357. Big Brother’s Year-End Bonus
Ning Yuan’s gaze wandered over the photo, occasionally landing on his younger sister in the middle.
I have to admit, Ning Chu’s looks and figure are top-tier among these three girls… but no matter what, he just can’t muster any interest.
Strictly speaking, Ning Chu is his “heaven-sent” little sister.
But since they grew up together, he knows every detail about her—what shape and size she is—which makes it hard for him to see this pretty, charming girl as a regular female.
Deep down, he still thinks of her as his little brother in girls’ clothing.
And even though he knows that both his mother and sister are succubi, it’s hard for him to shake off his stereotypes about them.
It’s mostly because they’ve spent so little time together; ever since his little brother became his little sister, they’ve barely shared a week’s worth of quality time.
“I think… this kind of thing can’t be forced.”
Just a moment ago, he claimed he wasn’t interested in dating, but now his eyes are wandering a bit: “Didn’t I already see the pictures? With this salary of mine, dating wasn’t even on the agenda, so don’t bring it up again.”
“The girl on the right is called Lily, and she really wants to date~”
“She’s so pretty; I bet a line of admirers could stretch down the street!”
That’s actually true.
But Lily’s personality is rather shy, and even though she has quite a few admirers, not many can even manage to say two words to her.
Just as Ning Chu was about to explain, Ning Yuan hurriedly got up and dashed to the kitchen, “Mom, what’s for lunch? I’m starving.”
“Running in shouting you’re hungry right after coming back? Learning from Ning Xin?”
She watched his retreating figure, murmuring, “Where are you running off to? So shy…”
“Big brother is a hopeless introvert~” Black Bean chimed in, cutely trying to tie her tail into a bow as the previous look of lament after being scolded faded away in mere minutes.
“Ah, it’s a shame I lost my wealthy sister-in-law.”
Ning Chu sighed. Her older brother was quite handsome with a refined demeanor, totally fitting Lily’s taste. Not that they need to rush into marriage or anything, but matchmaking wouldn’t be half bad.
However, if big brother’s anti-girl syndrome doesn’t improve, dating might remain a fantasy.
“Lunch is ready.”
With Ning Yuan’s urging, their mother reluctantly brought out half-finished dishes to the dining table.
“Don’t eat too much at lunch; there’s a big feast tonight.”
No need to call him twice, Black Bean was already bustling over.
The family rarely gathered at one table, and their mother was all smiles as she served each person a bowl of seaweed egg drop soup.
“Mom, I got my year-end bonus.” After a couple of bites, Ning Yuan seemed to remember something and stood up, “I’ll go get it for you.”
“How much did you get?”
“Over ten thousand.”
What the?! So much!
Ning Chu jolted, quickly looking at her brother, her eyes shimmering with excitement, but Ning Yuan caught on quickly.
“Oh, so just because I have a little money you want to take advantage of me, huh?”
“Not at all~ How is this taking advantage? I’m just worried you might not know how to spend it.”
Ning Yuan ignored his sister and turned toward the TV cabinet, opening up his backpack and pulling out a thick stack of cash bundled in red paper.
“Cash bonus?” Their mother’s eyes lit up, but she smiled modestly, “You don’t have to give me money; I’m not short on cash. Take it and spend it yourself.”
“I’m giving you half.”
“Really don’t need to~ Oh, you child…” Their mother covered her mouth to hide her increasingly uncontrollable smile, shaking her head in refusal, “You’ve worked hard, so spend your own money on yourself. Save it for marriage later.”
Ning Yuan acted as if he hadn’t heard her; he placed half the money on the table.
“Oh dear~, I said I don’t need it! I’ll help you save it instead, so you don’t blow it all.”
Their mother was beaming, refusing it while her hand instinctively reached for the money, wanting to count it but stopping because she thought it’d be embarrassing in front of the kids, so she left it aside.
“Mom, don’t keep the money for me. I really need it.” Ning Chu reached forward to grab some.
Her hand got slapped away, and her mother quickly stuffed the money into her pocket: “Your brother gave it to me; it has nothing to do with you!”
“Aren’t you not short on cash~?”
“I’m saving for your brother’s marriage! I also need to take care of you and Ning Xin, so how could I not be short on cash?”
Look at that tsundere attitude~ Ning Chu finally understood where her stubbornness came from.
Both she and Ning Yuan couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter, while their mother didn’t mind and continued to take out the money, counting it slowly and carefully.
Black Bean looked up in confusion, not understanding what was so funny, her eyes rolling around, before she secretively used her chopsticks to snatch the last piece of cola chicken wings and quickly stuffed it into her mouth.
God knows what they’re all giggling about; she’d already finished the best part!
“Alright, this is the last time I’m giving you money.”
After counting the cash, their mother was glowing with happiness, magically producing a rubber band from who knows where to neatly tie the money together.
Ning Chu caught her slip-up: “Mom, didn’t Big Brother still owe you living expenses every month?”
“Different! That living expense is for you and Ning Xin, how much can I spend?”
“True, you do have an uncle~”
Their mother frowned at that, and Ning Chu quickly backtracked, clumsily changing the subject: “Black Bean! Why did you finish all the chicken wings? I’ve only had one!”
“I saw you guys weren’t eating~”
“There’s more in the kitchen. I’ll go get it.” Their mother got up and headed to the kitchen, talking on her phone, sending a voice message to her friend group, full of complaints, “My son, really! Just because he came back for the New Year doesn’t mean he has to stuff me with money, and then he gets mad at me if I refuse. What do you think of this kid…”
Ning Yuan, bewildered, interjected, “When did I get mad…”
By the time lunch was over, their uncle arrived with bags of New Year goodies.
Their mother showed off the stack of money to him, looking as proud as a schoolgirl.
But Ning Chu, sitting on the sofa, glanced at her smiling mother and the gentle-faced uncle across the dining table. She bit her lip, her gaze frequently drifting back to her phone.
Where’s Wen Yang? He didn’t come to lunch today…
If she can’t see Wen Yang at noon, she’ll have to wait until eleven tonight.
She’d been quite happy during lunch, but now, after being stuffed with filial restraint by her mother, she felt a twinge of jealousy.
“Ning Chu, that number.”
“What number?” Ning Chu blinked and turned to her brother, who was sitting next to her.
Ning Yuan looked a bit embarrassed and bashful, grinning at her with a hint of eagerness: “The one for Lily…”
“Oh~ didn’t you say you weren’t interested in dating?” She pouted, “What’s this about suddenly?”
“No, I mean, having more friends can open up more paths in life…”
“Tsk~” Ning Chu gave her brother a scornful glance.
Guys will be guys; they can’t seem to resist pretty girls.
But if it’s Lily’s main account he adds, Ning Yuan probably won’t get to see her more outgoing side, and he might even think she’s a super shy conservative girl.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’ll spare poor Ning Yuan from getting scared off by Lily’s overt flirtations.
“I sent you the account; it’s up to you from here.”
She really wants to see her brother all worn out, supporting himself against a wall soon~
