Strolling down the bustling street, Qing cheerfully linked her arm with Xiaofeng’s, a tender, blissful smile gracing her face. Xiaofeng was left utterly speechless—what was he even supposed to say to her?
Didn’t she worry this might reflect poorly on her? Sure, they roughhoused like siblings back home, no gender boundaries. But this was a public street, not their house! If *he* got misunderstood, fine. But if *she* did? That was a whole different story.
“Sis Qing, could you please stop linking arms with me? This gesture is a bit… you know?” Xiaofeng trailed off, but his meaning was crystal clear: far too intimate, bound to stir gossip.
Qing understood perfectly. Yet she was savoring the girlfriend-like warmth of clinging to his arm. Even if she wasn’t *actually* his girlfriend… being mistaken for one? Not so bad.
“What’s the big deal? Can’t siblings walk arm-in-arm?” She smirked playfully. “Besides, didn’t you promise Sister Qing you’d be my little boyfriend?” Pouting her cherry-red lips in mock displeasure, she added, “You’re not backing out now, are you, Xiaofeng? Sister Qing will get *very* upset, you know!”
Xiaofeng watched her cute act. Admittedly, it sent a slight flutter through his chest—but that wasn’t the point. She was messing with him again. Unacceptable.
“Sorry, Sis Qing. My answer is no.”
Qing shot him a glare and stomped her foot resentfully. “So I’m not good enough to be your girlfriend?”
“No, no! With your beauty, how could you ever be ‘not good enough’ for me? If anyone’s unworthy… it’s *me*.” He nodded firmly, expression utterly sincere.
Seeing his dead-serious face, Qing couldn’t suppress a triumphant smile. “Hehehe~ I knew it! My little brother Xiaofeng likes Sister Qing the most!”
Xiaofeng’s mind screamed *liar!* Sure, Sis Qing was stunning and charming—but when had he *ever* said he liked her? How much was she adding to the script? He’d just given a simple compliment—how did they jump straight to “liking” again?
(Of course, he’d never say that aloud. Admitting he didn’t like Qing? Total lie.)
“Xiaofeng, how about some barbecue?”
Watching his helpless expression, Qing’s eyes crinkled into happy crescents. Joy bubbled warmly in her chest.
Xiaofeng had no clue why she was so cheerful. But at the mention of food, his stomach gave a tiny growl. He gave a reluctant nod.
How could he refuse? *She* was treating. And after all those clothes she’d bought him… honestly, he felt a little *kept*. Refusing was impossible. Favors create obligations—that’s just how it worked.
In any major metropolis, barbecue was essential nighttime street food. Spotting stalls took seconds. They picked the busiest one—crowds meant good food, simple as that.
They quickly ordered skewers. Qing plunked several beer bottles on the table. “Barbecue without beer? No soul!”
Xiaofeng agreed instantly. Authentic barbecue needed beer. He grabbed two more bottles with a grin.
What he didn’t know: Qing had zero alcohol tolerance. Normally, she never drank with classmates or friends—not because she distrusted them, but in today’s world, a beautiful woman *had* to stay vigilant.
Tonight was different. She needed liquid courage for the confession she’d been too shy to make sober. She’d even prepped persuasive lines to keep Xiaofeng drinking.
This dinner? Thoroughly planned.
