They were deep in conversation when they noticed us enter and fell silent. Yue Xin waved us over. "Ting, Ling, come here."

At the call, Bai Ling’s tension melted like a soothing balm. She flashed a bright smile, yanked her hand from Bai Ting’s grip, and dashed to hide behind her mother.

Bai Ting watched her sister bolt away, a faint trace of disappointment flickering in her eyes. She’d planned to drag Bai Ling to their room for a little "discipline" after her earlier disobedience. But that small hope crumbled now. Seeing Bai Ling sheltered behind their mother, Bai Ting stomped her foot in frustration. *Hmph. I’ll let you off this time. Next time, you’ll learn what happens when you defy me.* An evil grin crept across her face.

Bai Ling reached her parents, bowed respectfully in greeting—a family tradition drilled into her since childhood—then slipped behind her mother again. Mornings always began with paying respects to elders, yet Bai Ling’s first ritual was visiting the villa’s rear woods to stand beneath the cherry blossoms, even when they weren’t in bloom.

At first, elders scolded her: "Respect comes before flowers. Greet us first, then wander as you please." But Bai Ling ignored them. Over time, they relented. *She’s just a child,* they reasoned. *No need to smother her spirit.*

Bai Ting, meanwhile, sauntered straight to her parents, her tone dripping with vinegar. "If I hadn’t dragged her back, she’d still be staring at those cherry blossoms." The perfect daughter, Bai Ting always greeted her parents first each morning—just as her father had ordered her to fetch Bai Ling from the woods earlier.

Yue Xin smiled faintly at her eldest. "We know. Now take your sister to get ready. Guests are coming."

Bai Ting’s sulky mood vanished instantly. She fixed her gaze on Bai Ling hiding behind their mother, a soft, sweet smile playing on her lips. To Yue Xin, it was obedience. To Bai Ling, it was pure menace. A shiver ran down Bai Ling’s spine. Her lips tightened slightly; her delicate brows furrowed. She looked utterly pitiful.

Bai Ting held that "smile" for seconds, inwardly gloating. *Hmph. Defy me earlier? Karma’s here. I’ll make you* so *comfortable later.* Watching Bai Ling’s submissive stance filled her with glee. She advanced step by step. Bai Ling retreated, fear mounting with each inch.

Cornered against the wall, Bai Ling had nowhere left to run. Bai Ting seized her wrist, voice honeyed and soft. "Let’s go~" If a man heard that tone, he’d swoon. To Bai Ling, it meant doom. Bai Ting even threw in a flirtatious wink—nearly making Bai Ling jump out of her skin.

Bai Mo, seated nearby, sighed inwardly. He knew his younger daughter’s charm was irresistible—even he sometimes itched to pinch her cheeks. But as an elder, he kept his dignity. *No one understands this burden,* he thought, forcing calm. "Enough playing. Get ready quickly. The Qiao Family arrives soon. Don’t shame House Bai."

Bai Ting chirped, "Got it!!" She knew "don’t play too rough" was aimed at her. With Father’s permission, she had free rein. Dragging her reluctant sister out, she ignored Bai Ling’s grimace as they headed toward the "punishment room."

Bai Mo watched them leave, a jealous sigh escaping him. *Why can Ting cling to that adorable girl, but not me? If only I were decades younger...* He sighed again.

Yue Xin caught every flicker of his gloom. Amused, she slanted a glance at him, lips curling in gentle mockery. "What? Want to sneak in for some cuddles too?" Her eyes stayed teasingly narrowed.

Bai Mo’s face flushed crimson. Heavens, she’d seen right through him. Heavens, he couldn’t meet her gaze. Turning away, he muttered, "Th-this... this..."—unaware of the sly smile blooming on her face.

Yue Xin burst into laughter, shaking like wind-tossed blossoms, tears of mirth glistening at her eyes.

Bai Mo turned back, oddly stung by her joy. *She’s teasing me.* Yue Xin wiped her eyes. "Alright, no more laughing." But one look at his flustered face sent her into fresh giggles. "Ahahaha!"

"Enough!" Bai Mo snapped, face stern. Yue Xin clapped a hand over her vivid red lips, shoulders trembling as she fought to contain herself.