"Hold on, dinner’ll be ready soon. Yuzhe, why not watch some TV for now?"

Qiuran hummed a cheerful tune, heading to the kitchen in high spirits.

After she left, Chen Yuzhe stole a glance at the floor from the corner of his eye.

He sighed inwardly with relief, heart still pounding.

Good thing he hadn’t kept playing along.

He hadn’t dared look back at Qiuran—not even once—afraid she’d saved a final trump card.

Sure enough. The tiled floor reflected her long, bare legs, completely unobstructed.

That crazy girl had stepped out without a bath towel.

If he hadn’t backed down earlier and stubbornly continued, she’d have pushed further—daring him to turn and look.

Then he’d have lost worse. Turn and lose. Don’t turn and still lose. Like failing to surrender at fifteen minutes only to get spammed at the fountain.

*Sigh*. Miscalculation. He’d lost fair and square.

Never thought Chen Yuzhe would trip up in such a trivial matter. Day and night vigilance, yet a thief at home is hardest to guard against.

Qiuran knew him too well. When she schemed, escape was nearly impossible.

But… while watching TV, Chen Yuzhe’s gaze drifted unconsciously toward the kitchen.

Inside, Qiuran bustled back and forth, humming happily as she cooked. She looked every inch the homemaker.

This quiet moment alone together… almost felt like an old married couple.

*Cough*. Oops. Guilt gnawed at his conscience. Though he barely had one anyway.

Dinner was ready soon after.

Qiuran had simply stir-fried two dishes—one was Chen Yuzhe’s favorite, mapo tofu.

He sat down without ceremony, scooping rice. He popped a tofu cube into his mouth, savoring the soft, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.

"How is it?" Qiuran asked, settling opposite him with eager eyes.

"Sis’s tofu—delicious?"

Chen Yuzhe nearly choked, coughing hard before shooting her an annoyed glare.

"Seriously? Can’t you drop that joke already?"

"Eh~ Why drop it? Rare for Yuzhe to tease Sis—I’ll treasure it forever."

Qiuran pouted playfully, her exaggerated hurt expression making Chen Yuzhe chuckle.

"...Cut it out, Yan-jie. This isn’t fun with me."

Her ears flushed bright pink.

Only Chen Yuzhe knew: though Qiuran seemed unflappable to others, she wasn’t immune to reactions.

When nervous or shy, her ears turned rosy, heat spreading to the tips.

Only someone as bored as him would notice—and test—such details.

Truth was, she wasn’t as calm inside; a hint of shyness lingered.

But Chen Yuzhe let the joke die.

"School going okay lately?"

"Eh… fine," he mumbled, head down as he shoveled rice. "Just need the diploma. As long as I don’t fail, last place is fine."

"Can’t you put more effort into studies?" Qiuran sighed, rolling her eyes.

Chen Yuzhe shrugged. "Studying hard won’t change much. Grad school’s just another degree for a salary bump. Earning cash now’s smarter."

"You little money-grubber. Need so much cash? Can’t ask Sis?"

*No way. Asking you’d be embarrassing.* He thought it silently.

"Classmates’d mock me as a sugar mama’s boytoy. Hard pass."

"Eh?" Qiuran pouted instantly. "If Sis wants to spoil you, it’s my choice. Let them be jealous."

*Hmph.*

Do I, Chen Yuzhe, look like a kept boy?

Dream on. If anything, I’d keep the sugar mama.

"Anyway, I don’t want your money. I earn my own. Don’t underestimate me." He looked away.

Qiuran beamed. "Mm-hmm. Sis knows, of course."

"Our Yuzhe’s the best! Most amazing ever!"

"...What’s with that mom-proud look?"

"Nonsense! He truly is amazing! Sis is just proud."

"Your eyes are totally smirking! Stop grinning—specify what’s amazing!"

"Everything… super amazing. Hehe."

"Damn! Do you even drive? That wheel’s rolling over my face—I’m calling cops!"

This shameless sibling routine. Probably their everyday.

Probably.