Jianglai remembered a time when work consumed her, leaving no room for meals or sleep. That was when Yingyu Chi quietly began taking care of her.

Yingyu Chi monitored her three meals daily. Even with tight schedules, she ensured Jianglai got enough rest. Like a diligent secretary, she meticulously planned Jianglai’s health.

Though no longer micromanaged, Jianglai felt a chill seeing Yingyu Chi’s slightly cold expression. Her voice trembled with a hint of fear. “I know drinking’s bad. I know it’s self-destructive.”

Jianglai was used to solving everything alone. But how could something absurd like turning into a woman be fixed? “I thought it was temporary. After so long, I still haven’t changed back. I really don’t know what to do.”

Yingyu Chi looked down at her brother-in-law, now half a head shorter. Her urge to scold vanished completely.

Yingyu Chi wasn’t angry about the drinking. Her brother-in-law wasn’t a drunkard. An occasional drink, as long as it wasn’t excessive, never bothered her.

What upset her was that Jianglai hadn’t come to her first about this. Even with something this huge, she kept it to herself.

Yingyu Chi grasped Jianglai’s slender wrist and pulled her into an embrace. Jianglai always acted like she could handle everything alone. She’d always pushed others away. That hadn’t changed—not before, not now.

“If you can’t solve something, tell me…”

Jianglai was tightly held. Warmth radiated from Yingyu Chi’s arms. With each breath, the scent of jasmine filled the air.

“I’m not that little girl hiding behind you anymore. I’ve grown up. I can help you now. Next time, don’t drink. Call me, okay?”

“Yingyu…”

Jianglai instinctively tried to pull away but was held tighter. What Yingyu Chi truly wanted was for Jianglai to think of her first for everything, big or small.

Yingyu Chi longed for Jianglai to rely on her, even for tiny things. But Jianglai’s heart was sealed shut. Except for her sister, no one could enter.

After years of effort, Yingyu Chi hadn’t even found the door. Was seniority really unchangeable? Because of her sister, could Jianglai’s heart accept no one else? It’s unfair…

Jianglai didn’t know why the hug was so tight. But the scene felt familiar—she’d once held Yingyu Chi just like this. Maybe Yingyu Chi’s need to protect her mirrored her own past feelings. “I promise. From now on, I’ll call you whenever something happens.”

Yingyu Chi held a special place in Jianglai’s heart. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been the first person told.

But Jianglai knew Yingyu Chi had her own life. Her law firm kept her swamped. Unless desperate, Jianglai wouldn’t bother her sister-in-law.

Yingyu Chi understood Jianglai’s nature. Even with this promise, she’d only lean on others when cornered, like today. Taking this first step was progress. Yingyu Chi didn’t push further. Though she wanted to hold Jianglai longer, she let go.

But during that embrace, Yingyu Chi noticed something odd. Jianglai’s chest felt too soft—like she wasn’t wearing a bra.

“Bro…ther-in-law… are you wearing anything underneath?”

Jianglai froze, stunned. Of course she was wearing something! There was a shirt under her coat. “Of course I am!” Still thinking like a man, she even opened her coat slightly to show.

That simple glance made Yingyu Chi’s blood rush. She nearly had a nosebleed. Under the loose coat, Jianglai’s figure was incredibly alluring. Her face was a cool beauty, but her body was like a ripe peach—slender waist, curvaceous.

Even a beauty like Yingyu Chi felt an overwhelming urge. Her affection was clear. It wasn’t about gender; she loved Jianglai herself, no matter the form. Her heart had always yearned for Jianglai alone. Even her wicked thoughts were only for her.

But based on Jianglai’s words, Yingyu Chi sighed. Her clothes were still men’s wear. The underwear couldn’t be feminine. Jianglai must have meant the shirt. “I mean the underwear. Without a bra… a thin shirt would be very revealing.”

Yingyu Chi’s words hit like a pause button. Jianglai slowly turned away, biting her lip. Though she tried to hide her shame, her crimson ears betrayed her. If it were just about no bra, she wouldn’t be so embarrassed. Wearing women’s underwear was mortifying. But when it came to visibility…

Jianglai wasn’t slow. She instantly understood and quickly wrapped her coat tight.

Such a simple gesture ignited Yingyu Chi’s longing. How long had it been since their relationship shifted? Since graduation, Yingyu Chi felt Jianglai pushing her away, drawing a clear line. They were them; she was herself. Their bond unchanged for ten years.

But now, fate seemed to offer a chance. Perhaps Jianglai becoming a woman was a turning point. Like a pebble dropped into still water, ripples spread across the surface.