Family

*Proud younger sister x cold older sister *Not blood-related, but raised as sisters *Eleven-year age gap [New chapters daily at 8 p.m.] 1. Everyone at school knows Lian Hua. Student council, radio station, school galas, provincial competitions: if it’s an event where she can be seen, she’s there. Her roommate asks how she can keep going without ever getting tired. The phone on her pillow glows faintly. The hurt of her recent fight with her older sister lodges in her throat. Lian Hua lowers her head and cries, but there’s still a smile in her voice. “Because I have to prove myself to my sister.” 2. Shi Jingye is a well-known, award-winning host at the provincial TV station. Industry rumors say the national broadcaster has tried to recruit her several times, but she always turned them down. She is devoted to the provincial station, working diligently day after day. On the day the interns arrive, the lobby is packed. Lian Hua stands among the crowd, watching her older sister stride forward. Shi Jingye passes her in a formal suit, her gaze sweeping over her indifferently, as if she were a stranger. 3. That night, Shi Jingye opens the apartment door and sees Lian Hua. Her brows knit together. “You shouldn’t be here today. Go back to school.” Lian Hua doesn’t back down. Instead, she steps closer. Shi Jingye’s voice turns even colder. “Lian Hua, ” She stops abruptly. Lian Hua wraps her arms around Shi Jingye’s waist and lifts her chin with her fingertips, her eyes burning as she moves in for a kiss. Shi Jingye’s body tenses. After a brief moment of hesitation, she finally closes her eyes in silence, giving her consent. Unexpectedly, the kiss never comes. Lian Hua smiles softly. “Sis, I only came home today to thank you for taking care of me all these years.” “Don’t worry. I’ll be good.” “I’m graduating soon. I’ll move out like a good girl, and I won’t bother you anymore.” She turns to leave. Just as she passes the silent Shi Jingye, a hand suddenly clamps around her wrist and yanks her back. A pair of eyes, usually so calm, can barely contain their fury. “Lian Hua... what do you take me for?” Theme: Love ignites the sacred fire of the soul.