The bathroom door swung open, and Jiang Xiaoyi walked out as if nothing had happened, her palm clenched tightly.
As she brushed past her classmates, Jiang Xiaoyi finally let out a breath of relief. She lifted her hand to examine her fingertip, which her sister had bitten until it was bright red.
A small tooth mark lingered on her slender finger, the tip still slick and moist—it looked like it had been bitten hard. Was it because she hadn’t reacted in time that her sister had bitten down?
By the time she reached the volleyball court, Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheeks were flushed red.
The thought of Meng Chuning deliberately swirling her moist tongue around Jiang Xiaoyi’s finger made her ears burn too. Thank goodness no one had seen that scene.
“Xiaoyi, are you feeling hot?” Ye Yiwen handed her a bottle of water. “Here, have some.”
“Thanks.” Jiang Xiaoyi unscrewed the cap and took a sip, then turned her gaze to see Meng Chuning approaching.
Meng Chuning looked calm and composed, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. Her lips were just a bit redder than usual. She took a drink of water, smiled at her teammates, and her lips gleamed with a subtle sheen.
“…” Jiang Xiaoyi stared, then took another gulp of water and swallowed it down.
Meng Chuning had tied her loose volleyball jersey around her waist, exposing a strip of snowy white skin. As she did her warm-up stretches, her waist and abdomen flexed gently.
“…” Jiang Xiaoyi pressed her lips together. The memory of Meng Chuning’s tongue curling and sucking, combined with the contraction of her abs, inexplicably made her blush all over again.
Jiang Xiaoyi gripped her heated fingers tightly, as if they were still caught and squeezed. At last, she understood the difference Meng Chuning had wanted her to feel.
Ye Yiwen looked at her in surprise. “You look so flushed. Want to head to the rest area to cool off?”
“Mm.” Jiang Xiaoyi ducked her head and made her way to the rest area. Her mind kept replaying images of Meng Chuning’s soft lips and that little butterfly dancing lightly.
What if she tried both at the same time—would the pleasure double? Jiang Xiaoyi covered her face with one hand. Her sister was too good at this; she’d been left so rattled she couldn’t calm down, her thoughts spiraling wildly.
From a few people away, Meng Chuning glanced at Jiang Xiaoyi, who was chugging water furiously. Had she teased her too much again?
When they’d left the bathroom, Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheeks and neck hadn’t been this red. Now she was practically glowing crimson—probably thinking about something naughty.
As if sensing her gaze, Jiang Xiaoyi turned her face toward Meng Chuning. Across the gap between them, Meng Chuning tilted her head playfully.
Jiang Xiaoyi’s heart skipped erratically. Her sister had flirted with her and now pulled off that cute, innocent expression.
Meng Chuning licked her lips lightly; the tip of her tongue still held the faint cool warmth of Jiang Xiaoyi’s finger.
Remembering how her sister had slowly pulled her retreating hand back and sucked and nibbled on it repeatedly, Jiang Xiaoyi’s dark eyes flickered. Her thoughts veered off course again. When they got back, she’d make sure her sister felt her response in full.
Their gazes locked for a few seconds before they both looked away.
The Chuxiao CP fans guarding the livestream were practically burning holes in their screens.
【Did I see that right? What was that secret look Meng Chuning and Jiang Xiaoyi just exchanged?!】
【They held eye contact for three seconds!!! No escaping my hawk eyes!】
【Three seconds of pure gaze-locking tension—total subtle eye-flirting! I’ve shipped enough CPs to know!】
【TBH from the Charity Banquet to the LP Jewelry Banquet, they’ve only shared the frame twice. Doesn’t feel real.】
【Are they faking it or what? I can’t tell!】
【Don’t care, sugar is sugar—I’m shipping it hehe.】
Coach Xu blew her whistle, calling everyone to gather. “After the break, we’ll start the official match. Five sets, three wins. The winning team’s guests will get bonus points based on overall popularity ranking.”
Even a fun match affected popularity scores, which meant more screen time the higher you ranked. The eight guests suddenly felt the pressure.
The match began. Jiang Xiaoyi tossed the ball and bumped it over the net in a perfect arc.
The early game was tentative, polite volleys back and forth. The ball sailed smoothly through the air a few times before Jiang Xiaoyi sent it back lightly once more.
Meng Fanyu glanced at the tense Ye Yiwen. “Get in front of me to receive.”
“Got it.” Ye Yiwen hurried forward in a panic, tilting her face up and raising her arms to take the ball.
The volleyball hit her arms and rebounded over the net.
Ye Yiwen grinned excitedly and looked back. “Sis, I got it!”
Meng Fanyu, fully focused on receiving, stumbled at the word.
Ye Yiwen froze after her instinctive shout, oblivious to the ball flying straight at her.
