Chapter 70: Lingering Echoes

When Meng Chuning cried out in pain, Jiang Xiaoyi tenderly licked in gentle circles with the tip of her tongue.

Hearing Little Chuning say that the other her was even better at it, a wave of grievance for Meng Chuning welled up in Jiang Xiaoyi’s mind.

Meng Chuning had lost so many years of daily companionship in between—that must have been so hard for her. And then, when they’d finally met again, Jiang Xiaoyi hadn’t even recognized her. Her big sister must have felt even more aggrieved.

Later on, Jiang Xiaoyi’s kissing skills hadn’t been great either, forcing Meng Chuning to teach her step by step. Jiang Xiaoyi felt sorry for her sister just thinking about it.

By comparison, she might really not measure up to the other her.

“Xiaoyi?” Meng Chuning noticed the tingling sensation in front of her had stopped. She lowered her eyes to look at Jiang Xiaoyi. “What were you thinking about over by the pool just now?”

Jiang Xiaoyi pulled her cheek away from the soft, yielding touch. “I was thinking about you.”

“How does thinking about me make you look so surprised—and a little exasperated?” Meng Chuning’s curiosity was piqued. “Xiaoyi, you’ve had that expression several times now.”

Jiang Xiaoyi paused. “Was it that obvious?”

It had to be because Little Chuning had been showing up so frequently lately. Each appearance caught her off guard, leaving her surprised. And the exasperation? That came from how every unexpected thing out of Little Chuning’s mouth blindsided her.

Meng Chuning nodded. “Very obvious. So, what were you thinking about?”

“Well…” Before Jiang Xiaoyi could finish, the director’s voice crackled through her earpiece, calling for her.

The viewers in the variety show live stream couldn’t see Jiang Xiaoyi frantically typing in the chat, asking where she’d gone.

Meng Chuning heard the director calling from outside and quickly said, “Xiaoyi, we’ll talk later. Go record the show first.”

“Got it.” Jiang Xiaoyi opened the door and stepped out. She wanted to find a good time to explain everything about the System to Meng Chuning properly.

The live broadcast for the water activities wrapped up, and the campus friendship segment progressed steadily over the next week.

Given how Jiang Xiaoyi had vanished inexplicably in front of the cameras a few times, the director paid her extra attention. “Xiaoyi, the audience in the live stream has been clamoring for you lately. Make sure to interact with them more on camera.”

Jiang Xiaoyi nodded. “Understood.”

Over these past few days, the guests’ popularity rankings had reshuffled, with the audience’s affection for Jiang Xiaoyi climbing higher each day.

As she packed her luggage and settled into the car, Jiang Xiaoyi realized Little Chuning hadn’t appeared in a while. Did that mean they’d finally done it and unbound the System?

A twinge of regret hit her. She hadn’t even gotten to say goodbye.

In the quiet confines of the car, her phone rang. Jiang Xiaoyi saw it was her mother, Jiang Meilian, calling.

“Mom?” Jiang Xiaoyi answered with a smile. “Miss me already?”

Jiang Meilian’s hearty laugh came through. “Xiaoyi, you should be home tonight, right?”

“Mom, your info network is impressive.” Jiang Xiaoyi gazed out the car window. “About half an hour to go.”

The campus friendship segment was wrapping up, and tonight they were heading to Fruit Garden Village for the rural friendship part.

Coincidentally, Fruit Garden Village was where Jiang Xiaoyi had grown up. Jiang Meilian was thrilled beyond words. “The whole village wants to come out and welcome you all.”

“Mom, we’ll probably arrive pretty late.” Jiang Xiaoyi already felt the urge to bolt. “Everyone coming to greet us? I don’t dare go back now. How embarrassing.”

Ever since Jiang Xiaoyi had entered the entertainment circle, Jiang Meilian had been promoting her dramas around the village. Even though she barely had any screen time, her mom was always so proud.

“My daughter’s so outstanding—why worry about people looking?” Jiang Meilian reassured her. “Don’t stress. Hurry back. I’ve prepared a bedroom for you and Chuning.”

Jiang Xiaoyi let out a little “ah.” “Mom, Chuning isn’t coming back.”

“Not coming?” Jiang Meilian sounded a bit disappointed. “Is Meng Qinglan still against your relationship?”

“She hasn’t exactly said yes, but she hasn’t stopped it either.” Jiang Xiaoyi thought Meng Chuning’s mom wasn’t totally opposed. “Chuning’s holiday is over. She has to head back to the company and keep working.”

