Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Qiao Xi came home thinking…

When Qiao Xi returned home, she expected her two mothers to question her about last night, but the two elders merely looked her up and down and asked, “Have you had breakfast?”

“I’ve eaten.”

Qin Yunxin was brewing tea, “Mmm. Shu Yao and Yun Xi will pick you up to take you back in a couple of days.”

Qiao Xi paused. It seemed like she hadn’t stayed at her sister’s place for a long time. Her mother knew about her and Shen Ya, and usually wouldn’t ask too many questions even if she didn’t come home at night, but if she went back to her sister’s house, how could she stay out overnight: “Mom, why are you chasing me away? Can’t I stay with you anymore?”

Jiang Zhiqing was holding the dog bowl, about to refill Pangpang’s food. Hearing Qiao Xi’s words, she snorted a laugh: “Are you truly reluctant to leave your mother and me, or are you worried that once you’re back with your sister, you won’t be able to go out at night?”

Oh no, Mom saw right through me. Qiao Xi quickly put on a flattering smile: “Mom!” She flew to Jiang Zhiqing’s side like a butterfly, hugging the other person’s arm and gently swaying: “Yesterday was truly an accident. I was originally planning to come home, but I didn’t expect to get drunk. Oh, I definitely won’t get drunk again, Mom. Just let me stay here until school starts. Once school starts, I won’t be able to come back to accompany you often.”

“We don’t need you to accompany us. When you start school, your mother and I will go traveling.”

“Mom!” Qiao Xi had run out of options. She could only confess: “Just a few days ago, Teacher Shen actively came to find me. We cleared up some misunderstandings, and Teacher Shen has also thought things through, but I was mad! I was mad that she avoided me and made me unhappy for a month, so I’m pretending not to forgive her, making her behave well and pursue me again.”

As Qiao Xi said this, her eyes were cast down, a little shy to look at the two elders, but the smile on her lips couldn’t be suppressed. She was clearly excited and delighted.

Qin Yunxin listened to her words, chuckled, and gave her a teasing look. Young people’s romance was indeed passionate, fervent, and sweet. Qiao Xi’s expression truly reminded her of the early days of her own relationship when she was young.

Jiang Zhiqing led Qiao Xi to sit next to Qin Yunxin. She picked up the tea Qin Yunxin had brewed and asked, “So, when are you planning to agree and bring Xiao Shen back to meet us?”

The simple question made Qiao Xi blush: “I don’t know. It has to be after Teacher Shen confesses to me again.”

“Alright. Your mother and I won’t rush you.”

“Thank you, Mom.” Qiao Xi hugged Jiang Zhiqing’s waist again, smiling brightly: “So, I don’t have to go back to my sister’s place, right?”

Jiang Zhiqing smiled and refused: “No.”

Qiao Xi’s smile instantly froze on her face. Just as she was about to say something more, Qin Yunxin tapped her nose and said, “Your two sisters have been complaining to us that you stopped being close to them after you went to college. How long has it been since you spent time alone with them?”

“This…” It had indeed been a long time, but Qiao Xi still tried to make excuses for herself: “It’s just that college life is too busy, and I haven’t had the time.”

Jiang Zhiqing teased her: “Tell that to your two sisters and see what their reaction is.”

Qiao Xi became a little distressed. How dare she use such a clumsy lie to deal with her two sisters? She grew up following them around. They were the two people who knew her best.

It’s over. She could tell her mothers the truth and openly and naturally introduce Shen Ya to the elders, but when facing her sisters, she had to choose the right moment to explain her relationship with Shen Ya.

After returning home, she would probably be dragged by her sister to accompany her to work again. She might not have time to look at the apartments near the school or hang out with Shen Ya every day. It looked like she needed to sort out the apartment issue in these two days.

Time suddenly became tight. She needed to plan carefully. After having lunch with her two mothers downstairs, Qiao Xi excused herself to go “sleep” and returned to her room. She immediately opened her computer, first consulting a senior student about the apartment complexes across from the school, and then contacting Yu Tiantian to ask about the complex where Ji Lingwei lived and the environment there.

