16-20

Chapter 16

Last time, Song Weizhi only touched Song Zhixia's right little ear, and she had been thinking about the left one that she hadn't touched. This time, she definitely wouldn't miss it. Song Weizhi reached out and "rua"ed Song Zhixia's left little ear, just as he had expected, it turned out to be so soft.

Song Zhixia was stunned. She didn't expect Song Weizhi to be so smooth with his touch. Her fair skin visibly turned red at an alarming pace, like a startled little cat, she took a step back and touched the ear that Song Weizhi had just touched, complaining softly, "Senior Sister, why did you touch my ear again."

Song Weizhi gazed at the shy Song Zhixia with a smile, playfully teasing her, "Look at our Zhixia, so cute, couldn't bear it. Is Zhixia really so petty that she won't let Senior Sister touch it?"

Glancing at Song Weizhi, Song Zhixia's face was still flushed. She pursed her lips as if gathering courage and said, "If it's Senior Sister, then it's not impossible."

After saying that, the blush on Song Zhixia's face deepened, and she dared not look at Song Weizhi again before running away.

"Zhixia is so shy, so adorable," Song Weizhi looked at Song Zhixia's fleeing figure and chuckled.

Realizing he had something to tell Song Zhixia, Song Weizhi followed her and gently knocked on her door, saying, "Zhixia, I forgot to tell you something. Don't worry, I won't tease you this time."

After a while, Song Zhixia opened the door, the redness on her face had subsided a bit, but her little ears were still red, looking lusciously attractive. Song Weizhi was afraid of making Song Zhixia shy, so he immediately withdrew his gaze.

"I came to tell you that the assessment for the outer disciples will be in a few days. After being promoted to the inner disciples, we can go to the Linlang Secret Realm to hunt for treasures with the other inner disciples. Zhixia, this is an opportunity for you to prove yourself. I believe in you," Song Weizhi gazed at Song Zhixia with gentle eyes.

"Will Senior Sister also go to the secret realm?" Song Zhixia asked. She didn't care about being an inner disciple, but she didn't want to embarrass Senior Sister. She also wanted to become strong to protect Senior Sister.

"Of course, I'll go with Zhixia," Song Weizhi kept his eyes on Song Zhixia, making her feel a little embarrassed.

"In that case, I will work hard. I also want to stand by Senior Sister's side," Song Zhixia looked at Song Weizhi firmly and said.

"Okay, I know. My lovely girl is the best," Song Weizhi said, unable to resist, and gently rubbed Song Zhixia's soft hair with his hand. This time, Song Zhixia didn't dodge, but a blush quickly returned to her cheeks.

"Focus on your practice these few days, and when it's time for the assessment, prove to those narrow-minded people what you're capable of."

Song Zhixia nodded obediently. She wanted to prove she wasn't useless. She still remembered the day in the martial arts arena. If it weren't for Senior Sister, she might not have survived. She wanted to become strong, to do something for Senior Sister.

Back in her room, Song Zhixia once again recalled the skills of the Flame Sword in her mind. There were seven styles in total. Despite being extremely talented, Song Zhixia had only comprehended the first four styles of the Flame Sword. She couldn't figure out the remaining three no matter how much she thought about it. Bored, she summoned her spiritual beast, a fluffy little chicken, which blinked its big round eyes and rubbed its head against Song Zhixia's hand like a coquettish baby.

Song Zhixia enjoyed the sight of the playful chicken and gently poked its head. "Are you at your leisure? Do you have any way to enhance your combat power, chick? What can you do?"

The chicken looked up at Song Zhixia's face, then spat out three times, leaving a few water stains on the table. After that, it spat out a small flame the size of a fingernail. The chicken's eyes brightened as it took a few steps toward Song Zhixia, like a little baby seeking praise, staring at Song Zhixia.

Song Zhixia sighed softly and gently praised the chicken's illusory head, "You're the best, and the little flame you spat out is so cute. Okay, you don't have to continue exhausting yourself."

The chicken nodded, then rubbed Song Zhixia's finger before returning to her spiritual realm.

As long as she worked a little harder, Song Zhixia believed that even if the chicken couldn't fight, she could protect it.

Early the next day, when Song Zhixia arrived in the yard, Song Weizhi had been waiting at the stone table for a while.

"Senior Sister?" Song Zhixia was puzzled. Senior Sister usually meditated in her room. Why was she in the yard so early today?

"Well, I assume you've gained some insights into the Flame Sword these past days. However, there's still a big difference between practicing on your own and real combat. From today, I'll be your sparring partner," Song Weizhi was well aware of the strength-oriented world they lived in. Although there's a limit to sparring among disciples, it was required to sign an agreement before each match. Even if someone died in a match, it was only attributed to their own lack of skills. The female protagonist in the original book experienced numerous hardships, which made Song Weizhi cautious.

