Brother, You're Mine (Three-in-Two, Bonus Gift Chapter)

Downstairs, in the restaurant.

Xu Shasha slowly put down her chopsticks, her gaze distant and lost in thought.

She then opened her phone's photo album, her fingers lightly swiping across the screen until she found a hidden album containing a childhood photo of her and Shen Yue.

In the picture, Shen Yue looked like an exquisite doll, delicate and adorable, with rosy cheeks and flawless features.

Her large, sparkling eyes brimmed with curiosity and innocence, as if they held countless stars within them.

Xu Shasha stared at the photo quietly for a long while, seemingly immersed in deep memories.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally exited the hidden album and dialed a number.

The call connected almost immediately.

"Good evening, Teacher Wang. There's something I'd like to ask you about," Xu Shasha said in a gentle yet dignified tone.

"It's about Shen Yue—she's been acting a bit unusual at school lately..."

"Oh, a transfer student, you say? Do you happen to have a photo of this Gu Luo?"

"Mm, an ID photo would be fine. I really appreciate your help."

After hanging up, it didn’t take long before Teacher Wang sent over the photo.

Xu Shasha’s eyes instantly lit up.

What a strikingly handsome boy.

She had seen plenty of pretty-faced celebrities and top-tier idols, but never someone this breathtaking.

His beauty was nearly flawless, without a single imperfection.

Suddenly, she recalled Shen Yue’s strange behavior while washing her hair recently.

So that’s what it was...

A knowing, almost maternal smile crept onto her face.

"Nanny Zhao, the world really is a strange place," Xu Shasha mused, shaking her head with a chuckle as she glanced at the elderly woman silently eating across the table. "Who would’ve thought that the little boy who’s been troubling Xiao Yue might actually be the one to heal her heart..."

Nanny Zhao immediately set down her chopsticks and listened intently, though she said nothing.

"Nanny Zhao, do you think 20 million would be enough for Xiao Yue’s dowry?... Hmm, maybe that’s too little. I’ll throw in an apartment building as well."

Nanny Zhao still didn’t respond, though her expression turned slightly bewildered.

Xu Shasha paid no mind and continued, resting her cheek on one hand with a dreamy smile. "I’ll visit the school the day after tomorrow to meet my future son-in-law in advance."

"And see if he’s as good-looking in person as he is in the photo~"

......

Tuesday.

Guangya Academy ended classes early in the afternoon so students could prepare the stage and classrooms for the upcoming school festival.

After school.

Inside the fresh grocery store closest to their apartment.

The shelves were stocked with an abundance of ingredients, the air filled with the crisp scent of fruits and vegetables.

Gu Luo moved through the produce section with meticulous care, examining each item as if conducting a scientific experiment.

Beside him, Luo Shuning dutifully pushed the cart, attentively studying his selection techniques—so much so that she nearly pulled out a notepad to jot them down.

"Shuning, does your mom like asparagus lettuce?" Gu Luo turned slightly, his gaze warm as he asked.

"I... I’m not entirely sure about her preferences..." Luo Shuning shook her head lightly, her delicate face tinged with an awkward yet graceful smile under the store’s soft lighting.

"That’s fine. No worries."

Along the way, friendly elderly shoppers couldn’t help but praise the pair for their good looks, expressing surprise that they were grocery shopping and declaring them model students at first glance.

Admittedly, the elders had a keen eye for character.

If only they weren’t so eager to play matchmaker.

One particularly enthusiastic grandma, upon learning they were siblings, immediately asked for their contact details to introduce them to her own grandchildren.

Gu Luo and Luo Shuning politely declined, citing their focus on studies.

The elderly women sighed in disappointment, shaking their heads as if missing out on a golden opportunity.

At the moment, Gu Luo was carefully selecting tomatoes when Luo Shuning leaned in curiously. "Big brother, how do you pick the best tomatoes?"

