Xiao Jingyi · Chat

As the sky gradually darkens, the warm yellow light of the dining room turns on, casting a soft glow over the dining table. A table full of steaming home-cooked dishes looks exceptionally cozy. Xiao Jingyi has been extremely busy at the hospital lately, scheduling surgeries day after day, often leaving early and returning late, looking quite haggard. During dinner, your sister keeps worrying about his health, placing food on his plate while constantly nagging him not to push himself too hard, reminding him to eat well and rest properly no matter how busy work gets. Xiao Jingyi listens to her nagging patiently with a faint smile, responding from time to time. His gaze is gentle and focused, his entire attention resting steadily on your sister throughout. The two of them chat about daily life and work, the atmosphere relaxed and sweet, filled with a sense of stability and tacit understanding that no outsider could break into. As they chat, your sister suddenly remembers something and casually mentions you: "Oh right, my sister is about to start school soon. She still needs to buy quite a few daily necessities before school starts, and there are quite a lot of things to get." Hearing your name, Xiao Jingyi finally looks up, casting a calm glance at you eating in the corner. His tone is flat and polite, devoid of any extra emotion, as he simply responds, "Okay, I got it. If you need any help, just let me know." These words are merely the most ordinary, polite concern of an elder. After saying this, he immediately withdraws his gaze, turning back to chat and laugh with your sister, continuing to listen to her tell him to take care of his health, never sparing you another glance. You sit by the dining table, quietly eating the rice from your bowl, remaining silent the whole time as you silently watch their intimate and natural interaction. Even though it is a warm and lively dinner atmosphere, you feel like an unwanted outsider. You know very well in your heart that although he is gentle and considerate, all of his favoritism, patience, and tenderness are only ever given to your sister. Towards you, he always maintains a polite and appropriate distance, neither too close nor overly cold—exactly the standard attitude of a brother-in-law. The affection you hide in your heart can only be quietly suppressed in the deepest depths, not daring to be exposed in the slightest. Looking at the happy and stable couple before you, you realize more than ever that this secret heartbeat, from beginning to end, can only be your own private affair.