When their lovely childhood friend returned, they were all in a panic!

This news was not given to Luo Qingyan in advance.

She still doesn't know that Bai Ruoxi is her adopted sister.

Naïve and foolish, she still thought the two were really siblings.

"Hahaha... Is that so?"

Bai Yu forced a smile, going all out to avoid embarrassing Luo Qingyan.

If Bai Ruoxi said even one more word, she would be the one in an awkward situation.

Fortunately, Bai Ruoxi didn't say a word.

"Yes, and you two have similar personalities, both rather introverted."

Luo Qingyan nodded.

"Next time we go out together, you can bring your sister along."

"Next time? Have we played together before?"

Bai Ruoxi, who hadn't spoken for a long time, suddenly opened her mouth.

She looked up at Luo Qingyan, then at her brother.

So that's why my brother came home so late that day—he went out with this woman...

How annoying.

"Yes... I'll bring you a gift next time, okay?"

Luo Qingyan chuckled, still maintaining her enthusiasm.

"don't want."

Bai Ruoxi showed no respect whatsoever.

Instead, she grabbed Bai Yu's arm and tightened her grip even more.

Are you trying to trade this gift for my best brother in the world?

No exchange!

"Ah... so what does Ruoxi like?"

"I'm not much younger than you, don't call me that."

"All right."

Luo Qingyan felt a bit tricky; his sister was really difficult to deal with!

The group chatted casually, mostly about Luo Qingyan making advances towards Bai Ruoxi.

Bai Ruoxi either gave perfunctory answers or didn't say a word at all.

In the end, Bai Yu had to smooth things over.

Bai Ruoxi felt that social interactions outside of her brother were meaningless.

Before they knew it, the three of them had returned to the apartment building where Bai Yu lived.

Luo Qingyan looked up and silently memorized the address.

Bai Yu's home is here...

Sure enough, his family wasn't well-off; they lived in a dilapidated old house.

It's just strange that I've never heard him mention his parents.

I wonder what my uncle and aunt are like?

Now that Luo Qingyan had an advantage, she began to dream about the future.

"That's all for now. You should take a taxi home."

Bai Yu glanced at the time and spoke to Luo Qingyan.

"Uh-huh."

"Ruoxi, you should go home first."

He looked down at Bai Ruoxi, who was clinging tightly to his arm, and said.

"Brother, where are you going?"

Bai Ruoxi's slightly swollen eyes held a hint of doubt, her voice devoid of emotion.

"I'll wait with her for a bit; it's not safe here..."

Bai Yu glanced around at the surroundings and began to speak.

Although public security has improved a lot, there will always be some audacious individuals.

But Luo Qingyan's face was just too stunning; she accompanied him on a walk home, yet made someone else risk waiting for a bus here...

I'm sorry, I can't bring myself to put a girl in danger!

Luo Qingyan naturally heard Bai Yu's words.

A warmth filled her heart, and even her usually cool and aloof face couldn't help but show a smile.

He's still as wonderful as ever...

"Then I'll wait with my brother."

Bai Ruoxi showed no intention of leaving.

Clearly, they didn't want the two of them to have a chance to be alone.

"Listen to me, Ruoxi, you should go home first."

Bai Yu tried to coax him.

"don't want......"

"obedient."

"don't want......"

It was that familiar tug-of-war that put Bai Yu in a bit of a bind.

She's clinging to me like glue; she's really persistent.

"Ruoxi, I need to say a few words to her. Can you go home and wait for me? It'll be quick."

Bai Yu spoke gently, trying to persuade Bai Ruoxi.

But Bai Ruoxi still stubbornly shook her head.

Do you want to say two sentences separately?

That's absolutely unacceptable!

"Be good, your brother isn't leaving."

Bai Yu could only use the "head pat kill," placing his free hand on Bai Ruoxi's head.

Feeling the warm, large hand above her head, Bai Ruoxi's previously expressionless face softened with a slight smile.

I like having my older brother pat my head...

However, she didn't want her brother to be taken away by someone else.

That person who calls herself "sister-in-law" is really annoying.

And the older brother hasn't denied it yet.

"All right."

Bai Ruoxi had no choice but to let go of his hands and walk towards the residential building.

She also knew that her brother's patience had its limits.

But his gentleness made him seem like he had no personality at all.

After Bai Ruoxi left, Bai Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Only Bai Yu and Luo Qingyan remained in front of the old residential building.

Luo Qingyan stood still, having naturally overheard the conversation between the brother and sister.

What does Bai Yu want to tell me?

Could it be... a confession?

Just thinking about it made Luo Qingyan's heart race.

Her restless little hands swiped back and forth on the phone screen, moving around on the desktop, pretending to be very busy.

"Did you manage to get a taxi?"

"Yes, I hit it... Thank you."

Luo Qingyan spoke softly.

"actually......"

Bai Yu hesitated for a moment after uttering just two words.

In that time of hesitation, Luo Qingyan had enough time to think things through.

What's actually behind it?

Actually, I like you?

Or perhaps I don't want this contractual relationship anymore; I want to be a real couple?

Just thinking about it made Luo Qingyan's heart flutter.

"Actually, my sister and I are not related by blood. She was adopted. When you say she looks like me... it's a little awkward."

After saying that, Bai Yu touched her nose, looking a little embarrassed.

"what?"

These words shattered all of Luo Qingyan's illusions.

We're not related by blood...

Huh? No blood relation?!

Luo Qingyan instinctively felt that things were going wrong, but she quickly dismissed the thought.

Oh dear, there aren't that many Kasugano Sora ones.

"Does your sister hate me?"

Luo Qingyan spoke in a low voice.

I wanted to build a good relationship, but unfortunately, I kept getting the cold shoulder.

"No way... She's always been like this, even at home."

Bai Yu offered words of comfort.

"Is that so?"

"Yes, don't worry about it."

"My car is almost here."

Luo Qingyan glanced at the navigation display on her phone; there was only one minute left.

"Be careful, and send me a message when you get home."

Bai Yu nodded and blurted it out.

"Um."

Luo Qingyan nodded, pursed her lips, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

Is this a form of notification between couples?

Bai Yu got into character so quickly...

very nice.

A short while later, a black bus arrived in front of Luo Qingyan.

Seeing the car arrive, Bai Yu turned around with relief.

Just as he turned around, Luo Qingyan's voice followed.

"Wait a moment!"

"What's wrong?"

"Okay..." Luo Qingyan's voice was a little hesitant.

"Will you call me Qingyan again?"