Echoes of July

6

Ten minutes later, a man in a light gray wool coat appeared downstairs at the company. His younger brother, Cheng Yuan, huddled in a short down jacket, with a pale and pink nose tip and neck exposed, his eyes red from the cold.

Cheng Jian frowned and irritably loosened the wool scarf around his neck. Soon, a warm embrace enveloped Cheng Yuan, carrying the scent of men's cologne.

Cheng Yuan, however, restlessly stretched his neck, "It's stuffy."

Cheng Jian glared, "Try taking it off, and I'll hit you."

Cheng Yuan shivered and behaved.

Cheng Jian really did hit people. When Cheng Yuan was seven or eight, the age when even dogs found him annoying, he was much more delicate than other children. This was because whenever he misbehaved, his older brother would use various tools to discipline him, making him obedient and soft.

With a domineering father and brother and a weak mother, it was no wonder Cheng Yuan fell deeply for the gentle Yang BaiHua, refusing to turn back despite others' attempts to pull him away.

Cheng Jian grabbed Cheng Yuan's hand without hesitation, the icy touch making his expression darken further.

He alternated removing his gloves, tossing them into Cheng Yuan's arms, mocking, "Is he so poor he can't afford gloves?"

Cheng Yuan pulled the scarf down, revealing his mouth.

He defended, "I don't like wearing them."

This was true; Cheng Yuan disliked scarves and gloves, especially scarves, which made him feel stifled after a while.

Cheng Yuan wanted to say more but cowered upon meeting Cheng Jian's gaze.

"Speak, continue," Cheng Jian sneered, "You can argue ten times harder when I criticize him. You’re only good for picking... stones as treasures."

Chi XiaoChi, impersonating Cheng Yuan, took a moment to chat with the System, "I suspect he was going to say 'dung ball' just now."

The System agreed with Chi XiaoChi.

Cheng Jian swallowed his words, not wanting to start off too badly with Cheng Yuan.

He scrutinized the redness around Cheng Yuan's eyes and the dampness on his lashes, "...Did you fight with him?"

Cheng Yuan, smaller than Cheng Jian, held both hands inside one of Cheng Jian's gloves for warmth, "No, just a bit queasy."

Cheng Jian: "Didn't eat breakfast?"

Cheng Yuan smiled, "Trying to lose weight."

"Lose what weight!" Cheng Jian pinched his waist, "You’re as thin as a twig, is that attractive?!"

Cheng Yuan jumped and whined, "…Brother."

"Brother, brother, being your brother is a curse." Cheng Jian stuffed his hands into his pockets, "No soy milk then? Let's go to the congee shop instead of Yonghe."

As he spoke, he glanced around and asked, "Where did you park your car?"

Cheng Yuan naturally replied, "He drove to work. I came by bus."

Cheng Jian froze, eyes wide, and Cheng Yuan instinctively protected his head and darted five steps away.

Cheng Jian wanted to teach him a lesson, but it was a working day, and they were outside the company, so he hooked Cheng Yuan's neck and pulled him back, "Why run?"

Cheng Yuan, thinking he was about to be hit, shrunk his neck, "Brother, people are watching."

Seeing the fear in his brother's eyes, Cheng Jian softened, loosening his grip.

Even so, his words were sharp, "Cheng Yuan, you're quite skilled at keeping a pretty boy. Work hard, buy him a house, give him clothes, food, shelter, and transportation, and you two can live happily ever after. How nice."

Cheng Yuan lowered his head, "Brother, please don't say that. He needs a car for work, but I stay home all day, so I don't need one."

Cheng Jian nearly tipped over in frustration but held back his anger considering Cheng Yuan's discomfort.

He led Cheng Yuan towards the congee shop, "…What congee do you want? Century egg and lean meat congee, plain congee?"

"Century egg and lean meat congee."

"Fussy eater."

"Thank you, Brother."

"Forget it, fancy congee. With a queasy stomach, drink plain congee."

After a few sips of hot congee, Cheng Yuan's pale face regained some color, his cheeks regaining a rosy glow except for his reddish nose.

Cheng Jian removed his coat, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and prepared the vinegar dish for him, "Why did you come to see me?"

Before Cheng Yuan could speak, Cheng Jian quickly said, "If it's about him, do us both a favor and don't mention it."

"Not about him… well, sort of." Cheng Yuan picked up a crab roe bun, hesitating, "…Brother, please don't tell Mom and Dad, okay?"

Cheng Jian's expression was unreadable, "Depends."

Cheng Yuan dipped the bun into the vinegar, softly, "Brother, do you have any spare houses?"

Cheng Jian's brows twitched, "…What do you want?"

Cheng Yuan hurriedly waved his hands, "Not that, Brother. I want to borrow your house for a week, just me, no one else."

Cheng Jian: "Did you really fight?"

Cheng Yuan looked dejected, biting the bun edge, mumbling, "No, his parents are coming, and he wants me to stay away."

Cheng Jian slapped the table.

The loud noise drew half the shop's attention.

Cheng Jian ignored it, "His parents don't know about you two?!"

Cheng Yuan paused, quickly defending Yang BaiHua, "No, no. Old Yang's parents are frugal, they wouldn't want to stay in a hotel. If I move out, it’ll be easier for them to stay..."

"Am I asking you that? All nonsense!" Cheng Jian cut him off, "Tell me, does he want you to meet his parents?"

Cheng Yuan poked the bottom of the bowl with a spoon.

"…Still hasn't told them?!"

"He's not ready yet…"

"When will he be ready? Wait until he marries and has kids or until he dies?"

Cheng Yuan stayed silent, unusually not defending Yang BaiHua.

