Chapter 60: Does the author enjoy watching his older sister make a fool of herself?

From the time Song Wuqi could remember, she was afraid of her aunt.

She didn't live in Jingting when she was a child; she lived with her parents in Jiangcheng city and only returned to Jingting on weekends.

When she was about five or six years old, her parents had another argument.

Her mother sent her to Jingting.

On the way, her mother kept cursing her father as a good-for-nothing. Song Wuqi was in a bad mood but didn't dare to argue with her mother.

Her grandparents weren't home that day, and she was so angry that she plucked a patch of flowers from the backyard garden to vent her anger.

The aunt tried to stop her, but was pushed and fell down.

Just as she was about to kick the woman to vent her anger, she saw her aunt.

Feeling guilty, she falsely accused her aunt of picking the flowers, when she was simply reprimanding her aunt.

The aunt didn't say anything, but just looked at her calmly, as if she could tell that she was lying.

She didn't know why, but she was just terrified and burst into tears.

Her aunt didn't comfort her and just let her cry.

She cried for a long time, until she was exhausted.

Her aunt then asked her if she knew she was wrong.

She cried again, sobbing that she admitted she was wrong.

Her aunt also wanted her to apologize to her aunt.

Fearful memories are all too easy to remember.

Song Wuqi was more afraid of this seemingly soft-spoken aunt than of his grandfather, who always had a stern face and scolded people.

Concealing the melancholy in his eyes, Song Wuqi obediently stayed with Old Master Song for a while before leaving.

After leaving the tea room, Song Wuqi went to find Jingting's steward.

"Uncle Wu," Song Wuqi greeted Wu Yu with a warm smile.

The butler's name is Wu Yu, and he used to be Mr. Song's personal assistant.

After Mr. Song stepped down from his position as president of the Song Group, Wu Yu came to Jingting as his housekeeper, and Wu Yu handled most of Mr. Song's affairs.

"Young Miss?" Wu Yu's surprised expression masked a wary mind.

He had been by Old Master Song's side for over twenty years, watching Song Wuqi grow up.

Wu Yu also inadvertently stumbled upon a side of Song Wuqi that was unknown to others, and it could be said that he understood Song Wuqi better than Old Master Song himself.

"Uncle Wu, I'd like to ask about the house in Shengming Mansion that Grandpa gave to Ranran. Did you help him buy it?" Song Wuqi asked respectfully.

After seeing Song Zhixu at Shengming Mansion, Song Wuqi had a vague feeling that something was wrong.

She noticed that when Song Zhixu left the mansion that day, the vehicle was automatically released after the license plate was scanned.

This indicates that Song Zhixu is also a property owner of Shengming Mansion.

Not far from the Song Group headquarters is a high-end villa developed by the Song Group. In Song Wuqi's memory, Song Zhixu always lived there.

Instead of staying in a villa so close to the company, he deliberately chose to live in an apartment half an hour's drive away from the Song family.

This could not help but arouse Song Wuqi's suspicion.

In particular, Tang Ran also lived in Shengming Mansion.

“Shengming Mansion?” Wu Yu thought for a moment. “I didn’t handle that house.”

Song Wuqi had a guess in his mind, and then asked, "Was it handled by my aunt?"

"Young Miss? I'm not quite sure about that." Wu Yu shook his head.

"Okay, I also want to buy an apartment there. I thought Uncle Wu helped me buy it, so I came to ask."

Unable to extract any useful information, Song Wuqi left without saying anything more.

Half an hour later, Wu Yu told Old Master Song about Song Wuqi's visit to him.

After a moment's thought, Old Master Song went back to his room to find Jiang Mei.

The developer of Shengming Mansion was one of Jiang Mei's students. He said he could give Jiang Mei an insider price. Jiang Mei thought the location was good, so she mentioned it to Grandpa Song.

It happened to be Tang Ran's 18th birthday at the time, and since the place was not far from the main campus of Jiang University, Grandpa Song asked Jiang Mei to buy a set for Tang Ran.

It was getting late, and Jiang Mei was getting ready to go to bed when she saw Grandpa Song enter the room, so she urged him to go wash up.

After washing up, Grandpa Song got into bed and casually asked, "Xiaomei, how many apartments did you buy at Shengming Mansion?"

“Shengming Mansion?” Jiang Mei paused for a moment, then put down the book in her hand. “Two sets, one for Ranran and the other for Zhixu.”

"Zhixu? That house isn't very big, why did you think of buying one for her too?" Old Master Song asked again.

“I asked Zhixu to come with me to see it. Zhixu said the house looked nice, and there was an elevated road just two blocks away that leads directly to the airport. She thought it would be convenient for her to stay there when she travels a lot for work.”

