Chapter 2: Time to Grow Up

While Jian Yiling was lost in thought, the sounds of a heated argument echoed from downstairs—her parents and older brother were in a fierce dispute.

"Enough already! Your sister is still young!" Jian Yiling's mother, Wen Nuan, furrowed her brow, her tone laced with confusion and helplessness.

"Young? This isn't just about age! She's already fifteen! It's time she understood the consequences of her actions! Pushing our younger brother down the stairs is not something that can be dismissed with 'she's just a child!' Do you realize how devastating this is? His hands are his livelihood as a pianist—he may never play again!"

The man speaking was Jian Yiling's older brother, Jian Yuncheng, tall and imposing, towering over his mother. He wore a black shirt with the top buttons undone, and his striking features were overshadowed by a deep frown, an air of seriousness surrounding him as if a storm was brewing. This wasn't the typical demeanor of the usually composed eldest son; the gravity of the situation compelled him to speak with unprecedented weight.

Seated on a luxurious leather sofa nearby was Jian Yiling's father, Jian Shuxing, whose expression mirrored the tension in the room. In his early fifties, he maintained a fit physique, his mature charm evident despite the signs of aging on his face. Known for his decisiveness in the business world, he now found himself at a loss for words when faced with his eldest son's accusations.

"Regardless of the sibling rivalry that may have occurred, pushing your own brother down the stairs is utterly unforgivable!" Jian Yuncheng's voice rang out, laden with conviction.

Wen Nuan's face was a mask of anguish as she shook her head. "Yuncheng, she is still your sister. You used to cherish her when she was little. You held her in your arms, made her laugh, and you were so happy when she learned to call you 'big brother.'"

Jian Yuncheng's chiseled jaw tightened, muscles tense. "I remember, and I remember it clearly. She is my sister, and I do care for her. But the reason she has become this way is that the whole family coddled her too much. Yes, she is a Jian, and being a little spoiled or having a fiery temper isn't an issue. But this time, she has crossed a line. Dad, Mom, she is your daughter too—what about our brother? Now, his hand may never heal!"

Tears welled in Wen Nuan's eyes. "They are all my children. I love them both; how could I not? I admit I may spoil Jian Yiling a bit more, but that's only because she's a girl... I know what she did this time is unacceptable, but I can't seriously send her to a juvenile detention center!"

At this, Jian Shuxing reached over, gently placing his arm around Wen Nuan's shoulders, offering her silent support as he tried to ease her distress.

Jian Yuncheng's heart sank as he watched his mother cry, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "I'm not saying we should go to such extremes. But after this incident, we need to ensure she makes amends to our brother and that she receives serious discipline. Otherwise, I swear, even as her brother, I will take her to a juvenile facility!"

"I understand…" Wen Nuan's voice was soft, her understanding of her eldest son's concerns clear despite her emotional turmoil.

"Yuncheng, you've just flown back from abroad. You must be hungry. Why don't you let Aunty An make you something to eat?" Jian Shuxing suggested, concerned for his son's well-being.

"No, I'm heading to the hospital. Yunnao is still in shock, and I need to be there for him."

Jian Shuxing nodded in agreement. "We'll join you shortly."

With that brief exchange, Jian Yuncheng turned and left the house, leaving his parents behind, still caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

As he stepped outside, the cool air hit his face, grounding him for a moment. Thoughts raced through his mind—he couldn't shake off the image of Jian Yunnao's fall, the sound of the glass shattering, and the look of disbelief on his brother's face.

What had driven Jian Yiling to such an extreme? He understood sibling rivalry, the petty squabbles that often erupted in families, but this was something entirely different. Pushing Yunnao down the stairs was an act that transcended typical disagreements; it was an act of violence, and it could have dire consequences.

Jian Yuncheng sighed, running a hand through his hair. He had always been the protector of his siblings, often mediating disputes and soothing ruffled feathers. But this time, the stakes were higher. He had to be firm—not just for Yunnao's sake, but for Jian Yiling as well.

She needed to learn accountability; she had to understand that her actions had repercussions. In this moment, as her brother, he felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility. He had to help her see the error of her ways before it was too late.

Arriving at the hospital, Jian Yuncheng steeled himself. He had to be strong for Yunnao, for the family, and for Jian Yiling, even if it meant confronting painful truths.

As he entered the hospital room, the stark fluorescent lights illuminated his brother's pale face, the bandages on his hand stark against his skin. The sight twisted in his chest—Yunnao was more than just a brother; he was a part of him, and seeing him like this filled Jian Yuncheng with dread.

"Yunnao," he said softly, moving closer to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

Yunnao turned his head slowly, the pain evident in his eyes, yet there was a flicker of determination behind the hurt. "I'll be okay," he replied, his voice strained but resolute.

The brothers locked eyes, and in that moment, an unspoken bond reaffirmed itself. They would face this together, no matter how difficult the road ahead might be.

Jian Yuncheng took a deep breath, the weight of family and responsibility settling on his shoulders. He would not let his family fall apart; he would guide them through this turmoil, even if it meant making hard choices and confronting difficult emotions.

Jian Yiling would have to learn her lesson—both for her sake and for the sake of the family they held dear. It was time for her to grow up and understand the gravity of her actions. The journey ahead would be challenging, but together, they would navigate the storm.