Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 37

Jun Xizhi was silent for a moment before finally saying, “I agree.”

The Director, as if he had anticipated Jun Xizhi’s agreement all along, showed no particular surprise or elation. He simply smiled and said, “Excellent, Teacher Jun. Thank you for your cooperation.”

With a knowing smile, he strolled back, calling out to Jian Suixin, “Teacher Xiao Jian, come back and let’s resume filming.”

Jian Suixin was still curious about what the two had discussed, but before she could ask, she was hurried back to the set.

Once they were back in front of the cameras, the Director explained to Jian Suixin, “Teacher Xiao Jian, Teacher Jun will be working with you on this scene to help you find the right mood.”

Jian Suixin’s mind short-circuited. “Work on what scene?”

The Director repeated his earlier explanation, “What other scene? The one you’ve been struggling with.”

“The one I’ve been struggling with?” Jian Suixin blinked, then blinked again. Her eyes widened abruptly. “Th-th-that… with Elder Sister?”

The Director maintained his signature smile. “Yes, is there a problem?”

Jian Suixin hesitated. “But… would Elder Sister agree to this?”

The Director glanced at her with a strange look. “If she hadn’t agreed, would I be asking you?”

Jian Suixin looked at Jun Xizhi standing nearby. The other woman was gazing absently at the camera, but when she sensed Jian Suixin’s gaze, she looked up and smiled.

Jun Xizhi’s eyes always held that same peaceful, gentle warmth when she looked at Jian Suixin.

Jian Suixin’s heart skipped a beat. Still, she asked, “Then why didn’t you ask me outside? You only asked Elder Sister?”

The Director chuckled, feigning sudden realization. “Oh, Teacher Xiao Jian doesn’t want to act with Teacher Jun? You should have said so earlier! If you don’t want to…”

“Director, how can you say that?” Jian Suixin protested, flustered. “When did I ever say I didn’t want to?”

The Director grinned. “Then what’s the problem? See? Asking you in here worked just as well.”

Jian Suixin had no retort.

She wanted to say more, her heart soaring with joy at Jun Xizhi’s agreement. Even her usual banter with the Director faded away. “Th-th-then… okay! I’ll prepare properly.”

After a moment’s thought, she added, “Thank you, Director.”

The Director looked at her, amused. “What are you thanking me for?”

Jian Suixin choked, quickly finding an excuse: “Thank you for having Elder Sister act with me.”

The director wanted to briefly discuss the upcoming scene with Jun Xizhi. Jun Xizhi replied, “I’ve been following the script closely, so I understand the plot well. Director, just tell me what specific points I need to focus on.”

She really has her mind set on him, everyone thought. She knows the script inside and out, making things so much easier for us.

The director nodded in agreement, wasting no time. “Alright, you don’t even need to change costumes for this scene. We’re just trying to capture the right feeling. You’ve memorized the lines, right? They don’t need to be exact—just get the gist and be able to respond naturally.”

Jian Suixin hesitated. “Um, Director, we’re playing characters from different eras—ancient and modern?”

“It’s just about finding the right mood,” the director explained. “Changing costumes would be too much trouble, and it’s unnecessary. I trust your professionalism. You can get into character even when acting opposite someone in modern attire, right?”

Jian Suixin felt reasonably confident but didn’t want to overpromise. “I’ll do my best.”

“You’ll be fine,” the director assured her, showing even more faith in her than Jian Suixin had in herself.

Soon, the crew was in position, and the rehearsal began.

Following the script’s instructions, Jian Suixin embraced Jun Xizhi, her arms circling her waist. Her heart raced with both excitement and nervousness as she double-checked, “Director, is… is this pose appropriate for us?”

The director replied matter-of-factly, “Appropriate? Why wouldn’t it be?”

The rest of the crew chimed in unison, echoing, “Perfectly appropriate! Absolutely perfect!”

Seeing everyone’s confidence in them, Jian Suixin’s own confidence surged. “Alright, I’ll make sure to coordinate well with Elder Sister.”

The Junior Sister led the Female Lead away from the group, arriving at the foot of the mountain. After confirming no one was following, she let out a sigh of relief.

“Senior Sister, it’s alright now. We’re safe,” the Junior Sister said with a smile, sheathing her sword.

“Thank you for saving me, Junior Sister,” the Senior Sister replied, her expression still clouded with worry, unlike her Junior Sister’s carefree demeanor.

The Junior Sister had grown up in a wealthy, doting family. Upon joining the sect, her intelligence, beauty, and exceptional talent had made her the darling of everyone’s eyes. This upbringing had fostered her straightforward, unrestrained personality.

