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

Chapter Fourteen: A Date with Sister (Part 1)

“Are you not used to rice?” Zou Yameng maintained her composure as the head of the household. Even with her legs still weak, she politely inquired after Wen Hupo’s preferences. This reminded Lu Li of the last time they watched a movie together, how she had undressed with the same serious demeanor. He smiled; Sister Yameng was unexpectedly cute sometimes. It had been the same during their bath; she’d absolutely refused to let him call her “Sister,” preferring to silence him with a kiss rather than endure the embarrassing term of endearment.

The memory of her athletic, naked body made Lu Li’s mouth go dry. He took a sip of water, trying not to look at her exposed thighs. He had to admit, a well-trained body was different. If he had to describe it, it was like having his bone marrow sucked dry.

Wen Hupo hesitated for a moment, then took the bowl of rice, studying Zou Yameng thoughtfully, making her feel uncomfortable under her intense gaze.

Li, you’ve really outdone yourself, even bringing home a foreign girl… Zou Yameng thought, gritting her teeth.

An Baili was the most well-behaved today. Ignoring the strange atmosphere between Zou Yameng and Wen Hupo, she diligently picked food for Lu Li, a bright smile on her face. The four of them sat around the small table, each occupying a side, rarely reaching for dishes. Except for An Baili, everyone picked only from the dishes directly in front of them, as stiff and formal as guests in a stranger’s home. Lu Li, feeling guilty, kept his head down and focused on his food. Zou Yameng glanced around and casually asked, “So, Wen… Wen Hupo, are you staying at Li’s place now?”

“Yes,” Wen Hupo replied succinctly.

“Isn’t it inconvenient for a girl to live here? Li is always running to the bathroom and hogging it without actually using it. And changing clothes, washing up… it must be awkward.” Zou Yameng’s words seemed directed more at herself than Wen Hupo. “I can’t come back from the Capital City more than a few times a year. Why don’t you stay in my room?”

It sounded like a casual suggestion, but Lu Li detected a hint of “killing intent” in Sister Yameng’s words. On the sports field, she was a relentless attacker, and in life, she was also used to taking the initiative—except when it came to Lu Li. He had a feeling that if Wen Hupo refused, Sister Yameng wouldn’t let it go.

Lu Li felt a headache coming on. He had anticipated that the girls wouldn’t get along; An Baili and Chu Jingyi’s relationship was an exception. But he hadn’t expected this conflict to erupt so suddenly. Leaving the decision to Wen Hupo would be irresponsible. He stepped in. “Sister, I asked her to stay with me. Hupo is a foreigner; she’s not familiar with things here. Living together makes it easier for us to communicate. I’ll ask her to move out once she’s more settled in Shenzhou.”

Since her brother had spoken, Zou Yameng didn’t press the issue. She shot Lu Li a look. “I think you just want to take advantage of her.”

“…It’s fine,” Wen Hupo said abruptly.

All three of them stared at her.

“What’s fine?”

“…” She fell silent again, perhaps disdaining to explain, or perhaps too embarrassed to. Wen Hupo ate her rice with a spoon, small bite by small bite. She didn’t know how to use chopsticks and had been using a spoon ever since she moved in with Lu Li.

The dinner ended in a strange mix of harmony and tension. That night, Lu Li couldn’t share a room with Wen Hupo with his sister present. He had to sleep at An Baili’s place, while An Baili slept with Sister Yameng, who had some things she wanted to discuss with her.

Moonlight, tinged with a blue fluorescence, streamed through the window. The moon hung high in the night sky like a white lotus seed. Wen Hupo tossed and turned in bed, occasionally glancing at the empty spot on the floor where Lu Li usually slept. He’d said that the floor was cooler in the summer, so it was just right to sleep there. Was it really? Wen Hupo wondered. She’d never slept on the floor; she imagined it must be cold and hard. Lu Li had probably said that to make her feel better.

Insomnia was a common occurrence for Wen Hupo. With so much on her mind, sleep evaded her. Closing her eyes, the day’s events replayed in her mind, preventing her from drifting off. Usually, she would turn to look at Lu Li’s sleeping face on the floor, the moonlight illuminating him, making the scene dreamlike.

She had to admit, Lu Li was handsome. She had always found him pleasant to look at. His eyes and brows resembled her foster mother’s, carrying a hint of melancholy. Sometimes, she would entertain the fanciful notion that Lu Li might be her foster mother’s long-lost son, but she would quickly laugh at the absurdity of the idea.

But tonight…

Tonight, Lu Li wasn’t there. The empty space on the floor mirrored the emptiness in her heart. The sounds of passion she’d heard earlier echoed in her ears. The golden-haired girl traced circles on the sheet with her finger, her thoughts spiraling along with the circular motion.

“So desolate, so empty, so lonely, so miserable.” She unconsciously recited the lines from a poem. She had always loved the intricate characters of the Shenzhou language, each stroke precise and enigmatic.

Tonight, the cat was sleepless once more.

---

The next morning, Lu Li was awakened by Chen Jianing’s insistent knocking. He sat up, dark circles under his eyes, his expression listless. He hadn’t been able to sleep at all last night. He wondered if he’d been possessed by some kind of pile-driver demon. After tasting the long-forbidden fruit of his sister’s flesh, his mind had been consumed by lustful thoughts. He went to the sink and splashed cold water on his face, repeatedly telling himself not to be obsessed with women. He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but his body seemed even more vigorous in this life, especially in bed.

Was this related to the price?

If so, the price was far too lenient.

He heard the door next door open, followed by Chen Jianing’s voice. “Where’s Lu Li?”

Then another door opened, this time An Baili’s. “What are you yelling about so early in the morning, Shorty?”

Their chirping voices were like two little sparrows. He heard Chen Jianing say she had come early to avenge yesterday’s “clothing stripping humiliation” and that she was going to find Chu Jingyi. Was this girl obsessed with picking fights with the others? Small in stature, but not in spirit.

Lu Li heard Chen Jianing and An Baili enter his apartment and continue their chatter, but he couldn’t make out what they were saying. He was brushing his teeth when he heard another knock. He slowly opened the door, his mouth full of toothpaste foam. Zou Yameng stood silhouetted against the light, like Artemis descending to earth. Lu Li gaped at her, stunned by her beauty, toothpaste dripping from his mouth.

Zou Yameng was dressed in a youthful and vibrant style today, a departure from her usual athletic wear. She wore a short-sleeved T-shirt with a panda print, the panda’s eyes comically enlarged and distorted. Her lower body was clad in light blue skinny jeans, which perfectly accentuated her slightly curvy legs. Her outfit wasn’t flashy, but it perfectly showcased her youthful charm. Lu Li always believed youth was a woman’s greatest asset. When young, they didn’t need excessive clothing or makeup; simply standing there, they exuded the vibrancy of life and the power of beauty.

“Li, come shopping with me,” Artemis said, smiling at the toothpaste foam around his mouth.

—–

 

Chapter Thirteen: Strange Noises Next Door

“What exactly is the relationship between Zou Yameng and Lu Li?” Wen Hupo looked around An Baili’s tidy room.

“W-why do you ask?” An Baili stammered. Wen Hupo was as sharp as ever. This was the first time she’d met Zou Yameng, wasn’t it?

“If she were really just his sister, she wouldn’t have gotten so angry, right?” Wen Hupo stroked Miss Lu’s belly, her clothes covered in cat fur. An idea came to her: she would collect the cat fur and make it into a ball to give to Lu Li for his birthday. What would his expression be like? He’d be surprised, surely.

An Baili pouted. “Knowing Lu Li, what other kind of relationship do you think they could have?”

Wen Hupo murmured, “So… he really is a scumbag.”

“And yet you still fell for him.” An Baili snorted.

The golden-haired girl looked at the calico cat in her lap, recalling the rainy evening when she and Lu Li had found the tiny, mewing kitten by the bushes. Perhaps that day, Lu Li hadn’t just picked up Miss Lu; he’d also picked up her heart. She loved the atmosphere around him, loved being with such an exceptional person. It was like sitting by a warm fireplace in winter, her heart filled with happiness. Thinking about it that way, whether he was a scumbag or not didn’t really matter.

“An Baili, can love really make someone do that?” Wen Hupo asked.

