Su Jiyai laughed softly and pinched his cheeks. "You're too sweet."
But suddenly, Qiang Zhi hugged her tighter. His arms wrapped around her like he didn't want to let go.
"Why… why did you have to suffer so much?" he asked in a trembling voice. "Why did they treat you like that? You didn't do anything wrong…"
Su Jiyai's smile became a little sad.
She looked down at her little brother, his face pressed against her.
"It's okay," she whispered. "I'm fine now. Besides, you've suffered more than I did. I'm just sorry I didn't find you sooner."
Qiang Zhi didn't reply. He just hugged her tighter.
They both stood there quietly. To the outside world, maybe Su Jiyai seemed strong and untouchable. But Qiang Zhi knew.
She had hurt too. She had cried, just like him. Maybe even more.
People around the stage were watching. Some were wiping their eyes. Others were smiling softly at the siblings.
"She's like a big sister and a mom rolled into one," someone whispered.
