Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 36

Jian Suixin stared speechlessly at Luo Dong, who stood before her with a cold, menacing expression, like a guardian deity guarding the door.

“It’s all your fault!” Jian Suixin snapped at the System. “Why did you have to mention him? Now look what’s happened—we’ve actually run into him!”

The System protested, feeling wronged. “I didn’t mean to! Better safe than sorry, right? I just said it casually. Who knew he’d actually show up?”

Jian Suixin turned to meet the dark gaze of the man inside the restaurant, offering an awkward but polite smile. “What a coincidence, Teacher Luo! You’re here too?”

Luo Dong was no pushover. He had been rejected repeatedly, simmering with resentment. Now, learning that these two had been playing him for a fool, his anger flared.

He sneered, “Indeed, quite the coincidence.”

“Didn’t Teacher Jun say she couldn’t handle spicy food? Why come to a Sichuan restaurant? Just for the clear broth?”

Jian Suixin began to improvise wildly. “When you asked, Elder Sister was feeling under the weather and couldn’t eat spicy food. But she’s better now, so I dragged her here to indulge.”

She finished with a forced laugh.

“……” Luo Dong stared at her, finding nothing amusing. “Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Jian Suixin’s smile faded as she rolled her eyes and muttered to the System, “He’s not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed.”

 System:  “Alright, hurry up and figure out what to do.”

*

What to do? What could they do?

“Teacher Luo, I’m so sorry. My sister didn’t mean to be rude. She just wanted to save you some face by turning you down gently. It’s all for your own good, so don’t take it personally. If there’s nothing else, we’ll head inside now.”

“Elder Sister, let’s go, let’s go,” Jian Suixin whispered, tugging at Jun Xizhi’s arm.

But Luo Dong blocked the doorway, clearly not ready to let it go.

“Hold on, ladies. I haven’t finished speaking yet. Why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

What infuriated Luo Dong even more than Jun Xizhi was Jian Suixin’s audacity. He had come to speak with Jun Xizhi—what business did Jian Suixin have interfering? A nobody in the industry, a minor celebrity whose name he’d barely heard, daring to challenge him?

Before Jun Xizhi, Luo Dong still maintained a veneer of civility, forcing a smile. “Since we’ve all happened to gather here, Miss Jun, surely you’ll grant me the honor of dining with me?”

Jun Xizhi’s expression remained calm as she smiled. “Is Teacher Luo offering to treat?”

Luo Dong’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “Of course!”

Jian Suixin was taken aback. Why did Elder Sister agree? Just as she was about to ask, Jun Xizhi turned to her. “That’s wonderful, Xiao Jian! Tell everyone in the group chat to come. Teacher Luo is treating tonight.”

Understanding Jun Xizhi’s intention, Jian Suixin immediately grinned and pulled out her phone. “Got it! I’ll send the message right away.”

Luo Dong’s smile vanished, his voice turning cold again. “What’s the meaning of this, Miss Jun? Why are you inviting others to our private arrangement?”

Jun Xizhi showed no mercy. “Since you acknowledge our agreement, Teacher Luo, why are you trying to interfere with the plans Xiao Jian and I made beforehand?”

Jian Suixin, relishing the moment, leaned forward to chime in. “Exactly! A grown man acting so childishly!”

Luo Dong’s face darkened completely. His patience finally snapped, and he stepped closer, his voice dripping with venom. “So, you’d rather force my hand than accept my invitation?”

Unfazed, Jian Suixin mirrored his aggressive stance, stepping forward to shield Jun Xizhi. “What do you think you’re doing? You think you’re the only one who can advance? The only one who can intimidate people?”

“Stop acting tough! This is right in front of the restaurant, surrounded by people. If someone films this and posts it online, we’re just ordinary people—no one knows us. Your reputation would be ruined! If you’ve got the guts, come at me!”

Luo Dong, though arrogant, self-righteous, and a terrible actor, wasn’t completely stupid. Jian Suixin’s words were true: if he actually threw a punch and someone filmed it, his hard-earned popularity would vanish in an instant.

He glanced around, noticing curious passersby already staring and edging closer to see what was happening.

Jian Suixin’s move had genuinely stunned Luo Dong.

One of Luo Dong’s followers stepped forward, his voice low. “Boss, think this through.”

Luo Dong, simmering with anger, snapped at him, “Do you think I don’t know that? Do I need you to remind me?”

