Upon reaching Luo Yuqi's door, Shen Jianxi heard a series of coughs emanating from within. Her raised hand paused for a moment, then she turned and went downstairs. After filling a cup with warm water from the living room, she headed back upstairs.
Although she could have gotten hot water in her bedroom, how would that showcase the heart of a good sister caring for her younger brother?
Steadying the cup, she then knocked on Luo Yuqi's door.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Come in, cough, cough, cough, come in."
Hearing a response, Shen Jianxi immediately pushed the door open.
Seeing Luo Yuqi about to get out of bed, she quickly walked over, placed the water cup on the table, and then reached out to support him.
"What's wrong? Do you need anything? I'll get it for you."
Just as Luo Yuqi was about to stand up, Shen Jianxi pressed him back down. He sighed, "I was going to get a glass of water."
"Here, here." Hearing him say that, Shen Jianxi picked up the cup. "I thought you might need some water, so I brought some over."
The water was the perfect temperature. Luo Yuqi was indeed thirsty. He took the cup and drank it down in one gulp.
After drinking some water, his throat felt much better. He turned his head to look at the girl beside him.
"Sister, why are you looking for me so late?"
Shen Jianxi didn't speak. Instead, she first retrieved a thermometer from the table and had Luo Yuqi place it under his tongue.
After doing so, she sat back down, her hands nervously twisting together.
"Sister, is there something you're hiding from me?"
As he spoke, Luo Yuqi leaned closer, his gaze sweeping across her face.
His warm breath brushed against her cheek. Shen Jianxi let out a dry chuckle, and feeling a little unnatural, shifted slightly to the side. Once she confirmed they weren't too close, she spoke, "It's nothing, I was just worried about you and came to see if you were feeling any better."
Although she said this, her evasive eyes indicated to anyone watching that she had more to say.
Luo Yuqi noticed her small movements and expressions. He didn't rush her, simply sat to the side and quietly waited for Shen Jianxi to continue.
He had slept all day and felt much more energetic now, not tired at all, which also meant he had more patience.
While the girl was hesitating, Luo Yuqi observed her.
They hadn't met very many times, so few that one could count them on one hand.
The investigation report on her recent activities was still lying under the bed. He had only glanced at it briefly and hadn't had time to study it in detail.
He only knew that she was very popular on that variety show, not only receiving affection from Shen Xingzhi but also from Zhao Yingxin, who had shown her a subtle liking.
It was true, her looks certainly had the power to attract people. Although she had always been malicious, she was also good at pretending. Otherwise, the servants who had been at the Shen family since her childhood wouldn't have thought she was merely mischievous.
However, what shocked him was that on the show, Shen Jianxi hadn't caused any trouble. Instead, she had acted completely honestly. It was hard not to suspect if she had a change of heart.
The two were now quite close, their shoulders touching.
The faint scent of jasmine wafted into Luo Yuqi's nostrils, drawing his gaze unconsciously to the side.
Likely having just showered, the ends of her hair were still a little damp, falling casually onto her shoulder and wetting a small area of her silk pajamas.
Her collarbone was clearly visible beneath the V-neck of her top.
For some reason, Luo Yuqi felt the air becoming a bit humid and his heartbeat quickened.
"...So, what do you think?" The sudden question pulled him back to reality.
"Huh? What?"
As if a little embarrassed, but seeing his confused look, it didn't seem like he was faking it. The girl took a deep breath and repeated her previous words.
"I said, I think... it's good for us to just be siblings like this." After saying that, she guiltily lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.
This time, Luo Yuqi heard clearly.
His expression became blank, and even the blue of his eyes seemed to dim. "Is it what I think it is?"
Under his gaze, Shen Jianxi nodded.
Shen Xingzhi was not like Ji Zhaoyun. His vigilance was much higher, and moreover, they had now confirmed their relationship.
In comparison, there was no real affection between her and Luo Yuqi. Therefore, it was necessary to return their relationship to a seemingly normal footing first. Furthermore, to evoke more emotional turmoil when Luo Yuqi eventually learned the truth, this was a necessary step, no matter what.
Since she had spoken, Luo Yuqi had remained silent, only staring at her. His gaze sent shivers down her spine.
Just as Shen Jianxi was about to speak again, he suddenly smiled, retaining his usual docile demeanor. "Whatever sister says goes. I'll listen to sister."
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw the girl in front of him visibly relax, her expression becoming much lighter.
He sneered inwardly. As expected, no matter how well she pretended, her true nature never changed. She was still so wicked, so... detestable.
"Then... get some rest early? I won't disturb you further."
Having resolved this matter, Shen Jianxi prepared to leave. As she stood up, Luo Yuqi suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her down.
The sudden force made her body instinctively lean towards Luo Yuqi. After a moment's thought, Shen Jianxi didn't adjust her posture and allowed herself to fall into his embrace.
Due to the momentum, as she sat down, her free arm landed on Luo Yuqi's other side. Although they were still sitting side-by-side, it looked as though she was about to pounce on him.
Their breaths mingled. His blue eyes seemed to deepen, like a mysterious abyss, dangerous yet impossible to resist exploring.
Luo Yuqi slowly lowered his head. Shen Jianxi cooperated, as if drawn in, forgetting to dodge.
Neither of them noticed that the phone in her hand, the moment her arm braced against the bed, lit up. Shen Jianxi's palm happened to press a green button.
The video call connected.
At the same moment, as if finding her soul, just as their lips were about to meet, Shen Jianxi turned her head, placing her hand between them.
Ji Zhaoyun on the other end of the call had only intended to make a tentative video call, as she hadn't replied to his message. To his delight, it was actually answered. He was about to say something when he heard a familiar, sweet voice: "No, I can't."
It was still the same sweet, soft voice he heard on voice calls, but now with an added touch of coyness. Ji Zhaoyun was momentarily stunned.
Before he could speak, another clear male voice rang out:
"Sister, you're really not going to give me a goodnight kiss before you leave?"
Ji Zhaoyun: !!!