Chapter 65.5

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That evening, dinner passed peacefully, but the moment the clock struck nine, He Cuizhen clapped her hands together, her voice leaving no room for argument. 

“Alright, it’s late! Everyone, off to bed!”

Qiao Ziman let out a breath of relief, lacing her fingers with Chi Yin’s as they made their way upstairs. The day had been emotionally exhausting, and all she wanted now was to crawl into bed and recharge.

Halfway up the stairs, though, something felt… off. She slowed her steps, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Yin Yin, do you feel like something’s weird?”

Chi Yin, who had noticed it too, cast a sideways glance toward the living room.

Downstairs, four figures were huddled together—Grandma, He Cuizhen, Chi Qilan, and Jiang Shu—whispering among themselves. But it wasn’t just the hushed voices. It was the way their eyes kept darting toward them, quickly looking away whenever Qiao Ziman or Chi Yin glanced in their direction.

Chi Yin exhaled softly. “Yeah. A little.”

Qiao Ziman came to a full stop, narrowing her eyes as she stared them down. “Are you guys gossiping about me and Yin Yin?”

Silence.

Then, as if rehearsed, all four of them straightened up, shaking their heads in perfect synchronization, their expressions far too innocent.

Suspicious.

Qiao Ziman wasn’t buying it. Crossing her arms, she fixed them with a warning glare. “You all know the rule. After nine o’clock, no one is allowed within five meters of our bedroom.”

Again, four heads nodded in unison.

Only then did Qiao Ziman huff in satisfaction, turning on her heel and tugging Chi Yin into their room.

The moment the door closed, she flopped onto the bed with an exaggerated groan. “Today was exhausting.“

Chi Yin followed, leaning in close until their bodies pressed together.

“Then should we just rest tonight?” she murmured, her voice low and playful. “Or should I take over?”

Qiao Ziman shot up so fast it was almost comical, staring at her in disbelief. 

“Dream on! I’ll do it!” Qiao Ziman declared triumphantly. “We made a deal—until we use up all the finger condoms, you’re not allowed to touch me. Hmph!”

She hopped off the bed and crouched in front of the safe, rummaging through it.

Behind her, Chi Yin chuckled. “Be serious. If you’re tired, we can rest. We have plenty of time, you know.”

“No way.” Qiao Ziman was strangely determined. “I’m scary strong.“

Chi Yin outright laughed at that. “Alright, alright. Whatever you say.”

Moments later, they disappeared into the bathroom.

***

A few rounds later, Chi Yin was completely spent, lying boneless in Qiao Ziman’s arms as she was carried back to bed. Tucked securely under the covers, she mumbled sleepily, her voice hoarse, “Where are you going?”

“I’ll get you some water.”

Qiao Ziman dressed swiftly, opened the bedroom door—

And nearly died on the spot.

Right outside, standing with their ears practically pressed to the door, were He Cuizhen, Grandma, and Chi Qilan.

Qiao Ziman: “!!!”

Her jaw clenched as she forced out through gritted teeth, “You were eavesdropping?!”

The three women exchanged guilty glances, then—

In perfect synchronization—bolted.

Unbelievable!

Qiao Ziman slammed the door shut with enough force to rattle the frame.

“Unbelievable! He Cuizhen, you pervert! And she even dragged Auntie into it—so shameless!”

***

Downstairs, the three escapees reconvened in the living room, where Jiang Shu was already waiting. The four of them lined up on the couch, all staring at each other in silence—until He Cuizhen smirked in triumph.

“See? My daughter walked out of that room first. You lost!”

Chi Qilan, still recovering from the sheer shock, frowned deeply. “That’s impossible. There’s no way Yin Yin is the one on the receiving end!”

He Cuizhen smirked even more, stretching out her hand toward Chi Qilan. “Impressive, huh? My daughter’s got skills. Now, pay up.”

Chi Qilan let out a sharp huh, crossing her arms. “You didn’t even bet on the right side. Why should I pay you?”

He Cuizhen internally cursed. Damn it! Qiao Ziman had actually held her ground at the crucial moment. Why did she have to take the damn initiative now? Out of all times?

Jiang Shu, meanwhile, stood up leisurely, arms stretched over her head. “Well, well, well. My sister-in-law is amazing, huh? And none of you believed me. Pay up! One ten thousand per person!”

