If being called a "machine-loving bro" is what it takes, then so be it.
Gu Luo smiled helplessly, his heart brimming with affection.
As long as his little sister was happy, nothing else mattered.
He no longer felt the need to hide his sibling relationship with the Shu Ning sisters either.
If anyone asked, he’d admit it openly.
There was no reason to keep it a secret anymore.
Initially, he’d kept it under wraps to avoid drawing too much attention and ending up on the "This Guy Must Die" list—a ranking that invited envy and resentment from other guys.
After all, living under the same roof as a trio of gorgeous triplets was enough to make anyone green with jealousy.
But things were different now.
Somehow, propelled by an inexplicable force, he’d still landed on that dreaded list.
Now, practically every girl in school was fawning over him.
Life was hard.
All of this was the inevitable consequence of being too handsome and too charming.
Just as the two were about to enter East Lake Park, Luo Shuling suddenly spoke up, "Big bro, you can put me down now."
"Your leg doesn’t hurt anymore?" Gu Luo tilted his head slightly.
"Ugh, you know I was faking it," Luo Shuling said, playfully pinching his ear with an intimate familiarity.
"At least you’re self-aware."
Gu Luo chuckled, his laughter laced with indulgence.
Then, he slowly crouched down.
Luo Shuling nimbly hopped off his back, landing gracefully before bouncing a couple of times to test her knee. Satisfied that the scrape wasn’t serious, she flashed a peace sign with a giggle. "Hehe, I just needed a good excuse for you to carry me."
"Next time, just ask. You don’t need a reason for something like this," Gu Luo said as he straightened up, rolling his stiff shoulders.
Of course, words like these were something he’d only say openly to Luo Shuling and Gu Ximan.
If it were Luo Shuning, he’d still feel a little bashful—ah, the awkwardness of a first crush.
And Luo Shuhe? He couldn’t even imagine.
So, some things were only meant for a pure little sister.
His "little angel" and "little devil" were no longer so innocent.
Hearing his words, Luo Shuling clutched her chest dramatically, as if struck by an invisible force, and gasped, "Bro... you’re just too kind..."
She blinked, then added, "Ximan’s stock just keeps rising!"
"......"
Gu Luo opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. This sister of his was just too adorable—too mischievous—leaving him torn between laughter and exasperation.
Luo Shuling took a cat carrier from his hand and pointed toward the lake. "East Lake is so beautiful."
"Yeah."
Gu Luo’s gaze followed hers to the shimmering water.
A few wild ducks floated leisurely, dipping their heads beneath the surface before resurfacing.
The surrounding trees cast cool shadows, and the air carried the fresh scent of grass.
"So many ducks! I’m gonna take pictures!" Luo Shuling declared before sprinting toward the lake.
Her shorts showcased her long, fair legs, which gleamed under the sunlight.
With every step, the muscles in her legs flexed and relaxed, radiating youthful energy.
The way her thighs moved—especially the elegant stretch of her hamstrings—created a mesmerizing harmony of strength and grace.
So full of life.
And then, his mind wandered back to Luo Shuling’s unfairly toned abs.
"Wonder which lucky bastard will get to marry Shuling someday," Gu Luo murmured under his breath as he watched her lively figure dart ahead.
The thought of his sweet, spirited little sister ending up with someone else made his blood boil—enough to send him straight to the kitchen for a knife.
Such was the curse of being a doting older brother.
He wanted her to be happy, yet the idea of her leaving his side for another guy was unbearable.
But then he remembered Gu Ximan’s declaration that she’d stay with him forever, and his mood instantly lifted.
Only for it to twist into something more complicated.
Could Ximan really stay single her whole life?
And if so...
Gu Luo shook his head, forcibly ejecting those strange thoughts.
No use overthinking it.
Time would tell.
The future was long, and no one could predict what tomorrow held.
As the lake breeze brushed against his face, Gu Luo closed his eyes and exhaled, letting his emotions settle.
Then, he pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of the park’s entrance before sending it to Luo Shuning—saved in his contacts as "Little Angel."
[Gu Luo: [Photo]]
[Gu Luo: Made it to East Lake Park. The weather’s perfect today.]
He didn’t know why, but he just wanted to share these little moments with her.
The urge was overwhelming, like a floodgate bursting open.
Almost instantly, a reply popped up.
[Luo Shuning: Wow, the weather really is nice! (≧◡≦)]
Seeing the cute emoticon and her immediate response, Gu Luo’s lips curled into an unstoppable grin.
He quickly snapped more photos—flowers, grass, the scenery—and sent them her way.
[Luo Shuning: [Photo reply] These pink flowers are so pretty! ?(????ε???)]
[Luo Shuning: [Photo reply] Ooh, what kind of plant is this? It’s so tall! ???????]
[Luo Shuning: [Photo reply] There’s even a praying mantis! (?????)]
[Luo Shuning: [Photo reply] ...? ▽ ?]
Watching Luo Shuning meticulously comment on each picture, Gu Luo’s smile widened until it nearly split his face.
Uncontainable. Absolutely uncontainable.
His heart itched, as if a kitten were pawing at it playfully.
If not for the public setting, he might’ve squirmed like an overexcited worm.
How could his little angel be this adorable?
[Gu Luo: Shuning, let’s come here tonight. The breeze feels amazing.]
Without hesitation, he sent the invitation.
The thought of strolling by the lake with her under the moonlight was pure bliss.
This time, the reply took about forty seconds.
[Luo Shuning: [Photo]]
[Luo Shuning: ???????????]
The photo showed Luo Shuning tilting her head, cheeks flushed, flashing an "OK" sign with a sweet smile.
A selfie of his little angel.
Utterly, devastatingly cute.
Gu Luo saved the image immediately, then zoomed in to admire every flawless detail of her face.
Not a single imperfection—just pure, breathtaking perfection.
Meanwhile, in her bedroom...
Luo Shuning twisted playfully on the bed, her slender, shapely legs swaying—now lifting high, now slowly lowering—her face lit with an unshakable smile.
Feeling Gu Luo's eagerness to share with her, her heart swelled with sweetness, as if drenched in honey. She responded just as enthusiastically, reveling in their tender exchange.
When Gu Luo took too long to reply, she bit back her shyness and typed:
[Luo Shuning: If I’m not mistaken, you definitely saved the photo first and then zoomed in, didn’t you? ?(???ω???)?]
After sending it, Luo Shuning seemed to recall something and immediately covered her flushed cheek with one hand, her mind wandering to imagine Gu Luo’s expression at that moment.
Soon, Gu Luo replied.
[Gu Luo: And if I’m not mistaken either, Shu Ning must’ve been smiling the whole time while taking photo after photo, then picked the very best one to send, right?]
............
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