Chapter 88
Zhuo Zhi didn’t hear the rest of the siblings’ conversation about Li Hanyang’s romantic history.
It seemed a bit too personal, and Li Qinyue’s expression was complex, so Zhuo Zhi wisely decided not to get involved.
As she waved goodbye and went upstairs, Li Hanyang followed her with his eyes, looking like an abandoned puppy.
Zhuo Zhi, however, remained firm, showing no mercy, and quickly disappeared upstairs.
The only sounds she could hear afterwards were the occasional sounds of someone being hit.
As she worked on her math problems, Zhuo Zhi thought, Li Qinyue is quite violent.
Good thing I’m even more violent, that’s the only way to control this beautiful, ferocious wolf, hehe.
After finishing two sets of practice problems with her injured arm, and watching some instructional videos that Li Qinyue had bought for her, it was almost dinner time.
Zhuo Zhi stretched and went downstairs. The apartment was quiet. Li Qinyue was sitting on the sofa, browsing something on her laptop. Li Hanyang was nowhere to be seen.
“Where’s your brother?” Zhuo Zhi looked around and asked.
“He went back to where he belongs,” Li Qinyue looked at her and held out her hand.
Zhuo Zhi took her hand and sat down beside her, “Where does he belong?”
“Back to school, or home, or…” Li Qinyue’s eyes were on her laptop screen, she paused, then said, “A hotel.”
Zhuo Zhi pouted, it seemed Li Hanyang hadn’t escaped the fate of staying in a hotel.
Li Qinyue closed her laptop and made space for Zhuo Zhi on her lap.
Zhuo Zhi glanced at her legs, and Li Qinyue said, “It’s fine.”
Zhuo Zhi settled comfortably in her lap.
Li Qinyue put her arm around her, resting her chin on Zhuo Zhi’s shoulder, “I have a question I want to discuss with you.”
“Go ahead,” Zhuo Zhi said immediately, turning her head to look at Li Qinyue.
Li Qinyue nudged her head back, so they were both facing the same direction, “Don’t be so serious, it’s just a casual discussion.”
“Okay,” Zhuo Zhi stared at a small hourglass on the coffee table.
“Do you think the similar behavior patterns within a family are innate or learned?” Li Qinyue’s voice was soft, like a gentle breeze brushing past Zhuo Zhi’s ear.
“Well…” Zhuo Zhi thought for a moment, “Both, I guess. It’s a complicated question, hard to prove.”
“Then do you think a family’s flaws can be changed?”
“Of course!” Zhuo Zhi’s answer was quick and firm. “Families are made of people, and if individuals can find the right methods and are willing to work hard to overcome their flaws, they can definitely become better people.”
Li Qinyue chuckled and pinched Zhuo Zhi’s cheek, “Then can you change your impulsive behavior?”
“Yes,” Zhuo Zhi giggled, “I can’t even be impulsive now.”
Li Qinyue tapped Zhuo Zhi’s cast lightly, “Good girl, you’re such a good dog.”
“You’re good too,” this time, Zhuo Zhi turned her head and kissed Li Qinyue’s cheek, “You’re working so hard now, like a young professional.”
“Like one?” Li Qinyue caught her lips and nibbled on them playfully, “I am one.”
After Li Hanyang’s sudden visit, Zhuo Zhi didn’t see him again for several days.
Li Qinyue would occasionally discuss education and personal growth with her, even bringing home two books on child psychology. Sometimes Zhuo Zhi wondered if Li Qinyue was planning to have a child.
But the mystery was soon solved. On a bright, sunny weekend, Li Hanyang appeared in their elevator again. When the doors opened, he stood hesitantly at the entrance, greeting Zhuo Zhi with a smile, but not daring to take a step inside.
Li Qinyue was upstairs. Zhuo Zhi glanced upwards, then asked Li Hanyang in a low voice, “Are you looking for your sister?”
“Yes,” Li Hanyang whispered back, “She said she’s taking me to see a doctor.”
“A doctor?” Zhuo Zhi’s eyes widened, “What’s wrong with you?”
Li Hanyang pointed at his chest, “She said I’m sick.”
“Huh?” Zhuo Zhi’s first thought was that Li Qinyue was just insulting him, but seeing his serious expression, she asked, “Is there something wrong with your heart?”
“Something wrong with my mind,” Li Hanyang said with a bright smile, as if it were a compliment.
Zhuo Zhi stared at him, thinking that he might actually have a problem.
Despite her doubts, when Li Qinyue came downstairs, Zhuo Zhi pulled her aside to confirm, “Are you taking your brother to see a psychiatrist?”
