Yangcheng, Liwan District, Lanxin Garden Community.

Zhang Yan sat at the computer in the corner of the living room, her expression serious as she read article after article of news reports about "Tang Song" and "Xuanji Optical World."

Juzi was curled up beside her hand, its fluffy tail occasionally brushing against the back of her hand, bringing a touch of warm, tangible comfort.

As a member of the Nebula International Group's special marketing team collaborating with Xuanji Optical World, she was almost always among the first to access this information, and she was even clear about the company's entire subsequent advertising and marketing plan.

Now, Tang Song's name had already stirred up quite a splash within a certain circle, and the ripples were still spreading.

It was foreseeable that when Xuanji Optical World's products were truly released and entered the mainstream consumer market, this wave of attention would only become more turbulent.

Even ordinary people who didn't pay attention to the tech circle would come to know of the existence of such an outstanding young man.

The WeChat icon flashed in the corner of the screen. It was Lulu sending one message after another, full of amazement and sighs.

Zhang Yan's gaze fell back on the detailed resumes in the reports.

Line after line of text sketched out a dazzlingly brilliant image that felt utterly unfamiliar to her.

This was the first time she had seen his full profile so clearly.

So, the boy from her memories really was like the protagonists from those hot-blooded manga he loved to read in middle school, reaching a height she could scarcely even imagine.

If she had known the real him was this radiant, standing on such a cloud, she probably wouldn't have dared to add him on WeChat, let alone write that confession letter, even if she had collected the complete set of Dragon Ball.

She likely would have only buried that decade-long feeling even deeper in her heart, leaving nothing but silent admiration and well-wishes.

This realization, apart from making her feel inferior, actually gave rise to a faint trace of relief.

She was relieved by her own naivety and ignorance, which had allowed her to muster that pitiful yet precious bit of courage, creating a brief intersection with his life.

"Meow—"

The sound of a key turning came from the door.

Zhang Yan seemed startled awake, quickly turning off the computer monitor and standing up.

Juzi, startled by her movement, took the opportunity to jump off the table, stretching lazily.

The door was pushed open.

Her mother, Zhou Hui, walked in, carrying several shopping bags, with Chen Shuangshuang following behind, head bowed as she played with her phone.

"Finished with your work? Ah Yan."

Zhou Hui looked well, her voice gentle yet strong, showing no trace of the person who had been lying in a hospital bed not long ago.

"I'm done." Zhang Yan replied softly, walking over to take the things from her mother's hands.

Only then did Chen Shuangshuang look up. Her gaze met Zhang Yan's, then quickly darted away.

She hurried to the sofa, picked up the approaching Juzi, and buried her face in the cat's belly, pretending to be busy.

Seeing this, Zhou Hui frowned. "Shuangshuang, don't you know to greet your sister first?"

"It's fine, Mom." Zhang Yan quickly interjected.

Chen Shuangshuang finally looked up, her voice muffled. "Sis."

Her expression was a mix of adolescent awkwardness and a trace of dependence that was hard to detect.

"Shuangshuang, Juzi needs to eat. Can you help me feed him?" Zhang Yan smiled at her.

"Mm." Chen Shuangshuang nodded, carrying Juzi towards the cat bowl in the corner.

Zhang Yan turned around and helped her mother take things out of the shopping bags, placing them one by one into the refrigerator.

Around this time, nearby supermarkets were usually clearing out items nearing their expiration dates.

Vegetables, fruits, cooked food—all would be discounted, very cost-effective.

Zhou Hui had already figured out the routine. Going out for a stroll at this time each day could save quite a bit on living expenses.

"Bought some fresh pork trotters today," Zhou Hui chattered on, placing a bag on the kitchen counter. "I'll make braised pork trotters for you tomorrow. Don't you love that? And these oranges, they're especially sweet. Try one..."

Listening, the corners of Zhang Yan's mouth lifted slightly.

Her mother's health had completely recovered.

With that relaxed, respectable community job, she was becoming more and more familiar with her surroundings, having settled down here for good.

However, her younger sister Chen Shuangshuang, who had originally stayed with the Chen family, found herself in an awkward situation.

Although Chen Bingwen and Chen Yao wouldn't deliberately make things difficult for her, the fact of their parents' divorce, the family's fragmentation, and the inevitable gossip among relatives made the sensitive adolescent Chen Shuangshuang grow increasingly silent.

