### Chapter 53: Ready for School!
That night, Xia Ling was still helping Xia Yu with her studies (by secretly helping her finish her winter homework). Perhaps it was because she now treated Xia Yu as her own little sister, but Xia Ling seemed to have completely forgotten about Xia Yu’s past identity. They cuddled and hugged like they were inseparable BFFs, with no signs of embarrassment or barriers.
Of course, this made things rather challenging for poor Xia Yu, who didn’t have Xia Ling’s thick skin. In the past, Xia Ling would often keep some distance from her, so this sudden change in behavior was a bit much for Xia Yu to handle.
Just like always, Xia Ling wanted Xia Yu to sleep next to her, as there’s no better feeling than having a human body pillow that’s perfectly sized.
And this time, Xia Ling didn’t want any more sneaky stuff. After all, her mom seemed in a good mood today, which made Xia Ling think her mom was an easy pushover. She believed her mom would agree to let Xia Yu sleep with her if she just asked nicely, right?
So, when their parents were about to retreat to their rooms, Xia Ling pulled Xia Yu to where their mother, Wang Wenjuan, was standing and asked, “Mom, can I sleep with my little sister tonight?”
However, upon hearing this, Wang Wenjuan’s expression darkened. She shot a strange glance at Xia Yu, who was standing beside Xia Ling, and firmly responded, “No way.”
“Why not?” Xia Ling objected, clearly displeased.
Seeing her daughter so adamant, Wang Wenjuan sighed and replied, “Xiao Ling, didn’t I teach you anything? No matter how cute Xiao Yu may look in her outfits, she’s still a boy. And besides, they’re both growing up, aren’t they?”
As expected, only Xia Ling knew about Xia Yu’s situation; this included their parents. Otherwise, Wang Wenjuan wouldn’t have said those words.
Being flatly rejected by her mother, Xia Ling’s mood was understandably gloomy. She had no choice but to let go of Xia Yu and head back to her own room separately.
But before parting ways, Xia Ling, in front of her parents, gave Xia Yu one last hug. It was almost as if she was provoking her mother. Who knows how badly she wanted to spill everything then, but she had promised Xia Yu to keep it under wraps.
Looking at Xia Yu and Xia Ling being so close, Wang Wenjuan felt a headache coming on. If only… if only Xia Yu were a girl. Then she wouldn’t have to worry so much anymore.
Time flew by quickly, and even though Xia Yu and Xia Ling could snuggle together during the day, come nighttime, they still had to sleep separately.
Before they knew it, the day before school started had arrived. Today also happened to be market day, giving kids ample opportunity to go out and get their school supplies.
Naturally, Xia Yu, Xia Le, and Xia Ling went shopping led by their mother, Wang Wenjuan. Meanwhile, their father, Xia Hong, declined, saying he was too busy and wasn’t into the idea of braving the crowds.
It wasn’t that Xia Hong was being frugal; he genuinely didn’t want to go. The streets were packed and chaotic.
Moreover, Xia Yu, Xia Le, and Xia Ling all had their pocket money from New Year’s Money. Their mother didn’t have to foot the bill at all.
