Song Qi Nian pushed thoughts of Mu Yuxin's mother aside. Her brother needed her attention now, and she wanted to see how he was adjusting to his new job.
Thanks to Shen Ke Qin's connections, Song Jia Shu had landed a position as a server at an upscale club. The work wasn't backbreaking, paid well enough, and came with solid benefits and attendance bonuses. While Song Qi Nian didn't expect him to rake in huge sums, she worried about his state of mind. With one exam standing between him and graduation, she feared he might get lost in his thoughts or sink into depression. At least the job would give his days structure and purpose.
The work had done more than that - it had breathed new life into him. His WeChat voice messages brimmed with enthusiasm, his words painting pictures of better days ahead.
When she arrived at the club, Song Jia Shu was already waiting outside. The moment he spotted her, he bounded over and wrapped her in a tight embrace. "Sis, I've missed you so much!"
Song Qi Nian returned his hug with a gentle pat on his back. When he pulled away, she held up her hand to compare their heights, signing, [You've gotten taller again, haven't you?]
"A bit, but not enough yet. Still need to catch up to Shen Chi Yan."
Song Qi Nian could only shake her head. Somewhere along the line, her brother had made it his mission to surpass Shen Chi Yan in everything. Though he hadn't managed it in most areas yet, time was on his side - he was younger and still growing. For now, height seemed to be his main obsession.
"Come on, Sis, it's sweltering out here. Let's go inside."
Curious about his workplace, Song Qi Nian followed him into the club called Xianting. The place lived up to its high-end reputation - sleek modern design mixed with opulent touches. In the main hall, service robots glided between guests, delivering drinks and fruit platters, adding a futuristic flair to the luxurious atmosphere.
One of the small robots rolled up to Song Qi Nian. "Welcome," it chirped.
She reached down to pat its head, amused. Its digital eyes curved into happy crescents as it responded, "Thank you, pretty lady, for your touch. Have a wonderful time!"
Seeing his sister's amusement, Song Jia Shu's face lit up. "Sis, let me give you the grand tour."
He slipped into tour guide mode, gesturing as he spoke. "These are our recreation zones. In the back, we've got a relaxation area, plus a pool, ping-pong hall, badminton court, and arcade. You could spend all day here and still not try everything."
Song Qi Nian nodded approvingly. The place seemed perfect - good environment, character-building activities. She made a mental note to treat Shen Ke Qin to dinner as thanks for setting her brother up with such a solid position.
As they walked through the club, she noticed how female servers and guests alike couldn't keep their eyes off her brother. Curious, she studied him more closely. He wore the standard uniform - crisp white shirt, black bow tie, black waistcoat, and matching trousers with polished leather shoes. Yet somehow, he carried himself with natural grace, the outfit highlighting his handsome features and tall, lean frame. For the first time, it struck her - her baby brother wasn't a child anymore.
"Well, well, if it isn't Song Qi Nian?"
Her face darkened at that familiar voice. Of all people, Lin Lanxing had to be here.
Song Jia Shu didn't recognize the woman, but his sister's reaction was enough. He stepped in front of her protectively, offering a slight bow. "Miss, how may I help you?"
Lin Lanxing's lips curled into a sneer. "I thought Xianting was members-only. When did they start letting in strays off the street?"
The mockery in her voice was unmistakable. Song Jia Shu's expression hardened instantly.
"Oh... Don't tell me you abused your position to sneak your sister in for a little entertainment?"
Song Jia Shu tensed. This woman knew who he was?
He quickly steadied himself. "The manager gave permission."
"How generous of him. Without that, your sister wouldn't see the inside of this place in her lifetime."
Song Jia Shu's fists clenched, anger rising visibly, but Song Qi Nian caught his arm. Her touch carried a clear message: stay calm.
Song Jia Shu had to walk a fine line - he was staff, Lin Lanxing was a customer. He couldn't afford to react. Understanding his sister's warning touch, he drew in a steadying breath and held his tongue.
Lin Lanxing watched their silent exchange with a cold smirk. "I'm thirsty. Make me a coffee."
"Sorry, I'm on break. I can ask another server to-"
"I said I want it made by you," Lin Lanxing cut in, her voice sharp as ice.
Song Jia Shu's jaw tightened, but again his sister tugged his sleeve. When he turned, she was smiling.
[Go ahead. The customer comes first.]
"But-"
Song Qi Nian's expression softened. [I'll be fine.]
Song Jia Shu hesitated, then relented. Even Lin Lanxing wouldn't try anything in such a public space. He turned and headed for the coffee station.
Lin Lanxing watched him go, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. "Such devoted siblings."
Her intentions were crystal clear. Song Qi Nian knew if she left now, Lin Lanxing would just take it out on her brother. She pulled out her phone and typed: [What do you want?]
"Sharp as ever."
The humiliation at the elderly lady's birthday banquet still burned. Unable to confront Song Qi Nian directly, Lin Lanxing had tracked down her brother's workplace, planning to exact her revenge through him. Finding Song Qi Nian here was an unexpected bonus.
It felt like destiny had handed her this opportunity.
"Since we're both here, Song Qi Nian, how about a little competition?"
Song Qi Nian glanced at Lin Lanxing's vindictive expression and typed: [What kind of competition?]
"Bowling, of course!" Lin Lanxing's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Oh, don't tell me you've never bowled before?"
[What are the stakes?]
"Simple enough. When I win, you kneel and lick my shoes."
[And if you lose?]
"Lose?" Lin Lanxing scoffed. "As if that's possible."
Song Qi Nian just stared at her, waiting.
"Fine," Lin Lanxing sneered. "If I lose - which won't happen - I'll kneel and lick your shoes."
She wasn't worried. She'd been bowling since she was eight. There was no way some amateur could beat her after years of practice.
Betting on bowling matches was standard entertainment at Xianting. But Lin Lanxing wanted to make sure everyone witnessed Song Qi Nian's humiliation. She grabbed the club's microphone and announced their match to the entire venue.
Being a regular, Lin Lanxing had quite the following. A crowd quickly formed, eager to watch the showdown. The fact that it was between two beautiful women only added fuel to the fire. Soon the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.
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