The Fragrance of Gardenia

"Sister, are you going to take it or not?"

Luo Shuhe could feel the scorching heat radiating from Gu Luo's face. Though her heart was filled with thoughts of revenge against her sister, as a young girl, maintaining such an intimate act for so long was becoming unbearable.

She quickly sat up, grabbed her undergarments in haste—not even bothering to properly drape her nightgown—and dashed barefoot across the futon toward the bedroom door.

This was indeed a rare opportunity, one where Gu Luo couldn’t resist.

Normally, she might have managed just a forced kiss before being stopped from going further.

On the futon, Luo Shuling blinked her lively eyes after having her hand stepped on, watching the retreating figure with a meaningful smile.

—Shuhe, do you like this gift?

—Isn’t it amazing when big brother can’t resist?

—Next time at the sleepover, I hope you go even further.

—Oh, and I added a little sleep aid to Xiao Man’s water—completely safe, of course~~~

Meanwhile.

On the large bed.

Gu Luo lay frozen, staring blankly at the ceiling, his face burning and his mind utterly blank.

What just happened?

A scheme within a scheme within a scheme?

Had the little devil planned all this, waiting for tonight?

But that didn’t make sense—if that was her goal, why had she tried to stop them from sleeping together in the first place?

The logic just didn’t add up.

On the other side of the bed.

The mastermind behind it all, Luo Shuning, clenched her fists tightly, her heart aching unbearably while she forced herself to maintain the serene expression of someone fast asleep.

After all, it was almost one o’clock—the time they’d agreed upon—and she had no idea how to face Gu Luo now.

She couldn’t let him realize she’d witnessed the entire intimate exchange.

Otherwise, an irreparable rift would form between them.

Steady and patient wins the game—she had to hold back, no matter what.

But this feeling… was truly unbearable.

It was like slapping herself in the face out of sheer frustration.

She’d tried to flip the table, only to knock it over sideways.

Luo Shuning never expected Luo Shuhe to be so bold.

This time, she’d even offered up her upper body.

Before, it had always been sneaky, just skimming the surface.

The more she thought about it, the more tangled her emotions became.

As for Gu Luo, his feelings were even more complicated.

He first glanced cautiously at Gu Ximan, who was snoring softly beside him, a trail of drool at the corner of her mouth. Then his gaze shifted to Luo Shuling on the futon, relieved to see both girls still sound asleep.

But now came the real question—was Luo Shuning actually asleep?

Had she noticed what happened?

Gu Luo checked his phone. A few minutes remained until one o’clock.

Gritting his teeth, he slowly slid his arm out from under Gu Ximan’s head.

Luckily, she remained deep in sleep, snoring lightly like a content little pig.

Gu Luo then tiptoed toward Luo Shuning, his heart pounding wildly.

Only when he saw her peaceful, steady breathing did he finally exhale in relief.

Tonight’s luck had been on his side.

He dismissed the possibility of Luo Shuning pretending to sleep—after all, even the gentlest angel wouldn’t stand by and watch him go that far with Luo Shuhe.

With that thought, he resisted the urge to wake her, though he’d originally planned to keep his promise with a hug or a kiss. But after what had just happened, he forcefully suppressed the impulse.

Instead, he stepped out of the bedroom with a heavy heart, washed his face in the bathroom, and headed straight for the first-floor balcony to cool off in the night breeze.

Some time later, the soft "pat-pat" of slippers against the floor sounded behind him.

Gu Luo instinctively assumed it was Luo Shuning or Luo Shuhe, but when he turned, he was met with the sight of a yawning, drowsy Luo Shuling.

"Bro, why are you still up? I got up to use the bathroom and saw you and Shuhe weren’t in bed. Thought you two were sneaking a midnight snack." Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Luo Shuling yawned.

Gu Luo couldn’t help but chuckle wryly.

Little Sunshine really did have food on her mind all the time.

Though, in a way, a "midnight snack" had indeed been stolen—just not the edible kind.

Still, seeing her lifted his spirits instinctively. "Couldn’t sleep, so I came out for some air."

"Ah, bro, something on your mind?" Luo Shuling perked up immediately. After a pause, she brightened. "Wait here, I’ll be right back!"

Before he could respond, she hurried upstairs.

Moments later, she returned with a deck of playing cards and a handkerchief.

Catching her breath, she grinned. "Bro, I’ll perform a magic trick to cheer you up!"

"Magic? You know magic?" Gu Luo was genuinely surprised.

"Watch closely!" Luo Shuling flashed a mischievous smile.

With practiced ease, she fanned out the deck into a neat semicircle, displaying the mixed suits and numbers.

Then, with a flick of her wrist, the cards seamlessly rearranged themselves into perfect order.

The speed left Gu Luo wide-eyed.

"Pick a card, bro."

"Uh… okay."

He drew the nine of diamonds.

Luo Shuling nodded, slid it back into the deck, and began shuffling with dazzling speed, the cards fluttering like a blur.

Once done, she confidently plucked one out and flipped it over—the nine of diamonds.

"Wow, impressive!" Gu Luo couldn’t help but applaud, eyes sparkling.

Grinning, Luo Shuling covered the card with the handkerchief, her smile turning mysterious.

"Now, lift the handkerchief."

"Alright." Gu Luo anticipated the card vanishing—but when he lifted the cloth, a pristine gardenia bloomed into view, petals unfurling with delicate fragrance.

"Bro, here’s a little flower for you—cheer up!" Beaming, Luo Shuling handed it to him, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons.

Gu Luo froze, then accepted it reflexively. A genuine smile spread across his face, all his tangled thoughts momentarily forgotten.

And for the first time in his life, he’d received a flower from a girl.

This gardenia, brimming with Little Sunshine’s warmth, filled the troubled skies of his heart with its sweet, soothing scent.

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