Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 35

Jian Suixin’s mind was flooded with question marks. What kind of nonsense is this?

What does Mom mean? It’s wrong to sleep with someone else, but it’s okay with my elder sister?

Has her brain short-circuited? Why can’t I understand what she’s saying anymore?

Mother Jian was about to hang up when Jian Suixin quickly stopped her. “Wait, wait, don’t hang up yet!”

Mother Jian, who was eager not to disturb the two young women, withdrew her hand from the disconnect button. “What is it?”

Jian Suixin’s thoughts were in a jumble. She blurted out, “You don’t mind me sleeping with someone else?”

“I’d mind if it were someone else,” Mother Jian replied. “But why would I mind your roommate? I trust her completely.”

If it were anyone else, Jian Suixin would have scoffed, You haven’t even met her, yet you trust her so much? But since it was Jun Xizhi, she had to admit, My mom has excellent taste.

These words struck Jian Suixin right in the heart. What she had anticipated would be a difficult explanation had passed so easily. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Jian Suixin changed the subject. “Mom, you really think highly of my roommate, don’t you?”

Mother Jian: “Of course! I don’t even need to meet her to know she’s an exceptional person. You’d better treat her well.”

Jian Suixin smiled brightly. “Since that’s the case, I’m free today. How about meeting Elder Sister?”

Mother Jian hastily refused. “No, no, no! Not today, not today!”

“Why not? Weren’t you eager to meet her before?” Jian Suixin asked, puzzled by her mother’s sudden change of heart. She’s so fickle!

As Jian Suixin was about to press further, Junxi, who was off-camera, tugged at her sleeve.

Jian Suixin glanced at him with a questioning look, but Junxi shook his head.

After a moment’s pause, Jian Suixin’s gaze slid down from Junxi’s face to his neck and pajamas. Realization dawned.

Junxi was still in his pajamas, his hair slightly disheveled from sleep. Though to her, this merely transformed his refined elegance into a relaxed, natural charm, it was indeed inappropriate for a formal meeting.

To maintain her good image in Mother Jian’s eyes, Jian Suixin remained silent.

Elder Sister really thinks of everything.

Noticing Jian Suixin’s reaction, Mother Jian sensed something was amiss and suddenly lowered her voice. “Is she awake?”

“How could she not be?” Jian Suixin replied. “You’re shouting so loudly on the phone!”

Mother Jian fell silent for a few seconds, then spoke again, her voice strained and unnatural, as if she were pinching her throat. “It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have called so early and disturbed you both.”

Jian Suixin was astonished. “Mom, you finally realized? You’re actually admitting you were wrong?”

Mother Jian shot her a playful glare. “You silly girl! Haven’t I always been understanding and considerate? I’ve always respected your opinions and put your needs first. When you get a girlfriend, I’ll treat her even better than I treat you—absolutely understanding and supportive!”

For some reason, Mother Jian raised her voice slightly as she said this, as if afraid the person on the other end wouldn’t hear.

Jian Suixin: …?

Understanding and considerate?

You called me before seven in the morning, forcing me to wake up early and ruining my sleep. Can you honestly say that with a clear conscience?

“Then can you please stop calling me so early in the morning, Mother Dear?” Jian Suixin asked earnestly. “You know, the ‘understanding and considerate’ one?”

“You silly girl! I’m just trying to help you establish a healthy sleep schedule. You don’t appreciate my good intentions at all.”

“……” Jian Suixin didn’t want to argue further. She changed the subject, focusing on her mother’s health. “Mom, does your throat hurt? Do you have a cold?”

The System had already figured it out: She’s afraid her voice will be recognized.

But this worry might be unnecessary. The Eldest Miss of the Jun Family had only met Mother Jian once and might not remember her voice.

But it’s always better to be cautious.

Mother Jian cleared her throat and coughed a few times. “Yes, I haven’t been feeling well these past few days. Oh dear, my head is throbbing. I can’t take it anymore. I’ll hang up now.”

Before Jian Suixin could respond, she hung up.

Jian Suixin stared at her phone, which had returned to the chat interface, and muttered, “Why is she in such a hurry?”

