[You've successfully logged out!. . .]
Taking off the headset, Han Jingzhi yawned, stretching as he got out of bed. The clock on the wall read [7:34 P.M.], and his stomach rumbled in protest. He padded downstairs, expecting to find his sister, Han Yao, already home from school. But the house was eerily quiet.
"Yao-er?" he called out, his voice echoing through the empty living room. He found her phone sitting on the dining table, and a wave of concern washed over him. He picked it up and dialed her number, his heart pounding a little faster with each unanswered ring.
Suddenly, the phone on the table buzzed. Han Jingzhi's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the contact name: a black heart emoji followed by an angel emoji. He chuckled, shaking his head. "What a silly girl," he muttered, picking up the phone. "Where could she have gone without her phone?" he wondered aloud, glancing at the closed door of the apartment next door.
A tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, a familiar scent that sent a pang of hunger through his stomach. "Is it my imagination, or why does that soup smell like Yao-er's cooking?" he mused, his mouth watering.
Just as he was about to head to the coat rack to pick a coat to find Han Yao, the door swung open, and a burst of laughter filled the air. Two women, one familiar and one not, stepped into the apartment.
"You're up, brother?" Han Yao beamed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Han Jingzhi frowned, walking towards her, ignoring the stranger by her side. He gave Han Yao a playful flick on the forehead. "Where have you been? How could you leave without your phone? Don't make me worry, okay?" he scolded, his voice laced with concern.
Han Yao hissed and feigned a dramatic cry. "Brother Jingzhi is too harsh! How dare you beat your adorable little sister like that?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with mock outrage.
Han Jingzhi couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing at the woman standing at the entrance with a polite smile. "You know, Yao, big brother would never do such a thing," he stammered, trying to recover. "He just saw a little mosquito trying to suck his adorable sister's blood, so he killed it with a flick to spare her the pain." He turned away, wanting to escape the awkwardness, but Han Yao grabbed his sleeve.
"We'll settle that later, brother," she said, her voice laced with amusement. She turned to the woman, beckoning her closer. "Big brother, meet Sister An Jing. Sister Jing, meet my big brother Jingzhi."
"Hello, I'm An Jing," An Jing said, taking a few steps forward. She was tall, with a graceful figure that reminded Han Jingzhi of a high school student, at least 1.5 meters tall. Her features were delicate and beautiful, but not as striking as Lilith's. Still, she was one of the few women Han Jingzhi would consider beautiful after Lilith.
"Someone as beautiful as this is friends with my sister? I'll treat her a little bit well," Han Jingzhi thought, assuming she was Han Yao's senior at school. He smiled back, extending his hand. "Han Jingzhi. Nice to meet you."
He turned to Han Yao. "Show your friend the way to your room. I'll cook dinner in a minute and call you guys when I'm done."
Han Yao's usual nod of agreement was replaced by another burst of laughter. "I see, brother. You thought she was my classmate. No wonder you were so shy," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Brother Jingzhi, she's not a classmate. She's a neighbor who just moved in, and we met by chance on my way back from school."
"Oh!" Han Jingzhi's mouth fell open in realization. He felt a blush creep up his neck, embarrassed by his assumption. Before he could apologize, An Jing spoke, her voice calm and collected.
"It's okay, Brother Jingzhi. I understand. As this sweet Yao said, I'm your new neighbor. I just moved in today. And as for dinner, I'm afraid we already made it."
Han Yao, sensing her brother's discomfort, quickly chimed in. "Yeah, Brother Jingzhi, Sister Jing is a fantastic cook. She made the most delicious soup! It's even better than yours!"
Han Jingzhi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Better than mine? Impossible!" he exclaimed, his pride slightly wounded. "I'll have to try it then. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from you, Sister An Jing."
An Jing laughed, a light and melodious sound that filled the room. "I'd be happy to share some of my recipes with you, Brother Jingzhi. But first, how about we all sit down and enjoy this soup together? I'm sure it's cooled down enough by now."
Han Jingzhi nodded, his curiosity piqued. He was eager to try An Jing's soup and see if it truly was better than his own. He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, but he quickly brushed it aside. After all, he was a good brother, and he wouldn't let a little culinary rivalry get in the way of enjoying a delicious meal with his sister and her new neighbor.
As they sat down at the dining table, the aroma of the soup filled the air, a warm and inviting scent that promised a comforting and delicious meal. Han Jingzhi couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He was about to embark on a culinary adventure, and he was eager to see what surprises awaited him.
...
The three of them sat down at the dining table, and Han Yao and An Jing chatted animatedly, their voices blending together in a symphony of laughter and shared stories. Han Jingzhi, however, remained silent, struggling to keep up with their conversation. Their topics ranged from makeup and fashion to the latest trends in online gaming, all subjects that were outside his area of expertise. He tried to contribute whenever he could, but his attempts at joining the conversation often fell flat.
"So, Sister Jing," Han Yao said, her voice filled with curiosity, "Are you into gaming?"
An Jing nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I am. I play Revolution Online."
Han Jingzhi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. A girl who was so into fashion knew quite a lot about games and even played Revolution Online? He found himself intrigued.
Han Yao, sensing her brother's surprise, turned to him with a mischievous grin. "Brother Jingzhi, tell her your username on Revolution Online."
Han Jingzhi's face turned beet red. He coughed violently, trying to avoid the question. "I... I need some water," he mumbled, excusing himself to the kitchen.
Han Yao and An Jing exchanged amused glances. "Don't mind my brother," Han Yao said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "He's probably not very good at the game, that's why he doesn't want to share his username. Or maybe he's the Demonic Troll!"
Han Jingzhi returned to the dining table, his face flushed. He could hear Han Yao and An Jing giggling at his expense. He took a long sip of water, trying to regain his composure.
Soon the sky began to darken, Han Jingzhi felt a sense of contentment. He had spent the evening with his sister and her new friend, sharing a delicious meal and laughter together.
"Well, I'd better get going," An Jing said, standing up from the table. "It's getting late, and I have a lot of unpacking to do."
Han Yao nodded, her eyes filled with a hint of sadness. "Okay, Sister Jing. But you have to come over tomorrow, right? We have so much to talk about!"
An Jing smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Of course, Yao. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll see you tomorrow."
Han Jingzhi stood up and walked An Jing to the door. "It was nice meeting you, An Jing. I hope you enjoy living in the neighborhood."
An Jing smiled, her eyes meeting his. "Thank you, Brother Jingzhi. I think I will."
As An Jing walked out the door, Han Jingzhi turned to his sister. "So, what do you think? Is she a good neighbor?"
Han Yao nodded enthusiastically. "She's the best! I'm so glad she moved in next door."
Han Jingzhi nodded and closed the door behind An Jing.
...
Han Jingzhi, eager to make up for his awkward behavior, offered to do the dishes. But Han Yao refused, insisting on doing them herself.
"Go relax, brother," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You've had a long day."
Han Jingzhi watched as his sister disappeared into the kitchen, a smile playing on his lips as he headed into his room.