52: Chapter 52: Economic disputes are not handled by the police station.

While Jiang Zhiyu was in the midst of intense preparations for the first episode of the "SM Entertainment Weekend Special," on another front, a more subtle (and potentially more "lethal") "sisterly bond" was quietly forming.

Location: LOEN Entertainment, IU's personal studio floor.

Lee Tima—still wearing that signature purple rabbit headgear, dressed in her lolita dress, and even clutching half a piece of honey butter bread she had "swiped" from the SM cafeteria—was swaggering behind IU, her electronic voice full of curiosity and undisguised "commentary."

"Tsk, the decor in this hallway is much simpler than SM's, but it has quite a bit of style. Hmm, the lighting is good." The rabbit headgear turned left and right. "It's just that the air conditioning is on too high; it's bad for the throat. Lee Ji-eun sunbaenim, was your company's entire AC budget spent on the recording studios?"

Walking ahead, IU's footsteps paused slightly, then she shook her head with a chuckle. Today, she was wearing a simple white shirt and khaki trousers, her long hair draped softly over her shoulders, her temperament gentle yet carrying a calm certainty. Ever since the last "Lee Ji-eun Name Dispute," she had developed a great interest in this mysterious and quirky "Z" (Lee Tima) and had even taken the initiative to invite her to LOEN for a "visit and exchange."

Of course, IU knew very well that the tangled "ill-fated sibling bond" between Lee Tima and Jiang Zhiyu, as well as the "the kings card" in her hand that had once turned Jiang Zhiyu into a slave for three days, made this girl in the rabbit headgear full of stories and... trouble.

But IU wasn't afraid of trouble; she liked interesting people.

"The AC is centrally set; I'll give some feedback to the administration department," IU responded gently, pushing open the door to her studio. "Please come in, Tima-xi."

The studio was spacious and bright, with one wall being a huge floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the Seoul streetscape. Another wall was a bookshelf reaching the ceiling, packed with sheet music, books, and records. In the center of the room were a comfortable sofa and coffee table, with professional recording equipment and a keyboard in the corner.

"Wow—" Lee Tima walked in, her rabbit headgear tilting up. Although her expression couldn't be seen, the amazement in her tone was obvious. "This is where a producer should stay! It's way better than Jiang Zhiyu's kennel, which is filled with instant noodle cups and scrap paper!"

IU couldn't help but smile. "Is Jiang Zhiyu-xi's creative environment... that... casual?"

"It's more than casual, it's a disaster!" Lee Tima plopped down on the sofa, her electronic voice full of accusations. "There are always single socks on the floor that can't find their match, half-drunk cola cans on the desk, and you can dig out three-year-old biscuit crumbs from the keyboard cracks! And he's a picky eater! He won't eat the kimchi fried rice from the cafeteria; he insists on cooking instant noodles himself with weird sauces! Last time he even tried to add peppermint candy to the noodles, but I stopped him!"

Listening to her, the smile on IU's lips deepened. These details formed a wonderful contrast to the Jiang Zhiyu in her impression—the one who was calm, sharp, and even calculated everything perfectly in the "the kings card" game.

"It sounds like... you're very close?" IU asked tentatively, sitting down on the single sofa opposite her.

"Close? Of course we're close!" Lee Tima puffed out her small chest (though there wasn't much of a curve). "I'm his biological sister from different parents! (Self-proclaimed). Although this guy's wings have grown strong lately, actually daring to use 'Zombie Commands' to retaliate against me..." She muttered in a low voice, then raised her volume again. "But it's okay! I, Lee Tima, am magnanimous and won't hold it against him! And—"

She changed the subject, the rabbit headgear turning toward IU, her electronic voice suddenly becoming sweet and a bit fawning (with an eerie effect): "And now I've found an even better Unnie!"

IU: "...?"

Lee Tima bounded up from the sofa, hopped a few steps to IU, and clasped her hands together (despite wearing rabbit gloves) in an exaggerated "please" gesture: "Lee Ji-eun sunbaenim! I've loved you since the first time I heard your 'Good Day'! Your voice, your music, your temperament... it's simply perfect! Ten thousand times better than a certain bastard brother who scowls all day, has a poisonous tongue, and likes to add salt to water!"

