Chapter 54

As noon approached, the temperature rose, and the courtyard grew stiflingly hot.

The three of them walked together to the pavilion and took their seats. Jiang Jianxue couldn’t contain her curiosity. “Does Auntie know about you two? When did you get together?”

“Wen Xin, right? That’s your name. What should I call you—Wenwen or XinXin?”

“How does it feel dating my sister? Is she good to you? Who confessed first? Are you living together?”

“…”

She chattered on like a cicada on a summer day, relentless.

Wen Xin was the shy type to begin with. Having been caught in such an intimate moment with Shi Qianyu was embarrassing enough, but Jiang Jianxue’s barrage of questions was utterly overwhelming.

Jiang Jianxue had clearly misunderstood something, though. At the mention of dating, Wen Xin instinctively refuted it. “No, A-Yu and I are just…”

She paused there, glancing at Shi Qianyu as if seeking permission to continue.

Shi Qianyu met her gaze and gave a gentle shake of her head. Wen Xin got the message and swallowed her words.

Jiang Jianxue waited a moment, then prompted her when she trailed off. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Shi Qianyu said after a brief pause. She steered the conversation back. “Why are you asking all this?”

Jiang Jianxue blinked. “Because I’m curious, obviously.”

Shi Qianyu smiled. “Well, I have questions too.”

“What are you doing here during the big holiday? Another fight with the family?” She propped her chin on her right hand, her tone casual as she hit all of Jiang Jianxue’s sore spots. “You came back with Yan Xi? You two made up?”

“When did that happen? Who apologized first?”

Every word dripped with sarcasm. “I remember the last time you went home, you swore you’d never speak to her again…”

“Sis!” Jiang Jianxue interrupted her with a pained expression, utterly sincere. “Not you too, poking right at my sore spot.”

She sighed, whining softly. “Fine, I won’t ask anymore. I’m a celebrity, at least—give me a little face, will you?”

With her curly hair and red lips, her makeup bold and glamorous, she looked like a delicate, high-class doll. That face was stunning by any standard, whether as an ordinary person or a star.

No one could resist her coquettish act—except Shi Qianyu, who wasn’t buying it. She snorted a laugh. “Remembering your pride now? Isn’t that a bit late?”

“…”

Jiang Jianxue turned to Wen Xin for rescue. “Wen Xin, talk some sense into her!”

What a lively personality—nothing like her poised on-screen image. No star airs at all.

Wen Xin couldn’t help laughing at her antics, though she also felt a twinge of envy. How wonderful it would have been to have a sister growing up.

She couldn’t shrug it off like Shi Qianyu could. Unable to resist the pleading, she picked two oranges from the table and offered them. “Want some?”

“Yeah!” Jiang Jianxue snatched them up, her mood flipping from stormy to sunny. “You’re the best~”

Now Shi Qianyu was the one sulking. “Why only her?”

“I want some too.” Sisters through and through—when they turned on the charm, they were equally impossible to refuse. Shi Qianyu’s eyes sparkled, her smile radiant, like a proud big cat who only let her guard down for this one person, baring her soft underbelly for pets and strokes.

“A-Yu too.” Wen Xin surrendered in seconds, not wanting to be accused of favoritism. She peeled one by hand and held a segment to Shi Qianyu’s lips.

Jiang Jianxue suddenly found herself choking on an unexpected dose of PDA. She averted her eyes guiltily. “You two carry on. I didn’t see a thing this time.”

“…”

That said, her sidelong glances kept drifting their way.

~~~

The three of them lingered in the courtyard for a short while before heading back inside together.

A new wave of guests had arrived—Father’s old friends and frequent business partners. With Mr. Shi absent, Shi Qianyu stepped in to host them.

They discussed work matters, and Shi Qianyu shifted into professional mode. Poised and articulate, she handled everything with ease. Time flew by, and two hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Lunch followed right away. Wen Xin was seated beside Shi Qianyu and enjoyed the lavish meal with everyone, listening as they swapped amusing stories.

Afterward, Jiang Jianxue roped them into her room for some gaming. She and Wen Xin were the mains, with Shi Qianyu and Yan Xi as subs. The controllers and games were the latest models, making for an immersive experience.

Wen Xin picked it up quickly, winning round after round amid everyone’s praise. Her groove improved even more, lifting her spirits.

For a few seconds, she even felt like a kid again.

She remembered how Dad would play a few rounds with her when he wasn’t swamped with work. The games back then had low-res pixels, simple mechanics, and clunky controllers.

Yet Wen Xin had been thrilled—not just from the games, but from the joy of being together, the warmth of being cared for and cherished.

That might be why she still loved gaming so much as an adult, even after starting work. She sought solace in virtual worlds and never wanted to forget the feeling of her parents’ love and company.

Wen Xin’s excitement lingered strangely through dinner, refusing to fade.

Jiang Jianxue and Yan Xi headed home before the evening meal. With Mr. Shi still out, things were much quieter than at lunch. No need for formality tonight.

Lady Fang found the dining table too large, putting too much distance between them, so she had the staff set up a small table with a cloth in the courtyard.

The sunset was breathtaking, its glow spilling across the sky. A gentle night breeze brushed their faces, carrying the scent of flowers. The mood made even the food taste better.

After dinner, Lady Fang left first. Wen Xin and Shi Qianyu stayed a bit longer, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Shi Qianyu glanced over at some point, chatting softly with Wen Xin. “Did dinner suit your taste?”

“It did,” Wen Xin replied. “It was delicious.”

“Good.” Shi Qianyu smiled, then added, “Sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you this morning with the guests around. Tomorrow it’ll just be us—you name it, we’ll do it.”

“No worries.” Wen Xin shook her head. Shi Qianyu had already given her a perfect Mid-Autumn Festival; she was more than content. “A-Yu doesn’t need to apologize.”

She smiled genuinely. “For me, today has been truly happy.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Shi Qianyu laughed with her. “But the day’s not over yet.”

Wen Xin didn’t catch her meaning. “Hm?”

Shi Qianyu stood, silhouetted against the sunset, and extended a hand gently.

“Want to take a spin?”