The Song family headquarters is located in the eastern part of Jiangcheng, while the airport is in the northwest. Staying at Shengming Mansion will save a lot of time.

"I just bought an extra set, just to dye the one next door," Jiang Mei said nonchalantly.

"So, where has Zhixu been staying lately?"

Mr. Song seemed to have heard Jiang Mei mention it, but he hadn't paid attention at the time and wasn't quite sure.

"I think so," Jiang Mei said, equally uncertain.

Her daughter owns many properties, but she doesn't know where her daughter lives most of the time. She only remembers that when she asked her daughter to take care of Tang Ran a while ago, her daughter agreed, so she must live there more often.

Upon hearing her words, Old Master Song rested his chin on his hand, as if he was pondering something.

"Why are you suddenly asking about this?" Jiang Mei nudged him.

"nothing."

After regaining his composure, Grandpa Song didn't tell Jiang Mei about his speculations.

His daughter was very thoughtful; he couldn't fathom her thoughts, and they weren't necessarily what he thought.

"Why are you acting so strangely, old man?" Jiang Mei asked, puzzled.

Grandpa Song smiled and asked, "How are things going between Zhixu and your student?"

"We haven't spent time together, so I know Xu said we're not a good match."

Jiang Mei felt helpless when this matter was brought up.

Jiang Mei didn't think much of it when her daughter was young, but now her daughter's indifferent attitude towards everything is making her very worried.

"You know, what if this child suddenly has a moment of madness and does something like this..."

Jiang Mei couldn't continue speaking and let out a heavy sigh.

"You're worrying unnecessarily," Old Master Song patted her hand to comfort her.

The daughter is not as unambitious as the wife thinks.

It is impossible for a person with a pure and simple mind to increase the Song family's performance nearly tenfold in less than ten years.

Grandpa Song knew he was old-fashioned and always wanted to pass the business on to his son, neglecting his daughter's feelings.

Only after his son was gone did he truly see his daughter, and realize that beneath her calm expression lay a hidden tension.

Grandpa Song felt regretful, but he knew that belated remorse was useless.

All he could do was let go and hand everything over to his daughter.

So, less than two years after recovering from that serious illness, he relinquished power.

Shengming Mansion.

When Song Zhixu returned home, he found no one next door. He called Tang Ran, but the call was disconnected after one ring.

The little guy who bites: 【Are you home? I'm downstairs.】

Just as Song Zhixu was about to reply, Tang Ran sent another message.

The little guy who bites: [Don't come out of the house, Sister Xia and I are coming up here together.]

Song Zhixu stopped changing her clothes and walked out of the bedroom to the door.

Press the switch on the video doorbell with your finger.

The doorbell camera has a limited field of view, only able to capture the area near the door, but its sound pickup is quite good.

The elevator announcements came clearly from the video screen.

Then came two different footsteps, one muffled, from mid-heeled leather shoes, and the other crisp, from stiletto heels.

The sound drifted further and further away, heading in the direction of Tang Ran's house.

It stopped again after a short while.

Then Tang Ran's voice rang out: "Sister Xia, would you like to come in and sit for a while?"

When she got off work, Xia Xin'er called Tang Ran to ask her to have dinner together and discuss the upcoming offline activities.

Xia Xin'er's charity was originally established to help children with congenital heart disease.

Every year, they organize trips to impoverished and remote areas to collaborate with local hospitals, providing free screening services for sick children from impoverished families and following up on subsequent surgical treatments.

This year they plan to visit several impoverished counties in the western mountainous region.

Xia Xin'er's health prevents her from traveling, so she can only participate in such activities in one place each year.

The event was scheduled for early September, and Xia Xin'er wanted to ask Tang Ran if she wanted to go together.

Tang Ran looked at the schedule Xia Xin'er sent her and inwardly cried out in alarm.

Yi County, which is on the itinerary, is where Xia Xin'er had her accident in her previous life.

She wasn't entirely sure how Xia Xin'er's accident happened; she only heard that a landslide had occurred on a local mountain road, which delayed her treatment.

"Xin'er, I heard that September is the rainy season there, which makes landslides particularly easy. I think it would be best to postpone this plan for another month." Tang Ran said seriously.

With Xia Xin'er's life at stake, Tang Ran couldn't afford to think of a more suitable reason.

Fearing that Xia Xin'er might not take it seriously, Tang Ran also found several news articles about torrential rains and landslides in the surrounding mountains during the same period in the previous two years.

"Is that so? Then I'll ask them and see if we can change the time."

Xia Xin'er didn't understand the arrangements for the event.

"Yes, you should ask around. It would be best to postpone it a bit and miss the rainy season," Tang Ran emphasized again.

