Xue Yang hadn’t thought much of it at first. But after Si Wen’s explanation, he suddenly understood the problem.

Uh... It seems it would’ve been better if she hadn’t said anything. Her explanation makes it sound like we actually have something going on.

"Well, you two chat. I’ll get going now." Si Wen slipped on her shoes and darted away. As she passed Xue Yang, she whispered, "Don’t let me look down on you~"

If anyone else had said that, it would have sounded like a provocation. But coming from Si Wen...

Uncharacteristically, Xue Yang’s ears turned red, and the blush quickly spread to his neck and face. In the span of a few breaths, he transformed from a composed gentleman into a bashful young man.

This change made Si Wen unable to suppress a giggle. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Haha! Who knew the ever-serious Xue Yang had a side like this? It’s a shame I can’t keep teasing him.

Si Wen decided not to disturb the young couple’s bonding time. Gathering her skirts, she ran out. After exiting, she even remembered to pull the door shut behind her. She and Lin Xi had been roughhousing with the door open just now, which was how Xue Yang had caught them red-handed.

Fortunately, no one else had seen them. Otherwise, it would have been mortifying. And luckily, they weren’t *really* in that kind of... relationship. If they were...

Pah, Si Wen, what are you thinking? Don’t you know if you like men or women? Why are you even questioning it? Have you gone mad?

She hadn’t walked far before she ran into Lin Yinxue coming around a corner in the hallway. Si Wen instantly became the picture of good behavior. When she drew near, she lowered her eyes respectfully and said, "Auntie."

Because of her close friendship with Lin Xi, she followed her friend’s example and also called Lin Yinxue "Auntie."

Seeing Si Wen, Lin Yinxue’s eyes lit up. She glided over to the girl, her gaze warm. "Little Si Wen, you’ve grown so big."

Si Wen pouted. "Auntie, I’m already eighteen! Why do you still call me ’Little Si Wen’?"

Though some parts of her were still small, she was quite satisfied with most of herself.

Seeing Si Wen puffing out her cheeks, Lin Yinxue chuckled lightly. "You and Xiao Xi will always be children in my eyes, no matter how old you get. Are you staying for dinner tonight? It’s been so long since we all ate together. I remember Little Si Wen is quite the picky eater."

"Auntie, tonight is your family dinner, so I shouldn’t impose. I’ll invite you out to eat some other time when you’re free."

Hearing this, Lin Yinxue didn’t insist. "In that case, I’ll be waiting for your invitation."

"I promise I’ll treat you to the most delicious food, Auntie!"

"By the way, Xiao Xi’s love life is settled now, but what about yours? I thought I saw a handsome young man with you earlier today. Where has he gone?"

Lin Yinxue glanced around but didn’t see any sign of Xue Xing. At the mention of his name, Si Wen’s eyes dimmed for a moment before she replied, "Auntie, that’s Xue Yang’s younger brother, Xue Xing. I was just helping watch over him for a bit, that’s all. He’s back with his parents now, so of course he doesn’t need to follow me anymore."

"I see..."

Hearing the long, knowing tone in Lin Yinxue’s voice, Si Wen’s cheeks flushed. She wanted to explain but decided against it.

Forget it. Explaining would only invite more speculation. He already said he only thinks of me as a sister. Since that’s the case, I should just focus on being a good sister.

Lin Yinxue took in Si Wen’s entire expression. Her eyes always held a hint of a smile, yet she projected an air of unapproachable nobility, like a rare flower on a snow-capped mountain—beautiful but out of reach.

***

Back in the room, Lin Xi was sitting on the bed with her brow slightly furrowed. Her hand unconsciously fiddled with the fabric of her dress. "Xue Yang, please don’t be mad. We were just playing around."

Lin Xi was completely oblivious to how alluring she looked at that moment.

When Xue Yang didn’t answer, Lin Xi started to look up. Suddenly, a dark shadow fell over her, and in the next second, she was pounced upon by a truly impatient man. He pinned her in the same position Si Wen had moments ago. Inhaling his familiar, clean scent, Lin Xi’s breathing grew heavy.

A deep voice rumbled from above her. "Is this what Si Wen was doing to you?"

"Xue Yang, didn’t you say you weren’t angry?"

"I’m not angry..." Lin Xi breathed a sigh of relief, but in the next second, she heard him add, "...but I’m jealous."

Lin Xi froze. What did he just say? He’s jealous? He said he’s jealous?

"You’re actually jealous of Si Wen."

"Mhm."

Lin Xi’s eyes curved into crescents. At that moment, nothing in the world was more beautiful.

About half an hour later, Lin Xi touched her swollen lips. She was so flushed and delicate, looking as if she were brimming with the dew of youth. "Xue Yang, you kissed my lips so swollen. How am I supposed to face anyone later?"

Xue Yang rubbed his nose. "My fault."

Who could blame him when she was so tempting? He had only held back from taking her right then and there because of the time and place. They still had dinner with the Lin Family tonight. If the guest of honor couldn’t even get out of bed... that would be a real problem...

"So what should we do?" he asked. As a young man, he was still inexperienced in these matters.

"You should go now. I’ll take care of this in the bathroom." Lin Xi pushed Xue Yang out of the room before heading into the bathroom herself.

Lin Xi had been learning about makeup since she was a little girl, so she naturally knew how to conceal the swelling on her lips.

Just as Xue Yang was pushed out, he saw Lin Yinxue. "Auntie."

"Is Xiao Xi in there?"

"She is."

"Young people are full of passion, I understand," Lin Yinxue said knowingly. "But you have to entertain guests tonight, so you two should exercise some restraint. You’ll have plenty of time in the future; there’s no need to be so hasty."

Xue Yang was speechless. He rarely felt this awkward.

Lin Yinxue smiled faintly, then knocked before entering Lin Xi’s room. "Why are you two in such a rush?"

"Auntie, what are you talking about? We weren’t doing anything!"

"Weren’t you? Then what are you doing?"

"I... I accidentally bumped my lip."

"Your aunt wasn’t born yesterday. I’ve seen it all before. Are you really trying to trick me?"

"Auntie..."

"Hush now, I understand completely." Lin Yinxue gave her a look that said it all.

Lin Xi was mortified. I wish I could dig a hole and crawl into it. This is so embarrassing!

"The way you’re treating it might reduce the swelling for a little while, but it will still look a bit strange and actually draw more attention."

"Ah! Then what do I do?" The last thing she wanted was to be the center of attention at the family dinner. Being teased by her aunt was already mortifying enough.

"Here, let me help." Lin Yinxue carefully tended to the swelling on Lin Xi’s lips.

An hour later, thanks to her aunt’s efforts, Lin Xi’s lips had indeed returned to their usual supple state. Her lips were naturally so reddish they looked as if she were wearing lipstick. Now they were moisturized and plump, like a ripe peach, looking utterly irresistible.

Lin Yinxue couldn’t help but sigh in admiration. My niece is a true goddess; that brat Xue Yang sure got lucky. I had always wondered which fortunate young man would end up with such a beautiful niece. Who would have thought it would be Xue Yang, a boy from such an ordinary background? Sometimes, fate is truly a mysterious thing. The very things you think are impossible are the ones that end up happening.