree with what I said, you would only refute me. It seems you have suffered a lot in these three years."

Dad did not hide his thoughts and said with a light chuckle.

Hearing his dad's words, Jiang Chuan felt even more uncomfortable. His personality had always been very dominant, whether toward his dad or outsiders, which was why he had suffered a lot and offended some people over the years.

"I certainly suffered a bit, but the suffering has passed and joy has come."

Jiang Chuan smiled and replied after hearing his dad's words.

Dad did not ask any further. As long as Second Son was doing well, that was enough.

"How long are you staying this time?"

Dad looked at Jiang Chuan beside him and asked with a light laugh.

"As long as nothing comes up, I can stay with you forever."

"I told you, old man, I came back this time to take care of you until the end. I have already bought a new house. Let us move there together then."

Hearing his dad's question, Jiang Chuan also laughed and said.

"Mhm, stay as long as you want. As for moving to your new house, forget it. You still have to get married and have children later; I will not go over there and bother you. I am quite comfortable living here."

Dad smiled and nodded, not pressing Jiang Chuan for details. As long as Second Son had not done anything illegal, that was fine.

"Dad, I am home."

Jiang Chuan was preparing to persuade his dad to move in with him so he could take better care of him. However, just then, a pleasant voice suddenly reached the ears of the father and son.

The voice was clear and melodious, like music from heaven, making anyone who heard it feel refreshed and delighted. As the voice faded, a youthful, beautiful figure slowly appeared at the doorway. She was wearing a school uniform, her figure graceful, exuding an air of purity, like a blossoming flower, delicate and lovely.

"Second Brother, you are home."

The girl saw Jiang Chuan's figure and cried out in surprise.

"Little Sister, school is out! You have gotten more and more beautiful."

Jiang Chuan looked at Lin Xiaoxiao as she entered the house and praised her without reservation.

Lin Xiaoxiao was also an orphan Dad had taken in. She was the youngest, only sixteen this year, and had just started high school.

"Second Brother, you have gotten more and more handsome too."

Lin Xiaoxiao heard Jiang Chuan's praise and smiled happily. However, while smiling, Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly frowned, but quickly recovered her expression and continued to smile happily. All of this was still caught by Jiang Chuan.

Lin Xiaoxiao also shifted her gaze to Dad and, noticing that Dad's body was covered in bruises and swelling, immediately asked with concern.

"I thought you only had eyes for your Second Brother!"

Dad looked at Lin Xiaoxiao with a resentful expression, clearly jealous.

"Dad, are you jealous of me too? Little Sister and I have not seen each other for years; it is fine for her to greet me first, is not it?"

Hearing his dad's words and seeing his expression, Jiang Chuan gave a helpless, bitter smile.

He knew Lin Xiaoxiao was Dad's treasure. Lin Xiaoxiao was also the only one among the three orphans Dad picked up who took his surname. The reason Jiang Chuan did not take Dad's surname was because the name was carved on the jade pendant Jiang Chuan wore, so Dad, for convenience, simply named him according to the name on the pendant.

Dad did not speak, he just glared fiercely at Jiang Chuan.

"Do not worry, Little Sister, Dad is fine. Dad promised me that after we eat, we will go to the hospital together to get checked out."

Jiang Chuan smiled as he looked at Lin Xiaoxiao and said this softly to her.

"I did not..."

Dad heard Jiang Chuan's words and was about to refute him when he heard Lin Xiaoxiao say: "That is good."

Dad glared fiercely at Jiang Chuan again, the threat self-evident.

"Dad, you are not well today, so just sit here. Little Sister, come help me out; I will personally cook the meal."

Jiang Chuan smiled, paying no mind, said this to Lin Xiaoxiao, and the two entered the kitchen.

Dad watched Jiang Chuan and Lin Xiaoxiao enter the kitchen together, smiled without saying much, and sat there with a look of enjoyment.

"Little Sister, what happened to you?"

After Jiang Chuan and Lin Xiaoxiao entered the kitchen together, Jiang Chuan looked at Lin Xiaoxiao solemnly and asked softly.

Hearing Jiang Chuan's words, Lin Xiaoxiao's expression suddenly changed, but she quickly recovered, smiling lightly as she said: "Second Brother, I am fine."

Jiang Chuan did not answer, he just stared deeply at Lin Xiaoxiao. Taking advantage of her distraction, he directly pulled up her sleeve. He saw that Lin Xiaoxiao's arms were covered in fresh bruises and swelling, clearly recent injuries.

"Ah!"

Lin Xiaoxiao had not expected Jiang Chuan to suddenly pull up her sleeve, causing her to pull her own wound, and she could not help but cry out.

"What is wrong?"

Dad heard Lin Xiaoxiao's voice, asked with concern, and prepared to get up and enter the kitchen to check.

Hearing Dad's voice, Lin Xiaoxiao's expression changed drastically, and she said to Dad: "Dad, I am fine, I just accidentally bumped myself. You can just sit there. Second Brother and I will have the meal ready soon."

Jiang Chuan knew Dad would not be reassured, so he immediately spoke up, telling him not to worry.

"Then you two be careful."

Dad heard their words and ultimately did not enter the kitchen.

Lin Xiaoxiao also sighed in relief when she saw Dad did not come over.

Jiang Chuan lowered his voice, his gaze gradually turning cold, as he asked Lin Xiaoxiao.

"Second Brother, I was bullied by classmates at school."

Hearing Jiang Chuan's words, Lin Xiaoxiao could no longer hold back the grievance in her heart. She was only a little girl after all. She hugged Jiang Chuan and began to sob softly.

"I understand. Tomorrow, I will go to school with you and seek justice for you!"

Jiang Chuan patted Lin Xiaoxiao's back, comforting her softly.