Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 110

Chapter 110: All Night, Qiao Xi Clung to Shen Ya Like an Octopus…

All night, Qiao Xi clung to Shen Ya like an octopus. She was completely naked, and her body was warm like a furnace. Shen Ya held her and indeed had a sweet, beautiful dream.

The person who woke Shen Ya up the next morning was not her alarm clock but a phone call from Zhou Ziqian.

Afraid of waking Qiao Xi, Shen Ya reacted quickly. After getting out of bed, she first pulled the blanket over Qiao Xi, making sure she was covered, before silencing the ringer and quickly leaving the room with her phone.

Closing the door, Shen Ya answered: “What’s wrong?” Just waking up, her voice was still a bit low, and her throat hadn’t completely cleared, making her sound emotionless.

“Boss Shen, are you ready to leave?”

Shen Ya rubbed her eyes and asked: “Do you get up at this time every day for work?”

Zhou Ziqian was instantly heart-stabbed by the question. She clutched her chest and said with a mournful tone: “Ouch, Boss Shen, that stings.”

Her two mothers had long since retired. Back when she was still studying, Fang Moyao would also work. Since she was preparing to graduate in her senior year, Fang Moyao had completely become a hands-off manager, delegating all the work to her. Not only did she work several jobs a day, but she also had to endure the ‘loving acts’ from Fang Moyao when she got home at night. She wondered when this wretched life would end.

“I didn’t work yesterday, so I have a bit more work today,” Zhou Ziqian explained.

Shen Ya “hmm”ed and said: “Give me ten minutes.”

The call ended. Shen Ya returned to the room. Qiao Xi was still in the same position as when she left. The earlier noise hadn’t disturbed Qiao Xi, who seemed exhausted from last night. Qiao Xi didn’t have great stamina; whenever they were intimate a little more, Shen Ya always worried Qiao Xi would get tired.

Today, Shen Ya wore no makeup. Before leaving, she tied her long hair into a low ponytail. Her hair reached her waist. A gray overcoat covered the white base shirt underneath. She casually grabbed a black handbag from the cabinet. After sending a message to Zhou Ziqian, she left the apartment.

As she opened the door, a sneaky figure instantly straightened up and retreated two steps. If Shen Ya didn’t know who this person was, she would have probably raised her leg to kick the person’s abdomen on reflex.

They were indeed family with Qiao Xi. One liked to play thief at night, and the other was hiding outside her door listening through the walls in broad daylight. Shen Ya stared coolly at Zhou Ziqian, raising her eyebrow, and asked knowingly: “What is Boss Zhou doing outside my door?”

Getting caught eavesdropping was certainly embarrassing, but Zhou Ziqian’s skin had long been thicker than a wall. Not only did she show no panic, but she even smiled suggestively: “I threw a cardboard box outside the door last night, and just as I closed the door, I heard the elevator stop on this floor and open. I checked the video intercom. Guess who I saw, Boss Shen?”

Shen Ya walked past Zhou Ziqian and pressed the elevator button. She knew that even if she said nothing, Zhou Ziqian’s mouth wouldn’t stop.

While waiting for the elevator, her ears were predictably not spared. Zhou Ziqian nudged Shen Ya with her elbow: “Little Sister Xi is quite something. She ran all the way from school to find Boss Shen that late. What time did you two sleep last night? You must have worn out our Little Sister Xi, haven’t you?”

The elevator door opened. Shen Ya entered first, with Zhou Ziqian following closely. There were other people in the elevator, so Zhou Ziqian quieted down for a while. As soon as they stepped out on the basement level, the barrier around Zhou Ziqian automatically lifted again.

“Boss Shen, this way. I’ll drive you to work.”

Shen Ya glanced at her, wanting to say no, but Zhou Ziqian had already linked their arms. As Zhou Ziqian got closer, Shen Ya noticed a red hickey covered by her collar. Shen Ya calmly replied: “It seems Boss Zhou also had a hard night.”

