The school gate guard chuckled and said, “Qi Sen, Pei Shen, right? Hurry to the teaching building, class has already started.”
It wasn’t strange for the guard to know their names.
One was the school’s beloved campus prince, and the other was a chemistry prodigy whose reputation spread across the whole city. On top of that, Pei Shen’s looks were outstanding — rumor had it he was the strongest contender for the next “Campus Prince” title.
Sharp against sharp, their respective fan groups were constantly arguing over them on the forums, heatedly battling it out.
At least, that’s what the guard’s daughter — who loved browsing forums — said. Listening to teenage drama was actually pretty entertaining sometimes.
Qi Sen simply nodded to the guard and quickly strode away.
Pei Shen, however, gave a friendly smile, humming softly as he walked forward at an unhurried pace.
—
After Qi Sen left, Can-Can stayed in the bookstore, her tiny head held high, arms crossed proudly, completely ignoring the owner.
Shu Shu, the bookstore girl, could easily guess why.
Wasn’t it because she accidentally pointed out that this little one had cried?
But this child sure had a lot of pride. Wasn’t crying normal for kids?
Out of the corner of her eye, Can-Can noticed Shu Shu peeking at her. Her little face flushed red again. She turned on her heel, now fully showing her back to the shop owner.
Though outwardly maintaining her proud “little princess” attitude, her heart was drumming anxiously.
She… she got caught crying!!
What should she do?!
Absentmindedly, Can-Can began nibbling on her fingers as she thought hard, her little teeth gnawing furiously.
Behind her came a few bursts of laughter.
Curious, she turned around.
Shu Shu was holding something rectangular, laughing as she looked at it.
Can-Can stood there for a moment, then shuffled over in tiny steps. She tiptoed, bracing her hands against the table, her round little head rising slowly like a hot air balloon.
Peeking up from the side of the table, her big, round almond eyes sparkled with curiosity at the glowing rectangle.
But Shu Shu shifted her body slightly, perfectly blocking her view.
Can-Can puffed up her cheeks and huffed in protest. She hesitated for two seconds, but her curiosity finally triumphed over her pride.
Scratching her little head awkwardly, she scooted closer and said in a small, shy voice:
“Big Sister, let’s make up, okay?”
Shu Shu grinned, playing along:
“Why should I make up with you?”
Can-Can was stumped for a moment, then seriously replied:
“Sister, don’t be so petty. Daddy says we must be magnanimous! Please forgive Can-Can.”
Then, pointing solemnly at the glowing object, she added seriously:
“Good things must be shared.”
Shu Shu couldn’t hold back a burst of laughter.
This little girl had been raised so well. She could spout big life lessons like not wandering alone and sharing good things without even thinking.
She had only been teasing her. Now seeing Can-Can all happy again, Shu Shu chuckled and explained:
“This is called a cellphone.”
—
For the next three hours, Shu Shu patiently explained to Can-Can all about cellphones.
In the end, under Can-Can’s intense pleading, she even played an episode of the drama she was currently watching: “Journey to the West.”
Can-Can was fascinated.
Other people watched Journey to the West for the magical adventures of the four pilgrims.
But Can-Can— she was watching for similarities.
Wow! There’s the Nine Heavens! And a Dragon Palace too!
But wait… where’s the Wuwang Sea? Where did Yuanling Immortal Lord go? And who’s this talking Monkey Brother??
In Can-Can’s eyes, the classic Journey to the West became a giant game of “Spot the Similarities.”
—
By the time school was almost over, Shu Shu turned off the TV, holding Can-Can’s little hand as they waited at the school gate.
At that moment, Can-Can’s heart was still entirely occupied by Journey to the West — she had no time to think about her brother.
Glancing toward the campus, Shu Shu asked casually:
“Can-Can, are you really Qi Sen’s biological sister?”
After all, Qi Sen was a well-known figure at Shangshi High— handsome, top-ranked in academics, a name many students whispered with admiration.
Though Shu Shu normally didn’t care about school gossip, she couldn’t help but overhear bits and pieces from the students who came to buy books.
If she remembered correctly, Qi Sen had been adopted. And his foster parents had bad tempers, treating him harshly. His family background was far from good.
So where had this cute, lively, and clever little sister suddenly appeared from?
Plus, everything about Can-Can’s mannerisms— the way she carried herself, her innocent pride— didn’t seem like it came from that kind of household at all.
Just as Shu Shu was about to ask more, Can-Can suddenly dashed forward, waving her arms and calling out sweetly:
“Second Brother! Can-Can finally waited for you!”
Students around the gate stopped and watched.
Seeing such an adorable little girl running into someone’s arms— it was heart-melting.
If only I had such a cute little sister!
Not far away, Pei Shen, still wearing his headphones, watched silently as the big and small figures disappeared together.
Then he leisurely walked forward.
Nearby, two students whispered:
“Did you see Qi Sen’s little sister?”
“So cute! I wish I had a sister like that!”
Pei Shen glanced in the direction Qi Sen had disappeared, then shook his head to himself.
What’s so great about having a little sister?
All they did was cry, make noise, and disrupt studying. Just thinking about it made his head hurt.
“Having a handsome big brother like Qi Sen must be nice though,” someone muttered, “He could even tutor you every night!”
Pei Shen frowned slightly at the mention of Qi Sen, his expression filled with disdain.
He had no fondness for that kind of cold, untouchable “king of the school” type.
Acting all aloof… as if he’s some big shot.
Author’s Note: Qi Sen: I’m not some big shot. I’m your big brother.