The gnat in the heart

If not for Zhao Jiang's schemes, so far beyond his abilities, and if not for his departure, perhaps Xiao Ying would not have had such a headache.

The intimacy of last night could easily have been chalked up to the normal emotional or physical desires of a man and a woman, to a beautiful mistake.

But Zhao Jiang had already left. Frightened into disappearing without a trace by Xiao Ying and Di Wushuang, he probably would not dare show himself before Lin Qianlian again. He might even have left Ancheng by now...

That meant Xiao Ying had broken up a family and robbed Lin Qianlian of someone to lean on...

"Sister-in-law!" Xiao Ying stood and called to Lin Qianlian.

After all, Lin Qianlian had always been both an elder sister and a friend to Xiao Ying, one of the few people closest to him whom he could call family. However much of a headache this gave him, he had to face it eventually. Nor could he harden his heart and simply disregard everything.

"You're still calling me sister-in-law?!" Lin Qianlian glared at him and snapped angrily.

"..."

Xiao Ying's mouth hung open, cold sweat seeping down his back.

What does that mean? Does she expect me to take full responsibility now? Last night really was a subconscious impulse, but I still haven't prepared myself to make my sister-in-law my wife...

At that thought, Xiao Ying's headache grew worse, though deep inside, he felt a little secret delight and anticipation.

"Call me by my name, or Sister Lian!" Lin Qianlian shook her head bitterly and let out a sigh.

Xiao Ying fell silent. Never mind someone as attached to others as Lin Qianlian—anyone who went through this would struggle to know whether to feel relieved, disappointed, or anguished...

Despite her usual