“Do what?” An Baili wasn’t as perceptive as Lu Li and didn’t understand the implied meaning.

“Can love really make you that selfless?” Wen Hupo’s gaze was distant.

“…I’m not like you guys.” An Baili’s voice was soft. “I’ve experienced true life and death… I once thought life was meaningless, but when I was truly about to lose everything, I realized that just being alive is enough, just seeing his smile is enough.”

“Rebirth again?”

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me.” An Baili turned away. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

She’s half-convinced. Wen Hupo thought that perhaps there was some kind of fate in this world, guiding everyone along a predetermined path. The person she saw in her dreams might really have been Lu Li. Just this once, she chose to trust her intuition.

“By the way, Wen Hupo, let me warn you,” An Baili said suddenly. “Jingyi is a very serious girl. Whatever she does, she gives it her all. That’s true for her studies, and it’s true for love.”

“…” Wen Hupo didn’t reply, perhaps understanding An Baili’s meaning.

She felt a sudden urge to use the bathroom, probably from drinking too much water during the card game. She put Miss Lu down and headed towards the bathroom. A moment later, she emerged, frowning. “An Baili, what’s wrong with your bathroom?”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s a strange noise, like a burst pipe.”

“Huh? Really?” An Baili imagined a burst pipe, yellow sewage flooding the bathroom, and her stomach churned. “Take me there.”

They went to the bathroom and heard a faint slapping sound. At first, An Baili also thought it was a plumbing issue. After all, this was low-income housing; the facilities were old and rarely repaired. But as she got closer to the wall, her expression changed.

“What’s wrong?” Wen Hupo asked.

An Baili pressed her ear against the wall. After a moment of hesitation, Wen Hupo did the same.

“Slap, slap, slap… slap, slap, slap…” The sound became clearer. It wasn’t a burst pipe; it was the sound of flesh hitting flesh, rhythmic and urgent. Along with it came the soft gasps and moans of a woman.

“Slower, slower… It’s going to break… My mind is blank… Slower…”

“Don’t lift my legs… They’re exposed… Mmm… Mmm…”

The voice was faint, almost indistinguishable, only snippets audible. But An Baili understood instantly. The bathroom wall in her apartment shared a wall with Lu Li’s bathroom. The walls in low-income housing weren’t known for their soundproofing… She glanced at Wen Hupo, who still looked confused, clearly not understanding what was happening. No matter how smart Wen Hupo was, she couldn’t immediately jump to the conclusion that a passionate encounter was taking place next door.

“Ooh…” A suppressed moan, drawn out, clearly indicating the speaker’s pleasure. The moan faded, and the slapping sound resumed.

“…Li… Li… Stop… Stop… It’s already full… Pull out…”

“Slap, slap, slap, slap, slap, slap…” The steady rhythm of flesh against flesh, like a relentless piston, accompanied by a subtle sloshing sound—not the dripping of water, but a thick, churning sound.

An Baili blushed. The sound was familiar. Perhaps it was the influence of her rebirth, but she felt Lu Li’s libido was particularly strong in this life. Last time, even with Zou Yameng joining in, she could barely keep up. By the second half of the night, they’d run out of condoms, and when she finally lay down, there was still a steady trickle of semen leaking from her.

“What is that?” Wen Hupo frowned. “Is that Lu Li next door? What’s that sound? Is he hitting someone?”

“…” An Baili didn’t know how to answer.

As Wen Hupo puzzled over the noise, they heard a male voice from next door. “Sister, is this how you used to hold me when I peed?”

“Don’t—don’t spread—Hey—Ah, don’t, don’t… This position is so embarrassing…”

“Slap, slap, slap…”

Wen Hupo finally seemed to grasp what was happening. She looked at An Baili in disbelief.

An Baili gave a nervous laugh.

Wen Hupo’s expression shifted rapidly, her usual composure gone, replaced first by shock, then contemplation, and finally, a deep frown. She and An Baili stood side by side, silently listening to the sounds of passion coming from next door.

“Is she in pain or pleasure?” Wen Hupo asked, her brow furrowed.

“Have… haven’t you tried it yourself?” An Baili asked, as if she’d discovered a shocking secret, a weakness, or rather, a gap in Wen Hupo’s experience.

“Tried what?”

“…It’s very, very painful.” An Baili said seriously. “But to satisfy his selfish desires, the girl can only endure the pain silently.”

“…” Wen Hupo fell silent. She muttered “Disgraceful,” and walked away quickly. After Wen Hupo left the bathroom, An Baili patted the wall and said, “Keep it down…”

---

Dinner was late that evening.

It wasn’t until past eight o’clock that the table was set in Lu Li’s apartment. Zou Yameng brought out dish after dish. Lu Li, An Baili, and Wen Hupo sat around the small table, no one speaking. The flush hadn’t yet faded from Zou Yameng’s face, and her legs trembled slightly as she walked, evidence of the “ordeal” she’d just endured. A faint scent of semen lingered in the air.

Lu Li coughed and served Wen Hupo a bowl of rice. She abruptly stepped back. “Don’t come near me.” Her expression was one of disgust, like a haughty cat. Lu Li awkwardly set the bowl down.

Chapter Twelve: Between Siblings

Their breathing grew heavier, their movements more intense. Two pairs of restless hands roamed over each other’s bodies. It was less kissing and more like two animals hungrily sucking on each other, their lips locked, their fluids mingling. Since Wen Hupo had moved in, Lu Li hadn’t had any intimate moments. Now, suddenly faced with the Sister Yameng he had longed for, he couldn’t help but lose himself. The regrets of his past life transformed into a surge of affection. He wished he could give her more, wished he could offer her the whole world.

Zou Yameng retained a shred of lucidity. “I’m your sister… What kind of brother kisses his sister like this? And where are your hands? You haven’t even undone your belt, isn’t it tight?”

“Wasn’t it you, Sister, who first took me to see those movies?” Lu Li panted. “Dear Sister, why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?” His right hand slipped into the warm space between her thighs, encountering the soft fabric of her underwear. He gently rubbed, his fingertips tracing the shape of her mound. He caressed her clitoris, the temperature of his fingers rising. He couldn’t tell if the dampness on the thin fabric was sweat or something else.

“Mmm…” Zou Yameng’s face flushed, her earlier anger gone, her eyes filled with a watery sheen. She bit her lip and shot Lu Li a look, clinging to the last vestiges of her dignity as his older sister.

Lu Li’s left hand slipped inside her blouse, expertly unfastening her bra, his palm caressing her delicate skin. He noticed she was drenched in sweat. “Sister, are you hot?”

“…I rushed here straight from the airport, what do you think?” Zou Yameng suddenly pinched his cheek, just like she used to when they were younger. “You’ve become quite skilled, haven’t you? You’ve been quite busy with An Baili these past six months, I presume?”

More than just the past six months. Lu Li’s left hand cupped her breast, feeling like a mound of soft tofu. It hadn’t been this “hard to handle” six months ago. It seemed the Second Team’s food was good… Men have a particular fascination with breasts, always yearning for more ample curves, the opposite of women.

“Stop… stop it… There are people outside…” Zou Yameng suddenly squeezed her thighs together, arching her back, her toes curling, suppressing a moan. “Mmm… Don’t… Don’t move…”

Lu Li ignored her plea, his right hand moving even more vigorously. Her panties were completely soaked, clinging to her skin, burning hot. Zou Yameng let out a brief moan, then covered her mouth, pressing her body against Lu Li, trembling with every movement of his hand.

For a moment, she thought, I’m definitely going to hell for this.

Another wave of pleasure washed over her. She bit her lip hard, instinctively thrusting her hips forward. The floodgates burst open, a tide of clear fluid gushing forth, her body trembling until she was nearly limp. As the afterglow faded, Zou Yameng leaned weakly against Lu Li, looking at the damp patch on the sheet. “…Where… where did you learn these tricks…?”

“Self-taught, hehe, self-taught.”

Zou Yameng pushed him away. “Get me a change of clothes. I need a shower… It’s in my bag. My legs are weak…”

Lu Li wasn’t quite satisfied, but he didn’t dare disobey his sister. He reluctantly withdrew his damp right hand and turned towards her bag. As he turned, he instinctively brought his hand to his nose and sniffed. The scent of arousal lingered.

Opening the bag, he immediately noticed several blue-covered discs at the bottom.

