Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 118

Chapter 118: Two Days of Vacation Flew By…

The two days of vacation flew by, and even though Qiao Xi was reluctant to leave this place of happiness, thankfully, she would still get to live with Shen Ya for one more night back in Jianglan.

Qiao Xi woke up naturally on the second day. After a wild night, she woke up feeling completely weak all over. When she opened her eyes, Shen Ya was no longer beside her, but she hadn’t gone far. She was just sitting in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing outside blankly.

The curtain was pulled open just an arm’s width, allowing only a beam of light into the dim room. Qiao Xi didn’t know what Shen Ya was thinking, so she didn’t make a sound, choosing to peek from under the covers instead.

Even though she made no noise, Shen Ya seemed to have psychic powers. When Shen Ya turned around to look at her, she was caught red-handed before she could react.

“Awake now.”

Shen Ya smiled. She stood up from the sofa, moving like a cat, without making a sound. Today, she was dressed formally again, practically reminding Qiao Xi that it was time to go home and face real life.

When Shen Ya sat down on the edge of the bed, Qiao Xi shifted her body. She lifted a corner of the blanket, wrapped her arms around Shen Ya’s waist, and rested her head on Shen Ya’s thigh: “What time is it?”

“Almost noon.”

“It’s that late already.” Qiao Xi was still drowsy. Smelling Shen Ya’s scent, she felt sleepy again.

Shen Ya’s palm rested on Qiao Xi’s cheek, stroking it slowly, and she said softly: “You can sleep a little longer; we still have time.”

Although Qiao Xi was sleepy, she didn’t plan to sleep anymore. It was already late, and she didn’t know how long Shen Ya had been waiting for her. She rubbed her eyes and struggled to sit up in bed: “I won’t sleep anymore. I’m a little hungry. Let’s go eat.”

“Okay.”

Shen Ya had already taken out Qiao Xi’s clothes. After Qiao Xi washed up, they could pack their luggage.

Qiao Xi woke up a little, smiled at Shen Ya, and then hugged her clothes, picked up her phone from the bedside table, and headed to the bathroom.

The bathroom curtain was completely drawn, so she didn’t have to worry about Shen Ya seeing her from outside. Qiao Xi hid in the bathroom. Her phone had been off for a day and a night, and her two sisters must be furious.

After hiding for so long, it was time to face reality. Qiao Xi had prepared for the worst.

Turning on her phone, she indeed saw several missed calls. Messages from Jiang Yunxi and Qin Shuyao immediately popped up.

Bad news: The two sisters were indeed angry and anxious, asking where she was.

Good news: They hadn’t sent many messages; the last one was last night.

In other words, the two sisters hadn’t contacted her today. Did this mean they were too angry to deal with her, or did something else happen to grab their attention?

If it was the former, that was tricky. It might not be good news after all. Even when she used to anger her sisters, they never ignored her like this. They couldn’t really be ill with anger, could they?

Qiao Xi initially wanted to call, but decided to send a probing text first: [Dr. Jiang, Sister.]

Pressing send, Qiao Xi was anxious. On one hand, she hoped her sisters would reply; on the other, she was afraid of being scolded.

Qiao Xi sighed. She had been so audacious since childhood. She couldn’t change it before, and it was even less likely now. She always acted first and reported later. After doing something naughty, she would start to panic. She ruffled her hair, silently groaning. Whatever. As soon as she had a free day after class, she would go home and confess her relationship with Shen Ya to her two sisters.

Just as she was about to put the phone away, Jiang Yunxi’s message popped up. Qiao Xi excitedly clicked it open:

[Dr. Jiang: I’ve checked your class schedule. Qin Shuyao and I will pick you up at school on Wednesday noon. Xiao Xi, we need to have a good talk.]

Talk, talk. She would confess everything on Wednesday. Anyway, avoiding it wouldn’t change the outcome; she had to face it sooner or later, and she didn’t want to wait any longer.

For their last meal in Zhoucheng, the two of them ate seafood at the hotel. Their flight was in the afternoon, and they arrived back in Jianglan City just as it got dark.

Finally back. The two went to the parking lot to get the car. Qiao Xi wanted to drive, but Shen Ya ultimately pushed her into the passenger seat.

Returning to the residential area opposite Jianglan University, Qiao Xi got out of the car and noticed a familiar car parked nearby. She tugged at Shen Ya’s clothes, pointing at the car and saying: “Isn’t that Fang Moyao’s car?”

“Yes.”

“So they’re home?”

Shen Ya: “Perhaps. We’ll find out when we go upstairs.”

When the elevator stopped on the 5th floor, Qiao Xi stepped out first. Before she could stand steady, she heard sounds coming from next door. She changed direction, walking towards 502 instead of 501.

Her suitcase was left at the door. She didn’t even knock, hoping to surprise them and catch Zhou Ziqian and Fang Moyao doing something. As soon as she poked her head in, she saw Zhou Ziqian sitting diagonally on Fang Moyao’s lap like a seductive goblin draining energy.