She thought that if the timing couldn't be changed, she would try to prevent Xia Xin'er from participating in this event.

"OK."

Seeing her serious expression, Xia Xin'er couldn't help but take it even more seriously.

Halfway through the meal, Xia Mo called Xia Xin'er. Judging from Xia Xin'er's tone, Xia Mo was also eating nearby and asked if she wanted to take her home with him.

"OK."

Xia Xin'er happily agreed, and then immediately sent a text message to Lu Shuyang, asking her to come pick her up.

After Xia Mo arrived, she pretended to answer Lu Shuyang's call.

"Oh dear, Shuyang is here to see me, so I won't go back with you, sister. Sister, could you take Ranran back and also pick up the dress that was mistakenly delivered to me a few days ago?"

Xia Xin'er winked at Xia Mo.

Now that Ranran is single, she should seize the opportunity!

"Okay," Xia Mo replied with a helpless smile.

Xia Xin'er then turned to Tang Ran and said, "Ranran, my sister will take you home later. She can bring back the dress that Q sent by mistake!"

A few days ago, when Q launched its new collection, Xia Xin'er gave each of the girls in the group a dress.

When Tang Ran received the package yesterday, she found an extra dress belonging to Xia Xin'er. Xia Xin'er said she would send someone to pick it up, so Tang Ran didn't send it back to her.

Tang Ran watched Xia Xin'er's performance quietly.

She said, "How could Q's SA (Special Agent) distribution be so careless?"

So that's where they were waiting for her.

When Xia Mo offered to help the Tang family get a loan last time, Tang Ran realized that Xia Mo had feelings for her.

She did not accept Xia Mo's help, nor did she contact Xia Mo again.

Tang Ran guessed that Xia Mo, being intelligent, should be able to understand what she meant.

I never expected Xia Xin'er to pull this stunt.

Refusing would seem too deliberate, so Tang Ran had no choice but to get into Xia Mo's car.

Fortunately, Xia Mo wasn't the type to cause embarrassment, and he simply chatted with Tang Ran for a few ordinary words.

Tang Ran also told Xia Mo about the heavy rainfall and frequent mudslides in western China in September.

Given Xia Mo's cautious nature, he probably wouldn't let Xia Xin'er take any risks.

Xia Mo took it to heart, and she arranged for someone to help Xia Xin'er's team reconnect with the local hospital and government to make the subsequent changes to the itinerary.

Of course, that's a story for another time.

Tang Ran wanted to get clothes for Xia Xin'er, but she didn't want anyone to wait downstairs, so she took Xia Mo upstairs with her.

Since everyone's already here, it wouldn't be right not to invite them in for a cup of tea.

Perhaps her politeness was too obvious, because Xia Mo didn't go in, saying it was too late and he wouldn't disturb her.

Xia Mo's understanding was so comforting. When Tang Ran took the clothes and saw Xia Mo off, her smile seemed much more natural.

Before entering the elevator, Xia Mo looked at Tang Ran and said gently, "Ranran, if you need any help, you can call me anytime. Don't worry too much."

Some things don't need to be said too explicitly; everyone can understand their meaning.

She was willing to help Tang Ran without expecting anything in return, and she didn't want Tang Ran to feel pressured.

Similarly, Xia Mo did not think that Tang Ran's one rejection meant failure.

She can take her time; perhaps things will change after they spend more time together.

"Okay," Tang Ran nodded and smiled.

Even if they can't develop a closer relationship, Tang Ran is willing to maintain a good relationship with Xia Mo.

Moreover, she believed that Xia Mo was not someone who acted solely on emotions.

The elevator doors closed, and Tang Ran didn't go home; she went straight to Song Zhixu's place.

Knowing that Song Zhixu was home, Tang Ran didn't unlock the door herself, but instead pressed the doorbell.

The door clicked open as soon as the bell rang.

"Huh? How come it's so fast?" Tang Ran exclaimed in surprise.

Song Zhixu didn't answer her question, but instead asked her, "Why didn't you just open the door and come in?"

"I like it when you open the door for me!"

Tang Ran smiled happily, clearly in a good mood.

Song Zhixu's eyebrows and eyes relaxed quietly.

Tang Ran changed into slippers herself, and seeing that Song Zhixu was still wearing a suit, she asked curiously, "Didn't you come back a while ago?"

"Um."

With a casual nasal sound, Song Zhixu opened his arms and pulled Tang Ran into his embrace.

The sudden hug left Tang Ran a little bewildered.

"Don't call Xia Mo."

Song Zhixu lowered his head, resting his chin on her shoulder, his voice a little muffled.

