Being Raised in Captivity by the Former Canary - Chapter 7

Jiang Jixue couldn’t understand why Quan Ruo’an still showed no trace of emotion, even now.

 

She continued to act as if nothing had happened, her voice warm and gentle as she asked about Jiang Jixue’s well-being with her usual calm composure.

 

It was as if the disheveled Quan Ruo’an she had first met was a completely different person from the one standing before her now.

 

A sense of loss washed over Jiang Jixue.

 

She pressed her lips together, then reached out to embrace the tall, slender woman before her, resting her head against Quan Ruo’an’s chest without hesitation.

 

A rich, lingering fragrance filled her nostrils. Quan Ruo’an lowered her gaze, meeting Jiang Jixue’s dark, lustrous eyes.

 

The Golden Canary of their past was no longer naive, her body now soft and yielding, like sinking into a cloud.

 

Quan Ruo’an’s body stiffened, her thoughts drifting to some unknown place. Jiang Jixue frowned slightly, her gaze questioning as she observed Quan Ruo’an’s distant expression.

 

Xiao Xue, our relationship shouldn’t be like this, Quan Ruo’an thought to herself after a long silence. Finally, she placed her hands on Jiang Jixue’s shoulders and gently pushed her away from her embrace.

 

The moment she saw Xiao Xue, all her previous romantic fantasies and wandering thoughts vanished like smoke.

 

She didn’t want to repeat past mistakes. She didn’t want their relationship to become impure, or perhaps too pure—referring to a casual hookup or a purely transactional arrangement based on money.

 

What would be different from seven years ago? The only change would be a reversal of power dynamics.

 

Jiang Jixue stared into Quan Ruo’an’s clear eyes, her expression earnest and grave. A wave of profound disappointment washed over her.

 

Even if they were worlds apart now, what did it matter?

 

Quan Ruo’an remained Quan Ruo’an.

 

With a mere flick of his finger, a solemn expression, and an intense gaze, he could still dominate his Gold Master.

 

Jiang Jixue turned away, her slender figure appearing ethereal under the warm lamplight. “Sister, please stay in the guest room on the second floor tonight. I’ve already asked Auntie to prepare it.”

 

Quan Ruo’an pressed his lips together, listening as she added, “It’s brand new, freshly laundered.”

 

“I won’t be staying long in R City this time,” Quan Ruo’an said.

 

“Then why did you come back?” Jiang Jixue turned around, her gaze already shimmering with a watery light reminiscent of mountain mists.

 

Her tone carried a hint of accusation.

 

Now, she could finally confront Quan Ruo’an directly, with the right to question her.

 

“…Ruo Shui will be released next month. I came back to settle some old business.”

 

“Then you can stay here this month,” Jiang Jixue’s voice turned icy again.

 

Quan Ruo’an didn’t reply. Unable to bear the silence, Jiang Jixue pressed on, “What are your plans for Ruo Shui after her release? Will you go your separate ways, or will you take your most trusted confidante to another city to start over?”

 

“I’ve set aside some money for Ruo Shui,” Quan Ruo’an said coldly.

 

“What about you, Sister?” Jiang Jixue buried her face in Quan Ruo’an’s arms, wrapping her arms around her waist. What she really wanted to ask was, Will you keep working odd jobs, paying off debts, and living a frugal, impoverished life? But the words that came out were the same humble pleas she had etched into her heart years ago.

 

“Sister… please stay. I can take care of you now. I have the means to support you now,” Jiang Jixue continued, her voice choked with sobs and pleading.

 

Hearing Jiang Jixue’s delirious yet heartfelt words, Quan Ruo’an’s expression softened slightly, her delicate brows furrowing.

 

From Jiang Jixue’s perspective, her sister’s sharp jawline still made her appear cold and ruthless, crushing her heart into ashes.

 

Still the same person who never wavers.

 

Jiang Jixue tried to pull away.

