"So you're saying you did nothing at all?" Jiang Chen fixed her gaze on me. "In this situation?"

Xia Tong had already dressed and stood beside me like a scolded child.

She actually tried to cling to my arm again. I flicked her forehead sharply. *Stop making things worse!* I thought desperately. *Can't you see how dark Jiang Chen's expression is? Explain yourself!*

*Tell her you stripped yourself! We did nothing!*

*Stop covering your head with that pitiful look.*

"Well... I know you might not believe me right now," I sighed helplessly. Honestly, who would?

"But it's true—we really did nothing! She took off her own clothes. I just wrapped her in a blanket. I didn’t even look!"

I yanked Xia Tong, who was still rubbing her forehead, forward. "Stop spectating and explain!"

To my shock, she used my pull to latch onto my arm, beaming like she’d won a prize.

Before Xia Tong could speak, Jiang Chen stepped closer. Her eyes locked onto mine, searching.

"W-what?" My voice cracked. She was too near—I could count her eyelashes.

After ten tense seconds, Jiang Chen finally pulled back.

"You’re not lying," she declared, arms crossed.

Relief washed over me.

"But as for you—" Her gaze snapped to Xia Tong.

Xia Tong suddenly snapped back, "What’re you staring at? I’m Ye Xi’s now. Sharing a room is normal! *You’re* the one barging in at midnight—what do *you* want?"

"*You—*" I stared at her, stunned. *Seriously?* I’d given up on this girl. *Can’t you see the situation? It was almost over!*

Jiang Chen’s lips twitched. She’d already stepped back but now surged forward again.

*We’re dead.* Xia Tong’s words would only deepen the misunderstanding. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for impact—

"Ow!" Xia Tong yelped.

I opened my eyes to see Jiang Chen twisting Xia Tong’s ear.

"Brat, how do you talk to me? What do I want? If your mom hadn’t called me, do you think I’d wander around sleepless at midnight for fun?"

"Huh? Mom called *you*? I told you to keep it secret!" Xia Tong scowled. "Why’d you spill?!"

"You caused such a scene during enrollment—did you really think Aunt and Uncle didn’t know?" Jiang Chen sighed wearily. "And you blame *me*?"

"Wait—you two are *sisters*?" That shocked me more than Xia Tong’s parents knowing. I’d already accepted my fate.

"Yep! Jiang Chen’s mom is my mom’s older sister!" Xia Tong hugged my arm. "Didn’t I tell you?"

"When did you ever mention it? I thought you were just close." I tried prying my arm free.

No wonder they got along so well.

"Enough chit-chat," Jiang Chen cut in. "Xia Tong, let go. Now. Back to your room. I shouldn’t have let you live alone. One minute unsupervised, and you’re causing trouble. If I hadn’t checked tonight, would you have stayed here all night?"

I nodded vigorously. Jiang Chen knew Xia Tong well. Thank goodness she came—I’d never have slept otherwise.

"No..." Xia Tong shrank behind me, peeking at Jiang Chen. "I don’t wanna go back..." She tugged my sleeve for help.

Jiang Chen shot me a meaningful look. I understood instantly. Grabbing Xia Tong’s arm, I dragged her toward the door. *This is my only chance to get rid of her.*

"Ye Xi, no—stop!" Xia Tong struggled to pull free, but her strength was no match for mine. I half-dragged, half-carried her to her room.

After warning Xia Tong to stay put and closing the door, Jiang Chen returned to me.

"Ye Xi," she said with a serene smile, "this time you showed restraint... Good thing you did nothing. Otherwise..."

A chill ran down my spine. Her words made me feel like I’d just escaped death’s door.

"Can I... go back now?" I didn’t want to linger. Jiang Chen’s mood was volatile.

"Go ahead. I need to talk to Xia Tong." Her tone was calm as she strode into Xia Tong’s room.

*Bloodbath incoming.* Sorry, Xia Tong—this isn’t my fault. Survive this, and never pull such stunts again.

*Amen.*

I silently prayed for her survival before heading to my room. Exhausted, I just wanted to sleep—but the encounter had wiped out all drowsiness. I tossed and turned, wide awake.

***

"Bro! You didn’t sleep last night? Huge dark circles!" Xiaoxi poked my eyes the next morning.

"Ah... yeah. Watched movies," I mumbled. I’d barely slept.

At least we were going home. Unlike yesterday, Jiang Chen firmly shoved Xia Tong into the passenger seat despite her protests, then sat beside Xiaoxi. I hid a grin. Jiang Chen leaned back, eyes closed—clearly she’d scolded Xia Tong all night. Meanwhile, the other culprit looked perfectly refreshed, constantly checking the rearview mirror at my seat with restless eyes. I pretended not to notice and closed my own eyes.

Xiaoxi gently guided my head onto her shoulder. I glanced up.

"Sleep," she whispered with a smile.

*Truly a sister’s warmth.* Too tired to refuse, I leaned against her.

Unseen by me, Xia Tong in the front seat clenched her jaw watching us. Xiaoxi, however, kept glancing down at my sleeping face, smiling softly.

***

"Bye!" I waved to Jiang Chen and the others.

