Forced Smiles and Probing

On stage.

Gu Luo and Lu Xuexue were engrossed in conversation, completely unaware that Gu Ximan in the crowd below was staring at them in a daze.

Yet, the topic of their discussion was none other than Gu Ximan herself.

It was as if the entire world revolved around that lively, adorable girl.

Gu Luo, thinking of Gu Ximan’s cute expressions, smiled and said,

"Right? When Ximan gets all tsundere, it’s especially adorable—especially when she puffs up her cheeks like a little hamster."

"Yeah, yeah! I love Manman so much. She always takes care of me in daily life. We’ll be best friends forever," Lu Xuexue quickly agreed, though she secretly added in her heart—‘And I love Brother Gu too.’

She adored these siblings to no end.

If she could one day become Manman’s sister-in-law, how wonderful would that be?

Time slipped away unnoticed as the two chatted.

Soon, forty minutes had passed.

By now, only three teams remained on stage—Gu Luo’s team, plus two others.

One was the team Gu Ximan had described as "muscle-brained hunks," while the other consisted of those two complicated college boys.

At that moment, the host strode onto the stage, microphone in hand, and announced loudly:

"Congratulations to our three teams for lasting forty minutes! You’ve all earned a surprise prize!"

The moment the words left his mouth, the two college boys deflated like punctured balloons, immediately letting go of each other.

The one who had been carrying his teammate clutched his sore, exhausted arms and plopped onto the floor—completely spent, not a drop of energy left.

If I hadn’t blown my allowance early this month buying gun skins, I wouldn’t have signed up for this backbreaking event like some kind of pack mule.

Meanwhile, the one who had been carried was now cheering like a 200-pound child, waving his arms at the audience:

"We’re the champions!"

"Flawless victory—I’m the MVP!"

Hearing his shameless teammate, the carrier’s face flushed red with rage. He pointed a finger and launched into a furious rap: "You motherf—"

"Hey, hey! Positivity, positivity!" The host hastily cut off the stream of expletives about to erupt.

The scene drew laughter from the crowd—everyone except Gu Ximan.

Clearing his throat, the host grinned and continued,

"Now, let’s see which of the last two teams will take home the ultimate prize!"

This instantly sparked speculation among the onlookers—though "speculation" was too generous. It was more like a foregone conclusion.

Most assumed the muscular hunk would win. His sheer size was one factor, and the yoga-pants girl in his arms didn’t seem much heavier than the petite twin-tailed girl.

However, a few sharp-eyed spectators offered a different take:

"I’d bet on that handsome guy winning. Look closely—he’s not even breaking a sweat, while the big guy’s already dripping."

"Hey, now that you mention it…"

Others followed their gaze, observing the two remaining carriers. Sure enough, the young man on stage looked completely unfazed, breathing steadily with effortless ease.

Meanwhile, the muscle-bound contestant was already sweating bullets.

"Brother Gu, it’s been forty minutes. You can put me down now," Lu Xuexue urged, her face flushing crimson under the crowd’s attention.

She really didn’t want Gu Luo straining himself against the hulking opponent.

Wasn’t it too much effort?

They’d already earned a surprise prize—that was reward enough.

Besides, the total prize pool wasn’t even worth a thousand bucks.

Was it really worth fighting for the championship?

"It’s fine. Since we’re here," Gu Luo replied. His goal wasn’t the prizes—it was the bet with Gu Ximan.

Three full foot-washing sessions.

Just imagining the tsundere puffing up her cheeks in reluctant obedience filled him with amusement.

As the saying went, teasing your little sister was just another way of doting on her.

Like how elementary school boys would pull girls’ hair or play pranks when they had a crush.

Still, to reassure Lu Xuexue, he added,

"Don’t worry, Xuexue. I know my limits."

But the moment he said "limits," his mind involuntarily flashed back to the little angel Shu Ning.

Cough… That was an awkward memory.

After a brief hesitation, Lu Xuexue finally nodded.

"Alright… but tell me immediately if it gets too much!"

Her heart swelled with both joy and admiration.

Brother Gu is amazing!

Just like Manman said—"lean in clothes, ripped underneath."

She couldn’t help but wonder—what would his abs and pecs feel like to touch?

Lost in thought, she unconsciously swallowed, then casually rested her arm against Gu Luo’s chest, her cheeks burning.

So firm.

So safe.

She’d rather touch his abs, but his pecs would do for now.

Unaware of the little lolita’s fantasies, Gu Luo didn’t mind the arm against his chest—it was a natural part of the princess-carry position.

