CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54:YEARNING FOR LOVE

"Huh? You... you little rascal! Where did you hear that? Do you even know what ’naughty things’ are?" Su Chen stared at his sister in astonishment, his body tensing instinctively as he pushed her away and sat up in bed. He gazed incredulously at the sister who had always clung to him since childhood.

In his mind, Ye Rou had always been as innocent—knowing nothing, needing her older brother to care for her in every way. But hearing his pure-hearted sister suddenly utter such words felt like the entire world had shifted, leaving his understanding of things hopelessly outdated. He now feels like a boomer.

"Hmph! Of course I know! Do you really think I’m a child? I understand everything! Many of my classmates are dating, sneaking into bed to watch dirty movies. My girlfriends often tell me about how boys bully girls, and some guys even tried to show me porn, thinking I’m an idiot. Do they really think I wouldn’t know they’re trying to seduce me and then take advantage of me?"

"Hehe... But I just pretend I don’t understand anything and watch them make fools of themselves in front of me. Isn’t that hilarious? I secretly laugh as they try all sorts of tricks to win me over. Those self-important little brats think they can be Ye Rou’s boyfriend? They’re dreaming! I still like my big brother the best!"

Ye Rou blinked her eyes, her demeanor seemingly naive and clueless. But the occasional glint of cunning in her eyes made Su Chen realize for the first time that his sister was the smartest one of them all! By maintaining this facade of innocence, she could observe the people around her—who was foolish, who was shrewd—with perfect clarity.

Ye Rou had deceived everyone, including him. He didn’t know if their mother and elder sister had noticed, but Su Chen now realized he had been completely mistaken all along.

Staring at his sister, who still wore her usual dazed, innocent expression, Su Chen suddenly chuckled bitterly. "Am I really that foolish and easily deceived? I never imagined my sister was such a prodigy, yet I foolishly believed you were innocent and blank, and desperately tried to protect you!"

Seeing her brother’s bitter smile, Ye Rou instantly concealed her momentary flash of cunning, reverting to her usual affectionate self.

She threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly to him as she murmured, "In my heart, you’re the smartest. With you around, I don’t need to show off. I’m happiest and feel safest just hiding behind you and letting you protect me. And you didn’t notice because you genuinely cherish me, Brother—you love me so much you don’t even care if I understand everything. Even if I do, I still want you to protect me!"

Ye Rou murmured affectionately, her grip tightening slightly. Su Chen’s heart warmed at the thought. What does it matter if my sister is a demon?

he mused. The important thing is that she’s my sister. Does a brother need any other reason to cherish his younger sister?

He realized how much she cared for him, having maintained her innocent and naive facade for so many years just to satisfy his protective instincts.

With this realization, Su Chen’s mood brightened considerably. He ruffled her hair and asked, "Do Mom and big sis know about this?"

"Mom and Sis are much smarter than me," Ye Rou replied, sticking out her tongue playfully. "How could I possibly hide anything from them?" She giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Only you were too busy worrying about me and doting on me to think about it. That’s why you never noticed. I even hinted at it before, but you seemed to enjoy having a younger sister to protect so much that you didn’t pay attention. Mom and Sis already take such good care of you, doing so much for you. Since I’m the youngest, the only thing I can do for you is let you indulge your protective instincts!"

Ye Rou squinted her eyes, beaming at her brother. Su Chen chuckled wryly, "Did you even warn me?"

"Of course I did! How else would Mom and Sister have found out? I even managed to fool them! Hehe...!" Ye Rou tilted her head proudly, her genius intellect still couldn’t escape her girlish nature.

Looking at his adorable sister, Su Chen’s biggest headache was Mom and Sister. Now, thanks to Ye Rou, he suddenly realized just how monstrously intelligent the women in his family were.

Could Mom and Sister have seen through my little schemes all along? Maybe they just didn’t want to call me out on it, or perhaps they didn’t know how to handle it?

"What should I do?" Su Chen muttered, speechless.

"Brother...!" Ye Rou called out as Su Chen was lost in thought.

"Hmm?" Su Chen looked at his sister, puzzled. "What is it?"

"Nothing! I just wanted to call out to you. It’s so nice having you around!" Ye Rou snuggled closer, nuzzling into his chest to savor his scent.

She understood everything. Perhaps because she was the youngest, despite her intelligence, she never overthought things like her mother and sister did. She had few reservations, knowing only that her brother’s affection was vital to her. She cherished their close bond.

This was why, despite her mother’s strict insistence on maintaining boundaries between siblings, she secretly let her guard down around her brother. Her youth emboldened her to act without hesitation.

His sister’s body squirmed in his arms, the friction causing Su Chen to momentarily lose himself. The strange emotions that had dissipated in the shock of her revelation resurfaced.

But now, Su Chen began to worry. His sister was too clever.

After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, "Sis, you’ve kept this from me for so many years. Why tell me now?"

The question only made things worse. He immediately noticed her shoulders trembling slightly, as if she were crying.

"Sis, are you...?"

Su Chen gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice softening. "Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?"

"Brother..."

His sister suddenly threw herself into his arms again, clinging tightly to him, her voice filled with grievance.

Su Chen smiled bitterly. At home, his mother and sister had always indulged and doted on him without restraint, which had fostered in him a desire to have someone he could dote on in return. His younger sister became the perfect choice. This was also why, despite his overwhelming protectiveness, he had never pried into her secrets.

Seeing her cry now made him uneasy. He gently stroked her back and said, "There, there, don’t cry. Tell your brother what happened. Why are you suddenly crying?"

Ye Rou lifted her head slightly, her voice choked with sobs. "I’m scared that one day, you’ll suddenly stop spoiling and doting on me like you used to!"

Seeing her aggrieved expression, yet feeling the depth of her genuine affection for him, Su Chen was deeply moved. Though he has thoughts toward her, his overwhelming care for her far outweighed those desires. Witnessing her intense devotion filled his heart to overflowing.

He tightened his embrace around her relishing the soft, warm sensation of holding her close. This tender moment was enough to keep his primal urges in check.