A Love That Lasts

"Mian, this is your younger brother, Qi."

A tall man brought home a boy of five or six, with short black hair and a pair of calm, blue eyes.

So beautiful... Mian stared, entranced.

"Qi, say... hello to your big brother."

The small boy glanced at Mian, then turned his head away.

The man smiled gently and rested a hand on Qi's hair. "He must be a little shy. Don't take it to heart."

"It's all right, Dad," Mian said obediently.

Mian really wanted to get close to his little brother, but Qi wasn't much of a talker.

"Qi, I read this book, and it's really good!"

"Let's go swimming together!"

"Qi, if you're scared at night, you can come find me~"

None of it worked.

Mian propped his chin on his hand and sighed.

Five years had passed, and his relationship with Qi hadn't improved at all. They were practically strangers, even though, as the older brother, he should have been taking good care of him.

But Qi was so cold. No matter what Mian said, he barely reacted.

"Mian, Qi and I are going out. Make sure you look after the house."

Come to think of it, Qi went out alone with Dad every time. What exactly did they go to do?

Mian was so curious. He wanted to follow them and see. Maybe it would help him get closer to Qi.

Mian decided to secretly follow them.

When he got there, he saw Dad take Qi's hand and kneel in front of him.

Mian was stunned.

"You've presented so early. Qi, my child, you are the best."

Dad said this as he held Qi, his voice turning feverish and unlike his usual self.

What were they doing?

How strange. There was a strange scent in the air. Mian took a couple of deep breaths. It smelled so good!

Qi, still in Dad's arms, seemed to notice him and looked this way, his eyes utterly vacant.

Mian immediately covered his mouth and hid behind the wall.

Theme: Life needs a little sweetness