Chapter 21: I Just Couldn’t Hold Back

“Could it be… Ling Yuan?”

“A-ah… um…”

Yixin Xue wished the floor would swallow her whole. Ling Yuan’s foot stuck out from the wardrobe, his body buried in clothes, fast asleep.

Even Yingnan’s loud call didn’t wake him. If not for his steady breathing, she’d have thought he was gone.

“This…”

Yingnan’s words caught in her throat. She didn’t know what to say about her sister.

This was clearly Yixin Xue’s doing.

From her stories, Ling Yuan was a decent guy despite his poor grades.

Passing out in a wardrobe full of risqué clothes?

No way that added up.

“Xue’er, what were you planning to do with him…?”

Yingnan turned, but Yixin Xue had already backed away.

“Don’t scold me… I just…”

She bit her lip, then blurted out, “I just couldn’t hold back!”

“Couldn’t hold back… pfft—”

Yingnan stifled a laugh.

“A guy even you can’t handle?”

“Ugh… I don’t know why…”

Yixin Xue wanted to understand too! But Ling Yuan’s heart seemed locked, barring any girl from entry. How did he stay so restrained?

“Can’t figure it out.”

Yingnan raised an eyebrow.

“Sounds like a tough one. But what’d you do to him? Should we take him to a hospital?”

“No, no, I just gave him a little medicine… um, maybe a bit too much. He’ll wake up tonight…”

Yixin Xue said quickly.

“Oh~”

Yingnan nodded knowingly, eyeing her sister cowering in the distance.

“So, what were you planning while he’s out?”

A loaded question. Yingnan knew plenty about such things but was reserved, never crossing lines like this.

“Nothing…”

“You expect me to believe that?”

Yingnan laughed harder.

“If you couldn’t hold back, why not try that kind of medicine?”

“Too soon… and… well…”

Even the coldest breeze couldn’t cool Yixin Xue’s burning cheeks. How could she voice such thoughts!?

Seeing her struggle, Yingnan eased off.

“No wonder you ignored my messages all morning. Got it~”

She gave an understanding look.

“Looks like Xue’er doesn’t want me around, interrupting her little world for two.”

Yixin Xue stared at her, dumbfounded.

Clap!

Yingnan clapped her hands, flashing a soft smile.

“I won’t bother you then. I’ll go. Back tomorrow? Or maybe Monday?”

“Uh, yeah… Yingnan…”

Yixin Xue trailed off, shyly looking away.

The door closed softly.

Waiting for the elevator, Yingnan murmured gently.

“So nice. Xue’er won’t be alone anymore. She won’t need me.”

Her voice held endless warmth.

“But boys need to protect themselves out there.”

***

“Ahh—”

Yan Xi poked at her lunchbox, bored.

“Why isn’t Brother back yet?”

Home was dull without him. She’d ordered takeout but had no appetite.

He said he’d be back in the afternoon…

She glanced at the wall clock.

“Time’s so slow! So slow… He better not have been stolen by Yixin Xue!”

Her eyes narrowed, her face turning stern.

“If that’s the case… hmph…”

After sulking, her expression softened. She looked at her takeout, a sudden idea sparking.

Everyone said her cooking sucked, so she’d spend the afternoon making something amazing.

Tonight, she’d make Brother see her in a new light.

With that, Yan Xi grabbed her bag and headed out, planning ingredients.

“What a coincidence. Afternoon, Yan Xi. You’re as stunning as ever.”

Her body froze at the voice.

[This guy again? What are the odds…?]

As she stood there, dazed, the handsome boy flashed a refined smile.

“Free this afternoon? Can I treat you to lunch?”

“No, I’m busy.”

Yan Xi didn’t even glance at him, trying to slip past.

But he stepped in front of her again.

“How about a milk tea then?”

Yan Xi was a true heiress, warm and approachable, unlike the icy Yixin Xue. Most would think she was easier to win over.

Naturally, she had far more suitors than Yixin Xue. This boy was no exception.

“Sorry, I’ve got things to do. Really busy.”

She gave a strained smile.

“Then, can I get your contact info?”

He didn’t give up, chasing after her as she turned to leave.

“I really like you, Yan Xi!”

“Thanks.”

“I really like you!”

“I really appreciate it.”

She sighed, softening her tone.

“Sorry, I have a boyfriend. Thanks for liking me. I hope you find someone better. Bye~”

After walking far, ensuring he wasn’t following, she sighed again.

“Seriously, why’s Brother suddenly so serious, going to study? He could’ve spent time with me. I could tutor him too, and no one’s gentler than me.”

It wasn’t a lie—her grades topped the humanities class. Even if she studied humanities, she could teach Chinese and English, right?

“Hey, Miss Yan, buying groceries again?”

The market vendors recognized her instantly. This girl with the perfect figure always stood out.

Even women were stunned by her.

“Yeah, but it’s afternoon. Not much fresh stuff left, huh?”

She eyed the sparse vegetables regretfully.

“These are still fresh. I can give you a discount.”

“I’ll take them. No need for a discount—just the regular price. I don’t like haggling.”

That’s why vendors loved this heiress—she never bargained.

Their only headache was her paying for cheap veggies with hundred-yuan bills, forcing them to scramble for change.

[Tonight, I’ll make Brother’s favorites: pickled fish, sweet-and-sour ribs, green pepper stir-fried pork. Yan Xi, you got this! Don’t let him down!]