She took a deep breath (even though the headgear wasn't breathable) and said in a tone that announced a major decision:

"So! I've decided! I'm going to 'defect'!"

"I'm going to abandon that unreliable brother, Jiang Zhiyu!"

"I want to take you as my Unnie!"

"My sworn sister must be IU Lee Ji-eun!"

IU was caught a bit off guard by this sudden "family recognition" declaration, but looking at the girl in the rabbit headgear, whose tone was exaggerated yet strangely sincere, a soft spot in her heart was gently touched. In the entertainment industry, true sincerity is hard to find, especially this kind of childish, non-calculating closeness.

"Tima-xi," IU smiled gently, "I'm very happy that you like my music. But about the 'sworn sister' thing..."

"I'm serious!" Lee Tima interrupted her, her electronic voice losing some of its playfulness and gaining more earnestness. "I know I might be a bit weird, wearing a headgear, having a fake voice, and always causing trouble... but I'm serious about music! And I'm serious about the people I like! That guy Jiang Zhiyu might be annoying, but he's right about one thing—'rules are rules.' Since I said I want to take you as my sister, I'll show my sincerity!"

She suddenly turned around, ran to the small backpack she had brought, rummaged through it for a bit, took out a small box tied with a purple ribbon, ran back, and solemnly handed it to IU.

"This is my 'sincerity'!" Lee Tima said. "It's a song I wrote myself, and I haven't let anyone else hear it yet. It's not the kind of 'collaboration track' to be submitted to LOEN; it's a... 'meeting gift' just for you."

IU was slightly stunned. She took the box and untied the ribbon. Inside was a USB drive with a handwritten label. The handwriting was round and a bit cute, saying:

"For Jieun Unnie"

— Tima ♡

"You can listen to it now, or you can listen to it later." Lee Tima's voice lowered a bit, appearing somewhat embarrassed (the electronic voice could actually simulate the feeling of embarrassment). "If you listen to it and feel... I'm not qualified to be your sister, then never mind. I'll continue to be your fan and support you from afar."

IU looked at her—despite the rabbit headgear, she felt that cautious expectation and the sincerity hidden beneath the quirkiness.

She didn't listen to the USB drive immediately. Instead, she gently placed the box on the coffee table and then reached out, lightly patting Lee Tima's rabbit headgear (it felt fuzzy).

"Tima," IU's voice grew even softer, "I don't need to hear the song; I'm willing to be your Unnie."

Lee Tima's rabbit headgear snapped up: "Re-really?!"

"Yes." IU nodded, her eyes full of smiles. "However, being my sister means you might have to endure my nagging. Like eating on time, taking care of your throat, not staying up late to write songs... and you can't always bully Jiang Zhiyu-xi, even if he might deserve it."

"What if he bullies me?!" Lee Tima immediately complained.

"Then Unnie will help you." IU smiled even more gently, but a glint of mischief flashed in her eyes. "We can join forces."

"Yay!!" Lee Tima cheered (the electronic voice was sharp), hopped twice on the spot, then suddenly remembered something and leaned closer to IU, lowering her voice mysteriously (though the electronic voice couldn't be lowered): "Unnie, to celebrate us becoming sisters, I have a proposal!"

"Hmm?"

"Let's not stay in Seoul! The company is full of people, it's boring!" Lee Tima waved her small hands. "Let's go back to your hometown! Suwon, right? I've checked! There are grilled ribs there, there's Hwaseong Fortress, and delicious fried chicken! How about we go back and play for a few days? Think of it as... a sister trip! Besides, I can escape Jiang Zhiyu's pursuit. He's been doing some variety show lately, it's so annoying!"

IU was stunned by this jumping proposal, but immediately after, a long-lost urge to temporarily escape work and return to a simple life surged up. Looking at the excited "newly promoted sister" in front of her, the bit of hesitation in her heart dissipated.

"Alright." IU stood up, her eyes shining. "It just so happens I haven't been back for a long time. My parents will probably be startled to see me bring a 'rabbit sister' home."

"They won't, they won't!" Lee Tima patted her chest in guarantee. "I'm super good at making elders happy! And I can also help your mother cook! My instant noodles are top-notch!"

