Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 27

Jun Xizhi: “The Jun Family… which Eldest Miss?”

Ying Tao casually pointed at Jian Suixin beside her. “Who else? The Eldest Miss Xin Xin wants to marry.”

Jian Suixin, who had been quietly listening to the gossip, stared in disbelief.

Jun Xizhi looked utterly astonished. “Xiao Jian, you like… the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family?”

“Absolutely not! You can eat anything, but you can’t say just anything!” Jian Suixin’s eyes widened at the absurd accusation, and she immediately denied it without hesitation.

She turned to Jun Xizhi with a serious expression. “Elder Sister, I have absolutely no connection to her! Don’t listen to Taotao’s nonsense!”

As a machine, the System was still in the process of learning about human emotions. Faced with Jian Suixin’s reaction, it immediately asked humbly, “Host, if there’s no connection, why are you so eager to explain to Sister Zhi?”

Jian Suixin paused before replying, “Isn’t it because I don’t want her to misunderstand?”

System: “Then why only explain to Sister Zhi? What about Taotao? Doesn’t she deserve an explanation too?”

Jian Suixin: …

System: Let me check… After analyzing and integrating vast historical data from the database, I’ve found that this behavior often occurs between romantic partners, especially when one party fears the other might misunderstand their relationship with someone else.

But Host, you and Sister Zhi aren’t in a romantic relationship right now. Why would you say something like that? Could you tell me what was going through your mind when you said that? Have you already started thinking of yourself as her partner without her consent?

Jian Suixin: …Why does this sound so wrong? Is it mocking me?

Jian Suixin: Want to know why?

System: Yes, yes!

Jian Suixin: Because you talk too much.

System: …

Can’t even ask a question now? How am I supposed to upgrade my programming if I can’t consult with you?

“Calm down, calm down,” Ying Tao said, pulling Jian Suixin back from her hasty explanation to prevent her from doing anything rash. “What’s wrong? You said it yourself, are you going to deny it now?”

Jian Suixin: When did I ever—

She stopped mid-sentence.

“The Eldest Miss almost married me.”

“Xin Xin, you must be terrified of poverty to say something like that. Did you dream about it?”

“Mm… yes, I did dream about it.”

As the memory resurfaced, Jian Suixin realized she had indeed said those words.

During Ying Tao’s gossip session last time, she had accidentally let slip about the arranged marriage. In a moment of panic, Jian Suixin had blurted out this claim.

Now, she was truly reaping what she had sown.

Words spoken are like water spilled—irrevocable. Jian Suixin couldn’t deny it, so she could only say, “That was ages ago. I don’t like her anymore.”

Ying Tao peeked out. “Fickle woman.”

Jian Suixin shoved her head back down. “Cut it out. Stop bringing up ancient history.”

Jun Xizhi watched the two bickering with a smile. “So, you used to like her?”

Jian Suixin: ……

As expected of my elder sister—always hitting the nail on the head.

I really dug my own grave with that one, Jian Suixin thought.

“That was just youthful ignorance,” Jian Suixin quickly explained. “The Eldest Miss of the Jun Family? Who even is she? Honestly, I’ve never even met her. I wouldn’t give her a second thought.”

Ying Tao chimed in with a dramatic flourish, “Elder Sister, believe me, you’re the only one in my eyes~”

Jian Suixin: ……

Jian Suixin pretended not to hear her sarcastic tone. “That person… I don’t even need to meet her to know she’s no good! Who would ever like her?”

Jun Xizhi, the person no one supposedly liked: ……

“……” Just from this opening, the System could already foresee the scenes that might unfold. It silently closed its eyes, unable to bear watching any further.

Seeing the conversation drifting further off-topic, Ying Tao, remembering they were supposed to be gossiping, quickly steered it back on course. “Alright, alright, we get it—you don’t like her anymore. Let’s focus on the gossip first, and we can talk about relationship issues later.”

Jun Xizhi: “So, is this the Jun Family I’m thinking of?”

Assuming Jun Xizhi was interested, Ying Tao grew even more animated. She knew no one could resist a good gossip. “Exactly! The most famous Jun Family in our city! Sister Zhi, have you heard of them?”

When the topic returned to the Jun Family, Jun Xizhi lost the composure she’d shown while teasing Jian Suixin. After a moment of silence, she nodded. “I’ve heard of them.”

Not only had she heard of them, but she was quite familiar with members of the family.

