Surprise! My Cohabiting Sister is Actually My Fiancée - Chapter 7

“What?” The question was so sudden that Jian Suixin froze for a moment before reacting with annoyance. “How many times have I told you? Don’t call her that.”

The System had more important matters to discuss and didn’t bother arguing. It pressed on, “Do you remember?”

After hearing this nonsense day in and day out, Jian Suixin snapped, “Does it even matter if I remember? I’m not marrying her.”

The System secretly rejoiced. So that means you don’t remember?

Recalling her conversations with the System and her mother, Jian Suixin realized the System had always referred to her as the “official pairing,” while her mother constantly nagged about “Xiao Jun.” Combined with her complete lack of interest in the marriage, she genuinely hadn’t bothered to remember the person’s name.

Jian Suixin pondered for a moment, but when the name didn’t come to her, she gave up. It wasn’t important anyway; they’d never cross paths again.

Under the System’s persistent questioning, Jian Suixin finally replied, “Her surname is Jun.”

“And her given name?” the System pressed.

“I don’t remember,” Jian Suixin admitted truthfully.

Perfect!

Though Jian Suixin spoke casually, the System breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the Host’s poor memory.

The System said sternly, “I’m telling you now, so remember it.”

“I don’t want to remember,” Jian Suixin said.

The System ignored her, continuing on its own, “Remember it well. Her name is Jun Dongdao.”

Jun Dongdao?

Jian Suixin heard the name but paid little attention. She casually asked, “Why are you telling me this?”

“No reason,” the System replied. “I just remembered and thought I’d mention it.”

Jian Suixin genuinely didn’t care and didn’t press further. Her attention returned to the woman sitting on the bed, who was staring intently at her, as if scrutinizing her.

Jian Suixin paused, feeling self-conscious under the woman’s gaze. She touched her face and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Realizing it was impolite to stare, the woman averted her eyes and smiled. “Nothing, really. You just look familiar, like I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

Jian Suixin blinked, instinctively asking, “Is this a pickup line?”

The moment the words left her mouth, Jian Suixin wanted to bite off her tongue. What was she thinking, saying that?

Fortunately, the woman didn’t take offense. Instead, she laughed and generously complimented, “Well, you’re just too beautiful. I couldn’t resist saying something.”

Jian Suixin felt a little embarrassed but secretly pleased. She earnestly returned the compliment, “You’re even more beautiful.”

Jian Suixin immediately asked about the woman’s condition, “How are you feeling? Has your fever gone down?”

Compared to her peaceful demeanor while unconscious, the woman’s expression now seemed somewhat distant. Yet, knowing that Jian Suixin had saved her, she replied politely, “Much better, thank you.”

Jian Suixin shook her head. “It was nothing, just a small favor.”

Her voice was truly captivating, and paired with her striking features, its allure was simply irresistible.

As they spoke, the woman’s gaze fell upon the clothes she was wearing.

These weren’t her own.

Before she could ask, Jian Suixin quickly explained, “Last night, when I was giving you medicine, some water spilled on your clothes, so I helped you change.”

She instinctively added, “I only changed your clothes. I absolutely didn’t take advantage of you.”

The words had barely left her lips when Jian Suixin wanted to bite off her tongue for the second time.

What am I even saying? I wasn’t this nervous during my graduation defense!

Fortunately, the woman didn’t seem to mind. She had some vague memories of the previous night and simply smiled. “It’s fine.”

After a moment of silence, Jian Suixin decided to change the subject to ease the tension. “You haven’t eaten all day. Are you hungry?”

The woman paused, then hesitated, “I’m not hungry, you don’t have to…”

Seeing her reaction, Jian Suixin knew she was definitely hungry but didn’t want to trouble her.

Jian Suixin interrupted with a smile, “I haven’t eaten all day either, and I’m starving. But eating alone is no fun. Would you keep me company while I grab something?”

The woman hesitated, but Jian Suixin stepped forward and helped her up. “Come on, you’re just sitting around anyway.”

The woman didn’t argue further and stood up.

Miss Jian, eager to showcase her newly honed culinary skills, insisted on putting on a proper show. She asked her guest to wait in the living room while she bustled into the kitchen.

Watching her frantic, clanging efforts, the System couldn’t help but sweat for her. “Host, take it easy! The kitchen’s life matters too!”

“Relax, I’ve got this,” Jian Suixin replied confidently, barely pausing her flurry of activity. “You’re learning these phrases fast.”

“Heh, gotta stay current, you know?”

Jian Suixin was surprisingly efficient. In less than half an hour, two dishes were ready and on the table.

The presentation was passable, considering her limited experience. Anxious about undercooking the food, she had overcooked the vegetables, giving them a slightly blackened hue.

Still, compared to Miss Jian’s first attempt at cooking, this was a significant improvement.

As Jian Suixin set out the bowls and chopsticks, she casually asked, “What should I call you?”

