Secret Lover Who Stealthily Fell in Love with My Older Sister - Chapter 90

Chapter 90: Fang Moyao looked for…

Fang Moyao found someone to clean the house thoroughly inside and out on the second day. She also took the opportunity to call Qiao Xi to buy daily necessities during the day. Shen Ya didn’t have many belongings, just some clothes she simply organized. Qiao Xi bought new everything else.

On moving day, Fang Moyao and Zhou Ziqian both came. Jiang Yunyi said she had some work to handle and would be late. Shen Ya only brought two suitcases. Shi Yi’s daily necessities were also bought new by Zhou Ziqian.

The four of them drove two cars. When they arrived at the new apartment, Shi Yi was a bit scared. As soon as he was released from the cat carrier, he ran under the sofa and lay down. Zhou Ziqian lay on the floor and peeked inside, continuously calling out: “Shi Yi, Shi Yi, come out quickly. Your godmother bought you delicious treats.”

“Godmother?” Qiao Xi, passing by with a bottle of drink, paused when she heard this. “When did Sister Qianqian become Shi Yi’s godmother?” How did she, the biological mother, not know?

Zhou Ziqian teased for a long time, but Shi Yi still stayed under the sofa, watching her with cold eyes. Those cat eyes stared at Zhou Ziqian as if she were a malicious monster. Every time Zhou Ziqian tried to reach in and grab Shi Yi out, Shi Yi would scoot backward.

“Shi Yi, you’ve changed.” Defeated, Zhou Ziqian deflated. She sat up straight on the sofa and continued her act: “Little sister Xiao Xi, those words are heartbreaking. Back when I was taking care of Shi Yi, he would come to my arms every day for cuddles, hugs, and high lifts. It’s only been a few days, and Shi Yi has forgotten about me.”

Qiao Xi shuddered. She quickly moved away from Zhou Ziqian, avoiding her as if she had seen a ghost. She looked around and realized only she and Zhou Ziqian were outside, so she changed direction and headed towards the bedroom.

As she approached the master bedroom door, she heard Fang Moyao instructing Shen Ya inside: “Feel free to live here. You can tell me if you’re missing anything, or you can buy it yourselves. If anything needs replacing, I’ll buy new ones for you.”

Qiao Xi furrowed her brow. Fang Moyao’s words sounded so strange. Anyone who didn’t know would think she was giving the apartment to her and Shen Ya.

“Boss Fang seems to like Qiao Xi very much.” Shen Ya stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the wall. Fang Moyao seemed to have been acting very unusually since the first time she met Qiao Xi. Qiao Xi might not know, but Shen Ya was clear. ‘Blank’ wasn’t without young people Qiao Xi’s age, but Fang Moyao never got close to them, let alone actively helped them.

Fang Moyao only smiled in return: “Qiao Xi and I share a connection.”

“What kind of connection would make Boss Fang willing to take a loss?”

Fang Moyao’s gentle attitude made Shen Ya’s words feel like they were hitting cotton. As long as she chose not to speak, Shen Ya would never get an answer, no matter her tone.

Qiao Xi, outside the door, was still waiting for the next part of the conversation, but Fang Moyao changed the subject: “We’re tired today. Let’s go out for dinner when Jiang Yunyi arrives.”

As Qiao Xi expected, she didn’t get Fang Moyao’s answer. But it didn’t matter, she would have her chance to find out what secret Fang Moyao was hiding.

Running around these past few days, her mothers didn’t say anything, but her sisters, who came home from work and didn’t see her, had developed several thoughts, which Qiao Xi learned from Jiang Yunyi during dinner.

Although she really wanted to move in with Shen Ya before school started, she couldn’t be in two places at once. She could only go home first to deal with her sisters. Qiao Xi and Shen Ya agreed that she would stay home obediently for the next couple of days.

Qiao Xi returned to the apartment where Qin Shunyao and Jiang Yunxi were currently living. Although she had lived here for three years during high school, having been away for a while, she felt both familiar and strange when she returned to her room.

