Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Qiao Xi Sat Downstairs for a While…

Qiao Xi sat downstairs for a while, then her family members took her on a tour of the house. The house was equipped with a home elevator. Fang Lianxin was old, so her room was on the right side immediately upon exiting the elevator, making it convenient for her to move up and down stairs.

A live-in maid was employed at the house, but she had the day off today, so Qiao Xi didn’t get to meet her.

The room Fang Hongjing had prepared for Qiao Xi was next to theirs. This room was originally reserved for Fang Lanxi. Although she was gone, Fang Lanxi still lived in their hearts, and Qiao Xi’s presence happened to fill this void.

Pushing open the bedroom door, a faint, fresh scent wafted into Qiao Xi’s nose. What greeted her was a leisure area with a two-seater sofa and a white plush rug on the floor. To the right were a walk-in closet and a bathroom, and to the left was the sleeping area.

The room was fully furnished. The bed was made with light blue bedding, looking fresh and tidy. A bottle of aroma diffuser sat on one bedside table. Sunlight streamed in from the window, bringing new life to the quiet room.

“We weren’t sure what style you liked. Tell Auntie if anything isn’t to your liking, and we’ll redecorate it for you.”

“I really like it.” Qiao Xi stroked the soft quilt. She asked: “Did my mother like blue?”

“Yes, Lanxi loved the color of the sky since she was a child. She thought it was the color of freedom.” When Fang Hongjing spoke of this, her voice was tinged with sadness.

“I like it too.” Qiao Xi turned around, her smile as dazzling as the sun in the blue sky: “Auntie, don’t be sad. Mom must be very happy in another world. Besides, she wouldn’t want her family to constantly grieve for her.”

Qiao Xi was sensible, well-behaved, and very good at making the elders happy. Looking at her, Fang Hongjing couldn’t help but think of her sister, who had not had a good life. Even though she had acknowledged Qiao Xi, she still felt self-reproach. If she hadn’t been incapable back then, how would her sister have ended up like that?

Noticing that her words made Fang Hongjing even sadder, Qiao Xi rolled her eyes and took Fang Hongjing’s arm, asking: “Auntie, do you want to hear some fun stories from my college life?”

Fang Hongjing’s attention was indeed captured.

Qiao Xi led her out of the room. Her voice was cheerful and playful as she introduced her friends to Fang Hongjing: “Auntie, did you know I have two very good friends? We were in the same class in high school, and now in college, we even live in the same dorm room.”

“What a coincidence?”

“Yes! And them…”

Qiao Xi talked all the way from upstairs to downstairs without pausing, occasionally making Fang Hongjing chuckle.

Zhou Ziqian and Fang Moyao were still sitting downstairs eating. They heard Fang Hongjing and Zhou Ran’s laughter from afar. The two exchanged a look. Zhou Ziqian, without even swallowing her shortbread, whispered to Fang Moyao playfully: “Miss, the Madam hasn’t been this happy in a long time.”

Fang Moyao picked up a roasted chicken foot and stuffed it into Zhou Ziqian’s mouth: “What do you think about us moving to the apartment opposite Shen Ya’s?”

Zhou Ziqian took the chicken foot out of her mouth: “What? Are you really planning to hide under their bed at night and eavesdrop?”

Fang Moyao was used to Zhou Ziqian’s unserious chatter and didn’t mind: “Taking care of my sister and my sister-in-law, isn’t that what I, as an older sister, should do?”

“Are you sure you don’t just want to watch the drama?”

Fang Moyao turned her head and gave her a slight glare: “I really do want to know what Jiang Yunxi’s reaction will be when she finds out Qiao Xi and Shen Ya are together and that she stole wine for me.”

Mentioning these two things, Zhou Ziqian’s eyes also lit up. The miserable workhorses relied on this kind of entertainment to survive every day. Qiao Xi was a mischievous little rascal who loved to stir things up. Watching her closely would surely reveal many interesting things.

“Move! Let’s move tomorrow!”

Fang Moyao patted her thigh, saying matter-of-factly: “Fine, I’ll leave this to you then.”