Her intention was twofold: to learn the woman’s name and to find a convenient way to address her.

The woman smiled, whether she understood Jian Suixin’s meaning or not. “Anything is fine. Just call me whatever you like.”

Disappointed that the woman wouldn’t reveal her name, Jian Suixin couldn’t press the matter.

“Anything is fine,” Jian Suixin repeated after a moment’s silence, lifting her clear, watery eyes with a hint of cautious probing. “Then… Elder Sister?”

The woman paused for a beat before responding with a smile, “Mm-hmm.”

Returning the courtesy, she asked, “And what should I call you?”

Jian Suixin pursed her lips, also withholding her name. “My surname is Jian.”

The woman’s eyes crinkled with amusement as she settled on a term of endearment. “Alright, Xiao Jian.”

With all the dishes on the table, Jian Suixin beamed as she placed a plate and chopsticks before the woman. “Go ahead and try it.”

The woman picked up her chopsticks, while Jian Suixin watched eagerly, her heart pounding with anticipation as she awaited the verdict.

The woman took a bite of each dish, chewing slowly and swallowing. Under Jian Suixin’s intense gaze, she smiled and declared, “It’s delicious.”

Jian Suixin beamed, her eyes crinkling with delight, though she blushed slightly. “This is the first time I’ve ever cooked for someone else.”

“Don’t you usually cook?”

Jian Suixin nodded. “Recently… I just moved out of my family’s house and started learning.”

The Elder Sister nodded knowingly and praised, “You have a natural talent for it.”

“Really?” Jian Suixin’s excitement grew. She hadn’t realized she had a knack for cooking.

She couldn’t resist bragging to the System: “If I’d known this, I would have started cooking sooner! Is it too late to start now?”

The System, unwilling to comment, simply replied dismissively, “Mhm, mhm, mhm.”

Confident in her culinary skills, Jian Suixin picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.

The moment the food entered her mouth, her expression changed.

After chewing twice, she quickly shoveled down several mouthfuls of rice, swallowing it all together, before trying another dish.

The same process repeated itself.

Jian Suixin fell silent.

The System: “Pfft.”

She silently put down her chopsticks and turned to look at the person beside her.

The other woman remained calm, alternating between bites of rice and dishes, seemingly enjoying the meal.

After observing for a moment, Jian Suixin couldn’t help but ask, “Don’t you think this is too salty?”

The Elder Sister paused, her chopsticks hovering over the dishes. “No, it’s just right. The flavor is good.”

The other woman’s expression was so natural and sincere that Jian Suixin began to doubt her own taste. “Really?”

“Maybe your palate is more delicate,” the woman replied, her gentle smile never wavering. “I think it’s just right.”

That smile softened the woman’s usual aloofness, radiating warmth. Jian Suixin unconsciously recalled the woman’s hand gripping her wrist the previous night—warm, almost burning.

For a moment, Jian Suixin forgot what she was going to say.

The System chimed in: “Hey, hey! Don’t forget your self-image! You’re not a simp for looks!”

Jian Suixin’s head swam. “How could I be a simp? This is genuine, heartfelt admiration for beauty!”

The System: ……

Snapping back to reality, Jian Suixin scrutinized the woman’s expression. It was flawless. Convinced, she smiled again and eagerly pushed the plate toward her. “If you like it, have more.”

The “Taste Tester” had bolstered Jian Suixin’s confidence, but it shattered completely after a few more bites.

The woman’s words had deceived her, but she couldn’t deceive herself.

This—this—this! How could this possibly taste good? Unless I’ve lost my sense of taste!

Jian Suixin set down her chopsticks again, intercepting the woman’s mid-air. Her voice heavy, she said, “Don’t force yourself. You don’t have to eat it if you don’t like it.”

Elder Sister wanted to offer more praise, but she gave up when she saw Jian Suixin’s “You don’t need to lie to me” expression.

Clearing her throat, she said, “Compared to when I first started cooking, you’re already amazing.”

Jian Suixin felt somewhat comforted and asked, “Is your cooking good?”

Elder Sister pondered for a moment. “It’s decent.”

Jian Suixin poked at the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks. “I still need to practice more.”

“Mm, you’ll get better with practice.”

It was already late, making this meal more of a midnight snack. After finishing, Jian Suixin insisted that Elder Sister continue sleeping in the bedroom while she took the sofa.

Elder Sister had a regular sleep schedule, waking around seven the next morning. When she emerged from the bedroom, she found Jian Suixin sitting at the dining table, several breakfast dishes laid out. She must have gone out to buy them.

Jian Suixin was drinking soy milk, her expression somewhat gloomy.

Elder Sister studied her face. “Don’t you like it?”

Jian Suixin shook her head, took another sip of soy milk, and lowered her head, looking a little aggrieved. “It tastes better than my cooking.”

