The Elder Sister's Bet

"Actually, I just wanted to slack off, so I asked Third Sister to manage the company for me," Cao Cheng admitted.

Put yourself in my shoes, right?

Third Sister chuckled, shaking her head before replying softly, "I know."

"..."

She continued, "But I’m aware you have a lot of funds and companies to oversee, which must be exhausting. Besides, this gives me a chance to step away from the family business and gain some experience. Starting a new company from scratch will be a good learning opportunity."

"Third Sister... sniffle~~~" Cao Cheng, moved, threw himself toward her.

Third Sister patted his back, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Alright, alright, you’re not a kid anymore."

Cao Cheng was genuinely touched.

He wasn’t just trying to take advantage.

Don’t get the wrong idea!

……

Some time later.

Knock knock knock.

A sudden rapping at the door interrupted the two.

Eldest Sister had arrived.

Upon entering, she saw Cao Cheng and Third Sister sitting across from each other, though Third Sister’s expression seemed slightly off.

Eldest Sister didn’t dwell on it, speaking gently, "Third Sister, why don’t you go downstairs and have some soup? I need to talk to Fifth Brother for a bit."

"Alright." Third Sister stood up, shooting Cao Cheng a discreet glare before leaving.

Once she was gone, Eldest Sister didn’t bother closing the door.

She got straight to the point.

"I lost!"

Cao Cheng feigned ignorance. "Huh? Lost what?"

Eldest Sister gave him a sidelong glance.

She wasn’t stupid.

Just a few days ago, this guy had been dropping hints, reminding her about the bet they’d made—that she’d owe him if she lost.

Back then, the three-month deadline hadn’t passed yet.

Now it had.

And here he was, pretending he didn’t remember.

A flicker of irritation rose in her.

Ever since her emotional walls had started crumbling, her expressions had become more varied. The warmth in her eyes was no longer just the same gentle smile, gentle smile, gentle words, gentle smile…

Like some damn AI robot.

Now, she felt more human.

"If you’ve forgotten, then I’ll just leave." She turned as if to go.

Cao Cheng quickly called out, "Huh? What are you talking about—oh! Now I remember! You mean the bet about earning 100 million in three months, right? Wow, if you hadn’t brought it up, I would’ve totally forgotten!"

"..."

Eldest Sister smirked. This little rascal.

Cao Cheng scratched his head sheepishly. "Eldest Sister, let’s just forget about the bet, okay?"

"I was only joking back then."

"You’re the eldest sister, and I’m just your younger brother. How could I actually make you give me a massage?"

"That’d be ridiculous. If word got out, people would think I’m a terrible brother."

"Mom might even scold me for bullying you."

"Let’s just drop it..."

He rambled on, "Eldest Sister, let’s treat this as a silly joke between siblings. A little teasing and fun is what makes a family close, right? What do you think?"

"..."

[Ding~ Negative emotions detected…]

Eldest Sister’s composure cracked again.

The veins at her temples pulsed visibly.

This guy… His words sounded sweet.

But then why was he lying face down on the couch?

Did his words and actions match at all?

The sheer audacity.

Making it seem like she was the one insisting.

Annoyed, she turned to leave.

Cao Cheng called after her, "Eldest Sister, where are you going? Oh, you don’t need to fetch a towel and hot water! Just a quick rub is fine—no need to go all out!"

[Ding~ Negative emotions…]

Eldest Sister spun back around.

Clearly, that had been a critical hit. But when she turned, her smile was as warm and gentle as ever.

She was seriously messed up.

This smiling tiger!

Needed treatment.

She started massaging his shoulders.

Cao Cheng yelped dramatically, "Ahhh, ooh—ohhh! Right there, right there… Yeahhh, that’s the spot~~~"

"..."

Eldest Sister’s face darkened. Through gritted teeth, she hissed, "Could you not make those noises?"

"Hey, it’s not like I want to! I just can’t help it—it’s a sign of appreciation for your hard work… Aahhh, wow~~~"

Time flew like a white steed galloping past.

Swift as an arrow, fleeting as a shuttle.

Ten seconds later!

Eldest Sister withdrew her hands. "First session complete. Nine more to go. I’ll come back next time."

With that, she left.

Cao Cheng blinked in disbelief.

Oh, really?

Cheating, huh?

Eldest Sister was capable of cheating now?

Good.

She’d changed.

Become more human.

Cao Cheng grinned but didn’t tease her. This change was good—her emotional cracks were widening.

This was how it should be.

No one should go through life wearing such a thick mask.

They were family.

Why put up such heavy walls?

Besides, it wasn’t really cheating. Technically, when they’d made the bet, they’d only agreed on "ten times" without specifying the duration of each session.

So,

Even a single touch counted as honoring the agreement, fulfilling their contractual obligations.

Nothing to criticize!

But damn, that mask of hers was thick.

Maybe she didn’t want to be this way. Maybe her upbringing had forced her into this "motherly elder sister" role.

Whether it was good or bad, outsiders couldn’t judge.

You aren’t the fish, so how would you know?

But Cao Cheng could tell—with every small change, her eyes seemed to brighten a little more.

That had to be progress.

……

……

That day.

She arrived.

She arrived…

Dressed in a JK outfit, she came running.

Cao Cheng picked her up at the airport. Lingling practically flew into his arms like a bird returning to its nest.

The envy of every man nearby.

The youthful, playful energy radiating from Lingling made even older onlookers stare wistfully.

Tears of jealousy welled up.

Why him?

Why him?!

Because he’s handsome?

Because he’s young?

Because he’s fit?

Because he’s tall?

But… is he even rich?

At his age, he’s probably still living off his family’s money.

What a loser!

Sadly… no cliché scene unfolded where some greasy middle-aged man tried to hit on her.

Another missed opportunity for a face-slapping moment.

"Cheng-ge, I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too."

Cao Cheng laughed, ruffling her hair.

She wasn’t actually wearing a JK uniform—those weren’t even in style anymore.

Just a short pleated skirt paired with a white cropped jacket.

Youthful and pure.

Later, they collected her checked luggage.

Arm in arm, they headed to the parking lot and got into the car.

The drive was uneventful.

But waves of negative emotions kept rolling in—all doubled in intensity.

And there were plenty.

Most people flying these days were at least middle-class.

When they saw Cao Cheng climb into a G-Wagon, their expressions twisted further—envy, resentment, bitterness.

Why does he get to be rich too?

Even if it’s family money, it’s infuriating.

How does this guy have everything going for him?

Many were thoroughly triggered.

Cao Cheng, however, was used to it.

Whenever he went out with Third Sister or Fourth Sister, the emotional backlash was even worse.

Ah, Zhonghai.

So many wealthy, high-status people here. A single stroll could generate more negativity than ten Aunt Wangs combined.

……

"Are you coming back with me? Or staying somewhere else?"

"Is Senior Sister Yuege home?" Lingling asked.

"No, she’s still in Xiangdong working behind the scenes. It’s finals season," Cao Cheng replied without elaborating. Lingling probably already knew.

Lingling nodded. "Then I’d feel awkward staying over. I’ll just book a hotel."

"Sure."

Cao Cheng didn’t insist or push.

The luxury home belonged to his four sisters.

Cao Cheng could indulge himself inside, but it wouldn't be proper to bring others in to stay.

It would be impolite.

And... inconvenient!