The Sickly Fake Daughter, But a Beloved Darling of All - Chapter 33

The video call rang for a brief moment before Xu Jing answered it. She had just finished a meeting, and the fatigue in her eyes hadn’t fully faded when her gaze met Xu Chengjin’s.

Xu Chengjin was lying on her stomach on the bed. Her nightgown’s top had elastic, but because she was too slender, one side still drooped down.

Through the square screen, one could vaguely glimpse Xu Chengjin’s fair skin—soft and intimate.

Xu Jing’s breath hitched. She leaned back in her chair and looked at Xu Chengjin, who was curling her lips. “What’s wrong, little one?”

Yes, this was the child she had personally raised. When their parents were busy, Xu Jing was the one who kept Xu Chengjin company. They had spent so many days and nights together.

Her sister…

Xu Jing lowered her eyelids slightly. Her fingers toyed with a steel pen, and her tie was carelessly pulled loose, giving her a sense of weariness.

Xu Chengjin watched Xu Jing’s appearance, and the words that were about to leave her mouth paused. She put on her earphones, rested her hands in front of her, and lay down on her stomach. The flesh on her cheeks was squeezed out. She looked at Xu Jing sullenly and whispered, “Sister.”

“Who bullied you?” Xu Jing rubbed the bridge of her nose, her expression much softer. “Or are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Xu Chengjin didn’t speak, just stared straight at Xu Jing. Right now, she was only concerned with one thing: When would Xu Jing return?

There was her selfishness, and there was also her plan.

Xu Jing originally intended to say she wasn’t sure, but upon meeting Xu Chengjin’s pitiful gaze, she couldn’t utter a word. She was silent for a while before saying, “I’ll rush back the night before.”

“Okay.”

Xu Chengjin smiled. She then added, “Don’t smoke. It’s bad for your health.”

There was a period when Xu Jing smoked very frequently. At the time, company matters were overwhelming, and the pressure was immense. Back then, Xu Chengjin would feel unwell whenever she was close to her. Xu Chengjin was young and very attached to Xu Jing, which eventually led to a fever that required emergency treatment.

It wasn’t really Xu Jing’s fault, but she still quit smoking. However, the last time they met, Xu Chengjin had still smelled the smoke.

She knew Xu Jing wasn’t in a good mood.

“I didn’t smoke.” Xu Jing instinctively denied it. She sat up straight, her eyes beginning to dart around. “I quit a long time ago. I know smoking is bad, you told me…”

“Sister, I smelled it last time.” Xu Chengjin was a little helpless. Her voice was very soft, and when it came through the earphones to Xu Jing, it felt as if she was speaking right next to her ear.

Xu Jing suddenly fell silent. She pursed her lips, uncharacteristically flustered. “I’m just a little bothered.”

“I won’t control you, I’m just reminding you.” Xu Chengjin narrowed her eyes, seeming sleepy. “I’m going to sleep. I just called to ask about something.”

“Little…”

Xu Chengjin only heard Xu Jing’s unfinished word before she decisively hung up the phone. She then flipped the phone face down and ignored everything else. She was genuinely very tired.

“Goodnight.”

Goodnight, everyone.

A New Day and a Favor Asked

The course load in the first year of college was excessively heavy. Xu Chengjin began a new cycle of early morning classes. As soon as she arrived at the classroom, a cup of hot milk was handed to her. Jin Xi had already saved a seat for her.

“Morning.”

Xu Chengjin sat down. She didn’t refuse Jin Xi’s kind gesture; instead, she actively asked, “Have you found your new part-time job?”

“I’m looking.”

Jin Xi smiled gently, deftly avoiding the topic. “Did you sleep well last night?”

Xu Chengjin nodded. “It was alright. How about you?”

“I’m alright too.” Jin Xi said she was alright, but the dark circles under her eyes betrayed her lie.

Jin Xi wasn’t a “good kid” anymore; she was lying.

“Jin Xi.”

Xu Chengjin lightly called Jin Xi’s name. People constantly moved around them in the classroom, yet her eyes only reflected Jin Xi’s image. Xu Chengjin raised her hand and tucked a strand of Jin Xi’s stray hair behind her ear. Her fingers skillfully wrapped around that lock of hair. She whispered, “Did you lose sleep because of the part-time job?”

“I didn’t.”

Jin Xi still wouldn’t admit it, but she didn’t avoid Xu Chengjin’s gaze. Instead, she stared straight at the person in front of her. “I’ll handle everything. You don’t need to worry about me.”

“I can help you.”

Xu Chengjin let out a light laugh. She made a sound of “ah,” and her tongue quickly licked her dry lips. “Help you find a temporary job.”

Jin Xi’s eyes trembled. She grabbed Xu Chengjin’s mischievous hand and whispered, “I don’t need it.”

“You should learn to ‘use’ me.” Xu Chengjin leaned closer to Jin Xi. Her breaths fanned against the other’s face. “Are you really unwilling? I can help you.”

“…Xiao Jin.”

Jin Xi unconsciously swallowed. She clutched Xu Chengjin’s fingers, tightening her grip. “I don’t want you to pity me.”

“My birthday is in five days, Jin Xi, do you know? We’re exactly two months apart.” Xu Chengjin withdrew her hand. She picked up the milk and gave the other girl a fleeting glance.

Jin Xi was stunned. By the time she snapped out of it, the class had already started, and Xu Chengjin seemed to be listening attentively, not turning her head at all.

The Princess and the Knight

“Alright, class dismissed.”

The teacher announced the end of the morning’s lessons. Xu Chengjin stretched her aching back. Just as she was about to pack her things, Jin Xi stopped her.

“Ha.”

Xu Chengjin silently curved her lips, but when she looked at Jin Xi again, she was feigning confusion. “What’s wrong?”

Jin Xi was a bit embarrassed, and her speech was halting. “I… I thought about it for a long time. You should still find me a job.”

“Don’t use that tone.” Xu Chengjin placed her fingertip against Jin Xi’s lips. She winked playfully at Jin Xi. “Wait for my news. And you absolutely must come on my birthday, okay?”

“Mm!”

Jin Xi smiled. “I will.”

“I’ll wait for you.”

Xu Chengjin took a deep breath. She then asked another question: “Do you usually celebrate your birthday?”

Jin Xi froze. She lowered her head, then shook it helplessly. “My family doesn’t like me, they rarely celebrate it for me.”

“Mm.” Xu Chengjin’s face held no smile. She murmured, “They’re bad.”

Jin Xi looked up, meeting Xu Chengjin’s eyes. She moved her lips, about to speak when someone suddenly entered their view. It was a very cute girl. She approached them, smiling brightly. “Hello!”

“Hello.” Xu Chengjin tilted her head. “Is there something you need?”

“I’m in charge of the welcoming party for the new students.” The girl handed a piece of paper to Xu Chengjin, her eyes full of anticipation. “I’d like to invite you to play the princess in the script.”

“And Jin Xi—”

The girl’s eyes sparkled:

“Can you be the princess’s knight?”