Pangpang was still staying at her mother’s house. Without Shi Yi for company or Pangpang to play with, Qiao Xi could only find her gaming console, change into loungewear, and go downstairs to play games.

She skillfully found a drink from the fridge. When she reached the living room, she took off her shoes and walked barefoot on the soft, plush carpet. Jiang Yunxi still had to work today. Although Qin Shunyao had the day off, she went back to her study to deal with some urgent work after lunch.

Qiao Xi took two sips of the iced drink and casually placed it on the coffee table. She threw herself onto the sofa, lifted the gaming console with both hands, and pressed the power button. She had been home for two days, spending them either drawing or accompanying her sister to work.

It was another boring afternoon, reduced to lying around playing games. After a few dozen minutes, the gaming console dropped beside Qiao Xi’s head, and the living room fell silent.

Sunlight streamed in from the living room’s glass window, bringing a springtime warmth. The quietness downstairs was broken when Qin Shunyao finished her work and came to the living room. She carried her empty coffee cup into the kitchen first, placing it in the sink. After turning on the tap, she pumped out some hand soap.

Qin Shunyao kept an eye on the movement outside the kitchen while washing her hands, but the space behind her was quiet, as if she were the only one home. Qin Shunyao called out: “Xiao Xi?”

Other than her own echo, there was no other sound in the house.

Qin Shunyao dried her hands and walked out of the kitchen. When she reached the living room, she saw Qiao Xi asleep.

Qiao Xi was lying flat on the sofa, one leg bent and resting against the back of the sofa, the other resting on the carpet. Her hands were folded on her chest, and her face was turned to the side, sleeping peacefully.

She wasn’t covered by anything. Qin Shunyao picked up the small blue blanket from the single sofa and gently covered Qiao Xi’s stomach. Even though she moved very quietly, she still woke Qiao Xi up.

The leg that was resting on the carpet was pulled back onto the sofa. Qiao Xi was still a little groggy when she opened her eyes. She turned over and saw someone sitting at the end of the sofa: “Sister?”

“Awake?” Qin Shunyao shifted forward: “Why didn’t you go back to your room to sleep?”

Qiao Xi hugged Qin Shunyao’s waist and habitually rubbed her head against her abdomen in a spoiled way: “I was playing games, and I don’t know how I fell asleep.”

“Xiao Xi.” Qin Shunyao stroked her head, her voice indescribably gentle: “Have you not visited your birth mother this year yet?”

“Mm.” Qiao Xi had been so busy lately that she forgot about it: “Then I’ll go tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll go with you tomorrow morning.”

Qiao Xi countered: “Aren’t you working, Sister?”

“Work is not as important as accompanying our Xiao Xi.” Qin Shunyao tapped her nose: “Speaking of which, what have you been doing lately, Xiao Xi? You’re always out. You haven’t been secretly dating someone, have you?”

Qiao Xi’s heart clenched. A panicked look flashed across her face. The question was too sudden. She wasn’t ready yet. Although she really wanted to make her relationship with Shen Ya public, if she revealed it, she feared a three-way interrogation.

No, she had to keep it a secret for now. She needed a plan before revealing it.

“What are you saying, Sister? I was out playing with friends. I’ll be busy once school starts, so where would I find the time to play?”

“That’s true.” Qin Shunyao didn’t think much of it. After all, although Qiao Xi was a bit mischievous, she knew her limits and had never truly caused them any worry.

“Sister, since we’re talking about relationships, then…” Qiao Xi looked up, and her fox tail showed itself: “When are you planning to tell Mom and Mommy about you and Doctor Jiang?”

The hand that was stroking Qiao Xi suddenly stopped. A few seconds later, Qin Shunyao lightly pinched Qiao Xi’s cheek: “You dare to tease your sister now.”

“Sister, you’re cheating.” Qiao Xi pretended to be bullied, her eyes still containing a hint of slyness, but her mouth pouted as if she was about to cry: “Sister, you and Doctor Jiang have been together for so long. Are you really not planning to tell Mom and Mommy?”

