ă€ŠRebirth: Once Again With Youă€‹


 Chapter ?1 Alone And Abandoned

    The woman with curly hair and a morous dress sat with her legs crossed. Her sharp phoenix eyes seemed to glow in a dim room, and her lips curled up in amusement. Her beautifully painted nails grazed onto the paper in front of her as she yfully touched them.

    "Why are you so stubborn? Do you think he would forgive you after what you have done?"

    Meng Shuchun, the elegant woman with curly hair, spoke to her sister-inw, who sat opposite her. Compared to Meng Shuchun, the woman looked very in in her ck cotton long pants and a simple long-sleeve white shirt. Her hair was tied neatly to the back, but her face looked haggard as if she hadn''t slept well for days.

    "Li Caiyi, I have never met someone as shameless as you before. You have done something outrageous and smeared our family name, and you still have the gall to step into our house?" Meng Shuchun grinned even wider when she witnessed how Li Caiyi was trembling. "I felt sorry for my brother for having a vicious wife like you, so I volunteered myself to tell you this. My brother wanted to divorce you."

    Meng Shuchun''s light-hearted voice bore so much malice. Li Caiyi bit her lips while suppressing the urge to cry. She didn''t want to believe that her husband would treat her like this. They have been married for three years. Even if there wasn''t any love between them, wasn''t their rtionship just fine? They respected each other and treated each other sincerely, so why would he do this to her?

    "Why? Do you feel wronged?" Meng Shuchun''s words snapped her back to reality. "Out of all people, you should''ve known that your sister is the apple of my brother''s eyes. She is the one he loves, but you are his wife. You should''ve felt content with that, yet you just have to be jealous and ruin the little affection my brother had for you. You only had yourself to me."

    "No, that''s not true. It wasn''t me. I never hurt Chunhua. Why would I do that to my twin sister?"

    "Every evidence pointed to you, and you still want to deny it?" Meng Shuchun''s tone grew harsher as if she had enough of this charade. "You''re the one who gave Li Chunhua that drink, and she copsed as soon as she drank that!"

    "I might be the one who gave her the drink, but I did nothing to it. Someone clearly wanted to frame me!"

    "Do you have proof?"

    Li Caiyi stiffened. After hearing Meng Shuchun''s question, words that had been on the tip of her tongues couldn''te out. Li Caiyi forcefully swallowed them, then took a deep breath. "Shuchun, I know I might look like the most suspicious person in that circumstance, but what reason do I have to harm Chunhua? You said I was jealous of her, but if I really wanted to harm her, then I would''ve done so since long ago. Why wait until now? Why would I harm her in a public event when pairs of eyes were watching my every action?"

    Li Caiyi tried her best to reason with her, but Meng Shuchun wasn''t impressed. "Who knows? You probably want to y reverse psychology by doing this. You deliberately used the method where you might be suspected, so we would think that you might be framed while you''re the main culprit all along!"

    Li Caiyi wanted to cry because of frustration.

    Why would no one believe in her? Her husband didn''t believe her, and her family didn''t believe her. Now, even her sister-inw wants her to sign a divorce agreement for her brother.

    What did she do wrong? She had always treated Li Chunhua well. When people sent things to her family, she always let Li Chunhua have the best. When Li Chunhua was sick, she would always leave whatever she was doing to stay by her side. When Meng Renshu told her he was in love with Li Chunhua, she silently endured the painful heartbreak and helped them get together.

    Li Chunhua was her twin sister. She had always been sickly, but she had a bright and optimistic personality, so many people were drawn to her naturally. Her parents often worried about her since she could be reckless sometimes and depended on Li Caiyi to take care of her. Never once did Li Caiyi think that Li Chunhua was a burden. Even when she knew that Meng Renshu would never look at her, she never hated Li Chunhua.

    They were sisters, and Li Caiyi sincerely cared about Li Chunhua.

    There should be no one who''d ever treat Li Chunhua better than her. For her, Li Chunhua was even more important than her own life.

    Just where did everything go wrong?

    Meng Shuchun mmed the table impatiently as she pushed the divorce agreement to her. "Whatever the reason is, my brother had decided that you guys should divorce. Stop being so pathetic and ept the reality in front of you! You are nothing in my brother''s heart. You should feel grateful that my brother was willing to take a dull woman like you as a substitute wife. If not for your simr face to Chunhua, would my brother even look at you?!"

    Her words were like a hundred knives stabbing Li Caiyi''s old wounds. The words of truth were always the ones that hurt the most. The idea of being abandoned almost suffocated Li Caiyi to death.

    No, that wasn''t correct. How could Li Caiyi be abandoned when he never had her in his heart? For him, she was nothing.

    Li Caiyi had always known, and she was prepared if someday Meng Renshu decided to leave her and reconcile with Li Chunhua. But not this way. Not in this manner.

    "Iˇ­ I want to talk with Renshu about this."

    Meng Shuchun scoffed mockingly. "I see. It seems you still want to hold on to a sliver of hope. Well, go on, call him."

    Li Caiyi ignored Meng Shuchun''s contemptuous re and dialed her husband''s number with trembling hands. She waited anxiously, but the call was connected to a voicemail. She tried again, but this time, the call was swiftly rejected. After numerous times of being rejected, Li Caiyiughed bitterly as tears welled up in her eyes.

    Meanwhile, Meng Shuchun was having fun watching Li Caiyi slowly sink into despair. "See? You should''ve signed it obediently when I told you so. I heard he''s in the hospital right now, beside his true love. Why would he waste time picking up on your call?"

    Her provocation made her ears burn, so Li Caiyi ignored her. Meng Shuchun almost exploded from anger, but she suppressed it with a snort. "So stubborn."

    Li Caiyi texted Meng Renshu frantically. She repeatedly texted him to pick up the call because she had something important to discuss. She bit her lips nervously as she waited for him to reply. After a few seconds that felt like forever, the reply finally came. Li Caiyi read it and felt like her world was falling apart.<sub> </sub>

    [I don''t want to talk or to see you anymore. Li Caiyi, marrying you was the biggest regret in my life. Please don''t contact me anymore].

    Her mind was nk. Her hand that was holding the phone lost its energy and limped helplessly to her side.

    Li Caiyi felt that her heart was being torn into pieces. It hurts so much. Much more than when he admonished her in anger for hurting Li Chunhua.

    Did he really not care about her, even a little? No matter what, she had been by his side, supporting him wholeheartedly for years. How could he break their rtionship with a mere text?

    Li Caiyi''s eyes slowly lost their light. Herplexion was so bad that people probably couldn''t tell which was the sickly one if she stood beside Li Chunhua right now.

    "Stop torturing yourself. Keep thest remaining pride with you, and just end this. That way, everyone would be happy." Meng Shuchun pushed the paper towards her again.

    Li Caiyi hadn''t looked at it properly before this, so she thought the paper would still be nk. She was shocked when she saw that someone had filled the form thoroughly without missing even one, except her signature. Li Caiyi couldn''t possibly not recognize her husband''s handwriting and signature.

    He couldn''t even wait for her to read and fill it in by herself, so he filled in everything beforehand?

    He didn''t want to bother with her, so he sent her sister to give her this?

    Was he in so much hurry to get rid of her?

    Li Caiyi felt she might not know Meng Renshu that well for the first time. They were supposed to be childhood friends, but not even that could stop him from treating her so ruthlessly like this. He didn''t believe her and didn''t bother to listen to her exnation. He just wanted to divorce her.

    Perhaps he actually had been waiting for this chance.

    Li Caiyiughed bitterly. The tears that had been pooled in her eyes spilt uncontrobly, soaking the paper. She stayed that way for seconds, and Meng Shuchun didn''t urge her for once.

    After she had her fill of crying, she weakly held the pen, then wrote down her signature.

    To think that three years of marriage would end in such a way. Everything was jumbled up in her mind, and Li Caiyi was sitting absentmindedly with a vacant expression. She didn''t even realize when Meng Shuchun left with the divorce agreement.

    It was quiet. This house was her wedding house with Meng Renshu, but she was the only one here. Probably, Meng Renshu would prefer to stay in hospital with Li Chunhua rather than in this house with her.

    Li Caiyi was very sad, to the point that she felt like nothing else mattered in this world. However, she stubbornly held onto thest bit of sanity in her and dialed her mother''s number.

    Even if it was a fake kindness, she wanted someone to tell her that everything would be alright. She wanted someone to tell her it was okay for her to be here. She wouldn''t ask for anything else if even one person said that.

    However, her mother didn''t pick up the call after several tries. Li Caiyi was disappointed, but her mother was probably busy taking care of Li Chunhua.

    She tried contacting her brother, but he turned off his phone. Li Caiyi bit her lips. Her brother was probably busy with his study again.

    She contemted a bit before she finally dialed her father''s phone. As expected, he didn''t pick up. It has always been like that.

    No one picked up the call. Li Chunhua wasn''t in the best condition to pick up her call, and she had no friends.

    For the first time in her life, Li Caiyimented how barren her life was.

    ''Ah, that''s right. Everyone must have been worried about Chunhua right now. I hope she is okay.''

    Everything in front of her looked bleak and colorless. The indescribable amount of heartache felt like it was going to kill her. She felt stiff all over, and her abdomen was throbbing in pain.

    Finally, she closed her eyes tiredly.

    It was cold and lonely.

    She was alone.

 Chapter 2 Do You Want To Do It Together?

    The sky was dark with a rumbling sound. The wind blew so strongly, causing the pedestrian to seek shelter hurriedly. They preferred to wait until the sky cleared up rather than continue walking with the risk of being blown off the ground. One would only need to look at the sky to know that a storm woulde.

    Under such a gloomy sky, a woman with long hair and sunken cheeks wandered with a vacant expression. She strolled with no care for her surroundings. The woman''s hair fluttered wildly around because of the wind. She wore a khaki trench coat and ck cotton pants. Her feet, which were wearing ck heels, looked extremely cold in this harsh weather.

    Li Caiyi could hear the sound of wind beside her ears. The chilly breeze felt sharp and heavy on her skin. She tightened her coat as she walked faster.

    "Hey, thedy over there! It would be best if you came inside a building first. I heard there would be a storm tonight. Don''t wander around. It''s dangerous!"

    Li Caiyi could hear it, but she pretended not to. She kept walking without doing so much as looking back. The man who screamed the warning cursed her for being ungrateful and ignorant, but Li Caiyi didn''t care.

    After walking for some time, she finally arrived at what could be discerned as a construction site. However, the construction seemed to stop halfway and left in a state of ipleteness. The fence was high and wrapped with barbed wire, but Li Caiyi knew the gate was unlocked.

    How did she know? It''s because someone had entered this ce before.

    As far as Li Caiyi knew, this building was supposed to be a department store until the investor pulled back at thest moment and caused the construction to stop in the middle. The project manager was devastated andmitted suicide by jumping from the top of this building. Later, this site was abandoned and left just as it was until now. Nobody dared toe closer since a rumor said thisnd was ominous.

    That incident was very well-known in this city, so much that even a housewife like Li Caiyi ever heard her husband mention it.

    Li Caiyi let out a bitterugh when she realized she had just called that man her husband again in her mind, like a broken record. It was just a few hours ago when she signed a divorce paper, signaling the end of her lonely and bleak marriage, yet here she was, remembering her ex-husband again.

    Li Caiyi shook her head, then entered the vast drynd without a single de of grass in it. There were mounds of sand and gravel, as well as bricks and sacks of cement neatly arranged on one side, but she just casually swept over them before she passed through. She found the stairs quickly and climbed to the top floor. The wind raged outside, causing a creaking sound from the half-made windows. It felt like it could break apart easily, but Li Caiyi didn''t care. This building would be demolished, anyway.

    It didn''t take long for Li Caiyi to reach the topmost floor. Her hand trembled ever so slightly in her pocket. Li Caiyi wanted tough at herself for that.

    "You have reached this far, so what are you afraid of? Stop being so pathetic." She muttered to no one.

    Li Caiyi dug her nails into her palm, and the pain slightly eased her nervousness. She stepped into the open space on the topmost floor. The wind blew harshly up there. If she wasn''t careful enough, she might have just blown away like a speck of dust.

    Li Caiyi bent down as she walked against the wind. She squinted to look ahead and was surprised when she found another person there.

    A man with a ck windbreaker stood on top of the halfplete wall. He stood with his back on her, looking dazedly at the view below.

    She didn''t know what he was thinking, going to this dangerous building in such bad weather. However, a secondter, realization struck her, and she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongues. Instead, she moved closer to him. She deliberately made some noises so as not to scare him too much.

    The man turned back, and his eyes slightly widened when he saw her, but his expression quickly changed into an indifferent one.

    "Are you going to jump?" Li Caiyi asked him. The man didn''t answer but only stared at her with an inexplicable expression. She took his silence as an affirmation.<sub> </sub>

    "Don''t worry; I won''t stop you. You came here first, so I''lle backter." Li Caiyi turned back and was about to leave when the man called out to her in a hoarse voice.

    "Are you going to jump too?"

    "Yeah, but since you got here first, I won''t disturb you."

    "Why?"

    By why did he mean why Li Caiyi wanted to jump? She couldn''t answer him immediately. Not because she didn''t want to answer, but simply because she didn''t know where to start. Everything was just messed up at this point.

    "You seem to live a good life based on your clothes." The man said casually.

    Li Caiyi looked down at her outfit, and indeed, she looked like a woman from a wealthy house, no matter how you looked at it. Her trench coat was a present from her brother for her 27th birthday, which means she only had this for half a year. It still looked as new as she first received it. She heard her brother especially order this for her; though it was only out of obligation, she appreciated his effort.

    It was weird. A few hours ago, her heart ached so much just by remembering her family, but now, everything seemed distant and mundane. The second when I stepped onto this floor, she had let go of her lingering attachments to them.

    Sheughed bitterly. "Then, should Ie backter with more shabby clothes? So I would look more pathetic when they found my corpseter?"

    The man''s brow furrowed at my sarcastic remark. "That''s not what I mean."

    Li Caiyi shrugged her shoulders. "I know, I''m just joking. Not every gold is glittering. Even those with money have their issues."

    The man silently nodded his head. Li Caiyi observed him with interest.

    Looking at him, he looked like a fine man. His body was tall with a wide shoulder. His hair was messy after being blown by the wind, but it couldn''t hide his sharp and chiseled face. He had a pair of deep and slightly upturned eyes, with prominent eyebrows and a high nose bridge.

    He gave off a unique aura that differed from Meng Renshu, who was serene and dignified. This man seemed to carry a hidden depth and wilderness in him, ready to be unleashed if Li Caiyi did so much as to provoke him.

    Li Caiyi wanted to p herself when she realized what she was thinking. How could shepare this stranger to her ex-husband? Has she gone crazy? Even if she preferred men like Meng Renshu more, then so what? That man didn''t want her and only had eyes for Li Chunhua. Besides, this man wasn''t that bad either. He looked more robust and sharper, but it was also charming in his own way.

    ''Just forget about those people and move on.'' Li Caiyi told herself.

    "Then, do you want to do it together?"

 Chapter 3 To Let It Go

    "Then, do you want to do it together?"

    "Huh?" The man''s sudden question caught her off guard.

    "If we''re going to do the same thing, anyway, then should we do it together?" The man repeated his offer tly as if he didn''t just suggest something outrageous.

    Li Caiyi examined his face to gauge how serious he was. She didn''t think he was trying to be funny by saying that. His face was dead serious. "Why, though?"

    "You mean, why do I want to jump off the building with you? Simple, it''s because you seem like you can use somepany."

    Li Caiyi looked at the man incredulously. "Is that all?"

    The man looked back at her with a strange expression. "What else the reason could be?"

    She couldn''t hold back herughter anymore. She didn''t remember when was thest time sheughed so unrestrainedly like this. Herughter carried a bit of an ironic feeling in it.

    People who were dear to her refused to apany her in this life, yet this stranger offered to apany her in her death. If this was a joke made by gods, then Li Caiyi really had to give it to them!

    "Sure, why not?" She brushed off the tears from the corner of her eyes. Whether it was the tears of sadness or joy, she didn''t want to find out.

    The man looked at her with a deep gaze. Even amid the raging wind, Li Caiyi could see her reflection properly in those ink-colored eyes. He slowly reached out his hand to her, beckoning her to grab it.

    She looked up at him, and since he stood in the higher level of her, for a second, Li Caiyi had an illusion that this man was the messenger of death who came to pick her up.

    Whether it was a messenger of death or not, as long as he could take her away from here, Li Caiyi would follow him. The man sighed when she took his hand. With a bit of force, he pulled her up to the same level as him with ease.

    When she finally came face to face with the man, he showed her a faint smile. He didn''t speak a word, but his eyes told her many things. There was relief, guilt, grievance, and joy mixed in it. The hand he used to hold hers was trembling ever so slightly.

    Li Caiyi suddenly felt an indescribable feeling assault her as if her shackles came unbound. She felt like she could fly anywhere now. When she looked at this man''s eyes, she strangely had an odd sense of security and contentness.

    She wanted to know.

    Even in this brief moment she had left, she wanted to know more about this man.

    "Do you have ast wish or regret?" She asked him.

    The man''s gaze deepened. "I do."

    "Me too."

    "Shall we stop, then?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No. I was just saying, even if we became acquainted just now, if there was something you want to do before you die, then I want to fulfil it for you."

    The man''s pupils shook for a moment before it returned to the previous tranquility. He turned his gaze away from her and looked faraway with a tender expression. "That''s so kind of you. If I knew everything woulde to this, I should have taken my beloved away with me back then. Leaving her on her own was my biggest regret of all."

    So this man has someone in his heart? He must have loved her so dearly if remembering her could make him look like that.

    What about her? Was her love for Meng Renshu amount to what he felt? Was Meng Renshu''s love for Li Chunhuaparable to his love?<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi didn''t know anymore. If there was something she knew, it was that she envied the lucky woman whom this man loved.

    "Then, do you want to go on a date with me?"

    Li Caiyi said that impulsively. She was about to correct that ambiguous sentence when that man answered.

    "Sure."

    It was the same t tone he used when he offered her to die together. Li Caiyi didn''t know whether she shouldugh or cry. However, since she was the one who suggested it, she couldn''t take it back now.

    "Okay, then."

    The man jumped off the wall and helped here down, too. Before she knew it, the gloomy weather had cleared up. The afternoon sunlight fell on the man''s face, making her handsome face look even more prominent, almost heavenly. Li Caiyi held her breath unconsciously.

    The man sped her hand and led her downstairs. Li Caiyi was silent throughout the walk and only stared absentmindedly at his back. She wondered what this man had thought when he agreed with her suggestion. Was he so desperate for a woman he didn''t care who it was anymore?

    When they finally left the building''s area, Li Caiyi slowly pulled out her hand from his grasp. Before she went into this, she wanted to rify a few things with him first.

    "I don''t think there''s any need to say this, but let me say it just in case. I didn''t n to continue living anymore."

    The man nodded his head. "Yeah, me too."

    His honesty was astonishing, but Li Caiyi quickly regained herposure. "I don''t have much time. If I want to do this, I need to do it tomorrow, at thetest."

    "Then, let''s go back here tomorrow."

    She eyed him suspiciously. "Do you really understand what I''m trying to say?"

    "I do. You are still determined to die, even if there''s some attraction growing between uster. You said that to remind me to be careful and not to stop youter."

    Once again, Li Caiyi was surprised by his response, whichcked enthusiasm but was very blunt. He seemed to know exactly what she had in mind as if he could read her like a book. She felt conflicted about this.

    "I have no intention of stopping you because I''m the same as you. I don''t have much time, either."

    His response eased her mind. It was always good to talk to a person with the same idea. "Then, we have a deal?"

    Li Caiyi offered her hand for a handshake. The man stared at her hand for a while before he asked her, "What about you? Do you have a death wish or lingering regret?"

    She flinched a bit. She closed her eyes, but nothing came to her mind. Everything that happened to her in this life was a bunch of mistakes. It was irredeemable.

    Even regretting felt useless when something had broken to that extent. The only thing she could doˇ­ was to let it go.

    "Nothing. I have none of that."

    The man gazed at her doubtfully. Thankfully, he didn''t pry further. He shook her hand in a friendly handshake. "Then, I''ll be in your care for today."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Leave it to me."

 Chapter 4 Amusement Park Date

    "What do you want to do first?" Li Caiyi asked the man with curiosity. This might be her first time going out with a man other than her family, after all.

    The man pondered for a bit before he shook his head. "I have no idea what kind of date course would be preferable. I have never done this before."

    "Seriously? You never go on a date even once?!" Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in astonishment. No matter how you look at it, this man looked the same age as her, or at least a few years older. Even a person as dull as Li Caiyi had ever gone on a date before, so how can women leave this fine man alone?

    "I have always been busy, so I never had a chance to. I''d appreciate it if you could rmend good ces."

    "Even if you said thatˇ­." Li Caiyi felt troubled. Even if she had gone on dates with her ex-husband before, mostly it was out of obligation. It always ended quickly, too. So Li Caiyi was as clueless as him.

    However, since she was the one who suggested this, she couldn''t find it in her to refuse. "Then, do you want to go to the amusement park?"

    The man nodded obediently. She had prepared a few sentences to convince him, but it seemed that was unnecessary. He behaved so well; it made her feel like she was bringing her son to y, not a man to date.

    Li Caiyi brushed off the awkward thought, then slowly intertwined her fingers with his. The man jolted in surprise.

    "What? We are going on a date. Then, isn''t it normal for us to hold hands?"

    "Y-yeah, that''s right," the man replied hoarsely. His cheeks reddened a bit, and his palm became more sweaty as time passed. Li Caiyi tried her best not to smile in amusement. She thought that the man''s response was adorable.

    They stopped a taxi since the amusement park was pretty far from where they were. They were sitting in the backseat when Li Caiyi realized something. "Say, we have made ns, but I just remembered I haven''t asked for your name yet."

    "I see."

    Li Caiyi waited for a bit, but the man didn''t show any intention of speaking further. "Did you perhaps not want to tell me your name? Then it would be best if you had said so. I won''t pry if that makes you ufortable."

    The man cast his gaze down while muttering a name. "Shen Qiang."

    "Nice to meet you, Shen Qiang. I''m Li Caiyi."

    After that, Shen Qiang said nothing else and only gazed outside the window with a mncholic expression. He seemed to have something on his mind. Li Caiyi had promised not to pry, so she kept her mouth shut throughout the trip.

    When they arrived at the amusement park, Shen Qiang bought two tickets. Li Caiyi wanted to pay for her ticket, but he refused. She didn''t insist anymore but promised to treat him to a mealter.

    "What do you want to try first?" Li Caiyi asked him as she looked down at the map of the park. There were lots of attractions she recognized here. It''s been a while since thest time she went here, so she couldn''t help but feel a little excited.

    "I don''t know. You choose for me."

    "Seriously, didn''t we agree to do this together? Put some spirit in it, will you?" Li Caiyi reprimanded him with no anger in her tone. If she remembered how this was theirst chance to have fun, she couldn''t me him for being unenthusiastic, but a date would be meaningless if she were the only one who had fun!<sub> </sub>

    For as long as she can remember, she has always lived to please others. The number of times when she had some time for herself was very few. Now, when she finally decided to leave everything behind and do as she pleased, she still had to consider other people''s feelings. What kind of curse was this?

    Li Caiyi grabbed Shen Qiang''s hand and pulled him forward. "If you aren''t going to say anything, then you''d better notin to meter if this date wasn''t to your liking!"

    The man''s pupils widened, then a soft smile appeared on his face. "Yes. I''ll do as you said."

    Li Caiyi traced her memories back and tried several attractions she had never tried before.

    Li Chunhua has always been frail since she was a little, so as the older sister, Li Caiyi had to be sensible and apany her to ride attractions she could go to. Even if Li Caiyi preferred haunted houses over dollhouses or Vikings than a merry-go-round, Li Caiyi couldn''t say selfish things, or Li Chunhua would feel bad about it and cry. When Li Chunhua cried, everyone would me her for being small-minded and not generous enough.

    ''Fuck that. I will go on thrilling rides this time!''

    They went to the haunted house, Viking, roller coaster, and many else. Li Caiyi spent the most fulfilling times in ages with Shen Qiang. Although he mostly stayed quiet, he was still betterpany than a person who kept looking at his phone anxiously during a date.

    ''Tsk. Why did I think of that man again? It must be because I''m with another man right now. Yeah, that must be it.''

    Li Caiyi kicked away every unnecessary thought and yed more energetically.

    Time passed quickly when you enjoyed it. In the blink of an eye, the sky darkened.

    "It''s gettingte. Should we go to some other ce?"

    "So soon?" The man asked her back.

    Li Caiyi was a bit surprised butter raised the corner of her mouth in a teasing smirk. Using her elbow, she lightly nudged him. "What? Did someone want to y some more?"

    Shen Qiang protected his arm from her nudge and said, "No. You look like you''re having so much fun. I thought you would like it if we yed some more."

    Shen Qiang''s nonchnt reply wiped the smirk off her face. She looked up at him dumbly.

    Li Caiyi truly didn''t understand this man. They had agreed to do this together, yet he followed her obediently and indulged in her every whim. He had no preferences. He never expressed his opinion, nor did he show any dissatisfaction, so she couldn''t tell if he was happy or not.

    She felt terrible that she was the only one who enjoyed this, so she didn''t n to stay for long. Who would have known Shen Qiang could see right through her easily?

    His thoughtfulness touched Li Caiyi. No one ever paid attention to her so much like this. Usually, nobody would bother to ask if she was ufortable or not, so her favorable opinion of him had increased considerably.

    She smiled softly as she took his big hand in hers. "Nah, let''s go to some other ces. There were lots of other things I wanted to do with you."

 Chapter 5 Gift Exchange

    Li Caiyi brought Shen Qiang to her favorite noodle shops. The shop wasn''t that big, but it was pretty popr, so it was crowded most of the time.

    She used toe here a lot, but ever since she was married, she never came here anymore. The familiar scent of noodles hitting her nose brought a nostalgic feeling.

    "Let''s sit there," Li Caiyi tugged on Shen Qiang''s sleeve as she pointed to one table in the corner. Then, they sat together and made their order.

    "This shop was pretty popr. I used toe here a lot when I was in high school. Although, this shop wasn''t doing as well as it is then."

    Shen Qiang scanned the surroundings before he nodded. "This is indeed a good ce. So much has changed since then."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in astonishment when she heard that. "What? Have youe here before?"

    "Sort of. I heard the rumor about this ce then came here a long time ago."

    "That''s terrific! Then, I don''t need to tell you how delicious the noodles here are, right?"

    "Yeah. It''s been a while since I came here, but I still remember the taste of it."

    Li Caiyi pped her hand together with a big grin. "Who would have guessed I would encounter a fellow fan here. I feel like we have clicked so well since we first met. How curious."

    Their order came not long after that. Li Caiyi looked down at the bowl of noodles in front of her. She was almost drooling just by looking at the delectable visual. "Waah, it''s been so long. How I missed this aroma."

    She didn''t waste any time and dug in. A blissful expression soon appeared on her face. The noodles texture got the right amount of chewiness, and the broth was rich and savory. Li Caiyi felt she had wasted so much time in her life for not appreciating this treasure enough.

    Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu never came to this ce together since he didn''t like to eat in a crowded ce, so she never came to the noodle shop after she was married.

    ''To miss such delicacy over that man. What a waste. A total waste.''

    Li Caiyi relished the moment very much; she didn''t bother to talk until she finished thest sip of the broth. She dabbed her mouth with tissues and sighed in satisfaction.

    "Aah, that was so good. This ce is definitely a must-go ce before you die." Li Caiyi only spoke that casually without implying anything, butter realized Shen Qiang had a gloomy expression on his face. Oops, did she touch a nerve?

    "Ehm, I mean it as a means of expression. That''s right; it''s just a means of expression! You don''t exactly have to visit here before you die or somethingˇ­ ah."

    Shen Qiang''s face turned gloomier. Li Caiyi hurriedly covered her mouth before she repeated anything stupid. She didn''t know how to recover from her mistake, so she remorsefully uttered, "Sorry, my mouth slipped a bit. Don''t overthink it. I wasn''t trying to imply anything by it."

    "I know," Shen Qiang replied with a grim face.

    Li Caiyi felt awkward and slightly ufortable, so she sped Shen Qiang''s hand gently. "Let''s go. The meal is on me, as promised."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi pulled him to the nearest shopping mall to dispel the awkwardness. From Shen Qiang, she knew that this guy hadn''t done much in his life except studying and working, so he rarely brought clothes or did fun activities.

    Li Caiyi doubted it at first, but when she saw how out of ce Shen Qiang was and how he kept asking about many things, she began to believe that Shen Qiang didn''t have much experience ying around.

    ''He has such a look, yet he led such an abstinent life. What a waste. A total waste.''

    Li Caiyi happily showed him around. If there was anything good in her marriage life, it was that she had a generous husband. Meng Renshu never asked how she spent his money and never restrained her from buying anything. Perhaps, he just didn''t care about whatever she did. He didn''t mind losing some money as long as she didn''t make trouble.

    So she knew which store sells the best product for everything. They browsed around, and Li Caiyi picked some clothes for Shen Qiang. His previous gloomy face had long gone and been reced by a soft expression. He gratefully epted the clothes before he also picked some clothes for her.

    Li Caiyi had so much fun shopping. She wasn''t a spendthrift, but she wanted to splurge for once. For Shen Qiang, she bought him a loose white sweater that looked cool on his slightly tan skin. As for her, Shen Qiang chose a knitted cardigan and a pair of socks. He picked it because he thought it would make her feel warm.

    Li Caiyi did feel warmer inside after she saw how thoughtful he was being. Since she and Li Chunhua were twins, people took it for granted and thought Li Caiyi would also like whatever Li Chunhua liked. Meng Renshu was like that. Her parents and older brother also like that.

    Shen Qiang picked this with Li Caiyi in his mind, not because she was a mere addition to Li Chunhua, like one plus one bargain. That fact alone was enough for her to treasure this gift forever.

    However, Li Caiyi also knew that such emotion was useless. Both of them didn''t have much hope in life anymore, so this warm and kind gesture felt like they were licking at each other''s wounds. Li Caiyi thought it was unfortunate that she didn''t experience this when she was still hopeful of life, but it was toote to regret anything.

    "Do you like the gift?"

    Shen Qiang asked her with an expectant look; Li Caiyi couldn''t help but smile. She suppressed herplicated mood from being shown on her face and replied cheerfully. "Of course I like it. Thank you so much for this."

    Shen Qiang smiled back at her. Then, he hesitated a bit before he shyly told her. "This is my first time receiving a gift from a woman, so I''mˇ­ very happy. Thank you, Caiyi."

    It was his first time calling her by her name. His slightly embarrassed and genuinely happy expression made Li Caiyi''s heart flutter.

    She felt strange. Why did it sound so pleasant in her ears when Shen Qiang said she was the first woman that gives him a gift? It wasn''t even that much of a gift, yet she strangely found it very gratifying and fulfilling.

    Li Caiyi put her hand on her chest subconsciously. She could feel her erratic heartbeat and suddenly felt even moreplicated than before.

    She shook her head to clear up her mind.

    ''This is just a temporary feeling driven by my instinct of survival. He is kind to me, but I shouldn''t read too much into it.'' Li Caiyi told herself that.

    As long as she didn''t acknowledge this feeling, her resolve wouldn''t falter.

 Chapter 6 Can I Stay With You Tonight?

    The time ticked by, and by the time they finished shopping, it was already 9 PM.

    Li Caiyi took Shen Qiang to the city''s center, where the street was busy and crowded.

    "It''s very crowded here," Shen Qiang muttered while looking around. He noticed the street hadnterns decorated, and people moved around busily. "Were they celebrating something?"

    His question stopped Li Caiyi on her track. Then she looked back at him incredulously. "Do you seriously not know what day is tomorrow?"

    Shen Qiang scratched the back of his head, and Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation. "Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. How can you not know that?"

    "Ah. So that''s why," Shen Qiang replied tly as if the world festival didn''t strike an impression on him.

    Li Caiyi watched his reaction, but she couldn''t find any sense of longing in his eyes. Usually, people would return to their family during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but Shen Qiang acted like it was unrted to him. He didn''t even remember it until she mentioned it. It meant that for him, this festival brought little to no significance to his life.

    Up to a few hours ago, Li Caiyi still thought that she could spend the mid-autumn festival with her family, but who would have thought that they had never waited for her toe? They looked busy trying to save the family''s face after her supposed allegation.

    Bitterness came from the edge of her throat when she recalled her family''s cold eyes towards her. As if she was an unwanted person in her own house.

    Thinking about that, she couldn''t help but wonder whether Shen Qiang also had a poor rtionship with his family.

    "Since it''s sote already, how about we go back for now?"

    Li Caiyi turned her head to Shen Qiang, and she found him looking at her with an inexplicable expression. She wasn''t that slow to notice that Shen Qiang had been sneaking nces towards her many times today. Every time, his gaze was full of indescribable emotion, and it somehow made her uneasy.

    Li Caiyi avoided his gaze as she pretended to look at thentern on the street with interest. "That''s right; we should go home."

    Both of them remained motionless, despite knowing that their fun date had ended. None of them spoke a word, as though a single sound could break thisfortable silence.

    Every good thing has to end, eventually. Li Caiyi learned that the hard way. Only unhappiness would follow if they prolonged short-lived happiness, and she didn''t want that.

    Instead, she would let this short happinessst forever in her memory by ending this quickly.

    Li Caiyi tucked her hair behind her ears while putting on her best smile. "Thank you so much for today. It''s been a while since I had so much fun. If you are still interested, let''s meet at that building tomorrow morning."

    Shen Qiang hadn''t said anything, but Li Caiyi didn''t have any words left to say, so she turned away.

    She was considering whether she should stay at the hotel tonight when a pair of powerful arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind.

    Li Caiyi gasped in surprise as she tried to maintain her bnce. She jerked her head sideways, and her eyes met with Shen Qiang''s deep eyes. Hezily pressed his cheek on her shoulder as she stared at her.

    His eyes were like the endless night that hid a thousand mysteries. From this distance, Li Caiyi could see how long his eyshes were, and she suddenly forgot every scolding word that had already been on the tip of her tongue.

    "Don''t go."

    Li Caiyi could feel her legs grow weaker when the vibration of his voice tickled her ears. He was too close to herfort!

    "Can you stay with me tonight? I don''t want to be alone."

    Shen Qiang''s voice was as calm as always, but Li Caiyi could still feel a trace of loneliness and desperation in it, as if he was a child clinging to his mother''s sleeve, begging for affection.

    He said he''d never interacted with women that much, but based on this alone, Li Caiyi could tell that this guy was a natural! He knew very well how to evoke a sense of pity from women, and she felt conflicted because of it.

    In the end, she couldn''t give him a straight reply. "Let me go first, then we talk."<sub> </sub>

    Instead of letting her go, his hold on her waist tightened. "No. I want to stay like this. Didn''t you say you were going to fulfil myst wish?"

    Did he have to bring that up now? That was a dirty move!

    "I did say that, but I never said I''m going to sleep with you. I''m sorry if I misread your intention, but please don''t treat me like an easy woman."

    Shen Qiang''s hand flinched a bit. It took him a few seconds to realize that he had upset her, and a guilty look shed across his face.

    He reluctantly let her waist go. "No, you didn''t read it wrong. I did say that with an impure intention in mind."

    The degree of his honesty never ceased to surprise her. Wouldn''t a guy usually make an excuse at times like this? But this guy just outrightly admitted it without an ounce of shame.

    "However, I had never once thought of you as an easy woman. I wanted you because it was you, Li Caiyi."

    Shen Qiang''s sudden deration made her heart skip a beat.

    His voice was unyielding and mixed with a hint of aggressiveness. He hadn''t averted his eyes from hers even for a second, as though he wanted to convey his sincerity to her.

    She had never received such a direct and bold deration like this before. He perfectly caught her off guard, and he used this opportunity where she was frozen to take her hand in his.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know where this hotness came from, her face or hand.

    "I won''t force you to do anything you don''t like, but I don''t want to lie to myself or you. I want you, and only you." Shen Qiang''s gaze deepened. "Li Caiyi. If you can find it in you to trust me, even if it''s just a little, can you grant me a chance to hold you in my arms?"

    His words were too much for her to bear. Her head became dizzy from overheating.

    Li Caiyi pulled her hand from his, and his crestfallen face felt like a stab on her conscience. "Why? We haven''t spent that much time together, and you said you already have someone in your heart. I don''t understand why you would suddenly tell me this."

    No matter what, Li Caiyi couldn''t stand to be a substitute woman anymore. She didn''t want to feel more miserable than this.

    "Honestly, I also don''t know. I don''t understandplicated things like that. What I know is that I feel happy and at ease when I see you smile. That''s why I want to prevent your smile from fading." He paused before he continued. "I have a bad feeling that if I let you go just like that tonight, you''ll go somewhere quiet to cry alone."

    An inexplicable emotion washed over her like an avnche. She couldn''t bear to face Shen Qiang''s prating gaze, so she averted her eyes.

    ? Shen Qiang saw that, and a sad smile appeared on his face. "You have done so much for me today. I want to at least be there with you when you feel lonely. Because Iˇ­ probably understand how hard it is for you."

    His gentle words were like water filling in the gap in her heart and slowly filling in her eyes too. She felt so lost and empty before, but now she felt suffocated by this overwhelming emotion. And all of this was because of Shen Qiang.

    ''Why? Why does this person keep saying things I wanted to hear the most?''

    Before she realized it, Shen Qiang had reduced the gap between them and tightly embraced her quivering body. "Li Caiyi, in myst remaining times, I want to protect you from anything, even from yourself. Would you allow me to do that?"

    That was thest wall of her defense. Shen Qiang, this stranger, hadpletely pierced and broke down her defense and pulled her out from the bottomless swamp she was in.

    The dam in her eyes was broken, and she sobbed uncontrobly.

    Li Caiyi felt so safe in his arms that she subconsciously pulled him closer to her. She hugged him tightly as though he was herst anchor to this world.

    So warm.

 Chapter 7 Affectionate Gesture

    In the end, Li Caiyi decided to follow Shen Qiang to his house. She could no longer go back to her family house or her wedding house, so aside from renting a room in a hotel, his ce was the only choice left.

    Li Caiyi was curious about how his house looked like, so she didn''t refuse his invitation.

    Then, Shen Qiang stopped a taxi and told the driver his address. He lived alone in an apartment room on the edge of S city on the 2nd floor.

    Shen Qiang led the nervous Li Caiyi to his room. After he inputted the password number, the door was unlocked.

    "Come in," He said as he opened the door for her.

    Li Caiyi gulped as she moved her stiff limbs. Life is full of surprises. She would never have imagined that she would spend a night in another man''s house like this. Apart from Meng Renshu and her older brother, she hadn''t interacted much with the opposite sex, so her knowledge was minimal.

    She stepped into Shen Qiang''s ce, and a clean and fresh scent immediately assaulted her nose. This scent wasˇ­ a peppermint?

    "Don''t stand there. Take a seat first. I''ll fetch a warm drink for you." Shen Qiang led her to the white couch in the middle of the room. She awkwardly sat down as she recorded every part of this ce in mind. Meanwhile, he went away to make some drinks.

    This apartment had a simple and modern design on it. She noticed that Shen Qiang seemed to prefer ck and white, seeing how his furniture dominated in these colors. The wall was painted white, and the floor was covered with a soft white carpet. The kitchen cab, the kitchen counter, and the dining table were arranged to one side, and it looked prettyfy. On the other side, there was another smaller couch with a medium-sized TV in front of it.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if it was just her because although the room looked immacte, itcked a human warmth. It was almost like he used this space solely for shelter and not for living, considering how he kept the furniture to the bare minimum. There weren''t any decorations you usually see at people''s houses, such as deskmps, flower vases, paintings on the wall, an aquarium, a clock, or other little trinkets. Aside from the necessary furniture, this apartment barely had anything.

    ''Does Shen Qiang like a house like this?''

    While Li Caiyi was immersed in her thoughts, he heard footstepsing. "Do you like this ce?"

    She smiled as she received the steaming mug from him. "It''s a nice ce. You choose a good ce and area to live. Even though it was pretty far to the center of the city, this area is quiet and an ideal ce for those who seek calm."

    Shen Qiang sat across from her. "I''m d you like it."

    Li Caiyi followed his example and took a sip from her drink as well. It was a warm honey tea, perfect for a chilly night. She sighed pleasantly at the sweet taste on her tongue.

    "This is very good. You make it so well."

    "This is the only thing I can make correctly."

    "Ah? Then how do you usually eat?"

    "I ordered them online or bought takeaway on the way home from work."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Do you want to eat some light snack, then? I don''t want to brag, but I''m pretty confident with my culinary skill."

    Shen Qiang''s eyes lit up hearing that. He looked at her eagerly with a soft smile on his face. "Yes, please. I''d love to taste your cooking!"

    He was so happy and full of expectation that Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel pressure. She really had to do this seriously after setting his expectation so high!

    "What do you want to eat?" She asked him.

    "Anything is good for me. I''m not a picky eater."

    "Then let me see what''s in your refrigerator first. Can I go to your kitchen?"

    "Yes. But I''m afraid I don''t have many ingredients in it." Shen Qiang stood up and led Li Caiyi to the kitchen.

    She noticed how his steps were lighter than before and how his whole body radiated joy and anticipation. She could almost imagine a wagging tail behind him. Li Caiyi covered her mouth while smiling in amusement.

    Li Caiyi checked on the kitchen, and as she thought, the kitchen utensils looked very new, as though no one ever used them. Shen Qiang wasn''t joking when he said the only thing he could make correctly was honey tea.<sub> </sub>

    Next, she opened the refrigerator and her mouth opened in surprise.

    Aside from a few bottles of mineral water on the side and a few cans of beer, there was only canned food inside. There were canned fruits, beans, ham, and many others. The amount of variety was terrific.

    Li Caiyi got a bad feeling and opened the freezerpartment. Sure enough, there was only frozen food inside.

    All the food in his refrigerator was the type you could eat with little effort. You only need to heat it in the microwave, and you can eat it in a few minutes.

    "I''m asking just in case, but do you even have cooking oil in your cab?"

    Shen Qiang looked nk for a second before he realized something. "Now that you mention it, I don''t have any."

    They said you could easily discern a person''s personality from how they treated others and how they stocked their refrigerator; Li Caiyi was convinced now.

    Shen Qiang was terrifyingly practical even for his diet!

    "How can you live like this when you have such a good ce? What a waste. A total waste." She massaged her temple.

    "They are delicious and easy to make." He replied in a small voice like he was embarrassed.

    "Are you so busy with work you didn''t even have time to make something delicious for yourself?"

    "I mostly don''t have time," He hesitated a bit before he added, "But when I do, I don''t do it. It''s just too much of a hassle."

    Li Caiyi decided it''d be useless to make something out of the ingredients from his kitchen, so she hurried to the couch to fetch her trench coat. "I''ll run to the nearest store. I need at least cooking oil if I want to make something."

    Shen Qiang hurriedly held her back. "Don''t go. It''s already sote."

    "But you want to taste my cooking, right? This might be yourst chance." She smiled meaningfully at him.

    Shen Qiang''s gaze softened, and he pushed Li Caiyi back to the couch. "You wait here, and I''ll go. Just let me know what you need."

    "What? Butˇ­"

    "No, you can''t." Shen Qiang refused stubbornly. He was steadfast in his decision that Li Caiyi couldn''t help but give up and make a list of everything she needed.

    He received the list with a nod. She sent him off to the door when she noticed that Shen Qiang had been looking at her fondly and intently.

    She tilted her head in confusion when he suddenly reached out his hand to rub her head affectionately. "I''ll be back soon. Stay warm and wait for me."

    It happened so fast that Li Caiyi didn''t have time to respond. By the time she came to her senses, Shen Qiang had run out of the apartment.

    Li Caiyi''s heart was beating loudly in her ribs. Shen Qiang was awfully affectionate to her, and she couldn''t keep up with his pace at all!

    His gentle gesture was one she had never received from her ex-husband before, and although she felt it was ironic, she couldn''t help but feel happy. If other people saw that scene just now, wouldn''t they think they are a genuine couple?

    She fanned her face with her hand to calm herself down. Gradually, she calmed down and sighed somberly.

    She knew very well that their rtionship was purely out of desperation. They both were lonely people, so they unconsciously soughtfort from each other. Their rtionship wasn''t real, and it was fated to wither before it had a chance to bloom.

    Li Caiyi knew it, yet her heart always reacted in the way she didn''t want. She felt like her n had gone awry before she knew it.

 Chapter 8 I Was Married And Divorced

    Li Caiyi couldn''t sit still. Whenever she remembered what might happen between her and Shen Qiang, a blush crept up on her face.

    "I can''t stay like this. I guess I can look around for a bit."

    Li Caiyi stood up and walked around the apartment. However, her initial impression remained the same. There was barely anything interesting to look at in this apartment.

    Feeling disappointed, she grabbed the remote control and was about to turn the TV on when she glimpsed upon a sheet of paper peeking from under the couch.

    "What is this?" Li Caiyi reached out to pick it up. When her hand almost touched it, she heard the sound of the door being unlocked.

    Li Caiyi was nervous and hastily stood up to greet Shen Qiang. When she saw Shen Qiang''s figure, she moved closer gingerly.

    "Wee home," Li Caiyi greeted almost automatically. She always did this to Meng Renshu whenever he came home, so it became a habit.

    Shen Qiang raised his head, and he smiled at her tenderly. "I''m home. Did you wait long?"

    "N-no. I don''t wait for that long," Li Caiyi stuttered when she realized how intimate their conversation was, then looked down in embarrassment.

    She hurriedly took the stic bag away from Shen Qiang''s hand to dispel her awkwardness. "It must be cold outside. Come in first."

    Li Caiyi turned away and hurried to the kitchen. What she didn''t know was that Shen Qiang had long realized that she was being self-conscious around him.

    Shen Qiang looked at her back and her reddened ears from behind, and he couldn''t help but smile in amusement. She was like a rabbit trying to run away from him.

    While Shen Qiang was distracted, Li Caiyi had unpacked the groceries on top of the kitchen counter. "Almost everything on the list is here. Thank goodness. Hm? What''s this?"

    She noticed a small box among the groceries. Since she didn''t include this on her list, she flipped the box to see what it was, and her face was burning in shame. "T-this..?"

    Shen Qiang approached her with a yful smirk. "I brought it for us. We''ll need thatter."

    "Y-you rogue!" Li Caiyi threw the box to him, but he caught it quickly. That teasing smirk and meaningful gaze made her even more embarrassed. Flustered and confused, she couldn''t help but yell in panic.

    "J-just sit on the couch while I prepare the snack. Don''t you dare set your foot in the kitchen before it''s ready!"

    Shen Qiang only smiled and took his leave without arguing. He only wanted to tease her a bit, so he wouldn''t bother her anymore. He could still hear her grumbling and huffing from where he stood. Her pout was so cute, and he found her more endearing than ever.

    He sat on the couch in front of the TV and turned it on. He repeatedly changed the channel absentmindedly while waiting for Li Caiyi to finish.

    Shen Qiang wasn''t that interested in watching TV in the first ce, but the news channel that appeared next caught his attention.

    It was news about Meng Corporation and how their recent endeavor had sessfully brought them to the new height of the pharmaceutical world, with their newly released batch of medicine. The news was focused on the current Chairman of Meng Corporation, Meng Yaoshu, and his talented son, who brought this sess to Meng''s family name, the young and talented CEO, Meng Renshu.

    Shen Qiang didn''t know much about medicine, but this news caught his attention since he finally saw someone he hadn''t seen for a long time. His eyes focused on Meng Renshu''s refined and gentlemanly face as he gave an inspiring speech during a press conference.

    He turned his head slightly to check on Li Caiyi, but she seemed too busy to pay attention. The news passed quickly, and the bored Shen Qiang soon lost his interest, so he turned off the TV.

    As he reclined on the couch, his feet touched something. He looked down and saw a sheet of paper peeking out from under the sofa. Shen Qiang picked it up, and his fingers held it so tightly he caused a wrinkle. He felt like an enormous burden weighing down on him when he looked at the paper.

    This was the proof of his weakness, and he would bring this deep regret and anguish to his death.

    "Shen Qiang! The food is ready. Come here and eat."

    Shen Qiang heard Li Caiyi''s melodious voice calling him, and his body suddenly felt lighter. He put the paper inside the drawer beneath the TV. The word ''Death Certificate'' with Shen Qiang''s name on it was thest thing he saw before he closed the drawer.

    ***<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi observed Shen Qiang intently as he took a bite of her ham with melted cheese sandwiches. It didn''t take long to make, and if she chopped it into a bite-size and then baked it in the microwave, it would be a deliciouste-night snack. She often made this for herself when she was alone at home.

    "How is it?"

    Shen Qiang nodded approvingly with a satisfied expression. "It''s the best I ever eat."

    Li Caiyi breathed a sigh of relief before picking one for her and putting it in her mouth. "Yum, it''s delicious. This is my favorite snack, so I was worried whether or not you would like it."

    "I''d like anything made by you."

    She snorted. "You sure are natural in seducing a woman. Guys like you are the true heart-breaker for women."

    He chuckled. "So you just admitted that my seduction is working on you?"

    Li Caiyi''s hand froze midair, and her smile was stiff. "Even if it is, I have no intention of turning this temporary feeling into something." She said while looking at Shen Qiang cautiously, expecting his reaction. If Shen Qiang was interested in her even for a bit, then he was bound to show some reaction when she drew a clear line between them like this.

    However, there was no ripple on Shen Qiang''s face. "I agree with you."

    Li Caiyi waited for him to borate, but nothing.

    That was it?

    Didn''t he have any other opinion about this?

    Since Shen Qiang was very considerate and gentle with her, Li Caiyi initially thought he was interested in her, but it didn''t seem like that. She couldn''t tell if she felt relieved or disappointed.

    "Shen Qiang, I''m very grateful for everything you''ve done for me today. You''ve made me happier than my three years of marriage."

    This time, Shen Qiang revealed a reaction. His hand stopped moving, and he looked at her thoughtfully. She inhaled a deep breath before she continued, "I thought I should''ve at least let you know before weˇ­." Li Caiyi''s face blushed a little, "....go further. Ahem. I was a married woman until yesterday. My ex-husband and I got divorced today, so don''t worry because you won''t be a home-wrecker. I just don''t want you to regret it when you find outter."

    "I see." Shen Qiang looked at Li Caiyi with aplicated look. "I thought you would bring that fact to your death."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened when she caught something from his response. "Wait, you already knew?!"

    Shen Qiang only smiled while pointing at the ring mark on her left ring finger. Li Caiyiughed drily. "I guess the mark gave it out, huh? I''m amazed you noticed that." She rubbed the mark gloomily. During the three years of her marriage, she never took off the ring, even when bathing or washing the dishes, so it wasn''t surprising for the ring to leave a mark on her.

    "It''s a habit I acquired through my line of work."

    "What kind of work did you do? Are you a police, a detective, or something?"

    "Sort of, but not quite."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t satisfied with his answer, but being vague about it meant he probably didn''t want her to know, so she let the matter go. "What about you? I''d told you about my rtionship status, so tell me yours too. I absolutely refused to be a third party even if I''m going to die tomorrow, so you''d better not lie to me."

    "I''m single and alone. I never had a wife or girlfriend, so you''ll be my first andst woman. For everything."

    Li Caiyi choked on her food when he put a great emphasis on the word ''everything''. She couldn''t believe a rare gem like him was still pure like a jade.

    Shen Qiang could tell what was on her mind by her doubtful face, so heughed with glee. "It''s true. I have no reason to lie to you." He leaned in closer and whispered to her. "So please teach me what I should doter, okay?"

    Li Caiyi harrumphed before she looked down to hide how flustered she was. She was annoyed by how he kept teasing her, but her heart swelled with affection whenever he did that; she couldn''t get angry at him even if she wanted to!

    ''Li Caiyi, you are so done now.'' She thought to herself.

 Chapter 9 Night Of Oath

    Ba-dumpˇ­ Ba-dumpˇ­.

    Li Caiyi had been trying to calm her chaotic heartbeat for some time now, but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn''t control it.

    She was currently sitting on the edge of Shen Qiang''s bedroom bed, looking extremely nervous, almost terrified.

    The sound of the shower pouring from the bathroom didn''t help ease her tension at all. She thought about various scenarios that might happen from here, and her face got even hotter.

    Li Caiyi herself had taken a bath and put on the new shirt she bought at the department store earlier. She bought it on a whim, but she hadn''t expected she would get a chance to wear it.

    ck.

    The sound of the door opening startled her. Li Caiyi felt like she would die from a heart attack when Shen Qiang came into the bedroom while wearing a bathrobe. Thepel was pretty loose and let her take a glimpse of his well-toned chest and fair skin. She couldn''t take her eyes off of him for some time, and she blushed when she realized how shameful her behavior was.

    While Li Caiyi was distracted, Shen Qiang was wiping his hair using a towel and only noticed her presence when he looked up.

    He smiled charmingly at her. "You waited for me so obediently. I''m delighted."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t bear his handsomeness, so she avoided direct eye contact, or else she would die faster than nned!

    Shen Qiang threw the towel in his hand to a chair and walked over to her. He sat down beside her, creating a light quake on the bed. Li Caiyi unconsciously held on to her breath, but she dared not raise her face.

    "Li Caiyi, look at me, please?" Shen Qiang softly whispered in her ear, and she shuddered slightly when she felt his warm breath on her earlobe.

    Her heart couldn''t take more pressure, so she unconsciously scurried her body away from him before she cautiously turned her head towards him.

    He chuckled when he saw her being so vignt yet vulnerable at the same time. "Don''t be afraid. I won''t suddenly press you down or anything. I just want to make sure both of us want to do this and not force ourselves."

    It stunned Li Caiyi when she saw Shen Qiang''s serious attitude. They had gone to this point; why would he ask this again?

    However, when she noticed how uneasy he was, she realized that this man might not be as suave as he looked on the outside. Although he was a natural, he did say this was his first time, after all. No wonder he felt anxious and wanted to reassure himself.

    Li Caiyi smiled softly. She reached out and held his stiff hand in hers. "Shen Qiang, if I don''t want this, I won''t follow you here even if you force me."

    "But aren''t you afraid? We barely know each other, yet you trust me so easily. If you only agreed on the spur of the moment, then we''d better stop now."

    Li Caiyi finally understood why Shen Qiang felt uneasy. It was because Li Caiyi followed him without much resistance that he hesitated. He must have thought that she didn''t think this through when she agreed, considering she was in a weak mental state then.

    She heard that men often jumped on every chance they got when they found an opening, but it seemed Shen Qiang wasn''t like that at all. He treated her like a precious treasure, even at times like this. It was bizarre, if you think about it, since they were strangers and about to die tomorrow anyway, so logically he had no reason to be so considerate of her.

    Li Caiyi felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and the warmth spread throughout her body to her cold fingertips. She caressed the back of his hand with her thumb and told him, "It''s not a spur of a moment. When you held me back from leaving and told me you wanted to protect me, I felt like I finally had room to breathe. When you said you''re going to be there by my side, I felt like nothing else matters anymore."

    She chuckled before she continued, "Funny, right? I was so ready to die, but my resolve is always wavering when I''m with you. Honestly, if I still have any reason to live, I might change my mind right there and then. Unfortunately, the current me had no ce to return to anymore." Li Caiyi looked at him earnestly. "I''m this kind of woman who grew soft under your sweet temptation. I have no money or talent worthy of talking, and even my look is average. I should be the one asking you; are you fine, having a woman like me as your first andst?"<sub> </sub>

    ? Shen Qiang''s pupil shook violently before he collected her in his arms. With the gentlest tone she ever heard, he said to her. "I wouldn''t have it any other way. Li Caiyi, I only want you." His voice trembled a little, and he held her as though she could break anytime.

    Li Caiyi''s guess was correct. This man was more vulnerable than he let on. He''d never told her anything, but she could tell he was also struggling with something and desperately clinging to the warmth she could offer, like a moth attracted to fire.

    She felt heartache when she realized how selfish she had been all this time. Shen Qiang had always been the first to reach out to her, and she took his kindness for granted.

    Li Caiyi embraced him tightly. She wanted to assure him she could also protect him from anything. "Shen Qiang, I don''t know what happened to you, but I will always be on your side no matter what until death breaks us apart."

    That line was like a marriage vow, and Li Caiyi got embarrassed after those words left her mouth. However, she didn''t regret it. She even almost hoped that the one she exchanged that vow back then was Shen Qiang himself.

    Shen Qiang jolted when he heard that. He gently released his hold on her and pressed her shoulder tightly. His face was a mixture of various emotions, but in the end, only pure happiness remained in his ck orbs. "Thank you. You don''t know how much that means to me."

    When she looked at his expression, Li Caiyi was very sure that she had finally found where she belonged. She felt like if her whole life of hardship was meant for her to meet this man, then it might be worth it.

    So what if this feeling was a short-lived one? She was happy and content at this moment, and that was all that mattered.

    She couldn''t remember who initiated it, but the next thing she remembered, they had shared a tender kiss. Shen Qiang gently pulled her closer to him, and Li Caiyi put her hand on his bare chest, feeling his erratic heartbeat simr to hers underneath his muscle.

    The innocent and warm kiss quickly turned into a passionate and hot one. Their breath mingled together as Shen Qiang hungrily tangled his tongue with hers as though he were about to devour her.

    Li Caiyi felt light-headed by the intense kiss. Shen Qiang brought her to him as close as possible, like he was trying to embed her into him. She could feel his desire for her, and most importantly, his love and affection for her, and that made butterflies fly in her stomach. No one ever wanted her so desperately like this.

    Shen Qiang pulled out from the kiss, leaving a string of saliva between them falling on the corner of her mouth. He looked at her flushed and breathless face, and he felt like his heart was about to explode. He could barely hold himself from throwing this woman to his bed and had his way with her.

    However, he held his instinct back. After all, even though she was married and more experienced than him, he wanted to treat her better than any man could ever do to her. He was a verypetitive man, after all.

    He smiled as she stroked her hair. Li Caiyi shuddered under his touch, and her drunk-like gaze made him lose his breath for a second. She was just breathtakingly gorgeous. How could a man bear to divorce a good woman like her?

    Shen Qiang gulped before he determinedly pulled her to the bed. She followed him like a chick, and heughed at how cute she was.

    His heart was beating so fast when shey down beneath him. Her hair sprawled on his pillow, his sheet like a halo around her head. He was so proud and happy when he could clearly see his reflection in those dreamy eyes of hers.

    Before he knew it, he had whispered his deepest desire out loud. "Li Caiyi, please be mine."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes trembled when she heard that, but itter got teary as she nodded her head. "Yes."

    Shen Qiang dipped on her luscious red lips again, and this time, Li Caiyi responded by sneaking her arms around his neck. They held each other tightly and didn''t want to let each other go.

    Under the cloudy night when the moon was hiding, two people were entangled in a night full of longing, anguish, and intimacy.

    Both of them were lost with no ce to return to before, but they finally found their rightful ce beside each other that night.

 Chapter 10 Clean Ending

    Li Caiyi woke up at the sound of birds chirping. She remembered she had just the best dream in her life, so she shut her eyes again. She didn''t want that pleasant dream to end so soon.

    However, she soon opened her eyes again when she realized she wasn''t in her room.

    After a few seconds, memories ofst night''s chain of events shed through her mind. Her cheeks grew warm, and her heart elerated its pace in her chest.

    ''Last night, I and Shen Qiang reallyˇ­.''

    Her train of thought was interrupted when she heard something stirring behind her, and suddenly, a thick, muscr arm snaked its way through her waist and enveloped her body in a warm embrace. She could feel his temperature and the sound of his steady heartbeat through her back.

    Li Caiyi let out a small sigh as she looked down at the hand that kept touching herst night. Immediately, her face blushed hard at the image of Shen Qiang''s ferocious and dashing appearance as he pressed her down with enthusiasm. She felt like she would melt whenever she remembered that again.

    With this, everything was really over, right?

    Li Caiyi''s head got cooler after she thought about the recent happenings. She could hardly feel anything about those incidents anymore, but she would be lying if she said it didn''t bother her anymore. Although she didn''t regret it, she couldn''t help but find it disappointing to end it like that.

    It wasn''t she who drugged Li Chunhua. She wanted the entire world to at least acknowledge that fact.

    The Li Caiyi from yesterday wouldn''t think this was such a big deal since she wouldmit suicide, anyway. She didn''t owe anyone anything, so it was up to them if they wanted to believe her or not, but she would never admit something she never did.

    But after she knew how it feels like to be cherished and loved so tenderly, she had a bothersome thought that perhaps Li Chunhua was still crying over this matter and that her parents and older brother might be worried a lot about her. Meng Renshu tooˇ­

    Li Chunhua was the closest to her. She was bright, clever, and innocent. She often held Li Caiyi''s hand when she was sick to sleep. Once, she mumbled in her sleep, calling Li Caiyi''s name while crying, begging her not to leave her. Even though everyone had always loved Li Chunhua more than her, as long as Li Chunhua still needed her, she could bear it. For Li Chunhua, she dared to do anything, including returning her rightful ce to her.

    At some point, Li Caiyi thought she was initially part of Li Chunhua''s life, and her existence hindered her sister from having aplete and fulfilling life. The thought depressed her even more whenever she thought other people must also feel the same.

    Li Caiyi felt like her whole existence was denied, and she suddenly lost the joy of doing everything. She didn''t feel like interacting with people because they would forget about her when they met Li Chunhua, anyway. She lost interest in studying because she didn''t want to hear anyonepare her to Li Chunhua''s excellent academic record despite her health shoring. She gave up on Meng Renshu before even trying because she knew he would never look at her as long as Li Chunhua was still beside her.

    Thinking back, her life had always revolved around Li Chunhua, making her question herself. Who was Li Caiyi? Does she even exist?

    Her mind was full of negative thoughts, and it felt like a yarn tangled messily and couldn''t be straightened anymore. Overwhelmed by thisplicated and heavy feeling, Li Caiyi took a drastic decision.

    If she took her life and died, then wouldn''t it prove that Li Caiyi used to be alive? After all, how could a person die if they never lived in the first ce?

    If she took her life and died, then wouldn''t her loved ones finally remember her as Li Caiyi and not the inferior version of Li Chunhua?

    Yeah, that was it. She should''ve done that since the beginning. She was sure that everyone, too, had long wished for her to disappear, just like how Meng Renshu decisively pushed her away.

    Li Caiyi was drowned in her thought and only snapped out of it when Shen Qiang pulled her closer to her, so they practically glued together. His chest pressed against her back, and she could feel his warm breath on her neck.

    Li Caiyi felt sour immediately. In her life, only Shen Qiang had truly wanted a gloomy, boring, and dull person like her. Hearing him calling her name amid their passionate night together was enough to tug on her heartstring and get her teary eyes.

    ''That''s right. I, too, have someone who is willing to be by my side now. So it''s okay even if they don''t want me anymore. Now, everyone shall be happy.'' Li Caiyi thought to herself.<sub> </sub>

    She carefully outstretched her hand to her phone on top of the bedside drawer so that she wouldn''t disturb Shen Qiang''s sleep. She tapped on one of the files on her phone and smiled faintly.

    Li Caiyi had one hobby which nobody knew, that was to write a story. Born under a family that pursued scientific achievements, she couldn''t say this hobby of hers out loud. She didn''t want her father to chastise her even more than when he scolded her for not being good enough. Her father was a regr doctor in a neighborhood hospital, but he was always proud of being one, so he hoped his children would be the same.

    Although Li Caiyi couldn''t fulfil her father''s expectations, she always had good grades in liberal arts. Unfortunately, in her father''s eyes, that subject was worthless and couldn''t bepared to math or science subjects, which Li Caiyi was particrly bad at. To avoid conflicts, she hid her hobby and only did it once in a while when she got too overwhelmed with life. It helped her take her mind off things for a moment.

    Currently, she has one unfinished novel. It was initially her diary, but along the way, she changed it into an original story with her as the main character. She also thought it was embarrassing, but other than this, she didn''t know what way she could do to get her feelings across.

    This novel was supposed to be left just like that. Unfinished and hidden, just like Li Caiyi''s life.

    However, after her heart was filled to the brim thanks to someone, she thought it would be a waste if she left without finishing this story first. She wanted to give a clean ending for both her real and imaginary versions.

    Li Caiyi typed the happy ending she always wanted with a heart as light as a feather. To think she used to fear how this story would end. She felt it was ridiculous of her because the one who could make it to a happy end was herself. The answer had always been right under her nose.

    Li Caiyi typed for some time, and by the time she finished, she smiled satisfactorily at the result. She looked back to stare at Shen Qiang''s face and felt very grateful to meet him.

    "Thank you," Li Caiyi whispered to him softly. Shen Qiang still had his eyes shut, but she could just imagine him smiling at her, giving her the encouragement she needed.

    Li Caiyi sent the file to her online friend. If she wasn''t mistaken, this friend of hers worked in a publishingpany. They found each other in a book forum and clicked a lot since they had the same interest. Although they had never met before, she would like it if this friend of hers could read her story.

    She attached the file under her text, saying :

    "This is my original story, and I brooded over whether or not I should send it to you until the end. I want to give this novel to you as a gift. Please read it if you have time. I hope you''ll like it. Thank you for everything."

    After she clicked on the send button, Shen Qiang stirred behind her. Li Caiyi looked back, and her gaze met with his warm one.

    "Good morning," he said in a hoarse voice.

    Li Caiyi smiled back at him, "Good morning too, Shen Qiang."

    He kissed her forehead while stroking her waist. "Since when did you wake up?"

    "I just woke up as well," Li Caiyi put her hand on top of his as she enjoyed the shared intimacy between them. "Are you hungry? Let''s eat breakfast first before we go."

    "I''d love that."

    Li Caiyi giggled when he showed the same puppy-like expression asst night. "Then you go wash while I make something for you."

    Although this probably would be herst meal, Li Caiyi felt more refreshed than ever when she thought about who she made that for. Time to put all those cooking skills to use!

 Chapter 11 Their Choices

    When Shen Qiang finished bathing, he saw how Li Caiyi was busying around the kitchen. He spotted an extra bag of groceries as well. She must have gone to the market while he was showering.

    He silently tiptoed his way towards her. The oblivious Li Caiyi jumped in surprise when she saw Shen Qiang''s fresh appearance suddenly pop out before her.

    "You surprised me!" She eximed while putting her hand on her chest.

    Shen Qiang chuckled. "Sorry. I was curious to see what you were doing. Did you go out shopping?"

    She shed him a beautiful smile. "Yes. I want to make a sumptuous meal for you, but the ingredients weren''t enough, so I went down to buy some more."

    "You don''t have to do that. I''ll be content even with just canned food."

    "How can that be okay? This would be ourst meal together. We should at least eat delicious food until we are full."

    Shen Qiang''splexion turned cold after he heard her remarks. He thought she would falter after showing him her most vulnerable side of her, but it seemed she was earnest about this.

    He secretly smiled to himself, feeling ted by the turn of events.

    ''I won''t stop her if that''s what she wants, then. We shall be together forever this way. She is mine even in her death.'' Shen Qiang could barely hide his excitement.

    Li Caiyi asked him if he wanted to cook together, and he happily epted. Doing this felt like they were a married couple. The thought Made Shen Qiang''s heart skip a beat.

    She greeted him at the door when he came back from shopping, kindly prepared food for him, and even gave herself to himst night. He was thrilled.

    Li Caiyi thought it would be fun if they cooked together, but who would have known that Shen Qiang was very terrible at this? He couldn''t even crack an egg properly. The egg always somehow broke quickly in his hands, which ultimately caused a mess in the kitchen.

    Later, when she asked him to cut the vegetables, he made a very unusual posture, and he scared her out of her wits with how he handled the knife. He cut vegetables like chopping firewood, and every strike could potentially cost him his hand.

    Finally, Li Caiyi dared not let him touch anything. She tasked him to monitor the soup instead while she was busy with something else.

    Shen Qiang obediently followed her order and watched over the pot of soup seriously. His figure looked a bit pitiful but funny simultaneously. Li Caiyi couldn''t suppress her smile.

    When you were doing something with someone you like, even the stupidest thing felt fun. Li Caiyi hummed jovially.

    After some time, Li Caiyi finally finished and lined up the dishes with Shen Qiang''s help. A delicious-looking Wonton soup, the assortment of steam buns with various filling, golden-colored scallion pancakes, and steamed egg were ready. Lastly, Li Caiyi arranged the mooncakes she bought on the te before putting them on the table.

    Truthfully, she wanted to make more, but she was afraid Shen Qiang couldn''t finish it all, so she restrained herself and made a few simple dishes.

    As for the mooncakes, she wished she had time to make it herself, but it would take more time, and she didn''t want to make Shen Qiang wait for too long. However, she still wanted to buy it for him, considering the day.

    "Why are you only standing there? Let''s eat," Li Caiyi said. Shen Qiang snapped out of his daze, but he couldn''t hide the trace of sorrow in his eyes immediately.

    "Thank you," he said as he sat down. Li Caiyi stared at him and suddenly didn''t know what to say. His expression had returned to normal, but she couldn''t get his earlier expression out of her mind.

    She recalled how bare his bedroom was. There was absolutely nothing rted to his family being disyed, not even a photo. Li Caiyi wondered how bad his rtionship was with his family, or even if he had any at all.

    Whichever it was, she assumed that Shen Qiang must not have that many chances to taste homemade cooking. That''s why he made such an expression earlier.

    "This is very delicious!" He eximed excitedly after having a bite of the Wonton soup. He looked so happy as if his previous sadness just now was an illusion.

    Li Caiyi''s heart squeezed painfully, but she forced herself to smile. "Really? That''s great!"

    "I''m sorry I couldn''t exin it in any other way than delicious, but I wasn''t lying."

    She chuckled. "It''s not like you are a food critic or something. If you like it, then it''s enough for me. Eat a lot, Shen Qiang."

    He nodded and gobbled down his food like a starving beast. He was terrible at expressing himself, but his face gave it away.

    Li Caiyi was surprised yet very content at the same time. It always felt good when you were appreciated for things you have put your effort into.

    When they finished eating, Shen Qiang looked at the mooncake with a nostalgic look on his face. He noticed her staring and smiled weakly. "It''s been years since I ate one, so I felt sentimental."

    "Did you eat it with your familyst time?"

    "Yeah," There was an indescribable amount of bitterness in his voice, "But they were all gone now. Only I left."

    Li Caiyi felt like a needle pricked her heart. "What happened?"<sub> </sub>

    Shen Qiang shook his head, seemingly didn''t want to continue this conversation. "No, it doesn''t matter now. I''m sorry for making you worry. You should take a shower. Let me clean the dishes."

    It was his way of telling her not to pry anymore, so Li Caiyi could only lower her head and go to the bathroom. She felt anxious, but if that were Shen Qiang''s decision, then she wouldn''t question him anymore.

    After Li Caiyi finished taking a shower, she changed into the same clothes she wore the first time she came, then went out with Shen Qiang.

    Their destination was obvious.

    Shen Qiang sped her hand the same way when he pulled her out of the abandoned building.

    They entered the building without words and trudged to the topmost floor. Unlike thest time they came here, the weather was nice today.

    They stood side by side, looking at the distant view. Even without a storm, the wind blew strongly up here. Li Caiyi could hear her trench coat fluttered around her. Beside her, Shen Qiang hadn''t let go of her hand yet.

    She stared at his side profile and almost couldn''t stop herself from asking him to run away with her, to the ce where there would only be the two of them.

    However, she knew that they both hadplicated reasons they couldn''t do that. It wasn''t like they had no reason to live anymore, but they had more reason to end everything right there and then.

    Li Caiyi understood that feeling well, so she kept her mouth shut.

    Suddenly, Shen Qiang turned to her and smiled charmingly. "It''s a good day to die, isn''t it?"

    "Yes, it sure is."

    Shen Qiang''s hold on her hand got tighter. He looked at her intensely before he leaned down to kiss the back of her hand. "I love you."

    Li Caiyi was startled by his sudden confession butter felt various emotions gush out of her heart simultaneously. It felt sweet yet painful at the same time. With a trembling voice, she answered, "Me too. I love you."

    There was no need for further words. Both of them knew what was in each other''s minds right now.

    Shen Qiang forced out a smile, so it looked a bit twisted. "Li Caiyi, I''m such a horrible person. There are many things you don''t know about me. You probably won''t like me if you know how I truly am."

    There he goes again. He always put on a confident front but backed out at the crucial moment.

    ''But that part of him is what I like about him. Because his hesitation alwayses with his concern for me.''

    Li Caiyi let out an angry huff. "You have brought me this far. Are you going to shirk your responsibility now? You also don''t know how dark I am, yet you still offered to apany me. Did you forget that?"

    "Butˇ­ it might be better if youˇ­."

    "Shut up. I will let no one decide for me anymore," Li Caiyi noticed his sad look, so she softened her tone. "I had made a promise to you. I will always stay by your side."

    Shen Qiang''s pupils trembled ever so slightly. He pulled her into his embrace. She raised her arms and wrapped them around his back. "Shen Qiang, don''t worry about me. I know what''s best for me."

    "Yes, I''m sorry. I''m being unreasonable now." He pulled out from the embrace and pressed her shoulders lightly. His previous hesitation had long gone and reced with a firm gaze. "Li Caiyi,e with me. Even if the ce we would go to is different, I promised I would find you no matter what it takes."

    Li Caiyi had already cried before she knew it.

    After this onest answer, everything would end. Both for her and Shen Qiang. Nevertheless, she strangely wasn''t afraid at all.

    "Yes, take me with you. Never leave me alone."

    Shen Qiang kissed her forehead gently, as though he were a devout believer worshipping his goddess. Li Caiyi''s tears rolled down her cheeks when she felt warmth radiating from the soft contact of his lips. Then he pulled her into his embrace again.

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes peacefully with a smile adorning her face.

    Even when the gravity pulled both of them downwards, there was no fear. The only thing in her mind was Shen Qiang.

    If there was a next life, please let her meet him again.

    If she could be given a chance to reunite with him, please let her meet him faster next time.

    So she could live againˇ­

 Chapter 12 Rebirth

    Li Caiyi couldn''t tell where she was now. She felt like floating but falling at the same time. It was a very mysterious feeling.

    Her eyelids were heavy, and she couldn''t tell which way was up and down, left or right. Was this how it felt to fly in space?

    Then, she felt something was sucking her vigorously. It sucked the air out of her lung, and she couldn''t breathe. Her lung was constricted in pain due to theck of oxygen.

    Was death always felt this painful?

    Then she could hear a whispering voice from a distance. Thinking it was the voice of someone who might help her, Li Caiyi rushed toward the source of the voice. Suddenly, a blinding light shone upon her. There was a sensation of being flipped over that overwhelmed her. Before she knew it, something had blown her away.

    "Haahˇ­!"

    When she opened her eyes, she saw a familiar ceiling. Her whole body was drenched in sweat, and her face was as pale as a sheet. The previous terror of being sucked into nothingness was terrifying; she couldn''t stop shaking.

    "Caiyi!"

    She slowly snapped out of panic when she heard a very familiar voice. On her side, Li Chunhua was kneeling beside her bed while grabbing Li Caiyi''s hand. Looking at a face strikingly simr to hers felt weird after those horrible experiences in an unknown space. It felt like her soul had exited her body and was now gazing up at her body.

    ''But that can''t be. She is Li Chunhua, not her. The warmth of her hand, and that crying face, there''s no way I could forget it.'' She thought to herself.

    Li Caiyi steadied her breath as she slowly calmed down. She didn''t know what had just happened. Why did she go back to her bedroom at her family''s house again? Wasn''t sheˇ­

    ''That''s right! Shen Qiang!''

    Li Caiyi forced herself to sit up and gripped Li Chunhua''s shoulder. Her eyes were bloodshot because she had just woken up; she looked a bit scary. "Xiaohua, where is Shen Qiang?!"

    Her sister''s sudden movement surprised Li Chunhua. She fell from her kneeling position to a sitting one from the momentum. She had never seen Li Caiyi so panicked before. "Wh-what are you talking about? Who is Shen Qiang?"

    When Li Caiyi heard her answer, she suddenly felt a throbbing pain in her head. She winced in pain while holding her head.

    "Xiaoyi!" Li Chunhua eximed in panic when she saw her sister in pain. "Wait here. I''ll call Jie Ge!" She wasted no time and bolted out of the room. Li Caiyi''s head was in so much pain, so she didn''t stop her.

    What happened? She and Shen Qiang had jumped from that abandoned building for sure, so why would she wake up in her bedroom? And without injury on top of that?

    Li Caiyi looked around and felt something was wrong.

    She remembered sharing a bedroom with Li Chunhua until her third year of high school, but they should''ve used separate rooms by now. Why were there two beds in her bedroom?

    As someone who liked to read and write stories, a crazy idea shed through her mind, and she gulped nervously.

    ''Don''t tell me, I went back to the past?'' Cold sweats ran through her back as she thought so.

    Li Caiyi''s head was still in so much pain, but she forced herself to get out of bed. She had to confirm her suspicion.

    Li Caiyi kicked away her nket and painstakingly fought nausea that came after the sudden movement. Then she trudged to the desk near the window and pulled one of the drawers. If she really went back in time, then that thing should still be here.

    Li Caiyi rummaged through the drawer and finally found the key chain she had lost during her college entrance examination. This keychain was precious to her since this was the first gift she received from Meng Renshu. She treasured it so much, yet she still lost it.<sub> </sub>

    Looking down at the smiley key chain made from the wood, Li Caiyi couldn''t deny it even if she wanted to anymore.

    A stinging pain suddenly hit her, and she slumped down and almost fell t to the floor if not for her hand holding on to the desk.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing?!"

    Li Chunhua rushed over with an angry but worried expression from behind her. "Why did you get out of the bed in that condition? You''re still sick, so don''t force yourself!"

    Li Chunhua was about to help her stand, but someone shoved her aside gently. "Xiaohua, you can''t lift her with your body. Let me do it."

    Then a pair of slender hands steadied Li Caiyi''s body before he lifted her in a princess-carry. Li Caiyi looked up, and through her hazy eyes, she saw her older brother''s face. He was as handsome as always, with phoenix eyes and thick eyebrows that frowned slightly. His sculpture-like nose cast a shadow on his lips, pressed together in a thin line.

    However, Li Junjie''s face stillcked the firmness of an adult he should haveter. This brother of hers looked youthful and more approachable than thest version of him she saw.

    Perhaps it was because she was still sick? She felt oddly emotional and wanted to cry when she received her siblings'' care.

    "Xiaoyi, are you crying? Whereˇ­ where does it hurt? Let''s go to the hospital now!" Li Chunhua''s voice trembled to see her twin older sister shed tears without sound.

    "Xiaohua, don''t pester her with questions. Her temperature had gotten better, but she still needs full rest." Li Junjie dissuaded her.

    "But she looked so much worse than yesterday. Xiaoyi has never cried, even when she''s sick. Something must be wrong with her!"

    Li Junjie stared at Li Caiyi for a moment before checking her temperature with his palm. His hand''s temperature was much lower than hers, so she found his hand very soothing. She subconsciously leaned into his touch more.

    Even if he didn''t show it in his face, Li Junjie was taken aback by Li Caiyi''s meek reaction. Usually, she would put on a strong front by now to reassure Li Chunhua, but this time, she was very docile, like a littlemb.

    ''Her fever must be worse than I thought.'' Li Junjie thought to himself.

    "We still have some porridge in the kitchen. First, you need to take more nutrients and drink your medicine. If your condition still hasn''t gotten better when nightes, I''ll take you to the hospital."

    Li Chunhua calmed down after listening to her brother''s calm decision. Li Caiyi wasn''t in good condition to move around, so it might be the best course of action to take right now.

    Li Caiyi''s breaths were heavy, and she almost couldn''t see clearly. She could vaguely tell that her siblings were discussing something, but her mind was elsewhere.

    If Li Caiyi indeed went back in time, then how far to the past she had gotten back to? Recalling the keychain, it should be before her college entrance examination.

    "Jie Ge, what happened to me?" She asked weakly.

    "Don''t you remember what happened?" His brows rose in astonishment. "You got home drenched from the rain yesterday and have been sick ever since."

    "That''s right. We were promised to go home together with Renshu Gege. He kindly offered to give us a ride, so why did you go home alone? Did you forget about it?" Li Chunhua continued Li Junjie''s exnation.

    Li Caiyi soon realized at which point of the past she returned to. How could she ever forget what happened that day?

 Chapter 13 The First Heartbreak

    <<shback starts>>

    Li Caiyi got dyed because of ss chores. She remembered Li Chunhua told her they would go home with Meng Renshu today, so she was very looking forward to it.

    Meng Renshu was a gentle and kind boy who often came to their house to y. His grandfather and theirs were close brothers, so their family had a very close rtionship.

    Li Caiyi had long admired this person for his abundant patience and gentleness. Whenever she fell, he would pat her head and coax her. He would asionally shower her with gifts and help her with her study. That admirationter turned into attraction andter developed into a crush. Now, Li Caiyi couldn''t even meet his eyes without making a fool of herself.

    It''s been a while since he came to their house, so Li Caiyi was very excited.

    Li Chunhua and Meng Renshu should have waited for her on the first floor.

    Li Caiyi hastened her steps.

    When she was about to arrive at the front entrance on the first floor, she glimpsed Meng Renshu''s figure. She had always stared at his back from afar, so even from a distance, she could tell it was him.

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat. She fixed her hair and uniform before she took a breath and nervously stepped forward.

    Because of the angle, she hadn''t noticed that Meng Renshu was standing facing someone. When Li Caiyi took another step and saw the sight in front of her, she felt like there were shattering noises beside her ears. The world seemed to turn upside down before her.

    On the corner hidden by the shoe racks, she saw Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua kissing.

    They glued together and stayed still for a few seconds before separating.

    What happened after that, she didn''t remember. However, she recalled feeling so ufortable that she didn''t want to be there anymore.

    When she came to her senses, her feet had taken her to the school''s back gate, which was in the opposite direction of the front entrance.

    The image of Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua exchanging kisses still lingered in her mind, ovepping with the memory of Meng Renshu smiling gently at her.

    Li Caiyi''s heart felt like it was being ripped into pieces. She couldn''t think of anything but that frightening scene repeatedly.

    The more she thought, the more devastated she felt.

    The pain was so excruciating, almost like something had gnawed on her flesh.

    "I should''ve known that Brother Renshu would also like Li Chunhua," Li Caiyi muttered under her breath bitterly. "They were both beautiful, and they were kind and had good grades too. They are a perfect couple. That''s good."

    Li Caiyi forced herself tough, but even herughter didn''t sound like one in her ears. She couldn''t even raise her head.

    Slowly, her vision became blurry, and droplets of water fell to the sand in front of her shoes. Due to shock, she forgot she was still wearing indoor shoes and not her outdoor ones. Now she had to bring these shoes home to wash.

    However, none of that could ease her heartache. The pain made it hard for her to breathe, but as soon as she closed her eyes, that scene would repeat itself inside her mind; it was unbearable.

    She brushed off the tears using her sleeve. "Stupid, what are you crying for. It''s not like you have a special rtionship with Brother Renshu. He is free to fall in love with anyone."

    Li Caiyi reprimanded herself repeatedly a few times until she tired of crying. However, the damage and stress were still there, hovering around her head like ck clouds.

    She didn''t want Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua to see her pathetic self, so she texted Li Chunhua, telling her she suddenly had something to do and Li Chunhua should leave first. The reply came almost immediately, asking her what happened, but Li Caiyi didn''t reply.<sub> </sub>

    She spent her time in the school until the sky darkened and the security staff told her to go home.

    On the way, the rain poured down heavily, but she just let it drenched her as if trying to wash her sadness away like that.

    <<shback ends>>

    It was a memorable day where she got heartbroken because of Meng Renshu for the first time. That memory still left a bitter taste, no matter how many times she recalled it. Back then, Li Caiyi was also sick like this, although not as severe as this timeline.

    It seemed her sickness worsened after she went back in time? In her previous timeline, she could still go to school by the next day, but looking at her condition now, it didn''t look like it would be the case this time.

    If she had gone back to that part of her life, she should be in her second year now.

    Li Caiyi was concerned about Shen Qiang. They both jumped and died in the same ce. Then wouldn''t it be reasonable to think that Shen Qiang had also gone through the same thing as her?

    "Xiaoyi, what are you thinking? You don''t know how worried I was when you came backtest night." Li Chunhua spoke beside her, with a tone of reprimand and grievance in her voice. "You passed out as soon as you stepped into the bedroom. You gave all of us a big scare this time!"

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister, who looked so much like her but shared no simrity with her except for that. She wasn''t in the mood to coax her just like she always did, so she only gave her a short hum.

    Li Junjie saw Li Caiyi''s weak state, so he pulled on Li Chunhua''s forearm. "Come on, don''t disturb her. She still needs some rest."

    "Ah, brother!" Li Chunhua eximed, but she couldn''t shake her hand off of him. In the end, she had no choice but to leave with him.

    After everything became calmer, Li Caiyi finally felt more at ease. Looking at her siblings'' faces again after everything that happened was like an ordeal. Although she had already put an end to everything in her previous timeline, she hadn''t thought she would meet them again in this way.

    Li Caiyi didn''t bear a grudge against them, but she wasn''t ready to act friendly to them just yet. It was tough to act normal in front of those who had hurt you so much, even if you had decided to let it go.

    She shook her head to brush off that thought from her mind. Right now, that wasn''t the most important thing.

    Li Caiyi spent a lot of energy to get out of bed, and now she was exhausted. She needed some rest for now. After she woke up, she would think about what step she should take.

    With that thought, she drifted into the dreand.

    She saw a man''s figure opening his arms wide before her in her dream. She couldn''t see his face clearly, but her heart instinctively knew that this man was the person she had longed for.

    Without hesitation, Li Caiyi ran barefooted and leaped into his embrace.

    Or so she thoughtˇ­

    The figure suddenly dispersed into particles of light within her embrace and floated away like fireflies, leaving her dumbfounded by the sudden disappearance of that person. Li Caiyi tried to collect those lights on her arms in vain. They had disappeared before she knew it.

    Where did that person go?

    Wait, that person?

    Whoˇ­ was that person again?

 Chapter 14 Worn Out Apologies

    When Li Caiyi woke up, it was morning already. Her fever had gotten better, but she still couldn''t go to school yet. Looking at Li Chunhua wearing their old uniform again made her inexplicable situation feel even more real now.

    Su Suyin came to check on her a few times since this morning, and at noon, she told Li Caiyi to rest while she was going to shop.

    "Xiaoyi, if you want to eat, have some porridge in the pot. I have reheated it for you, but be careful not to burn yourself, okay? Don''t kick the nket away. The more you sweat, the faster you''ll heal." Su Suyin said while looking at her daughter gently.

    Li Caiyi looked up at her mother withplex emotion. Since she was little, Su Suyin was the one who cared about her the most. Even though sometimes she couldn''t take care of her because she needed to pay attention to Li Chunhua, Su Suyin always tried to make it up to her.

    When Li Chunhua identally broke the vase and cried, Su Suyin scolded Li Caiyi for being negligent and took Li Chunhua away to coax her. She was sad, but it was okay because, on the following day, Su Suyin would apologize to her and ask for Li Caiyi''s understanding on the matter. Because she was the older sister, and Li Chunhua was frail and pitiful.

    There were also times when Li Chunhua wanted to y with Li Caiyi and her friends. She tripped and got injured on the way, so Su Suyin berated Li Caiyi in front of her friends. However, Su Suyin would apologize again on the next day.

    Another incident was when Li Chunhua got lost in the crowd while the three of them were shopping together. Su Suyin panicked and searched for her frantically; without noticing Li Caiyi had fallen behind her and could barely keep up with her mother. In the end, Li Chunhua was found, and Li Caiyi got scolded because she didn''t watch over her sister well. However, this time Su Suyin didn''t apologize to her the next day. The injury on her knees that day, she silently treated it herself.

    The same thing kept repeating itself, and before Li Caiyi knew it, she grew numb to her mother''s apologies. Because every time, even if Su Suyin said she loved all of them the same, the action proved otherwise.

    After repeating the same apology many times, the value of that apology would decrease over time, and it turned into a habit instead. As time went by, even that habit was eventually forgotten.

    However, Li Caiyi didn''t resent Su Suyin. It was tough for her to take care of three kids simultaneously, and it couldn''t be helped if Su Suyin cared more for her siblings than she cared for her. As long as her mother didn''t hate her, it was enough for her.

    Wasn''t love always like that? No matter how much feeling you put into someone or something, there wasn''t any guarantee you would get the same amount of feeling back. Li Caiyi understood this, so she dared not to ask for more attention.

    She didn''t want her mother to call her selfish again.

    So Li Caiyi remained satisfied with a bit of love her mother asionally showed to her until the day when Li Chunhua was drugged.

    Su Suyin, who was gentle and never used her hand to teach her children a lesson, pped her across her face for the first time in both their lives. Su Suyin screamed at her and cursed at her, scolding her for being a vicious child who ate her own sibling, and that she couldn''t believe that such a terrifying child was born from her womb.

    Su Suyin cried andmented how she had failed as a mother for failing to protect her only daughter. Yes, she said her ''only'' daughter. All those times they spent together were nothing for her mother because she wasn''t ''her'' daughter.

    While Su Suyin was venting her anger, sadness, and anxiety over Li Chunhua''s condition in Li Caiyi, her father, older brother, and husband only watched coldly from the side.

    The amount of heartache she felt back then was immeasurable, to the point her mind was nk, and she couldn''t feel the pain in her cheeks anymore.

    Su Suyin became more aggressive with each second. In the end, Meng Renshu had to tell his bodyguards to separate them and sent Li Caiyi home. After that, Li Caiyi wasn''t allowed to visit or contact Li Chunhua anymore. Everyone looked at her like she was a heinous criminal.

    Those years of loyalty to her family were nothing before those allegations against her. No one spoke up on her behalf like it was how it should be from the start.

    "Xiaoyi, you are in a daze again. What are you thinking?" Su Suyin reached out her hand to check on her temperature.

    Li Caiyi used to like it when her mother stroked her head with that hand. However, the image of that hand fiercely pped her until she was thrown to the ground suddenly appeared in her mind. Her mother''s concerned expression was reced with those of wrath and repulsion.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi moved his head away in reflex, and Su Suyin was surprised. "What''s wrong, Xiaoyi? Did you have a nightmare? You looked so afraid of me."

    "Nothing. I''ll be fine, Mother. Please go ahead. I''ll rest some more," Li Caiyi spoke in a hoarse voice.

    "Well, okay then. I''ll lock the door from the outside, so contact me if something happens, okay?" Su Suyin took ast nce at her daughter before she walked out of the room.

    Li Caiyi''s chaotic state of mind calmed down a lot after Su Suyin left. She knew that her family in this timeline had done nothing wrong to her yet, but she couldn''t help but treat them coldly out of defense. She didn''t know how she should act around them.

    Li Caiyi shook her head. Let''s put that matter off her head first and think about the more important things instead.

    Why did she get transported back to this time? Wasn''t this that ''rebirth'' thing that those webnovel authors often used for the theme of their story?

    If Li Caiyi indeed got re-birthed, what was the reason for that? Unlike those protagonists in the novel who had a deep grudge or regret in their life, she had cut ties with everything before she died. Because she wanted to have a clean ending and leave without bad feelings.

    Li Caiyi ruminated about it for a while, and she concluded that perhaps the reason for her rebirth was herst wish.

    If there was one thing she wished so strongly before she died, then it would be to meet Shen Qiang again.

    The location of that abandoned building was famous for its rumor about supernatural things happening to it. Could it be that it wasn''t a rumor, after all?

    Except for this reason, she couldn''t think of anything else.

    Li Caiyi felt anxious about the idea of repeating the same life. The protagonists in the novel usually would use this chance to get back to those who wronged her, but she didn''t want revenge at all. She only wanted to have a peaceful and more fulfilling life.

    If she made a different choice in this life, could she change the bitter ending awaiting her at the end of the road?

    Li Caiyi hugged her pillow tightly. All these thoughts made her head feel dizzy. She barely used any energy, but she was exhausted already.

    ''I want to meet Shen Qiang. I wonder where he is and what he is doing right now?'' Li Caiyi thought to herself.

    Suddenly, she heard vibrating noises from beside her. Li Caiyi turned her head and saw her old phone on top of the bedside table was lit up. She took it, and a nostalgic smile shed on her haggard face. It''s been a while since shest saw this model.

    Li Caiyi tapped on it, and the screen showed a push notification for a new iing message. It was from Li Chunhua.

    She read her message and wasn''t prepared for the iing headache :

    [Xiaoyi! Brother Renshu said he was going to visit you after school. Don''t forget to brush your teeth before hees! *winkemoji]

 Chapter 15 Paying A Visit

    "We''re home!"

    Not long after Su Suyin came back from shopping, she heard the crisp voice of her youngest daughter, and her mouth immediately curled up in a fond smile. "My darling baby, you''vee back."

    "Mother!" Li Chunhua hugged her mother and gave a quick peck on her cheek, making the older woman''s smile even wider.

    "Look at you. You''ve already gotten so big, but you still do childish things like this," she reprimanded her daughter with no anger in her voice.

    Li Chunhua stuck out her tongue. "I''m forever my mother''s baby. I don''t care what other people say!"

    "Haha, it seems I have spoiled you too much."

    "I''m home," Li Junjie finally made his presence known after he made sure they had finished their mother-daughter moment. Su Suyin noticed his son and greeted him with a smile.

    "Ah Jie, wee home."

    "Auntie, I''m here too. I''m sorry for intruding again today." From behind Li Junjie came a gentle-looking young man with neat hairstyles. Unlike Li Junjie, his features were much softer, and his smile made people feel at ease around him. His droopy eyes seemed like it was dripping with honey with how sweet he looked. Although he looked as pretty as girls, his voice was deep and firm like any other young man''s, and he carried a few boxes in his hand effortlessly before he put them on top of the table.

    Su Suyin walked over, and when she saw what was on the box, she frowned a bit. "You don''t have to bring anything. You are considered a part of our family already, so there''s no need to be so courteous."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Auntie, you''re the one who is too courteous with me. It''s just fruit and not an expensive gift at all. I have inconvenienced Auntie a lot, so please don''t reject it, or I will be sad by how distant you are to me."

    Meng Renshu''s gesture ttered Su Suyin, so she didn''t argue anymore. "Fine, but next time you don''t have to bring anything. We are always d to have you here."

    "Thank you, Auntie." Meng Renshu was about to help Su Suyin to put the fruits into the refrigerator when Li Chunhua hugged his arms.

    "Brother Renshu, you said you wereing to see Xiaoyi. Let''s go see here now!" Li Chunhua looked up at him with a beaming smile, and Meng Renshu felt his heart thumping loudly in his chest. His arms, which she touched, were burning so hot he could melt.

    Meng Renshu was happy Li Chunhua wasn''t repulsed by him after his impulsive moment yesterday, but if she kepttching on him like this, he might have gotten worse with his behavior.

    He reluctantly pulled his arm out of her embrace and patted her head lovingly. "I''ll help Auntie first, and then we can go check on Xiaoyi, okay?"

    Su Suyin smiled fondly at the sight of them being so affectionate to each other. "Renshu, it''s okay. I can do it by myself. Please go check on Xiaoyi with Xiaohua."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua shed a triumphant smirk at him. "See? Even mother agrees with me. Let''s go!"

    Meng Renshuughed, seeing Li Chunhua jump around like a little squirrel and obediently let her drag him to a familiar room. It wasn''t his first time entering the twin''s bedroom. He hade here many times since he was a kid, and he had yed there with them often. However, this might be his first time entering their room after bing a high-schooler.

    No matter how close they were, he was still aware of the boundaries between men and women, especially now that they had grown up. Usually, he would refuse if Li Chunhua invited him toe to her room, but today he had a valid reason to enter. On top of that, Li Junjie was also following them, so he felt no qualms about entering the girls'' room.

    A girl with the same face as Li Chunhua lied weakly on the bed in the room. Her face was pale in a sickly color, and her dry lips were chapped. Long and ck hair was spilling over the pillow and the bedsheets, making her face look even whiter than it already was. For a moment, Meng Renshu was convinced that Li Chunhua had gotten sick again, and his heart almost stopped.

    Only after Li Chunhua rushed forward did he snap out of his daze. "Xiaoyi, we''re here." Her voice wasced with deep concern.

    Li Caiyi slowly stirred, and her eyshes fluttered. Those eyelids gradually opened up like a blooming flower, and the movement was so serene and elegant that Meng Renshu couldn''t take his eyes off of her.

    For as long as he can remember, it has always been Li Chunhua who was bedridden because of her weak body, and Li Caiyi was always the one who loyally stayed by her side and took care of her. Now, their role was reversed, and with how simr their appearance was, he probably couldn''t distinguish who was who if he didn''t know any better.

    "Xiaohua, you''re here." Li Caiyi spoke in a hoarse voice. She looked at Li Chunhua before she shifted her gaze in his direction. "Brother Jie and Brother Renshu too."

    Meng Renshu didn''t know why, but he felt like something was different from how Li Caiyi looked at him. He had always been fond of the twins and treated them like his biological sister. They both reciprocated his care and had always looked up at him with adoration and admiration.

    However, Li Caiyi''s gaze right now was devoid of those emotions. Her eyes were murky, and a sense of depression oozed out of her when she looked at him as though she were looking at someone she didn''t want to meet.

    But how could that be? When he saw her yesterday, Li Caiyi was still the same little girl who followed behind him cutely like a little chick. He couldn''t think of anything that could make her change her attitude toward him, so he just quickly brushed it off as something her fever had influenced.

    "Xiaoyi, how are you feeling? I heard you were sick, so I came here to visit you," Meng Renshu stepped forward worriedly.

    "The fever had subsided a little. It''s fine," Li Caiyi replied.

    "Really? But your face still looked very pale," Meng Renshu unknowingly reached out to check on her temperature, just like he always did. He only wanted to make sure Li Caiyi was fine, but who would have thought that Li Caiyi would avoid him before his hand could touch her?

    Not only Meng Renshu but Li Chunhua and Li Junjie were also surprised by Li Caiyi''s strong reaction. She didn''t only avoid his hand by slightly tilting her head, but she nearly jumped out of her bed, as if she was afraid Meng Renshu would hurt her.

    This reaction was so out of her character, and they could only stare at her with wide eyes and a dumb look.

 Chapter 16 First Meeting With The Young Ex-Husband

    Li Caiyi really didn''t mean it.

    Ever since Li Chunhua texted her about Meng Renshuing to visit her, she couldn''t calm herself down. She was so anxious about meeting the younger version of her ex-husband that she couldn''t stay still.

    When she heard the voice ofughter and pleasantries beyond the door, Li Caiyi could immediately discern Meng Renshu''s voice. She thought she would feel hurt or sad when she heard it, but strangely, it cooled her head instead. When she heard him agreeing with Li Chunhua''s request to see her, Li Caiyi was reminded once again that she had gone through rebirth.

    Because the Meng Renshu she saw thest time couldn''t possibly agree to meet her with a gentle voice like that. The Meng Renshu she knew in the past was cold and unfeeling towards the usations directed at Li Caiyi, and he left her to fend for herself while he was busy worrying over Li Chunhua.

    He was the one who taught her how cruel love could be and the final shackle for her freedom. That was why, when she met Shen Qiang, who treated her much better than Meng Renshu ever was in the past three years of their marriage, she finally could let him go, with every other thing as well.

    Although Li Caiyi had calmed down a lot, she still wasn''t ready to meet Meng Renshu just yet, so she unconsciously shut her eyes, pretending to sleep, butter she found it was silly for her to do so.

    Why should she feel reluctant to meet him? In this timeline, nothing has happened between her and Meng Renshu yet. She had no reason to run or avoid him first.

    Li Caiyi opened her eyes, and beside Li Chunhua, she noticed that Meng Renshu and Li Junjie had entered the room.

    Meng Renshu as a teenager was still the same as she remembered. He had a tranquil and steady gaze, with a kind smile adorning his lips. His skin was fair, and his body was tall and slender. When he smiled, his droopy eyes would curve into a crescent shape, emphasizing his soft facial feature even more. Meng Renshu was a living example of a pretty boy, although the said person hated to be called pretty.

    However, perhaps only Li Caiyi from the previous timeline knew how this man could change drastically when facing his enemy. Of course, the enemy here was Li Caiyi, who threatened the safety of his princess.

    Meng Renshu back then was colder than winter on top of the mountain and as imprable as a mighty fortress. No amount of exnation could change his mind, and he never faltered even once when Li Caiyi begged him to believe her with tears. Li Caiyi could only endure his wrath silently.

    Now that same person was standing in front of her, except that he was looking at her with the same gaze he used before their marriage. It was the gaze of a caring older brother.

    Another difference she could point out was that she couldn''t feel the same warmth in her heart whenever she met that gaze. The only thing remaining was a bitter and gut-wrenching feeling.

    "Xiaoyi, how are you feeling? I heard you were sick, so I came here to visit you," Meng Renshu smiled as he approached her. Li Caiyi could see traces of genuine concern in those eyes, but her heart was unmoved.

    "The fever had subsided a little. It''s fine," Li Caiyi replied concisely.

    p "Really? But your face still looked very pale."</anda>

    Li Caiyi saw how he raised his hand, and everything suddenly turned into a slow-motion movie before her. She remembered how that same hand pushed her roughly into the car before he mmed the door with a hateful gaze, almost breaking her fingers in the process.

    ''Is he going to push me again?!''

    Before she knew it, Li Caiyi had taken a step aside and nearly tumbled down the bed, if not for her fast reaction. Her heart was thumping in fear, and her palm got sweaty.

    "Xi-Xiaoyi?" Meng Renshu had an inexplicable expression on his face now.

    Only then did Li Caiyi realize she had reacted impulsively on the spur of the moment. She quickly snapped out of it and regained herposure. "I''m sorry, Brother Renshu. I think it''s because I just had a nightmare, so I reacted like that."

    "Do you have a nightmare again?" It wasn''t Meng Renshu who responded, but Li Chunhua.<sub> </sub>

    "Yes, but it''s not that bad."

    "Is it about that Shen Qiang guy again?!"

    Li Caiyi jolted upon hearing that familiar name came out of Li Chunhua''s lips, and a weird feeling arose in her. That feeling wasn''t enjoyable in the least. She found it intolerable to hear Shen Qiang''s namee from her sister''s mouth for some reason.

    "Who''s Shen Qiang?" Meng Renshu asked Li Chunhua.

    "I don''t know. When Xiaoyi regained consciousness yesterday, she suddenly grabbed me and asked me about Shen Qiang''s whereabouts. Who''s Shen Qiang, Xiaoyi?"

    Even Li Junjie, who was usually aloof about most things, disyed a fair amount of curiosity about this. "Is it your friend''s name?"

    Technically, Shen Qiang was indeed her friend, but in the previous timeline. She had never met him in the current one, so they weren''t acquaintances, much less a friend now.

    However, Li Caiyi was determined to find Shen Qiang again in this timeline, so it wouldn''t matter if she lied a bit, right?

    "Yes. Shen Qiang is my friend."

    "What? Impossible! We have always been together, but howe I never knew you have a friend with that name?" Li Chunhua eximed in shock, and Li Caiyi noticed that something swirled inside her usually bright eyes for a moment.

    Li Caiyi paid no heed to Li Chunhua and feigned a tired look by holding her head. "It''s true, but can we talk about this some other time? I''m still dizzy and want to rest more."

    "Is that so? Have you taken your medicine?" This time, Li Junjie came forward and touched her forehead with his palm.

    Li Caiyi murmuredfortably with closed eyes. "It''s much better now, Brother Jie. I think I have almost fully recovered now."

    "Good. Then we''ll let you rest some more. Let''s go Xiaohua, Renshu."

    Li Chunhua whined about not having enough time with Li Caiyi, but Li Junjie dragged her out of the room, regardless. Li Caiyi was about to heave a sigh of relief when Meng Renshu suddenly turned around and spoke to her.

    "Xiaoyi, did I perhaps do something wrong to you?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect him to ask that. "No, you didn''t. Why are you asking me that?"

    Meng Renshu stared at her for a few seconds before he shook his head. "Nothing. It''s probably just my imagination, then. Rest well, Xiaoyi."

    When he closed the door behind him, Li Caiyi felt restless. Did she make her aversion too obvious? Meng Renshu had known her since childhood, so it wouldn''t be strange if he noticed something was off about her. Li Caiyi had to be more careful next time.

    Anyone would feel suspicious if someone close to them suddenly changed her personality or way of doing things. Although Li Caiyi was sure no one would expect her to be someone who had returned to the past, there was no harm in being cautious.

    She had to find Shen Qiang.

 Chapter 17 The Same Old Morning Routine

    On the following day, Li Caiyi had fully recovered, so she was determined to go to the school.

    It''s been a long time since she wore her high-school uniform. Li Caiyi twirled in front of the mirror, and her lips curled up into a shy smile.

    The reflection in the mirror showed a girl wearing a green id skirt and white shirt,bined with a tie which has the same color as the skirt and navy blue zer. She tied her long, ck hair into a ponytail, and ck-rimmed sses hung from her ears.

    No matter how she looked at it, she looked like a bookish nerd type of girl. An impression that didn''tst long if someone looked into her grades.

    Although her body was that of a teenager, Li Caiyi''s mind has long matured into that of an adult in herte twenties, so wearing a school uniform again with her current mentality felt embarrassing for some reason. It was like an adult cosying into a high school girl.

    "Xiaoyi, are you done changing? Mom called you for breakfast," Li Chunhua said while sticking her head in from outside the door.

    "Coming," Li Caiyi smoothened her bang for thest time before she took her bag and walked out of the room.

    The whole Li family had seated except for her in the dining room. Li Caiyi pulled a chair beside Li Chunhua, then absentmindedly took a slice of bread and smeared it with peanut butter.

    She took a bite of her bread without sound. Her eyes carefully watched over Li Junjie, who was sitting across from Li Chunhua, then at Li Jirong, who sat at the end of the table.

    It was a familiar scene, yet Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel how different it was to see this scene again after such a long time. A quiet morning like usual, with Li Jirong reading the newspaper and Li Junjie who ate while reading a book. On her side, Su Suyin intermittently put the side dish into Li Chunhua''s te while coaxing her to eat more.

    Once, she felt this kind of morning was lovely and peaceful, but now she felt nothing but suffocation.

    Because people who were currently sitting with her were people who cornered her to her death.

    Li Caiyi smeared a lot of peanut butter onto her bread, yet it still felt tasteless on her tongue.

    Li Jirong put down his newspaper and took a sip of his coffee. "Ah Jie, how was the result of your mock examst time?"

    Li Junjie answered without moving his gaze away from his book. "It''s fine."

    "How''s fine enough? You need to ace every exam if you want to be admitted to Meiho University. You are already on your third year, so don''t let your guard down."

    Li Junjie didn''t bat an eye over his father''s advice. It was almost like an automatic response. For overachieving students like Li Junjie, Li Jirong put so much hope and expectation on him. Thus, he felt the need to remind his son about that fact every day.

    "I know, Father."

    "Ah Jie, studying is good and all, but don''t read on the dining table. At least take some rest when you''re eating," Su Suyin said.<sub> </sub>

    "What do you know about his studies?! Let him learn whenever he wants to. Don''t dissuade him, orter he would be indulgent and getzy." Li Jirong reprimanded his wife almost immediately, making thetter lower her head with lips pressed together.

    Li Junjie treated the whole situation like nothing and paid no attention to the tension in the air. The only sound left on the dining table was the sound of him flipping the pages and the asional clinking sound of tableware.

    The same old morning routine. If this would go ording to what Li Caiyi remembered, what happened after this wasˇ­.

    "By the way, the teachers recently praised me for winning the mathpetition. They said it was just a smallpetition this time. Still, they were confident I could achieve more than that if there''s another opportunity," Li Chunhua seemed unfazed by the heaviness in the air and chirped happily. She looked at Li Jirong with glittering eyes, like a small animal asking to be spoiled.

    Li Jirong''s precious stiff face softened under her daughter''s melting gaze. He cleared his throat before he told her, "As expected from my daughter. Dad knows you have it in you. It''s a pity your body can''t take too much pressure, or you''ll be able to enter many otherpetitions as well."

    "Yay!! Daddy just praised me!" Li Chunhua smiled widely, then cutely snuggled into Li Jirong''s embrace. The man could only shake his head helplessly, but he didn''t appear to dislike such a gesture.

    Su Suyin chuckled. "Xiaohua worked very hard this time. She said she wanted to make her father happy."

    "Is that so?" Li Jirong''s foul mood instantly got brighter, and he gave Li Chunhua''s head an affectionate pat. "Xiaohua is indeed the most obedient. Daddy is happy you''re willing to work hard, despite your shorings. Unlike your sister."

    The light atmosphere just now turned heavy once again with Li Jirong''sst remark.

    ''Sure enough. Here ites again.'' Li Caiyi rolled her eyes inwardly.

    Li Jirong swept his stern gaze over Li Caiyi, who was currently nibbling on her bread silently, then heaved a sigh of disappointment. "Xiaoyi, you have to learn from Xiaohua. You have a better health condition than her, but you can''t do even half of what she can do. Don''t you feel ashamed at all?"

    Li Chunhua, who was flustered by the sudden turn of events, quickly said something to dispel the awkwardness. "Daddy, don''t say that. Xiaoyi also tried her best in her own way."

    Li Jirong scoffed. "If she is, then why don''t we see any result until now? She is wasting her time while other kids slowly n for the future. Xiaohua, don''t argue with Dad about this. Dad knows you love your sister, but this isn''t where you should spoil her. She is healthy and attends an excellent school. There''s no excuse for her poor grades except for herck of discipline."

    Su Suyin bit her lips and nced at Li Caiyi. She was worried that her daughter would feel disheartened after her father''s scolding, but Li Caiyi was calm throughout all that. There was no dissatisfaction or grievance on her expression, only indifference.

    Su Suyin felt bad for Li Caiyi, but she couldn''t help but think that what Li Jirong said had some truth in it. Li Caiyi was indeed only putting the bare minimum for her studies, causing her to fall behind other kids her age. On top of that, Li Caiyi was thecent type with little to no ambition, so it was understandable if she made no significant improvement. Of course, her husband would get irritated by that sincepared to Li Junjie and Li Chunhua, Li Caiyi''s light was far too dim.

    Even if Su Suyin wanted to defend her, there was nothing she could defend in Li Caiyi. Li Jirong''s scolding might even be a wake-up call for her instead.

    Thinking like that, Su Suyin saved her words to herself, lest she would be the one getting scolded again.

 Chapter 18 Li Family

    Li Caiyi stared at her father with an inexplicable emotion swirling inside her eyes.

    Li Jirong was their father, and he has always been a patriarchal man within the family. He saw Li Junjie as the only one worthy of meaningful conversation with him. Even though he doted and cared for Li Chunhua to some extent, it still couldn''t bepared to his feelings for his son.

    Li Jirong had always put Li Caiyi down whenever he praised Li Chunhua or Li Junjie. Li Caiyi had always tried her best in her studies. She spent a sleepless night just to learn about oneplicated physics or math form which Li Chunhua could perfectly master in an hour. It was pathetic, but Li Caiyi had never been interested in science. She could only conclude that her preference revealed itself in her grades.

    Even if she did pretty badly with math and science subjects in general, she was still decent in other subjects. However, no matter how excellent her Chinese literature and social science score was, Li Jirong wouldn''t bat an eye on it. His father had never considered those subjects as something challenging to learn, and thus, he looked down on them.

    Li family was a family of doctors. Throughout generations, a doctor has always been the family''s main upation. The mindset that bing a doctor meant honoring the ancestor had rooted deep in the Li family. What started as admiration and humble pride for this upation, developed into a twisted obsession.

    Growing up in such a family, Li Jirong believed that anything unrted to this upation was less significant or unworthy. That was why he scorned Li Caiyi, who was pretty good with anything except the exact things he was hoping for her to excel.

    Li Junjie excelled in many subjects, and so did Li Chunhua. Only Li Caiyi was different.

    It wasn''t like Li Caiyi didn''t understand his reason, but it never really urred to her how fatal his biased treatment was until she was diagnosed with clinical depression in herter life.

    Even when her father chastised her for beingzy and unworthy of Li family name, Li Caiyi had always thought that her father said that for her own good.

    Li Jirong was very strict with the three of them, pushing each one of us to be an excellent doctor in the future. He was harsher to her because she was too slowpared to her siblings, so it was inevitable. It was all her fault for not being able to answer her father''s expectations.

    After experiencing a whole life and death once, Li Caiyi realized how foolish and na?ve her thought was. Her father wasn''t harsh towards her out of his love for her, but he simply disliked her.

    Of course, part of it was because she wasn''t brilliant enough, but just that reason alone wouldn''t be enough to make a father not visit his daughter''s room even once, despite knowing she was sick. Li Jirong is a doctor and a father, but both reasons weren''t enough for him toe to check on Li Caiyi in the past few days when she was sick.

    She studied so hard in her past life just to earn her father''s acknowledgment, only to be crushed by his rejection. In the end, she gave up because no effort could measure up to Li Chunhua''s genius. Even if her grades improved a bit, Li Jirong would only scoff at it and tell her it still wasn''t good enough.

    It was a losing game from the beginning.

    If she didn''t remember wrongly, it should be around this time when that happenedˇ­.

    "Xiaoyi! Are you even listening to me? Not only do you disregard your study, but now you also learn how to disregard your father? Good!" Li Jirong raised his voice, causing Su Suyin to flinch. She looked at her husband and daughter alternately with a flustered expression, but in the end, she said nothing and kept her gaze downward.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi didn''t miss Su Suyin''s little gesture, and the light in her eyes became dimmer. If it wasn''t her but Li Chunhua in her ce, Su Suyin would go to any length to defend her from her husband. It seems Li Caiyi wasn''t even worthy of her biological mother''s support and constion at this point.

    Under her father''s harsh and cold gaze, Li Caiyi calmly wiped the corner of her mouth and spoke her first words throughout the breakfast. "I apologize."

    How could Li Jirong missed the coldness and sense of detachment in her daughter''s voice? He felt her daughter was mocking him by deliberately showing a haughty attitude, so he grew furious. "You insensible child! That''s why you are always inferior to Xiaohua in anything! Not only are you useless, but you also don''t know how to say sweet and convincing words. Good for nothing!"

    Screech!

    A screeching sound of a chair being pushed back reverberated in the room. Everyone stopped speaking altogether and stared at the source of the sound.

    Li Junjie, who silently read his book throughout themotion until now, had stood up with a grim face.

    Su Suyin was the first to recover; thus, she asked him, "What''s wrong, Ah Jie?"

    "Nothing. I can''t even read a book in peace like this. I have finished my breakfast, so I''ll leave first."

    Without waiting for anyone''s acknowledgment, he left with his book and bag in hand. Li Chunhua hurriedly took thest sip of her soup and picked up her bag as well. "Brother Jie, wait for me!"

    She gave both Li Jirong and Su Suyin a peck on the cheek before she hastily walked out of the house.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t in a hurry at all. There was still a lot of time before school started, so she took a box lunch from the cupboard in the kitchen and packed some bread smeared with strawberry jam.

    "Xiaoyi, are you going to bring lunch today?" Su Suyin asked in puzzlement. She usually packed some lunch for her children, but she stopped doing that unless they asked for it specifically since their middle school days.

    Li Caiyi simply nodded her head and bade her farewell to her parents. She wasn''t in the mood to spend time with her parents, so she quickly escaped after finishing her business. Before she left the room, she could hear Li Jirong''s scoff. "Useless daughter."

    Li Caiyi didn''t stop and walked to the school alone.

 Chapter 19 Can I Join You?

    S International High School is the most prestigious school in the S city. In this school, many students from ordinary to strong backgrounds gathered. Although this school looked like a school for rich kids, it supported many schrship programs that helped those from amon and less fortunate background enroll.

    Li family wasn''t that wealthy or powerful, but it had a notable reputation and fame in high-ss society, considering it was a family of doctors with a long history. It might not be as powerful as the Meng family, who owned several chains of drugstores and operated in the pharmaceutical field, but the Li had a lot of connections that existed thanks to the family''s influence and contribution throughout generations.

    Li Jirong is very proud of the Li family''s reputation, so much that he couldn''t stand his kids having any thought of trying anything besides the road that he had decided. His ambition to take the family to another level of prestige, apanied by his patriarchal nature, led the family down this road.

    Li Caiyi scribbled on her book as she pondered what she should do after this.

    She had written a few points that more or less contributed to her previous messy and irreparable life. The first problem on the list was her father.

    The older you are, the more stubborn you be. These words can''t be more urate. When she realized everything had taken a turn into worse in her previous life, it was already toote to fix anything. She could only follow the flow and let Li Jirong decide everything for her. And that was her first mistake.

    Thinking back, Li Caiyi felt she got the worst luck and talent out of the three siblings. It was somehow unfair.

    She massaged her temple with a scrunched expression. The ss has gone on for some time, but she can''t focus at all. She put down her pen, feeling dizzy and bored. Then she looked outside the window. She sighed when she looked up at how blue the sky was.

    ''It was the same color as back then. I wonder where Shen Qiang is now?''

    She missed him so much. The short time she spent with Shen Qiang was the happiest time in her life. Even when she closed her eyes, she still could vividly recall the warm and secure arms that embraced her. When she was beside him, she could genuinely be herself without restraint.

    <o>,m Li Caiyi wanted to meet him so bad. She clearly remembered everything that happened, but Shen Qiang wouldn''t know her in this timeline.</o>

    Shen Qiang said he regretted not bringing his beloved woman to go with him; wouldn''t that mean that they were together at some point? Was he with that woman right now, blissfully happy with no idea what would happen in the future?

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand in a fist. Just imagining Shen Qiang walking happily with another woman with no memory of her was unbearable. She came back from death, but the man who promised to apany her wasn''t there anymore.

    Li Caiyi felt God was being too much with her. It would be better if they let her be reborn in another life rather than re-doing her life all over again.

    Li Caiyi was too numb to do anything at this point. She even thought that perhaps she should just let nature take its course, so at the end of her life, she could meet Shen Qiang again.

    Of course, Li Caiyi knew she was just trying to run away again, just likest time. In the end, even if her body reverted, she was still the same Li Caiyi inside. That dull, gloomy, and stupid woman she hated the most.

    The sound of the bell abruptly cut her line of thought. Li Caiyi nced at her watch and found out it was already lunchtime. Everyone in her ss dispersed the moment the teacher left, but Li Caiyi stayed in her spot and quietly pulled out her lunch box from her bag.

    S International High School has a fancy cafeteria on the first floor, in which you can use points to trade for meals. The system was simple. You could collect points from the test or exercise you take in school, and sometimes the teacher would give you a bonus if you helped with stuff. The more you did well in your test, the more points you will get. The points were exclusive and could only be used within the school.<sub> </sub>

    Of course, you can use your own money to purchase meals there, but most of the menus were simply too expensive for some kids, so the cafeteria was usually the gathering ce for those who were bright or rich.

    Li Caiyi didn''t belong in any of those categories, but she could eat peacefully in the cafeteria thanks to Li Chunhua, Li Junjie, or Meng Renshu, who gave her their points. They wouldn''t allow her to use her money at all.

    She recalled how she refused to ept Meng Renshu''s point once, and her action garnered hate from Meng Renshu''s fans.

    "What are you putting a noble and pure image for? You have been leeching on your siblings and our prince all this time. What difference would it make if you stop taking their charity now? What a pretentious girl."

    Or so they said back then.

    It was never her intention to make them ''pay'' for her, but faced with heavy criticism, she couldn''t talk back at all. Li Chunhua scolded those who spoke badly about her, but the hate grew even worse after that.

    Li Jirong and almost everyone in school thought of her as a useless person who couldn''t do anything without her siblings back then.

    Li Caiyi chewed on her bread. She looked around and noticed some students stayed behind and ate together in small groups. These kids were probably the same as her, the students who didn''t belong in any category.

    However, even among those people, Li Caiyi was still alone.

    They looked so happy eating while chatting with their friends. Li Caiyi was always with Li Chunhua, so she seldom talked with other kids.

    If not for Shen Qiang, she might have ended her life alone in her previous life. She could imagine that nobody would notice that she was gone until her corpse became rotten, and no friends woulde to her funeral to cry for her. It was simply because she didn''t have anyone besides her family at all.

    She looked down in a daze, and her situation now ovepped with the time when she was left alone in her wedding house after Meng Shuchun made her sign the divorce agreement. Alone and lonely.

    Li Caiyi bit her bread a little too harshly when she thought of that time. She was unwilling to suffer the same fate again.

    She never wanted to experience that same feeling again in this life!

    Li Caiyi got up from her seat, and with her lunch box in her hand, she nervously approached a group of girls sitting on the corner with a smile.

    "Hello, can I join you?"

 Chapter 20 Different From What We Imagined

    "Hello, can I join you?"

    The three girls who were initially chatting together stopped in their tracks when they noticed Li Caiyi. Their expression was that of surprise. It must have been unexpected to see her, who was usually alone, suddenlying up to them like that.

    One of the girls with short hair cleared her throat before she spoke. "Li Caiyi, aren''t you going to the cafeteria today?"

    Of course, she would ask that. In the past, Li Caiyi rarely spoke or interacted with her ssmates except for the minimum necessity. At lunchtime, she would usually go to the cafeteria and eat with Li Chunhua, Li Junjie, and Meng Renshu; no other outsider allowed. Before long, they were established as a group, and since the three were exceptionally popr, the other kids began to keep their distance from her, too, as they didn''t want to offend her identally. Putting Li Chunhua and Li Junjie aside, they couldn''t afford to cross Meng Renshu, the sole heir to Meng Corporation.

    Thanks to Meng Renshu''s halo, Li Caiyi was spared from interacting with people who tried to get closer to her with an underhanded motive, but at the same time, the regr students also avoided her. It wasn''t a secret that Meng Renshu was very protective of the twins.

    One time, a guy persistently pursued Li Chunhua and even followed her home secretly. Meng Renshu said he took care of them, and that guy couldn''t be seen anywhere on the school grounds since then.

    Meng Renshu might look gentle and harmless on the outside, but when you carelessly step a foot into his red zone, then he won''t spare you any mercy. Li Caiyi involuntarily became one of those careless people too in her past life, so she understood why these girls were so cautious around her.

    "I''m not eating in the cafeteria today. I want to join you and have a chat. Can I?" Li Caiyi asked again in a soft voice. Although it might not be apparent in her face, she was very nervous inside. She waited for their answer with bated breath.

    The short-haired girl exchanged nces with the other two, trying tomunicate using their eyes. In the end, she nodded her head with a smile. "Take a seat first, don''t just stand there."

    Li Caiyi''s face brightened when she heard that. She pulled a chair and sat with them before putting down her lunch box. There was a hint of excitement in her eyes.

    "You surprised us when you suddenly called out to us." A girl with big eyes and a petite body who sat beside her smiled warmly. She seemed to be a cheerful girl who liked to prank on others from a nce.

    "Nian Nian, don''t talk when your mouth is full," the short-haired girl reprimanded her, but her indulging tone betrayed her strict words. She was the one who spoke to her first. Li Caiyi''s impression was that this girl was a cautious and serious one.

    "Just let her be, Ya Ya. She just can''t stand the awkward silence." The easy-going girl with a messy bun and uniform grinned across from her. Among the three of them, she looked the easiest to approach, just based on the rxed air around her. "Li Caiyi, it''s rare to see you around during lunchtime, but it''s rarer to see you talk first to other people like this. What''s the asion?"

    Li Caiyi, who was suddenly being questioned, couldn''t form an answer right away and stammered on her reply. "N-nothing. It''s just, I want to chat with my c-ssmates sometimes."

    "Hmm, that makes sense. You are always sitting alone in the ss, after all."

    "Chen Run, what are you saying?!" The short-haired girl called Ya Ya red at Chen Run with incredulity. She just can''t fathom how this girl could be so tactless sometimes.

    Chen Run covered her mouth with her hand. "I messed up. Did I say something wrong again?"

    "Ahaha, you sure did! You''re as insensitive as always!" This time, the girl called Nian Nianughed.<sub> </sub>

    Ya Ya sighed before she looked at Li Caiyi apologetically. "I''m really sorry for Run''s words. She didn''t mean anything bad with it; she is just too frank sometimes."

    Li Caiyi waved her hand in front of her. "Please don''t apologize. I was the one who suddenly intruded on you guys, and she isn''t saying anything wrong at all."

    "Now I feel bad when you put it that way," Chen Run scratched the back of her head. "Sorry. Don''t mind what I said earlier. My mouth acts faster than my brain sometimes."

    "More like, all the time! Hahaha."

    "Shut up, Nian Nian."

    "Both of you, please don''t start arguing again. Li Caiyi would feel troubled if you do."

    Looking at the three of them, freely speaking what was on their mind aloud, Li Caiyi felt a weird sense of estrangement. They seemed to be very close friends despite their bickering. It was a refreshing sight to see, but she couldn''t help but feel ufortable with the thought of being an unwanted existence there.

    "Forget about that! Let''s talk about Li Caiyi instead. I have been curious about her for some time now!" Nian Nian suddenly turned her head towards Li Caiyi.

    "Y-yes?"

    "Now that we have talked a little, I feel that you''re a bit different from what we imagined."

    "Different how?"

    Nian Nian crossed her arms while thinking hard. "Previously, you seem like the type that doesn''t enjoy talking at all. It''s tough to approach you."

    "That''s what I thought too! You are always with your group. Or when you are actually in ss for once, you never talk to anyone. If someone spoke to you, you only gave a quick reply, and that''s it. We thought you would dislike it if we talked to you, so no one dares to approach you anymore." Chen Run added.

    Her unstoppable friends exasperated Ya Ya, but she couldn''t deny what they said. She observed Li Caiyi closely, half-expecting her to make excuses for herself.

    Who would have thought that Li Caiyi would slightly bow her head in front of them?

    "I''m very sorry for my rude behavior."

    The three of them were dumbstruck.

 Chapter 21 Wishful Thinking

    Ya Ya was the first one to regain herposure, as always. "Why are you apologizing?"

    Li Caiyi looked at her sadly. "I don''t have any words for that. Even if I didn''t mean it, my distant attitude might offend or hurt some people. I want to apologize if I ever make you feel bad."

    "What? Normally people won''t apologize for something like this," Nian Nian tilted her head in confusion. She looked at Chen Run, but thetter stared back with an expression seemingly screaming, ''don''t ask me!''.

    "Li Caiyi, don''t apologize. It isn''t such a bad thing. You are only a bit hard to approach, but we all know you aren''t a bad person," Ya Ya said.

    "Yes! I saw you in the library sometimes, studying so seriously, and didn''t even notice when someone called out to you." Chen Run added.

    "You went to the library? What? Since when are you so studious?!" Nian Nian eximed in shock.

    "Can''t you stop nitpicking about details every time?" Chen Run red at her, looking a bit offended. "Even I visit the library sometimes, too!"

    Nian Nian sneered, seemingly unimpressed. "I bet you only went there to take a nap. Our library is pretty cozy, after all."

    Chen Run red at her again but didn''t rebut. It must have been true, then.

    Ya Ya ignored them and spoke to Li Caiyi again, "Not only Run, but every one of us also knows about it. You are the only one who studies seriously in self-study time, and you silently help change the water in the flower vase every day. Nobody spoke about it, but we have always been grateful for what you did, and we recognized your perseverance and hard work, so don''t feel bad about yourself."

    "Yeah! So what if you don''t talk nicely sometimes? You''d never mistreat others, nor did you talk bad about others behind their back. You are much better than those pretentious girls who act nice outside but poisonous inside!"

    "Spoken from true experience. Let me light a candle for you, Lan Lan."

    "Nian Nian, can''t you see we are in the middle of a serious conversation here?!"

    Li Caiyi felt a surge of emotion inside her. She would never have thought that there were people who actually realized her effort. She never did any of those to impress anyone, but she felt like she was being rewarded when they praised her like this.

    Li Caiyi had always beenbeled as a useless person, so hearing their kind and encouraging words overwhelmed her.

    "Th-thank you," Li Caiyi''s voice trembled.

    "Shoot! Look at what you did, Nian Nian! It''s because you kept interrupting she cried!"

    "Ah? Why is it my fault?!"

    "Can you guys shut up for a moment? You''ll only make her more stressed out like this!" Ya Ya scolded both of them before hurriedly pulling out a handkerchief from her pocket and offering it to Li Caiyi. Her gesture was very gentle and caring, and it shook Li Caiyi''s heart to the core even more.<sub> </sub>

    Even she felt silly for crying over something like this. However, she couldn''t stop her tears even if she wanted to.

    Li Caiyi thought she had left those wishful thinking behind when she decided to let everything go. She didn''t want to feel disappointed and hurt again, so she stopped trying. Her efforts would amount to nothing in the end. Someone like her would never be good enough.

    However, if they said thatˇ­.

    She would foolishly hope for the impossible again.

    She might think that everything would turn better if she tried a bit more. Just a little more.

    "Li Caiyi, it seems you have endured a lot of things inside. Please don''t hold it back. You can talk to us anytime about your problem if you want." Ya Ya had stood beside her before she knew it and gave her back a gentle rub. Even Chen Run and Nian Nian ceased their bickering and only looked at her solemnly.

    Li Caiyi squeezed the soft handkerchief in her hands and used it to stifle the sob froming out louder. The handkerchief had a pleasant fragrance of softener; it smelled very soothing.

    Then suddenly, Li Caiyi''s phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled her phone out of habit, then checked on the iing message. It was from Li Chunhua.

    [Xiaoyi, where are you? Do you have a ss chore again? We have been waiting for you, but you didn''t show up. Did something happen?]

    Li Caiyi was so caught up in her thought she forgot to inform Li Chunhua she wouldn''te to the cafeteria today. She quickly typed in the reply.

    [I''m sorry, but I won''t eat with you today. Don''t worry. I have brought my own lunch. Enjoy your meal].

    After that, Li Caiyi turned off her phone because she knew Li Chunhua would call her. She wasn''t ready to face them just yet. She needed more time before she could talk properly to them like she used to.

    Ya Ya, who stood beside Li Caiyi, didn''t mean to peek, but she couldn''t help but see everything. She has always been the sharp one among the three, so Ya Ya immediately realized that Li Caiyi must have some problem with her usual group, so much that she refused to eat with them. She made a mental note of this and thought that Li Caiyi was indeed very different from her initial impression.

    Before today, Li Caiyi has always been the odd one in her group. She didn''t shine brightly, like her siblings or Meng Renshu, but she gave off a modest and elegant vibe, befitting her family status. Ya Ya understood that Li Caiyi was more on the reserved side. However, she recalled how Li Caiyi stood timidly, asking to join them for lunch, added how she quickly apologized and cried over a simple expression of gratitude. Ya Ya thought that perhaps no one ever praised her for her effort. All because the people around her shone too brightly, they cast a looming shadow over her.

    Ya Ya also grew up with siblings, so she understood that much. That was why she could empathize with this socially awkward girl for a bit.

    Ever since the semester started, she never saw Li Caiyi talk to anyone voluntarily, so it was safe to assume that she didn''t have any friends besides that group of hers.

    Ya Ya bit her lips and promised herself to encourage her ssmates to talk more with Li Caiyi. Now that Li Caiyi was ''unguarded'', they should take this chance to get to know her better!

 Chapter 22 Thank You For Understanding Me

    After an embarrassing lunchtime, which forever changed Li Caiyi''s image, she felt that something was gradually changing inside of her. Previously, she was so lost about everything, but now she felt like the mist in her head had gotten clearer.

    It was amazing how a small gesture of encouragement could give a person tremendous strength and courage.

    Li Caiyi vaguely recognized her mistake in her past life and reflected on it a lot. She should have sought outside help when she couldn''t get it from inside. The world is vast with limitless possibilities. Even if your close ones didn''t acknowledge you, someone else would if you reached out to them.

    Li Caiyi wasted her whole life just to learn about this one obvious fact; she felt pathetic. Sometimes the answer has always been in front of you, but if you closed your eyes and ears for everything, of course you wouldn''t notice it.

    At first, it was only Shen Qiang, but then she met Zhou Ya, Chen Run, and Feng Nian. The number of people who acknowledged her increased, and she couldn''t help but wonder if there were actually more people out there. People who always had her in their eyes, but she was too blind to notice them.

    Li Caiyi caressed her phone screen and fondly smiled when she saw the contact list of her three new friends. She swore she would treasure them forever.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing?"

    Li Chunhua''s sudden appearance snapped her out of her daze. Li Caiyi put down her phone and smiled at her. "Nothing. Have you finished your homework?"

    Li Chunhua pouted. "I''m done already, but you barely make any progress. Daddy would scold you again if you don''t focus, you know?"

    "Sorry. I''ll finish them now."

    Li Chunhua folded her arms on top of the table and propped her chin with it as she looked up at her twin sister. "Xiaoyi, you seem to be in a good mood today. Did something good happen?"

    "I''m the same as usual, though?"

    "No, you aren''t! You can fool anyone else but me! Spill it out. Who made you so happy like this? Is it Shen Qiang again?!"

    Li Caiyi sighed. "No, it isn''t. Xiaohua, I''m doing my homework now, don''t bother me."

    Li Chunhua pursed her lips sulkily. "You have a new friend, so you don''t need me anymore. Humph, I see. Then just y with your friends from now on."

    How did it be like that? Li Caiyi knew that Li Chunhua was a willful one, but her older version had gotten a lot milder than her teenage version was. She has always looked at her sister with her adult version in mind, forgetting that this Li Chunhua was the same, yet different from what she remembered. This disparity made her feel disoriented.

    "Don''t say that. It wasn''t easy for me to make a new friend. I''m not like you, who are friendly and bright."<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi! You don''t even try to coax me like you always do! That''s it! Where does Shen Qiang live? I need to talk to him."

    "You''re speaking nonsense again. It has no rtion to Shen Qiang or anyone. I just think that it''s about time I change."

    Li Chunhua stopped moving, and her expression turned serious. "Change? Why do you need to change? Xiaoyi is already good the way she is. Did someone say something about you? Just tell me who it is, and I''ll scold them for you!"

    Li Caiyi''s pen also halted when she noticed Li Chunhua''s change of tone. She thought that this was a chance to rify things with Li Chunhua, so she put the pen down and stared at the very simr face in front of her.

    "Xiaohua, we''re not kids anymore. I realized that the way I do things all these times isn''t good, so I intend to change. I might not be able to be with you as often, but you are my precious sister, and I''ll always be by your side when you need me."

    Li Chunhua cast her gaze downward. Li Caiyi couldn''t guess what she was thinking from her hooded expression, so she continued, "Your body has gotten a lot better now, so you won''t need me around as much. We are twins, so we are closer to each other than anybody was. Even if we be busy with our businesses from now on, we will always have each other in mind."

    The air in the room stagnated after she finished talking. Li Chunhua was silent throughout her talking, and it gave Li Caiyi a weird, uneasy feeling.

    A few secondster, Li Chunhua raised her head with a big smile on her face. "So it''s like that. I agree with Xiaoyi. We are slowly bing adults, so we can''t be too dependent on each other anymore."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. It seemed Li Chunhua had taken the news pretty well.

    Previously, since Li Chunhua was very close to her, she couldn''t bring it in herself to tell her she wanted some space for herself. Li Chunhua has always been popr even without trying, but Li Caiyi was different. By the time she realized she was alone, it was all toote. She was too preupied with unnecessary worries that she lost sight of what she needed the most.

    This time, she wanted to im her own self righteously. She had spent her previous life solely for others, so it was okay if she was a bit selfish in this life, right?

    "Xiaohua, I know you will understand." Li Caiyi felt someone had lifted a heavy rock from her heart, so she reached out and sped Li Chunhua''s hand in hers gently. "Make no mistakes. No matter what happens, you are still my most important person. Thank you for understanding me."

    Li Chunhua smiled brightly. She wrapped Li Caiyi in a gentle embrace as she giggled. "Xiaoyi is always so serious about everything. That goes without saying. You are my most important person, too."

    Li Caiyi was worried for nothing. In the end, it was all her fault that everything in her previous life had gone messy. If only she had acted more decisively, her fate wouldn''t have ended so miserably like that.

    Now that Li Chunhua had understood her point of view, she could face her properly starting from now. Everything would be okay between them.

    Li Caiyi was too busy basking in the sense of relief, and she didn''t notice Li Chunhua''s smile gradually faded and was reced by coldness. However, when Li Caiyi looked up at her, she would revert to her previous cheery self, as if the dark and dangerous gleam in her eyes now was just an illusion.

 Chapter 23 I Can Take Care Of Myself

    Li Caiyi woke up with a fresh feeling today. After settling things with Li Chunhua, she wasn''t as tense as yesterday anymore. Having the person closest to you supporting you from the back was always reassuring.

    Li Caiyi walked out of her room, and the family had gathered at the dining table like always. It was the same view as yesterday, yet Li Caiyi''s steps felt so much lighter.

    "I was just about to call you. Do you want some congee, too?" Li Chunhua greeted her happily. She looked beautiful and ethereal under the warmth of sunlight peeking through the window.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t breathe for a second, and her lips curled up in a bittersweet smile. Because Li Chunhua was always like this, she could whole-heartedly support Li Chunhua''s rtionship with Meng Renshu. If it were any other woman, she probably wouldn''t be able to take it so well. Even if it was painful to see her husband and family side with Li Chunhua during her darkest time, Li Caiyi still couldn''t hate Li Chunhua. She was too precious for her, and she didn''t want to lose her.

    "Yes, could you please make one for me, too?" Li Caiyi asked softly while taking a seat beside Li Chunhua. Thetter gave a thumb up and went to the kitchen to scoop another bowl.

    Li Junjie, who silently read his book, witnessed this and spoke to Li Caiyi. "You seem to be more spirited today."

    His sudden remark caught Li Caiyi off guard. To think that his brother was actually paying attention to something besides his book. "Yes, the fever ispletely gone now."

    "That''s not what I mean," Li Junjie was about to speak again when Li Chunhua appeared and put down a bowl full of congee in front of Li Caiyi.

    "I scooped a lot for you. Be careful not to get sick again."

    Li Caiyi smiled wryly when she saw the portion. It was just too much for breakfast. She didn''t even like to eat congee that much, to begin with. However, seeing Li Chunhua''s expectant face, she couldn''t bring herself to refuse her kind gesture.

    Li Caiyi''s stomach churned when she finally finished her bowl. Li Chunhua pped happily from the side like she was humoring a child. "You finished it all. What a good girl."

    Su Suyin smiled fondly, seeing the sisterly bond between her daughters. In a good mood, she asked Li Caiyi. "Xiaoyi, do you want to bring lunch too today? Mom will prepare it for you."

    Li Caiyi thought deeply before she nodded her head. "Thank you, Mother."

    Su Suyin got up and busied herself in the kitchen. Li Caiyi stared at her mother''s back, and she felt warm all over inside. A familiar yearning crept up to her heart, but Li Caiyi quickly suppressed it when she remembered what happened in her past life. Su Suyin was undoubtedly a loving mother, but Li Caiyi couldn''t let her emotions get the best of her anymore.

    It didn''t take long before Su Suyin came back with a warm lunchbox in her hand. Li Caiyi epted it and put it in her bag.

    "We''ll go to school now," Li Junjie stood up first, followed by Li Chunhua and Li Caiyi. The three of them bade their parents goodbye before they walked out of the house.

    ***

    The Li family''s house was pretty close to S International High School. Li Jirong insisted that taking a walk before studying would improve your concentration, so the three of them had always walked to school together.

    Yesterday, because of Li Jirong''s scolding, Li Caiyi had to go to school alone. She was in a foul mood, so she paid little attention to her surroundings. When she looked at the familiar bustling of the street, her face revealed a nostalgic smile.

    A few yearster, this street would face a significant change. Li Caiyi thought little of it back then, but now that she was reliving her life again, she intended to etch every single detail to her memory.

    "Oh, Brother Renshu!" Li Chunhua suddenly eximed in excitement.

    Li Caiyi returned her gaze forward and found Meng Renshu standing with his back against a pole. His picturesque figure,bined with refined demeanor, made him look like a noble prince from a fairy tale. He was extremely eye-catching in this busy street. Some aunties from nearby shops even stopped what they were doing for a moment to admire the young man.

    Meng Renshu turned his head, and his smile bloomed when Li Chunhua ran over to him. Looking at them, they were like a charming prince with his beloved princess who had juste out of the painting.

    ''Really. They suited each other so well.'' Li Caiyi thought to herself.

    Li Chunhua chatted cheerfully with him, making Meng Renshu let out a peal of softughter. His gaze on Li Chunhua was very gentle, like he was looking at his most precious treasure.

    "What are you doing here?" Li Junjie asked him.<sub> </sub>

    "I was passing by with my car when I saw you were walking, so I asked the driver to drop me off here. I want to walk with you to school."

    "We will meet at the school, anyway. Why don''t you just wait for us at the school gate?"

    "It''s rare for me to bump into you in the street, so why not? Do you not want me toe along with you?"

    "No way! We are thrilled to have you with us! Isn''t that right, Xiaoyi?" Li Chunhua suddenly threw a question at her, so Li Caiyi nodded her head stiffly.

    Meng Renshu shifted his gaze to her, making Li Caiyi feel ufortable. She noticed the slight change in his expression, as though he had just noticed her presence. Even if Li Caiyi didn''t like him anymore, it stung a bit when she was treated like an outsider like that.

    "Xiaoyi is here too. How''s your body?"

    "It''s fine," Li Caiyi replied, but her voice sounded curter than what she intended. Thankfully, Meng Renshu didn''t seem to notice anything was amiss.

    "I haven''t seen you for a while now. I''ll treat you to your favorite strawberry milk in the cafeteria today, so make sure youe this time, okay?" Meng Renshu approached her with a doting smile on his face.

    It was once a smile that Li Caiyi loved so much. She would do anything so that he would smile at her again. When Meng Renshu smiled at her, she could deceive herself into thinking that she was loved, even for a moment. Even if she knew that Meng Renshu didn''t see her that way, or he kept misremembering Li Chunhua''s preference as hers every time.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her guts. Sure enough, out of all the people she met since her rebirth, Meng Renshu was the toughest one for her to face. Whenever she remembered how he ruthlessly admonished and left her in the abyss of despair, she just wanted to run away and never meet him again.

    Meng Renshu looked at how Li Caiyi kept her head lowered. He thought that Li Caiyi was shy and didn''t know what to say like always, so he fondly patted her head. "Don''t mind what people say. Big brother will protect you if they nder you again."

    It stunned Li Caiyi when she felt his touch on top of her head. The contact was gentle, but Li Caiyi was itching to p his hand away.

    Meng Renshu also uttered the same promise to her in her previous life. However, in reality, it was because he abandoned her without looking back she could stand in front of him right now, listening to his empty words again.

    ''How sickening. I want to vomit.'' Li Caiyi let out a mocking scoff.

    She never wanted to be touched by this hand again.

    The only hand she wished to touch her again... was Shen Qiang''s.

    Li Caiyi remembered how Shen Qiang reassured her that everything would be fine, and he would always be by her side. That was all she needed.

    Shen Qiang''s words and hands were the ones that saved her, not this hand on top of her head, which was supposed to belong to her husband.

    Thinking that Shen Qiang was somewhere under the same blue sky, Li Caiyi felt a surge of strength and courage wash over her. She straightened her back and calmly took Meng Renshu''s hand off of her head, before she looked up at the face she had always avoided since her rebirth.

    "There''s no need for that, Brother Renshu. I can take care of my affairs by myself." She said firmly while looking him straight in the eye. In this life, she would never beg for anyone''s love again.

    "I won''te to the cafeteria as often from now on since I have promised my friends I''ll eat lunch with them, so no need to worry about me." Li Caiyi walked past Meng Renshu with an inexplicable feeling. Was this the feeling of a prisoner who finally got the first breath of fresh air after years?

    "I have ss duty this morning, so I''ll go first." Li Caiyi paused and looked back when she remembered something. "Oh, Brother Renshu? I like banana milk more than strawberry. Please don''t forget it again."

    Li Caiyi walked ahead with light steps. If only she could grow wings and fly to Shen Qiang''s ce right now.

    She missed him so much.

 Chapter 24 Can I Tag Along With You?

    "Li Caiyi, do you want to join us to watch a movie after school?" Chen Run showed a movie banner from a website to her. "This movie is pretty popr right now. We nned to see them today."

    Li Caiyi perked up at the idea of hanging out with friends after school. Ever since her elementary school days, she had never hung out with friends anymore, so this idea intrigued her very much. She was so excited; she replied immediately. "If you don''t mind meing, then please take me with you!"

    "Pfft, hahaha! What''s with that response? You are too enthusiastic," Feng Nianughed, and some of her rice spurted from her mouth onto the table, which made Zhou Ya, who sat across from her, frowning in disgust.

    "How many times I have to tell you not to talk while your mouth is full. Look at the mess you made!"

    "Yes, mother~."

    Zhou Ya red at Feng Nian. "I don''t remember giving birth to a brat like you."

    "Do you like horror movies? This movie is a horror-romance one," Chen Run added by sliding her finger through the phone screen to show Li Caiyi the cast of the movie. It took Li Caiyi a moment, but she eventually recognized this movie. She vaguely remembered this movie was once famous for its poor scriptwriting.

    "Run, didn''t this movie have a bad review?" Li Caiyi asked carefully.

    "Yep. It''s so bad that it has be a hot topic instead. Precisely why we can''t not go to see it!" Chen Run''s eyes sparkled with delight.

    Zhou Ya giggled when she saw Li Caiyi''s bewilderment. "Are you surprised? Lan Lan is a movie freak. She likes every kind of movie, particrly those with a very good and a terrible review."

    "Her taste is so unique, and she has always dragged us to watch a crap movie with her," Feng Nian sighed in resignation. "You''re going to be one of her victims now. Wee to the group."

    "You guys just don''t understand the charm of those crap movies. When you see an ugly cat pass by, you will still can''t help but think it''s cute, right? Movies are also the same. The crappier it is, the more charm it has!"

    Feng Nian looked extremely disgusted. "Uwah, save me from this movie nerds. Someone please stop this girl."

    "Humph, don''t restrain me using your normal standard! Li Caiyi, you understand what I mean, right?" Chen Run leaned in closer to her, and Li Caiyi hesitated before nodding. Chen Run let out a triumphant smirk towards Feng Nian, who responded with a roll in the eyes.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to expect from the movie, but she was certainly looking forward to spending time with her new friends!

    ***

    After school.

    Li Caiyi had sent a message to Li Chunhua beforehand, telling her that she couldn''t go home with her. She walked happily with Zhou Ya, Chen Run, and Feng Nian downstairs. They were discussing about visiting the crepe shop near the cinema after the movie when someone suddenly blocked their way.

    "Xiaoyi! I have been waiting for you!"

    Four of them stopped in their tracks instantly. Li Chunhua pounced on Li Caiyi as soon as she saw her. "What are you guys talking about? It seems interesting!"

    Zhou Ya exchanged nces with the other two butter smiled politely. "We were going to watch a movie together."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua''s smile was so bright it could light up the entire hallway. "Movie sounds amazing right now! Hey, do you mind if I tag along?"

    The expression on Zhou Ya''s face turned into that of hesitation. She nced at Li Caiyi discreetly and noticed her difort. She didn''t know why Li Caiyi felt that having her sister with them was a bad idea, but then she remembered how Li Caiyi kept some distance from her group.

    Zhou Ya felt bad for her and wanted to help.

    "Is it convenient for you toe?" Zhou Ya asked carefully. Li Caiyi was one thing, but this girl was their school prince''s childhood sweetheart.

    No one said it out loud, but it was self-evident that Young Master Meng preferred the younger sister over the older one. Thest shocking incident was also because of a random guy trying to woo Li Chunhua, which evoked the wrath of the powerful Young Master. Zhou Ya didn''t dare to speak too directly.

    Li Chunhua tilted her head before she pped her hand innocently. "Are you worried about my health? Wow, you''re very considerate of me." Li Chunhua held Zhou Ya''s hand affectionately with a sweet smile. The gesture was so cute; Zhou Ya couldn''t help but blush slightly. "Don''t worry. I''m not as frail as you think. If worsees to worst, I have Xiaoyi with me!"

    Li Caiyi found this scene very familiar. She stared at Li Chunhua withplex emotion.

    It has always been like this whenever she tried to make friends with everyone. When she thought she got along well with everyone, Li Chunhua woulde, and their attention would immediately shift to her. Li Chunhua was so dazzling that people gradually forgot about Li Caiyi, or even worse, they startedparing the two behind her back.

    Li Caiyi didn''t think much about it before this because she knew that Li Chunhua was indeed very charming and likable. However, Li Caiyi had clearly expressed that they shouldn''t depend on each other too much this time. Didn''t Li Chunhua understand what she meant?

    "Xiaoyi, what''s wrong? Your face didn''t look too good. Don''t you want me toe with you?" Li Chunhua spoke softly, but her voice echoed in the quiet hallway. Few of the students who passed by and witnessed this took pity on Li Chunhua, who was rejected by her own sister. They were very dissatisfied with Li Caiyi''s unfriendly attitude.

    Even Chen Run sympathized with this little fairy, so she carefully interceded. "I''m sure your sister would be fine. We''re just going to watch a movie after all. Just let here with us, Li Caiyi."

    Feng Nian cast a side look to Chen Run before she nudged her on her side, signaling her to shut up. Zhou Ya also noticed that the mood had gotten awkward and heavy, so she hurriedly broke the silence. "What about next time, then? After all, the movie we are going to watch is a crap one. Let us all hang out together when the other movieeˇŞ"

    "Am I bothering you? Are you canceling your n because of me?" Li Chunhua''s eyes glistened with tears as she looked down at the floor. She seemed extremely pitiful, making people feel sorry for her.

    "N-no, that''s not what I mean!" Zhou Ya was panicked because she was afraid of what Meng Renshu would do if he knew she made Li Chunhua cry. She subconsciously nced at Li Caiyi, but she didn''t know what to say.

    Zhou Ya was just trying to be considerate to Li Caiyi, who seemed to have a hard time, but she identally made Li Chunhua cry instead. She shouldn''t have involved herself in this sibling conflict!

    Li Caiyi watched this scene unfold before her and finally let out a deep breath. "Don''t cry, Xiaohua. We''re not trying to exclude you or anything. You cane with us."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes lit up, but then she looked at Zhou Ya worriedly. "Butˇ­"

    "It''s okay. Come here." Li Caiyi outstretched her hand, and Li Chunhua took it with a giggle.

    "As expected, Xiaoyi is the only one who cares about me!" Li Chunhua walked beside Li Caiyi while hugging her arm intimately.

    Li Caiyi looked at her friends, and except for Chen Run, the other two''s expressions weren''t that good. An awkward silence reced the cheerful and excited mood from earlier.

 Chapter 25 Conflict

    "Since I''m intruding on you guys, let me treat you to some snacks and drinks!" Li Chunhua winked at Li Caiyi and her friends before tugging at Li Caiyi''s sleeve. "Xiaoyi, let''s go!"

    Before Li Caiyi could refuse, Li Chunhua had dragged her to the snack and beverage counter queue, leaving the others to buy some tickets for them. She thought of snatching her hand back, but then Li Caiyi thought this might be a good opportunity to talk to her sister without being heard by her friends, so she obediently let Li Chunhua lead her.

    Li Caiyi nced at her friends and glimpsed them discussing something seriously. She felt terrible because Li Chunhua just ruined the mood for them. It would be great if she could just bring Li Chunhua home with her right then and there, but doing that might make everything more awkward instead, so the least she could do now was to restrain her sister from inflicting more damage.

    "Xiaohua, why are you doing this?"

    "Hm, what do you mean?"

    "I thought I had made myself clear before, so why do you suddenly want to tag along?"

    Li Chunhua''s smile faded. Her lips quivered as she spoke, "Xiaoyi, do you not like me anymore after you have new friends?"

    "No, that''s not it. I would never hate you. However, what you did back there put everyone in a tough spot." Li Caiyi was so upset she identally raised her voice.

    "I-I''m sorry," Li Chunhua''s voice was slightly trembling, and her shoulder was visibly shaking.

    Li Caiyi, who was about to lecture her, suddenly felt bad for speaking too harshly. She put her hand on Li Chunhua''s back and tapped it gently to calm her down. "Xiaohua, don''t be afraid. I know you feel anxious, but you know I can''t be with you forever. You have to learn to do things without me, or we both can never move forward."

    "B-but you look like you are having so much fun with your friends. I just want to be part of that, too. Is that wrong of me?"

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. She was upset because Li Chunhua ruined the mood of her friends, but when she heard that, she felt guilty inside. From Li Chunhua''s perspective, it might seem like she was ditching her to y with other kids. Li Chunhua only asked to tag along with them, and it wasn''t like she acted rude to anyone. As pushy as she was, Li Caiyi didn''t have any right to prevent her sister from joining them.

    In the end, Li Caiyi decided she should apologize on Li Chunhua''s behalfter. Zhou Ya''s expression wasn''t good when they left them. She didn''t want them to think badly of Li Chunhua.

    "Xiaohua, I''m sorry for being too harsh. You''re not wrong for wanting to have fun, but you can''t just intrude into other people''s ns like that. I''m okay with it, but the others might not think like that. You have to apologize to themter."

    Li Chunhua pursed her lips. "Why should I apologize? In my opinion, your friends are being too cautious of us. Don''t you see they have been keeping some distance from us since earlier?"

    "That''s because you suddenlye and make everything awkward." Li Caiyi sighed helplessly.

    Li Chunhua shook her head stubbornly. "No, it''s not. They were clearly putting some distance between themselves and us. I don''t think they like us very much!"

    "They are very kind and fun people. They just don''t know you that well for them to open up to you."

    Li Chunhua looked at Li Caiyi in disbelief before she harrumphed. "Xiaoyi, you can say that because you have never interacted much with people. You are too nice and gullible. If it''s not for me and Brother Renshu, who protected you all the time, you must have met countless bad people already. Believe me, Xiaoyi. I would never lie to you!"

    It was difficult to talk with Li Chunhua because she was too stubborn. Li Caiyi didn''t take Li Chunhua''s words seriously and only urged her to apologizeter. Li Chunhuained, but thankfully she didn''t refute anymore.

    After buying their share of food and beverage, they returned to others. Li Chunhua walked ahead cheerfully. There was no trace of her dissatisfaction earlier.

    "Everyone, the food is here!"

    Li Caiyi watched them from behind and saw Chen Run and Zhou Ya thanked her, while Feng Nian only gave her a brief nod. Feng Nian didn''t look very happy for some reason. She hadn''t spoken even once throughout the trip, which was contrary to her usual behavior.

    ''They were clearly putting some distance between themselves and us. I don''t think they like us very much!'' Li Caiyi suddenly recalled Li Chunhua''s words, but she quickly chased away that thought.

    Zhou Ya and others were the first groups who epted her. She didn''t want to think negatively about them.

    "Your name is Li Chunhua, right? Man, you''re so pretty and kind!" Chen Run said in awe. "When you are watching a movie, savory popcorn is a must! d to meet my people here!"

    Li Chunhua giggled. "I know, right? Of course, caramel popcorn is good too, but savory is still the best answer!"<sub> </sub>

    "Haha, do you like movies too? What kind of genre do you like?"

    "I like romance movies the most! When I finally saw the female and male lead together, I felt a sense of achievement even though it was not me who experienced it. Don''t you think so too?"

    "I do! I understand that feeling very much!"

    "What about Zhou Ya and Feng Nian? What kind of movies do you like?"

    Zhou Ya, who watched cautiously at first, pondered for a bit before she answered, "I don''t watch movies that often, but I think I like mystery movies the most. Watching it and putting the clue together makes me feel like I''m the protagonist themselves."

    "That''s awesome! Then do you like reading mystery novels too?"

    "Yes, I do. I have lots of them at home." Zhou Ya sounded proud when she mentioned that. "Li Chunhua, are you interested in it too?"

    "Hmm, I don''t read that much, but it sounds interesting! Can you tell me more about it?"

    The previously gloomy and heavy atmosphere suddenly turned livelier. Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Zhou Ya and Chen Run having a good time. Li Chunhua could easily lift the mood with her easy-going and bubbly nature. Unlike her, who could barely make any conversation without stuttering.

    Li Caiyi watched them chat, but she couldn''t find any chance to join the conversation. They talked about some trends she didn''t know about, so she couldn''t say anything.

    She should be grateful that Li Chunhua dispelled the previous awkwardness, but looking at this scene made her realize the wide gap between her and Li Chunhua once again.

    Li Caiyi smiled bitterly, but she only had herself to me for this. If only she could be a fun person too, like Li Chunhua.

    While she was listening to them talking, she noticed that Feng Nian was the only one who seemed indifferent about all this. She would intermittently respond with a hum or a nod here and there, but she never spoke unless someone talked to her first.

    Li Caiyi approached her and whispered. "Feng Nian, are you feeling okay?"

    Feng Nian looked up from her phone, and Li Caiyi didn''t miss a trace of irritation in her eyes when their eyes met. "I''m fine. Why do you ask?"

    "No, you seem to be not your usual self. I thought you might feel unwell."

    "Something DID make me feel bad." Feng Nian''s tone grew harsher, and Li Caiyi finally realized that Feng Nian was angry at her.

    "Feng Nian, are you mad at me?"

    Feng Nian rolled her eyes in annoyance before she said spitefully, "You''d better put your sister in her ce. She is annoying."

    "What? Did Xiaohua do something bad to you?"

    "Can''t you see? Or you just pretend not to see it?"

    Li Caiyi became even more confused. "If Xiaohua offended you in any way, I''ll apologize on her behalf. She isn''t a bad girl. She just feels lonely sometimes."

    Feng Nian was about to say something again, but she changed her mind in the middle and turned her head away with a click of the tongue. "Forget it. This is stupid."

    "Hey, what are you two doing? The movie is about to start!" Chen Run waved to them from a distance, with Zhou Ya and Li Chunhua standing beside her.

    Li Caiyi watched Feng Nian''s back with conflicted emotion. What was she trying to say earlier?

 Chapter 26 Giving Her A Cold Shoulder

    After watching the movie, the five of them went to the nearby crepe shops while chatting happily about the movie. Although Chen Run and Li Chunhua were the ones who did most of the talking, Zhou Ya also gave her opinion a few times, while Li Caiyi and Feng Nian rarely uttered a word. Soon after that, they parted ways. Until the end, Li Caiyi didn''t have a chance to talk to Feng Nian again.

    "Xiaoyi, what do you think about the movie?" Li Chunhua asked Li Caiyi after they had separated from the others.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t respond immediately, because honestly, she couldn''t understand what the movie was about. She vaguely understood it as a movie about a man who lived alone and was stalked by a creepy girl. Later, the movie revealed that the man was actually the girl''s long-lost sister who changed her gender into a man due to the shock of her miscarriage, but then lost in the sea during an ident and had amnesia.

    The story was too messed up. As a person who didn''t watch movies that much, the hurdle was just too high. The scriptwriter must have run out of an idea and thrown a few cliche tropes into one. In the end, they added some kind of plot twist to shock the viewer but failed miserably.

    Forget about the moral value and exciting scene, Li Caiyi didn''t even remember how she managed to watch that until the end.

    "I don''t understand a thing about that movie."

    Li Chunhuaughed. "Honestly, me neither."

    "But you chatted so happily with Chen Run about it earlier."

    "Although we don''t understand it, we should at least try to keep our friend entertained. She enjoyed the movie so much, and it would be rude if we dampened the mood just because we didn''t understand it."

    "I-I see." Li Caiyi fell into deep thought. She tried to recall if she identally made Chen Run bored with her inexperienced and casualment and couldn''t tell if she did a good job or not entertaining her friend.

    "People who keptining and criticizing everything always dampened the mood. Like that Feng Nian girl."

    "Ah? I didn''t hear herining or anything."

    "Can''t you see the frown on that girl''s face throughout the day? It''s like she was dissatisfied with everything, even though everyone was having fun. You said I ruined the mood for everyone, but Feng Nian was the one at fault from the way I see it. Just what did she try to achieve by showing an unhappy face?"

    Li Caiyi remembered Feng Nian''s sharp words earlier and couldn''t refute Li Chunhua''s words. She indeed looked like she was in a bad mood from start to finish.

    "Chen Run and Zhao Ya are nice, but I don''t think Feng Nian is a good friend. Chen Run kindly invited her, but she didn''t even try to understand what the movie was about. She''s very rude and unfriendly!"

    "You are too harsh on her. I don''t think Feng Nian is that kind of person."

    "Xiaoyi, you are too biased! Can''t you see the way Feng Nian looks at us? She''s clearly showing hostility to us. You can''t trust people so easily."

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to argue with Li Chunhua anymore, so she kept silent and stopped the first taxi that was passing by.

    ***

    "We''re home!"

    Su Suyin immediately got up from the sofa and ran over after hearing a familiar voice.

    "Xiaohua, there you are!" Her expression was a mixture of relief and worry. Su Suyin touched Li Chunhua''s face, shoulder, arms, and everything to ensure she was okay before she scolded her lovingly. "Where have you been? Why aren''t you answering my call and text?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua was surprised, and then she pulled out her phone. "Ah, I forgot I turned my phone off before the movie. I''m sorry, Mom."

    Su Suyin was upset when Li Chunhua came backte, and she didn''t even inform her beforehand about it. She was distraught that something might happen to her youngest daughter and was ready to call the police if she still hadn''t returned within the next hour.

    "How many times do I have to tell you to contact me first if you want to go somewhere else besides home? If you suddenly copsed with no one knowing where you are, what should we do, then?" She reprimanded her with a stern but restrained tone.

    Li Chunhua lowered her head guiltily. "I didn''t mean to leave you hanging. I just forgot to turn my phone on again after the movie ended."

    Su Suyin, who became calmer after venting her frustration, finally registered the crucial information in Li Chunhua''s words. "Movie? What movie?"

    "I went to the cinema with Xiaoyi and her friends today. It looks fun, so I ask them if I can tag along," Li Chunhua said while smiling innocently.

    Su Suyin''s expression darkened when she heard that. She coldly shifted her gaze to Li Caiyi, who had stood behind Li Chunhua since earlier. "So you are always with Xiaohua all these times? Why didn''t you call me first? You know Xiaohua was frail, but you brought her to a chilly ce like that?"

    Her tone was full of usation and reprimand. Li Caiyi had expected this to happen ever since she found out Li Chunhua had forgotten to inform Su Suyin, so she had prepared an answer.

    "Mother, I also didn''t know that Xiaohua would tag along. I thought it would be fine since her body had gotten better, and I will be by her side too throughout the movieˇŞ"

    "Don''t make any excuses! No matter what, you should have informed me first before bringing your sister anywhere. What if something happens to her?! Who are you to decide if her body condition is well or not? You are not a doctor! It will be toote if you wait until something really happens! How could you be so careless?!"

    Li Caiyi bit her lips while swallowing the words she wanted to say. When Su Suyin was in this state, talking back would only aggravate the situation. She has always been worried about Li Chunhua, but she never asked what Li Caiyi was doing, even if she came backte. For her, Li Chunhua''s wellbeing always came first above anything, and those who said otherwise were cold-hearted and unreasonable.

    "Mom, please don''t scold her! I was the one who insisted oning with her." Li Chunhua tried to reason with Su Suyin by pulling on her arm, but Su Suyin only gently shook it off with a weak smile. "Xiaohua, you enter first. Mom needs to talk with your sister."

    Li Chunhua nced at Li Caiyi and Su Suyin alternately, feeling guilty and unwilling to leave. "I can''t. Mom, I''m not a child anymore. Xiaoyi allowed me to go with her because she knew I would feel bored and lonely. It was my fault for forgetting to turn on my phone, so please don''t scold her."

    "You don''t have to say all that. Mom knows Xiaoyi didn''t do it on purpose. You enter and eat first. Mom will only talk with your sister. Go on." Su Suyin stroked Li Chunhua''s head with an indulgent smile, but her voice was firm with no room for objection.

    Li Chunhua was still unwilling, but she reluctantly walked into the house after repeated reassurance. She looked back a few times worriedly, but she could do nothing under her mother''s watch.

    After she was gone, Su Suyin coldly swept over Li Caiyi''s figure. She was very indignant and dissatisfied with this daughter of hers, but she held herself back from yelling at her. She didn''t want Li Chunhua to me herself for scolding Li Caiyi.

    "Let''s talk in my room." Su Suyin didn''t wait for Li Caiyi to answer and walked away first.

    Li Caiyi stared at her mother''s back sadly. She had reverted to her old self, but in the end, she was still stuck in the same predicament. How often did Li Caiyi hope for her mother to look back at her, even once?

    However, even when Li Caiyi was crying and begging for her mother to believe her in her previous life, Su Suyin only gave her the cold shoulder. When that hope was shattered for good, so was Li Caiyi''s will of life.

    Li Caiyi clenched her skirt and obediently followed her mother with a lowered head.

 Chapter 27 Im Not A Failure!

    Su Suyin''s room was more spacious than Li Caiyi''s but narrower than Li Junjie''s. The room was painted in a pastel green color, giving the room a soothing feeling.

    However, the mood wasn''t soothing at all as Su Suyin stormed her way into the center of the room and only turned her back when she heard the sound of the closing door. She stared at Li Caiyi sharply, contemting what she should say first.

    "Xiaoyi. I''m very disappointed in you."

    Li Caiyi squeezed her palm together as she waited for the iing lecture.

    "I have told you many times that you should watch over and protect your sister. By this, I don''t mean that everything is okay as long as you are by her side. There''s only so much you can do alone, and that''s why you need to report to me whenever Xiaohua wants to do something that could potentially cause her condition to deteriorate."

    "Do I even have to spell that for you? Are you so slow you don''t understand something that simple?" She raised her voice, "You can''t study well and can''t even look after your sister, so what exactly can you do?"

    "Your brother has a promising future, so you won''t end up badly if you let him study in peace. The shortcut for that is preventing Xiaohua from copsing again. By taking care of her, you will help your brother, and your father wouldn''t be so dissatisfied with you. But what are you doing now? Not only do you not study, but you have time to watch movies with your friends?"

    Li Caiyi jolted when she heard Su Suyin mention her friends.

    "You are not kids anymore, so you should stop wasting your time and start studying seriously. Your father recently scolded me for not teaching you well. Just how much are you going to disappoint me? I can''t even properly defend you because there''s nothing praiseworthy in you. Despite that, I still care about you and am willing to wait for you to snap out of it, but you don''t seem like you have any intention to repent at all!"

    "Don''t you feel sorry for your sister? She should have grown up normally like other girls, but she can''t do many things she wants to do because of her shorings. As an older sister, you should apany her more so she won''t feel lonely. But what did I hear just now? You are leaving her to have fun by yourself? How selfish can you be?!"

    Li Caiyi thought that everything would be fine if she had just gritted her teeth and endured it. It had always been like this, so getting scolded once or twice more wouldn''t make any difference. That was what she thought.

    However, the more she heard, the more she felt indignant about it. Why was it always her?

    Li Caiyi didn''t even hope for his older brother to take care of her. She nned to get a job and earn money for herself in the future. After that, she would move out of the house and live by herself.

    Li Caiyi didn''t even get to hang out with her friends since childhood because Su Suyin always told her not to leave her sister alone, so what was the difference between her as a child and an adult? Did her mother expect her to be Li Chunhua''s nanny forever?

    Her father despised her ipetency and thus med Su Suyin for it. How was it her fault? She didn''t even do that bad in school. She just happened to be slow in subjects that Li Jirong liked, and it wasn''t like she got low grades for them. It was okay, only not up to Li Jirong''s high standard.

    Li Caiyi felt weird. Previously, she would have never thought this way. Whenever Su Suyin scolded her, Li Caiyi would drown in self-me, making her hate herself even more. The more she hated herself, the lower her self-esteem became. It was like a never-ending vicious loop.

    But now, with each wording out of her mother''s mouth, her heart grew colder.<sub> </sub>

    "Your friends must be the ones who whispered nonsense to you. That''s why you neglect your sister and go out to have fun by yourself. Listen to me well, those friends of yours are no good. You should stay away from them and spend some more time with Xiaohua. She is already pitiful as she is, don''t make her more miserable than she already is."

    Miserable? Who?

    Li Caiyi could hear something snap inside her. Memories of her previous life shed across her mind. Who was the miserable one here?

    Su Suyin watched how Li Caiyi didn''t utter a word against her and only looked down. Her bang cast a shadow on her face, so she couldn''t look at her face clearly. However, she thought that Li Caiyi must have already understood her mistake by now, so her tone softened.

    "Xiaoyi, don''t think too badly of it. If you stay obedient and be a good girl, I''m sure your father would be thankful, and he would like you too eventually."

    "No, he won''t." That sentence had slid out of her mouth before she could stop it.

    Su Suyin was taken aback by her sudden answer. "What?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to hurt her mother. She knew that her mother was also put in a difficult position, being a wife to a cold and oppressive husband. If it wasn''t for her brilliant brother, Su Suyin probably could not raise her head in front of Li Jirong.

    It was all because she had given birth to twin girls.

    One was bright but had a fragile body, while the other one was healthy but dull and useless.

    The twins were thest chance Su Suyin got. After giving birth to them, her body became too weak to conceive more children. How can an ambitious man like Li Jirong be satisfied with that?

    Li Caiyi had witnessed how ruthless Li Jirong treated Su Suyin. She always thought that it was her fault that Su Suyin always cried alone in the middle of the night. It was also her fault for stealing Li Chunhua''s strength when she was still in her mother''s womb. The guilt made her unable to say anything. The least she could do was listen to her mother''s words obediently and make her feel better.

    Just like this. She was listening quietly as her mother vented her frustration on her.

    She once thought that was her role, the reason for her existence. At least in this way, she could be a little helpful.

    How wrong she could be. Everything about her past life was really a bunch of mistakes. No matter how much she tried, Li Jirong would never see her in a different light. That was only her and her mother''s wishful thinking.

    "Mother, do you think that Xiaohua is pitiful?" Li Caiyi asked softly as she raised her head.

 Chapter 28 Our Role

    Su Suyin shuddered when her gaze met with Li Caiyi''s. Today, there was something about her daughter that she couldn''t wrap her head around. Su Suyin replied sadly.

    "It''s my fault that she has such a weak body. Poor girl. She is a sweet and bright girl, but because she was born from a woman like meˇ­." A sh of regret appeared on Su Suyin''s face as she averted her eyes from Li Caiyi, who resembled Li Chunhua so much.

    Li Caiyi would always feel heartache for her mother whenever she looked like that, but the current her only stared at Su Suyin calmly.

    ''After this, perhaps mother will hate me for good,'' Li Caiyi thought to herself before she finally spoke.

    "Mother, is pitiful the only thing you can say whenever you mention Xiaohua?"

    Su Suyin flinched when she heard that. She gazed at Li Caiyi, and her eyes widened. There was deep darkness and certain numbness hidden beneath those young eyes, like a person who had gone through the vicissitudes of life. She couldn''t discern her daughter''s current emotional state, but looking at her slightly weary and weak expression felt like a hit on Su Suyin''s conscience.

    "Mother, Xiaohua is not a failure, and neither am I." Li Caiyi''s voice trembled ever so slightly when she said that. It was a sentence that she had always wanted to say to Su Suyin. "You didn''t give birth to failures. You gave birth to daughters. Us."

    Su Suyin''s breath hitched as her heart squeezed painfully. Not only because of Li Caiyi''s words but also because of her expression. She looked like she was gouging her heart out and offered it to Su Suyin as she said that. A very painful and hopeless look that shouldn''t exist on a young girl''s face.

    "It''s not up to Father to decide which children are going to be sessful or not. I''ll prove to him that even if I don''t walk the same path as him, I can still make my own path and be happy." Li Caiyi dug her nails into her palm to prevent a sob froming out of her throat.

    "I won''t ask you to believe me, because as you said, the current me have nothing praiseworthy. But please at least remember this, I won''t let Father''s words get to me anymore. I''m Li Caiyi, and even if I''m a nobody, I''m not a failure, either."

    Su Suyin was at a loss for words. She could only stare dumbly at her daughter, who she always thought as dull and slow-witted, glowed brightly under the light of afternoon sky. For a second, she couldn''t recognize her.

    ''Are you really Li Caiyi, my daughter?'' She thought.

    "And please stop treating Xiaohua like she''s going to copse any minute. She is stronger than you thought, and she doesn''t need me or anyone to decide what''s best for her. Mother, we are growing up. I refused to be her nanny for life, and I bet Xiaohua is also sick of people reminding her that her body is weak!"

    Su Suyin couldn''t find her voice under Li Caiyi''s fiery and earnest gaze. It was like she was talking with a whole different person.

    Li Caiyi saw her mother''s shocked expression and couldn''t decide if that was good or bad news. "And my friends were kind people. They are the only ones who notice my effort and hard work when everyone keeps telling me how much of a failure I am. So please don''t say bad things about them."

    Li Caiyi felt like she had finished saying what needed to be said, so she hastily walked out of the room, leaving Su Suyin, who remained motionless even after minutes passed by. Her mouth gaped open in shock.

    ***

    Outside the room, Li Chunhua, who was eavesdropping for a while, almost rolled on the floor when she heard Li Caiyi was walking towards her, or rather, the door. She hurriedly moved her body behind the nearest wall and watched her sister barge out of the room with a grim face.

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi didn''t notice her at all and ran straight towards their bedroom. Li Chunhua heaved a sigh of relief.

    She nned to intervene if the matter got worse, but she would have never expected Li Caiyi, out of all people, to talk back to Su Suyin. Li Chunhua knew how much Li Caiyi loved and yearned for their mother''s love, so listening to her speaking like that earlier made Li Chunhua''s heart ache for her.

    She leaned her back against the wall as her thoughts wandered.<sub> </sub>

    Their family was different from ordinary families. Li Chunhua realized this ever since she was a child.

    An ambitious and domineering father.

    A weak and loving mother.

    A brilliant and apathetic older brother.

    A gloomy and obedient older sister.

    They were family, biologically speaking, but sometimes it didn''t feel like that.

    It was like each family member had their own specific and designated role since the beginning. Everyone epted this strange atmosphere and the problem hidden beneath the surface as something normal and lived on as if nothing was wrong. If nobody acknowledged it, then the problem wasn''t there.

    Like that, everyone averted their eyes from reality and focused on their own roles, ying a loving family drama that was so boring it got the viewer''s eyes teary.

    And Li Chunhua''s role in this family was a bright but sickly youngest sister.

    She should always stay behind to be protected, and no matter how painful it was when she was having her episodes, she should always smile brightly as the sun, bringing a sense of warmth and cheerfulness to everyone. As for studying, she needed to make sure that her grades were always excellent without overshadowing her brother. Li Chunhua had to act spoiled to her mother and ttered her father all the time, even when she knew that Li Caiyi would suffer from mistreatment.

    Li Chunhua had always thought that being loved and pampered like a little princess under everyone''s pitiful gaze was a natural result of her role. Like a cause-effect phenomenon. That was why she never understood why Li Caiyi would asionally look like she couldn''t breathe. She would look sad and down once, then put on a gentle smile in front of her again.

    No one said it out loud, but everyone tacitly understood what they should and should not do. So why Li Caiyi was the only one different?

    Was that a part of her role, too?

    Li Caiyi would sometimes act out of her script by ying with other friends sometimes or secretly writing a story about a fairy-tale princess while smiling fondly. However, no matter how far she went, she would always return to her side, ying her role as she should be. Li Chunhua thought her sister had resigned to her fate just like everyone else in the family was.

    That was why Li Chunhua was astonished to hear such wordse out of her. It made her question herself.

    ''Do I feel sick when people keep reminding me how sick I am? But that''s the truth and my role.'' Li Chunhua thought deeply.

    Li Chunhua gazed at their bedroom doors with an inexplicable gaze. She didn''t know what Li Caiyi was trying to do, nor the reason she would do that, but she could feel that the scale that had always been in a bnced state began to tip to one side.

    If the bnce crumbledpletely, what would be left of their family?

    "Your role is to stay by my side. You can''t leave me." Li Chunhua muttered in a low voice.

 Chapter 29 Searching For Shen Qiang

    Li Caiyi woke up with swollen eyes. After letting all her sorrow and bitterness out of her system, she felt much better by the next day. She was so scared and worried for the first few hours after walking out of her mother''s room, but after reflecting on her action again, she still did not regret it.

    Everything she had said was something she had always kept hidden at the bottom of her heart. Those were words she could no longer tell her mother in her previous timeline. She wondered what happened to everyone after she passed away? Did they finally live happily ever after? If yes, then her decision must be correct, after all.

    The following day, her mother kept avoiding eye contact with her. It was an understandable reaction. Li Caiyi had seen thising.

    Although it still hurt to be hated for good, at least now she wouldn''t hope for the unattainable anymore. It was better than being cared for from time to time, only to be rejected when she needed it the most.

    Thinking like that, Li Caiyi gave a slight bow to Su Suyin before going to school with her siblings.

    At school, Li Caiyi couldn''t focus on her ss again. The lesson should be easier now because she had gone through it once, but she really was hopeless when it came to math. She tried to remember, but nothing showed up in her mind. That was what she deserved for giving up trying in the middle.

    Li Caiyi put away any thought about studying for now and thinking about something else instead.

    She needed to find Shen Qiang.

    Even though Shen Qiang might not recognize her and had another woman by his side, Li Caiyi wanted to meet him at least once in this life, if only to thank him. To do that, first, she needed to list down all things she knew about Shen Qiang from her past life.

    Shen Qiang didn''t talk much about himself. The most she knew about him was that he had lost everyone important to him by the time they met, which drove his decision tomit suicide.

    The first thing she remembered was Shen Qiang''s house. She didn''t know whether he currently lived there, but it was worth checking. Li Caiyi noted down the address ording to her memory, then browsed it using her phone.

    There were no results. Li Caiyi concluded that perhaps this area wasn''t known with the name she remembered during this time, so she resorted to finding the ce manually by searching on the map.

    Unfortunately, the area where Shen Qiang lived was unfamiliar to her. The road was different, and with no benchmark to use, Li Caiyi had to go by her instinct and narrow down her search area. Li Caiyi took a screenshot of it and noted down the area''s name on a piece of paper.

    Next, there was also the noodle shop, which Shen Qiang and Li Caiyi were coincidentally frequented. The chance was slim, but perhaps Li Caiyi could get more information or even meet Shen Qiang directly in that shop.

    Li Caiyi still remembered the location of the noodle shop clearly, so she did not need to note down an address. However, just to be sure, she wrote the shop''s name.

    And then, what else?

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if this would help, but she also wrote any little details she knew about Shen Qiang.

    He disliked anything impractical and preferred simple style.

    Li Caiyi was shocked when she saw stacks of canned food in his refrigerator. She never knew a human could consume so much of those in their life.

    He was a quiet and considerate man, and he rarely interacted with the opposite sex.

    Although Li Caiyi noted that down herself, she was actually not one hundred percent convinced. How could a natural flirt like Shen Qiang have little experience with women? Not to mention Shen Qiang that nightˇ­ Li Caiyi blushed at the thought of their passionate night, and she shook her head to chase away the erotic image from her head.

    He smelled like peppermint.

    Li Caiyi recalled the peppermint smell in his apartment was so strong that it left asting impression. It was a refreshing and rxing smell that put her at ease.<sub> </sub>

    He didn''t eat mooncakes.

    Because of his family situation, Shen Qiang avoided eating mooncakes, as it reminded him of memories he didn''t want to remember. Li Caiyi did not know if the current Shen Qiang already had a poor rtionship with his family, but it wouldn''t hurt to add this piece of information as well.

    When Li Caiyi finished writing, she frowned upon noticing that she barely knew anything about Shen Qiang. She didn''t even know his age. Finding Shen Qiang based on this information alone might be more challenging than she thought.

    "Li Caiyi! What have you been spacing out for since earlier? Come up here and answer the third question!"

    Li Caiyi''s face fell when she heard her name being called. She groaned inwardly, looking at the row of numbers on the ckboard. Left with no other choice, she dragged her feet forward and scolded the teacher when she couldn''t solve the problem.

    ***

    Li Caiyi sat down with Zhou Ya and others as usual during lunchtime. However, sheter found out that Chen Run wouldn''t be joining them today.

    "She said she promised Li Chunhua they would eat lunch together today," Zhou Ya exined without being asked as if she could tell what was on Li Caiyi''s mind.

    "Since when were both of them so close?" Feng Nian asked with a frown.

    Zhou Ya shrugged her shoulders. "Apparently, they kept in touch after they exchanged contact the other day. It''s rare for Lan Lan to meet a person who can keep up with her when talking about movies, so she was pretty ecstatic."

    Li Caiyi noticed how Feng Nian''s expression turned ugly, but she said nothing and ate her lunch in silence.

    Come to think of it, wasn''t Feng Nian was trying to tell her something the other day? Li Caiyi was too preupied with her own mind yesterday; she almost forgot about it.

    Feng Nian said she should keep Li Chunhua in her ce, but why would she say that?

    "Feng Nian, about what you said to me the other day. Do you mind telling me more about it?"

    "I might be just overthinking about it. Don''t mind it."

    Zhou Ya, who had never heard anything about this, lifted her head with interest. "What are you guys talking about?"

    Li Caiyi was about to answer when her phone vibrated. It was a message from Feng Nian.

    [Don''t say anything. We''ll talkter.]

    Li Caiyi understood now that Feng Nian didn''t want Zhou Ya to know about this, so she quickly made an excuse. "Feng Nian didn''t look well after that movie, so I asked if she hated the movie so much. And she told me something, but I didn''t hear it clearly."

    Zhou Ya was curious, but she didn''t pry further after hearing that. "That movie was the crappiest so far. I''m amazed that someone other than Chen Run can be so enthusiastic about it."

    "Tell me about it," Feng Nian chuckled. There was no trace of her unhappiness before, only her usual mischievous smirk. Li Caiyi didn''t have any choice but to follow along.

 Chapter 30 Feng Nians Advice

    "You''re here." Feng Nian greeted Li Caiyi, who had just arrived with a nod of her head.

    After thest period ended, Li Caiyi received another message from Feng Nian, telling her toe to the school''s backyard. Li Caiyi immediately knew that Feng Nian must have wanted to talk about her remark the other day, so she wasted no time and went to the appointed ce.

    She didn''t know why Feng Nian wanted to keep this a secret from Zhou Ya and Chen Run, but Feng Nian must have had a good reason for that.

    Li Chunhua said that Feng Nian wasn''t a good friend, while Feng Nian seemed to be on guard around Li Chunhua. Li Caiyi wondered if perhaps there was some kind of misunderstanding between the two. If yes, then she should help them clear it up.

    "Feng Nian, what do you want to talk about with me?"

    "Before that, let me ask you something. What do you think of your sister?"

    Feng Nian''s question bewildered her, but Li Caiyi didn''t think much of it and answered, "She is a sweet younger sister. We were always together since we were a child. She is a bit spoiled and stubborn sometimes, but she is kind and very protective of me."

    Feng Nian''s frown deepened when she heard that. She pondered for a bit before she spoke. "If you have said that much, then I doubt you will believe anything I say."

    "Feng Nian, did Xiaohua do something to you? I think there must be a misunderstanding between you two."

    "What? Did your sister talk bad about me to you?"

    Li Caiyi was startled upon realizing she had unknowingly revealed something unnecessary. "WeˇŞthatˇ­"

    Feng Nian raised her hand to stop Li Caiyi from exining. "You don''t have to exin. I already understand everything."

    Li Caiyi pressed her lips into a thin line, feeling ufortable for getting caught red-handed. "Xiaohua didn''t mean it. She just doesn''t know you that wellˇ­."

    "I guess you really have no idea if you can speak for your sister so vehemently." Feng Nian''s tone softened as she let out a deep sigh. "This is troubling. I hate this already."

    "Feng Nian, if you have something you want to say, then you can speakfortably. I''ll decide whether or not to believe it after I hear it from you. I mean, we are friendsˇ­ right?"

    Li Caiyi''s voice became smaller when she uttered thest sentence. Theck of confidence in her was apparent, and Feng Nian suddenly felt sorry for her. She finally gave up and spoke straightforwardly.

    "It''s about your sister. You probably won''t believe me, but as far as I can see, she is trying to iste you from other people."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened when she heard that. A voice of denial immediately sprang up inside her, but she promised Feng Nian she would consider her words, so she held it back. "Why would you think that way?"

    Feng Nian folded her arms in front of her chest. "Think about it carefully. She deliberately waited for us in a fairly crowded hallway and asked us to let her tag along. Nobody voiced any refusal to her request, yet she acted like we were trying to refuse her. I think she was trying to make other people believe that you left her behind on purpose, so it makes people think of you as a bad person."

    "But that''s just her personality. She often felt lonely, and she was very attached to me. That''s why she couldn''t help but act spontaneously when she heard I was going to hang out with you guys."<sub> </sub>

    Feng Nian sneered. "From the way you spoke, I assume this isn''t her first time doing this. Let me guess, every friend you hung out with kept their distance from you after that?"

    Li Caiyi wanted to refute, but she realized that Feng Nian''s guess was spot on. Every single person who she was particrly close with always grew distant from her after they got to know Li Chunhua.

    ''Does Feng Nian want to say that all of that isn''t a coincidence?''

    Deep inside her heart, she rejected that idea because Li Chunhua didn''t have any reason to do that. However, her brain wouldn''t cooperate as she suddenly recalled every detail of Li Chunhua''s action.

    "B-but that''s because Xiaohua is very likable. It can''t be helped if everyone prefers to be friends with her than me. I''m sure it was just a coincidence."

    Feng Nian was unimpressed by her weak argument. "If it happened only once or twice, then yeah, it''s probably just a coincidence. However, my guts are telling me that isn''t the case, am I right? Seriously, you need to learn to doubt other people more."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to digest this new information, so she was left speechless with countless thoughts bouncing around in her mind.

    Feng Nian watched her reaction and gave her shoulder a sympathetic pat. "I know you are very close with your sister, but someone who is closer to you is actually the dangerous one since you won''t realize it when they are doing something under your nose."

    "Feng Nian, Iˇ­ You mean when Xiaohua was crying, it was all just her act?"

    Feng Nian snorted. "Why are you so surprised? Listen well, the most unreliable things in this world are men''s promises and women''s tears. You can''t trust it blindly. Don''t you ever forget that!"

    Li Caiyi''s mind was nk. The idea of her closest family member scheming against her all this time made her brain short-circuited. Feng Nian''s words ovepped with her memories of Li Chunhua, making her realize something she would never have known by herself before.

    If what Feng Nian said was true, then it was frightening how she failed to see it even until she died in her previous life. A chill ran down her spine when she remembered her sister''s innocent smile.

    Feng Nian noticed how Li Caiyi''splexion turned ashen, and she felt guilty somehow. She really hoped she wasn''t the one who broke this to her, but Chen Run was too gullible, while Zhou Ya was too cautious even when she was judging someone.

    "Li Caiyi, please don''t think badly of me. I wasn''t trying to sow discord between you and your sister. You seem to haveplete trust in your sister, so at first, I doubt you will even listen to what I have to say. I just want to warn you to be more careful."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head weakly. "I understand. Thank you for telling me this, Feng Nian."

    After that, they parted ways awkwardly. Li Caiyi''s head was so full that she didn''t notice where she was going, and her steps were staggering. Everything just swirled inside her mind, starting from Feng Nian''s words of advice to the fondest memory she had with Li Chunhua.

    No matter how she thought about it, she just couldn''t bring herself to believe that Li Chunhua was purposely doing this to hurt her.

    Her mind wandered back to when they were still a child.

 Chapter 31 Ill Protect You!

    <<shback to a few years ago>>

    "Xiaoyi, hurry up!"

    Li Chunhua smiled cheerfully as she ran with a windmill toy in her hand. Her pink dress fluttered around her small legs, and she was wearing her new white shoes. The sunlight reflected on the girl''s ck hair, making them look extra shiny and soft. Sheughed with a crisp sound, and it sounded like an angel''sughter from afar.

    From behind her, Li Caiyi tried to catch up with her, but it was hard to move with a pair of shoes that were one size bigger than her original size. Su Suyin brought them each a pair of matching shoes but forgot that their shoe sizes weren''t matching, so Li Caiyi kept staggering in her steps, afraid that her shoes would fall off.

    "Wait for me!"

    "You''re so slow! If you run so slowly, the windmill won''t spin fast!"

    "Xiaohua, you can''t run, or you''ll copse again."

    "I''m fine if it''s only this much. You worry too much!"

    They were currently ying around in the Meng family''s spacious backyard. Meng Renshu especially invited them to celebrate his 7th birthday, but the twins sneaked out after getting a windmill toy from a kind uncle.

    Li Chunhua was so ecstatic when she got it; she couldn''t wait anymore and dragged Li Caiyi with her to test it out in the open space.

    Li Caiyi stopped for a moment to adjust her shoes for the nth time that day, but when she raised her head, Li Chunhua was nowhere to be found.

    "Xiaohua? Where are you?" Li Caiyi looked around, but there was no trace of her sister anywhere. She remembered how her mother kept reminding her not to let Li Chunhua out of her sight, and now she had lost her.

    Thinking about Li Chunhua copsing and her mother''s scolding, Li Caiyi shook in fear and worry. Not caring about her shoes anymore, she ran around while shouting her sister''s name.

    "Xiaohua! Where are you?! Answer me!"

    Minutes passed by, but Li Caiyi still couldn''t find Li Chunhua anywhere. The backyard was so huge, with lots of bushes and trees that a little kid could easily get lost in it. Li Caiyi was so frightened she didn''t notice that she had run with only her socks on, and now they were as ck as charcoal. Her dress was dirty, with smudges of dirt and mud everywhere, and her hair was as messy as a bird''s nest.

    Li Caiyi was so much in panic earlier she didn''t think of finding anyone to help, but now that she wanted to, she couldn''t remember the way back.

    That was when she heard a rustling sound of leaves. Li Caiyi turned her body to the source of noise with an expectant look. "Xiaohua?"

    The rustling sound got louder, and Li Caiyi was about to approach when suddenly a big ck dog emerged from behind the bushes. The dog didn''t have a cor, meaning that it was ownerless. Its mouth opened wide, dropping strings of drool between its sharp canine as it looked at Li Caiyi menacingly. It walked step by step with a low growl like it was deciding which part of the girl should it bite first.

    Li Caiyi was petrified in her ce, her face bing increasingly pale. She didn''t dare to make a sudden move or sound and could only take steps back carefully, but doing that only made her cornered against the big tree behind her.

    The dog was so big. It was almost the same height as hers. Li Caiyi''s eyes got teary, and she subconsciously thought about the face of her family members.

    "He-helpˇ­"

    "BARK!"

    Li Caiyi crouched down as she covered her head when the dog jumped towards her with a loud bark. She shut her eyes tightly, preparing for the iing bite when a loud thud sound followed by the sound of whimper resounding in front of her.

    When Li Caiyi opened her eyes, she saw a familiar back standing in front of her. It was the trembling back of a little girl. She wore the same shoes as her, which now had changed color from the mud. The windmill toy in her hand was gone, and she was gripping a long wooden stick tightly in front of her body.

    "Stay away from her!" Li Chunhua shouted at the growling dog. She stood between Li Caiyi and the dog, shielding her, and boldly challenged the growling dog.

    The young Li Caiyi was so touched and relieved, but at the same time, she feared what would happen to her sister, so she wailed loudly. That was when Li Chunhua scolded her.

    "Don''t just sit there and cry! Run and get some help!"<sub> </sub>

    "Noo, I can''t leave you behind!"

    "Stupid! You want both of us to die here?!" Li Chunhua looked back with a re.

    The word ''die'' hit Li Caiyi hard. Her head was muddled with trepidation earlier, and she forgot that Li Chunhua''s body couldn''t handle strenuous activities. She looked up and noticed Li Chunhua''sbored breath, and herplexion looked terrible as well. Her stand was wobbly, and she looked like she could copse any minute. But despite that, she still stubbornly held on and told Li Caiyi to run ahead of her.

    When she was taking care of Li Chunhua, even though it was very tiring, she always felt a sense of aplishment, that her sister depended on her. She needed her. But now, she realized that Li Chunhua was stronger than she thought for the first time. How foolish of her, assuming that Li Chunhua would always stay the same girl who followed her everywhere.

    A sense of admiration and jealousy shook her heart to the core. As an older sister, how could she run by herself when Li Chunhua was trying her best?

    Li Caiyi grabbed a few small rocks nearby. Then she stood up and pulled Li Chunhua behind her.

    "Xiaoyi, don''t be reckless!" Li Chunhua shouted behind her, but Li Caiyi was too focused on the dog, which was currently brandishing its teeth using its long, purplish tongue.

    "Xiaohua, I will distract its attention, so you return first and call for some help." Li Caiyi''s voice was calm, but only she knew how much she wanted to find a hole and hide in it. "You can''t fight with your body, and I wouldn''t know how to return by myself, so let me be the one to divert its attention. In the meantime, you can go back to the party and call Father and older brother to help me."

    "N-no, don''tˇ­ You can''t go." Li Chunhua''s voice quivered. Her lips started to show an unhealthy bluish color, and Li Caiyi knew she couldn''t waste time arguing anymore.

    Li Caiyi pinched her cheek tenderly. "I''m the older sister here, so I''ll be the one to protect you! Don''t worry, I''lle back soon to your side. So go first, okay?"

    Without waiting for her response, Li Caiyi ran to the side as she threw a rock at the dog as strongly as she could, and it flew straight to its head. "Stupid dog! I''m meatier than her, so catch me if you can!"

