Volume 1, Chapter 23: Concern That Comes Too Late Is Worth Less Than Grass

Lu Ning stared at the teddy bear. She had never once agreed to participate in the finals.

Come to think of it, this bear was once a brand she had loved. The "Super Big Bear" was a limited edition and notoriously difficult to purchase. In her past life, she had gone to great lengths to acquire one, only for her sixth brother to force her to give it to Qin Xiang because Qin needed it for a livestream giveaway. In the end, the bear was gifted to a so-called fan—who turned out to be a pervert. He had hacked the bear to pieces, stuffed it with a dead mouse, and sent it back.

As Lu Ning looked at the bear now, she felt as if she were staring at the tragic end of her own past life. She had tried to forget it all, yet these memories kept resurfacing.

Nearby, a fan of Lu Ning asked, "Is Lu Ning really going to be in the finals? I heard she wasn't on the team roster!"

Lu Nanfeng replied gently, "The roster hasn't been updated yet. Ningning is a member of the Lu family; how could she miss the team tournament? Besides, the finals are after the college entrance exams, so it won't affect her studies."

"How does Lu Ning manage to be so good at her studies and at gaming at the same time?"

"I'm so envious that Lu Ning has so many brothers! And they treat her so well!"

Hearing these words, Lu Ning felt nothing but bitter irony. They had stabbed her countless times, and now they thought a single stuffed toy could wipe the slate clean?

Lu Ning’s expression was cold. "Second Brother, I stopped liking teddy bears a long time ago. Didn't you know that?"

Lu Nanfeng’s expression stiffened. "Is that so? I remember you used to love this."

"That was then. I'm a high school student now; my tastes are bound to change."

After Lu Ning spoke, Lu Nanfeng’s eyes revealed a look of discomfiture. Guilt welled up within him; it seemed he really hadn't been a competent brother if he didn't even know she no longer liked teddy bears.

Seeing this, Qin Xiang stepped in. "Second Brother, you're always so busy with work and taking care of all your younger siblings. It's only natural you can't remember everything. At least you still remember what Sister Ning likes. I have no family, so no one even remembers what I like. I envy Sister Ning so much for having family who cares about her."

Lu Nanfeng understood that Qin Xiang was giving him an out, and his heart softened. He always felt Lu Ning was biased, but with Qin Xiang being so sensible, it was hard not to favor her.

He said, "Xiangxiang, you are a part of the Lu family. I remember what you like, and I'll have a surprise for you later."

Qin Xiang wore an expression of being flattered, then turned to Lu Ning. "Just accept this gift. After all, what you don't like is exactly what others would give anything to have."

Lu Ning stared at Qin Xiang. So, this woman really intended to take everything that belonged to her?

*Heh.*

Lu Ning grabbed the teddy bear and shoved it into Qin Xiang’s hands. "Now you have it."

After doing this, she turned and walked away. Late-arriving concern was worth less than grass. She would not be swayed by these small favors.

"Lu Ning, where are you going?" Lu Nanfeng caught up with her in long strides. "I know you've been wronged all this time. It was my fault for being too busy with work and neglecting your feelings. I promise it will never happen again."

Having heard this, Lu Ning felt it was all worthless. It was worthless for the self who had given everything in her past life. Indeed, the crying child gets the candy, but she wasn't doing this for a piece of candy.

Lu Ning’s expression remained calm. "That’s enough. Don't follow me."

Lu Nanfeng blocked her path. "No. You must come home with me today. You cannot go with that school doctor. I spoke with the principal today; I’ve already had your sixth brother move out. This way, no rules are broken, and you won't be in any danger."

Lu Ning’s face darkened. She knew it would come to this.

"Ningning, I am your guardian now, not that school doctor. There are already rumors at school; I can have you stay at home to prepare for your exams."

Lu Ning lowered her eyelids to hide her anger. She said in a hoarse voice, "So, when Second Brother said earlier that he wouldn't let me be wronged, this is what you meant?"

Lu Nanfeng said helplessly, "I am doing this for your own good! Conflicts between family members aren't a big deal; why can't they be resolved peacefully? Why must you run away from home to force our hands?"

That phrase again—"for her own good"? Then why, in her past life, was she abandoned and left to die such a miserable death?

Lu Ning set her jaw and kept walking. The only thing sustaining her now was the countdown to the college entrance exams. She couldn't bring trouble to Ji Qiqian. Although things were fine today, if her second brother really decided to get serious, that might change.

Once in the car, Lu Ning messaged Ji Qiqian: *I’m going home first. I’ll talk to you later.*

Seeing her get into the car, Lu Nanfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Lu Ning really was just throwing a tantrum; as soon as he showed a little vulnerability, her act crumbled. It appeared he would have to pay more attention to her in the future to ensure she didn't feel he was favoring Qin Xiang too much.

After the group returned to the Lu residence, Lu Ning stepped out of the car first, ignoring everyone. Lu Nanfeng watched her back and could only sigh helplessly.

Qin Xiang struggled out of the car clutching the teddy bear. "Second Brother, I believe Sister Ning will understand your good intentions."

Seeing Qin Xiang’s obedient demeanor with the teddy bear, Lu Nanfeng couldn't help but say, "If only she were as obedient and sensible as you, I would thank the heavens."

Qin Xiang lowered her head, her expression one of utter obedience and docility.

—

During dinner that evening, Lu Ning didn't see Lu Liu; only her second brother and Qin Xiang were present. Lu Ning ate in silence and prepared to return to her room. She noticed her second brother clutching his stomach, looking as if he were in pain. She knew he had always suffered from stomach issues and required careful maintenance and medication.

But in her past life, no matter how diligently she took care of his stomach, it could never compare to a bowl of white porridge made by Qin Xiang. She would never forget the time he smashed the medicinal diet she had prepared, only to cradle Qin Xiang’s white porridge with a look of profound gratitude.

Lu Ning hardened her heart and left the dining room, pretending she hadn't seen a thing.

As she left, Lu Nanfeng watched her back, feeling a sense of loss. In the past, every time he showed signs of stomach pain, Lu Ning would be frantic with worry, circling him with concern.

Lu Nanfeng endured the pain. *So, does Lu Ning not care about me anymore?*

His heart felt as if it had been slashed by a blade. He stood up and left the dining room as well, his steps slightly unsteady.

Qin Xiang remained in the dining room alone. She felt that Lu Nanfeng’s attitude toward her had changed slightly. *No, I must find a way to fix this.*

Back in her room, Lu Ning thought of her second brother’s pained expression. She told herself not to be sentimental—he didn't need her concern; wasn't the white porridge from Qin Xiang enough?

Lu Ning took out her phone and messaged Ji Qiqian: *At school today, did my brother give you any trouble?*

A second later, Ji Qiqian called. His voice was cold. "I produced evidence of them committing assault, and a lawyer was present. What kind of trouble could there be?"

Lu Ning smiled. No wonder the sixth brother had been kicked out.

"Little one, if they bully you again, I’ll come to pick you up immediately."

Lu Ning bit her lip. "Why are you so good to me?"

She regretted asking the moment the words left her lips.