Thanks to Xiao Ke’er’s help, I finally escaped that awkward situation. I shifted my body slightly and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Well, that was finally over.

But I’d already caught the flicker of frustration and reluctance in Xiao Qingqing’s eyes.

Her expression screamed for me to step in again. After all, Xiao Ke’er’s little hands had been anything but innocent—restlessly roaming Xiao Qingqing’s thighs, then boldly creeping toward her waist and back.

“Sister’s been working so hard lately~ Let Ke’er give you a nice relaxing massage, okay?”

It was a sister’s sweet gesture, so Xiao Qingqing couldn’t very well push her away. She just stood there, face tight with quiet exasperation.

Hmph. So *this* is what they mean by “it takes one to tame another.” Noted…

As for Xiao Qingqing’s pleading glance? Yeah… I’ll just pretend I didn’t see it.

My courage had grown since before. This time, I watched the two sisters entangle right before me with an amused, almost theatrical smirk.

Senior Sister must absolutely hate me now.

Eh, whatever. If she gives me trouble later, I’ll just cave. But *this* time? I won.

And so, a dinner thick with unspoken tension quietly came to an end.

Afterward, Xiao Qingqing rose with a slightly stiff smile, her legs trembling faintly from the “massage.” She waved me over. “Come on, little junior Xixi. I’ll walk you home.”

Huh? Weren’t we supposed to let me stay over?

Xiao Ke’er suddenly appeared beside me, clinging to my hand with dewy-eyed devotion. “Sister, it’s so late already~ Let Senior Xixi stay the night! Ke’er’s room has space for two! Senior Xixi *definitely* wants to ‘study’ late with Ke’er, right?”

The little girl gazed up at me, all innocent anticipation—but I sensed something sly lurking beneath. If I actually stayed for this “late-night study session,” she’d probably devour me whole.

…Wait. Why did a tiny, traitorous flicker of anticipation stir in my chest?

Hold on—I am *not* a lolicon! Why am I even *thinking* this?!

“Sister~ Pleeease say yes for Ke’er~” Xiao Ke’er whined shamelessly.

Xiao Qingqing merely smiled—a slow, deeply satisfied smirk. “No. If Senior Xixi doesn’t go home, her parents will worry. Right, Xixi?”

A hint of disappointment tugged at me… yet it felt inevitable.

Of course. With Senior Sister’s little-devil personality, this was totally expected. That earlier “stay-over” offer? Definitely just teasing.

And honestly… payback for ignoring her earlier.

Fine. The verdict was in. No overstepping. I just hung my head and followed her lead.

“Alright, Ke’er. Go rest. I’ll see Xixi out.”

“Mmm… Senior Xixi, you *have* to come visit again!”

Xiao Ke’er flashed me an angelically pure smile—so innocent, so sweet. Yet beneath that purity shimmered genuine reluctance and longing.

Oh no.

*Heart skip.*

This time… it was real.

Ke’er… Ke’er… why couldn’t you be just two or three years older? Then…

…Wait. Would it *still* be a crime?

Dejected, I trailed Xiao Qingqing toward the gate. Behind us, the silver-haired Butler Cheng followed in silent deference.

As we passed the massive black wealth-attracting stone, Xiao Qingqing spoke calmly: “You didn’t disappoint me. You passed the test. Your cross-dressing proficiency… meets my standards.”

“Huh? *Test?*” A cold dread prickled down my spine.

“Heh. You’ll learn soon enough.” She turned. “Butler Cheng, please fetch the car. Take *him* home.”

The butler bowed slightly and disappeared into the garage. I felt oddly flattered—VIP treatment?

Then she added, voice icy: “Don’t misunderstand. I just worry someone might assault you looking like *that*. You’re a valuable company asset. Can’t have you damaged.”

…Great. First demoted from human to pet. Now to *asset*.

“Oh, right. Phone.” Xiao Qingqing pulled out hers.

“Hm?”

“What, refusing my money too?”

Flustered, I fumbled my phone from my bag. A crisp *cha-ching!* chimed:

*Alipay: 10,000 yuan received.*

…Whoa. That generous?

“This is an advance. Deducted from future earnings,” she said flatly. “Stay obedient as my pet, follow orders, and I won’t mistreat you.”

“Th-thank you… Senior Sister.”

Her unexpected kindness left me unsettled, emotions tangled.

…She’s not *that* bad. At least she thought of me. Solved my urgent problem.

Xiao Qingqing pursed her lips, unimpressed by my gratitude. “Next time you visit… bring Ke’er a gift.”

“Hm?”

“Ke’er’s my sister… but she’s never had real friends. You’re the first person to become her friend—without blood ties.”

Ke’er… has no friends?

I pictured her delicate pink cheeks, those pure, trusting eyes… and for a moment, my heart felt strangely lost.