As M washed the vegetables, Eugene followed her into the kitchen. She nced at him with a concerned look. "The doctor mentioned you often skip meals or eat poorly. You can''t keep doing this, Eugene. Next time you end up in the hospital, it won''t be just your appendix."


    After all, that was already taken care of.


    Eugene chuckled softly, "Alright."


    He joined her, helping to wash and pick the vegetables as M continued with her gentle scolding. Her words, though nagging, seemed to lift the gloomy aura that often surrounded him.


    Unable to resist, Eugene brought up an old topic. "Sis, I''m serious. If you get a divorce and split the assets, just hand me over to you. I''ll be with you, and you can consider me your son or brother."


    "I promise you won''t lose out. I''m much younger and can take care of you in your old age."


    M was speechless. Was this conversation ever going to end?


    She sighed and tried to reason with him, "Once you find someone you love and start a family, you won''t think like this."


    "I won''t start a family."


    Eugene looked up, his expression earnest. "I''ve been left on my own since I was a kid. My family knows I''m here, but they''ve never visited or asked if I''m alright, even though we''re blood rtives."


    "Sis, to me, the concept of family is absurd."


    "You''re the only exception."


    M had nothing to say to this and returned to washing the vegetables.


    ...


    Soon, the meal was ready-a hearty soup, a few simple stir-fried dishes, and a slow-cooked pumpkin porridge. The vi was filled with theforting aroma of home-cooked food.


    They sat together on the living room sofa, eating as snow fluttered down outside the window.


    Sitting so close, M noticed theyers of makeup on Eugene''s face seemed thicker than before. She couldn''t help but ask, "When did you start enjoying makeup?"


    Eugene paused mid-sip, touched his face, and smiled, "Do you think it looks bad?"


    M frowned slightly, shaking her head. "Not really, but you''re naturally good- looking. The makeup seems a bit much. But if you like it, then go ahead." Eugene''s face lit up with a smile, "Thank you, sis. Maybe I''ll stop wearing it." They didn''t follow traditional dining etiquette, chatting as they ate. Eugene even served M several times, bringing up the topic of the uing holidays.


    "Sis, you''re not nning to spend Christmas with the Montgomery family this year, right? Can I join you?"


    When M didn''t immediately respond, he continued, "You know, even though the Montgomerys say I cane back to the family home for the holidays, they don''t really want me there. They don''t care whether I show up or not. I''d rather spend it with you."


    M sighed, "I''ll think about it."


    She didn''t have strong objections, but she needed to consult with Aunt May. It wasn''t her decision alone.


    Seeing she was considering it, Eugene was thrilled. "Thanks, sis! You''re the best."


    M felt the weight of responsibility.


    ...


    After dinner, they cleaned up together.


    Winter nights fell early, and with the heavy snowfall, Eugene suggested M stay at the vi overnight.


    The roads were slippery, and he was concerned for her safety.


    Before M could agree, her phone rang. It was Lysander, unexpectedly reaching out.


    What a rare urrence. Was he finally ready to sign the divorce papers?


    Hopeful, she answered the call, only to hear Lysander''s cold, angry voice.


    "Where are you?"


    M frowned, "What''s going on?"


    "M, you''ve got a charming brother, don''t you? He''s sitting at my doorstep asking


    for money. Your family matterse handle this yourself!"