Chapter 19: Inviting the Wolf Into the House

“His father is the director of the Jiangdong District Public Security Bureau,” Li Youran continued calmly, her tone neither impressed nor dismissive.

“The son of a mere district bureau director thinks he’s something special? Tch!” Ling Tian scoffed at the man, utterly disdainful of those who relied on their father’s position to bully others. He conveniently forgot that he himself planned to be a second-generation tycoon, relying just as much on his family’s strength.

“Don’t pay him any mind. What would you like to eat? I have noodles and some vegetables—shall I cook you some noodles?” Li Youran shifted the conversation toward food.

“Whatever you cook, Sister, I’ll love it,” Ling Tian quickly turned into a sweet, well-behaved younger brother.

They continued chatting and laughing as they walked, when unexpectedly, they bumped into some acquaintances—this time, Ling Tian’s own.

Two people approached: Lin Youya and Song Meimei—one was a sultry beauty, the other a cute little stunner. Seeing Ling Tian and Li Youran walking hand in hand, Lin Youya suddenly felt a surge of anger. This rascal, who was calling her “wife” so affectionately just yesterday, was now holding hands with the stunning Li Youran around campus. Although she hadn’t agreed to be his girlfriend yesterday, wasn’t this a little too quick to change sides? Clearly, he wasn’t sincere.

Many women are like this: when you chase them, they might treat you like dirt, but the moment another outstanding—or even more outstanding—woman appears by your side, their hearts start to feel uneasy.

Lin Youya lifted her chin, walking forward with deliberate poise, hiding her little fury perfectly.

Ling Tian, upon seeing them, sighed inwardly at the coincidence. He hadn’t won over either girl yet, and now they’d run into each other. Should he greet Lin Youya? If he called her “wife,” would Li Youran mind? Ling Tian felt a wave of unease.

In his previous life, he’d never properly pursued a girl, and now he wanted to chase two at once, with no experience to guide him—he could only adapt on the fly, wanting both.

“Brother-in-law, what a coincidence! Eh? Who’s this beauty? Brother-in-law, are you two-timing behind my cousin’s back? Cousin, why aren’t you angry?” Just as Ling Tian was at a loss, Song Meimei, ever a bit scatterbrained, suddenly blurted out loudly.

“Who’s your brother-in-law? Stop calling me that! I don’t know this person,” Lin Youya glanced at Ling Tian and Li Youran’s joined hands, her tone impatient, but it only made others suspect she was jealous.

Song Meimei, new to the school, didn’t know Li Youran, but Lin Youya certainly did; she was a renowned beauty on par with herself. For some reason, seeing these two so close made her feel uncomfortable.

“Uh, Ling Tian, who are these two?” Li Youran heard Song Meimei call Ling Tian “brother-in-law” and noticed what seemed like anger, so she was a bit confused.

“Let me introduce everyone. This is my newly adopted sister, Li Youran, a teacher in the Chinese department. This is my girlfriend, Lin Youya. And this is Lin Youya’s cousin and my little sister, Song Meimei.”

Seeing that there was no escape, Ling Tian braced himself and introduced the three, still putting Lin Youya in the girlfriend spot. Now, Li Youran was “sister,” so she wouldn’t ignore him—he’d half-won her over, whereas Lin Youya was nowhere near won, so Ling Tian stuck to his shameless strategy.

“So she’s your adopted sister? Then you’d better not neglect me, your real little sister! You said you’d treat me like a true sibling—if you don’t, I’ll get Shi Xiaocai to beat you up!” Song Meimei piped up, shaking her fist at Ling Tian.

“Hello, Teacher Li. Don’t misunderstand—I’m not Ling Tian’s girlfriend. I have something to attend to, so I’ll be leaving.” Song Meimei was easy to fool, but Lin Youya sensed something off between Li Youran and Ling Tian. Adopted siblings? Who would choose such a beautiful woman as a sister if he didn’t like her? No one would believe that. And holding hands so intimately—clearly even more suspicious.

“Alright! Goodbye!” Li Youran smiled gently, though her heart wasn’t so calm. Hearing Ling Tian call this stunning woman his girlfriend left Li Youran feeling a bit lost—not jealous, but somewhat disappointed.

Lin Youya pulled Song Meimei away, her mind made up.

Ling Tian’s insistence that she was his girlfriend made Lin Youya less angry, but deep down she still didn’t think much of Ling Tian—he was too ordinary, not good enough for her. If he kept pestering her, she’d make sure to embarrass him.