Jiang Meilian sounded even more regretful.

True to its name, Fruit Garden Village lived off fruit orchards. As the car drew nearer, Jiang Xiaoyi felt herself relaxing more, though a growing emptiness tugged at her heart. It would’ve been perfect if Meng Chuning could have come back with her.

The village road was bumpy. Jiang Xiaoyi gripped the handle as she spotted the scattered lights of homes in the distance—the nearest one was hers.

“I’m here.” Jiang Xiaoyi quickly asked the driver to pull over. Song You, dozing in the seat next to her, blinked awake groggily. “We here?”

Jiang Xiaoyi stood in front of the car. “I’m getting off here. You still need to follow the program crew to find lodging.”

“Not there yet?” Song You’s head lolled to the side as she drifted back to sleep.

The rural friendship live stream wouldn’t start until tomorrow. Jiang Xiaoyi had gotten permission from the program crew to go home for the night.

As she wheeled her suitcase back, Meng Chuning’s video call came in.

Jiang Xiaoyi answered and saw the familiar office backdrop. “Sis, you still at work?”

The camera shook a bit on Meng Chuning’s end, but her stunning beauty shone through the blur. She grabbed her jacket from the swivel chair and headed out. “Just about to clock out. You home already?”

“Yeah, right at the doorstep.” Jiang Xiaoyi watched Meng Chuning step into the elevator. The feed stuttered—the signal was bad—and froze on Meng Chuning smiling at the screen.

Jiang Xiaoyi stared, lost in the moment, until something soft and warm brushed her ankle.

“Huh?” Jiang Xiaoyi jumped back a few steps and spotted a tiny kitten.

“Meow…” The little cat let out a soft, fluffy mew, tail held high as she trotted over and rubbed her head against Jiang Xiaoyi’s pant leg.

Jiang Xiaoyi crouched and booped her forehead with one finger. “Where’d you come from, little cat?”

“Xiaoyi, what are you doing?” Meng Chuning had exited the elevator and saw Jiang Xiaoyi gazing down, talking to someone.

“Sis, look.” Jiang Xiaoyi gently scooped up the little cat with one hand and held her up to her face. “Isn’t she adorable?”

In the video, Jiang Xiaoyi’s face was just inches away from the kitten’s. The little cat gently patted her chin, its pink nose twitching as it sniffed, then let out a soft, sweet meow, clearly enchanted.

Meng Chuning slid into the back seat of her car, eyes locked on the screen. “Xiaoyi, she’s about to kiss you.”

“Huh?” Jiang Xiaoyi caught the implication in Meng Chuning’s words and chuckled. “Sis, you’re jealous of a cat?”

“…” Meng Chuning eyed the kitten now nestled in Jiang Xiaoyi’s arms, a itch stirring in her heart. “I haven’t even kissed you today.”

“Oops.” Jiang Xiaoyi giggled. “Whose fault is that? You’ve been so busy lately, no time for any fun with me. I’m lonely, sis.”

Meng Chuning’s heart tickled like a feather was brushing it. “Xiaoyi, don’t say things like that. I won’t sleep tonight—and I might just impulsively come find you right now.”

Meng Qinglan had summoned Meng Chuning back to handle piled-up company business. Until it was done, her mom wouldn’t let her leave, so she’d been holed up at the office, hoping to wrap it up fast and reunite with Jiang Xiaoyi.

“Okay, sis, no more teasing.” Jiang Xiaoyi set the little cat down and tried to stand, but the kitten circled her legs, meowing plaintively, unwilling to let her go.

Jiang Meilian heard the endless mews and came out from the house. “Xiaoyi! Why so late?”

“Mom.” Jiang Xiaoyi glanced at Meng Chuning on the screen. “Sis, want to say hi to my mom?”

Meng Chuning adored Jiang Meilian. “Sure.”

Jiang Xiaoyi turned the camera. Jiang Meilian’s face lit up at the sight of Meng Chuning. “Chuning! Auntie thought you’d come back with Xiaoyi.”

“Some company stuff I can’t get away from. Once it’s handled, I’ll come visit.” Meng Chuning’s side dimmed a bit. She flicked on the car’s dome light.

Jiang Meilian beamed, satisfied. “Perfect. I’ve got your bedroom ready with Xiaoyi. Come anytime.”

With that, she grabbed Jiang Xiaoyi’s suitcase and headed inside, glancing back at the kitten still clinging to her daughter.

Jiang Meilian chuckled. “Xiaoyi, this little cat really likes you.”

