Xu Fengqing looked at the silver-haired young man in front of him. Once he heard the words ‘Big Brother’, his eyes somehow felt swollen and painful.
Xiao Li…
He wanted to call him that but—
“Snow?” A soft call from Xenos pulled Xu Fengqing back to reality.
He was slightly startled and glanced at Ah Xe, who was struggling to sit up from the bed. Then seeing the silver hair and purple eyes that were almost identical to the young man, he couldn’t help smiling bitterly.
Xu Sili’s mind also returned. He glanced sideways at Xenos and saw that this person was trying to sit up. He quickly went to help Xenos up. Then after sitting Xenos up, he put the pillow behind his back.
Xenos leaned against the soft and comfortable pillow. He slowly exhaled before looking sideways at Xu Sili and stretched out his only left hand to him.
Xu Sili hesitated. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to hold him back.
His hands were very cold. Only the palms were slightly warmer.
Seeing the man’s dry lips, Xu Sili frowned slightly and asked, “Do you want to drink some water?”
After saying this, he already had the robot housekeeper pour some water.
Xenos seriously looked at the young man sitting beside him, this younger brother he hadn’t seen for many years.
Since he became an adult, he had been on the front line for many years. As a water elementalist, the army at the front lines needed him very much.
In the past ten years, he was able to briefly reunite with his family every year when he returned to Imperial City to report on his duties.
Therefore, his impression of Snow was still from many years ago.
His deepest memory was the little boy looking at him with purple eyes full of envy, saying that he also wanted to become an elementalist.
However, the child without talent could only stay in the palace. He couldn’t go to the Elementalist Academy, let alone do the training related to elementalists.
He couldn’t bear to see his younger brother remain so silent, so he secretly asked Silin to teach him meditation…
Now the child from that year had grown up and realized his childhood dreams—
He really broke through the limitations of talent. Not only had he inherited the throne and shouldered the important task of reviving Roland, but he also became a sound elementalist like their father!
Moreover, Snow was stronger than him and his father!
In addition to joy and pride, Xenos also felt distress.
How many hardships, tears and sweat did his younger brother have to experience to grow up to where he was now when he had been identified as having no elemental talent ever since he was a child?
During the period when his father died and Xenos and Silin were trapped and unable to return, how much effort did the young man have to put in to continue to support Roland when it was in danger?
Xenos couldn’t imagine it.
He could actually feel the young man’s stiffness and unfamiliarity when facing him.
They were 13 years apart.
From Snow’s first memories, Xenos had already started studying government and military affairs. He was busy every day and they didn’t have much time to get along with each other. Later, they were separated all year round.
It was actually normal for the two of them not to be familiar with each other.
Perhaps Snow wasn’t as close to him as he was to the guards around him, right?
This was why Snow couldn’t call him ‘Big Brother’ to his face.
However, when Xenos encountered danger and almost felt despair, it was Snow who immediately sent someone to rescue him.
It was also Snow who took care of his self-esteem and said he would wait for Xenos to repair his body before welcoming him back in glory…
Besides being grateful and distressed, what else could Xenos do?
“Thank you.”
Xenos took the warm water handed over by Xu Sili and thanked him sincerely.
“Drink it quickly.” Xu Sili said cautiously.
Since he had lived underground all year round, Xenos’ skin was very white and he was a bit sickly because of his weakness. He looked so fragile that Xu Sili felt that he would break if touched. Xu Sili didn’t even dare to speak too loudly.
Xenos’ lips slightly curved as he replied positively. Then after taking a sip of water, he shifted his attention to the black-haired man behind Xu Sili.
The man’s face wasn’t very good and he seemed a bit unhappy.
Xenos was startled and said quickly, “Snow, this is Fengqing.”
He made the introductions to Xu Sili.
“He saved me. If it wasn’t for Fengqing, I wouldn’t have survived until now.”
Then he looked at Xu Fengqing and said with a smile, “You might not be interested in my identity but I still want to introduce my younger brother to you.”
“Fengqing, this is Snow, the current monarch of the Roland Empire. He was the one who asked Marshal Si Sheng to come and rescue us.”
Xenos’ tone was unknowingly filled with a bit of pride when he said this. He was a bit like an older brother showing off his outstanding younger brother to his friends.
In particular, the words ‘my brother’ sounded particularly harsh to Xu Fengqing’s ears.
Xu Sili was still holding Xenos’ hand.
He looked at Xenos and then at his own older brother. He didn’t know what to say, so he could only laugh dryly.
Hey, his oldest brother didn’t seem to fully believe him yet…
Xu Sili was a bit worried. He thought he would have to find an opportunity to have a private conversation with him later.
Meanwhile, such a harmonious picture of ‘brotherhood’ was very unpleasant to Xu Fengqing’s eyes.
He didn’t want to stay here any longer.
However, seeing that Xenos was finally showing a smile and had regained some vitality, no longer lifeless like before, he couldn’t just leave.
He was distressed in his heart but he could only nod at Xenos.
Even so, his cold behavior made Xenos misunderstand. Xenos suddenly remembered Fengqing saying before that he would leave after sending Xenos back to his companions.
