Chapter 21

He seemed to have found a new source of amusement.

After that, every time we met, he would observe me for a few seconds.

Then he'd say, "You're in a good mood today?"

Or, "Who pissed you off?"

I felt both exasperated and amused.

I couldn't help but ask, "How on earth can you tell?"

He put his hands behind his head.

"I have a younger brother. You two are... similar in some ways. You both like to hide your emotions."

At the mention of family, I fell silent.

"Aren't your folks worried about you being here?"

He shook his head indifferently.

"We've cut ties."

"Why??"

I was somewhat shocked.

"Because I refused to listen to them."

"Their need for control was terrifying. Since I was little, they forced me to do this and that. If I dared to talk back, I'd get a beating."

"I listened to them and studied medicine, got into a hospital, but they still weren't satisfied. They pushed me to keep climbing the ladder, to stand out and bring them honor."