Shen Bingjing and Shen Bingyao had shared a close bond since childhood.

As a child, Shen Bingjing was a mischievous troublemaker, constantly causing minor chaos around the neighborhood. Whenever trouble struck, Shen Bingyao would apologize while Shen Bingjing hid behind her sister—barely taller than herself. Even when scolded by their parents, Shen Bingyao would plead for mercy, promising to discipline her unruly younger sister.

But in the blink of an eye, the two would dash off to play again, forgetting all their promises.

Shen Bingyao had always been gentle to a fault. Though she could scold Shen Bingjing and make her admit mistakes at home, facing strangers left her timid and submissive.

Bullies in the alley dared not provoke Shen Bingjing—she fought back, cursed, and called parents. But Shen Bingyao, who never fought, never cursed, never sought help, became their target. Spotting her alone, they’d bump into her, toss weeds into her hair, or wiggle hips and make faces nearby.

Each time, Shen Bingyao would freeze in panic, eyes welling with tears—until Shen Bingjing came rushing in, delivering a flurry of kicks to every bully.

Adults said the sisters protected each other: the elder soft, the younger fierce.

Then came the accident that shattered everything.

To save her sister, Shen Bingyao fell into a coma. Revived by doctors, she awoke paralyzed from the waist down—never to walk again.

A devastating blow to the family.

From that day, the once combative Shen Bingjing grew quiet and obedient. Though still spirited, she never sought trouble again. She apologized instantly for mistakes, heart set on sparing her sister further worry.

She obeyed Shen Bingyao utterly—even if wrong, she followed without question.

She believed every act of her sister was for her good. And truly, Shen Bingyao would never deceive or harm her. Even at the cost of her legs, Shen Bingjing remained her most cherished person.

Steam curled thickly from the bathwater. Their skin, soaked long in heat, glowed a healthy pink.

Shen Bingjing froze, hardly believing her ears.

Just moments ago, her sister had said—

“No.”

“Sister… you’re telling me not to pursue Mo Xuan?” For the first time, doubt flickered toward the sister she adored most.

Guilt-stricken, Shen Bingyao avoided her slightly accusing gaze, looking away hastily—deepening Shen Bingjing’s suspicion.

“Why?” Her voice trembled with anxiety and hurt.

“They aren’t even dating! No relationship confirmed—why can’t I?”

“It’s just that—” Shen Bingyao flustered, mouth opening uselessly. No excuse came. Her fingers trembled.

“Because… we’re in senior year now.”

Swallowing hard, she offered this shaky reason, head bowed, heart pounding.

Shen Bingjing’s eyes widened. Senior year *was* critical. Distractions could ruin everything.

Would failing the college entrance exam over this be worth it?

Yet reluctance lingered.

Who said love hurt grades? Couldn’t they study together, lift each other up? Sister was overreacting.

Naturally optimistic, Shen Bingjing smiled again. Shen Bingyao’s heart ached—she knew her sister had already comforted herself.

Truth was, she had no right to interfere. Everyone deserved love. If Shen Bingjing had named any other boy, Shen Bingyao would’ve only warned: don’t neglect studies, protect yourself.

But it was *Mo Xuan*.

The very boy *she* secretly longed for.

Heaven was mocking her.

Dark thoughts churned. Staring at her sister’s innocent face, for the first time, she didn’t find her quite so endearing.

Unaware, Shen Bingjing pressed on earnestly:

“Don’t worry, Sister! I checked—Mo Xuan excels in Chinese and math but struggles with English. I’m strong in English and history, weak in math. Dating would let us tutor each other’s weak spots…”

*You’re already naming future kids? How absurd…*

Wait—what am I thinking? Why see Xiao Jing this way? How could such venom enter my mind?

Shen Bingyao shuddered violently—as if stung by a scorpion—startling her sister.

“Sister, what’s wrong?” Shen Bingjing’s heart leapt. For a second, she’d thought her sister was unleashing some legendary martial art through tremors.

Shen Bingyao sat silent, arms wrapped around her knees.

She straightened slightly. Smooth shoulders and pale arms emerged. Gentle curves of her chest rose above the water, two delicate peaks flushed rose-pink. Droplets traced winding paths down her skin. Her eyes, reddened by steam, glistened.

Shen Bingjing rarely saw such panic on her sister’s face—not even “completely lost” captured it. Thinking her words caused anger, she fell silent.

Heavy quiet filled the small bathroom.

“Xiao Jing.”

After a long pause, Shen Bingyao’s voice came, forcing a painfully strained smile.

“Don’t dwell on this. Focus on studying.”

Shen Bingjing opened her mouth—but met her sister’s unwavering gaze.

“Senior year is here. You must improve your grades.”

“I’m homeschooled. Barely attended your classes, mostly studied online. Yet you still bring me your tough problems. Isn’t that… a little unfair?”

Gentle yet firm, the words left Shen Bingjing speechless. Head bowed, she had no reply under her sister’s quiet authority.

“Even if you dated, university is the next hurdle. Different schools? Hard to continue. So please—listen to me. Put this aside. Okay?”

Silence stretched.

Shen Bingyao didn’t press. Her eyes grew deeper, shadowed.

Then Shen Bingjing stood with a splash. Water streamed down her curvaceous frame. A thatch of dark curls glistened between her legs—like a forest after a night of rain.

Her voice was flat, emotionless.

“I’ll go study then. Coming out soon?”

“I’ll stay a bit longer.”

“Okay. Call me when you’re done. *Don’t* try getting out alone.”

Shen Bingjing repeated the warning. Shen Bingyao smiled and nodded.

Watching her sister leave, footsteps fading down the hall, Shen Bingyao sighed deeply.

Exhaustion crashed over her—muscles aching, limbs heavy, even a finger too much to move.

How to face Xiao Jing tomorrow? How to ever voice this hidden longing?

Yes, Shen Bingjing was her most precious person. Her trusted shield. Her blood.

Since childhood, she’d given her everything—even her legs without regret. *She was her dearest little sister.*

But not everything could be shared.

*I’m sorry, Xiao Jing. Forgive me.*

*Him… I simply cannot let go.*

Alone in the cooling water, the girl buried her face in her knees. Her slender shoulders trembled, silent sobs shaking her frame.