"Because we're not blood-related..." Lingyuan's voice trailed off softly.

"Meow~"

Xin Xin poked its head out from Yixinxue's arms. Seeing Lingyuan, it grew excited and kept meowing.

"Oh, you seem full of energy."

A person who wants to survive must learn to shift attention.

Lingyuan took Xin Xin from Yixinxue's hands and gently stroked its head. Xin Xin blinked its crystal-blue eyes at Yanxi, who wore a hostile expression.

Yanxi narrowed her eyes.

"This is the cat my brother always mentions? It even matches Yixinxue's hair color. Could he really have been swept away by her?"

Her gaze shifted back to Yixinxue.

"But no matter what, someone as excellent as Yixinxue shouldn't like my brother. Would she even want a depressed guy like him?"

The atmosphere turned painfully awkward. Lingyuan laughed stiffly while petting the cat. "You ate well—your belly's round and plump."

Yixinxue reined in her wary look. She still couldn't confirm Lingyuan and Yanxi's relationship. If they were a couple, Yanxi wouldn't call him "brother." Yet Lingyuan claimed no blood ties...

"It eats a lot," Yixinxue said flatly.

"Well, it hadn't eaten for days. Of course it's hungry."

"Oh right, brother, time to eat." Yanxi grabbed Lingyuan's hand. "Let's go."

"Wait, wait—class rep, are you joining us?" Lingyuan quickly held her back.

If Yanxi dragged him off now, Yixinxue would never forgive him later. Her punishments would only escalate—growing more extreme... Lingyuan couldn't bear to imagine the consequences.

"Of course. What are you eating?" Yixinxue agreed straightforwardly.

"Yixinxue probably can't handle it, right?" Yanxi's eyebrows lifted slightly, her expression souring.

Lingyuan pursed his lips. "We could order a yuanyang pot..."

"Wouldn't that lack soul?"

"Are you eating hot pot?" Yixinxue tilted her head.

"Yes, but we want an all-red pot. I wonder if Yixinxue has the ability to handle it." Yanxi spoke with disdain, as if issuing a challenge.

Yanxi and Yixinxue were both in the Discipline Department—Yanxi as vice-minister, Yixinxue as minister. At past gatherings, Yanxi had noticed Yixinxue never ate spicy food. She'd concluded Yixinxue couldn't tolerate heat.

"If you lack that ability, it's a pity—you can't join us~" Yanxi shook her head in mock regret and sighed. "Ah—such a shame."

The competitive Yixinxue couldn't tolerate this. Lingyuan was being monopolized; she couldn't lose at eating.

"Of course I can eat spicy food. Don't change plans for me!"

"Huh?" Lingyuan stared wide-eyed, glancing between them. "Class rep, are you sure?"

"Don't stop me."

"Oh no... She probably doesn't know Yanxi and I always eat extra-spicy all-red pot with extra chilies. This'll be her death!"

"Let's go then. It's on the fourth floor."

Weekend crowds filled the mall. Thankfully, the hot pot restaurant had one empty table.

"I'll order the extra-spicy all-red pot." Yanxi checked the menu option without hesitation.

"Miss, our base is very spicy. Are you sure?" a smiling waitress asked.

Yanxi nodded firmly. "Add extra chilies too! We're super good at spice!"

"Hey—this is setting Yixinxue up for death!"

Lingyuan covered his face, torn between laughter and tears. He'd wanted to stop Yanxi, but it was too late.

"Chilies... extra spicy... more chilies..."

Yixinxue bit her lip lightly, her hands gripping her skirt hem nervously.

Noticing her subtle shift, Lingyuan tentatively asked Yanxi, "Should we order yogurt drinks too?"

"Who drinks yogurt with hot pot?" Yanxi glared at him, as if saying, "Shut your mouth."

"Hmm, true..." Lingyuan wisely fell silent. He could only send Yixinxue a sympathetic glance.

The pot base arrived soon after, covered in Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies. For spice-intolerant people, the sight was terrifying.

"Help me..."

The whisper was soft, drowned by the restaurant's noise.

But Lingyuan, seated closest, heard it. He smiled helplessly. "Class rep... maybe skip it. For non-spicy eaters, it's... hard. And hot pot gets spicier as it boils."

"I... I can handle it..." Yixinxue's voice trembled. Yet her pride refused surrender, especially before Lingyuan.

Yanxi returned from the condiments, placing a small bowl before Yixinxue. "Hmm, red pot with dry spice dip is the ultimate way! If you love spice, you'll adore this!"

"You're giving her dry spice dip!?"

Lingyuan looked utterly shocked. Yanxi sat back innocently, oblivious to Yixinxue's distress.

"Damn—this isn't accidental! You're settling scores!"

"Ugh... someone save me..."

Hearing Yixinxue's whisper, Lingyuan felt guilty. But no persuasion would stop them now.

The pot bubbled with peppercorns, melted butter, and red oil. Just the steam brought tears to Yixinxue's eyes.

She forced herself to endure. Losing here would prove she couldn't compete for Lingyuan—even though spice was far beyond her limits.

"Xinxue, youtiao soaked in hot pot is amazing—nothing like breakfast youtiao. Try it."

Yanxi dropped a piece into Yixinxue's bowl.

Lingyuan stared wide-eyed. The youtiao had soaked up broth—clearly deliberate. Who eats youtiao first with hot pot? He covered his eyes, unable to watch.

"Ah... okay, thank you."

Yixinxue bit her lip, trembling as she lifted her chopsticks. Under Yanxi's gentle gaze, she blew on the youtiao and took a bite.

"It doesn't seem spicy..."

Strangely, it wasn't fiery—just very salty.

"Good?"

"Quite good."

The moment she spoke, regret hit. Her lips, mouth, throat—even her esophagus—burned fiercely.

"So... so spicy..."

"Ugh... no... Mom, save me..."