Do Not Approach

53

In most cases, when someone introduces themselves as a sibling, the response should naturally follow suit to establish rapport-Song Ke should've introduced herself as Mu Xiaoxiao's sister too. But she didn't.

Mu Xiaoxiao, carefree as always, didn't notice anything off and happily climbed into the car. "Perfect! Let's all go inside together-no need for more checks."

She turned back to call Song Ke, but before the words left her mouth, Qin Yi pinched her leg.

"Hiss-!"

Mu Xiaoxiao stared at Qin Yi in disbelief. Her technique had gotten even more precise!

Qin Yi's cold gaze fixed on her. "Get out."

If Song Ke hadn't been there, Qin Yi would've kept it simple with a blunt "Scram."

"Why?" Mu Xiaoxiao was dumbfounded. It was scorching hot outside, with the sun blazing overhead.

Qin Yi sneered. She mimicked Mu Xiaoxiao's earlier gesture of ruffling Song Ke's hair, only this time, the rough motion almost gave Mu Xiaoxiao a concussion before she was pushed out of the car.

Mu Xiaoxiao: ...

As the car kicked up dust, Mu Xiaoxiao stood there, dazed, clutching the access card Liu Wannian had tossed her.

Is the Young Miss mad again? But why?

Song Ke stood quietly behind Mu Xiaoxiao, silent for a moment before softly saying, "Sis, let's go inside."

There was no need for her to ask too many questions. Children raised in orphanages learn to observe others and grow up by reading people's expressions. From Mu Xiaoxiao and Qin Yi's interactions and expressions, Song Ke could sense a subtle intimacy.

Maybe the two of them didn't realize it, but to an outsider, it was undeniably like the behavior of a couple.

Song Ke felt a deep ache in her heart, though she hid it well. She had thought that studying abroad and becoming more capable would free her from needing Mu Xiaoxiao's protection. She wanted to protect her sister instead and change her role in her sister's heart.

But now it was clear-someone else had taken the role of protecting Mu Xiaoxiao. She was just a step too late.

Mu Xiaoxiao nodded, glancing back at Song Ke. "Let's store your luggage first."

Song Ke pressed her lips together, gazing at her.

Mu Xiaoxiao added, "Since you're moving back, you'll need a place to stay. Have you started looking for an apartment yet?"

Song Ke blurted out, "Can't I stay with you for now?"

Mu Xiaoxiao smiled at this. She instinctively wanted to ruffle Song Ke's hair but remembered the Young Miss's earlier pinch and let her hand hover mid-air. "Silly girl, do you still think you're a child? You've grown up-you can't live with your sister anymore."

"Why not?"

Tears welled up in Song Ke's eyes as she bit her lip. Mu Xiaoxiao was taken aback by her reaction. "There won't be anyone to look after you if you stay with me. I'm not always home, and Mom is going back soon. Hey, why are you getting worked up? Let's head inside first-we'll figure it out later, okay?"

Song Ke nodded, lowering her head and sniffing quietly.

As much as she didn't want to admit it, she knew...

Something had changed.

Inside the hospital, Qiuqiu-who was about to undergo surgery-was thrilled to see so many people visiting her. When Mu Xiaoxiao walked in, Qiuqiu was holding a banana like a microphone and cheerfully announced, "Hi, everyone! Let me see your hands!"