And honestly, Xiao Duo really was hungry. He’d only had a few crayfish earlier that night—barely got a taste before they were gone—and now his stomach was empty and uncomfortable.
Gu Yun’er laid out the boxes one by one on the coffee table, then grabbed some chilled soda from the fridge. When Xiao Duo saw all that, he froze for a second—this scene felt oddly familiar.
“Oh no! I totally forgot you’re on your period, Sis. I’ll go get you some warm water.” Gu Yun’er gasped and immediately scurried off to prepare it, not giving Xiao Duo a chance to worry about a thing. Man, Gu Wan’er was lucky.
Looking at the spread of late-night snacks, Xiao Duo’s appetite kicked in. Braised crayfish—my absolute favorite! And those big pork trotters! And the grilled lamb chops! Honestly, even better than my Yun’er sister.
“Sis, let me peel the shrimp for you.” Gu Yun’er knelt on the rug by the coffee table, snapped on a pair of disposable gloves, and got to work.
Xiao Duo thought to himself, If I had a sister like this, I’d gladly stay single for another ten years.
But if Gu Wan’er were here, she’d know exactly what Gu Yun’er was up to. All this buttering-up meant she wanted something—and not something small, either.
Right now, Xiao Duo was lounging around like a true big shot. Gu Yun’er peeled one shrimp, Xiao Duo ate one. Fine wine, good company—life was pure bliss. This kind of lifestyle was just too decadent. But as they say, if I don’t go to hell, who will? So let me, Xiao Duo, bear this sinful indulgence.
“Sis.” Gu Yun’er suddenly called out with a grin as she peeled.
Xiao Duo gave a casual “Mm?”
“Who was that guy who dropped you off just now?”
Xiao Duo paused—didn’t realize Yun’er had been peeking. He quickly recovered and said smoothly, “You know how your sister just got transferred to the branch office here. She needs trusted people around her.”
“So he’s her right-hand man?” Gu Yun’er dropped the shrimp meat into the bowl, her eyes sparkling.
“Of course. Sometimes he even plays the role of a shield.”
“Oh, I see.”
Catching the look on Gu Yun’er’s face, Xiao Duo sensed something off. “Yun’er, is there something you want to tell your sister?”
You’re not seeing a boyfriend, are you? Who’s the guy? I veto it a thousand times over.
Gu Yun’er lowered her head and spoke softly, “Didn’t you say last time you’d introduce me to someone, Sis? Did you forget?”
Xiao Duo’s heart skipped a beat. So Yun’er had been keeping that in mind. But Sis couldn’t help it—she’d been busy with her own stuff all week. Your sister would never be as attentive as I am.
“Yun’er, I’ve been so swamped with work I totally let your matter slip.” Xiao Duo quickly launched into self-blame. Looks like Yun’er wanted to experience an earth-shattering romance.
Gu Yun’er seemed a little shy, but in Xiao Duo’s eyes, this was the adorable side that Gu Wan’er lacked—plus a faint, sweet quality, like first love, intoxicating and pure.
“That’s okay, as long as you remember, Sis.”
See? Look at that little expression! He wanted to tell her right then and there—our Yun’er is all grown up now, and she hasn’t even gotten to enjoy the joys of being a young woman yet.
“Sis, is the guy you’re introducing the one who dropped you off just now?” Gu Yun’er asked curiously.
Xiao Duo felt like giving Yun’er a pat on the back—sharp eyes! Even through the glass, she could see how outstanding he was. Not like Sister Bai—that hurt too much.
Xiao Duo let out a dramatic sigh. “I didn’t expect you to find out.”
“Then why didn’t you invite him in for a bit?”
Whoa, Yun’er, you’re way too eager! You’re making me a little shy here.
“It’s too late. Doesn’t feel right. Next time, I’ll set up a meal—maybe a date—for you two.”
Gu Yun’er drew out a long “Oh.” Then she said, “Sis, he’s your shield. If he ends up being my boyfriend, would you be upset?”
Xiao Duo was completely dumbfounded. He couldn’t quite figure out what Yun’er meant. Was she already drawn to his kingly aura before even meeting him?
No, no—was Yun’er maybe jealous of her sister? Hinting that once he became her boyfriend, he couldn’t be her sister’s shield anymore? Oho, Yun’er wants him all to herself.
“How could I be? Absolutely not.”
“I heard that guys who start as shields always end up becoming the real deal.”
Good heavens—I never realized Yun’er was this sharp. If she really became my girlfriend, I wouldn’t even be able to look at other girls. I’ll have to think this through carefully.
“Yun’er, what are you getting at?” Xiao Duo asked curiously, picking up his glass.
Gu Yun’er tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and chuckled lightly. “Actually, I was thinking—your boyfriend could also be my boyfriend.”
Pfft—!!!
Xiao Duo hadn’t even swallowed his water—he sprayed it right out.
Yun’er, I never knew you had this kind of perspective. Brother Yu has a hard time accepting it. Your sister has too many bad habits, but if she begged me, maybe I’d soften up and agree.
“Ahahaha, I’m just kidding!” Gu Yun’er suddenly burst into laughter, even slapping her thigh. Xiao Duo kind of wanted to slap it too.
But you little rascal—you gave your Yu brother a real scare there.
Seeing her sister put on a stern face, Gu Yun’er sat up straight. “Sis, what’s his WeChat? Let me add him and chat a bit.”
“1508962648.”
Xiao Duo knew his own number by heart, but he still had to add a reminder: “Yun’er, he doesn’t like phone calls, so it’s best to just chat on WeChat.”
“Doesn’t like calls? Fine, me neither.”
Gu Yun’er pulled out her phone and quickly sent a request. “Oh, by the way, Sis—have you told him about me?”
“Mentioned you. He really likes your type.”
“That’s great. Does he know who I am? Have you shown him my pictures?”
Xiao Duo said with a straight face, “Does your sister look that clueless? Of course I didn’t tell him what you look like or who you are. I just said you’re a friend.”
Xiao Duo told himself he wasn’t lying—Gu Wan’er had kept you under tight wraps and told him nothing. He’d just accept this little surprise.
“Finally, a sister I can count on. Why hasn’t he added me yet?” Gu Yun’er pouted at her phone.
Xiao Duo made something up. “Probably asleep.”
“He just left, though.”
“Probably fell asleep in the car.”
Gu Yun’er: “…”
I want to add you too, Yun’er, but you have to give me a little personal space, don’t you?
After a while, Xiao Duo was stuffed and satisfied. “I’m going to take a shower. Don’t pull that stunt like last time, okay?”
Gu Yun’er, who was tidying up the trash, gave a casual “Mm.”
Miss Gu, I’ve done all I can. If your sister comes sneaking in again tonight, I won’t put up much of a fight.
After showering, Xiao Duo stepped out bare as he twisted his neck. When he saw the bed empty, he felt a tiny pang of disappointment. Yun’er actually listened tonight.
Ah, forget it. Yun’er’s a good girl. We shouldn’t lead her astray.
He turned off the light and lay in bed, replaying the night’s events in his head. A trace of helplessness crept in—maybe he’d gone a little too far tonight.
Just as his thoughts drifted, he suddenly felt something grab his calf, and Xiao Duo let out a shriek that hit an octave he didn’t know he had.
