Chapter Fifty-Nine: Because You're My Sister

Until noon, Qin Xuan and his mother were busying themselves in the kitchen with the final dish, a fish. Everyone gathered around a large round table. For Nan Zhiyi, it was her first time celebrating the New Year with so many people, and she was quite looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, Nan Zhengyi and Aunt Yang had only just finished tidying up and began cooking. They were a bit late, but it wasn’t much of an issue—after all, there were only two of them, plus a cat. Maruko had been dropped off at Zhiyi’s house by Qin Xuan and his family before they left.

Maruko: So you still remember me?

...

“Coming through, make some space!” Wang Manshu carried in a large pot of spicy fish, setting it at the very center of the table.

Only then did everyone start eating. Usually, at times like this, parents would ask when their children were going to start dating, and if they already were, tease them about when they’d get married. Unfortunately, today’s atmosphere was rather awkward; the young people seemed to have their own issues...

In the end, everyone was coaxed into drinking a little. Qin Xuan could handle beer well enough, and didn’t end up in the same state as last time at Zhiyi’s house.

Still, Qin Xuan lay sprawled on the sofa, stuffed to the point of discomfort. Liu Ruoxi’s legs had become his pillow, and Nan Zhiyi could hardly resist the urge to take her place and suffer in Ruoxi’s stead!

When Qin Jianguo came out after washing the dishes and saw Qin Xuan’s posture, he slapped him straight away.

“Why are you always lying around? Are your limbs turning to mush?”

Qin Xuan: ??? Can’t I rest after a big meal?

Ruoxi and the others couldn’t help but laugh at the scene, even Liu Hao, who was still playing games, looked up to see what was happening.

Once they’d rested enough, the group decided to head to the nearby park. Though they’d grown tired of it, spending the New Year cooped up at home wasn’t an option.

As expected, the park was bustling with people. It was lively, with small carts selling grilled sausages and other snacks. As they wandered, the group gradually split up, mostly because their conversations didn’t mesh. Qin Xuan led Ruoxi and the others down a different path.

Watching their figures, Qin Jianguo chuckled and said, “Looking at this, Ruoxi and Qin Xuan really do make a good match.”

“Naturally!” Liu Hao, for once not playing games, replied proudly, “My daughter is more than suited for Qin Xuan! If it weren’t for their childhood friendship, Qin Xuan wouldn’t even have a chance.”

“I don’t like the sound of that,” Qin Jianguo said, rolling his eyes at him. “Look at Nan Zhengyi’s daughter—she’s still eyeing him.”

Liu Hao had no rebuttal: “Fine, fine, let’s just say Qin Xuan is charming!”

“Oh, don’t say it like that,” Qin Jianguo suddenly went humble, throwing his arm around the slightly shorter Liu Hao. “Isn’t Qin Xuan your son too?”

Liu Hao thought it over and realized he was right. He dropped the subject. Wang Manshu and Bai Xiaomin exchanged a look, seeing mutual helplessness in each other’s eyes—these two men hadn’t grown up at all!

Elsewhere, Qin Xuan and his group of four sat on benches by the artificial lake. Ruoxi naturally placed her feet on Qin Xuan’s lap, letting him massage them. Zhiyi and Qin Lin’er clenched their fists watching her, longing to toss her into the lake!

Ruoxi ignored their glares, continuing to enjoy Qin Xuan’s attentive service.

Qin Lin’er, seeing Ruoxi so comfortable her eyes were half-closed, suddenly felt a surge of resolve. She had previously been uncertain about Zhiyi’s plan, but now, overthrowing Ruoxi’s reign felt like a duty she could not shirk!

A while later as they continued strolling, Qin Lin’er suddenly clutched her stomach and squatted down.

Qin Xuan stopped at once, looking at her worriedly—he knew Lin’er had been unwell these past few days.

“Are you alright?” Qin Xuan reached out and touched her head.

“I’m fine...” Lin’er lifted her head, looking weakly at her brother.

“Let me carry you,” Qin Xuan said, seeing her discomfort and feeling a pang of sympathy.

“Okay!” At her brother’s suggestion, Lin’er nodded without hesitation.

She slowly climbed onto his back, feeling the warmth and strength of his broad shoulders.

Qin Xuan hoisted the petite Lin’er up with ease.

While Ruoxi and Zhiyi were ahead, Lin’er leaned close to Qin Xuan’s ear and whispered, “You’re the best, big brother!”

Qin Xuan smiled, turning his head, “Of course—because you’re my little sister!”

He thought for a moment and then asked, “You’re not going to leak, are you? If you do, I’ll be covered in it...”

Qin Xuan couldn’t even picture that scene.

Lin’er was momentarily stunned, but as she processed it, her face flushed red and she punched Qin Xuan angrily.

“No way! What do you know, you clueless guy!”

Qin Xuan gave an embarrassed smile, “That’s good, then.”

“You idiot! What are you thinking about all day?”

“I’m just curious!” Qin Xuan tried to salvage his reputation.

“No need to explain, I understand!” Lin’er pulled a knowing expression, making Qin Xuan sigh deeply—his image was beyond saving.

With her face pressed against Qin Xuan’s back, Lin’er felt, in that moment, that her brother was her whole world—the warmth was overwhelming. Zhiyi was so envious she could cry...

After a whole afternoon of walking, Ruoxi and Zhiyi’s feet were sore. Seeing Lin’er happily piggybacked by Qin Xuan made them feel she was just asking for trouble—did she not deserve a spanking?

When they regrouped with their fathers after the walk, Qin Jianguo was surprised to see Lin’er on Qin Xuan’s back. If Qin Xuan hadn’t explained, he might have mistaken their relationship...

That evening, after dinner, Ruoxi finally returned to her own home. Zhiyi let out a deep sigh of relief—did this mean she could finally make her move?

As usual, they watched the Spring Festival Gala for a while, but it didn’t seem as entertaining as past years. Before long, everyone went to their own rooms.

Zhiyi climbed into bed, reviewing her plan in her mind, when she noticed her mother was calling via video chat. She answered.

On screen, only her mother’s face appeared; her father was nowhere to be seen.

“Mom, what’s up?”

“What’s up? You’re running around during the New Year!” Yang Ying cast her a disapproving look.

“I’m out here looking for you a son-in-law!” Zhiyi only acted this way in front of her mother; with her father, she couldn’t even be bothered.

“So, how’s your progress?” Yang Ying asked curiously.

Zhiyi was caught off guard, “Mom, I got caught red-handed trying to sneak in!”

Yang Ying shook her head in exasperation, “How could you get caught? Don’t tell people I taught you—my daughter isn’t this clueless!”

“Mom~” Zhiyi pleaded, “Teach me what to do now?”

Yang Ying pondered, “Are you planning to sneak in tonight?”

“Yes...” Zhiyi’s only plan was to act while Ruoxi was away.

“Can you secure a win in one go?” Yang Ying asked with interest.

“There’s no way it’s that fast!” Zhiyi was flustered by the directness.

“Then I suggest you hold back, wait until you’re sure you can win in one wave before making your move,” Yang Ying advised.

Zhiyi scratched her head, a little puzzled, but agreed.

After ending the call, Zhiyi lay on her bed, deep in thought, finally sighing and slowly turning off the light to sleep.

But! What Zhiyi didn’t expect was that Qin Lin’er was already lying obediently in Qin Xuan’s arms!

So the first to sneak in was you!