The next morning, Mu Yue Ran opened her eyes. Her foggy brain caught a mouthwatering aroma. Before her mind could catch up, her body reacted—automatically sliding out of bed. Rubbing her stomach, she shuffled out of her room.
There, in the kitchen, Ji Yueyi was cooking. Tied in an apron, she seemed cheerful, humming a little tune while flipping eggs in the pan. Only after plating the scrambled eggs did she turn and notice Mu Yue Ran was awake.
"Sister Yue Ran, you’re up!"
"Mm. You’ve worked hard."
Leaning against the doorway, Mu Yue Ran watched her with a soft smile. She hadn’t expected waking to a beautiful girl making breakfast would feel this wonderful. Taking the plate from Ji Yueyi’s hands, she set it on the table—already laden with three side dishes. For breakfast, it was lavish. Mu Yue Ran quickly pulled Ji Yueyi away from the stove, pressing her into a chair. "That’s enough. Cook more, and we’ll never finish it."
"Okay…" Ji Yueyi bit her chopsticks reluctantly. She’d wanted to show off more of her cooking skills for Sister Yue Ran.
But seeing Mu Yue Ran devouring her food—utterly unconcerned with appearances—Ji Yueyi’s heart swelled. Satisfaction bloomed into a smile at her lips. She barely ate herself, already full just watching Mu Yue Ran’s profile. *Perhaps this is what poets mean by "a feast for the eyes."*
After breakfast, Mu Yue Ran sprawled on the sofa like a lazy bug, sipping tea and savoring this decadent life. Only when Ji Yueyi emerged in her school uniform did Mu Yue Ran remember—it was a weekday. Ji Yueyi had class.
She chased her out the door, hooking an arm over Ji Yueyi’s shoulders. Her fingers dangled car keys. "I’ll drive you. You can rest more in the car."
Ji Yueyi shook her head urgently, flustered. "You’ve already taken me in—I can’t trouble you further!"
"It’s fine. I have errands too. Perfectly on my way."
"Hmm…" Ji Yueyi glanced at Mu Yue Ran’s bear-patterned pajamas, hesitating. *Adorable on her… but really not streetwear.* Gently, she pointed out the awkward truth: "Sister Yue Ran… are you wearing *that* to run errands?"
Mu Yue Ran froze. She looked down, slapped her forehead, and bolted back inside—shedding pajamas mid-sprint. "One sec! Wait for me!"
Ji Yueyi stifled a giggle, watching her flustered retreat. *Sister Yue Ran seems so strong… but sometimes she’s adorably clumsy.* She vowed to help her more.
The girl who’d just found her purpose gazed at the bright sky. White clouds drifted lazily. She reached out, feeling that clear blue heaven was almost within touch.
---
Mu Yue Ran drove Ji Yueyi to school, her hands rubbing the worn leather of the steering wheel. *If I ever get rich, I’ll buy a better car.*
【*You should’ve said so sooner. I thought you liked this model.*】
"Huh? Are you *that* rich?"
A scoff echoed in her mind—System’s disdain clear.
【*Ever met a broke System? This is operational funding. A good car aids missions. Just tell me what you need.*】
【*Your only job is protecting these girls.*】
Mu Yue Ran stiffened. Cold air hissed between her teeth. That tone… it felt hauntingly familiar.
"You sound exactly like my little sister scolding me to study."
【*Maybe reflect on why everyone worries about you.*】
"Stop it! Those dead memories still ambush me."
She parked, guilt flashing across her face. She recalled her brilliant younger sister—snapped up by the national sports team for her insane athletic talent. Their paths had diverged early, strained by harsh training and one unforgivable rift. They hadn’t spoken in nearly five years… not until Mu Yue Ran died in that accident.
*As her brother, I did my duty. Even if she never appreciated it.*
*Does she even know I’m gone? Would she shed a tear?*
Mu Yue Ran smiled wistfully, watching Ji Yueyi step out and wave goodbye. *The past is past.* She wasn’t one to dwell. Now, she’d drag these girls from fate’s twisted whirlpool—and crush every scumbag who hurt them.
She got out too, pulling Ji Yueyi into a tight hug, cradling that sun-warmed head.
"Study hard. Call me if anything happens."
"I’ll pick you up after school."
Ji Yueyi melted into the embrace, eyes closing. "Mm."
---
While Ji Yueyi slept peacefully that night, someone else tossed in a hospital bed, wide awake.
Wu Fan glared at the ceiling, bandages wrapped around his head. Physical pain was bearable. What burned was being beaten bloody by two women—in public. His pride lay shattered on the floor.
"I’ll kill those bitches! I’ll kill them both!!"
A nurse entered, unfazed. She’d heard this rant before. Wu Fan’s tantrums were routine—like a mental ward resident screaming at ghosts.
Spotting her, Wu Fan seized his target. His sharp eyes raked over her figure as she approached. He yanked her close, leering. "How much do you make here a month? Come work for me. I’ll keep you."
The nurse forced a smile, fighting nausea. "Mr. Wu, no sudden movements. Please let go."
"And if I don’t?" His grip tightened.
"My last patient had AIDS," she stated flatly.
Wu Fan hurled her away, scrubbing his hands with disinfectant wipes. "Get out! Send a man next time!"
"Yes, sir."
The nurse retreated, shutting the door. Only then did she slump against it, legs trembling. *Get a male nurse. This guy’s a rabid dog.* She patted her chest, catching her breath—then froze.
A stunning figure stood before her. Even masked, her beauty stole the nurse’s breath.
Mu Yue Ran pressed a finger to her lips, winking.
"Shh! I’ve got unfinished business with the scumbag inside."
