"Those of you who look strong, carry some mineral water to the sports field." Jiang Chen pointed at several burly boys—free labor was free labor.

"You handle sanitation near each class's area. Most importantly, make sure no one wanders around and disrupts the events." She assigned this to class monitors, mostly older students with imposing builds for better deterrence.

"As for the middle school section... you girls keep an eye on them. They’re just kids—easy to manage, but stay alert."

...

The opening ceremony continued smoothly on the field while we received tasks from the student council—or rather, Jiang Chen—behind the podium.

Sitting scattered in the lecture hall before, the crowd hadn’t felt overwhelming. Now lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, it was a sea of people. Truly, not just anyone could be student council president. The more I saw of Jiang Chen, the more extraordinary she seemed. Only Xia Tong could make her drop her guard.

"Hey, what are *you* doing here?" I glanced at the girl beside me. Her arm hooked through mine had drawn quite a few stares.

"I’m on the student council too!" Xiaoxi grinned. Her smile made several onlookers’ jaws drop.

"Ye Xi... is this your girlfriend?" Fang Yiyi, standing on my other side, eyed our closeness.

*Here we go again. ‘Siblings’ isn’t stamped on our foreheads.*

"Yes, nice to meet you!" Xiaoxi chirped before I could explain.

"Oh... really? I’ve never heard you mention her. She’s gorgeous..." Fang Yiyi murmured.

"She’s my *sister*!" I flicked Xiaoxi’s forehead with a *thwack*. She clutched her head, pouting.

"This brat’s my sister, Ye Xiaoxi. Ninth grade here. Our president dragged her into the student council..." I watched Fang Yiyi’s eyes widen.

"Your *sister*? You startled me!" Fang Yiyi covered her mouth, laughing. "She’s stunning!"

I rubbed my neck, embarrassed. "Yeah, everyone says that. We don’t even look related. Sometimes I doubt she’s my real sister."

My hand drifted to ruffle Xiaoxi’s hair. Gasps rippled around us. *Crap. When did this become a habit? Sorry, Xiaoxi.*

Unlike my panic, Xiaoxi beamed, eyes crinkling like a cat being petted.

"You two have such a sweet sibling bond..." Fang Yiyi’s voice trailed off, thoughtful.

I didn’t reply. Jiang Chen was already glaring at me—*how are her eyes that wide? Contacts?*

My gaze snagged on Xia Tong beside her. Today, she wore her usual icy mask.

I had no idea *I* was the reason. Xia Tong had arrived cheerful, but she’d seen every moment of my chat with Xiaoxi and Fang Yiyi. How could I know such a small thing would anger her?

Xia Tong tugged Jiang Chen’s sleeve. Jiang Chen felt the pull and understood. *She’s jealous over this? Seriously?*

Jiang Chen angled the mic away, whispering, "Behave. They’re just talking. Don’t make a scene today—too many people watching. Understood?"

Xia Tong ignored her. *That fox is luring Ye Xi! Can’t you see?* Her eyes flashed with frustration.

Below, Fang Xuan watched Xia Tong’s tense expression. Following her gaze, he smirked. *So he has a girlfriend now. Time to give up, Xia Tong.*

"Alright! Everyone, thank you for your help today." Jiang Chen clapped, dismissing us.

Fang Yiyi, Xiaoxi, and I were assigned to record race times under a shaded canopy—the easiest job.

"12.49 seconds!"

"12.53!"

"12.97!"

...

The timer called out results; we scribbled them down.

"They’re so fast! Like flying!" Xiaoxi gasped.

"High schoolers aren’t like your middle schoolers! See first place? My desk mate!" I bragged. Zhou Qi dominating the prelims impressed even me.

"So? What’s that got to do with *you*? Remember who collapsed after the 1000m in the high school entrance exam? Took three days to recover. Mortifying." Xiaoxi twirled her pen, smirking.

"*Ahem!*" I coughed. "Can’t expect much from a shut-in, right?"

Fang Yiyi giggled at our bickering.

"Ye Xi?" Xia Tong suddenly appeared behind me.

"Xia Tong? Shouldn’t you be with the president?" I used her formal title—keeping distance.

