I can’t… I can’t take it anymore…

Here, Yixinxue, the tofu skin’s really good too.

Even though Yixinxue’s bowl was still full, Yanxi kept piling food into it.

This lamb slice—coat it in chili powder. It tastes amazing.

Yanxi… don’t do that… Yixinxue can’t handle spice…

Huh? Really? You know her that well?

No, I… I can…

No one could tell if it was sweat or tears. They slid down her pale, rosy cheeks and dripped onto the table.

By now she couldn’t feel the spice on her lips or tongue. They were completely numb. Only her esophagus and stomach still burned.

It hurts… so much…

Just as the stubborn Yixinxue reached for more meat, Lingyuan grabbed her wrist. If he didn’t stop her, one more bite and she’d be a goner.

Stop eating. You can’t take spice. This is bad for your body.

Her face barely changed, but you could faintly see pain tearing her apart.

I can… Her gaze went a little unfocused. She couldn’t take spice at all, yet sheer will against Yanxi kept her going. That was a miracle already.

Stop forcing it. Lingyuan took the chopsticks from her and rolled his eyes at Yanxi. Yanxi, seriously. You went too far.

Yanxi just kept eating, unconcerned, a smug smile spreading on her face.

You really leave me no choice.

Lingyuan sighed and stood to grab a big cup of yogurt for Yixinxue. Seeing it, she looked saved, and chugged it down in gulps.

Maybe it was too spicy. Even a big cup didn’t help much.

Ugh… I can’t take it… chili is terrifying…

With the upper hand, Yanxi didn’t plan to let her off. She wore a soft smile. So, Yixinxue, hotpot’s delicious, right?

Her scattered eyes refocused. She straightened a bit and forced it out. It’s delicious. Let’s come again next time.

Good.

Just then, Yanxi’s phone rang. It was Uncle Wang.

Mm? Uncle Wang, what’s up?

Miss, President Yan is very angry. You skipped piano again this morning. She wants you there immediately. I’ll pick you up. Where are you?

Piano lessons… I’ve blown off quite a few, huh?

Yanxi pouted. She really didn’t want to leave her brother to this extremely dangerous girl. But if she skipped again, her mother would explode.

I’m at Yida Plaza. I’ll head to the bus stop.

Okay, Miss. I’m on my way.

Yanxi hung up, annoyed, and stared at Lingyuan. I’ve got class. I’ll be back tonight.

That meant: when I return tonight, I expect to see you.

Okay… got it…

After Yanxi hurried off, Lingyuan asked softly, Class rep, you okay…?

Ah… almost died. But hey, Lingyuan— Yixinxue lifted her head a little. Her chilly gaze made him lean back on instinct.

Are you two a couple?

No way. We’re just brother and sister.

No blood relation, and you still call yourselves siblings?

We’re from a blended family. But she treats me like her real brother.

I see. Quite the threat, huh. Yixinxue nodded, thoughtful. Hard to believe you and Yanxi are family. Unbelievable.

One’s dead last in the grade. One’s third.

I’ll treat you to something else later. You barely ate. Think of it as me apologizing for Yanxi.

This hotpot… Yixinxue wiped her face. The burn on her lips hadn’t faded. It’s the scariest thing I’ve ever eaten… You really don’t feel it?

Lingyuan dabbed the oil at his mouth, casual. I can handle spice. Compared to Chongqing or Sichuan, this is at most medium. Only their extra-hot makes me feel it.

Medium, huh…

Is it really that terrifying…?

What do you want to eat later?

Uh… uhh… anything not spicy…

It’s too scary… If I eat any more… my mental defenses will collapse…

Want milk tea? Might help with the burn. You look about done.

Lingyuan couldn’t help thinking Yixinxue was a bit silly. This was a totally unnecessary match… maybe one with zero chance to win.

Yeah…

Her throat was so scorched she could barely make a sound. She felt herself hovering on death’s edge.

Let’s go. Lingyuan slung her cat backpack over his shoulder. Even with the noise, Xinxin Meow slept soundly, like the outside world had nothing to do with it.

We’re not paying…?

Yanxi already paid. Don’t worry.

Besides, Yanxi’s not short on cash.

Lingyuan’s mouth twitched. Compared to her figures, this meal was nothing.

Okay… Yixinxue steadied herself and matched his pace. Um…

What is it, class rep?

If it’s okay… full sugar… extra ice… and… add coconut jelly, grass jelly, pudding…

Seeing Lingyuan stunned, Yixinxue smiled, embarrassed. It’s so spicy… I want extra sweet…

Unbelievable. Sure, it was to kill the heat, but that was a lot. For a girl with such a great figure, shamelessly loading up on sugar was surprising.

Yixinxue grabbed the milk tea and drank in big gulps. Maybe it looked too unflattering. She turned slightly, letting her bangs hide the way she drank.

Don’t look at me…

Her voice came muffled. Each time, barely audible. It wasn’t clear if she wanted him to hear or not.

The proud, icy class rep? Nope. Right now she was a pervy, shy class rep.

Lingyuan turned away, smiling.

Looks like the class rep isn’t that scary after all. Tch. So that’s all.

Suddenly, someone tugged his shirt. His head turned back. Before he could react—

Their lips touched. A cool tongue slipped into his mouth, greedily stealing his breath.

Class rep! This is the freaking milk tea shop entrance!