Location: Lin Family Dumpling Shop – 11:02 AM
Jin had just handed Zhao Yue a tiny takeout box of leftover dumplings with the words "Don't Come Back Hungry" scribbled on top.
He was almost free.
Then…
BANG!
The door burst open like a plot twist no one ordered.
A tall woman in a trench coat, sunglasses, and designer heels stood there like she was entering a fashion shoot. Her hair was pulled back into a business bun so tight it looked like it held grudges.
"Found you," she declared.
Jin sighed.
[The boss-level sibling.]
---
Enter: Jin Qianlan – Eldest Sister. CEO. Cold Type. Likes to believe she's immune to drama.
"You disappeared," she said. "Do you know how bad that makes the family look?"
"I'm not part of the family PR package."
She pointed at him. "That tone. This rebellious attitude. It's exactly what—"
[Jin]: [She's about to quote the fake son. 3... 2... 1…]
"—Ichiro warned us about."
[Jin]: [Called it.]
---
Scene: Tension, Fried Dumplings, and Too Much Eyeliner
She sat down across from him without asking, surveying the kitchen like a crime scene.
"Living in... this condition?"
"I like it here."
"There's no air conditioning."
[Jin]: "There's no Ichiro either."
"I brought you a portable fan and a phone charger. You're welcome."
Zhao Yue watched silently from the corner, sipping soy milk with the delicacy of someone observing a train crash from a safe distance.
---
Meanwhile – Jin Family Group Chat (Still Silent to Jin)
Third Sister: Eldest just arrived? Oh no.
Sixth Brother: Why does she always think she can fix everything with expensive electronics?
Mother Jin: Let her try. She needs to hear what we heard.
---
Eldest Sister crossed her legs, narrowing her eyes.
"Tell me truthfully—why are you so against coming home?"
Jin met her gaze, calm and unblinking.
[Jin]: "Because the place you call 'home' is a scripted nightmare where one fake smile can ruin ten lives."
Her expression twitched.
[Jin]: "Because you believed Ichiro over me every single time. Because your logic was bought with limited edition wine and 'polished manners.'"
A crack formed in her proud mask.
[Jin]: "Because I remember how you defended him when he said I stole money. And you didn't even ask if it was true."
Her voice came out smaller than usual. "That was… a misunderstanding."
[Jin]: "So is your judgment."
She looked away. Zhao Yue flinched. The air felt heavier.
---
Scene: Dumpling Defense System
"I'm not going back," Jin said, standing up. "You can report that."
"You're running away."
[Jin]: "I'm walking out of a sinking ship."
She stood, fists clenched. "You have no idea what pressure I'm under! I was trying to protect the family!"
[Jin]: "No. You were trying to protect your image. You all were."
---
She didn't cry. She didn't beg. She just left.
But her steps were uneven.
Behind the sunglasses, Jin was sure something had broken.
---
Zhao Yue (quietly): "They're starting to crack, one by one."
[Jin]: "They're too late."
---
End of Chapter 29
Next Chapter Tease – Chapter 30: The Green Tea Sister Arrives (With Backup Fans and False Tears)
She's pretty. She's charming. She's got a whole group chat defending her purity.
But when she hears what Jin really thinks…
It's game over for illusions.