After sending a few messages expressing concern for her mother’s health and urging her to rest, Jian Suixin put her phone away.

Checking the time, she saw it was just past seven.

Jian Suixin let out a long sigh and turned to Jun Xizhi, staring at her with a pained expression.

Jun Xizhi: ?

The next moment, Jian Suixin swiftly tossed her phone aside, yanked the blanket over herself, and flopped onto the bed in one smooth motion, covering herself completely from head to toe.

Jun Xizhi: …?

Her movements were so quick that Jun Xizhi didn’t have time to react.

Once Jian Suixin lay down, she remained perfectly still.

Jun Xizhi blinked, staring at the small lump under the blanket for a moment before finally realizing what was happening. She burst out laughing. “Can you even sleep like that?”

Jian Suixin’s muffled voice came from under the blanket. “I can’t sleep anymore.”

“If you can’t sleep, then get up,” Jun Xizhi said.

Jian Suixin was feeling quite annoyed and refused to budge. “No way! I finally get to sleep in, and I’m not getting up this early.”

“Then what do we do?” Jun Xizhi asked, amused.

“Just wait,” Jian Suixin replied. “I’ll try harder.”

Jun Xizhi suppressed a laugh, supporting Jian Suixin’s every decision. “Alright, I’ll wait.”

Five minutes of silence passed in the room.

“Are you asleep?” Jun Xizhi asked.

“Yes,” Jian Suixin replied, her voice clear but still annoyed.

Jun Xizhi’s eyes curved into crescents, but she struggled to contain her laughter.

Hmm, Xiao Jian is trying so hard. I should at least give her some face.

After her efforts proved futile, Jian Suixin finally surrendered. She threw back the covers, revealing a face full of resentment.

“It’s all Mom’s fault! Why did she have to call so early? My perfect sleep-in, ruined!”

The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. Even though she couldn’t sleep, Jian Suixin stubbornly remained in bed, rolling over to face Jun Xizhi and pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Elder Sister, it’s still early. Come sleep with me. We need to make up for lost time. The AC’s broken, and it’s freezing outside. Stay warm with me under the covers.”

“Not getting up?” Jun Xizhi asked.

Jian Suixin shook her head, clinging to Jun Xizhi. “No, I want you to stay with me.”

Jun Xizhi raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “So you really want me to sleep with you?”

The words landed in Jian Suixin’s ears with a hint of ambiguity.

Jian Suixin froze for a second, then looked up at Jun Xizhi, meeting a pair of clear, honest, and beautiful eyes.

There was nothing in Jun Xizhi’s expression that suggested ulterior motives.

Jian Suixin mentally scolded herself for her impure thoughts for three seconds.

Then, pretending she hadn’t noticed the double meaning, she replied with equal sincerity, “Yes, I do.”

More than anything.

But it was just a fantasy. In Jun Xizhi’s presence, Jian Suixin always lost her nerve.

“Since we’re both awake now, let’s get up,” Jun Xizhi said with a comforting smile. “Just hang in there for a bit longer. Once filming wraps up, we can go home and catch up on sleep.”

Jian Suixin mumbled in agreement, “Okay.”

Jun Xizhi added, “If we get up early, we can grab breakfast and explore some other places. We can have some extra fun. What do you think?”

Hearing this, Jian Suixin finally brightened up. “Then let’s hurry and get ready!”

After washing up, she checked her phone again and found several new messages from Mother Jian on WeChat.

Mother Jian, initially too excited about the news of the two sleeping together to notice anything amiss, finally realized something was off.

 Empress Dowager : Didn’t you tell me your roommate had already left? Why is she still there?

 Empress Dowager : And how can you sleep in the same bed with someone you’re not even close to?!

Three minutes later, receiving no response from Jian Suixin, another message arrived.

 Empress Dowager : Where are you? Come explain yourself immediately! Aren’t you off work today?

 Empress Dowager : Don’t tell me you’re still sleeping! You’re so young to be sleeping in! Look at the time! Don’t you know the early bird catches the worm?

The latest message had been sent three minutes ago. Before Mother Jian could bombard her with more messages or call, Jian Suixin quickly brainstormed and concocted a plausible explanation.