Ying Tao: “The Jun Family is really famous, you know. Everyone knows them.”

Jun Xizhi hummed in acknowledgment, offering no further comment.

“Oh, right, you weren’t there when we talked about this last time, so you might not know the backstory. Let me give you a quick rundown.”

Jun Xizhi asked, “So, when you two were chatting in the hallway, you were talking about this?”

“Exactly,” Ying Tao replied.

Noticing Jun Xizhi’s odd expression, Jian Suixin asked, “Elder Sister, is something wrong?”

Jun Xizhi pressed a hand to her forehead. “Nothing, carry on.”

The rest of the time belonged to Ying Tao’s storytelling. It had to be said, the girl truly had a gift for spinning tales and gossiping, bringing her stories to life with vivid detail.

Jian Suixin occasionally chimed in with questions, while Jun Xizhi listened silently, her expression unreadable.

“…So, the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family still has a good chance of reclaiming her power,” Ying Tao concluded, painting a vivid picture of the cutthroat power struggles and hidden agendas within the wealthy clan.

Jun Xizhi listened intently, forgetting all about her meal.

It had to be said, Ying Tao’s storytelling was captivating. If Jun Xizhi hadn’t been the very person being discussed, she might have believed it all herself.

Jian Suixin listened with rapt attention, finally turning to Jun Xizhi for her opinion. “Elder Sister, what do you think? Who will win in the end?”

Jun Xizhi’s lips curved into a smile, but her response was unrelated to the question: “I think Xiao Ying has a natural talent for storytelling.”

Jian Suixin laughed and patted Jun Xizhi’s shoulder. “I agree! Taotao, you’re so talented. Set up a storytelling stall on the street—it’ll be a hit for sure!”

Jun Xizhi: “So this is how the Jun Family is perceived by outsiders.”

Her words carried a hint of intrigue, prompting Jian Suixin to lean closer. “What do you mean, Elder Sister? Do you know what the Jun Family is really like?”

Jun Xizhi immediately shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

Even if she did, she couldn’t reveal it.

Ying Tao, emboldened by the praise, continued, “That’s not all, esteemed guests! There’s even more exciting news to come.”

“After hearing about the power struggles within the wealthy families, let’s switch gears and talk about romance and intrigue.”

Jian Suixin felt a sudden sense of foreboding and quickly swallowed a mouthful of rice to calm her nerves. “Romance and intrigue? What kind?”

The next words out of Ying Tao’s mouth nearly made Jian Suixin choke. “Have you heard? The Eldest Miss of the Jun Family has a fiancée!”

Jian Suixin: …Her instincts had been spot-on.

She instinctively retorted, “We’re not engaged yet! I’m not her fiancée!”

Don’t falsely accuse me of having that kind of relationship with her!

Ying Tao looked puzzled. “How do you know that?”

System: Host, calm down! Don’t act impulsively.

Jian Suixin bit her lower lip. “I… I heard it too.”

“Are you sure?” Ying Tao pressed.

Jian Suixin couldn’t let this false rumor spread. “Absolutely.”

But Ying Tao was even more certain. “Then what you heard is wrong. Mine is right.”

Jian Suixin: ……

I don’t even know about my own wedding! Where do you get your confidence?!

She nearly blurted it out, but the System’s frantic warnings stopped her.

System: I’m so tired! Just spill the beans and go home to get married already!

Jun Xizhi, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “I also heard they’re not engaged yet.”

“You heard that too?” Ying Tao asked.

“Yes, I did.”

With Jun Xizhi’s support, Jian Suixin instantly stiffened her resolve. “See? Two against one. We’re right.”

She dragged her chair closer to Jun Xizhi. “I’m joining forces with Elder Sister.”

Stealing a glance at Jun Xizhi, who showed no reaction, Jian Suixin brazenly sidled up to her and patted her shoulder. “Elder Sister, let’s team up. We don’t have to be afraid of her.”

Jun Xizhi, who had been lost in thought, snapped back to attention. A faint smile curved her lips as she indulged Jian Suixin’s antics. “Alright.”

Why are they forming alliances like this?

Seeing she was outnumbered, Ying Tao reluctantly conceded. “Fine, fine, fine. No engagement, no engagement. He’s just her marriage partner, okay?”

“Mm.” Jian Suixin finally seemed satisfied.

