He wants to adopt a younger sister, but his aloof wife disagrees.

In mid-November, the temperature in Jianghai City dropped to single digits.

The continuous rain finally cleared up on Friday. Although the air still carried the bleak chill of late autumn, the afternoon sun pierced through the thin clouds and shone on the clear lake surface of the estate, creating a layer of cool golden light.

The dressing room on the second floor of the main building was warm and inviting.

In front of the huge floor-length mirror, Su Xiaoruan was spreading her arms like a doll being manipulated, letting Shen Qingge help her adjust the back ties of her dress.

Su Xiaoruan had been preparing for tonight's masquerade ball for a whole month.

The dress she was wearing was specially ordered by Shen Qingge to be flown back from a haute couture workshop in Paris.

It wasn't a typical pink or white princess dress, but a striking midnight blue gradient starry sky dress.

The dress is made of the finest heavy silk satin, its color transitioning from a deep indigo at the waist to a deep purple at the hem, as if wearing the entire vast galaxy. The strapless design boldly reveals her rounded, fair shoulders and delicate, deep collarbones, while a band of tiny sapphires adorns the chest, sparkling under the lights and making her already fair skin appear even more radiant, exuding a cool and sophisticated elegance.

Her waist was cinched tightly, outlining her slender and supple figure, which, though not voluptuous, was nonetheless exquisite. The enormous skirt cascaded in layers, each layer of tulle inlaid with silver threads, shimmering and sparkling with her breath and slight sway, like starlight flowing in the dark night.

"Inhale."

Shen Qingge stood behind her, her fingers deftly moving between the bandages, her voice carrying a hint of languor and hoarseness from her recent recovery.

Shen Qingge wasn't wearing makeup today, as she was still recovering. She was only wearing a champagne-colored silk robe, and her long hair was casually held back with a hair clip. But this did not diminish her beauty at all; on the contrary, it gave her a gentleness and grace rarely seen on ordinary days.

She lowered her head slightly, her long, swan-like neck curving into an elegant arc, a few strands of hair falling beside her cheek. Her expression was focused and earnest, her eyes revealing a sense of satisfaction and pride in watching her daughter grow up.

"Sister...it's too tight, I can't breathe..." Su Xiaoruan protested softly, her cheeks turning red from the pressure.

"Bear with it."

Shen Qingge continued her work, finally tying a perfect bow, her tone leaving no room for argument: "If you want to be beautiful, you have to pay the price. Tonight you're going to outshine everyone else, so how can you not have a slim waist?"

She straightened up, placed her hands on Su Xiaoruan's shoulders, and looked at the girl in the mirror:

"Okay, take a look."

Su Xiaoruan opened her eyes and looked in the mirror.

Even she herself was stunned for a moment.

The girl in the mirror had shed her former naivety and immaturity. Her signature long, wavy hair was all pulled back, leaving only two strands to frame her face, revealing her smooth, full forehead and her small, delicate face.

The makeup was designed by Shen Qingge herself. The eye makeup emphasized the depth of the outer corners of the eyes, using deep blue eyeshadow blended and then layered with fine glitter. The eyeliner was slightly upturned, exuding a charm that was between girlishness and womanhood. The lip color was a retro red velvet color, full and rich, like a rose waiting to be picked.

"Is...is this me?" Su Xiaoruan touched her face, somewhat incredulous.

"Of course it's you."

A deep, warm voice came from the doorway.

Jiang Che leaned against the door frame, holding two exquisite mask boxes in his hands.

He had already changed his clothes.

He wore a perfectly tailored black double-breasted tailcoat with a peak lapel, over which he wore a crisp white accordion-pleated shirt, and a black velvet bow tie. The exquisite fabric hugged his broad shoulders and narrow waist, and the straight trousers made his legs appear excessively long.

His hair was all combed back, revealing his sharply defined features and deep, ocean-like eyes. At this moment, he didn't look like a businessman, but more like a noble duke who had stepped out of a medieval oil painting, exuding a breathtaking sense of asceticism and elegance.

The moment Su Xiaoruan saw Jiang Che through the mirror, her breath caught in her throat.

My heart began to race uncontrollably, pounding against my chest.

"So handsome..."

"This is my dance partner... my... brother."

Jiang Che strode in slowly.

He handed one of the boxes to Su Xiaoruan, his gaze lingering on her dress for a moment, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes, but it quickly turned into a gentle smile:

"It's beautiful. Tonight, I doubt anyone can take their eyes off Jiangda University."

"Brother, you're handsome too!" Su Xiaoruan turned around, lifted her skirt, and twirled in front of him, her eyes practically overflowing with adoration. "When we stand together, aren't we the legendary 'ace in the hole'?"