Song Zhixia stood still, she didn't expect Senior Sister to be willing to spend so much time on her. Her heart was in turmoil for a moment.

"Senior Sister, I…"

"All right, you don't need to thank me. As long as it's helpful to you, I'm already happy," Song Weizhi smiled. "Let's get started. Don't hold back, I'm your opponent now. Show me your sword moves."

With that, Song Weizhi had already drawn his sword, and Song Zhixia drew hers.

"Then, I'll have to offend Senior Sister," Song Zhixia activated the first move of the Flame Sword, the Flame Severing Stab. Flames blazed on both sides of the blade as she swiftly thrust it toward Song Weizhi. Unfortunately, Song Weizhi only used a little spiritual power, and the flames were extinguished.

Song Weizhi countered with a gentle thrust, without using much force, but it felt as heavy as a thousand catties to Song Zhixia, causing a sharp pain in her wrist. However, it was evident that Song Weizhi had not exerted much force with that strike.

But even this only made Song Weizhi take a small step back. Afterwards, Song Weizhi counterattacked with a palm strike, causing Song Zhixia to be knocked into the corner of the wall, falling down and feeling sore all over, her spiritual energy completely depleted.

Chapter 17

Song Zhi Xia didn't know why, but she felt inexplicably aggrieved. She knew that her senior sister was doing it for her own good and to make her stronger. Yet, despite knowing that, she couldn't help but well up with tears. Even though she rarely cried even when her adoptive parents used to hit her before, she didn't know what was wrong with her. Why did she become so prone to tears after meeting Song Wei Zhi?

As soon as Song Wei Zhi saw Song Zhi Xia crying, she immediately became flustered. Did she just bully this pretty young girl? She had intended for Song Zhi Xia to use her full strength so she could improve. She hadn't meant to make the girl cry.

Song Wei Zhi immediately rushed to Song Zhi Xia's side, helping her up and saying in a concerned tone, "Did I hurt you too much when I pushed you? I'm sorry, really sorry. Senior sister didn't mean it. Let me see where you got hurt. Does it still hurt?"

When Song Wei Zhi didn't speak, it was okay, but as soon as she did, Song Zhi Xia's tears flowed even more. She hated herself for being so weak now. Senior sister was clearly doing it for her own good, yet she was crying and making senior sister worry. Song Zhi Xia just wanted to find a place to hide where no one was around. She put away the sword Song Wei Zhi had given her, turned to leave, but at the next moment, her wrist was grabbed and she fell into a warm embrace.

The distinct, chilled breath that belonged to Song Wei Zhi enveloped Song Zhi Xia. Before she knew it, she was completely surrounded by it, and her senior sister's hand was gently caressing her back from time to time.

"Zhi Xia, sweetheart, senior sister was too heavy-handed. Senior sister was wrong, shouldn't have been so harsh on my darling," murmured Song Wei Zhi as she embraced Song Zhi Xia tenderly, one hand encircling her slender waist, the other gently moving up from her waist, caressing the trembling earlobes.

As Song Wei Zhi comforted her, Song Zhi Xia couldn't help but cry even more. She had never cried so much in her entire life. Crying was useless for her in the past because no one cared for her feelings. She gradually stopped crying. However, after meeting Song Wei Zhi, Song Zhi Xia finally felt like a piece of driftweed on the sea finding a place to rely on. She realized that the current her was not ignored. Instead, she cried sadly, longing for this warmth and even wishing Song Wei Zhi would comfort her more.

After realizing her own thoughts, Song Zhi Xia was startled, but she still held onto Song Wei Zhi and refused to let go. Would she ever have the chance to be embraced like this by senior sister again?

As Song Zhi Xia's emotions calmed down, she gradually noticed what Song Wei Zhi was saying as she was lost in her thoughts. She rested on senior sister's chest, sensing that senior sister was calling her "darling"?

The visible blush crept up on Song Zhi Xia's skin, and even her earlobes, which Song Wei Zhi had been fondling, couldn't escape blushing more vividly under her touch.

Of course, Song Zhi Xia also noticed that Song Wei Zhi was playing with her ear. She felt embarrassed to look at Song Wei Zhi and felt as if she would drown in her embrace. She discreetly tried to wriggle out of Song Wei Zhi's arms.

