Gu Xi sat on the edge of his bed, his delicate fingers fidgeting with the hem of his oversized shirt. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast gentle shadows across his room, highlighting the faint flush on his porcelain cheeks. His sister, Gu Lin, towered over him, her sharp eyes glinting with a mix of frustration and something deeper—something Gu Xi couldn't quite place.
"Sister, what did you mean by that?" he asked softly, his voice careful, almost hesitant. He didn't want to upset her, not when she was already pacing his small room like a caged tiger.
Gu Lin let out a heavy sigh, her broad shoulders slumping slightly. She stopped mid-stride, turning to face him. "Xi, I don't trust that boss of yours. That woman at the Moondew Cafe—she looks at you with dirty eyes. Like she's sizing you up." Her voice was low, laced with a protective edge. "And don't even get me started on those female customers. They're always flirting with you, batting their lashes, trying to get your attention. It's shameless."
Gu Xi blinked, his long lashes framing his wide, curious eyes. "Sister, they're just being friendly—"
"Friendly?" Gu Lin's voice sharpened, and she resumed pacing, her long legs eating up the space in his cramped room. "Xi, you're a man. In this world, it's improper for you to be entertaining so many women like that. All that contact—it's not right. Are you doing this for money? Is that it? Because if it is, you don't need to worry about that. You can just ask me. I'll take care of you."
Her words tumbled out in a rush, each one heavier than the last. Gu Xi's lips parted, but before he could respond, she kept going, her voice rising. "You don't need to degrade yourself like this, Xi. I can provide for you. You're my brother, and I—"
"Sister." Gu Xi's voice cut through her rambling, firm yet gentle. He stood up, his petite frame barely reaching her shoulders, but his gaze was unwavering. "I will never, ever depend on another person for material things."
His cute, almond-shaped eyes burned with a resolute fire, a spark that made Gu Lin pause. He stepped closer, his voice softening but no less determined. "I respect you as my older sister, and I know you're just worried for me. I get it—you're a woman, and in this world, that's what women do. But this is my life, Sister. It's my choice whether I take a job or not." A playful smile tugged at his lips, and he tilted his head. "Besides, I'm going to earn enough at the cafe to buy you that fancy coat you've been eyeing. Or maybe some jewelry. What do you think?"
Gu Lin's expression darkened, her fists clenching at her sides. "I don't want that!" she snapped, her voice echoing in the small room. Her chest heaved as she took a deep breath, trying to rein in her emotions. But then, something shifted in her eyes—a strange, almost obsessive glint. Before Gu Xi could react, she closed the distance between them, her tall frame looming over him.
In one swift motion, she pushed him down onto the bed. Gu Xi's breath caught as he fell back, his slender wrists pinned above his head by one of her strong hands. Her long, dark hair cascaded around them, curtaining their faces and plunging the world into shadow.
"Sister?" Gu Xi's voice was a bewildered whisper, his wide eyes searching hers.
Gu Lin's gaze was intense, almost suffocating. "You don't understand how I feel when I see you flirting with those women," she said, her voice low and trembling with something raw. "I don't care, Xi. You will quit your job right now. Listen to your older sister."
Anger flared in Gu Xi's chest, his cute eyebrows furrowing as he squirmed beneath her. "Get off me first!" he huffed, pushing against her stomach with his free hand. But her strength was unyielding, a stark reminder of the reversed world they lived in—where women were towering and powerful, and men like him were delicate and frail. He cursed inwardly at the unfairness of it all. "I already told you! I'll do what I want!"
He tried to shove her face away, but Gu Lin caught both of his dainty hands in one of hers, lifting them above his head. His oversized shirt rode up, exposing the smooth, toned curve of his midriff and the gentle dip of his waist. His face flushed a deeper shade of pink, his breath hitching as he stared up at her, stunned. "Sister?"
For a moment, Gu Lin froze. Something snapped inside her—a taut string breaking under unbearable tension. Her grip loosened, and she abruptly released him, standing up and turning her back to him. Her shoulders trembled as she stared at the small mirror propped on his shelf. In its reflection, she saw her own face—cold and composed, yet betraying a faint blush. A fire had ignited in her chest, spreading slowly, melting the ice she'd always carried.
Ah. I'm in love with my brother.
The realization hit her like a tidal wave, drowning her in its weight. Her breath hitched as she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady herself.
"Sister?" Gu Xi's voice broke through her thoughts, tentative and confused. He stood up, brushing his shirt down to cover his exposed skin. "Why'd you go quiet all of a sudden?"
Gu Lin snapped out of her daze, her heart pounding. She couldn't let him know. Not now. Not ever. Taking a deep breath, she forced her voice to steady. "We'll talk about this later," she said curtly, striding toward the door. Without looking back, she left the room, the door clicking shut behind her.
Gu Xi stood there, blinking at the empty doorway. "What the heck just happened?" he muttered, running a hand through his tousled hair. His heart was still racing, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. He flopped back onto his bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering what had gotten into his sister—and why her eyes had looked so strange.