Early morning sunlight streamed into Chuyun's room. Outside the window, birds chirped and hopped joyfully in the villa courtyard. One flew to a large tree, its leaves yellowing with autumn's approach, and twittered noisily.
Chuyun was still sound asleep, showing no hint of waking.
*Ding-ding-ding~*
The alarm clock rang. After a few seconds, Chuyun groggily opened his eyes. He slapped the buzzing clock on the bedside table silent, then rubbed his sleepy eyes. Forcing himself out of the warm bed, he sat on the edge.
Still drowsy, he lightly patted his cheeks. Feeling a bit more alert, he changed out of his pajamas at the wardrobe.
After a quick wash-up, Chuyun stretched comfortably. At the fridge, he decided on two large, thick bacon sandwiches with his secret recipe. He added a glass of hot milk and a cup of thick yogurt—his sister’s favorite. Carrying the breakfast to the table, he began eating the simple yet nutritious meal.
Since his sister had said not to wake her yesterday, Chuyun skipped his usual call. But after waiting, Xiaoqi still hadn’t appeared.
*She’s such a lazy cat. I actually thought she meant it this time,* Chuyun thought, eyeing her door.
To outsiders, Xia Shiqi was a flawless beauty. Only Chuyun knew her little flaws—like her love for sleeping in. Even after their relationship shifted years ago, he still woke her daily. She’d occasionally say "don’t bother," but tomorrow, she’d curl up like a sleepy kitten again.
Chuyun headed to her room. "Xiaoqi, awake?" he called softly after a light knock. No response. *Typical lazy cat.*
He pushed the door open gently. Seeing her unusually docile sleeping face, he recalled her -99 favorability toward him. He sighed, sitting on the bed to brush stray hairs from her cheek.
*Hmm...*
She let out a soft whimper. Her long lashes trembled slightly before opening pure, jet-black eyes.
Their gazes locked awkwardly for seconds. Embarrassment thickened the air. Xia Shiqi’s flawless face flushed pink, spreading from her swan-like neck to translucent earlobes.
"You... you..." Her pure eyes held shy annoyance. Chuyun’s heart raced. *Why wake up now? So awkward.*
"Breakfast is ready. Wash up quick—we can’t be late for school today," he blurted, fleeing the room flustered.
Back at the table, Chuyun took deep breaths to calm down.
*Creak.*
He looked up. His sister stood there, groomed and radiant. Her delicate face held watery eyes, arched brows, a petite nose, and cherry lips. She wore a white sailor uniform top, a short black pleated skirt with lace trim, and white over-the-knee socks. Her slender thighs showed smooth, pale skin; calves hugged by socks.
*Still stunning after all these years. Only Chu Yiyi in high school rivals her.* But her skirt was too short. Imagining others seeing her like this, Chuyun frowned. "Xiaoqi, pull your skirt down. It’s too revealing."
"Such a sister complex," Xia Shiqi muttered, but obediently lowered the hem. Remembering last night’s chat with her best friend, her cheeks flushed with shyness.
*Ding! Xia Shiqi’s favorability +10.*
*Current favorability toward Chuyun: -89.*
*Huh? That easy? How did I hit -99 before?* Chuyun wondered. Her obedience felt odd—normally, she’d snap back. He preferred this quiet version. *If only she stayed like this.*
"Eat before it’s cold," he said warmly.
"Got it! Stop nagging!" Xia Shiqi shot him an annoyed glare, then glided to the table and sat elegantly.
*Ding! Xia Shiqi’s favorability -10.*
*Current favorability toward Chuyun: -99.*
