My Sister Is Acting Strange - Chapter 14 - Stirring Emotions

With the misunderstanding cleared up, the atmosphere in the room improved. The president of the calligraphy club, Zheng Hua, still wanted to exchange some experiences with Tang Huaijin.

“If there’s nothing else, please leave. This is the reading club, and our club activity isn’t over yet,” Bai Yuerou interrupted, her expression less than friendly. Barging into the club to accuse them without understanding the situation, and then trying to poach someone right in front of her, didn’t sit well with her. Coupled with her suspicions about who was behind it all, her mood was understandably sour.

Zheng Hua looked a bit awkward, scratching his head and glancing at the calligraphy on the table. “This piece…”

“I’ll take care of it later, no need for you to worry,” Bai Yuerou cut him off, placing her small hand firmly on the Xuan paper before he could finish.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Zheng Hua took one last, pained look at the piece before leading his group out of the room.

Once the calligraphy club members had left, Bai Yuerou turned to Xia Xinya, who was hiding behind her, and asked, “Why are you hiding behind me?”

“Well… they seemed so fierce, I got a little scared,” Xia Xinya replied with a forced smile, her face stiff.

Scared? Bai Yuerou knew her best friend too well to believe that. Xia Xinya was fearless, so this explanation didn’t convince her at all. She huffed, giving Xia Xinya a glare, planning to settle this later.

Turning her attention back to the calligraphy on the table, Bai Yuerou, though an outsider to the art, could tell from everyone’s reactions that this piece was exceptional. With admiration in her eyes, she asked, “If you don’t mind, can I keep it for you?”

Tang Huaijin, smiling, casually waved his hand. “If you like it, it’s yours.”

Bai Yuerou beamed as she carefully put away the calligraphy work, planning to show it to her father first.

Shen Yiqiu suddenly spoke up, “Let me take it. I’ll have it mounted for you.”

Bai Yuerou, not suspecting anything, took a photo with her phone before handing it over to Shen Yiqiu. She folded it neatly, with great care.

Shen Yiqiu took the calligraphy work, subtly frowning before unfolding it and refolding it meticulously.

After playing a brief game of eye contact with Xia Xinya, Tang Huaijin stretched and asked, “Yuerou, is the club activity almost over?”

At some point, Tang Huaijin had started calling her Yuerou, and hearing it made her a bit shy. She quickly checked her dainty wristwatch and replied, “Yes… it’s almost over. Shall we tidy up?”

Tang Huaijin stood up, returned his book to the shelf, and said, “President, it seems like our club doesn’t have enough books. Should we get some more?”

“It is a bit lacking since it was just Xiaoya and me before. Teacher Shen rarely comes by…” Bai Yuerou glanced at the bookshelf. “We can go together after I finish tidying up. I remember there’s a box of books in the storage room.”

Tang Huaijin gave Xia Xinya a teasing look and said, “No need, I’ll go with Xia Xinya. You can handle tidying up, President.”

“Uh? Xiaoya does know where the storage room is…” Bai Yuerou hesitated, looking at Xia Xinya.

“What?! No way, I’m not going with you,” Xia Xinya, feeling uneasy under Tang Huaijin’s gaze and fearing being alone with him, flatly refused.

“Oh, never mind then,” Tang Huaijin seemed unbothered, nodding and waiting quietly for Bai Yuerou to finish tidying up.

Shen Yiqiu took out a key and handed it to Tang Huaijin. “You take it. I might be busy for a while.”

Xia Xinya was surprised. “Why give it to him, Teacher Shen? I’ve asked so many times, and you never gave it to me.”

Shen Yiqiu glanced at Xia Xinya and said, “Don’t you already have one?”

Xia Xinya stiffened, laughing awkwardly. “Haha… how could I? You’re such a joker, Teacher.”

“Oh,” Shen Yiqiu replied softly, saying no more.

After tidying up, as they walked out, Tang Huaijin seemed to remember something and said to Bai Yuerou, “By the way, Yuerou, I recently read a book that’s quite good. I think it’s called Under the Love of Lilies…” He slowed his speech, giving Xia Xinya a meaningful look.

…

“Ah! I suddenly feel like exercising is a great idea. I’ll go help Tang Huaijin with the books. You don’t have to wait for me!” Before Bai Yuerou could respond, Xia Xinya, reacting quickly, interrupted. Without waiting for Bai Yuerou’s response, she hurried over, grabbed Tang Huaijin’s hand, and dashed down the stairs.