Song Wei Zhi noticed and realized that the girl in her arms had cried enough and was now feeling embarrassed. But Song Wei Zhi had no intention of letting go of the girl so soon. She hadn't finished teasing her. She then tightened her arm around Song Zhi Xia's waist. Feeling her move closer, she stopped her playful actions. A faint smile curled up Song Wei Zhi's lips as she softly whispered in the girl's ear, "Darling, don't want senior sister to hold you? Where do you want to go?"

Upon hearing the word "darling," Song Zhi Xia almost wanted to bury herself entirely in Song Wei Zhi's embrace. She felt too embarrassed to even lift her head. She regretted crying so much. How could she handle this? Senior sister was holding her too tightly and kept saying things that made her shy, and she couldn't break free.

Discovered that the girl didn't resist, Song Wei Zhi tightened her arm around Song Zhi Xia's waist, bringing her even closer, and continued to stroke her face, then gently spoke, "It's okay, my darling can cry. I will always make her happy."

Song Zhi Xia stared into Song Wei Zhi's smiling eyes and was momentarily stunned on the spot. When she snapped out of her daze, she suddenly felt light as she was already being held sideways in Song Wei Zhi's arms. Startled, she instinctively clung to Song Wei Zhi's neck. When she realized that senior sister was holding her, she quickly said, "Senior sister, I can walk. Please let me down."

Smiling, Song Wei Zhi refused, "That won't do. I'm the reason my darling cried. I have to comfort her properly. If my darling won't let senior sister carry her back, that means she's still angry with senior sister."

"I-I'm not angry, senior sister," Song Zhi Xia weakly replied, not daring to look at Song Wei Zhi's dazzling eyes; she merely rested her head on Song Wei Zhi's shoulder.

Seeing that the girl in her arms did not object, Song Wei Zhi left the room, tucking the blushing girl in bed, and saying, "Zhi Xia, continue absorbing the spiritual energy as per my method this afternoon. We'll continue practicing techniques tomorrow. Okay, senior sister won't disturb you. I'll take my leave first."

After Song Wei Zhi left the room, Song Zhi Xia suddenly remembered what had just happened and her heart began to race uncontrollably. Her fair skin turned red again, and she pulled the nearby blanket over her head. What to do? She felt too embarrassed. Would other girls who were close have the same kind of cuddling and petting as senior sister and she did?

Song Zhi Xia had never had any friends since she was a child, and she didn't know how other girls interacted. Could it be that she was overthinking things? Would girls who were close behave as senior sister and she did?

Song Wei Zhi and Song Zhi Xia forgot there was someone else forgotten in this small courtyard – Wei Zhao!

Wei Zhao had been meditating since early morning. Song Ru Hai and the others had been quiet these past few days, giving her some free time. As a result, she heard everything about her mistress and that young woman. At first, it was a normal sparring match, but then the young woman cried, and the mistress pampered and hugged her.

Although Wei Zhao had a straightforward personality, ever since she had been summoned by Song Wei Zhi, she had rapidly collected various information, including the fact that partners in this world of cultivators could be of the same or different sexes. Combining this with the way the mistress was calling the girl "darling", Wei Zhao concluded that the girl would be her mistress's partner in the future!

She decided that she must respect the girl more in the future.

Chapter 18

In the following days, Song Zhi Xia spent her mornings sparring with Song Wei Zhi, while in the afternoons, she continued to absorb spiritual energy from her surroundings for cultivation. As the days passed by, the birthday of Song Wei Zhi quickly arrived, which also happened to be Song Zhi Xia's birthday, albeit with no one paying any attention to the latter.

Song Ru Hai delegated all the arrangements for Song Wei Zhi's birthday celebration to Song Chao Yun. In the past, Song Wei Zhi's birthday banquets were grand events, but this year, in order to showcase himself, Song Chao Yun set the preparations in motion early. The decorations in the Song Family estate were so festive that anyone unaware might mistake it for Song Ru Hai's grand seventieth birthday celebration.

Song Wei Zhi couldn't be bothered with any of it. Her focus was on helping her little sister in actual combat practice. Since the day she had cried her heart out, her little sister had become increasingly courageous and could now handle over a dozen moves from Song Wei Zhi, much to her satisfaction.

During these days, Song Zhi Xia would also occasionally visit the scripture tower. It wasn't enough to just master the Flame Sword technique; she needed to familiarize herself with some of the other arts within the Song clan.

After the incident where Song Wei Zhi stood up for Song Zhi Xia, the attitudes of the disciples towards Song Wei Zhi underwent a significant change. What used to be attempts to stomp on him turned into respectful distance. At least no one dared to bully him anymore, and he found himself with leisure time to peruse the various scriptures in the tower.

