It had been about twenty minutes, and she felt it wouldn't look good if she didn't go back soon, so she slowly stood up.
Opening the door, she placed her bag on the washstand. As she was washing her hands, a pair of warm hands reached from behind and embraced her.
Looking up, she saw Xiang Yang, who had apparently been waiting there, burying his head in her neck with a triumphant expression.
Normally, she would have been very happy if Xiang Yang acted like this.
But at this moment, it made her feel disgusted, as if they were a couple up to no good.
"Let go of me, don't let anyone see."
Xiang Yang didn't let go, but held her tighter. His voice, low and lazy with a hint of alcohol, brushed against her ear.
"I won't. I miss you so much. Don't you miss me at all?"
Miss me so much? It's been a few hours, and I haven't seen you do anything to show you miss me. My sister is still the one I care about!
Chen Jiaojiao grumbled inwardly and deliberately said,
"No, I don't. I'm busy. What's there to miss about you?"
"I knew you were heartless."
As Xiang Yang spoke, he moved to bite her ear. Chen Jiaojiao quickly raised her hand to stop him.
"What's wrong with you? Are you afraid people won't see?"
"Let them see. We're all adults, it's normal."
Chen Jiaojiao: "Oh, your circle is really messy. After only a few months inside, you already think this is normal. It seems you've gained a lot of insight recently."
Xiang Yang smiled meaningfully, "I wonder who helped me gain my insight. If it's messy, it's with you."
"Stop talking nonsense with me." Chen Jiaojiao hit him.
"Alright, let go quickly. This is the ladies' restroom. If someone walks in and sees, how will you live?"
Xiang Yang sighed, let her go, moved back a little, and leaned against the washstand, facing her with his back to her.
"I'm sorry, I neglected you tonight. I know you're not happy, but I haven't seen my sister in a long time. You know."
Xiang Yang's attitude was good, and Chen Jiaojiao considered it. She felt she had no right to be angry.
She was the one who chose to be with Xiang Yang and keep it a secret from everyone.
"I didn't say you shouldn't talk to your sister. I understand. I just felt a bit silly sitting there alone, feeling envious of others."
"Then later, when we go in, we'll sit together." Xiang Yang said earnestly.
But she backed down again: "Are you crazy? Without any warning, if we suddenly sit together, won't your sister be shocked?"
Xiang Yang spread his hands: "This won't do, and that won't do. You're unhappy. So what do you want me to do?"
Chen Jiaojiao thought for a moment and could only suppress her discomfort. She actively moved closer to him, resting her forehead on his shoulder.
"I don't mean anything else. I just miss you too much. I can see you but can't touch you, and it makes me uncomfortable. I feel much better now. Let's go back. I'll wait for you tonight."
"Then give me a kiss."
They didn't even dare to kiss forcefully, afraid that Chen Jiaojiao's lipstick would get on his mouth. They pecked each other lightly and then let go.
Afterward, pretending not to know each other, Xiang Yang went out first, and Chen Jiaojiao lingered for a few more minutes before returning to the private room.
They were all very familiar with each other, so there was no need for overly dramatic displays. The conversation was finished, and they had had their fill.
Around nine o'clock, Zhan Bei Jue suggested they call it a night.
Chen Jiaojiao hadn't drunk any alcohol tonight and drove herself home. Xiang Yang went with Xiang Wan to their place.
As they were saying goodbye, Xiang Wan felt very sorry for Chen Jiaojiao and kept apologizing while holding her hand.
"I'm sorry, I neglected you tonight. I really feel bad about it. I'll treat you separately another day to make amends."
"I really haven't seen my brother in such a long time. I missed him so much, I hope you understand."
"It's okay, I understand." Chen Jiaojiao smiled.
"But there's plenty of time in the future. Don't be too anxious. He's not going anywhere. We can chat during the day too. You should get some rest early tonight."
Everyone got into their cars and left. Less than two minutes after the driver set off, Jiang Nan Fang called Zhou Jin Bei.
"What's wrong, sister-in-law?"
"Zhou Jin Bei, you're not being honest."
Jiang Nan Fang's opening remark startled Zhou Jin Bei.
"What am I not being honest about? What happened? Don't scare me."
"Did you know Xiang Yang before?"
Zhou Jin Bei didn't understand what was happening, but Jiang Nan Fang's sharp eyes had seen through them.
Although Xiang Yang and Chen Jiaojiao hadn't shown anything in front of everyone tonight, Jiang Nan Fang had keenly noticed their occasional eye contact and the intensity in their gazes when they met.
"Fine, you two are forming cliques behind my back. Chen Jiaojiao is dating and didn't tell me. I've seen through you all."
"You figured that out... No, no, sister-in-law, don't say that."
Intimidated by Jiang Nan Fang, Zhou Jin Bei confessed everything that had happened with Chen Jiaojiao recently.
"Jiaojiao felt embarrassed and afraid of being laughed at or considered a bad person, so please understand. I could tell she was quite upset tonight."
"She can see her husband, but can't touch him, and she has to pretend for everyone. It's tough on her."
Jiang Nan Fang felt that Chen Jiaojiao was completely overthinking things, worrying about nothing.
Since she and Xiang Yang were in love and had reached the stage of marriage, why should she care so much?
Besides, was Xiang Wan the kind of unenlightened person who would?
Having gone through so much with Lu Ming Zhe, she must have a clearer perspective on relationships than anyone else. Why would she obstruct her brother?
Everyone knew about Chen Jiaojiao's nominal marriage with Lu Ming Zhe. If Xiang Wan truly cared, she wouldn't even be friends with her.
Chen Jiaojiao was so smart; why couldn't she see this at such a crucial moment?
"Until when does she plan to hide it? Does she want Xiang Wan to never know?"
Zhou Jin Bei said, "Who knows? I've been trying to persuade her, but she just can't get past this hurdle herself."
Jiang Nan Fang couldn't stand seeing her friend unhappy. Since that was the case, she decided to help Chen Jiaojiao.
Upon arriving at Lu Ming Zhe's house, Xiang Wan asked Xiang Yang to wash up first and then come out to video call their grandmother.
During this time, she received a call from Jiang Nan Fang.
After the video call, it was almost 11 o'clock. Grandmother urged Xiang Yang to rest, but Xiang Wan brought out a lot of alcohol and ordered a lot of takeout. She told Xiang Yang that the nightlife had just begun and that they would have a long talk all night.
Xiang Yang knew Chen Jiaojiao was waiting and looked at the time, getting anxious.
"Sister, I told you I have two days off. Can't we talk tomorrow? I'm sleepy."
"Sleepy? So early? Alright, then you sleep. Sister will sleep with you. Oh my, it's been so long since we slept together. You won't mind me, will you?"
Xiang Yang's eyes widened in shock: "Sister, I'm this old, and you, you actually..."
Don't worry, I won't share a blanket with you. We slept together many times when we were little. I didn't mind you, so why would you mind me?
I don't mind you. If you don't mind, then it's settled. We'll sleep together tonight.