“Ah…” Wherever Jiang Xiaoyi went, the little cat trotted after her. “Mom, where’d she come from?”

Jiang Meilian hauled the suitcase upstairs. “Picked her up by the roadside a few days ago. She looked so pitiful, so I kept her. Got her vaccinated, dewormed—she’s clean. Hug away.”

Jiang Xiaoyi paused on the stairs, watching the little cat claw at the steps, struggling to climb.

Jiang Meilian smiled. “Xiaoyi, I remember you always wanted a kitten when you were little.”

“I did love them back then.” Jiang Xiaoyi went over, picked up the little cat, and carried her upstairs.

Meng Chuning watched the kitten snuggle back into Jiang Xiaoyi’s arms and murmured, “Xiaoyi, you’re not sleeping with her tonight, are you?”

“…” Jiang Xiaoyi’s lips curved. She carried the little cat into the bedroom. Meng Chuning said softly, “You already have me. No sleeping with the cat.”

“Got it, sis.” Jiang Xiaoyi smiled and looked up. The room’s setup stunned her. She called out, “Mom?! This is the bedroom you prepared?”

Jiang Meilian poked her head in. “Don’t like it?”

Pushing open the door revealed a sea of festive red. Jiang Xiaoyi whispered, “Mom, isn’t this a bit much?”

Meng Chuning asked from the screen, “Xiaoyi, what did Auntie prepare?”

“It’s…” Jiang Xiaoyi’s cheeks flushed. “People might think it’s a bridal chamber.”

Meng Chuning regretted it even more. “I should’ve gone back with you tonight.”

“There’s rose petals on the bed.” Jiang Xiaoyi shut the bedroom door and walked over, flipping the camera. “Sis, see?”

The room wasn’t large but felt cozy and warm. It was the south-facing master bedroom, bathed in plenty of sunlight during the day. The handmade solid-wood furniture wasn’t modern, but the care put into it was evident.

Meng Chuning eyed the scattered rose petals on the bed. “Xiaoyi, I want to come over tonight for the bridal chamber.”

Jiang Xiaoyi turned the camera back with a laugh. “Sis, we’re not married yet.”

“But Auntie decorated it like a wedding night room.” Meng Chuning murmured lowly. “I can’t disappoint her good intentions, right?”

“Sis, it’s late.” Jiang Xiaoyi coaxed her. “Go home, take a shower, and rest well. Once you finish up at the company, come over, okay?”

Meng Chuning had zero focus for work now. “Fine, but no sleeping with the little cat tonight.”

Jiang Xiaoyi pulled back the covers and lay on the red sheets, smiling. “You’ve said that a bunch of times already, sis.”

From this angle, Jiang Xiaoyi looked even more beautiful. Meng Chuning wanted to quit her job and fly over right then.

Once she reached Lovers’ Water Bay, Meng Chuning turned on the light with a soft sigh. “Can we video call while you shower?”

“Sure.” Jiang Xiaoyi rolled onto her stomach on the bed and glanced up, spotting a box of pink something tucked under the covers.

“What the heck is this? It says strawberry-flavored with textured bumps for extra pleasure…”

“Mom?!” Jiang Xiaoyi felt like she was about to lose it. How on earth had her mom prepared something like this? Was her mother way too clued in?

Hearing the noise, Jiang Meilian hurried over. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Nothing…” Jiang Xiaoyi clutched the box tight and buried her face in the pillow. Thank goodness her sister hadn’t come in—if she had, what would she think?

Jiang Meilian smiled. “Anything else you need, just tell Mom. I can get my hands on whatever it is.”

“…” Jiang Xiaoyi mumbled into the pillow. “I can buy this stuff myself.”

The sound of a door closing drew Meng Chuning to the bathroom. Sleepwear draped over one arm, phone held high in the other, she called out, “Xiaoyi, what’d you say to Auntie? Why are you hiding your face in the pillow again?”

Jiang Xiaoyi dragged herself up from the bed and locked the bedroom door first. The flush hadn’t left her cheeks. “Mom bought me…”

“What?” Meng Chuning propped her phone sideways on the stand, baring her upper body to the screen.

Sprawled on the bed, Jiang Xiaoyi watched her sister undo the buttons. Her already overheated face threatened to go up in smoke. “She bought this.”

Meng Chuning watched as Jiang Xiaoyi slowly raised her hand. Delicate fingertips pinched a box wrapped in pink packaging. Spotting the fine print, Meng Chuning suddenly grinned. “Xiaoyi, we’ve never used these before. You’re always so direct and…”

“Sister.” Jiang Xiaoyi cut her off, her face burning. She’d figured Meng Chuning would blush at the sight. Instead, her sister seemed even more thrilled.

