For years, Chuyun hadn’t seen Shiqi this happy. As her older brother, he felt terribly irresponsible. If only he’d treated her like this earlier, she wouldn’t hate him so much.

But it wasn’t too late now. Spoiling Shiqi a bit and coaxing her gently might restore their old bond soon.

“Hey hey, Chuyun, where are you taking me this weekend?” Xia Shiqi asked in a coquettish voice that could melt bones.

“Whatever Shiqi wants. Wherever you go, I’ll follow,” Chuyun replied, utterly devoted.

“Hmph… What’s with you today? Plotting something?” Xia Shiqi eyed him suspiciously. He was acting so oddly—just like the boys who fawned over her at school.

“No, no. I just realized I want to mend things with you, Shiqi. Can you give your brother a chance?” Chuyun said sincerely, gazing at her.

“Hmmph. We’ll see your performance first. Do well, and I might consider it,” Xia Shiqi replied tsunderely, turning away shyly. But the corners of her pink lips curled high, betraying her joy.

*Ding*, Xia Shiqi’s favorability +30.

Current favorability towards Chuyun: -39.

Yay—another 30 points! Sixty gained just this morning. If he kept this up, he’d hit normal levels today. Chuyun almost wanted to pop champagne.

Still planning his next move, he was interrupted by his phone ringing.

Chuyun checked it—Sister Waner calling. “Shiqi, it’s Lin Waner. Probably picking us up for school,” he told his staring sister.

“…”

At Lin Waner’s name, Xia Shiqi flared like a bristling cat. *Smack!* The dining table groaned under her strike.

“Hmph. Go alone if you want. I’m leaving!” She lifted her chin, almond eyes wide as she glared fiercely at Chuyun. Then she stormed toward the entrance.

*Ding*, Xia Shiqi’s favorability -60.

Current favorability towards Chuyun: -99.

What a rollercoaster—60 points gained, then lost instantly. Chuyun watched bewildered as his sister slammed the front door behind her. *Bang!*

Why…? Did even saying “Sister Waner” upset her this much? How deeply did she hate Waner? He needed to talk to Waner—they used to get along fine.

“What a shameless woman!” Xia Shiqi muttered at the doorway, pearly teeth biting her cherry lips until a faint blood trace appeared. Resentment flashed in her pure eyes. Dark clouds gathered on her face, ready to burst.

*Bang…* *Bang…* *Bang…* Fuming, she kicked the door hard three times before leaving.

Hearing the kicks, Chuyun sighed. That much grudge? He’d avoid mentioning Sister Waner near Shiqi—losing 60 favorability per slip was unbearable.

“Xiao Yun?”

“I heard kicking. Shiqi’s tantrum again?”

“Yeah. She was fine until I said your name.”

“Why does she hate me? She used to like me.”

“Maybe her rebellious phase. She’s at that age. Don’t be mad.”

“How could I? I’m trying to mend things with Shiqi.”

“Eh? Mend things?”

“Yes. Taking her out this weekend might help.”

“Xiao Yun, you’re such a good brother. Keep it up,” Lin Waner said softly, pearly teeth grazing her lips, an ambiguous smile on her lovely face.

“Mm, I will, Sister Waner. Gotta tidy up first—see you soon.”

“Mm-hmm~”

The call ended. In Flower Sea Villa District, a girl stood gloomily, lost in thought. Soon, she rubbed her face and walked off.

Chuyun stepped out after cleaning, spotting Lin Waner waving her fair hand at the iron gate.

“Xiao Yun~” Her gentle, bell-like voice reached him. She had a delicate oval face, flawless skin, a slender neck, and arched eyebrows. Her watery eyes sparkled; a petite nose and cherry-red lips curved in a soft smile.

Her knee-length blue dress hugged her well-proportioned figure—radiantly mature compared to Shiqi’s youthful charm.

“Sister Waner, I said I’d come to you. Why visit?” Chuyun opened the gate.

“Hehe, I just wanted to see Xiao Yun sooner!”

Standing before his childhood friend, Chuyun’s gaze turned complex. Would future Waner suffer like Shiqi because of him? Was that future self truly him…?

“Xiao Yun, today’s hug!” Lin Waner tiptoed, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing his head to her soft chest.

“Sister Waner, wait—” Chuyun started, but the incredible softness and intoxicating maidenly fragrance overwhelmed him. Blushing crimson, he struggled to breathe, squirming to escape this enviable spot.