A flicker of surprise passed through Zhou Ziqian’s eyes. She quickly realized what Shen Ya meant, raised her hand to feel her collar, and met Shen Ya’s gaze: “Not hard at all. After all, I truly enjoyed it.”

Zhou Ziqian was bold and shameless, so she wasn’t afraid of Shen Ya’s counterattack. Seeing Shen Ya’s face cool down again, she immediately changed the subject: “Let’s go, let’s go. I’m taking you to that beef vermicelli place I told you about yesterday.”

Zhou Ziqian coaxed Shen Ya into her car. She thoughtfully opened the passenger door for Shen Ya, and after the other person was seated, she walked to the driver’s seat. Buckling her seatbelt, she continued the previous topic: “Actually, when you messaged Sister Yao Yao yesterday, we were just starting. Don’t worry, Sister Yao Yao will take good care of her dear cousin.”

“Mm.”

The car left the community. Zhou Ziqian drove onto a familiar road. They passed Jianglan University. It was early, not rush hour, so the road was quiet. After turning two corners, Shen Ya suddenly realized that this road would lead to her childhood home in about twenty minutes.

Shen Ya saw an elementary school. Zhou Ziqian parked the car in front of a beef vermicelli shop not far from the school.

“This is the elementary school I attended. Fang Moyao and Jiang Yunyi were also at this school.” Zhou Ziqian turned off the ignition and unbuckled her seatbelt: “When we were kids, our family wasn’t as well-off as now. In the mornings, either Sister Yao Yao’s mom would make us breakfast, or Sister Yao Yao would take Jiang Yunyi and me to eat at this beef vermicelli shop.”

The noodle shop didn’t have many customers and looked like it had just opened. Zhou Ziqian was quite familiar with the owner and started chatting as soon as they entered. Shen Ya found a corner seat. Zhou Ziqian paid and brought two bottles of soy milk to the wooden table.

“It’s been so many years in a blink of an eye. I’m surprised this beef vermicelli shop is still here. Little Sister Xi must be entering her sophomore year soon, right? Have you asked her about her plans for the future?”

Shen Ya shook her head, her gaze resting on the glass bottle of soy milk in front of her: “We haven’t discussed those things.”

“Then, Boss Shen, maybe you could ask her? See if Little Sister Xi wants to pursue a master’s degree or start working first. If she wants to experience the fresh feeling of entering society, she can prioritize our family’s businesses. I will personally guide Little Sister Xi, ensuring she doesn’t take any detours.”

Shen Ya scoffed under her breath, pinching the glass bottle opening. So, Zhou Ziqian’s elaborate setup was just to get Qiao Xi to take over her job. “No need to trouble Boss Zhou. I will support whatever Xiao Xi wants to do in the future. Even if Xiao Xi wants to try working, I think Jiang Yunxi would probably snap her up first.”

At this, Zhou Ziqian’s expression changed. How could she forget Qiao Xi had two other sisters? Fine, it looks like Little Sister Xi is going to be hot property. She needed to act fast.

Zhou Ziqian dropped Shen Ya off at her workplace and told her she would pick her up in the evening.

As time passed, while Zhou Ziqian and Shen Ya were working, Fang Moyao knocked on the door of 501. Qiao Xi, still groggy from sleep, opened the door. Seeing Fang Moyao standing outside, she immediately realized she was improperly dressed, with the buttons of her robe not fully fastened.

She quickly turned her back and buttoned up: “Sister Moyao.”

Fang Moyao walked in, closing the door behind her. She looked Qiao Xi up and down. Although the moment was brief, she did catch a glimpse of hickeys on Qiao Xi’s body.

“It’s getting late. Shen Ya told me you have class this afternoon. Go wash up. I’ll take you out to eat and then drop you off at school.”

“O-Okay.”

When Qiao Xi emerged from the room fully dressed with her backpack on, Fang Moyao also stood up from the sofa. Before they even left the apartment, Qiao Xi received a message: [An’an Not Anxious: Qiao Xi, when are you coming back? Bring us two portions of food.]

