Volume One, Chapter 95: The Cave of Silk Threads

“Have you heard Jiang Yu’s new song? He and Su Muyu sound so sweet singing together!”
“Yes, yes, yes! I’ve listened to it! Jiang Yu’s voice is just too charming. Do you think he’s really dating Su Muyu?”
At the entrance of Yuehua City Third High School, several girls were holding hands, gossiping by the school gate.
“I definitely think so. The way they look at each other—only couples who’ve dated for at least a year have eyes like that!”
...
All morning at school, Jiang Ru kept hearing news about Jiang Yu. Each time his name came up, she couldn’t help but smile. At last, the school day was over.
She slung her backpack over her shoulder and ran straight home.
“Brother!”
When she arrived, she saw Jiang Yu sitting on the sofa, chatting with their parents. She rushed over and crashed right into his chest.
“Oof!” Jiang Yu let out a muffled groan.
This little girl, slender as she was, packed quite a punch!
“Girl, can’t you be gentle? Look at your brother, you nearly knocked him over!” Pan Lanzhi complained, but her eyes were full of laughter and warmth.
A son with promise, a talented daughter, and a stubborn old man who, though he didn’t earn much, was devoted to her—her heart brimmed with happiness.
Jiang Ru paid no mind to her mother’s reproach, gazing at Jiang Yu with stars in her eyes. “Brother, I haven’t seen you in ages, how did you get so handsome?”
“What do you mean ‘get so handsome’? I’ve always been this handsome!”
“Yes, yes, you’re handsome. Today at school, so many classmates were talking about you!”
Jiang Yu chuckled, “Didn’t you tell them I’m your real brother?”
“No!” Jiang Ru shook her head, smiling brightly at him. “If they knew you were my brother, I’d never hear the end of it from them!”
Jiang Yu reached out and vigorously ruffled Jiang Ru’s hair.
“Don’t mess up my hair! I won’t grow tall!”
“No way, little sisters are meant for teasing!”
Jiang Ru struggled as hard as she could, but she was no match for her brother’s strength and could only rage helplessly.
“You two have been bickering since you were little, and you still are!” Jiang Anfu remarked symbolically, but had no intention of intervening.
Finding herself powerless to resist, Jiang Ru’s eyes darted slyly. “Brother, everyone at school said you’re definitely dating Su Muyu. Is it true?”
...
Jiang Yu’s hand froze mid-motion.
The topic instantly caught their parents’ attention.
“Ru, what did you say? Your brother’s dating who?” Pan Lanzhi rushed out of the kitchen.
Jiang Anfu looked at Jiang Ru with curiosity.
Jiang Ru grinned smugly, “My brother, he and—”
Before she could finish, Jiang Yu hooked his arm around her neck, trapping her head under his armpit and covering her mouth.
“It’s nothing, just some baseless rumors circulating online!” Jiang Yu laughed, then lowered his voice to whisper in Jiang Ru’s ear, “Drop this subject. When you get into college, I’ll double your allowance!”
The siblings began whispering in secret.

“Really?”
“Absolutely!”
“That’s not enough. I haven’t worn any new clothes in ages.”
Jiang Yu paused, glancing at Jiang Ru’s faded jeans. A pang of guilt hit him.
Maybe Jiang Ru was just playfully whining, but now that he was earning money, he should do more for his family.
“You should’ve told me sooner! Tomorrow’s the weekend, right? I’ll take you shopping for new clothes!”
“Deal!”
...
Early the next morning,
Jiang Yu and Jiang Ru finished breakfast and left the house.
“Brother, do you have to wear a mask and sunglasses every time you go out now?” Jiang Ru asked curiously.
“I don’t really want to, but it’s safer in case crowds get out of hand.”
As Jiang Yu answered, he gazed at the bustling streets, feeling a bit lost.
He had little memory of the malls in his hometown.
A taxi approached.
“Come with me,” Jiang Ru said, flagging it down and grabbing Jiang Yu’s hand.
They quickly arrived at their destination.
Jiang Yu looked up at the large sign above the entrance: “Small Goods Wholesale Market.”
“You really want to shop here?”
“Of course! Cheap and comfortable, what’s wrong with that?” Jiang Ru said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
She was so obedient it made his heart ache.
Jiang Yu gently ruffled her hair. “Come on, we’re not shopping here.”
He flagged down another taxi.
“Driver, please take us to the best mall in town!”
“Brother, malls are too expensive!”
“That’s fine. Your brother’s making big money now!”
...
By afternoon,
Pan Lanzhi kept glancing at the door. “Old man, why aren’t those two kids home yet?”
“Let them have fun. They’re grown,” Jiang Anfu replied, barely looking up from his newspaper.
Just then, urgent knocking sounded at the door.
When they opened it, Jiang Yu and Jiang Ru came in laden with bags—full of clothes for Jiang Ru and their parents.

“Well, what did you buy?” Pan Lanzhi asked, eyeing the mountain of bags.
Jiang Ru bounced excitedly, “Mom, brother bought me lots of clothes—and he got a bunch for you too!”
“Xiao Yu, why’d you buy so much? Don’t waste money!” Pan Lanzhi lightly tapped Jiang Yu.
Despite her words, her eyes were filled with joy.
Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, the National Day holiday was over.
Before school, Jiang Ru glanced tearfully at her brother’s room, knowing she wouldn’t see him again after today.
In the morning, Jiang Yu finished breakfast and packed his luggage.
“All packed?” Pan Lanzhi asked, worried.
Jiang Yu nodded, “All set.”
“Old man, did you get the change?”
Jiang Anfu walked over, pulling a handful of small bills from his pocket. “For the bus fare.”
Jiang Yu wanted to decline, but seeing the hopeful expression in his parents’ eyes, he put the money in his pocket. “Okay.”
“Be safe on the road!”
“Will do!” Jiang Yu waved from the doorway. “Dad, Mom, I’ll be on a show soon. I’ll tell you when—it’s a must-watch!”
With that, he turned and got into his ride.
...
Airport.
Four young women waited at the arrivals gate.
Three of them were dressed in tank tops and shorts, radiant and lively, drawing all the attention from passersby.
The fourth, however, looked utterly resigned.
Ever since her three friends found out about Jiang Yu, Su Muyu felt like she’d become their entertainment.
Learning that she was coming to pick up Jiang Yu today, the trio had latched onto her since yesterday and wouldn’t let go.
She could only hope Jiang Yu wouldn’t mind.
At last, a tall figure emerged from the arrivals gate. Spotting Su Muyu, he waved and walked over.
But before Su Muyu could react, her three friends pounced, surrounding him.
“Oh my, this guy’s not bad!”
“Nice physique! Approved!”
“Such a handsome face! Approved!”
Jiang Yu was stunned by the scene before him.
Had he stepped into a spider’s lair? Why were there so many female demons here?