Shen Yuan could hardly believe what he was hearing. His face went pale. Li Lin had always been obedient and well-mannered; though occasionally mischievous, he was a polite boy who seldom swore even when playing games in frustration—if he ever accidentally said something like “damn,” he’d blush and apologize to his viewers.
Yet this very Li Lin had just said something so vicious and cruel to him.
Even more unsettling than the first part of his outburst was the latter: “Why can’t you choose me?” Shen Yuan was terrified, hoping that Li Lin had only spoken in anger—otherwise, the thought alone was too alarming.
Li Chen couldn’t accept it either.
So he slapped Li Lin.
In his seventeen or eighteen years, considering the boy had lost his mother young, he’d never shown favor nor discipline in a biased way, but he had never physically struck the child. Only scolded him at most. This was the first time he’d hit his son.
That brat! How could he say such outrageous things?!
In truth, Li Chen didn’t find Hailou’s earlier mockery entirely wrong. He had never disciplined Shen Yuan because, not being his biological child, he felt less entitled to demand anything. Even if Shen Yuan was less than exemplary, he wouldn’t micromanage or interfere with him.
No one can perfectly balance two children. He had once thought he was fair, but in reality, he was biased toward his biological son. Often, it wasn’t that Li Lin misbehaved, but that he had invested far more care and attention in him, scrutinizing his every action.
Li Lin wasn’t satisfied in the slightest. He spun around and stared back, eyes and brows full of the fearless determination unique to youth.
Having repressed so much, there was no turning back. His pride and obedience had been shattered along with the broken jewel egg on the floor.
“I know what I’m saying,” he said stubbornly.
Throwing caution to the wind, he fixed Shen Yuan with a deep, unwavering gaze. “Brother, I like you. I’ve liked you for a long time. I may be young, but what about me isn’t good enough compared to that old man? If you insist on being with a man, why not choose me instead of him?”
Shen Yuan froze in shock. This was terrifying.
Even when Wang Ziqin had harassed him before, he hadn’t felt this fear. Now, Li Lin’s words made his heart pound. Though unrelated by blood, Shen Yuan had truly considered Li Lin a little brother. This confession didn’t touch him emotionally—it sent chills down his spine. He recalled how Li Lin had sometimes wanted to sleep beside him, even offered to help him wash, gestures he had interpreted as brotherly affection. Now, he realized just how misplaced those feelings were.
Even Wang Ziqin’s misbehavior hadn’t rattled him like this.
Shen Yuan watched as Li Chen, fuming, grabbed Li Lin’s collar to pull him out. Li Lin resisted fiercely.
“You little brat! Get out!” Li Chen roared.
But Li Lin, strong for his age, easily broke free, snapping back sarcastically: “Why am I a little brat? I’ve been obedient! I’ve listened to everything you said, done everything you wanted, avoided what you forbade. I’ve never acted out—and look where it got me!”
“I could have gone pro in gaming years ago, confessed to Shen Yuan sooner, chosen a different major… You have no idea I never wanted to study business management! None of this was what I wanted! I’ve never lived according to my own wishes! I can’t take it anymore!”
“You… you little devil!” Li Chen tried to hit him again.
But Li Lin didn’t back down. He blocked his father’s hand, face cold, chin raised in defiance. He had suddenly realized he was taller and stronger than his father.
Defying his father exhilarated him. He smiled. “Don’t treat me like a child. I’ve grown up.”
“Have you?” A mocking voice rang from the door.
Li Lin looked toward Hailou. Hatred and jealousy surged, so strong he could have cut him to pieces with his gaze.
Hailou, calm and composed, seemed oblivious. Standing at eye level, Li Lin still felt he was being looked down on.
He chuckled. “So childish, screaming about how grown up you are. Think saying harsh words makes you impressive? Applause-worthy?”
“Say it a thousand times, it doesn’t matter. Shen Yuan is married to me, and we have a child. What good is throwing a tantrum now? Threatening him with exams or brotherly bonds? Your behavior is no different than a spoiled child rolling on the floor for toys. Pathetic.”
“Shen Yuan even told me about your gaming. If you want to go pro, then go. If you dislike your major, change it. You’re just obedient, following adults blindly. You have no initiative—don’t blame your father or brother.”
“Think honestly: haven’t your father and brother done enough for you? They’ve spoiled you so much you developed a bratty attitude, thinking the world revolves around you.”
“Enough, Hailou!” Shen Yuan interjected, pale, fists clenched, trying to stop him from saying more.
Hailou paused, glancing at Shen Yuan. Then he turned back to Li Lin. “Look at your brother. Even now, he protects you. And what did you just say to him?”