IU chuckled: "There's no need for you to cook... but, we're leaving just like that?"

"Just like that!" Lee Tima nodded vigorously. "I'll book the tickets now! Ah, wait, Unnie, do you have a car? Let's drive there! We can sing on the way!"

"I do." IU smiled and picked up her phone. "I'll arrange it."

So, half an hour later.

A black van drove out of the LOEN Entertainment underground garage, heading toward Suwon, Gyeonggi-do.

In the car, IU sat in the passenger seat wearing sunglasses, a smile on her lips. In the back seat, Lee Tima had already taken off her rabbit headgear (in front of IU, she seemed willing to occasionally show her true face—though it was only a fair and delicate side profile of a teenage girl with a bit of baby fat). She was holding a bag of potato chips, humming an out-of-tune melody, and occasionally shouting at the scenery outside the window.

The assistant Unnie driving looked at the overly lively girl in the back seat through the rearview mirror, then looked at IU, who was clearly in a good mood, and silently marveled: Where did IU-Unnie... pick up such a lively treasure of a sister?

Meanwhile, at the SM Entertainment production department.

Jiang Zhiyu had just finished a process confirmation meeting for the "weekend special" with the PD. He returned to his office and opened his phone, habitually wanting to see if Lee Tima had caused any more trouble (like delivering a new "food critique speech" in the SM cafeteria).

There were no new messages.

He raised an eyebrow and clicked on an encrypted positioning app—it was a small program he had "accidentally" left on Lee Tima's phone, under the pretext of "preventing her from getting lost."

On the map, the small red dot representing Lee Tima's location was moving at high speed.

Direction: Suwon, Gyeonggi-do.

Jiang Zhiyu's brow furrowed slightly. Suwon? What was she doing there? Did she go looking for some delicious fried chicken shop again?

He casually took a screenshot and sent it to Lee Tima: [Skipping class again? Ran off to Suwon to sneak food?]

A few minutes later, Lee Tima replied with a photo.

In the photo was a familiar street scene in Suwon (Jiang Zhiyu vaguely remembered IU's interviews mentioning her hometown was near here), and... two hands tightly held together.

One was slender and fair; it was IU's hand.

The other was small and soft; it was Lee Tima's hand.

Below the photo was a line of text from Lee Tima:

[Not sneaking food, I'm going home~]

[Let me introduce you, my sworn sister @IU Lee Ji-eun]

[Please call me from now on: IU's sister, Lee Tima!]

[PS: Jiang Zhiyu, your 'brotherhood status' has been revoked! Blehh~]

Jiang Zhiyu stared at the phone screen, silent for a full ten seconds.

Then, he slowly looked up and out the window, his gaze deep, but the corner of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.

Lee Tima...

You're something.

You're really something.

Taking IU as a sworn sister? And even running off to her hometown?

Even "revoking my brotherhood status"?

Jiang Zhiyu put down his phone and rubbed his temples. He suddenly felt that the "weekend special" he was preparing was just child's play compared to Lee Tima's move of "cross-company sisterhood + hometown raid."

He picked up his phone, thought for a moment, and sent a message to IU:

[IU sunbaenim, Tima is... quite lively. If she causes you any trouble, please contact me anytime. Also, she's a picky eater and doesn't like vegetables, please keep an eye on her.]

Soon, IU replied, attaching a new photo—it was of Lee Tima squatting in a traditional market in Suwon, curiously poking at a basket of chili peppers.

[Zhiyu-xi, don't worry, Tima is very cute, I'll take good care of her. she's helping my mother pick out chili peppers for tonight's braised ribs, though she doesn't seem to be able to tell the types of peppers apart ^_^]

[Also, she said she's going to video call you tonight to show off my mother's cooking. Please be prepared.]

Jiang Zhiyu looked at that message, then at Lee Tima's curious "country rabbit entering the city" look in the photo. He was silent for a moment, then finally couldn't help but let out a low chuckle.

Fine.

Lee Tima, you win this round.

But the grudge of the "SM Entertainment Weekend Special," and the debt of the "Zombie Commands"...

We'll settle those slowly.

He turned off his phone and turned his gaze back to the "Battle, Chef-min" process sheet on the desk, his eyes becoming sharp and full of calculation again.