However, this didn’t mean she was oblivious to social cues or entirely self-centered.

Moreover, the person before her was her Senior Sister.

Senior Sister’s worry was written all over her face, making it impossible for Junior Sister to miss.

Junior Sister pursed her lips and, without beating around the bush, asked directly, “Senior Sister, what’s wrong?”

Senior Sister frowned deeply but forced a smile. “I’m afraid I’ll have to return.”

Junior Sister’s brow furrowed at this, her eyes filled with confusion. “Why? Are you going back to see Senior Brother?”

Senior Sister’s thoughts were laid bare, and she no longer tried to hide them. “We lack concrete evidence. Senior Brother must have had his reasons for acting this way. As the Eldest Senior Brother and a model for all disciples, if even he disregards the Sect Rules, how can he maintain order and command respect?”

Junior Sister’s frown deepened as she listened, her heart seething with resentment. She couldn’t help but interrupt, “No matter his reasons—no matter how desperate or justified he claims to be—he condemned you and sentenced you to the Forbidden Territory. I will never forgive him for that.”

To be honest, this was a historical drama, and Jun Xizhi was dressed in modern clothes. Although her Elder Sister was undeniably beautiful and Jian Suixin firmly believed she deserved the role of Female Lead, addressing a modern person as “Senior Sister” and delivering those lines made it incredibly difficult to stay in character.

At first, it was clear that Jian Suixin hadn’t fully immersed herself in the role. Her delivery of the lines was somewhat stiff, and she nearly broke character twice.

However, when the scene reached the part where Senior Sister insisted on leaving and Junior Sister’s emotions erupted, Jian Suixin quickly became absorbed in the drama.

The two actors couldn’t sense the change, but those watching from the sidelines could clearly see that Jian Suixin had fully entered her character. Jun Xizhi, not being formally trained, couldn’t match Jian Suixin’s intensity, but it was evident that she was no longer just mechanically reciting lines. She was gradually stepping into the story.

The Director watched silently, discussing with his colleagues, “Their chemistry is excellent.”

The surrounding crew nodded in agreement.

The screenwriter, standing nearby, was visibly excited.

This is exactly what I wanted! That restrained emotion, that unspoken tension—what’s the point of sisterly affection?

The scene continued.

Senior Sister remained determined to leave, while Junior Sister, in disbelief, clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She couldn’t comprehend her Senior Sister’s words.

“Senior Sister, why would you think this way? Regardless of Senior Brother’s reasons, you’re still his Junior Sister! He didn’t even give you a chance to explain, relying solely on those disciples’ ‘testimonies’ to condemn you and banish you to the Forbidden Territory. And you’re still defending him?!”

Senior Sister shook her head. She knew her Junior Sister was fiercely protective of her, caring only for her well-being and disregarding the Sect Rules entirely.

Yet they were, after all, disciples of the sect and couldn’t simply abandon their duties.

The thought of what would have happened if she hadn’t arrived in time—Senior Sister being dragged to the Forbidden Grounds of the Back Mountain—filled Junior Sister with lingering fear. Tears glistened in her eyes as she said, “Senior Sister, if it were me, I would protect you at any cost.”

Even the most hardened heart would soften at such words.

How much more so Senior Sister, with her tender nature.

Her expression softened, her voice slightly hoarse as she stroked Junior Sister’s hair. “Junior Sister, thank you.”

Taking this as a sign of compromise, Junior Sister finally smiled. She immediately clasped Senior Sister’s hand and continued to plead, “Senior Sister, you’ve been by my side since childhood, training with me every day, always there for me. We even shared a room at night. No matter what, I’ll always stand by you.”

Clutching Senior Sister’s sleeve, her eyes brimming with longing and a hint of playful coaxing, she added, “Senior Sister, I’m worried about you. Your health has always been fragile. How could you endure the hardships of imprisonment? Please, don’t go.”

At least, at least don’t go back now. Wait until I find evidence to protect you, then we’ll return together, okay?

She gazed into her Junior Sister’s eyes, their depths clear and unwavering, reflecting only her Senior Sister’s image.

The Junior Sister gripped her hand tightly, refusing to let go. I absolutely won’t let you be falsely accused, and I certainly won’t let you be punished. Just give me some time, okay? I promise I’ll find the evidence to prove your innocence.

But we escaped like this… How can we explain it to Senior Brother? You’ll be punished for taking me away without permission.

I don’t care. The Junior Sister’s eyes burned with determination as she tightened her grip, as if trying to lock her Senior Sister by her side. Senior Sister, as long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. If they want to punish someone, let it be me.

