You Don’t Have a Sister

As Guo Zhu and the others left the villa, the rain continued to fall.

It pattered against the windowsill, obscuring the view through the large floor-to-ceiling window, only faint shadows of the cars visible.

A man in a black sweater sat nearby, holding a thermos, staring absentmindedly at the world outside.

Han Xi came upstairs to find this scene.

Fang Zhou seemed disconnected from the world, like a lonely island, creating his own small universe.

His presence felt jarring, as if he didn’t belong. Simultaneously, he exuded a gloomy aura, akin to the raging storm outside.

This atmosphere was oppressive, heavy, as if he bore endless sorrow and pain.

“What’s wrong? You seem upset. Did those people bother you today?”

Han Xi asked softly, her steps light as she quickly approached Fang Zhou.

“I don’t know.”

Fang Zhou replied honestly, a faint sadness clouding his brow.

“That woman showed me a photo today.”

“What photo?”

Han Xi inquired, speculating internally.

Was it a photo of Qin Yun and Fang Zhou together? Or something more intimate?

“It was of a little girl. She said it was my sister.”

Fang Zhou’s voice was soft, his gaze fixed on Han Xi, lips slightly parted.

“Do I really have a sister?”

Though they insisted he was that man, he hadn’t believed it until the photo was shown.

“She looked familiar, and…”

Fang Zhou grasped Han Xi’s arm, placing it on his chest, sincerely telling her.

“It feels like it hurts here.”

The warmth from his touch traveled through her nerves, reaching Han Xi’s mind, a winter warmth she craved, wanting to curl up in his arms like a kitten.

Yet, Fang Zhou’s gaze was like a searing flame, almost burning her.

This contradiction made Han Xi lower her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

Fang Zhou felt her hand withdraw, Han Xi pulling away.

She turned to the window, softly saying, “You’re overthinking. You don’t have a sister.”

Forgive my selfishness, I can’t let you remember your sister.

Because remembering her would mean wanting to leave, to explore the outside world.

But Han Xi had come this far, planned for so long, and endured so much; she couldn’t just let go.

Last time, she was careless, and Fang Zhou was taken by Qiao Sisi and the others. This time, she couldn’t let him leave.

Fang Zhou simply replied, “Oh,” withdrawing his gaze from Han Xi, watching the raindrops trickle down the window.

“Maybe I just really want a sister, so I imagined it.”

His reasoning made Han Xi feel guilty.

She coughed lightly, taking his hand, asking with concern, “Does your head still hurt?”

The doctor had adjusted the treatment plan; side effects should be reduced.

She saw him nod.

“Not as much, just a little.”

“Good. If you feel unwell, tell me or Dr. Hu.”

Dr. Hu, the family doctor Han Xi hired, was always on call for Fang Zhou.

“Don’t worry, I’m as strong as an ox!”

Fang Zhou laughed, finally smiling.

This eased Han Xi’s mind.

“Shall we go to Altay tomorrow?”

Originally planned for today, the trip was delayed by guests. Han Xi sought Fang Zhou’s opinion.

He looked troubled.

“Can we wait a bit? My head still aches slightly; I might not enjoy it with you.”

This touched Han Xi.

His reason for not going was her enjoyment, not his discomfort.

She hugged him, agreeing readily.

“Okay, we’ll go when you’re better.”

Fang Zhou hugged her back in response.

Their embrace warmed the room, a perfect moment for bonding, until a ringtone interrupted.

“Regret can’t be spoken, the heart suddenly tightens…”

Han Xi’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but she controlled her temper, stepping back to check the caller, her expression changing.

“I need to handle some work; you rest.”

She showed her phone, indicating she had matters to attend to.

“Alright, go ahead.”

After a brief hug, Han Xi left, leaving Fang Zhou alone.

He set down the thermos, tapping the table lightly, soon hearing another knock.

“I’m here to check your health.”

It was Dr. Hu, the family doctor.

“Come in.”

Footsteps approached, the casually dressed doctor wheeling a cart to Fang Zhou.

Fang Zhou glanced at the door, then the cart, resignedly saying, “So many tests again?”

Dr. Hu shrugged, equally resigned.

“Can’t help it; your health is unstable.”

He sat beside Fang Zhou, arranging equipment on the table, leaving space for the medical records.

“How are you feeling today?”

“Better, just a little pain, but…”

Fang Zhou answered, hand on the table, lightly scribbling.

He was writing in the notebook and pen Dr. Hu brought.

Both maintained normal expressions, discussing Fang Zhou’s health.

Their conversation was transmitted through the potted plant in the corner to Han Xi’s study.

But she had no time to listen.

She was on the phone with her contacts.

“Ms. Han, the woman from our last deal wants the remaining payment.”

Han Xi narrowed her eyes, recalling the matter.

“Tell her the job wasn’t done; there’ll be a discount.”

A shrewd businesswoman, she wanted every penny well spent.

“If she wants the rest, she must sign a confidentiality agreement, promising never to disclose.”