So, taking advantage of the winter break, Zhou Hui had brought her over. At night, she slept on the unfolded sofa bed in the living room.

Zhang Yan understood her mother's intentions perfectly.

She hoped Zhang Yan could get along well with this half-sister.

Even though their relationship had eased considerably due to their mother's illness and Tang Song's intervention.

But for Zhang Yan, who had never experienced the warmth of a complete family growing up, this kind of day-in, day-out familial intimacy was something unfamiliar, warm, yet also something that made her somewhat timid.

She didn't know how to get closer.

Chen Shuangshuang didn't know how to get closer either.

So the two of them tentatively, cautiously, slowly inched closer.

Like two frightened little animals, neither daring to take the first step.

"Ah Yan, have you packed everything for Shen City?" Zhou Hui asked while washing the pork trotters in the sink.

"Mm, there's actually not much to bring." Zhang Yan walked over, handing her a colander. "Sister Wen Ruan's place in Shen City has everything. I just need to bring some changes of clothes. It's close anyway, just over an hour by high-speed rail. I can come back often on weekends."

"That's good then." Zhou Hui wiped her hands and turned to look at her eldest daughter, her eyes full of reluctance. "Remember to eat on time over there, don't overwork yourself. Call me if anything happens. Being alone outside, be careful..."

"I know, Mom." Zhang Yan responded softly, taking all these mundane reminders to heart.

She straightened up, her gaze involuntarily drifting to the corner of the living room.

Chen Shuangshuang was squatting there, seriously pouring cat food for Juzi.

The chubby orange cat circled around her, affectionately rubbing its head against her calf.

Looking at that somewhat lonely back, something stirred in Zhang Yan's heart.

"Shuangshuang."

Chen Shuangshuang looked up, her eyes somewhat evasive. "Hmm?"

"I'm going to Shen City for work next week." Zhang Yan walked over and also squatted down beside her, her voice gentle. "Let's go shopping at the mall together tomorrow. I'll get you a tablet, okay? Didn't you say before you wanted to learn drawing? You could use it for that too."

Chen Shuangshuang's eyes instantly lit up, like stars suddenly switched on. "Really?"

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"

"No, no need!" Zhou Hui's voice came from the kitchen, carrying a hint of urgency. "She's just a middle schooler, what does she need a tablet for? Isn't having a phone enough now? Don't waste money."

The light in Chen Shuangshuang's eyes instantly dimmed. She lowered her head, fingers unconsciously tugging at the fur on Juzi's back, muttering softly, "All my classmates have one..."

"Mom, a lot of students these days really do use tablets. They're convenient for looking up information, watching instructional videos; they're practically a necessity." Zhang Yan insisted for once. She looked at her sister, her tone even gentler. "Shuangshuang, what brand do you like? iPad or something else? Any favorite color?"

Chen Shuangshuang looked up again, the light in her eyes slowly gathering once more, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I... I don't really know. Anything is fine, really."

"Then it's a promise." Zhang Yan extended her hand, her slender pinky finger slightly hooked. "We'll go choose one together tomorrow, okay?"

Chen Shuangshuang stared at the hand extended before her, momentarily stunned.

Since she was little, apart from her mother, few people had ever made this kind of equal, doting promise to her.

She slowly extended her own hand.

Her pinky gently hooked onto the other.

"Okay. Thank you... Sis."

"You're welcome." Zhang Yan smiled, shaking their linked pinkies.

Zhou Hui stood at the kitchen doorway, watching this scene. She opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.

She just turned around, wiped the corner of her eye, and continued putting away the groceries she'd just bought.

For the moment, only the two sisters remained in the living room.

Juzi rolled over between them, exposing its fluffy belly, emitting a comfortable purr.

Zhang Yan reached out to scratch it. Chen Shuangshuang also reached out. Their fingers lightly touched on Juzi's belly, then quickly retracted as if shocked.

Neither spoke, but with the concrete promise of "buying a tablet," an invisible thread of warmth seemed to weave through the air.

"Ring ring ring—"

The sudden ringtone of a phone shattered this delicate silence.

"I need to take this call." Zhang Yan said, getting up and walking to the desk to pick up her phone.

Seeing the name flashing on the screen, she quickly answered. "Hello? Sister Wen Ruan."

