Category: I Don’t Want to Be Reborn With You

Chapter 24: Hupo and Liuli

Lu Li placed his bag on his desk. The two seats behind him were empty, one belonging to An Baili and the other to Silly Goose. An Baili had called in sick this morning and was sleeping in. Where was the Class Monitor? Lu Li felt numerous gazes on him. He turned around, and those who had been staring at him quickly looked away. This feeling was awful, reminding him of the albino gorilla at the zoo.

“Congratulations, Best Actor.” His unknown female deskmate said with a smirk.

“It was a team effort, I just happened to play that role.”

“What did the princess’s lips taste like?” She continued to smirk.

Lu Li was stunned, not understanding. “What?”

“Wen Hupo.”

Lu Li didn’t get it. Just then, the classroom’s PA system crackled with static, followed by the pretentious voice of the broadcasting club’s announcer. “Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our morning broadcast. We received a very interesting submission…” The morning broadcast usually played some pretentious music, along with some random talk shows and podcasts that no one listened to. Yet, this club somehow managed to secure a hefty budget from the school every year.

Class 1 of the second-year liberal arts program was unusually quiet today. Everyone put down what they were doing and listened attentively to the morning broadcast. Lu Li had a bad feeling about this.

“Someone sent a challenge letter to Lu Li from Class 1 of the second-year liberal arts program through the broadcasting club.” The announcer chuckled, trying to sound humorous. “To be honest, we’ve received no less than fifty similar requests. I wonder if Lu Li is listening to our morning broadcast? The president asked me to ask you, did you deliberately have people set up so many balloons so you could take the opportunity to kiss our princess? Haha… Just kidding…” A joke? It didn’t sound like one at all. The self-righteous tone made Lu Li frown.

“Let’s see what the challenge letter says. Oh, the challenger is Chen Zitao from Class 7 of the first year. He’s challenging Lu Li to a duel, be it fighting, swordsmanship, racing, shooting, even hunting. The choice of challenge is up to Senior Lu Li. The winner will have the right to be the princess’s prince, the true prince.” The announcer continued in that annoying tone. “Haha, what a spirited junior. To be honest, I also want to be Wen Hupo’s prince, but unfortunately, I’m graduating next year. This opportunity can only be left to the younger generation.”

Canned laughter played from the PA system.

It wasn’t funny at all. As the saying goes, beauty is a disaster. It didn’t mean that beautiful women were inherently bad luck, but that their beauty could arouse jealousy, resentment, and narrow-minded speculation from those around them. This wasn’t funny at all. To publicly broadcast someone’s private affairs and disrespect their dignity for the sake of entertainment and self-righteous amusement, Lu Li might not care, but had those people in the broadcasting club considered Wen Hupo’s feelings?

At that moment, a commotion came from the PA system. “This is the broadcasting room, you can’t come in!”

“Who allowed you to broadcast this kind of thing?” It was Chu Jingyi’s voice. “Turn it off!” It sounded like Silly Goose was very angry, her voice unusually high-pitched.

“You can’t—”

Someone whispered, “It’s Chu Jingyi…”

Then there was a chaotic argument. In the end, the morning broadcast ended in a messy fiasco. Not long after the broadcast ended, Silly Goose stormed back into the classroom, her face still flushed with anger, her delicate eyebrows furrowed, just like the first time Lu Li saw her. Seeing Lu Li, the anger on Chu Jingyi’s face subsided, and she unconsciously put on a pitiful expression. “Lu Li, I’m sorry, I didn’t manage to stop them…”

“Why are you apologizing? I should be thanking you.” Lu Li said gently.

She pouted. “Those people in the broadcasting club are too much, and that Chen Zitao from the first year, they’re in cahoots, deliberately targeting you. They even insisted that you and… you and Hupo did that!” The more she spoke, the angrier she became, her small fists clenched tightly, as if she wanted to punch those people.

Finally, Silly Goose looked at him with a silly expression. “You didn’t kiss Hupo… right?” There was a hint of hope and a trace of pleading in her eyes.

Lu Li’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t want to disappoint Silly Goose, but he also didn’t want to lie to her. That night, did he actually kiss Wen Hupo? Besides him and Wen Hupo, no one knew the truth.

He said in a normal tone, “No, I didn’t.”

This was youth. They would swear eternal brotherhood over a copied homework assignment and gossip endlessly about who kissed whom. This kind of drama was a bit ridiculous, but it also had the unique bitterness of youth. Lu Li’s mind wandered. What about Wen Hupo? What was she thinking right now?

Wen Hupo wasn’t in the activity classroom as usual today. She was on the rooftop of Building Three, holding her skirt up as she climbed the stairs, gazing at the sky through the metal fence. Her fingers were intertwined with the gaps in the fence, her eyes no longer deep and serene, but filled with confusion and unease.

During the New Year’s holiday, Mr. Diplomat had called her and asked which young man from Shenzhou she had met.

He said, “My lady, I’m not bragging about my connections, but I do have some friends in Chuanhai. Perhaps that young man is the son of one of my friends? I might be able to arrange for you to have closer contact. Please note, I’m not bragging about my connections. You know, our family has a tradition of marrying into families of Shenzhou officials. Political support from Shenzhou is a very important resource for the Amber family… My lady, are you listening to me?”

What could she say? Could she say it was just a misunderstanding, an accident? She didn’t understand how the incident at that small party could spread like wildfire, reaching even Mr. Diplomat’s desk. Today, she heard many people making disrespectful speculations about her relationship with Lu Li. She also heard the broadcasting club repeatedly reading out those nonsensical challenge letters.

Wen Hupo preferred to be an observer, not a fisherman caught in a whirlpool, and she certainly didn’t want to be treated as an object to be traded and possessed.

This is terrible. She thought. Was this world truly boring and awful?

Footsteps approached from behind. Wen Hupo turned around and saw the handsome young man standing not far away. The wind on the rooftop was strong, blowing Lu Li’s hair into disarray, obscuring his eyes, making it impossible to read his expression. Wen Hupo didn’t address him as “outstanding representative” today. She just looked at him silently.

“I thought you wouldn’t care about rumors.” Lu Li shrugged and said jokingly.

“I’m human, not a statue.” Wen Hupo’s voice held a hint of resentment. Unlike the usual aloof and superior “Wen Hupo,” she finally seemed to have some human warmth. She also felt troubled, wronged, and overwhelmed. After all, she was just a seventeen-year-old girl.

Chapter 23: Rumors Run Rampant

January 2nd, 2018. Lu Li didn’t wake up naturally. He was awakened by someone patting his face. He opened his eyes and saw An Baili lying on top of him. She traced the fuzz on his upper lip with her finger. “Honey, you’re awake? Look at the time… Lazybones, I’m starving… What do you want to eat? I’ll cook for you.”

Lu Li checked his phone. It was already 11:30 am. He had slept for a long time. He looked around and saw An Baili, wrapped in the blanket like a little lamb, but no sign of Zou Yameng, the big lamb.

“Hmph, stop looking, she sneaked back to her apartment around seven or eight this morning.” An Baili said with a hint of schadenfreude. “You did that on purpose yesterday, didn’t you?”

“Nonsense…” Lu Li blushed. It was intentional, but it was just for fun, you know, fun?

Lu Li told An Baili to stay in bed and said he would make breakfast after checking on his sister. He changed into clean clothes and went to Sister Yameng’s door, knocking gently. There was no answer.

“Sister Yameng, it’s me, Little Li.”

Still no answer.

Just as he was about to knock again, the door suddenly opened. Sister Yameng appeared in front of him, her face etched with disdain. She rarely looked at him with such an expression. It seemed like he went a bit too far last night. Lu Li stood there awkwardly. “Um, Sis, have you eaten?”

“Just woke up?”

“Just woke up.”

“Hmph.” She snorted and didn’t invite Lu Li in, just stood there confronting him. “Little Li, I can’t believe you’re this kind of person…”

“What kind of person?”

“You… Don’t you remember what you did last night?” Zou Yameng gritted her teeth. “Where’s my pure and innocent little brother? You were deliberately being bad last night… you… and that girl next door… you all—”

Before she could finish, Lu Li rubbed his stomach pitifully, pretending to be hungry. As expected, Zou Yameng asked with concern, “Are you hungry?”

His sister still cared about him. It was just her maidenly modesty that prevented her from accepting last night’s debauchery. Lu Li felt like he deserved to be sent to the deepest level of hell. “Yes.”

“Hmph, I’ll lecture you after I make breakfast.” Zou Yameng raised her eyebrows, a hint of arrogance in her expression. Lu Li knew that his sister was just putting on a brave front. She was probably more flustered than he was. Zou Yameng let Lu Li in and then asked, “Did An Baili eat? Tsk, I thought she was a decent girl, but you tricked her into doing that kind of thing at such a young age…”

Lu Li quickly explained, “Sis, Baili is a good girl. I’ve actually known her for a long time. She’s a very affectionate and conservative girl.” This was actually true. An Baili was extremely loyal in relationships, almost to a fault.

