Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 32

Jian Suixin was baffled. She had been in the middle of a conversation when the call suddenly disconnected. Unable to find a plausible explanation, she assumed her mother had an urgent matter to attend to, put away her phone, and resumed studying her script.

After the morning’s filming wrapped up, Jian Suixin chatted with Jun Xizhi about the incident during lunch break.

“My mom really wants to meet you,” Jian Suixin said. “I wonder if we’ll ever get the chance.”

Jun Xizhi had no particular feelings about meeting her, nodding in agreement. “Sure, I’d love to meet Auntie too.”

The System, the only one on set who knew the truth, thought: No, you really don’t want to meet her.

After lunch and a short rest, filming resumed in the afternoon.

The manager remained fixated on Jun Xizhi, especially now that she was leaving soon. During her remaining days on set, she continued to pursue her “potential investment.”

Jian Suixin sighed helplessly. “Sister Zhao, weren’t you planning to leave today? Shouldn’t you be packing?”

Sister Zhao had a ready excuse. “There’s nothing urgent at the company right now. I’d just be bored if I went back. You’re still new here and probably haven’t fully adjusted yet. I should stay and look after you a bit longer.”

Jian Suixin saw through her immediately. “Are you really looking out for me, or are you just trying to keep manipulating Elder Sister?”

Sister Zhao’s intentions were transparent; she might as well have worn “Jun Xizhi, come with me!” written on her face.

As the manager was about to press her case further, she turned and spotted the director approaching. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately called out, “Hey, Director! Can I ask you something?”

The director, who was just passing by, glanced over. “What’s up?”

The manager smiled and gestured toward Jun Xizhi. “Director, look at Miss Jun here. Don’t you think she’s perfect for the entertainment industry?”

The Director followed her gesture and saw Jun Xizhi.

Director: ……

The corner of his mouth twitched, his expression subtle. “You want her to join the entertainment industry?”

The Manager, unaware of the full picture, eagerly pressed her case. “Yes! Why not? With her looks and presence, it would be such a waste if she didn’t! Hey, how about adding a role for her in this drama? If she really becomes famous, this could be her debut work, and you’d be Miss Jun’s talent scout!”

The Director fell silent.

He glanced up at Jun Xizhi, who was smiling warmly at him, then quickly averted his gaze to avoid meeting her eyes. Meeting the Manager’s hopeful gaze, he finally said, “I think it’s best if she stays out of the entertainment industry.”

Otherwise, who would manage that massive company behind her? Would they work her to death?

The Manager’s enthusiasm deflated, and she frowned in displeasure. “Director, why won’t you give me any face? She’s perfect for this!”

The Director waved his hand, unwilling to prolong the discussion. “You two talk. I’m leaving now.”

Despite failing to win the Director’s approval, Sister Zhao’s enthusiasm remained undimmed, and she was determined to continue her “pitch.”

Seeing her persistent demeanor, Jian Suixin immediately intervened. “Sister Zhao, Sister Zhao, come here! I have some work-related questions for you.”

To prevent the manager from further pestering Jun Xizhi, Jian Suixin pulled her away, engaged her in conversation, and then showered her with compliments until she finally managed to coax her into leaving Jun Xizhi alone.

After seeing the manager off, Jian Suixin let out a sigh of relief. She truly admired Sister Zhao’s energy; convincing people was exhausting work.

Worried that Jun Xizhi might be upset by the manager’s behavior, Jian Suixin quickly added, “Elder Sister, I’m so sorry about that. Sister Zhao just has that kind of personality—it’s like a professional habit. She doesn’t mean any harm.”

Jun Xizhi smiled and shook her head, indicating she wasn’t bothered at all.

“Then, Elder Sister, are you interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry?”

Jian Suixin had initially thought this question was a no-brainer, but after hearing the manager harp on it so many times these past few days, she was starting to have second thoughts.

“I’m not suited for it. I’ll pass,” Jun Xizhi replied with her usual answer.

“If you don’t want to do it, then don’t. I’ll talk to Sister Zhao later and convince her to drop the idea.” Since Jun Xizhi was unwilling, Jian Suixin naturally respected her wishes.

“Regardless, I think this is Sister Zhao’s way of acknowledging your talent as an actress,” Jian Suixin said with a smile.

“What kind of acknowledgment?”

“Well,” Jian Suixin replied, her eyes twinkling, “I’m not an expert on everything, but when it comes to looks, Elder Sister, you’re absolutely flawless.”

She added, “Not just flawless, but far above the standard.”

Jun Xizhi chuckled. “Can I take that as a roundabout compliment?”

