A week later, Duan Wei returned to the Guan family.

His initial resistance and discomfort gradually disappeared under the meticulous care of his biological parents and the frequent visits from Duan Qiang.

He adapted to his new role and began to enjoy being cared for as the son of both families.

Guan Ruo visited home less frequently.

She learned about the family affairs from her mother’s apologetic phone calls.

Old Guan was working hard to cultivate healthy eating habits in Duan Wei, taking him out for runs every day. To motivate him, he even got him a new phone, though the rule was that he could only play games for one hour a day.

He also enrolled him in numerous after-school classes, picking him up early and dropping him off late, trying to pull up his dismal grades.

Every week, Duan Qiang would come to see Duan Wei, monitoring his progress with his weight loss and studies.

Duan Wei feared this brother the most. Whenever Duan Qiang scolded him, he would remain silent.

As for Duan Qiang’s mother, she was never mentioned by Duan Qiang. The matter she had previously shouted about was never brought up again.

At first, Guan Ruo’s parents were still nervous, constantly fearing that the sword hanging over them might drop at any moment. Slowly, they saw Duan Qiang’s sincerity and finally believed that the matter was over.

“Xiao Ruo, your mother has always wanted to ask if there’s anything between you and Duan Qiang. Every time I bring you up in front of him, he quickly changes the subject,” Guan’s mother said.

Guan Ruo stiffly replied, “There’s nothing between us.”

Guan’s mother sighed deeply, “To be honest, I quite like that kid. He’s honest and reliable. Maybe it’s just not meant to be for you two.”

After hanging up, Guan Ruo stared out of the window in a daze.

She knew in her heart that she liked Duan Qiang, otherwise she wouldn’t have been so reluctant.

But she also understood that Duan Qiang was right.

Marriage should be built on an equal foundation.

But they didn’t have that foundation.

The "transaction" proposed by Duan’s mother would be a lurking beast, capable of tearing their love apart at the slightest disturbance throughout their long life together.

Guan Ruo often thought back to the day they returned from the cemetery, trapped in the car amidst the storm and wind.

Yes, they were trapped because of Guan Ge. No one dared to move forward, no one dared to boldly declare their courage to bear the consequences alone.

So, the only release could be to turn and leave.

After some time, Guan’s mother called Guan Ruo again, saying that Duan Qiang had a girlfriend now and they had come together to see Duan Wei.

Guan’s mother spoke of this with a tone of relief, as if she had finally freed herself from a bit of guilt towards her daughter.

Guan Ruo opened Duan Qiang’s Moments page. Since the post with Guan Ge’s photos, he hadn’t updated anything else.

She opened the chat window, wanting to say something, but after staring at the screen for a long time, she gave up.

She realized Duan Qiang’s intention—by bringing his girlfriend to her home, he wanted to completely reassure her parents and her. She and her parents were safe now.

Guan Ruo knew they would no longer meet alone, but...

Guan Ruo suddenly remembered that in the midst of all the chaos, she hadn’t properly shared Guan Ge’s story with him.

Guan Ruo turned to her computer, opened a document, and instinctively typed a few words: "The story of my younger brother."

Thoughts flowed like a spring, continuously pouring out...

Six months later, Guan Ruo received an invitation from Duan Qiang.

The bride was Xiao Li, the girl Guan Ruo had once met at the snack bar. She wasn’t surprised at all.

At the wedding banquet, Guan Ruo's family was seated as guests of honor, alongside the Duan family at the main table.

Duan Qiang's thoughtful gesture made Guan Ruo feel deeply melancholy.

Duan’s mother sat directly opposite Guan Ruo, her eyes fixed on her with a mix of hostility and deep loathing.

Guan Ruo could understand the hostility. She could imagine the immense pressure Duan Qiang felt facing his capricious and obsessive mother. Ultimately, Duan Qiang had gone against her wishes and stood with her family. This betrayal, Duan’s mother had placed squarely on her.

But the source of this deep loathing puzzled Guan Ruo.

"Now, we invite the parents of the bride and groom to come on stage," the wedding host’s voice rang out across the hall.

Duan’s mother was pushed onto the stage by relatives. As she passed by Guan Ruo, she suddenly grabbed Guan Ruo’s arm and leaned in close.

“I’m so glad that Ah Qiang didn’t marry you,” Duan’s mother hissed through clenched teeth, giving her a venomous look.

Guan Ruo suddenly understood the source of her loathing.

Duan Qiang loved her, but for her sake, he suppressed his feelings and let her go.

This deep and sincere affection evoked jealousy and disdain in Duan’s mother.

Over the years, as a dutiful and obedient eldest son, Duan Qiang had supported his family and adhered to his mother’s every demand. But with Guan Ruo, he not only stood against her but also painfully gave up his own love.

From this sacrifice, Duan’s mother realized the depth of her son’s feelings for Guan Ruo.

This was a profound and expansive love she had never experienced in her life.

It filled her with deep jealousy and hatred towards Guan Ruo.

Recalling Duan’s mother’s malicious gaze earlier, Guan Ruo took a deep breath.

Indeed, Duan Qiang understood his mother. If they had stayed together, who knew what kind of trouble jealousy might have brought from Duan’s mother.

Duan Qiang and his bride came over to toast.

Guan Ruo, along with the others at her table, stood up.

Their eyes met, and in his gaze, she saw a farewell.

From now on, in this lifetime, they could only be friends.

Duan Wei finally got accepted into university. Although it was only a third-tier institution, it brought immense joy to both families.

Duan Qiang had arranged a celebratory banquet.

As he spoke with his glass in hand, Guan Ruo noticed he now had a slight paunch. His face carried the contented look of a married man.

After the meal, Guan Ruo invited him for a walk.

The last time they had been alone together was in Guan Ruo’s home. Thinking back on that passionate kiss now felt like a distant memory.

As they walked in silence, Guan Ruo pulled out a book from her bag, still faintly smelling of ink and oil.

She handed it to him and said, “This is for you.”

Duan Qiang looked at the title of the book: *The Story of My Brother*.

“I never had the chance to tell you Guan Ge’s story properly, so I wrote it down,” Guan Ruo said, smiling through her tears.

“Guan Ruo…” Duan Qiang choked up.

“I should go now,” Guan Ruo forced a smile. They shouldn’t discuss Guan Ge face-to-face anymore; it only brought back painful memories.

“Guan Ruo,” Duan Qiang called after her.

Guan Ruo stopped.

“Do you know the real reason why I rejected you back then?”

Guan Ruo turned to face him.

“I said it wasn’t fair to you, but…” Duan Qiang took a deep breath, “That wasn’t the real reason.”

Guan Ruo looked at him, “What was the real reason?”

“I’m just a selfish, ordinary man, uneducated, working with my hands. Facing someone as outstanding as you, I felt immense pressure. Deep down, I didn’t want to spend my whole life under that kind of pressure.”

Guan Ruo gave a bitter smile, “Are you saying this to push me to find someone who deserves me and move on?”

“No, I’m being honest.”

Tears streamed down Guan Ruo’s face, “You’re not ordinary or selfish. You gave me the most abundant and passionate love I’ve ever felt.”

Guan Ruo turned and walked away.

Duan Qiang stood alone in the night. After a long time, he touched his face and realized he was crying.

A few days later, when Duan Qiang came home from work, he saw his mother sitting in a daze, a copy of *The Story of My Brother* beside her.

Her hollow eyes were red and swollen.

Even though she thought she would never cry again, she still did.