How can I let that happen? The Senior Sister shook her head firmly, sighing. This has nothing to do with you. Why get dragged into this mess?

Because you’re here, Senior Sister.

The Senior Sister’s heart ached unbearably, but she had other priorities right now.

In the end, she forcefully wrenched her hand free.

I’m sorry. I have to go back.

The Junior Sister’s eyes shifted from disbelief to sorrowful confusion as she watched her Senior Sister break free, rise resolutely, and turn to leave.

Junior Sister endured, trying to conceal her true feelings, but the thought of her beloved Senior Sister taking on a false accusation for someone else filled her heart with suffocating resentment. She felt it was utterly unfair.

As Senior Sister’s figure receded into the distance, Junior Sister suddenly surged forward. Senior Sister, her spiritual energy sealed due to the accusation, possessed only ordinary human strength, allowing Junior Sister to catch up in a few strides.

In a moment of distraction, a figure suddenly appeared before her. Senior Sister paused, startled. “Junior Sister, you…”

Junior Sister cut her off, her voice cold and laced with suppressed anger. “Senior Sister, why do you protect him so fiercely? Why do you consider his needs above all else? Is it because you love him?”

Senior Sister froze, her brow furrowing in confusion. Her eyes widened in disbelief, as if she couldn’t comprehend why Junior Sister would even suggest such a thing. “How could you think that? Senior Brother is someone I deeply respect. I would never harbor such feelings for him.”

Junior Sister remained unconvinced, pressing further. “Really? If that’s not the reason, then why do you care so much about him?”

“It’s not just Senior Brother,” Senior Sister replied. “It’s the Sect Rules. We must obey them.”

Junior Sister stood firm, blocking her path, her fists clenched tight. “Are you determined to leave?”

Senior Sister hesitated, then spoke. “If I don’t return, Senior Brother…”

“Senior Sister, why are your eyes always fixed on Senior Brother?” Junior Sister finally snapped, grabbing her wrist and yanking her close.

Her eyes brimmed with hurt and resentment, her voice choked with emotion. “Senior Sister… what about me?”

Is there even the slightest place in your heart for me?

The woman before her didn’t understand her meaning, still trying to persuade her. “Junior Sister, let go. I’ll be fine.”

Junior Sister refused to release her grip. “What if you’re not?”

Senior Sister sighed. “But what else can we do? If I don’t go back, Senior Brother will surely…”

“Enough!”

“Senior Brother, Senior Brother, Senior Brother…” Junior Sister interrupted, her eyes glazed over as she muttered to herself, “Why is Senior Brother the only thing on your mind?”

Jian Suixin stared into Jun Xizhi’s eyes, momentarily lost in thought. In that instant, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions flashed through her mind: one moment, she saw the Senior Sister who would sacrifice everything for Eldest Senior Brother, heedless of her own safety; the next, she saw Jun Xizhi, who had abandoned her for someone else.

In that moment, the line between the drama and reality blurred.

She seemed to see Jun Xizhi, who had found love and turned away without a second glance.

Her Elder Sister had abandoned her and left.

Jian Suixin’s eyes rimmed with red; she couldn’t accept it.

The character’s emotions completely overwhelmed Jian Suixin—resentment, hurt, helplessness… a tangle of feelings enveloped her.

In the next instant, she gripped the back of the person before her and pressed her lips down forcefully.

“Mmm…”

Everyone off-camera gasped.

Both actresses were fully immersed in their roles. This was about to be a real kiss.

Yet the atmosphere was too perfect. Everyone was so invested in the scene that no one dared interrupt.

The director least of all.

He let them continue acting.

In that moment, the face before her loomed larger and larger. She was acutely aware that this was her “Senior Sister” in the play, but also her “Elder Sister” in real life.

This was Jun Xizhi’s face.

So, the next scene…

At this thought, Jian Suixin’s heart skipped a beat, and her movement faltered slightly just before the kiss.

Simultaneously, Jian Suixin pulled the other woman close. The person in her arms instinctively struggled, and the kiss landed not on her lips, but on the side of her cheek.

Even this was enough to make the crew sigh in admiration.

The chemistry was palpable—the overwhelming CP energy!

Yet many others lamented, Why did you dodge, Senior Sister? Why hesitate, Junior Sister? What’s wrong with a kiss?

Whether viewers were immersed in the plot, shipping the couple, or resentful that they hadn’t kissed, the two actresses continued their scene before the camera.