Zou Yameng opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but she felt it was inappropriate to badmouth another girl, so she just sighed. “I hope you’re right.” As an older sister, although she had inappropriate feelings for her brother, she still hoped that he would find a virtuous and kind girl. It wasn’t about possessiveness, but simply a wish from an elder.

“So, did she eat?”

“…No, she just woke up too.”

Zou Yameng seemed to recall the epic battle with An Baili last night and clicked her tongue. “Call her over for breakfast later.” Her tone was casual, and Lu Li was relieved. This meant that Sister Yameng at least didn’t see An Baili as an outsider. As he was about to turn around and call An Baili, Sister Yameng stopped him. “Remember, don’t mention anything about last night. And I won’t do that again.”

Really? Lu Li smacked his lips, feeling a bit disappointed.

“Then can I do that with you in the future…”

“Don’t even think about it!” Zou Yameng’s reaction was extremely strong. She glared at him. “Little Li, until I’m sure you haven’t gone astray, don’t even think about that kind of thing.”

Lu Li secretly rolled his eyes. Who was the one who went astray? He knew that his bold actions last night must have frightened Sister Yameng. She even started to suspect that he had learned bad things from the other kids in the low-rent district. It was normal for her to react this way. After all, an older sister was like a mother.

But this was good too… Lu Li thought. At least it was a start. At least the relationship between Sister Yameng and An Baili was somewhat resolved. He suddenly thought of Silly Goose, who loved teddy bear underwear, and his head started to ache. She was the main event. Forget it, he would cross that bridge when he came to it.

For the next few days, An Baili had meals with Lu Li and Zou Yameng, and the two girls gradually became more comfortable with each other. But Lu Li knew that this harmony was only superficial. No one mentioned what happened that night, neither An Baili nor Zou Yameng. A battle like that was bound to happen again… Only next time, Lu Li might not be the one enjoying it but the one suffering.

Perhaps out of fear of Zou Yameng, An Baili didn’t sneak over to sleep with Lu Li at night anymore. However, she became even more clingy on WeChat, chatting with him before bed every night. Sister Yameng kept her word. She stopped wearing her revealing tank tops and hot pants, opting for thick jackets and long johns, not showing an inch of skin. At night, she would even lock her door, leaving Lu Li with no opportunity.

Lu Li, who had been on a “rampage,” suddenly became quiet. Besides working on his game, writing the play script, and chatting with An Baili, he had nothing else to do. This continued until the end of the New Year’s holiday.

He didn’t know that at this time, a storm was brewing at Chuanhai No. 1 High School, a storm that would push him into the spotlight…

January 6th, the first day back to school.

The excitement of the New Year’s Eve party hadn’t completely faded. As Lu Li walked to school, he could hear students discussing the performances from that night. The most talked-about topic was, of course, the play Sleeping Beauty. They weren’t talking about Lu Li, but about Wen Hupo. They said she was like a goddess descended from heaven, a true princess from a castle. They even said she would replace An Baili from Class 1 as the new school beauty of Chuanhai No. 1 High School.

Lu Li didn’t pay much attention to these gossips. The final exams were only half a month away, and he still hadn’t decided where to spend the New Year. In the past, he never had this problem. After all, he only had one home, only Sister Yameng as his family. But this year, the Chu family had warmly invited him to spend the New Year with them. His future mother-in-law had asked through Secretary Long several times, and Lu Li felt it would be rude to refuse. Most importantly, Silly Goose seemed to be looking forward to spending the New Year with him too.

Lost in thought, Lu Li entered the classroom. He was used to entering through the back door to avoid attracting attention. But as he stepped into the classroom, he felt a sudden pressure. He looked up and saw that all his classmates were staring at him, whispering and pointing.

Did I forget to comb my hair or wear pants today? Lu Li stopped hesitantly and checked his clothes. It seemed fine. Why were they all looking at him with such strange expressions?

Chapter 22: The Battle Under the Blanket (Part 3)

Zou Yameng bit her lower lip, her face flushed crimson. Her eyes were filled with a childlike innocence and curiosity, her movements stiff and awkward. Lu Li’s manhood was burning hot against her hand, and she felt a mixture of curiosity and fear. She had seen it countless times when he was a child, but how did that tiny little thing transform into such a monstrous beast? Its surface was slightly rough, with a bulbous head like an egg. When she squeezed it tightly, she could feel it twitching like a living creature.

I’m definitely going to hell for this… This thought crossed Zou Yameng’s mind. Last time, she could use being drunk as an excuse. What excuse could she use this time? Her love for Lu Li was like the bone broth she simmered; with every passing moment, it grew richer and more intense, impossible to dissolve or dispel, until it finally erupted, dragging her into the abyss of depravity.

Depravity. This word perfectly described her current state. She felt like she was falling, falling from a sister into a woman.

“Little Li…” She moaned softly, her lips parting unconsciously. Was she seeking a kiss, or showing him her desire?

But the next second, Zou Yameng’s body trembled, her eyes regaining their clarity. She looked at Lu Li in disbelief. “Little Li… you…”

Lu Li was still struggling to find an explanation. “Sis, if I told you I had three hands, would you believe me?”

One was holding her down, one was resting on her shoulder, and the third was currently battling with her for control of his manhood.

Zou Yameng finally understood. She scoffed softly, her voice laced with jealousy. “…Yeah… No wonder you kept urging me to go back… You had someone more important.” Lu Li blurted out, “You’re also important.” He felt his sister’s grip tighten around his shaft, the pressure at the base making him even harder.

Zou Yameng stared at him for a while, then sighed in resignation. “I don’t want to go back… After all, you’re my brother… Even if… you’re mine too… I can give you to others, but I won’t let them take you from me.” She didn’t choose to leave, but instead, increased the speed and strength of her hand. Her technique was clumsy, as if she was relying on brute force, but this raw passion sent Lu Li to ecstasy. As the saying goes, even the most skilled technician can’t compare to the innocent touch of a first love.

An Baili seemed to be angered by Zou Yameng’s words. To prove herself, she grasped his manhood and started stroking it up and down, over Zou Yameng’s hand. She was indeed more experienced than Sister Yameng, knowing how to repeatedly stimulate his frenulum, sending Lu Li into a state of pure bliss. However, An Baili’s hand was smaller than her sister’s and couldn’t fully grasp his shaft, making her movements more exaggerated.

Two hands, one big and one small, moved tirelessly under the blanket. The two girls’ breathing became more and more rapid. They were like two swordswomen locked in a duel to the death, with Lu Li’s manhood as their battleground. One moment Sister Yameng would grip the base, stroking his shaft and rubbing his testicles. The next moment, An Baili’s small hand would meticulously caress his swollen, red glans. Waves of pleasure crashed over Lu Li, leaving him weak and breathless, floating in a cloud of bliss.

If Zou Yameng sped up, An Baili would speed up even more. They competed with each other, neither willing to let go. At this moment, Lu Li’s thoughts no longer mattered.

“Stop… stop…” His last shred of sanity reminded him that he didn’t want to wash the sheets in the middle of winter. He couldn’t let himself come just yet.

An Baili seemed to understand his intention. She stopped her hand and moved towards his groin. Zou Yameng, thinking that An Baili had given up and she had won this battle, was about to celebrate her victory when she felt the touch of hair on her hand. Then she realized that someone was taking her brother’s manhood into her mouth.

The shock on her face was indescribable. She stared at Lu Li, who was now moaning with his eyes half-closed, no longer holding back. Her possessiveness towards her brother finally overwhelmed her shyness and modesty. Driven by a strange sense of competitiveness, she imitated An Baili and moved

her head towards Lu Li’s groin, pulling the blanket over them, not wanting him to see her expression.

After Lu Li climaxed, he felt An Baili’s small, fragrant tongue swirling around his glans, cleaning it meticulously like a diligent janitor. But soon, a second tongue pushed aside An Baili’s. This one was hotter, clumsier, but undoubtedly Sister Yameng’s. Then he felt the touch of her lips, even her nose bumping against his swollen glans.

He wanted to lift the blanket and see, but both An Baili and Zou Yameng held it down tightly, preventing him from looking.

Ever since An Baili’s presence was revealed, a strange battle had begun between the two girls, neither willing to back down. This led to the situation spiraling out of control. They struggled silently under the blanket, their tongues battling for control of his manhood. Sometimes they would take turns, sometimes they would work together. One moment An Baili would expertly take him into her mouth, the next moment Sister Yameng would clumsily suck on his shaft. The quiet room was filled with the sounds of wet sucking and moaning, an intoxicating symphony of lust.

His previously softened manhood, reawakened by the two girls’ relentless ministrations, became hard as steel again.