    The dog was barking furiously, and it turned its head in Li Caiyi''s direction. Li Caiyi quickly ran to the opposite side of where Li Chunhua stood, and the dog chased her closely behind. She didn''t dare to look back for a second at all, so she didn''t know what happened to Li Chunhua after that. The only thing she could remember was the barking dog behind her and the terror it brought her.

    She would asionally throw another rock towards it to make sure it kept following her. Li Caiyi ran so hard until her legs gave out.

    Then she spotted a little hole in the tree trunk hidden behind the bushes. Li Caiyi didn''t have time to think, so she made use of her tiny figure and squeezed inside the hole while covering the hole with bushes.

    Li Caiyi could hear the dog running past her hiding spot, and she heaved a sigh of relief. It was cramped inside the hole, so she curled herself into a ball as she waited patiently. She had already bought Li Chunhua some time, so help should being soon, right?

    That was a terrifying experience, but Li Caiyi felt proud of herself for protecting her sister. She wondered if Li Chunhua had gotten back safely.

    Li Caiyi waited for a long time, but no one came to help. It was not until the sky became red that she heard the sound of footsteps.

    Li Caiyi perked up and peeked outside, expecting her father or older brother to pick her up, but what she saw was an older man wearing dirty boots and a straw hat.

    The older man heard the rustling sound. When he turned around and saw a little girl inside the tree hole, he jumped in surprise.

    "Little girl, what are you doing there?"

    It wasn''t her father or older brother.

    Nevertheless, someone finally came for her. Li Caiyi was so relieved that the exhaustion returned like a tidal wave. She stumbled forward and fell into the man''s arms.

    "Little girl! Are you alright?!"

    That was thest thing she remembered before everything turned dark.

    When she woke up, she found out that Li Chunhua copsed as soon as she arrived near the party ce, and her mother, father, and older brother had taken her to the hospital. Li Caiyi woke up in a guest room of Meng''s family house and was taken care of by the housekeeper until Li Jirong came to fetch her at midnight.

    Li Chunhua didn''t regain her consciousness for three days.

 Chapter 32 A Sense Of Loss

    The same Li Chunhua who risked everything for her was actually scheming against her the whole time? It was hard to believe.

    However, Feng Nian''s words were reasonable as well, so Li Caiyi was so confused; it felt like her body had been split into two factions.

    "Oh, there she is!"

    Speak of the devil.

    Li Caiyi could hear Li Chunhua''s voiceing from the front. She raised her head and found Li Chunhua and Meng Renshu, who walked over with a frown on their face.

    "Where have you been? I have been calling you forever, but you didn''t pick up. We got so worried we were searching for you all over the school."

    Li Caiyi was so distraught she didn''t notice her phone rang. "I''m sorry."

    "Are you okay? Your face didn''t look good." Meng Renshu said worriedly.

    "Yeah, I''m good."

    "But why are youing from the backyard? What are you doing there?" Li Chunhua asked with a suspicious face.

    Li Caiyi was about to answer truthfully when she recalled Feng Nian''s advice not to trust other people blindly. It wasn''t such a big deal anyway, so Li Caiyi thought it would be fine if she lied a little.

    "The teacher asked me to put away some unused chairs in storage. It''s done now."

    Li Chunhua made an ambiguous hum of acknowledgment like she doubted her words. "Well then, shall we go home? Brother Renshu said he will take us home."

    Li Caiyi looked at Meng Renshu, and he shed a friendly smile. "I rarely see you these days, Xiaoyi. So how about I take you two to y in an amusement park today? I have already gotten Auntie''s permission."

    Li Chunhua beamed and tugged Li Caiyi''s arm in excitement. "That''s awesome! Xiaoyi, let''s go!"

    Amusement park? It wouldn''t be fun even if she went there because they couldn''t y anything besides those which Li Chunhua could ride. Besides, she already has another n in mind.

    Li Caiyi slowly pulled her arm out of Li Chunhua''s grip and smiled apologetically. "I''m sorry, but I have something else to do today. You guys have fun without me."

    "What? But you used to like amusement parks so much!" Li Chunhua protested while Meng Renshu''s expression turned gloomier.

    "That''s the story when we were still kids. I don''t like it that much anymore. Be careful and don''t trouble Brother Renshu too much, Xiaohua."

    "Then, we can go somewhere else, instead," Meng Renshu offered, but Li Caiyi shook her head.

    "I wouldn''t be able toe with you anyway, so it''s better if you stick to your n."

    Li Chunhua pouted. "If you aren''t going, then I won''t, too!"

    Li Caiyi didn''t miss the crestfallen look on Meng Renshu''s face when he heard that. He must be disappointed if his n to have a date with Li Chunhua was ruined, just like that.

    ''Let''s help them a bit,'' Li Caiyi thought.

    "Xiaohua, have you forgotten what I told youst time? What did I say?"

    Li Chunhua groaned in displeasure. "Are we going to talk about that again?"

    "You promised me! Don''t go back on your words now." Li Caiyi said with a smiling tone.<sub> </sub>

    "Tsk, fine." Li Chunhua begrudgingly agreed.

    "Then it''s settled. I''ll go first. Have fun, you guys!" Li Caiyi walked away as she waved at them. Although the bitterness was still there somewhere, Li Caiyi didn''t feel hurt anymore when she saw these two together.

    Li Caiyi smiled in satisfaction as she praised herself inwardly.

    Now, she had to find Shen Qiang.

    ***

    Meng Renshu watched Li Caiyi''s retreating back withplex emotion. At first, he thought it was just his imagination, but now he was convinced. Li Caiyi had been avoiding him. Or at least, she didn''t like him as much as she did previously.

    But why? What mistake did hemit to make such a tolerant girl like her grow distant from him? Meng Renshu felt sad and lonely, knowing that one of her little sisters disliked him. Was this how it felt for a father when he saw his daughter growing up? There was a sense of loss in Meng Renshu''s heart.

    For him, Li Caiyi was the pure and innocent little sister he had to protect, so to be rejected by her was like a hit of a hammer in his head.

    Meng Renshu nned to talk about it with Li Caiyi during this trip to the amusement park. He even had the tickets ready at his disposal. But that girl refused him, so firmly at that, without a shred of hesitation. It made his mood suddenly became gloomier.

    "Xiaohua, what promise did Xiaoyi talk about earlier? It sounds very important."

    "She said we were growing up, so we promised to do things independently from now on."

    When he heard that, Meng Renshu was a bit surprised.

    He felt like the current Li Caiyi was slightly different from the one he knew. She would usually smile shyly while saying thank you in a small voice whenever he brought her some gifts or followed him quietly because she wanted to do things together but did not dare to ask. Since when did that little girl grow up so much?

    ? Meng Renshu wasn''t ready for this change just yet.

    Even though he knew Li Caiyi was bound to leave him someday, he still wanted to make more memories with this girl who he had considered as his biological little sister and cherished dearly.

    "Don''t you think Xiaoyi was acting differently these days?"

    "Yeah. She became different after she fell sickst time. She even calls people''s names in her sleep sometimes."

    "Really? Who is it?"

    Li Chunhua shrugged her shoulders. "It is usually one of our names, or father and mother. But she looked like she was having a nightmare when she called us."

    Meng Renshu fell into deep thought. "That''s right. She mentioned her friend named Shen Qiangst time. Do you know that person as well?"

    Li Chunhua''s face turned several shades darker when she heard that. "I don''t want to hear that name anymore."

    "Why? What happened?"

    Li Chunhua recalled how often Li Caiyi called that name in her sleep, and she got so irritated she developed an aversion to it. "I just don''t like it, okay? Can''t I dislike something?!"

    Her sudden outburst took Meng Renshu aback, but his heart still raced from how cute she sulked. He chuckled while stroking her head tenderly. "Alright, big brother is the one in the wrong, so don''t be mad anymore. We can y a ton of rides in an amusement parkter."

    Li Chunhua was still a bit upset, but she decided to let the matter go for now. However, her mind was settled on one thing.

    She had to meet this Shen Qiang person.

 Chapter 33 Yueguang Noodle House Owner

    Li Caiyi got off of the taxi and gazed at the tall building in front of her. She could not believe she was here again.

    It wasn''t easy for her to find this ce. The road, the scenery, and everything were different from what she remembered. Even the apartment building looked much older and smaller than the one in her memory. It was a good thing she asked around, or she probably would miss this ce.

    Shen Qiang''s apartment was a five-level modern-style apartment. However, that same building was initially a two-level apartment during this time. The style was older, but thewn was more spacious than in the future.

    Li Caiyi assumed that this ce must undergo a huge renovation before Shen Qiang moved in.

    Li Caiyi was skeptical whether or not she could find Shen Qiang in here, but it would not hurt to try. So, Li Caiyi used the stairs to go to the second floor and stopped in front of the second room from the stairs. If everything remained the same, this room should be the one Shen Qiang usedter.

    With a thumping heart, Li Caiyi pressed on the inte. A sound of footsteps followed by the voice of a woman resounded.

    "Coming!"

    The door opened, revealing a woman in her forties wearing an apron. "Yes? Who are you looking for?"

    "Euhm, good afternoon, Ma''am. I was going to visit my friend, but I forgot which room he lived in. Is this Shen Qiang''s residence?"

    Li Caiyi studied the woman''s reaction, but she showed no sense of familiarity on her face when she heard Shen Qiang''s name.

    "No, dear. Are you sure you came to the right apartment? Because I have lived here for a while and know everyone living here, but there is no person named Shen Qiang."

    "I-Is that so?" Li Caiyi could not conceal her disappointment. She had expected this, but it was still disheartening when someone directly told her that.

    "Yes, it is. How about you call that friend of yours again to make sure the address is correct?"

    Li Caiyi nodded her head while smiling politely. "I''ll do that. Thank you so much for your help, Ma''am. I''m sorry for bothering you."

    "It''s alright, dear. Good luck."

    When Li Caiyi came out of the building, she made an X mark on her note. It seemed Shen Qiang didn''t live here until some timeter.

    Although it was disappointing, Li Caiyi did not give up yet. She wanted to check on the noodle shop next, so she went to the nearest main street and stopped a taxi.

    ***

    The noodle shop during her high school year looked like your average restaurant. The size was not as big as it was in the future, approximately twenty meters square at most. Li Caiyi looked up at the board name with Yueguang Noodle House written on it.

    A delicious aroma wafted through the air. Although the sun was shining brightly on top of her head and it felt so hot, Li Caiyi just could not resist the temptation. She missed the original vor of her youth, so she didn''t hesitate when she entered the shop.

    Li Caiyi chose the table in the corner and ordered a bowl of original-vored noodles, the signature dish of this shop. As she waited, she observed every customer who came and went closely, hoping that Shen Qiang would suddenly appear among them.

    Of course, it would not be that easy. When her order arrived, there were barely five customers with her included.

    Li Caiyi took a bite and sighed in contentment.

    ''This is it! This is the taste of life!''

    She was so happy she could not stop smiling. The noodles were delicious, and walking around to find an apartment drained her energy, so she was famished. Li Caiyi ate quickly, and when she drank thest drop of the soup, she felt like her rebirth might be a good thing for once.

    "Aiyo, you looked like you enjoyed it so much, Miss."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi, who was cleaning the side of her mouth, jumped in surprise when an old man wearing an apron suddenly appeared beside her.

    "Did I surprise you? The business is quiet for now, so I came out to take a look. When I saw you eat the noodles so deliciously, I could not help but want to talk to you." The old man smiled, making the wrinkle on the corner of his eyes curve into a crescent shape.

    Li Caiyi was a bit embarrassed, knowing someone had witnessed her glutton moment. "The noodles were just too delicious."

    "Haha, is that so? My hard work paid off then."

    "Are you the cook of this shop, Sir?"

    "I''m the cook and the owner of this shop. I''m so tired of having smelly men as my customers, so having a beautiful youngdy like you to visit our humble shop is a very joyous thing."

    Li Caiyi hurriedly waved her hand. "No, it should be me who has to thank you for making such a delicious dish. I wille here often in the future."

    The old man''s face got brighter instantly. "Well, that''s the best news I heard today. You know, looking at your uniform reminded me of my granddaughter."

    ? "Your granddaughter?" Li Caiyi tilted her head. "Did she also study at S International High School?"

    "Yes. She is a clever and gentle child. I think you can be good friends with her."

    Li Caiyi had lived her life once, but she never knew that the owner''s granddaughter also went into the same high school as her.

    Wait, this was not a time to talk leisurely about this. This was an excellent chance to ask the owner if he knew Shen Qiang!

    "Excuse me, Sir. Can I ask something to you?"

    The old man stroked his beard in a good mood. "What is it? Ask away."

    "Do you happen to know any customer named Shen Qiang? He was a boy around my age."

    The old man pondered for a bit before he shook his head. "I''m sorry, but this old man has gotten so old. I can''t say if I know a young man with that name. Maybe you can try asking my granddaughter about it? She sometimes helped around the shop, so she might have seen that young man before."

    "Good idea. Can I meet your granddaughter for a bit?"

    "Unfortunately, she is currently delivering a customer''s order right now. If you wait for a while, she should be back soon."

    "Thank you! I''ll wait for her, then."

    After that, Li Caiyi apanied the old man to talk about many things. It felt like she was talking to her own grandfather, so Li Caiyi was delighted. Around fifteen minutester, a girl carrying a metal delivery box in one hand and a helmet in another came into the shop.

    "I''m back!"

    "Oh, Little Ya! You have returned!" The old man greeted the girl. Meanwhile, Li Caiyi was stunned when she saw the girl who had juste in. That girl was also surprised when she saw Li Caiyi was sitting across from her grandfather.

    "Zhou Ya?!"

    "Li Caiyi?"

 Chapter 34 Shen Qiang Might Be A Student From Their School?

    The old man Zhou was pleasantly surprised when he saw that her granddaughter and customer had known each other.

    "You guys know each other?"

    Zhou Ya frowned in disapproval. "Grandpa, are you bothering our customer again?"

    "Little Ya, I am really not this time. I was just making a small conversation with this pretty youngdy."

    Zhou Ya put her hand on her hips while shaking her head. "She''s my ssmate, and I think you have enough chatting for today, Grandpa."

    "What?! But I stillˇŞ!"

    "No buts!" Zhou Ya didn''t give in and ushered her grandfather to leave. The old man Zhou winked at Li Caiyi for thest time before Zhou Ya finally managed to get him back to the kitchen.

    Then she approached Li Caiyi with an apologetic smile.

    "I''m sorry for my Grandpa. Did he say anything rude to you?"

    Li Caiyi giggled. "No, we were mostly talking about you. He said he has a cute granddaughter studying in the same school as me."

    Zhou Ya sighed. "I knew he was going to do that. He always told the customers stories about his family. Well, it''s not like I hated it, but it just feels awkward when that customeres again and suddenly knows everything about you."

    "Your grandfather seemed like a nice person who loves his family."

    Zhou Ya tucked her messy hair behind her ear and smiled bashfully. "Well, he sure did."

    Li Caiyi also had a grandfather who had passed away when she was little. Whenever their family visited Grandfather''s house, he always gave Li Caiyi extra candies and spoiled her rotten. At that time, she oftenined to Grandfather that her father only liked her older brother, and her mother liked her twin sister more, so no one wanted her.

    Grandfather would always coax her and tell her stories until she fell asleep. She didn''t spend that much time with her grandfather, but that memory remained strong in her mind even until today.

    "Did youe here to eat? How is our shop''s noodle?"

    Li Caiyi gave her a double thumbs-up. "It''s the best! I have actuallye here a few times before, but it''s the first time I see you today."

    "I only helped out when the shop was short of hand. Usually, a part-timer helps my Grandpa and Dad run the shop. When the shop is too crowded or when one of the part-timers is absent, that''s when you''ll see me."

    "I see. No wonder I have never seen you before." Li Caiyi thought this might be her chance to dig further, so she leaned in closer to ask Zhou Ya. "By the way, do you perhaps know any customer with the name Shen Qiang? He is a boy around our age."

    "Shen Qiang?" Zhou Ya was silent for a while, thinking very seriously. "Not that I know of, but that name does ring a bell. I don''t remember where I heard that name, though."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes brightened. She felt like dancing now, just from how happy she was. "Please, Zhou Ya! I need to find this person as soon as possible. Can you think about it harder?"

    Zhou Ya was surprised by Li Caiyi''s eagerness. She had never seen her so enthusiastic about something before. This Shen Qiang person must be important to her, then.

    Zhou Ya was tactful enough not to pry, but no matter how she tried, she just could not remember where she had ever heard that name before.

    "I''m sorry, Li Caiyi, but I really can''t remember. I might have heard it in the shop or perhaps in school, but I seriously can''t remember further than that."

    "School? Do you mean you might have heard about Shen Qiang in school?"

    "I can not say for sure, but I rarely go anywhere besides my house and school, so there is a high possibility of that."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi''s heart beat so fast thinking about the possibility that Shen Qiang might be their school''s student. It made her so pumped up, and she could not wait for tomorrow toe.

    Shen Qiang might be closer to her than she thought.

    Maybe that was why she got transported around this time! Because this was her chance to meet the younger version of Shen Qiang!

    Li Caiyi did not know why she was so convinced, but she had a wonderful feeling about that idea. How wonderful would it be if that were true?

    Li Caiyi grabbed Zhou Ya''s hand with both hands, and she gave her the brightest smile she could muster on her face.

    "Zhou Ya, you are my lifesaver! Thank you so much for your help!"

    Zhou Ya was astonished, but then she looked doubtful.

    "Li Caiyi, what I have just said is merely a guess, and there''s no guarantee that the Shen Qiang I randomly heard was the same person you were looking for. I do not want you to have a big hope, only to be disappointedter."

    Li Caiyi understood what she meant, but she could not help but feel like she and Shen Qiang were tied with a string of fate. If not, how could both of them frequently visit the same shop, who actually owned by her friend''s grandfather?

    There was no way she would know about this before her rebirth, but there was a reason she came to know about it in this timeline.

    Li Caiyi refused to believe that all of this was a mere coincidence.

    "Zhou Ya, I''m very happy I can get to know you. Please let me know immediately if you remember anything about Shen Qiang! I will forever be indebted to you if you do!"

    "Oh? O-okayˇ­." Zhou Ya was not used to the passionate Li Caiyi, so she unknowingly stuttered in her words.

    After that, they chatted for a bit before Li Caiyi left while leaving a generous tip for Zhou Ya. She wanted to refuse, but Li Caiyi insisted that Zhou Ya had helped her immensely today, so she reluctantly epted it.

    It was not until Li Caiyi got in the taxi and drove away that Zhou Ya finally rested. She let out a deep breath as she put the metal delivery box away. She received a hefty tip today, so her mood was pretty good.

    That was when the chime on the door rang, signaling another customer''s arrival. Zhou Ya immediately greeted him with a business smile.

    "Wee! Do you need a table for one person?" Zhou Ya asked after confirming that this new customer came alone.

    "No need, I will order a takeaway," replied the young man.

    "Understood. Please take a look at our menu and give me your order." Zhou Ya gestured on the menu board on top of the counter, then swiftly pulled out a pen and paper from her apron''s pocket.

    "I will take this one and that one. One portion each." The young man pointed to the menu directly, and Zhou Ya noted it down fast.

    "Please wait a minute until your order is ready. You can take a seat first, and I will deliver your order to you when it''s ready!"

    The young man briefly nodded before making his way to the seat Li Caiyi previously sat on. Meanwhile, Zhou Ya went to the kitchen to ce the young man''s order on the queue list.

    <o>,m The young man gazed outside the window absentmindedly when his phone rang. He picked up the call with a faint smile.</o>

    "I''m waiting for your favorite noodle right now. Wait a bit more, Shen Qiang."

 Chapter 35 Fu Shen Qiang

    On the following day, Li Caiyi left the ssroom as soon as she finished her lunch. She could not sit still, knowing that Shen Qiang might be closer to her than she thought.

    The first ce she went to was the teacher''s office. She was delighted when she found her homeroom teacher inside.

    "Excuse me, Teacher Shi? Do you have some time?"

    The young teacher raised her head. "Li Caiyi? Do you have something you want to ask about the lesson?"

    "I do want to ask you about something, but it is not about the ss." Li Caiyi fiddled with her fingers.

    Teacher Shi showed full attention to her now, considering Li Caiyi rarely spoke to anyone in the ss. "Alright. What is it?"

    "I want to know if there is anyone named Shen Qiang in this school."

    Teacher Shi knitted her brows in confusion. "I thought you were going to consult me about something. Why are you asking that?"

    Li Caiyi had prepared an answer if the teacher asked her, so she replied immediately. "This person helped me before on the street, and he dropped a keychain with his name on it. I want to return it to him and wonder if he is one of our students in our school."

    "Hmm, then you can just drop the keychain here, and I will help you return it to him. If that person really is our student, that is."

    "I want to return it to him by myself if I can. I have not thanked him yet for his help."

    Teacher Shi noticed something from Li Caiyi''s words, and the corner of her mouth curled up with a yful smirk. "Well, well. I see that someone is eager. Let me guess, did that boy make your heart flutter?"

    Li Caiyi''s cheeks heated when she heard her teacher''s teasing. She wished she was not a person who could be read easily, but her reaction had given it all away. Teacher Shi grinned even wider.

    "Ah, the springtime of youth! When I was in high school, I was also like you, chasing after the boy I liked. Gosh, I missed those times!"

    "Teacher, it is not like that!"

    Teacher Shi yfully waved her hand. "Ah yes, yes. That is the usual reaction when someone finds out who your crush is. You are not convincing anyone if you said that with such a red face."

    Li Caiyi pressed her cheeks with her palm, and indeed, her cheek felt hot to touch.

    ''What am I, a teenager? Wake up, Li Caiyi! You are a full-grown adult. You are embarrassing yourself!''

    Li Caiyi coughed a few times to regain herposure before she asked again, "Teacher, can I ask you to check it for me?"

    After she had fun teasing the younger girl, Teacher Shi stopped joking around and went back to serious mode. "I usually can not disclose a student''s data, but I think it should be fine if you only want to check for a name and ss. Wait a minute."

    Teacher Shi grabbed a file from her desk and gave it to Li Caiyi. "This is the list of our students'' names. Try to find which ss he is in."

    Li Caiyi gratefully epted it. "Thank you, Teacher Shi!"

    "Haha, do not forget to bring me a gift if things go well between the two of you," she said with a wink. Li Caiyi onlyughed dryly before taking the heavy file to an empty table in the room''s corner.

    Li Caiyi used her finger to trace the name list from up to down. She searched for every student with the same name and wrote their full name and ss. So far, she managed to find two students with the same nameˇŞone from the second year and another one from the third year.

    "Well, it turned out better than I expected," Li Caiyi smiled in satisfaction. She did not want to waste any more time, so she quickly returned the file to Teacher Shi after she finished checking it and left the teacher''s office.

    ***

    Her next destination was the 2-C ssroom. The school arranged the ss by student''s grade, and Li Caiyi belonged to the 2-B ss, while Li Chunhua was in the 2-A ss.

    When Li Caiyi thought about how Shen Qiang could be studying in the room next to hers all this time, her heart beat faster.

    Li Caiyi hastened her step subconsciously, so it did not take long before she finally arrived in front of the 2-C ssroom.

    Before entering the ssroom, she straightened her hair and made sure her uniform and sses looked neat. After making sure everything was in their ce, she took a deep breath and was ready to meet Shen Qiang.

    Li Caiyi did not know anyone from this ss, so she was actually kind of nervous. She approached the friendly-looking girl standing near the door.

    "Uhm, excuse me? Can I have a minute with you?"

    The girl looked at Li Caiyi with widened eyes. "You areˇ­ not Li Chunhua, right? Are you Li Caiyi from ss B?"

    Li Caiyi did not expect that someone would recognize her. "You know me? Have we met somewhere?"

    "No, we did not know each other officially, but I heard about you. You are Li Chunhua and Senior Li''s sister."<sub> </sub>

    Ah. Of course, everyone would recognize her from that. When you were close to someone famous, people could not help but recognize you, too.

    "Yes. That is right. I came to find Fu Shen Qiang. Is he here?"

    Li Caiyi mentioned the full name just to be sure. The girl tilted her head in bewilderment. "Wait, you too? Since when did that guy be so popr?"

    ''Too?'' Li Caiyi thought that the girl''s reaction looked unusual. However, she did not have time to ask because that girl had called for Shen Qiang.

    "Fu Shen Qiang! Someone is looking for you again!"

    "Huh?"

    Every other thought suddenly washed away from her mind, leaving a sense of expectation and longing. Li Caiyi gulped nervously before she looked up.

    Her gaze fell to a chubby boy with an oily face. The boy ran over to them, and the fat on his belly bounced around like a basketball. Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in shock. This wasˇ­ Shen Qiang?

    The boy noticed Li Caiyi before he smiled smugly. "To think many beautifuldies would seek after me today, I must be in luck today."

    Li Caiyi smiled awkwardly. She did not want to judge other people so quickly, so she kept a positive mind. Perhaps Shen Qiang would look like this when he was fat? It did not matter how he looked as long as he was indeed the Shen Qiang she was looking for.

    "Hello. I need to talk to you for a bit." Li Caiyi said in a small voice, but suddenly the entire ss who watched this scene was in an uproar. Some even made a whistling sound.

    "Shit! Fu Shen Qiang, you are just a fatty, but how can you be so lucky?!"

    "How could you get ahead of us and be popr? Tell me your secret, dammit!"

    "Are those two''s eyes functioning properly? Out of all people, why would they go for the fatso?"

    Li Caiyi felt extremely ufortable being in the center of attention. Her figure shrunk as she tried to avoid people''s gaze.

    Fu Shen Qiang noticed that, so he used his sweaty hand to grab her hand and dragged Li Caiyi outside. "You single dogs! Go bark somewhere else, and don''t ruin other people''s happiness!"

    "What did you say, you pig? Who wants to be like you? Roll! Roll away with that round belly of yours!".

    Li Caiyi could still hear shouts of anger and curse even from the hallway. She was so confused by this turn of events, but she was thankful Fu Shen Qiang brought her out of that situation, so she let him drag her.

    When they arrived at a quieter and secluded hallway, Fu Shen Qiang finally stopped. He panted so hard, and his face looked like a balloon that could pop out at any minute.

    "Are you okay?" Li Caiyi asked her.

    "Thisˇ­ isˇ­ nothingˇ­ *wheeze."

    It certainly did not look like nothing, but Fu Shen Qiang insisted he was fine, so Li Caiyi waited for him to steady his breath before she finally asked what she came for.

    "Fu Shen Qiang, have you ever had a girlfriend before? Or someone you like?"

    Shen Qiang said he rarely interacted with girls, so this point was very crucial to ask.

    Li Caiyi''s question took Fu Shen Qiang aback. Butter, he seemed to understand something. He coolly swept his hair behind with his fingers as he shed his most charming smile. "What? We have only met for a few minutes, but you already can''t wait to leap into my arms. You are bolder than you look. I like it."

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi could not understand why he suddenly said that at first, but after a few seconds, she finally understood why there was such a hugemotion in the C ss earlier.

    She hurriedly waved her hand. "I think there is some kind of misunderstanding here. I do not mean it like that!"

    Fu Shen Qiang shook his head. "No need to be shy, little kitten. All you need to do is nod, and I. Will. Be. Yours."

    Li Caiyi felt like worms were crawling under her skin. She shuddered more when Fu Shen Qiang suddenly pinched her chin and leaned in closer, making the big pores on his face look more prominent.

    "I can not say you are my type, but your face looked the same as Li Chunhua, so I guess you will do as well."

    No! There was no need for further asking. Li Caiyi could already tell that this disgusting guy could not be her Shen Qiang. Putting the difference in their physique aside, Shen Qiang would never throw ame pickup line or treat other people rudely like this!

    "I''m sorry, I got the wrong person!" Li Caiyi swatted his hand away and ran as fast as she could.

    "What theˇŞ?! Kitten?! Where are you going?!"

    Li Caiyi closed her ears, hoping that it could help prevent that voice from haunting her dream tonight.

 Chapter 36 Mo Shen Qiang

    Li Caiyi was out of breath by the time she stopped running. She ran like her life depended on it.

    That was a horrible experience. Li Caiyi quickly erased Fu Shen Qiang and his corny line from her mind while silently reflecting on her mistake. She promised herself that she would ask more subtly next time.

    After she calmed down a bit, she checked on her note again.

    ''The next one is Mo Shen Qiang?''

    Li Caiyi noticed both students had ''Shen Qiang'' as their given name.

    Shen Qiang did not borate if the name he told her was his full name or not, so Li Caiyi could only check various possibilities haphazardly. Shen Qiang might not have given her his full name back then. Part of it must be because he was cautious of her, so Li Caiyi could not me him, but it would be nice if ''Shen Qiang'' were actually his full name.

    Thinking about herst failure, Li Caiyi''s head cooled down and became more alert. Her heart was still brimming with anticipation, but she was not as eager as before.

    Climbing the stairs to the third floor, where the third-year ss was, Li Caiyi could feel people''s gaze on her. It was rare for a second-year student to wander around on the senior floor, so she became the center of attention once again.

    Li Caiyi wanted to flee, but she pushed herself once she thought that Shen Qiang might be somewhere on the same floor.

    ''Endure it, Li Caiyi. This is nothing.''

    Li Caiyi did not know how she did it, but she finally arrived in front of the 3-B ssroom. It was right beside Li Junjie and Meng Renshu''s ss, doubling the pressure on her. She hoped her brother and Meng Renshu were not in the ssroom right now.

    She tried to maintain a casual face, but anyone could tell she was nervous. She moved stiffly like a broken robot, so a kind senior with sses took pity on her and approached her first with a polite smile. "Hello? Are you in your second year? Are you looking for someone?"

    "Oh!" Li Caiyi was very thankful someone came to her first. On top of that, this senior looked like a kind person, so her heart calmed down slightly. "I''m looking for Senior Mo Shen Qiang. Is he in the ss right now?"

    "Aren''t youˇ­ Li Junjie''s little sister?"

    "Yes, I''m Li Caiyi."

    "Your sister just came here recently. What a coincidence."

    Li Caiyi''s smile froze when she heard that. "Really? Do you know why she came here?"

    "It''s the same as you. She was looking for Mo Shen Qiang."

    Li Caiyi recalled the girl in 2-C ss unusual reaction earlier, and Feng Nian''s advice suddenly yed in her mind again. Although she did not believe that Li Chunhua would harm her, she could not deny that her sister had been acting suspiciously.

    What was Li Chunhua trying to do? She once said she wanted to meet Shen Qiang, but Li Caiyi did not think she was serious about it.

    A sense of doubt and apprehension grew inside her. Li Caiyi doubted she could look at her sister in the same way again if she let her doubt grow, but if Feng Nian was right, it meant that Li Chunhua was hiding something from her, even in her previous life.

    That thought terrified her.

    "Li Caiyi? Do you still want to meet Mo Shen Qiang? He is just returning from the toilet; want me to call him for you?"

    It snapped Li Caiyi out of her daze, and she hurriedly nodded her head. "Yes, please. Thank you, Senior."

    The senior with sses went to a guy standing in the back, then said something while pointing at Li Caiyi. Later, the guy approached her.

    "Do you need me for something?"

    Mo Shen Qiang was tall and had messy, curly hair. Li Caiyi could not see his face properly because his bang covered his eyes, but there was something in how this person talked that sounded subdued. The way he quietly waited for her to answer was simr to Shen Qiang.

    "Uhm, actually, I was searching for a person with the name Shen Qiang, so I might need to ask you a few questions. Do you mind helping me a bit, Senior?"

    Mo Shen Qiang tucked his hand into his pocket. "I already answered a few questions from your sister. Is there still more?"<sub> </sub>

    "Ah, is that so? Then can you tell me what questions did my sister ask you? So I won''t need to repeat the same question."

    "She mostly asked about my rtionship with you. I already told her I do not know you personally and have never talked to you. Well, until now, that is."

    "I see. Did she ask anything else?"

    "Not really. She left after listening to my answer."

    Li Caiyi became even more doubtful now. Why would Li Chunhua sneak behind her back to find out who Shen Qiang was? She must know that Li Caiyi would not answer. That was why she acted by herself.

    In this case, it was not like Li Caiyi tried to hide Shen Qiang, but rather because she did not know where Shen Qiang was right now.

    However, trying to do this without her knowing was already suspicious by itself, but Li Chunhua also interrogated Mo Shen Qiang if they had some kind of rtionship. That was justˇ­.

    "So? What do you want to ask? I''m actually busy ying games with my friends right now."

    "Oh, I''m sorry for spacing out!" Li Caiyi returned her focus and asked him, "Please do not think weirdly about this, but do you like peppermint, Senior Mo?"

    "Hmm, so-so, I think? I do not hate it, but if there is any other vor, I will not necessarily go for it."

    That was a nd answer, but Li Caiyi did not give up. "What about mooncakes?"

    "The same answer as before."

    "Do you know Yueguang Noodle House? Have you ever been there before?"

    "Never heard of it."

    "Euhm, the next question might be a bit personal. Please do not get offended. Do you currently have a girlfriend or someone you like?"

    Mo Shen Qiang, who barely showed any reaction, looked surprised this time. "Do I have to answer that?"

    As expected, this question was a bit too much. Li Caiyi did not want to be rude, so she held herself back and asked another question instead, "What style do you prefer? A simple style? Or a more modern style? What color do you like?"

    "Huh?" Mo Shen Qiang''s face turned awkward after Li Caiyi''s barrage of questions.

    Li Caiyi was too immersed in finding the truth; she identally went too far in her questioning. She also did not notice that someone was standing behind her, looking at Mo Shen Qiang with a chilling and threatening gaze. Mo Shen Qiang saw that, and he panicked.

    "I have to go now," Mo Shen Qiang wanted to leave as quickly as possible, but Li Caiyi held him back by his wrist.

    "Please, do not go just yet! I promise I will leave after I hear your answer."

    Mo Shen Qiang was too flustered, so he unknowingly used too much force when he shook her hand away. Li Caiyi was not ready for it and staggered forward.

    She might have fallen to the floor if not for a pair of hands that circled her waist and shoulder, holding her in ce. It happened in a split second; Li Caiyi could barely register it.

    When she came to her senses, she heaved a sigh of relief and wanted to thank the person behind her. However, she soon realized that the person behind her pulled her a bit too tightly against themselves; she could not move at all.

    "Xiaoyi, are you okay?!"

    The voice above her head made a chill run down her spine.

    Li Caiyi slowly looked up, and her eyes met with Meng Renshu''s concerned one.

 Chapter 37 He Made Her Feel Worthless

    "L-let go of me." Li Caiyi used all her willpower to suppress the urge to break free from his hold. She could not make a scene here.

    "Xiaoyi?" Meng Renshu noticed how herplexion turned ashen, so he leaned in to check her condition closely, but doing that created a counterproductive result because Li Caiyi looked like a cat whose tails got stepped on.

    "I said, let go!" Li Caiyi couldn''t care less about her surroundings anymore. She struggled frantically and sighed in relief when she broke free.

    Her intense reaction rendered Meng Renshu speechless. That was Li Caiyi''s strongest rejection of him so far. She hated him so much she did not even want to be touched by him anymore. His mental took some damage from this, as a hint of hurt shed across his face.

    After escaping, Li Caiyi finally realized what she had done. She looked around, and sure enough, everyone''s gazes fell on herˇŞsome with curious looks, some with jealousy.

    Li Caiyi intended to ask a few more things from Mo Shen Qiang, but it did not seem like she could continue anymore with Meng Renshu here. She did not even want to see him, but considering his ss was just right beside this room, it sounded illogical to ask him to leave.

    Li Caiyi quickly apologized and bade farewell to Mo Shen Qiang before she scurried off. Throughout all that, she did not spare a single nce at Meng Renshu, which was akin to rubbing salt on his gaping wound.

    Meng Renshu''s body moved faster than his mind. Before he knew it, he had grabbed Li Caiyi by her wrist. "Xiaoyi, wait!"

    Li Caiyi wanted to shake his hand off, but she knew she could not go on like this. Eventually, she would have to face Meng Renshu. Running away would not help her with anything. She made a mistake by reacting impulsively earlier, so she needed to recover from it.

    ''It''s fine. You are an adult, and he is just a teenager. Do not be afraid, Li Caiyi,'' she encouraged herself inwardly.

    After taking a deep breath, she turned around and faced the person who had brought the most nightmare in her dream. "What is it?"

    Meng Renshu could not discern any warmth from her voice. It was as if she was talking to a stranger. In dismay, he suddenly forgot what he wanted to say to her. "Iˇ­."

    "Brother Renshu, can you let go of me first?"

    "Oh." Meng Renshu looked down at his hand, which was holding her, and reluctantly let it go. "Sorry."

    "No, it''s okay. I should be the one apologizing. I was too surprised back there, so I reacted strangely."

    Meng Renshu smiled bitterly. "Li Caiyi, did I do something wrong to you?"

    ''Yes, you did. You broke your promise.''

    Or so Li Caiyi wanted to say, but there was no way the current Meng Renshu would know about that.

    "No," she answered gloomily. It was a good thing Meng Renshu did not remember anything, but she couldn''t help but feel conflicted.

    "Don''t lie to me. You have avoided me three times, including today. Tell me, what happened to you?"

    "There is nothing, really." Li Caiyi did not know how to exin this, so she made up a random excuse. "I am not a child anymore, so I would appreciate it if Brother Renshu started treating me like an adult."

    "Huh? But we have known each other since childhood. We grew up together. I have always treated you like my own sister, so it''s kind of hard to stop now," Meng Renshu said dejectedly. "I don''t know it displeases you so much."

    Li Caiyi was sick of hearing that line in her previous life. She did not resent Meng Renshu for not loving her back, but she felt hurt from how he could abandon her so ruthlessly, at times when she needed support the most. Even if she spent all her time hovering around him, acting like an obedient little sister, a caring friend, or a virtuous wife, it could never amount to anything in the end. Not even a friendship.

    He made her feel worthless, and that was one thing she could not allow to happen again in this life.

    Since this conversation was not going in the direction she wanted, Li Caiyi thought she should give him a final ultimatum.

    "What if I can not get a boyfriend because Brother Renshu keeps acting friendly with me? Please do not touch me so casually again, and stop treating me like a child because I can do things by myself just fine! If you do that, then I will seriously cut ties with you!"

    Meng Renshu felt like he was just being struck by lightning. Li Caiyi''s words were so sharp it made his heart bleed all over again.

    He never knew Li Caiyi could be this fierce, especially to him. His brain, which was supposed to be only second to Li Junjie in the entire year, stopped functioning altogether, and he could only stare at Li Caiyi nkly.<sub> </sub>

    He looked like he could turn into ash and disperse into thin air anytime. Li Caiyi suddenly felt a guilty conscience. Had she gone too far?

    Then, the bell signaling the end of break time reverberated in the hallway, saving her from the awkward silence.

    "Then, I will return to my ssroom first. Uhm, thank you for catching me earlier, but please be mindful of your actions from now on, Brother Renshu."

    Leaving the dry and aghast Meng Renshu behind, Li Caiyi returned to her ssroom.

    ***

    After investigating the two Sheng Qiangs, Li Caiyi concluded that none of them were the Shen Qiang she was looking for. The first one was definitely out, while the second one has some simrities, but not quite there yet.

    She went back to square one and currently felt disappointed in herself.

    If she knew it would be like this, she would try to learn more about Shen Qiang before she died. They both were determined to die, so they skipped the ''get-to-know-each-other-better'' phase and just went along with the flow. She regretted it so much.

    What else could she do to find Shen Qiang?

    While she was mulling over that, Li Chunhua entered the room with a bag of biscuits in hand. "Xiaoyi, Mom is calling for you."

    Li Caiyi raised her head from her study desk and wondered what Su Suyin would want from her. Herst conversation with Su Suyin did not go well; she thought her mother would not speak to her again.

    Li Caiyi went out of the room and found Su Suyin, who looked busy preparing something in the kitchen. "Mother? Did you call for me?"

    Su Suyin turned her head, and her face turned into a troubled expression when her gaze met with Li Caiyi''s. Ever since theirst conversation, Su Suyin had mixed feelings whenever she looked at her eldest daughter, so she always avoided her. However, now was not the right time for that.

    "Xiaoyi, your father has been staying at the hospital for two days. Can you go deliver a change of clothes and these foods to him right now?"

    Li Caiyi''s head went numb when she realized how familiar this scene was. An awful premonition suddenly hit her because she still remembered the same scene from her previous life.

    Li Caiyi''s hand trembled ever so slightly. "Mother, do you have to go out somewhere?"

    Su Suyin nodded, while her hand did not stop moving. She kept moving and rearranging the position of the food so it would look more appetizing. Li Caiyi''s heart aches for her.

    "I have to attend a charity event in ce of your father. You only have to put this in his office. Do not disturb your father''s work."

    It was the exact same answer as before. Li Caiyi bit her lips and weakly nodded. "En. I understand."

    After Su Suyin finished packing everything, she handed it over to Li Caiyi with a gentle smile. "If you meet your father, don''t forget to give him words of encouragement. Your rtionship with your Father might turn better if he knows how much you care about him. Don''t be stubborn this time and listen to Mother''s words. Got it?"

    Li Caiyi''s heart was in pain. The bag in her hand should not weigh that much, but it felt heavier than anything she ever held in her life.

    Su Suyin hesitated before she put her hand on Li Caiyi''s cheek. "I know you are struggling, but don''t me your father too much. He is actually pretty caring if you know how to coax him. You just need to be more patient with him. Do you understand?"

    "No, I don''t understand." Li Caiyi felt so indignant about this. "Why are we the only ones who have to be careful and considerate about Father''s needs every time? Mother, don''t you think this is wrong?"

    Su Suyin sighed helplessly. There was a trace of disappointment shed across her eyes. "You are still saying that. How can you live without your father? You still need to finish your education, and he is the one who brings food to the table. How can you speak of him like that?"

    "Motherˇ­"

    Su Suyin retracted her hand while shaking her head. "Let''s stop arguing about this. It will be best if you go now. Your father is waiting."

    Li Caiyi watched her mother leave with inexplicable emotion before walking out listlessly.

 Chapter 38 The Burden Of Secret

    When Li Caiyi arrived at the hospital, she walked straight to the neurology department. Today should be her first timeing here, but she hade here many times in her previous life, so she did not need anyone to show her the way anymore.

    His father''s office was located in the east wing on the edge of the third floor. Li Caiyi was unwilling, but her mother entrusted her to do this, and she thought it would be better for her to go rather than her other siblings. She had to correct her past mistakes.

    When she arrived in front of the office with Li Jirong''s namete on the door, she stood there without moving. If it went like her past life, then it should be around now that Li Jirong finally stopped looking at her for good.

    Li Caiyi pressed her ears to the door, and even if it was faint, she could hear gasps and moaning sounds inside. There was also an ambiguous wet sound, apanied by a man''s grunt and women''s coquettish giggle, also a creaking sound produced by some rigorous movement.

    One did not need to look to know what kind of action transpired beyond the door.

    Li Caiyi felt that her past ''self'' was so foolish. Despite having a clue that something was wrong inside, she still opened the door and witnessed a disgusting sight of Li Jirong and a young woman with a disheveled nurse outfit entangled on top of the sofa. They tarnished her innocent eyes forever by showing such a vulgar scene. After that, her father, who had already despised her before that, started treating her like air. It was like he wanted to erase the fact that he had another daughter in the house.

    On top of that, he was shameless enough to make Su Suyin send Li Caiyi every time he needed some stuff from home, starting from that day. He might have thought that since she already knew about it, it would be better to have her deliver things to him instead of his wife. Su Suyin, who was blissfully unaware of this, agreed happily, thinking that Li Caiyi and Li Jirong had gotten closer.

    Li Caiyi just couldn''t bring herself to break the news to her mother, who desperately clung to Li Jirong like her life depended on it. Li Jirong took advantage of that and threatened Li Caiyi that he would divorce Su Suyin, and only took Li Junjie into his custody if she told anyone about it.

    Even though Li Caiyi knew it was wrong to help her father cover for his mistake, the thought of devastated Su Suyin, and Li Chunhua, who would suffer without good medicine in hand, made her unable to say anything.

    Li Caiyi, who identally found out about her father''s unfaithfulness, spent the rest of her life carrying that secret, which she took with her to her next life. It was a heavy burden, and she had always felt remorseful for her mother because of this.

    If Li Caiyi thought back to how she was so fearful of Li Jirong in her past life, Li Caiyi just wanted to go back and smack some senses into herself. She was foolishly tricked, used, and manipted repeatedly, but the main culprit lived leisurely without burden while she carried all of her guilt to her grave. That was so dumb of her!

    "Piece of trash," Li Caiyi muttered in a low voice. However, there was deep resentment and hatred contained in that one sentence. She was itching to kick the door open and just caught the adulterer red-handed but now was not the right time yet.

    Li Caiyi did not want to hear, nor did he care about what his father was doing anymore, so she walked away with a clenched fist.

    ***

    Being in the hospital always gave her a suffocating feeling. She was not sick, but she might be one if she stayed there any longer.

    Li Caiyi stomped her way to the hospital garden and threw the bag in her hand to the ground malignantly. The food arrangement Su Suyin wasted so much time to make must be in a mess now, but she did not care. Li Jirong did not deserve her mother''s loyalty.

    How heartbroken Su Suyin must have felt if she knew the truth. Li Caiyi was unsure how Li Junjie and Li Chunhua would take the news, but surely her family would break apart after this secret came into the light of day.<sub> </sub>

    "Heuk," she choked on her breath as tears welled up in her eyes. However, she refused to spill a droplet for scum like her father, so she furiously wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "I''ll get back at him for Mother''s pain in two lifetimes."

    Li Caiyi sat on the ground, not caring if it would dirty her pants, and waited for some time until Li Jirong was finished with his ''business''. She would just drop the bag in the office and leave. or she could secretly mess up his documents and things while she was at it.

    "Excuse me."

    A deep voice interrupted her train of thought. Li Caiyi looked up and saw a young man standing beside her. He bent his upper body so he could talk to her easier. He stood with the sunlight behind him, casting a dark shadow on his face; Li Caiyi had to squint her eyes while looking up.

    "I saw you were carrying this earlier, andˇ­ it almost got taken away by a dog, so I retrieved it for you. Uhm, I''m sorry if I bother you."

    "Ah," Li Caiyi almost forgot about her bag. She let out a wry smile. "Even a dog deserved to eat it more than that person."

    "Come again?" The young man could not hear her words clearly, but Li Caiyi shook her head and epted the bag.

    "Thank you."

    The young man nodded politely. "It was nothing. I''ll take my leave now. Goodbye."

    Li Caiyi checked on the boxes of food after the young man left. The content was a mess, and the change of clothes her mother prepared was wrinkled. Li Caiyi put them back haphazardly when pieces of candy fell from the bag.

    Did her mother put them in the bag? But she did not see any candy thest time she checked it.

    Could it be?

    Li Caiyi looked back in the direction where the young man left, but he was nowhere to be seen. He probably has seen her venting her anger earlier and gave these to her to cheer her up. It was ironic how a stranger could be so kind to her while her father was like that.

    She was left with nothing to do, so Li Caiyi unwrapped a candy and threw it into her mouth. Taste of mint spread onto her tongue. The smell of mint reminded him of Shen Qiang. She wondered when she could meet him?

    She stayed like that for an hour or so before she dragged her feet back into the hospital.

 Chapter 39 Joining A Competition To Earn Money

    Li Caiyi checked on her bank ount and found that she only had a little over 3000 yuan in it. It was everything she had saved from her childhood, but it was not nearly enough for her to hire a private investigator to gather evidence against Li Jirong. If he wanted to fight back, then she would need at least more evidence in her hand.

    There was only so much she could do as a high-schooler. She could not get a part-time job because Li Jirong would never allow that, and she did not have anything valuable enough to be sold, either. The only thing left was for her to gather it by herself sneakily, but Li Jirong would eventually find out about it if she came to the hospital so frequently.

    Li Caiyi was still mulling over this until the next day, so she was absentminded all day and did not notice when Zhou Ya talked to her.

    "Li Caiyi, do you hear me?"

    "Huh?"

    Zhou Ya knitted her brows. "I was asking you if you have any luck so far in finding that person you are looking for."

    "Oh, that. Unfortunately, not yet." Li Caiyiughed drily as she scratched the back of her head. With everything going on in her head, she could not focus on finding Shen Qiang at all.

    "What? You are looking for someone?" Feng Nian said with a mouth full of rice.

    "Yeah. This person helped me a lot before, but I only know his name."

    "Well, that''s weird. How could you even find a person just by his name alone?"

    "Tell me about it," Li Caiyi put her hand on her forehead helplessly. "Anyway, I''m currently in urgent need of some money. Do you have any idea how to earn some money without working a part-time job?"

    Zhou Ya and Feng Nian exchanged confused nces at each other. They must be wondering why a girling from a pretty well-off family like Li Caiyi needed more money, so she added, "There is something I need to do, which would cost some money, but my parents won''t allow me to take a part-time job."

    Feng Nian wiped the sauce on the corner of her mouth with her finger. "For a student like us, there is not much we can do if we are still living with our parents. How about taking a loan?"

    "No, you need to be officially recognized as an earning adult first to take out a loan unless you went to a shady loan business." Zhou Ya folded her arms with a serious look. "I asionally help in my family''s noodle shop, but my parents won''t allow me to take a part-time job either. They said if I have time to do that, I should use that for studying more and winning apetition or something."

    Li Caiyi was downcast, but she got an idea when she heard Zhou Ya''s words and immediately perked up. "That''s it!"

    Zhou Ya and Feng Nian were surprised because Li Caiyi suddenly stood up and left the ssroom. They were calling her name, but it fell on deaf ears.

    If Li Caiyi was not mistaken, it should be around this time that there was a writingpetition with money as the winning prize.

    Li Caiyi ran to the school news board on the first floor, and there it was! Thankfully, the banner was still there, so Li Caiyi read them carefully from top to bottom.

    "The first prize is a round-trip ticket to N country and 10.000 yuan?" Li Caiyi''s voice shook as she muttered under her breath. If shebined her savings with that money, she could even hire a good private investigator, not a cheap one!

    Of course, she had to win thepetition first. However, now she had a clear goal in mind, she was very motivated to join in.

    When she saw this banner in her previous life, she thought it was a nice prize, but she never thought of joining. Li Jirong would be furious if he knew she wasted time on anything else but her studies. In this life, she was determined to join so she could have Li Jirong''s weakness in her hand.

    It was almost scary that she did not feel any remorse while plotting this, contrary to her previous self.

    Li Caiyi felt she was changing bit by bit, and she could never be more proud of herself.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi stared pensively at the theme for thepetition. It was freestyle writing about the past and futureˇŞa fitting theme for her.

    However, she did not have much time before thepetition''s deadline. If she wanted to participate, she had to register right now and start making her story. So she quickly went to the teacher''s office and signed herself up before returning to her ssroom.

    Li Caiyi did not intend to let this chance go. She hadpletely lost respect for her father, so she did not care, even if heter knew about this or not. With her motivation burning passionately, Li Caiyi started thinking about what she should write.

    ***

    After school.

    Li Caiyi used to study in the library just so her father would acknowledge her. However, now that idea has been thrown into the trash bin, Li Caiyi was currently sitting in the same spot but with apletely different mindset.

    Li Caiyi had her notebook and some reference books ready and asionally wrote something with a serious expression. An hour passed by, but she still did not show any sign of leaving. She was so into what she was doing; she did not notice that someone had been watching her since she first came in.

    Sitting behind the librarian''s desk, a boy watched silently as Li Caiyi went through her book. She would asionally frown or purse her lips as she read. Her lips parted as she muttered the words without sound. Her long eyshes would flutter with every blink, casting a shadow on her face.

    He knew it was rude for him to stare at other people like that, but he could not pry his eyes away from her serene and soft figure. Just watching her gave him a sense of tranquility. He was utterly taken in by sight in front of him.

    Oblivious to the eye watching her, Li Caiyi smiled in satisfaction when she looked down at her rough draft. It took her some time to do some research, but overall, she was pretty satisfied with her progress.

    Li Caiyi stretched her stiff arm and decided to stop for now. There was still some time before the deadline, so she should not rush herself and drop the quality of her writing.

    Li Caiyi picked a few books that might help give her some inspiration and took them to the librarian''s desk.

    "I want to borrow these books." She said while showing her student ID.

    The boy checked the serial number of the book and her student ID. He stared at her ID intently.

    Li Caiyi. So that was her name.

    Then he swiftly checked out the books and returned them to her.

    "Make sure you return them before the next week." He said in a croaked voice. He used to say that line every time someone borrowed a book, but his ugly voice failed him. The boy was somewhat embarrassed having Li Caiyi heard that. He made it evident that he was feeling pretty nervous around her.

    Li Caiyi thought little of it and only smiled slightly. She was about to leave when she remembered something.

    She turned around and walked to the librarian''s desk again and pulled out a piece of mint candy from her pocket. "A kind person gave it to me. Eat this for your sore throat. Good luck with your work."

    The boy epted it absentmindedly, almost like in a daze. Li Caiyi gave him a faint smile before she left for good this time.

    The boy stared at the piece of the candy in his hand for some time, then silently put it in his pocket. He did not n to eat it at all.

 Chapter 40 Lost Manuscript

    A few dayster, Li Caiyi finally finished her story in time on thest day of submission. She smiled happily as she put the manuscript inside a big brown envelope.

    It was her first time finishing something she had started in this timeline. It felt so satisfying and liberating.

    She used to put in extra hard work without getting recognition, but she knew better than expecting a reward or praise from someone else now. If no one would give her any recognition, she should have just rewarded herself.

    Li Caiyi was humming in a good mood. By the time she arrived at the school, she had first gone to the teacher''s office to submit her manuscript.

    Li Caiyi was about to make a turn in a corner when a pile of books suddenly appeared in front of her face. She could not stop in time and collided with them.

    "Ouch!"

    "Whoa!"

    Li Caiyi fell on her butt, and books and files rained upon her head, making her grimace in pain. It was clear she was bumping into someone. Her head and butt throbbed in pain.

    "I''m sorry! Are you okay?!"

    Li Caiyi looked up and saw a boy with chestnut-colored hair bending down with an apologetic face. He stretched his hand towards her, offering his help. The boy was shorter than the average teenage boy. He got piercings in his ears, and he painted his nails in ck. Overall, he looked like a naughty bad-boy type of student, but the concerned expression on his face betrayed that cool image.

    "I''m okay," Li Caiyi put her hand in his, and the boy swiftly helped her stand.

    "Is your head okay? The books fell on your head so hard."

    Actually, Li Caiyi was sure she got a bump on her head from this, but she did not bring it up and only smiled faintly. "It''s fine. I was partly to me as well for not looking where I was going."

    The boy sighed in relief before squatting down to pick up the scattered things around them. Li Caiyi casually picked up her envelope and put it aside before she helped the boy gather all of them in one pile. It was quite the amount. No wonder this boy could not see where he was going clearly.

    "Do you need some help?" I asked after deliberation. "You might bump into someone again if you carry these by yourself."

    The boy''s eyes sparkled in delight. "Yes, please! Thank you so much!"

    That was how Li Caiyi carried half of the pile with her. The boy seemed to be an outgoing and friendly person since he kept chattering about many things to her throughout the trip. It appeared the teacher asked him to carry this to the storage room as a punishment.

    "Why are you being punished?" Li Caiyi asked out of curiosity.

    The boy grinned sheepishly. "The teacher scolded me for wearing a piercing again, but me without them is like a steamed bun without filling, you know. Too nd! I want to stand out!"

    "That''s also why you painted your nails?"

    "Ah, you mean these? Nah, this isn''t real nail polish. It''s just artificial nails. You can easily detach and re-attach them. I have a bad habit of biting my nails when I am nervous, so I wear this to help me stop that habit, and for fashion''s sake as well!"

    To put it simply, this boy was just a naughty student who liked to be the center of attention. Li Caiyi had seen a lot of kids like him in both of her lives, and she had always respected them for attempting to change themselves. This boy was very easy to talk to, making Li Caiyi feel more at ease.

    They put away the pile in their hands in the storage room, among the other old files and books in the room''s corner. Before walking out with the boy, Li Caiyi rubbed her hand together to brush off the dirt.

    "Thanks so much for your help! I''m Shao Jingfei from ss 2-D. What is your name?"

    "I''m Li Caiyi from ss 2-B."

    "Haha, actually, I already know who you are, but I want us to introduce ourselves officially so we can be friends, you know?"<sub> </sub>

    Friendsˇ­ Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat when she heard that. "N-nice to meet you!"

    "Why are you suddenly so formal?" He chuckled, "Just call me Jingfei and I will call you Caiyi. Is that okay?"

    "Yes!"

    Shao Jingfei nced at his watch and groaned. "Crap, I forgot I still have homework to do! I will see youter, Caiyi!" He said before quickly walking away.

    Shao Jingfei was her first friend from another ss, so Li Caiyi''s mood became exceptionally bright this morning. She still had to submit her manuscript before the first bell rang, so she hastily walked to the teacher''s office.

    Fortunately, Teacher Shi had arrived and was waiting for her arrival. Li Caiyi handed over her manuscript, which she epted with words of encouragement. Teacher Shi was so supportive of her; Li Caiyi nned to give the round-trip ticket to Teacher Shi if she got the first ce. She only needed the money, after all.

    ***

    The proud smile of Teacher Shi earlier was the opposite of her frantic look right now.

    It was the lunch break when Teacher Shi called Li Caiyi to the teacher''s office. Li Caiyi told Feng Nian and Zhou Ya to eat without her, and she moved to the teacher''s office.

    When she arrived, Teacher Shi looked up at her with a questioning look.

    "Li Caiyi, I was checking your manuscript just now, but I think there must be some kind of mistake."

    Li Caiyi asked in puzzlement. "What do you mean?"

    Teacher Shi gave her the brown envelope. "Check it for yourself."

    Li Caiyi took it and checked the content. Her eyes widened when she realized what was happening. "How can this be? I was sure I had put in my manuscript this morning!"

    She even checked it thrice to ensure everything was okay, so why would the content be different? This was not her manuscript she spent days and nights making.

    Teacher Shi also looked troubled with this development. "Li Caiyi, the other contestants have submitted theirs, and I was supposed to ship all of them to thepetitionmittee by this afternoon. I don''t know what is happening, but you''d better try to remember again if you misce your manuscript somewhere."

    Li Caiyi stood in silence. Then she recalled her encounter with Shao Jingfei. She must have dropped it and taken the wrong envelope then!

    "Teacher Shi, I think I remember where I dropped them! I''ll go to the storage room to check!"

    Li Caiyi rushed out of the teacher''s office and went to the storage room. The number of old files here was enormous, and it was stacked into many piles haphazardly. Looking at her envelope among these seemed like it would take a lot of time, but she couldn''t be pessimistic here!

    "It should be here somewhere." Li Caiyi rummaged through the piles, sorting them out and checking them one by one, but she still could not find it anywhere. She had to find it as soon as possible.

    Li Caiyi searched for a while, and things did not look good. Even after the bell signaling the end of break time rang, she was still crouching among scattered papers and files.

    She worked so hard on that piece; how could she be so careless? Li Caiyi med herself ceaselessly inside. The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed her, but she did not stop searching. The teacher might scold her for skipping ss after this, but that was not important.

    As she reached out for the next pile, the storage room door was opened with a bang. Li Caiyi jolted in surprise. Her hand slipped, and she identally made the stack in front of her copse like an avnche above her.

    Everything was a mess now. Li Caiyi bit her lips in frustration.

    "Li Caiyi?" There was a deep voiceing from the door. Li Caiyi looked back and saw a familiar boy standing there.

 Chapter 41 The Boy From The Library

    Li Caiyi vaguely recalled this boy from the library. He was often on duty there when Li Caiyi came to study or write. Why was he here?

    The boy briskly walked over and brushed the paper off her shoulder. Li Caiyi stared at him in wonder. "You areˇ­ the one from the library, right?"

    He nodded his head. "Teacher Shi told me you will be here. You should return to your ss now."

    "Butˇ­ my manuscript isˇ­."

    "It''s okay. I already found it."

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi stared at him in disbelief.

    "I found it in the hallway. When I brought it to the teacher''s office, Teacher Shi told me it was yours and asked me to tell you."

    A sense of relief washed over her. Li Caiyi was so tense and restless just a few seconds ago, but hearing what he said made her feel like an inted balloon. Her stiff shoulders immediately loosened, and a weary smile appeared on her lips.

    "Thank goodness."

    The boy nced at the mess in the room. "Are you the one who caused this?"

    Li Caiyi was so flustered she did not realize how much of a mess she made here. She looked around and chuckled sheepishly. "I might have gotten a bit of a panic attack back there."

    She thought the boy would leave, but he actually squatted down beside her and started gathering the papers and files scattered around. "I will help you clean this corner. You take the other corner."

    Li Caiyi was stunned and mechanically nodded as she followed his lead. While organizing the documents, she nced at the boy. "Uhm, are you sure you don''t want to go back first? I can clean this up by myself, you know."

    "It will be faster if we work together." He replied curtly, without turning his head, revealing no intention of speaking further.

    Li Caiyi did not dare to ask anymore, so she silently took care of the mess in her corner.

    As he said, it was taken care of pretty quickly when two people were on it.

    When they stepped outside, Li Caiyi inhaled a deep breath of fresh air. After spending almost an hour inside the storage room, which was full of dusty and humid smells, it was refreshing to be outside again.

    "Thank you for your help," Li Caiyi smiled at the boy. "My name is Li Caiyi. What is your name?"

    The boy quietly looked at her before he answered. "Dai Zhiqiang."

    This person did not speak much, but Li Caiyi could tell he was a kind person. "Dai Zhiqiang, we often meet in the library, aren''t we?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded. He was hesitating a bit before he asked, "I haven''t seen you there these days. Is it because you have finished what you are doing?"

    "Yes. I''m joining the writingpetition, and it feels a lot more rxing to finish it at home, so I did not go theretely."

    "I see."

    The conversation ended after that. Unlike Shao Jingfei, who was a chatterbox, Li Caiyi found it challenging to converse with Dai Zhiqiang. She was naturally a quiet person, so when she faced a much quieter person than she was, she was at a loss on what to say.

    "Uhm, how is your throat?"

    "It''s fine."

    "Did you eat the candy I gave you?"

    "Yes, I did."

    Li Caiyi: "(well, this is awkward)."

    In the end, Li Caiyi also did not know how to continue the conversation, so she just stopped talking altogether. They walked side by side in silence. Later, Li Caiyi realized that Dai Zhiqiang was heading in the same direction as hers.

    "Is your ss also this way? I''m from ss 2-B. What about you?"<sub> </sub>

    "I''m from ss 2-A."

    "So you are from the next ss. No wonder you are also heading this way."

    Dai Zhiqiang gave no furtherment and only spoke when they were about to part ways. "Make sure not to lose your things again."

    "Huh? Oh yes, thank you very much for your help today!"

    "Goodbye, then." Dai Zhiqiang gave a quick nod and walked away and went into his ss, leaving Li Caiyi in a daze.

    She met two different people today and almost lost her chance to win the prize money. Was she lucky or unlucky?

    ***

    "Cheer up, Caiyi." Zhou Ya patted her shoulder sympathetically.

    "Teacher Xu roasted her to the bone. Man, what bad luck to arrivete in his ss!" Chen Run shook her head in pity.

    "Why did youete to the ss? You know Teacher Xu disliked an undisciplined student." Feng Nian yed with her phone as she said that.

    Li Caiyi groaned and recounted the series of events to her friends. By the time she finished, she had looked twice as tired. Meanwhile, Chen Run''s mouth was hanging open with a dumbfounded expression.

    "You joined that writingpetition? Why am I only hearing about this now?"

    "Why else? You are busy hanging out with your new friends; you forgot about the old ones," Feng Nianmented snarkily.

    Chen Run vehemently denied her remark. "I never did that! What''s wrong with having new friends?!"

    "There''s nothing wrong with that. Nevertheless, you clearly treat your new friends better than us. How did you exin the matching shirt you got with your new friends? I saw Li Chunhua posted a picture of you with your new friends on Weibo, and you looked like you were having fun. Aren''t you usually opposed to the idea of having matching items?"

    "T-that wasˇ­" Chen Run could not say anything back and lowered her head. Zhou Ya, who felt the tension in the air, hurriedly intervened.

    "Don''t fight, you guys. We are listening to Caiyi''s story, so why are you two arguing?"

    "Y-yeah." Li Caiyi also had the same thought as Zhou Ya. She felt like Feng Nian and Chen Run''s rtionship had gotten worse day by day. She had to change the subject.

    "Anyway, do you guys know Shao Jingfei or Dai Zhiqiang?"

    "I don''t know about Dai Zhiqiang, but I know Shao Jingfei. We once got punished together. We ran a fewps around the schoolyard then," Chen Run said. "He''s a witty and funny guy. I heard he is pretty popr."

    "Isn''t Dai Zhiqiang the person who ranked first in ourst cement test?" Zhou Ya said, after thinking for a bit.

    "Actually, it wasn''t onlyst time. He always scored first ce in every exam. I heard he is one of the schrship students."

    "Seriously? I thought the schrship program in our school was pretty hard to get? He must be terribly smart, then." Feng Nian gave a low whistle.

    "Anyway, I''m d you are able to submit your manuscript in time, Caiyi. I will root for you," Zhou Ya said with a kind smile.

    "Yeah, me too! I know about it toote, but I can still cheer for you!"

    "We are all feeling the same. Good luck, Li Caiyi."

    "Thank you, everyone." Li Caiyi felt a surplus of motivation now that her friends were cheering for her. She had already done her best, and she could only hope for the best now.

    They were chatting as they walked towards the school gate and stopped when a voice called one of them from behind.

    "Lan Lan, wait for me!"

    Li Chunhua was running towards them with her sweet smile.

 Chapter 42 A Rift

    Four of them looked back simultaneously and saw Li Chunhua run over with a smile on her face. Li Caiyi had a bad feeling about this.

    "Lan Lan, there you are!" Li Chunhua intimately hugged Chen Run''s arm. "Didn''t you sayst time you want to visit that film exhibition in the next city? Guess what? I managed to secure tickets for us!"

    Chen Run was surprised at first, but after she heard that, her face became ecstatic. "Really? That''s awesome!"

    "Hehe, and our other friends wille with us as well!"

    Chen Run''s smile stiffened. Li Chunhua continued, "It would be so much fun spending a day with people who truly understand your hobby. Isn''t that what you saidst time? So I took it upon myself and invited everyone!"

    The surrounding air became heavier after she said that. Chen Runughed dryly, feeling the awkwardness in the air. She did not dare to look at her friends'' faces.

    Li Chunhua shifted her gaze to Li Caiyi. "Xiaoyi! I still have a spare ticket for you. Do you want toe as well?"

    Feng Nian warned her before, but even now, she still could not fully believe that Li Chunhua was deliberately trying to keep her friends away from her. However, after discovering how her sister had been looking for Shen Qiang secretly behind her back, she could not say that with certainty anymore.

    "No, I think I''m good," Li Caiyi answered.

    "What a bummer. Xiaoyi, you have to at least try to understand your friend''s hobby and passion. That''s what friends are for, right? If you don''t, then you are being rude to your friend. Don''t worry, I will exin everything to you if you don''t understand what is what, soe with us!"

    Li Caiyi did not miss the double meaning behind Li Chunhua''s words this time. She nced at Zhou Ya and Feng Nian worriedly, and their expressions were not that good, especially Feng Nian.

    "Xiaoyi, are you worried about Zhou Ya and Feng Nian?" Li Chunhua shifted her gaze to both of them. "Unfortunately, I only have one spare ticket left, and that''s for Xiaoyi. I''m very sorry I can''t save more tickets. You won''t me me, right? I''ll do better next time."

    The way Li Chunhua talked was as if Zhou Ya and Feng Nian forced her to procure tickets for them, while the truth was they were just hearing about this now.

    Zhou Ya had a forced smile on her face, while Feng Nian looked ready to beat someone up.

    "Xiaohua, what are you saying? Don''t talk to them like that!" Li Caiyi reprimanded her sister.

    Li Chunhua tilted her head in confusion. "What''s wrong, Xiaoyi? Did I say something wrong? You said I should apologize if I put your friend in a difficult position. I already did my best, so why are you ming me again?"

    "Why youˇŞ" Feng Nian was ready to hurl cursing words, but Zhou Ya blocked her mouth and restrained her movement. Feng Nian tried to struggle, but her petite frame was no match for Zhou Ya''s, who was used tobor work in her family''s shop.

    "Uhm, it''s okay if you guys go. We don''t mind at all." Zhou Ya said with a smile, but the wrinkle in the corner of her eyes told Li Caiyi she was ufortable with this situation.

    On the other hand, Chen Run was confused with this development. Even she could tell that the atmosphere was terrible. She tugged on Li Chunhua''s shirt. "Let''s just go."

    "Yes. Xiaoyi, let''s go. Both of them said it''s fine, so you don''t have to feel bad about them." Li Chunhua held Li Caiyi''s hand, but thetter refused to move. Li Chunhua looked up in confusion. "Xiaoyi?"

    "No, I won''t go with you." Li Caiyi pulled her hand from hers. A look of disappointment shed across her face. "Xiaohua, why are you doing this?"

    Li Chunhua''s smile stiffened, and a dangerous glint shed across her eyes. It happened in a split second before she reverted to her usual innocent expression. Li Caiyi would not believe it if she did not see it for herself.

    "I don''t understand. What did I do wrong this time? You were angry at me when I wanted to hang out with you and your friends, and now you hate me for not having enough tickets for your friends." Li Chunhua looked down with moist eyes. "Do you hate me now? You have new friends now; is that why you don''t need me anymore?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was speechless. What was this drama unfolding before her eyes? Did Li Chunhua always have this character in her all this time?

    Feng Nian could not hold it anymore. She roughly pushed Zhou Ya''s hand and scolded, "Save your white lotus act for people who are stupid enough to believe it! Why are you suddenly appearing and spitting out nonsense? Who wants your stupid tickets?!"

    Li Chunhua looked hurt and took a step back. "How cruelˇ­ Even though I tried so hard..."

    Her voice garnered the attention of onlookers. Li Caiyi felt this development was simr to the other day.

    The onlookers red at Feng Nian with dissatisfaction. They did not understand why Feng Nian could be so harsh with a girl as sweet as Li Chunhua.

    It did not take Feng Nian a long time to finally realize what Li Chunhua was nning. "Y-youˇ­."

    "Oh my, how scary!" Li Chunhua quickly hid behind Chen Run, looking like a frightened squirrel. The more pitiful she looked, the more Feng Nian received the look of displeasure from the public.

    Feng Nian stood there with a trembling fist while ring at Li Chunhua, while Zhou Ya tried hard to hold her back.

    Watching all this happen before her, Li Caiyi felt like the trust she had for her sister crumbled.

    Chen Run fidgeted in her ce awkwardly. She did not understand why Feng Nian would suddenlysh out like that, but outrightly defending Li Chunhua did not feel right, either. She felt conflicted.

    Feng Nian scoffed. "Why are you still standing here? Just go away and nevere back again!"

    At a nce, it looked like Feng Nian was talking to Li Chunhua, but Chen Run knew Feng Nian''s words were directed at her.

    Chen Run could not understand why Feng Nian was so childish. She was just hanging out with new friends; was it necessary to treat her like a traitor? On top of that, Feng Nian had the gall to chase her away, so she couldn''t help but reply spitefully, either.

    "You don''t have to tell us. We are leaving now. I never knew you were such a rude person."

    Feng Nian looked at Chen Run incredulously. She was so angry she could not utter words.

    Chen Run did not care and pulled on Li Chunhua instead. "Let''s just go, or our mood will be ruined."

    Li Chunhua nodded reluctantly. "I''m sorry. It is all my fault for not doing well enough."

    "What are you saying! It''s not your fault!" Chen Run encouraged her. She gave ast cold look towards Feng Nian before she walked away. Li Chunhua followed closely behind her with a triumphant smirk that Li Caiyi had never seen before from her.

    The onlooker dispersed one by one when the fun show was finished, but not before giving Feng Nian ast dirty look.

    Feng Nian was trembling in anger while muttering under her breath. "That bitch!"

    For once, Li Caiyi did not try to speak in favor of her sister. Her mind was blown off. What was all that?

 Chapter 43 The Cornered Shenqiang

    After that day, Chen Run never ate lunch with them anymore. There was a prickling sensation in the air whenever she was around, mainlying from Feng Nian.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. They were a very close friend before, but because of Li Chunhua, they grew apart.

    Li Caiyi had tried to confront Li Chunhua about it at home, but every time, she just brushed it off as Li Caiyi imagining things. She would not listen to anything and even used Li Caiyi of being biased towards her friends.

    If Li Caiyi felt bad, then Zhou Ya was tired. She had known both girls longer than Li Caiyi, so she was sandwiched between the two, and that stressed her out.

    Zhou Ya was not stupid. What Feng Nian could see, of course, she could see as well. However, she did nothing because Li Chunhua had a powerful ally beside her.

    Zhou Ya nced at Li Caiyi and sighed. As long as Li Caiyi was with them, Meng Renshu would not do anything to them, but looking at things right now, the twins seemed to have a discord because of them. Who knows what will happen in the future?

    "I can''t believe it. Chen Run, that girl is really getting on my nerves!" Feng Nian said in annoyance.

    "I''m sorry, it''s because of my sister." Li Caiyi looked down apologetically.

    "Your sister is one thing, but Chen Run''s stupidity irked me the most! How could she be so blind and gullible?"

    Zhou Ya and Li Caiyi tacitly chose to keep their silence. Both were busy with their own thoughts.

    No one said anything, but Li Caiyi could feel that thest argument caused a rift between them, preventing them from being as close as before.

    ***

    Li Chunhua seemed to have fun ying with Chen Run and her other friends these days. She hadn''t walked home with her for a while now.

    Well, Li Caiyi was the one who said they needed to do things separately, so she could not say anything against that.

    Everything went in a weird direction just because Li Caiyi made a different choice in this life. She even med herself. If it weren''t for her and Li Chunhua, those three would not fight against each other like this.

    "Fucking bastard!"

    Thump!

    Li Caiyi''s wandering thoughts returned to one ce when she heard loud noises. She looked to her side and found a small alley. The noise seemed toe from there. Was there a fight?

    Li Caiyi did not want to get in trouble, so she was about to quietly walk away when a sharp and deep voice stopped her on her track.

    "Don''t think you can get away from us this time! This time, we will make sure to break one or two of your legs."

    "Let this be a lesson for you and your family, not to owe a debt you can''t pay."

    "What was his name again? Oh yeah, Shenqiang. Don''t worry, I''ll make a grave for you."

    Li Caiyi''s heart almost dropped to her feet when she heard that. Her hands got colder.

    "Just because you are young doesn''t mean you can get away from responsibility. Pay what you owe us, right now!"

    Li Caiyi glued herself to the wall as she listened to their conversation. Discreetly, she peeked at what happened in the alley and found three burly men ganging up on someone. She tried to look closer, but those burly men blocked the way.

    If that person really was Shen Qiang, she could not just sit around and do nothing.

    Li Caiyi pulled out her phone and quickly contacted the police. Meanwhile, the burly men kept shouting and wrecking the ce. She could faintly hear a whimpering sound, too. A sense of apprehension grew inside her.

    When the call was connected, she quickly whispered her current location and told them toe soon or someone would get killed.

    Li Caiyi knew there was nothing she could do alone to help, but listening to those burly men''s maliciousugh, along with smacking sounds and Shenqiang''s shriek of pain, made her heart ache. If this went on, he could really die!

    She was scared, but the thought of losing Shen Qiang made her more afraid than anything.

    In the end, she could not wait until the police came.

    "Stop it!"

    Li Caiyi stood at the end of the alley while gripping her phone tightly. Those burly men looked back at her, and their faces were terrifying!

    "Ah? What do you want, little girl?"

    "We don''t have time to y with you. Get lost if you don''t want to get hurt."

    Li Caiyi could not see it well earlier, but they were huge like a mountain bear. She assumed their height reached two meters.<sub> </sub>

    While she was distracted, she noticed a pair of legs sprawled on the ground, with some blood beside it, and everything went ck before her.

    She rushed forward and squeezed her way through those men. The sight in front of her almost made her cry.

    In front of her, a boy around her age with swollen eyes and cheeks looked up at her expressionlessly. His clothes were disheveled and dirty, and blood dripped from her nose and the corner of his lips. He leaned weakly to the wall, with his hand limped beside his body.

    Li Caiyi did not know if this boy was her Shen Qiang or not, but her heart felt like it was shredded into pieces looking at his sorry state.

    She did not hesitate when she pulled the boy into her embrace. She red at the burly men while shielding the boy using her body.

    "Doing this in broad daylight, aren''t you afraid that people are going to report you?!"

    "Huh? What the hell is wrong with you? Do you have a death wish or something?"

    "Don''t think we will go easy on you just because you are a girl!"

    Li Caiyi sneered. "You talk big for people who walked around in a group to gang up on a defenseless boy and girl. You should be ashamed of yourself!"

    The burly men exchanged nces with each other before they burst intoughter. Li Caiyi bit her lips to suppress the urge to flee. She had to buy time as much as possible until the police came.

    "R-runˇ­." the boy said weakly. Li Caiyi didn''t dare to respond and only tightened her hold on him.

    "What''s so funny?! Don''t think you can get away safely afterying your fingers on me!" Li Caiyi shouted at them, making them stopughing altogether.

    "This girl started to get on my nerves. Big brother, should we teach her a lesson too?"

    The biggest man among the three came forward and squatted in front of Li Caiyi, making her flinch.

    "Little Miss, I don''t know who you are, but you are misunderstanding uncle''s intention here," He pointed his finger at the boy. "This guy''s family owed a lot of money to us, so it''s only right if we ask him to pay us back. Or what, are you going to pay us back in his stead? Either way is fine for us," the man smiled widely, showing his yellow teeth. He reeked of tobo mixed with alcohol smell.

    "No matter how you look at it, he is just an underage boy and incapable of taking or paying a loan. I bet it must be an adult from his family who owed you a debt. If yes, then on what ground do you beat him up? This is a vition of thew!" Li Caiyi argued. She had to hold them off so the police could catch them for good.

    "Wow, so scary." The man snickered. "Little Miss, does uncle look like aw-abiding citizen to you?"

    The other men behind him also snickered with him.

    "Big brother. Looking at her again, she looked like a pretty fine gal. Can I have her? I think we are going to have a lot of fun together." One man looked at Li Caiyi with a predatory gaze, making Li Caiyi shudder in disgust and fear.

    The biggest man smiled evilly, looking at Li Caiyi''s frightened countenance. "My little brother seems to take a liking to you. I''m a generous person. If you y with him for a while, I''ll let this boy go. What do you think, Miss?"

    Li Caiyi was so disgusted; she almost vomited. "Do you think I will just nod my head and agree when you put it nicely like that? Dream on! I said it before, didn''t I? If you touch even a hair on my head, my family won''t let you off!"

    "Argh, she is so annoying. Let''s just do the usual things to her, Big Brother."

    The biggest man shrugged his shoulders and threw a meaningful smile at her. "It''s too bad you can''t differentiate which is good and bad for you. My little brother''s temper is not as good as mine, so let''s hope you can remain in one piece when they finish having their way with you."

    "N-Noˇ­" Li Caiyi''s voice trembled when the burly men approached her. She tightened her hold on the boy, unwilling to let him go, and shut her eyes tight.

    "Police! Nobody moved! Raise your hand in the air!"

    "Shit! When did the policee here?"

    "This little bitch must be the one who called them! She tricked us!"

    "Forget about her; just run for now!"

    The scene unfolding before her after that was like straight out of the movie. The police chased the bad guy to save people in need, while the bad guy ran like wild dogs. Li Caiyi was so scared earlier, but now she could finally breathe in relief.

    "Youngdy, are you okay? Can you tell us what happened here?" A kind-looking officer squatted beside her, and Li Caiyi quickly filled him with the series of events.

    At the end of her exnation, she added. "Please help this boy. He was injured badly!"

    "Yes, pleasee with us as well. We will need you to answer a few questions for us."

    With the officer''s help, Li Caiyi supported the boy and went inside the police car. Being inside this car gave her a mixed feeling inside because thest time she got into the same type of car was in her previous life, and she was the prime suspect, not the victim.

    Li Caiyi looked worriedly at the boy, who was unconscious and currently resting his head on her shoulder. She used her handkerchief to wipe the blood off of his face gently while praying the injury wouldn''t be anything serious.

 Chapter 44 What Happened To My Little Brother?

    The boy was moved into the ER as soon as they arrived at the hospital. Li Caiyi noticed how his temperature went up throughout the trip and could not help but get anxious.

    The doctor and several nurses quickly gathered around the boy to check on his condition. Li Caiyi did not want to bother and stepped out of the room and sat on the avable bench. The officer who took them to the hospital wiped the sweat on his forehead before she spoke wearily.

    "Now that we have safely escorted the boy to the hospital, he is in good hands now. Youngdy, is this kid your family member?"

    p Li Caiyi shook her head. "No. I just happened to pass by when I saw those men were ganging upon him. However, I heard one of the men called that boy Shenqiang."</anda>

    "Yes. We have checked on the kid''s belongings, and we also have contacted his family member, so you can rest assured."

    "Thank you, Mr. Officer," Li Caiyi thanked him sincerely. If it were not for the police''s timely rescue, she would probably be in the same state as that boy, or worse. Just imagining those men''s insidious gaze again made a chill run down her spine.

    "You''re wee; we are just doing our job. By the way, can you spare some time after this? We want to ask you some questions, so we''d like it if you can cooperate and follow us to the station."

    Li Caiyi nced at the ER''s door and bit her lips. She felt reluctant to leave the boy by himself. Regardless of whether he was her Shen Qiang or not, his current condition made her concerned. Furthermore, she still wanted to confirm whether he was the Shen Qiang she was looking for or not.

    The officer understood her hesitation, so he spoke again, "It would not take long, so you can return here after you finished answering our question. Besides, judging from the kid''s injury, it is less likely he will be able to get out of bed anytime soon. He probably would need to stay to recuperate."

    Li Caiyi thought that the officer''s words were reasonable, so she did not hesitate anymore and obediently followed him.

    Half an hour after Li Caiyi left, a young man ran through the hospital''s corridor frantically before he barged into the ER room with sweats rolled down his temple. His eyes darted around nervously.

    He approached a nurse nearby and asked with a ragged and hurried voice, "My little brother... No, I mean, is there any patient named Dai Shenqiang here?"

    The nurse scrutinized the files in her hand for a while before giving him an affirmative response. "Yes. This way, please."

    Dai Zhiqiang was very tense and nervous as he followed after the nurse. He was just about to leave the school ground when he got a call from the police, informing him that his brother was assaulted and had been taken to the ER. It did not take a genius to guess what happened. Those loan sharks must being to bother his family again!

    Dai Zhiqiang was extremely furious inside, but that fury was overwhelmed by a sense of trepidation. He would never forgive himself should anything happen to his brother. He had promised he would protect him at any cost.

    The nurse parted one of the curtains used to separate one patient from the other, and Dai Zhiqiang''s breath hitched when he saw his brother lying down with a swollen and bruised face. "Shenqiang!"

    He rushed forward and frowned when he noticed her brother''s weak breath, and his body was wrapped in bandages all over. A cast was ced on his neck and right arm while hisplexion was as pale as the cold snow.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang carefully brushed his brother''s bangs and was shocked when he felt his high temperature. He gritted his teeth until his jaw was hurting as his eyes swirled with dark and dangerous glint. Those bastards, he would never forgive them for this!

    The nurse stood by and watched how Dai Zhiqiang''s body trembled ever so slightly. She had seen a lot of patients up to this day, and the reaction of the family members was diverse. However, this might be the first time she ever saw a thick murderous intent emanating from a high school boy; it even got her scared.

    The air surrounding him seemed to have an invisible pressure in it as the nurse contemted whether she should call out to the young man or not.

    In the end, it was Dai Zhiqiang who broke the silence first in a low and chilly tone, "My brotherˇ­ How is his condition?"

    The nurse hurriedly read out the note on her file with an intimidated look on her face. "The patient suffered from numerous bruises all over his body and some superficial injuries, particrly on the face and abdomen area. His shoulder was dislocated, and he got two of his ribs broken, but fortunately, there was no damage to his internal organs. His right wrist was fractured, which might prevent him from using his hand for some time. The patient got a mild concussion and slight fever, but he should be fine after taking some medicine and a good rest."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s rigid expression loosened a bit when he heard the nurse''s exnation. His lips were pressed in a hard line. "My brother loves to draw very much. Would the injury in his hand be fatal?"

    The nurse inspected her file again before she answered, "The bone was fractured, but there was no damage to his muscle or ligaments, so he should be able to draw normally after the bone was healed."

    Dai Zhiqiang heaved a sigh of relief, and the murderous aura surrounding him subsided. Sensing that the young man''s mood had turned better, the nurse unknowingly became more rxed too.

    "I heard that your brother was unconscious when the police found him. His condition might be worse if not for their timely rescue. Your brother is lucky."

    Had the nurse not said it, Dai Zhiqiang might havepletely forgotten about it. "That''s right. Do you know where the officer who called me here is? I want to thank him for helping my brother."

    "From what I know, he had already gone back to the station with the girl who came with him."

    "A girl?" Dai Zhiqiang''s brows furrowed.

    "Yeah. That girl was the one who notified the police when she identally saw your brother being assaulted. Your brother''s injuries were not light by any means, but if it were not for that girl, he might be in a more critical condition than he is now," The nurse sighed helplessly. She really did not understand why people could do such a cruel thing to a kid.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s fist clenched even harder. "Do you know who and where I can find that girl?"

    "We don''t know about that. She had gone before we knew it, and she did not leave her name or contact information behind. The officer must have taken her home already."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded at the nurse''s exnation and did not ask further. He thanked her for her help, and the nurse left after giving him brief instructions.

 Chapter 45 She Is Merely A Good For Nothing

    By the time Li Caiyi left the police station, the sky had gotten so dark. The questioning took more time than intended, so the kind-looking officer offered to take her home, but she politely refused. She did not want her parents to see hering home in the police car and getting scolded again, so she stopped a cab and went home with it.

    She was exhausted, and although she wanted to check on Shenqiang''s condition, she thought he was probably resting right now and did not want to bother.

    When she arrived at her house, Li Caiyi did not expect that Su Suyin and Li Jirong had been waiting for her in the living room with a grave expression on their face. When she saw that, she knew that something must have happened.

    She calmly took off her shoes and went inside. How she wished she could just pretend not to see them and take a shower now. She sweated all day and became dirty after the day''s debacle, and they did not let her rest.

    "Mother, Father, I''m home." She greeted softly, but their expressions hardened instead.

    "Where have you been all this time? Why did you go homete?" Su Suyin was the first one to ask her a question.

    Honestly, as a mentally adult person, she did not consider 8 PM aste, and it was not like this was her first time going home around this time. They just never questioned her about it before. She suspected they might not even notice if she was not in the house sometimes.

    For them to notice her absence this time, they must have been waiting for her for a while. There were only two possible reasons for that. Either they wanted to scold her, or they wanted to ask something from her. She assumed it was the former from the heavy atmosphere and their ugly faces.

    Li Caiyi could not possibly tell them she got held back in the police station, so she made an excuse on the spot. "I went to the department store to buy something, but I could not find it."

    Su Suyin''s brows knitted in doubt. "Are you going out with your friends again?"

    "No, I was alone this time."

    Bringing up her friends might have gotten her into a deeper problem. She did not want to risk it.

    Li Jirong put down his cigarette on the ashtray. His gaze was filled with contempt and impatience when he looked at Li Caiyi. "Sit down!" He ordered harshly. Anyone could sense the suppressed fury in his voice.

    Li Caiyi was calm when she sat down. By now, any kind of scolding and degradation was nothing to her. Her heart had died, both in a figurative or literal sense. What was there to be afraid of after what she had gone through in her past life? She might get scolded, but it could not be any worse than when they abandoned her coldly.

    "What do you want to talk to me about?" Li Caiyi asked indifferently. Her tone was cold and detached, almost like talking to a stranger.

    Su Suyin squinted at her daughter''s behavior. Usually, Li Caiyi would be so scared whenever Li Jirong did so much as raising his voice in front of her, but now, not only did she sit with a straight posture, she also looked at Li Jirong directly in his eyes. Since when did Li Caiyi be so fearless?

    Li Jirong was further enraged when he saw her daughter showing no remorse or panic in her face. He knew Li Caiyi was afraid of him and would never dare to raise her head before him, much less have eye contact with him. As disappointing as she could be, Li Jirong could barely tolerate her because he did not dislike her subservient side. However, the current Li Caiyi clearly disyed her indifference and disrespect to him. It infuriated him even more when he recalled his daughter''s great deed.

    With a roar, he mmed on the table. "Exin to us why you would sign up for a writingpetition! Didn''t I make myself crystal clearst time? As the descendant of the Li Family, there would be no meaning for your life if you did not inherit our family''s legacy. Do you take our family as a joke by acting like a schr who could do nothing but make pretty words?! Am I a joke to you?!"<sub> </sub>

    Even Su Suyin was taken aback by the force of her husband''s rage this time. She wanted to intervene, but she was also afraid of her husband''s berating, so she mped her mouth shut and let nature take its course. It was Li Caiyi''s fault for testing his father''s patience in the first ce, anyway.

    Li Caiyi did not cower under her father''s fiery gaze. She wondered what kind of mistake shemitted this time; it turned out he found out about that. However, how did Li Jirong know about it when she never told anyone from her family about this?

    An answer shed through her mind. Li Caiyi swept a sharp look over her bedroom before she returned her gaze to the man in front of her. Eventually, she was nning to tell her parents about it; however, she wanted to wait until they announced the winner before she did that. If she won, then her parents might be able to take the news better.

    However, since the cat was out of the bag now, she had no choice but to reveal her intention.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before she finally spoke firmly.

    "Father, I don''t want to be a doctor."

    Her bold deration dumbfounded Li Jirong for a second. He thought her daughter would break into a panic and even begged him to forgive her, but not only did she have no intention of repenting, but she even challenged him!

    A mere good for nothing like her. How dare she!

    Su Suyin was frightened to death when she noticed the change in her husband''s expression because she knew well what that expression meant. She quickly held Li Jirong''s thigh with a pleading look. "Husband, please calmˇŞ"

    Before Su Suyin could finish her sentence, Li Jirong had raised his hand and gave Li Caiyi a fierce p in the face. From the crisp sound of it, Li Jirong did not hold back at all.

    Li Caiyi''s slender figure could not withstand the sudden impact, so the momentum got her tumbled down from the sofa.

    The room fell into silence.

    Li Caiyi''s mind was nk for a moment, but the realization slowly sunk in her. Her cheek was hot, and the stinging pain was very familiar. What did she expect him to do? Of course, a self-absorbed scum like him would never stop to listen to her exnation.

    Li Caiyi already knew that, yet she still could not stop a sense of disappointment bubbling inside her. Li Jirong''s extreme reaction hadpletely shattered any kind of delusional thought she had. She did not expect him to agree, but she thought he would at least ask why she did not want to be a doctor. However, she was clearly overestimating her self-worth in her father''s eyes.

    To him, she was unworthy of such conversation. The only thing he deemed worthy enough for her was a harsh beating.

    "Ha," Li Caiyi let out a peal of self-mockingughter as she touched the ce where she was hit. It was scalding hot, very opposite to the chilling coldness in her heart.

    She brought this to herself. By getting her hopes up, she was only asking for a beating!

 Chapter 46 You Didnt Raise Me

    Su Suyin gasped in horror, especially when she looked at the bright red in her daughter''s white cheek and blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. Even more so when she saw her husband strode over to Li Caiyi with a grave face. The sight of Li Caiyi''s figure, who sat on the floor with a heartbroken expression, ovepped with herself, and she trembled in fright while choking back a sob.

    "Say that again if you dare, you useless kid," Li Jirong hissed menacingly as he made his way to Li Caiyi. He grabbed a bunchful of her hair and pulled it; it forced Li Caiyi to raise her head. She grimaced in pain.

    "I have been too lenient on you, it seems. Do you think you can do whatever you wish just because it doesn''t work out the way you want? How can my family have a pathetic child like you?"

    Li Caiyi gritted her teeth with her eyes tightly shut.

    "Do you think your brother and I could attain everything we currently have without putting in hard work? Even Xiaohua can do it, so there is no reason you can''t! You are just not putting in enough effort. Not only are you talentless, but you are also cowardly andzy; just what is good about you?! What sin did Imit in my past life to have an unfilial child like you? You cause me a headache every day!"

    Li Caiyi clenched her hands. She found everything her father just said veryughable.

    Effort? Diligence?

    If Li Jirong were the type who cared about those things, she would not be so miserable in her past life.

    Li Caiyi had given it all. She studied hard without stopping, and she even helped him cover his affair because she believed that something would change if she endured it a little more. Her father would eventually see her sincerity if she obeyed him. She just had to try harder.

    ? However, no matter what she did, her father never once looked her way. Even when she drowned in self-me and guilt, whichter resulted in her depression, she kept on holding on to a tiny hope.

    Her father was the first to suggest Li Caiyi marry Meng Renshu instead of Li Chunhua, all because he could leverage the Li family name to the next level by making a marital connection with the Meng family. Even though he knew Li Chunhua was the one Meng Renshu liked.

    It was safe to say Li Jirong was the first to push her into a life devoid of warmth.

    At first, she wondered why her father would suggest that and refused on the spot. Logically, it would be more appropriate to let Li Chunhua go instead of her because she was the one Meng Renshu liked. Had it not for Li Chunhua who came and begged her to marry Meng Renshu, she might not know the reason behind it.

    When Li Caiyi saw her sister break down, it was the first time she realized she did not have any choice from the beginning and how selfish a parent could be.

    Even after her rebirth, Li Jirong kept repeating the exact words to her: she was useless, and she was nothing without her family. It was the same as when he pushed her to marry quickly because that was the only worth she had.

    "Open your ears and listen well. If you fully intend to disobey me, then don''t me me for being heartless. I don''t need a child like you! I was willing to wait for the time when you finally can show me your worth, but it seems my kindness was wasted on you. Forget it, then! Either you promise me to get married after graduating or get out of my house right now!"

    Ha. Sure enough, this man''s selfishness and shamelessness know no bounds. Either way, he would still decide on Li Caiyi''s life as he wished. For him, except for Li Junjie, his daughters were just a meremodity who he could manipte to serve his best interest.

    Li Caiyi could not bear to hear his self-righteous words anymore.

    "Don''t worry because I will eventually leave the house." She said weakly, but it sounded so loud within the pin-drop silence.

    Li Jirong and Su Suyin were dumbstruck when they heard what Li Caiyi had just said. As if someone had pushed the pause button, they remained motionless with their mouth hanging open.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi''s scalp hurt so much, but she gritted her teeth and said, "Father, we know very well that you will still dislike me no matter what I do. By joining in thatpetition, it means that I have given up on trying to win you over. I don''t need your recognition anymore."

    Li Jirong looked at his daughter with astonishment. This was clearly his daughter, who had the least value among his children, but why did she look so different? He almost could not recognize her.

    Su Suyin, who also witnessed that, recalled thest time Li Caiyi voiced her dissatisfaction with her father and was afraid that Li Caiyi would say something that enraged her father further, so she hurriedly advised her.

    "Xiaoyi, please stop this stubbornness at once! Aren''t you doing just fine all this time? Why do you have to do this? Apologize to your father right this instant!" Su Suyin could not understand why Li Caiyi would go against her father. She should have known Li Jirong''s temperament best. If Li Caiyi kept angering him, Li Jirong would only punish her harder. "

    Then she shifted her gaze to Li Jirong with a terrified expression. "Husband, could you put down Xiaoyi first? Let''s talk about this peacefully. I''m sure Xiaoyi didn''t mean what she said."

    Li Jirong finally broke out of his stupor, and his face reddened in a fury. "Youˇ­ unfilial child!"

    With one big swing, he tossed Li Caiyi to the sofa. Su Suyin, who saw that hurriedly caught her, and they toppled to the sofa together. It did not hurt, but Su Suyin feared what would happen after this, so she hurriedly whispered to Li Caiyi in an urgent tone.

    "Xiaoyi, apologize to your father right now. If this goes on, he will beat you to death!"

    Li Caiyi scoffed. "He will still beat me, whether or not I apologize. Mother, do you forget what kind of person he is?"

    Su Suyin wanted to retort, but she knew her daughter was telling the truth. When Li Jirong was angry, there was truly no stopping him.

    Li Caiyi caressed her mother''s palm with his thumb, "Don''t be afraid, Mother. I knew this would happen when I signed up for thepetition. This is my decision, and I''m not afraid."

    Su Suyin lost count of how many times Li Caiyi had surprised her. The previously timid and gloomy girl was gone. The current Li Caiyi now was surrounded by dignified air that rendered her speechless. However, the thing that surprised her the most was herself.

    When Su Suyin looked at her daughter''s unyielding gaze, she strangely felt more secure inside, and she subconsciously wanted to believe and rely on her daughter. Her ambiance did not feel like a teenager and more like a dependable adult.

    Oblivious to her mother''s thoughts, Li Caiyi stood up from the sofa. She looked at Li Jirong and mustered every sincerity in her to say, "Father, I had always respected you and adored you. I wanted to prove that I was also your child you can be proud of; that was why I tried hard. However, when I was focused on you, I realized I was losing sight of myself. It made me think whether or not I was doing the right thing."

    Li Jirong sneered. "That is amon excuse of failures who wanted to run away from their responsibility. What is so hard about it? You just have to sit and study well. You do not have to worry about food or money for your education. I spent so much effort in raising you; don''t you think I at least have the right to direct you on the right path?"

    "But Father, you didn''t raise me." Li Caiyi said coldly. "The one who raised me was Mother, and she alone. Father, you only speak to me when you want to remind me how much disappointment I am to the family."

    Hearing that, Li Jirong was so angry his hand was shaking. He never expected Li Caiyi would be so daring in front of him. "Y-youˇ­!"

    Li Caiyi continued, "I guess you did support me financially. If you want to nitpick about small things, then you can make a bill of how much money you have spent for me all these years. I promise I will pay it back to you when I get a jobter."

    "Xiaoyi!" Su Suyin eximed in fear.

 Chapter 47 A Deal

    Not only did Li Caiyi talk back to her father, but she also did not give him any face by implying that Li Jirong contributed nothing to her growth except for funding her, thus have no right to act like a good parent. Su Suyin dared not to imagine what her husband must have felt this time and what he would do to Li Caiyi.

    As Su Suyin was fidgeting and panicking in her ce, Li Jirong''splexion had turned ashen from shock. To think that his daughterˇŞwho he deemed worthlessˇŞwould criticize him and look down on him. Just how low his standing was in this family? So that was how her daughter viewed him all this time?

    "Y-youˇ­" Li Jirong said with a huffed breath. He was so angry he had difficulty breathing.

    "And you are wrong about one thing, Father. I remember clearly Grandfather told me you were also struggling and needed Grandfather''s help to be what you are now. Just because you are sessful now, don''t forget that you used to be the same as me. By calling me a failure, isn''t that akin to pping yourself? Because I am your biological child, after all!"

    Word by words came out of Li Caiyi''s mouth smoothly, as if she had been waiting for a chance to vent out her stress. When she finished saying everything she hid deep inside her heart, both Li Jirong and her were panting, seemingly drained of energy.

    On what basis did Li Jirong decide which one was a failure or not when he was not that sessful himself? Of course, he might be a doctor with many achievements now, but that was his only redeeming point. As a husband, father, and human being, he was more of a failure than Li Caiyi ever was!

    Honestly, that was the first time Su Suyin heard about all this. She was married to Li Jirong under her mother-inwˇŞwhich was Li Jirong''s motherˇŞrmendation after he became sessful, and she never heard the story of how he became one. She just thought that her husband was naturally a talented man. So what Li Caiyi said baffled her.

    "You ungrateful child! Shut your mouth!" Li Jirong roared, but his face also burnt in embarrassment. Even now, the fact that he begged his father to help him had always been a thorn in his flesh. He did not know that his father secretly told his daughter about this. How could he hold his head high in front of his family now? If this matter spread, his face would bepletely lost!

    However, he was angrier at Li Caiyi than anything. She was almost an adult, but she could not even differentiate which could be said or not. Did she intend to humiliate her father this way?

    Li Jirong could not stand it, so he yelled at her even fiercely. "What does a girl like you know about men''s hardship? You just need to sit and act pretty, and you can have a good life. It''s already a blessing for you to be born in a family where you can be more than a mere stay-at-home parent, but you aren''t grateful at all! Kneel and apologize to your ancestor right now!"

    He always brought up family names whenever he was cornered, when his personal interest drove his every action. Li Caiyi was so revolted; she did not want to talk to him anymore.

    "Father, how about we make a deal? If I lose that writingpetition, I will kneel in the ancestral hall for however long you want me to. However, please reward me if I winter."

    Li Jirong snorted. "You think someone like you has what it takes to win? Fine, then! If you win, then I will admit you are not that useless, after all."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t care less about what Li Jirong would think about her, but this might be a chance for her.

    "Father, it will be boring if we don''t put our beliefs at stake. What about this? If I lose, I will admit my mistake and never talk about not continuing our family''s legacy anymore. You can also make me kneel or discipline me as you wish." Li Caiyi paused briefly before she added, "However, if I win, then you will not force me to do anything against my wish anymore."

    Li Jirong hesitated for a bit, but looking at her daughter''s provocative look, he felt he would lose face if he retreated now. Fine, then! Even if thatpetition was worthless in his eyes, he did not believe someone like her could win anything with her ability.

    "Very good! Don''t regret what you said today!"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi smiled mysteriously. "Of course."

    ***

    Li Caiyi''s face had be swollen by the time she entered the bedroom. She doubted the ice pack could do much with how swollen it was. Hopefully, the swelling will not appear too obvious when she goes to school tomorrow.

    Li Chunhua was sitting on the bed, but she said nothing even when she saw Li Caiyi''s swelling face. Li Caiyi also did not have the energy to deal with her sister now, so she quickly took out a change of clothes from the wardrobe before she went out to take a shower.

    When she returned to the room, Li Chunhua was still sitting in the same spot, observing her movement closely. Li Caiyi ignored her and busily dried her hair with a towel instead.

    In the end, Li Chunhua could not stand the silence and spoke first. "Why aren''t you asking me anything?"

    Li Caiyi could not see Li Chunhua''s expression when she lowered her head like that.

    Sure enough, it was Li Chunhua who told Li Jirong everything. Or she probably told Su Suyin, who told their father after that. Whichever it was, Li Chunhua was still the main culprit.

    Li Chunhua must have heard it from Chen Run, considering the timing. If it were the previous her, she would ask why Li Chunhua ratted her out to their father, but after several things that happened, Li Caiyi did not feel the need to ask anymore.

    Li Caiyi honestly did not want to doubt her sister, but when the fact was served on top of a silver te in front of her, she could not fool herself anymore. She even wondered, what else did Li Chunhua do behind her back in her previous life?

    While Li Caiyi kept her silent, Li Chunhua clenched her hands into a fist anxiously. "Are you not saying anything because you don''t think it''s worth listening to my excuse anymore?"

    Li Caiyi sighed helplessly. "No, it''s not that. I was going to tell them eventually, so it doesn''t matter if they knew it earlier or not. My manuscript has been sent, and there is nothing to be done except to wait for the result now."

    "So you really aren''t going to ask me anything? Don''t you want to know the reason I''m doing this?"

    "What do you want me to say? I already said it''s fine, didn''t I?"

    Li Chunhua bit her lips and stood up abruptly. Her face flushed with anger and was full of frustration as she looked at Li Caiyi. "Xiaoyi, you started it first. You have changed!"

 Chapter 48 Selfishness

    Li Caiyi watched Li Chunhua calmly as if tacitly agreeing with her. That was not the reaction Li Chunhua expected at all.

    "You are different. Why did you change? No, that''s not right. You are not Li Caiyi. Who are you?" Li Chunhua started rambling incoherently.

    Li Caiyi could not help but feel sad when she saw that. The twins had always been very close, and they were always together. Li Caiyi always thought that she knew Li Chunhua the best, that no one knew her better than she did. But after she got re-birthed, she was not so sure anymore.

    Where did they go wrong? Li Caiyi only wanted to protect those who were dear to her, but now that it came to this, she did not know what she should do.

    No, that might not be true. Perhaps Li Caiyi already noticed it. Even in her previous life, she always acted with her family''s best interest in mind. She never disobeyed her parents, never questioned the preferential treatment, or thought about leaving the house. All because she knew how delicate her family situation was. It could easily break with a slight impact.

    Such a family, could they really be saved?

    Li Caiyi used to believe that it did not matter even if she received the least love among the siblings, as long as she still had them with her. She would do anything so long as they would not leave her.

    But in the end, everything felt pointless. Wasn''t it because she instinctively knew that her family could not be saved anymore she took a drastic choice in her previous life?

    Looking at Li Chunhua right now was like looking at her past self. The previous Li Caiyi who desperately tried to keep everyone together.

    "I''m sorry."

    Li Chunhua jolted when she heard that. She raised her head, and her gaze met with Li Caiyi''s sad one. There was an indescribable amount of bitterness and exhaustion in them as if she had given up everything.

    Li Chunhua could not ept that.

    "Why are you apologizing? I don''t want your apology. I want an answer!"

    "Xiaohua, it must be very hard for you as well."

    Li Chunhua gritted her teeth. "Are you trying to avoid the subject? Stop saying nonsense and just say it out loud! You must think I am very selfish and unreasonable, right?!"

    Li Caiyi had always felt bad for her sister. She was robbed of a healthy life since she was born, andter, she was robbed of her loved one because her body could not produce an heir.

    Li Chunhua cried and begged Li Caiyi to marry Meng Renshu in her stead because she thought she could ept it if it were Li Caiyi. As long as it was not another woman, she could live with it. Li Caiyi cried with her for the rest of the night, but didn''t she feel happy during her wedding? Li Caiyi even expected her future a bit, even though she knew everything was built on top of Li Chunhua''s and Meng Renshu''s suffering.

    In the end, Li Caiyi also left Li Chunhua in that lonely and painful ce alone.

    Li Caiyi could never think of her sister as selfish because she was also the same.

    "You lied to me. You said we were always together, and you would never leave my side. But what did I just hear earlier? You want to leave the house?" Li Chunhuaughed bitterly. "You seem eager to leave me behind."

    "Xiaohua, Iˇ­."

    "I don''t want to hear it!" Li Chunhua covered both of her ears, and tears pooled in her eyes. Her voice was shaking as she said, "Big brother would eventually leave the house. And you too. Only me. Only I would stay in this ce forever!"

    Li Caiyi felt her heartache terribly. She rushed forward and pulled Li Chunhua into a tight embrace. "That''s not true. I said I was going to leave the house, but I never said I was going to leave you."

    "Liar. You kept your distance from me, made new friends, and even signed up forpetition behind my back. You nned to leave me behind and live happily without me."<sub> </sub>

    "Wrong. That''s wrong, Xiaohua."

    Li Chunhua grabbed Li Caiyi''s arm while her shoulders trembled uncontrobly. "I beg you. Please don''t leave. Don''t leave me alone in this ce."

    Listening to her sister''s crying plea, Li Caiyi choked on her sob. She wondered how Li Chunhua fared when she died in her previous life? Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest. "I''ll never leave you alone again. This time, I''ll take you with me!"

    Li Chunhua did not quite understand why Li Caiyi said that as if she had done that before, but her worry and anxiety eased a lot under her sister''s determined promise.

    As long as Li Caiyi did not leave her, she would not wish for anything else. It did not matter if Li Caiyi hated her, as long as she could keep her by her side.

    Li Chunhua did not want to be alone. She was afraid of being left behind. Although she knew doing that was equal to breaking her sister''s wings and freedom, she was more fearful of being alone than hated. That was why she did not have a choice but to tie her down by a chain.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry," Li Chunhua softly whispered.

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly. She had a hunch Li Chunhua was not apologizing for acting spoiled today.

    "If you are sorry, then stop making thingsplicated for those three. They were the ones who taught me that no effort goes unnoticeable. Although it was not always rewarded, there will always be people who are grateful for it."

    "Feng Nian must be the one who told you, right? I felt so betrayed when I found out you trusted your friend more than me," Li Chunhua pouted.

    "Feng Nian was not a bad person. She just had a strong sense of justice. She knew you were plotting something, so she warned me about it."

    "Hmph, it was not my fault Chen Run liked me more than them."

    "What did you say to Chen Run?"

    "Nothing much. I just showed her I could be a betterpany than her friends ever were. My intention might not be pure, but I tried my best to keep up with her, too. Who told them to treat Chen Run lightly just because they have known each other for a long time? Even she could feel hurt by Feng Nian''s casual and irresponsible remarks too sometimes."

    So there were other stories between them. Li Caiyi did not know that. "Anyway, just stop causing trouble for them, okay?"

    Li Chunhua harrumphed. "As long as they did not act too far."

    She meant they could not take too much of Li Caiyi''s time. Li Caiyi could only shake her head helplessly, facing her sister''s stubbornness.

    "Was everything that happened previously was your fault too?"

    Li Chunhua frowned. "You make it sound like I was to me for everything. Well, I admitted that half of them were indeed my doing, but I also drove away those who want to take advantage of you. You are just way too trusting, so I have no choice but to check everyone whoes close to you."

    "Everyone?"

    "Yeah. One weirdo in our middle school liked to rank girls, and he put you on the bottom while mocking you behind your back. I ''identally'' let it slip to Brother Renshu, and I never heard him talking nonsense again after that."

    Li Caiyi''s finger twitched when she heard Meng Renshu''s name. "Brother Renshu did?"

 Chapter 49 Ignoring Her

    "Yep. You will never know just how much effort we put into chasing away those people who liked to gossip about you."

    Li Caiyi never heard Li Chunhua and Meng Renshu mention this, even in her previous life. Although it resulted in her istion, they did that to protect her. Li Caiyi knew that Meng Renshu always treated her like a little sister, but she never knew he did so much for her behind the scenes.

    Li Caiyi feltplicated inside. Now she felt guilty for treating him so harshly. Although his distrust in her was what triggered it, Meng Renshu was still that kind older brother she looked up to in this life.

    She recalled how hurt he looked when she rejected himst time. She felt like a bad guy.

    Li Chunhua noticed the profound look on her sister''s face. "Say, Brother Renshu recently told me you have been treating him coldly. Is that true?"

    Li Caiyi averted her eyes. "No, I didn''t. We are going to be adults soon, so I told him not to treat me like a child anymore, but that''s it."

    It was actually more than that. Li Caiyi even forbade him from touching her casually, but Li Chunhua did not need to know that.

    "Xiaoyi, what you said was akin to cutting Brother Renshu''s flesh. Don''t you know how much he doted on you?"

    "I know he cares about me, but he doted on you the most, so I don''t think he would mind even if I keep my distance. It''s different for you, though."

    Li Chunhua stared at Li Caiyi incredulously. "How are you so sure he liked me more than you?"

    Was that even a question? It was as clear as the bright sky how much Meng Renshu loved her. Only those who were blind could not see it.

    "I saw you two kiss the other day. At the shoe locker." Li Caiyi said bluntly.

    Li Chunhua blushed when she heard that. "Y-you saw that?"

    "Well, if you guys do that in a public ce, someone will be bound to see it."

    Li Chunhua pressed her palm to her cheeks to cool it down. "It''s not what you think. That day, I tripped and almost fell, and when Brother Renshu tried to catch me, weˇ­. I mean, that just happened!"

    If it were her in the past, she would drown in jealousy by now but could only swallow the bitterness andugh drily when they openly showed their good rtionship. But now, Li Caiyi felt nothing but happiness for them.

    They were meant to be together, after all.

    "But you like it, don''t you?" Li Caiyi smirked when she saw how bashful her sister was.

    Li Chunhua mulled over it for a while before she shrugged her shoulders. "I don''t know. Well, that ident was downright embarrassing, but I don''t know if I feel happy about that or not."

    "Huh? But I thought you like Brother Renshu?"

    "When did I ever say that? Well, of course, I like him as an older brother, but I never saw him more than that."

    That was strange. ording to her memory, although Li Chunhua and Meng Renshu would not be dating until some timeter, they should be pretty close by now. They became the dream couple of the school and made everyone around them green with envy.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was not paying attention to them these days, so she naturally assumed that everything went well for them, just like in her previous life.

    Did something go awry because of her again? She ever heard about the butterfly effect and wondered if her action indirectly affected those around her as well.

    "Xiaohua, what if Brother Renshu liked you?"

    Li Chunhuaughed at that. "Hey, just because we identally kissed does not mean we like each other. I''m sure Brother Renshu also thought little about that."

    She was wrong. Li Caiyi remembered how Meng Renshu''s face reddened when he told Li Caiyi about his first kiss with Li Chunhua. He never said it was an ident, meaning that he took it seriously.

    Li Chunhua was not aware of that? Or did Meng Renshu only start to pursue her seriously after this?

    Li Caiyi was confused. What happened in reality and her memory did not match up. However, she could not pinpoint when everything began to go in a different direction.

    "Xiaoyi, rather than me, let''s talk about you." Li Chunhua corrected her posture, so they were sitting face to face. She had a serious look on her face. "Who in the world is Shen Qiang?"

    ***

    Li Caiyi somehow got away with itst night. Li Chunhua kept bugging her about Shen Qiang, and she also admitted she was investigating him secretly. However, Li Chunhua did not believe that Shen Qiang was one of their school''s students, so she pressured Li Caiyi to tell his whereabouts.

    The problem was Li Caiyi had yet to find Shen Qiang. She was not sure if the Shenqiang in the hospital was her Shen Qiang, so she could only divert the topic to something else instead.

    Currently, Li Caiyi was standing in front of the hospital with a bouquet of flowers in hand. She was determined to confirm her suspicions today. Somehow, she had a good feeling about the boy she helped the other day. The heartache she felt when she looked at how much he hurt, she wondered if it meant something.

    After getting the room''s number from the front desk, Li Caiyi used the fastest route to reach it, which coincidentally passed the neurology department.

    Li Caiyi was not there to meet Li Jirong, so she did not think much about it. However, she never thought she would bump into him almost immediately.

    Li Jirong talked with a nurse, and he seemed like he was enjoying himself. Li Caiyi shifted her gaze to the young nurse beside him. And she was a beauty. The nurse would giggle or pinch his arm in a flirty way whenever her father talked about something. Li Jirong would also whisper something in the nurse''s ears, which responded with a blushing face of the nurse.

    Her father never smiled that happily whenever he was home.

    Li Caiyi looked at them with an icy gaze, thinking that those two were really shameless. It was repulsive to look at them.

    Li Jirong felt a hostile gaze and looked around to find the source when he spotted her daughter watching him.

    It surprised him to find her there, but he quickly concealed it with a frosty look. Although he felt uneasy because his daughter caught him flirting with the nurse, he was confident she would suspect nothing. Li Caiyi was just that stupid.

    So, with confident steps, he walked with the nurse on his side towards Li Caiyi. He did not stop to talk to her, though.

    Without sparing Li Caiyi a nce, they walked past her as if she was not there while still chatting happily.

 Chapter 50 Dai Shenqiang

    Li Caiyi was not surprised anymore by this point. She had always known how arrogant and shameless Li Jirong was, so she thought nothing of his father''s tant harassment and continued walking toward Shenqiang''s room. She did not look back even once.

    It was okay. There was no need to rush things. No sin could remain hidden, so she believed everything would be revealed in due time. Especially now that Li Jirong did not have her helping him to cover his affair. She was looking forward to how he would react when everything came to light.

    When Li Caiyi arrived in front of Shenqiang''s room, she took a deep breath before opening it. The room was a standard room where few patients shared it together, so there was no need to knock on the door.

    Li Caiyi entered the room and quickly found Shenqiang lying unconscious on the bed. She wondered if he was already awake before and currently sleeping. His face was ck and blue with a few parts swollen, and his body was bandaged all over.

    Li Caiyi put down the flower on the bedside table and sat down beside Shenqiang to scrutinize the boy closely. She was not sure if his face was simr to Shen Qiang''s or not, but he looked familiar somehow.

    Li Caiyi sat there watching him while enjoying the sound of his soft breath. She hoped he could wake up and talk to her soon.

    Then, as though he could hear her prayer, his finger subtly moved. The row of longshes fluttered while his eyelids were twitching. Li Caiyi held her breath as her heart skipped a beat from anticipation.

    Dai Shenqiang slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was the white ceiling, along with a girl''s concerned face. His pupil shifted to her in puzzlement. He wanted to ask something, but his throat was so parched there was no sounding out.

    "Don''t move just yet. You are heavily injured and are in the hospital right now," Li Caiyi said.

    Dai Shenqiang blinked his eyes a few times, and throbbing pain from all over his body suddenly assaulted him. His body curled subconsciously to reduce the pain.

    Li Caiyi took a bottle of mineral water from the bedside table, opened it, and put in a stic straw before she pushed it onto his lips. "Take a sip first, and you will feel better afterward."

    Dai Shenqiang instinctively opened his mouth and gulped a big mouthful of water until her throat and mouth became moist again.

    "Thank you," he said his first word to the girl. His voice was pretty weak but sincere.

    Li Caiyi smiled at him, and Dai Shenqiang thought this girl looked familiar. "Who are you?"

    "I am Li Caiyi. I happened to pass by and saw you yesterday, so I called the police and took you to the hospital. How are you feeling right now?"

    Dai Shenqiang finally recognized this girl as thest person he saw before everything turned ck before his eyes. That meant this girl was the one who saved him.

    "You areˇ­ the one at that timeˇ­ Thank you so much for your help."

    "You''re wee. I''m happy if I can be of help."

    "Have you been waiting for me to regain consciousness?"<sub> </sub>

    "Well, I just got here myself. I wanted to check on how you are doing, as well as asking a few things, but if you are still tired, then I cane back another day."

    Dai Shenqiang scrutinized the girl and noticed that she wore the same uniform as his big brother. Did this girl know him from his brother?

    "I don''t mind. I can''t sleep anymore, so it''s better if I have someone to talk to."

    Li Caiyi felt a little bad for rushing things when he was not entirely well yet, so she shook her head. "No. On second thought, let''s save that for another day."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yeah. Don''t worry."

    Dai Shenqiang did not pursue the matter further because he did not know how to answer if she were to ask about yesterday''s incident.

    After Li Caiyi said thest sentence, she suddenly did not know what to say. Then, she glimpsed upon the bouquet she had brought and had an idea.

    "I bring this flower to cheer you up. I hope you have a fast recovery." Li Caiyi showed the bouquet to Dai Shenqiang, to which thetter responded with a grateful smile.

    "Thank you. You even came to visit me like this. You are very kind."

    "No, I''m just doing what anyone would do. Then, I will put this flower into the vase. Wait for a moment." Li Caiyi got up from her sheet and walked out of the room, leaving Dai Shenqiang with his own thoughts.

    What happened to those loan sharks? He hoped they would be put into jail so they would not harm him and his big brother again.

    The Dai family was an ordinary lower-middle-ss family. They lived happily in their small house until Mother Dai left the house with her new partner. After the divorce between the Dai couple, Father Dai drowned himself with work to forget the sadness of his wife''s betrayal, which caused his condition to deteriorate.

    In the fall of two years ago, when the leaves began to wither and fall to the ground, Father Dai copsed in the house. They brought him to the hospital as soon as possible, and there, they heard the shocking news. Father Dai was suffering from stomach cancer.

    At first, Father Dai refused to receive treatment because the medical fee was too high for a mere sryman like him. However, his condition worsened day by day. One day, Father Dai copsed again, and the older brother decided to take out a loan to pay for Father Dai''s medical bill. But that was where everything went wrong.

    Dai Shenqiang sighed. If only he could be independent as soon as possible, he could help his big brother to carry the family burden. But now, he was hospitalized and caused more burden to him instead. Dai Shenqiang felt very guilty.

    When hemented his powerlessness, the door was opened again, revealing Dai Zhiqiang''s figure, whose lips broke out into a small smile when he saw his brother had awakened.

    "You are already awake."

 Chapter 51 No Wonder He Looked Familiar

    "Big brother," Dai Shenqiang wanted to get up, but his abdomen was aching so badly; he grimaced in pain.

    Dai Zhiqiang hurriedly came over and helped him sit up. "I want you to lie down some more, but you gotta eat."

    Then he raised a stic bag he had been holding for a while. "I bought this from Yueguang. Eat this and get better."

    Dai Shenqiang had been unconscious for a day, so he was famished. He gulped when he smelled the delicious fragrance of his favorite food. However, he restrained himself and asked instead, "What about you, Big Brother? Have you eaten yet?"

    "I had lunch already, so don''t overthink it and just eat."

    Dai Zhiqiang opened the package and poured the broth into the stic container before twirling some noodles with a stic fork and raising it in his brother''s mouth. Dai Shenqiang did not know whether he shouldugh or cry.

    "Brother, I''m not a child anymore. I can eat by myself."

    "With that right hand of yours? Not a chance." Dai Zhiqiang stubbornly held the fork in front of his brother''s face, urging him to open his mouth. It was embarrassing, but Dai Shenqiang had no choice but to oblige, so he opened his mouth.

    When the familiar and vorful taste of chicken noodle soups spread onto his tongue, the warmth of the soup circted throughout his body, starting from his chest, and he felt like his condition had improved a lot.

    Dai Zhiqiang was relieved to see his brother eating well, so a soft smile appeared on his face. "Chew it slowly."

    Dai Shenqiang finished his meal quickly, without leaving a single drop of soup. Dai Zhiqiang helped him to drink and noticed that there was an unfamiliar bag on the chair. "Did someone put their things here?"

    "Ah, that girl who saved me came just now."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s hand stopped. "She is here?"

    "Yeah. She went out to put the flowers in the vase, but she had yet to return. I wonder if something happened?"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down at the bag. He recalled a certain someone who had the same bag, but he quickly brushed it off as a coincidence. "There was no wayˇ­."

    "Huh? What did you say, Brother?"

    "No, it''s nothing."

    Dai Shenqiang watched his brother take out some apples from the stic bag and calmly use a knife to peel the skin. He hesitated a bit before asking, "Big brother, how is Father''s condition?"

    "He is doing fine. Don''t worry. I mentioned nothing about your condition to him."

    Dai Shenqiang heaved a sigh of relief, butter, he said apologetically, "I''m sorry. I''m troubling you again."

    "It''s not your fault at all. It was my fault you got injured." Dai Zhiqiang''s nail dug into his palm as he said that, feeling extremely upset. However, none of his feelings showed in his expression. He did not want his little brother to worry.

    The door was opened again, and Li Caiyi went in while holding a vase of flowers in her hand. Both she and Dai Zhiqiang were surprised when their gazes fell on each other.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was the first to recover. She alternately nced at the two boys with simr looks and smiled faintly. No wonder she felt Dai Shenqiang''s face was familiar. It turned out Dai Zhiqiang was his family member.

    ? "Dai Zhiqiang, you are here too," Li Caiyi walked over to him while hugging the vase of flowers in her arms, and Dai Zhiqiang could not take his eyes off of her. Li Caiyi with the flower, he could not decide which one was prettier. He had a hunch earlier, but he was not expecting to meet her again so soon.

    "Uhmˇ­ Dai Zhiqiang?" Li Caiyi looked at him in confusion. He was staring at her so intently. Did she have something on her face?

    Dai Zhiqiang said nothing and only took the flower vase from her and put it on top of the bedside table. Dai Shenqiang smiled, looking at it. "They are beautiful. Thank you."

    "You are wee," Li Caiyi smiled back at him, "You guys looked simr, are you brothers?"

    "Yeah. I''m Dai Shenqiang, and I see you have known my big brother."

    "Yes, he helped me before, so this is a pleasant surprise." Li Caiyi nced at Dai Zhiqiang, but thetter refused to look at her and covered Dai Shenqiang''s thigh with a nket instead. She wondered if he perhaps had forgotten about her? He had yet to say a word to her since they met.

    Li Caiyi did not want to appear overly friendly since they were not that close from the beginning. She shifted her gaze to Dai Shenqiang. "Since your brother is here, I will take my leave now. I might drop by againter because I have something to ask you. Is that okay?"

    "Of course! I will wait for you." Dai Shenqiang beamed. "But you have not told me your name yet."

    "Oh, that''s right. I''m Li Caiyi."

    "Li Caiyi, it''s a pretty name. Thank you again for saving me back then. I''m indebted to you." Dai Shenqiang bowed a little, but Li Caiyi hurriedly waved her hand.

    "No, don''t be. It was just a coincidence that I passed there after school. Anyone would do the same."

    Dai Shenqiang liked her humility, and they exchanged a few more words before Li Caiyi bade him goodbye. She was about to leave when she felt Dai Zhiqiang''s gaze on her.

    "See you at school," Li Caiyi mouthed these words with a yful expression before she finally left.

    Dai Shenqiang did not miss theirst interaction and smirked meaningfully at Dai Zhiqiang, who was still staring at the entrance in a daze. "So you like that type of girl, huh?"

    Dai Zhiqiang ignored the hint of teasing in his brother''s tone and calmly replied, "Nonsense. We don''t know each other that well."

    Dai Shenqiang was not convinced because he had never seen his brother show any interest in the opposite sex before this. However, he also understood Dai Zhiqiang''s reclusive nature, so he did not tease him further, except for giving a knowing answer. "Yeah, let''s just say that."

    He briefly paused before he said something again. "But are you sure you are not going to say anything to her? After all, she is my life savior, and she looked like she wanted to talk with you earlier, but you just shut her off. You are so cold."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s hand twitched a bit. He was too nervous earlier, so he subconsciously tried to avoid speaking to her lest he made a fool of himself. He did not know he appeared like he was deliberately trying to shut her off.

    Dai Zhiqiang was a calm person, but now he could not stop a sense of uneasiness bubbling inside him. He thought about finding her at school tomorrow and apologized; however, heter shook his head lightly.

    It might be better if he kept some distance from her. This way, she would not know how pathetic he was.

 Chapter 52 Accidental Encounter

    While Dai Zhiqiang was drowning in his inferiorityplex, Li Caiyi bumped into an unexpected person on the hospital''s ground floor.

    "Xiaoyi?" Meng Renshu called out to her with an astonished expression.

    Li Caiyi did not understand why she kept having idental encounters with him everywhere. Was he a ghost or something?

    Meng Renshu was happy to see Li Caiyi for the first time after a few days, but he refrained from walking over to her when he saw Li Caiyi''s unhappy expression. He still remembered what she saidst time, and although he could not ept the idea of Li Caiyi having a boyfriend so soon, he respected her wishes.

    The atmosphere was awkward between them. This was not what Li Caiyi had nned in mind. Her original n was to avoid and keep some distance from Meng Renshu in this life, and considering how little he thought of Li Caiyi in her previous life, she believed he would not care even if she was not there.

    However, looking at Meng Renshu''s crestfallen face, he looked like a puppy who just got scolded, which made Li Caiyi feel conflicted inside. If she could help it, she did not want to interact much with him, but it should be okay if it were only small talk, right? Meng Renshu had yet to do anything terrible to her in this life, and she felt bad for unreasonably showing a cold shoulder to him.

    "Brother Renshu, it''s been a while. How do you do?"

    Gosh, what was with that super stiff greeting? Li Caiyi was so distraught she momentarily lost control of her mouth.

    Meng Renshu could tell how ufortable and distant she was, and it made him lonely inside. For as long as he could remember, Li Caiyi had always been there by his side. He was not ustomed to turning around and not seeing her there. For some reason, Li Caiyi''s cold gaze on him was the only thing he had in mind these days. He could not stop thinking about it.

    "I''m fine, Xiaoyi. Did youe to visit Uncle?"

    "No. My friend was hospitalized here, so I came to visit him."

    Meng Renshu did not miss the single clue in Li Caiyi''s sentence. Him? A male friend?

    Then, he recalled what Li Caiyi said when she pushed him away the other day. Sheined she would not get a boyfriend if he kept sticking to her.

    Meng Renshu was clever, so he could easily find the string which binds these facts together, and the conclusion of those facts was enough to render him speechless.

    Honestly, when Li Caiyi told him to keep some distance from her, Meng Renshu was not entirely convinced. He thought that Li Caiyi was probably mad at him because of some misunderstanding. Thus, she did not want to see him for a while. He believed that Li Caiyi woulde back to him eventually after she calmed down because he knew how much she looked up at him. That was why he never pestered her and patiently waited until her anger subsided.

    He did not expect that not only did she nevere to find him again, but she also grew more distant from him day by day.

    Now, Li Caiyi suddenly told him she was getting along with her male friend so much that she even visited him in the hospital. Meng Renshu finally realized that Li Caiyi was serious all this time, which means she was also serious when she said she would cut ties with him!

    Meng Renshu could not ept that. He did not understand why her attitude would have a one hundred eighty degree change. He felt that Li Caiyi was treating him unjustly. How could she treat him coldly without even telling him what mistake hemitted?<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi, can we talk for a moment?" Despite his inner turmoil, his tone was still gentle when he spoke to Li Caiyi. "It''s been a while since we talked, so I want to catch up."

    Li Caiyi was reluctant, but this person might be her brother-inw in the future, so she could not avoid him forever. She decided to bite the bullet this time andplied. "Sure."

    Meng Renshu was delighted. He was supposed to retrieve some documents from one of the doctors here per his father''s instruction, but he had long forgotten about that n. He also thought about which restaurant would be good to go to.

    "Let''s talk while eating something. You must be hungry, right?"

    "No, I had already eaten. Can we just go somewhere quiet and talk there?"

    Meng Renshu felt like his excitement had utterly cooled down by a basin of cold water. Heughed dryly before he said, "I''m actually pretty hungry right now. You don''t have to eat if you aren''t hungry, but can you please apany me?

    Ugh, how could there be such a pretty boy in this world? Li Caiyi felt her resolve wavered under his pleading gaze. Beauty really is a sin. She did not have romantic feelings for him anymore, but she was still not immune to his beauty!

    "A-alrightˇ­"

    Meng Renshu smirked slyly. It looked like this move still worked on her. It eased him to know that Li Caiyi did notpletely hate him.

    "Yay! Then, shall we go?"

    ***

    Meng Renshu brought her to a high-ss restaurant. Li Caiyi''s smile stiffened when she looked at how luxurious the interior was. A middle-aged man with a suit came forward with a bright smile when they arrived. He treated Meng Renshu respectfully, and from their exchange, it seemed Meng Renshu was a VIP customer, and the man was the manager there.

    The manager led them to one of the private rooms on the second floor, and Li Caiyi could not help but feel on edge. It did not take geniuses to know that this ce was not the kind of restaurant where you can easily get a private room without prior reservation, but Meng Renshu treated this as if this was the most natural thing.

    Li Caiyi knew how affluent the Meng Family was because she was also part of that family once. However, she seemed to forget about that fact after she got reborn.

    Meng Renshu pulled a chair for Li Caiyi while shing a gentlemanly smile. It only made her feel more awkward instead. However, she was not that rude to refuse his kind gesture, so she stiffly sat down. Meanwhile, Meng Renshu also took the seat across from her.

    "Shall we order, then?" Meng Renshu smiled at her.

 Chapter 53 Something Definitely Wrong With His Head

    This was probably the most stifling meal Li Caiyi ever had before.

    Li Caiyi watched how Meng Renshu elegantly used his knife and fork to slice the steak. As expected of a young master from an affluent family, his table manner was impable.

    Li Caiyi used to admire how he could do that so effortlessly, while she had to repeat the etiquette ss a few times before she finally got a decent mark on it. She wanted to be as good as Meng Renshu so she would not embarrass him as his wife, but in the end, she could never do that as naturally as Meng Renshu.

    The room was quiet, with only the sound of clinking tableware inside. This silence was going to kill her, but Meng Renshu looked rxed and was not in a hurry. Li Caiyi could not stand it and ask first, "What do you want to talk about?"

    "I want to talk about my uinging-of-age party."

    It was about that? Li Caiyi thought he would talk about thest time she snubbed him.

    "What of it?"

    "I want to invite the three of you to my party."

    By ''three of you'', he meant the Li siblings. Li Caiyi recalled he also invited them to hising of age ceremony in her previous life, and Li Chunhua became his partner that day. That was also the day when they became a ''de facto'' couple, which many people acknowledged.

    "Well, sure. Of course, we will attend," Li Caiyi replied unsurely. Did he deliberately ask her toe to this restaurant just to announce that? But he did not have to do that if it was only for this.

    "Uhm, is that all you want to talk about?"

    "Why? Are you ufortable spending time with me?"

    "Noˇ­" Li Caiyi averted her eyes out of guilt.

    Meng Renshu stopped his movement and put down the tableware in his hand. "Xiaoyi, I want you to be my partner at mying of age party."

    1 second, 2 seconds, 3 secondsˇ­.

    "Come again?" Li Caiyi must be so out of it she misheard something.

    Meng Renshu smiled in amusement, seeing her dumbfounded look. "I want you to be my partner at mying of age party. That means you are going to be my first dance partner after I officially be an adult."

    Li Caiyi''s mouth hung open. It appeared she did not mishear anything, but she did not know whether or not she should feel happy about it. All she could think about was something definitely went wrong with Meng Renshu''s head in this life.

    "But why me?" Li Caiyi could not help but ask. She clearly remembered Meng Renshu was asking Li Chunhua for that position previously; howe he suddenly asked her that?

    "No particr reason. I just want it to be you." Meng Renshu fiddled with his fingers under the desk.

    Actually, he intended to use this chance to mend their rtionship. He did not understand why, but he was very bothered at the thought of her not wanting to talk to him anymore.

    "What about Xiaohua? Don''t you like her?" Li Caiyi did not beat around the bush because everyone with eyes and brains knew how much he liked Li Chunhua.

    Meng Renshu knew she would ask about that. At first, he also thought of making Li Chunhua his partner for that event, which was one of the important days in his life. However, after receiving a cold shoulder from Li Caiyi, he felt uneasy and decided to ask her instead. Even he did not know why he could make that impulsive decision.<sub> </sub>

    The nightmare he had that day might have influenced him.

    It was a terrible nightmare where Li Caiyi vanished from his life forever. He could not remember the details of that dream, but he could still vividly recall that numbing pain and fear in his heart. That was the first time in his life he had awakened from his sleep with tears in his eyes.

    But there was no way he could exin this to Li Caiyi. Even Meng Renshu felt it was ridiculous to take a nightmare seriously. However, he could not help but feel uneasy when he saw Li Caiyi slowly grow apart from him.

    "It''s only aing-of-age party; there is no need to overthink or feel burdened by it," He said lightly, not noticing how shocked Li Caiyi was when she heard that.

    What exactly happened here? Weren''t they supposed to be a lovey-dovey couple? Li Chunhua said she only saw Meng Renshu as an older brother, and just now, Meng Renshu was clearly trying to avoid talking about his feelings about Li Chunhua!

    Li Caiyi''s brain was not that excellent, so she could not keep up with this sudden development. When she was preupied with the thought of Shen Qiang and many other things, did something happen between the two of them?

    Meng Renshu saw a hesitant look on Li Caiyi''s face and knew words of refusal had already been on the tip of her tongue, so he abruptly stood up. "I will take your silence as an affirmation. Well, it''s unfortunate, but I have to go now. Don''t worry about the bills and finish your drink slowly. Let''s talk againter, Xiaoyi."

    "Huh? Wait a minute! IˇŞ"

    Li Caiyi did not get to finish her sentence because Meng Renshu had run out of the room in a hurry. Something urgent must happen for him to look that flustered. He did not even finish half of his steakˇŞwhat a waste.

    Li Caiyi had no reason to stay there any longer, so she left the restaurant immediately.

    ***

    Today was the day of the announcement. Li Caiyi had been waiting for this day.

    It would be a lie if she said she was not nervous. The result of thispetition would determine her future after that.

    Li Caiyi was so tense all day, and she also made Zhou Ya and Feng Nian nervous.

    "I know you are nervous, but you have been holding that egg roll for hours. Aren''t you going to eat that?" Feng Nian asked.

    Only then did Li Caiyi realize she had yet to eat anything since earlier, only stabbing and putting down her side dish in a daze.

    Zhou Ya smiled sympathetically. "Caiyi, I''m sure everything will be fine. Winning or losing, all that matters is you will umte some experiences. No matter what the oue is, I think it''s very admirable for you to sign up."

    "Yeah. You are different from your old self. Didn''t you also say you want to change? If you ask me, you have done well so far."

    Li Caiyi''s nerves eased a bit under her friend''s encouragement.

    To be honest, this was not her firstpetition. During her three years of marriage in the past, she had a lot of time on her hand. Feeling bored, she would asionally write something. Then, she would also secretly send it under the pseudonym Little Bird'', to variouspetitions rmended by her online friend.

    Li Caiyi had won several times, but she never dared to tell this to anyone, nor did she ever consider the idea of making her stories into a book.

    That was why she was pretty confident she had a high chance of winning too this time until she made that risky bet with Li Jirong.

 Chapter 54 I Will Never Go Home

    At that time, she thought that was the fastest way to make her stance clear in front of Li Jirong. However, she probably made the stake too high in the heat of the moment.

    ''No, don''t get cold feet now! Everything will be fine. You are an experienced writer, for goodness sake.''

    Li Caiyi''s online friend in her previous life was the one who encouraged her to have confidence in her writing. They would asionally rmend a writingpetition for her or offer an opportunity to publish her stories, but she always refused. She never met that friend of hers, but she imagined if she had a friend, then they would be the closest to a friend for her.

    On herst day, she sent them herst story, and she wondered whether they liked it or not?

    A ssmate called out to Li Caiyi and told her that Teacher Shi had called her. Zhou Ya and Feng Nian cheered on her before she got up from her seat and went to the teacher''s office.

    When Li Caiyi arrived, Teacher Shi had been waiting for her. She had a big smile on her face, so Li Caiyi felt she must have good news.

    "Li Caiyi, the result for the writingpetition has been announced." Teacher Shi paused briefly, causing a bit of tension in the air. The female teacher burst intoughter when she noticed how nervous Li Caiyi was. "Haha, don''t frown like that. Congrattions, Li Caiyi. You got first ce."

    Li Caiyi was so happy she almost jumped in ce. "Really?"

    "Yeah. After I read your manuscript, I already had a hunch you already got thispetition in a bag, but I did not expect you to really win this. You did great, Li Caiyi." Teacher Shi patted her shoulders several times with a grin.

    "Thank you, Teacher Shi!"

    Our conversation garnered the attention of the other teachers in the room. Teacher Shi proudly told them about Li Caiyi''s achievement, and each of them congratted her. Li Caiyi''s figure shrunk from being the center of attention, but she felt it was not that bad for the first time.

    So many people praised her, and they genuinely felt happy for her. It gave Li Caiyi a sense of aplishment like she had never experienced before.

    In the end, Teacher Shi gave her a piece of paper with numbers written on it. "This was the number of one of thepetitionmittee. Call him so you can discuss your winning prize."

    Li Caiyi heard that and instantly saw this paper as her bag of money, so she received it with both of her hands. "Thank you, Teacher Shi!"

    ***

    Li Caiyi did not waste her time. She contacted themittee as soon as she left the teacher''s office.

    They talked about the winning prize, and Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief when themittee person told her they could transfer her round-trip tickets to another person. Li Caiyi had inquired Teacher Shi before about her free date, so she mentioned that date and Teacher Shi''s name and booked a ticket for her. As for the money prize, Li Caiyi could almost hear the caching sound of money beside her ears.

    Li Caiyi''s smile radiated happiness. She could earn money by using her writing skill. That fact alone was enough to boost her self-confidence. Wouldn''t she be set for life if she could publish a good-selling book?

    "Huh? What are you doing grinning like that in front of the teacher''s office?"

    Li Caiyi turned her head and saw Shao Jingfei, who was currently looking at her with a strange expression. "Shao Jingfei!"

    "Whoa, stop giving me a blinding smile like that, or I will fall for you!" Shao Jingfei said that, but he was obviously joking around, looking at how he grinned yfully. "Did something good happen?"

    Li Caiyi was so happy, and she couldn''t help but want to tell someone about it. Since Shao Jingfei had volunteered himself, Li Caiyi did not hesitate to tell him her good news. Shao Jingfei''s eyes widened when he heard that.<sub> </sub>

    "What? You joined that writingpetition? And you got first ce?!"

    "That''s right."

    "Whoa, I would never have expected thatˇ­." Shao Jingfei fell into a deep silence, a reaction Li Caiyi least expected from him since he was usually very chatty and overall a boisterous person.

    "Shao Jingfei?"

    "Hm? Oh, congrattions! Man, I must be lucky to befriend a talented person like you! Maybe I can be more popr if I stick beside you? Hahaha." Shao Jingfeiughed at his own joke, looking very much like himself. Li Caiyi quickly brushed his silence earlier off from her mind andughed alongside him.

    It really felt good to be congratted for something you worked so hard to earn.

    ***

    After Li Caiyi and Shao Jingfei parted ways, he swiftly pulled out his phone and called a number. The call was picked up in a sh.

    "It''s rare to receive a call from you," said the man from the other side.

    "Ourpany was the one who sponsored thest writingpetition in my school, right?" Shao Jingfei went straight to the point.

    There was a brief silence before the man on the other side spoke again. "Yes, but why do you ask about that? Aren''t you usually not interested in things like this?"

    "Send me the copy of the manuscript of the one who won first ce. Her name is Li Caiyi."

    "Jingfei, is she one of your friends?"

    "You don''t need to know. Just ask your people to send it to me as soon as possible."

    "...Alright. But are you really not going toe back for Father''s birthday? He did not show it, but he was looking forward to youing home."

    "For what? So he can force me to work for him again? No way. I''m going to hang up."

    "JingfeiˇŞ"

    Shao Jingfei immediately hung up his phone. His countenance was dark as he pocketed his phone.

    ''Don''t joke around. Does he think he can chase me away and call me back whenever it''s convenient for him?'' Shao Jingfei thought to himself.

    He had to admit that he was very curious about Li Caiyi''s work, but he would not return home just because of that. Unless his father apologized to him, he would never go home!

 Chapter 55 You Are Not Honest At All

    News spread fast. Li Caiyi initially did not want to make a big deal out of this, but the information traveled from one mouth to another, and in no time at all, Li Caiyi''s reputation changed from a useless girl who leeched on her siblings to a not-so-useless girl.

    By the time school ended, Li Caiyi had lost count of how many people had congratted her. So many people paid attention to her, and although it made her feel slightly overwhelmed, she also felt happy inside.

    "Li Caiyi, I did not know you are great at making stories!"

    "You are usually so quiet, so we did not expect you to have that skill in you."

    "Hey, I actually like writing too, but I am too shy to let other people read it. Can you give me some tips and tricks?"

    Her ssmates were the most enthusiastic. The questions kepting, and Li Caiyi soon lost track of who said what. Thankfully, Zhou Ya came to her rescue.

    "Okay, guys! Give the girl some space, will you? I know you guys are excited, but crowding around her won''t do you any good!" Zhou Ya stood in front of her with her arms outstretched. From Li Caiyi''s perspective, she looked like a gant knight.

    "That''s right, that''s right! It''s not like you guys won''t see her tomorrow, so save the rest forter." Feng Nian added.

    The other ssmates were embarrassed and apologized to Li Caiyi and dispersed one by one. Each of them said ''See you tomorrow'' to her.

    Li Caiyi felt so touched because such things never once happened to her in her previous life. Her ssmates were not bad people, but they were not close to her, so they usually did not pay attention to her. No one ever said ''see you tomorrow'' to her aside from Zhou Ya, Feng Nian, and Chen Run. At first, she thought it was because she was not likable people would not talk to her.

    Li Caiyi never thought it was this easy to talk with her ssmates. She really made herself suffer in her past life. How foolish of her!

    "Oh, that''s a million yuan smile you had there," Feng Nian chuckled.

    Zhou Ya also smiled at her. "No kidding. But I guess you are the type that would not quit when you put your mind to something. I''m very happy for you, Li Caiyi."

    "Thank you. It was all thanks to your encouragement," Li Caiyi smiled shyly.

    "Uhmˇ­"

    A small voice interrupted their conversation. The three looked to the side simultaneously and found Chen Run, who stood stiffly there with her bag on her shoulder. Upon noticing the attention on her, she said hesitantly.

    "Congrattions, Li Caiyi. I''m happy for you, too."<sub> </sub>

    Chen Run fell silent after that as if she had forgotten what she was trying to say. It was not like her at all, who usually liked to speak whatever was on her mind directly. Li Caiyi grabbed her hand and gave it a light shake.

    "Thank you. It was all thanks to your encouragement, too."

    "O-oh!" There was a hint of red on Chen Run''s cheek and the awkwardness surrounding her deceased. "I was so surprised when I heard the news. I know you are going to do a good job!"

    Feng Nian looked at their interaction with a conflicted gaze. After theirst argument, Chen Run stopped hanging out with them altogether. Feng Nian was not stupid to notice how much Chen Run wanted to join them again, but she was just too embarrassed to give in first. She knew that Li Chunhua must have predicted this as well, and as much as she hated dancing on her palm, she could not bring herself to forgive Chen Run unless she apologized first. Her pride would never allow it!

    Zhou Ya noticed Feng Nian''s frown and sighed. She wondered how she could stand being friends with these troublesome girls? The problem would be solved immediately if one of them took the initiative, but they insisted on being stubborn.

    Chen Run was relieved that Li Caiyi did not appear repulsed and even smiled kindly at her. However, it did not mean Feng Nian also shared the same sentiment. Chen Run always respected talented writers because good scriptwriting was essential for a good quality movie. That was why she wanted to congratte her as soon as she heard the news, but she could not find an opening at all.

    Now, she had congratted Li Caiyi; there was no reason to stick around here anymore. But her legs were refusing to move as she wanted to.

    "Run, do you want to eat some ice cream with us? My treat!" Li Caiyi asked. Chen Run was surprised butter smiled weakly.

    "No, I''m fine. You should eat with Zhou Ya and Feng Nian instead."

    "But I want to celebrate this good news with my good friends. You are one of them, too." Li Caiyi understood how hard it was to muster your courage to talk to people who probably did not like you that much. She could not force Chen Run and Feng Nian to make up voluntarily, but she could create an opportunity for them.

    Chen Run did not know what to say. Of course, she would be happy to follow along, butˇ­.

    She sneakily stole a nce at Feng Nian, making thetter harrumphed in annoyance. "Why are you looking at me? Let me rify this to you; I''m not the one who invites you, okay? But it''s a good day for Caiyi, so don''t ruin the mood and juste if you want."

    "You really are not honest at all," Zhou Ya chuckled.

    Feng Nian harrumphed again before she hurried to the door. "What are you dilly-dallying around for? The ice cream parlor won''t wait for us. Caiyi, I want a triple scoop, and nobody is going to stop me!" Then, she left the ssroom while stomping her feet.

    The remaining three exchanged nces with each other before they broke out inughter.

    Li Caiyi had never felt this happy before.

 Chapter 56 I Dont Know Much About Her

    Meng Renshu was waiting inside his car. His eyes were glued to his phone, and his fingers hovered above the screen unsurely. He would raise his phone, only to put it down, then raise it again.

    The driver, who was watching over his strange behavior from the rearview mirror, could not help but ask.

    "Young Master, if you are worried about Miss Chunhua, you can just call her." He said in a polite tone. He had been working with the Meng Family for a long time, and he watched over Meng Renshu''s growth throughout the year, so he could more or less guess what he was thinking.

    His advice took Meng Renshu aback, and heter fell into a brooding mood. "Mr. Mu, why do you think I was thinking of Xiaohua just now?"

    "Oh, pardon me, Young Master. I don''t mean to be presumptuous."

    "No, it''s okay. I''m just curious. Why would you think that? Did I mention Xiaohua a lot that you would think that?"

    Mr. Mu chose his words carefully this time. Although the Young Master was an amicable person and had never treated those who worked for him poorly, he still had to know his ce if he wanted to work peacefully beside him.

    "Young Master, in my opinion, among the Li siblings, you were very close to Miss Chunhua, even more than Master Junjie. So, when this old man saw you hesitating with your phone, I thought you were thinking about Miss Chunhua. I''m very sorry if I take the situation wrongly."

    Meng Renshu smiled, but he could not help but feel a bit sour. "I''m the one who asked you to speak your mind, so don''t apologize. Please speakfortably because I want to know your opinion about this. You said I was very close to Xiaohua and Junjie, but what about Xiaoyi?"

    "Yes? You mean Miss Caiyi?" Mr. Mu could not guess what kind of answer Young Master sought from him, but honesty might be the best policy here. He asked him to speakfortably, after all. "Of course, Young Master had always been close to the three siblings, but if I had to choose, Miss Caiyi would be the least close to you."

    Meng Renshu unknowingly gripped his phone tighter. "Why is that?"

    "I can''t put it into words, but I have a feeling that Miss Caiyi always acted cautiously around you. Unlike Miss Chunhua, she seemed to restrain herself a lot. Even when you were still a child, I never once saw her speaking about what she liked and disliked. She usually just follows along with what Miss Chunhua wanted."

    "But Xiaoyi always looked so happy when she received my gift," Meng Renshu did not know why he even tried to argue when he was the one who asked for his opinion.

    "Well, you had already bought it for her even before she said anything. What else can she do except smiling and thank you?"

    "Guh." That was a strong one, but Meng Renshu was unwilling to give up just yet. "She always said that I''m very good to her!"

    "Did Miss Caiyi ever say anything else about you besides that?"

    "Thatˇ­!" Meng Renshu''s eyes flickered anxiously, but he had nothing to refute that. Except for being a good person, she basically had no other opinion of him.<sub> </sub>

    Mr. Mu was Meng Renshu''s personal driver, but he also often acted as his caretaker and bodyguard. He had been watching over Meng Renshu growing up with the Li siblings, so if he said that, then it must be valid to some extent.

    Meng Renshu looked down withplicated emotion. Now that he thought about it, Li Caiyi indeed never spoke about her preference voluntarily. He always had to ask her first what she wanted before he could fulfill it for her.

    ''I like banana milk more than strawberry. Please don''t forget about it again.''

    For some reason, Meng Renshu remembered what she said that day so clearly. That was the day after a night of tossing and turning because of a nightmare. He knew it was only a dream, but he could not help but feel anxious. Then, he coincidentally saw the Li siblings as they walked on the roadside.

    p Before he knew it, he had already ordered Mr. Mu to drop him off. He wanted to see Li Caiyi, and he wanted to make sure that his dream was nothing more than a dream. However, Li Caiyi''s attitude toward him could not be any more different. She was like a ghost who haunted his mind starting from that day.</anda>

    Today, Li Caiyi became a hot topic in school. Meng Renshu almost could not believe his ears when he heard it. They were childhood friends, but howe he never knew that Li Caiyi had such talent?

    He wanted to congratte her, but at the thought of her rejecting his call, he became scared to take the initiative.

    After hearing Mr. Mu''s words, he realized that he really did not know much about Li Caiyi. He could recite what Li Chunhua liked or disliked with closed eyes, but he could not think about anything when it came to Li Caiyi.

    Mr. Mu was probably correct. Perhaps he had overestimated his closeness to Li Caiyi.

    Just because Meng Renshu knew one thing or two about her siblings, he naturally assumed that he knew a lot about Li Caiyi, which was not true. He took Li Caiyi''s indulgence and kindness for granted and had never properly made an effort to get to know her better. He kept unting how much he cared about her, while he did not even know what her favorite food was.

    Meng Renshu let out a peal of self-mockingughter. What an arrogant man he was. No wonder Li Caiyi was fed up with him.

    "Young Master, shall we go home now?" Mr. Mu asked carefully. Meng Renshu had gotten so quiet he was worried he had offended him somehow. Thankfully, Meng Renshu did not seem to look any different when he raised his head and smiled at him.

    "No, let''s go somewhere else instead."

    "Yes, Young Master. Where do you want to go?"

    "To Li households."

 Chapter 57 Outsider

    Li Caiyi hummed in a good mood while carrying a stic bag with three batches of ice creams inside.

    Chen Run and Feng Nian had not made up yet, but their rtionship was not as prickly as before anymore. As expected, good food always puts you in a good mood. When your mood was good, even your enemy looked more pleasant in your eyes. She thought she did a great job choosing an ice cream parlor as their hang-out ce today.

    She even brought extra for Li Chunhua, Li Junjie, and Su Suyin. Nothing for Li Jirong, though.

    Because he would not be able to stomach it after hearing today''s news, anyway.

    Li Caiyi won the bet fair and square, which was only the beginning.

    When she arrived at her house, a familiar car was parked outside. Li Caiyi groaned in exasperation, knowing well who was the owner of that car.

    She suddenly did not want to enter.

    ''No, stay strong. He is nothing to you now. What he did and said no longer had control over you, so keep your chin up and stand proudly, Li Caiyi!'' she encouraged herself inwardly, and then, with a deep breath, she entered her house.

    It felt like a d¨¦j¨¤ vu of the other day when her parents were waiting for her. However, this time, the whole family was sitting in the living room, with the addition of Meng Renshu. Even the ever so indifferent Li Junjie was also there.

    "Xiaoyi, you are finally home!" Li Chunhua was the first one to greet her, as always. She ran over with her bright face and held Li Caiyi tightly in hers. "I have heard about the announcement. Congrattions, Li Caiyi! I''m so proud of you!"

    The news must have traveled to her family, too. It wasughable how they suddenly became interested in her after finally making something out of herself. Li Chunhua was a bit of a special case, though.

    "Xiaoyi,e sit down with us. There is something we need to talk about to you," Su Suyin called out to her gently. Li Caiyi gave the ice cream to Li Chunhua, then sat on the couch. Across from her, Meng Renshu was looking at her gently while Li Junjie was scrutinizing her closely. Li Jirong''s expression was grim, and Su Suyin looked worried.

    What was with this situation?

    "What do you want to talk to me about?" Li Caiyi asked without beating around the bush.

    Nobody took the initiative to speak, so Su Suyin had no choice but to be the one who brought out the news. "We have heard the news about you winning thepetition. Congrattions, Xiaoyi."

    "That''s right, congrattions," Meng Renshu said.

    "Congrattions," Li Junjie curtly added.

    "Thank you, everyone. I thought something serious had happened when I saw all of you gathered around."<sub> </sub>

    Li Jirong, who remained silent all this time, cleared his throat and said, "Of course, we are not only gathering here for you. You think we are that idle?"

    Yikes. He must have been terribly upset with her for winning their bet. Li Jirong usually tried to put on a good father mask in front of Meng Renshu, but it did not seem like he could afford to do that today.

    Li Jirong also realized he was being too harsh after that line left his mouth, then he coughed again awkwardly to redeem himself. "I mean, how can you hide such great news from us? If not for Young Master Meng, who came and informed us about it, we probably would have be thest people on earth to know that."

    He really knew how to choose his words. What a pretentious man.

    "Uncle, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Renshufortably? Our families have always been close, so if you call me that, I''ll be sad."

    Li Jirongughed heartily, looking like he was in a good mood. "Hahaha, is that so? Then, Uncle will try hard to do so."

    "Brother Renshu is just too dazzling to be called casually like that," Li Chunhua had returned from the kitchen and sat beside Li Caiyi now.

    Meng Renshu was ttered. "That again? I''m just an ordinary human like you. Don''t single me out like that."

    Then, they started talking about something else. Su Suyin and Li Junjie would asionally speak, while the conversation was dominated mainly by Li Jirong, Meng Renshu, and Li Chunhua. Only Li Caiyi sat there in silence. They seemed topletely forget about her, the main character of today''s news.

    Li Caiyiughed mockingly inside. She was not even surprised that they would treat her achievement like a speck of dust not worth talking about. She even doubted if their congrattions earlier were genuine; it was probably because Meng Renshu was there, and they had to maintain their face.

    After she experienced a warm and pleasant afternoon with her friends, returning to a cold and indifferent family felt like she was pushed off from heaven to hell. On regr days, this kind of indifference would be nothing new to her, but now that she had tasted what it felt to be acknowledged, receiving this kind of treatment suddenly felt too much to bear.

    Looking at them, it was like a picture of a happy family, and she was the only outsider.

    Well, Li Caiyi had achieved her goal of earning money and won the bet against her father. She had no expectations of her family, and this ufortable feeling inside her would subside after some time.

    Wasting her time here would only make her feel bad, so she stood up. "If that''s all you need from me, I''ll be returning to my room."

    Li Jirong frowned in displeasure. "What kind of manners is this? Your mother and I had not got up from our seats yet, and you are already so impatient to leave?"

    Li Caiyi could feel the atmosphere be tense. Li Jirong probably thought he could force her to sit again, but little did he know that the current Li Caiyi standing in front of him was not the same Li Caiyi who would always act cautiously in consideration of others. She would usually endure the ufortable feeling of being ignored silently because she did not want to ruin the mood for her family. But today, she couldn''t care less about it because they were the ones who destroyed her mood first.

    Today was supposed to be a happy day for her. She would not sit and endure it foolishly again.

 Chapter 58 What About Xiaohua?!

    "No, thanks. You can me my manner for it, but I''m exhausted now. Save it for tomorrow."

    Everyone was stunned by her remarks. Actually, even Li Caiyi was amazed by how rude she was. She did not know she had it in her.

    Li Jirong mmed the armchair with a flushed face, looking extremely upset. "Very good! Now you even learn how to talk disrespectfully to your parents. I must have been too lenient with you all this time! Don''t get cocky just because you win one measlypetition."

    It seemed he was so angered he forgot to maintain his face in front of the noble Meng Renshu. Li Caiyi snorted. "So what? Should I keep sitting and listening to you talking about stocks and the nation''s economic situation? As you said, what I earned for myself today was only a measly achievement, so you don''t have to care if I''m here or not. But Father, aren''t you forgetting something?"

    Li Jirong''s face turned awkward after hearing that, and he was suddenly at a loss on what to say. Li Caiyi knew her father must be worried she would bring up their bet in front of Meng Renshu; that was why he kept trying to divert everyone''s attention away from her by talking about other things.

    If he was that worried, then he should not have restrained her from leaving. His twisted desire to see Li Caiyi being ignored and humiliated was the one who brought this upon himself.

    Li Caiyi smirked. "I don''t mind staying here and talking about some other things that might be more interesting if that''s what Father wants."

    Li Jirong red at Li Caiyi, but he could only suppress his fury inside. Meng Renshu was the sole heir of Meng Corporation, and he could not let the Li family reputation be tarnished just because of his useless daughter!

    Left with no choice, he reluctantly said with a wave of his hand, "Forget it. Don''t stay and spout nonsense here. Just go to your room."

    "Then I''ll be leaving first."

    Li Caiyi was about to leave when Meng Renshu called out to her.

    "Xiaoyi, wait!"

    Li Caiyi groaned inwardly. She almost escaped from this situation; why would he call for her? With a bit of resentment in her heart, Li Caiyi reluctantly looked back. "What?"

    Of course, Meng Renshu could tell that Li Caiyi was upset. Meng Renshu thought that Li Caiyi was in a hurry to return to her room because of his presence. Because she hated to see him so much, she was not even willing to stay around for a chat. Meng Renshu was very sad and lonely. He came here to speak with her, but he only made her ufortable instead.

    So he called out to her impulsively, but his tongue stiffened when his gaze met with her impatient one.

    "Iˇ­" Meng Renshu could not finish his sentence. He forced his brain to work for him, and suddenly an idea popped out. "I want to talk to you and your family about our arrangement for my uinging-of-age party."

    Li Caiyi was rmed as soon as those words left his mouth. She was like a cat whose tails had been stepped on as she eximed, "What arrangement?! There is no arrangement! I refuse!"

    Li Caiyi did not notice the crestfallen look on Meng Renshu''s face after her vehement refusal because her focus was elsewhere. Sure enough, Li Jirong''s eyes sparkled in delight after he heard the word ''arrangement''.

    "Renshu, care to tell Uncle what do you mean by that?"

    "Uncle, I was going to invite all of you to mying-of-age party, and I want Xiaoyi to be my partner that day, butˇ­." Meng Renshu nced at Li Caiyi sadly and sighed. "It seems I have to change my n."

    "What are you talking about? Of course, Xiaoyi would be happy to apany you on that important day!"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened incredulously hearing that, "What? No, IˇŞ"

    "Xiaoyi was just too shy. I remembered she enjoyed following you around and was very fond of you. Don''t mind her harsh words. Women sometimes act in opposition to what their heart desires."

    Meng Renshu''s me of hope was burning again after hearing Li Jirong''s encouragement. As long as Li Jirong and Su Suyin agreed, even if Li Caiyi refused, she would have toply at the end of the day. Meng Renshu did not want to use a sly trick like this if he could help it, but Li Caiyi left him with no choice.

    "Then, Uncle, do you agree Xiaoyi became my partner that day? What about you, Auntie?"

    While Li Jirong and Su Suyin agreed with a radiant smile, Li Caiyi''s face turned ashen. She discreetly sneaked a nce at Li Chunhua, curious about her thoughts about this, but the said person was busy peeling some nuts and munched it quietly. There was no sign of dissatisfaction at all on her face. Li Caiyi was baffled by that.

    ''How can that be?! I know she loves Meng Renshu a lot. She even cried all night when Father forced the two apart.'' Li Caiyi thought was in a mess, and the matter suddenly concluded when she was distracted.

    "Then, it''s settled! I''ll leave Xiaoyi in your hands for that day." Li Jirong said as if the decision had been finalized.

    "Wait a minute! What about Xiaohua?!" Li Caiyi eximed.

    Meng Renshu wished Li Caiyi would not bring this up. He stole a nce at Li Chunhua and was surreptitiously relieved when the girl did not seem to mind.

    "Xiaoyi, of course, Xiaohua will attend my party as well. Don''t worry because you won''t be alone." Meng Renshu''s words of reassurance only put her more on edge instead.

    "But I didn''t want to!"

    Li Jirong red at his foolish daughter annoyedly, but he could not lose his temper again in front of Meng Renshu. He initially thought that Meng Renshu liked Li Chunhua, but it did not seem to be like that anymore. Well, he did not care which one, as long as it was his daughter who won Young Master Meng''s affection. He would not let Li Caiyi ruin this chance!

    Li Jirong threw a side nce at Su Suyin, and being his wife for years, Su Suyin could guess what he was trying to say. So she stood up and rubbed Li Caiyi on the back.

    "Xiaoyi, don''t be rude like that. Renshu had already gone so far as to ask for our permission to take you as his partner. He was very courteous and considerate of you, and didn''t you always look up to him? Don''t cause any more scenes and just agree with it. You won''t lose anything doing this."

    Li Caiyi knew there was an underlying meaning under the words ''you won''t lose anything''.

    For her father, of course, pushing her to Meng Renshu would be beneficial for the family, but Li Caiyi would not be able to keep her sanity intact. If she showed up with Meng Renshu on an important day like that, who knows what people would say about them?

    "Mother, IˇŞ"

    "No buts. Everything has been settled, so you can return to your room now, youngdy. I''m not impressed with your attitude today. You be more and more unreasonable each day."

    Li Caiyi could do nothing when her parents had announced their approval. Her head was throbbing already.

 Chapter 59 Mint Choco Ice Creams

    Meng Renshu left not long after Li Caiyi returned to her room.

    When Li Chunhua came into the room with a cup of ice cream in her hands, Li Caiyi pulled her to sit on the bed.

    "What are you doing? I almost dropped my ice cream!" Li Chunhua protested in annoyance.

    Li Caiyi snatched the cup from her hand and stopped her sister from grabbing it again. "No ice cream until you answer my question. Why aren''t you stopping Father and Mother when Brother Renshu asked me to be his partner?"

    Li Chunhua tilted her head in confusion. "Why should I?"

    "But you like him, don''t you?" Li Caiyi stubbornly pressed on. Li Chunhua did not understand why Li Caiyi always brought that up, to the extent she confiscated her ice cream!

    "Xiaoyi, you think too much about it. Nowadays, people can kiss even without feeling involved. Not to mention, that kiss between me and Brother Renshu was just an ident! It''s not real!"

    "You don''t know about that! What if Brother Renshu took it seriously?"

    Li Chunhua looked at her sister strangely. "If he is serious, then shouldn''t he ask me to be his partner instead, and not you? You are weird, Xiaoyi. Why do you keep trying to match us together?"

    Li Caiyi could notprehend this situation. She was clearly the sane one here, so why was she treated like the insane one? Li Caiyi could not shake this uneasy feeling she felt. If the change she caused was like a speck of snow, then that speck had slid down the cliff and rolled down uncontrobly, creating a huge snowball that could crash anytime. She had a nagging feeling that the situation would turn in an unimaginable direction if this kept going on.

    "Xiaohua, are you really not having any feelings towards Brother Renshu?"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes narrowed down as she scrutinized Li Caiyi''s face. "What about you, then? Do you like Brother Renshu?"

    "No." Li Caiyi answered decisively.

    Li Chunhua nodded her head in satisfaction. "See? Being a childhood friend does not equal love. Kissing does not equal affection. If I don''t like him, then I don''t like him. What is the problem here?"

    It did not look like Li Chunhua was bluffing at all. Li Caiyi massaged her forehead in frustration. "My head hurt. Take your ice cream and leave me alone for a while."

    Li Chunhua beamed. "Yay!"

    The rest of the night was spent with Li Caiyi tossing and turning in her bed. She could not sleep even after midnight had passed.

    ***

    The rtionship between Chen Run and Feng Nian seemed to get better after theirst trip to an ice cream parlor. Li Chunhua kept her promise and did not mess with those three anymore after that. Everything would have returned to normal if not for Meng Renshu, who made her confused.

    In her previous life, Li Caiyi had always been on his side. Whether it was as his friend or wife, she did everything she could for him. But what did she get for that? A divorce agreement pped ruthlessly on her face.

    He should not have thought that much about her, so why would he keep pulling the rug under her feet? If Li Caiyi did not know better, she would suspect that Meng Renshu was also being reborn somehow!

    Li Caiyi sighed inwardly. Sadly, that was impossible.<sub> </sub>

    She had returned to the past for some time, but it did not seem like she could find Shen Qiang anytime soon. It made her wonder if Shen Qiang did not retain the memories of his past life after all.

    ''Even if the ce we will go to is different, I promise I will find you no matter what it takes.''

    Li Caiyi still remembered his promise, and her nose soured.

    Feng Nian was right. The most unreliable things in this world were men''s promises and women''s tears. They fell together in the same spot simultaneously, so it was strange if Shen Qiang did not retain his past memory.

    But if he retained his memory, why didn''t hee to find her? Did he not remember about her, after all?

    "Uhmˇ­ Miss?"

    Li Caiyi was snapped out of it when a voice roused her from her daydream. In front of her, the ice cream parlor''s employee looked at her weirdly. "Miss, here is your mint choco ice cream. The total is 50 yuan."

    Li Caiyi quickly realized that the other customers who were waiting in line looked at her impatiently, so she hurriedly paid for her order and left the premises. She sighed in relief when she had gotten out of that ce.

    Li Caiyi looked down at an icebox with three cups of ice cream in the stic in her hands. "Yes. This is not the time to be discouraged. All hope still isn''t lost!"

    With renewed vigor, Li Caiyi walked briskly in the hospital''s direction. She still had to make sure whether Dai Shenqiang was the one she was looking for or not. Let''s see if he could resist this mint choco ice cream or not!

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi did not bump into Li Jirong and his mistress this time. She walked straight to Dai Shenqiang''s room. He noticed Dai Shenqiang was sketching something using his left hand when she entered.

    "Hello there," Li Caiyi greeted with a smile. Dai Shenqiang was startled, but his face soon broke into a smile when he saw Li Caiyi.

    "You''re here!" He said with an unconceble joy. "Sit down first!"

    Li Caiyi took a chair and sat beside his bed. "How is your condition? I see the swelling on your face has reduced a lot."

    "My condition has gotten a lot better now. My body was not hurting that much anymore. The doctor even said that if my condition keeps improving, I can get discharged sooner."

    "That is great news! Oh yeah, I brought you something." Li Caiyi took out a cup of ice cream from her stic bag, and Dai Shenqiang''s eyes shone when he saw that.

    "You shouldn''t bring a patient cold food, you know," Dai Shenqiang said yfully, but he was eager to taste the ice cream in his hand. "Can I eat this?"

    "Of course," Li Caiyi smiled.

    Dai Shenqiang ate a spoonful, and his face broke out in a big smile. Looking at him, Li Caiyi could see how this boy and Dai Zhiqiang rted. Their personalities were the pr opposite of each other, but their faces looked so much alike.

    "Did my brother ever tell you that mint is my favorite vor? If yes, I should thank himter."

    Li Caiyi''s train of thought stopped when she heard that.

 Chapter 60 I Remember You

    "You did?!" Li Caiyi eximed in surprise.

    Dai Shenqiang felt that Li Caiyi''s reaction was a bit over the top, almostical, but he covered the shock withughter.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat. "Th-then, do you also like peppermint scent?"

    "I have never thought about it so seriously before, but if I have to choose, then yes. I like mint candies and mint colors, too."

    Li Caiyi calmed herself down. Thest two questioning sessions ended with failure because she could not control her excitement. This time, she should tread more carefully.

    "Actually, I have been searching for a person. This person helped me a lot before, but I only knew his name." Li Caiyi scrutinized his face closely. "His name is Shen Qiang."

    The hand that had been busy scooping out ice cream stopped. Dai Shenqiang was expressionless for a second, butter, he had a knowing smile on his face.

    "I see, so that''s why. I assumed you also saved me because you think I was the person you were looking for?"

    Li Caiyi pursed her lips. She had heard about Dai Shenqiang''s condition, and she was relieved she decided to step in before his injuries got worse. However, had those burly men not mentioned Shen Qiang''s name, she did not know whether she could muster the same courage for aplete stranger.

    Humans were selfish creatures, and Li Caiyi was no exception.

    "That''s right," Li Caiyi calmly replied.

    Dai Shenqiang smiled. "Don''t make a face like that. If our position were switched, I would also do the same as you."

    "What kind of face did I make?"

    "You looked like you felt guilty about it, even though there is no reason for you to feel like that. I was very thankful you had saved me back there." Dai Shenqiang raised his right hand slightly. "I don''t know how I will live if I lose my right hand. I won''t be able to draw anymore, and that is equal to killing me."

    Li Caiyi''s gaze fell to the drawing on top of the bedside table. She saw him draw with his left hand earlier, and now she looked at it; he was pretty good with it. Although the scratch was messy and crooked, she could still discern a view of the hospital''s garden from it. He must have used the view outside the window as a reference.

    "Your drawing is so good." Li Caiyi sincerely praised it.

    "Ah, that? That one was just a child scribble."

    "The scribble made by your left hand is still better than my drawing with my dominant hand, though. The only thing I can draw well is a mountain with the sun on top."

    Dai Shenqiang chuckled. "That''s nice. I want to see it if I can."

    "No way. I''m not the type of person who likes to humiliate myself."

    "I don''t think a drawing made by a pretty girl like you can be that bad. Show me next time, will you?" Dai Shenqiang said while propping his chin with his left hand. His eyes twinkled charmingly.

    Li Caiyi''s mouth hung open at how smooth his line was. He didn''t even flinch or be embarrassed by it.

    Her Shen Qiang was also very natural at flirting. It was as if he had a lot of experience with women, despite his clumsiness.

    Fueled by this new information, Li Caiyi asked him. "Shenqiang, can you cook?"

    "Hmm, well, I never tried it before, so I would not know if I can do it or not. I think it''s a pretty boring activity, though."

    Li Caiyi''s heart was beating faster with anticipation. Her Shen Qiang also found cooking a hassle; that was why he stocked up piles of canned food in his fridge!<sub> </sub>

    "Th-then, do you like mooncakes?"

    There was a massive change in Dai Shenqiang''s face when Li Caiyi mentioned that. He tried to cover it by replying cheerfully, but the frown on his face gave it away. "I don''t like them very much."

    Li Caiyi had always been looking forward to meeting Shen Qiang again, and why did she feel like the boy in front of him became more and more like him? Was this because he was the one, or was it just wishful thinking on her part?

    "Then, if you have an apartment, what kind of style do you prefer? A simple style?"

    Dai Shenqiang chuckled. "Your questions had a unique variety to them, and I like it. As for your question, I don''t really have any preference. What''s important is that I have a roof above me and a bed under me. Oh, and a bathroom. I did not care that much about the interior."

    "What color do you like the most?"

    "I like all colors. As an artist, I think every color has its own charms. If I have to choose, I will choose a green mint color, though."

    Li Caiyi thought deeply. He did not say he disliked ck and white color, and preference like this could easily change when you got older.

    What should she do? The more she asked, the more she felt that Dai Shenqiang was her Shen Qiang.

    "Shenqiang, do you have a girlfriend or someone you like? Ah, please don''t get offended. I''m just asking casually."

    His eyes glinted mischievously. "Why? Does your Shen Qiang say he has someone he likes already? That''s rough."

    "Just answer my question."

    "Hmm, not at the moment. I am just a boy who likes to draw and has a huge family debt. I don''t have any luxury to like, much less dating someone right now."

    Li Caiyi subconsciously heaved a sigh of relief. If Dai Shenqiang was indeed the one she was looking for, then he probably had not met his beloved during this time. That means she still got a chance!

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath. "This will be myst question. Do you remember me?"

    "Come again?"

    "I''m asking you if you remember ever meeting me somewhere before?"

    Li Caiyi did not know if Shen Qiang had his previous life memory like her. She did not want to think about the possibility of being forgotten by him, but what if that was the truth?

    Dai Shenqiang stared at Li Caiyi deeply before a simple smile appeared on his face.

    "Are you asking that because you don''t remember? Or because you remember, but you want to test me?"

    Ba-thump.

    Li Caiyi''s heart felt like it was sinking to her feet. When the moment of the truth was almost in front of your eyes, was it natural to feel afraid of it?

    "S-Shenqiang, what areˇŞ"

    "Li Caiyi, I remember you."

 Chapter 61 Heâ€™s Alive And Breathing

    For a few seconds, which felt like forever, Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang faced each other in silence. Each observed the other''s reaction intently.

    The wind suddenly blew inside the room through an open window behind her, causing the curtain to flutter, blocking Li Caiyi''s eyesight for a moment.

    Li Caiyi instinctively put her hand to hold her hair down. When the wind finally subsided, and the curtain fell to its ce, Li Caiyi felt like she could see Shen Qiang sitting in front of her.

    The same pair of ck eyes which could see into the depth of her soul.

    The same smile which stole her heart.

    Li Caiyi''s breath hitched as tears pooled in her eyes. The person she was looking for was now sitting in front of her.

    He''s alive and breathing.

    Li Caiyi''s body had moved before she knew it. She was so lonely, anxious, and worried all this time. No matter how much she tried not to think about it, she always felt that she did not belong in this world and timeline. She often felt helpless and did not know what to do, but the thought of Shen Qiang was the only thing that drove her forward.

    Now she met him, and these feelings she had been holding for a long time just gushed out in the form of tears. Was it tears of joy, relief, or frustration? Li Caiyi did not know.

    Dai Shenqiang''s eyes widened when Li Caiyi suddenly rushed toward him and pulled him into her embrace tightly. The familiar warmth and softness enveloped him like a silk nket. He still remembered how Li Caiyi protected him like this against men who were twice her size bravely. At that time, he even thought that if he could die in the arms of such a kind and warm person, then it might not be so bad.

    Dai Shenqiang did not know what Li Caiyi was thinking, but her whole body trembled. His shoulder was wet with her tears.

    "S-Shen Qiang! It''s youˇ­."

    His body temperature was lower than hers, and he was so unresponsive. If not for the heartbeat sound that slightly elerated at their contact, Li Caiyi probably would have thought she was embracing a wall. This quick heartbeat, was it hers or his?

    Dai Shenqiang raised his uninjured left arms, intending to embrace her back. Usually, he would feel repulsed if the opposite sex touched him because they reminded him of his mother. However, Li Caiyi did not repulse him. On the contrary, her touch and scent were so pleasant he wanted to pull her closer to him.

    More...

    It was just a coincidence Dai Shenqiang nced toward the entrance for a moment.

    p Dai Zhiqiang had rushed to the hospital as soon as he took care of his affair. He bought his little brother''s favorite steamed bun on the way and wasted no more time. Dai Shenqiang must be waiting for him.</anda>

    Thinking back, he should have walked slower or bought more things on the way. That way, he would not have to see his little brother and Li Caiyi hugging each other tightly.

    Dai Zhiqiang could feel a painful sting in his heart. Li Caiyi was a good girl, so it was no wonder if his little brother was attracted to her. Furthermore, she had saved his life. It was understandable if some romantic feelings grew between them.

    Dai Zhiqiang bit his lips, trying to ignore the ufortable feeling in his guts, and quietly closed the door.

    "Big brother, wait!"

    His movement halted when he heard his brother calling him. At the same time, Li Caiyi also pulled out from her reverie. She raised her head and, upon seeing Dai Zhiqiang, who stiffly stood on the entrance, her face burnt in shame.

    Li Caiyi quickly took a step back from Dai Shenqiang and erased traces of tears in her eyes. She scolded herself inwardly for being too careless again. How could she do that in a public ce like this? Not only did she make a move on an injured person, but the older brother of the said person also witnessed her shameful behavior. She was so ashamed she wanted to bury herself to the ground!<sub> </sub>

    Meanwhile, Dai Shenqiang was also at a loss about what to do. He could not deny that he was tempted to respond to Li Caiyi''s advance, so much that he momentarily forgot that Dai Zhiqiang held some feelings for Li Caiyi.

    If his brother did not arrive on time, he might have done something irreparable.

    Dai Zhiqiang was not that dull to notice that his presence was unwanted there. He should have known his ce and left the room that instantˇ­.

    But the steamed but would get cold if he waited for too long. If it got too cold, it would not be so delicious anymore.

    Dai Zhiqiang walked over and put the stic on the bedside table with that thought in his mind. "I bought some steam buns for you. How are you feeling?"

    Dai Shenqiang coughed once before he replied. "I''m fine now. Thanks for the steam buns."

    After that, Dai Zhiqiang said nothing else, and the room fell into a deafening silence. Li Caiyi nced at Dai Zhiqiang, but he looked like he was in deep thought. He was frowning, with his lips pressed into a hard line.

    Oh, no. Li Caiyi could not let this person have a poor opinion of her. If she wanted to pursue Dai Shenqiang, then she would also need to win over his family''s heart!

    That was why, as embarrassed as she was, Li Caiyi forced herself to smile. "Dai Zhiqiang, I brought ice cream today. Do you want to eat some, too?"

    Dai Shenqiang could also sense his brother''s foul mood and hurriedly added, "That''s right! It''s a mint choco vor. Very delicious!"

    "Mint choco?" Dai Zhiqiang echoed his words inquisitively. It was not that long since they met, but Li Caiyi already knew Dai Shenqiang''s favorite type of ice cream? They seemed to be much closer than he thought.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s frown deepened, and Li Caiyi was panicked. What if he was angry at her for bringing his injured brother a cold dessert like ice cream? Li Caiyi was too focused on finding Shen Qiang; she did not think this through.

    "I-I''m sorry," Li Caiyi apologized sincerely. Now that Dai Zhiqiang had seen everything, there was no other way to salvage the situation but apologizing honestly.

    The Dai brothers were confused. Why did Li Caiyi suddenly apologize?

    Dai Shenqiang was the first one to realize it. He tugged his brother''s sleeve and pulled him closer so he could whisper in his ear. "Big brother, do something about your face. Your frowning face scared her!"

    Dai Zhiqiang did not even notice he was frowning. He was not angry, just feeling a bit ufortable. He stared at Li Caiyi, and thetter smiled wryly at him. It seemed his little brother was right.

    Dai Zhiqiang changed his facial expression to his normal one and said stiffly. "Mint choco ice cream is good."

    "O-oh?" Li Caiyi was taken aback by his words. Sheter realized that Dai Zhiqiang had given her a way out, so she enthusiastically responded, "Yes, it''s one of their signature vors. Let me open a cup for you!"

    However, when she opened the cup, the ice cream had melted and turned into cold mint-choco milk instead. The visual of the melted ice cream looked like a poodle of greenish slime with dirt in it. Definitely not appetizing.

    "I''m so sorryˇ­." Li Caiyi humbly handed over the cup with both hands, feeling that today was not her day at all.

    She finally found her prince charming, but she performed poorly in front of her soon-to-be-brother-inw. Li Caiyi could only hope that Dai Zhiqiang was generous enough to let it go.

 Chapter 62 What Is Filial Piety?

    Thankfully, Dai Zhiqiang did not mind the disgusting visual of what used to be ice cream and ate it silently. After that, Li Caiyi, who felt awkward, quickly found an excuse to escape and bade the brothers goodbye.

    Li Caiyi was happy he finally reunited with Dai Shenqiang. As for Dai Zhiqiang, she gave him the worst first impression ever.

    Well, actually, that was not their first meeting, but Li Caiyi did not know he was rted to Shen Qiang back then, so she did not give him much thought, but now his frowning face was haunting her mind.

    Dai Zhiqiang seemed to be a strict person. Li Caiyi could not help but feel self-conscious around him.

    Then, Dai Shenqiang''s face appeared on her mind. Li Caiyi thought about their brief embrace, and her face heated up.

    Dai Shenqiang. So that was his full name. Li Caiyi could never get tired of repeating that name over and over again. His facial features were a lot softer, but he was still handsome. Her mood was over the moon when she thought she would spend her time with her love once again.

    Li Caiyi could not stop smiling. She was so happy she momentarily forgot where she was going. The hospital was pretty big, but her luck was small. Although she could avoid her father and his mistress when she came in, that luck backfired when she was about to go out.

    "Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi was already disgusted just by hearing Li Jirong call her name, much less seeing him approach her. No matter how badly her family treated her, Li Caiyi knew that everything her family had to suffer was thanks to this person''s influence.

    Her mother had to obey him all the time and could never raise her head properly in front of him because this man always verbally and physically abused her.

    Her brother became reticent because this man kept pressuring him to be their family''s star of hope.

    Her sister''s mentality worsened because she feared that she had to live forever with this kind of man.

    p And she, herself, had to die once while believing she was just a useless piece of trash.</anda>

    Li Caiyi might not be that smart, but she was very clear on who was her enemy and not. She could not let Li Jirong act as he pleased anymore. It was still not toote; she could still do something to salvage the situation.

    Li Jirong was wearing his white coat just like every other doctor there. He looked like a decent human being on the outside, but Li Caiyi knew how rotten he was inside. Thankfully, this time, he did not bring his mistress along. At least he still had some human decency, or he was probably just afraid that the young nurse would identally slip her mouth and give their affair away.

    "Xiaoyi, we need to talk."

    He did not even bother to ask why she would be here. Most fathers would usually be worried if they saw their daughter in the hospital.

    Li Caiyi scoffed inwardly. This man was a person who could walk past his daughter while happily talking with his mistress without an ounce of shame. The day where he was worried about her would be the day of pig flying!

    "What is it? I''m actually pretty busy."

    "Is that how you talk to your father?" Li Jirong frowned in displeasure.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m sorry, but I think Father had forgotten about something. I won our bet, so I think I have the right to do as I please."

    Li Jirong''s face darkened. His hands clenched into a fist, but he could not make a scene in the hospital. "Even if that''s the case, that''s not the way you treat your biological father. How could you be so unfilial?"

    Filial piety? Li Caiyi had wasted a life living like an obedient child, but in the end, she still got abandoned like worn-out shoes.

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Filial piety had no rtion with our bet because you consented to it, Father. I think you also owe me an apology or are you just pretending to forget about that?"

    Li Jirong felt the blood rush to his head. If it were not for their location, he would have grabbed this conceited girl and taught her a lesson already. How dare she challenge him like that? Did she think she had be something after just one patheticpetition?

    "Y-youˇ­"

    Combined with her previous life, Li Caiyi had known Li Jirong longer than he knew Li Caiyi, so she could guess what was on his mind now. It was precisely because they were in a hospital that Li Caiyi said that, because Li Jirong would not be able to act recklessly here. It was so satisfying looking at his face contorted in a fury, but he could only swallow that anger begrudgingly.

    Li Caiyi did not want to waste more time talking to him. How she hoped her prize money could be transferred sooner.

    "If that''s all, then I will leave first."

    "Grr, make sure you keep your behavior in check in front of Young Master Meng. Don''t do anything stupid and try to act more feminine. Your everyday look is too in for a person with a high status like him. He must have countless girls who want to chase him, so use the chance given to you to tie him properly."

    He called out to her just to talk about this. She should have known he would not have anything good to say to her.

    ''The more he said that the more I wanted to perform badly.''

    Li Caiyi pretended she did not hear anything and walked away. Li Jirong was cursing behind her back, but she couldn''t care less about him.

    ***

    On the next day, Li Caiyi almost tripped in shock.

    When Li Jirong came up to her yesterday, she thought he was talking about Meng Renshu''s uinging of age party, but after seeing the scene in front of her, she did not believe that was the only case.

    On this lovely morning, the Li Family sat around the table and ate their breakfast as usual. Everything was normal, aside from one additional person who came uninvited.

    Sitting across from her, Meng Renshu smiled brightly at her, and Li Caiyi suddenly lost her appetite.

    This must be Li Jirong''s doing!

 Chapter 63 Party Dress

    Li Caiyi cursed Li Jirong at heart. This man really knew no bounds. Why did he let Meng Renshue here so early in the morning? Although the Meng and Li family were pretty close, this had never happened before. Meng Renshu would usually visit at any time exceptte at night or early morning.

    "Why are you here?" Li Junjie beat Li Caiyi and asked Meng Renshu first.

    "I am suddenly in the mood to go to the school with you guys again. This time with EVERYONE," Meng Renshu said casually while smearing strawberry jam on his bread. He said that while looking at Li Caiyi, but she pretended not to hear and ate her breakfast silently. Throughout breakfast, when everyone was talking to Meng Renshu, Li Caiyi was the only one silent and eating while looking down.

    Li Jirong frowned in dissatisfaction seeing this. He had gone through the trouble of inviting Meng Renshu toe here early in the morning, but Li Caiyi did not use this chance at all. She was good for nothing, as expected.

    As a man himself, although Li Jirong was not sure if Meng Renshu liked his daughter or not, he could guarantee that Meng Renshu at least had some interest in Li Caiyi. If he yed his card right here, having the Meng family as inws would not be a dream anymore.

    That was why, even if he was very reluctant, he held back from crossing against Li Caiyi.

    "Xiaoyi, what should we do about your party dresster? You should take your time and talk about it with Renshu," Li Jirong suddenly said.

    Li Caiyi was speechless just by the amount of enthusiasm Li Jirong had put into this. Usually, a mother would be the one that made a fuss about something like this, but it seemed like Li Jirong could not contain his eagerness.

    Meng Renshu nced at Li Caiyi, anticipating her reaction. Girls liked pretty dresses, didn''t they? If Li Caiyi wanted it, he could get her a dress from a designer brand ready in a day.

    However, that spirit was dampened after he noticed Li Caiyi''s look of disapproval.

    "Father, there is no need for that. I still have many dresses, so there is no need to arrange the new one for me."

    Li Jirong felt like throwing his spoon toward this girl''s empty head. If it were not to smooth down her rtionship with Young Master Meng, did she think he would do something so troublesome and prepare a dress willingly? How could this foolish girl think of using her old dress when she was about to be the main character''s partner at the party? Preposterous! The Li were not so poor they could not afford their daughter a new dress.

    However, if he tried too hard to push Li Caiyi toward Meng Renshu, the n might backfire instead.

    "Xiaoyi, there is no need to feel bad. It''smon for a partner to have a matching dress. If you want, I can arrange one too for us," Meng Renshu thought it was a good idea, but Li Caiyi''s face just turned uglier.

    "No, that''s unnecessary. I will just wear my old matching dress with Xiaohua. I didn''t wear it many times, so it still looks new."

    Which meant she would rather wear her old dress rather than have a new matching dress with Meng Renshu.

    Li Chunhua, who was watching them talking, smiled brightly. Sheter smiled smugly at Meng Renshu. "Yes, that''s right! It''s obvious Xiaoyi wants to match with me. We are twins, after all!"<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu sighed. "But all of your matching dresses with Xiaoyi were based on your preference. There was no dress that Xiaoyi truly liked among it."

    Li Caiyi almost dropped her spoon. Did she just hear it right? Meng Renshu was actually trying to be considerate towards her? The previous him would not do such a thing! He naturally thought that what Li Chunhua liked was also what Li Caiyi wanted, so he never asked for her opinion.

    Li Chunhua frowned. There was a hint of displeasure in her tone. "Xiaoyi likes what I like! And I also like whatever Xiaoyi likes! What''s wrong with that?"

    "That''s your opinion. Xiaoyi never once said she had a simr taste to you."

    "That''s not true!" Li Chunhua puffed her cheeks, making her face look like a squirrel. She turned to Li Caiyi. "Xiaoyi, you agree with me, right?"

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister, who had a simr face to hers. Except for their looks, there was nothing simr between them. Li Caiyi was naturally shy, and Li Chunhua was bubbly and confident. Li Caiyi preferred darker colors, while Li Chunhua liked lighter ones. She liked fresh and sour vors, while her sister wanted sweet and mild vors.

    Li Caiyi never said this before because she thought her preference did not matter, as long as Li Chunhua was happy. However, her hesitation and reluctance to ept herself was what caused her miserable life in the past. She did not need to repeat such a life anymore.

    "No. That''s not true. I actually like many things you don''t like, Xiaohua. For example, you like citrus and floral perfume, well I liked the one with musk in it more. You usually pick yellow or light blue for your dress, but I prefer burgundy or magenta colors better. Oh, and I prefer a ne over rings as my essory because I don''t feelfortable having anything around my fingers."

    Li Chunhua fell silent. She had an indescribable expression on her face. After Li Caiyi confronted herst time, Li Chunhua''s behavior had gotten milder, and she never acted out of line again. Li Caiyi worried she would react strongly like the previous time.

    Meng Renshu silently made a mental note of what Li Caiyi said. Although Li Caiyi said she did not need it, he would still prepare a dress for her, just in case.

    It was clearly nothing special, but why did Meng Renshu feel proud and happy to see her directly say what she liked and not?

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhua stopped talking and continued his meal as if she did not hear Li Caiyi speak just now.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­." Li Caiyi called to her softly but got ignored.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously. Now she could not even swallow anything anymore. Li Chunhua''s mental state was unstable, and Li Caiyi did not want to provoke her. Li Chunhua was eerily calm; it made her scarier instead.

    "Xiaoyi, since you said that, then how about I prepare two dresses for you girls? I will take both of your preferences into consideration."

    Li Caiyi stared sharply at Meng Renshu, and thetter did not dare to utter a word about that matter anymore until breakfast was finished.

 Chapter 64 Where Do You Think You Are Going?

    When they left the house, Li Chunhua walked briskly and left the three behind as if she was running from something. Li Caiyi sighed, looking at her sister''s back but not chasing after her.

    Li Caiyi did feel sorry for her, but she needed to say what she had to say, eventually. If she did not want to end up in the same fate as in her previous life, she had to face Li Chunhua face to face.

    Although they were twins, they could not be together forever. Li Caiyi hoped Li Chunhua could understand that.

    It did not look like she understood or was willing to understand that now, though. The current Li Chunhua was still bound by her fear, and her mind had yet to mature.

    Meng Renshu and Li Junjie also felt the heavy atmosphere between the twins. Meng Renshu did not want to anger Li Caiyi identally, so he nudged his friend''s arm and signaled him.

    Li Junjie only gave a brief acknowledgment before he asked Li Caiyi.

    "Aren''t you going to chase her?"

    "No. It''s fine. This is bound to happen whether or not she likes it. Xiaohua needs time for herself."

    Li Junjie stared at her sister with a stony expression, feeling that the girl in front of him was like an unfamiliar person. It was not a bad change, but the whole family became disarraytely. Li Junjie did not know if it was a good thing or not to break the bnce of their family.

    He was not blind to Li Jirong''s mistreatment of Li Caiyi, so Li Junjie was not surprised when Li Caiyi finally snapped. What he did not expect was the change she brought to herself, which also influenced those around her. It would be good if she could keep her change in moderation.

    "You have be maturer," Li Junjie said. "I''m d."

    Li Caiyi raised her head in surprise. Her older brother was actually praising her! How long had it been since thest time he praised her? Or anyone, for that matter?

    "Th-thank you, Brother," Li Caiyi said bashfully. For some reason, it felt different when Li Junjie was the one who said it. He was usually very indifferent, so knowing that he paid attention to her made her heart skip a beat.

    Li Junjie did not notice this and received another nudge from Meng Renshu. He understood what Meng Renshu was trying to do, so he wasted no more time and picked up his pace. "I have to do a review before ss starts. I will go on ahead."

    "What? Brother Jie, wait for me!" Li Caiyi did not want to be left alone with Meng Renshu, so she hurriedly wanted to chase after her brother, but she was held back by her bag by Meng Renshu.

    Li Caiyi looked back and found Meng Renshu, who grinned mischievously at her. "Where do you think you are going?"

    "To school, of course. Please let go of my bag, Brother Renshu."

    "No, I can''t do that. If I release you, who knows what you will do next to avoid me?" Meng Renshu smiled at her, but his eyes were not smiling.

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously. Meng Renshu might look like an amicable and gentle person on the outside, but he could be very decisive and ruthless if he wanted to. It seemed he finally reached the limit of his patience. When he was like this, there was no use running away anymore.

    Li Caiyi sighed. She sometimes hated herself for knowing Meng Renshu''s personality too well. It resulted from years following him around like a loyal dog, so the habit had been ingrained in her body. Li Caiyi knew everything about this man, yet she knew almost nothing about Dai Shenqiang. It was frustrating.<sub> </sub>

    "Fine. Let''s talk as we walk," Li Caiyi relented. Meng Renshu smiled in satisfaction, and he finally let her go.

