Keeping Up Appearances Results in Suffering

"Say what you will about Gu Luo, but his physique is undeniably top-notch," Gu Ximan declared proudly, her fingers hooking onto the hem of Gu Luo's shirt and lifting it gently.

In an instant, an exquisite sight unfolded before the two young women.

His abdominal muscles were perfectly defined, with not an ounce of excess fat, exuding masculine vigor and athleticism.

With each breath, they contracted and relaxed rhythmically.

The scene was no less breathtaking than a man undressing a peerless beauty.

Even though Gu Ximan had admired this view many times before, she couldn’t help but swallow hard, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.

Meanwhile, Lu Xuexue, who had never seen anything like this before, blushed so deeply her face seemed about to drip blood. Her head spun as if she’d drunk counterfeit liquor.

She never imagined she’d get to appreciate Gu Luo’s flawless physique up close like this—so casually, so unexpectedly.

Back then, even a single glance from him would make her heart race and her cheeks burn.

Happiness... happiness had come far too suddenly.

It felt like a dream.

"Ahem... this is nothing," Gu Ximan forced herself to act composed, waving a hand with feigned nonchalance. "I’m so used to using him as a pillow. Xuexue, why don’t you give it a try?"

But though her words sounded generous, her mind was chanting:

‘Don’t be jealous, don’t be jealous, don’t be jealous.’

‘Xuexue is my best friend, my future sister-wife, don’t be jealous…’

"You’re so kind, Manman," Lu Xuexue said, always quick to praise Gu Ximan’s generosity. Then, mustering her courage, she reached out with trembling fingers, slowly inching toward Gu Luo’s abs.

The moment her fingertip lightly brushed against those firm muscles, a jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through her, making her shiver slightly.

It felt like touching warm steel, yet softer, alive with a pulse of vitality.

Dazed, Lu Xuexue pressed gently, feeling the powerful strength lying beneath the smooth skin.

The warmth seeped into her fingertips, spreading through her body, making her heart pound even harder and her cheeks burn hotter.

Watching this scene, Gu Ximan immediately averted her gaze, unable to suppress a twinge of possessiveness.

She could only console herself inwardly.

Fortunately, thanks to their previous "Truth or Dare" desensitization training—where she’d witnessed Gu Luo’s intimate interactions with the Luo sisters—she could handle this with only mild jealousy. No real harm done.

In the past, she might have backed out immediately.

Meanwhile, Lu Xuexue, while savoring the moment, kept an eye on Gu Ximan’s reaction. Noticing her friend’s averted gaze and conflicted expression, she quickly withdrew her hand, covering her scorching cheeks as she whispered:

"M-Manman... I’m done..."

Hearing this, Gu Ximan sighed inwardly but maintained her "main wife" composure, putting on a magnanimous front. "That fast? Want to hug him too?"

"N-no... that’s enough..." Lu Xuexue shook her head frantically, like a rattle-drum.

Gu Ximan studied her best friend’s face and couldn’t help asking, "Xuexue, do you think I’m jealous?"

"Ah... n-no..." Lu Xuexue’s expression visibly flustered.

"Liar! I said I’m not jealous—don’t you trust me?" Gu Ximan, ever the proud tsundere, lifted her chin with domineering confidence. "As your best friend, I never go back on my word. Here’s what we’ll do: tonight, sneak over, and we’ll both use Gu Luo’s arm as a pillow. You can slip back to my room before dawn. That’ll prove it, right?"

Inside, she was screaming: ‘Say no! Say no! Say no!’

But Lu Xuexue, unsure of Gu Ximan’s true feelings and utterly tempted by the offer, wrestled internally before finally nodding hesitantly:

"Then... I’ll listen to you, Manman..."

After a pause, she added in a tiny voice:

"...You’re so good to me."

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