Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 34

Jian Suixin wore an utterly innocent expression, as if she hadn’t just dragged Jun Xizhi out to torment their poor neighbor.

Jun Xizhi paused for two seconds before finally relenting under Jian Suixin’s gaze, shaking her head with a smile. “If you put it that way, how could I possibly mind?”

In an instant, Jian Suixin’s pitiful, innocent expression transformed into a radiant smile. She rolled over on the bed, rested her head on Jun Xizhi’s lap, and grinned. “I knew Elder Sister wouldn’t blame me!”

Jun Xizhi’s expression softened as she gently stroked the top of Jian Suixin’s head.

For the rest of the time, Jun Xizhi continued working while Jian Suixin didn’t disturb her. Instead, she pulled out her script to review the scenes they would be filming the next day.

The following day, filming continued as scheduled.

Now that December had arrived, the weather grew colder each day. A light snowfall the previous night had sent temperatures plummeting, forcing even those who rarely felt the cold to bundle up in thick layers.

To make matters worse, they were filming outdoor scenes. The sky was overcast, the sun hidden behind thick clouds, and a biting wind swept through the set. Whenever they weren’t needed, crew members huddled in sheltered spots, clutching mugs of hot water and sticking on heat packs to stay warm.

The crew members fared better, dressed in their usual winter gear—hats, scarves, and masks—to stay warm.

The actors, however, had to wear their period costumes. Though these traditional outfits consisted of multiple layers, they couldn’t compare to the warmth of modern winter wear like down jackets. The wind cut right through them, leaving the actors shivering visibly in front of the cameras.

Luo Dong was particularly vocal, complaining about the cold less than a minute after removing his down jacket. If his manager hadn’t intervened, he likely would have demanded to film in his winter gear.

Jian Suixin was also freezing, her cheeks flushed red from the wind. Yet she maintained her professional composure. Stepping before the camera, she immediately entered character, mentally blocking out the cold and immersing herself in the scene.

Her routine on set was simple: the moment she stood before the camera, she transformed into the flamboyant yet fiercely loyal Junior Sister from the drama. The instant the director called “Cut!” she would bolt off set without hesitation.

As she fled, she’d mutter, “So cold, so cold,” her wide-sleeved robes and colorful garments fluttering like a startled butterfly taking flight.

Her adorable antics never failed to draw warm smiles from everyone around her.

Another scene wrapped, Jian Suixin immediately crossed her arms and hurried off.

Jun Xizhi was already waiting nearby. Without a word, Jian Suixin dashed over to her as soon as she left the set. Jun Xizhi had prepared a down jacket and a hand warmer in advance, draping the jacket over Jian Suixin the moment she arrived, transforming the shivering little butterfly into a cozy little penguin.

This scene was a group shot depicting the five-yearly martial arts tournament among the major sects. The extended filming time left Jian Suixin trembling from the cold when she finally reached Jun Xizhi. She pulled the down jacket around herself and bounced in place, trying to warm up. Her nose was red from the cold, contrasting sharply with her pale skin and her pitiful, teary-eyed expression, which tugged at the heartstrings.

“E-Elder Sister… I’m freezing to death,” Jian Suixin murmured, clutching the hand warmer and shrinking closer to Jun Xizhi.

Jun Xizhi felt a pang of sympathy but knew there was little she could do. She tugged Jian Suixin’s collar higher, wrapping it snugly around her neck, and pulled out a thermos of brown sugar ginger tea. “Drink some ginger tea. It’ll warm you up.”

Jian Suixin glanced at the cup, her expression conflicted. Ginger tea was good, but the thought of taking her hands out of the warm, fluffy hand warmer was a real test of willpower.

Without a word, Jun Xizhi immediately noticed Jian Suixin’s hesitation. Smiling, she twisted open the bottle cap, magically produced a straw, inserted it into the cup, and held it to Jian Suixin’s lips. “Now you don’t have to use your hands. Drink up.”

Jian Suixin chuckled twice, showing no false modesty as she tucked her hands comfortably into the warmers. “Elder Sister understands me so well.”

The junior assistant assigned to Jian Suixin by the company watched silently from nearby.

Ever since Jun Xizhi arrived, the assistant had effectively been “out of a job.”

From the moment Jun Xizhi arrived, she had naturally taken over tasks like delivering clothes and bringing water. At first, the assistant felt awkward; after all, she was the assistant, and these were her duties. Letting Jun Xizhi handle everything made her feel guilty.

But after a day, when she realized Jian Suixin had effortlessly accepted Jun Xizhi’s takeover and that the two women clearly enjoyed each other’s company, she abandoned her reservations.

She even began to feel that her own attempts to intrude on their private moments were utterly tactless and unnecessary.

