After a night of torment, Ji Chenai finally gained a thorough understanding of the skill “Sun’s Gaze.” Naturally, he no longer dared to recklessly use it in front of Zhou Yaoyun.

The next day, after Zhou Yaoyun left for school, Ji Chenai decided to try out another skill. “Invincible Fly-Fly-Fly Kick.” True to its absurdly long name, Ji Chenai discovered that after using it, not only could he move for a short period despite limitations, but the strength in his legs also allowed him to easily smash a brick with a kick—something he confirmed after breaking two tiles in the living room.

Staring at the two holes beneath his feet, Ji Chenai remained silent for a moment before muttering. “Xiao Qi, would it really have been so hard to give me a heads-up?”

Xiao Qi let out a laugh that Ji Chenai found utterly exasperating. After giggling for what felt like an eternity, it finally said. “I just wanted to surprise you~.”

Ji Chenai: “…” How on earth was he supposed to explain those two holes to Zhou Yaoyun?

Although his legs were temporarily healed, Ji Chenai didn’t dare leave the house. If anyone familiar saw him walking around without a wheelchair and reported it to Zhou Yaoyun, things would get messy. So, he stayed indoors, strolling around happily, occasionally bouncing and jumping. He had waited far too long for this moment, and now that it had arrived, it almost felt unreal.

When he was first told he might never walk again, Ji Chenai had struggled with despair for a long time before coming to terms with it. But now, heaven seemed to have granted him a second chance. Feeling the ground under his feet again, he truly understood just how precious good health was.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yaoyun’s training was nearing its end, and in just a day or two, the brothers were set to return home.

That evening, when Zhou Yaoyun returned, the first thing he noticed was the two conspicuous holes in the living room tiles. He froze in surprise, then quickly ran to Ji Chenai’s bedroom door and knocked. “Brother, what happened? Did something happen at home?”

Ji Chenai was in the middle of writing a post when Zhou Yaoyun’s question startled him. His hand jolted on the mouse, but he quickly composed himself, masking any trace of guilt as he wheeled himself to the door with a neutral expression.

Seeing that Ji Chenai seemed fine, Zhou Yaoyun sighed in relief. “Brother, are you okay?”

Ji Chenai nodded, pausing for a few seconds before replying. “I was cracking walnuts in the living room… and accidentally broke the tiles.” It was a weak excuse, but it was the best Ji Chenai had managed to come up with after thinking about it all afternoon. As he spoke, he handed Zhou Yaoyun a bag of walnut kernels. “You’ve been training hard—eat some to boost your brainpower.”

To Ji Chenai’s surprise, Zhou Yaoyun didn’t question his explanation at all. Not only that, but he seemed genuinely touched. “Brother, you’re so thoughtful, but don’t do that again. I’d worry about you hurting your hands.”

Ji Chenai nodded solemnly, and the matter was quietly dropped. Both of them tacitly agreed never to bring it up again.

Zhou Yaoyun bought plane tickets for two days later and hurriedly packed their luggage. Soon, the brothers were on their way home.

Before they departed, Ji Chenai’s family called to remind him to stay safe and asked a few casual questions. Based on Ji Chenai’s inherited memories, the original Zhou Yaoqin had a good relationship with his family, though they carried a deep sense of guilt toward him. After learning that his chances of recovery were almost nonexistent, they had given up on treating his legs, which only added to their remorse.

To Ji Chenai, Zhou Yaoqin’s hometown was an entirely unfamiliar place. Despite having absorbed Zhou Yaoqin’s memories, Ji Chenai still felt uneasy. According to Xiao Qi, any memories with an excess of negative energy had been forcibly sealed away and would only resurface when absolutely necessary.

However, Xiao Qi couldn’t clearly define what constituted a “necessary moment.”

By July, the weather was already sweltering. The wind at the airport was strong, and Ji Chenai was carried off the plane by Zhou Yaoyun, drawing plenty of attention from onlookers.

Thanks to his years of playing basketball, Zhou Yaoyun had no trouble carrying the undernourished Ji Chenai. Since the family already had a wheelchair at home, they had decided not to bring one back with them.

“Xiao Qin, Xiao Yun.”

As soon as they collected their luggage, Ji Chenai heard someone calling out to him and Zhou Yaoyun. Following the voice, he saw their father, Zhou Yumian, approaching them.

When Zhou Yumian saw Zhou Yaoyun carrying Ji Chenai in his arms while also lugging a large backpack, he hurried over. “Xiao Yun, let me carry him.”

Without waiting for a response, he took Ji Chenai into his arms.

To be honest, being carried around like this as a grown adult was pretty uncomfortable for Ji Chenai, especially with the odd stares from passersby. Humanity’s tolerance for “difference” often seemed limited—missing an eye or a leg could be enough to make someone feel excluded.

Fortunately, the three of them soon got into the car. Zhou Yaoyun and Ji Chenai sat together in the backseat.

Holding Ji Chenai close, Zhou Yaoyun rested his chin lightly on the top of Ji Chenai’s head and asked, “We’re almost home. Do you want some water, brother?”

Ji Chenai shook his head. “Not thirsty.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yaoyun didn’t say anything more.

^_^