    Meng Renshu walked beside her, but he could tell Li Caiyi scooted away from him to keep a safe distance. She looked like a feisty and cautious kitten. It was cute.

    "You don''t have to be so wary of me. I won''t bite you," He chuckled.

    Li Caiyi believed Meng Renshu was a gentleman, but she could not help it if her body refused to be anywhere within one meter from him.

    "I feel morefortable this way. You must have something to talk about if you even chase my brother away to have some time with me, right?"

    "Oh? Have I been found out? Haha, it''s a bit embarrassing," Meng Renshu scratched his cheek. "But you are right. We have something to talk about, don''t we?"

    Li Caiyi did not like to drag on this matter any longer, so she went straight to the point. "What is your purpose? From the way you kept appearing around me these days, I found it hard to believe that all of that was a mere coincidence."

    "Did you always have so little trust in me? Most of our encounters were purely coincidental, I assure you. I''m a bit hurt you think of me as such a person, Xiaoyi."

    "Then how about this morning? I doubted you wanted to go to the school together with us. If that''s truly the reason, then why didn''t you stop Xiaohua and Brother Jie from leaving ahead of us?"

    Meng Renshu fell into a deep silence. Li Caiyi stared at his side profile and felt like it had been long since shest saw his face properly.

    He used to be the person she loved the most in the world.

    Li Caiyi thought they could live in harmony until they got old, even if he didn''t love her. He did not love her, but Li Caiyi figured she could fill the gap between them with her love. Meng Renshu was kind, so he would not mistreat her if she stayed by his side loyally.

    How wrong she could be. She was clearly overestimating her self-worth.

    Meng Renshu was kind to her, as long as it did not concern the one he truly loved with all of his heart. Li Caiyi was the foolish one who thought that she got a ce in his heart, even as a good friend or sister. His gentleness made her believe she was someone important to him too, so when he abandoned her without even wanting to see her for thest time, her hope and heart shattered for good.

    That was until Dai Shenqiang came and picked up the pieces for her.

    The current Li Caiyi was not that pathetic person who would nod her head to each of his requests anymore. If he would not answer, then she just needed to force him to talk.

    "Is Uncle Yaozu the one who told you to do this?"

    Meng Renshu''s brows twitched.

 Chapter 65 Mans Fickleness

    Meng Yaozu was the name of Meng Renshu''s father and also Li Caiyi''s former father-inw.

    He was a man with fiery ambition, like Li Jirong. However, unlike her father, who did not care about family, Meng Yaozu was better in that area. Even towards the daughter-inw, whom everyone thought as useless, Meng Yaozu never treated her discriminately. On the contrary, he defended Li Caiyi a lot in front of his wife and his biological daughter.

    Li Caiyi had always felt thankful for this man and long considered him as her second father. She always heeded his advice to be more patient with her mother-inw and sister-inw. She also never doubted his intention.

    Among many figures in high-ss society, Meng Yaozu and Meng Renshu were the only ones she could depend on. However, since Meng Renshu often went away on business trips, Li Caiyi became more reliant on Meng Yaozu.

    However, she did not know that his kindness was not for free. If trusting Meng Renshu was her first mistake in her years of marriage, then relying on Meng Yaozu was her second mistake.

    Meng Renshu turned his head to her, and their gazes met. His face was that of genuine confusion. "No, my father never said anything about it. Why would you think that?"

    Li Caiyi was skeptical, but there was no way to discover the truth for now, so she did not probe further. If Meng Renshu became suspicious and went to ask his father, then Meng Yaozu would know that Li Caiyi was being cautious of him. Facing a shrewd businessman like him would not be as easy as dealing with her father.

    "If not, then forget it. I just thought it''s because of our great-grandfather''s promise again."

    Li Caiyi''s Great Grandfather was a reputable doctor with high skills. People respected him greatly during his era, and some even praised him as the ''Modern Divine Doctor''. The Li Family''s reputation became more well-known after their great-grandfather''s generation. He once saved a dying wealthy man, and that man was Meng Renshu''s great-grandfather.

    Because of that, both men became closer to each other, and that was when the talk about a marriage between the two families surfaced. Unfortunately, for the next two generations, both families were only blessed with sons, and Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua were the first daughters in the Li family after a long time.

    Li Jirong and Meng Yaozu asionally brought the matter up, so it would not sound strange even if Li Caiyi used this as an excuse.

    "If it''s because of that old promise, then I don''t think Brother Renshu has to mind it that much. It was decided by older generations and had nothing to do with us. Li Chunhua and I didn''t think much of it, so you shouldn''t either."

    "Actually, that''s not the reason I showed up this morning. I just genuinely want to meet and talk with you." Meng Renshu hesitated a bit before he continued. "I want to get closer to you, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi stopped on her track. Her gaze seemed like it could prate Meng Renshu. It made the teenage boy squirm around nervously.

    However, what came after that was only stern admonition from Li Caiyi.

    "Are you joking with me?" Li Caiyi''s voice was calm, but anyone could feel the raging emotion beneath it.

    "Huh?"

    "Brother Renshu, what exactly are you trying to pull here? I clearly saw you kissing my sister the other day, and then you suddenly said you wanted to get closer to me instead. Are you taking us for a fool?"

    Meng Renshu was startled when he heard that. He did not expect Li Caiyi to know about that fortunate ident back then. He said ''fortunate'', because he was genuinely happy back then and wanted to pursue Li Chunhua.<sub> </sub>

    However, after he had that nightmare, he felt like that feeling was fading away slowly. He was unsure if he had aplete change of heart because he was confident that his feeling for Li Chunhua was true love. It was just his fear of losing Li Caiyi was currently greater than that.

    His emotions were soplicated that even he felt confused by his actions. Meng Renshu wanted to avoid thinking about this until he got a better grasp of his feeling, but the more Li Caiyi avoided him, the more anxious he became.

    He thought that if he spent more time with Li Caiyi, this anxiety would vanish, then he could finally put his mind at ease and organize his feelings towards the twins again.

    That should be the nˇ­ However, when Li Caiyi put it like that, he realized that his way of doing things made it seem like he was toying with the twins.

    "Xiaoyi, wait! This is a misunderstanding! I didn''t mean it like that!" Meng Renshu eximed in panic.

    Li Caiyi''s frown deepened. "Then, exin. I''m listening."

    Meng Renshu wanted to exin about his dream, but he did not know if Li Caiyi would believe it or not. He was flustered and confused about how to start. Meng Renshu tried to make some exnation in his head, but everything sounded like excuses.

    His tongue stiffened, and he eventually could not utter a word.

    Li Caiyi knew it would be like this. This side of Meng Renshu was precisely the one that misled Li Caiyi into thinking that she was pretty important to him. Unfortunately for him, Li Caiyi would not be fooled twice. Like those wise men said, fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

    "Enough. Your silence had already confirmed it. Brother Renshu, if you intend to y with us, sisters, then you''d better think again. Do you really think you can have both of us by your side all the time? I don''t appreciate how you show your affection to my sister at one minute, and then you chase me in front of her at another. What do you take us for? Your concubines? Your fickleness may cause unwanted misunderstandings, so I wish you stop doing that."

    Li Caiyi''s every word felt like a sharp de that sliced through his heart. However, as unhappy as he was being used as a ''fickle man'', he could not deny that his action might look like that to the outsider.

    No, anyone who saw him would feel that he was the biggest jerk trying to juggle the twins in his palms. Maybe that was why Li Caiyi''s words felt even more unbearable to hear.

    "You want me to be your partner in youring-of-age party? Fine, I''ll ept it. Because you are my childhood friend, and I cherished the memories we had together, that''s all. If I see you trying anything funny again or doing anything that could possibly hurt Xiaohua, I won''t just let it slide. Understand?"

    Meng Renshu stayed rooted in his ce with his head lowered. He did not dare raise his head and face Li Caiyi''s scornful look.

    Li Caiyi stared at his pitiful figure and thought she had made herself clear. Considering that Meng Renshu kept quiet throughout her lecture like a sinner, she knew he had already received her meaning loud and clear. There was no need to continue admonishing him. Hopefully, he would snap out of his daydreaming with this harsh reminder.

    "I think there''s nothing to talk about anymore, so I''ll leave first. See you at the party, Brother Renshu."

    Meng Renshu watched Li Caiyi''s retreating back with a mncholic expression. She said, ''see you at the party'', which was like an indirect request for him to not meet her anymore except for that time.

    Meng Renshu let out a peal of self-mockingughter. Li Caiyi had grown up. She was not a kitten anymore, but a fierce tiger!

 Chapter 66 Im Going To Publish A Book!

    "Did something happen? You look like you are in a bad mood," Zhou Ya asked carefully.

    Li Caiyi was eating her lunch with her friends as usual, but it seemed her facial expression gave away her foul mood today. She was so upset with Meng Renshu this morning that it affected her mood for the rest of the day. Even though she would revisit Dai Shenqiang after school, her spirit did not improve at all.

    Li Caiyi thought that Meng Renshu''s fickleness only started after their marriage, but after talking with him this morning, Li Caiyi was certain now.

    Meng Renshu had always thought of Li Caiyi as a spare, even before marrying her. He did not love her, but he did not want to lose her, either. And he expected her to go along with it again in this life? What kind of nonsense was that? Just how much further Meng Renshu was going to look down on her?

    ''Thinking about it again always makes me mad. This is not good. I need to distract myself. There is no use wasting time thinking about scum like Meng Renshu.''

    "No, it''s nothing important. Where are Feng Nian and Chen Run?" Li Caiyi looked around, but she could not find them.

    "They are going to the school store to buy some bread."

    "What? Have they made up already?"

    Zhou Ya shook her head helplessly. "Feng Nian insisted that this is just a temporary truce because you must want to spend time with Chen Run too, so she feels bad if you restrain yourself out of consideration for her. Chen Run''s excuse is even weirder. She said you are going to miss her if she''s not around, so she will hang out more with you."

    Li Caiyi was dumbfounded butter broke out intoughter. "What''s with that? The way they used me as their excuse is very simr. I guess that''s just how it is with your best friends!"

    Zhou Yaughed alongside her. "Really. It''s thanks to you that their stance got softened. I think I have to learn to be more proactive from you. I was too cautious of each side; preventing them from fighting against each other is already the best I can do."

    "It''s all thanks to you too, Zhou Ya. If it were not for you, I wouldn''t be friends with all of you, and Feng Nian and Chen Run wouldn''t open up to me. It''s because you allowed me to sit with you that day that I could smile and have fun with you guys. I''m always grateful to you, Zhou Ya."

    Zhou Ya''s cheeks reddened a bit upon hearing that. "Gosh, you really have your way with words. My heart fluttered for a second back there."

    "Hehe, I''m just saying what I genuinely feel, though? Zhou Ya is just too shy and humble."

    Zhou Ya coughed awkwardly. "Ahem, anyway. What are your ns after this? Are you going to join anotherpetition? You did say you want to earn money, right?"

    "Rightˇ­ I''m thinking of publishing a book." Li Caiyi said with a finger on her chin.

    "That''s an amazing n! You should try it, Caiyi!" Zhou Ya said with excitement.

    "What? What are you guys talking about? Sounds fun!" Chen Run, who had juste back, immediately joined in the conversation, while Feng Nian sat down casually as she gazed at Li Caiyi inquisitively.

    "Well, Zhou Ya was asking me what my ns were after I won thestpetition. I want to earn more money, so I''m going to publish a book!"<sub> </sub>

    Chen Run whistled. "Man, way to develop from a timid girl to an ambitious woman. Your shy side is cute, but the confident you are more awesome!" She said with a thumb up. "I support you, girlie!"

    "Did you already start with the manuscript?" Feng Nian''s reaction was more realistic.

    "Not yet. I''m going to the library after this to find some inspiration, though. Do you guys want toe with me?"

    Feng Nian quickly raised her hand in refusal. "No, sorry. I don''t like the library that much."

    "I fell asleep as soon as I arrived at the library, so I doubt I can be of much help," Chen Run grinned sheepishly.

    "Me too. I have something to do after this. I''m sorry, Caiyi." Zhou Ya tilted her head apologetically.

    Li Caiyi thought it would be fun to brainstorm with her friends, but they all had their interests and schedules, so it could not be helped. "It''s fine, guys. Don''t worry about it."

    "Oh yeah, if you want to publish a book, why don''t you try talking to Shao Jingfei? You knew him, right?" Chen Run said while biting on her pizza bread.

    "Yes, I do know him. But what about it?"

    Chen Run''s brows raised. "Have you ever heard of Glorious Days Company?"

    "That famous publishingpany? Of course, I ever heard about it." Li Caiyi answered in confusion. "But what does it have anything to do with Shao Jingfei?"

    "His family owned thatpany! I thought everyone in this school already knew about that?" Chen Run eximed with a mouth full of bread.

    ***

    That was a surprising revtion.

    Li Caiyi did not know that Shao Jingfei, who looked friendly and down-to-earth, came from a wealthy and prestigious family. It was not that she looked down on Shao Jingfei; it was just after spending three years within high-ss society after her marriage she had an idea how to differentiate those who came from prestigious families and those who didn''t.

    The most fundamental difference was the aura they brought. Most young masters anddies would receive etiquette ss from their early childhood, so their gestures and ambiance were usually controlled and elegant, like Meng Renshu. However, Shao Jingfei was too approachable and clumsy to be one, so Li Caiyi was very surprised when she heard Chen Run''s news.

    Besides, if Shao Jingfei came from such a great family background, it was strange Li Caiyi did not remember ever meeting or at least hearing about Shao Jingfei before. Her mother-inw forced her to remember every important face within their circle, but Li Caiyi had never heard of Shao Jingfei even once.

    As far as she knew, the Shao family from Glorious Days Company only had one son, Shao Junfei. Perhaps Shao Jingfei was a son of the branch family?

 Chapter 67 Too Close!

    Li Caiyi shook her head to chase away that thought. Years of experience taught her that families from high-ss societies wereplicated and hard to understand. It was better if she did not make a wild assumption and treated Shao Jingfei as a regr friend. From his personality, Li Caiyi had a feeling that Shao Jingfei probably wished for that as well.

    Li Caiyi traced the book''s spine on the bookcase with her finger, looking for a book that might be a source of inspiration. She had been searching for a while, but she did not find any.

    She raised her head to search from the upper case, and one of the books with a dark blue cover caught her attention. Li Caiyi lifted her arm to take it, but it was too high for her to reach.

    "Ughˇ­ Too high." Li Caiyi had already stood on her toe. She even jumped a bit, but she still could not reach it. Her arm got cramped by how much she stretched it.

    ''It''s no use. I can''t take the book. I''d better find some stairs or stools first.''

    Li Caiyi turned around, and her face immediately bumped with something.

    "Ompfh," Li Caiyi identally let out an iprehensible exmation, then she raised her head.

    In front of her, Dai Zhiqiang was standing with his long arm outstretched upward. They were so close together. Li Caiyi was practically trapped between the bookcase behind her and Dai Zhiqiang in front of her.

    He was tall, so Li Caiyi could distinctly see his prominent adam apple and refined jawline from where she stood. She could also faintly smell the scent of peppermint mixed with masculine odor from his uniform. Li Caiyi''s heart thumped in her chest as she unconsciously held her breath for a moment.

    ''Too close! He is too close!''

    The whole situation happened too fast for her brain to process! Li Caiyi''s brain got short-circuited and her arms stiffened on both sides of her body.

    While Li Caiyi was dumbstruck, Dai Zhiqiang had retrieved the book Li Caiyi wanted effortlessly. The whole chain of events happened for less than three seconds, yet Li Caiyi felt it was the longest three seconds in her life!

    Dai Zhiqiang casually handed over the book to her. "This book, right?"

    ''Even his voice was amazingˇ­ Wait, what am I thinking?!'' Li Caiyi quickly snapped out of her trance and epted the book while taking a few steps away from Dai Zhiqiang. She did not want to show him her flustered face, so Li Caiyi dared not raise her head and meet his eyes.

    "Th-thank you, Dai Zhiqiang. But, since when have you been there?"

    "Not for long. I saw you having difficulty reaching for that book, so as the librarian on duty, I came to help you."

    "I-I see. Haha, you surprised me," Li Caiyi nervously tucked some hair behind her ears.

    "If you need my help again, you can find me on the counter. It''s my job, so you don''t have to feel reserved."

    "Y-yes. Thank you."

    After that, Dai Zhiqiang said nothing else and returned to his post. It was not until his figure disappeared behind the bookcase that Li Caiyi could heave a sigh of relief.

    "Th-that was surprising." Li Caiyi rubbed her chest to calm her heartbeat. She felt silly for being too self-conscious about it, while Dai Zhiqiang did not react much.

    Li Caiyi could not believe she got flustered from being approached by another teenage boy beside Dai Shenqiang.

    ''Come to your senses, Li Caiyi! He is a lot younger than you, and you already have Shenqiang!''

    She med her na?ve reaction earlier on her inexperience with the opposite sex. Yes, that must have been the case.<sub> </sub>

    After calming her own thoughts, Li Caiyi walked around the library a little more until she was satisfied. She brought the books she found and put them on the librarian''s counter to check them out.

    "I want to borrow these books." Li Caiyi held out her student ID.

    Dai Zhiqiang received them all and began to do his job. Come to think of it, Dai Zhiqiang was always in the library whenever Li Caiyi came here. It was almost like he was living here.

    Li Caiyi was curious, but she wondered if she should ask at all. What if she offended him?

    "Are you going to make another story?"

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi''s mind was elsewhere, so she waste to register his question.

    Dai Zhiqiang waved the book in his hand. "This book covered a lot of folk stories from all around the world. However, some are real, and some came from the author''s interpretation, so it is not very reliable. I won''t rmend it to you if you intend to use this as a reference."

    "Dai Zhiqiang, have you ever read this book before?"

    "I have read most of the books in this library." Dai Zhiqiang said casually.

    "A-all of them?!" Li Caiyi''s mouth gaped open. The library of S International High School was huge and contained a lot of books from variousnguages, and he said he read almost all of them? That was crazy!

    "No. Not all of them. I spent a lot of time in the library, so I think why not kill some time by reading? But I can''t read all of them because many of them used foreignnguages I did not understand."

    No, but 75% of the books in this library were in Chinese, and this library had at least a thousand books in it. Didn''t it mean he had read all books included in that 75%? That was already amazing by itself!

    Li Caiyi was speechless. Zhou Ya said Dai Zhiqiang was very smart, and Li Caiyi felt she could see it today. No ordinary person would read so many books just to kill time.

    But wait, didn''t she forget something?

    "Ah, how did you know I was writing a story?" Li Caiyi asked him.

    "The news had spread all over the school. They said you won that big writingpetition. Congrattions on your win."

    "Thanks!" Li Caiyi smiled brightly. Dai Zhiqiang seemed reclusive and hard to approach, so Li Caiyi was a bit intimidated by him, but he had helped her twice, including today, so Li Caiyi''s guard had lowered down considerably.

    Dai Zhiqiang reminded her a bit of Li Junjie, but Dai Zhiqiang was warmer than her brother.

    If Dai Zhiqiang had already read most of the books in this ce, then perhaps he could help her find a good book to make her new story? Li Caiyi felt it was a good idea. That way, she could save time from wandering around the library searching for the correct book.

    "If you are not busy, can you help me rmend a good book to me next time? I don''t think my searching method is very efficient."

    "Sure, why not?"

    "Thank you! Also, shall we walk together from school after this?"

 Chapter 68 Hidden Gem

    It took Dai Zhiqiang a few good seconds before he fully understood her meaning.

    "Are you going to visit my brother again?"

    "Yes! I noticed you have always visited him while you were still in your uniform, so you must have gone there straight after school, right? Since we are going to the same ce, anyway, why don''t we go together?"

    Dai Zhiqiang did not answer immediately. It would not be a good idea if those loan sharks knew Li Caiyi was close to him. They might target her, or worse, do something terrible to her as well, just like what they did to Dai Shenqiang.

    Words of refusal had already been on the tip of his tongue when he recalled the scene of Li Caiyi and his little brother hugging each other.

    It would be a lie if Dai Zhiqiang said he did not want to get closer to her, but if that chance came at the risk of her safetyˇ­.

    "Let''s just go separately. I still had something I needed to do in school after this."

    "Oh, is that so? It''s a shame." Li Caiyi was disappointed that she lost the chance to make a good rtionship with her soon-to-be brother-inw.

    Dai Zhiqiang finished checking out the books and handed them over to her. "Make sure to return them by next week."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "You said that every time I came here. Must be tiring to repeat the same line."

    Dai Zhiqiang said nothing and only stared at Li Caiyi''s smile. She must have smiled a lot in front of his brother, too. She probably smiled even brighter than when she smiled at Dai Zhiqiang.

    "Li Caiyi, do you like my brother?" In the end, Dai Zhiqiang could not resist asking. The ambiance between the two of them yesterday was full of ambiguity. He knew it was not his ce to ask, but his curiosity won over him.

    Li Caiyi''s movement halted as her cheeks reddened. Even if she said nothing, her reaction had already told the story. Dai Zhiqiang pressed his lips into a hard line as his mood plummeted.

    Meanwhile, the flustered Li Caiyi shyly said, "Well, he is the one I have been looking for all this time."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face darkened even more. He should be happy that his brother found himself a good girl, but why did his ears feel burning upon hearing it?

    Li Caiyi did not notice the change in Dai Zhiqiang''s expression and continued. "He helped me once before, so I''m very grateful to him."

    The teenage boy felt that this world was unfair. He had paid attention to Li Caiyi long before she met his brother. If it were any other man, he would not feel soplicated, but why did it have to be Dai Shenqiang she liked?

    Li Caiyi felt like it was embarrassing to continue, so she stopped. When she looked at Dai Zhiqiang again, he had a terrifying look on his face. It made Li Caiyi wonder if she had offended him again.

    ''It couldn''t be that Dai Zhiqiang has a siblingplex like Xiaohua, right?''

    Li Caiyi sincerely hoped she was wrong. Dealing with Li Chunhua was already exhausting enough. She did not need another person with a problematic personality like her sister.

    Not to mention, Li Chunhua was still ignoring her until now.

    "Wait for me after school."

    "Ah?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s expression had returned to his usual stony face. He stared at Li Caiyi thoughtfully. "I changed my mind. Let''s go to the hospital together after this."<sub> </sub>

    "Oh? Didn''t you say you have something you need to do?"

    "Not anymore."

    Li Caiyi did not know why he suddenly changed his mind, but it was good news for her. She could use this chance to get more information about Dai Shenqiang from him. She could also cultivate her rtionship with the family of her beloved. It was killing two birds with one stone!

    "Then I will wait for you!"

    ***

    Meanwhile, at the same time, in the 2-D ssroom.

    Shao Jingfei was sitting on his chair while looking down at some papers on top of his desk. He seemed uncharacteristically serious, and it made his friends exchange a confused nce at each other.

    "Hey, what happened to him? It''s rare to see him studying so seriously!"

    "He even refused my invitation to go on a blind date today. You know how he is the life of the party. The blind date will be boring without him."

    "Well, now that is even more surprising than seeing him being a dutiful student. What kind of ghost possessed him today?"

    Shao Jingfei ignored the noises in front of him and was immersed in the manuscript in his hands. He got Shao Junfei to send this because he was curious about Li Caiyi''s works.

    He did not have much expectation at first, but after reading the first few paragraphs, the beautiful narration instantly hooked him, and the way Li Caiyi included her worldview in her writing was simply mesmerizing.

    Li Caiyi''s writing was very mature for her age, yet it still held that innocent charm that captivated the reader. Shao Jingfei''s hand could not stop flipping the page.

    Although it was excellent, the boy could not help but feel there was something odd about her writing.

    Usually, an amateur writer would use fancy words to cover theirck of experience, but Li Caiyi did the opposite. Her choice of words was simple, but it could convey the meaning properly to the reader withoutpromising the phrase''s beauty. This proves that she had sufficient confidence and skill to do that.

    Not to mention that her thoughts, emotion, and vision poured into this story had a certain depth, like a person who truly had various experiences in life. If Shao Jingfei did not know better, he would suspect that the author was a woman in her thirties or forties.

    No matter how Shao Jingfei read it, this was clearly a manuscript made by an experienced writer. It was not the level of a high-schooler at all.

    Li Caiyi might be a hidden gem he was looking for all this time!

    "Interesting," Shao Jingfei smiled while tracing the author''s name.

    He always had a keen eye for talented writers, and Li Caiyi''s manuscript was one of the best he had found so far.

    "With a talent like that, she should not be kept hidden. It will be amazing if I can watch her talent grow closely."

    Shao Jingfei did not like to be associated with his family, but it would be a waste to let Li Caiyi''s talent fall into anotherpany''s hands. He was the one who found her first.

    "Maybe I should try to talk to her next time."

 Chapter 69 Walking Together

    ss ended in the blink of an eye. Li Caiyi bade her friends goodbye and left the ssroom first. She was thinking of picking up Dai Zhiqiang at his ss, but the problem was he had the same ss as Li Chunhua.

    If Li Chunhua saw her leaving the school with a boy, only God knew how she would react.

    Regarding the matter of the other day, Li Caiyi did not know how to approach Li Chunhua. She felt like anything she said to convince her now would only bring counterproductive results. That was why she just left her be for a while.

    It wasn''t easy to have a younger sibling, although Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua''s ages were technically only half an hour apart.

    Li Caiyi went into the library to find it empty. There were not many students who would visit the library around this time. She sat in her usual spot and waited for Dai Zhiqiang.

    Sure enough, Dai Zhiqiang came with his backpack after ten minutes or so. He quickly spotted Li Caiyi, and there was a little excitement in his heart, knowing that she was waiting for him.

    "You are here," he said inly.

    "Yeah. I predicted you woulde here. Shall we go now?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded. He waited until Li Caiyi left the room before locking the library doors.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, are you the one who usually locked the ce?"

    "I got a spare key when I was allowed to take the job as a librarian by the school."

    "I didn''t know our school allowed the student to do that too."

    "It''s included in the schrship benefit. This is also why I choose toe to this school."

    "Because you will get paid from taking the position as the librarian?"

    "Pretty much, but it''s not only me, though. Untilst year, two upperssmen were in this together with me, but they had to stop after they became the third year."

    Li Caiyi nodded understandingly. "I see. It''s because our school wants them to focus on their studies."

    "Yeah."

    Li Caiyi somehow felt sympathetic because Dai Zhiqiang had to do a lot at such a young age. She was sure he was also often harassed by those loan sharks, to the point he even worked in the school.

    Now that Dai Shenqiang was hospitalized, he also had to pay for his little brother''s medical fee.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. She wanted to help, but she was not sure if the Dai brothers would appreciate it or not. They often said that men had an enormous pride, after all.

    "I want to buy something first on the way. Do you mind if we stop by somewhere else first?"

    "Oh, that''s fine. Where should we go?"

    "To Shenqiang''s favorite noodle shop."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes lit up at the mention of that. "Is it perhaps the Yueguang Noodle House?"

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned. "Did Shenqiang tell you that?"

    "Huh? Oh well, yeah, kinda,"<sub> </sub>

    ''But it''s in our previous life, though,'' Li Caiyi added silently in heart.

    Dai Zhiqiang only hummed slightly and said nothing else, while Li Caiyi was excited. "Hey, do you know what else Shenqiang likes? I want to hear more about your story when both of you were still a child."

    The more enthusiastic Li Caiyi was, the more depressed Dai Zhiqiang became. Was this her reason for wanting to walk together with him? He regretted a bit for agreeing with her, now. Despite that, he could not reject her plea for information, so he reluctantly told her.

    "Shenqiang liked to draw scenery. He usually draws cityscapes or nature, and he used to go to higher ces to get a better view of thendscape. Once, I spotted him drawing on top of a tree. When I called him toe down, he cried because he can''t go down by himself."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. She remembered when she first met Dai Shenqiang, he was also standing on the highest spot of the abandoned building. "So? What did you do after that?"

    "I used adder and picked him up from the tree."

    "Hehe, how sweet. Dai Zhiqiang, you are a kind brother."

    His heart fluttered at herpliment. Dai Zhiqiang avoided her eyes, so his feelings would not be shown on his face. He really was weak in front of her.

    Not long after that, they arrived in Yueguang.

    As soon as Li Caiyi stepped inside, a familiar face greeted her.

    "Wee!" Zhou Ya said with a bright business smile. She was surprised when she saw Li Caiyi. "Caiyi! What a coincidence to meet you here."

    Li Caiyi waved her hand in a friendly manner. Zhou Yater realized that Li Caiyi did note alone. With a low voice, she whispered to Li Caiyi. "Oh, isn''t that Dai Zhiqiang from ss A? Why are you with him?"

    Oh, right. Li Caiyi had yet to tell anyone about Dai Shenqiang. She refrained from telling anyone about it because she did not want Li Chunhua to know that as well.

    Li Caiyi leaned in and whispered back to her. "Promise me not to tell anyone, including Feng Nian and Chen Run. I have found my Shen Qiang."

    "Really?!"

    "Sshh, lower your voice!" Li Caiyi only continued after Zhou Ya covered her mouth. "I met him by coincidence, and it turns out Shenqiang is Dai Zhiqiang''s little brother."

    Zhou Ya''s jaw hung open in a shock. Then, a realization slowly sunk in her.

    "That''s it! I remember now where I ever heard Shenqiang''s name before!" Zhou Ya said while pping her hands like a seal. "I remembered Grandpa talking about it before. He said one of his regrs has a brother who likes our noodles very much. He said his name was Shenqiang. Howe I did not remember about it up until now?"

    Li Caiyi smiled understandingly. "You meet a lot of customers every day. No wonder you can''t remember it right away. I''m just thankful I can meet him again."

    "And are you sure his brother is the Shenqiang you are looking for?"

    "Yes, I''m sure."

    "Good for you, Caiyi." Zhou Ya patted Li Caiyi''s arm gently.

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang had watched how both girls squealed together in a hushed voice and his brows furrowed. "Is everything alright?"

    "Huh? Yes!" Zhou Ya quickly returned to his side while holding a notebook in her hand. "I''m sorry we got a bit distracted. May I take your order now?"

 Chapter 70 I Like The Mature Version Of Him Better

    It was a shame Grandpa Zhou was currently not in the shop, but Li Caiyi left her greetings through Zhou Ya. They chatted a bit before Li Caiyi left with Dai Zhiqiang.

    "Is she your friend?" Dai Zhiqiang asked.

    "Yeah. Zhou Ya is my ssmate and good friend."

    "I heard you guys mentioned Shenqiang earlier. What are you guys talking about?"

    Oops, so he heard about that. He said nothing throughout their conversation, so Li Caiyi thought he was not paying attention.

    There was no need to hide it from him, so Li Caiyi told him about how she had been searching for Shen Qiang for a while. By the time she finished exining, Dai Zhiqiang was staring at her in confusion.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "Let me ask this just in case, but what did my brother help you with?"

    Li Caiyi could not possibly tell him that Dai Shenqiang jumped from a tall building with her tomit double suicide.

    "That''s a girl''s secret! You can ask anything but that!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s frown deepened, but since Li Caiyi did not want to talk, he did not pursue the matter anymore.

    An idea popped out inside his mind, but he was unsure whether he should break it to her or not.

    ***

    Dai Shenqiang was happy when his brother and Li Caiyi came simultaneously. They even bought him his favorite food.

    "The doctor said my condition is stable now, so I can get discharged tomorrow if I want," he said.

    "Are you sure? I think you should stay here longer." Dai Zhiqiang''s words wereced with concern.

    "I''m fine, big brother. The doctor said they found no abnormalities in me, and my right hand would get better after a month. I don''t want to stay here anymore. It''s so boring here, so I don''t want to stay here any longer."

    Dai Zhiqiang was still reluctant, but under his brother''s pleading gaze, he gave in. "Fine."

    The younger Dai made a victory pose with his left hand. He looked like a child like that, and a tender smile crept up on Li Caiyi''s lips.

    Dai Zhiqiang did not miss that, and there was a dull ache in his heart. He ignored that feeling and focused on something else instead.

    "Have the two of you met each other before the incident?" He asked, more toward his little brother.

    Dai Shenqiang and Li Caiyi exchanged nces before letting out a meaningful smile. "Something like that."

    They looked at each other like two people who had a secret between them, something they would not share with other people. An outsider like Dai Zhiqiang had no right to ask.

    "I see," Dai Zhiqiang muttered faintly.

    "More importantly, didn''t you say you were going to show me your drawing? I have been looking forward to your next visit because of that. Show me!" Dai Shenqiang smirked yfully at Li Caiyi.

    "When did I say I''m going to show it to you?!"<sub> </sub>

    "Come on, don''t be stingy. I''m bored to death here, so I need some kind of entertainment here."

    "So you take my drawing as a form of entertainment? How rude."

    Dai Zhiqiang watched how they bickered against each other. It did not look like an argument but more like friendly teasing. He did not know what to think about that, so he nailed his gaze elsewhere, so he did not have to see them.

    Li Caiyi talked about a lot of things with Dai Shenqiang that day. She was happy she got to know the side of him she had never known before. It seemed that he was a lot more talkative during his youth; he somehow looked cuter like that.

    On the contrary, Dai Zhiqiang did not say much. He would talk if someone asked him, but he kept his mouth shut most of the time. Li Caiyi wondered if Dai Shenqiang would be like that as well when he grew up a bit.

    "Oh yeah. How old are you, Shenqiang?"

    "I''m 16 this year."

    "So you are one year younger than me," Li Caiyi smiled.

    "Why? Is that a problem for you?" His brows wriggled in a teasing manner.

    Li Caiyi harrumphed. Not only was he more talkative, but he was more mischievous and flirty as well! Li Caiyi thought Dai Shenqiang was cute, but still, she liked the mature version of him more. It might be because it appealed to her mature mentality better.

    Speaking of maturityˇ­.

    Li Caiyi could not help but sneak a nce at Dai Zhiqiang, who was currently reading a book in peace.

    If we were talking about maturity only, Dai Zhiqiang had a more simr personality to Shen Qiang. The way he took care of those around him and only spoke when needed was the same as Shen Qiang.

    Her Shen Qiang''s personality was practically like the brother''s personality molded into one, making Li Caiyi feel a sense of closeness with them.

    However, personality could change as time passed. Dai Shenqiang might look like that now, but he might be calmer if he spent more time with the stoic and responsible Dai Zhiqiang.

    Li Caiyi was also genuinely happy that Dai Shenqiang would get discharged soon. That meant she could spend more time with him after this. She hoped she could be with him for a long time.

    ****

    Li Caiyi did not stay for long today because she had another n today.

    Before leaving the hospital, she went to the bathroom and entered one of the cubicles. She slowly took off her uniform and changed into clothes she had prepared beforehand.

    Li Caiyi wore the floral dress in her hand. She also changed her shoes into a pair of feminine white heels.

    After changing her clothes, she went out of the cubicle and walked over to the sink. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, making up her mind for thest time. Then, she took off her sses and hair tie. Her long hair fell on her back like a waterfall.

    Using a bit of makeup art she learned from her past life, she applied mature-style makeup to her face. She deliberately made her makeup thick, so she would not be easily recognized.

    When she finished, Li Caiyi smiled at her reflection. Her appearance had changed from a in student into a mature and wealthy woman in her twenties.

    It was time to meet the private investigator.

 Chapter 71 A Meeting With Detective Tang

    Li Caiyi had made an appointment with a private investigator before this, and they were supposed to meet this afternoon. With her new appearance, Li Caiyi walked using the etiquette she had painstakingly learned in her past life.

    It would be bad if she showed up as a student because she might be looked down upon, or worse, she could be a victim of fraud. There was no harm in being careful, so she changed her appearance before going to the appointed ce.

    Li Caiyi entered a restaurant with a confident stride, and the waitress quickly greeted her with a bow. Li Caiyi mentioned the investigator''s name, and the waitress led her to the table in the corner.

    The investigator she hired looked cleaner than she expected. He had a pair of sharp, deep eyes that watched her every move closely like a hawk, and he also got a faint scar on his left temple.

    "Are you Detective Tang?"

    "That''s right."

    "Thank you foring all the way here. As you know, I''m here today to request an investigation."

    Detective Tang leaned against the backrest. "Let''s hear about it."

    "I want you to investigate a man named Li Jirong. It''s a simple affair case."

    Detective Tang scoffed. "I can already guess that. Tell me the details."

    Li Caiyi pulled out Li Jirong''s photo from her bag and slid it to him. Then she told him about everything she knew. Detective Tang would asionally hum, albeit he looked disinterested. A case like this was prettymon, so it was no wonder if he did not feel excited about it.

    Li Caiyi pulled out a white envelope with cash inside at the end of her exnation. "This is for the deposit. I''ll send you the rest if you can gather good evidence for me."

    Detective Tang received itzily, but Li Caiyi did not miss a gleam in his eyes when he checked the content. Li Caiyi did give him a generous amount.

    He smiled for the first time since Li Caiyi met him before he slipped the envelope inside his jacket. "Is the target your husband or something?"

    "There is no need for you to know that. I''ll pay you generously if you can do a good job. That''s all you need to know."

    "Fair enough. Anything else?"

    Li Caiyi stopped for a moment to think. "I want you to inspect everything. If you have a chance, please investigate the woman he is having an affair with as well. Her name is Gu Xue."

    "Gotcha. I''ll report to you if I find something."

    "I leave it to you, then."

    Li Caiyi refused his invitation to eat first and left the restaurant when she finished her business.

    She tried her best to maintain a strong and confident look all the time, but on her way out, her heart was beating crazily.

    She had gone and done it now. She was really going to go against Li Jirong. There was no turning back anymore.

    Li Caiyi had never done this before, so she was unustomed to the thrill. However, she did not regret her choice. This was what she was supposed to do since the beginning, anyway.

    Li Caiyi suppressed the ufortable feeling in her guts and hastened her step.<sub> </sub>

    ***

    Li Caiyi fetched her things from the train station and went to the bathroom. After changing her attire and erasing her makeup, she went straight home.

    A few boxes were arranged on top of the living room table when she arrived at Li family''s house. Li Chunhua was there happily chatting with Su Suyin while admiring the box''s content. They looked like they were having so much fun.

    Li Caiyi hesitated a bit before she approached them.

    "What are all these boxes? Did you go out shopping?"

    Li Chunhua only gave her a slight nod while Su Suyin smiled brightly at her. "Xiaohua said she was bored, so we went out shopping together. It was so much fun!"

    Her mother sure looked the happiest when she was with Li Chunhua, so Li Caiyi only smiled back and looked at the light blue dress embroidered with a butterfly motif in Li Chunhua''s hand.

    "That''s a wonderful dress. It really suits you, Xiaohua."

    Li Chunhua snorted and finally said her first words to her after a while, "Of course, it will suit me! Lighter colors are the best, and I don''t know why some people prefer dark, boring colors."

    She must have been talking about thest time Li Caiyi rebuked her. It seemed like Li Chunhua was very bothered about it. Li Caiyi did not know how to respond to her little sister''s pettiness.

    Su Suyin looked at Li Caiyi worriedly butter said, "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry, but we got nothing for you this time. Mother thought you would get a matching dress with Renshu anyway, and anything he prepared for you will be the best, so you don''t need anything from here. Xiaohua also needs a wonderful dress, shoes, and essories for the party. You''d understand, right?"

    Li Caiyi looked down at the sheer amount of the things they bought. There were at least five boxes of various sizes and a dozen paper bags. By buying Li Chunhua many things for the party, it would seem Su Suyin means Meng Renshu''s party and the future''s party.

    It was not like Li Caiyi coveted these things. She had not mentioned anything about taking her share, yet the way Su Suyin said that was as if she was trying to take Li Chunhua''s things.

    Li Caiyi smiled bitterly. Su Suyin adored Li Chunhua the most, and she had always been partial with her love and affection. Li Caiyi thought it was because Li Chunhua was cuter and more capable, but even after she worked hard and finally won something, Su Suyin never once looked for her or cheered on her. She only gave a short congrattory statement and forgot about it.

    It meant that Su Suyin''s partiality was not because of superficial things like that. It was simply because Li Caiyi was not Li Chunhua. Only a mother could never mistake her children with her other child in this world. That was also true for Su Suyin, but for an entirely different meaning.

    Her mother was always like that, and Li Caiyi had long given up trying to win her mother''s heart.

    "I understand. I will return to my room first, then."

    "Aren''t you going to sit here and have a chat with us? Xiaohua is going to try on her dress now. Wouldn''t you want to look at how pretty your sister is, too?" Su Suyin asked excitedly, totally oblivious to Li Caiyi''s stiff smile.

    "No. I''m sure anything will look good on her. You guys have fun without me."

    Su Suyin''s brows knitted. "You have always gone out somewheretely, and you rarely spent time with Xiaohua anymore. What if she gets lonely? You need to be more responsible, Xiaoyi. Don''t be selfish and y too much outside with strange people. It won''t do you any good."

    Right, she had to restrain herself because she had a little sister to take care of. She could not think only for herself and always had to be considerate toward Li Chunhua. If she did not care, it meant she was mean and unreasonable.

    She had always been listening to her mother obediently in her previous life, so she wanted to reward herself by loving herself more in this current life.

 Chapter 72 A Healing Picture

    "Mother, I am not Xiaohua''s nanny. I don''t need to be by her side 24/7, and I have my own life, too."

    "What are you saying? Your sister is weak and has to be constantly under watch! How can you leave her to have fun on your own? Didn''t your conscience feel hurt at all enjoying your life while your sister is holding herself back?" Su Suyin frowned in disapproval.

    "Mother, that''s what you think. I know you feel guilty for Xiaohua, but please don''t force your idea onto me. Just because I was born healthy, I have to always cater to Xiaohua''s needs? I don''t think that''s right."

    Su Suyin choked on her words. She stared at her eldest daughter in disbelief. "Xiaoyi, you really areˇ­."

    "Mother," Li Caiyi cut her sentence and took a deep breath. Talking with Su Suyin was one hundred times more arduous than talking with Li Jirong. Because unlike him, her mother showed her some love, however little that was. She made it hard for Li Caiyi to hate herpletely.

    "Aren''t I your daughter too? I won''t ask you to like me, but can you please at least try to understand my stance even once?"

    Su Suyin''s eyes narrowed down when she heard that. She gave Li Caiyi a disappointed look as she sighed in exasperation.

    "So you want to say that I was being unfair to you? I knew it. You threw a tantrum like this because you were angry I didn''t buy you anything today. Your father is right. Xiaoyi, don''t you realize you be more insensible as days pass by? This is why I don''t like you to go out often. Your friends must have influenced you badly. What a disappointing older sister you are."

    Li Caiyi let out self-mockingughter after hearing that. She really could notmunicate with her mother at all.

    Whenever she tried to say something, her mother would always brush it off by saying she was just jealous and throwing tantrums like a child, which was disappointing because it was right for her to be more generous as an older sister.

    "Mother, the feeling is mutual. I''m also utterly disappointed in you." Li Caiyi suppressed the feeling of sadness in her. "It seems like you don''t want to see me anymore, so I''ll leave you alone now."

    Su Suyin angrily shouted at Xiaoyi''s back. "Where are you going?! We have not finished our talk yet!"

    Li Caiyi did not heed her mother''s scolding behind her and went into her room, leaving Li Chunhua and Su Suyin, whose chest was suffocated from annoyance.

    "That girl really will be the end of me! She used to be a very nice and obedient child, since when did she be an impertinent child like that?!"

    Li Chunhua embraced her mother''s arm gently and consoled her gently, "Mom, don''t be angry at her. Xiaoyi is right. It''s because of me she always had to hold herself back. I don''t want to be a burden for anyone anymore, so let''s just let her do anything she wants this time."

    Su Suyin looked at her precious daughter sadly. "It''s not your fault. Your sister is just too easy to influence. Her friends must be the ones who convince her to go out often, leaving you alone."

    "It can''t be helped. If I were there, everyone would act cautiously around me, and the mood will turn awkward, eventually." Li Chunhua said with her head lowered, looking extremely aggrieved.

    Su Suyin could not bear to see her making a face like that, so she quickly hugged her and stroked her back. "There''s no way it''s true. You are the source of my happiness and my cutest daughter. You are a charming and good kid, people who can''t see that are just blind."

    "Thank you, Mom. But please don''t scold my sister anymore. If you scold her, she will hate me more, and I will be left alone."

    Su Suyin angrily rebuked her. "She dares! Xiaohua, don''t worry about your sister anymore. I''ll make sure she will never leave you alone, so don''t be sad anymore. Mom will protect you, so don''t be scared."

    Li Chunhua smiled happily. However, her eyes were dead cold as she leaned into her mother''s embrace more. "Thank you, Mom! I know Mom is the best!"

    ***

    To forget the unpleasant exchange earlier, Li Caiyi began to write a rough draft of her story. Ifst time she had made a more philosophical story about those who stood in the vague borderline of past and futureˇŞlike her, this time, she wanted to make a heartwarming story. Usually, she would just let her hand move as she poured allplicated feelings and thoughts into it.

    However, she could not focus. She tried to make a few sentences, but it looked forced when she reread it.

    ''Well, after what happened earlier, no wonder I lost the mood to write.'' Li Caiyi thought.<sub> </sub>

    She leaned back in her chair with her sight nailed to the ceiling. While her mind was wandering, she received an iing message on her phone.

    ? Li Caiyi checked it, and her eyes lit up upon seeing the sender. She opened it with anticipation.

    [Dai Shenqiang: I finally finished this drawing today. I hope you will feel cheered up whenever you see this!]

    Next, he sent her a picture of his drawing. It was the same as the one she saw the other day, but the line was much cleaner this time. He also added a drawing of one girl with two boys who yed happily. The smile on the kids'' faces unknowingly brought a smile to her lips, too.

    Li Caiyi saved the picture and quickly typed a reply.

    [Li Caiyi: You did this with your left hand only? You are a genius! I love it so much! :D]

    [Dai Shenqiang: Really? It''s very messy. I can make it better one thousand times if I use my right hand! I''m d you like it, though."

    [Li Caiyi: It''s excellent! I especially liked the kids you drew in it.]

    [Dai Shenqiang: Oh, that? When I drew it and saw some children running around, I suddenly remembered when my brother and I yed tag together. Then, I thought I should add you too while I''m at it, and that''s how it turned out].

    [Li Caiyi: Whaat?? O.O Are you saying these kids are us?! So cute!].

    [Dai Shenqiang: Haha, I knew you would say that. I was just trying to score more points from you by adding that, but I don''t know it works so well].

    [Li Caiyi: I will give you 100 points for this drawing. I want to see it in color next time.]

    [Dai Shenqiang: Roger that. When my right hand is healed, I''ll put some color in it and show it to you again. By then, the point should be tenfold! Promise?]

    Li Caiyi smiled, looking at the text. She just could imagine Dai Shenqiang''s puppy-like face, wishing for someone to give him a treat.

    [Li Caiyi: It''s a promise, then. I really thank you for this. It cheered me up tremendously].

    [Dai Shenqiang: Why? Did something happen?]

    Li Caiyi was about to type ''nothing happened'', like she usually did when she suddenly thought of something. Later, she erased her previous sentence and changed it.

    [Li Caiyi: I was scolded by my mother, and I felt down because of that.]

    [Dai Shenqiang: I see. Getting scolded always sucks, no matter how many times you receive it. When you feel down, you can look at the picture I sent you, and then you will automatically think about me. That will cheer you up! >.O]

    Li Caiyi chuckled when she saw his over-confident reply. Dai Shenqiang must have been trying to cheer her up with that. She was d she chose to be more open and not keep everything to herself anymore.

    [Li Caiyi: Thank you. I''ll do just that. ^^]

    Li Caiyi put down her phone. Her mood had gotten much lighter after chatting with Dai Shenqiang. She felt like she could finally write something good this time.

    Feeling motivated and pumped up, Li Caiyi held her pen again.

 Chapter 73 Make One For Me Too

    Li Caiyi stretched her sore arms and yawned. That should be enough writing for now. She was so into what she was doing she did not notice that it had already gone past dinner time.

    Li Chunhua did note to remind her about dinner this time. Usually, she would always be the first to remind her, but she did not show up this time. Li Chunhua must be furious at her. It was an expected oue, but Li Caiyi still felt it was unfortunate.

    Her stomach was growling, so she rose from her seat and walked out of the room. However, different from her expectation, there was no food on top of the table.

    Su Suyin would usually prepare some food on the table and wrap it with aluminum foil if Li Junjie got hungry during his midnight study. But this time, there was no food left.

    Li Caiyi was hungry, so she checked on the fridge to find some food wrapped in aluminum foil, but with some post-it pasted on it. It said: ''Ah Jie''s portion, don''t eat!''

    After she read that, a realization sunk in. It seemed she was in the middle of punishment for disobeying her mother this afternoon. For her mother to resort to a tactic like this, she must have been enraged by her attitude this afternoon. It was like Su Suyin was trying to tell her not to eat her food unless Li Caiyi apologized or admitted her mistake.

    It was a lie if Li Caiyi said she was unbothered by it. Unlike her father, she had notpletely given up on her mother yet. She believed that her mother was also a victim of the whole situation, and thus, she could not hate her as much. However, being treated like this was still discouraging.

    She could not help but wonder if what she was doing was correct or not, once again.

    Li Caiyi heaved a long sigh,menting why it was so hard to have a normal life. Then, she took some ingredients from the fridge, like eggs, green onion, sausage, and others. She nned to make a te of simple fried rice for herself. Li Caiyi was relieved she learned how to cook after getting married in her previous life. She did not have to wait for her mother to feed her food because she could make it herself.

    Li Caiyi began by slicing the ingredients and cracking the egg. Then she made sure the fire was on medium heat before she poured some cooking oil into the pan and waited until it heated a bit. She dumped the vegetables and stirred them until they cooked. Then, she poured the egg mixture with salt and seasoning into the pan until it became a scrambled egg. After that, she added a rice bowl, soy sauce, some salt, and pepper and stirred it together.

    It did not take much time. Li Caiyi turned off the stove and put the rice onto a te after some pleasant aroma wafted from it. She brought them to the dining table with a ss of water and ate her self-made dinner.

    The taste was not bad at all. She could do better if there were more ingredients, though.

    Li Caiyi was so into eating she did not notice that a figure had crept up behind her.

    "What are you eating?"

    Li Caiyi was so surprised she choked on her rice and coughed violently. She quickly gulped down the water and inhaled a deep breath after she could breathe normally.

    "Brother Jie? Please don''t show up from behind me like that. You scared me."

    "What are you eating? It smells good." Li Junjie tilted his head and noticed what Li Caiyi was eating. "Did Mother make it for you?"

    "No, I made it by myself."

    "You are?" Li Junjie''s brows raised slightly, but it quickly returned to its natural curve. "You gained a lot of new skillstely. It''s a bit unbelievable."

    Li Caiyi did not know whether her brother said that with some suspicion because his expression was too t for her to make out anything, but it''d be better to y safe just in case!<sub> </sub>

    "I learned it for a long time but did not have many chances to try it. I was the one who made this fried rice, but it actually didn''t taste that good."

    "Really?" Li Junjie looked down at the te skeptically. "The smell was delicious, so I came out to check. I thought Mother came back earlier."

    "Did Mother go somewhere?"

    Li Junjie nodded. "Yeah. She went out with Xiaohua after dinner. They said they were going to watch a movie or something. I thought you were going to follow them. Since when did youe back?"

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly. She had always been in her room all this time. Li Junjie rarely came out of his room after he got home, so it was inevitable if he did not know she was at home, but Li Chunhua and Su Suyin clearly knew she was in the house, yet they did not invite her to go with them. On top of that, Su Suyin also did not bother to prepare some food for her before she left.

    It appeared like they were working together to teach her a lesson. Li Caiyi felt ufortable inside, but this resulted from her choice. Even if they came to hate her, there was nothing she could do about that. She had decided that she would not live a miserable life anymore, so they were wrong if they thought they could force her to give up using this method.

    But still, it stung a bit when she knew the truth.

    Li Junjie noticed the sad look on Li Caiyi''s face, and he just knew that something must have happened between the women in the house again. He did not like to get involved in women''s fights because it was such a hassle, so he did not continue talking about this matter and sat on the chair across from Li Caiyi instead.

    "Make a portion for me too, then."

    "Ah?" Li Caiyi was astonished. "But Brother Jie, didn''t you already have dinner before this?"

    "I still have room for a portion. I''m curious about your cooking, so make a te for me, too."

    "Are you sure? The taste is okay, but it may not be to your taste."

    "I know. I won''t expect anything fancy from you. Just do your best to make it."

    Li Caiyi did not know why her brother would suddenly make an arbitrary request like that. However, it was very rare to spend time with her brother alone like this, so Li Caiyi was ted.

    "Got it! I''ll do my best!" Li Caiyi smiled before she walked to the kitchen. She used the leftover ingredients to save time and quickly made another portion of fried rice for her brother.

    In less than 15 minutes, Li Caiyi came back with a warm te of fried rice in her hand. "It''s done! Try it, Brother!"

    Li Junjie looked down at the fried rice in front of him. It did look like a normal, simple fried rice, but why did it smell so delicious? Li Junjie used a spoon to scoop some rice and ate it. Li Caiyi waited for his reaction, feeling a little nervous.

    "It''s pretty good," Li Junjie said honestly before taking more bites of it. Li Caiyi sighed in relief.

    Li Junjie was not lying when he said he could still squeeze in a portion to his belly because he had cleaned his te in a matter of minutes.

 Chapter 74 Li Junjies Thought

    Li Caiyi felt an indescribable sense of aplishment, seeing her brother eat so well. She learned cooking to please Meng Renshu, but the man hardly ate together with her, so Li Caiyi always felt thankful for anyone who appreciated her cooking.

    "Thank god you like it."

    "When did you learn how to cook and to write as well?"

    Li Caiyi pretended to think for a while before answering, "I think since we are in middle school? I was fascinated by a story I read, so I tried to make my own too in secret. The cooking was like that too."

    Li Junjie studied her expression intensely, and Li Caiyi was worried if her brother had seen through her lie.

    "Did you have a fight with Xiaohua and Renshu?"

    Thankfully, he did not probe any further, but her brother seemed to be pretty talkative tonight. He had a lot of questions to ask.

    "Not really. Why do you ask?"

    "I just have that kind of feeling. Renshu looked down these days, and Xiaohua did not cling to you like usual."

    "Is that so? We are just disagreeing, but not to the extent of fighting."

    "Hmm, well, just be careful. Not everyone appreciates changes."

    <o>,m "What about you, Brother Jie? Do you think it''s good for me to change?"</o>

    Li Junjie did not answer immediately. He thought deeply before he replied, "I don''t think my opinion matters here. If you feel happy about it, then do it proudly. If it''s working, then good for you. If it isn''t working, don''t forget that it is your choice."

    It was an answer that did not feel like an answer at all. In the end, Li Junjie had no intention of expressing his opinion about it. She did not know if he was seriously giving her advice or if he simply did not care about it.

    Li Junjie could tell that she was dissatisfied with his answer, so he added, "If you are worried, the only thing I can tell you is that you can''t possibly please everyone, no matter what you do. It''s up to them to ept your change or not, but I don''t think you shouldpromise yourself for others."

    Li Caiyi was stunned.

    That was probably the most sincere line she had ever heard from her brother. Li Caiyi had always admired her capable brother, but she also felt intimidated by his presence. She was always tip-toeing around him because she did not want her brother to think badly of her. If Li Junjie was the brightest star in the sky, then Li Caiyi was just in grass growing on the earth.

    "Brother, do you like the current me better? Or do you prefer me from before?" Li Caiyi nervously asked. She had to be braver if she wanted to stop feeling inferior before her brother. Li Junjie was not the type to take the initiative, so she had to be the one to approach him first.

    "What does it matter? Both versions are you, anyway. Just because you change a bit, that does not make you a different person. Is there any reason for me to dislike my own sister?" Li Junjie raised his brows as if he did not understand why Li Caiyi would even question something so obvious.

    A rigid and unyielding answer. It was so much Li Junjie himself.<sub> </sub>

    A sister. He said that with no hesitation as if he never thought of her as anything but that. He was never ashamed or disgusted by Li Caiyi.

    Ifˇ­ If only Li Caiyi had mustered her courage to have a good talk with her brother in her previous life, would she feel less lonely? Would her brother believe her when she was trying to defend herself?

    Nobody knew the answer. That was precisely why she had to try her best whenever she could. It was not toote now. She could still reach him if she started now.

    Li Caiyi clenched her fist and finally said the question that had constantly been bugging her. "Then why didn''t you ever say anything to me? Whenever Father or Mother chastised me, you would always pretend not to see. You have Father protecting you, and Mother always prioritizing Xiaohua. It was only me who had always been treated differently in this house. I felt like I did not belong here at all. Am I not a part of the Li family, too?"

    She said it! She finallyined in front of her brother! A feat she could never dare to do before. Li Junjie probably was disappointed if he heard her whining, so she always bottled her dissatisfaction within, but now she wanted to be more daring!

    Contrary to her expectation, Li Junjie responded calmly. There was no scorn or disgust in his tone, and he talked like he was stating the obvious. "Because I can''t understand the feeling of desperately trying to earn someone''s affection. I told you, right? What''s important is what you want. If winning Father and Mother''s affection is your method for bing happy, then who am I to intervene? I don''t think it''s necessary."

    "Don''t you feel anything when you see me trying so hard?! It was so hard for me."

    "What do you want me to say? It''s your choice to remain that way, and I only follow along with it. How should I know what you want me to do if you have never told me?"

    Li Caiyi''s mouth hung open at his unbelievable answer. Should she consider his response as mean, cold, or brutally honest? To think that her brother''s indifference toward her all this time was because of this reason, Li Caiyi felt silly for troubling over it now!

    To put it simply, Li Junjie could only process his surroundings like aputer analyzing data. An abstract variable like Li Caiyi''s feeling was never included in his consideration at all! No, it was more like he did not understand what to consider because he was a person who had everything he wanted in his hand.

    She wanted to crack open his skull to see how his mind worked. How could there be a person like this in the world? Li Caiyi could not even get mad at him because all he said was the truth, and how he looked so innocent when he said that as if he was a sinless baby.

    Thinking about it, she had never seen Li Junjie cry or express many emotions before. Knowing him, he probably mechanically concluded that crying is ineffective when solving a problem; thus, he eliminated it from his options.

    Li Caiyi: "....."

    So this was the reason she did not get along well with her brother.

    "Why are you so quiet suddenly?" Li Junjie asked her.

    "No, I was just thinking how sophisticated your way of thinking is, Brother."

    "Is that apliment? I shall thank you, then."

    Li Caiyi suddenly felt everything was so stupid and silly now. Was it because he studied too hard that his brain developed uniquely? Or was it because he was a genius that his way of thinking was extraordinary? People often said there was a thin line between a genius and an idiot; that might be true for her brother.

 Chapter 75 Shao Jingfeis Invitation (1)

    Even when the day had changed, Li Caiyi still could not go over the shock. All those times when she felt inferior and intimidated by Li Junjie felt so distant now. Her brother''s insensitive remark lifted the weight that had constantly been burdening her chest, just like that.

    Li Caiyi realized she did not know much about Li Junjie and only feared the version of him within her mind all this time.

    As expected, nothing could be changed if she did not dare to confront the problem head-on. Li Caiyi swore she would never make the same mistake anymore.

    She was currently in the school''s library, continuing her manuscript from where she left off yesterday. Even after having a serious conversation with her, Li Junjie''s attitude did not change. He acted like the conversation between them did not happen at all. It seemed like nothing in this world could move him at all.

    Li Caiyi felt sorry for her brother''s fans and his future wife.

    "Li Caiyi."

    Her movement halted when she heard someone calling her. "Yes?" She said as she looked up.

    Dai Zhiqiang was standing in front of her, with a stack of books in his hands. "I have collected all books that fit into your criteria. I''ll put it down here."

    "Oh, thank you so much! That must be hard, looking for these all by yourself."

    "Not really. This is my job, so I was used to it."

    That kind of rigid and sinct speech was very simr to her brother. Li Caiyi did not know if she should feelforted or disturbed by it.

    "How is your writing doing?" Dai Zhiqiang slowly took a seat across from Li Caiyi. The library was not that crowded, so it should be fine if he left his post for a bit. He also wanted to talk to her more.

    "It''s going well so far! I meet a minor problem here and there, but I had so much fun making it!" Li Caiyi smiled radiantly. Her eyes twinkled like a bright star, and her happiness unknowingly brought a faint smile to Dai Zhiqiang''s stony face.

    "That''s good to hear. You have worked hard."

    Li Caiyi did not expect to get a smile from him. It was only for a moment, but he looked one hundred times more attractive, smiling like that. She guessed that Dai Zhiqiang was opening up to her, which doubled her joy.

    "Yesterday, I was feeling down and could write nothing, but Shenqiang cheered me up by sending me a photo of his drawing. It was so cute! Do you want to see it too?" Li Caiyi quickly pulled out her phone to show Dai Zhiqiang the picture.

    Actually, Dai Zhiqiang had already seen the picture. How could he not when he stayed by his brother''s side almost all the time? However, seeing her enthusiastic state, he did not stop her.

    "Look! This one!" Li Caiyi leaned forward so Dai Zhiqiang could have a better look without realizing that her face was so close to his right now. His breath hitched in his throat as he gazed at her close-up face, totally ignoring her rambling about the picture.

    She had a pair of big eyes and thin lips. The sunlight shone through the window and basked her skin and pinkish cheeks, which colors reminded him of peach. Her ears were small and cute, and her long ck hair, which looked so soft to touch, cascaded through her shoulder and covered her chest as she leaned down. Her eyshes were long and looked like a feather as they fluttered when she blinked.

    Being so close to her, Dai Zhiqiang could faintly smell a freshvender scent from her, which was feminine but not too overpowering. It made his head dizzy with infatuation, and his eyes darkened.

    Li Caiyi was so close, he only needed to push his head a bit, and he could take a bite of that supple and delicious-looking cheek.

    "And that is the story!" Li Caiyi looked up after she finished exining. Only then did she realize she was so close to Dai Zhiqiang. Her cheeks immediately heated in embarrassment. "I-I''m sorry!"

    Li Caiyi was about to pull back to gain some distance between them, but Dai Zhiqiang held her by her hand, which was holding the phone. He gazed at Li Caiyi so intensely she had trouble breathing.<sub> </sub>

    "I haven''t seen enough yet. Show me more." He said, which strangely sounded sultry in her ears. His eyes never left her, even for a second. From the way he talked, it did not seem he was talking about the picture.

    Li Caiyi felt she could get lost inside those ck eyes, which looked darker than the night, and she could hear her heart thumping in her chest. Everything suddenly became still to her, and Li Caiyi could see nothing but him. It was like she was hypnotized.

    What was this weird feeling she was having?

    "There you are!"

    Until a voice snapped them out of their trance.

    Li Caiyi subconsciously retracted her hand in a fluster, while Dai Zhiqiang secretly felt regretful it ended so quickly.

    Li Caiyi turned her head to the voice source and found Shao Jingfei, who walked over to her with a wide grin while waving his hand at her.

    "I have been looking for you everywhere!" He said in a hushed but excited tone.

    "Shao Jingfei? Why are you looking for me?"

    "I want to talk to you about something important!" Shao Jingfei pulled a chair beside her and plopped on it.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes narrowed down in vignce. Who was this overly friendly person? Was he another friend of Li Caiyi?

    Feeling a hostile gaze on him, Shao Jingfei turned his head, and his eyes met with Dai Zhiqiang''s fierce one. His countenance turned awkward in a second.

    "Uh, am I interrupting something? Sorry about that."

    Li Caiyi, who was embarrassed, hastily replied, "N-no, you did not interrupt anything! Tell me, why did you look for me?"

    "Oh? Are you sure?" Shao Jingfei nced at Dai Zhiqiang doubtfully, but under Li Caiyi''s insistence, he eventually asked her, "Li Caiyi, are you interested in signing a contract under Glorious Dayspany?"

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

    She thought about signing up her book to be published, but she did not foresee that apany would approach her first! Not to mention, it was Shao Jingfei from Glorious Dayspany and no one else. It was a huge opportunity that did note twice in her life.

    However, she decided to be more careful here. She had learned her lesson not to trust businessmen so easily. Although he trusted Shao Jingfei, she had yet to trust the Glorious Days Company.

    "Why would you want to sign me up in yourpany? I''m just a newbie author with a minimum achievement."

    Shao Jingfei moved his index finger around. "Wrong, wrong. It was not thepany who wanted to sign a contract with you, but it was I who wished for it. And my wish is equal to thepany''s benefit, so you can rest assured because I''m the strongest ally you can get!"

    Li Caiyi did not understand a thing he said.

 Chapter 76 Shao Jingfeis Invitation (2)

    Shao Jingfei could tell Li Caiyi did not understand him, so he exined. "To recognize unpolished and hidden gems in writing is my greatest talent. Ourpany was the one who sponsored thatpetition you joinedst time. I have read the manuscript you submitted, and I liked it. As long as it''s me who rmends you, my brother will never disapprove of it. I can be your editor and advisor, so take my hand right now!"

    Shao Jingfei sped Li Caiyi''s hand with sparkling eyes. "I like your work very much, and I want to be the person who makes your talent soar in the sky! Please allow me to do that!"

    It shocked Li Caiyi because Shao Jingfei suddenly grabbed her. However, before she could respond, their interlocked hands were pried open by another hand. That hand belonged to the boy with a darkened face sitting across from her.

    Dai Zhiqiang was not amused by this at all. It was okay if he wanted to talk, but why did he have to grab her hand as well? Li Caiyi might be ufortable by that, but this person was just grinning like an idiot. He did not like Shao Jingfei at all.

    Shao Jingfei could also feel Dai Zhiqiang''s animosity towards him, so he leaned in to whisper to Li Caiyi. "Hey, is this guy your boyfriend or something? He looked terrifying!"

    "H-he is not my boyfriend," Li Caiyi replied in a fluster. She hoped Dai Zhiqiang did not hear that.

    Unfortunately for her, Dai Zhiqiang might not hear what they said, but his eyes worked perfectly fine. He saw how Shao Jingfei leaned on her and whispered something, and Li Caiyi suddenly turned bashful. Dai Zhiqiang hated Shao Jingfei even more because of this.

    "Anyway, think about my offer. If you are interested, you can call me. Oh yeah, we did not have each other''s contact. Let''s trade ours now." Shao Jingfei''s movement was faster than his words. "Give me your Wechat ID."

    Li Caiyi hurriedly pulled out her phone, and Shao Jingfei swiftly added himself to her contact list. "Done! I don''t understand the contract''s trivial details, so I can''t exin now. But, if you are interested in knowing more, please get in touch with me. Then, I have to go now because I''m busy. See you!"

    Shao Jingfei did not wait for her response and walked out of the library without looking back. He left as suddenly as he came, like a typhoon. He was so carefree that Li Caiyi had trouble keeping up with his pace.

    "Are you okay?" Dai Zhiqiang noticed her listless state and asked with concern.

    "Huh? Oh, I''m fine! The news just hasn''t fully registered yet for me because it was so sudden." Li Caiyi grinned sheepishly. "By the way, did something happen? You looked upset earlier."

    Dai Zhiqiang flinched at that. "Nothing. I saw you looked ufortable, so I helped you to shake his hand off, that''s all."

    "I see. Thanks for that. I was indeed a bit overwhelmed by him." Li Caiyi sheepishly scratched her cheek.

    "You should tell him off. He will do the same and take advantage of you in the future if you don''t make it clear to him."

    What he said was true, but he did not have to put it like that. He made Shao Jingfei sound like an indecent person.

    Li Caiyi did not know why Dai Zhiqiang sounded annoyed. It was she who felt ufortable, but why did he react so strongly like that? Did he dislike Shao Jingfei, by chance?

    "Well, I''ll be careful next time," Li Caiyi thought it was for the best to go along with it for now. Dai Zhiqiang seemed like he was in a bad mood.

    "Good," Dai Zhiqiang nodded in satisfaction before he bitterly added in a small voice, "You said you like my brother, right? Then you should be careful not to get too close to another man."<sub> </sub>

    "I''m sorry I can''t hear you. What did you just say?"

    "Nothing. I have to return to my post now. Youˇ­ Good luck with your writing."

    "Thanks! Let''s go to the hospital together after this. Today will be the day Shenqiang gets discharged, so let''s buy a wee home gift too as well!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart turned sour, but he could say nothing. "Yes, let''s do that."

    ***

    After the ss ended, Li Caiyi waited for Dai Zhiqiang in the library as usual. Then, they would meet up and go to the hospital together.

    That was the nˇ­

    Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang were walking when he paused in his tracks with a grim face. His eyes narrowed down with a dangerous glint in them, and sensing something was wrong, Li Caiyi stopped as well.

    Dai Zhiqiang could clearly see figures of those burly men wearing gold essories from where he stood. They came to him so fast after causing so much injury to his brother. He clenched his hand into a fist, but a soft voice beside him pulled him out of his dark thoughts.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, what''s wrong?" Li Caiyi asked him worriedly.

    "Ssh, don''t speak. Come with me quickly," Dai Zhiqiang sped her hand, then ran to the nearest narrow alley. He walked so fast that Li Caiyi was stumbling a few times, but she did not dare make any noise. Just from looking at Dai Zhiqiang''s grave face, she could tell that something must have alerted him.

    Dai Zhiqiang had expected this, but to think those loan sharks would be so daring to lurk around their school, they must not have been afraid ofw anymore. If it were any other day, he would just confront them head-on, but today he got Li Caiyi with him, and he would not let any harme to her while he was watching.

    He knew these mouse paths like the back of his hand, so although they needed to run for a while, it did not take a long time before those loan sharks lost track of them.

    Li Caiyi did not utter a single word throughout all of that. She was just silently following him with her warm and soft hand, sping his hand tightly, putting her trust in him. Dai Zhiqiang was grateful she was so calm in this situation. He would not know what to do if she got panicked and found out by those loan sharks.

    <o>,m After they finally arrived on the main street, Dai Zhiqiang finally sighed in relief. He looked back and found the girl he was holding onto all this time was bending her upper body while panting. Beads of sweat were forming on her temple, and she looked exhausted. However, her grip on his hand was not loosened at all.</o>

    Dai Zhiqiang knew this was not the time for this, but looking down at their interlocking hands, he could not help but feel his heart swelled with inexplicable emotion.

    It reminded him of the first time he met Li Caiyi.

 Chapter 77 His First Meeting With Li Caiyi (1)

    <<shback to the Fall of Two Years Ago>>

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at his phone screen seriously. Sitting with him at the dining table, Dai Shenqiang and Dai Heng appeared nervous as well, as they yed with the ss of warm honey tea in their hand.

    "How is it, Brother? Did you make it?" Dai Shenqiang asked him for the nth time that day.

    S International High School was a prestigious school that everyone looked up to. Dai Zhiqiang was his older brother he was proud of, and that brother of his was applying for the schrship program in that school. Knowing how smart his brother was, Dai Shenqiang believed he could get epted with no problem. However, because of their father, he could not help but feel restless.

    Beside him, Dai Heng looked like he could age faster just from the suspense. How wonderful would it be if his eldest son could go to an excellent school like that?

    He had always felt bad for his eldest son because he could not provide him with the best education, but Dai Zhiqiang neverined and had always been self-sufficient since he was a child. Even with their financial shorings, he boldly dered that he could get a schrship just to ease Dai Heng''s mind and burden. For him, Dai Zhiqiang was his precious and proud son.

    "How is it, Zhi?" Dai Heng wished that his eldest son could get epted, not because he hoped for the schrship benefit, but because he wanted his son to get the best education for himself.

    Unlike the two who were jittery, Dai Zhiqiang was perfectly calm as he refreshed the school''s website once more. His eyes revealed no ripple of emotion as the list of epted students had finally been uploaded.

    He opened the tab for schrship students, and he found his name on top of the list. There was no need to scroll down further. A faint smile crept on his lips.

    Dai Shenqiang knew what that subtle reaction meant, and his face immediately lit up. "Brother! Did you get epted?"

    "Yeah."

    "Heaven is helping us! Thank goodness! I''m so happy for you, my son!" Dai Heng was so happy tears were forming in the corner of his eyes. He walked over and patted Dai Zhiqiang on his shoulder. "I''m so proud of you. I''m very sorry I could do nothing for youˇ­."

    "Father." Dai Zhiqiang cut his sentence and gripped the hand on his shoulder firmly. "You have done a lot for me, so please don''t say that. I promised you I would give you a leisurely retirement life, didn''t I? This is just the beginning of that. If you constantly feel bad about it, I will feel upset."

    Dai Heng was so touched that he could not hold back his tears. He was just an ordinary and soft-hearted man. His earnings were low, but he was always content with his life.

    He thought there was nothing wrong with their life; that was why he did not suspect that his wife would cheat on him. When he found out the truth, he was devastated and almost gave up on everything, but he could not leave his two sons behind.

    His sons had grown up into admirable people in the blink of an eye. There was a limit on what he could do for them because he did not earn much from his job, so he had always felt sad for them and angry at himself for being a useless father.

    However, his eldest son''s solemn promise reached deep into his heart. He felt like everything that happened was worth it, and he would regret nothing as long as he could see his sons grow up, make a family on their own, and live happily ever after.

    "Thank you, Zhi." Dai Heng''s voice trembled as he said that.

    Dai Shenqiang could not stand the sappy atmosphere and jokingly said, "Father, you cried as if you were the one who got epted. Brother did not even flinch, but here you are crying a river. The house will get flooded!"

    "This is happy tears, one that I did not feel ashamed to show you at all!" Dai Heng smiled while wiping his tears. "Forget about that! Today we will not eat at home. Let''s eat something nice outside!"

    "Yay! I want to eat steak!" Dai Shenqiang immediately went on board with the suggestion.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Heng puffed out his chest and tapped it proudly. "Just say whatever you want to eat. Father will buy it for you tonight! This is to celebrate Zhi''s getting epted to a famous school."

    "Father, you don''t have toˇŞ"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s words were interrupted with his brother''s nudge on his rib. While Dai Heng was still blissfully talking about a few good restaurants out there, Dai Shenqiang whispered to his slow-witted older brother.

    "Stupid! If you refuse now, you will only make Father feel bad. He just wants to do something nice for you, so just go along with it!"

    Dai Zhiqiang thought it was a waste of money to eat outside over a simple thing like this. However, when he saw the joyful look on his father''s face, he could not bring himself to refuse it.

    In the end, the family of three went to an affordable steak restaurant to have dinner at Dai Shenqiang''s suggestion. The steak was not that delicious because it was the cheap one, but Dai Zhiqiang would never forget the warmth he felt in his heart at that time.

    ***

    However, on the day of the entrance ceremony, Dai Heng hurt himself by falling on the kitchen, causing the te in his hand to fall and crash onto the floor.

    Dai Shenqiang had already gone to his school, so only Dai Heng and Dai Zhiqiang were at the house.

    "Father, are you okay?!" Dai Zhiqiang rushed over to his crouching father and asked worriedly.

    Dai Heng''s face was pale, but he forced himself to smile. "I''m fine. I just slipped a bit, so you should go now, Zhi. It''s your first day at your new school. Don''t bete on such an important day."

    "No, it''s fine. There would be only a ceremony, after all. It''s fine if I don''t go today." Dai Zhiqiang helped his father sit on the chair and fetched a ss of warm water for him.

    Dai Heng received it and took a sip before he said, "Don''t be like that. Studying is important, but making friends is also important. If you miss the first day, you will miss the chance to know your ssmate. Besides, don''t you have a speech to do?"

    "Father, how do you know that?"

    He chuckled. "Don''t me your brother. Because you never told me anything, I have to ask Shen sometimes about your situation." Then, he said without anger in his voice. "You rascal! How could you not tell your father about something big as this?"

    "I justˇ­. think it was not such a big deal. It was just a formal speech to show the school''s generosity to the public. Nothing extravagant of the sort."

    "You are as stiff as always," Dai Heng chuckled. "Learn to be more flexible, like your brother. You would never know. Perhaps something good will happen if you go to school now. It''s okay if you fail but never miss a chance. It''s better to fail rather than do nothing than regret it afterward."

    "But I can''t leave you in the house like this. You don''t look very well, Father."

    "Don''t worry about me. I told you I just slipped, didn''t I? You worried too much. Just go already."

    Dai Heng reassured his son many times until Dai Zhiqiang finally relented. He promised to go home as soon as possible and looked back many times before going out of the house.

 Chapter 78 His First Meeting With Li Caiyi (2)

    Dai Zhiqiang did not understand why his father would be so adamant about making him go to school because the entrance ceremony went boringly. As expected, he should not have left his father on his own. Dai Heng''s face looked pale when he left. His father was probably sick.

    Dai Zhiqiang gave his speech as nned and was restless for the rest of the ceremony. Why did this ceremony take so long to finish? It was not like anyone paid attention to it, anyway. Heined in his heart, but he also tried to reassure himself that he probably worried too much. Dai Heng would scold him if he returned so fast, so he doubled his patience until the ceremony ended.

    After the ceremony, there should be a first homeroom after this, but Dai Zhiqiang did not want to waste any more time. He grabbed his bag and half-ran to the entrance gate. Dai Zhiqiang did not know why, but he could not sit still if he remembered his father''s weak smile this morning. He''d better go home fast to check on his father.

    Dai Zhiqiang was in such a hurry that he did not pay attention to where he was going and identally bumped into one of the male students walking in the hallway.

    "Sorry," Dai Zhiqiang said briefly before he turned away. However, the male students stopped him by his shoulder.

    "Wait a second. You had some nerve to bump into us and thought you could get away with it."

    "Based on your tie, aren''t you the first year? It seems we have to teach a new first-year who did not know the way of the world some lesson."

    Dai Zhiqiang did not have time for this. He had been impatient and on his edge all morning, and these guys just had to make the matter worse for him. His eyes darkened dangerously.

    He noticed there were four of them. If he wanted to take care of them, he could not possibly do that without causing amotion. It would be good if he were just a regr student here, but he was here under a schrship program. One slight mistake, and his schrship might be revoked.

    Dai Zhiqiang quickly analyzed the situation and concluded he would be in a disadvantageous position if he got into a fight here. So he calmed himself down before he said, "I apologize for bumping into you. I was in a hurry because my dad was sick at home, so if you''ll excuse me," Dai Zhiqiang said politely.

    "You think an apology is enough?!"

    "Kneel down and beg for forgiveness, or pay for thepensation fee, then we''ll let you go!"

    The four seniors snickered at him. Dai Zhiqiang knew talking with these people was useless, but he did not have any choice but to take a diplomatic route now.

    "Then, let''s talk about how I canpensate you tomorrow. Don''t worry, I won''t run away. I''ll give you my number too if you don''t believe me," Dai Zhiqiang said. He would have more time to ''deal'' with these delinquents if it were tomorrow.

    "Ah? What makes you think you have the right to negotiate here? We didn''t care about your situation! Kneel down if you can''t pay us!"

    "Wait, I remember him! Isn''t he the guy who gave a speech representing the schrship students during the entrance ceremony?"

    "Man, so he is a poor guy? He is so poor he got epted with mercy, yet he lied through his teeth aboutpensating us. If you are poor, then you should have said so! Why bother putting a tough front?"

    "As expected, you should kneel and beg for forgiveness now. I''m sure you also lied about your sick dad, but that''s okay. Ain''t no use for poor and useless dad, anyway."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s veins bulged out in anger. He was so close to snap right now, and he could just imagine the color red before his eyes. He could stand it if these guys insult him, but the only thing people will get from insulting his father is a brutal beating!

    "E-excuse me!"

    After hearing a voice beside them, Dai Zhiqiang and the four upperssmen stopped talking. A girl wearing a gray jacket and a pair of sses stood there. She had long ck hair tied to the back, and he looked at them with a worried expression.

    "Huh? What do you want, girl?!" One of the upperssmen yelled at her. She flinched in shock, but although her body shivered in fright ever so slightly, she did not run away.<sub> </sub>

    "The-the teacher asked me to find him and take him to the ss." The girl ran over to Dai Zhiqiang and tugged on his sleeve. "ssmate, let''s go now, or the homeroom can''t get started!"

    "Wait a minute! We have not finished talking with this guy yet! Scram, you ugly sses!"

    However, one of the upperssmen pped the guy who had just talked in the head. His eyes bulged out in disbelief. "Shut your mouth! Let''s just go!"

    The guy who just got pped in the head whined aggrievedly. "Why are you hitting me, big bro?"

    "Say nothing more, and let''s go! You can''t afford to offend that girl!" the third-year student who seemed to be their leader whispered harshly to his stupid junior. He could tell from a nce who this girl was because they came from the same middle school. The girl itself was a nobody, but the one protecting her was not one they could mess with!

    The third-year student couldn''t care less about Dai Zhiqiang anymore because his life was more important! He quickly urged his junior to follow him, leaving Dai Zhiqiang and the girl behind.

    The girl visibly heaved a sigh of relief before she turned to him worriedly. "A-Are you okay?"

    "Yes, I''m fine. Did the teacher really look for me?"

    The girl shook her head. "N-no. I lied about that."

    Dai Zhiqiang had expected that, so it did not surprise him at all. "I see. Thank you for your help back then."

    She lowered her head, not daring to look him in the eyes. "I-I saw you were in trouble. T-those upperssmen looked scary, s-so I thought I should h-help."

    The girl stuttered in her speech, and her voice was almost inaudible. Dai Zhiqiang was grateful to her and did not want to act rude, but he really did not have time to chat.

    "I''m grateful for your help. I''m sorry, but I''m in a hurry right now. Let''s talkter, okay?"

    "O-oh, wait!" The girl moved forward, and something warm suddenly pressed on his hand. He looked down and found that the girl had shoved a packet of hand warmers to his hand. Dai Zhiqiang was so surprised he unknowingly gripped the hand warmer out of instinct.

    The girl raised her head slightly and gave him a reserved and gentle smile. "I-I thought your hand looked cold, so y-you can take it. I h-hope your father can get well soon. Um, c-cheer up."

    After that, her face flushed in embarrassment before she muttered a goodbye and left in a hurry. Dai Zhiqiang still could not process everything in his mind as he looked at the girl''s diminishing figure. His hand, which held the hand warmer, felt warm andfortable. That warmth spread from the tip of his finger to his whole body.

    For some reason, he could not get the girl''s gentle smile out of his head, and simultaneously, he suddenly remembered what his father had told him this morning.

    ''You would never know. Perhaps something good will happen if you go to school.''

    He did not know if being harassed by the upperssmen on the first day of school was a good thing or not, but his meeting with that girl was certainly not bad at all.

    Dai Zhiqiang silently pocketed the hand warmer, feeling that his face was warming up more than his hand.

 Chapter 79 Debt

    He found his father curling down on the floor with a painful face when he got home. His bad premonition became a reality.

    Dai Zhiqiang hurriedly called an ambnce and informed his brother about it. On that day, he also learned about his father''s condition.

    Dai Zhiqiang felt numb. Sadness, anger, shock were mixed within him. His state of mind was inplete chaos.

    Every bit of his happiness was forgotten, and his mind was full of the matter about his father. After that, everything escted to a worse turn, and he somehow got his family in debt.

    It surprised him to find the girl who had helped him before was in the same ss as him when the ss started. However, as he approached her, she realized that the girl in his ss was her twin sister and not the girl who gave him a hand warmer. No wonder the vibe they gave off was so different.

    Dai Zhiqiang asked his ssmate, Li Chunhua, to send the girl his regards and thanks, but it did not seem that the girl remembered him at all, considering she never looked for him even once after that. Even Li Chunhua said so, so Dai Zhiqiang gave up quickly.

    Looking at their status, inevitably, the girl would have forgotten about Dai Zhiqiang. She was a daughter from a prestigious family, while he was just a nobody. Her siblings and childhood friend were the school celebrities and had a promising future ahead of them, while he did not even know what he would be in the future, with how messy his family situation was.

    Time passed without him having enough courage to call out to that girl until that day when the girl approached him again first. She gave him candy with the same gentle smile on her face, and at that time, Dai Zhiqiang knew he wanted her to always smile at him like that.

    He hadpletely fallen for her.

    ***

    "Dai Zhiqiang? Is everything okay now?" Li Caiyi looked up at Dai Zhiqiang''s arm and asked carefully. They had been standing still for a while now. Li Caiyi wondered if they should hide themselves in a cafe for a bit.

    Dai Zhiqiang broke out from his daydreaming and shook his head. "No, I think it''s okay now."

    "Did you see those loan sharks again?"

    "Yeah. They were waiting for me on the road where I usually passed by."

    "That''s disturbing. Are you going to be okay from now on?" Li Caiyi asked with a worried expression, and Dai Zhiqiang was happy because of her concern.

    "I should be okay if I acted carefully like today. I''m sorry we drag you into this, though. Those loan sharks might target you as well if they know you are hanging around us."<sub> </sub>

    "Don''t mind me. I''m more worried about you and Shenqiang." Li Caiyi hesitated a bit before she finally asked. "It might be rude of me to ask this, but I want to help you. Can you tell me how much debt you owe to those people?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face turned bitter as if he was forced to chew on a medicine pill. He looked at Li Caiyi gloomily. "You might not want to know. I''m grateful for your kind intention, but this is my family''s matter. You don''t have to worry about it."

    Li Caiyi could not help but feel heartache for the brothers. They were still so young, but they had to live their life getting chased by those people from now on. Only God knew how many dangers they would face from now on.

    Shen Qiang said he did not have any family members left in her previous life. Didn''t that mean Dai Zhiqiang presumably had gone at that point? If yes, what if those loan sharks were the cause of it?

    Li Caiyi was very anxious, yet he did not let her help. They did not know each other for long, but Li Caiyi would not just sit by and let anything happen to Dai Zhiqiang. She was not worried only because he was Dai Shenqiang''s brother, but because she sincerely considered Dai Zhiqiang as her friend.

    "How can I not worry? You guys are still students. What can you do against those people? Don''t endure the burden yourself and let people help you. Can''t you see I''m very worried?" Li Caiyi''s grip tightened. Amid her overwhelmed emotion, she did not notice they were still holding hands.

    Dai Zhiqiang, of course, did not mind this at all. In fact, he was enjoying this. Nevertheless, he fell into a deep silence when he saw Li Caiyi''s upset look.

    "But you are also a student. Even if you want to help, there''s not much you can do," Dai Zhiqiang said helplessly as if trying to reason with an unreasonable kid. "If you are thinking of asking your family to help us, then don''t. I''m happy you care so much for us, but that isn''t the way to do it. Don''t worry, I will think of something to settle this."

    Li Caiyi wanted to argue, but Dai Zhiqiang was right. The way she was now, even if she was an adult inside, she had no money or influence she could use to help them. Trying to help them blindly would only add to their burden, so Li Caiyi chose to retreat a step for today.

    "I understand. But how much is your debt? It''s fine if you just tell me the amount, right? I promise I won''t try anything without your permission. I''m just curious. You can tell me that much, right?"

    p Dai Zhiqiang had aplicated expression on his face. He hesitated, and Li Caiyi had to persuade him for some time until he finally sighed in defeat.</anda>

    "400.000 yuan." Dai Zhiqiang muttered in a low voice, but Li Caiyi could hear it clearly. She blinked a few times before the reality dawned on her.

    She had expected it to be around 100.000 or 200.000 but never had she expected that the amount would be double or triple that. No wonder those loan sharks did not let the brothers go.

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words.

 Chapter 80 Realization

    When Li Caiyi recovered from the shock after hearing an astronomical amount of debt, she realized she was still holding Dai Zhiqiang''s hand. Feeling embarrassed, she slowly retracted her hand. She scratched his cheek awkwardly.

    "Thanks for telling me that. Shall we go now? Shenqiang must have been waiting for us."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt something was missing as soon as their hand separated. It was a shame it ended so fast, but he did not show it on his face. "You''re right. Let''s go."

    In case they bumped into those loan sharks again, Li Caiyi stopped a cab for them. Dai Zhiqiang refused initially, but he relented after Li Caiyi adamantly insisted on the name of safety.

    When they arrived at the hospital, Dai Shenqiang was waiting for them while sitting on the edge of the bed. When he saw the two of them, he pouted. "What takes you so long? I have been waiting for hours here!"

    "We are already here, aren''t we? I will do the discharge procedure. You wait here." Dai Zhiqiang said before he went out of the room.

    Dai Shenqiang squinted his eyes suspiciously. "Caiyi, did something happen? My brother was more impatient than usual today."

    Li Caiyi could not tell what the difference was at all. She felt like Dai Zhiqiang was behaving like usual. However, if Dai Shenqiang said that, it must have been valid to some extent. They were brothers, after all.

    She felt like it did not seem good to tell Dai Shenqiang about those loan sharks, considering what they had done to him. Besides, Dai Zhiqiang also had not mentioned anything about it to him just now, so she should not run her mouth carelessly, either.

    "There was some kind of student assembly after school, so the school finishedter. We rushed here as soon as we could after it finished, though."

    "Really? What kind of assembly?"

    "I forgot. It was not interesting, so I did not pay attention."

    "Hmm," Dai Shenqiang let out a suspicious hum but fortunately did not pursue the matter further. "Well, never mind. Do you have some time after this? Why don''t youe to our house? I have plenty of other drawings in my house. You can even take some if you like it!"

    Li Caiyi perked up at the idea of visiting the space where Dai Shenqiang grew up. Excitement rushed through her body. "Can I really? I''d love to go, but what if your brother disagrees?"

    Dai Shenqiang giggled. "There''s no way he will disagree if it''s you."

    "Huh?"

    Dai Shenqiangughed at her reaction, which made Li Caiyi more confused. "You want some candy? I have some here."

    "Sure."

    Dai Shenqiang put some candies in Li Caiyi''s hand, and she somehow was not surprised they were all mint-vored. He sure liked his mint.

    This brand was very familiar. She also got some from a young man not so long ago, if she was not mistaken.

    A sh of memory ran through her mind for a second, and it got her frozen in her ce. Wait a minute.

    "Hey, Shenqiang, did you always have these candies in your possession?"<sub> </sub>

    "I guess so? I liked them quite a lot, so I always bought them if I had a chance."

    "Really? Then, are you perhapsˇŞ"

    Then, the door was opened, and the sound cut Li Caiyi''s words in the middle. Dai Zhiqiang came in with a paper in his hand. "I had finished the procedure. We can go now."

    "Oh, Brother! Do you mind if we invite Caiyi to our house after this?" Dai Shenqiang asked him immediately.

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned when he heard that. He could not believe his little brother had just asked her toe to their shabby house. Not to mention, Dai Zhiqiang had been busy these days studying, working, and taking care of his father and brother in the hospital simultaneously, so he did not have the time to clean the house.

    Li Caiyi came from a wealthy family, so Dai Zhiqiang was reluctant to let her see their poor lifestyle. Although he knew Li Caiyi was not the kind of person to mind such a thing, he minded it! He could not possibly let here to his messy house, at least not until he cleaned around the house first.

    "Let''s not do that today," Dai Zhiqiang said, and Li Caiyi''s hopeful expression dimmed at once.

    "Don''t say that, Brother. She had saved my life! Shouldn''t we at least treat her to a meal at our house?"

    "I didn''t say she can''te, and I was just saying today is not a good day."

    "What''s wrong with today?" Dai Shenqiang asked confusedly.

    "I did not have much time to clean our house these days, so it''s very dirty and messy right now. Do you intend to invite a guest to such an unkempt ce?"

    "Ughˇ­ Not really," Dai Shenqiang grinned sheepishly.

    Li Caiyi, who heard their conversation, chimed in. "It''s not a problem at all! In fact, I can help you clean your house as well. Isn''t it good to have an extra hand to help you?"

    "What? How can we let the guestˇŞ"

    "It''s okay! I wille as a friend and not a guest, so you don''t have to be mindful of me. Besides, Shenqiang''s hand is still hurting, and it will be so much work for you to do everything alone. Don''t worry, I''m confident about my cleaning skills. I assure you I can be a help."

    Dai Zhiqiang did not understand why Li Caiyi was so enthusiastic about cleaning other people''s houses. He wanted to invite her to thank her for all her help these times, not cleaning the house.

    "Just let here, Brother! I promised her I would let her take a look at my drawings. Please?"

    ? Dai Zhiqiang sighed in exasperation. "Fine, then. Don''te crying to meter."

    "Yay!" Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang made a high-five while grinning widely.

    Soon, she would see the environment where her beloved grew up. She was looking forward to it!

 Chapter 81 Visiting Dai Familys House (1)

    The Dai Family''s house was located on the south side of the city. It was pretty far from S International High School and the hospital, so they had to take the subway. Thankfully, it was not that crowded around that time, so the trip was pretty great.

    Li Caiyi hade to this area a few times to apany Meng Renshu at business parties or such, but she never had a chance to explore it before. She took in the surrounding sight curiously. Maybe because this ce was a bit far from the center of the city, but the ambiance was slightly different. It looked less busy and quieter here.

    Dai family''s house was not far from the subway station, so the Dai brothers refused Li Caiyi''s idea to take a cab and walked instead. Well, Li Caiyi did not mind either way, so she happily obliged.

    After walking for about fifteen minutes, they finally arrived at a small house painted with a grayish-blue color. No, it would be more urate to say that they painted the house with a light blue color, but the color faded as time passed.

    "This is our house. It might be small, but it''s still a good ce." Dai Shenqiang cheered as if he had been liberated from everything. "Come on in, Caiyi!"

    "There''s no need to rush. Watch your injured hand," Dai Zhiqiang reprimanded him lightly.

    "I''m sorry to intrude," Li Caiyi said. Dai Shenqiang gave her a brief tour of their house as soon as she came in.

    The interior was pretty nice. Although it was not that spacious, the furniture was arranged efficiently, so it did not take too much space. It made the room appear wider than the original.

    When she entered, there was a living room in front of her. On the deeper side, there was a kitchen and dining table. These rooms used the same space and did not separate by a wall. The bedrooms, bathroom, and toilet were on the right side of the other room. Although the wall and floor looked old, it was clear that the people living in it took good care of it.

    Li Caiyi had to say this house looked much better than she initially thought. She was expecting a dpidated house, judging by how reluctant Dai Zhiqiang was to let here, but that was not the case at all.

    It was not the most fantastic house, but it was decent and overall a lovely ce to live, with enough windows to let plenty of the sunlight shine through the room. There was a backyard where they could hang their clothes and nt some vegetables.

    Many pictures were hanging on the wall. Most of it was pictures of the boys. It was a house with a clear sign of a happy family living in it.

    Li Caiyi recalled Shen Qiang''s apartment, and the contrast could not be more apparent. He used to have a family who was precious to him. However, he did not even bother to decorate or take care of himself after he lost them. Her heart squeezed painfully.

    "Li Caiyi, sit down first. You don''t have to do anything." Dai Zhiqiang said.

    Li Caiyi looked around and saw how the dish had been piled up on the sink, a mountain of clothes was piling on the couch, and other misceneous things could be found scattered on top of the dining table. There were also lots of trash bags in the kitchen corner, and dust was everywhere.

    It was indeed a bit dirty like he said.

    She chuckled. "It''s okay, you don''t have to be so reserved. We''re friends, right? Let''s help each other more from now on." Li Caiyi patted him on the shoulder while giving him a reassuring smile. "I''ll start with the dish, and you can sit while folding the clothes. You must have been tired doing everything by yourself, so you can rx now."

    Dai Shenqiang grinned when he heard that. "Thanks a lot, Caiyi. You are such a lifesaver!"

    He ignored his older brother''s re and went to the toilet instead. Dai Zhiqiang was left alone with piles of clothes. He nced at Li Caiyi, who was currently folding her sleeves, and almost could not believe that Li Caiyi was here, in their humble house. She was like a delicate flower growing in the pile of a trash can. It healed his tired eyes just from looking at her lovely figure.

    "Hm?" Li Caiyi noticed someone was staring at her. When she looked up, Dai Zhiqiang was gazing at her intensely. "What''s wrong, Dai Zhiqiang?"

    "You can call me by my given name, just like how you called my brother."

    Li Caiyi was astonished. She hoped she could get closer to Dai Shenqiang''s family, but she did not expect the opportunity toe so fast. Of course, she felt thrilled by it.

    "Please call me Caiyi from now on as well, Zhiqiang!"

    Dai Zhiqiang felt attacked by her radiant smile, so he quickly avoided her gaze and plopped down on the couch. His hand folded the clothes one by one, but he would secretly sneak a peek at the girl from time to time.

    Nobody said a word. By now, Li Caiyi had gotten used to his reclusive behavior, so she did not feel awkward around him anymore. On the contrary, she felt the clumsy Dai Zhiqiang, who could not express himself well, was pretty cute.

    When Dai Shenqiang came out of the toilet, he saw how his brother and Li Caiyi worked in silence in their respective station, but both had smiles adorning their faces. The boy sighed inwardly, feeling a bit helpless about these two.<sub> </sub>

    It did not take that long for them to finish. Soon enough, the house chores were done, so they were rxing on the sofa.

    "Finally finished, huh? Thanks for your help, Caiyi," Dai Shenqiang said.

    "It was not a big deal at all."

    "Didn''t you say you want to look at my drawing? I have already bought some from my room!" Dai Shenqiang raised a few drawing books in his hand with sparkling eyes, looking at her expectantly. Li Caiyiughed at his enthusiasm and sat beside him.

    "Show me?"

    Dai Shenqiang opened it, and Li Caiyi was shocked by what she saw. She was not an artist by any means, so she did not know if her opinion was urate or not, but what she knew for sure was Dai Shenqiang had quite a talent in him!

    There were lots of drawings of the scenery. A waterfall, a watermill, a treehouse, a city, a bridge, and many others. In another drawing book, he drew a more specific object, like a cat, a tree, a flower, or an electric pole.

    Each of them was so detailed. As someone who often saw these sceneries or things in her daily life, she could confidently say that everything was just on point. Most of them were colorless and only used the pencil to give some texture to the drawing, but some were colored using colored pencils.

    To put it shortly, Dai Shenqiang was a fantastic artist! No wonder he said he could not live without his right arm. It would be a loss to this world if this talent was gone, indeed!

    "How is it? Are you amazed?" Dai Shenqiang asked teasingly.

    "Yes! I was so impressed. You are amazing, Shenqiang!" Li Caiyi could not praise him for using anything else but amazing. She knew nothing about art, but she knew a good drawing when she saw one.

    "O-oh?" Dai Shenqiang did not expect she would answer so honestly. It caught him off guard instead. "Thanks."

    "You are so talented at this. Someone out there must definitely need your artistic hand to help them."

    Dai Shenqiang smiled bitterly. "That''s not true. Art is fun to do, as long as it remains as a mere hobby. There are only so many people out there who take art seriously as their career path."

    Li Caiyi sensed the change in his demeanor and immediately felt she had just said something insensitive there. "I''m sorry. I know nothing about art, so please don''t mind my words."

    Dai Shenqiangughed. "What are you saying? I''m the one who wants to show it to you, so I should be the one saying sorry for ruining the mood."

    "No, you are notˇ­."

    "Oh, look! Brother brought us his special handmade drink!"

    Li Caiyi could tell Dai Shenqiang was deliberately trying to change the topic, but she ended up looking up, anyway.

    In front of them, Dai Zhiqiang carried a tray with three sses of ice tea on top of it. "Drink this first."

    "Thanks a lot, Brother! I was feeling thirsty, so this is perfect!"

    Since the Dai brothers had already drunk their tea, it would not be polite if Li Caiyi did not. She wanted to talk with Dai Shenqiang about what he saidst time, but she decided to put it off for now.

    Li Caiyi reached for her ss and took a sip. Her eyes widened when she tasted it.

    "Th-this taste isˇ­.!"

 Chapter 82 Visiting Dai Familys House (2)

    "Th-this taste isˇ­.!"

    The Dai brothers looked at her confusedly, while Li Caiyi stared down at the tea with widened eyes. Her exmation earlier was not because the tea was exceptionally delicious or something like that, but because the taste was identical to the warm honey tea Shen Qiang made for her. The only difference was this tea was the iced version.

    Dai Shenqiang said Dai Zhiqiang made this tea, but how could that be?

    Li Caiyi raised her head, and her gaze met with Dai Shenqiang''s inquisitive one, then she shifted it to Dai Zhiqiang, who lookedposed as ever, although he also waited for her to say something.

    Li Caiyi''s mind was jumbled, so she tried to calm down and think everything through once again calmly. Why would Dai Zhiqiang know how to produce the same taste that Shen Qiang made? Was it possible that this was just a coincidence?

    Did Dai Shenqiang perhaps learn how to make the same tea from his older brother? Yeah, that was one of the possibilities.

    "Caiyi? What''s wrong? You suddenly yelled and then got quiet." Dai Shenqiang tilted his head in puzzlement.

    "Oh, it''s nothing. I was just surprised by the taste. It was so delicious."

    "I know, right? My brother could not make anything but this, but it''s so delicious!"

    Li Caiyi''s mouth twitched when she heard that. Another familiar information. "What about you, Shenqiang? Can you make this?"

    "Me? Well, I have never tried before, so I don''t know."

    "It''s easy to make. I can teach you how to, if you want," Dai Zhiqiang said to her.

    "T-thanks, but maybeter." Li Caiyi replied awkwardly. Although she still believed that Dai Shenqiang was her Shen Qiang, she could not just pretend it was nothing when a new possibility was presented in front of her. It made her fall into deep thought.

    What if she had a terrible misunderstanding all along?

    She did not like the idea of losing her lead after she had gone through so much trouble to find it, but if there was one in a hundred chance she had a wrong idea all this time, then she wanted to prove it. But what could she do to do that?

    Li Caiyi barely had any information regarding Shen Qiang, and even if she could narrow down the list of candidates, if Shen Qiang himself did note out and admit it himself, there was no way for her to know for sure. However, what if Shen Qiang did not have memories of his previous life? Even if she searched for him anywhere, she could only guess, but never one hundred percent sure.

    Ever since she ate the candy Dai Shenqiang gave her in the hospital, she was starting to have doubts. She wished she was just overthinking it, but the nagging feeling in her gut kept increasing the more she got to know him.

    Li Caiyi stared at Dai Shenqiang with an inexplicable gaze. He said he remembered her, but what if the thing he remembered about her was different from what she thought?

    She had to make sure of it!

    "Um, are you guys hungry?" Li Caiyi asked amicably.

    "Now that you mention it, I feel a bit hungry," Dai Shenqiang said while rubbing his stomach.

    "Then, how about I make you guys something?" Li Caiyi suggested, which made the brothers'' eyes lit up.<sub> </sub>

    "Seriously? Are you going to do that for us?!"

    "You don''t have to do that, you know. We have been inconveniencing you by making you help us clean the house. We can''t make you cook something for us as well."

    "Don''t worry! I won''t make anyplicated dishes, and it just happened I need someone to be my taste-tester. So it''s like killing two birds with one stone!"

    "Butˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang still felt terrible for making Li Caiyi do so much for them when they were supposed to be the ones who should treat her with hospitality.

    "Then how about this? I will do the bulk, and you will help me with the menial task. That way, it would be fair to everyone." Li Caiyi suggested but then remembered something. "Ah, but you don''t have to do anything, Shenqiang. It will be dangerous if you step into the kitchen with that hand."

    Dai Shenqiang smiled victoriously. "Nice! I could taste your homemade cooking without needing to spend energy. So lucky!"

    "Fine, then. I have never cooked anything before, but I will try my best to assist you," Dai Zhiqiang said with a serious expression.

    "It''s settled then. Shall we start now?"

    ***

    First, because the ingredients were not enough, they had no choice but to shop first. Li Caiyi had expected it to some extent, but to think the brothers survived until now by eating instant noodles alone, they must have a strong stomach to be able to eat the same type of food for a long time.

    Dai Shenqiang suggested eating pork this time since it had been a long time since hest ate it. When Li Caiyi was about to pay, Dai Zhiqiang held her back, saying that she should not spend her money since she would be the one who made it. She understood that Dai Zhiqiang did not want to inconvenience her further, so she did not argue with him this time.

    After buying the necessary ingredients, they went back to the Dai family''s house to cook.

    "Shall we start now?" Li Caiyi smiled at Dai Zhiqiang, to which he replied with a nod.

    p Li Caiyi swiftly wore an apron and tied her hair into a bun, exposing her slender nape more.</anda>

    Dai Zhiqiang gulped when he realized how stunning she was wearing an apron. She was already beautiful in her uniform, but even more so when she wore an apron. He liked it so much.

    When he realized his mind was going out of the track, he quickly brushed off his unnecessary thoughts. He had to focus here!

    In the Dai family, Dai Heng was the one in charge of cooking while cleaning, scrubbing the bathroom, doingundry, and other house chores were split between the brothers. Ever since their father was hospitalized, the two clueless boys thought they could survive by eating whatever and had never attempted to cook something for themselves. They both thought it was too much of a hassle.

    Dai Zhiqiang watched how Li Caiyi mixed some sauce and spice in a small bowl, then gave it to him, "Can you help me mix them?"

    Even he could do that much, so he nodded his head obediently. While Dai Zhiqiang was doing her job, Li Caiyi chopped the pork into cube shape and marinaded it. After that, she also chopped the vegetables.

    She would check on Dai Zhiqiang from time to time and instruct him to do things. After her experience with Shen Qiang, she felt like Dai Zhiqiang was a better student. Although his movement was stiff, at least he did not try to do anything weird with the knife or identally break things with his uncontroble strength.

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. Shen Qiang was just too unique in everything he did.

 Chapter 83 Its Not Him

    It did not take long because there were two pairs of hands working together. Dai Shenqiang, who initially waited while sketching, could not resist the temptation after he took a sniff of the delicious aroma and hovered around the kitchen. He was just in time to see Li Caiyi move the side dish from the pan to a te.

    "It smells so good! What do you make?"

    "We made sweet and sour pork chop stir-fry and seaweed soup. I heard you don''t like mushrooms, so I chose seaweed instead. Is that okay?"

    "Totally! Thanks a lot!" Dai Shenqiang''s eyes brightened like a little kid.

    Dai Zhiqiang had prepared all the utensils on the table when Li Caiyi walked over with the side dishes in her hand. "Now, let''s dig in, shall we?"

    The Dai brothers looked at warm meals in front of them, almost in disbelief. When was thest time they ate decent homemade food like this? They usually just made instant ramen or bought takeout if the situation called for them. Being cared for and having a bnced meal like this was their first time after a long time.

    Dai Shenqiang stabbed a piece of pork with his fork and threw it into his watery mouth. The meat was so tender and juicy. The tangy and sweet taste mixed so well together, and the vegetables were crispy and savory. He could not help but close his eyes in a blissful smile. "So tasty."

    "Really? I''m d to hear that," Li Caiyi smiled. "Your brother helped me a lot. It''s very easy to make, so I think you guys can easily re-make itter. You guys should eat a proper meal from time to time."

    Dai Zhiqiang was in the middle of relishing Li Caiyi''s homemade cooking when he suddenly remembered something. He looked at Li Caiyi''s te, and sure enough, she did not eat the meat and only picked up the vegetables. This kind of consideration was good, but she should take care of herself first; he could not help but sigh helplessly.

    Dai Shenqiang wanted to reach out for more, but Dai Zhiqiang''s chopstick stopped his fork in mid-air. The younger Dai looked up at his older brother in annoyance. "Brother? What are you doing?"

    "You only know how to eat. Our guest hasn''t got the chance to eat the meat, yet here you are already reaching out for more." Dai Zhiqiang reprimanded him as he squinted his eyes in disapproval.

    Dai Shenqiang nced at Li Caiyi''s te and immediately looked apologetic. "Sorry! It was too delicious, so I unconsciously reached out for more. Please eat more, Caiyi, or we will feel bad!"

    "Haha, I''m fine if you want to eat more. But if you insist, then I shall take some, too."

    Li Caiyi took some to her te, but Dai Zhiqiang was not satisfied.

    "It''s too little. Here, eat more." Dai Zhiqiang''s chopsticks moved back and forth a few times as he put the meat on Li Caiyi''s te.

    "Wait, it''s too much!"

    "Brother! What about me? I have not had enough yet!"

    ***

    "Ah, that was so delicious!" Dai Shenqiang slouched backward on the couch with a satisfied smile. "I wish I could eat your homemade cooking forever, Caiyi!"

    Li Caiyi giggled. "Alright, if you pay me a decent amount."

    "Eh? Are you going to make me pay? What a bummer. Oh, I know! How about bing my wife, instead? That way, I could eat your cooking for free every day!"

    "What are you even saying? Stop spouting nonsense," Dai Zhiqiang said in a low voice. He red at his brother menacingly, causing thetter to sweat.

    "Brother, your face is too scary. I was just joking."

    Dai Zhiqiang harrumphed. Li Caiyi watched their banter and felt jealous inside.

    They seemed so close and understood each other so well. If only Li Caiyi could get along that well with her brother. There was also Li Chunhua, who appeared close to her but actually, the hardest to predict.

    Li Caiyi enjoyed every second she spent with the brothers, and she wished nothing bad would befall them. Even if Dai Zhiqiang told her not to get involved, how could she just sit around and do nothing, knowing very well that they were in danger?

    She had to find a way to help them.<sub> </sub>

    Then she could hear the sound of the phone ringing. Dai Zhiqiang pulled out his phone, and his face stiffened slightly when he looked at it. However, his expression quickly reverted to his usualposed one, and he rose from his seat to take the call. "Let me take this first."

    "Oh, yes. Go ahead," Li Caiyi was curious but did not dare to ask. Then, Dai Zhiqiang went outside to take the call.

    Meanwhile, Dai Shenqiang watched his brother''s figure with an inexplicable expression. He had an inkling on who could make his brother make a face like that, but he said nothing to stop him. There was nothing he could do to prevent it, anyway.

    Li Caiyi saw this as her chance to talk with Dai Shenqiang eye to eye, so she carefully brought the topic to him.

    "Um, Shenqiang? Can I ask you something?"

    "Hmm? Go ahead and ask me anything."

    She hesitated a bit before she finally asked, "My cooking. Compared to thest time, what do you think of it?"

    Li Caiyi clenched her skirt tightly, waiting for his response anxiously.

    Dai Shenqiang tilted his head in confusion. "The food was delicious, but what do you mean by pared tost time''?"

    THUMP.

    It felt like her heart had fallen to her feet. The unsettling feeling in her chest was so stifling; it suffocated her. Her heartbeat sped up as her apprehension took over her mind.

    Bit by bit, every clue came together within her head like a puzzle, creating an image she did not want to see but had to face, anyway. She was so happy to find Shen Qiang atst, but her happiness did notst long as always.

    Li Caiyi gritted her teeth. "Shenqiang, when I asked you if you remember mest time, you said you remembered me, right? But what exactly did you remember?"

    How foolish of her not to confirm it first with the said person. She got too ahead of herself and deluded herself into thinking that she had finally found him.

    Dai Shenqiang could sense the change of mood in Li Caiyi''s expression. He was wondering if he had said something wrong.

    "Caiyi, what''s wrong? Your face color is a littleˇŞ"

    "Just answer the question, please!"

    He was startled because Li Caiyi suddenly raised her voice. Half-confused and half-concerned, he answered, "I don''t know if you remember, but I saw you at the hospital''s garden once. You looked upset and threw your things to the ground. I picked it up and returned it to you."

    "And you also put some mint candies inside?"

    "Oh? Yeah. So you remember, after all."

    Sure enough, when he said he remembered her, it was about this. She mistook it as something else andpletely misunderstood the situation.

    Dai Shenqiang could not take a good look at her face because she kept her head down. If he was nervous before, now he''s distraught. "Hey, what''s up? Did I say something wrong?"

    p She ignored his question and asked again, "Do you remember if you ever went to the amusement park with me? Or to Yueguang Noodle House together?"</anda>

    "Huh? Li Caiyi, what are you talking about? I don''t remember ever going to those ces with you. I think you have mistaken me for someone else."

    It was not him.

 Chapter 84 That Woman Named Gu Xue

    That was the final streak of her rationality. Li Caiyi was so confused and frustrated. However, more than anything, she felt very disappointed.

    Did this mean Dai Shenqiang was not the Shen Qiang she was looking for?

    Or was he indeed the Shen Qiang she was looking for, but he just did not remember his previous life''s memories?

    Or even all of that was just her misunderstanding, and her meeting with Shen Qiang was just her dream? He was too good to be real, anyway.

    Li Caiyi could not handle her turbulent emotions, and there was so many thought ovepping in her head that her mind nked out. She could not sit still, so she abruptly stood up. "I just remember I have something to do. I will leave first."

    "Huh?" Dai Shenqiang was surprised because she left so suddenly. He wanted to stop her, but sensing her foul mood, he was at a loss for words. In the end, he could only let her go. "I understand. Um, I''m sorry if I said something wrong."

    No, it was not Dai Shenqiang''s fault. It was all her fault for misunderstanding things and getting too ahead of herself.

    Li Caiyi wanted to say that, but no words came out.

    Perhaps, deep in her heart, she was ming him too for misleading her, even though she knew that was not true. Li Caiyi was the foolish one here.

    She was just unbearably disappointed in herself.

    Everything about this situation was just upsetting. What frustrated her more was because she could not even tell anyone about thisplicated feeling in her chest.

    Li Caiyi took her bag and walked toward the entrance in silence. She seemed to walk past Dai Zhiqiang as she ran outside, but she was too upset to say anything to him.

    Dai Zhiqiang was surprised when Li Caiyi walked out of the house while hugging her bag. "CaiˇŞ"

    He tried to call her, but she did not spare him a nce and walked past him with a lowered head. He was left standing in the yard with a dumbfounded expression.

    ***

    Li Caiyi buried herself in her nket when she arrived at her house. She felt terrible.

    Not only did everything return to a square one again, but she also felt horrible because she left the brothers in that state. They must have been confused because she left so suddenly.

    It wasn''t supposed to be like this. Li Caiyi was an adult, so she should be moreposed when handling this matter.

    However, when she knew what she believed all this time was only her misunderstanding all along, she felt ashamed, upset, and depressed. She did not know what stupid thing she might do when she could not control her emotion, so she ran away.

    How pathetic.

    "This is not right at all. I should get a grip." Li Caiyi tossed and turned ufortably in her bed, but her mind was still as chaotic as before.

    In the end, she felt tired thinking of it, so she stopped thinking altogether. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep when her phone vibrated.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyizily picked it up, thinking it was probably just a stupid notification again. When she saw it was an email from Detective Tang, her eyes widened, and she automatically sat up on the bed.

    Detective Tang was very efficient in his work. It had only been yesterday since they met, but he had already sent her something. Li Caiyi gulped and opened the file he sent her nervously.

    Inside the file was the photo of Li Jirong going out arm-in-arm with a woman. However, the woman was not Gu Xue with whom he had an affair.

    Li Caiyi quickly realized that her father must have kept several women outside. She only knew about Gu Xue since she identally discovered it, but she was not surprised if her father kept many other women outside. He was just that much of a scum.

    Her gaze became colder as she scrolled down and saw they shopped together and talked intimately like a real couple in these photos. There was even a photo where they came in and went out from a hotel. Based on the date, this photo should have been takenst night. So, this was the reason why she had not seen her father these two days.

    Li Caiyi was just finished looking through the file when her phone vibrated again. This time, it was a text from Detective Tang.

    [Detective Tang: Have you seen the file I sent you? Just a disimer, prepare to be shocked].

    [Li Caiyi: I have received and checked it. There is nothing to be surprised about an adulterer''s behavior].

    [Detective Tang: How cold, but I guess you are right. Should I check on this woman as well?].

    Li Caiyi thought for a bit and decided it was unnecessary to do a background check on this woman. As far as she remembered, Li Jirong had a close rtionship with that Gu Xue woman, to the point she kept her for years even after Li Cayi had found out about their affair.

    Gu Xue and Li Jirong really suited each other because Gu Xue''s shamelessness knew no bounds.

    In her previous life, knowing that Li Caiyi could not be against her father, she repeatedly asked Li Caiyi to take her to a high-ss party. She said it was all thanks to Li Jirong that Li Caiyi got married to the Meng family and became Madam Meng, so Li Caiyi should help her integrate into her circle of friends.

    How dare she even make such a im to Li Caiyi with her status as a mistress? No matter how much Li Jirong doted on her, he had never brought her outside, so what made her think it was Li Caiyi''s turn to do something for her?

    Gu Xue was a vain woman who looked down on Li Caiyi too much. Even if Li Caiyi were stupid and hated by Li Jirong, she would never bow her head to a shameless woman like her. So Li Caiyi always chased her away every time she started making trouble.

    Li Caiyi thought there was no need to check on other women except Gu Xue because she was sure these women were probably just a fling for Li Jirong. With so many women on his side, how he had never gotten found out up until now was still a mystery for Li Caiyi.

    [Li Caiyi: There is no need. Focus the investigation on Li Jirong and Gu Xue].

    [Detective Tang: Roger that. I will send Gu Xue''s information soon. Look forward to it].

    Li Caiyi saved the photo she had just received in a hidden folder, and then she erased the email from Detective Tang.

    She wondered if Gu Xue knew that her lover also had other women besides his wife? Well, that was none of her business, anyway.

    Either way, Gu Xue deserved it.

 Chapter 85 Convenient Twin Daughters

    Li Caiyi had received several chats from Dai Shenqiang throughout the night. He kept apologizing for something that was not his fault at all. Li Caiyi felt bad, so she replied to assure him she was fine, but he was not convinced.

    With the way Li Caiyi barged out of his house yesterday, it was no wonder if he did not believe her. Li Caiyi had spent a night reflecting on her behavior, and thought she should apologize to Dai Shenqiang directly next time.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi noticed that Li Chunhua had gotten closer with Su Suyin. They kept chatting and gave each other food during breakfast. The movie night the other day might have helped cultivate the mother-daughter rtionship between them.

    Before, Li Chunhua would still talk to her, but now there was no one to talk to in this house. Li Caiyi had be a stranger in her own house. What a familiar feeling.

    Li Caiyi did not feel so good, so she waited until Li Chunhua left first with Li Junjie, before she quickly stood up after she finished her breakfast. However, before she got to the door Su Suyin said to her.

    "Come home early today. You still have to prepare for Renshu''s party next week. Even if you don''t want to, you still have to do it because our family name would be at stake. Don''t embarrass us."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head briefly. "I understand."

    Su Suyin looked at Li Caiyi''s calm attitude and felt a bit irritated. It had been a while since they talked, but that was all she was going to say?

    At first, Su Suyin was reluctant to stop making her portion. No matter how disobedient she was, Li Caiyi was still her fleshing out of her womb. Su Suyin reassured herself that she would not deliberately make things hard for her anymore if she apologized. Li Caiyi only had to apologize and she would forgive her.

    However, who would have thought that not only did she never apologize, but she also learned to take care of her meal by herself? For Su Suyin, that was the same as Li Caiyi trying to tell her that she did not need her mother at all. This was supposed to be a hard lesson for Li Caiyi, but Su Suyin felt like she was the one who was getting pped for trying to do something silly.

    Su Suyin did not understand why it was so hard tomunicate with Li Caiyi these days. She used to be the easiest to coax, and Su Suyin had always felt grateful because she was so sensible. But now, it was as if she changed into apletely different person. Su Suyin could not find it in her to care for her as she used to anymore.

    "Do you really understand? You can''t go out to y with your friend this time."

    "Yes, I know."

    "Renshu had especially asked our permission to let him take you as his partner, so use this chance well. Even if you are not good at studying, as long as you can be with Renshu, you will have nothing to be worried about in the future."

    <o>,m Li Caiyi sneered inwardly. What was so good about being married into that family? The only things Li Caiyi received from the Meng family during her marriage were pain, humiliation, and abandonment. Even if they offered themselves on a silver te, Li Caiyi would still not take them.</o>

    "My marriage, I will be the one to decide them." Li Caiyi said decisively.

    "Y-you! Are you going to talk back to your mother again?!" Su Suyin berated with both hands on her hips. "You are still young, so you don''t know what''s good for you. Renshu is a kind and responsible boy. You won''t have a hard time if you follow him."

    "Mother. Do you mean ''me'' or ''our family'', who would not have a hard time following him?"

    Su Suyin did not like how Li Caiyi said it. It was as if her daughter was mocking her for being a hypocrite. Even though she only had her best interest in mind.<sub> </sub>

    "Li Caiyi, you are really disappointing me. I gave you a chance to redeem yourself many times, but you keep saying nonsense in front of me. Why can''t you be more like Xiaohua? Unlike you, she was much more suitable to be with Renshu!"

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand into fist, and resisted the urge to just walk away from this ce.

    A painful and suffocating ce. That was what the Li Family''s house was.

    Li Caiyi smiled bitterly. "If Mother prefers Xiaohua to go with Brother Renshu instead of me, then you should have said so. I will dly give it to Xiaohua. After all, she is my younger sister and as an older sister I should always make a way for her, shouldn''t I?"

    Su Suyin''s heart was pricked seeing Li Caiyi''s heartbroken face. She did not mean it that way. She was just upset because Li Caiyi kept talking back to her these days, so she hoped that she could learn to be more like Li Chunhua who was cute and obedient.

    Never had she thought of forcing Li Caiyi to relent her position to Li Chunhua. After all, this would be a good chance for Li Caiyi to gain a foothold in front of Li Jirong, as long as she could make use of the chance well.

    "Xiaoyi, that''s notˇŞ"

    "Don''t worry, Mother. I will do as you said and talk to Brother Renshu about it. If he refuses, I don''t mind either if I go to the party as Xiaohua and my sister took my ce. We are twins, so no one could tell the difference anyway.

    Having a twin daughter sure is convenient. Isn''t that right, Mother?"

    Su Suyin felt a chill run down his spine when she looked at Li Caiyi''s smile which did not look like a smile at all. Her tongue stiffened, and she could not say anything back.

    Li Caiyi stared at her mother with a distant gaze, feeling like her hand could never reach Su Suyin no matter how she tried. There were only a few steps between them, but her mother was so far from her.

    She did not want to think about this anymore. "If that''s all, then I''ll leave for school first."

    Su Suyin watched Li Caiyi leave until she could not see her figure anymore. Her chest was stuffy with indescribable emotion.

    Li Caiyi did not cry or raise her voice even once. She also did notin after Su Suyin ignored her or refused to make her meals for days. She even willingly said she would consult Meng Renshu to let Li Chunhua take her ce.

    Li Caiyi was still the same person deep down. She truly cared about her family.

    Su Suyin bit her lips and felt her conscience had been pricked by a needle. Did she went too harsh on her earlier?

    Recalling Li Caiyi''s face, Su Suyin knew the words she had said lightly must have hurt her eldest daughter terribly, and it left her with bad taste in her tongue.

 Chapter 86 Li Caiyis Proposition

    Glorious Days Company was founded five years ago by the current chairman, Shao Yufei. Starting from a small bookstore business, Shao Yufei worked hard to gather the local people who were interested and talented in story-writing and started Glorious Days Company from scratch.

    Unlike the other publishingpanies, Glorious Days had what you call a cultivation center, where young, aspiring writers could get lessons from professionals. They were also actively holding or sponsoring various writingpetitions to spark the public''s interest in the world of literature.

    Li Caiyi read thepany''s profile on their official website carefully. She had only started looking through this just now, but it seemed like Glorious Days Company offered a lot of benefit for talented authors signed up under their wing. Li Caiyi was especially interested in the cultivation center.

    She had never met other authors in both of her life before. This might be an excellent chance to expand her experience and make a good connection for the future.

    Being the Madam Meng for years, Li Caiyi understood that rtionships among the elites were necessary to be integrated well into this high-ss society. It would be more beneficial to build a connection from a young age, since the connection would be harder to maketer when everyone already had their own circles.

    Even more so if you were a socially awkward person like Li Caiyi.

    She learned this the hard way. The memories when she attended those high-ss banquets were not exactly memories she was fond of.

    There was information about the Shao Family too on the website. However, she could not find Shao Jingfei''s name anywhere.

    He confidently said that every talent he suggested would most likely get immediate approval, so shouldn''t he also be one of the essential members of thispany? Was it because he was still a student? That was why he had not been considered as an official employee yet?

    p Li Caiyi then opened the page for thepany''s talent. There were lots of professional authors signed up under thepany already. They came from various fields, so not all of them were novelists. Some excelled in essay, journalism, or poetry writing. There was a profile of a woman who wrote a storybook for children and a middle-aged man who created manhua stories.</anda>

    "There were various types of authors signed under thispany. This might work, after all," Li Caiyi muttered thoughtfully. She needed to find a way to earn more money as soon as possible. Without money, she would not be able to do anything.

    As she scrolled up and down, Li Caiyi suddenly got an idea.

    She discreetly checked on the teacher in front of the ss, who was currently busy writing on the ckboard. Then she sneakily sent a chat to Shao Jingfei.

    [Li Caiyi: Shao Jingfei, I want to talk to you about your offer yesterday?]

    She had yet to put down her phone when the screen lit up again. It was an immediate reply from Shao Jingfei.

    [Shao Jingfei: Sure! Shall we meet up at the cafeteria after this?].

    Li Caiyi''s finger halted for a moment when she read that.

    Shao Jingfei came from a wealthy family, so it was not surprising if he suggested that ce as a spot for their meeting. It had been a while since Li Caiyi went there, so she had mixed feelings about this.

    However, Li Caiyi soon steeled her resolve. She still had some points and money, so there was no need to worry. It was not like she made a mistake or anything, so why should she have hesitated? Li Caiyi was an adult; she could not herself get intimidated by a bunch of high school students!

    Besides, it was she who asked Shao Jingfei to meet up, so it would be unreasonable if she also held him back from enjoying his lunchtime.

    [Li Caiyi: Sure. Let''s meet up at the cafeteriater!]

    Li Caiyi tapped on the ''send'' button and sighed deeply. Going to the cafeteria meant she would eventually bump into her siblings and Meng Renshu. She hoped nothing bad would happenter.

    ***

    Lunchtime.<sub> </sub>

    Zhou Ya, Chen Run, and Feng Nian were worried since Li Caiyi suddenly said she wanted to go to the cafeteria today. Especially Zhou Ya, because she knew that Li Caiyi had drifted away from her group.

    Li Caiyi exined she had to talk with Shao Jingfei, and she would leave as soon as she finished speaking. The three finally nodded and let her go.

    Li Caiyi was happy her friends were worried about her, but she also feltplicated because of it. No matter how she thought about it, she should be the one who took care of them as the adult here, but it seemed like she was the one being babied every time.

    Well, they were getting along well, so she guessed it was okay?

    When she arrived at the cafeteria, the ce was packed as usual. Li Caiyi looked around to find Shao Jingfei, but she could not find him anywhere.

    "Li Caiyi! Over here!"

    Li Caiyi jumped in shock when she heard someone calling her in a thunderous voice. She turned her head and found Shao Jingfei standing a few meters from her with a wide grin on his face.

    It was nice to finally meet him, but couldn''t he call her more subtly? Li Caiyi could feel people stare at her, and she gulped nervously as she shrunk her neck, trying to reduce her presence as much as possible.

    She just stood there for five minutes, but she wanted to run away already.

    "There you are! I have reserved seats for us. Let''s go over there!" Shao Jingfei pointed at the table in the middle of the room, and Li Caiyi grimaced inwardly. She did not have any choice but to follow him.

    Li Caiyi sat across from him, and Shao Jingfei pushed a bottle of lemon soda to her. "Here, drink this."

    "Oh? Thank you," Li Caiyi epted, albeit a little confused. However, since the one who gave it was Shao Jingfei, she did not think much of it.

    "Are you not going to order anything?" Shao Jingfei asked curiously after noticing Li Caiyi did not bring anything to the table.

    "No. I just came here to talk to you. I will eat my lunch with my friends after this."

    "Is that so? It would be best if you asked your friends toe and eat with us. I don''t mind at all. The merrier, the better."

    "No, it''s okay. They prefer to eat with people they are familiar with, anyway."

    "I see. That makes sense. And? What do you want to talk about with me?"

    Li Caiyi straightened her back before she spoke. "I wanted to ask one or two things about your offer yesterday. You said you were going to rmend me, but can I ask you first what you are going to rmend me as?"

    "Of course, as a talented and young novelist. My eyes were never wrong. I know you have what it takes to work with us."

    "Shao Jingfei, I actually have another proposition for you."

    Shao Jingfei tilted his head in confusion. "What is it?"

    "What if I sign up as a manhua story writer?"

 Chapter 87 I Am Only Interested In You

    "What if I sign up as a manhua story writer?"

    Shao Jingfei was stunned. He put down his spoon as he stared at Li Caiyi thoughtfully. "Are you serious? Can you draw a manhua?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, I can''t. But I know someone who is good at drawing. If I want to be a co-creator with him and make our manhua, can you sign both of us under yourpany?"

    Shao Jingfei knew a lot of manhua artists who had a terrible storyline, so they worked together with someone who excelled at creating plot, the flow of dialogue, etcetera. Therefore, co-creators were actually prettymon. However, this might be the first time Glorious Days Company would work together with any.

    "Let me ask this first. What about your novel, then? I glimpsed upon what you wrote in the library thest time we met. What are you going to do about it?"

    "Of course, I will continue. I intend to be a novelist and manhua story-writer simultaneously," Li Caiyi said decisively.

    This might be the least thing she could do for those brothers. Li Caiyi actually had no clue if this would work or not since she had not even informed Dai Shenqiang about this yet. However, this chance probably would note twice, so she could not dy this matter.

    Meanwhile, Shao Jingfei was perplexed. In his opinion, Li Caiyi''s writing style suited fiction novels the most. When she said she wanted to talk to him, he thought she would finally tell him her answer, but apparently, she was here to bargain with him.

    "Why do you want to be a manhua story-writer so suddenly? Is there a reason for that?"

    Li Caiyi pondered for a bit before answering honestly. "I have a friend who is struggling right now. I want to help him, so I want to use this opportunity to create something where both of us can work together. He is good at drawing, and I''m good at making stories. I think we both can create a great synergy if we work together, and it will be beneficial for yourpany, too."

    "Well, I understand the situation, but I can''t possibly give a pass when I have not even looked at the finished product yet," Shao Jingfei said with a troubled expression.

    <o>,m "My purpose for talking with you today is to ask whether it will be possible to sign up under yourpany as co-creators, so you don''t have to decide now. I will bring the finished product to you soon, and then you can judge whether or not you want to try publishing it."</o>

    Shao Jingfei tapped the table with his finger. "Fair enough. There are no rules that say it can''t be done, at least as far as I know. I can take a look at it, but I can''t promise you anything. I have a strict standard and won''t give a pass to some half-assed writing, even if you are my friend. You''d better impress me with this ''synergy'' you talk about."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head. "That''s what I''m hoping to do. I''m basically asking you for a favor here, so I''m ready to fulfill any conditions you give me. I promise I won''t disappoint you."

    Shao Jingfei smiled. "That is some confidence you have there. Well, you deserved to feel like that since you are the one I have acknowledged. I don''t hate people who are proud of their work, but I hope this friend of yours can keep up with you. Frankly speaking, I am only interested in you. As long as we can have you, we canpromise a bit."

    Shao Jingfei was like a whole different person when he switched to his work mode. His gaze was sharper, and his tone carried a firm and authoritative manner in it. He was still so young, yet he could rify his point while maintaining a professional distance between them. There was no trace of the carefree and easy-going attitude he usually showed in school.

    Li Caiyi smiled back at him, "Yes, please don''t worry about it. I''m looking forward to working with you."

    After this, she should talk with Dai Shenqiang. If he agreed, then they could start right away.

    "Xiaoyi! Are you here too? What a coincidence!"

    Li Caiyi looked up upon hearing someone was calling her, and her face twitched ever so slightly. Beside their table stood Li Chunhua, Li Junjie, and Meng Renshu. The three people she wanted to avoid the most were looking at her and Shao Jingfei alternately with a curious look.<sub> </sub>

    "Why didn''t you tell me you are going to eat here today? Come, let''s sit together!" Li Chunhua quickly hugged her arm and pulled on her, forcing her to stand up.

    "No, I didn''te here to eat. I was just talking with my friend."

    "Hmm?" Li Chunhua shifted her gaze to Shao Jingfei. "So this is another friend of yours. You sure have a lot of friends now."

    Shao Jingfei, who watched the scene unfolding before him, shed a friendly smile. "Hi! You must be Caiyi''s sister? I''m Shao Jingfei."

    "Uh, yeah. Nice to meet you," Li Chunhua said briefly before shetched on to Li Caiyi again, "It''s been a while since the four of us ate together, so let''s move to another table, okay?"

    Li Caiyi looked down at her sister with a doubtful look. She had been ignoring Li Caiyi all this time, and now she acted as if nothing had happened and wanted her to join them for lunch. Li Caiyi just knew Li Chunhua was trying to pull some stunts again, so she gently pulled her arm out of her grip.

    "Sorry, but I was about to go back to the ss right now. I only came here to chat with him for a bit."

    Li Chunhua pouted. "You have time to have a chat with him, but not with me? Xiaoyi, you have been so cold to metely."

    She was the one who ignored her first, so what was she ying at now?

    After learning the truth about Li Chunhua, she could not see her as the same innocent sister she used to take care of in the past. Her sudden disy of intimacy alerted Li Caiyi and thought it would be better to go along and take her invitation for now. She did not want to make Shao Jingfei feel troubled.

    It just happened that Li Caiyi had something to tell them, too.

    "Fine, then. Let''s sit somewhere else first." Li Caiyi said helplessly.

    "Why don''t you guys just sit here with us? The more, the merrier!" Shao Jingfei cheerfully said, to which Li Chunhua replied with a faint smile.

    "No, thanks. We are fine by ourselves."

    "Don''t say that. This table is big enough for six people. Sit here!" Shao Jingfei pulled Li Caiyi to sit down beside him, forcing Li Chunhua to follow suit because she held Li Caiyi''s arms.

    Li Chunhua frowned at Shao Jingfei in displeasure. "What are you doing? Honestly, you are bothering us."

    Shao Jingfei was unperturbed by Li Chunhua''s re and grinned. "But Caiyi came here to talk to me, though? We have not finished talking yet, and you suddenlye here to take her away. The one who is bothering others is you."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened when she heard that. Shao Jingfei said it lightheartedly as usual, but the words sounded fierce to the ears. Li Chunhua''s expression turned ugly immediately.

 Chapter 88 Being Fought Over

    "What did you say? You are so rude!" Li Chunhua eximed with anger on her face.

    "Says the girl who picked a fight first," Shao Jingfei replied casually.

    "We are sisters, so I have the right to take her away! Who are you anyway? Don''t be a busybody and mind your own business!"

    "But she made an appointment with me first. Even elementary school kids know it''s not right to cut the line."

    They bickered with each other, and Li Caiyi, who was stuck between them, could not take it anymore.

    "Guys, please stop it! Don''t make a scene here. You are going to bother the others." Li Caiyi said while casting an apologetic look at students around them.

    "Xiaoyi, of course, you want to eat with me, right?" Li Chunhua pulled her by her left arm.

    "No, you like talking with me more, right?" Shao Jingfei also pulled her by her other arm while shing a charming smile.

    Li Chunhua red at him. "What are you doing? Where do you think you are touching her?!"

    "You are such a pain in the ass. I''m holding her sleeve, duh." Shao Jingfei rolled his eyes, making Li Chunhua look even more furious. Li Caiyi could not stop them while they were going at each other fiercely.

    Was this how it felt to be fought over? She should say it didn''t feel good at all.

    Looking at the chaotic scene, Li Junjie sighed. "How long are you going to keep me waiting? Are you guysing or not?"

    "Brother! Help me take Xiaoyi away from this guy!" Li Chunhua pleaded to her brother, but thetter only looked at them indifferently.

    "Why don''t you guys just eat together, then? This is stupid."

    "With this guy? Hmph, no way!" Li Chunhua snorted. She seemed genuinely pissed off and not putting on any act now. Li Caiyi had a possessive sister on her left side and a mischievous friend on her other side. Both of them were troublesome.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu was surprised at first when he saw Li Caiyi in the cafeteria during lunchtime. It had been a while since she came here, and based on hisst conversation with Su Suyin, he wondered if she came here to talk with him. It was not until he saw a boy sitting across from her that his anticipation dissipated.

    Looking at them, they looked pretty close. Meng Renshu wanted to know what they were talking about. While he was hesitating toe over or not, Li Chunhua had beaten him to it.

    Their rowdy exchange had garnered the other students'' attention, and Meng Renshu gave embarrassed and apologetic smiles to those who felt disturbed by his childhood friends'' antics.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes were spinning, being pulled and tossed around like this. She forcefully retracted her hand from both of their grips. "STOP IT!"

    Everyone''s movement froze after the sudden rise in her voice. Li Caiyi took a deep breath as she stood up while fixing her messy uniform. "Xiaohua, stop trying to pick a fight with him. And you too, Shao Jingfei, stop ying around!" She scolded them angrily.

    Li Chunhua was shocked at being told off in public by her sister, while Shao Jingfei broke out inughter. "Haha, so you have found out?"

    "Seriously, what are you doing? We have finished our talk, so why are you holding me back?" Li Caiyiined at him.

    "No reason. You looked like you didn''t want to go with them, so I was just trying to help."<sub> </sub>

    His straightforward reply startled Li Caiyi. Li Chunhua and Meng Renshu studied Li Caiyi''s reaction, and when they saw how flustered she was, their faces became gloomier.

    "But then again, it''s none of my business. I guess I''m doing something unnecessary, sorry about that."

    "N-no, you''re not wrong." Li Caiyi said in a low voice.

    "Well, I gotta go now. I will wait for good news from you. See youter." Shao Jingfei waved his hand and walked away, just like that. Li Caiyi looked at his retreating back with a conflicted emotion before shifting her gaze to Li Chunhua.

    "Where''s your table? Let''s sit down first."

    "Huh? You areing with us?" Li Chunhua was taken aback by her question. She thought Li Caiyi was angry and did not want to go with them?

    Li Caiyi looked at her strangely. Then, with a hint of impatience underneath her tone, she said, "Ah? You kept making a fuss about it, and you don''t want me toe now?"

    Meng Renshu sensed the flying spark between the girls and quickly intervened. "The table is over there. Let''s go."

    They went to the table in the corner and sat together. Li Caiyi did not have any appetite sitting with them, so she decided to cut into the chase and finished her business quickly.

    "You can eat as you hear me out. I want to talk with you, Brother Renshu."

    "Ah? With me?" Meng Renshu was surprised, but the corner of his lips soon curved up. So she dide here to talk with him. He strangely felt ted when he thought about it that way. "Sure. What do you want to talk about?"

    "I want Xiaohua to take my ce as your partner for youring-of-age party."

    Silence fell after she said that. Meng Renshu blinked his eyes a few times in disbelief before his facial feature hardened. "What do you mean?"

    "It''s exactly as you heard it. Mother and I thought Xiaohua suited you more than me, so we agreed to let her take my ce."

    Li Chunhua, who heard about this for the first time, stared at Li Caiyi in confusion. "Xiaoyi, are you still saying that? How many times do I have to tell you before you understand?"

    "This is not my decision, but Mother''s. I only did what I was told to do."

    Meng Renshu could not believe this. Wasn''t the talk he had with Su Suyin was to convince Li Caiyi to make time to choose her dress with him? Why did it escte into this situation?

    However, what made Meng Renshu more upset was that Li Caiyi did not seem to care about it in the least, as though what she said was the most obvious thing to do. She must have thought she was doing someone else a favor by doing that, but Meng Renshu was unwilling.

    He did not hate Li Chunhua, and honestly, if he did not have that nightmare, he probably would ask Li Chunhua to be his partner. However, Li Caiyi''s indifference always made him restless. He felt like she would disappear forever if he did not hold her back now, and Meng Renshu did not want that to happen.

    "I disagree," Meng Renshu said in a deep and chilly voice, causing Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua''s argument to stop.

    It had been a while since thest time Meng Renshu looked at her with that dark and threatening look. He always made that face whenever his patience ran out and was about to cause a storm to those around him. Li Caiyi was one of the victims too, so she was used to this.

    Whatever he wanted to do with her now, it could not possibly be worse than what he did to her in her previous life.

 Chapter 89 The Feeling Of Unfairness

    "Xiaoyi, you had agreed to do this for me. Because we''re childhood friends, remember? Why are you retracting that statement now?" Meng Renshu asked with a stiff face.

    "As I said, it''s not like I n this to happen. Mother is the one who decided that."

    "Then, it should be okay if I convinced Auntie to let youe with me, right?"

    "Yeah, but I don''t think she will like that."

    "Are you truly don''t mind with this at all?" Meng Renshu asked in frustration.

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "It''s not like it would make any difference if I show up as your partner or regr attendee, so wouldn''t it be weirder if I mind?"

    Meng Renshu gritted his teeth, clearly losing hisposure. "Don''t shift the subject. I''m asking if you don''t mind being switched like that because Auntie thought Xiaohua was more suitable for bing my partner. Don''t you feel wronged at all?"

    Li Caiyi looked at Meng Renshu with a strange expression. Why does he care if she felt unjust or not? Why say this now after he treats her like a plus one all this time?

    "I don''t know what you want me to say, but I was not concerned even for a bit."

    Meng Renshu was very disappointed when he heard that. The rift between him and Li Caiyi kept getting wider as time went by.

    He always seemed to make a mistake in front of her, which did not help reduce the gap between them. He had never expected that the distance between him and Li Caiyi was so far away, as she was actively trying to create some distance away from him.

    It made him lonely, but want to know even more about her simultaneously.

    "I stand by my statement. I will go to the party with you and only with you." Meng Renshu said while gazing at Li Caiyi deeply, making her feel ufortable.

    The current Meng Renshu was too different from what she remembered. If it were the previous him, he would put away everything he was doing once he got a call from Li Chunhua and ran to her side. No matter if they were in the middle of a date or an important family meeting.

    Because of this, Li Caiyi always had to endure people''s humiliation and looks of pity. Her mother-inw was dissatisfied with her because Li Caiyi made the Meng family lose face. No one recognized her as Madam Meng, and people only treated her as Meng Renshu''s childhood friend, not his wife.

    Li Caiyi dared not to raise her head under people''s scrutiny and criticism, but there was nothing she could do when Meng Renshu''s heart was not with her. What was more upsetting about the whole situation was that she knew clearly that she was the third wheel between Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua''s rtionship, so she could not even consult with Meng Renshu about this lest she put him in a difficult position.

    Suppose he said that in her previous life, Li Caiyi would probably be the happiest woman on earth. However, his words felt unpleasant to hear now.

    The feeling she had for Meng Renshu was profound andplicated, something she did not dare to re-open and look at it twice. She was scared she would return to her pathetic self by doing that.

    Li Caiyi just wanted to hide whenever she was with him. The only thing that prevented her from doing so was her remaining pride.

    "Xiaohua and I looked the same, anyway. There shouldn''t be any problem whoever apanies you, right?"

    Meng Renshu was stunned at first, butter, his face darkened, and with a tone as sharp as a knife, he asked her, "Are you serious about what you just said? Do you think I''m okay with any of you just because you are twins? So for you, I was that kind of person all this time?"<sub> </sub>

    The danger lurking beneath his voice was so palpable it created the tension in the air. Li Caiyi had sessfully made him mad now. However, this might be good too. That way, he would feel disappointed and nevere closer to her again.

    Li Chunhua, who sensed an iing storming their way, jokingly intervened to ease the tension. "G-guys? Maybe we should talk about this civilly without fighting. In the first ce, I have not said anything about agreeing yet, so don''t fight."

    "No, this is not about you, Xiaohua. It seems that your sister hates me now. That''s the problem." Meng Renshu sneered.

    Li Caiyi clenched her skirt under the table. Her feelings towards him now could not be described with a simple term like hate, but faced with his eyes, who had a trace of hurt in it, she could neither agree nor deny it.

    Meng Renshu saw how Li Caiyi kept her silent, and his heart squeezed. He did not want to lose his cool in front of his childhood friends, so he rose from his seat with a forced smile on his face. "I''d better go now."

    "Wait. You have not finished your lunch yet," Li Junjie said to him while looking down at the food on his te, which was left untouched.

    "No, I''m not hungry anymore." Meng Renshu shifted his gaze to Li Caiyi, "I will contact Auntie and talk to her again. Don''t worry, I will settle this problem for you, so just give it a rest already, okay? Your rejection hurts me." He smiled sadly before he walked away with dropped shoulders.

    Li Caiyi pressed her lips in a hard line, feeling the whole situation was ridiculous and funny. Why did he make it sound like she was in the wrong here? Even though it was because of him, she acted like this!

    ''This is so unfair,'' Li Caiyi thought.

    Li Junjie watched Meng Renshu''s diminishing figure and nailed his gaze on Li Caiyi. "That one was your fault. Make sure you apologize to himter."

    Li Caiyi could not stand her brother''s gaze, which was full of usation, and abruptly stood up too. "I have finished my business here, so I''ll go too."

    After both of them left, Li Chunhua sighed helplessly. "Brother, why do you have to say that to Xiaoyi? You make the situation worse. She would never apologize now that you used her like that."

    "I only said what needed to be said. I warned her she should be careful, but she did not seem to understand."

    "You are smart, Brother, but Xiaoyi is not stupid, either. You don''t even try to understand why she did that. Father and Mother also kept pressuring her to do something she did not want to do. Everyone forced their idea onto her; wouldn''t it be natural for her to be upset?"

    Li Junjie fell into a deep silence as he thought about it once again, while Li Chunhua took one more bite and left her seat as well. "Sure enough, only I understand Xiaoyi the best. I''ll talk to herter, so don''t say anything to her anymore, Brother. You will only make everything worse. Let me take care of this."

    Although she appeared to scold him, she looked like she was in a good mood because she went away while humming.

    In the end, Li Junjie was left alone in his seat. He thought about the exchange between Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu earlier and felt that there was a deeper problem than just a mere apanying Meng Renshu to the party.

    It was only aing-of-age party, and Meng Renshu was not the type to make a fuss about such a thing. Li Caiyi also acted unreasonably cold towards Meng Renshu over a trivial thing. It did not make sense at all.

    Something definitely happened between those two.

 Chapter 90 Unforgivable

    Li Caiyi''s mood was terrible.

    She did not get to eat lunch, and the conversation with Meng Renshu left an unpleasant taste in her mouth. Li Caiyi knew she should not care about him anymore, but whenever she recalled his hurt expression from earlier, she felt ufortable, as if she wronged an innocent person.

    Even if she did not have any romantic feelings left for him, her conscience was still there, and it pained her when he treated her like she was the one who was at fault here. It was so unfair and frustrating.

    From the perspective of people from the current timeline, her coldness and anger might be unjustifiable, so it would not be strange if they pointed their fingers at her.

    However, Li Caiyi was very indignant about all this. She had done her best to stay away from Meng Renshu, so why did he keep bothering her even after she got reborn?

    Li Caiyi also needed to think about Dai Shenqiang and her negotiation with Shao Jingfei. There was also her conflict with Li Chunhua and her mother. Everything was tangled together and formed a massive knot in her head.

    Li Caiyi''s mind was full of things she must do, and she barely paid attention to the ss. When the bell signaling the end of the ss rang, she felt sluggish and did not want to go home. However, her mother might say something again if she came homete.

    In the end, she reluctantly grabbed her bag and bade goodbye to her friends.

    She was walking toward the front gate with heavy steps when she heard a familiar voice calling her.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    Li Caiyi turned around and saw Li Chunhua run towards her with a bright smile on her face. The wind blew past her as she came over, making her long hair flutter like a ck-colored soft sheet. Combined with her beautiful face and innocent demeanor, she quickly caught the attention of other students around her. Li Caiyi could even see a mirage of delicate flowers popping around her head. It was like a scene from the movie where the heroine ran toward her beloved one.

    Why would she look for her now? She seemed like she was in a very good mood.

    "What''s wrong?" Li Caiyi asked her sister when she arrived in front of her.

    Li Chunhua said with heavy breaths. "I came to your ss as soon as the ss was over to pick you up, but your friends said you had gone out, so I chased after you."

    Li Caiyi noticed beads of sweat on her temple and sighed helplessly. She took out her handkerchief and wiped her sweat with it. "Then you can just call me by phone and not run like this. You should be more careful with your body."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes lit up, seeing Li Caiyi treating her gently before she smiled blissfully. "It''s fine. I know my body''s limit. I want to walk home together with you since it has been a while since we did that."

    "Does that mean you are done sulking at me now?"

    "Hm? What''s that? I don''t know what you are talking about?" Li Chunhua said while feigning an innocent expression. She giggled, and then she affectionately rubbed her head to her sister''s shoulder. "I will never get angry with you, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi harrumphed. "You can lie so well now. I''m speechless."

    "Hehe, but you will still forgive me, right?"<sub> </sub>

    "For now, yes. As long as you did not go overboard, I will not say anything."

    "Xiaoyi, you are the best!" Li Chunhua hugged her arm happily.

    Actually, Li Chunhua was sulking because Li Caiyi took Meng Renshu''s sidest time. Li Caiyi had never told her about things she liked, so she thought they had a simr preference all along.

    When Meng Renshu said a fact about Li Caiyi which even she had never heard about, she was shocked. It was uneptable to think that Meng Renshu knew her sister better than her! It was all because Li Caiyi refused to confide in her, which was why she kept some distance from hertely.

    However, no matter how long she waited, Li Caiyi never approached her first. She got even angrier and even pulled Su Suyin into this to make her surrender, but to no avail.

    Today, she learned that there was no need for her to do such things. Li Chunhua did not know what happened, but it seemed Li Caiyi, and Meng Renshu were not that close, after all. They almost got into a fight earlier, and Li Chunhua could not be happier.

    Her mood made a one hundred eighty turn. She decided to let the past matter go and learn about Li Caiyi''s preference more from now on.

    Little did she know that her happiness was short-lived.

    "Shenqiang?" Li Caiyi muttered from her side. Her eyes widened in surprise, and without sparing Li Chunhua a nce, she shook off her hand and ran towards the boy wearing another school uniform who stood at the entrance gate.

    Li Chunhua gasped without sound, seeing the scene unfolding before her. Even more so when she recalled who Shenqiang was.

    Li Caiyi changed after she recovered from her fever. Li Chunhua still remembered clearly how her sister kept calling out that name in her sleep as if her life depended on it. She had searched the entire school for him, but no one with that name in this school seemed close to Li Caiyi, so she scratched that option.

    Li Chunhua knew Li Caiyi would never tell her about that person no matter how many times she asked, so she nned to observe the situation first and find more information about him. She had to talk with that nuisance so he would not corrupt her pure Li Caiyi more than this.

    Because of him, Li Caiyi began to treat her coldly and did everything outside her expectation. Li Chunhua could no longer predict what was on her mind. It was thanks to him that her sister turned into someone unrecognizable.

    Shenqiang.

    <o>,m How dare hee here, stealing Li Caiyi''s attention, and even taking her sister away right in front of her nose? They were chatting so happily before this, but now her sister left her because of him.</o>

    Unforgivable.

    A dark and ugly feeling enveloped Li Chunhua''s sense, and she could no longer see anything but Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang in front of her.

    Li Chunhua took a step toward them with a sweet smile on her face.

 Chapter 91 Peony And Lily

    Li Caiyi had to blink her eyes several times to ensure her eyes did not y tricks on her. However, it did not seem the case because she could see Dai Shenqiang standing there leaning his back against the gate wall and watching the passing students as clear as day.

    Why would he be here now? Was he waiting for Dai Zhiqiang? Hasn''t he heard from him yet about those loan sharks roaming around the street, waiting for them?

    Li Caiyi pulled her arms from Li Chunhua''s grip and ran over to the boy. She had to make sure everything was okay.

    Dai Shenqiang also quickly noticed her and sighed in relief when he knew Li Caiyi did not avoid him this time.

    "Caiyi, you are here."

    "What are you doing here? Don''t you know our school''s area is dangerous?"

    Dai Shenqiang had heard from his brother, so he immediately figured out what she meant. He gave her a knowing smile before answering. "It''s okay. I used a mouse path that not many people knew to reach here. My brother told me about it before."

    His exnation did not put Li Caiyi at ease because she got to be the first witness of Dai Shenqiang''s sorry state after those loan sharks had their way with him. She frowned in disapproval.

    "Even so, how can you waltz your way around here, knowing well there are dangers everywhere? This can''t do. You should go to your brother nowˇŞno, wait, let me call him here." Li Caiyi was about to take out her phone when she realized she did not have Dai Zhiqiang''s phone number.

    "Shenqiang, can you tell meˇŞ"

    "Wow, is he your friend, Xiaoyi?"

    A sweet and cheerful voice came from her side. Li Caiyi jerked her head to the side and saw Li Chunhua scrutinizing Dai Shenqiang curiously.

    ''Oh crap, I totally forgot about her,'' Li Caiyi cursed herself inwardly.

    Meanwhile, Dai Shenyang was astonished to meet someone who bore a striking resemnce to his savior. He doubted he could tell them apart if not for Li Caiyi''s sses and ponytail. He instinctively knew that the girl who had juste was Li Caiyi''s blood rtive, so he quickly shed a polite smile.

    "I''m Caiyi''s friend. My name is Dai Shenqiang. It''s a pleasure to meet you," he said as he outstretched his hand for a handshake.

    Li Chunhua''s eyes widened slightly before she smiled brightly, like a sun. "I''m Li Chunhua, Xiaoyi''s twin sister. Nice to meet you too," she said as he sped Dai Shenqiang''s hand. Her long eyshes fluttered bashfully when she looked up at the boy, making her look more charming.

    Dai Shenqiang was at a loss for words. He had seen many girls before, but he had never met someone as beautiful as Li Chunhua.

    Li Caiyi was, of course, beautiful too, but the vibe they gave off waspletely different. If Li Chunhua could be described as a vibrant peony, then Li Caiyi was a pure lily. Both were beautiful, and seeing them standing side by side was just a feast for sore eyes.

    Li Caiyi, who witnessed their exchange, had aplicated smile on her face.

    Li Chunhua finally met with Dai Shenqiang. Li Caiyi still could not say for sure if he were the Shen Qiang she was looking for, and considering how protective Li Chunhua was to her, she had nothing but a bad feeling about this.

    Li Caiyi cleared her throat. "Xiaohua, I''m sorry, but I need to talk to him about something. Can you please leave us first?"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes dimmed. She smiled sadly. "Can''t I stay here? I won''t be a bother to you."

    "This is very important. I can''t talk about it with you here."

    "But you promised me we would go home together today. It''s been a whileˇ­."

    Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation. "Xiaohua, it''s not like today will be ourst day. We can still go home together tomorrow."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua lowered her eyes with an aggrieved look on her face. Looking at her, Dai Shenqiang felt somehow guilty because he knew Li Caiyi was ditching her sister for him.

    He came here today to talk with Li Caiyi about her strange behaviorst time. Her reaction bothered her, and Dai Zhiqiang also gave him an earful of scolding after that, so he wanted to apologize if he made a mistake.

    He did not think that his sudden arrival today might disturb her schedule.

    "Uhm, Caiyi. Actually, we can talk on another day. It seems you already have a prior appointment too, so I''ll just return next time."

    "Don''t!"

    Before Li Caiyi had a chance to reply, Li Chunhua had eximed while grabbing on Dai Shenqiang''s arm. Both of them were surprised, and Li Chunhua took a step back embarrassedly when she realized what she was doing.

    "I mean, you don''t have to. Xiaoyi and I can walk together next time. I don''t want to disturb you guys," she said with a lowered head. Dai Shenqiang felt even more guilty now.

    "No, it''s okay. What I need to talk to her about isn''t that important. It can wait for another day."

    "Really?" Li Chunhua looked up reluctantly with watery eyes. The ze on her eyes reflected the sunlight, making it more sparkly. Dai Shenqiang gulped nervously.

    "Y-yes. So don''t worry and have fun with your sister."

    "Yay! I''m so happy. You are very kind, Shenqiang! I''d love it if you could be my friend. Xiaoyi''s friend is my friend too, after all. Can I have your contact information?"

    Dai Shenqiang did not mind, so he quickly pulled out his phone from his pocket. Li Caiyi, who saw that, immediately alerted. She raised her hand in reflex and stopped him from giving his phone to Li Chunhua.

    "Caiyi?" Dia Shenqiang looked at her in confusion.

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhua''s face turned several shades darker when she saw Li Caiyi voluntarily hold the boy''s hand. She had not even done that to Li Junjie and Meng Renshu. Since when did she be so bold?

    However, her facial expression quickly reverted to a normal one. Unfortunately, Li Caiyi did not miss that slight change.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing? Why are you stopping him?"

    "I should be the one asking you. Why are you asking him for his contact? What are you nning this time?"

    Li Chunhua was shocked by her usation and bit her lips with a wronged expression. "I just want to befriend your friend. Am I not allowed even that?"

    Dai Shenqiang, who did not know about these girls'' side stories, could only look at this scene as Li Caiyi being too harsh on her sister, so he gently retracted his hand from hers.

    "Caiyi, it''s okay. I don''t mind at all, and I''d love to get to know your sister as well. We all can be friends and hang out together next time."

    Li Chunhua stared at Dai Shenqiang gratefully for a while before she nced back at Li Caiyi hesitantly. Then, with a scared look resembling a small animal, she took a step backward. "As expected, I shouldn''t. Xiaoyi hasn''t given me her permission yet."

    Dai Shenqiang was surprised. "Why would you need your sister''s permission for that?"

    "Th-that''sˇ­." Li Chunhua''s eyes darted around ufortably as if she wanted to answer but could not.

    Dai Shenqiang looked back at Li Caiyi, who kept her silent and realized for the first time that perhaps there was more to these siblings'' rtionship than what they let on.

 Chapter 92 Youâ€™ll Come With Me Whether Or Not You Like It

    Stuck between these two girls, Dai Shenqiang found himself at a loss on what to do. He only wanted to talk to Li Caiyi, so why did it be like this?

    ''Ah, whatever. Let''s just finish this quickly,'' He thought to himself.

    "Um, Caiyi? You don''t have to be that tense. We are just going to exchange our contact information. Don''t make a face like that, you are scaring your sister. Don''t you feel sorry for her?"

    Li Caiyi, who stood in silence and watched the scene unfolding before her, let out a bitter smile. Thinking back, Li Chunhua only asked him for his contact details, and it was up to him to give it or not.

    Why did she interfere?

    Was it because she was worried her sister would plot something against Dai Shenqiang?

    Or was it because, deep in her heart, she did not want Li Chunhua to take anyone else from her anymore?

    She was not even sure if Dai Shenqiang was her Shen Qiang or not, so what was this weird, suffocating feeling in her chest?

    This scene ovepped with a simr situation in the past.

    It was the same with Meng Renshu once. He would look at Li Caiyi with the same tired and helpless look while standing beside Li Chunhua. He never said it directly, but his eyes expressed disappointment and impatience, as though he found her an eyesore.

    Dai Shenqiang had the same look in his eyes just now.

    When they looked at her like that, Li Caiyi knew they would only drift further from her after this.

    First, it was Meng Renshu. Now, it was Shen Qiang.

    But they were not hers, to begin with, so what rights did she have to stop them?

    ''Ah, crap. This is so frustrating. I hate this feeling,'' Li Caiyi thought to herself.

    While Li Caiyi was standing there, contemting on what to say, she did not realize a figure had approached them.

    "Xiaoyi? Are you okay?"

    Meng Renshu leaned in to look at Li Caiyi''s face closer with a worried expression.

    He suddenly showed up beside her, so Li Caiyi took a step aside in surprise. "B-brother Renshu?!"

    Meng Renshu chuckled, looking at her slightly bulging eyes. "Did I surprise you? Sorry, I didn''t mean to sneak on you. You were so deep in your mind you didn''t even notice me."

    Li Caiyi was just reminiscing about her not-so-good memories with Meng Renshu, and now the person himself appeared before her. She felt like she was just caught red-handed doing something bad.

    However, thanks to him, Li Caiyi got a hold of herself again. She was too overwhelmed by emotion just now, but Meng Renshu''s interruption calmed her down somewhat.

    It was weird that he did not approach Li Chunhua first thing and came to her instead. Usually, he would always stand by Li Chunhua''s side without question when he saw her being wronged.

    Meng Renshu, who felt Li Caiyi stare at him, asked with a smile, "What''s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "....Nothing." Li Caiyi was not used to having him standing by her side, but she quickly brushed it off as a coincidence.

    "More importantly, who is this? Your friend?" Meng Renshu shifted his attention to Dai Shenqiang.

    Dai Shenqiang groaned inwardly but kept a friendly smile on his face.

    One after another showed up. Moreover, this guy seemed to exude the aura of a nobleman with every gesture he made. Dai Shenqiang knew immediately that he muste from a wealthy family.

    "I''m Caiyi''s friend, Dai Shenqiang. Nice to meet you."

    Meng Renshu''s mouth twitched a bit when he heard his name, and his eyes gradually turned several degrees colder. He lowered his eyes and noticed how Dai Shenqiang''s right arm was wrapped in a bandage under his sleeve. His eyes narrowed down further when an idea urred to him.<sub> </sub>

    "Your hand, is it okay?"

    Dai Shenqiang unknowingly held her injured hand and smiled. "Oh, this? Yeah, it has gotten a lot better thanst time I was in the hospital."

    "Oh my God! That looks hurt! Are you okay?" Li Chunhua touched his injured hand gently with a worried expression. She was standing so close to him it made Dai Shenqiang''s heart skip a beat.

    "A-ah, it''s fine already. It doesn''t feel that hurt anymore." He answered in stutters.

    "You should be more careful. Don''t push yourself too hard."

    "Y-yeah. Thanks." The flustered Dai Shenqiang put away his hand to avoid further contact with Li Chunhua. He felt weird and restless.

    Li Caiyi watched them with aplicated expression. Then, she secretly sneaked a nce at Meng Renshu; she wanted to know how he would react.

    Meng Renshu was frowning, with lips pressed into a hard line. His long eyshes cast a looming shadow on his eyes, making his appearance look more somber. It was his expression when he was in a foul mood.

    Sure enough, he must be upset seeing Li Chunhua so close to Dai Shenqiang. Li Caiyi could not help but gloat a little inside.

    ''Now you understand how I feel? Serves you right! Eat that dog food!''

    In the end, Dai Shenqiang exchanged his contact information with Li Chunhua. Thetter smiled happily, while the former somehow appeared tired.

    Li Caiyi said nothing throughout the process. There was nothing she could do to prevent it, anyway. She would only make herself look bad if she intervened further.

    Dai Shenqiang vaguely felt Li Caiyi was upset about something, but he could not guess why. Women''s minds were really hard to predict.

    "Caiyi, I will go now. I really want to talk to you about the other day, so let''s meet another time, okay?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Yeah. Let''s do that. Are you sure you will be okay? Wouldn''t it be safer if you wait for your brother first?"

    "Don''t worry. I might not look like it, but I can run fast. Those guys got me because they used dirty tricks, but I won''t be fooled twice."

    Li Caiyi was still worried, but there was nothing she could do to make him change his mind. In the end, Dai Shenqiang left while waving his hand to her.

    Li Chunhua looked at the new contact on her phone with a gloating smile. It was very easy indeed to manipte a stupid guy.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu, who stood nearby, heard their conversation and felt a sense of impatience rush through him. He met Dai Shenqiang for the first time today, but his presence had irritated him so much.

    He felt restless and angry for some unknown reason. Even more so when he saw that guy talking with Li Caiyi and elicited responses from her. She revealed concern for that guy more than she was concerned about him.

    Meng Renshu could not stomach that fact. Wasn''t he just injured a little? It was not even that serious of an injury, so why did he have to act pitiful to gain Li Caiyi''s sympathy? How unmanly.

    "Xiaoyi, you have finished your talk, right? Shall we go?"

    Li Caiyi''s brows knitted. "Go? Go where?"

    Meng Renshu felt more irritated upon sensing her wariness of him, so he strode over to her with a wide smile on his face. Little did he know his smile looked scary when he was in a bad mood.

    Li Caiyi took a step back, but Meng Renshu prevented her from running away by taking her hand and dragging her with him. "It''s time to choose your dress for the party. You''lle with me whether or not you like it."

    "Ah! What are you doing?!" Li Caiyi tried to pull her hand, but she could not win against Meng Renshu''s strength. She sighed in resignation as she let herself be dragged away.

    Li Chunhua, who was left behind, stood there with a dumbfounded expression. How could someone steal her sister before her eyes again?

    "Hey, wait for me!" She eximed while chasing after them.

 Chapter 93 Midnight Blue Dress

    Meng Renshu brought the twins to a renowned brand designer boutique. It is located in the city center and is one of the brands used by women in high-ss society. What made the brand famous was the simple yet intricate design which created a graceful image for whoever was wearing it. Every woman liked to look ssy in every situation, so this brand had a lot of excellent reviews.

    When the three of them arrived, one salesperson came up to them with a bright smile on her face.

    "Wee. What kind of dress are you looking for today?"

    "I have made an order before this. Here is the slip of proof." Meng Renshu said while showing a piece of paper to the salesperson, which she politely epted.

    "Right. We have prepared the dress for you. Please go this way."

    Meng Renshu turned to look at Li Caiyi, who seemed disinterested and only stood in silence. Unlike Li Chunhua, who had run around and stared at the dress on disy with sparkly eyes, there was no trace of excitement or joy in Li Caiyi''s eyes.

    He sighed inwardly, thinking that he must have upset her again. However, her mood would surely improve after she saw the dress he had prepared for her. He had made sure the dress fit ordingly to her taste.

    The expectant Meng Renshu walked over to Li Caiyi with a gentle expression. "Xiaoyi, the salesperson is fetching your dress right now. Do you want to try it for a bit to see if it fits you or not?"

    Li Caiyi cast a sideways look at him. "Even if I refuse, you will still make me do it, won''t you? What''s the point of asking?"

    By this point, Meng Renshu had gotten used to her sharp look and speech, so instead of feeling hurt like before, he found it refreshing instead.

    "That''s right, so you should know better that resistance is futile, right? The fitting room is over there." He pointed at the room in the back.

    "Be careful, your true color is showing. You are really hateful, do you know that?" Li Caiyi said, without bothering to cover the poison in her tone.

    Meng Renshu smiled in amusement. "I''m just a gentleman taking care of my feisty little partner here."

    Li Caiyi did not like how Meng Renshu was getting more and morefortable with her. She truly did not understand what she did wrong. Didn''t she have done her best to avoid him, even hurting his feelings on purpose? So why was he so persistent?

    "Brother Renshu! Look at the dress over there! It''s so beautiful!" Li Chunhua came over and tugged at Meng Renshu''s arm merrily.

    Meng Renshu looked down at her with a fond smile. "Alright. Xiaohua, you can pick a dress you want. Brother will buy it for you."

    "Really? I''m so happy!"

    Li Caiyi looked at her sister''s cute, beaming face. That should be the correct response if a girl were told to choose a dress by a guy. However, Li Caiyi did not n to make the right answer here.

    Li Caiyi walked toward the fitting room without paying any attention to those two. She wanted to get this over quickly.

    The salesperson who saw hering gave a polite smile. "Are you the one who will try the dress? Pleasee this way."

    Li Caiyi nodded and followed her. They soon arrived in a cozy room with a couch inside, which looked like a VIP room. The salesperson gestured to a mannequin with a midnight blue gown on it, and Li Caiyi forgot to breathe for a moment when she saw the dress.

    It was a long sleeveless gown with a high cor that properly covered the chest and back area. It had glitters sprinkled all over the dress to create a pattern. The dress looked like the night sky adorned with thousand stars on it for a moment.

    The design was very simple, but those star patterns could not possibly be easy to make. Not to mention, the fabric was smooth and cool, veryfortable to the skin.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi touched it in a trance. She did not want to admit it, but she had to give it to Meng Renshu for his sophisticated talent in choosing a suitable outfit for the asion. This skill must havee naturally to him after seeing so many good-quality clothes throughout his life.

    The gown was right up in her alley. Li Caiyi liked everything about it. She especially liked how the gown looked simple and modest yet ssy and elegant at the same time.

    "Do you like it?"

    Li Caiyi was snapped out of her reverie when she heard Meng Renshu''s voice. She turned back and saw a satisfied smirk adorning that pretty face of his. She found that smirk ingratiating.

    "Well, of course, it''s good because a professional made it." Li Caiyi harrumphed.

    "Is that so? I''m d you like it." He smiled even wider.

    Meng Renshu''s reaction unsettled her, so she did not prolong their conversation and told the salesperson to help her wear the gown. She wanted to look as ungrateful as she could, so he would feel turned off by her attitude.

    Li Caiyi tried on the gown in a fitting room with the help of the kind salesperson. To her surprise, the measurement fit perfectly on her. Did Meng Renshu use Li Chunhua''s measurement as a reference? Or did Su Suyin tell him about it?

    Whichever it was, Li Caiyi had fallen in love with this gown. She looked like a girl who wore the night sky in her skirt as she twirled around. The glitters looked like a sprinkle of stardust when she did that. It was mesmerizing to see.

    ''Meng Renshu sure is ying dirty. He knew no woman can resist the temptation of a pretty dress.'' Li Caiyi thought to herself resentfully.

    p Although it was a bit tight on the chest area, thankfully, it was not on the level she could not handle.</anda>

    The salesperson also gasped in awe when she saw how the gown hugged her figure perfectly. It entuated her slim waist, slender neck, and protruding chest so much. If this customer did note in wearing a school uniform, she would mistake Li Caiyi as a legitimate adult.

    "Miss, this gown looks like it was tailored just for you! It suits you so well!"

    "T-thank you," Li Caiyi replied awkwardly.

    "How about you take off your sses and untie your hair? I bet you will look more beautiful!"

    "No, it''s okay. I''m just making sure the measurement is correct."

    "Really? Butˇ­" the salesperson nced toward the door hesitantly, "I think your boyfriend is still waiting for you outside. I bet he is looking forward to seeing youe out looking pretty."

    Li Caiyi''s mouth twitched slightly. "He is not my boyfriend. We are not even that close, so don''t mind him. Can you please help me unzip the gown now?"

    The salesperson had dealt with many customers throughout her career, so she immediately perceived the change of mood in the girl''s tone. She dared not to stall more time and quickly helped her out of the gown.

    Even so, a big question popped out in her mind.

    What kind of man prepared an expensive, specially tailored gown if not for his beloved one? Moreover, the guy who came with her kept stealing a nce at her all the time, like he was afraid she would disappear if he looked away, even for a moment.

    If that was not a sign of affection, then what was that?

 Chapter 94 Persistence

    After making sure she had worn her uniform properly, Li Caiyi came out of the fitting room and greeted with the view of Li Chunhua showing off her short pink dress to Meng Renshu. She twirled once, and the skirt fluttered around her legs like a veil. She looked like a fairy flower.

    Meng Renshu seemed to like it too since he praised her repeatedly with a joyful face.

    Li Caiyi felt there was nothing left to do here, so she silently made her way towards the entrance, only to be blocked by Meng Renshu.

    "Xiaoyi, why aren''t you wearing your gown?" He narrowed his eyes down when he saw she did not wear the gown he had prepared for her.

    "I did. I had made sure the measurement was correct, so I took it off. My role here is done, right? I''ll take my leave first, then."

    Meng Renshu was disappointed he did not get to see Li Caiyi wearing her gown, but heforted himself by thinking he would eventually see it at the party.

    "Wait, where are you going? Let''s go together."

    "No, thanks. You and Xiaohua can take your time. I have some other business I need to take care of."

    Meng Renshu looked back to see Li Chunhua, who had disappeared since who knows when, before shifting his gaze back at Li Caiyi. "Xiaohua is changing now. Let''s wait for a bit, and I will drop you off at the ce you want to go."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "You don''t need to trouble yourself for me. I can go by myself. You can continue to look after Xiaohua."

    Meng Renshu knitted his brows. "Why are you being so difficult? I said I would give you a lift, didn''t I? I''m the one who dragged you here, so I have a responsibility to look after you too."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath to calm herself down. This person really tested her patience. He just kept doing whatever he wanted without listening to her opinion at all.

    "So you think I''m being difficult? Well, I can say the same about you. You knew my parents could not refuse you, so you smoothly coaxed them to force me into this. Do you take everyone as someone you can easily y with?"

    Meng Renshu could not stand how Li Caiyi looked at him with so much impatience and resentment. It made him angrier when he recalled how she spoke so softly at Dai Shenqiang, yet she always frowned or scooted away when she was with him.

    He had lost count on how many times she made him lose hisposure. The frustrating thing was he could not leave her alone, even if he wanted to. Meng Renshu felt he could go crazy because of her soon!

    "You are the one who is backing out from your promise first. You said you would agree toe as my partner, but you changed your mind in the middle and pushed Xiaohua to rece you."

    "As I said, it was all my mother''s idea and not mine!"

    "But I heard from Auntie you were not even resisting it." Meng Renshu said bitterly. "She said you are willingly suggesting to give your position to her. If it was not backing out from your promise, then I don''t know what it is."

    Li Caiyi massaged her throbbing temple. The amount of stress she suffered from talking to him was immeasurable.

    "Brother Renshu, I don''t understand why you are so persistent in making me your partner. It is not even that big of a deal."

    Meng Renshu felt a surge of fury zing across him when he heard that. "What? So you mean mying of age party is nothing of importance to you? If it isn''t important, then what is important to you, then? Visiting your male friend in the hospital? Or taking care of him when he only has an injured hand?" He blurted with a hint of mockery in his tone.

    His sudden outburst took Li Caiyi aback. Why did he suddenly be aggressive? And why was he suddenly talking about Dai Shenqiang?

    Meng Renshu soon realized he made a slip of the tongue, and in his cluster, he turned away and said in frustration, "Forget it. Just go anywhere you like. I don''t care anymore!"

    He left with a huff after that.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was dumbfounded. She had never seen Meng Renshu act childishly like this, even during her first life. Perhaps it was one of his sides he had never shown to her before, and it sure was surprising as hell.

    However, Li Caiyi was kind of thankful for that because now there was no one to block her way anymore.

    She did not look back even once and went out of the boutique.

    ***

    Li Caiyi knocked on the Dai family''s house door several times.

    When she said she had something important to do, Meng Renshu actually guessed it right. Her business indeed had something to do with Dai Shenqiang since she thought she could not dy informing him about her negotiation with Shao Jingfei.

    She was kind of nervous about being here again after running out like the other day, but business took precedence!

    There was no sounding from the inside, even after she knocked several times. Dai Zhiqiang was perhaps still in the school doing her library duty, but Dai Shenqiang''s hand was injured, so he should not be anywhere else but his home around this time. It was strange nobody answered even after she knocked many times.

    Li Caiyi pondered for a bit but suddenly had an idea.

    "Shenqiang? Are you inside? It''s me, Caiyi."

    Sure enough, she heard a shift of movement from inside as soon as she called out. Only an idiot would open the door carelessly, knowing loan sharks were targeting them.

    The door opened slightly, and Dai Shenqiang poked his head out from the gap. "Caiyi? Why did youe here?"

    "I already said I have something to tell you. This is very important. Can you let me in for a bit?"

    Dai Shenqiang was confused, but he let her in, anyway. He closed and locked the door again after Li Caiyi entered. "I didn''t expect you toe here. Sit down, first."

    Li Caiyi sat down while looking around. "Your brother is not home yet?"

    "He was here just a while ago, but he had gone to the hospital to check on our father."

    Upon hearing that, Li Caiyi realized she had known nothing about Mr. and Mrs. Dai so far. She wondered what had happened to them. "Is your father sick?"

    "Yeah. He had been hospitalized and received treatment for stomach cancer for two years now. My brother and I would visit him from time to time, but with my condition right now, I bet he would be worried if he sees me."

    "Ah, I see. It must be hard for you guys," Li Caiyi said sympathetically. The two brothers sure had it hard. Not only did they have to be constantly alert to danger, but they also needed to take care of their sick father. "What about your mother?"

    Dai Shenqiang''s face turned darker, although he kept a smile on his face. Li Caiyi immediately understood he did not want to talk about his mother, so she shifted the topic.

    "Actually, I came here because I have a suggestion for you."

    Dai Shenqiang caught on to her intention right away. He smiled gratefully and leaned his body forward. "What suggestion?"

    "I want you to make a manhua with me."

 Chapter 95 Shenqiangs Worry

    Dai Shenqiang could not react immediately to Li Caiyi''s question. "Come again?"

    "Do you want to create a manhua story with me?" Li Caiyi asked again.

    "Wait. Isn''t your question a bit too random right now?" Dai Shenqiang chuckled, but Li Caiyi was not smiling.

    "Shenqiang, I''m serious. I saw your drawing, and I think you have a talent for it. Can you re-create it as a manhua if I made you a storyline? We can be a co-creator!"

    His smile gradually faded from his face and was reced with bewilderment and astonishment. "I have never tried it before, and my hand is still injured, too. But why are you suddenly asking me this?"

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before exining everything about his negotiation with Shao Jingfei. Dai Shenqiang''s expression changed from shock to confusion, and finally, hesitation. By the time Li Caiyi finished, he had a deep frown on his face.

    "And that''s the story. I''m sorry for acting on my own, but I don''t want to lose this opportunity."

    "Caiyi, it''s not like I don''t understand your concern." Dai Shenqiang scratched his head. "But you have done so much for us already. If you do more than this, we will feel bad."

    "Why not? We both will get our share of benefits, so it''s a win-win situation. Furthermore, aren''t we friends?"

    "Precisely because we are friends, I don''t want to make you do this for us. While I appreciate your thoughtful kindness, we can''t possibly leech on you like this. You don''t have to feel obligated to help us, you know."

    At first, Li Caiyi was indeed helping them because she thought Dai Shenqiang was her Shen Qiang initially. However, after spending time together and getting closer to the brothers, Li Caiyi genuinely felt connected to them. Even after realizing that her thought was too na?ve, and Dai Shenqiang might not be the one she was looking for, it still did not stop her desire to help them with anything she could do.

    She felt like she would regret it forever if she did nothing, and she had had enough of that feeling in her previous life.

    "Shenqiang, listen to me well. Even if you ept my proposition, there is no guarantee we will seed in this. Both of us are new and inexperienced in this, that''s why we can help each other. Who knows? Maybe something will change in the future. Don''t give up before trying!"

    <o>,m Dai Shenqiang smiled bitterly. "Iˇ­ can''t. With my art, it''s just impossible. I''mˇ­ not like my brother."</o>

    Li Caiyi mmed the table in front of her. "YOU CAN!"

    Dai Shenqiang jumped in his ce from the sheer force of her speech. His pupils shook ever so slightly. "W-why are you suddenly yelling?"

    "Shenqiang, whatever you are thinking, it is not true at all!"

    Li Caiyi, who had been in his shoes before, knew how it felt to be in his shoes more than anyone else.<sub> </sub>

    When you were denied by those around you, you would feel horrible and unworthy inside. However, that was not the worst part of it. It was when you started denying and degrading your own self-worth, was when you truly became miserable.

    It took her one lifetime to finally appreciate herself the way she was, so she would not let Dai Shenqiang suffer the same horrible feeling she used to have.

    "Your art is amazing! I fell in love with it, at first sight, so you should never think of it as nothing! Not everyone can do what you can, and I believe your brother also thinks the same. I trust we can create a good synergy if we work together. That''s why I''m asking you this. Shenqiang, I can help you, and you can help me."

    "Caiyi, I can''t possibly make you risk your opportunity just to save myself. You will fare much better if you sign up as a novelist. You should not put your hope on someone like me." Dai Shenqiang avoided direct eye contact with her, but Li Caiyi noticed a hint of frustration in his voice.

    She took a deep breath to calm herself down. She plopped herself back on the chair and cleared her throat. "Sorry, I got too carried away just now. I didn''t mean to force you to do anything you want to. However, can you at least try to make several pages of manhua first for me? My friend will evaluate itter to judge if it is worth investing in or not. You will believe it if the professional is the one who appraises your work, right?"

    "No, it''s not like I don''t believe youˇ­."

    Li Caiyi raised her hand to stop his words. "You don''t have to say it. I know it''s hard to believe the words of others when there is no proof to support it, so let''s make that proof together. Join me, Shenqiang. Don''t you also feel restless the whole time? You want to do something but do not know what to do and are scared of making everything worse. That''s why you stay silent and try to make yourselffortable rather than actively trying to find a solution. Isn''t that right?"

    Dai Shenqiang: "!!"

    Li Caiyi smiled softly. "I can''t tell you in detail, but believe me, I have been through the same thing once. So I know well that you actually hate being in this position more than anyone else. Isn''t that right?"

    Dai Shenqiang lowered his head while biting his lips. Li Caiyi studied his reaction, and she thought that this might be the first time she ever saw the raw emotion on his face. He usually would joke around or tease her asionally, so people could easily mistake him as a cheerful person while he was actually hiding his true feelings deep inside.

    "My brotherˇ­." Dai Shenqiang said weakly, "....is someone I respect the most. He is good at anything and does not seem to have any weaknesses. When I was a child, kids in my ss used to bully me because I spent my time indoors drawing rather than ying ser like other boys. I think it was around that time that I grew afraid of showing my drawing to anyone."

    "Because you are afraid they will bully you?" Li Caiyi felt a needle prickling her heart as she said so.

    "Yeah. They would call my hobby creepy or something only a loner with no friends like me would do." Dai Shenqiang''s lips curved up in a nostalgic smile. "Every time those kids bully me, my brother would alwayse to my rescue. He would beat everyone who mocked me orid a finger on me, like a superhero in a manhua."

    His face turned gloomy after that. "But because of that, my brother often got into trouble. Those bullies would often look for my brother again, bringing more people or older students to fight with my brother. There was even one instance where my brother got med for something he did not do, all because he wanted to protect me."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "I hate being an inconvenience to my brother, so I changed myself starting from middle school. I learned the trend and spent more effort on my appearance. Aside from that, I also mimicked how popr students talk and behave. Throughout all that, I dared not to tell anyone about my hobby."

    Dai Shenqiang let out a self-deprecatingugh. "I want to be a strong person, like my brother. But, you are right. I was just making myselffortable and never actually trying to solve my problem at all. Even if my outer appearance had changed, I''m still the same weak, helpless child as I was back then."

 Chapter 96 Their Answer

    Li Caiyi did not know what to say.

    No, there was no need to say anything from the beginning. Any kind offorting words felt heavy on her tongue. No word could convey what she was feeling right now, and it probably was not what he needed, anyway. Dai Shenqiang was much more vulnerable than she thought, and he looked so fragile he could quickly melt and disappear like a snowke with the slightest touch.

    His feelings resonated in her so well it suffocated her chest.

    What some people take for granted is difficult to attain for some people. Some people longed to live differently, while others strived just to be as normal as others. Finding a bnce in everything was not a feat anyone could do, and in those cases, Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang were among the less lucky ones. Pride and confidence always came with epting oneself, but what if a person could not even do something as simple as that?

    Li Caiyi could not ept herself until she met Shen Qiang, so she could imagine how hard it must be for Dai Shenqiang.

    Dai Shenqiang noticed Li Caiyi''s somber mood andughed to lighten up the mood. "Ah, sorry, sorry. I didn''t mean to ruin the mood by saying something depressing like that."

    "No, it''s okay. Whenever you feel down, I''m always ready to listen to you."

    Dai Shenqiang smiled warmly. "Thank you. I have felt better already."

    "I''m d if that''s the case."

    "I couldn''t really express it well, but I have always felt different when talking to you. Ever since you covered me from those loan sharks, I always had a sense of familiarity whenever I saw you. Being with you makes me feel at ease. I don''t have to worry about anything and can tell you everything."

    Li Caiyi''s heart tightened, causing a bittersweet sensation. At this point, she did not know if she was ready to hope again, but no matter what happenedter, the fact that Dai Shenqiang was her friend would never change.

    ''That''s right. There is no need to rush. I believe I will meet Shen Qiang somewhere in the future. We have made a promise to each other, after all,'' Li Caiyi thought to herself, and her body instantly became lighter.

    Dai Shenqiang scratched his cheek awkwardly before he cautiously spoke. "While we are at it, about your sisterˇ­."

    "What about her?" The sudden mention of Li Chunhua alerted Li Caiyi.

    "She looked exactly the same as you, so it took me by surprise earlier."

    "Well, we are identical twins, so it''s inevitable."

    "Yeah. Because she was so simr to you, I got a little nervous back there." Dai Shenqiang said hesitantly, "Thinking back, I might have done something you did not like and upset you. Perhaps you wouldn''t like it if I were too close to your sister?"

    Li Caiyi was tempted to reply with a big YES but realized that she had no right to say that. However, she did not want Dai Shenqiang to be a victim of Li Chunhua''s maniption, too, so she decided to give him a warning instead.

    "My sister is a bitˇ­. unique. She is my sister, but even I can''t tell what is on her mind sometimes. You should be more careful around her."

    There was a hint of disappointment shed through Dai Shenqiang''s eyes for a moment. He let out a sigh before he said, "But your sister did not seem to be a bad person at all, though?"

    "Yes, she had her reason for doing that. I can tolerate her because she is my sister, but you have no obligation to do that. Please don''t hesitate to tell me if my sister is trying to do anything funny with you."

    "Why are you making it sound like your sister is going to attack me?" He chuckled.

    "Anyway, just be careful."

    "Alright, if you say so." Dai Shenqiang fiddled with his fingers for a moment before he raised his head. "Caiyi, I have been thinking about it, and as you said, I also don''t like to stay this way forever. My father is hospitalized, and my brother is doing everything to save our family from this predicament. I don''t want to be the only one doing nothing. That''s why, please let me be your partner in your n!"

    Li Caiyi smiled when she heard that. "Of course. I''m d you changed your mind, and I''m looking forward to working with you." She extended her hand for a handshake, which was gripped firmly by the younger boy.<sub> </sub>

    "Likewise!"

    ***

    Under the night sky, illuminated by a full moon, a young man''s figure stood in front of a tall building. The building had a giant te on top of its huge door made from a green marble, with golden-painted ''Ye Wang'' written on it.

    The security who stood on guard outside squinted their eyes upon seeing the young man, even more so when the young man approached them.

    "Halt! State your name and your business here! This is not a ce where anyone cane in."

    The young man wore a ck hood that covered his head and a ck mask, making the guard warn him vigntly. He did not look intimidated at all by the guards'' giant and muscr figure and only stared at them straight with his inky ck eyes.

    "I came here to see Boss Ye."

    The guards exchanged a nce before theyughed out loud. One of them approached the young man with a condescending look on his face.

    "What kind of business did a young man like you have with our Boss? Are you a spy from another group who came to infiltrate our base? It seems we have been looked down upon by a youngster."

    "Hey, kid. I don''t know who you are, but our Boss is busy and has no time to spare for an insignificant rat like you. You''d better scram before we break one or two of your arms."

    The young man sighed as if hearing their loud voices fed him up. "I''m really here at Boss Ye''s invitation. I''ll tell you my name, so can you please ry it to him I''m here?"

    "Presumptuous! You have no right to mention our boss'' name with your mouth!"

    "There is no way Boss had a puny and shabby acquaintance like you! If he is, I swear I''ll eat my shoes!"

    "Less talk, more action. Guys, let''s just get him!"

    Three men came at the young man simultaneously. One of them threw a punch, but the young man lightly evaded him to the side, grabbed his forearm, and threw him through his shoulder to the ground. The man''s body mmed hard, causing him to choke on his breath while he grimaced in pain.

    The movement was so smooth it took the other two back. Not satisfied with that, the young man locked the first man''s arm to the back and sat on his back before pulling out a shiny object from his jacket''s pocket.

    Upon closer look, it was a swiss knife with a sharp-looking de, which looked sinister under the moonlight and in the hand of an eerie hooded man. The young man raised his hand and was about to stab the first man under him using the knife.

    The second and third man flinched in panic when they saw that, "Wait, don''t be hasty!"

    The young man''s hand stopped mid-air when he heard them exim. The first man was trying to struggle while spouting curses, but the young man only needed to press the de onto his neck for him to shut up.

    With a low but clear voice which did not allow for any objection, the young man said, "I''ll say it once again, tell Boss Ye that the young man he recruited a few days ago was here."

    The second man clenched his fist while gritting teeth but was held back by the third man standing beside him. "Fine. We will inform the Boss about it, but whether or not he will meet with you is up to him."

    "Fair enough. Let me warn you just in case, though. If you dare to y any tricks, my hand might slip and cause a person to lose his head." He said in a low voice and pressed the de into the neck tighter, causing a trickle of blood to fall to the ground.

    "Don''t! We get it already! Tell me your name so we can ry it to our Boss." the third man said in a panic.

    "Tell him that Dai Zhiqiang hase to give him his answer." The young man''s eyes glinted with a dangerous light.

 Chapter 97 Broken Minds (1)

    Today was a day full of progress for Li Caiyi. A few unexpected things happened here and there, but thankfully, all ended well. She had sessfully roped Dai Shenqiang into her n, so the only thing left to do was now to wait for his hand to heal as she thought about a good plotline.

    Li Caiyi had read many books but not so much with manhua. She probably had to borrow or buy some to do some research.

    In the end, she left the Dai family''s house without meeting Dai Zhiqiang even once. She wanted to apologize to both of them for behaving so strangely the other day, but she heard from Dai Shenqiangter at night via chat that his brother had note back untilte at night.

    ''He must have been working so hard to pay back the debt and take care of his father''s medical fee.'' Li Caiyi thought, feeling worried for Dai Zhiqiang. If only Li Junjie was a quarter as caring as Dai Zhiqiang, perhaps Li Caiyi would not need to be so stressed. She was kind of jealous of Dai Shenqiang for having such a good brother.

    When she arrived home, it was a bit before the sky darkened. Su Suyin was waiting for her in the living room. Upon seeing her arrival, she rose from her seat and asked worriedly, "Xiaoyi, how is it? Did you finish trying on your dress?"

    "I did. I heard from Brother Renshu that you had talked with him."

    Su Suyin heaved a sigh of relief. She was worried Li Caiyi would act stubborn and refused Meng Renshu again. If she did that, she would only incur Li Jirong''s rage, which would affect Su Suyin badly.

    "Yes, about that," Su Suyin rubbed her forearm with an apologetic expression on her face. "I''m sorry for talking so harshly this morning. Renshu had specifically asked you to be his partner, so I was just trying to make you more aware of that fact. I didn''t mean to say that Xiaohua should be the one to be his partner instead."

    Li Caiyi did not answer immediately and gazed at Su Suyin deeply. Even after everything that happened to her in both lives, she could never bring herself to hate her mother. For her, Su Suyin''s warmth was the only salvation she could get her hand on in this cold and suffocating ce.

    ? Maybe that was why Li Caiyi kept giving her the second, third, and many other chances, even after getting hurt so many times. She wanted to keep that tiny me of hope inside her.

    However, after her conversation with her mother and brother, it did not seem her effort would ever amount to anything. She should stop acting so stubborn and face reality more. Su Suyin''s most precious daughter would always be Li Chunhua, and she was just another daughter of hers who happened to be born at the same time as her ''daughter''.

    "It''s okay, Mother. You don''t have to apologize to me anymore." Li Caiyi said with a weak smile. "As of now, I want to change myself. I might disappoint you more and more in the future to do that. I wish I could keep being your obedient child, but I don''t want to feel miserable anymore."

    Su Suyin''s facial expression became sterner. "Xiaoyi, are you trying to start a fight again with me? Can you just put it to rest already? As long as you can eat well, get a good education, and marry a good husband, isn''t that good enough? What is so miserable about it? If you can be more patient about it, only a good life would await you!"

    Li Caiyi smiled sadly. "I see. Mother, you must have been through a lot, too. I want to help you, but it does not seem like we are going to ever see eye to eye on anything."

    "What are you talking about now?" Su Suyin asked in confusion.

    There was nothing Li Caiyi could do to change Su Suyin''s belief. Her mother was raised in an environment that created her current idea and personality. Su Suyin was not a bad person; she was simply not a good parent. Knowing that was enough for Li Caiyi.

    "Nothing," Li Caiyi shook her head. "Mother, I won''t ask you to understand, but I hope you can properly think about it once again. Was the current life you had was a happy one? Is this truly the life you want?"<sub> </sub>

    Su Suyin''s frown deepened. "Xiaoyi, you are talking about nonsense again. Living with a sessful husband and my three beloved and precious children, I had a happy life. Why would I be unhappy about it?"

    Li Caiyi: "....."

    She wondered if her mother would still think the same after knowing about her husband''s betrayal. Su Suyin was just a simple-minded woman and had a blind trust in Li Jirong. She would always think of her husband as her sole hope and the sky that would protect her, and she was obligated to support him unconditionally.

    If she came to understand what she had believed all this time was false all along, would she break into pieces?

    Li Caiyi did not want to think about it for now because she did not want to second-guess her decision. She cut their conversation short and quickly returned to her room.

    ***

    Li Chunhua came back shortly after dinner. She happily entered the house with dozens of shopping bags in both of her hands, saying that Meng Renshu had given them to her as a gift. Su Suyin greeted her and patiently listened to her story.

    This time, Li Caiyi joined the dinner under Su Suyin''s urge. It looked like she had forgotten about the past and ceased her punishment on her daughter.

    Li Caiyi was notining. She could make her own meals, but her mother''s home-cooked meals would always taste the best for her.

    When the dinner was finished, the twins returned to their room. Li Chunhua was humming the whole time happily. She seemed to spend quality time with Meng Renshu today. Had Li Caiyi remained in that ce for even a second longer, she might have been forced to eat dog food, seeing their loving moment up close.

    "Xiaohua, I want to talk to you." Li Caiyi said in a severe tone. She folded her arms in front of her chest.

    "Eh? What is it? Can it wait until after I take a shower? I sweated from walking a lot today," Li Chunhua whined with a pout.

    "No. I''m going to make you exin what you are nning to do here and now," Li Caiyi responded firmly.

