CHAPTER 40: BROTHERS AND STRANGERS

But when he turned back toward the track, his younger brother was gone.

Rong Zhenqiao: ...Damn it.

Forget about cooperation. That unlucky company could go bankrupt for all he cared.

He immediately rushed toward the first aid station beside the field, but didn’t see any sign of Rong Xingyu there either.

After asking several students from Qibao Dwith School, he finally learned that Rong Xingyu had been taken to the school’s medical office.

As he pressed the elevator button, a small frown creased his face. Why did this school have several medical rooms? Two on the first floor and another one all the way up on the ninth?

Still, the question didn’t linger long. Soon, he stood before Room 907 and knocked firmly on the door.

"Xiaoyu, are you in there?"

There was no answer, so he knocked again.

After a few seconds, the door opened and standing there was a tall man in a white coat.

Rong Zhenqiao’s steady voice carried an edge of surprise.

"...Mr. Ding?!"

He had thought the man’s profile looked familiar earlier, but he hadn’t expected this!

Because this wasn’t just anyone, this was Ding Yixin, the head of the Rong family, a man whose status in the capital matched that of the elder generation, even equal to his own father’s standing.

Rong Zhenqiao had seen him only once years ago at a high level business conference.

Even back then, Ding Yixin had left a deep impression on him.

It was said that ever since Ding Yixin had taken full control of the Rong family through ruthless methods and he rarely appeared in public anymore.

So why was he here at a school and dressed as a doctor, no less?

Wait...

Rong Zhenqiao frowned deeply, his gaze shifting past Ding Yixin to the figure sitting quietly on the hospital bed, his younger brother, Rong Xingyu.

Him and my brother?

Rong Zhenqiao looked between the two of them and the man whose slightest move could shake the entire upper circle of the capital.

These two people... their worlds were completely different. How could they possibly be connected?

A tense feeling tightened inside him.

Even though he knew it was impolite, Rong Zhenqiao couldn’t stop himself from asking,

"Mr. Ding, what are you doing here?"

The question could easily have been taken as intrusive, but Ding Yixin only smiled faintly and said,

"I’ve been a bit bored lately. Since my nephew xiaowei studies at this school, I decided to help out and keep an eye on him. I’m sure Mr. Ding can understand that."

"..."

Rong Zhenqiao had indeed heard that Ding Yixin had a close relationship with his nephew but still...

Even though there was something he couldn’t quite explain stirring in his chest, the moment he saw Rong Xingyu sitting on the bed, his wide eyes filled with hope as he looked toward the door, all those uneasy thoughts instantly vanished.

He nodded politely at Ding Yixin. "Thank you, Mr. Ding, for taking care of my younger brother."

When Rong Xingyu saw Rong Zhenqiao rushing in, his face brightened with joy. "Big Brother? Why are you here?"

He glanced behind his brother and noticing that Dr. Ding wasn’t there, asked curiously, "Where’s Dr. Ding?"

Hearing that, Rong Zhenqiao’s expression grew complicated. "Mr. Ding went to take care of something. Xiaoyu, you know him?"

Rong Xingyu blinked his eyes, he then lowered his head a little and stammered, he explaining that Dr. Ding had helped him several times before.

That only made Rong Zhenqiao feel more conflicted. He leaned down slightly until his gaze was level with his younger brother’s.

Then, with a movement that seemed awkward for someone like him, he reached out and gently patted the top of Rong Xingyu’s head.

Feeling that warm steady hand touch his hair, Rong Xingyu couldn’t help but lean into the warmth like a small animal seeking comfort.

Then he heard his brother’s deep voice say, "It was my fault before. I owe you an apology."

Rong Xingyu looked up at his brother in surprise, staring blankly into his eyes.

In truth, Rong Zhenqiao wanted to say much more.

He wanted to tell his brother that he hadn’t been a good enough elder sibling, that he hadn’t cared enough, hadn’t trusted enough. But now, he regretted it deeply, and he was trying to make up for all his past mistakes.

In the end, though, he only smiled and said, "I came this morning to watch your race."

"Re—really?" Rong Xingyu’s eyes widened slightly.

"Yes," Rong Zhenqiao replied, smiling softly. "You were amazing, Xiaoyu. I’m proud of you."

Hearing his brother’s praise, Rong Xingyu’s feet swayed slightly and a shy smile spread across his flushed cheeks.

Rong Zhenqiao’s gaze shifted to his brother’s injured knee. "Does your knee still hurt?"

Rong Xingyu bit his lip and instinctively shook his head.

Seeing that, Rong Zhenqiao sighed. "Xiaoyu, it’s okay to say it hurts. Your big brother is here."

At those words, Rong Xingyu’s eyes turned red again.

He stepped forward and hugged his brother around the waist, burying his face against him and nodding his head quietly.

Rong Zhenqiao patted his back and said softly, "Next time, if anything happens, come to me first, understand?"

...

"Remember to call me if anything happens, Xiaoyu!"

Rong Xingyu took the backpack from his friend Qian Zhijun smiling helplessly. "It’s been days already, Zhijun. My knee’s really fine now."

"Hehe, alright then. I’m heading off first!" Qian Zhijun waved and climbed into a car.

Rong Xingyu shook his head with a laugh and turned toward home.

But just as he reached the doorway, a figure suddenly jumped out from the corner.

The person hooked an arm around his neck and shouted, "Surprise!"

"!!!"

Feeling startled, Rong Xingyu stumbled back a few steps, his backpack slipping from his hand and hitting the ground with a thud.

Rong Xingyu was so shocked by the sudden ambush that he staggered backward again, the backpack falling heavily to the floor.

But that tall figure still came charging forward and before Rong Xingyu could even react, an arm wrapped tightly around his neck.