CHAPTER 124

Xiaoyuan woke after a long, satisfying sleep, stretching contentedly as she glanced around the room. Unsurprisingly, no one else was there. She lingered for a moment, running her hand over the sheets.

'I wonder when Wei Zhuang went back last night? She must have waited until I fell asleep before leaving, right?'

Checking her phone, she found a WeChat message from Wei Zhuang: [Tell me when you wake up.]

She chuckled and replied, [I'm awake.]

After waiting a moment without an immediate response, Xiaoyuan went to freshen up, then walked out with her phone in hand. The dining table was empty—no breakfast in sight.

She sent a voice message to Cai Juan: "Brother, where's my breakfast?"

"Bought it, bought it. It's just, uh, is it for one person or two?" Cai Juan replied instantly with a voice message.

Xiaoyuan was a little confused at first, then she reacted, saying a bit shyly, "Of course it's just for me! What are you thinking?"

Cai Juan snickered.

After sending the voice message, she saw Wei Zhuang's reply pop up: [I'll take you to dinner tonight. What do you want to eat?]

When Cai Juan walked in with breakfast, he found someone grinning foolishly at her phone, completely oblivious to the food being set down.

[Can I really choose anything to eat? But you can't handle spicy food.] Xiaoyuan thought for a moment before sending another message, [Why don't you decide what to eat? I'm not picky anyway.]

After a while, Wei Zhuang replied, [Okay.]

Xiaoyuan giggled while holding her phone. Looking up, she saw Cai Juan taking away the breakfast items—steamed buns, fried dough, soy milk, and the like. She quickly stopped him, "Cai Juan, what are you doing? I haven't eaten yet!"

"Oh, I thought chatting on WeChat was enough to fill you up. Why bother eating?" Cai Juan teased her.

"Hey, no way! I'll eat, I'll eat..."Xiaoyuan laughed sheepishly.

That evening, Xiaoyuan dressed up carefully. The early autumn breeze gently lifted the hem of her skirt as she felt the sweet anticipation of a date for the very first time.

Wei Zhuang took her to a Japanese restaurant tucked away in an old alley. The entrance was so narrow that cars passing by outside could easily miss it.

They got out of the car and walked through the narrow passage shaded by dense plane trees, breathing in the delicate fragrance of magnolia blossoms before entering the restaurant.

The place was small. Once they were seated, the owner closed the door and hung up a "Fully Booked" sign.

According to the owner, premium ingredients had arrived that day.

This was Xiaoyuan's first time tasting bluefin tuna—specifically, the most prized Atlantic bluefin.

She sampled the rarest and most marbled part of the fish—the fatty otoro, sliced into a delicate pink with beautiful marble-like patterns.

She lightly dipped it in soy sauce. The moment it touched her tongue, the tender flesh melted, bursting with exquisite flavor.

"Eat the first piece like this. For the second, place a bit of wasabi on the fish before dipping it in soy sauce." Wei Zhuang instructed her.

"It's so delicious." Xiaoyuan beamed with delight.

The taste was fresh, sweet, and slightly springy—not only delicious but also highly nutritious.

Between bites, Xiaoyuan thought to herself that it must be incredibly expensive, and such high-quality fish probably wasn't available often.

This dish was the only one Wei Zhuang had specifically ordered for her. The rest were Xiaoyuan's choices—whatever she fancied.

She ordered a large plate of tempura—sweet potato, asparagus, shrimp, lotus root, and more—along with botan shrimp, foie gras, and sea urchin rice bowl, thoroughly enjoying every bite.

Wei Zhuang only ate two slices of otoro, a couple of shrimp, and sipped a little sake.

"You barely ate anything." Xiaoyuan remarked softly as they walked out into the alley after dinner. "Aren't you hungry?"

"I'm not used to eating at night." Wei Zhuang replied calmly.

Xiaoyuan glanced up at her. But she remembered a few times before when Wei Zhuang had eaten at night—she'd even ordered congee for her, which Wei Zhuang had eaten. That wasn't dinner, it was a late-night snack. Looking back now, Wei Zhuang had eaten rather slowly those times.

She smiled faintly, resisting the urge to hold her hand. They were in public, after all. She glanced around—though secluded, the area had bars, restaurants, concept stores, and art galleries popular among young people.

She was currently in her promotional period, and many paparazzi were keeping an eye on her. They couldn't be too int!mate in public. Then again, she wasn't some top-tier celebrity or national actress—what were the odds of being recognized?

Lost in thought for a few seconds, she fell behind Wei Zhuang. Just as she was about to call her name, someone behind her beat her to it.

"Xiang Xiaoyuan? Is that Little Yuanyuan?"

There were also a few voices, male and female, saying, "No way? Is that her?"

"It's her, it's definitely her."

Xiaoyuan froze. Wei Zhuang also heard the voices and turned to find her first.

In those few seconds, the people behind had already caught up. There was no time to run now. A petite figure darted in front of her first.

