An Adoptive Older Sister Cannot Become a Wife - Chapter 17

Nianshu had been out with Qi Shu many times before, but things were different now. With her heart having undergone a complete sea change, her mindset was nothing like it used to be.

Stealing a glance at the girl beside her, Nianshu felt her cheeks heat up. “We’ll see how it goes after we pick the gift,” she said softly to her father. “I’ll message you both later.”

Qi Yan smiled, told them to “stay safe,” and drove off.

Watching the car disappear from sight, Nianshu turned to Qi Shu. “Sister, shall we?”

Qi Shu nodded slightly and reached out to support her, but Nianshu refused. She claimed she needed “rehabilitation” and couldn’t rely on her sister for everything.

In reality, she had her own agenda: if this was a date, even if it was only a date in her own head—how could she let Qi Shu carry her the whole time? While she craved physical contact, she felt that a “date” required a certain level of independence!

And so, Qi Shu spent the walk following Nianshu, watching her limp along with a stubborn, determined back. Against the crowd of the mall, Nianshu looked tragically heroic, which Qi Shu found inexplicably amusing.

Qi Shu assumed Nianshu would follow Qi Yan’s suggestion and head to a stationery shop for a fountain pen. Instead, Nianshu didn’t even look that way, heading straight for an electronics store.

Noticing Qi Shu’s rare look of surprise, Nianshu explained in a whisper, “I’ve already given Sister a fountain pen. I don’t want to give one to anyone else.”

She added a quick cover-up: “Besides, I don’t have a ton of money right now. Giving the Class Monitor a second-rate pen would feel weird.”

Qi Shu’s elegant brows arched. Looking at the serious expression on Nianshu’s face, she felt a sudden impulse to crack open that little head and see exactly what was going on inside.

She followed Nianshu into the store. The lights were bright, and the shelves were packed with gadgets. Nianshu moved slowly, bracing herself against the displays as her eyes searched the products, occasionally bending down to check a price tag with intense focus.

“The Class Monitor is always using headphones for English listening practice,” Nianshu muttered as she browsed. She picked up a pair from a well-known brand. “These are pretty, and they have noise-canceling.”

She turned to show them to Qi Shu. “Sister, what do you think of these?”

Qi Shu walked over, took the box, and scanned the specs on the back. “They’re good.”

With Qi Shu’s approval, Nianshu made an instant decision. “Then these are the ones!”

At the checkout, Qi Shu naturally reached for her phone to show her payment code, but Nianshu blocked her. “How can I let Sister pay for a birthday gift? I’ve got this.”

She waved her own phone, tilting her face up with a bit of a swagger. “I’ve been saving the allowance Mom and Dad give me. Today, everything’s on my tab!”

Since someone was fighting to pay, Qi Shu didn’t mind stepping back. After paying, Nianshu stopped by a gift shop to buy a box. Once the gift was wrapped securely, she tucked it into her backpack.

The gift was chosen, but it was still early. Nianshu, mindful of her “date,” looked around tentatively. “Sister, do you want to go home yet?”

It had to be said that Nianshu was incredibly easy to read, especially for someone who lived with her every day. Her thoughts were practically written on her face. Right now, her eyes were screaming: “Please say no.”

Qi Shu granted her wish. She checked the time on her watch and said, “It’s still early. No rush.”

Nianshu was instantly revitalized. “Then let me treat you to dinner! Lin Xiao said a new barbecue place opened on the fourth floor. I really want to try it.”

Seeing the sparkle of anticipation in her eyes, Qi Shu didn’t let her down. “Alright.”

The barbecue restaurant had only been open a short while, and since it was Friday, it was packed. A small queue had formed at the door. The aroma of roasting meat drifted through the air, making Nianshu’s nose twitch with hunger.

Nianshu waited obediently in line, leaning against the wall. Qi Shu stood beside her, naturally shielding her from the bustling crowd to ensure no one bumped into her injured foot.

Finally, it was their turn. A server led them to a booth by the window and handed them the menu. After sitting down, Nianshu snapped a photo of the menu and sent it to Xu Zhiyu, along with their location, letting her know they wouldn’t be home for dinner.

At their age, it was natural to want to have fun, and their parents didn’t interfere much, provided they always checked in. If they were going to be out past 11:30 PM, they were required to call for a ride home.

When Nianshu went out with Lin Xiao and the others, Zhang Ruomeng often complained about how strict Nianshu’s parents were. But Nianshu understood. Qi Shu’s disappearance years ago remained a lingering trauma for Xu Zhiyu and Qi Yan. Since the rules weren’t unreasonable, Nianshu was always careful not to give them extra cause for worry.

After checking in, she handed the menu to Qi Shu. “What do you want to eat, Sister? Their signature fatty beef and pork belly look amazing… oh, and this cheese corn! Lin Xiao said it’s incredible!”

