After Getting Bound to Both the Protagonist and the Villain at the Same Time - Chapter 23.1

“Can I have a kiss now, Sister?” Ever since the day Lin Chuyi had brushed against Gu Mian’s lips in a fleeting, dragonfly-touch of a kiss, Gu Mian seemed to ask this question at every possible opportunity.

Lin Chuyi shot her a quick glance before standing up from the edge of the bed, leaving Gu Mian behind to whimper and grumble like a restless little cub.

Although she had learned from Gu Mian that “good friends” could kiss—and even do other, more embarrassing things—Lin Chuyi couldn’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity.

Gu Mian’s logic was always so grand and “reasonable”: Everyone has moments where they need help. If you can’t rely on a friend, who can you rely on? Find a trustworthy friend, and they won’t mock you for being inexperienced.

“Mm.” Lin Chuyi would nod. She was curious about how soaring it felt to be dominated by such joy and happiness, and curious about what a real kiss felt like. Not a brief touch like last time, but the real thing.

The thought made her face flush. She instinctively patted her cheeks, trying to cool the heat of her impractical curiosity.

News of the High School Affiliated to H-University’s “Fun Sports Meet” soon arrived on Lin Chuyi’s phone. She was to accompany Shen Qing to the school for the event. Her primary mission was to take as many photos as possible to capture memories for the students, which she would later share in the class group chat.

The school had two types of uniforms: one with trousers and another featuring a delicate pleated plaid skirt that reached just above the knee. Shen Qing usually preferred trousers to avoid trouble, but for the opening ceremony, the class had mandated that the girls wear the skirts.

“Is, is it okay?” Shen Qing asked, tugging nervously at the hem of her skirt, trying to pull it down. She rarely wore skirts—partly because she found them troublesome, and partly out of a lack of confidence.

“You look beautiful!” Lin Chuyi praised her. Shen Qing’s legs were slender and straight. Since living with Lin Chuyi and enjoying a balanced diet, her height had shot up.

Shen Qing offered a small, happy smile. They arrived at school, where Shen Qing immediately went to coordinate with her classmates for the opening ceremony. This left Lin Chuyi alone in a corner of the classroom for a few moments of leisure.

However, not all parents were as relaxed. Some were on their phones handling work. In one corner, a woman frowned at her laptop while speaking sharply into her phone. “You swore to me this was achievable, and yet here we are. Don’t tell me you’re working until midnight; if there’s no output, it’s just wasted time. Working a hundred hours is useless if you don’t produce—now, find a solution immediately!”

The woman, clearly a decisive professional, tore into her underperforming staff. She stared at the screen in silence, her face grim as she began rewriting code. Beside her stood a young girl, eyes red, not daring to speak for fear of triggering her mother’s temper.

“Mom’s not mad at you, baby,” the woman said, noticing her daughter’s tears. She couldn’t understand why her daughter was so timid; any raised voice seemed to terrify the poor girl. “Mom is just dealing with a small problem. Don’t be sad, okay?”

“Okay, Mom,” the girl whispered, wiping her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop,” Lin Chuyi said, stepping forward. “I’ve studied this field before. If you really need to solve this problem right now, perhaps we could talk.”

The woman shot a sharp look at Lin Chuyi. She hesitated for a moment, then, realizing Lin Chuyi was likely another parent, lowered her guard. She stood up. “Let’s talk.”

“Sister!” Shen Qing ran over, followed by a few classmates. “We’re all coordinated. I hope you weren’t waiting too long.” Shen Qing had a thin layer of sweat on her forehead. Lin Chuyi gently wiped it away with a tissue and straightened the girl’s collar.

This gentle display drew looks of envy from the classmates.

“Wow, Shen Qing, is this your sister?” The students were full of youthful energy. “She’s so pretty.”

They had never met Shen Qing’s family before, and Lin Chuyi’s presence was a breath of fresh air. Although Shen Qing was quiet and reserved, she was kind and reliable, and her classmates had grown quite fond of her. They were clearly curious; Lin Chuyi wore no makeup, yet her complexion was radiant and clear.