With round eyes and round glasses, the girl looked somewhat familiar. She beamed at Xiaoyuan like a blooming flower. "I didn't mistake you—it really is Xiaoyuan!"

"Ah... I..." Xiaoyuan glanced at Wei Zhuang, who had stopped in place. The cool breeze tousled her jet-black hair as she lifted a hand to brush it aside, as if waiting for Xiaoyuan to handle the situation.

The two who caught up were a man and a woman. The man, in his thirties, also wore glasses, while the woman had a plump, pleasant-looking figure. Both were eyeing Xiaoyuan curiously.

"I'm Duo Miaojiang! Do you still remember me?"

"Oh!" Xiaoyuan immediately recalled—this was the first fan who had ever visited her on set. The memory was vivid. "Hello, hello!"

"Oh my god, what are the chances of running into you like this?" Duo Miaojiang called out to the other two. "See? I told you it was her!"

"Xiaoyuan, let me introduce you—these are two friends from our fan group. This is Lao Zhang, and this is Hua Mei. We're all your fans, all Gardeners!"

"Ah, hello everyone!" Xiaoyuan waved at them, then glanced at Wei Zhuang, who gave her a slight nod.

'Make it quick, before more people come,' Xiaoyuan thought to herself.

She signed autographs for each of them, and Duo Miaojiang requested a group photo.

Worried about keeping Wei Zhuang waiting, Xiaoyuan stole another glance at her.

Truthfully, Duo Miaojiang and the others had noticed the woman standing nearby from the start—tall and slender, her profile exquisitely defined, with a uniquely cool yet alluring aura.

She seemed to have a good relationship with Xiang Xiaoyuan, they had been walking closely together just now.

"Ah, this is... my sister. She doesn't like taking photos." Xiaoyuan said with a smile. "Please make sure she's not in the shot."

"Oh, got it..." Duo Miaojiang and the others nodded in realization, their gazes involuntarily drifting toward Wei Zhuang.

Though she looked young, her presence carried an aloof, almost imperious detachment. Yet it didn't come across as pretentious or arrogant—it felt innate, something bone-deep and utterly convincing.

Without thinking, they found themselves nodding respectfully in her direction.

Wei Zhuang didn't react to the word "sister," just a faint lift of her brow, her eyes glinting ever so slightly.

"But we really want a group photo..." Duo Miaojiang glanced around—there was no one else nearby. "Uh..."

"Maybe we can find another passerby..." Lao Zhang adjusted his glasses.

"Ah, no, please don't. I sneaked out." Xiaoyuan quickly waved her hands.

Duo Miaojiang looked between Wei Zhuang and Xiaoyuan. "Then... could we trouble your sister...?" She carefully held out her phone.

Xiaoyuan thought that she shouldn't waste any more time. She took Duo Miaojiang's phone, turned to Wei Zhuang, smiled charmingly at her, and winked. "Sister, can you take a picture for us?"

......

Once in the car, Xiaoyuan couldn't stop smiling. She didn't say a word, just tilted her head and gazed at Wei Zhuang, her grin dripping with sweetness.

Wei Zhuang pressed her lips together slightly and glanced at her sideways.

Xiaoyuan leaned in with a mischievous grin, whispering, "So... what do you think of being called 'sister'?"

"I have two younger brothers, but no younger sisters." Wei Zhuang said calmly.

"Two?" Xiaoyuan was puzzled.

She thought Wei Zhuang only had one brother named Wei Ting. Although Wei Jiabao was also publicly known as her brother, surely she wasn't referring to him, right?

Xiaoyuan's smile faded slightly, feeling this wasn't the right moment to bring up Wei Jiabao—it would only ruin the mood.

"Mm. Besides Wei Ting, Jim is my schoolmate and also a relative of our family, so he's like a brother to me too."

Wow, this was the first time she had shared details about her family with Xiaoyuan. She was pleasantly surprised. Earlier, Wei Zhuang hadn't refused to take photos with her and her fans either. After their last disagreement, it seemed Wei Zhuang had changed a little.

She had softened somewhat and was now willing to open up about her life.

Xiaoyuan already felt deeply content. Her smile, bathed in the soft light of the car, took on a tender, sweet glow.

Back at Wei Zhuang's place, Xiaoyuan scrolled through Weibo for any mentions of their encounter that night but found none. Duo Miaojiang had promised not to post about meeting her on social media, and true to her word, there was nothing.

Most of the posts were about promotions for The Long Night, which was gaining good traction. But thinking about the hectic schedule ahead made Xiaoyuan's head spin.

She yawned and got ready for bed.

Earlier in the car, they had talked about Wei Zhuang's brothers. Now, right after her shower, Wei Zhuang received a video call from one of them.

What kind of brother was this? It might be daytime where he was, but here it was already late at night. Didn't he realize he was intruding on his sister's private time?

Pouting, Xiaoyuan slipped into Wei Zhuang's room, climbed onto her bed, dimmed the lights, and pulled the covers over herself.

