Not long after the young girl, Yang Yuyi was taken home by her parents, Ji Chenai saw the woman who had been begging with her that day appear on the news again. This time, however, the middle-aged woman looked haggard as she stood trial in court.

Ji Chenai didn’t know the full details of the case, but the news broadcasted the result of her first trial—death penalty. He was certain that Yang Yuyi’s parents had intervened behind the scenes. Otherwise, given the current state of the legal system, a ten-year sentence would have been considered a harsh punishment.

The card that Yang Yuyi’s father had given Ji Chenai contained two million yuan—an enormous sum for an average family. Ji Chenai hadn’t told Zhou Yaoyun about the card and chose to keep it for himself. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Zhou Yaoyun; he simply needed the money and didn’t want to have to explain its use to him later.

On the 37th day of Ji Chenai living as Zhou Yaoqin, he encountered someone he thought he’d never have to cross paths with again—Ji Sumin.

Yes, it was his elder brother.

At the time, Ji Chenai was accompanying Zhou Yaoyun to order a birthday cake when Ji Sumin walked past him without expression. His face looked pale, and he was arguing on the phone.

The moment Ji Chenai saw him, his body instinctively tensed, and memories of unpleasant past events resurfaced. Ji Sumin didn’t seem to notice Ji Chenai at all; not even a glance in his direction. He walked into the mall and soon disappeared from sight.

Zhou Yaoyun asked. “Brother do you know that person?”

Ji Chenai was startled for a moment, then quickly replied. “No, I don’t.”

“Then why were you staring at him for so long?” Zhou Yaoyun pressed.

Ji Chenai thought he had hidden it well, but clearly, Zhou Yaoyun didn’t think so. Seeing that Ji Chenai didn’t answer, he pouted and said. “Brother, are you not willing to talk to me anymore?”

With a sigh, Ji Chenai explained. “I just thought he looked familiar.” Having been in this new life for a month now, and with the memories of the original owner, Ji Chenai had come to realize that his younger brother, Zhou Yaoyun, though he appeared carefree was actually very observant. He could pick up on the slightest changes in Ji Chenai’s expressions and mood, often noticing things even before Ji Chenai himself did.

This should have been a good thing, but for some reason, it gave Ji Chenai an odd sense of unease. Yet, faced with Zhou Yaoyun’s innocent expression, he couldn’t quite grasp what was causing that feeling of discomfort.

Fortunately, Zhou Yaoyun didn’t dwell on the issue. After giving Ji Sumin’s retreating figure one last glance, he pushed Ji Chenai into the cake shop without further comment.

The day after tomorrow would be Zhou Yaoyun’s 19th birthday. He was two years younger than Ji Chenai, but the two had started elementary school in the same year. Before Zhou Yaoqin’s accident, Zhou Yaoyun and his older brother had even shared the same desk in class.

These memories were crystal clear in Zhou Yaoqin’s mind, and Ji Chenai had no reason to question them.

After ordering the cake, Zhou Yaoyun asked Ji Chenai what he wanted to eat on the day—whether they should go out or cook at home.

Ji Chenai asked if Zhou Yaoyun wanted to invite some classmates to celebrate with them. After thinking it over, Zhou Yaoyun responded. “What would you prefer, brother?”

Ji Chenai replied. “It’s your birthday.”

“But if you’re not happy, then I won’t be happy either.” Zhou Yaoyun said earnestly.

Ji Chenai really didn’t know how to handle Zhou Yaoyun. He had never been relied on by someone so much before, so when Zhou Yaoyun acted playful and clingy, he was completely at a loss.

After some back-and-forth discussion, it was ultimately Ji Chenai who made the decision, suggesting that Zhou Yaoyun invite his classmates over to the house for the birthday celebration. Zhou Yaoyun agreed and then eagerly began asking Ji Chenai what he wanted to eat.

Ever since Xiao Qi’s appearance, Ji Chenai’s outlook had shifted. Knowing that he might have a chance to walk again made him stronger in handling negative emotions. He cared far less about other people’s judgments than before.

When a person has hope and a clear goal, they naturally become stronger.

After picking out the cake design and paying the deposit, Zhou Yaoyun and Ji Chenai left the shop and started walking home.

Using a wheelchair on public transportation was incredibly inconvenient, and hailing a taxi wasn’t always easy. So, Zhou Yaoyun had rented a place closer to key locations to make it easier for Ji Chenai to get around.

Though it meant Zhou Yaoyun himself had to live farther from his school.

In the evening, after taking a shower, Ji Chenai lay on the bed and counted the energy points he had earned today. He realized that if everything went smoothly, he would be able to walk again next month. Just thinking about it lifted his spirits instantly.

Zhou Yaoyun held Ji Chenai’s feet in his lap, massaging them gently, his expression radiating warmth and tenderness.

Suddenly, Ji Chenai spoke up. “Xiao Yun, wouldn’t it be great if one day I could walk again?”

Zhou Yaoyun paused his movements and lowered his head, making it difficult for Ji Chenai to see his expression. “Do you really want to walk, brother?” he asked softly.

“Who wouldn’t want that…” Ji Chenai replied.

As Zhou Yaoyun continued to massage Ji Chenai’s feet, his fingers delicately pinched Ji Chenai’s toes. “I thought you had already accepted the reality,” he said gently.

Ji Chenai was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

After a few seconds of pause, Zhou Yaoyun raised his head, looking a bit sad. “Brother, I chose to study medicine for you,” he said softly.

Ji Chenai suddenly remembered that Zhou Yaoyun had chosen to attend medical school because of him. “Oh…”

Zhou Yaoyun didn’t say anything more and continued to massage Ji Chenai’s feet with great care.

—