In the Li Family, Qiaoqiao was known as the Ice Blossom. Cold, elegant, unreachable. She was the third eldest sister—lawyer, debater, winner of five national speech contests. Her words could slice necks cleaner than blades.
So when Jin returned to the Li family home and acted aloof, Qiaoqiao had already dismissed him with a single sentence:
"If you're going to sulk, do it somewhere else."
She hadn't regretted saying that.
Until now.
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Day One: Cracks Appear
Qiaoqiao sipped her imported black tea on the balcony, face blank, legs crossed neatly. The group chat was oddly quiet. Even Meimei, usually easy to manipulate, hadn't responded to her jabs at Jin today.
[They're probably trying to guilt-trip me into caring about that brat.]
She didn't.
Not until she accidentally tapped a video in the chat.
It was Jin, talking casually to the system in his mind—except… she could hear him.
[She looks like she graduated with a PhD in "siding with the wrong person." Wonder if she argues for Ichiro just to feel superior.]
Her teacup cracked.
She stared at the screen.
He couldn't possibly know they were hearing this… could he?
[Qiaoqiao's confidence is paper-thin. All bark. If Ichiro got caught stealing candy, she'd argue he was conducting a social experiment.]
Her face went stiff.
She clicked out of the video.
Then immediately clicked back in.
The audio continued. Calm. Casual. Brutal.
[She thinks everyone admires her. No one dares speak because they're scared she'll turn it into a three-hour TED talk.]
Her hand trembled.
"...What the hell..."
---
Day Two: Ego Fracture
She walked past Jin in the hallway the next morning. He looked half-asleep, hair messy, sipping instant coffee.
"Morning," he said dryly.
"...Morning," she replied, voice slightly off.
[Still pretending to be perfect. I bet she has flashcards titled "How to Win Sibling Arguments Vol. 12."]
She almost tripped.
[Maybe if I compliment Ichiro in front of her, she'll explode. Tempting.]
Qiaoqiao stormed into her room, slammed the door, and sat on the edge of her bed.
Her reflection in the mirror stared back, unamused.
[She has potential, though. If she ever removes her ego's leash from Ichiro's neck.]
She bit her lip.
"...I'm not leashed..."
But the seed was planted.
---
Day Three: Pride Breaks
Family dinner.
Qiaoqiao sat next to Ichiro, who smiled warmly at her and passed the vegetables.
"Thanks, Ichiro."
He nodded, but when he turned to Jin, the smile dropped like a mask.
"Brother Jin," he said softly, "are you sure you didn't misplace the account password you accused me of resetting?"
Qiaoqiao's fork froze mid-air.
Here it comes.
Jin didn't even flinch.
He just yawned.
[Ah, the classic "suggestive slander" technique. Textbook Ichiro. He's hoping the elders make the leap for him.]
Qiaoqiao's eyes widened. Wait.
[I bet she'll back him up again. Watch this.]
She turned slowly, glaring at Ichiro.
"I reset the password," she said suddenly. "Last week. You asked me to update it."
Ichiro's face twitched.
"...Oh. Right."
[Did… did I just save Jin?]
She stared at her own hand.
For once, she didn't feel righteous.
She felt confused.
---
Later That Night – Secret Chat
Qiaoqiao: "…Why didn't anyone tell me we could hear his thoughts?!"
Lianhua: "We weren't sure if you'd weaponize them in court."
Meimei: "Just listen for now. Don't act too fast."
Father Li: "The truth hurts. Trust me, we're all licking wounds."
Grandma Li: "But it's not too late."
---
Meanwhile – Jin's Room
Ergouzi: "Qiaoqiao's brain lag was excellent TV. Want the replay?"
[Jury's still out on her. But it's a start.]
Ergouzi: "Wanna bet how long till she flips?"
[Betting on her pride. It's made of glass.]
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Next Chapter:
Chapter 20 – Green Tea Poison and Old Wounds