"Yes, yes, yes, a royal flush."

Jiang Che smiled and ruffled her hair, but carefully avoided touching her hairstyle.

He turned to look at Shen Qingge.

Shen Qingge was leaning against the dressing table, arms crossed, watching them with a smile. Although she was wearing a bathrobe, her aura as an empress was undiminished.

"Are you really not coming with us?" Jiang Che walked over, naturally put his arm around her waist, and looked down at her.

"I'm not going."

Shen Qingge reached out and straightened his bow tie, her fingers gently tracing his Adam's apple in an intimate and natural gesture: "That kind of noisy occasion isn't suitable for recuperating. Besides..."

She glanced at Su Xiaoruan, whose face was flushed with excitement, and smiled meaningfully:

"Tonight is Xiaoruan's show. I won't go, so as not to steal the spotlight from our birthday girl (although her birthday has passed, I still want to call her that)."

She tiptoed and planted a kiss on Jiang Che's lips:

"Come back soon. I'll leave a light on for you."

"Okay." Jiang Che kissed her forehead back. "You should rest well at home. If you get bored, read a book for a while. Don't deal with work."

"Understood, Steward."

……

At 6 p.m., a black Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly drove into Jianghai University.

Jiangnan University is more lively tonight than ever before.

The gymnasium in the center of campus has been transformed into a huge dance floor. Colorful lights shine through the glass windows, projecting onto the night sky. Dynamic music drifts in, and the air is filled with the scent of hormones and perfume.

The car was parked at the VIP entrance of the stadium.

"Are you ready?"

Jiang Che turned his head and looked at Su Xiaoruan, who was clearly nervous in the passenger seat.

Su Xiaoruan took a deep breath, her palms sweaty. She gripped the exquisite feather mask tightly and nodded.

"Ready!"

"Put on a mask."

Jiang Che picked up his own. It was a half-face silver mask with a simple and austere design, covering only the area around the eyes, revealing a high nose bridge and sexy thin lips.

Su Xiaoruan's mask was a Venetian mask inlaid with blue crystals and black feathers, gorgeous and mysterious, which matched her dress perfectly.

The two put on their masks.

The car door opened.

Jiang Che got out of the car first.

He walked around to the passenger side, gentlemanly opened the car door, placed one hand on the roof, and reached out the other towards Su Xiaoruan.

Su Xiaoruan placed her hand in his palm.

That hand was broad, warm, and dry, giving her an endless sense of security.

She used the momentum to get out of the car and took Jiang Che's arm.

The two walked side by side toward the entrance of the stadium.

Although they were all wearing masks, their top-notch gowns and extraordinary aura still attracted everyone's attention the moment they appeared.

"My God! Who are those two people?!"

"That aura... amazing! Is he the most popular guy or the most beautiful girl in his department?"

"That girl's dress...it looks so expensive! Is it a starry sky dress?"

"That guy has such a great body! He's practically walking hormones in that tuxedo!"

The surrounding students all turned to look, and some even made way for them.

Su Xiaoruan held Jiang Che's arm, feeling the envious and amazed gazes around her, her back ramrod straight.

Her head was slightly raised, like a proud swan.

"Did you see that?"

"This is my male companion."

"A male companion who belongs only to me..."

Stepping into the stadium, the atmosphere inside became even more enthusiastic.

A giant crystal ball spun overhead, casting dappled light and shadow. On stage, a jazz band played lively dance music. In the dance floor, pairs of students, wearing all sorts of masks, danced gracefully.

Jiang Che led Su Xiaoruan to a relatively quiet corner.

"Are you hungry? Would you like some snacks?" Jiang Che asked in a low voice, showing great consideration.

"I'm not hungry." Su Xiaoruan shook her head, her gaze fixed on Jiang Che. "Brother, I'm not hungry, I want to dance."

"Now?" Jiang Che glanced at the crowded dance floor. "There are too many people. It's easy to step on your skirt."

"I don't care."

Su Xiaoruan tugged at his sleeve somewhat willfully, her eyes, through the mask, revealing a stubbornness and longing:

I want to dance with you. Now, right now, immediately.

Jiang Che looked into her bright, sparkling eyes—a gaze he couldn't refuse.

"it is good."

Jiang Che smiled helplessly and put down his champagne glass:

"Let's go, my princess."

He took Su Xiaoruan's hand and led her into the dance floor.

When the people around saw this powerful couple walk in, they instinctively stepped back and gave them some space.

The music just changed.

It is a classic waltz – Waltz No. 2.

It is grand and majestic, yet carries a touch of melancholy and tenderness.

Jiang Che turned around to face Su Xiaoruan.