Below him were two girls, one his wife from his past life, his lover in this life, the other his childhood friend and sister who had always protected him. In a flash, Lu Li thought about how his sister learned to play table tennis for him, how she fought off bullies for him. Then he imagined her expression and posture at this moment. His manhood swelled even more, filling An Baili’s mouth completely, making her moan.

The single bed was so crowded that An Baili’s smooth bottom was pressed against his left hand. She was completely naked! The thought sent his hand wandering. He reached down and cupped her mound. An Baili’s body trembled, but she didn’t stop what she was doing, still “fighting” with Zou Yameng.

His fingers brushed against her soft hair, reaching her labia. He found that An Baili was already soaking wet. As soon as his finger grazed her clit, it slipped easily between her folds. The girl’s body was much more sensitive than he had imagined. Her swollen vulva tightened around his finger, like a living creature breathing.

Lu Li used his index and ring fingers to spread her labia, exposing her delicate flesh. He didn’t rush to penetrate her with his middle finger, instead circling it around her clit, rubbing it gently. An Baili’s slender waist trembled uncontrollably, her legs clamping tight around his left hand, her hips instinctively pushing down, trying to get his finger deeper. After ten or so strokes, An Baili couldn’t take it anymore. She pulled away from his manhood with a pop, letting out a moan of pleasure. “Ah~”

His freed manhood sprung up like a released dragon, slapping against Zou Yameng’s face, leaving her dazed. She smelled its scent, her heart pounding. Why did it feel even bigger than last time? It was already big enough… Would it hurt if it went in again?

While one hand was teasing An Baili, Lu Li’s other hand wasn’t idle either. He boldly reached for his sister’s breasts. Sister Yameng had the largest breasts he had ever seen, and this “ever seen” included all the women he had encountered in both lifetimes, as well as those in movies and TV shows. They were firm and perky. Most natural large breasts tended to sag, but not his sister’s. Perhaps it was due to years of training, her skin and muscles were firmer than those of ordinary women, so even with such large breasts, there was no noticeable sagging.

His right hand, through her tank top, kneaded her breasts a few times before being swatted away by Sister Yameng. Unwilling to give up, Lu Li reached for her long legs, and this time she didn’t stop him, letting his hand roam freely. He even squeezed her buttocks from time to time, teasing her senses.

One hand teasing An Baili’s honey pot, the other playing with his sister’s long legs, Lu Li felt like he was in heaven. Even if someone offered him the throne of the Emperor of Shenzhou, he wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.

An Baili was getting more and more aroused, her moans becoming increasingly unrestrained. Lu Li could vaguely hear her saying, “I’m… coming…”

After An Baili spoke, the silent agreement between the two girls seemed to be broken. Sister Yameng also spoke up. “Litt-Litt-Little Li, who… who’s better… me… or… or her?” Her voice trembled, clearly overwhelmed by everything that had happened. But even so, the competitive Sister Yameng still wanted Lu Li to choose between them.

The mysteries of the universe were no longer important. There were more pressing matters at hand. Lu Li swallowed, and with the mischievous intent of a cartoon villain, he said, “It’s too close to call, we need… we need another round…”

Once a man abandoned his shame, he was invincible.

“Another round?… How?” Sister Yameng hadn’t reacted yet.

“We need to take off our clothes first…” Lu Li’s voice lowered. He heard Sister Yameng fall silent for a moment, unsure of her reaction. With her personality, she probably wouldn’t accept it, right? Was he being too hasty…? But the next second, a hand reached out from under the blanket, grabbing a tank top, a pair of hot pants, and a pair of underwear, and tossed them out of the bed.

“My brother is mine…” He could hear his sister mutter.

Lu Li couldn’t see Sister Yameng hidden under the blanket, but he could feel her beautiful body pressing against his. Sometimes, not seeing was more stimulating than seeing. 

An Baili, on the other hand, was completely lost in passion. She clung to Lu Li’s hand, licking his nipple under the covers, her hips grinding against him, calling out his name, oblivious to the time. Lu Li and An Baili were practically an old married couple. He knew this was the perfect moment, so he didn’t say anything more. He held An Baili’s waist and guided her towards his erection. Lu Li knew that Sister Yameng’s actions were driven by possessiveness and competitiveness, a temporary lapse in judgment. Once she came to her senses, he would be in big trouble. But things had already gone this far, how could he stop now?

Seize the day, worry about tomorrow later.

“Baili, I’m coming in.” Lu Li warned, and the girl let out a soft cry as a trickle of blood escaped her honey pot. An Baili giggled dreamily. “You have to take responsibility for me.”

Lu Li lifted a corner of the blanket, letting the moonlight in. He caught a glimpse of Sister Yameng staring blankly at their coupling, her expression dazed and adorable.

The night was still young. Lu Li thought. I hope Sister won’t be too shocked.

…

Chapter 21: The Battle Under the Blanket (Part 2)

What’s the meaning of the universe? Or rather, what’s the meaning of human existence? Lu Li couldn’t help but ponder. Human civilization had existed for thousands of years, a mere blink of an eye compared to the vastness of the universe. The energy released from a single supernova could wipe out the entire Earth’s ecosystem, and a single mistake at CERN could erase humanity from the face of the planet. So why did An Baili have to bite him? Didn’t she know it hurt?

“Little Li, are you uncomfortable?” Sister Yameng was only a fist away from him. They were so close that the air they breathed was hot and heavy with unspoken desires.

Lu Li used his leg to pin An Baili’s head down, preventing her from causing more trouble. Just as he was about to answer, the angry An Baili sucked hard on his sensitive spot, sending shivers down his spine. He couldn’t help but let out a moan, “Ah… No, I’m fine, it’s just my shirt is itchy, I need to scratch.”

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lu Li pulled the naked An Baili up and had her lie on his left side. He whispered in a voice only she could hear, “Stop moving!” An Baili grumbled and turned her head slightly, mouthing silently: That’s what you get for calling me stupid. She pouted, demanding a kiss as usual. Lu Li said teasingly, “You want a kiss after just doing that?” An Baili angrily pinched his waist.

“Little Li, what are you talking about?” Zou Yameng thought he was talking to her. “Move over a bit, you’re pushing me off the bed.”

An Baili was on his left, Zou Yameng on his right, all three of them under the same blanket. How could he possibly move over? This was a single bed, to begin with. Squeezing any further would turn An Baili into a pancake. Fortunately, Sister Yameng still had some sense of decency and had turned off the light before getting into bed. Otherwise, they would have been exposed by now.

He could only turn on his side, facing Sister Yameng, trying to minimize his “bed occupancy.”

The curtains weren’t completely drawn, and the bright moonlight fell on Zou Yameng’s face, making her look breathtakingly beautiful. Her eyebrows were slightly thicker than those of most girls, arched and elegant. Her eyes were lively, her lips a bright red. Looking further down, he could see her graceful neck and collarbone, glowing faintly under the moonlight. Lu Li had the urge to bury his head in the crook of her neck and lick the sensitive spot with his rough tongue. If it were Sister Yameng, her skin and sweat must taste sweet, right?

Her gray tank top, having been washed too many times, had lost its elasticity and couldn’t fully contain her ample bosom. The uneven neckline only fueled his desire to explore further. Lu Li’s refractory period didn’t last long, and he was shamelessly aroused again, his erection pressing against Sister Yameng’s thigh.

Zou Yameng’s expression shifted. A mixture of maidenly hesitation and a strange kind of anticipation flickered across her face, finally settling into a look of pure desire. Her hand reached down and grasped his erection through his underwear. “Why are you always thinking about that? Can’t you just sleep?”

Lu Li was suffering. Yes, why couldn’t he just sleep? Why couldn’t you just go back to your own bed and sleep?

Zou Yameng didn’t lower her voice, and An Baili, hidden behind Lu Li, could hear everything clearly. Lu Li could even hear the girl grinding her teeth. Don’t be fooled by An Baili’s tearful act of giving him up to someone else that night. This girl was actually the most possessive. If she saw Lu Li being intimate with someone else, she would be the first to explode. As expected, the next second, An Baili pulled down the elastic waistband of his underwear and then suddenly let go, snapping it against his butt. She was clearly getting revenge for her own spanking.

“Little Li? Don’t take off your pants…” Zou Yameng said with a hint of panic. She mistook the sound of An Baili pulling at his waistband for Lu Li taking off his pants. “I’m… I’m not ready yet…”

“Oh, a mosquito just flew into my underwear.” Lu Li’s face turned pale. Damn you, An Baili, are you trying to sabotage me?

There were no mosquitoes in the middle of winter! And how could a mosquito fly into his underwear under the blanket? Zou Yameng saw through his lie but didn’t say anything. She nodded shyly, reached out, and hugged Lu Li, her long leg naturally draping over him. When sleeping with her brother, she was used to treating him like a large stuffed animal, holding him tight and not letting him escape. Her thigh pressed against his lower abdomen, and he could clearly feel the soft flesh of her inner thigh being squeezed by his erection.

