She did not think too much and went to cook dinner instead. Roger was studying at the university nearby. He did not live in the dormitory for health reasons, but the university reserved a place for him in the dormitory. Even so, Roger spent most of his time living outside with Stella. When he came home today, he finally saw Stellaâs shoes again. He was very happy. âSis, youâre back?â Stella was cooking in the kitchen. When she heard Rogerâs voice, she answered him with a hum and urged, âWash your hands! Dinner is almost ready.â She heard the sound of the door closing. After a short moment, some quick footsteps came from behind. âHave you washed your hands?â She did not look back and focused on the soup in the pot. A moment later, she felt a weight on her shoulder. Roger rested his chin on her shoulder. He closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. âSis, youâre finally back from your business trip. I havenât seen you for days. I missed you.â Stella chuckled and pushed his head away. âHow old are you? Why are you still acting like a child?â
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Roger looked at her in displeasure. âMy age doesnât matter. Iâll always be your baby brother!â Stella smiled. âOkay. Let go of me now. Iâm going to serve the soup.â Roger let go of her. He stood aside and watched Stellaâs moves.
After their parents died, the two of them stayed together. It was rare for them to be apart for so long When he was hospitalized while Stella was out there busy earning money, they had no choice but to live separately. He wanted to help, but he could not do anything. Then, something terrible happened after. He could not protect his only sister. However, things had changed. His condition was stable, and he was on track with his studies. He would graduate and start working in a few years. He would be able to share the responsibility and ease Stellaâs burden. âSis, why donât you take the public exam?â he said out of nowhere. Stella was stunned. She put the bowl of soup on the counter and continued serving it.
When she was done, she looked at Roger in confusion. âWhat made you think of that?â âOr you can be a teacher at some school,â Roger suggested. âI want you to get an easier job. I think your work at the training center is too tiring. You have to wake up so early every day and leave work late. Youâll be judged by your work performance too. I heard that the policy has tightened, and the training centers are no longer profitableâ¦â Since he started the topic, Stella could only tell him about the news in advance. âThe training center will be closed next month.â She would have to tell Roger about this sooner or later. She chose to tell him earlier. Just as she expected, Roger was not surprised by the closure either. He sighed, âItâs only a matter of time. Besides, I didnât want you to work there any longer.â Stella felt a little helpless. âTaking the public exam and becoming a teacher isnât as easy as you imagine.â Roger walked to her. âThen go find some other easy job. Donât tire yourself out.â He pulled her wrist and shook it gently.
âIâve heard about Justin and youâ¦â Stella looked up at him with a start. âDid he tell you something?â
Stella had forgotten about Justin. She had not seen or talked to him after they ended things in an unpleasant way. They were both adults and knew where to stop.
She did not think she would ever hear his name again. However, she forgot that Justin was still Rogerâs lecturer at the university. Perhaps, he had told him something.
Roger shook his head. âWell, he didnât tell me anything. Thatâs why I know you two are not going to work out anymore. Right?â Based on Rogerâs understanding, Justin suddenly became interested in Stella, but his interest did not last long. Something must have happened between them. Stella fell into a short silence upon hearing that. She explained, âItâs impossible for us to work out. Donât think so much about it. Weâre just not compatible with each other. Besides, I donât plan to get into another relationship any time soon.â