Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Since that day, Xia Cong’an and…

Since that day, Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian often saw that red scarf on Qiao Xi’s neck. She treasured this unbranded scarf of affection, and even they would receive a stern look from Qiao Xi if they tried to touch it.

A few days later, Song Wannin visited the school. At the time, Xia Cong’an, Qiao Xi, and Yu Tiantian were heading to the school cafeteria. Xia Cong’an received a call halfway, saying Song Wannin invited them to go out for lunch together.

The trio immediately turned around and changed direction.

Today, Song Wannin wore contact lenses, concealing her blue pupils. Seeing Song Wannin leaning against her car waiting for them, Xia Cong’an was visibly happy, yet she still pouted and muttered, “She never comes for a good reason.”

Yu Tiantian and Qiao Xi both ‘tsk-ed’ and shook their heads at Xia Cong’an, seemingly laughing at her saying one thing and meaning another.

Qiao Xi and Yu Tiantian called out in unison: “Sister Wannin.”

Song Wannin had a faint smile on her lips from the moment she saw the three of them. She nodded gently, and as Xia Cong’an approached, she wrapped an arm around her waist: “Didn’t you say you wanted a scarf last time? I brought it for you.”

Qiao Xi and Yu Tiantian stood behind, listening to the gossip. They deliberately lowered their presence and communicated via their phones. Hearing the word ‘scarf,’ Qiao Xi looked up, staring thoughtfully at the back of Xia Cong’an’s head.

“What scarf!” Suddenly being brought up by Song Wannin, Xia Cong’an was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on and immediately covered the other person’s mouth.

However, she underestimated Song Wannin’s shamelessness. In broad daylight, the other person actually stuck out her tongue and licked Xia Cong’an’s palm. Xia Cong’an instantly moved her hand away and cursed: “Song Wannin, you pervert!”

“Alright, don’t let Xiao Xi and Tiantian laugh at you.” Song Wannin stroked Xia Cong’an’s head and said to the two behind: “You two get in the car first.”

Qiao Xi and Yu Tiantian exchanged glances. After getting into the car, they deliberately left the door slightly ajar. Song Wannin opened the driver’s door, picked up a branded shopping bag from the seat, and took out a black neck chain from the bag. The neck chain had a small black cat pendant, looking mischievous and cute.

“What is this?” Xia Cong’an asked.

Song Wannin fastened the neck chain around Xia Cong’an’s neck, then leaned in close to her ear and whispered: “It’s the scarf I customized. Does An An like it?”

Although Song Wannin deliberately lowered her voice, Qiao Xi vaguely heard it. So, this neck chain that looked like a collar could also be considered a scarf? Sure enough, she could learn many things by being around Song Wannin.

Perhaps out of shyness, Xia Cong’an insisted on squeezing into the back seat with them instead of sitting in the passenger seat. Constrained by Song Wannin’s presence, the three could only secretly communicate in their group chat via their phones.

New Year’s Eve was only a week away. Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian were the only two who knew she was planning something big on New Year’s Eve. They brainstormed many ideas for her, but Qiao Xi hadn’t adopted any of them.

She knew Xia Cong’an and Yu Tiantian were already dating their preferred partners, but their situations couldn’t be used as a reference. Their relationships were too smooth, and they were either mutually devoted or the other party was actively pursuing.

But as for her, she still couldn’t be certain of Shen Ya’s feelings. She had no guarantee whether Shen Ya would accept her on New Year’s Eve.

However, retreating before even trying was not in her character. Since she had made the decision, she had to see it through to the end.

Qiao Xi, who was initially excited, grew increasingly nervous as New Year’s Eve approached. She felt like she was reaching the end of a maze but didn’t know what awaited her at the finish line.

Anxiety accompanied her through the agonizing week. On New Year’s Eve, Qin Shuyao and Jiang Yunxi called her to come home for dinner, but Qiao Xi refused. This was the first time in her life she wasn’t spending New Year’s Eve with her family.

To avoid any interference, Qiao Xi didn’t even go home. She knew Shen Ya still had classes today, so she timed her departure from school perfectly before taking a taxi over.

It was New Year’s Eve again. She still remembered last year when she exposed her sisters’ relationship and found an excuse to run out, only to encounter Teacher Shen on the road. It was from that point on that they began to have more contact.

The streets were lively today, decorated everywhere with lights and congratulatory New Year’s messages. She had prepared a gift earlier but hid it at home, planning to take it out and surprise Shen Ya when they went back tonight.

Shen Ya’s workplace was near the city center. Today, there were many people and many cars. Qiao Xi was stuck on the bridge, the traffic stretching endlessly behind and ahead. The car heater was on, making her heart restless. The longer the wait, the louder the surrounding horns blared. If she wasn’t on a bridge, Qiao Xi would have gotten out and walked.

