Chapter 86
Chu Xinrou’s words were like a spark falling on a barren plain, instantly igniting a prairie fire in Qiao Xiaoxiao’s heart. The scorching flames wrapped around her heart, making it beat violently, her eardrums ringing. The brilliant halo that exploded before her eyes made her unable to distinguish between illusion and reality.
“Jiejie… what did you just say?” Qiao Xiaoxiao’s voice was so soft it was as if she were afraid of shattering this beautiful dream.
Chu Xinrou’s fingertips were still gently holding her chin, her gaze burning into her eyes.
Those eyes, which were always as gentle as water, were now surging with a dark possessiveness, like the oppressive sea before a storm. “Xiaoxiao, I always thought Wang Tiantian was your first love.” Her long fingers slowly moved along her cheek, leaving a burning trail on her skin. “Those few days… I was hardly myself.”
Chu Xinrou’s usually calm voice was now tinged with a rare vulnerability. Since she was a child, she had never truly feared anything. But when she had heard Wang Tiantian say she was going to buy a house for Qiao Xiaoxiao, a cold fear had suddenly gripped her heart. In fact, in countless sleepless nights, she had obsessively pictured the worst possible scenario. Was Wang Tiantian planning to take her Xiaoxiao abroad?
“I’ve seen all the photos online,” the emotions that had been suppressed for several days poured out. Chu Xinrou stared into Qiao Xiaoxiao’s pupils. “I don’t like to see you two hugging and laughing.” Her thumb pressed heavily on Qiao Xiaoxiao’s lips. “It’s too glaring.”
The air froze at this moment. Chu Xinrou held their foreheads together, and in the space between their breaths, she declared, one word at a time, “Xiaoxiao, remember, you are mine.”
This girl, who had grown up and become independent before her eyes, was hers, Chu Xinrou’s, alone. No one was allowed to touch her.
This was a tone and intonation her sister had never used before. Every word was wrapped in a thrilling possessiveness.
Qiao Xiaoxiao felt as if all the blood in her body was boiling. Her sister’s hand was just gently stroking her cheek, but she felt as if she had drunk the strongest wine, and her whole body went soft. That familiar feeling of dizziness came again, stronger than any time she had been drunk. In a daze, she didn’t even remember when her sister had left, only that sentence echoing in her ear.
—Xiaoxiao, you are mine.
The room was so quiet she could hear her own violent heartbeat.
Qiao Xiaoxiao lay on her back on the soft, large bed, her fingertips unconsciously touching the lips her sister had just stroked. Unlike the pain after every time her heart had been moved before, this time, she looked at the snow-white ceiling, the corners of her lips lifting unconsciously, and she smiled.
Could this be considered seeing the moon after the clouds have parted?
Her sister had finally given her a reply, right?
Sometimes love is just that strange. A moment’s impulse can make years of suppressed emotions burst forth.
But after Chu Xinrou had said these words to Xiaoxiao, she had started to not dare to meet her gaze.
In the afternoon, the considerate Sister Yang had brought some soup to see Xiaoxiao, to see if her drunkenness had subsided. Qiao Xiaoxiao had drunk it spoonful by spoonful, and couldn’t help but smile as she drank.
Yang Feitang looked at her suspiciously, then at her own soup. “What are you smiling foolishly for? Is there honey in my soup?”
Qiao Xiaoxiao: …
“Hey, where’s Xinrou?” Yang Feitang looked around. “At this hour, is she still sleeping?”
The moment her sister was mentioned, Qiao Xiaoxiao wanted to smile. After her confident declaration of sovereignty in the morning, she had closed the door and had not seen anyone. How cute.
What’s wrong with that?
Yang Feitang stood up and knocked on the door. “Xinrou, come out. I’ve made some soup.”
She knocked for a long time before Chu Xinrou finally opened the door and came out. She was a little impatient. “You’re disturbing my sleep.”
Yang Feitang looked at her face. “What kind of sleep are you having? Why is your face so red?”
What time is it?
Seeing her sister come out, Qiao Xiaoxiao knew she wanted to drink the soup and quickly went to the kitchen to get a spoon.
Yang Feitang was still showing off her cooking skills. “Just drink it. It will be so fragrant you’ll be drooling.”
She had been stewing it all morning.
Chu Xinrou looked towards the kitchen. Seeing Qiao Xiaoxiao come back, she immediately lowered her head to look at the soup.
“Here, Jiejie,” when Qiao Xiaoxiao handed the spoon to Chu Xinrou, their fingertips accidentally touched, and they both pulled back as if they had been electrocuted, their faces red.
“What are you doing? What are you in a daze for? What’s wrong with you two?” Yang Feitang had been showing off for a long time and had noticed the strangeness between the two of them. She squinted. “You two… last night—mmmph—”
Before she could finish, her mouth was covered by Chu Xinrou’s palm with the speed and force of swatting a mosquito, almost sending Yang Feitang to the ground.
Yang Feitang: …
There’s definitely something wrong!
A sensitive old driver, if she couldn’t discover something, then Yang Feitang’s years of being under CEO Xue would have been in vain.