This was perfect: the Boss was happy, Sister Zhi was happy, and she was happy not having to work.

At that moment, the assistant sat alone in a corner, cradling a cup of hot water with tea steeping inside. When she looked up, she could see the two women clearly.

Filming was tough, and Jian Suixin was freezing. She had wrapped herself tightly in her down jacket and was chatting and laughing with Jun Xizhi while sipping water. From the assistant’s angle, it looked as if Jun Xizhi was holding Jian Suixin in her arms.

The assistant smiled warmly as she took a sip of her hot tea, watching the harmonious scene unfold.

They really suit each other, she thought. They’re so pleasing to the eye. I won’t bother them.

Many others on the film crew shared her sentiment.

No one knew Jun Xizhi’s true identity; Jian Suixin had simply introduced her as a friend. Everyone was curious about this beautiful woman with her striking presence, and they naturally felt drawn to her.

Though Jun Xizhi had only been on set for two days, it was clear to anyone with eyes that she and Jian Suixin were incredibly close. Apart from filming, they spent nearly all their time together, and rumor had it they even shared a hotel room, reluctant to part.

Sometimes, when crew members needed to speak with Jian Suixin, they couldn’t bring themselves to interrupt the two women, who seemed so happy in each other’s company.

Jian Suixin took a few sips of ginger water and glanced down to see Jun Xizhi’s fingers were also red from the cold. She urged her again, “Elder Sister, you should really go back to the hotel and rest. It’s too cold out here. You might catch a cold.”

Jun Xizhi curled her fingers and shook her head. “It’s fine. I’m wearing enough layers. I’m not that cold.”

Jian Suixin had already tried to persuade her more than once today, but Jun Xizhi insisted on staying.

Jun Xizhi: “Don’t worry, I’m really not cold. I know my own body.”

“Why don’t you go back first? Why don’t you want to return to the hotel? It’s so warm there,” Jian Suixin persisted, still concerned about Jun Xizhi’s health.

Jun Xizhi: “The hotel is warm, but it’s missing something.”

“Missing what?”

Jun Xizhi didn’t answer immediately, instead asking, “Guess?”

Jian Suixin blurted out instinctively, “Missing me.”

Jun Xizhi’s expression froze for a moment before she chuckled, though she didn’t deny it. “Yes, missing Xiao Jian.”

Jian Suixin felt a bit embarrassed after saying that. “Sorry, it was just a reflex.”

Jun Xizhi raised an eyebrow. “A reflex? Do you often tell cheesy pick-up lines to people?”

Jian Suixin immediately protested, shaking her head vigorously like a rattle drum. “Absolutely not! I’ve only seen those online. I’ve never practiced them with anyone before.”

The unspoken implication was clear: You’re the first person I’ve ever practiced them with.

Whether Jian Suixin intended this meaning or not, Jun Xizhi certainly interpreted it that way.

A faint smile curved her lips.

“I wanted to watch you film here. I’m leaving in a couple of days, so I wanted to spend more time with you.”

Jian Suixin’s heart warmed. She didn’t insist further, only reminding, “Then Elder Sister should dress warmly. Don’t catch a cold.”

After taking a few sips of the ginger water, Jian Suixin felt much warmer. She took the thermos from Jun Xizhi, urging her to tuck her hands away.

Sipping through the straw, she couldn’t help but think, I really want milk tea.

I haven’t had any since joining the crew. As she drank the ginger water, she longed for the sweet, creamy taste of milk tea.

“Milk tea?”

Jian Suixin nodded, but the thought of the recent outdoor shoots—early mornings and late nights—made her dismiss the idea for now. “Never mind. I’ll get some when I have a day off.”

As she spoke, she shook her head and sighed, “When I finish filming this drama and go home, I’m going to order ten cups of milk tea. And it has to be delivered right to my doorstep—not a minute in the cold!”

The System silently reminded her, “Host, what about your figure management?”

Jian Suixin had barely indulged in her delightful fantasy for three minutes before being rudely jolted back to reality. “I was just daydreaming!” she retorted resentfully. “Why did you have to wake me up?”

“Forget I said anything,” the System replied, falling silent.

Having finally warmed up a bit, Jian Suixin was urged by the Director to prepare for the next scene. Reluctantly bidding farewell to her down jacket and hand warmers, she resumed filming.

The mention of milk tea had been a casual thought, and Jian Suixin didn’t give it much thought afterward.

That afternoon, still wrapped in her down jacket and clutching her hand warmers, Jian Suixin sipped Jun Xizhi’s ginger tea while reviewing her script during a break.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the set. Curious, Jian Suixin put down her script and went to investigate, overhearing several crew members discussing, “The big boss is so generous! He even bought us all snacks during his visit.”