While looking for rental information, an unexpected person messaged her. Qiao Xi clicked on the flashing message notification box.

[Boss Fang: Why did you leave so early today? Was something going on?]

She didn’t communicate much with Fang Moyao. After all, the first impression the other person gave her was too deep. Even though Fang Moyao was gentle during their subsequent two meetings, Qiao Xi still felt she was a dangerous person.

Speaking of which, Fang Moyao always seemed gentle and wanted to get close to her in these recent meetings, which was very strange. However, the other person genuinely took good care of her. The drinks and snacks she consumed yesterday were all charged to Fang Moyao’s account. In any case, since the other person was reaching out, she couldn’t pretend not to see it.

Qiao Xi replied politely: [Because I woke up early and Teacher Shen had to go to work, I left with her. I apologize for not being able to say goodbye to Sister Moyao.]

[Boss Fang: No need to be so polite. I was going to take you out for lunch after you woke up today. Sister Qianqian is on a business trip today, and it’s just me. Do you want to come over tonight? I’ll take you out for dinner.]

Strange. What did Fang Moyao want to do by asking her out alone?

Qiao Xi had always been wary of Fang Moyao. If Shen Ya were invited to come along, she might consider accepting the invitation, but clearly, the other person only wanted to meet her alone.

[Sister Moyao, I have something to do at home tonight. I’m also quite busy these two days. I want to go look at apartments across from the school.]

[Boss Fang: Look at apartments?]

[Yes. Sister Moyao knows about Teacher Shen and me, so I won’t hide it from you. Teacher Shen and I discussed it today. When school starts, Teacher Shen will move to live across from my school. So I want to find a suitable apartment before school starts. Teacher Shen is busy with work, so I have to go look by myself.]

After reading Qiao Xi’s message, Fang Moyao clicked on Jiang Yunyi’s number and dialed. The phone rang three times before it was hung up. Fang Moyao raised an eyebrow slightly and dialed again. This time, it rang for a long time before Jiang Yunyi finally answered.

“I’m busy.” Jiang Yunyi lowered her voice, her tone serious: “Spit it out.”

“Why are you so fierce, Boss Jiang?” Fang Moyao complained playfully: “I wanted to ask if you’re free to have dinner together tonight.”

Jiang Yunyi rejected without thinking: “I’m not free.”

“That’s a pity. I’ve invited Xiao Xi out for dinner tonight. Just the two of us.”

Jiang Yunyi clicked her tongue and asked, “What do you want with her? The family hasn’t told her about the Fang family yet.”

“What do you take me for, General Manager Jiang? Even if I haven’t told Xiao Xi about my family, can’t I, her own older sister, bond with my little sister in advance?”

If it were anyone else, Jiang Yunyi might not have been suspicious. Fang Moyao was quite impulsive. Although she had promised them to give them some time, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t act on her own initiative.

Jiang Yunyi sighed in her heart, “Where, what time? I’ll come over when I’m done with work.”

“Let’s go to Mu Qi’s restaurant.”

Jiang Yunyi was indeed working, so the two quickly ended the call without further small talk.

On the other side, Qiao Xi waited for a while but didn’t receive a message from Fang Moyao. She thought the other person had given up. Just as she was about to call a real estate agent to arrange apartment viewings, Fang Moyao’s message popped up again.

[Boss Fang: Yun Yi is right here with me. She told me your family doesn’t have any family activity tonight. Xiao Xi, are you unwilling to see me? Did I do something to upset you?]

What! Sister Yun Yi is with Fang Moyao! She was careless. She should have said she had plans with a classmate instead.

[Boss Fang: I heard from Yun Yi that you were admitted to Jianglan University. What a coincidence, I have an apartment right across from your campus. Instead of renting from strangers, why don’t you stay in mine? If you’re willing, come out for dinner tonight. We can chat properly. Your Sister Yun Yi will also be with us. Are you reassured now?]

[Boss Fang: Shen Ya also just agreed to my invitation. Now you should have no more worries, right?]

