She did not think too much and went to cook dinner instead. Roger was studying at the university
nearby. He did not live in the dormitory for health reasons, but the university reserved a place for him in
the dormitory. Even so, Roger spent most of his time living outside with Stella. When he came home
today, he finally saw Stella’s shoes again. He was very happy. “Sis, you’re back?” Stella was cooking in
the kitchen. When she heard Roger’s voice, she answered him with a hum and urged, “Wash your
hands! Dinner is almost ready.” She heard the sound of the door closing. After a short moment, some
quick footsteps came from behind. “Have you washed your hands?” She did not look back and focused
on the soup in the pot. A moment later, she felt a weight on her shoulder. Roger rested his chin on her
shoulder. He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. “Sis, you’re finally back from your business
trip. I haven’t seen you for days. I missed you.” Stella chuckled and pushed his head away. “How old
are you? Why are you still acting like a child?”
–
Roger looked at her in displeasure. “My age doesn’t matter. I’ll always be your baby brother!” Stella
smiled. “Okay. Let go of me now. I’m going to serve the soup.” Roger let go of her. He stood aside and
watched Stella’s moves.
After their parents died, the two of them stayed together. It was rare for them to be apart for so long
When he was hospitalized while Stella was out there busy earning money, they had no choice but to
live separately. He wanted to help, but he could not do anything. Then, something terrible happened
after. He could not protect his only sister. However, things had changed. His condition was stable, and
he was on track with his studies. He would graduate and start working in a few years. He would be able
to share the responsibility and ease Stella’s burden. “Sis, why don’t you take the public exam?” he said
out of nowhere. Stella was stunned. She put the bowl of soup on the counter and continued serving it.
When she was done, she looked at Roger in confusion. “What made you think of that?” “Or you can be
a teacher at some school,” Roger suggested. “I want you to get an easier job. I think your work at the
training center is too tiring. You have to wake up so early every day and leave work late. You’ll be
judged by your work performance too. I heard that the policy has
tightened, and the training centers are no longer profitable…” Since he started the topic, Stella could
only tell him about the news in advance. “The training center will be closed next month.” She would
have to tell Roger about this sooner or later. She chose to tell him earlier. Just as she expected, Roger
was not surprised by the closure either. He sighed, “It’s only a matter of time. Besides, I didn’t want you
to work there any longer.” Stella felt a little helpless. “Taking the public exam and becoming a teacher
isn’t as easy as you imagine.” Roger walked to her. “Then go find some other easy job. Don’t tire
yourself out.” He pulled her wrist and shook it gently.
“I’ve heard about Justin and you…” Stella looked up at him with a start. “Did he tell you something?”
Stella had forgotten about Justin. She had not seen or talked to him after they ended things in an
unpleasant way. They were both adults and knew where to stop.
She did not think she would ever hear his name again. However, she forgot that Justin was still Roger’s
lecturer at the university. Perhaps, he had told him something.
Roger shook his head. “Well, he didn’t tell me anything. That’s why I know you two are not going to
work out anymore. Right?” Based on Roger’s understanding, Justin suddenly became interested in
Stella, but his interest did not last long. Something must have happened between them. Stella fell into a
short silence upon hearing that. She explained, “It’s impossible for us to work out. Don’t think so much
about it. We’re just not compatible with each other. Besides, I don’t plan to get into another relationship
any time soon.”
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