After speaking, Jian Suixin glanced at Ying Tao, then at Jun Xizhi, making sure no one was watching her before relaxing slightly.

Even though neither of them knew her true identity, she felt inexplicably guilty.

“They’ve talked about her marriage partner quite a bit,” Ying Tao said, pulling out her phone and scrolling through their chat history. “Let me find it…”

Jian Suixin’s lips twitched, and she began nervously digging her toes into the floor. She had been quietly enjoying the gossip, but how had it suddenly turned on her?

Jian Suixin tried to stop her. “No need to look. The marriage partner isn’t important. Let’s talk about the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family instead.”

Hearing this, Jun Xizhi, who rarely spoke up, asked, “Who is her marriage partner? I haven’t heard anything about it.”

Jian Suixin turned to Jun Xizhi, her eyes filled with reproach: “Elder Sister, we were just on the same side! How could you betray me so quickly?”

Jun Xizhi met Jian Suixin’s gaze, their eyes locked for a few seconds before Jun Xizhi finally relented under the other woman’s accusatory stare.

She spoke first, her tone a mix of resignation and helplessness: “Alright, let’s talk about the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family.”

Jian Suixin finally looked satisfied. “Hehe, thanks, Elder Sister! We’re still on the same side after all.”

Ying Tao peeked her head in, her voice teasing: “What’s going on here? There are still people present, you know! Public displays of flirtation are hardly appropriate!”

Jian Suixin had already settled back into her seat, smiling. “If you want to flirt too, go ahead! Elder Sister and I don’t mind.”

Ying Tao glanced at the two women in front of her, then at the empty chair beside her, and gritted her teeth.

Three’s a crowd, and one’s always the single dog.

“If you’re going to gossip, you need the full story! I heard the family she’s marrying into is also incredibly powerful,” Ying Tao insisted, refusing to be swayed by their change of heart. She continued scrolling through her phone. “I remember reading about it somewhere… Ah, here it is!”

Ying Tao excitedly held her phone up to Jian Suixin’s face. “Look! Her fiancé’s surname is Jian! I even found that out! Aren’t I amazing?”

Jian Suixin: ……

“I don’t just know her fiancé’s surname is Jian. I also know his name is Jian Suixin. Doesn’t that make me even more impressive?”

Ying Tao, oblivious to Jian Suixin’s discomfort, continued excitedly, “Have you heard of the Jian Family? Tsk tsk, they’re all filthy rich!”

Jian Suixin forced a laugh. “Ha, ha, yeah, I’ve heard of them.”

I just escaped from there a month ago.

Gossip is fun when it’s about others, but agonizing when it’s about you.

Ying Tao, caught up in her own excitement, finally noticed Jian Suixin’s strange expression. She glanced at Jun Xizhi, who remained completely calm, as if utterly uninterested in the topic.

“What’s wrong with you two?” Ying Tao demanded, annoyed. “A high-society marriage! Aren’t you even a little curious?”

Jian Suixin lowered her head to take a sip of water. “Tao, look at you—all you ever do is gossip. If you put half that energy into your work, you’d have been promoted ages ago.”

Ying Tao froze, then exploded in anger. “You weren’t saying that when I was telling you the gossip you liked! You change your tune faster than flipping a book!”

Feeling guilty, Jian Suixin immediately backed down. “Don’t be mad, don’t be mad! I’m interested, keep talking.”

You want me to talk? I’ll do the opposite.

Ying Tao snorted. “Comrade Jian Suixin, look at yourself! All you do is gossip all day. If you put half that energy into your work, you’d have been promoted ages ago.”

Jian Suixin: ……

Now she’s lecturing me?

Jian Suixin knew when to bend and when to stand firm. “I was wrong, I was wrong, Sister Tao. Please continue.”

“Are you going to listen properly this time?” Ying Tao pressed.

“Yes, yes, I’m listening,” Jian Suixin nodded eagerly.

Only then did Ying Tao look satisfied. “I also heard that both families are quite pleased with this marriage alliance. They’re just waiting for the wedding now.”

Pleased? Jian Suixin thought bitterly. My parents are pleased, but I’m not.

She felt suffocated but couldn’t voice her true feelings, so she remained silent.

She grumbled to the System, “Where did these rumors even come from? Can’t you do something about it?”

The System offered a logical analysis: “Maybe your mother started them.”

Jian Suixin: “Huh?”

System: “To build momentum for your wedding.”

