Mu Donglin seemed to have been sapped of all his energy as he dropped himself onto the ground.

Thats right.

If she wanted to come, shed do so.

But what if some people wouldnt allow her to come?

He and Mu Xichen had been fighting and competing for so many years. Now that he was in this situation, Mu Xichen might even be gloating.

Indeed, although they had never bore any huge grudges against each other over all these years, there had been many little annoying episodes.

Who would blame Mu Xichen for not allowing Li Beinian to come.

Two more days.

She would probably show up.

Anyway, there were still two days to go.

Lin Kerou rushed home. At some point, the people at home had started to dislike coming home.

In the past, her father used to like to sit on the sofa. He would be leaning back in his chair, with his gold-rimmed reading glasses, reading the newspapers. The small table lamp next to him would always be switched on.

Whenever she came home, he would look up from the newspapers at her. Then, hed see how little she was wearing and inevitably remark, Why are you wearing so little? Arent you afraid of getting sick?

Upon hearing this, her mother would quickly walk out of the kitchen, wiping her wet hands on her apron. Then, she would grab a blanket and say anxiously, Why are you home so late? Why didnt you tell me that you were on the way back? Its so cold, I could have made you a bowl of ginger tea.

Then, she would walk in, supported by her mother, and sit down on the sofa. She would sit with her father and act coquettishly like always.

However, now

The large and empty living room was dimly lit by two glass lamps.

Under the amber light, everything seemed bleak and lonely.

Both her parents were absent. This big house used to be so lively, now it was as if all the life had been sucked out of it. There was a coldness that seemed to seep into ones heart.

This house was still home, but she couldnt remember when it had started to change.

The faint sound of footsteps could be heard coming from the stairs. It was steady and rhythmic, and in this empty villa, it sounded pitiful.

Lin Ya was wearing a white shirt and trousers that outlined his figure. His short hair was slightly tousled and he looked exhausted.

When he saw Lin Kerou, his expression did not change. He took off his glasses and said calmly, Youre home.

Lin Kerou felt her chest tightening.

This was Lin Ya, her brother.

From a young age, she had admired him. More so than she had admired her father.

She would follow behind him, calling out sweetly and coquettishly: Big Brother, I want a hug!

At that time, he would always turn around with a helpless expression and pick up the girl who was not much smaller than him. Even though she was heavy for him, he would gladly endure it. He would smile like he had picked up a big treasure on his way home.

Those were the times.

Naive and pure, they lived together. He was her brother and she was his sister. They had the same parents and shared the same blood.

Now, while this had not changed, it felt like an icy chasm had come in between them, it felt as though they were had been pulled a thousand miles apart and it was impossible to bridge this space that separated them.

Lin Kerou watched as Lin Ya walked towards her with heavy footsteps.

Suppressing the pain she felt in her heart, Lin Kerou knelt at the bottom of the stairs. Her voice was choked and almost broken. Brother, let him go. Hes no longer a threat to you. As long as youre willing, you can save him.