Chapter 15
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Filled with remorse, Fan Hui Zhong made his way closer and softly called out, "Xia'er..."
Unwilling to give in despite the obvious guilt her father's feeling, Fan Zhu Xia stubbornly ignored his voice and resolutely kept her face buried in her cousin's chest.
Caught in between father and daughter, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but feel wry amusement at his cousin's antics but he can understand why she's acting like this and ignoring Fan Hui Zhong.
Earlier, when Fan Zhu Xia pounced on top of him and hugged him happily, he saw how happy and relieved she was that he acknowledged her as his cousin.
Frankly, her reaction confused him.
Thinking back to what happened earlier, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but frown slightly as he remembered her answer to his question when she asked.
"It's nothing... It's just..."
When her voice trailed off, he just lifted an inquiring brow before prompting her, "Just?"
Sighing dejectedly, Fan Zhu Xia made herself comfortable and had curled up to him with half her body lying on top of him before sadly murmuring, "It's just that something happened earlier and I felt that maybe people here would not be as accepting of me."
Stiffening slightly, Fan Zhu Xia tried to get up but Fan Li Jie held her down with an arm that he quickly wrapped around her shoulders the moment he felt her body tense.
He could take a guess that she must have remembered or realized something that bothered her, hence the sudden tension her body displayed.
"And why would you think like that? Did somebody do something?" Fan Li Jie asked in a low voice, his tone a touch colder.
"Young Master-" opening her mouth, Fan Zhu Xia tried to explain but she was immediately cut off by an annoyed Fan Li Jie.
"Big Brother."
A bit surprised, Fan Zhu Xia lifted her head up and looked at Fan Li Jie who was looking down at her with a hard gaze before saying, "Did I not tell you to call me Big Brother?"
Speechless, Fan Zhu Xia just blinked up at him with her mouth opening and closing as if she wants to say something yet no words came out.
Seeing her up close and looking so bewildered, Fan Li Jie's gaze softened a bit before he asked, "Well?"
"Oh! Uhh, sorry... Xia'er will remember to address you as Big Brother Li Jie from now on and not Young Master..." Zhu Xia stammered in reply before her cheeks blushed a brighter shade of red as she quickly bowed down her head to avoid his gaze which made his annoyance dissipate at seeing her so flustered.
"Good. Make sure you remember then Xia'er."
"Yes Big Brother. Xia'er will remember..."
Looking at her bowed head and her pink ears that peaked in between her hair, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but chuckle slightly and softly patted her head as if he was petting a puppy.
It amused him that Fan Zhu Xia didn't even complain and instead just docilely relaxed against him again without making a peep.
Looking at their close proximity and touching bodies, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but feel slightly surprised at himself that he was letting this new cousin of his hug him and that he actually took the initiative to keep her from getting up.
Usually, Fan Li Jie despised contact with other people especially contact with the opposite gender, the only woman he could tolerate before was his mother and yet here he was, actually embracing a young lady and absent-mindedly stroking her hair.
"Xia'er..."
"Hmm?"
"Will you tell me now what happened to make you think that we wouldn't like you?"
For a long time, Fan Zhu Xia didn't say anything and Fan Li Jie thought that she she wasn't going to answer when he heard her say in a low, dejected voice, "Because we don't share the same blood."
The same blood?
That was what she was worried about?!
Hearing her lackluster response, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but sigh. He knew that those who knew they were adopted usually had this kind of insecurity where they would sometimes doubt their place in the family.
It was completely natural for Fan Zhu Xia to feel like this and based from what she said, something happened earlier that definitely caused it.
Just by the tone of her voice, Fan Li Jie was able to detect the hurt she was trying to hide.
Just as he was about to ask what really happened, his father, uncle and youngest brother arrived and saw them.
Fan Li Jie was preparing to let go when he heard his uncle and master, Fan Hui Zhong call out his cousin's name in a shocked voice which in turn made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
Fan Li Jie knew that their position can be misunderstood and was a bit ambigous but when he felt Fan Zhu Xia stiffen and burrow closer to him while the hands that held on to the back of his ropes tightened, his attention was diverted towards her.
This inevitably led to him ignoring the three people that had just come.
Coming closer, Fan Hui Zhong tried coaxing her again but Fan Zhu Xia resolutely ignored him and instead distressedly called out with a muffled voice, "Big Brother Li Jie..."
Sighing, Fan Li Jie gently patted her head and looked at his uncle who was looking at his daughter with a miserable expression on his face.