This ancient beast didn’t want to have any intersection with him.
Xenos opened his mouth and wanted to retain this person, but he couldn’t think of a reason or position. After all, this was the benefactor who saved him several times in a row and almost died because of him.
He should respect Fengqing’s ideas and let him go…
In the end, Xenos had to say, “Fengqing, are you ready to leave?”
“Can you wait a bit longer?”
“I know this request is a bit rude but… can you wait until my body is repaired before you leave?”
Xu Fengqing couldn’t help pausing.
He thought he hid it well. He hadn’t expected it to be seen…
Seeing Xenos’ somewhat pleading look, he finally couldn’t bear to refuse. He nodded and agreed.
“Thank you.”
Xenos smiled happily.
At this time, the robot housekeeper’s electronic eyes flashed slightly and Xiao Wu’s voice rang out. “Brother, the instruments are ready. We can start at any time.”
It was time to repair his body…
Xenos was actually a bit nervous, but he glanced at Xu Fengqing and finally nodded. “Then without any further ado, let’s get started.”
“Okay!”
Xiao Wu responded. Then a wheelchair ran in from outside the room and stopped by the bed.
Xu Sili got up from the edge of the bed, bent down and carried Xenos into the wheelchair. His physique was very high and his strength wasn’t any weaker than that of a warrior, not to mention that Xenos was very light.
“Thank you.”
Xenos sat in the wheelchair and couldn’t help saying it again.
Xu Sili crouched down next to him, helped him sort out his clothes and casually said, “There is no need to say this between brothers.”
On the side, Xu Fengqing originally extended his hands to help but finally withdrew them.
He watched them quietly.
The hands by his side slowly clenched into fists.
On the other hand, Si Sheng stood aside very wisely and didn’t interrupt during the whole process. He just observed silently.
Releasing the dark dragon without saying anything was also a test by him. The test results proved his previous guess.
Sure enough, Ah Li saw him and called out ‘Big Brother!’
He wouldn’t be mistaken. Ah Li’s ‘Big Brother’ just now was indeed shouted at this dark dragon called Fengqing.
Judging from Fengqing’s eyes and expression, he did know Ah Li! It was very possible that he was Ah Li’s long-awaited relative!
Si Sheng realized this and slowly let out a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, he didn’t do anything rude to this person.
In the end, Xu Fengqing followed Xu Sili and watched him push Xenos, guided by the small robot, all the way to the room at the end of the corridor.
There were some instruments placed here, one of which looked like a nutrient cabin filled with translucent liquid.
Xenos needed to soak in it to repair his body.
At this time, the liquid in the glass was all drained out. Xenos needed to take off his clothes and enter it.
Upon hearing this request, Xenos clenched his left hand and subconsciously bit his lip.
Xu Fengqing still remembered that when he changed Xenos’ clothes before, Xenos closed his eyes tightly the whole time and had to apologize to Xu Fengqing after changing…
He glanced at the robot housekeeper and then at Xenos. He thought for a while before saying, “I’ll wait for you outside.”
After saying this, he raised his feet and left directly.
Xu Sili was stunned at first. Then after thinking about it, he probably understood the reason why his older brother did this.
He looked down at Xenos and smiled slightly. “Then I will go out and wait.”
“Xiao Wu, Xe… I’ll leave Imperial Brother to you.”
Xu Fengqing, who hadn’t gone far away, couldn’t help pausing when he heard the words ‘Imperial Brother.’ Then he strode out of the room as if he hadn’t heard it.
Xenos looked at his back and the young man’s smile. He couldn’t help feeling their thoughtfulness.
His embarrassed and pained look calmed down. Just as he wanted to thank them again, he remembered what the young man had just said.
There was no need to talk about such things between brothers.
Finally, watching Xu Sili and Si Sheng leave, Xenos completely regained his calm. He looked at the robot housekeeper and said softly, “Xiao Wu, I have to trouble you.”
“Okay! Big Brother, rest assured. You will soon be able to recover your health~”
Hearing Xiao Wu’s cheerful voice, Xenos was also infected by it and couldn’t help looking forward to it.
Outside in the corridor.
Xu Fengqing leaned against the wall and stood quietly with a lit cigarette between his fingers.
This was a new product launched in the system store.
In addition to tobacco and alcohol, there were all types of delicious food. Once it was launched online, sales exploded almost immediately.
After all, this was a game. No matter how much they ate, there was no need to worry about gaining weight or health problems. The price also wasn’t expensive, which was very attractive to many players.
The moment he took two puffs of the cigarette, the door that was closed next to him opened. Two tall figures walked out one after another.
Xu Fengqing paused. Then he heard a familiar voice. “Big Brother, aren’t you a non-smoker?”
He looked sideways and saw the young man’s slightly furrowed brow.
Xu Fengqing was in a daze. He looked at the young man, who frowned and said with a bit of disgust, “This smell is really bad.”
No matter whether it was his demeanor, language or small movements when speaking, they were all the same as his memory.
If it was really just data, could it be… so similar?
