Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 30

The Assistant Director was speechless, unable to utter a word for a long moment.

Jun Xizhi paused. “Oh, right.”

The Deputy Director leaned in eagerly. “What is it, Miss Jun?”

Jun Xizhi glanced at him indifferently, lowered her gaze, and took a deliberate step back. “Are we that well-acquainted?”

The Deputy Director fell silent completely.

Nearby, Jian Suixin watched the Deputy Director’s temper flare. She had braced herself for a fierce battle to defend her Elder Sister’s right to sleep freely, but then the man suddenly pulled Jun Xizhi away.

Jian Suixin hesitated, unsure whether to intervene. From her angle, she could only see the Deputy Director tugging at her sister and whispering something, his voice too low for her to hear.

Even without hearing, she could guess what he was saying: it must be about separating the rooms.

Jian Suixin gritted her teeth. He’s trying to take my sister away.

She wanted to rush forward and stop him, but she forced herself to remain calm. Ultimately, this wasn’t her decision to make. Though she wished it, she needed her sister’s consent.

Jian Suixin took a deep breath, telling herself to stay calm, and remained where she was.

Though she couldn’t hear the Deputy Director’s words, she clearly saw the genuine smile spreading across his face, his lips stretching almost to his ears.

Jian Suixin pressed her lips together.

Well, it looks like my plan is going down the drain.

“Why is he acting like this? Is he really this happy just because I can’t share a room with Elder Sister?” Jian Suixin complained to the System, clearly dissatisfied.

 He probably just wants to show hospitality and make sure our guest isn’t inconvenienced,  the System replied.

Jian Suixin resigned herself to her fate of not sharing a room with her Elder Sister.

Then she heard Jun Xizhi call out, “Xiao Jian, we’ll share a room.”

“Huh?” Jian Suixin blinked in surprise.

Seeing her staring blankly, Jun Xizhi waved a hand in front of her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Didn’t the Deputy Director say he’d arrange separate rooms?”

“Oh,” Jun Xizhi explained, “he said the rooms were difficult to arrange, so he asked me to share with you. Right, Director Yang?”

The Deputy Director mumbled, “…Yeah, that’s right.”

The dejected Jian Suixin instantly perked up.

Jun Xizhi tilted her head. “What, Xiao Jian doesn’t want to share with me? If it’s really a problem…”

“Of course I want to! Why wouldn’t I?” Jian Suixin snapped out of her daze, took two quick steps forward, and grabbed Jun Xizhi’s hand. “I was worried Elder Sister wouldn’t want to share with me.”

“I arrived so suddenly, I’m already causing trouble for the crew. Why would I object?”

Great! I get to stay with Elder Sister tonight! Jian Suixin’s spirits soared instantly.

They had lived in the same house before, but both maintained a sense of personal boundaries. Jian Suixin had never seen her sister after eleven o’clock.

The thought made Jian Suixin’s heart race. She immediately tried to lead Jun Xizhi back to the hotel. “Elder Sister, do you have your luggage? I’ll take you back to the hotel to drop it off.”

“Teacher Xiao Jian, don’t rush off,” someone called out as Jian Suixin was about to leave with Jun Xizhi.

What are these people doing? Jian Suixin thought. I don’t have any ulterior motives. I just want to sleep with my sister. Why are they trying to stop me?

The director chuckled. “At least wait until your scenes are finished filming, right?”

Jian Suixin finally realized, Oh right, I’m still on set filming.

She stuck out her tongue sheepishly. “Sorry, Director! I got too excited and completely forgot.”

The director, a middle-aged man in his forties with a slightly plump build and black-rimmed glasses, always wore a warm smile that crinkled his eyes into slits.

He laughed heartily, unbothered. “No worries! If someone came to visit me on set, I’d be even happier than you!”

As he spoke, the director seemed to notice Jun Xizhi standing nearby. He took a couple of steps toward her and nodded politely.

Then he turned to Jian Suixin, his face showing just the right amount of curiosity. “Is this… a friend of yours?”

“Yes, she’s my roommate. She came to visit since she had some work in the area.”

The director’s face lit up. “Nice to meet you!”

The System, having overheard the director’s phone call, silently gave him a mental thumbs-up.