“Sister, you actually brought movies back…”

Zou Yameng lay weakly on the bed, too exhausted to reply.

They were probably all decent films. Knowing Sister Yameng, she wouldn’t bring back anything inappropriate. Lu Li felt a pang of longing for Zhou Wen. After glancing at the disc covers for a moment, his rationality returned. His sister must be exhausted from her journey; he was being inconsiderate. Guilt gnawed at him. Not only had he held a party behind her back, but he was also now taking advantage of her. Lu Li, are you even human?

He handed her a set of clothes, then went to the bathroom to adjust the water temperature. Girls preferred hotter showers than boys. He didn’t know why, but he remembered from his past life, sharing baths with An Baili, he’d always complained that his skin was burning.

Zou Yameng watched him bustling around, a curious look on her face. “Li, why are you suddenly so attentive?”

“I was just reflecting on my actions. I wasn’t being very considerate.” Lu Li said earnestly. “You rushed all the way back here, and the first thing I think about isn’t letting you rest, but… that.”

Zou Yameng paused, her eyes shining with happiness. She didn’t say anything, just smiled.

Sister Yameng took the clothes and went into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water filled the small apartment. The low-rent district didn’t have showerheads. They bathed by filling colorful plastic buckets and pouring water over themselves with a ladle. This rather primitive method held years of memories for Lu Li and Zou Yameng.

“Li, don’t go. Sit by the door and talk to me.”

Lu Li obeyed, bringing a small stool and sitting outside the bathroom door. Through the frosted glass, he could vaguely make out a pale, naked figure.

“Li, what’s the deal with those girls?”

“…They’re members of my production team. They played a big part in the game’s success. I wanted everyone to get together, get to know each other.” Lu Li wasn’t lying; that had been his original intention.

“Then why were they all half-naked?” Zou Yameng’s voice was calm, betraying no emotion.

“They were arguing and decided to use their clothes as stakes in a card game.”

“Is that all?”

“That’s all.”

“You’re not lying to me?”

“Sister Yameng, have I ever lied to you?” Lu Li countered.

The sound of dripping water came from inside the bathroom. Zou Yameng remained silent for a long time. He waited, the last rays of sunset fading outside the window. Finally, her voice came again. “I actually only found out I had vacation time this morning. As soon as I heard, I booked a flight back to Chuanhai, finally making it back by evening. Li, it’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just… I was so excited… I haven’t seen you for four months. Four months… We’ve never been apart for so long before.”

“I’ve been feeling like something was missing. In the Capital City, I felt like everyone wears a mask. They weren’t as genuine as the people at the Chuanhai Women’s Sports School. Everyone was so polite, so formal, their Mandarin so perfect it was like they were all molded from the same template.”

Lu Li listened silently, understanding that listening was more important than speaking at this moment.

“So I missed you so much… I thought about you day and night, even dreamed about you… But I was also worried. What if, after all this time, my Li had been snatched away by another woman? What if you changed your mind? What if people found out about us and condemned us?”

“…But now I believe everything is alright. My Li is still the same silly little brother.”

Lu Li’s heart ached. “Sister Yameng, I will never, ever leave you. Even if you want to leave, I won’t let you. For the next few decades, I still want to spend them with you.”

Decades, centuries, it didn’t matter. His feelings for Zou Yameng would never change. The regrets of his past life would not be repeated.

Zou Yameng seemed to be laughing, tears in her voice. After a long silence, she quietly opened the bathroom door. “Li, want to join me for a shower?”

Chapter Eleven: Inside and Outside the Door

“You’ve got guts, haven’t you?!”

“I… I don’t…”

“Making progress, I see!”

“…It’s not like that…”

“Keeping girls overnight now! And several at once!”

“…You’ve got it all wrong, Sister Yameng…”

Outside Lu Li’s room, Chu Jingyi, An Baili, Wen Hupo, and Chen Jianing lined up with their heads pressed against the door, eavesdropping on the conversation inside. The girls, who had been fiercely competing during the card game, were now strangely united.

Chen Jianing was the most bewildered of the four. “Is that Lu Li’s older sister?”

Chu Jingyi glanced down at her and nodded slightly.

“Do you think Lu Li will be beaten to death? I can hear his voice breaking…” An Baili’s tone was less concerned and more gleeful.

Wen Hupo, still cradling her cat, narrowed her eyes, trying to peek through the crack in the door to see what was happening. Unfortunately, when Zou Yameng had kicked them out, she’d locked the door and even covered the gap with her jacket, making it impossible to see inside.

Lu Li’s voice gradually faded. Chen Jianing snorted and crossed her arms. “I’m going to my aunt’s place. Little country bumpkin, we’ll settle the score another day!”

Hearing the familiar taunt, An Baili bristled. “Who are you calling a country bumpkin?”

“Whoever acts timid and shy is a country bumpkin.” Chen Jianing lifted her chin proudly. She then mimicked An Baili’s cautious mannerisms with surprising accuracy, drawing a laugh even from Chu Jingyi. An Baili’s inherent insecurity often manifested in subtle gestures, like shrinking her neck when she sat up or hunching her back slightly when she walked. Overall, she seemed ill at ease.

An Baili was furious. She could tolerate anyone calling her a country bumpkin, but not Chen Jianing. Of all the girls close to Lu Li, Chen Jianing was the least well-off, and An Baili refused to be looked down upon by her. She lunged for Chen Jianing’s collar, but Chu Jingyi held her back. “Alright, Baili, it’s getting late. Let’s go home…”

Chu Jingyi glanced at Lu Li’s door. “Besides, I don’t think Lu Li will have a pleasant night.”

Wen Hupo watched them silently, stroking Miss Lu’s chin. The cat purred contentedly, rolling over to expose her clean, white belly. A sweet smile touched Wen Hupo’s lips. She enjoyed this life, with its playful banter, her cat, and the person she liked… Her time in Shenzhou had been more exciting than all her previous years combined.

“Hupo,” Chu Jingyi said, suddenly adopting a more authoritative tone. “It’s not appropriate for a girl to stay at Lu Li’s place for so long. I’ll help you find a place to stay soon, and we’ll sort out the residency registration issue too…”

“No.” Wen Hupo lifted her head, the orange sunlight illuminating the side of her face, reminding her of the first time she met Chu Jingyi last year in the activity classroom. Back then, they had also clashed, neither willing to back down. History often repeats itself. But back then, she found the world mostly dull; now, she saw it bursting with color.

Chu Jingyi and Wen Hupo stared at each other, neither speaking. If gazes were tangible, theirs would have transformed into clashing swords, sparks flying at the point of contact. This was the first time An Baili had seen Chu Jingyi so serious. She wasn’t even this intimidating during her disciplinary duties…

Wen Hupo’s gaze was also intimidating. Of course, in An Baili’s opinion, Wen Hupo was always intimidating. Just standing there silently, she exuded an inexplicable pressure.

In the end, Wen Hupo looked away, pretending to pet her cat. It wasn’t that she was afraid of Chu Jingyi, but rather a natural feeling of inferiority she experienced in her presence. Chu Jingyi had helped her, and now she was stealing her boyfriend. No matter how strong Wen Hupo appeared, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.

Fortunately, Chu Jingyi wasn’t aggressive. She sighed and turned to leave. Chen Jianing followed, calling out over her shoulder, “Cat lady, little country bumpkin, just you wait! I’ll be back tomorrow!”

An Baili ignored her, watching Chu Jingyi’s retreating figure. She had a feeling that, for Lu Li, the always accommodating Chu Jingyi might be the biggest obstacle on his path.

The sounds from inside the room gradually subsided, as if Lu Li and Zou Yameng were whispering. Wen Hupo looked at An Baili. “Let’s go to your place for a bit. I have some questions for you.”

—

Inside, Lu Li was pinned beneath Zou Yameng. She straddled him, her long, athletic legs trapping his head. This was Zou Yameng’s favorite position for disciplining her younger brother, a habit from their childhood. Whenever Lu Li misbehaved, Zou Yameng would take advantage of her earlier physical development to pin him down, forcing a humiliating apology from little Lu Li.

“If I hadn’t come back tonight, who knows what kind of trouble you would have gotten into, huh?!”