Meng Chuning slipped out of her professional skirt suit. The dimples at her waist stood out clearly. Jiang Xiaoyi’s eyes traced the curve of her waist upward. Then Meng Chuning leaned toward the phone, her full, rounded breasts pressing forward.

Jiang Xiaoyi stared, lightheaded. Meng Chuning’s voice made her head swim even more.

Meng Chuning turned on the hot water and peered into the lens. “Xiaoyi, should we grab a few boxes to stock up?”

“A few boxes…” Jiang Xiaoyi felt the heat rising. “Why would we need that many?”

Hot water cascaded over Meng Chuning’s milky skin, making it all the more alluring. Tiny droplets trailed down her slender neck, over her shoulders and collarbone, vanishing into the dip at her waist.

The camera framed only her upper body—nothing below. Jiang Xiaoyi bit her lip, staring with growing impatience. Couldn’t her sister just tilt the phone lower?

“To protect your hands.” Meng Chuning squirted body wash into her palm and worked it into a thick lather. She was about to spread it over herself when she glanced up and caught Jiang Xiaoyi gazing at her, utterly entranced.

Jiang Xiaoyi licked her dry lips. On screen, Meng Chuning dotted the white foam over her breasts, then gently massaged it in with soft fingers.

“…” Jiang Xiaoyi’s throat went dry. “Sister, don’t tease me like this.”

“You really don’t want me to?” Meng Chuning’s hands worked the foam across her front, her wet palms gliding back and forth along her waistline.

Her upper body gleamed with suds, resembling a decadent cherry cake just begging to be devoured.

Jiang Xiaoyi dove under the covers, her mind buzzing with excitement. “Sister… lower the camera a little.”

Amusement danced in Meng Chuning’s eyes. “Why?”

“Sister…” Jiang Xiaoyi’s voice turned whiny and urgent. “I wanna see your legs.”

The bathroom’s acoustics amplified every sound. Meng Chuning savored her sister’s desperate plea. “Just the legs?”

Her sister knew exactly how to drive her wild. Jiang Xiaoyi rubbed her scorching cheeks against the sheets inside the covers. “Not just…”

Meng Chuning turned the phone upright. Now the screen captured her entire figure.

Her long, straight legs remained bare of foam for the moment. Meng Chuning bent down, fetched a stool from off-screen, and settled onto it. She squeezed out more body wash and lathered up again.

Jiang Xiaoyi rested her chin on the soft quilt and pulled the phone closer for a front-row view.

Meng Chuning sat with her legs parted, a bit too far from the lens. She leaned forward to spread the foam over her calves, then her knees. Even the pale inner flesh of her thighs got a generous coating.

A glimpse of pink skin utterly captivated Jiang Xiaoyi.

“…” It wasn’t clear enough. Jiang Xiaoyi pinched the screen, zooming in on those inner thighs.

The image hit her like a face pressed between soft thighs.

“Xiaoyi?” Meng Chuning rinsed the foam from her hands. She noticed Jiang Xiaoyi holding her breath, eyes locked downward in intense focus—even when called, she didn’t look up.

Meng Chuning chuckled. “What’re you staring at?”

The teasing lilt in her sister’s laugh felt deliberate, like she was toying with her on purpose. Jiang Xiaoyi licked her lips, embarrassment flooding in at being caught.

“I’m looking at…” Before she could finish, a pretty, clean hand appeared in the magnified view.

Meng Chuning let out a soft hum. “Can you see it clearly now?”

“See… not really.” Jiang Xiaoyi stumbled over the words as that hand stroked and rubbed.

Meng Chuning watched her sister’s earlobes turn red, followed by her neck.

Overcome by the heat, Jiang Xiaoyi scrambled up for a sip of water. “Cough, cough…”

She’d choked herself. Her eyes watered and reddened as she watched Meng Chuning’s slender, elegant fingertips slowly knead and press on screen.

Suddenly, Meng Chuning shivered faintly. Her voice softened. “Xiaoyi, were you calling out to me just now?”

“I didn’t…” Jiang Xiaoyi’s head throbbed; she couldn’t think straight.

Meanwhile, that familiar lingering moan echoed in Meng Chuning’s mind. It really did set her brain alight. Little Chuning’s shy voice chimed in timidly: 【Did I show up at a bad time?】