Song Zhi Xia was engrossed in what she was reading when she overheard the hushed discussions among other disciples:

"Hey, did you see Zhao Xuan Kun from the Zhao family this morning? He's our senior sister's future partner."

"Future partner? I heard senior sister said she wanted to annul the engagement that day."

"No way, is it true? Zhao senior brother has already achieved the initial stage of the Ascension Realm. Look around the young generation in Laihai City; there aren't many who have reached that level."

"Exactly, and Zhao senior brother has a handsome appearance. Senior sister's requirements are too high. If it were me, I'd rush to get married early."

"Who do you think you are? Always daydreaming."

"Ah, I'm just thinking. A man like Zhao senior brother isn't within my league anyway."

As the whispering faded, Song Zhi Xia hadn't absorbed a single word from her book. Her eyes were filled with disappointment. She couldn't understand why, but the thought of her senior sister having a future partner made her deeply uncomfortable. Her mind was in turmoil, and she couldn't focus on her book.

Frustrated, Song Zhi Xia decided to use the sword her senior sister had given her, flew back to her residence, and began to meditate to calm her emotions.

Despite Song Wei Zhi's diligent practice in the past few days, she still couldn't sense the threshold to the Nascent Soul Realm. Thinking that her and Song Zhi Xia's birthdays were on the same day, she was indifferent towards birthdays. After all, having witnessed everything in the modern world, she was even more disinterested in such matters in this new life. But her little sister was different. Song Wei Zhi thought that her little sister had probably never had a decent birthday celebration before.

Deciding that her little sister should have what others had, she flew on her sword to the market in Laihai City. The market mainly sold spiritual instruments, treasures, and medicinal materials, most of which were low to mid-tier, with few high-tier spiritual instruments available.

Song Wei Zhi browsed the market, realizing she seldom had the chance to choose gifts for others. In the past, when it was her friends' birthdays, she would simply send them red envelopes. Her friends often criticized her for being too straightforward, but she found it practical and time-saving.

Nevertheless, to delight her little sister, she spent a long time sifting through the market until she finally stopped at a stall. Inside a wooden box lay a white jade hairpin with an adorable little bunny crafted on it, resembling her little sister.

Immediately, Song Wei Zhi asked, "Boss, what kind of spiritual instrument is this bunny hairpin? How much is it?"

Pleased at having a potential customer, the boss smiled and responded, "You have a good eye. This is a storage hairpin, a mid-tier spiritual instrument that can hold many items. It's not expensive, just 100 mid-grade spirit stones."

With an abundance of spirit stones, Song Wei Zhi paid for the hairpin and kept it in her storage ring, envisioning how lovely her little sister would look with the delicate bunny hairpin adorning her hair.

On her return, Song Wei Zhi noticed her little sister sitting at the stone table lost in thought. The little girl seemed engrossed, oblivious to her return.

Approaching quietly, Song Wei Zhi reached out and ruffled her little sister's hair, prompting Song Zhi Xia to finally notice her arrival.

"When did you come back, senior sister?" Song Zhi Xia hadn't quite shaken off the distress of knowing about her senior sister's future partner, making her demeanor somewhat absent-minded.

"What are you thinking about? You seemed so lost; I've been standing behind you for quite some time." Song Wei Zhi laughed softly.

Song Zhi Xia's eyes shifted uneasily as she murmured, "N-nothing."

Observing her little sister's unsteady state, Song Wei Zhi intended to be a caring elder sister and inquire about her troubles. However, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of several inner disciples waiting outside the courtyard.

Song Wei Zhi assumed they were there to invite her to the birthday banquet. She found Song Ru Hai's approach quite amusing—in such cases, a simple communication charm could have sufficed, yet he preferred to send disciples to formally request her presence.

Walking up to the courtyard gate, she met Tian Ming, Song Ru Hai's trusted disciple, who bowed to her and said, "Senior sister, your birthday banquet is ready. Xuan Kun and the others are also here. Master has sent us to invite you; please join us."

"Is it just me you're inviting?" Song Wei Zhi wanted to gauge how much her father, Song Ru Hai, remembered about his biological daughter.

"Yes, is there anyone else we should invite?" Tian Ming asked, puzzled.

Song Wei Zhi sneered. She shouldn't have harbored any illusions about her bio-dad—the man hardly considered her his daughter. All he cared about was the family's interests.

"You all can go ahead. I'll follow later." With that, she dismissed the disciples and headed straight for Song Zhi Xia.

Although Song Zhi Xia was unenthusiastic, she kept an ear out for the commotion at the door. It came as no surprise that Song Ru Hai had forgotten about her in favor of arranging a birthday banquet for her senior sister. After all, it was common knowledge that he had no intention of acknowledging her as his daughter, so she didn't find it astonishing. However, when she heard Zhao Xuan Kun's name, a prospect emerged—this was her senior sister's future partner, wasn't it?