She repeatedly checked her phone. It was already past the time she agreed upon with Shen Ya. The call came in faster than she expected. Qiao Xi pressed the answer button, starting with an apology: “Teacher Shen, I’m still stuck on the bridge. Please wait a little longer for me.”

“Mhm, no need to rush.”

“There might have been an accident ahead. I just saw a traffic police officer ride past on a motorcycle.” Qiao Xi only wished the traffic would move quickly. She was desperately eager to see Shen Ya now.

“How about this, I’ll drive the car to the restaurant where we’re having dinner tonight. It’s closer. You can come directly there after you get off the bridge.”

“Okay, then Teacher Shen, you go ahead. I’ll be there right away.”

Qiao Xi’s wish came true. It was as if Heaven had heard her plea. Not long after hanging up, the traffic started moving again. Although the speed was slow, it was bringing her closer to Shen Ya. Qiao Xi had never felt so nervous about meeting Shen Ya. Her palms were sweating profusely. When she saw the restaurant they had booked, Qiao Xi became restless.

The taxi stopped by the side of the road. She opened the door and got out. The nearby temporary parking lot was already full, and cars were still queuing outside, waiting to enter. Qiao Xi was looking for Shen Ya’s car, unsure if she had found a parking spot.

Usually, Qiao Xi spotted Shen Ya in the crowd first, but today, Shen Ya noticed her the moment she stepped out of the car.

Shen Ya walked against the flow of the crowd, her gaze locked on this little sun. Qiao Xi looked left and right. Her normally sensitive nose seemed to be failing today. Perhaps there were too many people and too many scents mixed together, which was why she hadn’t caught Shen Ya’s scent.

Shen Ya found the thought amusing. The noise was a natural barrier, completely masking her footsteps. She stopped behind Qiao Xi, then, taking her by surprise, raised a hand and covered Qiao Xi’s eyes: “Are you looking for me?”

The hand wasn’t cold; it was warm and comfortable as it rested on her eyes. Qiao Xi covered the back of Shen Ya’s hand with her palm and slowly pulled Shen Ya’s hand down. As her palm brushed past her mouth, she recalled seeing Song Wannin lick Xia Cong’an’s palm last time. She suddenly wanted to try it, but reason ultimately prevailed. If she actually did that, would Shen Ya be frightened by her action?

She had serious business to attend to today and absolutely couldn’t make a single wrong move.

Turning around, Qiao Xi had already managed her expression, showing only surprise and joy: “Teacher Shen!”

“Let’s go. We’ll go inside first.”

Shen Ya naturally saw the red scarf she knitted currently resting on Qiao Xi’s neck. Qiao Xi was wearing light-colored clothes today, looking lively and adorable. Though she had just gotten out of the car, Qiao Xi’s face looked slightly cool from the wind.

The restaurant was booked by Qiao Xi, located on the top floor of the tallest building by the river. This was the best spot to watch the fireworks. Last year, they had to squeeze into the crowd. Qiao Xi wanted to give Shen Ya a better environment to enjoy the view this year, and she also needed a certain ambiance for the more important conversation.

A waiter led them into a small private room. The room had a large, wide French window. Outside the window, there were no buildings obstructing the view, only the moonlight reflecting on the water, creating a soft, shimmering light. On the high-rises across the river, lights reflected on the glass curtain walls gave the empty buildings new life. Neon signs cast mottled reflections on the water, transforming the river into a scroll of brilliant light and color.

A small round table was placed in front of the window. The room was decorated with roses, and the lighting was warm but not overly bright. A pleasant fragrance wafted from an incense diffuser on a dark wooden shelf on the other side. Just sitting across from each other, they could already feel the ambiguous atmosphere.

Shen Ya wasn’t sure if this was Qiao Xi’s specific arrangement or the restaurant’s usual setup. Such an environment made people unconsciously relax. Shen Ya opened the menu on the table, crossed her long legs beneath the table, and while browsing the first page, she asked: “I heard this restaurant is very hard to book.”

“Mhm, it is a bit, but I booked early. Coincidentally, my Mommy knows the owner of this restaurant, so I was able to book this spot thanks to her connections.” Both of her mothers were native Jianglan City residents, and over the years in business, they naturally had a wide social circle.

Shen Ya quickly glanced through the menu. She closed it and moved it in front of Qiao Xi: “Since you’re more familiar with it, you order.”

Qiao Xi originally wanted Shen Ya to decide, as the goal today was to make her happy. However, she then thought, did Shen Ya do this because she trusted her? They had been together for a year. Just like how Shen Ya always cooked her favorite dishes, Qiao Xi also understood Shen Ya’s preferences. Since Shen Ya handed the decision-making power to her, she couldn’t let down Shen Ya’s trust. Furthermore, she could prove through this small matter that she understood Shen Ya, hoping to increase her favorability score slightly.