She’d already realized the cause of her anger: she’d never cared for Ling Tian, but if Li Youran was his girlfriend, then she’d been played by him—that’s why she was upset. She could refuse Ling Tian, but he couldn’t toy with her.

She hadn’t bothered to investigate Ling Tian’s background—someone like him wasn’t worth the effort. Plenty of boys pursued her at school, and she had her ways to reject them and make them feel awkward.

“Ling Tian, is that Miss Lin really your girlfriend?” Li Youran became increasingly suspicious; the girl had said she wasn’t, so why had Ling Tian introduced her that way? Probably just wishful thinking from her little brother.

“She’s the girl I’m pursuing, but I haven’t succeeded yet.”

Seeing Lin Youya already far away, Ling Tian didn’t insist she was his girlfriend, leaving himself some room to pursue Li Youran as well.

Hearing this, Li Youran felt suddenly relieved, though she couldn’t explain why.

After a while, the two arrived at Li Youran’s apartment—a modest two-bedroom place, but spotless and decorated in a classical style.

Rosewood furnishings, not the rare huanghuali wood but still of good quality; beaded curtains and gauzy drapes complemented the antique furniture. In the living room stood a guzheng, making Ling Tian feel as if he’d traveled back in time to a noblewoman’s chambers.

It was a little strange, but Ling Tian also found it exciting. In his imagination, he became a refined gentleman, a beautiful youth in troubled times.

“Are you surprised by my room’s style?” Li Youran saw Ling Tian dazed and smiled warmly. Most people wouldn’t easily accept her decor.

“I’m not scared—just feels like I’ve traveled through time. Sister, you’re the classic beauty who could topple kingdoms, and I’m the melancholy scholar, smitten at first sight. Ha!” Ling Tian grew more playful as he spoke.

“Haha, enough nonsense! If you’re truly sickly and melancholy, there aren’t many healthy people left in the world. Sit down, I’ll cook.” Li Youran headed into the kitchen, cutting off any further nonsense.

Ling Tian, bored, wandered through the apartment. Apart from the modern kitchen, the other rooms were all classical. The bathroom was a blend of East and West, with antique-style fixtures and a large wooden tub for bathing.

When he saw Li Youran’s carved bed draped with gauze, Ling Tian’s mouth dropped open, imagining the beautiful Li smiling at him from the bed—he nearly drooled.

He was determined to find a way to sleep with Sister on this bed; he decided his first time would be with Li Youran. Only this goddess-like sister, with her beauty and charm, was worthy.

Originally, Ling Tian had planned to give his first time, in both lives, to the young nurse Ling Ling, but she’d refused. The two little maids didn’t suit his tastes.

Later, when he met Lin Youya, he thought of giving it to her, but judging by the current situation, she wasn’t likely to be won over anytime soon.

Now, the perfect Li Youran had appeared, and he’d already entered her fragrant chamber. Ling Tian felt it was fate—a gentle, beautiful goddess waited for him. Besides, he was of the Nine Suns body, and she the Nine Yin body—what a destined match!

This was Ling Tian’s wishful thinking, but to Li Youran, Ling Tian was simply a helpful student and adopted brother. Inviting him home for a meal was unprecedented—if she knew his real thoughts, she’d never have let him in. This was truly letting a wolf into the house—and a lustful wolf at that.

“Ling Tian, dinner’s ready,” Li Youran’s voice called just as Ling Tian was daydreaming about her bed. She had finished cooking.

Ling Tian quickly returned to the living room, sitting at the table where two bowls of egg noodles and some simple side dishes were set. It was modest but looked delicious.

Looking at the smiling, gentle woman before him, and the home-cooked noodles and dishes, Ling Tian suddenly felt a sense of home—yes, the feeling of home.

In his previous life, he’d lived a different existence, training and carrying out tasks. In this life, he was born into a wealthy family, surrounded by servants, but there was always something missing—a simple warmth, a stirring feeling, a sense of belonging deep in the soul—the true meaning of home.

Now, for the first time at Li Youran’s place, he felt that warmth. Home wasn’t about the size or wealth, but about feeling at ease and relaxed—a place that tugged at your heart and lingered in your memory. At this moment, Ling Tian felt just that.

Ling Tian ate heartily, while Li Youran took small bites, smiling as she watched him. At that moment, she too felt a sense of domestic bliss, a little sweetness in her heart. It seemed adopting a younger brother was not a bad idea—Li Youran felt this was the sweetness of familial affection.

“Sister, I’ve heard you’ve never had a boyfriend. Many boys pursue you—haven’t you ever found one worth liking?” Ling Tian was curious, wanting to know what kind of man Li Youran preferred.