We Are All One Family

There's a saying that goes something like this:

As long as you're not embarrassed, then the embarrassment must belong to someone else.

Lin An'an took a moment to steady her emotions before picking up her phone again to review the messages.

Analyzing the content of those three texts.

After all, knowing yourself and your opponent ensures victory in every battle.

The first one could be safely ignored.

The real focus was on the latter two.

Starting from the second message—

Now that was something worth paying attention to.

Zhou Qiaoqiao already knew Xu Mo was here.

After all, she and Xu Mo had been seen leaving the café together earlier.

Probably leaked by some paparazzi.

Not that Xu Mo cared about such things, of course.

Was it possible Xu Mo had personally revealed his whereabouts?

No, no.

Lin An'an had been following him the whole time.

Besides, if he’d wanted to report it, he would’ve done so long ago.

Not to mention, Zhou Qiaoqiao wasn’t the type to ask questions she already knew the answers to.

Conclusion?

She’d deduced it herself.

But the third message—now that was truly intriguing!!!!

Zhou Qiaoqiao’s implication was crystal clear.

"Is this a test… or is it just another test…?" Lin An'an wavered, drafting a reply before quickly deleting it, unsure of the right approach.

After some deliberation,

Lin An'an decided to play it safe.

A response first.

Lin An'an: *Aiya*, Sister Zhou, sorry about that! I was just having dinner. Saw your message and rushed to reply right away~

Tea-dripping sweetness.

But what else could the esteemed Lin An'an do?

If she wanted a share of the candy,

she’d have to mind her manners.

This wasn’t humiliation—it was *respect*!

Before long, a reply came through.

Zhou Qiaoqiao: Mhm-mhm~ Eating out or home-cooked? Friendly reminder—he’s an amazing cook, you know~

Lin An'an froze. In that moment, the joys and sorrows of humanity aligned.

*Yes!!!* He really is.

So was this praise for her "training" skills… or just praise for Xu Mo himself?

*Ahem*…

Her cheeks flushed as her fingers tapped rapidly across the screen.

Lin An'an: He *is* pretty good. Sister Zhou, about what you said before—was that for real?

Zhou Qiaoqiao: (*╹▽╹*) *side-eye smirk emoji.jpg*

Zhou Qiaoqiao: My word is my bond. If you can swallow your pride, you’ve got every right to some candy~ I’ve got high hopes for you—don’t disappoint me! ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ

Meanwhile, on the other side of the conversation—

Zhou Qiaoqiao was lounging at her best friend’s place.

Finally, a certain "Sister Lin" had taken the bait.

Zhou Qiaoqiao couldn’t have been more thrilled.

After waiting so long,

someone had *volunteered* to share the frontline.

How could she *not* be excited?

So,

Lin An'an was getting her full support—no backing out now!

Lin An'an’s face burned crimson.

Even with Zhou Qiaoqiao’s reassurance,

she still had her doubts.

People went back on their word all the time—

not necessarily because they wanted to,

but because circumstances changed.

Say you promised someone something, confident you could deliver.

But a few days later, unforeseen complications arise.

The cost skyrockets, maybe even crosses your moral line.

You regret it. You want out.

Does that make you untrustworthy?

No.

Even the most honorable people have their moments of weakness.

And the least reliable sometimes keep their word.

The world isn’t black and white—it’s layered, multifaceted.

Lin An'an had seen too many celebrities and directors break contracts.

Experience breeds caution.

She needed *certainty*—

because the last thing she wanted was Zhou Qiaoqiao’s future resentment,

or worse, being labeled with ugly names like "homewrecker."

Then—

*Incoming video call.*

Lin An'an nearly jumped out of her skin, glancing around like a thief.

After confirming no one else was nearby,

she fumbled for her Bluetooth earbuds.

Only once everything was secure

did she accept the call.

The screen lit up.

Zhou Qiaoqiao flashed her a reassuring smile. "How many times do I have to say it? When I promise something, I *never* go back on it."

Lin An'an gave a weak laugh. "But…"

"Oh? So you *are* at home~ His cooking really is something, huh?" Zhou Qiaoqiao winked, grinning.

Lin An'an nodded. "Yeah, it’s… impressive."

Zhou Qiaoqiao’s smile turned playful. "Tonight’s menu includes *even more impressive discoveries*—waiting just for you to explore~"

The "Goddess Lin" turned scarlet. How could she ever outmaneuver this devilish woman?

She wanted to shout:

*That’s not—I didn’t—Stop twisting my words!*

But what happened next left her utterly stunned.

A live masterclass from the seduction queen herself!

*36 Stratagems to Conquer Xu Mo!*

*How to Ambush Your Crush with the Element of Surprise!*

*The Art of Handling a Taken Man!*

No holds barred—Zhou Qiaoqiao held nothing back,

imparting every critical detail to Lin An'an.

The "Goddess" gaped.

S-Sister Zhou was *serious*?!

In that moment,

she was *completely* convinced.

A quick mental run-through confirmed it—

Zhou Qiaoqiao’s methods were *scarily effective*!

"Alright, alright. Make the most of your time." Pausing, Zhou Qiaoqiao added with a sly smirk, "And don’t worry—crying isn’t shameful~"

The abrupt subject change left Lin An'an baffled.

*Huh?*

She wasn’t a kid anymore.

Before she could ask,

the call ended.

"Eh?" Lin An'an blinked in confusion.

"Oh no—"

But there was no time to dwell.

She had a *mission* to focus on!!!

The dirty dishes weren’t going to clean themselves.

Tossing her phone aside, she scrambled to tidy up.

Roughly half an hour later,

Lin An'an emerged from the kitchen with a tray of freshly cut fruit.

Her heart fluttered—equal parts excitement and nerves.

Night had fallen.

Xu Mo mentioned leaving.

How could she make him stay?

As for Zhou Qiaoqiao’s side of things—

No discussion needed.

They were *family* now.

"Fruit’s ready~"

Steeling herself, Lin An'an summoned her sweetest, most melodic voice.