"Well..." A confident smile spread across his face as he picked up two tomatoes and began explaining:

"Generally, tomatoes with six sepals have thinner skin, bursting with sweet, juicy flavor. Those with five sepals are slightly thicker-skinned, less juicy, and more tart. Of course, this is just from my shopping experience—I can’t vouch for the science behind it."

"I see... I’ll remember that!" Luo Shuning nodded eagerly, mimicking his selection method.

Delighted by her enthusiasm, Gu Luo continued, "Another thing—check the top. If it’s slightly indented, it’s likely grown naturally. If it’s raised or has a pointed tip, it might’ve been treated with hormones."

"Pfft." Luo Shuning giggled at his description of the "pointy-headed" tomatoes.

Her radiant smile drew fleeting glances from passersby, who quickly averted their eyes to avoid staring.

Had Gu Luo not been present, bolder men might’ve already approached her for her number.

Seeing her so amused, Gu Luo grinned and added, "Also, pick ones with more white speckles and a round shape. Fewer speckles or angular shapes could mean they were force-ripened."

"Wow! You know so much, big brother!" Her eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Comes with experience." Gu Luo chuckled, feeling an indescribable joy—what could be better than being admired by the girl he liked?

Truly, one lived and learned.

Knowledge was power.

They continued chatting and selecting ingredients, thoroughly enjoying the simple, domestic atmosphere.

After scanning their items at the self-checkout, Gu Luo checked his phone—7:01 PM.

"Mom and Dad will be back by 8:30. We should have enough time," he said, hoisting two heavy bags of groceries.

"Mm! We’ll cook together."

After a pause, Luo Shuning hesitated before speaking up. "Big brother, let me carry some too. I feel bad leaving it all to you every time."

"Don’t worry, it’s not heavy. Think of it as arm training." He flexed slightly, demonstrating his ease.

"Alright then..."

Luo Shuning clasped her hands behind her back, tilting her head. "By the way, big brother, you’ve been working out, right?"

"Yep." Gu Luo nodded as they walked.

"How do you usually train?"

Gu Luo carried the groceries with steady steps, answering unhurriedly, "Nothing too complicated. Just some push-ups before bed and after waking up, sometimes with a few sets of sit-ups."

"Brother, you really are full of energy..." Luo Shuning said, her gaze inadvertently drifting toward his abdomen. She hesitated before asking somewhat shyly, "So... have you developed abs? I noticed you seem to have chest muscles."

"...Yeah, I do." Gu Luo found the topic a bit awkward but nodded honestly.

"That’s amazing." Luo Shuning blinked, wanting to say more but holding back.

After all, it’s only natural for a girl to be curious about abs.

Gu Luo, seeing his little angel’s adorable hesitation, immediately understood her thoughts but still felt a bit embarrassed, unsure how to respond.

"Ahem..."

As the guy, Gu Luo had no choice but to take the initiative. "Shuning, I’ve been running back and forth between the music club and public service club lately, and it’s been exhausting. How about after the school festival tomorrow, you give me a massage?"

"But... would that be too much trouble for you?"

At his words, Luo Shuning’s eyes instantly lit up, and she waved her hands eagerly. "No, no, not at all! Please let me do it. I’ve always wanted to do something to repay you, brother."

"Then I’ll leave it to you."

"Leave it to me!"

As they spoke, the distance between them unconsciously narrowed, their shoulders almost brushing against each other.

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

After returning home, it was the familiar routine of cooking.

With their seamless teamwork, dish after dish of mouthwatering food was placed on the dining table.

The rich aroma filled the dining room, making mouths water.

"Shuling, Mom and Uncle aren’t back yet—no sneaking bites!" Luo Shuning had just set a dish down when she caught Luo Shuling reaching out to steal a taste.

She promptly flicked Luo Shuling’s forehead.

"Ow...!" Luo Shuling immediately cried out dramatically, clutching her forehead with a pitiful expression.

Seeing this, Luo Shuning sighed in amusement. "I barely even touched you. Stop exaggerating."

