Chapter Fifty-Five: The Profound Affection Between Brother and Sister

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The Big Star Falls for Me

Xu Jian stood up and said to me, “When my sister comes in, I’m going to have a good talk with her, tell her to reflect properly.” With that, he walked to the door and opened it. There stood Xu Shu, holding a plate of food in one hand and a bowl of soup in the other. She smiled, “Brother, I know all you have in your room are peanuts and chili sauce—how could you entertain a guest with that? So I went to the kitchen, cooked a dish and made a bowl of soup. There’s nothing else worth cooking, so you two just make do with these!”

Xu Jian exclaimed in surprise, “You cooked yourself? Good heavens! It’s been years since I’ve seen that—how novel! Brother Tang, you must have quite the influence; even I, her own brother, have to bask in your glory to taste my sister’s cooking!”

Xu Shu’s cheeks flushed slightly as she scolded, “Brother, stop talking nonsense and hurry up and take the food!” Xu Jian laughed heartily, reaching out to receive the soup and dish. “Little Shu, come sit with us for a while. Tang and I were just talking about you; you should listen in.”

Xu Shu hesitated, “Talking about me? Are you saying bad things? If you are, I don’t want to hear it.” Despite her words, she had already walked in and closed the door behind her.

Xu Jian placed the food on the dining table. I saw that the dish was stir-fried pork with green peppers, and the soup was tomato and egg. Both were ordinary, common fare, yet Xu Shu had prepared them with such color, aroma, and flavor that they looked mouthwatering at first sight. Who would have thought that this renowned superstar, admired by thousands, could also cook so well? It was truly astonishing.

Xu Jian invited his sister to sit, set out an extra bowl and chopsticks for her, and brought out a few spoons. I took one, scooped some soup, and drank it, savoring its exquisite taste and lingering flavor. I couldn’t help but praise, “Delicious! How strange—same tomatoes and eggs, yet the soup you make tastes so much better than mine ever did. I used to think mine wasn’t too bad.”

Xu Shu’s face glowed with excitement at my compliment; her eyes sparkled, her smile unstoppable, her expression full of pride. Xu Jian said, “Just one word of praise and you’re already so pleased? And you call yourself a singer! Don’t get ahead of yourself—Tang just told me all about you two, and as your brother, I must criticize you a bit, so don’t be upset.”

Xu Shu protested, “Oh, come on! You’re just like Dad, always lecturing me. I’ve heard it since I was little, and now you’re nagging again? Fine, I’ll reflect on myself.”

She took her brother’s wine glass, grabbed the bottle of Maotai, filled my glass first, then her own. Raising her glass, she said, “Mr. Tang, my brother can witness this: since graduating high school and entering the music scene, I’ve hardly cooked anything at home. You can be considered the only non-family member for whom I’ve willingly cooked in years. First and foremost, I want to thank you for helping me that night, carrying me to the hospital without hesitation, allowing me to receive timely treatment and heal quickly. Because of that, I gained the favor of a Hollywood director and landed the role in ‘Oriental Beauty.’ You deserve all the credit. So, this first glass is a toast of gratitude—please, Mr. Tang, I’ll drink first!”

With that, she tilted her neck and downed the strong liquor in one gulp.

I raised my glass as well, “Miss Xu, please don’t say that. Helping others is its own reward. I, Tang Qian, am just an ordinary person—how could I deserve such high praise? You’re too kind.” I too finished my glass in one go.

Xu Shu refilled my glass. “This second glass is an apology. Last night, due to a misunderstanding, I treated you very badly and hurt your reputation and self-esteem. I’m truly sorry, Mr. Tang, please forgive me—I’ll drink again.” She emptied her glass once more.

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I was about to raise my glass and say something, but Xu Jian tapped his chopsticks against the soup bowl, making a sharp sound, and exclaimed, “What are you doing, filming a movie? Reciting lines? It’s so fake—can’t you be more genuine? I can’t stand pretentious behavior at the table. If you want to reflect, show some real sincerity. What is this, acting?”

His words made both Xu Shu and me blush with embarrassment. Xu Shu lowered her head, unable to speak for a while. I felt disappointed but understood that for someone as proud as Xu Shu, apologizing to an outsider in front of her family must be difficult. No wonder her earlier apology sounded so stiff and insincere.

I sighed quietly, “Brother Xu, please don’t be too hard on your sister. She has already explained everything to me and apologized sincerely. I bear no grudge whatsoever; it’s all in the past. Let’s not mention it—come, let’s drink!”

With that, I raised my glass to Xu Jian and drank.

