A brother couldn't become a husband

Lu Xiaoxiao felt miserable, and that misery lasted until Lu Shiyan carried her back to her bedroom and set her on the bed.

"Does it hurt that much? Look at you, your little face is all scrunched up." Lu Shiyan put her down and affectionately pinched her cheek. The concern in his eyes was just right, neither seeming false nor making her feel too pressured.

His face was far too captivating. Lu Xiaoxiao couldn't help being dazed again, finding time amid her worries to swoon over him.

[Ah, he's seriously so handsome! Too bad a brother can't become a husband. If only he weren't my brother, then I could be one of those fans who fantasize about being his girlfriend.]

Lu Shiyan: "?"

Well, damn. My little sister wants to be one of my girlfriend fans.

Lu Shiyan felt like laughing, but quickly controlled his expression. "Xiaoxiao, I just gave it some thought, and I don't think bringing Jiaoyue along for the variety show is out of the question."

"The director is a friend of mine. I can contact him and ask for another slot to bring a non-celebrity guest. Then I can take both of you. What do you think?"

Lu Xiaoxiao: "!!!"

[Yes, yes! It doesn't really matter what happens to me, as long as Lu Jiaoyue can go. But of course, it's even better if we can both go!]

Despite her excitement, Lu Xiaoxiao kept her expression restrained.

"Ah, but wouldn't that be too much trouble for you, Shiyan? It's really all right. If you want to bring Jiaoyue, just give her my spot. I don't want to put you in a difficult position."

Tsk, tsk, tsk. What an incredible little speech. Every word was practically steeped in fake sweetness.

Lu Xiaoxiao silently gave her own performance a five-star review.

A hint of scrutiny flickered in Lu Shiyan's eyes. He had never noticed how stark the contrast was between his sister's inner thoughts and outward behavior. Looking at it that way, she seemed like a promising talent for the entertainment industry.

Fans loved a persona full of contrasts. Though Lu Shiyan looked gentle and harmless, when it came to acting, he actually liked playing scheming villains with an innocent facade or a touch of wickedness, and he pulled those roles off beautifully.

In reality, Lu Shiyan wasn't as gentle as he appeared, either. His modesty, courtesy, and sense of propriety were merely a facade. Deep down, he had a fierce rebellious streak. Otherwise, he would never have all but cut ties with his family to become an actor.

Lu Shiyan usually kept his edge hidden, but keeping it contained didn't mean it wasn't there.

Over the years, that was precisely what had made his fans go wild for him.

If Lu Xiaoxiao wanted to try entering the entertainment industry later, she wouldn't have to run into obstacles at every turn the way he had.

Lu Shiyan now had more than enough ability to support her and provide her with abundant resources.

While he weighed these thoughts, Lu Shiyan's warm voice remained unchanged. "It's fine. It won't be much trouble. I just need to have a word with him."

"But on the show, I'll only tell everyone that you're my sister. Plenty of media outlets took pictures of Jiaoyue at the banquet welcoming her into the family. If I say she's my sister too, everyone will know I'm part of the Lu Family."

"Huh?" Lu Xiaoxiao was momentarily taken aback.

Although Lu Shiyan hadn't revealed his relationship with Lu Jiaoyue when they appeared on this variety show in the original novel either, now that she was being added to the mix... wouldn't that be blatant favoritism?

Uh... was that really okay?

Just then, the system spoke in Lu Xiaoxiao's mind.

"Host, please agree to his proposal right away. Analysis indicates that this plot change will have no negative effects and will even make the story more compelling."

The system's sudden announcement was undoubtedly reassuring. Lu Xiaoxiao stopped hesitating and went along with Lu Shiyan's suggestion. "Then let's do it your way, Shiyan. Whatever you want to do, and whenever you decide to reveal your identity, I'll always support you."

Hearing this, Lu Shiyan's heart softened, and the warmth in his eyes became a little more genuine. "All right. It's getting late, so get some rest. Don't worry about anything else. I'll arrange everything for you both."

[Ah, Shiyan sounds so dependable! He really makes me feel safe!]

Somewhat moved, Lu Xiaoxiao obediently replied, "Mm-hmm. You should get to bed early too, Shiyan. Good night!"

Lu Shiyan's eyes curved in a smile. He tucked her in before turning to leave.

Once he stepped out of his sister's room, Lu Shiyan's mood lifted.

He had originally agreed to participate in the variety show only to repay a favor to his friend. He hadn't been particularly interested himself.

But now, Lu Shiyan inexplicably had a feeling that with this sister of his around, filming the show would be far more interesting than he had imagined.

Well then, he would start looking forward to it now.

Perhaps because she was in a good mood, Lu Xiaoxiao slept particularly soundly that night.

When she woke up, she discovered it was already noon.

Yep, she'd been living the good life for too long. She was getting lazier by the day.

After washing up, Lu Xiaoxiao went downstairs and found the villa unusually quiet. She asked a nearby servant what was going on and learned that only she and Lu Bochen were home.

Lu Yuan and Lu Xunli had left for the company early that morning. Lu Shiyan was scheduled to shoot a commercial that day, while Lu Yubai, a miserable student in his final year of high school, was still attending extra classes. Even Lu Jiaoyue had been taken to some tea party by Song Zhilan.

"Madam wanted to take you along too, but you hadn't woken up." Afraid Lu Xiaoxiao might misunderstand, the servant made a point of explaining, "But your meal has been ready for a while. Would you like to eat now?"

Lu Xiaoxiao didn't think there was anything wrong with Song Zhilan taking only Lu Jiaoyue to an event. In fact, that was how things normally went in the original novel.

She didn't dwell on it and told the servant she wanted to eat, so the servant led her to the dining room.

Lu Xiaoxiao had only just sat down at the table when the landline on a cabinet nearby began to ring.

She was the only person at home who could handle things now. Whether Lu Bochen was there or not made no difference, so she was the only one who could answer a call to the Lu Family.

Resigned, Lu Xiaoxiao put down the knife and fork she had just picked up and hurried over to the phone. She answered politely, "Hello? Who's calling?"

After a moment of silence, Lu Yubai's reluctant voice came from the other end. "Why are you answering the phone? Can you get Jiaoyue?"

Recognizing Lu Yubai's voice, Lu Xiaoxiao immediately grew a little impatient.

Why was this brat calling home now? Of all the times he could have called, he had to interrupt her meal. How annoying.

With that thought, Lu Xiaoxiao's tone cooled. "Your precious Jiaoyue isn't here. I'm the only one home right now. If you need something, say it. Otherwise, I'm hanging up."

"Hey, hey, hey, don't hang up!" Lu Yubai sounded frantic. After hemming and hawing for a while, he asked quietly, "Could... could you come to my school right now? The teacher told me to bring a parent in. I don't want to tell Mom and Dad. You coming... you coming would work too."