Fake

1

Ever since I was young, I have learned one lesson. People are fake. Everyone, except my brother who I trust. They praise and adore you when you have money but that's not how they feel in their heart.

Even my parents are fake. My father is the worldwide image of a good family man. A successful man with a loving family.

But that's not the truth. He has mistresses and worse, children with them. And my mother doesn't care.

Why? Because she has flings with men too. She is the winner of Miss Worldwide and she is the image of beauty, a loving wife and a loving mother.

But that's not true either. She only looked at my results and cares about my outward appearance. She makes sure I am presentable even if I just want to go to the nearest convenience store.

Oh wait, I forgot. I can't even go to the convenience store. I must trouble our driver to send me to the biggest shopping mall even if it is just to get a bottle of drink.

My parents seem kind and donate to charity but they always say 'Poor people are disgusting', 'Stay away from lower class people', 'Don't let their poverty infect you'.

I have an older brother too. The only one by my side and the best brother I can ever have. But he learned the same lesson as me.

And my father dragged him into the business, forcing him to learn the ways of the monsters in order to survive.

Though my brother is true to me, he still puts on that fake smile out there. He uses it so much that now I can't actually tell when he is smiling and when he is not.

Because I know he doesn't want me to be worried for him and hence, he put on his fake smile, even when his whole being is screaming 'tired'.

I hate it so much. I know I'm more privileged than others. I have money to spend, have good food to eat and have a roof over my head.

But I don't get the love the world thinks I have. I don't have the freedom and I can't make my own choices. I am a doll for my parents to advertise themselves.

I won't say I didn't get love at all. I had a nanny who took care of my brother and me. She showered us with love and care.

My father pays her a huge sum but when another family offers a higher sum, she left without any hesitation, without looking back.

I can't take this anymore. I asked everyone to give me a little bit of attention so that I can say some things to them.

My brother came home the very next day, as quickly as he could. I know he rushes home to be with me as soon as possible.

But my parents? They are soooo busy that this attention was given to me a month later, after constant asking. And after everyone sat down, I started "I'm leaving"

My brother, Hai Kuan, immediately stood up and sat beside me "Yibo, what's wrong? Where are you going?"

"I want to go to Beijing University" I replied and my father who was scrolling through whatever was on his ipad simply showed a disappointed face.

"That's great" My brother said but my mum immediately put down her make up pouch "No. We have signed you up for University of Oxford.

If you don't like it, you can choose Yale, Havard or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As long as it's the top 10 universities in the world. Famous ones"

My brother saw my darkening expression and immediately spoke for me "Mother, Beijing is the best university in China and this way, Yibo doesn't have to go to such a far place"

"It's not like we meet often. You're going to the top 10 universities no matter what" My mother spoke. Great mother.

Did I forget to say something? My mother tries so hard to keep her body fit and if she gained just a little, she would complain about how all these fats came from giving birth to my brother and I.

My father placed down his ipad and from a glimpse I caught sight of a porn website. Great, searching up porn to watch immediately after we end this conversation.

"Yibo, the University of Oxford is already prepared to enrol you. All top 10 universities are waiting for you-"

I slammed the table hard and stood up "I said I want to enter Beijing University" My fathers face darkened "What's wrong with other universities?"

"Nothing" I replied and my father asked "Then what's so good about Beijing University"

I didn't reply. "Fine" My father said and my mother's eyes literally popped out, veins appearing on her head.

I was getting happy but my father continued "From now onwards, you're not my son. I'll get the papers signed and disown you"

I looked to my mother who looked relieved. I guess not having a son that embarrasses her will make me happier.

I scoffed. Getting disowned by my parents just because I don't want to enter the top 10 universities in the world.

"Father!" My brother shouted. "Don't do that, please. Mother, say something"

My father glared at my brother "Hai Kuan, learn this. If you don't do us proud, you are no longer our son either. Don't be too soft either. It's not good in business."

Yes, I expected that. Did my brother really think my parents would care? Just then, the lawyer came. How fast.

My father and mother signed without caring much before passing the file to me. After I signed, I took a copy of the file. I then stood up and bowed to thank them for their attention.

"Thank you for the attention and all these years. I will be gone by tonight" I said and turned up the stairs. My brother called and ran after me but was stopped by my father.

"Hai Kuan, if you want to leave too, then go after that unfilial son" My father said before leaving. I heard my mother immediately calling someone in a flirty tone to meet at her other house.

I scoffed again. Why did I even think thay there was a possibility they might care? I should have known. Later that night, I packed almost everything and my brother came into my room.