Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Shen Ya left after having lunch with Qiao Xi…

Shen Ya left after having lunch with Qiao Xi. Although there was still some time before her afternoon meeting, Shen Ya received a message from her workplace during lunch, so she had to go there early.

Even though Qiao Xi didn’t say anything, Shen Ya knew she was unhappy. So, before leaving, she completely shed her shyness. Not only did she hug Qiao Xi, who walked her to the car, but without Qiao Xi’s permission, she left a light kiss on her little sun’s face.

When she pulled away, the spot on Qiao Xi’s cheek was red, like a seal had been stamped there. Shen Ya hugged Qiao Xi tightly again, stroking her head: “I’m leaving. I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

Qiao Xi was excited inside, but her words were still resistant: “I didn’t agree to go out with Teacher Shen tomorrow.”

“Mm, then I’ll try harder to make sure our Xiao Xi changes her mind by the time tomorrow arrives.”

Shen Ya’s words were becoming increasingly straightforward. Qiao Xi could sense the sincerity in them. The usually cold and indifferent Teacher Shen had now learned to use her genuine feelings to move her. How could Qiao Xi not be tempted by such enthusiasm? But precisely because she was tempted, she developed more selfish desires. She wanted Shen Ya to focus entirely on her, wanting the other person, regardless of time or place, to have only her in her thoughts.

Let Teacher Shen coax her a little more.

Qiao Xi broke free from Shen Ya’s warm embrace and actively opened the car door to “shoo” Shen Ya into the car. As Shen Ya sat down and buckled her seatbelt, Qiao Xi rolled down the window and extended her hand: “Hold my hand again.”

Qiao Xi, however, took a step back and turned her head: “Hurry up, Teacher Shen, you’ll be late.”

“Then I’m really leaving?”

“Mm.” Qiao Xi pretended not to care. As she turned around, her hand brushed Shen Ya’s fingertips backward, and then she quickly disappeared from Shen Ya’s sight without looking back.

Watching the retreating figure, Shen Ya smiled helplessly. She rolled up the window, started the car, and quickly left the garage. Just as she drove out of the garage, she caught a glimpse of Qiao Xi’s figure in the rearview mirror.

Shen Ya left, and the whole house returned to silence. Qiao Xi dejectedly returned to the living room. Pangpang circled her, occasionally looking towards the direction where she and Shen Ya had just left, seeming to wonder why only Qiao Xi had returned.

Qiao Xi patted Pangpang’s head, sighing: “I have to wait until tomorrow to see Teacher Shen again. Do you think I should buy a small house across from the school? I’ll only live there for a few years, but that way I can see Teacher Shen every day.”

After saying it, she shook her head herself: “No, the school is too far from Teacher Shen’s workplace.”

Qiao Xi threw herself onto the sofa. Pangpang sat beside her and buried her head in her lap. Stroking Pangpang’s head, she murmured to herself: “Tell me, when is the right time to forgive Teacher Shen?”

Unfortunately, Pangpang didn’t understand human language. She only rubbed her big head against Qiao Xi’s hand. Qiao Xi stared at the ceiling, patting Pangpang absentmindedly.

That’s right, the scarf!

Since she and Shen Ya had cleared the air, the scarf could see the light of day again. Qiao Xi sprung up from the sofa. Like a puppy whose leash had been unleashed, she took off running with Pangpang following behind her. They went into the elevator, heading straight for the third floor.

Shen Ya’s scent still lingered in the room. Qiao Xi rushed to the closet and pulled out the red scarf from the bottom drawer. She had personally washed and stored the scarf, thinking she would never take it out again in this lifetime.

She hugged the scarf and lowered her head, burying her nose in it to take a deep breath. Although only the scent of the laundry detergent remained, she could see the image of Shen Ya knitting the scarf. Qiao Xi looked up, and a smile reappeared on her face. No one was home, so no one would know even if she wore the scarf around her neck.

Jiang Yunyi stayed overnight at ‘Blank’ and woke up late the next day. Downstairs, she encountered Zhou Ziqian, whose neck was covered in hickeys. Despite the cold weather, even with the heating on at ‘Blank’, no one would sit in such a visible, high-traffic area wearing only a slip dress.

Overnight, Zhou Ziqian seemed to have transformed into a social butterfly. Not only was she sitting in the center of ‘Blank’, but she also intentionally pinned her long, wavy hair behind her head, practically begging everyone to see the hickeys on her body.

Jiang Yunyi wanted to ignore her and walk past, but Zhou Ziqian’s eyes were like a detector. One moment she was looking down and eating breakfast, the next she called out to her with a smile: “Boss Jiang, where are you rushing off to?”

Jiang Yunyi couldn’t be bothered. She walked faster, her face expressionless.

Zhou Ziqian tapped her porcelain plate with a silver spoon: “Boss Jiang hasn’t had breakfast, right? Our Sister Yaoyao specially prepared delicious food for you. Don’t you want to try some? Sister Yaoyao said she’s treating this morning. Since we’re family now, why are you being so rude, Boss Jiang?”