The thought of her senior sister going to meet her future partner made Song Zhi Xia unexpectedly despondent. While she had been alone on her past birthdays, the current scenario left her with a peculiar sense of discomfort. She couldn't fathom why she felt this way when her senior sister's company was now reserved for someone else. The conflicting emotions left her heart heavy.

Song Wei Zhi noticed her little sister's distracted state and decided she would return early in the evening to celebrate with her. She comforted her, saying, "I won't be gone long. You'll be fine on your own, dear."

Without meeting Song Wei Zhi's gaze, Song Zhi Xia replied, "Senior sister, go on. I'll be fine by myself. I-I'm used to it."

"Stop talking nonsense. It does matter. You are the most important person to me. I promise I'll be back to celebrate with you," Song Wei Zhi reassured her gently, ruffled her little sister's head, and left.

Watching Song Wei Zhi's departure on her sword, Song Zhi Xia's eyes grew slightly teary, resembling a forsaken little bunny. If her senior sister had a partner, would she still care for her? Did this mean she was unwanted?

In a daze, Song Zhi Xia returned to her room and summoned her soul beast, a chicken. They exchanged glances, both bearing a look of uncertainty.

The chicken, oblivious to the world's complexities, only wished to play with its owner, prancing over to Song Zhi Xia and nuzzling her fingers, eager for her attention.

Letting out a sigh, Song Zhi Xia spoke to the chicken by her side, "Chicken, what should I do? If my senior sister has a partner, I won't have anyone again, and we'll be homeless once more." Her eyes turned misty.

Though the chicken was naive, it noticed its owner's lack of affection and gazed up at her with concern, patting her hand with its little wings like an attempt to comfort her.

Song Zhi Xia slouched onto the table and met the chicken's eyes, "Chicken, what am I going to do? I don't want to leave my senior sister. How could she have a partner? If only she didn't have a partner, I could be with her always. But no, I can't think like that. My senior sister has always been good to me. I can't wish for her not to have a partner. You just don't understand anything, do you?"

With tearful eyes, Song Zhi Xia rubbed the chicken, feeling desolate and in anguish. When would her senior sister return? Was she going to stay with her future partner tonight? How many conversations would she have? The entire night passed with Song Zhi Xia feeling restless, unable to focus on meditation.

By the time Song Wei Zhi arrived at the grand hall, it was already filled with the Zhao family members and other prominent figures from Laihai City. Everyone who was anyone had graced the occasion.

Song Wei Zhi found her seat and cast a cold gaze over at Song Ru Hai, who purportedly intended the celebration to be for her, but in reality, was merely seeking sponsorship under her name.

Once the guests had nearly all arrived, Song Ru Hai delivered a lengthy speech. Song Wei Zhi was on the verge of dozing off when she finally heard her name mentioned.

"Ah, I've spoken so much. Now, let our birthday star, Wei Zhi, say a few words," Song Ru Hai announced, signaling Song Wei Zhi to speak.

Song Wei Zhi wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible. She still needed to return to accompany her little sister. She had no time to socialize with a group of old men.

Chapter 19

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate my birthday today. I won't say much in politeness. Feel free to enjoy the feast," Song Weizhi graciously said a few scripted words, and the feast began. As all were cultivators, Song Ruhai had prepared spiritual fruits and heavenly nectar.

Amidst the clinking of cups, everyone enjoyed themselves. After a while, Song Weizhi left. The gathering was Song Ruhai's way of networking with other sects, and her absence didn't matter. Besides, there was a pretty little girl waiting for her back home.

As she exited the main hall, Song Weizhi met Zhao Xuankun, who also needed fresh air.

"As the star of today, why aren't you staying inside, Senior Sister Song?" Zhao Xuankun asked courteously.

"I'm not needed at the feast, and since Senior Brother Zhao is also out, I have other matters to attend to. I must take my leave," Song Weizhi thought Zhao Xuankun seemed fairly normal, so she exchanged a few more words.

"Alright, take care, Junior Sister," Zhao Xuankun also disliked the artificial atmosphere and insincere conversations.

Song Weizhi summoned her Profound Emancipation sword and promptly returned to her small courtyard. She didn't go find Song Zhixia directly but went to the kitchen. She kneaded some noodles and made a simple hotpot.

She served herself two bowls, one for the little girl waiting for her. She then approached Song Zhixia's door.