Zhou Ziqian’s smile instantly froze on her face. If the elders hadn’t returned, she would have certainly pinned Fang Moyao down on the sofa and punched her twice. She was busy like a dog every day, and now she had to make time to move. Tonight, she would let Fang Moyao know who the big boss of this family was!

Qiao Xi chatted with the elders for most of the day. Around 9 PM, Zhou Ziqian and Fang Moyao went back to their house across the hall. Fang Lianxin, being elderly, slept early and also returned to her room to rest. Fang Hongjing and Zhou Ran saw that Qiao Xi was tired today, so they let her choose her own activities: resting in her room or going to Fang Moyao’s house to play.

Qiao Xi decisively returned to her room. She was indeed a bit tired today, or rather, the exhaustion from last night hadn’t fully subsided. The closet was filled with clean, new clothes. She casually picked out a set of white pajamas. After showering, she sat on the bed and sent a message to Shen Ya: [What is Teacher Shen doing?]

Qiao Xi received a phone call instead of a reply from Shen Ya. She answered, and Shen Ya’s slightly weary voice came through: “On my way home. What about Xiao Xi?”

“Just finished showering and lying in my new bedroom.” Qiao Xi held the phone, and longing spread through her heart: “The family is very nice. They made so much food for me. It turns out Lanxin, the bakery, is owned by the family. Auntie said I don’t need to pay when I go to our own bakery. I remember there’s one right next to the school, and it’s the main branch of Lanxin.”

“Then Fang Moyao kept a pretty good secret. She never mentioned it at Blank. Although everyone knows they have a main business, they only knew it was food-related. Zhou Ziqian is usually busy mainly with their side businesses.”

“It seems like they are both quite impressive. I thought they spent all day doing nothing but focusing on scamming people out of money.”

In the place Qiao Xi couldn’t see, Shen Ya curled her lips. If Fang Moyao and Zhou Ziqian heard Qiao Xi say that, they would probably have a headache from anger again. But it wasn’t really Qiao Xi’s fault, after all, those two always showed a very childish side in front of Qiao Xi.

“Don’t underestimate Fang Moyao. She’s very capable. Zhou Ziqian’s ability to stand on her own feet right after graduating from college is inseparable from Fang Moyao’s guidance.”

Qiao Xi muttered softly: “I’m not underestimating them. They’re both so obsessed with money. It feels like anyone in their hands will suffer a loss.”

Shen Ya’s laughter sounded like soothing piano music, slowly sinking into Qiao Xi’s heart. Hearing the sound, Qiao Xi could imagine Shen Ya’s current appearance. Every time she blinked, she seemed to see Shen Ya’s smiling face.

She wanted to “run away from home” again. Qiao Xi picked at the blanket: “Teacher Shen, I miss you. I…”

“Don’t.”

Qiao Xi was interrupted by Shen Ya’s stern voice before she could finish.

Shen Ya’s laughter from before disappeared. She said again: “Don’t. Stay at home these two days. Don’t come over, and especially don’t run away from home in the middle of the night.”

A row of exclamation marks popped up in Qiao Xi’s mind. She hadn’t even said anything. How did Shen Ya know what she was thinking?

Although Shen Ya’s tone was chilling, Qiao Xi wasn’t afraid at all. She still cheekily asked: “How does Teacher Shen know what I’m thinking?”

“Because you’re a habitual offender.” Shen Ya knew how much trouble Qiao Xi could cause. She wasn’t sure if her warning would sink in. Qiao Xi was too independent and had too many ideas. She dared to do anything audacious. She thought for a moment and decided to change her approach.

Shen Ya’s tone softened again. She half-coaxed Qiao Xi: “Xiao Xi, if you’re obedient these two days, Teacher Shen will give you a reward.”

Qiao Xi immediately took the bait Shen Ya threw out. She asked curiously: “What reward?”

“Secret.”

The bait was too tempting. Qiao Xi couldn’t bear to let go of her curiosity: “Okay, I’ll definitely be obedient these two days. I promise I won’t run away from home in the middle of the night.”

“Spend more time with your family.” Shen Ya added.

