The Uninvited Guest

During dinner, a hint of tension arose between Qiao Yu and Qiao Xi, something both men at the table noticed.

Qiao Zhengguo remained silent, while Zhou Yi openly sided with Qiao Xi, making the girl so happy she even went for a second helping.

After the meal, Zhou Yi didn’t linger at the Qiao residence.

Under Qiao Xi’s reluctant gaze, he slipped away into the night.

Qiao Xi watched his retreating figure with sparkling eyes—this was the first time she’d ever felt the warmth of being favored.

In every matter involving Qiao Yu, she had always been the overlooked one.

Today, Zhou Yi gave her a taste of something she’d never experienced before.

Though, in a way, it was only natural.

From Zhou Yi’s perspective, standing by Qiao Xi’s side was the obvious choice.

She really was easy to please, and her fondness for Zhou Yi made her see everything in the best possible light.

Once Zhou Yi was gone, Qiao Yu leaned against the doorway and said, "Xi, could you share Zhou Yi’s WeChat with me?"

Qiao Xi pressed her lips together, visibly reluctant, and shook her head. "Brother Yi said not to give his contact to just anyone."

Qiao Yu frowned. "Am I just anyone? I’m your sister."

Qiao Xi lowered her voice. "You’re my sister, but that doesn’t make you anything to Brother Yi..."

Was Qiao Yu really not "just anyone" to Zhou Yi?

Qiao Yu scoffed. "I never knew you could be so petty. The older you get, the smaller your heart becomes."

Qiao Xi suddenly lifted her head, her usual meekness replaced by a rare firmness.

"Sister, some things aren’t meant to be shared. He’s someone I like, and you know it, yet you still push. What kind of reaction did you expect from me?"

Qiao Yu was taken aback—this was the first time her timid little sister had ever stood her ground so fiercely.

The girl continued, "If you think I’m being petty, then fine. When it comes to Brother Yi, I am petty. I don’t want anyone taking him from me, especially not my own sister. That just makes it worse."

With that, Qiao Xi turned and headed upstairs without another glance.

Qiao Yu stood frozen for a moment before sighing and remarking to Qiao Zhengguo, "Dad, look at her—so bold with me now. She really has grown up..."

Her sister, who used to bow her head and wipe away tears, had finally found the courage to fight back.

Qiao Zhengguo shook his head. "This isn’t like arguing over a piece of clothing. At dinner, you saw how Zhou Yi treats her differently. Let it go. I’ll find someone else for you."

Qiao Yu stayed silent, resentment simmering in her chest. At the same time, she couldn’t help but see her sister in a new light.

Had Qiao Xi changed, or had she simply never truly understood her before?

Love worked in mysterious ways.

It could give someone vulnerabilities—or armor.

Qiao Xi might have been soft-spoken before, but when it came to Zhou Yi, she’d discovered a courage she never knew she had.

Upstairs, Qiao Xi sat in her room, staring blankly at the painting Zhou Yi had given her.

She couldn’t believe she’d actually stood up to Qiao Yu like that—it was so unlike her.

Thinking back to her jealous words and actions, she touched her flushed cheeks, embarrassed.

Had Brother Yi laughed at her?

Her mind wandered to her uncharacteristic behavior earlier.

She’d always been the peacemaker, believing harmony brought prosperity, so she yielded and endured without complaint. She rarely contradicted even Qiao Zhengguo.

No matter how Qiao Yu bullied her, she’d just cry for a few days and move on, never holding grudges.

But when it came to Qiao Yu’s behavior around Zhou Yi, she’d felt real anger—enough to snap back multiple times.

Lying on her bed, she gazed at the ceiling and murmured, "Am I turning into a jealous little thing...?"

Then she buried her face in her pillow, Zhou Yi’s gentle smile filling her thoughts.

With a glow in her eyes, she pulled out her phone and messaged him.

[Qiao Xi: Brother Yi, my sister just asked for your WeChat. I said no.]

[Zhou Yi: That’s fine. Whatever you say goes.]

Qiao Xi couldn’t help but grin—a silly, adorable smile brimming with youthful innocence.

Zhou Yi gave her the illusion of being utterly cherished, as if she held a special place in his heart.

But of course, she mattered more to him than Qiao Yu did.

If she didn’t want him to add Qiao Yu, he wouldn’t care. He’d met plenty of beauties; Qiao Yu was nothing extraordinary to him.

Qiao Xi’s affection points rose by 2—just a little more, and they’d max out. Zhou Yi guessed they’d hit the mark by the time he left Huaihai.

When he arrived home, an unexpected visitor was waiting.

Little Jia.

She was crouched at his doorstep, shivering in thin clothes, arms wrapped around herself as she muttered complaints.

"What kind of cursed weather is this?"

"Why isn’t he back yet? Seriously..."

"I came all this way—he wouldn’t just ignore me, right?"

"Probably not. He’s not that heartless. Yeah, just wait a bit longer."

"Stupid Zhou Yi, not answering my calls. So annoying."

"Brother Zhou... when are you coming home...?"

She sniffled, her nose red from the cold, and buried her face in her arms—until she heard a resigned sigh.

Her head shot up, and the moment she saw Zhou Yi’s amused smile, she sprang up and threw herself at him.

"You took forever! I’ve been waiting ages!"

Though her words were accusatory, her grip was tight, and her face lit up with unrestrained joy.

Zhou Yi patted her back. "I’m here now. You never told me you were coming."

Little Jia pouted up at him, still clinging. "Excuse me? I called you dozens of times! You ignored every one. How was I supposed to tell you?"

Zhou Yi arched a brow. "You were the one demanding I come find you the second I got back. I’ve been swamped—look at me, just now getting home. Could’ve cut me some slack."

He rubbed his temples, feigning exhaustion, and Little Jia’s irritation melted into guilt.

Her voice softened. "Sorry... I just missed you too much. You’ve been gone for days, and I’ve been freezing my butt off with cold showers. I’m turning into an icicle!"

Zhou Yi chuckled. "You actually took cold showers every day? I told you to wait for me. Why the rush?"

Little Jia huffed. "Was I not allowed to rush?"

Zhou Yi rubbed his forehead with a helpless laugh. "Alright, alright... Little Jia, you’re really something."

Little Jia stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Hurry up and open the door."

As soon as Zhou Yi unlocked the door and stepped inside, before he could even kick off his shoes, Little Jia pinned him against the door, her lips crashing into his while her hands tugged impatiently at his clothes.

"Hey, wait—hold on, let’s at least get inside first."

"You’re gonna rip my clothes at this rate. How are you this strong?"

"Let’s go to the bedroom. It’s cold here. Be good, let’s move somewhere else."

"Seriously, I don’t want you catching a chill. I’d feel awful if you got sick."

"Come on, my dear, slow down a little—"

"Wait, just wait—mmph..."

......