From the sidelines, Jing Ying shouted, “Yiwen, watch out!”
Ye Yiwen squeezed her eyes shut and crouched, but suddenly Meng Fanyu closed in, her familiar scent washing over her.
Meng Fanyu raised her arm to block the ball for her. The perfect reception faltered, and the ball dropped to the ground.
Coach Xu whistled. “Meng Chuning’s team scores a point!”
Staring at Meng Fanyu’s face so close, Ye Yiwen held her breath. “S-sorry.”
“It’s fine.” Meng Fanyu picked up the ball and retreated, then tossed it to Jiang Xiaoyi. “Xiaoyi, serve.”
The livestream chat exploded.
【Hahaha Ye Yiwen nailed it—she actually received one!】
【Meng Fanyu’s the coach, right? Why’d Ye Yiwen call her sis, and so sweetly too?】
【Did I hear that? Ye Yiwen really called her sis?!?!】
【Did the ball scare Ye Yiwen stiff or what?】
Meng Chuning frowned slightly at the pair. Meng Fanyu always protected Ye Yiwen so well, no matter the moment.
“Xiaoyi.” Meng Chuning’s competitive fire ignited. “Serve it hard.”
Jiang Xiaoyi had planned a friendly game, but Meng Chuning’s words fired her up. Maybe her sister thought the livestream was too tame and viewers might lose interest.
“Got it.” Jiang Xiaoyi tossed the ball high, jumped, and smashed it over the net at top speed.
The other side froze at the velocity. Meng Fanyu reacted first, backpedaling and bumping it back.
After a few rapid exchanges, the ball came flying back. The nearest player, Meng Chuning, leaped up and spiked it with a resounding smack, slamming it toward the opponents.
“Wow—”
Both teams marveled at Meng Chuning’s spike.
As the ball neared the floor, Ye Yiwen dashed to the net to save it. She extended her arm, but it smacked her head instead.
“…” Meng Chuning flexed her heated palm. She’d only meant to make it impossible for Ye Yiwen to receive, not for her to head it.
Coach Xu whistled. “Meng Chuning’s team scores two points!”
Ye Yiwen clutched her head and stood. “Sorry, I missed again.”
They’d lost two points in a row because of her, so she didn’t dare complain about the hit.
Meng Fanyu frowned faintly and sighed.
The livestream audience was hyped.
【Meng Chuning’s spike was so cool!】
【Meng Fanyu’s team looks kinda weak. Gonna lose?】
【Ye Yiwen has no clue how to play—hope her head’s okay lol.】
The match reached match point; one more for Meng Chuning’s team and it was over.
That last spike had unleashed power from Meng Chuning’s waist, her flexible midsection surprisingly resilient.
Jiang Xiaoyi stared, ball in arms, stepping toward Meng Chuning. She lowered her eyes to the other’s palm. “Teacher Meng, is your hand okay?”
“It’s fine.” Meng Chuning spread her reddened palm—it looked shocking. Her fair elbow was red from multiple receives too.
Jiang Xiaoyi felt a pang of concern. “Teacher Meng, go to the rest area and ice it, or it’ll swell.”
Such blatant care made Meng Chuning smile. “But the match isn’t over.”
“Teacher Meng, we’ll sub someone in. You can’t keep playing with that hand.” Her teammates chimed in agreement.
Yuan Jia fetched a bottle of ice-cold water from the rest area. “Teacher Meng, here.”
“Thanks.” Meng Chuning took it and pressed it to her palm, the burning easing gradually.
The teammates crowded around. “Teacher Meng, we’ll handle the rest. You rest up.”
Jiang Xiaoyi gently nudged Meng Chuning toward the rest area, whispering into the mic, “Sis, does it hurt?”
“It hurts like hell.” Meng Chuning mouthed the words, her eyes reddening as she whined playfully. “Blow on it.”
With their backs to the court, Jiang Xiaoyi leaned down and blew softly on the palm. “Better?”
The warm-cool breath tickled her palm, making Meng Chuning’s heart itch. “Wanna kiss you.”
“No…” Jiang Xiaoyi helped her sit. No more talk with her sister, or someone would notice.
Back on the court, Jiang Xiaoyi passed the serve to Liju.
Liju didn’t have much power; the ball floated softly over. Ye Yiwen blinked a few times, seized the chance, and returned it, barely grazing the net.
“Ah!” Liju lunged at the net but was too late.
Coach Xu cheered. “Meng Fanyu’s team scores!”
Ye Yiwen scratched her throbbing head. She hadn’t expected such a lucky shot.
Meng Fanyu’s team morale soared; Liju deflated. “My fault.”
Jiang Xiaoyi patted her. “It’s okay, plenty of chances left.”
After several rallies, the players panted heavily. Jiang Xiaoyi shouldered the load and served again.