Qiao Xi checked the time and replied to them: [Xi Xi Not Silly: Later. I’ll get you two portions after I eat with my cousin. What do you want to eat?]

[Tiantian Not Sweet: Not picky. Just enough to fill us up.]

[An’an Not Anxious: +1. And two cups of milk tea, please.]

[Xi Xi Not Silly: Got it. Wait for me.]

After Qiao Xi put away her phone, Fang Moyao asked: “What do you want to eat?”

“Anything is fine. I’ll pack two portions for my friends on the way back.”

“Alright. I’ll take you for some home-style stir-fry.”

Fang Moyao didn’t take Qiao Xi far. She was familiar with the area, having lived there for many years, and many of the restaurants were still open. Instead of a fancy restaurant, Fang Moyao took her to a family-style eatery.

For two people, they ordered quite a few dishes. Fang Moyao first requested takeout containers and packed up food for Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian. She had never cared for anyone growing up; even Zhou Ziqian was trained to care for her.

Since learning that Qiao Xi was her cousin, a sense of responsibility had suddenly emerged in her. However, this responsibility didn’t stress her; rather, she enjoyed the feeling of being an older sister. She wondered if she was getting older and had developed some maternal love?

In any case, she certainly hadn’t treated Zhou Ziqian with this attitude when they were children.

Watching Qiao Xi eat with great enthusiasm, Fang Moyao swallowed her food and said: “Did Shen Ya tell you that Grandma and my mom invited her for dinner at home yesterday?”

Qiao Xi was so startled that her chopsticks dropped: “No, Teacher Shen didn’t tell me. What did Auntie and Grandma think of Teacher Shen?”

She hadn’t prepared at all to come out to Grandma and Auntie. Since she had only just reconciled with the Fang family, she thought there was no rush. She hadn’t expected Shen Ya to have already met the elders.

“They are very pleased with Shen Ya.”

“Phew…” Qiao Xi sighed in relief: “That scared me. Did anything special happen yesterday?”

“No.” Fang Moyao asked: “Does the family know about your relationship now?”

Qiao Xi shook her head: “Only Dr. Jiang and Sister Shuyao don’t know. I haven’t figured out when to tell them.”

A smile flickered in Fang Moyao’s eyes: “Are you afraid Jiang Yunxi won’t approve?”

“Not really. Even if Dr. Jiang disagrees, it won’t change anything. I’m just afraid Dr. Jiang will take it too hard. I don’t want to provoke her, you know?” If Jiang Yunxi found out about both her relationship with Shen Ya and the expensive stolen wine at the same time, she might die of anger, right?

Fang Moyao seemed indifferent: “Jiang Yunxi has a high tolerance. Don’t worry. These things won’t provoke her.”

Qiao Xi remained noncommittal, but she knew she did have to find time to come clean to her two sisters. Since Shen Ya had met the Fang family elders, it was time for her to take Shen Ya back to the Jiang family to meet her mothers.

Afraid that Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian would starve in the dorm, Qiao Xi ate quickly. After the meal, Fang Moyao drove her back to school.

Qiao Xi carried the takeout back to the dorm, expecting to be greeted by the two of them when she entered. To her surprise, Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian were still lying in bed even though she had returned with the food.

“Wake up, wake up! I’m back, and you’re still lying there. Is that appropriate?”

Xia Cong’an sat up, her hair a mess from sleep. She yawned, rubbed her eyes, and still looked half-asleep: “I wish we didn’t have class today. I just want to sleep forever in this bed.”

Yu Tiantian smelled the food and had already gotten out of bed: “I know this restaurant! It’s right outside Ji Lingwei’s place. The food is good. I occasionally pack some up for Ji Lingwei.”

If Yu Tiantian hadn’t mentioned it, Qiao Xi would have forgotten that Ji Lingwei also lived nearby. “The food is good. Hurry up, the dishes are getting cold.”

The two went to the bathroom one after another to wash up. While Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian ate, Qiao Xi was sipping milk tea and surfing the internet when she suddenly heard Xia Cong’an ask: “Where did you go last night?”

