Shen Jianxi gritted her teeth, "77, if you want me dead, just give me a quick end. There's no need to torture me slowly!"
77 glanced indifferently at the situation outside, then flipped a page of a newly acquired book, his movements unhurried, "The release of missions is not my responsibility. Host, keep up the good work~"
"Heh! You oily system!"
77: ???
"Why are you attacking my system's body now???"
"Heh!"
"......"
Because she was preparing to push away Lin Xinglan, Shen Jianxi's hand was already on his waist. She could only顺势 (shùn shì - follow the natural momentum) wrap her arms around him and gently rest her chin on his shoulder, "Because I missed you."
She deliberately lowered her voice when she said this, her slightly hoarse tone carrying a hint of imperceptible longing.
Cheng Wenyu's hands instantly clenched into fists.
77: "Beep! Mission: Hug Lin Xinglan back and tell him with emotion, 'Because I missed you' completed!"
"Beep! Favorability +4, currently Lin Xinglan's favorability is 72."
This was probably the only silver lining in the misfortune.
The next second, she quickly pushed Lin Xinglan away and then slapped him on the shoulder like a good buddy, "Yo hey! Isn't this my little brother Xinglan! Your big sister has missed you terribly!"
If it weren't for the wrong world, she would have definitely said, "Hey! Bro."
Suddenly, her waist tightened, and before she could react, she was pulled into Cheng Wenyu's embrace.
Veins were bulging on the back of the hand holding her, but he still controlled himself to prevent Shen Jianxi from feeling uncomfortable.
"Madam, you know my junior brother?"
Lin Xinglan looked up abruptly at the two of them, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Yes, my little brother Xinglan and I met in Sifang City."
Her demeanor was generous and dignified, showing no trace of guilt.
Just a younger brother?
Lin Xinglan lowered his eyelids, concealing the disappointment in his eyes.
Cheng Wenyu's hand relaxed. He looked at Shen Jianxi with deep affection and tenderness, then turned to Lin Xinglan and said, "This is the fiancée I told you about before, now my wife."
Lin Xinglan took a deep look at Shen Jianxi and said, "Hello, sister-in-law."
She smiled back, "Hello, little brother Xinglan. I didn't expect you to be Wenyu's junior brother."
Cheng Wenyu tightened his grip around her waist, somewhat reluctant for them to continue talking.
"If little junior brother has nothing else, we'll be going back now."
With that, he embraced her and left. Lin Xinglan stood rooted to the spot, watching their retreating figures with complex emotions.
Cheng Wenyu had not shown any emotional distress along the way, so Shen Jianxi didn't think much of it. However, as soon as they entered the house, she was enveloped by Cheng Wenyu's imposing aura, trapped between him and the wall.
Shen Jianxi felt no fear; instead, she reached out and touched his face, "What's wrong?"
Cheng Wenyu's voice was muffled, "I was jealous."
Perhaps because in their previous interactions, apart from that time they encountered Fu Zi on the road, no other men had appeared, his current state was something Shen Jianxi had never seen before, and she couldn't help but want to laugh.
She couldn't hold back and burst into laughter, "He's just a younger brother, don't overthink it."
He remained silent. The usually steady and composed man now displayed a touch of childishness.
Then, Cheng Wenyu placed his hands on her shoulders and looked at her intently, "Kiss me."
Shen Jianxi sensed his underlying insecurity and sighed inwardly. She moved away from the wall, stood on tiptoe, and tentatively pressed her lips to his.
Cheng Wenyu watched her the entire time, allowing Shen Jianxi to linger on his lips without making a move.
After a while, Shen Jianxi became a little flustered. Just as she was about to pull away, her waist was clasped, and Cheng Wenyu pressed her against the wall, kissing her fiercely. Their breaths instantly intertwined.
The surrounding air seemed to ignite.
It was only when she was on the verge of gasping for air that Cheng Wenyu mercifully released her.
Shen Jianxi panted heavily in his arms, breathing in the fresh air. The moisture on her lips appeared exceedingly intimate.