Her gossipy curiosity was piqued. Her heart was as if it had been scratched by an itch, and she couldn’t stop it at all.
After Qiao Xiaoxiao had left, Yang Feitang immediately leaned close to Chu Xinrou. “Tell me, what’s the situation?”
How could Chu Xinrou not know Yang Feitang’s personality? She sighed softly. “I don’t know either. Is this good or bad for Xiaoxiao?”
“Of course it’s good,” Yang Feitang said decisively. “Didn’t you see Lu Chen’s red-rimmed eyes yesterday? To be honest, Xinrou, you’re also the type who is slow to realize things. Fortunately, our brat is patient and persistent.”
“Persistent…”
Hearing this, Chu Xinrou shot Yang Feitang a look, her face turning red again.
Yang Feitang: …
Oh my god, what did she say? Has it gotten to the point where just hearing a word makes her think of something dirty?
It seems that the only thing separating them from driving on the road is a thin layer of window paper.
Yang Feitang now took out her years of experience and asked Chu Xinrou very seriously, “Are you a top or a bottom?”
Chu Xinrou was a little dazed. “What?”
She had never learned about these things.
Yang Feitang wanted to laugh a little. “You don’t understand?”
Chu Xinrou shook her head in confusion.
Teacher Yang’s lecture began. She put on an air. “I’m thirsty.”
Chu Xinrou immediately stood up and got her favorite cold-brewed tea from the fridge. Yang Feitang crossed her legs and said smugly, “This top is the one on top, and the bottom is the one on the bottom. Do you understand?”
Although Chu Xinrou was quick to understand in other aspects, she was, after all, a novice in this area. She had to be a little patient.
Her long eyelashes blinked. Chu Xinrou thought seriously for a moment and asked, “So, you’re a bottom, and CEO Xue is a top?”
Yang Feitang: …
How can there be such an annoying person!!!
One sentence had shattered the momentum Teacher Yang had just built up. She leaned against Chu Xinrou and whispered, “Let me tell you, Xinrou, don’t blame me for not reminding you. This first time is very important. You have to be on top. Otherwise, if you’re pinned down once, you’ll be pinned down every time in the future.”
Hearing her say this, Chu Xinrou’s face grew a little hot. She looked at her as if she were a “hooligan.” “Xiaoxiao and I are not like what you think.”
“What is that like?” Yang Feitang rolled her eyes. “If you have the guts, then don’t sleep together for the rest of your lives!”
Their eyes are already so full of sparks, and they’re still being reserved?
Isn’t this just a matter of time?
It was a matter of time, but it still needed time. But with the explosive debut of the “Xiao Tiantian” combination, Qiao Xiaoxiao had truly experienced what it was like to become famous overnight. This was completely different from the small-scale popularity she had had at No. 3 High School. Now, she could cause a commotion just by walking on the street.
The publicity department of Qingxin Entertainment had keenly captured this phenomenon. At their strong request, Qiao Xiaoxiao, who had always disliked going online, had no choice but to register a Weibo account. What was astonishing was that her account had gained fifty thousand followers on the first day and had broken the three hundred thousand mark in less than a week.
This popularity had even spread to her daily life. Every time she went to the art studio or the music room, she would always be recognized by the students who came for classes, causing a series of “oohs” and “aahs.” When she walked on campus, she would often be asked for autographs and photos. Wherever she went, there would be a series of fiery gazes following her. Even her head teacher had privately asked her for an autograph, saying that his child insisted on it.
Qiao Xiaoxiao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. In this era where looks are justice, her exquisite features, slender waist, and abs had all become hot topics on social media. All sorts of candid photos were going viral online, and her fans had given her nicknames like “Human Peach,” “Right-angle Shoulder Goddess,” and “A4 Waist.”
However, along with fame came a constant stream of suitors. Every day, there were countless private messages and confessions. There would always be unknown flowers and gifts at the studio door. The most exaggerated was when a rich second-generation had directly driven his sports car to the company building to wait for her, attracting a large crowd of onlookers to take pictures.
Qiao Xiaoxiao was the most annoyed by this. Her expression was not good during that time. Seeing her like this, Chu Xinrou thought for a moment. “A few days ago, didn’t you say you felt that something was off with your uncle and wanted to go back and see him?”
Qiao Xiaoxiao was a little hesitant. “But there are still so many things to deal with now. I…”
Chu Xinrou reached out and stroked her long hair, her fingertips gently running through the strands. “It’s okay. The popularity will eventually pass. As long as Qingxin seizes this wave of publicity, it will naturally stabilize after it rushes up. There are many things that you can only do your best and leave the rest to fate.”
“Qingxin is different from before now. You also have to adapt to the change in your role as a manager. You can’t let work drag you down, you know?”
“Yes.”
Chu Xinrou’s words could always relax Qiao Xiaoxiao’s tense nerves. Curled up in her sister’s embrace, she sniffed the familiar scent on her and asked in a small voice, “This time, you’re not angry?”
She still remembered the last time, because of Tiantian’s matter, her sister had even pulled her hair in anger when she was blow-drying it. This time, there was such a big commotion, but her sister was so gentle.