Xu Jian grabbed a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes, pulled one out for me and one for himself. I lit both with my lighter. Xu Jian took a deep drag and said, “Brother, you’re a good man. I’m straightforward—what’s on my mind comes out, even with my own sister. Little Shu may not realize it yet, but her actions were truly rude. Even if you were involved with that wealthy Hua fellow, so what? Can’t the poor love the rich? Why did she immediately assume you were a fraud just because you wore a designer suit? Worse yet, she tried to use money to lure you away from that woman—what an insult! If it were me, I’d have slapped her. You stood firm against money, proving your character. I admire you! But as for you, Little Shu, do you even realize how much you hurt Brother Tang? You insulted his dignity! Do you think cooking a couple of dishes and toasting him twice is enough? You need to reflect deeply and recognize your mistake!”

His words moved Xu Shu to tears, which fell steadily. She protested, “I… I already apologized—what more do you want? Are you really my brother, saying such things in front of a guest?”

Xu Jian replied sternly, “I’m just being honest. You were wrong, so why cry? Dad always taught us: admit your mistakes and correct them—that’s true integrity. Don’t be like your mother, so selfish and vain.”

Xu Shu retorted angrily, “Here we go again—what’s wrong with my mother? Isn’t she your stepmother? You’re biased!”

Seeing the quarrel escalating, I hurried to smooth things over, “Enough, enough—no need to argue over me. I’d better not stay here and ruin your sibling relationship. Sorry, I’ll take my leave.”

I was about to stand up when Xu Jian pressed my shoulders with his large hands, “Don’t rush, brother. Tonight you’re my guest—she’s irrelevant. If she refuses to sincerely apologize, you needn’t bother with her. From now on, you’re my friend, regardless of her.”

Xu Shu, both embarrassed and angry, stood up and ran out in tears.

I felt uncomfortable, “Brother Xu, you were a bit too harsh—she’s your sister, after all.”

Xu Jian patted my shoulder and smiled, “Don’t worry, I know her well. She’s just embarrassed now, but she’ll come around. Her nature is good. Stay here for a while—I’ll go talk to her. Don’t run off!”

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With that, he gave me another hearty pat and left to find his sister.

Left alone, I sat down, feeling complicated. I was dissatisfied with Xu Shu’s perfunctory apology, yet deeply admired Xu Jian’s uprightness, and felt guilty for causing discord between the siblings over such a trivial matter. Smoking, my mind was flooded with thoughts.

I don’t know how long had passed—after five or six cigarettes, the door opened again. I looked up to see Xu Shu, her eyes still red, walk in.

She sat beside me, silently staring at the table. Unsure of her intentions, I remained quiet and watched her.

Her face still bore traces of tears; her beauty now seemed more delicate and pitiful. Had I not been hardened by all that had transpired, I would have softened instantly.

After a long silence, Xu Shu finally looked up at me. She smiled slightly and said in a soft voice, “My brother has always had a straightforward temper since childhood—I’ve been scolded by him countless times, so I’m used to it.” She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and continued, “But even though he’s strict, I’ve admired him since I was little. He’s truly upright and selfless. Don’t be fooled by his fierceness; he cares for me deeply. When I was young, because I was pretty, an official—older than my father—once tried to lay a hand on me. I was frightened and ran home crying. My brother had just graduated from military school, a mere platoon leader. Upon hearing what happened, he grabbed a leather belt and went to confront the old man. He fought off four or five bodyguards and struck the old man with the belt before being subdued. He was confined for two months and nearly sent to a military tribunal. My father had to pull many strings to get him out. When he returned, battered and bruised, he said, ‘I whipped that dirty old man for my sister—this pain is worth it!’ I was young, but I understood then: my brother is the best, greatest brother in the world, and I am proud of him!”

I was deeply moved! From Xu Shu, I felt the strong bond between the siblings and sensed the noble character of Xu Jian, the soldier. I realized how petty I had been, still brooding over Xu Shu’s inadequate apology. Compared to Xu Jian’s selfless courage and noble character, I felt utterly ashamed and humbled.

Xu Shu continued, “My brother’s words can be harsh, but he’s always right. I’ve reflected deeply and truly realized my mistake. I regret the harm I caused you, and now I sincerely apologize. Please forgive me.”

I hurried to reply, “Miss Xu, I am truly ashamed! Compared to your brother, I hardly seem a man. You already apologized—it was you who sought me out and clarified everything. That shows you’re a good person who can admit and amend her mistakes. It was my own petty resentment—I hope you won’t hold it against me!”

Xu Shu smiled sweetly, “So, you’ve forgiven me?”