The step-sisters' little chat

Xinyi didn't know how to respond to Shuang's enthusiasm. The offer came out of the blue, plus even after Shuang's reassurance, she didn't feel that confident in her drawings to be used at that professional level.

"I... please give me some time to think."

Shuang whined. "I will pay you really well, I promise."

Though you hardly need that since you are the Han family's daughter-in-law.

"It's not about the money. I have never done something like this before…"

"Everything has a first time. Once I properly explain to you the working, it will be easy peasy," she chuckled, "Gosh, you are the same as when we were in college. You still get so nervous so easily."

Xinyi coughed. "You haven't changed either though I admire that about you. I always had. You were and still are so confident and do things at your own pace. I wish I could have been like you."

Shuang felt proud and shamelessly said, "Well indeed I have been a source of inspiration for many people."

Xinyi smiled. "I will talk about it to Zhiyuan too."

She looked at her in disdain. "Don't tell me you are asking for his permission?"

"...No, just want to know about his opinion. I know he wouldn't disagree."

"Oof, such lovey-dovey couple. If Xiaosi and Caihong could even learn half from you, they wouldn't be in such a mess."

Xinyi's lips stretched in a thin line. But then it suddenly struck her.

Caihong and Xiaosi don't want to tell us but somebody else must know what had happened at that time.

Shuang and Caihong are sisters so it is possible that she might have told Shuang something.

At least Shuang must definitely have some clue!

Xinyi jerked her head towards her.

"Hey, did lightning strike you? Why are you suddenly looking at me like that?"

"Shuang, can I ask you something?"

She raised her brows. "What is it?"

Xinyi's heart raced for a moment. "Do you know why Caihong left Zhiyuan?"

Silence. Shuang's mouth slightly twitched.

"Shuang, you are her sister. You and Xiaosi were such good friends too. One of them must have told you something, right?"

Shuang smiled. "I think you have forgotten that Zhiyuan had already asked me this question seven years back and I told him that I don't know."

That maybe the case but Xinyi didn't buy it now. Something was telling her that Shuang knew something. There was an odd silence when she asked that question as if it took Shuang aback for a moment.

"Shuang, if you know something, anything, then please tell me. Zhiyuan is not doing all this to interfere in anybody's life. He just wants to know."

Shuang faintly smiled.

Not interfere? It's impossible Xinyi. Once he knows the truth, it would be impossible for him to stay quiet.

"Sorry Xinyi but I cannot help you here. And besides... Caihong doesn't share anything with me. Unfortunately, we are not that close sisters as much as you are thinking us to be."

Xinyi pursed her lips.

I have to get my answer one or the other way and I will.

"Aunt Shuang! Aunt Xinyi!"

Chyou eagerly dashed towards them in a fluffy cute green dress. Her jolly voice instantly diffused the tense atmosphere.

"Yo, my niece."

Xinyi smiled. "Chyou, dear. You are up so early."

"En! I always wake up early."

She chuckled. "That's good. Siying always wakes up late."

Chyou giggled. She looked at Shuang and blinked her eyes. "Aunt, so you are fine not hiding in the bathroom now?"

Shuang coughed hard.

Damn my adorable niece, don't just sell me out like that.

Xinyi gave her a side glance.

So she was inside the room…

"Why did you want to hide?"

She rolled her eyes. "Too much drama."

Chyou tugged Xinyi. "Aunty! It's the same drawing book you showed me yesterday. Are you here to teach me?" Her gaze was shining in excitement.

"Teach what?" Shuang asked.

"Drawings! Aunty promised me to teach me how to draw like her!"

"Hoo...you already got a disciple and here you are thinking so much about my offer," she narrowed her eyes.

"N-No, it isn't like that…" Xinyi didn't know how to explain herself. She looked down at Chyou. "Come, let's draw together."

"En! Wait, I will bring my drawing book and pencil too."

As she turned, she suddenly bumped into Caihong. Caihong irritatedly glared at her but said nothing. Chyou felt a little saddened by her glare.

"Mama, do you know? Aunty Xinyi is going to teach me how to draw!"

She expected her to look happy and encourage her, but she didn't respond. She gave a non-committal shrug.

Chyou shoulders slumped even further.

Xinyi was sure something was definitely wrong now. Caihong's behavior was too weird regarding her own daughter. Even last night, she didn't look much concerned when Chyou ran away behind Siying.

She quickly said, "Chyou, I will come with you too. How about you show me your room too?"

She couldn't see Chyou so sad. For now, it was best to distract her.

Chyou brightened a bit. "En. I will show you. Our room is really big!"

She chuckled. "Well then, let's go."

As Xinyi held her hand and walked away, it was now only Shuang and Caihong remaining.

Caihong glanced at her. "It's a surprise to see you here."

Shuang lazily smiled and indirectly hinted. "It shouldn't be that surprising since you know my Mom."

Caihong raised her eyebrow. She recalled what Han Guang told last night about her possible purpose of coming on this trip.

"Are you openly hinting that you came here to plot against me?

"Those are my Mom's intentions, not mine. Never had been that way."

She chuckled. "Still the same as ever."

Shuang shrugged. "Well since she went to such lengths to get me here, I might as well enjoy the sea. It's not my money anyway."

Caihong turned to leave. "Well then enjoy the trip. See you later."

Shuang said after a pause. "You know, Caihong. A child shouldn't be working this hard to gain her mother's affection. It should be natural, not earned at that age."

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