Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 81

Chapter 81: “The matter is like this. When…

“The matter is like this. When your family finally managed to get rid of the harassment from the other side and moved toward a new life, your little aunt knew that if Xiao Xi was born, the other side would definitely come to fight for the child. Moreover, your little aunt’s passing was too sudden, and Xiao Xi’s birth mother didn’t know your mother well, which is why she asked my mother to hide it from your family.”

Fang Moyao quietly listened to Jiang Yunyi’s explanation. In a short time, she drank a pot of tea until it was empty. Zhou Ziqian came over to take the teapot and refill it with hot water for a fresh brew.

“I don’t deny the logic of that arrangement. After all, Xiao Xi wasn’t born from my little aunt’s womb. If her birth mother wasn’t willing to hand Xiao Xi over to us to raise, that’s fine. But why, after Xiao Xi grew up, did your family still not plan to tell Xiao Xi about her origins?” Fang Moyao’s words seemed to condense into a black snake, slowly crawling up Jiang Yunyi’s arm. The black snake coiled around Jiang Yunyi’s neck, its cold, forked tongue rubbing against Jiang Yunyi’s skin: “My little aunt and Aunt Qiao were so loving back then. As their child, shouldn’t my family have the right to know? Jiang Yunyi, isn’t what your family did too selfish?”

Jiang Yunyi’s mouth was dry from talking. Seeing Zhou Ziqian had finished brewing the tea, she naturally reached out to pour herself a cup. She didn’t expect Fang Moyao to slap her hand away before she even touched the cup. Feeling helpless, she sighed and continued:

“Xiao Xi has always been very sensitive about being adopted. If we had told her then, she would have felt like she was being abandoned again. So, we wanted to wait until Xiao Xi was older and then find a suitable time to mention it to her.”

Fang Moyao poured herself a cup of tea. She held the cup to her lips, intentionally blowing air towards Jiang Yunyi. The strong tea aroma lingered beside Jiang Yunyi for only a moment, but those few seconds were enough to make Jiang Yunyi feel parched.

“Does CEO Jiang want a cup of tea?” Fang Moyao slowly sipped the tea in her cup.

Jiang Yunyi suddenly felt a headache coming on. Having known Fang Moyao for so many years, she was long familiar with the other’s temperament. Hidden beneath these seemingly gentle and calm words was deep resentment. She asked, both helpless and powerless: “What do you want to do? Just say it.”

“CEO Jiang is indeed straightforward.” Fang Moyao put down the teacup and stopped beating around the bush with Jiang Yunyi. Her words carried a hint of threat: “Our family wants to acknowledge Xiao Xi.”

“Shouldn’t this matter first get Xiao Xi’s consent?”

Fang Moyao leaned back casually on the sofa cushion. She lightly nodded, not objecting: “Mm, naturally. Therefore, I’m giving CEO Jiang three days to discuss this with Xiao Xi. If you can’t convince her, then I’ll have to personally visit Xiao Xi’s house.”

“Fang Moyao, this is absurd!” Jiang Yunyi suddenly raised her voice, her tone disciplinary: “Do you think such a major matter can be decided by just a few words between us here?”

“Didn’t your family also decide to adopt Xiao Xi with just a few words back then?” Fang Moyao already had a plan. Today, she wasn’t here to discuss with Jiang Yunyi, but to inform her.

Jiang Yunyi knew very well that once Fang Moyao got serious, she wouldn’t stop until she achieved her goal. Even if it meant resorting to some tactics, she would get everything she wanted. Fang Moyao’s character had been this unpleasant since childhood. If she were to pay a personal visit, there was no telling what she might say.

“At least wait until my family returns from Zhoucheng before discussing this matter.” Jiang Yunyi conceded a step.

“Alright, that’s settled then.” Fang Moyao smiled again and picked up a clean cup to pour tea for Jiang Yunyi: “All I want is a stance from your family. Since you don’t oppose us acknowledging Xiao Xi, everything is negotiable. CEO Jiang must be thirsty. Try this tea. I prepared it specifically for you.”

Jiang Yunyi was too full of anger to be in the mood to savor tea. She picked up the teacup and smelled it under her nose. Once the temperature was suitable, she drank the tea in one gulp. It was good tea, but unfortunately, it was with the wrong person.

With the matter settled, Jiang Yunyi couldn’t be bothered to stay any longer. She was furious just looking at Fang Moyao. After putting down the teacup, she stood up, “I’m leaving.”

Just as Jiang Yunyi turned around, Fang Moyao spoke again, her words like a serpent coiling around Jiang Yunyi’s ankle: “Xiao Xi broke into ‘Blank’ and smashed my things two days ago. As her sister, shouldn’t you compensate for the mistake your sister made?”

“She smashed your things?” Jiang Yunyi was skeptical. Qiao Xi was so well-behaved; how could she come and smash up a stranger’s shop?

Fang Moyao was prepared. She called out: “Qianqian.”

Zhou Ziqian, who had been hiding and watching the drama, poked her head out: “Is it finally my turn to appear?”