"Big sister, here's the thing—Jiabao has been staying with me these past few days. He's done well this semester, and his film projects are impressive, so I gave him the gift you left with me."

"But he refused it. Ahem..." Wei Ting paused as another voice chimed in off-screen, tone sharp, "I have money from 'Dad.' I don't need yours. Keep it for your little lover!"

"That was meant for you." Wei Zhuang replied coolly.

Wei Ting spoke gently, "Jiabao, come here and talk properly. Don't hide in the corner."

"Brother, I told you—she dumped me here for her little lover. I have nothing to say to her."

Wei Ting cleared his throat. "Still, you were in the wrong. If the girl didn't want to be with you, you should've let it go."

"Why don't you ask her? After that, she stole the girl I liked!"

Wei Ting: "..."

He glanced awkwardly at Wei Zhuang, noticing her expression darken as she frowned. "I don't appreciate that kind of joke."

"She sent me all the way to America over some outsider. Bro, don't bother trying to convince me. I'll never forgive her."

"You don't have to forgive me." Wei Zhuang said, still composed.

Wei Jiabao fell silent. Wei Ting sighed and changed the subject. "Sis, how have you been lately? No matter how busy you are, make sure to rest. Has your headache been acting up?"

"No, it's been a while since the last episode." Wei Zhuang was about to end the call when Wei Jiabao suddenly rushed back into frame and snapped, "Stop meddling in my life! You should worry about getting played by your little lover instead. Who knows? Maybe she's just toying with you before dumping you for someone richer—someone younger!"

After saying that, he turned and left. Wei Ting looked awkward, hesitating as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he remaining silent. She bid Wei Zhuang farewell and ended the video call.

Wei Zhuang sat for a while before heading upstairs. The house was quiet as she returned to her room.

Xiaoyuan lay on her bed, seemingly already asleep.

Wei Zhuang didn't speak, her dark eyes fixed on Xiaoyuan with a faint glimmer. After a moment, she reached out and brushed the hair away from Xiaoyuan's cheek.

The corners of Xiaoyuan's lips curled up as she grabbed Wei Zhuang's hand, opening her eyes with a playful grin. "You're back?"

"Mm." Wei Zhuang tried to pull her hand away, but Xiaoyuan held on tight, tugging her down onto the bed before wrapping her arms around her. "What's wrong? Did something unpleasant happen with your brother?"

Wei Zhuang paused at Xiaoyuan's perceptiveness, silent for a few seconds before replying, "It's nothing."

Xiaoyuan studied her deeply before suddenly smiling. "Then don't mind your brothers—mind me instead. I'm very well-behaved, I won't make you angry, Sister."

The President's gaze lingered on her subtly.

Xiaoyuan nuzzled against her like a mischievous kitten. "Really! Sister, Sister Zhuang, don't keep frowning. Smile for me!"

She then playfully tickled Wei Zhuang's chin. "Come on, give your little sister a smile!"

Wei Zhuang caught her hand, long lashes lowering as she sighed faintly. "Stop fooling around."

Xiaoyuan leaned in to kiss her cheek, but Wei Zhuang held her back. Surprised, Xiaoyuan blinked—Wei Zhuang's usually cool, beautiful eyes held an unfamiliar emotion, as if she were contemplating something while gazing at her. The intensity of that look startled her. "Hmm?"

Wei Zhuang's hand cupped her cheek, and under the warm yellow light, her expression gradually softened.

'Softened?'

Xiaoyuan didn't think she was overthinking it—she felt electrified by the shift, unable to resist kissing her.

Between the two of them, Xiaoyuan was always the one who initiated their kisses. Wei Zhuang usually responded a beat slower, meeting her halfway.

She was truly unpredictable—sometimes dominant, sometimes passive, leaving Xiaoyuan utterly enchanted.

Xiaoyuan wrapped her arms around Wei Zhuang, straddling her lap as she kissed her, fingers trailing over her shoulders and slipping her clothes down. Burying her face against Wei Zhuang's skin, she thought she was close to getting her way—until she realized her legs had already been pinned beneath Wei Zhuang's movements.

She tried to squirm free, but Wei Zhuang's grip on her waist tightened...

On the slightly cool autumn night, the flickering light blurred into fragmented dots behind her hazy eyelids.

Dizzy and breathless, she bit her lip, unable to suppress the soft sounds that escaped as she was tenderly coaxed along, instinctively matching Wei Zhuang's rhythm.

The look in Wei Zhuang's eyes was different from usual—intense, following her every reaction, smoldering like molten heat beneath a volcano, dangerously alluring.

She quickly reached her limit, collapsing against Wei Zhuang's shoulder.

"Xiaoyuan..." Soft kisses brushed against her ear, her shoulder, accompanied by Wei Zhuang's husky murmur.

The room was filled with their rapid breaths, ambiguity fermenting in the deep sea-like room. The bedsheets were as messy as turbulent waves in the deep sea, and the night deepened in waves.

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