There’s a reason some people become directors while others remain assistant directors, it thought. Just look at his acting skills! If I hadn’t known the truth and overheard that call, I’d have sworn they were strangers.

Jian Suixin chatted with Jun Xizhi for a while, then checked her script as it was almost time for her scene.

“Elder Sister,” she said, “I have to film now. You must be tired from rushing here. Why don’t you go back to the hotel and rest?”

Jian Suixin wanted Jun Xizhi to stay and watch her act, but she worried about her sister’s fatigue. After a moment’s hesitation, her concern for Jun Xizhi won out, and she suggested she return to the hotel.

Instead of answering, Jun Xizhi asked, “Do you have many scenes today?”

“Both morning and afternoon,” Jian Suixin replied.

“I’ve never seen you act before,” Jun Xizhi said. “Would you mind if I stayed and watched?”

Jian Suixin hesitated. “Elder Sister, aren’t you tired? You could watch tomorrow instead.”

Jun Xizhi shook her head. “I’m not tired. If I don’t see you perform today, I won’t be able to rest properly tonight.”

Jian Suixin’s heart fluttered with joy. She nodded. “Alright, Elder Sister. If you want to stay, then stay.”

She added, “Watch me perform later.”

Lanterns Like Daylight was a historical fantasy drama named after the Daylit Lantern, the supreme magical artifact of the Cultivation World. Jian Suixin played the Junior Sister of the female lead. The production team was unremarkable, and none of the actors were particularly famous. However, the male lead’s recent drama had gained some popularity, allowing the production team to ride on its coattails.

The drama was a low-budget production, and it was clear from the start that quality wasn’t the priority. With the newly popular male lead headlining, this became even more apparent.

The script readings before filming were extremely casual, and the male lead never even showed his face.

Jian Suixin didn’t know much about the male lead. She assumed he was such a skilled actor that he didn’t need to attend such events.

It wasn’t until the Male Lead arrived on set with his RV, entourages of assistants, and an air of grandeur that even eight sedan carriers couldn’t lift, that Jian Suixin realized he was nothing but an empty shell.

When Jian Suixin privately complained to someone, she was rebuffed: “Don’t even say that. At least an embroidered pillow has pretty flowers. He’s just a straw-filled pillow.”

The Male Lead wasn’t particularly talented; he was simply arrogant and dismissive of everyone around him.

While his looks were subjective, his acting was truly indescribable, making everyone else’s performances seem a tier higher by comparison.

Though he had only achieved minor fame—slightly better than the other obscure actors on set—his arrogance was undeniable.

Consequently, even for performances that Jian Suixin found unbearable, the Director would impassively call “Cut,” and for slightly better takes, he might offer a perfunctory “Not bad.”

When Jian Suixin first joined the production, she was shocked, but she gradually grew accustomed to it.

The Male Lead became the biggest headache on set, leveraging his slightly higher status to act even more demanding than the Client, as if everyone should treat him like a revered ancestor.

Jian Suixin had no desire to provoke such a person. If she couldn’t confront him, she could at least avoid him, minimizing contact as much as possible.

Soon, the male and female leads finished their scenes, and it was Jian Suixin’s turn.

Jian Suixin rubbed her hands together and stepped forward.

With her Elder Sister watching, she had to give it her all.

Today’s shoot was Jian Suixin’s most focused and immersive since joining the production, resulting in the fewest retakes.

Her scenes were substantial, including a crying scene, all executed flawlessly.

Moreover, she had several scenes with the male lead, and his strong performance highlighted her own exceptional work.

System: Wow, Sister Zhi came to visit you on set, and you can still cry? Impressive professionalism.

Jian Suixin: Of course. I have my own secret technique.

System: What is it?

Jian Suixin: While filming, I kept imagining my Elder Sister with someone else. I pictured myself trying to hold onto her, but she wouldn’t even glance at me. That’s how I cried.

System: …That’s actually a pretty good method.

“Absolutely genuine emotion.”

Jian Suixin’s acting skills already stood out on set. With Jun Xizhi present, her eagerness to impress propelled her even further ahead. In a single day, the Director praised her repeatedly, making her the day’s model performer.

After filming wrapped, the director joked that if the actors maintained this momentum, the entire series could be completed in just a month.