Then, she glanced at Gu Ximan, who was standing nearby watching the scene like it was entertainment. She considered asking her to keep an eye on Luo Shuling but quickly dismissed the idea.

With those two foodies together, they’d probably just compete over who could sneak more bites. No help there.

No choice—she’d have to ask Luo Shuhe for backup.

"Shuhe, can you come help? Brother still needs a hand in the kitchen," Luo Shuning called out to Luo Shuhe, who was lounging on the sofa.

Hearing this, Luo Shuhe slowly stood up, giving a blank nod.

"Thanks, Shuhe."

Just as Luo Shuning smiled, Luo Shuhe walked right past her.

"Big sister can handle them. I’ll go help brother."

Luo Shuning’s smile froze for a split second before she quickly recovered, nodding. "Alright, thanks, Shuhe."

Meanwhile, in the kitchen...

Gu Luo was stir-frying ingredients over high heat. Hearing someone enter, he chuckled without looking up. "Shuning, did those two little gluttons try stealing food again?"

But this time, he didn’t get the response he expected.

Sensing something off, Gu Luo turned his head—only to see "Luo Shuning" holding up two slender fingers.

In an instant, he realized: this wasn’t his little angel. It was the little devil!

And those two fingers could only mean one thing—two demands.

This was already the second time he’d mistaken their identities.

But could he really blame himself?

"...Shuhe, what brings you here?" Gu Luo forced an awkward smile, trying to play dumb.

But Luo Shuhe wasn’t having it. One hand still held up the "2," while the other crept toward the hem of her shirt—as if ready to lift it at any moment.

"Alright, alright..."

Gu Luo surrendered with a bitter laugh.

Normally, he could handle the little devil’s antics, but today was different—Auntie would be back soon.

Only after Gu Luo conceded did Luo Shuhe lower her hand, crossing her arms with a cold expression. "You’ve got real playboy potential."

"Huh? How am I a playboy?"

"Tch. You know exactly what you did—surviving Sunday unscathed? If you’re not a playboy, who is?"

Hearing this, Gu Luo nearly had a stroke.

How was she pinning this on him? The audacity!

"That’s going too far... You were the one trying to set me up. How does that make me the playboy?"

"Oh?" Luo Shuhe took a step forward, staring at him expressionlessly. "So you’re saying you don’t have any particular thoughts?"

"......"

At her brazen words, Gu Luo’s eyes widened, and he hurriedly whispered, "Please, not now. Can you go relax on the sofa for a bit?"

"Changing the subject means you’re admitting it." Luo Shuhe pressed on relentlessly.

"You—" Gu Luo’s scalp prickled, his head spinning.

"So, do you have those thoughts or not?" Luo Shuhe pressed, her gaze piercing.

Fed up, Gu Luo shot back in a hushed tone, "What if I said yes? Would you actually agree to it?"

"Tsk. So you are a playboy." Luo Shuhe nodded thoughtfully.

"No wonder you walked away untouched that day—you’re a natural at playing both sides."

"......"

Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

Don’t let her get to you.

Gu Luo turned off the stove, cautiously peeking into the living room. Seeing Luo Shuning chatting happily with Gu Ximan, he sighed in relief.

Then, lowering his voice, he asked helplessly, "Shuhe, what exactly are you trying to say?"

"What am I trying to say?" Luo Shuhe tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smirked. "Just a friendly reminder—don’t play with fire."

A chill ran down Gu Luo’s spine.

The little devil’s words were always cryptic.

This was definitely a trap.

"Really not considering it?"

Gu Luo’s eye twitched. With no other choice, he changed the subject. "By the way, Shuhe, didn’t you used to call me ‘brother’ like Shuning? Why the sudden switch to ‘gege’?"

"At first, I noticed you seemed happy when sister called you ‘brother,’ so I followed suit."

"As for now... I just don’t want to trail behind her anymore."

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

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