Zou Yameng had no match today, so she changed into casual wear: a light brown linen shirt with a turned-down collar, paired with an off-white knee-length skirt. Her ponytail was undone, hair flowing freely down her back—less sharp than usual, more gently feminine. What truly caught the eye was her subtle makeup: lips a soft crimson, skin fair as snow, impossible to look away from.
Lu Li didn’t hold back his praise. “Sis, you look so beautiful today!”
“Hmm… This is Xiao Wen’s outfit… My frame’s too big—does it feel tight?”
*It’s not your frame.* The thought was a little lewd. He kept it silent.
“No, it fits perfectly. I was totally captivated. So why were you in my room this morning?”
Yameng blushed deeply. “Why keep asking? You were drunk. I helped you back and fell asleep right after.”
*Really?* Lu Li wasn’t doubting her—he doubted himself. Had he done something irreversible while drunk? He cherished their bond too much to risk it.
“Lizi, will you go shopping with me today?” Yameng’s eyes flickered away; her voice came out muffled. She felt despicable—harboring romantic feelings for the brother she’d survived with, using “family” as an excuse to stay close. That girl from last night, saved as “Daitou’e,” stirred a strange unease. *What kind of girl calls her brother late at night?*
Last night, swept by confused longing, she’d nearly acted on impulse. Morning clarity stole her courage. Instead, she held Lu Li and whispered secrets all night. She feared he’d see the real her. Feared distance. So she never dared confess while he was sober.
“Sure.”
After a quick breakfast, they walked hand in hand down the street—like a couple. Truth was, Yameng had avoided touching him since middle school. Today, *she* initiated it, gripping his fingers tightly. Her hand felt soft as jade. Lu Li glanced at her profile. Today she looked especially lovely: youthful outfit, gentle aura, a tender-eyed maiden without her usual edge.
September in Lingyue City still burned under a harsh sun. Streets buzzed with young women in short shorts, fair legs on display. Summer was heaven for men—especially here. Lu Li wasn’t immune. He lagged half a step, comparing his sister’s legs to others’.
Years of training gave Yameng straight, toned thighs; faint athletic lines showed at the side. Tall, high-waisted—even in a long skirt, her leg silhouette was clear. *She’d look great in sheer stockings,* he mused. *Under 60-denier. Shows the shape, keeps the elegance. 30 to 60 is ideal—smooths texture, stays breathable…* Ahem. Got carried away.
“What are you staring at?”
“Your legs.” Lu Li didn’t flinch. “Yours are just prettier, Sis.”
A warm flush spread across Yameng’s forehead. She pressed her skirt down, voice tinged with shy delight. “How can you say that so seriously?”
“Just stating facts.” He matched her pace. With strangers, you hide. With family, hiding is weird. He meant it—no hidden thoughts. Admiring beauty was natural. Nothing to shame.
Shopping with a woman was tedious—even with Yameng. They wandered the pedestrian street, stalls bursting with snacks and trinkets. Even frugal Yameng bought two bracelets: red for her, blue for him. Lu Li thought bracelets silly… but seeing her treasure-like smile, he swallowed his protest.
*Right. She’s only eighteen.*
He fastened the red one gently. “It suits your temperament, Sis.”
“Let’s make a promise.”
“What?”
“We siblings must never, ever part. Even after you marry… don’t leave me.”
Lu Li froze. For a heartbeat, he saw An Baili’s shadow. *“You must promise me a hundred times—you’ll never leave me!”* She’d said it daily. And he’d broken it. Repeating words a hundred times didn’t make them true.
Such promises only came from love-struck youth. *When did I stop believing in love?* Failed romance left scars. So did failed marriage.
“Okay. I promise.” His voice was soft.
“Like these bracelets—no one removes them. Not even your future wife…” Yameng’s coyness was endearing. Her quiet muttering made him smile.
“Bracelets break. My promise won’t. Even if it snaps, I’ll always cherish you, Sis.”
*In my last life, she vanished at twenty-four—gone at her most beautiful.* A flicker in Lu Li’s mind. Something grasped… then gone, like water through a sieve.
“I leave for school the day after tomorrow.”
Yameng’s steps faltered. “Stay longer? Ride back with our team. Can you even get a ticket alone?”
“Thanks to my class monitor. Honestly… meeting you this time was her doing.”
Yameng turned her face away, hiding her eyes.
“The same class officer?”
“…Mm.”
“A girl? Are you close?”
“Kind of. She’s a kind girl.”
“…”
“Sis?”
Under the tree’s shade, Yameng turned abruptly, resolve in her eyes. “Lizi… I need to apologize.”
Lu Li smiled. “For using my phone to chat?”
Yameng froze. “Y-You knew?! I just… checked if you were dating early… Weren’t you drunk?!” Her face burned crimson. Heart hammered—more than during her match with He Ping. *If he nods… did he hear everything I whispered?*
“I noticed this morning. You deleted one extra message by accident.”
“…Sorry…”
“No need.” He squeezed her hand. “Nothing you do would make me angry.” *You’ve earned this.*
His kindness deepened her shame. Lips pressed tight, head bowed, she stood motionless. Nearly his height, this grown woman looked so meek Lu Li’s chest ached. He slipped his arms under hers and pulled her into a hug.
She didn’t resist. They sat on the bench, embracing like lovers.
“Without you, Sis, I’d have starved in the low-rent district. You’ve carried us all these years.” He patted her back, voice tender as a lover’s.
Yameng’s heart melted. Words failed her. Body went limp—she wished to stay here forever. Dazed, she noticed: *He’s… really good at this.*
*What a despicable woman I am.*
Yet sometimes, in love, despicability works.
