"Su Su? You're awake?"

The bamboo curtain at the doorway lifted, and Sister Yu stepped inside.

Bai Su and Su Su exchanged an awkward glance—

Su Su: "Dummy, when did Sister Yu get here?"

Bai Su: "How should I know?"

Su Su: "Did she see what we were just doing?"

Bai Su: "How should I know?"

Su Su: "Is that the only expression you can make?"

Bai Su: "...What the hell can I do? I'm desperate too!"

They reluctantly agreed. Su Su instantly flopped back down, forcing a weak act: "Sister Yu... what time is it now... shouldn't my brother and I head home..."

She was trying to change the subject.

"It's two." Sister Yu sighed. "Su Su, why don't you cherish your body? You just left the hospital and you're pushing yourself. What if something went wrong?"

"Got it..." Su Su's guilt flashed, but she stubbornly insisted: "I'm perfectly fine now..."

"Fine? Then why did you faint?" Bai Su shot back mercilessly.

Damn it! Which side was this jerk on? Didn't he know to defend his sister?

Su Su hatched a plan. Smiling sweetly, she chirped "I know, I know," while subtly shifting behind Bai Su. Her hand snuck out, pinching a soft spot on his waist—then twisted in a full 360-degree Thomas spin!

"Hiss—" Bai Su sucked in a sharp breath.

A sour-sharp jolt shot from his waist straight to his skull.

They say pinching a man's waist is every woman's gift. Bai Su was sure Su Su had maxed that skill.

But he couldn't scold this "frail" little demon in front of Sister Yu. He turned, patting Su Su's head with fake warmth: "Good. Rest properly at home later. No wandering."

Murderous intent glinted in his eyes.

Hidden by Bai Su's back, Su Su stuck out her tongue— "Nyah nyah!"

Bai Su's face contorted in silent code: *Wait till we get home.*

Su Su shot back, defiant: "Bring it, idiot Bai Su!"

Just as tension crackled between them, Sister Yu cut in:

"Su Su, can you even walk? Let me walk you home."

Instantly, they broke the standoff. Turning with matching smiles, they clasped hands like the perfect sibling duo.

Su Su feigned thought, then refused politely: "No trouble, Sister Yu. I feel great, and home's just a few steps away."

Logical. Convincing.

Truth was, she hated owing favors—except to family or true friends.

"Really?" Sister Yu chuckled. "Then I won't insist. Be careful, both of you."

"Mm." They nodded.

Bai Su helped Su Su into her shoes, supporting her off the bed. They walked to the door, lifted the bamboo curtain, and stepped out of Xiao Chou Ju.

Sister Yu followed. At the entrance, Su Su waved brightly: "Bye, Sister Yu! I'll visit again soon!"

Bai Su, forgetting to say goodbye, fumbled a late wave.

Sister Yu nodded gently, smiling. She pinched Su Su's baby-soft cheeks: "Goodbye. You're always welcome here, Su Su."

The siblings turned and left.

Bai Su gripped Su Su's hand tightly, steadying her weak legs from the hypoglycemia relapse. Their shadows shrank into two dark circles pressed together under the scorching noon sun.

Behind them, unseen, Sister Yu's smile turned cryptic. She stared at their clasped hands like she'd uncovered a secret.

"Fascinating," she murmured. "Truly fascinating."

She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and slipped back into Xiao Chou Ju. The fake bamboo leaves shivered in a sudden gust, rippling like cold-blooded scales.

None of it mattered to the siblings down the street.

Su Su trudged slowly, her legs leaden from low blood sugar. She glanced down, muttering: "Weird... my legs are still slim and pretty... why so heavy?"

Bai Su, close enough to hear, deadpanned: "Shameless."

"Hmph!" Su Su tilted her head, defiant. "What? Not true?" She grinned slyly like a fox, whispering in his ear: "Look. Aren't your little sister's legs gorgeous? Want to touch?"

Her voice, soft as wind, sent shivers through him.

But she didn't stop there.

Su Su grabbed his hand, rubbing his palm, then pressed it toward her leg. She meant it.

Bai Su gasped. His left hand pinched his own thigh hard—a jolt of pain cleared his head. He swatted her hand away.

Su Su froze.

Bai Su studied her stunned face, the fine down on her cheeks, her pink skin. He made a decision.

Crouching, he slid one hand under her knees, the other behind her back. With a lift, her light frame flew into his arms amid a surprised yelp.

P-Princess carry???

Oh god!

Midsummer sun showered orange-gold sparks onto the scorching pavement. Few pedestrians braved the heat.

Yet those in the 2008 sunlight stared with envy and shock at Bai Su carrying Su Su like a bride.

Curled in his chest, Su Su's face burned crimson. Her mind spun.

*Die die die!*

She bit her lip, fists clenched, burying her face in his warmth. Steam seemed to rise from her head; tears glistened in her wide eyes.

*Bai Su! You jerk!*

Bai Su ignored her. Calm-faced, he strode toward home.

Like a walking David statue.

[To be continued]