Cheng Wenyu carried her to a stool and gently wiped away the moisture from her lips with his finger, sighing softly, "I'm sorry, did I scare you?"
She shook her head.
"Xixi, actually, I'm quite possessive. I don't like seeing you with other men."
"I understand. I only see him as a younger brother, just like how you view him."
Cheng Wenyu didn't reply, unsure if he believed her, but he held her tighter.
...
Shen Jianxi had thought the day would pass peacefully, but she never expected to see Lin Xinglan again.
Seeing the man standing silently outside the door since she opened it, Shen Jianxi held her forehead, "Come in first."
As she spoke, she stepped aside to make way and reached out to pull him in. This courtyard was next to Cheng Wenyu's, and she was afraid Lin Xinglan would be seen standing there for too long.
Lin Xinglan didn't resist, allowing her to pull him inside. He looked at the cup she offered in silence.
Shen Jianxi placed the cup down and motioned for him to sit on a chair, then sat beside him, asking softly, "What's wrong?"
Upon hearing her question, Lin Xinglan slowly raised his head. Just as Shen Jianxi thought he wouldn't speak, he suddenly asked, "So, what is your real name?"
Shen Jianxi's heart sank.
It was over. How could she have forgotten about this!
Seeing Lin Xinglan's clear determination not to back down without an answer, she rubbed the rim of the cup with her finger as if contemplating something. After a long pause, she said, "My name is Shen Jianxi."
A flicker of sarcasm crossed Lin Xinglan's usually calm eyes. He let out a barely audible scoff, "What is true?"
Shen Jianxi clasped his hand resting on his lap and said sincerely, "A woman must be cautious when she is out alone. I admit I didn't tell you my real name when we first met, but I have never lied to you in our subsequent interactions."
"Mm," he replied softly, slowly withdrawing his hand. He felt slightly better and, seeing her somewhat anxious expression, added, "I believe you."
Shen Jianxi watched him get up and walk to the door. As he was about to leave, he paused and said, "Xinglan, I apologize for offending sister-in-law today. I'm sorry."
Without waiting for her reply, he opened the door and left.
Shen Jianxi sat there and sighed. Given Lin Xinglan's respect for Cheng Wenyu, he certainly wouldn't overstep again in the future, which was a cause for concern. Su Dan Novel Network
A warm chest suddenly pressed against her back. Fu Zi had transformed into human form after Lin Xinglan left.
"Sister, don't be unhappy."
Shen Jianxi glanced at him sideways, and her cool gaze immediately stopped Fu Zi from nuzzling in her neck.
Seeing that he had become obedient, Shen Jianxi withdrew her gaze.
Knowing that keeping him in his fox form for so many days had reached its limit, she no longer restrained him.
Even if she didn't speak, Fu Zi didn't feel bored. He sat beside her, staring at her intently, occasionally reaching out to poke her face.
Just as he was having fun, there was another knock on the door.
Shen Jianxi instinctively asked, "Who is it?"
Cheng Wenyu's knocking hand paused, then he said warmly, "Xixi, it's me."
A moment of panic seized Shen Jianxi, causing her to knock over the teacup in her hand. The sound of it shattering was immediately caught by Cheng Wenyu, "Xixi, are you alright? I'm coming in?"
Hearing the sound of the person outside preparing to push the door open, she shouted, "Wait a minute! I'm not convenient right now!"
Cheng Wenyu's hand on the door froze, and the sense of unease in his heart intensified.
Shen Jianxi nudged the motionless Fu Zi beside her and whispered, "Hurry and change back."
Fu Zi pouted unhappily, "No!"
He hadn't had enough fun yet!
Shen Jianxi took a deep breath and whispered to coax him, "Be good, can you change back into a little fox first?"
"Xixi?" Cheng Wenyu asked again from outside.
She glanced at Fu Zi, whose face clearly showed displeasure, and whispered in his ear, "If you're obedient, sister will let you sleep in human form on the bed tonight."