    Li Caiyi could not trust Li Chunhua anymore after what she did to her friendsst time. She vaguely noticed that Li Chunhua had an issue with her way of thinking, but being a person who used to be in the same shoes as her, Li Caiyi just could not leave her alone, even if she wanted to. Her conscience would not allow that. Thankfully, the past incident ended peacefully, so there was no need for her to confront Li Chunhua strongly.

    She had tolerated her sister''s behavior all this time, but she could not allow her to do anything to Dai Shenqiang. He already had enough problems on his te, and he did not need additional trouble.

 Chapter 98 Broken Minds (2)

    "Tell me honestly. What are you nning this time?"

    Li Chunhua did not flinch under Li Caiyi''s suspicious gaze. She shrugged her shoulders while ying with her hair. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. I was just making a new friend."

    "Thest time you said that, it ended with disaster."

    Li Chunhua chuckled darkly, "You seem to be especially concerned about that guy. You did not react like this when I messed with your friendsst time. As expected, do you feel threatened if I stick to his side? Are you afraid he would eventually forget about you and be interested in me instead?"

    Li Caiyi''s brows twitched, looking at her sister''s twisted smile. No matter how many times she had seen it, she was still surprised. To think such a sweet and innocent girl like her had this side of her, Li Caiyi did not know what was more terrifying, her stupidity for not noticing it all these times, or Li Chunhua''s ability to hide it.

    Li Chunhuaughed, seeing her sister''s stiffened face. "Why are you so surprised? I don''t think there is any point in trying to hide it anymore, now that we havee this far."

    "Xiaohua, do you still feel insecure? I had told you so many times I would never leave you behind. If I were going to leave this ce, I would take you with me."

    "Hmm, who knows? I don''t think you are lying now, but we don''t know what will happen in the future. Perhaps you will even change your mind after I make a move on Shenqiang."

    "What are you trying to do to him?!" Li Caiyi''s anxiety took the best of her, and she yelled that out before she knew it.

    "Oh my dear sister, you are still as honest as ever. I guess that part of you will never change no matter how you were influenced by this Shenqiang guy."

    "What are you even talking about?"

    "Don''t y dumb. I know he is the one who caused your change," Li Chunhua said with a smile that did not look like a smile. "I''m so curious about this Shenqiang guy you kept calling out in your sleep. What kind of a person he is, for you to be so attached to him like he is the most important person in your life?"

    That was the first time Li Caiyi ever heard about it. So, Li Chunhua became obsessed with finding out about Shen Qiang after hearing Li Caiyi mumbling his name in her sleep?

    "Say, Xiaoyi. Who do you think Shenqiang will like more, you or me?" Li Chunhua asked with a provocative smile. "All men are the same. No matter how well you treat them, once they see a better woman, they will not be able to resist the temptation. Didn''t you also notice how Shenqiang could not take his eyes off of me earlier? He also immediately took my side when I acted pitiful in front of him.

    She sneered before she continued, "Of course, he will. The better version of you was standing in front of him; how could he spare any thought for you? He is just the same as any other guy out there. He is not a good person for you."

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister incredulously, eyes bulging out in disbelief. "Xiaohua, are you trying to deceive him?"

    "Deceive? No, silly. I was trying to protect you. If there was anyone who had a potential to be deceived, it was you."

    "How could sowing discord between my friend and me be considered as protecting me? Xiaohua, snap out of it. You would not gain anything by doing this." Li Caiyi said firmly while frowning in disapproval.

    "Of course, I will gain something! When I get rid of the eyesores, then you will finally realize that I''m the only one who truly understands you the best in the end. That way, you wille back to me, no matter how many times you try to leave. You can''t do anything without me. You need me, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi felt a chill run down her spine when she saw Li Chunhua smile so brightly despite saying something outrageous. She could even see a hint of madness swirling in her eyes, which screamed danger to Li Caiyi''s every being. She unconsciously took a step back with a pale face.<sub> </sub>

    "Hm? What''s wrong? Are you scared of me? Haha, you are so cute, Xiaoyi. There''s no way I will hurt you. I love you too much for that."

    "Xiaohua, youˇ­"

    "I will show you the true color of that guy. Don''t worry, I won''t let him hurt you," Li Chunhua smiled sweetly and clung to Li Caiyi''s side, totally ignoring how Li Caiyi almost got a heart shock because of her.

    Her sister''s duality was too much for Li Caiyi to handle. She vaguely noticed that her sister was mentally unstable after arguingst time, but not to this extent. If Li Chunhua had already been degraded to this condition since her high school days, what about Li Chunhua from her previous life?

    As much as Li Chunhua did not know anything about her, she also did not know anything about Li Chunhua. She realized that once again.

    Li Caiyi looked at her sister''s cheerful face grimly before asking, "Are you seriously doing this just because you think I like Shenqiang? Xiaohua, don''t you know what you are going to do is wrong? Not only for Shenqiang but also for me? I might seriously hate you if you keep doing this."

    Li Chunhua smiled bitterly. "If you hate me, then so be it. I believe lovees in various ways, and I don''t mind being hated by you, as long as youe back to me."

    Li Caiyi gritted her teeth. She forcefully retracted her arms from her sister''s grip and sped them on her shoulders tightly. Her eyes stared straight at Li Chunhua''s calm one. "Don''t joke around! Do you think I will stupidlye back to you after knowing about all these? Are you taking me for a fool?!"

    "You will, Xiaoyi. I know you will. You always do." Li Chunhua replied without any hesitation.

    "Don''t test me. I''m not the same girl you used to know."

    "No, you are the one who should not test my patience. If you don''te back to meˇ­ I might go crazy, and even I don''t know what I will do, then." Li Chunhua''s gaze was devoid of any kind of emotion as if she was speaking her death will.

    Li Caiyi was so shocked her grip loosened, and her hands fell limply to her side. She could not take Li Chunhua''s words lightly at all. Unlike her, Li Chunhua always had a way to make things go her way. If she had said that much, it meant she was determined to put her all to realize it.

    "Are you threatening me?" Li Caiyi''s voice trembled ever so slightly.

    Li Chunhua: "....."

    "Why are you so obsessed with me?" Li Caiyi asked again.

    ".....I don''t know. I just don''t want you to leave." Li Chunhua replied hesitantly.

    "You said you love me, but you are slowly rendering me vulnerable with all your lies and maniption. Is this what you call ''love''?"

    Li Chunhua tilted her head. "Isn''t that what love is? To love is to control someone. They will never leave you if you know how to control them." Then, she smiled innocently, "I love you, Xiaoyi, so never leave me for another person, okay?"

    Li Caiyi was speechless. Whether it was Li Junjie or Li Chunhua, her sibling''s innermost thought once again blew her mind. Her sister''s mind had broken to this extent; who could be med for it?

 Chapter 99 Nightmare (1)

    Meanwhile, at the Meng Residence.

    Meng Renshu got out of his car as he sighed in exhaustion. He strode with his long legs and entered a huge house painted with white in front of him. The house had a lot of windows framed with ck woods, creating a pleasant contrast with the white painting. The roof was made using dark blue tiles and there were two high chimneys that trapped the main building in between, which looked like small towers from distance.

    The garden was spacious and decorated with fountains and rose bushes everywhere, making the house look extraordinarily artsy and elegant.

    As the Young Master of this house, Meng Renshu had long since gotten used to such spectacle, so he did not even bother looking at it again and went straight to his ce. He was very exhausted and could not wait to dip in a bathtub of warm water and call in the day.

    When he came in, a few maids had waited in front of the door and bowed to him respectfully. A woman in herte fifties came forward and greeted him, "Wee home, Young Master. Do you want to eat or take a bath first?"

    Meng Renshu casually let a maid take his bag and loosened his tie. "Prepare a bath for me, and I have eaten already, so no need to prepare any food."

    "Understood." The older maid nodded her head and quickly arranged some maids to prepare the bath for the Young Master.

    Meng Renshu went to his room on the second floor and plopped himself on the nearest couch without even turning on the light. Heid down with his arm covering his closed eyes, feeling the exhaustion in his body slowly beingforted by the darkness.

    His mind wandered, and many memories shed through his mind in an instant. Among those memories, one person kept appearing in his mind.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­" He muttered in a low voice.

    In the end, that girl still left them without hesitation at the boutique. Meng Renshu kind of expected it, but he was still disappointed when she really did that. He felt like his effort had gone to waste, and he was helpless against the girl who once followed him around like a little chick.

    What could he do to bring the old her back? He promised himself that he would treat her better this time. However, she did not leave him any chance to prove that. She just wanted to be away from him as much as possible.

    What was it about her that made him feel unsettled? Why did the thought of her leaving him scare him so much?

    These days, he could not sleep well because she kept appearing in his dreams. The nightmares he had every night made him feel bad and exhausted whenever he woke up, so the effect slowly took a toll on his body.

    He wanted to sleep peacefully again. He did not want to see the nightmare about Li Caiyi again.

    Meng Renshu was soon defeated by his weariness and eventually drifted away to dreand.

    ***

    It was a full moon night during their wedding night. The room was dark, with only moonlight shining through the window as the light source, but no one took the initiative to turn on the light.

    Sitting on the edge of his bed while wearing his pajamas, Meng Renshu sneaked a nce at the woman sitting on another edge of the bed with aplicated expression.

    Li Caiyi had just gotten out of the showers, so he could faintly smell the scent of the same shampoo he was using from her hair.

    Although it was dark inside the room, Meng Renshu''s eyes slowly got ustomed to it, so he knew that Li Caiyi was fidgeting in her ce. Her figure, who basked in the moonlight, looked incredibly charming and ethereal. She wore a thin, white nightgown that made her snowy skin seem to exude a faint silver glow as she bit her red, luscious lips nervously.

    Meng Renshu gulped, seeing how alluring she was before he quickly averted his eyes and scolded himself inwardly for thinking like a beast.

    Even though they had been married and had be an official husband and wife now, they had no romantic feelings toward each other, which made him feel guilty for imagining something he should not have even for a moment.

    He clearly had Li Chunhua in his heart, so thinking this way about her made him feel like he was cheating on Li Chunhua, which sounds ridiculous because Li Caiyi was his legal wife.

    It was under their family arrangement they got married. Meng Renshu had always been aware of his obligation as the heir of the Meng family, but he had never expected that the one who would share the rest of his life would be Li Caiyi. While he knew various interests were ying a part in their marriage, he had no power to go against it.<sub> </sub>

    Their marriage started on the wrong foot from the beginning, so how could Meng Renshu bear to touch someone he had considered his biological sister just like that? It was already unfair enough for her to get dragged into this mess, much less stuck with a man who was her sister''s ex-boyfriend. Li Caiyi deserved a better man who could love her just the way she was, not a man whose heart had been upied by another like Meng Renshu.

    He felt it was not right to touch her while he had another woman in his mind. Not to mention the said woman had a simr appearance to her.

    However, just ignoring her like this did not feel right, either. Whether or not they liked it, they were husband and wife now, and they could not avoid their destined duty to produce an heir forever.

    While Meng Renshu contemted what he should do, he heard Li Caiyi speak with a soft voice.

    "Brother Renshu, aren''t you tired?"

    "Not really. What about you? You have worked hard today."

    "I''m fine. It''s not a problem at all."

    The room fell into silence once again. Meng Renshu could not stand the tension and cleared his throat awkwardly. "Xiaoyi, I think we have something to talk about. Don''t you think so as well?"

    There was a pause before she replied faintly, "That''s right."

    Meng Renshu did not know why, but he suddenly felt nervous. "S-so, you know our parents arranged this marriage, right? We don''t have to force ourselves tomit to our marriage right away. By that, I meanˇ­." Meng Renshu looked down at the bed before he averted his eyes in a fluster, "...you know what I mean."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head. He did not know if it was because of the moonlight, but she looked so lonely and fragile. "I understand. Brother Renshu, I''m okay, so you don''t have to be cautious of me. They also forced you into this, so this isn''t your fault at all."

    Meng Renshu looked down gloomily. "I wasn''t the one who nned this, but I should be able to avoid this oue if I were stronger."

    "Brother Renshuˇ­ Did you regret it?"

    Maybe because he was too immersed in his thoughts, he didn''t notice the slight tremble in Li Caiyi''s voice.

    "Yes, I regretted it."

    Meng Renshu regretted he did not fight harder for Li Chunhua. He also regretted making Li Caiyi spend the rest of her life with someone incapable of giving her the love she deserved.

    "I-I see," Li Caiyi said. Meng Renshu could not see her face clearly because of the shadow cast by the moonlight on her face, but he saw her shoulders shiver.

    "Are you cold? You should go to sleep now. Don''t forget to cover yourself with a nket." Meng Renshu rose from his seat. "We both are tired because of the wedding. Let''s take a good rest tonight and talk about this again tomorrow."

    "Where are you going?"

    "I''m going to sleep in the guest room." Meng Renshu smiled and stroked her head like he usually did. "Don''t think too much and take a good rest. I will see you again first thing in the morning tomorrow."

    She nodded her head again. Meng Renshu was d Li Caiyi was very easy to talk to. Although he was upset with the whole situation behind their forced marriage, he was grateful that his partner was Li Caiyi at least and not a random woman he had never met before.

    It would be awkward at first, but he was confident he could lead a harmonious marital life with Li Caiyi as his partner. They had always got along well, after all.

    Meng Renshu went out of their wedding bedroom and slept in the guest room instead. After entertaining the guest all day, he was exhausted, so he immediately fell deep into sleep.

    The next day, he received an urgent call for work and left early in the morning. The idea of having a wife still had not settled in his brain yet, so he hadpletely forgotten about his promise and left without leaving a word to his newlywed wife.

 Chapter 100 Nightmare (2)

    "President, are you sure it will be okay to cancel the reservation?"

    Meng Renshu did not look up from the documents in his hand as he answered his personal assistant''s question. "There is nothing I can do about it. This is an urgent matter that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible."

    The assistant had a conflicted look on his face. Of course, the President could say that like nothing because he was not the one who would break the news to his wife. He still remembered how bright the Madam sounded on the phone when she found out the President had reserved a table in a famous restaurant to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. The Madam even secretly prepared a present for the President with the assistant''s help, so he felt bad for the Madam, who must have been looking forward to this day so much.

    He bit his lips and asked hesitantly once again, "President, this might be presumptuous of me, but I think it''s better if you talk to Madam first about it."

    "Don''t worry. My wife is a very kind and understanding person. She will understand if you exin it to her. Tell her I''m sorry for canceling it at thest minute and buy some flowers and gifts for her to make up for it." Meng Renshu said casually. "If that''s all, you can leave now."

    As reluctant as he was, the assistant could say nothing when the President had said that much, so he quickly retreated from the President''s office.

    When his assistant had left the room, Meng Renshu put down the document and leaned back against the backrest. He contemted a bit before taking his phone on top of the table. His finger hovered over the screen while he hesitated whether or not to contact his wife.

    Honestly, he did not know what to say to her. He had canceled so many appointments with her so far, so any kind of apology felt futile now. Of course, Meng Renshu had always felt bad for her, but it was not like he wanted to do this, either.

    He was relieved and grateful that his wife was such a generous person. If it were any other person, he probably would have a harder time focusing on his work.

    "It''s okay. She will understand me. Besides, she also knows that the dinner is just for the sake of formality, so she would not feel troubled over something trivial like this." Meng Renshu reassured himself and put down his phone again.

    Then, the door of his office was pushed open. Meng Renshu raised his head slightly, and a gentle smile crept upon his face when he saw Li Chunhua walk over with a file in her hand.

    "President, this is the document you are asking for," she said as she put down the file in her hand.

    "Thank you. But, are you really okay working overtime like this? The weather is cold, and I can''t have my secretary catch a cold. You can ask my assistant to give you permission to leave. I will allow it," Meng Renshu said worriedly.

    Li Chunhua giggled, "How can I leave when the President is still working untilte at night? I can work in thispany all thanks to your grace, so I can''t ck off with my work."

    "Why are you talking so formally? I already said you can speakfortably with me when we are alone, didn''t I?"

    Li Chunhua tucked her hair behind her ears before smiling charmingly. "But I feel awkward calling you Brother Renshu, as I used to in the workce. I felt like we were doing something bad."

    Meng Renshu''s heart skipped a beat at seeing Li Chunhua''s lovely smile. He was tempted to pull her into his embrace, just like he used to do when they were still dating, but when he recalled how his wife was waiting for him at home, he quickly brushed off that thought.

    "I see, you are right. We should keep our distance in the office. I''m sorry for saying something weird."

    Li Chunhua smiled faintly before asking, "But are you sure you don''t want to go home? Xiaoyi must have been waiting for you at home."<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu''s hand stiffened when he heard that, and he could not bear to look at Li Chunhua''s face.

    Everything that caused this awkward rtionship was his inability to protect and cherish his dear one. He made Li Chunhua suffer a heartbreaking scene of him marrying someone else, and now he even made her feel concerned about his marital life with her sister. His guilt was increased tenfold.

    "It''s fine. Xiaoyi won''t mind at all." He replied shortly.

    "I know my sister is kind, but you should not neglect her too much. Even if your marriage was arranged by our parents and there was no love between you two, any woman would feel upset if their husband always left her alone at home."

    Meng Renshu did not reply and only fell into a deep silence. He could not tell Li Chunhua that he had difficulty facing Li Caiyi these days.

    The older twin was a patient and tolerant person. She was too good that her kindness suffocated him sometimes. He felt like the worst person whenever he looked at his wife''s clear and calm eyes. It made him subconsciously want to avoid her, even though he knew she did nothing wrong.

    He was afraid he would somedaysh out at her and show her his ugly side. That was why he always put her on an arm''s length. Meng Renshu would dly give Li Caiyi anything she wanted in this world, except love as a spouse.

    Even he did not know why he was so cautious of her. Was it because she reminded him of his failure for not being able to protect his beloved one? Or was it because he secretly resented her for taking Li Chunhua''s ce while fully knowing she did not wish for this marriage?

    He did not know, but he felt ufortable whenever he thought about that.

    "I know. You really care about your sister, as always. It made me feel jealous sometimes."

    "Haha, it''s because Xiaoyi is hopeless without me. I have to constantly keep watching over her, or she would cry." Li Chunhua giggled heartily. "Oh yeah, do you want to go out and have ate-night snack after this? I recently found out about this good ce and have always wanted to try it."

    Meng Renshu felt slightly confused about her request. Did she forget that today was his wedding anniversary? He still liked Li Chunhua even after all these times, but he was not that unscrupulous to go out with his ex-girlfriend after canceling his appointment with his wife during their wedding anniversary.

    Then again, Li Chunhua looked so excited. He felt terrible for refusing outright, so hepromised a bit.

    "I don''t think it''s a good idea to go out together tonight. I''ll take you to that ce some other timeter when we are less busy."

    p Li Chunhua did not seem to mind as she beamed happily, "Yay! That''s a promise, okay?!"</anda>

    After that, the work became so busy that Meng Renshu almost had no time to go home. He would asionally take Li Chunhua out to dinner amid their work. Even though they could not get married, Meng Renshu was already content to spend time together with her like this.

    They were childhood friends, so he thought little of it when he took Li Chunhua out to eat. He did not realize until it was toote that his wife slowly lost the light in her eyes.

 Chapter 101 Nightmare (3)

    Meng Renshu almost fell when he heard the news. His body staggered, and he would fall on his butt if it were not for his assistant holding him up in time. The phone in his hand slipped to the ground, and the person on the other side called out several times.

    "President!" the assistant eximed with a panicked look on his face. He stood beside the President throughout the meeting and could hear almost the entire conversation, including the shocking news. If even he, a mere assistant, was shaken up so much by the news, he could not imagine how it must have felt for his boss.

    The assistant helped Meng Renshu to sit on the chair before picking up the fallen phone.

    "I''m sorry for the disturbance. My superior was too shaken up, so he could not continue the conversation. Can I ask you to tell me about the details so I can convey it to himter?"

    "Yes. Please ry to Mr. Meng that we have transferred the body we suspected as Mrs. Meng to the hospital. We would like to ask Mr. Meng''s cooperation to confirm her identity for us. We don''t want to rush anyone here, but the victim''s body is already not in good condition when we found it. Any further than this, he would probably could not even recognize herˇŞ"

    The assistant nced at his superior, whose face was drained of blood. He only looked at the floor listlessly, as though his soul had left his body. The assistant knew the President could hear every word the officer had told him through the phone, so he cut his words short before they could reach the President''s ears.

    "We understand the circumstances. We will immediately go to the hospital to confirm it. Is there anything else we should know?"

    "There are one and two things we would like to ask Mr. Meng, but this can wait until he confirms the victim. We will contact you again after that. We truly are sorry for your loss."

    "We appreciate it. Then, if you''ll excuse us." The assistant quickly hung up the phone and nced at the President, who seemed to age twenty years after hearing the news. His job required him to always prioritize his boss''s needs, but he honestly did not know how tofort the pitiful man in front of him.

    However, as his subordinate, he could not let his emotions get the best of him and hindered him from doing what he must. He did not want to believe the news either, but considering how the Madam had been disappeared for a few days, he could not help but believe the notion.

    He swallowed the big lump in his throat before he spoke. "President, I understand your feeling, but I think you need to go to the hospital right now."

    Meng Renshu did not respondˇŞno, he could not utter any response.

    What kind of ridiculous things did he hear just now?

    Li Caiyi was dead? His wife was no longer in this world? What kind of nonsense was that?

    Meng Renshu was sure Li Caiyi was just angry because he had been ignoring her, so she went out to get some fresh air. She woulde home when she had organized her feelings. That was what he believed.

    Yes, the officer must have mistaken the victim as his wife. Everything was just a big misunderstanding.

    "I''mˇ­ not going," Meng Renshu said in a weak and trembling voice.

    "But Presidentˇ­"

    Meng Renshu took a deep breath and rose from his seat. "This is stupid. I''m not going to the hospital, because my wife will be back soon. I''m going home now."

    The assistant had been working for a long time with Meng Renshu, so he knew a bit about his rtionship with the Madam and with the Madam''s twin sister. He had always felt that the Madam was very pitiful, but as the President''s assistant, there was a line he should never cross, and that was interfering with his superior''s private life.

    Although he knew that the President only deluded himself into thinking that the news was fake or some kind of misunderstanding, there was no way the police would drop a piece of serious information like that without doing some investigation first. The so-called confirmation was most likely just a subtle way to inform the family member to acknowledge the victim''s death and retrieve their body.

    If they had gone so far to inform the President directly, then there was a 98% chance that the Madam was no longer...

    Meng Renshu ignored his assistant''s advice and returned home using a taxi.

    Although he did not believe the news at all, he had to admit that there was no way he could drive properly with how shaken he was. He urged the driver to speed up as he bit his lips anxiously throughout the trip.<sub> </sub>

    When he finally arrived at his and Li Caiyi''s wedding house, which he had note back to for the past two weeks, he barged in with arge stride and dark face, rming a few servants who were working.

    Meng Renshu quickly spotted a female maid in her early thirties, who was Li Caiyi''s closest servant, and asked her with a grave face, "Where is the Madam?"

    Meng Renshu''s tone, which was full of impatience, slightly intimidated the maid. In her fluster, her tongue got twisted. "M-master. T-the MadamˇŞ"

    Meng Renshu gritted his teeth in anger andshed out, "Speak properly, or I will kick you out of this house this instant!"

    The maid got so frightened she quickly kneeled down to the floor and answered with tears in her eyes, "T-the Madam still has note back yet, Master."

    "Where is she now?"

    "Yes? Iˇ­ I don''t knowˇ­."

    "How can you not know when you were hired to take care of her?! I paid an enormous sum for you to fulfill each and every of her needs, so you should at least have some idea of where she goes. If not, then what''s the use of you?!"

    "M-master, I''m wrong! Please forgive me, but I really don''t know. The Madam never told this servant anything!" The maid cried out, "Please don''t fire me, Master! I still have a child I have to take care of!"

    Meng Renshu still wanted to yell at this useless maid, but he held it back when he noticed this maid did not seem to lie. He clicked his tongue furiously and strode past the kneeling maid and went to Li Caiyi''s room instead.

    On the way here, he had already called Li Junjie and asked if Li Caiyi had gone back to her parent''s house, but Li Junjie said that she never went to their ce after the incident. Li Junjie had no reason to lie to him, but Meng Renshu wished his best friend was lying to him after listening to that news.

    Meng Renshu hesitated for a moment in front of Li Caiyi''s room before he entered with inexplicable emotion. When was thest time he entered her room? Was it a half year ago, or even longer than that?

    A pang of guilt hit his chest for a moment, but he suppressed the feeling and looked around her room.

    There was only one word to describe her room: deste. It was a woman''s room, but the things inside were even less than what he had in his room. Except for a few cosmetics on top of the vanity desk, there was nothing in this room. Not even a curtain.

    Meng Renshu grew suspicious and checked on the wardrobe and chests in the room. Except for a few clothes he had bought for her, the rest were the clothes she brought when she came here.

    "What.. is this?" Meng Renshu''s pupils shook in confusion.

    He had always showered Li Caiyi with gifts, so howe her room was so barren? There was no way his assistant would make a mistake on this.

    In fluster, he opened every cab or drawer in the room. There was almost nothing in the room except for a few old pieces of jewelry and shoes. Meng Renshu started to have a bad feeling about this, but he frantically pushed down the anxiety he felt as he rummaged through his wife''s things.

    Was there a chance that Li Caiyi brought her things with her when she went out? That would exin why he could see none of the gifts and presents he had given to her in this room.

    Meng Renshu did not even know why he was desperately trying to excuse the sad and lonesome ambiance this room gave him. Being here made him suffocate.

    His face''splexion turned ashen when he pulled out the bottom-most drawer of her bedside table.

    A massive quantity of medicine bottles was lined up inside.

 Chapter 102 Nightmare (4)

    "W-why is this? So many medicinesˇ­." Meng Renshu''s voice trembled uncontrobly.

    He reached out to a few bottles and checked the instructions one by one. Most of these medicines were antidepressants, but there were also a lot of medications to help with insomnia and abdominal pain. Aside from that, she also had pain relievers, supplements, and vitamins to increase appetite and immunity.

    The more he checked, the more he felt a sense of fear bubbling inside him. When he received the phone call from the police, he thought there was no way Li Caiyi would ever do such a thing. Although the recent incident might affect her mind a bit, she was not the kind of person who wouldmit suicide? Why would she be when she had a lot of things many women could only wish for in her hand?

    However, after he saw these medicines, a realization finally sunk down to him that Li Caiyi''s life was probably not as happy as he thought, being his wife.

    Li Caiyi had a reason tomit suicide.

    That thought scared him because acknowledging that fact was tantamount to epting her death news.

    Meng Renshu did not want that. He refused to believe his wife was no longer in this world!

    Meng Renshu quickly rose to his feet, then rushed out of the house. He took the car in the garage and drove towards the hospital. His mind was in chaos, and he did not care even if he vited trafficw on the way.

    There was only one thing in his mind at that time: that was to prove that Li Caiyi was not dead! The victim in the hospital was definitely not her!

    Meng Renshu walked briskly with his gaze straight ahead as soon as he reached the hospital. His steps staggered, and he bumped into a few people as he made his way to the ce his assistant informed him. The assistant had gone ahead to check on the situation and was currently waiting for him at the morgue.

    Every step he took felt heavy, and he became more apprehensive as time passed by.

    When Meng Renshu arrived in front of the morgue, he immediately caught the sight of his assistant, who approached him. The next thing he noticed was a heart-wrenching crying from inside the morgue. It sounded like his mother-inw''s voice.

    Meng Renshu''s whole body felt cold in an instant.

    Why would Su Suyin cry that loud? It couldn''t be that she was fooled into thinking that the body inside was truly her daughter, wasn''t it?

    Li Caiyi was her daughter, yet she couldn''t even differentiate her daughter from a stranger.

    ''This can''t do. I need to make sure of it by myself,'' Meng Renshu thought.

    "Presidentˇ­"

    Meng Renshu''s step halted when he heard his subordinate''s weak voice. "What?"

    The assistant bit his lips with unconceble grief in his eyes. "You might want to prepare yourself before you enter."

    Meng Renshu scoffed. "What is this? Don''t tell me you also believe that the one inside is my wife? I thought you would be smarter than this. I''m so disappointed."

    Instead of getting angry, the assistant felt nothing but pity and condolences for the man in front of him. Even aftering this far, he still refused to believe the fact. The assistant was at a loss for words and could only retreat respectfully to make way for his superior.

    Seeing is believing. No matter how hard it was to swallow the fact, the President eventually had to face it.

    Meng Renshu looked up at the steel door in front of him. He could already sense the cold air from inside the morgue. No, did the chille from within his body? He did not know anymore. What he wanted to do now was to make sure whoever was inside was not his wife, then scanned the entire country to search for his willful wife right now.

    No matter how much she felt hurt, it was not a good idea to disappear just like that. What if something happened to her?

    He slowly entered the room, and everything suddenly became ck and white in front of him. The crying voices sounded distant, and he could not avert his gaze from the big, ck bag on top of the steel table in the middle of the room.

    The bag was the kind of bag used to carry a dead body, and the size looked enough for an adult to fit in.<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu noticed Su Suyin kneeling beside the table, with her face messed up from over-crying. On the side, there was Li Jirong, who looked at the bag with a vacant gaze, and Li Junjie, who seemed to have aged a lot since thest time he saw him.

    Looking at them made his conviction waver. He began to think about the worst scenario, causing him to freeze in his ce.

    None of them realized Meng Renshu''s presence in the room. Their gazes nailed solely on the ck bag with unfocused eyes, each of them busy with their own mind.

    "Excuse me, may I ask who you are?"

    A male nurse approached him with a questioning and careful look, so Meng Renshu replied weakly, "I''mˇ­. her husband."

    The male nurse made a knowing look before he made his way to him. "We have been waiting for you. Please take a look at the body and confirm your wife''s identity first. Howeverˇ­" the nurse bit his lips and said hesitantly, "...the victimmitted suicide by jumping from a tall building, so the bodyˇ­ might not be in one piece anymore."

    Meng Renshu''s legs trembled when he heard that. His lips quivered as his heartbeat erratically in his chest. The sound was so loud it shut out any other noises, even the male nurse''s exnation.

    Everything was so still, except for that ck bag. The body should be in there, right? If he opened that, would he see Li Caiyi''s corpse inside?

    "Hahˇ­hahˇ­"

    Meng Renshu suddenly found it difficult to breathe. His adrenaline rushed through him in the moment of fear as it took control of his action. He ran towards the bag.

    That was when Su Suyin finally registered his presence. "Renshuˇ­ you are here."

    However, her words fell into deaf ears because Meng Renshu only wanted to end this torture as soon as possible. He would open this bag and prove that Li Caiyi was not the one inside!

    Finally, he unzipped the bag with one swift motion, and the bag was opened, revealing what was inside.

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    There was a loud thumping sound beside him, followed by amotion. It was the sound of someone falling to the floor. However, Meng Renshu ignored all of that. His eyes gradually turned dimmer as he took in the sight in front of him.

    He should have heeded his assistant and the male nurse''s warning before carelessly opening the bag.

    Meng Renshu had never seen a dead body before this, and his first experience just had to be his wife, a person who was supposed to be the closest to himˇ­ in such a ghastly state.

    Confirmation? What did the police want him to confirm when there was barely anything left of her head at all?

    Meng Renshu felt a wringing sensation on his stomach, and nausea immediately assaulted him. His knees gave out, and he crumbled while clutching his stomach and vomited hard, causing a further scene in the usually quiet and solemn morgue.

    He seemed to be vaguely aware when Li Junjie and his assistant propped his body up, but he could not muster any energy to stand at all. He felt lifeless and empty, like a paper doll.

    Meng Renshu could remember nothing after that. What he knew was that tears had rolled down his cheek uncontrobly before he knew it, apanied by excruciating pain in his heart.

    He thought it would be better to kill him directly rather than experience cruel torture like this.

    He wanted to prove it was not Li Caiyi who was trapped in that suffocating ck bag; that was why he was here. The corpse was in such a horrible state that identifying the victim became almost impossible, but ironically, he immediately knew once heid his eyes on the body.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­"

    That was all he could utter as everything turned ck before him.

 Chapter 103 Premonition Of Danger

    Meng Renshu opened his eyes wide in shock. His breath was uneven, and there was a constricting pain in his chest.

    His eyes darted around wildly, and he soon found himself in a familiar room.

    "This isˇ­ my room?" He muttered softly. It took him a few seconds to finally regain his wits together.

    The wet sensation on his cheeks was all the exnation he needed. He must have been having the same dream again.

    "Please stop this. No more," Meng Renshu said while holding back his sob.

    Every time he woke up with the same unpleasant dream, he would need some time to stop the tears froming down his eyes. As usual, he could not remember the details of his dream. However, the terror, grief, and despair he felt were still there, lingering in the back of his mind and weighing his spirit down.

    Meng Renshu quietly cried himself out for a good ten minutes before that feeling faded. When his erratic heartbeat calmed down, he exhaled a deep breath. He had just woken up, but he felt exhausted already.

    Meng Renshu sat up and found that he was lying on the couch in the same position when he fell asleepst night. He must have fallen asleep while he waited for his bathwater to be ready.

    Looking at the bright sky outside the window, he stood up and was about to step into the bathroom when a stinging pain hit his head like a needle stabbing his brain.

    "Ugh!" Meng Renshu crouched down while holding his head, feeling that the vision in front of him twisted and turned. The pain went for some time before it gradually subsided.

    "What was that?" He muttered to no one. Although he always felt exhaustedtely when he woke up, he had never got a terrible headache like that.

    Meng Renshu did not want to experience that nightmare and feel horrible whenever he woke up again, but he did not know how to stop it. He heard that dreams sometimes allow you to see your future or past fragments. Considering how often he had the same dream consecutively, he suspected that perhaps this dream was akin to a warning to him, like a precognitive dream.

    A warning to not let Li Caiyi get hurt.

    He could not remember the details, but he knew that his dream always ended the same way, which was Li Caiyi''s demise. If heaven showed this nightmare to him repeatedly, then there was a chance that danger would soon ur to that girl.

    Meng Renshu absolutely could not let that happen. He should monitor her more closely.

    ***

    "Xiaoyi, what do you think of this?"

    Li Caiyi looked at her sisterzily while thetter showed off a silver bracelet on her wrist with a beaming smile. "Brother Renshu bought this for me yesterday. If you had stayed behind and shopped with us, you would get one too. Too bad Brother Renshu did not dare to buy anything since he was afraid you would not like it."

    They were currently in ss during lunchtime, specifically Li Caiyi''s ss. She did not know why, but Li Chunhua kept sticking to her side since morning and even bothered her during lunch break. Because of that, Li Caiyi was forced to eat alone with her. She did not want her sister to cause more trouble to her friends, especially when Chen Run and Feng Nian had finally made up.

    How could Li Chunhua act as if nothing happened at all? Li Caiyi still remembered how she threatened her yesterday, yet here she was, chattering and joking around with her.

    "Oh yeah. I think I will eat lunch together with you from now on. I have grown tired of the cafeteria''s meal, and I heard from Brother Jie you can actually cook." Li Chunhua pouted. "You made food for Brother Jie but never told me or invited me. How mean!"<sub> </sub>

    "Are you being serious right now?"

    "Of course, everything I said to you is serious!"

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes. "Did you already forget about what you told me yesterday?"

    "Hm? Ah, about that? As long as you don''t betray me, then I will be as obedient as a newborn chick!" Li Chunhua poked both of her cheeks with her fingers while smiling cutely.

    However, this time Li Caiyi would not buy it. She had seen how crazy Li Chunhua''s idea was, and she did not have any intention to entertain that.

    "Xiaohua, I can''t trust you. Not anymore." Li Caiyi pushed his lunch box to her. "If you want to eat my cooking so badly, then you can take this. Please return to your ssroom now."

    Li Chunhua gasped. "But why? Don''t you want to spend lunchtime with me?"

    "No, I don''t. I don''t have time to talk with a person who wants to harm my friends."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes widened when she heard that. Her expression turned gloomier before she lowered her head dejectedly. Li Caiyi thought she would talk back a bit more but surprisingly epted it quickly.

    She was so silent that Li Caiyi felt a little bad for being too harsh on her.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­" Li Caiyi hesitantly reached out her hand towards her sister, wanting to pat her shoulder. However, she was surprised when Li Chunhua tumbled off of the chair onto the floor with a loud thumping noise, garnering the attention of everyone in the ssroom.

    "Ouch!" Li Chunhua eximed with a painful expression on her face. Li Caiyi was so surprised she could only look down with astonishment. Her hand was still hovering in mid-air.

    Then, with a heartbroken expression on her face, Li Chunhua said to her, "No matter how much you hated it, how can you push me like that just because I said something wrong? Xiaoyi, don''t you think you have gone overboard?" While she said that, her eyes glistened with tears, and her voice trembled.

    From anyone''s perspective, she looked like a victim who was just attacked by her sister.

    When she finally realized what Li Chunhua was trying to do, Li Caiyi''s bewilderment slowly reced with disbelief. She quickly eximed, "That''s a lie! I didn''t push you!"

    Li Caiyi looked around, and sure enough, a good amount of crowd had gathered around them, turning them into a center of attention. She suppressed the urge to recoil in her ce from the attention she received and stood up straight. "Xiaohua, don''t think you can fool everyone. I didn''t even touch you when you were toppled over."

    "So, are you saying I did this on purpose? Why would I do that?" Li Chunhua put on a wronged expression, and Li Caiyi''''s eyes widened even wider when droplets of tears cascaded on her sister''s white cheeks. Her long eyshes trembled as she blinked her eyes slowly, causing that beautiful face to look even more pitiful yet charming. Anyone who saw that would think she was a fragile and gentledy who wouldn''t dare to even kill a fly.

    Li Caiyi probably would have been tricked by her sister''s Oscar-level acting if she did not know any better!

    ''Women''s tears are scary,'' she thought to herself.

 Chapter 104 First Ever Sisterly War

    "Wait, wait! Why are you causing amotion in other people''s ssrooms?" Feng Nian came out of the crowd while frowning in dissatisfaction. "I saw everything! Caiyi didn''t even touch you. You just fell on your own!"

    The sudden intervention shocked Li Chunhua. "Feng Nian, I know you have never liked me that much, but how can you tell such a lie? I understand Xiaoyi is your friend, but it doesn''t mean you can use me like this just to defend her."

    Feng Nian sneered as she stood beside Li Caiyi. "You talk a lot, but not everyone here is blind and couldn''t see through your act. I bet you just want to sow discord again by putting on a pitiful act. Shameless white lotus!"

    "Nian Nian, stop it!" Zhou Ya reprimanded Feng Nian in a hushed voice behind her, clearly looking worried about something.

    "How mean. I didn''t even do anything. Nobody helped me when I fell, and now I have to listen to this. It''s just too much." Li Chunhua''s tears kept streaming down her cheeks like her face was made of water. Li Caiyi stared with awe and wondered if her tears could flow automatically with a single button push like a dispenser because that was one kind of talent to have.

    Li Chunhua then looked up at Li Caiyi with a pleading gaze. "Xiaoyi, even you aren''t going to help me now? You choose your friends over me. You didn''t even say anything to defend me."

    Murmuring noises erupted from the surrounding crowd, creating an ufortable feeling in Li Caiyi''s stomach.

    "Hey, what''s this about? A sibling fight?"

    "I saw Li Chunhua fall as soon as Li Caiyi outstretched her hand. I didn''t expect a quiet girl like that to do such a thing."

    "OMG, this is hot news. I have to record it!"

    "Hey, stop it. Did you forget Senior Meng can find you even if you upload it using an anonymous ount?"

    "Didn''t Senior Meng adored both of them? So it shouldn''t be a problem if it was an internal dispute, right?"

    "How should I know that?! Better not get involved in this just to be safe."

    "Thinking about it again, Feng Nian is pretty brave for shouting at Li Chunhua like that."

    "She has been converted into Li Caiyi''s followers. What do you expect?"

    The atmosphere quickly turned against them instantly. Did they believe Li Chunhua more because she was crying? If yes, then this charade was utterly frustrating.

    Li Caiyi could not understand why she had to bicker with a teenager when she was already an adult. She felt it was seriously too much of a trouble and wanted to avoid it if she could.

    "Xiaohua, just stop it already. You aren''t getting anything by doing this." She said while massaging her throbbing temple. Then, she outstretched her hand to help her sister stand up. "I don''t know why you think I''m pushing you, but stand up first. Here, let me help you up."

    "Caiyi, why are you helping her? She is trying to smear your reputation!" Feng Nian eximed incredulously. She looked like she could spit fire from her mouth anytime.

    "What do you want me to do, then? Step on her? Curse at her? Doing that is equal to ying along with her scheme, don''t you think?" Li Caiyi replied casually, causing Feng Nian to mp down her opened mouth again.

    "Caiyi''s right. You making a scene here won''t help anyone at all." Zhou Ya added. "Control your emotions."

    Chen Run, who had been watching from the sideline since earlier, looked at Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua alternately with conflicted emotion. She looked like she wanted to help but was afraid Feng Nian would be mad at her again.

    Since Li Chunhua didn''t grab her hand, Li Caiyi asked with raised brows. "Why aren''t you getting up? Do you like sitting on the floor that much?"

    "I can get up by myself. I''m afraid you are going to push me again," Li Chunhua said with a seemingly low voice, but actually loud enough for everyone to hear.

    Li Caiyi was convinced now that normal means couldn''t stop Li Chunhua. She was worried her sister would cause further trouble for her friends, so she tolerated her behavior until now, but Li Chunhua did not show any sign of repentance at all.

    If she would still cause trouble either way, then Li Caiyi might as well use a harder method for her.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m no longer that weak and helpless girl you used to know. This method might work with me in the past, but it won''t work anymore."

    "Are you going to use me, too? How meanˇ­"

    "If that''s what you think, then so be it. I don''t care about the opinion of people who don''t matter to me anymore. If you are not going to stop, then I won''t bother with you, too."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes visibly shook when she heard that. "Xiaoyi, why are you being so aggressive? I get it. I will forgive you, so let''s just stop here, okay?"

    "You are the one who started it first. I said it before, don''t test my patience. I won''t go along with your whims anymore. Just take my lunch and go back to your ssroom. You are disturbing everyone." Li Caiyi said coldly.

    It was not like she hated Li Chunhua. In fact, she did not think she could ever hate her. Perhaps it was because they were twins that made Li Caiyi reluctant topletely cut her sister off from her life.

    Even if that was the case, she couldn''t let Li Chunhua act like this forever. It wouldn''t be good for those around her and Li Chunhua herself in the long run.

    "If you want tobel me as mean, then go ahead, but you don''t have to talk to me anymore after this. I don''t care what people say about me."

    Li Chunhua dug her nails into her palm. She did not expect this oue. It shouldn''t be like this!

    ording to her n, Li Caiyi was supposed to be cowering in fear by now because she was always a people pleaser and didn''t want people to think badly of her. It was easier to follow along than resist, so Li Caiyi would always tolerate her whims before.

    After she gave her a good scare, Li Chunhua would settle the situation for her, and Li Caiyi''s dependence on her would increase. It would be a plus if her annoying friends stood up for her, so Li Chunhua could make them look bad simultaneously. Only then Li Caiyi would realize who was the one in control here.

    But why did it turn out like this instead? If this continued, Li Caiyi would only drift further from her. Her n was backfiring!

    Li Chunhua calmed herself down. She did not believe that Li Caiyi could change that much, so her brain immediately came up with an idea. Her soft-hearted sister would surely return to her after her ssmate isted her.

    "Xiaoyi, you are also grouping up with your friend to bully me? I just want to eat lunch with you, so why did you kick me out? I can''t believe you. You are such a bully!"

    Li Chunhua ran out of the ssroom dramatically, causing people to look at her with pity. However, no one dared to say anything to Li Caiyi because they feared the repercussions of harming the twins under Meng Renshu''s watch.

    However, it did not stop them from whispering among themselves. They had second thoughts about Li Caiyi and considered her as a scary and mean person now.

    Li Caiyi didn''t care much about them, but he was concerned about what her three friends thought about it, so she sneaked a nce carefully at them.

    "Phew, she finally left. Good riddance!" said Feng Nian in satisfaction. Meanwhile, Zhou Ya heaved a sigh of relief.

    "I thought I would see bloodbath today. Thank goodness."

    Chen Run scratched her cheek unsurely. "Caiyi, are you sure you want to let your sister leave like that?"

    Feng Nian clicked her tongue, and Chen Run immediately shut her mouth.

    "Who cares about her? Caiyi, no offense, but your sister is too cunning. What you did back there is good, letting her know her ce. Just don''t pity her again, or she won''t ever learn!"

    It did not seem like her friends were disappointed in her. Li Caiyi smiled when she realized that. "Yeah. As the older sister, I can''t let her continue acting like this. I have to teach her the correct way to treasure someone."

    Zhou Ya felt that Li Caiyi was implying something with her words, so she curiously asked, "What exactly happened between the two of you?"

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "Nothing. We just have our very first sisterly war right now."

 Chapter 105 Li Chunhuas Plan

    Li Chunhua looked back for the nth time, but there was no sign of Li Caiyi chasing after her. It put her in a foul mood for the rest of the day. If she knew it would be like this, she would at least take the lunch box with her.

    It seemed Li Chunhua had used up her sister''sst drop of patience by acting willfully. She actually regretted it a bit after she left the 2-B ssroom. She should have waited for Li Caiyi to forget what she said yesterday before making her move.

    Because of Dai Shenqiang''s sudden appearance, she became restless and impatient, ruining the facade she had built for a long time.

    Li Chunhua clicked her tongue when she remembered that annoying guy. He wore a different school uniform and looked shabby as well, so where did Li Caiyi meet him? Li Caiyi hardly ever went anywhere besides the school, but Chen Run said she had never met Dai Shenqiang before. It meant that Li Caiyi must have met that guy in another ce, which even her friend did not know about.

    While she mulled over the possibility, someone suddenly called her.

    "Xiaohua!"

    Li Chunhua raised her head to find Meng Renshu walking over to her from the other side of the hallway. "Brother Renshu?"

    "I have been looking for you everywhere. You did note to the cafeteria and were not in the ssroom, either. Where have you been?"

    "I just went to Xiaoyi''s ss."

    Li Chunhua did not miss the slight twitch on Meng Renshu''s corner of mouth when she mentioned Li Caiyi. Come to think of it, her sister was not the only one changingtely; Meng Renshu was like that, too. He became strangely interested in Li Caiyi recently, and Li Chunhua could not help but be warier.

    After all, Li Caiyi used to like him.

    "Is that so? How has Xiaoyi beentely?"

    "You just saw her yesterday. Why are you asking me that now?"

    "Well, he hates me, after all. Xiaoyi won''te anywhere near me. I have no choice but to ask you." Meng Renshu said dejectedly.

    Li Chunhua smiled triumphantly inside. Of course, Li Caiyi wouldn''t want to see him anymore after witnessing their kissing scene. Although it was purely an ident, it should be more than enough to break a young maiden''s heart.

    However, the frustrating thing that came after that was Li Caiyi''s drastic change after returning home that day.

    Li Chunhua: "!!"

    A sudden insight shed across her mind. What if Li Caiyi met Dai Shenqiang that day? If she recalled correctly, Li Caiyi started looking for him as soon as she woke up.

    But where did she go that day?

    She tried to recall the chain of events again.

    Li Chunhua went back to her ss to pick her up after she saw Li Caiyi run away, but she could not find her sister anywhere in the school. That meant Li Caiyi must have gone through the back gate since she could not possibly go to the front gate and risked bumping into Meng Renshu.

    After Li Caiyi went through the back gate, she supposedly met Dai Shenqiang there. She changed after interacting with him.

    Li Chunhua almost wanted to curse out. After shooing away one pest from her sister, another one immediately came. She really couldn''t take her eyes off Li Caiyi for even a second.

    She should have chased after Li Caiyi that day! That guy used the opportunity when her sister was heartbroken to influence her. How sly and hateful!

    Meng Renshu noticed her distracted look, so he asked with a tilted head. "Xiaohua? What are you thinking for you to frown like that?"<sub> </sub>

    "Am I? I just remember something annoying, that''s all. It''s about Xiaoyi."

    The topic piqued Meng Renshu''s interest immediately. "What about her?"

    "Do you remember that guy who came to our school that day? The one who came to meet Xiaoyi."

    His face hardened when he heard that. He got annoyed remembering that guy. With a stiff voice, he asked again. "Yeah. What''s wrong with him?"

    "It seems Xiaoyi likes him quite a lot. When I wanted to exchange my contact information with him, she suddenly got upset and refused to talk to me after that. Even just now, she kicked me out of the ssroom."

    "She did?" Meng Renshu widened his eyes in disbelief. "I don''t think Xiaoyi is the type to do that."

    "Brother Renshu, don''t tell me you haven''t realized how much she has changed in a short time? I think Xiaoyi hates both of us now." Li Chunhua leaned in closer so she could whisper in his ear. "I bet it''s because that guy has influenced her. A girl can do anything in the name of love after all!"

    Meng Renshu''s heart sunk a bit upon hearing that. He indeed thought that Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang looked too close for his own liking. Still, he believed it was because of Dai Shenqiang, who kept pestering her. He assumed the guy must be the one who liked her and not the other way around.

    Li Caiyi liked that kind of guy? He clearly had a stupid face and didn''t look dependable at all.

    Meng Renshu was irritated, but he kept his calm in front of Li Chunhua. "About thatˇ­ did Xiaoyi tell that to you?"

    Li Chunhua pretended to think for a while. "Hm, she isn''t the type to tell others who she likes. You know she is just too shy, but my intuition tells me she is definitely crushing on that guy. She looked extremely jealous when I stood too close to that guy, and she even questioned me about when I got home yesterday."

    "What did she ask you?"

    "She asked what I was nning to do by asking for his contact information. Xiaoyi must be worried I would like the same guy as her, so she got defensive. I tried to warn her not to be blinded by some random guy, but she got angry with me instead, and we fought."

    "Huh? Both of you are fighting?" Meng Renshu''s tone was full of shock. For as long as he knew them, the twins had always got along so well, so he couldn''t imagine them fighting.

    Li Chunhua nodded slowly. "Xiaoyi is too stubborn. She knew nothing about boys, but she insisted on liking him, to the point she got into a fight with me. Just how much did she like that guy? I can''t fathom."

    Meng Renshu''s expression turned uglier, imagining Li Caiyi fawned over that guy. He agreed with Li Chunhua that Li Caiyi couldn''t judge people''s characters well. She was too trusting and could get into trouble anytime if she wasn''t careful.

    He was very suspicious of that Dai Shenqiang guy. Recalling how Li Caiyi even took her time to visit that guy in the hospital was like gasoline fueling the fire in his stomach. Meng Renshu was sure that guy was up to no good.

    Li Chunhua studied his reaction closely. Once she was sure that Meng Renshu had bitten her bait, she continued, "What if that guy was just trying to y with Xiaoyi? We can''t let that happen! Isn''t that right, Brother Renshu?"

    "Of course. Don''t worry. I won''t let anyone harm her. Just leave it to me." He said gravely.

    Li Chunhua smirked discreetly, feeling extremely satisfied inside. "Then can you find out more information about that guy? I need to know so I can have a little peace of mind. It would be good if you could get his address as well, so we will know where to find him, just in case."

    "Sure. I''ll check about itter."

    "Yay! As expected, Brother Renshu is the only one I can depend on!"

    With this, one problem was solved. If Li Chunhua wanted to know the reason for Li Caiyi''s change, she should investigate Dai Shenqiang first.

 Chapter 106 Li Chunhuas Role (1)

    After the school ended, Li Chunhua nned to scout the area around the back gate to narrow down the ce where Dai Shenqiang and Li Caiyi could meet. If she did that, she could figure out the route Dai Shenqiang would use if he ever came to their school again and secure the fastest course to intercept him.

    Not that she expected she would seed because the area behind the school was prettyplicated with lots of mouse paths, but there was no harm in trying. If it was for her sister, Li Chunhua was willing to spare the utmost effort to make her stay by her side. Her sister was hopeless without her, so she should constantly be alert 24/7 to keep her safe from anything.

    Li Chunhua recalled the first time she ever felt the need to protect her weak, timid, and crybaby older sister.

    .

    .

    <<shback to 12 years ago>>

    For as long as she could remember, everyone around her always treated her "especially."

    ''How cute.''

    ''How smart.''

    ''How well-behaved.''

    Li Chunhua, who was still little then, enjoyed all the attention she received very much. She would always do her best to hear the same sentence repeatedly. Being praised in anything she did made her feel like a princess in a fairy tale, adored and loved by all.

    On the other side, Li Caiyi was just an ordinary girl with an average talent in anything. She couldn''t talk without stuttering, couldn''t study well, and although she had never caused any trouble, she had never stood out either. Her introverted personality made people reluctant to approach her.

    However, ascking as she was, Li Caiyi had one advantage over Li Chunhua. Something that she would do anything to have but could never attain.

    A healthy body.

    When Li Chunhua was big enough to understand her circumstances, she noticed that people''s expressions changed when they looked at her. At first, they would smile fawningly, butter, their eyes wereced with pity and a bit of gloating.

    ''How cute, but s, the medicine she took made her pale. What a waste of pretty face. How pitiful.''

    ''How smart, but with her body, she wouldn''t be able to work. She was destined to be a useless flower vase forever. How pitiful.''

    ''How well-behaved, but with a frail body like that, she would have a hard time growing up. I doubt she could even marry properly. How pitiful.''

    Slowly, pitiful was the only thing left of her.

    The beautiful little princess adored by people would wither before she fully bloomed. That was her role.

    Her situation differed significantly from Li Caiyi''s.

    Nobody expected anything from her, but she could fly anywhere she wanted if she wished to do so. She was different from Li Chunhua, who would spend the rest of her life in a tall tower, hoping that somebody would remember her. She would slowly rot in that ce and be forgotten by everyone.

    Because she couldn''t live anywhere without inconveniencing others, nobody except her family would genuinely ept her. She couldn''t go anywhere.

    Li Caiyi was the opposite of Li Chunhua. That was why they should always stick together toplete each other. Li Chunhua believed that, and she thought Li Caiyi also felt the same. Until that day when she realized her different important role.<sub> </sub>

    That day was the day before New Year. Su Suyin brought the twins to shop when she saw an interesting-looking New Year street market from the car.

    Li Chunhua followed her mother''s line of sight and eximed excitedly when she saw rednterns and dragon miniatures everywhere. "Mom, what is that? So pretty!"

    "It''s a street market where people sell foods and goods for New Year''s celebration."

    "It looks fun! Mom, let''s go there too." Li Chunhua tugged her mother''s arm while smiling coquettishly, causing Su Suyin''s heart to melt. However, considering her younger daughter''s frail body, she was reluctant to take her there.

    "Nice try, but you can''t. Xiaohua, your body is weak, so it''s a no. There would be lots of people there. What if you get lost or copse?"

    Li Chunhua pouted in disappointment. Her mother always used the same reason whenever she forbade her from doing anything. It was frustrating and unbearable for a little kid who only knew how to y and couldn''t sit still.

    "Mom, I promise I won''t run around and will always stick by your side. Xiaoyi already went to the street market with Brother Jiest time, and I heard they had lots of delicious food there. I''m the only one who has never gone there. So please let me go just this once? Please, Mom!"

    Li Chunhua''s insistence overwhelmed Su Suyin. Her heart ached a bit, knowing that her youngest daughter felt sad for being left out.

    While Su Suyin hesitated, a small voice came from the passenger seat. "Mother, I promise I will look after Xiaohua. Can''t you let her go with us just this once?"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes sparkled when her sister gave her some support, so she pleaded again. "That''s right! There would be two pairs of eyes watching me, so I won''t get lost. I will also tell you immediately if my body feels strange again. So please??"

    Su Suyin looked at both girls and was eventually defeated by their pitiful eyes. She sighed helplessly. "We will only look around for a bit. Noining if I tell you to go back, understand?"

    "Yay! Thank you, Mom!" Li Chunhua beamed happily and hugged her mother''s arm, causing thetter to chuckle.

    "Good for you, Xiaohua." Li Caiyi said with a smile.

    "Yeah! We finally can go to the new year market together. It will be so much fun!"

    After that, they got out of the car, and Su Suyin tightened her daughters'' woolen scarfs and cotton-padded jackets before she took their hand on both sides. "Don''t let go of my hand, okay?"

    The twins nodded their heads. There was unconceble excitement and anticipation in their eyes, and Su Suyin just wanted to cuddle both of them because they looked warm and cute.

    Oblivious to her mother''s thought, Li Chunhua had greedily recorded everything she saw in her mind. She was fascinated with everything because it was her first time going to a crowded ce like this. She would asionally whisper to her sister while pointing at something, and Li Caiyi would exin what she wanted to know with a bit of pride on her face.

    The street market was packed with people, and everything was colored red and golden. Many stalls sold various things, such as decorations, red packets, toys, clothes, and trinkets, lined up neatly on both sides of the streets. There were even fruit and firework stalls.

    Su Suyin tried to maneuver her way through the crowd while keeping her daughters from bumping into people, but it was just hard to do that when she held children with both of her hands. In the end, she switched the position to make it easier for them to walk, with Li Caiyi''s hand in hers and Li Chunhua''s hand in her sister''s. With this, she could walk in front of them and act as their shield more freely.

    "Never let go of your hand, understand?"

    "Yes, Mother/Mom."

    However, what Su Suyin was most afraid of happened when she bumped into a man carrying a box not long after that. It happened so suddenly she unconsciously let go of her daughter''s hand for a moment. She apologized to the man quickly, but when she turned back to check on her daughters, the twins were nowhere in sight.

 Chapter 107 Li Chunhuas Role (2)

    The twins looked up at the crowd in front of them with a very contrasted expression on their faces. One of them panicked, and the other one was expressionless.

    "Xiaohua, I''m sorry. I let go of Mother''s hand, so we got separated!" Li Caiyi said with a shaking voice, looking like she was on the verge of tears.

    Li Chunhua didn''t know why her sister got so flustered, so she said casually, "Well, this thing happens sometimes. If we wait, Mom will surelye for us."

    "B-butˇ­"

    "Get it together. There is nothing to be scared about with so many people here."

    "It''s scary because there are TOO many people here!" Li Caiyi argued, but Li Chunhua just shrugged her shoulders.

    "If adults see children like us standing alone, they would wonder if we got lost and help us, so there is no problem."

    "But what if the adult is the bad guy?"

    "We can scream, and other adults will help us. There is nothing to be afraid of as long as we stay in the crowd where people can see us."

    Li Caiyi''s fear subsided a bit after she heard her sister''s exnation. Sure enough, Li Chunhua was always smarter and braver than she was. Li Caiyi envied and admired her sister so much.

    Oblivious to Li Caiyi''s thoughts, Li Chunhua looked around with interest. Unlike her sister, it thrilled her to be separated from their mother. Because she could finally do anything, she wanted with no one nagging behind her every time.

    It was a rare chance of freedom, and for the little Li Chunhua who couldn''t go anywhere, the vast world was like a yground full of beautiful things. She wanted to look more, so she tugged at Li Caiyi''s hand. "Forget about that. Shall we explore this ce a bit more?"

    "Huh? But didn''t you just say we have to stay put? What if Mother couldn''t find us?"

    "It will be fine if it''s just for a little while! Don''t worry, this street market only has one road, so we can just go back to the way we came after we finished looking around."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips hesitantly. "We can''t. I promised Mother I would look after you. We can''t wander around without her permission."

    Li Chunhua pouted. "Xiaoyi, don''t be such goody-two-shoes. I rarelye to a ce like this, so I want to enjoy it more without Mom holding me back."

    "E-even soˇ­ Mother must be worried right now. Let''s meet with her first, then we can explore this ce together."

    "No! She won''t let me do anything if she catches me again. Forget it, then. If you don''t want toe, then you can stay here by yourself!" Li Chunhua threw Li Caiyi''s hand and squeezed through the crowd,pletely ignoring Li Caiyi''s shout behind her.

    At that time, Li Chunhua thought Li Caiyi wouldn''te after her because she was a coward. She took some time to explore the ce until she was satisfied.

    Li Chunhua thought that Li Caiyi was probably crying and waiting for her, so she quickly returned to the same ce they separated. However, her sister was nowhere in sight.

    "Xiaoyi? Where are you?" Li Chunhua called out, but no one answered. It meant that Li Caiyi wasn''t hiding but had gone somewhere by herself. "Geez, she should havee with me from the beginning, then."

    Li Chunhua thought her sister would be back soon, but Li Caiyi still hasn''t appeared even after waiting long. "Has she met with Mom already?"

    Li Chunhua thought she shouldn''t wander around again, or her family would have a harder time looking for her. ying was fun, but she also didn''t want to copse again and feel pain, so she restrained herself.

    She leaned her back against a wall of one store while kicking the pebble with her feet in boredom. Waiting always made her feel restless, so she hated it.

    "There you are!"

    A gruff and angry voice, followed by a harsh yank on her shoulder, suddenly appeared beside Li Chunhua and Li Chunhua off bnce. She fell to the ground before she could register what had just happened. When she raised her head, a tall and fat man looked down at her with a menacing look.

    Li Chunhua didn''t know what this man wanted from her and why he suddenly attacked her without reason. Still, her instinct immediately warned her that he was up to no good.<sub> </sub>

    "You made me spill my coffee on my woman, then stole my money. Thanks to you, my date today was ruined!" The man berated angrily. His voice was so loud it caught people''s attention.

    Li Chunhua was dumbfounded, but she soon realized that the man must have mistaken her for Li Caiyi, so she shouted back. "Mister, I don''t know what you are talking about! I never do such things!"

    "You little brat still have no intention of apologizing and returning my money? Come, and I will teach you a lesson!"

    "Look closely! I may look simr, but I''m not the one who bumped into you. That was my twin sister. My scarf''s color is different from hers. See?" Li Chunhua raised the end of her scarf for the man to see, but the man didn''t buy it.

    "Want to deceive me, huh? Nice try, but I have met a lot of thieves like you who used the same excuse." He sneered.

    Li Chunhua became angry when she was used of being a thief. She was a princess, not a thief! "I''m not a thief! And my sister is also not a thief! If you ask me, I bet your girlfriend is the one who stole it."

    Her words only made the man more furious. "You! Don''t think you can get away from this just because you are a little girl!"

    Li Chunhua stood up while ring fiercely at him. "You don''t even have proof that my sister did it. Don''t think you are always right just because you are an adult, you fat dumpling!"

    Li Chunhua''s retort amused the bystander, so they looked away while holding theirughter. The man''s face flushed with embarrassment and anger, and he rushed to grab her. However, Li Chunhua would never just stand by and let that happen. She quickly avoided his hand and ran away to the crowd.

    "Hey, you brat! Stop there! Return my money first!"

    "Who do you think will wait if you yell at them like that?" Li Chunhua stuck out her tongue before agilely making her way through the crowd. The man with his fat belly couldn''t catch up at all.

    However, just to be sure, Li Chunhua ran a bit more. Her breath became shallower after each step she took, and she felt there was a knot around her lung. In the end, her steps became slower before she stopped altogether.

    "Huff...huffˇ­." Li Chunhua clutched her chest, which throbbed painfully.

    Her legs weakened, making her body sway left and right, but she gritted her teeth and walked behind the bush. If she was going to copse, then she should hide first. Who knows when that man will catch up?

    Li Chunhua crouched down and hugged herself into a ball, all while enduring the pain she felt. Her mother never exined to her in detail about her condition. What she knew was that she would feel suffocated and weak all over whenever she was too tired. Aside from that, her chest would hurt so much, like a balloon stretched to the maximum and on the verge of popping.

    "Huff...huffˇ­." Li Chunhua peeked in the crowd outside and thought of calling out for help, but her vision spun too much, and staying conscious was already the best she could do.

    At that time, when Li Caiyi and her mother were not by her side, she felt an extreme fear from the bottom of her heart.

    ''Is this how it feels to die? It hurts so much. There is no one here with me. What if I die alone here?''

    Li Chunhua''s eyes flooded with tears. She regretted her decision very much. If there was another chance, she wouldn''t act wilfully anymore. She wouldn''t even dare to think of ying around and gaining freedom anymore.

    ''That''s why, just a bit moreˇ­ Please give me just a little more timeˇ­.''

    Her vision was getting blurry, and her eyelids slowly closed. Li Chunhua couldn''t endure the pain anymore, and her consciousness faded.

    Before she closed her eyes, the bush covering her suddenly opened, causing a rustling sound. Li Chunhua squinted as she looked up.

    ''Ah, who puts a mirror here?''

    "Xiaohua!"

    No, it was not a reflection of her face. It was her twin sister''s face.

 Chapter 108 Li Chunhuas Role (3)

    Li Chunhua, who was already on the verge of losing consciousness, muttered, "Xiaoyi?"

    "What happened to you? Are you alright?!" Li Caiyi quickly checked on her whole body for any injuries and was rmed when she felt how cold her sister''s body was. "Wait here! I''m going to call for help!"

    Li Chunhua grabbed her arms before she could go anywhere. "No, please don''t leave. I''m scared. I don''t want to be alone."

    "What are you saying?! You need to be taken to the hospital soon! I can''t carry you by myself, so I''lle back soon, so wait here," Li Caiyi gently shook her sister''s hand and took off.

    Li Chunhua looked at her tiny back in loneliness. Was this how Li Caiyi felt when she shook her hand off and ran by herself? It was actually a very frightening feeling, seeing the only person by your side to leave you behind.

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi soon came back with Su Suyin on her tail. Su Suyin gasped in shock when she saw Li Chunhua''s pale and limp figure, sitting on the ground weakly. She hurried over and gathered her daughter in her embrace. Su Suyin''s breath only became lighter when she held Li Chunhua in her arms. "Xiaohua, don''t be afraid. Mom is here. You are going to be alright!"

    Li Chunhua could feel the warmth of her mother''s arm and her fast heartbeat. It soothed her nerves and made her feel sleepy. Now that her sister and mother were here, there was no need to endure it anymore. Li Chunhua soon lost consciousness.

    ***

    When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a familiar white ceiling. Li Chunhua was not a stranger to this view, so she immediately figured out where she was.

    Beside her, Su Suyin was sleeping on her bedside, looking more haggard than usual.

    "Motherˇ­" Li Chunhua called her softly while tapping her hand.

    Su Suyin, who felt the touch, slowly woke up as well. Looking at her daughter, who stared at her weakly, she let out a sad smile. "You have woken up, Xiaohua. Thank goodness."

    "How long did I fall asleep this time?"

    "Two days." Su Suyin lightly stroked Li Chunhua''s hand with a guilty look. "I was so worried about you."

    Li Chunhua looked around. "Where is Xiaoyi? Is she currently in school?"

    Su Suyin''s face stiffened upon hearing her other daughter''s name. "She is still in school. She wille after her ss is over."

    "Mom, did you scold Xiaoyi again?''

    "Let''s not talk about her for now. What is important right now is your health. From now on, you are not allowed to go to a crowded ce like that ever again."

    Li Chunhua knew it would end like this, so she didn''t argue. "Yes, Mom."

    After that, her mother gently took care of her by feeding her and wiping her sweaty body. Perhaps because she was traumatized by that frightening feeling of being left alone, she was incredibly clingy to her mother that day. Li Chunhua was happily munching the apple her mother fed her when the door opened, revealing Li Caiyi, Li Junjie, and Meng Renshu.

    "Everyone! You came to visit me?" Li Chunhua instantly brightened when she saw them. Li Junjie and Meng Renshu casually walked over and asked how she was doing, to which she replied with a big smile. However, Li Caiyi was the only one standing still in the doorway.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing? Aren''t you going toe in?" Li Chunhua asked her in confusion.

    Li Junjie stared closely at Li Caiyi before pushing Meng Renshu''s back. "I''m hungry. Let''s go buy some snacks."

    "Eh? Then, why don''t you just go by yourself? Hey, don''t push me!"

    Then, Li Junjie also grabbed Su Suyin''s hand. "Mother, I left my wallet at home, so please buy the snacks for me."

    Su Suyin nced at Li Chunhua''splexion, which was already much better than the previous one before she nodded her head. Li Caiyi lowered her head even more when the three walked past her. She was too afraid to look at her mother.

    When they finally left, Li Caiyi trudged to Li Chunhua''s bed and asked in a low voice, "How are you?"<sub> </sub>

    "I''m fine now. Why didn''t youe in earlier?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Li Chunhua was confused because her sister didn''t answer her, so she leaned down to look at her closer. "What''s wrong? Are you hungry?"

    Li Caiyi said nothing and wrapped her arms around Li Chunhua''s neck. Thetter was surprised, and she could feel the warmth of her sister''s breath on her neck. "Xiaoyi?"

    "Thank goodness you are okay," Li Caiyi said with a trembling voice.

    Li Chunhua was brilliant, so she quickly realized why Li Caiyi had hesitated earlier. She must have felt responsible for what happened to her. Li Chunhua didn''t understand why Li Caiyi would think that, because no matter how you look at it, it was she who caused the trouble first. "I should be the one saying that. I don''t even know how scared you are, but I left you alone there."

    Li Caiyi released her sister and said with an apologetic tone. "No, it is my fault. It''s because I bumped into that man that you were chased by him."

    "So you knew?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Mother and I met him not long after. He was furious, so Mother had to pay him so he would let us go. After that, I searched for you in the direction that man came from."

    "But how did you know I was there?"

    "I don''t know either. I have a feeling you are calling for help, so I just go wherever my feet bring me."

    Li Chunhua was astonished because she hoped someone woulde to save her then. Was it because Li Caiyi was her twin, that was why she could feel her in trouble?

    She hung her head low, feeling incredibly guilty now. "Xiaoyi, why didn''t you tell Mom I was the one who left you first? She was angry at you because you covered for me."

    Li Caiyi was stunned, and a momentter, she broke out in tears. Li Chunhua pped her stupid mouth and quickly apologized. "I''m sorry, Xiaoyi. I will tell Mom everything after this. Don''t cry!"

    "No, it''s not thatˇ­." Li Caiyi said while hupping. "When I remembered that time again, I was so scared I didn''t know what to do. How could you leave me there just like that?"

    "Aah, I''m sorry! You can take my pudding, so please don''t cry!"

    "Don''t leave me alone again, Xiaohua. I can''t do anything without youˇ­."

    Li Chunhua felt a sensation like an electric shock tickling her every vein. Li Caiyi''s crying face and request somehow made her heart skip a beat. It was the first time anyone ever said they needed her, and to her, that line was so pleasing to the ears.

    She was not useless, after all. Her birth had a meaning, and that was to protect her weak and crybaby sister from harm!

    "Y-you need me?"

    Li Caiyi nodded furiously as she reached out to take her sister''s hand. "Of course. If you aren''t there by my side, I don''t think I can live anymore. So please don''t be sick again."

    "I promise!" Li Chunhua smiled brightly, and her grip on Li Caiyi''s hand tightened. She had never felt so happy before. "You are a crybaby, so it can''t be helped. I will always stay by your side and protect you from now on!"

    "R-really?"

    "Yeah! We will always be together!"

    Li Caiyi stopped crying, and a soft smile crept up to her lips when she heard that. "En, it''s a promise."

 Chapter 109 Deja Vu

    <<Back to the present time>>

    Li Chunhua heaved a sigh when she remembered the past. She still remembered their promise as if it had happened yesterday, but Li Caiyi must havepletely forgotten about it.

    Of course, she would. After all, no one would like to stay with a sickly person like her. Once Li Caiyi got to know the taste of freedom, she would fly far, far away, leaving Li Chunhua behind in the tall tower.

    She felt betrayed and angry whenever her sister brought up the matter of leaving; she kept doing things that made Li Caiyi even more disgusted with her. If she came to know what Li Chunhua nned with Meng Renshu, would she even look at her again?

    Li Chunhua smiled bitterly. She had a hunch but dared not to believe it.

    Even if it was a lie, Li Chunhua was happy when Li Caiyi said she would take her too when she was leaving. However, Li Caiyi easily forgot about her whenever her friends or Dai Shenqiang were nearby, so how could Li Chunhua believe that? Her sister had already betrayed their promise once, so it wouldn''t be weird if she broke her other promise, too.

    Li Chunhua had no choice but to fight for her own happiness. She knew well that Li Caiyi would hate her for this, but she didn''t mind. The hope Li Caiyi had shown her when they were just little kids, she wanted to protect it at all costs.

    To do that, she had to investigate the sly guy whom Li Caiyi had a crush on. Li Chunhua had to make himpletely give up on her sister so she could earn her rightful ce again.

    Li Chunhua scouted around the area but stopped when she identally saw a few big men smoking in the dark alley. They seemed to spell trouble, so she didn''t want to go anywhere near them.

    Li Chunhua turned away and was about to leave when someone shouted behind her.

    "Hey! You were the little girl from that time! Stop there!"

    Uh-oh. Why did this scene feel so familiar? Li Chunhua recalled this also happened to her before, so instead of stopping, she hastened her steps. It would be best to pretend not to hear anything and just walk away.

    Li Chunhua nned to take the shortest route to return to the school. When she took a turn, she crashed onto a wall that suddenly appeared in front of her.

    No, it was not a wall; it was flesh. Li Chunhua opened her eyes to see an extremely scary-looking gangster standing in her way. The man''s height was at least 2 meters, so Li Chunhua, whose height was only around 160 cm, looked like a dwarf in front of him.

    The man stared at her in an ufortably sticky gaze that made people ufortable. Li Chunhua shivered and subconsciously looked away. "I''m sorry. Excuse me."

    She wanted to go around the man, but the man blocked her way again. Li Chunhua had a bad feeling about this, but she didn''t want to look like she was afraid of him, so she raised her head while ring at him vigntly. "What do you want? I already said sorry, didn''t I?"

    The man casually threw the cigarette trapped between his fingers to the ground and smirked yfully. "Now, don''t be so hasty. Why don''t we talk some more?" He said in a hoarse and dangerously low voice.

    "I''m busy. Please get out of my way." Li Chunhua retorted.

    The man chuckled. "I gotta say you have some guts talking like that to me after what you have done. Thanks to you, my subordinate was captured. What are you going to do about that?"

    Li Chunhua''s guts faltered when she felt the murderous aura from the man''s sinister smile. She felt like this man could crush her skull with only his grip strength based on how big his hand was. The thought made her shiver in fear.

    "W-what are you going to do?" Li Chunhua took a step back while secretly slipping her hand to her pocket, intending to call Meng Renshu. In case of something emergency happened, and she needed to contact help as soon as possible, she put Meng Renshu''s number as her number 1 emergency call.<sub> </sub>

    However, the man''s sharp eyes caught her movement, so he pped her hand away from her pocket, causing the phone in her hand to fly out and fall to the ground.

    Li Chunhua quickly bent down to take it, but the man caught her wrist and held her in ce. He smiled in amusement, looking at her pale face. "It''s been a while since west met. How about we continue our conversation from where we left off?"

    ***

    "Ouch!" Li Caiyi eximed when her hand identally scratched the piece of paper she was holding.

    "What''s wrong? Oh, your finger is bleeding!" Zhou Ya, who noticed the red liquid on Li Caiyi''s finger, quickly pulled out a band-aid from her pencil case. "Use this."

    "Thanks."

    "Be careful next time. Paper cuts can be painful sometimes. What''s that paper, anyway?" Feng Nian asked.

    "Ah, it''s just something Shao Jingfei gave me," Li Caiyi said as she wrapped the band-aid around her finger.

    "Is it rted to the book you want to make? Come to think of it, how is your talk going with Shao Jingfei? Is Shao Jingfei going to rmend you to his family''spany?" Chen Run also chimed in with a curious expression.

    "Nothing is certain yet. We are still in the middle of discussing it, and I still need time to prepare my novel, anyway."

    "I''m so jealous of you. You have a talent in you. I don''t even have one thing I''m especially good at."

    "But you had one. A movie maniac," Feng Nian said yfully.

    "That''s my hobby, not my talent," Chen Run pouted. "It would be good if I could work in the entertainment industry someday. I want to be a part of the film crew, so I can look at the process of film-making up close."

    The four of them chatted while walking to the front gate as usual, but Li Caiyi was unsettled for some reason. She kept having this nagging feeling that she shouldn''t leave just yet. Even she couldn''t fathom why she would feel like that.

    ''Did I leave something behind in the ssroom?'' Li Caiyi thought.

    If there was anything she learned from her previous life, it was that she should never degrade her own opinion again. So instead of continuing walking, she told her friends to leave first and went back to the school building. The more she walked, the more agitated she became. Li Caiyi had a bad feeling.

    Thest time she felt like this was when Li Chunhua was in trouble. At that time, she also looked around for her without resting, fearing that something might happen to her.

    ''Wait. Don''t tell me something happened to Xiaohua?''

    Li Caiyi aborted her n to check on her ss and checked on 2-A ss in a hurry instead. She didn''t see her sister anywhere when she arrived, but she spotted Dai Zhiqiang, who seemed like he was about to leave the ssroom.

 Chapter 110 The Missing Sister

    Dai Zhiqiang froze in his ce when he saw her.

    It had been a while since she saw him, and as much as she loved to talk to him leisurely, there was a more pressing issue at hand.

    "Zhiqiang, have you seen my sister anywhere?" Li Caiyi asked as she walked over to him.

    "Li Chunhua left the ssroom as soon as the ss ended. I haven''t seen her since then."

    Li Caiyi was visibly disappointed upon hearing that. "I-Is that so? Alright. Thanks for your help."

    "Did something happen? You seem to worry about something." Dai Zhiqiang asked carefully.

    "No. I just have a bad feeling and want to make sure my sister is okay. I''ll try to call her." Li Caiyi pulled out her phone and dialed Li Chunhua''s number, but the line was always busy. She bit her lips in frustration.

    "Do you want me to help look for her? If she is still on the school grounds, it will be faster if we search for her together."

    Li Caiyi nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Zhiqiang. Then let''s exchange our contact information so we canmunicate."

    Dai Zhiqiang took out his phone, and after sessfully exchanging their contact, they split the area to search. When Li Caiyi was about to leave the ssroom, Meng Renshu suddenly appeared at the entrance with a hurried expression.

    "Brother Renshu?" Li Caiyi eximed in shock. At regr times, Li Caiyi would feel awkward and avoid him at any cost, but he was one of the best people to depend on during times like this.

    "Where is Xiaohua?"

    Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu asked the same question at the same time. Both of them exchange a surprise nce mixed with confusion toward each other.

    "Brother Renshu, did you also look for her?"

    "Yeah. She called me a while ago. When I answered, she didn''t say anything, but there was a loud sound before it waspletely disconnected. I called her back, but she didn''t answer. It got me worried, so I thought I''d better go check on her."

    His exnation only made Li Caiyi even more anxious now. If what he said was true, then the bad feeling she felt earlier must be because something had happened to Li Chunhua!

    Li Caiyi was worried about her sister, but she knew she couldn''t freak out here. She had to calm down if she wanted to find her sister. She rubbed her chest repeatedly before she asked Meng Renshu again.

    "Where is my big brother right now?"

    "Junjie is checking the schoolyard. I bet he''s searching for Xiaohua around the front gate now."

    "Have any of you informed this to Mother yet?"

    Meng Renshu shook her head. "No. We want to make sure of the situation first before unnecessarily worrying, Auntie. When Junjie called Auntie earlier, she said Xiaohua hasn''te back yet."

    "Did Mother know where she went to?"

    "I don''t think so. Auntie asked us why we would ask about her when she was supposed to be with us, so I don''t think Auntie knows where Xiaohua is right now."

    Li Caiyi fell into deep thought. Li Chunhua had always been under strict regtion, so she hardly could go anywhere outside Su Suyin''s supervision. Her sister needed to report her whereabouts whenever she wanted to go to some other ces regrly. The fact that Su Suyin didn''t feel suspicious at all meant that Li Chunhua had reported to their mother beforehand on where she would go after school.

    As a person with a weak constitution, her phone was an essential item to her, so there was no reason why she would not pick up the call. Based on Meng Renshu''s exnation, it was most likely that Li Chunhua didn''t disappear voluntarily. But where did she go?

    "Oh! There you are, Caiyi!"

    Li Caiyi turned her head to the source of the voice and found Shao Jingfei, who was covered with sweat. "Thank goodness you are still here! I think your sister is in trouble!"

    Shao Jingfei''s news immediately rmed Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu. This impable timing must mean that Shao Jingfei knew what caused Li Chunhua''s disappearance.<sub> </sub>

    "Shao Jingfei, please take a deep breath, and tell us what you mean by that," Li Caiyi calmly consoled the panicked Shao Jingfei, but she was actually pretty shaken too inside.

    "I was punished by Mr. Xu to clean the storage room, so I went there after the ss ended. When I went out to throw the trash, I saw your sister walking with a big uncle."

    "A bigˇ­ uncle?" Li Caiyi frowned.

    "Yeah. The uncle wore a mboyant suit and shy jewelry. He''s at least 2 meters tall and looks pretty dangerous, but I''m not sure if that uncle is a bad person or not, so I did nothing. But I thought I should at least tell you about it."

    "Why didn''t you stop her? That kind of guy clearly looked suspicious. What if he is a bad person targeting young girls?" Meng Renshu said sharply with his eyes narrowed down, looking ready to pounce on Shao Jingfei.

    Li Caiyi quickly held his arm to stop him from doing anything impulsive. "Brother Renshu, that''s not what''s important right now, and this isn''t Shao Jingfei''s fault. He might think that man is probably our family member, so he didn''t call them out. Besides, if that man truly is a bad person, doing that might cause more danger to Xiaohua instead, and Shao Jingfei could even get dragged into it. If that happens, no one can inform us about Xiaohua''s whereabouts anymore."

    Meng Renshu gritted his teeth, but he had to admit that Li Caiyi was right. In this situation, this girl could think more rationally than him. He was ashamed of himself.

    After calming Meng Renshu down, Li Caiyi shifted his attention to Shao Jingfei. "I''m sorry about that. He is just too worried about my sister. Don''t take it to heart."

    "No problem. Shall I continue, then?"

    "Yes, please."

    "Your sister went with them obediently. She wasn''t struggling or anything like that, so I don''t think there was anything wrong with it at first. But I can''t calm down after that, so just to be on the safe side, I followed them and took a picture of the van they used." Shao Jingfei showed a picture on his phone. The picture showed Li Chunhua, who went into the car on her own, without anyone pushing or dragging her.

    Thankfully, Shao Jingfei was smart enough to ensure the license te was clearly captured in the picture. They could find Li Chunhua with this!

    "Brother RenshuˇŞ"

    "I know. Don''t worry, let me take care of this." Meng Renshu gave Li Caiyi a reassuring smile while patting her head. "You should go home first and wait for further information from me and your brother. Don''t tell Auntie about this yet."

    "I want toe with you too!"

    "No, you can''t," Meng Renshu looked sternly at the girl in front of him. "This might be dangerous, so just stay back and prepare to greet Xiaohua when shees backter."

    "But I¨C Wait!"

    Meng Renshu didn''t wait for Li Caiyi to finish and ran as fast as possible. Li Caiyi, who watched his back felt that perhaps she could let him take care of this. After all, there was no way Meng Renshu would ck off when the safety of his beloved was on the line.

    The Meng family had a lot of connections, and he knew a bunch of people who could help with this case. Compared to him, Li Caiyi couldn''t do anything to help at all.

    She was worried and frustrated, but acting stubbornly here would only dy Li Chunhua''s rescue, so she begrudgingly held herself back.

    "Caiyi."

    Dai Zhiqiang was so quiet all this time that Li Caiyi almost forgot about him. Now that they had found where Li Chunhua was, there was no need to search within the school grounds anymore. "Zhiqiang, I don''t think we need to search the school grounds anymore now. Please don''t mind us and go on ahead if you want. You too, Shao Jingfei."

    Shao Jingfei looked at Dai Zhiqiang and Li Caiyi alternately. Then, he replied in a friendly tone, "Well, I''m very concerned about your sister. I hope she will be fine. Please let me know if you need my help with anything. Then, I still have my punishment to do, so I''ll go first."

    "Thanks for your help!" Li Caiyi waved her hand lightly.

    After Shao Jingfei left, Li Caiyi wondered why Dai Zhiqiang didn''t go and only stood there in silence. Moreover, he had a deep frown on his face, like he was thinking seriously about something. "Zhiqiang? Do you still have something to tell me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nced at Li Caiyi with an inexplicable gaze. He hesitated at first but eventually told her, "Caiyi, I think I know where those guys have taken Li Chunhua."

 Chapter 111 Its All My Fault

    "Really?!" Li Caiyi eximed in shock.

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded his head. "I''m not one hundred percent sure, but there is a possibility they will take her there."

    "Where is this ''there''? Howe you know about that?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer immediately and only examined Li Caiyi''s reaction. Feeling that something was amiss, Li Caiyi asked again. "What is it? Is it something you can''t tell me?"

    "No, it''s not. Sorry, I was in a daze just now." Dai Zhiqiang paused briefly before he exined, "My guess is they took her to their base. It was located in a more secluded building downtown."

    "Then, can you tell me the address?"

    "What are you nning to do?"

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Of course, I will inform my brother about it, so they can check that ce as well! By the way, why didn''t you say so earlier?"

    "If that guy''s testimony is dependable, then I suspect those loan sharks took your sister." Dai Zhiqiang said in a grave face.

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

    Why didn''t she think of that? Although Li Chunhua was popr, she had never been close to anyone except her family and Meng Renshu. There was no way she had a suspicious acquaintance like that without her knowing. Then, Shao Jingfei''s description was really simr to the man who beat Dai Shenqiang upst time.

    If that was true, then the reason they took Li Chunhuaˇ­.

    Li Caiyi''splexion turned ashen. She gasped at the realization and covered her mouth with her hand. Then she muttered in a low voice. "It was all my fault."

    "No," Dai Zhiqiang firmly said, "It was not your fault at all. It was our fault for involving you in all of this. If you want to me someone, then me me."

    Li Caiyi looked up at Dai Zhiqiang, whose expression didn''t falter at all. Usually, people would think of him as an unfeeling person if they saw how expressionless he was, but Li Caiyi could feel his kindness emanating from his tone.

    Dai Zhiqiang continued, "Caiyi, I will save your sister, so don''t worry too much."

    "Wh-what are you nning to do?"

    "You don''t need to know that, but I''ll surely bring your sister back to you."

    "I''lle with you!"

    Dai Zhiqiang shook her head. "No, can''t do. Honestly, you are just going to be a burden if youe along, so just wait at your home patiently."

    Li Caiyi knew Dai Zhiqiang said that to discourage her from following him. After spending time with him, Li Caiyi understood he was actually a caring person who would do anything for his close one, so she wasn''t offended. Instead, she was worried and distressed about him.

    "Zhiqiang, you don''t need to do that. What if they beat you up as they did to Shenqiang? Don''t forget, you are also their target." Li Caiyi hurriedly took out her phone. "Let me call Brother Renshu and exin the whole situation to him."

    She was about to dial Meng Renshu''s number, but he snatched her phone from above her head.

    "Hey!"

    Dai Zhiqiang raised her phone high above his head. The 160 cm height Li Caiyi couldn''t stand a chance against his 185 cm height. She hopped in her ce but still couldn''t reach it. "Give it back to me! What are you doing?"

    "Do you know why I didn''t tell Senior Meng about it when he was here?"

    Li Caiyi froze for a moment. Looking at Dai Zhiqiang''s serious expression, she put down both of her hands. "Why?"<sub> </sub>

    "It''s because I don''t want to look bad. If I told him, he would ask why you were involved in this mess. By then, you would have to exin about my debt and family''s poor condition, isn''t that right?"

    "That''sˇ­."

    "Pride is important for men. I''ll take responsibility and save your sister, but don''t do anything more than this. I don''t want to look miserable in front of other students in this school."

    Li Caiyi was stunned when she heard his reason. She recalled how Dai Zhiqiang doted on his brother so much and the story of their childhood, which she heard from Dai Shenqiang. He worked hard silently without asking for anything in return, and he would always prioritize his family above his needs.

    Such a kind person like that, would he restrain revealing crucial information because he cared about his reputation more?

    Not to mention, he should have known how close Li Caiyi was to her sister before this. Could he really close his eyes to other people suffering just because he wanted to keep his pride?

    Li Caiyi pressed her lips into a hard line. "Fine. I won''t tell this to Brother Renshu or the police for now. But let mee with you!"

    "You are so stubborn. I said you will be useless even if youe, anyway." Dai Zhiqiang frowned.

    "Even so, you will need one person to keep on a lookout. What if something happens and you both can''t get out? You''d need another person to call for help."

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed. "That won''t be necessary. I have my own way of doing things. You will help me just by staying put and not doing anything stupid."

    Li Caiyi didn''t give up and held him by his wrist, preventing him from leaving. "I won''t let you go to a dangerous ce alone. If you go, I''ll go to Brother Renshu and ask him to do a thorough search of the entire downtown area!"

    Dai Zhiqiang stared down at her small hands holding his wrist, and a conflicted expression shed across his face. If he could help it, he didn''t want to show her his rough side. However, the more time they wasted here, the higher the risk was for Li Chunhua, so he reluctantlypromised.

    "Fine. But you have to stay outside and stay out of my way."

    "Yes, I''ll do that!" Li Caiyi smiled, secretly relieved that Dai Zhiqiang was the type that was pretty easy to persuade.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t look at her straight in the face, so he looked away quickly. "Then, let''s not waste any more time."

    "Yes!"

    ? They walked out of the school grounds, and Li Caiyi immediately stopped a taxi. She was so worried about Li Chunhua''s safety that she was totally silent throughout the trip.

    Dai Zhiqiang, who noticed her uneasiness, wanted to cheer her up, but he didn''t know how to. He had never spoken too much to girls because his piercing stare always intimidated them. Well, not that he ever had much interest in the opposite sex from the beginning.

    He thought this side of him would never change. He was sure of that until he met Li Caiyi, this weak and clumsy-looking girl.

    "It will be okay."

    Those words left his mouth automatically when he saw her anxious side profile. Even if he didn''t know how to say sweet words, he still wanted to let her know she wasn''t alone in this.

    "We are going to help her. Definitely, without fail."

    Li Caiyi turned to Dai Zhiqiang, seemingly surprised at first, butter, her mouth curved up in a faint smile. "Yes, you''re right. I''m d you''re here with me."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt itchy like his heart had been scratched by a cat''s w. He was afraid Li Caiyi could tell how happy he was hearing that from her, so he looked away again and kept his gaze glued to the view outside the window. However, he would secretly sneak a peek at Li Caiyi''s reflection in the window.

    He knew it was inappropriate to feel happy under the circumstances like this, so he said nothing throughout the rest of the trip.

 Chapter 112 Agreement

    Li Chunhua cringed at the sound of the rusty door being opened. She looked inside the room and found a medium-size office.

    There was a working desk and chair behind it, with a pile of documents on top of the desk. Aside from that, the couch looked old and shabby, and empty cup noodles scattered haphazardly on top of the table. Looking at the flies hovered around it, she suspected the trash had been there for some time. There was a ss fridge on the corner of the room with lots of alcohol and beer in it.

    "Get in." The burly man said to her. As soon as they arrived in this ce, the man called upon his follower, and now there are four other men aside from the burly man and Li Chunhua.

    She knew following this man was very risky. However, she had faith in Meng Renshu. If she could stall for time until he came to find her, everything would be okay.

    Li Chunhua took a deep breath and stepped into the room. The room reeked of alcohol, and there was also this weird smell, like abination of men''s odor and vomit. The pungent smell immediately assaulted her nose, and she frowned in disgust. She stared at the couch suspiciously, thinking that she didn''t want to sit on that couch ever.

    "Aren''t you going to sit?" The burly man asked while making himselffortable on the couch.

    "I''m fine standing here. Thank you."

    The burly man shrugged his shoulders as he made a sign to his subordinate behind him. The subordinate handed over a piece of paper to him.

    "The reason I bring you here is to talk about the damage you caused us the other day. I''m sure you haven''t forgotten about it yet?"

    Li Chunhua''s frown deepened, and she made no move to look at the paper. She already knew it was just a scam, anyway. These people didn''t look like good people at all. Anything that came out of their mouth must be lies or truth with some lies in it.

    However, she had to go along with them unless she wanted to get hurt before Meng Renshu got there. Li Chunhua had an inkling of what happened here, but she followed them anyway. The less she struggles, the less possibility of them harming her.

    "Are you trying to get some kind ofpensation from me?"

    "That''s right," the man puffed out smoke from his mouth before he continued. "Didn''t you sayst time that your family is super strong or something? Then why don''t you use your family''s power to take responsibility for what you have done?"

    "I''m sorry, but I can''t seem to remember. Care to remind me just what kind of damage I have done to you?" Li Chunhua asked in a mocking tone.

    "You are interrupting our business the other day and even calling the police under false charges. My subordinates experience a traumatic experience in jail because of you."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes twitched when she heard that.

    ''Xiaoyi, what in the world did you do?'' She thought inwardly. Li Caiyi even dared to mess with these kinds of people now. How could she suddenly be so fearless after recovering from her cold?

    Li Chunhua chose her words carefully before she replied sharply, "Well, you sound like a good boss, but considering how you don''t look upset at all. I assume it doesn''t matter to you as long as you''re not the one getting caught. Using your subordinate as a stepping stone, what an excellent leader you are."

    The man chuckled, "Your mouth has be spicier since thest time I saw you. Is every kid around your age always acting disrespectfully to the older people?"

    "It depends on who these ''older'' people are. I don''t respect those who don''t deserve it."<sub> </sub>

    The man''s smile faded as if he had lost interest in exchanging words. "It seems you still haven''t fully understood this situation, so let me make this clear for you. Come here and sign this agreement. Unless you sign this agreement, don''t even hope ofing out here unscathed." He smirked evilly. "My subordinate was really looking forward to ying with youst time. It''s a shame we couldn''t do that the other day."

    Li Chunhua could feel her blood pressure rise when she heard that. She wasn''t a na?ve young girl who didn''t know what ''y'' meant for these people. These nasty people, they''d better not do anything to her sister!

    She gritted her teeth hard, trying to hold herself back fromshing out. They could never find out that she wasn''t Li Caiyi, or who knows what kind of threat they could pose to her sister. Thinking back, it was kind of lucky Li Chunhua was the one who wandered around the alley behind the school today. If it were Li Caiyi, she would get caught immediately and even get hurt from resisting recklessly.

    Li Chunhua narrowed her eyes and stared coldly at those men standing behind their boss with a lecherous smile eyeing her body. A sense of disgust bubbled inside her, and she just wanted to poke their eyes with her fingers. However, when she thought that these men also leered at Li Caiyi with the same perverted gaze, she wanted to gouge their eyes out.

    After making up her mind, Li Chunhua sat on the couch and snatched the paper from the table. The bossman grinned widely at her, revealing golden teeth hidden inside his mouth.

    Li Chunhua scanned the document in her hand with lightning speed.

    The content used many roundabout words, but the summary was simple: she had to pay a hefty sum aspensation for the bossman''s loss, which Li Chunhua didn''t know the details of.

    She assumed that these guys probably harassed Li Caiyi first, forcing her to report them to the police. Now, they wanted to get back at her.

    The sum of money was quite a lot. Li Chunhua had some savings, and she could always sell her expensive jewelry or dresses, but she wasn''t sure if even that was enough to cover it. The quickest way to settle this matter was to pay with money. If she didn''t pay, these people might look for Li Caiyi again in the future.

    Agreeing with these low and revolting people made her irritated, but there was no way around it. As long as she signed this agreement, they would only have business with her and not bother her sister anymore.

    "ording to this agreement, you will stop bothering me for good if I pay you the money. You''d better keep that promise, or you will see your subordinate in jail sooner than you thought." Li Chunhua red resentfully.

    The bossmanughed hard in amusement. "What a fiery young woman. It''s a shame you are too young, or I will take you for myself!"

    "Disgusting." Li Chunhua squinted her eyes and looked at him as if he was the most abominable creature on the earth.

    "Kekeke. If you have grown up and have nowhere else to go, you can go to my ce anytime."

    Li Chunhua rolled her eyes and ignored his words. She stared down at the agreement once again before picking up the pen. She would make sure Li Caiyi would never meet these people again in her whole life.

    "HEY! STOP THERE!"

    There was suddenly a loud yelling from the outside. Li Chunhua nced at the door with a hopeful look.

    ''Did Brother Renshu finallye here with some help?''

    In the next second, the door was forced open with a bang.

 Chapter 113 An Untouchable Classmate (1)

    The bossman stood up in rm when the door was kicked open. He had a fierce look on his face and yelled in a fury. "Who''s the bastard who had the guts to walk on our territory?! You are courting death!"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes bulged out in shock when she saw the person who stood at the entrance. He was a tall boy with sharp-looking eyes, and he wore the same uniform as her.

    "Daiˇ­ Zhiqiang?" she muttered subconsciously.

    The bossman, who saw Dai Zhiqiang coldly walking in the room, clicked his tongue in hatred. Without waiting for him to speak, the bossman quickly ordered his men. "Are you guys blind or something? Can''t you see he is wrecking our base as he pleases? Get him!"

    The four men behind the bossman, who fell into a daze with Dai Zhiqiang''s sudden entrance, were snapped out of it and attacked him simultaneously. Li Chunhua quickly took refuge behind the work desk after detecting an oing fight. She didn''t want to get identally involved and lose limbs.

    She peeked from behind the desk and witnessed how Dai Zhiqiang moved agilely like flowing water.

    Man A threw a punch, which he avoided beforending a round kick on A''s stomach, causing him to fly to the wall behind him. Then, man B attacked from behind and head-locked him, but Dai Zhiqiang elbowed the man''s side hard, causing the hold to loosen. The young man used that chance to throw man B through his shoulder toward man A, who was trying to stand up. They collided and fell to the ground simultaneously.

    Man C and D shouted and attacked him at the same time. They would throw punches and kicks toward Dai Zhiqiang, making him take steps back to avoid it, and cornering him to the wall.

    When man C saw that, he smiled gleefully. He attempted to finish it by doing a high kick, but who would have known that Dai Zhiqiang would avoid it and lower his body to make use of his low stance as a prop and push the C''s leg using his shoulder, along with his body upward. Man C flew because of the momentum andnded hard on top of the table, causing the empty cup noodle to topple and making the bossman frown in displeasure.

    The D man, who watched how Dai Zhiqiang took care of his colleague by himself, was intimidated by his cold and piercing stare. He was the weakest among his brothers, and he just knew he wouldn''t stand a chance against the boy who could handle his brothers single-handedly. Dai Zhiqiang made use of his moment of hesitation to close in and give man D a solid punch on his face. He was thrown backward, passing by Li Chunhua''s hiding spot.

    "Eek!" She unknowingly let out a yelp when the man D was knocked unconscious and fell beside her. She gazed at the man with a pitiful gaze. Considering how loud the cracking sound was, his nose must have been broken.

    Li Chunhua couldn''t believe what she saw. She and Dai Zhiqiang were ssmates for two years, yet she didn''t know he had a side like this to him.

    He looked like your average nerd guy in school, except he was better-looking than the rest. However, he rarely cared to socialize with his ssmates and the type that minded his own business. Nobody spoke to him because he had this hard-to-approach aura around him, and he seemed irritated all the time. Because of his impable grade and unmoveable first rank title in every exam, no one dared to look down on his status as a schrship student.

    Such an untouchable ssmate, why would he be here now, of all times? It couldn''t be that he was here to save her, right?<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua''s first impression of Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t that favorable. She still remembered the first time they spoke.

    He was the one who started the conversation first. Everyone was shocked because of that. Some even spected that Dai Zhiqiang had a crush on her.

    Honestly, she also thought that was a possibility, but when she heard what he had to say, she knew it was a big misunderstanding. He wasn''t interested in Li Chunhua but her sister, who had a simr face to hers.

    Li Chunhua deflected him on the spot even went as far as indirectly implying that there was no way Li Caiyi would remember him. She did that to trample on his wishful thinking of getting closer to her sister.

    The n went well, and he had never asked anything about Li Caiyi, nor had she ever seen him trying to get close to her sister anymore after that. She thought he hadpletely given up on her sister, so Li Chunhua had never considered him as a threat.

    However, after witnessing this scene in front of her, she wondered if he still had some feelings for Li Caiyi, after all?

    Dai Zhiqiang subtly studied Li Chunhua''s condition, and noticing she had no injuries on her, he felt relieved inside. Li Caiyi had saved his younger brother by risking her own safety. He could never raise his face in front of Li Caiyi again if something happened to her sister because of that.

    He shifted his gaze to the bossman, who stared at him back resentfully. Dai Zhiqiang pulled out her swiss army knife from his pocket and pointed his knife at him. "Aren''t you going toe at me, or should Ie at you?"

    The bossman hated to admit it, but this young man was not an ordinary schoolboy. The way he moved and that strength was something only a person used to fighting could do. He had underestimated him too much.

    Honestly, after watching how the young man took care of his men who had a bulk body in a sh, he wasn''t sure if he could beat him in a one-on-one fight, much less now that he let out a weapon.

    The bossman clenched his jaw, unwilling to admit defeat. Still, did he really have to risk humiliating himself by charging at him recklessly? The boy''s eyes were so fierce, and despite its calmness, there was bloodlust lurking beneath it. Even the bossman shivered in fear, facing against his beast-like eyes.

    "Didn''t youe here to save the girl? You can take her, just get away from here," the bossman said reluctantly.

    "What are you talking about? Did I say anything about saving someone? It can''t be because you are scared out of your wits that you forgot what you did to my brother, or did you just grown senile in thesete few days?" His eyes narrowed down dangerously, "You hurt him. I came to pay back the debt you like so much."

 Chapter 114 An Untouchable Classmate (2)

    The bossman gulped when he felt the young man''s murderous gaze on him. To think a person who had been hovered around the gray area of thew such as himself felt pressured by a mere schoolboy''s gaze. If he didn''t feel it for himself, he might haveughed at the idea.

    "So you are here to get justice for your brother? When you haven''t even paid your debt yet?" The boss man chuckled in amusement.

    Li Chunhua''s ears caught that information and couldn''t help but create spections in her mind. If Dai Zhiqiang didn''te here to save her, then was all of this just a coincidence? It made sense if she recalled how Dai Zhiqiang treated her like air, even though he clearly could see her earlier.

    Although she was thankful for his unintentional rescue, she wasn''t interested in Dai Zhiqiang''s family matters or to get involved in any of that.

    Li Chunhua eyed the only exit of this room, which unfortunately located past those two, which meant that she had to sneak past them without them noticing if she wanted to get out of the room. It seemed possible, yet impossible, considering the tension in the air.

    ''Should I make a run for it? But what if there are still some of his subordinates outside? Without Dai Zhiqiang, I can''t go past them alone.'' Li Chunhua carefully weighed her options.

    Dai Zhiqiang watched the bossman''s movement closely. When he was sure that he wouldn''t make a sudden movement, he said in a low voice without turning his head, "Hey girl. Get out of this room quickly."

    Li Chunhua jolted in surprise. "Y-you are talking to me?"

    "Is there any other girl in this room? Just get out of this room now. I don''t want to be held responsible if you suffer a traumatic view of being in this room any longer."

    "You are Dai Zhiqiang, right? I can''t leave until I''m sure the coast is safe."

    "Not my business. I warned you, it''s up to you to take it or not."

    Li Chunhua said in disbelief. "So you are just going to pretend I''m not here? How cold!"

    "I have no obligation to save you. Leave now, and perhaps you are going to be lucky enough to find some other people who''d like to help you."

    After that, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t wait for her to answer and leaped towards the bossman with his knife. The bossman cursed out and shifted to a fighting stance, and another action scene began again.

    Li Chunhua was frozen in her ce, without knowing what to do. Should she take the chance or not?

    In the end, she chose to try her luck. If she got caught again, she could just guilt-trip Dai Zhiqiang into saving her. She was pretty sure he wasn''t that heartless enough to ignore Li Chunhua, who was his former crush''s twin sister.

    Carefully, Li Chunhua walked out of her hiding spot while bending her upper body, trying to make her presence as minimal as possible.

    She almost reached the door when a hand suddenly appeared in front of her. It pressed against her mouth, preventing her from letting out a sound. The next thing she knew, someone had pulled her body backward, and her back collided with a broad chest.

    "H-hmppffhh!!"

    "D-don''t move!" The person behind her shouted, causing Dai Zhiqiang and the bossman, who had suffered a few sh injuries, to halt their movement.<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua cursed under her breath. How could she be so careless? Dai Zhiqiang knocked man D unconscious so fast, and she didn''t expect him to get up so quickly!

    "Get your filthy hands off of me!" Li Chunhua struggled, but the man''s arm around her neck was almost as thick as her thigh, and they wouldn''t budge no matter how much she pulled or pushed them.

    "If you don''t want her to get hurt, drop your weapon!" The man D shouted hysterically. Blood trickled down from his nose, and his stance was wobbly.

    The table has turned now. Dai Zhiqiang, who looked assured and calm until a moment ago, visibly stiffened when he saw how Li Chunhua was taken as a hostage. The bossman, of course, didn''t miss that subtle reaction. He grinned evilly when he noticed an opening.

    Dai Zhiqiang, who was preupied with the thought of how to save Li Chunhua, wasn''t ready to block the bossman attack. By the time he realized, the bossman had closed in and given him a solid punch to the stomach.

    "Akh!" He eximed in pain. That punch was heavy, and his stomach was throbbing, but he quickly recovered his stance and shed his knife around again.

    "I said don''t move! Don''t you care what happened to this girl?!" the man D yelled again. This time, he strengthened his hold around Li Chunhua''s neck, causing the girl''s face to redden because of theck of oxygen.

    "Uh... ugh...!" Li Chunhua let out a suffocated noise as she tried her best to get oxygen past through her airway as much as possible.

    Dai Zhiqiang clicked his tongue. He analyzed the current situation in his brain at lightning speed. His rationality concluded that he should just beat the bossman first before he could pose more threats. However, even if Dai Zhiqiang knew it was just a bluff, Li Chunhua wouldn''tst long if this continued.

    His emotion took over him, and he couldn''t imagine what kind of look Li Caiyi would give him if he let something happen to her sister.

    In the end, Dai Zhiqiang raised both his arms above his head, dropping his swiss army knife in the process.

    The bossmanughed out loud at seeing that. "Sure enough, you came here to save her after all! How could you not? When she was the one who saved your little brother!" the bossman gave Dai Zhiqiang a vicious kick on his side, almost making him fall aside.

    Heughed maliciously before he continued, "That''s why you should pay your debt quickly, or more people will be victims. If you want to me someone, then me yourself for believing in your worthless uncle!"

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his jaw with a darkened face. If looks could cut, the bossman must have been cut into pieces by now.

    Li Chunhua, who heard that, instinctively put the two and two together. Based on what she knew, it seemed Dai Zhiqiang''s family had a debt to the bossman, and because of that, his little brother was attacked. Li Caiyi saved the little brother, which resulted in Dai Zhiqiang feeling indebted to her and running here to save Li Chunhua.

    ''Wait a minute. Dai Zhiqiang? Dai family?''

    Another shock shed across her face when she realized something else.

    Dai Shenqiang was the little brother of Dai Zhiqiang!

 Chapter 115 A Drinking Contest (1)

    Dai Shenqiang was the little brother of Dai Zhiqiang!

    The answer was clear now. She understood how Li Caiyi would suddenly be acquainted with a student from another school and why Dai Zhiqiang had gone so far to save Li Chunhua.

    Li Chunhua didn''t know if she liked this development or not. On one side, she felt relieved because it meant Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t leave her here, and all his cold words earlier were just a facade to divert the attention from her. However, she also felt simultaneously conflicted because the pest around her sister was increased.

    While Li Chunhua was distracted by her own thoughts, the bossman had the fun of his life by thrashing Dai Zhiqiang around. He beat and kicked him, and the more Dai Zhiqiang refused to fall down, the more he felt the thrill.

    "Y-yeahˇ­. Please finish him, Boss!" The man D cheered at the bossman, unknowingly letting go of the hand on her mouth.

    "You will get a raise after this for doing such a good job!"

    "Thank you, Boss!"

    Li Chunhua hated they kept the conversation going with no care for her well-being. Shouldn''t they treat a hostage more gently? She was already frail enough even without this additional energy waste. Would they take responsibility for her medical bill if something happened?

    She cautiously observed the situation, picked the timing when the hold was the loosest, and gave the arm around her neck a harsh bite.

    "Ouch! You little bitch!" The man D growled in anger as he flung Li Chunhua away, throwing her to the floor. Li Chunhua wanted to curse, but there was no time for that. She had to run away from here as soon as possible!

    So she picked herself up quickly and dashed toward the door. Dai Zhiqiang, who witnessed this, also seized this chance to give the bossman a fierce kick on his shin, followed by a knee strike to his stomach.

    "Ugh!" The bossman staggered, and Dai Zhiqiang didn''t bother with him anymore. He picked his swiss army knife, ran over to Li Chunhua, and grabbed ahold of her hand. Securing her was his topmost priority right now. Revenge for his brother could wait until he got her out of here safely.

    Li Chunhua stared at Dai Zhiqiang, who got bruises and blood on his face. She felt grateful to him, but if he nned to win her sister''s heart using this method, she wouldn''t let that slide.

    "Are you okay?" Li Chunhua asked in a low voice.

    "I''m used to it," Dai Zhiqiang said nonchntly as he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "More importantly, can you run?"

    "Yes."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t respond further and only tugged on her hand, forcing her to follow him. However, he didn''t expect that another man had blocked their way. It seemed that man B had regained his consciousness while themotion happened.

    Dai Zhiqiang clicked his tongue in frustration. He miscalcted.

    He should have brought Li Chunhua out as soon as he knocked them out. Seeing the bossman''s face made him remember Dai Shenqiang''s sorry state, and his rage zed like an inferno in his gut. He just wanted to beat the bossman to death for all the suffering Dai Shenqiang had to go through.<sub> </sub>

    Just like that, he let his guard down and forgot his original purpose foring here.

    Dai Zhiqiang had promised Li Caiyi he would bring her sister out safely, but look at the state they were in right now. They had those loan sharks closing in on them from all directions. They were trapped like cornered rats!

    Li Chunhua could also sense that the situation didn''t go well. If they lingered here longer, more of those men would spring up and attack them again, and although Dai Zhiqiang was strong, he was still made from flesh and could feel pain and fatigued. After getting beaten up by the bossman, she doubted he could fight well against multiple people at once.

    "Hey, did you seriouslye here alone?" Li Chunhua whispered. "If you did, then you are truly crazy,ing here with no preparation!"

    Dai Zhiqiang thought about Li Caiyi, who was waiting outside. They promised that if Dai Zhiqiang hadn''te out in twenty minutes, she would call for help. It should have been around fifteen minutes since he came in. He just needed to endure until that time came.

    He got his knife ready again and pulled Li Chunhua to stand behind him, staring vigntly at the loan sharks closing in on them.

    "WAIT!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face was drained of all colors when he heard that voice, even more so when he caught a figure of a girl standing at the entrance. Before he could utter anything, Li Chunhua had yanked his cor harshly with a fierce look on her face.

    "What is this? Did you seriously bring my sister to a dangerous ce like this?! You must have gone nuts!"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know how to respond because Li Caiyi''s sudden arrival bewildered and flustered him as well. This wasn''t what they promised to do! He didn''t expect Li Caiyi to be so bold to enter the enemy''s den by herself.

    "Stop attacking them! What you guys want is me, soe at me!" Li Caiyi said with a ferocity of a tigress.

    Gone was the timid girl who was always protected by others, and what Li Chunhua saw right then was a side of her sister she had never seen before. When was thest time she saw Li Caiyi get so angry? Even when Li Chunhua constantly tested her patience and messed with people around her, she never got this angry before.

    "The one who called the police that day was me. If you have any business with me, then do it now." Li Caiyi''s voice had regained its calmness, but anger and coldness were lurking beneath it.

    The man B, who stood closest to Li Caiyi, asked the bossman, "Boss, what should we do?"

    The bossman''s eyes glinted with a dangerous light as he smirked in amusement. "I see. So that''s how it is. No wonder I felt something was different from the girl I caught today. Who would have guessed you were twins? Well, lots of unexpected things happen, but aren''t we having the best family reunion right now?"

    Dai Zhiqiang vaguely heard Li Chunhua hiss the word ''trash'' behind him. Still, he was too focused on Li Caiyi to form a response.

    ''Why did youe here? Don''t you know it''s dangerous?'' He thought while pressing his lips into a hard line.

    Then, as though she could sense his chaotic emotion, Li Caiyi turned to him and smiled softly. She moved her mouth without sound, and from the movement, he perceived two words from her: "Thank you."

 Chapter 116 A Drinking Contest (2)

    Li Caiyi was furious.

    As if it wasn''t enough for them to kidnap Li Chunhua, they also beat up Dai Zhiqiang so much. Dai Zhiqiang kept his promise by shielding her sister, and Li Caiyi was relieved to see Li Chunhua was okay. However, her friend took a lot of damages because of that.

    Li Caiyi seemed to understand a bit why Dai Zhiqiang adamantly refused to receive her help. Feeling indebted to someone wasn''t a good feeling. The guilt for involving a third party and possibly causing loss to them in the process made one feel terrible. She had to think of something to make it up for Dai Zhiqiangter.

    But first, she had to put these ''adults'' in their ce. What were they so proud of by ganging up and bullying teenagers like this?

    It was the first time she had felt so much anger since finding out about her father''s affair. She had been frustrated, holding it all by herself with no way to vent her anger, and those umted anger now exploded.

    Li Caiyi didn''t wait for the bossman to give an order and walked towards him herself.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing?!" Li Chunhua wanted to rush over but was stopped by Dai Zhiqiang. She red at him angrily. "Get out of my way!"

    It was a lie if Dai Zhiqiang said he wasn''t worried, but he believed Li Caiyi wouldn''t do that without a n at all. Even if she had no n, he wouldn''t let anything happen to her either way.

    "I''ll take care of the man near the door, so you run first," He whispered to her.

    "I won''t go anywhere without Xiaoyi! If you are so scared, then you can get lost!"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know that talking with Li Chunhua was this frustrating. She sounded like a different person than a reasonable girl he met at the school every day.

    "I will stay here and keep your sister safe, but I can''t do anything if they catch both of you. At least one of you has to get out of here first and call for help."

    "This wouldn''t happen if you called for help from the beginning and didn''t bring Xiaoyi here. It was all your fault!" Li Chunhua retorted, unwilling to back down.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s blood pressure rose upon hearing that. She hadn''t even said a word of gratitude to him yet, and now she threw a tantrum on him? He just wanted to tie her up and throw this spoiled girl off of the building.

    Oblivious to these two small fights, Li Caiyi stared at the bossman coldly. "Say your price."

    The bossman was stunned for a moment butter chuckled heartily. "You just arrived, and you want to leave so soon? It hurts my feelings."

    "Cut the charade, and let''s talk about business. What''s your price for letting us out of here unscathed?"

    "Listening to you, I dare to guess you are the older twin? You seem level-headed and easier to talk to," the bossman retrieved the agreement paper from the floor and waved it in front of Li Caiyi. "You can check all the terms and conditions first, then we talk."

    Li Caiyi snatched the paper and read it. Sure enough, it was all about money.

    "What is the guarantee of you letting us out of here safely? As far as I am concerned, you can still order your subordinate to hold us captive, even if I sign this agreement."

    "I''m an exemry businessman, and I have never vited an agreement or contract before."

    If Li Caiyi believed that, then she might as well have knocked her head to death here. "I don''t trust businessmen. Especially your kind."

    "Then you can also put down any condition you want. That should be fair enough to you, right?"

    Li Caiyi thought about it for a moment. She had to make a careful decision here.<sub> </sub>

    While. she was thinking, her eyes glimpsed upon the ss fridge on the corner of the room. An idea came to her mind, and her mouth curved up in a yful smile.

    "Then, how about we make a bet?" Li Caiyi smiled.

    "A bet?"

    "Yes. Using that." Li Caiyi pointed at the ss fridge, making the bossman frown in confusion.

    "What do you want to do with that?"

    "Let''s have a drinking contest."

    Silence fell in the room after she said that. Everyone looked at Li Caiyi as though she had lost her mind. The bossman thought she was just ying around with him and was incredibly irritated.

    "Little girl, what are you plotting this time? It couldn''t be this is another trick of yours to dy time?"

    "Why? Are you scared?" Li Caiyi smiled meaningfully. "I don''t think you have anything to be afraid of, though? I''m just a minor who had never taken a sip of alcohol before. This bet would end in the blink of an eye, and you will still have plenty of time to flee. If you fulfill this condition, then I will trust you and sign the agreement."

    The bossman''s frown deepened. He didn''t understand the purpose of making this ridiculous bet. As she said, she looked like a minor who had never had a taste of alcohol before. Even if she was one of those naughty kids who liked to try adult stuff before the appropriate time, there was no way she could beat him in terms of drinking.

    Actually, he could just force her to sign, and everything would be settled quickly, but his pride wouldn''t allow him to back down after being taunted by a little girl. Aside from that, he was interested in figuring out what trick this girl had on her sleeve.

    "Why not? I would feel honored to have a pretty youngdy to apany me for a drink." The bossman gave a signal to man D to take out the drinks.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­" Li Chunhua bit her lips anxiously while Dai Zhiqiang watched how Li Caiyi talked to the bossman with an unyielding gaze. He was also worried for her, so he gripped his knife tightly, ready to attack whoever dared toy a finger on her.

    Dai Zhiqiang watched her closely but found himself distracted by her provocative smile. He liked Li Caiyi''s sweet self, but he also liked it when she acted firm and naughty.

    "Why don''t you release them first? As long as I''m here, you don''t have any use for them, right?" Li Caiyi asked.

    "No, can''t do. I can''t let anyone leave until you sign the agreement. This is my bottom line, littledy."

    Li Caiyi shrugged her shoulders and watched how the subordinate put down bottles of wine and beer cans on top of the table. There were at least 10 bottles and dozens of cans in that fridge.

    When everything was prepared on top of the table, the bossman pushed a can to her. "Ladies first."

    Li Caiyi looked down at the can in front of her, then at the two subordinates. "Why don''t you ask them to join as well? If one of you beat me in this contest, I will double the sum you wanted me to pay."

    Her offer surprised the bossman. He was suspicious, but the thought of getting more easy money clouded his judgment. The bossman thought there was no way they could lose, so Li Caiyi didn''t even need to convince him twice, and he already beckoned his subordinates to join them.

    With a victorious smile on his face, he said, "You''d better not regret this."

    Facing his expression full of greed, Li Caiyi just smiled. "I should say the same to you."

 Chapter 117 Scheming Sister

    Li Chunhua and Dai Zhiqiang were too surprised that they couldn''t blink at the sight in front of them. They bickered against each other up to a few minutes ago, but now they tacitly agreed on one thing.

    Never tried to do a drinking contest with Li Caiyi as the opponent.

    Meanwhile, the said person was gurgling down the wine straight from the bottle like a drunkard. She didn''t stop until she finished thest drop. When there was nothing left from the bottle, she peeked into the bottle with squinted eyes before putting the bottle onto the table hard.

    "Haaˇ­" she sighed with a slightly flushed expression. "Do you still want to continue?"

    The bossman, who had sprawled on top of the table, didn''t give any response except a few incoherent mumbles.

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect the bossman to be such a good drinker. He could make her continue until she got tipsy; that was a considerable achievement. Sure enough, the boss was in a different league with his pathetic subordinates, who passed out not long after the contest started.

    "Hic.." Li Caiyi huped while wiping the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. It had been a while since she drank alcohol, and she was extremely thrilled right now. She felt like she was floating on a soft, fluffy cloud.

    "Since you didn''t answer, I would take it as you admitting defeatˇ­ Hicˇ­" Li Caiyi stood up, but her vision shook as her body swayed right and left. She felt dizzy and light-headed.

    "Xiaoyi!" Li Chunhua yelped, seeing her sister''s unstable stance.

    Li Caiyi staggered forward, and she was half-expecting herself to fall t on the table just like the bossman. But before it could happen, an arm snaked its way around her waist, keeping her steady from behind.

    "Are you okay?" Dai Zhiqiang asked worriedly.

    Li Caiyi looked up, and seeing Dai Zhiqiang''s face up close somehow reminded her of that face she longed to see. That personˇ­.she wanted to meet so badly.

    Wait, what kind of face did he have again? His faceˇ­.she couldn''t remember.

    Li Caiyi unconsciously raised her hand and put it on his cheek as he gazed at him intensely. She wanted to look at his face closer.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s whole body stiffened at her warm touch. He still had his hand around her waist, so their body was stuck together in close proximity. He could feel her soft and warm body pressed against him, and as though it wasn''t enough to make his heart beat furiously, she just had to scoot closer to him, with that flushed face and moist eyes.

    Dai Zhiqiang gulped as his mind wandered wildly. Even if he knew Li Caiyi wasn''t in her sober state as a man, he couldn''t help but have a weird thought!

    "I wantˇ­ to meet youˇ­." Li Caiyi whispered softly. Her warm breath tickled his jaw, and the way she looked at him with that loving gaze was simply enchanting. She looked like she was begging him to not let her go.

    Dai Zhiqiang was already this close to losing his mind when a shrill voice ruined this wonderful and ambiguous atmosphere.

    "Hands off! Until when are you going to hold her?!" Li Chunhua walked over angrily and pulled Li Caiyi to her to separate her from Dai Zhiqiang. Li Chunhua hissed at him like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Taking advantage of a girl''s weak state of mind is a low move, Dai Zhiqiang. I misjudged you!"

    Her rude remark offended the used person. Still, he couldn''t deny that he did think about something improper about Li Caiyi back then. Even now, he could still feel her lingering warmth in his arms.

    Li Chunhua didn''t bother with her ssmate anymore and shook her sister''s body by her shoulder. "Xiaoyi, wake up! We have to get out of here, remember?!"

    "Let her sleep. I can carry her," Dai Zhiqiang offered, which was responded by a disgusted look of Li Chunhua.

    "Your help is unnecessary. We can manage ourselves just fine."

    Dai Zhiqiang watched how she silently judged and cursed at him through her eyes and got annoyed. "Before that, don''t you have something to say to me?"

    "I have nothing to say to a molester like you!"

    "Wha¨C? A molester?!" Her far-fetched usation blew his mind. Dai Zhiqiang was injured and tattered in all ces to help her, and that was all she had to say?<sub> </sub>

    "U-ughˇ­" Li Caiyi''s head was dizzy, and being shaken by Li Chunhua made sense of nausea climbing up her stomach. It seemed she had drunk too much.

    In her previous life, Li Caiyi didn''t know at first that she was a strong drinker. She rarely touched alcohol unless at a formal asion such as a banquet or party. It wasn''t until her depression got worse that she drank more.

    She heard that drinking alcohol would help you forget unpleasant things, which she needed the most.

    Unbeknownst to her, her body was pretty resistant to alcohol, so she couldn''t get drunk no matter how much she drank. Drinking alcohol only made her stomach ufortable the next day, while there wasn''t a second passed where she could forget about her problems.

    It was ironic how she couldn''t get drunk no matter how much she wanted to, as though heaven was preventing her from attaining even a brief respite. The thought made her more depressed instead.

    She never expected this shoring woulde in handy.

    "Stop fighting, you guys."

    "Xiaoyi! Are you okay? Should I carry you?" Li Chunhua asked worriedly.

    Li Caiyi was dizzy, but she wasn''t fully intoxicated. It seemed the alcohol influenced her system a bit this time; it might have something to do about her body''s current age. She forced her brain to work and said, "I had called Brother Renshu before I entered, and those men were truly wasted. We can slowly go down this way."

    "Why did you do such reckless things? And howe you are so good at drinking? You are still a minor! If the school found out about this, it won''t end with just a mere suspension; you might get expelled!"

    Li Caiyi had given a thought to it, and honestly, she didn''t mind. After all, she had been through that series of education once in her previous life. Although she hadn''t mastered it, she was already knowledgeable about it to some extent. But there was no way she could tell her sister that.

    "It''s okay. The only one who would know about this was you two. I can testify that those loan sharks forced me to drink. No one would believe a minor could beat three adults in a drinking contest."

    She looked at Li Chunhua and Dai Zhiqiang alternately before adding, "You two, too. If anyone asked, just say, these people were the ones looking for trouble first. Xiaohua got kidnapped, and Zhiqiang, who came to save her, got beaten. No one should know what really transpired here."

    "Is this a part of your n, too?" Li Chunhua asked skeptically.

    "My original n was to settle this with money, but when I saw the fridge with alcoholic beverages, another idea came to me." Li Caiyi took a deep breath. "This time, none of them would escape. If we reported them under usation of kidnapping, bullying, and forcing a minor to drink, even them wouldn''t get away easily this time."

    "Even so, you don''t have to do this. We can stall for some time, and Brother Renshu and his underlings will take care of them."

    "The only way to stall time in that situation was to sign the agreement. However, if we signed that, our future would be sealed. They would use the agreement to harass you or me again in the future. Listen well, never sign a suspicious agreement with a businessman, or you''ll regret it someday. If you can avoid it, by all means, do so."

    "And if you signed it, his business here would be done, and they would flee from this ce before our help came," Dai Zhiqiang added, with her gaze nailed on Li Caiyi, "That''s your purpose, right? You want to ensure those loan sharks won''t dare to bother you and your sister anymore."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Well, if Brother Renshu takes charge, there''s no way people like them could show their face around our school anymore. I was justying the groundwork for him to make the process easier."

    Li Chunhua was surprised. She didn''t know Li Caiyi could scheme like that. To make a reckless n like that meant her sister had predicted it would end like this from the beginning. The more time passed, the more Li Chunhua didn''t understand her twin anymore. Her sisterpletely looked like an adult giving instructions to children.

    Li Chunhua had mixed feelings about this. "But howe you are so good at drinking?"

    "I learned it."

    "Huh? Did you secretly try alcohol without us knowing?"

    "Not quiteˇ­ but sort of. I learned it in my dream." Li Caiyi said with a mysterious smile.

 Chapter 118 Dont Overestimate Yourself!

    Not long after that, the sound of a police siren came from outside the building. The trio who walked side by side hastened their steps to the ground floor.

    When they finally arrived at the ground floor, the first person they saw was a panicked and sweaty Meng Renshu, who had just run into the building.

    His face broke out in surprise and relief when he saw Li Chunhua. "Xiaohua!"

    Li Caiyi witnessed how Meng Renshu suddenly grew a pair of wings on his legs because he moved at lightning speed and gave her sister a tight embrace. His exhaustion and worry were apparent in his expression.

    "Thank goodness you are okay. I''m so worried when you give me a strange call."

    Li Chunhua patted his back in a rhythmic motion to calm him down. "I''m sorry for worrying you, but I''m fine, Brother Renshu."

    Meng Renshu let go of his hold and asked in puzzlement. "But how can you get out on your own?"

    Li Chunhua said nothing and only nced at Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang, who had been watching their touching reunion with expressionless faces. It wasn''t a new scenery to Li Caiyi, who had eaten lots of dog food in her previous life, and as for Dai Zhiqiang, he simply didn''t care.

    Meng Renshu''s face stiffened when he saw Li Caiyi. His face color turned dark before he stomped his way over. "What are you doing here?"

    Li Caiyi, who was still light-headed, couldn''tprehend his question right away. "Come again?"

    "I said, what are you doing here when I clearly tell you to stay out of this?" Meng Renshu''s eyes narrowed down, demanding an exnation.

    Li Caiyi''s mind cleared a bit when she sensed a hint of reprimand in his tone. She retorted, "I never said yes to that, and isn''t it thanks to my information you can find this ce? If not, you would still wander around by now."

    Meng Renshu sighed in frustration. "I know that, but you can just drop the information withouting here yourself. What if something happened?"

    "Every second is precious, and the one who got kidnapped is my sister. How can I just stay put?"

    "You are so stubborn. What can you do alone? You will only make things worse by adding yourself to their hostage list. Stop doing whatever you want!"

    Li Caiyi was astonished. Did she just hear that right? Out of all people, she didn''t want to hear that from him the most. Her fuzzy mind immediately cleared up when he crossed the limit of her patience.

    "Since when did I have the right to, anyway? You, my parents, and everyone kept forcing me to do things I didn''t want to. So it''s okay for you to do what you want, but you call me stubborn when I act on my own for once? That''s funnying from you because you are the one who had never listened to me since the beginning."

    Li Caiyi sneered before she continued, "So what if you are the Young Master of the prestigious family? Does that give you the right to dictate and scold me whenever you want? You can give me advice, but it''s up to me whether or not to take it. Meng Renshu, don''t overestimate yourself! I don''t care about someone like you, and I hate you to the bone!"

    Meng Renshu was so shocked by Li Caiyi''s outburst that he subconsciously stepped backward. She would asionally give him a dirty or hostile look or sharp and hurtful words from time to time, but never a pure hatred like this.

    Herst sentence especially took the life force out of him; it felt like someone punched him in the gut because his mind suddenly went nk with only her words echoing in his mind.

    He was a mild person with a good temper on regr days, but he seemed to lose control of his emotions whenever it came to this girl. Listening to her dering her hatred for him made him irritated to no end.

    ''How could she, when I was just trying to protect her? I was on edge every day thinking about her well-being!'' Meng Renshu thought.<sub> </sub>

    "Say that again if you dare!" Meng Renshu hollered at her while squeezing both of her shoulders with his hands, eyes burning in a fury.

    Li Caiyi yelped when she felt his violent touch. "Ouch! Let go of me!"

    Her resistance only fueled his anger. Meng Renshu felt this girl hadpletely tarnished his pride, and he couldn''t ept it. How many times did she have to torture him until she was satisfied?

    "Please let go of her, Senior Meng. You are hurting her."

    Dai Zhiqiang grabbed Meng Renshu''s hand in a vice grip as he sharply looked at him. He wanted to break the hands that had hurt Li Caiyi, but he restrained himself for her.

    Spark was flying between the two male teenagers as they red at each other. Meng Renshu, who hadn''t registered Dai Zhiqiang''s existence until a moment ago, said in a low voice, "Huh? Who the hell are you?"

    The drop in Meng Renshu''s tone rmed Li Caiyi. It was his tone when he was going to trample those who opposed him. Even if she had angered Meng Renshu, she could still live, but not Dai Zhiqiang!

    "Stop it, both of you!" She quickly intervened before a fight broke out. "Zhiqiang, I''m fine. This is just a sibling quarrel. It''s not a big deal."

    Dai Zhiqiang gave her a dissatisfied look, but he dropped his hand in the end. In the meantime, Meng Renshu seemed to realize his mistake and hurriedly took his hand off of her too.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to hurt you." He said in a fluster.

    Li Caiyi said nothing because she couldn''t stand to hear or see Meng Renshu anymore. She just looked away and left in anger, leaving Meng Renshu petrified in his ce. Silence fell, and the atmosphere became awkward after Li Caiyi went away, followed by Li Chunhua behind her.

    Li Junjie, who had stood beside Li Chunhua and watched the whole chains of the event, shook his head helplessly. He walked over to Meng Renshu and gave his friend a pat on his shoulder. "Seriously, what is wrong with you?"

    Meng Renshu wasn''t in the mood to talk, so he didn''t answer. Li Junjie paid it no heed and continued, "You have been behaving strangely as ofte. Why are you so attached to Xiaoyi? You acted like a possessive parent."

    His words stirred Meng Renshu a bit. "Do I look like that?"

    "You look like a crazy person," Li Junjie said mercilessly. "I understand you are worried, but talking like that is just uncalled for. Anyone would get offended."

    Meng Renshu suddenly felt lethargic, and he wished for nothing more than to go home andy down on his bed. Hisck of quality sleep started to get on him, making him unstable. However, there was nothing he could do to prevent that. It only served to increase his frustration.

    "I have to apologize to Xiaoyiter." Meng Renshu said with a gloomy look. As if yelling and scolding her wasn''t bad enough, his violent behavior must have scared her off too. "I''m so stupid."

    Li Junjie saw his friend''s dejected look and sighed. "There is nothing you can do about spilled milk. Save that forter. We have more important things at hand, don''t you think?"

    "....Yeah."

    "But before that, I want to rify things first. Who are you? Why are you here with my sisters?" Li Junjie asked with his gaze nailed on Dai Zhiqiang.

 Chapter 119 Sever Our Connection (1)

    "Xiaoyi, wait for me!" Li Chunhua called as she chased Li Caiyi, making thetter stop in her tracks.

    Li Caiyi covered her face with both hands to hide how emotionally disturbed she was now for a while before she raised her head to face her sister. "What is it?"

    "What do you mean ''what''? Where are you going?"

    "I''m leaving, of course. You can stay behind and exin the situation to the police. There is no need for me to stay too."

    Li Chunhua bit her lips in hesitation. "Is that because you are angry at Brother Renshu, or you are still angry at me?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Her silence only made Li Chunhua more anxious. She hurriedly grabbed Li Caiyi''s hand and gave it a slow rub with her thumb. "I''m sorry for what I did at school earlier. I was going too far."

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer immediately and only looked down at their intertwined hands. She felt numb and tired of everything.

    Li Chunhua, Meng Renshu. Both of them were the genuine couple in her previous life, a pair of true lovers who unfortunately got separated. They were both two people whom she cherished and loved so much. Despite everything that happened, Li Caiyi was given a chance to redo her life, but why?

    Why did these two keep blocking her way? Was it fun for them to control and y with her like this?

    Everything she experienced in her previous life was caused mainly by deception and maniption behind her back. It made her wonder if there was nobody who sincerely cared about her in her past life.

    Everyone only saw her as a convenient person, a tool, or a toy. Li Caiyi spent her previous life for others, yet she gained nothing in the end, not even a familial love, like a fool.

    At the end of that road, she was still alone. She was convinced that no one cared, even if she disappeared.

    In this life, too, Li Chunhua kept forcing her feelings onto her, as though Li Caiyi didn''t have her own burden to bear. She basically wanted her to endure everything silently and yed a good sister role for her forever. Li Chunhua''s obsession and madness had cornered her, and she couldn''t take it anymore.

    Li Caiyi was just too tired of struggling. Love, hope, and peace were something she couldn''t get from her family, no matter how many times she was reborn.

    The overwhelming emotions inside her,bined with the slight effect of alcohol, made her unable to control her emotion well. With a cold expression, she yanked her hand away from her sister''s grasp.

    Li Chunhua''s eyes widened in astonishment. She looked up and was greeted by the empty gaze of her sister. Her voice trembled as she muttered, "Xi-Xiaoyi?"<sub> </sub>

    "Don''t call my name," Li Caiyi muttered in a low voice. "Because you are also the same as those people, Li Chunhua."

    The younger twin could sense something different about Li Caiyi from the way she spoke. Li Caiyi didn''t even call her using her nickname as usual. It made the younger twin flustered. "How could you say that? We are twins, and our connections are deeper than anyone in this world."

    "Connection?" Li Caiyi sneered, "If there is such a thing, then I want to sever that connection."

    Li Chunhua felt like she was just getting a p in the face. She looked at Li Caiyi in disbelief. "W-what are you saying?"

    "I don''t want to be tied down with you any longer. Since I have saved you today, I didn''t owe you anything anymore. I want to be happy, and I want you to be happy too. But if you are going to block my way every time, then I have no choice but to leave you."

    Li Chunhua received a massive amount of damage from her words. Those words were something she feared the most, and even more so if they came from her beloved twin. She was so shocked she couldn''t form a coherent response, "B-butˇ­ Iˇ­ Youˇ­"

    "If I let you ruin me more than this, there won''t be any meaning for my second chance. Let''s stop here, Li Chunhua."

    Li Chunhua didn''t understand a single thing she said and said in a panic, "Xiaoyi! Are you perhaps drunk from drinking too much? I can''t believe you said that!"

    "I''m not drunk. I''m in my most sober state in all my livesbined into one right now," Li Caiyi said coldly, and Li Chunhua couldn''t bear to be looked at like that by her.

    She clenched her hand into a fist before she said sadly, "Sure enough, you have forgotten our promise. You are the one who said you need me, and we will always be together. If you said that, then what am I supposed to do?"

    Li Caiyi kept her silence, but a frown formed on her face. "I have never forgotten that promise. I even said I will take you with me; you are the one who refused to listen to anything I said."

    "It''s because you broke your promise first!" Li Caiyi yelled out of frustration. "You suddenly dared to talk back to Dad and Mom. You have friends who will stand up for you, and you have a talent you can depend on. I know you want to run away from our house, but have you ever stopped to think about how I feel when I see you like that? You have everything while I have none. Why can''t you see how lonely it makes me feel? Everything became a mess after you changed! Why can''t you just stay wherever you are?!"

    Li Caiyi''s mouth opened in awe, butter her mouth curved in a crooked smile. "Haha, so that''s what it is. Li Chunhua, I must have been blind to even believe you truly cared for me, even for a second."

    Li Chunhua was speechless when she saw tears flowing down Li Caiyi''s cheek as she spoke. Why was she crying? The one who wanted to cry the most was her!

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi silently counted how many things Li Chunhua had without trying in her previous life. Everything always went smoothly for her, like she was God''s most favored child. Family, love, career, she had it all.

    On the other side, Li Caiyi slowly became an unfeeling doll with some status. Even up to the end of her miserable life, everyone stood by Li Chunhua''s side while she was alone with nothing.

 Chapter 120 Sever Our Connection (2)

    "So you think I have everything, and you have none? All because of your frail body?" Li Caiyiughed mockingly, "Li Chunhua, spare me your act. You are notmenting your condition; you take pride in them. Isn''t that why you keep using that as an excuse to justify your behavior?"

    Li Chunhua was frozen in her ce. Her ears were buzzing with various noises, and her mind went nk.

    ''How could she think like that? She thought I wanted my body to be like this?'' Li Chunhua''s mind couldn''t keep up with her chaotic emotions.

    Li Caiyi sneered. "Li Chunhua, you are sick. And I don''t mean it physically only. Your heart is sick. For you, chaining me by your side is the only thing you can do to validate your self-worth. Only when I stay as the weaker and inferior version of you will you feel reassured."

    "That''s not true," Li Chunhua said with trembling lips. Her bangs cast a shadow on her eyes, but Li Caiyi could tell how shaken up she was. "You know nothing at all. My love for you is real. I want to protect you from anyone who wants to harm you."

    "You said that, but you don''t know how much damage your action caused me. You made me feel worthless and not worthy of anyone''s time. What you did is even worse than what those people who you im to want to hurt me can ever do."

    "You don''t understand. You just don''t understand." Li Chunhua grabbed both sides of her head as though thinking about it gave her a headache. "My role is to be your protector. You can''t do anything without me because that''s your role. Together, we will ovee all obstacles and finally be happy forever. We promised each other!"

    Li Caiyi''s heart was in pain seeing her sister break down. Her mind was so twisted that even she couldn''t differentiate where her genuine wish ended and her fixation started. She didn''t even notice that she was slowly losing her mind because of her obsession.

    However, Li Caiyi couldn''t stop now. She had to stop Li Chunhua''s toxic way of thinking before she treaded further on the path with no return.

    "Li Chunhua, I don''t need your protection anymore. I want to stop ying a damsel in distress in your story."

    "Y-you want to stop?" Li Chunhua''s eyes darted wildly, and her teeth chattered, "Y-you can''t. I have to keep protecting you. If I don''t, you''ll cry. D-don''t you feel scared without me?"

    p "Open your eyes, Li Chunhua. Do I look like someone who needs your protection anymore? For me, you areˇŞ"</anda>

    "STOP IT! DON''T SAY IT! I DON''T WANT TO HEAR ANYMORE!!" Li Chunhua shook her head wildly while covering both of her ears. She wailed hysterically as if she had just witnessed someone''s death. "You can''t do this to me. You just can''t! If you quit your role, thenˇ­ what am I supposed to do? What about my role, then?"

    Li Chunhua fell to the ground in a sitting position, with her hands covering her face. Her shoulders and voice were quivering as she said, "If you quit, then I have no use anymore. If you are not there, then I''m nothing."

    Li Caiyi''s heart softened when she saw her sister''s sorry state. Sometimes, the only way to heal yourself was to scrap the rotten part of your flesh. But what if scraping that rotten part felt so painful that you chose to live with it instead? Even more so if that part was something you used to cherish with all your heart.

    "Are you angry because I always act pitiful? But people would still think I''m pitiful in the end either way, so I didn''t think it was such a big deal before." Li Chunhua choked on her sobs. "If you don''t like it, then I''ll stop. Forgive me. Please don''t say you are going to sever your tie with me. Don''t leave me alone."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t bear to see her sister like that, so she looked away. "If you have time to manipte people, then you should use that time to pursue your own happiness, not hinder others from attaining theirs. You are too self-absorbed. This world doesn''t revolve around you."

    "Xiaoyi, you are so meanˇ­ Even though I love you so muchˇ­ I knew it. This is all because of those pests who kept hovering around youˇ­."

    Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to scream in frustration. Nothing she said went through her sister''s head at all. Even if Li Caiyi wanted to help her, she could do nothing if the said person refused to ept her help.<sub> </sub>

    "It''s got nothing to do with them. Stop ming other people for everything. This is all because of you, and you know that deep down. Isn''t that why you are so anxioustely and keep causing scenes everywhere?

    You said you have nothing, but have you ever tried to have or keep anything in the first ce? No, you don''t. You thought everything was okay as long as I didn''t have something you don''t have."

    Li Chunhua''s shoulders visibly tensed at hearing that. Her sister''s every word seemed to hit her deep inside. In the end, her sister had seen through everything. Li Chunhua couldn''t say anything back.

    Li Caiyi added, "I don''t understand. Was that truly make you happy? In the end, you will gain nothing but emptiness. People would alsoe to hate you and distance themselves from you."

    "I-I don''t care about other people, as long as I have youˇ­."

    "Then what if I suddenly die one day?"

    Li Chunhua automatically raised her head, noticing the change of tone in Li Caiyi''s voice. Meanwhile, Li Caiyi smiled bitterly at her sister''s dumbstruck expression.

    "The future is full of uncertainties. There is no guarantee I will continue to be there for you forever. I might die earlier than you. If that happens, what will you do?"

    "I-Iˇ­" Li Chunhua had never thought about it that way. Wasn''t it evident that she would be the one to drop dead first? So that kind of scenario never once crossed her mind.

    "Are you going to follow me too, even to death? Li Chunhua, wake up already. This isn''t some kind of fairy tale world where a happy ending is guaranteed. You and I are normal humans who don''t have a set of roles since birth. We are free to choose any role we want to take."

    Li Caiyi crouched down in front of her sister with a solemn expression. "We don''t know what will happen in the future. That''s why we have to try our best in the present, so we won''t have any regretster. Stop fixating yourself on me and try to look at yourself for once. Is this truly alright for you?"

    Li Chunhua sat there in a daze. Li Caiyi''s words bounced around in her mind, but she had difficulty digesting it. She couldn''t do anything but stare at her sister dumbly in silence.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if she had sessfully conveyed her feelings to Li Chunhua, but she continued to convince her. "Think about it some more. No, I beg you to think about it again. What you did was wrong, so I want you to stop. You can still be happy even without dragging other people down. You should believe in yourself more."

    Li Chunhua kept her head lowered all the time, so Li Caiyi couldn''t see her expression well. Perhaps their rtionship wouldn''t go back the way they were anymore after this, but Li Caiyi didn''t regret it.

    "This is myst warning. I really hope you will not do anything reckless after this, or we don''t have a choice but go separate ways."

    She didn''t want to believe that everything was already toote for Li Chunhua. If living separately was the only way to save her, then she would dly do it.

    Li Caiyi sincerely wished for that, but she couldn''t help but feel bitter inside at the possibility of losing a person who shared the deepest connection with her.

 Chapter 121 Worried About Him

    After that, Li Chunhua became so listless that she wasn''t suitable to give testimonies, so Li Caiyi did it on her behalf. By the time she finished, the sky had turned darker.

    Li Caiyi nced around, but she couldn''t find Dai Zhiqiang anywhere. She intended to thank and apologize to him as well, but it seemed he had left as soon as he gave his testimony. He didn''t even wait to say goodbye to her or send a message to her.

    ''Did he go to the hospital? The bruise on his face was pretty severe,'' Li Caiyi thought worriedly. She thought of calling him when she saw Li Junjie walk over to her.

    "Xiaoyi, have you finished your business?"

    "Yes, I just finished," Li Caiyi contemted a bit before asking, "Brother, how is Xiaohua?"

    "She is fine. Renshu is apanying her in his car right now. We were waiting for you to finish. Let''s go home."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. It was enough to hear that Li Chunhua wasn''t alone. Although this was all her idea, Li Caiyi was still worried. Especially considering how much stuff happened to them today.

    "I need to go somewhere else after this, so you can go on ahead without me, Brother."

    "Where are you going?" Li Junjie asked in a t tone, so she couldn''t discern if he was truly curious or just being polite.

    "Just something I need to do." Li Caiyi was reluctant to tell her brother about it for some reason.

    Li Junjie was silent and scanned her sister up and down in suspicion. Li Caiyi, who felt ufortable, fidgeted in her ce. "Brother?"

    "You don''t seem to be hurt. That''s good."

    So he was just checking if she was injured or not. For a second, Li Caiyi thought he would scold her for what had happened to Li Chunhua. She sighed in relief.

    "Brother, please take care of Xiaohua. Make sure she drinks her medicine as soon as she arrives at home."

    Li Junjie''s brows knitted in confusion. "Why don''t you just tell her herself? I noticed you two were behaving strangely earlier. Did something happen?"

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes in surprise because she didn''t expect her brother would show some care for what happened earlier. She cleared her throat before answering, "Nothing much. Xiaohua was probably still in shock after what she had experienced today. Now that you and Brother Renshu are here, I feel reassured."

    "About you and Renshu, did you guys hide something from us?"

    Li Junjie''s straightforward question caught her off guard. "Eh? Why did you think like that?"

    "Both of you are behaving abnormally these days. You usually never raised your voice against anyone, and Renshu seemed to always lose his cool in front of you."

    Li Caiyi tried her best to make her face stay neutral as he gave her answer, "Brother, you are overthinking. We are just having a minor argument because we were too tired, that''s all."

    "I can see that, but that''s not what I meant."

    "There is really nothing happened. Brother Renshu and I got along just fine."

    For a few good seconds, Li Junjie said nothing. His sharp eyes narrowed down dubiously at her as if they could see through her lies. Eventually, he sighed in resignation. "Forget it. Don''te home toote."

    "Yes, I will."

    Li Caiyi''s heart finally calmed down after her brother disappeared. Her brother always had this intimidating aura around him that made her feel nervous. He seemed suspicious of her about something, but it must be not that important since he let the matter go.

    After all, her brother was never the kind of person to care about these things.

    Once the coast was clear, she took out her phone and dialed a number. It didn''t take a long time before the call was connected.

    "Shenqiang? It''s me. I was wondering if your brother is home yet?"<sub> </sub>

    ***

    From Shenqiang, Li Caiyi found out that Dai Zhiqiang had yet to return. She initially wanted to call the person directly. Still, Li Caiyi doubted he would let her do something for him, considering his personality. He was just too polite for that. So she took it upon herself to buy him some ointment and ice packs for his injuries.

    She had a feeling that Dai Zhiqiang hadn''t eaten as well, so she also bought some food.

    Standing in front of the Dai family''s house, Li Caiyi knocked on the door. "Shenqiang? It''s me, Caiyi."

    There were sounds of footstepsing from inside before the door was opened, revealing Dai Shenqiang''s bright face.

    "Caiyi, you really came!"

    "Yeah. I bought some food for you and your brother," Li Caiyi raised the stic bag in her hand while smiling.

    "Come in!"

    It hadn''t been long since she was acquainted with the Dai brothers, but she felt she had known them forever. She was alreadyfortable with their house, so she didn''t hesitate to take tes and bowls from the kitchen cab and put the food she bought in them.

    "I''m sorry you have to take care of us like this every time. I felt like we owe you too much," Dai Shenqiang said guiltily while scratching the back of his head.

    "I''m happy if I can be of any help to you guys." Li Caiyi was sincere when she said that. She had done a lot of thinking and thought that she should take her time to find Shen Qiang.

    There was no guarantee that Dai Shenqiang was the Shen Qiang she was looking for, but if she recalled the little details of him, she knew her guess wasn''t too far-fetched.

    Dai Shenqiang loved mints, so his body and this house always had a faint smell of mint in it. Moreover, he shared simr traits with Shen Qiang, like how he disliked mooncakes and had little experience with girls. There was also the fact that Dai Zhiqiang''s homemade honey lemon tea tasted the same as what Shen Qiang made for her. Dai Shenqiang probably would learn one or two tricks from his brother in the future.

    All these small details were too simr to call it coincidence. Li Caiyi decided to put a moderate amount of trust in her judgment. She wouldn''t mindlessly conclude that Dai Shenqiang was him or not anymore, but she would watch him closely.

    Li Caiyi believed she would meet with Shen Qiang eventually, just like they promised.

    After she put the food onto the te, Li Caiyi nced at the clock on the wall. It was almost 7 PM, but Dai Zhiqiang didn''t show any sign ofing back soon.

    "Are you waiting for my brother?" Dai Shenqiang asked.

    "Huh? Yeah. Do you know what time he will be back?"

    "My brother sometimes returns early orte. He said it depended on how long his work went."

    Li Caiyi knew that Dai Zhiqiang had another job aside from being a librarian in the school. It was this fact that made her admire him so much. He was still a high-schooler, but he was capable enough to bnce his work and study time, all while taking care of his family. She couldn''t even imagine how hard it must be.

    "What kind of work did your brother do?" Li Caiyi asked curiously because she had never heard the Dai brothers mention it.

    "He said he worked in a construction site." Dai Shenqiang''s face color dimmed. "He would always return home with bruises or injuries in his body. I reckon his job takes too much toll on his body. My brother is strong, but I always feel bad seeing him working so hard."

    Li Caiyi cast a sympathetic gaze at him. "Don''t worry. Once your hand is healed, you will also have your chance. You still remember our deal, right?"

    Dai Shenqiang perked up at the mention of their deal before he said determinedly. "You''re right. I have to recover quickly so I can help my brother!"

    She smiled, seeing him back to himself again. "Yes, I believe you can do it."

    The sudden click noise from the door cut their conversation short. Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang turned their heads simultaneously to the door, just in time when Dai Zhiqiang came in with an exhausted face.

    "I''m home."

 Chapter 122 Take Off Your Clothes

    Dai Zhiqiang''s steps halted when he saw a familiar figure sitting on the couch of his house. A sense of surprise shed across his eyes for a second before it quickly retained its usual calmness.

    "Caiyi, you are here?"

    "Yeah. You disappeared when I wasn''t looking, so I got a little worried about you." Li Caiyi stood up and walked closer to inspect his condition. The wound on the corner of his lips had already dried, but it swelled a bit.

    "That looks hurt," Li Caiyi grimaced while reaching out her hand to it.

    Dai Zhiqiang jumped in surprise and subconsciously avoided her hand by turning his head away. He regretted his action almost immediately because Li Caiyi retracted her hand with a guilty look on her face.

    "It''s because of me you are injured like this. I''m very sorry."

    "No, this isn''t your fault. I''m the one who volunteered myself to help you, and this is all happening because you saved my brother. If there is someone who should apologize, it''s me."

    Dai Shenqiang, who saw their grim expression, chimed in curiously, "Hey, what are you guys talking about?"

    "None of your business," Dai Zhiqiang replied curtly before he took out his wallet from his pants pocket. "You go out and buy some food first. Make sure to buy some for Caiyi as well."

    "Brother, you are toote. Caiyi already bought our dinner. We were waiting for you toe home just now." Dai Shenqiang pointed his thumb at the dining table.

    Dai Zhiqiang nced at the amount of food on top of the table and frowned helplessly. "Then go buy some snacks and drinks for our guest."

    Dai Shenqiang groanedzily, but he eventually gave in and left, leaving only Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang in the house.

    Li Caiyi sneaked a nce at Dai Zhiqiang''s stoic face. One wouldn''t expect he could fight so well if they only looked at his appearance. He looked like a person who disliked violence and preferred to stay indoors. If Li Caiyi hadn''t glimpsed how he fiercely fought back against the bossman earlier, she probably wouldn''t believe it.

    "Did you reallye here because of me?" Dai Zhiqiang''s deep voice broke the silence between them.

    "Yes. I''m worried you would be in pain at night, so I brought ointments and ice packs for you."

    "I see."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t tell if he felt annoyed or not from his voice, so she tugged on his sleeve instead. "Hurry and take off your clothes."

    Dai Zhiqiang choked on his own saliva when he heard that. He coughed violently before he said with a dumbfounded expression. "Please be careful with your wordings."

    "Huh? Why?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "I bet you also have some bruises on your back. You can''t treat those by yourself. I''m partially responsible for this situation, so let me apply the ointment to you."

    "N-no, there''s no needˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang took a step backward, clearly looking ufortable.

    "Are you perhaps feeling shy? Don''t worry, I will only help you apply some ointments. Take this as a request from me, or I won''t be able to sleep out of guilt tonight!"

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t win against her earnest expression. He wasn''t really sure if this was right or not, considering there were only the two of them in this house right now. Although he knew nothing would happen, Dai Zhiqiang was still uneasy about this.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi noticed how reluctant he was and added, "If you keep dilly-dallying, Shenqiang will soon return. You don''t want me to talk about your bruises and injuries in front of him, that''s why you send him out, right?"

    He didn''t expect Li Caiyi would be so perceptive. He indeed sent his brother out so he could have some time to talk to Li Caiyi to keep today''s incident secret from him. If not, he just knew his brother would unnecessarily feel bad for him.

    Li Caiyi could feel his decision was wavering, so she pulled him to sit on the couch. "Now, don''t be shy and show me your injuries!"

    Dai Zhiqiang helplessly let himself be dragged by her. Why did he feel like he was being forced to do something indecent?

    Under Li Caiyi''s pressing gaze, Dai Zhiqiang reluctantly took off his zer first. Then he started to unbutton his shirt one by one. She kept her gaze fixed on him throughout all that, making Dai Zhiqiang feel incredibly awkward.

    Li Caiyi gasped when she saw the skin under theyers of his clothes. There were many bluish marks all over his upper body, from his torso, shoulder, back, and even on his arms. Some of them had already turned purple or ck, and each of them looked more swollen than the other.

    She was only looking at it, but she felt her body sore for some reason.

    "Don''t worry. This is not as hurt as it looks, and some of it didn''te from today''s fight." Dai Zhiqiang said, attempting to console her, but his voice was still as stony as ever.

    Li Caiyi gently touched his arm and said remorsefully, "I''m sorry for adding to your injuries."

    Her touch barely grazed him, as though she didn''t want to identally hurt him by exerting too much power, but it was enough to send electric shock all over his body. Dai Zhiqiang was conflicted because he felt ufortable and pleased simultaneously. He even wished that she would touch him longer.

    However, her hand soon left his arm to pick up some ointment from her stic bag. "Thank goodness I bought a lot of pain-relieving creams, just in case. Can you show me your back first?"

    "Y-yes," Dai Zhiqiang suddenly became nervous. His heartbeat was beating loudly in his rib as he robotically turned around and showed her his back.

    "Please tell me if it hurts. I will be very gentle with you."

    Dai Zhiqiang could feel her warm breath on his nape, and her words only made his heart race even faster. He really wanted to scold this girl for her choice of words, but hearing theming from her sounded very pleasant to his ears. Perhaps this was what they called a guilty pleasure.

    Next, he could feel the cold and warm sensation of her hand rubbing his back in a circr motion. The coldness from the cream and the heat of her skin temperature felt so soothing. She rubbed him gently, as if treating something precious to her, and Dai Zhiqiang just couldn''t get enough of it.

    Li Caiyi''s brows furrowed when she noticed Dai Zhiqiang was shivering. "Zhiqiang? Does this feel hurt? I''m sorry if I''m pressing too hard. Please don''t be ashamed to cry out if you want. I''d like to know where it feels hurt and good for you."

    Dai Zhiqiang cursed inwardly. This torture was so sweet that he suspected she was doing this on purpose. However, his rationality immediately told him there was just no way the pure Li Caiyi would mean anything with her words. It was all just his wishful thinking.

    Li Caiyi was applying a generous amount of cream on his back when she noticed Dai Zhiqiang''s reddened ears. She thought he might have felt cold for being topless, so she asked him, "Do you feel ufortable? Please wait for a bit more. It''s almost done."

    At this point, Dai Zhiqiang had thrown away his shame to the back of his mind and was thoroughly enjoying this situation. He was so against it a moment ago, but now he had gotten a taste of being taken care of by her; he wished time would just stop there.

    It was all worth it to put his body on the line today.

 Chapter 123 A Kind Person

    While she was doing her job, Li Caiyi couldn''t help but admire how sturdy his back was. Dai Zhiqiang''s body type was more on the lean side, and since she had only ever seen him in school uniform, she didn''t expect his body to be so hard and sturdy.

    Now that his upper body was bare for her to see, she could definitely see firm muscles in the right spots. It was not too much and not too little, just on the perfect amount. A pair of strong arms, broad shoulders, and a mighty-looking back. These traits made Dai Zhiqiang look extra manly now, and Li Caiyi blushed unknowingly.

    She shook her head to chase away that weird thought. This wasn''t the time to be thinking of that!

    Desperate to divert her attention, Li Caiyi attempted to converse with him. "Zhiqiang, I really want to thank you for everything you did today."

    "You already said that before."

    Li Caiyi smiled when she recalled how she whispered thankful words to him this afternoon. She didn''t expect Dai Zhiqiang would actually receive her message well in that perilous situation. "That one isn''t official. This one is the official one."

    "I see. If so, you''re wee." He paused briefly before he continued, "Actually, I want to thank you as well for saving my little brother. I just recalled that I haven''t actually thanked you properly."

    Li Caiyi giggled, "You''re wee too. Zhiqiang, I never realized you were this awkward in expressing yourself. I thought you disliked me at first."

    "I don''t dislike you," Dai Zhiqiang replied immediately,pletely denying Li Caiyi''s previous statement. Then, he added in a small voice, "There''s no way I would dislike you."

    "Is that so? Thank goodness then. I was worried for a second." Li Caiyi said sheepishly.

    "Is it because of Shenqiang?"

    <o>,m Li Caiyi''s hand froze when she heard that. The sudden change of topic caught her off guard. "Ah? What does it have to do with Shenqiang?"</o>

    "Didn''t you say you like him? Isn''t that why you don''t want me to dislike you? Because I''m his brother?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see his face because he had his back on her, but he sounded a bit gloomy.

    ''Is he upset because he thinks I''m using him to get close to his brother?'' Li Caiyi thought, kind of regretting her actions now. No matter the reason, it must feel unpleasant to be used like that. Li Caiyi couldn''t deny that she was using Dai Zhiqiang to confirm her suspicion regarding his brother.

    "You are right and wrong at the same time," Li Caiyi spoke softly, "While it was true that I wanted to be closer to you because of Shenqiang at first, I have changed my mind. Now, I genuinely want to get closer to you as a friend because I know how kind of a person you are."

    Dai Zhiqiang slightly stirred, listening to her, but he said nothing in response. Li Caiyi thought he was still upset, so she quickly added, "I think you are very amazing, Zhiqiang. The way you take care of others silently without expecting anything in return is very admirable. You never fished for anyone''s recognition and only strive to do your best in anything you do. When I see you, I think I can also work hard because I want to be as strong as you someday."

    Those words came out so smoothly it even surprised Li Caiyi herself. Yet, she didn''t feel she had said anything wrong. That was her genuine thoughts, and he wanted Dai Zhiqiang to know that.

    However, his following sentences rendered her speechless.

    "I''m not that strong. I was just desperate to make everything right again."

    Li Caiyi was stunned when she sensed the vulnerability in his words. His back, which seemed so big and strong until a moment ago, suddenly looked lonely and sad. When she thought about the weight of burden this tattered and bruised back had to carry, a sour feeling arose inside her chest.<sub> </sub>

    This might be the first time she ever heard Dai Zhiqiang''s raw and unguarded emotion. He always had this calm look on his face that brought a sense of security to others. He did that so naturally that everyone thought he was special. But behind his strong front, who could guess what kind of struggle he must ovee to achieve that?

    Can anyone give him the same sense of security he gave to everyone?

    Thinking it like that, she became even more determined to help him in any way she could.

    "Have you finished yet? Your hand stopped moving."

    Li Caiyi was snapped out of her daydream upon hearing his question. Flustered, she hurriedly answered, "N-no, not yet! I''ll finish it soon."

    As she moved her hand again, she suddenly recalled something she wanted to confirm with him. "Zhiqiang, you were lying about your reason for not telling Brother Renshu about those loan sharks'' base, didn''t you?"

    "....Why would you think that?"

    "I just feel like it didn''t suit your personality. You aren''t the type that cares what other people think about you. Besides, since you are a very good and responsible big brother, I thought you definitely wouldn''t let my sister in danger if you could help it."

    "It sounds like you put me in high regard, but what if your judgment of me is wrong?"

    Li Caiyi smiled. "I will still believe you, either way. I believe you are a kind person."

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    "You did it for me, right? Because Brother Renshu would definitely ask why those loan sharks targeted my sister if you told him where their base was. You don''t want me to be med for it, so you hid it from him and nned to save my sister by yourself. You even lied about your reason, so I won''t feel bad about it."

    "I see you are indeed an excellent writer. You have a powerful imagination." Dai Zhiqiang said sarcastically, but Li Caiyi was no longer affected by it.

    "Are you saying my guess is wrong?"

    "It''spletely wrong. I just don''t want to get med for it. Everyone in school knew how protective Senior Meng was towards the two of you. There''s nothing he can''t do to me if he wishes for it."

    A reasonable answer, as expected of him, but Li Caiyi was still not convinced. "Then why did you help me when I fought with Brother Renshu back then?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was silent for a few seconds before he finally replied in a small voice like he was embarrassed, "No reason. I just thought he was going overboard."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t contain herughter anymore. She never imagined she would find a stoic and cold person like him as cute, but he acted exactly like that!

    After herughter subsided, she leaned down and whispered in his ear with a teasing smirk. "You are so cute. Thank you, Mr. Viin."

 Chapter 124 Collapsed

    "It''s finished. Do you want me to help you apply it to other ces as well?" Li Caiyi asked while staring at his front body intently, which he quickly covered using his shirt in his hand.

    "No, I can do the rest myself," Dai Zhiqiang said with a hoarse voice before he abruptly stood up and hurried to his bedroom. But then he seemed to remember something, so he returned to pick up the ointments she bought before going into his bedroom.

    "Why did he rush like that?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion as she muttered. He seemed to be awfully silent after she teased him a bit, too.

    Li Caiyi was wiping her sticky fingers with wet tissue when Dai Shenqiang appeared on the door while carrying many snacks and cans of fruit juice.

    After fifteen minutes, Dai Zhiqiang also came out of his room wearing casual clothes. Li Caiyi was d he seemed to heed her advice and apply the ointments immediately. If not, why would he take so much time changing clothes?

    The three of them sat at the dining table together and ate their dinner. As expected, the ever so curious Dai Shenqiang asked about the severe mood between them earlier, but this time, Dai Zhiqiang cleverly covered the truth by saying there was some kind of ident in school. Li Caiyi also yed along to support his im.

    After dinner, Li Caiyi thought she shouldn''t linger around anymore and bade her goodbye to the brothers. Dai Zhiqiang was sending her off to the front gate.

    "Are you sure you don''t want me to take you to the station?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, you should go in and take a rest. You work so hard today, even after fighting against those loan sharks. I can use a taxi to get there."

    "I don''t mind at all. I heard many evil taxi drivers prey on womentely. It''s not safe."

    His concern warmed her heart, but she couldn''t possibly take his kindness more than this, or she would feel bad. "Don''t worry, I will be cautious. Don''t forget to use the ice packs I gave you."

    "Yeah, thanks."

    Li Caiyi sighed inwardly. She was reluctant to go home because she didn''t know what would await her there, considering today''s incident, but she had no other choice. With a weary smile, she said, "Then, I''ll go first. See you tomorrow."

    "Are you okay?"

    "Huh?"

    Dai Zhiqiang studied her facial expression closely, and his brows creased. "You don''t look well. Are you perhaps feeling sick?"

    Li Caiyi was embarrassed for letting him see through her easily like that, so she quickly tried to cover it byughing. "Haha, no, I''m perfectly fine. A bit tired, yes."

    Dai Zhiqiang squinted his eyes suspiciously, but he didn''t press the issue further. "I see. It''s good if you are okay."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t tell him she actually wanted to confide in someone about herplicated feelings but felt it wouldn''t be right to talk about her family''s problem to an outsider.

    So she restrained herself and left with a wave of her hand.

    ***

    Li Caiyi thought she would be greeted with the whole family waiting for her to judge her again when she arrived, but to her surprise, the light of her house was off. She used her house key to get in and flicked the switch, and the light was on without a problem.

    "No one is at home?" Li Caiyi muttered in wonder. Even the ever-homebody Li Junjie wasn''t home either. This meant that something must have happened.

    Li Caiyi was walking past the kitchen when she glimpsed upon a post on the fridge''s door. It was her brother''s handwriting:

    [Xiaohua copsed, and we can''t reach you. Come to the hospital as soon as you see this.]<sub> </sub>

    Upon reading that, she felt like someone had spilled a bucket of cold water on top of her head. She quickly took out her phone, and sure enough, it was out of battery. She cursed inwardly and rushed out of the house and stoppedˇŞalmost blocked the first taxi that passed by.

    What she feared the most eventually happened. She was concerned about it earlier, so she told her brother to make Li Chunhua drink her medicine. Still, today''s series of events must have taken a toll on her body.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously and couldn''t help but recall herst conversation with her sister. Perhaps that was thest straw for Li Chunhua before she finally gave in to exhaustion.

    ''Did I went too far by speaking like that to her today?'' Li Caiyi''s mind was in a mess, and she couldn''t sit still until she knew her sister''s condition.

    Even if she told her they needed to separate, she was still concerned about her sister in the end. All those years she spent taking care of her had deeply ingrained in her bones, and it was hard not to care about it.

    Li Caiyi was so engrossed in her own thoughts the taxi driver had to remind her they had already arrived at the hospital. After paying the taxi fee, she rushed into the white building with a worry-stricken face.

    After finding out her sister''s room from the front desk, she hastened her pace to the said room. There, she saw her brother, who had just left the room. "Brother Jie!"

    Li Junjie turned his head at the call of his name. "Xiaoyi, you havee."

    Li Caiyi steadied herbored breath before she asked him, "How is Xiaohua? Is she alright?!"

    "The doctor had already examined her. He said it was another of her episodes, and she needed to take a full rest for days before she could get up from the bed."

    "Is it that bad?" Li Caiyi became more agitated hearing that.

    Li Junjie frowned when he looked down at her sister''s pale face. "Why are you so panicked? It''s just the usual thing. She would be okay after she got some rest. Take a deep breath and calm down."

    Li Caiyi breathed in and out several times before she finally became calmer. "Thank you, Brother. I''m fine now."

    "Looking at your attire, you seem toe here right away after you get home."

    "You too, Brother," Li Caiyi said, noticing that Li Junjie was also still wearing his uniform. Did she copse at home?"

    "Yeah, she fell as soon as we arrived at the house. We immediately brought her here after that." Li Junjie sighed. "I''m so tired from running around all day."

    "Brother, I want to see Xiaohua''s condition. I will talk to youter!"

    Li Caiyi opened the door of Li Chunhua''s room carefully. The sight of her sister lying weakly on the bed with an oxygen mask covering her nose and mouth immediately greeted her.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­" Li Caiyi called her out in a low voice before silently walking over. Li Chunhua''s face was very pale, and looking at the slight frown on her face, it seemed like she was in a considerable amount of pain, even in her sleep.

    Li Caiyi sat down on the stool beside the bed and sped her sister''s hand, inwardly praying that she could transfer her energy to her by doing this. She was so determined to take some distance away from her earlier, but her conscience was ridden with guilt looking at her sister''s condition right now.

    ''What is exactly the correct answer here?'' Li Caiyi bit her lips in frustration. Whenever she wanted to take a step forward, she was always pulled back two steps. Was getting out of the Li Family registry the only way to be free after all?

    Li Caiyi nced at Li Chunhua''s face, which was a carbon copy of her own face, and a mixed feeling appeared in her heart. Was leaving everything behind to pursue her own happiness while pretending nothing happened behind her is truly the correct answer?

    If yes, then why did she feel so unsettled inside?

 Chapter 125 You Need Help From The Professional

    Realizing her mind began to wander around in a dangerous direction, Li Caiyi quickly shook her head to dispel her thoughts.

    ''I have gone this far; second-guessing my decision is not the wise choice here. Whether or not Xiaohua copsed today, the fact that we both would only hurt each other by sticking together remained. I can''t let that toxic cycle continue. Don''t waver now.'' Li Caiyi gripped her hand tightly to encourage herself and even pped her cheeks a few times.

    "Xiaoyi?"

    A deep voice stopped her from abusing herself. Li Caiyi looked back and saw Meng Renshu standing on the door with a stic bag in his hand. He shed her a small smile before walking over. "What are you doing? Hurting yourself like that?"

    Li Caiyi said nothing and only looked down. In a way, she was actually amazed by how resilient Meng Renshu was. Even after she yelled or threw poisonous words at him, he would still smile gently at her the next time they met. Whether or not that smile was genuine was questionable, and she wasn''t interested in figuring it out.

    Since this was a VIP room, excluding the unconscious Li Chunhua on the bed, only the two of them were in the room now. Breathing in the same space as Meng Renshu made Li Caiyi feel like sitting on pins and needles. Especially after their fight this afternoon.

    "Have you had dinner yet?" Meng Renshu asked her first.

    ".... I have."

    "Good, then. Because of the series of incidents today, Junjie and I have no chance to eat yet. Do you mind if I eat here?"

    She didn''t understand why he would even ask for her permission. Still, at least they had a tacit agreement to form a truce for the time being. This wasn''t really an appropriate time to continue fighting, after all. Li Caiyi could breathe easier after knowing that.

    "Do as you please."

    Meng Renshu grabbed another stool and sat beside Li Caiyi with a bowl of porridge in his hand.

    Li Caiyi knew his food preference well, so it confused her why he would eat that for dinner. As far as she knew, Meng Renshu was never a fan of porridge. Even when he was sick, he would rather eat something with a firmer texture than porridge.

    The curiosity got the best of her, so she asked him, "Were they only selling porridge around here?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t expect she would talk to him, but he showed no surprise in his face. "No, I heard eating porridge is good to promote a good night''s sleep. I have been eating these as a dinner for a while."

    "Did you have trouble sleepingtely?"

    Meng Renshu had a weary smile on his face as he looked at her with an inexplicable gaze. Li Caiyi felt she had walked on thendmine, so she quickly added, "It''s okay if you don''t want to tell. I was just asking casually."

    He stared at her for a bit more before he chuckled. "No, I don''t mind telling you. It''s just, I''m afraid you won''t believe it even if I tell you."

    Li Caiyi could sense that Meng Renshu was in a better mood, albeit he looked drained. She actually didn''t mind his presence that much, as long as he wasn''t acting obnoxiously.

    This might be the first time since she was reborn that she could talk to him without frowning. It probably meant that she was gradually getting ustomed to his presence. Li Caiyi didn''t know if this development wasforting or not.<sub> </sub>

    "I see. I can''t guarantee if I will believe you or not, but if it''s only listening, that I can do."

    Meng Renshu''s expression immediately changed into a serious one before shifting his sitting position, so Li Caiyi sat in front of him.

    "Before that, I want to apologize to you forshing out at you this afternoon. Maybe it''s because of myck of good quality sleeptely that my emotions took the best of me. I couldn''t control it well because I was worried about you. I hope you can forgive me."

    She didn''t expect him to suddenly apologize so honestly like this. Meng Renshu looked so sincere with his apology that it made Li Caiyi feel awkward instead. Thinking back, she also said a few rude things to him, but he didn''t mention it at all.

    "I also apologize for my unnecessary words back then. I promise I will watch out for my words from now on, only if you stop acting unreasonably to me. Honestly, I feel like I don''t know you anymore, Brother Renshu."

    "Junjie also said the same thing. If even someone as insensitive as he could sense it, then there must be something wrong with me indeed." Meng Renshuughed weakly. "I also don''t know anymore. Lately, the line between reality and dream became vague, and I often lost control of my actions. I must have scared you earlier. I regretted it so much."

    Li Caiyi listened to him quietly without saying anything. Did his sleep problem influence him that much?

    She also had sleeping trouble because of her depression in her previous life, so she understood how torturous it was.

    Nightmares would often haunt her so much that she didn''t even dare to sleep. People would feel refreshed when they woke up, but she only felt exhausted. Her weariness made her mind more unstable, and the more her mind was disturbed, the more prone she was to nightmares. It was a never-ending cycle of suffering.

    In the end, she could only rely on medicine to have peace of mind.

    Li Caiyi was pretty sure Meng Renshu didn''t have this problem in her previous life, but who knows? He probably had it; he just never told it to anyone before.

    "If it bes too hard to sleep, I suggest you seek professional help. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but the burden will slowly pile up and affect your daily life in the end. Brother Renshu, you are in that phase now. You need help from the professional." Li Caiyi said sympathetically.

    Her caring words touched Meng Renshu. He thought she would brush his problem off as simple exhaustion and told him not to think much, but she unexpectedly took this seriously. He could tell she was genuinely concerned for his well-being, despite their not-so-amicable rtionshiptely.

    ''She is as kind as ever,'' He thought, feeling a surge of warmth flowing into his chest. ''If it''s her, she probably would believe me if I told her everything. Perhaps she even has the answer I was looking forˇ­.''

    Meng Renshu took a deep breath before he looked her straight in the eyes. "Xiaoyi, about the dream I had, it was actuallyˇŞ"

    The sound of the door opening interrupted his words. The two jerked their heads towards the door simultaneously and found Su Suyin, Li Jirong, and a female nurse standing there.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes bulged in shock as her gaze was fixed on the female nurse. It wasn''t unusual to see a nurse in the hospital, but out of all the nurses in this ce, why did it have to be her?!

    A deep, sticky feeling of hate overflowed inside her as she muttered under her breath in a bemused tone. "This pair of shameless couple never ceases to amaze me."

    Standing at the entrance was the assembly of the wife, husband, and his mistress. Li Caiyi had to use all her willpower to avoid ring at Gu Xue, who stood close to Li Jirong.

 Chapter 126 Shameless Couple (1)

    "Xiaoyi, you are here," Su Suyin was the first one to break the ice, and based on her affronted tone, Li Caiyi could already guess what she was dissatisfied about, so she silently braced herself for it.

    "Where have you been all this time? Your brother had been calling you for ages."

    Sure enough, Su Suyin never missed her chance to reprimand her whenever something happened to Li Chunhua. She even suspected that her mother probably thought of this as some kind of stress-reliever or something.

    However, before Li Caiyi had a chance to reply, Li Jirong had beaten her to it. With a stern voice, he reprimanded his wife, "Don''t be noisy in the hospital. What if you disturbed Xiaohua?"

    Su Suyin shrunk in her ce when she noticed her mistake andughed drily. "You''re right. I''m sorry, dear."

    Li Caiyi didn''t miss a slight pull in the corner of Gu Xue''s lips when she witnessed that scene, as though she was enjoying the disharmony between the married couple. This shameless woman knew no fear and confidently walked in front of her mother like she did nothing wrong. Li Caiyi really had no idea what kind of material her skin was made of.

    As far as she knew, Su Suyin never actually met with Gu Xue directly in her previous life. Li Jirong kept his affair shut behind the door, and Su Suyin was just too blind to see through her husband''s affair. This kind of ''fated'' meeting was the first time between the three.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if she should feel relieved or worried about this unforeseeable development.

    Li Jirong''s face took a hundred eighty-degree turn when he talked to Meng Renshu. "Renshu, you are still here? Uncle is happy you care so much about Xiaohua, but it''s already sote, and Xiaoyi is already here. Just leave everything to her from here."

    Li Caiyi scoffed inwardly. He hadn''t said a word to her since he entered, so she thought she was invisible in his eyes, yet he had the gall to say that as if that was the matter of course? What nerves. She felt so disgusted seeing his fawning face at Meng Renshu.

    "It''s okay. I can stay here longer, Uncle. At least until the visit hours are over." Meng Renshu replied politely.

    "Are you eating right now? Why are you only eating porridge? Let Uncle buy something delicious for you."

    "There''s no need, Uncle."

    "How can a bowl of porridge be enough for a growing boy like you? Don''t be embarrassed and let Uncle do this for you, okay? We are practically a family already."

    Meng Renshu had a helpless expression on his face. Li Caiyi knew he would have a hard time refusing her father''s request, so she thought she should help a bit.

    "Father, Brother Renshu''s stomach is not feeling well right now. He can''t eat anything but porridge. He will feel troubled if you keep forcing him."

    "Is that right? Then why didn''t you say so? I almost made a sick person eat a roast duck. Hahaha!"

    It ted Meng Renshu to see Li Caiyi voluntarily speak up for him. This should mean she wasn''t that hostile towards him anymore, right?

    "She''s right, Uncle. I''ll just eat porridge for now," He mildly said, agreeing with Li Caiyi.<sub> </sub>

    Unfortunately, the girl didn''t notice the boy''s grateful gaze towards her, as her eyes focused solely on Gu Xue.

    In Li Caiyi''s opinion, Gu Xue was indeed a beauty with a small face and a pair of charming, innocent eyes. When she blinked, her long eyshes would flutter like leaves being swayed by the wind, creating a sense of serenity for whoever saw it. She tied her ck hair into a neat bun behind her head, revealing her white, pure face.

    Despite having such a face, she had a seductive figure with curves many women would die for. Her boobs were especially huge.

    Li Caiyi had to admit that Gu Xue really aced that nurse outfit with how it wrapped her curve in every right ce, giving her an alluring vibe.

    A beauty in a nurse outfit must be a dream girl for many men, and her father was one of those men. There was a reason why he kept Gu Xue with him even after years passed.

    Gu Xue seemed to notice Li Caiyi''s stare because she suddenly looked back at her and smiled politely, causing shivers all over Li Caiyi''s body.

    She had seen Gu Xue''s true colors and how unscrupulous she was in her previous life, so seeing her suddenly being polite to her was utterly diforting.

    Their first meeting made Gu Xue think she got the upper hand over Li Caiyi, hence why she didn''t bother to hide her high and mighty attitude toward her. She was confident Li Jirong wouldn''t defend her daughter over her, so she became even more shameless.

    However, things were different in this timeline. Unlike her stupid self then, Li Caiyi didn''t barge in the room that day, so Gu Xue still needed to put a front in front of her.

    Not willing to give her any face, Li Caiyi said innocently, "Father, isn''t she the female nurse you talked with so happily before? Why is she here?"

    Gu Xue''s smile faltered, while Li Jirong''s corner of mouth twitched ever so slightly. "Xiaoyi, what are you talking about? When did you evene to the hospital? Why didn''t you tell me?" He smiled while saying that, but she knew he only restrained himself because Meng Renshu was here.

    If that was the case, it would be a waste if she didn''t make use of this opportunity, right?

    "I came here to visit my friend in the hospital one day, then I saw Father talking to the female nurse over there. It looked like a lot of fun since you didn''t even notice me standing there for minutes, so I didn''t call out to you." Li Caiyi smiled brightly as if reminiscing about happy memories. "But I understand Father''s feeling since she was indeed too pretty to look away from."

    It satisfied her to see Gu Xue''s ufortable look and a sh of fury in Li Jirong''s eyes. It was almost like she got back at them for ignoring her that day.

    Little did she know that her satisfaction was short-lived.

    Su Suyin nced at Li Jirong, waiting for her husband to introduce the female nurse to them. There was no suspicion at all on her face, only curiosity.

    Li Caiyi didn''t hope for her simple-minded mother to take the hint and immediately suspect her father''s affair. Still, Su Suyin''s blind trust in Li Jirong awed her once again when she heard her mother''s following sentence.

    "She is a pretty and dependable-looking nurse, indeed. If she could check on Xiaohua every day, I would feel more at ease. This way, I don''t need to be here 24/7, just like you said. You are so thoughtful, dear."

 Chapter 127 Shameless Couple (2)

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words when she heard her mother''s oblivious sentences. Li Jirong told her what now?

    "Yes. Her name is Gu Xue, and she is my colleague, one of the nurses I trusted the most in this hospital. She is a hard worker with a quick mind. She will look after Xiaohua for us. Please be kind to her." Li Jirong introduced Gu Xue with a broad smile to everyone, and thetter bowed her head respectfully.

    "Nice to meet you all. Dr. Li told me that his precious daughter was hospitalized and his wife was having a hard time because of it, so he asked me to help monitor her daughter more. We probably will meet each other often in the future."

    "What a nicedy. You must be busy with all your work, yet you are still helping us. My husband is a worrywart sometimes. I already told him I could look after Xiaohua just fine, but he insisted on calling for help so I can rest more." Su Suyin smiled jovially, clearly in a good mood.

    "It''s natural for a husband to care for his wife. Madam, you are fortunate to have such a good husband."

    "Oh my, thank you. I also think my husband is very good to me." Su Suyin blushed a little at thepliment.

    Li Caiyi, who witnessed the interaction between the two women, was baffled.

    This shameless couple really knew no bounds!

    Especially this Gu Xue woman. Li Caiyi already knew she wasn''t a simple woman, but the way she gave a backhandedpliment to her mother with a straight face was just infuriating to see. Her words seemed nice and polite, but to the ears of Li Caiyi, who knew about her and Li Jirong''s affair, it was nothing but malicious mockery. Gu Xue must have been so proud of herself for unting in front of her mother like that.

    Li Caiyi just couldn''tprehend their way of thinking. Were they so bored that they even risked getting found out by doing this? Was it necessary to hurt her mother like this for the sake of their ''thrill''?

    Li Caiyi couldn''t imagine how disappointed her mother would be if she found out about this. When she looked at Su Suyin, who blissfully talked with Gu Xue without knowing anything, her heart ached.

    In the Li family house, although Su Suyin was biased toward Li Chunhua, she had never neglected Li Junjie and Li Caiyi either. When she was sick, her mother would take care of her gently, just like any other loving mother would. That warmth was something she had never received from her father, so the fond memories were etched deeply within her mind. For her, Su Suyin was the only parent figure she had.

    It would be easier if her mother was a bad person altogether. That way, Li Caiyi could hate her entirely and didn''t have to feel wronged for her sake like this.

    Based on their conversation, Li Jirong deliberately put Gu Xue near his daughter so he could use it as an excuse to spend more time with his mistress, and simultaneously chased away Su Suyin from here.

    Usually, people wouldn''t dare to roam around in front of their cheating partner''s spouse out of guilt and fear of getting caught, but Li Caiyi knew better to not use a normal standard for these two.

    Li Jirong must have coaxed Su Suyin using sweet words to make her agree with this arrangement, and her mother was just blissfully happy that her husband cared so much about her, without knowing these two people were secretlyughing at her stupidity.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know that she could feel repulsed with Li Jirong even more than she already had. He had just gained a whole level of lowness in Li Caiyi''s mind.

    Forget about the mistress, but Li Jirong''s act, who used his biological daughter''s sickness as an excuse to increase the thrill of his affair, was just too disgusting even for him.<sub> </sub>

    ''This person doesn''t deserve mercy,'' Li Caiyi thought coldly. ''Unfortunately, this isn''t the right time yet.''

    She could pressure him to cancel this stupid arrangement by using the bet she made with him and Meng Renshu''s presence, but it might be better if her mother didn''te here too often. Li Caiyi would feel more at ease that way. Honestly, she couldn''t care less about those two as long as they stayed away from her mother.

    Besides, Li Jirong might suspect something if she was too adamant in rejecting this arrangement.

    "Xiaoyi?"

    Li Caiyi turned her head automatically and found Meng Renshu, who was looking at her worriedly. His face was so close to her she almost had a heart attack!

    "B-brother Renshu? What are you doing?!" Li Caiyi said as she jumped to the side in surprise.

    "No. You suddenly fell silent and looked terribly upset. What''s wrong?"

    "N-nothing. I was just thinking about something," Li Caiyi looked away while rubbing her ear. Strange, why did her ear feel so hot?

    Li Caiyi returned her focus to the three people with a tangled rtionship between them. They currently had a pleasant chat, as if it was perfectly normal.

    "Visiting hours are almost over, so you should go home quickly and take a rest. Don''t worry too much, because Xiaohua would be fine. Gu Xue will alert me if something happens to her, so sleep well at home tonight." Li Jirong said with a fake concern stered on his face. Li Caiyi sneered inwardly, seeing how hypocritical he was being.

    Su Suyin was so touched her eyes glistened. "Yes, dear. Please don''t overwork yourself." Then she shifted her gaze to Gu Xue. "Xue, I''ll leave my daughter in your care. Please look after her."

    "Don''t worry, Madam. I''ll do my best to take care of her." Gu Xue said politely, but Li Caiyi didn''t miss a mocking light in her eyes as she looked at Su Suyin.

    "Xiaoyi, Renshu, shall we go now? We should let Xiaohua rest for now." Su Suyin beckoned for the two youngsters to follow her. She didn''t seem to remember she was about to scold Li Caiyi a moment ago and walked out of the room with a blooming smile on her face.

    "Yes, Auntie," Meng Renshu said, after taking ast look at Li Chunhua.

    Li Caiyi also followed because she didn''t want to be in the same space as those two any longer. She had something she wanted to ask Detective Tang once she got home and charged her phone battery.

    ''Hm? Didn''t Brother Renshu want to talk to me about something earlier?'' Li Caiyi nced at Meng Renshu, who walked ahead of her while talking with her brother but decided it was probably not a good time for that.

 Chapter 128 Suspicious Behavior

    Lots of things happened today, and Li Caiyi was so exhausted. She threw herself onto the bed with her hair still wet after taking a shower. She didn''t even bother to dry her hair and wanted to sleep just like this.

    But no, she couldn''t settle down until she asked Detective Tang about the thing she had in mind.

    Li Caiyi forced herself to sit up and grabbed her phone, which was currently being charged on the bedside table.

    She blinked when she saw two unread chats as long as she turned on her phone. The most recent one was from Meng Renshu, which was received around 10 minutes ago. The other one was from Dai Zhiqiang, received about 3 hours ago.

    It was the first time shemunicated digitally with Dai Zhiqiang, so she opened his chat first.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: Have you arrived at home safely?]

    She smiled warmly, seeing his chat. He didn''t look like it, but he really was a worrywart. Li Caiyi could feel her body lighten up a bit.

    [Li Caiyi: I''m home now. Thanks for worrying about me :D]

    It seemed Dai Zhiqiang was close to his phone, considering how fast he replied.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: Good, but why did the replyete? Did something happen?]

    [Li Caiyi: My sister copsed and had to be admitted to the hospital. I was there up to an hour ago. I didn''t see your message because my phone battery was dead].

    [Dai Zhiqiang: I see. How is Li Chunhua''s condition? Is she okay?]

    [Li Caiyi: The doctor said she would recover after a few days of rest, so don''t worry ^^]

    The reply took longer this time. Li Caiyi could see the sign of him typing, but she received no response, as though he was concerned about what to say. When the reply came, it was surprisingly short, considering how he took his time typing earlier.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: It''s not your fault. Don''t overthink it, and have a good night''s rest (.-¦Ř- )zzzˇ­].

    Li Caiyi giggled when she saw the emoji at the end. She hadn''t expected him to be an emoji person because he was so stoic in real life. It couldn''t be because he took so long to type because he made that emoji. If yes, what an adorable and sweet person he was.

    If it weren''t for the time, she would love to chat with him more. s, she had to wait for the next opportunity.

    [Li Caiyi: Thanks! You too. Sleep well, Zhiqiang (-?-?)]

    Next, she opened the chat from Meng Renshu. Unlike Dai Zhiqiang, this one was longer.

    [Meng Renshu: Xiaoyi, I was so happy we can talk peacefully in the hospital today. I hope we can remain like that until the end. Don''t forget to dry your hair before you go to bed, or you will catch a cold tomorrow. Sleep tight and have a pleasant dream :)]

    Li Caiyi looked at his chat with aplicated look. If only she could avoid him, it would be the best for her. However, past experiences proved that Meng Renshu would stille to her, even if she tried to avoid or push him away. Rejecting him had proven to be counterproductive so far.

    She thought it might be better not to avoid him anymore but kept a moderate distance instead. This would be super awkward for her, but it was better than having to fight with him whenever they met.<sub> </sub>

    [Li Caiyi: I will. Thank you for all your help today, Brother Renshu. I hope you can have a good sleep tonight.]

    ''This should be okay, right? It''s not too cold or too warm of a response.'' Li Caiyi mulled over it a bit before she pushed on the send button. This time, she didn''t wait for a reply and tapped Detective Tang''s contact next.

    [Li Caiyi: I''m sorry for bothering you thiste, but I need to know if evidence gathered using a hidden camera or wiretap is admissible in court?]

    The reply came five minutester. By that time, Li Caiyi had finished drying her hair.

    [Detective Tang: It is, but it couldn''t be used unless you have other physical evidence to prove your im, which in this case, you have a lot. Thankfully].

    [Li Caiyi: It sounds like you have gathered a considerable amount of physical evidence. Then, do you have those kinds of devices at your disposal?]

    [Detective Tang: Are you going to move on your own? Draw me impressed. You got guts].

    [Li Caiyi: Have you ever tried it before? I mean, nting these devices at your target''s house or something].

    [Detective Tang: I did. However, the target this time is tricky. He is very paranoid and locks his office whenever he goes out, even when he only goes to the toilet. Unless I break in the door, I can''t find a chance to get in at all. But no way I''m doing that with the amount of money you promised me].

    [Detective Tang: There is no smoke without fire. He acts too suspiciously even if he wants to hide his affair. I would nt the hidden device in that room if I were you. There might be significant evidence inside that he didn''t want other people to know].

    Huh? That was strange. Li Caiyi could enter his office just fine thest time she went there. Even in her past life, Li Jirong could threaten her precisely because the door was unlocked, and she opened his office door mindlessly.

    Did he begin to frequently lock the door after herst visit?

    Come to think of it, when she first caught his affair red-handed, he prohibited her froming to his office unless he asked her to. When he wasn''t in his office, he would tell her to put the things she brought at the front desk. At first, Li Caiyi thought it might be because he didn''t like to be interrupted likest time, but what if that was not the only reason?

    As Detective Tang said, it was indeed very suspicious.

    [Li Caiyi: Can you lend me the devices? I''ll see if I can nt it at his office].

    [Detective Tang: Is it necessary to go that far? If you want to prove his affair, you already have a lot of evidence here. One misstep and you might blow your n and ruin your chance of taking the upper hand over him].

    He was right, but Li Caiyi just couldn''t shake off this uneasy feeling she had. She was her father''s partner in crime in her previous life, and knowing he hid something that even she didn''t know made her feel uneasy.

    [Li Caiyi: I''ll take care of it. Don''t worry, you will still get paid even if I got found out.]

    [Detective Tang: It''s very easy to talk with an intelligentdy like you. I''ll give you the equipment soon after I ensure its quality].

    Li Caiyi shook her head helplessly. It sure was easy to convince him.

 Chapter 129 Iâ€™m Sorry, Xiaoyi

    Thankfully, the next day was Saturday, so Li Caiyi could rx for a little. After eating breakfast, Su Suyin called on her and handed over a bulky bag.

    "Bring this to the hospital after you finish getting ready, will you? It''s Xiaohua''s clothes and staying over necessity. Mother has other business to take care of."

    "Mother, where are you going?"

    "Your Aunt called me yesterday and told me she needs my help to look at her store''s record. She was suspicious that one of the employees was embezzling the store''s profit, but she wanted me to make sure just in case."

    Li Caiyi gave a hum of acknowledgment. It had been a while since shest saw her aunt. She was Su Suyin''s older sister who lived in another city and owned a small clothing shop; her name was Su Yan.

    When Li Caiyi was small, her aunt would bring her children to visit their house once or twice a year. It was only after her uncle, Su Yan''s husband got into an ident and passed away when Li Caiyi was seven years old that Su Yan became busier, as she had to manage the store alone. It had been years since shest saw her aunt.

    Su Family was not a wealthy family and came from the countryside, but Grandpa Li was an old friend of Grandpa Su. They were once friends in college and had a close rtionship.

    The arrangement between the two families to marry Su Suyin and Li Jirong could happen because Li Jirong was fond of Su Suyin, who was famous as the vige''s flower then. It said that he fell in love with her at first sight, to the point he didn''t even care about the disparity in their social status.

    Then, her grandmother (Li Jirong''s mother)ter introduced Li Jirong to Su Suyin. Both clicked it off before they decided to get married.

    Li Caiyi didn''t believe it was love at first sight at all. At most, it was probably just lusting at first sight. She bet Li Jirong was just too young then, so he didn''t think it through. Considering his promiscuous rtionship with many women, it was hard to believe he ever experienced true love at all.

    Su Yan had four children in total. The oldest was in university, while the youngest was still in the third grade of elementary school. Unlike Su Suyin, who was fortunate enough to go into college and work as an ountant in a smallpany before marriage, Su Yan was a typical country girl who had minimal education and was satisfied with rural life.

    After her husband passed away, many people tried to take advantage of her, as she was a widow with a decent ie. It made her trust in people dwindle over time. In the end, she couldn''t believe anyone but her family anymore, at least in terms of work. That was why she could only ask Su Suyin''s help to check on her store''s ledger from time to time.

    ''I wonder how Auntie is doing right now,'' Li Caiyi recalled the fond memories of the past. Su Yan was a spunky and cheerful woman who loved to work as much as she yed hard and wasn''t the type to put on a front. She alwaysughed and cried from the bottom of her heart.