Just as He Cuizhen was about to argue, a cold voice rang out from behind them.

“You three adults involved a child in illegal gambling?”

The four of them flinched, their heads whipping around in unison.

Standing not too far away, Qiao Ziman had one arm wrapped around Chi Yin’s waist for support, her expression stormy as she glared daggers at them.

Grandma was the first to crack, immediately raising her hands in surrender. “I didn’t bet!”

Qiao Ziman narrowed her eyes. “Maybe not, but I know you were cheering them on.”

Grandma fell silent.

Qiao Ziman exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. “Mom, Auntie, don’t you think this is a little too much? You’re adults—act like it! How could you drag Jiang Shu into something like this?”

For once, He Cuizhen and Chi Qilan both looked guilty, their heads lowering in unison.

Chi Yin, who had been quietly watching, finally stepped forward, hand still bracing against her lower back. She extended her palm, voice cool and unwavering.

“Hand over the winnings.”

Chi Yin pocketed the money and gave the group a thorough scolding before finally heading upstairs. Back in the bedroom, she shut the door behind her and immediately pulled out her phone. “Qiao Qiao, here. I got the money back.” 

She quickly transferred the funds over.

Qiao Ziman pulled her into an embrace, dropping a soft kiss on her lips. “My Yin Yin is so clever,” she praised.

Half an hour later, a faint knock echoed through the room.

It was soft, hesitant. Then, Chi Qilan’s voice followed from the other side of the door. “Yin Yin, are you still awake? I hope I’m not disturbing you. I just… wanted to talk.”

Chi Yin responded immediately. “I’m up.” She slipped on her slippers and padded over to open the door.

“What’s wrong?”

Chi Qilan didn’t answer right away. Instead, she took her daughter’s wrist and led her toward her own bedroom. The moment they stepped inside, she shut the door behind them—and then, to Chi Yin’s surprise, locked it.

She even pressed her ear against the door for a moment, listening for any movement outside.

Chi Yin’s brows furrowed. “…Mom?”

“It’s nothing,” Chi Qilan said quickly. “Sit down.” She gestured toward the couch, even going as far as to grab a soft pillow and carefully place it against Chi Yin’s lower back.

Chi Yin stared at her, suspicion growing. “Just tell me what this is about.”

Chi Qilan settled into the seat across from her, taking a deep breath. “Alright, I’ll be direct.”

“Didn’t Qiao Qiao say you’re the head of the household? Then why—” She hesitated, then leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “—why are you the one on the bottom?”

Chi Yin: “…Does that really matter?”

Chi Qilan looked genuinely flustered, nearly jumping out of her seat. “Of course it matters! Do you have any idea how smug He Cuizhen is right now?!”

Chi Qilan let out a long, dramatic sigh. “Your mom has been stepping all over He Cuizhen for years, and now look—her daughter is stepping all over my daughter. Where am I supposed to put my dignity?”

Chi Yin: “…”

“I don’t mind,” she said calmly. “If Qiao Qiao desires me, I consider it a blessing.”

Chi Qilan: “!!!”

This is bad! He Cuizhen is going to mock me for the rest of my life!

She exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples as if the headache had already begun. “Yin Yin, do you really have the heart to see your mother be crushed by that woman? Do you not have any competitive spirit?”

Chi Yin remained unfazed. “Who’s on top or bottom doesn’t matter. Besides, I’m a woman too—I have needs just like she does.”

Chi Qilan: “…”

Completely hopeless. Absolutely impossible to reason with.

Changing tactics, she tried a different approach. “Fine, let me ask you this—who confessed first?”

A small smile played at Chi Yin’s lips. “She did.”

Another loss.

Chi Qilan clenched her fists, her frustration palpable. After a long silence, she finally let out a breath and begrudgingly compromised.

“Fine. I won’t say anything about before.” She fixed Chi Yin with a stern look. “But the proposal has to come from you!”

Her voice was firm, as if making a decree.

“You must win back some ground for me in front of He Cuizhen!”

Chi Yin, who had been relaxed this whole time, suddenly sat up a little straighter. Her fingers curled slightly, voice soft as she repeated the word.

“Proposal?”