Chapter 498: A Radiant Evening of Unforgettable Bonds

Chapter 498: Triumphs Beyond Countless Worldly Moments (Update 1)

Early summer.

Pomegranate blossoms have bloomed, their red petals beautifully set off by lush green leaves.

From a distance, they look like blazing flames.

Up close, they resemble the vivid afterglow of a sunset.

Mu Qingwu cradles Baby while Xiao Yu holds her close.

They watch the sunset and admire the flowers…

“You never once told me about your school days,” someone remarks.

Nestled in her little brother’s arms, Mu Qingwu exudes elegance and charm, her porcelain face lit with a gentle, seductive smile.

Her eyes, as dazzling as stars, seem to hold a soft, dreamy allure like that of lotus petals.

“There’s nothing much to say,”

A faint smile played across Xiao Yu’s handsome face as he noted, “Sometimes, friendships after graduation are hard to validate.”

“I want to hear more,”

Mu Qingwu purred softly, nuzzling her little brother’s neck like a contented kitten.

“Got it,”

Xiao Yu laughed and recalled, “Back in high school, our evening self-study ended at 9:30, yet I usually got home by 11.”

“Even though my home was less than a ten-minute walk from school, I still rode my bike each night, cruising around with a few close friends.”

“There was a Milk Tea shop at the school gate selling cups for five yuan, and a billiards hall that charged ten yuan an hour. We even strolled along the overpass enjoying the free evening breeze.”

“Even though none of us had much money back then, life felt so much simpler.”

Xiao Yu chuckled, “Sis, you have no idea—we used to even go to the bathroom in groups.”

“You boys are really strange; if you’re that close…”

Mu Qingwu asked curiously, “Why don’t we keep in touch as much now?”

“Because it’s hard to be sure,”

Xiao Yu smiled helplessly, “No one can be certain if that friendship still holds its old charm. We never wanted to risk marring those beautiful, unforgettable memories by changing things…”

“We can neither skip class together to prove our loyalty nor show our bond in an exam hall. Sure, our friends at the police academy might be better off; sometimes we’d even bump into each other online or in real life…”

“But slowly, as we grew up, our friendships turned into mere social obligations.”

“I remember the day a classmate from the police academy got married—I was one of the groomsmen.”

“I expected to see many familiar faces, but in the end, only a few roommates were there; most of my friends from junior high and high school were missing.”

“Huh?” Mu Qingwu asked, confused, “Why?”

“Because if you’re not married it’s acceptable, but if you are… it just becomes awkward.”

Seeing the confusion in Mu Qingwu’s eyes, Xiao Yu explained with a smile, “We barely kept in touch normally, so calling someone out of the blue seemed as if you were asking for a wedding gift money.”

“No wonder people say that as we grow older, we become more isolated,” Mu Qingwu replied with a wry smile and a shake of her head.

“Exactly. When we were young, the world was so small that friendship was simple.”

Xiao Yu mused nostalgically, “But growing up means dealing with the complexities of social life.”

“Take wedding processions, for example. The vehicles at the front are filled with high-status individuals, while we ride in a car trailing behind the bride’s family.”

“No one finds it odd because, deep down, we all know life isn’t ranked by the depth of your relationships. Whether it’s the wedding convoy or everyday life, there are always more important things to prioritize.”

“Having a friend like you who sticks by me is more than enough.”

“As we grow up, friends often become someone’s spouse, a father, or take up high-ranking roles; their roles pile up.”

“Friendship ceases to be just about emotion—it starts to carry economic and practical value as well.”

“So, from that perspective, it’s inevitable that growing older makes you feel lonelier.”

“In the end, you’ll have no more than ten friends with whom you maintain contact forever.”

“And those with whom you can truly share your heart? You’d count them on one hand.”

“Having one or two who answer your call immediately is already a stroke of luck.”

“After all, a true friend isn’t someone you’ve simply known forever.”

“It’s someone who, even to this day, remains in your life… someone you never want to forget!”

“Right?”

Mu Qingwu giggled, “Would you ever forget me?”

“Haha.”

Xiao Yu laughed heartily as he embraced his sister, teasing, “Want to know why I’m taller than you?”

“I have no idea, and frankly, I don’t want to know.”

With eyes filled with tender mischief, Mu Qingwu nestled affectionately against her brother, whispering, “I only know that when the world seems to collapse, you’ll always be there to support me!”

Xiao Yu held his sister and Baby close as he watched the slowly setting sun.

Tonight, the evening breeze carried a hint of extra sweetness.

“Want to hear a little lie?”

Xiao Yu lowered his head and kissed Mu Qingwu’s porcelain face.

Mu Qingwu curved her red lips as she asked, “What are you going to say?”

“I don’t like you!” Xiao Yu teased with a mischievous grin.

“…”

Mu Qingwu was momentarily stunned, a flush of irritation rising on her cheeks.

“Oh dear, is my CEO-type big brother angry?”

Xiao Yu burst into laughter, “When you’re mad, you’re anything but gentle.”

“I’m just the way I am.”

Mu Qingwu pouted, “If you need tenderness, go find someone else.”

“Really?”

Xiao Yu grinned even more mischievously, “Are you sure?”

Mu Qingwu glared playfully, remaining silent.

“Then I guess I have no choice…”

Xiao Yu took out his phone and played a voice message.

A sweet and gentle voice filled the air, “Little brother, we haven’t seen each other for three hours. Are you sure you don’t miss me?”

“Ah!”

Mu Qingwu shrieked, grabbing Baby with one arm and snatching Xiao Yu’s phone with the other, “Don’t let go!”

“Little brother, I can’t sleep. I miss you a bit!”

“Have you eaten on time? Behave yourself, or your little mama will worry.”

“Dad…”

One after another, voice messages from the early days of their closeness played from Xiao Yu’s phone.

After listening to those messages, Mu Qingwu lost it!

In that moment, even her shy little feet could have knocked down the walls as she buried her face in Xiao Yu’s laughing arms.

She wriggled like a beautiful worm, venting all her overwhelming embarrassment.

The proud, CEO-like big brother was effectively put on trial right then and there!

“Hahaha, sweating!”

Xiao Yu laughed with unbridled joy.

Oh my, my sister is just too adorable when she blushes!

Holding his bashful sister close, Xiao Yu’s face shone with infinite tenderness.

Having lived through two lifetimes, they had sworn off love.

Yet you, so pure, emerged in my chaotic world,

becoming an unexpected beacon of light.

I was once so worried, wondering if it would ever work out.

But in the end…

Having you through all seasons outshines countless earthly pleasures!