    Li Jirong disliked her because he thought Su Yan was too crude as Li family''s inws, but the Li siblings always liked their aunt for her genuineness.

    Su Yan had little wealthpared to Li Family, but she never missed sending Li siblings gifts every time she visited or sending presents in New Year or Christmas. She was a wonderful, independent woman and an amazing single mother.

    "Mother, you don''t have to worry. I''ll check on Xiaohua''s condition, so you should help Aunt in the meantime."

    Su Suyin''s expression wasplicated, but she smiled upon hearing Li Caiyi''s words. "Mother is always lucky to have you. You don''t have to stay for too long because Xue is there to monitor your sister." She sighed. "If it were not for your father''s initiative, I would feel so troubled. You know your aunt never calls for help unless it is really urgent."

    ''Yeah, I know. That''s why that man took advantage of that, Mother,'' Li Caiyi wanted to say that so badly, but she changed the words that were already on the tip of her tongue.

    "I miss Aunt and my cousins so much, too. How about we go visit her together after Xioahua is recovered?"<sub> </sub>

    "Yeah, let''s do that. Your Aunt is really fond of you, her cute twin nieces, so I bet she would feel delighted." Su Suyin smiled happily. She looked at Li Caiyi deeply before pulling her into her embrace, catching thetter off guard.

    "Mother?"

    "I heard everything from Renshu yesterday. I can''t believe my children have to face something scary like that." Su Suyin loosened her hold and stared at Li Caiyi sternly. "Mother knows you care about your sister and want to save her, but running off on your own is a definite no-no! You were so timid before, but when you got some courage, you behaved recklessly."

    Li Caiyi''s heart shook at her mother''s reprimand. She expected Su Suyin would do that eventually, but she didn''t know she wanted to reprimand her about this.

    "Mother, aren''t you angry with me? It''s because I took my eyes off of Xiaohua that it happened."

    "I heard from Renshu that Xiaohua is the one who goes out on her own through the back gate, and you didn''t know about that until she was taken away. If it''s the case, then this isn''t your fault. It''s those bad guys who preyed on young girls who are at fault here." Su Suyin said with a twisted smile. A hint of fury lurked under her usually gentle face.

    Her children.

    Her mother wasn''t talking only about Li Chunhua, but also Li Caiyi.

    She wasn''t angry at her but worried about her this time.

    Li Caiyi''s nose soured upon feeling the sudden care her mother showed her. Just when she decided she wouldn''t let herself get hurt by her mother''s biased treatment anymore, she got this. It shook her to the core, but Li Caiyi was too afraid to let the seed of hope grow again.

    Su Suyin gently took Li Caiyi''s hand and lightly squeezed it. "Yesterday, when I heard about what happened to your sister, I admitted that my first thought was it''s because you didn''t look after her well. Then your brother scolds me."

    Li Caiyi raised her head in shock. "Brother Jie was?"

    "Well, not scolding actually, more like voicing his opinion. He said that you are also in danger, but is that all I have to say about you?" Su Suyin smiled bitterly. "If even Junjie said that, then there must be something wrong with my way of thinking, indeed. I didn''t even realize it until he pointed it out to me. What a terrible mother I am."

    Her brother said that? It was even more shocking than seeing pigs flying!

    Howe when her brother was the one who said that, it suddenly became a fact, but when she was the one who said that, nobody listened to her? First, Meng Renshu, now her mother also likes that!

    "Junjieˇ­ that kid. I never heard him speaking what was on his mind after that dayˇ­." Su Suyin muttered in a low voice.

    "Ah? Mother, what are you talking about?"

    Su Suyin shook her head and stroked Li Caiyi''s head with an apologetic look on her face. "Mother had done self-reflectionst night, and I think I might have gone too far with you. Xiaohua is my daughter, but so are you. I''m sorry, Xiaoyi."

 Chapter 130 Exposed

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say and looked away. Every kind of answer seemed wrong to say in a situation like this.

    Even if she knew her mother wasn''t a bad person, she couldn''t pretend that all the hurt she had received from her wasn''t there. Past experiences taught her that forgiving might be a good thing, but it would lose its meaning if given so easily.

    Disappointment and sadness shed across Su Suyin''s face when she witnessed her daughter''s reluctance. Li Caiyi was the kindest out of the siblings. If even she couldn''t say anything to her apology, then she must have hurt her eldest daughter so much.

    "I understand. You don''t have to say anything for now." Su Suyin smiled. "Just don''t act recklessly like yesterday. If something happens, you should rely on your brother or Renshu more."

    "...Yes," that was all Li Caiyi could squeeze out of her throat.

    "Good. Then, Mother will leave now. Youˇ­ Be careful on your way." Su Suyin said awkwardly before leaving Li Caiyi, who was still standing there with a bag in her arms, squeezing it tightly.

    It was her mother''s first apology after years passed. Li Caiyi once had given up to receive a genuine apology from her.

    "This is troubling," she whispered with a trembling voice. Her mother apologized to her, so she should feel happy and satisfied, but why did it feel hurt instead?

    ''You have gone this far. Don''t waver now.'' Li Caiyi told herself inwardly.

    ***

    Before she went to the hospital, Li Caiyi stopped by the cafe nearby. There, she spotted a man with an old brown jacket, messy hair, and jaw covered with stubbles. She walked to his table and greeted him as soon as their eyes met.

    "It''s been a while. How are you, Detective Tang?"

    "Bad as always," He chuckled, "Poverty is always bad."

    "You are a detective. How can you be poor?" Li Caiyi said as she plopped herself down on the chair across from him.

    "That might be so for public investigators, but not for me, especially an old and grumpy one like me."

    "Is that so? But you seem pretty nice to me."

    "I am only nice to prettydies," Detective Tang winked, and Li Caiyi didn''t bother to hide her disgust. Heughed heartily at her reaction.

    "Hahaha, that reaction of yours is priceless! Don''t worry, I don''t have a hobby of pursuing an underage kid. It would be illegal."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t hide her surprise. She made sure she dolled herself up to a mature look beforeing here. He didn''t notice anything thest time they met, so howe?

    As though he could read her mind, he answered, "Actually, I already knew the first time I saw you. You talk and dress like an adult, so I bet you can foolmon people like that, but definitely not me. Your disguise is fine; you just got the wrong opponent this time."

    "So what? Are you going to retract our agreement now?"

    "No, no. I never said it was a bad thing. I understand why you want to look like an adult because there are a lot of scammers who im themselves as detectives out there, but I''m not among those."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi''s tense shoulders loosened a little upon hearing that, but she reminded herself to not let her guard down too much. "If you already know, then why did you keep silent?"

    "Of course, because I''m worried you will back down on hiring me if I expose you. We can''t cooperate without trust, and I won''t do anything that can make me lose my money."

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes. "Are every private investigator like you?"

    "Hmm, not everyone is like me for sure, because there is only one special me in this world. Sucks to be them," He grinned smugly.

    "No, I''m notplimenting you," Li Caiyi sighed. "Forget it. Did you bring what I asked you for?"

    Detective Tang said nothing, pulled out a small cotton bag from his jacket''s pocket, and put it down on the table.

    "I have checked everything. These babies were olds, but they still functioned properly."

    Li Caiyi opened the bag and found two small cameras and two other devices she assumed were voice recorders. Their size was smaller than her pinky finger. One could easily miss them if they weren''t paying attention.

    "I already set them to connect to my devices, so you just need to put them in a hidden spot that can record every corner of the room and turn it on."

    "I understand. But why are there two pairs here?" Li Caiyi asked in confusion. At first, she asked him about these devices because she wanted to nt them in her sister''s room. However, once she heard about his suspicion regarding her father''s office, she changed her mind and focused on that room instead, so she only asked for a pair. Li Caiyi thought it would take longer to procure them, while she needed it as soon as possible.

    "Your sister is hospitalized, right? A pair for your sister''s room and another pair for your father''s office. We should keep our possibilities open, or you won''t know how much you have missed, youngdy." He smirked meaningfully.

    His words didn''t surprise Li Caiyi anymore at this point. "You even know that?"

    "Well, you are the one who told me to spy on your father. I''m just doing my job."

    His personality is a bit of a problem, but at least he was good at what he was doing. Li Caiyi didn''t mind getting found out as long as she still could use his service. It was worth it to spend a sum of money to hire him.

    Li Caiyi stuffed them in her bag before she stood up." It seems our business here is done then. I expect an immediate report once you notice anything amiss. I want information about every single detail."

    "For a kid, you sure know how to order people around," Detective Tang chuckled. "I have a hunch I''m going to see something interesting today. When women dress up, it''s usually for a battle. You can''t see me, but I can. I will cheer on you, so good luck today, youngdy."

    Li Caiyi frowned. She didn''t like how this man always kept that mysterious smile on his face as if he knew everything. But then again, she would feel troubled if the private investigators she hired weren''t at least this capable. She felt conflicted inside.

    From his look, Detective Tang looked like he was around histe 20s or at least early 30s. Still, considering how sly he was, he might have deliberately tried to mislead her.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to admit it, but he was right. There would be indeed a fun spectacle for him to see today. So instead of denying it, she smiled darkly.

    "You can look forward to it. I will let you see a good show."

 Chapter 131 A Smiling Woman

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel self-conscious as she walked down the hospital''s corridor. She felt ufortable by the people''s stares and wanted to run to the nearest bathroom to change her clothes and erase her make-up. However, as Detective Tang said, her outfit was her armor today, so she suppressed the embarrassment she felt and hastened her steps instead.

    When she arrived at Li Chunhua''s room, the room was so quiet and still, as if nothing had changed at all since her visit yesterday.

    "Xiaohua, Ie again today," Li Caiyi said to her unconscious sister lying on the bed. Just like yesterday, her eyes were tightly shut, but her face was a lot more peaceful than yesterday.

    After looking at her sister''s condition for a while, Li Caiyi began her work. She brought out the hidden camera and voice recorder from the small bag and looked around for a suitable ce to put them. It had to be somewhere inconspicuous but still at the right angle to capture the whole room.

    After some thought, Li Caiyi decided to put the hidden voice recorder under the bed. She used a tape she had prepared beforehand and stuck it under the bed before turning it on. There was no guarantee Gu Xue wouldn''t do something to her sister, so it was better to put it there just in case.

    Next, the curtain rods piqued Li Caiyi''s attention. She initially thought the artificial potted nts might be an excellent ce to hide the camera butter changed her mind. That potted nt was easy to move, and she couldn''t risk that.

    Li Caiyi turned on the camera and used a chair as her leverage. She positioned the camera so it could capture the whole room. She also used tape to stabilize the camera''s position before she was finally satisfied. Last, she sent a chat to Detective Tang to make sure everything was fine, to which he replied quickly.

    [Detective Tang: You choose a good spot. Everything is clear from here].

    [Li Caiyi: Good. I''m counting on you].

    She checked on her wristwatch and found that there were barely ten minutes left before the next patient check-up. Li Caiyi was already familiar with the check-up routine from how frequently she apanied Li Chunhua at the hospital.

    Now, she only had to wait for Gu Xue to show up.

    Her heart began to beat nervously in her chest. Li Caiyi tapped it gently to soothe her nerves. She disliked conflicts and confrontations the most, but there were times when even she couldn''t back down sometimes!

    She didn''t have to wait long because right at the expected time, the room''s door was opened, revealing a pretty nurse with a malicious heartˇŞGu Xue.

    It surprised Gu Xue to see a person sitting on the couch. That person was wearing a long-sleeve ck top, with the arms part a bit wide at the end and translucent, giving a teasing view of the fair skin beneath it. She wore a knee-length red skirt with a ribbon on the side of the waist, making her waist look as slender as a fairy. Her appearance looked ssier with the shiny red peep-toe heel, white pearl earrings, an expensive watch hidden under her sleeve, and a luxurious ck bag on herp.

    Gu Xue had always followed thetest fashion, so she knew that every piece of clothing this woman wore came from a high-end brand. It was not affordable just by anyone.

    The gorgeous outfit, apanied by her long ck hair that swept to the side and adorned with sparkly white clips, made her look like a sessful and beautiful woman in her early 20s.

    She only came to change the patient''s IV bag, but seeing the ssy woman in the room made sense of inferiority and jealousy arise inside Gu Xue''s heart.

    She swore she would climb up to thisdy''s level soon. In her opinion, her looks were much better, and she could rock that outfit better than this unknown woman could ever be!<sub> </sub>

    ''But first, who is this woman? Is she one of the patient''s family as well?'' Gu Xue wondered inwardly.

    Even if she thought this woman was still below her in terms of beauty, she wouldn''t mind having one more friend before she could climb up into the upper-ss society.

    "Ehm, excuse me? Are you the patient''s family member?" Gu Xue asked her in a polite tone.

    The perk of being a nurse was she could cozy up with the wealthy family without looking too eager. Usually, she would only need to talk about the patient''s condition and be more attentive to catch their attention. People tend to lower their guard and act milder to those who took care of their cherished one after all. Once she got their attention, everything would be easy after that.

    The woman didn''t even bat an eye and only looked outside the window behind her, much to Gu Xue''s dismay. The nurse thought she didn''t hear her well, so she tried again with a louder voice.

    "Euhm, excuse me? Are you the patient''s family member?"

    Still no response from that woman. She said nothing, rose from her seat and walked past the bed and Gu Xue as if she were only air.

    As quick-minded as she was, Gu Xue immediately knew that this woman was deliberately ignoring her!

    She had often met many wealthy people so far, from the polite but condescending one to the outright snobbish one. However, this was probably the first time she met someone who outrightly refused to acknowledge her existence!

    Gu Xue was a woman with a lot of pride, and having a person who clearly had everything she hadn''t ignored her was like a scratch to her dignity. She felt humiliated to the point her hands, which held the tray, were trembling. The most frustrating thing was she couldn''t even say anything, even if she was angry.

    Gu Xue detested those who looked down on her so much. She swore she would rise like a phoenix from ashes someday and trampled those who treated her like this!

    A person like her shouldn''t be wasting time doing menial jobs like this. She believed she was born to live in a higher ce and destined to have a luxurious life that everyone envied. She would prove that to this rude woman too someday!

    Click.

    There was a clicking sound behind her, so Gu Xue automatically turned her head. The rude woman who ignored her earlier was standing with her back against the door, with her fingers on the door''s lock. The woman''s lips, covered with bloody-red lipstick, curved upward in an amused grin.

    Sunlight passing through the window cast a shadow on that beautiful ce, making that smile appear more attractive yet hiding danger in it. The smiling woman slowly walked over to Gu Xue, creating a distinct click-cking sound of heels meeting with the floor. The sound somehow made an extra tension in the air.

    It was clearly shining brightly outside, but Gu Xue had a chill run down her spine, feeling the sinister intent behind that smile.

    "Shall we have a chat, nurse Gu Xue?"

 Chapter 132 Confrontation (1)

    Li Caiyi sat with a straight back and cold face. She had been staring at Gu Xue like that for some time, making thetter extra vignt now.

    Gu Xue was actually nervous and intimidated by the oppressive aura she exuded, but as a prideful woman, she would rather die before she admitted it. With a clenched jaw and raised chin, she asked Li Caiyi, "What business do you have with me?"

    Li Caiyi said nothing and threw a file to the table. "Open this first."

    "What is this?" Gu Xue asked suspiciously, but seeing Li Caiyi showed no intention to exin, she reluctantly reached out to the file and opened it.

    As soon as she read the stack of paperpiled neatly into the single file, all blood was drained from her face, and her hands were trembling violently. "T-thisˇ­"

    Li Caiyi didn''t give her time to think as she pped a stack of photos on top of the table. All of them were pictures of Gu Xue going out with several men. Looking at those pictures, Gu Xue really wasn''t picky in choosing her target because some of those men were practically twice her age.

    It satisfied Li Caiyi seeing her shocked face gradually escte to a mortified level, as she said in a mocking tone. "This should be enough answer for your question, right?"

    Gu Xue was flustered seeing Li Caiyi bring up all her affairs and past deeds in front of her, but she quickly collected herself and smiled haughtily instead.

    "I thought this was going to be something serious, but what? You''re here to seek justice for your man''s affair? To even dig up so much about me like this, are you that desperate?"

    She didn''t bother to sound polite anymore as she folded her legs proudly. "It''s not my fault if your charm is too weak and your man runs to me forfort. Looking at how obsessed you are, I can understand why that man wants to run away from you, though. What a pitiful attempt to disy your authority.

    You aren''t the first woman and won''t be thest one who mes me for your ownck of charms. Some women really find it easy to me other people instead of looking at themselves in the mirror."

    Gu Xueughed. "What can I do if your man prefers me more than you? Instead of bullying me like this, talk to your man and coax him to return to you. If you can, that is."

    Li Caiyi listened to her talking about how it wasn''t her fault at all, and although most of her words were self-entitled, she agreed with some of them. Those who were tempted with another woman/man were the ones at fault here. No matter how beautiful the woman was, if the man was genuinely loyal to his spouse, then he wouldn''t even think of cheating at all.

    Even so, that didn''t make what Gu Xue had done suddenly be pardonable!

    "I don''t even want to bother arguing with you. My business here with you is about your affair with Li Jirong." Li Caiyi interrupted her long speech with a low voice.

    "Ah? So it''s him? I have a feeling he has another woman behind me, but that''s okay. That''s just how it is in upper-ss society. I''m not the kind of woman who picks on trivial details like this. In the end, he would alwayse back to me because I''m smart enough to understand that," Gu Xue smiled proudly.

    "Do you know that he even bought a vi, especially for me? He said it was a love nest for us, hidden from his wife and family. What about you? What did he give you so far? Don''t tell me you dare toe here and question me while he only gave you those cheap clothes you wear?"

    Li Caiyi had already known about that, so there was no ripple on her expression at all.

    Her father often told her to get Gu Xue some things and secretly delivered them to the vi. For her, that ce was like an immovable rock inside her heart. A manifestation of guilt she had towards her mother.

    Thinking how Li Jirong often spent the night with this woman in that vipared with her mother, who waited for him at their house, made her feel wronged on her mother''s behalf.

    "You got nothing to say? As expected, you are only worth that much for him, anyway. Your status is no different from his pitiful and stupid wife, so I don''t understand what makes you so brave to unt yourself in front of me. Or what? He didn''t even tell you he got a wife and children?"

    Snap.

    Something inside Li Caiyi just snapped when she heard Gu Xue mention her mother. She had been so patient all this time, but she really couldn''t hold it anymore.<sub> </sub>

    SLAP!

    Using all the force she could muster, Li Caiyi swung her arms andnded a fierce p on Gu Xue''s white face, making thetter yelp in surprise before she fell onto the couch.

    Gu Xue was disoriented and couldn''t register what had just happened immediately. "Did youˇ­ just p me?"

    "You seem to be proud of having control over men. Unfortunately for you, my father would never leave my mother for a slut he conveniently finds on the side of the road like you."

    Li Jirong never once acknowledged Gu Xue''s existence in her previous life and showed no intention of marrying her. It proved that even if lust sometimes clouded his judgment, he still had a brain to know which woman was more qualified to be by his side. A woman with low background and manner like Gu Xue wouldn''t stand a chance. He would never dare to show her up in public, even if it killed him.

    Meanwhile, Gu Xue was baffled when Li Caiyi mentioned ''my father''. With one hand on her reddened cheek and her eyes scanning Li Caiyi up to down, she asked in disbelief. "Y-you are Rong''s daughter?"

    Li Caiyi felt disgusted hearing this woman call her father''s nickname and swung her hand once time on Gu Xue''s other side of the cheek.

    SLAP!

    Li Caiyi''s hand was hurting, but she strangely felt a sense of liberation inside. Perhaps this was the reason people like to fight so much. She had never felt this sensation before. It was veryˇ­.refreshing?

    "You just saw me yesterday, yet you already forgot about me? Your memory must be as bad as your ugly face." Li Caiyi spoke in a chilling tone that could even freeze the whole hell. She poured all injustice she felt for her mother in both of her lives into her actions and words.

    "The first p is for my mother, and the second is for my sister. How dare you y your affair game in front of my family so shamelessly like that?" Li Caiyi scoffed mockingly. "True love? Love nest? You must be delusional or sick in your mind if you think that trashy father of mine can have such feelings. You are just one of many mistresses my father kept; what are you so proud of?"

    Gu Xue lost her momentum entirely and could only blink her eyes stupidly at Li Caiyi, who looked like a guardian of hell with two horns on her head right now. The thing was, she didn''t expect that the woman she ridiculed up until now was her boyfriend''s daughter.

    What if she told her father about it, and he broke up with her for disturbing his family? Gu Xue couldn''t lose Li Jirong just yet! At least, until she made her debut in upper-ss society!

    "Gu Xue. 25 years old. A nurse working in S Health Hospital. She came from the countryside of northern G city and made a lot of ''mishap'' in her youth."

    Gu Xue''s eyes widened when she heard that. With a trembling voice, she said, "S-stop it."

    Li Caiyi didn''t care and continued speaking in a story-telling manner, "Gu Xue was a thrill-seeking and adventurous youth who liked to learn about the way of adults since her student days. She identally got pregnant for the first time in her life at the age of 15. The baby was aborted soon after, but who could have known that this adventurous girl couldn''t stop her desire for the thrill? Not only did she not learn from her mistake, but she also found herself pregnant three more times after that; all of them were from different men and aborted too."

    "Stop it!" Gu Xue covered her ears with her hands as if she didn''t want to hear about it, but Li Caiyi prevented him from doing so. She caught Gu Xue''s hand in hers and grinned amusedly while looking down at the frightened nurse.

    "You don''t seem ashamed at all when you tell me all about your affairs. How does adding a baby or two babies make a difference to you? Spare me your hypocritical act. You''re only afraid that the rich people you got in your hands would leave you after they heard about how disgusting you are. Who can guarantee you are not infected with STD with a background like that? If they broke up with you, forget about stepping into the upper-ss society, you probably wouldn''t be able to step outside of your house."

    "What? H-how did you?" Gu Xue was sure she never mentioned anything about wanting to go to a higher level in front of her.

    Li Caiyi caressed her underjaw gently as if seducing her. "Do you really think you are a phoenix that will soon rise from ashes? How cute. You aren''t a phoenix but a chicken. One that men used as cattle. Wait, no,paring you to a chicken is an insult to all chickens because they at least couldy eggs. As for youˇ­."

    Li Caiyi squeezed her jaw hard before leaning down and whispered beside her ear. "After all those abortions you had done, you are just a barren woman who couldn''t produce egg anymore. A chicken waiting to be chopped. You deserved that retribution."

 Chapter 133 Confrontation (2)

    "G-get away from me!" Gu Xue yelped as she tried to push Li Caiyi away from her.

    Li Caiyi quickly took a step back to avoid her hand and sneered, looking back at the nurse''s fierce re. "Why are you upset? It''s not my fault you are too busy dating and left traces of your affairs everywhere. In this day and age, it''s easy to track something like this with a minimum investigation. But I guess you, with your small brain, can''tprehend that."

    Gue Xue couldn''t stand the humiliating stare Li Caiyi gave her and stood up angrily. "What do you know about me, anyway?! You don''t even know how difficult it is for me to reach this stage!"

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "Why should I care about you? So it''s okay for you to ridicule other people, but you can''t ept it when someone does the same to you? Utterly ridiculous."

    Gu Xue''s chest heaved up and down as she tried to steady her breath. "So, you are here to seek justice for your mother? You want me to disappear from your father''s sight forever?"

    Actually, this question frightened Gu Xue the most. Even if she coaxed Li Jirong to not abandon her, there was no guarantee that Li Caiyi would just sit by and let that happen. Her days in the future would be harder if she made a misstep here.

    "No. When did I ever say that?"

    Gu Xue raised her head in bafflement as she watched Li Caiyi return to her seat and folded her leg calmly. It was as if her barbaric act earlier was just a dream.

    "This is why you should listen to other people first before you assume things and ridicule others. I never said I want you to separate from my father."

    Gu Xue didn''t understand because judging from Li Caiyi''s reaction earlier, it was clear how much she cared for her mother. Why did she suddenly change her mind?

    "I sincerely think that you and my father suited each other the most," Li Caiyi said while looking down at the numerous pictures on top of the table. A male cheater and female cheater, truly a match made in heaven. "If you help me with what I''m about to tell you, then I don''t mind closing my eyes on your affair with my father."

    Gu Xue perked up at the sound of that idea. She was still suspicious of Li Caiyi, but the offer was just too tempting for her to refuse. It might not be a bad idea to hear this little girl out a bit.

    "What is it you want from me?"

    "There are three things. First, you will never show up your face in front of my mother or any of my family members again."

    That wasn''t hard of a request. It might be even better because this way, she could be with Li Jirong longer.

    "What''s the other two?"

    "Second, you shall never tell my father about this. Third, you can''t question me whenever I ask you to do something. I will only ept ''Yes'' or ''I understand'' as an answer."

    Gu Xue looked at Li Caiyi with a hint of resentment in her eyes. Li Caiyi was aware that this woman didn''t like it when other people were above her, so she wanted to make sure thest point was going through her thick skull properly before proceeding to the main exnation.<sub> </sub>

    "What? Are you dissatisfied with this arrangement?"

    "How can you decide everything by yourself? If this is a negotiation, then shouldn''t I have the right to make my terms and conditions too?" Gu Xue put her hand in front of her chest to emphasize her point.

    Li Caiyiughed at that, her eyes filled with nothing but scorn for this shameless woman. "It seems you have a big misunderstanding here. This is not a negotiation but ckmailing, Miss Gu Xue. Do I have to exin what ckmailing is to you too, so you and your small brain could understand it?"

    Gu Xue''s eyebrows twitched while clenching her hands hard. This little girl was really a shrewd one! She hadn''t raised her voice since the beginning, but each and every word she said was poisonous and sharp.

    It didn''t feel like she was humiliated by a girl who had yet to finish her education, but a properdy from upper-ss society. Realizing the distinction between their ss just infuriated her even further.

    "Do you understand your position now? You might feel proud for now because you have the heart of cheap men in your palm, but can you still smile so smugly if their wives or families found out about it?"

    Li Caiyi leaned forward and tapped her nail on one of the photos on top of the table. "This man is a director from Tian constructionpany, who is famous for his lust for young women. He had been involved with many scandals before, but he never thought of divorcing his wife even once? Do you know why?"

    Gu Xue didn''t answer, so Li Caiyi continued, "It''s because the constructionpany he was working for belonged to his wife''s family. Do you really think such a man will throw a chance for wealth and glory for a woman he could find anywhere like you?"

    "Even if it''s true, it doesn''t mean he will stop seeing me. I don''t mind trivial details like that, as long as we can give each other what we want," Gu Xue said arrogantly with a raised chin before she let out a devious smile. "You are just a little girl, so you don''t know how easy it is for men to change their mind once you know their pleasure spot. You can just caress them in the correct spot, say some pretty words, and they will be putty in your hand. This big sister can teach you too if you want?"

    Li Caiyi ignored Gu Xue''s provocation and continued her story. "I''m not interested. Only a woman like you who has no shred of dignity could pull that stunt, anyway.

    Judging from the way you talk, I assume you don''t know that much about this ''upper-ss'' society you longed to be part of. Do you know that every cheating partner of this man disappeared without a trace after their affair was found out?"

    Gu Xue, who was about to retort, mped her mouth shut when she heard that. Her eyes shook ever so slightly. "What do you mean?"

    "It''s not only that man. This man, this old man, this one too. Their wives were well known for their ruthlessness. After all, what can amon girl or two do in front of their power? Even if you disappear, no one will be able to condemn them because your existence is nothing before their influence. You are practically just an ant waiting to be trampled by touching what is theirs."

    Li Caiyi chuckled, "Considering the amount of ''things'' you have touched so far, I wonder if there would be anything left of you once this informationes to the light of day?"

    The rmed Gu Xue immediately turned pale and eximed, "Don''t! You can''t do that!"

    "Why can''t I? It''s not like you have ever done anything beneficial for me to make me reconsider your worthiness," Li Caiyi made a troubled face as she deliberately taunted Gu Xue. "This is troubling. What should I do?"

 Chapter 134 Confrontation (3)

    Gu Xue gritted her teeth, trying to suppress the urge to lunge forward, and give this annoying little girl a good smack on the head.

    "Okay, I''ll do it! I just have to do it, right?!" She felt like she had just swallowed a rock by saying that.

    Gu Xue really didn''t like putting herself in a disadvantageous position, but this sly girl got a head start first by collecting so much information before confronting her; there was no room to fight back at all. She was extremely unwilling to be her servant, but she couldn''t do anything against this girl when she held her weakness!

    Li Caiyi smirked triumphantly. "I see you finally understand your position. Then, shall we talk about your first task immediately?"

    She enjoyed this situation very much. Her umted grievances finally soothed after she yed with Gu Xue. It was entertaining to see her proud mask slowly crumbling, revealing her ugly inner self.

    Li Caiyi was in an excellent mood, but she also didn''t forget about her objective. She continued her exnation as she put the small bag Detective Tang gave her on top of the table. "I want you to nt these in my father''s office."

    Gu Xue frowned slightly before reaching out her hand to check on the bag''s content. Her eyes widened when she saw that, "T-this is! Why do you even want to do such things?"

    "You don''t have to know. From now on, you will also be my eyes and hands in this hospital. Your task is basically to observe my father. It shouldn''t be too hard as you guys frequently meet, right?"

    "B-but, isn''t this illegal?" Gu Xue bit her lips nervously. Li Caiyi found her reaction ridiculous.

    "You are already doing illegal things by dating another woman''s husband. Although cheating is not prohibited, it''s still punishable byw once you get found out. What kind of nonsense are you saying now?"

    "That might be true, but still, the scale is just on a different level!"

    "That''s your problem. I don''t like waiting, so I expect the result report before tomorrow. One minutete means one of your secrets will be revealed to the world, so you''d better act smart and move fast if you know what''s best for you."

    "YˇŞYou are a devil!" Gu Xue''s face was red with anger.

    "Ah? It''s your fault for provoking me first." Li Caiyi''s smile slowly faded before she stared at Gu Xue with an icy gaze. "I really hope this is thest time I will see your disgusting face, but I guess we''ll see each other often in the future."

    ***

    Li Caiyi could finally breathe easily once Gu Xue had left the room. Up until the time she sent the angry nurse off to the door, she had to constantly put on a strong and confident front, so it was exhausting.

    Only when she closed the door behind her did Li Caiyi''s erratic heartbeat start to calm down. This was her first attempt to ckmail other people, so she wasn''t sure how it would end at one point. Thankfully, Gu Xue was still the same woman she remembered in her previous life. Hence, it wasn''t hard for Li Caiyi to predict her reaction.

    At first, the experience was thrilling and refreshing, but it also gradually filled up her stress gauge bar. Li Caiyi was so tired now.

    She slowly walked to the couch, intending to take a quick nap before she went home, but before she could reach it, her legs had given up on her first.<sub> </sub>

    "Haha, I''m really not suited for this," Li Caiyiughed mirthlessly before she whispered encouragingly to herself. "But you did well, Li Caiyi. I''m so proud of you."

    She crouched down while hugging herself into a ball for a while. Even if she put on a tough front, what she did today was actually this close to crossing her limit.

    ''If it''s Xiaohua, she could probably put up a better fight than that,'' Li Caiyi thought as she looked at her unconscious sister, and she secretly prayed for her to wake up soon.

    While she was distracted, the door behind her was opened. Li Caiyi jerked her head automatically, and her eyes immediately met with Meng Renshu''s widened eyes.

    He had a bouquet of flowers in his hand and froze at the entrance when he saw an unknown girl crouching in the middle of the room. The girl had her back on Meng Renshu, giving him a good view of her lustrous, long, ck hair cascaded on her back. Her outfit was very eye-catching in this primarily white furnished room.

    The sight gave a mysterious feeling that Meng Renshu thought he had seen a fairy.

    "Brother Renshu?"

    The girl''s soft voice reminded him of the fairy''s identity, who was crouching in front of him right now. "Xiaoyi? What are you doing there?" He asked while trudging towards her. "Do you have a stomachache or something?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head and pushed herself to stand up. "No, I was just picking up something from the floor."

    Meng Renshu stared at Li Caiyi''s appearance from head to toe. She looked very different today, to the point he almost couldn''t recognize her earlier. He knew how shy this girl was, so witnessing her voluntarily go out with this outfit caught him off guard.

    She looked very mature and beautiful like this.

    "Is that for Xiaohua?" Li Caiyi asked while pointing at the bouquet of flowers in his hand.

    "Huh? Ah, yes," Meng Renshu replied absentmindedly with his gaze still nailed on her.

    "Let me put them in the vase. Brother Renshu, you can rx here," Li Caiyi didn''t wait for him to answer and grabbed the bouquet in his hand. Their skin lightly brushed against each other, and something stirred in his heart as he felt the warm sensation.

    "I can do it by myself, you know?" Meng Renshu said.

    "No, it''s fine. I can use this opportunity to get some fresh air as well. I need that right now."

    Meng Renshu thought she must have been depressed because of Li Chunhua''s condition, so he quickly gave in. "I see. Then I''ll wait for you here."

    Li Caiyi made sure no trace of her previous action was left on top of the table before making her way out of the room.

 Chapter 135 Lullaby

    Li Caiyi came back with a nurse following behind her not long after that. Meng Renshu slightly frowned because the time was already past the patient check-up time as far as he knew. However, seeing Li Caiyi said nothing and only walked to the bedside table to put down a vase full of flowers, he also thought little of it.

    However, the nurse seemed different from the one Li Jirong introduced to them yesterday. Perhaps something happened, and this nurse came to take the previous one''s ce?

    "What''s wrong, Brother Renshu?" Li Caiyi asked him after the nurse had left, although she already knew more or less what he was thinking about.

    "This nurse is different from the one Uncle introduced to us yesterday. I wonder if something happened?"

    "I don''t know the reason, either. Perhaps the previous one was too busy and sent someone else to take her ce. You can''t predict what will happen in the hospital after all."

    "Yeah, I guess so."

    Li Caiyi plopped herself down on the couch and leaned back against the backrest. She was tired, but she couldn''t take a nap anymore since Meng Renshu was here. He always had an uncanny timing to show himself up.

    "Did you juste back from somewhere?" Meng Renshu couldn''t help but ask curiously.

    "Not really. Why do you ask that?"

    "Well, you seem to be different today. I have never seen you wearing these kinds of clothes and make-up before."

    Li Caiyi was too distracted by her exhaustion, she forgot that the current Meng Renshu hadn''t got many chances to see her in this type of outfit. At most, he saw her dressing up nicely during a formal party, but that was it. This outfit was indeed a bit too much for a hospital visit, so no wonder he thought she went out somewhere beforeing here.

    "Ah, I need to meet up with someone important in the way." Li Caiyi made up an excuse on the spot and blurted out the first thing that came into her mind.

    "Really? Who is it?"

    "Just someone. You won''t know him even if I told you, Brother Renshu," Li Caiyi gently massaged her nose bridge.

    "Him?" Meng Renshu''s eyes squinted a bit as he asked stiffly, "This someone important who you met up withˇ­ is a man?"

    "Yes, is there something wrong with that?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t reply, and his expression betrayed nothing. However, he seemed to fall into deep thought. Li Caiyi recalled a simr situation not so long ago and somehow became warier.

    For some unknown reason, Meng Renshu in this timeline seemed too attentive to her, to the point it was annoying. Thest time Li Caiyi said she visited her friend in the hospital, he forced her to be his partner for hising-of-age party. If she didn''t know beforehand that he was deeply in love with Li Chunhua, she might think he acted that way out of jealousy. His streak of overprotectiveness also made her feel weird and ufortable.

    However, to her surprise, Meng Renshu only smiled at her this time while saying, "I see. It must be an important appointment if you go out dressing like that. I was surprised and got curious."

    "O-oh, yeahˇ­"

    He chuckled. "You don''t have to look so tense. I will not force you to talk if you don''t want to."

    Li Caiyi fidgeted in her ce awkwardly under his friendly but somehow pressuring smile. What''s with this prickly sensation in the air?<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi, about mying-of-age party, I was thinking of postponing it until Xiaohua regained her consciousness and could get up from the bed. Would it be okay with you?"

    "Yeah, sure. Why not?" Li Caiyi replied nonchntly. She had expected he would postpone it even without him telling her, anyway. This development didn''t happen in her previous life, but considering how much Meng Renshu liked Li Chunhua, this was an inevitable oue.

    Herck of enthusiasm made Meng Renshu feel disappointed somehow, but he covered it up by saying, "I''m d you''re at least not against this anymore."

    "There''s nothing I can do about it at this point," Li Caiyi sighed before uttering in a low voice, "Fighting against it has be too tiresome now. Better to save my energy for more important things."

    Li Chunhua, Meng Renshu, Su Suyin, Li Jirong, Gu Xue.

    Her head was full of so many things she didn''t have time to think about Shen Qiangtely. It was so bad that Li Caiyi sometimes forgot what he looked like. She felt like Shen Qiang slowly slipped out of her fingers with each second passed by, which frightened her so much.

    Shen Qiang was the reason everything started. Where in the world could he be?

    Li Caiyi''s eyelid became heavier as she thought about Shen Qiang before itpletely shut.

    Meng Renshu took his eyes off of Li Caiyi for a few minutes to check on Li Chunhua, but she had already fallen asleep on the couch before he knew it. He stared silently at her sleeping face and could see traces of fatigue in that powder-covered face.

    Although Li Caiyi was beautiful like this, Meng Renshu still felt that this style was too morous for her. Maybe because he knew her personality well, he thought her usual neat and simple style suited her more.

    ''How important is that person to make her dress up like this?'' Meng Renshu thought inwardly. He initially wanted to ask her, but he was afraid she would get angry at him again if he did so.

    Li Caiyi slept soundly for some time before her head tilted dangerously to one side in her slumber. Meng Renshu, who saw how her body almost fell off the couch, quickly reacted. His body moved before he could think, and he scrambled forward to catch her body before it was toote.

    "Phew, that was close," He muttered in relief when he firmly held her body and head in ce.

    However, doing that put him in an awkward position instead. His upper body leaned forward as his hand gently supported her head and body but his lower body was still kneeling on the floor.

    Meng Renshu didn''t want to disturb her sleep. He silently climbed up to the spot beside herˇŞso he could be a wall between her and the edge of the couchˇŞand gently put her head on his shoulder. This way, her neck wouldn''t feel sore when she woke upter.

    Li Caiyi, who was sleeping peacefully, knew nothing about this situation and snuggled to him closer, like a kitten searching for the mostfortable position to sleep in. Meng Renshu could feel his heart stir again, seeing her adorable reaction.

    Her warm breath tickled his neck, and the steady rhythm of it unexpectedly put him at ease too. He could also feel her heartbeat when their body was sticking so close against each other.

    It reminded him of the old days. When they were children, they often slept together, leaning into each other like this.

    The warmth of sunlight passing through the window and the girl beside him soothed his nerves. Meng Renshu couldn''t help but feel sleepy as well.

    The sound of her soft breath was like a luby in his ears, gently coaxing him to close his eyes. This might be the first time after a long time that he felt so safe and peaceful like this at the thought of falling asleep.

    He had a feeling he would have a good sleep this time, so he slowly let his drowsiness drown him.

 Chapter 136 His Angelic Face

    When she opened her eyes, she stood on top of the building. A very familiar building.

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times, but the sight in front of her didn''t change. This was the same abandoned building where she and Shen Qiang met!

    She looked around and gasped in shock when a familiar figure was standing in the same spot she first found him. It was the same as she remembered.

    He stood on top of the broken part of the wall while looking far ahead,pletely ignoring the harsh wind around him. He had his back on Li Caiyi, so he didn''t notice her presence.

    It was like a repeat of their first meeting.

    "Shen Qiang!" Li Caiyi shouted at him, but the man seemed like she couldn''t hear cause he didn''t react at all.

    Li Caiyi didn''t give up and ran over to him with eyes glistened with tears.

    She missed him so much.

    She wanted to see him so much.

    A sense of happiness and loneliness just burst out from her heart uncontrobly as she reached out her hand, trying to grab his figure.

    "Shen Qiang!" Li Caiyi called out to him again. She was practically screaming out his name at this point. However, her voice couldn''t seem to reach him at all because he just stood there motionless.

    Li Caiyi also noticed that no matter how much she ran, the distance between them didn''t close in at all, as though an invisible force separated them. She ran while shouting his name, but the only thing waiting for her was the sight of Shen Qiang letting the gravity pull him downward.

    It happened in a split second, but it felt like a movie repeated in slow motion many times before her eyes. Shen Qiang disappeared from her sight again and reduced into light particles, like fireflies.

    Li Caiyi fell to the ground helplessly with her gaze still nailed on the spot where Shen Qiang once stood before letting out a bitterugh. "This nightmare is just too muchˇ­."

    She sat there for a while. When she raised her head again, she had a confused look on her face.

    "Wait, what am I doing in this ce again?"

    ***

    Li Caiyi slowly opened her eyes, and the first sight she saw was a familiar white-nuanced room.

    "Nghˇ­" She let out a low grumble as she tried to collect her wits together. When she was finally sober enough to form a coherent thought, she realized she was leaning against something warm and firm.

    Li Caiyi raised her head, and what appeared before her eyes was a close-up of Meng Renshu''s beautiful and fair face. She was so surprised she almost screamed.

    Another thing she noticed was that Meng Renshu sped her hand tightly in his. His fingers were interlocking with hers as though it were the most natural thing to do in the world.

    ''What''s with this situation? What happened while I was asleep?'' Li Caiyi thought was in disarray as she tried to pry her hand off his hold. However, it only made his grip on her hand tighten instead.

    She looked up and scrutinized his face closely. His eyes were tightly shut, and he was breathing steadily. It did not seem he was faking his sleep at all, so was this something he subconsciously did in his sleep?<sub> </sub>

    After she slowly organized her thoughts, her panic subsided, and she could think calmly again. Judging from their sitting position, Li Caiyi had an idea of what had happened. Hence, she didn''t try to pull her hand anymore and used this opportunity to inspect his face instead.

    "He is a guy, but he looks prettier than most girls. What''s with those thick eyshes and thin lips? I''m jealous." Li Caiyi muttered in awe.

    No matter whether it was in the past or present, the one thing she couldn''t deny was that Meng Renshu was blessed with a good gene in his vein. You can put a woman''s wig and clothes on him, and nobody would notice he was a man all along. However, Li Caiyi could never speak about this out loud in front of him.

    Meng Renshu had developed a heavyplex regarding his looks ever since some guy teased him for looking like a girl in their elementary school days. Even though he put on an indifferent front, she knew how much he hated being called pretty.

    Until this day, Li Caiyi never understood why he hated his feminine face so much because she genuinely thought he was an angel when they first met. He shone so brightly like he had a halo on top of his head, making her couldn''t look away from him.

    "Nghˇ­"

    Li Caiyi almost jumped in her ce when Meng Renshu suddenly stirred in his sleep. She didn''t even know why she was so flustered. It wasn''t like she did him any harm by staring at his face!

    "B-Brother Renshu? Are you awake yet?" She asked nervously.

    Meng Renshu slowly opened his eyes before turning his head her way. Their gazes met for a few seconds before his lips curved up in the most dazzling smile she had ever seen from him.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­ You are here," Meng Renshu said in a low and husky voice before reaching out his hand to pull her into a tight embrace. "Good morning."

    Li Caiyi''s mind stopped functioning altogether from information overload. She couldn''t react immediately due to shock and only sat there dumbly, letting Meng Renshu hug her like a teddy bear, and even nuzzled his head on her thick hair.

    "Hmm, you smell niceˇ­. I like it." He said sultrily beside her ears, and her cheeks heated up, sensing the humid sensation in her ears.

    "B-brother Renshu?! Are you still half-asleep? W-wake up!" Li Caiyi stammered because Meng Renshu suddenly put his whole weight onto her as if he was ready to drift into sleep again.

    Although Meng Renshu was slender and pretty like a girl, he was still heavier than Li Caiyi. Added with her awkward sitting position, it didn''t take long for them to topple onto the couch together, with Meng Renshu pressing down against her.

    If Li Caiyi was flustered before, now she was clearly freaking out. "Brother Renshu, please get off of me! You are heavy!"

    "No. I don''t want to let you go. Not againˇ­" Meng Renshu mumbled as he buried his face in her hair. "I''m scared."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t understand what he was saying at all. The only usible exnation she had in mind was that he was still on the border between reality and dream.

    ''Wait, didn''t he say he always seeing nightmares when he sleepstely?'' Li Caiyi thought as she recalled their previous conversation. At that time, Meng Renshu wanted to tell her something but was interrupted.

    She sneakily turned her head to check on his condition, only to find he already slept soundly again. His face looked so peaceful and angelic from this distance that it made her heart tremble slightly from how picturesque the sight was.

    Li Caiyi quickly shook that weird thought out of her mind and squirmed little by little until she finally got out of his hold. He was very heavy, so it was pretty hard to push his body aside. This time, Meng Renshu didn''t stir at all, and only the sound of his steady breathing could be heard from him.

    Li Caiyi looked down at his sleeping figure with a helpless look. She couldn''t even get angry when he slept innocently like that. It made her realize once again how weak she was against beautiful people.

    "Fine, I''ll let it slide this time," Li Caiyi finally said with a resigned sigh. "Sleep well, Brother Renshu."

 Chapter 137 Drastic Change

    The wind blew pretty harshly that night. On that chilly night, Li Caiyi wore her pajamas with a nket covering her legs and sat on top of her bed while busily typing on her phone.

    Because of a series of recent incidents, she didn''t have much time to write her story. Still, she always made time every day to write a few pages. Since her next story would be for a novel, she opted to write digitally this time. She found writing stories on her phone to be morefortable, maybe because she was used to it.

    Li Caiyi had been writing since she got home and took a shower. Her writing progressed smoothly, and she predicted she could finish this novel in a few weeks if she kept this pace. She already made a clear outline beforehand, so what was left was to pour all her creativity into visualizing the story she had in mind through words.

    When she was so immersed in writing, she received a chat from Gu Xue. She briefly nced at the time on top of her phone screen, and it showed 23.46 PM. It seemed her threat was pretty effective since Gu Xue actually kept her promise to report the result to her before the day ended.

    [Gu Xue: I did it. You''d better keep your promise].

    Li Caiyi quickly confirmed it with Detective Tang. Only when he gave an affirmative response did she feel genuinely relieved. Threatening Gu Xue really was the best option.

    Compared to Li Caiyi, Gu Xue had more opportunities to ess her father''s room. It was less likely for Li Jirong to suspect her as well since they had spent a lot of time together in that room, so it wouldn''t be weird even if she came in and out of that room regrly.

    Plus, if Gu Xue got caught, Li Caiyi could easily wash her hand clean and pretend she knew nothing of it. Not a very honorable move, but Gu Xue deserved that much after what she had done.

    [Li Caiyi: Good job].

    Since she had somehow managed to install those devices at her father''s office, she could only leave the surveince job to Detective Tang now. Li Caiyi was very curious to know what her father hid behind their back. She hoped that there would be more information soon.

    After reminding Detective Tang to stay alert, Li Caiyi returned her focus to her phone again and wrote until veryte.

    ***

    Li Chunhua woke up two days after that. Li Caiyi had gone back and forth between school and hospital to monitor her sister throughout that time.

    She didn''t want her mother to stay at the hospital and risked the chance of her bumping into the shameless duo. Hence, she spent the night at the hospital on behalf of her mother. Thankfully, it was a VIP room, and the couch was spacious enough for her to sleep in, so she had no problem sleeping at all.

    When Li Chunhua finally awakened, she saw the familiar white ceiling first, then Li Caiyi''s worried face by her side.

    Both of them stared at each other for a few seconds before Li Caiyi took an uncapped bottle of mineral water and put a stic straw in it. "You are unconscious for three days. Here, you need to drink first."

    Li Chunhua said nothing and obediently opened her mouth when her sister poked her lips with the straw. After she took a few gulps of water, she said in a hoarse voice, "Why are you here? Didn''t you say we should separate?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect her sister''s first words after regaining consciousness would be about theirst conversation. However, she calmly folded her hand together and faced the pale-looking Li Chunhua. "This and that is different. I did say we should keep our distance and not bother each other again, but it doesn''t mean I can''t care about you when you are in a weak state like this."<sub> </sub>

    "What''s the point of showing any care if you aren''t going to stay?"

    "Can''t I do that?"

    Li Chunhua looked away as if she wanted to avoid answering that question, and the room fell into deafening silence once again. None of them said a word for a while. Both were too deep in their own mind.

    In the end, Li Caiyi broke the ice first and said, "Do you still remember that one time we went to Brother Renshu''s house, and we yed together in the backyard?"

    Li Chunhua still had her head turn away from her, but Li Caiyi knew she was listening. "There was a big dog that suddenly appeared in front of me then. I was so scared without knowing what to do, but you came to save me, even when you were on the verge of copsing. I really admired your strength and courage back then."

    "Just say what you want to say directly. Don''t beat around the bush." Li Chunhua said coldly.

    <o>,m "What I want to say is, as much as you want to be me, I also longed to be like you, Xiaohua. We keep chasing each other''s back, without knowing we are just running in a circle all the time. I want to stop that exhausting cycle."</o>

    "Easy for you to say."

    "No, it isn''t! It took me a very long time to reach this simple conclusion. Even those things you said about me the other day, it wasn''t easy for me to gain all that. I wasn''t a natural at socializing like you, nor did I have your smart brain to quickly learn things. It wasn''t easy to have those things AT ALL!"

    "In the end, you want to say you don''t want to be with me again, right? You should save your breath now because I don''t want to listen."

    "Can''t you understand what I''m trying to do here? We will only hurt each other if we continue being like this. We should stop chasing after each other''s backs and try to ept ourselves more. Besides, you might not notice it, but you need helpˇŞ"

    "Enough!" Li Chunhua shouted harshly, interrupting her sister''s words. She turned her body away from her, so she had her back on Li Caiyi before she continued in a milder voice, "I''m tired. I want to rest more. Don''t disturb me."

    Li Caiyi sighed helplessly, looking at Li Chunhua''s small and frail back. She knew it wouldn''t be easy to straighten Li Chunhua''s already twisted mind. However, she still wanted to try it nevertheless.

    As expected, it didn''t seem like anything she said would weigh anything in front of the current Li Chunhua.

    Her sister had just regained consciousness, and continuing to press her wouldn''t be right. Li Caiyi could only give up talking to her for now.

    She didn''t expect Li Chunhua would still refuse to talk to her, even after time passed. Based on theirst fight, it should be Li Caiyi who felt angry and ignored her, but what happened was the opposite. It was a drastic change from Li Chunhua''s clinginess to her before.

    The question was whether her change was genuine or just another calm before the storm? Li Caiyi made a mental note to observe her sister more closely.

 Chapter 138 Separate Room

    A week after she regained consciousness, Li Chunhua was finally discharged from the hospital. Su Suyin couldn''t stop smiling, looking at her youngest daughter, whose skin looked healthier day by day.

    "The days passed slowly without you in the house. Now that you came back, the house feels bright again," Su Suyin chirped happily when they finally came back home.

    "Aw, Mom. You are over-exaggerating it. But I''m happy you say that! It feels good to be home again."

    "It''s a shame your father can''te home with us. He seemed to get busier day by day."

    "Dad is a doctor, and there are a lot of patients waiting for him to help them. I''m fine, Mom."

    Su Suyin smiled fondly while caressing Li Chunhua''s head. "I feel like the air has be fresher now that I have seen your smile."

    Li Caiyi had nothing to say about the mother-daughter sweet bonding time in the living room as she slowly unpacked their things. In the past few days, Li Caiyi stayed at the hospital and took care of her sister, but they barely talked at all. Seeing a familiar scene of Li Chunhua gushing out her sweetness in front of their mother made Li Caiyi think she was fully recovered now.

    She thought their daily life would continue just like always until she heard Li Chunhua say something surprising.

    "Mom, I think it''s about time I sleep separately from Xiaoyi. We are already in high school; how embarrassing for two big girls to still share the same room?"

    Li Caiyi stopped on her track and stared at Li Chunhua with a strange look. One time she would beg her not to go, but now she took the initiative to make some distance from her.

    In her past life, they wouldn''t have a separate room until their third year of high school, so this development happened faster than it was supposed to be.

    "Are you sure? You are the one who insists you want to be in the same room as Xiaoyist year," Su Suyin asked her again to make sure.

    "I''m sure! One hundred percent sure!"

    Su Suyin was about to nod her head and agree when she thought about something. She turned her head towards Li Caiyi, who stood nearby and asked her with a smile, "Xiaoyi, what do you think?"

    Li Chunhua''s brows twitched a bit, seeing her mother was asking Li Caiyi''s opinion. Previously, she would fulfill whatever Li Chunhua wanted unconditionally, but now she was asking for Li Caiyi''s opinion first before deciding.

    The two of them seemed to get closer when she was recuperating. What had happened between them?

    "Mother, I don''t mind. Xiaohua is right. We should use separate rooms from now on." Li Caiyi replied coolly.

    Li Chunhua was very dissatisfied with this, although she was the one who suggested it. She wanted to show her sister that she would be fine even without her because Su Suyin always got her back, but her jab backfired on her. Since when did their mother begin to pay attention to Li Caiyi''s opinion?

    Su Suyin smiled. "Then we shall hire some people to move your stuff to the other room as soon as possible."

    "Mom, but I want to stay in the room we are currently staying in. That room is perfect because it gets plenty of sunlight. I like it there. Can''t Xiaoyi be the one using the other room instead?"<sub> </sub>

    "Thisˇ­" Su Suyin hesitantly looked at her eldest daughter, and upon receiving a nod of approval from Li Caiyi, only then did she was relieved.

    "Alright, then. Xiaohua will be the one taking that room."

    ***

    Li Caiyi packed her things as soon as she returned to her room. The twins'' room was the most spacious in the house since two people were upying the space. After Su Suyin called some men to move her stuff, like her bed, wardrobe, desk study, and other furniture, the room looked emptier with only Li Chunhua''s stuff inside.

    Li Caiyi didn''t mind which room she had to sleep in because she had been thinking of using a separate room as well. She only had so much stuff, so the moving process didn''t take long.

    Li Chunhua appeared at her room''s door when she was busy folding and stacking her clothes. She frowned with both arms folded in front of her chest. "This room is so narrow. I''m surprised you agree so easily. Just how much are you looking forward to this day toe, I wonder?"

    Ever since they fought, Li Chunhua had gotten more and more hostile toward her. However,pared to when she acted cute in front of her but secretly held a knife behind her back, Li Caiyi felt this version of Li Chunhua was a lot more tolerable. It felt like her sister finally showed her natural emotion without restraint.

    She thought it was good for Li Chunhua to bare herself clean in front of her, so Li Caiyi dly followed along with her.

    "Why is it my fault again? You are the one who suggested it, remember?"

    "Yeah, but you can at least try to fight it a bit! You are so no fun!" Li Chunhua stomped her feet annoyedly.

    "Well, this is good too, right? Now we don''t have to suffer in awkward silence every time our eyes meet," Li Caiyi said while diligently moving her hand. "If you aren''t going to help me, then you better buy something to decorate your room or something. It looks very empty now because the room is too big without my stuff."

    "You are pretending to be magnanimous and caring again. I bet you are secretly happy now I won''t be anywhere around you."

    "Well, I could say the same to you. I think you have grown tired of showing your good girl act in front of me."

    Li Chunhua scoffed. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I don''t have any intention of clinging to you again. I''m serious this time. I won''t even bat an eye even if you apologize to meter, do you hear me?"

    It might be just because Li Caiyi was still new to her change, but why did she find her sister a tad adorable this way? If Li Chunhua was a lovely house cat before this, then the current her was like a stray cat who wed at whoever approached her but secretly hoping for someone to pet her head.

    She kept saying she didn''t care but continued to appear in front of her as if she was afraid of being forgotten. Li Chunhua had always seen the world from a different point of view than her, so she felt it was useless toprehend how her mind was working.

    One thing for sure, Li Caiyi wasfortable with the distance between them right now. She felt even closer to Li Chunhua now that they had stopped being so self-conscious of each other. As they said, bickering with each other was also a sign of closeness, right?

    "Yes, yes. Whatever you said," Li Caiyi said nonchntly while turning her back on her sister, ignoring her tantrum after that.

 Chapter 139 Lets Get Along (1)

    Li Chunhua''s mood was foul all day. She actually didn''t want to fight with Li Caiyi, but she just couldn''t ept the fact that her sister was trying to separate from her.

    It reminded her about the first time Li Caiyi said they should keep some distance from each other, but she could sense that Li Caiyi''s seriousness this time was on a whole different level. If only she restrained herself the second she noticed Li Caiyi''s change, their rtionship probably wouldn''t be in this state. She had underestimated her sister this time.

    Li Chunhua could still live with it if Li Caiyi hated her, but she might die if her sister ignored her. Only when she acted brattily would her sister respond to her.

    When the school bell signaled the break time ring, Li Chunhua thought about ''bothering'' her sister again, so she went to her ssroom. Then, she saw Li Caiyi had fun chatting with her friends.

    Li Chunhua remembered her sister''s warning not to get too close to her friends again, and it made her feel sad. There was no way they would wee her after what she had done, so Li Chunhua aborted her n.

    She wasn''t in the mood to eat in the cafeteria, so she bought some bread plus a box of strawberry milk and went to the school backyard to organize her thoughts.

    S International High School had a beautiful garden in the backyard. The students could use the benches and spend time with their friends while enjoying nature. Bringing food and drinks inside this area was prohibited since many students didn''t clean up after their trash. Still, Li Chunhua used ''everything is permitted unless you get found out'' wisdom here.

    Li Chunhua deliberately chose a secluded spot behind a gigantic tree and sat there by herself. She chewed on her bread with a bored expression on her face.

    Days without Li Caiyi beside her felt long and tedious. She wanted to go home as soon as possible so she could bother her sister again.

    This ce was tranquil with little distraction, so Li Chunhua felt rxed while spending time here.

    "Oh? There is someone here first?"

    However, the tranquility was broken when she heard someone calling her. The disturbance annoyed Li Chunhua, so she pretended not to hear. She hoped this boy could quickly take a hint and leave far away.

    "Sure enough, it''s Li Caiyi''s sister!"

    When she heard someone mentioning Li Caiyi, her head raised automatically. A boy with a familiar face stood beside the tree behind her.

    He was pretty short with slightly curly hair, which rustled slightly with a tilt of his head. A pair of big and yful-looking eyes that stared at Li Chunhua was brimming with curiosity. A hint of smirk adorned his thin lips. His appearance gave off a defiant vibe, with those piercings twinkling under the sunlight in his ears and his ck-painted nails.

    Li Chunhua''s brain worked in a split second and immediately identified the person in front of her. "You areˇ­ from the cafeteria?"

    Shao Jingfei grinned widely as he sat on the other edge of the bench. "Yeah. Did youe here often? I used toe here from time to time, but I have never seen you here before."

    Li Chunhua frowned, seeing how he invited himself to sit on the bench. She came here to enjoy the tranquility, but she just had to bump into this cheeky boy here. This boy got a smart mouth and irked Li Chunhua to no end whenever he said something, so she preferred if he didn''t call out to her at all.

    "Can you go somewhere else? I kind of want to be alone here, and I found this spot first," Li Chunhua said snarkily.

    "Can''t we just share the same spot? I usually sit here every time Ie here, so this is like my designated seat."<sub> </sub>

    "I don''t care. I sit here first today, and that''s final."

    Shao Jingfei paid her no heed and casually opened his bread package. "Now, don''t say that, and let''s get along. Anyway, aren''t you going to eat with your sister today? Why are you eating here alone?"

    Li Chunhua realized that Shao Jingfei had no intention of leaving. Fortunately for him, although she was annoyed and wanted to yell at him, she just didn''t have the energy to argue.

    "If I had a promise like that, I wouldn''t be here sitting by myself, right? And don''t talk about my sister in front of me. I''m not in the mood to hear about it."

    "Why? Are you guys fighting or something?"

    "Are you even listening properly? I already said I don''t want to talk about her."

    "You clearly don''t look well at all. If you''re having a bad day, I can listen to your problem."

    Unlike Li Caiyi, she had a short fuse and was easily angered if she met someone whom she disliked, so she stood up with gritted teeth, "Forget it. I don''t want to eat here anymore."

    This time, Shao Jingfei reacted instead of just tantly ignoring her. "Hey! Where are you going? You haven''t finished your lunch yet!"

    "How can I eat when you keep running your mouth and force me to talk?" Li Chunhua red resentfully at him, and Shao Jingfei scratched his cheek awkwardly.

    "That isˇ­ My bad. I saw you looking absentmindedly at the sky earlier, so I thought I could cheer you up by hearing your story, but it seems I was being too nosy. It''s my bad habit."

    "Why do you want to know so badly, anyway?"

    "Well, your sister seems to be worried sick about you when you were kidnapped by those scary people, so I wonder what kind of fight you have with her since she is very nice and all."

    Li Chunhua''s corner of mouth twitched after hearing that. When she regained consciousness, she only listened to a bit about what happened to those loan sharks from Meng Renshu, but she never actually heard about how Dai Zhiqiang and her sister could find that ce. Now that Shao Jingfei mentioned it, she suddenly got curious.

    She slowly sat down on the bench again while clearing her throat, "Ahem. I guess I can listen to you if you want to talk about it so much. What happened after I was gone? And why did you know about it?"

    Shao Jingfei liked to share information he knew with other people, so he didn''t restrain himself and told Li Chunhua everything, from the first time he witnessed her going with those suspicious people until he parted ways with Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang.

    "So that''s the story. You were absent for a few days after that. I asked Li Caiyi, and she told me you copsed and have been hospitalized ever since the incident."

    "I see." Li Chunhua felt happy inside, knowing that her sister was worried about her. Although she wanted to be around Li Caiyi 24/7, her sister didn''t wish the same. It discouraged her so much she felt so drained of energy. But she felt better after hearing this Shao Jingfei''s story.

    "From the way I see it, you seem to be troubled about something. You can tell me about it if you want. I work as a side counselor for all my friends. I offer any kind of advice, from love advice to lottery advice!" Shao Jingfei grinned widely.

 Chapter 140 Lets Get Along (2)

    Li Chunhua snorted, "I highly doubted that."

    "Now, don''t say that. You can just try it for yourself if you doubt my ability." Shao Jingfei puffed out his chest proudly. Li Chunhua thought he looked stupid.

    But she was indeed a bit lost right now, so it might not hurt to tell him a bit. Yes, just a bit.

    "Hmm, so this isn''t actually about my story. It''s a story about my friendˇ­."

    "Hm, sure, sure," Shao Jingfei smiled knowingly and urged her to continue.

    "So my friend had a sister, and those two were inseparable since birth. It''s just that recently the older sister told my friend they had to separate because it wouldn''t be good for them to be together. My friend can''t understand the reason behind it, so she is in a pretty bad mood right now. I want to cheer her up, but I don''t know what advice I can give. If it were you, what would you say to her?" Li Chunhua asked curiously.

    "Well, I think the younger sister needs to chill down first. Did she know why her older sister would say that to her?"

    "Well, the thing isˇ­." Li Chunhua hesitantly told Shao Jingfei about how her friend had secretly sowed discord between her sister and her friends, which caused a rift between the siblings. At the end of her story, she added, "Don''t you think the older sister is too much? She just wants to make an excuse to leave my friend behind, isn''t that right?"

    Shao Jingfei didn''t know where he should even start. Was this girl an idiot or what? Wasn''t she supposed to be one of the top students in ss A?

    However, it was his job to give enlightenment to this lost littlemb, so he carefully chose his words before saying, "The way I see it, your friend is more of the problem here."

    "What?! Why? What did she even do?" Li Chunhua was dissatisfied with his answer.

    "I mean, I understand if she wants to be with her sister, but does she really need to go that far? She can''t prevent everyone from approaching her sister just because she doesn''t like it. Who the heck would do that, anyway? If I have a sister like that, I will run far away."

    "But what if those who approach her sister are the bad guys? Shouldn''t she feel happy about being protected instead?"

    "Isn''t that just what your friend thinks? Even if they are bad people, your friend''s older sister should be the one calling the shots. She has the right to decide if she wants them around her or not. Your friend can''t barge in anytime they want and decide that is the best for her sister. It''s selfish and uncalled for."

    Li Chunhua couldn''t believe what she had just heard. Why wouldn''t anyone understand her? It was as if she was the only one weird here!

    "Her older sister is weak and too nice for her own good. There are so many people who want to take advantage of her, so my friend has no choice but to do it." Li Chunhua still hadn''t given up yet and argued again.

    Shao Jingfei sighed in exhaustion. He could imagine what kind of ordeal Li Caiyi had to endure because of her sister. Honesty had always been his policy, so he didn''t hold back in his words at all.

    "Nevertheless, no one will like it if other people keep butting into their own business. Frankly speaking, your friend is an annoying and busybody person. No wonder her older sister is fed up with her if she is like that. The older sister did the right thing by taking some distance from her sister."

    Shao Jingfei''s words baffled her. Did he just call her annoying and busybody? Even Li Caiyi never spoke that harshly to her before!<sub> </sub>

    "Then again, your friend needs to have some life for herself. She wouldn''t have so much time in her hand to bother her sister if she had gone out and found something she was interested in instead."

    "Easy for you to sayˇ­." Li Chunhua mumbled with her head lowered. "Even if she goes out and wants to do something, there is not much she can do alone. Anyone who is supposed to be her friend will eventually leave her because she is too troublesome and gets in their way."

    "Well, there are plenty of things you can do, even without other people. You can be happy if you know how to y by yourself. I don''t think that excuse is a valid reason for your friend to hinder her older sister''s happiness. We should live by sharing our happiness, not our misery. At least, that''s what I thought."

    Shao Jingfei continued, "My advice to your friend is that she shouldn''t think of this situation as a bad thing. Her older sister probably did that to push her to live for herself. Tell your friend to reflect on her actions properly, and it''s about time to get out of her small world."

    Li Chunhua pressed her lips into a hard line. She was stupid for thinking that she could feel better by telling her problem to a stranger like him.

    It felt horrible for being told off by a person like him.

    It shocked Shao Jingfei when she saw Li Chunhua had tears rolled out of her eyes. He might sound harsh, but he had nothing but the twins'' best interest in mind. He considered himself a gentleman, but seeing Li Chunhua cry like that felt like a massive pang on his conscience.

    "A-ah! Don''t cry. My bad, okay? I shouldn''t have said something like that about youˇŞI mean, your friend." He said in fluster. His hands hovered in the air without knowing where he should ce them.

    Would it be better to let her cry it out in this situation? Or should he try to crack funny jokes here? But he couldn''t think of any good joke right now!

    Shao Jingfei kneeled down in front of Li Chunhua with a package of unopened bread in his hand. "I''ll give you this. This is a limited edition curry bread. I got scratches while fighting for this, so this bread is equal to my life. Please stop crying, okay?" He blurted whatever his brain could squeeze out at the moment.

    "You areˇ­ so annoyingˇ­." Li Chunhua said shakily in the middle of her hups.

    "Yes, yes, I''m the annoying one."

    "You areˇ­ so hatefulˇ­."

    "Yes, yes, I''m the hateful one."

    "Why do you have toe here and talk to me? If I knew it would make me feel like this, I shouldn''t have talked to you at all."

    "Eehhˇ­ This is technically a public ce, and no one forced you to talk, but I guess I''m a bit too nosy and pushy. I apologize, okay?"

    Li Chunhua sobbed for a few more minutes before she finally calmed down.

    After her cries subsided, a sense of shame rose inside her. She couldn''t believe she had just cried in front of this boy, and she kind of whined like a child too in front of him. So embarrassing!

 Chapter 141 The Day Of Coming Of Age Party (1)

    "Do you feel better now? Here, have some chocte." Shao Jingfei offered a chocte bar to her, and Li Chunhua couldn''t resist the temptation of sweets.

    "Thanks," she said in a low voice.

    "No problem. It''s kind of my fault for being too insensitive. It''s just that I have a high sense of justice, so when I heard your story, I can''t help but feel bad for Li Caiyi."

    "But I never said this is about my sister and me, though?"

    Shao Jingfei rolled his eyes. "Are we still going to continue talking in a roundabout way like this?"

    Li Chunhua bit on the chocte bar, and the sweet taste that spread on top of her tongue calmed her nerves. She didn''t wish for it to happen because it was embarrassing, but her body felt lighter now after venting out her stress by crying like that.

    "You seem to care about my sister so much." Li Chunhua said in a suspicious tone.

    "Well, it''s because she is my friend, and I''m also a big fan of her writing." Shao Jingfei grinned widely. "You should also try to read her writing if you have time. You will understand just how much effort she puts into everything if you do. She might be weak, as you said, but it doesn''t mean she will stay weak forever."

    "....Is it that good? Xiaoyi''s writing?"

    "Yeah! I have a copy of the manuscript she submitted for thest contest in my bag. We can drop by my ssroom after this to fetch it if you want."

    Come to think of it, although they knew Li Caiyi had won a contest before, nobody in their family actually read her writing. Her sister also never hinted at them to read it, as if she never hoped anyone would care enough to ask.

    Hearing how Shao Jingfei spoke so highly of it made Li Chunhua want to try as well.

    "I want to tryˇ­ reading it."

    Shao Jingfei immediately beamed like the brightest bulb. "Nice! It''s a guaranteed jackpot if I''m the one who rmends it. I''m sure you''ll like it as well. Feel free to join the Li Caiyi fan club after that."

    "There is something like that?! Tell me more about that fan club!" Li Chunhua was shocked to hear there was a fan club of her sister she had never been aware of.

    "Yes. For now, it only has me as a member, but with you, it will have two members. Hahaha!"

    Li Chunhua: "...."

    Why did she even take this boy''s words seriously?

    But he was a pretty good listener for a boy who was too nosy. If only he could tone down his yfulness a bit.

    ***

    Days passed quickly, and in no time at all, it was already the day of Meng Renshu''sing-of-age party.

    Li Caiyi felt a pain in her neck when she imagined a bunch of people would pay attention to herter, but butterflies were flying in her stomach whenever she glimpsed upon the beautiful midnight blue dress Meng Renshu had prepared for her.

    Someone came to deliver the dress today, and he even brought a pair of silver shoes and essories that matched the dress for her to wear. Meng Renshu was really meticulous with the preparation.

    Then, a group of women came to their house in the afternoon, iming to be people working for Young Master Meng, who came to help the twins to prepare for the party.

    Just how far did Meng Renshu have calcted all this beforehand? Li Caiyi was at a loss for words.

    However, since they had been sent here, she had no choice but to ept his grace.

    Li Caiyi sighed in resignation when onedy pushed her gently to sit on the chair and began to y with her hair.

    ***

    Meng Renshu checked on his watch for the nth time tonight while asionally ncing at the door,pletely ignoring all stares directed at him, the main character tonight.<sub> </sub>

    It wouldn''t be weird for him to be a center of attention fromdies of various ages attending the party because he indeed looked dazzling that night.

    A ck suit framed his lean and tall body made him look sharper tonight. It seemed like he was indeed bing a full-fledged man when he donned himself in that expensive-looking suit. His hair swept to the back, revealing his jade-like beauty for the entire world to admire.

    He was very polite when giving his greetings to all guests, but he had a mysterious air around him that made women''s hearts itched to know more about this charming young man with a dazzling smile. They held their breath together whenever they glimpsed upon his legs making a move, secretly hoping the Young Master Meng would suddenly take an interest in them and talk to them again, only to find themselves disappointed when he walked past them.

    It wouldn''t be long until the clock hit 7 AM, the time when the party would start. Everyone had high expectations for Young Master Meng''s first speech after bing an adult, so they gathered at the center of the room.

    Finally, when night began to settle, a group of certain guests appeared at the entrance, causing a fewmotions.

    Meng Renshu turned his head towards the source of it and smiled softly when the person he had been waiting for finally arrived. His gaze nailed on one figure, and he quickly strode in wide steps toward a girl who wore a midnight blue dress.

    The more he got closer to her, the more he fell into a trance. He was pleasantly shocked.

    The current Li Caiyi who stood in front of him waspletely different from the simple girl with sses or the mature girl who looked like a fairy. He had no words to describe the sight in front of him except one word: beautiful.

    Li Caiyi''s long ck hair was tied neatly with an updo hairstyle, with a few strands of hairs purposely let down. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, and her arm looked even fairer with gloves of the same color as the dress. Glitters on the dress were iparable with the twinkle in her eyes illuminated under the light. Her lips that pressed together nervously were covered with shiny cherry red lipstick, which was only a shade darker than the hue on her cheeks right now. It was alluring yet lovely at the same time.

    Meng Renshu was at a loss for words and could only stare at Li Caiyi dumbly for a few good seconds.

    He only regained his wits together again when a ball of light blue, or rather, Li Chunhua in a beautiful off-shoulder light blue dress, blocked his sight.

    "Brother Renshu, congrattions on youring of age!"

    He smiled and gave Li Chunhua''s head a gentle pat, inviting a lot of envy stares from the other female guests. "Thank you, Xiaohua. You looked lovely tonight."

    "As I should!" Li Chunhua puffed her chest out proudly.

    "Renshu, congrattions." After Li Chunhua, Li Jirong and Su Suyin also gave him a few words. They looked like a harmonious couple, with Li Jirong wearing a gray suit and Su Suyin with a modest white dress.

    "Auntie and Uncle, thank you foring today. I hope you enjoy the party." Meng Renshu politely bowed to both adults before nodding friendly at Li Junjie, who stood close behind them.

    After exchanging a few pleasantries with Li Jirong, it was finally Li Caiyi''s turn to congratte him. "Brother Renshu, congrattions."

    "Xiaoyiˇ­" Meng Renshu felt his throat suddenly dry because of nervousness. "You cameˇ­"

    "Well, I''m your partner tonight. I can''t ditch you at thest minute."

    "Yeah. Uhm, that dressˇ­ It suited you very much."

    Li Caiyi let out a simple smile as she caressed her skirt. "I should be the one thanking you for this beautiful dress."

    "Do you like it?"

    "It goes without saying, right?" Li Caiyi chuckled. "I was too upset at youst time, so I didn''t want to admit it, but this dress stole my heart at first nce."

    Meng Renshu felt a gush of warmth overflowed from his heart to all over his body, seeing her smile like that. All his efforts to prepare everything for her were all worth it.

    There was a sense of pride and joy in knowing that he was the one that made her happy like this.

    "Then, shall we go?" Meng Renshu offered his left arm to her.

    Li Caiyi looked at the arm in front of him with aplicated gaze before she finally nodded her head and encircled her arm in his.

 Chapter 142 The Day Of Coming Of Age Party (2)

    Meng Renshu stood proudly in front of all the people while giving his short speech.

    Li Caiyi watched him from a side with a distant gaze on her eyes. Although the room was packed with guests, she felt alone.

    In her previous life, Meng Renshu also delivered the exact same speech. The only difference this time was that he had Li Chunhua standing beside him then.

    She wasn''t Li Chunhua, so of course, she wouldn''t be standing beside him even if she technically was his partner tonight. Seeing him delivering the same speech all over again, Li Caiyi felt mncholic inside.

    After giving the speech, he politely bowed to the guest and gave a signal for the music to start. Then, he smiled at Li Caiyi, who stood among the crowd before walking towards her.

    "Xiaoyi," He called out to her with the gentlest smile she had ever seen from him. Then he reached out his hand towards her. "May I have this dance?"

    Li Caiyi had danced many times with him in her previous life. Most of them were obligatory dances when a banquet or party was held, but she had always looked forward to it. At least, in that short moment, Meng Renshu would only look at her and her alone. Although she didn''t know whether he was genuinely looking at her, or he tried to search for someone else''s visage by looking at her, Li Caiyi was still happy, nevertheless.

    She smiled mirthlessly as she looked down at his hand. What was she even doing, reminiscing about something that had happened in the past? Was the atmosphere of this ce made her feel nostalgic somehow and remember it again?

    Li Caiyi slowly put her hand in his. "Yes."

    Meng Renshu led her to the center of the room. By this time, everyone''s gaze was focused on them. Many stared with envy and some with admiration.

    They considered it a norm to wait for the party''s main character to have the first dance before the guest could follow along, so the floor was all theirs for the first song.

    Was it perhaps because the situation was terribly familiar with lots of parties she had attended in her first life? Unlike her usual self, Li Caiyi didn''t feel nervous at all this time. There was no excitement or anticipation in her heart. She only wanted to end this as soon as possible.

    Meng Renshu gently put her left hand on her waist, while Li Caiyi put her right hand on his shoulder. Their other hand met each other naturally as the slow music resonated in the room.

    The dance steps had been ingrained in Li Caiyi''s body, to the point she could move with her eyes closed. Meng Renshu also led her gently, just like always. It made everything even easier.

    "Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi looked up when she heard him calling her name. "Yes?"

    "Your mind is wandering. Are you feeling nervous?"

    "No, not really."

    "Then focus on me, will you?"

    Li Caiyi almost let out a gasp of surprise when his hold on her waist tightened, and he pulled her closer to him. In this distance, they were so close together she could hear the sound of their breathing. If she hadn''t had those dancing experiences in her previous life, she probably would slip and make a fool of herself.

    As though he had read her mind, Meng Renshu said, "I won''t let you fall. But at least, for now, I don''t want you to think of anything else but me." Meng Renshu whispered slowly beside her ears, and his voice vibration tickled her ear.

    "Brother Renshu, this is too close. I can''t move well like this," Li Caiyi said as she squirmed to gain some distance from him, but he didn''t give her room to do that at all.

    "Don''t worry, you danced beautifully just the way you are. Leave the rest to me."

    Li Caiyi could hear the sound of an elerated heartbeat, but she wasn''t sure if the sound was hers or his. She could also faintly smell his cologne from his suit. It was the smell of refreshing pinewood, a familiar and nostalgic smell she once liked so much.

    Li Caiyi could almost envision her and Meng Renshu dancing happily under a bright-lit chandelier. It was like a sight from a fairy-tale with lots of sparkles.<sub> </sub>

    Soon, the music ended, and Meng Renshu finally loosened his grip on her. Li Caiyi discreetly heaved a sigh as she stepped away from him.

    Li Caiyi felt a bit light-headed. Maybe all that spinning around made her dizzy.

    As the music for the next song flowed, Li Caiyi slipped in between a sea of people and made her way to the terrace. She needed a breath of fresh air.

    ***

    The chilly night wind hit her body and made her exposed skin shudder.

    Li Caiyi looked up and found it was the night of the crescent moon. Out of all things that happened inside this building, this scenery was perhaps the only thing that differed from what she remembered in her past life. It must be because the party was postponed for more than a week. Somehow, looking at that different moon gave her a sense offort.

    Li Caiyi leaned her back against the terrace pir and closed her eyes, faintly hearing the sound of night crickets. She felt suffocated until a few minutes ago, but she felt calmer now.

    As she basked in the night''s quietness, she couldn''t help but think about Shen Qiang. Did he also look at the same moon as her right now, under this starless night sky?

    "So you are here."

    Li Caiyi opened her eyes and saw Meng Renshu, who walked towards her. He had a ss of drink in both of his hands. It didn''t take a genius to guess he came here to look for her.

    "Brother Renshu, you shouldn''t be here. You are the main character today." Li Caiyi said.

    "Then what about you? You are the partner of the main character tonight. Shouldn''t you be inside now and apanying me?" Meng Renshu smiled as he offered a ss to her. "Don''t worry, this is non-alcoholic."

    Whether or not it was an alcoholic wouldn''t have made any difference to Li Caiyi, anyway. She indeed felt thirsty, so she took the ss from his hand. "Thank you."

    Meng Renshu waited until she took a sip before he asked worriedly, "Xiaoyi, are you perhaps not enjoying yourself? You seem to have been awfully distracted since earlier."

    Li Caiyi looked down at the clear ss in her hand, which reflected her shadow.

    She also took refuge in this ce in her previous life, as people in the room congratted Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua. Both of them looked like lovely couples blessed by everyone. Although Li Caiyi was happy for them, she still felt bittersweet inside, so she sneakily slipped out of the party and stayed here until the party was almost over.

    The only difference was that nobody came looking for her then.

    When she heard a familiar speech, all her memories of this party rushed back to her. It made her realize that she didn''t belong in this timeline and that everything looked the same, yet also different simultaneously. She didn''t drink any alcohol, but she felt like she was drunk for being so emotional over nothing. It was a feeling that was hard to be described.

    "I''m just a bit tired." Li Caiyi replied shortly.

    Meng Renshu studied her expression and was worried because she looked more dejected than usual. It was only he who felt all happy on his own.

    As soon as the dance ended, he saw Li Caiyi slip out of the crowd, and his feet just naturally brought him in the same direction as her.

    When he looked at her figure standing with closed eyes under the moonlight, he thought she appeared to be very lonely and sad about something. However, he doubted she would share her thoughts with him, considering how much she disliked him.

    Meng Renshu felt defeated when he thought about that.

 Chapter 143 Wedding Day (1)

    Li Caiyi took another sip of her drink. It tasted like fresh grape juice with a pretty strong smell, but it wasn''t unpleasant. She relished the sour after-taste it had on her tongue so much she didn''t notice Meng Renshu''s grave look.

    "Xiaoyi, I told you before that I have a hard time sleepingtely, didn''t I?" Meng Renshu asked as he leaned on the pir beside her.

    "Yes. Did it get better?"

    Meng Renshu smiled. "I don''t know yet. But one thing for sure, the time where I had the most peaceful sleeptely was when I slept beside you."

    "Cough!" Li Caiyi was caught off guard when she heard that. After her violent cough subsided, she recalled when both of them identally fell asleep beside each other at the hospital. She got embarrassed for thinking that Meng Renshu probably regained the memory of sleeping together in their previous life.

    "I-I see," she replied awkwardly.

    "Are you okay? You should drink slowly. Even if it isn''t alcoholic, this juice is a pretty strong one."

    "Yeah, I''m fine. More importantly, what do you mean by that?"

    Meng Renshu caressed the rim of his ss while looking down. "The other day, I said I was afraid you wouldn''t believe me, even if I told you about my dream. Can I say it to you now?"

    "Well, if it''s only listening, I can lend an ear."

    "Thank you." Meng Renshu took a deep breath before looking at Li Caiyi with aplicated gaze. "Actually, I have a hard time sleeping because of you."

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion, "You mean because I gave you headachetely, that''s why you can''t sleep well at night?"

    Meng Renshu shook her head. "No, not that. I had a dream. A bizarre yet familiar dream. About you and incidents which never urred but vividly shown in my dream."

    "Dreams are usually like that. You would asionally dream about an event that has yet to happen butter urred in the future. That''s where the d¨¦j¨¤ vu feeling often came."

    "At first, I also thought like that. Butter, I noticed that the scenery and sensation I felt in my dream were so familiar like I had ever experienced it before. It was more like a memory rather than a vision."

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to sound skeptical and asked him carefully, "Hmm, do you remember what kind of dream you see in your dream? Am I also included in it?"

    "Yes. You are always there in my every dream, to the point I think you are a ghost haunting me."

    "Well, that''sˇ­ Must feel horrible for you." Li Caiyi said sarcastically.

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "No, I don''t mean it in a bad way. It''s justˇ­ I have this strong feeling in my heart every time I wake up. It felt like my dream was trying to tell me something because it kept repeating every night without fail."

    "So, you are saying you are having the same dream every night consecutively?"

    "Not necessarily. I can''t remember the dream quite well, but I know my dream always ends in the same way." Meng Renshu gazed at Li Caiyi hesitantly.

    "How did your dream end every time? Is it rted to me again?"

    Meng Renshu slowly nodded his head. "At the end of my dream, you are always there. I think this is the reason my dream scared me so much. It was a sight I never wanted to see again."

    It surprised Li Caiyi to see a genuine fear flickered in his eyes. It was rare to see him feel afraid of something. For as long as she can remember, she never saw him looking this frightened. What kind of dream did he see that reduced him to this state?

    "What was I doing in your dream?" She asked carefully.

    Meng Renshu bit his lips. The fear in his eyes now mixed with a hint of anguish and sorrow.

    "You did nothing. Because in my dreamˇ­ you were dead."

    Thump.

    Li Caiyi felt the time suddenly flowing slowly in front of her. She could feel her heart beat clearly as it sped up with each breath she took. She was very familiar with this nagging and uneasy feeling.

    It was a sign of bad premonition.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi swallowed her saliva nervously as she asked in a stiff voice. "How? In your dream, how did I die?"

    Meng Renshu''s face looked like he was in pain. He hesitated a lot before finally answering, "You were in awful shape in my dream. I think it was suicide by jumping from a tall building. There was barely anything left in your head at all."

    Thump. Thump. Thump.

    Li Caiyi felt suffocated by how hard her heart was beating. Her breath became short andbored, and her head felt dizzy. The hold on her ss loosened as her hand trembled involuntarily.

    Meng Renshu, who saw that, immediately became rmed. He moved forward and sped her hand, which held the ss, to prevent it from falling. His eyes widened in surprise once he felt how cold and shaky her hand was.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­ Are you okay?" Meng Renshu asked urgently. His tone wasced with concern.

    Li Caiyi''s mind was spinning. A firm grip on her hand brought a sense of warmth, and it calmed her heart down a bit.

    "I-I''m fineˇ­." Li Caiyi said quietly, although she still felt a bit shaken.

    "You don''t look okay at all. Your face is pale, and you are cold like ice!"

    Li Caiyi forced herself to stand steadily and inhaled a lot of oxygen to clear her thoughts. Meng Renshu stood close to her throughout all that because he was worried she would fall if he let her go.

    His words earlier kept echoing in her brain. She already had a bad premonition the second he said he saw her die in his dream. Still, she didn''t expect him to even know how she had died in her previous life!

    But why? Why did he dream about such a thing? This was too good to be a mere coincidence.

    Meng Renshu''s dreamˇ­. Could it be?

    What if he alsoˇ­ kept his memory from the past?

    "Xiaoyi, how about we go in? I''ll ask the maid to prepare a room for you to rest." Meng Renshu didn''t quite understand her condition, but he assumed she was probably too shocked when he told him how she was dead in his dream. He wanted to know what made her so frightened like this?

    However, his primary concern right now was Li Caiyi''s health. Nothing was more important than that.

    His gaze subconsciously fell on how Li Caiyi held on his arm gingerly, as though she was reluctant to lean on him wholly. Meng Renshu wouldn''t mind even if she did, though.

    "Brother Renshuˇ­. Could you tell me more about those dreams of yours?"

    "Xiaoyi, that can wait for next time. I think you need something to sit onˇŞ"

    "No, please." Li Caiyi clenched on his suit, "Just say it here. I want to know more about what happened in your dream. Do youˇ­ I mean, is there anything else that happened in your dream? What else do you see?"

    Meng Renshu was very confused now. Despite her condition, he didn''t understand why Li Caiyi was so adamant in wanting to know about it. Her expression looked like she could cry anytime if he refused.

    "....Alright," Meng Renshu said reluctantly, and her hold on his suit loosened.

    "I can''t remember much, actually. It''s like a cut scene of a movie reyed in my dream repeatedly. However, everything is gone from my mind once I wake up. One thing for certain, no matter which cut scene I witnessed in my dream, it always ends in the same wayˇ­."

    "I seeˇ­."

    Li Caiyi felt lighter when she heard that. Meng Renshu didn''t have any reason to lie about this, so she took his words as it was. However, her relief was short-lived after she heard his following sentence.

    "Nevertheless, I feel like I can remember it much better than I didtely. I don''t know why, though."

    "What did you remember?" Li Caiyi asked nervously.

    This time, Meng Renshu was still hesitant, but his countenance was more embarrassed rather than sad. He averted his gaze from Li Caiyi''s before replying, "I dreamt about our wedding day."

 Chapter 144 Wedding Day (2)

    There was a white cloth table decorated with red roses in front of her. Slow and joyous music resonated throughout the spacious room. The light from the luxurious chandelier was reflected on the silver tableware. A giant cake upied the main table that looked majestic invited the attention of most of the guests in the room.

    It was the sight Li Caiyi saw at the moment. She had repeated the same question for the nth time in her mind, doubting whether the view in front of her was real or not, but she still couldn''t quite believe it.

    Li Caiyi didn''t believe this wedding was truly happening.

    Everyone was happily smiling and chatting, too immersed in the joyous asion. Some even could be seen ying games on the table in the corner. The bright weather today also contributed to the good mood in the room, but that spirit didn''t quite reach a few people in it.

    For example, her legally wedded husband sitting beside her.

    Li Caiyi sneaked a nce towards Meng Renshu, who had been sitting there quietly for some time. He asionally talked with some people who came to congratte their wedding with a smile on his face, but those smiles were more like an obligatory smile and not his genuine smile.

    Li Caiyi understood his feelings. Although a part of her heart felt happy with this situation, most of it was drowned in the sense of surreality and guilt. Everything happened so fast and so suddenly.

    Meng Renshu was very attentive to her, but she knew his attentiveness didn''te from romantic feelings but more like mandatory acts.

    Seeing him treating her so gently, all while smiling painfully at times, brought an ache to her heart every time. It reminded her all over again of how wrong this situation was.

    Li Caiyi shouldn''t be the one experiencing this happiness. This spot should be reserved for someone else.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­"

    Li Caiyi was snapped out of her thoughts when a familiar voice called out to her. A beautiful woman with her long ck hair tied to the back and wearing an ivory-colored dress smiled at her.

    "Xiaohua." Li Caiyi smiled back at her twin sister. "Have you tried the cake yet?"

    "No. Not yet. I thought I should congratte you once again before I walk around."

    Li Caiyi noticed the swell under her sister''s eyes, proof of all night crying. There was a new hint of red too on the corner of her eyes, as though she just came back after crying. Despite her effort to hide it with make-up, it was still discernible if one looked at it close enough.

    A pang of guilt hit Li Caiyi''s chest again when she looked at Li Chunhua''s weak smile. People would think that Li Chunhua was so happy for her sister that she cried from happiness in a normal setting. However, the reality was always more bitter than people''s imagination.

    Faced with her sister''s sincere gaze and congrattory words, Li Caiyi could do nothing but lower her head in shame. While her sister was crying her eyes out, she secretly enjoyed this situation. Just how despicable she could be?

    The word of apology was already on the tip of her tongue when a deep voice came from beside her.

    "Thank you, Xiaohuaˇ­." Meng Renshu smiled weakly. He also had dark circles under his eyes, signaling hisck of sleep.

    They stared at each other for a few seconds before Li Chunhua looked away first and smiled at Li Caiyi. "Then I''ll go and eat first. See youter, Xiaoyi."<sub> </sub>

    She didn''t say a word to Meng Renshu throughout all that.

    Meng Renshu didn''t show any emotion on his face, but Li Caiyi knew he must be hurting inside since he never cast his gaze away from Li Chunhua''s figure.

    Li Caiyi knew he put on that front for her. On this happy day, it would be weird if the groom looked grim and filled with sorrow. His consideration of her only brought more pain to her heart.

    "Aren''t you going to chase after her?"

    Before she could stop herself, Li Caiyi already said that out loud. Meng Renshu was astonished and broke out of his stupor when he heard that. Then he let out a self-deprecatingugh.

    "What will change if I do that? Besides, I can''t leave my wife to chase after my ex-girlfriend on an important day like this, right?"

    ''Even though you must have wanted tofort her so badly,'' Li Caiyi bit her lips.

    She opened her mouth to apologize once again, but Meng Renshu''s finger on her lips stopped her once again.

    "I know what you want to say, but don''t say it. This isn''t your fault, Xiaoyi. You don''t have to feel bad for us."

    Then he grabbed her hand under the table and gave it a light squeeze. "Look at your hand. You clenched it so hard it left a mark on your palm."

    "I-Iˇ­" Li Caiyi couldn''t think of any words but an apology. She felt even more guilty when Meng Renshu treated her gently like this. At times when she should be the oneforting him, heforted her instead. His smile was weary, but his eyes, which looked at Li Caiyi''s, were as warm and gentle as always.

    ''Ah, what should I do? I really love this person, after all. I know I shouldn''t feel like this, but I''m just so happy,'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "You are getting teary eyes again. We can''t have the bride ruin her beautiful face on her wedding day, or people would think badly of me, so please smile for me, okay?"

    "Brother Renshuˇ­ I-I don''t know what to say." She said while holding back a sob.

    "You don''t have to worry about anything. Even if this marriage isn''t something we both desired, I promise to make you happy. So please thank me instead of apologizing. Can you do that?"

    He was treating her like a child again. Meng Renshu had always been like that. Always so patient and understanding when coaxing her.

    ''Someday, I want to be a person worthy to stand by his sideˇ­.''

    On that day, Li Caiyi made another vow inside her heart. She swore she would do anything to make this person happy. No matter what.

    That was all she could do for him.

 Chapter 145 Wedding Day (3)

    After some time passed, the MC announced it was finally the time for the married couple to dance together. Everyone dispersed from the main floor to give the couple some room. Li Caiyi was so nervous her hand became mmy.

    "Rx. Don''t look at anyone else. Just look at me. That way, you feel less nervous," Meng Renshu whispered beside her ears, making Li Caiyi''s cheek heated up. She felt even more nervous now!

    Meng Renshu put his hand on her waist, and his other hand was holding her hand.

    Li Caiyi was not that knowledgeable about dancing, but she learned it a bit once. It was awkward at first, but her movement gradually became more rxed.

    Meng Renshu led her wlessly. Thanks to him, her body moved naturally throughout the song, and his cool hand felt so soothing.

    Li Caiyi looked up, and her eyes met with Meng Renshu''s beautiful one. The sight mesmerized her, and she felt like a princess in a fairy-tale right now. Among all women in the world, she was able to get married to her dream prince. How lucky she could be?

    "How is it? It''s not so scary anymore, right?" Meng Renshu smiled while looking down at her.

    "Yeshˇ­ I-I mean, yes!"

    "Haha, you got tongue-tied. It seems you are still a little nervous, after all."

    Li Caiyi did feel nervous, but not for the reason he had in mind. There was no way she could tell him that, though.

    They spun a few times after that, following the beat of the music. Li Caiyi was very careful not to step on his foot and make a fool out of herself, but she would asionally sneak a peek at her dance partner''s face just so she could etch this happy moment in her memory forever.

    However, instead of his usual smile, Li Caiyi was greeted with a stiff look on his face this time. She noticed he seemed to stare at something out of the corner of his eyes, so she carefully followed his line of sight.

    At the end of his gaze, Li Chunhua stood by herself with a bitter smile on her face.

    It immediately awakened Li Caiyi from her dreand.

    For her, this sight was probably the most beautiful scene she had ever seen in her life, but how about Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua? She bet her sister must feel devastated right now, watching his beloved getting married and dancing with another woman. No matter how much she put on a tough front, Li Chunhua was a regr woman and not immune to this.

    Meng Renshu also visibly looked distracted after that. His perfect sense of rhythm was disturbed, and their dance was out of sync a few times. He kept trying to steal a nce at Li Chunhua without making it obvious, but with a lousy dance partner like Li Caiyi, there was no way he could maintain his previous excellent pace anymore.

    Li Caiyi stared at Meng Renshu''s face for thest time before a small smile appeared on her lips.

    "Brother Renshu, my feet feel a bit hurt."

    Meng Renshu, who was distracted a moment ago, finally regained her focus when he heard that. "Are you okay? Probably because you wore heels and stood for a long time."

    "Yes. Would it be a problem if we stop dancing now?"

    He shook his head. "No. Your well-being is more important. Shall we stop now?"

    Li Caiyi nodded, so Meng Renshu waved his hand slightly to give a signal to the MC. The quick-witted MC caught his indirect order and immediately announced the next agenda. At the same time, Meng Renshu led Li Caiyi out of the main floor.

    "Do you need me to call for someone?" Meng Renshu asked worriedly.

    "No need. I''m sure I will get better after some rest, so can I take a rest for a bit in the other room first? I promise I will be back before the next agenda," Li Caiyi smiled.<sub> </sub>

    "Good idea. Let me take you there."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No need. Brother Renshu, you can stay here and talk with other guests. It would be bad if the bride and groom were gone for a long time. One of us should stay."

    Meng Renshu thought for a bit before he nodded his head. "You''re right. Be careful on your way, don''t hurt yourself."

    "Yes." Li Caiyi smiled. "In the meantime, you should also go talk to Xiaohua."

    Meng Renshu was stunned for a moment. Then he shook his head with a forlorn look on his face. "I shouldn''t."

    "But you want to talk to her, right?"

    "Even so, how can I face her in my current situation? I have failed her." Meng Renshu said sadly.

    "All more reason for you to talk to her. If you let this day end without saying anything to her, I have a feeling you will regret itter."

    Meng Renshu was silent, but Li Caiyi could see something flickered inside his eyes. He only needed one more push.

    She shed the biggest smile she could muster as she pushed him from the back in the literal meaning. "Less worrying and act more! Don''t think too much and just do it!"

    Meng Renshu looked back at Li Caiyi, and his expression gradually changed into a determined one. "I will try talking to her. I can''t just leave her like this, after all."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head firmly. "En, I know. Go quickly, Xiaohua must have been waiting for you."

    "Then I''ll see youter." Meng Renshu said before he walked briskly toward Li Chunhua. His unsure steps eventually became faster and faster, and he didn''t look back even once.

    Li Caiyi''s smile slowly faded as the dyed pain assaulted her. She turned around and walked out of the room while holding his skirt.

    She entered a VIP room in the back of the wedding hall, which had been transformed into a bride waiting room, and plopped herself down on the couch. There was nobody but her in the room right now because everyone was enjoying themselves in the hall.

    "Does every wedding always feel this exhausting?" Li Caiyi muttered as she gave her shoulder a massage.

    Actually, her feet didn''t hurt at all. However, the pain she felt as she witnessed Meng Renshu''s heart-wrenching face from up close was akin to slicing her heart. How could she bear to force him to continue doing something that would hurt him?

    She felt like a hypocrite because she hoped that Meng Renshu wouldn''t leave her for a second back there. Once that thought surfaced, she felt so ashamed and angry at herself.

    "They are in love with each other, so it shouldn''t be surprising anymore." Li Caiyi convinced herself, but the sourness in her heart couldn''t be suppressed. "Stupid Li Caiyi. You are the one who told him to go, so what are you feeling disappointed about? Both of them have a harder time than you. Stop being so selfish."

    Li Caiyi leaned her back against the backrest and covered her eyes with her arms.

    After resting for a good twenty minutes, she returned to the wedding hall and found Meng Renshu with a gloomier expression on his face. He was so out of it he didn''t even notice Li Caiyi''s arrival. She could tell immediately that their talk didn''t work out.

    The wedding ended in such a heavy mood between the involved parties. It left an unpleasant taste in the bride and groom''s tongue and was an unforgettable wedding in many ways.

 Chapter 146 First Meeting With Ex-Mother-In-Law And Sister-In-Law (1)

    Li Caiyi''s mind automatically reyed the memory of her wedding day in her head. Honestly, although it wasn''t a very joyous wedding, it was one of the best days in her life. She only stopped reminiscing after he heard Meng Renshu''s words.

    "I know it''s silly, and there''s not much I can remember about that dream. I only vaguely remember you wearing a white wedding dress."

    Li Caiyi raised her head and saw Meng Renshu, who awkwardly put a hand behind her neck. For him, this probably was just one of the weird dreams he had, but for Li Caiyi, everything was real.

    What was the meaning of this? There was no way Meng Renshu would just randomly dream about the event that truly transpired in their previous life. Li Caiyi had an uneasy feeling about all this.

    It did not seem Meng Renshu had aplete memory of their previous life based on his story. He said he couldn''t remember most of it once he woke up, so did it mean his memories would graduallye back to him? Or was there another reason behind that?

    She was having a hard enough time just from searching for Shen Qiang. She couldn''t imagine what would happen if Meng Renshu suddenly gained his previous life''s memory. Everything would be a massive mess!

    But she couldn''t freak out now. She forced herself to calm down and said, "I see. Thank you for telling me."

    "Don''t think too much of it. Even though the dream always ends in a bad way, I don''t see it oftentely."

    "Yes, thank goodness. If you are having a hard time again, I advise you to seek professional help."

    "Well, I actually have a better idea to ease my symptomsˇ­." Meng Renshu''s words trailed off, making her curious.

    "Did you find another way?"

    <o>,m Meng Renshu stared at Li Caiyi deeply for a few seconds before smiling sheepishly. "No, please forget what I just said. I will try asking the expert about it."</o>

    "Good." Li Caiyi realized she was still clinging to his sleeve, so she quickly put down her hand. "Then shall we return inside? I can''t keep the main character here for long."

    He chuckled. "Yes, let''s go."

    ***

    "Xiaoyi, where have you been?"

    Li Caiyi was just returning from the terrace with Meng Renshu when Li Chunhua suddenly appeared in front of her. She puffed her cheeks as if she was dissatisfied about something.

    "I was on the terrace until a moment ago because it felt stuffy inside. I wanted to breathe some fresh air."

    Li Chunhua stared at Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu alternately with a suspicious look. She really couldn''t let her guard down for a second! She looked away for a few minutes, and her sister had gone with someone else behind her back.

    She was about to barrage her sister with various questions when she suddenly recalled what that nosy boy had told her a few days ago. He said she should reflect on her mistake, or her sister would bepletely fed up with her.

    Li Chunhua clenched his jaw as she suppressed the irritation and put on an innocent smile instead. "Is that so? Good, then."

    Li Caiyi frowned, looking at her sister''s crooked smile. "Why are you looking for me? Did something happen?"

    "I''m not looking for you, but Mom is! She said you still haven''t paid Auntie your greeting, so you should go now."

    Li Caiyi grimaced inwardly when she heard that. She was so distracted by her conversation with Meng Renshu on the terrace that she forgot there was still some hurdle she had to pass tonight.<sub> </sub>

    She had to meet with her ex-mother-inw.

    "Xiaoyi, do you want to greet my mother first? Or do you prefer to eat something first?" Meng Renshu asked her.

    Li Caiyi felt her stomach would churn ufortably if she had something in her stomach when she talked to her mother, so she shook her head.

    "No. It''s not good to keep the older one waiting, so let''s go greet Auntie first."

    Meng Renshu quickly spotted his mother from far away and led the twins there. Li Caiyi''s steps felt heavy as they slowly approached a woman wearing a red qipao dress and white furry scarf.

    One look, and anyone could tell that this woman wasn''t an ordinary woman. She mingled with the crowds and chatted so naturally with so many people at once. Although she was already in her 40s, her face still glowed like women in their early 30s.

    Li Caiyi learned how to be a proper Madam Meng from this woman. From that experience, she knew that Qin Xiangjun was difficult to please. She''d better watch her tone and manner of speech when she talked to her.

    "Mother, I''m here." Meng Renshu came forward and greeted her first.

    "You''re finally here? That took you a long time," Qin Xiangjun said without anger in her voice. She sounded graceful, and with Meng Renshu standing beside her, they looked like a beautiful mother-son pair. It seemed Meng Renshu inherited her mother''s pretty look in his veins.

    "Mother, you already know them. They came to pay their greetings to you," Meng Renshu said as he nced at the twins.

    "Good evening, Auntie. You look stunning tonight!" Li Chunhua greeted her first, and Qin Xiangjun smiled upon hearing herpliment.

    "Thank you, dear. You are also looking stunning yourself. Is that dress from the currently rising brand?"

    "Yes! I saw this when I was shopping with Mom and immediately fell in love with it!"

    Qin Xiangjun chuckled, "Xiaohua is always full of energy."

    Li Caiyi finally saw her chance and gave her greetings while bowing her head slightly, "Good evening, Auntie."

    Qin Xiangjun subtly scanned her from up to down. Thest time she remembered, Li Caiyi was a dull and timid-looking girl, but she looked very radiant tonight. Her dress was one thing, but she also seemed less fidgety than usual. Furthermore, her way of giving greetings was impable. She was pleasantly surprised.

    "How are you, Xiaoyi? You have grown prettier since thest time I saw you."

    "I''m doing fine, Auntie. It''s all thanks to Brother Renshu''s care. But I still couldn''t possiblypare with the real beauty in front of me."

    "Oh my, what a sweet mouth you have. You are much more of a smooth-talker as well."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t this confident in her previous life, so Qin Xiangjun didn''t like her very much. For her, Li Caiyi was unfit to be the Meng family''s daughter-inw; that was why she never had a good impression on her, no matter how hard she tried to please her.

    Although their rtionship took a worse turn after her marriage with Meng Renshu, Qin Xiangjun was usually pretty amiable. As a high-ss socialite, she possessed excellentmunication skills, so her charm attracted many people. It didn''t matter if you were a man or woman, young or old.

    Li Caiyi used to look up to her as the ideal woman she wanted to be, but her point of view changed after her marriage. Behind her gentle and friendly smile, Qin Xiangjun was a very impatient and demanding person. Her temper quickly red up if she witnessed something she disliked.

    Li Caiyi just happened to be under that category, so her expression always turned uglier whenever she saw her.

 Chapter 147 First Meeting With Ex-Mother-In-Law And Sister-In-Law (2)

    "Mom, Brother, there you are!"

    While they were chatting leisurely, a feminine voice suddenly came from behind. Li Caiyi felt her blood run cold when she heard that familiar voice. She slowly turned around, and as expected, she was there.

    A girl wearing a short red dress with a sweetheart neckline walked over with a big smile on her face. She had a petite figure and short hair. Her upturned eyes squinted when she saw the twins before her smile also stiffened.

    This girl was Meng Shuchun, Meng Renshu''s little sister, and currently in her third year in middle school.

    Even now, the memory of Meng Shuchun coldly pping the divorce agreement on top of the table in front of her was still vividly remained in her head. Li Caiyi could easily picture it once she closed her eyes.

    From the first time they met, Meng Shuchun had always held animosity towards her and Li Chunhua. She once suspected it might have something to do with Meng Renshu, who doted on the twins as much as he doted on Meng Shuchun. Hence, Meng Shuchun was jealous and developed a bad habit of bullying them, but Li Caiyiter realized her assumption was wrong.

    Meng Shuchun was just a bully, no more and no less. She had been spoiled since she was young and thought that everyone should bow before her. When Li Caiyi officially became a part of the Meng Family, her antics grew worse and worse.

    In a way, Meng Shuchun''s personality was simr to Li Chunhua, with the only difference being that Meng Shuchun was meaner. Li Chunhua loved to manipte people who disturbed her, but she never harmed random people who never tried to hurt her first.

    Meanwhile, Meng Shuchun could bully anyone just because she felt like it. No matter how unscrupulous her action was, she could always get away with it.

    She absolutely despised those who tried to approach her family with bad intentions. In her eyes, the Li siblings were included in that category. Meng Shuchun always had this mindset that Li sisters deliberately tried to get close to her brother to take advantage of him.

    Li Caiyi could faintly hear Li Chunhua click her tongue beside her, indicating her displeasure when Meng Shuchun stopped in front of them.

    "Brother, where have you been? I want to introduce you to my friends, but you are nowhere to be found," Meng Shuchun pouted.

    "I believe I have greeted your friends earlier?" Meng Renshu tilted his head in confusion.

    "Yeah, but how can you leave abruptly, just like that? I always brag about you in front of my friends, so they are curious about you. Stay with us a bit more!"

    "I''m not an expensive bag you can brag about, you know?" Meng Renshu said helplessly, but she wouldn''t be Meng Shuchun if she took ''no'' as an answer.

    ? "Come on, just a little more, okay? You just have to respond to them a few times with some cool words, then I won''t bother you anymore. My name is on the line here!"

    "Shuchun, don''t be willful. I know you will only increase your demand after that, like wanting me to speak or show something to impress your friend. There would be no end to your whims."

    Meng Shuchun frowned with her lips curved down before ring at the twins resentfully. Looking at her expression, she must have thought that the twins were the ones that coaxed her brother to stay.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi could never understand this girl''s logic no matter how long time had passed. It was like nothing was ever her fault at all. If something went wrong, it was all other people''s fault and never hers.

    Thankfully, Qin Xiangjun interfered before this firecracker girl roasted them again. "Xiaochun, your brother is right. It wasn''t proper for the main character to leave the rest of the guests just to entertain your friends. He still has a lot of other people to greet. You and your friend can wait until the next opportunity."

    "But Mom, my friends are really looking forward to it. They wanted to speak more with Brother because he was amazing when he was giving a speech earlier, and I already promised them I would bring him to them."

    "You shouldn''t make promises you can''t keep. Anyway, what are you doing suddenly barging in and whining without even greeting the guest in front of you?"

    Meng Shuchun red at the twins hatefully again upon hearing her mother reprimand her because of them.

    Uh-oh.

    She scanned the twins up and down openly, making Qin Xiangjun frown in dissatisfaction, but Li Caiyi knew she would never criticize her daughter''s manner in front of other people. If we were to useparison, Qin Xiangjun was like a mother wolf who was really protective of her cubs. The most she would do was only reprimand them softly in front of other people but never directly criticize them.

    Meng Shuchun snorted before she said, "Well, I guess you guys look decent this time."

    "Shuchun!" Meng Renshu hissed beside her.

    "What? I said nothing wrong. I bet their gown is something you have prepared, isn''t that right, Brother?" She sneered before she continued, "Life sure is convenient for some people."

    "Hey, stop it now, or I''ll get angry!" Meng Renshu grabbed her sister''s arm with a warning look on his face.

    Meng Shuchun red at him before harshly tugging her arm out of his grip. "What? What did I say wrong? You didn''t even bat an eye when I asked you to help me prepare my dress, too. In the end, it was Mom who helped me!"

    "That''s because you already had a lot of dresses. There are some you have never used too."

    "Then, you are admitting I''m right? They deliberately disy their pitiful self in front of you, so you will take pity on them. I''m only telling the truth; you''re the one who is fooled by them, Brother!" Meng Shuchun argued with a pretty loud voice, gathering people''s attention.

    Meng Renshu, who noticed a lot of eyes were on them, cast an apologetic look towards the twins. Qin Xiangjun frowned in disapproval but said nothing to relieve the tension.

    It was almost as if she was waiting to see what kind of response the twins would give. Her habit of pushing others into a pressuring situation was still the same as ever.

 Chapter 148 A Test (1)

    "Straighten your back and lift your chin more. Don''t dart your eyes around! Don''t move so stiffly like that!"

    Li Caiyi tried hard to keep up with the instructions, but this position was tough to maintain. She had been practicing the correct way of walking for a few hours, but she couldn''t seem to do it right. The stack of books on top of her head was heavy, making her neck sore.

    However, Li Caiyi dared not toin under her mother-inw''s piercing gaze. She took a deep breath and recalled the instructions from the top again.

    Qin Xiangjun stared at Li Caiyi''s form with a deep frown on her face. She was already dissatisfied with her son''s marriage, even more so when she found out that her daughter-inw honestly had nothing worthy to talk about. Her son was such an excellent man, so how could his wife be any less than perfect as well?

    She really didn''t understand why her husband was so adamant about marrying Meng Renshu with Li family''s daughter.

    If it were Li Chunhua, perhaps Qin Xiangjun wouldn''t be this distraught. Because although she also didn''t like Li Chunhua that much, she was still more tolerable than her dull and gloomy twin sister. It was already frustrating that she had to be content with her son''s unsatisfying marriage, but her daughter-inw was just too much of a disappointment. She couldn''t introduce her to her circle of friends like this.

    "What kind of etiquette did the Li family teach you? How can you not know how to walk properly at your age?" Qin Xiangjun sighed in exasperation.

    "I-I''m sorry, Mother. Let me try it again." Li Caiyi said.

    "You already said that three times and the result is still the same. No matter how bad you are, this is just too much. Are you perhaps doing this on purpose?"

    The sudden usation baffled Li Caiyi. "No! Of course not! I''m really trying my best here."

    "Then, why don''t I see any improvement until now? We have been doing this routine for days, and I have yet to see any improvement in you. Even my patience has its limit. If you''re not determined to improve, then just forget it. I don''t want to waste my time with someone like that."

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to anger her mother-inw, so she lowered her head subserviently and said apologetically, "I''m sorry."

    However, that attitude only irked Qin Xiangjun further. Her impatience got the best of her, so she stood up angrily and left the room without saying anything, leaving Li Caiyi, who stood awkwardly with books on top of her head.

    Li Caiyi watched how Qin Xiangjun left angrily and felt a heavy pressure on her heart. It had been two weeks since Li Caiyi was married to the Meng Family, and she was required to follow an etiquette lesson once every two days.

    She knew her mother-inw was dissatisfied with her, so she didn''t refuse when Qin Xiangjun advised her to take on the lesson. However, even Li Caiyi didn''t know she would be so bad at it.

    Every kid from an influential or wealthy family was supposed to receive etiquette lessons from childhood, and Li Caiyi wasn''t an exception. Her manner wasn''t excellent, but it was still decent.

    Unfortunately, just ''decent'' wasn''t eptable in this house. Qin Xiangjun wanted the best partner for Meng Renshu. That was why she pushed Li Caiyi harder every day.<sub> </sub>

    Considering how Qin Xiangjun was one of the best socialites in the whole city, Li Caiyi understood why she had such a high standard. Still, she didn''t expect her training to be this rigorous. Even after Li Caiyi practiced independently, she still couldn''t keep up with Qin Xiangjun''s standard. Her inadequateness frustrated even herself.

    "No, don''t give up. Let''s do this again." Li Caiyi said to herself. She straightened her back and repeated the instructions Qin Xiangjun told her once again.

    ***

    Today was a birthday banquet for one of Meng Corporation''s business partners. Meng Renshu had been trying to reach out to this person to cooperate with hispany, so this banquet was extremely important to him.

    Among the guests who attended the banquet, Li Caiyi always stuck close to Meng Renshu as they walked around. Usually, Meng Renshu would do the bulk of talking, and Li Caiyi would only need to respond and talk asionally. However, this time was different because Qin Xiangjun suddenly asked him to lend Li Caiyi to her.

    Meng Renshu was reluctant at first because he knew how bad Li Caiyi was when talking to a stranger, but Qin Xiangjun assured him she would look after her, so he relented.

    "Don''t worry about anything and just rx. Mother will be there for you if you need any help." Meng Renshu smiled at Li Caiyi. "If you already finished with yourdies'' talk,e to me anytime."

    Li Caiyi was the mostfortable beside Meng Renshu on asions like this, but she knew she couldn''t be willful here. As the Madam of the Meng Family, she couldn''t avoid socializing with people forever.

    Moreover, Qin Xiangjun would be even more dissatisfied with her if she always used Meng Renshu as her shield.

    "Yes, I understand. I''ll see youter, Renshu."

    Meng Renshu nodded his head before he walked away. Li Caiyi still felt awkward calling him by only his first name, but it would be weird if she called him the way she used to.

    "Have you finished talking? Then, shall we go?" Qin Xiangjun said as she beckoned her daughter-inw to follow her.

    Li Caiyi obediently followed her, and Qin Xiangjun took her to a table in the center of the room, where a fewdies of various ages sat together. They all looked sophisticated and elegant, but Li Caiyi couldn''t help but shudder when their eyes fell on her. She felt like a mouse that had been caught in a hawk''s gaze.

    "Introduce yourself first. There are my friends, and they have always wanted to meet you," Qin Xiangjun said while putting her hand on Li Caiyi''s back. However, she could also feel that hand slightly pinched her back as if warning her not to mess up.

    Li Caiyi swallowed her saliva nervously. Every single person on this table looked at her with a smile on their face, but their eyes were measuring her from hair to toe.

 Chapter 149 A Test (2)

    "I have heard a lot of things about you from Mother. I''m Renshu''s wife, Li Caiyi. It''s my pleasure to meet you all," Li Caiyi said as she hurriedly tried to remember the perfect angle while giving a greeting bow. Qin Xiangjun had repeatedly told her not to bow too low or too high, so she did just that.

    "Nice to meet you. What a pretty daughter-inw. Xiangjun is really lucky this time," said the woman in a red dress.

    "Yes, she looked young and cute, just like a fawn," said the other woman in a ck dress.

    Qin Xiangjunughed softly at thepliment. "Oh, please don''t tter her too much, or you would embarrass her. She is still newlywed and shy."

    The other also followed suit andughed along with her jokes. Li Caiyi didn''t find it funny at all, but she had no choice but to pretend here.

    Everything went smoothly after that. Qin Xiangjun showed her to her seat, and the chat went on peacefully. It was so peaceful that Li Caiyi''s tense shoulders rxed a lot.

    She had a bad feeling when Qin Xiangjun called her so suddenly earlier, but now that she had met her friends, it wasn''t bad at all. These women were all cultured women with vast knowledge, so she learned a lot from listening to them.

    Li Caiyi thought that perhaps her mother-inw was trying to help her integrate into her circle by introducing her like this. Qin Xiangjun might be strict and harsh with her words sometimes, but she wasn''t that heartless to let Li Caiyi keep following Meng Renshu like a chick.

    Back then, Li Caiyi sincerely felt thankful for her mother-inw, without knowing that it was just the calm before the storm.

    "Come to think of it, howe the name of Renshu''s wife I heard before was different? Is it some kind of misunderstanding or something?"

    "Me too. As far as I know, isn''t his soon-to-be wife ady named Li Chunhua?"

    "Can you enlighten our old mind a little? You can tell us everything."

    Thump.

    Li Caiyi felt her heart just fall to her feet when she heard them mention her sister''s name. Before this, there were actually many people who were curious about the so-called ''love triangle'' between the three, but no one ever actually dared to ask that out loud, fearing they would offend the Meng family.

    Meanwhile, although the Li family was a family with a long history, they weren''t actually influential or wealthy enough to stand beside the biggest pharmaceuticalpany in the country. Everyone thought it was the Li family''s fortune to marry their daughter to the Meng family.

    However, many were displeased with this because some other families lost their chance to integrate further with the Meng family. Rumors began to spread to smear the name of both families. Although those rumors had been suppressed, some people still talked about them.

    They said that Young Master Meng caused an ''ident'', and thus he was forced to marry the older twin instead of the younger one, who was supposed to be her girlfriend then.

    Of course, it enraged Meng Renshu when he heard that rumor. Not only did it defame his name, but also the twins. He quickly moved his people to search for the culprit who spread that malicious rumor, but unfortunately, there was no result. It meant that the culprit must be someone influential, most likely came from the upper-ss society as well.

    This was why Meng Renshu was always worried about leaving Li Caiyi alone at a public event like this. He was afraid something might say something rude in front of her, and she would be helpless against such nder. Unbeknownst to him, his protective attitude displeased his mother because it gave her the impression that Li Caiyi couldn''t do anything without her husband.

    Li Caiyi, who was stuck between the two, was conflicted. One was worried about her, and the other had a solid reason for disliking her.<sub> </sub>

    She was currently faced with the same scenario Meng Renshu tried hard to avoid. Li Caiyi raised her head slightly to look at her mother-inw, who stared back at her with an expecting gaze, waiting for her to answer.

    ''Ah, so that''s itˇ­.'' Li Caiyi thought, ''She isn''t trying to help me integrate with her circle of friends. She was testing me.''

    There was no way anyone would dare to tantly ask something like this in Qin Xiangjun''s presence, who was infamous for her protectiveness towards her cubs. The only usible exnation was that her mother-inw set this situation up herself.

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously upon realizing that. She couldn''t make a mistake here, or Meng Renshu and her sister probably would be implicated as well!

    Li Caiyi chose her words carefully and while disying a polite smile. "Li Chunhua is my twin sister, and it was true that she and my husband were in a rtionship before, but they had broken up peacefully before our marriage. It seems there are still many people who are confused about that, so it''s no wonder you feel that way."

    Everyone already knew about Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua''s rtionship because they were a famous couple in this circle, so trying to lie about it would be useless.

    "I heard rumors from somewhere that Li Chunhua was supposed to be your husband''s current wife, but howe the decision changed so suddenly? Ah, please don''t think negatively about my question. This olddy is just asking casually. It''s okay if you don''t want to answer."

    No answer was akin to confirmation here. What would be the correct answer here? Avoiding the topic wasn''t the best option because Qin Xiangjun wouldn''t like that. However, no matter how much she worked her brain, she couldn''t find any satisfying answer without having to pull down one of the three. Either Meng Renshu, Li Chunhua, or Li Caiyi had to bear the brunt.

    Meng Renshu, who got into an ''ident'', Li Chunhua, who was ''barren'', or Li Caiyi, who was ''the third party''.

    The answer was obvious.

    Li Caiyi quickly waved her hand in front of her body. "No, Ma''am, I don''t mind at all because there is nothing to hide. The marriage between Li and Meng family was an old promise between the elderly of both families. As their descendants, we have an obligation to respect that. I don''t think it is a matter of liking or disliking because in the end, we are bound by duty and obligation. I can be Madam Meng simply because both parties thought I was more suited to this position. No more and no less than that."

    Qin Xiangjun looked at her with an expressionless face. Li Caiyi was aware that she was just glossing over the fact, but she just couldn''t let anyone take the brunt of the rumor. It was unfair because none of the three wished for this to happen.

    She couldn''t implicate her husband and sister, but implicating herself was equivalent to spreading mud to her husband''s face, and Qin Xiangjun most probably wouldn''t like that.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t guess whether this answer satisfied her mother-inw or not, but in the end, Qin Xiangjun said nothing to her andughed merrily. "This is a rather boring topic. I don''t know why people keep talking about this. Shall we talk about something else instead?"

    The other quickly agreed with her, and no one brought up the topic of Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu''s marriage again.

    Li Caiyi thought she had safely passed the hurdle butter realized it was nothing of the sort.

    After that party, Qin Xiangjun told Meng Renshu to leave with his car first and asked Li Caiyi to ride in her car.

    When there were only the two of them in the car, her mother-inw only said one thing with a disappointed face.

    "As expected, you are not suited to be Madam Meng, after all."

 Chapter 150 You Are Just A KID

    Li Caiyi met a lot of old acquaintances tonight, so her mind couldn''t help but wander to the past all the time. She only came back to her senses when Li Chunhua grabbed her hand and protectively stood in front of her.

    "That''s not true. Brother Renshu is the one who asked my sister to be her partner first. He is a gentleman, so he can''t bear to let her trouble herself, especially after he was the one who asked her. As for me, my mother bought this for me just like Auntie bought yours. Please retract your statement," Li Chunhua said in a calm voice, but Li Caiyi could tell that her sister was upset. She only restrained herself because Meng Renshu and Qin Xiangjun were there.

    Meng Shuchun snorted. "Then she should at least show some restraint. Do you know how much time and money was invested in that one dress your sister wore?"

    "Shuchun, I said stop it! Don''t cause any more trouble here!" Meng Renshu reprimanded her harshly, and Meng Shuchun looked away in defiance.

    Li Chunhua couldn''t bear to listen to her again, so she was about to hurl some sarcastic and mean remarks. Nobody could insult her sister in front of her!

    "Xiaohua, don''t."

    However, she was stopped by Li Caiyi''s words and a firm hold on her shoulder. Li Chunhua looked back and found her sister shaking her head at her. There was no ripple at all in her sister''s calm eyes, as if what Meng Shuchun said was nothing but children''s words to her.

    Then, Li Caiyi moved forward and switched their ce, with Li Chunhua standing behind her.

    The sight of Li Caiyi from behind was something Li Chunhua rarely saw. No, it was safe to say that this was her first time looking at Li Caiyi''s back properly. Usually, she was the one who stood in front of her sister, not the other way around. She never knew that Li Caiyi''s back could appear this dependable. Li Chunhua instantly mped her mouth shut when she saw that.

    "You seem to be pretty fixated on this dress. Did you perhaps want to have this dress too?" Li Caiyi asked while smiling.

    Meng Shuchun, who clearly heard a hint of provocation in her tone, retorted, "Who wants that cheap dress? I have lots of other dresses better than that."

    "But that wasn''t what you said earlier, though? So you want to say that your brother spent so much effort on a cheap dress?"

    Meng Shuchun''s brows twitched, and she unconsciously sneaked a nce at Qin Xiangjun, who seemed adamant to be a spectator here. As willful as she was, Meng Shuchun still held some fear for her mother, who was excellent at almost everything and the epitome of a high-ssdy. She couldn''t let this gold digger beat her in an argument, or her name wouldn''t be Meng anymore!

    "Don''t twist my words like that. When did I ever say that? But I guess it''s expected of you. You can''t win an argument without resorting to cheap tricks like that." Meng Shuchun scoffed mockingly.

    "It doesn''t sound convincinging from a little kid who threw a tantrum after her brother refused to apany her. That''s not good, you know? A good kid should know when to not inconvenience people around her."

    "Y-you! Don''t treat me like I''m below you!" Meng Shuchun growled.

    If there was one thing Li Caiyi had, but Meng Shuchun hadn''t, it was patience.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi recalled how she would tolerate Meng Shuchun''s every whim, even to the unreasonable one just so she could leave her alone. When she snatched Li Caiyi''s things or came to ''borrow'' the ck card Meng Renshu gave to her, Li Caiyi neverined.

    Meng Shuchun thought that whatever Meng Renshu bought for Li Caiyi was also rightfully hers because it used her family''s money. Hence, she felt no qualm snatching her sister-inw''s things from time to time.

    Li Caiyi didn''t like conflicts and only wanted to spend her days peacefully, so she never resisted. Meng Renshu wouldn''t mind spending his money on her sister, either.

    Back to the current situation, Li Caiyi studied Meng Shuchun''s reaction and realized once again that this kid didn''t seem to grow at all. Her older self was just a bigger version of her younger self.

    "Why can''t I? It couldn''t be that the youngdy from the Meng family was so uncultured that she didn''t know how to respect those older than her? What do you think, Xiaohua?" Li Caiyi looked back at her sister with a smile, and the quick-witted Li Chunhua came forward with a Cheshire cat smirk on her face.

    "Of course, there''s no way the youngdy from the Meng family wouldn''t know that. Don''t be so harsh on her, Xiaoyi. She is just a KID, after all. What does a kid know about behaving properly?"

    "Now, you are the one who is too harsh on her," Li Caiyi chuckled.

    Meng Shuchun''s face reddened when she heard her emphasize the word ''kid''. Especially when some people who gathered to watch the show until a few moments ago dispersed one by one as well. They took it as ''children squabble'' and just let them be.

    "Y-you twoˇ­" Meng Shuchun''s body was trembling in anger. She wanted to scream and yell at them, but a fierce re from her mother was all it took to shut her mouth.

    Qin Xiangjun smiled apologetically towards the twins. "Oh my, it seems my daughter had offended you two. I''ll make sure to scold herter, so can you two let this one go, for Auntie''s sake?"

    Li Caiyi wasn''t surprised anymore by how smoothly Qin Xiangjun salvaged the situation by putting herself in a lower position. If she said it like that, the twins would be unreasonable if they pressed the matter further.

    Qin Xiangjun also didn''t ask Meng Shuchun to apologize, meaning she also tacitly agreed with her daughter. Because they were always the right ones, there was no need to apologize.

    Well, no matter. It was just one of Meng Shuchun''s crazy episodes. This wasn''t her first time saying degrading remarks about their family, and certainly wouldn''t be thest one either.

    "Auntie, your words are too distant. Meng Shuchun is just throwing tantrums, like always. We don''t mind at all," Li Caiyi said softly, which incurred more rage from the girl in the red dress. Next, she turned her head towards Meng Renshu and said to him, "Brother Renshu, please don''t mind us and go ahead. We won''t hold you back anymore. Please excuse us, Auntie."

    "Xiaoyi!" Meng Renshu tried to call her, but Li Caiyi had dragged Li Chunhua with her and walked away.

    Meanwhile, Qin Xiangjun watched the twins leave with a calcting gaze.

 Chapter 151 Why Do You Think He Doesnâ€™t Have Any Interest In You?

    "Xiaoyi, is it okay if we taunt Meng Shuchun like that? You know how she is," Li Chunhua said after they got some distance from the Mengs.

    "Oh? It''s not like you to be worried about things like these. You usually charge head-on first," Li Caiyi chuckled.

    "Well, if it''s just me, then I wouldn''t be worried, but it seems Meng Shuchun bears a grudge towards you."

    Li Caiyi shrugged her shoulders nonchntly. "She is always like that to everyone. Even if we did nothing, she would always find a way to make things difficult for us."

    Li Chunhua''s expression wasplicated as she stared at Li Caiyi, who seemed busy stuffing her mouth with various foods on the table. The more she observed her, the more she didn''t understand her sister anymore. Usually, she would be the first to freak out whenever conflict happens, but now she seemed rxed even if she was the one in the middle of that conflict.

    "Xiaoyi, Xiaohua, you are here."

    Li Caiyi turned her head and found Su Suyin and Li Jirong walking over to them together. They must have finished walking around if they approached them like this.

    "Dad, Mom, where is Brother Jie?" Li Chunhua asked them.

    "Your brother is there," Su Suyin pointed at one corner of the room, where a young man stood indifferently while leaning against the wall and ying with his phone. He waspletely oblivious to the surrounding girls who gazed at him with a hungry gaze.

    To be fair, Li Junjie was indeed an attractive young man, as long as he didn''t open his mouth, so Li Caiyi could understand why those girls could be tricked. It would be a miracle if her brother would pay attention to those girls, though.

    "More importantly, how is it, Xiaoyi?" Li Jirong suddenly asked her.

    Li Cayi''s brows raised in confusion. "What do you mean?"

    "I''m talking about your rtionship with Renshu, of course! Did he try to make a move on you?"

    Li Caiyi was speechless. Was that the kind of question you would usually ask your daughter on asion like this? This man really knew no boundaries.

    "Father, how could he make a move on me when he isn''t interested in me?"

    Li Jirong snorted. "Are your eyes even functioning properly? There''s no way he would do so much for you if he isn''t interested in you. I already told you this, but let me tell you once again. Use this chance to grasp his heart properly, and everything will fit into the ce. This is the least you can do for our family, so you have to do well."

    Li Caiyi was toozy to speak with him, so she cut the conversation short by saying, "Father, I don''t think this is an appropriate time and ce to discuss this. And I will also say this one more time. He is NOT interested in me, as much as I''m NOT interested in him."

    Li Jirong clicked his tongue impatiently. "You are still so stubborn. Even now, you don''t know what''s best for you."

    It felt like she was talking to a wall. Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and continued stuffing her mouth. Fortunately, Li Jirong was also toozy to argue, so he hurried away after saying his piece.

    "Say, Xiaoyiˇ­" Li Chunhua said in a low voice after their parents left.

    "What is it?"

    "Why do you think that Brother Renshu doesn''t have any interest in you?"

    Hearing that questioning from Li Chunhua felt strange for some reason. Wouldn''t it be odd instead if she thought Meng Renshu would have any interest in her after what had happened in her previous life?

    Of course, Li Caiyi couldn''t exin the sudden change in Meng Renshu''s behavior in this timeline. However, even if he acted more considerate or affectionate to her than in the past, that didn''t mean he had a romantic attraction towards her. Only God knows how many times Li Caiyi was deluded into thinking that way in her previous life just because of his gentleness towards her.

    In the end, that small hope was trampled ruthlessly, leaving her with disappointment.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to be a fool twice, so she chose not to think deeply about the meaning behind Meng Renshu''s action.<sub> </sub>

    "Because I know who is it he truly interested in."

    "Really? I have never heard about that. Do I know that person?" Li Chunhua asked curiously.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if Li Chunhua just pretended not to know or if she waspletely oblivious of Meng Renshu''s feelings towards her. She said that she wasn''t interested in Meng Renshu the other day, but Li Caiyi was still suspicious of her remarks. Li Chunhua probably just hadn''t reached the level where her affection towards Meng Renshu had fully bloomed yet.

    Either way, it was none of her business. If both of them were meant to be, they were bound to be together one day.

    "I have an idea, but I won''t tell you."

    "Huh? Why?? Is it something you can''t tell me? Sure enough, it was someone I know, right?!"

    "Probably. You can ask Brother Renshu directly the next time you meet. I''m sure he will dly tell you who it is."

    "I''ll ask him, then. Howe I never knew about this?" Li Chunhua tilted her head in wonder.

    ''Because you are the person in his heart,'' Li Caiyi answered inwardly. ''I hope they can truly be together in this timeline.''

    ***

    The Li family remained at the party for the next two hours before they decided to take their leave. Currently, Meng Renshu and Qin Xiangjun were sending them off at the entrance.

    "The party was amazing. Once again, congrattions for youring-of-age, Renshu," Li Jirongughed amiably as he patted Meng Renshu''s shoulders a few times.

    "Uncle and Auntie, thank you so much foring today."

    "Yes, thank you for celebrating Renshu''sing-of-age day with us," Qin Xiangjun smiled politely.

    "It''s not a big deal at all. Renshu is like our family member already, and I see him as my own son. How can we miss such an important day?" Li Jirongughed merrily.

    "Renshu, pleasee to our house again soon. Auntie will make something good for you," Su Suyin said gently.

    "Yes, Auntie. I''ll visit more often in the future," Meng Renshu replied. Then, he looked hesitantly towards Li Caiyi a few times before he asked, "I''m really sorry about this Auntie, Uncle, but can I ask you to let Xiaoyi stay longer? There''s something I need to talk about with her."

    Li Caiyi was stunned when she heard that. She had heard nothing about this beforehand. However, before she could reply, Li Jirong already went ahead of her with a wide grin on his face. "Of course, you can. I''m sure both of you have many things you want to talk about, being a partner and all!"

    Li Caiyi could feel Qin Xiangjun''s sharp gaze at her, and it made her hand feel mmy. She didn''t want to ept, but rejecting it outright felt inappropriate right now. In the end, Li Caiyi only stood there, saying nothing.

    "Thank you, Auntie and Uncle. I''ll make sure to escort her safely after our business is finished." Meng Renshu said.

    "Wait a minute!" Li Chunhua interrupted the conversation with a disapproving expression on her face. "If Xiaoyi stays behind, then I''ll stay behind too!"

    "Haha, please don''t mind our Xiaohua. She is too attached to Xiaoyi, so she always wants to follow her sister whenever she goes." Li Jirong smiled awkwardly while sending an eye signal to Su Suyin, which thetter perceived almost immediately.

    Li Chunhua couldn''t understand what was so important to talk about that it couldn''t wait until tomorrow at school. However, when Su Suyin held her hand while looking at her with an imploring and warning gaze, Li Chunhua could only swallow back her words.

    Li Caiyi watched all that happened with an expressionless gaze. After listening to Meng Renshu''s stories about his dream, Li Caiyi was actually curious about what he wanted to talk to her about.

    Perhaps she could learn the reason if she stayed behind.

 Chapter 152 Testing His Theory (1)

    In the end, Li Caiyi stayed behind, while the other Li family members left first. Qin Xiangjun scrutinized her son and Li Caiyi alternately, noticing that there was something different between the two of them since thest time she saw them.

    She knew her son had a soft spot for the twins, but she always thought he cared more about the younger sister than the older one. At least her son looked visibly brighter when he was with Li Chunhua. That was why Qin Xiangjun was actually pretty surprised when she found out that Meng Renshu asked Li Caiyi to be his partner and not Li Chunhua.

    Moreover, she never knew that her son wasn''t the type to act spontaneously like this. Asking a girl to stay behind after a party usually has a deeper meaning behind it.

    However, Qin Xiangjun didn''t try to stop it because she was curious about how this event would turn out.

    The three of them stood at the entrance in silence after the Li family left.

    "Oh my, it has been sote already. Renshu, why don''t you invite our guest inside? It must have been cold for her to stand outside like this with her sleeveless dress."

    Meng Renshu, who seemed out of it, finally snapped out of his daydream when he heard her mother''s advice. He quickly nced at Li Caiyi, to which thetter replied with a shake of her head.

    "It''s okay, Auntie. We can just talk here."

    "How could that be okay? Renshu, be a gentleman and escort her inside immediately." Qin Xiangjun said in a final tone, "I still have some guests that need my care. I''ll ask some maid to deliver some refreshment to youter."

    "Thank you, Mother." Meng Renshu said with a visibly relieved expression, while Li Caiyi felt doubtful about this.

    If she didn''t have her memory of her previous life, she must have already been fooled into thinking that Qin Xiangjun was a very considerate woman. However, after years of knowing her, Li Caiyi understood her ex-mother-inw''s personality very well. Qin Xiangjun was never one to offer ''free lunch'' without reason.

    Li Caiyi promised herself to be on guard and careful of her words.

    After Qin Xiangjun had left, Meng Renshu cleared his throat awkwardly and made a gesture to Li Caiyi to follow him. "Then, shall we go?"

    Li Caiyi nodded and walked behind him as they went through the hallway and entered a medium-sized room at the end of the corridor, right beside the main venue where the party was held.

    There was a red couch in the middle of the room, with a ss wardrobe filled with exotic, gorgeous tes on the side. Meng Renshu sat down on one of the couches while loosening his necktie and unbuttoning his first button.

    "Ah, finally I can rx," He sighed.

    "You have worked hard today," Li Caiyi said as she also sat down on the couch across from him.

    "I''m sorry for asking you to stay behind like this. However, there is just something I have to talk with you privately."

    "It''s okay. You can speakfortably. I assume this has something to do with your dreams?"

    Meng Renshu scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Is it that obvious? Actually, yeah. I want to continue our previous conversation because I was concerned and wanted to know more about something."

    "En, you can talk, Brother Renshu."

    Meng Renshu fiddled with his fingers while looking down at the carpet. He mulled over on how he should exin it to Li Caiyi for a good few seconds before raising his head, "I have a feeling that I have changed a lot ever since I experienced those dreams, and since my dreams usually centered on you, I feel like consulting you would be a better help than consulting with a professional."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi put on her best poker face before she replied, "What makes you think that? I think it''s very ideal to seek professional help. I don''t understand why you think talking with me would be any help to your problem."

    Meng Renshu hesitated for a moment before he finally confessed, "I feel the safest when you are by my side."

    "Huh?" His response rendered Li Caiyi speechless.

    "Thest time we identally fell asleep beside each other at the hospital, that was the first time in a while when I didn''t see any nightmare. I slept like a baby, then."

    Li Caiyi waited for a moment to let him finish his words, but he said nothing else.

    "That''s it? Just because you slept soundly that one time you think it was all thanks to me?"

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Of course, you would find it strange if I said this, but I''m serious. I know my body the best, and it told me that being with you brings a sense of peacefulness to me. Something that I had lost recently after a series of nightmares."

    Li Caiyi stared at Meng Renshu''s severe expression and felt like he wasn''t ying around when he said that. His face oozed desperation everywhere, and it could easily make any woman pity him and want to care for him. Fortunately, Li Caiyi wasn''t one of those women anymore.

    "Even so, I still think it would be better if you don''t take your symptoms lightly. How could you suddenly get better when I''m beside you? That''s just illogical."

    "I don''t know you are the type that puts so much emphasis on logic, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi frowned. "Is that sarcasm I just heard?"

    Meng Renshuughed as he messed up his hair with his fingers. "No, it''s apliment. It means you have grown so much."

    For some reason, he looked very sensual when he did that, with his shirt''s button loosened and corbone exposed.

    ''Wait, what the hell am I thinking? Focus, Li Caiyi!'' she berated herself inwardly.

    "You are practically saying I don''t use my head that much in the past," Li Caiyiined, "But forget about that. When you say you want to talk about me, is it really only about this?"

    Li Caiyi wanted to know whether he remembered anything else from his dream. There must have been some catch in this rebirth phenomenon. Something she hadn''t paid attention to before. She would absolutely need to find out!

    Meng Renshu stared at Li Caiyi deeply for a few moments with an indescribable gaze, making Li Caiyi shift in her ce awkwardly. "W-what is it? Why are you looking at me that way?"

    "How about we test it, then? Right here and now?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "I''m talking about my theory before. If I can sleep peacefully again with you by my side, it should have been enough to prove my theory, right?"

 Chapter 153 Testing His Theory (2)

    "I''m talking about my theory before. If I can sleep peacefully again with you by my side, it should have been enough to prove my theory, right?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t react immediately when she heard that. It felt like some flies were buzzing beside her ears. She must have heard something wrong just now.

    "What did you just say?"

    Meng Renshu picked himself up before going around the table that separated them and sat down beside Li Caiyi. His gaze was firm and deep. "Exactly as I said. I want you to apany me to sleep so I can prove my theory."

    Li Caiyi was ufortable with the distance between them, so she discreetly scooted away from him. "That''s your idea? Are you crazy?"

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Ouch. That''s more hurtful than I thought."

    "It''s because you said nonsense like that. Why do I have to do that?" Li Caiyi asked him.

    Meng Renshu just smiled before answering. "If you do me this favor, then I''ll forget the fact that you have been hiding crucial information from your family all this time."

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. However, she couldn''t help but feel apprehensive when she saw his smile, which didn''t seem like a smile at all.

    "What do you mean? What did I hide from my family?"

    "I''m talking about Dai Shenqiang and Dai Zhiqiang."

    Li Caiyi tried hard to maintain herposure as she asked him again, "Why are you suddenly mentioning them?"

    Instead of answering, Meng Renshu''s gaze fell on Li Caiyi''s hair, which fell from the knot and cascaded through her shoulder. He was curious about how smooth it would be, so he subconsciously reached out his hand and twirled them with his finger. Unbeknownst to him, his action caused Li Caiyi to be petrified in her ce.

    "I know there is something odd when I see you in that ce with someone else, but I didn''t expect you to be so bold, charging into the enemy den with no care for your safety." Meng Renshu relished the soft feeling of Li Caiyi''s hair on his finger as he spoke, "The student who was with you that day, he is Dai Shenqiang''s brother, right? The one whom you saved from those loan sharks the other day."

    Li Caiyi flinched when she heard that. Before Meng Renshu and his men came, the three of them had made a usible exnation for the whole situation, so there shouldn''t be any gap in their testimonies. Both she and Dai Zhiqiang didn''t tell Li Chunhua anything about why those people targeted her, but what if Li Chunhua figured it out by herself and told Meng Renshu about it?

    "I don''t know what you''re talking about," Li Caiyi said carefully.

    "You don''t have to be so tense. I didn''t purposefully do a background check on your friend or anything; it''s just the name Dai Shenqiang appeared when the police questioned those loan sharks. I came to know about it when I was dealing with them."

    That exnation did notfort Li Caiyi at all. Because judging by the situation, it seemed futile to continue hiding it for longer. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles as Meng Renshu looked at her with those calm but dark eyes.

    "Are you threatening me right now?" Li Caiyi asked vigntly.

    "Xiaoyi, I don''t want to fight with you anymore. Can you please help me just this once?" Meng Renshu said with a pleading gaze.<sub> </sub>

    "You said that, but you always use this forceful method whenever things don''t go your way. How can I feel at ease knowing you will always have your way to bend my actions ording to your will?"

    Meng Renshu''s fingers, which caressed her hair until a moment ago, stopped moving. He stared at Li Caiyi deeply before moving closer.

    "What? What are you going to do?" Li Caiyi was rmed, so she scooted away from him with both arms raised in front of her body, ready to attack or defend if needed. She nced at the door, and it seemed she could get away if she moved fast enough.

    However, before she could do anything, her path was blocked with a long arm that suddenly lunged past her to grab the couch''s armrest. Meng Renshu''s actionpletely entrapped her between him and the handrest pressed against her back.

    Li Caiyi''s body turned cold and hot alternately at lightning speed. The distance between them was so close that if anyone came into this room at this moment, they might think both of them were doing something indecent.

    "Hey, don''te any closer, or I''ll scream!" Li Caiyi threatened him, but her voice didn''t sound convincing, considering her nervousness. She tried to push him back, but he just wouldn''t budge. He looked lean and harmless, but in the end, she still couldn''t win against him in terms of power.

    Li Caiyi''s heart beat furiously in her chest as a particr memory shed through her mind in a split second, and it made her feel suffocated to the point she might cry any second.

    She was about to resist with full power while cursing him out when she heard Meng Renshu whisper, "Sshh, don''t move. We are being watched."

    Li Caiyi immediately stopped pushing him and looked at him dumbly. "Huh?"

    "It must be someone my mother sent to bring us refreshment. y along with me for a bit."

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi still hadn''tpletely woken up from her confusion when Meng Renshu pulled her into his embrace.

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

    "Don''t resist. It will end soon. Please bear with me for a while." Meng Renshu said in a low voice while gently patting her back with his hand to calm her down, but there was just no way Li Caiyi could stay calm in this situation!

    What was exactly going on here?!

    His breath tickled her neck as they snuggled together, and she could feel his warmth transferred past his shirt to her bare arms. Pinewood smell which always reminded her of Meng Renshu, enveloped her like a nket, and there was that elerating heartbeat sound again.

    After what felt like the longest few seconds in Li Caiyi''s life, Meng Renshu finally let go of her. Li Caiyi finally regained her wits together, so she red at him, demanding an exnation.

    "Okay, what was all that? You said we are being watched?"

    Meng Renshu sighed in exasperation as he messed up his hair again. "It must be someone my mother sent to spy on us."

 Chapter 154 Testing His Theory (3)

    Li Caiyi still remembered the glint on Qin Xiangjun''s face as she asked Meng Renshu to lead her inside. Still, she didn''t understand why Meng Renshu would suddenly do something like that just because they were being spied on.

    "Alright, exin it to me right now. But first, can you get away from me first? It''s ufortable."

    Meng Renshu looked at how he had cornered Li Caiyi on the edge and couch and smiled mischievously. "I don''t mind, even if we continue talking like this."

    "Are you crazy? Do you want to retreat now, or should I leave now?" Li Caiyi frowned.

    Meng Renshu smiled in amusement while raising both of his hands. "Okay, I will stop teasing you now."

    Then he scooted back, so he sat on the other edge of the couch. "Is it better like this?"

    The couch they were sitting on had initially been enough for four people to sit on, so although he didn''t return to his previous seat, it was still a reasonable distance from her. Li Caiyi could finally breathe easier.

    "Alright, you can start talking now."

    Meng Renshu scratched his cheek sheepishly under Li Caiyi''s demanding face. "About that, I probably should apologize to you."

    "What are you talking about?"

    "I tricked you."

    Li Caiyi frowned even deeper when she heard that. "Do you mean there isn''t actually any spy around here?"

    Meng Renshu shook his head. "No, that isn''t it. There really is a spy standing in front of the door, watching us. I bet whoever it was already gone to give a report to my mother."

    "What? But why?"

    "My mother didn''t put the spy here to know what we were going to talk about. She wants to know what we are going to DO."

    Li Caiyi couldn''tprehend his exnation, so she became a little impatient. "Brother Renshu, can you just give me the whole exnation instead of cutting it part by part?"

    "So, what I mean is, I deliberately make something out of nothing back there. I''m sorry." Meng Renshu said apologetically. "If my mother heard about what we just did, then she might have a wrong idea about us. If you don''t want my mother to interrogate you with various questions, please cooperate with me to prove my theory."

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

    Li Caiyi was dumbfounded by how sly Meng Renshu was for the second time that night. She was familiar with his gentle and ruthless side, but it might be the first time he ever tricked her so tantly like this.

    His cunning way of doing things rendered her speechless. Was he always this cunning on their high school days in her previous life again?

    No, he had always been like this; he just had no reason to show it before. How could he? When he was so busy hovering around Li Chunhua all the time.<sub> </sub>

    There was no reason for him to show it, at least until a moment ago.

    "You even go so far just so you can have your wayˇ­." Li Caiyi said in disbelief.

    Meng Renshu smiled bitterly. "Yes, I''m this kind of person, Xiaoyi. If there is something I want, then I will spare no effort to have it, even if I have to resort to a dirty trick." Meng Renshu said with a grim, almost scary expression,pletely opposite from his usual gentle one.

    "It''s easier to ckmail people into doing my bidding rather than spending time and effort trying to coax them. I was raised with this type of environment, and I thought it was the most effective solution to solve a problem."

    "Are you even hearing yourself right now? Do you have to always force me like this?"

    "Oh yes, I have. Because I have a feeling, you are hiding something from me. You know something about my condition, isn''t that right?" Meng Renshu asked with his eyes narrowed, causing a heart attack on Li Caiyi.

    Li Caiyi had be so ustomed to her current life that she sometimes forgot how sharp Meng Renshu could be. They didn''t elect him to be CEO at a young age just because he was the heir to the Meng family, but because he truly deserved that spot.

    "When I told people about my dream, most people would usually ask how I feel before I go to sleep, or if I have experienced something simr to my dream before in real life, but you were different. The first thing you questioned me was whether I remember anything else from my dreams."

    Li Caiyi felt a cold sweat run through her back as nervousness grew inside her.

    "Brother Renshu, you are overthinking it. I was just asking because your dream is so bizarre, and I want to know more about it." Li Caiyi tried hard to keep her voice as calm as possible, although she was utterly shaken up inside.

    "You seemed to be exceptionally enthusiastic when I told you there is something I want to talk to you about regarding my dream. As if you have been waiting for it. I''m positive you have an idea, or at least there is something you are curious about regarding my condition." Meng Renshu folded his legs leisurely, oozing out the aura of Young Master from the prestigious family around him.

    He added, "If you want me to stop my mother from pestering you, then I''ll have you to spill everything to me tonight."

    "Y-youˇ­.!" Li Caiyi was really speechless now. Meng Renshu was really determined not to let her out easily this time.

    Meng Renshu smiled helplessly when he saw how distraught Li Caiyi was. He really didn''t want to show her his sinister side if he could help it, but if he didn''t do this, she would never agree with it.

    "Xiaoyi, I know this might not be the best method to do this, but believe me when I said I have no other way to convince you rather than using coercion. I really, really want to sleep peacefully again. You only have to sit there and let me sleep beside you. Please?"

    Li Caiyi wanted nothing to do with Qin Xiangjun, much less being associated with Meng Renshu in any way but tonic rtionship. She was angry at Meng Renshu for resorting to such a trick, but deep down, she also understood where Meng Renshu wasing from.

    The current Meng Renshu had yet to do anything that could harm her. While his way of doing things might be despicable, he had always made sure that it wouldn''t implicate Li Caiyi in any harmful way. He even meticulously prepared for everything to not inconvenience her.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t tell if he was a considerate or overbearing person. He would act gently one time and suddenly overbearing the other time. It never ceased to confuse her.

    She didn''t know with what attitude she should face this person.

 Chapter 155 Testing His Theory (4)

    Meng Renshu looked at her desperately, making Li Caiyi sigh in exasperation. If she couldn''t avoid it, she should just use this chance as fully as possible. She definitely had to find out more about the mystery behind Meng Renshu''s frequent dreams.

    "Fine, then. But promise me this will be thest time?"

    "I can''t promise anything. If my theory was proven true, then I might need you more than any kind of consultation or medicine."

    That line was supposed to sound romantic, but Meng Renshu said it like it was a matter-of-fact, so it annoyed Li Caiyi instead. Anything that came out of his mouth at this point was ingratiating to hear.

    "Can you be less selfish? I''m not a tool you can use whenever it is convenient for you!"

    Li Caiyi thought he woulde back at her with another wittyment, but Meng Renshu had a gloomy look on his face, to her surprise. He lowered her head and dared not to meet her eyes, like a child that caught red-handed doing something terrible.

    ''Now it feels like I''m bullying him. So unfair!'' Li Caiyi cursed inwardly.

    "It''s not my intention to make you think that way. What I said before about not wanting to fight with you is true. However, I''m also anxious almost all the time whenever I think about you. That''s why when I could finally sleep peacefully that one time, I was thrilled."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    This conversation wouldn''t end until one of them gave in. Li Caiyi massaged her nose bridge before saying impatiently.

    "I get it. You can stop repeating the same sentence now. Let''s just get this over with."

    Meng Renshu brightened immediately upon receiving her approval. "Then can you let me sleep for about one hour? You can wake me up if you feel I have slept for a long time."

    "But what about Auntie? Wouldn''t she feel more suspicious if we spend too much time here?" Li Caiyi asked hesitantly.

    Meng Renshu quickly pulled out his phone and typed something. After a few seconds, he received a reply.

    "My sister would buy us some time, so we won''t be disturbed for a while. And don''t worry about my mother. I already said I''m going to take care of it, didn''t I? You only need to sit beside me without doing anything."

    "Xiaochun agreed so easily? That''s a surprise," Li Caiyi said in disbelief. Considering how much she hated how the twins kept wandering around Meng Renshu, that kid seemed to give in too quickly.

    "I made some agreement with her. I hope I won''t regret thisˇ­." Meng Renshu sighed in resignation before patting the spot beside him. "But forget about that for now. Come sit beside me."

    Li Caiyi eyed him suspiciously and scooted closer, bit by bit. Meng Renshuughed, seeing how vignt she was.

    "You don''t have to be so scared. I won''t suddenly attack you or anything."<sub> </sub>

    "No, I can''t believe you anymore."

    "Well, that''s too bad," He smirked mischievously. "I was thinking of borrowing yourp to be my pillow. Would you allow me?"

    Li Caiyi immediately alerted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Don''t you daree any closer!"

    Meng Renshuughed heartily at that. He never knew Li Caiyi could be so cute when she was teased. She was easily flustered and couldn''t hide her emotion well, so watching her expression change was interesting. It made him want to tease her more.

    Meng Renshu raised his hand and asked her again, "Then can we at least hold hands?"

    "No," Li Caiyi replied decisively.

    "But if I can''t touch you, it won''t really feel like you are beside me, then." Meng Renshu didn''t wait for her to reply and sp Li Caiyi''s hand. "Please cooperate with me this time? You are also curious about what will happen, right?"

    It felt like a crab had just bitten her hand from how tightly he sped her hand, unwilling to let go. After giving it some thought, she finally relented because she also wanted to know what kind of development would transpire from here. Besides, they were just holding hands.

    "I swear you are such a cunning person." Li Caiyi grumbled under her breath.

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "People often told me that. Then, I''ll sleep first, okay?"

    He closed his eyes while rubbing a circle on her hand using his thumb. Li Caiyi''s hand felt ticklish at the sensation, but the movement quickly came to a halt along with Meng Renshu''s steadier breath.

    He slept while leaning back against the couch sloppily. It didn''t look thatfortable. However, he probably didn''t have much choice because she kept refusing to sit too close to him.

    Li Caiyi''s mind wandered as she looked down at his sleeping face. She didn''t know what kind of dream he was having right now, but it seemed he slept pretty well.

    "Why are you doing this to me? I don''t understand you at all. Why do you keep making me feel like this even after everything that happened?" Li Caiyi whispered softly.

    In the end, because she couldn''t stand looking at it again, she gently cradled his head and guided his body so he could lie down on the couch. She still wouldn''t put his head on herp, no matter what, so she took the couch cushion andid his head on it instead. It was pretty hard to do all this while ensuring their hand wouldn''t be disconnected, but Li Caiyi somehow managed to do it.

    She sat right beside his head, just in time when Meng Renshu suddenly stirred in his sleep while letting out a soft hum. He pulled her hand closer to his chest like a child trying to keep something precious close to his heart. The sight softened her heart slightly.

    Everything would be so much easier if Meng Renshu waspletely an evil person from the beginning. She always hadplicated feelings in her heart whenever she faced him, just like she was troubled about what kind of attitude she should take to face her mother.

    It was tough to hate someone.

 Chapter 156 Huang Zhen

    Meng Renshu''s whole body felt cold as he sank deeper and deeper into darkness. There was a faint sound of wind beside his ears, and he couldn''t make out which was up and down. He was just floating in some unknown space for a long time until something suddenly sucked his body in.

    The second he felt the familiar sensation, he knew he would see that bizarre dream again.

    In the next moment, when he opened his eyes, he was standing in what appeared to be a hallway. In front of him, there was a steel door with a te "Autopsy Room" on top of it. The light on the te was on, meaning there was currently an autopsy going on in the room.

    Meng Renshu blinked his eyes several times while holding his head in confusion. He remembered being called here today to listen to the autopsy result, but his mind went nk suddenly.

    He sighed while rubbing his tired eyes. It had been three days ever since Li Caiyi''s news of death, but sometimes he would still find himself zoning out without reason. Forget about maintaining a healthy lifestyle; he couldn''t even sleep at night time anymore. Even when he covered himself with the nket Li Caiyi usually used, there was just no trace of her left anymore.

    Li Caiyi was truly gone from this world. His wife no longer exists in this world. When he realized that, his world suddenly looked bleak and deste.

    Meng Renshu bit his lips harshly to suppress the aching in his chest when he was reminded of that fact once again.

    "Mr. Meng? Are you alright?"

    Meng Renshu turned his head when he heard a low and deep voiceing from behind him. A middle-aged man with a scar on his hand looked at him inquisitively.

    "Ah, I''m sorry, Detective. I was zoning out a bit just now. Can you repeat what you just said?"

    "You shouldn''t push yourself too much. It hasn''t been a day since your wife''s funeral. You can just wait until the investigation resultse out. There''s no need to trouble yourselfing all the way here."

    "No, please don''t mind me. I couldn''t stay still until I knew the identity of the man who died beside my wife. I should be the one apologizing since you have gotten in so much trouble to let me check on the man''s body."

    "You have been helping me a lot, Mr. Meng. If it weren''t for the charity project you funded, my mother wouldn''t make it to her treatment in time."

    Meng Renshu smiled bitterly. "d to know that I at least have done one good deed before."

    "Yes? What do you mean by that?" The officer looked at Meng Renshu in confusion, but thetter only shook his head.

    "Shall we enter now? The coroner must have been waiting for a while already." Meng Renshu said.

    "Ah, yes. Let''s enter now."

    The officer opened the door for Meng Renshu and revealed the inside of the autopsy room, which reeked of chemical smell. He grimaced as he tried to suppress intense nauseaing from inhaling the damp and cold hair inside the room. This room''s sensation reminded him of the morgue where he witnessed Li Caiyi''s body condition, which evoked a terrible memory inside his head.

    He wanted to finish his business and got out of the room as quickly as possible.<sub> </sub>

    The officer walked up to the man in histe 40s, who was wearing ab coat, medical glove, and mask, standing in the middle of the room. "Has the analysis already been finished?"

    The coroner pulled the mask down slightly before he replied. "Yes. We have inspected the body, and it seemed this man had a rough background indeed."

    Meng Renshu also walked over with his gaze nailed on the bodyid on the autopsy table, which was covered with some fabric.

    When he heard his wifemitted double suicide with someone, his first instinct was that this person must be the one who influenced Li Caiyi to do such a thing. He was determined to find out all the information avable regarding this man. It was a shame that the man was already dead.

    "There isn''t much to tell because his body was severely damaged, but he had scars all over his body, from the old one to the new one. It was a sign of a person leading a tough life. There was no sign of harmful substances in his blood, so it didn''t seem like this man had ever used illegal drugs or anything like that. If only his body wasn''t damaged to this extent, we probably could gain more information about him, though."

    The officer received a file given by the coroner and examined it before turning his head to Meng Renshu. "Mr. Meng, I''m sorry. It seems the autopsy didn''t bring many results after all."

    "It''s alright, but have you identified who this man is?"

    "His citizen ID showed his name as Huang Zhen. However, given his criminal record, it was most likely he used a fake name. We are currently still waiting for further information from the forensic team to identify him."

    "Are you sure there is no sign of him forcing or threatening my wife?"

    "ording to the CCTV footage from his apartment building, your wife seemed to follow him voluntarily. There was no coercion and no sign of fighting or struggle inside the apartment room, either."

    Meng Renshu gritted his teeth, feeling extremely upset. He couldn''t believe Li Caiyi would ever put a green hat on top of his head. Knowing his wife spent a night with another man made him furious to no end, yet he couldn''t vent his anger or point his finger at anyone.

    What happened to Li Caiyi and this Huang Zhen that day was still a mystery, but Meng Renshu was sure that Li Caiyi wasn''t the type of person who would cheat on him, just like what everyone thought.

    If only this man was still alive, Meng Renshu must have already beaten him to pulp and made sure he could never show his face in public anymore, but the subject of his hate was already gone from this world, along with Li Caiyi.

    "Mr. Meng. This man is a wanted criminal who hasmitted many crimes before. Apparently, he had no other family members left, but we found another clue from his apartment, which might be useful as our lead."

    "Is that so? Please tell me."

    "There was a high possibility that this man probably knew your wife beforehand."

    Meng Renshu''s eyes widened in surprise hearing that. "You mean, he deliberately targeted her because he knew she was Mrs. Meng?"

    "Not necessarily. There''s a possibility he didn''t recognize your wife as Mrs. Meng but as someone else. After we did a thorough investigation, we found out that this man most likely attended the same high school as her."

 Chapter 157 Criminal Record

    "After we did a thorough investigation, we found out that this man most likely attended the same high school as her."

    "Really?" Meng Renshu said in disbelief. "Do you have proof?"

    "There wasn''t much we can find out from where he lives or his real name. This man has been on the run for a year, and from the CCTV footage from his apartment, it seemed he had changed his appearance."

    "You mean stic surgery?"

    The officer flipped the file in his hand before saying, "ording to the investigation, his face looked slightly different from thest time he got caught by the camera. There is a high possibility he changed some parts of his face so he wouldn''t be recognized easily."

    Meng Renshu put his fingers on his jaw as he thought deeply, "How did you know he might have known my wife before this?"

    "From the things we found in his house, there are some old documents regarding people whom we suspected as his family, like medical bills and a death certificate. We tried to find the connection, and it appeared this man also grew up in S city, just like you, Mr. Meng. There is also a notebook left behind by him, which mentioned your wife''s name many times. The date and year were varied, so it was safe to assume this man probably had known your wife since a long time ago, presumably since his high school days."

    Meng Renshu clenched his hand tightly, trying to suppress the sudden fury in his chest. "Oh? Is it some kind of diary or something? Can I take a look at it?"

    The officer showed an apologetic face before replying, "I''m very sorry, but this notebook also contained other important information that may help us crack another case. Even if it''s you, I''m afraid we can''t show such top-ss evidence."

    "Then, do you mind sending me a picture of the parts when he mentioned my wife? I want to know what he wrote." Meng Renshu asked in a dark tone, making the officer break in a cold sweat.

    "Sure, Mr. Meng. I will try to send it to you as soon as possible."

    "Can I also ask regarding what kind of crime this manmitted? I won''t ask the details, just tell me the type of the crime."

    "Yeah, about thatˇ­." The officer''s words trailed off as he hesitated.

    "Why? Is this also some kind of confidential information you can''t tell me?"

    The officer chuckled while swiping his face once with his palm. "No, I just thought that perhaps it might shock you. This man called Huang Zhen is on the run for a murder case. He killed three people."

    After that, Meng Renshu felt the ground shaking under him.

    ***

    Meng Renshu frowned as he slowly opened his eyes. He squinted when the light pierced through the gap in his eyes, but after a few blinks, he got ustomed to it.

    "Are you finally awake?"

    A stern but familiar voice rang from above him. That was when he realized he was currently lying down on the couch with something soft under his head.

    The memories before he fell asleep slowly came back to him, and when he looked up, a face he had longed to see was staring back at him with a hint of impatience in her eyes.

    ''Ah, she is here. She is still here,'' Meng Renshu thought to himself, and he suddenly had an urge to cry. However, there was no way he could show Li Caiyi his crying face, so he twisted his body to the side to hide his face.

    "Brother Renshu, are you still half-asleep? If you don''t wake up now, then I won''t be able to go home."

    It was clearly words ofint, but it eased his heart so much. If only Li Caiyi wasn''t so vignt towards him, he probably would have hugged her the moment he opened his eyes.<sub> </sub>

    After a few seconds, Meng Renshu finally regained hisposure again, then slowly picked himself up. His hair was messy, and his suit was wrinkled, but his body did feel lighter than before.

    ''It didn''t end with a nightmare this time. As expected, it has to be with her,'' Meng Renshu thought to himself as he slowly turned his head to face the frowning girl.

    "If you are awake, can you let go of my hand now? It''s starting to feel cramped now."

    Meng Renshu deliberately ignored her and asked her instead, "How long have I been asleep?"

    "Around two hours. You looked like you were having a good sleep, so I generously let you have another hour. But it''s already 10 PM. I have to go home now." Li Caiyi said as she tried to pull her hand off him, but he refused to let her go.

    "It would be good if you just sleep together with me," Meng Renshu let out a teasing smirk.

    "If you are sober enough to hurl nonsense, then please let my hand go now!" Li Caiyi was practically trying to tear her hand, judging how strongly she attempted to break free from his hold.

    "Haha, I understand. Don''t pull anymore, or you will fall back." Meng Renshu said before slowly loosening his hold on her hand. That small and warm hand quickly slipped out of his grasp, and his hand instantly felt cold again.

    Meng Renshu thought the dream he just had was the most vivid one so far. Previously, although the sensation and feeling he experienced remained, he would always forget everything he saw when he woke up. However, it was different this time.

    Li Caiyi rubbed her hand while studying Meng Renshu''s expression seriously. "So? Did you find out anything?" She asked carefully.

    Meng Renshu blinked his eyes several times before he smiled brightly.

    "No? Unfortunately, I couldn''t remember anything, but sleeping while holding your hand worked wonders, as expected. I slept like a baby, thanks to you. It''s been a while since I woke up feeling refreshed like this."

    "Is that so?" Li Caiyi eyed him suspiciously, which he responded with a tilt of his head.

    "Hmm? What''s wrong? Is there something on my face?"

    "I can''t believe you for some reason."

    Meng Renshuughed. "I see you only have that much trust towards me. But it''s the truth. I forgot about it as soon as I woke up. Why would I lie about that? I''m just as desperate to know the mystery behind my dreams as you."

    "....Nevermind, then. Can I go home now? I hope you keep your promise to me. I don''t want Auntie to have any kind of misunderstanding about us."

    "Yes, don''t worry," Meng Renshu said lightly as he stood up. "Let me escort you home."

    "No need. Please just let the chauffeur send me home."

    "I can''t do that, or Auntie would be disappointed in me. I promise I won''t talk to you anymore after this, so let me make sure you return safely, okay?"

    Li Caiyi had an unwilling look on her face. It made him want to walk over and pinched her cheeks.

    Even now, she tried hard to keep some distance from him. However, she should have realized that such a feat was impossible now that he understood he needed her in his life.

 Chapter 158 Forgotten Information

    Meng Renshu really didn''t talk to her throughout the trip. He drove the car silently, without sparing a nce to her for a moment. However, why did it feel so awkward instead? It felt like the calm before the storm.

    Li Caiyi covered her difort by gazing outside the window and hoped this trip would end soon.

    After Meng Renshu dropped her at Li family''s house, he didn''t stay for long and only bade her goodbye before he left. Usually, he would enter to greet Su Suyin or Li Jirong before he left, but it seemed he had a lot on his mind this time.

    Li Caiyi was bewildered but decided not to think much about it. She thought she would get helpful information if she went along with his whims, but it was proven to be a waste of time, after all.

    Well, at least she helped a person to cope with his problem, so she took it as some kind of charity act.

    Li Caiyi was exhausted, and wearing this dress made her feel cold, so she quickly went into the house while dragging her feet. However, as soon as she stepped inside, she groaned inwardly when she saw Li Jirong was sitting in the living room, waiting for her.

    Li Caiyi pretended not to notice him and sneakily wanted to slip past the living room, but sure enough, it didn''t work.

    "You are finally home. Sit here for a while, and let''s talk."

    It was the tone where he wouldn''t ept no as an answer. Li Caiyi rubbed her nape before unwillingly making her way towards him. She sat across from him and asked, "What do you want to talk to me about?"

    "You are still asking about that? Of course, I want to know what happened to you and Renshu after we left."

    Li Caiyi sighed. She knew it would be like this. "Father, nothing happened. Brother Renshu just asked me to stay behind because he needed me as his partner. Please don''t make a big deal out of something trivial like this anymore, or we will only embarrass ourselves."

    "If you aren''t so stubborn and useless, I won''t even be worried like this in the first ce," Li Jirong sneered.

    "..... I''m really tired now, Father. If that''s all you want to ask, can I return to my room now?"

    "Is this how you treat your father? Do you want to say you don''t even have time to spare for your father anymore? You really are bing rebellious as ofte. What an ungrateful child you are!"

    Talking with Li Jirong always sessfully pushed her wrong button every time. If she wasn''t careful, she would probably blurt out his affair out loud right there and then.

    "With all due respects, Father. But aren''t you forgetting something here?" Li Caiyi asked with a smile.

    Li Jirong''s eyebrows twitched when he heard that. "What are you trying to say?"

    "Didn''t we make an agreement that if I win our bet, then you wouldn''t go against my wish anymore? I think I have given our family enough face by agreeing to Brother Renshu''s arrangement for hising-of-age party. Please don''t expect more from me than this."

    Li Jirong mmed the table hard with an enraged expression. "Just because you win one sillypetition, do you think you are already so great and can live by yourself? You are still living under the Li Family''s house, so you must do whatever you can to elevate that name. It''s your duty as the child of this family!"

    "Do you really think our family is that great, Father? If yes, then you are being too optimistic about all this."

    "Impertinent! Not only do you dare to go against your father, but now you are also looking down on our family. Good, very good!" Li Jirong pointed his finger towards Li Caiyi. "If it were not because you still have some use, I would have disowned you a long time ago! Our Li family doesn''t need a useless white-eyed wolf like you!"

    His every word made her blood boil. He was the one who wanted to elevate the family name, so why did he dump all the responsibility to her, as if it was her duty? If he really wanted to kiss the Meng family that badly, then he could go do that by himself!<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi stood up from her seat with an ugly expression. "Then you should know better not to push me around anymore, Father. I''m no longer that child who used to cower in front of you. Who knows when you will lose this daughter who still hasn''t lost all her usefulness yet if you don''t know how to behave yourself?"

    Li Jirong was so shocked by hereback that he couldn''t speak properly at all. He didn''t expect Li Caiyi could spout such poisonous words from her mouth. "Y-youˇ­"

    "It seems you have nothing more to say, so I will return to my room first."

    Li Caiyi didn''t wait for him to yell at him and hurried to her room.

    "Finally, it became peacefulˇ­." She sighed.

    ***

    It was a tiring night.

    After she sessfully returned to her room, Li Chunhua visited her room and bombarded her with many questions. She seemed agitated and kept pestering her for hours. Li Chunhua only left her alone when Li Caiyi finally answered her questions.

    This was why Li Caiyi woke up feeling sore all over her body.

    Once she arrived at her ss, the first thing she did was to make sure she had today''s required book ready in her desk drawer. She noticed a small notebook in her desk drawer when she put her textbooks in.

    "Oh, did I leave this here?" Li Caiyi muttered in wonder before opening the notebook and flipping the page randomly. Her movement halted when she arrived at a particr page in her notebook.

    "Shen Qiangˇ­" Li Caiyi read the name written on that particr page with a hint of longing in her voice.

    Where could he be right now, and what was he doing right now? Did he reunite with his beloved at this point?

    If Dai Shenqiang was truly Shen Qiang, she hoped he could regain his memory, just like Meng Renshu, who began to vaguely remember his previous life''s memories.

    Her gaze trailed down the page to the list of information she knew about Shen Qiang, but for some reason, there was a piece of information she didn''t recognize among those listed.

    "Strange, it''s clearly my handwriting, but why did I write he likes mint here?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. As far as she remembered, Shen Qiang never said he liked mint at all.

    Judging from her handwriting, she undoubtedly jotted down this sentence, but howe she didn''t remember when she ever wrote this before?

    "Huh?"

    Li Caiyi felt dizzy when an image suddenly shed through her mind in a split second. She put her hand on the desk to steady her body.

    After a moment, that dizziness was gone, but it was reced by a strange feeling instead.

    For some reason, she felt restless, like she had just forgotten something important.

 Chapter 159 Evaluation (1)

    Even while sitting in the ss, Li Caiyi''s mind still wandered to yesterday''s incident. Howe Meng Renshu suddenly dreamt about his previous life''s memory?

    For now, the only thing she knew was that Meng Renshu couldn''t remember the content of his dream once he woke up, which meant he had no control over what he could remember and not. What happened to Meng Renshu probably wasn''t rebirth like her, but something else.

    Li Caiyi frowned as she scratched the point she had just written on her notebook, feeling that her mind had gone awry.

    In some web novel she had read, there were few instances where the female and male lead would regain their previous life''s memory. What if that was also the case here? But then again, another question arose.

    Meng Renshu only partially regained his memory while she got aplete memory. What was it with this contradiction?

    Li Caiyi flipped the pages of her notebook, and her gaze fell on the information she had written about Shen Qiang and the weird sensation she felt earlier.

    She had a crazy theory in her mind. However, she dared not to think too deeply because she desperately hoped her theory was false.

    Li Caiyi still remembered how she prayed so strongly at the end of her life so she could reunite with Shen Qiang. Nevertheless, it seemed the heavens had another n for her since they threw her back to the current timeline, where she still had a chance to fix her mistake.

    Li Caiyi naturally thought Shen Qiang would also get reborn like her because theymitted suicide at the same ce and the same time, but what if the one who got reborn wasn''t him?

    Just like in the web novel, where the male and female lead would reunite to clear up their misunderstanding, what if the male lead in this story wasn''t Shen Qiang but Meng Renshu from the very beginning?

    Li Caiyi felt dreadful thinking about that idea. Because if her theory was true, her chance to meet Shen Qiang would be almost non-existent. She would have no other way to identify Shen Qiang anymore, even if the person himself stood in front of her.

    Even now, Li Caiyi felt she stood at the farthest ce from him, and there was nothing she could do except wait for him to find her.

    Besides, this information regarding Shen Qiang she had written on the notebook, which she had no recollection of, bothered her so much.

    It felt like the situation slowly got reversed, where Meng Renshu remembered things, and Li Caiyi became a regr high school student from this timeline.

    If this rebirth mechanism was something God had decided for her, she wanted to sue that God for being half-assed in his blessing. Li Caiyi honestly had no control over this situation, and it pissed her off as much as it frustrated her.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t focus on the ss at all, thinking about the various possibilities that might happen.

    ***

    At lunchtime, Li Caiyi bade goodbye to her friends as she made her way to the backyard garden, where she and Shao Jingfei had promised to meet. He asked to meet up there for some reason, but Li Caiyi didn''t mind as long as she could talk with him.

    It had been a while since shest talked to him since Li Chunhua''s kidnapping incident. This would be an excellent chance to show him her new novel!

    Li Caiyi walked on the stone path leading to the backyard garden and glimpsed Shao Jingfei, who sat on the bench near a big tree while humming something.

    "Shao Jingfei!" Li Caiyi called him to announce her presence.<sub> </sub>

    Shao Jingfei turned his head and raised his hand. Li Caiyi walked over to him hastily.

    "I''m sorry. Did I make you wait for too long?" She asked him as soon as she stopped in front of him.

    "No, I just arrived myself. Have a seat first." Shao Jingfei shed a grin while patting the spot beside him.

    After they sat side by side, Shao Jingfei said to her first, "So what do you want to talk to me about?"

    "Actually, I want to tell you I have finished my novel."

    "REALLY?!" Shao Jingfei shoved his face closer to her with a glint of excitement in his eyes, making Li Caiyi have to lean back so she could have some space.

    "Uhhˇ­ yeah. That''s why I want you to check on it."

    "Show me!" Shao Jingfei rubbed his palm together as though he expected her to put out some money.

    Li Caiyi dug out her phone and sent the file to Shao Jingfei, which he immediately opened and examined carefully. The atmosphere suddenly turned quiet since the talkative one was very silent.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know Shao Jingfei could look this serious when immersed in something he truly felt passionate about. His eyes were moving as fast as his finger scrolling down his phone screen, to the point Li Caiyi doubted if he even read it properly or just skimmed through it.

    While Li Caiyi was waiting for him, she absentmindedly moved her leg as she enjoyed the breeze touching her cheek. Her life after rebirth had been so hectic that the spring quickly passed.

    In no time at all, it was almost a midterm exam. Li Caiyi wondered if she could pass the same exam again. If only she could remember what kind of question appeared on the exam in the past, or better, some lottery number in her previous life.

    "I get it!"

    Li Caiyi flinched at Shao Jingfei''s loud exmation. She rubbed her chest to calm down her heartbeat before she asked him. "Have you finished reading some of it? What do you think?"

    "As expected, you are born to be an author, after all!"

    "I remember you said the same thingst time. Do you like my new story?"

    "Yes, very much. Especially how you gave the supporting characters the chance to redeem themselves. It opened an alternative path for the main character''s development and increased the depth of the story at the same time. And thenˇ­."

    Li Caiyi''s jaw hung open when Shao Jingfei chattered about the plus and minus of her story so quickly like he was chanting a mantra.

    It hadn''t been ten minutes since he read the story, yet he could easily recite what happened in the third chapter with amazing precision. This meant that he had a full grasp of the story and not only skimmed through it.

    What a god-speed reading skill! Li Caiyi was dumbstruck by Shao Jingfei''s hidden talent.

 Chapter 160 Evaluation (2)

    "Ah, sorry, I got too excited," Shao Jingfei grinned sheepishly, noticing Li Caiyi''s dumbfounded expression. "It''s because your story is just that good. I have a sharp eye about things like this, so you can have faith in my judgment!"

    "No, it''s not that I don''t believe youˇ­ I just didn''t expect you to already reach that part in a short time of reading."

    "Haha, reading and evaluating people''s works is my job. I read a million words every day, so it''s more like I am used to it. Everyone can do it easily, too, if they are in a simr situation as me."

    "I see, but it''s still amazingˇ­." Li Caiyi said in awe.

    "I know I''m amazing, but you''d better not fall for me because I''m a man with thousands of secrets." Shao Jingfei swiped his hair back in a narcissistic yet silly manner, making Li Caiyi chuckle.

    It was always easy for her to open up with him for some reason as if she had known him forever. Li Caiyi didn''t have many male friends, so Shao Jingfei was one of her precious friends.

    "You are always such a jest."

    "Hehe, you are finally smiling."

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi looked at him with a stunned expression.

    "You looked dispirited a while ago, so I thought I should do something to cheer you up. Thank goodness it works. Thest time I tried to help cheer somebody up, she ended up crying, so it kind of hurt my pride a little as the ss clown," Shao Jingfei sighed sadly.

    "I-Is that so? Well, thank you, Shao Jingfei. I appreciate your humor very much."

    "You''re wee! You can just call me Jingfei, you know? No need to be so formal."

    "Sure, if you''re okay with it, Jingfei."

    "That''s better! Now, shall we talk more about your story, then?"

    "Yes, please."

    Shao Jingfei cleared his throat before he spoke. "I want to officially submit your work to be published under ourpany. I will speak with the editorial department to send you the contract via email, so you can sign itter."

    "Thank you. But what about the negotiation I talked to you about before?" Li Caiyi asked worriedly.

    "There won''t be any problem. Suppose the manhwa you would bring to me is satisfying. In that case, I can arrange for you to have another set of contracts, one where you could split your profit fairly with your partner, without influencing your previous one."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. "That''s good news. I was worried for a second."

    "I already told you there is nothing to worry about as long as I got your back, didn''t I? Recruiting talent is my job, and no one would dare say anything against the talent I introduce," Shao Jingfei puffed her chest out proudly.

    Li Caiyi already heard him mentioning it a few times before, but she really never got any chance to ask. "Jingfei, did you have special authority in the Glorious Days? Is it rted to your talent to spot talent?"

    "Hmm? Are you curious about me?" Shao Jingfei smirked teasingly before he shrugged his shoulders. "I won''t call it with such pretty words like ''authority'' or ''privilege''. I''m basically apany ve because I was expected to work without getting any sry. Don''t you think my family is kind of horrible?"

    "Was your family the one who asked you to do this?"

    Shao Jingfei snickered. "Asked? They basically ordered me what to do. If I don''t do as they said, I won''t be able to eat anything."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi stared at Shao Jingfei, but he stered his signature grin like usual, despite saying something pretty dark there. Was this also one of his jokes? She really couldn''t tell at all.

    "That''sˇ­ horrible."

    "Hmm? Isn''t every family like that?" Shao Jingfei tilted his head in confusion.

    "No, not really. At least as far as I know?"

    "Really? Well, whichever is fine, anyway. Bad or good, our family is still our family in the end. There''s nothing you can do to change something you can''t control."

    Li Caiyi was astonished upon listening to his words. He said it light-heartedly, but it resonated deep inside her. Once again, she felt a sense of closeness to Shao Jingfei, who shared a simr idea as her.

    "Yes, I think so too," she said softly, almost like a whisper.

    However, Shao Jingfei didn''t seem to hear it since he quickly continued their previous topic. "You said your friend who is good at drawing is injured. How much longer does it take for him to healpletely?"

    "Oh, I heard he had already taken off his cast as ofte. He should be able to draw around this week."

    "That''s good. Frankly speaking, I''m not really invested in this idea because I still think you will reach another height more quickly as a novelist and not split your brain into two types of projects. But since you are my favorite author and my friend, I''m willing to give your friend a chance."

    "Yes, I won''t ever forget this favor, Jingfei."

    "Don''t say that, or you will make me blush," Shao Jingfei put both hands on his cheeks while feigning an embarrassed expression on his face.

    "I also don''t know if this will work or not, but I want to give it a shot." Li Caiyi said determinedly.

    "Yeah, do your best. I expect nothing but the best result. If not, prepare to get shot down." He replied while grinning from ear to ear.

    Li Caiyi smiled. "I wouldn''t have it any other way."

    They spent a few minutes chatting before Li Caiyi decided to return to her ssroom first. Shao Jingfei told her to go first and waved at her diminishing figure as she walked away.

    After Li Caiyipletely disappeared from his sight, he heaved a sigh before saying in a loud voice. "How long are you going to watch from there? Don''t you know spying is a bad habit?"

    ˇ­..

    Except for the asionally rustling sound from the leaves being swayed by the wind, there was no other sound. Shao Jingfei nailed his gaze on the tree behind him as he shouted again, "I know you are behind the tree. Come out now, or I''ll chase you out from there."

    A few secondster came the sound of footsteps. Shao Jingfei turned his head and was a bit stunned when she saw Li Chunhuae out from behind the tree. Her face, which was identical to Li Caiyi, caught him off guard for a second.

    It felt like Li Caiyi suddenly appeared again after she had just left.

    "Wow. If I don''t know better, I would probably think I''m seeing a ghost right now." Shao Jingfei chuckled in amusement.

 Chapter 161 I Can Do It Too!

    "How do you know I was there the whole time?"

    "Well, it was just a coincidence I saw your skirt peeking from behind the tree."

    Li Chunhua: "...."

    Shao Jingfei opened his bread package while saying, "If you are there, then you should have juste out and joined us."

    Li Chunhua nced in the direction her sister left, feeling an indescribable emotion building up inside her.

    "I read it."

    Shao Jingfei raised his head in bewilderment. "Huh? What is it?"

    Li Chunhua frowned in annoyance. "Xiaoyi''s manuscript. I read it."

    His expression suddenly turned brighter at the mention of Li Caiyi''s story. Li Chunhua was initially suspicious this guy probably had an ulterior motive towards her sister, but after listening to their conversation, she was convinced that Shao Jingfei only admired her talent and not the person herself.

    "What do you think of it?" Shao Jingfei sat up in a straight position with an expectant look in his eyes.

    ".... It''s good. I never knew Xiaoyi had such a profound understanding about the past and future." Li Chunhua said in a small voice.

    Shao Jingfei flicked his finger with a satisfied smirk. "I know a smart person like you would realize her true worth. It would be a waste of such talent to remain hidden, don''t you think so?"

    Li Chunhua honestly couldn''t answer that question. Although it was confirmed that her sister had fantastic writing skills, but with how their family worksˇ­.

    She wasn''t sure if pursuing this path was the correct choice or not.

    "That expression, are you currently thinking about something useless again?"

    "What do you mean by ''useless''?" Li Chunhua retorted. "I just think that even if her skill is good, in the end, isn''t the life of an author is very unstable? She will be so much happier if she pursues a more stable path. I don''t think this is right for her."

    "Sure enough, it was a useless thought." Shao Jingfei sneered. "I don''t know what kind of environment both of you grow up in, but the future has always been unstable, little princess. There is no sure way to happiness or a better life. If you think you can be happy simply by following the rules, then you are an ignorant and arrogant person."

    Li Chunhua felt like she was just being pped in the face. She red at Shao Jingfei furiously. "What did you say? What do you know about us, anyway?"

    Shao Jingfei shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "As I said, I know nothing about that. However, I have met many people like you. People who always had better privilege than others iming their way of living are the best while looking down on others who clearly did so much more than them."

    Li Chunhua scoffed. "So you are offended when I say the author''s life is unstable? Did I hurt your feelings by telling the truth?"

    "No, you didn''t piss me off by saying the life of the author is unstable. You pissed me off by saying this way of living wouldn''t make her happy."<sub> </sub>

    "What did I say wrong? You can ask so many people out there, and they will agree with me! Besides, I know Xiaoyi the best. She wouldn''t be happy with such a life!"

    "You don''t get to decide which path could make her happy. Only Caiyi has the right to do that. Saying that you are sisters, so you are the one who understands her the most, is just arrogance on your part. I''m not telling you to understand her, but if you really care for her, then the least you can do is to not block her way."

    Li Chunhua gritted her teeth. Each and every word of his burned her ears. Why did she have to hear such things from a person like him? He was just an outsider!

    "How can I not, when she clearly will do just fine if she behaves herself? I see now that you are probably the one who encourages her to do this. Do you know how much she got scolded at home because of that?!"

    Shao Jingfei raised his brows while giving her a weird look. "You seem eager to pin the me on everyone. But did you ever stop to think that your family is probably the one who is wrong all along?"

    "What?"

    "At least, that''s how I see it. I think your sister also knows that. That''s why she tried her best to do what she wanted. On the other hand, what have you done exceptining and ming other people? Don''t say it''s your sister''s fault when you never put on the same amount of effort in anything like her."

    Li Chunhua was bbergasted. Shock, anger, and shame mixed together inside her as she listened to his words. Even if she didn''t want to admit it, she knew she was actually shaken up by his logic.

    It felt like everything she believed until now was slowly crumbling beneath her feet. She had always hated that feeling. It was hard for her to finally have something to hold on to, but this guy just had toe and ruin it.

    Meanwhile, Shao Jingfei stared at Li Chunhua''s figure hesitantly. Was he too harsh on her again? He wouldn''t know what to do if she cried again because of him. His bread was already eaten, too.

    "If you are so smart, then tell meˇ­."

    "Huh? Sorry, I didn''t quite catch that," Shao Jingfei said.

    "Tell me how to understand my sister better." Li Chunhua clenched his hand into a fist hard on both sides of her body. "I''m having a hard time because Xiaoyi doesn''t like me that much anymore. If I can understand her, then we probably could be close again, just like before."

    Shao Jingfei blinked his eyes a few times, surprised by what he had just heard. Her head was lowered so he couldn''t see her expression well, but he could tell she wasn''t used to asking a favor from other people, based on how her shoulders shook.

    Shao Jingfei was blunt, but he wasn''t that mean to tease a girl who had mustered all her courage to ask something from him.

    "What makes you think I understand your sister better?" He asked seriously.

    "Because I know the current Xiaoyi trusts and depends on you much more than she did with anyone. I can feel it." Li Chunhua forced herself to say thest sentence. "Please help me. If there is something wrong with me, then I want to change it."

    Shao Jingfei grinned widely. "What? You are much cuter when you are being honest like this. If you don''t mind, I can give you advice anytime. Let''s exchange our contact information, and you can chat with me whenever you are lost and don''t know what to do!"

    Li Chunhua didn''t know if trusting this person was a good idea or not, but for Li Caiyi, she was ready to do anything.

    ''Xiaoyi never looks that happy talking about something before,'' Li Chunhua thought while recalling the scene where her sisterughed beside Shao Jingfei before she scoffed inwardly. ''Hmph, I can do it too if I try. I won''t lose to him!''

 Chapter 162 Resemblance (1)

    Talking with Shao Jingfei never failed to lift her mood. She was worried for a second about what would happen with her promise with Dai Shenqiang if she just went ahead and submitted her works, but it seemed Shao Jingfei had expected this oue. Thanks to him, Li Caiyi was reassured and couldn''t wait to tell the good news to Dai Shenqiang.

    Li Caiyi opened the door to the library and immediately spotted Dai Zhiqiang, who was currently sitting behind the librarian''s desk while reading a book. She smiled while walking over to him.

    "Zhiqiang, Ie again today."

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his head, and the corner of his eyes softened slightly when he saw Li Caiyi. "Caiyi. What can I help you with today?"

    Recently, she spent more time in the library toplete her novel than she usually did. Thanks to that, she encountered Dai Zhiqiang many times, and he would asionally rmend her a good book for reference. By now, Li Caiyi had be entirely ustomed to his presence, and she was sure Dai Zhiqiang was also the same.

    Dai Zhiqiang had helped her a lot, so she wanted him to be the first one to know about this good news. She hadn''t even told this to her friends yet.

    "I already showed my novel to Jingfei earlier, and heplimented me a lot," Li Caiyi said enthusiastically, without being able to restrain the big grin on her face.

    Dai Zhiqiang also smiled faintly before replying, "Is that so? That''s great."

    "It''s all thanks to your help. If it weren''t for your help, I probably wouldn''t be able to finish it so fast. Thank you, Zhiqiang. You always helped me a lot. I don''t know what I can do to repay you."

    "You also helped me a lot. There''s no need to feel burdened."

    The library was silent, with only a few people inside, so they had to slightly lower their voices to speak. Li Caiyi leaned forward to the desk as she asked him, "Can I go to your house today?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart jumped a little when he heard that. "Youˇ­want toe to my house?"

    Li Caiyi nodded her head. "Yeah. There is something I need to talk to Shenqiang face to face."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t help but feel disappointed when he heard that. Even he thought he was being silly for expecting something else, so he covered his disappointment with a stern look.

    "Even if you don''t ask me, I''m sure Shenqiang wouldn''t mind having youing to our house."

    Li Caiyi giggled after hearing that, causing the young man to look at her in puzzlement. Noticing his bewilderment, she waved her hand lightly.

    "Ah, sorry. For some reason, I just knew you were going to say that. That''s why it feels funny when you actually said it."

    The disappointment he felt immediately dissipated hearing that. To be able to make herugh was akin to achievement to him because he knew he could be a pretty boring person to be around. He felt proud if he could make her smile.

    "Shall we go home together then, after this?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s automatic response was to reply with "yes" to her every request, but then he remembered something and shook his head.<sub> </sub>

    "No, you can just go first. There''s something I need to take care of first."

    "Is it regarding your librarian''s duty? I can wait until you finish."

    "Well, yes. But today I have to sort out some old books and put them into boxes. It''s going to take a while, so you can go on ahead."

    "What are you saying? Wouldn''t it be faster if it was done by two people? Let me help you!" Li Caiyi offered.

    "Huh? You will? But it''s going to be boring," Dai Zhiqiang said reluctantly. If one asked him what he truly wanted, of course, he would enjoy sorting books with Li Caiyi rather than doing it alone.

    "I don''t mind at all. This is an excellent learning opportunity because I have always been curious about your librarian''s job. I might get some inspiration for my story, too."

    If Li Caiyi had already said that much, Dai Zhiqiang would be a fool if he refused her kind intention. "Then please help meter."

    "Yes! After that, we can stop by the grocery store first before going to your house. I''ll make something for you two!"

    In Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes, she beamed even brighter than the sunlight slipping past the window right now. Her words were like something a newlywed wife would say, so it made him embarrassed but happy at the same time. She probably would creep out on him if she found out what he was thinking.

    ***

    After school, Li Caiyi bade her friends goodbye before going to the library. She was surprised to find the te sign was already flipped to CLOSED. The library was usually open for two more hours after school, but perhaps it was closed earlier, so Dai Zhiqiang could focus on sorting the books.

    Li Caiyi pushed the door open, only to find it empty.

    "Zhiqiang, I''m here. Where are you?" Li Caiyi called out, but there was no answer.

    "Stange. Is he not here yet?"

    Li Caiyi put down her bag and walked towards the room in the deeper part of the library. It was where the old books were stored. There were already several stacks of books and boxes on the floor. Someone put them haphazardly that it looked like a massive mess from where she stood.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t even see the floor anymore like this. Sorting out all these books would take a long time, indeed.

    Without Dai Zhiqiang, Li Caiyi didn''t know where she should start, but she thought she could at least tidy it up a bit before he came just so they could walk easier in this cramped room. She tip-toed her way around and avoided touching books that were stacked so high they towered over her. Slowly, she began to clear up some space.

    However, moving around in that cramped space proved to be easier said than done because she identally nudged against a stack of books, causing it to sway dangerously from side to side. When it finally toppled on her way, Li Caiyi had no space to run, so she shut her eyes close, bracing herself for the impact.

    Li Caiyi thought she would be buried under a sea of books, but she was suddenly yanked to the side by her hand and engulfed in a warm embrace.

 Chapter 163 Resemblance (2)

    KATHUNK!

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened, looking at the mess she had made. Dozens of books just fell in front of her, and she miraculously teleported in an instant. If she didn''t, she probably would have been crushed under those heavy and hardcover encyclopedia books.

    No, she wasn''t teleporting. Someone was helping her.

    She raised her head, only to find Dai Zhiqiang looking down at her with his usual expressionless face. However, there was a trace of worry in his voice when he asked her, "Are you okay?"

    Li Caiyi suddenly felt d¨¦j¨¤ vu. When they saved Li Chunhua from those loan sharks, he helped her stand like this after she got dizzy from alcohol, too. At that time, even though it was only for a split second, she didn''t know why but he reminded her of Shen Qiang.

    Perhaps it was because they got a simr quiet vibe around them. It felt like they always secretly watched over her and protected her.

    "Why were you just standing there and doing nothing? If you know the books are going to fall, then you should have avoided them."

    His words woke her up to reality. Li Caiyi quickly steadied her posture and took a few steps away from him in embarrassment. "You''re right. I''m too slow at reacting."

    "Why are you even trying to work by yourself? You should have waited until I came."

    "I thought I could clear up some space here so we can work easier," Li Caiyi nced guiltily at the disorganized pile and mess she had just made before saying, "But it seems I only make this ce messier. I''m sorry."