Zou Yameng snarled. She was truly angry. She’d been foolish to give herself to her brother, to play along with his antics, hoping it would keep him from chasing other girls. During her time in the Capital City, she had even planned their future: An Baili would be Lu Li’s wife in name only, acting as a little maid while she and her brother ran the household.

Zou Yameng was wearing summer shorts, not particularly short, but in this position, they rode up a few inches, becoming the length of hot pants. Her fleshy thighs pressed against his cheeks. Looking down, he could see the smooth, muscular lines of her inner thighs. Already aroused by the card game with the four girls, Lu Li naturally reacted, instinctively thrusting his hips upward, rubbing himself against Sister Yameng’s buttocks.

“You?!” Zou Yameng’s face flushed crimson, a mixture of embarrassment and anger.

This position, once a nightmare during his childhood, now felt like a reward. Sister Yameng’s grip was tight, his chin pressed against her most sensitive area. He could even smell the rich, feminine scent emanating from between her thighs—a mixture of her own fragrance, a hint of sweat, and another familiar scent…

Lu Li’s hands reached for Zou Yameng’s slender waist, pulling her down before she could react, pressing her firmly against him. Their position shifted into a tight embrace. He could feel the underwire of her bra digging into his chest, her ample breasts pressed against him.

“Sister, I missed you so much…” Words spoken from the heart carry power. The anger on Zou Yameng’s face melted away like snow, replaced by boundless indulgence and forgiveness. She could never refuse Lu Li.

In the next moment, Lu Li kissed her, a passionate, wet kiss filled with love and desire. It was impossible to tell which was stronger. Zou Yameng’s body went limp. She instinctively tried to resist, but Lu Li held her hands firmly. Finally, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the tide of passion.

This was why those outside the door could no longer hear anything.

Chapter Ten: Study Hard

Silly Goose’s thighs were soft and firm to the touch. Lu Li’s hand stroked them repeatedly, causing the young girl’s delicate body to tremble slightly, but she didn’t pull away. Chu Jingyi’s blush wasn’t a rosy red, but rather a delicate pink, like a blossoming peach flower, spreading from her slender neck, her skin glowing with an enticing sheen.

She’s so cute…

This was the only thought in Lu Li’s mind. Her shyness, her demureness, her fervent affection, all blended together to form the unique Chu Jingyi. Instinctively, Lu Li’s hand began to wander upwards—not a good habit, but one he’d fallen into. Chu Jingyi abruptly closed her thighs, trapping his hand between them, preventing him from going any further.

She bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. “Only after marriage…”

Lu Li felt someone kick him, probably Wen Hupo. It was a rather hard kick.

Wen Hupo laid out her cards. “Shall we continue?” She had a ten and a half, the highest possible hand. She’d won again. Wen Hupo, it seemed, had a natural talent for cards.

Chen Jianing had already lost her camisole. One more loss, and she would be completely naked. For Lu Li, this wasn’t a new sight. He’d seen her naked back in Mulan City when he was caring for the sick girl. In his words, she had a little girl’s figure, flat and unremarkable, nowhere near as impressive as Sister Yameng.

“Deal!” Chen Jianing’s eyes were red. She was determined to defeat these three wicked women today!

Chu Jingyi, An Baili, and Wen Hupo exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. There seemed to be a silent war going on between these girls. And Chen Jianing was perhaps just collateral damage.

Luck didn’t always favor Wen Hupo. As the game progressed, she shed more and more clothing. First, her black stockings came off, then the buttons of her blouse were undone, and finally, her white pleated skirt was slowly removed. Wen Hupo’s expression remained unchanged throughout, seemingly indifferent. But Lu Li noticed her fingers trembling slightly. Whenever his gaze lingered on her, she would subconsciously cover her bra with her left hand. Cats are like that, always pretending to be nonchalant and indifferent. Of course, Lu Li was referring to Miss Lu.

Referee Lu Li wasn’t entirely idle. At least since he’d taken his position, the three Chuanhai girls had stopped secretly colluding, allowing Chen Jianing to sniffle her way to a few victories.

Speaking of which, Chen Jianing had played a significant role in the success of Evening Collection. Without her promotional efforts before the release, the game’s sudden popularity would have been a pipe dream. Looking at the little flat-chested girl in front of him, her nose wrinkled in frustration, Lu Li couldn’t help but smile. Choosing Chen Jianing as his partner was probably the best decision he’d made in his previous life’s startup. This girl always knew how to find the most controversial topics; perhaps that was this annoying brat’s talent? He handled the back-end game development, and Chen Jianing handled the front-end promotion; their collaboration was seamless.

But… Lu Li’s thoughts took a darker turn.

Among the four girls, An Baili was the most dramatic. Wrapped in a blanket, she sat on the floor, resolutely playing cards, unwavering in her determination. She had long since lost all her clothes, but she insisted on cheating, using the blanket as a substitute garment, continuing to compete with Wen Hupo and Chen Jianing. When she stood up, Lu Li even saw two round imprints of her buttocks on the floor, with a slightly damp spot between them.

An Baili shot a resentful glance at Lu Li, who was getting handsy with Chu Jingyi, as if blaming him for forgetting his old love for a new one.

Her look sent a shiver down Lu Li’s spine, pushing his already wandering thoughts into uncharted territories. His mind was now filled with the question of whether he should seek out An Baili tonight.

The game had reached a point where the girls were down to their last few scraps of clothing. Any further play would truly be taking advantage of them. Silently reaching a consensus, they gradually put down their cards, intending to establish dominance in another way.

“Hupo, do you have any income now?” The usually harmless Chu Jingyi was unusually possessive today, seemingly displeased with Wen Hupo living with Lu Li. It made sense. The naive Chu Jingyi had only agreed to share Lu Li with An Baili. She wouldn’t tolerate another girl intruding, not even Wen Hupo… By now, Chu Jingyi was no longer entirely innocent in matters of the heart.

“No.” Wen Hupo replied without hesitation. Only she could admit to being a freeloader so matter-of-factly. “I plan to stay at Lu Li’s place long-term.”

“My house has a spare room…”

“Jingyi, you have a dog, right? Miss Lu is a cat and quite afraid of dogs.” Wen Hupo lifted the small cat. Miss Lu, living up to her role as Wen Hupo’s loyal follower, meowed in agreement. As Wen Hupo raised the cat, her movement revealed the smooth, white skin under her arm, still slightly damp with perspiration from the card game. Wen Hupo usually dressed conservatively, her skirts practically reaching her shoes. This unexpected display of skin had a uniquely forbidden allure.

Chen Jianing muttered under her breath, “Such a grown girl, living with another boy…” Lu Li couldn’t help but roll his eyes. You’re one to talk. You practically lived with me back in Mulan City.

Wen Hupo glanced at Chen Jianing, and the Little Tiger immediately shrank back, falling silent.

Lu Li chuckled.

“What are you laughing at?” the girls asked in unison, their tone unfriendly. At this moment, even blinking seemed like a mistake for Lu Li.

It’s a tough feeling to like someone only to see them being ambiguous with other girls.

Lu Li glanced out the window. Happy times always fly by. The sunlight had shifted from bright white to a warm yellow; it was evening before they knew it. No one suggested leaving, as if whoever did so first would be the loser of this silent war. Driven by a primal urge, Lu Li said, “Why don’t you all stay tonight? There are spare rooms…” Of course there were; An Baili’s place could accommodate one more, and Sister Yameng’s apartment next door was still empty. She wouldn’t be back anytime soon anyway.

Unexpectedly, the girls remained silent. No one objected.

Lu Li’s heart leaped with joy. “Everyone stay tonight, and we can all get together…”

“Get together to do what?”

Someone asked.

“Get together…” As Lu Li spoke, he suddenly felt something was amiss. Who had asked that question?

He turned around to see the door slightly ajar. He had locked it. Only three people had keys: himself, An Baili, and Zou Yameng. He stared at the familiar, tall figure at the door, his jaw dropping, his words stumbling out. “Get together… get together to study…”

Chapter Nine: Substitute Sisters

“Sister Xi, are you asleep?”

Zhu Qiao, clad in pajamas, gently knocked on Zhu Xi’s door. The girl’s slender figure swayed in the warm, orange glow of the hallway light. It was often said that Zhu Qiao and Zhu Xi shared a striking resemblance, not only in their facial features but also in their figures. Zhu Qiao possessed a physique that belied her innocent demeanor – a delicate frame bearing ample curves, a sight that often left people speechless.