"Yanyan, good evening. Did you miss me?" Wen Ruan's voice, carrying a smile and her signature mature, sisterly tone, came through the receiver, as languid and intimate as ever.

"Ah... I..." Zhang Yan's face instantly felt a little warm, her words stumbling. "I... miss..."

"Pfft—hahaha." Wen Ruan was amused by her honest, awkward reaction. "So adorable. But I really did miss you, sis."

Zhang Yan held the phone, her face red, unsure how to respond to that.

Wen Ruan quickly got to the point. "Called you mainly to tell you something. Come to Shen City tomorrow. I'm here right now, and I have something I'd like to discuss with you in person." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Ah? Tomorrow... go to Shen City?" Zhang Yan's heart skipped a beat.

She had originally planned to go officially next Monday.

On one hand, to spend more time with her mother and sister.

On the other hand, she knew tomorrow was January 12th, and the day after was Tang Song's birthday.

She had specifically wanted to avoid that special day. She was afraid her presence would be inappropriate, afraid of causing him trouble, and even more afraid of seeing scenes she wasn't yet ready to face calmly.

But now Wen Ruan suddenly brought it up...

"What's wrong? Not willing?" Wen Ruan's voice held a hint of playful reproach. "I finally flew back from the UK. I won't be here for many days, and I just wanted to see you. What, are you afraid I'll eat you?"

"N-no, that's not what I meant..."

"Come on~ okay?" Wen Ruan softened her voice, imbuing it with a coquettishness that was hard to refuse. "Since I'm here, I can even help you tidy up the place. Bring your luggage over, and your Juzi too. I even bought him a cat tree."

"Okay, alright." Faced with Wen Ruan's combination of assertiveness and gentleness, Zhang Yan ultimately couldn't refuse.

After chatting a bit more, they said goodbye and hung up.

Zhang Yan held her phone, letting out a long sigh.

Looking up, she met Chen Shuangshuang's gaze, which was fixed on her with eager anticipation.

Those eyes held curiosity, confusion, and a tiny bit of the insecurity that comes with newly established trust, afraid of losing it.

Zhang Yan pursed her lips, walked over, and squatted down beside her.

She spoke apologetically, "Shuangshuang... I, I have to go to Shen City tomorrow. Something urgent came up at work. About the tablet... when I come back to Yangcheng next time, I'll take you to buy it then, okay?"

The light in Chen Shuangshuang's eyes instantly dimmed. She immediately lowered her head, her voice muffled. "It's fine, don't worry about me. Work is important."

The air was quiet for a few seconds.

Then she couldn't help but ask softly, "Then... when will you be back?"

"Not sure yet." Zhang Yan explained quietly. "Once I'm there, I need to adjust to the new environment first. Once work settles into a routine, I'll definitely come back often."

"Oh." Chen Shuangshuang nodded, her fingers unconsciously gripping the fur on Juzi's back tightly, making Juzi let out a dissatisfied meow. "I'm only staying here for two weeks anyway, then I'll go back."

Looking at her lowered profile and her barely concealed disappointment, Zhang Yan felt as if something had lightly pricked her heart.

On an impulse, she spoke up, "How about... you come to Shen City with me for a few days? We'll buy the tablet in Shen City. And you can help me look after Juzi. I'm afraid he might be scared in a new environment."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt some regret.

It was already imposing enough for her to go stay at Sister Wen Ruan's luxury residence. Bringing a sister along would be, no matter how you looked at it, too inappropriate, too much trouble.

This was exactly the kind of thing her lifelong people-pleasing personality dreaded most.

But looking at this 15-year-old girl before her, who shared half her blood yet also felt lonely, she couldn't help but think of her own solitary childhood.

Of those nights spent hiding under the covers, not daring to make a sound.

Of those years with no one to share joys or sorrows with.

That longing for familial love, and her cherishing of this sister who had suddenly appeared in her life, made her make this somewhat rash yet deeply human decision.

"Really?!" Chen Shuangshuang's head shot up, her eyes filled with disbelief and delight. "You'll take me to Shen City with you?!"

That light was too bright, so bright it softened Zhang Yan's heart.

"Really." She nodded, the corners of her mouth lifting unconsciously.

"Then I'll go pack right now!" Chen Shuangshuang immediately sprang up from the sofa and rushed off to get her backpack.

Watching her busy, joyful little figure, a faint smile appeared on Zhang Yan's face, but it was soon replaced by worry.