Strange, why did Little Li gain weight? Zou Yameng gasped. The more she touched, the more something felt wrong. She suddenly felt a slap on her hand. “Little Li, why did you hit me?”

“Ah, this, my hand is itchy, it keeps moving lately. Sorry, Sister Yameng.” Lu Li was going all out now, making up all sorts of ridiculous excuses.

Is that so?

Zou Yameng became even more suspicious. She pressed down slightly with her hand and heard a girl’s gasp from under the blanket. Lu Li reacted quickly. He immediately imitated An Baili’s voice, “Ow~ Ouch~ Sister, how’s my opera singing? I learned it from a senior in the drama club.”

Zou Yameng’s expression shifted. She wanted to lift the blanket and see what was going on, but Lu Li suddenly had an idea. He quickly pulled her close and said suggestively, “Sister Yameng, I’m so hard, I can’t take it anymore… It’s all because you’re wearing so little.” Sister Yameng, as a young woman, shouldn’t be able to withstand such a direct tease, right? Lu Li hoped she would back down and leave him alone tonight.

But her reaction was beyond his expectations. Her eyes flickered, she bit her lower lip, and a seductive look appeared on her face. “Not tonight, I… I’m not drunk… How about… how about I use my hand to help you?”

This sentence was loaded with information. What did she mean by “not tonight because I’m not drunk”? Did it mean that as long as she had a little alcohol, she would give in? But Sister Yameng, you can’t get drunk, can you? And was the “using her hand” part something she learned from that clueless Zhou Wen?

Lu Li was speechless. He was a fake hooligan, but Sister Yameng was the real deal. Zou Yameng, her face flushed, had already slipped her hand into his underwear and clumsily grasped his erection. “What should I do…” she asked shyly. The feeling of her hand was incredible, not physically, but because of the forbidden nature of their relationship. This girl was his most important family member, the one he had vowed to repay for the rest of his life, his capable older sister, the superwoman of his world. But now, she was taking the initiative, asking him what to do in a soft and pleading voice.

Lu Li felt like he was about to explode. He increasingly doubted the existence of Liu Xiahui, that legendary figure known for his chastity. Was he an alien? A Baltan from Planet Baltan?

Saliva pooled in his mouth. Lu Li, in a moment of insanity, blurted out, “Just move it up and down.”

“…Okay…”

He might be losing his mind, but An Baili wasn’t. The girl was practically grinding her teeth to dust. Lu Li could even hear her curse, “Homewrecker!” The next second, An Baili did something that sent chills down Lu Li’s spine. She also reached into his underwear, trying to wrestle control of his manhood from Sister Yameng.

“So what’s the meaning of the universe?” This was the only question in Lu Li’s mind.

Chapter 20 : The Battle Under the Blanket (Part 1)

Zou Yameng had changed into her signature gray tank top and hot pants, exposing large swaths of her fair skin. Water droplets from her shower still clung to her skin, making her look even more alluring, like a ripe peach. Two figures appeared in Lu Li’s mind. One was Angel Lu Li, who asked: Isn’t Sister Yameng cold dressed like that? It’s winter… The other was Devil Lu Li: I suggest you mind your own business.

“I’m done, I was just about to sleep.” Lu Li was still shaken. Luckily, he reacted quickly and pushed An Baili under the blanket in time. Otherwise, he would have been caught red-handed by his sister. He glanced at the light switch by the bed, wanting to turn off the lights, but Sister Yameng said, “Don’t turn off the light yet, my hair’s not dry, I can’t get into bed.” Lu Li’s body stiffened. She wants to get into bed? How could that work? Could this single bed fit three people? Not to mention there was a naked girl hiding under the blanket!

“Oh, I have a bit of a headache today.” Lu Li held his forehead. “Maybe we should just go to sleep early.” He felt An Baili’s shoulders trembling under the blanket, as if she was trying to suppress her laughter. You still have the nerve to laugh? If you were wearing pajamas, it would be easier to explain, but how am I supposed to explain why you’re completely naked to my sister?

Zou Yameng looked disappointed. “Can’t you even chat with me for a bit?”

Lu Li couldn’t bear to see his sister’s expression, his heart softening. “Okay, sis, come sit here.” Sitting was fine, as long as she didn’t get under the blanket. The winter quilt was thick enough to hide An Baili. Once Sister Yameng sat on the edge of the bed, Lu Li tried to distract her. “Sis, why were you so nice to An Baili today? I’m jealous…”

“It’s all for your sake.” Not mentioning it would have been better. As soon as he brought it up, Zou Yameng’s expression turned sour. “Little Li, I remember you smelled strange on your birthday. You told me it was the cheap perfume some female teachers in the office were using, right?”

Why bring up this old story?

“You were lying, weren’t you?” Zou Yameng looked at him coldly. How could he admit it? Lu Li quickly shook his head. “No, I wasn’t, why would I lie?”

“I’ve never smelled that scent before.” Her cheeks flushed slightly. “Last time… it was clearly the smell of… that. And Little Li, why were you so experienced? You must have done it with other girls before, right? I, I heard from Zhou Wen that… boys… can’t find it… the first time…”

“No…” Even Lu Li felt like he was just making excuses. Sister Yameng’s sense of smell had always been sharp. She probably invited An Baili over today just to confirm this, right? No wonder she had been looking at him strangely all day. “Zhou Wen is just a clueless armchair expert. Can you believe anything she says?” What era was this? Were there really men who couldn’t find the right spot on their first time? Lu Li recalled his own first time. It was indeed a bit clumsy…

“You’re lying.” Zou Yameng stared at him intently. “Did you take advantage of that girl?”

What did she mean by “take advantage of”?

“An Baili kept initiating physical contact with you today, as if she wasn’t avoiding it at all.”

Of course she wouldn’t avoid it, they had been husband and wife for years! It wasn’t like they were a young couple… Lu Li’s scalp tingled. Sister Yameng was too sharp.

“Hmph, Little Li…” Sister Yameng snorted, then sighed after a long while. “Forget it, I can’t control you. Didn’t you want to ask me why I invited her over?”

Seeing Sister Yameng give up on questioning him, Lu Li felt a surge of emotion. “Yes, I thought you agreed last night…” An Baili shifted under the blanket, as if she was eavesdropping. Lu Li, afraid that she was uncomfortable being squeezed against the wall, gently lifted her up so that she was half lying on him.

“I, I haven’t agreed to anything yet.” Zou Yameng’s cheeks became even redder. “I’m your sister, stop thinking about those things. As your sister, of course I have the duty to choose a wife for you.” Was that really the reason? Lu Li looked at her suspiciously. His gaze made Zou Yameng feel even more guilty. “I’m your sister, I can’t really marry my own brother, what would people think? So… so I have to choose a girl who’s obedient and well-behaved…”

Sis, do you even hear yourself? Lu Li finally understood Sister Yameng’s little scheme. He remembered a story he read on a forum, about a man who finally won the heart of his goddess. Ten years after they got married, he discovered that she was cheating on him. But she said that even their marriage was just “a task assigned by her master.”

An Baili under the blanket also understood and bit Lu Li’s waist hard in anger. The pain made him wince. His reaction caused a misunderstanding. Zou Yameng quickly explained, “That’s not what I meant, it’s just… Ugh, I don’t know how to explain it.”

Seeing that her hair was mostly dry, she thought for a moment and then lifted the blanket and got into bed. Lu Li gasped and held An Baili down, preventing her from moving. Zou Yameng, preoccupied with her thoughts, didn’t notice that there was another person hidden in the small single bed. “Little Li, do you like that girl, An Baili?”

Lu Li’s heart pounded. If Sister Yameng reached out her hand, she would touch An Baili under the blanket. He could only stare at Sister Yameng’s wrist, praying that she wouldn’t make any big movements. An Baili, however, was restless. Her head was nestled in his armpit, and she stuck out her tongue and licked his chest, sending shivers down his spine.

“Uh… she’s, she’s alright.” Lu Li answered, trying to sound casual.

Hearing his lukewarm response, An Baili angrily bit his nipple. Lu Li let out a gasp, “Ouch!”

“Little Li, what’s wrong?”

“My throat feels a bit uncomfortable, I need to clear it.” Lu Li coughed a couple of times, pretending. “Sister Yameng, when are you going back to sleep?” He tried to steer the conversation away from An Baili. It wasn’t appropriate to talk about certain things with her lying right there under the blanket. Zou Yameng, however, seemed oblivious. “After my hair dries, I guess. I think An Baili is a pretty girl, her character seems okay, just a bit too timid…”

Timid? You haven’t seen her holding a lighter, this girl is crazy deep down. If she wasn’t so desperate, why would she act so recklessly? Lu Li couldn’t help but stroke An Baili’s smooth back. This crazy girl was lying naked under the blanket, on top of him.

“I think she’s alright… Seems quite obedient, and not very bright.” Zou Yameng commented seriously. “Little Li, what do you think?”