“How is that a roundabout compliment?” Jian Suixin frowned playfully. “Let me be more direct then: it’s not a roundabout compliment, it’s a direct one. Elder Sister, you’re just exceptionally beautiful.”

“If you keep saying that, I’ll get embarrassed.”

“I’m just stating a fact,” Jian Suixin replied.

Jian Suixin thought the morning’s video call was over, but that evening, she received another call.

When she saw it was her mother calling, she found it odd. This time it was a voice call—why not video?

Answering, Jian Suixin teased before her mother could speak, “Mom, no video call this time?”

But Mother Jian was clearly in no mood for banter. Her voice was low and urgent: “Where are you right now? Back at the hotel?”

Jian Suixin nodded. “Yeah, just finished showering.”

“Is anyone else around?”

Mother Jian’s unusual caution made Jian Suixin glance at Jun Xizhi, who was sitting on the bed, working on her laptop. Two people who barely know each other wouldn’t stay overnight after a set visit, let alone share a room, she reasoned. So, without a word, Jian Suixin quietly slipped into the bathroom, locked the door, and, after confirming she was alone and it was quiet, finally spoke: “No one’s around.”

“I was going to ask you earlier—why did you suddenly hang up on me during our call this morning? What do you really think of your elder sister?”

Mother Jian had been waiting for this moment. When Jian Suixin asked, she casually made up an excuse: “I had some urgent matters this morning and only just finished. Anyway, let’s continue our conversation from earlier.”

Mother Jian tried to sound as casual as possible: “We keep talking about your roommate. What’s her name?”

“Oh, speaking of which, it’s quite a coincidence—she shares the same surname as my arranged marriage partner. Her surname is also Jun.”

Mother Jian took a deep breath, already mentally prepared: “What’s her full name?”

“Jun Xizhi.”

“……”

After saying the name, Mother Jian fell into a silence that stretched for over ten seconds.

Jian Suixin couldn’t gauge her mother’s reaction. The sudden silence made her think the call had been disconnected again. She quickly checked her phone and saw the call was still active, but the silence persisted. “What’s wrong?” she asked, puzzled.

“Nothing,” Mother Jian replied. “I just think that name is very beautiful.”

“I think so too,” Jian Suixin said with a smile.

Mother Jian’s voice suddenly changed: “Do you remember what Xiao… Xiao Jun’s name was?”

“Of course I remember. I know that much.”

Mother Jian’s heart leaped into her throat: “Then… do you…”

“Her name is Jun Yuexi,” Jian Suixin replied, her tone noticeably less cheerful when mentioning her arranged marriage partner. She added, “This name isn’t as nice as Elder Sister’s.”

The System silently retorted, You’re questioning Sister Zhi’s naming skills.

“Jun Yuexi?” Mother Jian paused, startled.

“Yes, is that not her name?” Jian Suixin asked, puzzled.

“No, no, that’s right,” Mother Jian’s heart sank back into her stomach as she exhaled deeply. “That’s her name, that’s definitely her name.”

Relieved, Mother Jian finally asked the question that had been weighing on her mind: “There’s something I need to ask you again, and you must answer truthfully.”

Mother Jian’s serious tone immediately made Jian Suixin turn serious as well. “Go ahead.”

“You and your roommate… you’re really not close?”

Mother Jian’s intense tone made Jian Suixin feel a pang of guilt. She hesitated before answering, instead asking, “Does it matter?”

Mother Jian maintained her serious tone. “It matters a lot.”

Eight hundred thoughts flashed through Jian Suixin’s mind in a split second. Ultimately, fearing that telling the truth would lead to her being discovered and dragged back home, she took a deep breath and declared firmly, “We’re really not close.”

“Our relationship is just average.”

Mother Jian mentally weighed the pros and cons.

If she revealed the truth to her daughter now, given their strained relationship, the most likely outcome would be Jian Suixin moving out immediately, distancing herself from Xiao Jun.

Since her daughter was still unaware of Xiao Jun’s true identity, it was better to let them get along properly. Perhaps they could even develop feelings for each other.

At the very least, they shouldn’t grow to dislike each other.

Having reasoned this through, Mother Jian took a deep breath. “Alright,” she said.

“You two… you may not be close now, but you’re roommates. You must get along well.”

“I know, I know.”

“Communicate more, cultivate a bond.”

“Okay, okay.”

“Take care of her regularly. That’ll leave a good impression.”

“Understood, understood.”

Mother Jian continued to give over a dozen instructions, each of which Jian Suixin agreed to.