Zhou Ziqian was surprisingly dominant, pinning both of Fang Moyao’s hands behind the sofa back, biting and sucking on her mouth. For a moment, Qiao Xi couldn’t tell if Fang Moyao was bullying Zhou Ziqian or vice versa.

Shen Ya stood behind Qiao Xi, following Qiao Xi’s gaze. It was no surprise that the two were intimately engaged, but Qiao Xi’s face flushed after watching for just a moment. Shen Ya shook her head, cleared her throat, and said with a sarcastic chuckle: “You two have great spirits. Are you planning to turn your house into a stage?”

Zhou Ziqian and Fang Moyao had noticed Qiao Xi the moment she appeared, but they were so caught up in the kiss that they had no intention of stopping until Shen Ya teased them. Only then did Zhou Ziqian lick the corner of Fang Moyao’s mouth and lift her head to look at them.

She was still not satisfied, but didn’t regret it. Seeing the two of them, her face returned to its usual smile: “The little couple is back.”

Zhou Ziqian stood up. She walked up to Qiao Xi, grabbed her chin, and looked them up and down. Her excellent eyesight immediately spotted something unusual. She reached out and grabbed Qiao Xi’s wrist. The moon ring glowed silver: “Oh my, oh my, you’re wearing rings already. Little Sister Xiao Xi, are you planning to get married as soon as you turn 20?”

“Aiyoyo, is an engagement party coming up soon? Then I need to start preparing. What would Little Sister Xiao Xi like? How about an engagement house from your sister-in-law?”

“Wha-what engagement house! Don’t talk nonsense!” Qiao Xi pulled her hand back. She realized she was still thin-skinned and wondered when she could become as brazen as Zhou Ziqian.

Zhou Ziqian tapped her chin: “Aiya, where should the engagement trip be?”

Why was she talking about an engagement trip? Qiao Xi slightly regretted coming over to provoke Zhou Ziqian. She was so embarrassed that she lowered her head and hid behind Shen Ya.

Shen Ya stroked her head and said to Zhou Ziqian: “Alright, stop teasing her. We just got back. Since your door is open, you must have been waiting for us.”

“Qianqian, stop playing.”

Fang Moyao had come up behind Zhou Ziqian. She didn’t wipe off the smudged lipstick on the corner of her mouth, as if deliberately leaving it there. “We were indeed waiting for you. I booked a restaurant. Go put your luggage away and come out to eat with us.”

Qiao Xi and Shen Ya returned to 501 to drop off their luggage, then came out to meet Fang Moyao and Zhou Ziqian at the door. In a short time, Fang Moyao and Zhou Ziqian had fixed their makeup; the smudged lipstick was re-applied, and there was no trace of the intense kiss they had just shared.

After being acknowledged by the Fang family, Fang Moyao and Zhou Ziqian had been very caring towards Qiao Xi, and she could feel it. But often, Qiao Xi could sense that Fang Moyao was actually learning how to be a sister.

After dinner, they didn’t stay out long. Flying had already been tiring enough for Qiao Xi, plus the craziness of last night, she just wanted to lie down once she got home.

“If you’re tired, go to sleep first.” Shen Ya led Qiao Xi back to the room. “Have a good rest tonight. We won’t be doing anything.”

Qiao Xi, who had been listless, instantly perked up. Why could Shen Ya always say such inappropriate things with a normal expression, and not think there was anything wrong with it?

“What did Teacher Shen want to do?” Qiao Xi asked, pretending not to understand.

Shen Ya pushed Qiao Xi into the bathroom, pressed her against the wall, and kissed her. She pinched Qiao Xi’s face: “Do what we did last night.”

I knew it!

Qiao Xi’s eyes darted left and right. She had class tomorrow and didn’t want to study with a tired body. Tonight was definitely not going to happen. She raised her hand to block Shen Ya’s face: “No, I haven’t rested enough yet.”

Shen Ya hadn’t genuinely planned to do anything. Last night was certainly enough. She and Qiao Xi didn’t need to rush. She pulled Qiao Xi’s hand down and kissed it: “Take a shower and rest. I have to work overtime tomorrow night, so I won’t be able to come to school to find you.”

“Oh, okay.” Qiao Xi instantly felt a little disappointed, and Shen Ya kissed her hand again.

“It’s just one night. I’ll call you when I get home?”

Qiao Xi neither refused nor agreed, only saying: “Let’s talk about it tomorrow.” She couldn’t be so thoughtless as to cling to Shen Ya.

Shen Ya stayed in the room with Qiao Xi until Qiao Xi’s breathing became steady and silent. Only then did Shen Ya place a kiss on Qiao Xi’s face.

She got up and turned off the main room light, leaving only a moon-shaped night light glowing in the corner. Shen Ya gently closed the room door and walked towards the main entrance in the dimly lit house.

After leaving 501, she stood at the door of 502. After ringing the doorbell, Zhou Ziqian opened the door. She glanced behind Shen Ya before stepping aside to invite her in: “Little Sister Xiao Xi is asleep?”

