"Alright, alright, let's sleep together then!" Nian Xifeng sighed in resignation, finally lifting Nian Yuchi onto his bed.

Nian Yuchi grinned mischievously, a happy smile spreading across her lips. Lying on Nian Xifeng's bed, her lively eyes held a hint of playful cuteness.

Nian Xifeng tucked her in, then climbed in himself and pulled her close.

The bed wasn't large, but it fit them both—though a bit cramped. Yet neither minded; cuddling erased that feeling entirely.

Nian Yuchi often snuck into Nian Xifeng's bed. He'd long grown used to it.

If others saw this, they'd call her shameless. But they didn't care. Orphaned young, they clung to each other. Their bond wouldn't crack from mere words.

Besides, they ignored others' opinions. Only each other's thoughts and choices mattered.

In their eyes, they were each other's sole anchor in the world.

"Bro!" Nestled in his arms, Nian Yuchi wrapped her hands around his waist, her small head resting on his chest. She murmured softly.

"Hmm?" Nian Xifeng replied gently.

"If anything happens later, let me share the burden. I won't let you face it alone." She lifted her head, gazing at him earnestly. Moonlight bathed her face, making her look fiercely determined.

"I won't let you face danger," Nian Xifeng said, smiling slightly as he stroked her silky long hair.

"I don't care! We share everything—good or bad. We promised that years ago. I won't let you shield me alone. I want to do something for you. Otherwise, I'll feel useless... and hate myself even more." Nian Yuchi shook her head, ignoring his refusal.

She was just a girl with no self-defense skills. Her healing ability offered no offense.

Recently, threats loomed over her. A weak girl couldn't fight back. Worse, her rare power must stay hidden—lest scheming people target her.

Honestly, Nian Xifeng felt torn. He hid the truth to protect her. But her words now made him hesitate.

Seeing his silence, Nian Yuchi pressed on, her voice edged with anxiety.

"We swore to live and die together! Share fortune and hardship! Now you face trouble alone—I..." Her voice trailed off. Tears welled in her eyes, making Nian Xifeng's heart ache.

"Alright, alright. I'll tell you." Softening at her near-sobs, Nian Xifeng prepared to confess. Guilt gnawed at him. They had vowed to share burdens. Yet he'd always planned to shoulder hers alone, letting her keep only happiness.

Hearing his agreement, Nian Yuchi instantly beamed. She buried her head back against his chest.

"Mm!"

"Things are uneasy in the city lately. Remember when you were captured? Since then, many noticed us—wanting harm. So I had to step out, show them we're not easy prey." Nian Xifeng summarized recent events simply.

"Bro... I'm sorry." Nian Yuchi lowered her head, tears glistening in her eyes.

Because of her, he suffered. Because of her, all this happened. Regret flooded her.

"Don't say that. We're siblings. Never apologize again. Just know your strong brother will always shield you." Nian Xifeng pulled her closer, stroking her head to comfort her.

"But—"

"No buts. Yuchi, I'm your brother. I have the right—and duty—to handle anything for you. Even if you commit unforgivable sins, even if the whole world rejects you... remember this: I'll bear the world for you. I'll stand against everyone. I'll shatter myself to protect you." He cut her off, knowing her too well.

Nian Yuchi stayed silent, motionless in his arms. Silvery tears streamed down her delicate cheeks—tears of happiness.

After a long while, she whispered, "Mm."

Only in her brother's embrace did she feel safe. Only here could she truly relax.

"Sleep now. School tomorrow," Nian Xifeng murmured. He'd noticed her tears but said nothing. Letting her release it wasn't bad.

"Mm!" Nian Yuchi replied softly, closing her eyes peacefully in his arms.

Nian Xifeng stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. He sighed inwardly, then closed his eyes and drifted off.

Early next morning, as dawn broke, Nian Xifeng opened his eyes.

Seeing Nian Yuchi curled on his chest, a silvery drool trace at her lips, he smiled fondly.

He kissed her forehead gently, then slipped out of bed. After a quick wash, he headed to the kitchen to prepare her breakfast.

Nearly half an hour later, he set simple breakfast on the table. Returning to the room, he found Nian Yuchi still asleep. He approached the bed.

"Yuchi, time for breakfast." He pinched her nose lightly. She stirred awake almost instantly.

Blinking sleepily, she smiled warmly and sweetly at him.

"Hehe, Bro... five more minutes?" Her voice was drowsy, mind still foggy. Messy hair, rumpled pajamas, and her slender figure radiated tempting charm.

Any other guy might've lost control.

But Nian Xifeng was used to this morning scene. Familiarity dulled its allure.

"Five minutes only," he said, as if expecting this.

"Hehe~!" Nian Yuchi chuckled twice, then sank back into sleep.

Nian Xifeng left the room. He was used to this routine—every wake-up call ended with "five more minutes," and his reply never changed.

True to his word, he returned after five minutes to rouse her. Sleeping in wasn't healthy.

This time, Nian Yuchi didn't protest. Lazily, she let him help her.

Nian Xifeng sighed inwardly. His sister was grown yet acted like a child.

Still, he changed her pajamas to her school uniform, then guided her through washing up before heading to the table.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Nian Xifeng opened it to find Han Yuying standing outside.

"Morning, Xifeng-ge!" Han Yuying greeted with a smile.

"Morning. Come in." He stepped aside.

Han Yuying entered without hesitation.

"Eat yet?" Nian Xifeng asked first.

"Already did." She smiled, knowing his habit of feeding her here.

Nian Xifeng closed the door quietly.

Han Yuying entered the room and spotted Nian Yuchi at the table. She rushed over, hugging her from behind with a bright smile.

"Morning, Yuchi!"

"Mm! Morning!" Nian Yuchi replied lazily. Mornings left her too sluggish to move.

Nian Xifeng handled everything for her daily, deepening her dependence. Now, she didn't even stir, letting Han Yuying hold her.