Chuyun watched his sister’s adorable puffed-out cheeks, a smile tugging at his lips as he reached out to ruffle Xia Shiqi’s little head. "Mm-hmm, if I don’t keep my promise, Xiao Qi can just bite me to death."

"Hmph, you better know that."

After a cute little huff, Xia Shiqi gently lifted her tiny bottom and scooted further onto Chuyun’s lap. She wrapped her arms around his back, pressing her face tightly against his chest.

Xiao Qi was getting more and more clingy. Chuyun gently stroked her silky black hair, gazing at his sister with deep affection.

He cherished this warm, cozy moment—he’d finally steered their two-person home back on track.

But in Xia Shiqi’s heart, it was different.

She greedily, almost pathologically, craved to claim every inch of Chuyun’s body. She wanted him saturated with her scent, molded to her shape. His firsts—all of them—should be hers alone.

If only she weren’t so young, she’d have devoured him whole by now. For now, she’d settle for a few appetizers.

A moment later...

Chuyun softly said to his petite, warm sister, "Xiao Qi, time to let go. School’s waiting."

"Mm-kay."

Xia Shiqi loosened her grip but stayed straddling his lap.

"Oh, Chuyun, I forgot to tell you something!"

"What is it, Xiao Qi?"

"When we go out this weekend, can we bring my best friend? Pleeease!" She tugged his hand, swinging it while cooing sweetly.

"Boy or girl?" Chuyun couldn’t hide his jealousy. Was some guy eyeing his innocent little sister?

"Don’t be silly! All girls, okay? Pleeease!"

"Alright, bring her along." Phew—not a boy. Chuyun nearly panicked. He’d never tolerate anyone targeting his pure-hearted sister. Protecting her was his duty.

He waited, but she still sat on his lap. Sighing, he patted her head. "Xiao Qi, down now. Time for school."

"Nope~~ Kiss first~~" She squeezed her eyes shut, tilting up her innocent face in a soft, sweet demand.

"Alright, clingy one. Kissed. Down now." He brushed aside her dark bangs and gave her forehead a light peck.

"Not enough. Kiss my cheek too."

"Alright, good now?" He gently kissed her flawless, delicate cheek.

"And my lips too."

"Alright—wait, no, not there!" He almost kissed her pouted, pink lips instinctively.

"I want to! I’m curious! You did it this morning anyway. Or I won’t move." She pouted unhappily, her slender legs clamping tightly around his thighs.

Chuyun knew she wouldn’t budge until he gave in. Was this appropriate? She had a point—they’d done it once, and she was at that curious age. Probably this morning sparked it. He’d treat it as family bonding; he couldn’t risk their hard-won closeness.

After a pause, he gave her pink lips a light peck.

"Xiao Qi, enough now?"

"Mm..."

Her shy, downcast face made him chuckle. So curious, yet so flustered. He patted her head. "No more curiosity now, right? Look at you—even your ears are red."

But Chuyun didn’t know: her flush wasn’t from shyness. It was excitement painting her face with a sickly red. She hid it—he couldn’t suspect her yet. She kept her head down, waiting for it to fade.

Xia Shiqi didn’t answer. She turned and left, her flush too stubborn to hide.

Watching her retreating figure, Chuyun thought, How adorably shy.

After tidying the table, he’d head out too.

Just as Chuyun cleared the dishes, something chilling unfolded nearby—at Lin Waner’s home.

In Villa No. 22, Flower Sea Community, Lin Waner sat on the sofa. Two bottles sat on the glass table: one full of water, one empty.

She lifted the full bottle with her right hand, the empty one with her left. Her crystal-clear lips sealed the full bottle’s mouth. As she tilted it, her delicate cheeks swelled with water. At the limit, she moved her water-filled mouth to the empty bottle. Her cheeks deflated slowly, filling the bottle drop by drop.

Minutes later, the full bottle stood empty; the empty one now held water.

Lin Waner’s face flushed unnaturally as she gazed at the bottle filled by her lips. "Xiao Yun, drink the water I prepared for you today with all my heart~~"

"Mm... Time for a new lip gloss flavor."