"And you are?" Xia Tong ignored me, staring at Fang Yiyi.

Fang Yiyi blinked, then recovered. "Fang Yiyi. Ye Xi’s class monitor. Nice to meet you!"

"Fang... Yi... Yi..." Xia Tong enunciated each syllable slowly.

"Xia Tong, we’re busy. Maybe you should—"

"Busy? You looked *happy* to me." Her tone turned sharp. *What now?*

I forced a laugh. "That makes no sense. Must be a misunderstanding." I shot her desperate looks. *What’s wrong with you today?*

"No trouble at all! I’m free anyway—I’ll help." Xia Tong smiled sweetly. "Xiaoxi, scoot over. Let me take your spot."

*Targeting my sister?* I yanked Xiaoxi back down. "We’ve got it covered!" I pressed her into her chair. She glanced between us and stayed silent.

"Fine! Don’t let me interrupt." Xia Tong dragged a chair beside Xiaoxi, propping her chin on her hand, watching us sideways.

I sat stiffly. The air turned glacial.

"Xia Tong seems close to you," Fang Yiyi whispered.

"Huh?" I stared. *Close?*

"She’s never talked this much to any guy before. Usually ignores boys completely," Fang Yiyi added.

"*Haha*... must be your imagination. She probably hates me..." I laughed awkwardly. *I told her not to approach me at school!*

"Really?"

"Next race is starting! Focus!" I cut her off. *Thank goodness.*

*Ding...*

*Ding...*

*Ding...*

My phone buzzed nonstop. I didn’t need to check—Xia Tong’s head was bent over her screen. I silenced my phone and stuffed it away.

Her texting sped up. Her fingers flew—I almost worried she’d cramp.

Xiaoxi subtly edged her chair closer to mine.

*Why did Jiang Chen let her roam free?* I wondered. *She was keeping Xia Tong on a leash earlier. Only she can control her here.*

As if summoned, Jiang Chen strode over, face tight. "Sneaking off again? Come. *Now.* No more nonsense." She shot me a look only we could see.

*Thank god. I can actually work now.*

Xia Tong stood without protest, returning her chair. *Finally—*

Her foot hooked my chair leg as she passed. I lurched forward, barely missing the table. No one saw my near-faceplant.

"*You—*" I spun around, furious. Xia Tong strolled away, whistling innocently.

Jiang Chen, following her, caught the scene. She shook her head at me, exasperated.

*What did I even do?* I fumed. Fang Yiyi and Xiaoxi exchanged knowing glances.

*Am I the only one who doesn’t get her?*

...

...

...

After two days, the sports festival finally closed. Worth the half-month of planning—even if I barely lifted a finger.

And Zhou Qi lived up to everyone's expectations, sweeping first place in both the 100m and 400m, and grabbing third in the 3000m—an absolutely staggering feat.

As for Xia Tong, aside from snapping at me for no reason on day one, she spent the rest of the time trailing Jiang Chen everywhere, wandering and patrolling like some big boss and second-in-command duo. Hierarchy really does rule everywhere.

What shocked me most was Xiaoxi—she’d already started calling Fang Yiyi "sister" after just two days. This girl’s a total sister-charmer; her people-pleasing skills are maxed out. Jiang Chen and Xia Tong? Every single one of them’s like that.

...

"Bro, tomorrow’s a holiday! Let’s go out and play!" Xiaoxi chirped on our walk home.

"Nope. Only idiots go out on National Day. Forgot what happened at the pool last time?" I shot back without hesitation.

"Ugh! Anything’s better than rotting at home. You’re really staying in all seven days?"

"Mm-hmm!" I confirmed. Nothing shameful about it.

"Also, Xiaoxi—did you forget what tomorrow is?" I asked.

"Tomorrow? What about it?" She looked utterly lost.

"Mom’d be furious if she knew! Last weekend she said she’s flying back this Saturday—you promised to pick her up!" I sighed helplessly.

"Wait—she’s back tomorrow? Already?" Xiaoxi’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yep! I’m finally free. If you wanna go out, Mom can take you. This month’s been exhausting—babysitting you plus Xia Tong’s chaos? I need a real break."

Xiaoxi’s bright mood instantly sank. "So soon..."

...

...

...