Upon entering the mansion, Qin Liu Xi proceeded towards her secluded courtyard. Before she even stepped inside, her pace halted, and she turned to gaze at the sweet osmanthus tree on the right.
"Come out."
As her voice echoed, a head peeked out from behind the tree, timidly observing her, before slowly revealing the entire small figure.
"What are you doing here?" Qin Liu Xi looked down at this little sibling, towering over him.
Qin Mingchun, sheepishly, approached her, performing a proper greeting. "Big sister."
Qin Liu Xi hmmed, locking eyes with him.
The little fellow was quite adept at growing, inheriting all the virtues of their parents. His small face was delicate and beautiful, innocent, and charming, making one itch to pamper him.
Qin Liu Xi reached out and pinched him, feeling his good texture.
Qin Mingchun's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No crying allowed," Qin Liu Xi threatened as she saw tears welling up in his pretty eyes. "Otherwise, I'll spank you."
*Gulp.*
Big sister was truly terrifying.
Qin Mingchun's stomach grumbled, and he hastily covered it, feeling a bit embarrassed. He lowered his head and said, "I'm not hungry; my stomach growled on its own."
Heh heh, at such a young age, trying to be cute before her!
Qin Liu Xi glanced at him, entered the courtyard, and Qin Mingchun remained rooted in place, only watching her go inside.
After a while, her voice came from inside, "Come in."
"Okay." Qin Mingchun immediately followed.
Inside, Qin Liu Xi took a box handed over by Qihuang, opened it, and pushed it towards Qin Mingchun.
It was a box of colorful pastries, emitting an enticing aroma.
Qin Mingchun's peach blossom eyes lit up as he continuously licked his rosy lips.
Such pastries were not lacking at home before the incident, but after, he hadn't tasted them, nor had he tasted such exquisite delicacies.
"Eat up."
"Really? Thank you, big sister." Qin Mingchun's eyes sparkled, and he wiped his hands on his clothes before picking up a piece of pastry. He licked it first, then took a small bite, showing a satisfied expression.
Qin Liu Xi watched, suddenly feeling a bit uneasy but maintaining a cold demeanor.
After taking a small bite, Qin Mingchun chewed for a while before swallowing, staring at it for a long time before saying, "I'm full now, I won't eat anymore. Can I keep it?"
Although he said he wouldn't eat, his eyes never left the pastry in his hand.
"No, you can only finish it here with me. Otherwise, don't eat it." Qin Liu Xi made as if to take it away.
Panicked, Qin Mingchun hurriedly stuffed the pastry into his mouth. In his haste, he choked, his small face turning purple.
Qin Liu Xi calmly patted his stomach, and the pastry was spit out. Watching the little one coughing incessantly, she said, "This is your lesson. No matter how delicious something is, you can't rush, because you might choke."
Qin Mingchun's eyes reddened, looking somewhat regretfully at the fallen pastry, tears welling up.
"Since you've finished eating, let's go."
"Oh." Qin Mingchun stood up, reluctantly casting a glance at the pastries on the table.
One step, three glances.
Seeing this, Qin Liu Xi picked them up and finished them in three mouthfuls, casually saying, "All gone."
Qin Mingchun: "..."
Tears streamed down his face.
Qin Liu Xi grinned triumphantly at him.
Unable to bear it, Qin Mingchun ran out. Big sister was so mean.
Qihuang walked in, saying, "You're bullying even children now!"
He was still her own brother.
"I'm just setting an example as the elder sister, so he'll be cautious around me in the future!" Qin Liu Xi retorted.
Qihuang lightly scoffed. Look, in no time, she'll be sending pastries to that young master; it's because he's adorable.
Sure enough, Qin Liu Xi said, "The remaining pastries, send them to the dowager."
Qihuang: Look, it only took a cup of tea's worth of time to corrupt her!