The Spoiled Little Darling I Raised

Ten-year-old Song Xingshui had a dream.

In the dream, he was a disposable fake young master in a novel. As the fake young master, he was spoiled and unruly, completely out of touch with ordinary life, and so naive that he was downright annoying.

The real young master, brought back home, was sensible and likable in every way. He would do chores on his own, take his studies seriously, and never cause anyone trouble.

As the foil, Song Xingshui only knew how to pout and demand things. His family liked him less and less, until he gradually became invisible in the Song household. In the end, he died by suicide after falling into depression.

The feeling of being on the verge of death was so real that Song Xingshui clutched the plush toy in his arms in fright, tears welling in his eyes.

At first, he thought it was just a dream.

Until noon, when his parents really did bring home a sallow, skinny boy and solemnly told him, "From now on, he'll be your older brother. You two have to get along."

Remembering what had happened in his dream, Song Xingshui wiped away his tears and ran off.

-

Song Xingshui met a new older brother.

His new brother was very kind. He took him in, gave him clean clothes, always put the meat from his own bowl into Song Xingshui's, and paid for his schooling.

His brother was a good brother, just a little poor.

Song Xingshui decided that he would work hard and earn money to support his brother in his old age.

-

The night he decided to take Song Xingshui in, seventeen-year-old Xu Qizhen leaned by the door, the tips of his fingers glowing red, feeling the pressure mount.

He had no idea how to take care of anyone. He could barely support himself.

But Song Xingshui kept saying that he was easy to look after and would be obedient.

Xu Qizhen gazed at Song Xingshui's bright, lovely face for a long while, then told him only, "You don't have to be obedient. Just be happy."

-

Some people saw Xu Qizhen running around for a child who had nothing to do with him and tried to dissuade him. The boy wasn't his own, they warned. He might raise an ungrateful brat.

Xu Qizhen didn't listen. He just kept his head down, earning money and raising Song Xingshui well.

Song Xingshui was adorable. He would secretly prepare birthday surprises for him.

Song Xingshui was soft-hearted, too. He cried whenever Xu Qizhen got even the slightest injury.

And Song Xingshui was the kindest of all. He secretly sold the gold bangle he'd worn since childhood, all so Xu Qizhen wouldn't have to work so hard.

Song Xingshui was wonderful.

So wonderful that Xu Qizhen's feelings for him changed, even though Song Xingshui kept saying he would support him in his old age.

But Xu Qizhen didn't want him to support him in his old age.

He wanted to grow old with him.

Reading guide:

# A soft, nostalgic period piece. Don't get hung up on the details; enjoy the atmosphere. They'll get rich later.

# A sweet story with no angst.

Pre-registration: 2023.11.9

Theme: Even when confined to a well, keep your heart turned toward the stars