Chapter 079: Stealing a Man

The words hung in the air, stunning everyone into silence—especially Chen Zi Mo and Zhao Xin, who were at the center of it all. Neither could have anticipated such a reward. Had she known, she would have simply sung a song; a kiss meant nothing to her, as ordinary as eating or drinking. But would he see her as wanton? She wanted to appear flawless in his eyes, as close to perfection as she could manage. He was the one she cared for, and kissing him felt almost like a desecration.

Once the initial shock faded, both spoke at once. Zhou Meng shouted, egging them on, "Kiss! Kiss!" But it was Liu Zi Qing, cold as ice, who declared decisively, "No!"

Her words drew puzzled looks from everyone, even Chen Zi Mo, who gazed at her in surprise. Only then did Liu Zi Qing realize what she’d said. The relationship between her and Chen Zi Mo was no more than friendly; they weren’t a couple. Usually, she was the one who called him to go out, always taking the initiative. Now, her protest betrayed her feelings for him, broadcast before all. Though her feelings were genuine, it was hardly the place to reveal them.

She pressed her lips together and glanced at Zhao Xin, saying coolly, "A girl’s first kiss is precious. It shouldn’t be treated so lightly. Of course, that’s assuming Miss Zhao still has hers. You’re all enjoying yourselves, but no one has thought to ask what Zhao Xin wants."

Impressive! Lin Xia watched, marveling at how Liu Zi Qing not only diffused the situation but deftly handed Zhao Xin a dilemma. In front of so many people, Zhao Xin couldn’t possibly explain—even if she still had her first kiss. To do so would seem suspicious, yet to stay silent might leave a poor impression on Chen Zi Mo. Lin Xia, knowing Chen Zi Mo well, guessed he would follow this train of thought. But why was there such tension between them? Was this truly a case of beauty causing turmoil?

Sure enough, Chen Zi Mo frowned, about to speak, when Zhao Xin covered her lips with a gentle smile and said softly, "Zi Qing is teasing. We’re all here to have fun, after all. And this was Tong Tong’s idea—meant to make everyone happy, maybe just to mess with her brother. Isn’t that right, Tong Tong?"

As expected, Xie Xi Tong pouted, "Going out is meant to be fun, and this was my idea. What’s the problem? Who wouldn’t want to give their first kiss to someone like my brother? Is he not good enough for Zhao Xin?" Then, with a sharp glint in her eyes, she added, "Maybe someone’s jealous and doesn’t want others to get close to my brother."

Listening to Xie Xi Tong, and seeing Chen Zi Mo’s disapproval, Liu Zi Qing felt exhausted. For years, she’d endured his sister’s relentless pressure, always yielding, with nowhere left to retreat. Yet, in his heart, his sister remained paramount. He was so outstanding, surrounded by beautiful girls, never refusing them, always wielding his gentleness to torment her heart. The memory of Chen Zi Mo carrying Zhao Xin left Liu Zi Qing feeling bitter. Couldn’t he spare a thought for her? She could tolerate his sister, but not another woman—a stranger, no less.

Lin Xia, observing, had never seen Liu Zi Qing like this. Her face stayed cold, betraying nothing, but Lin Xia, with decades more experience, could glimpse sadness in her eyes. She could also see that Zhao Xin, seasoned in social circles, had noticed as well. Zhao Xin felt a surge of satisfaction but maintained her gentle demeanor, pretending not to catch the meaning in Xie Xi Tong’s words or sense the hostility between the two.

Seeing no reaction from Chen Zi Mo, Lin Xia sighed inwardly. At fifteen, he was still far too young. She smiled, "Enough, it was just a joke. Tong Tong and I prepared the real prize—a set of Liu Yan’s exquisite works, complete with her autograph."

With that, she took the books from her bag. "They’re custom-printed, not yet officially released. I pulled strings to get a set from City B. Tong Tong loves them so much she didn’t want to let them go, but offered them as the grand prize for this trip."

Sun Xiao Xiao screamed, "It’s Yan Yan’s autograph—she never signs anything! Let me see!" Zhao Qian, too, looked at the books with delight. "A collection of her best works!"

Watching their eager expressions, Lin Xia smiled and handed over the books, skillfully steering the conversation away from earlier tensions. As expected, seeing the books, Xie Xi Tong became frantic. "Zhao Qian, you’re so lucky! I’ve wanted these for ages, but Xia Xia wouldn’t give them to me. It’s so frustrating."

"Ah, it’s a limited edition with her autograph! What do I do? I want a set so badly," Sun Xiao Xiao drooled. "Only ten thousand copies printed—there’s no way I’ll get one."

Lin Xia nodded, "Yes, they sold out during pre-sale. I went through a lot to get this set, and it’s the only one I have. So it’s very precious."

Zhao Qian hugged the book, grinning sheepishly at Zhao Xin. "Cousin, give it to me! You’ve never said you liked her books." But Zhao Xin, seeing how much Xie Xi Tong adored the set, and noticing Liu Zi Qing’s eyes glowing, glued to the books, had no intention of giving it to her cousin. She brushed back her hair, smiled, and said, "This is your cousin’s reward—if only you’d performed better earlier."

Zhao Qian muttered, "If I’d known, I would’ve given you zero points." Zhao Xin tapped her forehead, pulled the book from her arms, hugged it, and laughed, "Thanks, cousin!"

Zhou Meng glanced at the sky and stood up. "It’s getting late. It’ll take an hour to bike back. Let’s pack up and head out." You Xin nodded in agreement and began tidying up the small speaker.

"Brother, come with me," Xie Xi Tong said, pulling Chen Zi Mo under a tree. "I love those books so much. Ask Zhao Xin to give them to me—we’ll pay double. Please?"

Her words trailed off in a coquettish tone as she clung to his hand. Chen Zi Mo knew well how much his sister loved that author. Seeing his usually spoiled sister’s pleading, trusting eyes, he softened and nodded.

"Yay! I knew you were the best, brother. I love you most," Xie Xi Tong exclaimed, giving Chen Zi Mo a big kiss, leaving him both amused and helpless.

"Go on, hurry!" Xie Xi Tong urged.

He ruffled her hair, helplessly, "Alright, alright."

He’d barely taken a few steps when Zhao Xin approached, and both spoke at once: "Zi Mo" "Ah Xin"

Since when were they so familiar? Xie Xi Tong hid behind the tree, puzzled. No matter—as long as she got those books, nothing else mattered.

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please subscribe or support it—your encouragement is my greatest motivation.)