"This disciple humbly greets Master! Li Jie hopes that Master has been well?" Fan Li Jie said in a respectful voice as he inclined his head.
As much as he wanted to show proper respect to his Uncle Zhong who was also his master teacher, he couldn't since Zhu Xia wouldn't let him straighten up.
Good thing Fan Hui Zhong didn't take it to heart and just nodded while saying, "Your Master has indeed been well but this old man hasn't taught you anything in years so just call me Uncle Zhong like you did when you were little."
"As Uncle wishes."
Absent-mindedly nodding while he stared at his daughter with a complex gaze, Hui Zhong just replied, "En."
"Xia'er, will you turn around and look at Father?" Hui Zhong then asked pleadingly.
Everyone of them turned to look at the young lady that was still curled up in Fan Li Jie's embrace and waited for her reply but...
All they got was a resounding silence!
With a shake of his head, Fan Li Jie turned to look at Fan Hui Zhong and offered, "Uncle Zhong, it seems as though this cousin of mine is in bad mood, how about you let me spend some time with her while she calms down and we will meet you all at dinner later?"
Seeing Fan Hui Zhong's hesitant expression, Fan Li Jie continued on and said, "That way, every member of the family will be there and they'll be able to meet Little Xia'er..."
Seeing his daughter still turned away and refusing to acknowledge his presence, Fan Hui Zhong could only swallow his grievances and nod in consent.
"Alright then, we shall wait for you both at dinner. Make sure you take care of your cousin Li Jie..."
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Filled with remorse, Fan Hui Zhong made his way closer and softly called out, "Xia'er..."
Unwilling to give in despite the obvious guilt her father's feeling, Fan Zhu Xia stubbornly ignored his voice and resolutely kept her face buried in her cousin's chest.
Caught in between father and daughter, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but feel wry amusement at his cousin's antics but he can understand why she's acting like this and ignoring Fan Hui Zhong.
Earlier, when Fan Zhu Xia pounced on top of him and hugged him happily, he saw how happy and relieved she was that he acknowledged her as his cousin.
Frankly, her reaction confused him.
Thinking back to what happened earlier, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but frown slightly as he remembered her answer to his question when she asked.
"It's nothing... It's just..."
When her voice trailed off, he just lifted an inquiring brow before prompting her, "Just?"
Sighing dejectedly, Fan Zhu Xia made herself comfortable and had curled up to him with half her body lying on top of him before sadly murmuring, "It's just that something happened earlier and I felt that maybe people here would not be as accepting of me."
Stiffening slightly, Fan Zhu Xia tried to get up but Fan Li Jie held her down with an arm that he quickly wrapped around her shoulders the moment he felt her body tense.
He could take a guess that she must have remembered or realized something that bothered her, hence the sudden tension her body displayed.
"And why would you think like that? Did somebody do something?" Fan Li Jie asked in a low voice, his tone a touch colder.
"Young Master-" opening her mouth, Fan Zhu Xia tried to explain but she was immediately cut off by an annoyed Fan Li Jie.
"Big Brother."
A bit surprised, Fan Zhu Xia lifted her head up and looked at Fan Li Jie who was looking down at her with a hard gaze before saying, "Did I not tell you to call me Big Brother?"
Speechless, Fan Zhu Xia just blinked up at him with her mouth opening and closing as if she wants to say something yet no words came out.
Seeing her up close and looking so bewildered, Fan Li Jie's gaze softened a bit before he asked, "Well?"
"Oh! Uhh, sorry... Xia'er will remember to address you as Big Brother Li Jie from now on and not Young Master..." Zhu Xia stammered in reply before her cheeks blushed a brighter shade of red as she quickly bowed down her head to avoid his gaze which made his annoyance dissipate at seeing her so flustered.
"Good. Make sure you remember then Xia'er."
"Yes Big Brother. Xia'er will remember..."
Looking at her bowed head and her pink ears that peaked in between her hair, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but chuckle slightly and softly patted her head as if he was petting a puppy.
It amused him that Fan Zhu Xia didn't even complain and instead just docilely relaxed against him again without making a peep.
Looking at their close proximity and touching bodies, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but feel slightly surprised at himself that he was letting this new cousin of his hug him and that he actually took the initiative to keep her from getting up.
Usually, Fan Li Jie despised contact with other people especially contact with the opposite gender, the only woman he could tolerate before was his mother and yet here he was, actually embracing a young lady and absent-mindedly stroking her hair.