Bai Yuerou stood there, puzzled, watching their retreating figures with a bemused expression.

…

Xia Xinya led Tang Huaijin in a brisk run to the club building’s exterior. Tang Huaijin paused, shaking his wrist, and teased, “How long do you plan to hold on?”

Xia Xinya blushed, quickly letting go and crossing her arms, putting on a fierce expression. “Who wants to hold your smelly hand? What do you want?”

“Nothing, just need help carrying books,” Tang Huaijin shrugged, looking relaxed.

Xia Xinya gave him a skeptical look, seeing no deceit in his expression, she snorted and turned to lead the way, feeling both relieved and a bit pleased that Tang Huaijin wasn’t as perceptive as she feared.

They reached the storage room, and Tang Huaijin followed obediently behind her. Xia Xinya gradually let her guard down. When Tang Huaijin opened the door, she walked in.

The door opening stirred up a breeze, causing Xia Xinya to cough lightly from the dust in the air. She waved her delicate hand in front of her face, crinkling her cute nose in distaste. “What do you need? Hurry up.”

Tang Huaijin didn’t respond, heading to a corner to open a box. It hadn’t been cleaned in a while, and a layer of dust covered it. He brushed it off, squatting to lift it.

Not too heavy, he thought.

Xia Xinya watched in surprise. “You’re not taking the whole thing, are you?”

“Need help?” Tang Huaijin looked up at her with a peculiar smile.

Xia Xinya gave him a look that said “are you kidding?” and scoffed, “Not a chance. I’m not touching those dirty things.”

Tang Huaijin sighed, suddenly reaching out and giving Xia Xinya a playful smack on her behind.

“Ah!”

Caught off guard, Xia Xinya’s face turned crimson. She protected her rear with her hands, stepping back, and shouted, “What are you doing, you pervert!”

“Carrying books,” Tang Huaijin replied coolly.

“Why should I? You’re being unreasonable! I’m warning you…” Xia Xinya rubbed her sore behind, grimacing as she threatened.

Tang Huaijin’s brows furrowed, stepping forward to corner Xia Xinya against the wall, pinning her with a hand. “You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Warning me? Threatening me?” His hand hovered menacingly.

Startled by his icy gaze, Xia Xinya tried to back away, wishing she could disappear into the wall. “You’re being unfair! Bullying me!”

“I’m bullying you?” Tang Huaijin scoffed, leaning in to grasp Xia Xinya’s chin. “Can you honestly say you weren’t behind today’s incident?”

Tang Huaijin was so close that Xia Xinya could feel his warm breath on her face, tickling her, turning her ears a pretty shade of pink.

Her gaze darted away, unable to meet his eyes. Normally too proud to lie, her heart now raced like a drum, her hands clenching involuntarily as she stammered, “It… it wasn’t me.”

Her cheeks, flawless and pink, were tinged with an alluring blush. Her pitiful expression made her look even more captivating, causing Tang Huaijin’s heart to skip a beat. The scent of her hair, like fresh apples, was sweet and girlish.

Realizing the atmosphere was too intimate, Tang Huaijin intended to step back, but instead, he found himself gently pinching her cheek.

The tender spot was a girl’s most cherished area. Xia Xinya felt weak from his touch, unable to muster any resistance. Her eyes, like pools of water, seemed on the verge of tears, adding a touch of allure to her innocent face, making Tang Huaijin’s breath hitch.

Oh no, he thought, being single for so long is making Xia Xinya look appealing.

Annoyed with himself, he straightened up, putting some distance between them. He licked his dry lips, his voice hoarse. “Whether it was you or not, carry these books up, and we’ll call it even.”

Without waiting for her response, he walked to the door, adding, “I’ll take the key. If I don’t see the books tomorrow, I can’t guarantee Yuerou won’t find out.”

After Tang Huaijin’s footsteps faded, Xia Xinya calmed her racing heart, muttering, “Stupid pervert…” She touched her cheek, feeling its warmth, her eyes dreamy, lost in thought.

The box of books wasn’t heavy. Tang Huaijin had already removed many during his inspection. Xia Xinya, deep in thought, carried the box, her head down.

After the afternoon rain, she passed a small puddle, glancing at it, her eyes widening in shock.

What were those two dark handprints on her face?!

Recalling the events…

“Tang! Huaijin!”

Her shout echoed across the campus, sending birds scattering from the trees.