Chu Han has always had a strong passion for basketball.
On the way back, Chu Han excitedly talked to Meng Yuxin about basketball. "Sister, do you know? Yi Xuecheng is coming to our Tonghai City in a few days!"
Yi Xuecheng is a star player in the National Basketball League, and he's also Chu Han's idol. His name is printed on Chu Han's phone case, and he has collected numerous items featuring Yi Xuecheng throughout his room. These include a jersey, a signed basketball, and various team souvenirs from Yi Xuecheng's team.
"I heard you were attending an event. I know where it is being held. I've already found someone for you, and I'll help you sign up."
"Sister, you really understand me! I haven't told you what I'm thinking, but you knew! I was worried I wouldn't be able to attend the event at school that day because I had to sign up for it. I didn't expect you to help me solve the problem. Sister, I love you so much!"
Chu Han was used to calling Meng Yuxin his sister. Before Chuci arrived, he had no other older sisters. The two grew up together, so he naturally referred to Meng Yuxin as his sister, even though she was actually his cousin. The two chatted happily for a long time.
Chu Han was so happy that he momentarily forgot that Chu Ci was also in the car. He only realised this fact when they were close to home. In addition to himself and Meng Yuxin, there was another person in the vehicle. Feeling a bit awkward, Chu Han's expression changed as he acknowledged the situation.
He didn't intentionally ignore Chu Ci; he and Yuxin had grown up together, while he had only known Chuci for a few days.
Even though he knew that she was his blood relative, she could never replace Meng Yuxin in his heart. This bond formed during their childhood was unique and irreplaceable, and it was unlikely that anyone could take her place in his life, even over a lifetime.
"Cousin, I'm sorry." After noticing Chu Han's embarrassment, Meng Yuxin quickly stepped in to apologise to Chu Ci, saying, "It was my fault. I asked Xiao Han to call me 'sister.' Please don't blame Xiao Han."
In truth, it wasn't Meng Yuxin who made Chu Han call her that; it was Chu Han who initiated the address. Chu Han understood that Meng Yuxin didn't want Chu Ci to hold any ill feelings towards her and took the responsibility upon herself.
"No, it's not Sister Yuxin's fault. It's a habit I developed a long time ago, and changing it will be difficult for me for a while. I may not be able to change it in the future."
Chu Han has never called Chu Ci "sister," except when speaking to Mr. Chu; in those instances, he refers to her as "sister." Outside of that context, he has never used that title for her. If given a choice, Chu Han would definitely prefer to call her Sister Meng Yuxin, as he has been calling her that for more than ten years.
As for Chuci, he was willing to treat her well and make amends, but he could not take the place of Sister Yuxin in his heart.
Chu Ci was looking down at his mobile phone when Chu Han finished talking with Meng Yuxin. He then raised his head and said, "I don't think I said anything."
"Are you... not angry?" Chu Han asked.
"Angry?" Chuci replied with a blank expression and indifferent eyes. "Why would I be angry?"At this moment, the car had arrived at the Chu Family Villa.
Chu Ci stepped out of the car, carrying her schoolbag.
Chu Han and Meng Yuxin followed her, and Chu Han watched Chu Ci's back with a thoughtful expression.
Meng Yuxin reassured him, saying, "It's normal for my cousin to feel awkward while adjusting after just returning to the Chu household. Don't worry about it."
"Okay," Chu Han replied, nodding as he followed the two of them inside.