The midday sun baked the asphalt road until it was scorching hot. Gu Luo followed the bouncing Gu Ximan and the bashful Lu Xuexue as they turned into a gated community with an ornate wrought-iron entrance.
On the dark gray marble pillars flanking the gate hung a nameplate. Before Gu Luo could make out the gilded characters, two security guards with impeccable posture stepped forward.
They wore crisply ironed white shirts and shoes polished to a mirror shine.
Then they raised their hands in salute, every movement exuding the professionalism of rigorous training.
Wow, no wonder this is a high-end neighborhood.
Gu Luo couldn’t help but recall the old community where he used to rent a place.
The guardroom there was always thick with the smell of cheap tobacco, and when the elderly guards with graying hair grinned, the gaps between their uneven teeth were so large you could see into black holes.
It could be said—three old men couldn’t even muster four teeth between them.
Of course, that was an exaggerated joke.
But compared to this strict security and guards who looked like male models, it truly drove home the divide between social classes.
Gu Luo smiled wryly and continued following the two beautiful girls along the pathway paved with natural marble.
In the distance, droplets from the fountain danced, refracting dazzling shards of light.
One day, when he had money, he’d buy a place here for little Ximan.
Of course, getting rich was actually pretty easy—his system’s shop was stocked with all sorts of fun gadgets from parallel Earths.
Even just being a ghostwriter could easily rake in big money.
But unfortunately, before he even started hustling, he was already being spoiled by the three rich ladies of the Luo family.
They were force-feeding him soft rice, and he couldn’t say no.
Who could he complain to?
Gu Luo was pretty laid-back by nature. Unless absolutely necessary, he preferred to enjoy everyday life and only used his system’s powers when real trouble came.
Maybe that’s why special missions hadn’t refreshed for over a month.
But no matter, he had more than enough points to spend anyway.
The three of them soon arrived at Lu Xuexue’s home.
After changing into slippers and stepping inside the foyer, Gu Luo was momentarily dazzled by the luxury before him.
Above hung a massive chandelier studded with crystals, casting scattered sparkles onto the creamy marble floor.
A handwoven wool rug displayed an understated elegance with deep gray and dark green patterns, complementing the avant-garde leather sofa, like stepping into a showcase straight out of an art magazine.
Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline stretched out in full view.
Altogether, it was even more lavish than the apartment they lived in.
Of course, this didn’t mean Lu Xuexue’s family was wealthier than the Luos; that apartment was merely a convenient place for them to attend school.
Just a temporary home for the past three years.
“Gu Gege, Ximan, you two sit for a bit. I’ll pour you some tea,” Lu Xuexue’s voice was like honey dripping, her rosy cheeks bright and enchanting.
As she turned, the hem of her skirt stirred a fresh jasmine scent, and the twin ponytails tied with butterfly ribbons swayed gently with her steps.
She looked especially adorable.
Thinking about how Gu Luo was about to enter her bedroom to take photos for them, Lu Xuexue unconsciously tightened her grip on the bone china teapot.
Which young girl, filled with the warmth of spring, could possibly resist when the one she loves steps into her boudoir?
Meanwhile, over here.
“Stinky Gu Luo, how is it? Isn’t Xuexue’s home just grand?” Gu Ximan had already slipped off her shoes and was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, looking utterly relaxed and at ease.
Hearing this, Gu Luo reached out and flicked her forehead, half amused and half exasperated. “It’s not even your place, why are you acting so proud?”
“What?” Gu Ximan covered her forehead, pouting, then loudly asked Lu Xuexue, who was busy pouring tea, “Xuexue, isn’t it true?”
“Yeah, this is definitely Manman’s…” Lu Xuexue answered immediately, then paused slightly, her cheeks flushing as her heart thumped loudly in her chest. She continued nervously, “...and Gu Gege’s home.”
That statement was quite bold.
A home for the three of them — that basically meant they’d be living together in the future.
But to Gu Luo’s ears, it sounded like something else entirely — Gu Gege, rest assured, entrust Manman to me, and while I’m at it, I’ll take care of you too, as the big brother-in-law.
Great, just great.
Another beautiful young rich girl wanting to spoil him — count +1.
What use is a strong stomach to me?!
Seeing her best friend launch an all-out attack, Gu Ximan immediately played along, placing her gorgeous legs on Gu Luo’s lap and blinking at him. “Stinky Gu Luo, did you hear that? Xuexue said this is our home too.”
Then, with a teasing tone, she continued, “...I think if the three of us live together, it’ll definitely be very happy. Don’t you think so?”
Hearing this, Lu Xuexue almost dropped the teacup in her hand, freezing in place as she waited for Gu Luo’s reply, her entire being intensely focused.
But to Gu Luo’s ears, it sounded like something else again — Stinky Gu Luo, this beauty is going to be trailing you with her rich girlfriend, so you figure it out yourself!
He sighed inwardly, feeling conflicted, but on the surface, he smiled faintly. “Sure, it’s just two more pairs of chopsticks.”
What he really meant was — Ximan, I definitely support your love! Even if your partner is another girl.
The moment he said that,
Gu Ximan and Lu Xuexue’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Wait... he agreed?
That easily?
