Brother, isn't it good that you like me?

That day happened to be his sixth birthday.

Xiao Chiyu was still incredibly excited because she had spent the whole day at the amusement park the day before, even though her birthday fell on a Monday and she had a full day of classes.

From the moment I got home from school, I was looking forward to my mother's return. I called her again and again using my phone and watch, begging her to come home from get off work early.

His mother laughed and replied on the other end of the phone, "Okay, okay, listen to your birthday boy. Mom will come home early to be with you. Happy birthday, baby."

"Yes!" Xiaochi Yu nodded vigorously, her voice filled with undisguised joy.

He never imagined that a simple "Happy Birthday" would be the last thing his mother ever said to him in this world.

On her way home, Ms. Chi was unfortunately involved in a car accident and died despite all efforts to save her.

When he heard the news, Xiaochi Yu was standing at his doorstep, clutching the helium balloon his mother had bought for him at the amusement park the day before.

The next second, the phone fell to the ground, and the father rushed out the door like the wind, while the housekeeper's eyes reddened.

Only Chi Yu remained, standing there helplessly.

The six-year-old child had no concept of death. He only remembered that he was very panicked at the time, and when he let go, the balloon wobbled and floated into the air.

He lost his mother.

He later learned that the cause of the car accident was a stranger who was driving under the influence of alcohol. The evidence was conclusive, and the person was undoubtedly punished by law.

However, on countless sleepless nights, he still couldn't help but think—

If he hadn't made those phone calls that day, and hadn't urged his mother to come home early, would his mother have avoided that car? Would she have stayed?

"Brother Xiaochi, what's wrong?"

Shen Yan's voice sounded from beside him. Chi Yu's eyelashes trembled slightly, his thoughts pulling him out of his distant memories. He shook his head and said, "It's nothing."

"Really?" Shen Yan asked softly, her gaze fixed on his face as if trying to see through the "nothing's wrong" facade. "You seem a little strange."

Is it that obvious? Chi Yu was taken aback.

Remembering that they were currently filming, Chi Yu subconsciously glanced at the camera not far away. Then, looking back at the red glow in the sky, he hesitated for a moment before speaking, "That might be because..."

"The balloon flew away."

Shen Yan moved closer and followed his gaze.

The camera was also pointed at the sky at the right time.

【!! Turn back! Why are we looking at balloons?! I want to see my leopard cat stickers!!】

I was initially worried that the two of them would avoid each other to avoid being exposed in this episode of "Secret Partners," but now it seems I was completely overthinking it. This guy practically clings to his brother! :)

Shen Ge's excitement about being on the same team as his wife this time is no less than that of Fan Jin after passing the imperial examination.

Not so calm

In the footage, the bright red balloons flew higher and higher, gradually turning into a small dot in the sky.

Shen Yan stared at the small dot for a few seconds before slowly looking away.

When he looked back at Chi Yu, the other man had already adjusted his expression.

His expression was calm, as if the vulnerability he felt just moments before was merely an illusion.

Shen Yan looked at him, opened her mouth, and was about to say something—

"Hey! Shen Yan! What are you doing?"

Jiang Ziyi's voice suddenly rang out from behind.

The silver-haired boy stepped between the two, staring warily at Shen Yan, and asked, "Why are you whispering with my brother? You two aren't going to be secret partners today, are you?"

Shen Yan: "..."

It must be said that Jiang Ziyi has an extraordinary talent for intuition.

But, "How could that be?" Shen Yan asked, her eyes crinkling.

Jiang Zi looked at him and inexplicably sensed a hint of provocation in his eyes, as if to say, "You think I wouldn't whisper to my brother just because I'm not your secret partner?"

"It was just casual conversation; we were just talking about how a balloon had flown away."

Jiang Zi looked up at the sky and did indeed see a small dot. But he didn't believe Shen Yan's words, so he turned to look at his brother, Chi Yu, who nodded, "He just meant a balloon."

Jiang Ziyi immediately soothed him, saying, "Oh."

[Jiang Ziyi: Brother yes, Shen Yan no, let's delay breaking them up!]

[Hahaha, this is what a toxic fan is like]

"Alright, alright, the balloon's gone, so be it," Director Wu called out, standing in front of the crowd with a megaphone. "What we're really going to do now is get down to business—"

As he spoke, he waved his hand and pointed deep into the amusement park.

"First mission, let's go!"