Chapter 208: Disillusioned

Chapter 208: Disillusioned
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Cheng Yi refused to stop there. She closed the distance, tears in her eyes, “Second Brother, are you really going to have nothing to do with me now that I’m a part of the Cheng family?”
He Ning pursed his lips, not being too quick to respond. “He Jing has cut ties with the Cheng family,” he said seriously. “She has no wealth, and the parents who used to love her have turned their backs on her. She needs someone to be there for her. I have to consider what is right between you and He Jing.”
This was the right thing to do; it was only fair considering He Jing’s unwavering decision to remain with the He family.
Cheng Yi was hurt. She chewed on her lip, tears spilling forth. “Even if you want to prioritize Sister He Jing’s feelings over mine, you don’t need to draw such a clear line between us – I just want to repay Second Brother for taking care of me all these years.”
He Ning sighed and patted her head gently. “Don’t be sad. Go back. Your parents might get upset if you are too close to the He family.”
Cheng Yi could not accept it. “We used to be so close,” the words tumbling out unbidden, “Is it because I like someone else that… Second Brother…”
He Ning jolted in panic, but he quickly reined in his emotions. “Xiao Yi, don’t talk nonsense. We’re still siblings.” “But, Second Brother, I don’t understand.” How did things come to this?
Had He Jing replaced her in his heart already?
He Ning closed his eyes and heaved a long sigh. It was as Cheng Yi had said. Since she had someone else she liked and could rely on, he should distance himself to prevent any impure thoughts from forming.
He had grown up with Cheng Yi. She had always been that ray of light illuminating the dark fog that clung to him. However, Cheng Yi had her own life, and he could not always rely on her forever. It was time for him to become the light to illuminate the life of another.
“Xiao Yi, please go home.”
“Second Brother!”
Suddenly, the glass door swung open.
“Second Brother, I’m hungry.” An annoying voice Cheng Yi could only attribute to one person interrupted them again.
Cheng Yi trembled with rage.
He Ning sighed and gently patted her head. “Xiao Yi, don’t think too much. Go home.”
He Ning stepped out of the kitchen, the glass door swinging shut behind him.
Cheng Yi had no choice but to accept that her plan to make up with him had been ruined. She ran out crying and almost bumped into He Jing at the door.
He Jing followed Cheng Yi’s flight with a hawk’s focus. Cheng Yi did not look back. Turning to He Ning, she joked, “So… Second Brother, what were you chatting with Sister Cheng Yi about?”
“Nothing much, just some nonsense,” He Ning answered.
“You’re not the one cooking today. It’s Sixth Brother’s turn today,” he reminded her, almost as an afterthought.
He Jing’s red lips curled up. She did not feel guilty at all. “Oh, I’m sorry. My mistake.”
He Ning couldn’t help but glance at her. He frowned. “Don’t come up with such a lame excuse next time.”
“Alright, Second Brother.”
It was a miracle He Ning had not lost his temper after she had interrupted him and Cheng Yi not once but twice. Even He Sui was stunned.
He Ning had always sided with Cheng Yi. If anything happened to Cheng Yi, he would always be the first to defend her.
“He Jing is the best.” He Sui leaned over and said, “He Jing, you are the ninth wonder of the world.’
He Jing hummed and smiled. “Second Brother may seem very cold, but he’s actually very sweet.”
He Sui was horrified. He Ning? Sweet? Those two words did not go together.
He Zhou saw Cheng Yi run out of the He family with her face covered while He Jing was in high spirits. His face morphed into a rictus of anger.
He had thought Cheng Yi would get back at He Jing. Who could have known she would be soundly defeated? It seemed he had underestimated her.
He had to do something.
If he could earn some money and balance out the benefits He Jing brought to the He family, his brothers, who were simple and easy to satisfy, would probably wake up..