Jian Suixin, buoyed by the praise—especially knowing Jun Xizhi could hear it—felt even more energized, practically wishing they could finish filming that very day.

Filming is a collaborative art form, requiring not only the actors’ performances in front of the camera but also the tireless efforts of the crew behind the scenes. After a full day of work, the entire team wrapped up on time.

As they were leaving, the director specifically called out to Jian Suixin, “Teacher Xiao Jian, keep up the good work tomorrow!”

Coincidentally, Manager Zhao had come to set that day, concerned that Jian Suixin might struggle to adjust to her first time on set. She had naturally witnessed Jian Suixin’s performance.

Jian Suixin stepped away from the camera, still in costume, and immediately looked around for Jun Xizhi. Just as she was about to search for her, someone called out to her.

Sister Zhao approached with a beaming smile. “Xiao Jian, you were absolutely brilliant today!”

Of course she was, the System thought. Sister Zhi was watching! If the location had allowed, she would have flown straight to the heavens!

After a full day of filming, Jian Suixin’s body was exhausted, but her spirits were soaring. She had received so much praise that day, she felt like she was floating on air. “Thank you, Sister Zhao. I was really in the zone today.”

Jian Suixin’s mind was entirely focused on finding Jun Xizhi. She had no interest in chatting with her manager and quickly excused herself after a few words. She scanned the crowd for Jun Xizhi’s figure and darted toward her.

“Elder Sister!”

Jun Xizhi’s gaze had been following Jian Suixin the entire time. Hearing her call, she smiled and waved.

Jian Suixin’s good mood propelled her forward, even her costume didn’t slow her down. With just a few steps left, she leaped in front of Jun Xizhi, her eyes sparkling as she gazed intently at her.

“Elder Sister, were you here all afternoon? Did you see my performance?”

She didn’t ask directly, but her face practically screamed, “Please praise me! Please compliment me!”

Jun Xizhi’s lips curved into a smile. “I was here the whole time. I saw everything.”

Jian Suixin blinked, waiting for Jun Xizhi to continue.

But Jun Xizhi fell silent.

Jian Suixin was momentarily stunned, blinking at Jun Xizhi. “That’s it?”

Jun Xizhi couldn’t help but smile, deliberately teasing her, “Anything else you want to hear?”

Jian Suixin frowned. “Elder Sister, why are you being like this?”

Jun Xizhi laughed, a faint dimple appearing on her cheek as she ruffled Jian Suixin’s hair. The scene had already been filmed, so there was no need to worry about messing up her hairstyle. “You’ve been praised by so many people already. Does it really matter if I add my voice?”

Jian Suixin pouted. “Yes, it does.”

If she couldn’t get praise from her Elder Sister, what was the point of working so hard today?

Jun Xizhi, ever accommodating, quickly added, “Alright, alright. Xiao Jian’s performance today was absolutely brilliant—the best among all the actors.”

Only then did Jian Suixin look satisfied. “Elder Sister, wait for me a bit. I’ll go remove my makeup, and then we can go home together.”

As she turned to leave, someone suddenly cut in, “Careful, is this your friend?”

Jian Suixin turned to see Sister Zhao. She nodded and introduced both women.

“Oh my! I was just asking around about this beauty. I knew I hadn’t heard of her before—she’s Xiao Jian’s friend!”

Jian Suixin hadn’t worked with her manager for long, but she already had a good sense of her personality.

Seeing the excited glint in her manager’s eyes, Jian Suixin thought, Oh no, she’s getting excited again. She pressed a hand to her forehead.

The System watched the manager’s eyes light up as she gazed at Jun Xizhi, still processing the situation. “What’s happening? Is the manager going to confess to Sister Zhi?”

“Not that…” Before Jian Suixin could explain, the manager grabbed Jun Xizhi’s hand without waiting for a response, her gaze burning with intensity. “Miss Jun, I’m Xiaoxin’s manager. Would you be interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?”

The System: …I get it now.

Sensing Jun Xizhi’s reluctance, Jian Suixin quickly intervened, stepping between them. She pulled Jun Xizhi’s hand free from the manager’s grasp, shielding her behind her. “Sister Zhao, she already has a job and isn’t interested in our industry.”

Then, she whispered a reminder: “Sister Zhao, Elder Sister has a bit of a germaphobia. Remember to avoid unnecessary contact.”