~~~

Wen Xin had no idea Shi Qianyu knew how to ride a motorcycle.

They changed clothes beforehand. Shi Qianyu fitted Wen Xin’s helmet herself, buckling it securely.

“Hold on tight.” She told Wen Xin to wrap her arms around her waist. Night was falling, lights twinkling everywhere in brilliant splendor, stars seeming to dance in Shi Qianyu’s eyes.

Wen Xin obeyed, hugging her firmly. The motorcycle roared to life, then accelerated. The world blurred around them, wind roaring past and whipping their hair.

Thrilling. Perilous. Liberating.

Before Shi Qianyu, Wen Xin had thought life didn’t need big ups and downs—just steady and safe. She had few material desires, few ambitions, content to huddle in her small corner, wary of the wider world.

Until Shi Qianyu.

Her first lover. Her first stay at a luxury hotel. Her first amazing Mid-Autumn Festival. Her first time on a bike like this.

The wind drowned her voice, forcing her to shout.

The rush was exhilarating. The sun finally vanished from the horizon, day yielding to night, with the moon and stars emerging overhead.

Shi Qianyu took her to the riverbank, its surface shimmering. They dismounted and strolled to the water’s edge.

Wen Xin’s heart was still racing, her fingertips chilled. Shi Qianyu noticed and clasped her hand, sharing her warmth. “Cold?”

“Not cold.” Wen Xin shook her head. “Just… exhilarating.”

Shi Qianyu studied her face. “Didn’t like it?”

“I did!” Wen Xin said quickly. “Loved it.”

“It’s my first time on a motorcycle. The wind was so strong, the speed insane…” Everything was novel, and she bubbled like an excited kid, sharing every sensation with Shi Qianyu. Still riding the high, her voice stayed loud.

Only when nearby tourists glanced over did she realize, dialing it back.

How embarrassing.

Wen Xin coughed lightly and fell quiet.

But Shi Qianyu’s gaze stayed on her, voice soft. “Keep going. I’m listening.”

Her kindness restored Wen Xin’s confidence.

Emboldened, Wen Xin chattered on. “Can I ride again sometime?”

Shi Qianyu smiled. “Anytime you want.”

Perfect.

Wen Xin happily withdrew her gaze and lifted her eyes toward the opposite shore. The scenery here was beautiful, with crowds of tourists. Thanks to the festival, the railings were strung with festive lights, colorful ribbons dangled from the branches, and vendors lined the bridge with stalls offering every imaginable food and game.

The two of them stepped onto the bridge together, walking amid the lively clamor and shimmering lights.

Wen Xin suddenly remembered something. “Right, A-Yu, why did you shake your head back then?”

“What?” Shi Qianyu asked.

“We’re clearly not lovers,” Wen Xin continued. “Why didn’t you tell Miss Jiang that?”

Shi Qianyu turned to look at her, pausing for a few seconds before replying, “Why would I?”

“Miss Jiang got the wrong idea…”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Shi Qianyu said.

“?”

Wen Xin didn’t catch her meaning and stammered a little. “It—it could bring you unnecessary trouble.”

Shi Qianyu neither agreed nor denied it. Instead, she turned the question back on her. “Did I do something wrong to upset you?”

“If my keeping quiet has made you unhappy, I sincerely apologize. I’m sorry.”

Wen Xin was caught off guard. Where had that come from?

“Of course not!” she said hurriedly.

“Really?” Shi Qianyu didn’t seem convinced.

“Really…”

“Then neither do I.” Wen Xin’s fingertips had warmed in her grasp, but Shi Qianyu noticed and didn’t let go. If anything, she held on a little tighter. “Since we both don’t mind, we might as well let her keep misunderstanding.”

“You might not believe me, but I didn’t lie. Everything about you—good or bad—I’m willing to accept it. I’m willing to deal with it.”

She smiled and added, “Even if it really does turn into trouble, for me, it’d be the kind of trouble I wouldn’t mind at all.”