Chapter 423: Chapter 424 Can You Hug Me?
Hesitation only flickered through Xiaodongâs mind for a moment before he made a decision, allowing Kexinâs legs to clamp around his neck. Then, with a stretch of his arms, he had already supported Kexinâs waist.
Just as Kexin was about to exert force with her legs, her waist was suddenly lifted by Xiaodong, removing her base for generating power. Instinctively arching her back, she ended up sitting atop Xiaodongâs shoulders.
"Oh..." Xiaodong quickly leaned his head back, saying, "Be careful, be careful, this isnât just for fun. Donât fall."
Only then did Kexin realize she was actually straddling Xiaodongâs neck. With a cry of surprise, she loosened her hands, and her body leaned back while her legs also hurriedly released Xiaodongâs neck.
With a light boost from his hand at her waist, Kexin performed a graceful backflip and landed steadily on the ground.
However, Kexinâs face turned red all of a sudden, and she said, "Okay, I admit, youâre really amazing."
Xiaodong didnât want to embarrass Kexin but still said, "What youâve learned is somewhat useful on the competition field, and it does give you an advantage over ordinary people. But if you ever face a skilled fighter or a regular brawler, itâll be very hard for you to use your advantage."
After a pause, Xiaodong added, "Especially the Deadly Scissor Kick. If the opponent is caught off guard, it can indeed inflict severe damage. But against a true master, that move would be like delivering yourself to their doorstep, leaving no chance to escape."
Kexin listened seriously before asking, "So, youâre saying all these things Iâve learned over the years are basically useless?"
"Thatâs certainly not the case, at the very least, theyâve kept you fit and healthy. Look at the flexibility and coordination of your body, theyâre exceptionally outstanding. Besides, all aspects of your physical functions are quite good, which benefits a womanâs appearance tremendously."
"Cousin, how come you sound like you know everything?" Kexinâs blush faded away, a strong curiosity about Xiaodong taking its place. Or rather, before just now, she really knew nothing about Xiaodong, only that both had a token proving their identity.
Xiaodong smiled and said, "Itâs alright. I learned quite a lot in the army."
With a smile on her face, Kexin said, "It looks like Iâll have a brother who can protect me from now on. This way, I wonât have to worry about people bothering me anymore."
"What, someoneâs been bothering you?" Xiaodong asked.
"Itâs not really bothering me; itâs just that there are always guys at school chasing after me, and Iâm not thinking about getting a boyfriend right now. The most important thing to me now is to find out about my own background. Discovering that our backgrounds might be involved with a lot of things, I certainly canât afford to commit myself lightly. Those somewhat conceited men always think of pestering me."
"Oh, then just ignore them. But remember, donât go out late with people you hardly know, and be cautious about your food and drinks when eating with strangers. Youâre so beautiful, itâs easy for people to do irrational things."
Kexin nodded, gratefully saying, "Thanks, cousin. I know these things; Iâve been at school on my own for over two years, living alone, and Iâve learned how to protect myself."
Xiaodong felt somewhat sorry for Kexin and said, "If you ever have any problems, you can call me. But for now, I wonât take you to meet my sister. My relationship with her, sigh, Iâm quite confused."
Cautiously, Kexin asked, "You mean, you only found out you were adopted yesterday?"
Xiaodong gave a bitter smile and said, "Yes, I only realized it yesterday. Before, when people said my sister and I donât look alike, I never gave it any thought, but with your mention, I made the connection."
"Then...maybe our guess is wrong, and even the round token could have been picked up by your family. Moreover, itâs not unusual these days for children not to resemble their fathers. Sometimes genetic mutations or recessive genes could be the reason."
Xiaodong shook his head and said, "You donât have to comfort me. Although I only thought of it yesterday, Iâve already proven itâs true."
Feeling apologetic, Kexin said, "Then...Iâm really sorry. Sometimes, knowing the truth might not be better than not knowing it."
Xiaodong shook his head then a smile appeared on his face, "Thatâs alright. Even if I know the truth, my sister is still my sister. I wonât change a bit in how I treat her; in fact, Iâll treat her even better. Plus, Iâve gained a little cousin, isnât that also a pretty good thing?"
As he spoke, Xiaodong reached out and touched Kexinâs head, a genuinely subconscious gesture. However, after touching her, he felt it was a bit abrupt and said, "Sorry, I got carried away just now."
Kexinâs face, however, showed a sweet smile, "Itâs great. I could feel that just now you truly caressed my hair like loving a sister. Iâve cherished this feeling a lot since my parents died, itâs been a long while since someone cared for me sincerely."
Xiaodong flashed a slight smile and said, "Alright then, letâs consider this relationship confirmed."
"Sure!" Kexin smiled openly, then bit her lip and asked, "Can you give me a hug?"
"Of course." Xiaodong happily spread his arms wide.
Kexin looked into Xiaodongâs eyes, then plunged into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
Xiaodong returned the embrace, holding onto Kexin. From her, he indeed felt a special familial bond, perhaps truly a blood connection, maybe they really were related by blood.
The two hugged for about half a minute, when Xiaodongâs phone rang, interrupting the warm atmosphere.
Checking the number, Xiaodong hastily shushed Kexin, "Itâs my sister calling, keep quiet, okay?"
"Got it." Kexin promptly replied and then cautiously stepped back two steps, looking cautious as if they had really done something wrong.
But both felt a kind of understanding, and after exchanging a knowing glance, they both smiled knowingly. Whether it was fate or kinship, even Xiaodong himself was unsure.
Iâm working hard on writing Chapter five, but Iâm not sure if I can get it done. If itâs not done by ten, see you tomorrow!