The Sickly Fake Daughter, But a Beloved Darling of All - Chapter 11

Si Yu Such a small action was like playing around under the watchful eyes of adults—sneaky, secretive, not daring to let anyone find out.

Xu Chengjin covered the bracelet, pretending nothing had happened. She ignored the one it was bound to, as if everything that just occurred had not existed at all.

“We’ve arrived, get out of the car.”

Xu Jing parked the car, got out first, then opened the door for Xu Chengjin.
“Xiao Jin, tonight you must stay with your sister. Don’t run off.”

“Miss Wu, before President Wu arrives, please also don’t wander around.”

Among them, Xu Jing was the eldest and most experienced. Naturally, the other two, who hadn’t had much exposure to company affairs, obediently replied with a “yes.”

The banquet had a dedicated dressing room. Xu Jing had already booked makeup artists in advance. They took the direct elevator and arrived at the room to wait for their styling.

“I prepared a gown for you. What do you think?” Xu Jing asked as she had Xu Chengjin sit down.

This time, she had prepared a pink evening dress. The chest had a deep V design, but was covered with a thin layer of gauze. The waist was cinched tight, inlaid with sparkling crystals, and the skirt was long, spreading onto the floor like a blooming flower. The overall style wasn’t overly sexy—it leaned more toward pure and innocent.

At first glance, Xu Chengjin liked it very much. She stood up and accepted the gown.
“I really like it. I’ll go try it on then.”

“Mm.” Seeing Xu Chengjin so pleased, Xu Jing’s lips curved into a smile.
“I knew it would suit you.”

Xu Chengjin obediently lowered her head as Xu Jing patted her hair. Playfully, she winked at her sister.
“As expected, you’re the one who knows me best!”

“Don’t be cheeky.” Xu Jing checked the time, then gently instructed,
“I need to step out for a moment. I’ll be back soon. After you change, just sit here for your makeup. Don’t run around.”

Wu Boran went to her own family’s dressing room, which was far away. Once Xu Jing left, there would only be two people in the room.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a child anymore,” Xu Chengjin replied. She hugged the dress and went into the changing room.

The gown was large and heavy, making it a bit of a struggle to put on.

The back needed to be laced up, but after several tries, she still couldn’t manage it. Holding onto the wall, she sighed helplessly, exhausted… her head even a little dizzy from lack of air.

After resting a few seconds, she tried calling for help:
“Hello, could you help me with the dress? I don’t think I can tie the back properly.”

She waited a few seconds. Soon, someone entered. Facing the wall, she didn’t turn to check who it was, only said politely:
“Sorry to trouble you.”

From the line of her spine outward, half a palm’s width of skin was exposed. The gown hung precariously on her shoulders, as if it could slip down onto her arms at any moment. Xu Chengjin’s skin was pale, the dip of her lower back distinct, her shoulder blades faintly moving as she breathed.

The person approached. Just as she was about to turn her head, she felt movement—the other person had grasped the ribbons of her dress. She could feel the gown gradually tightening, covering her bare skin little by little.

From top to bottom… it drew close around her.

Something didn’t feel right. Xu Chengjin began to turn, but a hand pressed lightly on her shoulder. It wasn’t forceful, yet it froze her in place.

“Who are you?” Xu Chengjin raised her hand, resting it on the back of the stranger’s hand.

At that moment, her bracelet suddenly vibrated—not like in the car when it only sought attention, but more like a declaration of ownership.

Lowering her eyes, Xu Chengjin clenched her fingers slightly. Taking two steps back, she nearly fell right into the other’s embrace. Tilting her head up, she spoke each word softly:
“President Si, how did you get in?”

Si Yu’s other hand brushed across her lower back. With a swift tug, she finished tying the ribbons. Her voice carried a teasing smile:
“Money makes the mare go.”

Xu Chengjin almost forgot—given Si Yu’s identity, of course she would be attending this banquet tonight.

“We’ll meet at the banquet anyway.” Xu Chengjin turned around, pressing her hand against Si Yu’s body to prevent her from coming closer. Tilting her chin proudly, like a small animal who had just secured a treasure, she said,
“You bribed my family’s people. Aren’t you afraid my sister will come after you?”

“Not afraid.”

Si Yu let out a sigh, lowering her voice.
“Speaking of which, Xu Jing really dislikes me. If I want to chat with Miss Xu at the banquet, I fear it won’t be easy.”

She looked like she’d been wronged.
“So I had no choice but to use little tricks.”

But Xu Chengjin wasn’t fooled. Raising her right hand, she shook it gently.
“What does this bracelet mean?”

“There’s a matching pair. Whenever the two are close, they’ll both vibrate for five seconds.”

Now unhindered, Si Yu leaned closer, her gaze sweeping over Xu Chengjin from head to toe, unhidden admiration gleaming in her eyes.
“This gown suits you very well.”

“My sister picked it.”

Si Yu caught her wrist. Xu Chengjin tried to pull away, but couldn’t escape. Resigned, she gave up the struggle. Si Yu’s fingertip traced across her wrist, making her recall that night when Si Yu had kissed her there…

“Don’t touch me.” Xu Chengjin leaned forward slightly. Though her words sounded like a warning, they lacked real force. Smiling through her eyes, she asked:
“President Si, do you and my sister have some kind of grudge?”

Her breath came heavy, every exhale brushing against Si Yu. Her waist bent slightly, and when she looked up, her eyes narrowed.
“Can you tell me?”

“Of course.” Si Yu let go of her hand, then leaned in again, shortening the distance between them in an instant.
“Honestly, there’s no grudge. She just doesn’t like me, that’s all.”

“Really?” Xu Chengjin looked doubtful.
“But they all say you’re scary.”

“You think so too?” Si Yu’s expression dimmed, as if wounded. Eyes lowered, she whispered,
“Then the time you accompanied me around campus… was it just because you didn’t know how to reject me?”

Amused by her green-tea act, Xu Chengjin cupped Si Yu’s face in both hands.
“Of course not. I don’t believe them.”

“I was only worried you’d treat me badly.”

“I wouldn’t.” Si Yu held her hand firmly, speaking earnestly.
“How could I ever—”

“Xiao Jin, are you done yet?”

Xu Jing’s voice suddenly came from outside.

Xu Chengjin jerked her hands back, immediately looking at Si Yu. After a few seconds of hesitation, she called out:
“Coming right away!”

Si Yu’s hand was empty now. She shot a displeased glance toward the door, but quickly returned to her usual calm expression.

“What should I do?” Xu Chengjin mouthed silently to her, flustered.
“You can’t get out.”

“If I can’t get out, then I’ll just—”

Before Si Yu could finish, Xu Chengjin clapped a hand over her lips. She glared, clearly dissatisfied with her answer.

“I’m leaving. Don’t make a sound.”

Xu Chengjin furrowed her brows, “warning” her with a hush.
“Shh.”

Then she walked out, never noticing that Si Yu’s gaze followed her unwaveringly, burning into her back—

As if engraving her into her very bones—

Never letting go for a lifetime.