Qi Shu scanned the menu and pointed out a few items. “Fatty beef, ox tongue, the vegetable platter, and an order of grilled yellow noodles.” She added, “Let’s keep it light. If you eat too much at night, you won’t sleep well.”

Nianshu nodded obediently but couldn’t help pointing at the cheese corn. “Can we add just this one? Please?”

Qi Shu said “No” with her mouth, then promptly checked the box for the cheese corn on the order sheet.

The grill was brought out soon after. Once the server finished preheating it, Qi Shu naturally reached for the tongs, but Nianshu beat her to it. Nianshu declared with absolute confidence, “The only thing Sister has to do today is enjoy the service of Chef Qi.”

Qi Shu arched an eyebrow. She leaned back against the booth and watched her with interest. “Fine then. Let’s see what Chef Qi can do.”

Nianshu rolled up her sleeves, looking like she had everything under control. She carefully laid a few slices of fatty beef onto the sizzling grill. As the meat hit the surface, it hissed instantly; the fat rendered out, and the aroma of roasted meat filled the air, making Nianshu’s mouth water. She stared intensely at the grill, terrified that a single moment of distraction would let the meat char.

Under the bright restaurant lights, Qi Shu watched Nianshu’s frantic, clumsy movements with a look of tenderness and indulgence that she wasn’t even aware of herself.

“It’s ready, it’s ready!”

Nianshu picked up two slices, sprinkled on some seasoning, and wrapped them in a lettuce leaf. Just as Qi Shu reached out to take it, Nianshu leaned in eagerly and held the wrap to Qi Shu’s lips, looking like she was fishing for a compliment. “Try it, Sister! How is Chef Qi’s handiwork?”

Qi Shu looked into Nianshu’s eyes, her throat bobbing slightly. She reached out to hold Nianshu’s wrist, then leaned down and took a bite.

Nianshu felt the skin of her wrist prickle with heat where Qi Shu held it. Her first instinct was to pull away, but she ended up staying perfectly still, waiting for Qi Shu.

The meat was slightly charred and crispy, the rich fat mingling with the crisp lettuce. Qi Shu nodded. “Not bad.”

Coming from Qi Shu, a “not bad” was a high honor. Usually, it was Qi Shu who looked after her; the thrill of the roles being reversed made Nianshu incredibly excited. She became even more diligent, grilling meat until the pile on Qi Shu’s plate was so high that Qi Shu had to laughingly stop her.

Nianshu realized she was being a bit over-enthusiastic and sheepishly set down the tongs. “Maybe that’s a bit much.”

She felt like she was under some sort of spell. She kept telling herself to be restrained, yet the moment she saw Qi Shu, she couldn’t help but want to get closer. It was as if Qi Shu had her own gravitational pull, causing Nianshu to fall uncontrollably toward her.

Qi Shu divided some of the food from her plate back to Nianshu. “Don’t eat too much, or you’ll feel uncomfortable tonight.”

Nianshu nodded and finally quieted down.

The food at the restaurant was indeed excellent. Nianshu accidentally ate quite a bit and successfully slipped into a “carb coma.” Seeing her looking dazed and sleepy, Qi Shu asked, “Shall we head home?”

Nianshu instinctively shook her head. She remembered the “Date Trio” from TV dramas: dinner, a movie, and a walk. A walk was out of the question today. Since they’d finished dinner, it was time for a movie.

Nianshu shook her fuzzy head. “I want to see a movie. It’s been a while.”

Qi Shu nodded. “Okay.”

This was the largest mall in Rongcheng, and it was packed nearly every day—especially on a Friday. Most of the movie screenings were sold out. Only two films had decent seats left.

Nianshu hadn’t heard of either. One of them had a title that sounded full of sorrow and resentment a definite tragedy. She was on a date; a tragedy would be a total mood-killer.

In the end, she pulled Qi Shu toward the other film, which had a title that sounded light and refreshing. It had to be a “literary” romance.

Nianshu was absolutely certain, completely missing the thoughtful, calculating look in Qi Shu’s eyes behind her.

After buying popcorn and milk tea, the two entered the theater. A minute before the film started, the lights dimmed. Nianshu looked at the girl beside her. Seeing Qi Shu leaning back comfortably, looking at the screen, Nianshu’s mind began playing out a series of idol drama scenarios.

What if we accidentally eat from the same popcorn bucket? Actually, they only bought one, so that was guaranteed. What if we both reach for popcorn at the same time and our hands touch, leading to a soulful, lingering gaze? Unlikely; Qi Shu didn’t even like sweets.

**

After ruling out a series of romantic possibilities in her head, Nianshu sighed. Forget it. She would just watch the movie and enjoy their “alone” time, even if they weren’t strictly alone.

However, as the movie began, Nianshu immediately sensed a strange atmosphere. Leaving aside the eerie background music and the grainy, retro film quality, the plot immediately involved the main characters deciding to explore an abandoned mental asylum.

No matter how she looked at it, something was very wrong.

Support