Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

It was an ordinary day, with sunlight filtering through dappled leaves and falling on the desks in the tutoring center.

The students' laughter echoed in the air.

Shi An and Shi Ning chatted in the classroom during the break, just like they always did.

Suddenly, a classmate rushed in, looking flustered, and shouted, "Have you heard? Chen Yu's dad drank himself into a brain hemorrhage, and he couldn't be saved at the hospital!"

Upon hearing the news, Shi An and Shi Ning were both stunned, their books slipping from their hands. They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

"how so……"

Shi Ning murmured to himself, the image of Chen Yu's usual demeanor flashing through his mind. Although Chen Yu always said that his father treated him badly, often beating and scolding him, and preventing him from going to school properly, he was still his biological father.

Shi An frowned, her heart filled with worry: "Chen Yu must be very sad right now, we have to go see him."

Shi Ning nodded vigorously: "Yes, let's go now."

The two were extremely anxious and immediately ran to their teacher to ask for leave, explaining the situation. The teacher was also shocked, granted their request, and instructed them to make sure Chen Yu was comforted.

After leaving the school, Shi An and Shi Ning ran all the way to the hospital. Neither of them spoke a word along the way, their hearts heavy.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the smell of disinfectant hit them. They inquired about Chen Yu's location and finally found him outside a ward.

Chen Yu sat on a bench outside the ward, his eyes vacant, staring blankly ahead. His hair was disheveled, his clothes were wrinkled, and he looked utterly lost. Shi An and Shi Ning quietly walked over and sat down beside him.

Shi Ning reached out and gently patted Chen Yu's shoulder, saying softly, "Chen Yu, we're here."

Chen Yu slowly turned his head and saw that it was them. His lips moved, but he couldn't say a word. Tears welled up in his eyes.

Shi An held Chen Yu's hand and said firmly, "Chen Yu, don't be too sad, we're all here for you."

Chen Yu could no longer hold back his tears, which welled up in his eyes. He lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Shi An and Shi Ning sat quietly beside him, saying nothing, simply keeping him company and letting him release his inner pain.

After a while, Chen Yu's emotions stabilized a little. He raised his head and said in a hoarse voice, "My dad... although he wasn't good to me, he was still my dad. Sometimes I hated him, but now that he's gone, I feel empty inside and don't know what to do."

Shi Ning's eyes also reddened. She comforted him, "Chen Yu, we understand how you feel. Your father is gone, but we're still here for you. We're your family."

Chen Yu looked at them gratefully and nodded. At this moment, a nurse came over and said to Chen Yu, "Young man, your father's funeral arrangements still need to be taken care of. Go and complete the relevant procedures."

Chen Yu stood up, somewhat at a loss. Shi An quickly said, "Chen Yu, we'll go with you."

During the paperwork process, Chen Yu was in low spirits and somewhat flustered. Shi An and Shi Ning helped him ask the staff for directions while comforting him and telling him not to worry.

After completing the formalities, they returned to the ward. Chen Yu looked at his father, who was no longer breathing on the hospital bed, and couldn't help but cry again. Shi An and Shi Ning stood behind him, their hearts also heavy with sorrow.

"Chen Yu, your father definitely hopes that you can live a good life."

Shi An asked seriously, "What are your plans for the future?" Chen Yu wiped away his tears and said blankly, "I don't know, my mind is completely blank right now."

Shi Ning thought for a moment and said, "Why don't you stay at our house for now, and make a decision after you've recovered? My parents will definitely agree."

Hearing this, Chen Yu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He looked at Shi An and Shi Ning gratefully and said, "Thank you, you are so kind to me."

Shi An patted Chen Yu on the shoulder and said, "Don't be so formal, we're good brothers and good friends."

Over the next few days, Shi An and Shi Ning stayed with Chen Yu as he handled his father's funeral arrangements.

They helped Chen Yu contact the funeral home, arrange the funeral, and took care of everything. After the funeral, Chen Yu went back to Shi An and Shi Ning's home.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen felt a pang of heartache when they saw Chen Yu. Jiang Man took Chen Yu's hand and said gently, "Child, this is your home from now on. If you have any difficulties, just tell Auntie."

Chen Yu's eyes welled up with tears again, and he nodded vigorously: "Thank you, Auntie, thank you, Uncle."

After Chen Yu's father passed away, Shi An and Shi Ning accompanied Chen Yu to his somewhat dilapidated home to pack his belongings.

The house reeked of age, with clutter piled haphazardly, seemingly telling tales of its past chaos and disarray. Shi An and Shi Ning showed no disgust and silently began tidying up.

They folded Chen Yu's clothes one by one and put them into the prepared suitcase. They also carefully sorted his books and stationery and packed them into his schoolbag.

Chen Yu stood aside, watching the two busy people, his heart filled with gratitude, yet mixed with a bitter feeling he couldn't quite describe.

At the same time, Jiang Man and Qin Yishen actively contacted real estate agents, hoping to sell Chen Yu's old house.

Upon learning this, Chen Yu agreed without hesitation. He understood that leaving this place, filled with painful memories, was perhaps the best option.

After all his belongings were moved to Jiang Man's house, Chen Yu's mood grew increasingly heavy. Looking at this unfamiliar yet warm home, a feeling of being a guest in someone else's house welled up within him.

He lived cautiously, afraid of causing trouble for Shi An's family, and even walked with his feet light.

Jiang Man and Qin Yishen keenly noticed Chen Yu's unusual behavior. One evening, Qin Yishen called Chen Yu to the living room, and the two sat down facing each other.

Qin Yishen handed him a glass of hot milk and said gently, "Child, I know you may feel a little awkward, like you're a guest. But please don't think like that. From the moment you stepped into this house, you've been our family."

Chen Yu lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes, and said softly, "Uncle, I know you are good to me, but I always feel like I'm causing you trouble."

Qin Yishen smiled and patted his shoulder: "You kid, don't overthink it. You and Shi An and Shi Ning are the same people we watched grow up. This is your home, so don't hide anything you need."

Chen Yu raised his head, looked into Qin Yishen's sincere gaze, and his eyes reddened slightly.

He nodded vigorously, and the burden in his heart seemed to lighten considerably.

From then on, Chen Yu gradually opened up and began to truly integrate into this loving family, spending happy days with Shi An and Shi Ning. (End of Chapter)