Glancing around, she spotted Jun Xizhi standing near the entrance. Jian Suixin approached her. “Elder Sister, who’s the big boss? What did he buy?”

Jun Xizhi smiled and shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Jian Suixin soon found out when several crew members carried in several large boxes.

It turned out that the investors who had visited the set a few days earlier had treated the crew to milk tea.

Jian Suixin exclaimed in surprise, “Whatever I want, I get! Is this client some kind of mind-reader?”

System: Perhaps your desire for milk tea was so intense that this generous benefactor picked up on it.

Jian Suixin’s eyes lit up. She immediately closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and prayed, “Dear benefactor, I also want to become rich overnight and earn a billion tomorrow. Can you grant that wish too?”

System: …

Go ask Sister Zhi. She might actually make it happen.

Everyone was delighted by the treat. Some had already gathered around the boxes, waiting to receive their milk tea, while others watched from a distance.

This time, the thoughtful investors had also prepared desserts for everyone, including Jian Suixin’s favorite matcha mille-crêpe cake.

Jian Suixin was deeply moved. This investor must be a mind-reader, understanding her so well.

Jian Suixin glanced at the logo on the paper bag—a nationally renowned dessert chain. Their treats were famously delicious, but equally famous for their exorbitant prices.

Apart from the few well-known actors on set, most of the crew members couldn’t afford to indulge in these desserts regularly.

Yet this investor had bought such a massive quantity in one go.

Jian Suixin clicked her tongue in admiration. “This person is incredibly generous.”

With the milk tea and delicious desserts, everyone’s goodwill toward the unseen investor doubled. Curiosity about their identity also surged.

Typically, clients or high-ranking executives would make an appearance on set, greet the leads and director, and offer a few words of encouragement. But this investor remained as elusive as a dragon, never showing their face.

Still, no one complained about skipping the usual formalities. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a generous client who treated everyone without demanding the usual pleasantries?

The crew began exchanging theories, asking if anyone had seen the investor or knew what they looked like.

The questions circulated, but no one had any answers. Finally, all eyes turned to the director, who seemed to have the most insider knowledge.

The director was discussing a scene with the female lead when he looked up to find a sea of eager, probing eyes staring at him. He startled, nearly dropping his script.

“Director, tell us! Do you know who the investor is?”

At the mention of the investor, the director instinctively glanced at Jun Xizhi. Since she clearly wanted to remain discreet, he couldn’t reveal her identity. He simply said, “She’s a very impressive and young woman.”

The director’s vague answer only fueled their curiosity. Even with such limited information, everyone began chattering excitedly.

Thanks to the “filter buff” of treating the entire crew to desserts and milk tea, the Client’s image had grown larger than life in their minds. Carried away by the conversation, they had already conjured up a mental image of her—a gentle, intelligent, beautiful, and kind-hearted wealthy woman—despite never having met her.

One girl burst into laughter, turning her head just in time to see Jun Xizhi. Her eyes lit up. “I think Sister Zhi perfectly fits the image of that big shot!”

Everyone swiveled their heads to look, and someone immediately chimed in, “Agreed! Agreed!”

Jun Xizhi stiffened slightly, but she quickly recovered, smiling. “You’re all joking.”

It had only been a lighthearted joke, and no one took it seriously. The conversation soon drifted to other topics.

Jun Xizhi held her milk tea, her mind wandering.

Jian Suixin received her share and took a sip of the warm milk tea, feeling utterly content.

She raised her cup and bowed twice, sincerely grateful. “Thank you, Sugar Mama.”

After a few more sips, she suddenly remembered what the System had said that morning: Pay attention to your figure management.

The milk tea in her hand instantly felt incredibly heavy.

It was no longer just an ordinary cup of milk tea, but a calorie bomb.

After a moment’s hesitation, Jian Suixin steeled her resolve, took one last look at the barely touched milk tea and untouched dessert, and silently packed the bag away.

Jun Xizhi approached, holding her own milk tea, and asked curiously, “Why aren’t you drinking it? Weren’t you clamoring for milk tea this morning?”

Jian Suixin glanced painfully at the milk tea and shook her head. “I can’t. As a proper actress, I need to maintain my figure at all times.”

She said this while her eyes remained fixed on the milk tea and dessert, reluctant to tear her gaze away.

Jun Xizhi’s eyes flashed with amusement at the sight.

She also set her milk tea aside. “Then I need to manage my figure too. I won’t drink it either.”

Although Jian Suixin didn’t drink it herself, she was very concerned about whether others did. Hearing Jun Xizhi’s words, she immediately shook her head in refusal. “Elder Sister, I’ll manage my own, you drink yours. You’re already so thin—what’s there to manage?”

