Chapter 015: An Awkward Excuse

Lin Huixin nodded and said, "When we were kids, my brother would always try on new clothes in front of me and ask for my opinion right away. Seeing you reminded me of him and stirred up all sorts of nostalgia, inspiring me to act impulsively."

"Xinyu, I apologize for putting you in an uncomfortable position just now," she confessed, standing up to offer a slight bow.

Liu Xinyu quickly stood and assisted her back to her feet. "Sister Huixin, please don't do that. I really don't deserve such treatment."

"No, it's me who behaved poorly," Lin Huixin sincerely responded. "Xinyu, I don't want you to misunderstand me. You remind me so much of my brother that I've started to think of you as him. I hope we can avoid any discord."

Had Liu Xinyu not been privy to Lin Huixin's usual antics and his own role in this play, he might have actually fallen for her current act. However, he was in it for the long haul, committed to playing out the charade alongside her.

"Sister Huixin, how could I blame you? You're one of the people I respect the most. It was just that your previous actions took me aback. I'll handle things better in the future," Liu Xinyu reassured her earnestly.

Seeing his reassurances, Lin Huixin subtly measured his reaction. Although she didn't notice any increase in his affection for her, she inferred that he was no longer upset.

Therefore, she seized the moment to continue, "Xinyu, I'll be right here in the room. Would you mind changing your clothes?"

Liu Xinyu hesitated. The task required him to strip completely, and taking off his clothes was just the first step. The crucial part was removing his underwear. He decided to agree to the first step and see how Lin Huixin would orchestrate the removal of his underwear.

"Alright, Sister Huixin," he conceded.

A visible sense of relief washed over Lin Huixin's face. A gentle smile played on her lips as she said, "Go ahead, I promise not to peek. I understand you might feel shy."

Liu Xinyu shyly smiled, thinking, 'We'll see who ends up being more embarrassed when you catch sight of my... little dark buddy.'

While Liu Xinyu started to undress, Lin Huixin turned her back and sat on the sofa. When he was down to just his underwear, she didn't turn around. Instead, she murmured, "Xinyu, I used to help my brother dress. Since we've just met today, why don't I help you as well?"

Hearing this, Liu Xinyu silently applauded Lin Huixin's move. What a superb play, bringing up fond memories and emotional bonds to direct his actions and smoothly accomplish her task! Such an excuse was hard to refuse without making him look overly squeamish.

Moreover, he didn't want to make things any harder for Lin Huixin. After feigning consideration, he agreed, "Sister Huixin, no one has helped me dress since I grew up, so don't laugh at me."

Seeing Liu Xinyu agree once more, Lin Huixin felt as if a weight had been lifted from her heart. At that moment, she seemed to transform into a completely different person. The commanding aura she had previously emitted vanished, replaced by the gentleness and maturity of a woman in her thirties.

Lin Huixin rose from the sofa, a warm smile gracing her face. But Liu Xinyu could see a hint of embarrassment well-hidden in her eyes.

How could she not be embarrassed? After all, they had only officially met for the first time today. To stand up in front of a naked stranger and furthermore dress them up could be embarrassing even for the most modest woman on the street.

Just because there's a system, the impossible becomes possible.

Lin Huixin's heart was thudding like a wild drum, her breathing slightly hurried. Since Liu Xinyu's senses had been heightened by the system, he could pick up on her every move, as long as he concentrated. There was no fooling him.

Slowly, Lin Huixin moved closer, her face a mask of calmness with a touch of blush. Trying to mask her embarrassment, she even teased, "Xinyu, you've maintained your physique well. But remember, there's no substitute for a good workout. You could use some more muscles."

Her eyes darted over Liu Xinyu's bare upper body, then downward, only to quickly shift away when she spotted the big bulge in his underwear. Her heartbeat quickened further.

Liu Xinyu was young and although he didn't exercise much, youth was on his side. He didn't have a belly nor any noticeable excess fat. His physique was passable if not great.

"I'll make time to exercise more in the future and try to improve my physique," he assured her.

"Mmm," Lin Huixin hummed in agreement, her eyes darting to the side, her voice betraying a hint of tremble, "Remove your underwear too. If we're changing, let's change everything from the inside out."

"Wha-?" Liu Xinyu recoiled, eyes wide, "Umm... Sister Huixin, I'm an adult now. Is it appropriate to... you know... take off my underwear?"

Lin Huixin felt embarrassment flooding her chest as if Liu Xinyu's response implied she was trying to take advantage of him.

To the outside world, this situation would be more shocking than a dropped contact lens.

"In my eyes, you're no different from a younger brother. It's appropriate for a sister to help her brother change clothes, even if that involves nudity. Don't overthink it," Lin Huixin said, trying her best to appear calm, although her eyes refused to rest on Liu Xinyu's naked body.

Despite her experience and success in the business world, this situation was making her more uncomfortable than a cat in a dog show.

Liu Xinyu's expression mirrored that of someone suffering from constipation - utter speechlessness.

After a moment of silence, Lin Huixin started to worry. "Xinyu, I understand you're shy. Here's a plan: I'll help you. All you have to do is stand still."

Fearful of refusal, she didn't even wait for his answer before squatting in front of him and reaching for the sides of his underwear.

Liu Xinyu was shocked by Lin Huixin's commitment to the task. It seemed like she was completely lost in the process.

With his hands protectively covering his groin and her hands on the sides of his underwear, one pair of eyes darted downwards and the other upwards. Time seemed to freeze at this awkward junction.

Liu Xinyu still looked shocked and embarrassed, while Lin Huixin had a hint of blush on her cheeks and a touch of embarrassment in her eyes. But there was a steely determination in her gaze, unwilling to back down.

Liu Xinyu swallowed nervously, "Sister Huixin, are you sure about this?"

It was one thing to help a brother change clothes, but going full monty? That's a whole other level of awkwardness. They were adults after all. You can't pretend there aren't certain implications.

Caught in the strange tension, a hint of ambiguity began to bloom. But for Lin Huixin, there was no turning back. Even if Liu Xinyu misjudged her, even if he thought of her as a loose woman, she was determined to see this through.

"Xinyu, don't overthink it," was all Lin Huixin could muster to say.

Liu Xinyu replied, "Uhh... Sister Huixin, you're so beautiful. If I have a... reaction... please don't be angry."