Twenty minutes seemed to have passed. If she didn't go back soon, it would look bad, so she slowly stood up.
She opened the door, placed her bag on the washbasin, and was washing her hands with her head down when a pair of warm hands reached from behind and hugged her.
Looking up, she saw Xiang Yang, who had apparently been waiting there, with a triumphant expression as he buried his head in her neck.
Normally, she would have been very happy if Xiang Yang did this.
But at this moment, it made her feel disgusted, as if they were something illicit.
"Let go of me, don't let anyone see."
Xiang Yang didn't let go. Instead, he held her tighter, his voice lazy and low, tinged with alcohol, as he spoke into her ear.
"I won't. I missed you so much. Don't you miss me at all?"
Missed me so much? Hours have passed, and I haven't seen you make any move to show you missed me. My sister is still the closest!
Chen Jiaojiao grumbled inwardly and said deliberately.
"No. I'm busy. What's there to miss about you?"
"I knew you were heartless."
Xiang Yang went to bite her ear. Chen Jiaojiao quickly raised her hand to stop him.
"Are you crazy? Are you afraid people won't see?"
"Let them see. We're all adults, it's normal."
Chen Jiaojiao: "Oh, your circle is truly messy. You've only been in there for a few months and you already think this is normal. It seems you've gained a lot of insight recently."
Xiang Yang smiled meaningfully: "I don't know who helped me gain this insight. If it's messy, it's because of you."
"Stop talking nonsense with me." Chen Jiaojiao hit him.
"Alright, let go quickly. This is the women's restroom. If someone comes in and sees us, will you still be able to live?"
Xiang Yang sighed, let go of her, moved aside a little, and leaned against the washbasin, facing her with his back to her.
"I'm sorry I neglected you tonight. I know you're unhappy, but I haven't seen my sister in a long time, you know."
Xiang Yang's attitude was good, and Chen Jiaojiao thought about it, realizing she had no right to be angry.
She was the one who suggested being with Xiang Yang and keeping it a secret from everyone.
"I didn't say you couldn't talk to your sister. I understand. It's just that sitting alone felt a bit silly, and I felt envious of others."
"Then later, when we go back in, we'll sit together." Xiang Yang said seriously.
But she chickened out again: "Are you crazy? Without any warning, if we suddenly sit together, won't your sister be shocked?"
Xiang Yang spread his hands: "This won't do, and that won't do either. You're unhappy, so what do you want me to do?"
Chen Jiaojiao thought for a moment, then suppressed her discomfort and leaned closer to him, resting her forehead on his shoulder.
"I don't mean anything else. I just miss you too much. I can see you but can't touch you, and it makes me uncomfortable. I feel much better now. Let's go back, I'll wait for you tonight."
"Then give me a kiss."
They both dared not kiss forcefully, afraid that Chen Jiaojiao's lipstick would get on his mouth. It was a fleeting peck, and then they let go.
Afterward, pretending not to know each other, Xiang Yang went out first. Chen Jiaojiao lingered for a few more minutes before returning to the private room.
They were all very familiar with each other, so there was no need to be overly dramatic. Once the words were spoken, they had enjoyed themselves.
Around nine o'clock, Zhan Bei Jue suggested they wrap up.
Chen Jiaojiao hadn't drunk anything tonight and drove herself home. Xiang Yang and Xiang Wan went to their home.
When they said goodbye, Xiang Wan felt very sorry for Chen Jiaojiao and kept apologizing while holding her hand.
"I'm sorry, I neglected you tonight. I really feel terrible. I'll treat you separately another day to make amends."
"I really haven't seen my brother in so long, I missed him so much. I hope you understand."
"It's okay, I understand." Chen Jiaojiao smiled.
"But there will be plenty of time in the future. You don't need to rush. He's not going anywhere. We can talk during the day too. Get some rest early tonight."
Everyone got into their cars and left. The driver drove out for less than two minutes when Jiang Nan Fang called Zhou Jin Bei.
"What's wrong, sister-in-law?"
"Zhou Jin Bei, you're not being honest."
Jiang Nan Fang's opening remark startled Zhou Jin Bei.
"How am I not being honest? What's wrong? Don't scare me like that."
"Did you know Xiang Yang before?"
Zhou Jin Bei didn't understand what was going on, but Jiang Nan Fang's sharp eyes saw through it.
Although Xiang Yang and Chen Jiaojiao hadn't shown anything in front of everyone tonight, their occasional eye contact, and the intensity in their eyes when they met, were keenly observed by her.
"Fine, you two are forming a clique behind my back. Chen Jiaojiao is dating and didn't tell me. I've seen through you all."
"You figured that out... No, no, sister-in-law, don't say that."
Intimidated by Jiang Nan Fang, Zhou Jin Bei confessed everything that had happened with Chen Jiaojiao recently.
"Jiaojiao felt embarrassed and was afraid everyone would laugh at her, thinking she had bad character. So, please understand. I could tell she was quite upset tonight."
"She can see her husband but can't touch him, and she still has to pretend for everyone. It's tough on her."
Jiang Nan Fang felt that Chen Jiaojiao was being overly worried, worrying about things that weren't a problem.
Since she and Xiang Yang were in love and had reached the point of marriage, why worry so much?
Besides, was Xiang Wan such an unprogressive person?
Having gone through so much with Lu Ming Zhe, she must have a clearer perspective on relationships than anyone else. Why would she hinder her brother?
Everyone knew about Chen Jiaojiao's nominal marriage with Lu Ming Zhe. If Xiang Wan truly cared, she wouldn't even be friends with her.
Chen Jiaojiao was so smart; at such a crucial moment, how could she not see this?
"When does she plan to keep it a secret? Will she never let Xiang Wan know?"
Zhou Jin Bei said: "Who knows? I've been trying to persuade her, but she can't get over this hurdle herself."
Jiang Nan Fang couldn't stand seeing her friend distressed. Since that was the case, she would help Chen Jiaojiao.
Upon arriving at Lu Ming Zhe's house, Xiang Wan asked Xiang Yang to wash up first, then come out for a video call with their grandmother.
During this time, she received a call from Jiang Nan Fang.
After the video call, it was almost 11 o'clock. Grandma urged Xiang Yang to rest, but Xiang Wan brought out a lot of alcohol and ordered a lot of takeout. She told Xiang Yang that the nightlife had just begun and they wouldn't sleep tonight; they would have a heart-to-heart talk all night.
Xiang Yang knew Chen Jiaojiao was waiting and looked at the time, feeling anxious.
"Sister, I told you I have two days off. Can't we talk tomorrow? I'm sleepy."
"Sleepy? So early? Alright, then you sleep. Sister will sleep with you. Oh my, it's been so long since I slept with you. You won't mind me, will you?"
Xiang Yang was so shocked his eyes almost popped out: "Sister, I'm so old, you, you actually..."
Don't worry, I won't share a blanket with you. We slept together so many times when we were little. I didn't mind you, so why would you mind me?
I don't mind you. If you don't mind, then it's settled. We'll sleep together tonight.