 

Quan Ruo’an’s eyes darkened. She abruptly turned Jiang Jixue to face her, then leaned down and tenderly traced her tongue along those rosy lips.

 

Surprise and joy flooded Jiang Jixue’s mind as that familiar, soft tongue slipped between her lips. She clung tightly to Quan Ruo’an, following her movements.

 

“…I’m sorry.”

 

During a brief pause for breath, those three words drifted into her ear, her sister’s voice so cold, so desolate.

 

Jiang Jixue’s hands tightened around Quan Ruo’an’s face.

 

The night was bathed in the clear, silvery moonlight.

 

After their goodnight kiss, they returned to their respective rooms. Quan Ruo’an slept alone in a room where the curtains didn’t quite cover the window, allowing the bright moonlight to illuminate the scenery outside.

 

Learning that Xiao Xue was living in comfortable surroundings and wasn’t suffering, Quan Ruo’an felt a sense of relief.

 

But her thoughts soon drifted to the mystery of Xiao Xue’s journey here.

 

What had Xiao Xue endured during those three years?

 

Quan Ruo’an’s heart churned with a tempest of emotions. She desperately wanted to know everything about Xiao Xue’s experiences during that time, but she didn’t know what position she should take to ask.

 

The night deepened, nearing the witching hour. A gentle spring rain began to fall, pattering softly against the eaves.

 

In the second-floor corridor, a woman suddenly appeared.

 

The moonlight cast her in an eerie glow, her face as pale as winter snow on a distant mountain peak. The only reassuring sign was the long shadow stretching beneath her feet.

 

Dressed in a moon-white silk nightgown, her eyes were rimmed with red, glistening with unshed tears. Her gaze pierced through the corridor, fixated on the door of the second-to-last room.

 

Jiang Jixue strolled leisurely to the door, stood motionless for five minutes, then quietly pushed open the door that had never been fully closed.

 

The room was silent, so still that you wouldn’t have noticed someone lying in bed unless you looked closely.

 

This was the first time Jiang Jixue had ever seen Quan Ruo’an asleep in bed.

 

She approached cautiously, unconsciously holding her breath.

 

Quan Ruo’an’s sleeping posture was remarkably “standard”: lying straight on her back, hands tucked under the covers, her thick, raven-black lashes casting shadows across the porcelain-white skin beneath her eyes.

 

Compared to her usual arrogant and aloof demeanor, there was now a hint of melancholy between her brows.

 

Jiang Jixue’s gaze deepened, a pang of heartache mixed with overwhelming relief at her sister’s return.

 

It’s enough that you’re back.

 

After standing by Quan Ruo’an’s bed for what felt like an eternity, Jiang Jixue’s legs began to stiffen.

 

After an unknown period of hesitation, she gently lifted a corner of the blanket and, as if by magic, slipped into the warm, soft embrace of the bed.

 

The scent of hair lingered on the pillow—the same shampoo and essential oil she used herself. The thought that Quan Ruo’an had just bathed in her bathroom, using her personal toiletries, filled her with a strange sense of satisfaction.

 

Jiang Jixue nestled closer, like a contented fox after a satisfying meal, radiating a sense of fulfillment.

 

And so, when Quan Ruo’an groggily woke up in the hazy morning light, this was the scene that greeted her.

 

Her ink-black hair spread across the pillow like spilled ink, carrying a faint, long-forgotten fragrance. Above her, the ceiling was snow-white, and the texture of the bed and blankets felt unfamiliar.

 

Hiss. Quan Ruo’an opened her eyes, momentarily disoriented.

 

It wasn’t until she realized the delicate strands of hair on the pillow weren’t her own that her mind slowly returned to focus.

 

She had fallen asleep at Xiao Xue’s villa last night.

 

But where am I now? Quan Ruo’an shifted her gaze and, as expected, saw a delicate, porcelain-white face beside her.

 

Panic surged through her.

 

Did we… sleep together?

 

Quan Ruo’an cautiously lifted the blanket, her heart pounding with a guilty apprehension, and peered down at their bodies beneath.