Inside, Song Zhixia, with teary eyes, was startled by the knocking. She hurriedly wiped her tears and rushed to open the door. Since only three people lived in the courtyard, it had to be Senior Sister Song!

As she saw the person she had been thinking about all night, Song Zhixia couldn't help but burst into tears again.

Song Weizhi immediately noticed the redness in the girl's eyes and quickly coaxed her, "Did you think Senior Sister wouldn't come back early to be with you? I made some longevity noodles. It's been a while since I cooked. I don't know if it's any good. Why don't you try?"

Helping Song Weizhi place the noodles on the table, Song Zhixia couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She sobbed uncontrollably, and her whole being surrendered to Song Weizhi's embrace.

"What's wrong, Xiaxia? Hmm? Do you miss Senior Sister? I'm here to be with you," Song Weizhi consoled the weeping girl in her arms. One hand gently stroked the girl's back to pacify her, while the other caressed her small ears.

Song Zhixia's ears twitched with her sobs, resembling a delicate flower swaying in the wind. Watching this, Song Weizhi inexplicably felt a pang of heartache. She had to protect the girl and ensure she wasn't mistreated anymore.

Embracing the girl, Song Weizhi comforted her, patiently waiting for her to calm down.

Song Zhixia, who had seldom cried so much in her life, even enduring hardships in the village, now found herself breaking down. Everything was getting better, yet she felt overwhelmed. She couldn't catch her breath.

Deciding to cast aside her pride, she let her emotions pour out. Perhaps she wouldn't have the chance to be embraced by Senior Sister like this again.

Seeing the girl cry more fervently, Song Weizhi continued, "Darling, if you want to cry, go ahead. Senior Sister will comfort you, okay?"

As Song Zhixia lay in Song Weizhi's embrace, her emotions rushed and she couldn't help but think she didn't want her Senior Sister to have a partner. She didn't want anyone else to take her Senior Sister, and she even wished Song Weizhi would belong only to her.

Realizing what she had been thinking, Song Zhixia quickly chased away those dangerous thoughts. Yet, she couldn't shake off the fear of losing Song Weizhi if she had a partner. So, she decided to ask Senior Sister about her future partner.

This overwhelming flood of thoughts led her to hope, hoping to hear the answers she sought from Song Weizhi.

After a while, a slightly calmer Song Zhixia raised her head. Her eyes were bloodshot, and Song Weizhi couldn't help but feel a wave of sympathy for her.

"Senior Sister, do you really have a partner? If you do, will you not want Xiaxia anymore?" Song Zhixia's eyes glistened with tears, her voice tinged with a trace of sobbing.

Song Weizhi, with a warm gaze, retorted, "When did I get a partner? How could I not know? I've already annulled the engagement with him. Furthermore, my thoughts are with you, Xiaxia. It's beyond my nature to seek someone else and neglect you."

Song Zhixia, disbelieving, assumed Song Weizhi was teasing her as her voice held a hint of crying.

"I'm not being playful. When have I ever lied to you? My entire focus is on you. I have no time for irrelevant individuals," Song Weizhi's eyes shimmered as she gently spoke to Song Zhixia.

Staring at her Senior Sister, Song Zhixia's painful worries vanished, and she felt as though her heart had been filled with honey. With a renewed sense of comfort, she recalled her actions from the previous night and felt embarrassed. She couldn't even look at Song Weizhi and buried her face in her Senior Sister's embrace.

"How are you?" Song Weizhi playfully added, "Do you want Senior Sister to carry you?"

Next thing she knew, Song Zhixia was hoisted up in Song Weizhi's arms.

Feeling embarrassed and shy, Song Zhixia begged, "Senior Sister, please put me down. I can walk myself."

After realizing that Senior Sister didn't actually consider taking a partner, Song Zhixia regretted crying in her Senior Sister's arms the previous night. She felt content, although her heart fluttered with shyness.

He didn't miss the chance to tease the little girl. He deliberately didn't let go and softly whispered in Song Zhixia's ear, "How can I let my darling walk on her own? I would feel sorry for you."

"Senior Sister, if you keep doing this, I'll really ignore you," Song Zhixia struggled in Song Weizhi's arms as if she was getting anxious. Sensing her unease, Song Weizhi quickly released her and then, pretending to be the considerate elder sister, said, "Alright, Xiaxia is in charge. Senior Sister will listen to Xiaxia."

Chapter 20

"Sister, you, sniff, you're bullying me." Song Zhi Xia looked at Song Wei Zhi with a pair of watery eyes, speaking in a tone that was clearly meant to be coquettish.

"Sister, how could I bear to bully my little Xia Xia? Alright, taste the longevity noodles I made for you." Song Wei Zhi said as she pulled Song Zhi Xia to the table and pushed the longevity noodles in front of her.