The well-meaning follower retreated a step, silenced by the rebuke.

Luo Dong clenched his teeth, his fists balled so tightly his knuckles turned white. He desperately wanted to lash out but dared not risk it.

He couldn’t swallow the humiliation of being outmaneuvered like this and simply walking away. Yet, leaving was the only sensible option.

After a deep breath, Luo Dong glared at the pair. “You really think you can scare me off with these cheap tricks?”

Jian Suixin’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What do you want? I’ll call the police if you try anything. Haven’t you ever been locked up before? Want to find out what it’s like?”

Luo Dong wouldn’t dare lay a hand on them, but he refused to swallow this humiliation. “I can’t believe you two—a nobody signed to some no-name company and a complete unknown whose name no one’s ever heard of—have the nerve to talk back to me like this.”

“Whether you’re in the industry or not, people are lining up to suck up to me. I was doing you a favor by having dinner with you. Don’t get any ideas about your place!”

Jian Suixin exploded, ready to argue, but Jun Xizhi quickly pulled her back, urging her not to waste her breath.

“Just because I can’t touch you now doesn’t mean I won’t later. Remember, Z City is vast, and not every corner has people or cameras.”

Luo Dong, seething with rage, hurled threats like daggers.

Jian Suixin laughed. “I bet you only dare to strike in the shadows. You reek of someone who can’t stand the light.”

Luo Dong’s eyes widened, his face contorted with fury. Unable to win the argument and unwilling to compromise his status by resorting to violence, he glared at them one last time before storming off.

With the pest finally gone, Jian Suixin relaxed completely.

Their plans couldn’t be disrupted by some irrelevant person. Jian Suixin stuck her tongue out at Luo Dong’s retreating figure before turning to Jun Xizhi. “Elder Sister, that guy didn’t bother you, did he?”

Jun Xizhi shook her head, her expression calm. “No, I’m fine.”

Jian Suixin chimed in, “Exactly! He’s not worth getting upset over.”

Jun Xizhi countered, “What about you?”

Jian Suixin waved it off. “I’m not scared of him. He’s just a paper tiger, all bark and no bite. Don’t worry, Elder Sister. If he tries anything, I’ll protect you.”

Checking her phone for the time, Jian Suixin tugged Jun Xizhi’s arm and led her into the restaurant. “Perfect timing! It’s lunchtime. Let’s go in and eat!”

Jun Xizhi let herself be led, following Jian Suixin’s steps into the restaurant.

After finding an empty table, Jian Suixin reminded her, “Don’t forget our motto.”

Jun Xizhi immediately replied, “To supervise you and make sure you don’t eat too much.”

Jian Suixin added, “And one more thing: Elder Sister, you need to eat more. You’re too thin!”

The restaurant truly lived up to its reputation. The signature dishes recommended by the staff were fragrant, spicy, and deeply flavorful, making for an incredibly satisfying meal.

Faced with such delicious food, Jian Suixin easily lost her senses. In the end, she barely managed to keep her promise, eating only a small bowl of rice.

After the satisfying meal, they strolled through a nearby shopping mall before taking a car back to the hotel.

The traffic was much lighter than before, making the return trip seem remarkably short.

Jian Suixin felt like she had only dozed off in the car for a moment when she opened her eyes to find they had already arrived at the hotel.

The buoyant mood that had swelled after the meal and shopping deflated as quickly as a punctured balloon.

Jian Suixin sighed weakly, “It’s over already? It was so short.”

Jun Xizhi comforted her, “Once we finish filming and go home, we’ll treat ourselves properly.”

System: Host, you’re only holding on because of the good times waiting after filming.

Jian Suixin: “Right now, that’s the carrot dangling in front of me.”

Jian Suixin: “Once filming wraps, I’m temporarily abandoning my ‘body management’ and indulging myself properly. I’m going to eat so much delicious food!”

Jun Xizhi: “Sounds good.”

“And we’re going to buy tons of new clothes!”

“No problem.”

Jian Suixin clung to Jun Xizhi’s arm, her voice softening, “And I want my Elder Sister to come with me.”

Jun Xizhi smiled and nodded. “Alright, I’ll keep you company. Whatever Xiao Jian wants to do, I’ll be there.”

Jian Suixin’s sadness instantly dissipated. “Okay, Elder Sister, wait for me!”

The System corrected her. “No, it looks like you’re relying on Sister Zhi for support.”

