I'm called Nian Zhuyue, with the same surname as Empress Huafi. I have her temper but not her abilities. Until now, I'm still a working professional – diligently managing my small advertising company from morning till night.

In three months, my boyfriend, Zhou Yunqiao, and I are getting married.

Therefore, I temporarily pressed the pause button on my busy life and spent each day rushing around various properties, looking for a house.

Just now, I had just finalized the purchase of a large apartment and returned home. I hadn't had the chance to send pictures and videos to Zhou Yunqiao when my younger brother, Nian Xiaotao, unexpectedly arrived with his girlfriend, Liu Yuyan.

I looked at the time and felt something was off.

First, it was already 8 p.m., which wasn't the appropriate time for a formal visit.

Second, Nian Xiaotao has only been dating his girlfriend for five months and hasn't even introduced her to our parents. Why would they come to see me first?

Third, Nian Xiaotao knows very well that I've been incredibly busy lately, exhausted every day. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have the audacity to disturb me like this.

Moreover, they didn't even give a heads-up in advance?

I wasn't prepared for anything, and I only had two bunches of grapes left for fruits.

I closed the door with suspicion and briefly greeted them. I watched as Liu Yuyan, sticking to my brother like a sloth, walked around my room, commenting on how beautiful the kitchen was and how minimalist the living room looked. She was about to push the door open to enter the bedroom when I stopped her just in time.

Liu Yuyan's face showed a hint of displeasure, and she murmured to my brother in a low voice, "So wealthy, can't I even take a look?"

What kind of remark is that?

I couldn't be bothered with her.

After running around all day, I was tired, and my brother wasn't a stranger. I didn't feel like washing fruits, so I sat down in front of them and gave instructions:

"Xiaotao, there are fruits in the fridge. Go wash them and bring them over."

My brother is five years younger than me and just graduated from university this year. He was introduced to Zhou Yunqiao's company for work.

Having been beaten by me since he was little, he always listens to me.

"Taotao, that's not allowed. You said you would only take care of me as a girl~"

Unexpectedly, just as my brother was about to get up and go to the kitchen, she grabbed his arm and pouted, coquettishly.

What the heck?

I glanced at them sideways, and my brother also froze. He comforted her in a low voice, saying that I was his sister, not any other girl, while secretly looking at me.

Seeing that his girlfriend wasn't receptive, my brother helplessly said, "Baby, it was Sister who asked me to wash the fruits for you, right?"

"Oh, then I won't eat them. No need to wash!"

Soon, her expression turned cold, and she forcefully pulled my brother back to sit on the couch.

After saying that, she provocatively straightened her neck towards me.

What's going on?

I remember when they had just started dating, my brother told us at home that she was the only daughter, gentle and understanding, knowing how to behave and be virtuous.

Is this the same person in front of me?

My brain spun rapidly, but I couldn't see any trace of it. Instead, I could see that she wanted to show her dominance and let me see how she had my brother completely under her control.

Moreover, there was a hint of a worldly scent. Was I mistaken, or was it real?

For now, I remained still. While sending property-related information to Zhou Yunqiao, I observed her every move.

"Taotao, help me turn on the TV. I want to screen-share and watch videos~"

She played with her phone for a few moments, pouting and shaking my brother's arm cutely.

My brother glanced at me and awkwardly smiled, taking the remote control and turning it on.

A cacophony ofnoises from a variety show suddenly filled the room.

Liu Yuyan's face immediately contorted in disgust. She complained loudly, "What kind of show is this? Change it! I want to watch a romantic drama!"

My brother hurriedly tried to find a romantic drama, but before he could change the channel, I spoke up.

"Sorry, but I like watching this show. If you want to watch something else, you can use your phone or watch it later."

Liu Yuyan's expression turned sour, and she looked at me with disdain. "Are you kidding me? I'm your brother's girlfriend, and you're telling me I can't even watch what I want in your own house?"

Her voice was loud, and I could feel my temples throbbing. However, I maintained my composure and calmly replied, "You're welcome to watch something else on your phone. I'm not stopping you."

My brother tried to mediate the situation, but Liu Yuyan interrupted him, "What's the point of having a TV if I can't watch what I want? You're so unreasonable!"

Her words were filled with provocation, and her eyes were fixed on me, waiting for my reaction.

I took a deep breath and decided to confront the situation head-on. "Liu Yuyan, let's have a chat in private."

Her eyes widened in surprise, and she hesitated for a moment before nodding. We both got up and walked to my bedroom, leaving my brother behind, looking confused.

Once we were alone, I closed the door and turned to face Liu Yuyan. "I have to say, I'm quite disappointed in your behavior today. I expected you to be the person my brother described – gentle, understanding, and respectful. But your actions and words have shown a completely different side of you."

Liu Yuyan crossed her arms and smirked. "Oh, really? And what are you going to do about it?"

I maintained my composure and replied, "I want to understand why you're behaving this way. Is there something bothering you? Are you unhappy with our family?"

Her smirk faded, and she looked down for a moment before speaking softly, "It's not about your family. It's about you. I've heard so much about you from my brother, how successful and accomplished you are. I can't help but feel inferior and insecure when I'm around you."

Her words surprised me. I had no idea she felt that way. "Liu Yuyan, I'm just doing my best in my career. It doesn't make me any better than anyone else. And success is not a measure of a person's worth. I believe that everyone has their own strengths and talents."

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with vulnerability. "I know, but it's hard for me to overcome these feelings. I wanted to assert myself and show that I have control over your brother, even if it meant being disrespectful. I'm sorry for my behavior."

I softened my tone and reached out to her. "It's okay, Liu Yuyan. I understand now. But it's important to communicate openly and honestly rather than resorting to such actions. Let's try to build a better relationship, for the sake of my brother and for our family."

She nodded, and we both walked out of the room, ready to face my brother and continue the evening in a more harmonious manner.

From that day on, Liu Yuyan and I made an effort to understand each other better. We had many conversations and spent time together as a family. Over time, she became more comfortable around me, and I learned to appreciate her qualities and support her in her own endeavors.

Our relationship gradually improved, and we developed a mutual respect and understanding. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but we were committed to making it work for the sake of our loved ones.

As for my brother, he was grateful that we were able to bridge the gap and create a more positive environment for everyone. He continued to work hard in his career and eventually proposed to Liu Yuyan, who accepted with joy.

On their wedding day, I stood by their side as the maid of honor, and we shared tears of happiness. It was a reminder that with patience, understanding, and open communication, even the most challenging relationships can be transformed into something beautiful.