Song Zhi Xia's eyes revealed bursts of joy. This was the first time someone had cooked longevity noodles for her. It was also the first time someone had celebrated her birthday with her. Come to think of it, there were many firsts that were all thanks to her sister. Now her sister promised not to abandon her. Song Zhi Xia couldn't be happier.

Carefully picking up a strand of noodles with her chopsticks, she put it in her mouth. Song Zhi Xia felt her heart bloom with joy. The noodles her sister cooked were delicious. As she ate, she wanted to look at Song Wei Zhi. She stole a glance at her and noticed Song Wei Zhi smiling at her.

Song Zhi Xia blushed a little and murmured softly, "Sister, you should eat too. The noodles are getting cold."

"Alright, then I'll taste the birthday girl's longevity noodles." With that, she picked up another bowl of noodles and started eating.

After a few bites, it seemed like something occurred to Song Wei Zhi. She put the noodles down and said, "You know, there are many ways to eat noodles, not just with minced meat sauce, and besides, it's quite salty. Look at me, I'm not a big fan of minced meat sauce noodles."

Song Wei Zhi thought that she had to subtly influence her little sister to not like minced meat sauce noodles so much. That way, she wouldn't have to cook it often. Although she believed her little sister wouldn't allow her to turn into minced meat sauce, she still wanted to subtly influence her in their daily lives.

Song Zhi Xia looked at Song Wei Zhi and didn't understand why her sister suddenly started talking about minced meat sauce. But since her sister didn't like it, she decided to eat it less in the future. After all, she had already built her foundation and didn't really need to eat. Even though she actually liked minced meat sauce.

She remembered back in the village, on her brother's birthday, their foster parents would make him a bowl of minced meat sauce noodles. She would only get a little from her brother's portion, and nobody cared about her birthday, let alone minced meat sauce noodles. So, she always dreamed of earning enough money to buy herself a bowl of minced meat sauce noodles on her birthday, with big pieces of meat inside. This longing for minced meat sauce noodles became her obsession over time. But now that her sister didn't like it, she decided not to like it anymore. With her sister, she was no longer an unwanted child.

Thinking to herself, Song Zhi Xia quickly continued, "I also don't like minced meat sauce. Sister's noodles are also delicious."

Resting her chin on her hand, Song Wei Zhi looked at her little sister eating noodles with her cheeks puffed, looking incredibly cute.

Her little sister's eyes were like those of a little rabbit, peeking at her from time to time, as if afraid she would suddenly disappear.

After finishing the whole bowl of noodles, Song Zhi Xia looked up at Song Wei Zhi. "Thank you, Sister. This is the first time I've celebrated my birthday so happily."

Song Wei Zhi smiled and said, "Is Xia Xia so easily satisfied? Sister has something else to give you."

Saying that, Song Wei Zhi took out a long box from the storage ring and handed it to Song Zhi Xia, "Open it and see if you like it."

"What is it?" Song Zhi Xia asked softly as she took the box, opening it to reveal a hairpin carved from white jade with a cute little white rabbit perched on top. For some reason, Song Zhi Xia felt happy when she saw the hairpin.

"Do you like it, Xia Xia? Do you think this little rabbit looks just like you? Both of you are fair and lovely, and cute," Song Wei Zhi said, looking at Song Zhi Xia with a smile in her eyes, radiating a tenderness she herself wasn't aware of.

"No way! I'm not a little rabbit." Song Zhi Xia stared at Song Wei Zhi with a pair of watery eyes, but the coquettishness in her eyes was even more pronounced.

"Okay, Xia Xia is not a little rabbit. How about Sister being the little rabbit?" Song Wei Zhi quickly reassured her.

Song Zhi Xia nodded in satisfaction.

"This hairpin is a storage hairpin. You can put anything you want inside it. Let me help you put it on." Song Wei Zhi got up and inserted the rabbit hairpin into Song Zhi Xia's hairdo.

Song Zhi Xia felt a bit embarrassed. This was the first time she had received a gift on her birthday, and it was from her sister. She swore to protect the rabbit hairpin that her sister gave her.

"Thank you, Sister. I'm very happy today. I've never been so happy before," she said earnestly, gazing into Song Wei Zhi's eyes with her watery gaze, making Song Wei Zhi a little stunned.

When she finally recovered, Song Wei Zhi wanted to tease her little sister, so she said, "Okay, now that sister's gift is given, what birthday gift will Xia Xia give Sister? After all, our birthdays are on the same day."

