Chapter Forty-One: Still Room to Grow

In the end, it was Qin Lin'er who pulled Qin Xuan away, perhaps because the shop owner refused to lower the price, Qin Xuan mused to himself.

On the way, Qin Lin'er bought an ice cream and nibbled at it as they walked, and with nothing else to do, the two wandered into the park to rest for a while.

There were quite a few couples out today, but fortunately, Qin Xuan and Qin Lin'er found a secluded spot, with hardly any passersby.

Qin Lin'er fiddled with her phone, occasionally glancing at Qin Xuan beside her, clearly ill at ease.

Qin Xuan naturally sensed Qin Lin'er's restless gaze, and eventually could not endure it any longer. He turned his head to look at her.

"Is something wrong with your eyes?"

Qin Lin'er: ...

"You're the one with something wrong! My butt just hurts!" Qin Lin'er huffed and slapped Qin Xuan.

Only then did Qin Xuan realize and said, "So let's go home then?"

"Let's stay a bit longer," Qin Lin'er bit her lip, not daring to meet her brother's eyes. "I want to sit on your lap!"

"What? Are you crazy?" Qin Xuan was taken aback, "If Ruoxi were here, she'd make sure your butt bloomed with pain!"

"She's not here! It's fine, as long as you don't tell, I won't tell, she'll never know!" Qin Lin'er said carelessly.

"Oh, that's such a convincing argument," Qin Xuan pretended to be enlightened, then added, "But I don't agree."

"Hmph!" Qin Lin'er grew more annoyed as she spoke, and simply sat sideways on Qin Xuan's lap. "Was I asking for your refusal? I was informing you!"

"..."

Qin Xuan was speechless, feeling the surprising weight of Qin Lin'er on his lap. She really had grown up. Back then, she was so obedient, but now—tsk tsk tsk—who knows if she'll ever get married.

"How much do you weigh now? Why are you so heavy?" Qin Xuan never missed a chance to tease his sister.

"Say that again!" Qin Lin'er protested, pressing down harder as she sat on him, making Qin Xuan too intimidated to speak further, fearing trouble...

He looked at Lin'er's slender back and reached out to tousle her hair.

Qin Lin'er let him play with her hair, thinking to herself: If I ever go bald, it's definitely your fault!

"Brother~~" After enjoying their quiet time together for a moment, Qin Lin'er called out softly.

"What is it?" Qin Xuan paused, hand stilling atop her head.

"Do you like Ruoxi?"

Qin Xuan broke out in a slight sweat at the question but answered honestly, "Honestly, I'm not sure. I suppose I've just grown used to her presence."

He added, "It feels odd when Ruoxi isn't around."

"She just wants to be my sister-in-law so she can bully me every day!" Qin Lin'er complained.

"Oh, come on, Ruoxi never hits you that hard. Does your butt still hurt?" Qin Xuan mercilessly exposed her little ploy.

Qin Lin'er wriggled in embarrassment, realizing it didn't actually hurt much. The main issue was the shame—being spanked at her age! How humiliating!

"And besides, it's too early to talk about these things. Why worry so far ahead?" Qin Xuan ruffled Lin'er's hair again, gazing at the strands left in his hand with innocent guilt.

"I'm just asking. What about Sister Nan?" Qin Lin'er probed.

Qin Xuan was taken aback, "Don't joke about that. I swear I have no feelings for her. Besides, we only knew each other as kids. At most, we're friends. Don't take it further."

Qin Lin'er was pleased by this, half-joking, "Sister Nan is so pretty, and you don't like her? Are you sure you're... capable?"

Qin Xuan: Capable of what?

"There are plenty of beautiful girls. Am I supposed to fall for every one I meet?" Qin Xuan sighed; he was clearly not that sort of person.

"Alright, alright. So, in your eyes, who is prettier? Ruoxi or Sister Nan?" Qin Lin'er seemed unusually curious today.

Qin Xuan considered, "Ruoxi, I still think she's prettier. Maybe because we grew up together—my taste has been shaped entirely by her."

Who says growing up together leads only to annoyance? That just means they're not your type, or perhaps: too familiar to make a move. Qin Xuan used to think so, but his mother had swiftly corrected him...

"And what about me? Am I prettier than Ruoxi?" Qin Lin'er was resigned but not fully convinced by Qin Xuan's answer.

Qin Xuan stroked his chin, aware this was a tricky question—one wrong word could spell disaster.

"Well... Ruoxi is just a bit prettier than you, but you're younger and have room to grow. I have high hopes for you!"

Qin Lin'er: Who asked you?

She quietly switched off her phone's recording—well played! She had wanted to use it to show off in front of Ruoxi, but her brother wasn't to be fooled.

"So, will you and Ruoxi get married someday?" Qin Lin'er played with her fingers, turning to stare at Qin Xuan.

Qin Xuan saw an odd emotion in her eyes.

"Let the future take care of itself. For now, let's focus on getting into college," he chose to evade.

"Hmph! Let's go home," Qin Lin'er slipped off his lap and stretched. Perhaps because her shirt was short, Qin Xuan accidentally caught a glimpse of her bare stomach and quickly looked away. Qin Lin'er noticed his reaction and smiled slyly.

She reached out to take Qin Xuan's hand, and seeing him offer no resistance, nodded in satisfaction. Not bad! Looks like he’s resigned himself.

"Since we're out, let's go buy a fish. Ruoxi told me yesterday she was craving fish," Qin Xuan suggested.

"Alright," Qin Lin'er sighed, "I want braised pork too!"

"Let's get it! I'll cook it for you when we get home," Qin Xuan declared grandly.

"Heehee!"

Qin Lin'er swung Qin Xuan's hand happily.

The midday sun was hot, but Qin Xuan shielded her from it, and in the shade, Qin Lin'er felt warmth all the same.

...

When Liu Ruoxi finished her training and returned downstairs, she caught the familiar scent of braised fish! One word: divine!

She entered the house just as Qin Xuan placed the fish on the table, the fragrance refreshing her dry throat.

"Qin Xuan! I knew you were the best!" Liu Ruoxi rushed to his side, hugging his shoulder. "Come, let big sister reward you with a kiss!"

"Shameless~" Just as Liu Ruoxi moved in, Qin Lin'er set the braised pork on the table and commented dryly.

"Alright, have some water before we eat," Qin Xuan handed her a glass, foiling Liu Ruoxi's plans.

Then Liu Ruoxi demonstrated her unique talent: two gulps and the glass was empty...

Looking at the two dishes on the table, Liu Ruoxi happily took a piece of fish. Delicious!

"Do you have to train every week? Has the schedule been released?" Qin Xuan chatted with Liu Ruoxi as they ate.

"The schedule's out. I might have to practice even longer now—maybe I'll have no free time at all," Liu Ruoxi lamented. If she'd known, she wouldn't have taken up hosting. Her precious weekend, now given over to Qin Lin'er! The thought annoyed her.

Qin Lin'er: Is that really such a good thing?

"No worries, I'll take good care of my brother. You focus on your training!" Qin Lin'er put down her chopsticks and patted her chest reassuringly.

Liu Ruoxi shot her a glare: As if I could trust you! Who knows what mischief you’ll get up to!