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed. "That''s not the point. And I''m not scolding you; I''m just saying it''s dangerous."

    To be lectured by a teenager much younger than her, Li Caiyi felt embarrassed deep down. "Yeah, I know. I will be more careful next time."

    "Good. Then, let''s get to work, shall we?" Dai Zhiqiang said as he took off his zer andid it down on the nearest chair. Next, he rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbow, showing a lean muscr arm with blue veins popping under the skin.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t get her eyes off those arms for some reason. If she didn''t experience it firsthand, she would never have thought that arms had enough strength to haul her at lightning speed. Dai Zhiqiang''s hold around her back then was firm and secure.

    After a few seconds, Li Caiyi regained her focus and moved her hand as she observed his work. Still, her mind wandered to her conversation with Dai Shenqiang some time ago. Didn''t he say that Dai Zhiqiang used to chase away people who bullied him in the past?

    Dai Zhiqiang also disyed a fair amount of fighting skills when they rescued Li Chunhua. Was that why he was so strong?

    "Caiyi, that''s wrong."

    Li Caiyi turned her head automatically when she heard him calling her, only to find him leaning in through her shoulder from behind, to reach out to the book she was holding.

    His face was just beside hers, and it made her unconsciously hold her breath.

    "This book isn''t supposed to go in that box. If you see it closely, the serial numbers are...."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t focus on his exnation at all because of their awkward posture. But then again, she would look like a weird person here if she made a big deal out of this, right? It wasn''t like he was doing this on purpose, either. The space was just not enough for him to move around!

    "Do you understand?"<sub> </sub>

    "Huh? Oh, um, y-yesˇ­." Li Caiyi replied as she avoided his eyes.

    Dai Zhiqiang squinted his eyes suspiciously. "You are not listening to me, aren''t you?"

    "N-no, that''s not trueˇ­."

    "Then why are you avoiding my eyes?"

    Li Caiyi felt like a cornered rat now. She wanted to take a step away, but she probably would nudge on another pile of books if she moved carelessly.

    While Li Caiyi was panicking and trying to find a way out, Dai Zhiqiang''s corner of mouth secretly curved up in a smirk. He thought her flustered expression was lovely and couldn''t help but be a bit mean. Naturally, he was aware of what she was thinking, but her reaction was so cute that he wanted to see it longer.

    "Look, you don''t even dare to look me in the eye. Do you hate me that much?" Dai Zhiqiang asked lightly, without knowing it would elicit a powerful reaction from the girl whose height didn''t even reach his chin.

    "How could that be?!" Li Caiyi retorted while raising her head, looking ready to argue back. Dai Zhiqiang was taken aback by her firm gaze, but her soft voice betrayed that expression.

    "How could I hate you when you are the one who always helps me? Iˇ­I like you very much, as a friend."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart couldn''t help but jump at the sudden confession. Well, it wasn''t a love confession per se, but hearing her saying she liked him, even as a friend, was enough to lift his spirit.

    Day by day spent by her side made him greedy. Although he knew he shouldn''t hope for more since they came from different worlds, he couldn''t deny his yearning for her.

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his hand and caressed the side of her face with the back of his hand like he was in a trance. He wanted to etch that surprised but adorable look of her in his memory forever.

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang?" Li Caiyi''s voice that called his name shook slightly, showing the owner''s nervousness. Her pupils were dted when he slowly leaned in to look at her face more clearly. With every inch he got closer, he could hear the sound of her rapid breathing.

    His hand, which touched her skin, felt like it could burn from the heat of her cheeks. Or was it him whose temperature increased? But the texture of her skin against his calloused hand felt so good. He wanted to caress it forever.

    Li Caiyi, who was left with nowhere to move, finally couldn''t take it anymore.

    "Zhiqiang, wait!" She yelped and in her fluster, bumped her shoulder to the nearest pile of books, causing it to topple to the ground. Thankfully, the pile didn''t fall their way.

    Dai Zhiqiang immediately tried to shield her, but it only made her feel even more in danger instead! Her heart was beating erratically in her ribs, and she thought she would have a heart attack.

    "Wait, don''te any closer!" She said as she pushed him away.

    "Huh?"

    "W-what are you doing? Suddenly getting closer like that!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s expression barely changed as he tilted his head in confusion. "There is some dust on your cheek, so I thought of wiping it for you."

 Chapter 164 Resemblance (3)

    Li Caiyi touched the ce he had caressed earlier in a bbergasted manner. "Dust? There is some dust on my cheek."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded. "It''s already clear now, though."

    Li Caiyi could feel her cheeks burning even hotter than it already was. She was so surprised when he suddenly leaned into her so closely that she overreacted. Even though he only wanted to help her wipe something on her cheeks. She really wanted to find a hole and hide in it!

    However, she refused to let him see her making a fool out of herself anymore, so she cleared away her throat before saying, "Ahem, then you could just tell me, and I would wipe it by myself."

    "It just seems easier if I do it. It was right before my eyes, after all."

    "Listen here. You shouldn''t touch a girl so carelessly like that. They''ll easily misunderstand," Li Caiyi warned this insensible boy calmly but secretly scolded him inside.

    ''The effect is much worse because you are good-looking and cool. Have some self-awareness for a bit. This isn''t good for people''s hearts!''

    "Pfftˇ­"

    Li Caiyi raised her head when she heard suppressedughter and was stunned when she saw Dai Zhiqiang let out a genuine smile. It was not a faint or sarcastic smile he usually put on.

    "What? Did you admit my actions made you misunderstand?"

    "H-huh?"

    Dai Zhiqiang tilted his head, and a glint of mischievousness shed across his eyes as he smiled yfully. "Then, can you teach me what I should and should not do in front of a girl? You are the first girl I''m close to, after all."

    Thump.

    All her blood suddenly rushed to her heart upon listening to his words. Perhaps it was because of the theory she had made this morning, or maybe she was just anxious after discovering that Meng Renshu would probably gain his past life''s memories.

    Perhaps this was just another wishful thinking on her part, the same as when she met Dai Shenqiang.

    But why did Dai Zhiqiang resemble Shen Qiang so much? His personality, gestures, the way heughs, smirks, and even words.

    Li Caiyi had experienced disappointments before this, so she didn''t dare make any wild guesses. Nevertheless, she couldn''t deny that the Dai Zhiqiang who stood in front of her now reminded her a lot of Shen Qiang.

    Was it possible for two people to be so simr? Even to the way theyugh and smile?

    ''But how can that be? There''s no way Dai Zhiqiang would be Shen Qiang. Because if yes, then wouldn''t it mean Shen Qiang had lied to me about his name? There''s no reason for him to lie to me when we are bound to be dead soon.''

    Li Caiyi calmly acknowledged the error in her judgment, but her heart refused to listen to reason, as it kept beating fast, even when she convinced herself not to make any assumption.

    "Whatˇ­. Stop confusing me like thisˇ­."

    "Huh? Did you say something?" Dai Zhiqiang didn''t quite hear her voice.

    "Zhiqiang, is your name really Zhiqiang?" Li Caiyi asked him, causing him to look at her weirdly. Of course, she knew her question didn''t make any sense, but she just couldn''t resist the urge to ask.<sub> </sub>

    "My name has always been Dai Zhiqiang if that''s what you want to know."

    "What about Dai Shenqiang?"

    "I don''t understand why you asked this, but he also has always been Dai Shenqiang."

    "I see. Thank you for answering."

    Dai Zhiqiang could tell that something was amiss when he looked at Li Caiyi''s troubled face. He thought it was probably because he teased her too much, so he quickly apologized.

    "I''m sorry if what I said put you in a bad mood."

    "Huh? No, it''s okay. You didn''t offend me in any way. Let''s just finish this quickly so we can go, okay?"

    After that, she busied herself arranging and stuffing the books into the boxes, so Dai Zhiqiang didn''t have any chance to talk again.

    Li Caiyi tried to clear her mind by moving her body, but the thought that had emerged was hard to chase away just like that. She felt suspicious and uneasy.

    ''What if everything I know about Shen Qiang all this time is false all along? Come to think of it, even if he has no reason to lie, there is no reason for him to tell the truth either.'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    Both of them were just lonely souls that happened to meet at the right time. They lost hope for life and wanted to end their lives. Would anyone care if a person is telling the truth or not in that mental state?

    Until now, Li Caiyi never thought of this possibility, but now that she thought about it, she felt it was very usible that Shen Qiang might be lying, or at least hiding some truth from her.

    If this theory was also true, she really had no lead that could connect her to Shen Qiang. Li Caiyi couldn''t even determine just how much of his words were true or false, so where could she even begin to identify him?

    Everything was like a jumble of mess inside her head. The more she tried to think of a solution, the more she realized she was in a deadlock. Unless Shen Qiang miraculously regained his memories and came to confront her directly, she probably wouldn''t believe it was him.

    Li Caiyi was so immersed in her thoughts, and by the time Dai Zhiqiang called out to her, everything had been packed neatly to the boxes.

    "Thanks for your help. This should be enough for now."

    "Where are these books going to be taken to?"

    "They would deliver them to another school, or perhaps another public library. Our students didn''t read these books as much, so it was better to send them elsewhere where it could be useful to other people."

    "I see."

    "Then, shall we go home now?"

    Li Caiyi flinched a bit at his invitation, feeling that it was something Shen Qiang would say, but she quickly chased away that thought before nodding her head.

    She should stop ovepping Dai Zhiqiang with Shen Qiang until everything became clear, or she would have a false hope again.

 Chapter 165 Resemblance (4)

    The whole trip to Dai Zhiqiang''s house, Li Caiyi barely said anything, which confused the young man. She was usually very chatty when she was with him, but she was very silent today. He couldn''t help but think that perhaps what happened earlier at the library caused that.

    Since she made no attempt to start a conversation, Dai Zhiqiang thought he should take the initiative. However, he was clueless about the topic girls usually liked to talk about. His expertise basically ended with talks about weather or books. He was pretty sure she wasn''t in the right mood to discuss those things, though.

    He racked his brain to work for him when a horde of people suddenly barged into the train. Thest trip to the Dai family''s house was pretty easy because there were only a few people on the train then, but it seemed like they weren''t so lucky this time.

    The train became so crowded that Dai Zhiqiang and Li Caiyi were pushed to the corner and stuck against each other.

    Dai Zhiqiang quickly tried to shield Li Caiyi by pulling her to the safer side and creating space for her using both of his arms.

    "Y-you don''t have to do thisˇ­." Li Caiyi said shakily while clutching her bag tightly in her arms.

    "It''s dangerous for a girl to stand in the middle of a crowd of men. Stay like this until we arrive at our destination." He replied in a low voice.

    Li Caiyi hesitantly looked up but quickly avoided her eyes again. "It wasn''t my first time riding a train, so I''m okay. I can protect myself."

    "Yes, but I''m worried about you." Those words slipped out of his mouth before he knew it. Dai Zhiqiang nced at Li Caiyi to see her reaction, and as expected, she looked ufortable.

    Feeling a tad disappointed, he added, "Don''t be stubborn and just stay like this. It''s not like I''m doing it because I want to, either."

    "I-I seeˇ­ You''re right."

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted to curse himself so badly. Out of all things he could say, why did he choose the worst options ever?

    "Then, youe closer too."

    "Huh?"

    Dai Zhiqiang hadn''t finished registering her sentence yet, when Li Caiyi suddenly yanked him forward by his tie, making the distance between them be much closer. He was so shocked his mind went nk instantly.

    Li Caiyi looked up and gazed at him embarrassedly, with cheeks puffed up in a pout. "You are reducing the space for others by creating space for me. It''s fine as long as I stand beside you, right? I''ll stay here, so you cane closer."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart swelled with affection when he saw the slight tremble in her eyshes and the pink hue on her cheeks as she said that. It felt like there were thousands of ants biting his heart, causing it to feel itchy. They were so close together that he was worried she could hear how noisy his heartbeat was.

    If this was a dream, he hoped he would be stuck in this train forever with her, never waking up again.

    He didn''t expect Li Caiyi to be so daring. To pull a guy''s tie like that while making a lovely expression at the same time. It was a low blow for him. Men could easily misunderstand and take it as an invitation.

    Dai Zhiqiang gulped nervously as he vaguely caught the smell of her shampoo. He knew this wasn''t the right time to think about this, but he thought the scent ofvender suited her so much.

    "Don''t stare at me like that." Li Caiyi whispered softly, almost like a sigh.<sub> </sub>

    "S-sorryˇ­"

    Meanwhile, the train kept getting crowded, with more peopleing in at each station. Dai Zhiqiang tried not to press the girl who was almost in his embrace right now, but it was easier said than done. He would move in difort once and twice with a frown on his face just so he could find a better position while not disturbing her.

    "You can move closer, you know?" Li Caiyi said with a hint of worry in her voice upon noticing how awkward his position was.

    "No, that''s a bad idea. It''s dangerous." Dai Zhiqiang replied automatically.

    "Huh? I guess it is too cramped here, but you can stand more easily if you take a step closer. Don''t worry about other passengers."

    "Not that. I''m talking about another kind of danger."

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand what he was trying to say at all. "What are you talking about?"

    "Nevermind. Just stay where you are, and try not to squirm too much." Dai Zhiqiang replied with a guttural voice, causing her confusion to double. However, she decided not to press the issue further, as she didn''t want to annoy him.

    They kept that position until they finally arrived at their destination, with Dai Zhiqiang reciting the national anthem repeatedly in his mind.

    ***

    When Dai Shenqiang opened the door, it confused him when he saw the contrasting expression on two people standing in front of the door. Li Caiyi looked bright and energetic, while his brother looked exhausted.

    "Brother, did something happen?" He asked curiously while Li Caiyi went to the kitchen and put down the groceries they had just bought on the kitchen counter.

    "Don''t ask. I''m exhausted right now." Dai Zhiqiang replied as he rubbed his eyes. Then he threw himself onto the couch and heaved a long sigh.

    "It''s rare to see you so tired. The librarian job must be hard if you are this exhausted."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t be bothered to reply anymore, so he just nodded his head absentmindedly. He needed a break from the whole train ordeal earlier.

    "Let him rest, Shenqiang. Zhiqiang protected me in the library and on the train earlier. He helped me twice today." Li Caiyi said from behind the kitchen counter before busying herself again.

    Dai Shenqiang immediately had an idea when he heard the word ''protect''. His eyes squinted as he threw a knowing smirk at his brother. "It seems the train is pretty cramped today."

    Li Caiyi, who was unaware that the sentence wasn''t directed for her, obliviously replied, "Yeah. If it weren''t for him shielding me, I might have been crushed into a paste by now."

    "I see, I see. I think I understand why he was so exhausted now."

    Dai Zhiqiang shot a re at his brother, and thetter only shrugged his shoulders lightly with a yful grin on his face.

 Chapter 166 Resemblance (5)

    Not long after they arrived at the Dai family''s house, Dai Zhiqiang announced he would go to work soon. It hadn''t even been an hour since he returned home, but he had to go again.

    Dai Zhiqiang was currently in his bedroom, preparing for his departure. Li Caiyi felt bad looking at him, working so hard like that.

    "Don''t worry too much. My brother will feel bothered if you make such a face," Dai Shenqiang said upon noticing the sour look on her face.

    "What kind of face did I make?" Li Caiyi asked while pressing her cheeks with her palms.

    "You looked like a worrywart wife, or perhaps a mother? Hahaha."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "I didn''t remember ever giving birth to two big boys like you."

    "Then, do you prefer to be my brother''s wife instead?" Dai Shenqiang asked while moving his brows teasingly.

    Li Caiyi flicked his forehead lightly with a frown on his face. "If you have time to speak nonsense, then help me a bit."

    Dai Shenqiang rubbed his forehead, and a trace of confusion appeared on his face. "Help with what?"

    "Preparing some food for your brother. He might not have much time to buy his dinner, so it''s better if he brings some from home. Your hand is already healed, so help me prepare it."

    "Oh, you really act like my brother''s wife now. So, am I going to be your brother-inw soon?"

    "If you keep talking nonsense, I will not make any for you."

    "Ah, no! I''m so sorry, I will zip my mouth now!" Dai Shenqiang said in a panic as he hurried to the kitchen.

    Right around the time she finished making some fried rice for Dai Zhiqiang, the said person came out of the room with his bag on his shoulder. He was wearing a simple id shirt and jeans while busily typing a message on his phone that he didn''t notice them standing in the kitchen.

    "Brother, wait! Don''t go just yet!" Dai Shenqiang quickly called out to him, stealing his attention from his phone.

    "You guys can take your time talking here. I have to go now."

    "Zhiqiang, please take this with you too," Li Caiyi said as she quickly packed the food and ran over to him. "Shenqiang and I made this together. We were worried you won''t have any time to buy dinner, so take this with you."

    Dai Zhiqiang showed an astonished look when he looked down at the box in Li Caiyi''s hand.

    It had been so long since thest time someone packed some food for him. He thought he would never have someone who would make something like that for him anymore, but Li Caiyi did it so naturally, as though she were a genuine member of their family all along.

    Dai Zhiqiang was happy and touched at the same time. He took the box from her hand stiffly while saying in a small voice, "Thank you."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi smiled. "No problem at all! You will need a lot of energy to work, so make sure you eat well. No matter how busy you are, don''t eat in a rush and chew it properly, okay?"

    Dai Shenqiang made a whistling sound with a yful smirk stered on his face. "Caiyi cares so much about brother. She nitpicked about ingredients all the time while cooking; I thought I would never hear the end of it."

    Li Caiyi was embarrassed because Dai Shenqiang exposed her, but she tried to maintain a calm face and retorted, "He will need a lot of energy, so naturally, the food needs to have bnced nutrients in it. What''s wrong with that?"

    Dai Shenqiang folded his arms behind her head. "Nobody said it was wrong. Why are you so defensive? Are you feeling shy now that my brother found out about it?"

    Li Caiyi wanted to smack this kid''s head so badly. "Shenqiang! Just you waitˇŞ!"

    "No violence, please! My hand just healed!" Dai Shenqiang ran out of the house before Li Caiyi could do anything more, leaving her and Dai Zhiqiang standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.

    Li Caiyi unknowingly felt self-conscious after hearing Dai Shenqiang''s silly remarks. She nervously tucked the strands of her hair behind her ears before saying, "U-um, good luck with your work. I know it''s hard for you, but you can never becent with health."

    "I know. I really appreciate this."

    "I-it''s nothingpared to everything you have done for me." Li Caiyi said with a lowered head, finding it difficult to meet his eyes right now.

    Then she felt a weight on top of her head. It made her look up and greeted with Dai Zhiqiang''s fond smile at her. His hand, which he put on her head, slowly stroked her head like he was trying topliment a child.

    "Don''t worry about me. I''ll be back soon. Until then, take care of yourself."

    Then, he walked out of the house without looking back. Li Caiyi stood frozen in her spot as the scene earlier kept reying in her mind.

    Shen Qiang once also said the same thing to her. He told her to wait at his apartment while he went out to buy some things and that she should stay inside and keep herself warm.

    Li Caiyi''s heart started to beat erratically again.

    Ever since her suspicion grew, she became more and more unclear about her feelings. After she had previously caught the resemnce between Dai Zhiqiang and Shen Qiang, she became overly self-conscious of him.

    Every little thing he did remind her of Shen Qiang, to the point she could see the mirage of Shen Qiang ovepped with Dai Zhiqiang from time to time.

    The problem was she wasn''t sure if it was caused by her desperate desire to meet Shen Qiang again, which made her try to connect everything to him subconsciously. Or because Shen Qiang and Dai Zhiqiang were the same person all along.

    All of these were just mere spection, but there was no way to figure out the answer.

    Li Caiyi touched her chest and could feel the rumble inside. This heartbeat she felt under her palm right now, was it caused by her memories of Shen Qiang or Dai Zhiqiang himself?

 Chapter 167 First Projects Discussion

    "Hey, what happened to you?" Dai Shenqiang looked at Li Caiyi in puzzlement because she only stood absentmindedly in the middle of the room.

    "Ah, no. Nothing. Has your brother gone yet?"

    "He did. Anyway, didn''t youe here to talk to me about something?"

    Li Caiyi recalled her main aim foring here and regained her wits together. This wasn''t the right time to be muddled with other things.

    "You''re right. Let''s sit down first, shall we?" Li Caiyi gestured for Dai Shenqiang to sit with her. After they sat facing each other on the couch, she spoke. "I want to talk to you about our agreement the other day."

    Dai Shenqiang''s back immediately straightened upon noticing the serious tone in her voice. "My hands arepletely healed already. I can start immediately if you want."

    "Yes, I have consulted with my friend who would help us. I want to create a specific time range for our first project. It doesn''t have to be long since my friend will only use this chance to evaluate us. I will make the draft first, so can you draw it in two weeks?"

    "Two weeks, huh?" Dai Shenqiang brooded over it for a moment. "If it was only about 15-16 pages, then I probably can make something. Perhaps 20 if I squeeze the time to make it in between my study."

    "That''s good enough. While waiting for your hand to heal, I have done various research on thetest popr manhwa, and I already have the gist of what I want to make inside my head. Do you want to discuss it a bit with me?"

    "Sure. Brainstorming would be easier if webined our brains to do the work."

    After that, Li Caiyi spent another two hours discussing with Dai Shenqiang about what kind of story they should make for their first project. They also discussed the equipment needed for making it.

    The discussion went smoothly because they talked about something they were passionate about. As a friend, they could speak freely about anything in their mind.

    Li Caiyi gained a whole new perspective for Dai Shenqiang after this discussion. She thought that Dai Shenqiang would be more adventurous in deciding the theme and genre, but he was surprisingly level-headed and calm. He didn''t suggest only based on his preference, but carefullyid out the reason based on the market demand and popr theme.

    As for a person who went back in time, his insight and circumspect opinion saved Li Caiyi. Even though she had lived her life once, she had never delved too deep into the manhwa world. She was pretty much clueless about what kind of story was prevalent in this timeline.

    The sky had be darker before they knew it. They wrapped up their discussion when Dai Shenqiang''s stomach rumbled in the middle of their conversation.

    The younger boy rubbed his belly with an embarrassed grin. "Sorry about that. It''s already time for dinner, so I feel a little hungry."

    "We are too focused on this discussion that we forget about the time. How about we stop here for today and eat dinner?"

    "Good idea. We are pretty much done talking about everything, anyway. All that is left is to put our brain and hand to good use!" Dai Shenqiang huffed while rubbing his palm together, looking like he couldn''t wait anymore. "I have been so patiently waiting for my hand to heal. It''s been a while since I used my right hand to draw. I''m so excited!"

    p Li Caiyi chuckled, seeing his enthusiasm. "You sure seem spirited. Alright, let''s eat dinner first. Your stomach probably can''t wait anymore, too."<sub> </sub></anda>

    With Dai Shenqiang''s help, Li Caiyi quickly made a simple chicken stew with potato and a seaweed soup. Based on her observation, Dai Shenqiang was more adept at cooking than his brother. She only needed to instruct him once, and he could mimic her well.

    It seemed he was the type that actually could do anything if he tried but was just toozy to do it.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help butpare the brothers to Shen Qiang again. If, by one in a hundred chance, Shen Qiang lied to her about his name, then was there a possibility that he used the name of his closed one to hide his real name?

    However, there was also a possibility that he only used random names without thought too. After all, who could guess what was in the mind of a soon-to-be-dead person?

    ''This is so confusing. I don''t know how to tell which one is the correct train of thought with no clue!'' Li Caiyi scolded inwardly. She also secretly bore a grudge to Shen Qiang for hiding such a crucial fact while knowing fully she had no right to be angry.

    "Hey, that''s the wrong bowl you are taking there."

    Li Caiyi raised her head when she heard Dai Shenqiang''s voice. Then, she automatically followed his line of sight and looked downward and found she was currently holding her rice bowl to her mouth. She totally thought she had taken her soup bowl, but it seemed her mind wandered too much.

    "I don''t mind if you want to eat your rice that way, just want to make sure you will not regret it."

    Li Caiyi pouted at his teasing tone before replying, "Don''t make fun of me. I was just thinking about something, so I zoned out a bit."

    "Did something happen? I can hear you out. As thanks for making me a delicious dinner today."

    Li Caiyi contemted a bit, but she guessed it wouldn''t hurt to tell him about it.

    "If a person you know all this time is actually not a person you have had in mind all along, what would you do about it?"

    "Hmmˇ­ It depends, I guess? If that person deliberately lied to me, then I would probably feel hurt, but if that person didn''t do that because they wanted to, then that''s another story."

    "Can you continue to believe that person when you find out what they have been hiding all this time?"

    Dai Shenqiang tilted his head and fell into silence for a while before replying, "I think it''s not about whether you CAN believe them or not. It''s more like whether you WANT to believe them or not. This isn''t something you can decide just by asking other people''s advice, but you need to feel it for yourself. If that person is important to you, I don''t see why you shouldn''t believe them. They might have their own reason for hiding those important things from you, after all."

    "What I want to believeˇ­." Li Caiyi''s words trailed off as she tried to ingest Dai Shenqiang''s words in her system.

    Even after she thought hard about it, she still couldn''t find the answer in the end.

 Chapter 168 Ye Huizhong And Ye Zhong

    Dai Zhiqiang went into Ye Wang''s building with a stern expression and wide stride. Unlike before, nobody dared to stop him as he mentioned the purpose of his arrival.

    The news about how Boss Ye¨Can infamous leader of an underworld group¨Chired this young man directly had spread at lightning speed. Nowadays, when they mentioned Dai Zhiqiang, there were only two kinds of expressions people would use, either awe or spiteful, out of jealousy.

    At first, everyone looked down on this neer because of his young age. However, he quickly proved everyone wrong by defeating most of the older and snobbish Ye Wang''s guardsmen in a hand-to-hand fight.

    Although the fight was fierce, Dai Zhiqiang proved his worth and gained recognition from Boss Ye and a few members. He actually didn''t care about what people would think about him, as long as he could get easy money by working with these people.

    Thankfully, his fighting skill, which he identally acquired during his delinquent days, was helpful in this situation.

    It all started when he helped a boy who was almost run over by a car one day. That kid was still in the kindergarten, but he wandered around the street like a lost kid. The kid was talking to a shady man then, so he didn''t waste any time and chased away that man from the kid.

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t that heartless to leave an unguarded child alone without his guardian on the street, so he brought him back to his kindergarten.

    Who would have guessed that kid was actually the grandson and the sole heir of Ye Groups, which was famous for their host/hostess club business in S city? It wasn''t a secret this group had several casinos built in other countries, and various kinds of people with shady backgrounds kepting and going out of their ces.

    However, no one actually knew that this group also specialized in information trade, which was prone to enemy attacks who wanted to extort information out of them.

    The moment Dai Zhiqiang met with the boss and received his business card, it felt like a vine was extended to him in the most unexpected way.

    Boss Ye was a simple businessman who believed in the give and takes rule, so he left Dai Zhiqiang with a promise that he could call him for help anytime, as repayment for helping his grandson.

    That was the reason Dai Zhiqiang could stand here right now.

    "Brother Zhi, you don''t use that color there!"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down at the boy sitting beside him. The boy was wearing a cute sailor-theme outfit, with neatly cut hair and plump cheeks. He would grab a crayon with his chubby fingers and make a scribble on the paper, but then he would rub the paper with his hand, dirtying his palm with various colors.

    Currently, the boy was puffing his cheeks, dissatisfied at him because he just used a green crayon to draw. "What do you mean, Little Zhong? For grass, green is correct, right?"

    "No, it isn''t! That color is too boring. Use this one instead." Ye Zhong grabbed a crayon with bright color and shoved it to Dai Zhiqiang''s hand.

    "But this is a pink color. The grass is supposed to be green, not pink," Dai Zhiqiang said again, strangely feelingpetitive.

    "Brother Zhi, you always talk back like my friend''s dad to my teacher."<sub> </sub>

    "I''m just telling you the correct color. You will learn soon enough there is a color for everything."

    Ye Zhong shook his head while moving his head wildly. "I don''t wanna, I don''t want that ugly color!"

    Dai Zhiqiang let out an amused snort before finally giving up. When he was with Ye Zhong, it felt like he returned to his childhood when he used to apany his brother ying with his crayon and art supplies. It was a fond memory for him.

    "Alright, don''t be mad," he said as he poked the boy''s plump cheeks with his index finger. It always felt squishy to touch. "I''ll use whatever color you want me, so don''t throw a tantrum anymore. Boys are uncool if they do that."

    Ye Zhong immediately stopped whining and looked up at him curiously, "If I stop, then will I be cool like Brother Zhi?"

    "You want to be like me? Your grandfather will cry if he heard this."

    "I don''t want to be like Grandpa. He is old and ugly. Brother Zhi is strong and cool. I want to be like Brother Zhi in the future!"

    <o>,m "Well, I''m d you think that way." Dai Zhiqiang patted Ye Zhong on the head as thetter grinned widely at him.</o>

    "Brother Zhi was so strong when you fought with the bad guys. You are like a superhero!" Ye Zhong''s eyes sparkled with a thousand stars while looking at him with admiration.

    This boy reminded Dai Zhiqiang of his brother when they were little. His brother would often cry but said he would be like him in the future in a determined voice.

    He didn''t know if Dai Shenqiang would still remember that, though. Dai Zhiqiang took this job to help his family situation, but he didn''t expect he would truly grow fond of this little boy.

    "Cough! So you like Zhiqiang more than Grandpa? Little Zhong, you are hurting Grandpa''s heart."

    Dai Zhiqiang turned his head to find an old man wearing a white-striped ck suit came into the room with walking sticks in his hand. This man was Ye Huizhong, the leader and founder of the Ye Groups, also the onemonly known as Boss Ye. He was the only family member of Ye Zhong, and a doting grandfather towards his grandson.

    Although he looked old with gray hairs on his head, his tall and big stature made him look like a giant bear. Not to mention the burn scars worming from the left side of his neck to the left side of his face made his appearance look even scarier.

    Dai Zhiqiang heard from the senior member that Boss Ye was once caught in an ident that caused him to get that burn mark, which cost him his left ear forever. As for the details of the ident, the senior member told him not to pry, so he left it just like that. It wasn''t like Dai Zhiqiang was very curious about it, anyway.

    Boss Ye had a significant reputation in the underworld as an information seller, which potentially could threaten the bnce between the other groups. That was why the building of Ye Family''s house always had guardsmen with fire guns patrolling everywhere, ready to attack anytime an enemy came.

    Dai Zhiqiang was among those guardsmen, too, particrly a special one the boss appointed to guard his dearest grandson.

 Chapter 169 The Boss Offer (1)

    Since Ye Zhong was very attached to Dai Zhiqiang, Boss Ye especially put him beside his grandson. He also seemed to trust Dai Zhiqiang more than his other guardsmen, which consequently made many people bore a grudge towards Dai Zhiqiang. However, no one could go against the boss''s decision, so they could only swallow theirint.

    "Grandpa, it''s because your chin is too rough! I don''t like it!" Ye Zhong innocently pointed at the feared leader of Ye Groups, but thetter onlyughed in amusement. His gaze towards the child was very gentle and doting.

    "Hohoho, is that so? Then Grandpa will shave this beard so our Little Zhong won''t hate Grandpa anymore."

    "Noˇ­ I didn''t say I hate Grandpa. I just hate Grandpa''s chin." Ye Zhong said while fiddling with his fingers. His appearance was so adorable that the old man couldn''t resist the urge to pick him up and swayed from side to side.

    Dai Zhiqiang had seen this view many times but still hadn''t fully be ustomed to it yet. It was hard to believe that firm and ruthless Boss Ye could make such a goofy face in front of his grandson. He was like apletely different person.

    Ye Zhong grimaced when the old man shoved his face towards him to rub their cheeks together. His short legs dangled around in the air ufortably as he tried to push his grandfather''s face away from him. "Ah, I don''t like Grandpa''s beard! I don''t want a beard!"

    "Hohoho, is that so? Is that so?" Ye Huizhong seemed to enjoy his grandson''s struggle and rubbed their cheeks even closer.

    "Aaahhh. Brother Zhi, help me!"

    After trying to push his grandfather away to no avail, the little guy finally resorted to asking for someone else''s help.

    "Little Zhong, your grandfather, won''t be your grandfather anymore without his beard," Dai Zhiqiang said.

    "Huh? Grandpa won''t be a grandpa anymore without his beard?" Ye Zhong tilted his head in puzzlement.

    "That''s right. So if the beard is gone, he won''t be your grandpa anymore."

    Ye Zhong''s eyes immediately got teary when he heard that. "N-noˇ­ I don''t want thatˇ­."

    "If you don''t want that, then just ept your fate and let your grandfather spoil you," Dai Zhiqiang said nonchntly.

    Meanwhile, Boss Ye looked back at him and discreetly gave him a thumb up. The young man could only sigh inwardly. This wasn''t the most challenging job in the world, but it did get pretty tiring sometimes.

    Ye Huizhong yed with his grandson for a while until he finally let him go with a satisfied smile on his face. The little Ye Zhong, who felt tired after being tossed around by his spunky grandfather, was tired, so he quickly fell asleep as soon as his head touched the sofa.

    Ye Huizhong took a nket and covered his grandson with a fatherly smile stered on his face. However, that expression gradually faded and was reced with a stern look when he turned to Dai Zhiqiang.<sub> </sub>

    "Let Little Zhong sleep. Come with me," He said in a deep and sharp tone, leaving no room for discussion.

    Dai Zhiqiang took thest nce at the sleeping little boy before following his boss outside the room.

    p The hallway of Ye Wang''s building was arranged simrly to those traditional Chinese houses, with lots of dragons and phoenix designs on the wall and pirs. There were also some paintings and Chinese calligraphy hung on the hallway wall. Expensive-looking swords replicas or antique vases were disyed on the wall corner, making the hallway look more like a museum than a group headquarters.</anda>

    The windows on this building were all circle-shaped, with some detailed and intricate carving of dragons on the window frame. There was a wide koi pond where little Zhong kept his fishes if you looked outside the window. The lotus flowers were scattered on the pond''s surface, presenting an elegant and tranquil view for whoever was seeing it.

    Ye Huizhong led Dai Zhiqiang to a room in a separate building with Chinese calligraphy written on top of the door, which he assumed meant "The yer is lost; the watcher is lucid".

    When the door was opened, it revealed a simple but spacious room with several bookcases on the side of the wall and a red carpet on the floor. This was the boss room, which supposedly couldn''t be entered through regr means, but Dai Zhiqiang had been here several times by now, thanks to his particr connection to the boss.

    Ye Huizhong went around the working desk in the deeper part of the room and sat on the chair. Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang stood a few steps from the desk with both hands behind him.

    "Is there something you want to talk about to me, Boss?"

    Ye Huizhong pulled out a cigar from the desk drawer and lit it up. He let out a huff of smoke before answering, "You know what I''m going to talk about? Have you given the offer I told you the other day some thought?"

    As usual, he didn''t beat around the bush and went straight to the point. Dai Zhiqiang chose his words carefully before replying, "I have always been thankful for all you have done for me and my family, Boss. However, I''m afraid I must refuse that offer."

    "Youngsters these days are too stubborn. With your intelligence and skills, you will be more sessful if you go abroad and study there. It will be good if you can apany little Zhong while you are at it. When you are as old as me, you tend to be too suspicious of people, but you are an exception."

    "I don''t think I deserve such high praise."

    "It''s up to me whether to think highly of you or not. You don''t have a say on that."

    Dai Zhiqiang kept his mouth shut and didn''t argue more. He wasn''t that innocent to believe that Boss Ye would be so charitable to an outsider like him.

    Although he indeed had saved his precious grandson once, that didn''t mean he would let his guard down easily towards Dai Zhiqiang and vice versa.

 Chapter 170 The Boss Offer (2)

    "How is your father''s condition?" Ye Huizhong changed the topic after exhaling more smoke from his mouth.

    "Thanks to you, my father has been receiving his treatment well."

    "Did he ask you where did you get the money for his medical treatment from?"

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist behind his back before replying, "I told him I got some funds from the government, and the borrowed the rest from my uncle."

    Ye Huizhong snorted. "The uncle who ran away after cheating your money from you? I''m surprised your father even bought that shit."

    "My father didn''t know about what my uncle did, so he wasn''t suspicious when I told him that."

    "A man who got a chronic illness and never got a visit from his blood-rted brother, yet he still trusts that kind of person? Sounds like your father is a happy-go-lucky person."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s corner of brows twitched when he heard that. He could never stay calm whenever someone talked badly about his family. However, since his boss was talking right now, he restrained himself.

    "Your uncle isn''t in this country anymore. If yes, my subordinate would have found him by now. You should forget about finding him and focus on repairing your life instead. Do you really intend to live for your family forever?"

    "Of course not. However, I don''t think I need to go abroad for that. There are still many things I can do here."

    "Fufufu. I already told you I would be responsible for your father''s medical treatment. You don''t have to worry and just focus on yourself. I''m saying this because I thought it was such a waste for a talented youngster like you to spend his time taking care of his family forever. A man needs to have ambition if they want to fly higher than anyone else."

    "With all due respect, Boss, but my aim is not to fly high to the sky but to walk far on the ground. I can''t leave my family behind, and that''s final." Dai Zhiqiang replied calmly with a firm gaze.

    Ye Huizhong heaved a sigh of exasperation. Judging from the young man''s resolve and determination, it seemed pointless to continue this conversation anymore, so he decided toe clean with him.

    "You might have suspected this, but actually, there is another reason I want you to go abroad."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer but waited for him to continue his exnation instead. Ye Huizhong stared outside the window with a distant gaze, like he was reminiscing about the past. However, that fleeting vulnerability soon disappeared.

    "As you know, the Ye family has been doing several businesses abroad. I want you to stay there and manage one of those businesses. This is also a good chance for you to be integrated into the group. Do you understand what I''m trying to say here?"

    Dai Zhiqiang knew it would be about this. At his current position, Dai Zhiqiang actually hadn''t officially joined the group yet and was the only de facto member of the group who was rmended directly by the boss. His position was unstable and unclear.<sub> </sub>

    Ye Huizhong probably wanted to officially make him one of his subordinates this way. Although Dai Zhiqiang owed a significant debt to this man, he knew his life wouldn''t be the same anymore once he crossed thest line.

    It probably wouldn''t be a problem if he had no other ce and no one whom he had to protect, but he still had his father and brother behind him.

    Also, there was Li Caiyi too. He felt like he would ultimately lose his chance to be beside her if he epted his boss'' offer, and he didn''t want that.

    "I understand your intention, Boss. However, I''m sure there are a lot of other seniors who are worthy of that position. I''m sorry, but I must politely decline it."

    "I''m a person who knows how to repay a debt, but I''m not a charity worker either. If you decline this offer, there won''t be a second time."

    "Yes, I''m sure. I have my reason not to leave this ce, but I''m really thankful for your consideration." Dai Zhiqiang bowed his head respectfully.

    "Very well. I have heard your opinion, so you may leave now." Ye Huizhong waved his hand nonchntly, as though he was tired looking at Dai Zhiqiang. "Don''t forget to be ready at your station once you finish tucking little Zhong in his bed."

    "Of course, Boss. Then, I''ll leave first." Dai Zhiqiang said before he turned away.

    It didn''t matter as long as he could help his father this way. Dai Zhiqiang had received his schedule for tonight, so he probably wouldn''t be home after midnight. He had to inform his brother about this. There was also dinner to think aboutˇ­

    Just then, Li Caiyi''s bashful figure while giving him his dinner box this afternoon shed across his mind. He still remembered how thrilled he was, knowing she paid attention and cared for him to that extent. It was as if he could ascend to heaven then.

    Dai Zhiqiang covered his mouth with his hand and tried to think moderately about Li Caiyi''s care for him. He couldn''t mistake her kindness as something more because the gap between him and Li Caiyi was too wide. He didn''t want to hope too much, only to be disappointed in the end.

    Although he knew it was a cowardly move to retreat before advancing, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want to break whatever little connection he had with Li Caiyi. His family background was tooplicated, and there were many things he had to think about. The current Dai Zhiqiang didn''t have any luxury to pursue his love or dream.

    The only thing he could do was to struggle as best as he could while asionally enjoying the friendship she kindly offered to him. He had to be careful to not let his greed consume him, though, because his need for her made him lose control of his actions sometimes.

    Dai Zhiqiang used to believe that Li Caiyi was out of his reach, and he didn''t deserve her time and attention. But after she saved his brother, and they became closer, he found himself falling even deeper for her. He kept hoping to spend more time with her and receive her care.

    As long as he could be by her side, he didn''t mind, even if they stayed as friends forever.

    For him, Li Caiyi had be an irreceable existence in his heart.

 Chapter 171 Hanging Out With A Friend(?) (1)

    Li Chunhua was bored.

    She had nothing to do, and Li Caiyi hadn''t returned home yet. Her brother holed himself up in his room while her mother was out. Li Chunhua had nobody she could talk to. She had spent thest hour reading but quickly got bored with it and yed with her phone instead.

    Afterpleting a hundred or so levels, she gradually became bored with it, too. Hence, she threw her phone to the bed and buried her head into the pillow.

    "Where did Xiaoyi go? What takes her so long?" Li Chunhua grumbled. Recently, her sister often went out to who-knows-where.

    Although Li Chunhua wasn''t that close to Chen Run anymore, they still chatted with each other from time to time. It was mostly Li Chunhua who wanted to know where Li Caiyi was, though. Because of that, she knew her sister wasn''t with her friends right now.

    Li Chunhua frowned in displeasure as a thought came to her mind. "She must be with Dai Shenqiang again. How annoying."

    She rolled from one side to another impatiently, but in the end, her frustration got the best of her.

    "Ah! Forget it!" She sat up abruptly and grabbed her phone irritatedly. "If she can do it, then I can do it too! Xiaoyi is not the only one who can have fun!"

    Li Chunhua opened her contact list and searched for a person she could talk to right now, but even after five minutes of scrolling up and down her contact list, she couldn''t find anyone she actually wanted to speak with. Most of her connections were pretty shallow and superficial, so she wasn''t that close with these people.

    If she texted them first, they probably would have replied to her text, but doing that meant that she had to keep her bubbly and cute persona, and that was too tiring. She wasn''t in the right mood for that.

    "Is there really no one?" Li Chunhua looked disappointedly at her phone screen. She never thought about this before because she never had to worry about this but actually had no friends.

    Not acquaintances, but genuine friends. Unlike Li Caiyi, she didn''t have anyone like Zhou Ya, Feng Nian, or Chen Run by her side.

    Li Chunhua''s world had always been small, and she used to be content with it. As long as she had all her important people close to her, it didn''t matter what others thought about her. She believed her world would always remain the same, and she would live happily together with her precious people.

    But now, she wasn''t so sure anymore.

    Li Chunhua mulled over it a bit before mumbling, "Should I try calling Brother Renshu?"

    She was the one who said it, but strangely, her finger didn''t make any move. It was like her body subconsciously disagreed with the idea.

    "But Brother Renshu is probably busy, so I shouldn''t bother him," Li Chunhua muttered and tried scrolling down her contact list again when her gaze nailed on one name.

    "The noisy one," she read the name in a low voice.

    Li Chunhua added his contact reluctantly, so she used this nickname as his contact name because she wanted to avoid him if she could. After seeing his contact, she suddenly recalled that he had promised to give her advice whenever she was at a loss on what to do.

    "That''s right. There is still him! Hmph, I don''t like this option, but I guess it''s still better than nothing."

    Without wasting any more time, Li Chunhua sent him a text.

    [Li Chunhua: Hey, are you busy? This is Li Chunhua].

    The answer came at lightning speed. He must be on his phone, too.

    [The noisy one: Hey! I didn''t expect you to text me this soon. What''s up?]<sub> </sub>

    [Li Chunhua: I was bored, so give me some advice on what I can do to kill this boredom.

    [The noisy one: Huh? What''s with that? I thought you direly needed serious advice, that''s why you contacted me]

    [Li Chunhua: This is a serious situation for me. It''s boring because there''s nothing I can do at home.

    [The noisy one: Try reading or ying a game then]

    [Li Chunhua: Do you think I will contact you if those things can entertain me? Aren''t you my advisor? Think about something else.]

    [The noisy one: You sure are pretty demanding for someone who is asking for a favor. -_-"]

    [Li Chunhua: So what? Are you going to ignore me?]

    [The noisy one: No, it''s not that. Phew, what should I do with that temper of yours? Let me think about something then.

    The corner of Li Chunhua''s mouth unknowingly rose when she looked at the typing sign on top of her phone screen. Heined a lot, but he would still reply to her. Most people would usually be turned off if they knew how demanding she could be.

    This guy was too noisy for her liking, but he wasn''t that bad. Li Chunhua could use him to ease her boredom.

    He took more time to reply this time, and his following text made her tilt her head in puzzlement.

    [The noisy one: Do you like animals?]

    [Li Chunhua: I neither like nor dislike them. Why do you ask?]

    [The noisy one: That''s good! Be prepared to go out right now. I''m going to show you to a good ce.

    Li Chunhua squinted her eyes suspiciously. It couldn''t be that this guy was trying to take advantage of this situation to ask her out on a date, right?

    Having boys pursuing her wasn''t fresh news for her. She usually only needed to give them some attention, and they would buzz around her like flies. If it weren''t because they still had some use, Li Chunhua wouldn''t even bother remembering their name. Some of them were rude and obnoxious, so reading his newest text troubled her. Was this guy also one of those people too?

    When she was deliberating on what to answer, he sent her another text.

    [The noisy one: Don''t think too much. I have no interest whatsoever in you.

    Li Chunhua felt like she was pped in the face once again by him with just that sentence. She hated how easy it was for him to push her wrong button.

    With her face flushed in embarrassment, she harshly pressed on her phone screen to type her reply.

    [Li Chunhua: I''m not overthinking it! Who cares about you? I''m just worried that this trip would be pointless, that''s all!]

    [The noisy one: Ah, no need to worry. I assure you this ce is perfect for spending your time. Just get ready ande to the location I sent you].

 Chapter 172 Hanging Out With A Friend(?) (2)

    Li Chunhua was skeptical, but she still prepared herself, just like he told her. She didn''t want to appear too eager about this, so she chose a casual yellow shirt with jeans paired with navy-colored sneakers. The weather was pretty hot these days, so she tied her hair up in a ponytail.

    Fortunately, the location he sent her wasn''t too far from their house, so it wasn''t hard for her to find it. She just needed to go a little further than the subway station and enter an alley after a coffee shop nearby.

    When she finally arrived at the destined location, she looked up at what seemed to be a cat cafe in front of her.

    The signboard looked like it was painted by an amateur, and the cafe front looked as in as a house you can find anywhere in the neighborhood. If it weren''t for the signboard, Li Chunhua wouldn''t notice it was a cafe all along.

    "The fun ce he wanted to show me is this cat cafe? No wonder he asked me whether or not I liked animals." Li Chunhua muttered. She had no hostility towards animals, but she wasn''t the type that would go on her way to gush about how cute they were, like Li Caiyi. For her, an animal was just another living being. Nothing more or less.

    "Oh, you are here earlier than I thought."

    Li Chunhua jumped slightly at the sound of a familiar voice. She turned around, only to find Shao Jingfei waving at her with his wide grin as usual. "I didn''t expect you would reallye here."

    She snorted. "You are the one who asked me toe. Or what? Do you regret it now?"

    "Man, cut me some ck, will you? Do you have to be on edge every time you talk?"

    "It''s because the way you said it irritated me!"

    Shao Jingfei sighed, "I thought you had gone milder after we finally shared the same interest, but you are as prickly as ever."

    "Same interest? What are you talking about?"

    "Well, aren''t both of us now fans of the same author?"

    Li Chunhua quickly understood what he meant and fell silent. She couldn''t deny that her sister''s work was indeed excellent, despite her disapproval. If only the author of that manuscript were not her sister, she would love to be a fan of that author.

    "When I first saw you, I thought you were Li Caiyi at first. It''s the first time I see you with your hair up." Shao Jingfei scrutinized her appearance and gave her a nod of approval. "You choose a good outfit today. I wouldn''t know what to do if you came crying to meter because your dress was covered with cat furs or something."

    Now that he mentioned outfits, Li Chunhua couldn''t help but notice his appearance. He was wearing a casual ck t-shirt and blue jeans. He also wore an apron with the same logo as the cafe in the middle of it. No matter how you looked at it, he appeared like the employee of this ce.

    "Youˇ­ Did you work here?"

    "Yep. I took a part-time job here, and the store rarely gets many customers. I thought, why not just invite you, then? You can kill your boredom, and our store will get extra ie. It''s a win-win solution!"

    Li Chunhua sighed. It seemed she really was worried about nothing. Looking at his shabby and messy appearance, there was no way he had an ulterior motive when he called her out here. The idea made her feel relieved because she came here to de-stress, not umte more stress.

    "You look ugly with that apron," Li Chunhuamented sharply.<sub> </sub>

    Shao Jingfeiughed at that. "I know, right? I also thought the design was slightly off, but the manager liked it. A lowly employee like me has no right to say anything."

    Li Chunhua snickered sarcastically. "It goes well with you, though."

    "Well, a handsome guy like me can even make a rag look outstanding." Shao Jingfei swiped his hair back in a narcissistic manner, which was responded with a disgusted look from Li Chunhua.

    "Okay, let''s stop the bragging there. Shall we go in, then?" Shao Jingfei beckoned for Li Chunhua to follow him.

    When she arrived inside, she was stunned by how neat and modern the cafe looked. Li Chunhua kind of underestimated it at first because the cafe didn''t look like it could attract any customer from the outside, but it was surprisingly pretty decent inside.

    There were a few circles in the middle of the room with tree trunks in the middle of them. Each trunk had some nks which could be used as the cat''s yground.

    On a deeper part of the cafe, there was a space where small stairs were arranged so the cats could climb it towards tiny wood houses nailed on the wall. The cat could use the house as a ce to sleep, or they could just use the cushion scattered on the floor to be their sleeping ce.

    A menu list on the top of the counter was made with a ckboard and drawn with colorful chalks. The design was trendy yet cute.

    The table and chairs for the customers were painted white, with enough nts beside the window to give the cafe a cozy and natural touch. The wall was littered with cat paintings in cute poses, and the twinkle lights around it gave the room a joyful atmosphere.

    As though he could read her mind, Shao Jingfei said, "It''s surprising, right? This cafe doesn''t look like it could offer much from the outside, but it was actually pretty cozy inside."

    Li Chunhua agreed with that, so she nodded before adding, "Well, although the inside is fine and all, what''s the point if the store couldn''t attract customers? The interior design is important, but the storefront is the face of a store. It''s important to give the same amount of effort to decorate the exterior as much as it''s important to pay attention to the interior."

    Shao Jingfei scratched the back of his head in a confused manner. "I understand your point of view, but the manager didn''t open this cafe for profit. It''s merely his hobby to make a haven for cats, and the idea of making it a cafe just suddenly came to him, or so I heard."

    "I see, but it''s such a waste of good potential." Li Chunhua put her fingers on her chin and put on a serious look.

    "For example, the manager could use the same person who made that menu to work on the signboard outside or add some re to the front by cing those little gs and twinkle lights around it. As long as the signboard is noticeable or conspicuous, more people will take notice of this ce."

    Shao Jingfei whistled upon seeing Li Chunhua''s serious look. "I don''t know you care a lot about stuff like this. Are you perhaps interested in interior design or something?"

    "No? Not really. It''s just that people''s mood will get better just from sitting in a well-decorated room. Isn''t this normal for everyone?"

    "I don''t think so? If it''s about a book cover and its content, then maybe. But personally, I don''t care that much about interior design," Shao Jingfei replied nonchntly. "And the cafe design is not even the best part of this ce."

    He pped his hand twice, and not long after that, a few little furry creatures showed their heads from inside the tiny houses on the wall or behind the furniture. Their fur was varied in colors, and each one of them stared at them with their sparkly cat-eyes.

    "The best thing about this cafe is, of course, these babies!" Shao Jingfei chuckled.

 Chapter 173 Kitties Attack!

    "Come here, boys and girls. Say hello to our first customer today!" Shao Jingfei crouched down while opening his arms wide.

    Li Chunhua was stunned when she saw those cats obediently walking toward him while meowing. She was even more surprised when she noticed the goofy smile on his face as the cats rubbed their body on him.

    "Okay, okay. Everyone will get a pat from me."

    Truth to be said, Li Chunhua had never seen so many cats in the same ce like this before. She reckoned about a dozen cats were running around him, and he enjoyed their attention.

    All of them seemed to be cats that could easily be found on the street, and few walked limply too, as though they were injured before.

    The cafe manager must have loved cats so much if he had adopted so many cats and even made a cafe for that.

    "Why are you just standing there? They are really warm and fluffy. Here, hold one." Shao Jingfei stood up while cradling a clean white kitten in his hand before shoving it into Li Chunhua''s hand.

    "H-Hey, wait!" Li Chunhua yelped in a panic because this was her first time holding a cat in her arms.

    "Haha, no worries. She is very docile and friendly to strangers." Shao Jingfei chuckled.

    "That''s not the point! You can''t just shove a living being into another person''s hand like that so suddenly. What if I dropped the cat?"

    "Oh? You are more caring than I thought. You look like a spoiled princess from a wealthy family, so I expected you to be more disgusted." Shao Jingfei rubbed his chin with an approving look, which irritated her.

    "How rude. I don''t remember ever saying I dislike cats before!"

    "Haha, yeah, you sure are. If it''s like that, then I don''t have to worry about you." Shao Jingfei had a mischievous glint in his eyes, and Li Chunhua suddenly had a bad feeling about this.

    She jumped a bit when he moved closer and tapped her on the shoulder. "I''m sure your boredom will go away after you y with these children."

    There was something unsettling about his smile that made Li Chunhua shudder. Her intuition was proven right because in the next second, dozens of cats suddenly jumped up at her simultaneously, as though she was a cornered rat and they were going to eat her.

    "Eeek!!!" Li Chunhua yelped as she tried to duck, but the few cats who caught her hips made her lose her bnce. She fell unceremoniously on her butts while the cats climbed on top of her, making her even more flustered.

    "W-what happened to them? Hey cats, where do you think you are touching me?!"

    Shao Jingfeiughed hard, seeing Li Chunhua suffer like that. "Don''t you want to kill your boredom? Now let the cats kill it for you."

    "Shao Jingfei! You are going to regret this!" Li Chunhua shouted at him angrily.

    "Oh? So you do actually remember my name. It only takes a cat''s army to make you call me by my name. Not bad, not bad at all."

    Li Chunhua tried to get up, but these cats were heavier than they looked from outside. Left with no other choice, she could only reach out her hand to the young man. "Help me! How can you just watch me getting attacked like this?"

    "I''ll help you if you promise to call me by my name from now on. Like seriously, who do you think you are calling other people by ''you'' or ''hey''? I''m not a cat, you know?"

    Li Chunhua couldn''t believe he did this just for that reason. But then again, he had always been an obnoxious guy from the start. She should have expected this!

    "I get it, I get it! I won''t call you like that anymore, so hurry and get them off of me!"

    "Hmm? I can''t hear you. There is a girl who doesn''t seem to know the situation well here."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua gritted her teeth and swore she would get back at him someday.

    "Please, Shao Jingfei. Help me!"

    Shao Jingfei chuckled as he sped Li Chunhua''s hand and pulled her up in one swift motion. The way he did it looked so effortless, which took her aback.

    "That''s better. You have cleared your first lesson."

    Next, he pulled out something like a toy from his pocket and threw it to the other side of the room. "You want this? Then get it!"

    All cats, including the kitten in Li Chunhua''s arm, immediately dashed, chasing the object he had just thrown. Thanks to that, Li Chunhua could finally have some space to breathe.

    "What is that? The thing you just threw?"

    "It''s a cat toy with a catnip smell. Cats are crazy about them."

    Li Chunhua''s brain worked in a split second. She turned her head to nce at her shoulder suspiciously. "Don''t tell me you rubbed some catnip on my shoulder earlier?"

    He flicked his finger in amazement. "Bingo! You are a smart one to notice that immediately."

    "How dare you y with me? Don''t you think you have gone overboard with your prank? I demand an apology right now!" Li Chunhua stomped her feet angrily. If gazes could kill, Shao Jingfei probably had been killed a few times already.

    "You should be thankful to me instead. I just gave you your first lesson." Shao Jingfei flicked her forehead lightly, which invited a deadly re from the girl.

    However, he just giggled at her silly puffing face before continuing, "If you want to understand your sister better, then learn how to not take people''s indulgence for granted."

    Li Chunhua was seething with anger up to a second ago, but at the mention of her sister, her face color changedpletely. It was like she had forgotten what had happened before and looked at him curiously.

    "What do you mean?"

    "It''s exactly as I said. Looking at you, I can tell that you grow up under many people''s indulgence. It must be nice to have people always catered to your needs. Nevertheless, too much indulgence can be a boomerang because that way, you eventually can''t appreciate the little things people have done for you."

    "That''s not true. Xiaoyi and I understood each other and always tried to fill in each other''s weaknesses. We just don''t need such superficial words between us." Li Chunhua argued.

    Shao Jingfei sighed. "Can you please stop bringing up that ''we understand each other'' idea every time I try to point out your mistake? Even the closest sibling will still need some kind ofmon ground between them. You are the one who asked me to teach you how to understand your sister better, right?"

    Li Chunhua had a lot of things she wanted to say, but listening to hiseback, she swallowed all those words back. Suppressing the feeling of unfairness within her, she asked him again.

    "Then what do you suggest me to do?"

    "Just be like a normal person. Don''t take her kindness for granted and properly thank and apologize to her when it''s necessary. Listen to her words properly, and don''t force your idea onto her. Earlier, you also didn''t like it when I forced my idea of ''having fun'' on you, right?

    That''s basically what you have done to your sister all this time, by keeping people away from her. And don''t even try saying ''we understand each other'' crap again because you certainly understand nothing."

    His exnation rendered Li Chunhua speechless. "That''s it? Is it really that easy?"

    Shao Jingfei raised his brows as he stared at her weirdly. "What do you mean by ''that''s it?'' You didn''t even understand something as simple as that until a few minutes ago. Besides, of course, there are still lots of things you have to learn before you canpletely understand your sister''s feelings. This is just the beginning."

 Chapter 174 Finding Happiness From Inside

    After receiving what seemed to be a ''lecture'' from Shao Jingfei, the exhausted Li Chunhua plopped down on one chair with her head sprawled on the table. She couldn''t believe she just let that short guy talk whatever he wanted, while she could only sit and listen.

    However, after listening to his exnation, Li Chunhua felt his words unclogged something in her mind, which she previously didn''t understand before. At least she understood better now why she couldn''t seem to meet Li Caiyi eye to an eye.

    Although it was embarrassing to hear someone else dere your fault right to your face, Li Chunhua still endured it because she wanted to know her sister better and hopefully restore their previous rtionship.

    What she didn''t expect was how draining it was just sitting there and letting Shao Jingfei and his smart mouth make fun of you.

    "That damn shortie. He is using Xiaoyi to y a prank on me. I shall remember this." Li Caiyi muttered grudgefully.

    "Oh? Are youining about me now? And here I thought you would need a mango smoothie to cool down your head."

    Li Chunhua peeked from the gap in her hair and found Shao Jingfei sitting across from her with a ss of mango smoothie in his hand. "Should I drink this instead, then?"

    "Hmph, do as you please," she said sulkily as she turned her head away.

    Shao Jingfei sighed. "How can you even live with such a short fuse? Li Caiyi must be a saint for being able to put up with a troublesome girl like you."

    Li Chunhua sneered. "Yes, yes. Xiaoyi is the good girl, while I''m the bad one. Are you happy now? You can leave this bad girl alone now."

    Shao Jingfei looked down at the mess of hair on top of the table and how Li Chunhua refused to look his way. When he asked her toe here, he didn''t actually n for it to turn out this way. He just thought that perhaps he could teach her how it felt to be on the giving side of indulgence, just like what Li Caiyi always did for her.

    Nevertheless, teasing her with the mango smoothie was unnecessary. He probably had gone overboard again.

    "Hey, stop sulking and look this way," he said as he put his cold palm to her cheeks, which immediately jolted her to a sitting position.

    "Tsk, what do you want now? In the end, Xiaoyi would always be the good one for you, so what''s the point of wasting your time with a bad girl like me?" Li Chunhua spat those words as soon as their eyes met.

    Shao Jingfei couldn''tprehend her way of thinking. Was she upset because he kept bothering her, or was she angry because he always put Li Caiyi on a good pedestal? Either way, this girl was too troublesome.

    "Drink first and calm your head." He said while pushing the ss of mango smoothie her way. She eyed the ss suspiciously, which made Shao Jingfei sigh helplessly.

    "I''m not putting anything to it. Just drink it and feel better."

    Li Chunhua snorted but still reached out to the ss anyway and took a huge sip of it. After finishing half of it, she wiped her mouth and said, "This is pretty good."

    "Is that so? Good for you."

    Li Chunhua had just noticed that Shao Jingfei had been watching her drink all this time, so she was a bit embarrassed.

    "I wasn''tplimenting you."

    "Did I even say something? I just said it''s good if you enjoy it."

    Li Chunhua pursed her lips and didn''t know what to respond. That was when a kitten suddenly appeared and rubbed its head on her leg.

    Upon closer look, it was the same kitten she held earlier. It meowed as it looked up at her with its small but bright eyes.<sub> </sub>

    ''It''s cute, but I''m afraid it will jump on me again.'' Li Chunhua thought inwardly.

    "This little one''s name is Yue. The manager found her badly injured after she was attacked by some wild dogs."

    "This kitten was?"

    "Yeah. Because of that, Yue is very timid and refuses to open up to anyone, even to the manager. Perhaps she was afraid humans would also attack her, just like those dogs were."

    Li Chunhua stared down at the kitten, who was eager to climb up on her leg as if asking to be picked up. "It doesn''t seem that way anymore, though?"

    "The manager is a very caring and patient person. Thanks to his meticulous care, Yue can finally regain her life and also trust in another living being."

    Li Chunhua made a low humming noise. "Your manager seems to be a great person. Taking care of an injured animal is no small feat."

    "Do you think so? I thought Yue is the great one, though."

    "What do you mean?"

    Shao Jingfei crouched down beside Yue before petting it on its head with a tender look on his face.

    "After having to go through such an ordeal, Yue is still willing to open up her heart to other living beings. She is a cat, so I know what I said probably didn''t make sense, but I really like those who always try their best in everything. She had suffered a lot, but she managed to ovee it."

    "Yeah. You are weird. Yue is just a cat. Isn''t it natural for her to gradually open up to people who fed her?"

    Shao Jingfei smiled sinisterly. "So as long as you are being fed and taken care of, you are obligated to love whoever is doing that for you?"

    For a second, Li Chunhua thought he was talking about something else and not about a cat, so she asked again, "What do you mean?"

    "Nothing. I''m just saying that I don''t like the idea that a person is obligated to do whatever the person who fed them said unconditionally. A person should live more freely, and even if they want to fulfill their duty, it should be by their own choice."

    The way he said it, it seemed like he implied a deeper meaning behind it. Li Chunhua was curious, but she wasn''t that senseless to pry in another person''s business.

    "Well, I guess you have a point there." She scratched her head, feeling a little awkward. It should be none of her business, but why did she feel pressured to say something tofort him here? She struggled to find the correct words to say.

    "Don''t think too much of it. Yue is happy now, and that''s all that matters."

    Shao Jingfei smiled faintly as he muttered, "You''re right. It doesn''t matter as long as Yue is happy."

    Then, he raised his head and stared at Li Chunhua with an inexplicable gaze. "Just like how Yue chose her own happiness, I hope you can find your own happiness too. One that didn''te from your sister or anyone else but from within yourself."

    This time, he wasn''t wearing his obnoxious smile or smug grin on his face. He looked earnest and genuine when he said that.

    It rendered her speechless and made her fall into a deep thought too.

    ''What does it mean to find happiness within myself?'' Li Chunhua asked herself inwardly.

 Chapter 175 Uninvited Guest (1)

    ''What does it mean to find happiness within myself?'' Li Chunhua asked herself inwardly. ''What''s the difference between finding happiness by yourself or through another person? As long as you are happy, it doesn''t matter how you acquire it, right?''

    Li Chunhua couldn''t understand what Shao Jingfei was telling her, but thetter had already picked up Yue from the ground to y with her, utterly oblivious to her confusion.

    "Hmm, you have gone fatter than yesterday. Good, very good!" He said as he lifted the kitten up in the air.

    Talking about being happy, Shao Jingfei seemed genuinely happy right now. How could a person be so happy just from ying with a cat? Li Chunhua couldn''t rte at all.

    ''But then again, perhaps feeling happy about small things like that was what you called to find happiness within oneself,'' she thought inwardly.

    It might feel nicer than just waiting for other people to care for her.

    Shao Jingfei noticed the stare on him and asked her, "Hmm? Do you want it too?"

    "What is?"

    "A lift like this." He said as he shook the kitten in his hand slightly.

    "No, thanks. I''m afraid the cat will jump on me again." Li Chunhua sighed and took a sip of her mango smoothie again.

    "I''m talking about you. Are you jealous of Yue? Do you want me to lift you up like this?"

    "PFFT!!!"

    Li Chunhua didn''t expect that at all. She identally swallowed too fast and coughed violently. Shao Jingfei, who saw that,ughed at her in amusement.

    "Hahaha, you are easier to tease than I thought!"

    "Cough, cough! Y-you littleˇ­. Cough!" Li Chunhua red at him while desperately trying to utter some words, but even breathing felt hard for her now, let alone talking.

    "Hey, hey, you alright there? Man, that''s why you shouldn''t drink too fast." Shao Jingfei walked over and gave her back some pats.

    "Whoˇ­ do you thinkˇ­ at fault hereˇ­? Cough!"

    "My bad, my bad. It''s just you looked at us with an envious stare. You should have just honestly said you want to y, too."

    After a series of violent coughing, Li Chunhua finally could regain a steady breath again.

    "This is all your fault. Why do you have to surprise me by saying disgusting things like that?"

    "Calm down. It''s just a joke. I don''t know you will react so strongly like that."

    "And I don''t feel envious at all. I was just wondering what''s so fun ying with cats like that."

    "What do you mean? Cats didn''t have to do anything. Their sole existence is enough to lighten up the world!"

    Li Chunhua grimaced. "So you are one of those cat maniacs I ever heard. Forget I said anything, then."<sub> </sub>

    "Wait, you must think I''m a weirdo just now, right?!"

    "So what if I did? Be thankful I wasn''t heartless enough to insult your hobby outrightly."

    "But I already felt insulted from the way you look at me, though?! I will sue you for emotional damage!"

    The sound of bickering could be heard even from outside, where a young man wearing a red shirt and ck jeans stood with a crooked smile on his face.

    "Hm? There is a customer inside? It''s a rare day indeed."

    The young man pushed open the door, causing the chime to let out a pleasant sound. Shao Jingfei, who was familiar with the sound, immediately turned around with a business smile on his face.

    "Wee!"

    However, his smile faded when his gaze fell on the face he didn''t want to see. His eyebrows immediately creased in a disapproving frown. "What are you doing here?"

    The young man with a red shirt shrugged his shoulders as he walked closer. "Why are you asking that? Of course, I''m here as a customer. The business doesn''t seem to do that well, so I took pity on it and decided toe over. Where''s my red carpet?"

    <o>,m Shao Jingfei clicked his tongue impatiently. "You already wore the carpet on your body. Now do me a favor and go back to wherever youe from."</o>

    The young man looked down at his red shirts before chuckling. "Haha, you got me with that one. But are you seriously going to kick me out? I don''t see this ce going to make any money soon. Don''t be too prideful and ept it when your cousin is trying to help you, okay?"

    Li Chunhua, who was witnessing the scene in front of her, nced at Shao Jingfei''s face slightly and detected a hint of resentment on his face by the way he pressed his lips together into a hard line.

    ''Hoo, it''s an expression I have never seen from him. Did they have some kind of bad history or something?'' Li Chunhua thought curiously.

    She was sitting behind Shao Jingfei all the time, so the young man didn''t notice her presence until he moved closer. Uponying his eyes on her, her beauty immediately mesmerized the young man.

    Come to think of it, the other voice he heard from the outside earlier must be hers.

    "I see you have a customer right now. Isn''t that great? You finally have your first customer of the day, or perhaps in forever? Pfft."

    "Mind your own business," Shao Jingfei replied darkly.

    "What a scary expression. You are going to scare the pretty girl behind you if you make such a face," the young man said before shifting his gaze to Li Chunhua. His tone became noticeably more tender as he spoke. "Hello, there. Are you alone right now? How about I buy you some coffee, and perhaps we can have a little chat?"

    Shao Jingfei spread his arm, blocking Li Chunhua from his line of vision. "Hey, leave her alone. She is here to have some rxed time, not to entertain your bullshit."

    "Are you ying the knight in shining armor now? It''s up to the girl whether or not she wants to join me, isn''t it?"

    Li Chunhua rolled her eyes inwardly. She had seen this scene so many times in the past that she got tired of it.

    However, she found it a bit amusing to see Shao Jingfei agitated like this. It was so satisfying watching him being riled up like that after every prank he had done to her today.

    Li Chunhua smirked as an evil idea came to her mind.

 Chapter 176 Uninvited Guest (2)

    As the two young men were ring at each other fiercely, Li Chunhua cleared her throat in the most elegant manner she could muster. Sure enough, that was enough to shift their attention to her.

    "Gentleman, if you want to fight, can you please do it somewhere else? Please don''t use an innocent bystander like me as the means for your fight."

    "But I''m serious about my offer, though? It''s my first time seeing a customer here, so I''m kind of curious about what kind of reason you have to give this ce a chance."

    "Have you said enough already? Just go if you dislike being here so much!" Shao Jingfei growled.

    Li Chunhua gently held on to Shao Jingfei''s arm as though she was trying to stop him. "Please don''t show such a scary face. It''s okay; we are just going to have a little chat."

    Shao Jingfei looked at Li Chunhua incredulously while feeling shivers all over his body. He only had ever seen her act fiercely, so when she suddenly switched gears and turned meek like this, it scared the soul out of him.

    "The hell are you talking about? When did this matter suddenly be about you? Listen here, I''m notˇŞ"

    Li Chunhua ignored him and cut his sentence by talking to the young man instead. She also didn''t forget to sh a bashful smile while she was at it. "If you don''t mind talking with me, I will dly ept your offer."

    The young man, of course, immediately brightened at her agreement. He smiled smugly at Shao Jingfei as he waved his hand nonchntly. "Bring us two cups of tea, waiter boy. We are going to order something."

    Shao Jingfei''s vein bulged out in anger seeing his cousin walk past him and having the time of his life chatting with that double-faced girl. Judging from the situation, he knew that Li Chunhua was doing this on purpose to get back at him, but he really couldn''t stand seeing his cousin''s fish-like face around his sanctuary!

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhuaughed triumphantly, seeing Shao Jingfei, who could only stand there while clenching his fist. She finally could get revenge on him for ying with her earlier. It made her mood go up, and even this neer''s fish-like face became more tolerable in her eyes.

    "Hm? Jingfei, can you bring us our drinks quickly? I am thirsty." Li Chunhua said with a sweet but poisonous smile.

    Shao Jingfei got goosebumps all over her body, hearing her calling his name intimately like that. Until a few minutes ago, she still called him with ''hey'' or ''you'', but now she acted like they were best buddies.

    What scared him was that her actions didn''t look unnatural in the least. The duality in her personality rendered him speechless.

    ''Yeah, there''s no way Li Caiyi could ever sleep peacefully with a scheming little sister like her. She is a saint, undoubtedly,'' Shao Jingfei thought while praying for Li Caiyi''s sanity inside.

    "Hurry and bring us our order, waiter boy, don''t just stand there like an idiot," said the young man in the red shirt.

    Shao Jingfei clicked his tongue and walked away with stomped feet. Li Chunhua was so satisfied she couldn''t stop a broad smile from appearing on her face.

    "You seem happy. Do you like spending time with me so much?"

    Li Chunhua suppressed the urge to roll her eyes as she looked at the young man sitting across from her. One nce, and she could tell that his outfit and essories came from an expensive brand. It was a shame his face and personality were anything but expensive, though.<sub> </sub>

    ''What kind of person came here just to mock his cousin for working part-time? He must have a lot of free time in his hand,'' she thought.

    The young man had a slightly chubby face withrge, bulging eyes. His face was oily and looked wet under the sunlight. The way he opened and closed his mouth to talk reminded her of a fish, and it kind of made his face look like one, too.

    She didn''t want to talk to him, but she guessed it was a well-worth sacrifice if she could make Shao Jingfei feel bad because of it.

    "Well, yes, of course, I''m happy. No boy ever asked me to drink coffee together before." Li Chunhua said while still maintaining her bashful smile.

    His eyes widened even more upon hearing that. "No way, you must be joking. There''s no way a boy would ever pass up a chance to spend time with you."

    "No, it''s the truth. I''m a shy person, so they probably think talking to me is boring. That''s why nobody ever asked me before."

    The young man smiled widely, and Li Chunhua knew that she already had this guy in her palm. She sneered inwardly.

    ''Men are the same everywhere. A girl only needs to say ''you are the first one'', and it would inte their ego like a balloon. Howughable.''

    "There''s nothing to be nervous about. I am not the type that will ask any girl out to spend time with me. I will only ask those I am interested in, and it''s been a while since I was interested in girls, except for you. You are too pretty, so I can''t take my eyes off of you."

    Li Chunhua felt like she wanted to gag hearing that cheesy pickup line. She would rather bang her head to the wall rather than believing his words.

    "Is that so? Well, thank you. I''m so ttered you think that way."

    "But I''m surprised to see you know my cousin. Are you guys close or something?"

    "Not really, but we knew each other."

    "I advise you not to interact too much with him. If you are interested in him by chance, you probably want to change your target for me. Since you wouldn''t get anywhere with someone like him. I''m clearly a much better choice than him."

    Li Chunhua could already smell gossip from miles away. She only responded to his nonsense because this guy was still useful, but who would have guessed he would blurt out information regarding Shao Jingfei without her asking?

    She saw this as a chance and pried deeper. "Uhm, it''s not an interest per se, but I kind of want to know now that you mention it. I''m sorry if it''s rude, but judging from how nice your outfit is, I assume both of youe from a wealthy family? Why did Jingfei work here, then?"

    The young man smiled smugly as he tried to y it cool, but he only looked like a pufferfish in Li Chunhua''s eyes. Nevertheless, she patiently waited for him to reply.

    "I don''t mean to brag, but my family is indeed pretty well off in this city. My name is Shao Qian, by the way. You must have heard of Glorious Dayspany before?"

 Chapter 177 Overlapping Past (1)

    "Glorious Days Company? Yes, I have heard of thatpany. Isn''t that one of the major publishingpanies in our country?" Li Chunhua echoed his word while working her brain in a split second.

    She knew that Li Caiyi and Shao Jingfei had a somewhat business-like rtionship, despite being good friends. Still, she didn''t expect that Shao Jingfei was a member of the Shao family, whose name was prominent in the publishing industry.

    ''Is it also why Xiaoyi trusted him so much? Because she knew he was part of that family?'' Li Chunhua contemted inwardly.

    However, it also made her wonder because, as far as she was concerned, she had never encountered or seen Shao Jingfei in any banquet and the high-ss party she attended so far. To build her persona, Li Chunhua always kept her ear to thetest gossip and trends around the circles but never once did she ever hear of Shao Jingfei''s name being mentioned.

    "Yeah. Although we both have the same Shao in our name, it doesn''t mean we are in the same standing per se, if you know what I mean there." Shao Qian moved his eyebrows up and down as though trying to imply something.

    Upon hearing that, Li Chunhua actually already had some idea of what kind of situation Shao Jingfei was in, but she didn''t dare to make an assumption here. Hence, she put on an innocent expression while tilting her head.

    <o>,m "I''m sorry, but I''m pretty slow at guessing. Can you tell me more in detail?"</o>

    "Well, I don''t mind, but please tell me your name first. It''s hard to converse while not knowing your name."

    "My name is Li Chunhua. It''s a pleasure to meet you," she said as she tucked the strand of her hair behind her ears, showing off her lovely side, one of her secret weapons. It worked wonders because Shao Qian looked even more invested in her.

    "Chunhuaˇ­ What a pretty name." He cleared away his throat before speaking again, "Alright. Since you have told me your name, it''s my turn to answer your question. But do you think we can exchange our contact informationter? You know, to get to know each other better?"

    Li Chunhua was really ufortable seeing him wiggling his eyebrows up and down again. However, she didn''t show the difort on her face and said politely instead, "Yes, sure. I don''t mind. Can I ask you about the rtionship between you and Shao Jingfei now?"

    "Hehe, alright, I will let you in on a big secret." Shao Qiang nced towards the kitchen where Shao Jingfei disappeared to. Only after making sure the coast was clear did he speak again.

    "My rtionship with Shao Jingfei was pretty simple. We hated each other''s guts. He always looks down on others while thinking he is the best among all the children in the same generation of our family. I don''t understand why Uncle treats him so well."

    "What do you mean? By Uncle, do you mean Shao Jingfei''s father?" Li Chunhua, who was immersed in the gossip she had just heard, leaned her upper body forward slightly and asked in a low voice.

    Shao Qian, who enjoyed the girl''s attention on him, was spurred to spill more beans. With a smug grin, he continued, "Don''t be fooled by his happy-go-lucky appearance. The real Shao Jingfei was much more sinister and dark than you thought. Although he seems friendly outside, he never wants to get close to anyone. A typical insecure and edgy kid, I guess? The one who keeps saying ''I hate people'' and pushes away everyone around him. I bet he actually thinks everyone else but he as stupid."<sub> </sub>

    He shrugged his shoulders. "What can I say? We are just born differently from the start."

    Li Chunhua selectively filtered his exnation, which mainlyprised selfining, and asked again, "By differently, do you mean he has a different background with you?"

    The color of Shao Qian''s face changed immediately when he realized he had just messed up. He was so happy that Li Chunhua was so eager to listen to his story that he identally touched a subject he shouldn''t talk about with an outsider. If his uncle found out, he would get a scolding for sure!

    "Cough. Nevermind that. It isn''t that interesting, anyway. More importantly, when are you going to talk about yourself?" He asked while shing what supposedly was a charming smile, but he only looked like a catfish smiling like that in her eyes.

    Li Chunhua almost clicked her tongue when she heard him trying to change the subject. Now that his exnation sessfully sparked her curiosity, she wouldn''t be able to sleep peacefully if she didn''t hear more of it.

    Li Chunhua grabbed Shao Qian''s face with a pleading gaze, causing the young man''s mouth to open in shock. "Can you please continue what you were talking about before? I''m really curious because I want to know what makes you and Shao Jingfei so different. I can tell you are better than him since the beginning, but I just want a reason to exin that feeling. Do you understand what I''m trying to say?"

    Li Chunhua used her hidden technique and put on a puppy-like expression, which had never failed in the past before.

    Sure enough, the tip of Shao Qian''s ears visibly reddened, and he was so flustered he couldn''t speak properly after that.

    "H-huh? O-oh, yes. I''m d you think that way, although I didn''t expect you to be so forward about it."

    "Hehe, it''s because I feelfortable talking to you. If it''s you, I think I can talk about anything."

    "I-Is that so? Haha, you have good taste," Shao Qiang let out a smirk of satisfaction. "If you want to know that badly, I don''t have any reason to refuse. Just make sure you keep your lip shut tightly, or else we both will get into trouble."

    "Aye aye, Sir!" Li Chunhua said while making a salute gesture.

    "Hehe, you are so cute. Then, I will tell you about this, don''t be surprised," Shao Qiang had a mysterious expression on his face as he spoke in a lower voice.

    "Shao Jingfei is my uncle''s illegitimate child. He wasn''t supposed to be taken into the Shao family if not for his luck. Nobody in our family likes him, except for my first cousin."

 Chapter 178 Overlapping Past (2)

    Li Chunhua knew what to expect but still got surprised when she heard the truth directly. If that was the case, it exined why she hadn''t seen Shao Jingfei or ever heard anyone mentioning him before.

    "Are you shocked? That can''t be helped since I bet he introduces himself as a rich young master or something? Peh, the nerve of him, when he was just a child with an unknown background who was mistakenly made by my uncle."

    "Aˇ­mistake?"

    "Yeah. My uncle once made a mistake and identally created a child with an unknown woman while he was drunk. The child born from that rtionship is Shao Jingfei. I heard he came to search for my uncle once his birth-mother passed away ten years ago. It was a huge scandal that my uncle tried to hide until now." Shao Qian sneered, "That is already proof that my uncle doesn''t care much about him. If it weren''t for his not-so-useful talent, my uncle would never recognize him as his son."

    This wasn''t Li Chunhua''s first time hearing of such a story. Although a child born out of an affair was still considered taboo, it actually wasn''t umon in upper-ss society, where marriages were treated as an obligation or a business transaction. Shao Jingfei was unlucky to be that child in this case.

    She heard that children born under such circumstances will either be added to the family registry and live their lives under people''s scorn all the time, or they will be forced to live while hiding their true identity for the rest of their lives.

    Whichever it was, that child wouldn''t have a simple life.

    Based on Shao Qian''s exnations, Shao Jingfei''s situation seemed to fall into the second category. Li Chunhua didn''t know what to think about that.

    "He should be grateful that our Shao family is merciful enough to take him in, but the guy is as arrogant as always. So what if he has a talent for discovering hidden gems? Everyone can be one if they have enough experience. I don''t understand why my first cousin always defends him. I think he is too absorbed in his good brother''s act. What a hypocrite."

    A sh of memory shed through Li Chunhua''s mind. She recalled Shao Jingfei''s grim and sinister expression when he said that a person should live more freely, and love shouldn''t be taken for granted orpromised.

    At first, she couldn''t understand why he would talk so seriously about a cat problem, but after she heard his background story, Li Chunhua felt that she finally could understand him a bit.

    Shao Jingfei probably ovepped Yue''s situation with his, who was constantly hounded by how people viewed him. Not as a person, but merely because of his birth.

    For Li Chunhua, who grew up showered with people''s love, she couldn''t imagine how hard it must be to be scorned because of something which was out of your control. Being pitied was one thing, but to be scorned like that probably felt as bad or worse.

    "How is it? After hearing his story, did it change your mind? You don''t have to feel embarrassed because no one will think badly of you even if you feel you need to gain some distance from that kind of person with an unknown background. It''s totally understandable. From how I see it, I don''t think you are a regr girl either, Chunhua. May I know which family you came from?"

    Li Chunhua smiled mirthlessly but still kept on with her act. She was a professional in this, so it wasn''t a problem for her.

    "You are joking. I''m just a regr girl you can find anywhere. My family is not even wealthy or reputable. Please don''t tease me."<sub> </sub>

    "Fufu, you are too humble. It''s okay to brag a little. I have met many people and can tell from a nce if a person in front of me is from the same ''ss'' or not."

    ''Just shut up, you catfish,'' Li Chunhua cursed inwardly, feeling that this charade had gone on for too long.

    She had heard everything she wanted to know. Any more than this, she probably would regret knowing too much. Nothing good would happen if you carelessly tried to pry too deep into another family''s dark history. Especially if the family is the powerful one.

    "I really am not lying. I''m just a regr girl."

    "Aren''t we pretty close already? You can tell me everything, and I won''t tell a single soul about it. Especially not to that illegitimate child."

    CLANG!

    The sudden loud sound startled both Li Chunhua and Shao Qian.

    When she raised her head, he noticed that Shao Jingfei had been standing beside their table with a dark and ugly look on his face. The sound from earlier was the sound of the tray being mmed to the table.

    "S-since when have you been there? You surprised me," Shao Qian, who finally regained his wits, spoke first. His face showed no remorse, even though he had been caught red-handed talking badly about Shao Jingfei behind his back.

    "You should''ve put those gentler. What if you spilled the coffee, and it got to Chunhua? She will get a burn if that happens."

    Shao Jingfei''s surrounding aura was heavy and menacing as if he would grab Shao Qian''s neck anytime and twist it. His silence only worsened the situation since no one could predict what he would do next.

    It shocked Li Chunhua to see that a carefree guy could make that intense expression when he was angered.

    "You sure like yapping your mouth like a fish. Who gave you permission to say such things in front of her?'' Shao Jingfei''s tone was chilling and sharp. His eyes narrowed down dangerously at Shao Qian.

    Instead of feeling nervous, Shao Qian gloated at his cousin''s angry face. "What did I say? I only said the fact. Nothing more and nothing less. Did you feel ashamed now that Chunhua knew about your embarrassing past you wanted to keep hidden?"

    Shao Jingfei snorted mockingly. "Yeah, I feel ashamed now that she found out that I actually have a rtionship with you and your Shao family. It''s a secret I want to bring to my grave since having the same surname as people like you disgusted and shamed me so much; I don''t dare to raise my face in public."

 Chapter 179 Overlapping Past (3)

    Under Shao Jingfei''s provocation, Shao Qian soon lost his temper and stood up angrily. "How dare a wild child like you talk so high and mighty while living under our family''s mercy?! Even a dog would think twice before biting the owner who bit their owner''s hand!"

    "Who asks for your family''s help? I always said I never need your so-called wealth and reputation. I already moved out of that household and wouldn''t have anything to do with your family anymore, except for work-rted cases."

    "See? In the end, you are still leeching on our family!"

    "Are your eyes only there for decorations? Have you seen me begging to be employed at thepany? Even your uncle begged me for it; when does it be your turn to criticize his decision? You aren''t even contributing anything and only live every day wasting money, yet you brag about your family name as if everyone owes you anything. Once a loser will always be a loser!" Shao Jingfei said with a degrading expression.

    Shao Qian''s face reddened with shame and fury, being called out like that in front of Li Chunhua. He couldn''t stand Shao Jingfei''s humiliation anymore and moved forward to clench on his cor, causing Li Chunhua to gasp.

    However, Shao Jingfei wasn''t a pushover either. As soon as he detected an iing attack from his cousin, he quickly reacted and caught that chubby hand in his and gave it a firm squeeze.

    "Ugh!" Shao Qian yelped and tried tond a punch on Shao Jingfei''s face in his fluster.

    SMACK!

    Li Chunhua couldn''t help but gasp again, seeing the spectacle before her. It wasn''t even a surprise attack or anything, but Shao Jingfei received his cousin''s punch directly and even had leisure time tough at him. He appeared like a crazy person right now.

    "Hahahaha, not only you are a loser, even the way you throw a punch is like a sissy!" Shao Jingfei''s eyes narrowed down dangerously as his gaze darkened. "You have punched me, so you shouldn''t have anyints if I do the same back at you, right?"

    Shao Qian didn''t have any time to retort because a powerful fist hadnded on his jaw and sent him tumbling to the ground.

    Li Chunhua could only stare in awe as the two boys were fighting with each other, forgetting about her existence. The way Shao Jingfei did that uppercut was simply satisfying because after that attack, Shao Qian passed out and didn''t show any sign of moving. He justid down there on the floor motionless.

    "Tsk, you don''t even have any fighting skill, but you dare to go against this young master. Behold, my thousand de''s attack!" Shao Jingfei made a funny pose as he talked to his unconscious person on the floor. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, but he paid it no heed.

    Li Chunhua initially thought that he was pretty cool because he could out-power Shao Qian despite his short stature, but those silly poses he just did just awoke her from her daydream.

    ''You really can''t judge a book by its cover. First, the quiet and loner Dai Zhiqiang was now the fun-loving and silly Shao Jingfei. Is every boy secretly learning martial arts or something?'' Li Chunhua thought inwardly.

    Looking at Shao Qian''s state on the floor, she prayed inwardly that Shao Jingfei would be gentleman enough not to hit girls or she would be dead. After all, this mess happened because she was trying to dig for more information about him.

    "Even when he passed out, he still took up too much space. I can''t have my customers seeing this." Shao Jingfei said grudgefully while nudging Shao Qian''s back with his feet with a disgusted look on his face, as though he was looking at a piece of trash.

    Li Chunhua felt awkward now being in the same space as him. She wanted nothing more than to go home and y with her phone game again. Coming here was a mistake.

    "I should go now. I will leave the money here, okay? Goodbye." Li Chunhua said while putting the money on top of the table, fully intending to leave, but Shao Jingfei''s call was enough to stop her in her tracks.

    "Why did you leave? You haven''t even yed with the kitties yet because of this guy''s interruption."

    "No, I think I''m fine now."

    Shao Jingfei smiled brightly. "Ah, perhaps you were charmed by my heroic deeds earlier? Are you falling for me now?"<sub> </sub>

    "No, I just want to go home." Li Chunhua clutched the strap of her bag and subtly slid to the side, trying to walk around the two boys.

    Shao Jingfei stepped on her way to block her. He was pretty short, only slightly taller than Li Chunhua, so he shouldn''t pose much threat to her. However, she felt pressured when he scanned her face with an inquisitive gaze.

    "You are leaving without even drinking your coffee? And I even put so much effort into making it. I recently learned how to makette art, you know?" Shao Jingfei said with a disappointing note.

    "Sorry, maybe next time."

    "Hmm? You acted fishier than fish in the water tank right now. Are you hiding something?"

    "No, I''m not. You are overthinking it."

    Shao Jingfei stared at her fidgety figure and couldn''t help but snort in amusement. "Pfft, you should have seen your face! It''s hrious!"

    Li Chunhua was stunned because he justughed for no reason. "What''s so funny?"

    "Nah, I just think you are an interesting girl, that''s all. You acted bossy and mean, yet you didn''t even dare to look me in the eye after knowing my secret. What? Do you think I will knock you out like I did to the catfish?"

    Li Chunhua jolted at the mention of ''knock you out''. She had to admit that she was a bit intimidated by Shao Jingfei.

    Unlike Dai Zhiqiang, who clearly couldn''ty a finger on her, Shao Jingfei was more unpredictable. He might be Li Caiyi''s fan, but who knows what he would do to her if she provoked him too much?

    He was mean enough to use cats to attack her. Li Chunhua wouldn''t be surprised if he could do much worse than that.

    "Looking at you, I can already guess what happened. So, don''t you have anything to say to me?"

    "....You can rest assured. I won''t tell anyone about your secret."

    "Wro~ong answer! Try again," Shao Jingfei said with a smile, but that smile didn''t reach his eyes.

    Li Chunhua tried toe up with another response, but except for promising she wouldn''t tell a single soul about it, she did not know what he expected her to say.

    Noticing her bewilderment, Shao Jingfei sighed in exasperation. "Do you even need me to spell this for you? This is why you shouldn''t stick your nose to a ce you shouldn''t. Now that you know everything, you want to pretend nothing happened and be on your way?"

    "W-what do you want, then? I promised I won''t tell anyone about it, didn''t I?" Li Chunhua said vigntly.

    "You are a cunning girl, so leaving my secret in your hand made me anxious."

    "I won''t tell anyone. I''m not that stupid to cross against a big family like Shao. My life is precious.."

    Shao Jingfei''s face darkened upon hearing that, and a mirthlessugh came out of his mouth. "Did you say that because you think of me as an embarrassment for the Shao family? Do you find me disgusting now?"

 Chapter 180 Overlapping Past (4)

    Li Chunhua raised her head to find Shao Jingfei staring at her with an inexplicable gaze. But there was pain and bitterness hidden deep in those eyes. It made her breath hitch in her throat.

    She didn''t like seeing him making a face like that for some reason. His silly face was much more tolerable than this one.

    Driven by the weird feeling in her chest, she unconsciously muttered, "I''m sorry."

    "Sorry? For what?" Shao Jingfei sneered sinisterly.

    "I''m sorry for sticking my nose into something that is none of my business, and alsoˇ­." Li Chunhua bit her lips before replying, "I''m sorry for hurting your feelings; I didn''t mean it like that. Although, I doubt you will believe me even if I said that."

    If Li Chunhua from the future looked back to this scene, she might wonder why would her past self apologize when Shao Qian was the one who was eager to spill everything. She might also have some regret because she was just that prideful.

    Despite that, the current Li Chunhua still thought that this was probably the answer Shao Jingfei was waiting for. Was it because he looked so pitiful that it tugged on her sympathy string? Or was it because she secretly hoped that Shao Jingfei wouldn''t feel disappointed in her too, just like Li Caiyi was?

    Shao Jingfei said nothing in reply to her apology, so she couldn''t tell what was on his mind.

    Li Chunhua didn''t dare to meet his eyes right now, so she lowered her head. Then, she vaguely noticed he raised his hand from his shadow and shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself for an iing attack.

    However, that attack never came. Li Chunhua was astonished when she felt his big hand stroke her head, messing with her hair.

    "Nice. So you do know how to apologize properly. That one is the correct answer. I''m so proud of you, my disciple." Shao Jingfei said with his usual grin on his face.

    After seeing his cold smile before this, Li Chunhua felt relieved when she saw that bright smile again. Usually, she would find his smile foolish and annoying, but now, she couldn''t define his smile as anything but radiant.

    Bright and warm, like sunlight.

    "Hm? What? You think I''m going to hit you?" Shao Jingfei chuckled. "I don''t have a habit of hitting women. Cursing or humiliating them is probably the most I will do, but I will never raise my hand against them. What kind of person do you think I am?"

    "I thought you were angry at me."

    "Of course, I''m angry at you. But you properly apologize after recognizing your mistake, so it''s enough for me. I already gave you a second chance, so don''t do this again, okay?"

    Li Chunhua was still not fully awake from her daze, so she obediently nodded. "I understand."

    "Good girl. If only you could apologize to your sister like this, I honestly thought her opinion of you would get better, but then again, I don''t know much about the conflict between the two of you."

    "Will she really? I apologized many times before, but she refused to listen to me."

    "That''s because you apologized for the sake of apologizing, not because you are reflecting on your mistake."

    Li Chunhua: "...."

    "Now that the misunderstanding is solved, can you tell me how much you have heard from this guy? Spill everything you know, or I''ll make the cat army attack you again." Shao Jingfei smiled threateningly at her, and Li Chunhua knew she wouldn''t be able to get out of this ce anytime soon.

    ***

    "Hmm, I see. Thanks for letting me know. I understand now that these guys basically had told you everything."<sub> </sub>

    "Y-yesˇ­" Li Chunhua looked pitifully at Shao Qian, who is currently used as the kitties sleeping cushion. He must be shocked if he came to his consciousnesster.

    "Then? What do you think of me now? Tell me honestly."

    "I think nothing about it. This might sound harsh, but a case like this is not that umon. You should know that as well, right?"

    Shao Jingfei shrugged his shoulders. "How should I know that? I''m someone who has never been officially recognized as a Young Master Shao, so I wouldn''t know how rich people think about this issue. Did you already forget that?"

    "R-rightˇ­" Li Chunhua replied awkwardly, feeling like she had just stepped on thendmine there. She cleared her throat and quickly changed the topic.

    "I also want to ask you something. This cafe, don''t tell me you are the owner all along?"

    "Haha, yes. I was wondering when you will finally realize that."

    "No wonder those cats are so attached to you. Were you the one who adopted them all?"

    "I picked some of them from the street. Some stumbled their way here, and I just took them in." Shao Jingfei said as he stared fondly at the cats, who seemed to have fun using Shao Qian as their new ything.

    Li Chunhua sneaked a nce at Shao Jingfei and contemted whether she should ask or not. But in the end, curiosity got the best of her.

    "Did you always receive that kind of treatment from your family? Is that why you are very adamant about living a free life, just like you said?"

    "Pretty much. I didn''t care about what they said about me, but I couldn''t take it whenever they insulted my mother. So I moved out of the Shao family''s house. That house was never my house, to begin with, so I felt nothing even after I left."

    "You live alone now?"

    Heughed at that. "You are practically standing in my house right now. The second floor of this cafe is my house. Do you want to go upstairs and take a look?"

    "No, I''ll pass. But how can you afford to rent this ce? It''s pretty spacious, so it should have needed a lot of money, right?"

    "I''m a student with a proper job. The Shao family is shitty, but they have a good business ethic. Despite being the biggest shame they wanted to hide, they still paid me a good sum for working with them. Truly generous!" Shao Jingfei said sarcastically.

    "If you hate them so much, then why can''t you just leave those people behind?"

    "I have my own reason for that." Shao Jingfei stared at the ceiling with a distant look in his eyes, and Li Chunhua tacitly took that as a signal not to ask further.

    "What are you going to do about that person?" Li Chunhua asked as she stared at the unconscious Shao Qian on the floor. "Wouldn''t you get in trouble if you go against those people?"

    "They would be the one getting into trouble if they went against me. Since I''m their most precious ''gem'' for their business, they can''t do anything to me. If there is anyone who will get into trouble, it would be this guy."

    "I see." Li Chunhua felt like she finally could see Shao Jingfei''s true color better now.

    Surprisingly, he shared a few simr traits with Li Caiyi, in which they hated being bound by the family''s rule, but refused to leave the family behind, either. Shao Jingfei was also as unpredictable as Li Caiyi, which made Li Chunhua curious to know more about what was on his mind.

    If she understood Shao Jingfei better, wouldn''t she also gain a better understanding of her sister?

 Chapter 181 Genuine Talk Between The Twins

    Li Caiyi entered the house simultaneously as Li Chunhua walked out of the kitchen with a ss of water in her hand. Their gazes met, and both stopped in their tracks simultaneously.

    Li Caiyi noticed Li Chunhua''s outfit was one she used when she went out. Since she hadn''t changed that outfit yet, it meant she had also just arrived home herself.

    "Did you go out somewhere today?" Li Caiyi asked her.

    Li Chunhua nodded. "I did. You got home prettyte today, too."

    "Yeah, I have some business I need to take care of," Li Caiyi replied while rubbing the back of her neck tiredly.

    "With Dai Shenqiang?"

    Li Caiyi''s movement stopped at the mention of Dai Shenqiang and replied carefully. "Yes."

    ".....I see."

    To Li Caiyi''s surprise, Li Chunhua didn''t throw a tantrum or question her this time. She seemed pretty calm and even somewhat indifferent about it.

    Ever since Li Caiyi knew how obsessed her sister was towards her, Li Caiyi had always been vignt around her. However, Li Chunhua was so well-behaved these days that Li Caiyi couldn''t tell if this was the calm before the storm or something else.

    "What about you? Where did you go off to today?"

    "Nowhere. I was just bored, so I went shopping." Li Chunhua replied shortly.

    "Alone? Did you bring your medicine with you? You shouldn''t wander around much, even if your condition has been stabletely." Li Caiyi said out of reflex.

    Li Chunhua stared at Li Caiyi with an inexplicable gaze before asking, "Why do you care, anyway?"

    "How could I not? You could have copsed in the road with no one around you to help."

    Li Chunhua: "....."

    The older twin felt that there was something different with her sister today. She looked dispirited and confused for some reason. Did something happen to her today?

    "Xiaohua, did something happen today? You are not like your usual self tonight."

    Li Chunhua didn''t answer immediately and only caressed the rim of her ss slowly. "Xiaoyi, why didn''t you leave the house? Don''t you hate being here?"

    "Huh?"

    Her question took aback Li Caiyi. If she wasn''t confident before, now she was convinced that something did happen to Li Chunhua today. Before this, she didn''t even want to hear Li Caiyi mention leaving the house, but now she took the initiative to ask her reason. It felt like the sun was going to rise from the west tomorrow.

    "Did you ask that questionˇ­.because you are finally ready to hear my exnation now?"

    ".ˇ­I don''t know. I can''t tell if I want to hear about it or not."

    "Then why are you asking me that?"

    "Because I thought you were having a hard time."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in shock. Now she really wanted to know what happened to her sister, which could make her suddenly reach enlightenment.

    ''If it''s now, perhaps my words can finally reach her!'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.<sub> </sub>

    "Well, I am having a hard time, Xiaohua. Our family is far from what you call a normal family. Even you, I know you are having a hard time, too."

    Li Chunhua tilted her head in confusion. "But I''m not having a hard time, though?"

    "No, you are. You just don''t realize that because your perception of what is ''normal'' is twisted by our environment. I want you to realize that before everything is toote. I want to save you."

    "....I don''t understand, Xiaoyi. Save me? From what?"

    Li Caiyi bit her lips, trying to suppress all of her frustration inside. Looking at Li Chunhua was like looking at her previous self, who foolishly thought everything would be fine as long as she kept doing what everyone expected of her. It was unbearable.

    Thankfully, Shen Qiang saved her from that hell. He recognized her as a person, which made her realize how wrong she had lived her life before.

    Li Caiyi smiled softly before answering. "From everything. Including yourself."

    Li Chunhua: "....."

    Li Caiyi suddenly felt overwhelmed by her own emotion. She felt like she would cry if she continued this conversation any longer. That was when she heard Li Chunhua''s voice again.

    "Am I the reason why you haven''t left yet? Because I''m not saved yet?"

    "Xiaohua, the only thing I can do is to guide and encourage you. In the end, the only one you can save you is yourself." Li Caiyi took a deep breath before smiling bitterly.

    "You need help, and I mean professional help. Your heart, mind, and body are sick right now, but it''s not necessarily bad. If you are prepared to do what it takes to heal yourself, I''ll apany you along your way. You are not alone."

    ".....If I do that, what will happen to you afterward? Are you finally going to be released from your guilt and break free from your chain?"

    This time, Li Caiyi was the one who was rendered speechless. She didn''t know how to answer that question, so she averted her eyes.

    Li Chunhua''s eyes dimmed when she saw her sister''s reaction. She forced herself to smile before saying, "I see."

    There was a deafening silence that descended between the twins for a while. Both of them knew each other too well, but at the same time, they also didn''t understand each other. This was probably their first time having a ''genuine'' talk while facing each other properly, without pretense or deception.

    In the end, Li Chunhua broke the silence first by saying, "Please give me time to think regarding the treatment. We need to think how to convince Dad too because he won''t agree with it easily."

    Li Caiyi looked at her sister in disbelief. "Xiaohua, are you saying you will receive treatment?!"

    Li Chunhua smiled mirthlessly. "Don''t rejoice just yet. I said I will think about it."

    Even so, this was still an immense improvement for Li Chunhua, who never wanted to admit her fault before. Li Caiyi couldn''t be happier.

    "Xiaohua, thank you for listening to me."

    "....I will go back to my room, then. You should take a rest too."

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister''s back until she entered her room while still basking in the feeling of surreality. There was a mixture of joy and sadness in her seeing Li Chunhua''s back.

    In her past life, Li Caiyi didn''t notice her mistake until it was toote, so she was desperate to wake Li Chunhua up before it was toote. Although Li Chunhua said she would think about it, Li Caiyi knew it wouldn''t be an easy decision, especially for her, who barely understood what had happened to her and how broken she was.

    But as long as Li Chunhua was determined to cure herself, Li Caiyi would always be there to support her.

    Far in her mind, she felt like she could vaguely hear the ticking sound of broken gear starting to move again.

 Chapter 182 I Will Wait For You

    Li Caiyi threw herself onto the bed, feeling the fatigue in her body slowly ebb away. She had a lot of things in her mind, but she couldn''t see the end of that tunnel yet.

    Her hair was still wet, but instead of taking a hair-dryer, she went to her school bag and retrieved her notebook. She flipped it open right on the page where she jotted down all the information about Shen Qiang she knew.

    "Who are you exactly? How many of your words can I believe?" Li Caiyi muttered sadly.

    The fact that she knew nothing about Shen Qiang depressed her, and there was no way to know now. Even her memories of him began to vague as time passed by.

    It felt like he gradually went away to somece far away. Li Caiyi was afraid she would wake up one day to find she couldn''t remember anything about that man anymore.

    "No, I can''t ept this... Definitely not. I will never forgive myself if I ever forget about him."

    Li Caiyi stood up and walked over to her study desk. She took out a new notebook she had just bought from her desk drawer and grabbed her pen.

    "I won''t let him disappear from my life," Li Caiyi whispered in a determined tone, as though she were making a vow to herself. Then, she began to write in that new notebook. She poured everything she remembered about Shen Qiang into thest details.

    Even if she couldn''t recall his face clearly anymore, she still remembered how heforted her under the chilly night sky, telling her not to cry alone.

    Despite not being sure if some parts of memories about him were already gone, Li Caiyi still noted everything down. If, by worst scenario, her memories truly disappear for good, she wanted her future self to know that she once had ever loved a man so deeply that she entrusted her life to him.

    At the end of her notes, Li Caiyi made another note for herself, telling herself not to doubt her own handwriting and that she should never forget and give up finding Shen Qiang.

    After she finished, she re-read what she wrote and felt like the burden on her shoulders lightened a bit.

    "Shenqiang is right. I do want to believe in him, after all. I want to believe that his feelings for me are real." Li Caiyi said in a trembling voice.

    Li Caiyi closed the notebook and returned it to her desk drawer and silently prayed that the time to use that notebook would never arrive.

    She sighed and thought about drying her hair when her phone vibrated wildly on top of the bed. Li Caiyi plopped herself on the bed and grabbed her phone. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the sender''s name.

    "It''s Zhiqiang. I wonder what he needs from me sote?" Li Caiyi muttered but actually felt happy inside. Filled with expectation, she slowly tapped on the new chat.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: ??¨R???¨Q Good evening. I have eaten your homemade dinner well. It was delicious].

    Li Caiyi chuckled when she saw the contrast between the cute emoji at the beginning and the stiff gratitude message after that. She thought he must have racked his brain to find a good emoji to send.

    "How cute," Li Caiyi could imagine his serious face while double-checking his message before sending it.

    [Li Caiyi: Good evening. ^^ I''m d you are enjoying it. Are you still working?]

    <o>,m [Dai Zhiqiang: Yes. I''m probably going homete today.]</o>

    [Li Caiyi: I see, that must be rough]

    [Dai Zhiqiang: Not really. I''m used to it.]<sub> </sub>

    [Li Caiyi: Even so, don''t force yourself, and tell me when you are finished with your work.]

    [Dai Zhiqiang: Why?]

    Li Caiyi didn''t realize what she had just sent until she re-read it twice. A sense of embarrassment burned her face when she found how creepy she sounded. Flustered, she quickly tried to recover from her mistake.

    [Li Caiyi: Ah, I''m sorry, I don''t know what I''m saying. Just forget it >///<]

    [Dai Zhiqiang: I will tell you when I''m finished. Will you wait for me?]

    She was surprised to find not only Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t disgusted at her, but he even asked her to wait for him. Her heart raced when she thought about how intimate their conversation was now. It was as if they were in a rtionship.

    But strangely, Li Caiyi didn''t feel averse to it. On the contrary, she was delighted and looking forward to it.

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously before slowly typing her reply.

    [Li Caiyi: I''d love to. I will wait for you, so please message me again when you are finished.

    There was a slight pause after she sent her reply; it made her anxious. After all, what if Dai Zhiqiang was only joking when he said that? She would look like a fool for taking that seriously!

    Li Caiyi waited patiently and perked up when she finally saw the typing sign on her phone screen. Shortly after, she received another message.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: ?(`?'')? I''m happy. Thanks to you, I feel more energized to work, so I will return to work now.]

    When reading his message, a gush of warmth spread from her chest throughout her body. Her anxiety had gone without a trace and was reced with pure bliss.

    [Li Caiyi: I''m happy too. Good luck with your work, Zhiqiang. ^^]

    Li Caiyi put down her phone while smiling from ear to ear. She was exhausted until a few minutes ago, but now she was motivated to work too, seeing Dai Zhiqiang working so hard.

    While waiting, there was no harm in being productive, too. Li Caiyi would need to write a plot for her project with Dai Shenqiang, anyway.

    With a newfound spirit, she walked back to her study desk and began making a new plot for her story. While she was writing, she couldn''t help but look forward to the time when Dai Zhiqiang went off from work. Li Caiyi was giddy and had her phone near to her all the time.

    Li Caiyi would check her phone from time to time before returning to her work. Two hours passed like that, and she felt proud of herself when she saw the result of her work so far.

    When her phone vibrated again, Li Caiyi quickly snatched it and checked the iing message.

    Only to feel disappointed when she found out it wasn''t Dai Zhiqiang this time.

    Li Caiyi sighed, feeling stupid for putting her hopes up. "But it''s been a while since Detective Tang contacted me like this. Perhaps he had some news for me."

    Pushing her disappointment aside, Li Caiyi tapped on Detective Tang''s message.

 Chapter 183 A Suspicious Video

    Pushing her disappointment aside, Li Caiyi tapped on Detective Tang''s message.

    [Detective Tang: I have sent a video clip to your email. Check it out. It''s from your father''s office.]

    It was a short and concise message, like usual. Detective Tang would regrly update her on the situation on his side, but there was mostly nothing worthy to report about, except that her father was going out with a different woman again.

    So far, there had been no improvement regarding the hidden camera and bug she nted in her father''s office, and she had already retrieved the one nted in Li Chunhua''s room.

    The video of her pping Gu Xue always looked fresh, no matter how many times she watched it. Sadly, there had been no significant result from the devices nted in Li Jirong''s office.

    Based on what Detective Tang had reported, so far, her father did nothing but work in his office. Even Gu Xue rarely visited his office anymore. It looked like he was busy with something, but there was no way to find out just from looking at the camera footage.

    She received this message just when she thought her investigation had faced a deadlock, which leveled up her mood.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t so disappointed anymore and quickly opened her email for the video.

    It was a short video, only about a minute or so. The view showed her father''s office from a higher angle, but she could clearly see almost every office corner. Gu Xue did a pretty good job of choosing a suitable ce.

    The office was empty at first, but Li Jirong came into the office carrying a folder after a few seconds. The moment he stepped into the room, the first thing he did was to lock the door. He had a deep frown on his face as if he was pissed off about something.

    "This isn''t going so well. I already expected it wouldn''t be easy but never thought it would be this hard."

    It seemed Detective Tang also added the voice while he was at it. Li Caiyi wanted to praise him for doing such a good job.

    After that, Li Jirong opened her folder and scanned it up and down. He even flipped the pages back and forth a few times. From the camera''s angle, what was written on the file could hardly be seen, so Li Caiyi waited for his following action.

    Not long after that, he grumbled while walking to one of the bookcases on the side of the room. He put the folder in his hand to one of the folder holders before making his way to the couch and lying down on it.

    Then, the video ended just like that.

    Li Caiyi put her fingers on her chin while trying to remember her past life memories. No matter how much she tried to remember, she couldn''t remember a single thing that could be associated with what he just mentioned in the video.

    "What is this difficult thing he mentioned?" she muttered to herself when Detective Tang sent her another message.

    [Detective Tang: How is it? Do you have any idea about it?]

    [Li Caiyi: Unfortunately, no. Can I ask you what you think of this?]

    [Detective Tang: That folder is suspicious, no more, no less. I''m as clueless as you, and the only thing to find out is to check what''s in that folder directly].<sub> </sub>

    [Li Caiyi: I see, I think so too. Should I ask Gu Xue to take a picture of what''s inside?]

    [Detective Tang: That would be really helpful, youngdy. You need to ask her to be careful and not to leak what''s inside no matter what happens, though.]

    [Li Caiyi: Don''t worry. She knew that room was bugged, so she would know we were watching her actions. Besides, I still have her weaknesses in my hand.]

    [Detective Tang: I like your confidence, youngdy. I''m still shuddering every time I reyed the video when you pped that nurse. I certainly don''t want to be on your bad side.]

    [Li Caiyi: Then, make sure to keep up your good work. Let me know if you find anything else.]

    [Detective Tang: Bossy as always, I see. I expect a raise for my well-done job, then.]

    Li Caiyi re-watched the video a few times more and was convinced that she should ask Gu Xue to find out what was in that folder. If it was something that could be used against her father, then it might be worth checking it. If the n failed, the one who would take the me would be Gu Xue, and she felt no moral burden regarding that.

    Li Caiyi wasted no time and sent a message to Gu Xue regarding her next task. Considering the time, she probably wouldn''t reply until tomorrow.

    ".....I wonder when Zhiqiang will finish his work?" Li Caiyi yawned after sitting silently for a while.

    She had done some work and even chatted with Detective Tang for some time, but there was still no sign Dai Zhiqiang would contact her anytime soon.

    The current time showed 01.35 AM. Did he always work until thiste every day?

    Li Caiyi couldn''t imagine how he could drag that tired body to the school tomorrow.

    Left with nothing to do, she yed a phone game to kill time. However, even after an hourter, she still had received no message from Dai Zhiqiang. She gradually got worried because of that.

    She didn''t want to disturb him if she could help it, but her hand still typed a text for him.

    [Li Caiyi: Zhiqiang, I just want to check if everything is alright on your side?]

    Li Caiyi felt like she could bore a hole in the phone because she frequently stared at it. She wasn''t in the mood to y phone games anymore, but she wanted to make sure if Dai Zhiqiang was okay or not, so she patiently waited for his reply.

    ? Little did she know, the waitsted until the sun slowly rose.

    Li Caiyi checked on her phone for the nth time, but there was no new message. She spent a sleepless night worrying about Zhiqiang, and now she wasn''t sure if she could get up from the bed or not.

 Chapter 184 Looking For Dai Zhiqiang

    Li Caiyi felt light-headed by the time she arrived at her ssroom. Last night, not even Dai Shenqiang replied to her message when she asked whether or not his brother had arrived home. It worsened her worry, and by the time the morning came, she had ck circles under her eyes.

    "Caiyi, good morning. Huh? What happened to your face?"

    Li Caiyi turned her head weakly to find Feng Nian''s fresh face looking at her in puzzlement.

    "Good morning, Nian. I might not have slept enoughst night," Li Caiyi replied while rubbing her eyes.

    "Did you spend all night writing again? That''s not a good habit, you know."

    "Well, I did write untiltest night, but that''s not why I felt tired right now."

    "Hm? Is there something else on your mind? People usually can''t sleep if they have too many things to think about." Feng Nian pulled a chair towards her so she could sit and talk with Li Caiyi face to face. "Ya Ya and stupid Lan aren''t here yet, but you can tell me your worries now if you want."

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly at Feng Nian''s consideration. "It''s not a big deal. I was just worried because one of my friends didn''t contact me untilte."

    "Can you just contact your friend when the morninges? What''s so difficult?"

    "Actuallyˇ­."

    Li Caiyi told Feng Nian everything, starting from her conversation with Dai Zhiqiang and how even after she waited for him the following day, he didn''t send her any message. When she finally finished talking, Feng Nian made a low whistling sound.

    "You seem to care so much about this friend of yours. This is off-topic, but don''t tell me your friend is a guy?"

    "Well, yesˇ­"

    Feng Nian rubbed her chin while making a knowing smile before continuing, "Hoho, I see now."

    Her stare unsettled Li Caiyi, so she shrunk a bit in her ce. "W-what is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "Springtime of youth. How nice. So that season finally came to our little Caiyi as well."

    "Hey, we are in the middle of a serious topic here!" Li Caiyi quickly retorted.

    Feng Nian shrugged her shoulders. "In my opinion, you are worried too much. He probably just forgot to message you because he was too tired."

    Li Caiyi also thought of that possibility, but considering Dai Zhiqiang''s meticulous personality, it was hard to believe he could make that mistake. Moreover, it was strange that she couldn''t get a hold of Dai Shenqiang as well. Something must have happened to him.

    "Maybe you are right, but I can''t help but worry about him," Li Caiyi said. She recalled his bruised body the other day and couldn''t help but think of the worst scenario.

    "Hmm, you care so much for him. Did the lucky guy know about that?"

    "You still say that. We are just friends. He helped me a lot before, and I know his situation a bit, so it bothered me a little."

    Feng Nian made an understanding look. "I see. Then why don''t you check on him after this? If something happened to him, the fastest way is to check directly."

    "Yeah, you''re right. That''s also my n."<sub> </sub>

    "Don''t make such a face. Your friend will be fine having a friend like you worried about him." Feng Nian patted Li Caiyi''s back, which calmed her a bit.

    "Thank you, Nian."

    However, even if she said that Li Caiyi thought she should check on him a bit before ss started, so she went out to check on the neighbor''s ssroom.

    Li Caiyi took a peek inside, but Dai Zhiqiang was nowhere to be seen. She sighed in disappointment when a familiar face appeared from the corner of her eyes.

    "Xiaoyi? Why are you in my ss? Do you have some business with me?"

    Li Caiyi was too focused on finding Dai Zhiqiang; she didn''t notice Li Chunhua was approaching.

    "Xiaohua, have you seen Zhiqiang? Has hee to the ss yet?"

    Li Chunhua couldn''t conceal her disappointment, and her mouth pursed in a pout. "You didn''te here looking for me? Why are you looking for Dai Zhiqiang so early in the morning?"

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheeks, feeling that it probably wasn''t a good idea to tell her sister the whole story, or who knows how she would react.

    "I just have some business with him. If he hasn''te here yet, then it''s fine."

    The conversation was cut short with that reply. After their talkst night, Li Caiyi felt somewhat awkward talking for too long with Li Chunhua. Since her purpose had been fulfilled, she decided to quickly retreat.

    "Then I will go back to my ssroom first. See youter, Xiaohua."

    "....I''ll tell you when hees."

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t believe what she had just heard. "Huh?"

    "I said I will tell you if hees to the sster. Why are you so surprised? It''s not a big deal at all," Li Chunhua said with a deep frown on her face, clearly looking unwilling, but forced herself to live with it.

    "Are you really Xiaohua I know? You seem different from yesterday."

    "Hmph! It''s okay if you don''t want to. It''s not like I''m forcing you to agree with it."

    "No! I didn''t mean it in a bad way. I''m just surprised that you will be so cooperative. You usually hate it if I hang out with other people."

    Li Chunhua was silent for a long time before replying with a smug grin on her face. "You misunderstand something. Previously, I was just worried someone would bully you, but now that I see you are doing well, there''s no reason for me to stick to you anymore. Even without you, I can do perfectly well by myself, so don''t tter yourself!"

    After that, she snorted left while stomping her feet, leaving an astonished Li Caiyi behind.

    "What was that all about?" She muttered in wonder, feeling that the current Li Chunhua was bing more and more unpredictable as days passed by. She behaved mildlyst night, so what was with that sudden temper change?

    However, this change leaned more to a positive side, so Li Caiyi wasn''t against it. She hoped her sister could broaden her world now that they would go their own way.

    Meanwhile, her main concern was still unresolved. But since there was nothing she could do about it, Li Caiyi went back to her ssroom gloomily.

 Chapter 185 Stalker! (1)

    Her bad premonition only worsened when Li Chunhua told her that Dai Zhiqiang was absent today. No one knew what happened to him since he wasn''t the most approachable person. Even the teachers were also wondering what happened to him.

    Li Caiyi was restless all day and couldn''t wait for school to end. Her friends kept trying to cheer her up, but it brought little to nofort to her mind. She was distracted to the point she almost identally threw her lunch box into the trash bin instead of the actual trash.

    She had never felt so happy when the bell signaling the end of the ss rang. She dumped all her stuff into her bag with lightning speed before picking it up and rose from her seat.

    "Guys, I''m going to leave first. See you tomorrow!" Li Caiyi said to her three friends.

    "Yeah, see you tomorrow!" Chen Run replied with a wave of her hand.

    "Be careful on your way, don''t rush too much," Zhou Ya eximed with a worried look.

    Meanwhile, Feng Nian giggled with a teasing grin on her face. "Good luck finding your special person!"

    Li Caiyi had no time to retort, so she quickly waved her hand and bade them goodbye. While walking briskly, she took out her phone to recheck it, but there was no new message. Not even Dai Shenqiang replied, much less Dai Zhiqiang.

    Her worry peaked, and she couldn''t feel tiredness and drowsiness anymore. Li Caiyi hastened her step and even walked down the stairs two steps at once.

    p If she didn''t know that Dai Zhiqiang was frequently injured in his line of work, she probably wouldn''t feel this worried, but everything about this situation was too unsettling for her to stay calm.</anda>

    Li Caiyi was about to take a turn in the corner when a figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere and blocked her way.

    "Oomph!" Li Caiyi let out a weird grunt when her whole face bumped into something. When she raised her head, her gaze met with Meng Renshu''s astonished face.

    "Xiaoyi? Why are you running in the hallway? That''s dangerous," he said while keeping her body steady by holding her shoulders.

    Li Caiyi groaned as she thought inwardly, ''Out of all people, why does it have to be him?''

    "What makes you in so much hurry? Did something happen?" Meng Renshu asked with a concerned face.

    "Nothing''s happened. Sorry for bumping into you," Li Caiyi replied while taking a step back to gain some distance from him.

    "No, that''s okay. I''m just worried something happened to you."

    "Thanks for your concern, but I''m fine. Now, if you''ll excuse me."

    Li Caiyi wanted to walk around him so she could quickly stop a taxi and go to the Dai family''s household, but Meng Renshu grabbed her hand before she could walk further. She frowned as she looked down at their connected hands.

    "What is it? I''m in a hurry right now." Li Caiyi grunted impatiently.<sub> </sub>

    "Do you need a ride? I can take you to wherever you want to go."

    For a second, Li Caiyi thought it was a good idea before she remembered that getting involved with Meng Renshu was a bad idea. If her rebirth theory was true, further interaction with Meng Renshu would only cause his memory to return faster, simultaneously causing her to lose her memories.

    Li Caiyi absolutely didn''t want that to happen.

    So she slowly retracted her hand from his sp while politely declining, "Thanks for your offer, but I can take care of my business myself. Brother Renshu, you don''t have to worry about me."

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to dy time anymore, so she quickly walked away, ignoring Meng Renshu''s call behind her. The only thing in her mind right now was the fastest route to get to Dai Zhiqiang''s ce as soon as possible.

    ***

    Li Caiyi used a taxi instead of the subway train to save time, unlike the usual. After she finally arrived in front of the Dai family''s house, she wasted no time running over and knocked on the door.

    "Zhiqiang, Shenqiang, are you in there? It''s Caiyi!"

    There was no sounding from the inside. She tried knocking and calling out several times after that, but there was still no response. If she was anxious before, now she haspletely panicked.

    Li Caiyi attempted to call the brothers'' phone again, but her call couldn''t be connected or directed to a voicemail. It wasn''t reassuring, to say the least.

    "What actually happened to them? It couldn''t be that loan sharks are targeting them again?" Li Caiyi muttered.

    Even though Meng Renshu said he had taken care of everything and made sure those people wouldn''t appear around the school anymore, there was no guarantee they wouldn''t do something drastic and ransacked the Dai family''s house.

    Li Caiyi pressed her forehead to the window, trying to see what was inside, but the curtain blocked her vision. It didn''t seem there was any trace of forced entering, though. She tried to think positively about it.

    "I wish I knew where Dai Zhiqiang works," Li Caiyi grumbled while biting her nails. As much as she wanted to do something, there was nothing she could do in this situation except to wait for them to contact her first. At this time, she realized that she only knew so little about them and regretted it a bit.

    Li Caiyi walked back and forth in front of the front door while racking her brain out. She thought about checking on Dai Shenqiang''s school to ask whether or not his ssmates knew what happened to him when a voice she didn''t expect to hear came from behind her, interrupting her train of thoughts.

    "When you said you were in a hurry, it turned out to wander around in front of other people''s houses?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned and slowly turned her head. Standing on the gate was Meng Renshu, who was looking around curiously. "Whose house is this? Is it one of your friends?"

    "What are you doing here? Don''t tell me you were following me all this time?" Li Caiyi questioned with an incredulous expression on her face.

    Instead of feeling ashamed, Meng Renshu only smiled while shoving both hands into his pocket. "Yes, I''m here to check on you."

 Chapter 186 Stalker! (2)

    "Why are you following me?" Li Caiyi squinted her eyes.

    Meng Renshu sighed. "I can''t leave you alone when I see you running away in a panic like that. I just want to make sure you are okay."

    "Well, you have seen me in my perfect condition. You can leave now."

    Meng Renshu chuckled in amusement. "Don''t be so cold. If you can tell me what happened here, I probably can help you. No, I''ll make sure I can be of some help to you."

    "Thanks, but no thanks. I don''t need your help."

    "I see. Then what are you nning to do?"

    "Why should I tell you?" Li Caiyi turned away from him. "Please, just leave already. There is nothing you can do to help me, and even if there is, I don''t need it."

    "Are we stopping our temporary truce now? Did you change your mind and n to give me the cold shoulder again, just like previously?"

    Li Caiyi was already on edge before he came, but hearing him taunted her with that annoying smirk on his face made her irritated even more.

    "What do you want from me, exactly? I already said I don''t need your help! Stop trying to find out what I want to do because that''s none of your business!"

    A trace of gloominess shed across Meng Renshu''s eyes when he heard that, but he quickly concealed it with his smile. "You might want to take this more objectively, Xiaoyi. I saw what you did before. You acted like a stalker by banging on the door and peering from outside the window. Anyone could tell you are searching for someone, and that''s pretty creepy."

    "You are one to talk. I don''t want to be called a stalker by the real stalker!" Li Caiyi retorted immediately.

    "I never said I wasn''t one. At least I''m not ashamed to admit it." Meng Renshu shrugged his shoulders indifferently, rendering Li Caiyi speechless by his shamelessness.

    She massaged her throbbing temple and told herself not to get swept away by Meng Renshu''s pace. He was cunning, so the best way to avoid dying more time talking with him was to just avoid him altogether.

    "Do as you please. My business here is done, so farewell."

    However, Li Caiyi was once blocked again when she tried to go around him. Meng Renshu stood in her way like a giant tower as he looked down at her.

    "Leaving while someone is still in the middle of talking to you is your new hobby?"

    Li Caiyi''s face contorted in what seemed to be a mixture of exasperation and helplessness. "Brother Renshu, I really have no time to fight with you right now."

    "And that''s why I said I''m going to help you. Why bother putting your personal feelings before you while there is clearly an easier path ahead of you?"

    Li Caiyi bit her lips in frustration. It wasn''t like she didn''t understand what he meant, but she was afraid she would lose another memory by being around Meng Renshu.

    As of now, there were lots of mysterious elements about her rebirth phenomena, and Li Caiyi didn''t want to risk anything. There should be some kind of mechanism or conditions in work here. She just hadn''t found out what that was yet.

    Meng Renshu, who noticed her wavering, smiled sweetly at her. "Don''t make such a face. Just think about how much easier it would be if you relied on me. You know I have a lot of connections, so it wouldn''t be hard for me to find out where Dai Shenqiang would be at the moment."

    Li Caiyi jolted upon hearing that and could only look dumbly at Meng Renshu''s face. However, a secondter, she finally realized that Meng Renshu must have done a thorough background check on Dai Shenqiang before this.<sub> </sub>

    Despite knowing that, he still had a gall pretending not to know anything about this ce and coaxed her to spill the beans first.

    "You are the most cunning person I have ever seen," Li Caiyi growled under her breath.

    Meng Renshu shed an attractive smile as he bent down to look at her closer. "Are you finally going to think about my offer? It''s a pleasure to be in your service, mydy."

    Li Caiyi pushed him away because he kept trying to enter her personal space. Once she finally got some distance from him, she finally felt calmer.

    "If you really know where he is, tell me where Dai Shenqiang is now."

    "He is probably busy taking care of his father in the hospital." Meng Renshu replied lightly.

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

    Why didn''t she think of that possibility? But then again, she had never heard much about Mr. Dai except the time when Dai Shenqiang mentioned him once. Li Caiyi felt like it wasn''t right for her to ask, so she kept her mouth shut. She didn''t even know in which hospital did Mr. Dai was treated.

    "Mr. Dai is hospitalized in the S Health Hospital," Meng Renshu added, as though he had a mind-reading ability.

    "Do you think that both of them were there?"

    Meng Renshu''s eyebrows creased. "Both? Ah, you mean Dai Zhiqiang as well. I suppose so since there''s no way both of them will leave their sick father behind."

    "That''s true," Li Caiyi agreed with him, as she knew how much the brothers cherished their family. "I''ll go to the hospital right now. Thank you forˇŞkya!!"

    Li Caiyi yelped in shock when Meng Renshu suddenly hauled her to his shoulder, carrying her like a sack of rice.

    The sudden movement caught her off guard, and she felt disoriented for a few seconds seeing the world in front of her flipped in a blink of an eye.

    "It''ll be faster if we go there by car. Learn how to save your money and don''t overspend your allowance in taxi fees." Meng Renshu said before walking out of the Dai family house''s yard while carrying Li Caiyi on his shoulder.

    That was when Li Caiyi fully grasped the whole situation. Seething with anger and embarrassment, she repeatedly smacked his back while struggling to get off his shoulder by thrashing her legs around. "What the hell are you doing? Put me down! This is so embarrassing! I''m not a sack of rice!"

    Meng Renshuughed heartily. "Well, perhaps you should eat more rice since you are too light. If you keep struggling like that, I won''t be responsible if you fall and hurt yourself."

    "If you don''t put me down, I''ll scream and let the whole neighborhood know you kidnapped me!"

    "Haha, if you don''t mind people seeing us like this, then be my guest."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t win against him, whether in terms of a physical or verbal fight. In the end, she could only cover her face with both of her hands while inwardly praying no one would see this embarrassing scene.

    Meng Renshu couldn''t suppress a satisfied smile from appearing once her resistance gradually weakened, and she became as docile as amb. He wasn''t lying when he said she was light. He even hoped his car was parked farther, so he could carry her longer.

 Chapter 187 First Meeting With Mr. Dai (1)

    After being shoved into the car and it took off, Li Caiyi hadn''t uttered a single word yet since she was still angry for being yed before. Meng Renshu shook his head helplessly.

    "Are you still sulking?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "I thought our rtionship had gotten better, but why did it regress to a hostile point?"

    "That''s because you keep deceiving and forcing me to do things I don''t want to."

    Meng Renshu tilted his head innocently. "I will apologize if all my deeds cause you some harm, but that''s not the case, isn''t it?"

    "You make me want to avoid you precisely because you keep doing whatever you want."

    "It''s a fact that I have the means and abilities to do that, so you are none of the wiser if you still think that fighting against me is good."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t talk with this guy.

    It felt like Meng Renshu had some kind of filter in his ears that only allowed whatever he wanted to hear to go through his head. It was useless arguing like this with him.

    "Previously, I tried to be considerate of your feelings, but I kept getting hurt by your rejection as a result. Since you will hate me either way, I''d better do as I pleased. I should have done this from the beginning." Meng Renshu smirked.

    "You areˇ­.a psychoˇ­."

    "Heh, at this point, I''ll take whatever insult you give me, but don''t think you can push me away." Meng Renshu shed an unsettling smile that made shudders run down her spine.

    Li Caiyi had always known he had a bit of a ck-bellied personality, but it was never this bad before. She felt like a mouse being preyed on by a hawk now. The thought made her uneasy that she unconsciously scooted away from him.

    Meng Renshu enjoyed her flustered reaction while propping his chin with his hand, using the backrest to support his arm.

    "You can expect more encounters with me from now on. I will find the answer I seek, no matter what."

    "Huh? What answer?"

    "Nothing. Just focus on your own problem right now," Meng Renshu replied with an indiscernible look on his face.

    Then, silence descended inside the car, just like thest time he escorted her home from the party. It was a very awkward and stifling trip.

    ***

    In retrospect, Li Caiyi felt she was indeed being too narrow-minded when she adamantly refused Meng Renshu''s help. She was too focused on her anxiety that she probably would have killed her best option to solve her problem.

    Meng Renshu was currently talking on the phone and had a pleasant smile on his face while conversing. He was contacting his family''s acquaintance within the hospital to find out in which ward does Mr. Dai was treated.

    Thankfully, it seemed there was only one Mr. Dai in the hospital.

    After finishing his call, he had a refreshing smile as he looked at Li Caiyi. "I have gotten to ward''s number and location. Shall we go?"

    "A-are you going toe with me too?"

    "Hmm? I think I have the right to go too, considering I''m the one who did all the work here. Don''t you agree?" Meng Renshu smiled innocently, but it felt somewhat oppressive.

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously, finding herself at a loss for words. He was so right she couldn''t rebut him at all.<sub> </sub>

    "Y-yesˇ­"

    "Good that you understand." Meng Renshu nodded in satisfaction.

    "Butˇ­ wouldn''t it be awkward since you haven''t known the Dai family that much?"

    "Oh? You talked as if you already knew them forever yourself. I don''t know what kind of rtionship you had with the Dai family, but you are wrong about one thing. I talked a little with the older Dai the other day, and I found that we have a lot of simrities."

    Li Caiyi perked up at the mention of Dai Zhiqiang. Of course, Meng Renshu didn''t miss that subtle reaction of hers. His eyes narrowed down as his smile became colder.

    "If you already understand, then waste no more time. Well, it''s up to you if you don''t want toe, though." He said and walked away without waiting for Li Caiyi.

    "Ah, wait for me!" Li Caiyi quickly rose from her seat and chased after Meng Renshu.

    Meng Renshu led her to the different wing of the hospital on the third floor, where patients who needed intensive care were gathered. Li Caiyi found it surprising that she had never bumped into Dai Zhiqiang or Dai Shenqiang in her past life, despite frequently visiting the hospital.

    When she and Dai Shenqiang first met in the hospital courtyard, was it because he had juste back from visiting his father? If yes, then everything seemed to make sense now.

    Li Caiyi''s step came to a halt when Meng Renshu stopped in front of a ward in the deeper part of the corridor.

    "Is it here?" Li Caiyi asked him.

    "Yeah, it should be." Meng Renshu replied before taking a step forward and knocking on the door.

    "Who is it?"

    A hoarse but deep voice came from inside. It sounded like a middle-aged man who just woke up from his sleep. Li Caiyi was somewhat nervous when she realized she would meet with Mr. Dai, so she kept her back straight.

    In the next second, there was another voiceing from inside. The voice was youthful, higher in pitch, andced with concern as he eximed, "Ah, father. You shouldn''t move around that much. Let me get to the door."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief when she heard that familiar voice. Sure enough, in a matter of seconds, the door was opened and revealed a teenage boy in casual clothes and training pants.

    "Shenqiang!" Li Caiyi eximed in delight, seeing that face after spending thest 12 hours worrying.

    On the contrary to her enthusiasm, Dai Shenqiang blinked his eyes a few times in confusion. "Caiyi? Howe you are here? Not to mention, you are with your friend tooˇ­."

    Dai Shenqiang stared at Meng Renshu, who just stood there with a polite smile stered on his face. He didn''t know why, but Dai Shenqiang felt pressured when their gazes met.

    "Why aren''t you answering my messages? I was so worried because I couldn''t get a hold of you!" Li Caiyi didn''t mean it toe out like a scolding, but the sense of relief made her blurt that out. Thankfully, Dai Shenqiang didn''t seem to mind.

    "Huh? You did? Sorry, I was preupiedst night, so I didn''t check my phone." Dai Shenqiang scratched the back of his head with an apologetic face. "But how did you know I was here, though?"

    Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to nce at Meng Renshu before asking him again, "That''s not important right now. What happenedst night?"

    Dai Shenqiang''s face turned gloomier upon listening to that. "Well, that wasˇŞ"

    "Shen, who is it? Don''t talk on the door and ask them toe in first."

    Before he could finish his sentence, the middle-aged man''s voice could be heard from inside again.

    "Yes, Father." Dai Shenqiang replied before smiling sheepishly to the two people standing in front of him. "Sorry about that. Come in first, then we can talk."

 Chapter 188 First Meeting With Mr. Dai (2)

    The first impression Li Caiyi got of Mr. Dai was that he looked like a gentle man.

    Despite his haggard and pale face, his smile exuded a calming effect on those who saw it. He looked extremely weak and could only sit up properly when Dai Shenqiang helped him, but his voice sounded genuinely happy and enthusiastic for having a new face visit him.

    "Shen, are there your friends from school?" Dai Bolin smiled at Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu. Both teenagers automatically bowed their hands in unison as a greeting.

    "Father, look closely. Aren''t they wearing the same uniform as big brother? They are big brother''s schoolmates."

    Dai Bolin appeared visibly brightened when he heard that. "Is that so? That''s good news! Zhi had never brought his friends to meet his father before."

    Li Caiyi subtly studied Dai Bolin''s condition and couldn''t help but feel the heartache. A skinny body with bone protruding from his hospital gown, hairless head covered by a knitted hat, and a pair of weak-looking and shaky hands. It was heartbreaking to see, but Li Caiyi kept a straight expression and smiled politely.

    "Good day, Mr. Dai. My name is Li Caiyi, and this is Meng Renshu. Zhiqiang had been helping us a lot in school, so we came to pay a visit."

    "Oh-ho, what a lovely youngdy. I''m surprised my quiet and moody son could be acquainted with you, much less a friend." Dai Bolin chuckled weakly.

    "You tter me too much, Mr. Dai. Zhiqiang is a hardworking and smart person. He helped me with my assignment before, and I''m always grateful to him."

    Dai Bolin grinned even wider hearing that. "I see. So that kid finally has someone who can speak for him like that, huh? I''m so d. He is a tough nut to crack, but I''ll feel happy if you can continue to be friends with him. Although he appeared like he had a good head on his shoulder, in reality, he was actually pretty clumsy."

    His words were overflowing with his care and affection for his son. It made Li Caiyi''s nose sour.

    "Yes, of course, Mr. Dai. I will continue to be his friend and look after him, just like how he always looks after me."

    "Oh, what a dependable-looking girl. I like you. HohohoˇŞcough!" Dai Bolinughed heartily but quickly choked on his own saliva and coughed hard, rming everyone in the room.

    "Father! Are you okay?" Dai Shenqiang asked with a panic-stricken face. Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu were also tense as they waited for Dai Bolin to recover from his cough.

    After a series of violent coughs, Dai Bolin raised his head and chuckled. "Haha, it seems I have worried all of you. I was just choked on my saliva from speaking too fast."

    Dai Shenqiang sighed helplessly. "Please don''t scare us like that."

    "Shen, your father won''t drop dead just like that. Can''t you let an old man cough in peace?"

    "And please stop saying those inauspicious words, Father!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel jealous, seeing how they bickered against each other. It looked veryˇ­.normal. Something that her family had long lost.

    Perhaps because she had never gotten a true fatherly love before, her heart softened easily in front of Dai Bolin, who visibly loved his sons so much.

    "Oh yeah, I''m getting distracted because of Shen. How about you, young man? Did Zhi also inconvenience you in any way?" Dai Bolin smiled at Meng Renshu, who had only stood silently since earlier. Li Caiyi nced at him curiously, waiting for him to reply.

    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Dai. I''m Zhiqiang''s senior, and he had also helped me once in the past."

    "Oh, you are already in your third year. I thought both of you were his ssmates. It seems Zhi is really trying hard to change in high school. Not only did his friend visit me but also his senior. I''m very happy today."

    Li Caiyi noticed something off from his statement, so she asked him, "Mr. Dai, what do you mean by ''changing in high school''? Did Zhiqiang used to be a different person than he is now?"<sub> </sub>

    "Haha, Zhi is a little wild child in the past. He often got into the fight, and his academic records are his only saving grace. If it weren''t for that, he would be long since getting kicked out of the school!" Dai Bolin chatted merrily and looked healthier when talking about his son.

    "But he changed after graduating from middle school. He suddenly said he would study well, get a good job, and earn enough for me to live my retirement life in peace. Isn''t he such a good boy?"

    Dai Shenqiang appeared unsure as he said, "Uh, Father? I don''t think you should tell that without asking big brother''s permission."

    Dai Bolin snorted. "What is wrong with what I''m saying? I''m not spreading lies, and even if he was a delinquent in the past, he is still your big brother. Or are you ashamed of him?"

    "Why are you pointing your finger at me? I was just saying because I''m worried Brother wouldn''t like it if we carelessly spill his past to other people."

    "They aren''t other people but your brother''s friends!"

    Dai Shenqiang sighed in exasperation. "Yes, yes. You are right, Father. I''m sorry for interrupting."

    "So Zhiqiang was once a delinquent? No wonder he is so skilled in fighting." Li Caiyi muttered in a low voice.

    "Huh? Did you say something, youngdy?"

    "Ah, nothing, Sir. I was just amazed that Zhiqiang had such a past. He looked like he was the type that prefers to stay indoors."

    "You are actually right about that. Zhi is not the type that will actively seek trouble, but trouble always seeks him first. That''s why I''m always worried about him." Dai Bolin sighed before he seemed to remember something.

    <o>,m "Come to think of it, where is your brother, Shen? Why didn''t hee yet?"</o>

    Dai Shenqiang''s face twitched, and he quickly came up with a reason. "Brother is still busy with his librarian work. He probably wille here soon. Don''t worry, Father."

    "Tell him toe here as soon as possible, since his friends are here. How can he leave his friends to go by themselves while he works? That kid is still too rigid for his own good," Dai Bolinined.

    Dai Shenqiang made a resigned expression before replying, "Yes, yes. I will text Brother after this."

    Li Caiyi quickly noticed that Dai Shenqiang was trying to cover something, judging from his flustered reaction. She had been trying to reach Dai Zhiqiang for hours, so only God knows when he would find out that she and Meng Renshu were in the hospital visiting his father.

    She didn''t expose Dai Shenqiang and helped him distract the sickly man instead. "How about I peel some fruits for you, Sir? What about some apples?"

    "I won''t refuse anything you offer, youngdy. There is some benefit for being sickly like me, hohoho." Dai Bolin reached out his hand, and Li Caiyi instinctively took his hand in hers.

    His hand was thin as a stick, and his grip was weaker than a baby''s. Li Caiyi carefully held his hand back like she was holding something precious while holding back the urge to grimace.

    "Please continue to be a good friend with my son. This old man would forever be grateful if you did."

    Li Caiyi seemed to know why Dai Zhiqiang could work so hard. If this man in front of her was her father, she probably would do anything to take care of him.

    She smiled while cupping his hand gently between hers, "Yes, I will."

 Chapter 189 First Meeting With Mr. Dai (3)

    Dai Shenqiang nced at the merry atmosphere in the room before slowly closing the ward''s door behind him. Whether or not she did it intentionally, he was grateful Li Caiyi could distract his father for some time.

    Dai Shenqiang had to report to his brother now that he had time to do that. Li Caiyi''s arrival was kind of unexpected, though. He was also curious how she knew where his father was hospitalized since he didn''t remember telling her that.

    "Did she hear that from Brother?"

    He eventually shook his head to get rid of that thought. This wasn''t the time to think about that.

    Dai Shenqiang took out his phone from his pocket and checked on his inbox. Sure enough, there were lots of messages and missed calls from Li Caiyi. It seemed they really made her worry this time. He kind of felt bad for that.

    Dai Shenqiang scrolled down his phone screen and opened thest message he received from his brotherst night.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: I will be hometer than usual tonight. Don''t wait for me, and sleep first.]

    That was what he said, and it wasn''t the first time he had done this. Dai Shenqiang went to sleep first when he got a call in the middle of the night about his father''s sudden deteriorating health. He immediately called Dai Zhiqiang several times, but he didn''t pick up, so he went to the hospital by himself.

    In the end, he kind of forgot about it since he was busy worrying and looking after his father until morning.

    Later, he was awakened by the sound of door-knocking, only to find Li Caiyi and the other guy standing beyond it.

    "Come to think of it, isn''t that guy the one I meet at Brother''s school gate the while back? I didn''t expect him to know my brother as well."

    Dai Shenqiang honestly didn''t feelfortable being around that guy. It felt like he was constantly judging Dai Shenqiang with his stare, but that was probably his imagination since he seemed to be a pretty nice guy when he introduced himself to his father.

    Dai Shenqiang dialed his brother''s phone number and put the phone on his ear, but the call didn''t even connect. It looked like his phone was dead or something.

    "Strange. Brother had never gone without informing me where he was," Dai Shenqiang mumbled to himself before sending his brother a text, telling him to contact him as soon as he saw the text.

    After everything was done, Dai Shenqiang returned to the room. His steps came to a halt when he saw Meng Renshu standing in front of the room with his back leaned against the wall.

    As a man, Dai Shenqiang had to admit that Meng Renshu had an other-worldly look with that androgynous beauty. If not for his tall body and broad shoulders, Dai Shenqiang probably would have thought he was a girl with short hair.

    ''But why did he just stand there doing nothing? Did he juste back from the toilet?'' Dai Shenqiang thought inwardly before walking over to him with a friendly smile.

    "Hello. Can I call you Big Brother Meng? We have met before, aren''t we?"

    Meng Renshu turned his head and smiled back. "Yes, I remember you. At that time, I still hadn''t been acquainted with your brother yet. It''s such a coincidence to be able to meet you again."

    "Oh, yes, it is. Why don''t youe in, Big Brother Meng? Father will be pleased to talk with you more."

    "Yes, I will do that after a while because there is something I want to talk to you about first. Do you mind if you give me a bit of your time?"

    "With me?" Dai Shenqiang pointed at himself in confusion. "I don''t mind, as long as I can answer it."<sub> </sub>

    "Thanks. I want to know if you know where your brother is right now? I actually came here because I thought he would be here."

    Dai Shenqiang had expected this question, so it did not surprise him at all.

    "Honestly, my brother had gone MIA ever sincest night. He said he woulde homete, but I have been trying to get through to him for some time, to no avail."

    Meng Renshu put his finger on his chin as he fell deep into thought. "Was he not informed about your father''s condition?"

    "That''s what I''m concerned about, actually. My brother and I gave both of our numbers so the hospital could call us if something happened to our father. Usually, big brother would get the first notification, thenter, he would ry the message to me. However, the hospital called me directlyst night because they couldn''t reach my brother." Dai Shenqiang exined with a crease of worry on his brows.

    "Hmm, I see. Did he say anything about why he woulde homete?"

    "Oh, my brother works in a construction site and a few other odd jobs, so he oftenes backte. That''s why I didn''t think too much of it at first. But it has been hours since that, yet no word from him. This is the first time this ever happened."

    Meng Renshu nodded his head before giving the younger teen a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "Your big brother is a responsible and smart person. I''m sure he will be fine. Do you know where your brother is working? I might need to visit his workce since I''m sure you already have your hands full with your father''s matter."

    Dai Shenqiang was stunned by how considerate this person was being. Unlike his first impression, he seemed to be a nice guy.

    He was relieved and grateful for Meng Renshu''s concern since he was indeed in a bind, as he said. He couldn''t leave his father behind right now, so having one person who understood the situation helping him would be very appreciated.

    "Thank you, Big Brother Meng. I might have to inconvenience you with this one. My brother tends to act recklessly sometimes, so please check him for me." Dai Shenqiang said while slightly bowing his head before telling the name of Dai Zhiqiang''s workce.

    Meng Renshu confirmed the information with a nod and chuckled after looking at Dai Shenqiang''s hesitant face. "Hey, don''t worry about unnecessary things. You can leave this to me, but there is just something I want you to help me with."

    "Yes, what is it?"

    Meng Renshu leaned in closer and said in a low voice. "Can you please not tell Xiaoyi about this? You saw how she was earlier. She is a worrywart, and I''m afraid this news would stress her too much. I want to take care of this matter as quietly as possible if I can."

    Dai Shenqiang recalled Li Caiyi''s expression when they first met today. She certainly looked like she was going to cry anytime. Li Caiyi had helped their family a lot, so Dai Shenqiang also didn''t want to upset her if he could help it.

    "I understand, then I shall tell him not to worry then." Dai Shenqiang nodded in agreement.

    Meng Renshu smiled in relief. "Thanks. I will stay here to call someone, so you can go in first."

    "I see, then we will wait for you, Big Brother Meng," Dai Shenqiang said before entering the room first.

    After his figure disappeared beyond the ward''s door, the smile on Meng Renshu''s face gradually faded and was reced with a grim look. Wasting no more time, he took out his phone and dialed a number.

    "Hello? I need your help to investigate somethingˇ­."

 Chapter 190 You Are 100 Years Too Early To Fool Me

    Li Caiyi had fun talking with Dai Bolin. He would asionally crack a joke and tell her a story about the past, which fascinated her. She was incredibly attentive when he started mentioning the brother''s trivia she had never known before, which was funny and exciting.

    She never knew that Dai Zhiqiang used to be afraid of lightning. When she imagined how the mini version of Zhiqiang, with a stoic face curled under the nket when lightning struck outside the house, she felt sorry and amused at the same time.

    Li Caiyi wanted to know his whereabouts, but she had to be careful not to reveal anything to the sickly older man, lest it would shock and worsen his condition.

    ''Shenqiang takes a pretty long time outside. Did he go to the bathroom? I need to ask him about Zhiqiang,'' She thought inwardly when Dai Bolin suddenly asked a startling question.

    "This might be weird to say, but I hope Zhi will someday have a nice girl like you to apany him for a long time," Dai Bolin said with a buoyant expression.

    His sentence took aback her for a second, but when she considered his age and condition, it was understandable why he would say something like that. She felt heartache for him.

    "Zhiqiang is a good guy. I''m sure he will find himself a good girl someday," Li Caiyi replied gently.

    "Hohoho, why do you say it like you are an uninvolved person? Are you not interested in our Zhi?"

    "Mr. Dai, you are such a tease. Zhiqiang and I were just friends, and he doesn''t look at me that way."

    "I might be old, but I understand my son better than anyone. Zhi is not the type that would open up with any women." Dai Bolin sighed worriedly.

    Li Caiyi recalled that Dai Shenqiang also once mentioned the same thing. Both seemed to have the same aversion to females, whether it was the older or the younger one. She wondered if this had something to do with their mother, but she knew better not to ask that.

    "Zhiqiang is pretty reclusive not only to women but men, too. I think he only considers me as a good friend."

    "Then what is your opinion about him, youngdy?"

    "Iˇ­"

    Li Caiyi was about to say she wasn''t interested in him that way but realized quickly that she probably would be the biggest liar if she said that.

    If she wasn''t interested, how should she exin her elerated heartbeat whenever he was close to her, the anticipation when knowing he would contact her, or the anxiety she felt at the thought of him getting hurt?

    Li Caiyi was clearly attracted to Dai Zhiqiang more than a friend. However, was that feeling stemming from her assumption that Dai Zhiqiang was possibly her Shen Qiang? Or was she attracted to him naturally as a person?

    Li Caiyi still hadn''t found her answer yet. But whichever it was, the fact that she cared a lot about him wouldn''t change.

    "I don''t know yet, Sirˇ­" she replied while smiling sadly.

    Dai Bolin was stunned at first butter studied her expression and nodded his head sympathetically. "I understand. You are still young, so there is no need to worry. Spend as much as you can with whoever you want. Don''t let the regrete back to bite youter."

    <o>,m "Yes, thank you, Sir."</o>

    "Youngdy, don''t fret. If my Zhi someday hurts you with his insensitivity, you cane to me, and I''ll teach that inflexible kid a lesson." Dai Bolin giggled humorously at his own joke, which eased Li Caiyi''s mood.

    "Haha, then I will certainlye to you when that timees."

    "Oh? What is it? Are you guys talking bad about me behind my back?" Dai Shenqiang, who had juste in, walked over with an intrigued expression.

    "Yeah, we are talking about how you still wet your bed until you are five years old."

    "Ah! Father, I told you not to spread my dark secret to anyone!" Dai Shenqiang flushed in embarrassment before ncing cautiously at Li Caiyi. "That''s just a stupid story from my childhood. Please forget about it."

    "Hmm? I don''t want to, though?" Li Caiyi smirked.<sub> </sub>

    "Why are you guys bullying meˇ­?"

    "Pfft! Hahaha!"

    Li Caiyiughed together with Dai Bolin, enjoying Dai Shenqiang''s aggrieved expression. She was delighted to see the older man look like he was having a lifetime of himself, albeit briefly.

    ***

    Some time passed, and Dai Bolin was currently talking with Meng Renshu about the recent news, while Li Caiyi pulled Dai Shenqiang to speak with her.

    "Okay, now it''s time for you to spill everything you know," Li Caiyi urged him to sit beside her while whispering in a hushed tone, so it wouldn''t reach Dai Bolin.

    "H-hey, calm down a bit," Dai Shenqiang tried to pull his arm out of her grasp, but Li Caiyi only held it tighter.

    "Nuh-uh, don''t think you can escape this time. Where is Zhiqiang? He didn''te to school today."

    She was too close for his liking. He gulped nervously before saying in a fluster, "I will say it, so can you take a step back first? It''s distracting me."

    "Really? Good, then."

    Dai Shenqiang heaved a sigh of relief when she finally let him go. "My brother is just too busy right now. He took more shifts than usual because we needed additional money for Father''s treatment."

    Li Caiyi frowned in disapproval. "Again? But he already has so much on his te. What is he thinking?!"

    "I don''t know either, but no one could stop my brother once he had made his mind," Dai Shenqiang said in certainty, but then realized something when he looked at her, "Well, there IS an exceptionˇ­."

    "What is it?"

    "....Nevermind. Anyway, you don''t need to worry because my brother will be fine."

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes skeptically. "This is suspicious. Are you hiding something from me?"

    "What did I do? You overthink it."

    "No, you have a habit of blinking faster when you are lying, so I know there must be something you haven''t told me yet."

    Dai Shenqiang sweated a bit under her pressuring gaze. However, he had promised Meng Renshu he would say nothing about it, and a good man always kept his promise!

    "What should I do if you don''t believe me? I have already told you everything I know. Oh, I just remember that my brother said your dinner is delicious, and I should ry that message to you."

    Li Caiyi grinned victoriously when the fish had eaten her bait. "Liar. Why would Zhiqiang tell you that when he had already said it himself via message?"

    "What? There is no way!" Dai Shenqiang retorted.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to exin, so he just shoved her phone in front of him, showing the chat she had with Zhiqiangst night.

    "See for yourself. You are 100 years too early to fool me."

    Dai Shenqiang read through the chat from up to down in disbelief. "He even asked you to wait for him to message you. Can''t you take pity on a single dog like me by not throwing dog food on my face?"

 Chapter 191 Conspiracy

    The realization didn''t sink in immediately to her. She was toote in noticing that she basically had shown Dai Shenqiang something she shouldn''t.

    Although there was nothing wrong with her chat and Zhiqiang, it was still embarrassing when someone pointed it out like some love disy.

    "You are missing the point!" Li Caiyi eximed while snatching her phone back.

    Dai Shenqiang chuckled, seeing her reaction. "Your face is red. It''s not easy to fool you, but it''s easy to tease you."

    Li Caiyi red at him ferociously. "Shut up. Just exin to me everything. Now."

    Dai Shenqiang sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck with a hesitant expression. "I underestimated my brother. To think he would be so daring in texting you first. That was unexpected."

    "Why are you making a big deal out of this? Don''t try to change the subject."

    "No, I''m not. I truly am shocked right now." Dai Shenqiang nced at Meng Renshu, who was still immersed in his conversation with his father before saying, "I didn''t want to upset you, so I thought I should wait for more time until my brother contacted me before I told you."

    "Did something happen to Zhiqiang, after all?"

    Dai Shenqiang shook his head. "I don''t know. I haven''t been able to contact him since yesterday. No one can."

    Left with no choice, Dai Shenqiang had to tell Li Caiyi everything he told Meng Renshu earlier. The more she heard about it, the more anxious she became. When she imagined something terrible happening to Zhiqiang, her heart felt like it had plummeted.

    "So that''s the deal. My brother isn''t usually gone without informing me for this long, but don''t worry too much. He is very strong."

    "No, that''s not trueˇ­."

    "Huh?"

    Li Caiyi recalled that lonely and bruised back of Dai Zhiqiang, also everything he had quietly endured by himself. She felt that calling him strong just because he never showed his weakness was like diminishing his effort and hard work, so it was unbearable to her ears.

    "Your brother is hurting. I can already imagine him covering his wound again and acting like nothing happened. He isn''t as strong as you imagine."

    Dai Shenqiang: "...."

    A momentter, Li Caiyi awoke from her stupor and regretted her words. Dai Zhiqiang especially said not to tell Dai Shenqiang anything, yet here she was,ining that his little brother didn''t understand his struggle while they were the ones who hid things from him.

    "Shenqiang, I''m sorry for saying that. I have oversteppedˇ­."

    Dai Shenqiang shook his head while smiling mirthlessly. "No, don''t be. You''re right. Out of all people, I should have known my brother''s habit of not showing his weakness to anyone the best. Being with him all the time made me forget that sometimes, and I appreciate how much you have thought about him."

    "Thank you, Shenqiang. I was really worried about him."<sub> </sub>

    The younger teen showed a helpless look on his face before saying, "Caiyi, I have a feeling that you can save my brother."

    "You mean regarding his disappearance right now?"

    "No, I didn''t mean that. The same way you saved me from those loan sharks, I feel like you can also pull my brother from the dark ce he was in."

    "I don''t quite understand what you mean, but you want me to look after Zhiqiang, right? Of course, I will do that. I can''t leave him alone, knowing he can be reckless sometimes."

    Dai Shenqiang stared at Li Caiyi with an indescribable gaze before chuckling. "My brother is really the lucky one."

    However, Li Caiyi couldn''t hear that because she was already deep in her own thoughts. Dai Shenqiang suddenly thought of something and asked her.

    "Oh yeah, I have been meaning to ask this for a while, but what kind of rtionship do you have with Big Brother Meng, Caiyi? He seemed to be awfully concerned about you."

    "Ah? Brother Renshu is my childhood friend. He knew Zhiqiang too, and when he knew I was going toe here, he insisted on following me."

    "How do you know about where my father is treated, though? Did my brother tell you that?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t find a better excuse, so she just nodded along with it. "Yeah, he told me that before."

    "No wonder. Then you should just go with Big Brother Meng after this to check on my brother. He asked me earlier about my brother''s workce so he could go check on him. Actually, this is supposed to be a secret from you since both of us want to settle this matter without upsetting you, but the cat is already out of the bag. I have to apologize to Big Brother Mengterˇ­."

    Li Caiyi''s head was overloaded with so much information, so she waved her hands to stop him from talking.

    "Wait, hold on for a moment! What are you talking about now? When did you and Brother Renshu even have that talk?"

    "When you were busy talking with my father, he was standing outside, and we talked a bit."

    "So Brother Renshu knew about all this? And he asked you to keep it a secret from me?" Li Caiyi asked in disbelief.

    Dai Shenqiang scratched his cheek unsurely. "Well, yeah, but you make it sound like he hasmitted something unforgivable. Big Brother Meng''s worry is reasonable, and I agreed with him, so he wasn''t forcing me into doing this."

    Li Caiyi wanted to facepalm so hard right then. Meng Renshu had sessfully turned this innocent boy to be his follower in a matter of minutes. How frightening.

    A big conspiracy almost happened under her nose, yet she didn''t realize that. Meng Renshu moved so fast and sneakily, just like always. No wonder he was so quiet at the beginning. She really couldn''t let her guard down even a minute around him.

    ''Wait, no, this might be my chance,'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly. ''Knowing him, he must have already mobilized his people to check on this matter. Why not interrogate him to squeeze more information from him?''

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if he could force him to talk, but she would lose nothing by trying. At this point, she didn''t care about the means anymore. Even if she had to rely on her enemy, as long as she could make sure of Dai Zhiqiang''s condition, it would all be worth it.

 Chapter 192 I Will Save This Request For Later

    "Are you sure you don''t want to wait until Zhi arrives?" Dai Bolin asked the two teenagers.

    "Haha, we can still meet him at the school tomorrow. We can visit you, and that''s already enough," Li Caiyi replied.

    "She''s right, Sir. I hope you have a fast recovery, and please take care of your body well," Meng Renshu added.

    "Thank you. It''s been a while since Ist talked to youngsters like you. Everyone in the hospital is old and cranky already. I had a good time today. Please do visit me again in the future."

    "Yes, we wille again next time. Then we will take our leave now. Good afternoon, Sir." Li Caiyi bowed slightly.

    "Father, I will send them out for a bit." Dai Shenqiang said while putting on his jacket.

    "Yeah, go with them."

    Dai Shenqiang apanied both of them to the ground floor. He thanked both of them for visiting andter stared at Meng Renshu expectantly.

    "Big Brother Meng, about earlierˇ­."

    Meng Renshu quickly interceded before he could say anything else. "I understand. Don''t worry too much and take care of your father well."

    After hearing that, Dai Shenqiang felt more reassured now, so he nodded his head. "Thank you. Be careful on your way."

    After Dai Shenqiang walked away, Li Caiyi nced at Meng Renshu, feeling that this was the correct time to ask him. However, before she could utter a word, Meng Renshu had beaten her to it first.

    "I have some business I need to take care of after this. Can you go home by yourself first?"

    If Li Caiyi hadn''t known about his conversation with Dai Shenqiang earlier, she probably would leave first, even without him asking. But not this time.

    "What kind of business do you have to be in such a hurry?" Li Caiyi taunted him.

    Meng Renshu smirked flirtatiously. "Are you suddenly feeling lonely now that I tell you to go first? So you like the feeling of being chased more. Such a tease you are."

    Li Caiyi showed an utterly disgusted expression on her face, making Meng Renshu chuckle in amusement.

    "Haha, okay, I''ll stop teasing you. It''s a personal business of mine, not of any importance at all."

    "If it''s not important, then why can''t you just tell me?"

    Meng Renshu stared at Li Caiyi strangely. "You are unusually curious today. It''s a bit suspicious. Since when did you care about my affair?"

    ''I don''t care about your affair. I care about the news regarding Dai Zhiqiang!'' Li Cayi was tempted to say that but felt like it would only narrow down the chance of getting more information out of Meng Renshu, so she switched it with a milder sentence.

    "You don''t have to act any more in front of me. I already know everything. You nned to go to the Zhiqiang workce, right?"

    Meng Renshu fell silent for a while, but he didn''t look surprised. "It seems the younger brother is not a good secret-keeper. Well, my n is busted now."

    Li Caiyi snorted. "How can you hide such an important thing from me? You know I have been worried sick about him, too."

    "Why do you care so much about him, anyway? You might be friends, but you haven''t been acquainted that long with him for you to act like this." Meng Renshu''s tone became several degrees colder than the previous one. His eyes narrowed down in a sharp gaze. "There is no need for you to get involved. You can just leave everything to me."

    "Brother Renshu, if Brother Jie suddenly went missing without words, would you be able to sit down and just wait for him to return? Wouldn''t you feel restless if you suddenly can''t get in touch with him?"

    "That''s a different matter. Junjie and have been together since childhood, and he is my best friend. How about you and him, though? He even said he didn''t know you that much when I asked him the other day."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi felt a sudden sting in her chest upon hearing that. "Zhiqiang said that? When?"

    "I talked to him a bit on the day when Xiaohua got kidnapped, and I asked if something happened between the two of you for him to go so far. He said he didn''t know you that much for him to care about you personally, but he owed you a big-time in the past."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t say anything wrong. She knew that.

    The prominent reason he would care and treat her kindly was that she once saved his brother from danger. They only slowly became closer after that.

    When Li Caiyi realized she was starting to look forward to meeting him every day in the library, it was already toote for her to deny her attraction towards him.

    However, she was unsure whether she wanted to know how he felt about her or not. Her feelings toward Dai Zhiqiang were tooplicated to exin.

    "Are you disappointed?"

    Meng Renshu''s voice jolted her back to reality. She looked up to find Meng Renshu had stood only a step away in front of her.

    "I have let my guard down, but it''s okay. I''m very patient and confident I can make you look my way." He said in a tranquil and assured voice, showing his confidence without sounding arrogant. Li Caiyi was dumbstruck.

    Because that line was almost like a love confession.

    But how could that line possiblye from Meng Renshu to her? She must have been imagining things.

    "Knowing you, you must already ask someone to investigate things about Zhiqiang, right? Please share that information with me, too." Li Caiyi switched the conversation back on track.

    Meng Renshu smiled deviously. "And what can you give me in exchange? You can''t possibly expect me to give the information to you for free, right?"

    "What do you want from me? As long as it''s not something overboard, perhaps I can think about it." Li Caiyi said, albeit feeling extremely unsure about this.

    Meng Renshu pinched his chin as he hummed in a low voice. "Then how about freeing some time to spend with me every day?"

    "Absolutely rejected," Li Caiyi replied immediately. She didn''t even stop to think about it.

    Meng Renshuughed at that. "I''m only half-joking, but that instant rejection is hurtful."

    "Stop ying around. We don''t have much time here," Li Caiyi groaned impatiently.

    "Then how about this? I will save this request forter, but you must promise me to fulfill anything I wished for. Don''t worry, I won''t ask for anything overboard as you said."

    Li Caiyi squinted his eyes suspiciously. "What are you going to use it for? I can''t trust you at all."

    Meng Renshu shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "It''s up to you to trust me or not, but do you think you have a say in this? You are the one asking me for help. Take it or leave, be my guest."

    The way he said it was so irritating that she got the urge to smack his head. She felt like Meng Renshu hadpletely opened himself up to her and didn''t bother to act polite anymore. Even in her previous life, he had never done this before, so Li Caiyi was bewildered and didn''t know how to deal with him sometimes.

    However, she was really worried about Dai Zhiqiang right now. She wouldn''t be able to sleep peacefully until she could find out what had happened to him.

    After forcefully ending her inner turmoil, she sighed deeply and relented. "Fine, but you''d better make my sacrifice worth it. Don''t try to hide anything, or worse, lie to me!"

    Meng Renshu smiled victoriously, seeing her concede to him. "You have my words. Then, shall we go now?"

 Chapter 193 An Attack (1)

    Meanwhile, within Ye Wang''s building.

    Ye Huizhong threw the newspaper in his hand irritatedly before giving a deathly re to a tall and bald man standing in front of his desk. One could tell he was extremely furious.

    "It''s almost a day, and you still can''t catch the culprit? What have you been doing all this time?!" Ye Huizhong berated his subordinate.

    The bald man appeared flustered but tried his best to remain calm. Sweats rolled down from his temple as he kept both hands behind his back.

    "I''m sorry, Boss. Those people lurked around our bar and attacked when we least expected it. We tried to chase them, but the one we captured had tight lips. He insisted he was only following order and knew nothing about the one behind him."

    "Then torture him harder! We can''t let a person who smuggled illegal things into our bar run free! You guys keep getting useless and useless these days. If it weren''t for Zhiqiang''s quick thinking, we wouldn''t even get our hands on any of them!"

    The bald man''s head lowered even more at the mention of Dai Zhiqiang. He felt aggrieved by his boss''s usation but couldn''t help but admit that they might not have gotten a lead if it weren''t for that newbie. The least they could do was to extort information as much as possible from the one captured.

    He didn''t like that brat, but at least he was more helpful than other newbies.

    "We are very sorry for disappointing you, Boss. We will try harder to find the culprit as soon as possible."

    "Leave! Just leave now! Having you here only increases my blood pressure. I don''t need useless people under my roof, so you better do your job properly!"

    "Yes, Boss. Then, if you''ll excuse me." The bald man bowed slightly before turning around, ready to dash out of the room if not for his remaining pride.

    "Wait a minute."

    Ye Huizhong''s following sentence made his stepe to a halt. The bald man groaned inwardly while maintaining his neutral expression. He turned around again to face his boss, resigning himself to fate.

    "Yes, Boss? Is there anything else you need?"

    "How is Zhiqiang''s condition right now?" Ye Huizhong asked in a milder voice, making the bald man feel relieved.

    "He is still recuperating and still hasn''t regained his consciousness yet. The sh wound on his abdomen was pretty deep, and he lost too much blood. The doctor said he would need a week of full rest before he can slowly start to move his body again."

    "I see." Ye Huizhong folded his fingers together. Although his expression was still as fierce as usual, a hint of uncertainty swirled in his eyes.

    "Do you think I made a wrong decision by adding that boy to our group? He is still young, after all."

    "Yes?" The bald man eximed unconsciously. He had been working for Ye Group for ten years, but this might be the first time he heard the fearsome Ye Huizhong showed hesitance.

    He was aware of the story behind how that newbie got picked up by the boss. Still, everyone believed it was mainly because the boss didn''t like to owe people anything. No one would dare to imagine their boss having a soft spot for that cheeky and reclusive brat.<sub> </sub>

    But this wasn''t the time for that. The bald man had to choose his words carefully if he didn''t want to be on the receiving end of his boss''s wrath again.

    "Dai Zhiqiang is still new and young, but he is more mature than most adults here. I''m certain he was already prepared for what he would go through once he stepped through our front gate."

    "Hmmˇ­" Ye Huizhong hummed vaguely, expressing neither agreement nor denial.

    The bald man felt that those words were still not enough, so he added, "You have been treating him magnanimously so far, Boss. You even called for the private doctor and gave him the best treatment. It''s only right for him to show his worth to you."

    Even men working in underworld business have their own code, and that was to know how to repay someone, whether it was in bad or good meaning. To be picked up and received the boss'' gracious support, that brat naturally should show his usefulness to the boss as the form of his gratitude, just like everyone else in the group.

    The bald man didn''t see any fault in his logic, but the crease on Ye Huizhong''s face told him otherwise. No one could stop the boss when he was pissed, so the bald man gulped nervously as he awaited his following sentence.

    "You are right. I''m getting older each passing day. To think I would let my emotions get the best of meˇ­." Ye Huizhong sighed.

    The bald man didn''t sense any hint of reprimanding his way, so he became courageous and asked him, "Boss, what do you mean by that?"

    "That boy, he reminded me of myte son sometimes. His stubbornness and rebellious personality are so much like when my son was young. That''s why I can''t help but worry about him sometimes. My brain became muddled because of my old age."

    The bald man noticed how the boss sounded mncholic when he said that. He respectfully lowered his head to give the boss the privacy of reminiscing.

    No one in the group will ever forget the tragedy that befell the previous Master of Ye Wang five years ago. That ident took the previous Master and Madam, also cost their boss his left ear.

    If it weren''t for the boss'' sacrifice, the Young Master probably wouldn''t have survived either. The ident took Young Master''s parents forever, and that was why the boss was very doting toward his grandson.

    The bald man could still vividly recall how a fearsome and robust person like Ye Huizhong shed his tears for the first time as he looked at the burning building in front of him. It was a painful memory for everyone in the group.

    However, Ye Huizhong was as resilient and tough as a mountain. Thanks to his effort and life experience, the groups could pick their remaining pieces together and be even more flourished than before. His way became more ruthless than before, but the bald man could understand him, considering what he had been through.

    A moment of weakness could cost you the life of your previous ones. Those who weren''t prepared to be ruthless had no ce in this group.

    That included Dai Zhiqiang as well.

    Ye Huizhong stood up from his seat, causing the bald man to raise his head. "Boss, are you going somewhere?"

    "It''s about time I checked on that brat''s condition. He is still young, yet already so reckless. I can''t imagine what he would turn into in the future. Reckless men are unpopr with women. I bet all my fortune he would stay single for a long time."

    Heined, but why did the bald man feel that he also sounded a bit proud when he said that? It seemed the boss really got softened when it came to that brat. He didn''t know if this change was good or not.

 Chapter 194 An Attack (2)

    Ye Huizhong entered a room, and the smell of disinfectant immediately assaulted his nose. His gaze went to a bed in the middle of the room. Lying on top of it, a young man was sleeping. His head and hands were wrapped in bandages, and his skin looked paler than usual. There was no significant visible improvement from thest time Ye Huizhong checked on him.

    "Leave me be. I want to be alone right now." Ye Huizhong said as he waved his hand to a male nurse standing nearby, prompting him to bow respectfully and leave the room.

    "Then I will leave as well, Boss. I''ll let you know if we gain more information from the man." The bald man said.

    "Alright. You may leave."

    The bald man retreated and closed the door, leaving Ye Huizhong alone with the unconscious Dai Zhiqiang. He stood a few steps away from the bad while staring at the young man with an inexplicable gaze.

    He recalled that Dai Zhiqiang seemed to be in a good moodst night and couldn''t wait to get off of work. However, just when his shift was about to end, there was somemotion in the bar. Dai Zhiqiang was involved in a brawl fight with some troublemakers as the security there.

    Despite having the upper hand in the fight, luck seemed not to side with Dai Zhiqiang when one troublemaker took out a gun and caused a tremendous uproar and panic. Although those troublemakers had already been apprehended, the casualties on their side were not small either. One of them was Dai Zhiqiang, who suffered a deep injury caused by the knife of the troublemaker.

    Ye Huizhong highly doubted all this was just a mere coincidence. Themotion happened right on the day when he visited the bar after a while, so he couldn''t help but feel suspicious that this was another kind of attack from one of his enemies, which was a lot.

    Among all his subordinates on the scene then, Dai Zhiqiang disyed an excellent performance by sessfully cornering them and apprehending one of them before the authorities came. This way, they could extort some information from the man he caught while giving the rest to the authorities.

    Ye Huizhong was actually convinced that those men probably knew nothing and were only disposable pawns, but when he looked at the casualties those people had inflicted on his ce and his people, he just couldn''t resist the urge to give them the most painful torture.

    Ye Huizhong wasn''t a generous or clean person. He didn''t mind breaking one or two rules if that meant he could achieve his goal.

    "Ughˇ­"

    Ye Huizhong''s line of thought was interrupted when he heard a groan from the young man. He took a few steps forward and observed his condition closely. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t appear to be conscious yet, but he seemed in pain.

    "Zhiqiang, can you hear my voice?" The boss asked his subordinate.

    "Faˇ­ther, Shenˇ­Qiangˇ­ I''m sorryˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang mumbled in his sleep. "Caiˇ­Yiˇ­"

    Ye Huizhong couldn''t make out what he said properly because his voice was too weak. It seemed like he was calling out for a few people.

    "A nightmare?" Ye Huizhong heaved a sigh of relief. For a second, he was worried his condition had worsened.

    "Iˇ­have toˇ­findˇ­youˇ­."

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned, and beads of sweat rolled out from his temple. He seemed to have a rough time in his dream since he began to trash his legs and injured hands around. Ye Huizhong quickly held him down out of reflex.

    "Get a grip of yourself!" Ye Huizhong roared in annoyance, mainly because he was never a patient man from the start, except in front of his grandson.

    Thankfully, Dai Zhiqiang only struggled for a while before his eyelids slowly quivered. In the next second, those eyes slowly opened. Perhaps the old man''s roar roused him from his sleep.

    "Have you regained your consciousness yet?" Ye Huizhong stared at the young man''s dazed eyes and waved his hand several times in front of them. "Can you recognize who I am?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes gradually regained their focus as the reality seemed toe back to him. "Boss?" He called out hoarsely.<sub> </sub>

    "That''s right. Don''t move around anymore lest you want to open your injury. If that happens, it will take longer before you can return to your family."

    Dai Zhiqiang blinked his eyes several times before sweeping his gaze across the room. "How long since I have been unconscious?"

    "Almost a full day."

    "This can''t be. I need to contact them." Dai Zhiqiang wanted to sit up, but a throbbing on his abdomen made him groan painfully. "Agh!"

    Ye Huizhong shook his head. "I have warned you not to move too much, you rebellious brat."

    Dai Zhiqiang was drained of energy, and that throbbing sensation was enough to send him t to the bed again. As much as he wanted to move, he knew his body condition better than anyone. At this rate, it would take a long time before he could meet his family again because they absolutely couldn''t find out what had happened to him.

    There was also Li Caiyi. He wondered if she would be worried if she knew he was in this condition.

    A stinging pain attacked his head in a split second, making him hold his head while grimacing. Ye Huizhong, who noticed that, asked him, "Is your head hurt? Do you need me to call the doctor?"

    "No, Boss. The pain is gone now."

    Dai Zhiqiangy on the bed with a messy mind. The nightmare he had just had was probably the worst he had ever experienced in his whole life. Although he couldn''t remember much of it, that sense of despair remained even now.

    "How is your feeling now? This happens because you are too reckless." Ye Huizhong reprimanded him in a stern tone.

    "I feel terrible, Boss."

    "I appreciate your honesty. Now go reflect on your behaviorst night."

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed. "Forget about me, what about those guys? Did we manage to apprehend them?"

    "No need to worry about things like that. Your brothers will take care of this. Just focus on recuperating."

    "Then can I ask for my phone? I need to at least inform my family so that they won''t worry about me."

    "I will ask someone to fetch it for you, then. I can at least let you have the remains of it."

    "What do you mean by that?"

    "Your phone took the brunt of the knife attack directed at you, so it died on behalf of you. You can''t use it anymore now."

    Dai Zhiqiang clicked his tongue when he heard that,pletely forgetting that the one in front of him was his boss.

    "You cheeky brat," Ye Huizhong shook his head helplessly, as though he had given up on fixing his attitude.

 Chapter 195 So It Is A Female Friend, Then.

    Dai Zhiqiang tried to move his hand but found it difficult to do so. His upper arms felt sore, and the lower arms were hurting like a hundred needles pricked it.

    "Younded on the terrible spot after you got attacked. Don''t move your hand too much, or you will pry your wound open again." Ye Huizhong discouraged him from clenching and opening his hands.

    "Is it because Inded on fragments of ss?"

    "So you are aware. Be careful in choosing the ce where you passed out next time."

    "I was about to lose my consciousness. How can I have leisure time to think about that?"

    "Even if you don''t have time, you still have to make sure you are in a safe ce before you let your guard down. Trust me, you don''t want your enemy to catch you while in the most vulnerable state."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer his boss'' advice and asked instead, "Is there any telephone I can use, then?"

    "Do you have to contact them right now? At least you need to eat or drink something first. I''ll ask someone toe to deliver it to youter. For now, focus on recuperating. That''s an order."

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted to protest but realized that he had no right to bargain with the boss, considering what he had done for him, so he reluctantly shut his mouth.

    "What are you dreaming of just now? You looked like you were in so much pain."

    "....I can''t remember, but it certainly wasn''t a good one."

    "I heard you calling out names, so I suppose you must have subconsciously worried for your family in your sleep." Ye Huizhong put his fingers on his chin before deciding, "I''ll ask one of my subordinates to get you a new phone. Take it as a token of my appreciation for what you didst night."

    "...Thank you, Boss." Dai Zhiqiang said, "What about Little Zhong?"

    "I told him you are sick and can''te to y with him for a while. He is very disappointed, so make sure to recover quickly. I don''t like to see my grandson sad." Ye Huizhong said sternly, leaving no room for argument.

    "I understand."

    "I will leave you to rest, then." Ye Huizhong walked away even before Dai Zhiqiang had a chance to reply and left the room.

    In the end, he missed his timing to ask what was the boss doing in this room. It was hard to believe that his boss'' scary face was the first thing he saw as he opened his eyes. Their rtionship was purely business, and he shouldn''t have any reason to watch over his condition. Dai Zhiqiang was at a loss.

    He lifted his nket to check on his belly with a trembling hand. Sure enough, bandages were covering the area of his abdomen.

    Dai Zhiqiang regretted his decisionst night. He shouldn''t have gotten too involved with this group''s problem more than he should have. He didn''t n to stay here forever, so he initially nned to contribute moderately before he would bid goodbye to the group.

    However, when he saw those people trying to harm innocent people in the bar, Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t restrain himself. His body had moved before his mind could tell him otherwise.

    This habit of his was actually the source of his bad luck. If it weren''t for his busybody nature, he wouldn''t provoke some senior gang in the middle school, which pulled him into a never-ending fighting cycle.

    Dai Zhiqiang stroked his bandaged forehead. He didn''t remember how he got this wound, but he hoped it wouldn''t leave a scar since it happened in a pretty conspicuous ce, or he wouldn''t be able to exin it to his family.

    Then, Dai Zhiqiang''s mind wandered to Li Caiyi, and he sighed regretfully. It thrilled him when she said she would wait for him to finish his work. He looked forward to it so much, but he ruined that chance. He wondered if Li Caiyi waited for him to message her?<sub> </sub>

    "No, I don''t think she will." Dai Zhiqiang let out a self-deprecatingugh. "But it''s better if she didn''t wait, or she would lose her precious sleeping time."

    When he thought about that, the door was opened, and a male nurse entered while pushing a food cart. He was pleasantly surprised when he saw Dai Zhiqiang had regained his consciousness.

    "You are already awake. That''s good."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded his head but didn''t say a word to him. The male nurse didn''t seem to mind as he walked over and pulled out something from his pocket.

    "The Boss Ye asked me to give this phone to you." He said as he offered a phone with the same model as Dai Zhiqiang''s old one. "He also said that he already told someone to move the data from your previous phone to this one."

    Dai Zhiqiang epted it gratefully. "Thank you."

    Despite looking brand new, this phone didn''t look very different from his previous one. He was relieved that Ye Huizhong didn''t get him thetest phone but opted for the same model as his previous one. This way, no one would know that this one was actually a different phone.

    His palm was throbbing, but his thumbs were still functioning fine, so he quickly checked on his call logs and messages. The most recent message from his brother regarding their father''s condition made him frown, but he felt at ease knowing that his condition had stabilized.

    Dai Zhiqiang quickly typed a reassuring reply:

    [Dai Zhiqiang: I have gotten a job opportunity from my colleague, and it was on short notice. Sorry for not informing you beforehand. My phone was missing, so I can''t tell you about it. But I already found it, though, so there is no need to worry. Please take care of Father while I am gone. Probably need a few more days before I can return].

    He scrolled down to check on the other text, and Dai Zhiqiang was dumbstruck when he saw the long list of missed calls and messages in his inbox.

    He had expected his brother to call him many times. Still, he didn''t expect that Li Caiyi''s missed calls and messages were double of that. Most of the messages urged him to contact her as soon as he saw her message or asked about his condition.

    Dai Zhiqiang was so moved he re-read all the messages a few times. Judging from her words, it sounded like she was worried sick about him, which thrilled him, although he knew it was mean to think like that.

    "Are you looking at something that lifts your mood? You smiled so happily," the male nurse who had been quietly preparing his food on the side said.

    Dai Zhiqiang felt his mouth, and he was indeed grinning like an idiot right now. He cleared his throat awkwardly.

    "It''s just a message from my friend."

    "Oh, I bet she is beautiful."

    "I never said my friend is a female."

    The male nurseughed at that. "Nice joke there. There is no way a man would smile like that if the one who sent him the message is a male. Unless that man swings differently."

    Dai Zhiqiang immediately frowned. "I''m a normal man."

    "So it is a female friend, then. Lucky you," the male nurse smiled knowingly, making him confused whether or not it would be better to refute.

    Probably better to concede rather than let him misunderstand.

 Chapter 196 Meng Renshus Crazy Idea (1)

    Li Caiyi looked up at the old building in front of her with her jaw hanging open. From its looks, the four-story building appeared like it used to be a three-star hotel before they abandoned it and were about to be demolished. However, that wasn''t the part that astonished her.

    This building was located in the same spot as the abandoned building in her previous life!

    Li Caiyi didn''t know that the area used for that abandoned building was once a hotel. Thend used for this hotel was pretty spacious, so it should earn a considerable profit at its peak times. She wondered why this hotel was abandoned.

    "What''s wrong? Why do you look so surprised?" Meng Renshu asked after noticing she only stood in her ce while staring nkly at the building.

    "Brother Renshu, are you sure this is the ce where Zhiqiang works?"

    "Well, my source said that this ce would be demolished soon, but they didn''t find any proof that this ce will be reconstructed or built into something else."

    "So, you mean there was never any construction site here?"

    "Not necessarily. There is a rumor about such a n circting around, but there is no clear evidence. It meant that there would probably be some construction ns in the future, but Dai Zhiqiang most likely isn''t a worker here. How can someone work for a n that doesn''t exist?"

    Li Caiyi stared at Meng Renshu in disbelief. "So you want to say that Zhiqiang is lying to us? But why would he lie about it?"

    Meng Renshu sighed helplessly. "The building is still here, without a doubt. If he isn''t lying, what kind of exnation would there be? We already made sure we didn''te to the wrong ce, and there was no construction work here. ept that fact."

    His words were reasonable but sounded cold in her ears. Li Caiyi suddenly felt d¨¦j¨¤ vu. She felt the exact same feeling at the thought of Shen Qiang lying to her. This one was the most unexpected and ironic among all the simrities between Dai Zhiqiang and Shen Qiang. She didn''t know what to feel about this new discovery.

    Meng Renshu studied Li Caiyi''s crestfallen look closely, and irritation rose inside him. "Why would you think he would tell you the truth, anyway? If there is a reason he tries to hide his actual job from everyone, then isn''t it clear that his job is anything but proper? There is no reason for him to hide it unless his job is not something he can tell you and his brother."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. She knew Dai Zhiqiang had no obligation to tell everything about himself to her. Still, there was a part of her that felt disappointed. It seemed she was the only one who thought there was some kind of connection between them.

    Apparently, she was the only one excited, while Dai Zhiqiang really didn''t think of her that way.

    "I''m sure Zhiqiang has his own reasons. He is a person who cares for his family. There must be unavoidable circumstances if he even goes so far to hide it from his family."

    Meng Renshu sneered. "What an admirable trust you have for him. I''m curious to know what that guy did to you to make you trust him so much?"

    Li Caiyi sensed the animosity in Meng Renshu''s tone, and she was confused as much as she didn''t like it. What the hell was his problem now?

    "At the very least, he never treated me like I''m just an additional person," Li Caiyi spat out harshly.

    "Additional person?" Meng Renshu echoed her sentence in puzzlement.

    "Yes. He treats me properly like a person who has will and emotions. Not some kind of spare or someone to be controlled."<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu''s face darkened when he heard that. His tone dropped to a dangerously chilling tone as he said, "Are you saying I''m treating you like that? Is it because I used to treat you the same as Xiaohua?"

    Li Caiyi turned her face away, feeling stupid for venting her frustration to the current Meng Renshu. Any grievances she had been through in her previous life had no rtion to the current him. She was aware of that, yet she really couldn''t forget it.

    Those years of despair were not something she could easily brush awaypletely.

    "Answer me. Is that how you see me all this time? Even when I tried my best to fix my mistake, you still see me this way?"

    "Let''s not talk about this. We have more important things in our hands, don''t we?"

    Meng Renshu scoffed mockingly. "Ha. You don''t even want to talk to me because you worry so much about that guy."

    "What are you talking about? We came here for that purpose, so this isn''t the time to be talking about this."

    "This conversation might not be important to you, but it is for me. Just what can I do to make you change your mind? I tried, you know. Several times. Although the method I use is not the best, I tried in my own way to understand you and to treat you better."

    Li Caiyi was stunned to see hurt and hopelessness in his eyes. She couldn''t understand why he was so fixated on her it could make him wear that expression.

    "I have read your work."

    "Huh?"

    Meng Renshu smiled sadly. "Me, Xiaohua, and Junjie. We all read your first work. The one you submitted for the contest."

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes several times, clearly unprepared by the sudden change in the topic. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

    "Xiaohua is the one who rmended us to read it. She said that we could probably understand you better after reading your story, so I read it. Every word you put into it amazed me. It was short but left a longsting impression on me. When I read it, I feel like I am finally a step closer to you."

    Li Caiyi waited for him to finish his exnation. Meng Renshu stared at her sincerely before he said, "There were times when I felt I didn''t know you, Xiaoyi. I guess Xiaohua and Junjie also vaguely noticed that. That feeling amplified after I read your story. I even came up with a crazy idea."

    "What is it?"

    "The concept of past and future in your story, do you think it rtes somehow to my dreams?"

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

 Chapter 197 Meng Renshus Crazy Idea (2)

    Li Caiyi was shocked to hear his supposedly ''crazy'' theory, but actually a bullseye. It made her realize once again that Meng Renshu was not an opponent to be underestimated.

    ''Does he remember something from his dream that helped him to reach that conclusion?'' Li Caiyi thought became awry as she tried her best not to panic.

    "W-what do you mean? That story is a pure fantasy even though I picked the concept from the real belief in the world."

    Meng Renshu shook his head. "No, I think it''s not that simple. That description you poured into that was as if you were a person who had experienced it yourself. Adding that to the significant change in your behavior and your reaction when I told you about my dreamˇ­."

    ''Bad, this is really, really bad!'' Li Caiyi''s body was tense all over, listening to his theory that became closer to the truth with each second.

    ".....It made me think those dreams were probably something that happened in the past. Something about the previous life in the future intertwined with your past self. A rebirth concept."

    Li Caiyi wanted to run away so badly right now. She was speechless and felt like she was exposed naked in front of Meng Renshu. What kind of face was she making right now? She hoped her face didn''t make it look too obvious.

    "After that idea got into my mind, everything seemed to make more sense. I know this is crazy, but those dreams I have are definitely fragments of my memory. If not, I wouldn''t feel burdened by indescribable emotion every time I wake up."

    "Wait! Brother Renshu, what are you talking about now? I appreciate you looking up to my work that much, but it was fiction in the end. I made it because the concept interests me, but it''s nothing to be taken so seriously." Li Caiyi hurriedly interjected.

    Meng Renshu fell into silence as he stared at Li Caiyi deeply, and cold sweat ran through her back. She dared not to tear her gaze away from him because that would make her look suspicious, so she nervously waited for him to talk again.

    p Meng Renshu opened his mouth, and Li Caiyi had to hold her breath because of uneasiness.</anda>

    "I see. Maybe you are right."

    "Huh?"

    Meng Renshu smiled. "I''m sorry for saying something strange. I just want to prove that I have be one of your fans now; that''s why I said those things."

    "So that theory of yoursˇ­."

    "I made that on the spot." Meng Renshu chuckled. "I''m not that delusional to believe something like that."

    ''Well, your theory is scarily urate for something you made on the spot. You with your genius gene, stop attacking my heart like this,'' Li Caiyi grumbled inwardly.

    "I''m serious when I say I want to know about you better. If there is an instance in the past that makes you feel I do not properly see you as a person, then I will apologize for that. But I honestly care about you, Xiaoyi, more than you think."

    Li Caiyi was unsure what to say to that. She couldn''t possibly forget what Meng Renshu in her previous life had done to her, so she didn''t feel like promising anything. They probably could be friends, but even that wouldn''t be as close as before, or she would feel uneasy.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother Renshu, I''m sorry if my guess is wrong, but when you said you want to know me better, do you mean it as a friend, sibling, or something more?"

    Meng Renshu stared at her with an inexplicable gaze before shing a faint smile. "I also wonder about that."

    "Aren''t you in love with Xiaohua? I even saw the two of you kissing a while back."

    "I also wonder about that."

    "Are you even talking seriously right now?"

    "It''s because I''m really unsure about this. I once thought that I was in love with Xiaohua too." Meng Renshu smiled bitterly. "And you actually misunderstand the situation. What happened that day was purely an ident because Xiaohua almost fell then. None of us initiated or expected that to happen."

    "But it made your heart race, right?" Li Caiyi wouldn''t give him a chance to make an excuse. It didn''t happen in this timeline, but Meng Renshu told her about his first kiss in her previous life, and he was thrilled about it. She wouldn''t believe it even if he denied it now.

    "Hmm, it certainly made my heart race."

    She totally thought he would make an excuse, so his honest reply took her aback. "Then why are you so fixated on me?"

    "Because I realized along the way that probably even that heart-racing moment was just my misunderstanding. If I love Xiaohua, then why do I feel so restless when you are not by my side?"

    Li Caiyi felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured on top of her head. Her instinct told her she shouldn''t continue this conversation, or it would get out of hand.

    "Brother Renshu, I think we should end this conversation here. You already said it yourself, you are unsure about it, so let''s not talk about this anymore."

    "No, I will let you know this loud and clear now." Meng Renshu said firmly. "I don''t want to let you go, nor did I want to see you worrying over another guy, Xiaoyi. Believe me or not, it''s up to you, but I''ll prove it to you one day."

    ''Lies. That must be a lie. There is no way that Meng Renshu, who coldly pushes me away, can be in love with me.''

    These lines echoed in her head, convincing her not to believe him. It didn''t matter anyway because the one she loved was Shen Qiang, who was most likely named Dai Zhiqiang in this timeline.

    The Li Caiyi who loved Meng Renshu dearly and selflessly was already dead, and she wouldn''t evere back to life anymore.

    The atmosphere was heavy, with both of them at a loss of words to say, when Li Caiyi''s phone received a new message.

 Chapter 198 Think About Me

    It shocked Li Caiyi when she saw the sender''s name. Her surprise was so apparent that it caught Meng Renshu''s attention.

    "What is it?"

    "It''s Zhiqiang! He contacted me!" Li Caiyi smiled brightly.

    Meng Renshu''s brows twitched slightly, seeing her enthusiasm, but he maintained his smile on his face. "Really? It''s good, then. What did he say?"

    Li Caiyi had been waiting for his answer, so she opened it with a racing heart.

    [Dai Zhiqiang: Sorry I forgot to tell youst night, but I suddenly need to take another job elsewhere. (¨i©n¨i) My colleague rmended it to me because the payment is good. I probably will miss a few days of school because of that. I''m safe and sound, so don''t worry.]

    [Li Caiyi: Even so, how can you just leave without informing your brother about it? Can we talk by phone now? I want to hear your voice.]

    Unlike previously, this time, he didn''t reply instantly. Li Caiyi wondered if his work was so busy when she recalled that she still didn''t know what Dai Zhiqiang''s actual job was. She was tempted to ask him about that but worried the question would burden him instead.

    "Hmm, I see you guys have exchanged a lot of messages before this."

    "Kyaa!" Li Caiyi shrieked in surprise when the moist air suddenly hit her ear. She jumped to the side to find Meng Renshu, who was giggling in amusement.

    "You are still weak when someone is whispering in your ears."

    Li Cai''s heart was still beating hard in her chest because she was shocked. "Stop scaring me like that! And why are you peeking on my phone? That''s rude."

    "Your fault for not noticing me standing beside you." Meng Renshu shrugged nonchntly. "Anyway, don''t you want to ask about his real job? If you ask me, his exnation is too suspicious. He exined, yet it revealed nothing about what he did and where he was. Strange, don''t you think?"

    "No one asks for your opinion," Li Caiyi snarled harshly, mainly because his attitude pissed her.

    "You are pointing your w at the wrong person. He was the one hiding things, while I''m just an innocent guy trying to give you some advice. I feel wronged."

    "Even if you are right, there are still things that should and shouldn''t be asked. I believe Zhiqiang has a good reason he has to hide it. I will wait for him to trust me enough to tell me everything."