Sister Zhao remained silent, staring at Jun Xizhi’s hand, now firmly held by Jian Suixin, her expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

Germaphobia? Then why is she holding your hand?

Sister Zhao muttered to herself but didn’t press the issue. Instead, she bypassed Jian Suixin and persisted, “Miss Jun, please consider it. We can negotiate the terms.”

Jun Xizhi’s peripheral vision caught Jian Suixin’s tightly clasped hand, instantly dispelling her earlier annoyance.

With a polite smile, she shook her head. “I’m sorry, I’m not a trained actress.”

The manager countered excitedly, “That’s no problem! We don’t require formal training. Acting skills can be learned later.”

Jun Xizhi maintained her polite smile, trying to decline again. “I’m sorry, but I…”

“Don’t rush to refuse,” Sister Zhao interrupted. “Just think about it. Our company’s offer will definitely satisfy you…” Having finally found a promising talent she immediately recognized, Sister Zhao refused to give up easily.

Seeing the manager gearing up for another impassioned pitch, Jian Suixin finally stepped in. “Stop, stop, stop, Sister Zhao. Enough already. Your sales pitch is exactly the same as when you tried to sweet-talk me.”

Jun Xizhi chuckled softly at this.

The manager bristled. “What do you mean ‘sweet-talk’? I call it having an eye for talent! I spotted you in a crowd and saw your potential right away.”

Jian Suixin: “What kind of potential can you see at a glance?”

Manager: “The potential of her face.”

Jian Suixin: “……”

The manager paused, realizing her words sounded too superficial, and quickly added, “Of course, we’ve also recognized your acting potential.”

My elder sister is so popular, Jian Suixin thought to herself. Not only did the Assistant Director eagerly approach her, but Sister Zhao also spotted her talent immediately.

But she knew Jun Xizhi had no interest in the entertainment industry. If she did, she would have mentioned it long ago, instead of waiting until this meeting with the manager.

With this thought, Jian Suixin tightened her grip on Jun Xizhi’s hand. In this film crew, I need to protect my elder sister.

The manager continued her persuasion: “Beauty, your image and temperament are truly unique in this industry. Trust me. With me, I guarantee you’ll…”

Before the manager could finish, Jian Suixin interrupted again: “Elder Sister, I’ve already told you, she has a job and no interest in this industry. Don’t pressure her.”

The System silently agreed. Yeah, yeah, she can’t come. Otherwise, what would this be? A behind-the-scenes tycoon abandoning her billions to chase her dreams in the entertainment industry for love?

Jun Xizhi reiterated her stance, “I’m sorry, but I’m truly not suited for this profession. I won’t be considering it.”

Faced with such a firm rejection, the manager felt a pang of disappointment. Regaining her composure, she reminded herself that this was only their first meeting and she couldn’t afford to leave a bad impression.

If this didn’t work out, there would be other opportunities. The manager asked, “Miss Jun, how long will you be staying on set?”

Jian Suixin glanced at the manager, immediately understanding her intentions. Her eyes held a hint of helplessness as she tried to dissuade her, “Elder Sister will be leaving in a couple of days. She has other work to attend to.”

Leaving in a couple of days?

The manager had to act fast.

While mentally strategizing how to persuade Jun Xizhi, she sighed aloud, “Alright, what a pity.”

Jian Suixin pressed further, “It’s a pity, but Sister Zhao, please remember not to bother Elder Sister again.”

The manager gave a perfunctory reply, “Mhm, mhm, I understand.”

Finally, the day’s filming wrapped up. Jian Suixin removed her makeup, changed out of her costume, and returned to the hotel with Jun Xizhi.

Jian Suixin’s heart fluttered with excitement. Now, it was time for her and Elder Sister to have some quality time together.

Yes! Finally, I can go back to the hotel and sleep with Elder Sister.

System: “Does that sound a bit ambiguous?”

Jian Suixin: “You’re a machine! How can your thoughts be so impure? Can’t you learn something better?”

Jian Suixin: “I never expected staying on set would have such a perk.”

“What perk?”

“I never get to share a bed with Elder Sister at home.”

System: “It’s all thanks to your hard work and initiative.”

Jian Suixin: “Thank you for the compliment.”