Jian Suixin chuckled inwardly. Ah, so Elder Sister is the carrot after all.

She glanced at Jun Xizhi, who was walking ahead, and wondered, When will I finally get to taste that carrot?

After a brief rest at the hotel, Jian Suixin returned to the film set to resume work.

There was a night shoot scheduled for tonight. She changed into her costume and applied her makeup, then waited.

Before filming officially began, Jian Suixin continued studying the script. The evening’s scenes were crucial, and she took them very seriously. The script’s edges were heavily worn, and the margins were densely covered with notes.

Tonight’s scene involved the theft of the Junior Sister’s (played by Jian Suixin) important magical artifact. When the thief realized they were about to be exposed, they maliciously framed the Female Lead by planting the artifact in her room.

All the evidence pointed to the Female Lead, leaving her unable to defend herself. At this moment, the Eldest Senior Brother (played by the Male Lead), as a model disciple, though he loved the Female Lead and didn’t believe she was guilty, had no choice but to punish her to appease the crowd.

Just as the Female Lead was about to be imprisoned, the Junior Sister arrived in time, declaring that her Senior Sister had been framed and that she only needed a few more days to gather evidence. The Eldest Senior Brother was helpless; without proof, mere words held no weight. He insisted on confining the Female Lead to the rear mountain, promising to reconsider if evidence emerged. The Junior Sister’s face darkened instantly. Ignoring all decorum, she lashed out at the Male Lead, accusing him of failing to protect the Female Lead.

The Junior Sister rescued the Female Lead, but the latter insisted on returning to find the Male Lead, explaining that as the Eldest Senior Brother, he had his own constraints and urging her to forgive him. The Junior Sister, who had risked everything to save her Senior Sister, felt deeply wronged by this lack of understanding. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, she confessed her feelings to the Female Lead and, in a moment of impulse, kissed her.

The suddenness of the kiss left the Female Lead stunned. Seeing the Junior Sister, whom she had cherished since childhood, weeping so bitterly, the Female Lead abandoned her plans to explain herself to the Male Lead and stayed to comfort her Junior Sister.

As Jian Suixin read the script, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t a typical romance drama. Especially this plot point: the Male Lead couldn’t protect the Female Lead, relying instead on the Junior Sister’s intervention. In the end, the Female Lead didn’t seek out the Male Lead but chose to stay and comfort the Junior Sister. From any angle, the Male Lead seemed less important than the Junior Sister.

Coupled with the final ending, Jian Suixin had once suspected that the Male Lead was merely a plot device arranged by the screenwriter.

As for why the Junior Sister’s feelings were so complex—her affection was for the Female Lead, not the Male Lead—that was a question for the original author and the screenwriter.

After all, it was the creator’s duty to provide content that audiences would enjoy.

The crew was still setting up the set, and filming for tonight was about to begin.

Jian Suixin felt a bit nervous. Although she had natural talent and guidance from the System, her lack of experience made this scene particularly challenging.

Earlier, Jian Suixin had discussed the scene with the Director and the other leads. While the Junior Sister was only the third female lead, her feelings for the Female Lead were far from ordinary sisterly affection.

Therefore, the handling of this plot point required careful consideration.

Soon, the actors were in position, and filming commenced.

The initial scenes went smoothly: a disciple stole a magical artifact and framed the Female Lead, leaving the Male Lead with no choice but to punish her.

The righteous sect valued reputation above all else, and stealing from fellow disciples was a grave offense, demanding severe punishment.

The crowd watched coldly, not a single person daring to speak up for the Female Lead.

Just as the disciples were about to seize her, the Junior Sister arrived in time and whisked her away.

Everyone performed well in this scene, passing it smoothly. Luo Dong even earned considerable praise.

The Junior Sister arrived, vehemently defending her Senior Sister, but lacking concrete evidence, no one believed her.

Ignoring all pleas for leniency, the Male Lead insisted on punishing the Female Lead to appease the crowd. Enraged and heartbroken for her Senior Sister, the Junior Sister glared at him and rebuked him fiercely.

“Senior Brother, you know the forbidden area in the back mountains is cold, damp, and harsh. You know it’s where the most heinous criminals are imprisoned. You know Senior Sister is frail and sickly, unable to withstand the bitter cold. How dare you confine her there?”

“Junior Sister, I…”

The Male Lead, burdened by his own hidden motives, wore an expression of suppressed helplessness and resentment at being misunderstood. He tried to defend himself, but the Junior Sister gave him no chance to explain.