Let the weekend come quickly.

He couldn't wait to see what "wonderful" performances some people (including a certain rabbit who might be getting ahead of herself) would have on the show.

Meanwhile, in Suwon.

Lee Tima was holding a bag of freshly bought chili peppers, hopping along behind IU, her small face brimming with undisguised happiness.

"Unnie! Can your mother really make super delicious braised ribs?"

"Unnie! Can we watch a horror movie together tonight? I'm super brave!"

"Unnie! Let's go to Hwaseong Fortress tomorrow, okay? I can wear a Hanbok!"

"Unnie..."

IU walked beside her, listening to the chirping voice in her ear, feeling the warmth and dependence of that small hand in hers. Her smile was as gentle as the evening sun in Suwon.

Perhaps, occasionally picking up a sister to take home...

Doesn't feel too bad.

As for that "former brother" in Seoul who might be gnashing his teeth?

Well, she should remember to let him have a good look at what "happy sister time" looks like during tonight's video call.

Thinking this, Lee Tima secretly fished her phone out of her pocket and sent another message to Jiang Zhiyu:

[Jiang Zhiyu, are you envious? Jealous? Hateful?]

[But it's useless!]

[I'm IU Lee Ji-eun's sister now!]

[My backer is way stronger than yours!]

[(Rabbit smugly hands on hips.jpg)]

After sending it, she quickly turned off her phone, as if afraid of being beaten through the network cables, and then looked up to give IU a bright smile:

"Unnie! Let's hurry home! I can't wait to taste Auntie's cooking!"

The setting sun stretched their shadows very long, nestled closely together.

The wonderful sisterly journey of the two "Lee Ji-euns" between Seoul and Suwon officially began.

And what kind of unpredictable variables would this sudden "defection" and "family recognition" bring to Jiang Zhiyu, SM, and the future "Weekend War"?

Who knows.

In any case, Lee Tima felt that she had simply made a killing with this "investment."

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled over a warm two-story house in Suwon; this was the home where IU (Lee Ji-eun) had grown up. In the yard were several camellia trees her father had carefully tended, currently blooming with pink and white flowers.

"Dad, Mom, I'm back." IU pushed open the courtyard gate, her voice carrying a rare relaxation and a hint of indiscernible nervousness—after all, she had a "sworn sister" of "unknown origin" wearing a rabbit headgear following behind her.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Lee's father was pruning the camellia branches in the yard. Hearing the sound, he looked up, saw his daughter, and a smile immediately bloomed on his face: "Jieun, why didn't you let us know you were coming back beforehand... And who is this?"

Lee's mother also poked her head out from the house, her apron still dusted with flour; she was clearly preparing dinner.

IU was about to introduce her, but Lee Tima beat her to it.

With a "swish," she pulled off her rabbit hood, revealing a fair, delicate little face with obvious baby fat. Her soft, jet-black hair was a bit messy from being pressed down by the hood, but she didn't care at all. Her large, round eyes were clear and bright, and at this moment, she was trying her hardest to make the most well-behaved, sweetest expression possible.

Then, she gave Lee's father and Lee's mother a flawless, standard 90-degree bow.

"Father! Mother! Annyeonghaseyo!" Her voice was no longer electronic but had returned to its original, crisp, milky child's tone. Her tone was respectful yet carried just the right amount of intimacy. "I am Tima, Lee Tima! I'm 8 years old this year! I'm Jieun Unnie's newly recognized younger sister! Visiting so suddenly, I'm sorry to bother you! This is a small gift for Father and Mother!"

As she spoke, she produced two beautifully wrapped small boxes from somewhere—one was a neck massager for Father ("I heard from Unnie that Father's cervical spine isn't very good, this can provide hot compress and massage!"), and the other was a silk scarf for Mother ("Suwon is still a bit chilly in the spring, Mother can wear this to stay warm and look pretty!").

The gifts weren't expensive, but they were clearly thoughtful and very practical.

Lee's father and Lee's mother were both stunned. They had met their daughter's fans and friends from the industry, but this was the first time they had encountered such a young, formal, and well-behaved child who also claimed to be a "sworn sister."

