"These cookies made by ordinary people can't compare to macarons," Xie Yuning complained while taking a bite of the cookie.

"And this tea is nothing compared to Da Hong Pao, it's just a cheap and inferior tea made by a lousy tea factory, it's bitter and astringent," Xie Yuning continued to criticize.

"Sorry for the poor hospitality," I said with a smile.

"Hmph... I'm not that picky. Even though the tea and cookies are bad, I don't mind," Xie Yuning said as she continued to eat.

As she kept eating, the cookies on the table were dwindling. Are they really that bad? I decided to try a bite of the cookie and a sip of the tea. Honestly, they were delicious.

Zhiye, wearing an apron, walked in from outside. She walked along the wall and sat down at a distance from me, staring coldly at Xie Yuning.

"Why don't I see your parents?" Xie Yuning suddenly asked.

"Oh... They're both on a business trip. It's just my sister and me at home."

"Oh?" Xie Yuning wiped the cookie crumbs from her mouth. "Can you show me around?"

"Oh... sure."

Xie Yuning seemed very interested in the architecture here, although she herself said the house was rustic. I couldn't quite figure her out. I'm not familiar with this place either and I was thinking of asking Zhiye to show us around, but she seemed to be in a gloomy mood. Maybe she was tired? So, I decided to personally take Xie Yuning on a tour. It wouldn't be fair to always rely on Zhiye. She also seemed exhausted and needed rest.

"This house is big, and I often get lost. Please don't laugh if we get lost," I said.

"Is it really that complicated? But for me, a maze is nothing," Xie Yuning said, her enthusiasm growing.

First, I took her to the kitchen.

"The kitchen is unexpectedly clean," she remarked.

"Yes..." I had to admit that Zhiye had cleaned the kitchen spotlessly.

"All the utensils here are made of wood," Xie Yuning exclaimed with wide eyes. After a few days here, it was also my first time seeing them up close. I admired the wisdom of ancient people, but all these were prepared by Zhiye's father. It was evident that he put a lot of thought into it.

Then we went to the storage room.

"It's spotless," Xie Yuning commented.

"Yes," Zhiye had also cleaned this place thoroughly.

"There's also a rocking horse here."

"It's been here for quite some time."

"I remember seeing this kind of toy when I was little."

"It must have been an interesting toy back then."

"Indeed... and my rocking horse was made of high-quality wood," Xie Yuning proudly said.

"Is it still here now?"

"We've thrown it away," Xie Yuning casually replied. She flicked the handle of the rocking horse, causing it to sway.

"And here are some picture books, they've been well-preserved," Xie Yuning picked up a picture book and flipped through it. "Haha, how interesting," she chuckled to herself.

"Yes..."

Xie Yuning finished reading the picture book and then prepared to go see the bedroom to sleep. I suddenly needed to use the bathroom, so I decided to go to the bedroom instead. As Xie Yuning entered the bedroom on her own, Zhiye followed behind her. When we reached the door of the bathroom, I had a feeling of impending danger. So, instead of going to the bathroom, I ran straight to the bedroom. Inside the open door, Xie Yuning was opening a wall cabinet, and behind her, Zhiye was holding up a fruit knife.

What were they planning to do? I made my way behind Zhiye, trying not to be noticed by Xie Yuning. Zhiye didn't notice me, so when I grabbed her hand, she was startled and made a sound, which caught Xie Yuning's attention. She turned around, and I quickly pulled Zhiye into my arms. At the same time, I hid Zhiye's hand holding the fruit knife behind me. Our posture looked like I was embracing Zhiye.

"What's going on with you two as siblings?"

"Ahahaha... how should I explain..."

"Don't tell me...?" Xie Yuning looked at them contemptuously.

"Please don't jump to conclusions, my sister has a bit of anemia and often feels dizzy."

"I see, it's not very serious then."

"It's a congenital condition, so there's no permanent cure."

"Well... I'll ask my dad when I go home if he knows any great doctors who can help with your sister's condition."

"Thank you, but it's not necessary..."

"Are you looking down on me?" Xie Yuning became unhappy.

"No... really, I'm not."

"Alright... I'll go home now... and ask my dad," Xie Yuning said as she prepared to leave.

"No need to rush like that."

"I can't delay my illness... and you don't need to waste time, I hate people who beat around the bush."

"Ah... this situation is becoming tricky."

"I'm fine..." Zhiye spoke up.

"Are you sure?"

"I just feel a bit dizzy because I'm too happy, that's all."

Zhiye blushed.

"I knew it..."

"Don't... don't misunderstand."

"I never would have expected such an unconventional love affair..."

"Please, it's really not like that."

I explained, but Xie Yuning still didn't fully believe it. However, at that moment, she received a phone call. After answering it, she made a few promises.

"My dad wants me to go back. That's it for today. Oh, let's also exchange email addresses."

"Email address?"

"Do you have a phone?"

"Yes..."

"Bring it here."

I handed her my phone, and after a few taps, Xie Yuning handed it back to me. Now we could exchange messages through email.

"I don't have any ulterior motives, it's just that a favor can't be repaid so easily."

"I really... it's not necessary."

"Don't waste words. Alright, I have to go home now. Bye."

After saying that, Xie Yuning turned and left. I looked at my phone and indeed there was a new contact added.

"Why did Zhiye do something so dangerous earlier?"

Thinking about Zhiye's actions just now, I asked.

"This kind of thing can't be controlled."

"Does Zhiye dislike her? I think they could be friends. After all, we haven't met anyone our age since coming here. And even though she's a bit arrogant, she also considers others. It would be good to have her as a friend."

"Friends... I don't want Jie to have contact with the opposite sex."

"A knife should be kept in a safe place." I prepared to put the knife away in a secure location, not hearing what Zhiye said earlier.

"Did you say anything, Zhiye?"

"Nothing."

"The weeds in the yard haven't been trimmed yet. I'll go do that. Zhiye, take a rest for now. It's not good to overwork yourself."

After saying that, I went to the yard to continue trimming the weeds on my own.