She took a deep breath, picked up her phone, opened the chat with Wen Ruan, and carefully worded a message:

"Sister Wen Ruan, I'm so sorry. My younger sister is on winter break and is staying with me right now. I was thinking of bringing her along to play for a few days. If it's inconvenient for you, she and I can stay in a hotel first. I'm really, truly sorry for the trouble."

Delete.

Type again.

Delete again.

Type once more.

After revising back and forth several times, she finally mustered the courage to hit [Send].

After sending it, she held her phone, her heart pounding wildly, her fingertips trembling slightly.

What she feared most was causing trouble for others, especially for this leader who had taken such good care of her, like a real older sister.

Less than half a minute later.

"Buzz buzz—"

[Wen Ruan: "I say, Yanyan, you're being way too formal with me! Talking like that to me makes me so sad (#heartbroken)!]

[Wen Ruan: "Your sister is naturally my sister too! Come on! With your sis here, I'll make sure everything is perfectly arranged for you two!"]

Looking at the affectionate words, Zhang Yan bit her lower lip, remained silent for a long moment, then replied, "Thank you, Sister Wen Ruan."

[Wen Ruan: "If you say thank you again, I'm really going to get angry, you know? (glaring) I've already arranged for a car. It'll come pick you up directly downstairs tomorrow. I'll send you the license plate and driver's number in a bit. Just get in the car when it arrives, don't be polite with your sis. Remember to bring Juzi!"]

Zhang Yan looked at her excited sister beside her, then at her mother busy in the kitchen, then down at the uncompromising yet warmly comforting words on WeChat.

A surge of heat, completely unexpected, rushed to her nose. Her eyes instantly grew warm.

...

Shen City, China Resources Shencheng Bay Yuefu, Building 2, Unit 3601.

The lighting in the living room was adjusted just right, warm but not glaring.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was the dazzling night view of Shencheng Bay. Shadows of boats dotted the sea surface, blending with the starlight.

Su Yu was nestled in the large fabric sofa, her long, straight legs casually resting on the edge of the coffee table.

She wore a loose, chunky knit sweater, her hair tied up loosely at the back, a few stray strands falling against her snow-white neck. Without the sharpness from the red carpet, she appeared even more ethereally beautiful, lazily captivating.

Seeing Wen Ruan put down her phone with a subtle expression, she asked softly, "What's wrong? Did something change with Zhang Yan?"

"Oh?" Su Yu took the phone and glanced at it. "Chen Shuangshuang, right?"

"Mm, her half-sister from the same mother." Wen Ruan took her phone back, leaning against the sofa. "I guess she wants to use this opportunity to improve her relationship with Chen Shuangshuang. From what Zhang Yan said, that middle school girl is very sensitive. Her relationship with this older sister who came home midway has never been very close."

The corners of Su Yu's lips lifted in a faint smile. "It's fine. You go ahead with the birthday celebration plans with Zhang Yan tomorrow as usual. Leave Chen Shuangshuang to me. I'll take her out."

Wen Ruan was silent for a moment before asking, "Tomorrow... you're not going?"

"No." Su Yu shook her head, her amber eyes holding a transparent sort of amusement. "I know what Liu Qingning intends. You three have a good gathering. If I go, the flavor changes. She also needs an opportunity to properly interact with Zhang Yan."

Wen Ruan looked at this peerlessly beautiful female star before her, her heart once again filled with involuntary emotion.

A woman like Su Yu, a national Diva, the goddess in the hearts of millions, was now actively helping him maintain peace in his... entourage.

Even to avoid putting him in a difficult position, she had barely appeared before him all day today.

"Come, have a drink." Su Yu patted the sofa cushion beside her, tilting her chin towards Wen Ruan, holding two glasses of red wine.

"Cheers." Wen Ruan walked over, sat down, and took the glass.

"Clink—"

The two wine glasses lightly touched, emitting a crisp sound.

Wen Ruan took a sip, sighing comfortably. "By the way, big star, you said you had something serious to discuss with me earlier. What is it?"

Su Yu didn't answer immediately.

She leaned closer to Wen Ruan, softly resting her whole body against Wen Ruan's shoulder, her long legs crossed, her posture languid to an almost unbelievable degree.

"I need you to do me a small favor." Her voice was very soft, carrying a hint of a barely-there coquettishness.