“I’m not asleep, Little Qiao. Come in.” Zhu Xi opened the door. She had been reading, her mind restless due to recent parliamentary affairs.

Zhu Qiao sat nervously on Zhu Xi’s soft bed, perching only halfway on the edge, maintaining a perfectly upright posture, the picture of ladylike decorum. “Sister Xi, there’s something I’d like to ask you for help with.”

Zhu Xi closed her book, rubbed her temples, and then brushed her short hair aside, revealing her alluring fox-like eyes. “Why so formal today? This favor, I’m afraid, isn’t going to be easy, is it?” The bright light of the bedside lamp illuminated the side of Zhu Xi’s face, enhancing her breathtaking beauty. Zhu Qiao couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, Sister Xi is so beautiful. A pang of self-doubt struck her; she couldn’t compare to Sister Xi in anything, always needing her care, and not even as beautiful…

The thought of her first puppy suddenly crossed her mind, stirring a mix of emotions within her.

“It’s…” Zhu Qiao whispered, “Sister Xi, I want you to meet someone in my place.”

Zhu Xi’s ears twitched slightly.

Neither sister spoke, allowing the warm light to wash over the room. A tiny insect, emitting a faint glow, flitted past Zhu Qiao’s nose, tickling her slightly. “Sister Xi, why aren’t you saying anything?”

Zhu Xi gave a faint smile. “What do you want me to say?”

“Aren’t you going to ask who I’m meeting?” Zhu Qiao lowered her head further. “Usually, when you hear this, you’d be furious… I’m prepared to be scolded.”

Because I already know who you’re going to meet. Zhu Xi sighed and, playing along, asked, “So, who are you meeting? And how did you meet them?”

“I… I want to visit a game development team. I met the producer while chatting online.” With her head bowed, she looked like a child caught in the act. Zhu Xi suddenly wondered if she and Grandma Zhu had made the same mistake, controlling Zhu Qiao too much. She was a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl; she should have her own life…

“Is this person you’re meeting male or female? What’s their name?”

Zhu Qiao’s voice became even softer. “It’s a boy. I don’t know his name…”

Lu Li. Lu Li.

Zhu Xi silently mouthed the name. It wasn’t unfamiliar to her. Since Zhu Qiao had first contacted Lu Li, Zhu Xi had intended to give him a warning, even if he was connected to the Chu Family, not to mess with Zhu Qiao.

Months ago, she had flown to Chuanhai, not rushing to contact Lu Li, but instead observing him from a distance. She wanted to fully understand his character before deciding whether to allow Zhu Qiao to interact with him. Initially, Zhu Xi had assumed that this adopted son-in-law of the Chu Family was a cowardly, smooth-talking youth, perfectly fitting her image of those who married into aristocratic families. She had seen too many of them in the Capital City; they even had a nickname, the “Son-in-Law Gang.”

But as she observed, Lu Li’s behavior surprised her. He wasn’t oily or weak; he was a perfectly normal young man, perhaps a bit flirtatious, but with many redeeming qualities. What intrigued her most was his relationship with several girls. She couldn’t fathom how a commoner, a poor boy, could have the Chu Family’s direct descendant so completely devoted, willing to share her boyfriend.

This prompted Zhu Xi to stay longer and observe further.

Every day, reports of Lu Li’s activities and whereabouts were delivered to her. Sometimes, when she was free, Zhu Xi would personally visit the school to “inspect.” She had practically witnessed the entire process of Wen Hupo falling in love. Zhu Xi even recorded it in her diary, titling the entry Strange Encounters.

She had seen Wen Hupo, dragging her large suitcase, defiantly refusing her father’s demands, and turning to walk towards Lu Li’s apartment. She had also witnessed Lu Li’s reckless intrusion at the airport. If it weren’t for her intervention and vouching for him, Lu, the great saint, might have faced criminal charges.

So far, Zhu Xi had a favorable impression of Lu Li, gradually abandoning her intention to interfere with her sister’s social life. At least allowing someone with a known background and a clean family history like Lu Li to interact with Zhu Qiao was better than some unknown person with ulterior motives.

The Fourteenth Princess’s thoughts returned to the present, and she looked at her anxious sister. “Why not go meet him yourself?”

“I…I…” Zhu Qiao stammered, unable to form a sentence. The reason was simple: she was afraid. Zhu Qiao’s world was very small, extending only a hundred meters in either direction from where she stood. The complexities of the outside world were overwhelming for her. Even chatting with Lu Li online every day was a major event requiring a scheduled alarm, let alone traveling to Chuanhai to meet the producer in person?

She worried about embarrassing herself, making the producer think she was a fool, a simpleton, and what if he then ignored her? It was better to let her more intelligent, more composed, more generous, and more beautiful Sister Xi take her place. At least that way, a perfect impression would be left on the producer.

As for herself… she could just hide in her small room, and that would be enough… right? Just like before. Sister Xi could handle everything.

Zhu Xi sighed and slowly nodded. “Alright, I’ll agree. I also happen to want to talk to this producer you mentioned.”

A wave of joy washed over Zhu Qiao, followed by an inexplicable sense of loss. This faint disappointment was like a sandcastle on the beach after the tide receded, a trace of its existence remaining, yet also seemingly gone without a trace.

Her slender fingers, like spring onions, intertwined, mirroring the tangled thoughts in her heart. “Sister Xi, could you tell the producer something when you meet him…?”

“What is it?”

“Well, it’s…” Zhu Qiao’s eyes flickered. “Just remind Mr. Producer to pay attention to his shoelaces. Loose shoelaces can cause tripping…”

Pay attention to his shoelaces? Zhu Xi paused, then a look of anger flashed across her face. “Little Qiao? Have you been ‘watching’ again?”

“…Yes… I’m sorry…” Zhu Qiao looked utterly miserable.

“Do you remember what you promised me that day?” Zhu Xi’s voice rose unconsciously. “You’re my only family! If even you… You have to learn to cherish your life! The more you see, the more irreversible the consequences become! It’s a bottomless abyss!”

Zhu Qiao rarely saw Sister Xi this angry. She quickly clung to her sister’s arm, shaking her head pleadingly. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Sister Xi. I won’t watch anymore… Please don’t be angry.”

Zhu Xi’s ample chest heaved, and finally, she looked at Zhu Qiao with immense helplessness. “In this wretched family, you’re all I have left. Don’t leave your Sister Xi alone to survive in this rotten world. If I truly lose everything, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Chapter Eight: Heaven and Hell

Lu Li touched his neck, uneasily glancing left and right. An Baili, Wen Hupo, Chu Jingyi, and Chen Jianing were huddled in a circle, their expressions unusually somber. He didn’t dare look up, as the four girls were dressed rather skimpily. At some point, Chen Jianing had shed her dress, leaving only a white camisole and light blue panties. Chu Jingyi was slightly more decent, having only removed her jeans, revealing a pair of flawless white legs, her toes fidgeting nervously. An Baili was the most pitiful, having lost even her underwear and was now clad only in Lu Li’s borrowed long-sleeved shirt. A peek beneath the hem of the oversized garment would reveal her delicate, pink nipples. Wen Hupo, on the other hand, remained the most composed. So far, she had only removed her socks, exposing her small, dainty toes to the air, which emitted a faint fragrance.

How had things devolved into this?

Lu Li rubbed his eyes, immediately feeling four gazes pierce him like needles.

Just a few hours earlier, he had confidently brought Chen Jianing and Chu Jingyi back to his low-rent apartment. Before entering, Chen Jianing had been praising Lu Li for hiding his wealth, assuming he was a “fu erdai” (Privileged Child of a Wealthy Person), only to discover he was more of a “negative second generation,” meaning deeply in debt. She’d even offered to treat him to canned tea from her hometown, to broaden his horizons. But upon entering and seeing the two lovely girls inside, the Little Tiger’s expression had turned frosty. Not only Chen Jianing, but even Silly Goose (Chu Jingyi) looked bewildered. Wen Hupo stood up, picked up her cat, and remarked casually, “This naughty cat of yours has brought something from outside again.”

