An Dafu knew why An Yu was always on guard against him. That kid actually seemed quite pitiful, so to avoid upsetting him, this old man decided to be kind-hearted and not let An Ning go over.

But An Ning didn’t know An Dafu’s thoughts, and said, "Alright then, I’ll go cook. Dad, have lunch here. Invite Lu Xiu and the others too."

With the Yan family at home, having An Dafu stay would be too conspicuous. By inviting Lu Xiu and the others, there would be more people, and he wouldn’t stand out.

However, An Dafu still refused, "Isn’t it tiring to cook for so many people? I’ll just go over for a look and come back soon. Xiaoniu’s father asked me to help take Xiaoniu back for the New Year, so don’t bother with unnecessary work."

"Alright then." Although she was reluctant to part with Xiaoniu, An Ning also understood that the New Year is a significant occasion, different from usual. Xiaoniu’s surname is Gao, and he should indeed go back to the Gao family for the New Year.

After An Dafu left, An Ning began to pack things up.

A few days ago, they had just butchered a big fat pig, but unlike before, they didn’t cure it or make it into jerky and sausages. Instead, it was prepared for the family’s New Year meals.

Although they gave a good portion to their relatives, there was still more than half left. Fortunately, with the cold weather, it was all frozen, so there was no fear of spoilage. Just the right occasion to send some to the Gao family today.

A few days ago, she was mainly worried that Gao Mutou wouldn’t accept it, so she didn’t give any. But today, having just accepted his silver, she thought he probably wouldn’t refuse these things either.

Just as An Ning finished packing, she saw An Yu walking over.

An Ning had nothing to say to him, so she turned to leave, but this time, An Yu didn’t let her leave as usual. Instead, he reached out to hold her back.

An Ning turned around, looking at him in surprise, "What are you doing?"

An Yu then let go, his expression somewhat dejected, "Ningning, do you really hate me that much?"

An Ning was silent. To be honest, she couldn’t say whether she hated or liked him, but his presence indeed caused her trouble, and that’s all there was to it. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Her silence only made An Yu more convinced of his thoughts, "I knew it was like this."

"Actually... I wouldn’t say I hate you." Seeing An Yu’s disappointed face, An Ning suddenly felt a bit of reluctance.

Then, she regretted it.

So what if he misunderstood? Why was she explaining, letting him misunderstand would make him leave, and wouldn’t that be better!

Sure enough, upon hearing An Ning’s explanation, An Yu’s face immediately lit up with a smile, looking at her eagerly, "Really, Ningning, you really don’t hate me? Are you acknowledging me as your brother?"

"You misheard. I really dislike you." An Ning knew she couldn’t be soft-hearted.

This guy is the kind who, given a little kindness, would overstep boundaries.

Watching An Ning’s departing figure, An Yu restrained the smile on his face, saying, "Ningning, whether you hate your brother or not, your brother really likes you!"

This feeling, not even mother could compare to in his heart.

An Ning suddenly stopped, turned back, and looked at An Yu seriously, "If... you truly want me as your sister, please leave here and return to your capital city, alright?"

The smile that had originally been on his face suddenly vanished.

"Is it not good for me to stay here? Even if you don’t want to go to the capital city, I can stay here with you and mother, can’t I?" An Yu said.

An Ning tugged at the corners of her mouth and then continued to leave.