“So you’re just another hypocritical fraud, all righteous appearances and empty words. I thought you would treat Senior Sister well, but your heart is filled only with rules and regulations. I truly misjudged you.”

The Male Lead was about to say something, but the Junior Sister, completely uninterested in his explanations, turned and embraced the Female Lead. “Senior Sister, I’m taking you away.”

“Cut!”

The scene was successfully filmed. The Director nodded. “Excellent work, Teacher Xiao Jian. Consistent performance as always.”

The Director was highly satisfied with the scene. Since Jian Suixin consistently delivered strong performances, he offered a few words of praise. He reserved his highest praise for Luo Dong, who had exceeded expectations. “Impressive, Teacher Luo! Were you holding back before? Your performance in this scene was outstanding—your body language and subtle expressions were spot-on! Teacher Luo, you’re clearly skilled at portraying restrained suffering. Keep up this momentum!”

Jian Suixin’s performance was indeed excellent. Beyond her acting skills, it was hard to deny that personal emotions had played a role.

As for Luo Dong’s exceptional performance, he was simply playing himself. How could it not be good?

Those with sharp eyes had long noticed the tension between Jian Suixin and Luo Dong, and they dared not utter a word. The System silently observed the scene, scanned the quiet set, and couldn’t help but ask, “Host, is the Director being sarcastic with him?”

Jian Suixin struggled to suppress her laughter. “I don’t know.”

Sarcasm was uncomfortable, but genuine praise was even more unbearable.

Luo Dong gritted his teeth, showing no joy at the praise, his face filled with resentment.

To make matters worse, an extra chimed in for no apparent reason, “Yeah, Luo-ge’s acting was amazing! If I didn’t know it was just a scene, I’d swear you were actually bursting with pent-up anger, with nowhere to vent it! Hahaha!”

“Pfft!” Jian Suixin couldn’t help but burst out laughing, then quickly stifled it.

With the next scenes to shoot, everyone else busied themselves, leaving Luo Dong alone, his teeth grinding as he struggled to contain his fury.

The Junior Sister led the Female Lead away, the other actors exited the set, and the two women prepared for their scene.

The rest of the scene was filmed according to the script, but the final kiss would be faked with clever camera angles.

The initial shots went smoothly, but the final scene between the Junior Sister and the Female Lead hit a snag, requiring multiple retakes.

The Director coached her, “Teacher Xiao Jian, this isn’t working. Your feelings for the Female Lead are complex. She doesn’t reciprocate your feelings yet, but you do. The emotional core of this scene rests on you. When you’re with Teacher Ran, it just looks like sisterly affection!”

Ran Xiao, the female lead acting opposite Jian Suixin, teased, “Looks like Xin Xin and I just don’t have any chemistry.”

The assistant director chimed in with a laugh, “Maybe Teacher Xiao Jian hasn’t been in love before? No experience, so she can’t pull it off?”

The director chuckled, “That’s a tough one. Anything else we could work around, but love isn’t something you can just conjure up. Maybe Teacher Xiao Jian should find someone suitable on set and try dating them for a bit? Once you’ve got the feeling, we can reshoot the scene.”

Everyone laughed.

Jian Suixin sighed helplessly. “Director, I’m sorry. Let’s try again.”

By the standards of the rest of the crew, her performance was passable. But compared to her usual brilliance, it fell short. Moreover, this scene was crucial for establishing the characters’ relationship and driving the plot forward. Even without the director’s prompting, Jian Suixin herself was dissatisfied.

No matter how you looked at it, this scene couldn’t be played as mere sisterly affection.

They tried several more takes, but nothing worked.

The crew patiently reshot each time, but Jian Suixin felt terrible and kept apologizing.

Seeing her distress, the director called for a ten-minute break. “Don’t rush,” he said. “Take your time and find the feeling.”

Jian Suixin stepped outside the film set to get some fresh air. The temperature had risen slightly in the past two days, but it was still winter, and it was night, so it wasn’t exactly warm.

Wearing only her costume, she was preoccupied with how to nail the scene, completely forgetting about the cold outside.

She forgot, but someone else remembered for her.

As Jian Suixin gazed blankly at the night sky, a down jacket was suddenly draped over her shoulders.

“In this freezing weather, Teacher Xiao Jian, why did you run out without a down jacket? It’s so cold!”

