CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 196: I AM YOUR OLDER SISTER

"Ms. Yardley, will you be substituting at our school again next year?" Iris asked.

Julian Yardley was sitting on the floor assembling a car for Leo and replied, "Hard to say."

"Everyone in our class really likes you!"

"Oh."

Seeing Julian Yardley’s dismissive attitude, Iris pouted slightly with dissatisfaction and said, "Ms. Yardley, weren’t you quite funny and humorous when you came to our school to teach? I didn’t realize you were so cold in private."

Julian retorted, "Have you finished your homework?"

This is probably a question no student likes to hear, and Iris sighed, "What’s the point of doing homework during the New Year? I’ll do it in a couple of days. I also remember Ms. Yardley, you’re pretty good at math. If you have time in the afternoon, can you help me with some problems?"

"I need to go out and buy some things this afternoon."

Just as Julian finished speaking, Shannon Quinn, who was packing things nearby, said, "It’s okay, I’ll be going out with Elaine this afternoon, so we can handle the shopping. You can tutor Iris."

Julian didn’t hesitate to roll his eyes at Shannon, who just smiled and pretended not to notice, continuing with her tasks.

Julian was practically outwitted by Iris. Even if he went shopping, Iris would probably tag along behind him.

"Keep an eye on Leo, I’m going to get a screwdriver."

Iris nodded obediently, "Okay!"

Julian stood up and walked over to Shannon, whispering, "Can’t you ask your friend to take this girl away?"

"What’s the matter?"

"She’s driving me crazy!"

"She admires you."

"I can’t take it!"

Shannon glanced at Iris, smirked, and said, "You still don’t get it, huh? Girls at this age are just beginning to have crushes. Maybe she likes you!"

"Nonsense!" Julian glared at Shannon fiercely, "She’s just a kid."

"I think it’s about time you found yourself a girl."

Julian quickly replied, "You, maybe?"

"Are you planning to skip dinner tonight?"

Julian grinned and asked, "What type are you looking for? Maybe we can make it work. After all, you’re already close with my mom, there won’t be any mother-in-law issues."

"I’m your sister, show some respect!"

"Sister-brother romances are not impossible."

"I’m your real sister!"

Julian snorted lightly, "Who’d believe that?"

After Julian retrieved the screwdriver and walked away, Shannon glanced at Catherine Yardley, who was preparing lunch in the kitchen, wondering if it was time to reveal their relationship.

Because of work, Julian had to return after the third day of the New Year. Shannon originally planned to invite everyone out for a meal, but Julian had already arranged a gathering.

It was supposed to be a family dinner, and Susan Wilde couldn’t make it either, but somehow Iris caught wind of it and showed up.

Shannon always treated Iris as a child and, given their familiarity, thought that bringing her along wouldn’t be an issue.

Julian was briefly surprised when he saw her but seemed to be in a good mood that night. Even though Iris kept chatting by his ear, he wasn’t annoyed, though he didn’t engage with her much either.

"The holiday’s almost over, and I’m heading back to work soon. I haven’t gotten you anything, so I’ll make it up tonight." As soon as he sat at the table, Julian stood up and pulled out a few gift boxes of varying sizes from the side.

"This is for Mom, I had a friend bring it back from Eldoria, some skincare products to keep you forever young!"

Catherine Yardley smiled as she accepted the box, pleased yet muttering, "I’m getting on in years now. No need to waste money on such things in the future."

"

"How is it a waste? Staying youthful and beautiful could help us find a wealthy dad. That’s an investment."

Catherine glared at him, "You’re an adult, but you still speak without any sense."

Julian’s carefree manner was something everyone was used to. He then took out another box, "This one’s for Leo, a remote-controlled airplane. I’ll play with him next time I visit."

"What about mine?" Sheila Yardley asked impatiently.

"Here." He handed it over while saying, "My dear sister has started working. How can she not have a decent bag?"

Sheila opened the box and was thrilled with the bag she had wanted for a long time but hadn’t splurged on.

Still, she didn’t forget to correct Julian, "I’m your sister!"

Julian didn’t bother to bicker with Sheila, instead glancing at Shannon with less ease than before, feigning a cough, "I didn’t know what to get you, just picked something randomly while I was abroad last time." He said, tossing a small box in front of Shannon.

Shannon opened the box with a smile, "I get one too?"

"What else?" Julian said while observing Shannon’s reaction, evidently worried she wouldn’t like the gift.

Though he mentioned he picked it up casually during a business trip, it was actually something he deliberated over for a long time, walking several streets before making up his mind.

The box contained an exquisite hairpin Shannon recognized from a magazine, small but certainly not cheap.

"Isn’t this expensive?"

"Don’t worry about it, just wear it for me to see."

With Leo in her arms, Shannon couldn’t put it on conveniently, so Julian got up, took the hairpin, and placed it directly in her hair.

Iris watched this scene with envy, staring at the hairpin on Shannon’s head and then brazenly asked Julian, "Where’s my gift?"

"You?" Julian glanced at her sideways, tidied Shannon’s hair, then returned to his seat, "I didn’t prepare anything for you, nor did I expect you to come, but I’ll give you a red envelope later."

Iris pouted, glanced again at Shannon’s diamond-encrusted hairpin but said nothing, then grabbed a pastry to eat.

"Actually, there’s one more thing I want to tell you."

Everyone’s attention returned to Julian. Shannon noticed his occasional glances at her, seeming to understand something from his expression. She knew Julian had feelings for her that were a bit out of the ordinary.

Usually, she didn’t take it to heart, thinking it was all in jest, but seeing him this time, he seemed earnest.

Fearing that saying anything might make everyone awkward, Shannon quickly interjected, "Actually, I have something to say today too."

Julian already lacked the courage to say what he wanted. Shannon interrupting relieved him, providing a momentary reprieve, "Go ahead, then."

Shannon glanced at Catherine Yardley, pursed her lips, and said, "Mom, you should tell them."