IU was also stunned. She looked at Lee Tima's face, which seemed to scream "I am the best-behaved child in the world," and then thought about how she complained about the food in the SM Entertainment cafeteria, gave sharp-tongued guidance to artists at JYP, and acted domineering in "the kings card" game... A strong sense of unreality and the realization that "this girl is such a good actress" flooded her mind.

"Ah... Tima, right? Get up, get up quickly." Lee's mother was the first to react, hurriedly stepping forward to help Lee Tima up. Looking at her cute-to-a-fault little face, her heart softened instantly. "You're here, why bring gifts... Oh my, this child is so pretty."

Lee's father also put away his pruning shears, took the neck massager, and a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Thank you, Tima. Jieun is really something; she didn't even tell us in advance that she recognized a younger sister, so we could have prepared."

"I insisted on coming with Unnie!" Lee Tima immediately took the "blame" upon herself, tilting her little face up with eyes so sincere they could melt, "Unnie works too hard, and I wanted to accompany her back to relax. Father and Mother don't need to prepare anything special; I'll be super happy if I can just eat well and sleep well! Besides... I can help out!"

As she spoke, her gaze caught the flour on Lee's mother's apron, and her eyes lit up: "Is Mother kneading dough? Are you making dough slices for the braised pork ribs? I can do that! At home... in my previous place, I often helped Mom knead dough!"

Before Lee's mother could refuse, she had already taken the initiative to run to the outdoor faucet and began washing her hands earnestly. Her movements were practiced, and she even carefully cleaned under her fingernails. After washing, she took out her own little handkerchief to dry them, then ran back to Lee's mother's side, tilting her head up and looking at her eagerly: "Mother, can I help? I have a lot of strength!"

How could Lee's mother resist such an offensive? She immediately beamed: "Alright, alright, come, Mother will teach you."

Watching Lee Tima follow Lee's mother into the kitchen, step by step, her little body held straight, looking like she was ready to "show off her skills," IU stood in the yard and suddenly felt... like she was a bit redundant?

Lee's father walked to her side, watching the two figures, one big and one small, in the kitchen, and patted his daughter's shoulder with satisfaction: "Jieun, you... recognized a good sister. She looks sensible; she's much more tactful than you."

IU: "...Dad?" What do you mean she's more tactful than me?!

In the kitchen, Lee Tima's "well-behaved offensive" continued to escalate.

"Mother, how much water should I add to this flour? I'll measure it for you!"

"Mother, should I add cooking wine when blanching the ribs? I'll go get it!"

"Mother, this sauce smells so good! Is it your secret recipe? Can I learn it? I promise not to tell anyone!"

"Mother, are you tired? Let me massage your shoulders!"

She was sweet-talking and diligent. Although she was short and had to stand on a small stool to reach the counter, her movements were surprisingly professional. The dough she kneaded was smooth and even, and she picked vegetables quickly and cleanly. More importantly, the way she looked at Lee's mother was full of genuine admiration and dependence, and occasionally, she would come out with some childish remarks that made Lee's mother laugh heartily.

"Mother, you must have been even prettier than Jieun Unnie when you were young!"

"Mother, your cooking is the second best I've ever eaten! (The first is what I imagine Mom's cooking to be like.)"

"Mother, when I grow up and make money, I'll buy Mother a big house to live in!"

Lee's mother was so delighted that she looked at Lee Tima as if she were her own daughter. In the middle of it, she took a moment to come out and say to IU: "Jieun, look at Tima, how sensible she is at such a young age! You weren't this diligent when you were little; if I asked you to pick vegetables, you'd throw away the good ones and keep the rotten ones."

IU: "..."

At dinnertime, Lee Tima's performance could be called a "model child."

She took the initiative to set the table, served rice and soup for everyone, and served food to Lee's father and Lee's mother first, then to IU, and finally to herself. She sat up straight while eating, took small bites, chewed slowly, and never spoke with food in her mouth. When Lee's father asked about her family (cautiously), her eyes turned slightly red, and she lowered her head and whispered: "Mom and Dad... are in heaven. I live with my brother now; my brother is very good to me, but he's busy with work..." That expression of trying to hold back sadness while being strong made Lee's father and Lee's mother ache for her. They kept piling food onto her plate and told her, "From now on, this is your home too, come often."

