Ling Jie's Sense of Security

Gu Ximan looked helplessly at Luo Shuling, her eyes filled with guilt and regret, silently pleading for a solution from Ling-jie.

She had indeed gone too far this time.

Whether it was bragging at school about sharing a bed with Gu Luo at night or posting those embarrassing photos of him in the group chat—

She hadn’t considered the consequences at all.

Yet, despite her selfishness, Gu Luo had never once scolded her. He remained smiling as always, his affection unwavering.

Luo Shuling didn’t offer comfort. She simply watched as Gu Ximan pitifully shed tears.

It was better to let her reflect properly.

Without guidance, this girl might do something even more reckless someday, and by then, it would be too late to fix.

Truthfully, this incident wasn’t serious. The main goal was just to scare Gu Ximan and teach her a lesson.

After a long silence, Luo Shuling finally pulled a tissue from her pocket and gently wiped Gu Ximan’s tears.

"Don’t worry. Those photos won’t spread."

"Huh?"

Still drowning in guilt, Gu Ximan sniffled and immediately lifted her head at those words.

She hastily rubbed her tears away with the back of her hand and asked in a choked voice,

"R-Really? But... I already sent them to the group..."

"They won’t. The moment you posted them, I privately messaged everyone individually." Luo Shuling’s smile returned, confident and reassuring.

"Relax, I still have some influence. They’ve promised not to share the photos or speak a word about this."

"...Are you really sure?"

Gu Ximan sniffled again, her voice thick with tears, looking utterly pitiful.

"Absolutely sure. Didn’t you just say Ling-jie is Guangya’s most popular beauty? Would I lie to you?" Luo Shuling produced another tissue, pinched her nose, and said softly,

"Blow."

Gu Ximan’s mind was blank, overwhelmed with relief, and she obediently blew her nose without thinking.

"Good girl."

Luo Shuling praised her.

"One more time."

"Perfect."

She carefully wiped Gu Ximan’s nose with a clean tissue, then wrapped the used ones neatly inside it.

Every movement was methodical.

Gu Ximan complied like a clueless child the entire time.

Right now, Ling-jie felt like a motherly figure to her—radiating warmth and safety.

That kind of security was something only Gu Luo had ever given her before. Now, there was one more person.

"Ling-jie... Thank you..."

"I know I was wrong... I won’t do this again..."

Gu Ximan bowed her head, her apology sincere.

Her red-rimmed eyes still glistened with unshed tears, making her look heartbreakingly fragile.

"It’s alright. But what you really need to do is apologize to your brother." Luo Shuling gently pulled Gu Ximan into her arms, patting her back like soothing a child.

"It’s over now."

"Don’t worry. Ling-jie promises you—Gu Luo will always be your brother. No one can take him away."

"So, there’s no need to be afraid."

"Mhm..." Gu Ximan responded weakly, her voice trembling.

Then she buried her face deep into Luo Shuling’s chest.

At this moment, she trusted Ling-jie unconditionally.

The two sisters held each other tightly, the air around them softening into warmth.

After a long while, Gu Ximan lifted her head, her reddened eyes meeting Luo Shuling’s gaze as she whispered,

"Ling-jie... Thank you... Really..."

In response, Luo Shuling ruffled her hair, a faint smile on her lips.

"Since that’s the case, Xiao Man, promise me one thing."

"Okay! I promise!"

Gu Ximan answered without hesitation.

"My condition is—don’t tell anyone about today." Luo Shuling closed her eyes and murmured,

"If your brother asks who taught you to apologize, say it was Shu He."

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