Chapter 356: Playful Mischief

Yuan Yu let out a soft huff, pursing her rosy lips as she shot Lin Xiao a half-hearted glare, but she remained silent.

Before Lin Xiao had returned, she and Huang Caixing had already conspired—Caixing would play the bad cop, while she played the good cop. Their goal was to make sure Lin Xiao learned his lesson. He was never allowed to leave them behind again, let alone spend the night outside alone.

Yuan Yu tugged on the hem of Huang Caixing’s shirt, exchanging a knowing glance.

They had a tacit understanding. The moment Caixing saw Yuan Yu’s signal, she straightened her expression, once again putting on a serious face. “Big Brother, don’t change the subject. You still haven’t answered my question.”

“You two really want to know?”

Both girls nodded at the same time.

Lin Xiao took off his jacket and casually hung it on the coat rack. Then, he walked over to the living room sofa and sat down, gesturing to them. “Come here. I’ll tell you everything that happened these past two days.”

Their feigned stern expressions crumbled instantly as they eagerly plopped down on either side of him, each wrapping their arms around one of his. Their postures were as if they were ready to listen to a bedtime story.

Lin Xiao had no intention of lying or hiding anything. To him, Yuan Yu and Huang Caixing were like family, and there was nothing to conceal from family.

Besides, he hadn’t done anything that couldn’t be said out loud.

His deep, steady voice filled the living room as he recounted the events that had unfolded at the lodge.

As his story progressed, the girls’ eyes widened in astonishment. They hadn’t expected so much to have happened in such a short time.

However, their focus was entirely different.

Yuan Yu’s concern was solely for Lin Xiao himself. As long as he was safe and unharmed, nothing else mattered to her.

On the other hand, Huang Caixing’s attention was fixated on Ning Xi. The moment Lin Xiao finished speaking, she couldn’t hold back her curiosity any longer. “Big Brother Lin, who’s that woman named Ning Xi? What’s your relationship with her? Is she pretty? Is she prettier than me? Do you like her, or do you like me?”

Lin Xiao was speechless. He flicked her forehead lightly. “What’s going on inside that little head of yours? Are these really the questions you should be asking?”

“Why shouldn’t I ask?” Huang Caixing pouted, rubbing her forehead with misty eyes. “Stop treating me like a kid. I’m almost eighteen now, and besides, you’re not that much older than me.”

A cute girl’s teary eyes were an undeniable weapon against men. Lin Xiao felt a little uncomfortable under her pitiful gaze. He cleared his throat and relented. “Fine. I’ll answer one of your questions. Pick one.”

Without hesitation, Huang Caixing asked, “What’s your relationship with that Ning Xi woman?”

Yuan Yu, who had been quietly listening, perked up her ears slightly.

Lin Xiao answered without pause. “She’s my friend.”

“Just a friend?” Huang Caixing suddenly got up and cupped his face with both hands, leaning in close so their eyes met. She stared at him for a long moment before finally nodding in satisfaction. “Alright. Big Brother didn’t lie to me. That’s a relief!”

Their intimate interaction made Yuan Yu feel a pang of jealousy. But her personality was gentle and reserved. Even if she was feeling envious, she wouldn’t show it. Instead, she simply tightened her grip around Lin Xiao’s arm.

After this brief exchange, the atmosphere between the three finally returned to normal.

“Little Yu, have you been to the hospital to visit your mom?” Lin Xiao asked softly.

Just a few days ago, after taking the special medication, Yuan Yu’s mother’s condition had gradually improved. She had been transferred from the intensive care unit to a regular ward. Lin Xiao and Yuan Yu had already visited her several times.

Yuan Yu smiled and nodded. “Yes. Caixing and I went together. Auntie Huang drove us. Mom is doing much better now. The doctor said she might be discharged in about a month.”

“Auntie Xin is back in Jinghai?” Lin Xiao turned to Huang Caixing. “Since your mom is back, why are you still staying here?”

Huang Caixing rested her cheek against his shoulder, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“Obviously because I wanted to see you. Isn’t that obvious?”

“I’ll take you home later. Don’t stay here overnight. Auntie Xin must feel lonely by herself.”

Hearing the warmth in his tone, Huang Caixing pouted but didn’t argue.

Lin Xiao stood up. “I’m going to take a shower. You two can continue your workout.”

“Big Brother Lin, stay with us a little longer.” Huang Caixing clung to his arm, her big eyes blinking pleadingly, dimples forming on her cheeks. She looked irresistibly cute.

Any other man would have melted at the sight, agreeing to stay without hesitation.

But Lin Xiao remained unfazed. He gently pried her hands off. “We have plenty of time. A little wait won’t kill you.”

Huang Caixing let go reluctantly, puffing out her cheeks in frustration.

Yuan Yu, on the other hand, was much more sensible. She didn’t make things difficult for him. “Big Brother, take off your shirt before you go. I’ll wash it for you later.”

“Alright.”

Lin Xiao removed his shirt and handed it to her, then ruffled her hair before heading toward the bathroom.

Both girls’ eyes followed his retreating figure. Almost in sync, their faces flushed red.

Yuan Yu was embarrassed, while Huang Caixing was in full-on fangirl mode.

“Big Brother’s body is amazing. I kind of want to touch it.”

Yuan Yu shot her a sideways glance. “You pervert. Can you have some self-respect? You’re practically drooling.”

“Hmph! When it comes to the guy you like, you have to be proactive. If you act too reserved, what if someone else snatches him away?” Huang Caixing clenched her fist dramatically, waving it in front of Yuan Yu. “Flat Princess, I know you like him too. But I won’t give him up!”

Yuan Yu pursed her lips, her tone indifferent. “As long as you’re happy.”

Huang Caixing’s eyes fell on the shirt Yuan Yu was holding. Without warning, she snatched it away and brought it to her nose, inhaling deeply with a blissful expression. “Mmm… it smells like Big Brother.”

Yuan Yu’s eyes widened in shock. Even though she was mild-tempered, she couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated—her precious item had just been stolen.

“Huang Caixing, give it back!”

“Nope.” Huang Caixing twirled around, holding the shirt high like a trophy. She stuck out her tongue playfully. “This is my war trophy now. If you want it back, come and get it.”

“Give it back, now!”

Flustered, Yuan Yu lunged at her, and the two girls began chasing each other around the living room, laughter and protests filling the air.

Later that evening, after dinner, Lin Xiao drove Huang Caixing home. She wasn’t too thrilled about leaving, but after a few stern words from him, she finally relented, albeit reluctantly.