Qiao Xi followed up on that sentence: “Mm, spend more time with my family, definitely won’t run away from home in the middle of the night. If I miss Teacher Shen, I’ll send messages, call, or video call Teacher Shen.”

Just by hearing her voice, Shen Ya could imagine how well-behaved Qiao Xi was right now. She really wanted to reach through the phone and gently stroke Qiao Xi’s head.

Qiao Xi hung up the phone after Shen Ya arrived home. She knew Shen Ya was tired and needed rest, so she didn’t continue to cling to her.

During these two days at the Fang family’s house, Qiao Xi finally managed to completely relax. She slept until she naturally woke up, had food ready when she got up, and enjoyed small desserts in the afternoon. The Fang elders even took her to the company on the second afternoon, saying it was to let her familiarize herself with the business and allow the company staff to recognize her face.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day school started.

Qiao Xi took the Fang elders on a tour of her university and introduced them to Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian. After eating, the Fang elders prepared to leave. Although their time together was brief, everyone felt a little reluctant to part.

It was Qiao Xi who comforted them, saying she would return on the next holiday.

After seeing the elders into the car, Qiao Xi waved her hand. Watching the car drive away, she carried the gift boxes from Lanxin Bakery toward the dormitory.

Her two mothers had already come to the school to drop off her luggage. Parents were allowed in during the first two days of the semester, so her bed was already made. Qiao Xi returned to the dormitory. Just as she placed the food on the table, Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian gathered around her.

“After a whole winter break, Qiao Xi, how did you end up with an Aunt and a Grandma?” Xia Cong’an asked while unwrapping the gift box Qiao Xi brought back.

“It’s a long story.”

Yu Tiantian: “Tell us. We have the time.”

The first gift box contained various shortbread and cookies, and the second box held a small cake.

Xia Cong’an handed out small spoons to everyone. They didn’t bother cutting the cake; they just dug in directly.

Qiao Xi took two bites of the cake and then told them what had happened during the break: “To put it simply, it turns out one of my birth mothers still has relatives alive. I accidentally ran into my older cousin, and the first time she saw me, she was sure we were related. And it was true. My cousin, Fang Moyao, is friends with my sister Jiang Yunyi and Jiang Yunxi. It turns out the Jiang family and the Fang family knew each other a long time ago. The reason I grew up in the Jiang family was one of my other birth mother’s final wishes.”

Xia Cong’an exclaimed: “Wow, that sounds like a novel plot.”

“The even more novel plot is that the Fang family, which is my Aunt and Grandma, own Lanxin Bakery.”

Xia Cong’an: ??!!

“So, in the future, can we get a discount when we buy cakes from your family?”

Qiao Xi nodded: “Yes.”

Xia Cong’an hugged Qiao Xi while still biting her spoon: “I love you. I must have Lanxin’s tart tomorrow.”

Afraid that Xia Cong’an would actually kiss her, Qiao Xi leaned back, holding her hand in front of her face: “Stop! Don’t be so mushy.”

Xia Cong’an let go of her, only to realize that Yu Tiantian had secretly eaten a lot of cake while they were talking. She pointed at Yu Tiantian and shouted: “You villain! How dare you do such sneaky things!”

Yu Tiantian rolled her eyes, ignoring Xia Cong’an. She asked Qiao Xi: “How does it feel to acknowledge them now?”

“Before I acknowledged them, I was quite nervous and scared, especially since they were strangers to me. But after interacting with them, I realized they are genuinely good people. They really dote on me and sincerely treat me as family.”

Yu Tiantian: “It sounds pretty good from what you’re saying.”

“Mm, I really like them now too. Plus, my mother and Aunt know each other, so there’s no need to worry about the two families fighting over my custody.” Qiao Xi was overflowing with happiness now. She had found her biological relatives and also had her lover. She felt like she was soaking in honey.

“No wonder you didn’t come to see us this winter break. You were so busy.” Xia Cong’an finished her cake and took out a cookie, stuffing it into her mouth: “I was also busy this break. My family of four went traveling. We just got back a few days ago.”

