I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2176 - 1392: Planting Demons in the Dao Heart

"Hey, brother, you're in luck today—I got a Yellow River Carp, freshly caught by someone."

It was around five in the afternoon when Cao Jinse got back home, earlier than her normal routine on account of the weekend.

During the week, she seldom returns for meals, caught up in social events or grabbing something quick at work, given that Cao Xiugo dines at the Kyoto University cafeteria too. Yet on weekends, with Cao Xiugo free from lecturing, she tends to head home.

"Yeah, young master, it's a hefty one."

Youmao proudly displayed the sack she carried.

The fish was still alive, truly sizable, likely weighing seven or eight pounds, thrashing about energetically inside the bag.

An ordinary young woman might struggle to haul it.

"Won't it be too much to eat all?"

"How could we not polish it off? Youmao can devour the bulk of it herself, so no need for extra sides."

At the young lady's remark, Youmao felt no slight; rather, she beamed with satisfaction, clapping her hands victoriously at her side.

"The Yellow River Carp stands as the premier variety among carps, a historic treat at grand feasts. As noted in the Classic of Poetry, 'What fish shall we savor? The carp from the river alone.' Thus, brother, with the top-notch ingredient in hand, it's your moment to showcase your skills this evening."

In the Cao household, roles are distinctly assigned.

Certain members handle the shopping.

Others take charge of the preparation.

"*Gloop.*"

Maybe already imagining the flavorful feast ahead, Youmao involuntarily gulped.

Cao Jinse caught the sound and glanced over, commenting, "You little bunny, you're about to enjoy a real feast."

"Too bad for someone else."

Cao Jinse eyed her elder brother, baffled by the implication.

Cao Xiugo offered no clarification.

Cao Jinse brushed it aside, directing Youmao, "Head in and have it slaughtered first."

It's not enough to just handle the eating.

Everyone in this family pulls their weight.

Youmao wasn't one to slack, nodding with an air of exclusive capability before swiftly lugging the fish to the kitchen.

Apart from feasting, she excelled most at dispatching creatures in the home.

Cao Jinse eyed the arrangement beneath the locust tree, overlooking the reason for the pair of chairs, "Brother, have you spent the entire afternoon buried in books again?"

"Hmm."

Cao Xiugo gave a faint smile: "One never stops learning."

"Tut-tut."

Cao Jinse settled into the spot once occupied by another, "Brother, are you truly aiming to become a renowned professor?"

Spotting the additional cup, Cao Jinse thought little of it, casually lifting the invaluable enamel teapot to pour herself some chilled tea.

"That cup..."

By the moment Cao Xiugo bookmarked his page in Diary of a Madman for later and glanced up to intervene, it was already too late.

"What's the issue?"

Cao Jinse frowned in confusion, suspecting a problem with the brew, so she inspected the pale yellow liquid in her cup but detected no oddity, then took another cautious sip.

The flavor matched what she knew.

Cao Xiugo wavered, seeming to grapple with unspoken words.

"Brother, what's bothering you?"

Cao Jinse inquired with a bemused grin, teacup still in hand.

Cao Xiugo paused briefly but decided on honesty. As the elder sibling, he couldn't mislead his sister, particularly since their paths might intersect and expose the truth.

"Jiang stopped by earlier."

Cao Jinse was taken aback, missing the key detail at first, merely astonished, "When did that happen?"

"He occupied this seat for an hour or two, departing near four."

Cao Jinse instinctively pivoted, gazing toward the courtyard entrance.

Cao Xiugo quickly added, "I asked him to join us for dinner, but he turned it down."

Cao Jinse shifted her eyes away, "What brought him here? He didn't text me."

Cao Xiugo regarded her, his face bearing a subtle strangeness.

Cao Jinse met his stare, clueless to his intent.

"He came to visit me."

"..."

She had overthought it.

Yet Princess Cao remained Princess Cao, her composure thick-skinned; beneath Xiugo's watchful eye, she simply dipped her head to drink more of the genuinely fine cold tea.

"What business did he have with you?"

She voiced lingering skepticism.

"Just to talk."

"To talk?"

"Hmm."

"You two conversed? For over an hour?"

Cao Jinse chuckled, "What on earth did you discuss?"

"Can't guys share topics?"

"Brother, that phrasing feels a bit suspicious."

Cao Xiugo stayed composed, observing as his sister neared the end of her tea, then abruptly stated, "Let me swap out your cup."

Cao Jinse froze momentarily, perplexed, and soon after, the realization dawned.

That explained the two chairs.

Her face stiffened, trapped in discomfort, uncertain if she should set the cup aside.

Fate's wheel spins relentlessly; none evade its path.

Who could foresee that another had sipped from her cup mere moments before.

"Why didn't you mention it sooner!"

Women.

Certain traits unite them in particular matters.

Princess Cao could only channel her irritation toward her elder brother.

"No chance to."

Teacher Cao upheld a demeanor of 'let it pass, like wind over peaks,' utterly tranquil.

Cao Jinse found herself speechless, navigating the unease, unsure if she should flush before her brother.

Flushing felt out of place.

Refraining seemed equally off.

"No harm done; Jiang has no idea anyway."

"..."

What does it mean that Jiang remains unaware?

Is that fitting for a brother to utter?

Who's truly the one embarrassed?

Yet it subtly confirmed Teacher Cao's upright nature, distinguishing propriety. Regardless of the awkwardness, fault lay nowhere.

Folks merely shared tea; one couldn't claim exploitation.

"You truly are my brother."

Cao Jinse seized the moment to firmly place the cup down, conveying a frustration with no clear outlet.

"Fish is all prepped now～"

Youmao bounded over cheerfully.