Chu Xinrou chuckled softly. She poked Xiaoxiao’s cheek with her hand. “I care about your attitude.”
Her attitude.
Qiao Xiaoxiao was a little distracted, her thoughts drifting back to the music room yesterday. Yang Feitang was leaning against the piano, the amber liquid in her glass swaying gently, but her gaze was always on her fingertips as she played the piano.
“Oh, what a waste of a natural gift,” Yang Feitang suddenly shook her head and sighed softly, her tone filled with an indescribable regret.
Qiao Xiaoxiao’s fingertips paused, and the sound of the piano came to an abrupt end. “Am I that bad?” She frowned. Although she knew her piano skills were mediocre, it couldn’t be so bad as to make Sister Yang so disappointed, right?
Yang Feitang looked at the bewildered little girl before her and couldn’t help but facepalm. She put down her wine glass and suddenly leaned forward. “Xiaoxiao, let me ask you a question. You have to answer honestly.”
Qiao Xiaoxiao straightened her back, her face full of innocence. “Go ahead. When have I ever lied to you?”
“You and Xinrou—” Yang Feitang squinted, enunciating each word. “Do you really only have reverence for her, and not at all… lust after her body?”
Clang!
Qiao Xiaoxiao’s hand slammed on the piano keys, her cheeks instantly burning red. “Why-why are you asking this?”
Yang Feitang gently swirled her wine glass, making a meaningful “tsk, tsk” sound. “It’s been so many years. Are you still being a stranger with your Sister Yang?”
It wasn’t that she was being a stranger.
It was just… these words were really hard to say.
After a long silence, just as Yang Feitang was about to give up on this topic, Qiao Xiaoxiao suddenly looked up and said to Yang Feitang seriously, “The first time I realized I liked my sister was because I had a wet dream about her.”
Yang Feitang: …
As expected of a young person. If they don’t touch the steering wheel, they don’t. But once they do, they drive the car straight onto the highway.
“So, how can I not lust after her? But… she’s my sister.”
For so many years, they had been used to this kind of relationship. Xiaoxiao was afraid that if she suddenly changed, her sister wouldn’t be able to take it.
Yang Feitang knew her and knew what Xiaoxiao was thinking. She thought for a moment and said, “I think—”
Qiao Xiaoxiao held her breath and looked at her, listening attentively to Yang Feitang’s thoughts.
Yang Feitang: “Just do it.”
Qiao Xiaoxiao: …
Chu Xinrou always treated Qiao Xiaoxiao as a child who would never grow up and also had a bit of separation anxiety, reminding her worriedly.
“When you go back, you can’t be greedy for cold things and eat popsicles all day, you know?”
“Yes.”
“Your uncle is a person who has a lot on his mind. If he doesn’t tell you, there must be some unspeakable reason. Don’t be in a hurry to ask.”
“Okay.”
“What day is Nuonuo’s holiday? Do you want to take her with you?”
“The teacher said she’s been daydreaming a lot recently. I don’t know what’s wrong. She won’t say when I ask. I’m not allowed to take her.”
“Okay, then you can just take one suitcase back yourself.”
…
Qiao Xiaoxiao was completely enveloped in Chu Xinrou’s warm embrace, her ears filled with her sister’s gentle whispers, her nose filled with the familiar light and elegant fragrance. She only felt that her heart was soaked in honey, so sweet it was trembling. Her slender arms unconsciously tightened, holding Chu Xinrou’s waist even tighter.
“Jiejie, they all say I have an A4 waist,” Qiao Xiaoxiao’s fingertips gently traced Chu Xinrou’s waistline. “But I think your waist is the most beautiful.”
Chu Xinrou’s waist was astonishingly slender. Under the thin fabric, she could clearly feel the outline of her bones.
Qiao Xiaoxiao’s thumb and middle finger gently closed, and she could almost measure the size of that waist. It was so thin it was as if it would break with a little force.
Chu Xinrou was looking down at her phone, seriously recording, “Underwear, sunscreen, power bank…”
Before she could finish, she suddenly gasped. Qiao Xiaoxiao’s fingertips had at some point reached under the hem of her clothes and had touched the bare skin on her waist.
Qiao Xiaoxiao swore to God that at the beginning, she was really just sighing and measuring. But that delicate touch was too wonderful, making her as if she were possessed. Her fingertips lingered on her sister’s silky smooth skin, slowly moving up from her waist, feeling the slight tremor under every inch of her skin.
“Xiaoxiao… don’t…”
Chu Xinrou’s voice was tinged with a tremor. She subconsciously wanted to dodge, but she was held firmly by Qiao Xiaoxiao’s hands on her waist. Her slender wrists were easily restrained, and her whole being was like a captured fish, only able to tremble weakly.
Qiao Xiaoxiao looked down at her. The moment their eyes met, the air seemed to freeze.
Chu Xinrou’s eyelashes trembled slightly, casting a swaying shadow under her eyes. Her lips were slightly parted, but she could no longer make a sound.
The phone slipped from her fingers and fell onto the bedsheet with a soft thud.
