After the Sickly Child Differentiates into A - Chapter 69.1

The winter chill was nothing compared to the coldness in Wen Xihe’s heart at that moment.

Standing outside the window, she watched the person who had always been expressionless and emotionally detached since childhood pinning down her adorable, delicate younger sister, kissing her with profound depth and unmistakable desire.

For a moment, she wanted to curse the pig who had rooted up their family’s prized cabbage only to realize, upon second glance, that this particular pig also belonged to their family.

Wen Xihe closed her eyes in despair.

Wen Jingzhi glanced up and met her gaze, then nonchalantly lowered her eyes again. She placed soft, feather-like kisses on the corner of the breathless girl’s lips, picked up the down jacket from the floor, and draped it over her before standing up. “I’ll step out for a moment.”

The girl’s mind was still echoing with the ambiguous, wet sounds of their kiss, her heart pounding like a drum. Covering her ears, she gasped for air, completely unaware of what Wen Jingzhi had said.

Wen Jingzhi curved her lips into a slight smile, reached out, and gently pressed her palm against the girl’s cheek. Then she walked toward the door, picking up the coat and scarf scattered along the way. At the entrance, she hung the scarf on the coat rack, put on her overcoat, and opened the door.

Wen Xihe turned around, her expression complex and her steps heavy as she trudged through the snow toward Wen Jingzhi. Her first words were laced with suppressed fury: “Have you lost your mind?!”

How could she?!

Wen Jingzhi stood with her hands in her pockets, facing the snowy wind, the corners of her eyes still tinged with an ambiguous shade of pink. She cast a cold, indifferent glance at Wen Xihe. “I haven’t.”

“I think you’ve lost it completely!” Wen Xihe gritted her teeth in anger. “Xiao You is your sister!”

“We’re not related by blood.”

“She’s still your sister!” Wen Xihe was both anxious and furious, her mind in chaos. “Even without blood ties, you raised her yourself!”

“She’s only nineteen!”

Wen Jingzhi pressed her lips together. “She’s an adult.”

Completely unyielding!

Wen Xihe wanted to swear but held back. “Do you really know what you’re doing?”

“I’m perfectly clear-headed.” Wen Jingzhi’s expression remained unchanged. “I’m saving her.”

The chaotic thoughts in Wen Xihe’s mind suddenly cleared. Remembering what Su Yue had said when she confronted him with the information she had uncovered, along with that plan, she fell silent. She turned and paced back and forth aimlessly like a headless fly before pointing a trembling finger at Wen Jingzhi. “Even so, you can’t do it like this!”

Wen Jingzhi pressed her lips tighter. The faint blush at the corners of her eyes faded in the snowy wind, her face turning pale and almost transparent, giving her a fragile appearance. She looked at Wen Xihe, her gaze firm. “I want her.”

“It has to be her.”

Wen Xihe couldn’t hold back a curse. Pointing at her, she stammered, “You!” before gritting her teeth and spitting out, “Lunatic!” Yet, some of the anger in her heart had dissipated.

She had practically watched Wen Jingzhi grow up. Since childhood, she had been cold and detached, and as an adult, she had become even more like a block of ice aloof and restrained. At times, Wen Xihe worried that this person would end up alone for the rest of her life.

But now, this icy-cold person was saying, “I want.”

In all these years, it was the first time she had heard the word “want” come from her sister’s mouth.

Her younger sister had always taken whatever she desired without ever acting coy, rarely revealing her true emotions.

As an older sister, she feared that one day, Wen Jingzhi would suffocate herself with all that repression.

Wen Xihe took a deep breath, her tone softening. “So? Are you trying to say you like Xiao You?”

Had a block of ice that had been frozen for over thirty years been melted by a nineteen-year-old girl?

Who would believe it if word got out?

Wen Jingzhi met her gaze squarely, her lips parting slightly. “I love her.”

Wen Xihe’s heart clenched violently. She suddenly turned away, covering her face with her hands, and let out a long sigh. “Damn it.”

How was she supposed to scold her after that?

“You!” Wen Xihe was flustered, took a deep breath, dropped her hand, and looked at her. “Are you sure it’s not your old habits acting up again?”

“Isn’t it just your overwhelming need for control and possessiveness?”

