Seated beside Chang’an, Shi Xia pulled him into a tender hug. Yet the way she held him was impossible to ignore—Chang’an’s face inevitably sank into that generous “asset.”
Ye Xiaoxian was already grinding her teeth in silent frustration.
“No need to dwell on painful memories from the past… Once Dad comes back, creating new, happier ones together is enough,” Shi Xia murmured gently.
“Shi Xia…”
“…” Unable to retort, Xiaoxian sulkily drained the milk in her glass.
Her still-youthful brother made her cheeks flush slightly. Even their usual interactions had grown shy and reserved. Back then, they’d been far closer. At eleven, Xiaoxian had been a tiny loli who looked no older than seven or eight—adorably petite. Now sixteen, she was still frequently mistaken for an elementary student, or at best, a first-year middle schooler.
The Ye family’s little princess hid a lion’s ambition beneath her cute, pet-like exterior—often catching business rivals completely off guard. Five years ago, she’d been Chang’an’s shadow, clinging to him whether he visited the orphanage or anywhere else. She’d chatter “Brother this, Brother that,” and pout to sleep beside him at night.
But now, at the breakfast table, she only dared steal shy glances at her eternally youthful brother. Shi Xia, meanwhile, had clearly found her rhythm—confident, assertive, and perfectly poised, her mature figure adding quiet authority.
Xiaoxian wondered if she could ever pull off that style. She glanced down at herself… and instantly abandoned the idea.
“M-Mature women aren’t everything! Brother likes lolis—*lolis*!” she hissed inwardly. *I’m the perfect loli.*
Chang’an felt a deep, quiet happiness—*ahem*, not *that* kind of happiness from being nestled against Shi Xia’s… developed assets. No. It was the warmth of sharing breakfast with family: hearts full of words, yet content in silent glances.
Shi Xia nibbled a cookie—she rarely ate much, unless Chang’an fed her. (He hadn’t noticed. And if he had? Xiaoxian would’ve fumed jealousy-smoke.)
She powered on her phone.
A tidal wave of messages and missed calls crashed over her. Even Shi Xia’s calm composure twitched at the corner of her lips. *Seriously? I just changed my online status… How did you spot that?*
Xiaoxian’s calls? Ignored—the mischievous brother-con was already here, casually sharing breakfast and eyeing Dad.
Most missed calls? Gu Qianqian.
Shi Xia cupped her face, imagining Qianqian meeting Dad. *Please don’t freeze up from shyness…*
Qianqian was bright, optimistic—the glue of their foster family. Mature enough to support elders, gentle enough to care for juniors. The classic “middle child,” yet here, she received extra warmth for her bridging role. Chang’an especially cherished her: that meticulous, image-conscious girl who always considered others.
7:20 AM. Qianqian was likely in morning reading. Ye Shixia set her phone down.
Other messages? Amusing.
Adelle: *Congrats! Brother surely hopes you move forward soon.*
Cinderella: *Waaah! Sister Shi Xia betrayed Brother! I hate you!*
Nearly identical twins—only their heterochromatic eyes mirrored left and right. Yet in wisdom and maturity? One a poised adult, the other a dramatic child.
Truly, God gifted all the brains to elder sister Adelle.
