Two-Way Journey

Gu Ximan couldn’t help but glance down.

Her vision darkened, and her mind buzzed as if exploding.

No way… Did the window stay open during last night’s rain?

Oh no.

This is bad. Really bad.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, a tidal wave of shame threatening to swallow her whole. She wished she could vanish into the floor.

Well, there goes her dignity—completely lost in front of Shuling.

Luo Shuling propped her cheek lazily against her palm, her elbow sinking into the soft pillow, thoroughly amused by Gu Ximan’s flustered, mortified expression.

But she couldn’t tease her little sister forever. With a playful grin, she said, “Sorry, Ximan. I woke up thirsty and drank from your cup, but I accidentally spilled it on your clothes.”

Internally, she marveled—no wonder Ximan always looked so dewy. She really was made of water.

Hearing Shuling give her an out, Gu Ximan exhaled in relief, the weight lifting from her shoulders.

Her face flushed even hotter as she stammered, “I-It’s fine! I was gonna change into my uniform anyway…”

In her heart, she admired Shuling even more.

That’s just how Shuling was.

So good.

She loved, loved Shuling so much.

This was why Gu Ximan could share all her secrets—even the ones about Xuexue—with Luo Shuling without hesitation.

She knew Shuling would keep them safe, respect every little confidence, and never judge her.

“Mhm.”

Luo Shuling responded softly, a tender smile playing on her lips as she rolled over, burying her face into the fluffy pillow. Her voice came out muffled:

“Go ahead and change, Ximan. I’ll snooze a bit longer.”

“Shuling, I love you the most!”

Gu Ximan didn’t actually mind changing in front of Shuling, but her considerate retreat was welcome.

She hopped off the bed in a flash, stripping off the damp pajamas, underwear, and socks, then stealthily tucked them into a corner of the closet to wash later.

After slipping into the freshly laundered undergarments—courtesy of Gu Luo—she buttoned up her Guangya Academy skirt and pulled on the white knee-high socks.

Once dressed, she spun in place, feeling infinitely fresher, and grinned at Shuling, who was pretending to sleep.

“Shuling, I’m done!”

“Alright, guess I’m up too.” Luo Shuling sat up slowly, stretching with an exaggerated yawn, her eyes half-lidded in drowsy theatrics.

But the moment their gazes met, both burst into laughter.

Some things needed no words.

Gu Ximan threw herself into Shuling’s arms, her voice sweet and clingy. “Shuling, I like you so, so much.”

“Oh?”

A mischievous glint flashed in Luo Shuling’s eyes. She smirked, suddenly cupping Ximan’s softness with both hands. “Then let me borrow some ‘facial cleanser’!”

With that, she buried her face against Ximan’s chest, nuzzling and rubbing playfully.

“Hahaha—stop, that tickles!”

“My turn with yours!”

Soon, the bed became a battlefield of giggles and tussling, the two girls wrestling, pressing close, their intimacy almost scandalously adorable.

If Gu Luo had walked in just then, his nose would’ve bled on the spot.

Of course, perhaps one day in the future, someone might have plenty of opportunities to admire such a beautiful scene up close.

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

Meanwhile.

In the kitchen, the aroma was irresistible.

Gu Luo picked up a bite of the stir-fried dish Luo Shuning had just prepared with his chopsticks. After tasting it carefully, his eyes lit up, and he gave a thumbs-up:

"It's delicious—perfectly cooked. Your skills have improved so much, Shuning. You're amazing."

This wasn’t empty praise but genuine admiration.

Though not quite at his level of culinary mastery, she wasn’t far off. She could easily work as a chef in a restaurant.

"Hehe."

Luo Shuning’s eyes curved into crescents at the compliment, her lips curling into a bright smile.

She clasped her hands behind her back, looking every bit like a child who’d just been praised.

Gu Luo set down his chopsticks, glancing at the flavorful dishes on the table, along with the freshly made sandwiches and steaming bowl of congee with preserved egg and pork. His heart ached a little as he said,

"But Shuning, next time, let’s make breakfast together. You’ve been waking up earlier and earlier lately."

At first, Luo Shuning had only gotten up early to squeeze toothpaste for him and prep ingredients. Gradually, she started making breakfast, and now she was even preparing lunch in advance.

This reminded Gu Luo of what Shu He had mentioned the night before—her sister was talented, but what truly set her apart was her relentless effort. Behind her brilliance was an unseen dedication, the sweat she poured into everything she did.

Thinking back, Luo Shuning hadn’t been skilled in cooking at first. Most of her attempts had been disastrous, to the point where even the ever-hungry Luo Shuling couldn’t help but complain.

