Looking back over the past twenty years, Xia Fu realized that the male she had spent the most time with was actually her own younger brother. She watched as his initial innocence transformed into reckless indulgence, ultimately morphing into something unrecognizable. She learned that instead of gentle persuasion or patiently waiting for an epiphany, it was more practical to decisively escape and let go, as this was the correct way to survive.

People rarely change easily.

More importantly, she dreaded hearing statements like, “I did these unpleasant things all for you.” “Do you think the town is as comfortable as the countryside? I, an old lady, share a bed with you only because I need to take care of you, a useless young girl,” or “Sis, look how hard I’ve been studying lately, can you lend me some more pocket money?” Over time, well-intentioned gestures became a burden, and this sort of expectant giving strangled her like a rope.

Her non-expectant way of dealing with people had led her to be taken advantage of in collaborations, but on second thought, wasn’t this “tolerant” attitude also one of the reasons Fang Jingcheng liked her? So, Fang Jingcheng didn’t need to change. He had his flaws, but as long as they didn’t extend to unbearable levels, they could get along fine.

But Fang Jingcheng had deviated from the path she anticipated.

With him, she had become the one with power—I want you to take off your clothes, I want your company, I want to taste the food you cook… His attempts to cater to her always seemed so endearing. Being loved felt like this, then? Like holding a frail kitten in your hands, debating whether to stroke it or tighten your grip—or perhaps do both?

Bossing him around was easy and came without much burden. She tried to remain as gentle as water, but occasionally she felt a naughty urge to trouble him.

Like now, she hoped he would be his usual vibrant self, yet she couldn’t stop fantasizing about what if his brother’s harsh words actually made him cry. How would she handle his tear-stained face?

Her wicked imagination vividly took over, and Xia Fu sighed inwardly.

“Is it really okay? I don’t want to see you in trouble. But if something really happens, I’ll comfort you properly.”

“What’s wrong? Are you hoping I mess up?”

He immediately protested, playfully kneading her soft belly. “You’ll be disappointed then. Honestly, our relationship isn’t so bad that we’re incompatible.”

“If he wanted, he could tutor me in math like a responsible big brother, but unfortunately, it hasn’t gone smoothly. You know I’m not as smart as you and can’t keep up with his pace, so often he just watches silently as I struggle.”

This sounded like the elder brother-as-father model, where the composed big brother replaced the absent father, trying to soothe a stressed mother and younger brother. But in reality, all he brought was a stark contrast.

She saw the young man give a self-deprecating smile.

“He’s too good, good enough to make me feel inferior, so it’s really just my problem… If I want people to know I’m not that bad, rather than running away or breaking down, it’s better to just be myself, right?”

As he leaned closer to her cheek, Xia Fu was ready to indulge in his vulnerability, but this time Fang Jingcheng’s pessimism didn’t last long.

While he spoke, he hugged her waist tighter, and with one hand gently supporting her buttocks, he easily lifted her onto a high stool. Their positions shifted—he now leaned on her shoulder, serving her, like a devoted knight bowing down, earnestly holding her hand in a pledge:

“I don’t always want to be coddled by you. I’m your boyfriend, and I want to take care of you. I want to handle everything around you well. I want to give you the best because you deserve the best.”

“You’ll be interning at Lanxing Group and will inevitably run into him, but I can’t let a little sibling rivalry trouble you, so let me handle it, okay?”

“I can match your afternoon tea with some cute little cakes.”

Xia Fu felt like sighing again.

I like him, I want him.

She was an adult, and from a life of scarcity, she could easily clarify her goals and recognize emotions. In contrast, saying “he likes me” seemed arrogant.

But he really did like her. His clear, bright eyes and charming smile, his broad palms constantly conveyed this message. This awareness was so intense it was dizzying.

“Okay.”

She had to remind herself of the sad family shadows; she had real things to do, like the cool and tasty soup noodles on the table, to resist the urge to pull Fang Jingcheng close and gently nibble on his lips.

After dinner, Xia Fu suggested, “How about I help you prepare? It’s already late.” As she got up, Fang Jingcheng gently pressed down on her thigh.