“Uh-huh.” This was a tricky question.

An Baili angrily bit his waist again. As if that wasn’t enough to vent her frustration, she started to squirm downwards. Lu Li’s eyes widened. He tried to grab her, but An Baili’s skin was so slippery, and he didn’t want to hurt her by gripping too hard. He could only let her wriggle down.

A moment later, Lu Li took a deep breath, feeling like he was being sucked into a vortex. His back straightened involuntarily. Seeing Sister Yameng’s questioning gaze, he quickly pretended to stretch. “Yawn… I’m a little sleepy. Sis, go back to sleep, we’ll talk tomorrow…”

Zou Yameng, however, turned off the light and lay down beside Lu Li, facing him. “I’m sleeping here tonight, is that okay?”

Lu Li felt An Baili’s teeth clench, a sharp sensation shooting through him. At the same time, Sister Yameng was looking at him with affection.

Please spare me… Lu Li closed his eyes, resigning himself to fate.

Chapter 19: A Partridge Pair

Besides, Sister Yameng, are you interrogating a criminal? You even asked about her height and weight, the only thing missing was asking about her criminal record. You’re only picking on An Baili because she’s easy to bully, right?

Tonight’s dinner was quite a feast. Although it couldn’t compare to the lavish spread at the Chu family’s, it had a more homely feel. A bowl of sweet glutinous rice balls, a pot of bone broth, half a grilled fish, and a few side dishes – this was the epitome of happiness in the low-rent district. An Baili came out of the kitchen carrying a few plates of side dishes, her eyes pleading for help from Lu Li. She had been through an ordeal in there. Zou Yameng’s questions were getting increasingly personal, almost uncovering all her secrets.

Lu Li could only pretend not to notice. What else could he do? As the saying goes, both palms and the back of the hand are flesh. An Baili was the precious flesh on his palm, but Sister Yameng wasn’t the back of his hand, she was the ruler in a teacher’s hand!

Outside, children were setting off firecrackers, the crackling sounds adding a festive and heartwarming touch to the dinner. In Lu Li’s opinion, this was true life: having family, a few dishes, a place to call home, the necessities of life, as well as poetry and dreams.

An Baili had been thoroughly interrogated by Sister Yameng and could only eat her food obediently. Sister Yameng was acting strangely today. She ignored Lu Li and kept picking up food for An Baili, saying that bone broth was good for her health and that sweets were beneficial. An Baili was flattered.

Lu Li tried to interject several times, but was silenced by Sister Yameng’s glare. He felt a strong killing intent in her eyes, not directed at An Baili, but at him.

What did I do? Lu Li felt a bit wronged and picked up a piece of fish belly. It was said that you could tell a person’s childhood experiences by how they ate fish. Those who liked to eat fish belly were from humble or even poor families, while those who liked to eat fish brains were from wealthy families. As soon as Lu Li’s chopsticks reached for the fish, Sister Yameng swatted them away with her own chopsticks. “You eat the chives, give the fish to Baili.”

“I want to eat fish too.” Lu Li said.

“Chives and fish taste the same.”

How could they taste the same? Lu Li, seventeen years old, was experiencing domestic violence.

Don’t stoop to a woman’s level. Lu Li pouted, but then he saw Sister Yameng picking up a bunch of chives for him. “You should eat more of this, it’s good for you.”

It’s good for Baili to eat more too. This girl has a weak constitution and is bearing a strange price. Thinking this, Lu Li didn’t resist. He then heard Sister Yameng say to An Baili, “You should eat with us from now on, don’t eat alone.”

An Baili’s eyes lit up. “…Can, can I?”

Can you at least try to hide your excitement? Lu Li complained inwardly. Wasn’t her eagerness telling his sister that they were having an affair? Forget it, expecting An Baili to keep a secret was as unrealistic as expecting Silly Goose to be a spy.

Zou Yameng smiled brightly. “Of course you can. By the way, Baili, how do you manage your daily expenses?”

An Baili said softly, “Well… Although the court seized my dad’s assets… They left me some money for living expenses after selling them. The court also sent me a notice, saying that if I encounter any financial difficulties before I turn eighteen, I can take the court certificate to the local neighborhood committee or government agencies. I receive 600 yuan every month, at least I won’t starve…”

Lu Li nodded. It was a modern society after all, there was still a basic safety net. He always doubted if those orphaned protagonists in novels who lost everything lived in a primitive society. He and Sister Yameng, although their childhood wasn’t wealthy, at least had the low-rent district to live in. They were also able to attend their ideal high school through financial aid programs. If their guardian hadn’t run away and they had legal household registration, they could even apply for student loans for university.

Oh, right, his future father-in-law had said that the compensation plan for minors in the low-rent district had been approved, and they would receive financial assistance at the end of the month. They would receive 12,000 yuan annually from now on. Lu Li couldn’t help but admire his future father-in-law’s generosity. He had directly solved the problem of food and shelter for minors in the low-rent district.

In short, everything was gradually getting better. The worst days were over. Once Lu Li’s game was released, he should be able to afford his and An Baili’s tuition fees. He still had the business plan that An Baili made. According to the plan, they could achieve their initial capital accumulation within three years at most.

After a simple and heartwarming dinner, Lu Li volunteered to wash the dishes, leaving the two girls to chat in the living room. When he finished washing his hands and returned to the living room, he saw his sister wiping the table. “Where’s An Baili?”

Sister Yameng snorted. “She went back. I’m going to take a shower, you should take one too. You didn’t shower yesterday, you stink.”

Lu Li sniffed his arm. He didn’t smell anything. He rarely sweated, so naturally he didn’t have much body odor. Zou Yameng spat and left the room. Lu Li couldn’t figure out his sister’s thoughts and decided not to bother guessing. He took a shower, and seeing that it was getting late, he lay down on his bed and turned on a movie. He had only watched for a short while when he heard someone knocking on his door stealthily, the knocks so soft that it was as if they were afraid of being heard.

Only one person would do that. Lu Li opened the door and, as expected, saw An Baili, wearing a thin nightgown, making a shushing gesture. Lu Li, afraid that she would catch a cold, let her in. An Baili darted to his bed like a squirrel. “Honey, can I sleep with you tonight? It’s a holiday.”

Lu Li thought about it and figured his sister wouldn’t be coming over tonight, so he nodded. “Behave yourself in bed.”

An Baili giggled and snuggled against Lu Li. “I was so scared today… I thought Zou Yameng was going to kick me out.”

How could that be? Lu Li smiled. But his sister’s behavior today was indeed strange. She seemed to care about An Baili, but not sincerely. She said she didn’t care, but she kept picking up food for her and asking about her well-being. It was truly confusing.

Lu Li pulled up the blanket and suddenly felt An Baili squirming around. “What are you doing?”

“Taking off my clothes.”

“?”

“It’s hot.” An Baili giggled, took off her nightgown, and hugged Lu Li naked. “This is much more comfortable.”

An Baili’s thighs wrapped around his arm, and Lu Li felt a suggestive sensation. He took a deep breath. “We can’t do that, the walls are thin.”

“I promise I won’t make any noise.” An Baili rubbed against his armpit. “It’s been a while… I promise I’ll be very, very quiet. You can even stuff my mouth with socks.”

Lu Li was tempted. After crossing the line with Sister Yameng, his body naturally craved more. He looked down and saw An Baili wriggling under the blanket. He was about to give in when he heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. A chill ran down his spine. He quickly covered An Baili with the blanket, pushing her towards the corner. The next second, Zou Yameng, with her hair still wet from the shower, pushed open the door. “Little Li, are you done showering?”

Lu Li finally understood why Sister Yameng had asked him to take a shower earlier.

Chapter 18: Meeting the Parents?

January 1st, 2018, 10 a.m. Zou Yameng woke up early and boiled a pot of eggs with brown sugar and tea leaves. She woke up Lu Li, who was still sound asleep, and asked him to take a bowl to the girl next door. Lu Li rubbed his messy hair, got up in a daze, and started looking for his schoolbag. It took him a while to remember that it was New Year’s Day and he didn’t have school. He checked his phone. The first message was from Silly Goose. She said yesterday’s performance was a success, their class won the Best Performance award, Wen Hupo and he won the Best Actress and Best Actor awards, and she wished him a happy New Year.

The second message was from an unknown number: “Brother-in-law! Are you coming to my cousin’s house for New Year’s this year?”

Who is this? Lu Li’s mind was still foggy. Was this a wrong number? Who else knew his number?

The third message was from Chen Jianing. She simply sent a Happy New Year emoji. Lu Li slapped his forehead. Damn it, he had completely forgotten to reply to her. He quickly typed, “Sorry, I’ve been so busy lately that I forgot to reply.” He had indeed been busy, with play rehearsals every day, working on his game after school, and spending time with An Baili. He barely had a moment to himself. Chen Jianing didn’t reply for a long time. Just as Lu Li thought she was angry, she finally sent a message: “You don’t think I was waiting for your reply, do you?”

