Big Sisters are really nice.

Whether it’s Sister Hua or Sister Bing, they’re both sharp. Sister Bing probably is too—at least she’s got that uncanny sixth sense, that intuition.

Talking with them? You don’t need many words to understand each other.

So much better than Yun Daidai. That young mistress? The type who wouldn’t hear you even if you shouted.

“What’s weighing on you?” Yun Mingyue leaned closer. She couldn’t stand seeing him look troubled while she was by his side.

Zhou You saw no need to hide it. “My ex has been clinging to me lately, pushing to get back together.”

Yun Mingyue flicked her ponytail, stepped ahead to signal him to follow. As they walked side by side, she tossed out an idea.

“You could find a new girlfriend, bring her right in front of your ex—and give her a solid dose of payback.”

Zhou You shot her a sideways glance. For once, he couldn’t tell if she was hinting at something.

Though… if it were Sister Hua? She’d absolutely outshine Yun Daidai. Figure, looks, family background—total victory.

“If the chance comes.”

“Then seize it.”

A quiet tug-of-war. Yun Mingyue won again, leaving Zhou You speechless.

Truth was, if he ever *really* made a move, she’d pull away. Her heart wasn’t full enough yet—not to the point of losing control.

How did that saying go?

*Flirty on the surface, shy when it counts.*

That was Sister Hua—fiery outside, pure deep down.

“If the chance is right here? Of course I’ll take it.”

“Confident, aren’t you?” Yun Mingyue stopped. Mall lights painted her eyes in shifting colors.

Was she really that easy to win?

His confidence would’ve annoyed her before—hating the idea anyone thought she *belonged* to him. But now…

…not so bad.

*You’ve changed a lot lately, Yun Mingyue.*

“Excuse me!” A flyer girl approached the pair, whose vibe had turned subtly intimate. “Our shop’s running a couples’ promo. Interested?”

Yun Mingyue took the pamphlet, skimmed it without interest. Standing beside Zhou You, she asked curiously, “Do we really look like a couple?”

“Well…” The girl wasn’t fooled. Yun Mingyue’s question said it all—they weren’t.

*Then why do they seem closer than most couples?* She blinked, flustered. “Must’ve misjudged. Sorry!”

After she left, Yun Mingyue kept glancing at the flyer.

“Sister Hua, wanna go?” Zhou You guessed it was a restaurant couples’ set. “We could pretend. No one knows.”

*Pretend now… maybe later…* He had a tiny, hopeful thought.

“No. Too soon for you, little brother.” Yun Mingyue turned her head. A faint blush dusted her cheeks.

“?”

She showed him the flyer.

*King-sized water bed! Ultra-luxury couples’ suite! Only 500 yuan/night!*

“Ahem—ahem!”

Zhou You snatched it, crumpled it, tossed it straight into the bin. *What even was that?!*

Seeing his flustered face, Yun Mingyue’s eyes curved into crescent moons. Zhou You was her joy these days. Life’d feel hollow without him.

She led him on a slow, aimless stroll. Riding the mood, she asked softly, “What did you do at night… back then?”

“Studied. Spent time with my parents and little sister.”

“Not with your girlfriend?”

“She didn’t need me to.”

Yun Daidai never lingered on calls. Barely shared feelings. Maybe she thought her beauty and status made their bond unshakable?

Zhou You paused, sensing the awkward shift. “What about you, Sister Hua? Visit your shops?”

He knew her quirk—opening quiet, unique stores across Hangzhou. Some mysteriously blew up, leaving her mildly stressed.

“I worked late. Home was just a place to sleep.”

So many warm words for “home,” yet her voice stayed flat—as if naming a roadside motel.

“For a while, to forget something painful… I poured everything into work.”

Dim light couldn’t hide the rare vulnerability flickering across her face. She caught his gaze, smoothed it into a smile.

It tugged at his heart.

“But it’s over. I’ve closed that chapter.” She offered a gentle, apologetic smile. “Sorry you saw that.”

“My fault for asking.”

“Getting late. Let’s call it here.”

She turned, walked a few steps—then stopped, glancing back. *Aren’t you following?*

“I didn’t drive. It’s dark. Not safe for a woman alone.”

Such a clear hint. Zhou You hesitated—then remembered her earlier look.

“Shall I walk you home?”

He fell into step beside her. She walked slowly, lost in thought. Nearly an hour later, they reached a villa district.

“Which number’s yours, Sister Hua?”

Startled from her thoughts, she swept a casual hand. “All villas from here to there are mine. I live in the one at the edge.”

No path lasts forever. At the gate, they parted.

“Too late to invite you in.”

“Mm.”

The moment Zhou You turned, Yun Mingyue’s shoulders trembled slightly.

That old wound still ached. Tonight’s memory left her feeling unusually lonely.

She almost called out—but hesitated until he vanished. Instead, she pulled out her phone and snapped his retreating figure under the warm lamplight.

*You sneak photos of me all the time. Big sister sneaks one of you too. Hmph.*

She traced the screen, watching the boy fade into the distance.

“This is fine too.” A soft sigh. She turned toward the door.

Bzzz~~

WeChat chimed.

Handsome and Thoughtful Guy: [Photo]

*A shot of Yun Mingyue at the gate, head down, smiling softly at her phone.*

Handsome and Thoughtful Guy: [What were you thinking about?]

Yun Mingyue stared at the screen.

Flourishing Bloom: [Thinking of you.]