Yet at some point, her cooking had won over all three sisters. Sometimes, they couldn’t even tell whether a dish was made by her or by someone else.

Shuning had worked incredibly hard.

Only a girl like her could surpass him in the monthly exams.

She had outshone even the enhancements granted by his system, relying solely on her talent and effort.

At this thought, Gu Luo reached out and gently ruffled Luo Shuning’s hair.

Like a docile kitten, she leaned into his touch, her voice soft and sweet:

"It’s fine. You take such good care of us every day, Gu Luo. I just want to share the load."

"Besides, it’s a chance to improve my cooking—two birds with one stone."

Hearing her thoughtful words, warmth flooded Gu Luo’s chest. He pulled her into a tender embrace.

Over the past two months, Luo Shuning had been like his perfect partner, always stepping in to help—whether with household chores or daily meals.

She often quietly finished tasks ahead of time, just so he could rest a little longer.

Take something as simple as squeezing toothpaste—aside from the night of the sleepover when she overslept, she never missed a day, always preparing it for him in advance.

Such a small gesture, repeated day after day, carried a depth of affection that was truly moving.

It was more than just a habit—it was an attitude.

Luo Shuning buried her face against Gu Luo’s chest, listening to his steady heartbeat as she murmured,

"Gu Luo, let’s never be apart."

"I’ll keep trying my best."

Hearing her say "I’ll keep trying my best," Gu Luo’s heart clenched. He quickly reassured her, "We’ll never be apart."

"That’s wonderful."

Luo Shuning's face was brimming with happiness as her thoughts drifted into memories, and she murmured softly:

"Xiao Bao, do you know? The first time you stood up to protect me on the train, I already had a huge crush on you."

"When I found out you were the older brother Mom had mentioned, I was so happy—overjoyed, really. It felt like the heavens had dropped a giant cake right on my head."

"During our first meal at Tianshui Restaurant, when Shuling was late, I didn’t dare speak up. But you, even at the risk of upsetting Mom, stood up for her. That made me admire you even more. I thought, 'This is exactly how an older brother should be—protecting his younger sister.'"

"That night when you and Ximan went home to pack, I really wanted to follow you. I just wanted to be closer to you. Even though I didn’t go in the end, I rushed home, put on my prettiest white dress, and waited downstairs for you until 9:48."

"When I saw Xiao Bao step out of the van, I was so happy. I remember you stretching the moment you got out—you must’ve been exhausted from sitting in traffic. My heart ached a little for you."

"But Xiao Bao, you didn’t compliment me on the white dress I’d picked out just for you. Later, when I saw Shu He wearing that black nightgown Mom bought, I thought it looked amazing, so I wanted to try it on for you too—just to tease you a little."

"And then I realized how shy, adorable, and innocent you were."

"Gradually, I found myself unable to stay away from you. Just being near you filled me with a sense of security."

At this point, she looked up with sparkling eyes, her expression full of anticipation. "Xiao Bao, be honest—did you like me from the very beginning too?"

"You used to be the leader of the pack, playing with so many girls. And you’re so handsome—how could you be so shy? Back when we cooked together, even if our fingers just barely touched, you’d pull away instantly, your face turning red."

Hearing these tender confessions, Gu Luo’s heart trembled. He nodded earnestly and said, "Yes. From the start, I was drawn to you—I thought you were breathtakingly beautiful, like an ethereal fairy untouched by the mortal world. Your voice was so gentle too."

"Even though you, Shu He, and Shuling look identical, I always thought you were the most beautiful."

"That night before getting out of the car, I spotted you from afar through the window. My heart warmed instantly—it felt like Ximan and I were truly valued."

"During that late-night meal, when you said, 'Being able to prepare warm meals for family every day is no small thing—it’s actually something truly remarkable,' I knew I’d never forget those words."

"It was the first time anyone had ever told me, 'You’ve worked hard.'"

"And that was when I realized—I must’ve fallen in love."

"I had a hunch you felt the same way about me, so I couldn’t help but want to get closer, to know you better."

"Little by little, I fell for you completely."

Hearing this, Luo Shuning immediately stood on her tiptoes and planted a firm kiss on Gu Luo’s lips. Her eyes sparkled as she beamed with happiness.

"This is perfect—Da Bao and Xiao Bao have been running toward each other all along."

Then, her cheeks flushed pink, and she lowered her head shyly, her voice barely above a whisper:

"Xiaobao, on Sunday night... we're staying out all night."

"Just call in sick on Monday."

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