Lu Li’s lips twitched. Chen Jianing, please just stop talking, everything you say is annoying.

An Baili opened the door sleepily. Upon seeing Lu Li, a bright smile spread across her face. “Happy New Year, Li.” Lu Li pinched her nose. “It’s New Year’s Day, not New Year’s yet.” “New Year’s Day is also New Year. What’s this?” “Sister Yameng made you tea eggs, try them.”

In Chuanhai City, there was a custom of eating eggs on New Year’s Day. Preferably free-range eggs. There might be other details, but Lu Li couldn’t remember clearly. It was always his sister who took care of these things.

An Baili took a sip of the steaming brown sugar water. She felt a warmth in her stomach and her whole body relaxed. “I thought she didn’t like me.”

“What do you mean ‘she, she, she’? You should call her ‘sister’.” Lu Li corrected her.

An Baili pouted. “No way, I’m the older sister, I’m the eldest, she’s the youngest.”

“Don’t be disrespectful. If she’s the youngest, wouldn’t I be the youngest’s younger brother, the youngest of the youngest?”

“Silly Lu Li.” An Baili snorted.

“Come to my place for dinner tonight. Sister Yameng said she wants you to join us.” Lu Li glanced at An Baili’s kitchen. There was half a tomato left unchopped on the cutting board. Thinking about how An Baili cooked and ate alone every day, then lay in bed alone, waiting for the next day, Lu Li felt a pang of sympathy.

To his surprise, An Baili’s expression turned apprehensive. “Huh? Have dinner with Zou… sister?”

“She’s not a stranger, what are you afraid of?” Lu Li chuckled. “She’s not going to eat you.”

“What if she gives me a hard time… You have to take my side, or I won’t go.” An Baili shook her head vehemently. “And, there must be something behind her sudden invitation. I’ve been living here for so long, and she’s never invited me for dinner before.”

It was indeed a bit suspicious. Lu Li stroked his chin. He had fallen asleep while watching TV last night and didn’t get a clear answer from his sister. He didn’t know what her attitude was. And after making the tea eggs this morning, Sister Yameng went to the Chuanhai Women’s Sports School gymnasium for practice as usual, not wasting a single moment. Chu Jingyi, An Baili, Zou Yameng, these three names swirled in Lu Li’s mind. He felt like he was caught in a difficult situation. Was this the price of his promiscuity?

At four in the afternoon, An Baili was dragging Lu Li around her room, trying on different clothes. She had changed into several dresses, her indecision evident. “Is it too frivolous to wear a dress in this weather? Will Zou Jie think I’m a bad girl? How about light yellow? Is it too childish? Should I just wear my school uniform? Hey, don’t just stand there and watch, give me some advice!”

Just looking at her was a feast for the eyes. An Baili had a slender figure and delicate skin. Lu Li didn’t get tired of watching her even after a whole afternoon.

“It’s not a high-class banquet, it’s just a casual dinner.”

“But this is the first time meeting the parents in this life.” An Baili added in a low voice, “Although, a mistress doesn’t really count as a parent.” Lu Li didn’t hear the last part, assuming she was just grumbling.

As they were talking, Lu Li heard familiar footsteps outside the door. An Baili’s footsteps were slow and dragging, like the rain in the south. Sister Yameng’s footsteps were crisp and decisive, like the ice in the north. He winked at An Baili and went out to greet his sister.

Zou Yameng was bundled up tightly, blowing warm air into her hands. Seeing Lu Li, she smiled warmly. “Why are you so enthusiastic today? Did you do something you shouldn’t have?”

He hadn’t done anything wrong, at least not today. Lu Li led his sister inside. An Baili had changed into her school uniform and walked up to them obediently. “Hello, Zou Jie~” She ultimately chose the Chuanhai No. 1 High School girl’s uniform: a blazer with a dark plaid skirt, black stockings underneath, looking pure and innocent.

“Baili is here?” Zou Yameng smiled, glancing at Lu Li. Seeing him behaving obediently, she snorted softly. “I saw you spending the holiday alone and thought you might be lonely, so I invited you for dinner. I hope I’m not causing any trouble.”

An Baili was as well-behaved as a tame rabbit. “No, no trouble at all…” She was a bit shy and instinctively hid behind Lu Li, smiling timidly.

An Baili’s subconscious action made Zou Yameng’s eyes narrow slightly. She hummed thoughtfully, seemingly understanding something. Her gaze towards Lu Li became more suspicious. “Have a seat. I’ll go to the kitchen. Do you prefer sweet or savory food?” Zou Yameng took off her coat and walked towards the kitchen.

An Baili gritted her teeth and followed. “I’ll help too… I, I can’t just eat and drink for free…”

Zou Yameng said pointedly, “You’re not eating and drinking for free… But it’s good to have an extra pair of hands.”

Lu Li felt a chill run down his spine. Why did he feel like Sister Yameng had figured something out? Thinking carefully, he hadn’t done anything wrong, had he? He stood up, feeling guilty. “I’ll help too.” Sister Yameng rolled her eyes at him. “You sit down, the kitchen can’t fit three people.”

Lu Li could hear the two girls whispering in the kitchen while cooking. It was mostly his sister asking questions and An Baili answering. Strange, Sister Yameng didn’t ask so many questions when she first met An Baili in his past life, did she? He remembered that she just smiled and nodded, saying nothing, asking nothing. Why was her attitude so different this time?

Lu Li crept closer and overheard his sister asking questions like “How old are you this year?” “How are your grades?” “How long have you known Lu Li?” It was like she was interrogating her. An Baili’s answers were stammering and contradictory, full of loopholes. Even Lu Li, who was eavesdropping, couldn’t help but want to flick her forehead. When his sister asked her age, she said she wasn’t that old. When asked how long she had known Lu Li, she said for a long time. And when asked what she planned to do in the future, An Baili foolishly answered that she hadn’t thought about it yet.

Baili, you’re hopeless.

Chapter 17: A Promise

December 31st, 10 p.m. The moon wasn’t full tonight, but the fireworks were exceptionally brilliant. In the small room, only the old boxy TV was playing a variety show. This old TV held too many memories of him and his sister. He remembered coming home from school as a child and huddling in front of the TV with his sister, waiting for Ryuo Maru to fight evil forces in the Soukai Mountains with his Denryuuken. He still remembered the line, “Come! Power!” It ignited his entire childhood.

Sister Yameng was wearing a one-piece pajama set tonight, but her sleeves were rolled up, revealing her fair arms. Ever since that “incident,” Lu Li couldn’t help but have inappropriate thoughts whenever he saw her body. As if sensing his gaze, Zou Yameng uncomfortably pulled down her sleeves and tucked her bare feet under the blanket, seemingly not wanting to reveal too much skin.

“Litt-Little Li, is the school performance over?” Sister Yameng asked with a forced smile. “Your makeup… you haven’t washed it off completely.”

It seemed she wanted to continue pretending nothing happened. Lu Li didn’t answer immediately. He looked at the plastic bottle by the bed. To his surprise, the light blue roses hadn’t died yet. They were still alive and well.

Zou Yameng followed his gaze, paused, and then said, “I really like those flowers, thank you, Little Li…” She didn’t lecture him about saving money like she usually did, which meant she genuinely liked the roses. Lu Li got up, wanting to sit next to his sister. However, Zou Yameng tensed up and quickly exclaimed, “Little Li!…”

“…I just wanted to sit next to you.” Lu Li’s voice sounded innocent, his pitiful expression instantly triggering Zou Yameng’s maternal instincts. She lifted a corner of the blanket and whispered, “It’s cold outside, take off your shoes and come under the blanket.”

The siblings watched TV in silence, neither mentioning that night. Zou Yameng’s tense body gradually relaxed. This was for the best. They would tacitly move on, not bringing it up, pretending it was just an accident. When they woke up tomorrow, she would still be Lu Li’s most important sister, and he would be her dearest brother.

But… she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

Zou Yameng’s mind raced as the exaggerated laughter from the variety show only irritated her. They were so close, their relationship so intimate, why was she the one… Why could it only be her?

“Sister Yameng.” Lu Li finally spoke.

Don’t mention it, don’t mention it, don’t mention it, can’t we just pretend nothing happened? Zou Yameng’s eyes flickered nervously.

But Lu Li’s next words relieved her. “I saw online that national team members have to undergo military training, with strict discipline. It must be very tough.”

“It’s not that bad. The training at Chuanhai Women’s Sports School is quite strict too, so I’m used to it.”

“Thank you, Sister Yameng.”

“What are you thanking me for?”

“For taking care of me all these years.” Lu Li smiled. “If it weren’t for your kindness, I would have starved to death.”

Zou Yameng smiled too. “Actually, it was that day when I heard a crybaby next door crying non-stop. I couldn’t stand the noise, so I went to check. You were so cute back then, so small, so obedient.”