The opponents fought back fiercely. Jiang Xiaoyi stole a glance at Meng Chuning in the rest area.
Meng Chuning clutched her ice water bottle, watching anxiously.
The ball rocketed back from the other side. Jiang Xiaoyi jumped in place and spiked, channeling all her power into her core for an explosive burst. The speed overwhelmed them; the ball bounced off the floor.
“Aaah—”
“Xiaoyi sis, you’re amazing!”
Yuan Jia gaped at Jiang Xiaoyi’s spike. Too pumped to celebrate the point, she mimicked the pose a few times—to hilarious effect.
Jiang Xiaoyi was covered in a light sheen of sweat. Meng Chuning approached with a water bottle. “Xiaoyi, water.”
“Thanks, Teacher Meng.” Jiang Xiaoyi smiled, took it, and tilted her head back to drink. The sweat beading on her pale neck looked oddly alluring.
Meng Chuning’s eyes sparkled. “That spike was killer.”
“Teacher Meng taught me well, so I nailed it.” Jiang Xiaoyi had been impressed by Meng Chuning’s technique and wanted to try it herself—it had worked, but saying it out loud sounded a bit off.
Meng Chuning pressed her lips together. Their chat seemed innocent enough, but she heard the undertone.
…
After that exhilarating volleyball match, the guests returned to the dorms to shower and rest.
Ye Yiwen nibbled an apple for energy and spotted Jiang Xiaoyi. “Xiaoyi, want some apple?”
“No thanks.” Fresh from her shower, Jiang Xiaoyi lay on her bed and pulled out her phone to check the variety show livestream.
The chat was still buzzing about the match.
【Saying Jiang Xiaoyi and Meng Chuning are a match made in heaven isn’t overkill—their spikes are identical!】
【Screen-recorded it. Gotta edit that spike clip and loop it forever!】
【Aaaah, this is peak! Thanks to Jiang Xiaoyi, that volleyball match was so satisfying to watch.】
【Jiang Xiaoyi looks like a total pro at spiking!】
Jiang Xiaoyi: “……”
It was spot-on, but they could’ve at least added “ball” after “spike.”
【Meng Chuning looks like a pro at spiking too.】
Jiang Xiaoyi: “?”
【Chuxiao CP fans: Team President Meng top all the way.】
Jiang Xiaoyi: “???”
Someone was actually shipping it backwards? Was her explosive power not impressive enough or something?
【Upstairs, do you even ship? I’m team Xiaoyi top.】
Jiang Xiaoyi watched as the barrage of comments filled with more and more Chuxiao CP fans. Soon, the discussion shifted from the volleyball game to debating who between her and Meng Chuning was the real powerhouse top.
The other fans couldn’t take it anymore.
【Chuxiao CP fans, chill out for a sec!】
【Make some room for our poor Night Dream CP.】
Night Dream CP? Jiang Xiaoyi wondered, then her eyes landed on Ye Yiwen, who was munching on an apple.
Ye Yiwen and Meng Chuning?!
Alarm bells rang in Jiang Xiaoyi’s head. They hadn’t even interacted much—how could anyone ship those two?
Unless it was because Meng Chuning’s spike had nearly nailed Ye Yiwen in the head, and that had sparked it?
No way…
This was a Friendship Variety Show, not a Romance Variety Show. People shouldn’t just ship randomly like that.
Jiang Xiaoyi rubbed her face in frustration. If Gu Nanzhi found out she’d mis-shipped Jing Ying and Li Qiunuo’s couple, would Gu Nanzhi get mad?
Either way, Jiang Xiaoyi was feeling pretty down—and a little pissed off—right now. She swore she’d never ship anything blindly again.
Her phone pinged with a new message.
M: 【Xiaoyi, come find me in the upstairs dorm.】
Xiao Yi: 【Sister, what are you doing upstairs?】
M: 【It’s a backup dorm the Program Crew prepared. I’m here to shower.】
After that midday exercise session, a shower and fresh clothes were exactly what she needed. The Program Crew had thought of everything.
Jiang Xiaoyi hopped off the bed and pretended to head out to the corridor for some air. Just as she was about to go upstairs, Meng Fanyu emerged from the stairwell.
Jiang Xiaoyi’s heart settled. “Sister Fanyu.”
“Xiaoyi.” Meng Fanyu smiled. “Looking for Chuning?”
Jiang Xiaoyi nodded, but then she heard Ye Yiwen calling from the dorms. “Xiaoyi.”
She turned around. “What’s up?”
“Do you know where the first aid kit is? I can’t remember, and there’s no one else in the dorm…” Ye Yiwen walked over and only then noticed Meng Fanyu standing in the stairwell.
