Got a Happy Ending With My Ex’s Sister? (GL) - Chapter 10: Secret Joy

Chapter 10: Secret Joy

Shi Huan grabbed the glass and downed it in one go, no pause. Tang Yiqiu glanced at her, as if trying to stop her reckless drinking.

When Shi Huan set the empty glass on the table and fiddled with the box, Tang Yiqiu subtly looked away, taking a sip of her orange juice.

Too sweet, a bit cloying.

Shi Huan toyed with the bow on the box, looking thrilled yet reluctant to open it.

After a while, she couldn’t hold back, asking Tang Yiqiu expectantly, “Teacher Tang, can I open it?”

Tang Yiqiu hummed in agreement. Shi Huan eagerly pried off the lid. The light under the table was dim, hard to see. Her head spun, nearly diving into the box, but she steadied herself just in time.

The next second, Shi Huan saw the contents and let out an excited squeal, startling several people drinking at the table.

The assistant director spilled half his drink on the screenwriter’s chest. Director Chen glared. “What’s with you, yelling so loud?”

“Nothing, nothing.” Shi Huan looked up sheepishly, barely containing her excitement, cheeks puffed and flushed.

She wanted to share it, let everyone see what Tang Yiqiu gave her!

Tang Yiqiu glanced at her. For a moment, she thought a cat sat beside her, those sparkling eyes waiting for her touch.

Their vibe was anything but “nothing.” The assistant director, wiping the screenwriter’s chest, muttered, “Maybe it’s Tang and Huanhuan’s acting, too good. I get so into it every time, and now I feel like there’s something scandalous between them.”

“Scandalous? What scandal? News to me,” Shi Huan played dumb, then eyed his hand. “Assistant Director Xiao, why do I feel there’s something… flirty between you and Screenwriter Shen?”

Everyone turned to them. The screenwriter swatted away Xiao’s hand from her chest, pulling on her jacket. “Stop groping.”

Laughter erupted, some joking about scandals, others gossiping about which actress was entangled with a leading man.

The crisis passed. Shi Huan sighed in relief, glancing at Tang Yiqiu, who ate her scalded vegetables calmly, like an outsider.

Shi Huan claimed no scandal, but as the drinking resumed, her fingers slipped into the box, pulling out the contents.

A silver bracelet, simple at first glance, but the delicate chain had intricate curves, like maple leaves, with a gem in the center that glowed like a tiny flame under the light.

It looked familiar. Shi Huan lowered her voice. “Teacher Tang, this matches your necklace’s design. Did you pick it for me so we’d have matching couple’s styles?”

The thought made her face burn, the alcohol she’d suppressed bubbling in her veins. She looked at Tang Yiqiu eagerly, desperate for an answer.

“No.” Tang Yiqiu slightly averted her gaze. “Just from the same designer. They like this style.”

Shi Huan let out a disappointed “oh,” but quickly perked up. “Still, you chose it carefully, right? You wear this style because you like it, so giving it to me shows your affection, doesn’t it?”

“So, you like me too, right?” Shi Huan blinked rapidly, wishing she could grab Tang Yiqiu’s head and make her nod.

Tang Yiqiu almost got swayed. “Don’t twist my words.”

“I’m telling the truth.” Shi Huan, seeing no one noticed, rolled up her sleeve. “Can you help me put it on?”

Her exposed wrist was slender, perfect for the bracelet. Tang Yiqiu glanced, her face cold. “Do it yourself.”

Shi Huan refused, deliberately placing her hand on Tang Yiqiu.

In their corner, one leaned in, the other pulled back, careful not to make a scene. Their chase had a hint of secret joy.

Shi Huan won, pressing her wrist on Tang Yiqiu’s leg, playfully threatening, “Put it on, or I’ll call everyone over.”

Tang Yiqiu’s fingers twitched, about to touch her wrist, then shifted to her pocket, pulling out her phone. She typed seriously, “Ye Rong needs me upstairs. Some acquaintances are there.”

She stood, said a few words to Chen Ling, and headed to the elevator, eyes on her phone, avoiding Shi Huan’s gaze.

Shi Huan pouted, put on the bracelet, admired it happily, and snapped several photos.

About to send them to Tang Yiqiu, she saw their midnight chat. Tang Yiqiu had sent a red envelope, which she didn’t accept, joking she wanted a special, extraordinary gift.

Was this the extraordinary gift?

Did Teacher Tang take her words to heart?

The idea made her head spin. Asking Tang Yiqiu wouldn’t work; she’d deny it with her personality. Shi Huan shifted her gaze to Chang Qing at the next table.

Chang Qing’s table wasn’t drinking much, everyone focused on eating, ordering pricey dishes, lounging lazily on the sofas with full bellies.

“Got a question.” Shi Huan patted Chang Qing’s shoulder.

Chang Qing swallowed her food. “What’s up?”

Shi Huan whispered, “At New Year’s, did Teacher Tang give you anything?”

“A gift?” Chang Qing shook her head, then grinned. “A red envelope! Yiqiu’s generous. I raked in thousands in one night!”

“What about Sister Ye Rong? Red envelope too?”

“Of course. We’ve been stuck filming; no time to prep gifts.” Chang Qing frowned. “Huanhuan, why ask?”

“Just curious. My agent hasn’t sent me a red envelope, and I’m kinda worried.” Shi Huan made up an excuse, her heart coated in honey, sickly sweet. Tang Yiqiu only prepared a gift for her—she was truly special!

Chang Qing reassured her, “Don’t overthink. Your agent’s probably busy. Everyone—platforms, artists—is chasing trends and news. Check tonight; she might reply…”

Noticing no response, Chang Qing turned to see Shi Huan’s grin stretching ear to ear, not worried but overjoyed, like she’d hit the jackpot.

“Huanhuan… why’re you smiling like that?”

“Huh?” Shi Huan snapped back, pressing her cheeks. “I’m laughing from frustration. Thanks, I’ll check with my agent.”

She hurried back to her seat, sneaking peeks at the bracelet. The silver gleamed under the orange light, sparkling deep in her heart. This was from Tang Yiqiu.

From the person she liked.

Lost in delight, the assistant director nudged her. “The upstairs crew’s coming down. Let’s go say hi.”

From their earlier talk, Shi Huan caught that the upstairs crew was shooting an idol drama nearby. Running into them wasn’t odd.

Shi Huan covered her sleeve, watching people stream out of the elevator. Glass in hand, she followed, but before reaching their director, she spotted a familiar face beside him.