Jian Suixin: Actually… that makes sense.

Since she was already in contact with Mother Jian, Jian Suixin resolved, “I’ll give her a piece of my mind later. She’s just making things up.”

Ying Tao continued, “By the way, this marriage alliance might not last after all.”

Jian Suixin’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really? When will they break up?”

 “Calm down, calm down, Host,”  the System urged.

“I’m not sure when they’ll break up,” Ying Tao said, shaking her head knowingly. “But I heard someone’s been pursuing the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family lately, and they’re about to win her over. The Jian Family’s young lady might lose her position soon.”

“Pursuing her? Who’s pursuing her?” Jian Suixin asked. Mother Jian hadn’t mentioned anything, so she was genuinely surprised.

“I don’t know the details, but I heard he waits for the Eldest Miss after work every day with 999 roses, drives her home—it’s incredibly romantic,” Ying Tao said, her eyes gleaming with envy.

Jian Suixin frowned. “This description… why does it sound so familiar?”

The System, sensing her suspicion, quickly interjected,  “It’s perfectly normal! Many novels have plots like this.”

Ying Tao patted Jian Suixin’s shoulder. “Looks like what you said about the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family having a girlfriend was true after all.”

Jian Suixin remained silent, but Jun Xizhi asked with a subtle expression, “Xiao Jian, you know about this too?”

Feeling guilty, Jian Suixin rubbed her nose and chuckled awkwardly, avoiding the question.

By this point, none of the three were paying attention to their food. Ying Tao’s gossip had completely captured their attention.

After a moment of silence, Jun Xizhi couldn’t resist asking, “She… she’s had a girlfriend before? I never heard about that.”

Logically, since the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family wasn’t present, gossiping shouldn’t have been a problem. Yet Jian Suixin couldn’t shake off an uneasy feeling, as if her words were being eavesdropped on.

Jian Suixin: “How strange… why do I feel so guilty? I didn’t feel this way when I talked to Taotao alone last time.”

System: “Your instincts are right. Feeling guilty when the person you’re talking about is right in front of you is perfectly normal.”

System: “Maybe it’s because your Elder Sister is here? You want to maintain a good image in front of her, right?”

Jian Suixin: “That makes sense.”

Jian Suixin mumbled vaguely, “Well… I’m not really sure…”

While Jian Suixin was unsure, Ying Tao knew perfectly well and spoke up for her: “She has! Xin Xin, you were the one who told me about it, remember?”

Jun Xizhi’s expression shifted subtly. “I… when did she have a girlfriend?”

Ying Tao hissed, “This question… which girlfriend are you talking about?”

Jun Xizhi: …Which one?

The Eldest Miss of the Jun Family herself interjected: “She’s had more than one?”

“Oh, it’s not just one—far from it!” Ying Tao clicked her tongue twice, her gossip energy unmatched. “They say the Eldest Miss of the Jun Family is a total player, having dated twenty or thirty girlfriends!”

Jun Xizhi: ……

“Dating is one thing, but she’s completely unfaithful—a real heartbreaker! At her worst, she was juggling four relationships at once!”

Jun Xizhi: ……

“And there’s more…”

Ying Tao’s gossip stream showed no signs of stopping. Jian Suixin, unable to bear it any longer, finally interrupted, “Alright, alright, it’s all just rumors, just rumors.”

Jun Xizhi took a deep breath, slowly exhaling as she forced a smile. “Where did you hear all this gossip?”

Ying Tao: “Hmm, mostly from my colleague. She has a relative who works for the Jun Family and knows a lot more.”

Jun Xizhi rubbed her temples, feeling she needed to clarify. “Based on what I know of this Miss, she doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Could there be some misunderstanding?”

Ying Tao: “You can know a person’s face, but not their heart. Don’t be fooled by her appearance.”

Jun Xizhi: “I…”

Ying Tao spoke earnestly: “Sister Zhi, listen to me. She’s not a good person. Let’s stay far away from her, okay?”

Faced with Ying Tao’s sincere gaze, Jun Xizhi couldn’t refuse. She could only nod. “Okay.”

Jian Suixin: “I have a bad feeling about this.”

System: “What is it?”

Jian Suixin: “I feel like I’ll get dragged into trouble because of what Taotao said.”

System: “Your instincts are pretty sharp.”

Jian Suixin: “Really?”