Filming, especially historical dramas, is exhausting work. Each day begins with layers of heavy costumes and elaborate makeup. Returning to the hotel room, exhaustion washed over them.

Jian Suixin told Jun Xizhi to shower first, then took her turn.

After a full day of filming, especially one as intense as today, Jian Suixin’s spirit was exhilarated by being with her Elder Sister, but her body was utterly drained.

Standing under the warm shower, the water streamed over her skin, washing away the day’s fatigue. Jian Suixin let out a long sigh of relief.

The hotel rooms all had snow-white sheets and duvet covers. Since they’d be staying for a while, Jian Suixin replaced the hotel’s less-than-hygienic linens with her own familiar ones from home.

When Jian Suixin emerged from the shower, Jun Xizhi had already tidied up and was in bed, looking down at some document.

Jian Suixin had chosen deep blue bedding, opting for dark colors that wouldn’t show stains easily, given her current living skills.

Jun Xizhi sat propped against the headboard in loose pajamas, her freshly washed and blow-dried hair soft and fluffy, with a few playful flyaways that added to her charmingly mischievous look.

Her slender wrists and ankles, framed against the deep blue sheets, seemed almost fragilely pale, as if a single hand could easily encircle them.

She resembled a snow-white bird that had inadvertently fallen into the deep sea.

The warm yellow light cast a hazy glow, making Jun Xizhi appear even softer than usual.

Jian Suixin stood frozen in place for a moment, speechless.

It was Jun Xizhi who noticed her by the door and asked with a smile, “What’s wrong?”

Snapping out of her daze, Jian Suixin quickly shook her head. “N-nothing.”

She slowly shuffled to the bed, took off her shoes, and carefully climbed in, inching under the covers.

After all that fuss, it was getting late. Jun Xizhi glanced at her phone and turned to Jian Suixin. “I…”

The moment Jun Xizhi spoke, Jian Suixin flinched.

Jun Xizhi: ……

She chuckled softly. “What’s wrong?”

Jian Suixin stammered, “N-nothing… nothing at all.”

“If nothing’s wrong, then let’s get some rest.”

Jian Suixin snapped out of her daze and nodded vigorously. “Mhm! Okay!”

She burrowed under the covers, tugging them closer until only her head peeked out.

She waited for Jun Xizhi to lie down, turn off the lights, and go to sleep. Jun Xizhi neatly put away her documents but made no further move, simply gazing at Jian Suixin with a gentle smile.

Jian Suixin: ?

She returned Jun Xizhi’s gaze, blinking. “Elder Sister, aren’t you going to sleep?”

Jun Xizhi continued to smile, her eyes innocent as they drifted to the covers Jian Suixin had pulled over herself. She remained silent.

?

Jian Suixin’s dark eyes scanned the bed. What was wrong?

!

Only then did she realize there seemed to be only one blanket, and she had hogged most of it, leaving Jun Xizhi with just a small corner.

I forgot.

Pulling the blanket aside, Jian Suixin flipped out of bed. “I’ll go see if there’s an extra blanket.”

As Jian Suixin got up, Jun Xizhi called out, “This blanket is quite large; it’s big enough for both of us. I rushed here without bringing bedding, and I don’t really trust the hotel’s linens.”

So that’s why Elder Sister was looking at me like that—because I didn’t leave her enough blanket?

Remembering Jun Xizhi’s fastidiousness, Jian Suixin hesitated. “Are you sure you’re okay with using mine?”

“If it’s Xiao Jian’s, of course I am.”

Since her own blanket was indeed more reliable than the hotel’s, Jian Suixin didn’t argue further. She pushed the blanket toward Jun Xizhi. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize there was only one.”

“Come, come, you lie down first,” Jian Suixin said warmly, patting the empty space beside her on the bed.

After turning off the lights, pulling up the blanket, and settling into bed, Jian Suixin belatedly realized, Good heavens! Not only am I sharing a room with Elder Sister, but we’re also sharing a bed!

And not just sharing a bed, but also sharing a blanket!

Tonight’s mission had exceeded expectations, with bonus perks included.

This… this progress is happening way too fast, isn’t it?

Jian Suixin felt a pang of anxiety.

She carefully turned over, facing Jun Xizhi, so that she could see the back of her head as soon as she opened her eyes.

