Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 142: The Subtle Shift in Mindset

Chapter 142: Chapter 142: The Subtle Shift in Mindset

Ever since their parents passed away, Song Xiaoru had never truly celebrated her birthday, let alone have so many people come to celebrate it with her—Second Uncle and Second Auntie, along with Third Uncle and Third Aunt, and also Song Xianping from Third Uncle’s family had rushed over.

With the whole family gathered around, clinking glasses and chatting, Song Xiaoru was just overjoyed.

At first, Song Xiaodong was a bit uncomfortable, but seeing his sister so happy, he also stopped dwelling on the past. After all, what he loved most now was making his sister happy. As long as his sister was happy, nothing else mattered.

"Dongzi, now that you’re so capable, are you planning to work in a hospital?" Third Aunt asked with a smile.

Song Xiaodong shook his head and said, "I’m just casually working at a gym right now."

Third Uncle exclaimed in surprise, "Really? But you have such excellent medical skills. If you went to work in a hospital, you could surely make a lot of money, and you’d have a high social status too."

Song Xiaodong smiled slightly and said, "I prefer a relaxed job. As for status and making money, I don’t really care that much."

Second Uncle said, "You silly kid, how can you not make money these days? Look, you still live here. Don’t you have to make money to buy a better house?"

Song Xiaoru said with a smile, "You don’t have to worry about that. Dongzi isn’t short of money now; we’ve already bought a house."

"You’ve already bought a house?" Everyone looked shocked.

Song Xiaoru’s smile grew brighter as she said, "Yes, Dongzi bought it secretly and only told me today. It’s one hundred and forty square meters, a duplex."

Third Aunt immediately said with envy, "A hundred and forty square meters in total, that’s not small at all."

Song Xiaoru said happily, "No, it’s one hundred and forty per floor. Two floors make it two hundred and eighty square meters. It’s really too big. Just the two of us living in such a large house, I will feel it’s too empty."

Third Aunt’s eyes widened in astonishment and said, "What? One hundred and forty per floor! My goodness, that house must be over a million, right?"

Song Xiaoru nodded with a smile and said, "So you don’t need to worry about Dongzi’s job. He should just do whatever he likes."

At that moment, the elders all grinned. They were just now realizing that Song Xiaodong was not only socially influential but also genuinely wealthy. And that was before Song Xiaoru even mentioned the Ferrari 599. Otherwise, they might have been utterly astounded.

After a satisfying meal and drinks, the house grew quiet again. Song Xiaodong and Song Xiaoru lay on the same bed, both having drunk quite a bit of alcohol, especially Song Xiaoru. Today, she had drunk a little too much out of happiness. Now tipsy, with a flushed face, her drunk appearance added a charming allure to her demeanor.

Song Xiaodong lay on his side, gazing at Song Xiaoru’s face without blinking, looking utterly enchanted.

"What are you staring at? Haven’t you seen a beauty before?" Song Xiaoru pinched Song Xiaodong’s nose and asked with a smile.

Looking at Song Xiaoru, Song Xiaodong said seriously, "Sis! If you weren’t my sister, I would definitely marry you."

"What... What nonsense are you talking about?" Song Xiaoru’s heart gave a sudden jolt as she looked nervously at Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong grinned and wrapped an arm around Song Xiaoru’s shoulders, saying, "My sister is getting more and more beautiful. Sometimes, when I think about some stinky guy turning around and marrying you, and then you become someone else’s wife, I feel a bit upset inside."

"You..." Xiaoru let out a sigh of relief, having thought Song Xiaodong had discovered the truth about his origins. She grabbed Song Xiaodong by the ear and said in a fierce tone, "You little rascal, no wonder Xuanxuan says you have a sister complex. Look at you, you really do."

Song Xiaodong’s ear didn’t hurt at all, but he still pretended to be in agonizing pain, grinning and asserting, "Sister complex or not, what’s wrong with that? I haven’t done anything bad to you, have I? I just respect and love you in my heart, you’re the closest person to me in this world. Of course I have to look after you."

Xiaoru felt warmth in her heart, turned to face him, buried her face in Song Xiaodong’s chest, and wrapped her arms around his waist, saying, "Thank you, Dongzi, for being such a brother. I’m really content."

"Me too!" Song Xiaodong hugged Song Xiaoru tighter, his face filled with bliss.

The two of them just embraced quietly, neither speaking. Unconsciously, they fell asleep in each other’s arms until the next morning.

When Song Xiaoru woke up, she realized she was nestled in Song Xiaodong’s arms and was startled. Looking up to see Song Xiaodong still deep in sleep, but with the corners of his mouth turned up as if he was having a pleasant dream, looking content and smug, she didn’t have the heart to wake him.

Seeing Song Xiaodong like this, Song Xiaoru didn’t want to disturb him and just quietly watched him. It was an indescribable happiness.

Feeling Song Xiaoru’s gaze, Song Xiaodong seemed to sense it and naturally woke up, yawning and saying, "Sis, you woke up so early."

"Yes, you sleep a little longer, I’ll go make breakfast."

"It’s only just past five, no rush, let’s sleep a bit more." Song Xiaodong said, placing his leg directly on Song Xiaoru’s and pulling her in a bit tighter.

They suddenly came close together, and Xiaoru immediately felt something hard pressing against her thigh, her face flushing red instantly.

In the past, they had also shared a bed. Even after Song Xiaodong entered high school, they often slept together because it was just too cold in winter. Sharing a bed and huddling together made them much warmer.

By that time, Song Xiaodong was already a big boy and his body had matured, so almost every morning, Xiaoru could feel Song Xiaodong’s reactions. However, because they respected and loved each other, neither harbored any other thoughts, and thus they were able to deal with such physical contact calmly.

Song Xiaodong could still act as before, but for Song Xiaoru, further physical contact brought a subtle change in her heart. They were not blood siblings, and if something accidental were to happen, it wouldn’t be a huge transgression. The thought of Third Aunt’s suggestion flashed in her mind, and her face turned even redder.

"Song Xiaoru, what are you thinking about? Dongzi has always seen you as his dearest sister, how could you entertain other thoughts? You really are shameless."

Just then, Song Xiaodong nudged her again, making her face turn even redder. She wanted to escape, but Song Xiaodong’s embrace was so tight that there was no escaping it.

Stealing a glance at Song Xiaodong, Xiaoru was in turmoil, her complexion changing unpredictably. Even she didn’t know what she was thinking anymore.

"No, this won’t do! I need to find Dongzi a girlfriend soon, or there’s bound to be trouble later!"