As she opened the menu, Qiao Xi mentally laughed at herself, feeling very much like a student cramming at the last minute before an exam.

The portions of the dishes here were not large, but they were exquisitely plated, perfect for taking pictures. When all the dishes were served, Qiao Xi took out her camera. She also picked up the roses used for decoration and presented them to Shen Ya: “Teacher Shen, don’t be shy. These flowers are here for pictures.”

Shen Ya accepted the bouquet of roses. Qiao Xi moved behind Shen Ya, holding her phone and adjusting the angle. Shen Ya held the roses and smiled. The blue diamond necklace still rested on her collarbone. As Qiao Xi captured her most beautiful side on the screen, she crouched down in front of Shen Ya.

Qiao Xi opened the photo she just took and placed the phone in Shen Ya’s hand. She then placed the bouquet of roses on the table: “Teacher Shen, do you remember how we met last year?”

Shen Ya stared intently at the photo. She noticed Qiao Xi standing behind her, her other hand resting on her shoulder. Qiao Xi was half-crouched, half her face hidden behind Shen Ya’s head. If she hadn’t been mistaken, Qiao Xi had just pressed her head against her hair, but the movement was so light that she couldn’t be sure. It wasn’t until she saw Qiao Xi’s gentle and admiring gaze focused on her in the photo that she dared to fully confirm her previous feeling was correct.

She thought that perhaps the night was different, or the lighting and the scent in the private room were too ambiguous, which caused Qiao Xi to momentarily lose control of her emotions.

Shen Ya was always accommodating of Qiao Xi. She clearly knew that young people were easily influenced by their surroundings. Therefore, she didn’t overthink it, as, in her eyes, Qiao Xi shouldn’t go as far as to break their equilibrium.

She placed the phone on the dining table, pinched Qiao Xi’s nose, and replied: “Didn’t a little liar deliberately pretend to be pitiful in front of me so I would be soft-hearted and take her along?”

“Yes.” She did employ a little trick back then. “But it’s also because Teacher Shen is inherently kind and soft-hearted that my little trick worked.”

The hand that was pinching Qiao Xi’s nose lightly flicked it. Looking down at Qiao Xi and seeing only herself reflected in those eyes, a complex, inexpressible feeling arose in Shen Ya’s heart. But undoubtedly, she was delighted. For a moment, she wished that these clean, bright eyes could only ever hold her.

“Get up first. Someone might come in and laugh at you.” Shen Ya moved her hand away and turned her gaze towards the glass window.

Such an atmosphere made it too easy for one’s thoughts to wander, but she was an adult, so much older than Qiao Xi. She had to control her emotions.

Qiao Xi returned to her seat. The bouquet of roses was placed between them. She leaned her head, supporting her chin with one hand: “Teacher Shen, don’t you think a lot has happened this year?”

“Mhm.”

“Thinking back to this time last year, we were eating hot pot, weren’t we? We didn’t book ahead and had to wait in line. I was already full, but I forced myself to eat a lot more food just to stay with Teacher Shen. I was afraid my stomach would burst.”

As Qiao Xi spoke, she seemed to travel back to the same time last year. Looking back, she realized she had relied on her little cleverness, constantly lying in front of Shen Ya, unaware that the other person had already seen right through her.

“Serves you right, little liar. Why did you lie?”

“Then I definitely won’t lie today. Does Teacher Shen believe me?”

Shen Ya raised an eyebrow, the expression suggesting, ‘What tricks are you up to now?’

“Every word I say today is sincere. I absolutely won’t deceive Teacher Shen with lies.” Qiao Xi’s eyes curved into crescent shapes. She spoke with a carefree air that made it difficult to tell what she was planning. “Teacher Shen, just trust me this one time.”

“What are you planning this time?”

Qiao Xi picked up her chopsticks, put a dish from the plate in front of her into her mouth, and said with a smile: “Secret.”

Shen Ya’s emotions had just been stirred by Qiao Xi, only to be ruthlessly interrupted, prompting her to give Qiao Xi a gentle glare.

They had plenty of time today, so they slowly savored the delicious food on the table. It was a rare meeting, and Qiao Xi had a belly full of anecdotes to share with Shen Ya. Her stories kept Shen Ya smiling constantly, and the two enjoyed their meal in a cheerful atmosphere.

Before the fireworks, a light show unfolded. The lights and drones performed in sync, like starlight being drawn by countless silver threads, outlining a dazzling galaxy over the city.

Qiao Xi and Shen Ya both paused their meal, lifting their heads to admire the scenery outside the window.

As the galaxy turned into a spectacular waterfall of stars pouring down from the sky, a silver streak shot straight up into the heavens. When that silver light quietly bloomed at its highest point, the sound of fireworks brought Qiao Xi’s thoughts back. She knew the optimal moment had arrived.