It was fortunate that Jun Xizhi was facing away from her. If she had turned her head and seen her sister’s face, Jian Suixin doubted she would have dared to move.

Silent as a stone, Jian Suixin lay motionless under the covers, stiff as an iron board.

One might call her the “Elder Sister-Gazing Board.”

Sharing a bed with Jun Xizhi, Jian Suixin couldn’t sleep. With her eyes closed, her mind raced with thoughts of “Elder Sister is sleeping beside me, beside me, beside me.” When she opened her eyes, all she saw was her sister’s back.

By the time she realized how long she had been lying in this position, half her body had gone numb. She wanted to turn over but worried about waking her sister.

Jian Suixin sighed deeply, squeezed her eyes shut, and tried to coax herself to sleep.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence of the long night.

“Still awake?”

Jian Suixin startled, then recognized Jun Xizhi’s voice.

She whispered, “No, Elder Sister. Are you still awake too?”

Jun Xizhi replied, “I keep feeling like someone’s watching me from behind. Is it just my imagination?”

Jian Suixin: ……

“Haha, well, I couldn’t sleep, so I was just staring blankly. Did I disturb you, Elder Sister?”

“Not at all.”

The person lying beside her shifted slightly, gently turning over. The faint moonlight filtering through the window illuminated a pair of beautiful, black crystal-like eyes.

In the darkness, they gazed at each other, their faces indistinct but their eyes locked in silent observation.

After a long moment, Jun Xizhi spoke first: “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Jian Suixin chuckled softly. “I don’t know. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, Elder Sister. I’m a little excited.”

They were lying face-to-face. Though they had lived together before, this was the first time they had shared a bed.

Normally, Jian Suixin saw Jun Xizhi dressed in elegant clothes and wearing meticulous makeup—beautiful, yet always with a hint of aloofness. Even though Jun Xizhi always smiled at her.

Now, for the first time, Jian Suixin saw Jun Xizhi in the darkness, wearing loose pajamas and lying quietly beside her. Her raven hair spread across the bed, radiating a soft, comforting aura that made Jian Suixin want to pull her into a warm embrace.

Jian Suixin: “Elder Sister, how long are you staying this time?”

“It’s uncertain. It depends on when the client is available.”

“Then I hope the client won’t be available for a while,” Jian Suixin said with a smile.

“Hmm? Why?” Jun Xizhi already knew the reason but deliberately played dumb.

“So you can stay with me on set longer,” Jian Suixin said, poking her head out from under the covers and tugging the blanket closer to Jun Xizhi.

“Alright, then let’s hope the client won’t be available for a while,” Jun Xizhi replied.

Jian Suixin laughed. “Can you really decide when the client is available?”

Jun Xizhi smiled and corrected herself. “Then let’s just hope they won’t be available for a while.”

“We haven’t seen each other in so long. I’ve saved up so much to tell you.”

In the pitch-black hotel room, everything was quiet except for their soft voices. The intimacy felt novel and strange.

Jun Xizhi: “If you had so much to say, why didn’t you text me more on WeChat?”

Jian Suixin: “I wanted to, but I was afraid of disturbing your work.”

She added, sounding slightly aggrieved, “I had to restrain myself so hard.”

In the pitch-black room, every sound seemed amplified by the darkness.

She heard a soft sigh from the person beside her.

“You restrained yourself from texting me?”

Jian Suixin nodded, then realized he couldn’t see her gesture and switched to speaking. “Yeah, I didn’t want to disturb your work.”

Jun Xizhi asked, “Then do you know why I came to see you?”

Without thinking, Jian Suixin gave the answer Jun Xizhi had told her: “Didn’t you say you were here to meet a client?”

She gazed into Jun Xizhi’s eyes, as if she could see the tenderness flowing within them like gentle ripples on a calm lake.

“Sleep now,” Jun Xizhi murmured with a soft sigh, saying nothing more.

Jian Suixin murmured her agreement, shifted into a comfortable position, and gradually drifted off to sleep. After a long while, she vaguely heard someone speaking, the words indistinct, like a lover’s gentle murmur in her ear.

The voice was soft and slow, almost a whisper: “Because I couldn’t restrain myself.”

I couldn’t restrain myself from wanting to see you.