Chapter 269: Man Plans, but Heaven Decides

Luo Siyuan walked over and said, “Qiaoqiao, isn’t it better to come back to Beijing with us? We have a nanny at home, so you wouldn’t need to handle these things. Just focus on your studies.”

Luo Qiao looked at Luo Siyuan and replied, “I’m not planning to move during high school. The City No. 1 High School is quite good.”

After the meal, the Luo brothers were thoroughly impressed by their sister’s cooking skills—skills that even the family’s nanny might not possess.

After dinner, Lu Yichen and Shitou volunteered to clear the dishes. Luo Siyan said, “Qiaoqiao, can we have a chat?”

Luo Qiao nodded, prepared three cups of tea, and placed them on the stone table. The three siblings sat down together.

Luo Siyan started, “Qiaoqiao, do you hold any resentment towards us?”

Luo Qiao picked up her teacup and asked, “Why do you ask that?”

Luo Siyan gazed at the darkening sky and sighed before speaking, “Because we lost you back then, and we only learned from rumors that the girl we were raising wasn’t our real sister.

Dad has told us about your situation, and we feel really sorry for the hardships you’ve faced all these years. I’m sorry, Qiaoqiao.”

Luo Qiao said, “It’s not really your fault. No one could have anticipated such despicable actions. However, I don’t plan to return during high school.”

Luo Siyuan asked, “So, Qiaoqiao wants to try to get back into Beijing on your own?”

Luo Qiao looked at her fourth brother, Luo Siyuan, and nodded. “You probably know my situation. If there are no surprises, getting back into Beijing shouldn’t be a problem.

I mainly want to give myself some time to adjust. After all, we’re not familiar with each other, and I’d find it hard to suddenly move in with you all. Besides, I’m used to living freely.”

Luo Siyuan and Luo Siyan exchanged glances. Luo Siyuan said, “Alright, as long as you’re happy. Can you come to Beijing during the National Day holiday? Grandpa, Grandma, and the rest of the family would really like to see you.”

Luo Qiao thought for a moment and then nodded, “Sure, but I might not be able to make it until the 2nd. I want to visit the farm first, pay respects to Grandma Luo, let her know I’m starting high school so she can be at ease, and also tell her that we’ve all returned to our respective places.”

Luo Siyan knew how much his sister cared about Grandma Luo and understood that without that old lady’s protection, her life would have been even harder. He said, “Alright, I’ll take leave to come and pick you up then.”

Luo Qiao smiled and replied, “No need, I can take the train myself.”

Seeing their worried expressions, Luo Qiao reassured them with a smile, “I’ve got some martial skills, so don’t worry.”

Perhaps sensing the mutual understanding between them, the three siblings suddenly laughed together. Under the moonlight, the scene was warm, harmonious, and naturally comforting.

Lu Yichen and Shitou finished tidying up in the kitchen and, without disturbing them, they quietly left together.

The three siblings continued talking, reminiscing about family matters, relatives, friends, and events in the compound until they heard a commotion across the river, prompting them to head to the village.

Luo Siyan and Luo Siyuan quickly joined the fire-fighting team. They hadn’t expected that despite Zhao Jianing’s efforts to bring things back from Beijing, everything was burned clean. It seemed like fate.

After the fire was put out, Luo Siyan and Luo Siyuan withdrew from the crowd. Reflecting on Zhao Jianing’s past actions, they couldn’t bring themselves to feel sympathy for her.

That night, the Luo brothers stayed at Lu Yichen’s place. Since the weather was not cold, the two brothers and Shitou shared a room.

The next morning, Luo Qiao got up early, used her abilities to accelerate the growth of the vegetables in the backyard, harvested what she could, then planted a new batch and watered it. Afterward, she prepared the fish from yesterday and made fish ball soup.

She also made a lot of scallion pancakes. By the time Lu Yichen and the others arrived, Luo Qiao’s breakfast was nearly ready. Lu Yichen looked at the pancakes and asked, “Why are you up so early today?”

Luo Qiao replied, “I wanted to finish early so I wouldn’t miss the train. Fortunately, the station isn’t too far from City No. 1 High School. I can drop the stuff back at home and just make it in time for class.”