“You seem quite concerned about my roommate,” Jian Suixin remarked.

Mother Jian paused, forcing a casual tone. “I’m doing all this for you, so you can make friends and stop complaining about being lonely and helpless out there.”

“Did your roommate leave?” Mother Jian asked.

Jian Suixin’s gaze flickered toward the bathroom door as she maintained her “stranger” persona. “Yeah, she left. She left right after lunch.”

“Alright, remember to spend more time with him and nurture your relationship after filming wraps,” Mother Jian urged.

The mother and daughter chatted for a while longer before Jian Suixin told her mother to get some rest and hung up.

After leaving the bathroom, Jian Suixin slipped back into bed and pulled the covers up.

Jun Xizhi, noticing her return, casually asked, “Did you make a call?”

“Yeah, I called my mom.”

Jian Suixin leaned against the headboard, while Anna lay quietly beside her, her eyes unconsciously fixed on Jun Xizhi.

Even someone as focused as Jun Xizhi couldn’t ignore such a persistent gaze. She turned with a smile, asking, “What are you looking at?”

Jian Suixin’s lips curved into a smile, but she didn’t answer. Instead, she asked Jun Xizhi, “Elder Sister, when are you planning to leave?”

Jun Xizhi had already been on set for two days, and Jian Suixin wanted to know exactly when she’d be leaving so she could prepare.

“Oh, there’s no rush,” Jun Xizhi said, pausing as if she’d just remembered something. “The client hasn’t set a meeting time yet.”

“So you’re paying for this trip yourself?” Jian Suixin asked, a little worried. City A and City Z weren’t close, and the trip would be quite expensive, with the high-speed train tickets alone being a significant expense.

“Don’t worry, the company will reimburse you.”

Jian Suixin felt relieved. “Has your boss become more humane? Is this the same boss who used to make employees work overtime every day?”

Jun Xizhi raised an eyebrow and joked casually, “Who knows? Maybe he sensed the feedback you gave him and decided to change his ways.”

Jian Suixin didn’t think much of it and continued the conversation, “Then I guess I’ve had quite an impact.”

Jun Xizhi smiled. “Indeed, all thanks to you.”

She added, “Since the client hasn’t finalized the meeting time yet, I can stay longer and spend more time with you.”

Jian Suixin was naturally delighted to spend more time with her elder sister. “Okay.”

After their conversation, Jun Xizhi resumed working on documents and received a message from her assistant.

Sales Manager Xiao Zhang of AAAA City: Boss, has the meeting time been confirmed? They’re asking for an update.

Jun Xizhi pondered for a moment, glanced at Jian Suixin quietly reading beside her, and pushed the tentative meeting date back by two days. She replied:  Tentatively set for next Monday.

Sales Manager Xiao Zhang of AAAA City: Got it. I’ll let them know.

Today seemed like a good day for phone calls. Jian Suixin had just finished talking to Mother Jian when Ying Tao called.

Worried about disturbing Jun Xizhi’s work and needing to use the restroom, Jian Suixin was about to decline the call when Jun Xizhi stopped her. “It’s okay, take it. I can say hello too.”

Jian Suixin agreed, but before answering, she remembered something and pulled out her earbuds.

Jun Xizhi looked puzzled. Jian Suixin gave her a “shush” gesture. “Elder Sister, don’t say anything yet.”

Jun Xizhi found it odd but nodded and turned her attention back to her computer.

Jian Suixin adjusted her posture to ensure Jun Xizhi wouldn’t be visible in the frame, then answered, “Hi, Taotao.”

The background suggested Ying Tao was in her bedroom at home. Lying on her bed, Ying Tao waved. “Xin Xin, how have you been?”

“Same old, same old. Filming every day. It’s so boring,” Jian Suixin replied.

They chatted about their recent lives, Jian Suixin complaining about the dullness of the film crew and Ying Tao ranting about her boss’s tyranny. After a while, the conversation inevitably drifted to Jun Xizhi.

“Oh, by the way, Sister Zhi has been away on a business trip for the past few days. Did she mention it to you?”

Here it comes.

Jian Suixin tilted her head to glance at Jun Xizhi, who was calmly reviewing documents beside her, barely suppressing a smile. “Ah, yes, she told me she’d be gone for several days.”

Ying Tao shook her head helplessly and sighed. “Just a week ago, the three of us were still close friends, eating together. Who could have imagined that after just a few days apart, we’d be worlds apart?”

Jian Suixin joined in with a theatrical sigh. “Yeah, it’s like we’ve drifted apart.”

