Fell In Love With My Older Sister’s Friend - Chapter 31

Lin Qingyue accepted the compliment from the younger girl without any guilt, smiling sweetly and asking, “Well, what about a reward?”

A reward… Xu Luzhi blushed slightly and whispered, “None for now.”

Not only was there no reward, but she couldn’t even find a single seat at the barbecue restaurant.

Sigh, ZhiZhi is such a failure. When will ZhiZhi become a powerful CEO and book the entire barbecue restaurant for sister?

Xu Luzhi sighed, smacked her lips, and stared longingly at the seating area, wishing an empty spot would magically appear before her.

But Lin Qingyue, as if intentionally bringing up a sore subject, slowly asked her, “Little friend, why are we still standing?”

Xu Luzhi gave a wry smile. What kind of spoiled young lady attitude was this? Of course, they were standing because there were no seats!

Lin Qingyue noticed her embarrassment and asked with a hint of amusement, “No seats?”

Xu Luzhi nodded, feeling a bit awkward.

They had already waited for ten minutes. Although there were quite a few people waiting around, it was fine for her to stand for a while, but making sister wait made her feel quite tired.

She couldn’t bear it.

“It’s okay, no rush,” Lin Qingyue casually pinched Xu Luzhi’s delicate, porcelain-smooth cheek, licked her lips, and said, “I want to eat crayfish.”

“Okay, I’ll treat sister to everything,” Xu Luzhi felt the lingering warmth on her cheek, and her heart felt as if it had been gently ironed, warm and relaxed.

It seemed that being by sister’s side meant she didn’t have to feel guilty about queuing, nor did she have to worry about her getting impatient.

“Sister…” Xu Luzhi was about to say something else but was interrupted by a familiar voic e”ZhiZhi!”

Xu Luzhi subconsciously turned her head to look, searching through the crowd several times before finally managing to locate the source of the voice amidst the throng of people.

“ZhiZhi, over here!” The person excitedly waved at her. Xu Luzhi glanced at Lin Qingyue, then pointed in that direction.

She hesitated before stepping forward. Only when she saw Lin Qingyue slowly follow her did she confidently walk in that direction.

“Senior Sister!” Xu Luzhi called out sweetly, then nodded in greeting to the other few people at the table, “Hello, Senior Brothers and Sisters!”

The young girl was beautiful and polite, carrying an innate nobility in every movement, naturally winning immediate favor.

Everyone at the table called out one after another: “Hello, Junior Sister!” “Hello, ZhiZhi!”

After things quieted down, Zhao Ru generously introduced, “This is my junior high school junior sister, Xu Luzhi. Her grades are excellent.”

Someone expressed disbelief: “How excellent?”

Zhao Ru smiled, her face slightly red: “Sometimes I even have to ask her about advanced math problems!”

A burst of laughter followed. Xu Luzhi waved her hands, humbly saying, “Senior Sister is exaggerating. I’m the one who often asks Senior Sister for help.”

After some more laughter, Zhao Ru asked her familiarly, “ZhiZhi, are you here for barbecue too? Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll treat you!”

There were four or five people sitting at the table, and an empty seat was immediately made available for her, with everyone urging her, “ZhiZhi, sit!”

Someone teased, “Tsk, tsk, tsk, I’ve heard Zhao Ru mention you in the lab every day. I didn’t expect you to be so young. Zhao Ru, you’re always so serious and proper, turns out you’re thinking of an old cow eating young grass, huh?”

“What nonsense are you talking about? Our Zhao Ru Senior Sister is only two or three years older than her. Once she gets into college next year, she can even guide her hand-in-hand in the lab!”

“Oh Hand in hand, huh” Someone understood the implied meaning and laughed, deliberately emphasizing the point.

At this point, even a fool could understand the subtext. Zhao Ru got agitated and slapped the table, ready to kick someone: “What nonsense are you talking about? You all can’t find a partner yourselves, so you just talk nonsense! ZhiZhi is still a child!”

It was an undeniable fact that Lincheng University had more male students than female students, and a significant number of lesbians among the female students. Except for Zhao Ru, everyone else at this table was male, and having had some drinks, their speech became unrestrained.

Xu Luzhi pretended not to hear and smiled innocently: “No thanks, I came with sister.”

“Then have your sister join us,” Zhao Ru said casually. When she looked up, however, she realized it wasn’t Xu Luzhi’s biological sister.

It was a woman she had never seen before, who stopped unhurriedly a few feet away. She had waist-length hair, a smiling face, and a pair of peach blossom eyes that seemed to speak.

Wearing a fishtail dress and high heels, she exuded charm and elegance all over, looking as if she should be attending a haute couture banquet rather than appearing at this roadside barbecue stall.

Zhao Ru considered her own attire, though ordinary for a university student, to be carefully chosen. Now, in front of this woman, she only felt inferior.

