Hello brother

JUNJIE (PART-2)

The first thing I do after reaching the office is ask my assistant, Ireine, to issue me a new phone number under the company's name and keep it strictly confidential.

I can feel her eyes on me—confused, curious—but I pretend not to notice. How do I even begin to explain that I've completely lost it? That I'm helping my fake girlfriend pitch a project to my own company? That would sound absurd, even to me. I might as well start drafting How to Pitch to Feng Enterprises for Dummies.

Her eyebrow arches slightly. "What name should I issue it under?"

I pause, thrown by the question. My mind scrambles for an answer. I look outside the window, hoping for inspiration, and my gaze lands on a billboard for The Batman movie looming above the city.

"Bruce," I mutter, the word escaping before I realize how ridiculous it sounds.

She scribbles it down without a second glance and leaves, but not before giving me a subtle side-eye. Bruce? I wince internally. That's how far I've fallen—resorting to superhero names for anonymity.

Sighing, I turn to my day's schedule, which is packed to the brim. Meetings, reports, an endless list of tasks. And yet, all I can think about is helping her with her pitch. Why am I doing this? I have no clue. Add it to the growing list of questionable decisions I've made without fully understanding why.

Her pitch? It's a mess. I'm being generous calling it that. Stress oozed from every poorly written sentence. She should've taken option one. If she had, the money would've been wired by now, and she wouldn't be worrying about any of this. But no, she chose the hard way. And now, I'm playing Bruce—her very own Batman.

Still, if I want her to convincingly play the role of my girlfriend in front of my family, I need to keep her happy. A grumpy Yiren? Unpredictable. And I already have enough unpredictability with my brothers. Speaking of which… I check my phone, expecting some news from them, but there's nothing. Just an eerie silence. It's unsettling, like the calm before the storm.

A knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts. Ireine steps in, her usual professionalism masking any curiosity about my odd request earlier.

"You should get going. The auction starts at eight."

I blink. The auction. Right. Another social event masquerading as charity but really just an opportunity for people to parade their wealth and make connections. Honestly, I'd rather go home and eat dinner with—No. Stop thinking about her. Focus, Jun.

Ireine hands me my coat. "Your car and driver are ready. Should I bring your tuxedo?"

I shake my head. "No, I've got it. You can call it a day. Thanks, Ireine."

Packing up the papers and shutting down my computer, I realize how much Yiren's project has consumed my time today. I've been too distracted. I'll have to catch up later tonight, after the event.

By the time I arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, the flashing cameras are already in full swing. This isn't just any charity auction. It's one of those events where the city's elite brush shoulders with actors and socialites, pretending they're here for a good cause while sipping expensive champagne.

I ignore the cameras and push through the entrance. The paparazzi have spun enough rumors about me over the years, and I'm not about to give them more material. That's why I've stopped bringing dates to these things. People assume that because I have money and influence, they have a claim to my time, my attention. It's draining.

I head to the terrace bar, adjusting the sleeves of my tux as I go. The city glitters below, but it doesn't hold my interest. I order a gimlet and lean against the bar, pretending to relax as my eyes scan the crowd. I should mingle, make connections, but my heart isn't in it tonight. My mind keeps wandering, dragging me back to—

And then I freeze.

She's here. She—the woman I never expected to see again. The woman I swore I'd forget. But there she is, moving through the crowd like a ghost I never could outrun.

She's here, of all places, arm-in-arm with someone who's now, unfortunately, connected to my family. I wasn't prepared for this. I turn my back to the room, gripping the edge of the bar, hoping she doesn't spot me.

"Hello, brother."

That voice. It makes my heart skip, then stop entirely. It stumbles, races, and somersaults through a tidal wave of emotions. I know that voice too well. Even after six months, it's as clear as day.

I turn around, and there he is—Shishi, my eldest brother, the calm anchor in our chaotic family. A rush of everything—relief, confusion, surprise—slamming into me all at once. I don't even hesitate. My body reacts before my mind can catch up, pulling him into a tight embrace, clapping him on the back harder than I should. My grip tightens as if I'm afraid this moment will slip away if I let go.

Hell, I wasn't ready for this. Not at all.

I haven't seen him in six months.

As I hold him, I hear a familiar voice grumble from behind, "He didn't notice me, Shishi. I'm going back to my wife."

That unmistakable tone belongs to my other brother, Jianyu. A smile cracks through my shock, and I reach out, pulling him into the embrace as well. His body tenses for a split second before he gives in, returning the hug just as fiercely.

"Definitely didn't notice either of you," I mutter, squeezing them both like they're about to slip away. "Guess you're not that important after all."

"Great," Jianyu mutters, his voice muffled against my shoulder. "Now I'm stuck in the world's worst group hug. Can we not?"

Shishi chuckles, "You're just mad because he missed me more than you."

"I have a feeling people are watching us." Jianyu grumbles that have me and Shishi laughing.

It's been too long. Too damn long since the three of us were in the same room, and I didn't realize how much I missed them until right now, with both of them squeezed in my arms. 

My greatest blessing.

******