The first light of dawn crept through the gap in the curtains, casting a pale stripe across Ding Xu’s face. He blinked awake, the familiar hum of the household already settling around him. From downstairs came the soft clink of plates and the subtle fragrance of fried eggs—his sister’s morning ritual. He stretched, a slow smile curling his lips, and swung his legs out of bed.
The kitchen was warm, lit by the overhead fixture that made everything look soft and golden. Ding Xue stood at the stove, her back to him, a loose white blouse tucked into a gray skirt that hugged her hips. She turned when she heard his footsteps, and her face immediately softened into that gentle, sisterly smile—the one she wore for the world. But her eyes betrayed her. They held a glint, a flicker of something deeper, something hungry.
“Morning, Xiao Xu,” she said, her voice smooth as cream. “I made your favorite. Eggs with a bit of soy sauce, just the way you like them.”
He took his seat at the table, saying nothing, watching her set the plate in front of him. She lingered a moment too long, her fingers brushing his shoulder. He caught her wrist.
“Did you forget something?” he asked quietly, his tone flat.
Her breath hitched. She knew that voice. “What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. Under the table. Now.”
A faint blush crept up her neck, but she obeyed without hesitation. She stepped back, her fingers working at the waistband of her skirt. A moment later, a small piece of white fabric—lace-trimmed—slid down her legs and pooled at her ankle. She stepped out of it, picked it up, and pressed it into his hand. He took it, felt the warmth still clinging to the cotton, and pocketed it without a word.
She sat down across from him, her skirt now clinging to bare skin beneath. Her legs were pressed together, but under the table, her foot found his calf. He let her touch linger for a moment, then moved his own foot up along her shin, slow and deliberate. She bit her lower lip, her eyes fixed on her plate.
“You’re a good girl, Jie,” he said softly, forking a piece of egg. “But you’re still my bitch, aren’t you?”
Her voice came out barely a whisper. “Yes.”
“Say it properly.”
“I’m your bitch, Xiao Xu.” The words trembled with a mix of shame and thrill.
His foot moved higher, pressing against the inside of her thigh. She gasped softly, her hands gripping the edge of the table. He saw her knuckles whiten.
“Don’t make a sound,” he warned. “Yu’er will be down any minute.”
They ate in silence for a while, the only sounds the scrape of utensils and the occasional sharp intake of breath from Ding Xue. His toes traced lazy patterns against her bare skin, and she responded by pressing her thighs together, trapping his foot. He smirked and twisted slightly, making her jolt.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs made them both freeze. Ding Xue’s eyes widened, and she quickly pulled her leg away, sitting up straight. She smoothed her skirt, composed herself, and took a sip of water, her face a mask of normalcy.
Ding Yu entered the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. She wore a simple school uniform, her hair in two messy braids. Her chest strained against the fabric of her blouse in a way that seemed almost inappropriate for her age, but her face was cherubic, innocent.
“Morning, brother. Morning, Jie.” She yawned, sliding into the chair next to Ding Xu, her small body close to his.
Ding Xue smiled warmly. “Sleep well, Yu’er? I made you a smaller portion—I know you don’t like too much in the morning.”
“Thanks, Jie.” Ding Yu picked up her chopsticks and began eating, her movements dainty and proper.
Under the table, Ding Xu felt a tiny foot press against his ankle. It was Ding Yu, her toes sneaking up his pant leg, rubbing against his calf with a practiced stealth. He didn’t react, didn’t change his expression. He simply continued chewing, his eyes meeting Ding Xue’s across the table. She saw his slight smile and understood.
He finished his breakfast and set down his chopsticks. “Both of you. Listen.”
Ding Yu’s foot stilled. Ding Xue’s eyes locked onto him.
“Today, I want you both to wear something special.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out two small, egg-shaped objects. They were smooth, silicone, wireless. Vibrating eggs. He placed one in front of each sister.
Ding Xue’s blush deepened. She stared at the small device as if it were a live snake. Ding Yu’s eyes widened, and she bit her lower lip, a mixture of apprehension and excitement flickering across her young face.
“You’ll put them in before you leave for school,” he said, his voice low and calm. “And you’ll keep them on all day. I have the remote. I’ll decide when they turn on.”
“Xiao Xu…” Ding Xue’s voice was strained. “What if someone notices?”
“They won’t. You’ll be careful. You’re both very good at being careful, aren’t you?” He looked at Ding Yu. “Isn’t that right, Yu’er?”
Ding Yu nodded, her cheeks flushed. “Yes, brother.”
“And you’ll text me every hour,” he continued. “One message each. Just one word: ‘Good.’ If you miss a message, I’ll turn it on in the middle of your class. I’ll leave it on until you can’t think straight. Understood?”
“Understood,” they both whispered, their voices nearly in unison.
He stood up, picking up his school bag. “Good. Then get ready. I’ll be waiting by the door.”
He walked out of the kitchen, leaving the two sisters alone at the table. Behind him, he heard the faint rustle of fabric, a small gasp, and the soft click of a plastic lid closing. He smiled to himself as he slipped on his shoes. The day ahead promised to be delightfully interesting.