Without turning around, she knew it was Jun Xizhi.

“Elder Sister,” Jian Suixin called out, feeling her entire body relax at Jun Xizhi’s presence.

“Still can’t find the feeling?” Jun Xizhi asked, standing beside her.

Jian Suixin shook her head.

“Don’t rush. I don’t know much about acting, but I know inspiration is crucial,” Jun Xizhi comforted. “The more you force it, the harder it’ll be to find.”

Jun Xizhi smiled, her words carrying a deeper meaning. “Looks like Xiao Jian really needs to fall in love.”

Jian Suixin lowered her head, teasing herself, “So, should I deliberately pursue a romance for the sake of artistic creation?”

Jun Xizhi tilted her head, glancing at Jian Suixin. “What’s wrong? Don’t you have any thoughts on the matter?”

Jian Suixin: “I do, but it depends on who I’d be talking to.”

“Hmm?” Jun Xizhi hummed inquisitively, leaning closer to Jian Suixin, instantly enveloping her in her aura.

“Who… do you want to talk to?”

Of course, it’s you, Elder Sister. Would you agree?

Jian Suixin knew the answer immediately, but the words caught in her throat, refusing to be spoken.

Her heart pounded uncontrollably as she looked up at Jun Xizhi’s face. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

Jian Suixin blushed.

“I…”

Jun Xizhi seemed to be teasing her deliberately, or perhaps she genuinely wanted to hear her answer. She pressed, “Who is it? Can’t you say?”

Jian Suixin closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and was about to answer when a voice suddenly called out from behind them: “Teachers, you’re here! How’s the preparation going?”

“……” Jian Suixin’s newly mustered courage was instantly punctured.

Turning to face the Director behind her, Jian Suixin didn’t know whether to resent or thank him. “I was just getting into character. You interrupted me, and now it’s all gone.”

The Director looked confused. “Huh? Was Teacher Jun helping Teacher Xiao Jian rehearse?”

Jun Xizhi smiled, but didn’t reveal the truth, instead playing along with the Director’s words. “Yes, we were rehearsing the scene when you interrupted us.”

The Director chuckled. “Oh, I see. If you hadn’t explained, I would have thought Teacher Xiao Jian was about to confess her feelings, given the atmosphere between you two.”

Jian Suixin: If you could tell it was a confession, why did you barge in?

The Director remained single to this day, partly due to his staunch refusal to marry, but other factors also played a significant role.

Jun Xizhi simply smiled, her lips pressed together, and remained silent.

The Director didn’t dwell on the matter, cheerfully changing the subject. “I came to check on Teacher Xiao Jian, but now I need to speak with Teacher Jun about something.”

Jun Xizhi: “What is it?”

Director: “I’d like to ask for your help.”

“What kind of help?”

“To act opposite someone.”

Jun Xizhi raised an eyebrow, her expression surprised. The Director knew she wasn’t a professional actress; she hadn’t expected him to make such a request.

“I’m sorry, Director, but I’m not a trained actor. I doubt I’m qualified.”

The Director, having weathered countless storms in the industry, waved her concerns aside. “Nonsense! Look at Luo Dong—he’s playing the Male Lead just fine. Why can’t you?”

Jun Xizhi shook her head silently, her lips pressed together.

The answer remained a refusal.

“We’re not asking you to act for real,” the Director emphasized. “It’s just a rehearsal to help us find the right chemistry.”

He pressed further, “Honestly, this role is perfect for you.”

Jun Xizhi remained unmoved. “I’m really not suitable, Director. You should ask someone else.”

With that, she turned to call Jian Suixin back.

The Director watched her, sighing. “Not even if you’re acting with Teacher Xiao Jian?”

Jun Xizhi froze, her steps halting instantly. “With Xiao Jian?”

Seeing his strategy working, the Director explained, “Exactly! Look at Teacher Xiao Jian with the Female Lead—they look like best friends. But with you, the chemistry would be electric.”

“I know you don’t want to, Teacher Jun, but we’re out of options. This isn’t for us; it’s for your Xiao Jian. Can you really refuse?”

Each word struck Jun Xizhi’s heart. She stopped trying to refuse.

After a moment, she asked, “Which scene?”

“The one we kept messing up earlier,” the Director replied with a smug smile, revealing his knowing gaze.

What was that scene?

Protection, companionship, a kiss.

Jun Xizhi fell silent.

After a long pause, she answered, “I agree.”