So beautiful, like the moon in the sky bright and radiant her appearance made all the surrounding stars dim in comparison.

Only Xu Luzhi, contrasted beside her, appeared even more pure and refined, like a budding, vibrant gardenia blossom.

Standing side by side, the two looked unbelievably well-matched.

Zhao Ru caught her reflection in a beer bottle. Her usually confident appearance now seemed utterly insignificant; she didn’t even want to look at herself again.

Those boys were completely mesmerized. They rarely saw any living women, let alone beauties. At most, they saw pictures online. But today, after seeing such a pure and pretty junior sister, they also met such a beautiful woman!

It was like hitting the jackpot. One look, and they instantly felt that Zhao Ru, the department’s beauty, was plain and utterly overshadowed.

No, it wasn’t just being overshadowed; it was a level of combat that left no room for comparison.

Everyone at the table was stunned until Zhao Ru snapped back to reality and asked blankly, “…Sister?”

Xu Luzhi nodded and generously introduced, “This is… my sister’s friend, Lin Qingyue.”

Although reluctant, she couldn’t find a better term to describe her at the moment, so she added in the end, “Anyway… she’s sister.”

Lin Qingyue’s status and position were truly troublesome. She could only call her ‘sister’ for now.

In the future, it would be different.

After processing the situation, the group called out one after another, “Hello, Sister!”

Lin Qingyue was indeed a few years older than them. She nodded with a smile, her gaze intentionally or unintentionally glancing at Xu Luzhi: “Hello, everyone.”

The woman’s voice was low, husky, mellow, and gentle comfortable to listen to. The group, having been cooped up in the lab for too long and possessing an ‘act up when people are around’ personality, immediately cleared a second seat, warmly inviting, “Sister, come sit!” “Sister, don’t be polite!”

“Sister, sister, sister” hearing this title from others made Xu Luzhi’s temples throb.

What a nice word, yet hearing it from other people’s mouths made her feel so awful?

Xu Luzhi subtly blocked Lin Qingyue in front of her, domineeringly tilting her chin up: “You’re not allowed to call her that.”

She tilted her head towards Lin Qingyue, like a little rabbit marking its territory: “She’s my sister.”

Naturally, no one would argue with a charming and bright junior sister. Everyone took a sip of beer and chuckled, agreeing, “Okay, okay, she’s yours,” “Right, right, ZhiZhi’s sister.”

Lin Qingyue let out a soft “Tsk.” They called her ZhiZhi so intimately, making it seem like they were very close.

Her gaze swept across the group, finally landing on the only female present.

The girl was pretty, the kind of pretty associated with an excellent student, carrying an air of pride, giving off a feeling of defiance.

This was the exact opposite of herself, who was seen as ‘fickle and frivolous.’

Lin Qingyue curled her lips and casually scrutinized her. Zhao Ru seemed to feel her gaze, looked up, and their eyes met unexpectedly.

Lin Qingyue was relaxed and composed, feeling no embarrassment. Zhao Ru’s face flushed for a moment, she pursed her lips in annoyance, and sheepishly averted her gaze.

She felt an inexplicable irritation because it was clear at a glance that Lin Qingyue’s circumstances were far superior to hers. If it were her, she would certainly choose Lin Qingyue too.

Her own merits weren’t small, but she had studied hard for many years, excelling in both academics and looks. It wasn’t her style to admit defeat before even starting.

The boys were still clamoring for them to join, but Xu Luzhi seriously shook her head: “Sorry, I want to be with sister alone.”

The young girl broke into a smile, her voice sweet and soft, both obedient and polite, instantly evoking pity.

No one would get angry at such a refusal.

The surroundings were still bustling, with more people gathering. Zhao Ru knew well that waiting an hour during peak time was common.

She glanced at the table; the skewers were sparse, and the beer was almost gone. The meal was naturally nearing its end anyway.

This was a rare gathering. After eating, they had to return to the lab to work like oxen and horses. She hadn’t even managed to find time to see Xu Luzhi until this chance encounter.

She hadn’t even had time to attend Xu Luzhi’s birthday party. Thinking about it… she shouldn’t keep missing opportunities like this repeatedly.

For some reason, Zhao Ru stood up and instructed the boys: “Let’s go, clear a spot for Junior Sister.”

“Huh? Isn’t the meeting at eight?” Someone complained.

Another kicked him: “Why so much talk? Didn’t you see they’ve been waiting for a long time?”

Ultimately, they were considerate of the young lady. The group of men stood up, even thoughtfully clearing the table.

Someone else remembered: “Zhao Ru, our crayfish hasn’t even arrived yet!”

Zhao Ru’s expression turned slightly grim, and she sneered, “Just give it to Junior Sister to eat. Why are you all so wordy?”

No one dared to provoke Zhao Ru. After a few minutes of fussing, the table was finally cleared. The group stood in an orderly line and bowed in unison: “Please, Junior Sister, take a seat!”