"What favor?"

"Within the Family Office, nominate me to enter the Family Office, that is, to join the Advisory Committee."

"Ah???"

Wen Ruan whipped her head around, eyes wide as she stared at Su Yu, nearly spilling the wine in her hand.

(Gasp)!!

And then the next second, an eighty-two-year-old black pot fell from the sky and landed squarely on her head!

Nominate Su Yu to join the Family Office Advisory Committee?!

What virtue or ability did she, Zhuang Zhuang, possess to be entrusted with such an important task?!

The key point was—

Previously, making Su Yu an LP in the fund was entirely Director Jin's own doing!

She was just a figurehead tool!

Now she was supposed to take the initiative to nominate her?

This was... this was practically roasting her over an open fire!

When Director Jin gave her that killer glare later, would she even survive?!

Seeing Wen Ruan's instantly stiffened expression, Su Yu let out a light laugh. Not only did she not move away, she instead leaned even closer, almost pressing her entire body against Wen Ruan.

"So? Willing to help? Once I'm formally in and have a seat, I can legitimately help you share some of that fire in the future, you know."

"Don't worry." Su Yu's breath was as fragrant as orchids, her warm, wine-scented breath brushing against the side of Wen Ruan's neck, raising goosebumps. "She won't refuse."

"Ah? But aren't you two..."

"Hehe." Su Yu chuckled lightly, her fingers tangling in the strands of hair falling by Wen Ruan's ear. "I spoke with her at noon today. This matter... she was the one who brought it up first."

Wen Ruan was completely dumbfounded.

The conflict between Director Jin and Su Yu—who in the entire Family Office didn't know about it? It was an open secret, like fire and water!

Now Director Jin was actually hinting for Su Yu to join the Advisory Committee?

What kind of magical plot twist was this?

Seeing Wen Ruan's expression, the amusement in Su Yu's eyes deepened.

She suddenly propped herself up, moving with a light, nimble turn, and actually directly straddled Wen Ruan's lap.

Her arms encircled Wen Ruan's neck. That face capable of toppling cities and kingdoms was now within reach, so close Wen Ruan could clearly count her long, curled eyelashes and feel her warm breath.

"The specific reasons I can't really say. But rest assured, it's definitely not bad for you. Promise me, okay? Dear Ruan Ruan?"

Wen Ruan: "...."

Even as a woman, being pressed so close like this by such a peerless beauty at such close range made Wen Ruan's heart race and her cheeks flush.

She raised her hand, gently pinching Su Yu's delicate chin, pushing that dangerously close, femme fatale face back a little.

Su Yu blinked, smiling innocently yet seductively, her amber eyes brimming with starlight. "Is it working?"

"It's working. Very much so. But could you get off my lap first? With you pressing on me like this... my brain can't function, can't think."

"Pfft—" Su Yu laughed out loud, her chest trembling slightly, but she showed no intention of getting down. "No. You're nice and soft, so comfortable. I just want to sit like this."

"Fine, I surrender." Wen Ruan raised her hands. "I'll help you."

(··)

Actually, she was perfectly clear in her heart. She believed Su Yu wouldn't deliberately set her up in this matter.

Besides, if the female star could legitimately enter the Advisory Committee, then she would become the biggest live target in the room. In the future, all of Director Jin and Ms. Ouyang's fire would be directed at her. Then she, this "golden scapegoat," could truly be liberated!

Wen Ruan teased with a smirk, "Alright then. I'll have to take lots of photos to send to Tang Song. Let him know the great beauty he pines for fell into my hands tonight, at my mercy."

"Okay." Su Yu not only wasn't afraid, she actually played along. "Preferably the kind where we're not wearing any clothes, he should like that very much."

"I don't care."

"Then should we prepare some props? The kind... that are good for playing with."

"Emm... Ruan Ruan, you've learned to be naughty."

Outside the window, the night was deep.

Two enchantingly charming women were causing a ruckus on the sofa, crisp laughter drifting out the window intermittently, melting into the gentle nightscape of Shencheng Bay.

Su Yu suddenly spoke. "Wen Ruan, I have a proposal."

"What proposal?"

"Let's go traveling together for the New Year, how about that?"

"Sure, where to? Maldives? Or skiing in Switzerland?"

"Where to?"

"To Quancheng. Jing County."

Wen Ruan: (Gasp)