Jiang Yunyi was genuinely fed up with this couple. If she didn’t eat this breakfast, not only would Zhou Ziqian nag her every day, but Fang Moyao might also accuse her of being heartless.

She changed direction and walked towards the most visible table on the first floor. A clean set of bowls and chopsticks was placed on the table, which was filled with Cantonese dim sum. Jiang Yunyi first served herself a bowl of congee. Stirring the seafood congee with a white spoon, she asked: “Where is Fang Moyao?”

“Still sleeping upstairs. She was exhausted last night.”

Jiang Yunyi glanced at the hickeys on Zhou Ziqian’s neck, saying sarcastically: “Tell her to practice more. In a couple of years, she might not be able to keep up her stamina.”

“No need to trouble Boss Jiang with worry. We’re quite harmonious.” Zhou Ziqian picked up a shrimp dumpling and popped it into her mouth: “Boss Jiang, where are you rushing off to this morning?”

“What, are you bored?” Jiang Yunyi’s voice was flat: “Judging by your look, you haven’t had enough yet.”

“What kind of talk is that?” Zhou Ziqian smiled demurely, constantly throwing suggestive glances at Jiang Yunyi: “I was just worried that Boss Jiang didn’t have food to eat this morning.”

“I’m going to see Xiao Xi.” Jiang Yunyi paused deliberately. Seeing Zhou Ziqian’s eyes widen with excitement, she then ruthlessly refused: “I won’t take you. Drop the idea.”

Zhou Ziqian’s smile instantly vanished. She sighed dramatically: “Boss Jiang is too heartless. I’m Xiao Xi’s dear sister-in-law, after all. I was hoping to bond with little sister Xiao Xi in advance.”

In the time it took for a few sentences, there was barely any congee left in Jiang Yunyi’s bowl. She picked up the bowl and finished the rest of the congee, then put the bowl down and took a napkin to wipe her mouth clean. “Alright, I don’t have time to waste with you. Tell Fang Moyao that I will discuss the matter she mentioned last night with the family. I’m leaving.”

This time, Zhou Ziqian didn’t stop her. She watched Jiang Yunyi leave ‘Blank’.

As her car was about to reach Jiang Yunxi’s mother’s house, Jiang Yunyi also received a message from Jiang Yunxi. They had rebooked their flight and planned to return today, but the plane was delayed due to weather. She was told to go home first and wait for them to return for dinner.

Jiang Yunyi planned to reply after parking. Just as her car drove into the community, an oncoming car caught her attention. It was Qiao Xi’s car, but the person in the driver’s seat was Shen Ya. She didn’t see if anyone else was in the car. Clearly, Shen Ya hadn’t recognized her car.

Jiang Yunyi retracted her gaze as she passed Shen Ya’s car. She quickly drove into Qiao Xi’s mother’s small garage.

Coming up from the garage, the first-floor living room was empty. Even Pangpang was nowhere to be seen. She took out her phone and called Qiao Xi. The call was answered after more than ten seconds.

She stood in the living room and looked up: “Xiao Xi, where are you?”

Qiao Xi walked out of the room holding the phone: “I’m at home. What’s wrong, Sister Yunyi?”

“I’m in the living room. Come down.”

“Oh, oh, oh, coming.” Qiao Xi hung up the phone and exchanged glances with Pangpang. She didn’t understand why Jiang Yunyi was visiting so suddenly, but luckily Shen Ya had left. Otherwise, if they were caught together, she really wouldn’t know how to explain it.

Coming down the stairs with Pangpang, Jiang Yunyi had already poured herself a glass of water. When her eyes swept over, her gaze focused on the scarf around Qiao Xi’s neck: “Is it very cold?”

“Huh?” Qiao Xi didn’t understand Jiang Yunyi’s words at first. It wasn’t until she followed Jiang Yunyi’s gaze downward that she suddenly remembered she hadn’t taken off the scarf around her neck: “I, I… I was trying on clothes just now, seeing which outfit matched this scarf.”

The time was too short, so she could only make up a clumsy excuse. Fortunately, Jiang Yunyi didn’t seem to mind, merely nodding without pressing her lie.

“Wh-What’s wrong, Sister Yunyi?”

“Let’s go, I’ll take you out to eat.” Jiang Yunyi placed the empty glass on the coffee table. With the car keys in her hand, she turned to walk towards the garage again.

Qiao Xi, however, stopped her: “I’ve already eaten.”

“Eaten?” Jiang Yunyi paused and turned around to look her over.

“Mm. I woke up early, so I ordered takeout.”

Jiang Yunyi looked around, failing to spot any takeout packaging. Her lips formed a thin line. She remembered encountering Shen Ya at the community entrance just now. It seemed Shen Ya had already eaten with Qiao Xi.

A few days ago in Zhoucheng, she had asked Shen Ya if she was dating Xiao Xi, and Shen Ya had given her a negative answer. So what was going on now? How far had the two of them gone? Were they casually seeing each other without commitment, or was one of them—Shen Ya or Qiao Xi—leading the other on, reluctant to agree to a relationship?