Lin Chuyi greeted them with a warm smile, and the response was enthusiastic. It was rare for high school seniors to have such a relaxed time. While some students were accompanied by parents or family stewards, the presence of a genuine family member was what they valued most.

Shen Qing lifted her head, pride shining in her eyes. “This is my sister.”

It wasn’t just the students who were curious; the parents were also intrigued by the background of this transfer student. Everyone knew that H University Affiliated High School wasn’t easy to get into, let alone as a transfer student in senior year. Rumors had been flying.

“So, Shen Qing, what does your sister do?” they asked. “I heard your family owns a listed company—the kind that can donate a whole building to the school!”

“Yeah, my mom told me that a mid-year transfer must have an incredible background. I expected private limousines and twenty bodyguards in the shadows.”

“I was almost afraid to talk to you because I thought our backgrounds wouldn’t match, but you’re so nice, and your sister is so beautiful!”

Shen Qing’s successful transfer was actually due to the efforts of the “library sister” and the local community office. To protect her privacy and dignity, the school hadn’t disclosed her family background. Usually, the students here came from wealthy families and discussed their parents’ businesses or high-level jobs.

“I only have my sister,” Shen Qing said, looking at Lin Chuyi. Lin Chuyi gave her an encouraging nod and a pat on the shoulder. Shen Qing took a deep breath. “She’s a librarian.”

The chatter died down instantly. It took courage for Shen Qing to say that in such an environment. She had prepared for the worst—the possibility of being isolated like she was in the past. But she refused to lie. She didn’t think there was anything wrong with being a librarian, and she loved her sister. Her sister had given her a home and a chance to change her life.

“Actually, I think being a librarian sounds lovely,” one girl said. “You get to read so many books every day, and the work isn’t too hectic. I wish my mom was a librarian so she could spend more time with me.”

“Yeah, my mom is just a ‘phone answerer.’ She’s on the phone from the moment she starts work until she finishes,” another student added. Everyone knew this girl’s family was extremely wealthy; her mother was so busy she had sent a steward to the sports meet instead.

The kindness of the students was a pleasant surprise for Lin Chuyi. “Your family members work hard to give you a better life and show you love,” she told them. “Every profession can shine. Your families love you, just as I love Shen Qing.

I’ll keep working hard to give her a rich and warm home.”

Lin Chuyi wasn’t just saying that; she had a plan. While talking to the mother of the “little crybaby” earlier, she realized their professional fields overlapped perfectly. Although the woman had been guarded, Lin Chuyi had easily solved a few minor technical issues for her, which caused the woman to relax.

The woman had even extended an invitation: “I’d love to talk more if you have time. This project is vital for my company.” Lin Chuyi had agreed and exchanged numbers. With her skills and her drive to learn, she planned to take on remote projects and competitions to provide a better life for Shen Qing and Gu Mian.

“The opening ceremony is about to start. You should go line up,” Lin Chuyi reminded them. “I’ll be at the field taking photos once it’s over.”

Compared to the expensive cameras and lenses other parents held, Lin Chuyi’s phone was humble. Some parents, upon hearing she was “just a librarian,” had grown noticeably cooler toward her.

As the children headed to the field, the “crybaby’s mom” walked over to Lin Chuyi. “Let’s go down together. I can tell you more about the issues I’m facing with my project.”

Lin Chuyi nodded. As they left, a few parents whispered behind them. “If she’s really just a librarian, why is Xinyi’s mom sticking so close to her?”

“What does it matter to us? Don’t start that kind of talk; it’s a bad influence on the kids,” one parent snapped back. “Why are you being so snobbish?”

The opening ceremony was creative. Lin Chuyi and Xinyi’s mom watched while discussing the project. Every point Lin Chuyi made hit the mark.

“It’s a waste for someone like you to be a librarian,” Xinyi’s mom said. “If you’re interested, come work for my company. I’m desperate for talent on this project.”

“I can’t leave my current situation right now,” Lin Chuyi declined regretfully.

