Zhou You stepped off the subway, leading Chen Youzi home. Along the way, she tried the same trick again—but no chance like before ever came.

For Chen Youzi, the night brimmed with regret. Her carefully laid plans kept hitting unexpected snags. She didn’t know her scheme was already part of someone else’s agenda, but that didn’t stop the quiet frustration simmering inside.

A frustrated girl seeks comfort: a crush, a bestie, family. But she couldn’t tell Zhou You. Ning Mengmeng was busy hosting guests. Only one person remained—her older sister.

Come to think of it… hadn’t Chen Tangtang said she’d come to Hangzhou days ago? Why total silence since?

Chen Youzi: "Sister, didn’t you say you were coming to Hangzhou?"

Only a few minutes passed.

[Location Shared]

Huancheng Hotel, Hangzhou.

Another voice message arrived—Chen Tangtang’s voice thick with faux tears:

"Why must I quarantine traveling from Hong Kong to Hangzhou? So unfair!"

"…"

Ah. Right. With how well her own country handled things, she’d nearly forgotten.

Chen Youzi: "Sister, stay put in the hotel. Don’t stir trouble."

Chen Tangtang—grown yet forever childlike, clingy, playful, absurdly spoiled—somehow never became a true brat. A miracle.

Still, Chen Youzi worried. Hangzhou wasn’t Hong Kong. What if her sister acted up?

Ding!

Another voice message.

Chen Tangtang: "Did you find my little celebrity crush?"

Chen Youzi: "With your messy clues? Nearly impossible. Just ask him directly."

Honestly—her sister was *that* "impressive" (at least an F-cup). Men wouldn’t reject her; they’d stare till their eyes popped.

Chen Tangtang: "No fun! Youzi, pleeease help your sister~ Youzi~"

Chen Youzi instantly regretted texting her. Expecting comfort from her sister was like expecting a pig to fly.

Chen Tangtang: "Youzi~ Youzi~"

As she spammed texts and voice notes, Chen Tangtang rolled across the hotel bed—soft curves appearing, vanishing with each twist. Pale toes twitched against snow-white sheets like cherry blossoms dusting fresh snow.

Helpless, Chen Youzi typed:

Chen Youzi: "How many more days? Fine… I’ll *reluctantly* keep looking."

Chen Tangtang: "Ehehe~ I’m free tomorrow!"

Chen Youzi: "…"

She’d pictured her sister locked up for weeks. *This* was the tragedy?

#!

Chen Tangtang: "I can’t hold back! What’s that phrase… ‘Y’-fire burning me alive?"

Chen Youzi: "Don’t misuse words you just learned!"

Chen Tangtang: "If not here, where? Your sister’s already burning up and impatient—can’t I say that?"

"…"

Chen Youzi buried her face in the pillow. Done. Her sister was beyond saving.

Chen Youzi: "You’ll be free soon. Hang in there. Bye."

Chen Tangtang: "Nooo! Youzi~ Youzi~"

...

...

Work was work. Personal life was personal. Yun Mingyue wouldn’t contact an intern during office hours.

Zhou You had assumed as much.

"Zhou You, the chairman wants you," Sun Qing announced, stepping in. Her sharp glance instantly scattered the secretary leaning on Zhou You with an arm draped over his shoulder.

"Little Brother Zhou~" the secretary purred, pulling a card from her cleavage and pressing her Guerlain-stained lips to it. Before he could refuse, she tucked it into his pocket. "Your sister is always waiting."

"…"

He’d only done his job. Why were older women flirting?

*Could it be…*

Zhou You touched his cheek, thoughtful. *Am I… handsome?*

"Ahem. Hurry up," Sun Qing coughed lightly at the door, adjusting her silver-rimmed glasses. She stepped aside, eyes urging him forward.

Zhou You glanced at her calm face—but he *knew*. She’d tell Sister Hua. And once Sister Hua knew…

Tonight’s "excitement" would level up.

Honestly? He was troubled.

As they left, whispers erupted behind them.

"You dared to compete with Secretary Sun? Didn’t you see her glare?!" the eldest secretary gasped, misunderstanding entirely.

"Hmph. I’ve got money to keep a puppy. I’ll switch companies," the card-giver shrugged.

"Little Brother Zhou isn’t a puppy," the eldest added, licking her lips. "More like a big bad wolf."

Knowing smiles spread.

"A *big*… *bad*… wolf… is even better."

Leaving the gossip behind, Sun Qing led Zhou You down the hall.

Casually, she murmured, "You’re young. They’re not right for you."

"I know," Zhou You smiled. "Older sisters are lovely—but harder to win than younger girls."

"That’s not my point." Sun Qing grew blunt, mindful of Yun Mingyue’s odd stance toward him. "Some women? You think you’re in control—but *she’s* using *you*. Remember: it’s the 21st century." She paused, choosing words carefully. She cared for her people. "Don’t meet the coldest hearts when you crave love most."

"I truly understand," Zhou You said seriously—not claiming to grasp their worldview, but seeing their interest wasn’t real. "Secretary, I’ll keep your words close."

Then he recited her exact warning, verbatim.

For someone like Sun Qing, this was the fastest way to earn trust. Her expression softened. A subtle warmth flickered toward this rare subordinate who actually *listened*.

"We’re here."

She opened the chairman’s door, gesturing him in alone. Waited outside.

Her calm stance sent a faint chill through Zhou You.

What new scheme was Sister Hua plotting this time?