 Jian Suoyou : I’m here, I’m here! I was just washing up. Don’t panic.

 Jian Suoyou : Okay, let me explain.

 Jian Suoyou : She did leave to meet a client. On her way back, she happened to pass by our film set and stopped by to say hello. By the time she was ready to leave, it was already late, and I couldn’t just kick her out, so I let her stay the night.

Jian Suoyou: The hotel rooms were all booked, so there was nowhere else for her to go. Since it was just for one night, we squeezed together and slept in the same bed.

Empress Dowager: Just like that? What a coincidence!

Jian Suoyou: Tell me about it! We only slept together once, and you happened to catch us. We’re not even close. I was so uncomfortable lying next to her last night—I didn’t dare get too close.

Mother Jian paused for a moment before replying, “Alright.”

She seemed to believe it.

Jian Suixin let out a sigh of relief.

Empress Dowager: So she’s leaving today?

Jian Suoyou: Yep! I’m taking her to catch her train in a bit.

Empress Dowager: You… She came all this way, and you’re just letting her leave? Why not have her stay a few more days?

Jian Suoyou: Huh? Mom, that’s a bit weird. Why are you suddenly so eager about my roommate? You dropped the questioning as soon as I mentioned she was my roommate, and now you want her to stay longer? What’s going on?

Empress Dowager: I just want you to get closer to your roommate and build a better relationship! What’s wrong with that? Making friends is hard when you’re away from home. I’m just helping you maintain your connections!

Jian Suixin pondered for a moment, then reluctantly accepted the explanation.

Fine.

Empress Dowager: Don’t worry, I’m your own mother. How could a mother harm her child? Everything I do is for your own good.

Jian Suoyou: Okay, Mom.

Empress Dowager: So, remember to keep your roommate around for a few more days. If you’re already awkward sharing a bed, what will you do later?

Empress Dowager: If there aren’t enough rooms, just stay together for now. It’ll make it easier to deepen your bond. Got it?

Jian Suixin instinctively felt something was off, but she couldn’t pinpoint what it was. In the end, she obediently agreed.

Jian Suoyou: Okay, I’ll definitely complete your mission diligently. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her here a few more days.

Jian Suoyou: Then I won’t take her to the station today. How about I take her out for another meal to strengthen our still-unfamiliar bond?

Empress Dowager: Aiya, that’s perfect! Good girl, you’re so clever. When you finish filming and go back, you’ll still be living with your roommate, right? It’s crucial to build a strong relationship. You can’t just be half-acquainted!

Jian Suoyou: Okay, I understand.

Jian Suoyou: Oh, right, there’s one more thing. Aren’t you supposed to be resting? Is your headache gone? Did your cold clear up?

Empress Dowager: Aiyo, your mother’s been so worried about you, I completely forgot. Now that you mention it, my head’s starting to ache again.

Empress Dowager: No more chatting! I’m going to rest now.

Jian Suoyou: Okay, take care of yourself! Don’t focus too much on work—get some rest.

Empress Dowager: Fine, fine, I got it. Remember to take your roommate out for dinner.

Jian Suoyou: Got it, got it! Bonding time—I understand.

Mother Jian gave her a thumbs-up.

After chatting with her mother, Jian Suixin felt a wave of relief.

Thank goodness for her quick wit and reflexes—her mother hadn’t suspected a thing about her relationship with her elder sister.

The System marveled, “This woman can really spin a yarn!”

Since it was too late to deal with the air conditioning last night, Jian Suixin washed up, ate breakfast, and then called the hotel to request a repair.

The front desk apologized, assuring her that a technician would arrive shortly.

Jian Suixin hesitated. Leaving the room unattended felt unsafe, but they needed to go out.

Just then, her assistant came by with some work-related matters and volunteered, “Sister Jian, you guys go have fun. I’ll take care of things here.”

Jian Suixin was touched and felt a little guilty. “I feel so bad. We’re going out to have fun while you’re stuck here waiting.”

The assistant waved it off. “Don’t worry about it. Sister Zhi saved me so much trouble on set. Watching the door is no big deal.”

With that, Jian Suixin thanked her. “Thank you so much! I’ll put in a request for a raise for you when we get back to the office!”

