Chapter 13 : Differences
Disgusting, disgusting, disgusting…
Being cared for by her enemy was pure torture.
Just recalling his earlier act made her want to vomit from the bottom of her heart.
“Don’t overthink. Maybe he’s just being nice because of this body…”
She comforted herself.
But she was the one talking—her own soul.
How could he show no hostility to an unfamiliar spirit?
She’d rather they were enemies than this ambiguous warmth. It was… too revolting.
It took ages for her mood to settle, but even then, alone in her room, she pondered deeply.
Most directly: compared to Xu You, her heart was far too fragile—mentally and physically.
If she couldn’t adapt to this family dynamic, forget exposure—today’s self-punishment alone could kill her.
Her weak heart couldn’t take it.
“…”
“But if I don’t constantly remind myself, how do I stay me in this slow-boiling frog water…”
“No way… becoming family with that guy…”
In low spirits, endless internal conflict wasn’t sustainable.
Her plan hadn’t even taken the first step, and self-torment was already breaking her.
She needed a solution—at least not like now.
“Dinner’s ready. Go get your sister.”
“Ah, oh.”
“Dinner, Xiao Jiu. You awake?”
He knocked lightly, no response for ages.
“She really asleep…?”
Just then, the door opened from inside.
Xu You froze in knocking pose, face-to-face with Xu Jiu emerging.
They stared; awkwardness filled the air.
“…”
“Uh, dinner.”
“Move.”
He obeyed instantly, stepping aside.
“As expected, really hard to approach…”
Dinner: three around the table.
Aside from clinking utensils, the atmosphere was eerily quiet.
“Baby, why aren’t you eating? Mom’s cooking not to your taste?”
“…No.”
“Just thinking.”
Feeling all eyes on her, she symbolically picked up chopsticks and ate a bit.
“Xiao Jiu… Mom’s really worried.”
“Doctors said you’re malnourished. A growing girl needs to eat more.”
“Tell Mom what you want. Don’t bottle it up.”
Her mother looked worried; Xu Jiu didn’t know how to explain.
“Mom, really no need to worry.”
“I was just thinking. I love your cooking.”
She gave a reassuring look.
“Okay…”
Xu You watched silently throughout, neither speaking nor prying, gaze mostly on her.
Xu Jiu naturally felt his staring, pretended not to notice.
“Right, forgot to tell you.”
“?”
“Your school thing—Mom arranged it.”
“School? Xiao Jiu?”
Not just Xu Jiu—Xu You beside her was surprised too.
“Mm. What, not letting your sister go? Don’t look at her like she’s disabled. Our Xiao Jiu deserves normal life.”
“Mom, I… didn’t mean that.”
Feeling out of place, he stayed quiet.
“…So soon?”
“Of course. Anything for my baby girl. We have connections—easier than you think.”
She added food to Xu Jiu’s bowl.
“…Wu.”
“High school too?”
“Mm. Forgot your sister’s only one year younger?”
“Uh, fine.”
“My bad. Missed too many of your birthdays.”
Receiving her apologetic gaze, Xu Jiu fell silent.
“When do I go?”
She looked at her mother.
“Whenever. Depends on your health. Better lately?”
“Mm…”
“Good.”
“But Mom reminds you: school has new people and things. If stuck, tell family, okay?”
“Mm, I know.”
The woman nodded, turned to Xu You.
“You too. Watch your sister at school. No bullying. If Xiao Jiu gets hurt, you’re first I blame.”
“Ah, same school?”
“Problem?”
“Or you don’t care? What responsibility have you taken all these years?”
Xu You looked sheepish, stealing glances at Xu Jiu quietly chewing.
But she showed no reaction—like AFK.
“Didn’t say I object.”
“Just different grades. And I don’t have that much influence like you think.”
He shrugged.
“What do you mean? So many excuses to watch your sister? That hard?”
The woman looked displeased.
“Didn’t say I won’t. Just sometimes I can’t cover everything—don’t blame me fully then.”
“You’re really useless.”
Xu You didn’t argue.
“Grown man, only disappoints. Can’t even do this.”
“Xiao Jiu, ignore him. Mom will arrange. No one will…”
“I’m full.”
“Mom, brother, enjoy. I’m going back.”
“Xiao Jiu…”
She wheeled back expressionless, heart racing to escape the conflict zone.
First time being the center of discussion.
Not bad, but she wasn’t used to it.
Of course, she cared more about that annoying guy’s attitude.
Linking current Xu You to the future bastard, huge differences—yet timeline-wise, only a few years apart.
She grew curious: what turned him into that future scumbag?
Or, if she influenced now, would this world follow the same path?
Because of this, an idea sparked in her heart.