His only concern was—why hasn’t Ximan come back yet?

Did she fall into a toilet stall?

He was about to ask Lu Xuexue to message her when, as if sensing his thoughts, his gaze instinctively shifted left—locking onto Gu Ximan in the crowd.

Of course, she stood out like a crane among chickens. Her striking looks and unique aura made her impossible to miss.

Their eyes met.

Gu Ximan smiled, raised a tiny fist, and mouthed: "Go for it!"

Seeing his silly little sister cheer him on, Gu Luo felt an inexplicable unease.

This plan was her idea, but given her jealous streak, shouldn’t she be "hmph!"-ing and turning away by now?

What was off?

He had that "can’t see the mountain while standing on it" feeling.

Had something happened between them?

Then again, maybe he was overthinking it.

But when it came to Gu Ximan, he always overthought.

"Go for it!"

He smiled back, mouthing the same words—though there wasn’t much else he could do now.

Switching partners was out of the question. The host had already made one exception, and explaining it to Lu Xuexue would be awkward.

Noticing Gu Luo’s gaze, Lu Xuexue twisted around for a quick look.

When she saw Gu Ximan, her emotions tangled.

As best friends, she knew just how much of a brother-con this girl was—and how fiercely she guarded Gu Luo’s attention.

Yet now, she was beaming sweetly.

Does this mean Manman approves of me and Brother Gu?

It really might.

If it weren't for Manman's suggestion, she wouldn't have gotten her wish—being carried like a princess by Brother Gu... and, well... feeling his chest muscles.

But right now,

down below the stage,

Gu Ximan could only force a smile, pretending to cheer them on.

Otherwise, she was afraid she’d burst into tears the next second.

Regret.

She really regretted it.

She should’ve just given up with that stupid older brother earlier.

She should’ve been more selfish.

She should’ve stopped Xuexue from getting close to him.

Now, all she could do was watch as the two of them cuddled in a princess carry.

This might just turn into an opened Pandora’s box.

Once it started, who knew what would happen next?

Thinking all this, Gu Ximan clenched her small hands behind her back, yet her face remained bright with a smile.

Suddenly, she remembered an old, clichéd story.

A man went to a psychologist, saying he had depression—his life was full of pain, loneliness, and despair.

The psychologist said, "Maybe you should go see the clown in town. He can make you happy."

The man burst into tears. "But I am that clown."

Right now, Gu Ximan could only hide her sadness behind a smile.

And so, another twenty minutes passed.

At the one-hour-and-three-minute mark, the muscular guy finally couldn’t hold on any longer.

His arms trembled, his legs weakened, and in the end, he had no choice but to put down the girl in yoga pants.

"Let’s give a round of applause for this couple—"

Following the host’s lead, the audience clapped for Gu Luo and Lu Xuexue.

Gu Ximan did the same, joining in the applause.

As for the grand prize and championship rewards, she couldn’t care less right now.

Something like shopping vouchers and movie tickets.

Oh, right—and a pair of matching couple’s necklaces.

Gu Ximan stared at the necklace around Lu Xuexue’s neck, then her own, her expression complicated. She could only pretend to be thrilled, even pulling her in for a photo.

Later, the three of them went out for shrimp, then played claw machines.

At the restaurant, seeing Gu Ximan so cheerful and laughing nonstop, Gu Luo gradually relaxed.

After all, Lu Xuexue had promised to take the initiative to resolve their conflict. Things should be fine now.

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

Evening.

Apartment entrance.

After getting out of the taxi, Gu Ximan immediately stretched, then grinned at Gu Luo, who was carrying bags of stuff behind her.

"Stupid brother, I’m starving! I want egg fried rice!"

"O Kun O Kun."

Seeing her so energetic, Gu Luo felt happy too.

Today’s outing was totally worth it.

Seemed like he’d successfully helped the two girls smooth things over.

Now, they just needed some time alone to sort things out.

"Egg fried rice! Egg fried rice! Egg fried rice!"

Gu Ximan chanted cheerfully, but inside, she felt like a walking corpse—a hollow shell, smiling on the outside but empty within.

Still, this was the only way to keep the sadness off her face, the only way not to cry.

"Alright, alright, I’ll make it for you."

Gu Luo walked ahead, amused by her high spirits. Remembering his agreement with the little angel, he chuckled and tentatively asked,

"Hey, Ximan, if I ever start dating someone... you wouldn’t cry, would you? Haha..."

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

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