Dinner passed in a blur of laughter and stories. Auntie Chen had outdone herself, preparing all of Jihan's favorite dishes alongside the braised pork. The dining room felt alive in a way Su Yiling hadn't experienced in years, filled with the comfortable chaos of family conversation.
"The lab environment in New Zealand was completely different from what I expected," Jihan was saying, gesturing with his chopsticks. "Working with international pharmaceutical teams meant adjusting to different research protocols and safety standards. But the collaboration produced some breakthrough results."
Su Yiling found herself smiling genuinely for the first time all day. This was her real family. Not the manipulative relatives who saw her as a pawn in their schemes, but these people who loved her unconditionally and believed in her dreams.
"So what's next for you?" their mother asked, refilling Jihan's rice bowl. "More pharmaceutical research?"
"Actually, I've been offered a position at Beijing University. Medical research department. It would mean staying permanently." He glanced around the table. "I'm seriously considering it. Three years away was enough."
"That's wonderful!" Su Yiling said, meaning it completely. "You could be here for my graduation."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything." Jihan reached over to squeeze her hand. "My brilliant little sister graduating at the top of her class."
The casual confidence in his voice made her chest warm. He truly believed in her abilities, had never doubted them even when she'd doubted herself.
After dinner, their parents excused themselves to their room to rest. Jihan helped clear the dishes, chatting with Auntie Chen about changes in the neighborhood over the past three years.
"The new shopping center opened where the old market used to be," Auntie Chen was explaining. "Very modern, very expensive. But I still prefer the traditional vendors for fresh vegetables."
"Some things shouldn't change," Jihan agreed, drying plates with practiced efficiency.
Su Yiling watched him move around the kitchen with easy familiarity. Even after three years away, he fit back into the family rhythm as if he'd never left.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Xiaoli: "Ready for our study session? I have all the calculus problems sorted by difficulty level."
"I should go upstairs," Su Yiling said. "Xiaoli is coming over to study."
"Of course. Don't let me interrupt your academic excellence." Jihan grinned. "But before you disappear into your books..."
He disappeared into the foyer and returned carrying a medium-sized package wrapped in brown paper.
"I brought you something."
Su Yiling took the package, surprised by its weight. "You didn't need to bring me anything."
"Big brothers are supposed to bring gifts. It's in the job description."
She unwrapped it carefully, revealing a beautiful leather-bound notebook with intricate silver clasps. The cover was embossed with delicate patterns that caught the light, and the pages inside were thick, high-quality paper.
"It's gorgeous," she breathed, running her fingers over the smooth leather.
"The artisan who made it said the silver work represents perseverance through difficulties. I thought it was appropriate for someone facing her final year of high school." Jihan's expression grew more serious. "I wanted you to have something that would remind you of your own strength."
The gift felt heavy with meaning in her hands. The second brother had said the same thing in her past life. This wasn't just a notebook – it was a symbol of faith in her abilities.
"Thank you, second brother. I love it."
"Use it for important things. Plans, dreams, goals.
The doorbell rang before Su Yiling could respond. Xiaoli had arrived, carrying her usual armload of textbooks and looking slightly awed by the house's elegance as Auntie Chen let her in.
"Jihan looked between Su Yiling and her friend with interest. "So this is the famous study partner I've heard so much about over the years."
Xiaoli blushed slightly. "Ling er talks about her family a lot. She's very proud of her brothers."
"As she should be. We're pretty impressive." Jihan's teasing tone made both girls laugh.
They headed upstairs to Su Yiling's room, Xiaoli chattering about the math problems they needed to review. But as they reached the second floor, Jihan caught Su Yiling's arm gently.
"Yiling, can I talk to you for a moment? Privately?"
Xiaoli nodded understandingly. "I'll get everything set up in your room."
When her friend had disappeared into the pink bedroom, Jihan's expression grew serious.
"Is everything alright at school? You seemed... different today."
Su Yiling felt her heart skip. Her brother had always been perceptive, but she hadn't realized her changes were so obvious.
"Different how?"
"Yiling, can I talk to you for a moment? Privately?"
Xiaoli nodded understandingly. "I'll get everything set up in your room."
When her friend had disappeared into the pink bedroom, Jihan's expression grew concerned.
"Is everything alright? You seemed quieter than usual during dinner."
Su Yiling felt her heart skip. Her brother had always been perceptive, but she hadn't realized her emotional state was so obvious.
"Just stressed about the examination, I think. The pressure is getting to me."
"Stressed how? You've always handled academics well."
She shrugged, trying to appear casual. "It's different this year. Everything feels more important. More final."
Jihan studied her face for a moment. "You know, when I was your age, I used to worry that I wasn't smart enough, wasn't working hard enough. But you've never had those doubts before."
"Maybe I'm just growing up. Realizing how competitive everything is."
"Or maybe someone has been making you feel like you're not good enough." His tone was gentle but probing. "Has anyone been saying things that made you question yourself?"
Just stressed about college entrance, I think. And... decisions about university."
"What kind of decisions? You've always wanted to study finance."
Su Yiling hesitated, needing to give him a believable reason for her mood. "I've been thinking about whether I should apply to universities abroad. Or stay here and go to Capital University."
Jihan's expression softened with understanding. "Ah, the big choice. International experience versus staying close to family."
"Exactly. Sometimes I think about studying in America or England - the opportunities, the different perspective. But then I think about leaving everyone behind..." She let her voice trail off, as if genuinely conflicted.
"That's a big decision for anyone," Jihan said gently. "Is someone pressuring you to choose one way or the other?"
"Not pressuring, exactly. Just... different opinions from different people in my class about what would be best for my future."
"And that's what's been troubling you?"
Su Yiling nodded, grateful that this lie felt more natural than trying to explain her real situation. "I keep second-guessing myself. What if I make the wrong choice?"
Jihan reached over and ruffled her hair affectionately. "You know what? Whatever you decide will be the right choice, because you'll make it work. That's who you are."
"But what if I'm not as smart as everyone thinks I am?"
"Now that's just ridiculous talk." His voice was firm but warm. "I want my confident, brilliant little sister back. The one who used to debate philosophy with Grandfather and win."
Despite everything, Su Yiling smiled. "That girl is still here."
"Good. Because I missed her." He squeezed her shoulder gently.
From inside her room, Xiaoli called out, "Su Su? I found some mistakes in yesterday's homework that we should review."
"Go study," Jihan said with a gentle smile. "Show that brilliant mind of yours what it can accomplish. And remember, you have family who think you're amazing exactly as you are."
Su Yiling hugged him quickly, clutching the leather notebook against her chest. "Thank you, second brother."
"That's what big brothers are for. Now go make Xiaoli regret challenging you to a math competition."
As she entered her room, Su Yiling found Xiaoli surrounded by papers and textbooks, everything organized with precision. Her friend looked up with a grin.
"Your brother seems nice. Very supportive."
"He is." Su Yiling settled at her desk, placing the new notebook carefully beside her laptop. "All my brothers are."
"Good. You've seemed a bit down lately. Like something was bothering you."
Su Yiling opened her calculus textbook, grateful for the change of subject. "Just exam stress. Nothing I can't handle."
They worked in comfortable silence for a while, reviewing formulas and solving practice problems. The familiar rhythm of studying helped calm Su Yiling's mind, reminding her of simpler times when academic challenges were the only ones she faced.
But as she wrote equations in her new notebook, her phone buzzed with a message that caused madness to flash in her eyes.
Aunt Li: "Yiling, dear, I hope you're free this Saturday evening. We're having a small family dinner, and I have someone very special I'd like you to meet.