Song Zhi Xia was taken aback by the question. She hadn't prepared a birthday gift for her sister at all! She had spent the whole afternoon thinking about their relationship, and when her sister came back in the evening, she just hugged her and cried. She had not prepared anything for her sister. Song Zhi Xia hurriedly explained, "Sister, I'm sorry. I, I didn't prepare anything. I, I was just crying all day."

Seeing her little sister on the brink of tears, Song Wei Zhi quickly comforted her, "It's okay. Sister isn't blaming you. And besides, why would I need a gift when Xia Xia is here?"

Song Zhi Xia didn't understand Song Wei Zhi's meaning. After all, she had received many things from her sister. What gift did she have for her sister?

Seeing her little sister's confusion, Song Wei Zhi teased her, "Doesn't Xia Xia know? You can give your senior sister a kiss as a birthday gift." Song Wei Zhi thought that it wouldn't be a big deal for two girls to exchange a kiss. Besides, she just wanted to tease her little sister. She didn't think her little sister would actually do it.

Song Zhi Xia widened her eyes and couldn't believe what she had just heard. Her sister wanted her to kiss her? How could a girl say such a thing? Wasn't that what the rascals in the village would say to tease the girls? But looking at her sister's expression, it didn't seem like a joke. And her sister wasn't a rascal. Her sister had always been good to her. She just wanted her to give her a kiss. If she didn't, her sister would be upset.

Song Zhi Xia looked at Song Wei Zhi's fair cheek, and she felt the urge to kiss her, but she quickly shook her head. How could she have such thoughts about her sister?

But if she didn't kiss her, her sister would be upset. Song Zhi Xia mentally prepared herself. She furrowed her eyebrows and relaxed them, then straightened them again. After a while, she lifted her head to look at Song Wei Zhi.

Song Wei Zhi expected her sister to be shy, and she was about to tease her. "Xia Xia, how could you be…" But before she finished her sentence, she felt something soft against her right cheek. Had her little sister really kissed her?

When she looked, there was no one in front of her. Song Zhi Xia had already buried herself under the blanket out of shyness.

Song Wei Zhi found her little sister's actions amusing. Had she just been kissed and then her little sister got shy? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Nonetheless, she found her little sister's lips soft and comforting. After all, they were both straight girls, so Song Wei Zhi didn't mind. She walked to the bed to tease her little sister.

She gently pushed the blanket covering the person inside. "Xia Xia, why are you being shy? Sister is willingly letting her little Xia Xia kiss her."

"Sob, sob, sob. Sister, please go back to your room. I—I don't want to come out," Song Zhi Xia sobbed, feeling like she wanted the ground to swallow her up. Her sister was saying such strange things, and she wanted to hide from the world.

But Song Wei Zhi wasn't about to let her go. "Is Xia Xia this heartless? You don't want to see Sister after kissing her?"

"But, Sister, I—I'm sobbing, please go back to your room. I'll apologize to Sister in the morning," she said as she tightly grasped the blanket, afraid of emerging from underneath.

Song Wei Zhi finally relented. Not only had she made her little sister smile, but she also earned herself a kiss. It was a win-win situation.

"Alright, then Sister will go back to her room, and Xia Xia, come out. It's not good to suffocate yourself under the blanket. Be good and rest early," she said, sounding like a mother, before heading back to her room.

After hearing the sound of the door closing, Song Zhi Xia finally relaxed. She quietly lifted the blanket and then lay on the bed, breathing heavily. As she thought about her actions, Song Zhi Xia blushed and rolled back and forth on the bed. She couldn't believe she had had the courage to kiss her sister. Even now, there seemed to be a fire burning in her core. But her sister's face was smooth, and she found herself liking it.

Song Zhi Xia shook her head to dispel these confusing thoughts. Perhaps it was because she had never had a close relationship with a sister growing up, which made her dependent on her sister now. Maybe sisters in ordinary families would act this way with each other? She must be too sensitive. Sisters with good relationships must also interact like this! It took Song Zhi Xia a while to calm herself down, lying on the bed and comforting herself.

She touched the rabbit hairpin on her head, the birthday gift her sister had given her. She cradled the hairpin carefully, with the cute little rabbit on the top looking at her. Song Zhi Xia also smiled sweetly at the little rabbit. After the ups and downs of the night, she could finally set her heart at ease. Her sister had said that her feelings were the most important now, and she wouldn't have to consider having a Dao companion.

Thinking about this, Song Zhi Xia laughed with joy in bed. Since she came to her sister's side, it seemed like she had started smiling more. She wasn't the shy, quiet Song Zhi Xia from the village who only knew to work hard anymore. She held the hairpin tightly in her hand, as if she was holding her entire being.