Chapter 247: “So All These Years, I’ve Been a Joke?”

Seeing that Qiao Sisi was silent for a long time, Fang Wenjing thought she didn’t like the food and felt a bit disappointed. However, she quickly perked up to encourage her to try other dishes.

“Sister Sisi, if you don’t like the crab pot, you can try the other dishes!”

Hearing that the guest might not like the food, Aunt Wei became a bit anxious too, her eyes darting around, fearful that Qiao Sisi wouldn’t like any of the dishes.

Fang Zhou also glanced at her curiously, thinking about what other dish he could make for her.

“No, it’s not that I don’t like it. I’m just used to a lighter taste, so this is a bit heavy for me. But I’ll get used to it after a few more bites.”

Qiao Sisi waved her hand, sincerely explaining.

To prove her point, she took another bite of the crab pot.

Only then did everyone relax and smile.

Fang Wenjing chuckled and resumed eating, her mood visibly lifted. She even had the energy to ask questions.

“Sister Sisi, when did you meet my brother?”

Such a beautiful woman, how come she had never seen her before?

Then again, among her brother’s ex-girlfriends, the ones she had actually met were few and far between.

Other than Zhang Zhiyin, a good friend, the only other ex-girlfriend she remembered well was Qin Yun.

Qiao Sisi paused while picking up some food, glanced at Fang Zhou, and replied with a half-smile, “It’s been several years, but your brother is really stingy.”

Fang Wenjing’s interest was piqued, her eyes bright as she asked, “How so?”

Her brother’s friends usually praised him in her presence. It was interesting to hear someone say the opposite.

Fang Zhou’s brow furrowed, his attention shifting from his food to Qiao Sisi. He wanted to hear what she would say.

Him, stingy? Where had he been stingy? He might not have much money, but stingy? He didn’t think so.

“If he weren’t stingy, why would he hide such a smart and clever sister like you for so many years?”

A mischievous glint appeared in Qiao Sisi’s eyes as she winked at Fang Wenjing.

The latter burst into laughter, finding her amusing.

“Hahaha! Sister Sisi, you’re really funny!”

She even abandoned her own meal, moving to sit closer to Qiao Sisi to chat.

“Cough, cough!”

Receiving Fang Zhou’s warning signal, she reluctantly picked up her bowl and returned to her seat.

“I am eating, don’t glare at me!”

Fang Wenjing protested, prompting Fang Zhou to withdraw his gaze.

This sister of his would stop eating once she started chatting, so he had to keep her in check.

The meal proceeded without incident, with Qiao Sisi and Fang Wenjing becoming fast friends, leaving Fang Zhou feeling like an outsider.

Aunt Wei quickly tidied up and washed the dishes.

Fang Zhou brought out fruit and placed it before the two chatting women, feeling somewhat left out.

Why did it feel like Qiao Sisi had ulterior motives?

Given her personality, she usually spoke her mind. After making her wait all night, she should have blown up by now.

Finally, when Fang Wenjing went to the bathroom, the opportunity arose.

Qiao Sisi grabbed Fang Zhou’s arm, staring at him intently, her smile not reaching her eyes.

“Would you have married Chu Xinran if I hadn’t come?”

Fang Zhou’s brow twitched, and he quickly denied it, “No, of course not!”

Who told her that? Where did she get this information? It was absurd!

“Really? You looked pretty happy shopping together.”

Qiao Sisi took out a photo, showing it to Fang Zhou as evidence, questioning him.

The photo obviously taken secretly, likely from inside a car or somewhere similar.

Fang Zhou rubbed his forehead, trying to explain, “Isn’t it possible this is just a coincidence?”

Trying to deny it now only fueled Qiao Sisi’s anger, and her voice rose.

“Don’t tell me it was an earthquake, and you two were running away holding hands!”

If Fang Zhou had treated all the women equally, it might have been different. But he hadn’t.

Since ancient times, the issue wasn’t scarcity but inequality. Once the balance tipped, trouble followed.

Qiao Sisi was the first to step up and prevent this trouble.

Anger burned in her eyes, and the hand gripping Fang Zhou’s arm grew warmer. Her whole demeanor darkened, truly upset.

Fang Zhou sighed inwardly, thinking: Earthquake not working? How about a hailstorm?

“Miss Qiao, I don’t think I owe you any explanations.”

In the end, Fang Zhou opted for a firm stance.

After all, when he asked Qiao Sisi to make an announcement, she didn’t follow his wishes. Now, he had no obligation to cater to her emotions.

When personal feelings got too entangled, it became a messy situation like with Chu Xinran, and Fang Zhou disliked that.

“You!”

That statement infuriated Qiao Sisi. She raised her hand to slap him but remembered Fang Wenjing was still in the bathroom, calming down.

No, being hysterical and raging was the most unattractive thing.

She couldn’t become that woman.

Instead, she lowered her hand to Fang Zhou’s shirt, asking with a mix of humility and disappointment, “Do you really have to be so heartless?”

“All these years, I’ve still loved you.”

At that moment, Fang Wenjing came out of the bathroom, catching the dramatic revelation. Her mouth formed an “O”, big enough to fit an egg.

OMG! What had she just heard? This beautiful woman had always loved her brother? No wonder!

No wonder she waited all night at the door! How deeply she must feel!

She couldn’t believe her brother had hidden this so well!

Inside, Fang Wenjing’s gossipy soul burned brightly, urging her to stand still, not interrupting them.

Fang Zhou frowned, not feeling he was heartless at all.

“Some things are just not meant to be. Forced love doesn’t last. You should find someone truly meant for you.”

Hadn’t he made himself clear enough?

But this statement only changed Qiao Sisi’s expression, reigniting her suppressed emotions.

She chuckled bitterly, releasing Fang Zhou’s arm and placing her hand on his chest.

Slowly she moved closer, asking word by word, “So, all these years, I’ve been a joke?”