What Are You Asking That For?

"Cough... morning, Zhuyun."

Xiao Yin coughed dryly in greeting, instinctively and gently pulling his arm out from beneath Zhu Zhuqing's neck as she still slept.

Zhu Zhuyun's gaze followed his movement and lingered for a moment on her younger sister's weary little face. A complicated emotion flickered deep in her eyes.

Then, she resumed that half-smiling expression and looked at Xiao Yin, her red lips parting slightly.

"When did you get back?"

"Last night."

Xiao Yin answered honestly, silently thinking that this time, even jumping into the Yellow River would not clear his name.

Though... it seemed there was no need to clear it.

At his answer, understanding flashed through Zhu Zhuyun's eyes.

She was exceptionally intelligent and instantly pieced together the sequence of events.

Xiao Yin had returned last night to find her, only to find that she was with Dugu Yan.

And her sister, Zhuqing, had slept in this room last night...

A twist of fate—or perhaps destiny.

Seeing the fleeting embarrassment on Xiao Yin's face and his attempt to explain himself, the indescribable sourness in Zhu Zhuyun's heart suddenly faded considerably, replaced by a helpless smile.

"Enough." She waved her hand, cutting off the explanation Xiao Yin was about to offer. "Don't put on an act with me. You got what you wanted, and now you're acting innocent."

She stood and walked to the bedside. Looking down at her sister's exhausted sleeping face, she let out a soft sigh. There was reproach in her voice, but no real anger.

"Though I already told you to take in this foolish girl Zhuqing too, so she wouldn't keep suffering in silence all day."

"You should at least have been... gentler. It was Zhuqing's first time too. Look how thoroughly you wore her out."

Xiao Yin's face reddened. Rubbing his