Lin Li, who had just recovered and reached the doorway, froze upon hearing Wen Xihe’s words.

What did that mean?

Her sister’s controlling nature?

The sound of a hand touching the doorknob made Wen Jingzhi swallow her words from outside the door. She shot Wen Xihe a look, grasped the doorknob, and opened the door.

“Sister.” Lin Li stood in the entryway, pushing aside her chaotic thoughts as she smiled at the person at the door. “Is it Sister Xihe who’s here?”

Wen Jingzhi stepped inside to change her shoes, walked over to her, and ruffled her hair. “Yes, it’s her.”

“Xiao You.” Wen Xihe’s expression remained grim as she entered and closed the door. She greeted Lin Li, but her gaze drifted downward, landing on the messy red marks scattered across the girl’s slender neck. Her pupils trembled violently as she strode over to Wen Jingzhi, grabbed her shoulders, and spun her around. With a shaking hand, she tugged down the high collar of her sweater.

The long, porcelain-like neck was covered in ambiguous kiss marks, with a few scratch marks visible on the side.

Wen Xihe withdrew her hand, trembling, unable to process the shock. She closed her eyes and waved dismissively at Wen Jingzhi. “Get out, get out! Go cook!”

Wen Jingzhi calmly adjusted her collar and turned to head into the kitchen.

After witnessing Wen Xihe’s series of actions, Lin Li realized she had been discovered. Her face instantly turned pale. Once Wen Jingzhi had entered the kitchen, she timidly tugged at Wen Xihe’s sleeve. When the other woman looked over, she whispered an explanation, “Sister Xihe, please don’t be angry with Sister. She was only trying to help me.”

The girl’s right eye was dull and lifeless, but her left eye was vivid and full of cautious pleading.

Wen Xihe recalled the strange feelings she had sensed on several previous occasions. Her eyes widened, and she suddenly covered her face, taking a sharp breath.

It couldn’t be what she was thinking, could it?

She abruptly took Lin Li’s hand and led her farther away. Initially intending to go to the sofa, a flash of the intensely suggestive scene crossed her mind. She closed her eyes and instead guided the girl to the spare bedroom.

Once the door was closed, she released Lin Li’s hand and looked at her seriously. “Xiao You, don’t worry about Wen Jingzhi or consider your treatment. Just tell me your true feelings.”

“Do you willingly accept being treated like this?”

The girl seemed to recall something, her face flushing red. She stammered for a long time, as if embarrassed, her voice soft and weak. “, I’m willing. I’m willing.”

Afraid Wen Xihe wouldn’t believe her, she suppressed her shyness and said firmly, “I’m willing, Sister Xihe.” Then, as if embarrassed again, she added, “Please don’t be angry with Sister.”

It’s over.

Wen Xihe slapped her forehead, closed her eyes, and let out a silent groan.

It wasn’t the pig that had rooted up the cabbage it was the cabbage that had rooted up the, No, that wasn’t right.

Wen Xihe rubbed her face vigorously, trying to banish the “pig” and “cabbage” from her mind.

She sighed. “Did it have to be her?”

How could she have fallen for a block of ice?

How could her adorable little sister have been led astray by that block of ice!

Even choosing someone like Qiao Xian would have been better!

Lin Li bit her lip and nodded. “If it’s not Sister, then it’s not possible.”

If it weren’t for her sister, she would rather die than be willing.

Wen Xihe lowered her hand and stared at her sternly, the commanding presence she had cultivated over years in a position of authority pressing down on her. Lin Li pressed her lips together, unflinching, and met her gaze.

After a long moment, Wen Xihe relented and sighed. “Fine. I can’t control you two.”

Lin Li breathed a sigh of relief, her face breaking into a smile as she opened her arms to give Wen Xihe a light, symbolic hug. “Thank you, Xihe-jie.”

“Hmph.” Wen Xihe was still a bit annoyed and pinched her cheek. “Next time something happens, don’t just tell that ice block, tell me too.”

“I’ll remember,” Lin Li replied, now utterly obedient and agreeing to whatever Wen Xihe said.

The two left the bedroom and returned to the living room, where Wen Jingzhi was bringing out dishes. She cast a cool, indifferent glance at them, set the food down, and went back into the kitchen without asking anything.

