Chapter 817 - Payback (1/2)

When Xiao Li came to check up on Ah-Si, the latter was drinking soup. Nora was keeping an eye on him or more like looking expectantly at Ah-Si's face.

”How does it taste?” she asked.

Ah-Si smiled at her, ”It's very good.”

”That's a relief,” said Nora as she heaved a sigh of relief. ”It's my first time making chicken soup, so I was a bit nervous.”

Ah-Si didn't say anything and continued to drink the soup. Seeing Xiao Li, Nora stood up and said, ”Can you stay with Ah-Si? I have to go check up on my best friend.”

Xiao Li nodded his head and let her leave. He sat beside his brother and crossed his arms against his chest as his eyes continued to stare at his brother's face. Although one couldn't see a single frown on Ah-Si's face, how could Ah-Si hide anything from his brother?

”If it's not to your taste, why are you forcing yourself to drink it?”

Ah-Si's spoon paused as he looked up at his brother, ”It's her first time making it.” Xiao Li rolled his eyes at his brother. ”She spent two hours stewing it, I can't just leave it just because it's a little salty. At least, she tried her best.”

”How can I forget my brother is very thoughtful,” said Xiao Li. He let Ah-Si finish the soup before he asked, ”How are you feeling now?”

”I'm good,” replied Ah-Si.

Xiao Li eyed him, ”I've clearly warned you not to ever feel alone. If something is bothering you, you can always come to me. I'm here for you. Why did you take so much stress and get yourself sick? It's not like you're familiar with your own condition.”

Everyone said Xiao Li was very protective of his younger brother. And it wasn't a lie either. It wasn't only because he loved Ah-Si, it was also because to him, Ah-Si was still the same sensitive kid who took years to get normal after their mother's death. Wen Ai's death left Ah-Si with a psychological trauma that everyone was aware of.

Xiao Li knew his brother well. Ah-Si would become vulnerable in situations he didn't understand. If he was mentally prepared, something serious could also happen to him. Back when Nora left him, he had faced the same situation. He had almost gone into shock and that's why both Xiao Li and Xin Zimen didn't stop him from leaving the country. They both thought it was best for him.

He touched his brother's head and said, ”Why did you cry?”

Ah-Si lowered his head saying, ”I didn't.”

”You think you can lie to me?”

Ah-Si went silent. He took a while before replying in a small voice, ”I dreamed about mom.”

Xiao Li's body stiffened as soon as he heard that. He held Ah-Si's face and made him look at him, ”You're okay?”

Ah-Si nodded his head, ”I'm fine. Don't worry!”

”How am I supposed to not worry?” said Xiao Li. ”I thought you stopped dreaming about that incident. Why didn't you tell me anything?”

”It's not that I didn't tell you,” replied Ah-Si. ”It's just been too long since I last had that dream.”