Ru Feng turned to her and said, “Mom, could you please cook some porridge?”
Qiu Mama glanced at Qi Feng, who was intently staring at Ru Feng’s side profile, seemingly unaware of their conversation. She nodded, “Okay!” and turned to the kitchen.
“
She filled a basin with water, and Rufeng squeezed Qifeng’s hand before pulling him up and wiping him dry with a towel.
“Bring the water upstairs,” she said.
Qifeng carried the basin upstairs as Rufeng opened her room door. The simple room contained only a bed and a wardrobe. “Sit down, wash your feet. I’ll bring you a basin.”
By the time Qifeng finished soaking his feet, Qiu Mama had prepared porridge, wisely avoiding provoking Rufeng’s unusual mood.
Rufeng handed Qifeng a bowl of white porridge. “Eat.”
Qifeng glanced at her, as Rufeng pouted, “Only rice, no side dishes!” He lowered his eyes and began eating.
Rufeng moved aside, tossing her sleepwear and straightening the bed. She rummaged through the wardrobe and found a set of new-looking sportswear, likely intended to give away.
Turning around, she noticed Qifeng had finished his porridge and was quietly staring at her. He seemed inclined to call her but remembered her earlier instruction not to speak, waiting for her to notice him. When she straightened up, joy spread across his face.
No matter how angry she was, seeing her second brother like this melted her anger.
She threw the clothes at him and took the empty bowl and chopsticks. “Change clothes, sleep a bit.”
Qifeng picked up the clothes, slightly furrowing his brow.
Rufeng sighed, “These were originally bought by Qiu Rufeng, looks like they’re new.”
Qifeng nodded and began unbuttoning his coat.
“Stop!” Rufeng suddenly shouted. Qifeng looked up, hands still on his coat buttons.
“Change after I leave!” Rufeng said, widening her eyes. She walked a few steps, then turned back. “Change before I return. I’m going to put away the bowls.”
After the door slammed shut, Qifeng looked down at his clothing – a coat over a sweater over an undershirt. Why was she blushing?
Indeed, her ears had turned red. After all, she had already seen him without clothes. Qifeng blinked, wondering if being clothed was more embarrassing than being unclothed.
