Teacher, We’ve Really Become Like Sisters

The revelation of identities plunged the study into a delicate and subtle atmosphere.

A wave of silence followed.

Ye Tian's expression mirrored the turmoil within his heart—complex and chaotic. He found himself at a loss for how to face the familiar yet unfamiliar figure before him: the revered Pope.

Bibi Dong rested her chin on her hand, looking equally troubled. For the first time in over a decade, she was deeply conflicted. She opened her mouth to speak but ultimately stayed silent.

The tension was broken by Hu Liena.

The door creaked open as Hu Liena, holding a silk nightgown, entered with the playfulness of a lively fox.

"Teacher, let's go take a bath," she said brightly.

Upon noticing Ye Tian beside her teacher, Hu Liena froze. Realizing her casual entrance might have been inappropriate, she offered an embarrassed smile.

"Brother, I thought you'd already left the study."

All four eyes turned toward her at once, yet neither Bibi Dong nor Ye Tian spoke.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Hu Liena's heart jolted. She clutched the soft silk gown tightly, forcing a smile.

"W-what's going on here?"

Though she could feel the tension, she avoided thinking deeply about it. For her, such thoughts were like icy pits or nightmares she dared not enter. She couldn't imagine a future without Ye Tian.

Still smiling, Hu Liena approached the desk and blinked her charming eyes at Bibi Dong.

"Teacher, are you upset about Qian Renxue attending our wedding? Is that why the mood is so tense?"

Given her teacher's strained relationship with Qian Renxue, this seemed a reasonable guess. She tried to convince herself it was the only explanation.

But her words drew no immediate response from Bibi Dong. Instead, the gazes of the two before her grew more unsettling.

Ye Tian's eyes rested on Hu Liena—complicated and searching. For a moment, he wondered if her feelings for him were also a facade.

The thought stung. Though their relationship had largely been orchestrated by Bibi Dong, Ye Tian had started investing genuine emotions into it. To now discover this foundation might be built on lies left him shaken.

Even with his calm demeanor, Ye Tian found himself barely holding it together. A suffocating weight pressed on his chest, his emotions seeking an outlet. Yet, the mental resilience gained through two lifetimes helped him suppress the storm within.

Eventually, his turbulent feelings condensed into a single name: "Hu Liena."

With this clarity, Ye Tian's gaze steadied, his expression unreadable.

Hearing him utter her true name, Hu Liena trembled. Her delicate hands shook, and the silk gown slipped to the floor. She glanced at Ye Tian's calm yet piercing eyes, then at her teacher's fatigued face.

She understood—Ye Tian had figured everything out on his own.

Her heart raced, pounding as if it might burst. Tears welled up as she shook her head desperately.

"Brother, it's not what you think."

"I love you. I truly love you."

Tears streamed down her porcelain cheeks as she sobbed, her emotions pouring out. Unable to hold back any longer, she threw herself into Ye Tian's arms. She clung tightly to his waist, pressing her head against his chest.

"Brother, please don't leave me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear.

The mere thought of losing Ye Tian was unbearable. Without him, her life would lose all color and meaning.

Moved by her vulnerability, Ye Tian couldn't help but notice her surprising strength, which left his back aching.

"Stop squeezing so hard; you'll break my waist," he joked, pushing her head away with mock annoyance. His tone, however, was gentle and affectionate.

Hearing his words, Hu Liena stopped crying and looked up at him, her grip still firm.

"So… will you still marry me?" she asked cautiously.

"We'll see," Ye Tian replied with a faint smile, ruffling her pink hair. He playfully pinched her ear, teasing her for deceiving him.

"I won't do it again," Hu Liena quickly promised, her tone filled with exaggerated grievance. Her face lit up with a smile as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him passionately.

"I didn't see anything," Bibi Dong interjected deliberately, turning her head aside.

Blushing furiously, Hu Liena pulled herself away but didn't move far. She stood behind Ye Tian, her hands resting on his shoulders in an intimate gesture.

Ye Tian chuckled softly and turned to Bibi Dong.

"Your Holiness, you truly understand the art of political marriages. You've gained quite a lot by pairing me with Hu Liena, haven't you?"

"Perhaps," Bibi Dong admitted, relieved to see Ye Tian's humor returning.

"You can call me Sister. The title of 'Pope' feels too formal."

Ye Tian smiled faintly but said nothing.

"What's wrong? Afraid of my age?" Bibi Dong teased.

"Not at all," Ye Tian replied earnestly. "With your youthful looks, anyone would believe you're only twenty. You're my goddess—I'd never mind your age."

Bibi Dong smiled subtly. "The first half is believable. The second half? Best to say it less often."

"Am I not good enough?" Ye Tian asked playfully, narrowing his eyes.

Before Bibi Dong could reply, Hu Liena tightened her grip on Ye Tian's shoulders.

"How dare you think about my teacher!"

Ye Tian responded nonchalantly, "It's not a new thought. Why so surprised?"

"Fine, I'll let it go this time," Hu Liena said, glancing at Bibi Dong with a grin.

"Teacher, we've truly become sisters now, haven't we?"

Bibi Dong sighed, her expression unreadable.

This child really knows how to keep life interesting.

Perhaps entrusting her to Ye Tian was the wisest decision she had ever made.

(End of Chapter)

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