Xiaobao's eyes glistened as she clutched Yu Xi's sleeve. "Then I will stay with you too."
Yu Xi turned sharply, his gaze firm. "No."
"Why not?" Xiaobao's voice cracked. "If you stay, I stay. You promised we would live together in the future."
Eros interjected, his voice warm but insistent. "That's a good idea. You two can look out for each other."
Yu Xi's chest tightened. He would love nothing more than to live with his brother, to keep him close, but refusing him felt like betrayal. It was as if he were choosing between Xiaobao and Jian Ci—and he chose Jian Ci.
The guilt gnawed at him, whispering that his mother would be disappointed. Yet this was his choice, his path, and he wanted to walk it for himself.
"No," Yu Xi said again, softer this time. "You have to stay with Grandpa. We can meet as many times as possible. I'll call you every day."
Xiaobao's voice trembled but was firm. "No, I want to live with you."