Meng Fanyu glanced her way, and Ye Yiwen’s cheeks flushed red. Even her forehead looked a little red.
Ye Yiwen froze for a second. “Never mind… I’ll go back and look again.”
“I’ll help you.” Jiang Xiaoyi started toward the dorm. “Did you get hurt?”
“…” Ye Yiwen lowered her gaze and followed. “Just a little scratch on my finger.”
“Oh.” Jiang Xiaoyi blinked. “What’d you scratch it on?”
“Cutting fruit… wasn’t careful,” Ye Yiwen mumbled.
Meng Fanyu’s eyes dropped to Ye Yiwen’s dangling hand, where a red mark marred her finger.
“Xiaoyi.” Meng Fanyu walked over. “I know where it is. I’ll grab it.”
Jiang Xiaoyi nodded eagerly. “Okay, then I’ll…”
Meng Fanyu gave an understanding hum.
Worried that Meng Chuning might wait too long, Jiang Xiaoyi stepped out, strolled around the corridor to check that no one was paying attention, then hurried upstairs.
Only one door upstairs was ajar—the dorm room.
It was a single, with a soft, fresh-scented bed.
A cluster of wind chimes hung by the window. Jiang Xiaoyi stepped inside, closed the door, and got closer to see they were dancing pink butterflies. A breeze made them tinkle with a pleasant ding-a-ling.
Water rushed from the shower. Her sister was still washing up.
Jiang Xiaoyi idly tinkered with the chimes, then sat on the edge of the bed and watched videos while she waited.
“Xiaoyi.” Meng Chuning pushed open the bathroom door.
Jiang Xiaoyi’s long fingers zoomed in on the phone screen. Her gaze shifted from the video to Meng Chuning’s face.
Fresh from her shower and wrapped in a towel, Meng Chuning walked over. “Did I keep you waiting long?”
“No, Sister. I just got here.” Jiang Xiaoyi leaned back against the bed, her right hand draped casually over her leg. Meng Chuning took her arm and flipped it palm-up, revealing the pale skin.
Meng Chuning straddled her lap with a smile. “Xiaoyi, your hand feels so warm.”
“Sister, sit on the bed.” Jiang Xiaoyi’s arm was pinned, leaving her unable to move.
“No way. We haven’t cuddled yet today.” Meng Chuning slung an arm over her shoulder, twisting her waist to snuggle into Jiang Xiaoyi’s embrace. “Xiaoyi, you’ll have to head back soon anyway.”
“Mm.” Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheeks burned hot. Her palm did too.
Meng Chuning’s eyes lowered, her desire plain as day. “I don’t want to sleep alone. You have no idea how rough last night was for me…”
Jiang Xiaoyi stared at those parting red lips. Unable to resist, she cupped Meng Chuning’s chin with her left hand and slipped her fingers into her mouth.
“Mm?” Meng Chuning’s tongue stirred at the root.
Stunned by the move, Meng Chuning flicked her tongue, trying to speak.
Jiang Xiaoyi gazed tenderly at Meng Chuning’s cherry-red lips. “Sister, didn’t you ask me about the difference between your lips and the little butterfly?”
“Mm…” Meng Chuning’s mouth hung slightly open. She couldn’t form words, only soft hums.
Jiang Xiaoyi leaned in close, her breath growing heavy. “Sister, that butterfly rescue video from last time? There was a second half we didn’t finish. Want to watch it together?”
“Mm…” Meng Chuning’s eyes reddened at the corners as she pressed her tongue down, swallowing saliva nonstop. The phone beside them played on loop.
The familiar, crisp footage of nature replayed. This time, Meng Chuning wasn’t tense—the narration came through clear as day.
“The little butterfly rescued from the babbling stream proved incredibly resilient. Its rescuer discovered it favored nectar from a specific plant, needing to drain three full flower clusters to feel full. It was hard to believe such a tiny pink butterfly could pack away that much.”
Meng Chuning blinked in a daze after listening. What was Jiang Xiaoyi getting at, showing her this?
The video continued with the butterfly foraging post-rescue. The host’s narration droned on word by word, slow and deliberate, but Meng Chuning’s cheeks burned too fiercely to focus. Her jaw ached, her teeth just barely holding those warm, cool fingers in place.
Jiang Xiaoyi’s fingertips pressed against her tongue, pausing. Then, mimicking the rescuer in the video, she formed three “flower clusters” and fed them to the soft little butterfly.
“…” Meng Chuning arched her back. Her eyes squeezed shut instinctively, then flew open. A muffled whimper escaped as she trembled. Then she heard Jiang Xiaoyi’s whisper right by her ear.
Caught between two warm, wet heats at once, Jiang Xiaoyi leaned in and pressed down, her low voice stirring chaos. “The difference is, Sister’s little butterfly can eat even more.”