The harmonious coexistence Lu Li had envisioned never materialized. Even the obedient and gentle Silly Goose was no longer on his side. He sensed a complex dynamic between the girls. An Baili and Wen Hupo seemed to be vying for Chu Jingyi’s favor, yet they weren’t on good terms with each other. Chu Jingyi’s attitude towards Wen Hupo was peculiar, constantly questioning why she hadn’t moved out yet. As for Chen Jianing, the outsider, she was being jointly suppressed by the three, unable to utter a complete sentence in the half hour since her arrival. They say girls are perceptive; a group of six girls can have over twenty group chats. Lu Li vaguely sensed a deeper conflict brewing beneath the surface.

Right, at this moment, in this small apartment of less than 30 square meters, the lowest in the pecking order was not Miss Lu (the cat), nor Chen Jianing, but surprisingly, Lu Li. Any suggestion he made was artfully vetoed by the girls, the conversation entirely dictated by them. He couldn’t quite follow their rambling chatter, but he felt they were competing with each other.

Then, someone suggested a card game.

Seemingly seeking revenge for a previous loss, Silly Goose proposed adding stakes. Wen Hupo, who had been quietly observing, sat beside Lu Li with her cat, indicating her participation. An Baili rubbed her hands together eagerly; she loved to play. Chen Jianing, a vengeful little spirit, having been outmaneuvered all day, planned to regain face in the card game.

Thus began a card game beyond Lu Li’s control. He was the referee.

He’d forgotten the initial stakes, perhaps a few small coins. Then An Baili accused Chen Jianing of cheating, claiming she’d hidden a high card. In reality, Chen Jianing hadn’t cheated; An Baili had. After a brief squabble, they raised the stakes.

Now, the penalty was Truth or Dare.

Chen Jianing seemed to be targeted by the Chuanhai girls, losing four or five hands in a row, revealing all her embarrassing secrets, and nearly being forced to recount what happened in Mulan City. Thanks to this, Lu Li finally learned the purpose of Chen Jianing’s visit to Chuanhai: she was visiting her aunt, explaining why Lu Li had bumped into her at the bus station.

Having lost face, Chen Jianing decided to go all in, suggesting another escalation: the loser removes an article of clothing.

The Little Tiger’s forehead was red as she declared this, her little tiger teeth bared, clearly furious. She was ready to fight these three wicked women. Losing clothing wasn’t unfamiliar to Silly Goose and An Baili. An Baili accepted the challenge with hands on her hips, while Silly Goose pouted at Lu Li for a moment before agreeing. Lu Li turned to Wen Hupo. Would such a rational girl agree to such a reckless wager?

To his surprise, Wen Hupo simply whispered in his ear, “Don’t look.”

Then he was banished to the bathroom by the four girls, the door locked behind him. He could only hear the excited shouts from the bedroom, sparking his imagination.

During his confinement, Lu Li contemplated many things, especially his future. If, just if, he ended up with these girls, his life wouldn’t be easy. He heard cheers from the bedroom, then An Baili yelling, “Take it off! Take it off!” followed by Chen Jianing’s indignant protests, “You’re cheating!”

What was happening in there? Lu Li couldn’t help but picture a rosy, sensual scene. But before he could dwell on it for too long, the bathroom door opened. Chen Jianing dragged him out, fuming, “The referee has to be here! Or you’ll gang up on me!”

That was how he ended up sitting amidst a group of scantily clad girls.

He kept his head down, not daring to look. The usually gentle Chu Jingyi was unusually fierce today, her resentful gaze meeting his whenever he glanced left. To his right, Wen Hupo looked at him with a faint, almost mocking smile, her eyes filled with disdain.

An Baili and Chen Jianing were the most engrossed, their rivalry intense. Clutching their cards, they continued to draw, preferring to bust than have a lower score than the other.

Lu Li snuck a peek at Chu Jingyi’s white legs. They were shapely and smooth, her knees tinged with a delicate pink, her skin flawless and poreless. Of all the women’s legs he had seen, if Sister Yameng’s were the epitome of sexiness, then Chu Jingyi’s were the epitome of grace.

Wen Hupo, cradling her cat, softly asked, “Enjoying the view?”

Lu Li turned, meeting the golden-haired girl’s cool, almost sardonic gaze. She seemed angry. Or perhaps not. Wen Hupo’s emotions were so subtle that he couldn’t quite decipher them.

While he was distracted, Silly Goose sulkily shifted, pressing her smooth, white thigh against him, seemingly trying to recapture his attention. Her large, doleful eyes seemed to plead: Don’t look at anyone else.

The warmth of her thigh radiated through his thin summer trousers, reaching the depths of his soul. Lu Li was losing control. He discreetly placed his left hand on Chu Jingyi’s thigh. Silly Goose flinched, but didn’t pull away.

The small room was filled with the fragrance of young women, with glimpses of their bodies, with their lively chatter. With a soft, feminine form beneath his hand, he felt a sense of bewilderment, unsure whether he was in heaven or hell.

Chapter 7: A Man’s Happiness

Long Jing opened her mouth, as if discovering a new continent. “That’s right, brother-in-law! If you become my boyfriend, their jaws will definitely drop!” Lu Li believed in the innocence of children. This little girl was simply trying to save face and came up with this mischievous idea. Long Jing might be immature, but he couldn’t follow her lead. Lu Li gently patted the little girl’s head. “Your sister will kill you if she hears this.”

“No way, cousin looks fierce, but she’s actually very soft-hearted.” Long Jing knew Chu Jingyi well. “When sister gets angry, you don’t even need to apologize. Just wait for a while, and she’ll forgive you herself… Hehe, sister is so easy to handle.”

Is that so? Although Lu Li and Chu Jingyi were already a couple, he didn’t fully understand the flawless girl. She was like a punching bag, almost never complaining, and no one could truly see through her thoughts. Perhaps… perhaps he should pay more attention to the obedient Chu Jingyi.

As he was thinking, he noticed Long Jing kicking him again. “Brother-in-law, will you promise me? Promise me, promise me, promise me…”

Without thinking, Lu Li picked up the little girl and gave her another slap on the bottom. “Not a chance.” Long Jing wailed, “Brother-in-law, you’re playing with my feelings!”

“Go cry somewhere else.” Lu Li chuckled, put the little girl down, and went downstairs to find Jingyi. Long Jing cried for a bit, but seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she started playing on her phone again, whimpering. This girl was very cunning. Crying was just her way of gaining sympathy. It would be truly embarrassing if Lu Li was tricked by a little girl.

Downstairs, he saw Mrs. Chu and Chu Jingyi talking to Chen Jianing. Chen Jianing shrank back, her petite body almost completely sinking into the sofa, looking pitiful. She disliked interacting with strangers, especially rivals who made her feel inferior. Chu Jingyi was such a good girl, taller than her, prettier than her, from a better family, and with such a gentle personality. No wonder Lu Li liked her… Unlike herself… The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable Chen Jianing felt. She just wanted to be swallowed by the sofa, to become an invisible ghost observing the world.

Lu Li sat down next to Chen Jianing and looked at the little tiger. She looked listless and lacked energy. He was about to say something when Aunt Chu interrupted, “Xiao Lu, how did your talk with Long Jing go?”

“It went well.” Lu Li was a humble person.

“Is Long Jing willing to go back to school?” Although she maintained her appearance well, Lu Li could still see the fine wrinkles around Aunt Chu’s eyes. Time aged everyone. Would he also become old and wrinkled one day, unable to hold a warm young girl in his arms?

“Aunt Chu, my words don’t carry much weight.” Lu Li started cautiously. “The problems Long Jing is facing at school are quite tricky. She’s starting middle school next semester, right? Maybe it’s better for her to transfer schools.”

“Is it that serious?” Silly Goose covered her mouth. In her eyes, transferring schools was a last resort.

“Yes. Long Jing is being excluded by her classmates. This environment might no longer be suitable for a child’s growth. The fact that Long Jing would rather go on a hunger strike than go to school shows how much this is affecting her.” Lu Li spoke carefully and humbly, avoiding any definitive judgments. In front of the Chu family elders, he was still a junior, a rather young one at that. Youthful arrogance was for outsiders, not for family.

Aunt Chu hummed in agreement twice. “Did Long Jing tell you this herself?”

“Yes.”

“Have you spoken to Long Di?”

