Li Yuxin was a sweetheart everyone adored. With her pretty face, sunny personality, and top grades, she naturally had a healthy circle of friends.

Her closest buddies were classmates, neighbors from adjacent classes, or dance partners—all teenage girls like her. Their shopping sprees radiated youthful charm, a giggling flock straight out of a coming-of-age film.

As the undisputed center of her friend group, Yuxin had meticulously planned every store they’d visit, keeping prices within a middle-schooler’s budget. She loved being surrounded by friends, loved being the "good kid" everyone adored, loved dressing up pretty. Today, she was the star—free to enjoy herself.

"Yuxin? That hairpin suits you!"

"Wanna see this bracelet?"

"How about this hat? So cute!"

Her friends plopped a knitted hat with bunny ears onto her head. She giggled, protesting, "It’s too childish for me!" but wrestled playfully with them. Pure joy.

Suddenly, familiar voices drifted from the shop entrance behind her.

She turned—

"Wanna buy a clip to pin your bangs back?"

"What guy wears hair clips?"

Yumo and Tanglingxue strolled in hand in hand. Yumo’s hair was oddly damp.

*Thump-thump-thud.*

Yuxin dropped like a stone, crouching as if suddenly fascinated by scarves at the bottom shelf.

"Yuxin? Picking out a new scarf?"

"Huh? Oh! Yeah... totally."

She peeked over the shelf like a wary kitten, eyes locked on the couple.

*(That woman... on a date with my brother...!!!!)*

...

...

Yuxin’s carefully planned shopping route changed instantly.

"Yuxin? These are all... men’s stores?"

"Ahaha! I suddenly remembered Dad needs winter clothes!"

"Wow, you’re so thoughtful, Yuxin!"

Thanks to her flawless reputation, no one questioned her. The girls chattered excitedly about their own dads or brothers—browsing men’s wear felt like an adventure.

Perfect. Yuxin used her friends as human shields, hiding behind them to spy on her brother and *that woman*.

Near the back racks, Ling Xue held a short trench coat against Yumo’s frame.

"This suits you."

"I hate light colors..."

"Try something new."

"And it’s... pricey. I can’t afford it."

"Who said you’re paying?"

"It’s your dad’s allowance—even if it’s generous—"

"I budget well. Buying you a few outfits is easy."

Their murmurs were too soft to catch, but their closeness stung.

*(I could accept Liyu, but you too...? Mmmph! I can’t accept this! ...Though I’ve no right to complain...)*

Like a thief, Yuxin trailed them for blocks behind her friend-wall. No one noticed.

---

Ling Xue and Yumo visited several stores. Yumo had swapped his puffy down jacket and baggy jeans for tailored cuts. His naturally lean frame, now honed by a month of grueling workouts, looked sharp in dark, fitted clothes.

"Get a haircut? Your hair’s a mess."

"Too lazy... I wash it daily. It’s clean."

"At least buy hair wax. Why hide behind bangs and glasses?"

"It... feels safe?"

"Try contacts."

"They’re bad for your eyes."

"You don’t have to wear them daily. Just comb your hair back sometimes. You’re actually handsome."

Yuxin’s blood pressure spiked with every word.

*(Only I should know how handsome my brother is!)*

Her friends finally noticed the couple too.

"Hey—aren’t they a couple?"

"Such a cool-looking girl! Kinda rebellious?"

"Her boyfriend? Great build!"

"Don’t look at them!!!"

*"Huh??"*

"I mean—we’ve seen enough here! Let’s go—"

"Yuxin? What are you doing here?"

*Thump-thump-thud.*

Yumo and Tanglingxue turned at the commotion, spotting their little sis before she could hide.

**System Alert: Assassin Yuxin’s stealth failed! Target detected!**

"Eh? You know him?" "Is he your friend?" "Yuxin?"

"Ah... uh... haha!"

Her embarrassment vanished in a flash. She beamed a megawatt smile, looping her arm through Yumo’s. He nearly stumbled; Tanglingxue snorted.

"Brother! Shopping too? Yay~~"

"Yuxin...?" Yumo repeated her name, half-convinced he was dreaming.

"You should’ve told Mom and Dad you were out with a classmate! They worry!"

"Yeah... sure..."

"Everyone, this is my brother Yumo—he’s two years older!" She added in a lightning-fast whisper: "Play along! I don’t want them thinking we’re estranged!"

"Right... ah..." Yumo wiped his brow. "I’m Yuxin’s brother. Be good to her, okay?"

"You’re Yuxin’s brother?" "So handsome!" "No wonder Yuxin’s amazing!" "Is she your girlfriend? You’re gorgeous!"

The middle-schoolers swarmed Yumo. As their idol, Yuxin’s family fascinated them. Yumo—though a self-proclaimed player—froze. *These are kids. I’m not that disgusting.*

"Can I call you ‘Brother’ too?" "Yumo-ge~" "Wechat ID?" "Hehe~"

Relief washed over Yuxin—they bought her act.

But... watching them fawn over *her* brother? Rage simmered.

*(Why do you keep calling him ‘Brother’? I’m his sister! ME!)*

"Alright, girls."

Tanglingxue clapped once. Her aura alone silenced the chatterboxes.

"We have plans. Don’t let us interrupt your fun."

*"Okaaay~"*

Hand in hand, she led Yumo away, waving at Yuxin over her shoulder.

*(That woman saved me...? Mmmph! I can’t accept this~~~~)*

"My brother’s busy—let’s grab bubble tea, everyone~~"

Today’s little sis lived her awesome double life.