Qiao Xi’s hands were on the keyboard. Every time she typed a few words, Fang Moyao would be one step ahead of her. The seemingly gentle invitation was actually forcing her to accept. Fang Moyao didn’t give her the option to refuse at all.

The other person was indeed difficult to deal with. However, with Sister Yun Yi and Shen Ya there, she wasn’t so afraid to go.

Qiao Xi: [Okay, where should I meet Sister Moyao?]

[Boss Fang: Do you want to come and see my place right now?]

Now? She hadn’t said she would definitely rent Fang Moyao’s place, and what if she couldn’t handle her alone?

[Boss Fang: Just to look. You can discuss it with Shen Ya tonight and then decide, how about that?]

It seemed impossible for her to refuse. She then realized that Fang Moyao’s gentleness was a form of assertiveness, a tenacity that wouldn’t stop until she achieved her goal.

[Alright. Does Sister Moyao know my home address?]

[Boss Fang: Xiao Xi, send me your location. I’ve already left ‘Blank’.]

After sending her home location, Qiao Xi pondered Fang Moyao’s last sentence. She hadn’t agreed yet, and Fang Moyao had already set off. She truly calculated her every move.

Qiao Xi sighed. She had just asked many people for information, but it seemed unnecessary now. Having just returned home, she had to leave again so soon. Qiao Xi closed her computer and went to the walk-in closet. She found clean clothes and entered the bathroom.

She hadn’t showered after getting drunk last night, and now was a good time.

When Qiao Xi came out of the bathroom, she had a message from Fang Moyao, saying she was close and to get ready.

Qiao Xi grabbed her backpack, put on a clean jacket, and finally grabbed her phone and left the room. Her two mothers were still drinking tea downstairs, and they both turned their heads when they heard the movement.

Jiang Zhiqing asked her: “Going out again?”

“Mm. I’m having dinner with Sister Yun Yi tonight. Mom, don’t wait up for me.”

When Qiao Xi arrived at the entrance of the community, Fang Moyao’s car was already parked on the roadside. The other person was driving a red sports car. The color didn’t look like something Fang Moyao would like; it seemed more like Zhou Ziqian’s favorite style.

As soon as Qiao Xi opened the car door, Fang Moyao greeted her warmly: “Xiao Xi.”

“Sister Moyao.”

Fang Moyao was wearing a gray coat and only light makeup, looking less frail than before. Qiao Xi got into the car and fastened her seatbelt. Fang Moyao then handed her a cup of milk tea: “I brought it from ‘Blank’. Drink it if you get thirsty on the way.”

Qiao Xi took it with both hands: “Thank you.”

Fang Moyao started the car. It was a sunny day, and the light outside was a bit glaring. This wasn’t the morning or evening rush hour, so there wasn’t much traffic on the road.

“Sister Qianqian mentioned you and Shen Ya when she called me earlier. Did you have a very tiring night?”

“Ah?” Qiao Xi took a sip of milk tea and turned her head to look at Fang Moyao, confused: “Playing what? I was drunk, and Teacher Shen took care of me. I don’t remember.”

“Although Shen Ya is reserved, I’ve seen her over the years. She’s a good person and takes relationships very seriously. You two complement each other well. It’s great.”

“Mm… Mm! Teacher Shen is indeed very good, and I really like her too.” Since Shen Ya was mentioned, Qiao Xi had plenty to talk about.

Fang Moyao used Shen Ya as bait all the way, hooking Qiao Xi, the little fish, into her basket. She learned some details of Qiao Xi’s childhood and how Qiao Xi had lived with the Jiang family over the years.

Just as she was about to ask more deeply, the gates of Jianglan University appeared outside the car window.

“Is Sister Moyao’s home nearby?”

Fang Moyao retracted her thoughts: “Yes, it’s my old home. After I started university, my family bought a new house and moved there, so this house has been vacant. It hasn’t been rented out all these years, but I regularly hire someone to clean it. The furniture and appliances inside might not be very new, but they can be replaced. You can tell me any parts you’re not satisfied with later.”

