Liking something defies all logic.

"What's wrong?"

Gu Luo followed Gu Ximan's gaze.

Beside him, Lu Xuexue also curiously looked in the same direction.

"Sweet princess carry?"

Interesting. Maybe they could go watch the fun...

Just as the thought fully formed in his mind, Gu Luo noticed the eager excitement flashing across Gu Ximan's face.

"..."

So?

Why did he have a bad feeling about this?

"Stupid big bro, you’re really getting lucky today." Gu Ximan feigned a sigh of resignation, then tossed her high ponytail, letting it swing in a graceful arc.

Hands on her hips, she tilted her chin up and huffed, "This gorgeous girl will reluctantly pretend to be your girlfriend and take you there."

As she spoke, she subtly glanced at Lu Xuexue.

Yet Lu Xuexue's expression remained unreadable, though a closer look revealed a faint trace of envy in her eyes.

"You’re really pushing your luck," Gu Luo said, amused yet exasperated. "We can go check it out, but there’s no need to fake being a couple."

He pointed at the large screen. "The rules say it’s open to couples, but also parent-child pairs, siblings, classmates..."

Hearing this, Gu Ximan nearly exploded internally, screaming in her head:

Stupid big bro! You absolute idiot!

Do you really hate the idea of me pretending to be your girlfriend that much? Not even for a second?!

Fuming, she marched over to Gu Luo, slipped her hand under his shirt, and pinched his waist hard.

"Ow—ow ow ow!"

Gu Luo sucked in a sharp breath, bewildered. "Why’d you pinch me?"

"Because I felt like it. Got a problem?" Gu Ximan puffed out her cheeks angrily—but then gently rubbed the spot she’d just pinched.

???

Gu Luo was utterly confused.

What kind of mood swing was this?

She’d been fine just a second ago!

Watching the siblings’ affectionate bickering, Lu Xuexue couldn’t help but smile like a doting aunt.

She was totally shipping Gu Luo and Gu Ximan as siblings.

It was a strange but wonderful feeling—being able to adore their dynamic without worrying about anything more.

Gu Ximan noticed Lu Xuexue’s fond expression and grew even more frustrated.

Her big brother dismissed her.

And Xuexue didn’t seem to take her hints seriously either.

But she understood.

To both of them, she was just a little sister.

That identity was usually convenient, but at times like this, it was nothing but a roadblock.

Too limiting.

Well, since things were already like this... might as well get some boba.

And share a cup with someone!

"Stupid big bro, I want Rui Xue Xing Cheng," she announced.

"Sure. We can sit for a bit, then go try the princess carry." Gu Luo pretended to scrutinize her and teased, "Feels like you’ve put on some weight, Xiao Man."

At that, Gu Ximan stiffened.

Her fists clenched.

She slowly lifted her head, tilting it with a forced smile, and hissed through gritted teeth:

"Stu—pid—big—bro."

"Ahem!" Seeing her reaction, Gu Luo quickly backtracked. "Kidding, kidding! I meant you’ve... grown taller."

He’d almost said "your figure’s improved" but caught himself in time.

Discussing things like that with his little sister wasn’t exactly appropriate.

"Hmph."

Gu Ximan’s expression softened instantly, and she subconsciously straightened her posture, chest puffing out proudly.

Then she strode off toward the nearby Rui Xue Xing Cheng—though her steps were a little too quick.

Her cheeks were flushed, and she didn’t want him to see.

She’d heard that aborted "figure" comment and knew exactly what he’d meant to say.

Hmph. At least he had some sense.

"Xuexue, let’s go."

Gu Luo, oblivious to Gu Ximan’s reaction, turned to Lu Xuexue, who seemed lost in thought.

"Ah—yes, Luo-ge."

Lu Xuexue followed behind him, her gaze drifting downward unintentionally.

Compared to Manman, she really fell short in that department.

She’d have to do something about it.

Little did he know, a single offhand remark from him could send ripples through both girls’ hearts.

That’s just how love worked—completely unreasonable.

............

............