She was still thinking about last night’s meal. Elder Sister understood immediately, and seeing Jian Suixin’s dejected expression, she nearly burst out laughing. Only out of consideration for Jian Suixin’s feelings did she manage to suppress it.

“Hmm, your cooking is actually quite delicious,” Elder Sister said, pondering how to comfort Jian Suixin. She found the situation amusing, a playful smile lingering at the corners of her lips.

Jian Suixin murmured, “You don’t need to comfort me.”

Her earnest expression was utterly endearing. Elder Sister gazed at Jian Suixin’s pale cheeks, fighting the urge to pinch them. She barely restrained herself, saying, “I mean it sincerely.”

After breakfast, Elder Sister helped clear the table and told Jian Suixin, “I have some errands to run. I’ll be back by noon.”

Jian Suixin’s heart tightened. “Are you leaving?”

Elder Sister replied gently, “No, I’ll be back by noon.”

Though Jian Suixin knew their separation was inevitable, she still wished it could be delayed. She let out a relieved breath. “Okay.”

Jian Suixin had been job hunting recently and usually didn’t come home for lunch. But since Elder Sister had said she’d be back, she made the trip.

As she entered, she noticed several bags arranged on the living room table.

Surprised, Jian Suixin approached. “What’s this?”

“I bought them for you,” Elder Sister said. “As thanks for saving my life last night.”

“Thank you, Elder Sister,” Jian Suixin replied, genuinely touched. She hadn’t expected this; she’d assumed Elder Sister had her own errands to run. Opening one of the bags, she found it filled with fresh vegetables and daily necessities.

Elder Sister was so thoughtful, buying things that were incredibly useful for someone as clueless about daily life as Jian Suixin.

After chatting briefly, Elder Sister glanced at her phone. “It’s getting late.”

Jian Suixin pursed her lips, understanding her meaning. “You’re leaving?”

Looking at the groceries, she half-joked, “I thought I might get to taste your cooking.”

Elder Sister’s eyes crinkled into a smile as she put away her phone. “I’ll cook for you sometime,” she replied casually.

Both women froze simultaneously.

They were about to part ways, and who knew when they’d meet again?

The System popped up, urging, “Host, get her contact information! Once she leaves, you’ll never see her again!”

Jian Suixin had already considered this, but she hesitated.

Their time together had been brief, yet Jian Suixin had thoroughly enjoyed their interactions. Though she knew this fleeting moment couldn’t last, hearing the word “leave” still filled her with reluctance.

They had spent most of the day together, chatting comfortably. Several times, Jian Suixin had tried to ask about Elder Sister’s name and background, but she politely evaded the questions. It was clear she didn’t want to get too involved with a stranger she’d only met by chance, even though Jian Suixin had saved her life.

But if she didn’t ask now, they might never have another chance to meet.

Jian Suixin hesitated for a moment before finally asking, “It’s fate that we met. Could I add you on WeChat?”

The woman paused, turning to meet Jian Suixin’s gaze. She saw the younger woman’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes fixed on her with earnest intensity, her gaze burning with barely concealed eagerness.

Jian Suixin’s heart pounded with anxiety. Based on the woman’s earlier demeanor, she doubted she would agree, but she clung to a sliver of hope.

After a moment of silence, the woman smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable with that.”

Her hope shattered. Though she had anticipated this outcome, Jian Suixin couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.

Without any contact information, the woman’s departure would reduce them to strangers once more.

Jian Suixin lowered her head, her voice muffled. The woman studied her expression without comment.

This wasn’t the first time she’d encountered such a situation. Strangers she’d just met, making requests she’d heard countless times before—there was no need to make an exception.

Yet as she gazed at the girl before her, barely out of her teens, and saw the undisguised disappointment in her eyes, her heart softened inexplicably.

Jian Suixin had expected this answer. Strangers who met by chance, with no ties of kinship or familiarity—while regrettable, a refusal was perfectly understandable.

She quickly composed herself, intending to change the subject and move past the awkwardness.

Before she could speak, the woman suddenly spoke, her voice as warm as a spring breeze.

“Next time, perhaps.”

“Hmm?” Jian Suixin paused, tilting her head in confusion, unsure of the meaning behind the words.

Noticing the slight bewilderment in Jian Suixin’s bright, watery eyes, the Elder Sister spoke softly, “If we meet again, I’ll tell you.”

Long after, on countless nights when Jun Xizhi lay peacefully in the arms of her beloved, she would occasionally recall their first encounter, still puzzled by why she had said those words.

Was it just a casual remark to brush her off? Or…

Did she also hope to see her again?

Jian Suixin remained oblivious, the Elder Sister’s words instantly dispelling her disappointment. Her lips curved into a smile, and she nodded firmly. “Okay, I’ll wait.”

In the vast sea of people, what were the chances of meeting again? Yet, a sudden premonition surged through her—they would definitely meet again.