The assistant beamed. “Thank you, Sister Jian!”

As she watched Jian Suixin and Jun Xizhi leave hand-in-hand, the assistant mentally gave herself a pat on the back.

Sacrificing myself so Sister Jian and Sister Zhi can go on a date? I’m practically a saint!

As they walked out of the hotel, they ran into Sister Zhao.

Jian Suixin greeted her. “Sister Zhao, you’re back?”

“Yeah,” Sister Zhao replied, “I’m here to pack up.”

“Pack up? You’re leaving?” Jian Suixin asked.

“Yeah,” Sister Zhao said. “I’ve seen how diligently you’re working on set and that you’re being well taken care of. I can finally relax and go back to my other responsibilities.”

Sister Zhao hadn’t approached Jun Xizhi in the past few days, and now she was leaving? Jian Suixin was genuinely surprised.

But more than surprise, she felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Given Sister Zhao’s relentless energy these past few days, Jian Suixin had assumed she wouldn’t rest until she had Jun Xizhi in her grasp.

She desperately wanted to tease them both, but fearing that any mention of it would reignite Sister Zhao’s obsession with Jun Xizhi, she kept silent. Instead, she subtly glanced at Jun Xizhi, her expression radiating undisguised joy: We’re finally going to be free!

Jun Xizhi quickly caught her meaning and blinked in acknowledgment.

Sister Zhao watched the two of them silently communicate right in front of her, unable to understand their silent exchange but guessing its meaning.

She felt they were questioning her professional competence and perseverance.

She wanted to say, I’m not continuing for other reasons, not because I gave up.

She glanced at Jun Xizhi, who maintained a gentle facade, then at Jian Suixin, who seemed blissfully unaware, grinning foolishly just for being near Jun Xizhi. She wanted to speak, but the words remained unspoken.

Before leaving, Sister Zhao decided to offer Jian Suixin a few cryptic words of advice, patting her shoulder lightly. “Your true blessings are yet to come.”

With a final, knowing look that spoke volumes, she drifted away.

Jian Suixin: ?

Jian Suixin looked at the System, puzzled. “Tong’er, what good fortune?”

The System feigned ignorance. “I don’t know. Maybe they see your potential for a long-term career in the entertainment industry?”

Jian Suixin nodded thoughtfully. “That makes sense. Thank you, Sister Zhao.”

As Jian Suixin stepped out of the hotel and hailed a taxi, a voice suddenly called out from behind, “Miss Jun, what a coincidence! Are you busy this afternoon?”

It was Luo Dong.

He had changed into a suit, styled his hair, and approached them the moment they left the hotel. It was clearly no chance encounter.

He had been lying in wait.

Seeing the man’s face, Jian Suixin frowned before Jun Xizhi could even speak. “Teacher Luo, what do you want?”

This wasn’t the first time Luo Dong had approached Jun Xizhi, but Jian Suixin had always rebuffed him. After Jian Suixin slapped him last time, he had kept his distance for a while, yet here he was, pushing his luck again.

“A new Sichuan restaurant just opened downtown, and the reviews are excellent. I’d like to invite Miss Jun to try it. Do you have time?”

“I’m sorry, I have plans,” Jun Xizhi replied.

“If not today, tomorrow works too! Or whenever you’re free, I’ll be waiting,” Luo Dong said urgently.

Jun Xizhi’s expression remained indifferent. “I’m sorry, I can’t handle spicy food.”

Luo Dong froze, realizing he’d been so focused on his own love for spice that he’d forgotten about her preferences.

Slightly flustered, he quickly changed tack. “No problem! We can go somewhere else. What do you feel like eating?”

Before she could answer, Jian Suixin interjected with a cheerful smile, “Teacher Luo, did you notice my elder sister is with me?”

Luo Dong still remembered their previous run-in and glared at Jian Suixin. “What do you want?”

Jian Suixin continued to smile sweetly. “Sorry, but my elder sister and I already have plans for lunch today. Could you please step aside?”

With that, she naturally took Jun Xizhi’s hand and began to lead her away.