Qin Shunyao let go of her hand. Her smile carried an inexplicable bitterness. Even though her gaze was on Qiao Xi’s face, it seemed to be looking through Qiao Xi and drifting into the distance. The smart Qiao Xi noticed Qin Shunyao’s abnormality. At that moment, many bad thoughts crossed her mind.

Could it be that her two sisters’ relationship was having problems?

Since only she and Qin Shunyao were present, perhaps she could ask. Qiao Xi sat up on the sofa. She rubbed her messy hair and then hugged one of Qin Shunyao’s arms: “Sister, did you and Doctor Jiang have a fight?”

“No.” Qin Shunyao returned to her usual smile, as if the earlier moment of dejection was an illusion. She didn’t want to elaborate, so she quickly changed the subject: “Let’s go pick up Yunxi after work later, and then we’ll eat out.”

“Okay.”

Strange. If the two sisters really had a fight, why would Qin Shunyao voluntarily suggest picking up Doctor Jiang? But she was certain something had happened between the two sisters. Perhaps it didn’t affect their relationship, though.

Since her sister wouldn’t tell her, she would just have to observe more. If she could help her two sisters fix their relationship, maybe they wouldn’t give her such a hard time when they found out about her and Shen Ya.

The three sisters rarely had dinner together in the evening. Jiang Yunxi’s face showed undeniable fatigue from a long day of work, but Qin Shunyao was constantly taking care of her. At the dinner table, the two sisters initially chatted about work-related matters. Seeing Qiao Xi resting her chin in her hands and staring at them, they stopped.

“It’s my fault, I forgot we shouldn’t talk about work at the dinner table.” Jiang Yunxi peeled a mantis shrimp and placed it on Qiao Xi’s plate: “I’ve been quite busy lately. I won’t be able to go with you tomorrow. What does Xiao Xi want to eat tonight? I’ll book a restaurant.”

“Doctor Jiang, we haven’t even finished tonight’s meal, and you’re already talking about tomorrow night.”

Jiang Yunxi gave a helpless smile: “I’ve really been too busy lately to spend time with Xiao Xi. How about Shunyao and I take you on a trip next holiday?”

In the past, Qiao Xi would have been delighted, but not now. Every holiday was precious to her. She didn’t even have enough time to spend with Shen Ya, so how could she have the leisure to be the third wheel for her two sisters?

“Instead of that, Doctor Jiang, why don’t you take my sister for a trip for just the two of you?”

“You little rascal.” Jiang Yunxi chastised playfully. Just as she looked up, she happened to meet Qin Shunyao’s eyes. Their gazes were like intertwining electrical currents, sparking instantly: “That’s a good idea. Where do you want to go, Shunyao? We can start planning now.”

“Just the two of us is fine. What’s the point if Xiao Xi doesn’t come?” Qin Shunyao didn’t spare Jiang Yunxi’s feelings. She took a crab leg and put it in Qiao Xi’s bowl: “How about I take a break and take Xiao Xi on a trip alone these few days?”

“Shunyao!” Qiao Xi hadn’t spoken yet, but Jiang Yunxi was the first to get anxious. She put down her chopsticks and grabbed Qin Shunyao’s hand: “We’ll talk about this when we get home.”

Qiao Xi realized then that there was indeed a problem in the two sisters’ relationship. Judging by their reaction, Doctor Jiang must have angered Sister Shunyao. This was quite interesting. She had never seen Doctor Jiang get snubbed before.

Perhaps it was the result of too much communication with Zhou Ziqian recently, leading her to constantly want to eavesdrop on gossip. Unfortunately, after dinner and returning home, the two sisters went back to their room and locked the door. Eavesdropping was something she couldn’t bring herself to do, so she had to retreat to her own room.

Qiao Xi locked the door, immediately took out her phone, and called Shen Ya. As soon as the other person answered, she covered the phone and quietly went into the bathroom to whisper: “Teacher Shen, I’ll tell you a secret. Doctor Jiang has angered my Sister Shunyao.”

“Mm?”

“I don’t know what happened between them, but it’s not important. I can’t come to see Teacher Shen tomorrow either. Sister Shunyao is taking me to visit my birth mother.”

