Another One Comes Along

Qin Gou found himself in a difficult situation. On one hand, spending the night with a maid he barely knew went against his principles—especially when he was using someone else’s identity. It felt dishonest and unseemly.

On the other hand, Xiang’er was growing increasingly suspicious of him and had even resorted to emotional blackmail, threatening to end her life if she didn’t get what she wanted. She seemed determined to achieve her goal that very night.

“Xiang’er, how about this? If I’m not mistaken, your birthday is next month, right? Why don’t we wait until then? Good things are worth waiting for, and it would be a double celebration,” Qin Gou said, desperately trying to come up with a plausible excuse.

“But…” Xiang’er hesitated, her flushed face showing signs of doubt.

No choice, then!

Gritting his teeth, Qin Gou decided to use his ultimate move. He’d knock her out with the Dizzying Handkerchief, then stage a convincing “after the fact” scene using some eel blood from the kitchen. It was the only way to buy himself time.

As he reached for his spatial ring, a voice rang out—a voice that, at this moment, sounded like the sweetest melody to Qin Gou’s ears.

“Hmph! Xiang’er, I heard everything. You’ve grown bold in the past few days, haven’t you? Threatening your master now, are you?”

The door swung open, and Xu Shuangshuang strode in with a commanding presence. Her sharp gaze locked onto Xiang’er, who instantly paled, trembling as she stammered, “G-greetings, Second Miss…”

Xu Shuangshuang narrowed her eyes. “You’ve got some nerve. My little brother already said no, yet here you are, trying to seduce and manipulate him. Disgusting! I suppose he’s been too kind to you all these years, sparing you from the family’s disciplinary measures.”

Xiang’er’s eyes filled with tears as she quickly defended herself. “Second Miss, I was only thinking of the Young Master’s best interests! Besides, this was the Madam’s order—”

“Well, here’s an order from me,” Xu Shuangshuang interrupted coldly. “Unless my little brother personally agrees, you are forbidden from climbing into his bed. If you so much as try, I’ll have you married off to the stable hand. Do you understand?”

“Y-yes… I understand,” Xiang’er stammered, her entire body trembling with fear.

“Good. Now get out,” Xu Shuangshuang commanded, her voice sharp.

With her head hung low, Xiang’er picked up her sash and left the room, her face filled with reluctance and humiliation.

Qin Gou felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over him. “Second Sister, thank goodness you showed up. I didn’t know what to do. I know Xiang’er meant well, but she was far too pushy.”

Xu Shuangshuang smirked, giving him a teasing look. “You’ve always been too soft-hearted, little brother. Sometimes you need to assert your authority as the master, or the servants will walk all over you. Do you really think Xiang’er had the guts to throw herself into a well? She was just trying to scare you.”

Qin Gou froze, realizing she was right. He had been so preoccupied with dealing with the likes of Gu Caihe and Yi Chengying—women who truly followed through on their threats—that he hadn’t considered the possibility that Xiang’er was bluffing.

“I suppose I was a bit naive,” Qin Gou admitted with a wry smile.

Xu Shuangshuang chuckled and shook her head. “Silly little brother. And Xiang’er really picked the worst day to pull this stunt.”

“What do you mean?” Qin Gou asked, confused.

Xu Shuangshuang leaned closer, playfully pushing his shoulder as she laughed. “Don’t play dumb. Everyone in the Marshal’s estate knows my rule. Every time I return home, I spend the first night catching up with my favorite little brother. We talk about everything, and then we sleep until morning.”

“I…” Qin Gou was at a loss for words. It felt like an invisible hand was gripping his throat, leaving him unable to breathe.

One problem solved, and now another one appears?!

He had thought Xu Shuangshuang was his savior, only to realize she was the real threat. She had eliminated the competition, only to reveal her own fangs.

Fine. If you want to play, let’s play.

“Alright, Second Sister. It’s been too long since we’ve had some quality time together. I’ve missed you,” Qin Gou said suddenly, grabbing Xu Shuangshuang’s hand and leading her to the bed. With a smile, he added, “I have so much to share with you.”

Xu Shuangshuang was caught off guard by his sudden enthusiasm. “What are you doing? I thought you wanted to talk. Why are you getting ready for bed already?”

“Bed?” Qin Gou’s lips curled into a mischievous smile as he leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Tonight, I’m not letting you rest. What Xiang’er couldn’t have, my dearest Second Sister can take as easily as reaching into her pocket.”

Before Xu Shuangshuang could react, Qin Gou wrapped an arm around her slender waist, his breath warm against her ear. Her face turned bright red as goosebumps rose on her skin. “Little brother, what are you saying? I’m your sister! We’ve always been close, but it’s never been like that!”

Qin Gou’s grin turned wicked. “Exactly. But wasn’t that because I couldn’t… you know, before? Now things are different. I’m a real man now, and I think it’s time to make you a real woman.” He gently lifted her chin with his finger, his gaze smoldering with intensity.

Xu Shuangshuang’s eyes widened in shock, her face a mix of shame and panic. What have I done? I completely forgot—he’s not the same little brother as before. Back then, he couldn’t feel anything below the waist, but now…

If she didn’t leave soon, she feared she wouldn’t be able to maintain her dignity as his sister. The look in “Xu Jin’s” eyes told her everything she needed to know. If she stayed, it wouldn’t be long before she found out who was truly in charge.