“Am I not cute anymore?”

Of course not… Zou Yameng blushed. He wasn’t cute at all that night, so assertive and experienced. Thinking back on it made her legs weak. She tightened her grip on the blanket. “Not cute at all now.”

“I think you’re still the same.” Lu Li stared at the TV.

“The same as what?”

“I always thought my sister was not only capable but also the most beautiful woman in the world.” He didn’t look at Zou Yameng. “I thought to myself, I must find a girl like my sister to be my bride. Unfortunately, I haven’t met anyone like that yet.”

“…” She was silent for a moment. “There are plenty. Aren’t you close to the girl next door…” Her tone was laced with complaint and jealousy.

“It’s different. Not the same as you, Sister.”

“What’s different…”

“There’s only one Sister Yameng.”

Zou Yameng’s body trembled. She felt Lu Li’s large hand holding hers under the blanket. She couldn’t help but plead softly, “Don’t… Don’t make the same mistake again…” Lu Li had truly grown up, she realized that now. All his random chatter was just to lower her guard, wasn’t it?

“Sis, what are you afraid of?”

What was she afraid of? She was afraid of ruining their relationship, afraid that after crossing the line, she wouldn’t even have the chance to be close to Lu Li under the guise of being his sister. As long as she continued to pretend to be his sister, she would never lose him. If she never possessed him, she would never lose him.

“…I’m afraid this life will suddenly end.” Zou Yameng curled up. “Little Li, you’re my only family now… I can’t imagine what I would do without you… You’ll eventually start your own family, get married and have children… Isn’t that scary enough?”

“Then marry me.” These words naturally slipped out of his mouth. Lu Li vaguely realized that he might have truly changed, becoming more and more greedy.

Girls often had this worry. They were always afraid of being abandoned, always pessimistic about the future. This worry stemmed from their disadvantaged position in relationships. This disadvantage could come from various factors, perhaps appearance anxiety, perhaps financial dependence, or perhaps simply their own hesitation and indecisiveness.

Lu Li’s arm wrapped around his sister’s waist. Her waist, honed by years of training, was firm and smooth. Zou Yameng instinctively tried to push his hand away, but she couldn’t muster any strength, as if her subconscious was also yearning for Lu Li. He leaned in and kissed her red lips, but didn’t go any further. Too much had happened today. He had performed in the play, taken An Baili to watch fireworks, and now he had to comfort his sister. So tonight, Lu Li was being a gentleman. He just gave her a symbolic peck on the lips.

“Sis, let’s make a promise, okay?”

Zou Yameng’s expression softened, her heart clearly wavering. “…What promise?”

“No matter what happens, you’ll always be my most important family. I’ll never leave you.” His words were sincere. “You have to promise me too, don’t be sad alone, don’t get drunk like that night again, okay?”

So… Lu Li wasn’t asleep that night… After getting a definite answer, Zou Yameng didn’t feel embarrassed or nervous. Instead, she felt a sense of relief.

Little Li didn’t hate her… This was the best outcome.

Zou Yameng nodded slightly, her voice soft. “Okay… I promise…” She no longer resisted his embrace. It had come to this point, there was no point in clinging to her pride and dignity as an older sister. She held Lu Li’s hand, and they watched TV in silence, their bodies pressed close together.

When the commercials started playing on TV and the fireworks outside became louder, Zou Yameng suddenly said, “Little Li, let’s invite the girl next door for dinner tomorrow.”

Chapter 16: The Long Night

An Baili loved to cry, loved to hide, and would often space out. Lu Li had seen her like that when she was alone, her eyes cautious and timid, constantly scanning the passersby, like a young animal in the jungle, her back hunched. He would call out her name, and Baili would instantly brighten up, rushing towards him eagerly, like a child bursting out of kindergarten after school.

Lu Li took out a pack of tissues from his pocket and wiped away Baili’s tears and snot. Crying wouldn’t help, it would only hurt those who loved her.

An Baili sobbed, “How… how did you know…?”

“I’m not stupid.” Especially since he was also bearing a price. Lu Li had been worried about this, but he had never mentioned it to anyone.

An Baili burst into tears again, this time not a suppressed sob, but an outpouring of emotions. “I’m sorry… I, I didn’t want to worry you…”

Lu Li thought of the family drama that aired on Jade Channel at 8:30 p.m., where the female lead was seriously ill but refused to tell the male lead. They would always brainwash themselves with the noble spirit of self-sacrifice, claiming it was for his own good. People like that were probably the same as those who jumped off buildings. They always chose a path that fulfilled their own desires, coldly and selfishly abandoning everything, using their lives and impulses to create a golden image for themselves, as if they were so clear-headed and noble. But after their deaths, their exes would still be happily singing karaoke with their new lovers, villains would still be feasting on their blood, and their enemies would be clapping their hands in glee. Only their loving mothers would be left crying their eyes out.

Live. These two words were the most resilient words in the world. No matter what happened, one had to live on, for those who loved them, for those they loved.

He cupped An Baili’s face in his hands and kissed her forehead. “Don’t be silly, Baili. We weren’t reborn to sacrifice ourselves for anyone. If I had to choose again, I wouldn’t want to be reborn with you.”

An Baili looked up blankly, tears streaming down her face. “Why… Don’t you like me?”

“Because I don’t want you to bear the price of rebirth again.” His lips moved down to hers. “You should live freely and happily, like Chu Jingyi and Sister Yameng. One person bearing the price is enough.”

An Baili was too fragile, like a delicate porcelain doll that would shatter with the slightest touch.

An Baili responded to Lu Li’s kiss. When they parted, she whispered, “I… I don’t think I have much time left… So, so I want… I want you to be happy in this life, without any regrets…”

“I can’t bear children for you, but Jingyi can… So I hope you won’t abandon her…”

“You and Wen Hupo were supposed to have a happy family, you… I won’t stop you from being with her…”

“You called out Zou Yameng’s name countless times in your dreams… I think she’s very important to you… If possible… you should take care of her too…”

“Only me…” Her eyes dimmed. “I’m just a thief, a thief who shouldn’t even exist. It’s fine if I disappear, it’s my retribution anyway.”

Hearing this, Lu Li couldn’t help but spank the girl’s bottom. “Baili, you’re asking for a beating.”

Lu Li’s spank was quite hard. An Baili whimpered and covered her bottom. “Don’t spank me, I’m not a child anymore…”

“That’s exactly why I’m spanking you.” Not satisfied with one spank, Lu Li gave her another. “What are you talking about? Would I be happy if you disappeared? Would Jingyi be happy?”

An Baili wanted to say that Jingyi would be happy because she could have him all to herself, but then she realized that the Class Monitor wasn’t that kind of girl. Maybe Chu Jingyi would really be heartbroken. Her heart softened, and she lowered her head. “…I’m sorry… I was wrong…”

Lu Li thought to himself, it’s a good thing this is An Baili and not Chen Jianing. If it were the little tiger, she would definitely raise her head and shout defiantly, “I didn’t do anything wrong!” Oh, right, he had forgotten to reply to her messages. Wasn’t that rude?

“Turn around,” he said.

“Why…” she asked pitifully.

“Turn around.”

“Okay… Don’t be mean to me…” An Baili reluctantly turned around.

Lu Li gritted his teeth and spanked her delicate bottom again. “You’re even sillier than Jingyi. Jingyi is much more mature than you.” Silly Goose might be naive about love, but she was also sensible. Even when confessing her feelings to Lu Li, she repeatedly emphasized the importance of their studies. If it were An Baili, who knew what kind of crazy things she would do.

An Baili, who had finally stopped crying, burst into tears again. “Don’t hit me… My bottom hurts…”

Lu Li pulled her onto his lap and rubbed her bottom. “Will you still have those silly thoughts?”

“No…” An Baili said pitifully.

“Okay, now tell me what your price is. We’ll figure out a solution together.” Lu Li let out a long breath. What he feared most was this girl doing something stupid like sacrificing herself silently.

“I, I don’t really know. I just feel sleepy all the time, and I have a slight cough…” An Baili said hesitantly.

“Cough? How bad is it? Do you cough up phlegm or blood?”

“It’s usually just a dry cough, I only coughed up blood once.” An Baili didn’t dare to look at Lu Li’s expression.

Lu Li frowned. Coughing up blood was a serious symptom. An Baili’s condition was much worse than he had imagined.

“Have you gone to the hospital for a checkup?”

“No… I’m scared to go alone…”

“I’ll take you to the hospital after the New Year’s holiday.” Lu Li thought carefully. This kind of supernatural symptom might not be solvable with modern medicine. They needed to find the root cause. “Baili, do you still have any of your mother’s belongings? Or any information about her? Like where she was from, where she worked and lived?”