The System quickly smoothed things over: “Don’t worry, it’s just a minor issue. She said it, not you.”

Jian Suixin: But I’m the one who told her.

After discussing the Jun Family’s affairs all night, Jian Suixin suddenly realized something. “We’ve been talking about the ‘Eldest Miss’ all this time. What’s her name, anyway?”

“Cough, cough, cough—” Jun Xizhi, who was drinking water nearby, choked violently.

Jian Suixin quickly patted her back. “Elder Sister, are you okay? What’s wrong tonight?”

Jun Xizhi finally caught her breath, her face flushed from the violent coughing. “I’m fine,” she managed to say.

“What’s her name…?” Ying Tao pondered Jian Suixin’s casual question. “What was her name again? I heard the Eldest Miss just returned from abroad and keeps a low profile. Not many people know her name.”

“Let me think… Oh, right! She’s called Jun—”

“Jun Yuexi,” Jun Xizhi interjected.

“Huh?” Ying Tao and Jian Suixin turned to look at her simultaneously.

Jun Xizhi struggled to maintain her composure. “Her name is Jun Yuexi.”

“Elder Sister, how do you know?” Jian Suixin asked.

“I… just happened to know,” Jun Xizhi replied.

Jian Suixin immediately showered her with praise. “As expected of Elder Sister! You know so much!”

“I know even more! Why aren’t you praising me?” Ying Tao demanded.

“Uh-huh, uh-huh, you’re great too… I mean, you’re awesome,” Jian Suixin said dismissively.

Ying Tao huffed and turned away.

“Tong’er, is that really her name?” Jian Suixin asked the System.

“Yes, yes, that’s right!” the System replied.

“But I remember you telling me a different name before,” Jian Suixin insisted.

System: “How could that be? It’s definitely this one. You must be misremembering.”

“Really?”

System: “Really, really! Even if you don’t trust me, you should at least trust Sister Zhi, right?”

Jian Suixin glanced at Jun Xizhi, who remained composed. That’s true. I definitely trust Elder Sister.

She didn’t press the matter further.

Ying Tao suddenly exclaimed, “The name sounds quite nice!” She rubbed her earlobe. “I remember now—my colleagues never told me the Eldest Miss’s name. Sister Zhi knows so much more!”

Jun Xizhi, who had hastily made up the name in a moment of panic, simply nodded. “…Mm.”

With the meal nearly finished and the conversation winding down, Ying Tao winked mysteriously at the two of them. “Just wait! The moment I hear any new gossip, I’ll share it with you right away.”

Jian Suixin and Jun Xizhi exchanged awkward smiles. “Okay, okay.”

The System sighed contentedly. What a thoroughly satisfying gossip session!

Through tonight’s conversation, Jun Xizhi gained a deeper understanding of herself.

There are so many things about me that even I didn’t know.

I need to find out how all these things happened to me without my even knowing.

As they finished eating, the three of them poured wine and raised their glasses.

Ying Tao: “Go get ’em, Xin Xin! I hope you land this role!”

They clinked glasses. Ying Tao took a sip and sighed, “Look at the Eldest Miss—she gets whatever she wants, never lacks for anything. How nice. What about us?”

Jian Suixin quietly drank her wine, offering comfort, “Don’t envy her. We’ll all be rich someday.”

Ying Tao laughed. “Speaking of which, you probably have the brightest future among us three, right?”

She draped an arm around Jian Suixin’s shoulder. “Xin Xin, if you really make it big, don’t forget your good neighbor.”

“Oh, and don’t forget Sister Zhi either,” Ying Tao added. “Xin Xin and I already agreed to share the wealth. Now that Sister Zhi is here, we can all do it together.”

Jian Suixin nodded. “Of course! I’ll work hard and never forget Elder Sister… or Taotao.”

“Go get ’em, Xin Xin! We won’t hold you back either,” Ying Tao declared. “Right, Sister Zhi?”

Jun Xizhi simply smiled and nodded.

“Come on, let’s drink to that!” Ying Tao raised her glass again. “After this toast, we’ll be sisters for life. Remember me when you’re rich and famous!”

The three clinked glasses and drained their drinks in one gulp.

The System watched silently as Ying Tao addressed the two women across the table as “Sister” and “Sister,” sighing inwardly, Ying Tao, you’re really expanding your horizons.

After the meal, Ying Tao politely helped clear the table before preparing to leave. As she gathered her things, she replayed the evening’s events in her mind, belatedly realizing something. “Oh my god, how did I not notice this before?”

