Look I only said a few more words, and my brother is already in such a state.

Dai Xingluo pondered for a moment and realized things weren’t as simple as they seemed.

Earlier, when Ye Yu had called Xu Mu "brother-in-law," it had instinctively lowered her guard.

But upon closer thought, Ye Yu was only connected to Ye Tong.

She had absolutely no relation to Xu Mu.

She could just as easily be a rival.

From what Dai Xingluo knew, there were cases where powerful figures from hidden families or sects married sisters.

There were even benefits to it.

For instance, one of Dai Xingluo’s concerns was that women from hidden families would never truly be united.

But if those two women were sisters, it could actually prevent such issues.

"Brother, this is delicious—try this."

Dai Xingluo picked up a piece of crispy pork and placed it in Xu Mu’s bowl, right on top of the one Ye Yu had just given him.

Ye Yu narrowed her eyes at the sight.

Just as she’d suspected.

This woman’s relationship with her brother-in-law wasn’t as simple as just being friends.

She glanced discreetly at Ye Tong, only to find her sister eating calmly with a smile, completely unfazed.

Ye Yu shook her head. Her sister was really too oblivious—couldn’t she see what was happening?

Well, if that was the case, it fell to her to protect her brother-in-law’s virtue.

Xu Mu kept his head down, focused on his meal. Neither Ye Yu nor Dai Xingluo was an easy opponent.

He figured it was best to stay low-key and avoid provoking either of them.

"Brother, Sister Ye Tong’s cooking is amazing. Here, try this—ah!"

Dai Xingluo held up a piece of beef, bringing it directly to Xu Mu’s lips.

Xu Mu noticed Ye Yu glaring coldly at him and cleared his throat. "I’ll take it myself."

"Ah, so you dislike using the same chopsticks as me? I overestimated our closeness, it seems."

Dai Xingluo sighed softly.

"Go on, it’s already at your mouth," Ye Tong said with a smile, nudging Xu Mu’s shoulder.

Xu Mu was baffled. Was she being sarcastic?

Before he could respond, Dai Xingluo pressed the beef against his lips, rubbing it back and forth.

"Sister already agreed."

Left with no choice, Xu Mu opened his mouth and ate it.

"It really is delicious, isn’t it?" Dai Xingluo asked with a grin.

"Well, my wife made it," Xu Mu replied awkwardly, glancing at Ye Tong, who was still smiling at him.

This completely threw him off. What was going on?

"Brother-in-law! I can’t reach that dish over there!"

Ye Yu had seen enough—did they think her family had no one to stand up for them?

"I’ll get it for you," Xu Mu said hastily, picking up a piece.

Before he could place it in her bowl, Ye Yu opened her mouth wide. "Ah!"

Damn it.

Xu Mu cursed inwardly but obediently fed her the food.

Ye Yu immediately beamed, her dimples showing. "Sister’s cooking is the best."

Dai Xingluo clenched her fists. This little girl was sharper than she’d thought.

"Brother…"

"Brother-in-law…"

Facing their second wave of advances, Xu Mu set down his chopsticks. "I’m full."

With that, he got up and moved to the sofa.

If things had gone according to the original storyline, Dai Xingluo would have been killed by the Dragon King, while Ye Yu would have become part of his harem and eventually a formidable fighter.

But now, Xu Mu had altered the outcome.

Dai Xingluo likely wouldn’t die—and at present, she was far stronger than Ye Yu.

He feared that if things continued this way, the two would grow hostile toward each other. It seemed he needed to find a solution.

Xu Mu rubbed his temples. Back when he read novels, he often envied the protagonists who had entire harems.

In those stories, all the women got along like one big happy family.

But reality was rarely that simple.

Just dealing with Dai Xingluo and Ye Yu alone was giving Xu Mu a headache.

If, by some twist of fate, Xu Ningbing were also dragged into this mess, wouldn’t the roof of his house be blown off by them?

Ye Yu and Dai Xingluo locked eyes, sparks practically flying between them.

After finishing the food in their bowls, they both walked toward Xu Mu.

"Brother-in-law, do you know what boundaries are?"

Ye Yu sat down beside Xu Mu and pointed at Dai Xingluo. "Is she really just a friend? You two are way too close."

"I agree. Brother really should keep his distance. Look how she’s holding his hand," Dai Xingluo retorted, gesturing at Ye Yu.

Hearing this, Ye Yu only tightened her grip. She stuck her tongue out at Dai Xingluo. "Nyah! We’re different."

"How are we different? Are you a child or something?"

Dai Xingluo smirked and sat on Xu Mu’s other side. "Your sister is his wife. You’re not."

"I—"

"Or do you also like Brother? Want to be his wife?"

Dai Xingluo grinned teasingly. "Wouldn’t that be a betrayal of your sister?"

"You—"

Ye Yu’s face flushed instantly. She glanced at Xu Mu and immediately let go of his hand.

Had this wicked woman seen through her carefully hidden feelings?

If her sister found out, what would she think of her?

"Xingluo! Stop spouting nonsense!"

Xu Mu shot Dai Xingluo a glare before wrapping an arm around Ye Yu’s shoulders. "Our relationship isn’t something you can meddle with!"

[Affection Points +20]

Ye Yu looked up at Xu Mu, her cheeks burning even redder.

Her greatest fear wasn’t Xu Mu—it was Ye Tong.

Ye Yu knew her sister was easygoing, but everyone had their limits.

She worried this might drive a wedge between them.

"Look at that! I barely said anything, and Brother’s already like this. Fine, I suppose it’s my fault for speaking up."

Dai Xingluo feigned remorse.

"Hahaha, our home is getting livelier by the day."

Ye Tong walked over with a warm smile. "Xingluo, why don’t you stay the night?"

Dai Xingluo froze. Wasn’t this moving a bit too fast?

"Sister, I have things to do. I can’t stay tonight," she declined, shaking her head. Ye Tong’s enthusiasm was overwhelming.

She needed time to process everything.

Originally, she’d come here intending to drive Ye Tong away and take her place.

But after witnessing Ye Tong’s kindness, she was at a loss.

She had to go back and investigate properly.

If Ye Tong wasn’t putting on an act—if she really was this good-hearted—

Dai Xingluo would accept her. But no one else!

"What a shame. Do visit often, alright?" Ye Tong said cheerfully.

"I will, Sister."

Dai Xingluo waved at Xu Mu. "Goodbye, Brother."

Xu Mu nodded.

After Dai Xingluo left, Ye Tong began clearing the table, humming a tune as if in high spirits.

Xu Mu and Ye Yu exchanged uneasy glances.

Something was off.

Was Ye Tong humming to distract herself?

Both wondered—had they upset her?

Xu Mu was certain that it must have been Dai Xingluo's appearance that caused the stir.

Meanwhile, Ye Yu couldn't help but wonder if her sister already knew about her feelings for Xu Mu.

With a deep sigh, Xu Mu resolved to work harder later—he owed it to them to repay their kindness.