IU silently shoveled rice into her mouth, watching the small mountain of ribs and vegetables quickly piling up in front of Lee Tima, and then looked at the "normal" portion in her own bowl, suddenly feeling that the rice in her bowl wasn't as tasty anymore.

After the meal, Lee Tima rushed to wash the dishes. When Lee's mother wouldn't let her, she hugged Lee's mother's arm and acted spoiled: "Mother worked hard cooking, so leave small things like washing dishes to me! I often wash them at home! I wash them very clean! Mother, go rest and watch TV; I promise not to break a single bowl!"

In the end, Lee's mother couldn't refuse her and had to let her wash, while she "supervised" from the side. As it turned out, Lee Tima washed them quickly and well, even scrubbing the bottom of the pot until it shone. After she finished, she wiped down the stove and the sink, and even mopped the floor on her way out.

Lee's father looked at the clean, shining kitchen and sighed to IU: "This child... is truly lovable. Jieun, you should bring her back more often. It's lively with her around."

IU forced a smile, feeling so frustrated inside.

Taking advantage of the gap while Lee Tima was pulled into the living room by Lee's mother to eat fruit and watch TV, IU walked to the camellia flowers in the yard, took out her phone, and sent a message to Jiang Zhiyu: [Jiang Zhiyu-xi, is your sister... this 'well-behaved' at home?]

A few seconds later, Jiang Zhiyu replied, concise and to the point: [She's an ancestor at home.]

IU stared at those five words, then listened to the silver-bell-like laughter of Lee Tima and Lee's mother's happy response coming from the living room, and took a deep breath. Understood. Lee Tima wasn't well-behaved. She was just... very good at acting. And, she was very clear on how to precisely gain the affection of elders.

Just then, Lee Tima's voice came from the living room: "Mother! Let me peel the tangerine for you! I know Mother doesn't like the white pith, so I'll peel it all off!"

Then came Lee's mother's smiling voice: "Oh my, our Tima is so thoughtful! Much better than a certain girl who only knows how to wait and eat!"

IU's fingers gripping the phone tightened slightly. Damn Lee Tima... It hasn't even been half a day, and she already wants to steal my parents' affection?!

She turned around and looked at the little figure in the living room, snuggled up next to Lee's mother, smiling with an innocent face, her eyes gradually becoming dangerous. Fine. Lee Tima, you want to play the "well-behaved younger sister" game, right? I'll play along with you.

She put away her phone, put a gentle and appropriate smile back on her face, and walked into the living room.

"Tima," IU sat down next to Lee Tima, reached out to rub her soft hair, and said in an intimate tone, "Don't just focus on peeling for Mother, eat some yourself. Children need to eat more fruit to grow tall."

Lee Tima's body stiffened imperceptibly for a moment. She looked up at IU, blinked her large eyes, and immediately revealed an even sweeter smile: "Nae! Unnie, you eat too!" As she said this, she held out a piece of perfectly peeled tangerine to IU's lips.

IU took it with a smile and chewed slowly, but her gaze remained fixed on Lee Tima's face, as if to say: Little one, trying to fight with your Unnie?

Lee Tima tilted her head, her eyes innocent and clear, as if she hadn't understood IU's "threat" at all.

Lee's mother watched the "loving" interaction between the two sisters and was even happier: "Look, what a great pair of sisters! Jieun, you must take good care of Tima in the future; she's young and doesn't have her parents by her side, it's not easy."

"Mom, don't worry." IU put her arm around Lee Tima's shoulder, pulled her closer into her embrace, and smiled as gently as water, "Tima is my younger sister now, and I will definitely 'take good care' of her."

She emphasized the word "take care of" slightly.

Lee Tima snuggled in IU's arms, her little face, at an angle IU couldn't see, reflected in the living room mirror, revealing a fleeting, sly, and triumphant smile that belonged to a 24-year-old soul.

Then, she looked up, using those big, watery eyes to look at IU, and said softly, "Unnie is the best! I like Unnie the most!"

IU: "..." She suddenly felt that recognizing this younger sister might not just be "interesting." It might also... be inviting a wolf into the house.

The night grew deeper. Lee Tima was arranged to sleep in the room IU had as a child (IU herself slept in the master bedroom). Lee's mother had laid out the softest quilt for her and, fearing she might be cold, added another blanket.

