Super Soldier in the City

Today is New Year's Eve, and after a simple breakfast, everyone was preparing for the most important festival of the year. However, for adults, there isn't much fun in New Year celebrations; what matters most is simply the reunion.

Xu Yingying's mother said to her, "Yingying, the malls should still be open this morning. Go buy some clothes and the like for Little Li. It's customary to wear something new for the New Year, so you need to buy outfits for both inside and out."

Xu Yingying responded with an 'oh', which fitted perfectly with her intentions—to minimize the amount of time Li Yifei spent with her family, so he wouldn't spout more nonsense.

"I'm coming too," Xu Shanshan immediately shouted loudly, and then ran off to her bedroom to change clothes.

Xu Yingying frowned slightly, but she couldn't stop her sister, so she and Li Yifei had to wait for Xu Shanshan to get dressed before they all could leave together.

Once inside the elevator, Li Yifei stood on one side, with Xu Yingying and Xu Shanshan on the other. Xu Shanshan glanced at the two, then squinting her eyes, she said, "You know, sister, you don't seem very close to your brother-in-law?"

Xu Yingying's heart tightened, but she still replied indifferently, "How are we not close?"

"Look at you two, not even standing together. That doesn't look intimate like a couple at all," she remarked.

Li Yifei chuckled and said, "That's just how your sister is. At the office, no one even knows about our relationship. You haven't seen us at work, have you? If we bump into each other there, we look even more like a superior and a subordinate."

Xu Shanshan giggled and said, "What's there to hide? Dating is not illegal."

Li Yifei glanced at Xu Yingying and said with a wry smile, "It's not your sister's fault; it's me who doesn't want to tell. Your sister is a big manager in the company now, and I'm just a mere security guard. If others knew about us, wouldn't that give them a reason to gossip about your sister?"

"Wow, you're a security guard, and my sister is a manager. This is like a classic underdog's counterattack. Brother-in-law, how did you manage that? It's simply legendary," she exclaimed.

Li Yifei flashed an arrogant smile and said, "Ask your sister about it later."

Xu Yingying immediately turned around, grabbed Xu Yingying's arm, and asked eagerly, "Sister, you have to tell me, this is just too funny."

At this moment, Li Yifei sneakily winked at Xu Yingying, clearly quite pleased with himself.

Xu Yingying was annoyed that Li Yifei had tossed the difficult question her way, but she maintained her composure and said indifferently, "There's nothing much to tell. I just fancied him, that's all. You know me, I've never been the type to disdain the poor or love the rich."

"I know, but it seems like such things only happen in novels. Having it happen to you, I'm still a bit incredulous..." She turned to glance at Li Yifei, then suddenly covered her mouth and said, "Big sis, you're not using him as a shield, are you?"

Xu Yingying was truly frightened now, as her sister had hit the nail on the head, directly voicing the true nature of their relationship. However, she wouldn't admit it and snorted, "You've been reading too many novels, or watching too many TV shows. If we were pretending, would we be able to share a room for the night?"

"Oh, so you two slept together last night, haha, big sis, you've lost your maidenhood," she teased.

"Get lost, keep spouting nonsense, and you can go back home," Xu Yingying threatened.

"Won't say anymore, won't say anymore," Xu Shanshan giggled, but the look she gave Li Yifei was laden with heavy insinuation. Her eyes spun around, and no one could tell what she was thinking.

Xu Yingying sent Li Yifei a warning look, a signal he understood: to be careful and not give anything away.

The elevator reached the underground garage. Xu Zhenguo's family was well-off. Although he didn't drive, he had bought a red Bora for Xu Shanshan.

"Get in, I'll be your driver today," Xu Shanshan announced, using the remote to unlock the car, then slid into the driver's seat after pulling open the door.

Xu Yingying intended to sit in the front, but Li Yifei tugged her arm, and she immediately woke up to the situation and sat in the back with him.

Xu Shanshan looked back at the two of them and laughed, "Now that looks more like it."

"It's always you with the most to say. Who's dating here, me or you?" Xu Yingying replied irritably.

Xu Shanshan giggled and said, "I think my brother-in-law is really not bad. How about you give him to me instead? Then I can be the one dating."

Xu Yingying pushed her sister and said angrily, "Stop talking nonsense, or we're walking."

Giggling, "Fine, fine, I won't say anymore. I don't want to fight with you for him, too tiring." Still laughing, Xu Shanshan started the car.

Li Yifei found Xu Shanshan increasingly amusing. If he really had such a little aunt, it would surely be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, it was all fake.

In Pingyang, the New Year's atmosphere was thick. The streets were bustling with people buying New Year's goods, and everyone's face was filled with happiness. Although adults might find New Year's increasingly meaningless, it was undeniable that most people still considered it the most significant festival.

Upon arriving at the shopping mall, the three of them parked the car. Just as Li Yifei was about to walk ahead, his arm was suddenly grabbed, and then another arm was looped through his. He turned his head to see Xu Yingying's face, wearing a sweet smile.

"Act natural. Don't let your sister catch on," Xu Yingying whispered in Li Yifei's ear.

Li Yifei immediately understood, nodded, and enjoyed being escorted by Xu Yingying. Even though they were both wrapped in thick clothes, missing some of the delightful contact, Xu Yingying was the company's boss, known as the 'cold lady.' Being escorted by her would definitely give a man a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.

At that moment, Xu Shanshan caught up with them, grinning and said, "Now you two really look the part." Then she walked beside Xu Yingying and winked at Li Yifei.

Li Yifei returned the smile and then went into the mall with the sisters. It had been many years since he had enjoyed the fun of New Year's shopping. Looking at all the dazzling items in the store, picking some and looking at others, was truly enjoyable.

Xu Shanshan leaned toward Li Yifei and said with a smirk, "Brother-in-law, I really couldn't tell. You actually like shopping malls."

Li Yifei chuckled and said, "Can't help it. Your sister doesn't like to shop, so I have to enjoy it when I have the chance."

Giggling, "A man takes care of the home front, huh?" Xu Shanshan winked at Li Yifei again.

Li Yifei, putting down a trinket he had picked up, laughed and said, "To me, this is also a pleasure."

"Impressive, impressive, men who love shopping are really rare. But then again, women like my sister who don't enjoy shopping are also not common."

Xu Yingying had grown impatient long ago. She didn't need to buy these things now and felt that spending time here was unnecessary. Moreover, she had to hold onto Li Yifei, which made her extremely uncomfortable; she wanted to end this ordeal as soon as possible and said, "Knowing that I don't like shopping, can't you two hurry up? Let's just go buy what we need."

With a giggle, Xu Shanshan said, "Sis, it's the New Year, and you're not rushed for anything. Why the hurry? Let's stroll at leisure, maybe we'll find something we want to buy."

Li Yifei also said with a smile, "Yeah, we rarely come back. Let's just keep your sister company."

Xu Shanshan gave Li Yifei a thumbs-up and said, "Brother-in-law, you're awesome. You're quick to use me as your shield."

"Haha, I wouldn't dare to use you as a shield. Let's just say you're our guide for the shopping trip."

"That's more like it. Come on, let's move on and see what else we find." With that, she tugged on Li Yifei's arm and led him forward.