"Xia'er..."
"Hmm?"
"Will you tell me now what happened to make you think that we wouldn't like you?"
For a long time, Fan Zhu Xia didn't say anything and Fan Li Jie thought that she she wasn't going to answer when he heard her say in a low, dejected voice, "Because we don't share the same blood."
The same blood?
That was what she was worried about?!
Hearing her lackluster response, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but sigh. He knew that those who knew they were adopted usually had this kind of insecurity where they would sometimes doubt their place in the family.
It was completely natural for Fan Zhu Xia to feel like this and based from what she said, something happened earlier that definitely caused it.
Just by the tone of her voice, Fan Li Jie was able to detect the hurt she was trying to hide.
Just as he was about to ask what really happened, his father, uncle and youngest brother arrived and saw them.
Fan Li Jie was preparing to let go when he heard his uncle and master, Fan Hui Zhong call out his cousin's name in a shocked voice which in turn made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
Fan Li Jie knew that their position can be misunderstood and was a bit ambigous but when he felt Fan Zhu Xia stiffen and burrow closer to him while the hands that held on to the back of his ropes tightened, his attention was diverted towards her.
This inevitably led to him ignoring the three people that had just come.
Coming closer, Fan Hui Zhong tried coaxing her again but Fan Zhu Xia resolutely ignored him and instead distressedly called out with a muffled voice, "Big Brother Li Jie..."
Sighing, Fan Li Jie gently patted her head and looked at his uncle who was looking at his daughter with a miserable expression on his face.
"This disciple humbly greets Master! Li Jie hopes that Master has been well?" Fan Li Jie said in a respectful voice as he inclined his head.
As much as he wanted to show proper respect to his Uncle Zhong who was also his master teacher, he couldn't since Zhu Xia wouldn't let him straighten up.
Good thing Fan Hui Zhong didn't take it to heart and just nodded while saying, "Your Master has indeed been well but this old man hasn't taught you anything in years so just call me Uncle Zhong like you did when you were little."
"As Uncle wishes."
Absent-mindedly nodding while he stared at his daughter with a complex gaze, Hui Zhong just replied, "En."
"Xia'er, will you turn around and look at Father?" Hui Zhong then asked pleadingly.
Everyone of them turned to look at the young lady that was still curled up in Fan Li Jie's embrace and waited for her reply but...
All they got was a resounding silence!
With a shake of his head, Fan Li Jie turned to look at Fan Hui Zhong and offered, "Uncle Zhong, it seems as though this cousin of mine is in bad mood, how about you let me spend some time with her while she calms down and we will meet you all at dinner later?"
Seeing Fan Hui Zhong's hesitant expression, Fan Li Jie continued on and said, "That way, every member of the family will be there and they'll be able to meet Little Xia'er..."
Seeing his daughter still turned away and refusing to acknowledge his presence, Fan Hui Zhong could only swallow his grievances and nod in consent.
"Alright then, we shall wait for you both at dinner. Make sure you take care of your cousin Li Jie..."
Filled with remorse, Fan Hui Zhong made his way closer and softly called out, "Xia'er..." Unwilling to give in despite the obvious guilt her father's feeling, Fan Zhu Xia stubbornly ignored his voice and resolutely kept her face buried in her cousin's chest. Caught in between father and daughter, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but feel wry amusement at his cousin's antics but he can understand why she's acting like this and ignoring Fan Hui Zhong. Earlier, when Fan Zhu Xia pounced on top of him and hugged him happily, he saw how happy and relieved she was that he acknowledged her as his cousin. Frankly, her reaction confused him. Thinking back to what happened earlier, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but frown slightly as he remembered her answer to his question when she asked. "It's nothing... It's just..." When her voice trailed off, he just lifted an inquiring brow before prompting her, "Just?" Sighing dejectedly, Fan Zhu Xia made herself comfortable and had curled up to him with half her body lying on top of him before sadly murmuring, "It's just that something happened earlier and I felt that maybe people here would not be as accepting of me." Stiffening slightly, Fan Zhu Xia tried to get up but Fan Li Jie held her down with an arm that he quickly wrapped around her shoulders the moment he felt her body tense. He could take a guess that she must have remembered or realized something that bothered her, hence the sudden tension her body displayed. "And why would you think like that? Did somebody do something?" Fan Li Jie asked in a low voice, his tone a touch colder. "Young Master-" opening her mouth, Fan Zhu Xia tried to