Jian Suixin, already unnerved by Ying Tao’s sudden outbursts, felt a familiar sense of dread. “What is it now?”

Ying Tao’s face lit up with excitement. “Your surname, Jian, and Sister Zhi’s surname, Jun, are the same as the two female leads in the story! They’re also named Jun and Jian! Could it be…?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Pure coincidence!”

Before Ying Tao could finish her sentence, the two women cut her off in unison.

Both were so eager to deny any connection to the matter that they failed to notice the other’s unusually vehement reaction.

Their raised voices startled Ying Tao, who muttered, “Fine, if it’s a coincidence, it’s a coincidence. Why are you yelling?”

 

For the next period, Jian Suixin’s primary task was to hone her acting skills with the System’s guidance, preparing for her audition.

Aside from her daytime work hours, she dedicated nearly all her remaining time to practice, working tirelessly.

Just how dedicated was she? She even reluctantly declined an invitation to dinner with her elder sister.

The System applauded her efforts. “You’ve sacrificed so much for this audition.”

Jian Suixin felt bitter inside but gritted her teeth and persisted. “Once I land the role and get paid, I’ll take my sister out for dinner.”

“Next time, I’ll treat her to the Sky Garden,” Jian Suixin resolved inwardly, the thought fueling her determination.

As they were talking, a knock sounded at the door.

Only one person ever knocked on her door. Jian Suixin had just finished an emotionally intense scene and was still catching her breath. Hearing the knock, she immediately rushed to open the door.

Jun Xizhi knocked twice, her hand still raised when the door swung open with a whoosh.

Jian Suixin’s face appeared before her.

The room was well-soundproofed, so Jun Xizhi hadn’t heard any noise from inside. When the door opened and she suddenly saw Jian Suixin’s current state, her expression momentarily faltered.

Jian Suixin looked as if she had just been crying. Her eyes were glistening with tears, the corners tinged with red, and her fair cheeks were flushed like they had been rouged, making her even more striking than usual. Even her usually neatly styled long hair was slightly disheveled.

It inexplicably stirred up some…

unpleasant associations.

Jun Xizhi subconsciously glanced around a few times before quickly averting her gaze.

However, the homeowner seemed oblivious to anything amiss, smiling warmly as she invited her in. “Elder Sister, come in.”

Jun Xizhi hummed in acknowledgment, her eyes returning to Jian Suixin’s face, her expression subtly shifting. She swallowed lightly and asked, “Xiao Jian, what were you just…”

Jian Suixin blinked, her eyes shimmering with a watery glint. “Just now? What about it?”

Unaware of any issue, Jian Suixin’s innocent confusion made Jun Xizhi bite her tongue slightly, regretting her impulsive question.

Seeing Jun Xizhi’s hesitation, Jian Suixin grew even more puzzled. “What’s wrong, Elder Sister?”

Jun Xizhi closed her eyes briefly, but under Jian Suixin’s persistent questioning, she finally blurted out, “What were you just doing?”

“Doing?” Jian Suixin remained clueless, answering truthfully, “I was practicing my lines.”

Jun Xizhi’s expression went blank for a few seconds.

“Practicing your lines?”

“Yeah.”

I should have known, Jun Xizhi thought, squeezing her eyes shut. She mentally chastised herself for her earlier inappropriate thoughts.

“What else would I be doing?” Jian Suixin touched her face. “Is there something wrong with my face? Elder Sister, what did you think I was doing?”

With that, she turned to look in the mirror.

“I…” The atmosphere became incredibly awkward. In those few seconds, Jun Xizhi’s mind raced. She grabbed Jian Suixin’s wrist. “Nothing. I thought you might be crying in your room because of the audition. I was worried.”

Jian Suixin laughed. “Oh, that’s nothing. I was just practicing.”

Jun Xizhi reached out, her slender fingers gently wiping away the lingering tear tracks at the corner of Jian Suixin’s eyes. As if possessed, she added, “You look especially beautiful today. I couldn’t help but glance at you a few more times.”

No one dislikes being praised. Jian Suixin smiled. “Really?”

Jun Xizhi nodded earnestly. “Yes, absolutely stunning.”

Jian Suixin was pleased but puzzled. “Tong’er, why is Elder Sister suddenly complimenting me?”

