Chapter 104 Robbed

The life of tutoring was both painful and joyful—the pain lay in rising early every day despite the biting cold, returning home late each night, truly living a life of departing at dawn and coming back at dusk. To borrow the most popular saying nowadays: rising earlier than the chickens, sleeping later than the dogs.

Today was the first day of tutoring. Mu Qingxi had just gotten out of bed and was heading to the bathroom when she saw a figure rush past her and into the bathroom even faster than herself.

Sleepy-eyed as she was, Mu Qingxi instantly became alert, widened her eyes, and shouted, “Mu Qingyang, if you dare compete with me, I’ll make your pocket money disappear!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than she looked triumphantly toward the bathroom door. In a flash, a figure appeared before her: Mu Qingyang, his face full of discontent, glared at his sister.

Grumbling, Mu Qingyang said, “You go first, then!”

He went off to squeeze toothpaste, planning to brush his teeth. Mu Qingxi flashed a victorious “V” with her fingers, smiling smugly, and strolled into the bathroom.

Mouth foaming with toothpaste, Mu Qingyang cast a resentful glance in the direction of the bathroom and muttered, “Even a hero is stumped without a penny!”

But because he was brushing his teeth, his words were indistinct.

Then, he looked at his reflection in the mirror and nodded solemnly, as if reaffirming the truth of his statement.

In the living room, Shen Yali was preparing breakfast. Listening to the commotion between the two, she shook her head but wore a smile brimming with affection.

Once breakfast was ready, Shen Yali called toward the bathroom, “Qingxi, Qingyang, hurry up and wash, then come down to eat.”

Mu Qingxi, her mouth full of foam, turned and replied unclearly, “Mm, almost done.”

Just as she finished, she glanced at the mirror and saw Mu Qingyang leaning against the doorframe, making faces at her reflection.

She brushed her teeth vigorously, locking eyes with Mu Qingyang’s image in the mirror. Mu Qingyang blew her a kiss and, with exaggerated flair, said, “My dear sister, apologies for today’s breakfast—your brother will take care of it for you. Bye-bye!”

Watching her brother wave and leave without a trace, Mu Qingxi felt a wave of frustration. She hurried to rinse her mouth, filled the sink, washed her face quickly, grabbed the doll cream she used, slapped it on carelessly, and dashed out of the bathroom.

She sped out, running as she asked, “Mom, where’s Qingyang?”

Shen Yali replied, puzzled, “Qingyang left already. He said he was about to be late and wouldn’t eat at home.”

She asked again, “What about my breakfast?”

“He took it with him and said he’d wait for you at the door. You’d better hurry, or you’ll be late.” With that, Shen Yali went back to tidying the table.

At that moment, Mu Qingxi was grinding her teeth in anger. She slipped on her shoes, opened the door, and left.

Shen Yali watched her daughter’s unhappy face and wondered, just a moment ago everything was fine—what happened now? Something seemed off.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingyang was striding along with light steps. Having swept away his sister’s breakfast and escaped home like a fugitive, he walked toward school with a cheerful smile.

There was a breakfast stall near the school gate. As Mu Qingxi approached the bun shop, she saw Bai Fanhao inside, waving at her from the dining area. She walked over to him and sat across from him, asking, “You’re here pretty early today.”

Bai Fanhao picked up a small dish from the table, poured some sauce into it, and placed it before her, handing her a bun. “Yes, there’s nobody at home again today, so I had to come out for breakfast. Hurry up and eat, I’ll order more.”

He turned to the shopkeeper and said, “Boss, another order of buns, please.”

“Alright,” replied the shopkeeper.

Mu Qingxi didn’t stand on ceremony; she picked up a bun and began to eat, saying between bites, “My breakfast was hijacked by my brother, so I had to come here to find something to eat.”