The Creatures That We Are-Chapter 1137: Cheers

“Xinxin!” Gao Xin’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s your brother. How can you say something so cold?”

Then he glared at Wang Zikai. “And you! You were such good friends with Yang Yang. Are you really willing to lose him? Aren’t you afraid of regretting it in the future?”

Wang Zikai kept his head down, idly turning an empty teacup. “There’s no turning back, Uncle.”

“You silly boy!” The man hit the table in exasperation. “I know that something cannot be undone. I’ve dated in the past, so of course I understand! But couldn’t you have kept your feelings in check?”

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“Feelings?” Gao Xinxin looked up dumbly.

“I’m talking about you and Wang Zikai,” Gao Xin said as if it were obvious. “You were dating, and Yang Yang found out, didn’t he?”

“Huh?” Wang Zikai was also caught by surprise. “I...um...”

Gao Xinxin stepped on him hard under the table. He quickly corrected himself, “Oh, right! Gao Xinxin and I...developed feelings for each other as time went by. When we realized it...there was no turning back.”

“Little Kai, I never doubt your character,” Gao Xin said. “Although you look like a playboy, I can tell you’ll be loyal in a relationship given the loyal friend you have been to Yang Yang. I know you’re a good kid.”

“But!” He hit the table again for emphasis. “Gao Xinxin’s only a high school freshman. It’s too early for her to have a relationship. This is wrong!”

“Were I Gao Yang, I would be angry as well!” he said emphatically. “I won’t say you can’t fall for your friend’s little sister, but as Gao Yang’s best friend, you should’ve at least waited until she entered college! I would’ve punched you were it my sister!”

“I...” Wang Zikai glanced at Gao Xinxin, checking for any sign of another stomp before saying, “I’m sorry, Uncle. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to Yang Yang when he’s here,” Gao Xin said seriously. “And promise him that you will remain Gao Xinxin’s friend until she goes to college. Don’t ever think about crossing the line, understood?”

Wang Zikai nodded. “I understand.”

“And you!” He turned to Gao Xinxin. “It’s your first time having a relationship. It’s only natural that you’d get carried away and choose love over family. But saying that you’re going to end things? What are you thinking?!”

Gao Xinxin looked away, her gaze downcast.

“I’ll be frank, Xinxin. You’ll be able to pick anyone you like in the future given how pretty you are, but you only have one brother. If you lose him, he will really be gone. You’ll regret it by not treasuring him!”

“I understand my mistake,” Gao Xinxin lied.

“Alright, as long as I’ve gotten my point across.” He sighed in relief. “Once Yang Yang’s here, I’ll talk to him and try to resolve your conflict.”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Wang Zikai’s lips curled up as he glanced at Gao Xinxin. “Told you it was right to seek out Uncle.”

Gao Xinxin shot him a glare. Before she could say anything, the light streaming into the door dimmed. Her heart clenched as she slowly turned to the side. Wang Zikai and Gao Xin followed her gaze.

A tall, slim figure stood silhouetted in the doorway. He wore a white shirt, black suit pants, and black dress shoes, his hair parted with a section of fringe tucked behind one ear. At nineteen, barely into adulthood, he carried himself with a maturity beyond his years.

Gao Xin stared a little before recovering. He rose to welcome his nephew, while Wang Zikai and Gao Xinxin stayed unmoving. “You’re finally here, Yang Yang.”

“I’m sorry for being late, Uncle. Happy birthday!” Gao Yang beamed at him and lowered the box of cake he brought. Stepping forward, he gave his uncle a hug.

His uncle stilled, caught off guard by the gesture, before patting Gao Yang's back. “Good boy, you look so much more mature all of a sudden. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Gao Yang let go of him. “Uncle, I got you cake. That was why I was late.”

“There’s no need for cake.” Gao Xin chuckled. “We used to celebrate birthdays with longevity noodles instead. Come, have a seat. We just got started. We didn’t wait since the food might get cold.”

“Yeah, you didn’t have to wait.” Gao Yang sat down across from Wang Zikai and Gao Xinxin, picking up his chopsticks and putting still steaming food into his mouth like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Hm, it’s good!” Gao Yang gave his uncle a thumbs-up. “I can have three bowls of rice today.”

“Haha, okay. I made plenty of rice.” Gao Xin picked up his bowl and chopsticks as well, giving Wang Zikai and Gao Xinxin a look.

They remained motionless.

Gao Xin sighed in exasperation and started the ball rolling, “Ahem, Yang Yang. I know about Little Kai and Xinxin.”

Gao Yang's hand trembled. Food slipped from his chopsticks. “You...know?”

“They told me.” His uncle sighed. “I’ve given them a good scolding. They should’ve waited until Xinxin was in college no matter what. For now, they are friends. They must not cross the line or affect Xinxin’s academic performance or her life.”

Gao Yang’s stiff smile grew complicated.

“It’s most difficult to prevent a thief inside the family from stealing. Your best friend stole away the sister you’ve taken care of for so many years. Of course you’d be angry!”

“But look at the bright side, Yang Yang. Your sister will grow up sooner or later, and she will have her relationship. Little Kai is a good boy. You should know that better than I do. And you know each other well. If you become a real family in the future, it will be a good thing.”

Gao Yang was able to smile again, realizing the situation.

Gao Xin patted him on the shoulder. “So for my sake, will you mend your relationship with your sister and Little Kai, Yang Yang?”

He glared at Wang Zikai and Gao Xinxin. “What are you waiting for? Apologize!”

Wang Zikai suppressed his laughter. “Sorry, bro. You can’t control the heart. But don’t worry. I’m a man of principles. I promise I’ll honor my words to Uncle and not cross the line.”

“Don’t be angry, Brother,” Gao Xinxin said. “I’ll break up with Wang Zikai now, and I’ll never start another relationship while I am in school. I’ll stop fighting with you, too. Uncle’s right. I’ll get to choose whoever I want as a boyfriend in the future. But I only have one brother.”

Wang Zikai pressed a hand to his forehead and snuck a glance at her. You’re talking me down too much!

Gao Xinxin ignored him.

“Okay,” Gao Yang said with a small smile. “I forgive you.”

Gao Xin laughed in satisfaction. “That’s how you should do it!”

“Come, let’s have a toast!” Wang Zikai raised his glass of drink. “For Uncle’s birthday, and for us mending our relationships.”

“Nicely said!” Gao Xin raised his glass, too. “Come on, cheers!”

They stood, glasses clinking, before settling back to eat, making idle conversation about nothing of importance. The atmosphere was warm, but underneath it lurked something unsettling.

“Bro,” Wang Zikai said casually between bites, “You arrived so late today. I thought you had gotten too angry to come.”