Tang Ran chuckled softly, reached out and placed her hand beside Song Zhixu's ear, cupping Song Zhixu's face in her hands, her voice light and cheerful, "Jealous?"

Feeling the softness on both sides of her cheeks, Song Zhixu felt a little uncomfortable, yet she also liked Tang Ran's natural closeness.

"Mm." Song Zhixu nodded.

Song Zhixu is always straightforward in expressing her emotions, but her expression is slightly awkward.

The gesture of gently tapping her head with her palm was so soft, cute, and obedient, a stark contrast to her usual composed and reserved demeanor, making her seem like a completely different person.

Tang Ran's mind was filled with a wicked sense of humor.

I don't really want to let go.

She glanced at the doorway, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "Were you eavesdropping with a video doorbell?"

Song Zhixu's expression froze for a moment.

She released Tang Ran and tried to look up, but this posture was too passive.

Tang Ran didn't let go, her gaze lingering on Song Zhixu's clothes before meeting her eyes.

"I didn't have time to change my clothes because I was eavesdropping on our conversation."

The tone of the statement conveyed a strong sense of certainty about what he was saying.

Song Zhixu remained silent.

Her answer was a slight aversion in their gaze.

When they were at the Xia family home, Song Zhixu's powerful aura scared Sun Xiao away with just one sentence, and he also heard too many praises for Song Zhixu from his mother.

Tang Ran always viewed Song Zhixu through the lens of a powerful figure.

Having spent so much time together in private, Song Zhixu has always been gentle, tolerant, and emotionally stable.

Tang Ran also tacitly acknowledged that she was a mature and composed person who would calmly deal with even the most difficult situations.

But Song Zhixu in front of her gets jealous because of Xia Mo's words and secretly eavesdrops at the door.

This version of Song Zhixu is vastly different from the one Tang Ran knew.

They are also very cute.

Tang Ran finally understood what Miao Tiantian meant when she said that a sister who could be both sweet and sassy was the most delicious type of girl.

Seeing someone who is usually calm and composed in front of others, but then become awkward and shy after being teased and pampered by her, is truly exhilarating.

Tang Ran loved this feeling.

She casually pinched Song Zhixu's two earlobes, her smiling eyes full of teasing.

"I never knew my sister would do something like eavesdropping!"

Tang Ran pressed her luck.

He soon got himself into trouble.

Song Zhixu swallowed hard, then looked away and returned his gaze to Tang Ran's face.

Her eyes were slightly lowered, and her gaze was somewhat somber.

Tang Ran had seen that look in her eyes just a few days ago.

The surging adrenaline seemed to sense danger and immediately ceased its activity.

The teasing in Tang Ran's eyes was replaced by innocence.

She blinked, quickly withdrew her hand, and gave a sweet smile. "Well, it's getting late, I'll head back now!"

As she spoke, she stepped back, secretly slipped her right hand behind her back, and touched the doorknob.

She pressed her palm down, but instead of the click of the door opening, she heard the sound of a second lock locking.

Tang Ran looked at the door lock in surprise.

Song Zhixu's slender, pale fingertips left the gray button, slowly moved upwards, and covered Tang Ran's hand that was holding the doorknob.

Tang Ran subconsciously took a step back before turning around to look at Song Zhixu.

Song Zhixu leaned forward, while Tang Ran stood up straight, her back pressed completely against the door.

Tang Ran had her back to the door, gripping the doorknob with her other hand. Song Zhixu walked around her, took her hand, and encircled her completely.

Song Zhixu lowered her head closer, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You like to see your older sister make a fool of herself?"

The voice was as gentle as ever, but Tang Ran could still detect a hint of danger in it.

Tang Ran didn't dare to answer. She shook her head, gave an irrelevant reply, and said in a flattering tone, "I only called my sister."

Song Zhixu's smile deepened as he tucked her hair behind her ear, pinched her earlobe, and spoke in a soft, low voice.

"good."

Tang Ran's ears burned, and she was a little dumbfounded.

In the blink of an eye, her and Song Zhixu's states had completely switched.

Tang Ran's mind raced, and she quickly came up with an idea.

She suddenly looked up and quickly kissed Song Zhixu on the corner of his mouth.

Song Zhixu was taken aback.

Tang Ran quickly pulled her hand away, pressed the gray button, and pressed down the door handle.

With a series of smooth movements, she was already out the door before Song Zhixu could even react.

Goodnight, sister.

Smiling, Tang Ran waved to Song Zhixu and then ran back to her own home in a flash.

Seeing the person who made a face at her before closing the door, Song Zhixu pursed her lips and smiled faintly.

The slightly curled fingers relaxed.

It's a little itchy.

I want to punch someone's butt.

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Author's note: Don't worry, don't worry, the person will be changed tomorrow.