Mr. Jiang, although he drove to school from home, actually got home faster than Jiang Zhiyi.
As soon as Jiang Zhiyi walked through the door, he saw Mr. Jiang sitting in the living room, frowning at him and demanding, "What’s the matter with you? How could you leave Xiao Xi alone at school so late at night?"
"She’s not a three-year-old. Can’t she figure out how to get home on her own?" Jiang Zhiyi furrowed his brows. He was in a bad mood and didn’t feel like dealing with his old man. His tone was somewhat sharp.
"Listen to yourself. What kind of thing is that to say?" Mr. Jiang, slapping the table and pointing at him furiously, scolded, "Xiao Xi is a girl, do you know how dangerous it is for her to go home alone at night? You two go to the same school. Why can’t you just bring her home with you? Besides, if you really had something going on, you should’ve told us in advance so I could have picked her up."
Jiang Zhiyi, with a lazy and defiant demeanor, retorted, "You seem to care more about her than your own son."
Mr. Jiang grew so angry he almost erupted, "What kind of thing is that to say? We’re all family. What does it matter who’s biological or not. Does Aunt Xu not treat you well? Why can’t you take better care of Chenxi?"
Xu Wanyu hurriedly intervened, "Calm down, Xiao Yi didn’t mean it. Let’s talk about this tomorrow; it’s late. They have school tomorrow. Let them go wash up and rest!"
Mr. Jiang snorted coldly, "I think he did it on purpose. And you’re sticking up for him. Just look at him; does he look like a proper big brother?"
"Say whatever you want, but from now on, I’ll be commuting to school alone. If you’re worried about her, you can drive her yourself!" After saying this, Jiang Zhiyi turned to head to his room.
"Damn you, stay right there." Mr. Jiang was so angry his forehead throbbed, and he roared at him with a pale face.
Xu Chenxi bit her lip, her eyes moist, and with a look of self-blame and unease, said, "Uncle Jiang, don’t blame Brother Yi. It must be something I did wrong that upset Brother Yi. It’s okay, I can get to school on my own. It was just too sudden today. I’ll figure out the bus routes by tomorrow, then I can commute by myself. You don’t have to worry."
"There’s no need for you to speak for him. Who knows what kind of mood this kid is in." Mr. Jiang waved his hand dismissively at Xu Chenxi, then glared at Jiang Zhiyi again, "Speak clearly. Why are you suddenly not commuting with Xiao Xi?"
Jiang Zhiyi: "We’re not Siamese twins; are we required to be together?"
Mr. Jiang persisted, "Of course, it’s necessary. You attend the same school, and it’s a good opportunity for you to look out for each other. It gives both me and Aunt Xu peace of mind. Besides, wasn’t everything fine before? What’s with the sudden change?"
"She said herself she doesn’t want it anymore. Can’t you worry less?" Jiang Zhiyi said impatiently.
Mr. Jiang was incensed, "Damn you, let me tell you, I’m not dead yet. I still call the shots in this house. Tomorrow, you will continue to commute with Xiao Xi. If you dare disobey, don’t even think about getting your allowance next month."
Jiang Zhiyi: "Whatever!" Indifferent.
"You..." Mr. Jiang was too angry to speak.
Jiang Zhiyi casually said, "Are you done? If you’re done, I’m going to my room to sleep." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and went upstairs.
Xu Chenxi watched his retreating back, her lips pressed tightly together, feeling both hate and annoyance. She couldn’t believe he would go to such lengths for Shen Weiyi.
What was wrong with her? Why did he have to treat her this way?