He placed one hand behind his back and bowed slightly. Then, he stepped forward, gently putting his right arm around Su Xiaoruan's slender waist and holding her right hand with his left.

Su Xiaoruan placed her left hand on his shoulder.

The distance between the two instantly closed.

Su Xiaoruan was so close that she could smell the faint, cool woody scent emanating from him, and feel the steady heartbeat in his chest.

"Follow my steps, don't look at your feet."

Jiang Che's deep, magnetic voice clearly reached her ears amidst the noisy music.

"one two three……"

As the music played, the two glided onto the dance floor.

Jiang Che's dance steps were extremely skillful and elegant. He was like a perfect guide, leading Su Xiaoruan to spin and glide.

The enormous starry skirt unfurled as it spun, like a blue lotus blooming in the deep sea.

Su Xiaoruan tilted her head back, staring intently at the eyes behind the mask.

Those eyes were deep and calm, reflecting the dazzling lights of the stadium, and also reflecting her small figure.

She could feel Jiang Che's hand on her waist; it was warm and strong, and even through the thin fabric, it burned her heart.

In this spinning world, everything around me becomes blurred.

The noisy crowds and the glaring lights became nothing more than a backdrop.

Only the man before me is clear and real.

"elder brother……"

Su Xiaoruan's fingers unconsciously tightened, gripping the fabric on his shoulder.

"If I don't call you brother..."

"What if we were just two strangers, a man and a woman, who met at this masquerade ball..."

Will you fall in love with me?

Once this thought pops up, it grows wildly like weeds, impossible to suppress.

Perhaps it was the mask that gave her courage.

Perhaps it was the ambiguous lighting that gave her the wrong impression.

Su Xiaoruan suddenly made a bold move.

During a break in her spin, instead of retreating as usual, she leaned forward and pressed herself almost against Jiang Che's chest.

Her cheek brushed against Jiang Che's chin, her breath spraying onto his neck.

"Xiao Ruan?" Jiang Che's body stiffened slightly, and his dance steps became a little disordered.

"Don't stop..."

Su Xiaoruan's voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of pleading:

"Brother, don't push me away. Just for a little while..."

I want to be closer to you.

Jiang Che looked down at the girl in his arms.

Although she was wearing a mask, he could feel her body trembling and the emotions she was on the verge of exploding.

He is a smart man.

How could he not know what this girl was thinking?

From her eyes, from her cautious probing, from the way she held his hand so tightly...

He knew all of that.

But he could not respond.

Because he's the older brother. Because Qingge is still at home.

But at this moment, looking into her watery eyes and feeling her humble yet ardent love, Jiang Che's heart finally softened.

He did not push her away.

He simply sighed, applied a little force with the hand on her waist, straightened her up, and brought her back to the normal rhythm of the dance steps.

But his movements became even gentler.

He treated her like a fragile treasure, spinning her around in the center of the dance floor.

The song ended.

The two stopped walking, but remained in an embracing position.

Thunderous applause erupted from all around.

"So beautiful!"

"This is what a waltz should be!"

But Su Xiaoruan couldn't hear any of the applause.

She could only hear her own heartbeat and Jiang Che's slightly rapid breathing.

……

After the dance, Su Xiaoruan was a little short of breath, and her cheeks were flushed.

"Let's go out for some fresh air."

Jiang Che supported her shoulders and helped her through the crowded throng to the open-air balcony on the second floor of the stadium.

It's very quiet here.

The cool night breeze dispelled the heat and noise inside.

Su Xiaoruan walked to the railing and took a deep breath.

Jiang Che took off his bird's nest-themed coat and draped it over her shoulders.

"Don't catch a cold. You just worked up a sweat."

The coat, still warm from her body, enveloped Su Xiaoruan. It was the scent she knew best and cherished most.

She turned around and looked at Jiang Che, who was leaning against the railing.

Moonlight shone on his profile, outlining his perfect features. The silver mask gleamed coldly, making him appear even more mysterious and alluring.

"elder brother."

Su Xiaoruan suddenly spoke, her voice soft yet clear.

"Hmm?" Jiang Che turned to look at her.

"Could you... take off your mask?"

Jiang Che paused for a moment, then smiled, raised his hand to untie the ribbon of his mask, and took it off.

His handsome face was fully revealed in the moonlight.

"What? Haven't you seen enough yet?" Jiang Che teased.

Su Xiaoruan did not laugh.

She was still wearing a mask.

She looked at Jiang Che and walked closer to him step by step.

Until I stood in front of him, only half a step away.

She raised her hand, trembling slightly, and reached for her mask.

"elder brother."

Her voice was choked with emotion:

"Tonight, I don't want to be Su Xiaoruan."

"I don't want to be your sister either."