“That won’t do. This is our matter, and I can’t bear to trouble you further. Pity me, I’ve been jealous all day and still haven’t had enough…” He casually set aside the dirty dishes, his lips curving in an almost smile, while his warm palm slowly kneaded her thigh, reminding Xia Fu that the brotherly affection she was trying to cultivate hadn’t reached the level she imagined. Even everyday conversations might spark hidden jealousy since he had been patient enough for today.

The young man was tall, and with his petite lover sitting on a chair, it was even more convenient for him than in the bedroom. Before she was ready to accept everything, he would bend down, hiding under the pristine and beautiful dining table, emitting pleased purring noises, to let her understand just how much he loved her and how sweet and enticing she was.

In the end, Fang Jingcheng, utterly exhausted, carried his girlfriend to bed, wiped the water stains from his chin, washed his hands, and breathed in the sweet and relaxing scent of home. In the chaotic kitchen, humming a tune only he understood, he slowly stirred the butter-fried apple pieces…

…

“Professor Fang, Teacher Fang Siyu.”

After the second class, Xia Fu caught Fang Siyu.

“Caught” was quite apt to describe the young man’s state; he never lingered after class and had virtually no presence in the course group, clearly unaccustomed to direct interactions with people.

When Xia Fu called out to him, his back immediately stiffened like a sheet of iron, and after at least two seconds of mental preparation, he turned around stiffly, his delicate face showing a hint of confusion:

“Is there something you need? Xia Fu.”

His whole presence screamed ‘keep away’, and under those dark, intense eyes, one couldn’t blame Fang Jingcheng for not wanting to get close. Xia Fu felt she had to be quite bold to strike up a conversation, and she brightly asked with a cheerful voice, “Are you free now? Remember I said I wanted to treat you to milk tea last time?”

“That’s right, you’re too polite.”

His fingers twitched nervously on his briefcase, making a slight rustling sound, like an arrogant elite struggling to suppress impatience, or perhaps a shy animal ready to bolt.

Xia Fu guessed it was the latter, no wonder Teacher Zhou said he was “well-behaved.” She used the classic ‘I know your parents’ approach, looking at him expectantly:

“Jingcheng and Teacher Zhou both said you can’t tolerate caffeine, so I bought brown sugar milk without any tea leaves, it’s okay to drink at night. Have you had dinner? I also brought some sweet snacks made by Jingcheng.”

No wonder Fang Jingcheng had taken the initiative to bake apple pies; an unexpected event is better than a thousand preparations.

With that statement, Fang Siyu lifted his eyelids, “Jingcheng made it?” He looked at the young man behind her as if observing a revived Terracotta Warrior, his surprise evident.

Fang Jingcheng, feeling his ears turn red under the gaze, exploded, his voice rising:

“Yeah, I made it, what’s wrong? Don’t want to eat desserts made by a man?”

“No, just a bit surprised… Let’s talk behind Hongyuan Building, I remember there’s a small garden there.”

Fang Siyu sighed softly, and after sitting down, his expression shifted from initial alertness to concern:

“Are you facing any difficulties?”

Why did this cunning bastard bring up such a question in front of Xia Fu? Can’t he just care for his big brother without issues? He’s not the type to rely on his brother for everything.

Fang Jingcheng felt a vein throbbing at his temple, he turned his face away, not wanting to see Fang Siyu’s expression, pressed his thigh, took a deep breath, and nearly blurted out “Don’t look down on people,” muttering:

“No, I’ve been doing well recently, just taking a rare chance to care about big brother.”

The young man’s body was tense, his skin burning, not much more relaxed than the socially anxious Fang Siyu, but when he used his free hand to caress his girlfriend’s hand and secretly watch her expression, the atmosphere subtly changed, becoming softer, calmer, even a bit shyly sweet.

“Also, I haven’t formally introduced her yet, this is my girlfriend Xia Fu, we’re planning to go back home and intern together next semester.”

This was unlike Fang Jingcheng.

He had always been quick to contradict everything he said, but now he seemed more confident, even eager to leave his own side, drawing strength from the girl’s gentle love.

He was too dependent on that girl, as if he was her child, which Fang Siyu found a bit sickening.

