"Is it better than the ointment?"

Chuyun wasn't entirely sure. But his strong survival instinct told him that saying "no" would mean his other shoulder would suffer the same fate at his sister's hands.

After a moment's thought, Chuyun gently said to his sister, "Mm, the pain is really gone now. But next time, don't do this again—it's a bit unhygienic."

Xia Shiqi shot him a disdainful glance and huffed, "Hmph! So annoying. I only did it because you looked pitiful. Next time, I won't even bother!"

*Yeah... because she won't be here next time anyway...*

Chuyun felt a headache coming on from his tsundere sister. Better just satisfy Xiaoqi's demands—this tantrum wouldn't end otherwise.

He looked at his sister before him. Her jet-black, silky hair cascaded down to her willowy waist. She still wore her school sailor uniform over her youthful frame. Her usually pure, almond-shaped face was now pouting high at him. Chuyun stepped forward, ruffled her hair, and pulled her into a hug.

"Xiaoqi, like this?"

His left arm gently cradled her slender back. His right hand stroked her smooth, dark hair from top to bottom.

Her slightly immature body felt incredibly soft, carrying a faint, sweet fragrance. Chuyun hadn't held his sister in so long. Xiaoqi had grown from a clingy, temperamental kid into a young lady. But she must be satisfied by now.

"Xiaoqi, it's been almost thirty seconds. Is this enough?" Chuyun asked softly, looking down at her in his arms.

"No! This doesn't count—it's not the hug I wanted!"

Though Xia Shiqi said this, she didn't loosen her grip at all. Instead, she clung tighter to Chuyun's back. Her fair little face pressed firmly against his chest, warm breath escaping her delicate nose now and then.

Xia Shiqi could never be satisfied with just this. She wanted something more intimate. This hug was nice, but far from enough.

Chuyun was baffled. Since when did hugs have types?

Still confused, he asked, "Then how do you want me to hug you, Xiaoqi?"

"I want you to hold me while we watch a movie! I've wanted to see it forever, but I'm too scared to go alone!" Xia Shiqi nuzzled into his chest, whining.

"A horror movie?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Xiaoqi, can we pick something else? I'm really scared of those."

Chuyun genuinely feared horror films—no one feared them more. He never expected Xiaoqi to drag him into one.

"No! I! Will! Watch! This!" Xia Shiqi lifted her head in his arms, baring her teeth like she'd bite him if he refused again.

"Okay, okay! Whatever you say, Xiaoqi."

Terrified by her snarling face, Chuyun agreed instantly. He didn't want another bite. Besides, he'd heard horror movies boosted closeness. If just watching one could mend things with his sister, he could accept it.

"Xiaoqi, let go for now. The food will get cold. After dinner and showers, I'll watch it with you, alright?"

Chuyun had wanted to say this earlier: if she didn't want this hug, why cling so tightly?

"Mm..."

Xia Shiqi reluctantly pulled away, but her reluctance vanished instantly. This was just an appetizer—the main course was coming.

*Ding! Side quest: Angry Sister completed.*

*Reward: 2 points, 1 charm point.*

*Ding! Xia Shiqi's affection +50.*

*Current affection toward Chuyun: -49.*

Whoa! +50 affection this time? That was huge! Chuyun was stunned. This alone finished half the task. With the "Angry Sister" quest done, Xiaoqi shouldn't be mad anymore. Tonight, he'd push hard to restore her affection to normal!

Chuyun brimmed with energy, eager to drag his sister to the horror movie and farm more affection points.

He'd have to stand up Han Youwei and Xiao Haozi tonight. They'd planned to clear the S-rank dungeon together in Destiny. Dungeons could wait—Xiaoqi's affection moments were rare. Chuyun knew priorities. He'd message them on QQ later.

After dinner, Chuyun and Xia Shiqi lounged lazily on the living room sofa.

Chuyun always felt that lying back on a soft sofa after eating, scrolling on his phone, was pure bliss. Only then did he understand why his sister lazed around so much—it really was comfortable.

*Ding ding ding!*

While watching Destiny PK highlights on Bilibili, Chuyun heard a QQ notification. He switched apps quickly. It was Han Youwei replying.

Han Youwei's QQ avatar was a tiny, adorable female husky—her actual pet. It was a perfect match. Chuyun's first thought upon learning this was: he couldn't imagine Han Youwei and a husky together. One was a human goofball; the other, an animal goofball. Their combined chaos was almost too much to picture.

Han Youwei: Chuyun, sorry! I was eating and missed your message.

Chuyun: No worries! I have something important tonight, so I can't play Destiny with you. Tomorrow okay?

Han Youwei: 😿 Meow-crying.jpg... Why? I was so excited! Do you think I'm bad at the game?

Chuyun: I'm not lying! It's really important. I'll let you pet me extra times tomorrow as compensation.

Han Youwei: 😿 But I'm still sad...

Chuyun: How about unlimited pets tomorrow? To make up for standing you up today.

Han Youwei: 😲 Wait, as many as I want?

Chuyun: Yep.

Han Youwei: 😺 Hehe, deal! See you tomorrow, Chuyun!

Finally calmed that silly girl down. Chuyun had paid a heavy price for tonight's plans. He hoped his hands would survive tomorrow.

Chuyun looked at his sister lounging across from him.

"Xiaoqi, do you want to shower first?"