    "Well, I don''t mind, because it will be more convenient for me. I can''t let you two be closer than you already are."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t be bothered to hear his nonsense anymore. "Since Dai Zhiqiang already contacted me, then I guess we can call it a day. Thank you for your help today."

    "Ah? After using me to the fullest today, you are going to get rid of me as soon as I no longer have any use for you. Cruel, you are too cruel, Xiaoyi." Meng Renshu feigned a hurt expression. He looked extremely pitiful while looking at her with his abandoned puppy''s face.

    ''This guy sure can act. His face mostly does all the job, though,'' Li Caiyimented inwardly.

    "Precisely because I have inconvenienced you a lot today. I can''t bear to make you do more than this for me."

    "There''s no need to worry about that. I always have enough time and money for you. You just need to say the magic word."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She didn''t know Meng Renshu could throw a cheesy pickup line like that. That was what the CEO in a web novel usually said. Hearing that line in real life made her cringe, though.

    "I gave you a chance to make a one-time request, didn''t I? It should be enoughpensation for your work today." Li Caiyi argued.

    "Hmm, that''s true too. Then would you allow me to take you home?"

    "No, thanks." Li Caiyi refused while making her stance, "Don''t even think of hauling me likest time."

    Meng Renshuughed before correcting his zer in a suave manner. "Haha, I know when it''s time to retreat and advance. I think I have made enough moves on you today. I''ll go easy on you and allow the reality to sink on you for now. Please think about what I said today thoroughly, or better yet, just think about me."

    "Why are you pretending to be cool like that? If you want to go, then just go already."<sub> </sub>

    "Oh? It hasn''t been an hour, but you already see me in a cool light? My charm did work on you, as expected."

    Li Caiyi was rendered speechless. The more she said something, the longer this guy would hang around her.

    "Then, I''ll leave first. Make sure to go home safely." Meng Renshu waved his hand before walking away. He didn''t look back even once.

    "What the hell is all that about?" Li Caiyi sighed as she watched him leave. She rechecked her phone, only to find that there was no new message yet. She contemted whether to ask Dai Zhiqiang about his job butter realized that Meng Renshu''s words had influenced her.

    She vigorously shook his head to brush his annoying smirk away from her mind. "No, just forget what that guy said. Better yet, just forget about him altogether!" Li Caiyi harrumphed.

    ***

    Meng Renshu watched over the girl standing on the side of the road until she stopped a taxi and went inside the car. Only then did he leisurely lean his back against the backrest before telling the driver to take off.

    "Young Master, where are we going right now? Should we follow Miss Caiyi again?"

    "No, let''s head home. I''m tired." Meng Renshu whined while massaging his forehead. "Don''t tell my mother about this."

    "Yes? What do you mean by that, Young Master?" Mr. Mu asked in a fluster.

    "I really appreciate you for taking care of me well since childhood. Although I know you are working for my family and not me specifically, I also have a low tolerance of people spying on me."

    "....I''m very sorry, Young Master. Madam told me to report if you do anything out of the ordinary, but I never have the intention of betraying your trust. I wouldn''t tell her about anything that happened today. Please believe me."

    Meng Renshuughed. "You don''t have to be so tense. I''m not using you of anything for now because I believe in you. I want you to remain by my side for a long time. You can take this as a light warning from me."

    "Young Master, thank you. I''m always grateful to work under someone as benevolent as you."

    "Don''t be because apparently, I''m not as benevolent as people im me to be." Meng Renshu smiled bitterly as he recalled the words Li Caiyi had said to him earlier.

    Hearing her saying that directly felt like a p to his face. He probably had underestimated how much she was hurting due to people''s negligence of her.

    "It''s my fault too, for taking her for grantedˇ­." Meng Renshu sighed as his headache got worse. He reached out to his bag and pulled out a small stic container and a bottle of mineral water.

    Mr. Mu, who watched all that from the rearview mirror, asked worriedly. "Young Master, don''t you think you have been too reliant on medicine these days? It might be bad for your health in the long run."

    Meng Renshu wiped the water on the corner of his mouth after he finished drinking his medicine. "Haha, I''m fine. Although the effect is not much, it helped me sleep better and reduced my headache as well."

    "Pardon me, Young Master, but you seem to have a lot of things in your mindtely. Is it somehow rted to Miss Caiyi?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t answer immediately. "Yes, it is deeply rted to her."

    "Then why don''t you consult with her? I saw you two are fighting earlier, and Miss Caiyi seems to be on guard against you."

    "Mr. Mu, can you please not rub salt on my wound like that?" Meng Renshu chuckled in amusement.

    "I didn''t mean it that wayˇ­."

    "Haha, rx, I''m just joking." Meng Renshu smiled weakly and closed his eyes slowly. "She hates me. That''s why I can''t talk about this to her. And besidesˇ­"

    Meng Renshu recalled her frightened and pale expression when he mentioned his theory.

    "I think I already knew the answer, even without asking."

 Chapter 199 Arenâ€™t All Love Problems The Same, Though?

    Li Caiyi sent another message to Dai Zhiqiang at nighttime, asking him if he had eaten. However, he still hadn''t replied until the next day. However, this time she wasn''t that anxious any more since he had confirmed his safety.

    "Haaˇ­" Li Caiyi sighed heavily, catching the attention of her three friends.

    Chen Run scooted closer to Feng Nian and asked in a low voice. "What happened to her? She kept checking on her phone."

    "I have an idea, but better not disturb her for now," Feng Nian whispered back.

    "Caiyi, is everything alright? Why aren''t you eating your lunch?" Zhou Ya asked worriedly.

    "Huh? Oh yeah. Sorry, I''m daydreaming. What are you guys talking about?"

    "Nobody said anything, but you are still as absentminded as yesterday. Has that friend of yours contacted you yet?"

    "He sent me a message and told me not to worry about him. I replied, but there are still no words from him again." Li Caiyi couldn''t hide the dejection in her voice, making the other three exchange nces with a knowing look.

    "Hey Caiyi, can you tell me a bit about that friend of yours?" Chen Run asked with a glint of excitement in her eyes, clearly craving for gossip.

    "Don''t bother her, Lan Lan," Zhou Ya reprimanded her softly.

    "But aren''t you curious as well? What kind of friend can make our Caiyi lose her mind?"

    Li Caiyi grimaced and said in a wronged tone. "I''m not losing my mind."

    "Sure. You just submitted your math homework to a history teacher earlier, totally not losing your mind at all," Feng Nianmented sarcastically, and Li Caiyi pursed her lips.

    "Well, he is a quiet and diligent person. He looks cold and aloof from outside, but he is actually very caring once you know him. Once I got into trouble, he helped me even without me asking. He is very knowledgeable about many things, so I always go to him whenever I have something I don''t understand. Looking from any side, it feels like I''m the one benefitting from being friends with him. That''s why when he is in trouble, I want to help him with anything I can..."

    "But being friends is not about giving you benefit or not," Zhou Ya consoled gently. "As long as you are there when he needs you, you ARE his friend, Caiyi."

    "I guessˇ­. But I want to do more for him. This is just my selfish wish, but I hope he can rely on and confide in me more. It feels lonely knowing he is struggling alone right now." Li Caiyi said gloomily.

    "Are you saying you want to be the one to help him?" Feng Nian asked.

    Li Caiyi contemted a bit before slowly nodding her head. "I know there is not much I can do to help him, but I want to be his strength."

    "Oh myˇ­" Zhou Ya eximed while smiling fondly at her confession. "It seems you care about him a lot. I wonder if you have fallen for him?"

    "Ya Ya, you steal my line! I want to ask that too!" Chen Run protested.

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi raised her head, only to find her three friends were waiting expectantly for her answers. At first, she was hesitant butter felt that it was probably okay to let her friends know about this.

    "I''m actually unsure. I used to know someone, and I liked him a lot. Then, he disappeared, and I still couldn''t find him until now. This friend of mine is really simr to that person."<sub> </sub>

    Zhou Ya quickly connected the dot in her head. "A person you used to likeˇ­ do you mean the one you are looking for? Shen Qiang?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "That''s why I don''t know if my attraction towards my friend stems from my feeling for that person, or it''s genuinely my feeling for my friendˇ­."

    "Well, that isplicatedˇ­." Zhou Yamented, unsure of how to respond.

    "What''s soplicated about it? If you don''t know, then you only have to find out," Chen Run said nonchntly. "I think Caiyi will understand her feeling more clearly once she takes the initiative first."

    "Take the initiative?"

    Chen Run nodded. "In every romance movie, the heroine always has a period where she is unsure about her feelings. Some of them act passively like you, due to fear of rejection, and end up missing their best chance, but some proactively dive their head straight to the core of the problem."

    "Why are you talking about movies again? And their situation isn''t even the same," Feng Nian sighed.

    "Eh? It isn''t? Aren''t all love problems the same, though? The ''I love you, but you don''t love me fear''?" Chen Run scratched her cheeks in confusion.

    Feng Nian sighed helplessly. "Where did you even get that idea? And you are being a little rude again."

    "No, I think she is correct," Li Caiyi said with a smile. "Thank you, Run. As you said, I''m too worried about everything, so I unconsciously limit my own options."

    "Yeah, you shouldn''t worry about anything because I doubt any guy would reject you!" Chen Run gave a thumbs up. "Simply out, you only need to wink and smile to conquer a guy."

    Zhou Ya quickly interjected before Chen Run could continue with her nonsense. "Well, I can''t say I like how Lan Lan put it, but I have to agree with her this time. You need to tell him that sincere feeling of yours, Caiyi. When the timees, you will know whether or not your feelings are real."

    "What I don''t understand is, so what if your feelings initially stem from your love towards another guy? Isn''t it a fact now that you sincerely want to do your best to help that friend of yours? That much alone already proves something. Perhaps along the way, you can actually like your friend more than the guy who leaves." Feng Nian added.

    Li Caiyi fell into deep thought, listening to her friend''s advice. She couldn''t tell them the entire story, but she felt like she could finally see a tiny ray of light inside her murky mind.

    Maybe she should give herself a chance to act more freely and not be too fixated on Shen Qiang''s shadow. That way, probably a new option would arise for her.

    ''I should call Zhiqiang after this,'' Li Caiyi decided inwardly.

    "Hey, Li Caiyi, someone is looking for you!"

    The sudden call of her name made her turn her head to the voice source. That was when her gaze fell to a face she didn''t want to see, smiling at her from the ss entrance.

    Noticing her frown, Meng Renshu smiled in amusement as he waved his hand, utterly oblivious to the fact that he just made a lot of girls in the perimeter swoon and blushed.

    "Xiaoyi, Ie for you," He said in an intentionally loud voice. Many girls looked at Li Caiyi with envy, but they reluctantly epted it because everyone had already known about their rtionship as childhood friends. That was why Meng Renshu''s following sentence took everyone aback.

    "I came here to check on you. Did you fall asleep thinking about mest night?"

 Chapter 200 Rejection

    "I came here to check on you. Did you fall asleep thinking about mest night?"

    *Gasps!

    It felt like everyone had a synchronized timing for that gasp. Li Caiyi couldn''t me them because it was a public secret that Meng Renshu favored the younger twin more than the older twin. Seeing hime to Li Caiyi''s ss was already surprising enough, and adding with that ambiguous greeting, it would be stranger if it didn''t cause an uproar.

    Li Caiyi frowned in displeasure at Meng Renshu, who was smiling innocently. What now?

    "Hey, Caiyi," Zhou Ya tugged on her sleeve. "Aren''t you going to talk to him?"

    Li Caiyi was unwilling to stand from her seat, but who knows what nonsense he would spout after this?

    "Yeah, I should. Sorry guys, I need to talk to him."

    "Do I smell a love triangle here? Or rather, love squares?" Chen Run rubbed her chin while grinning creepily but got nudged on the side by Feng Nian.

    "Don''t listen to her. Just go."

    "Yeah, thanks."

    Li Caiyi stood up and walked up towards Meng Renshu. While the former red at him, Meng Renshu only smirked in amusement.

    "Let''s go somewhere else to talk," Li Caiyi whispered and walked out of the ssroom without waiting for his answer. Meng Renshu shrugged his shoulders and followed her outside, ignoring the entire ss'' gazes at them.

    Li Caiyi deliberately led him to a secluded ce where there would be no disturbance. With that thought, she brought him to the backyard garden and sighed in relief when she saw no one was there.

    She turned around and folded her hands in front of her chest. Irritation was apparent on her face. "What do you want this time?"

    "Nothing? I just came to check on you and possibly talk to you."

    "Please stop saying misleading things. I don''t want to get attacked by your fans if they find out about this."

    "My fans? Ah, don''t worry about them. I won''t let them harm you," Meng Renshu smiled reassuringly. He looked as innocent as amb, and Li Caiyi had to remind herself that this guy was a wolf in sheep''s clothing.

    "That''s not the point. What I want to say is, please stop bothering me. Can we just walk in our path peacefully without arguing like this every time?"

    "We won''t have to argue in the first ce if you just let me walk by your side."

    "No," Li Caiyi answered immediately. "I don''t know what else I can say to make my words go through your thick skull."

    "Haha, you probably have to give up on that. I already said it yesterday, didn''t I? I have already decided to pursue you because I can''t not have you by my side, Xiaoyi." Meng Renshu said earnestly. There wasn''t any hint of his earlier yfulness in his expression.

    Li Caiyi felt ufortable being stared at so deeply like that, so she averted her eyes. "Brother Renshu, are you confessing to me right now?"<sub> </sub>

    "No, not yet. I know that the current me has no right to confess just yet. Not after I have hurt you unintentionally. The day when you finally can give me a second chance, I will confess to you, then."

    "There is no second chance," Li Caiyi said decisively in a cold voice. She dared not to meet his eyes, so she kept her gaze away from him. "No matter how much you try, nothing will change. I will never like you the way you like me because I don''t see you that way. As presumptuous as it is, that''s just how I feel, so you should save your time and effort in a more meaningful way."

    Li Caiyi gripped her forearms tightly. She felt ufortable saying something like that to the current Meng Renshu, who had done nothing wrong yet. But the thought of him remembering his previous life''s memory made her anxious. Moreover, he seemed to be increasingly affectionate to her, which worsened everything.

    Nevertheless, she hoped there would be a way to chase him away without hurting him too much. In her previous life, although Meng Renshu didn''t love her and pushed her away in the end, she also received a lot of kindness from him. Those years they had spent together since childhood could never be erased, no matter how much she tried. It was precious, as much as it was heartbreaking.

    "Oh, it seems I got rejected today." Meng Renshuughed mirthlessly. "I will try again next time, then."

    This time, Li Caiyi turned to him impatiently. Even shamelessness should know it''s bound!

    "There is no ''next time''. Did you even listen to what I just said?"

    Meng Renshu smiled gently. "You finally look my way."

    "What?" Li Caiyi felt a stab in her consciousness when she saw how cool he was in taking this. She expected him to be more angry, offended or perhaps disappointed, but there he was, looking at her with his usual gentle gaze as if he had prepared for her rejection.

    Meng Renshu walked over to her in big strides, and Li Caiyi unconsciously took steps back. Her short legs couldn''t bepared with his long ones, so he reduced their distance in no time at all.

    Li Caiyi''s whole body was tense when he stood so close to her. The world seemed to move in slow motion when the wind blew his hair and revealed his tranquil eyesced with indulgence and understanding.

    He raised his hands, and Li Caiyi instinctively shut her eyes in reflex, not knowing what to expect. Meng Renshu chuckled helplessly while rubbing the frown in the middle of her forehead tenderly like he was caressing it with his thumb.

    "Look at your frown. If it makes you ufortable to say such things, then just don''t say it in the first ce. It will only hurt you more than it hurts me."

    Li Caiyi was stunned. Meng Renshu looked down at her while smiling when she opened her eyes. He didn''t me or question her and just epted whatever she threw to him.

    Her guilty conscience amplified as she found herself at a loss for words. She could only stare nkly at him while thinking about how happy she would be if this had happened in her previous life. It was a pity everything was already toote.

    "About what you said just now, you don''t have to be guilty about it. You can reject me, but it''s up to me whether or not to continue pursuing you. Don''t reprimand yourself too much, and just be yourself."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "Well, let''s end this conversation for today. I enjoyed my short time talking with you. See you next time, Xiaoyi," Meng Renshu patted her head once before walking away with a wave of his hand.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t move a step from where she stood, even when Meng Renshu had long gone. She couldn''t understand what she was feeling right now. Why did she feel hurt instead when he did nothing but treat her tenderly?

    "Don''t waver now. This is for the best." Li Caiyi whispered softly, letting the wind carry her uncertainties away before she finally left.

 Chapter 201 What A Good Girl You Are

    After Li Caiyi left, a head slowly peeked out from behind the nearby tree. Li Chunhua watched how her sister left with a mixed feeling inside.

    "Does she finally leave?"

    "Yeah," Li Chunhua replied as he looked down at another figure sitting behind her, "We cane out now."

    Shao Jingfei, who was forced to hide once Li Chunhua glimpsed her sister walking their way, grumbled, "Why do we have to hide? We are the first ones whoe here. And you have a weird hobby of eavesdropping on other people''s conversation."

    Li Chunhua harrumphed. "Not other people, just my sister''s"

    "So you don''t deny the ''eavesdropping'' part?" Shao Jingfei shook his head helplessly. Then, he stood up and patted the dust away from his school pants.

    "Anyway, aren''t you going to go to Senior Meng''s ce? The man just got rejected, in a rather brutal way too. It must be rough. You guys are childhood friends, right?"

    "Brother Renshu would be fine. I''m more worried about Xiaoyi. She is soft-hearted, so rejecting a person like that must disturb her conscience badly."

    "Wow, I feel pity for Senior Meng now. No one taking his side at all," Shao Jingfei plopped himself down on his usual spot on the bench and took a sip of his strawberry milk.

    "Do you think so? I feel bad for Brother Renshu, but I feel relieved when Xiaoyi rejected him so firmly." Li Chunhua asked while sitting down beside him.

    "Hmm, you love your sister too much. It''s not a bad thing as long as you don''t do anything to bother both of them, I suppose," Shao Jingfei gave her a warning look. "Seriously, you''d better not get involved in this."

    Li Chunhua pouted. "I will not. I have learned from my past failures."

    "Good, then. At least you are learning something."

    Li Chunhua fiddled with the ends of her hair before telling him in a low voice. "My sister told me to get a treatment."

    "Treatment? You mean for your constitution?"

    "No. She meant it psychologically. She said I need professional help and that she would be d to apany me in my treatment."

    Shao Jingfei hummed in acknowledgment. "Did you agree?"

    "....I said I will think about it. Jingfei, what do you think I''m supposed to do?" Li Chunhua stared at him in confusion. "Do you think I''m also acting too crazily, so she wanted me to get treatment?"

    "Wow, wow, let''s fix your mindset first, alright? Why do you think getting psychological treatment is bad?" Shao Jingfei quickly interjected. "Getting a psychologist to help you is the same as asking a doctor to heal your cut wound or diarrhea. It''s just a bit hard to do since the wound is invisible and can''t be treated using external means."

    "I know, but I can''t help but feel self-conscious about it. No matter how much I think about it, I can''t understand what I did wrong."

    "Then, why did you say you will think about it? There is no use if you agree just because your sister told you to do it."

    Li Chunhua bit her lips and thought for a while about how to convey her opinion. "Because I thought my sister would probably be free if she sees me doing well."

    Shao Jingfei was stupefied when he heard that. He straightened his back and stared at Li Chunhua straightly. "Are you serious about that? Didn''t you say you want your sister only to be close to you?"

    Li Chunhua sighed. She knew he would ask her that, but honestly, she didn''t want to tell him the real reason. Who knows how turned up his nose would be?

    s, she needed an answer now. Li Chunhua gritted her teeth and decided to take the bullet this time.

    "It''s because of you. When I heard your story about your family, I thought probably Xiaoyi couldn''t leave because there are still many things holding her back. Of course, I don''t like Xiaoyi leaving me, but ifˇ­." Li Chunhua paused briefly.<sub> </sub>

    "....if by some chance, Xiaoyi also makes a sad and lonely face like you do, in the ce where I can''t see her, then maybe it''s better if she leaves. I can''t leave, but I want to help her live freely. That way, she wouldn''t remember me as her burden, at least." Li Chunhua sighed.

    "I don''t really understand, but I can feel she is having a hard time."

    Shao Jingfei: "...."

    Li Chunhua waited for him to respond, but he didn''t say anything even after a few seconds had passed. She looked to the side curiously, and her eyes widened when a pair of arms enveloped her body in a tight embrace.

    Li Chunhua gasped in surprise and couldn''t utter a single word until reality finally sunk into her. "H-hey, what are you doing? Don''t you know that this is sexual harassment?!" Li Chunhua hid her fluster by yelling angrily and struggling vehemently, but Shao Jingfei refused to let her go.

    "Thanks."

    ? Her resistance weakened when she heard his shaky voice. "Ah?"

    "For saying that, thank youˇ­." Shao Jingfei''s embrace was tightened around her as he said, "Can we stay like this for a bit? I don''t want you to look at my embarrassing face right now."

    Was it because of the wind, or did Shao Jingfei sound like he could cry any minute now? While thinking that, Li Chunhua''s hands suddenly lost their way and energy before slowly falling to her side, obediently letting him bury his face on her shoulder.

    Li Chunhua didn''t understand why he would react so emotionally when all she talked about was Li Caiyi. However, hearing his steady breath beside her ear felt calming for some reason.

    ''Strange. I usually hate it if a guy carelessly touches me, but I don''t feel ufortable with Shao Jingfei,'' she thought inwardly, ''Is it because I subconsciously know he is one of my allies?''

    They stayed like that for a minute before Shao Jingfei abruptly let her go with his usual grin on his face. "Haha, are you surprised? Sorry for that."

    Li Chunhua blinked her eyes several times, feeling disoriented by his quick change in behavior. "O-ohˇ­ It''s fine."

    "Phew, I was so proud of you that tears came to my eyes," Shao Jingfei yfully wiped his eyes. "You have grown so much; that''s great. You can think from other people''s shoes, and not only think about yourself now. I''m so proud of you, my disciple."

    Li Chunhua could tell he was trying to change the mood by joking and ying around. He probably didn''t want her to ask about anything.

    "Hmph, I''m always amazing from the start. You are just too stupid to know my greatness!" Li Chunhua harrumphed while folding her arms in front of her chest.

    "O-ho~ Some confidence you have there. Then, how about you y at my ce again,ter? My kitties miss you a lot every day!" Shao Jingfeiughed when she recalled Li Chunhua''s funny face as she was buried under dozens of cats. "Just kidˇŞ"

    "I will go."

    "Huh?" Shao Jingfei''s smile froze when she interrupted his words.

    Li Chunhua awkwardly cleared her throat before saying, "I said I will go there more often and y with the kitties. I can''t let them miss me like that because I''m a generous person. Yeah, because I''m very generous!"

    Shao Jingfei was stunned before he broke out inughter, making Li Chunhua red at him. "What''s so funny?!"

    "Nothing," Shao Jingfei stopped hisughter and reached out to stroke her smooth hair. "What a good girl you are. Thank you, really."

    "Hey, don''t treat me like a cat!" Li Chunhua protested but made no attempt to remove his hand.

    "Hahaha!"

 Chapter 202 Apathy

    A small smile escaped Li Chunhua''s face when she saw Shao Jingfei was back to his usual self again. Because of a moment of sympathy, she just promised to visit his cafe/house again without thinking. Hopefully, she wouldn''t be attacked by cats again.

    "Haha, that''s a goodugh." Shao Jingfei calmed down after a while. "I still haven''t answered your question yet, have I?"

    Li Chunhua''s expression turned serious. "What do you think of it?"

    "I think you are gradually bing better. However, your sister probably wants to fix your fixation on her. You love her too much, even more than you love yourself, and that''s not very healthy."

    "I see, so I should receive treatment after all?"

    "It''s up to you. Caiyi won''t feel d either if you do it because she told you so. If you want to get better, that desire shoulde from yourself."

    "But how can Iˇ­.when I don''t even understand what is wrong with myself?"

    "You can learn bit by bitˇ­ by receiving that treatment, you know? The whole point of receiving professional help is not to make them heal you, but to receive their guidance, for you to heal yourself."

    "To heal myselfˇ­." Li Chunhua echoed his words and felt that sentence sounded foreign to her ears.

    For as long as she could remember, receiving treatment meant she would have to stay in hospital and be asked to drink a whole different medicine. Sometimes she would get an injection, a meticulously lengthy medical examination, and many else.

    She was skeptical whether this psychological treatment would help at all because despite all her ''treatment'' so far, although her condition didn''t get worse, it never got better, either.

    "Hmm, I can see your distrust overflowing from your face." Shao Jingfei scrutinized his face. "I can understand that skepticism, but there''s no harm in trying it first, right? Maybe after your condition gets better, Caiyi will open up her heart to you again."

    "Really?" Li Chunhua immediately perked up.

    "Yeah, if you show her your will to cure yourself, she should be very proud of you."

    Li Chunhua thought what he said was reasonable. So far, she had made no mistake so long as she listened to his advice, so she probably could trust his judgment too on this matter.

    "Thanks, Jingfei. I''ll try to talk to my sister after this."

    "Sure thing. Do your best, my disciple. Whenever you need my help, just contact me, and I''ll be there to help you. Man, I''m such a good master!" Shao Jingfei grinned smugly.

    Li Chunhua rolled her eyes. "Now that my business is done here, I will return first. See ya!"

    "Ah, hey!"

    Li Chunhua ignored his call and walked away briskly. She felt enlightened and couldn''t wait to break the news to Li Caiyi.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu slumped on his table dejectedly as soon as he returned to his ssroom. Li Junjie, who was sitting behind him and reading a book, stared at him in puzzlement.

    "What''s wrong with you?" He asked Meng Renshu, who replied with a deep sigh.

    "Junjie, do you know that being rejected really hurts? But you still have to smile so she wouldn''t feel bad about it?"

    "I never got rejected before, and I''m not interested in finding out either."

    "Wow, what a ruthless answer. At least pretend to be sympathetic to your poor friend''s sake." Meng Renshu chuckled before changing his sitting position so he could talk face to face with Li Junjie. "What are you reading there?"

    "Xiaoyi''s work," Li Junjie replied shortly, and Meng Renshu flinched slightly.

    "Haven''t you already finished reading it?" Meng Renshu stared at the copy of Li Caiyi''s manuscript in his friend''s hand and wheezed, "Geez, look at how shabby your copy bes. How many times have you read it?"

    "Several times. It''s not a bad read to kill time."

    "Hmm," Meng Renshu hummed meaningfully. "Aren''t you very proud of your sister?"

    "Yes, indeed. This isn''t something you can achieve just by reading many books. Either she is talented, or she has been secretly working hard alone all this time."

    "Tsk, you admitted so openly. You should have tried to deny it a bit there, or you are no fun."<sub> </sub>

    "You ask a question, and I give you an answer. What does being funny have anything to do with it?"

    Meng Renshu raised his arms with a defeated look. "You beat my jokes with logic there. I sometimes wonder how we could be friends."

    "You are the one who kept approaching me first and self-proiming yourself as my friend."

    "Haha, you are right. I remember you were so rigid and square that no one dared to talk to you back then. Because you always shoot people''s attempts to get closer to you with your blunt words." Meng Renshu had a nostalgic expression on his face.

    "How many years have passed since then? 10 years? No, 12 years?"

    "It''s 13 years, 11 months, and 24 days." Li Junjie replied while still fixing his eyes on the manuscript in his hand.

    "Wow, your memory is powerful, as always. You even counted it down to the days. I''m touched."

    "It''s because we only became closer on my 5th birthday. It''s easy to count once you have a point you can use to calcte. Weirdly, you keep forgetting about this, though."

    Meng Renshu scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Haha, please don''t put a mortal like me on the same level as an immortal like you. But now that you mentioned it, your birthday is just around the corner. The only thing I have the upper hand against you is my age, and even that is only a month older. We will be the same age in a week, and it wouldn''t be an advantage anymore."

    "Why do you even want topete in age? If you want to beat me, there are many other ways to do it."

    "Oh? Is this your roundabout way of telling me what my good point is? Go ahead, tell me." Meng Renshu urged in excitement.

    "You are very thick-skinned, and with your good physique, you can easily pass as a model. You should try auditioning for that."

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    He didn''t know what he expected. To think he actually thought that Li Junjie would give him sincere praise for once, his head must have been kicked by a donkey. The most annoying part was, he couldn''t even tell if Li Junjie was being serious or not, so he couldn''t get angry!

    ? "That''s why you shouldn''t give up so easily. A rejection doesn''t mean the end of the world, and that girl won''t be thest female on the earth, either." Li Junjie said tly that one could easily mistake it as a sarcastic remark if they didn''t know him very well. However, Meng Renshu knew that this was his friend''s way of showing concern.

    "Thanks. Yes, I feel depressed, but I never said anything about giving up." Meng Renshu chuckled before propping his chin with his hand. "Aren''t you curious which cheeky girl just rejected me?"

    "Is it Xiaoyi again?"

    "Haha, bingo. I guess even someone as slow as you noticed it too, huh?"

    "Not really. With how many times she had rejected you already, it would be weird if another random girl suddenly appeared in the equation."

    "Well, that isˇ­.true, I guess. Most people wouldn''t put it that way to a person who just got rejected." Meng Renshu looked at the copy of the manuscript in Li Junjie''s hand, and a question popped out in his mind.

    "Don''t you feel anything when you know I''m currently pursuing your sister?"

    Li Junjie flipped the page before answering. "It has nothing to do with me."

    "If Shuchun suddenly said a guy was pursuing her, I would thoroughly investigate that guy to the smallest details. Do you trust me that much?"

    "Xiaoyi knew what''s best for her. I don''t have the right to intervene."

    "That''s true, but it''s still a bit too cold, don''t you think?"

    Li Junjie''s eyshes quivered a little. "It''s better to put the minimum care into everything, so you wouldn''t feel burdened by unnecessary emotions. Now, if you are not depressed anymore, I want you to leave me to read in peace."

    Meng Renshu harrumphed. "Fine, spoilsport!"

    He was about to turn his body forward again but decided to say something after contemting. "But, you know, Junjie. I''m sure Xiaoyi will feel happy if you show your concern to her. Those twins adore and admire you, after all."

    "Why are you talking about something that happened long ago? I''m going to ignore you starting from here, don''t disturb me."

    Meng Renshu sighed, feeling defeated faced against his friend''s apathy.

 Chapter 203 Li Jirongs Secret

    That night, Li Caiyi checked her phone for the nth time, but there was still no response from Dai Zhiqiang. How busy could a person get to not checking his phone for over 24 hours?

    She was even afraid that he probably got scammed and was being sold to some shady ces. Although knowing Dai Zhiqiang''s personality and fighting skills, she thought the kidnappers would have a hard time doing that. She was just being paranoid again.

    "Less thinking, and do more! Just like everyone says!" Li Caiyi pumped her fist before decisively dialing Dai Zhiqiang''s number.

    Her heart was beating nervously in her chest while waiting for the call line to be connected. However, she had to swallow her disappointment when the call was directed to a voicemail.

    "What now?" Li Caiyi racked her brain, weighing down her options before she finally opted for leaving a voicemail for him.

    "Zhiqiang? How are you? I hope you are not working too hard and that you have been eating properly. I heard from Shenqiang that your father''s condition has improved too. Thank goodness. I have been trying to reach you for a while, but I couldn''t get a hold of you. Please contact me if you received this voicemail."

    Li Caiyi paused briefly before shyly adding, "I miss you. I want to hear your voice and talk to you. Please always be careful ande back soon. Good night."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief after saying her piece. That was so awkward, but at least she conveyed what she felt. She wasn''t exaggerating when she said she wanted to hear his voice. Hopefully, he would call her as soon as he opened her voicemail.

    Bzzzt!

    Li Caiyi was shocked and almost dropped her phone when it suddenly vibrated in her hand. Her heart skipped a beat, but she had learned her lesson not to expect too much, so she checked on the sender with moderate hope.

    "What, it''s just Gu Xue." Li Caiyi clicked her tongue in annoyance. She recalled thest task she had given to that woman, and she was supposed to be thrilled to receive some news from him. However, having to chat with Gu Xue just blew away that excitement.

    Li Caiyi opened the message, and the first sentence from Gu Xue stupefied her.

    [Gu Xue: I promise I will break up and never get associated with your father anymore. Can you please let me go with this? I don''t want to get involved with him anymore].

    In her previous life, Gu Xuetched herself to Li Jirong''s side like a blood-sucking leech and refused to back down no matter what. She didn''t even think of stopping his rtionship with Li Jirong, even after Li Caiyi threatened her. That kind of shameless woman now wanted to end everything with her father because of what she found?

    Gu Xue also sent several pictures along with that message. Li Caiyi gulped down before she opened the first picture. The first thing she noticed was the document''s date. The year showed it was printed almost ten years ago. Why would Li Jirong keep an old document like this sneakily in his office?

    Most of the document was filled with medical terms and jargon that she didn''t understand, so she skimmed almost the first half. She roughly understood the document as some kind of medical research report about a type of drug called M-0353.

    However, when she opened the following picture, she gasped in shock.<sub> </sub>

    In that picture was a document about Li Chunhua''s health information, but what shocked her wasn''t that part. Under Li Chunhua''s name was abination of letters and numbers. It stated that her sister was one of the test subjects.

    Li Caiyi quickly opened the next picture, and the description detailedly exined Li Chunhua''s growth. Looking at the year, it didn''t look like this was something that had just been started. The range of time started around 1 year after the twins were born.

    Li Caiyi read all the rest while trying her best to keep her phone steady because her hand was trembling so much right now. She thought she couldn''t be more surprised, but what it said on thest page made her seethe in a rage.

    "Overall, the test subject showed a significant improvement in learningprehension, but the side effect still needs more research. The test subject is highly unstable and weak, caused by the massive stimulus in her brain because of the drugs. While the purpose is to enhance a human''s brain capability to the fullest, whether the test subject could keep her emotional stability is arguable. Prolonged use of the drugs could enhance the brain''s capability but also the possibility of killing healthy brain cells.

    Although the test subject didn''t show any terrible symptoms, the test subject is prone to an emotional disability, and her development bes more stagnant in the long run. A careful approach needs to be issued to avoid the worst-case scenario, where the test subject bes ''broken'', defeating the brain-enhancement program''s purpose. We demand to increase the test subject dosage for more thorough research regarding the subject''s limit?"

    Li Caiyi read it aloud unconsciously because she couldn''t believe what she had just seen. All this time, she thought that Li Chunhua''s abnormality came from their family''s unusual situation. She felt that as long as her sister got a psychologist to help her, her condition would get better.

    "Who would have thought that there is such a thingˇ­.happened all this time? Hahaˇ­ha," Li Caiyiughed emptily, but her heart felt like it was crushed under a heavy weight.

    In the past, Li Caiyi always reminded Li Chunhua to take her medicine properly, and her sister would happily oblige every time, without knowing the real identity of those medicines given by their shitty father.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how a human could do something even a beast wouldn''t do. Even a beast should have felt a familial connection to its offspring. Li Caiyi was dreadful when she thought about how that man felt nothing, even when he pushed her daughter to her demise. He really thought of his daughters as nothing butmodities.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­ My poor sisterˇ­." Li Caiyi''s eyes were watery, and her tears dropped uncontrobly when she imagined how obliviously happy she wasˇŞeveryone was. She didn''t even have a spare room to be furious at Li Jirong because she was just filled with sadness for Li Chunhua.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t prepared for such a huge and shocking revtion, so she curled herself on her bed and wept for a while. She wondered what had happened to Li Chunhua in her past life. On top of getting considerably weakened from the prolonged consumption of harmful drugs, she also got poisoned in the end.

    "No, I can''t cry like this. I need toe up with something. It isn''t toote right now. Yeah, I just need to stop this before it gets out of hand."

    Li Caiyi was aware of what she should do, but her brain just refused to cooperate. To begin with, she wasn''t that smart, and her current heartache didn''t help her situation.

    At that moment, she heard a knocking sound from the door, followed by a bright voice of Li Chunhua.

    "Xiaoyi? Are you busy? I have something I want to talk to you about."

 Chapter 204 Im Proud Of You

    "Xiaoyi? Are you busy? I have something I want to talk to you about."

    Li Caiyi''s throat became dry upon hearing her sister''s voice. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes and made her face look as presentable as possible before taking a deep breath and saying hoarsely, "Come in."

    There was a clicking sound, and Li Chunhua''s head slowly peeked in from the outside. "Did I wake you? It took you a while to respond."

    "No, I''m fine. What do you want to talk to me about?"

    Li Chunhua stepped into the room and went to sit beside Li Caiyi. She looked nervous for some reason, but thanks to that, it didn''t seem she noticed Li Caiyi''s reddened eyes.

    "I want to talk to you regarding the thing you mentioned before. About the treatmentˇ­." Li Chunhua said while fiddling with the end of her hair.

    Li Caiyi flinched when she heard the word ''treatment,'' and a gloomy feeling enveloped her like a thick nket. "What about it?"

    "You see, I have been thinking about it for some time, and I want to try it."

    If only Li Caiyi had heard about this before she knew what her father had done to her sister, she probably would feel happy about her decision, but now, it only made her heart ache for her. She painstakingly controlled her emotion before asking again in a dry voice.

    "Have you already decided?"

    "I''m still unsure, and honestly, I''m a bit scared. Even so, I want to try it! If there is something wrong with me like you said, then I want to change it."

    "...I see."

    A heavy silence descended on the room before Li Chunhua added, "For as long as I can remember, treatment is not a way out, but only a routine for me. So I didn''t understand when you said I needed it at first. Still, after thinking about it again, I won''t lose anything, even if I added one more routine to my list. My time, probably, but it''ll all be worth it, right?"

    Any kind of words failed Li Caiyi at that moment. What could she say to her sister, now that she wasn''t sure if even counseling would do her any help?

    "Someone told me that if I want to change myself, that desire should havee from myself and myself. I think I understand it a bit after witnessing you go through so many changes in the past months. I want to heal myself and be like you, too. Do you think I can cure myself, Xiaoyi?" Li Chunhua said sincerely, albeit with a lowered head.

    Li Caiyi clenched the hem of her pajama tightly as frustration and sadness welled up inside her. She knew she should have encouraged Li Chunhua and told her that everything would be alright as long as she kept trying hard. However, even those simple words felt heavy on her tongue right now.

    ''You weren''t born like that or influenced by people around you. Someone designed it to happen, and he robbed you of your happiness.''

    Li Chunhua waited for a while expectantly for her answer. However, since she didn''t hear any response from Li Caiyi, she looked to the side and was surprised when she found her sister trembling while biting her lips until blood trickled down from the edge of her mouth.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing?!" Li Chunhua eximed and pinched her sister''s chin. "Loosen your mouth right now. Your mouth is bleeding!"

    Li Caiyi could feel the lower temperature of her sister''s skin on her chin, which depressed her even more. If only she had grown up healthy, then there was no way her temperature would be this cold.

    Li Chunhua heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Li Caiyi stop gnawing on her lips. "What happened to you? Did I say something wrong again, by chance?"

    "No, it''s not your fault. It''s not your fault at all, Xiaohua," Li Caiyi said, with her head still lowered.<sub> </sub>

    "Then what is it? Ah, that looks hurt. Let me fetch a first aid kit tool first, then we can talk." Li Chunhua said sternly, "And no biting your lips anymore!"

    After that, Li Chunhua walked out of the room briskly, leaving Li Caiyi alone in the room.

    She covered her eyes with her hand and thought how pathetic she was. Li Chunhua was clearly the one who was having a hard time, and she let her emotions get the best of her. Although there was no guarantee that psychological treatment would help her sister any help at this point, she shouldn''t lose hope yet.

    If Li Caiyi gave up now, then who would help her sister?

    Li Chunhua was slowly changing for the better, proving that she wasn''t as weak as those research reports imed her to be. Li Caiyi would never let her sister be ''broken'', just like they carelessly imed it.

    In the next minute, Li Caiyi somehow regained herposure. Then, Li Chunhua came back carrying a white box with a red cross on top of it in her arms.

    "I''m back. Let me see your wound."

    Li Caiyi stared at Li Chunhua, who was busy pouring some antiseptic into a gauze. "Don''t move, okay? This will only hurt a bit."

    Li Caiyi had long gone past the period where she would cringe in pain at a minor wound like this. The pain her body had gone through in her previous life was much more overwhelming than this; she grew numb to it.

    She didn''t flinch when she obediently let Li Chunhua dab the wet gauze on the wounded area in the corner of her mouth.

    "Hmm, that should do." Li Chunhua smiled before pulling out a band-aid from the box and sticking it on her wound. "Done."

    Li Caiyi caressed the band-aid and realized that this was probably the first time Li Chunhua ever helped her treat her wound, not the other way around. She usually has to fix her wound herself.

    Li Chunhua quietly put everything back in the box and left it on the side. "Now you can tell me, what are you thinking just now?"

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi was already prepared for her answer. "You are so determined about it. I was so touched and proud of you I had to bite my lips so I wouldn''t weep in joy. I''m d you cane to that decision, Xiaohua."

    Li Chunhua''s pupils slightly erged before a faint blush crept to her cheeks. "It''s nothing amazing at all. I don''t even know if this will really work or not."

    "Nevertheless, I''m happy to see you change for the better," Li Caiyi slowly reached out and sped her sister''s hand in hers tenderly.

    "Don''t worry about anything and just move forward step by step. I will absolutely not let anything happen to you."

    Li Chunhua was actually confused with Li Caiyi''s words, which sounded more like a promise than an encouragement, like what she had expected. However, when she looked down at their interlocking hand, she felt like such details didn''t matter anymore.

    She giggled happily and promised herself inwardly to give Shao Jingfei something to thank him for his adviceter. More like she couldn''t wait to tell this joyous news to him and bragged about it.

    ''My sister praised me. Yay!'' Li Chunhua rejoiced inwardly.

 Chapter 205 Dilemma

    After Li Chunhua left her room, Li Caiyi spent the next two hours writing to calm down her mind properly. She didn''t know what she wrote, but she realized she had written quite a lot by the time she finished. Her old habit kicked hard, it seemed.

    Her emotions would stabilize when writing, letting her mind be calmer. It felt like she was unleashing all her messy and untangled thoughts into her writing.

    Now that Li Chunhua had taken a step for herself, Li Caiyi also needed to think about her next step. Her initial n was to use her father''s affair against him. Still, with the additional evidence in her hand, she felt like Li Jirong''s affair was just a grain of saltpared to that.

    "That evil and scummy man. He''d better get purged in hell after his death," Li Caiyi muttered grudgefully. She had never had an urge to kill someone so strongly before. Her whole family''s misery came from this man, and she had to remove this cancer as soon as possible.

    Li Caiyi had the will and evidence, but sadly, she wasn''t that smart to navigate her way through this. His father''s wrongdoing had gone out of hand, and Li Caiyi found herself stuck thinking about the best way to use every card she had in her hands.

    "I think I understand why Gu Xue wanted to break up with that man. He is just far too disgusting and dangerous to be around."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t that stupid to know that such medical research would require tons of funds and years of research before it actually bore fruit. Looking at Li Chunhua''s medical report, this research should have been running for a decade at least. For a group of researchers to gain such a huge fund to make it run this long, there must be a lot of wealthy and influential actors or groups ying behind the scene.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t imagine what would happen if this evidence was released to the public. It would cause a tremendous uproar and put her sister in the spotlight, exposing her to the world to be judged.

    However, that was actually only the minor part of her concern. What would happen if those wealthy and influential groups had their eyes on her sister or her family after that? Would they even let Li Chunhua go, as she was one of their essential test subjects?

    With all the power and money at their disposal, the Li family was only like ants waiting to be trampled. If Li Caiyi made one misstep and provoked those people, only God knew if she could survive in one piece or not.

    This was why Li Caiyi still made no move to inform Detective Tang yet. He must already know that Gu Xue had sessfullypleted her task and was probably waiting for her to share the result by now.

    "Can I trust him with this?" Li Caiyi bit her nails hesitantly.

    Detective Tang was witty and resourceful, but she couldn''t deny that he indeed looked a bit shady. She didn''t have enough money to shut his mouth if he was actually someone she couldn''t trust.

    Everything about this had a dangerous smell all over it.

    If it was up to Li Caiyi, she would rather keep this fact hidden forever. Not because she was worried about her family''s reputation, much less about her father. But as a former Madam Meng, she knew that sometimes only truth and kindness weren''t enough to clean humans'' corrupt and vile hearts. Especially those who were greedy for fame and wealth.

    There was no guarantee anything would change, even if she exposed Li Jirong''s involvement in this research. Yes, she could permanently crush her father with that, but at the same time, she also put herself and the rest of the family on the tip of a de.

    From what she read, it seemed her sister wasn''t the only test subject in this, and Li Caiyi found herself in a moral dilemma.

    There were probably some people out there that could be saved if this evidence came to the light of day.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi wasn''t a person with a high sense of justice. She would help only if it didn''t bring any risk to people she cared about. She couldn''t even save Li Chunhua as of now, how could she afford to think about the others?

    However, knowing that didn''t make her feel any less conflicted.

    "Haah, what should I do? Seriously, this man keeps making trouble." Li Caiyi covered her face with both her hands. That was when her phone vibrated and caught her attention.

    It was a message from Detective Tang.

    Li Caiyi groaned inwardly. His timing couldn''t be any worse.

    To be fair, Li Caiyi was the one who told him to report anything to her once he discovered something amiss. However, the current Li Caiyi still hadn''t prepared an excellent exnation to make him forget about Gu Xue''s second task.

    "No, wait. Why should I exin anything in the first ce?" Li Caiyi realized a secondter. "No matter how powerful he is, he is only someone I hire after all. I have the right to decide which information I should disclose and not!"

    Li Caiyi felt stupid to even trouble over it now. Now that he had gained her confidence, she didn''t hesitate anymore.

    [Detective Tang: Youngdy, can we meet somewhere tomorrow?]

    Li Caiyi re-read that message again to make sure her eyes didn''t y a trick on her. She thought he would hound her to spill about Gu Xue''s finding. He might not look like it, but he was actually very gossipy.

    [Li Caiyi: Why? If you have something to say, then just say it here.]

    [Detective Tang: Can''t you make time even for an hour? This is really a matter of importance and secrecy.]

    [Li Caiyi: Hmmˇ­ Why do I have a feeling you aren''t talking about my father''s case right now?]

    [Detective Tang: Half-correct and half-wrong. What I want to say does have something to do with your father to some extent.]

    Li Caiyi contemted a bit before deciding it wouldn''t hurt to meet him for a bit. Thest time she met him was the day she confronted Gu Xue, and this was actually his first time asking her to meet up.

    [Li Caiyi: Then, let''s meet up at the usual cafe at 3 PM tomorrow.]

 Chapter 206 Detective Tangs Plea (1)

    On the next day, Li Caiyi went to the promised ce as soon as the school finished. However, unlike thest time, Li Caiyi didn''t attempt to disguise herself anymore and went there in her uniform. There was nothing to hide now that Detective Tang already knew who she was.

    They promised to meet at the same restaurant asst time, and Detective Tang tends to choose the same spot every time, so it didn''t take long for Li Caiyi to spot him.

    "I''m sorry for making you wait," Li Caiyi greeted him once she had arrived in front of him. Detective Tang raised his face and made a hum of acknowledgment once he saw her.

    "Ooh, school uniform! That''s nice! It has been a while since I talked to a high-school girl. I think you look much better with a get-up like this. Very cute!"

    Li Caiyi sat down across from him. "I have always been a high-schooler since the first time we met. What difference could it make?"

    "Of course it''s different! Nothing can beat a school uniform in terms of costume y. Nurse and maid are too overrated!" Detective Tang grinned while making a thumbs up.

    "I didn''te here to hear you talking about your fetishes," Li Caiyi said with a disgusted look, which generatedughter from the older man.

    "Haha, ouch. Have you always acted this cold to a man, youngdy?"

    "For me, you are not a man but an uncle. What you said was borderline sexual harassment, and I can report you anytime if I want."

    Detective Tang gave a resigned sigh as he raised both of his hands. "Alright, you got me with that. Sorry. Now, let''s drop the chit-chat and go straight to the business, yeah?"

    Li Caiyi straightened her back, expecting him to continue.

    "Youngdy, I have to confess something to you first. Please let me say in advance that I had no intention of tricking you when I first started this."

    Li Caiyi frowned. "What do you mean?"

    "Actually, there are other reasons I epted this task from you besides money."

    "What is your purpose?"

    "I''m currently working on a case with a deep connection to your father, or at least I assumed so."

    Li Caiyi was frozen in her ce upon hearing that. She hadn''t listened to the rest of it, but she had a hunch that Detective Tang probably referred to the newest information she received from Gu Xue. That would mean that Detective Tang had deliberately approached her when she was looking for a private investigator from the beginning.

    "How did you know? It was true that I didn''t choose you specifically to take my case. Still, you couldn''t possibly guess that I would post a request to investigate my father''s affair with no lead."

    "Ah, please don''t misunderstand, youngdy. I said I had an ulterior motive when I epted this case, but it wasn''t like I was specifically waiting or expecting someone from your family to file a request. It really was just a coincidence at first."

    "Really?" Li Caiyi squinted her eyes suspiciously.<sub> </sub>

    "We have been working together for so long, yet you have so little trust in me." Detective Tang shook his head helplessly. "Well, with a father like that, I guess it''s not surprising if you are vignt to an adult man."

    Li Caiyi was tempted to retort because her distrust mainly came from his shady behavior and manner of speech. However, she knew that wasn''t important right now.

    "Fine, let''s say it was just a coincidence at first. You still haven''t told me what the case you are currently investigating is and how it has anything to do with my father."

    "Hmm, this probably will take some time to exin. Let me start from the beginning."

    "Please."

    "This started back when I was still a public investigator." Detective Tang chuckled. "What''s with that shocked look on your face?"

    Li Caiyi quickly loosened her face muscle. "No, I was just a bit surprised. I wouldn''t have thought that you used to work as a public investigator before. I can''t imagine you patrolling around or investigating a case with a gun at your disposal. Why are you working as a private investigator now?"

    "I was forced to stop when I stumbled upon a case." Detective Tang folded his hand on top of the table. "Which I can''t disclose in detail since this is top secret information. But I can tell you it involves a certain organization or group researching a certain type of medicine."

    ''I knew it,'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    It turned out there was no need for her to fret whether or not she should tell him since he actually already knew from the beginning.

    "Youngdy, are you familiar with Savant Syndrome terms before?"

    Li Caiyi thought of it for a bit before answering. "Yes, I have heard about it before. If I''m not mistaken, it was a rare condition where a person with mental disabilities disyed extraordinary abilities. But what of it?"

    "That''s correct. We normally associate Savant Syndrome with people who were born with a handicap, but there is actually an urrence where a normal person with no mental disabilities could gain such a condition."

    "How so?"

    "When a non-disabled person suffered from a severe traumatic brain injury or illness, it was possible for that person to awaken the so-called extraordinary skills."

    The word ''severe traumatic brain injury and illness'' rang loudly in Li Caiyi''s mind as she slowly recalled the content of Li Chunhua''s medical report. In the first ce, that document didn''t exin in detail, so when she heard Detective Tang''s exnation, she didn''t like where this exnation was going.

    "Don''t tell me, the purpose of the medicine they were researching isˇ­."

    Detective Tang solemnly nodded. "Yeah, to give birth to such an urrence, by using chemical forms to give a shock to the consumer''s brain. To put it simply, they were trying to create a medicine that can force a miracle to happen and ultimately create man-made geniuses."

    Li Caiyi subconsciously held her breath when the severity of the situation was carefullyid out in front of her.

 Chapter 207 Detective Tangs Plea (2)

    "Is something like that really possible? A world made by geniuses, I can''t really imagine it to be real," Li Caiyimented.

    "Up to a hundred years ago or so, humankind had never thought we could explore the sky or space, yet we made it. As long as the theory is there, humankind will always find a way to make something impossible possible. So this isn''t about whether you can or can''t, youngdy."

    Li Caiyi dug her nails into her palm as she clenched her hands tightly. "Even soˇ­. that''s just too cruel. To mess up with people''s brains just for that reasonˇ­."

    Detective Tang smiled. "Sometimes, a small sacrifice is needed to make a huge discovery. A person said that once; I forgot who said that, though. I bet all my fortune that these researchers and the organizations behind that have the same train of thought."

    "Small sacrificesˇ­" Li Caiyi''s voice trailed off in disbelief before she retorted angrily. "No matter the reason, it''s wrong to experiment with a living human like that! What a huge discovery? In the end, they are only doing this to fulfill their greediness. There is nothing wrong with being a normal human!"

    Detective Tang smirked victoriously. "Oho? But I have never said anything about those people experimenting with living humans? How do you know that, youngdy?"

    "Urk!" Li Caiyi was rendered speechless when she realized she just had been had.

    By deliberately saying provocative lines like that, he made her slip her mouth and revealed what she knew. To put it simply, Detective Tang was just ying with her.

    "Fine, you got me. Though you already knew everything from the beginning, anyway."

    "Regardless if I knew or not, it''s always fun to see you trying to keep your act together, youngdy. It seems lying is not your area of expertise, that''s a good quality you have there."

    "Are you mocking me?" Li Caiyi pouted.

    "Haha, how could I? When you are still holding my payment in your hands? I can''t live through this month without that payment. It was a sincerepliment from me, which is rare to happen, believe it or not."

    "Oh yeah. You mentioned they forced you to quit your previous position. What happened to you?"

    Detective Tang shrugged his shoulders. "Just the usual thing where human nature was tested in front of personal interest. I tried to push this case through, but I dissatisfied some people because of that. Instead of a promotion, I got kicked out instead."

    "Ohˇ­" Li Caiyi muttered, feeling sympathetic to him.

    "Haha, don''t make that face. On the contrary, I''m d because I can move freely now that those geezers with narrow minds aren''t there to block my way. I can investigate as much as I like, and no one can say a damn to me. It''s a win-win solution, I reckon."

    Her respect for him suddenly increased tenfold. As a person who didn''t like conflicts, Li Caiyi wasn''t sure if she would be able to keep persisting when the odds were stacked against her. Most people would just lower their heads and give up without even trying. However, Detective Tang was still investigating this case diligently, even after getting kicked out.

    She didn''t know about the other person, but she mostly would feel devastated if that happened to her. It was amazing how he could keep a positive mindset about this.

    ''Perhaps I was wrong about him all this time. He always ys around, but he is probably a good man who can''t stand injustice.'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    "Now that we have covered the main issue, not let''s talk about the REAL, real business." Detective Tang rubbed his palms together before staring at Li Caiyi inquisitively. "I have exined everything I can disclose to you, so I will be d if you can cooperate with me in this case, youngdy."

    "You are talking about my father''s document, right? Did you already know the content when you sent me that video clip?"<sub> </sub>

    "I was unsure then, but after I saw Gu Xue''s reaction and how she fought with your father after that, I was convinced that my hunch was correct."

    "Gu Xue was fighting with my father?"

    "Yeah, something about demanding to break up or something. That was one kind of lover''s quarrel. I never want to see it again," Detective Tang groaned repulsively, making Li Caiyi wonder what did he saw through the hidden camera.

    "When did you start suspecting my father, anyway?"

    "Roughly soon after I took your request. As for how, let''s just say I have my own reliable source to find out about it."

    "What? You can''t even tell me that?" Li Caiyi pouted.

    "This is all for your sake as well, youngdy. There are many things in the world that would be better left unknown." Detective Tang meaningfully.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t argue with that. "Fine, I understand. You want me to show you the things Gu Xue sent to me, right?"

    "Yes, and if you can, please fill me in about what kind of person your father is in the house. I can understand if you can''t trust me, but what you have right now is probably an important lead to crack the case. So, I will give this to you first."

    It surprised Li Caiyi when he suddenly put a familiar audio recording device on top of the table. "This isˇ­"

    "I have secretly recorded our conversation so far. You can keep this as a guarantee from me. A guarantee for not deceiving or betraying you behind your back." Detective Tang put both his hands to his knee as he lowered his head slightly to her, catching her off guard.

    "I beg you, please cooperate with me." He said in a grim tone while showing the top of his head towards her. "For now, you are the only lead I can find, and I don''t want to miss this chance."

    Li Caiyi felt awkward having a person older than her bowing his head like that to her, so she quickly asked him to lift his head in a fluster.

    "Detective Tang, please lift your head! You have rified your point, and I understand your situation now." Li Caiyi folded her arms together. "I admitted I was pretty skeptical of you at first, but after hearing your side of the story, I feel like I can trust you more. Especially after you have gone so far to even record our conversation."

    "In my line of work, trust is essential. After asking so much of you, that''s the least I can do." Detective Tang said with a solemn but strangely wise expression on his face.

    His response moved Li Caiyi to the point she felt like she could entrust this information to him. Not only because of his reasonable exnation but also the sincerity she felt from him.

    "Then, I hope you won''t disappoint me after I tell you everything I know." Li Caiyi smiled yfully at him.

    "Hehe, you won''t find any better guy for this job, youngdy."

    "Let me send you the picture I got from Gu Xue first, then we can talk." Li Caiyi said as she took out her phone.

 Chapter 208 Detective Tangs Plea (3)

    When Li Caiyi finished exining everything, she was so parched even though she had drunk half of her ice lemon tea. As she took another sip of her drink, Detective Tang looked deep in thought. His brows creased in a slight frown while his index finger was tapping the table.

    "I think I have a clearer perspective of what kind of man Li Jirong was. Thanks for your help, youngdy."

    "I''m d to be a help, but what do you think of my father?"

    "No offense, but he is just scum to me. Your family should get rid of him soon," Detective Tang answered with a straight face, which strangely looked funny to Li Caiyi.

    "I agree with you. I was waiting for the best time to get rid of him, and that time will soon arrive."

    "Yeah? Well, I believe you have your own n regarding that. Just like you said, if he really is a control and reputation freak, then the evidence of his affair would be enough of a reason to get rid of him. Be careful not to slip up about the ''other things, though."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "I know. I just can''t stand having that man around my sister anymore."

    "The medicines your sister took, can you give me a sample of it? I will ask one of my friends to check theponent first. I have some ideas regarding that, but let''s not expect too much and wait for the result toe out first. In the meantime, I advised you not to stop your sister from consuming it."

    "What? Why?! When we clearly know it''s harmful to her?" Li Caiyi angrily countered, with her eyes bulging wide. "Do you expect me to just sit and watch my sister consume a harmful substance like that?"

    Detective Tang wiped the sweat on his temple before he answered. "Calm down, youngdy. I also didn''t say this because I like to see something happen to your sister. However, there is a chance of a side-effect urring if she suddenly stops taking it. That''s why I said we shouldn''t assume things for now and wait until theb result is out."

    Li Caiyi was conflicted upon hearing that. Half of her still wanted to roar at him for suggesting that ridiculous idea, but her other half, which was more rational, couldn''t deny that possibility. Torn between the two, she could only sit down again while pressing her lips into a hard line.

    "I know this wouldn''t be easy for you, but sometimes we have to retreat a step to advance two steps. I promise to get the result out as soon as possible, then we can think about our next step, okay?"

    Li Caiyi sighed. "I don''t see any better options here, so I''ll do as you say. I''ll get you the sample, so please check it as soon as possible. And alsoˇ­" She hesitated a bit before continuing, "How much would it take? To inspect this medicine surely would require a hefty sum, right? I might not be able to pay it now, but I assure you I have my own way to get money. I promise I will pay you as soon as I have it in my hand."

    Detective Tang blinked his eyes a few times before he burst out inughter. "You hesitate so much, so I thought you had something serious to say, but you were thinking about payment all this time?"

    "W-why are youughing?" Li Caiyi''s cheeks heated from beingughed at so boisterously.

    "I mean, normally, people would ask me to pay for the information they gave, not the other way around. I''m the one who begged you to tell me what you know, but you were considering paying me for it instead. You are a very interesting girl, indeed." He replied while wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes.

    "That honest side of you is adorable and funny; I can''t help butugh."

    "Y-you are making fun of me. I''m seriously troubled over thatˇ­."

    "I appreciate your concern, but there is no need since the one running theb is one of my old friends, so you don''t have to pay me for that. However, I will still take the payment for my initial task." Detective Tang said while winking at her. "And don''t forget the bonus you have promised me, too."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Just when she thought her perspective of him had changed entirely, he had reverted to his yful self again. Li Caiyi felt a headache, knowing that they would contact each other more often in the future.

    ***

    After her business with the detective was done, Li Caiyi went back home with slumped shoulders. Although Detective Tang told her not to worry too much, how could she do that when the source of her worry would hover around her 24/7 every day? Unlike her confused statest night, now she knew what her task was, so at least this talk didn''t end up too badly.

    "Xiaoyi, you are home already. Wasn''t Xiaohua with you?"

    The moment she entered the house, Su Suyin''s worried voice was the first thing she heard. Li Caiyi, who had just arrived, knew nothing about it. "No? We weren''t together this afternoon. Hasn''t shee home yet?"

    "She''s not home yet. I thought she would be with you for sure," Su Suyin sighed. "That girl often went out by herselftely. She usually liked to stay home more."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t agree with that because it wasn''t like Li Chunhua didn''t like to go outside, but it was because Su Suyin mostly tried to keep her indoors.

    Li Caiyi didn''t notice this immediately, but could it be that Li Chunhua was using her as an excuse to go out? If yes, then she probably had blown her cover.

    "Ah, now that I think about it, I think she said something about having a ssmittee meeting after ss. Perhaps the meeting went longer than usual? Mother, have you tried reaching for her phone?"

    "Of course, but she didn''t pick up her call. That''s why I''m worried."

    Li Caiyi smiled gently. These days, her mother has slightly changed. She usually would just me her right away if she couldn''t hear anything about Li Chunhua after some time, regardless of the reason, but now she would ask her kindly first.

    Aside from that, Su Suyin also took Li Caiyi''s opinion seriously before helping her to decorate her new room. Since Li Caiyi wasn''t the type that particrly cared about the interior, her mother took the initiative to make it more suitable for her, and she was content with the result.

    Li Caiyi could see her effort to mend their mother-daughter rtionship without pestering her too much, which was already enough for her.

    "Mother, don''t worry too much. Xiaohua probably just forgot to check her phone again. If she hasn''te back in an hour, I will go to the school to check on her."

    "Ohˇ­" Su Suyin looked at Li Caiyi hesitantly before she shook her head. "No, you just came back as well. If Xiaohua really doesn''te back in an hour, I''ll ask Jie to check on her. Have you eaten yet?"

    It amazed Li Caiyi when her mother said she would rather ask Li Junjie to go instead of her. Because usually, no one would dare to disturb her brother once he had gone into a seclusion mode, which generally happened after school until dinnertime.

 Chapter 209 You Did Well

    "Mother, are you serious?"

    Su Suyin smiled before gently pushing Li Caiyi towards the dining table. "It''s okay. Jie wouldn''t mind if we asked him a favor. It would be best if you took this chance to ask him toe out as well. I bought cakes for the three of you. Call your brother while I''m preparing for tea."

    "Eh? No, Mother. Let me make the tea, and you can talk with Brother Jie."

    "Why are you so reluctant to talk with your brother? Are you really the same girl who used to follow him everywhere once?"

    "Mother, that''s an old story. We are growing up."

    Su Suyin smiled before letting out a sigh. "Actually, I have been worried about Jie as ofte, too."

    Li Caiyi''s step halted before she turned her head. "What do you mean?"

    "He is usually reticent but never this quiet before. Maybe because his birthday ising soon. That''s why he was in a bad mood."

    "Ah, that''s trueˇ­." Li Caiyi hummed in acknowledgment.

    Li Junjie was a child who was often praised for his exceptional academic grade, his athletic body, and god-like face. He was always revered as the most desirable boy by girls and the most hateful guy by the boys. The surroundingmotion toned down only after he hung out with Meng Renshu since most people would approach the friendly and polite Meng Renshu first before going for Li Junjie.

    ''I think that is the first reason my brother epted Brother Renshu''s presence in the first ce.'' Li Caiyi was feeling a bit of pity for Meng Renshu. Her brother used the poor guy as a shield to repel those who was disturbing him.

    To summarize the story, it happened on Li Junjie''s 5th birthday, when he invited his ssmates to a small party at the house. It was Su Suyin''s idea, and although her brother didn''t show it, she knew he was also preparing for it earnestly, like any other quiet five-year-old boy.

    However, thanks to his well-known reputation, nobody came to his birthday party that day except for Meng Renshu. That incident hurt the little boy''s pride badly since he refused to have any birthday celebration after that.

    Later, they found out that the boys didn''te because they hated him, and all the girls agreed no one should go since it would invite the envy of the girls in other sses and most probably cause a ss war.

    A day that was supposed to be cheerful and joyous became a traumatic event for the pure and serious boy.

    Li Junjie was prone to fall into a bad mood whenever his birthday arrived. He imed he didn''t care about it, but would a person who didn''t care always lock himself up in his room every year around his birthday?

    "Mother, I''m scared. Brother Jie is particrly scary around this time," Li Caiyi felt a chill run down her spine when she stared at the ominous aura leaking out of his brother''s closed room.

    "You are exaggerating things. Even if Jie was in a bad mood, he would neversh out at his sister. Now don''t make any more excuses, and off you go."

    Li Caiyi grimaced when her mother left towards the kitchen,pletely ignoring her plea.

    She had no choice but to do it.

    To be fair, Li Caiyi had never actually seen Li Junjie re up before since he was too rational for that. However, the sheer pressure of his silence was somehow more frightening than the tiger''s roar for her.

    Although Li Caiyi honestly thought her brother was much more approachable in this timeline than in her previous life, having to knock on his door like this while fully knowing he was in a bad mood was still mentally challenging!

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath as she stood in front of Li Junjie''s room.

    Come to think of it, Li Caiyi had never voluntarilye to her brother''s room before this. It was always under other people''s urge or order. That was probably why the sound of the knocks felt unfamiliar to her ears.

    "Brother Jie? It''s Xiaoyi." Li Caiyi carefully called out to her but only received a short and cold response.

    "What is it?"<sub> </sub>

    "Uhm, Mother asked me to call you out and have some tea together. There are cakes as well. Shall we eat together?"

    There was a brief silence that felt like forever before Li Junjie said again. "No need. You guys can eat without me."

    "O-ohˇ­" Li Caiyi couldn''t tell if she was relieved or disappointed by his answer.

    After receiving a more preferable treatment from Li Chunhua and her mother, there was a small hope in her heart that Li Junjie would probably be the same, but nope.

    If the word ''stability'' could be associated with someone, then the first person who came to her mind was her brother. That trait of his could be good or bad, depending on the situation. The current one was definitely one of the bad examples.

    "Do you want me to bring your share to the room, big brother? Mother also bought Montnc for you."

    Actually, Li Caiyi didn''t know what kind of cakes Su Suyin bought, but since Li Junjie wasn''t much of a sweet tooth, there weren''t many sweets that suited his preference. She just assumed that her mother must have already bought some of those for her brother.

    "Just left it in the fridge. I''ll get it by myselfter."

    "Alright." Li Caiyi grimaced, hearing the finality tone in his voice as if warning her not to say anymore.

    Why was it so hard tomunicate with her brother? How could Meng Renshu stand being friends with this block of ice for years?

    The only answer she could find was that Meng Renshu was more sociable and shameless than her.

    "Then we''ll save your share in the fridge. Let''s talk againter, Brother Jie."

    "Wait."

    Li Caiyi was about to turn around when she heard her brother calling out to her. "Yes?"

    "I think I should let you know about this. I have re-read the work you submitted for the contest several times. You did well because I liked it. I''m proud of you."

    Li Caiyi''s jaw was hung open, hearing that praiseing from her brother. She didn''t expect to hear such a dry and tpliment from him, but at least it sounded sincere.

    A small joy bloomed in her heart, knowing Li Junjie, who was hard to please, actually acknowledged her work.

    "Really? Thank you, Brother Jie. I''m so happy to hear that from you!"

    "Yes. Keep working hard. You can go now since I''m going to read again."

    It was roughly the same cold and aloof tone he used earlier. Still, instead of getting intimidated, Li Caiyi felt ticklish this time. "Hehe, yes. I''m going to work even harder, so please read my next work too! Happy reading, Brother!"

    Inside the spacious and simplistic room, the young man looked back at the door after hearing the sound of footsteps and walked away. He was currently sitting behind his study desk with a shabby copy of the manuscript in his hand.

    Li Junjie felt strange because her sister sounded so happy at a merepliment from him. He had always thought that Li Caiyi was afraid of him, and Li Chunhua didn''t care about him as much as she cared about him.

    However, both girls gradually changed, and the difference was apparent.

    He nced at the copy of the manuscript as he muttered in a low voice. "A rebirth, huh?"

 Chapter 210 Completing Her Task

    Su Suyin was disappointed when Li Caiyi came alone, but she quickly urged her to sit down and choose anything she liked.

    Li Caiyi stared at the variety of cakes on top of the table. Her mouth was salivating when she glimpsed a lemon tart among them.

    Usually, her mother would ask her to wait for Li Chunhua toe back first before letting her choose first before Li Caiyi could choose whatever she didn''t pick, but now Li Caiyi didn''t need to hesitate anymore.

    Su Suyin poured both of them a cup of tea before smiling at her eldest daughter, whose eyes were glittering as she took a bite of her tart. "How is it?"

    "It''s delicious! Mother, eat some of this too," Li Caiyi replied energetically.

    "I''m content just watching you eating it so happily. It''s been a while since we can sit together like this, isn''t it?"

    Li Caiyi noticed the gloominess in her words and couldn''t find a word to say. Their mother-daughter rtionship wasn''t as broken as in her previous life. However, Li Caiyi still felt awkward whenever Su Suyin tried to show her care and affection to her.

    "But if it feels weird eating by myself. How about that cheesecake? Mother, you like cheesecake, right?" Li Caiyi pointed at the visually delicious cheesecake among the cakes.

    Su Suyin suddenly took her hand into hers and squeezed it gently, to her surprise.

    "Xiaoyi, do you hate me?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    It was a lie if she said she had never bore even the slightest hatred for her mother, but what was the point of bringing it up now? Li Caiyi had decided she wouldn''t hope for her affection anymore. It didn''t matter what she felt towards her mother since it wouldn''t change what she must do.

    Su Suyin smiled bitterly when her daughter didn''t respond. She slowly put down her hand and then stood up.

    "I''m sorry, it seems I have ruined the mood now. Eat slowly, Xiaoyi."

    "Ah, Mother!" Li Caiyi called out to her retreating figure, but Su Suyin had entered her room before she could stop her. Her back looked lonely and sad.

    Li Caiyi sighed deeply as she looked down at her half-eaten lemon tart, suddenly losing her appetite. However, if her mother saw her stop eating, she would probably feel worse, so she kept eating until no crumbs were left.

    After that, she cleaned up the table and was about to return to her room when her eyes identally glimpsed Li Chunhua''s room.

    ''This is a good chance,'' She thought inwardly, ''Xiaohua is not in the house right now. She won''t notice if I take one or two of her medicines.''

    With that thought in her head, Li Caiyi sneakily walked over to her sister''s room and opened the door. Feminine and cute room with light blue nuance immediately greeted her. It was very contrasting with Li Caiyi''s simplistic one.

    Li Caiyi knew where Li Chunhua kept her medicines, so she didn''t need to search around and walked straight to her vanity desk and pulled open the bottom drawer, where rows of medicine lined up neatly inside.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi smiled bitterly because looking at this scene reminded her of her state in her previous life. She was painfully aware of how hard it was, living by relying on medicine until it robbed a part of your human heart little by little. Not to mention, what she took couldn''t bepared with the sheer amount Li Chunhua had in her drawers.

    "We are really twins, alright," Li Caiyi chuckled drily. "Even the ce we choose to keep these things are the same."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know which one of these was actually the real medicine and the fake one given by Li Jirong, so she decisively took a capsule from each bottle. She even took a picture of the medicine name so that Detective Tang would have an easier time identifying it.

    There were so many that Li Caiyi''s hand got tired. After collecting a capsule for each medicine, she reached out to a book on top of the study desk, ripped a piece of paper, and used it to wrap them all. She put them inside her pocket and was amazed at how quickly shepleted her task.

    "I should ask Detective Tang to meet me again tomorrow. I hope the result cane out quickly." Li Caiyi muttered before she stood up, intending to leave the room.

    However, when she pulled the door open, a familiar face popped out in front of her, making her yelp in surprise. The other person also shrieked in shock when she saw Li Caiyi''s face beyond the door.

    "Xiaoyi? What are you doing in my room?" Li Chunhua was the first to recover, and she asked her sister in confusion.

    Honestly, Li Caiyi was flustered because she didn''t expect Li Chunhua woulde back this quickly, but she tried not to let it show on her face.

    "Oh, nothing. I just want to see how your room looks, and I want to borrow a book from you."

    "Really? But you didn''t hold any book, though?" Li Chunhua looked down at her empty hand.

    "Yeah, I want to borrow your French dictionary, but I can''t seem to find it. That''s why I thought I should just ask youter when you are back. You came at the perfect timing."

    "Is that so?" Li Chunhua squinted her eyes skeptically butter smiled brightly at her. "Let me fetch it for you. Wait a minute, okay?"

    Li Caiyi smiled and moved aside to let Li Chunhua in. Thankfully, she coulde up with an excuse at thest minute. Her hand discreetly felt her pocket and thought it would be a big problem if she was even a second slower. If Li Chunhua caught her ''stealing'' her medicine, Li Caiyi wouldn''t know how to exin.

    "Here, the French dictionary you were looking for. I put this on top of my desk, though. How could you miss it?" Li Chunhua said while handing over the thick dictionary to Li Caiyi.

    "Is it? I''m probably too tired and can''t focus. I didn''t notice it there at all."

    "Is it for homework? You evene to my room to borrow it directly without putting your bag in your room first. It must be a difficult one. Do you want me to help you with that?"

    "No, it''s okay. Thanks, Xiaohua, but I can do it by myself. Well, I''m going to go back to my room and rest now."

    "Okay, let me know if you need anything else!" Li Chunhua waved her hand before slowly closing the door.

    It didn''t seem like Li Chunhua suspected her, so Li Caiyi sighed in relief before returning to her own room.

 Chapter 211 Study Session In The Library (1)

    Li Caiyi had been distracted a lot in the past few weeks, to the point she neglected her studies. She had already done what she could, like sending the plotline for their first project to Dai Shenqiang and taking care of all her contracts requirement with Glorious Dayspany (via Shao Jingfei).

    Now that the hectic time had passed, she intended to study well to get admitted to ss A this time. That way, she could probably monitor Li Chunhua more closely and possibly have more chances to talk with Dai Zhiqiang.

    These two were currently the only two she was worried about the most.

    Li Caiyi was the one who told Li Chunhua that they should go on their separate way, but she was restless whenever she thought about that medical report. She convinced herself that she would only watch over her from afar and wouldn''t interact with her sister more than necessary.

    As for Dai Zhiqiang, she wanted to find out what he was hiding. Although she knew that Dai Zhiqiang probably wouldn''t like it if she was being too nosy, she wanted to get to know him better. No matter what, she had to find out whether or not her hunch about him was correct.

    She had to make sure if Dai Zhiqiang was actually Shen Qiang or not.

    Both problems would be easier to solve if she could just be in the same ssroom as them. Li Caiyi couldn''t possibly hope to achieve this in her previous life, but now that she was basically only repeating lessons she had already learned, she had high hopes. However, Li Caiyi would still need to try hard in math and science subjects.

    It was a shame that Dai Zhiqiang still hadn''t contacted her yet, even after a few days had passed, but Li Caiyi didn''t want to spend her time only waiting for him. There must be something she could do to get closer to him, and this was the best answer she could find. If she could ace the midterm exam held next week, her chance to be admitted to ss A would be higher!

    Li Caiyi was currently sitting in the library while reviewing today''s lesson again. Every time a problem stumped her, she would nce at the librarian''s desk from time to time, imagining that Dai Zhiqiang would be there to help her, just like always.

    However, the one who sat behind that same desk today was a different person, which disappointed Li Caiyi.

    "I keep thinking about him even when I try to focus. This is driving me crazyˇ­." Li Caiyi scratched her head in frustration before lying her head on the table in exhaustion. "Being motivated is good and all, but the question is if your body can keep up or not."

    "Hm? How about if I help you, then?"

    Li Caiyi''s body automatically alerted hearing the voice of a person she had been trying to avoid these past few days. She slowly rose up and turned her head to the side, and sure enough, Meng Renshu sat there with his hand supporting his chin while smiling yfully at her.

    "I finally found you. Do you think you can run from me forever? You are too na?ve, Xiaoyi." Meng Renshu smiled darkly, and Li Caiyi had to avert her eyes if she didn''t want to be on the receiving end of his piercing gaze.

    "W-whatever do you mean by that? You are ndering me."

    "In the past few days, I came to your ssroom several times to check on you, but you were never there. I even waited at the school gate after school to talk to you for a bit, but you always leave through the opposite gate. My messages and calls never went through you, and no one seemed to know where you were most of the time. If it''s not avoiding me, I don''t know what you are trying to achieve here."

    "I was just trying to study for the midterm exam. Please don''t disturb me." Li Caiyi cut the conversation short and busied herself with her books again.<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu leaned down a bit so he could get a better look at her notes. "Are you doing math right now? You make a few mistakes there."

    "Huh? Where?"

    "Here. You use the wrong form. You should have substituted the variable with the number here before using that one. After you get the result, you can start doing thetter part and multiply both results. To make it easier, you canˇ­."

    Li Caiyi''s face was full of question marks all over. Meng Renshu''s exnation was too fast for her toprehend what he was talking about.

    "Do you understand?" Meng Renshu asked her after he had finished exining. "Judging from your face, you clearly understand nothing."

    Li Caiyi pursed her lips sulkily. "You know math is my worst subject. Leave me alone..."

    "If you don''t have this form fully in your grasp, you will have difficulty solving the rest of the problems. Tell me where is the part you don''t understand." Meng Renshu said as he picked a pencil casually for her pencil case.

    "No, you really don''t need to help me," Li Caiyi tried to refuse him kindly, but Meng Renshu didn''t budge.

    "Don''t think too much about this. I''m only going to teach you some math forms and will not flirt with you this time. Or what, are you expecting me to do it?" Meng Renshu smirked tauntingly.

    "I''m not expecting anything. It''s justˇ­." Li Caiyi''s voice trailed off before she said hesitantly, "It was just a bit ufortable, receiving help from a person you just rejected."

    "Haha, don''t say that as if that one rejection is already final. I haven''t given up yet, but I also know when to not disturb you. Since you are working hard, I just thought I should help you a little. You don''t have to hesitate since this isn''t the first time you have asked me questions about school work."

    Meng Renshu said it in an obnoxious expression that literally meant: ''Really? After all those times when you pester me about math problems?''

    It irritated Li Caiyi so much.

    "Well, since you kindly OFFER it to me, it will be rude if I refuse. I will take on your OFFER, then."

    Meng Renshu did his best to suppress hisughter, seeing her puffing her cheeks angrily. "Yes, so tell me which part you are having difficulty with?"

    "Everything! Exin everything to me from the top, please." Li Caiyi had no intention of being polite anymore and outrightly demanded him to help her now, but Meng Renshu only smiled indulgently before exining it to her from the top.

 Chapter 212 Study Session In The Library (2)

    Meng Renshu''s exnation was detailed and not as fast as before. He was clearly trying to match her learning pace, and Li Caiyi felt conflicted again because he was so considerate of her.

    Since they were currently in the library, they couldn''t be too noisy, so Meng Renshu scooted closer as he exined things in a low tone. Li Caiyi, who initially regretted her choice, gradually forgot about their distance and focused on the lesson instead. Unfortunately, that focus didn''tst long.

    "I still don''t understand this partˇ­."

    "Which one?" Meng Renshu leaned in to take a closer look. A waft of sandalwood faintly emanating from him distracted Li Caiyi. The distance between them was less than a hand span, making their shoulders and upper arms asionally brush against each other. It made her feel self-conscious.

    Moreover, his voice was very soothing to hear, and it almost lulled Li Caiyi to sleep a few times. Li Caiyi discreetly pinched herself to collect her wits together and re-focused on the lesson.

    As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn''t deny that his exnation was really helpful for her to refresh her rusty memory. His teaching method wasn''t as straightforward as Dai Zhiqiang, but he was very patient with her and didn''t mind even if he had to re-exin everything again.

    Li Caiyi kind of felt bad because she was so bad at this, despite having the upper hand in terms of the learning experience. She didn''t like Meng Renshu, but that didn''t mean she could take advantage of him.

    "Brother Renshu, I''m sorry I''m so slow at this," she said sincerely.

    "That''s okay. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Just tell me where you got stuck again."

    "No, I think we should stop for today. I can''t have you waste any more time for me."

    "Well, it would be a massive waste of time if you just give up now after everything I have exined to help you so far."

    His words were like a stab to her conscience. She stopped gathering her things together, unsure of what to say.

    "Xiaoyi, do you hate me so much that you can''t even stand sitting beside me to study?"

    "No, it''s not that. I''m really thankful you are helping meˇ­."

    "You said you want to prepare for the midterm exam, right? Then you shouldn''t waste your time thinking about anything unnecessary. If my exnation didn''t help you in your study, I would obediently leave. You just need to say a word because I won''t like it either if I get in the way of your study."

    Li Caiyi felt like she was the most ungrateful person now. Meng Renshu was very calm throughout the lesson and only spoke regarding the math problems. She was the one at fault because she kept getting distracted.

    "Brother Renshu, you are really helping me. It''s my fault for not being able to focus at all."

    "So, do you want to continue or stop now?" Meng Renshu asked again.

    "C-continue, if you still want?" Li Caiyi looked up at him with a mixture of guilt and pleading in her expression.

    It genuinely got Meng Renshu in the heart.

    Actually, he wasn''t angry in the first ce. He just wanted to be with Li Caiyi longer, that was why he said those things, but he became weak when she stared at him with those doe-like eyes.<sub> </sub>

    He awkwardly cleared his throat as if doing that could also clear his thoughts.

    "Nevermind that. Let''s focus on your lesson instead."

    Li Caiyi sneaked a nce at his hardened face. It seemed she really had gone overboard with her attitude towards him. She promised to focus solely on the lesson now, so she actively asked him questions. After she finished with one problem, she immediately scooted closer to him to look at how he would evaluate her answer.

    Unbeknownst to her, it was Meng Renshu who couldn''t calm down this time.

    ''She is too close,'' Meng Renshu thought inwardly when their knees were identally touching for the nth time that day.

    She was so close that their heads would crash into each other if she looked up even once. Meng Renshu could vaguely sense her body heat and scent in this proximity. It made his head dizzy, with how fast his heart pumped blood throughout his body now.

    Although he was secretly enjoying this situation, it also considerably reduced his concentration.

    "Brother Renshu? What about this one?"

    "Huh? Which one?"

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "Brother Renshu, do you feel tired right now? Shall we take a break?"

    "I''m fine. I was just zoning out a bit." Meng Renshu chuckled.

    "No, let''s take a little break." Li Caiyi put down her book, and upon noticing their distance, she carefully scooted away from him. "Anyway, you have been so much of a help to me today. I think I have rememberedˇŞI mean, understand most of it now."

    "d to hear that. If you still have some questions, ask Xiaohua to exin them again to you at home. Or you can ask Junjie too."

    Li Caiyi most probably would ask for Li Chunhua''s help, but definitely not her brother.

    "Brother Renshu, why did youe to the library?" Li Caiyi just remembered that she had yet to ask him that.

    "I was looking for you, then I heard you are currently in the library, so I thought I should go and check if there is anything I can help you with."

    "Brother Renshu, are you going to keep doing this? I know this topic has nothing to do with our study session, but I can''t help but feel bothered about it. Although I don''t like you romantically, you are still my childhood friend, and I don''t want you to waste your time on me."

    Meng Renshu shook his head helplessly. "Xiaoyi, the thing is, human feeling is not something you can rece or erase just because you want it to be. I know you can''t ept me, but what can I do if my heart refuses to give up on you?"

    Li Caiyi lowered her head in embarrassment upon hearing that. She couldn''t understand how Meng Renshu could say those lines without the slightest bit of hesitation?

    She once held a one-sided feeling toward Meng Renshu for a long time, so she could understand where he wasing from. That was precisely why she hoped Meng Renshu could quickly forget about his fleeting attraction toward her and return to his original partner.

 Chapter 213 A Wonderful News (1)

    Li Cayi was pretty sure he was just confused because of all his dreams. Meng Renshu didn''t actually fall for her but only thought he was attracted to her because he kept dreaming about hertely, which was obviously something that was out of his or anyone''s control.

    "You can''t do anything about it, I know. But you can control how you act upon it," Li Caiyi said calmly. "Holding a feeling to a person while fully knowing that person wouldn''t return your feeling would only hurt both parties in the end."

    Meng Renshu studied her expressions closely. "Have you experienced the same feeling before?"

    "That''s not the point. I don''t have to experience it to know. I''m a writer, so I learn a lot from the book." Li Caiyi argued while suppressing the bitterness inside her.

    "That might be the case, but I won''t know if I don''t try it. I need to show an effort first before deciding if it''s useless or not."

    Once again, he wasn''t wrong. Unlike him, Li Caiyi had never acted upon her feelings even once. She kept it deep inside her heart because she didn''t want to burden him with her feelings.

    Li Caiyi let out a self-mocking scoff, thinking about that. ''Who am I trying to fool here? I was just one big coward. Thinking that my feelings would burden him is my convenient excuse to avoid rejection.''

    Meng Renshu probably misunderstood his feelings, but at least he hade clean with her about his feelings from the start, that he was still unsure, but he was willing to try. Perhaps that was also one reason why his actions and words bothered her so much.

    She envied and admired his straightforward nature so much.

    "Do as you please, then. Please don''t me me if you feel hurtter." Li Caiyi said in a resigned tone.

    Meng Renshu smiled brightly. "Yes, please don''t mind me, and just be yourself, Xiaoyi. I''m free to do anything I want, but so are you."

    Not only was he bold, but he was also fair. Meng Renshu was the type of person who made a person feel bad instead if they wronged him because of how considerate he was. It was a quality that not everyone could mimic just because they wanted it.

    If Meng Renshu insisted he would pursue her even after she rejected him, then there was nothing Li Caiyi could do to discourage him anymore. Only time could snap him back to reality.

    "I think I''m good to go again now. My mind has cooled down after that conversation. Shall we continue?"

    "Were you unable to focus before because it was too hot here?" Li Caiyi nced at the air conditioner in the corner of the room, but she didn''t perceive anything wrong with it.

    "Yeah, it was pretty hot," Meng Renshu chuckled. "But I''m fine now. Let''s get back to the lesson, okay?"

    "If you say soˇ­."

    "How about I help you study in the library after school every day from now on?" Meng Renshu offered.

    "No need. I think I will be fine once I have grasped the basic form."

    "Ah, what a shame. But you can alwayse to me whenever you have a question."

    "Yes, thank you."

    "Okay, now, where did we stop just now?"

    ***<sub> </sub>

    The night was chilly today with the storm running wildly outside the window, so Li Caiyi tightened her cardigan above her pajama to keep herself warm.

    "Geez, it''s so cold here. I can''t even move my hand properly anymore." Li Caiyi sighed as she looked down at her half-done homework.

    Her short study session in the library with Meng Renshu today really helped her a lot. She usually would need Li Chunhua''s help for this, but now she was doing pretty well if she could say so herself.

    When she was finally done with her homework, she smiled in satisfaction. "Good job, Caiyi. Just keep moving forward a step at times like this."

    Bzzt!

    Li Caiyi nced at her phone and picked it up. She was pleasantly surprised upon seeing the caller''s ID.

    "It''s Shao Jingfei. This must be about my recent novel." Li Caiyi smiled brightly before picking up the phone. "Hello?"

    She could hear Shao Jingfei''s cheerful voice from the other side, making her anticipation grow in a positive direction.

    "Caiyi, sorry to bother you at this time, but I got news for you."

    "Yes, what is it?"

    Shao Jingfei chuckled before dering, "Congrattions on your first novel. We have already printed the first sample for your work. Actually, I have it in my hand now, and it was still fresh from the oven!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t contain her happiness once she heard that fantastic news. She abruptly stood up and eximed, "Really?! Can you send me a picture of it? I want to see!"

    "Haha, sure! Let me send it to you real quick!"

    A few secondster, Li Caiyi received a new notification, and she tapped it as soon as it came out. She gasped when she saw the dark blue book with golden and green leaves ent in the picture. It was her book, so her opinion was probably biased, but it was the best book she had ever seen so far.

    "How is it? Are you surprised? I especially asked a reliable illustrator to help mee up with this. Behold and praise my might!" Shao Jingfei''s smugughter could be heard from the speaker, but Li Caiyi still hadn''t regained her wits.

    She was so moved and happy that tears welled up in her eyes. Previously, she always thought that her hobby should be kept hidden forever because it wasn''t worthy of anyone''s time. She gathered her courage to change herself in this life, and she finally reached this far.

    "I did it. I really did itˇ­." Li Caiyi said in a trembling voice.

    "Yeah, you did. This is all the fruits of your hard work, and I''m proud of you." Shao Jingfei''s voice softened a lot before he added, "No, I bet everyone will be proud of you once they get their hands on this book."

    "Jingfei, thank youˇ­." Li Caiyi choked back a sob as she thanked him. If it were not for Shao Jingfei, who found her, she probably couldn''t make it this far so fast.

    "I''m really grateful to you. This book means a lot to me."

    "I''m a gentleman who can''t stand hearing a girl cry, but since this time it was a cry of joy, I''ll let it slide. Also, you might think this is because of me, but it was the opposite. If it weren''t for your work that sparked my interest, I probably wouldn''t have so much fun like now."

    Li Caiyi was overwhelmed with various emotions now. More than happiness, she felt proud of herself and filled with a sense of achievement.

 Chapter 214 A Wonderful News (2)

    "Haha, you are so happy you can utter any words anymore? Well, that''s understandable. I will bring it to the school tomorrow, so save your joy for the real deal, okay?"

    "Yes, thank you, Jingfei."

    "If you thanked me more than this, my head would inte like a balloon. Oh, your sister probably will feel happy if she is the first one to know about this great news. Why don''t you try telling her?"

    "Xiaohua? Jingfei, are you friends with my sister?"

    "She is my friend, but I doubt she will like it if you mention that, so keep it a secret from her I was the one who told you this, okay?"

    Li Caiyi never knew that Li Chunhua and Shao Jingfei were pretty close. They both started fighting from the first time they met, so she had always thought they hated each other''s guts. The hate mostly came from her sister, and Shao Jingfei was only ying with her, though.

    Come to think of it, Su Suyin did say that Li Chunhua had been going out more frequently these days. Was it because she hung out with Shao Jingfei? Li Caiyi was very curious about their rtionship now.

    "Okay, I understand. But Jingfei, since when did you be close to Xiaohua? She isn''t the type that opens up easily to anyone."

    "Haha, she is surely as fiery as a firecracker, but her personality is actually pretty soft once you get to know her. Perhaps she is just awed by my coolness?"

    Li Caiyi was surprised to hear him saying a good thing about her sister butter felt pleased about it.

    "That''s right. Sometimes, she is troublesome and reckless, but she isn''t an inherently bad girl. I''m happy to hear she has a friend she can go to when she is in trouble now."

    Shao Jingfei was quiet for a moment before chuckling, "What? I thought Chunhua''s feelings were one-sided, but you also love her very much. Man, I''m jealous. Both of you should spare some of your love for a single dog like me."

    "Haha, what are you saying now? Why should we share our sisterly love with you? You aren''t our sister."

    "Well, I can be one if I put my mind to it. Our height is the same, so maybe with some wigsˇ­." There was a brief pause before he continued, "Why am I hurting myself by saying that?"

    Li Caiyiughed even harder at that. She could imagine Shao Jingfei''s seriously pondering about this.

    "Hehe, you finallyugh. Girls are prettier when they smile, so both of you shouldugh often. Anyway, I need to go now. See you tomorrow, Caiyi!"

    "See you, Jingfei! Thanks again!"

    Li Caiyi pressed her phone to her chest, and the warmth from the device felt like it seeped into her chest. She still couldn''t believe that this day would finallye. The day when everyone would eventually see the fruit of her hard work!

    "I wonder if everyone will like it," Li Caiyi muttered, but her voice was giddy with excitement. She felt like she could burst at any moment just from the sheer happiness.

    <o>,m "I can''t go to sleep like this. I have to tell someone about it!"</o>

    The first person who came to her mind as she said that was Li Chunhua, so she bolted out of the room and knocked on her sister''s door.

    "Xiaohua? I have wonderful news! Do you have time?"

    "Sure,e in."

    Li Caiyi opened her door and greeted Li Chunhua, who was wrapped in a nket while sitting on her bed. She smiled brightly as soon as she saw hering in.<sub> </sub>

    "What''s up, Xiaoyi? You look so happy. Is there something good that happened to you?"

    Li Caiyi giggled, and because she couldn''t contain it anymore, she ran and hugged her sister tight while slightly jumping up and down in excitement.

    "Xiaohua, I did it! My first book has finally got its first print!"

    "What?" Li Chunhua eximed in shock before wrapping her arms around Li Caiyi too. "Is that true? That''s amazing, Xiaoyi! Wow, you are so amazing. Congrattions!"

    "Yes, I''m so happy, I feel like I could cry right now."

    "We should tell Mom and Big Brother too about this!"

    Li Caiyi slowly released Li Chunhua from her embrace as she recalled her brother''spliment the other day. She wasn''t sure if her mother would love to hear about this, but surely her brother''s reaction would be better, right?

    "Let''s tell Brother Jie first. Do you know he likes your work very much?"

    Li Caiyi hung her head embarrassedly. "Yeah, he told me that before."

    "Then he must be happy if he heard about this good news! What are you waiting for? Let''s go!" Li Chunhua stood up from the bed first and dragged Li Caiyi by the hand, looking even more enthusiastic than herself.

    Having someone to share your happiness with was always fulfilling, no matter what. A small smile escaped Li Caiyi''s lips as she stood while Li Chunhua knocked on Li Junjie''s door.

    "Brother Jie, are you in there? Xiaoyi has something she wants to tell you."

    There was a rustling sounding from the inside, followed by Li Junjie''s deep voice.

    "What is it?"

    "Can''t youe out for a second? Or better yet, can''t you let us in?"

    "No," Li Junjie replied immediately.

    "How mean! We are your sisters, not a gue you should avoid!" Li Chunhua retorted in disbelief.

    Li Caiyi was a tad disappointed, but she should have expected this oue whenever they had to deal with Li Junjie. So she tapped on Li Chunhua''s shoulder and shook her head.

    "It''s okay, Xiaohua. He probably doesn''t want anyone to bother him for a while."

    "What could be so important that he couldn''t talk to us for even a minute? Xiaoyi, you are still too soft. When dealing with a mule like Brother Jie, you have to be as thick-skinned as possible, or you will only give him a reason to push you away!"

    Li Caiyi had never thought about it that way. If people didn''t want to talk to her, she would assume that person wasn''t interested in talking with her or was probably in a bad mood.

    Perhaps this might be why Li Caiyi was the least close to Li Junjiepared to Meng Renshu or Li Chunhua.

 Chapter 215 A Wonderful News (3)

    "Brother Jie, don''t ignore us! I know you can hear us right now!" Li Chunhua was practically banging the door at this point.

    It baffled Li Caiyi to see how courageous she was. Li Chunhua must also be aware that Li Junjie''s birthday was around the corner, which was the period where he usually secluded himself the most.

    "Xiaohua, if you keep doing that, Brother Jie will get angry at youˇ­."

    Li Chunhua snorted. "So what? Does your happiness matter lesspared to his gloomy mood? It''s about time for our brother toe out of his shell, anyway."

    The older twin didn''t know whether she should feel moved because her sister was standing up for her or if she should feel dreadful at the thought of receiving Li Junjie''s silent wrath.

    "Fine, if you insist on staying in your room, you would lose your chance to read Xiaoyi''s next work! I will read it by myself!"

    That was when there was a sound of footsteps slowlying closer. Li Caiyi held her breath when the door was opened with a clicking sound, and Li Junjie went out of his room with a frown.

    Unlike his usual neat appearance, he looked sloppy right now, with messy hair and dark circles under his eyes. He still looked handsome, but his slight frown decreased the effect slightly.

    "What is it? Why are you yapping in front of someone else''s door?" Li Junjie asked hoarsely.

    Li Chunhua quickly changed her gears as she jumped on him and hugged his arm. There was no sign of her previous annoyance and impatience before.

    "You finally came out! Xiaoyi has something important to tell you."

    Li Junjie shifted his annoyed gaze from Li Chunhua to Li Caiyi this time, making thest gulp nervously.

    "Brother, if you stare at her like that, she won''t be able to tell you the news." Li Chunhua protested in a spoiled manner.

    Li Junjie sighed in exasperation. He pulled out his arm from Li Chunhua''s grasp and tucked his hand into his training pants pocket instead.

    "You can tell me what you need now."

    Li Caiyi felt even more pressured now that he stared at her with that ''this-better-be-important-or-you-are-dead'' look on his face. They clearly pissed him off!

    "U-Uhm, it''s actually not really importantˇ­." Li Caiyi said hesitantly.

    Li Junjie''s eyes narrowed down dangerously, and Li Caiyi, who felt threatened, quickly filled him in before he killed her.

    "Actually, it''s very important! I just got the news that my next work has already gotten its first print. Since you said you like my work before, I thought I should tell you about this."

    Li Junjie: "...."

    Since he said nothing, Li Caiyi, who became even more scared, hurriedly added, "Oh, and I heard I can get the first sample tomorrow. Would you like to read it, Brother Jie?"

    Li Junjie''s frosty look gradually regained its original calmness before answering, "You want me to be the first to read it?"

    "Yes! I want you to be the first one to read it," Li Caiyi replied in reflex.

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhua had a crestfallen look as if she had just got betrayed.<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi, how could you? Shouldn''t I be the first one to read it? I''m the first one you told about this, after all!"

    "Uh, you can still read it after Brother Jie."

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand why she even argued about this. It wasn''t like she wouldn''t have a chance to read it afterward.

    "But-butˇ­ I have already lost my chance to be your first fan. I want to be your first reader this timeˇ­" Li Chunhua said dejectedly.

    Technically, Shao Jingfei would always be her book''s first reader, so Li Chunhua wouldn''t be the first reader even if Li Junjie wasn''t counted. However, Li Chunhua looked so saddened that Li Caiyi couldn''t bring herself to say it.

    "Bring it to me as soon as you have gotten it in your hand." Li Junjie suddenly interjected.

    "Brother, no! Aren''t you supposed to be magnanimous and let your little sister read it first?" Li Chunhua looked up at him with pleading eyes, but Li Junjie only gave her a brief nce.

    "No mercy for a person who talked bad about me behind my door."

    "Aah, Brother Jie! Please don''t take it to heart. I know you are the most generous and magnanimous person on earth!"

    "Look how easy you change. I can''t trust you at all," Li Junjie scoffed.

    "Noo! I''m serious! Xiaoyi, say something to him!"

    "Don''t drag her into this. I''m the chosen one, and you are not. Deal with it."

    "Grrr!"

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times in disbelief as she slowly registered the scene in front of her. When was thest time the three of them were joking around like this? The freshest memory she had in mind was when they were still children, more than 10 years ago.

    The Li siblings used to be close, but they slowly grew apart until they crashed and burned in their own circumstances. That was why seeing this scene brought a nostalgic feeling to Li Caiyi. It felt like they had returned to the past, where they were still free from Li Jirong''s influence.

    Li Caiyi felt warmth spreading all over her body. If this was also the butterfly effect of changing the past, she wanted to thank the deity who had granted her this second chance. At least she could experience this joy again.

    "There''s no need to fight over it. If you don''t mind reading the digital version, I have the original file with me," Li Caiyi giggled.

    Li Junjie and Li Chunhua immediately stopped bickering before they stared at her nkly and wondered why they hadn''t thought of that option before.

    Li Chunhua was the first to break the ice by clearing her throat. "Well, I guess I should give the book to my brother and opt for the digital version here."

    Li Junjie: "...."

    Li Caiyiughed, seeing the funny interactions between them. She was convinced once again that her family still had a chance. As long as she could get rid of the source of trouble, everyone could finally be free and happier.

    "Oh? What are you doing here? You look like you are having fun."

    Su Suyin slowly walked over from behind her with a smile stered on her face.

 Chapter 216 I Cant Accept It

    Su Suyin was pleasantly surprised when she saw her three children talking andughing together. Aside from Li Chunhua, she rarely saw Li Caiyi or Li Junjieugh, so looking at them like that made her want to join in the fun, too.

    "Oh? What are you doing here? You look like you are having fun."

    "Mom! You came at the right time!" Li Chunhua jumped on Su Suyin the way she jumped on Li Junjie and squeezed her arm. "Xiaoyi has good news she wants to tell you."

    "What kind of news? Judging from your reaction, I bet it must be a good one, isn''t it?"

    "Mom, it will be less surprising if you hear it from me. Xiaoyi, go on and tell Mom too!"

    Li Caiyi smiled shyly before she told her mother about the news. Su Suyin was astounded when she heard it. Her mouth was hung open, so she needed to cover it with her hand.

    "Xiaoyi, is what you said really true?"

    "Yes, Mother. I should be able to get my hand on the first print tomorrow."

    Li Caiyi thought her mother would also congratte her, just like her siblings, since her attitude had considerably gotten softer towards her. However, Su Suyin just stood there, with an increasingly panicked expression each second. Li Caiyi sensed that something wasn''t quite right then.

    "Mother, is there something wrong?"

    "Huh? Oh, umˇ­" Su Suyin stuttered on her words as her eyes darted around like she tried to avoid looking Li Caiyi in the eyes.

    "Xiaoyi, I didn''t know you still continue to write and to hear you even tried to publish it stunned me."

    "Mother, whatever I did has nothing to do with Father anymore. I have won the bet, remember? That means Father doesn''t have the right to stop me anymore."

    "I know that, but I can imagine how furious he must be if he came to know about this. Xiaoyi, I think you shouldn''t tell your father about this, or he might go ballistic."

    Li Caiyi shook her head lightly. "No, I will tell him eventually, Mother. I have no intention of hiding what I like to do anymore."

    Su Suyin bit her lips as her hand slowly sped Li Caiyi''s hand gently in hers.

    "I know you feel wronged. Let me talk with your father about this first. He probably wouldn''t be so angry if you just take this as a hobby and not your goal. You also understand what kind of person your father is, so let''s not provoke him, okay?"

    Li Caiyi cast a disappointed look at Su Suyin before slowly retracting her hand.

    "Mother, I love writing, and I don''t want to make it just as a hobby. It''s something I want to pursue wholeheartedly. Please don''t discourage me from doing that because that is the only thing I can be proud of."<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi, that''s not what I meanˇ­."

    "I know Mother fully supports Father, but I don''t understand why everyone should always follow his decision. Why is that as long as Father said it, everything should go ording to his wishes? I can''t ept it, not when Father clearly didn''t treat us kindly!"

    Her outburst surprised not only Su Suyin but also Li Junjie and Li Chunhua. Li Caiyi took a deep breath to calm herself down before continuing.

    "I understand your worry, Mother. You were just trying to protect me from Father, right? If he knew I was serious about walking on this path, he would probably disown me." Li Caiyi smiled mirthlessly. "But I''m ready to face those consequences, Mother. If not, I wouldn''t even dare to think of going against him even once."

    "Xiaoyiˇ­"

    "Are you not frustrated at all, Mother? Whenever Father told you to do this and that, burdening you with his unreasonable demand, but still ming you in the end when things don''t go his way, don''t you feel frustrated?"

    Su Suyin couldn''t form a reply, so Li Caiyi changed her target to Li Junjie. "You too, Brother. Aren''t you pissed every time Father tries to force his dream into you? He kept you in the house and forced you to study almost all night since you were a child, to the point you can''t even make friends properly!"

    Li Junjie: "...."

    "Xiaohua, you probably don''t understand this since you said you can''t see what is wrong with our family, but I''m sure you can feel it too. If not, then howe you don''t want me to leave you alone here? It''s because you subconsciously know you won''t be able to live freely as long as Father is still here, right?"

    Li Chunhua was about to look down when she glimpsed another person from the corner of her eyes. Once she noticed that, her face color immediately turned ashen.

    "Xiaoyi, let''s just stop this!" she eximed in a hurry, but it was already toote.

    "It seems you have a lot of opinions about this father of yours. Why don''t you say it directly to my face once again?"

    Su Suyin and Li Chunhua were visibly shaken when Li Jirong walked over with darkened faces and slightly wet clothes from the storm outside. His murderous eyes made him appear like a serial killer from the movies.

    Li Caiyi cursed her bad luck inwardly before slowly turning her body around. She raised her head, and her gaze locked with Li Jirong''s fierce one. If looks could kill, then Li Caiyi probably had already been dead a thousand times.

    However, when she recalled what he had done to Li Chunhua, she couldn''t feel anything but disgust and fury toward this man.

    ''As long as this man is goneˇ­ If only he wasn''t here!''

    "What''s with that look? Are you trying to test my patience even more than this?" Li Jirong''s voice was cold and menacing like he wasn''t talking to his daughter but to his mortal enemy.

    "I was working hard in the hospitaltely. I was tired, and my mood was bad because I got drenched in the rain, yet the first greeting I got was my daughter''s poisonous words to me? How admirable of you. Your pathetic hobby makes you think you own the world. You aren''t afraid of your father anymore."

 Chapter 217 I Shall Leave This House

    "Husband, your clothes are wet. How about if you take a warm bath first before continuing your talk," Su Suyin said with a forced smile on her face. She tried to take his bag from him but was harshly deflected by him.

    "What have you been doing all this time in the house? You can''t even raise the kids properly. Look at what your daughter has turned into, a white-eyed wolf who thinks she knows everything in the world!" Li Jirong shouted while pointing his finger at her.

    Su Suyin''s whole body shook at hearing Li Jirong''s reprimand. "I-I''m sorryˇ­."

    "D-dad, please don''t be mad. Xiaoyi wasn''t serious when she said that. How about I give you a massage? You must be tired after working outside today," Li Chunhua chirped to lighten the atmosphere, but Li Jirong ignored her and focused on Li Caiyi only.

    "If you think living with your father is unbearable, why don''t you leave? I don''t need a useless daughter whose head was always in the cloud like you here."

    "Father, please calm down," Li Junjie finally spoke, albeit he sounded tired. "Don''t do anything that you will regretter."

    Li Jirongughed at that. "Regret? There is nothing to regret about losing a daughter who doesn''t know her ce! And I heard a part of your conversation before. Haven''t you decided to pursue your dream to be a writer? I won''t even bother arguing with you anymore. Our Li Family doesn''t need someone like that, so pack your things and leave. I want to see how much you can hold on before youe back while crying."

    "Husband, what are you saying? Are you trying to kick Xiaoyi out?" Su Suyin asked in disbelief.

    "Better than letting her live a wronged life, just like she said! I don''t even have the energy to get angry anymore. I just want her to leave quickly."

    "Father, I think this isn''t the right decision." Li Junjie added.

    "SHUT UP! Anyone who still wants to speak up for her can leave anytime too!" Li Jirong shouted angrily at the top of his lungs, surprising everyone and automatically silencing them.

    Li Jirong looked down at Li Caiyi and scoffed, "What''s wrong? Did you suddenly lose your ability to talk? You moved your mouth carelessly just earlier, and now I intended to kick you out, you got a change of heart? With such a weak mindset, you have the gall to trash-talk your father?! Preposterous!"

    Li Jirong was already in a very foul mood when he reached the Li family house. Aside from the swamping works, he also got into fights with Gu Xue these days, to the point where he didn''t want to spend time in the hospital any longer. As soon as he finished his daily work, he immediately packed some of his dirty clothes and went home.

    He wanted to dip himself in warm water and eat a delicious dinner with his family for once, but everything got ruined on his first step into the house.

    Li Jirong was already displeased with Li Caiyi before this, and hearing her talking badly about him in front of her siblings and mother made his blood boil in anger. She was lucky he was too tired to deal with her rebellious period. If not, he probably wouldn''t be able to restrain himself and beat her there and then.

    As long as she apologized, Li Jirong wouldn''t pursue the matter further. He probably would cut her allowance for a few months and end it with that. What can a useless girl like without her father''s money?

    Her silence only confirmed his thought, making him look down on her even more.

    "If you already understand your ce, now get back to your room andˇŞ"

    "Alright."

    "Then just go now, and don''t make any more scenes here," Li Jirong impatiently waved his hand, but Li Caiyi''s following sentence made him frozen in ce.<sub> </sub>

    "No, I mean, I will follow what you suggest. I shall leave this house immediately." Li Caiyi said once again firmly. She stared at Li Jirong straight in his eyes without hesitation.

    Meanwhile, the rest of them were dumbstruck by how calm she was. Li Chunhua anxiously tugged on her sleeve. "What are you doing? Hurry and apologize to Dad, or he''ll get angrier at you!"

    Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly at her sister before gently prying her hand off her sleeve. "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing."

    "Y-you insolent child. What did you just say?" Li Jirong''s whole body shook in rage, not only because of her words but also because of her devil-may-care attitude. It was as if she had been waiting for this chance all along.

    "I said I will leave the house, just like you suggested, Father. You are right. I don''t think we will ever see eye to eye after this. Let me leave this house so it will give you peace of mind."

    "PRESUMPTUOUS!" Li Jirong roared and finally snapped upon noticing the hint of mockery in her daughter''s voice.

    Li Caiyi expected this reaction from him, so it didn''t surprise her when he raised his hand and was about to swing it down hard on her face. She subconsciously shut her eyes tight, and a fierce sound of a p reverberated in the room a moment after.

    However, there was no pain on her face at all. Li Caiyi pried her eyes open and was shocked when she saw her mother standing before her while holding her reddened cheeks.

    "Mother!"

    "Mom!"

    The twins eximed together in horror as they moved forward together to catch Su Suyin''s stumbling body.

    "Mother, why did you stand in the way? You should have just let me be!" Li Caiyi couldn''t help but reprimand her mother.

    "No, you should have tried to at least dodge it too, Xiaoyi!" Li Chunhua corrected her sister''s poor choice of words in disbelief.

    Su Suyin took a deep breath before steadying her body and smiled reassuringly at the twins. "I''m okay. Thank you, both of you."

    Then, she turned toward Li Jirong but immediately cast her gaze down when Li Jirong red at her.

    The frustrated Li Caiyi finally couldn''t take it anymore and said angrily, "I already said I will leave. Why do you have to do that to Mother?! If youe back home just to vent your anger at your family, then it''s better if you don''te back at all!"

    "What? You worthless brat!" Li Jirong stepped forward and was about to grab Li Caiyi when someone grabbed his hand and blocked his way.

    "Father, calm yourself down. Do you forget our promise?"

    Li Junjie frowned deeply, and his voice was very cold as he said that.

 Chapter 218 Promise

    Li Caiyi looked at her brother''s back from behind and could finally rx her tense shoulder. Although she was furious, she wasn''t that delusional to think she could win against her father in a physical fight.

    Nevertheless, she refused to back down after knowing the evil deed Li Jirong hadmitted. The p on her mother''s face was the only thing that went out of her calction because previously, nobody would try to protect her before her father.

    "Father, calm yourself down. Do you forget our promise?"

    Li Caiyi wasn''t the one talking to him, but even she shuddered when she heard how chilling her brother''s tone was. Although Li Junjie looked unperturbed on the outside, he was actually fed up by now.

    ''Promise? What promise?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly after noticing Li Jirong''s hesitant look after her brother asked that question.

    This was her first time hearing about it. Li Jirong''s words were absolute in the Li family''s house, and no one could defy him. Not even Li Junjie, whom he treasured like a pearl in his hand. She didn''t expect her father to back down just from one sentence from her brother.

    Li Jirong clicked his tongue before harshly tugging his hand out of his son''s grasp. "Tell your sister to pack her things as soon as possible. Don''t let me see her face when I wake up the next morning."

    After spatting thosest words, he hurried to his room and mmed the door. He didn''t even stop to check on his wife''s condition. Li Caiyi was baffled once again.

    "Xiaohua, go fetch a cold towel. Xiaoyi, help me move Mother to the couch."

    The twins moved ordingly to follow Li Junjie''s order without question. Li Caiyi sat beside her mother and examined her cheeks, which had already been badly swollen.

    Meanwhile, Li Junjie kneeled in front of Su Suyin and gently inspected her jaw. "Hmmˇ­"

    "Brother, how is it?" Li Caiyi asked worriedly.

    "There is nothing wrong with the jaw bone. Fortunately, the impact isn''t as horrible as the sound implies."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief, and Li Chunhua came over not long after that with a towel and a bowl of water and ice. "Brother Jie, I brought it."

    "Good." Li Junjie took the towel, dipping it in the cold water, before wringing it dry. Then, he carefully put them on Su Suyin''s swollen cheek.

    She hissed for a bit upon the contact, but her tense expression gradually rxed as Li Junjie gently pressed it onto the swollen part. "Mother, you shouldn''t eat anything too hard for now."

    Su Suyin smiled fondly at his only son. "I know. Thank you as always, Jie."

    "Next time, please don''t be so reckless."

    "But how can I just stand by and witness your father beat your sister?"

    Li Junjie paused briefly before saying, "I will do something about it next time."

    "You are?" Su Suyin looked at his son in surprise. His apathetic son was actually volunteering himself to do something. She felt it was worth it to bear the hit now. "I''m happy to hear that."

    While the mother-son pair were exchanging words, the twins only sat by the side, watching how gentle their brother was in treating their mother. His face was still as expressionless as always, but his movement was cautious.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi wondered what was the promise his brother had talked about with Li Jirong earlier? Among all her family members, Li Junjie was the one she understood the least because they had never talked too much before.

    ''Don''t tell me that my brother also has his own reason for behaving that way around the house? Not only because he is too apathetic about it?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    Come to think of it, even if her brother has always been blunt and straightforward, he used to be easier to talk topared to now.

    What had actually happened between him and Li Jirong? Li Caiyi was very curious.

    ? "Brother, what do you mean by ''promise'' earlier?"

    Before Li Caiyi could voice her question, Li Chunhua had beaten her into it first. Not to mention, she went straight to the point!

    Li Caiyi examined her brother''s reaction, but there was hardly any change in his expression. The one who was affected by that question was Su Suyin instead.

    With that brief reaction, she could quickly tell that this ''promise'' between Li Jirong and Li Junjie must have been somehow rted to Su Suyin. That was why her brother immediately moved forward when he saw Li Jirong had hurt their mother.

    Li Caiyi tried to rack her brain to think about the incident in her previous life, but nothing came up.

    "More importantly, what are you going to do, Xiaoyi?" Li Junjie didn''t answer Li Chunhua''s question and diverted the topic to Li Caiyi instead.

    "That''s right, Xiaoyi. Why would you go against your father like that?" Su Suyin sighed sadly. "Now, he won''t forgive you even if you go and apologize to him."

    "I never intended to apologize in the first ce," Li Caiyi harrumphed. "Mother, don''t worry about me. I''m sure this is just temporary. I can stay in the hotel for the time being, or maybe I can just rent a cheap room somewhere."

    Su Suyin frowned in dissatisfaction. "Don''t take this situation too lightly! Where do you intend to go in the middle of the night like this? Just stay in your room for a while and don''te out when your father is around. As long as you don''t meet him directly, I''m sure he won''t say anything about it."

    "Mother, what if he med you again for it? For Father, anything that happened in this house is never his fault. I don''t want to see you get hurt because of me again," Li Caiyi argued stubbornly.

    "No, he won''t do that. This happened because I butted in so suddenly, and he had no time to react."

    "Even if it''s not Mother, Father would try to beat Xiaoyi again if he sees the chance. I agree Xiaoyi should leave the house." Li Junjie chimed in and incurred Li Chunhua''s protest almost immediately.

    "Brother Jie! You are too heartless! How can you just tell her to get out of the house so ruthlessly like that?! Fine, if Xiaoyi goes, then I will go as well!"

    "Absolutely not. None of you shall go anywhere tonight, and that''s final!" Su Suyin reprimanded both her daughters while ring at them.

    Li Junjie sighed tiredly and looked at Li Caiyi grudgefully. He didn''t need to say anything for her to get his meaning.

    ''Look at what you have done now.''

 Chapter 219 Leaving The House

    "Calm down, everyone. When I said she should get out of the house, I didn''t mean it permanently. We can book a room for her in a hotel for a while. At least until Father became too busy toe home for a while again." Li Junjie exined slowly.

    "But stillˇ­.Xiaoyi is a girl, and the world outside is too dangerous for her alone!" Li Chunhua stubbornly stood her ground.

    "If you would rather she bes Father''s target to vent his anger, then be my guest."

    "Ughˇ­"

    Su Suyin shook her head slowly. "I don''t think that''s a good idea. Maybe Jie is right."

    "Mother! Why are you agreeing with Big Brother''s stupid n now?"

    "Xiaohua, at this rate, there won''t be any peace in the house until your father goes back to the hospital. It shouldn''t be a problem if it''s only one or two days. You know your father never stays home for long. We just need to be patient for now."

    Li Chunhua pressed her lips into a hard line but found it difficult to refute her mother. She could act like a brat in front of her brother, but she was reluctant to go against her mother.

    "Yes, I think that''s the best option for now," Li Caiyi concluded the argument. "Let me pack my stuff real quick, then I will go to the nearby hotel for now."

    Su Suyin contemted a bit before she asked her eldest daughter, "Xiaoyi, don''t you have a lot of good friends? Do you think you can ask them to let you stay over at their ce temporarily? I feel more at ease if you have some other people with you."

    "Oh, I didn''t even think about that," Li Caiyi lightly smacked her head. "I will try to contact one of them, then."

    Su Suyin sighed in relief. "Good. Tell me your friend''s name and her address when you find someone."

    "Yes, Mother. Then, I''ll go pack my things first."

    "Let me help you!" Li Chunhua volunteered herself and followed Li Caiyi to her room.

    The twins worked without sound and kept stuffing things into Li Caiyi''s mini-suitcase.

    Li Chunhua tacitly understood what her sister needed in the back of her mind, so she didn''t need to ask her to know. With good teamwork, it didn''t take long until Li Caiyi finished packing her things. She had also changed her pajama into a in t-shirt with a thick cotton sweater above it and a pair of long,fortable-looking ck pants.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m still reluctant to let you go," Li Chunhua couldn''t help herself and blurt out. "Why do you agree to leave the house anyway? I don''t like this a bit."

    Li Caiyi chuckled and patted her sister''s head to reassure her. "Don''t worry, this will only be temporary, and we will still meet in the school anyway."

    "....I think I''m starting to understand what you mean about Father. I don''t think there is anything wrong with a father disciplining his children before, but nowˇ­I don''t know anymore." Li Chunhua grabbed a handful of her hair and clutched it tightly.

    "Xiaohua, you don''t have to force yourself to understand. Just take it slowly, and you will reach your answer soon," Li Caiyi tenderly pried her hand open and squeezed it.

    "Please watch over Mother while I''m away."

    "Yes, of course!" Li Chunhua nodded firmly. "By the way, have you decided where will you stay tonight?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi pondered for a while. "As far as I know, Feng Nian has a lot of family members in her house, and Chen Run lived a little too far from here. The most usible option is Zhao Ya''s, but I''m afraid I will inconvenience her too because her house is a restaurant, after all."

    Li Chunhua stared at Li Caiyi''s troubled face when an idea suddenly came to her. "I know a good ce! It''s not too far, with fewer people, and definitely has room for you!"

    "Really? You know such a ce?"

    Li Chunhua grinned from ear to ear. "Let me call that person first to confirm things. Just wait, I will prepare a good ce for you to sleep tonight!"

    ***

    Li Caiyi nned to leave Li family''s house sooner orter, but she didn''t expect it to happen so suddenly, and with her family member sending her off too at that. Definitely not the kind of parting she had in mind.

    With her suitcase in hand, Li Caiyi bade goodbye to her mother.

    "Xiaoyi, have you brought your toiletries? What about nkets and towels? And your school stuff?" Su Suyin tightened Li Caiyi''s jacket to keep her body as warm as possible.

    Li Caiyi smiled. "I have all of them in my suitcase or my backpack. Don''t worry, Mother."

    "Where are you going to stay tonight?"

    Actually, she hadn''t heard about it yet, so she nced at Li Chunhua, who had already prepared the answer.

    "Unfortunately, Li Caiyi''s friends couldn''t be reached right now, so I asked one of my friends about it, and she agreed with me."

    Su Suyin sighed in relief. "Really? What''s her name and where is her house? I should thank her for epting our Xiaoyiter."

    "Mom, it''s already gotten sote. I will tell you thatter. For now, I will apany Xiaoyi to my friend''s house."

    "Then, take your brother with you. It''s very dangerous to have two vulnerable girls wandering outside thiste."

    "The ce is very close, it only takes 10 minutes to drive from here, and we will take a taxi there. Don''t worry, Mom!" Li Chunhua winked and dragged Li Caiyi outside before they would get questioned again. "We are leaving first, then!"

    "Be careful!" Su Suyin waved her hand, hoping that everything would turn out alright.

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhua couldn''t help but feel excited about this. Li Caiyi, who sat beside her in the taxi, was curious why she would grin so happily.

    "Xiaohua, you seem to be in a good mood. What''s wrong?"

    Li Chunhua giggled mysteriously. "You will know once you get there."

 Chapter 220 What The Hell Is Going On Here?

    "When I said you should save the joy for the real deal, I didn''t mean toe to my house to see it immediately, you know?"

    Standing in front of the twins right now was Shao Jingfei, who had an utterly shocked expression on his face. Especially when he saw Li Caiyi dragging a mini-suitcase behind her.

    "Are you guys going somewhere? But why are you here?" Shao Jingfei tilted his head in confusion.

    Li Chunhua smiled smugly as though she had juste up with the most brilliant idea. In contrast, Li Caiyi smiled awkwardly at Shao Jingfei, looking as lost as he was.

    "Xiaoyi will use the spare room in your house temporarily. You said there is an empty room upstairs, right?" Li Chunhua folded his arms in front of her body and dered it in a matter-of-factly tone, rendering Shao Jingfei speechless.

    "Wait, so that''s why you suddenly called me and asked so many things randomly. It was all for this?!"

    Li Chunhua harrumphed. "What else? There is a situation at home, so I will let you watch over my sister for a while. But don''t you dare do anything funny to her, or I will hunt you down to the end of the world!"

    Shao Jingfei kept opening and closing his mouth several times, conflicted about what to say. His mind couldn''t process everything at once.

    Li Caiyi sighed at the sight because she was sure that Li Chunhua was probably acting on her whim again. Shao Jingfei must have not been informed yet about her arrival. No wonder he was bbergasted.

    "Jingfei, I''m really sorry about this. If it''s too much of a bother, please don''t hesitate to say it. I can just stay at the hotel for tonight." Li Caiyi said apologetically.

    "Caiyi, can you exin to me first what the hell is going on here? I''m so confused right now. I need an exnation."

    "Hey, don''t ask her that. I will exin to youter!" Li Chunhua tried to stop Shao Jingfei, but Li Caiyi shook her head.

    "No, it''s okay, Xiaohua. Jingfei has the right to know if he will be the one who amodates me. I don''t mind at all."

    Li Chunhua was unhappy but decided to agree for now. Meanwhile, Li Caiyi began to tell Shao Jingfei the gist of the situation.

    At the end of her exnation, Shao Jingfei sighed loudly. "Now I understand the situation. I''d appreciate it if you guys could tell me that from the beginning, though."

    "Sorry, everything happened too fast, and I didn''t expect Xiaohua to bring me to your ce."

    Li Caiyi shot a disapproving look at her sister, which responded with a grimace by thetter.

    "No, it''s okay. It''s justˇ­ Are you sure it will be okay? Sure, there will be a lot of cats here, so we wouldn''t be exactly alone, but I''m the only human here, and I''m a man." Shao Jingfei scratched his cheek awkwardly, finding it difficult to express his thought, "If you know what I mean?"

    "Everything would be fine as long as you keep your hand to yourself," Li Chunhua said.

    The boy quickly defended himself when he felt Li Chunhua''s judging gaze. "Hey, don''t get me wrong! Of course, I won''t do anything to Caiyi. I was worried that she would be ufortable staying under the same roof as me."

    Shao Jingfei mulled over it for a while before an idea came to him.

    "That''s right! Why don''t you ask Senior Meng for help? His ce should be much morefortable than my shabby ce, and there would be his family and servants too, isn''t that right?"<sub> </sub>

    Shao Jingfei thought he hade up with a brilliant idea, but upon noticing Li Caiyi''s crooked smile, his enthusiasm dissipated. Beside Li Caiyi, Li Chunhua shook her head helplessly and mouthed the word ''stupid'' at him.

    Then Shao Jingfei remembered Meng Renshu''s rejected confession the other day and felt like he had suggested something uneptable.

    "On second thought, that is probably a bad idea because it will be a pain in the neck to keep our manners in a strict household like that. Haha, yeah, that''s a bad idea."

    "Jingfei, as long as I can get a space for myself, I don''t mind sharing the ce with you. It would be convenient too because I can discuss my novel with you more often now."

    "Well, if you don''t mind with my ce, I don''t particrly mind, either. It''s nice having another human apany me in this house." He grinned widely as he rolled his long sleeves to his elbow.

    "Then let me clean the ce for a bit. It was supposed to be a spare bedroom, but I used it as a storage room because it was unused. Both of you can wait here for a moment and rx."

    "Thank you, Jingfei. I feel like I have inconvenienced you a lot. Do you need help with cleaning? We can help you." Li Caiyi said guiltily.

    "Haha, don''t worry. I will only need to move some stuff and clean up for a bit. And I''m happy if I can help a friend in need, so you don''t have to feel bad for me. Anyway, I''m off to clean now."

    After that, Shao Jingfei entered a door in the back of the counter and disappeared behind it. Li Caiyi was grateful that Shao Jingfei was such an easy-going person. Although he demanded an exnation, he didn''t try to pry deeper than necessary and immediately agreed once Li Caiyi mentioned she was having a fight with her father.

    Now, if only Li Chunhua had told them about this arrangement beforehand, this confusion wouldn''t happen in the first ce.

    "Xiaohua, what are you thinking? No matter how tolerant Shao Jingfei is, barging into his house in the middle of the night without prior notice is rude. You should have at least told me about it so I could talk to him first." Li Caiyi reprimanded her sister sternly.

    "But, I don''t know if you will agree to stay with him if I tell you beforehandˇ­."

    "That goes both ways. What if we make Jingfei ufortable and feel pressured to help us because wee here uninvited?"

    "No, he will 100% agree. I bet all my fortune on it."

    "How can you be so sure about that?"

    "He is your fan, Xiaoyi. That is the only reason I reluctantly ept his ce as the temporary shelter for you." Li Chunhua pouted. "I know he won''t do anything to you, so you can rx and take a rest here."

    ? "No, it''s not like I doubt him or anything. Even if he is not my fan, I know he isn''t interested in me that way, so I''m not worried at all."

    "You are too na?ve! Even though he looksid back, never let your guard down around a guy!"

    "You are contradicting yourself. What do you want me to do?" Li Caiyi shook her head to end this pointless conversation.

    In a positive light, this meant that Li Chunhua trusted Shao Jingfei enough to even rmend his ce to be her shelter for a while. This made Li Caiyi even more curious regarding when and how both of them get closer.

    "Xiaohua, what is your rtionship with Jingfei?"

 Chapter 221 Letting Her Stay On A Friends (?) Place

    Li Chunhua sat on the couch beside Li Caiyi as she looked around in boredom. She wondered if the cats were hiding somewhere in the cafe? Or perhaps Shao Jingfei had a separate room where he kept them because she hadn''t seen any of them since earlier.

    Usually, Yue would greet her by rubbing its head on her leg, but she couldn''t see that kitty anywhere.

    Li Chunhua was tempted to check on the space below the couch when her sister suddenly questioned her.

    "Xiaohua, what is your rtionship with Jingfei?"

    It took Li Chunhua a few seconds before she could respond. "It''s not what you think."

    "Eh? But you two seem so close."

    "Not really, we asionally talk, but that''s it." Li Chunhua replied while ying with the edge of her hair.

    "Is that so? But you looked like you werefortable being around him. You don''t even try to pretend to be a good girl before him." Li Caiyi chuckled.

    "That''s because such an act won''t work against him. Did you forget we had fought as soon as we met? Even if I try to use that trick on him, it won''t fool him, so why should I bother?"

    "Well, they say that friends who truly get along are usually the ones who bicker a lot." Li Caiyi said in a teasing tone.

    "Maybe, but those who bicker a lot don''t necessarily mean friends." Li Chunhua countered.

    Li Caiyi felt strange because she was sure that Shao Jingfei treated her sister as one of his cherished friends. However, seeing Li Chunhua was so adamant in denying the fact, Li Caiyi thought that perhaps her sister was just too shy to admit it.

    "Friends or not, it doesn''t change the fact that Jingfei is a good guy. You should restrain yourself and not trouble him anymore in the future."

    "....I know," Li Chunhua grumbled sulkily.

    Li Caiyi smiled meaningfully when Li Chunhua didn''t deny the ''good guy'' part. It answered many of her questions, and she felt happy for her sister, who slowly ventured out of her bubble. There was a chance that Li Chunhua''s positive changes these days were thanks to Shao Jingfei''s influence.

    There was no Shao Jingfei in the twins'' life in her previous life, so it amazed Li Caiyi how a connection with a person could bring a significant change to another person''s life. It was so simple, yet hard to understand sometimes.

    "It''s a miracle, indeedˇ­."

    "Hmm? Did you say something, Xiaoyi?"

    "Nothing." Li Caiyi shook her head with a profound smile adorning her lips.

    ***

    After 15 minutes, Shao Jingfei, who looked slightly messier, came out of the door behind the counter and walked over to the twins.

    "Sorry for waiting. The room is ready now. Let me help you bring your stuff upstairs."

    Shao Jingfei reached out to help Li Caiyi with her suitcase, but she quickly slid it to her other side.

    "No, it''s okay. It''s not heavy at all, so I can bring this myself. Thanks for your offer."

    "Well, if you are sure. Shall we go then?" Shao Jingfei grinned, with some sweats glistened on his forehead.

    There were stairs leading to the second floor beyond the door behind the counter, and Shao Jingfei slowly led the twins upstairs. The floor was made from wood, creating a distinct creaking sound as they stepped on it.

    The first thing Li Caiyi saw after they arrived on the second floor was a small living room on their left side, with a couch, small table, and TV on it. The floor n was very simple since there was no wall separating the living room and what Li Caiyi assumed was a working area. On their right side was a study desk with a PC and bookshelves filled with books and files.<sub> </sub>

    If they passed through, Li Caiyi could see three doors on the second floor, and Shao Jingfei led them to one farthest from the stairs.

    "You can use this room temporarily." He said as he opened the door for the twins, revealing a small white-painted room with a bed and a wardrobe in it. The size was half of Li Caiyi''s room in her house and seemed so empty at a nce, but at least it was clean.

    Li Caiyi didn''t mind the bareness and turned toward Shao Jingfei gratefully.

    "Thank you for preparing a room for me."

    "Haha, I actually feel bad because I can''t give you a better room. This was supposed to be a staff resting room, but you can use this since there is no part-timer yet."

    Li Chunhua looked around to inspect the room, and the floor made a creaking sound whenever she moved. She cringed so hard hearing that sound.

    "I think you should repair the floor. It creaks too much and feels like it can break anytime." Li Chunhuamented.

    "Hmm, the cafe is not popr enough, and there is no one but me here to use the space, so I don''t think I need to repair it for now." Shao Jingfei replied.

    "How do you expect to seed in business with thatid-back attitude?"

    "Geez, cut me some ck, okay? I barely make a living here," Shao Jingfei groaned.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi, who slowly picked up the information piece by piece, gasped in shock when a realization hit her.

    "Jingfei, you owned this ce?! Even the cafe downstairs?"

    "You didn''t tell her that?" Shao Jingfei nced at Li Chunhua.

    Thetter shrugged her shoulders. "I thought she already knew, even without me exining anything."

    "How am I supposed to know about that? I thought this cafe belonged to the Shao family or somethingˇ­." Li Caiyi said in awe.

    Li Chunhua sneaked a peek at Shao Jingfei''s expression when her sister mentioned the Shao family, but there was no visible change in his expression.

    "Well, it can''t be helped if you think like that, but I rented this ce cheaply, using the payment I got from working as an ''unofficial'' editor."

    Listening to his exnation, Li Caiyi was even more convinced that there must be some kind of backstory between Shao Jingfei and the Shao family now. Not only did Li Caiyi never hear that the current head of the Shao family had another son, the fact that Shao Jingfei lived here alone despiteing from a wealthy family reeked of fishy smell everywhere.

    She could also faintly sense that the atmosphere had turned awkward somehow. Perhaps she shouldn''t have brought up the matter of his family.

    Li Chunhua pped her hand once to break the silence, "Okay, now that my task is finished, I will return home first. Xiaoyi, send me off downstairs first."

    "O-okayˇ­"

    "You don''t have toe. Just take a rest. You look like you had just run a marathon," Li Chunhua said to Shao Jingfei, who looked like he was about to follow.

    The boy smiled thankfully at Li Chunhua before waving his hand. "See you at school tomorrow."

    After the twins left the room, Shao Jingfei plopped down on the bed as he rubbed his temple.

    "What did I just sign myself into? I shouldn''t have let her stay here." He muttered in a low voice. "But I can''t just ask her to leave after hearing her situation. Hopefully, nothing will go wrong."

 Chapter 222 Finding Him In The Crowd

    Li Caiyi went downstairs with Li Chunhua and walked with her to a more crowded street so she could stop a cab. While walking, Li Chunhua suddenly talked in a serious tone.

    "Xiaoyi, it might be better not to mention his family before him."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head with no surprise shown on her face. "Yeah, I know. I suppose you already know about his history because you even warned me about it?"

    "Don''t have any weird ideas again. I identally knew about it, okay?" Li Chunhua sighed. "But why do you seem like you know what I was talking about?"

    "Honestly, I know nothing about Jingfei, but I could feel that the atmosphere didn''t feel quite right earlier after mentioning the Shao family."

    "Yeah." Li Chunhua paused briefly. "Xiaoyi, will youe back to the house?"

    "Huh?" Her question caught Li Caiyi off guard. She nned to leave, but of course, after settling everything first, or else she wouldn''t feelfortable when she left. "Of course, I will."

    Li Chunhua nodded. "Alright, I feel relieved now. You don''t have to walk with me anymore. I can walk alone from here by myself."

    "Will you really be okay?"

    "The street is just ahead of that corner. I''ll be fine."

    "Then be careful on your way. Call me if anything happens."

    "See you tomorrow, Xiaoyi." Li Chunhua bade her goodbye before walking away.

    Li Caiyi said she would let her go alone, but as expected, she couldn''t calm down if she didn''t witness her sister drive away in a taxi with her own eyes, so she secretly followed her. Only after Li Chunhua got in the cab did Li Caiyi go back to Shao Jingfei''s ce.

    As she walked, she noticed that this part of the city looked exceptionally bright around this time. Shao Jingfei''s cafe was located in an inconspicuous alley in a busy street filled with restaurants and bars. Usually, people wouldn''t know there was even an alley here.

    Li Caiyi felt that Shao Jingfei probably chose a poor location for his cafe. With so many other attractive ces like this, people wouldn''t have time to check on the deserted alley where his cafe was. She knew little about business, but she at least knew that much.

    Since this was a rare chance, Li Caiyi took her time looking around. The street was crowded with people walking in a group, and there were many couples walking arm in arm since this street was filled with good dating spots or hang-out ces.

    Li Caiyi made sure to walk on the inner side of the street so she wouldn''t get sshed by the puddle of water when a car passed by.

    Li Caiyi was admiring some essories disyed on the stall on the roadside when a person ran past her and bumped into her. Thankfully, she got a good bnce and didn''t fall face-first onto the wet street. The one who bumped into her didn''t apologize before disappearing into the crowd.

    "How rude," Li Caiyi grumbled in annoyance. No matter how much in a hurry you were, how could he just go away without apologizing after crashing into someone?

    Li Caiyi nced in the direction where the man came from out of curiosity. Her gaze fixed on a crowded-looking bar, which was only a few meters from where she stood. It was named Rose Bar, and she could hear faint disco music and people''sughter from within.

    "Did he juste out of that ce? Don''t tell me he is the type who drinks without paying." Li Caiyi sneered before deciding that she should go back to Shao Jingfei''s ce soon.<sub> </sub>

    "Have you found him yet?!"

    "No, it seems he had run away."

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t believe her ears when she heard that extremely familiar voice from behind her. It was a voice she had longed to hear for the past week. She spun her body instantly, and her eyes wildly searched for that figure among the crowds.

    When she couldn''t see him, she thought that she probably had misheard since that kind of coincidence was too good to be true.

    Until she saw a familiar-looking back wearing a ck suit entering the bar she had just examined.

    "Zhiqiang!" Li Caiyi called out to him, but her voice was drowned among the other voices in the crowd.

    "Zhiqiang, wait!"

    She painstakingly tried to move closer while trying not to bump into anyone. Her hand reached out as if she could catch him like that, but that figure quickly disappeared from her sight as he entered the Rose Bar.

    Li Caiyi had never felt this frustrated and forcefully squeezed her way through, incurring some people''s irk on the way, but she didn''t care.

    When she finally got away from that, she went straight towards the bar entrance and was about to storm in when two bulky men wearing ck suits stood in her way.

    "Excuse me, Miss. Please pardon our rudeness, but you don''t seem old enough to enter a ce like this. May we see your ID card first?"

    "Huh? Ohˇ­"

    At this moment, Li Caiyi remembered she wasn''t an adult anymore who could easily go in and out of ces like this, but an underage kid. She must have looked like a kid trying to y in an adult ce, but she couldn''t afford to step back now.

    Li Caiyi was sure she witnessed Dai Zhiqiang entering this ce, but how could he enter while also being underaged? The security didn''t stop him earlier.

    "Miss? Are you really underage? If that''s the case, we are very sorry, but we can''t let you enter, or we''ll get into trouble. Please leave."

    "Uhm, I actually saw my friende in just now. If I can''te in, do you think you can check if it is really my friend who has just entered? He has been missing for days, and I have to know if it''s really him or not!"

    The bodyguards exchanged nces with each other before they shook their heads. "Many people areing and going every minute, and we couldn''t possibly identify our guests one by one."

    "No, I''m sure my friend works here since he wore the same outfit as you! Wouldn''t that mean he is an employee here, too?"

    One of the bodyguards scrutinized Li Caiyi''s face and appearance before asking, "If you don''t mind me asking, what is your friend''s name? We may know who he is."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Yes! His name is Dai Zhiqiang."

 Chapter 223 I Donâ€™t Know Her

    Meanwhile, inside the Rose Bar.

    The sound of the music inside the room and the smell of alcohol everywhere made Dai Zhiqiang''s head throb. Although his condition had yet to return to normal, he didn''t expect his body to be this weak after days of bed rest.

    In the past few days, Ye Huizhong ordered that no one should disturb him. They also prohibited him from using his phone after informing his family and friends about his safety. Dai Zhiqiang was unhappy with this arrangement, but thanks to that, he recuperated well and could move around now, albeit he couldn''t do any heavy activities yet.

    Standing beside Dai Zhiqiang was a bald man with the same outfit. He looked even more menacing because he wore ck sunsses and a gold chain-shaped ne. Upon noticing Dai Zhiqiang''s staggering step, he reflexively supported him.

    "That''s why I said you should let the others handle that one. The Boss specifically said you are prohibited from moving around too much." The bald man scolded him.

    "Senior Lin, I''m fine." Dai Zhiqiang steadied his body before continuing, "This is my first day returning to work, so I need to get ustomed to the atmosphere again."

    Although this ce was named Rose Bar, it felt more like a nightclub. There were separate rooms on the second floor where the guests could have fun privately in a room, but the ground floor was mostly the dance area. If the guests preferred the more secluded ce where they could drink peacefully while leisurely ying games like billiards or darts, they could go to the basement for that.

    Dai Zhiqiang was one of the securities here, a special one since usually an underage kid wouldn''t be allowed to enter.

    "Why are you even forcing yourself when nobody asks you to work? If I were you, I would just take my rest time with open arms." Senior Lin shook his head helplessly.

    The younger man knew he was reckless, but he had to show Ye Huizhong he was okay, or he wouldn''t be allowed to return.

    He had to return as quickly as possible when lots of people were waiting for him.

    "I''m really fine, Senior Lin. There''s no need to worry about me," He said while slowly prying his hand off his arm.

    "You cheeky brat! Don''t act tough in front of your seniors, and just rest for a bit! You should treat your body better while you are still young."

    "I can''t rest when the other seniors diligently do their work." Dai Zhiqiang stubbornly refused.

    Senior Lin sighed, wondering how many times they repeated the same conversation tonight. Dai Zhiqiang not only had a stubborn body but also a stubborn mind. No one could make him change his mind except for Ye Huizhong. Some people might think he was a hard worker, but the way he went against the senior''s order could also easily misunderstand as arrogance.

    Honestly, Senior Lin was also like that until a few days ago. He thought Dai Zhiqiang was just a lucky kid with great pride, but when that same kid bowed his head gratefully to him after he woke up, it actually moved Senior Lin.

    He expected Dai Zhiqiang to snort at their hampered interrogating progress, but who would have thought that arrogant kid who used to challenge them boldly actually thanked them for solving themotion caused by him?

    Everyone knew the incident was none of Dai Zhiqiang''s fault. Anyone would react the same if they noticed a person trying to spike some illegal drugs into the drinks and ruin the group''s reputation. However, Dai Zhiqiang insisted that he could have handled it better by relying on other seniors first before making a move.

    After that one time, some people changed their opinion about him, but Senior Lin would rather die than admit it.

    "Are you looking down on us? You think we can''t do anything without you?" Senior Lin said without anger in his voice. "If you want to be considerate, then listen to your senior for once, you brat."

    Dai Zhiqiang touched her abdomen, and he could still feel the bandage under his clothes. Perhaps he should take his advice for once.

    "Then, I''ll take on your offer, Senior Lin. Please tell me if there''s anything I can help with."<sub> </sub>

    "You are seriously too harsh on yourself. Fine, just go." Senior Lin shooed him away with a wave of his hand.

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed before making his way to the stairs leading to the basement. If he wanted to rest, he needed to use the staff''s room located in the basement. When he was about to head down, he felt someone tapping him on the shoulder.

    "Hey, wait."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s whole body was alerted as he jerked his head, only to find the security from the outside stood behind him. His body visibly loosened before he asked, "What is it?"

    "Someone is looking for you outside."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised in wonder. "Someone is looking for me? Who?"

    "She said she is your friend and asked us to help her call you out. Her name is Li Caiyi; do you have any idea who that is?"

    Dai Zhiqiang stiffened when he heard that name. It was hard to restrain himself from not contacting her while he was recuperating, and now this man said Li Caiyi was waiting for him outside the bar?

    "How did she know this ce?" Dai Zhiqiang muttered, half-surprised and half-confused.

    "Do you know that girl? If yes, I need to ask you to make her leave, because she insisted she wants to meet you. The boss strictly forbade us to use violence unless forced, so we are in a bind here."

    Dai Zhiqiang fell into silence before decisively saying, "No, I don''t know her."

    "Are you sure? She looked pretty desperate and pitiful, begging us to let you know she is outside."

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his fist. "Just tell her she mistook me for someone else. There is no one named Dai Zhiqiang here."

    "Kid, is she your girlfriend or something? If you have a fight, then settle it between the two of you properly. I''m saying this from my experience." The security guard advised him before an idea hit him. "Or could it be you didn''t tell her anything about your job?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    Silence means eptance. The security guard let out a sympathetic sigh. "Sigh, youngsters these days. Fine, I''ll cook up something for you. You should at least try to talk to her, though. She looked distraught."

    "I know. Please do that, and thank you," Dai Zhiqiang replied weakly.

    "Then, I''ll leave now. Hang in there, kid."

    After that man had left, instead of heading downstairs as he nned to, Dai Zhiqiang ran upstairs and quickly looked outside the window from a particr spot, which enabled him to see the front entrance clearly.

    He moved so fast that the wound in his abdomen throbbed painfully because he overexerted himself. However, he paid no heed, and that pain slowly dissipated when he glimpsed the girl who had kept haunting him in his dreamtely, and he couldn''t take his eyes off of her figure.

 Chapter 224 Wanting To Return To Her

    Li Caiyi blew her freezing hand so it would feel less cold before stuffing it inside her jacket. It was almost summer, but the wind blew strongly tonight because of the storm. This somehow brought a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.

    She once met Shen Qiang identally in the same weather, like a fateful meeting. Now, he found Dai Zhiqiang, whom she had been longing for and searching for days in the same kind of weather, too. It seemed like everything Dai Zhiqiang did constantly reminded her of Shen Qiang.

    Li Caiyi looked up at the bar sign on top of the entrance and couldn''t help but think about what kind of job Dai Zhiqiang would probably do in this ce?

    If he really was an employee here, it would exin why he couldn''t tell his family about it. She had a few assumptions but thought she should first ask Dai Zhiqiang.

    Li Caiyi waited for the security guard to return while leaning her back against the wall beside the front door. She didn''t care even if some people who came in or went out sneaked a weird nce at her and only stood there in silence. If she was lucky, then she would meet Dai Zhiqiang soon.

    When the security guard she had been waiting for came back, Li Caiyi perked up and ran over to him immediately.

    "Mister, how is it? Where is Dai Zhiqiang?" Li Caiyi peeked behind him but saw no one.

    "I''m sorry, but no guy with that name works here. Please return home soon, or your parents will be worried."

    "No, that can''t be! I was sure I saw him enter this ce." Li Caiyi insisted.

    The security guard frowned. "Please don''t cause trouble here because everyone here is busy and has no time dealing with a little girl like you. We have done you enough favor by checking into our employee, so don''t force us to make you leave."

    Li Caiyi pressed her lips into a hard line as she swallowed the words that had already been on the tip of her tongue. As much as she still wanted to retort, going against this man here wasn''t good.

    "I understand. I''m sorry for troubling you. Please excuse me."

    The security guard scoffed before walking away. Li Caiyi, who was left alone, could only leave while tightening her jacket. For some reason, she suddenly felt colder than before.

    Was it really a mistake? But she was pretty sure it was Dai Zhiqiang she had just heard and seen.

    Li Caiyi looked up at the building, which seemed full of life and glowed in the night, shrouded by clouds for thest time before she left in disappointment.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang, who had been watching the scene from the second floor, had to resist the urge to run down and grab that girl. She walked while hugging herself, looking extremely cold and lonely in the middle of a crowded street.

    Why did she wander around outside in such thin clothes? She should at least wear anotheryer and a scarf too. When her small figure disappeared into the crowd, it filled Dai Zhiqiang with an indescribable emotion. He didn''t want her to know he was working here, but at the same time, he also couldn''t bear to see her sad.

    How he wished he could gaze at her longer. He missed her so much that it was unbearable.

    Dai Zhiqiang became even more determined to work harder and returned to her as soon as possible. He initially nned to take his senior''s advice andy down for an hour or so, but now, he didn''t feel like doing that anymore.

    He cast ast nce at the crowd below before turning away and going downstairs again.

    ***<sub> </sub>

    "Where have you been? I thought some taxi driver had kidnapped you!"

    Li Caiyi had to take a step backward when Shao Jingfei yelled at her as soon as she stepped inside.

    "I asked Chunhua, and she said she parted ways with you before taking the cab, so she didn''t know where you were. You made us worried sick!"

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheeks awkwardly before letting out a dryugh. "Haha, I was distracted by the busy street and somehow got swept up in the crowd."

    "That''s dangerous, you know. There are a lot of gangsters and molesters on this street, so you need to be extra careful. Then again, why didn''t you bring your phone with you? So careless!"

    "I''m sorryˇ­." Li Caiyi said remorsefully, inwardly reminding herself not to agitate Shao Jingfei next time because he could nag very well.

    Li Caiyi had to listen to his lecture for around 15 minutes before he took a deep breath and dropped the matter.

    "Now, you have to convince your sister not to murder me because she was furious when I told her you haven''te back yet."

    "Oh, alright." Li Caiyi wasn''t ready for another lecture, so she nned to send Li Chunhua some textter.

    Shao Jingfei still wanted to lecture her but canceled his n when he saw her shoulders shivering. He sighed helplessly.

    "Aren''t you cold? Let''s go upstairs, where it''s warmer first."

    "Yes!"

    Li Caiyi had been waiting for that. The cafe felt chilly, and she couldn''t wait to wrap herself in a nket.

    "Go upstairs first. I''ll make a ss of warm tea for you."

    "I''m very sorry about thisˇ­." Li Caiyi couldn''t even pretend to act polite anymore because she was indeed craving something warm right now.

    "Yes, yes. Just warm yourself up first."

    Li Caiyi went upstairs first and was soothed when the warm air inside seeped into her frozen skin. She nned to return to her room first but stopped in her tracks when she noticed the PC was on.

    Curiosity beckoned her to walk over and peaked at the monitor. She noticed that Shao Jingfei was probably chatting with someone when he noticed Li Caiyi took too long toe back. Li Caiyi didn''t mean to read the chat, but her eyes automatically fell into the person''s ID he chatted with.

    "Big brotherˇ­" Li Caiyi muttered it out under her breath butter decided she shouldn''t look into it further. "It''s none of my business."

    Although she said that, Li Caiyi''s mind connected two with the two and formed a conclusion in her mind, which she wouldn''t dare say aloud. It seemed Shao Jingfei and she had a lot of simrities, more than she thought.

 Chapter 225 Meng Renshus Fury (1)

    The following day, the first thing Li Caiyi did was check her phone. This had be her daily routine every day. She didn''t do that to check on the time but to check if someone had texted her or not.

    Like the other morning, Li Caiyi had to swallow her disappointment when there was still no news from Dai Zhiqiang. However, she received a lot of messages from Li Chunhua.

    Li Caiyi decided to check itter and opted to prepare herself for school first.

    It didn''t take a long time for her to finish preparing herself. She could faintly hear some voicesing from downstairs, so she went down after she was ready.

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect to be greeted with dozens of fluffy cats as soon as she arrived. Her heart melted when some of them rubbed their head lovingly on her leg.

    "So cute!"

    She crouched down and gave each of them a pat on the head with an adoring smile on her face.

    "Haha, so you like cats."

    Shao Jingfei appeared beside her with an apron covering his school uniform and two bowls of cat food in his hand. The cats immediately jumped away from Li Caiyi to crowd around Shao Jingfei, who immediately gave them their breakfast.

    "Good morning, Jingfei."

    "Yeah, good morning. Let''s eat breakfast first, then we can go to school together."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head, and both of them had a pleasant breakfast together. After they finished, Shao Jingfei made sure he had locked the door properly before going to school immediately. They walked to the school together since the distance wasn''t that far off and arrived after 20 minutes of walking.

    "Oh? Look who is waiting for you so early in the morning." Shao Jingfei chuckled.

    Li Caiyi followed his line of sight and found Li Chunhua, who was standing in front of the school gate while asionally ncing around as though waiting for someone.

    "I have already said not to wait for me. She is not listening to me at all." Li Caiyi said helplessly.

    "Looking at you two reminded me of sticky rice sometimes because you are too close and inseparable."

    "It''s not necessarily a good thing, actually. Because of that, our world bes small, and we keep chasing after each other in a circleˇ­." Li Caiyi''s words trailed off when Li Chunhua noticed their arrival. She waved her hand with a bright smile on her face.

    A small smile escaped Li Caiyi''s lips before she added, "But I can''t seem to leave her alone. I''m sure she also feels the same as me. I''m thrilled knowing she has someone she can trust besides her family now. Thank you, Jingfei."

    "Now, you will make me blush if you say that. I totally thought she hated me at some point. Maybe because she thinks I''m stupid and annoying."

    "Haha, I don''t think so. Trust me." Li Caiyi said before waving back at Li Chunhua.

    "You guys are so slow!" Li Chunhuained as soon as they walked over.

    "My babies didn''t let me go, so I have to coax them to let me go. I''m just that popr." Shao Jingfei smiled smugly.

    "Hmph, I don''t really care about you. I just can''t sit still before I make sure Xiaoyi is fine. It''s your fault for making me panicst night."

    "How is it my fault again?" Shao Jingfei groaned.

    Li Caiyi giggled at their friendly bickering. "Xiaohua, you came even earlier than usual. Did Brother Jie alsoe with you?"

    "No, he said I could go ahead if I wanted to." Li Chunhua harrumphed. "I can''t believe him. How can he be so calm and not even slightly worried about you? He is heartless!"

    "Well, it would be scarier if he suddenly showed concern for me."

    "....Fair point." Li Chunhua nodded her head.

    "What are you guys doing gathering in front of the gate so early in the morning?"

    The trio turned their heads simultaneously to the source of the voice and saw Meng Renshu walking toward them with a smile on his lips. However, that smile didn''t reach his eyes, as it radiated coldness she had never seen from him.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was stiffened when his gaze fell on her. She could sense that something unpleasant would happen soon.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry this is so sudden, but can we talk for a bit?" He asked, without even bothering to greet Shao Jingfei.

    "I-If there is something you want to say, then just say it here," Li Caiyi answered.

    "No, can''t do. I need to speak with you ALONE." Meng Renshu emphasized thest word, making Shao Jingfei and Li Chunhua exchange a confused nce at each other.

    Li Caiyi studied Meng Renshu''s expression and knew that he wouldn''t take a no as an answer, so she reluctantly let Shao Jingfei and Li Chunhua first before turning her head to Meng Renshu.

    "Brother Renshu, what do you want to talk to me about?"

    "Not here." Meng Renshu grabbed her hand and pulled her to follow him. "I want to speak without disturbance."

    Li Caiyi groaned inwardly and wanted to hide her face when she noticed many students were staring at them. Meng Renshu didn''t seem to care and brought her to the backyard garden before he let go of her hand.

    "What do you want to talk to me about so early in the morning?"

    "You, why don''t youe to my ce? Where did you stayst night?" Meng Renshu asked with a hint of dismay and agitation in his tone.

    Li Caiyi rubbed her arms ufortably under his demanding gaze before replying, "Brother Renshu, this has nothing to do with you."

    "I already heard the gist of the story from Xiaohua and Junjie. I just want to ask, why don''t youe to my ce instead?"

    "How can I do that? I''m not that senseless to impose on you afterˇ­.everything. And it would be ufortable for me as well."

    "Xiaoyi, you remember when I said you cane to me whenever you are in trouble, right?"

    "Yeah, but I don''t remember ever agreeing to that! Everything happened so suddenlyst night, so I jumped on the first option avable."

    "Then? Where is this first option you are talking about? I saw you came to the school with that boy earlier. Don''t tell me you stayed at his ce?" Meng Renshu''s eyes narrowed down dangerously as he asked that.

    ? His face darkened so much it scared her. The pressure she got from him was no joke.

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She didn''t feel there was anything wrong with staying with Shao Jingfei since nothing would have happened. Despite knowing that, she couldn''t bring herself to say it, as she was afraid of provoking him further.

    Meng Renshu perceived her silence as an admission. His countenance became so ugly that no one would consider him pretty if one saw his face now.

    "Xiaoyi, you know I have a way to find out, even if you don''t tell me anything. I advised you to confess everything truthfully before I handle this my way."

    "W-why should I tell you that? I already said it is none of your business."

    "So you really want me to use force, huh?" Meng Renshu sneered. "Fine, if you are not telling me, don''teining to me about what happenedter."

    "What are you nning to do?" Li Caiyi was alerted by his scary smile and asked in a panic.

    "I don''t know. Maybe I should tell Auntie and Uncle about this? Let''s see if you can still stay there or not."

    "Y-you are threatening me again!"

    "Xiaoyi, my patience is limited. How do you expect me to react when I know the girl I like spending a night with another guy? I''m very irritated right now, so please don''t agitate me any further than this."

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

 Chapter 226 Meng Renshus Fury (2)

    He finally said it directly. The word that Li Caiyi didn''t want to hear the most.

    ''I like you'' is the word Li Caiyi didn''t expect or wanted to hear from Meng Renshu. When she heard those words slip out of his mouth, her body stiffened, and she just wanted to run away.

    "I-I have to go now." Li Caiyi turned around, nning to leave this ce as soon as possible. Being around him made her chest tighten, and it suffocated her.

    However, before she could take another step, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her shoulder and waist. A sturdy flesh pressed against her back tightly, and from the contact, Li Caiyi could feel his heart rumbling uncontrobly. With this position, forgot about moving; she even forgot how to breathe for a few seconds.

    "Don''t go."

    Meng Renshu''s voice slightly trembled as he whispered beside her ears, making her whole body tingle with a weird ticklish sensation.

    "I can''t stand it. I hate it so much when I see you arrive at school with that guy. But more than that, I feel terribly hurt when you avoid me like I''m a monster you have to get rid of in your life."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see his expression, but that was probably for the best because she wouldn''t know how to respond. His heart was beating so fast, and it slowly resonated with Li Caiyi''s own heartbeat. Every ce where their skins were touched felt like it was burning.

    "If I don''t like you, there''s no way I would feel like this. Xiaoyi, I like you more than you and I would ever have imagined."

    "Lies."

    That one word slipped out of her mouth before she could control it. She felt the whole situation was terribly ironic and ridiculous at the same time.

    In her previous life, she spent her whole life hiding one-sided feelings for this man, and he didn''t care. Now, when she decided not to have anything to do with him, he kept chasing after her, scratching the old wound she wanted to hide forever in the corner of her heart.

    "There is no wayˇ­ you will like me." Li Caiyi whispered in a broken voice.

    Her voice was fragile like she could break into pieces and be scattered by the wind. It took Meng Renshu aback, even more so when he felt her whole body trembling. He didn''t even realize her hold on her was loosened.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before adding, "Meng Renshu, I hate you. I tried to tolerate you, but I can''t continue being around you more than this, as expected. Your presence is like a thorn in my flesh, so I beg you, as your childhood friend, to not appear in front of me anymore."

    Meng Renshu could feel the severity in her tone, showing that she wasn''t joking around this time. His heart plummeted to the ground, knowing that she didn''t only reject him but was also fed up with him.

    <o>,m "Why do you hate me so much? I have been asking you this question repeatedly, but you never give me a clear answer. This is unfair to me. If you hate me, at least tell me the reason."</o>

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    What could she exin to him? She was disappointed because he didn''t believe her and pushed her away in her previous life? How absurd.

    "Is it because you think I''m in love with Xiaohua? Because you saw us kissing that day? Come to think of it, you started acting cold towards me ever since that day."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi could barely register what he was saying anymore because her head was dizzy from how suffocated her chest was.

    "Let''s just stop talking about this."

    "Or is it because you think I see you as a spare, just like what you said the other day?"

    Memories of her previous life and the current timeline ovepped in a split second, and her brain felt like it could explode.

    "Xiaoyi?"

    Meng Renshu called out to her when he noticed her strange condition. His heart almost stopped when the girl in his arms suddenly lost her footing and almost crumbled to the ground if not for his firm hold on her.

    "Xiaoyi!" Meng Renshu eximed in a panic, looking at her closed eyes and perspired forehead. Her brows furrowed as though he was battling against pain.

    He quickly felt her temperature by touching her forehead, but it was normal. Meaning that whatever caused her to copse like this was probably not a health condition.

    Meng Renshu didn''t want to waste any more time. He carefully picked up Li Caiyi''s body and carried her in a bridal style before running to the infirmary. His breath was short andbored as anxiety took over his mind.

    She felt so light in his arms that he was afraid she could disappear at any moment. It was an rming thought since he couldn''t even bear to imagine how his life would be without her by his side.

    "You will be safe. I will make sure of it." Meng Renshu chanted those words like a prayer repeatedly whilepletely ignoring themotion and gasps by other students who saw him running in panic while carrying Li Caiyi in his arms.

    ***

    Li Caiyi was enveloped by darkness. A cold one with no trace of light in sight. No one was around, and no sound could pierce through this nothingness.

    It was a dream she was familiar with. A dream where she felt like she was gazing at herself. Empty and gloomy.

    Being in this dreamforted her yet scared her at the same time. Because she didn''t know when that darkness would swallow her as a whole. She probably wouldn''t be able to wake up anymore then.

    Not that anyone would wait for her in real life.

    Since she was just a useless one. A spare. A substitute.

    There were times when she questioned herself, what is living and what is dead? Was living a life like you were a dead person even could be called a life anymore?

    Li Caiyi was tired, but she wouldn''t give up yet. Because there was still a glimmer of hope inside her.

 Chapter 227 Their First Night (1)

    The sound of themotion woke Li Caiyi up from her sleep. She stirred around on her bed before prying her eyes open. The first thing she saw was the pitch darkness of her room, but her eyes slowly got ustomed to it.

    Crash!!

    The loud sound of something crashing onto the ground made her sit up immediately. After fully regaining her wits, she quickly picked up her cardigan and wore it above her nightgown before hurrying outside the room.

    Themotion got louder as she marched over. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw Meng Renshu, whose suit was messy and wrinkled, sitting on the floor with his back pressed against the sofa''s leg. Beside him, pieces of ss fragments scattered, hinting at the source of the loud sound from earlier.

    Around him, a few maids respectfully gave way for Li Caiyi. One of the maids, who looked younger than the rest, gingerly walked over to Li Caiyi and reported the situation.

    "Madam, the Master came back in a drunken state. We tried to help him to his room, but he refused to move and identally made a vase fall down. The Master didn''t allow us toe closer, so we neither could help him up nor clean up the shards."

    Li Caiyi''s expression was grim when she heard that. "Why did nobody inform me about this as soon as you noticed he was in a terrible state?"

    "We are very sorry, Madam. We thought we could take care of this without needing to disturb your rest." The maid respectfully bowed to her, but Li Caiyi knew there was no sincerity in that apology.

    Everyone in the house knew what kind of rtionship Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu had. Every maid in this house would jump at a chance of appealing themselves in front of the Master of the house. For example, ''taking care'' of him while he was in the most vulnerable state, while his wife was peacefully sleeping.

    Li Caiyi was very unhappy and angry, but she knew that wasn''t the important issue right now. She walked carefully toward her husband, and the smell of strong alcohol hit her nose with each step she made.

    "Brother Renshu? Are you okay? It''s me." Li Caiyi slowly reached out his hand and tapped his shoulder.

    The man flinched at the touch before he raised his head. His face was flushed red, and his eyes were unfocused and watery.

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a bit when he grabbed her hand and caressed it gently. He even nudged his headfortably to her hand, like a puppy asking for attention from his master. She shook her head to snap out of her daze before crouching down before him and touching his forehead.

    "Thank goodness you didn''t seem to catch a cold. How much did you drink tonight to be so wasted like this?" Li Caiyi cupped his face between her hand and gazed at him sternly. "Can you even hear me right now? Brother Renshu."

    Meng Renshu''s shaky eyes finally met hers. A wide smile crept up his lips before he pulled her into his embrace and rested his head on her shoulder, catching everyone off guard.

    "B-brother Renshu!" Li Caiyi eximed in a fluster. Her cheeks heated as the crimson hue on her fair face became more visible with each second. The redness spread all the way to her ears.

    "I''m tired. I want to rest." Meng Renshu hoarsely spoke. "Let''s go together."

    His delirious words rendered Li Caiyi speechless. She didn''t know how much of his consciousness remained when he said that, but it still made her heart thump loudly in her chest.

    It had been almost a year since they had married, but Meng Renshu had never spent the night together with her. Her mother-inw was dissatisfied with this and pressed Li Caiyi to be more proactive. However, she didn''t know how to talk about this to Meng Renshu, knowing that he still had feelings for her sister.

    Although she knew it was strange to think this way because she was his legal wife now, she was reluctant to ask Meng Renshu and possibly made him ufortable.

    Meng Renshu''s head was about to slide off her shoulder, so Li Caiyi had to wrap her arms around him to steady him.<sub> </sub>

    "Ummˇ­" Meng Renshu hummedfortably as he snuggled closer to her.

    Li Caiyi nced at the maids around, who stared at them with jealousy and frowned. "What are you doing just standing there? Aren''t you going to clean up this ce?"

    Li Caiyi might not be acknowledged as the house''s Madam by people sent by Qin Xiangjun here. Still, no one would dare to go against her with Meng Renshu here, albeit he wasn''t in a sober state.

    "Yes, Madam."

    While the maids were working with the shattered ss on the floor, Li Caiyi tried her best to support Meng Renshu in his room. He was very heavy, but Li Caiyi somehow managed to wrap one of his arms around her shoulder and pulled him up. It was hard, so albeit she was reluctant, she still asked one of the maids to help her.

    "You there. Help me carry him to his room." Li Caiyi ordered the first maid who talked to her. The maid''s expression brightened before she walked over. She didn''t even bother to hide her eagerness, making Li Caiyi''s frown deepen.

    However, when the maid tried to touch Meng Renshu, the man pped her hand away before slowly blinking his eyes open.

    "Don''t touch me." He growled as he leaned more toward Li Caiyi, like a very dependent child. The maid looked terribly upset by his rejection, but she could only bite her lips and retreat respectfully.

    "Brother Renshu, are you awake? Let''s move to your room first, and you can take a rest after that." Li Caiyi spoke softly in a coaxing manner.

    Meng Renshu nodded absentmindedly before following Li Caiyi''s lead toward his bedroom.

    She tried her best to support and maneuver his way to the bed, but he was so heavy that Li Caiyi lost her momentum and fell to the bed with his arm still wrapped around her shoulder.

    They toppled together with Meng Renshu''s half of body on top of hers.

    Li Caiyi gasped when Meng Renshu''s half-lidded eyes met hers as theyy down together. Her heart drummed so loudly, especially when he stared at her with that inexplicable gaze.

    "I-I should return to my roomˇ­." Li Caiyi said awkwardly and tried to get up from the bed, but Meng Renshu unexpectedly held her down, using his arms, and rose to hover above her.

    Li Caiyi was entrapped between his hands on both sides of her head, and their face was so close together that they could feel each other''s breath.

    "B-brother Renshu? Y-you are too drunk!" Li Caiyi yelped in a panic while trying to push him away.

    Meng Renshu grabbed her hand and pressed it down above her head with one head while the other one caressed her cheeks gently.

    His motion was gentle, yet his eyes staring at her ravenously told her different stories. Li Caiyi was flustered, nervous, and a bit scared, but she still waited for his following action.

    "Mine."

    That was the only word he uttered before he leaned down and kissed her lips.

 Chapter 228 Their First Night (2)

    Li Caiyi''s head was nk. She couldn''t believe what had just happened.

    However, that nkness immediately reced with fuzziness as he started licking and sucking on her lips, which incurred a whimper from her.

    "Hmm!"

    Meng Renshu didn''t miss that chance to kiss her more deeply. It was their second kiss after the wedding, yet it felt different. Their first kiss was awkward and could be described as a mere touch of their lips, but it was very different this time. It was very rushed, hungry, and wet.

    The novel sensation overwhelmed Li Caiyi, and she couldn''t help but squirm in her ce. Little did she know that doing that was akin to pouring oil on an already burning fire in the man''s stomach pit. He became even more fervent in his kiss that Li Caiyi found her head spinning.

    Every time she tried to pull back, Meng Renshu would chase her and pinch her chin to deepen the kiss again. Their tongues tangled together in dance for who knows how long until Meng Renshu finally took mercy on her and ended their kiss. A trail of saliva fell from the corner of their mouth as they tried to catch their breath.

    "Haaˇ­haaˇ­"

    Li Caiyi''s vision was blurry due tock of oxygen, but she could still discern the blush on Meng Renshu''s face as he looked down at her with a drunken and feverish gaze.

    "Brother Renshuˇ­"

    "Call me by my name."

    Her throat was dry, but she managed to squeeze out his name in a soft voice, which came out like a plea. "Renshuˇ­"

    A gulping sound came from him, followed by Li Caiyi''s gasp because she could feel his hand slowly trailing her body from up to bottom, pressing and caressing her curves.

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "You''re so sensitive. Don''t worry, just leave it to me. You just need to let me dominate you tonight."

    Li Caiyi let out a soft moan when he dipped down again to press his hot lips on her ears. The tingling sensation of his breath on her ears sends shivers down her spine.

    It was her first time receiving a foreign sensation like this, so she was scared and clung to him for life. Meng Renshu didn''t expect it, but he was happy when she wrapped her arms around his neck.

    "Yes, just like that. Let your instinct lead you. Don''t be afraid, I''m here."

    Li Caiyi''s whole body trembled when he continued his actions. Every part of her skin touched by him felt so hot, and Li Caiyi soon found herself sweaty and letting out more moans as time passed by.

    She was so lost in the new experience that she didn''t remember when and how her nightgown suddenly disappeared, leaving her bare for him to see.

    "Beautifulˇ­" He said in a hitched breath, admiring the woman''s body, which was flushed pink from his actions.

    "Re-Renshuˇ­ It''s coldˇ­." Li Caiyi said as she used her hand to cover her body. It was a very enticing view for the man, who barely could keep hisposure.

    "Is it? Don''t worry. You''ll warm up soon enough." Meng Renshu smirked evilly before he continued to touch her body again.

    Li Caiyi almost screamed when the pleasure took over her and melted her into a puddle of water. She couldn''t remember much of what happened that night, but it was a scorching and passionate night, continuing untilte.

    It had been almost a year since their marriage, and the couple finally had their first night. Li Caiyi was so happy that she cried a bit during their steamy session. She held on to him tightly as she drowned in the pain and pleasure he gave to her.

    "Are you crying? I''m sorry if I''m too roughˇ­."

    "No, that''s not it. I''m happy."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "You are so cute."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how much time had passed. Still, a realization that Meng Renshu was actually not against the idea of consummating their marriage gave her newfound confidence. Their marriage felt so hopeless before, but now it was filled with a vision of the future and a new family.

    More than anything, Li Caiyi was happy that Meng Renshu was the man who took her first time. All that love and wait felt worth it now.

    Or at least, that was what she thought.

    After tossing and turning around in bed for a long time, the tired Meng Renshu finally copsed to the side.

    The satiated man sighed with a blissful smile on his face as he muttered a name, whichpletely shattered her hope.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­"

    It was as if the ground suddenly opened up below her and swallowed her into deep darkness. Li Caiyi''s face turned pale as reality pped her in the face once again. Her body turned stiff and cold. Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest while tears pooled up in her eyes.

    Her beautiful vision of the future cracked into pieces instantly. That familiar feeling of despair came back to her twice as hard.

    She was so devastated that her mind turned nk.

    Meng Renshu, who had fallen into a deep sleep, was unaware of this, and Li Caiyi had to suppress her sob so as not to wake him.

    Who was she trying to fool here? Of course, there was no way Meng Renshu would ever feel anything for her. Everything that happenedst night, every single touch and loving words, all of them weren''t directed at her. It was never Li Caiyi who was reflected in his eyes from the beginning.

    In the end, she really was just a substitute. A fake that could never bepared to the real one.

    Li Caiyi wiped her tears and sat up from the bed. Her body felt so sore, especially her lower body. Traces of their act tonight scattered all over her body. It made her feel even more miserable and lonely.

    She tried to stand up, but her legs felt extremely weak, so she immediately flopped down to the floor. However, she gritted her teeth and forced herself to stand up. It was hard to walk, but the pain was still bearable.

    Li Caiyi picked up her clothes and wore them before casting thest sad look on Meng Renshu, who had fallen into a deep sleep. It would be best if he could just forget what happened tonight, so she could act as if nothing happened, too. And everything would revert to how it should be, with no change.

    It was better like that.

    ***

    The sound of chirping birds roused her from her sleep. Her body felt sore and as heavy as lead, but the sound of the door being knocked prevented her from returning to sleep.

    Li Caiyi sat up from the bed but immediately winced, feeling her lower body''s pain. However, that pain was nowhere near the pain in her heart right now.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before answering, "Who is it?"

    "Xiaoyi? Are youˇ­. alright? Can Ie in?"

    A feeling of anxiety immediately engulfed her. She wanted to avoid meeting him if she could help it, at least until she sorted out her thoughts, but it didn''t seem like that could happen.

    Li Caiyi''s hands were shaking. She feared what he wanted to say, but she suppressed it and replied, "Come in."

    The door was opened, revealing Meng Renshu, who seemed ready to go to work. He looked very fresh in that suit, with no trace of his drunken statest night.

 Chapter 229 A Deep Trauma

    There was a heavy silence in the room as they were unsure of what to say. Li Caiyi kept her gaze on the nket so she wouldn''t need to make eye contact with her husband.

    Meng Renshu cleared his throat awkwardly before saying, "Xiaoyi, I want to tell you I probably have to go on a business trip after this. It will take for about two months before Ie back."

    Li Caiyi was stunned at first but gradually calmed down. Going on a business trip was normal for a busy businessman like him, but with this timing, she couldn''t help but think that he did this to avoid her. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

    p "I understand. Be careful on your way."</anda>

    Again, there was a brief silence before he continued, "Thank you for preparing the hangover soup and medicine for me."

    Before she went to sleepst night, she prepared some soup and medicine for him and instructed the maids to serve it to him first thing in the morning. It seemed he recovered thanks to that.

    "It''s no problem at all. You should be more careful when drinking next time."

    "Yes, sorry for startling you. And alsoˇ­." Meng Renshu''s words trailed off, "...about what happenedst night, I''m very sorry, Xiaoyi. It''s all my fault."

    Li Caiyi clenched the nket tightly while trying her hardest not to break down. It seemed this topic was unavoidable, no matter what. She didn''t have any choice but to face it.

    "It was because you were drunk, Brother Renshu. Let''s just forget it ever happened." Li Caiyi finished her words without taking a breath because she wanted this conversation to end as soon as possible.

    "What?" Meng Renshu eximed in disbelief. "You want me to forget what happenedst night?"

    "It was a mistake. You don''t have to concern yourself with it."

    "How can you say that? I was drunkst night, and it was my mistake to force myself on you first, but I thought we were on the same page about this. Or I was just dreaming about it?" Meng Renshu''s tone dropped several degrees colder, showing that he was fairly angry with her.

    Judging from his response, she understood now that Meng Renshu probably didn''t have a clear recollection of what had happenedst night. Of course, he must have also forgotten about what he said before drifting to sleep.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t think straight whenever she recalled how he muttered Li Chunhua''s name in his sleep after they had done the deed. It was unbearable for her, so she blurted out, "None of us wish for it to happen, so let''s just pretend nothing happens and move on, okay? Please, I beg you."

    "Do you hate it that much?"

    Li Caiyi gritted her teeth. "I neither like nor dislike it. It was just a mistake, that''s all."

    "Hahaha." Meng Renshuughed drily. "I see, so that''s how you thought about it."

    She refused to talk to him anymore, so she forced herself to stand up, even though her body was still sore. "I will go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for you, Brother Renshu."

    "Wait, we haven''t finished talking yet." Meng Renshu grabbed her shoulder to hold her back, and it felt like someone had electrocuted her whole body. When she recalled the event that happenedst night, only to find out that he only saw her as her sister, it made her repulsed, and her skin crawled.

    Li Caiyi''s body moved before she could stop it. She pped his hand harshly and even took a few steps away from him.

    "D-don''t touch meˇ­." Li Caiyi covered the ce he had just touched and shrunken in her ce, looking like a frightened rabbit.<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu was shocked to receive a vehement rejection from her. His shock was slowly reced with all sorts of emotions, like hurt, pain, anger, and unfairness. He clenched his fist tightly as his face hardened into a frosty look.

    "Fine. Do as you wish."

    That was thest word he said before he stormed out of the room. He didn''t stop to wait for her to send him off like usual but left to work just like that.

    Li Caiyi was left alone in her room.

    She meant to deal with this in a better way, but she couldn''t do it after all. No matter how low her self-esteem was, she couldn''t just smile and ept it when her husband took her while thinking about her sister in his mind. That was just wrong in so many ways.

    "It should be okay. It wouldn''t hurt me as long as I pretend nothing happened." Li Caiyi muttered, trying to convince herself repeatedly.

    She didn''t notice then that the crack in their marriage only continued to widen after that.

    ***

    Li Caiyi could faintly hear the sound of people talking in the distance. The sound gradually grew closer and closer until she could clearly understand what they were talking about.

    "Should I bring her to the hospital, after all?"

    "Student Meng, she is fine. You should calm down a little and return to your ssroom now."

    "But she still hasn''t regained her consciousness since morning. How could she be fine?"

    "Look here. I''m as worried as you are, but a person losing consciousness for two hours is still considered normal. Let''s wait for another hour to see what happens first."

    When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a moving fan on the familiar ceiling. She was confused and disoriented at first, but she slowly remembered what had happened a moment before she passed out after a few seconds.

    ''What a terrible dream. It ruined my mood and motivation now.'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly when she heard the relief voice of Meng Renshu from beside her.

    "Xiaoyi, you finally regained your consciousness!"

    He trudged over to her side and held her hand in his. "How are you feeling? Did you feel hurt somewhere?"

    Li Caiyi shifted her head to the side to take a better look at Meng Renshu''s face. His current face ovepped with Meng Renshu''s shocked and hurt expression from her previous life, giving her mixed feelings.

    Would everything be different if she had just told him truthfully what had happened on their first night? That he was mistaking her for Li Chunhua when he did that with her?

    At that time, Li Caiyi was too afraid to hear his answer, so she shut herself in a hole and blocked everything from hurting her.

    The failure of their marriage wasn''t caused by Meng Renshu alone but also her fault. This was the reason Li Caiyi couldn''t me himpletely.

 Chapter 230 I Like Someone Else

    At that time, Meng Renshu seemed like he wanted to say something, but she just rejected himpletely. It caused a permanent crack in their marriage, an irreparable mistake.

    After their fight, the amount of Meng Renshuing home became less and less. She knew he was trying not to meet her as much, and although it stung her feelings, she also felt relieved at the same time.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say to him, so in the few times they could meet in a month, they ended up not talking too much. It repeated many times, and rumors circted that Meng Renshu and his wife weren''t leading a harmonious marriage.

    It was toote to do anything when Li Caiyi noticed everything had gone out of control.

    Honestly, what happened during their first night was very traumatic to her. Nevertheless, she didn''t expect her body to react so strongly, even after her rebirth. It was unexpected for her to copse like that.

    Seeing that dream about the past made her wonder what he wanted to say to her then?

    "Yes? What did you just say?" Meng Renshu tilted his head.

    Li Caiyi snapped out of her reverie when she realized she had just blurted out what she thought aloud. She shook her head before slowly retracting her hand from his hold.

    "I said I''m fine, and you should go back to your ss, Brother Renshu."

    "Xiaoyi, what happened to you? You suddenly copse like that. You scared me to death."

    "I was just feeling under the weather today. I''m not sick or anything, just a bit tired. It would be fine if I rest some more."

    Meng Renshu shook his head stubbornly. "No, I would feel uneasy all day if I left you. I''ll apany you here."

    Li Caiyi was too drained to argue with him, so she turned her back on him and looked for the mostfortable position.

    "Do as you please, but please don''t disturb me."

    "Yes, just take a rest."

    Li Caiyi pulled the nket, so it covered her whole body, feeling it was extremely cold around her. She tried to ignore Meng Renshu''s presence behind her and shut her eyes tight. She hoped that thisplicated feeling she had right now would disappear when she opened her eyes next.

    ***

    Meng Renshu waited for a while, and after he made sure Li Caiyi was asleep, he moved to sit in front of her. Something must have been guing her mind if she could sleep so defenselessly like this while he was around. It was a pity that he wasn''t someone she wanted to confide in.

    He sped her hand in his again and yed with her hand a little. Looking at her peaceful sleeping face brought a sense offort to him.

    <o>,m "Why do you hate me so much?" Meng Renshu murmured.</o>

    Hey his head down on the bed, silently watching her sleep. The infirmary was so calm around this time, so Meng Renshu quickly felt sleepy and dozed off to the dreand as well.

    It was only two hourster did Li Caiyi finally woke up from her sleep. She tried to raise her hand so he could rub her eyes but found that something was holding her hand in ce.

    It surprised Li Caiyi to find Meng Renshu was still here and sleeping peacefully with his head lying on the bedside. He seemed to have developed a new hobby of holding her hand since he kept trying to do it whenever he saw the chance.

    Li Caiyi sighed as she reached out to him, intending to wake him up, when his eyes suddenly opened before she could stir him awake. She flinched in surprise.

    "Brother Renshu? We should go back to the ssroom now." Li Caiyi said as she slid out her hand from his.<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    Unlike thest time, Meng Renshu said nothing. He just sat there nkly with his gaze nailed on Li Caiyi.

    "What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?" Li Caiyi asked vigntly.

    "Is your body fine now?"

    "Yeah, more or less. I''m going to return to my ss, so you should do the same too."

    "Yeah, I should." Meng Renshu stood up and reached for their bags on top of the bedside drawer but identally stumbled and almost fell on his knees, if not for his good reflexes.

    The startled Li Caiyi eximed, "Hey, are you okay?!"

    "Yeah, I''m fine." Meng Renshu replied, but it was clear that he wasn''t focused, judging from how absentminded he was. Li Caiyi was bewildered, but she quickly brushed it off with the possibility that he still hadn''t fully regained his wits after waking up.

    Now that Li Caiyi had taken aplete rest, her muddled mind became clearer, and she could assess her situation more objectively. She remembered she had yet to thank him for bringing her to the infirmary, so after taking her bag from him, she politely said, "Thank you for bringing me here."

    "Ah, yes. It''s not a big deal."

    "I''m really grateful for all your help, but there are things that would remain unchanged."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before saying, "I can''t return your feelings because I like someone else. I''m sorry."

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    Li Caiyi waited for a few seconds, but there was no response from him. Then again, what kind of response did she expect him to give? Anyway, she had made her points clear, and whatever he thought about it had nothing to do with her.

    "That''s all I can say. I''m sorry for disappointing you, but that''s the truth. I will leave first, then." Li Caiyi pressed her bag against her chest before walking out of the infirmary.

    Meng Renshu was rooted to his spot in silence, even when she nced at him for thest time.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but wonder if her rejection gave him so much shock that he couldn''t even budge? That didn''t sound like the confident and bold Meng Renshu she knew, but she decided not to overthink it. It was none of her business.

    With that in her mind, Li Caiyi left the room.

    Meng Renshu plopped down in his seat and covered his eyes with his hands, feeling extremely horrible right now. His mind was in a mess, and her honest statement of liking some other guy didn''t help his condition.

    The amount of rejection kept piling up, but this might be the first time his tonguepletely stiffened up, and he couldn''te up with anything to say.

    "What was that dream just now?" Meng Renshu muttered uneasily.

    His eyes bulged in disbelief as cold sweat ran down his spine. He was grateful that Li Caiyi didn''t notice something was off with him. He used to be very confident that he could make her look his way, but he couldn''t be so sure after having that dream.

    Meng Renshu had always been anxious, but now that anxiety heightened to another level. His hand became mmy whenever he remembered what he had just seen.

    "Is that why she hates me so much?" Meng Renshuughed bitterly before covering his face with both hands in frustration.

 Chapter 231 A New Rumor (1)

    After returning to her ssroom, her friends bombarded her with many questions it overwhelmed her. She also vaguely noticed that some people whispered something about her behind her back.

    Based on what Feng Nian said, the whole school was shocked when they witnessed the ever so calm and noble Young Master Meng thrown into a panic state when Li Caiyi was copsed.

    Everyone saw how he carried her to the infirmary with a worried-stricken face. It created various interpretations, and new rumors were spread in no time.

    Li Caiyi massaged her temple in frustration. She didn''t need to ask what kind of rumor was possibly circting right now to know what happened.

    Something simr happened in her previous life, so she felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. The only difference was that the one who Meng Renshu pursued this time wasn''t Li Chunhua but Li Caiyi instead.

    Of course, this rumor also reached Li Chunhua. She came barging into her ssroom during break time to demand an exnation. Li Caiyi had to exert more effort to convince her she wasn''t hurt and that rumor was false. She didn''t know if Li Chunhua would buy that, but at least it calmed her down a bit.

    Thanks to this incident, Li Caiyi had ascended from a regr student to a famous student in a day. Everyone was curious to know what kind of girl sessfully took Meng Renshu''s attention? Li Caiyi felt she was being watched the whole day, and she couldn''t wait for school to end.

    She didn''t have the mood to study in the library anymore, so she headed back to Shao Jingfei''s ce as soon as school was over.

    Li Caiyi waved her hand to her friends and parted ways with them. As she walked, she checked on her phone again to see if Dai Zhiqiang had messaged her, but there was still no new message.

    Thinking about Dai Zhiqiang reminded her of the figure she sawst night. If he really was Dai Zhiqiang, she should be able to see him again if she went there around the same time, right? She should try checking it one more time, just to be sure.

    "Hey, you, the girl with sses."

    Li Caiyi jerked her head instinctively, knowing that she was the only person in the vicinity. She had a bad premonition when a group of 4 girls stood behind her, with an aggressive look on their faces. Their face was very familiar, but Li Caiyi would rather not remember them.

    "Can I help you?" Li Caiyi asked in a distant tone, clearly expressing her disinterest.

    "We want to talk with you. Spare us some of your time." One of the girls with brownish curly hair stepped forward and dered with confidence. Her manner of talking wasn''t that of a person asking for a favor but of someone giving an order to a person lower than her.

    A sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu hit Li Caiyi once again. This was probably her first time meeting with this girl again after her rebirth.

    Li Caiyi remembered how she used to look down and avoid them whenever she spotted them in the hallway, as though she had owed them something. It was ridiculous if she thought about it again.

    "What do you want from me? If it''s really important, I CAN spare you some of my time." Li Caiyi replied with a polite smile, making the curly-haired girl''s mouth twitch.

    "Hmph, then don''t me us for being impolite. What is your rtionship with Meng Renshu?"

    ''So straightforward, as always,'' Li Caiyi murmured inwardly. ''I know they are Meng Renshu''s fans, but seriously? Asking that to a person out of the blue in the middle of the street? These girls think they have nothing to fear just because they acted in a group.''

    "There''s nothing between us. Though, I doubt you will believe me, even if I said that."<sub> </sub>

    The curly-haired girl sneered, "You''re right. If you really want us to believe you, show us the proof by staying away from him. Don''t get cocky just because you are his childhood friend."

    "That''s right, know your ce!"

    "Our Senior Meng is for everyone to admire but belongs to no one!"

    "You are such an eyesore by hovering around him like a moth."

    Li Caiyi snorted after hearing their remarks. It was amazing how words that could easily hurt her in the past could sound so hrious now.

    In her previous life, these girls had constantly been upset with her and Li Chunhua for hoarding Meng Renshu''s attention, but they dared not to bother Li Chunhua as they feared she would copse if they hounded her. Meng Renshu wouldn''t let them go if that was the case, so they could do nothing but vent their frustration to the timid and weak Li Caiyi.

    They would asionally block Li Caiyi''s way or ''identally'' nudge or trip her in the hallway, making her theughingstock of other students. She dared not to tell this to anyone, fearing the repercussion she would receive after that would be much biggerter.

    Unfortunately for them, that stupid and na?ve Li Caiyi had long gone.

    "Honestly, I don''t care if you guys believe me or not. And I think you''re barking at the wrong tree here. Why should you vent your petty jealousy on me when it was clear that he didn''t have any interest in you guys? What? He is for everyone to admire but belongs to no one? Even his mother never thinks like this; when did it be your turn to decide that?"

    Li Caiyi retorted calmly, but the meaning behind her words pped her opponent right where it hurt. The group of girls in front of her all looked angry, hearing her conceited response.

    Of course, the one who yelled at first was their leader, the curly-haired one. "Hah! Look at you, acting all high and mighty just because he took pity on your sorry state. If it weren''t for you ying tricks on him, how could someone like you be able to steal his attention? You must be deliberately acting pitiful in front of him to gain his sympathy, you white lotus bitch!"

    Li Caiyi snickered. "If you think he is the kind of person who could easily be seduced with tricks like that, why don''t you go ahead and try it? If you are incapable, then you only have yourself to me. Don''t vent it on innocent people."

    "I knew it. I knew you twins were suspicious from the beginning. Both of you are just shameless bitch who liked to leech on our prince. You have finally shown us your true color!"

    "You guys are funny. What''s the point of pretending to be pure celestial when you are ganging up on a single person? And it''s not like I''m hiding anything. My eyes were just opened to the fact that I have nothing to fear here. If you like Meng Renshu so much, then go tell him that. I have no interest in listening to it."

    "Y-you! Don''t get too ahead of yourself!" The curly-haired girl pushed Li Caiyi''s shoulder harshly.

    "Why do we have to hear that from a nobody like you? You useless waste of space! Your presence tarnishes Senior Meng''s reputation!"

    Li Caiyi red at them. "What are you? A cult? What did Meng Renshu ever do to you that made you guys worship him so much? I doubted he even remembered your existence at all."

    The curly-haired girl finally couldn''t take it anymore. "Bitch, you are courting death!"

    She raised her hand high in the air, ready to swing it down full of might. However, before Li Caiyi could defend herself, someone had already stopped that hand for her.

 Chapter 232 A New Rumor (2)

    "Y-you!"

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes in disbelief when Li Chunhua appeared out of nowhere and stood between her and the curly-haired girl with a fierce expression on her face.

    "What are you trying to do to my sister? You are the one courting death!" She growled angrily and without hesitation, gave the curly-haired girl a p on her face, shocking everyone in the perimeter.

    The curly-haired girl shrieked in pain, and every trace of arrogance was gone from her face, reced by fury and disbelief. "D-did you just p me?"

    Li Chunhua haughtily raised her chin and snorted. "So what? Do you think you are the only one who has the hands to do that? I have it too, and unlike my sister, I''m not that polite to waste my time talking to no-brainers like you."

    "Xi-Xiaohuaˇ­" Li Caiyi called out after she finally snapped out of her daze.

    "Xiaoyi? Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" Li Chunhua turned her head and asked worriedly.

    "I''m fine. But why are you here?"

    "Hmph, how can you just leave me behind like that? I want to visit the cafe too, so I''m going with you," Li Chunhua pouted.

    "Hey, don''t act like we are not here! How dare you p me? Aaahh!!"

    Li Caiyi hurriedly pulled Li Chunhua behind her to face the frenzied girl. However, before Li Caiyi could do anything, the rest of the gang had restrained the curly-haired girl in the ce.

    "Mei, calm yourself down! Remember that we can do something to the older one, but we can''t provoke the younger one."

    "Yeah, I know it''s frustrating, but you shouldn''t mess with Li Chunhua, or she''ll copse, and the me will be on us!"

    "Guys, but she is sooo aargghhh!! Can''t you see how they looked down on us?!"

    "We know, and we will pay them back for thister. Let''s retreat for now." One of the other girls, with a hairclip, red at the twins with a vengeful stare. "You''d better remember this."

    "Go, go away, you cowards!" Li Chunhua stuck out her tongue and made fun of them from behind Li Caiyi, which only further angered the curly-haired girl. But with the teamwork of her friends, they managed to drag her away, and peace finally returned.

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief. She was prepared to be dragged into an unsightly cat-fight scene, but thankfully, the situation didn''t escte. Although she wasn''t sure if Li Chunhua provoking them was a good idea or not. At least, it saved her some trouble for now.

    "Xiaohua, thank you for your help." Li Caiyi smiled.

    "Of course! You shouldn''t even have bothered to talk with them. How can pigs understand humannguages? Xiaoyi, you are still too soft!" Li Chunhua harrumphed.

    "It''s because I don''t want this problem to escte further, but I guess you are right."

    "Yeah, even if nothing''s happening, they will still make it as if something is happening, anyway. Don''t waste time talking with them."

    "Did they bother you a lot, too?"

    "No? They are just spineless cowards who can only speak badly about us behind our backs. How can people like thatpete with me, the school goddess?" Li Chunhua flipped her hair smugly, elicitingughter from Li Caiyi.

    "You are right. Xiaohua, you are strong, as I expected."<sub> </sub>

    "Uhm, are you guys finished already?"

    Li Caiyi jerked her head upon noticing a familiar voice and witnessed how Shao Jingfei carefully emerged behind the electricity pole.

    "Jingfei? What are you doing there?" Li Caiyi asked in surprise.

    "Hmph, he saw you fighting with those girls and got scared, so I have to settle this myself. He really is useless baggage." Li Chunhuained.

    "Hey, don''t use me like that. It''s uncool for a man to intervene in a girl''s fight, you know? And what do you expect me to do? Heroically appear and give the bad girl a punch in the face? I don''t hit girls!" Shao Jingfei defended himself.

    Li Chunhua clicked her tongue. "That''s just an excuse. It''s more unmanly for you to leave a girl in trouble like that!"

    "Nah, I''m sure Caiyi will be fine even if we leave her alone. You are the one who got agitated too fast and jumped ahead without observing the situation first."

    "Bullying my sister meant they bullied me too! How can I just stay there and watch?" Li Chunhua stomped her feet in disbelief.

    Once again, Li Caiyi found herself stuck between these two bickerings. However, she couldn''t be more grateful for their impable timing.

    "Guys, stop fighting. Everyone is alright, and that''s what matters, right?" Li Caiyi tried to calm both of them down, and they reluctantly stopped their bickering while turning their heads away. Li Caiyi shook her head helplessly, looking at them.

    "Aren''t we going to Jingfei''s ce? Shall we go now?"

    "But Caiyi, why are those girls targeting you? Aren''t they that popr group in the second year?" Shao Jingfei asked curiously.

    "Are you living under a rock all these times? Isn''t it obvious why they went after Xiaoyi?" Li Chunhua folded her arms in front of her chest.