explain but she was immediately cut off by an annoyed Fan Li Jie. "Big Brother." A bit surprised, Fan Zhu Xia lifted her head up and looked at Fan Li Jie who was looking down at her with a hard gaze before saying, "Did I not tell you to call me Big Brother?" Speechless, Fan Zhu Xia just blinked up at him with her mouth opening and closing as if she wants to say something yet no words came out. Seeing her up close and looking so bewildered, Fan Li Jie's gaze softened a bit before he asked, "Well?" "Oh! Uhh, sorry... Xia'er will remember to address you as Big Brother Li Jie from now on and not Young Master..." Zhu Xia stammered in reply before her cheeks blushed a brighter shade of red as she quickly bowed down her head to avoid his gaze which made his annoyance dissipate at seeing her so flustered. "Good. Make sure you remember then Xia'er." "Yes Big Brother. Xia'er will remember..." Looking at her bowed head and her pink ears that peaked in between her hair, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but chuckle slightly and softly patted her head as if he was petting a puppy. It amused him that Fan Zhu Xia didn't even complain and instead just docilely relaxed against him again without making a peep. Looking at their close proximity and touching bodies, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but feel slightly surprised at himself that he was letting this new cousin of his hug him and that he actually took the initiative to keep her from getting up. Usually, Fan Li Jie despised contact with other people especially contact with the opposite gender, the only woman he could tolerate before was his mother and yet here he was, actually embracing a young lady and absent-mindedly stroking her hair. "Xia'er..." "Hmm?" "Will you tell me now what happened to make you think that we wouldn't like you?" For a long time, Fan Zhu Xia didn't say anything and Fan Li Jie thought that she she wasn't going to answer when he heard her say in a low, dejected voice, "Because we don't share the same blood." The same blood? That was what she was worried about?! Hearing her lackluster response, Fan Li Jie couldn't help but sigh. He knew that those who knew they were adopted usually had this kind of insecurity where they would sometimes doubt their place in the family. It was completely natural for Fan Zhu Xia to feel like this and based from what she said, something happened earlier that definitely caused it. Just by the tone of her voice, Fan Li Jie was able to detect the hurt she was trying to hide. Just as he was about to ask what really happened, his father, uncle and youngest brother arrived and saw them. Fan Li Jie was preparing to let go when he heard his uncle and master, Fan Hui Zhong call out his cousin's name in a shocked voice which in turn made him feel slightly uncomfortable. Fan Li Jie knew that their position can be misunderstood and was a bit ambigous but when he felt Fan Zhu Xia stiffen and burrow closer to him while the hands that held on to the back of his ropes tightened, his attention was diverted towards her. This inevitably led to him ignoring the three people that had just come. Coming closer, Fan Hui Zhong tried coaxing her again but Fan Zhu Xia resolutely ignored him and instead distressedly called out with a muffled voice, "Big Brother Li Jie..." Sighing, Fan Li Jie gently patted her head and looked at his uncle who was looking at his daughter with a miserable expression on his face. "This disciple humbly greets Master! Li Jie hopes that Master has been well?" Fan Li Jie said in a respectful voice as he inclined his head. As much as he wanted to show proper respect to his Uncle Zhong who was also his master teacher, he couldn't since Zhu Xia wouldn't let him straighten up. Good thing Fan Hui Zhong didn't take it to heart and just nodded while saying, "Your Master has indeed been well but this old man hasn't taught you anything in years so just call me Uncle Zhong like you did when you were little." "As Uncle wishes." Absent-mindedly nodding while he stared at his daughter with a complex gaze, Hui Zhong just replied, "En." "Xia'er, will you turn around and look at Father?" Hui Zhong then asked pleadingly. Everyone of them turned to look at the young lady that was still curled up in Fan Li Jie's embrace and waited for her reply but... All they got was a resounding silence! With a shake of his head, Fan Li Jie turned to look at Fan Hui Zhong and offered, "Uncle Zhong, it seems as though this cousin of mine is in bad mood, how about you let me spend some time with her while she calms down and we will meet you all at dinner later?" Seeing Fan Hui Zhong's hesitant expression, Fan Li Jie continued on and said, "That way, every member of the family will be there and they'll be able to meet Little Xia'er..." Seeing his daughter still turned away and refusing to acknowledge his presence, Fan Hui Zhong could only swallow his grievances and nod in consent. "Alright then, we shall wait for you both at dinner. Make sure you take care of your cousin Li Jie..."