The kiss had come too suddenly, leaving Senior Sister completely stunned. “Junior Sister… Junior Sister, you…”

Junior Sister was equally flustered, her composure shattered in the heat of the moment. What was done could not be undone; the die had been cast, and there was no explaining it away.

Now that her feelings were exposed, she decided to be direct. “Elder Sister, don’t you understand? I’ve always loved you. I can’t bear to see you hurt.”

Senior Sister didn’t respond, her face etched with shock.

To Junior Sister, this silence seemed to confirm her worst fears: Senior Sister couldn’t accept her feelings.

She turned away, squeezing her eyes shut. Her long lashes trembled slightly as she knew there was no turning back now that she had spoken her truth.

Gently releasing the hand she had been gripping tightly, she said softly, “Elder Sister, you should go.”

Behind her, silence hung heavy, broken only by the soft rustle of the wind whispering past her ear.

Just when Junior Sister thought Senior Sister had slipped away unnoticed, someone suddenly moved close, wrapping their arms around her from behind.

Junior Sister stiffened, recognizing the familiar scent. Her eyes flashed with surprise and disbelief. “Elder Sister, you…”

Senior Sister turned Junior Sister’s body around, their eyes meeting. “You’ve always been my most cherished Junior Sister since childhood. How could I bear to leave you in this state?”

“Then, Senior Sister, what about Senior Brother…?”

“I’ve already told you, I only hold him in respect. There’s no romantic affection between us. Why won’t you believe me?”

“Then… what about me, Senior Sister? What kind of feelings do you have for me?” Junior Sister persisted stubbornly.

Senior Sister seemed puzzled by the question. “Senior Brother is someone I respect, while you are someone I cherish deeply. Naturally, our feelings are entirely different.”

The unexpected joy lit up Junior Sister’s defeated expression anew. She bit her lower lip, hesitated for a moment, then couldn’t resist asking, “If that’s the case, then Senior Sister… do you… do you feel the same way about me?”

Though she didn’t voice the words explicitly, Senior Sister understood her meaning.

The sudden revelation caught Senior Sister off guard. She had always seen Junior Sister as a younger sister, and now, faced with this unexpected confession, she didn’t know how to respond.

Yet a voice within her told her she didn’t reject the idea.

Unable to bring herself to say “I love you” just yet, she took Junior Sister’s hand and softly promised, “I won’t leave. I’ll stay here with you.”

Junior Sister’s emotions were indescribable, like withered seedlings suddenly receiving a life-giving rain. She nodded vigorously. “Senior Sister, I’ll definitely help you prove your innocence.”

The Director was so engrossed in the scene that he didn’t call “Cut!” until the two actresses had been gazing deeply into each other’s eyes for several seconds, their gazes practically drawing silken threads between them.

“Excellent, excellent!” the Director beamed, striding forward, clearly pleased with their performance. “How was it? Did you find the feeling?”

Jian Suixin’s eyes were still slightly red. After a moment, she finally tore her gaze away from Jun Xizhi’s face and nodded. “Yes, I did.”

“Great! Let’s shoot it again officially.”

Seizing the momentum while Jian Suixin was still in the zone, the Director urged, “Teacher Ran, hurry over! Teacher Xiao Jian’s ready. Let’s take it from the top!”

As he organized the crew, he teased with a grin, “With Teacher Jun personally stepping in to help, we can’t possibly end up with a sisterly vibe this time!”

With Jun Xizhi’s powerful buff, the shoot went smoothly, nailing it in a single take.

This time, Jian Suixin restrained herself from kissing Jun Xizhi, opting for a more subtle gesture.

Her portrayal of the Junior Sister’s actions, words, and micro-expressions toward the Senior Sister was perfectly calibrated.

From the Director and screenwriter to the observing crew members, everyone was thoroughly satisfied with the scene.

The Director beamed at Jun Xizhi, “Thank you so much, Teacher Jun! We really wouldn’t have known what to do without you for this scene.”

Jun Xizhi smiled and asked, “Since that’s the case, Director, shouldn’t you pay me extra?”

The Director waved his hand dismissively, chuckling. “Come on, Teacher Jun, don’t tease me. You don’t need my meager payment, do you?”

After the shoot, Jian Suixin remained deeply immersed in her character’s emotions, unable to shake them off.

When she stepped away from the camera, she was still dazed, nearly tripping over her own feet.

Fortunately, Jun Xizhi walked over and steadied her.

Jian Suixin looked up and, seeing Jun Xizhi, a flicker of clarity finally returned to her dazed eyes. Her voice was hoarse from the emotional outburst. “Elder Sister,” she murmured.

