"Jianglai, you have me... I'll always be by your side."

This time, her sister-in-law didn’t call her "brother-in-law" or tease her with "sister-in-law." She used her name.

Yingyu Chi’s words crashed over Jianglai like storm waves, hammering against her ribs until her heart raced uncontrollably.

"If things truly become hopeless... I won’t force myself to endure it."

Jianglai gently grasped Yingyu’s hand, the one that had reached around her from behind. Her sister-in-law was brilliant and beautiful—countless people adored her. Jianglai knew perfectly well how badly Yingyu wanted to help. She couldn’t be dead weight dragging others down. Her reply just now had been mostly to ease Yingyu’s mind. Otherwise, she’d have lectured Jianglai endlessly. Jianglai couldn’t bear worrying those she cherished. For now, she could still handle this alone.

Feeling Jianglai’s fingers close around hers, Yingyu pulled her closer and rested her head on Jianglai’s shoulder. She didn’t want Jianglai to push herself—not anymore. Yingyu had the strength to protect her now. In her heart, she longed for Jianglai to live a life of ease, free from work if she wished. She wanted to cherish Jianglai forever, as long as she stayed by her side. "Let me dry your hair," she murmured.

Jianglai didn’t protest. She sat obediently before Yingyu, letting her do as she pleased. The hairdryer roared to life. Jianglai felt Yingyu’s fingers combing gently through her damp strands, guiding them under the warm breeze until they softened and dried. Yingyu stayed silent throughout, simply watching Jianglai’s quiet obedience. On impulse, she pressed a kiss to the top of Jianglai’s head.

Yingyu ached for the day she could kiss Jianglai openly—not steal these fleeting moments in the shadows.

---

---

The first night at her sister-in-law’s home passed peacefully—at least from Jianglai’s perspective. Aside from the awkward shower incident that afternoon, nothing else had made her blush.

Yet the next morning, Yingyu emerged from her bedroom with heavy, bruise-like shadows under her eyes. Jianglai remembered them saying goodnight at eleven. Had Yingyu stayed up secretly?

"Why such dark circles?" Jianglai asked as she rose from the sofa, carrying breakfast from the kitchen. "After washing up and eating, why not nap again?"

"No need," Yingyu yawned softly. Though sleep-deprived, stealing glances at Jianglai’s sleeping face had made every lost hour worth it. She watched Jianglai move gracefully in the kitchen, like an elf stepped out of an oil painting. Yingyu fought the urge to wrap her arms around that slender waist from behind. "I have a case to prep this morning. You’ll be alone here."

"I need to go out today too," Jianglai said firmly. Instead of drowning in worry, she’d face her problems head-on. She’d visit the CEO first—see if her old job could still be saved. Endless leave was just delaying the inevitable. Doing nothing meant true ruin.

"Going out already?" Yingyu’s eyes lit up. "I’d planned to take you shopping for clothes this afternoon. You can’t keep wearing those old things. Since you’re heading out anyway... wear mine today."

Their builds matched closely—except for one area. Outerwear could be shared, but undergarments? Impossible.

"The underwear’s the problem..." Jianglai murmured. Her chest required proper support; without it, movement could chafe tender skin. Still, she shrugged. "I can skip it like before. With thick layers in this cold weather, no one would notice."

"*Absolutely not!*" Yingyu’s voice sharpened. She bit back the urge to say *Only I should feel that softness against my skin*—too creepy. Instead, she lectured gently, like a mother guiding her daughter: "Going without harms your health. Those nerves are delicate. Chafing would hurt for days."

"I’ll pick out clothes for you," Yingyu said, retreating to her bedroom. With no proper bra available, she’d have to improvise with old nipple covers. *Other lessons can wait*, she thought. *First, keep her comfortable.*

Jianglai watched her go, curious about the outfit waiting for her. When Yingyu returned, she placed two flesh-toned silicone discs in Jianglai’s palm. "No proper bra... but I have these nipple covers from when I wore strapless dresses. They’re used—but if you don’t mind, they’ll work in a pinch."

*Used by her.* The words seared Jianglai’s mind. The panties she wore now had once been Yingyu’s too—washed, but still... Her face burned crimson. Her breath hitched; her heart hammered. *Why didn’t I just buy my own?* She couldn’t look at the silicone discs, fingers instinctively testing their yielding texture. *I feel like a pervert.*

Yingyu studied Jianglai’s frozen expression. She longed to pull her close for a morning cuddle—but unbrushed teeth held her back. "If you’re okay with it," she offered softly, "I’ll show you how to apply them... step by step."