"She called my name, how could that be too affectionate?" Xu Nianji helplessly looked at Xu Nianhua and, seeing her angered demeanor, felt compelled to patiently explain, "Little sister, there’s really nothing between us. I have your sister-in-law, would I ever do anything to betray her? In your eyes, am I that kind of person?"
You are not, but that doesn’t stop others from thinking it.
Xu Nianhua silently added to herself. She felt this incident was an opportunity to teach her older brother a lesson and retorted, "You are already married, and another woman still calls you Nianji. Do you think that’s appropriate? If your sister-in-law were here, don’t you think she might misunderstand? You might not be that kind of person, but the way she looks at you is anything but pure."
Xu Nianhua quietly glanced towards Ai Jiaxin; the breeze lifting the hem of her skirt, her flowing hair made her appear pure and demure, like a spotless white lotus. But if one had not seen it with their own eyes, how could they know that her heart was as dark as a filthy gutter?
"Don’t talk nonsense," Xu Nianji awkwardly averted his gaze and said, "She knows I’m married; how could she... Little sister, aren’t you overestimating your brother?"
Xu Nianhua remained silent, scrutinizing her eldest brother. Among her brothers, he was the most like their father, looking honest and reliable. He might not be exceptionally handsome, but he had a trustworthy presence due to his well-proportioned features.
The second brother resembled their mother more, with a sunnier and more charming look around his eyes. Coupled with his outgoing personality, he was more popular than the eldest, both within the village and outside it.
"Big brother, I’m not overestimating you; haven’t you noticed? You’ve changed, become more outstanding!" Xu Nianhua forcefully stated. She had seen clearly the changes in her brother, who cared for the family and earned well. Moreover, the aura he now exuded was different.
Besides, whether Ai Jiaxin purposefully or unintentionally approached him couldn’t be concluded just yet.
"Little sister, you’re thinking too much," Xu Nianji couldn’t help but rub his forehead.
Xu Nianhua warned, "Big brother, think about it. Sister-in-law works so hard at home looking after Zhuangzhuang. Not only does she care for Zhuangzhuang, but she also does much of the housework. How can you do anything to betray her when you’re outside?"
"I promise, I absolutely have no other intentions, I really don’t," Xu Nianji almost wanted to swear with his hand raised.
"Big brother, I believe you, but one must guard against others, especially women!"
Xu Nianhua cautioned, thinking this matter had to be discussed with Big Brother Ma. It wouldn’t do for her big brother to be naively manipulated and remain clueless about it.
Xu Nianji’s heart was naturally devoted only to Zhou He and his son Zhuangzhuang, but his little sister’s words also made sense. Although he didn’t feel Ai Jiaxin was interested in him—he was just a delivery driver, not some highly sought-after prize, right?
"Nianji, have you made things clear to your sister? I’m sorry, it’s my fault, I made your sister misunderstand you. Won’t this make it difficult for you?" Ai Jiaxin approached Xu Nianji with an offer to clarify things, "Or shall I explain it to your sister? I’ve heard all along that your sister-in-law is gentle and virtuous, and she has given you a son. I have no ulterior motives; I just want to thank you."
Ai Jiaxin’s rapid-fire words were full of apparent concern for his potential misunderstanding.
After watching her for a while, Xu Nianji felt his little sister was overreacting and said, "It’s okay, it’s okay, my little sister just overthinks things. We are innocent, there is nothing between us. Besides, my wife and I have a great relationship; she won’t misunderstand."