The villa, once a place of routine and quiet comfort, now buzzed with an undercurrent of unspoken tension. While Meixiu and Ye Chen grew closer, Jiayi and Lianyi found themselves grappling with their own feelings.
Jiayi sat in the study, her pen hovering over a stack of documents she'd been reviewing for hours. But her mind wasn't on work—it was on Meixiu and Ye Chen.
The subtle changes in their interactions hadn't gone unnoticed. The stolen glances, the soft smiles, the way Meixiu's laughter seemed lighter when Ye Chen was around.
"It's good to see her happy," Jiayi murmured to herself, though the words felt heavier than they should have.
But beneath her supportive exterior, Jiayi couldn't ignore a growing unease. She had always been the composed, responsible one, the one who put her family first. Yet watching Meixiu and Ye Chen stirred something she wasn't ready to confront.
"Am I jealous?" she wondered aloud, the thought unsettling. "Or is it just… envy?"
The truth was, Jiayi had admired Ye Chen's quiet strength and unwavering kindness since the day he arrived. But she had buried those feelings, telling herself it was inappropriate, even foolish.
Lianyi knelt in the garden, her hands brushing gently against the soft petals of a blooming rose. Gardening had always been her escape, a way to ground herself when her thoughts became too overwhelming.
But even the solace of her flowers couldn't quiet the conflict in her heart.
Meixiu's openness about her feelings for Ye Chen had been both a relief and a reminder of Lianyi's own unspoken emotions.
"He's always been kind to me," Lianyi whispered, plucking a stray leaf from the soil. "But that kindness isn't mine alone."
She thought about the quiet moments she'd shared with Ye Chen—the way he listened to her with genuine interest, the small gestures of thoughtfulness that made her feel seen.
But she had always held back, telling herself it wasn't her place.
"She deserves this," Lianyi said firmly, though her chest tightened at the thought. "Meixiu deserves to be happy."
Meanwhile, Meixiu and Ye Chen found themselves spending more time together. From casual walks around the villa to late-night conversations on the balcony, their bond deepened with each passing day.
One evening, as they sat in the living room watching a movie, Meixiu turned to Ye Chen.
"Do you ever feel like the world is watching us?" she asked suddenly.
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
She shrugged, her gaze distant. "I mean… Jiayi, Lianyi. They've been acting differently. Like they're waiting for something to happen."
Ye Chen's expression grew thoughtful. "Maybe they're just looking out for you. They care about you, Meixiu."
"I know they do," she said softly. "But sometimes I wonder if I'm being selfish."
"You're not selfish," Ye Chen said firmly. "You're figuring things out. That's not something to apologize for."
Her heart swelled at his words, and before she could stop herself, she leaned in, resting her head against his shoulder.
"Thank you, Ye Chen," she murmured. "For everything."
He placed a gentle hand over hers, his voice equally soft. "You don't have to thank me, Meixiu. I'm just happy to be here with you."
The following weekend, Jiayi called for a family meeting. They gathered in the dining room, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation.
Jiayi cleared her throat, her gaze steady. "I think it's time we address the elephant in the room."
Meixiu stiffened, exchanging a glance with Ye Chen. "What do you mean?"
Jiayi's eyes softened as she looked at her younger sister. "You and Ye Chen. It's clear that something is happening between you two."
Lianyi looked down at her hands, her expression unreadable.
Meixiu hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Is that… a problem?"
Jiayi shook her head. "No. But I think we all need to be honest about how we feel."
The room fell silent until Lianyi finally spoke, her voice quiet but steady. "I've always admired Ye Chen. He's kind and thoughtful, and it's hard not to feel something for someone like that."
Meixiu's eyes widened, guilt flashing across her face. "Lianyi, I didn't—"
"It's okay," Lianyi said quickly, offering a small smile. "I'm happy for you, Meixiu. Truly. I just needed to say it out loud."
Jiayi exhaled softly, her expression unreadable. "And for what it's worth, I've always respected Ye Chen. But I think you're the one who needs him the most right now, Meixiu."
Meixiu's voice cracked as she whispered, "I'm so sorry. I never wanted to come between anyone."
"You haven't," Lianyi said firmly. "We're family, Meixiu. And family supports each other."
As the meeting ended, Meixiu felt a wave of relief and gratitude. She hugged both Jiayi and Lianyi, her tears spilling freely.
"Thank you," she said, her voice trembling. "I don't deserve your kindness."
Jiayi smiled, her usual composed demeanor softening. "Of course, you do. We're sisters, Meixiu. That's what we're here for."
Lianyi nodded, her eyes warm. "As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."
Later, as Meixiu and Ye Chen sat together on the balcony, she looked at him with renewed determination.
"They support us," she said, her voice steady. "We can move forward now."
Ye Chen smiled, his hand finding hers. "One step at a time."
"One step at a time," she echoed, her heart finally at peace.