Brother, Long Time No See

Because Su Yuyan bore a striking resemblance to the late legitimate daughter of the Shen family, after her parents passed away, Madam Shen took her in to live at the estate, where she cherished her dearly.

That very night, Su Yuyan met the Shen family's eldest son, Shen Junzhuo.

As the rumors claimed, he was strikingly handsome and dignified, like a noble tree. Though aloof and seemingly beyond reach, he was renowned in the capital for his self-discipline and courtesy, a gentleman as pure as moonlight.

Su Yuyan didn't dare look at him for long, and greeted him according to etiquette. "Elder Brother."

Living under the same roof, Su Yuyan and Shen Junzhuo saw each other every day. Though she knew she was out of his league, she couldn't help developing a young girl's feelings for him.

Until the day of a banquet at the marquis's residence, when Su Yuyan and Shen Junzhuo were both set up and, by a twist of fate, ended up in the same bed.

When she awoke, Su Yuyan's clothes were disheveled and her mind was blank.

Shen Junzhuo's eyes were icy as he said coldly, "Even with such a despicable trick, you still can't enter the Shen family. You are not my sister, and you will never become the mistress of the Shen household."

So angry that she threw a teacup at his head, Su Yuyan gave up on him once and for all. She bade Madam Shen farewell, left the Shen estate, and never looked back.

For a time, Shen Junzhuo believed he despised Su Yuyan.

She loved to put on an act. Though she was cunning and flamboyant by nature, she insisted on imitating his late sister, pretending to be composed and gentle, with impeccable manners.

Yet after Su Yuyan left, Shen Junzhuo began dreaming of her constantly.

He dreamed she lay in the crook of his arm, the corners of her eyes reddened and her temples damp with sweat, calling him "Elder Brother" again and again.

Shen Junzhuo found it absurd.

Three years after they parted, when he saw Su Yuyan again, she had become the younger sister of the newly risen General Su. She stood in a bustling street with a handsome young gentleman by her side.

Using what little reason he had left, Shen Junzhuo asked her darkly, "Who is he?"

Su Yuyan took the man's arm and smiled like a flower. "He's my husband."

Shen Junzhuo thought he was going mad.

Blurb written on July 11, 2026

Theme: I decide my own life