“Yes.”

Shen Ya walked into the room. Zhou Ziqian offered her a pair of slippers. After changing shoes, she walked to the living room and saw a bowl of crayfish, two bottles of fruit wine, and a glass of coconut juice on the coffee table.

The coconut juice belonged to Fang Moyao. When Shen Ya approached the sofa, Fang Moyao was peeling a shrimp. The shrimp meat was perfectly extracted, and Zhou Ziqian, who had just returned to Fang Moyao’s side, was naturally fed the shrimp meat.

“Jiang Yunxi added us to a group chat last night, asking about you and Xiao Xi.” Fang Moyao took off her gloves and pulled out a wet wipe to clean her hands. She picked up the coconut juice and took a sip before saying: “Have you thought about how you’re going to talk to Jiang Yunxi?”

“I arranged to meet her tomorrow night.”

“Oh?” Fang Moyao was surprised: “I thought you came here for help. It seems I guessed wrong.”

Shen Ya shook her head: “I actually did come to ask for your help.”

“What do you want me to help you with?” Fang Moyao asked her.

“I want to know about my past with her, and Jiang Yunxi’s past.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Moyao laughed: “Why are you asking me what happened between you and her?”

Shen Ya’s expression didn’t change. She said clearly, word by word: “I want to know what I looked like to others back then, and what she was like. I need to confirm some assumptions. Honestly, I also asked Jiang Yunyi the same thing this morning.”

Monday.

Qiao Xi woke up to an empty space beside her. Shen Ya had gone to work, and she was taken out to lunch by Fang Moyao.

After lunch, back at school, she naturally shared her two days of happy experiences with her friends, even showing the photos she got from Shen Ya to Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian for them to admire.

Although Qiao Xi didn’t see Shen Ya tonight, she received grilled food from Zhou Ziqian, who said it was for the three of them to snack on.

In another part of the city, if Qiao Xi were there, she would be surprised. This was the restaurant she had accidentally walked into during Jiang Yunxi and Shen Ya’s private dinner, and even the private room name was the same. However, the weather was clear today, and after dark, one could even see the bright moon and scattered stars.

When the waiter led Jiang Yunxi into the “Hanlu” private room, Shen Ya had already arrived. She was sitting in the same spot as last time. When Shen Ya saw her, she merely looked up and gave a slight nod. Her gaze did not avoid Jiang Yunxi, but it carried no emotion either, just as before—cold, indifferent, as if no one would ever walk into her heart.

Still separated by one seat, Shen Ya whispered a few words to the waiter next to her. The waiter brewed tea for them and then left the room.

Jiang Yunxi’s face was stern. From the moment she saw Shen Ya, the fire in her heart intensified. She didn’t even bother to drink the tea and went straight to the point: “Tell me, what’s going on between you and Xiao Xi?”

Shen Ya picked up the hot tea and gently blew on it. The fragrance of the tea spread in the air. She was calm and unhurried, a complete contrast to Jiang Yunxi. After sipping the tea, she set the cup back on the table, turned her head to meet Jiang Yunxi’s eyes, and slightly curved her lips as if joking: “I thought we would never have a chance to meet alone.”

“Shen Ya, whatever happened between you and me should not affect Xiao Xi.” Her sister was Jiang Yunxi’s bottom line. Qiao Xi was the apple of her eye: “I was upset before, thinking Xiao Xi went to Blank because of me. Now that I think about it, she probably went to Blank because of you.”

Shen Ya didn’t deny it.

“You and I both know what kind of person Fang Moyao is. Xiao Xi will be corrupted if she stays with her. Do you know how much effort I’ve put into Xiao Xi over the years?” Jiang Yunxi clenched her fist: “I absolutely will not allow her to take any wrong path.”

A slight chuckle escaped Shen Ya’s nose: “How are you sure the path you’ve planned for her is always the right one?”

“I don’t plan anything for her, but I absolutely do not tolerate insignificant people approaching her.”

“Xiao Xi has grown up.” Shen Ya’s eyes held a sharp edge: “You can’t stop her growth. You think she’s a fledgling needing protection, but she’s long been able to spread her wings and become a young female eagle.”

“Jiang Yunxi.” For the first time, Shen Ya revealed her ambition and strong possessiveness in front of Jiang Yunxi: “Xiao Xi is growing up, and sooner or later, someone will walk into her heart. So why can’t that person be me!”

Jiang Yunxi’s face was darker than the sky outside the window, like the heavy, oppressive black clouds before a storm, carrying an overwhelming aura, seemingly ready to crush everything.

Shen Ya met those eyes, which were as deep as an icy pool. The momentum she had built up almost scattered, yet she did not back down.

Just when Shen Ya thought Jiang Yunxi was about to lose control and act against her, the other person suddenly smiled: “You actually look like a person now.”

This wasn’t a condescending tone, nor did it hold any sarcasm. It was just like the jokes Zhou Ziqian often made with her. Shen Ya secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed she had guessed correctly.