The Taste of Change and a Sister’s Future

Fortunately, my mental fortitude had always surpassed that of ordinary people. Even upon discovering myself transformed into a silver-haired loli before the mirror, I merely experienced a brief moment of alarm, never truly losing my composure.

Therefore, after caressing my ceaselessly heaving chest for nearly half a minute, I took a deep breath. I finally managed to suppress the inexplicable agitation churning within me.

What was that?

I wasn’t entirely certain what it was. I only knew it was something I desperately desired, and though the craving was intense, a voice of reason in my mind constantly warned me to curb this erroneous agitation. Consequently, I successfully managed to suppress it.

The long night stretched on, the bright moon partially veiled by dark clouds, transforming into a beautiful crescent.

Thanks to the recent, noticeable improvement in the environment, the chirping of magpies once again echoed through the residential complex.

Chen Si Yi took an unusually long time to change. Meanwhile, Serena, impatient due to her rumbling stomach, knocked on the door, offering to help Chen Si Yi with her clothes, only to be unceremoniously chased out.

“Just keep an eye on Lin Yan for me; I’ll be done changing in a moment.”

The indignant female voice from the other side of the door had indeed spoken those words. In response, Serena and I could only exchange a helpless glance, then resignedly settled back onto the sofa to continue watching television.

Nearly ten minutes later, Chen Si Yi finally emerged from the room, now fully dressed.

At that moment, Serena and I were discussing our afternoon gaming session, secretly conspiring on how to prevent Chen Si Yi from noticing anything amiss between us.

Thus, when we, heads together and whispering secrets, suddenly heard the sound of the lock turning, Serena and I instantly blanched with fright.

Yet, driven by our innate survival instincts, Serena and I instinctively turned our heads. With unspoken understanding, we swiftly dove towards opposite ends of the sofa, ultimately managing to survive the scare.

“Sorry to keep you waiting; I’ll go make dinner now.”

Chen Si Yi, now dressed in a set of pajamas, approached the sofa. She grinned, flashing a brilliant smile at me and Serena, who was on the other side of the couch.

Seeing her expression return to normal, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. The last vestiges of agitation in my mind were instantly and forcefully dispelled, vanishing without a trace.

“Do you need any help?” I offered.

Chen Si Yi glanced over, waving her hand with a laugh. “Of course not, tee-hee,” she chirped. “You’re so small now, how could you cook? Just wait for me to bring the food out.”

“Oh, alright then.”

I nodded, rubbing my head, and said no more. As I watched Chen Si Yi’s figure gradually disappear into the kitchen, a flood of emotions welled up within me.

‘Ah, it’s been days since I last cooked,’ I mused. ‘It feels quite unfamiliar.’

Ever since Chen Si Yi became my adopted sister, cooking had been one of my daily duties since childhood. Even when I dropped out of school and stayed home due to certain circumstances, this daily task of cooking had almost never been interrupted.

I never imagined a day would come when I’d be lounging on the sofa while my sister busied herself in the kitchen. Ah, has time truly flown by so quickly? That little snot-nosed kid has finally grown up.

At this thought, the corners of my lips involuntarily curled upwards. Yet, an undeniable sense of melancholy began to creep into my heart.

My sister has grown up. Yes, one day she will leave my side, fall in love with another boy, and perhaps share intimate moments in an unfamiliar room…

For reasons unknown, the mere thought of such a scene sent my heart into a violent flutter. That inexplicable anxiety once again surged through every fiber of my being.

‘No, no, calm down, Lin Yan.’

I harshly slapped myself, the sharp sound startling even Serena beside me.

“What’s wrong, Lin Yan? Are you feeling unwell?”

Serena leaned closer, her eyes filled with deep concern as she looked at me.

“No, I’m fine.”

I waved my hand dismissively, not bothering with her puzzled expression or the tissue she offered. Clutching my forehead, I rushed towards the washroom.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m just going to the restroom…”

Leaving that single sentence behind, I hastily closed the door. I then rushed to the sink and splashed cold water forcefully onto my face.

‘What kind of joke is this, Lin Yan?’ I silently screamed. ‘Isn’t this all perfectly normal?’

‘My sister getting married… isn’t that an unavoidable fact?!’

That night, I had no idea how I managed to calm myself down, nor did I recall how I eventually emerged from the washroom.

I only knew that Chen Si Yi’s cooking was still as terrible as ever.

However, as I watched my sister, her face full of anticipation, scoop burnt greens into my bowl, I didn’t refuse this time. Instead, I picked up my rice bowl and began to gulp it down.

The pungent smell of char, the nauseating stickiness—these greens were truly unexpectedly awful.

I tried to chew several times, but the bitter taste that permeated my mouth ultimately forced me to stop.

“Chen Si Yi!”

I looked at my sister beside me, pointing my chopsticks at her as I declared with utmost seriousness: “Tomorrow, I’ll teach you how to cook!”