The very next day, Si Yao was already bouncing with anticipation.
"Jiejie, really? He said I could come?"
"Yes," Qing Yun smiled, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her sister's ear. "Mr. Gu invited you to Luminar. Don't cause trouble for anyone."
Si Yao wrinkled her nose. "I won't! I'll only cause admiration."
Qing Yun laughed. She hoped it was true.
---
At Luminar's headquarters, the research team didn't know what to expect when their boss introduced a high school girl as a "visitor." But within half an hour, their skepticism turned into awe.
The lead engineer explained an algorithm with casual hand gestures, assuming she'd only catch half of it. Instead, Si Yao tilted her head thoughtfully and asked:
"But if you adjust the parameter here, wouldn't it reduce the bias you mentioned? Wouldn't the trade-off be worth it?"
The room went silent.
Then someone clapped. Another nodded vigorously. Within minutes, they were surrounding her, excitedly pulling up diagrams, eager to explain more, delighted each time she caught on instantly.
"She's a genius," one muttered.
"Our research goddess," another declared dramatically, and laughter erupted across the room.
Qing Yun stood at the door, stunned, her heart swelling with pride and disbelief. She glanced at Ze Yan, who was watching too, a small, quiet smile playing at his lips.
"She's shining because you've been her sun all along," he murmured to Qing Yun.
Qing Yun brushed it off with a faint smile, though warmth lingered in her chest.
---
By the end of the day, the engineers were so enamored that they cornered Ze Yan near the coffee machine.
"Boss, you need to contract her," one said earnestly.
"Before another company steals her," another added.
"She's still in high school," Ze Yan pointed out dryly.
"Even better," the team said in unison. "Early investment!"
Ze Yan just shook his head, amused. But later, when he saw Si Yao walking beside Qing Yun, animatedly describing an idea she'd had, he thought—maybe they weren't wrong.
---
That night, Si Yao made up for months apart by talking endlessly to her sister.
She spoke of her classes, her victories in competitions, her worries about applying abroad, her excitement about the boy she liked. Through it all, Qing Yun listened attentively, encouraging her, gently correcting her doubts, reminding her to stay kind and to enjoy her youth despite the pressure.
"You make it sound so easy," Si Yao sighed.
"It's not easy," Qing Yun replied softly, stroking her hair. "But you'll make it through. I believe in you."
---
On Saturday, when Qing Yun was busy tutoring, Ze Yan offered to take Si Yao out.
They visited Luminar again, where the engineers welcomed her like royalty. They grabbed street food afterward, laughing at silly things. They even walked by the riverside, where Si Yao pointed out couples holding hands and teased Ze Yan mercilessly.
"Don't you get lonely?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ze Yan chuckled. "Not anymore."
She blinked, surprised. Then smiled knowingly, though she didn't press further.
---
That night, when she crawled into bed, she hugged Qing Yun tightly.
"These two weeks are too short. I don't want them to end."
Qing Yun kissed her forehead, smiling brightly. "Even if you're away, I'll always be with you."
Ze Yan saw this from the doorway, unnoticed. His heart clenched. He understood—Sunny's world was Si Yao. Her joy, her drive, her reason for everything.
And perhaps… that was what made her shine so fiercely.