The door behind them opened and when Xingyu turned he saw, to some surprise, that Xiao-Xiao was already back: he looked haggard as he always did after these long hours, but he still gave a deep bow to their parents when he saw them. Xingyu cursed under his breath. He hadn’t wanted to have this discussion while Xiao-Xiao was here. He should have brought it up earlier, finished it before Xiao-Xiao came back.

“Xiaokai. Come sit and eat.” Their mother gestured to the empty seat at the table and Xiao-Xiao slowly, obediently, moved to it. It was Monday, Xingyu realized—the day that Xiao-Xiao set to meet with Rang’er. He waved hello at Xiao-Xiao with his chopsticks, smiling in spite of himself.

“What was your meeting about?”

“None of your concern,” said Xiao-Xiao stiffly. He took a bowl and began packing rice into it. When it was full, he pulled out his chair and sat down.

“I was just curious.”

“No need to be.”

“Stop bickering,” said their mother. “Xingyu, if you really want money to use, that’s a conversation we can have later.”

Xiao-Xiao’s gaze darted upward, met Xingyu’s, and then fell back down. Xingyu really didn’t want to have this conversation in front of his brother, but he couldn’t turn down this opportunity once he’d already started. “I don’t see what the issue is. It’s your company, but it’s the family’s money, right? Xiao-Xiao spends it all he wants.”

This did not get any kind of reaction from Xiao-Xiao, but their father’s expression darkened.

“Xiaokai earns his keep. You voluntarily stepped down from your role.”

Xingyu made another face.

“However.” Their father very elegantly put his chopsticks down over his bowl and dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. “If you agree to attending your training again, I will give you all the money you want to waste.”

This did get a reaction from everyone. Xiao-Xiao’s entire body seemed to stiffen and their mother just said “Liu Baiyan” very quietly. Their father lifted a hand to her, stopping her from continuing.

Xingyu had to ignore both of them. He curled up his lip at his father. “Your training is the entire reason I left.”

“You said it yourself—you were a child then, and an immature one at that. I would hope that you’ve matured since then. Am I wrong?”

The look in his eyes was pissing Xingyu off. No matter what answer he gave here, it would give his father the advantage. He waited a long moment, letting his father savor the moment, and then said, “Would you want me to be the heir again?”

Xiao-Xiao’s chopsticks clattered to the table.

“Of course.”

“I’m not finished with school yet,” Xingyu said.

“That’s fine. You can finish your degree here.”

“Not an option. I’ll finish my degree there. I’ve already made promises to people.”