An Baili pondered. “I have some of my mother’s old clothes, but they were all confiscated by the court… Dad… An Gulai mentioned my grandparents when he was drunk… But he only mentioned it once, many years ago. Li, do you think my mother used that pendant before?”

“It’s very likely.” Lu Li wasn’t sure either. “We have to investigate this carefully. And Baili, about your biological father…”

An Baili shook her head. “I don’t want to know who he is. I have you, that’s enough.”

Lu Li’s heart was touched. He hugged An Baili. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, I promise.”

An Baili nodded repeatedly and hugged Lu Li back. “I really don’t want to leave you… I don’t want to…”

They cuddled for a while. Seeing that it was getting late, Lu Li reminded her to take care of herself and then boarded the last bus. When they reached his apartment building, An Baili’s eyes were filled with reluctance. She opened her door reluctantly. “Happy New Year, Li…”

“Happy New Year.”

Lu Li watched An Baili close her door. He was about to take out his key and open his own door when he suddenly remembered something. His gaze shifted to his sister’s door on the right. Didn’t Sister Yameng say she would be back today? She must be home by now, right? The image of her beautiful, naked body and her whispered words of love flashed through Lu Li’s mind, and his heart pounded.

He knocked on his sister’s door, seven times. He heard Sister Yameng’s voice from inside. “Who is it?”

Lu Li swallowed. It seemed like tonight was just beginning.

Chapter 15: Paradise Lost

“But… but the party isn’t over yet… There’s still the awards ceremony… and…” An Baili racked her brains for excuses.

“But none of them are as important as An Baili.” Lu Li held the girl’s delicate hand. “Cinderella, it’s not midnight yet.”

An Baili felt tears welling up in her eyes. She forced a sweet smile and nodded obediently. She thought Lu Li didn’t belong to her tonight. He belonged to many people, to Wen Hupo, to Chu Jingyi, to Zou Yameng, but not to her, not now, not in the future. During the Sleeping Beauty performance, she felt like she was back in her first life, a helpless bystander, a stray cat longing for a home.

Lu Li led her out of the school and onto the bus. His stage makeup drew curious glances from the other passengers. An Baili happily licked his neck, like a clingy kitten. “Li, you haven’t removed your prince makeup yet.” Lu Li chuckled wryly. “I didn’t have time. I changed my clothes and came straight to you. If I were any later, we would have missed the last bus back.”

“It’s okay if we’re late…”

“It’s not okay.” Lu Li reminisced. “You used to love setting off fireworks. You were too scared to light them yourself, but you would still buy them excitedly, one box after another. It’s a pity that they banned fireworks in the city center in a couple of years, and my Baili never got to set off fireworks again. We have to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy ourselves.” He gently flicked An Baili’s nose. “In public, aren’t you afraid of people gossiping if you’re so clingy?”

An Baili whined coquettishly. “I’m not afraid… I’m not afraid as long as you’re here…”

They got off the bus at Ping’an Square. Lu Li first bought a box of fireworks from a small shop by the roadside. It had the tacky words “Good Luck and Fortune” printed on it. The box cost 68.8 yuan. An Baili felt bad about spending Lu Li’s money and wanted to just buy two firecrackers.

The square was crowded with parents who had brought their children to set off fireworks. Lu Li and An Baili finally found a secluded spot. The smile never left the girl’s face. She happily opened the box of fireworks, took out a tube, thought for a moment, and handed it to Lu Li. “Honey, can you light it for me?” Then she pecked him on the lips. “Here’s your reward.”

I’m completely whipped by her… Lu Li sighed inwardly. He took out the lighter that came with the fireworks and lit the fuse. An Baili excitedly held the firework tube high in one hand, her shoulders hunched, her head tilted far away, looking like a scaredy-cat afraid of the fireworks exploding. A scaredy-cat who loved to play, that was An Baili. It was the same when they played games together. She would always be the first to die, and after dying, she would mess around and prevent Lu Li from playing too. Lu Li would scold her, but every time, the scolding would end up with them in bed.

Setting off fireworks alone should be boring, but An Baili was having a blast. Watching the fireworks explode in the sky, her eyes sparkled with a beautiful longing, as if she saw the fireworks as a symbol of something precious. Lu Li looked at the little village girl. Her delicate features and bright smile were captivating. She was the perfect embodiment of the phrase “lotus flower emerging from water.” He reckoned that if she just improved her temperament a little, even Wen Hupo would feel inferior.

After having her fill of fun, An Baili snuggled into Lu Li’s arms. “You should set off some too, it’s boring for me to play alone.” Boring? It didn’t look like it. Weren’t you having fun? Lu Li played with An Baili for a while, until they were both tired. They found a bench and sat down, watching the children playing in the square with seemingly boundless energy.

“Whew~” An Baili rested her head on Lu Li’s shoulder. “I’m so happy today~ I thought you had forgotten about me.” She smiled so widely that her front teeth were showing, a clear sign of her happiness. She suddenly stretched her neck and kissed Lu Li on the cheek.

“I haven’t even wiped off my stage makeup.” Lu Li said.

“I just wanted to kiss you.” An Baili giggled. “I can’t help but want to kiss you. I want to kiss you when we’re eating, when we’re sleeping, even when we’re in class.”

“You never think about anything serious.”

“Hehe…” She leaned closer and pecked him on the lips again. “I don’t want to be serious.”

She wrapped her arms around Lu Li’s neck and said dreamily, “I’m so happy now. I wish I could live like this with you forever. I’ll never make you angry again, never make you unhappy. I’ll see you when I wake up and see you when I go to sleep. We’ll set off fireworks together, go grocery shopping together…”

Lu Li’s heart was touched. He hugged her. “It will be like this from now on.” They wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of their past lives, neither he nor An Baili.

More fireworks soared into the sky, exploding into brilliant golden flowers against the night sky. An Baili’s eyes welled up as she stared at the fireworks. “Honey, if one day I go to a very, very, very faraway place, will you miss me?” What kind of silly question was that? Lu Li chuckled. “Why would you go to a faraway place? How far could it be?”

“Just a very, very faraway place.”

“Then I’ll go find you.” Lu Li said matter-of-factly. “I’ll bring that poor little thing back, or she’ll be crying alone again.”

“What if I go to the ends of the earth, to a place you can’t find?”

“As long as you’re still in this world, I’ll find you. If I can’t find you today, I’ll keep looking tomorrow. If I can’t find you tomorrow, I’ll look the day after. I’ll keep looking, keep looking… I’ll definitely find you.”

“What if… I mean what if, this poor little thing goes to heaven?” An Baili leaned against Lu Li’s shoulder, her nose tingling.

“I’ll go find you there too.”

An Baili couldn’t help but cry. “What if you can’t find heaven?”

Lu Li’s tone changed, no longer light and gentle, but serious. “Even if I can’t find it, I’ll keep looking. I’ve lost this poor little thing once, I can’t lose her again. And the poor little thing will also try to come back, right?”

An Baili wanted to say something else, but she was interrupted by the sound of fireworks exploding. She stared blankly at the fireworks filling the sky, her words caught in her throat. When the fireworks subsided, An Baili buried her head in Lu Li’s arms and sobbed, “Lu Li… I love you so much…”

“I love you too.”

The word “love” was heavy, but also sincere. Lu Li gently stroked the girl’s hair. “Don’t go too far, it’ll be hard for me to find you.” An Baili burst into tears. “I won’t go… I won’t go… I’ll never leave…”

Lu Li held her tightly, speechless.

The young man’s eyes were deep and unfocused, as if he was lost in thought. Suddenly, he spoke, his voice abrupt. “Baili. What’s your price?”

Bang! Whoosh! Crack!

For a moment, only the sound of fireworks filled the air. Time seemed to have stopped. An Baili stammered, “Wh-what pr-price?”

“You’re sleeping longer and longer every day, your energy is getting lower and lower. This has been going on for a long time.” Lu Li’s eyes were dark, the usual starlight replaced by an abyss, like Wen Hupo’s. “And your behavior has changed drastically since the end of the National Day holiday. The first time I noticed it was the day I had that conflict with An Gulai. When Secretary Long asked about our relationship, you were quick to clarify. I didn’t think much of it at the time. But since then, you’ve been actively pushing me towards the Class Monitor. Even the fact that she flew to Mulan City must have something to do with you, right? Baili, this isn’t like you.”

“And whenever I mentioned taking you to the hospital for a checkup, you never gave me a straight answer…”

He felt An Baili trembling in his arms and his voice softened. “Baili, what’s the price of your rebirth? You already know, don’t you?”

An Baili buried her head deeper. “I… I don’t know…”

Lu Li kissed her hair. “No matter what the price is, we’ll face it together, okay?”

He heard An Baili sobbing softly. He didn’t say anything more, didn’t press her further. He just held her quietly, letting her tears soak his shirt. He had made up his mind. No matter what happened, he would never abandon this poor girl again. Fate, price, even if he had to shed every drop of his blood, he would protect this poor little thing.