She took out her phone, smiling flatteringly. After lighting up the screen, she opened a video: “CEO Jiang, take a look. Is this your Xiao Xi?”

The person in the frame was indeed Qiao Xi. She looked like she was searching for something, while the young staff member at ‘Blank’ kept trying to stop her. Jiang Yunyi saw Qiao Xi accidentally knock over some decorations and vases, and the farce only completely stopped when she threw herself into Zhou Ziqian’s arms.

Jiang Yunyi took a deep breath and exhaled heavily: “How much?”

“Given our relationship, how could I possibly ask for too much from you? Just the original price.” Fang Moyao raised one hand, showing five fingers.

“Five thousand?”

“Fifty thousand.”

“Fang Moyao, why don’t you just rob someone!” Jiang Yunyi was uncharacteristically flustered. Just now, she was insisting on acknowledging Xiao Xi, and now she was calling herself Xiao Xi’s sister in every sentence. If Jiang Yunyi couldn’t hear the passive-aggressiveness in her words, she had truly lived for nothing for over thirty years.

“CEO Jiang, you’re so amusing.” Fang Moyao said unhurriedly: “If it weren’t for the fact that she’s Xiao Xi, do you think I would have been so kind as to warmly entertain her and safely send her home the next day after she privately trespassed into my private club and caused a scene?”

Jiang Yunyi’s breath was trapped in her chest, unable to vent. She took out her phone and transferred the money to Fang Moyao. Then, without saying another word, she slammed the door shut and left in a huff.

The door slammed so hard that the whole room shook. Zhou Ziqian gasped. She jumped back to Fang Moyao’s side as if startled: “Are you really not afraid of Jiang Yunyi getting angry at you?”

“Afraid of what? Jiang Yunyi has a guilty conscience, and she knows I’m throwing a tantrum.” Fang Moyao grabbed Zhou Ziqian’s hand and pulled her to sit on her lap. Her other hand was already reaching under her clothing: “Qianqian, I’m a little tired. Why don’t you play by yourself today?”

Zhou Ziqian gave Fang Moyao a sour look: “As if you’re not tired every day. I know you. If you want to play games, just say so. Don’t pretend to be a weak little white flower.”

Fang Moyao didn’t argue. She leaned in close to Zhou Ziqian, smiling. As her hand lingered on a soft spot, she opened her mouth and bit Zhou Ziqian’s neck.

A moan of pleasure almost echoed throughout the entire night.

The next morning, the sun did not rise above the treetops. Instead, a blanket of white covered the dead branches and rooftops.

A noise came from outside the door, startling the two who were sleeping soundly. Shen Ya opened her eyes first. The curtains completely blocked the light outside, making the room dim, but she could feel the warmth in her arms.

Before falling asleep last night, she remembered holding Qiao Xi from behind, but now, Qiao Xi was facing her, curled up in her arms. Qiao Xi, who hadn’t fully opened her eyes, was defenseless and more dependent, reminding Shen Ya of Shiyi at home.

Before Qiao Xi fully woke up, Shen Ya did something bold. She gently brushed aside the stray hair on Qiao Xi’s forehead and carefully leaned closer. Her lips touched Qiao Xi’s forehead. Just as she was about to deepen the kiss, she heard a faint murmur from Qiao Xi’s nose. Shen Ya instantly pulled away, as if she had been caught doing something naughty.

She gazed down at Qiao Xi, her heart beating fast. Qiao Xi rubbed her head against Shen Ya’s chest, then squinted open her eyes to observe her surroundings.

Qiao Xi wasn’t fully awake. She wondered why the bed was unusually soft today, but her leg first brushed against something silky smooth. Her sleepiness immediately lessened considerably. When her eyes were fully open, she realized she was being held in a very intimate position in Shen Ya’s arms.

Her heart fluttered. She wasn’t ready for such closeness. As she tried to break free from Shen Ya’s embrace, her wakefulness was noticed by Shen Ya. A hand patted her back, and a gentle voice came from Shen Ya: “Good morning, Xiao Xi.”

Shen Ya’s proactiveness left Qiao Xi with no room to retreat. She nodded, still a little embarrassed, and replied: “Morning.”

“I heard a noise at the door just now, like something scratching.”

“It’s Pangpang.” Qiao Xi rubbed her eyes. She propped herself up and sat on the bed: “She probably wants to go outside to use the bathroom.”

Shen Ya heard this and also sat up from the bed: “Then let’s get ready and take her out for a walk?”

“Mm.” Qiao Xi thought for a moment: “Teacher Shen, you use my bathroom, and I’ll go next door.”

They split up. Last night, Shen Ya’s underclothes were changed and put into the washing machine by Qiao Xi. The clothes had already been dried, so there was no need to worry about not having clean clothes to change into today.

They were both very quick. They emerged from the rooms almost simultaneously. Pangpang was lying in the hallway waiting. Seeing both of them fully dressed, Pangpang came over and urged them along.

Qiao Xi patted Pangpang’s head: “What’s the rush? Eat first, then go out.”