“Home,” Qiao Xi vaguely answered, knowing she had plenty of homes now anyway.

“Home late at night?” Xia Cong’an felt something was off: “What was so urgent?”

Qiao Xi quickly concocted a lie: “My cousin used to live across from the school, and she moved back yesterday. She said she bought me something. She wasn’t asleep yet, so she just told me to go back for a bit.”

“Oh, I see.” Xia Cong’an believed her.

Yu Tiantian hadn’t said anything. Xia Cong’an was slow, but Yu Tiantian sensed that Qiao Xi was up to something. Before the winter break, she wasn’t in this state. Can one truly get over a heartbreak completely in just one month? Last night at the barbecue, she was also constantly distracted, looking at her phone, seemingly waiting for someone’s message.

The more she thought about it, the more suspicious it became. She didn’t believe nothing happened to Qiao Xi during the winter break. However, she kept silent, wanting to see what Qiao Xi was hiding.

After lunch, Qiao Xi read for a while. When it was time, the three of them went to their respective classrooms for their afternoon classes.

Classes lasted all afternoon. It was almost dark when Qiao Xi came out of class. She had only eaten one meal today and was very hungry. She took out her phone, intending to ask the other two in their group chat if they wanted to go for dinner, but she received a call from Shen Ya first.

Qiao Xi grinned, smiling as sweetly as if she had fallen into a honey pot. She pressed the answer button and held the phone to her ear: “Teacher Shen?”

“Mm. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. I just got out of class.”

“I’m downstairs by your dorm building. I made something for you to eat. Come and get it.”

Qiao Xi was delighted. The fatigue from class vanished after hearing Shen Ya’s voice. Her previously weak steps became energetic, and she rushed toward the dorm as fast as she could.

Qiao Xi ran into Yu Tiantian while heading toward the campus shuttle stop. She wouldn’t have noticed if Yu Tiantian hadn’t tapped her shoulder.

“Where are you rushing off to?” Yu Tiantian asked.

“Someone is waiting for me downstairs at the dorm.”

“Oh, so we’re not eating together tonight?”

Qiao Xi: “Not sure. I’ll let you know later. Where’s Xia Cong’an?”

“She was at the library earlier. I’ve already messaged her. She said she’s heading back to the dorm to find us now.”

The two boarded the shuttle bus back to the dorm. It was crowded, almost suffocating inside. After two stops, the shuttle bus paused at the stop near the girls’ dorm. Qiao Xi felt alive again when she squeezed out of the crowd and breathed the fresh air.

From a distance, Qiao Xi saw a tall, beautiful figure standing outside the dorm building. The north wind whipped Shen Ya’s hair. Her stern expression seemed to blend with the wind.

“Huh? Isn’t that Teacher Shen?” As they got closer, Yu Tiantian naturally saw the most outstanding person amidst the flow of people—Shen Ya. In that moment, the mystery in her heart was completely solved. Qiao Xi definitely had a secret she was hiding from her and Xia Cong’an!

“Mm.”

Qiao Xi quickened her pace. As soon as she reached Shen Ya, the other person handed the insulated food container into her hands: “I made some food. You can take it back to the dorm and eat it later.”

“Did Teacher Shen finish work so early today?”

“Mm. I only had one class this afternoon. I came straight back after class. There’s a specialized teacher covering evening study hall, so I don’t have to worry too much.”

Qiao Xi hugged the insulated food container, smiling brightly: “Has Teacher Shen eaten?”

Shen Ya shook her head: “Zhou Ziqian and Fang Moyao invited me for dinner. They’re waiting for me in the parking lot.”

“Okay.” Qiao Xi pouted slightly. She was a bit busy tonight, so it seemed she wouldn’t be able to sneak back home again.

“Be a good girl. I’ll come over tomorrow. It’s cold outside. Go on up.” Shen Ya opened her arms and hugged Qiao Xi, then stroked her head: “I’ll message you later.”

Qiao Xi was reluctant to leave. She hadn’t even warmed up in the embrace before they had to separate again. She was already longing for the weekend.