In the days that followed, I focused all my attention on preparing for the college entrance examination.

During this time, I tried to contact Dad and my older brother, but Dad refused to answer my calls. Eventually, after my insistence, my brother replied to my messages.

My brother said that Dad was actually very worried about me but didn't want to communicate with me, fearing it would affect my exam preparation.

My brother also asked if Mom and I had settled down. Not wanting to worry him, I lied and told him that Mom and I had already found a place to live. I said Mom was preparing to look for a job and treating me well, asking my brother not to worry.

After hearing my words, my brother didn't say anything else.

I never expected my brother to come to the school to find me.

That day, after school, I saw my brother waiting for me at the school gate.

I thought something had happened at home, so I hurried over, asking, "Brother, what's wrong? Is something going on at home?"

My brother shook his head but looked at me with concern, saying, "Yuyu, when you messaged me before, Dad was also there. That's why I didn't ask further. Tell me the truth, where did she take you? Where are you living now?"

Upon hearing my brother's words, I felt extremely nervous.

"I... didn't I say it? Mom and I are living in a rented house..."

My brother interrupted me, "We've lived with her for so many years. How could I not know what kind of person she is? From childhood to now, she only cares about herself. Yuyu, when you said she was good to you, I had my doubts."

Facing my brother's words, I couldn't argue.

Yes, Mom has always been like this.

In her world, there's only herself.

Seeing me silent, my brother reached out and patted my head, saying, "Yuyu, don't worry. I will work hard to earn money. Even though I have a disabled leg now, I'm willing to endure hardships."

"In the future, I will take care of you."

I looked up, seeing the caring look in my brother's eyes, and nodded firmly.

My brother is a year older than me, very academically inclined, but our family is poor and couldn't afford both our education fees. So, my brother gave up his studies and went to work at a construction site with Dad.

Never did I expect he would end up breaking a leg...

If my brother hadn't worked to save money for my education, his leg wouldn't be like this.

Thinking of this, I held my brother's hand tightly, saying, "Brother, when I get into university, I will come back to live with you and Dad."

My brother patted my head, smiling at me, "Yuyu, you will definitely get into the university of your dreams."