“Not yet.” Lu Li felt a little uneasy. He regretted getting too involved in the Chu family’s affairs. Perhaps in his mother-in-law’s eyes, he wasn’t qualified to comment on Long Jing’s education. Aunt Chu’s gradually darkening expression made Lu Li glance nervously at the little tiger. He also felt like disappearing into the sofa now.

“Long Di’s daughter is already this old, yet he’s still so careless!” Aunt Chu said fiercely. “He doesn’t even know what’s happening to his daughter at school! What kind of father is he?!”

Lu Li breathed a sigh of relief. So she was angry at Secretary Long.

Aunt Chu continued rambling, “Long Jing is being excluded at school, such a serious matter, and he, as her father, didn’t notice anything. Xiao Lu had to ask her. I thought maybe Long Jing had learned some bad habits somewhere, but it turns out she was being bullied at school! Xiao Lu, take a break, have some fruit. I’ll call Long Di and be right back.”

With that, his future mother-in-law stormed upstairs to confront Secretary Long.

Silly Goose stuck out her tongue. “My mom treasures Long Jing. When my aunt married Uncle Long, my mom hoped they would have a girl, and she always wanted to adopt her as my younger sister.”

No wonder the brat was so spoiled, she was pampered by both families. My Yi Bao is still the best. Thinking this, Lu Li shifted closer to Chu Jingyi. Silly Goose bit her lower lip and leaned closer to Lu Li as well. She missed him terribly. It had only been one day since the summer vacation started, and she already couldn’t eat or sleep properly without seeing him. Calling him over to see Long Jing was actually just a little trick of hers. She wanted to see Lu Li, wanted to be with him, wanted to breathe the same air as him, that was all.

Lu Li felt a restlessness stir within him. He hadn’t tasted Silly Goose’s sweet lips in a long time. The silly girl was becoming more and more alluring. When they kissed, she no longer resisted instinctively, her body soft and pliant, her face flushed, looking like she was ready to be plucked.

If he took things a step further, would Silly Goose refuse?

This thought was filled with magic. Lu Li swallowed and was about to take Silly Goose’s delicate hand when he felt someone poking his thigh with their foot.

Looking back, it was Chen Jianing with a displeased expression. “When are we leaving?”

Leaving?

He hadn’t even warmed his seat yet, where were they going?

Silly Goose heard this and blushed. “Can I come to your place today? I… miss Baili too.”

You’re not coming to my place to play, you’re walking into the wolf’s den. Lu Li was about to agree when he felt Chen Jianing poking his waist. “I want to see your doghouse too.”

Lu Li slapped his thigh, startling Chen Jianing. “What are you doing?”

He scooped up both girls, one in each arm. “Let’s go, let’s all go to my place today, the more the merrier!”

Chen Jianing shrank back. “I don’t want to go anymore.” Lu Li’s smile couldn’t be hidden. The little tiger instinctively felt that he had bad intentions. If she really went to this pervert’s lair, who knew what would happen to her.

“Let’s go, everyone can go!” Lu Li laughed heartily. He had to admit, sometimes a man’s happiness was simple. But if he knew that Zou Yameng was on her way back to Chuanhai, perhaps he wouldn’t be laughing anymore.

Chapter 6: Brother-in-law, Be My Boyfriend

Lu Li held Long Jing upside down by one of her delicate ankles, swinging her back and forth like the claw of a crane machine. “Still being disrespectful? Can you just kick your elder’s chin whenever you feel like it? Uncle Long has really spoiled you…!”

Long Jing wailed, calling out Silly Goose’s name, hoping her sister would come to the rescue. But what was Silly Goose’s attitude towards Lu Li? Women in love were the most foolish. Lu Li said one thing, and she naturally wouldn’t think of anything else. Her big eyes were fixed on Lu Li’s wrist, only worried about whether his arm was sore. After all, Long Jing was quite heavy.

Lu Li placed Long Jing on his lap like a piece of fine pork belly. His right hand became the butcher’s cleaver, and without a word, smack, he gave the pork belly a slap. The pork belly let out a mournful cry. “You can’t touch a girl’s butt! If you hit me again, I won’t be able to get married…”

“Are you a girl? I think you’re a little demon!” It had been three days since he last disciplined her, and she was already causing trouble. Spanking her was a last resort. He couldn’t hit her face, could he? What if he ruined such a cute little girl’s looks? Hitting her palms would hurt too much, and Lu Li didn’t have the heart. After thinking it over, spanking her bottom seemed like the best option. It served as a punishment without causing any serious long-term effects.

Long Jing was truly crying. This girl was quite mature for her age. She genuinely valued a girl’s chastity. Lu Li’s spanks filled her mind with the despair of never getting married, having to go on blind dates, and settling for some average guy.

“Brother-in-law, you pervert! You hit me during the New Year, and you’re hitting me again after the New Year! Waaah… I don’t want to live anymore…” The little girl cried heartbrokenly. “People at school hate me, people at home hate me, you all hate me! I hate you all—”

A child’s crying wasn’t always genuine sadness, but often a way to gain sympathy, especially for a child like Long Jing who had been spoiled since birth. Lu Li stopped spanking her and asked softly, “Does your bottom hurt a lot?” “It hurts!” As if validated, the girl cried even louder, tears streaming down her jade-like face. It doesn’t hurt that much, Lu Li thought, he hadn’t even used much force. But he softened his voice even more. “Brother-in-law was impulsive. I shouldn’t have hit a girl’s bottom. But you shouldn’t attack your elders either, okay?”

Lu Li, with his two lifetimes of experience, might not fully grasp the complexities of a girl’s heart, but he knew how to handle children. With kids like this, retreating to advance was far more effective than corporal punishment.

As expected, Long Jing’s crying gradually subsided. She sobbed and said okay, then leaned softly against Lu Li’s chest, wiping her tears. Silly Goose watched from the side, her eyes sparkling with admiration. Lu Li really knew how to handle Long Jing, taming her in just a few moves.

What’s the most important thing when dealing with children? Trust. Only when they trust you will they listen to what you say. Lu Li, with Long Jing in his arms, took out his phone and transferred 5,000 yuan to her WeChat account in two installments. Hearing the transfer notification sound, Long Jing’s tears gradually stopped.

“This is the performance fee brother-in-law promised you. I’ll transfer this amount to you every month until next year. How about that?”

Little Long Jing sniffled, the resentment from being spanked instantly forgotten. She smacked a kiss on Lu Li’s cheek and cried, “Brother-in-law, you’re so nice… Waaah…” The girl’s saliva covered his cheek. Lu Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but he couldn’t wipe his face in front of her. After Long Jing calmed down a bit, he asked, “Little Long Jing, can you tell brother-in-law what happened at school now?”

Long Jing snuggled in Lu Li’s arms, nodded slightly, and whispered, “I’ll only tell you, brother-in-law. Sister isn’t allowed to listen.”

Silly Goose frowned slightly. “Why can’t I listen?”

“I won’t say it if sister is here.”

Lu Li nudged Silly Goose with his chin, signaling her to give them some privacy. Silly Goose, always obedient to Lu Li, reluctantly left the room and went downstairs to chat with her mother and Chen Jianing. After Silly Goose’s footsteps faded away, Long Jing said pitifully, “My classmates and teachers all exclude me. I don’t want to go to school anymore.”

Exclusion… Lu Li had expected this. The only thing that could make a little girl refuse to go to school, even resorting to a hunger strike, was likely a problem with her social interactions.

“They never include me in anything they do. They always argue with me when I talk. I have to walk to and from school alone every day… And they talk about me behind my back…”

“What do they say about you?”

“They say no one will ever want me, that I’m annoying.” Long Jing’s voice choked up again. “I told the teacher, but the teacher told me to stop tattling and learn to communicate better with my classmates. They’re clearly excluding me!”

No… Your teacher probably wasn’t excluding you. They might have genuinely meant well. Lu Li listened silently. Perhaps moved by Lu Li’s attentive listening, Long Jing opened up like a floodgate, pouring out all her experiences at school.

After listening patiently to the little girl’s woes, Lu Li let out a long breath. So that’s what happened… It was a bit more serious than he thought.

Long Jing was experiencing social isolation, a form of bullying.

