The Beloved Star, Gifts from Her Brothers

After school in the afternoon, Ji Chuxing had barely stepped out of the gates when she noticed Wen Lian's car parked a short distance away.

He appeared to have been waiting for some time. As soon as he spotted her approaching, the usual coldness on his face softened into a faint, warm smile.

But before Ji Chuxing could walk over, Wen Xinyue, who had also just exited the school, caught sight of her. A delighted expression lit up Wen Xinyue's face.

This was the first time her brother had come to pick her up from school. She hurried toward him, her voice filled with anticipation. "Big Brother, are you here to take me home?"

"No," Wen Lian replied curtly, only now noticing Wen Xinyue's presence. "You're here too? I'm looking for Xiaoxing."

Wen Xinyue froze. What did he mean by "you're here too"? Didn't he know she attended this school? Before she could say anything, Wen Lian had already turned his attention back to Ji Chuxing.

His tone carried a hint of apology. "I meant to come yesterday, but I was called away on business and only returned to Nan City this morning."

As he spoke, he pulled a check from his suit pocket and handed it to Ji Chuxing. "For you."

Without hesitation, Ji Chuxing accepted it. For some reason, Wen Lian felt inexplicably pleased.

She was Zhou Ru's daughter, which technically made her his younger sister. How wonderful that his little sister was so capable!

From a distance, Wen Xinyue couldn't quite see what Wen Lian had given Ji Chuxing, but she knew something had changed between them. When had their relationship grown so close? Hadn't she told her brother about Ji Chuxing being taken to the police station? Though the misunderstanding had been cleared up, her brother seemed unaware. Why wasn't he repulsed by her?

Jealousy burned within Wen Xinyue. Her brother had never treated her this way. She lived in constant fear of disappointing her father, brother, and grandmother with poor grades or mistakes.

Summoning her courage, she approached them, forcing a smile. "Big Brother, what were you two talking about?"

Wen Lian's expression reverted to its usual calm. "Nothing important."

He turned to Ji Chuxing. "Where do you need to go? I'll drive you."

Wen Xinyue interjected quickly. "Big Brother, aren't you taking me home?"

Wen Lian frowned, puzzled. "Isn't the driver here?"

Xiaoxing doesn't have a driver.

Wen Xinyue opened her mouth but found no words. Her hands clenched unconsciously at her sides. "I… I can take Sister home. She should be going home."

Ji Chuxing raised an eyebrow coolly. "Who's your sister? Are we done here?"

Wen Xinyue hesitated, her eyes pleading. "Big Brother…"

Wen Lian's frown deepened. "Enough. Go home. I'll handle Xiaoxing."

He hadn't come for Wen Xinyue. With a gesture, he motioned for Ji Chuxing to get into the car, and they drove off together.

Left behind, Wen Xinyue watched the car speed away, her palms stinging from how tightly she'd clenched them without realizing.

She had never ridden in her brother's car! Why did Ji Chuxing deserve such treatment?

---

Ji Chuxing didn't refuse the ride—after all, why walk if there was a car available? However, instead of heading straight home, she stopped by Xi Hua Hall to replenish some medicinal herbs.

While waiting, the elderly doctor pulled her aside.

"Little Divine Doctor, there's a patient you might find intriguing."

Ji Chuxing arched an eyebrow as the old man handed her the medical records. "Years ago, this person came to me complaining of sudden physical weakness. Oddly enough, his pulse readings were completely normal. I prescribed several remedies, none of which worked. Eventually, he stopped seeking treatment. Recently, however, his symptoms have worsened, yet his pulse remains unchanged."

Ji Chuxing flipped through the notes thoughtfully.

"He'll return in three days. Little Divine Doctor, would you consider coming then?"

She nodded.

Wen Lian, observing silently nearby, felt a swell of pride. If his own sister hadn't passed away, she would likely be around Ji Chuxing's age now. He couldn't understand why Zhou Ru didn't cherish such a remarkable daughter.

In the end, Wen Lian didn't get to drop Ji Chuxing off, as Fang He arrived to pick her up. He sighed regretfully as they parted ways.

Upon returning home, Ji Chuxing retreated to her room—but not for long. Soon, a deliveryman knocked on the door.

"Miss Ji, these packages are for you. Please sign here."

Ji Chuxing stared at the pile of large boxes, a question mark forming above her head. She glanced at Bo Yanchen.

Bo Yanchen narrowed his eyes, then said gently, "If Xiaobao didn't order them, they must be unsolicited gifts. Ignore them—I'll dispose of them for you."

He signaled for Fang He to handle the matter.

Fang He looked exasperated but said nothing.

"No, I want to see!" Ji Chuxing protested firmly.

Bo Yanchen: "…."

With swift movements, she tore open the first package. Inside were imported snacks—all sweet treats!

Her eyes sparkled. "These can stay."

Bo Yanchen pursed his lips as Ji Chuxing picked up a small card tucked inside.

"To my dear sister, though we haven't met yet, please accept this gift. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like."

The signature read: Wei Xingyun.

Ah, the Wei family.

"Xiaobao…" Bo Yanchen began, but another deliveryman interrupted.

"Miss Ji, more packages for you. Please sign here."

Within half a minute, another wave of deliveries arrived. Over the next five minutes, six rounds of packages piled up at the entrance, nearly burying Ji Chuxing.

Glancing at the twenty-plus boxes, each nearly half her height, Ji Chuxing sighed.

Bo Yanchen: "…."

Ji Chuxing: "…."

Despite the chaos, she remained enthusiastic about opening the remaining packages. But as she unpacked, her expression darkened. Clothes for every season, high-end jewelry, cosmetics, plush toys, rare electronics, even a box of college entrance exam practice books (a staple for students preparing for the gaokao), and two large crates of jade artifacts spilled out.

Each item came with a note signed by the Wei family in Beijing. Every message began with "Dear Sister."

Expressionless, Ji Chuxing stood up, cradling a box of candy, and headed upstairs.

Watching her leave, Bo Yanchen chuckled softly. The Wei family certainly had too much free time on their hands.

Still… despite her stoic demeanor, she carefully tucked away every single note.

Bo Yanchen understood. His little girl valued kindness deeply. If someone showed her even a fraction of warmth, she would repay them tenfold.

It wasn't a bad thing for the Wei family, with its many members, to dote on her. More people caring for her wouldn't hurt.

As for those who presumed to call themselves her brothers…

Second Master Bo could only smirk. Not everyone was qualified to be her brother.

He instructed Fang He to move the items to the storeroom, keeping only a few of the practice books. He had planned to find suitable study materials for her anyway, and since Nan City lacked options, he'd already arranged for searches in North City bookstores.

Fang He grumbled internally but dutifully carried out the task. Just then, Wei Xingzhou walked in.

"Second Master, I heard you registered Xiaoxing under my grandfather's name. Oh ho, does that mean Xiaoxing has to call me Big Brother now?"

"Hmm?" Bo Yanchen slowly set down his teacup, his smile deceptively gentle. "What did you say? Repeat it—I didn't hear clearly."

Though Bo Yanchen's tone was light, Wei Xingzhou shivered involuntarily. His expression turned serious. "Did I say something? I don't remember. Maybe it was the dog barking."