At least she was honest and hadn’t eavesdropped.

Wen Xihe pulled Lin Li, who was about to go help, and made her sit at the dining table, leaving Wen Jingzhi to handle everything alone.

Lin Li felt a little sorry for her. When Wen Jingzhi came out with more dishes, Lin Li glanced at her uneasily, only relaxing after receiving a reassuring look.

Wen Xihe caught their silent exchange and curled her lips in disdain.

All that eye-flirting did they think she was blind?!

It was a simple home-cooked meal three dishes and a soup, quite a feast.

Wen Jingzhi’s “service” was impeccable: she even scooped rice and placed it in front of Wen Xihe, setting the chopsticks beside the bowl. Wen Xihe picked them up with satisfaction but couldn’t resist a jab. “Ah, after all these years, I, as your older sister, finally get to eat a meal cooked by my little sister again.” She glanced at Lin Li. “I’m so touched.”

“Wonder who I have to thank for this.”

Lin Li’s ears turned red, and she pressed her lips together, unsure whether to start eating.

Wen Jingzhi shot a look at Wen Xihe, then sat beside Lin Li, picked up a piece of chicken with her chopsticks, and placed it in Lin Li’s bowl. “Eat. Ignore her.”

Wen Xihe wasn’t having it. “What do you mean, ‘ignore me’? I’m Xiao You’s sister too! And I’m your older sister!”

Lin Li picked up her chopsticks, hesitated for a moment, then used the serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of meat and place it in Wen Xihe’s bowl. She gave her a sweet smile. “Xihe-jie, eat up.”

Wen Xihe raised an eyebrow, her heart softening, and decided to let them off for now. She picked up her chopsticks, about to take the meat from her bowl, when another pair of chopsticks swiftly snatched it away.

She looked up, staring at the person who calmly ate the meat without a hint of guilt, and let out an exasperated laugh. She slammed her chopsticks down and looked at Lin Li, tilting her chin toward Wen Jingzhi.

Her expression seemed to say, This is the person you fell for?

Lin Li guiltily averted her gaze, stealing a glance at her sister’s indifferent face. Under the table, her hand crept over and lightly tapped the back of Wen Jingzhi’s hand.

Wen Jingzhi paused mid-chew, glanced at her, then coldly picked up a new piece of meat and placed it in Wen Xihe’s bowl.

The way she set it down was almost condescending.

Wen Xihe, still fuming, let out a cold laugh, picked up her chopsticks, and bit into the meat as if she were chewing on Wen Jingzhi herself.

Wen Jingzhi remained unfazed, completely unapologetic. She set down her chopsticks and went to the kitchen to bring out the heated flatbreads.

“Where did these come from?” Wen Xihe picked one up and examined it. “You don’t seem like the type to make something this greasy.”

“They were given by an auntie in the village,” Lin Li explained, picking up a flatbread herself. Just as she was about to put it in her bowl, she felt an intense gaze on her. Turning, she found her sister staring fixedly at the flatbread in her chopsticks.

Lin Li: ?

She looked at Wen Jingzhi, tentatively moved her arm, and placed the flatbread in her bowl. “Do you want it, Jiejie?”

Wen Xihe sneered. “She doesn’t eat such oily.”

“Thank you,” Wen Jingzhi said calmly, picking up the flatbread and taking a bite.

Wen Xihe: “Hah.”

She really was insane!

After finishing the awkward meal, Lin Li offered to wash the dishes, but Wen Jingzhi stopped her, personally clearing the table and loading the newly purchased dishwasher.

Wiping her hands as she emerged, Wen Jingzhi saw Lin Li playing on her phone on the sofa. She turned to Wen Xihe, who was still seated at the dining table, and asked, “What brings you here?”

“Grandpa wants you both to come back.” Wen Xihe was still fuming, shooting her a displeased look. “Not answering anyone’s calls aren’t you impressive.”

“No rush.”

“Since Xiao You is fine now, bring her back for a check-up.”

Wen Jingzhi repeated, “No rush.”

Lin Li looked up and spoke softly, “It’s alright, Sister. We can go back tomorrow.”

Wen Jingzhi walked over and sat beside her, ruffling the hair at the back of her head. “Rest a few more days.”

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