“You haven’t seen Sister Zhi in days. Do you miss her?”

“Of course I do! How could I not?” Jian Suixin’s face took on a sorrowful expression, though her performance lacked sincerity, barely showcasing a tenth of her acting skills from the film set.

“Aww, poor Xin Xin,” Ying Tao clucked sympathetically, “Have you two been calling each other?”

“No, we haven’t,” Jian Suixin answered truthfully.

She had been with her elder sister the entire time, making phone calls unnecessary.

Ying Tao frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Jian Suixin’s response. “Ugh, relationships need constant communication to maintain them! How could you not call?”

Jian Suixin retorted, “Elder Sister didn’t call me either.”

Hearing this, Jun Xizhi, who had been focused on her computer, turned her head and gave Jian Suixin a questioning look: What are you two talking about?

Jian Suixin winked at her: You’ll find out soon enough.

“Honestly, you!” Ying Tao scolded, exasperated by Jian Suixin’s passivity. “If she doesn’t call you, why don’t you call her? Be proactive! You have to take initiative to get anywhere.”

Jian Suixin nodded repeatedly. “Yeah, yeah, I get it, I get it.”

“Ugh, do whatever you want. I can’t control you anyway.”

Having finished lecturing Jian Suixin, Ying Tao shifted the conversation to her own feelings. “But you know what? It’s actually much more relaxing not being around you two. No more constant kissing and cuddling, no more couples flaunting their affection right in front of me.”

Jian Suixin nearly burst out laughing but deliberately asked, “Are you saying we’re those kinds of people?”

Ying Tao immediately protested, “What do you mean ‘how could we be’? I can’t stand being around you two!”

“Come on, we haven’t even done anything yet. Don’t be so sensitive,” Jian Suixin said, shifting into a more comfortable position.

She glanced discreetly at Jun Xizhi, who had already turned back to her computer, completely oblivious to their conversation.

Thank goodness I brought my headphones, she thought. Otherwise, Jun Xizhi would have heard everything.

“Now that the three of us aren’t together anymore, you don’t have to worry about it anymore.”

“Ah, just thinking about not having to watch you two flaunt your relationship in front of me for at least the next month or two makes me feel so much better,” Ying Tao sighed contentedly.

“Mmm, mmm, mmm. Then let’s hope your good mood lasts a while,” Jian Suixin said, her eyes twinkling mischievously as a mischievous idea began to form in her mind.

Holding her phone, she deliberately or accidentally let it slip from her grasp, tilting sideways just enough to expose the figure beside her in the camera’s frame.

She feigned surprise, exclaiming insincerely, “Oops, my phone!”

Though her tone lacked genuine warmth, Ying Tao caught a glimpse of a figure flitting past in the frame. It was just a fleeting moment, but she recognized the face instantly.

The smile froze on Ying Tao’s lips. “Who’s that next to you?”

Jian Suixin had already readjusted her phone, the camera now facing her. Her expression turned apologetic. “I’m sorry, Taotao. I didn’t want to tell you.”

Ying Tao’s face went numb, a vague premonition of what Jian Suixin was about to say settling in. “Tell me what?”

Jian Suixin frowned, hesitated for a moment, then continued, “Since you saw it just now, I won’t hide it.”

She shifted closer to the person beside her, adjusting the camera to include both of them in the frame. “Actually, Elder Sister came to visit me on set.”

Ying Tao: …

Jian Suixin’s face filled with self-reproach. “I remembered you saying earlier that you didn’t want to see us together, so I didn’t mention it. Then I accidentally dropped my phone, and you saw her anyway. I’m so sorry! It’s my fault, my fault.”

Ying Tao: ……

How could she smell tea through the screen?

“Wait, is that… is that your background on the bed?” Ying Tao’s pupils widened in shock. “You… you two… you went to visit the set and ended up sleeping in the same bed?”

Jian Suixin: “Yeah, Taotao. What about you?”

Ying Tao hadn’t fully processed the question. “What about me?”

Jian Suixin asked with feigned sincerity, “You’re not sleeping alone, are you?”

Ying Tao: ……

Ying Tao: Aaaah!

Finally, Ying Tao screamed, “If I ever call you again, I’m a puppy!” and angrily hung up.

Jian Suixin collapsed laughing onto the bed.

When she finally sat up, she noticed Jun Xizhi wasn’t looking at her computer anymore but was staring at her with an odd expression.

The smile froze on Jian Suixin’s face.

She met Jun Xizhi’s gaze, blinked innocently, and asked, “Elder Sister, I was just teasing Taotao. You don’t mind, do you?”