On the surface, the reason seemed to be her unlikeable personality, her disrespectfulness, and her lack of manners. But Lu Li knew the deeper reason: her family background. Long Jing didn’t attend an elite private school, but a top public elementary school in the area. Although the quality of education was excellent, a student needed more than just academics. Long Jing’s family background was far superior to that of ordinary people. Often, people who were isolated weren’t necessarily lacking in merit, but simply different from the mainstream.

After Long Jing finished her rambling story, tears welled up in her eyes again. “Are you going to tell me to get along with my classmates too?” Her voice was soft, no longer like the little demon she usually was.

Lu Li kissed Long Jing’s forehead. “No. If they don’t like you, then let them be. They’re not important people anyway.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it. Besides these few years in school, you might never see them again for the rest of your life. Is it really worth going on a hunger strike or dropping out of school because of them? If you really do that, they’ll just use it as gossip fodder and make fun of you for years to come.” Lu Li’s words were persuasive, and Little Long Jing nodded blankly.

Long Jing had extraordinary singing talent; she was a unique genius. Lu Li didn’t want a true talent to dull her edges and blend into the crowd. He always believed that mutual understanding between people was impossible, that barriers were an eternal theme in human relationships. Being true to oneself was the most important thing in life.

Lu Li ruffled the little demon’s head, unsure if she truly understood. Vanity, pride, greed. Give up one of these, and you could live a carefree life. Give up two, and there would be no more sorrow in the world. But if you gave up all three… would you still be human?

Long Jing listened, seemingly understanding yet not fully grasping. When Lu Li finished, she said blankly, “Brother-in-law, be my boyfriend, then they won’t think no one will want me in the future.”

Lu Li almost choked. After all that talking, this brat hadn’t listened to a single word!

Chapter 5: Uninvited Guests…

After arriving at the Chu residence, Chen Jianing was intimidated by the luxurious decor and sat quietly, sipping her tea. Aunt Chu wasn’t playing mahjong today and sat with Chen Jianing in the living room, chatting about everyday things. Upon hearing that Chen Jianing was a “top student” from Mulan University, her future mother-in-law became quite talkative. Lu Li suspected that his mother-in-law was deliberately creating an opportunity for her daughter.

Under Chen Jianing’s reluctant gaze, he and Silly Goose went upstairs. Pushing open a door, they saw a creature even smaller than Chen Jianing. Long Jing, with her twin tails, was wearing shorts, her little feet pointing towards the ceiling instead of the bed. She was playing on her phone in a handstand position. “Snow Leopard! Go! Zoom in, zoom in! You useless dog, you’re dragging me down!”

Chu Jingyi put her hands on her hips, about to snatch the phone away. “Stop playing, you play games all day, you’ll go blind…” Lu Li quickly stopped her. Long Jing was clearly in the middle of a team fight. If they took her phone now, wouldn’t the little girl go berserk? He winked at Yi Bao and slowly walked over to Long Jing. “Little Long Jing, what are you playing?”

“Why are you here, stinky brother-in-law?” Long Jing glanced sideways at Lu Li, patted the spot beside her, treating him like a human cushion, and plopped down on his lap. “Sitting on brother-in-law is more comfortable.” I’m playing League of Legends: Wild Rift. Let me tell you, this game is super popular.

Silly Goose, standing beside them, was a little annoyed. “Can’t you pause the game?”

Lu Li slapped his forehead. Where did these people get the strange idea that online games could be paused?

Lu Li continued to wink at Silly Goose, signaling her not to speak for now, lest Long Jing become rebellious again. Feeling the soft body of the girl, Lu Li marveled at how delicate young girls were. If only she were obedient, how wonderful would that be? His future daughter must be well-educated, not like Long Jing…

“Jingjing, what hero are you playing?”

Long Jing shivered. “Brother-in-law, aren’t you disgusting? Don’t call me that, it’s so cheesy!” Well, he was being disliked by a little brat. “The hero I’m playing is called Pearl, she’s a snow leopard, super strong. Look, my score is thirteen kills and five deaths, top economy on the team!”

As if on cue, the character in the game announced, “Even if the enemy is numerous, Pearl can take the enemy general’s head from amidst ten thousand soldiers! Snow Leopard, let’s go!”

Lu Li, being a game developer himself, knew a little about competitive online games and was able to chat with Long Jing. As expected, Long Jing’s attitude softened considerably. After the round ended, she didn’t start another game but threw herself onto Lu Li’s lap with a thud, her short legs sticking straight up, her feet resting on his chin. She giggled. “Brother-in-law, are you trying to butter me up? Do you have some ulterior motive?”

This brat was truly disrespectful. If this were a boy, Lu Li would have already picked him up and given him a good spanking. But she was a delicate little girl. Had she even washed her feet…?

“Long Jing, why don’t you want to go to school?” Lu Li asked directly.

The smile vanished from Long Jing’s face like a receding tide. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed, as if she were about to burst into tears or shout angrily. Lu Li had never seen such a complex expression on a child’s face. His tone softened. “Long Jing, brother-in-law is listening to you, I’m on your side. I didn’t come here because your dad told me to. Tell me what’s wrong, okay?”

Silly Goose blushed beside them and whispered, “Who calls themselves ‘brother-in-law’?” Although she was shy, she wasn’t opposed to it.

Perhaps Lu Li’s words had an effect. The usually unruly little demon pouted, tears welling up in her big watery eyes. “They’re so annoying…”

Lu Li couldn’t stand seeing girls cry, especially little girls like this. He was probably destined to be manipulated by women in this life. He was about to pick up the little demon and comfort her when Long Jing suddenly kicked her feet wildly, making Lu Li’s head wobble like a pile driver. “They’re all so annoying! I hate school the most! I hate school!”

The sympathy that had just arisen in Lu Li’s heart vanished instantly. After a moment of blankness, a thought emerged: “If I don’t spank her bottom swollen today, my surname isn’t Lu!”

---

Meanwhile, in the capital of Shenzhou.

Zou Yameng finished her morning training and returned to the dormitory. Her teammates were gathered in groups, discussing table tennis. It had been almost six months since she joined the second team. Zou Yameng had two main takeaways: first, they were incredibly strong, and second, her own horizons were incredibly narrow! Zou Yameng, who came from the low-rent district, realized for the first time that some gaps weren’t just about table tennis skills, but stemmed from something deeper.

She sometimes asked herself, could she really compare to them? Did she really have a chance to advance to the first team?

Unlike her time at the Chuanhai Women’s Sports Academy, where her teammates came from similar backgrounds and they could always chat together, Zhou Wen’s dirty jokes always eliciting laughter. After coming to the capital, she found herself unable to join others’ conversations. Her words always fell flat. No one deliberately excluded her, they just smiled awkwardly – this strong sense of alienation made Zou Yameng miss her small home with her brother dearly, miss the days she spent with Lu Li.

She walked out of the dormitory, intending to get a basin of hot water, and ran into her coach. It was said that this coach was a former teammate of Coach Dan and a single mother. In the past six months in the capital, Zou Yameng had received a lot of care from her.

“Coach… Are you looking for me?”

“Yes, Xiaomeng, I was just looking for you.” The coach smiled warmly. “Xiaomeng, your performance in this assessment was excellent! Your offensive ability has improved tremendously. In terms of offense alone, you’re already comparable to the current active players!”

The assessment the coach mentioned was the mid-year assessment. The second team determined the internal ranking based on the assessment results, and those with outstanding performance would be prioritized for promotion to the first team reserve. Although Zou Yameng struggled with interpersonal relationships, her table tennis skills improved rapidly. Already exceptionally talented, she progressed at an astonishing speed after receiving the second team’s resources.

“As a reward, I’m giving you a month-long break.” The coach said with a smile. “Take a good rest for a month. There’s an important competition next month that requires your participation. The others only get twenty days off. This is a special privilege for you. I heard your home is far away. Take advantage of the mid-year break and go back to spend time with your parents.”

Zou Yameng didn’t hear the rest of the coach’s words. Her mind was filled with only six words:

“A month-long break!”

Little Li! I’m coming back!

Zou Yameng grinned. Forgetting about the hot water, she turned and ran back to the dormitory. She wanted to fly back to Chuanhai as quickly as possible, back to their small home… Halfway there, Zou Yameng stopped. She suddenly thought, should she buy some DVDs to bring back…