Xu Luzhi was amused by the formality and said sweetly to Lin Qingyue, “Sister, should we sit?”

Lin Qingyue curved her lips: “Why not sit?”

“Then thank you, Senior Sister and Senior Brothers!” Xu Luzhi bowed politely in return, but covertly glanced at Lin Qingyue, not letting her sit down first.

Lin Qingyue was puzzled but could only stand aside with a smile, watching them leave.

Zhao Ru was unwilling to give up. She walked a few steps, then turned back, deliberately emphasizing: “Junior Sister, have you read the book I lent you last time?”

Xu Luzhi blinked, recalling: “Ah, I’ve only read halfway.”

She smiled apologetically: “I’ve been a bit lazy lately. If Senior Sister needs it urgently, I can return it now.”

“It’s fine, I was just asking,” Zhao Ru smiled kindly, her gaze fixed tightly on Xu Luzhi. “I didn’t have time for your birthday party last time. When are you free to meet? I still have a gift for you.”

Xu Luzhi replied: “Thank you, Senior Sister. I’m quite free lately.”

“That’s good. I’ll contact you later.” Zhao Ru cast one last reluctant look at her junior sister, then finally left without looking back.

It was better to be farther away and quiet. She would plan properly once she wasn’t so busy later.

Junior Sister’s grades were more than enough for Qingbei (Peking/Tsinghua). She also had to work hard to get into graduate school there.

She didn’t have the ability right now, but she would strive to give Junior Sister a secure future, allowing her to remain carefree forever.

After the group walked far away, Xu Luzhi pulled out disinfectant wipes from her pocket and meticulously wiped the table and chairs clean before allowing Lin Qingyue to sit down.

Lin Qingyue chuckled. So this was what she waited for the little one had quite serious mysophobia.

Xu Luzhi lowered her eyes, knowing what Lin Qingyue was thinking. She quietly wiped down the cups and bowls as well.

Actually, her own mysophobia wasn’t that severe, but when it came to matters concerning sister, she became especially tense.

She wanted everything sister used to be perfectly clean.

Once everything was tidied up, Xu Luzhi couldn’t be bothered to move anymore. She instructed Lin Qingyue: “Sister, get me a drink.”

Since the little girl had done so much work, Lin Qingyue couldn’t refuse. She got up, brought back a large bottle of coconut juice, placed it on the table, and poured a full glass for her personally: “ZhiZhi worked hard.”

Xu Luzhi drank nearly half the glass in one go, licking her lips contentedly: “As long as sister is happy.”

Neither of them was picky eaters. They casually picked some barbecue back to their seats and each looked at their phones.

Just as Xu Luzhi pulled out her phone, it vibrated with a WeChat message.

Xu Luwei: [When are you coming home?]

Xu Luzhi secretly glanced at Lin Qingyue across from her, her fingertips flying as she quickly typed a few words.

ZhiZhi Won’t Go to Peking University : [Tonight.]

ZhiZhi Won’t Go to Peking University : [I’m with your girlfriend.]

“ZhiZhi Won’t Go to Peking University” retracted a message.

Xu Luwei, who had just managed to read the previous message: “…”

She couldn’t understand how she suddenly had a girlfriend. Could it be…

Xu Luwei’s expression changed slightly. She switched out of the message box and nervously scrolled through someone’s Moments feed.

Given that person’s temperament, they might actually do something drastic like suddenly arriving in Lincheng and finding ZhiZhi to do something.

If that happened, it would be disastrous…

She couldn’t see anything on the Moments feed because it was hidden from Xu Luwei, appearing completely empty. Meanwhile, Xu Luzhi sent another new message.

ZhiZhi Won’t Go to Peking University : [Mistake. I’m with Lin-jie (Sister Lin).]

Xu Luwei sent back a simple “Okay” and leaned against the balcony railing, letting out a long sigh of relief.

However, a heart that shouldn’t have stirred at all was now filled with fluctuating emotions.

Xu Luwei finally made up her mind and sent a casual greeting message.

A conspicuous exclamation mark appeared in the message box.

She was so angry she almost laughed. She clenched her phone, took a deep breath.

One by one, ZhiZhi had a little secret, and that person also…

If she kept throwing such tantrums, she wouldn’t agree to that person’s demands next time.

A rare flicker of panic appeared on Xu Luwei’s usually calm face.

Xu Luzhi was completely unaware of Xu Luwei’s complex state of mind. She was just thinking about what Lin Qingyue had said that day, and a strange possessiveness flared up.

It was just a ‘sister-in-law,’ wasn’t she? Right now, she was still sitting with her, and if she said go east, she wouldn’t go west.

Xu Luzhi’s gaze was dark and unclear. She silently ground her teeth. Even if she really was a sister-in-law…

She recalled an ancient Chinese saying and smiled silently.

Come to think of it, she felt like eating dumplings.