Chapter 144: Colors Part 3

Jiang Ke hesitated for a moment before continuing, “…Her dream school back then was actually the Department of Mathematics at X University.”

Xu Yinian’s breath hitched. Her pupils constricted even in the dark.

She suddenly remembered a moment from her childhood, before her stutter had made her so self-conscious. Back then, she was the “prodigy” in everyone’s eyes, especially gifted in the Math Olympiads her mother taught her.

She had seen X University and Y University in a book and asked her mother which one she liked better.

For the first time, Xu Yihe’s expression had frozen. She had looked at her daughter’s advanced, perfect test scores, her voice trembling slightly: “…Does Niannian want to go to X University to study math?”

Jiang Ke’s voice pulled Yinian back to the present.

“Actually, before my family ‘lent’ you that money, Auntie had already wired the funds to that man. She told him to give it to you for tuition and living expenses under the guise of a loan. Every month after that, she sent the money for your allowance as well.”

“You don’t owe them a single thing. They’re the scum for saying those things to you!”

Jiang Ke cursed under her breath, baring her teeth like a fierce little tiger.

Xu Yinian finally couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, masking the shimmering tears in her eyes.

Jiang Ke nodded firmly at her. “She loves you very much.”

“She probably didn’t want to trouble me, so she didn’t call often. But every time she did, it was about the smallest things.”

“Winter comes earlier to the Capital than to Yuanwu. On the third day after you had that dust mite allergy, she called to remind me to tell you that all your sweaters and intimate wear had to be washed before you could wear them.”

“She never asked me for recent photos of you, but after I sent them, she went silent for a long time.”

“I tested the waters, asking if she’d like to visit the Capital during the winter break and return to Yuanwu with you. She didn’t refuse. She clearly wants to.”

“Back then… she must have really wanted to see you off to X University herself.”

Whether it was because of her own dreams—shattered by her sister’s interference—or the desire to see the flower she had spent eighteen years nurturing finally stand on its own, her mother’s heart remained tied to her daughter.

A heavy silence fell over the car. Xu Yinian didn’t ask anything; she seemed to shrink into the upholstery, her presence almost vanishing.

Jiang Ke turned her head and saw her older cousin biting her lip hard, trying to stifle any sound. Tears fell like broken pearls from her cheeks, pitter-pattering onto her clothes and blooming into dark, wet circles.

“Older Cousin…”

Jiang Ke felt as if her own heart were breaking. She leaned over and pulled the smaller girl into her arms, gently wiping away the tears.

“Once the major transfer application and exams are over, I’ll help you. I’ll go back to Yuanwu myself and bring her here,” Jiang Ke promised, whispering into her ear.

A flicker of something unreadable flashed in the depths of Jiang Ke’s eyes.

Once things here were settled, she planned to go to Yuanwu behind Bai Ran’s back. She had a certain love letter to investigate and a witness to meet…

She had to know why Bai Ran was so certain that, aside from Shen Yi’s overwhelming power, Shen Ruoshuang was the most dangerous and special threat of all.

Xu Yinian’s voice was thick with sobs. “Ke-ke… th-thank you…”

After finally managing to soothe her, the driver caught their eyes in the rearview mirror and smiled. “You two sisters really have a wonderful relationship.”

Xu Yinian’s eyes and the tip of her nose were still a shimmering, tear-stained red. Hearing this, she lowered her head in embarrassment.

Jiang Ke’s expression, however, turned cold.

The word “sisters” undoubtedly stung her again. She had just let a perfect opportunity slip through her fingers. Looking at the hotel nearby, her eyes narrowed, casting a shadow over her gaze.

The hotel was a last-minute choice nearby. As the older one, Xu Yinian insisted on paying for the night. However, she was no match for Jiang Ke’s lifelong stubbornness and eventually had to give in.

Since they usually shared a bed at home, Jiang Ke naturally picked a room with a single large bed.

Xu Yinian was suddenly reminded of the “unspeakable” experience she’d had the only other time she stayed at a hotel with Shen Ruoshuang and Sister Ran.

At Jiang Ke’s suggestion, they showered first. It felt just like the first night of a long-awaited reunion during winter or summer break when they were kids. They would lie together and whisper secrets until they drifted off, and Xu Yinian would always wake up to find her younger sister clinging to her.

Back then, Jiang Ke hadn’t been as tall as her. She was a tiny thing, only shooting up and surpassing Yinian after a growth spurt in middle school.

The curtains were drawn tight, leaving the room in total darkness once the lights were killed.

Xu Yinian felt Jiang Ke’s hand searching for her in the dark. In her fumbling confusion, the hand accidentally brushed against a warm, soft patch of skin.

“Mm…”

She couldn’t help it—neither the sound nor her body’s reaction.

In the darkness, her reflexive wince and the way she squeezed her eyes shut remained hidden. A moment later, she realized what was happening, and her face exploded into a frantic flush. She silently curled her legs together, a hidden tell of her agitation.

Ever since the time she was “caught” by Qin Jiashu, Xu Yinian knew how sensitive her body had become. But to have such a reaction from her own sister’s accidental touch…

I’m… I’m a pervert…

It was Jiang Ke’s first time touching her like this, too. Perhaps the frustration of nearly revealing the secret of their lack of blood relation earlier had pushed her. She had intentionally fumbled toward a red line she usually never dared to cross.

It was an easy intrusion against a completely defenseless target.

But Jiang Ke herself was stunned by the contact. She felt as if she were sinking into something.

Just like her cousin’s personality… she was incredibly sweet and soft.

Furthermore, after being diligently fed by the other women, Xu Yinian had filled out in certain places. One of those places was…

Under the layers of winter clothing, it hadn’t been obvious.

Hearing that sound, Jiang Ke froze. It took her a moment to realize it was a suppressed, delicate moan. Her breath hitched.

Because of me… what happened to her?