For his entire life, everything he desired had been readily available to him, while his sister's wishes were ultimately surrendered with her own hands.
Xing Can was accustomed to smooth sailing; he never imagined his direct confession would be rejected, just as he hadn't initially foreseen that Ji Wenyue also harbored feelings for his cold and unfeeling sister.
Even though he often envied his sister, he couldn't deny that she was the more pitiable one.
His parents' strict demands stemmed from love, whereas their harsh treatment of her was solely because she could bring them immense profit.
Xing Can lowered his gaze, suppressing the hint of self-mockery in his eyes.
Ji Wenyue's expression was cool and indifferent as she stated, "Whether she is engaged or not, whether we can be together, none of that concerns you."
Indeed, regardless of her reasons for being with her, perhaps it was merely a fleeting interest, but these were matters between her and her, having nothing to do with anyone else.
Xing Can's forced smile vanished once more, his expression turning sullen.
He sighed softly, a slender, pale hand resting on Ji Wenyue's shoulder. A flicker of madness flashed in his eyes before he suppressed it.
To him, she was also special.
She was also the only one in his youth who cared for him without reservation, which was why he didn't want her to see his other side.
"Sister, why can't you see reality more clearly?" Xing Can chuckled, then continued, "Sister, self-deception is useless. You are a bit older than me, you should understand this principle."
Ji Wenyue's face turned completely cold, and she no longer paid him any mind, returning directly to her room.
Xing Can watched Ji Wenyue's retreating back, a sinister emotion gradually surfacing in his eyes, before he burst into laughter like a madman.
He pulled out his phone and skillfully dialed Xing Yuan's number.
The call was answered after three rings, and a calm yet weary voice came from the other end.
"Xing Can, what do you want?" she asked in a low voice.
She wasn't foolish, but Ji Wenyue's whereabouts wouldn't be revealed without reason, so the cause could only be traced back to Xing Can.
In any case, she would never believe her sister was at fault, let alone deliberately told Xing Can.
She still had that much trust.
Xing Can curled his lips and casually sat down on the floor, "My dear sister, do you like this gift of mine?"
He wasn't a useless young master. Although he detested his father and refused to accept his father's businesses, he had, in his heart, largely accepted the path his father had designed for him. Therefore, over the years, he had amassed quite a few confidantes.
Even though those people were motivated by self-interest, they were incredibly useful.
Xing Yuan remained silent for a moment before coldly stating, "I have no interest in playing these childish games with you."
On other matters, she didn't mind Xing Can pulling strings, but there was one person he absolutely could not approach.
Xing Can, however, burst into laughter, answering his own question, "It seems my sister truly likes this gift of mine!"
"I have another gift for my sister. Should I send it to Ji Wenyue for her to pass on to you, or deliver it to you personally?" Xing Can's voice was laced with provocation.
"Meet me at Xingguang Road." With that, Xing Yuan hung up the phone.
Xing Yuan sighed, rubbing her tired temples. Although she knew it was a threat, she had no choice but to go. Otherwise, who knew what might happen during the handover process.
The two met at a corner game store, a place familiar to both. When their relationship was still amicable, Xing Yuan often brought Xing Can here to play, keeping it a secret from everyone.
"You're good at picking places," Xing Can said with a complex expression.
In this place, he always unconsciously softened.
"I just picked it randomly," Xing Yuan replied indifferently.
Her memories, however, drifted back many years.
When Xing Can was seven and ran away from home out of rebellion, everyone went out to look for him, but only Xing Yuan found him.
Xing Yuan didn't take him back directly. Instead, she brought him to this game store and let him play to his heart's content. Afterward, he became much more obedient.
However, the time they spent in harmony was fleeting, lasting only a few instances. Almost every subsequent meeting was discordant.
This time was no different.
After a brief immersion in memories, Xing Can's expression turned cold again.
"Sister, are you trying to use this small bribe to soften my heart?" he taunted, like a hedgehog bristling with thorns.
"There's no need," Xing Yuan replied calmly.
"It's just that this place is familiar to me, and you know that. You pose no threat to me," Xing Yuan stated the facts calmly. There was no mockery, yet the truth was more cutting than any insult.
Xing Can's face turned slightly pale. He glared fiercely at Xing Yuan, then quickly broke into a smile.
He looked smug, like a mouse stealing oil, "Sister, you must be eager to know what I said to Ji Wenyue, right? Why don't you guess?"
"I can directly ask Ji Wenyue. I believe she won't hide anything from me," Xing Yuan said with conviction.
Her sister wouldn't be someone who changed her mind so easily!
Xing Can raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is that so?"
"But I think she won't tell you, and she probably won't even tell you that we met today."
Xing Yuan's pupils contracted, but she quickly regained her composure, letting out a soft laugh. A hint of disdain flashed in her eyes, "Brother, I don't think your prediction is accurate."
"Besides, even if my sister doesn't tell me about meeting you today, she will surely have her reasons. I will respect them. Trying to sow discord between us is utterly meaningless to me."
Xing Can was taken aback. He looked Xing Yuan up and down, incredulously asking, "I never expected that you would be such a love-struck fool."
Xing Yuan pursed her lips, a hint of shyness appearing on her face. While she was indeed love-struck, there was no need to say it so bluntly! It was quite embarrassing!
Xing Yuan glanced at Xing Can, a hint of confusion in her eyes. Why did Xing Can seem so indifferent, as if he didn't like his sister at all?
Seeing Xing Yuan's demeanor, like a young girl in love, Xing Can's expression contorted. His mouth twitched, and he couldn't help but say, "Sister, you have always been my goal. Now that you are like this..."
It's hard for me to consider you my goal anymore!
Don't you know that love-struck fools should go dig for wild vegetables?
ps: Xing Yuan: What's wrong with digging for wild vegetables? I just like digging for wild vegetables, what business is it of yours?