Li Lin, trembling with rage, tears spilling, shouted: “It’s all your fault! If you hadn’t shown up, maybe I could be with him…”
Hailou laughed mercilessly. “No. Shen Yuan doesn’t like your type. He’s never been the gentle older brother you imagine. He and I are compatible—I can care for him, tolerate him. You? Always unreasonable, demanding he accommodate you. If he were with you, he’d be exhausted.”
“Stop it, Hailou…” Shen Yuan said anxiously.
But Hailou ignored him. “Li Lin, do you really think knowing him six or seven years makes your bond deeper than mine, just one year?”
Shen Yuan tried to intervene.
Hailou’s gaze pinned Li Lin. “Think: after all these years, he’s only ever seen you as a little brother. In his eyes, that role is fixed forever.”
He finally relented. “Enough, really. Go back now.”
Shen Yuan, having put on his slippers, didn’t know whether to lie back or approach.
Li Lin, defeated by Hailou’s words, could only make a muffled sound. His eyes were red, burning with hatred and frustration. In a moment of blind impulse, he lunged at Hailou, shouting like a trapped animal.
Everyone was caught off guard.
The scuffle ended almost immediately. Shen Yuan barely noticed; Hailou sidestepped, gently pulled and pushed Li Lin, who tumbled to the floor.
Li Chen scowled. Teaching his son was one thing; someone else doing it was another.
Hailou brushed off imagined dust. “Don’t try to fight me—you can’t win. I trained in hand-to-hand combat with ex-special forces. If I had hurt you, your brother would be angry. I’m giving you face out of respect for him. Stop acting out. Your brother isn’t a toy; I won’t let you have him, no matter how long you tantrum on the floor.”
Li Chen, still angry, pulled Li Lin up. “Can’t get up? Want to make a fool of yourself here? Back home, or the hospital security will drag you out.”
Li Lin, frustrated, exhausted, and powerless, was taken away by his father. Aunt Lin followed, trying to mediate.
Shen Yuan watched them disappear down the hall, footsteps fading, frown deepening.
He knew the issue wasn’t resolved—it had only just begun.
Li Lin’s impulsive confession shattered years of balance Shen Yuan had maintained in the Li household.
No matter his intent, he was the elder; responsibility fell on him. As an adopted child, never truly part of the family, he was bound to face resentment. Li Lin would take time to process it, Shen Yuan could only hope he would understand soon.
Shen Yuan could empathize with Li Lin. Like himself, who had once mistaken a strong figure for romantic affection, Li Lin, motherless and without siblings, had confused dependence on a kind older brother for love.
Shen Yuan felt deeply saddened.
Hailou approached, holding his hand. Seeing Shen Yuan on the verge of tears, he finally regretted the situation. “Don’t cry. It’s my fault for putting you in this position.”
Shen Yuan shook his head. “It’s not your fault… I feel like such a troublemaker.”
“I might not go back to the Li family.”
Hailou stroked his ring finger. “Doesn’t matter. We have a new home now.”
Shen Yuan glumly asked, “Did you see it all along?”
Hailou chuckled awkwardly. “So obvious even a blind person could see it. I told you several times not to get too close to your brother.”
Shen Yuan, full of regret, muttered, “Were you waiting to see me make a fool of myself? Why not tell me earlier?”
Hailou was nonchalant. “What would saying it earlier have done? Only made the argument happen sooner. Better it erupted after his exams than before. Young people never learn without a few bruises.”
Shen Yuan had no response.
Hailou continued, “Don’t blame yourself. Nothing would have changed. Unless your mother hadn’t married Li Chen, events would unfold the same. You did nothing wrong. Being a good brother was right. The mistake is Li Lin—he coveted you.”
Shen Yuan, guilty, replied, “I’m no better… not noble or virtuous. Don’t speak badly of him. Li Lin is a good child; he’s just confused in adolescence.”
Hailou shrugged, letting it go. He had no sympathy for Li Lin—what happened to the kid was none of his concern.
Seeing the broken jewel egg, Shen Yuan said, “Pick up the pieces carefully. I’ll fix it.”
That afternoon, Shen Yuan received a message from his uncle: he had booked the last flight that night, taking Li Lin back home. The message included a long note telling him not to take Li Lin’s harsh words to heart, to follow doctor’s orders, and to rest, promising to visit when he could.
Shen Yuan exhaled deeply. The more forgiving his uncle was, the more Shen Yuan felt guilty. But he had to take care of himself first.
A month and a half later, Shen Yuan was discharged, didn’t return home, and went directly to enroll at the Royal Jewelry Design Academy.