 

The air hung still for a few seconds. When she saw they were both still wearing their pajamas from the night before, and her body felt none of the soreness or swelling that would follow such an encounter, Quan Ruo’an exhaled in relief.

 

Just as she was about to get out of bed, a hand gripped the hem of her pajama top.

 

“Where are you going?” A drowsy voice murmured from behind, accompanied by the rustling of fabric.

 

Quan Ruo’an froze for a moment, her back still turned. Then, regaining her usual composure, she gathered her slightly disheveled pajamas and glanced back, her voice cool. “I should be asking you why you’re in my bed.”

 

The person before her was fluffy and still half-asleep, gazing at her with drowsy eyes.

 

Like a kitten.

 

Quan Ruo’an, realizing the strange association, abruptly suppressed these peculiar feelings.

 

Being apart for too long really does make you sick.

 

“My house, I’ll sleep wherever I want,” Jiang Jixue said, her voice slightly raised but still carrying a hint of languor.

 

Quan Ruo’an fell silent, choosing not to argue further. He stood up and began unbuttoning his shirt from the top.

 

When he reached the second button, his hand froze.

 

Where was the duffel bag with his clothes and the clothes he’d changed out of last night?

 

“Your clothes are still soaking in the water,” a light breeze whispered from behind him, the voice as cold as snowmelt. “Sister, let’s go to my walk-in closet.”

 

Jiang Jixue seemed to read his mind, knowing his thoughts the instant they formed.

 

“You did this on purpose?” Quan Ruo’an asked, knowing the answer.

 

He received only a drawn-out, nonchalant “Mmhmm.”

 

Without another glance, Jiang Jixue threw back the covers and strode out of the room in one fluid motion.

 

Quan Ruo’an pressed his lips together, too lazy to bother with his clothes. He followed her out, leaving his collarbones and a large expanse of pale skin exposed.

 

From an angle where Quan Ruo’an couldn’t see, Jiang Jixue’s lips curved into a triumphant smile.

 

Jiang Jixue had rehearsed countless times the scene of Quan Ruo’an’s return.

 

She would take him to her walk-in closet and dress him up like a doll, putting on the clothes she had already chosen for him.

 

Her sister was so beautiful.

 

So much so that she had unconsciously bought so many clothes that suited him, even more than she had for herself.

 

Whenever she saw something that would look good on him, she would buy it and place it in the section of the closet dedicated to him.

 

Now, she was finally putting her plan into action.

 

Snapping out of her reverie, Jiang Jixue led him to the semi-open walk-in closet and stopped.

 

“Choose whatever you like,” she said, turning away.

 

She jumped back in shock at the sight before her.

 

Quan Ruo’an was leaning against the door, his pajama collar hanging wide open, his raven-feather lashes partially concealing the amusement in his eyes. His gaze flickered between the clothes and her, as if admiring a masterpiece.

 

The exposed collarbones and the faint glimpse of the hollow between them made Jiang Jixue’s face flush crimson.

 

A seduction attempt!

 

Seeing the young woman standing there, stunned, Quan Ruo’an chuckled and rose to his feet, heading toward the dressing room she had indicated.

 

Still so naive, Quan Ruo’an mused. I wonder if that stubborn streak is just an act.

 

Before the dazzling array of clothing and accessories, Quan Ruo’an moved with practiced ease, his eyes gliding over the displays. With a single glance, he could identify brands and recognize haute couture pieces.

 

Reaching the far end of the room, Quan Ruo’an paused leisurely.

 

Jiang Jixue remained rooted outside the door, her breath held unconsciously, like a student awaiting judgment from a teacher.

 

Quan Ruo’an’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, an unreadable emotion flickering within them.

 

It was obvious that the entire dressing room had been meticulously designed.

 

Everything was arranged according to her tastes, her habits, her favorite brands, and the order in which she preferred them displayed.

 

Could it be that after just a few years by my side, Xiao Xue’s tastes and habits have become identical to mine?