Li Xue blinked as her eyes took in the fierceness the young boy held in his eyes. It never ever struck to thoughts that an attack on her could agitate him even a bit. Oppositely, she thought that even if someday she would be in the mess, the young boy will take his time to tease her instead of helping her out.
But today looking at him like that, her thoughts changed. Changed drastically!
Even Chen Rui and Shin Tinming were taken aback for a moment. Maybe it was their first time as well to see their son so riled up.
"Ma, Pa, how could you still sit so calmly here. Won't you do anything? Haven't you taken her as your daughter? Then, is this the way to treat her?" Seeing his parents still all chilled and relaxed, Shin You Jun couldn't believe but ask as if he had seen his elders doing wrong. He seemed ready to go for the war but couldn't believe the other people in the house didn't care.
Chen Rui looked at Li Xue for a moment, before turning to look back at his son. Though she knew the brother-sister bond between the two would sprout someday, she never expected it to be this soon. It was just the other day, she lectured his son, and just a moment before he was there complaining about Li Xue.
But now, he was also there taking the stance of her side. It was too abrupt but kind of believable as well. Maybe she has just been wrong to underestimate the emotions of his son.
Smiling, Chen Rui finally felt the joy of having a complete family in her heart. Giving a knowing gaze toward her husband, she said. Her words were all directed to her son. "You Jun, dear, it's true we have taken her as our daughter. But what could we do? After all, it's not like she is really our daughter." She said, pursing her lips helplessly and Shin You Jun just couldn't believe his ears.
"Ma, how could you say that? You have taken her as your daughter. She cares for you and Pa so much; she even brought you those gifts. How could you be so insensitive to her? She was drugged and someone tried to harm her. This is not our way of dealing the things when something comes against our family."
He said and Chen Rui raised her brows at him to ask in a tone of disbelief. "Family? Is she one of us?"
Without thinking much into the words of his mother, the young boy readily nodded with much confidence. "She is my elder sister. How could she be different from us? She is one of us, of course." He said and his words made both Shin Tinming and Chen Rui smile deeply.
Even at the side, Li Xue felt awestruck at the unique charm of the young boy who seemed all different from usual.
When saw his parents giving a wide smile to him, Shin You Jun felt confused. He didn't understand what was it about first but soon the realization of his own words struck him as he felt the urge to cough at the edge of his throat.
Clearing his throat, he tried to reason his attitude. "Didn't you say to take her as my elder sister? I am doing just what you asked for. Why are you still giving those looks to me? It's not like I like her. She is my enemy. But even in enmity, I hold dignity. I won't allow anyone else to harm her in such a destructive way." He said, pressing his lips and giving a small arrogant look to Li Xue.
And seeing him like that, Li Xue couldn't help but smile, downing her gaze at the floor. She didn't want the boy to find her smiling because she knew that if he did, he would be embarrassed. And for some reason, she doesn't want him to get embarrassed because of her.
Chen Rui didn't fail to notice the girl's tries to hide her smile. And seeing the blooming understanding between the kids warmed her heart. She looked at her boy first to give hum of satisfaction to him to say, "It's good to see you taking my words seriously. Don't worry we have handled the things for her. You can rest assured for your elder sister." And then turning to Li Xue, she highlighted for her, "And Xiao Xue, did you believe me now?"
She asked and Li Xue looked at her not understanding what she meant. To which the royal lady instantly explained. "Last time didn't I say that soon you would get to see a protective brother in him? Today, I am sure you might have got a glimpse of it." She said and Li Xue couldn't deny it.
Looking at the young Crown Prince, she nodded. And seeing the woman nod, Shin You Jun could just scratch the back of his neck in awkwardness to say.
"Don't take it wrong. I was just attending to the words of my mother. If not for her taking you as a daughter, I would have never considered you as my sister." He said and Shin Tinming could only come forward to tap on his son's shoulders with a feeling of pride.
"You have grown up finally." The king said and it instantly made the eyes of the boy glitter up.
"Really, father? Then will you be taking me along to that meeting you are going to attend today?" Immediately returning back to his usual side, the boy asked his father with expectant eyes.
But was turned down immediately with a smile. "Your mother is not well. Stay back to help her instead. I would handle the meeting on my own."
"But Pa, …"
"You Jun! I won't take you to the meeting and later see you creating a mess there. So obediently stay back at the palace and help your mother." Shin Tinming said, before turning to give a look to Chen Rui and smile at Li Xue. Then turning to the butler, he said checking the time. "Mr. Cao, it's already time.. Please help me prepare the car."