Deep-Seated Preference

"Brother, brother, how are you feeling?"

"Stupid Gu Luo, stupid dad, how could you drink so much!"

"Brother Gu, are you thirsty right now?"

Gu Luo lay sideways on the living room sofa, seeing everyone as blurry duplicates, only managing a drunken grin as he mumbled, "...Agreed... agreed..."

Hearing this, Luo Shuning's heart leaped with joy, but her concern for Gu Luo quickly overshadowed it. She crouched beside him, her expression tender.

Uncle really agreed.

Ximan also had a boy she liked now, so her focus wouldn’t be entirely on Gu Luo anymore.

From here on, their relationship would progress smoothly.

"Agreed? Agreed to what? He’s just spouting drunken nonsense!" Gu Ximan huffed angrily, still fuming over her father and brother’s excessive drinking.

She crossed her arms, grumbling incessantly:

"Stupid dad, what’s wrong with you? Pouring so much alcohol down their throats."

Meanwhile, Luo Shuhe stood behind the three girls, arms folded, silently observing their guest, Lu Xuexue, her thoughts unreadable.

Just then, Gu Luo rubbed his dizzy head, his wavering gaze drifting over the five girls before finally settling on the distinctive cold tea-brown hair.

He slurred out a name:

"Xi... Ximan."

"Stupid Gu Luo, next time you—" Gu Ximan plopped down beside him, about to snap, "Next time you drink this much, I’ll hit you." But before she could finish, she was suddenly pulled into an embrace.

The overpowering masculine scent mixed with the pungent smell of alcohol hit her all at once.

Her face flushed instantly.

Gu Luo rested his chin on Gu Ximan’s shoulder, arms wrapped around her, and asked in a drunken haze, "Xi... Ximan, have you... eaten yet?"

Hearing this muddled yet caring question, Gu Ximan’s heart clenched. Memories of her time with Gu Luo flashed through her mind like scenes from a movie.

Honestly, even drunk out of his mind, he’s still worried about whether I’ve eaten.

How can he be this foolish?

She hugged him back, sniffled, and forced a calm tone. "I’ve eaten, don’t worry."

Witnessing this, Lu Xuexue—the one who knew their history best—covered her small mouth with her hands, deeply moved and utterly invested in their dynamic.

This pair... this pair is absolutely meant to be!

No matter when, no matter where, Gu Ximan would always be first in Gu Luo’s heart.

As his sister, even if she didn’t have the academic excellence of the Luo sisters, couldn’t top the class in studies; even if she lacked outstanding talents, unable to shine in arts or music; even if she wasn’t gifted in sports, incapable of winning glory on the field...

First place was still first place.

First place needed no justification.

This was a love ingrained in the bones.

Lu Xuexue felt immensely relieved she’d never considered competing with Ximan.

Against such a profound sibling bond, victory was impossible.

All she had to do now was wait for the two to naturally come together. Once that happened, a few kind words from Ximan would secure her own happiness.

Suddenly, Lu Xuexue recalled a funny saying—

If you two run out of energy, I can give you a push.

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