Such psychological reasoning was still too complex for a machine. Tong’er could only offer a conventional explanation: “Maybe… she just thinks you look particularly beautiful today.”

Unable to see her own reflection, Jian Suixin accepted the explanation. “Thank you, Elder Sister. Come in.”

Relieved that Jian Suixin hadn’t read too much into her words, Jun Xizhi let out a sigh of relief.

Jian Suixin then noticed Jun Xizhi was still holding a bowl, its contents hidden beneath a lid.

Oblivious to the suddenly charged atmosphere, she naturally changed the subject. “It smells delicious! What is it?”

Jian Suixin took the bowl and carefully placed it on the table. Lifting the lid, her eyes sparkled. “You made this for me?”

Jun Xizhi nodded. “You’ve been so busy rehearsing lately, I noticed your voice was getting a little hoarse. I made you some rock sugar pear stew.”

Jian Suixin was touched. “Thank you, Elder Sister. You’re so kind to me.”

The rock sugar pear stew was clear and sweet, the pear slices tender and juicy, garnished with a few goji berries—utterly delicious.

“Do you like it?” Jun Xizhi asked.

Jian Suixin nodded vigorously. “It’s amazing! Even better than the ones they sell outside. Elder Sister, you’re so talented! You can make anything!”

“Really? I feel like you always say everything I make is delicious,” Jun Xizhi teased. “Are you just being polite?”

“Of course not!” Jian Suixin protested, scooping up a piece of pear with her spoon and holding it to Jun Xizhi’s lips. “Try it yourself! It’s really good.”

Watching Jun Xizhi take a bite, she asked, “See? I wasn’t lying, was I?”

Jun Xizhi nodded. “Mm, it’s delicious.”

“It’s not just me praising you, Elder Sister,” Jian Suixin said. “Your skills are truly exceptional. It’s impossible not to admire them.”

“Thanks to having such a wonderful teacher, my own skills have been improving too,” Jian Suixin added with a smile. “It’s all thanks to Teacher Jun.”

“As long as it tastes good,” Jun Xizhi replied. “I just learned this recipe recently, so I was worried it wouldn’t turn out well.”

“Just learned it?” Jian Suixin paused, a warmth spreading through her chest. “Did you learn it specifically for me?”

Jun Xizhi looked at Jian Suixin earnestly. “Our Xiao Jian is going to be a big star someday. We can’t let a sore throat affect your performance.”

At this, Jian Suixin’s expression turned serious. “Alright, Elder Sister. For you, and for your rock sugar snow pear, I’ll definitely nail this role.”

“Give it your all, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Jun Xizhi said, patting her shoulder as she watched Jian Suixin eat the snow pear in small bites. “How’s your preparation going?”

Jian Suixin felt confident, but she remained modest in front of her elder sister. “I’ve prepared everything I need to. Now it just depends on how I perform tomorrow.”

She had a solid foundation, and her recent intensive acting practice had significantly improved her skills, bringing back the feeling she had during her school days.

“With all your hard work, I’m sure you’ll do great,” Jun Xizhi said.

“Mm-hmm, after tomorrow’s audition, I can finally take a break.”

Having finished discussing serious matters, Jian Suixin deliberately asked Jun Xizhi, “Elder Sister, do you know what we were supposed to be doing tonight?”

Jun Xizhi blinked in surprise. “What were we supposed to be doing?”

“Tonight, we were supposed to be sitting in a private dining room, listening to beautiful music, enjoying a delicious dinner, and having a wonderful evening.”

“Oh, and there would have been a rose I prepared for you in the vase on the table.”

As Jian Suixin described the scene, she seemed to already envision the perfect moment.

Jun Xizhi suddenly remembered that she had invited Jian Suixin to dinner earlier, but Jian Suixin had declined to practice her lines.

Bringing up the topic made Jian Suixin’s heart ache. “Given my dedication, I deserve to pass! Otherwise, who’s going to make up for tonight?”

Jun Xizhi smiled brightly. “If you pass, I’ll treat you to a celebration dinner.”

Jian Suixin’s eyes lit up, and she nodded obediently. “Mm-hmm, okay!”

“Did you finish your pear soup?”

Jian Suixin had polished off the bowl of rock sugar pear soup. She gently placed the empty bowl back on the table, licked her lips, still savoring the taste. “All gone. It was delicious.”

Jun Xizhi glanced at her, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Don’t move.”