But she had underestimated the woman’s sincerity. “We can sign a freelance agreement. You complete the requirements, and we pay you based on the milestones. You can work remotely and just brief us on the progress occasionally.”

“Then let’s find a time to discuss it in detail,” Lin Chuyi agreed. “I’d be happy to collaborate if possible.”

Once the ceremony ended, the students dispersed to their various events. Shen Qing walked toward Lin Chuyi, followed by Xinyi, who seemed quite shy.

“This is my daughter, Xinyi,” her mother introduced.

“She’s very quiet and well-behaved,” Lin Chuyi praised, then pointed to Shen Qing. “And this is my girl, Shen Qing.”

Just then, the mother’s phone rang again. She gestured an apology and answered, immediately returning to her “explosive” work mode. “I don’t care if it’s a 200MB package! Efficiency! Increase it!”

Xinyi tugged at her mother’s sleeve, and the woman’s tone softened slightly. “I’m at my daughter’s school. Can’t you give me some good news for once? Don’t call unless it’s urgent.”

“Is Xinyi a good friend of yours?” Lin Chuyi asked Shen Qing.

Shen Qing thought for a moment. “She looks delicate, but she’s actually very quick and effective when handling things. She knows exactly how to deal with different people.”

Shen Qing had signed up for a fun event called the “Three-Legged Race,” which required a parent or guardian.

“Sister, check-in starts in half an hour. Can you come with me to the locker room? I need to change into trousers,” Shen Qing said.

“Of course,” Lin Chuyi smiled. “Today is your day. You don’t have to ask for permission for everything.”

They reached the locker room, passing a corridor decorated with students’ artwork. Shen Qing went into a cubicle to change. After a few minutes, she hadn’t come out.

“Shen Qing?” Lin Chuyi called out softly.

After a pause, Shen Qing’s embarrassed voice came from inside. “Sister, I think it’s stuck.”

“Do you want me to come in and help?”

“Mm.” Shen Qing opened the door a crack, and Lin Chuyi slipped into the small cubicle.

The zipper on Shen Qing’s skirt was faulty, snagging on the fabric halfway down. She tried to pull the skirt off directly, but it was stuck fast. She struggled with it for a long time, tugging up and down, but the stubborn zipper refused to budge.

Lin Chuyi leaned in to help smooth it out. Her entire focus was on the snagged teeth of the zipper, completely unaware that whenever her fingertips accidentally brushed against the skin of Shen Qing’s waist, the girl trembled with a sudden loss of strength.

As Lin Chuyi bent over, her breath fanned against Shen Qing’s side, sending ripples through the girl’s heart.

Shen Qing instinctively leaned back against the cubicle partition. Unprepared, Lin Chuyi was pulled forward, her lips accidentally brushing against Shen Qing’s waist. For a fleeting second, Shen Qing’s legs went weak.

“Sister.” Shen Qing’s breath hitched. As Lin Chuyi shifted, the metal ring hanging from the necklace around her neck swayed into view. Shen Qing caught a glimpse of it and couldn’t help but stare.

It looked like a ring.

Shen Qing bit her lip.

“There, all fixed.” Lin Chuyi finally managed to slide the zipper down. She handed the skirt to Shen Qing, opened the door, and stepped out of the changing room.

Shen Qing stood pinned against the partition for a long moment before quickly pulling on her trousers and stepping out. She told herself not to care. But she couldn’t help it—why would her sister wear such a cheap, battered ring around her neck so carefully?

Perhaps sensing Shen Qing’s lingering gaze on her neckline, Lin Chuyi reached up and touched the necklace. “What is it?”

“The ring,” Shen Qing said softly. “Where did you get it, Sister?”

The teacher up ahead was already calling out names for check-in. Lin Chuyi adjusted the necklace and said casually, “Remember when we went to the amusement park? It was the little prize from the ‘Embroidered Ball Marriage’ performance.”

The trip to the park.

The marriage performance.

The little prize.

Shen Qing repeated the words in her mind over and over, savoring them until they tasted sweet. Her eyes lit up. Does Sister also find that day unforgettable? Does she cherish that moment as much as I do?

