Chapter 22: A New Mission

“What is it with the conditions? Hurry up!” Dara complained while crossing her arms over her chest. Her expression was clearly impatient.

Rian glanced over casually. He raised an eyebrow, then smiled faintly, a smile that instantly made Dara want to throw something at him.

“Relax. The condition is easy,” he said lightly. “You just have to ask for help while flirting with your super handsome older brother.”

I chuckled inwardly. I never expected these siblings to share the same level of narcissism.

Dara’s eyes widened instantly. “Disgusting.”

“What did you say?” Rian pretended not to hear as he stepped a little closer. “Not clear enough.”

“DISGUSTING,” Dara repeated with emphasis.

Rian chuckled. “If you don’t want to, fine.” He stood up from his seat, brushing off his pants as if the matter was settled. “I’m not the one losing anything.”

“Hey, wait,” Dara blurted out reflexively.

But Rian had already taken one step forward. Just before his second step, Dara’s voice was heard again, this time softer and clearly reluctant.

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

Rian stopped. He slowly turned around, his expression shifting to one of triumph. A sly smile immediately appeared on his face. “I’m waiting.”

Dara let out a long breath. Her shoulders dropped slightly, as if a heavy burden had just been set down. She stayed silent for a moment, lowering her head, clearly gathering the last remnants of her pride.

I could see her lips moving faintly, as if she were rehearsing in her head.

“Riaaaan,” she finally said in the softest tone she could manage, though it still sounded forced. “Please. You are the best and most handsome brother in the world. Right? Right?”

I held back a smile. This was truly a rare sight.

Rian did not answer right away. He only looked Dara up and down, then leaned his back against the table. His face turned serious, as if he were considering a matter of life and death.

Dara started to fidget. “Why are you just staying silent?”

Rian shrugged. “I’m evaluating the sincerity.”

“What sincerity now?” Dara grumbled.

A few seconds passed. And Dara’s patience ran out.

“WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? HURRY UP!!” she suddenly shouted.

I reflexively covered my ears.

Instead of being bothered, Rian looked like he was enjoying the situation even more. He tilted his head, lightly tapping his index finger against his chin, pretending to think hard.

“Still not enough,” he said casually. “The words beloved and dearest aren’t there yet.”

“What?” Dara stared at him in disbelief. “You’re joking, right?”

“No,” Rian replied calmly. “I’m serious.”

I almost burst out laughing. But for the sake of my own safety, I chose to lower my head and cover my mouth. Dealing with Dara in this state was not a wise decision.

Dara’s expression was now truly hard to describe. If it had to be likened to something, it was probably like someone enduring unbearable pain while being forced to smile. A mix of irritation, embarrassment, and despair.

She was completely being toyed with.

She clenched her fists. “You’re being way too much.”

Rian shrugged again. “The choice is yours.”

Dara took a long, heavy breath once more. “Fine.”

I lifted my head, curious.

“Riaaaan,” she said again, with a smile that was clearly forced. “Please share the tips. You are the most handsome, beloved, dearest, smartest, sweetest, and greatest brother.”

She emphasized every word with exaggerated expressions, as if each compliment felt like a punishment to herself.

Rian finally laughed in satisfaction. A low laugh that sounded like a sign of absolute victory. “Now that’s more like it.”

Dara snorted immediately. “If you laugh any longer, I’ll bite you.”

“Alright, alright,” Rian said, raising both hands. “That’s enough. Come here. I’ll tell you.”

Curiosity instantly overcame everything. I moved closer along with Dara, sitting nearer to him.

“Listen carefully,” Rian said as he lowered his voice. “This is important.”

“I don’t like that tone,” I muttered.

Rian ignored me. He began whispering to us, one by one, everything Dara had to do. His hands moved along with his words, explaining each step with complete confidence.

Dara and I listened closely. Not a single word was missed. My eyes were fixed on Rian’s face, which looked far too confident. Somehow, from the very beginning, my chest felt uneasy, as if a bad premonition was trying to warn me.

Rian kept talking, explaining each step in a serious tone, as though the idea made perfect sense.

“And most importantly,” Rian continued solemnly, “you must not hesitate.”

He finally finished speaking.

Silence. The world seemed to stop for a moment.

Dara and I looked at each other. Our eyes widened at the same time, exactly like cartoon characters who had just heard the most impossible thing on earth. In my head, there was only one desire, to kick Rian’s backside without warning.

We turned back to him and simultaneously shouted, “WHAT?”

The room suddenly fell silent.

Rian only smiled in satisfaction.

And from that smile, I knew one thing for certain.

This mission would not end well.

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