Chapter 56 Do You Even Consider Me Your Brother?

Chapter 56: Do You Even See Me as Your Brother?

She was remarkably bold!

Covering her flushed cheek, she picked up her chopsticks and casually took a bite of the dish. She wasn’t sure if the restaurant had made a mistake—she had ordered the mildest lemon chicken, yet the first bite hit her with a strong, spicy ginger flavor.

Caught off guard, she choked a little, her already rosy face turning even redder.

Fang Ye lowered his eyes, watching her reaction, and promptly handed her a cup of milk tea. Bai Li took a sip, and as the cool, sweet-tart flavor spread across her tongue, the sharp spiciness eased.

After regaining her composure, she realized she had just eaten a piece of old ginger—its color was so similar, she hadn’t noticed.

How embarrassing.

Especially when she locked eyes with Fang Ye’s subtly amused gaze; Bai Li wished she could dig a hole and bury herself in it.

Though it was a small matter, it was undeniably awkward.

Determined to save herself from the embarrassment, Bai Li picked up the berry fruit tea she had chosen and handed it to Fang Ye. “Brother, is this okay for you? You were in the shower earlier, so I couldn’t ask what you liked to drink.”

Fang Ye nodded with a gentle smile. “Yeah, I’m fine with anything.”

The atmosphere finally loosened.

Between bites, Fang Ye checked some messages on WeChat, and Bai Li conscientiously refrained from disturbing him. Only after finishing her last mouthful of rice did she muster the courage to voice a question that had been weighing on her heart.

“Brother, you live alone, right? Why do you have two rooms?”

Fang Ye gave a brief reply: “It just so happened that this was the only floor plan left.”

Bai Li blinked, realizing she had been overthinking things. She quickly added, “Sorry, brother, I’m bothering you again.”

Fang Ye paused.

Then, unable to contain himself any longer, he stood up, grabbed a tissue from the table, and wiped his hands.

Unexpectedly, like a playful childhood tease, he deftly pinched Bai Li’s cheek and spoke with deliberate seriousness, word by word.

“Little Bai Li, how many times in one day are you going to say sorry to me? Calling me ‘brother’ every other word—do you even see me as your brother? Hmm?”

That single “hmm,” laced with his unique tone, was inexplicably charming.

Especially with their faces so close, breaths mingling, Bai Li met his gaze quietly, feeling her cheeks heat up and her heart race wildly.

He was stunningly handsome!

So much so that she was rendered speechless.

She couldn’t even control her darting eyes, her mind replaying his words over and over—

“Do you even see me as your brother?”

Did she?

Her heart answered for her without hesitation.

No, she didn’t.

That question almost exploded the feelings she had buried deep within. She felt a sudden urge to run away.

But no. This was a secret that must never be uncovered.

Afraid Fang Ye might sense something was wrong, she dared not remain silent. She put down her chopsticks, lowered her head, sipped her milk tea, and softly said, “Of course you’re my brother. I’ll try not to say things like that again.”

The cool air from the air conditioner gently brushed her hair.

A long moment passed before she heard Fang Ye’s barely audible laugh.

Then the sound of footsteps slowly approaching the room.

Bai Li exhaled in relief.

Fortunately, her secret remained safe.

Afterward, she found her own behavior laughably timid, like a startled bird—truly proving those well-known lines she’d heard often:

—A secret crush is the blush and heartbeat of one person.

—Liking someone is the grandest secret of youth.

…

In the room, Fang Ye sat on a single armchair, a cigarette pinched between his fingers, his other hand propping up his chin. Smoke curled slowly upward from between his knuckles.

If he remembered correctly, the young girl’s evasive glances had been very obvious.

Her words had sounded incredibly guilty.

Did she truly not see him as her brother?

Or was she just embarrassed and shy?

He couldn’t tell for sure, but she definitely seemed like someone who didn’t like taking advantage of others. She had a good nature, just hadn’t been raised well.

…

After returning to his room, Bai Li picked at her rice with little appetite.

The jasmine fragrance in the house was overwhelmingly strong—she wasn’t sure what variety it was, but every time the door opened or closed, the scent naturally spread throughout.

Gazing at the raindrops tapping against the window, Bai Li grew uneasy again.

There was still a long stretch ahead, and it seemed Fang Ye really only saw her as a little sister—maybe even a little sister he was obsessed with?

In any case, he treated her with boundless kindness.

So, with such a long road ahead, how was she supposed to hide her feelings without being discovered?

After much contemplation, she found no useful answers.

She often heard her female classmates imitating adults and sighing that liking someone was truly difficult.

She thought… a secret crush might be even harder.

Unable to say “I like you,” unable to hide her racing heart.

Desperately trying to avoid him, yet unconsciously wanting to get closer.

…

By the time the food had cooled, Fang Ye emerged from his room. Holding his phone, he walked to the entrance and asked, “I’m heading out for a bit. Do you need me to bring anything?”

Bai Li was startled. “Brother, where are you going?”

Fang Ye replied, “To the supermarket downstairs. Want to come? Or if you need anything, just tell me.”

Bai Li quickly shook her head. “I don’t need anything. You go ahead.”

After he left, Bai Li sighed. She thought she’d been impulsive today—foolish and blushing—and decided it was better not to tag along.

The rain outside had been falling for a long time but was finally easing.

When Fang Ye returned carrying a large bag of groceries, Bai Li was still brushing her teeth in her room.

Hearing a knock, she hurriedly spat out the toothpaste foam and went to open the door.

Fang Ye stood outside, his shoulders damp and chilled by the cold air.

In his hands, he held a brand-new four-piece bedding set—bright goose yellow, adorned with cute pear patterns.

“Here, let me change it for you.”

Bai Li blinked and quickly took the sheets and pillowcases from him. “No, brother, I can do it myself!”

Her eagerness made it seem like she was trying to snatch them away.

Fang Ye smiled amusedly and didn’t insist. “Alright, you do it.”

Then he went out again to fetch some toiletries, all brand new.

Before leaving, worried Bai Li might feel awkward about staying over, he smiled and said, “Just settle in comfortably for now. Don’t worry about anything else, and don’t keep thinking about running off to suffer.”

After that, he closed the door behind her and left.

Bai Li understood his meaning.

He was just worried she wouldn’t feel at ease living here, so he took extra care to say a few more words.

Touching the soft sheets, Bai Li’s heart fluttered. She gently stuffed the pillow inside.

Someone so kind—

It was no wonder anyone would like him.

She comforted herself this way, unaware that her initial avoidance had slowly turned into acceptance of liking her “brother.”

After a long, tiring day, Bai Li fell asleep early. Perhaps because Fang Ye was here, she slept peacefully.

The next day, Chengzi Ge sent her a WeChat message.

[Little sister, are you back in Lingjiang??]

The next chapter promises sweetness and emotional twists.

(End of chapter)