While Little Ya "shut down," Cifera, surrounded by her "parents" who were showering her with "concern," maintained the facade of a "good daughter" with practiced composure. Yet inwardly, she couldn't help but mutter:
Little Ya's parents are completely bonkers... Even if you're helping your daughter act, there's no need to go this far. They're way too into this game...
Still, at least it proves their family bond is strong. With such interesting and loving parents, I can't help but envy Little Ya a little~
Watching Little Ya's petrified silhouette with arms outstretched, "Aya's" smile grew increasingly radiant.
Standing behind them, Lu Yue struggled to suppress a grin that threatened to split his face wider than an AK-47's muzzle.
Ha ha ha!
Little Ya!
So this is your true family "pecking order"!
No wonder you never mentioned having an older sister before—were you afraid I'd find out how "miserable" you are at home?
Well, the truth is out now! I'm going to laugh at you for the rest of my life! Ha ha ha!
Though Nie Bing couldn't help but find humor in Little Ya's awkward situation, her attention was mainly focused on "Aya's" interactions with her parents.
From her perspective, "Aya's" behavior seemed remarkably natural, showing no signs of deception.
Yet a nagging voice in her mind reminded her: Cifera is a master of deception. Perfectly mimicking the real Aya's dynamic with her parents would be no challenge for her.
Shaking her head, Nie Bing's gaze sharpened once more.
Since I'm already here, I shouldn't overthink things. Tonight, I'll get to the bottom of whether this "Aya" is truly Cifera!
Nie Bing had already devised her next method of verification.
"Ahem!"
Finally, Little Ya's exasperated cough broke the silence, as if her parents had just noticed her presence.
Little Ya's father rushed to her side, his expression bewildered. "Little Ya, why are you standing at the door like a dazed fool? Hurry up and show our guest inside!"
Her mother turned to chime in, "Exactly! Our guest is here, Little Ya, you need to be more proactive. You're not a child anymore—stop relying on your parents and sister for everything."
Little Ya was stunned again.
Seriously?! Are you two addicted to this charade?
When did I ever rely on you?
I'm way more reliable than you two goofballs, okay?!
If you two hadn't been so engrossed in "petting Cifera," we would have been inside ages ago!
Besides, I'm the one who brought Cifera home! If anyone should be petting her first, it should be me!
You two are just reaping the rewards, yet you're acting so smug?!
Don't you dare... don't you dare...
Hmph! I have to admit, Mom and Dad have exploited a loophole.
Knowing I needed their cooperation for the act, they knew I wouldn't blow up tonight, so they felt free to tease me relentlessly.
I'll settle this score with you two later!
Just then, "Aya" gently patted the back of Little Ya's mother's hand, who was still immersed in "petting Cifera," and said in a soft voice:
"Mom~ Dad~ Stop teasing Little Ya. She's easily embarrassed; if you keep it up, she'll really get angry~"
Though these words seemed to be helping Little Ya out of a bind, they actually poured fuel on the fire, confirming that Little Ya was "shy and sulky" because she was "being teased."
Little Ya's parents immediately understood and joined in the laughter, feigning surrender.
"Alright, alright, no more teasing~"
But the amusement in their eyes remained undiminished.
Then, "Aya" naturally turned to Nie Bing and Lu Yue, introducing them:
"Mom, Dad, this is Officer Nie Bing. You've both seen her on TV, so you probably understand why she's here.
"And this is Sister Lu Yue, Little Ya's childhood friend. It's her first time visiting our home."
Little Ya's father immediately switched to a warm, enthusiastic smile:
"Of course, we know Officer Nie Bing! She's so dedicated on the show! Welcome, welcome! We'll cooperate fully with you!"
He then turned to Lu Yue, his eyes radiating a grandfatherly fondness mixed with a hint of barely concealed curiosity:
"Ah, the Lu family's precious granddaughter! Of course I know you! Little Ya has mentioned you countless times. Indeed, you're... uh... strikingly beautiful! No, wait, that's not quite right... I meant gracefully elegant!
"Come visit more often, dear! Your father and I are old friends!"
Little Ya's mother chimed in with a warm smile:
"Welcome! Make yourselves at home and don't stand on ceremony," she said, discreetly squeezing "Aya's" hand, her cat-loving instincts always in full force.
Nie Bing and Lu Yue responded politely, feeling somewhat awkward under the couple's excessive enthusiasm.
Then, Little Ya's parents turned to her. Her father, chuckling awkwardly, began, "Sorry, Little Ya, we were just joking around. You're not really mad, are you?"
Little Ya internally rolled her eyes so hard she almost pulled a muscle, but forced a bright smile. "Of course not! I knew you were kidding! I was just pretending too. How could I ever be truly angry?"
You wicked cat! You're ganging up on me too, huh? Fine! Even though Mom and Dad—and everyone else in this house—won't expose you, don't think you're off the hook!
A little "surprise" awaits you inside! Hmph!
This staged "happy family" scene naturally drew a flood of sarcastic bullet comments:
[Haha, this family's drama is off the charts!]
[Little Ya was definitely sulking earlier! Now she's just putting on a brave face. So cute!]
[Sister Aya is so sweet, always trying to smooth things over for her little sister!]
[Haha, "smoothing things over"? More like joining in on teasing her sister!]
[Am I the only one who thinks Little Ya's parents only have eyes for their "eldest daughter"? Poor Little Ya!]
[What's so pitiful? This is a truly loving family!]
[Lu Yue was struggling so hard to hold back her laughter just now! She and Little Ya are definitely the best frenemies.]
[Laugh all you want while Master Tokushi isn't here. You won't be laughing later!]
[Exactly! Is your Master Tokushi incapable of smiling by nature?]
Though many Japanese viewers had switched to watching Kawaguchi Tokushi's feed, a small number remained focused on Aya's group, occasionally posting inflammatory comments that were then fiercely countered by Chinese viewers in a digital "dogpile."
Amidst the banter, the group finally entered the main residence.
The interior was equally lavish and meticulously designed, seamlessly blending modern smart home features with classical art pieces. The "cat" motif permeated every corner—
Cat-shaped ornaments, paw-print carpets, and even abstract paintings on the walls subtly hinted at feline silhouettes.
But the most striking feature was the diverse array of cats freely roaming the vast space!
Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, Siamese, tabby cats... even a few hairless cats of noble pedigree lounged languidly on expensive sofas, strolled with elegant grace, or curiously observed the newcomers.
Cifera, this is the "surprise" for you~ Little Ya thought to herself with a smirk.