They walked into the small elevator. When they reached the first floor, Shen Ya was a step faster than Qiao Xi in adding dog food for Pangpang. Holding the cabinet door, she asked: “Should I add canned food for her?”

“No need. Only dog food in the morning. I’m afraid if Pangpang eats too many other treats, she won’t like eating her regular food.”

Shen Ya nodded. By the time she washed her hands, Pangpang had already finished eating. Qiao Xi was putting on Pangpang’s harness. With preparations complete, the two went out to walk the dog, just like last night, but before leaving, Qiao Xi put on gloves.

As soon as the door opened, the cold wind made Qiao Xi shiver. A thin layer of snow covered the areas where no one had walked outside: “It really snowed last night.”

“Mm.”

“I thought it wouldn’t be too cold after the New Year, but the temperature dropped again these past few days.” Qiao Xi wearing gloves meant she intended to hold the leash herself, so when Shen Ya reached out, she avoided her.

Unable to take the leash, Shen Ya could only put her hands into her coat pockets. She walked beside Qiao Xi, her eyes fixed on her: “Are you very cold?”

“A little, probably because the snow is melting.” Qiao Xi shrunk her neck: “But it’s okay. After walking for a bit, my body will warm up.”

Shen Ya asked her: “Why aren’t you wearing that scarf?”

Qiao Xi muttered: “I hid it.”

“Hmm?”

“I thought Teacher Shen didn’t want me anymore, so to avoid feeling sad, I hid the scarf.”

“That was my fault.” Shen Ya raised her hand and gently rubbed Qiao Xi’s head: “Then when we get home, should we find the scarf again?”

“No, I’m still angry.”

Shen Ya fell silent. She was trying hard to comfort Qiao Xi, but she lacked experience and had to rely on her own exploration, feeling her way one step at a time.

After Qiao Xi spoke, she waited for a long time but received no reply from Shen Ya. She secretly glanced over and saw Shen Ya’s serious expression, seemingly upset by what she said. Qiao Xi felt a little soft-hearted. She actually knew she couldn’t blame Shen Ya entirely. Shen Ya had her own choices, and she couldn’t force her to make a decision about accepting her. However, having received Shen Ya’s affirmation and favor now, she started to act spoiled.

Afraid Shen Ya would overthink and blame herself, Qiao Xi immediately changed the topic: “Um… when does Teacher Shen go back to work?”

“Tomorrow.” After saying that, she suddenly remembered something and immediately took out her phone to check her memo: “I have a meeting at work this afternoon.”

She had been busy with other things these past few days and almost forgot about this. She had originally planned to take Qiao Xi out for dinner, but now it seemed impossible.

Qiao Xi was a little disappointed. They had just met and were about to separate again. Why did the New Year holiday have to end? She had just opened up to Shen Ya. If they separated again before cultivating their relationship, would Shen Ya avoid her again?

“Xiao Xi.”

Qiao Xi was unhappy, so her tone lacked enthusiasm when she replied: “What?”

“I’ll pick you up for a meal tomorrow. I’ll pick you up for both lunch and dinner, okay?”

Qiao Xi pouted. She neither agreed nor refused: “We’ll see. My mom might be back tomorrow. I might not have time then.”

Shen Ya briefly thought, then took one of her hands: “Then I’ll ask every day. As long as you have time, I’ll definitely come over.”

Qiao Xi didn’t answer, but her hand obediently stayed in Shen Ya’s grip. Shen Ya took this gesture as Qiao Xi’s tacit agreement. The previous gloom vanished. There was no one on the path. Shen Ya lifted Qiao Xi’s hand and lowered her head. She devoutly kissed the back of Qiao Xi’s hand.

Qiao Xi’s pupils contracted. She quickly pulled her hand back in surprise. Her face flushed red as she looked left and right, then she glared at Shen Ya: “What are you doing, Teacher Shen!”

Shen Ya continued to stare at Qiao Xi. After the hand was withdrawn, she pinched Qiao Xi’s face: “So cute. I can’t help wanting to kiss you.”

“What are you saying!” Qiao Xi’s face was burning. She lowered her voice: “We’re outside!”

“Mm, but there’s no one around.”

“You!” Qiao Xi pushed Shen Ya’s hand away and pulled Pangpang forward two steps, scolding as she walked: “Teacher Shen, you are the big rascal!”

Shen Ya had long legs. She followed closely behind Qiao Xi, slightly bending down and deliberately teasing softly into Qiao Xi’s ear: “Mm, I am indeed a rascal now.”

The words blended into the north wind, stirring the hair by her ear. Her ears, red to the point of seeming to bleed, were exposed to Shen Ya’s view. Shen Ya’s eyes curved into crescent moons. She hugged Qiao Xi from behind again. She kissed the burning ear and spoke to Qiao Xi with a moon-like softness:

“Xiao Xi, please forgive Teacher Shen soon, okay?”

Although she was in the deep cold of winter, Qiao Xi felt so hot she was practically burning. Shen Ya, who used to be cold and aloof, always giving off an unapproachable aura, was like a different person when she took the initiative. Qiao Xi couldn’t deny that this Shen Ya was even more charming, and she loved her even more.