The room was pitch black, no lights on. The evening breeze fluttered the curtains as late summer’s heat faded, giving way to autumn’s crispness.
Qi Ran sat on the bed, waiting for her brother’s return. Normally, he’d be home by now—showered, chopping vegetables in the kitchen—while she watched his back without blinking.
She cherished every second; after all, she rarely got to see him all day.
He’d be a bit late today, he’d said at lunch.
All for pudding. Qi Ran had sworn off sweets to lose weight, but her stubborn body shed pounds even lying still.
Qi Yan insisted she needed sugar to gain weight, leaving her no excuse to refuse.
Though the pudding wasn’t here yet, its sweetness already melted in her chest, soothing her.
*If only he could stay with me forever.* She’d think this selfishly sometimes. But no—he carried life’s heavy burdens.
He never shared details; she never pressed. He likely had a tough job, and she understood. Two years bedridden didn’t make her naive.
*Click.* The lock turned at the door.
*Brother!*
Relief flooded her. He was finally home.
Qi Ran crossed her arms, clutching her notebook to her chest, waiting.
“Xiao Ran, I’m back…”
Her day’s anticipation burst—then shattered.
“Is this your place, senpai? It’s so tiny.”
“Not as grand as your mansion, but small homes have charm too.”
A stranger’s young voice seeped in. Unease coiled in Qi Ran’s gut. She’d known this day would come, but not so soon, so quietly, so unexpectedly.
*Brother’s… girlfriend?*
Resentment, displeasure, and fear churned in her stomach.
*How selfish of me. I’m already broken—must I steal his happiness too?*
She tightened her arms, wrinkling her dress, trembling slightly, eyes glazed.
“Why’s it so dark? We’re not that broke yet.”
Qi Yan flicked on the light. Seeing her state, he rushed over, words tumbling out: “Xiao Ran, are you okay? Sick? Hospital?”
She shook her head, eyes shut, looking even more fragile.
“Really fine?”
After a breath, she jingled the bell on her left wrist.
Qi Yan recalled last night’s Sister Rules. *“I’m fine” means… “Just a nightmare. Too real. I’m okay now.”*
“A nightmare?”
*Who is she?*
Qi Ran jabbed her notebook, glaring at Su Shiyu, who gawked around like a tourist in a palace.
“Oh, her? Su Shiyu. Dr. Su’s sister.”
“Senpai, shower now! You reek—you’ll gag us!” Su Shiyu pinched her nose, shoving him playfully.
“R-right.”
*With her here, Xiao Ran should be safe. She hasn’t talked to girls her age in ages. Good for her. First, wash off what she hates most.*
Qi Yan grabbed fresh clothes and headed to the bathroom.
*What’s your relationship with him?*
“Me and senpai? First meeting, right? But I’m his sister too, just like you!” Su Shiyu beamed.
Qi Ran’s hand slipped, tearing a notebook page. She crumpled it, shooting daggers at Su Shiyu.
“Kidding! Should I say student? Or junior?” Su Shiyu stroked her chin, pondering.
*Nothing deeper?*
“If you think so, then yes. We’ll be inseparable soon—I’m sure of it.”
*Breathe. Calm down.* Qi Ran inhaled deeply. *Just paranoia.*
“Oh ho ho! Sister Rules, bell codes… You’re like senpai’s pet cat. Cuddled at home, fed for being cute.”
Su Shiyu’s words struck Qi Ran’s deepest shame—the truth she refused to face.
Her cooled anger flared again. *Is this really Dr. Su’s sweet sister? Why so hateful? Like natural-born enemies.*
Qi Ran opened her mouth to retort—but Qi Yan emerged, towel on his head. “Getting along?”
“Of course! Your sister’s adorable, like a doll!”
Qi Ran turned away, silent. But their next words demanded attention.
“Senpai, what’s for dinner?”
“Simple home cooking. Might not suit your taste.”
“Your fridge has no ice cream!” Su Shiyu rummaged through cabinets.
“It’s autumn. Who stocks ice cream?”
“Ugh! What’s a fridge for then?”
“Not everyone’s an ice cream addict. Want the new pudding?”
Su Shiyu shot her hand up like a schoolkid. “Yes! Yes!”
“Hand Xiao Ran a cup. I’ll start cooking.” Qi Yan rolled up his sleeves.
“Aye, senpai.”
“Here, pet sister. Your pudding. Enjoy.” Su Shiyu placed it on Qi Ran’s small desk.
Even her favorite food turned bitter before this girl.
But Su Shiyu bounced to the cramped kitchen, chattering nonstop around Qi Yan.
*Three bowls and chopsticks. If only one bowl had broken… she couldn’t stay for dinner.* Qi Ran’s thoughts darkened.
*No. I won’t act. That’s brother’s hard-earned money. She’s right—I’m a parasite on him.*
*Stop it.* Qi Ran shook off the thought, staring at her wrist bell—and the hidden scars beneath.
*I won’t mess up again. I’ll prove I’m not a useless parasite. I’m a symbiont.*
“Crap—only two chairs!” Qi Yan realized too late, setting dishes on the table.
“No problem! I’ll sit on senpai’s lap.”
*Snap.* Qi Ran’s pencil snapped from gripping too hard.
*Not happening.* She grabbed a fresh pencil from her bedside cup. *I’ll eat in bed.*
Dinner was quiet. Qi Ran ate head-down. Qi Yan kept glancing at her. Su Shiyu only watched him.
Afterward, Qi Yan walked Su Shiyu to the door. “Need an escort?”
“Nope, senpai. I know the way.”
“Found housing?”
“At my sister’s friend’s place. Super close to campus.”
“Really no escort? Night walks worry me.”
“I’m fine! If a thief tries anything, who’d rob whom?” Su Shiyu waved a tiny fist.
“Still, stick to busy streets. Call if trouble—I’ll come running. My number is…”
“13…” Su Shiyu cut in.
“Dr. Su told you?”
“Nope. Memorized while you showered.”
“But my phone password…”
“Your sister’s birthday, right?”
“Uh…”
“Don’t tell me your bank codes are her birthday too!” Su Shiyu gasped.
“Well…”
Su Shiyu facepalmed. “Ugh, you did! Even if her birthday matters, don’t be this lazy. Don’t worry—I’ll keep it our secret.”
“Embarrassing… I got lazy with passwords.” Qi Yan scratched his cheek.
“Way too lazy. But… keeping her locked up like this…”
Su Shiyu’s voice dropped to a whisper.
“What?” Qi Yan leaned in.
“Nothing! Just… don’t overwork yourself, senpai.”
“Got it. You—less ice cream. Or you’ll get sick.”
“Senpai! Such crude talk to a lady? In dating sims, your ‘like’ meter would crash!”
“Don’t care. I hate dating sims.”
“You idiot. Life’s a game. Stay single forever. See you tomorrow, senpai.”
“Tomorrow, Su Shiyu.”
“Call me Shiyu or Xiao Yu! How many times, grumpy senpai?” Su Shiyu spun back, ponytail swaying, stomping her foot.
*Love?*
Qi Yan stood at the door, gazing at the starry sky. He had no time, no energy for romance. Just surviving took everything he had.