Jian Suixin froze, startled. “What’s wrong?”

Before Jian Suixin could react, Jun Xizhi suddenly leaned in, her fragrant perfume brushing against Jian Suixin’s cheek.

Jian Suixin’s heart skipped a beat, her pupils dilated sharply, yet her body remained frozen, instinctively still.

Jun Xizhi’s face loomed closer, and Jian Suixin could see her own reflection in Jun Xizhi’s clear, dark eyes.

Jian Suixin involuntarily held her breath.

Then—

Jun Xizhi extended her index finger and gently wiped a corner of Jian Suixin’s mouth.

Jian Suixin: ?

Jun Xizhi smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Looks like it was delicious. Why are you eating like a little kitten, getting it all over your face?”

Jian Suixin: ……

Well, that was a bit of an overreaction on my part.

Noticing Jian Suixin’s dazed, unresponsive expression, Jun Xizhi’s expression turned slightly puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Jian Suixin forced a dry laugh. “Nothing, nothing at all.”

She quickly composed herself, worried Jun Xizhi might see through her. “Elder Sister’s cooking is so delicious, I just ate too fast.”

Jun Xizhi: “If you liked it, I’ll make it for you again.”

Jian Suixin naturally leaned against Jun Xizhi, wrapping her arms around her waist. Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes blinked as she gazed up at Jun Xizhi from below. “Even if my throat isn’t sore, can I still have it?”

Jun Xizhi couldn’t resist stroking Jian Suixin’s head, her smile deepening. “If you want it, I’ll make it for you.”

Jian Suixin nuzzled contentedly against Jun Xizhi’s chest. “Elder Sister is the best.”

At that moment, the ambition hidden deep within Jian Suixin’s heart reached its peak. “Elder Sister, just wait. I’ll definitely get this role, and then I’ll act in even more roles and earn lots of money.”

Jun Xizhi nodded. “Xiao Jian can definitely do it.”

“I want to earn money to buy a house and a car. I don’t want to keep renting anymore.”

As Jian Suixin laid out her plans, she suddenly remembered she hadn’t discussed this with Jun Xizhi. “Elder Sister,” she asked hesitantly, “if I buy a house, can we still live together?”

Jun Xizhi paused for a moment before smiling. “If Xiao Jian is willing to take me in.”

“Take you in? Of course I’ll take you in!” Jian Suixin nearly jumped for joy at Jun Xizhi’s willingness. “Once I buy a house, we’ll definitely live together.”

Jun Xizhi’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “I’ll work hard too, so we can buy a house together.”

“Mm-hmm, okay!” Jian Suixin nodded eagerly, then added, “Oh, and Taotao too! I promised her. We can have her live across the hall from us, so we’ll still be neighbors.”

Jian Suixin’s vision was beautiful, but if Ying Tao, who was so eager to latch onto her coattails, could see the scene unfolding between them now, she might seriously reconsider Jian Suixin’s offer.

It wasn’t for any particular reason, just this: why keep living across the hall? To keep watching them flaunt their affection?

Jian Suixin continued to chatter, “Not just a house, we need a car too. A good one, nothing ordinary will do.”

“Oh, and we have to buy Elder Sister a whole wardrobe of beautiful clothes and fill a dedicated walk-in closet with them!”

As she spoke, Jian Suixin took Jun Xizhi’s hand. “Elder Sister, don’t worry. You’ll have all the pretty clothes you want. I’ll never let you wear just white shirts again.”

Jun Xizhi was initially puzzled, then remembered the row of identical white shirts in her closet.

Finding the style convenient, Jun Xizhi replied, “Alright, thank you, Xiao Jian.”

The two were getting along harmoniously. If their assistant saw this scene, they’d likely overreact again—

What are you two doing? Why are you so close?

Boss, why are you letting her hug you so casually?

And Jian Suixin, aren’t you getting a little too comfortable with those hugs? Spill it—how many times have you hugged her when I wasn’t around?!

As they were chatting, Jian Suixin received a call.

Seeing it was her manager, Sister Zhao, and remembering her audition tomorrow, Jian Suixin naturally assumed it was about last-minute instructions.

Still holding Jun Xizhi, Jian Suixin answered lazily, “Hello, Sister Zhao, what’s up?”

Whatever Sister Zhao said made Jian Suixin’s smile vanish. She sat up straight. “I don’t need to go? What happened?”