After a long time, Xu Fengqing lowered his eyes.
He put the cigarette between his fingers back into his backpack and said in a low voice, “What did you just… call me?”
Xu Sili saw his not-very-enthusiastic expression. His older brother always controlled his emotions, but the two brothers were reuniting after such a long time. Xu Fengqing couldn’t be so calm…
Therefore, his older brother was doubting him.
His eyes darkened slightly and there was a bit of hurt on his face.
“Big Brother…”
Xu Fengqing couldn’t help looking at the young man again. He was so similar… too similar…
He was finally able to understand Ah Heng’s mood.
He opened his mouth slightly and wanted to see. Then he saw the blond-haired man behind the young man and paused before changing his words. “Let’s talk alone.”
The young man didn’t shy away from Si Sheng.
He called Xu Fengqing by ‘Big Brother’ in the presence of Si Sheng. If Xu Sili really crossed over to this game character, he was being too careless.
But… Xu Fengqing never heard the game team say that they added a setting like time travel and rebirth.
After Ah Heng mentioned it, he asked Old Wang in a roundabout manner and all the answers he got were negative.
Therefore, the reason why he finally chose to enter the game wasn’t entirely due to Ah Heng’s persuasion.
He knew it was ridiculous, but in his heart, there was actually a hint of expectation… that even he didn’t want to admit to himself.
“Okay.”
Xu Sili nodded without speaking. Then he turned sideways and said to Si Sheng, “I’ll have a conversation with my older brother. I’ll explain it to you later.”
Si Sheng glanced at Xu Sili and Xu Fengqing. Then he smiled and said very obediently, “I understand.”
Therefore, the two brothers went to the next room while Si Sheng stood guard outside in the corridor.
Once the metal door closed, silence fell in the room.
Step, step, step.
The hard heels hit the ground, making a clear sound that was particularly loud in the room.
Xu Fengqing walked to the sofa and sat down. He saw that the young man was still standing there, so he pointed to the seat opposite him and said, “Come and sit.”
Xu Sili pursed his lips. He was in a depressed mood, but he still walked over and obediently sat down on the opposite sofa. It was just like when he was a child.
Since he was a child, his way of getting along with his older brother was different from that of his second brother. He could play tricks and get angry with his second brother, but when facing his oldest brother, he would subconsciously restrain himself.
Xu Fengqing stared at him. Then after a while, he said, “Ah Heng told me.”
Listening to this still lukewarm tone, Xu Sili felt inexplicably aggrieved. He looked at the man with red eyes and said bluntly, “But you don’t believe it, do you?”
Xu Fengqing froze. He lowered his head. After sorting out his inner emotions, he said softly, “I really want to believe it, even if it sounds full of absurdity.”
“But…”
“But what?”
“I’m scared,” Xu Fengqing replied in a low voice.
Xu Sili was stunned and his voice trembled slightly. “Are you… afraid of me? Because I was reborn in this way?”
“No, you misunderstood.”
Xu Fengqing shook his head. He looked at the young man in front of him with a bit of pain in his expression.
“I’m afraid that if this is false and I believe it, I will… forget the real Xiao Li.”
“My younger brother has been gone for almost ten years.”
“I often think of him, but sometimes… the images in my mind are blurry. I need to use photos and videos to help deepen my memory.”
“I’m afraid I will forget him. If no one remembers him in the future then Xiao Li… how sad will he be?”
Xu Sili listened to these words and the grievances and hurt in his eyes slowly melted away. Finally, it turned to distress and guilt.
“I’m sorry… It is my fault…”
“If I hadn’t left so early, I wouldn’t have made you miserable like this.”
Xu Sili covered his face and choked up.
Indeed, he was very lonely in this other world. No one except for Si Sheng knew who he really was.
However, his family had been suffering for nearly ten years because of him…
Due to his willful decision, they invested all their wealth in Starry Sky Age. How did they survive all these years?
He had never seen such a fragile expression on his oldest brother’s face. He never thought that his oldest brother would have white hair at such a young age.
What right did he have to complain?
Even if his oldest brother didn’t want to believe it, his oldest brother still came to see him, right?
Xu Fengqing looked at the young man opposite him. He watched the young man cover his eyes with his hands with thick tears in his voice.
He was a bit soft-hearted. In the end, he couldn’t let it continue like this.
Xu Fengqing stood up and walked to sit next to the young man. He patted the young man’s shoulder gently and said softly, “It isn’t your fault. It is me… who didn’t protect you.”
Xu Sili finally couldn’t help hugging him and crying. “Big Brother, it doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me, but… but…”
“Can you come into the game more to see me?”
“I’m the only one here. No one knows who I am except Si Sheng… I am really sad…”
“I miss you guys every day… I want to have breakfast with you. I don’t want to face an empty table alone. I want to hear you nagging again, and I want to sing to you…”
Xu Fengqing listened to these sincere words while his hands had already involuntarily hugged the person back and gently patted his back.
Hearing the last words, he closed his eyes. Tears finally fell from the corners of his eyes.
Proofreader: Purichan
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