"Bye, Jiang Chen-jie! Xia Tong-jie!" Xiaoxi chirped, waving enthusiastically. She got along well with them—especially Xia Tong, who’d dropped all hostility these past two days. That puzzled me. I’d ask her later.

Jiang Chen nodded. Xia Tong stayed silent, pouting in her seat. *Who upset her now?*

***

"Home sweet home!" I stretched after entering our apartment. Xiaoxi said nothing, just changed clothes in her room and tossed the old ones at my face.

"Hey!" I bristled—but before I could snap, she stuck out her tongue.

"Big baby! Drooling in your sleep? Pfft~"

I examined the shirt. Sure enough, my shoulder was damp. My face burned.

"Why not wake me?" I grumbled.

"No way! Too embarrassing if others saw!"

I hurried to the bathroom, shoving the evidence into the washer.

"Did you finish your homework? Stop wandering!" I called to Xiaoxi loitering in the hall.

"Oh..." Her cheerful expression vanished. Head down, she trudged back to her room.

*This kid...* I shook my head. My own homework lay untouched. Today would be a race against time.

Speaking of homework—I recalled Roberto Nevilis, an Italian teacher who first assigned homework as *punishment*. How had this torture become every student’s daily norm? Unbelievable.

***

"Ye Xi, you okay? You look exhausted." Fang Yiyi handed me her Chinese homework during collection.

"Stayed up late doing assignments. I’ll nap at noon. Nothing serious!"

"Rest well, then." She passed me her notebook.

"Got it." I continued collecting, now efficient at my class monitor duties. Practice makes perfect.

***

School days blurred by. Three days vanished in routine.

"Ye Xi! Student council after school!" Fang Yiyi reminded me at lunch. "Sports meet tomorrow—we need to prepare."

"Huh? Let me check..." I pulled out my phone. Jiang Chen’s notification stared back. "Right. I’ll go."

"Good."

The sports meet meant a long break ahead: two days off, then National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival. The longest holiday outside summer/winter breaks. But since the festivals overlapped this year, it felt like we’d been cheated.

Everyone chattered about holiday plans. I couldn’t relax yet. Jiang Chen had been strict about the sports meet prep. One mistake, and the whole student council would suffer. Terrifying.

***

"Xia Tong, heading to the student council? I’m going too." Fang Xuan stood by Xia Tong’s desk as she packed her bag.

She ignored him, zipping her bag with deliberate slowness.

*Does he not understand ‘leave me alone’?* she thought bitterly. *He still trails after me like a lost puppy—cafeteria, student council, everywhere. Pathetic.*

Xia Tong grabbed her bag and strode out of the classroom. Fang Xuan quickly followed behind. Students along the path instinctively scattered aside at the sight of them. Xia Tong and Fang Xuan were well-known; most freshmen recognized them. Calling them the school beauty and school heartthrob wasn’t an exaggeration.

Fang Xuan’s lips curled into a smile. At this rate, rumors would start swirling soon. It didn’t matter if Xia Tong denied it—as long as others saw them as a couple, that was enough. Given her personality, she’d likely ignore it anyway. With time, lies would harden into truth.

Unlike Fang Xuan’s mood, Xia Tong felt awful. What was his name again? Ugh, so annoying! She tried to recall but drew a blank, so she dropped it. She’d see Ye Xi soon anyway; nothing else mattered. Her pace quickened slightly. If only Fang Xuan knew she hadn’t even remembered his name.

“Sis Jiang Chen!” Xia Tong spotted Jiang Chen downstairs and jogged over.

“What’s wrong? What is it?” Jiang Chen frowned, baffled. Was the girl acting strange today?

“Help me block him! That guy’s been tailing me nonstop. So annoying!” Xia Tong’s voice dripped with impatience.

“Huh? Someone’s following you?” Jiang Chen turned and saw Fang Xuan. Catching her gaze, he slowed his steps, no longer clinging close.

“He’s stopped now. All clear!” Jiang Chen turned back to Xia Tong.

“He follows me around all day! I can’t even sneak a peek at Ye Xi’s class. He’s unbearable! I haven’t seen Ye Xi in three days.”

“Just ignore him. His whole family’s trouble.” Jiang Chen ruffled Xia Tong’s hair.

“Sis Jiang Chen… you… know him? Why never mention it?” Xia Tong’s curiosity sparked.

“Met him before. Bad impression. He felt familiar at first sight, but I couldn’t place him.” Jiang Chen stroked her chin.

“But it’s none of your concern. If you dislike him, keep your distance. Stop waiting at the school gate. Come find me right after class—we’ll walk together. Less hassle for you.”

“I knew you cared most!”

“Flatterer. Just stay out of trouble. Hurry—the meeting’s starting.”

“Mm!” Xia Tong nodded. “Sis Jiang Chen, can we discuss something?”

“You want me to ignore you during the meeting?” Jiang Chen asked.

“Mm-hmm!” Xia Tong bobbed her head eagerly.

Jiang Chen sighed, exasperated. “Cut it out—I know you too well. Sit front row this time. No distractions. I tolerated you last meeting, but in the student council, my rules apply.”

“Ah… Sis Jiang Chen, no! I’ll listen and take notes—I promise. Please?”

“Impossible!” Jiang Chen shut her down flatly.

They walked upstairs together, one girl chattering nonstop, the other wearing a cool, indifferent mask.