Shen Yeqing and You Hongxuan jogged on treadmills, each wearing a headband with a tiny fishing rod strapped to it.
A bag of chips dangled from each rod, swaying right in front of their eyes.
They looked just like donkeys working a mill with carrots dangling in front of them.
Sister Liu said this was like quenching thirst by imagining plums-it would boost their motivation.
Sure, but...
Wasn't Sister Liu herself the one craving chips the most?
The two boys didn't understand, but they did as they were told. Being good and obedient was their specialty.
"Seventh Sister is so funny."
On his treadmill, You Hongxuan looked toward Xie Mi by the window as he ran.
Xie Mi was standing entirely behind a potted plant, with only her eyes showing through the leaves, narrowed as she vigilantly monitored every movement outside the window.
You Hongxuan cackled at the sight. "Is she your actual sister?"
"No."
"Then is she your cousin?"
"...No."
"Then why does she live at your house and take such good care of you?"
At an age when everything new sparked his curiosity, You Hongxuan blinked inquisitively and indulged in a little gossip before realization struck. "I've got it! You're not siblings, but you're as close as siblings! You're like family without the blood ties, right?"
Shen Yeqing's brow furrowed slightly. Suddenly, he didn't know how to answer that question.
He had once really wanted to become family with Sister Liu.
During their two previous encounters, he had been intensely dependent on Sister Liu. She was the only person he was willing to open up to.
But...
Now, he didn't much like that word.
Family.
Sister Liu always looked at him as if he were a child, as though she considered him one of the younger members of