“Yes,” Li Qinyue said, “And not just him.”
“Huh?” Zhuo Zhi was confused.
Li Qinyue pointed at herself, “Me too…”
“There’s nothing wrong with you!” Zhuo Zhi said immediately.
“And my father,” Li Qinyue finished her sentence.
“No,” Zhuo Zhi said, “There’s nothing wrong with your family either.”
Li Qinyue chuckled and put her arm around Zhuo Zhi’s shoulder, “I know, nothing major, just some minor issues. It’s been years, communication hasn’t worked, neither has advice from relatives, our family is a mess, we need to find a solution.”
Zhuo Zhi nodded.
“So we’re seeking professional guidance. Strictly speaking, not a psychiatrist, but a therapist,” Li Qinyue patted her head, “Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon.”
“Okay,” Zhuo Zhi was relieved, “I thought you were…”
“Thought I was what?” Li Qinyue didn’t let her finish.
Zhuo Zhi pushed her away, laughing, “Silly me.”
“What were you going to say?” Li Qinyue pinched her cheek.
“I thought… you thought being gay was a problem,” Zhuo Zhi gestured awkwardly, feeling foolish.
“Tsk,” Li Qinyue chuckled, “I didn’t know you were so old-fashioned, Comrade Xiao Zhuo.”
“I’m guilty,” Zhuo Zhi said.
“Wait for me to come home and atone for your sins.”
“Okay,” Zhuo Zhi stepped back.
Li Hanyang watched them with a smile. As Li Qinyue was about to leave, he said, his eyes crinkling, “My girlfriend and I are just as sweet as you two.”
Li Qinyue walked over and smacked him on the head.
Zhuo Zhi watched them leave, then went back upstairs to continue her studies.
Although her arm was injured, she was determined. Once she had set a goal, she would overcome any obstacles to achieve it.
But today, while studying, she couldn’t help but check her phone every now and then.
She was still worried about Li Qinyue.
Li Qinyue had said they wouldn’t be long, but by the time she returned, it was already dark.
And during that time, she hadn’t sent a single message to Zhuo Zhi. When Zhuo Zhi heard the sound of the elevator, she practically jumped down the stairs.
“My little ancestor,” Li Qinyue exclaimed as soon as she saw her, “It’s just the two of us, who are you trying to impress? Be careful!”
Zhuo Zhi, seeing her good mood, smiled and said, “You, of course.”
They were already close, Zhuo Zhi’s arm around Li Qinyue’s waist, looking up at her, “You’ve worked hard.”
“You’ve worked harder,” Li Qinyue said, “You have ink all over your face, did you know?”
“Huh?” Zhuo Zhi touched her face, “I was trying to write with my left hand.”
“Dr. Chen said you’re recovering quickly, you’ll be able to take off the cast soon, no need to rush.”
“Hmm,” Zhuo Zhi looked at Li Qinyue, wanting to ask something, but hesitating.
“It went well,” Li Qinyue said, after staring at her for a moment.
“Ah…”
“I found a very reputable therapist, my father was very cooperative.”
“Ah, that’s great.”
“We just discussed the situation, he asked us some questions, didn’t pressure us for answers.”
“A gradual approach, that’s good,” Zhuo Zhi said.
“But my father still beat up Li Hanyang after we left,” Li Qinyue said with a smile, her mood clearly good.
“Why?” Zhuo Zhi felt a little bad for Li Hanyang, but seeing Li Qinyue smile, she couldn’t help but smile too.
“Why? Which one of his actions didn’t deserve a beating?”
“Did he tell him everything?”
“Yes, the therapist barely asked anything, and he confessed everything,” Li Qinyue paused, “I think he’s been holding it in for a long time, it must feel good to finally let it all out.”
“Hahaha…” Zhuo Zhi chuckled, “I don’t think it’s ‘letting it all out’, from a parent’s perspective, isn’t it a good thing that his sexual orientation is considered normal now?”
“Hmm, that’s why I didn’t stop my father from hitting him.”
“In this matter, Uncle Li is quite… pitiful…” Zhuo Zhi said, “Let him vent his frustration.”
Li Qinyue said, “My father asked me what my plans are.”
“What kind of plans?” Zhuo Zhi was a little nervous.
“All kinds of plans,” Li Qinyue said.
“Hmm, then you…” Zhuo Zhi hesitated, “What are your plans?”
“To work hard, earn money, and support my family,” Li Qinyue said, “As for the rest, I’ll have to discuss it with you.”
“Ah…” Zhuo Zhi made a small sound.
“When are you marrying me?” Li Qinyue suddenly asked.
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