1

When I finally spoke my mind, my uncle's joy was beyond words, and his tone was filled with undisguised happiness. "That's great, Yubai, I'll get you a spot right away. You should prepare during this period, and we'll be able to meet at the end of the month." I whispered in agreement, feeling mixed emotions.

The uncle earnestly warned, "Especially your sister. You have been in the country for many years thanks to her. During this time, you must say goodbye to her properly and express your gratitude."

After the call, I sat alone on the sofa, with the laughter and ambiguity from the bedroom upstairs echoing in my ears. My eyes fell on the red string on my wrist involuntarily. It should have looked too delicate, but it unexpectedly complemented me.

This red string has been with me for eight years. When I first returned to China, I was weak and sickly, and my sister went to the temple to ask for it for me. There was also a strand of her hair hidden in the red string, which meant deep care and blessings. Even though the red string is now a little old and dull, I still can't bear to take it off.

However, unfortunately, my sister no longer cares about me as much as she used to.

Nicole is my parents’ adopted child, ten years older than me. When I was ten, my parents died in a car accident and the company went bankrupt. It was Nicole who brought me back to China and raised me. Those years were the most difficult time for us. Nicole and I depended on each other. She felt sorry for me being alone and helpless, so she always kept me by her side and took care of me in every possible way. Even though we were living in poverty, she never treated me badly for what I wanted. She would try her best to let me have what others had.

That graceful girl brought me, a young boy, with her step by step to where we are today.

When I was a teenager, my first crush was on her—Nicole. When I was an adult, I mustered up the courage to confess my love to her, but she responded with an angry slap on my face.

That was the first time she got so angry, "Julian! Just understand, I am your sister!"

" But I know that you were adopted by your parents, and we are not related by blood!" I responded stubbornly.

" We are not related by blood, so I say I like you, is that not okay?" My remorselessness made her face darken.

"I am ten years older than you! I have been your sister all these years, and I will be your sister forever!" she said firmly.

"From now on, you don't have to be." I responded stubbornly.

"Get out, Julian, get out of this house now! You are an adult now, and I have no obligation to take care of you anymore." My first confession ended with Nicole hysterically telling me to get out.

But since then, I would express my feelings to her whenever I had the chance. It was also from that time that I stopped calling her sister.

However, since last year, Nicole 's boyfriends have been coming one after another without interruption. And this time, she brought him home directly...

" Why bring him back? This is our home!" I asked her, holding back my tears, "Don't try to provoke me, I won't give up." Nicole 's eyes were full of indifference and calmness.

"You think too much. Know your place. At my age, it's normal to have a boyfriend." She said calmly.

That night, I couldn't sleep... Listening to the moaning coming from upstairs, I covered my mouth and cried bitterly. This time, I finally decided to give up. Nicole, I won't pester you anymore.