Chapter 40

Growing up, Chu Xin had never seen such a luxurious car before. Sitting on the leather seats, she felt extremely uncomfortable, afraid of dirtying the car.

Chu Ying sighed inwardly again. The little girl had always lived in the mountains, and her thinking was largely out of touch with mainstream society. If he didn't help her change psychologically, sending her to school in the city after the semester started would not be loving her but rather harming her, because everyone has self-respect, and her behavior would only make her a target for ridicule.

"Tell me what you want to eat, and I'll take you there," Chu Ying said. He had undergone "brainwashing" training in the past, and to change someone's mindset, one must never be hasty. Although using "brainwashing" on Chu Xin might not be entirely accurate, the principle was similar. As long as the goal was achieved, it was fine.

Chu Xin said hesitantly, "I'm not hungry yet. Let's go back."

Chu Ying said angrily, "I saw you eating cookies in the classroom just now. How can you say you're not hungry!"

Seeing Chu Xin like a frightened kitten, fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, Chu Ying softened his tone, "Mom and Dad are gone, and I've been away from you for so long, leaving you to suffer alone. Don't worry, I'll take good care of you from now on. I'll give you the best of everything!"

Chu Xin shook her head quickly, "As long as you and Brother Huan are safe, I'm content."

Chu Ying patted the little girl's head and sighed, not saying anything more. He had once been a cold-blooded killer, and comforting someone was much harder than killing. For a moment, he couldn't find the right words to make Chu Xin accept his help.

"Brother, are you angry?" Chu Xin glanced at Chu Ying's expressionless face and said weakly.

Chu Ying smiled, "Silly girl, I know you're worried about money, but that's for my good. How could I be angry? Don't worry, I won't let you worry about such things in the future. Just focus on your studies. I didn't get much education, and neither did Huan, so you're not just studying for yourself, but for all three of us. Understand?"

"Brother, rest assured, I'll work hard!" Chu Xin said firmly.

From Huan's mouth, Chu Ying learned that Chu Xin's grades had always been top-notch, and she would be entering high school next year, which was a crucial year. Chu Ying probed, "After the semester starts, I plan to transfer you to a high school in the city. Are you willing?"

A look of joy appeared on Chu Xin's face, but it quickly faded. She knew the family's situation well. Brother Huan worked hard from dawn to dusk to earn money for her education, but the earnings were meager. Brother had also quit his job, so the three of them now relied entirely on Brother Huan. She was already grateful to be able to go to school and didn't dare to ask for more.

"No need, Brother. I can still get into high school here," Chu Xin said softly.

The more Chu Xin refused, the more heartache Chu Ying felt. He smiled, "Didn't I just say you don't need to worry about anything? Just focus on your studies. I've saved some money, and I've found a job. I can provide you with a life as good as anyone in the city."

He paused and said firmly, "That's settled. Huan will be happy to hear this. I'll show you where I work later, so you can be at ease!"

Chu Xin nodded silently. She knew Brother had just returned and wanted to do something for her. If she refused, it would only make him unhappy. She silently vowed to study hard wherever she was, to never let the two brothers down!

"That's the spirit, Brother will take you to buy some clothes!" Without giving Chu Xin a chance to speak, Chu Ying drove to the market.

Qingshan Town was poor, and there wasn't even a specialty store in town. Chu Ying didn't want his sister to be overwhelmed by too much at once, so he went to a decent store in town.

Since getting out of the car, Chu Xin had been tightly gripping Chu Ying's arm. She only went to town with her father or Brother Huan during holidays, so her social experience was virtually non-existent. Seeing her reaction, Chu Ying sighed again.

"Don't be afraid, Xin Xin. You'll be going to high school and college soon. You'll have to see the outside world eventually. It's not good to be so timid!" Chu Ying comforted her.

"I know," the little girl loosened her grip but didn't let go.

Chu Ying could only smile and took her into the clothing store.

Qingshan Town was not very lively, and it was almost evening, so the streets were even more deserted. The store had only one drowsy salesgirl, and there were no other customers.

The salesgirl was a girl in her early twenties, with a decent appearance. Chu Ying's Adidas outfit was extremely rare in this small town, making him look like a wealthy person. Moreover, Chu Ying was tall and handsome, with a faint smile on his chiseled face, which was very charming, making the salesgirl blush and her heart race.

However, when the salesgirl saw Chu Xin, she couldn't help but show a look of disdain, even a bit of jealousy. A scrawny, flat-chested girl like her could actually catch the eye of such a handsome man, and her pitiful expression was truly disgusting.

This wasn't entirely the salesgirl's fault. At first glance, no one would think Chu Ying and Chu Xin were siblings, as the difference between them was too great.

"Pick out what you like and try it on!" Chu Ying gently pried open Chu Xin's small hand and pushed her to the racks of clothes.

Chu Xin looked at the price tags and her face changed slightly. The cheapest clothes were thirty to forty yuan, while her monthly living expenses were only fifty yuan. The clothes she usually wore were bought from street vendors for a few yuan. These clothes were far beyond her budget.

"Brother, I don't want to. The clothes here are not pretty," Chu Xin said softly, afraid of being overheard by others.

The salesgirl heard clearly and sneered, "The best clothes in town are here. If you think they're not pretty, you won't find anything better in Qingshan Town. Try them on, it's free!"

A cold look flashed in Chu Ying's eyes. He would never allow anyone to speak ill of his sister, even indirectly!

"Bring out all your most expensive clothes!" Chu Ying said coldly.

The salesgirl felt uneasy and glared at Chu Xin viciously, "All the styles are already on display."

Chu Ying didn't even look at the price tags, taking down all the women's clothes and handing them to Chu Xin, smiling, "That's the fitting room. We'll try them on one by one."

"Brother..."

Chu Ying's face darkened, and he pretended to be angry, "Are you not listening to me?"

Chu Xin couldn't resist, gave the salesgirl an apologetic smile, and then took the clothes to the fitting room.

"Hmph, a wild fox from the mountains!" The salesgirl's expression was full of disdain. In her view, the wild girl must have gone out to work and caught the eye of this handsome man. She couldn't believe such a handsome man would like a young girl, which made her extremely uncomfortable and even despise Chu Ying.

Chu Xin came out of the fitting room with her head down each time to let Chu Ying see. Chu Ying genuinely praised her, and he remembered the styles that looked good.

When Chu Xin finished trying on the clothes, Chu Ying bought all the ones that fit her well. After paying, they were about to leave when a middle-aged woman and a girl about Chu Xin's age rushed in.

The middle-aged woman asked the salesgirl, "Did you get the style of clothes I mentioned a few days ago?"

The salesgirl's eyes lit up with joy, and she said apologetically, "I'm really sorry, but the clothes have already been sold."

Before the middle-aged woman could speak, the girl said angrily, "What do you mean? My mother and I reserved them. Why did you sell them to someone else? Who did you sell them to?"

The salesgirl glanced at Chu Xin casually, a look of schadenfreude in her eyes, "They were bought by this gentleman. Why don't you discuss it with him?"

The middle-aged woman turned to Chu Ying, her tone domineering, "I'll pay double the price. Give me the clothes!"