“St-stinky... Stinky Gu Luo, don’t go back on your word...” Gu Ximan’s heart leapt with joy as she immediately grabbed his arm and pressed it against her chest.
“Don’t worry, your brother’s word is final,” Gu Luo said firmly, then paused and added awkwardly, “...I kind of get what you two are thinking... but there’s no need to spell it out too clearly. Those who understand, understand.”
“Hmph... as long as you don’t back out,”
Meanwhile, Lu Xuexue was so excited she nearly jumped on the spot; her legs almost gave way, and her toes twitched uncontrollably.
The three of them living together — no need to be too explicit about it.
— Those who understand, understand.
“Let’s take pictures! Xuexue bought lots of beautiful clothes!” Gu Ximan, still a little shy, quickly changed the subject.
Matters of the heart can be talked about slowly, in due time.
Step by step.
Besides, after having that unseasonal sweet dream this morning, as the ‘heart’ sandwiched inside a cookie, having enjoyed that incomparable thrill, she no longer felt resistant to Lu Xuexue getting close to Gu Luo.
On the contrary, she was actually looking forward to it.
After finishing their tea, Gu Luo was pulled by Gu Ximan into Lu Xuexue’s bedroom.
The moment the door opened, a wave of sweet, almost cloying fragrance mixed with jasmine incense hit him. The walls were painted a soft, gentle pink, plastered with anime posters—ranging from fiery shonen adventures to soothing shoujo series—all carefully bordered with gold foil tape.
On the big bed, plush toys were piled up like a small mountain. A snow-white rabbit doll drooped its long ears, and the panda pillow’s round belly was embroidered with crooked little hearts.
Gu Luo quietly took in the room, filled with girlish charm, feeling as if the very air was sweet and fragrant.
“Gu Gege, have a seat,” Lu Xuexue patted the bed, her hair brushing across her flushed cheeks.
“I…” Gu Luo was about to say he’d rather stand—entering a pretty girl’s bedroom was one thing, but sitting on the bed felt strangely awkward.
Before he could finish, Gu Ximan gave him a firm push onto the soft mattress.
“Oh, stop stalling, stinky Gu Luo.”
After that, Gu Ximan and Lu Xuexue pulled out the clothes they were going to change into from the wardrobe and laid them on the bed.
Maid outfits straight out of anime, catgirl costumes, cosplay of various anime characters, silky princess dresses…
And neatly arranged stockings—black ones with a matte sheen, white ones glowing softly in the light with a gentle translucence.
“Stinky Gu Luo, which one do you want to shoot first?” Gu Ximan waved a pair of white stockings in her hand, though the tips of her ears quietly flushed pink.
Before he could answer, the girl clicked her tongue and shyly said, “Then just mix and match freely. After all, with these, it’s good enough. Someone’s phone already has plenty of videos of white-stockinged girls dancing.”
“Ahem…”
Gu Luo didn’t reply.
Then the two girls hugged the clothes and slipped into the bathroom. Through the door came the rustling sounds of changing.
When the bathroom door opened again, Gu Luo’s eyes nearly popped out—
Gu Ximan wore a tilted butterfly hairpin, white stockings hugging her slender legs, the lace frills at her knees trembling with each step; Lu Xuexue bit her lower lip, clutching her skirt, cat ears on her head swaying gently with her movements. The once pure white stockings seemed especially sweet and sultry now, steamed by her shy warmth.
Their hair was styled into cute twin tails.
Combined with the intimate atmosphere of the girl’s room and the jasmine-scented air, Gu Luo’s hormones were truly skyrocketing.
“How do we look? Cute?” Gu Ximan’s tea-brown twin tails flicked as she pretended to glare fiercely, clenching her small fists, “If you say no, Xuexue and I will both come after you!”
Beside her, Lu Xuexue’s cheeks were already flushed deep red, her big watery eyes shyly stealing glances at Gu Luo.
“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” Gu Luo said, his eyes wide with admiration, speaking nothing but the truth.
“Hmph, you finally know what's good,” Gu Ximan said with a touch of pride, turning her head away but secretly curling her lips into a sly smile. She then pulled Lu Xuexue to curl up together on the soft, plush bed.
The two girls nestled close, sometimes pressing their heads together to whisper and giggle, other times intertwining their legs in alluring poses.
Lu Xuexue shyly buried her face into Gu Ximan’s shoulder, the cat ears nestled in her hair trembling gently with their movements.
As the photographer, Gu Luo was treated to a feast for the eyes up close.
But as he kept shooting, Gu Ximan suddenly yanked him onto the bed, insisting on changing angles for the shoot.
Gu Ximan propped herself up beside him while Lu Xuexue knelt nearby, their beautiful legs wrapped in white silk mere inches from his face.
Then, they struck a variety of poses.
The delicate folds at the edge of their lace stockings shifted subtly with the girls’ movements, and the sweet fragrance floating in the air grew even more intoxicating.
“Stinky Gu Luo, isn’t this shot clearer?” Gu Ximan tilted her head, her hair brushing against Gu Luo’s flushed cheek.
Gu Luo felt his throat tighten, his phone nearly slipping from his grasp.
The sight of the fluttering white silk and the girls’ coy, charming expressions made him want to burst into laughter—or maybe faint from embarrassment.