“He’s quite nice,” my brother said, laughing foolishly. His dark eyebrows and bright eyes made his signature smile look adorable, perhaps why Xue Yin was attracted to him. After much thought, he added, “He’s different from others. He truly understands me and wants to be my friend. I’m happy being with him.”
My brother wasn’t eloquent and didn’t enjoy reading, barely entering the Hanlin Academy through our father’s connections. Although he had colleagues, these literary scholars who socialized through poetry didn’t truly appreciate him. Some used friendship to have him run errands or treat them to drinks; others, knowing he was the brother-in-law of a Ministry of Personnel official, hinted at seeking promotions; still others called him brother but mocked him as crude behind his back. While he seemed honest and simple, he knew well who genuinely cared for him.
My brother, long unappreciated by women, finally met someone who appreciated him—but it was a man. How unfair the heavens were. I didn’t dare ask more, fearing I might push him towards male love. However, my brother began to talk endlessly about their interactions.
According to him, Xue Yin was originally difficult to approach and insisted on being a loner at the Hanlin Academy. He only maintained a pleasant demeanor with his elder brother. After several instances of help from his elder brother, they agreed to drink together at the official residence, where the elder brother cooked side dishes. Xue Yin praised his culinary skills, expressing that “any girl who marries you would be incredibly fortunate.”
I guessed that Xue Yin appreciated his elder brother’s kindness and became immersed in imagining himself as the elder brother’s wife. This could be summarized as passion sparked by a few delicious meals.
After patiently listening to his ramblings, I cautiously asked a sharp question: If Xue Yin had feelings for him, what did he plan to do? The elder brother hesitated and finally responded, “I will help him return to the right path.”
