Momo's Gradual Change

C17. I Have a Brother.

Chapter 17: I Have a Brother

Song Yimo didn't interrupt their conversation. She washed the utensils in hot water, filled the glass cups with tea, and handed the cup without any tea leaves settled at the bottom to Zhai Muyang.

She wasn't the naive and clueless fifteen-year-old. Mr. Zhai seemed to be someone well-acquainted with luxury. The tea leaves nearly dissolved wouldn't catch his attention, and he probably would just politely eat a few bites of the expensive meal for her.

Throughout the journey, she pondered why he had come. If he claimed it was to express gratitude, she didn't quite believe it.

But, just as she had told her Miao Zhiruo's father, she preferred to keep their worlds separate, avoiding any further interaction.

Zhai Muyang noticed her quiet and meticulous nature and sighed internally. He turned to talk to Miao Zhiruo, the young girl who seemed less guarded, from whom Zhai Muyang learned quite a bit about Song Yimo.

The boss lady personally served the dishes, saying, "The following dishes are prepared on the spot, so the service may be a bit slow. Take your time."

The squid dish and chicken soup with radish were served first. Zhai Muyang urged each of them to have a sip of the soup, filling their bowls. He also filled half a bowl for himself as a token of his respect and drank a sip of the soup first. He was somewhat surprised that it did not have the MSG taste he expected, but a rich chicken soup that was very pure.

After finishing his bowl, Zhai Muyang didn't eat more but found himself gazing at Song Yimo.

She ate with focused attention, silently and diligently. Her cheeks puffed up as she chewed, resembling a little frog.

"Take it slow, don't get full after one dish."

Miao Zhiruo had intended to eat more but stopped upon hearing Zhai Muyang's advice, nibbling on each dish with caution.

Big Brother Zhai's advice was spot on. With four dishes still to come, she needed to save some room in her stomach.

Seeing Yimo set down her chopsticks, Zhai Muyang handed her a napkin. Song Yimo thanked him and wiped her lips, now greasy from the meal.

"Did you come to Mang City on purpose, Big Brother Zhai?"

Zhai Muyang chuckled inwardly but still probed, "I didn't come here on purpose, but it's not too far from where I needed to be. I had some business in Mang City."

Xinghu County was part of Mang City, so it wasn't far. Hearing this, Song Yimo's guard began to ease.

"By the way, last time on the phone, you mentioned buying a computer. Is there a computer class in high school now?"

"Yes, one class per week. But the pressure at No. 1 Middle School is immense; I heard it eases off from the second year onwards."

"Then why did you buy a computer?"

"I needed it for personal use."

Seeing she was reluctant to elaborate further, Zhai Muyang smiled and refrained from further questioning.

It was only their second real meeting, so there was some silence between them. Song Yimo didn't find it awkward, while Zhai Muyang felt comfortable simply looking at her – he didn't see any harm in it. On the other hand, Miao Zhiruo seemed uncomfortable with the quiet.

"Is Big Brother Zhai here for work in Mang City?"

"I'm here to visit an elder. I have a meeting tomorrow morning and booked a late-night flight back to Hai City."

Miao Zhiruo, not wearing a watch, checked the time on Song Yimo's wrist. "It's almost seven. Will you make it in time?"

"The flight is at midnight; I'll make it." Zhai Muyang's gaze lingered on the plastic watch, unable to look away.

Compared to the one on his own wrist, it was worlds apart. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he discreetly tucked his hand under the table, casually lowering his sleeve. "I visit Mang City several times a year. I'll come see you next time I'm here."

Miao Zhiruo was at a loss for words. The man before her wasn't someone she could easily jest with. She recognized his tough exterior, realizing he was not someone to trifle with. She was usually chatty, but now she couldn't think of any other topics to continue the conversation.

Zhai Muyang, however, was keen on conversing with Song Yimo. Once he had settled in and adapted, he felt at ease. As he refilled their tea, he remarked, "Are you afraid of me? My face isn't that scary, is it?"

Song Yimo lifted her head and seriously studied him. "Not scary, but people tend to be cautious toward the unknown. I don't see anything wrong with that."

"Of course, it's not a bad thing. On the contrary, it's a good habit. However, everyone hopes to be the exception."

Song Yimo pursed her lips, finding his words to be quite appropriate.

"Yimo, do you want a brother? Someone who's good at everything and good-looking, too." Zhai Muyang leaned in closer, pointing at his nose and chuckling, "Growing up alone can be lonely, especially when you start facing troubles as you get older."

"I have a brother, but I haven't found that to be beneficial." In reality, she didn't even remember what her brother looked like anymore.

Not to mention her brother; she was starting to forget her father, too. As she grew older, wrinkles likely formed on his once youthful face. Perhaps he developed a paunch, or maybe he wasn't even around anymore?

She didn't know, and it seemed to no longer matter. Not only did she think like this, but perhaps they all did, which was why they brushed her off without a care.