Although Shen Ya had already moved some things to Fang Moyao’s apartment, since Qiao Xi hadn’t started school yet, she moved back to the apartment she shared with Qiao Xi.

She was currently working overtime in the study. Qiao Xi’s call gave her a moment to relax: “Do you visit your birth mother around this time every year?”

Qiao Xi explained: “Not exactly, but I definitely go once during the Lunar New Year. However, my two sisters usually take me together. Tomorrow, only Sister Shunyao will be with me. Doctor Jiang is a bit busy, so she won’t be coming this time.”

“Are your two mothers not going with you?”

“They rarely come with me. Since they’re both my mothers, they feel their presence might affect my conversation with my birth mother.”

“Mm.” Shen Ya pinched the bridge of her nose. After a few days of not seeing her, the longing in her heart was spreading.

“What are you doing, Teacher Shen?”

“Working overtime.”

Qiao Xi was surprised: “Then am I disturbing you, Teacher Shen?”

“No, this call came at the perfect time.” Shen Ya’s laughter was as light as a breeze, so quick that Qiao Xi couldn’t quite catch it.

“Then, did Teacher Shen miss me today?” Qiao Xi was hiding in the bathroom. Although she was alone, she still gathered her courage to ask the question. She gripped the faucet handle, and while waiting for Shen Ya’s answer, she kept turning the faucet on and off.

“Yes.” Shen Ya replied seriously: “Xiao Xi, when are you free? I want to see you.”

The straightforward words were like an arrow, directly striking Qiao Xi’s heart. Shen Ya’s sincerity was very charming, and it made her easily succumb every time. She loved Shen Ya’s proactiveness.

Even though she was wildly excited, Qiao Xi still played hard to get: “Then I have to check my schedule. Teacher Shen, I’m very busy. You have to wait in line to see me.”

“Is that so?” Shen Ya smiled faintly, still playing along with Qiao Xi. She adopted a distressed tone and asked: “Then if I buy a membership, can Xiao Xi let me cut in line?”

“Membership?” Qiao Xi burst out laughing. Shen Ya was really learning bad habits from her. She could even say something so meme-worthy. She had always thought Shen Ya was a rigid person, but now it seemed Shen Ya was also very funny when telling jokes.

Qiao Xi laughed until tears came to her eyes: “Alright, alright. Then I’ll give Teacher Shen a chance. Next time we meet, Teacher Shen has to bring a gift that will make me happy.”

“What do you want?”

Qiao Xi’s tone changed, and she said playfully: “That depends on Teacher Shen’s sincerity.”

“Okay.” Shen Ya agreed. She looked at the time on the bottom right corner of her computer screen: “What time are you leaving tomorrow morning?”

“It can’t be too late, maybe eight or nine.”

“Mm. Then go to bed early tonight. I’ll pick you up for dinner in a couple of days?”

“That sounds great.” Qiao Xi knew Shen Ya needed to get back to work. The sensible her wouldn’t cause any trouble for the other person. Tonight’s conversation had to end, but neither of them wanted to hang up.

“How about…”

“How about…”

They spoke in unison and then stopped when they heard each other’s voices.

Shen Ya: “You go first.”

Qiao Xi didn’t refuse and said directly: “How about we leave the phone connected and just do our own things?”

“That’s fine.”

“Then Teacher Shen, you continue to work. I’ll draw for a bit and then take a shower and go to bed.”

Qiao Xi found her headphones from the drawer. She put her phone on charge next to her computer. The sound of Shen Ya typing on the keyboard occasionally came through the headphones. Every time this happened, Qiao Xi would stop drawing to listen carefully.

Although she could have gone to bed earlier, Qiao Xi insisted on waiting until Shen Ya finished work. They entered the bathroom “together” and lay down in their beds “simultaneously.” After the time on their phone screens reset to zero, they said goodnight to each other.

“Goodnight, Teacher Shen.”

“Goodnight, Xiao Xi.”

Wishing you sweet dreams tonight.