Luo Dong bristled, his face turning red with anger. “Fine, you can have lunch today. But tomorrow…”

“Oh, right, I forgot to tell you,” Jian Suixin interrupted before Luo Dong could finish. “Not just today’s lunch, but tomorrow and the day after too. I’ve booked all of Elder Sister’s meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—for the next few days. Remember to get in line.”

Luo Dong’s expression darkened. “How presumptuous! When did you make these reservations? Did Miss Jun even agree?”

Jun Xizhi couldn’t help but laugh, taking over the conversation. “As you can see, I just agreed. I’ll only be dining with Xiao Jian.”

Luo Dong’s face fell, and he gritted his teeth. “Then I’ll book for the day after tomorrow.”

“The day after tomorrow? Elder Sister will be leaving by then. Where do you plan to make a reservation?” Jian Suixin waved her hand dismissively. “What a pity. Sorry, we’re in a hurry. We have to go now.”

Without waiting for Luo Dong’s reaction, she pulled Jun Xizhi away.

As they reached the roadside, the car Jian Suixin had called arrived. They got in and drove off.

“Finally shook off that annoying tail,” Jian Suixin sighed in relief.

Traffic was heavy, and the restaurant was located in a bustling downtown area. Though less than a kilometer away, they spent nearly half an hour waiting at traffic lights.

Jian Suixin told the driver to stop and got out of the car, walking directly toward the restaurant.

Being an unknown had its advantages. She didn’t need to hide her face in public. As a virtually invisible figure on the fringes of fame, she could walk down the busiest streets without being recognized. Still, she and Junxi attracted plenty of stares.

System: The Sichuan cuisine restaurant that man mentioned—is it the same one you were talking about?

“It’s in the city center and just opened. It’s probably the same place.”

System: Then what if we come back to eat and he’s there too? What if we run into him?

Jian Suixin immediately dismissed the idea. “Don’t be silly. He’ll be too angry to eat. There’s no way we’ll run into him. Can’t you think of something positive for once?”

The System obediently replied,  “Okay, we won’t run into him.”

Speaking of which, Jian Suixin turned to Junxi. “Elder Sister, you’re leaving in two days. Remember to keep your distance from that Luo Dong guy. Stay far away from him.”

Jun Xizhi agreed with a smile. “Stay far away from him? Then who should I stay close to?”

Jian Suixin’s eyes twinkled as she repeated, “Exactly, Elder Sister. Who do you think you should stay close to?”

Jun Xizhi looked at her, a hint of distress in her expression. “Teacher Xiao Jian, I never expected you’d reveal the answer to me.”

Jian Suixin looped her arm through Jun Xizhi’s and answered for her, “Of course, dear student. The correct answer is: your beloved Xiao Jian, me! Got it?”

Jun Xizhi’s eyes curved into crescents as she nodded earnestly. “Got it, Teacher Xiao Jian.”

Following the navigation, they found the restaurant. Before entering, Jian Suixin turned to Jun Xizhi with a serious expression. “Elder Sister, you absolutely must keep an eye on me. I can’t eat too much.”

Jun Xizhi nodded in perfect agreement and added the second half of the sentence, “Mm-hmm, and I’ll eat extra for you.”

Jian Suixin high-fived her. “You get me!”

As they approached the restaurant door, Jian Suixin hurried ahead to pull it open for Jun Xizhi. “Elder Sister, please come in.”

Jun Xizhi smiled and said, “Thank you.” But as she glanced inside, her smile froze.

Jian Suixin waited for Jun Xizhi to enter, noticing her staring blankly into the restaurant. She peered inside. “What’s wrong?”

Then she understood why.

Just then, Luo Dong emerged from the door, accompanied by two men, and walked straight toward them.

The unexpected encounter made it impossible for Luo Dong to ignore them. Seeing the pair, he stopped in his tracks.

He raised an eyebrow, a half-mocking smile playing on his lips. “Ladies, we meet again.”

“Miss Jun, I thought you said you didn’t like spicy food? What are you doing here? Is it fun to play with me?” Luo Dong’s frustration at Jun Xizhi’s earlier rejection was now compounded by anger at being deceived.

Jian Suixin: ……

System, you jinxed us.