Fang Jingcheng as a child hadn’t been this distasteful; he was just a noisy, needy boy, rough in his interactions. Why did seeing him in love feel so revolting?

A bad man brings women sadness.

Having a sorrowful mother, Fang Siyu understood this from a young age.

“Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Xia Fu.”

Fang Siyu watched as Xia Fu, with a naive smile, greeted him. It seemed she wasn’t used to such formal introductions, her fair cheeks tinged red.

“I know, Aunt Zhou mentioned you.”

He nodded politely, lying in the calmest tone.

Over the years, Fang Siyu had hardly interacted with people on his own terms. Meng Hanshan would give each person who approached him a clear warning, be they teachers, classmates, or managers, letting them know how fragile, yet brilliant he was.

Being treated specially wasn’t the joy his brother imagined; he lived in a sterile vacuum, instinctively avoiding those who pitied him.

Only Xia Fu was different; he had known her earlier than anyone.

Since he was Fang Jingcheng’s brother, those little followers would always report to him. He was almost forced to focus on Xia Fu, a young girl who shouldn’t have entered his life.

He simply thought she… was pitiful. If Fang Jingcheng proved to be an unfit lover, he would help her in a more roundabout, unseen way. But Fang Jingcheng should stop these childish behaviors sooner. He had advised him to tone it down before the competition and even subtly suggested the idea to their grandmother, but both attempts ended in failure.

Does love only burn hotter when obstructed? His brother had even brought her to meet him now. Fang Siyu, seeing him lost in thought, fearing he’d say something to ruin her mood, quickly offered a dessert to block his mouth and eagerly urged, “Try the pastry, it won’t be as good if it sits too long.”

“Alright.”

Fang Siyu glanced at him indifferently, then turned to Xia Fu, asking:

“Could I exchange my apple pie with yours? Yours looks a bit smaller, and I can’t have too many sweets.”

“Oh, no problem, please go ahead.”

As she swapped the apple pie, she discovered each snack in the basket had been thoughtfully crafted.

Xia Fu’s pie, though smaller, was undoubtedly the most exquisite, with amber apple jam glistening on the crispy crust like molten gold, brimming with Fang Jingcheng’s love.

But there was a twist in the one reserved for Fang Siyu.

Fang Siyu couldn’t help but feel that although his brother wasn’t great at studying, he’d have no problem managing a cafeteria in the future without training. He figured Fang Jingcheng had probably only symbolically scraped the crust with a spoon.

The situation was awkward. In the silence, Fang Jingcheng pursed his lips, quickly swapped the “lightweight version” from his girlfriend’s hand with his own, and defended:

“If you don’t understand, don’t take it randomly! I was considerate, knowing you can’t handle sweets, so just taste it!”

Childish fool.

Fang Siyu let out a short laugh as he bit into the cheese-flavored crust, savoring the apple’s sweetness that filled his mouth, begrudgingly admitting that despite his brother’s poor attitude, his dessert-making skills were quite good.

If his brother were willing to shoulder everything for a girl, work hard to appear mature, and coexist peacefully, maybe things wouldn’t be so bad.

Don’t let him witness another tragedy. Their mother’s fragile nerves couldn’t handle more…

Fang Siyu tried to separate their relationship from his parents’ failed marriage. Sipping his brown sugar milk silently, he decided to interact with the girl who truly influenced this relationship:

“Are you interested in interning at Lanxing Group? Is it because you love your field or because of Jingcheng?”

“I really like my current research direction and want to gain some hands-on experience…”

She retained her optimistic attitude, explaining her desire for work experience and to earn her own money. She wasn’t like Meng Hanshan and didn’t seem pitiful; she was more resilient than expected.

Unfortunately, the joy of study wasn’t enough to dilute the stress of a high-pressure workplace. Fang Siyu knew firsthand, his motivation was only to avoid disappointment.

But if Xia Fu held such a pure ambition, he could understand why his brother was so determined to have her join the family business.

“I see. I’ll guide you as much as I can… Xia Fu.”

Dropping the formal “classmate,” Fang Siyu cautiously extended a hand to the girl he had previously avoided seeing.