“Dinner’s on me today. What would you like to eat?”

“Huh?” Zhou You blinked, momentarily stunned.

“You’re still a student. I’ve been in the workforce for years—I can certainly afford to treat you,” Yun Mingyue said casually.

“?”

A faint question mark seemed to hover over Zhou You’s head. Her explanation only confused him more. *Money to ‘support’ me?*

*Just because you’re offering, do I have to take it?*

And even if he *were* to “lie down and earn,” it wouldn’t be like this. At the very least, he should keep the right to move on his own terms.

“Chances for me to treat someone are rare.”

Countless people had tried to take Yun Mingyue out—she’d never agreed. Her *initiating* a meal with a man? Unbelievable.

“Let me think.”

“Don’t overthink it,” Yun Mingyue added with a gentle nod. “Just once, follow your heart. Isn’t that nice?”

“…”

Zhou You’s breath hitched. *So sweet.* She seemed assertive, yet tender in unexpected ways.

*Mature older sisters really are different from girls.*

“In that case… there *is* a place I’d like to try.”

Nothing special—just a common Western restaurant on the fifth floor. He guided Yun Mingyue to a window seat and ordered two simple steaks.

“Why here?” Yun Mingyue had expected something flashier.

*Boys usually try to stand out. Maybe take me to a street stall for contrast?*

*Is he just not overthinking… or is there a reason?*

“I just wanted to try,” Zhou You murmured, glancing at her elegant knife-and-fork motions.

Not like a butler serving a mistress—but like two ordinary people sharing a meal. Maybe because Yun Mingyue reminded him faintly of Yun Daidai.

He always sought in her what he couldn’t find in Yun Daidai.

“Try?” Yun Mingyue smiled. “Is little brother wanting to ‘try’ something with big sister?”

As she spoke, she sliced her steak neatly. Before Zhou You could protest—

“That’s not what I meant, Sister Hua—please don’t misread me…”

Her fair arm lifted. Leaning forward slightly, her sleeve slipped just enough to reveal a smooth shoulder. The fork, carrying a tiny steak morsel, gently silenced his words.

*Gulp… gulp…*

Zhou You swallowed instinctively, gaze darting away. Her blouse *was* rather loose.

*A gentleman shouldn’t stare.*

“Eat slowly.”

Yun Mingyue’s eyes crinkled with quiet satisfaction. Her index finger traced his lip, wiping away a dab of sauce before retreating. She settled back, bringing the stained fingertip toward her rose-tinted lips. He couldn’t look away.

Then—she smiled and dabbed her hand with a napkin.

“Thinking something naughty? Like I’d lick it?”

“…”

Zhou You went stiff. *Could anyone *not* think that?*

“Sister Hua… I can’t tell if you’re sincere or just playing.”

“Just be yourself.” She didn’t switch forks—the one he’d nearly used—and continued eating. “You follow your heart. I follow mine. Let fate decide.”

She spoke earnestly, poised, her gaze occasionally meeting his with a soft smile.

*She really is the “bad woman” type—flirts, but never commits.*

“If I ever got involved with a man… who’d be taking advantage of whom?” She finished her meal, dabbed her lips, touched up her lipstick, and added lightly, “As a successful businesswoman, I never make losing deals.”

*True.* If Yun Mingyue chose someone… gain or loss was anyone’s guess.

“But if little brother wants, big sister will take you home tonight.”

“Absolutely not.”

Zhou You shook his head firmly under her amused gaze.

*Even if I went, I’d sleep on the floor. Dreaming of climbing into this wealthy woman’s bed? Not happening.*

*She’s just flirting. Take it seriously—you lose.*

Yun Mingyue turned toward the window. City lights bloomed below—vibrant, bustling, alive with glamour.

“The downtown night view *is* beautiful.”

“Naturally. One-third of this district belongs to me. It *should* match my standards.”

She rose. Silky black hair cascaded behind her. A subtle smile played on her lips; the neon glow framed her like a halo—cool elegance and quiet allure intertwined.

“It’s late. I’ll call you a cab.”

Zhou You quickly masked his shock. *Not that kind of thought… just stunned Sister Hua is even richer than I imagined.*

After payment, a taxi arrived swiftly. Zhou You slid into the backseat, opened his album. The first photo: “Sister Hua” rising gracefully from the restaurant table.

*Took it without thinking… kinda rude.*

He texted her the photo with an apology, offering to delete it immediately if she wished.

Yun Mingyue lingered on the street. She wasn’t eager to return to that empty house.

*Alone in that room… yeah. Lonely.*

*Ding… ding…* (text)

*Ring… ring…* (call)

“Hello?”

“I thought calling was better… about the photo—”

“Keep it. It’s a privilege I give only you.”

Silence stretched. Being flirted with repeatedly hadn’t built his resistance.

“I’m hanging up.”

“Don’t. I’m bored. Chat with me awhile.”

“So the little boy learned to cling to his big sister.”

She strolled slowly, chatting, pausing under lamplights until fatigue settled. As Zhou You ended the call:

“Good night, Sister Hua. Rest well.”

Yun Mingyue lowered the phone, reopened his text.

Others would see *her* in the photo.

She saw the corner—the window’s faint reflection of a blurry boy.

*He was watching me. So intently.*

She long-pressed to save it. Created a new album. Named it:

*Sprout.*

*Good night.*

*Made up an excuse to walk me home… worried I’d be lonely? How cute.*

*A mature older sister notices what girls miss.*