Seeing his dispirited little brother, Cheng Jian's heart softened, reaching out to pat his head but turned it into a light tap on the back of his head, making Cheng Yuan shrink his neck.

Cheng Yuan said, "If not, staying in your office is fine too."

Cheng Jian impatiently, "…Stop worrying, eat."

Cheng Yuan raised his eyes, "Please don't let Mom and Dad know..."

"Your mess will eventually reach them." Cheng Jian bluntly stated, "You're on your own."

He went out with his phone to arrange accommodation for Cheng Yuan.

Chi XiaoChi quietly bit into the crab roe bun, the rich aroma of crab juice mingling with the tangy scent of vinegar warming his mouth, a bit scalding.

In his past life, Cheng Yuan hadn't sought help from Cheng Jian, hiding at a friend's place for a week.

He always felt his family was overly protective, but he didn't realize he was losing a fortress that would always shield him from the storms.

Reviewing Cheng Yuan's memories, Chi XiaoChi saw Cheng Jian handling his funeral abroad after Cheng Yuan's death.

The brother who always wore a three-piece suit to take out the trash, who meticulously styled his hair with gel and cologne, suddenly looked ten years older, with stubble and a long scratch from shaving mishap, extending from his jaw to his neck.

He saw his brother's cold body in the hospital.

Cheng Yuan had nearly severed half his wrist.

…How could he have done that?

Thinking this, Cheng Jian silently took a taxi back to the Yang residence, stopping to buy a kitchen knife along the way.

Later, he almost chopped down the Yang's front door. Yang BaiHua and his parents, sensing danger, hid inside, ignoring his hysterics and called the police.

Assaulting a private residence was a serious offense abroad. The police arrived promptly, subduing Cheng Jian.

When roughly pinned to the ground, Cheng Jian's face was covered in hot sand and gravel.

He had calmed down, repeating a single phrase, his voice filled with anguish.

"…My brother was only twenty-seven, not even thirty."

Having made the call, Cheng Jian returned, pulling out a chair, "You're moving out next week, right?"

Chi XiaoChi looked at him.

Quickly, the image of the scruffy, dirt-covered face with blood stains separated from this present, composed one.

Regaining his composure, Chi XiaoChi nodded obediently, "Yes."

"I've sent you the address on WeChat. When you're ready to move, let me know. Xiao Yan won't tell Dad anything." Cheng Jian said, "Don't tell Yang BaiHua you came to see me, just say you're staying with friends."

Cheng Jian was always efficient when dealing with practical matters, combining decisiveness with thoughtful consideration. But he rarely brought this demeanor into daily life, appearing to Cheng Yuan as a harsh-tongued but soft-hearted elder brother.

In other words, his current attitude indicated he recognized the seriousness of Cheng Yuan's situation with Yang BaiHua and was beginning to take action.

Leaving, Cheng Jian left the scarf and gloves with Chi XiaoChi.

Shortly after Xiao Yan dropped him off, Chi XiaoChi requested to get out.

"You must have other things to do, go ahead." Chi XiaoChi said, "I know the way back. Tell my brother I ate too much, need to walk it off."

Stepping out, Chi XiaoChi looked up to see the headquarters of Yun Du Entertainment.

This was Tang Huan's entertainment company. After extensive packaging, she had become one of the rising stars in the mainland music scene, a key player for Yun Du Entertainment, and a leading figure.

The System asked, "What are you doing here?"

Chi XiaoChi looked around, "Just checking things out."

Away from the audience, Chi XiaoChi reverted to himself.

He loosely tied the scarf, standing casually, exuding a blend of vigor and languidness, captivating.

Stars and actors undergo rigorous training, setting them apart from ordinary people. Cheng Yuan was already handsome, and Chi XiaoChi's charisma added a touch of charm to his youthful appearance.

Standing by the roadside, Chi XiaoChi drew occasional glances. Seeing this, the System had an idea, "Mr. Chi, what if you try acting?"

Last night, the System watched the first film Chi XiaoChi starred in, "Cape Murder Case."

At eighteen, Chi XiaoChi portrayed a village boy's descent and destruction with stunning and unsettling brilliance.

In one scene, his best friend died protecting him. The boy sang a soft lullaby to soothe his dying friend, smiling despite the pain, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

Chi XiaoChi didn't scream or rage, playing the scene with quiet intensity.

This subtle understanding and nuanced portrayal of emotion were what many actors strive for throughout their careers, yet Chi XiaoChi achieved it effortlessly from the start.

He had talent, and in this world, the entertainment industry was thriving. As an actor, he could achieve great success.

Hearing the System's suggestion, Chi XiaoChi responded indifferently, "Good idea."

His noncommittal attitude suggested he wasn't interested.

Indeed, Chi XiaoChi said, "To me, acting means truly becoming that person, showing respect."

He looked up at the Yun Du Entertainment building, saying lightly, "This is Cheng Yuan's life. I must live it as he would."

The System felt a slight stirring.

…Chi XiaoChi seemed more thoughtful and less reckless than expected.

The System asked, "What are your plans now?"

Chi XiaoChi didn't answer, stepping away from the Yun Du Entertainment building.

Nearby, a large LED screen showed Tang Huan's jewelry endorsement advertisement, looping continuously.

Tang Huan's incident was a pivotal turning point in Cheng Yuan's tragic life, but it catapulted Tang Huan to fame, helping her transition successfully.

One was the protagonist, the other a supporting character, whose role was to highlight the protagonist's brilliance by their own dimness.

But in Chi XiaoChi's world, he was also accustomed to being the lead.

Chi XiaoChi murmured, "…If that's the case, let's see who becomes the lead based on ability."