Qi Hai had been working at the factory for over a decade, and he had built quite a few connections of his own. Half a year ago, he and Xu Zhen got addicted to gambling. The two of them burned through most of the family’s savings, and when they had nowhere left to turn, they started scheming against the factory.

Over the past three months, Qi Hai had been secretly swapping genuine brand-name clothes for counterfeits, making a fortune selling the real ones off the books.

About half a month ago, Qi Sen overheard a drunk Qi Hai bragging about it. He secretly followed him, and snapped photos of Qi Hai making shady deals with black market vendors.

Tonight, Qi Sen sent those photos, along with recordings of their insults and threats against him, straight to Qi Hai and Xu Zhen.

After shutting off his phone, he sat in the dark, staring blankly at the night sky.

He had never really planned to retaliate against these two foster parents. Originally, he just wanted to endure until the college entrance exams, then walk away for good and cut ties cleanly.

All the beatings and insults — they had long since numbed him. From not knowing how to fight back, he had slowly evolved into someone who didn’t even bother trying.

Even the kick he took two days ago — after the pain faded, there wasn’t much left he could feel.

It was only when Can-Can sobbed in his arms, asking over and over again, “Why would a daddy hit their child?” that he suddenly woke up, like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over him.

He thought back to his own stubborn, defiant self during middle school.

Back then, even after being beaten, he would still glare at his foster parents with unyielding rage. He had endless strength, and would rather go hungry for a day than give in by a single inch.

In the heavy night, the moon was encircled by countless stars, like little sparks of hope lighting up the dark.

Qi Sen stared at the sky quietly, and for the first time in a long, long while, a surge of excitement rose in his chest.

A new life was beginning.

—

The first morning of this new life, Can-Can woke up because she was hungry.

The peach in her arms gave off a sweet, tempting aroma.

Can-Can swallowed hard.

For the past few nights, she had insisted on sleeping with the peach under the covers. Qi Sen had asked her more than once why she insisted on doing that.

Can-Can had answered, completely serious and full of conviction:

“Because peaches need to sleep too!”

The peach had been given to her by Second Brother many years ago, and she had never had the heart to eat it. After holding it for so long, it had become a treasured companion.

So while other kids took their dogs or cats out to the park every evening, Can-Can carried her giant peach, huffing and puffing happily along the walking paths.

The other parents were absolutely stunned.

My God. Nowadays even peaches needed fresh air and outdoor exercise?

But then again, the peach was so huge, maybe it really did need daily walks!

Because of Can-Can, the local kids soon stopped walking their dogs and cats. Instead, every little kid in the park was carrying around a round, fuzzy peach.

The old security guard at the park gate just stared in silence.

Kids these days… Amazing. Truly 666.

—

“Can-Can, are you really not going to eat that peach?” Qi Sen asked casually during breakfast, watching her clutch the fruit tightly.

“You can’t eat Little Peach!” Can-Can said solemnly, “Little Peach would be in pain!”

Qi Sen didn’t push her further. Instead, he asked:

“We’re going out shopping today. Are you taking Little Peach too?”

“Of course!” Can-Can declared, “Little Peach would get lonely if I left it home alone!”

Qi Sen chuckled. “But carrying it all day might get tiring.”

Can-Can sipped her soy milk, her big eyes blinking innocently.

“But isn’t that what Second Brother is for?”

Qi Sen couldn’t help laughing.

So young, yet already knows how to use him as a pack mule.

—

They were just heading out the door when they ran into Pei Shen coming down the stairs.

Pei Shen spotted the two of them, bright-eyed and looking cheerful, and figured Qi Sen must have handled his foster parents somehow.

What a great opportunity to show off.

“Guess what!” Pei Shen said, grinning smugly, “Two days ago, I was tutoring chemistry as usual. Guess who I ran into?”

Qi Sen gave him a glance, expressionless as ever, and started leading Can-Can downstairs without a word.

Can-Can, however, was full of energy and curiosity.

“Who, Third Brother?”

Pei Shen puffed up even more.

“Your brother’s and mother’s boss. They were talking about promoting someone.”

He said “brother” and “mother” in one breath, completely confusing Can-Can.

She slowed her steps, eyes wide and blinking like a little sloth, utterly lost.

She looked so dazed yet so serious, anyone would be tempted to squeeze her soft little cheeks.

Pei Shen nearly caved, but held it in.

Then he jerked his chin proudly at Qi Sen.

“No need to thank me. It’s not like I did much. Just casually exposed your mom’s little tricks. Really, no need to thank me!”

Qi Sen stopped and looked at him, expression calm.

“I wasn’t planning to.”

Pei Shen: ???

Heartless!

Meanwhile, Can-Can, still looking like a confused little sloth, patted her own head comfortingly.

“When I grow up, I’ll understand everything!”

Can-Can is the best little princess! Gotta work hard!

After psyching herself up, she quickly bounced back to her cheerful self.

Qi Sen didn’t spare Pei Shen another glance and simply pulled Can-Can along, leaving.

Can-Can turned sideways to wave at Pei Shen with her little hand.

“Third Brother! We’re going shopping! You stay home and be good, okay? Don’t cause trouble for Can-Can!”

Pei Shen forced a stiff smile.

Focus on yourself first, you silly little dumpling.

After their backs disappeared from view, Pei Shen slowly headed downstairs to buy breakfast. But on the way, he kept replaying Can-Can’s sweet little goodbye in his head.

Speaking in that soft, earnest little voice— why did it sound… kind of cute?

Pei Shen shivered violently.

Dangerous thought. Absolutely dangerous.

If accepting Can-Can as his little sister meant accepting Qi Sen as his big brother, then forget it!

A genius like him would never, ever recognize a dog as his brother!