Chapter 12 – Neighboring Big Sister

“Do you know how to do housework?”

Jiang Jiang suddenly asked.

Wen Ye was momentarily stunned, then nodded.

“Then just think of it as helping with chores in exchange for food and lodging,” Jiang Jiang said cheerfully, pleased to have finally found a reason. “You know I just moved in. I don’t know anyone around here who could recommend a reliable housekeeper. So how about you help me out as a part-timer?”

This time when she reached out to hold him, he didn’t pull away.

Wen Ye looked down at her pale fingertips gently tugging at the hem of his sleeve, and suddenly remembered the summer when he was seven.

That time, his mother had held his hand just like this and brought him to the Chu family’s home. He’d thought it was the beginning of a new life—only for it to become a nightmare he’d never wake up from.

If he had a choice, he would’ve rather gone back to the time before he was seven, when it was just him and his mom—life was hard, but they’d still had warmth.

And now?

He watched as the woman opened her front door.

What would this time be like?

The first thing that greeted him was an easel standing in the living room. From the signature on the side, he learned the woman’s name—

Jiang Jiang.

She handed him a pair of oversized slippers.

Did she have a boyfriend?

Was she already married?

Wen Ye knew he had no right to care, but his eyes couldn’t help wandering around the room, inspecting the décor.

A moment later, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The place was clearly decorated like a single woman’s home.

But at the same time, he frowned. She’d just brought a man home without hesitation—did she not have any sense of danger?

Jiang Jiang pulled a few large-sized clothes from her wardrobe and handed them to him. “These are mine. If you don’t mind, you can wear them for now. They’re unisex. I also just ordered some toiletries and daily supplies online—they should be delivered soon. Remember to answer the door when they arrive.”

“Your room is the second door on the left—it’s the guest room,” she added. “If your family comes knocking, don’t open the door. Wait until I come out.”

She needed a shower—she felt like the stink of Chu Keyong was still clinging to her.

As he listened to the sound of water running in the bathroom, Wen Ye finally snapped out of his daze.

He blinked, realizing—

She really intended to take him in.

The fabric of the clothes in his hands was more comfortable than anything he’d ever worn.

And they were her clothes.

Those gloomy eyes of his took on a hint of confusion. Almost instinctively, he buried his face into the fabric.

It smelled like her. So warm.

He walked into the second room on the left. Even though it was just the guest room, it was far more spacious than the one he’d stayed in next door.

No oil fumes, no garbage, bright clean lighting.

Wen Ye tilted his head slightly in confusion. He couldn’t understand how he’d gotten so lucky.

He changed clothes with something close to reverence. The long-lost feeling of warmth stirred something in his chest he couldn’t quite suppress.

In truth, the moment he first saw this new neighbor yesterday, his heart had been racing.

She looked too clean, too bright—someone who didn’t belong in the dark filth he lived in.

But that only made him want to get close.

When Chu Keyong shoved him out earlier, he hadn’t resisted like usual—because deep down, he had wanted to be saved.

But he still had reason left.

He knew bringing him home could only bring Jiang Jiang trouble.

Since he was little, his grandparents had called him a burden—the reason their daughter couldn’t get remarried. Never a grandson.

And once his mother remarried, he became her burden. His stepfather’s unwanted trash.

…He didn’t want Jiang Jiang to take home trash.

She shone with a brightness that didn’t exist in this closed-off town.

The house was quiet, save for the sound of the shower in the bathroom.

Jiang Jiang was bathing.

That thought made him bite his lower lip. He had to distract himself.

–––

When Jiang Jiang finished showering and stepped out in fresh clothes, she was greeted by a completely transformed home.

“I swept and mopped the floors twice,”

The boy in front of her said obediently. “I didn’t go into your studio, just cleaned the living room, balcony, and kitchen.”

Her face was still tinged red from the steam, and she looked a little baffled by how fast his attitude had changed.

Wasn’t he just reluctant earlier? Now he seemed to have slipped right into the role.

Jiang Jiang gave him a brief introduction. “You can go into the studio, just don’t touch anything without asking. And if you notice anything we’re missing at home, tell me and I’ll buy it.”

They exchanged WeChat IDs.

Thank goodness—this world’s plot might be a bit wild, but at least the male lead had a smartphone.

She casually asked, “Are you in college right now?”

She hadn’t expected much from the question, but then she felt a soft tug on her sleeve. Turning around, she found Wen Ye looking up at her, eyes red at the corners, his voice careful:

“My tuition and living expenses—I earn them myself. I won’t use your money. Please don’t kick me out.”

Jiang Jiang had already wondered how, with a family like that, he was still allowed to study.

So it turns out he funded it all himself.

He might’ve looked pitiful on the outside, but only he knew what was really behind those lowered eyes.

Since she’d taken him in—since she’d already made that choice—then she couldn’t just cast him aside now.

Jiang Jiang reached out and gently held his fingers. His hand was so cold it made her heart tremble. Almost reflexively, she wrapped his hand in hers to warm it.

But when she met his suddenly wide black eyes, she realized she might’ve been too forward.

“S-sorry.” She awkwardly let go. “I’m just used to it.”

Used to it?

The warmth from her hand still lingered, but Wen Ye felt a chill in his chest. Used to it—did that mean she’d done this with other men too?

But he had no right to ask.

He could only bury all those emotions deep inside.

Jiang Jiang glanced at the calendar. So it was just the start of winter break… and already so much drama.

“I didn’t steal anything. That watch is still on his nightstand.” Wen Ye said quietly. “He was just looking for an excuse to make me drop out and start working.”

“My little brother needs money for private school tuition. They probably wish they could sell me. Give it a few days—they might come looking for you to ask for money.”

Jiang Jiang: “?????”

She was speechless. “So what, they basically sold you to me?”

Wen Ye pressed his lips together. “…Just don’t kick me out. I’ll get a job during winter break and pay you back.”

Jiang Jiang stared at the pale boy in front of her. This was the most tragic male lead she’d ever seen.

He and his younger brother were born of the same mother, yet their treatment at home was worlds apart.

“I won’t kick you out.”

She gave him a very light, distant hug—not touching his body, just the gesture.

“I hired two bodyguards. They live downstairs. If your family causes any trouble, they’ll come up right away.”

Professional. Supposedly ex-special forces.

Wen Ye: “??”