She grabbed her tea, the delicate porcelain cup rattling slightly in her hand, and took a slow, deliberate sip. The warmth of the liquid did little to quell the sudden surge of anger that coursed through her veins.
"Not a bitch," Xiao corrected sharply, her voice dangerously low.
"She is my little sister."
Mike and Kyle, both seasoned members of the Nine Red Moon Cyber Alliance, exchanged shocked glances. Xiao was a legend within their organization—a ruthless strategist and a brilliant hacker who had built an empire from nothing. She was known for her icy demeanor and unwavering resolve, rarely displaying any emotion beyond calculated indifference. To hear her refer to Valentina, her younger sister, with anything less than reverence was… unprecedented.
Xiao had been raised in a harsh orphanage after being separated from her family at a young age.
Xiao had been raised in a harsh orphanage after being separated from her family at a young age. She had always been coldhearted, fiercely independent, and driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. A prodigy in academics and a natural leader, she had quickly risen through the ranks of the cyber world, forging alliances and dismantling rival organizations with ruthless efficiency. But beneath her steely exterior lay a deepseated longing for connection, a yearning for the family she had lost.
When she finally returned to the Fuji Family after years of selfimposed exile, she discovered that Valentina had gone missing. The revelation had sent a shockwave through her carefully constructed world, igniting a fierce determination to find her sister and uncover the truth behind their family's fractured past. She immediately mobilized her resources within the Nine Red Moon Cyber Alliance, launching a global search for Valentina.
Xiao let out a sigh, a flicker of relief washing over her face. Since Valentina was back, she could finally breathe a little easier. The constant worry had been a heavy burden, weighing down on her even amidst the complexities of running the Nine Red Moon Cyber Alliance.
Xiao finished her tea, the last drops swirling in the bottom of the cup. A faint smile touched her lips, a rare and fleeting expression that hinted at the warmth hidden beneath her icy exterior.
"Handle those group people who tried to harm my sister," Xiao commanded, her voice regaining its characteristic steeliness.
"And spread this word: go after her, it's asking for death." Her eyes darkened, losing their usual warmth and hardening into pools of obsidian. The casual threat was delivered with such chilling conviction that Mike and Kyle instinctively straightened their postures, understanding the gravity of her words.
Langston Ku was seventeen years old, a vision of sculpted beauty and quiet power. His messy, wavy navy hair cascaded across his forehead, partially obscuring his striking features. A delicate beauty mark sat just below his piercing, cold bluegreen eyes, adding a touch of enigmatic allure to his already captivating visage. He was tall and wellbuilt, radiating an effortless athleticism. His beauty was a clear inheritance from his renowned actress mother, while his ruthless demeanor mirrored the intensity of his equally handsome and formidable father. Langston was an outstanding young man, possessing an intellect that rivaled even the most brilliant minds.
Like Xiao, he also cultivated multiple aliases and identities, a necessary precaution in a world teeming with enemies and hidden agendas.
Langston leaned against the wall of the café, observing Xiao with an almost predatory gaze.
"Xiao."
Langston leaned against the wall of the café, observing Xiao with an almost predatory gaze.
"Thought you could hide it?" Langston asked coldly, his voice a low rumble that sent a subtle shiver down Mike and Kyle's spines.
Xiao did not flinch. She crossed her arms, her posture radiating an unwavering confidence, and stepped forward, extending her hand towards Langston.
"She gave it to me," Xiao said, a hint of pride lacing her voice.
"My sister gave it to me. Heard that my sister…" she paused, letting the words hang in the air.
"...is back."
Langston's eyes turned cold, hardening into chips of ice. Then, a slow smirk spread across his lips, a predatory gleam flickering within his bluegreen eyes. He leaned forward slightly, closing the distance between them.
"Humph, I will be your future brotherinlaw," Langston said, the words dripping with playful arrogance.
"Dare you!" Xiao hissed out, her voice sharp and laced with warning.
Langston stuck his tongue out playfully, a childish gesture that belied the dangerous power he possessed. He then turned and walked back towards his waiting Rolls Royce, the sleek black vehicle gleaming under the afternoon sun. The driver smoothly opened the door for him.
Xiao, unfazed by Langston's taunt, arrogantly sat inside as well, sliding into the plush leather seat with an air of regal composure. Langston was not shocked as Xiao opened her phone and displayed a beautiful photo of Valentina sleeping peacefully. The image radiated an aura of serenity and vulnerability that softened even Langston's hardened gaze.
"She has returned—the real one."
"Mmm, good," Langston murmured, his coldness slowly receding as a genuine smile touched his lips.
"Speaking of which, those people…" he trailed off, referring to those who had attempted to harm Valentina.
"I handled them. She is my sister," Xiao replied, her voice laced with a possessive protectiveness that resonated with Langston.
"Huh, I can handle them," Langston countered playfully.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No!"
"Yes!"
The backandforth volley escalated quickly, a playful but intense battle of wills unfolding within the confines of the luxury vehicle. Both glared at each other, their expressions mirroring the fierce competition brewing between them—a silent declaration of war over Valentina's favor.
Valentina sneezed back at home, a delicate sound that echoed in the otherwise silent apartment.
Mmm, who is thinking about her? she mused, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Ah, being beautiful is such a curse. She rolled her eyes playfully, despite the warmth spreading through her chest. The attention, the scrutiny, the constant competition… it was exhausting.
Valentina, who had just woken up from a luxurious slumber, saw Butler Ray bustling about, welcoming a guest. Her eyes widened as she recognized the figure standing in the doorway—Xiao. Without a second thought, she rushed forward, her steps quick and eager.
"Elder sister! Elder sister!" Valentina exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement. Xiao, who was holding a tray of exquisitely crafted desserts, looked at Valentina with an expression of tender affection that melted away years of icy reserve.
Valentina's gaze immediately landed on the desserts – a selection of delicate pastries and vibrant fruit tarts.
Inner voice: Ah, elder sister loves me the most! She got me desserts! Hahaha! I have a wonderful sister!
Langston frowned slightly, his brow furrowing in confusion. Who was talking?
Inner voice: Other than sleeping, eating, and amazing liquor, but I love amazing handsome men. Ahh, so handsome, so handsome!
Langston smiled, a genuine expression of amusement playing on his lips as he caught a glimpse of Valentina's inner thoughts. He glanced over at Xiao, who sneered subtly at Langston.
"Sister, be careful," Xiao cautioned, her voice laced with a hint of disapproval.
"Romance is not good."
Inner voice: Sister, ah sister, ah sister, sister, sister! Isn't that man Hudson Pei been looking into you? Ah, he's about the same age as us though he's nine months older than you and I, but guess what sister? He will be your future husband.
Xiao's eyes widened slightly at the sudden revelation. Hudson?