In the apartment complex diagonally opposite Jianglan University, Fang Moyao drove the car into the underground parking lot. It was a small, multi-story building with two apartments per floor. Fang Moyao’s apartment was not on a high floor, and the elevator stopped on the fifth floor.

Coming out of the elevator, the corridor connected the two units on the left and right. There were still some stickers with a sense of age on the originally white walls.

“Sister Qianqian and her mother moved in across from my home when she was six years old.” Fang Moyao lifted her chin: “502 is Sister Qianqian’s place, and 501 here is mine. You can choose either apartment. You can live on whichever side you prefer.”

Qiao Xi muttered to herself. She hadn’t even decided to move in with Shen Ya yet, but listening to Fang Moyao, it sounded like she had no choice but to choose this place.

Fang Moyao led her into the apartment on the left: “This is an early-stage small foreign-style house, so the area isn’t that large. It has four bedrooms and two living rooms. It’s enough for you two.”

Qiao Xi followed Fang Moyao, carefully observing the apartment. The decoration style was indeed a bit old, but the entire house was well-maintained. The walls weren’t yellowed, the floor tiles were wiped clean, and even the window glass reflected the light brightly. It was evident that Fang Moyao’s family was dedicated to maintaining this old house.

“Come.” Fang Moyao reached out and took Qiao Xi’s wrist. She pushed open a door and led Qiao Xi inside: “This is my mother’s room, the master bedroom. It was originally intended for my grandmother, but Grandma felt sorry for my mother, so she gave the largest room to her.”

This master bedroom was quite spacious. Besides the furniture, there was nothing else in the room. Qiao Xi asked: “Sister Moyao, are there only three people in your family?”

“Before I was born, my grandmother got divorced. There were three children in my mother’s generation. The last room in the house was actually prepared for my aunt, but my aunt passed away in an accident before her child was born.”

“This…” Fang Moyao had been looking at her while saying this, and the sadness in her eyes didn’t seem fake. Qiao Xi could only pat the back of her hand to comfort her: “Perhaps Sister Moyao’s aunt has gone to another world, and she’s living a happy life there.”

Listening to Qiao Xi’s comfort, Fang Moyao curved her lips slightly: “Perhaps.”

“Sister Moyao, did you just say your aunt also had a child?”

“Mm.” The look in Fang Moyao’s eyes toward Qiao Xi became more like the affection an elder has for a junior. She gently stroked Qiao Xi’s head and said: “My aunt’s child is the same age as you.”

“What a coincidence. Then, with Sister Moyao and your family taking care of her, she must be very happy now.”

“She is indeed very happy.” Fang Moyao’s words carried a hidden meaning. Her hand moved down and cupped Qiao Xi’s face. Her thumb brushed over Qiao Xi’s brow. The tenderness in her eyes was intense and unconcealed.

Just as Qiao Xi’s body tensed up and she became increasingly confused, Fang Moyao let go: “Let’s go, I’ll show you the next room.”

Coming out of the master bedroom, Fang Moyao took her to the other two rooms: “This is my bedroom. Although it doesn’t have a bathroom, the space is not small. If Shen Ya moves in, she can choose my mother’s master bedroom or sleep in this one of mine.”

Fang Moyao added: “Xiao Xi, I’m not forcing you to live in my house, but I don’t think your Sister Yun Yi would be willing to let you rent an apartment outside. Furthermore, Jiang Yunyi and I are childhood friends. You are her sister, so naturally, you are my sister too. There’s no need to be so formal between us.”

That was true, but Qiao Xi still felt she would owe Fang Moyao a favor.

Fang Moyao raised her hand and stroked her head: “Don’t overthink it. Discuss it properly with Shen Ya tonight, listen to her opinion and Jiang Yunyi’s opinion, and then make a decision. What do you think?”

Qiao Xi couldn’t make up her mind about what Fang Moyao said. Everything the other person said managed to neatly remove her doubts. Fortunately, she could still discuss this with Shen Ya.

Qiao Xi asked: “Sister Moyao, can I record a video to show Teacher Shen later?”

“Of course. You can also take some photos.”