Jun Xizhi chuckled. “Exactly! You’re so slim already. What’s wrong with having a milk tea once in a while?”

Jian Suixin hesitated, wavering slightly. “You make a good point.”

But she remained undecided.

After a moment’s thought, Jun Xizhi proposed a compromise. “How about this? We’ll share one cup. I’ll drink most of it, and you’ll have just a little. That way, you won’t feel guilty.”

Jian Suixin didn’t reply immediately.

Jun Xizhi smiled encouragingly. “Just a little won’t hurt.”

Jun Xizhi’s suggestion made sense, and Jian Suixin was finally convinced. “Alright, I’ll listen to you, Elder Sister.”

The two then shared Jian Suixin’s cup.

Around them, people were gossiping about the mysterious investor. Jian Suixin grew curious. “Elder Sister, who do you think the investor is? They said they’d visit the set, but they haven’t even shown their face in two days.”

Jun Xizhi smiled enigmatically. “Who knows?”

“And didn’t they arrive the day before yesterday? Why haven’t they left yet? Don’t they have work to do?”

“Maybe she’s just not very busy,” Jun Xizhi said.

“Well, regardless, I still want to thank her,” Jian Suixin replied. “I mentioned wanting milk tea this morning, and it was delivered this afternoon.” She expressed her gratitude again to the anonymous Elder Sister.

Jun Xizhi smiled, her words carrying a deeper meaning: “Maybe it was bought specifically for you.”

Jian Suixin took it as a joke. “That would truly be an honor.”

Taking turns sipping, Jian Suixin’s milk tea was soon finished.

Feeling she had already met her calorie quota for the day, Jian Suixin was about to declare her intention to start dieting immediately when Jun Xizhi spoke first: “I helped you drink half of yours, and now I can’t finish mine.”

Jian Suixin: ?

A question mark flashed in Jian Suixin’s eyes. “What should we do then?”

Jun Xizhi’s eyes crinkled into a smile. “Reciprocity. I helped you with yours, so you help me with mine.”

Reciprocity works like that?

Jian Suixin hesitated, but Jun Xizhi offered a seemingly reasonable solution: “How about you drink half of mine too?”

The logic seemed sound, and before Jian Suixin could think of a way to refuse, Jun Xizhi had already pressed the milk tea into her hand.

The two of them finished the cup together.

The System was dumbfounded: Is this even allowed?

After finishing the milk tea, Jun Xizhi nodded with a smile. “Mm, we’ve had our milk tea. Let’s indulge ourselves today and get back to managing our figures tomorrow.”

Jian Suixin nodded earnestly. “Okay, I’ll start focusing on managing my figure properly from tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Jun Xizhi smiled and retrieved the matcha mille-feuille cake she had bought. “Since you’re starting tomorrow, let’s enjoy one last treat today. Let’s finish the cake together.”

Jian Suixin: ……

Jian Suixin blinked, trying to resist the temptation of sweets.

Jun Xizhi: “This is the last time.”

Under Jun Xizhi’s persuasion, Jian Suixin quickly caved.

Jian Suixin: “Tong’er, this is the last time, I promise.”

System: “…What’s the point of telling me?”

Jian Suixin: “To prove my resolve.”

Her eyes filled with determination. “Elder Sister, this is absolutely the last time. After this, I won’t eat any more sweets. Please keep me accountable.”

Jun Xizhi nodded with a smile. “Alright, I’ll keep you accountable.”

Jian Suixin’s guilt lessened considerably.

As Jian Suixin ate her cake, she belatedly realized, “Something feels off.”

“What’s wrong?” the System asked.

“I agonized over this for so long, but in the end, I didn’t eat any less sweets!”

“You just noticed that?” the System replied.

“Then what was the point of Sister Zhi sharing half her milk tea with me? I ended up drinking half of hers anyway!”

“Maybe… Sister Zhi just wanted to try both flavors but felt too embarrassed to ask? It’s a testament to your great friendship, sharing both joys and hardships, right?”

“Never mind. It’s not important,” Jian Suixin said.

After finishing her cake, Jian Suixin rallied herself. “Starting tomorrow, I’m going to strictly control my diet. With Sister Zhi supervising me, I’ll definitely succeed!”

The System silently scoffed, Yeah, right. Just look at today. Without her supervision, you might have actually eaten less. Sister Zhi is too soft-hearted; she’s always worried you’re hungry.

The assistant, sipping her milk tea nearby, watched the scene and silently marveled, The Boss and Sister Zhi have such a close relationship! They even share their milk tea. I’m shipping it!