Xiao Qingya's face scrunched a little at the slight sour taste from the candied hawthorne. She didn't notice the shock on her second brother's face.
Miserable cannon fodder? He also heard those words again. Little Ya was definitely calling him foolish! With some doubt, he scrutinized Xiao Qingya's tender face.
His sister was busy munching on her little snack and hadn't spoken at all…
[Why is my second brother so silent?] Xiao Qingya blinked her eyes. She tilted her head, then she realized she hadn't answered her brother's words. It must have been because he was apologizing and she hadn't given him any response.
[Oh, right, Second Brother was apologizing to me. I haven't replied yet. He must be anxious. Anyway, it wasn't his fault. Who would have thought that some closest family members are actually wolves in sheep's clothing?] She shook her little head.
Then, she turned to Xiao Fenghao. A sweet smile decorated her face. "Not… brother's fault…"
Xiao Fenghao's pupils dilated in shock. He had been observing his youngest sister. Seeing his expression, Xiao Qingya thought that he was touched by her declaration. She giggled and stood up on the chair, leaning forward to hug him.
With his heart still in turmoil, Xiao Fenghao hugged his little sister back tightly, afraid she might fall down due to excitement. His lips pursed deeply.
He began to use his brain to think, pondering every possibility. Although he had considered that his sister might be haunted by some kind of entity, he immediately erased that thought from his mind.
Xiao Qingya had done exactly what that voice was talking about. She even consoled him. The voice was too similar to his little sister's usual sweet tone.
It should have been her own voice.
"Do you like the candied haws?" He fixed her smooth hair that was sticking to her face. His stiff face gradually relaxed, morphing into a thin smile.
Xiao Qingya, the little foodie, nodded her head vigorously, her eyes sparkling. "Good. Try it!"
With that, she held the remaining candied haws to him.
Xiao Fenghao wanted to refuse. After all, he had bought it for her, but seeing the hopeful look on her eyes, he didn't have the heart to disappoint her good intention. As such, he took a bite, not minding the sticky mess she had made.
"It's delicious," he praised.
The little one had a smug look on her face at her words being proven right. As she continued to eat her snack, she secretly thought.
[I take back my previous words. Maybe Second Brother isn't foolish. He just doesn't like to use his brain. Yes, that must be it! He is so kind to me! Hmm… so delicious.]
Xiao Fenghao's lips twitched. She praised him because he gave her a delicious snack, right? He began to feel worried. What if someone steals this little one away with just a few snacks?
"Little Ya, Second Brother will bring you more delicious food in the future. You can only eat the food given by your family, alright? That means Mom, your brothers and sisters," He told the little one seriously.
[Of course I know that. Does my second brother think I am still one year old?]
Outwardly, she still nodded earnestly, her face the epitome of an obedient sister. "I… listen."
As he gazed at that obedient expression, Xiao Fenghao felt conflicted inside. At this point, no matter how stupid he was, he already figured it out that the voice who had talked about such a contrasting was actually Xiao Qingya's inner thoughts.
He hadn't seen her lips moved at all, yet he could hear them. He was sure that he didn't hallucinate either.
If he could hear Little Ya's inner thoughts, could his mother and sisters hear them too? He narrowed his eyes and instantly concluded that they hadn't!
He believed he could hear his youngest sister's inner thoughts because she was the closest to him. Hence, the trust between siblings made their minds linked together… even if it was only one way–Little Ya didn't seem to hear his inner thoughts at all.
It was also for the best, considering that her lively inner thoughts could chat about so many things. He still needs to uphold his dignity as an older brother!
The entire time, he became a little absentminded until their mother came back from preparing refreshment to Physician Li. Xiao Yuxi also finished her treatment.
"Don't forget to apply the medicine three times a day." Physician Li's voice floated over. "The symptom might seem very severe, but it's easy to treat. In one or two days, you will recover."
Zhou Anran wanted to take her daughter from her son's arms. Xiao Fenghao refused. Shaking his head, he walked toward the other room while hugging Xiao Qingya.
The little one looked at Xiao Yuxi curiously. Her face flashed with relief when she heard Physician Li's explanation.
Zhou Anran glanced at her son thoughtfully and looked away.
"How did you get such rashes?" Physician Li had a look of disapproval on his face. "If there is any plant you have never seen before, don't rashly pick it up."
Xiao Yuxi appeared a little dazed, so Xiao Yuyan took over the conversation. "My sister's skin problem is caused by some kind of toxic plant, Physician Li?"
He nodded. "Your sister's skin is also a bit sensitive, that's why the symptom is so much worse."
Physician Li excused himself. They thanked and sent him off through the door. Once there was no outsider, Zhou Anran and her twin daughters exchanged looks.
They had noticed the strange look on Xiao Fenghao's face. His expressions were ever-changing. At times, he appeared a little dazed. Other times, he was conflicted and… smug. Especially when he glanced at his twin sisters.
Xiao Yuxi and Xiao Yuyan's lips twitched. They already found the answer. Their Second Brother can also hear Little Ya's inner thoughts! Unfortunately, it wasn't just them.
Seeing that arrogant face, they were a little indignant inside. Just see how long he can be so smug until he finds out he wasn't the only special one!
When the night came and Xiao Qingya already sound asleep, the time finally came. Xiao Yuxi crossed her hands around her chest and rolled her eyes at Xiao Fenghao.
"What's wrong, Mother?" Xiao Fenghao's heart sank slightly. He rummaged through his memory to recall whether he had done something wrong.
Otherwise, why would his mother call him along with his twin sisters. The pair of young girls also had an inexplicable expression on their faces.
"Second Brother, are you hiding something from us?" Xiao Yuxi asked mischievously, earning a glare from him.