How could she have forgotten? She was the one “married” by her sister’s tossed ball.

Sister is mine.

A sweet smile curled onto Shen Qing’s lips.

Throughout the three-legged race, Shen Qing was bursting with energy. They took first place, but in their final sprint toward the finish line, their momentum was so intense that they tumbled forward.

Shen Qing reacted instantly, wrapping her arms around Lin Chuyi so that her sister landed safely on top of her. The dull ache of the fall was masked by the immense satisfaction of protecting the person she loved. Shen Qing hadn’t known it was possible to feel this happy.

The scent of the fresh grass was crisp, and Shen Qing’s heart was glowing.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Lin Chuyi helped her up. Shen Qing smiled and shook her head. “I’m fine, as long as you’re okay, Sister.”

Shen Qing’s high spirits lasted until they reached the front door, but as luck would have it, Gu Mian had returned home early. All three of them arrived at the apartment at the same time.

Lately, Gu Mian and Shen Qing’s schedules had barely overlapped. Even when they did cross paths, they usually refused to acknowledge each other’s existence. But today, Shen Qing not only saw Gu Mian, she noticed the identical ring hanging from a necklace around Gu Mian’s neck.

Shen Qing’s expression darkened instantly.

Noticing the stare, Gu Mian casually toyed with her necklace, making sure the matching ring was visible. Lin Chuyi headed into the bedroom first. Normally, Gu Mian would follow her in and shut the door coldly.

But today, she lingered.

Gu Mian leaned lazily against the doorframe, twirling the ring on her chain. “The ring Sister gave me seems to have faded a bit. Do you have any ideas on how to restore its luster?” she asked airily.

“It’s just a cheap ring. Why bother fixing it?” Shen Qing replied, her face grim.

“Oh, a ‘cheap’ ring,” Gu Mian raised an eyebrow. “I suppose some people just don’t understand the concept of ‘it’s the thought that counts.’ Or perhaps you’re just waiting for me to throw it away so you can scavenge it for yourself.” Gu Mian was merciless, and Shen Qing gritted her teeth in fury.

Suddenly, Shen Qing seemed to recall something. She shot Gu Mian a sharp look and sneered. “I doubt you even know the story behind these rings.” She leaned in. “When Sister and I went to the park, she was the high-born lady tossing the embroidered ball to choose a husband, and she invited me into her chambers.”

Shen Qing deliberately added detail, relishing the way Gu Mian’s face fell. “This ring is the memento of our wedding. If you want to throw yours away, go ahead.”

Shen Qing turned and vanished into her room with a flourish. Gu Mian let out a sharp huff, unhooked her necklace, and stormed into the bedroom.

She was consumed by jealousy.

How could she have known that their trip to the park involved a mock wedding? Seeing Lin Chuyi leaning against the headboard, Gu Mian immediately crawled over to her.

“What is it now?” Lin Chuyi was holding a book she’d borrowed from the library, but Gu Mian was blocking her light.

“Sister, you’re not fair at all. You celebrated her birthday, and you even ‘married’ her.” Gu Mian reached out and unfastened the necklace from Lin Chuyi’s neck. As she leaned in close, she couldn’t help herself—she sank her teeth into Lin Chuyi’s collarbone!

“Ah!” Lin Chuyi gasped, freezing in place. “Gu Mian, what are you doing? Let go!”

Gu Mian ignored her, stubbornly biting down a little harder.

“Alright, it was just an activity! It was just make-believe,” Lin Chuyi coaxed. In her mind, the event at the park was just a bit of fun, but she hadn’t realized Gu Mian could be so childish as to hold a grudge over it. “You’re acting like a little kid,” she chided gently.

Gu Mian shifted from biting to kissing. The soft, lingering warmth on the stinging spot stirred something strange in Lin Chuyi. Her voice began to tremble. “Don’t, stop,” she pleaded softly.

Gu Mian didn’t stop. She traced the spot with her tongue, making it impossible for Lin Chuyi to form words. She could only let out a few broken, airy whimpers.

“Let, let go!”