Before going to bed, Lee Tima, wearing one of IU's old pajamas (it was too big for her, with the sleeves and pant legs rolled up several layers), holding a rabbit doll (which Lee's mother had found on short notice), stood at the room's doorway and bowed again to Lee's father and Lee's mother: "Father, Mother, good night. Thank you for your hospitality today; I had a very happy time."

"Good night, Tima, sleep well." Lee's father and Lee's mother looked at her, their eyes so gentle they could melt ice and snow.

After her parents returned to their room, IU stood leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching the little figure in the room who was struggling to roll up the sleeves of the oversized pajamas.

"Nice acting," IU said softly, her tone betraying neither happiness nor anger.

Lee Tima's movements paused. She looked up, and the well-behaved expression on her face faded slightly, replaced by a slightly playful expression that was somewhere between a child and an adult: "What is Unnie talking about? Tima doesn't understand."

"Acting like a good baby in front of my parents, stealing my spotlight, hmm?" IU walked into the room, closed the door, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked at Lee Tima.

Lee Tima hugged the rabbit doll, climbed onto the bed, and sat opposite IU, her short legs swinging: "I wasn't acting; I really like Father and Mother. They are good to me, so of course I have to be good to them. This is called... reciprocity? Besides," she leaned closer, lowered her voice, and said in a volume only the two of them could hear, "Doesn't Unnie think it's a good thing to have someone help you make Mom and Dad happy so they worry less about you?"

IU looked at her eyes, which were still sparkling in the dim light. There was indeed no calculation in them, only a childish righteousness and a hint of... perhaps even she herself hadn't realized it, a longing for "family warmth." IU's heart softened.

"Is your brother... good to you?" she asked.

Lee Tima pursed her lips: "So-so. Although he's annoying sometimes—arrogant, sharp-tongued, holds grudges, and always wants to boss me around... he doesn't let me go hungry or cold, and if I cause trouble, he helps me clean up the mess (although he scolds me after cleaning it up). I guess... he's a passing-grade brother?"

Listening to that awkward "acknowledgment" in her tone, IU smiled: "Then why do you still want to 'defect'? And revoke his 'brother status'?"

"That's tactics!" Lee Tima said righteously, "Can't let him get too cocky! Besides..." her eyes rolled, "I have Unnie now! Two Lee Ji-euns joining forces, invincible! What is Jiang Zhiyu anyway!"

IU was amused by her and reached out to pinch her little face: "You're a smooth talker."

Lee Tima took the opportunity to hug IU's arm, pressed her face against it, and her voice was muffled: "Unnie, I really want to be your younger sister. I'm not acting."

Feeling the warmth and dependence coming from her arm, IU was silent for a moment, then gently patted her back.

"Mm. Sleep, little sister."

"Good night, Unnie."

The light went out. Moonlight spilled in through the gap in the curtains. Lee Tima closed her eyes, her breathing even, as if she were already asleep. But the corners of her mouth quietly curved into a small, satisfied arc.

In the master bedroom next door, IU lay in bed, listening to the faint, steady breathing of Lee Tima, recalling everything that had happened today, and suddenly felt that having such a little one in the house... seemed, actually, quite nice. Even if she was pretending, even if she might have other motives (like angering Jiang Zhiyu). But that longing for family warmth, which she carefully hid, was felt by IU. Then... let's temporarily accept this troublesome yet cute younger sister.

As for Jiang Zhiyu... IU picked up her phone and sent a final message to Jiang Zhiyu: [Your sister is doing well here; my parents like her very much. Borrowing her for a few days. Also, she seems really afraid of you scolding her; she mentioned 'will brother be angry' three times tonight. Treat her better, Jiang Zhiyu-xi. She's just a child who wants someone to care for her.]

After sending it, she put down her phone and closed her eyes. On the other side of the city, Jiang Zhiyu looked at this message, then looked at the various "show-offs" and "provocations" that Lee Tima had sent earlier, was silent for a long time, and finally just gave a light "tsk," and turned off the screen.

Outside the window, the night sky of Seoul had dim stars. But in the small building in Suwon, there seemed to be a bit more of a different kind of warmth.