Chapter 13: Please Pamper Me Properly

“Crap, forgot my umbrella!”

Ling Yuan scratched his head in frustration.

But it was just a light drizzle—by the time he got home, he wouldn’t be as soaked as yesterday.

[Didn’t take the umbrella or the free ice cream.]

The more he thought about it, the worse it felt.

[Why’d I even go to the class president’s place? And mop the whole classroom!]

Walking home, Ling Yuan felt like a sign reading “Big Sucker” was plastered on his forehead, his face stuck in a lifeless expression.

“I’m back.”

He opened the door to a pitch-black apartment, not at all like Yan Xi was home.

[Is she planning some prank again?]

With that thought, Ling Yuan flicked on the light, revealing an empty room. His bedroom door, though, was tightly shut.

Hmm…

He squinted, as if his eyes had been stung, running through countless possibilities in his head.

“Yan Xi, you in there? Up to no good?”

He pushed open the bedroom door while speaking, and the sight froze him in place.

“Mm… Brother’s back…”

Yan Xi rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up on the bed.

“Sorry, I fell asleep waiting for you.”

“Put some clothes on first.”

Ling Yuan rubbed his forehead, exasperated.

“Clothes…?”

Yan Xi looked down at her outfit.

She’d come over in a Lolita dress but found it too hot while sleeping, so she’d taken it off. In her haste, her tank top had slipped off one shoulder, leaving her half-exposed in front of Ling Yuan.

“Mm… don’t wanna move…”

Yan Xi knelt on the bed, still groggy, clearly not fully awake.

She mumbled, “I want Brother to pamper me… Help me fix my clothes…”

“That’s not exactly…”

“Please… pamper me properly…”

Her pleading tone was hard for anyone with a conscience to refuse.

“Fine, don’t move.”

Ling Yuan crossed his arms, sighing helplessly.

“What am I gonna do with you?”

He stepped forward, adjusting her tank top. As his fingers brushed her skin, Yan Xi felt a strange tickle.

Itchy…

“Mmm…”

“What’s with that noise?”

Ling Yuan jumped, startled. That sound was straight out of some risqué anime.

“What’s wrong?”

Yan Xi yawned, acting like nothing happened.

“My comb’s in my bag. Brush my hair for me, please, Brother.”

“Alright, fine.”

Her hair was a mess from sleeping—whatever position she’d been in. Unable to say no, Ling Yuan grabbed the comb and gently brushed her hair.

“You were gone forever. It’s almost eight already.”

Yan Xi closed her eyes, basking in the pampering.

“Yan Xi’s hungry and sleepy.”

“Sorry, I walked to save money instead of taking a cab.”

“Seriously, why skimp on that? You could’ve asked me to cover it.”

Yan Xi pouted slightly.

“My allowance could totally support you.”

“I don’t wanna mooch too much. Didn’t you say you’re treating me to barbecue tonight?”

Ling Yuan shrugged, feigning innocence.

“Mooch? What’s mine is yours. We’re family, right?”

Yan Xi suddenly turned, eyes sparkling with expectation.

“Unless… you’d be interested if I cosplayed as a catgirl?”

“Nope…”

“Not enough? Should I call you Master~?”

“No need…”

“Even that doesn’t work!?”

Yan Xi’s brows furrowed.

“What would it take…?”

“Nothing. Just be yourself.”

Ling Yuan set the comb down and grabbed a fresh hoodie from the closet.

“I don’t get excited about 3D bodies.”

“But I get excited seeing your body!”

“…”

Ling Yuan pretended not to hear.

“Really! Your body makes me excited!”

“Tch—”

Ling Yuan sucked in a breath.

“Alright, enough. Get dressed. Weren’t we going for barbecue?”

“Hmph, I’m telling the truth, and you don’t believe me.”

Yan Xi grumbled, slowly putting her clothes back on.

“Which place are we hitting for barbecue?”

Ling Yuan ignored her, changing the subject to shift her focus.

“Whatever you want, I’ll eat. I’m fine with anything.”

Yan Xi smoothed out her skirt, checked her appearance in a mirror, and nodded, satisfied.

Her red-based Lolita dress perfectly highlighted her curvy figure, the intricate design adding a touch of allure to her beauty.

No makeup needed—Yan Xi’s looks were already breathtaking.

Her outfit made Ling Yuan think of one thing—Little Red Riding Hood!?

“How do I look?”

Yan Xi twirled in front of him.

“Pretty?”

“Pretty cute.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Yan Xi nodded, pleased, but after a few seconds, Ling Yuan didn’t add anything.

“That’s… it?”

“What else am I supposed to say?”

“Girls need more compliments! No wonder you’re still single—your EQ’s so low!”

Yan Xi puffed out her cheeks, crossing her arms indignantly.

“But lucky for you, Yan Xi doesn’t mind. You should be proud to have a sister like me!”

Ling Yuan stared at her, dumbfounded, as she sat on the bed.

“It’s not that—it’s just that I’m not into 3D, okay!?”

“Hmph, I’ll win you over eventually.”

Yan Xi’s pout grew bigger.

“I don’t believe a guy like you has zero interest in women!”

“Maybe.”

Ling Yuan’s eyes dimmed slightly.  Sure, he’d talk with his bros about how pretty or curvy a girl was.

But that was just admiration for beauty, nothing more.

As for actual interest?

None.

No one could replace her, etched deep in his memories.

Years-old memories surged like a tidal wave. Even now, they felt like they happened yesterday.

“What’re you thinking about?”

Yan Xi’s voice snapped him out of it, the memories breaking like a snapped string.

“Thinking about what to eat tonight.”

Ling Yuan forced a bitter smile to mask his complicated feelings.

“Meat, duh! Woo, I want grilled lamb skewers, pork belly, chicken wings…”

Her mouth watered as she listed them, practically teleporting to the barbecue joint in her mind.

“Order less. You always make me finish what you can’t.”

“Come on, I wanna try a bit of everything. Can’t help it!”

Fully awake now, Yan Xi bounced out the door.

“It’s so nice here with you. No need for etiquette. I wanna stay with you forever!”