"I'm just... a girl who likes you."

After saying that, she took off her mask.

Beneath the mask, her delicate face was already streaked with tears.

Those big eyes were filled with a desperate yet burning love.

Jiang Che.

For the first time, she called him by his name.

"I like you."

"It's not a sister's affection for her brother. It's a woman's affection for a man."

"I've liked you for a very, very long time... so long that I don't even know when it started."

"I know you don't love me. I know you love your sister-in-law."

"I didn't want to ruin things for you. I just... I just wanted to say it."

"If I don't say it, my heart will explode."

Su Xiaoruan cried, her tears ruining her exquisite eye makeup. The black eyeliner flowed down her cheeks, making her look somewhat disheveled, yet incredibly pitiful.

Jiang Che looked at her.

He watched as the girl, who had followed him around since childhood, cried her heart out as she confessed her love to him.

His heart was filled with mixed feelings.

There was shock (although I had a premonition, hearing it with my own ears was still very shocking), heartache, guilt, and a touch of something indescribable... a flutter of excitement.

He remained silent for a long time.

The night wind blew, stirring up the fallen leaves on the ground.

"Little Softie".

Jiang Che finally spoke.

He reached out his hand, but instead of wiping away her tears, he gently placed it on the top of her head.

"I know."

Just three simple words.

This made Su Xiaoruan's tears flow even more fiercely.

"You know...you actually knew..." She cried, barely able to breathe.

"Silly girl, I'm your brother. How could I not know what you're thinking?"

Jiang Che sighed, stepped forward, and gently pulled her into his arms.

This embrace contained no lust, only endless tenderness.

"sorry."

Jiang Che rested his chin on the top of her head, his voice hoarse:

"It's my fault. I'm too outstanding, making it impossible for you to be interested in other guys."

Upon hearing this narcissistic remark, Su Xiaoruan couldn't help but burst out laughing, snot bubbles even appearing on her nose.

"You...you're so narcissistic!" She cried and laughed at the same time, wiping her tears and snot on his shirt.

"Little Softie".

Jiang Che held her, looked at the distant moon, and his tone became solemn:

"Thank you for liking it. This is a very precious gift to me."

"but……"

"I know," Su Xiaoruan interrupted him.

She lifted her head from his embrace, looking at him with red eyes:

"You don't need to reject me. You don't need to give me the 'friend zone' treatment."

"I already said, I just wanted to tell you."

I didn't expect you to respond, nor did I intend to put you in a difficult position.

Su Xiaoruan sniffed, her eyes gradually hardening:

"I, Su Xiaoruan, can take things in stride. Since you only see me as a younger sister now, then I'll be the best younger sister."

"But Jiang Che, listen to me carefully."

She stretched out her finger and poked Jiang Che's chest:

"No one can predict the future."

"I'm only eighteen now. By the time I'm twenty-eight, thirty-eight, if you're still not married, or... or you've changed your mind."

"I will still pursue you then."

"When the time comes, you're not allowed to use 'little sister' as an excuse to fool me again!"

Looking at her stubborn and unyielding appearance, Jiang Che felt a warm current surge in his heart.

This is the real Su Xiaoruan.

This is the girl who dares to love and hate, and is as resilient as wild grass.

"it is good."

Jiang Che grasped her fingers and nodded solemnly:

I promise you.

"If I no longer consider you my sister, I will tell you immediately."

"Now……"

Jiang Che took out a tissue and carefully wiped away the tear stains and smudged makeup from her face, bit by bit.

"Could you please wipe your face clean first? If your sister-in-law sees you like this when we get back, she'll think I've been bullying you."

"You were already bullying me!" Su Xiaoruan snorted, obediently letting him wipe her face.

……

The train carriage was quiet on the way home.

But that oppressive atmosphere disappeared.

Instead, there is a sense of ease and composure after things have been discussed openly.

Su Xiaoruan leaned back in the passenger seat, looking at the night view outside the window, playing with the feather mask in her hand.

She didn't feel heartbroken.

On the contrary, she felt a huge weight lifted off her shoulders.

She confessed her feelings.

She laid her most secret thoughts bare in the sunlight.

Although there was no response, there was no dislike or alienation either.

This is enough.

"Jiang Che, there's plenty of time in the future."

Su Xiaoruan said silently to herself.

"As long as I don't give up, I will always have a chance."

The car drove into the Clear Lane Manor.

The lights in the main building were indeed still on.

Shen Qingge was sitting on the sofa in the living room, holding a book in her hand, with a blanket covering her legs, and her ragdoll cat lying at her feet.

Hearing the door open, she looked up, a gentle smile on her face:

"You're back?"

"Yes, I'm back."