Listening to the beep-beep-beep of the disconnected line, Manager Wang stared at the ceiling, lost in thought.
Dead of night. President Qin’s personal phone. A girl’s cool voice. The morning meeting canceled—again. And that undisclosed reason.
Manager Wang furrowed his brow. Something was off.
Could something big be coming?
...
Turns out the “big sister” hadn’t shown up—she was still in bed, sleeping soundly until noon.
Bai Ningning opened her eyes. She’d woken up earlier than Qin Yue. Her overworked elder sister slept peacefully.
A little hungry. Time to make something to eat.
Dressed in her cat-eared maid outfit and a tiny apron, Bai Ningning stepped into the kitchen. Several maids bustled about.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bai Ningning,” Aunt Zou greeted her. “Has the young mistress woken up?”
“No,” Bai Ningning replied. “She’s still asleep.”
Aunt Zou sighed. “Miss Bai Ningning… the young mistress has been swamped with work lately. You two really shouldn’t—ah.”
“Yes,” Bai Ningning murmured, nibbling a steamed bun. “She really shouldn’t have.”
*She had meetings. Work. Why not just sleep properly? Instead, she forced me to meow like a cat—wasting her own precious energy.*
“Miss Bai Ningning,” Aunt Zou said carefully, “please… try to exercise a little restraint. At least until school starts.”
*By then, President Qin’s project should wrap up.*
Bai Ningning’s pretty face tightened. “Not my problem. Sister Qin needs to self-regulate.”
*If you didn’t act so provocatively, would she really lose control?*
The maids all knew it—but stayed silent.
*Whatever. Lunch time.*
Later, maids hung freshly laundered clothes along the third-floor windowsill corridor. Bai Ningning lent a hand.
Most belonged to Qin Yue—loungewear, casual sets. Few formal pieces. *Looks like President Qin’s getting a short break after this project.*
Focused, Bai Ningning tallied each item. *Love what you do. Maid outfit on? Play the part.*
Plaid shirts. Lace-trimmed sleepwear. Knit tops. Ruffled skirts. Capris. Asuna’s Knights of the Blood Oath uniform. Elaina’s white blouse…
Wait. What?
“Aunt Zou,” Bai Ningning turned to the head maid, “some… odd items got mixed in.”
“Not odd. All for upcoming use,” Aunt Zou said calmly. “The young mistress ordered it herself.”
Bai Ningning tilted her head. “She’ll wear them?”
“Sizes say otherwise. All yours.”
True. Every neckline—low, high, none—boasted generous bust space. Qin Yue was well-endowed, but Bai Ningning? Slightly outmatched.
“But I won’t wear these soon.”
“You will.” Aunt Zou kept hanging cosplay outfits. “The young mistress said once she’s free, she’ll redo all those missed moments with you.”
Bai Ningning froze. “But I—”
“You promised her once. Not backing out now, are you?”
Mmph…
“Please continue the inventory.”
No choice. Bai Ningning scribbled in her notebook:
Rem’s maid outfit. Emilia’s casual wear. Illustrious’s wedding dress. Formidable’s maid set. Belfast’s Christmas outfit…
*Numb.*
...
After waking and finishing her video call, Qin Yue skipped dinner and the office. Headed straight to her parents’ place.
“Yueyue’s back! Come sit—the food’s almost ready!” Mom Qin welcomed her at the door.
Dad Qin glanced up from the sofa. “Evening, Yue. Eaten yet?”
“No. That’s why I’m here.”
“…”
Awkward silence. Dad Qin smoothly pivoted: “How’s the company?”
“Smooth.”
“Your health?”
“…Okay.”
*Just tired. Overworked.*
“And that matter from before—”
“I’ve got it.”
“Right. Your private affairs.” Dad Qin seized the opening, casual tone: “Xin started at Xicheng University—the one near your place.”
Qin Yue blinked slightly. Nodded. “Oh.”
“Long time since you sisters met. She’s nearby now—keep in touch.”
A soft “Mm.” Agreement.
Dad Qin exhaled in relief.
*His fault. Only two daughters. Pushed competition early—so they’d inherit, expand the business. Qin Yue, ten years older, brilliant. Qin Xin grew up under constant “you’re not your sister” shadows. Qin Yue, career-focused, emotionally reserved, never forced closeness. Not hostile. Just… strangers.*
*Now aging, Dad Qin cared less about empire, more about family warmth. His deepest wish: sisters reconciled.*
“Xin’s campus is close,” Mom Qin joined in. “Yueyue, how about letting her stay with you? Convenient?”
Qin Yue hesitated.
*Wanted to refuse. But family… refusal feels cold.*
*House is big. One more person? Fine.*
“Okay,” she said. “Once she processes commuter paperwork, she can come.”
*Xicheng requires formalities for off-campus living. Bai Ningning was from there—Qin Yue handled hers.*
“Wonderful!” Mom Qin beamed. “I’ll call her later.”
Dad Qin sipped tea. “Xin starts the day after tomorrow, right?”
“Mm.”
*Bai Ningning starts then too—sophomore year. Qin Xin? Freshman.*