Jiang Yunyi’s eyes suddenly became sharp. Qiao Xi’s heart clenched, wondering what she had said wrong. This Jiang Yunyi looked a little intimidating. Qiao Xi smiled awkwardly: “Wh-What’s wrong, Sister Yunyi?”

“Xiao Xi.”

Those two words immediately made Qiao Xi stand at attention, feeling guilty.

Jiang Yunyi turned around and walked towards Qiao Xi. The closer she got, the less Qiao Xi dared to look up and meet her eyes. Until Jiang Yunyi stopped in front of her, Qiao Xi nervously swallowed, still staring at her slippers as if standing at attention.

“Look up at me.”

Jiang Yunyi’s voice gave away no emotion, but the powerful pressure was undisguised. Qiao Xi cautiously raised her head. Just as she met Jiang Yunyi’s gaze, she wanted to look away, but the other party locked her eyes: “I saw your car as I entered the community. The person inside was Shen Ya.”

This wasn’t a question, but it was Jiang Yunyi’s probing. Qiao Xi was young and already somewhat afraid of Jiang Yunyi. She naturally didn’t notice the trap in her words.

Qiao Xi nodded: “Y-Yes, it was.”

“It’s quite a coincidence. A few days ago, she went to Zhoucheng for you, and barely two days after returning, she’s back here with you. You’re getting very close to her. Does Yunxi know?”

Hearing Jiang Yunxi’s name, Qiao Xi was reminded of what had happened between Shen Ya and Jiang Yunxi at ‘Blank’. This matter couldn’t be revealed to Doctor Jiang yet. Although Doctor Jiang hadn’t said anything, recalling last year, every time she mentioned Shen Ya, Doctor Jiang would be unhappy. It seemed Doctor Jiang didn’t want her to get too close to Shen Ya.

But what lie should she use to deceive Sister Yunyi?

It seemed no matter what she said, she couldn’t hide it from her. Now, she could only gamble that Sister Yunyi wouldn’t tell Doctor Jiang about her and Shen Ya.

“Shen Ya and I are together.”

“Together?” A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Yunyi’s eyes. So when Shen Ya spoke to her in Zhoucheng and mentioned a misunderstanding with Qiao Xi, was it because they had a fight? And now, having cleared the air over the past two days, they were officially together?

Qiao Xi didn’t know what Jiang Yunyi was thinking. Seeing the other person remain silent, she assumed she disapproved of her relationship with Shen Ya. Qiao Xi found a sudden burst of courage. She reached out and grabbed Jiang Yunyi, like a small knight taking up a sword to defend her relationship with Shen Ya:

“Shen Ya and I genuinely love each other. We are serious about our relationship. Even if you object, we will be together. I won’t let go of Teacher Shen.”

Jiang Yunyi sneered: “Genuinely love each other? Do you know what kind of relationship Shen Ya had with Jiang Yunxi before?”

“I know. Teacher Shen told me everything. But what does that matter? I respect Teacher Shen’s past, and I am willing to create our future with Teacher Shen.”

A simple probe showed Jiang Yunyi a young wolf cub baring its teeth. In the blink of an eye, Qiao Xi had grown up so much. Just moments ago, she was shrinking her neck and avoiding eye contact, but now, when mentioning Shen Ya, she dared to look straight into her eyes.

Qiao Xi was braver than her and better at seizing opportunities. She was indeed somewhat interested in Shen Ya, but she hadn’t taken the initiative back then, nor had she stopped the relationship with Jiang Yunxi. She had already lost the first move.

She and Shen Ya were clearly not destined to be together.

Being with Xiao Xi was good. Shen Ya shouldn’t be trapped in that circle. Being with Xiao Xi would allow her to see a broader world outside. By completely severing any future possibilities before she developed deeper feelings for Shen Ya, Shen Ya would now be like a half-sister to her from this day forward.

“In that case, I feel relieved.”

“Ah, huh?” Qiao Xi, who had just been so resolute, was stunned by this statement: “What do you mean, Sister Yunyi?”

“It means I approve of the two of you.” Jiang Yunyi patted the back of Qiao Xi’s head: “I won’t tell anyone else about you and Shen Ya. As for Yunxi, you handle that yourself.”

Qiao Xi was overjoyed. She thought Jiang Yunyi would object after finding out, especially since there was a significant age difference between her and Shen Ya. She was afraid her relationship wouldn’t receive her family’s blessing.

At this moment, she suddenly realized that the most amenable sister in the family was actually Jiang Yunyi. Qiao Xi hugged Jiang Yunyi’s arm, no longer afraid to be close to her: “Sister Yunyi really agrees?!”

“Mm.”

“Sister Yunyi is so kind! Then this will be a secret between the three of us. I’ll find a chance to tell Doctor Jiang. I’ve already prepared both mothers for the possibility, so they won’t worry. As for Sister Shuyao, I don’t think Sister Shuyao will object either.”

Jiang Yunyi nodded, agreeing with Qiao Xi’s assessment. Shen Ya dating Xiao Xi would probably only make Jiang Yunxi uncomfortable.

Jiang Yunyi patted Qiao Xi’s face, her tone softening: “Alright, come out and have lunch with me first. They have an afternoon flight and will arrive home tonight.”