“Then it seems I was the most idle. Besides spending time with Ji Lingwei, I didn’t do anything else.”

Xia Cong’an: “Since it’s the first day back, should we go out for a good dinner tonight?”

Qiao Xi wanted to go out to eat too, but: “Don’t forget, we have a meeting tonight. We can only eat at the cafeteria for dinner. But if you two still have energy after the meeting, do you want to go out for barbecue?”

“Sounds good. We don’t have an early class tomorrow anyway.” Xia Cong’an raised her hand in agreement.

Yu Tiantian also nodded: “I can too.”

“Alright, that’s a unanimous vote. Let’s eat less now and save room for barbecue tonight.”

Right after leaving Jianglan University, Fang Hongjing suggested: “Since we’re here, let’s go check out the old apartment. Xiao Xi is studying at Jianglan University now, and it’s close to the old apartment. We can have someone clean it up so Xiao Xi can have a private place to stay later.”

Zhou Ran: “Fine, let’s go.”

Fang Lianxin, sitting in the back seat, also approved of the decision.

The car turned a corner and drove into the community diagonally opposite. This place held many memories for Fang Hongjing and Zhou Ran. When the three of them got out of the elevator, they found that the door to Zhou Ran’s apartment was wide open.

Zhou Ziqian’s voice drifted out intermittently from inside the apartment. Zhou Ran walked to the door and called inside: “Qianqian?”

Zhou Ziqian, who was still directing people, immediately turned around with a forced smile: “Mom, Mommy, Grandma, why are you here? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have picked you up.”

Zhou Ran poked Zhou Ziqian’s forehead: “We don’t need you to pick us up.” She raised her chin and asked: “What’s going on?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Little Sister Xi is studying here at the university, and Sister Yao Yao dotes on her very much. She wants to spend more time with Little Sister Xi to build their relationship, so she plans to move here.”

“Then why aren’t you moving into that apartment?”

Zhou Ziqian glanced at the apartment next door, covering her mouth and chuckling softly: “Mom, that apartment has already been given to Little Sister Xi and her lover.”

“Oh… wait!” Zhou Ran gasped: “What did you say?! Xiao Xi and her lover?!”

“What lover?” Fang Hongjing frowned, worried that Qiao Xi had been deceived by someone: “She’s only a freshman. How does she have a lover?”

Zhou Ziqian watched the elders’ surprised expressions, secretly delighted. “Don’t worry. The person Xiao Xi likes is someone Sister Yao Yao and I know. We’ve known her for many years. She’s a teacher, 11 years older than Xiao Xi, a woman. She’s beautiful, kind, and very capable at her job. Little Sister Xi has excellent taste.”

“A teacher?” Fang Hongjing asked cautiously: “Xiao Xi’s former teacher?”

“No, no, no.” Realizing the elders had misunderstood, Zhou Ziqian explained: “She’s a teacher at a training center. She never taught Xiao Xi.”

“Is that… reliable?” Zhou Ran didn’t think age was the issue; what mattered most was character.

Zhou Ziqian gave the three a reassuring look: “Reliable? Absolutely reliable. If she weren’t reliable, why would Sister Yao Yao give up the apartment for them to live in?”

She continued: “Her name is Shen Ya. She’s 30 years old. She used to live in a different place and only moved here because Xiao Xi is studying here. It’s quite far from where she works.”

As Zhou Ziqian spoke, she took out her phone and searched for a photo: “Here, this is her, Shen Ya. Isn’t she beautiful?”

“She looks nice, quite mature, but the most important thing is that she is a good person and treats Xiao Xi well,” Fang Hongjing said, scrutinizing the person in the photo.

“She’s definitely good! Little Sister Xi is practically spoiled rotten by her,” Zhou Ziqian said: “How about we all have dinner together tonight? I’ll invite her.”

Zhou Ran asked: “Is that appropriate?”

“I’ll ask her now. If Shen Ya agrees, we’ll eat together.”

The three elders stared at Zhou Ziqian in unison. She felt goosebumps on her scalp and could only send a message to Shen Ya first to see if she was teaching.