The sense of loss in the scene had felt too real, leaving her struggling to recover. Staring intently into Jun Xizhi’s eyes for a few seconds, Jian Suixin suddenly asked, “Elder Sister, you won’t leave me, will you?”

Jun Xizhi’s heart softened at the question. She gently pulled Jian Suixin into her arms, her words both comforting and carrying a deeper meaning. “Don’t cry. I won’t leave you.”

“Just as the Senior Sister in the play never abandoned her Junior Sister, Jun Xizhi in real life will never abandon her Xiao Jian.”

Jun Xizhi’s voice was gentle and soothing, like warm spring water gently flowing, calming Jian Suixin’s heart.

Jian Suixin exhaled deeply, slowly recovering. She lowered her head slightly, as if afraid Jun Xizhi might change her mind, and emphasized, “You said it yourself.”

Jun Xizhi’s lips curved into a smile. “Yes, I did.”

“Alright, let’s go for a walk outside. Let’s not dwell on the drama anymore,” Jun Xizhi suggested with a smile. “This script is truly something. Even our Xiao Jian, who’s always smiling, stopped smiling after filming.”

Jian Suixin’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Okay, let’s go for a walk.”

Just as they were about to leave, the director called out to Jian Suixin, showering her with praise once again. “That scene was phenomenal! It’ll definitely be the highlight of the entire series when it airs.”

Jian Suixin nodded blankly. “Thank you, Director.”

“Overall, your performance was excellent. There’s just one minor issue,” the director added.

“Are you saying you were too immersed in the role, or not immersed enough?”

Confused, Jian Suixin looked up, bewildered. “What’s the problem?”

The director shook his head, but the assistant beside him chuckled and explained, “Sister Jian, during your scenes with Sister Zhi, you didn’t call her ‘Senior Sister’ once. You kept calling her ‘Elder Sister’ instead.”

As the assistant spoke, her eyes sparkled with an excitement Jian Suixin couldn’t quite understand.

Jian Suixin froze, a blush creeping across her face. “I… I called her ‘Elder Sister’?”

The assistant chuckled. “Yes, you said it several times! Want to see the replay?”

This was mortifying.

Despite the embarrassment, the stifling feeling in Jian Suixin’s chest eased considerably.

She pressed her lips together, unsure how to explain and too afraid to meet Jun Xizhi’s eyes. She couldn’t possibly admit she’d meant it sincerely.

After a moment of silence, she stammered, “I didn’t call Xiaoxiao ‘Elder Sister’ during our scenes together, did I?”

The assistant shook her head. “No, you’re safe there.”

Everyone knew who the “Elder Sister” was, after all.

Jian Suixin sighed in relief, automatically ignoring the assistant’s teasing tone and the strange excitement in her eyes. She grabbed Jun Xizhi’s hand and hurried away.

Calling her “Elder Sister” on set was mortifying enough.

Feeling she couldn’t keep this to herself, Jian Suixin blurted out, “Elder Sister, did you notice me calling you that during our scenes?”

Jun Xizhi feigned ignorance. “Notice what?”

Jian Suixin glanced at her, suspecting she was being deliberately obtuse, but pressed on. “Notice me calling you ‘Elder Sister’?”

Jun Xizhi smiled. “To be honest, no. I was so focused on the plot at the time that I didn’t notice such details.”

Jian Suixin felt a slight sense of relief. Even her elder sister hadn’t picked up on it.

“You were really immersed in the role too, Elder Sister,” Jian Suixin said.

Jun Xizhi nodded. “The Director said I was supposed to help you get into character, but it was really you who led me through it so smoothly.”

“How could that be? Your contribution was definitely greater,” Jian Suixin laughed. “When I worked with Xiaoxiao, the Director kept saying our chemistry felt off, but we nailed it on the first take with you. Especially that kiss scene—if it weren’t for you…”

Her voice trailed off abruptly.

Eager to emphasize Jun Xizhi’s crucial role, Jian Suixin had inadvertently brought up the kiss scene. Flashes of the earlier scene flickered through her mind, and her words caught in her throat.

A blush crept up her cheeks, and she fell silent.

An awkward silence hung between them.

It’s all my fault for bringing this up, Jian Suixin thought, desperately trying to change the subject. But before she could, Jun Xizhi suddenly spoke.

“Speaking of that, I actually have a regret,” Jun Xizhi said with a smile.

“Oh? What do you regret?” Jian Suixin asked, puzzled.

Jun Xizhi frowned, feigning annoyance as she leaned closer to Jian Suixin.

“I regret dodging so quickly just now.”