    "What did I miss? Sorry, I usually don''t care about rumors and hearsay."

    Li Chunhua rolled her eyes. "It''s because they are jealous, duh. Those girls are Brother Renshu''s diehard fans. The incident this morning must have reached them, so they went to vent their jealousy to Xiaoyi. Ugh, this is irritating!"

    "What incident? Are you talking about how Senior Meng suddenly came up and talked to us this morning?"

    Li Chunhua massaged the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Nevermind. I''m toozy to exin it to you. Just ask one of your friends, and they''ll tell you."

    "Are you shutting me out right now? How mean!"

    "It''s a misunderstanding, actually," Li Caiyiughed dryly. "I wasn''t in the best condition this morning, so he helped me to the infirmary, and thatˇ­seems to cause an uproar. Brother Renshu is too popr."

    "Hmph, he didn''t even tell me you were copsed. Brother Renshu has changed now. He likes you so much hepletely forgot about me!"

    Li Caiyi''s body stiffened when hearing that. Even now, Meng Renshu''s confession and tant jealousy this morning were still shocking to her. She wasn''t used to this, but as Li Chunhua said, he did look serious when he said and did those things.

    Li Caiyi shook her head to shirk away from that thought. There was no use thinking about that since nothing would change between them.

 Chapter 233 First Book

    Li Chunhua spent the entire afternoon with Li Caiyi and Shao Jingfei in the cafe. They would y with cats, and Li Chunhua and Shao Jingfei would asionally argue again, but Li Caiyi was always there to intervene. It had been a while since she could spend her time leisurely like this.

    "But seriously, why do I never see any customersing here? I have been here a few times, but I have seen no other customer except for that one guy whose name I have forgotten." Li Chunhuamented.

    "Well, business is like a wheel of vehicles. Sometimes it''s up, and sometimes it''s down." Shao Jingfei replied casually while rubbing a cat''s head on hisp.

    "Spare me your excuse. You are just toozy to advertise this ce."

    "Well, I have no idea what else I can do, and it''s not like I''m doing this for money, so it''s okay."

    "But it''s just a waste! If you can put your brain and back into it more, you''ll receive more ie." Li Chunhua stubbornly added.

    "Geez, what''s wrong with you all of a sudden? Do you suddenly want to y the role of businesswoman here? This ce is fine the way it is." Shao Jingfei chuckled, feeling entertained by Li Chunhua''s pseudo-motivational speech.

    Li Caiyi watched them arguing in silence when Li Chunhua suddenly dragged her onto the topic. "Xiaoyi, you also agree with me, right?"

    "Ah? Yes?" Li Caiyi asked in bewilderment.

    Li Chunhua sighed. "You are not listening at all. I''m talking about how this ce will be much more popr with a little touch here and there!"

    "Wellˇ­" Li Caiyi didn''t understand much, but she tried to give her opinion. "I think the most fundamental problem is the location. It''s too deep in the secluded alley where people seldom pass by."

    "That''s a na?ve thought," Li Chunhua harrumphed. "Indeed, a suitable location is crucial to a business, but there are many famous ces in a secluded spot that still has a lot of recognition. As long as you advertise and do the marketing well, even a local grocery store could be better than this cafe!"

    "Ouch, way to stab me where it hurts," Shao Jingfei feigned a hurt expression while clutching his chest.

    "I feel frustrated whenever I see you being so rxed. It''s because you are tooid back that this cafe is tooid back in its operation."

    "I''m not a businessman. What can I do? I''m just a pure teenage boy who loves reading a lot. How should I know about stuff like this? And I earned enough from my editor job. There''s nothing to worry about."

    "See? Thatcent side of yours is what''s frustrating about you." Li Chunhua put her hand on his temple before mumbling in a small voice, "You can do so much better if you try a little, stupidˇ­."

    Her voice was so small that only Li Caiyi, who sat beside her, could discern it, and honestly, she was stunned when she heard that. It was strange to hear Li Chunhua cared so much about someone else but Li Caiyi. She didn''t hate this surprise, though. This confirmed her suspicion that Li Chunhua did change after interacting with Shao Jingfei.

    ''Jingfei is a bright and positive person, so that''s probably why?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    "Oh yeah, don''t you guys forget something today?" Shao Jingfei asked with a pout.

    "What?" Li Chunhua tilted her head while Li Caiyi also stared at him curiously before an idea hit her.

    "Ah! I almost forgot! My printed book!" Li Caiyi eximed, causing Shao Jingfei to flick his finger while grinning.<sub> </sub>

    "Bingo! Since yesterday, I have been waiting for you guys to mention it, but the timing is always off, so I couldn''t mention it."

    "Sorry, Jingfei! I''m supposed to pay more attention to it."

    "Rx, Caiyi, it''s no big deal. Although, it will be a waste if you guys miss this chance. I''m sure this book will gain attention once it isunched!" Shao Jingfei opened his bag and took out a paper-covered book from inside it.

    "This is Li Caiyi''s official first book. Behold, it''s light of glory!"

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat, and she nervously received it with her two hands. After swallowing her saliva, she nervously unwrapped the package. That was her first time seeing her work in the hard-copy version for the first time. Under the title, there was the pseudonym she chose for herself, ''The Little Bird.''

    "Xiaoyi, this is amazing! It''s the real deal!" Li Chunhua jumped in her ce excitedly.

    "Ye-yeah. I still can''t believe it even now," Li Caiyi smiled shyly before caressing the surface of her book fondly.

    "Hehe, you guys are surprised, right? The first batch of the book is scheduled to be released next week, so this is the first sample. I especially fetch it for you."

    "Wow! I have read the digital version, but I want to try reading the book version too after seeing this." Li Chunhua''s eyes sparkled in delight and excitement.

    "Pfft, look at you. You have beenpletely converted into Li Caiyi''s fan now." Shao Jingfei smirked teasingly.

    "Cough, shut up, youˇ­." Li Chunhua blushed a little while coughing awkwardly.

    Li Caiyi hugged the book tightly to her chest, and an overwhelming amount of happiness and warmth drowned her. It was so much that she couldn''t find the right words to say.

    "Thank you, Xiaohua, Jingfei. You don''t know how much this means to me." Li Caiyi smiled sincerely.

    Her sister''s smile of pure joy moved Li Chunhua. This might be the first time she saw her sister look genuinely happy. It beat every smile she had shown so far, giving Li Chunhua a bittersweet feeling.

    If it weren''t for their family, there was a possibility that Li Caiyi could show that smile more often. Li Chunhua wanted to be the one that made her smile like that, but it seemed there really was no need for her to interfere. Her sister was capable of bing happy just by being herself.

    ''What about me, though? What can make me happy? Where is my happiness?'' Li Chunhua wondered inwardly.

    Meanwhile, Shao Jingfei grinned from ear to ear. "No problem! I''m your editor and your number one fan. It''s my pleasure to be able to work with you!"

    While they were happily chatting about the new book, a chiming sound came from the door. It was a sound produced whenever a new customer came in, so the three jerked their head simultaneously in reflex.

    Standing at the entrance was Meng Renshu, who had already changed into a casual outfit. He waved at them with a refreshing smile on his face.

    "Hello, everyone. You guys seem to have fun. Can I join you?"

 Chapter 234 Unexpected Visit (1)

    Li Caiyi''s face stiffened upon looking at Meng Renshu. Why did he always appear when she least expected him? She noticed he seemed to look better than he had previously been at school, though.

    "Senior Meng? How do you find this ce?" Shao Jingfei stood up and greeted him first.

    "Ah, I was curious about your cafe after hearing it from Xiaohua, so I decided to visit."

    "Is that so?" Shao Jingfei replied awkwardly by shooting a nce at Li Chunhua, who quickly responded by shaking her head.

    "Oh?" Meng Renshu chuckled when a gray cat appeared beside his leg and rubbed its head on his leg. He crouched down to pick the cat up before caressing its head fondly.

    "This is a good ce. It''s been so long since I yed with cats."

    "Haha, do you like cats, Senior Meng?"

    "I do. I like it, especially when they gradually open up to you as long as you give them enough care and attention."

    He said it lightly, but Shao Jingfei and Li Chunhua couldn''t help but nce at Li Caiyi, who currently sitting with an inexplicable expression on her face. The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward, so Shao Jingfei quickly asked him again, "How about you sit down first, Senior Meng? I will take your order."

    "Thanks." Meng Renshu gently put the cat down and walked confidently to the chair previously upied by Shao Jingfei, which was right in front of Li Caiyi. However, he only smiled at the twins without saying anything.

    He began to speak only after Shao Jingfei took his order and went to the kitchen.

    "Hey, Xiaohua, Xiaoyi. The three of you seem to be pretty close."

    "Brother Renshu, why are you here? I don''t remember ever telling you anything about this ce," Li Chunhua asked.

    "Ah, I asked around and somehow found my way here. Since you said Xiaoyi is staying at her friend''s ce, I have always been worried and wondering if the ce is okay or not. But now that I''m hereˇ­" Meng Renshu darted his gaze around, "....this ce didn''t seem to be bad at all."

    Li Chunhua could sense the prickly air around her sister and felt she probably shouldn''t be there. After witnessing how Meng Renshu confessed his feelings to Li Caiyi the other day, she couldn''t see them the same way again.

    "Oh yeah, it doesn''t seem that Shao Jingfei is living with someone else. Does it mean there are only the two of you during nighttime?"

    That question was clearly directed to Li Caiyi, but Li Chunhua felt obligated to answer instead.

    "I was the one who rmended this ce. Xiaoyi didn''t want to inconvenience her friends, and Shao Jingfei is her editor, so there shouldn''t be a problem if she borrowed his ce for one or two nights."

    "I have already heard about his job as an editor. Nevertheless, how can it be fine? It''s not like I didn''t trust Shao Jingfei, but there is no guarantee that nothing will happen when a girl and boy are alone in a closed space." Meng Renshu said calmly while still maintaining a refreshing smile on his face.

    Li Caiyi finally couldn''t take it anymore and ask directly, "What are you plotting now? Why are you here?"

    "Xiaoyi?" Li Chunhua was surprised by the amount of hostility in her sister''s tone. Something must have happened between them again.

    "Ouch, you are so straightforward." Meng Renshu chuckled. "But rest assured. You don''t have to be so vignt around me since I didn''te here for you this time."

    "Then why did youe here?"

    "I came to talk with Shao Jingfei."

    "Withˇ­Jingfei?" Li Caiyi squinted her eyes suspiciously. "Jingfei had nothing to do with this. We are the ones who asked him to help us."<sub> </sub>

    "Easy, Xiaoyi. You don''t have to make an excuse for him. My business with him is different from what you think."

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion, but Meng Renshu only shrugged his shoulders lightly. "Unfortunately, this isn''t something you need to know."

    Li Caiyi tried to remember if there was any instance before when Meng Renshu had interacted with Shao Jingfei before. Except for the time when Meng Renshu almostshed out at him when Li Chunhua was kidnapped, she couldn''t think of anything else.

    While Li Caiyi was deep in thought, Shao Jingfei came back carrying a tray with a cup of hot coffee for Meng Renshu.

    "Here is your order," Shao Jingfei said while putting down the cup on the table.

    "Oh? Did you make this yourself?" Meng Renshu asked, with a hint of awe in his tone.

    "Yeah, there is no other staff here besides me, so I did everything alone."

    "Isn''t it hard to manage a cafe by yourself?" Meng Renshu asked with an interested look on his face. If Li Caiyi didn''t know better, she must have already been fooled into thinking that Meng Renshu only came here to chat with them.

    "No, this ce barely has any customers, so there is no difficulty here. Please enjoy your coffee."

    "Thanks, but actually, Ie here because I have something to talk to you about."

    Shao Jingfei''s eyes widened upon hearing that. "With me?"

    "Yes, you. Can you spare me some of your time?" Meng Renshu smiled politely.

    Shao Jingfei nced at the twins for a second, secretly trying to remember if he had offended him somehow by allowing the twins to hang out here. One of them even stayed in his ce.

    "Sure, Senior Meng. Then, how about we talk in a more private ce?"

    Meng Renshu smiled meaningfully. "I''m d you are a quick person. I''d love to do that."

    "Hey, where are you guys going?" Li Chunhua asked them curiously.

    "I''m going to take Senior Meng upstairs, so both of you can rx here for a while."

    "Jingfeiˇ­" Li Caiyi called out to him worriedly, feeling guilty for dragging him into this mess.

    However, as though reading her mind, he gave her a pat on the shoulder before saying, "Haha, don''t worry. We will only have small talk. Don''t make that face."

    After that, they disappeared behind the door leading to the second floor, leaving the twins with their own thoughts.

    "Xiaoyi, don''t you think that the atmosphere is a kind of heavy back there? Brother Renshu looked scary for some reason."

    Li Caiyi sighed. "I don''t know, either. I just hope he won''t bother Jingfei."

    "I don''t think he will do that. Brother Renshu is not an unreasonable person."

    Li Caiyi also thought that was the case, at least until she witnessed how many times he had lost hisposure in front of her. She looked at the door behind the kitchen counter in dismay, hoping that whatever they talked about in there would end soon.

 Chapter 235 Unexpected Visit (2)

    Meanwhile, the two teenagers sat on the couch facing each other on the second floor. The younger teen had a curious expression, while the older one looked around in interest.

    "So this is what the second floor looks like. It''s a nice ce you have here."

    "Thanks, Senior Meng."

    "The desk over there. Is it your working desk?" He asked while pointing at the desk cluttered with files on the other side of the room.

    "Yes, I did my schoolwork and other work at that desk." Shao Jingfei replied, but beating around the bush was never his style, so he asked straightforwardly.

    "So, what do you want to talk to me about? So much that you don''t want Caiyi to hear it?"

    Meng Renshu''s smile didn''t falter as he replied, "I''m thrilled you are a quick-witted person. This indeed has something to do with her, but I hope you can do me a favor and keep this a secret from her."

    "I think it depends on the content. I will keep it a secret if I mustˇ­." Shao Jingfei grinned. "But unfortunately, I''m on Caiyi''s side. I hope you understand, Senior Meng."

    Meng Renshu shook his head. "No, I feel moreforted now, knowing that you are a loyal friend to her. Rest assured, since I will only ask a few questions."

    "What questions?"

    "First, I want to know how you and Xiaoyi meet for the first time."

    Shao Jingfei was confused now. When Meng Renshu subtly hinted that he wanted to talk in private, Shao Jingfei thought he had something very important to talk about. So his question took him aback. Shao Jingfei didn''t see iting at all.

    "Why would you want to know about that?"

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Because Xiaoyi won''t tell me even if I asked her. That girl is very wary of me."

    Shao Jingfei contemted a bit. He thought there shouldn''t be anything weird in how they met. He guessed it was okay to tell Meng Renshu that much.

    "It was an idental meeting at first. We bumped into each other in the corridor, then we became acquainted. Later, I found out that she was applying to the writingpetition sponsored by Glorious Dayspany, and that''s when we became closer. I''m a fan of her work."

    Meng Renshu nodded. "I see. Then, both of you didn''t purposely meet, but it was all just a coincidence, right?"

    "That''s right." Shao Jingfei said unsurely.

    He felt that Meng Renshu''s question was more for confirming things than asking for an exnation. He couldn''t understand why Meng Renshu was curious about this, though.

    Unless Meng Renshu thought of Shao Jingfei as his love rival, there was no other exnation for his curiosity.

    "This might be a weird question, but have you ever felt that you know Xiaoyi, or at least were familiar with her writing style when you first saw it?"

    "Well, I thought she was an amazing writer ever since I had my hands on her manuscript, but I don''t feel familiar with her writing style. On the contrary, I feel like her style is fresh and new."

    "Okay, the next one will be thest question. Did Xiaoyi ever tell you anything strange, like her inspiration for her first work?"

    "You mean about the rebirth concept? We talked about it before, but she said it was purely something she had thought about one day. It surprised me when I first read it since I have never read something like that before."

    Meng Renshu fell into deep thought. "I see. Thanks for your answers."

    "Uhmˇ­ Is that really all you want to ask me about?" Shao Jingfei asked him skeptically.

    "Hm? Yes, that''s all. It helps me a lot." Meng Renshu smiled.

    "I thought you would ask about something big since you didn''t want those two to hear about it."

    "Haha, you are reading too much into it." Meng Renshu chuckled. "As I said, I wouldn''t ask anything weird. I will appreciate it if you don''t tell Xiaoyi about it."<sub> </sub>

    Shao Jingfei was still confused. "If it''s not weird, why would you keep it a secret from her?"

    "She didn''t like it if I pry into her business. I don''t want the person I like to hate me even more. I will still like her even if she hates me, though."

    Shao Jingfei wanted to apud him for his honesty. Or, more like, there seemed to be a hidden warning hidden beneath his nonchnce. It was like a deration, almost.

    As expected, Meng Renshu was still bothered by the fact that Li Caiyi was staying with him. Shao Jingfei gulped nervously, hoping that his name wouldn''t be on this person''s ck list.

    "I wish you the best, Senior Meng. As her friend and editor, I will also keep helping her in any way I can." Shao Jingfei smiled meaningfully.

    Meng Renshu seemed to catch the drift in his remarks, so he smiled with satisfaction. "Thanks. I think we can get along well. It''s so easy to talk to you. Let''s often talk from now on."

    Shao Jingfeiughed awkwardly. "Haha, I''m just too nosy for my own good."

    ***

    Li Caiyi''s back was tense when Meng Renshu and Shao Jingfei finally came down after talking for about 15 minutes.

    "Have you finished talking?" As usual, Li Chunhua was the one who spoke up first.

    "Yes, it''s a pretty enjoyable talk." Meng Renshu smiled amiably.

    Li Caiyi frowned skeptically and stared at Shao Jingfei instead. "Is that true?"

    "Hm? Yeah. It was fun." Shao Jingfei shed his usual grin. Li Caiyi couldn''t discern any sign of displeasure at all.

    "Are you sure?"

    "Haha, it''s really nothing." Shao Jingfei giggled in amusement.

    "Xiaoyi is just too worrywart. It''s because of me she doubted you, too. Sorry about that, Jingfei." Meng Renshu said before checking on his wristwatch. "Oh, it''s already this time. I will leave the money here, Jingfei. Sorry, but I have to leave now."

    "You are leaving already?" Li Caiyi was so confused she blurted it out unknowingly.

    Meng Renshu smirked. "Yeah, but if you ask me nicely, I can probably stay for another hour."

    Li Caiyi wanted to p her mouth for saying something unnecessary. "No need."

    Meng Renshuughed. "I''m joking. As much as I want to stay and chat more with you guys, I have some matters to take care of."

    "Thanks for visiting, Senior Meng." Shao Jingfei sent him off with a business smile on his face.

    "I like your ce. I might visit more often in the future. This ce has a lot of things I like. Then, I''ll see you guys next time," Meng Renshumented without trying to hide the underlying meaning behind his words before leaving with a wave of his hand.

    "Phew, talking with a super important person really took a toll on my nerves." Shao Jingfei wiped the invisible sweat on his forehead.

    "Spill the truth! Are you guys really not talking about anything weird?" Li Chunhua asked curiously.

    "Stop it, will you? It''s just a boy''s talk. Girls don''t need to know."

    "Tsk, cheapskate."

    Li Caiyi really couldn''t understand Meng Renshu. One time, he would appear out of nowhere and sweep her off her feet, making her flustered and confused. Another time he would do something unpredictable before leaving her on tenterhook. She couldn''t spend a day without worrying about what Meng Renshu would do now.

    What was he up to this time?

 Chapter 236 The Masked Man (1)

    Li Caiyi slipped out of the cafe and waited outside the Rose Bar when nighttime came. However, she made sure to stand a bit farther from the bar this time. She chose a bit secluded ce near the mask and essory stall across the street and observed the situation from afar.

    "The securities are still there. Tsk," Li Caiyi clicked her tongue in annoyance, knowing that she wouldn''t be able toe in even if she disguised herself because almost everyone had to show their ID before they could enter. This bar seemed exceptionally strict about the rules.

    To be fair, that was a good thing but bad for her current situation.

    Li Caiyi tightened her jacket as she looked up at the light from the second floor of the building. It would be great if Dai Zhiqiang would miraculously walk through, but of course, something as coincidental as that wouldn''t miraculously happen. After waiting for a while to no avail, she began to think that this was probably a bad idea.

    Li Caiyi sighed before taking out her phone. At this point, she didn''t feel nervous anymore, knowing that Dai Zhiqiang probably wouldn''t answer her. Her hand dialed his number as she put the phone in her ears.

    ''The person you are calling isˇ­.''

    Li Caiyiughed mirthlessly. "Sure enough, he didn''t pick up again."

    The sky was dark, and the night wind felt chilly on her skin. Standing alone in the sea of people like this made her feel even more lonely.

    "Hey girl, are you alone?"

    Li Caiyi turned her head when she heard a voice that sounded so close behind her. It surprised her when two men in leather jackets looked down at her with a leering gaze and unsettling smile. Their face was flushed, and from the smell of alcohol, she could tell instantly that they were drunk.

    Her luck was terrible. Not only did she fail to meet with the person she wanted to meet, but she encountered flirtatious drunkards instead.

    "Um, no. I''m waiting for my boyfriend." Li Caiyi tried not to grimace under their ogling stare. "Then, if you''ll excuse me."

    Li Caiyi wanted to get away, but one of them grabbed her hand and refused to let her go.

    "Don''t lie to us. We have been watching you for a while, so we know you are waiting to get picked on, right? Good timing. We could use somepany, you see?"

    Li Caiyi was disgusted now. It felt like worms were crawling under her skin, hearing the vulgar meaning behind his words. She frowned and snatched her hand back forcefully while coldly saying, "Don''t touch me. I''m not here for your entertainment!"

    "Haha, look at this. It seems we found a feisty one. How is it, big brother?" The man looked at his friend andughed mockingly.

    The other one, who seemed to be more well-off than the other, chuckled in amusement. "We know you aren''t here for our entertainment, so let us entertain you instead. We may not look like it, but we have a lot of money, if you catch my drift?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t even want to bother to talk with them anymore. "Not interested."

    She turned her back and was about to dash when her body collided with solid flesh. "Ompfh!"

    "Oh, you are finally here!" said one of the men behind her.

    Li Caiyi raised her head to find that there was another man who had stood behind her all this time. He was currently looking down at her with a curious look.

    One person was in front of her, and two others were behind her. Li Caiyi was trapped between them, with no way to escape.

    "Heydy, are you lost or something? Shall we take you home?" The man in front of her said, and Li Caiyi suddenly had a bad premonition about this.

    "Don''te closer. I''m underage! You will be charged for harassing a minor if I report you guys!"

    "Haha, funny jokes. What kind of minor would loiter around in front of a bar around this time? We won''t get fooled that easily."

    "I really am minor! If I were an adult, would I waste my time loitering around? I will just enter the bar directly."<sub> </sub>

    "Are you afraid? How cute. Don''t worry; we are very gentle and won''t bite you." One of the men grabbed her shoulder, and the panicked Li Caiyi tried to push him away.

    "Someone help!" she shouted with all her might while trying to get out of his firm grip.

    p They pulled and pushed for a while before a gust of wind suddenly grazed her cheek. The next time she knew, the guy who grabbed her was thrown to the ground, hard.</anda>

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times in a dumbfounded manner, especially when a new person wearing a cat mask suddenly stood behind her and caught her swaying body so she could stand upright.

    The masked man touched the same ce as the drunk man from earlier, but it didn''t feel revolting at all. On the contrary, Li Caiyi felt secure as she looked up at this person with shock and relief painted on her face.

    "T-thank youˇ­"

    "Bastard! Who the hell are you?! How dare you interfere with our fun?!"

    One of the drunkards tried to attack them, but the masked person quickly grabbed Li Caiyi''s hand and pulled her to run with him.

    It took Li Caiyi aback, but she soon followed his lead and tried to match his pace. She could hear those men shouting behind her, but she didn''t turn back to look and only focused on the road ahead.

    After running for a few minutes, the man finally stopped, and Li Caiyi was panting hard from running too much.

    Her gaze fell to her hand, which was in the man''s hand, and slowly went up to the man''s cat mask, which covered his face. She saw that mask being disyed on the nearby stall earlier; did he get that from there? But why would he wear a mask, though?

    "Um, thank you very much for your help." Li Caiyi thanked him after she steadied her breath.

    The masked man: "...."

    He said nothing and only stood there in silence. Li Caiyi was confused, but she was more concerned with her hand, which he still gripped firmly. She was also faintly aware that his grip only tightened each second.

    "Uhm, it''s okay now. You can let go of my hand." Li Caiyi carefully said.

    The masked man flinched as if he had just noticed and slowly let go of her hand.

    There was a lingering warmth left from his hand on hers, and it felt very familiar somehow. Li Caiyi raised her head to look closely at the man before her and found that the masked man was also looking at her.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see his face, but it felt like she could feel his gentle gaze on her behind that mask.

    "Can I ask what your name is?" Li Caiyi asked him.

    The masked man said nothing again and only shook his head. It seemed he was adamant in not speaking, or perhaps he couldn''t speak at all. Either way, Li Caiyi couldn''t force him to talk if he didn''t want to tell.

    "I see. Thank you once again for helping me. I was looking for my friend, but those men suddenly appeared and bothered me." Li Caiyi sighed as she looked down, causing her messy hair to fall and cover her face.

    The masked man raised his hand and tucked her hair behind her ears, causing her to jolt and freeze in ce. The gesture happened so naturally and quickly that Li Caiyi didn''t have a chance to feel offended by it.

    She gazed at the man in front of him with widening eyes, and after a while, she couldn''t help but think that this person seemed strangely familiar.

    Lin Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat when a seed of hope grew within her.

    "Zhiqiang?"

 Chapter 237 The Masked Man (2)

    Li Caiyi called out to that name softly while carefully studying his reaction.

    "Are youˇ­Zhiqiang?"

    The masked man: "...."

    There was no answer again, but it only made her even more confident. This person''s demeanor and gestures were very simr to Dai Zhiqiang''s, and it would exin why he would saved her from those drunkards earlier.

    Li Caiyi missed him so much, so she reached out to hold on to his hand firmly, as though he would disappear again if she let go of him.

    "I''m right, aren''t I? Why are you wearing that mask? You can just approach and talk to me directly." Her voice slightly shook as she continued, "Is it because you don''t want me to know? You are keeping your real job secret from everyone; that''s why you did this."

    The masked man''s hand twitched but gradually rxed and even caressed Li Caiyi''s soft hand tenderly with his thumb. It made her heart swell and ticklish.

    "Hey, can I see your face? I missed you."

    Maybe because he was wearing a mask, or perhaps because she hadn''t seen him for a long time, but Li Caiyi felt a surge of courage to say that.

    "....Go home, and don''te here anymore. It''s dangerous." The masked man, or rather, Dai Zhiqiang, said deeply.

    Li Caiyi''s face brightened when she heard his voice. Sure enough, it really was Dai Zhiqiang. Her hunch was correct!

    "Zhiqiang, don''t you want to go home? Your father and brother are waiting for you." Li Caiyi paused briefly before adding, "...and me too. I''m also waiting for you all this time. There is something I have to tell you."

    "I will return, but not now." He replied curtly, but the way he tenderly held her hand betrayed that indifferent tone.

    Li Caiyi was so overwhelmed that she grabbed her zer''s hem gingerly and said, "Can''t you tell me what your real job is? I want to know you better, and if you are struggling, I want to be by your side to help you. Zhiqiang, towards you, Iˇ­hmphˇŞ"

    Dai Zhiqiang covered Li Caiyi''s mouth with his hand so she couldn''t finish her sentence. Li Caiyi looked up at him in confusion before she could hear a peal of softughter from him.

    "Don''t say it now, or I won''t be able to focus on my work."

    Li Caiyi blushed hard, knowing he had read her mind. Her heart was pounding so fast as she lowered her head in embarrassment.

    "There are many things I can''t tell you right now. But I will tell you when the timees." Dai Zhiqiang said, almost peacefully.

    "Will you really? I mean, I can understand if you don''t want to tell meˇ­."

    "I will, because you are important to me."

    It felt like something was squeezing her heart, but it wasn''t painful at all. It was a sweet and fulfilling feeling. After days without seeing or talking to him, she felt soplete now hearing that line from him.

    Li Caiyi initially thought she would be fine if she could talk to him for a bit, but now that she had met him, she became greedy and wanted to be with him longer.

    "I need to go now. Don''t wander around anymore and get back safely." Dai Zhiqiang exined while slowly loosening his hold on her hand.<sub> </sub>

    "Wait!" Li Caiyi clutched his zer in a hurry. "Can we meet again like this tomorrow? If you can''te to me, then I''lle to you, instead!"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    Li Caiyi realized how selfish her words sounded when he fell into silence. She wanted to spend more time with Dai Zhiqiang so badly that she said those things, but what if she only made him feel troubled?

    Dai Zhiqiang should have had a lot on his te even without her disturbance. Thinking it like that, Li Caiyi''s face flushed in embarrassment.

    "Oh, uhm. I''m sorry. I shouldn''t say that when you are so busy." Li Caiyiughed dryly before letting out her hold on him.

    However, Dai Zhiqiang caught her retracting hand and pressed it on his lips, or rather, his mask-covered lips. Li Caiyi lost her breath, feeling the hard surface of the mask on the back of her hand, but the scorching temperature of his hand holding hers.

    It was clearly too intimate of a gesture between friends. When she thought about what he was thinking when doing all these, her cheeks reddened, and her face became hot.

    "Don''t say that, or I would always want you to stay by my side." Dai Zhiqiang said with a deep, maic voice that seemed to suck all the oxygen out of her lungs. Li Caiyi couldn''t avert her eyes from him at all.

    "You should go back and not wander around this ce alone. There will be a lot of strange guys preying on you if you do that. I can''t always be with you to save you, so listen to me, okay? I''m saying this because I''m worried."

    Li Caiyi felt like she was hypnotized by his voice, movement, and everything. She was trapped under his spell and didn''t want to wake up. All she could do was nod her head obediently.

    "Good girl," Dai Zhiqiang patted her head. "And don''t misunderstand. I alsoˇ­"

    Li Caiyi waited for him to finish his sentence, but Dai Zhiqiang only shook his head. "No, never mind. Hurry and go home now."

    "Zhiqiang, why didn''t you ever reply to my messages and calls?"

    "There is an unavoidable situation, and my phone is not with me right now; that''s why I can''t reply to you. But it''s nothing for you to worry about. I should be able to return to school by the midterm exam."

    "Then, I''ll wait for you. You will be alright, right?"

    "Yes. Don''t worry too much and wait for me. I''ll be back soon." He said while stroking her head again. "Be careful on your way. I really have to go now. See you, Caiyi."

    Then, he left without looking back. Li Caiyi watched how his back kept getting farther, and when he was out of her sight, she held her cheeks with both of her hands to cool down her burning cheeks.

    "What was all that? He is too coolˇ­." Li Caiyi murmured dreamily. "He reminds me more of Shen Qiang as time passed by. Could it beˇ­it really is him?"

    Li Caiyi was only fifty percent sure before, but now her certainty has increased to eighty percent. She didn''t know if this was just her wishful thinking, but she wanted to believe that Dai Zhiqiang was the person she had been looking for. If it was him, then this attraction towards him would make sense.

    The way he kissed her hand, reassured her and stroked her head was all too simr to be a coincidence. Li Caiyi''s heart couldn''t calm down when thinking about that possibility.

    "I hope he is him. How good will it be if Dai Zhiqiang really is Shen Qiang?"

    A small smile escaped her lips as she turned around and returned to Shao Jingfei''s cafe. The weight that burdened her heart in thest few days was gone, and only excitement to meet Dai Zhiqiang again remained.

 Chapter 238 He Is A Formidable Opponent

    Days passed by, and Li Caiyi had be ustomed to living in Shao Jingfei''s ce, which she already considered her second home. Li Chunhua also came to hang out with them almost every day, so there was no dull moment there.

    It distracted her thoughts from the crucial uing event for a while.

    Li Caiyi stared at the calendar on her phone before sighing deeply. "Tomorrow is finally Big Brother Jie''s birthday."

    Tomorrow, Li Junjie will officially turn 19 years old, and this was what she had been targeting all this time. The reason why she kept dying confronting Li Jirong''s affair against the person himself was also because of this.

    "I have to talk to Brother Jie as soon as possible."

    Li Caiyi was pretty nervous about this because this would be her first time revealing this to anyone. She didn''t dare to do anything in her previous life. However, now that she had ample time to prepare, she felt more confident.

    "Caiyi, are you ready yet? If we don''t go now, we will bete for school."

    Shao Jingfei''s voice from outside her room snapped her out of her thoughts. Li Caiyi pped her cheeks lightly twice before she stood up.

    "Yes, I''ming!"

    ***

    Li Caiyi gingerly poked her head into the 3-A ssroom and looked around. She quickly spotted Li Junjie sitting on his chair while fiddling with his phone. It was a good thing he was here, but the bad thing was that Meng Renshu was also there.

    Li Caiyi was reluctant to approach them and contemting whether she should just contact her brother via phone call or text message when Meng Renshu''s turned his head her way.

    "Xiaoyi?" Meng Renshu called out to her in a pleasant surprise while waving his hand.

    Li Junjie, who was sitting behind him, also pried his eyes from his phone to look at the ss entrance.

    "Urk.." Li Caiyi groaned in a low voice. Now that they had spotted her, it would be weird if she went away.

    Holding back a grimace, Li Caiyi walked over to them, feeling people''s gaze on her. With the rumors about her and Meng Renshu circting nowadays, this much attention was expected. Still, it didn''t make it easier to deal nheless.

    "Xiaoyi? Why did youe to our ss?" Meng Renshu was the first one to ask instead of her brother. His face was brimming with cheerfulness and joy. It bedazzled almost every girl in the ss, except for Li Caiyi, who had grown a slight immunity to it.

    "I came here to talk with Brother Jie." Li Caiyi replied, a bit louder than it was supposed to be so people wouldn''t misunderstand.

    "Ah, is that so? I''m disappointed you aren''t here for me, but Junjie is free now. You can talk to him." Meng Renshu said regretfully. However, he didn''t appear to be surprised at all.

    "Why are you answering it like I''m your subordinate?" Li Junjie sighed before putting down his phone and staring at her sister. "Do you need something from me?"

    "Yeah. Can we talk for a bit, Brother Jie? Just the two of us," Li Caiyi emphasized thest sentence.

    Meng Renshu quickly picked on her cue and said, "Ah, I need to go to the bathroom, so go ahead, you guys. I''ll see youter, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi was bewildered by how nonchnt Meng Renshu was but decided that this wasn''t the right time to mull over that matter.

    After Meng Renshu left, leaving the siblings some space to talk, Li Caiyi sat down on Meng Renshu''s chair and faced Li Junjie. She made sure no one was nearby to eavesdrop on their conversation before speaking, "Big Brother Jie, you are hiding something from all of us, right?"

    There was no ripple on Li Junjie''s face as he replied in his usual t tone. "What is it this time? It was rare for you toe looking for me, and the first thing you did was to interrogate me?"<sub> </sub>

    "I''m asking about the ''promise'' you made with Father. Brother, I need to know what promise you made to him."

    Li Junjie tapped the desk with his finger while his other hand propped his chin. "I have a feeling you will ask me that sooner orter. I don''t mind answering, only if you tell me everything you know."

    Li Caiyi''s heart felt like it could stop from shock. Li Junjie squinted his eyes as he studied his sister''s reaction before adding, "You knew something about Father. Humans are not creatures that can change easily. At least, that''s what I believe. If there is a chance that even someone as timid as you could go against Father, there must be something more than it looks on the surface."

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously as she tried not to cower under Li Junjie''s pressuring gaze. She felt like a frog that was being preyed upon by the snake.

    Sure enough, her brother was a formidable opponent to deal with. Li Caiyi wasn''t confident that she could beat him in an argument even with her current mental age, which was supposedly much older than her teen brother.

    "Rebirth conceptˇ­." Li Junjie mumbled.

    Thump!

    Li Caiyi couldn''t breathe for a second upon hearing Li Junjie mentioning that. Her heart was beating fast, and her palms became mmy with cold sweat.

    ''Don''t tell me, Brother Jie also became suspicious of me after reading my work?'' Li Caiyi couldn''t help but think that after being cornered by Meng Renshu not so long ago. However, the shock she got this time was probably twice bigger.

    After all, Li Junjie didn''t suffer from recurring dreams of his previous life. Or, perhaps, he did? Li Caiyi had never really paid attention to her brother to be able to tell.

    Li Caiyi pressed her lips into a hard line before asking tensely. "W-what of it?"

    Li Junjie tilted his head as if confused before asking, "Why are you sitting stiffly like that? Did you want to go to the bathroom too?"

    "No, but why did you suddenly bring up my first work?"

    "Ah, that? Nothing, I was just impressed with how you pictured human changes in your work. It made me think of you every time I read that."

    "How so?"

    "To me, you look like a person who has gone through a rebirth, considering how much you changed in the past two months. It is scientifically not possible, but theoretically interesting."

    His words were akin to a punch to her gut of how scarily urate it was, even though he said them without deeper meaning.

    ''Scary! These genius people should stop attacking my heart like this!'' Li Caiyi whined inwardly, feeling that the gap between their intelligence was unjustly too wide. If only she had a quarter of her brother''s intelligence, she wouldn''t have had so much trouble dealing with everything.

    "Anyway, that''s beside the point. To put it simply, I want to know what makes you change so rapidly in such a short period."

    Li Caiyi was grateful because he returned the topic on track. "I don''t know you are so interested in this, Brother Jie. You always look like you are not interested in anything besides your study."

    "Well, you are kind of correct there. However, I can''t just pretend nothing happened when your change is also slowly affecting our family."

    "Iˇ­am?"

    "Yes, you are. When we are sharing the same living space together, a person could bring a change to another person''s life. For better or worse, the change in our family began because of you."

 Chapter 239 Li Junjies Promise (1)

    Li Caiyi fell into silence as she listened to Li Junjie''s words. She had never expected herself to have this deep conversation with Li Junjie, out of all people. All this time, she thought that her brother was just too indifferent or slow to notice anything, but it turned out that her brother was actually keeping an eye on her actions.

    "Brother Jie, if you notice everything, why didn''t you say anything?"

    "Sometimes it''s easier if you pretend you don''t know anything."

    "Is this rted to the so-called promise? Brother Jie, can''t you tell me about it?"

    "...I can," Li Junjie answered after a moment of pause. "But not now, not in this ce. Let''s go somewhere else after school. Just you and me."

    "What about Xiaohua?"

    ? ''"She doesn''t need to know about this. At least not yet."

    Li Caiyi felt more curious now that her brother clearly expressed his reluctance to bring Li Chunhua along.

    ''Did he know about Father''s evil deed towards Xiaohua? Or was it because of something else?''

    There were too many questions left unanswered, but Li Caiyi decided to follow her brother''s advice for now. After all, although Li Junjie was unfeeling and apathetic, he had never said a single wrong thing until now.

    ***

    It was a bit of a hassle to convince Li Chunhua to leave first. This was the first time ever since Li Caiyi stayed at Shao Jingfei''s that she refused to go home together.

    However, Li Caiyi managed to find some excuse and even asked Shao Jingfei to distract her sister''s attention.

    After parting ways with them, she quickly went to the ce Li Junjie sent her. It was a book cafe with a cozy and vintage feeling to it.

    Li Caiyi didn''t even have to look around since she only needed to follow the line of the gaze of the female customers and staff working there.

    Sure enough, sitting at the table in the deepest corner, Li Junjie was currently sitting with his hand casually flipping books with no care for his surrounding.

    Li Caiyi really envied his ability to ignore people. How could he read leisurely like that while stealing everyone''s attention effortlessly?

    Beauty is a sin, indeed. If only these people knew how her brother behaved normally.

    "Brother Jie, I''m here." Li Caiyi said while pulling the chair across from him.

    "Hmm." Li Junjie barely gave a hum of acknowledgment while keeping his eyes on the book. "Wait until I finish this chapter first."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    At least he didn''t ask her to wait until he finished the book he was holding. Li Caiyi tried to keep a positive mind about this and decided to order something first.

    After fifteen minutes, Li Junjie finally closed his book and put it on the table. Li Caiyi''s order had arrived by that time, and she also finished half of it.

    "Brother Jie, can we talk now?" Li Caiyi asked more urgently.

    "Yeah."

    "I guess I should start first," Li Caiyi took a deep breath before showing Li Junjie her phone. Thetter stared at it inquisitively, so Li Caiyi quickly exined. "You''ll know once you see the information I have."

    Li Junjie appeared skeptical but epted her phone nheless. Li Caiyi had prepared everything regarding Li Jirong''s affair beforehand, so she anticipated how her brother would react.

    Li Junjie''s pupils moved quickly as he read the content she hadpiled beforehand. If he was surprised by it, he did such a good job hiding it. This reaction wasn''t that surprisinging from her ever calm brother. Probably not even an earthquake could make him bat an eye.

    "I see. So this is why you suddenly became so hostile and went against Father''s will."

    "Brother, aren''t you surprised at all?"<sub> </sub>

    "I did, actually. However, the difference between us is that I already have a hunch this would be the case." Li Junjie said before elegantly taking a sip of his ck coffee as if what he just read wasn''t the evidence of their father''s affair but a morning newspaper.

    "Is this hunch rted to the promise you said before?"

    Li Junjie put his cup back into its saucer before replying. "Yes and no. I did make a promise with Father long ago, but I''m not sure if you want to hear about this."

    Li Caiyi was stupefied hearing that. What was she had just heard? Was her brother actually expressing his concern for her just now?

    "If you really want to hear it, I can tell you. But keep it a secret for Xiaohua."

    "But, I think Xiaohua also has the right to know." Li Caiyi argued weakly.

    "Of course, she has the right. I never said we wouldn''t tell her anything. It was just not the right time to tell her about it."

    "Alright, then please tell me about that promise."

    Li Junjie looked down as he began narrating, "This will be a pretty long and boring story. It first happened when I was 5 years old."

    ***

    13 years ago.

    "Xiaoyi, stop crying." The five-year-old Li Junjie sighed in exasperation as she wiped the tears and snot from his sister''s face.

    "But..but Brother Jie, I can''t stop crying." Li Caiyi, who wore a dirty uniform, sobbed pitifully.

    Li Junjie didn''t know how to console her sister, so he just sped her hand in his and Li Chunhua''s hand in his other hand before pulling them gently to follow him.

    "Let''s just go home quickly. Mother must have prepared a lot of food by now."

    "Yeah! So don''t cry anymore, Xiaoyi. You are such a crybaby." Li Chunhua teased while waving a branch in her hand around yfully.

    "Tomorrow is Brother Jie''s birthday, so Mother is preparing a lot of food and cakes for the party!"

    "Really?" Li Caiyi''s sob gradually subsided at the mention of delicious foods and cakes.

    "Yes. So please don''t cry anymore." Li Junjie added tiredly. Having two sisters to take care of at once was really tolling him.

    The older one was a cry baby, while the younger one was difficult to control. Li Junjie got a headache just thinking about how he should exin to their mother about Li Caiyi, who was surprised by a big dog and fell, which ultimately made her cry.

    While they were walking, a car suddenly stopped beside them, and a familiar face popped out of the window with a bright smile.

    "It''s Brother Renshu!" Li Chunhua eximed in excitement as she pried her hand from Li Junjie''s hold and ran towards the car.

    "Ah, hey!" Li Junjie couldn''t stop her spunky sister from leaving, but at least Li Caiyi remained by his side. Although she seemed to use him as a shield for hiding right now.

    From within the car, Meng Renshu got off and opened his arm widely to receive Li Chunhua''s hug. "Hello, Xiaohua. You are as cheerful as usual today."

    "Brother Renshu! Let''s have a cake at our house! Come on!" Li Chunhua tugged at his sleeve excitedly.

    Li Junjie felt even more tired now that he had to watch over one extra person. He barely knew this guy because they went to the same ss, but since their families were close, he had to listen to his parents to try to befriend this energetic person.

    Among all of his ssmates, Meng Renshu was the most annoying one to deal with because no amount of cold words could seem to discourage him from approaching.

    Li Junjie had long since given up on it.

 Chapter 240 Li Junjies Promise (2)

    "Hi Junjie, you seem to be in a bad mood," Meng Renshu chuckled as he walked over, causing a deeper frown on Li Junjie''s face.

    "I''m fine. Do you have some business with us?"

    "Well, I saw the three of you walking and thought I could drop by at your house before going to my supplementary ss today."

    "You can visit, but the house is probably messy right now."

    "With your birthday preparation? It''s okay. I can y with the twins outside." Meng Renshu smiled as he stroked Li Chunhua''s head. Then, he leaned down to peek at Li Caiyi, who was hiding behind her brother. "Let''s y together, Xiaoyi."

    Li Junjie could feel her sister''s hold on him tighten before she shyly said, "Y-yes, Brother Renshu."

    "How cute. Then, shall we go?" Meng Renshu said as he sped Li Chunhua''s hand, so each boy held a girl by their side.

    Li Junjie looked at him in confusion. "Aren''t you going to ride your car?"

    "Why? When I can have fun with you guys here?"

    It was evident that riding a car would be morefortable than walking while holding someone else. Li Junjie really couldn''t understand Meng Renshu sometimes.

    "Do as you wish, then." Li Junjie shrugged his shoulders indifferently before continuing walking.

    Their house wasn''t that far from the school, so they quickly reached it. However, when they finally arrived in front of the door, Li Junjie could faintly hear the sound of ss breakinging from inside.

    Li Junjie: "??"

    His hand that already held the doorknob halted, causing the little girl beside him to look up. "Brother? We aren''t going to enter?"

    Li Junjie didn''t answer immediately and heard another sounding from inside again. This time, it sounded like there was a fight inside. He subconsciously guessed that something wasn''t right.

    "Xiaoyi, go y with Renshu and Xiaohua first in the garden." Li Junjie said while handing her hand to Meng Renshu, causing the girl to yelp in surprise.

    Meng Renshu said nothing but gently held Li Caiyi''s hand in his other hand. "Your brother is right. Shall we y in the garden? The weather is nice, and I want to see some flowers."

    "Oh, I know where the good flowers are!" Li Chunhua voluntarily raised her hand. "It''s there! Let''s go, Brother Renshu!"

    "Yes, let''s go." Meng Renshu cast a side nce at Li Junjie and nodded his head before leaving with the twins.

    Li Junjie was grateful that Meng Renshu was quick to pick on his cue, but what''s with his nod at the end? He also put on a strange expression, almost like a sympathetic look. It unsettled him, and Li Junjie didn''t like it.

    He shook his head and finally turned on the doorknob. As soon as he entered, the sound became louder and clearer. Li Junjie looked around to find the living room was empty, so he walked towards where the sound wasing from gingerly.

    Apparently, the sound came from the kitchen.<sub> </sub>

    "If you are doing your job right, would everything be messy like this? It''s not my problem if you aren''t doing your job right!"

    "But can you be a little lenient towards them? They are still so young. There''s no need to be so strict with them."

    "It''s because they are still young everything should be done properly. Or they would grow up and be useless like you in the future!"

    Li Junjie hid behind the wall as he eavesdropped on his parents'' conversation. His heart plummeted, and his stomach churned as an ufortable feeling arose within him. He really didn''t want to see this and regretted that he didn''t go to y in the garden with her siblings.

    "Junjie already has enough ying with kids his age. You could tell he was born different from the rest and was meant for a sessful life. I won''t let you ruin that future of his with your unreasonable answer." Li Jirong roared once again.

    "Husband, Junjie is already good with his study, but he iscking in other parts."

    "Don''t force your silly idea onto him. Many people will follow him and kill each other to be his friends when the timees. What could you possibly know about this?" Li Jirong sneered, causing the trembling Su Suyin to bite her lips.

    She couldn''t say anything back to her husband. Still, her belief that Li Junjie needed more time to spend on other things besides study remained, so albeit scared, she persisted.

    "That kid is still young, and there will be plenty of time to study. He doesn''t need additional cram lessons and this many supplementary sses. He already had too much, and it takes a toll on his body and mind." Su Suyin exined.

    "He doesn''t need anyone but Young Master Meng as his friend! How often do I have to tell you that until you understand?!" Li Jirong shouted.

    "If you have so much time thinking about unnecessary stuff, why don''t you use that time to properly raise the twins? Xiaohua is still decent, but what about Xiaoyi? She can''t even speak what''s on her mind and stutters a lot. I won''t ask you something impossible; just make sure neither of them would bring shame to our family!"

    Li Junjie clenched his fist, hearing that while feeling a burning sensation in the pit of his stomach. He really hated this.

    "The girls are fine. They are eating and studying well. Xiaoyi is a bit on the slower side, but she isn''t doing badly, either. Husband, you are too harsh on the kids."

    SLAP!

    There was a fierce pping sound, followed by a thud, like something¨Cor someone¨Chad fallen. Li Junjie held his breath while peeping from behind the wall. Then, for the first time in his life, he saw her mother pitifully sitting on the floor while his father was standing there with a cold and scary look on his face.

    His little hand trembled, looking at the unfamiliar sight. Li Junjie had seen his father scold his mother several times before, but he had never seen her mother cry. Looking at the red mark on her mother''s face, it wasn''t hard for him to guess that it must have hurt so much.

    "You are too na?ve! This is why you are a failure as their mother. You can''t see what''s good for them, that''s fine, but don''t hinder their way!"

    Su Suyin trembled under the ferocious roar of her husband. The drop of tears kept running down her cheek, but it only made Li Jirong even more impatient and furious.

    "Can''t you do anything butin and cry? This is why women are soˇ­" Li Jirong clicked his tongue in annoyance. "I can''t talk to you at all! Every time we talk, you always waste my time by crying; it''s getting annoying."

    <o>,m Li Junjie had a reasonably good rtionship with his parents. It never came to him that his father would be so violent towards their mother. He vaguely remembered the sympathetic look Meng Renshu had given him earlier. Was it because he could guess what was happening inside?</o>

    Although Li Junjie was a calm and rational kid, he was still a child nheless. Witnessing his parents having a physical fight for the first time created the first fear in his young heart and affected him greatly.

 Chapter 241 Li Junjies Promise (3)

    "I-I''m sorry, husband. I''ll do better next time." Su Suyin said in the middle of her sobs.

    Li Jirong snorted. "You should think well about what is best for the kids'' future. What''s important is power and influence. Sentimental feelings can followter. If you can''t think of anything by yourself, then at least listen obediently to your husband''s words."

    "I''m sorry. I''ll listen to you from now on."

    Li Junjie felt inexplicable emotion wash over him, looking at his mother''s submissive attitude. Even if he found most of the lessons in school boring, one of the first things he learned in school was that men weren''t supposed to raise their hands against women. This wasn''t the correct behavior of a husband towards his wife at all.

    "Hmph, clean up this mess. I have wasted so much time talking to you." Li Jirong paid no heed to Su Suyin''s condition and walked away, more precisely, in the direction where Li Junjie stood.

    Li Junjie knew he should hide somewhere, but strangely, his body refused to move. He was so shocked he couldn''t do anything.

    The sound of his father''s footsteps had never sounded so terrifying before. His tiny body shook rhythmically with his heart, which beat so fast at the thought of the same thing his father did to his mother also happening to him.

    "Husband, wait!"

    Not only Li Jirong but Li Junjie also flinched when Su Suyin suddenly shouted.

    "Husband, can''t you help me stand? I-I think I twisted my legs somehow." Su Suyin added with a considerably lower voice while avoiding meeting Li Jirong in the eyes.

    "Do you even need my help to do something like that?" Li Jirong grumbled.

    "Please, I really can''t stand, and the kids will be home soon." Su Suyin said pleadingly before raising her head slightly. However, she didn''t look at Li Jirong but at the small figure peeking his head out of the wall.

    Li Junjie''s eyes widened when his gaze met with his mother''s. His heart was thumping so deafeningly loud that he couldn''t take his eyes off her.

    Su Suyin let out a small smile before speaking, "Just help me out a bit, and then you can go. Please don''t concern yourself with me. I''m fine."

    Li Jirong sighed in exasperation before begrudgingly trudging back and helping his wife to stand.

    Meanwhile, Li Junjie had to cover his mouth with his hand, so he wouldn''t let out a sound. Because he knew that her mother''sst two sentences weren''t directed at Li Jirong but at him. She did that so his father wouldn''t find out he had been eavesdropping.

    Using the chance where his mother kept his father''s attention, Li Junjie forced his weakened leg to move and ran away from there. His chest was suffocated with an indescribable feeling, and he just wanted to scream so bad.

    He didn''t return to his room but went to the garden instead. Not until he found his siblings and Meng Renshu, who were currently ying happily, did he finally understand these ufortable nagging feeling in his chest.

    It was frustration and self-hate.

    Why did he only stand there like an idiot? His mother was doing her best, yet he cowered in front of his father.

    Why was he the only one to feel like this? He should have known that something was amiss when he heard those sounds. Meng Renshu also behaved suspiciously towards him after that.

    Li Junjie grabbed a handful of his hair and started pulling it harshly. Even now, his legs were still trembling when he recalled his father''s terrifying face and loud voice. His mother must have been more scared to the point she was crying, but he ran away like a coward.

    Li Jirong said he was different. Although it sounded good and all, Li Junjie knew that the ''difference'' between him and other kids wasn''t only that. He acted like he knew everything in front of everyone, but he did not know what to do when it came to the actual situation.

    His mother noticed that but got beaten up for trying to speak up for him.<sub> </sub>

    What was the use of his cleverness if he couldn''t use it when it mattered the most?

    "Howmeˇ­" Li Junjieughed in a self-deprecating manner while closing his eyes tightly.

    "Brother Jie?"

    Li Junjie was snapped out of his reverie when a small hand tugged on his uniform''s sleeve. Beside him, Li Caiyi looked up at him with a worried gaze.

    "Brother Jie? Are you hurt somewhere? You don''t look well."

    Compared to him, his sisters were doing so much better. It was so easy for them tough and cry. It made Li Junjie feel even more self-conscious of his ''difference'' from other people.

    Even Li Caiyi, who was deemed as ''unsatisfying'' by their father, was more susceptible to her surroundings than him. He felt more miserable thinking about it like that.

    Looking at his sister''s clear eyes seemed to calm him down. He couldn''t show any weakness in front of his sisters.

    "I''m fine." Li Junjie replied curtly, but his voice was hoarser than intended.

    "You sure?"

    This time, it was Meng Renshu who asked him that. He approached them wearing that refreshing smile that always irked Li Junjie, but he felt his smile was tolerable just for this once. At least he didn''t look at him with sympathy like before.

    "Yeah. It''s just too hot here."

    "Hmm, I see. Just tell me if you want some water because I got it in my bag."

    Again, Li Junjie felt an underlying meaning in his words, but he preferred not to overthink it. Even if their families were close, Meng Renshu was still an outsider. There was no need for him to know everything, although Li Junjie had a feeling that this guy probably already had a rough idea of what was happening.

    "No need. I can handle it by myself."

    "Good for you." Meng Renshu smiled meaningfully before saying, "Then I''ll leave first since it''s almost time for my supplementary sses."

    "Brother Renshu, you are leaving already? B-but you still haven''t met Mother yet." Li Caiyimented nervously.

    "I would love to meet Auntie, but today seems to be bad timing. I''ll greet her at Junjie''s birthday party tomorrow instead."

    Meng Renshu bade his goodbye, and only then did Li Junjie''s opinion of him change slightly. He initially thought Meng Renshu was just that spoiled young master who was used to everyone revolving around him, but he was unexpectedly pretty level-headed, at least more than idiots in school.

    Only when Li Junjie stood beside Meng Renshu did he look less awkward and ''different''.

    Li Junjie took a deep breath as he tried to dismiss the fear crawling beneath his skin whenever he recalled the scene from earlier. After witnessing that, there was no way he could just sit still anymore.

    His father was a violent man, and such a man wasn''t suitable for his gentle mother. If there was anything Li Jirong liked in this world, it was a pure genius who stood above anyone else, and Li Junjie just happened to fall into that category.

    It was time to put his good brain into use. He had to think of something.

 Chapter 242 Li Junjies Promise (4)

    "So, what happened after that?" Li Caiyi leaned her body forward as she asked curiously.

    "I told all my school friends that my party got canceled and nobody shoulde."

    Li Caiyi gasped in shock. "What? It was all because of you, Big Brother?!"

    "Yeah. I need to prove to Father that I don''t need something like a party or friends to win the negotiation. Or so the younger me had thought."

    Li Caiyi was even more shocked now. What kind of negotiation could a five-year-old boy pull against his own parents? She couldn''t imagine how much gut you would need for that.

    "Then it''s not because your friends are conspiring against you?"

    Li Junjie sighed. "I never said that. It was just one of Renshu''s bluff to help me."

    Come to think of it, it was indeed Meng Renshu who exined the situation at that time.

    "So, does it mean Brother Renshu also knew about all this?"

    "Not really. He just helped me for no reason back then."

    Li Caiyi was confused, but Li Junjie had already moved the conversation forward.

    "I felt bad because Mother put much effort into that party, but it was necessary to show Father that I''m serious about this." Li Junjie paused briefly before continuing, "After the ''party'' ended, I went to Father''s room and talked to him. I told him I would do as he said as long as he didn''t hurt Mother anymore. Thus, I can''t disobey him."

    "Andˇ­he agreed?"

    "It was a convenient promise for him. I predicted he wouldn''t refuse."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but hang her jaw in awe. The gap between their age was only a year apart, yet when all she could do was cry and wail, her brother had already bravely stood up against their father since his childhood. He really was born with a different material than other normal kids.

    "Brother Jie, you are really amazing. As expected of you."

    "You are wrong with that one. I have failed." Li Junjie said in a lower voice than before.

    "What do you mean?"

    "I neglected my sisters to protect my mother. That''s the fact." Li Junjie closed his eyes, and a trace of regret shed across his ever so calm eyes.

    "As time passed by, Father''s actions became too uncontroble. He wouldn''t touch Mother as we promised, but he directed all his frustration to you instead. That was my first mistake. I should have put you two in mind more when making such a promise."

    "Brother Jieˇ­" Li Caiyi bit her lips as memories of her brother''s indifference toward her shed across her mind. Those times they spent distancing themselves from each other were all because of that reason?

    Sheughed mirthlessly. "I never expected you, out of all people, could make a mistake."

    "Of course I did. I''m a human, and I have made many mistakes." Li Junjie looked down at his cup. "There are only so many things I can understand regarding human emotion. On that matter, I think you are doing a much better job than me, Xiaoyi. To the point, I became too reliant on you."<sub> </sub>

    "Me?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion.

    "Yeah. Mother is in terrible shape after the abuse she received from Father. Xiaohua has a health problem, and I don''t have the capability to be someone else''s strength. That''s why everyone subconsciouslyes to you with their problem. In this case, I put a blind eye to every mistreatment that happened to you. I naively thought that no news means good news. Or perhaps that''s what I want to believe. It made me feel less guilty that way."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Li Caiyi was speechless, and her mind nked out upon hearing her brother''s exnation. She should have felt angry for the injustice she had received, but she only felt empty inside in reality.

    After everything that happened in her previous life, hearing about the reason now became meaningless.

    "You must have resented all of us all this time. I don''t mind receiving your hate because that''s what I deserved. It also applies to Mother and Xiaohua. Everyone is too reliant on you, so you don''t have to worry about these things anymore. I will take care of the matter with Father."

    "What are you nning to do?"

    "I will ask for my right to inheritance." Li Junjie smiled faintly. "Isn''t that what you are aiming for as well? That''s why you came searching for me a day before my birthday?"

    Li Caiyi had no words to refute. Her brother truly had read through her actions. It was good that she didn''t have to beat around the bush when talking with him.

    "That''s right, Brother. You can only im your inheritance when you are 19 years old."

    The Li Family had a rule in the house, which was helpful when there was only a sole sessor within the family. The said sessor can im their inheritance early as long as they have reached 19 years old. By inheritance, it meant the right of the family''s property and wealth, with the permission of the head of the family.

    The property was bound to be passed on to the younger generation, but by right, the sessor can ask for it earlier if there is some unavoidable circumstance, such as if the head of the family was too sickly or incapable of taking care of it.

    In old times, this rule helped the family manage the asset because many family members had a short life expectancy.

    Li Jirong also used this rule to get his right of ownership to the Li family''s assets, so he wouldn''t be able toin if his son did the same.

    That was the aim. Li Caiyi wouldn''t let Li Jirong live happily after everything they made them go through. If there was a person who could be her greatest ally to achieve that, it would be Li Junjie, the sole sessor to the Li family.

    "I could guess what you are thinking by looking at the data you havepiled," Li Junjie added. "It''s not a bad idea. You save a lot of time for me by doing this."

    "Brother, did you have some kind of another n before I showed you mine?"

    "More or less, but mine would take longer to do."

    "What is it?"

    "It''s not a big thing. I just nned to erase the so-called prestigious Li family from its existence."

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

 Chapter 243 Li Junjies Plan

    Li Junjie calmly sipped on his coffee again, utterly oblivious to Li Caiyi''s shocked state. "I acknowledged Father''s reasoning for wanting me to reach sess, but I disapproved of his way of doing things. That''s why I will be his proudest son, and erase the Li family from its current fake glory, to show him my worth."

    An extremely dark and ck aura exuded from his brother''s tranquil eyes, and Li Caiyi gulped down nervously. Her brother could be intimidating if he wanted toˇŞnot that he wasn''t regrly. She really didn''t want to be on her brother''s wrong side.

    "However, doing that would require a lot of time. I have to be a proper adult before I can do anything about him."

    Li Caiyi understood that even if Li Junjie could gain the Li family''s assets, it wouldn''t solve the core of the problem. As long as Li Jirong was around, there would be no peace in the family. That was where Li Caiyi''s evidence came in.

    She wondered if her brother intended to do this from the start in her previous life? That would exin his obsession with studying and his indifferent reaction to almost everything at home. It was a n that only a person with a one-track mind like Li Junjie could pull off.

    Li Caiyi partly understood how her brother coulde to that conclusion. However, it didn''t make everything sound less hard to ept. Although Li Junjie had never mistreated her like Li Jirong, he acted like she didn''t exist, which was more painful in one way or another.

    Li Caiyi clenched his hand into a fist below the table, watching how Li Junjie kept his gaze on his cup. She used to think that Li Junjie was perfect and unfeeling, but in reality, he was just an awkward person who didn''t know how to ask for help from anyone. It was pitiful, in a way.

    "Brother Jie, I n to move out of the house someday." Li Caiyi dered firmly.

    Li Junjie''s movement halted, and he said nothing for a while. "I see. I wish you the best."

    As expected, he didn''t try to stop or even question her. "Even if I go after this, nothing will happen in the house because you probably can take care of Father with this. I want to live for myself this time."

    "....Yes, you should do that."

    "Don''t you have anything to say to me?"

    "Even if I do, it will be pointless. If that''s what you decided, then there''s nothing I can do about it."

    Li Caiyi let out a mirthlessugh. "You are hiding again. Brother Jie, don''t avert your eyes from the reality you see in front of you. The person you are ignoring right now could be holding on to thest straw, and every word and action from you matters a lot to them. Some things couldn''t be solved by simply saying ''I don''t know''."

    Li Junjie raised his head when he noticed the hint of grievance in Li Caiyi''s tone. When his gaze met hers, he realized how much that crybaby little girl had changed. Now she wasn''t the same girl who used to hide behind his back anymore.

    Li Junjie felt a sense of loss and pride at the same time. A small smile escaped his lips as he said in a relieved tone. "Maybe you''re right. I should reflect on my mistake."

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand why her brother could be so calm. In the end, she couldn''t find out whether or not he understood what she said. Talking to him was akin to talking to walls.

    "Forget about that. Brother Jie, are you going to tell this to Mother by yourself?"

    "Mother should know about this sooner orter. If you want to be the one to tell her, then be my guest. I admit I''m not the best conversationalist here."

    "Yes, I think I will be the one to take that role. But I want to be there when you talk to Father, too."

    "Are you sure? It would only make the matter worse if you are there." Li Junjie said. "You don''t have the best rtionship with Father right now."<sub> </sub>

    "That''s true, but I want to see how this goes."

    "There is nothing to see. We already have the upper hand with the evidence you have gathered. If you can convince Mother to divorce Father, it will be ourplete victory."

    "Well yeah, but are you going to be fine alone, Big Brother? Father can do anything when he is angry," Li Caiyi said reluctantly.

    "I have seen worse, so you don''t have to worry about that."

    "I''m still worried."

    "If you are so curious, you can wait outside Father''s room so you can listen to our conversation."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t refute anymore. Li Junjie was adamant about not letting Li Caiyi follow him, and his reason was reasonable. If she was there when Li Jirong flipped, she would be the first easy target for him.

    "Oh yeah, Brother, didn''t you say you already have a hunch about Father''s affair? How do you know about that?"

    "It''s not like I ''know'' about it. I''m guessing because Father''s treatment towards Mother became colder and colder as time passed. I just thought it wouldn''t be weird if a man like him cheated on Mother."

    Li Caiyi nodded in understanding. "I guess that''s true."

    "I didn''t expect you to investigate this to such length, though. Did you perhaps hire a private investigator for this? I assume you paid for the service using your prize money from the writingpetition?"

    Li Caiyi thought her brother could pass as a detective if he weren''t determined to go on the medical path. His guess was so urate that she felt like she was being watched by him all these times.

    "You are correct." Li Caiyi admitted.

    "I can see your effort and detailed n in this. Good job."

    He praised her, but it didn''t sound like praise somehow. "Thank youˇ­"

    "No problem. We can start our n after we arrive home. Your task is to convince Mother to divorce Father. Leave the rest to me."

    "O-okay? Aren''t you going to talk to Mother with me?"

    Li Junjie thought about it for a bit before shaking his head. "No, you should take this chance to talk to Mother, too. Tell her about your n to move out of the house."

    Li Caiyi fidgeted with her fingers under the table, feeling conflicted inside. However, she made up her mind after a few seconds.

    "Yes, I will tell her properly this time."

 Chapter 244 Su Suyins Decision (1)

    Li Caiyi went back to the Li family''s household that day. Thankfully, Li Jirong wouldn''t be around the house untilte at night, so she could stay until dinner time.

    Su Suyin was happy and prepared a sumptuous meal for her, but it pressured her even more, considering what she nned to tell her motherter.

    The sun had set, and Li Caiyi was currently watching her mother pruning the flowers so she could put them into the vase.

    Li Caiyi spent a lot of time thinking about the words she wanted to say to her and dyed her timing. The sky had turned dark in a blink of an eye, and she had to talk with her mother before Li Jirong came back.

    Su Suyin sat and meticulously used the scissor to cut the thorn from the rose branch she held. Her mother had a serious expression on her face. The scene looked so serene that Li Caiyi didn''t bear to ruin it with the bad news she had in hand.

    Nevertheless, she would lose the time when the fruit was ripe if she dilly-dallied here. Hence, with a renewed resolve, she walked over to Su Suyin.

    "Mother, do you have time?"

    Su Suyin''s movement halted as she raised her head. Her lips curved up into a smile, seeing Li Caiyi approach her first.

    "Yes, what''s wrong, Xiaoyi?"

    Li Caiyi calmed herself down before replying, "I have something I need to tell you. This is important, so can we talk in private, please?"

    Su Suyin''s smile faded when she noticed how stiff and courteous Li Caiyi behaved. Her hunch told her that what her daughter wanted to say to her must be very serious, in a bad way.

    A sense of anxiety hit her, and she suddenly had a terrible feeling about this.

    "What is it, Xiaoyi? You sound so serious it scares me."

    "Mother, let''s have a talk first. Can we go to my or your room?"

    Li Caiyi could sense her mother''s apprehension, but she would have to know about this eventually.

    Su Suyin bit her lips and reluctantly agreed. She stood up, and both of them changed their location to Su Suyin''s room.

    After closing the door, Li Caiyi took a deep breath before sitting beside her mother at the bedside. Her face was grim as she took out her phone from her pocket.

    "Please don''t be too surprised, Mother. First, please take a look at this, then let''s talk about what we can do about it." Li Caiyi started carefully, trying her best so her mother wouldn''t be startled too much.

    Su Suyin looked down at the phone with a confused and reluctant gaze but still epted it. She nced at her daughter, and only after Li Caiyi nodded her head did she finally tap on the screen.

    Li Caiyi observed her mother''s reaction closely, without missing any subtle details. Her heart ached, watching how her mother''s face color gradually became darker as time passed. She couldn''t imagine how her mother would feel towards her father''s betrayal after everything she sacrificed for him.

    "T-this isˇ­" Su Suyin muttered in a trembling voice. Actually, not only her voice but her whole body was shaking like a leaf. All blood seemed to be lost from her face as she gazed at Li Caiyi in a mixture of pain and disbelief.

    "Mother," Li Caiyi touched her shoulder and rubbed it gently. "I know this is surprising, but this is the truth you have to ept."<sub> </sub>

    "How do you know about this?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t n to hide anything from her mother, so she told her everything. Starting from when she ''identally'' eavesdropped on the scandalous action in Li Jirong''s office and how she investigated her father after that, which eventually led to the current situation.

    Su Suyin listened to her without saying anything. Her eyes which looked hurt earlier, gradually lost their light until they were reced by aplete emptiness.

    Li Caiyi knew that expression well. She once always looked at the same expression every morning when she looked in the mirror. A tired face that had already given up on everything and only resigned herself to fate.

    Looking at her mother right now was like looking at her past self, which made her ufortable.

    "Mother, please don''t lose hope. This is the proof that Father is not staying true to your marriage and his family. But none of this is your fault." Li Caiyi carefully chose her words, but she felt like any kind of words would be useless. She, too, knew how it felt to be abandoned more than anyone else, and that experience made it a lot harder for her to offer words offort.

    "Xiaoyi, what do you think of me now?"

    "Ah?" Li Caiyi eximed in confusion at her mother''s sudden question.

    "Do you think that your mother is very pitiful? Because she dedicated herself to one man, only to be treated like nothing in the end?"

    "Mother, there is a way to solve this. One that doesn''t involve further pain for you. We can''t let Father do as he pleases anymore." Li Caiyi sped Su Suyin''s hand in a firm grip.

    "It took me a long time to muster my courage to break the news to you. Mother, I think it would be better if you divorce Father."

    Su Suyinughed in a self-deprecating manner. "Without your father, I''m just a nobody."

    "No, that''s not true!" Li Caiyi denied it immediately. She took hold of her mother''s shoulders before forcing her to look her way.

    "I used to think the same too about myself. Father kept telling me that I was useless and a disgrace to the family''s name but didn''t I manage to achieve something? Don''t let what Father said get to you, Mother. He wants you to believe that, so he can take full control of your mind!"

    "Xiaoyi, I don''t know." Su Suyin shook her head while replying weakly. "I was shocked and hurt when I knew about your father''s affair, but after a while, I can''t help but think it''s meaningless to even feel that way. Because your father had long since changed. He wasn''t the man I used to know anymore."

    "Mother, it''s okay to cry if you feel sad. Don''t hold it in." Li Caiyi squeezed her shoulders tighter as if she could transfer some of her energy to her mother that way.

    Su Suyin shook her head before smiling faintly. "At this point, I couldn''t even feel sad about it anymore. Right now, the only thing in my mind is, what will happen to my children if I give up on this marriage? I probably can''t meet you anymore if your father found out about this."

    "There''s nothing to worry about!"

    Li Caiyi''s enthusiastic answer took Su Suyin aback. "How can it be? Divorce is not something that could be done just because a couple doesn''t have any feelings toward each other anymore. There are a lot of things to be considered."

    Li Caiyi felt reassured knowing that her mother wasn''t actually against the divorce idea.

    "Mother, you don''t have to worry because we have prepared a n for that."

 Chapter 245 Su Suyins Decision (2)

    Su Suyin sat while covering her mouth with her hand as she looked at her daughter in disbelief.

    "Xiaoyi, are you serious? Since when did you and Jie n this?"

    The older woman was dumbstruck once again by how much Li Caiyi had grown.

    Li Junjie was one thing, but as if the fact that her eldest daughter went so far to investigate her father wasn''t surprising enough, now she added it with her n to get rid of Li Jirong while taking the family asset for her brother.

    "Yes. It''s not like we nned it together from the beginning, but it naturally turned out like that. Mother, my book will be published soon, so even if there is no Father around, we''ll manage somehow!"

    How could she possibly be the same timid girl who wouldn''t even dare to look her father in the eyes? Li Jirong''s affair must have been shocking for Li Caiyi; it changed her so much. Su Suyin felt terrible that her daughter must be the first one to know about this.

    "Xiaoyi, aren''t you pushing yourself too hard?" Su Suyin said worriedly. "Is this why you are so adamant about pursuing a writing career?"

    "That is one of the reasons, but the most prominent one is because I sincerely love writing. I want to keep doing that, but Father would never allow me to do so."

    "I understand, and I''m not saying this to discourage you, but there is no guarantee your book will be selling. Your father might not be the best man, but at least he could provide for you until you have fully grown up."

    Her mother''s concern was reasonable. Even if she included her past life experiences, this was her first published book, and no one could tell if it would sell or not. However, once she found out about what Li Jirong had done to her sister, her hesitation vanished without a trace.

    "Mother, trust me. I have a good feeling about this book. Even if this one fails, I can write another, and everything will be fine. Besides, we won''t need Father anymore if we transfer all the assets to Brother Jie."

    Su Suyin bit her lips, still feeling skeptical about this. "This is a big decision. I can''t believe you two nned this and didn''t tell me until it was very close to his birthday. I can''t have more time to think even if I wanted to."

    Li Caiyi grimaced inwardly. She had a feeling that her brother deliberately aimed for this, but that would make him even scarier than he already was. Li Junjie was a formidable opponent indeed.

    "I know you are still shocked about all this, but there is no better chance than this. If we wait until Father bes suspicious of us, he probably will transfer the asset under someone else''s name, and it wouldn''t count as the Li family''s anymore."

    Su Suyin knew Li Jirong''s personality well after living by his side for years. What Li Caiyi said sounded like something he would do. Although Li Jirong talked big, he was actually very paranoid and petty. She didn''t know how she could stand being his wife for so long if not for the children.

    "What about Xiaohua? That girl knew nothing about this, and she probably would disagree with this."

    "I haven''t told Xiaohua yet, but I''m sure she''ll understand if we exin it to her. Brother Jie said we shouldn''t say anything to her for now."

    Su Suyin rubbed her arms as she nodded. "I see. Maybe I shoulde with you and have a talk to her as well."

    "Mother, does this mean you''ll agree with our n?"<sub> </sub>

    Su Suyin sighed in resignation. "I''m actually still very doubtful about this. However, I also understand that there''s no way my children can spend days under the same roof as their father after knowing what he has done behind our back."

    "I have always wanted to ask you this, but have you ever resented Father, Mother? He mistreated you and even cheated on you. I actually expected you to react more strongly than this."

    Her mother only stared at the floor without saying anything as the previous gloominess returned to her.

    Li Caiyi always thought that her mother looked pretty for a woman in her forties. Her face had creases and wrinkles, but the glow wouldn''t lose to the youngster nowadays. If her mother wished for it, Li Caiyi bet she would still be popr among a single middle-aged man, or probably younger.

    <o>,m Besides, her mother used to work and graduated from a decent university. If it were not for her father constantly telling her how useless she was, would she still even ept being degraded like that?</o>

    "You know, Xiaoyi. Marriage is more than just liking and not liking someone. It''s more like amitment between two people who had sworn their loyalty to each other. I admit, there are times when I resent your father, but after a while, I understand that the thing I hate the most is myself."

    Su Suyin chuckled before continuing, "Perhaps I have long since fallen out of love with him. That''s why his betrayal didn''t hurt me as much? Or I might just be so tired that I want it to end as soon as possible. I couldn''t tell. He was once a man who was very dear to me, but now, I don''t know anymore."

    "Mother, you know this isn''t your fault, right?"

    Su Suyin smiled sadly and reached out to stroke her head. "I know. It''s fine. I''m notpletely unbothered by it, but I won''t break down over spilled milk, either. I will be fine if I just sit andpletely let everything sink into me."

    Li Caiyi could tell that her mother forced herself to say that. She didn''t know how much of what Su Suyin said was her true feelings or just a front, but it was a relief that she took this pretty calmly.

    Looking at her mother''s tired face, Li Caiyi suddenly couldn''t bear to break the other piece of news to her. She opened and closed her mouth a few times but still couldn''t tell Su Suyin that she nned to leave the house after everything had settled down.

    Su Suyin seemed to sense her uncertainty, so she asked, "Is there something else you want to say to me, Xiaoyi?"

    Li Caiyi felt a stab in her conscience, looking at her mother''s tired and sunken look. She wondered how her mother would react if she told her about her n? It shouldn''t be that big of news for her, right? After all, Li Caiyi practically had lived separately from her for days already.

    "Yes. I actually nned to move out of the house after having a stable ie and finding a ce for myself. I want to tell you this beforehand."

    Su Suyin''s expression froze immediately as her whole body visibly stiffened.

    She hadn''t shed a tear even after finding out about her husband''s affair, yet when she heard about Li Caiyi''s n, it was like a dam had broken down.

    Droplets of tears began to cascade on her cheeks.

 Chapter 246 Apology

    Her mother''s reaction bbergasted Li Caiyi. She expected some nagging or even scolding, but not crying. It caught her off guard.

    "Mother?! Why are you crying?" Li Caiyi asked in a fluster.

    Su Suyin wiped the tears on her cheeks quickly. "Ah, no. I don''t mean to cry, but I was justˇ­." She paused briefly before continuing, "I really am a failure as a mother."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to react to that. Her mother wasn''t a bad person, but she had to admit that Su Suyin wasn''t a perfect parent to her, at least in the past. Her mother tried to change her way now, but the wound she inflicted on Li Caiyi''s heart was just too deep.

    "Xiaoyi, Mother is so sorry for neglecting you all this time. I let Jie bear a heavy burden since he was young, and I also felt responsible for Xiaohua''s weak constitution. Because of my guilt, I just subconsciously put your need behind the two of them. I''m a horrible mother to you. I''m so sorry."

    Li Caiyi: "..."

    Su Suyin tried her best not to choke on her sobs before continuing. "I know I don''t deserve to say this, but can''t you think it a bit more? Mother will try better for you, and I want to make up for everything I failed to give you."

    Li Caiyi felt pity for her mother. Li Jirong''s tyranny had utterly ruined her mother''s self-esteem and muddled her head. It wasn''t like she didn''t understand why her mother would feel that way. Still, every time she closed her eyes, the image of when her mother pped and wished for her to disappear was painful and heartbreaking to remember.

    In the end, she just couldn''t let go of her pastpletely. Perhaps she could forgive her mother, but she couldn''t just forget everything that had already happened, despite knowing that the current Su Suyin had started to change for the better.

    Nevertheless, it was still pleasing to hear the word of apology. It felt like she could finally make peace with her past and move on.

    "Mother, I ept your apology. Don''t me yourself more than this. I made this decision because I want to live for myself this time. I won''t cut my ties with you and wille to visit from time to time. Can you support this decision of mine?"

    Su Suyin raised her head and gazed at her daughter with reddened eyes glistening with tears. Before she knew it, Li Caiyi had matured into a fine youngdy. It pained her motherly heart to think what that timid girl had to go through such a rough phase and ovee by herself to reach this state.

    Her heart filled with nothing but remorse and regret for her eldest daughter. If only she could turn back the time, she would have treated and protected her better.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry. There is nothing I can say except to apologize."

    Li Caiyi slowly pulled her mother and embraced her while stroking her back gently. "Mother, I''m content with what I have now. Everything is going to be okay from now on."

    Su Suyin''s body shook uncontrobly. The way Li Caiyi held her was like holding something fragile with how careful she was being. She should be the one to console her daughter, but there she was, getting spoiled by Li Caiyi''s magnanimity. As an adult and a mother, she felt so ashamed of herself.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi had never had a proper chance to embrace her mother before. If there was a time like that, it happened so long ago; she didn''t remember how it felt. Now that she did it again, she realized how small her mother''s body was.

    All this time, she tried her best to stay beside her monster fathers with her thin figure and small shoulders. Her nose felt sour all of a sudden.

    "Xiaoyi, if living by yourself can make you happy, Mother will support you. I will visit you often, and stock a lot of good food in your fridge every week, so don''t struggle alone anymore. Please contact me more often too, so I won''t get lonely."

    Her mother''s sadness infected Li Caiyi, and tears welled up in her eyes too. "Yes, I will. Thank you, Mother. For understanding me and supporting me."

    The mother and daughter pair stayed that way for a while, releasing all the pent-up stress and sorrow they had held back for so long.

    It was very bizarre how Li Caiyi finally felt she had returned home when she decided to leave.

    ***

    While Li Caiyi and Su Suyin had a talk inside the room, Li Chunhua, who had been standing outside the closed door all this time, pressed her lips into a hard line.

    "So Xiaoyi really had made up her mind," she whispered in a low voice, without being able to hide the disappointment in her voice.

    When she saw how her mother and sister walked together into a room, she thought Li Caiyi would get scolded again, so she sneakily stood outside the door and eavesdropped on their conversation.

    The revtion about Li Jirong''s affair and Su Suyin''s decision to divorce surprised her, but honestly, she kind of expected this would happen sooner orter. Their parents had never been talking in the same frequency since a long time ago, so the divorce part wasn''t really that surprising. Although she did feel bad for her mother.

    What was surprising about that was Li Caiyi, who spent effort and money investigating their father. There were also Li Junjie''s unexpected involvement in this and her sister''s decision to leave the house.

    Too much new information loaded her head that she felt dizzy, but the thing that hit her core the most was how serious Li Caiyi was about the idea of living independently.

    Li Chunhua had agreed to follow the treatment if their father supported the idea. Now she understood why Li Caiyi was so eager about it, despite not having permission yet. It was because she knew they wouldn''t need their father''s approval in the first ce. Her sister had already calcted everything.

    It depressed Li Chunhua, knowing that she was the only one who didn''t know about this. If it weren''t for her curiosity, she probably wouldn''t hear a word about this until she witnessed it by herself.

 Chapter 247 I Need You

    "Xiaoyi, what are you, exactly?" Li Chunhua muttered under her breath before leaving the ce once she heard the sound of a crying from the inside.

    She walked absent-mindedly to her room before reaching out for her phone on top of the study desk. Her goal was, of course, to contact Shao Jingfei. Recently, she had been contacting him more and more often. If she didn''t receive his advice, she would feel lost sometimes.

    However, unlike previously, she didn''t text him this time but called him directly. This was probably her first time calling him on her own initiative.

    Li Chunhua bit her nails nervously as she anxiously waited for the call line to be connected. When there was no response from the other side, she couldn''t take it and almost screamed in frustration.

    "What to do? What to do?" Li Chunhua repeated that question over and over. She was so anxious she didn''t notice that her finger bled because she bit it too hard.

    Li Chunhua was on her edge and couldn''t calm down. She paced back and forth in her room while asionally looking at her phone. Her rational mind was aware that she was probably relying too much on Shao Jingfei, to the point where not hearing his advice made her unsettled and frightened.

    "I promised Xiaoyi I would change. But I can''t bear this, I don''t like this. I''m scaredˇ­." Li Chunhua mumbled to no one. Her eyes darkened, and her tone dropped to several degrees. Even if she told herself there was nothing to fear, the uncontroble tremble on her body told her otherwise.

    Li Chunhua hated it when this happened to her. She didn''t know since when this happened, but whenever she was shocked or pressured, this immeasurable amount of uneasiness would hit her like a tidal wave. Her head would hurt like crazy, and there was nothing she could do but eat her medicine again and wait for it to calm down.

    No one in the family knew about this condition of hers. She didn''t want them to be more worried and self-conscious about her weak constitution. After years of experience, she found out that these ''episodes'' couldn''t be stopped once it started, but she could prevent it by reducing her stress as much as possible.

    "I''m fine. Everything is fine. There is nothing wrong. I''m not wrong." Li Chunhua deliriously whispered to herself until she couldn''t take it anymore.

    A painful sting hit her head, and it felt like a sharp needle had pierced her scalp. She groaned while holding her head, but the vision in front of her got warped.

    Li Chunhua went towards her bedside drawer with staggering steps. "I have to drinkˇ­ the medicine. I''ll feel better after I take it."

    Li Chunhua reached for the bottom drawer with a trembling hand and took out a bottle from the inside. She was about to put the pill inside her mouth when her phone beside her rang.

    Li Chunhua jolted in shock, and she slowly turned her head towards the noisy object. Her pupils dted when she saw Shao Jingfei''s ID on the screen.

    "Jingfeiˇ­" Li Chunhuapletely forgot about her medicine as it fell off her hand. She quickly took her phone and answered the call.

    "Chunhua? Did you call me just now? Sorry, I just came out of the shower. What happened to you?"

    Hearing his familiar bright and cheerful tone eased her a lot. Her bleeding finger left traces of blood on her phone screen, and it felt hurt, but she didn''t care. Knowing that she had someone she could confide tofort her more than any medicine could do.

    "Jingfei.." Li Chunhua called out to him in a cracked voice.

    "What happened? Did you cry?" Shao Jingfei asked, with a stiffer tone than before, showing his alertness. "Tell me what happened to you."

    "I-I''m so scared. This is scary, Jingfei. I know what I said doesn''t make sense, but please don''t hate me for this." Li Chunhua broke out in sobs as the fear she had been holding all these times gushed out of her in the form of tears.

    "Hey, hey. You need to calm down first. Why would I hate you just for that reason?" Shao Jingfei said in a fluster before speaking in a cajoling tone. "Don''t cry. I''m sorry for not picking up your call immediately. I''m here, and you can tell me everything, so don''t be afraid anymore."

    His words only made Li Chunhua feel more like crying. Her shoulders shook as she let out all of her feelings. Throughout her soft cries, Shao Jingfei only silently listened to her.

    "Jingfei, are you still there?"

    "Yes, I''m here."

    "Ugh, sob sobˇ­."

    "...."

    "Jingfei?"

    "En, I''m still here."

    asionally, Li Chunhua would call out to him to make sure he was still there with her, and he would answer her immediately. It calmed her down a lot, and her cries slowly subsided.<sub> </sub>

    "Have you calmed down now?" Shao Jingfei asked gently after she stopped sobbing.

    "En, I feel better now." Li Chunhua didn''t just say that as a form of politeness, but she truly felt better after letting everything out of her system. Her head still ached, but it was much more tolerable than before.

    Li Chunhua slowly climbed up to her bed andy down on it, with her phone still pressed to her ear. She hadpletely forgotten about the medicine pills scattered on the floor.

    "Jingfei, I feel so lost, and I don''t know what to do right now. I need you." She said softly, almost like pleading.

    Shao Jingfei chuckled. "Is that so? I''m your advisor, so you can tell me everything that troubles you."

    Li Chunhua smiled faintly. "Actually, can you just keep talking to me like that?"

    "Ah? Like that, you mean, like what?"

    "Like this. I feel safe now after hearing your voice. Thank you."

    Shao Jingfei: "...."

    "Jingfei, are you still there?"

    "...Yes, I''m here. I''m just a bit surprised. It''s rare to hear you speak so honestly."

    "Is it really that surprising? Well, I guess I don''t do this to just anyone. Perhaps because it''s you who is talking with me right now. I feel like I can truly be myself with you."

    There was a silence from the other side before Shao Jingfei said in a serious tone. "Do you want me toe to you now? We can keep talking on the phone like this, and I will get there in a few minutes."

    Li Chunhua was tempted to ept his suggestion, but she stopped herself at thest minute. "Thank you, but no need. For now, I''m content just hearing your voice."

    "Alright, if that''s what you want. Do you want to talk about what happened?"

    Li Chunhua closed her tired eyes and thought back to the conversation she had identally overheard.

    "It''s okay now. Rather than you, there is someone else I ought to talk to regarding that."

    "I see. I''m d you are a lot calmer now. You sound tired; how about taking a rest first?"

    He was right. Li Chunhua did feel exhausted after crying for so long. Even now, her eyelids refused to open, with Shao Jingfei''s voice being the only thing that kept her awake.

    "I want to sleep, but I''m afraid to."

    "How about if I sing you a luby, then?"

    "A luby?"

    "Yeah. It just happened that I have the right song for that." Shao Jingfei said brightly, and Li Chunhua could vividly imagine his usual grin from behind her closed eyelids. She wondered how a luby sung by him would sound?

    "Can you do that for me?"

    "Okay. Now close your eyes and listen."

    The song that Shao Jingfei sang for her was soft and mellow, very different from the sunny personality he usually showed. Li Chunhua felt like she was drowned in the deep sea, hearing his voice so close to her ear.

    Her mind was exhausted, so it didn''t take a long time for her to fall asleep.

 Chapter 248 Something Is Wrong!

    Su Suyin was tired after crying, so Li Caiyi put her to bed before walking out of the room. She sighed deeply when she could finally breathe the air outside. That was very nerve-wracking, but she was d everything ended up well.

    "How is it?"

    Li Caiyi jumped a bit at the familiar voice. She looked to her side to find Li Junjie, who had just returned home.

    "Brother Jie, since when did you stand there?"

    "I just arrived, but I can tell what happened by looking at your expression. Have you talked to Mother yet?"

    Li Caiyi let out a small smile before nodding. "Yeah. I have already told her everything."

    <o>,m "I see." Li Junjie shifted his weight from left to right awkwardly while rubbing the back of his neck, looking a bit ufortable. "How is Mother? Did she cry a lot?"</o>

    Li Caiyi sighed helplessly inside, seeing Li Junjie being fidgety. "Yes, she did. But, she agreed to sign the divorce paper."

    Upon hearing that confirmation, Li Junjie''s tense body gradually rxed before nodding his head understandingly. "You convince her well. I seriously thought she won''t agree that easily."

    Li Caiyi made sure no one was around before replying, "It wasn''t easy, but it''s because Mother is thinking about our well-being. She had a lot of things in her mind, so she fell asleep right after talking. Brother, do you need something from Mother?"

    "Actually, I just came back from the Civil Affairs Bureau to get this." Li Junjie showed the paper he had been holding since earlier to Li Caiyi.

    It was a divorce agreement form.

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t help but snort when she looked at the familiar piece of paper.

    In her previous life, this paper was the reason she gave up on everything. Ironically, this paper would be the reason for her new beginning in this life. Life sure had its way of ying with people.

    Not just for her but for her family.

    "Brother Jie, do we really need to urge Mother to fill this now? I think she is still shocked after finding out about Father''s affair." Li Caiyi rubbed her arm unsurely.

    "I procure this just in case. Time is the essence now. We have to act quickly and carefully before Father notices anything." Li Junjie replied firmly.

    Although Li Caiyi agreed with his reasoning, she felt terrible for rushing things like this after witnessing her mother break down. Li Caiyi was also forced to divorce, so she understood that feeling.

    As though he could read her mind, Li Junjie added, "Xiaoyi, the more we hesitate, the more Mother will suffer in Father''s hand. It''s not toote tofort Mother after everything has been settled thoroughly."

    Cold and decisive reasoning. It was very Li Junjie-like.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t imagine what scene would transpire if her brother was the one who told her mother everything. She bet Li Junjie would sit robotically while watching Su Suyin cry, not knowing what to do. At least he was aware of his shoring.<sub> </sub>

    "Fine. But at least let Mother sleep for a while. Let me put the paper inside Mother''s drawer so she could check itter." Li Caiyi took the paper from Li Junjie''s hand and headed inside the room without waiting for his approval.

    She tip-toed her way around Su Suyin''s bed and carefully put the paper inside the bedside drawer. After taking thest look at her mother, she left the room again.

    However, Li Junjie was nowhere to be found. This meant her brother had nothing else to talk about with her. Left with nothing to do, she decided to bid goodbye to Li Chunhua so she could return to Shao Jingfei''s ce.

    Li Caiyi went to check on Li Chunhua in her room and was surprised to find her sister had already fallen asleep so early.

    Feeling curious, Li Caiyi stepped inside and heard Li Chunhua''s soft breathing. It seemed she really was sleeping.

    That was when Li Caiyi glimpsed something from the corner of her eyes.

    The floor was littered with lots of button-sized things, with a bottle rolled to the leg of the bedside drawer. Li Caiyi frowned, seeing that, before crouching down to check on them. Upon closer look, those weren''t buttons but Li Chunhua''s medicine.

    Li Caiyi suddenly got extremely apprehensive, especially when Li Chunhua was sleeping soundly with this mess beside her bed.

    "Xiaohua?!" Li Caiyi cried out in panic while shaking her sister''s body, trying to rouse her awake. However, Li Chunhua made no movement. She was eerily still, like a doll.

    It made Li Caiyi even more panicked. She shook her sister''s body harder while calling out her name desperately. "Xiaohua? Xiaohua, talk to me, please!"

    However, no matter how much she tried to shake her sister''s body, her eyelids still closed tightly, with no sign of awakening.

    [The continuous usage will render the subject permanently ''broken''].

    That line from the research report she got from Gu Xue kept reying in Li Caiyi''s head.

    No matter how you look at it, this scene wasn''t normal, and it frightened Li Caiyi to death. In her previous life, Li Chunhua supposedly took her medicine regrly and had decent health up to 27 years old, or probably more, since Li Caiyimitted suicide and didn''t know what happened after that.

    However, ever since she returned and changed the past, so many things developed in different ways than what she remembered. It wouldn''t be surprising if something ''unexpected'' happened again.

    Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to cry, and the hand that was holding her sister up lost its strength. Li Chunhua fell limply back to bed, like a marite whose string had snapped. Even then, Li Chunhua still didn''t wake up.

    If Li Caiyi felt apprehensive before, she was genuinely terrified now. She wasted no time and barged out of the room before running to Li Junjie''s room.

    "Brother Jie! Help! Something is weird with Xiaohua''s condition!" Li Caiyi didn''t have any time or patience to knock on the door, so she barged into the room as soon as her hand touched the doorknob. Thankfully, it wasn''t locked, so she could get in easily.

    Li Junjie was startled by her sudden intrusion, but his face immediately returned to his neutral expression as he stood up from his chair.

    "What happened to Xiaohua?"

 Chapter 249 Why Do You Have To Break Our Family?

    Li Chunhua frowned when she heardmotion around her. It was so noisy she couldn''t continue sleeping. She could faintly hear people calling her name, so she reluctantly pried her heavy eyelids open.

    "Ughˇ­" Li Chunhua groaned unknowingly as she blinked her eyes several times, trying to adjust her vision with the lighting.

    "Xiaohua!"

    A gasp of relief followed by the mention of her name finally snapped her back to reality. Before she could sit herself up, someone had already pounced on her.

    "Xiaohua, thank goodness. I thought something happened to you!" Li Caiyi whispered with a shaky voice, like a person who had just witnessed something traumatic. She had her arm wrapped around Li Chunhua''s body as she put her weight on top of her.

    Li Chunhua was fully awake now, but she was confused by this turn of events. Did something just happen to Li Caiyi while she was sleeping?

    "Don''t jump on her like that, Xiaoyi. Let Xiaohua breathe."

    Li Chunhua shifted her gaze upon hearing her brother''s cool and calm voice, and sure enough, Li Junjie stood a few steps away from her bed while staring down at them. Li Caiyi slowly picked herself up before quickly wiping her slightly wet eyes.

    "I''m sorry, Xiaohua. I was worried about you, so I was relieved when you finally opened your eyes."

    Li Chunhua finally could sit up and speak after a moment of confusion. "Why are you two in my room? Did something happen?"

    "I came to your room, but you were sleeping. When I stepped closer, I saw your medicine scattered everywhere on the floor, and you didn''t wake up no matter how much I shook or called out to you. I panicked and called Brother Jie here to check on you." Li Caiyi exined.

    "I did? I slept so deeply I didn''t feel a thing," Li Chunhua rubbed her nape in confusion.

    "You scared me to death! I thought your body was acting up again." Li Caiyiined, but there was only exhaustion in her tone instead of anger. The shock must have drained all her energy from her body.

    Li Junjie let out a deep breath. "How is your body, Xiaohua? Did you feel anything strange?"

    "I feel fine, lighter even." Li Chunhua smiled, "I''m probably too tired today that I don''t hear anyone waking me up."

    "I see. Tell us right away if you feel something weird with your body."

    "Brother Jie, wouldn''t it be better if we bring her to the hospital to check? Just in case." Li Caiyi asked worriedly.

    "We''ll do that if Xiaohua shows any sign of acting up in the next few hours. For now, I think she is still fine." Li Junjie replied, which only brought little to no reassurance to Li Caiyi.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m fine. I must have identally nudged the bottle down in my sleep after taking it. Don''t worry." Li Chunhua smiled reassuringly.

    Li Caiyi was still skeptical but decided to agree for now. "Alright. But tell me if you feel something strange with your body, okay?"

    Li Chunhua nodded. Meanwhile, Li Junjie, who felt the situation had been resolved, said, "I''ll return to my room first."

    "Wait, Brother Jie!" Li Chunhua called out to him in a hurry, causing him to stop in his track.

    "What is it?"

    Li Chunhua clenched the pillow on hisp. She tried to calm herself as much as possible, but thinking back about everything she had just overheard, a trace of grievance and disappointment slipped out from her tone.

    "Brother Jie, Xiaoyi. Both of you are hiding something from me, isn''t that right?"

    While Li Junjie appeared as calm as theke''s surface, Li Caiyi showed a subtle reaction. Li Chunhua squinted her eyes, demanding an exnation.<sub> </sub>

    "I heard what you were talking about with Mother earlier, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi facepalmed inwardly. Why would Li Chunhua always be around her when she least expected it? She briefly nced at her brother, but Li Junjie barely showed any reaction. Instead of denying it, he asked instead, "So you have heard. What do you think of it?"

    "There''s nothing to think about. Of course, I will follow Mother''s decision. It''s just that I''m upset because I was the only one being left out."

    "We didn''t n to keep it a secret forever. I want to make sure the n works before telling you about it, considering your health."

    "In the end, it''s always like that, huh?" Li Chunhua clenched her fist tightly.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­" Li Caiyi quickly intervened before her brother said something insensitive. "Is there something bothering you about this? You can tell us honestly."

    "What will happen after Father and Mother divorced?"

    "Ah?" Her answer took Li Caiyi aback for a moment. "Aside from there being no Father around the house anymore, there wouldn''t be much difference."

    "Since when have you two been nning about this?"

    "Actually, I just found out that Brother Jie actually had a n of his own today," Li Caiyi scratched her cheek awkwardly.

    Then, she proceeded on telling Li Chunhua everything. The younger twin''s expression changed several times in the span of minutes. By the time Li Caiyi finished exining, she had a deep frown on her face.

    "You guys went to talk about this behind my back. If I didn''t find out today, I probably would have died from a heart attack when Mother and Father suddenly divorced."

    "Don''t say something ominous like that!" Li Caiyi reprimanded her sternly, but Li Chunhua only shrugged her shoulders.

    "It''s because you two are unfair. Am I not a part of this family too? Such an important decision like this; why do you have to hide it from me?"

    "I''m sorry to hide it from you, but we really didn''t mean to single you out like that." Li Caiyi took the initiative to apologize.

    Li Chunhua bit her lips before she asked hesitantly in a small voice. "Xiaoyi, are you really going to leave the house after our parents divorced?"

    "...Yes, I will."

    "But why? There is no reason for you to leave anymore if Father is gone, right? I thought you don''t like staying in the house because Father is always scolding and pressuring you."

    Li Junjie kept his silence while staring at Li Caiyi, waiting for her to answer.

    "It''s much more than that, Xiaohua. The reason I wanted to leave was never because of Father in the first ce. It''s because I want to live for myself this time."

    Li Chunhua gritted her teeth as the murky feeling inside her began to overflow. She couldn''t stop herself from asking, "If that is the case, why did you bother investigating Father and preparing evidence? Why do you have to break our family like this only to leave us in the end?"

    Li Caiyi wasn''t angry or hurt by her question. She chose her words carefully before replying, "I can''t leave thinking that one of you might be the second me in this house. I will leave after pulling you out from this suffocating ce."

    Li Chunhua couldn''t ept Li Caiyi''s decision. It muddled her head and made her forget momentarily that she was the one who kept holding her sister back.

    A sense of regret and guilt struck her, and she was at a loss for words. She realized that, unlike her, Li Caiyi had never made a decision without putting her well-being into a calction.

    For the first time in her life, Li Chunhua finally realized how selfish she was.

 Chapter 250 Happy Birthday (1)

    Li Junjie woke up feeling sluggish. Although today was his birthday, he didn''t feel like moving out of bed. Why was it that something always happened on his birthday? If only he could ask for a peaceful day to spend by himself as a birthday present.

    However, thinking about the female members of his family, he had no choice but to force himself to get up.

    Last night, Li Caiyi barged into his room while looking like she was ready to cry anytime. He rushed to Li Chunhua''s room, only to be held back by her sisters untilte at night.

    Li Chunhua was persistent in her questioning, and he couldn''t go back to his room even if he wanted to. Thankfully, Li Jirong didn''te back even after midnight, so there was nothing to worry about.

    He reached out to check on his phone, and the screen suddenly lit up. It was a message from Meng Renshu:

    [Happy birthday. I hope you have enough energy to get through this day. Tell me if you need anything.]

    Li Junjie didn''t reply to his best friend''s message and only threw his phone onto the bed without a care. He knew Meng Renshu probably meant nothing by saying that, but it felt like Meng Renshu was trying to make fun of him, and he didn''t like it. Li Junjie could imagine his friend''s annoying smirk through the message he sent.

    "The busybody." He cursed without anger in his voice before leaving his room to wash up.

    ***

    The Li family members gathered at the dining table like usual during breakfast. Except for Li Caiyi, who was currently staying outside, everyone was present, and Li Junjie acted like nothing had happened as he pulled a chair and sat on it.

    "Brother Jie, happy birthday!" Li Chunhua was the one to break the ice by congratting him first. Then, Su Suyin and Li Jirong also followed suit.

    "Yeah. Thanks, everyone." Li Junjie replied curtly.

    His son''s unenthusiastic appearance did not surprise Li Jirong because he knew his son wasn''t fond of something trivial, like a birthday. Meanwhile, the other two weren''t surprised because they knew what kind of problem Li Junjie had to deal with today. Hence, his birthday''s morning atmosphere went simrly to any other day.

    Li Junjie didn''t mind. He probably even preferred every morning to be as calm. However, it was less likely for today to finish peacefully with everything he had nned.

    "I have finished. I''ll go first," Li Junjie stood up from his seat and was about to head out when Li Jirong called out to him.

    "Jie, there is something I need to talk to you about. Let''s talk when I get hometer." Li Jirong said to him. Li Junjie gave him a brief hum of acknowledgment before walking out of the house, followed by Li Chunhua behind him.

    "Brother Jie, are you really going to confront Father today?" Li Chunhua asked after catching up with her brother.

    "Yeah. Probably tonight. Make sure you and Mother didn''te inside, even if you heard anymotion."

    "Brother, are you really going to be okay? Father is scary when he is angered. What if all of us gathered and talked to him together? That way, it would be less scary for you."

    "Xiaohua, I''m not scared of Father. In the end, he is only another adult in our life. There''s nothing to be afraid of when we are not in the wrong." Li Junjie replied with a hint of finality in his tone.

    Li Chunhua knew there was no way to talk her brother out of this once he had made up his mind. She sighed helplessly before saying, "I hope you are not forcing yourself too much. Brother Jie, you ought to rely on us some more."

    Li Junjie kept his mouth shut and continued walking. He didn''t even know where to begin with that. He had always been self-reliant in everything, so the idea of relying on other people sounded foreign to his ears.<sub> </sub>

    ***

    Or so he thought until he was bombarded by gifts and congrattory greetings from many female students since morning.

    He didn''t know almost everyone who came to congratte him and having to return their greeting one by one was too draining for him. If it were not for Meng Renshu, who stole half of the attention, he probably wouldn''t survive today in one piece.

    Li Junjie had never relied on other people except for Meng Renshu. The only difference was that Meng Renshu always did that without him asking, so he became too used to it.

    Li Junjie was exhausted when the bell signaling the end of the school rang. His locker and desk drawer were stuffed with many gifts from unknown people, which stressed him out.

    "Why are you so depressed? Today is your birthday. Cheer up a little, or you''ll make your fans sad." Meng Renshu chuckled jokingly, looking at his friend''s dark expression.

    "This always happens every year, and I''m tired of this already." Li Junjie replied wearily.

    "They are just happy for you. The least you can do is appreciate their heartfelt gift."

    "But this is just too many of them. I can''t possibly finish it all alone." Li Junjie stared at the stack of gift boxes or paper bags on his desk. It was piling up, and he had no idea how to bring all of them home.

    "You bring this to your house and share it with your servants." Li Junjie said in the end.

    "All of them again?" Meng Renshu raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Don''t you ever want to keep some for yourself? You kept giving it to the people in my house so generously every year."

    "I''m not fond of sweets in the first ce, and I can''t trust a gift from someone unknown."

    "So cold. Your fangirl will cry if they heard that."

    Li Junjie scoffed. "Speak for yourself. You are even worse than me since you just directly threw them away. Well, although I understand why you did what you did."

    Meng Renshu shrugged. "I can''t put something inside my mouth or give it to other people without being 100% sure what''s in it. That''s why I told those girls not to give me anything. Not my fault if they didn''t listen to me. I will only ept gifts from those I trusted."

    Li Junjie wasn''t in the mood to talk, so he quickly said, "I''d better get going now. You can have all of these."

    "Junjie, is there something weighing on your mindtely?"

    Li Junjie''s steps halted before turning back to face his friend. "No? Why do you ask?"

    Meng Renshu smiled mysteriously. "It''s just a feeling. You looked distracted and stressed out recently. Don''t forget that I can lend you a hand anytime."

    Li Junjie squinted his eyes suspiciously while trying to guess the hidden meaning of Meng Renshu''s words. For a second, he thought Meng Renshu was aware of what happened in his family, but there was no way he could know that. Both of his sisters weren''t that foolish to tell their family problems to an outsider.

    So he quickly brushed it off as Meng Renshu''s random prediction again and left first.

 Chapter 251 Happy Birthday (2)

    Su Suyin had been waiting nervously at home. She kept pacing back and forth in front of the table in her room. The divorce paper on top had already been filled out properly and onlycked one person''s signature.

    Li Jirong was once very gentle towards her, and every day felt like a dream because he pampered her so much. As time passed by, his smile gradually dissipated and turned into a frown every time his gaze fell on her, as though he were looking at something he didn''t want to see.

    His treatment towards her became significantly colder when he gave birth to the twins.

    Her love had corroded over time, and the time to finally let go of this attachment finally came, yet she couldn''t sit still. It was because she put her children on the front line for her sake.

    Su Suyin looked down at the divorce paper, but there was no sadness in her. If there was something she regretted, was that why she didn''t do this earlier and made her children suffer with her.

    Then again, if she asked for a divorce from Li Jirong, she probably wouldn''t be able to meet with her children anymore, and she wanted to avoid that at all costs.

    While she was worrying, she heard the sound of the door opening, so she went out of the room to check. She briefly nced at the clock in the living room, which showed the current time, 9 PM.

    Li Jirong stepped in from outside while loosening his tie, looking more tired than usual. Upon noticing Su Suyin came over, he handed overˇŞor more precisely, shoved his bag to her and walked inside.

    "Is Jie in his room?" Li Jirong asked while sitting on his chair in the dining room. He waved his hand slightly, which usually meant he was thirsty and wanted Su Suyin to fetch some drink for him.

    Previously, Su Suyin had never paid attention to this little gesture since it had always been like that, but now that she had made up her mind to divorce, she realized how foolish she was once again. Li Jirong''s affection for her had long vanished. Since then, Su Suyin was nothing but his loyal servant or obedient follower to him.

    She bit her lips in frustration. Whenever she recalled the scandalous picture of Li Jirong with various women on Li Caiyi''s phone, her blood was boiling, and she felt enraged. Not because her husband betrayed her, but because this man''s shamelessness knew no bounds.

    Among all the pictures Li Caiyi showed her, Li Jirong was spotted with the nurse she met in the hospital more often. Most likely, that woman was his favorite among everyone else he was having an affair with.

    To think his husband tricked her into thinking that he genuinely cared for her just to kick her away. He shamelessly let his mistress watch over his sick daughter to prevent his wife from wandering around the hospital too often. Just how much did he look down on her?

    Su Suyin took a deep breath to calm her mind. She repeatedly told herself that she couldn''t win against her husband and thus shouldn''t act recklessly.

    The past experience, whenever they got into an argument, never ended well, and she didn''t want to unnecessarily alert her husband and ruin her children''s n.

    Su Suyin put his bag on the other chair and went to make a cup of coffee like she usually did.

    "Are the kids all in the house right now?" Li Jirong asked again in azy tone.

    "Yes. They are." Su Suyin replied shortly.

    "Tell Jie toe to my room after this. Make sure Xiaohua and Xiaoyi don''t disturb us."

    Su Suyin''s hand slipped a bit so that she identally put the cup rougher than she intended. It caused a bit of its content to spill onto the table, and Li Jirong eximed in displeasure.

    "What are you doing? Can''t you even serve your tired husband a cup of coffee properly? Look at the mess you have made now!" He berated her.

    "... I''m sorry," Su Suyin replied, albeit she felt very indignant toward this person in front of him now.<sub> </sub>

    After kicking Li Caiyi out of the house and not mentioning her for thest few days, he asked about her like nothing had happened at all. It was almost like he didn''t even notice whether or not Li Caiyi was there in the past few days.

    "What are you even thinking just now?" Li Jirong said in disgust while wiping a bit of coffee sshed on his shirt. He clicked his tongue in irritation when the stain didn''te off.

    "Tsk. Now you are just ruining everything. I don''t feel like drinking coffee anymore now."

    Usually, if Li Jirong was annoyed like this, Su Suyin would apologize until he calmed himself down. But now, forget about apologizing; she almost wanted to take the cup and ssh the content on his body. The mere sight of Li Jirong''s face revolted her.

    "Father, Mother, what happened?"

    Both adults jerked their heads simultaneously to the voice source to find Li Junjie standing a few steps from them and staring at them with his expressionless face.

    "Jie, I was just about to let your mother call you. We have something to talk about." Li Jirong was the first to break the silence.

    "Sure, Father. Are you sure you don''t want to wash up first?"

    Li Jirong looked down at his coffee-stained shirt before sighing in exasperation. "I will take a shower first."

    Then, without sparing a nce toward Su Suyin anymore, he turned around and went into his bedroom.

    "Mother, are you okay?" Li Junjie walked over to Su Suyin and asked her.

    Su Suyin let out a small smile before nodding. "Mother is fine, Jie. I''m so sorry that you always have to look after your pathetic mother like this."

    "Did Father say something again to you?"

    "It''s just the usual. Nothing to worry about," Su Suyin said while tucking her hair behind her ears. A gesture she made whenever she felt nervous.

    "Whatever he said to you, it doesn''t matter anymore. I''ll make sure to end it tonight. Just rest early for tonight, and don''t forget to lock the room."

    Li Junjie was very calm when he said that, but it only made Su Suyin more nervous. "Jie, I really think we should talk together with your father. I can''t let you go against a temperamental person like him alone. I wish he won''t, but there''s no guarantee he won''t hurt you."

    "I''m aware of the risk and prepared for the consequences. Hence, I''m confident I can win the argument. Having Mother or my siblings there would only disturb the scenario I have in mind, so please cooperate with me."

    "Jieˇ­" Su Suyin stared at his son helplessly. He barely had any change of emotion on his face, but it was clear he nned everything while considering everyone''s well-being. Except for himself.

    Li Junjie didn''t want to hear his mother''s apology anymore, so he cut the conversation short by saying, "I have to talk to Father now. Don''t forget what I said, Mother."

    Su Suyin couldn''t stop her son, so she reluctantly let him go.

 Chapter 252 Happy Birthday (3)

    Li Junjie stepped into his Father''s room and closed the door behind him. There was a sound of the shower running from the bathroom inside the room, so Li Junjie took it upon himself to sit down on the small couch in the middle of the room.

    It had been years since his father and mother slept in a separate room. The reason for that was because Li Jirong often came homete, and he didn''t want to disturb Su Suyin, who was sleeping. Anyone could tell that was just an excuse, but no one said anything against it.

    He waited for several minutes until Li Jirong got out of the bathroom in a topless state and with a towel around his neck.

    From an objective perspective, Li Jirong indeed looked attractive for a middle-aged man. Most middle-aged men would have a potbelly, but Li Jirong had a t stomach and well-body build since he frequently went to the gym in his spare time.

    It wasn''t strange if a man like him could swoon the heart of many women. Especially the younger ones with ambition. However, that wasn''t important anymore right now.

    Because they would have no reason to care about it after today.

    "Father, what do you want to talk to me about?" Li Junjie asked first.

    Li Jirong sat on the edge of his bed while drying his hair with the towel. "Yeah, let''s talk about your n for the future then. How is the preparation to enter Meiho Universitying up?"

    "It has been going well."

    "I see. You still remember our promise, right? Once you get admitted to Meiho, you will only present me with sess to prove your worth. If not, then I won''t bother with your sisters anymore."

    Li Junjie lowered his head. He thought back to the day he made the promise to his father. At that time, he asked him to not mistreat his mother. In exchange, he will bring nothing but glory to the family.

    At that time, the younger him only thought about how to save his mother from her predicament, and as a result, her sisters became the victim.

    When Li Junjie confronted his father about it, Li Junjie received a beating for the first time in his life. Perhaps it was then that the father figure in Li Jirong ultimately died in his heart. He was just another adult for Li Junjie now.

    ***

    "Ugh..." Li Junjie groaned in pain, feeling the burning and stinging sensation on his calf, which was currently ridden with many bloody line marks.

    Behind him, a person who was supposed to be his father said coldly. "You cheeky brat. I tolerated you once, but you have gone overboard. The nerve of you to tell me what to do. Do you think you can do anything just because you are a genius? If I don''t beat you today, you won''t learn anything."<sub> </sub>

    Li Junjie clenched his fist on both sides of his body. His nails dug deeply into his palm, but the pain was palepared to his legs. Beads of sweat rolled down his temple as he tried his best to keep standing straight.

    "Stand properly!" Li Jirong berated while snapping the hanger in his hand to his son''s calf again, causing a new red streak of line to be formed on his fair skin, on top of his fresh wound.

    "Ugh!" Li Junjie couldn''t help but let out a sound while shutting his eyes tight. The stinging pain caused tears to well up in his eyes, even if he didn''t want to cry in front of his father.

    "Have you learned your lesson now? Don''t waste your time thinking about your sisters, and focus on your study instead. Remember what you have promised me? If you can prove you are worthy of being called the Li family''s sessor, I won''ty a single finger on your mother anymore."

    Li Jirong paused before continuing in a severely colder tone. "However, this promise doesn''t include your sisters. They will grow into fine women, then be married off to some powerful family. Their role has been decided from their birth. Not even you can change that."

    Li Junjie''s small body trembled so hard. Not only because of the pain but also because he was dreadful. He realized then that his father was a horrible person who regarded his family as a tool. Regardless of their gender, if they were useless to him, he wouldn''t care what happened to them.

    Li Junjie learned how vile an adult''s heart could be at his most tender age. He promised himself he wouldn''t be such a man in the future and gritted his teeth hard, stubbornly refusing to shed tears in front of his father.

    "You look like you still have something to say. Let''s hear it first." Li Jirong walked around so he could stand in front of his son. Using the hanger in his hand, he lifted Li Junjie''s chin.

    "Father, this is wrong." Li Junjie said weakly. It sounded like he exerted all his energy just to say that. His body swayed back and forward in the next second until he fell onto his knee while panting hard.

    Li Jirong only silently watched as his son sat on the floor. His gaze was cold and unforgiving, even towards his only son.

    "Don''t think you have some special privilege just because you are the only boy in the house. Precisely because of that, you have to work harder to live up to the name of the Li. I will decide what your sister''s path would be. Are we clear?"

    Li Junjie''s body shivered, and his vision started to get blurry. He vaguely sensed that his body couldn''t take it much longer, so he quickly said, "Father, if you really want to work someone to death, I will do it. I''ll do anything you say, so please let those two go."

    "It seems you still don''t understand. Very well. We can continue this as much as you wantter. The longer you try to defy me, the longer you will suffer. Let the pain be your best teacher. You will need more discipline, Jie."

    Those were his father''sst words he heard before everything turned ck in front of him.

    The floor felt cold. It seeped into his heart slowly with each passing day spent with Li Jirong in the same room, receiving his ''disciplinary'' teaching.

 Chapter 253 Happy Birthday (4)

    Li Junjie opened his eyes, and the scene turned back to the current timeline. The child who could onlyy down on the floor with injured legs or hands wasn''t there anymore.

    There were so many things he failed to do. Li Junjie remembered how he gradually gave up trying to save himself from the pain. Even if he knew Li Caiyi was mistreated inside the house, he didn''t dare say anything about it.

    Li Junjie had had enough of the pain and the pressure. However, whenever he looked at Li Caiyi, his guilt would manifest. So much that he had to avert his eyes from what happened in the house and bury his feeling inside.

    It was better if he didn''t feel too attached to anything. Li Junjie didn''t even mind if Li Caiyi hated him forever for this.

    He was convinced that everything that went wrong within the house came from Li Jirong''s twisted obsession with the family''s honor and prestige. No, not the family, but his own.

    If that was the cause of all this unhappiness, then Li Junjie wanted to destroy it at all costs. To do that, he killed every unnecessary emotion and only strived to achieve his goal.

    His n was to elevate the family name before revealing his father''s deed to the public. That way, no one would have a good impression of the family again. However, doing that would take years until it could be done appropriately.

    That was when Li Caiyi came to him, bringing a good weapon he could use against his father. He wouldn''t waste this opportunity to settle this.

    "Father, I want to im my right for inheritance." Li Junjie said without beating around the bush.

    "What?"

    "Based on the family rule, I can ask for my right for inheritance once every requirement has been fulfilled. I''m sure I don''t need to tell you what the requirements are because you also do this when you are young."

    Li Jirong frowned in displeasure, and his voice became several tones colder. "I can see now there are many things we need to talk about today. First, let me ask you, how do you know about that?"

    "It is recorded in the Li family''s book, which Grandfather showed me long ago." Li Junjie replied calmly. "From there, I also knew that I was supposed to have an uncle from my father''s side."

    Li Junjie didn''t miss the subtle change in his father''s expression when he said that. His entire countenance darkened as his eyes narrowed down dangerously. "I see. Then? Why do you want to im your right of inheritance?"

    "I will be direct here. You are unfit to be the head of the Li family, Father."

    Li Jirong snickered. "You have been obedient for so long. It deluded me into thinking that you have gone tamer, but it seemed I was wrong. You are still as rebellious and cheeky as you used to be. Jie, you must have held it on for so long. I''m impressed."

    "Thank you, but there''s no need to praise me. I can be like this thanks to your teaching, Father. It is only natural that I also follow your way of doing things."

    His words felt like a low blow to Li Jirong. He could sense a trace of mockery in his son''s tone, making his blood boil in anger.

    First, it was her timid daughter, and now it was his indifferent son. His children kept rebelling against him and caused trouble every time. He raised them for naught!

    "Jie, I don''t know what you are trying to do, but the rule clearly states that it can only be inherited from the head of the family to his sessor. If I refuse, there''s nothing you can do about it."<sub> </sub>

    "You''re wrong this time, Father. Please take a look at this first." Li Junjie pulled out his phone and sent something to his father. "Open it."

    Li Jirong''s frown deepened. He didn''t like where this was going but still checked his phone. Suppressing his impatience, he tapped on the new iing email from his son, only to gape in shock upon looking at the content.

    A sense of rage assaulted his every being. He stood up angrily and roared. "What''s the meaning of this? Are you trying to ckmail your father?!

    "Yes, I''m ckmailing you, Father."

    "Jie! Y-youˇ­!" Li Jirong was so angry his whole body shook as he pointed his finger at his son. Looking at Li Junjie''s unbothered face made him even more furious.

    "I''ll make this short to save both of our time. Father, you are an abusive husband and father. I have evidence of all your abuse towards me throughout the year, and I can use this against you in court anytime. Actually, I nned to collect the debt slowly, but I don''t think that''s necessary now. If you agree to transfer the family assets to me, I''ll keep this information to myself."

    Li Junjie scoffed. "What are you trying to achieve by doing that? Do you seriously think that I will agree after you ckmail me? You took me for a fool, Jie."

    "No. I appreciated your cunning self so much that I came up with this n. Aren''t you very concerned about our family''s reputation? Child abuse is a serious crime punishable byw. Imagine what people thought of our family once this became the headline news."

    Li Jirong let out a burst of mockingughter. "Ha. You are smart but too naive. You probably think you can drag me down with this, but there''s still nothing you can do about it if I refuse. I can go down, but you will not get what you want. It will only negatively impact your and your sisters'' future!"

    However, Li Junjie was unperturbed by it because he had expected Li Jirong to react this way. He fiddled with his phone once again before saying casually. "No, you will give it to me. Check on your email once again."

    "What is it this time?!"

    "Just check it. You will regret it if you don''t check it now." Li Junjie didn''t even bother to speak politely anymore.

    Li Jirong was angry but simultaneously curious about what his son had just sent. If this was bad news for him, he ought to know about it. While clicking his tongue, he raised his phone again to check.

    In the first ce, Li Junjie nned to use himself as the evidence of Li Jirong''s abuse of his family member. However, he knew it wouldn''t do much against his father.

    Even if Li Jirong was sentenced byw, as long as he still had his wealth, he could bail himself out and go abroad until the rumor settled down.

    In the end, the ones who would suffer would still be Li Junjie and the rest of the family. Nevertheless, he believed that this evidence woulde in handy in the future and kept everything with him.

    He used to think it''d be best if there was something more he could use to corner his father further. Just one more thing.

    The evidence brought by Li Caiyi was the final puzzle he needed.

 Chapter 254 Happy Birthday (5)

    After looking at the email he received, Li Jirong couldn''t contain his anger. He charged toward Li Junjie and grabbed his cor before pulling it harshly.

    "Jie, you unfilial child!" He hissed that sentence with an ugly expression on his face.

    Li Junjie made no attempt to struggle and only looked at his father calmly. "If you don''t want anyone to find out, you should at least keep your affair private. You are dating several women simultaneously and going to public ces; you are only asking to be ckmailed."

    Overwhelmed by his anger, Li Jirong clenched his fist and threw it at Li Junjie''s face. Again, the younger man did not try to avoid it. He received the punch straight in his face and staggered backward from the force.

    "Who is it? Who did you hire to investigate me? How dare you! I really have raised a bunch of white-eyed wolves in this house!" Li Jirong roared beforending a kick on his son''s leg this time, prompting him to kneel on one foot. Still not satisfied, he added another kick to Li Junjie''s back andy him t on the ground.

    "Hahaha, I thought you had turned into a mature person. But it seems I will have to discipline you once again." Li Jirong smiled sinisterly before walking to his closet and taking out a belt from inside it.

    Li Junjie could guess what would happen next. His face and back were throbbing with pain, but he endured it silently and waited for the inevitable.

    Li Jirong whipped the belt in his hand to the floor, producing a loud, sharp-sounding sound. It brought back the old memories, and Li Junjie''s whole body tensed, surprising even himself.

    He let out a self-deprecatingugh. Even if his body had grown up and his mind matured, his body was still honest.

    Li Junjie gritted his teeth, trying to push away the traumatic experience ying on the behind of his mind far away. He didn''t have time to be scared now. His family''s fate depended on him now. What would happen to his mother and her sisters if he back down now?

    Even that timid girl was doing her best. The girl who used to cry easily and hide behind him. He bet she was also scared and suffered greatly, but she tried to persuade everyone rather than ming someone. Li Junjie probably wouldn''t take this initiative if it were not for her.

    What kind of useless man would he be if he got scared of this? After talking big in front of Li Caiyi, it would beme if he gave up.

    "Stand up." Li Jirongmanded coldly.

    Li Junjie slowly picked himself up, albeit with some difficulty. He was pretty athletic, but he was an indoor person through and through. He hated rigorous activity and disliked conflicts that had to be resolved with violence.

    "You''ll know what will happen next, right? If you apologize now, then I''ll spare you. But never think about doing this stuff again."

    Li Junjie scoffed. He was really fed up with all of this.

    "When everything doesn''t go your way, you''ll resort to violence and verbal abuse. Then, you will wonder why your children disrespect you and are unfilial towards you. Is it some kind of joke?"

    Li Jirong''s eyes narrowed down dangerously. "It seems we won''t be able to see eye to eye on this. Don''t me me for anything that happens after this. You are asking for a beating!"<sub> </sub>

    Li Jirong raised his hand above his head, trying to whip the belt toward him. But this time, Li Junjie dodged to the side. He didn''t think he could actually avoid it, so his eyes widened slightly when he made it.

    ''What, it''s not as scary as I thought,'' Li Junjie thought.

    It enraged Li Jirong when he saw Li Junjie move to avoid it. "Stand still and receive your punishment. You''ll need to be disciplined a lot!"

    "If you were me, would you just sit still and let another person whip you like a horse? You are asking for the impossible here." Li Junjie replied, which only infuriated the older man more. He shouted something about filial piety and something like that, but Li Junjie had stopped listening to him.

    "Father, you forgot that you have no choice here. Either I exposed your abuse towards me throughout the year or be ready to have your scandal revealed. You must know that your mistress is ying with several other men if you have seen the email. The identity of those men isn''t low-profile, and you are doomed if youe across some of them."

    Li Junjie paused briefly before continuing, "Birds of the same feather flock together. You cheated on my mother without knowing your girlfriend is also cheating on you. You reaped what you sowed.

    Imagine how many people would bore resentment to you two if all these came into the light of day. Even if you flee to a foreign country and return, your life wouldn''t ever be the same again. Now you choose which one you like me to use to ckmail you?"

    "Jie, y-youˇ­" Li Jirong''s breath wasbored from the umted anger inside his chest. He felt like he could cough blood soon.

    "Father, choose how you want to be ckmailed. Give the right to inheritance to me, and I''ll convince Mother to divorce you. Your marriage will end in a good name, and no harm wille your way."

    Li Jirong flinched a bit when Su Suyin was mentioned, then his countenance became even darker. "You little brat. What did you tell your mother?"

    "Why are you looking at me like it is my fault? It''s all your fault, and you alone should take responsibility for this. Don''t involve Mother or anyone else."

    "Did you tell your mother about all this?" Li Jirong asked again. This time with a bit of urgency in his tone, as if he was anxious about something.

    "....I did."

    Li Jirong''s face paled upon hearing that. His hand, which used to grip the belt, gradually lost its strength before it fell limply to his side. Among all reactions he expected from his father, this one was the most unexpected.

    He thought Li Jirong would be indifferent about it or me it on someone else instead, but he looked surprisingly disturbed by it. It was as though he cared about what Su Suyin would think about his affair.

    Li Junjie couldn''t help but snort mockingly. After everything he had done to his mother, what was he trying to pull here? He couldn''t stand this man''s hypocrisy. It made him sick to the stomach.

 Chapter 255 Happy Birthday (6)

    Li Junjie wasn''t angry or spiteful after his father beat him earlier. Still, now that Li Jirong acted like he cared about his mother, it drained almost all of his patience. He gritted his teeth hard to calm himself down before saying, "You do not deserve to be by Mother''s side. After everything you have done, you don''t even deserve to call her name."

    "So, what did she say? Did she agreeˇ­to divorce?"

    Li Junjie''s frown deepened at hearing Li Jirong''s question. He sounded like he was lost and in a daze. He clearly didn''t listen to anything Li Junjie said. The younger man refused to believe the thought of divorcing flustered his father, though.

    "Mother has agreed to it."

    "No, that''s impossible. Sheˇ­ can''t possiblyˇ­."

    His self-fulfillment words irked Li Junjie. He walked briskly to the couch and snatched something from it before shoving it onto his father''s chest. "See for yourself. This is Mother''s choice."

    Li Jirong held the paper subconsciously before taking a peek at it. His eyes widened in disbelief, with a trace of hurt shing across his eyes, looking at his wife''s signature on it. It felt like a fierce p on his face.

    "Did you finally realize the severity of your action? No one will be able to stand it if their spouse is cheating on them with someone else. Not even a person as tolerable as Mother."

    Li Jirong was dazed and couldn''t stop looking at the divorce agreement in his hand. He seemed genuinely shocked or mortified by this turn of events based on his expression.

    Li Junjie was disgusted and felt nothing but disdain for this man, yet couldn''t resist the urge to ask.

    "Why are you so shocked? Do you seriously think Mother will ept and forgive you for your affair? You looked down on her too much. Mother is fed up with you and doesn''t even want to meet you directly to give this to you."

    "I have to talk with her." Li Jirong turned around and was about to walk out of the room, but Li Junjie blocked his way.

    "What are you nning to do? Are you going to threaten her again, or worse, are you going to beat her again?"

    "I have to talk to her. Get out of the way, you brat." Li Jirong grabbed his son''s shoulder, intending to shove him away, but Li Junjie refused to move an inch. He stayed rooted to his ce while clenching Li Jirong''s arm hard.

    "Whatever you want to say to her, she doesn''t need to hear it. You have hurt her enough. And isn''t this what you are hoping as well?"

    Li Jirong couldn''t say anything back and only stood there in silence. Li Junjie threw his father''s arm and said spitefully, "Stop acting like you care about what Mother or anyone of us would think. It''s revolting. Sign the paper and give the right of inheritance to me, then we can go separate ways. I will take Mother and my sisters, so you can live your life happily with your mistress."

    Li Jirong was so unusually quiet that Li Junjie almost believed his fluster was real. But he decided not to let his guard down around this man.<sub> </sub>

    "Take the divorce paper and sign it, Father. I have told mother I will take care of the rest for her. So if you have anything to say to her, just say it to me."

    "Jie, can''t we settle this without having to do this?" Li Jirong said with a hoarse voice.

    "No. Are you afraid of losing your wealth? Don''t worry, I''m not that heartless to take what is supposed to be your "love haven" with your mistress. We don''t need such a disgusting ce, so you can live there. It''s not like you will lose your job either. This is the onlypromise I will make with you."

    Li Jirong''s face turned even more ashen listening to that. "H-How do you know about that too?"

    "Ah, that''s right. You don''t have time to listen to the recording attached to the email. When you are free, listen to it. It''s interesting how your girlfriend proudly dered her status as a mistress. Based on shamelessness alone, she is very suitable for you."

    "Gu Xue. That woman is the one who told you?!" Li Jirong''s face red up again. Unlike his gloomy expression earlier, he looked fed up and resentful this time. "I know something was up when she was acting weirdly. That bitch!"

    Li Junjie was amused by the change in his father''s attitude. He acted like his wife was nothing when he fooled around with other women, but he didn''t hesitate to point a knife at his lover when he was betrayed. What they had towards each other wasn''t love, but only a rtionship based on lust.

    Well, not that it matters either way. Li Junjie couldn''t care less what would happen to those two as long as his goal was achieved.

    "So you understand why the evidence I sent you is credible?"

    Li Jirong messed up his hair while clicking his tongue in irritation. "Jie, you are young, so you probably don''t understand. But in an adult''s world, especially in our circle, something like this is prettymon. Although I y outside, I have never neglected your need and properly provided you with food and a house. I''m sure your mother will understand if I can exin it to her."

    Li Junjie snickered darkly. "I have already said we don''t need you to exin anything. We don''t care because none of us considers you a part of our family again."

    "What can you guys do without me acting as the head? You are just a kid, and Suyin can not do such a feat!"

    "It''s nothing for you to worry about. I''m not kidding this time. Give the family assets to me except for the vi you bought, then sign the divorce agreement. We can go our separate ways and never cross each other again."

    "Presumptuous! Are you trying to break our family into pieces?"

    "Isn''t it obvious? That''s precisely what I''m trying to do. I don''t care about the family''s prestige and honor. I''ll end this family in my generation."

    "Y-youˇ­!" Li Jirong was at a loss for words, facing his son''s insolence. His body staggered backward in the moment of shock.

 Chapter 256 Lets Leave It To Him

    Meanwhile, outside Li Jirong''s room door, Li Chunhua anxiously bit her nails, not knowing whether she should intervene or not. She could hear her father shout a few times, and there was also the sound of beating and whipping a few times. Since she couldn''t see what had happened, and her brother barely made any noise, she was distraught and scared for him.

    "What to do? What should I do?" Li Chunhua paced back and forth while mulling over her options. She doubted she could be of any help if she barged in, and her brother had repeatedly warned her not toe in under any circumstances.

    Li Chunhua thought of calling her mother for help, but perhaps that was a bad idea, considering how her father was furious right now.

    But then, what would happen to Li Junjie?

    Li Chunhua was astonished when she eavesdropped on their conversation. Li Jirong had always prioritized Li Junjie''s needs above anything else. The twins had long since epted the fact that their father would never treat them as precious as he treated their brother. However, no one could guess that such care and attention came with a price.

    She vaguely remembered that Li Junjie had turned colder after his 5th birthday. Everyone thought it was because nobody attended his birthday party; thus, he had given up on socializing, but the truth had always been uglier.

    ''Something is wrong with our family.''

    Li Chunhua recalled that her sister mentioned that a few times. Did Li Caiyi also know about this? How many things did her siblings keep secret from her?

    "Ha, I''m not the one toin about keeping a secret." Li Chunhua tapped her forehead lightly while letting out a self-deprecatingugh.

    Knowing things were different than understanding things. Li Chunhua knew their family was different from other ordinary families out there. However, it didn''t matter for her because no matter how ''bad'' her family was, they were still ''her'' family, the only ce she could take refuge.

    However, after she understood many things, she realized how shallow her perspective was. The severity of ''her'' family''s abnormality pped her in the face hard, and her eyes finally opened wide.

    "Ugh!"

    Li Chunhua jerked her head at the sound of her brother''s groan and quickly pressed her ears to the door. There was fighting noise, followed by a heavy grunting from inside. It sounded like a wild brawl.

    "Oh no. Brother Jie is already hurt so much!" Li Chunhua became even more panicked and bit her nails harder. It reopened the biting wound from the other day and caused it to bleed again.

    After a series of grunting and harsh mming and beating sounds, Li Chunhua finally couldn''t take it anymore. She was scared, but she couldn''t possibly leave her brother fighting with their violent father like this.

    She turned the doorknob and was ready to barge in when a hand enveloped hers and held it in ce. Li Chunhua raised her head automatically and was surprised to see Meng Renshu gently smiling down at her with his index finger pressed to his lips.

    "Shh. Xiaohua, let me take care of this. You should step back, or you''ll get hurt."

    "B-brother Renshu? Why are you here?" Li Chunhua was so surprised she stuttered her words.

    "Xiaohua, we''re here."

    From behind her, Li Caiyi walked over with a frown on her face. She grabbed ahold of Li Chunhua''s shoulder before pulling her back to a safe distance from the door.

    "Xiaohua, we should stand back and let Brother Renshu handle this. We can''t do anything to stop Father and Brother Jie now."<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi! But Brother Jie is hurt! Father beat him so hard, and Brother sounded like he was in pain." Li Chunhua said in a cracked voice, almost breaking into tears.

    Li Caiyi''s frown deepened. She exchanged nces with Meng Renshu, and only after thetter gave her a nod of confirmation did she speak, "I see. You have held on well."

    "No, I can''t do anything. I can only stand like an idiot. I''m so useless!" Li Chunhua covered her face with her hands.

    "Xiaohua, don''t me yourself. It''s a good thing you didn''t jump in recklessly, or you''ll get hurt, and Junjie''s effort will be wasted." Meng Renshu stroked Li Chunhua''s head and spoke in a coaxing manner. His tone was so patient andforting that it calmed Li Chunhua down.

    "Brother Renshu, please stop them. If you need help, I''lle in immediately." Li Caiyi said.

    "Thank you, but I won''t let anything happen to you two. You two should apany Auntie. She must be worried sick right now."

    Li Caiyi wanted to wait there, but looking at Li Chunhua''s condition, it seemed she had to calm down her sister and her mother first. Nothing she could do even if she remained there anyway, so she nodded her head. "I understand. Brother Renshu, please be careful."

    "I''m happy you worry about me but don''t be. Save that for Junjie." Meng Renshu chuckled before opening the door, stepped inside, and closed it again with a bang.

    The twins could barely take a glimpse of what happened inside the room. But judging from the mess, it seemed the fight was pretty fierce. Li Chunhua sped Li Caiyi''s hand and squeezed it hard.

    "Xiaoyi, should we call the police? Will Brother Renshu and Brother Jie be alright?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t answer her sister immediately because even she didn''t expect this to turn out into such a huge mess.

    p It was a good thing that she came here with some help. No matter how reluctant she was, Meng Renshu was probably the best option she got right now. Among all the people she knew, only Meng Renshu''s words could possibly have any hope to get through to those two.</anda>

    Li Caiyi came closer to the door, and she could hear some voices ovepping at the same time, but she couldn''t clearly make out who said what. However, she could tell that the fight seemed to have stopped. She sighed in relief. Bringing Meng Renshu here was the right choice.

    "Xiaohua, I think we can leave the matter here to Brother Renshu. The fight seems to have stopped."

    "Really? Thank goodness." Li Chunhua heaved a sigh of relief. Her expression gradually loosened, and her trembling stopped. Li Caiyi frowned when she looked at her sister''s bleeding finger before she took it to inspect them.

    "Did you chew on your finger? That''s a bad habit." She reprimanded her sister.

    "I know, but I just can''t help itˇ­."

    "Let''s fix this in Mother''s room. I''ll fetch the first aid kit tool first." She said helplessly before pulling Li Chunhua to follow her.

    "But Xiaoyi, how can youe here with Brother Renshu? Did you call him to help us?" Li Chunhua asked as she followed her sister''s step.

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer and only hastened her steps.

 Chapter 257 Rotten Luck

    S International High School, a few hours ago.

    Li Caiyi packed her things quickly as soon as the bell signaling the end of the school rang. She wanted to talk with her brother once more before he talked to their father. After bidding goodbye to her friends, she walked out of her ssroom.

    However, she bumped into a group of unpleasant people when she was in a hurry.

    "Where are you going right now? That isn''t the way to the gate."

    When Li Caiyi was about to go upstairs, the group of Meng Renshu''s fans blocked her way with raised chins. They stood several levels higher from where Li Caiyi stood, and they didn''t have a friendly expression.

    Li Caiyi groaned inwardly as she cursed her bad luck. Out of all times, why did she have to bump into them right now?

    "I''m sorry, but I''m in a hurry right now. Can you make way?"

    "Not until you tell us what kind of business you have in the third-year''s area?" One of the girls replied curtly.

    "I bet she is going to flirt with Senior Meng again. Hmph, she was so eager she ran as soon as the bell ended."

    The same curly-haired girl from before snorted, hearing her friend''s murmuring. She red at Li Caiyi arrogantly before spatting out, "Come to think of it, we still had unfinished businessst time, didn''t we? Let''s settle this now."

    Li Caiyi didn''t like where this was going, especially when these girls blocked the way and caused unwanted attention to her from students who passed by.

    "I don''t have any business with Brother Renshu. I was just trying to search for my big brother. You can follow me if you don''t believe me."

    "Now you are trying to make Senior Li your shield! Unforgivable!" Another girl, who seemed terribly offended for some reason,shed out. This group also had her brother''s fan among them. Now, this has turned out unnecessarily troublesome.

    Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation. She probably should have just waited for her brother on the way home.

    "Fine, I won''t go up anymore. You guys do as you please." Li Caiyi said and was about to leave, but the curly-haired girl held her back by her hand.

    "Where are you going?! Didn''t I say we should settle our unfinished conversation now? If you run away now, I''ll make sure to bother you in your ss every day starting from tomorrow!"

    Li Caiyi frowned and snatched her hand back roughly before speaking impatiently. "I don''t have an obligation to agree to your unreasonable demand. I have already said I''m in a hurry. If you are bored, find something else to do rather than inconveniencing other people."

    "Wow, that coward girl who always cowered whenever our gazes met in the hallway really thinks she turned into a phoenix now that she got Senior Meng''s attention. I really can''t stand a girl like you!"

    "The feeling is mutual. I don''t understand why you keep bothering me when I have done nothing wrong to you. If you want his attention so much, ask him to give you attention. Whyin about it to me?"

    Li Caiyi''s words seemed to have infuriated the curly-haired girl since she stomped her feet angrily with her face reddened from anger.

    "How dare you! I don''t want to hear that from a lucky bitch like you! Don''t get cocky just because you are his childhood friend. If we had known him as long as you, he would never have paid attention to a nobody like you. Don''t act like you are some special person to him. It pisses me off!"

    She hissed fiercely like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Li Caiyi was surprised by it and unconsciously took a step backward, but doing that only agitated her opponent more.

    "Where do you think you are going? Wait there!"

    Li Caiyi was creeped out by her frenzied state and did the first thing her instinct told her: run.<sub> </sub>

    "Hey, she is running away! Go after her!"

    Li Caiyi really had rotten luck this time. These girls would never leave her alone, even if she tried to ignore them. Their jealousy ran deep, and jealous women were the scariest.

    She found the situation very ridiculous. When she got rebirthed, she would never imagine being stuck in the middle of cliche school drama. Her high school days in her previous life went by without anything worth remembering, as she was a receable side character. But now, she became the main target of hate because the school prince just happened to take an interest in her, like the story''s heroine.

    Li Caiyi found itughable.

    She ran in the direction of the back gate and almost lost her breath when she arrived at the area near the storage room. Li Caiyi didn''t actually think much about the direction since she only focused on running away, but these girls were more persistent than she thought.

    "Can''t run anymore?" The curly-haired girl said haughtily, but it was clear that she looked as exhausted, or perhaps more exhausted than Li Caiyi.

    "What do you guys want from me, exactly?" Li Caiyi asked warily.

    "Stay away from Senior Meng, or we''ll turn your school life into a nightmare."

    Li Caiyi snorted. "You sure have confidence saying that. I wonder what Brother Renshu would think if he knew about this?"

    The curly-haired girl snorted. "I knew you would say that. But it doesn''t matter. Even if it means we can''t admire him anymore, we''ll drag a pest like you with us!"

    She raised her hand high to p Li Caiyi, but Li Caiyi caught her hand before she could swing it down. Her opponent was furious because Li Caiyi was trying to fight back, so she called out to her friends.

    "What are you doing? Hold her!"

    Li Caiyi looked around and found that she was surrounded. She was significantly outnumbered, and after running, her stamina depleted a lot. No need to be a genius to know she was at a disadvantage.

    Li Caiyi noticed two people moved close in to her and tried to grab her, so she evaded to the side. But before she could do more, someone had pulled her hair harshly, prompting a painful groan toe out of her mouth.

    "Ouch!" Li Caiyi yelped when her ponytail hair was tugged.

    "Where are you trying to go, you bitch?! We haven''t finished with you! Try to speak arrogantly like you did earlier if you dare!" The curly-haired girl red fiercely, and Li Caiyi could almost see the zing fire in her eyes.

    But that wasn''t important right now because she felt like her scalp would tear apart if this went on. "Let go of me!"

    "Girls, hold her and teach her a lesson!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t move anywhere, so two girls quickly caught her from each side. They locked her hand so she wouldn''t be able to struggle.

    The curly-haired girl smirked sinisterly as she caressed Li Caiyi''s chin. "Now, no one ising to save you. You are ours to y today!"

    Her opponent raised her hand again, and Li Caiyi shut her eyes tightly, preparing for the iing attack. However, nothing happened even after a few seconds passed. She could hear some gasps of shock, so she carefully pried her eyes open to check.

    In front of her, the curly-haired girl had her handheld back by a familiar person. He had a pretty face, but his eyes shone with a dangerous glint. His lips pressed into a hard line, and it felt like the temperature dropped from how cold his gaze was.

    "What is going on here?" Meng Renshu asked in a low voice.

 Chapter 258 Declaration (1)

    "What is going on here?" Meng Renshu asked in a low voice.

    "Se-senior Meng!" The curly-haired girl''s face went crimson before it gradually drained of all colors, looking at Meng Renshu''s cold and menacing gaze.

    Li Caiyi was surprised to see his sudden arrival butter felt relieved because she didn''t have to go to him toin the next day. He really should manage his fans better.

    "I asked you what are you doing to Xiaoyi?"

    This time, he repeated his question with an apparent threat in his voice. His grip on the girl''s wrist tightened, and she couldn''t help but wince at the firm grip. Along with the pain, her fear also increased tenfold. Because this was probably her first time on the receiving end of her prince''s calm rage.

    The curly-haired girl was heartbroken and also felt indignant inside. She red at Li Caiyi, who had already been released by the other two girls in hatred and resentment.

    What was so special about a girl that Meng Renshu could get this angry on her behalf? She couldn''t understand what her prince saw from this girl!

    Fueled by her jealousy, the curly-haired girl pried her hand off Meng Renshu''s grip harshly before half-shouting, "This is unfair! I will absolutely never ept this! Senior Meng, please tell us what is so interesting about a girl like her?! Iˇ­I have watched you for so long, and I believe you deserve the best girl out there to be by your side. I know it would never be me, but it''s definitely not her either!"

    Li Caiyi was shocked by how emotionally distraught the bully in front of her was. She talked like her life depended on it, but she didn''t dare to meet Meng Renshu''s face and could only say so with a lowered head.

    Li Caiyi nced at the source of this trouble, waiting for his response.

    He was visibly upset. From the dark cloud looming above his head, one could easily tell that he was ready to explode at any time. While the girl was shouting andining, he said nothing, but his expression hardened the more he listened.

    "I don''t think you have the right to decide that, and I don''t care about what you feel about me. If you have aint, you should havee to me and not caused amotion. Going so far as to gang up on one person, do you think I will be grateful for this?"

    Meng Renshu''s tone was polite and controlled, but his voice was extremely low. He gazed sharply at each of the girls with his pretty yet dangerous eyes, one by one.

    "I think you guys have a misunderstanding here. Although I have tolerated you pestering me all this time, it doesn''t mean I approve of what you are doing. Don''t make me angry because you can''t afford the consequences."

    The girls flinched in unison, and Li Caiyi could feel that some of them were clearly terrified by his threat. Meng Renshu was an amiable person until provoked.

    Everyone was clear about this, and what they had done this time had crossed his bottom line. It frightened them, thinking about what he would do to them after this.

    Li Caiyi didn''t sympathize with them, but she had wasted so much time here. So she quickly tried to relieve the tension in the air by tugging on Meng Renshu''s zer. It immediately caught his attention, and he looked back at her worriedly.<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi, are you okay? Did you hurt somewhere?"

    Li Caiyi could feel the gaze of animosity from a few pairs of eyes directed at her. The pressure was stifling, and she couldn''t wait to get out of there.

    "Let''s just stop here." Li Caiyi said while trying to send him an eye signal, telling him not to aggravate the situation. However, Meng Renshu seemed to mistake the signal as her being coy to him and smiled widely.

    "No need to be afraid. I''m here, and I''ll protect you." He said while stroking her head affectionately, which only ignited more burning hate in her way.

    Li Caiyi was rmed and pried his hand off of her head immediately. Meng Renshu chuckled at her reaction before saying darkly, "What do you want me to do? Should I spare them or punish them? Take your pick."

    Everyone was stunned when he said that, but Li Caiyi was probably the one who was surprised the most. Looking at his ck-bellied smile, she knew what he intended to do now.

    Meng Renshu wanted to dere her importance to him in front of these girls. But doing that would be akin to pouring gasoline on a zing fire.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want that at all. She only wanted to get away from there as soon as possible!

    "Brother Renshu, on second thought, you can do as you please. I have something urgent to do, so if you''ll excuse meˇ­." Li Caiyi said while carefully retreating a few steps.

    Meng Renshu quickly caught her by her shoulder so she couldn''t get away, all while shing his usual refreshing smile.

    "Why are you in so much of a hurry? You don''t have to do that, because we can go together. I''ll take you to any ce you want; you just need to say the ce''s name."

    The gaze of hostility felt like prickling needles on her skin. But more than that, the grip on her shoulder and Meng Renshu''s smile were what unsettled her the most.

    It was his face when he was up to no good.

    Meng Renshu could feel Li Caiyi''s difort as she tried to squirm free from his hold with a grimace on her face.

    "Brother Renshu, I already said you don''t have to bother. I appreciate your kindness, but I can''t possibly bother you too much, even if you are my CHILDHOOD FRIEND." Li Caiyi emphasized thest words, prompting an amused chuckle from the male.

    With a wicked grin on his face, he finally dropped the bomb. "Now, what are you saying? I''m certain I have confessed to you before. Are you shy? Or is this your roundabout way to reject me?"

 Chapter 259 Declaration (2)

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to react for a good several seconds. Gasps of shocks from all directions were all the confirmation she needed.

    Meng Renshu got her good this time.

    "Lies! That''s a lie!"

    The curly-haired girl was the first one to react. She had an aggrieved and wronged expression, mixed with disbelief and rage at the same time. She red murderously at Li Caiyi as if doing that would magically make her disappear from this world.

    Li Caiyi facepalmed inwardly, cursing her rotten luck for the nth time that day. She pushed Meng Renshu''s hand from her shoulder and red subtly at him, but it only made him grin even wider. She thought he was very hateful.

    "Brother Renshu, why are you saying it in a way people will misunderstand? You don''t have to say that just to make these girls give up on you. That''s not very gentlemanly of you."

    "What is there to be misunderstood about when the whole school already knows the fact that I''m pursuing you? Some people are just too delusional to ept the truth."

    Meng Renshu''s smile didn''t falter when spouting those knife-like words. The girls who cornered Li Caiyi earlier hung their heads in shame, feeling humiliated and aggrieved, but they couldn''t say anything against him.

    Li Caiyi felt anything she said would be a boomerang for her, so she mped her mouth shut.

    "Liesˇ­ Senior Meng, that can''t be true, right?" The curly-haired girl''s voice trembled. Renshu''s words seemed to cause heavy damage to her. Her face appeared like the entire world had betrayed her, and Li Caiyi grimaced at the extent of this girl''s admiration¨Cor rather, obsession towards Meng Renshu.

    "What''s the point of me lying? You know nothing about me, and I don''t have any obligation to tell you anything." Meng Renshu turned to the curly-haired girl with a chilly expression. There was no trace of a smile, as though he didn''t even want to look at her anymore.

    He walked closer to the girl and stood before her, letting his tall body tower over her.

    "Since Xiaoyi is fine, I''ll let you go now. Remember, there is no next time. Don''t cross your line even more than this, or face the consequences."

    The curly-haired girl''s disappointed face immediately changed into a frightened one. She gritted her teeth before turning and running away from there. That girl seemed to be the group leader since the others immediately ran after her.

    In the blink of an eye, there were only Meng Renshu and Li Caiyi who had been left behind.

    "Are you really okay? Did they do anything to you?" Meng Renshu asked with genuine concern in his tone this time.

    "I''m fine," Li Caiyi answered reluctantly. "Let me say this. I won''t say thank you because this incident happened because of you in the first ce."

    "En. You don''t have to thank me. I''m just d I arrived on time." Meng Renshu reached out to cup Li Caiyi''s face between his hands to check on her face closer. "There is no wound or swell, thank god."

    Li Caiyi jumped in surprise, especially when he pushed his face so close to hers, to the point she could see a lot of eyshes framing his tranquil eyes. She pushed him away forcefully when he regained her senses.

    "What are you doing?! Can you stop invading my private space?" Li Caiyi hissed angrily.

    Meng Renshu raised both of his hands in the air while chuckling. "I just want to check. Sorry about that."

    "And what is that all about earlier? Why do you have to say that in front of them?!"

    "I didn''t tell any lies. It''s true I have confessed to you and am currently pursuing you," Meng Renshu grinned.

    "Don''t you know doing that will only aggravate the situation? Women being jealous is the scariest. If you defend me, they will onlye at me more violently than before."<sub> </sub>

    "They won''t dare to do that. Not after I personally threaten them." Meng Renshu sighed. "I didn''t expect you to thank me, but I certainly wasn''t expecting a scolding, either."

    "Stop acting so pitifully. I know you did that on purpose."

    "Hm, so you have found out? I thought this trick would still work at least a few more times."

    Li Caiyi rolled her eyes and didn''t have more patience to deal with him anymore. "I''ll go now."

    "Hey, hey. Since we are here, shall we talk for a bit?"

    "No, thank you. I''m in a hurry right now." She refused almost immediately.

    "You are worried about Junjie, right?"

    Li Caiyi''s steps halted hearing that. She turned back with a confused expression as she stared at Meng Renshu. "How do you know that?"

    "I''m the closest person to Junjie, aside from his family. I can confidently say that I probably know him better than you."

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes suspiciously. "What are you trying to say? Don''t beat around the bush and just say it directly."

    "Tell me what happened to Junjie. I noticed he had been behaving strangely these days, and I wanted to know what had happened. Knowing him, this must have something to do with your family."

    Meng Renshu said that in a severe tone, which took Li Caiyi aback. It didn''t appear like he was ying around this time, so she couldn''t help but be curious.

    "Why do you want to know? I''m sorry to say, but this is our family''s internal problem, even if that''s the case. No matter how close you are to our family, this is not where you should poke your nose into."

    Meng Renshu fell into silence, and a gust of wind blew past them. It messed up his hair and covered his face, but for some reason, Li Caiyi could still feel the sense of estrangement in his eyes for a second. There was also something inexplicable in the way he looked at her.

    It gave Li Caiyi a shudder on her back.

    However, that expression left his face when the wind stopped blowing.

    Meng Renshu shed her his usual smile before saying, "People misunderstand Junjie a lot, but he is pretty easy to read once you get to know him. And the way he is now, I can tell he is preparing to do something that is possibly big."

    ? He changed gear so abruptly that Li Caiyi was left dumbfounded. "Huh?"

    "I have only ever seen Li Junjie make that expression once, and that one was a long time ago before he shut himself up. I''m afraid a drastic change will happen once again if I let him be, so can you tell me what happened to him? Who knows, I''m probably the one who can help him now."

    A drastic change? Did he perhaps talk about her brother''s 5th birthday?

    Li Junjie did say something about Meng Renshu helping him make some stuff up to trick everyone that day. What he said was reasonable as well, since his words would affect Li Jirong to some extent, so his help would be very appreciated.

    Li Caiyi contemted a bit, weighing down the pros and cons before finally making up her mind.

 Chapter 260 After The Storm (1)

    "...And that''s how it was." Li Caiyi finished her exnation as she wrapped a band-aid around Li Chunhua''s finger.

    "Those annoying girls!" Li Chunhua fumed in anger. "I''ll make sure to tell them off the next time I see them. How dare they!"

    Li Caiyi shook her head tiredly. "No, it''s okay. If you retaliate against them, they will onlye back at you harder. Better to ignore them unless they provoked us first."

    "This is so frustrating! Thank god Brother Renshu is there to save you. I didn''t even know you were in trouble. I''m sorry, Xiaoyi."

    "Why are you apologizing? None of this is your fault, and even without Brother Renshu there, I''ll find a way to deal with them somehow." Li Caiyi said as she put the first aid-kit tool back into the cab.

    She nced at Li Junjie''s door room for a moment. Unlike before, it had be peaceful. There was no sound of fighting or shoutinging from there anymore. Li Caiyi could only hope this was a good sign for them.

    As though Li Chunhua could read her mind, she spoke. "I wonder what they are talking about inside. Brother Renshu''s arrival here is such a life-saver. I don''t know what will happen to Brother Jie if the fight goes on."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t deny that. However, she felt unsettled when she thought about Meng Renshu''s weird expression when he asked her about what happened to Li Junjie this afternoon.

    The twins were deep in thought when there was a sound of the door opening, followed by hesitant footsteps. Su Suyin emerged from inside her room while holding her phone with both hands, looking extremely anxious.

    "Mother?" Li Caiyi called out to them. The older woman instantly jerked her head, and the tense line on her face softened upon seeing the twins.

    "Both of you, what are you doing there?" Su Suyin walked over to them. Although she tried to sound cheerful, she was clearly worried about something.

    "We are just waiting for Brother Jie and Father''s talk to end. We n to apany you in your room, actually." Li Caiyi replied.

    Su Suyin nodded weakly before asking gloomily. "Is everything okay with your brother? He told me to wait in the room and lock the door, but as expected, I can''t sit still."

    Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua exchanged nces and tacitly understood what they must do right now.

    "Mother, it might be better not to interrupt their conversation right now. From what I heard earlier, Father seems to be extremely angry." Li Chunhua said.

    Su Suyin''s brows creased with distress hearing that. "Your father can be pretty violent when he is angry. Maybe we should call the police."

    "No need, Mother. Currently. Brother Renshu is there helping us mediate things between them," Li Caiyi exined, prompting confusion mixed with a surprise from Su Suyin.

    "Renshu is here? Why did hee here? Did you call for him?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheek awkwardly. "I brought him here, but it''s because Brother Renshu is worried about Big Brother Jie. He said brother has been behaving strangelytely, so he wanted to know what happened."

    Su Suyin wanted to say something butter mped her mouth shut again. "Maybe that is the best decision. None of us have the power to stop them if the fight worsens. I have to think of a way to thank Renshuter."

    Almost at the same time when she finished saying that, the door of Li Jirong''s room opened with a bang. The three females jumped in surprise and jerked their heads simultaneously.

    Li Jirong stormed out from inside the room with a very dark face. His shirt was messy, like he had just put it on in a hurry, and his hair still looked half-wet. There were bruises in a few ces on his face, suggesting a fight that he had just been through.

    When he was about to walk past the dining room, he spotted the twins and Su Suyin standing together with a vignt expression on their faces.

    Li Jirong stopped and stared at them for a while. Su Suyin was pressured by his intense gaze, but she clenched her hand to steel herself before positioning herself in front of the twins. All while ring back at her soon-to-be-ex-husband.

    Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua were surprised but made no attempt to stop their mother. However, they were very alert and ready to fight back if necessary.

    Meanwhile, Li Jirong kept staring at them, or more precisely, at his wife, with an inexplicable gaze. Su Suyin didn''t even want to see his face, but averting her eyes meant she was losing here, so she persisted.

    Li Caiyi watched over his parents having a staring contest with each other. Some part of her was relieved to see her mother finally open her eyes and take a stance against her father. It made all of Li Junjie and her effort worth it.

    Although she could tell how scared her mother was from how her body shook ever so slightly, this was still an improvement from her, who once only meekly and obediently followed whatever her husband said.

    The three of them thought that Li Jirong would curse them or say something hurtful to them, but he left after staring at them for a good while. He didn''t bring anything with him and walked out of the house, leaving the three females dumbfounded.

    Su Suyin heaved a sigh of relief while Li Caiyi nced at her brother''s room suspiciously. What happened inside?

    After regaining her calm, Su Suyin trudged to Li Junjie''s room, followed by the twins behind her. She gasped loudly when she found a battered-looking Li Junjieid limply on the bed, with Meng Renshu supporting him by his shoulder.

    "Jie!" Su Suyin cried out as she ran over to her only son, whose handsome face was now covered with bruises. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and he could barely keep his eyes open.

    She took Li Junjie''s body from Meng Renshu and cradled him carefully in her embrace. "I''m sorry, Jie. This is all because your mother is too weak and useless!"

    Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua followed suit and were left aghast by their brother''s condition. Tears welled up in Li Chunhua''s eyes while Li Caiyi eximed urgently. "We have to get him to the hospital!"

 Chapter 261 After The Storm (2)

    After that, everything became hectic and happened so fast that Li Caiyi had trouble keeping up with it. She was currently sitting in the hallway of the M Hospital in exhaustion.

    She felt like she had aged ten times faster in a span of a day. So many things happened today, and she was at her limit.

    A cold sensation on her cheek jolted her from daydreaming as she unknowingly yelped out.

    "Haha, did I surprise you?"

    Li Caiyi felt her cold cheek while raising her head, only to find Meng Renshu smiling at her with two bottles of cold tea in his hand. He offered one to Li Caiyi.

    "Drink this first, and you''ll be better."

    At this point, Li Caiyi was too tired to argue with him. Not to mention, Meng Renshu was indeed the savior of today. She didn''t know how her brother could handle his father''s fury if it weren''t for him.

    Not only that, but he also used his connection to make sure her brother got the first and best treatment in this hospital. His consideration in not taking Li Junjie to the hospital where Li Jirong worked was a tremendous help for them.

    "Thank you," Li Caiyi said as she epted the bottle from him.

    It turned out easily when she tried to unseal the cap, meaning that Meng Renshu had already opened it for her beforehand.

    Again, his thoughtful action caused a prickle in her conscience. No matter how cold or harsh she was to him, he would return and treat her with care. His way of doing things was questionable and infuriating sometimes, but he was always there to help her when needed.

    "What''s wrong? Aren''t you thirsty?" Meng Renshu sat down beside her and asked.

    "No, I am." Li Caiyi took a few mouthfuls of the cold tea before sighing in relief. She felt so much better already.

    "Don''t worry too much. Junjie''s injury wasn''t severe, so everything will be just fine."

    Li Caiyi stared at him skeptically. "What did you do exactly? Because of Brother Jie''s condition, we didn''t have a chance to talk about this. What happened back there?"

    Meng Renshu''s corner of lips raised in a mysterious curve. "Junjie did most of it. I didn''t do anything worth mentioning, except stopping them from fighting and keeping the discussion civil."

    "Lies. Tell me the truth. Father is not the type to be convinced with just anyone, even if it''s Brother Jie."

    "But I''m not lying, though? You are too suspicious of me." Meng Renshu chuckled. "I won''t do anything that can harm Junjie or your family."

    "I know you won''t do that," Li Caiyi sighed. "Forget it then. You won''t answer no matter how much I ask you."

    "Giving up so soon? Maybe it''s not the ''quantity'' you should think about, but the ''quality'' of the question, instead."

    "What are you talking about now?"

    Meng Renshu propped his chin with his hand, looking very charming with his maic smile. "Depends on how you ask, I might answer it, you know?"

    Li Caiyi''s eyebrows twitched after hearing that. "You just love to y around, aren''t you? I''m asking you seriously."

    "But, I''m also serious, though? I had helped you this much, so I deserved to do at least this much. I''m happy you are sofortable with me that you take my help for granted."

    The jab in his words knocked the words out of Li Caiyi''s mouth. Meng Renshu was skillful with his words, indeed. He hit where it hurts the most.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m sorry. Thank you for all your help today, Brother Renshu. I didn''t mean to be rude." Li Caiyi said in a defeated tone.

    "It will be nice if you can prove the sincerity of your words with action too, but since you are tired today, I''ll let you off the hook. Don''t forget you still owe me one."

    Li Caiyi sighed. "I know. I will try to pay you back for what you did for our family today."

    "Huh? No, I''m not talking about that. I''m talking about the favor I did to you the other day. What I did today is purely out of my volition, and there''s no way I will charge you for it."

    "Huh?"

    "Silly Xiaoyi. I was helping my best friend; why would I charge anyone for that?" Meng Renshu shook his head helplessly. "This just means that your view of me is still that bad. I guess I need to try harder."

    "Uhˇ­no, I was thankful for your help. I didn''t mean to offend..." Li Caiyi awkwardly said.

    "No, it''s fine. You don''t have to console me. I won''t be discouraged just by this. I still haven''t shown my sincerity enough to you, that''s all."

    Li Caiyi wanted to say more, but Meng Renshu stood abruptly from his seat.

    "Now, not let''s not talk about this. I will go to check something. You should enter and apany Auntie. I think she is still in shock. See youter."

    After saying that, Meng Renshu took his leave. Li Caiyi watched his back until he disappeared from her sight with conflicted feelings. She shook her head to chase away her unnecessary thoughts and went inside Li Junjie''s ward.

    ***

    Li Junjie was currently lying down with a bandage wrapped around his right hand inside the VIP room Meng Renshu had prepared. There were gauzes on the right side of his forehead and his left chin.

    Li Chunhua sat beside his bed while Su Suyin talked with the nurse.

    The nurse left soon, and only the Li family members remained inside.

    "Jie, how are you feeling?" Su Suyin also sat beside his bed and asked worriedly.

    "Mother, I really am fine. I don''t need to be hospitalized." Li Junjie said in his usualposed tone, albeit it sounded a little weaker than normal.

    "Brother Jie, don''t say you are fine at times like this. I told you before, right? You should rely on us more." Li Chunhua reprimanded him with a harrumph, trying to act tough. Still, her reddened eyes and hoarse voice after crying betrayed that front.

    "Xiaohua is right. If it weren''t for Xiaoyi bringing back Renshu with him, you probably could end up in a worse condition than this! Don''t forget to thank Renshu after this. He is such a good friend."

    Li Junjie felt it was useless to argue with two agitated women, so he chose to keep his mouth shut. Among them, Li Caiyi was the only one who hadn''t spoken a word yet. She only spoke after Su Suyin and Li Chunhua had finished their share of ranting.

    "Brother Jie, what happened back there? Did you seed?"

    Su Suyin and Li Chunhua, who finally remembered why Li Junjie ended up like this, straightened their backs, expecting his answer. The young man stared at Li Caiyi. His lips curled into what could be considered as a smirk.

    "I win, of course."

 Chapter 262 After The Storm (3)

    "Jie, you meanˇ­."

    "Yes, Mother. I got it. The approval for inheritance and alsoˇ­." Li Junjie paused briefly before saying carefully, "...the agreement for divorce. He signed everything."

    Su Suyin''s pupils dted, but a faint smile crept up on her lips a second after. "I see. That''s good news."

    "Does this mean Father won''t be Father anymore from now on?" Li Chunhua asked.

    "Not until the divorce was submitted and officially finalized, but yes, that will happen shortly." Li Junjie replied.

    "Brother Jie, did you threaten Father to agree, or did Brother Renshu do something to help you?"

    "Both, actually. Renshu offered Father a spot in Meng''s centralboratory. That way, both parties won''t incur a loss. After talking it out for a while, he finally agreed."

    "Brother Renshu did that? Wow, he is really our savior!" Li Chunhua eximed happily. "If it weren''t for him, Brother Jie probably would suffer more."

    "Even so, isn''t Renshu being too generous with us? I''m grateful he helped us, but to even include your fatˇŞthat man into his family''s centralboratory, would he be fine suggesting such things?"

    Li Junjie shook his head. "I don''t know the circumstances either. But since this is Renshu we''re talking about, it''s less likely he did this impulsively. He must have already thought this through."

    "Now I feel awful. Not only did he see our family''s embarrassing scene, but he also took care of the aftermath." Su Suyin sighed before staring sharply at her three children.

    "You guys should never forget this debt we owe him. Even if he is your childhood friend, don''t take him for granted and treat him very well. Don''t forget to thank him, either."

    While Li Chunhua and Li Junjie nodded, only Li Caiyi felt something was wrong with all this.

    Meng Renshu was supposed to know about the Li family matter this afternoon. Was it possible to prepare a spot in such a short time? And it was the centralboratory, not the branch one.

    Meng Pharmaceutical had a lot of establishedboratories spread throughout the country, and the centralboratory was the one that worked on the research and invention of new medicine. Even if he was the Young Master Meng, preparing a spot in such an important ce so fast like this should be very difficult.

    For Li Jirong, joining hands with Meng Pharmaceutical would benefit him in the long run. Not only would he have a good job, but he would also gain intelligence about Meng''s research progress. It was almost impossible for him to refuse.

    This new information made Li Caiyi feel apprehensive about what was toe. Meng Renshu''s strange behaviortely bothered her. Did he perhaps regain some of his memory again?

    That itself was already bad news, but didn''t that mean a part of her memory had been lost too? The way her memory could disappear anytime without her noticing was scary.

    She regretted not having a digital version of her notebook at times like this. This way, she couldn''t check if some part of her memory was really missing or not anytime she needed it.

    "Xiaoyi, what''s on your mind?"

    Li Caiyi was pulled out of her reverie when Li Chunhua whispered to her ears. "Ah? Sorry, I''m daydreaming. What were you talking about just now?"

    Li Chunhua pouted. "I asked you what you want to eat because I''m going out to buy some."

    "Ah, I''m okay. It''s about time I returned to Jingfei''s ce, anyway. I''ll buy my food myself along the way."

    Li Chunhua frowned in confusion. "Why? I doubt Father wille back soon, and Big Brother Jie shared the ownership of the house now. It was just a matter of time before it would fully belong to him. There''s no reason to stay at Jingfei''s ce anymore, isn''t there?"<sub> </sub>

    "You are not wrong, but my stuff is still there." She paused briefly before adding, "And I will move out of the house soon, too."

    Li Chunhua''s countenance became gloomier. She reached out and tugged on Li Caiyi''s sleeve.

    "Are you going to leave so soon? Our parents still haven''t officially divorced yet. Couldn''t you at least wait until that?"

    Her expression was like an abandoned cat, softening Li Caiyi''s heart. She stroked her sister''s head tenderly before saying, "I said I will move out, but it still needs to wait until I can fully be independent. My book will be published soon, but I will have to wait and see if it''s actually earning or not before I can move out. I''m not that stupid to move out without preparation."

    "Really? So you will stay around longer, right?"

    "Yes, that''s right."

    Li Chunhua''s face brightened up a little after hearing that. "I see. Thank goodness."

    "Xiaohua, we need to talk to Big Brother about your psychological treatment." Li Caiyi said in a severe tone.

    At this point, Li Caiyi didn''t know if this would help Li Chunhua''s condition, but it wouldn''t hurt to try. Detective Tang had yet to contact her back after theirst conversation, but she wanted to do whatever she could in the meantime.

    It would be toote for regret if she didn''t do it now. She learned it the hard way in her previous life.

    Li Caiyi shifted his gaze towards her brother and was surprised to find him already staring at her first.

    "Stay here for dinner."

    "What?"

    "It will be our first time eating together without Father, so stay here." Li Junjie repeated. His face oozed tiredness, and the bruises made him appear more pitiful. She even thought she could see a trace of pleading in her brother''s expression for a moment.

    p Li Caiyi blinked her eyes, and his face had already returned to his usual neutral state. She must have been imagining things.</anda>

    "That''s right, Xiaoyi. Stay here and eat with us." Su Suyin added while rubbing her forearm. "Our family is currently in a difficult phase, so we should stick together. Let''s eat together, at least."

    Li Chunhua nodded her head enthusiastically,pletely supporting the idea. "Yes! Having dinner in the hospital is a rare chance. You should definitely stay longer!"

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand what was so special about having dinner in the hospital, but she understood that her family wanted her to remain there.

    Not that Li Caiyi didn''t understand their feelings. After the reality fully sank to her and knowing that they had lost one family member, there was a sense of emptiness inside. She didn''t particrly feel sad or happy about it, but there was a void.

    When you felt like that, you couldn''t help but want someone to be nearby.

    "I get it. I''ll stay for dinner."

    The Li family ate a simple dinner together. They ate while talking about many things, but each of them had a deep thought about today''s chains of events.

 Chapter 263 I Really Like This Person, After All (1)

    After having dinner together, Li Caiyi left the hospital. She didn''t immediately return to Shao Jingfei''s ce but wandered around to take her mind off things.

    Li Caiyi was only nning to take a breather, but her feet had brought her to Rose Bar before she knew it. The sense of emptiness was still there, even after spending some time with her family. She wanted to talk to someone; however, she didn''t want to tell her friends about this.

    The only one that came to her mind was him.

    Li Caiyi looked up at the building, foolishly hoping that Dai Zhiqiang would suddenly appear before her again, likest time.

    He told her not to wander around alone too much there, but she couldn''t resist the urge to meet him right now.

    Li Caiyi took out her phone and dialed his number, but sure enough, he didn''t pick up again. It had been a while since Li Caiyi felt disappointed for not hearing things from him.

    She didn''t know if there was any use, but she still sent a message to him nheless.

    [Li Caiyi: What are you doing? Can youe out for a moment? Please don''t be mad, but I want to see you].

    After the message was sent, she realized how stupid she was behaving. Dai Zhiqiang had told her he wouldn''t be able to reply, so what was the point of doing this?

    Li Caiyi sighed before pocketing her phone and casting thest look towards the building before walking away. She had just taken a step when a droplet of water hit her nose. It seemed like it was going to rain soon.

    "Just my luck," Li Caiyi sighed as she opened her palm while looking at the starless sky above. This was probably the sign from heaven, telling her to go home soon. It made her feel more depressed.

    Her mind was murky, and her body was tired. She would kill to have a rxing dip in warm water right now.

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand why she felt like this. She thought she would be happy if Li Jirong finally left their life, but forget about joy; she didn''t even feel the slightest bit of satisfaction. The relief onlysted for a while before emptiness reced it.

    "At least those three wouldn''t feel pressured by that man anymore. That is a good thing, at least." Li Caiyi murmured to no one.

    She was too distraught by her thoughts and just let people pass by her as she walked slowly. Everyone scattered around to seek shelter, yet Li Caiyi couldn''t even be bothered to do that. Perhaps she would feel better after letting the rain wash away this gloomy feeling.

    With that train of thought, it didn''t take long for her shoulder to be soaked wet. She might catch a cold after this, but that probably would be better because she needed time to process everything right now.

    Then, as she walked, she noticed that the rain seemed to stop pouring above her. Li Caiyi looked up, only to find a ck umbre covering her. Her mind instantly regained its sharpness as she jerked her head behind, wanting to know who the person who sneaked up behind her was without her noticing.

    When she turned her head, Li Caiyi was astonished to find a face she longed to see standing behind her.

    This time, he didn''t wear a cat mask or anything. Perhaps that was why Li Caiyi felt so emotional as her gaze met with that pair of ck eyes, which were darker than the starless sky above them.

    "Why are you strolling when it''s raining? You''ll get a cold." Dai Zhiqiang said with the familiar deep voice she knew. Now, his voice wasn''t muffled by the mask, so it sounded very pleasant to her ears.

    Li Caiyi was so overwhelmed she was at a loss for words to say.

    Dai Zhiqiang noticed something was amiss immediately, judging from her downcast look. "What happened? Why are you looking so sad?"

    Did she look like that? But she didn''t feel sad at all.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang reached out to hold her hand gently. "Come. Let''s look for a shelter first."

    He pulled her to follow him, and like a weightless feather, Li Caiyi let him pull her. As long as it was with him, anywhere was better.

    Dai Zhiqiang took her to a quiet and secluded ce from the crowded street. It was more like the narrow alley between two stores rather than a ce of shelter. But the rain didn''t reach there, so it would do for them.

    The alley was pretty dim with minimal lighting, but Li Caiyi could still clearly see Dai Zhiqiang''s figure. Or more precisely, he was the only thing she could see in her eyes right now.

    Dai Zhiqiang folded his umbre before turning his head to her. He squinted when she noticed her wet outerwear.

    "Take it off."

    It took Li Caiyi a few seconds to be able to let out a response. "HUH???"

    Her cold body immediately heated when she finally registered what he had told her. They were currently in a secluded and dimly lit ce. A boy and a girl with no one around. She couldn''t help but feel self-conscious when she suddenly heard such a linee out of his mouth.

    Li Caiyi subconsciously crossed her hand in front of her chest. "W-what are you talking about?"

    "Your cardigan. It''s wet. You should take it off for now and wear this." Dai Zhiqiang said before taking off his zer, revealing the white shirt he wore beneath.

    "Oh!" Li Caiyi eximed in embarrassment. Her face flushed even harder, knowing that she was the only one overthinking things.

    Thinking back, she once told Dai Zhiqiang to ''take his clothes off'', and he seemed to act weirdly then. Now she understood the reason.

    She cleared her throat awkwardly before saying, "Thank you, but it''s okay. My cardigan is not that drenched, and you''ll feel cold if you only wear a piece of clothing."

    "I''m different from you. I won''t feel cold easily. If you keep wearing wet clothes, you''ll catch a cold." Dai Zhiqiang insisted on a finality tone, which didn''t allow any rebuttal.

    Li Caiyi let out a small smile, feeling happy about his care. She didn''t argue anymore and epted his zer. Her heart skipped a beat when she felt the lingering warmth of his body on that zer.

    "Thank you, Zhiqiang." Li Caiyi said shyly before turning her body slightly and taking off her cardigan.

    Dai Zhiqiang watched her slowly unbutton her cardigan, not knowing why he couldn''t take his eyes off her, despite knowing he should.

    His gaze followed her finger''s movement closely, and Li Caiyi, who was oblivious to that, casually took off her cardigan. She wore a light blue shirt underneath, and the top part of it was drenched from the rain, making it glued to her skin and transparent.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s gaze darkened when he could faintly see her bra line under her shirt through the drenched part.

    He could see how her wet shirt hugged her form tightly and how strands of her hair stuck onto her fair nape from where he stood. Droplets of water also rolled down from her hair to her neck.

    The sight was very charming, with subtle sensuality, and Dai Zhiqiang felt he had sinned from staring too fervently.

 Chapter 264 I Really Like This Person, After All (2)

    Now that she had taken off the cardigan, she realized it had absorbed a fair amount of water. It was heavy, and water came out when she wrung it.

    After taking care of the cardigan, she felt someone''s stare, so she nced at Dai Zhiqiang. Their gazes met immediately, and Li Caiyi felt self-conscious about being stared at.

    In the next moment, he strode over to her. Li Caiyi''s heartbeat sped up in nervousness and anticipation with each step he took.

    ''What? What is it?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly, almost breaking into a panic. She pressed the zer in her hold close to her chest and awaited his following action.

    Dai Zhiqiang reached out and took the zer from her grasp before covering it over her frame. Li Caiyi instantly felt warm from the tip of her toe to her hair. The zer smelled of peppermint mixed with a hint of tobo wafted to her nose, and it felt like being hugged by him.

    "You let your guard down too much. Be mindful of your surroundings next time." Dai Zhiqiang said in a deep, husky voice. It sounded so close and caused a shiver to run through her spine.

    Li Caiyi''s mind was in a mess as she kept her head lowered, not knowing where she should look. That was when she noticed her shirt, particrly the shoulder and chest area, was thoroughly drenched and transparent, revealing the view of what was beneath it.

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

    She gasped and immediately tried to cover her front with the zer, which was conveniently several times bigger than her body.

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed. "You are lucky it''s just me this time. If it were any other guy, you are probably in danger right now."

    "S-sorry," Li Caiyi said in a small voice, almost like a squeak.

    Dai Zhiqiang felt a sense of achievement when he could make Li Caiyi flustered like this. He knew it was bad of him, but he really wanted to tease her and incur more reaction from her.

    Li Caiyi jolted in shock when she felt his cold touch brush her neck. It was only a fleeting touch because he only wanted to help her smoothen her hair which sticking to her neck, but the effect it had on Li Caiyi was tremendous.

    "Or are you secretly doing it on purpose?" Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "I''m notining if it is."

    Her heart beat furiously in her chest. She felt like it would give up sooner than it should, so she took some steps away from Dai Zhiqiang. Little did she know the alley was so narrow, her back pressed against the wall with only a few steps.

    The more she tried to hide, the more it spurred the young man''s urge to tease her. Seeing his chance, Dai Zhiqiang smirked devilishly as she closed into her and put one of his hands beside her head.

    By this point, Li Caiyi''s mind had be nk, and the only thing she could hear was the noisy beating in her chest and the rumbling of his voice close to her ear.

    "See? This is what I mean. If you let your guard down too much, some other guy will do much more than this." Dai Zhiqiang deliberately said it beside her ear, enjoying how her ear turned crimson with each second.

    "I-I understand," Li Caiyi responded with much difficulty. "I understand now, so can you back away a little? You are too closeˇ­."

    "You don''t like it? I''ll dly step away if you don''t like it."<sub> </sub>

    "N-no, it''s not like I don''t like itˇ­."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart swelled at her cute answer. His mind was in the cloud, yet there was a firework in his chest. He could smell that femininevender fragrance from her hair in this proximity, and it intoxicated him.

    "Caiyi," He called out to her while using one hand to hold her shoulder. The soft and warm body under her hand trembled slightly at his touch, and it momentarily snapped him out of his drunken state.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi probably could pass out at any moment.

    Everything about him, from his smell, voice, and touch, was so wonderful; she felt like melting. The way he could suddenly flip his switch into a teasing demon like this was very simr to Shen Qiang.

    He sure knew his way around this domain for a person who was supposed to be pretty hostile to the opposite sex. His every action and words were tantalizing and oozed male pheromone. It reminded her a lot of how natural flirt Shen Qiang was.

    Although her brain still tried to deny it, her heart was almost sure that the man in front of her was the same person who held her tightly as they jumped off the building together.

    And he was so close to her now. If she reached out to him now, she could hold him.

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed inwardly, knowing that he had gone too far. When it came to Li Caiyi, it was hard to control himself. He still wanted to be close to her, but he didn''t want to scare her. Perhaps he should retreat for now.

    That was what he intended to do, but never in his wildest dream did he think Li Caiyi would jump at him and wrap her arms around his body, pulling him close to him.

    It blew off every little thought he had. His mindgged in processing the situation, and his arms hung beside his body stiffly, not knowing what to do.

    "Zhiqiang," Li Caiyi called out softly while burying her face in his chest. "I miss you so much."

    Meeting with Shen Qiang had released her from her past regret, but it also became the source of her new regret. Shemented how little time they had together before they had to part.

    Now that she had sessfully made her debut as a novelist and even chased away Li Jirong from harming her family, now she wanted to spend more time with someone she loved. Not because he was simr to Shen Qiang, but because she wanted to be with him.

    ''Ah, I really do like this person after all. I love Zhiqiang.'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly but was so embarrassed now that she finally sorted out her feelings. She could only bury her head deeper in his chest so he wouldn''t see her silly, flustered face.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled before he let out a lowugh. Her face was pressed onto his chest right now, so she could feel its rumble.

    "Really. I can''t win against you."

    Li Caiyi could discern the joy in his voice when he said that. He pulled her closer to him a momentter, reducing whatever gap they had left between them.

    "Me too. I miss you so much; I feel like I can go crazy."

 Chapter 265 I Really Like This Person, After All (3)

    "Me too. I miss you so much; I feel like I can go crazy."

    Until a few minutes ago, Li Caiyi was still feeling empty and lost, but now she felt the gap had been filled with something warm.

    Dai Zhiqiang enveloped her frame with his, bringing out a nostalgic feeling. So warm and secure, just like that night when Shen Qiang anchored her to reality when she was drifting in the clouds.

    Li Caiyi clenched his shirt and hoped that this feeling wouldst forever.

    "Caiyi, what happened to you? You are clearly not your usual self today." Dai Zhiqiang patted her back, consoling her gently.

    "I don''t know myself. I have finally aplished something I have to do, but why don''t I feel happy when I finally aplish it?" Li Caiyi answered in a muffled sound.

    "Isn''t that because you actually don''t wish for it to happen?"

    Li Caiyi''s tongue stiffened when she heard that. Sensing her silence, Dai Zhiqiang continued, "What you have to do is not necessarily what you want to do. Perhaps you have pushed yourself too hard to think that this is what you want. When you finallyplete what you have to do, you lose your sense of direction."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She was pretty sure that she hated Li Jirong to the core. That man was wicked and cunning, and Li Caiyi had no good impression of him. Punishing that kind of person and giving him what he deserved was supposed to be fulfilling.

    However, there was no satisfaction in it at all.

    "Caiyi, I don''t know what you are thinking or what exactly happened to you today, but don''t beat yourself too hard. Sometimes, you don''t need a reason to feel something. It came to you naturally because that''s just who you are."

    "Who am I?" Li Caiyi asked.

    "For me, you are still the same kind and gentle girl. The one who got stronger when protecting other people, rather than herself."

    His words were so sincere and tender; it tugged her heartstring greatly.

    She and Dai Zhiqiang barely met or talked in thest few days, but he seemed to know exactly what she needed to hear right now. Tears welled up in her eyes, knowing that there was someone who understood her deeply.

    "Zhiqiang, why are you so kind to me? I might have saved Shenqiang, but this kindness is too much for me. If you act like this, then I''ll misunderstand."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply immediately, but she could feel his heart drumming wildly in his chest, almost the same as hers.

    "That misunderstanding, I promise I''ll take responsibility for it."

    Li Caiyi raised her head in disbelief when he said that. However, all words that had already been on the tip of her tongue were lost when she saw Dai Zhiqiang smile softly at her. His eyes shone like the brightest star, and he exuded the glow of the happiest person in the world right now.

    "Just remember that I''m a simple person. I never do anything I didn''t mean to. Your misunderstanding is probably not much of a misunderstanding after all."

    "Zhiqiang, does that meanˇ­."

    "Caiyi," Dai Zhiqiang interrupted her words before she could finish. Then he continued in a regretful tone. "Hearing you say that makes me happy. But the current me is weighed down by responsibility and duty. Even if I want to continue our rtionship further, I don''t dare to do that just yet."

    Li Caiyi''s breath stopped for a moment. This might be the most direct confession she had heard from him until now.

    Her heart ached in a bittersweet pain. She was happy that Dai Zhiqiang didn''t dislike her. At the same time, she recalled how difficult his life was and how heavy the burden was on his shoulder, and it was heartbreaking.<sub> </sub>

    "Zhiqiang, is there anything I can do to help?"

    "There is none. Sadly, but it''s just like that." Dai Zhiqiang said weakly. "I''m content with my rtionship with you so far, but I would be lying if I said I never hope for more. Love and dreams are luxury goods for me now."

    As much as it pained her to admit, Li Caiyi actually understood him. Life is more than just love and dreams. Even if Dai Zhiqiang craved to have those luxuries, he wouldn''t dare to cross that line just yet, when he still had other things to do or protect.

    That was just how Dai Zhiqiang was for her. A person who gives more than he receives things.

    Li Caiyi was tempted to tell him about her co-project with Dai Shenqiang, but there was no guarantee this project would bear fruit.

    "Zhiqiang, is your work difficult?"

    "Yeah."

    He didn''t try to hide it this time. Li Caiyi pursed her lips, knowing this might be a good chance to ask what had been bothering her for so long.

    "You are not working on a construction site." Li Caiyi said, more like a statement than a question.

    "Yeah."

    "Why did you lie about such things?"

    "I have to. A student working in a bar wouldn''t be a good thing to add to my resume in the future."

    "Even so, there''s no need to hide it even from your brother and father. They are worried about you every day, thinking that you could get hurt from doing hardbor for them."

    "I know, but I don''t dare to tell them just yet."

    "Why don''t you? I believe they will support and help you if you tell them directly."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled wryly. "That''s what I''m worried about. I don''t want them to beat themselves for something I can handle alone. Shenqiang had be brighter ever since he met you. That kid usually never talked much about his hobby, but he became a chatterbox with you. I hope he will remain that way without thinking about anything unnecessary."

    Li Caiyi frowned upon hearing that. "Well, that''s just you being selfish, Zhiqiang."

    Dai Zhiqiang was stunned for a moment before chuckling. "You''re right. I''m a very selfish person."

    "Shenqiang also has his own thoughts. It''s not up to you to decide what is unnecessary or not for him."

    "Are you mad at me?"

    "Not mad. I just thought you were being silly. There''s no way Shenqiang could feel at ease pursuing what he likes, knowing you are pushing yourself like this."

    Dai Zhiqiang stared tenderly at the girl in his arms. He should have gone back to the bar by now, but he found it hard to separate from her.

    He didn''t expect to get reprimanded, but it didn''t sound that bad when it came from her. The way she frowned and pouted was so lovely he wanted to pinch her cheeks.

 Chapter 266 I Really Like This Person, After All (4)

    "Are you even listening to me?" Li Caiyi asked in displeasure.

    "Yes, yes. I''m listening to you."

    "Lies. You keep grinning and not focusing at all."

    "Am I? Well, it must be because I''m happy." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled.

    He held her closer and leaned to whisper in her ear. "I wish we could remain like this forever."

    Li Caiyi shivered when his warm breath hit her ears.

    Heughed in a low voice, seeing her reaction. "You are weak in your ears. How cute."

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

    She jolted in surprise when his soft lips touched her ear slightly, just like a brush on the skin. It tickled and caught her off guard. She didn''t hate it, but the sensation made her feel weird; she subconsciously squirmed away from him.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t let her go and held her even tighter, causing mass panic in Li Caiyi''s head.

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang?!"

    "If you keep acting cute like that, you''ll have to bear the consequences."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see his face because he had buried his head on her shoulder. The soft sensation on her ears moved lower in the next second before finally finding its ce on the side of her neck.

    "Mmm!" Li Caiyi was so surprised she unknowingly let out a soft whimper.

    She didn''t expect Dai Zhiqiang to be so daring. Were high-schoolers always this bold when expressing their affection? Even with her adult mentality, she couldn''t keep up with his pace!

    The ce where he touched her felt like burning. Her temperature went up to the point her sses became foggy.

    There was a slight smacking sound when Dai Zhiqiang pulled his lips from her smooth neck. A smirk of satisfaction appeared on his face, seeing the red mark made by him on her fair skin.

    The way shetched onto him tightly was like a spoiled kitten. Thinking it again, it was a good thing he had to leave soon, or he didn''t know what he would do to her next.

    "Don''t forget this. You are not allowed to act cutely in front of the other guys."

    Li Caiyi felt like she could faint. She didn''t imagine it when she heard a sense of possessiveness in his voice. If she wasn''t holding on to him, she probably would already crumble to the ground from how weak her legs became.

    "Sadly, I have to go now. You can enter a store to take shelter from the rain for the time being. Don''t stand here alone, or some weird guys wille preying on you again." Dai Zhiqiang said as he yed with her hair.

    "Y-yes," Li Caiyi answered, half-conscious and half-dazed.

    "We will meet again soon. Don''t cry alone in a ce where I can''t see you. Wait until Ie to you, and you can cry all you want."

    Li Caiyi''s lips quivered before her lips curved into a bright smile. "Yes. I will only cry when you are around then."

    "Good girl."

    Dai Zhiqiang stroked her head a few times before slowly releasing her. They stared at each other for a few seconds, which felt like forever before the younger man turned away.

    "See youter."

    Li Caiyi''s hand unconsciously raised in an attempt to stop him when she saw him leaving. However, before she could say anything, Dai Zhiqiang had run through the rain without looking back.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi tightened his zer wrapped around her body, feeling lonely already. Her hand touched her neck where he pressed his lips before, and a blush crept up her face.

    It was a windy and cold night, but Li Caiyi felt warm all over.

    There was no way she would feel this strongly about someone if she didn''t have any feelings for that person.

    "I like him very much." Li Caiyi murmured softly, and as though her own words resonated deep within her, her heart beat elerated.

    She stared in the direction where Dai Zhiqiang ran and prayed that she would meet him again soon.

    ***

    Li Caiyi went to schoolter than usual. Mostly because she couldn''t sleep well, thinking about a series of events yesterday.

    Li Junjie took sick leave today, and from Li Chunhua, she knew that her brother had recuperated well. The injury on him wasn''t too severe, so if everything went well, he could go home today.

    Yesterday was undoubtedly an unforgettable birthday for him.

    Li Caiyi was so overwhelmed with everything that she hadn''t had a chance to congratte him yesterday. Not that they were in the right mood for celebration, either.

    In the end, Li Jirong didn''t return home and stayed at the hospital for the whole night.

    After he barged out of the house in a hurry, Li Caiyi was curious about where he went, so she asked Detective Tang to check using the hidden camera. Sure enough, that man stayed a night at his office, and apparently, he had wasted himself by drinking all night.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if it was okay to use an office for personal use like that, but that wasn''t her business anymore. From now on, Li Jirong was a stranger to her family, and she prayed they would never cross each other again in this lifetime.

    Currently, Li Caiyi was eagerly waiting for her book''s officialunch. If she could earn profit from this, then she could move out of the house faster than she thought.

    Li Caiyi has never been confident about anything in her life, but she had a good feeling about this. Perhaps because many people had acknowledged her skill before this, she finally could have this confidence. It was a very good and liberating feeling.

    Li Caiyi looked outside the window and up to the sky, hopeful for the future. Now, if she could juste up with something to help Li Chunhua''s condition, she could finally live at ease.

    "Sighˇ­the time has finallye again. Why? Why should exams exist in the world??"

    Chen Run, who was currently standing beside her, groaned painfully, looking at the schedule for the midterm exam being posted on the announcement board. She grimaced while messing with her hair.

    "Stop whining. You just need to study well, and everything will be fine." Zhou Ya chided her.

    "But studying too much will cut my time watching movies. I don''t like it!"

    "You are watching movies for over 10 hours a day. Reducing it for a little wouldn''t be too much trouble."

    "You''d better not ck off on your studies, or we will end up in separate sses." Feng Nian added while chuckling. "Last time, your grades barely passed to B ss. And it was half thanks to Ya Ya who watched over your study."

    "Ya Ya! Please don''t abandon me too this time!" Chen Run cried out dramatically while hugging Zhou Ya''s neck, prompting an annoyed expression from her.

    "Keep this on, and I won''t help you with anything!"

    Li Caiyi giggled at her friend''s antics. Having them as her friends was really a blessing. There were never boring times when she was with them.

    "Caiyi, I see you have been studying these days diligently. Are you aiming for ss A now?" Feng Nian asked her.

 Chapter 267 Love Triangle (?)

    "Are you aiming for ss A now?"

    "En," Li Caiyi nodded. "I thought I should improve myself more. Besides, it will be nice if I can end up in the same ss as my sister."

    Feng Nian snorted. "No offense, but I don''t know how you can stand being around that sister of yours. She is too clingy and overall a very troublesome girl. If I were you, I would take my distance away from her."

    Even now, Feng Nian was still hostile toward Li Chunhua. Li Caiyi couldn''t me her because her sister almost broke the friendship between Feng Nian and Chen Run. It was already good that Feng Nian didn''t avoid Li Caiyi too.

    "Xiaohua has been behaving welltely. Many things have happened since then, and she is not as obsessive as before."

    "Well, it''s good if you have talked about it between the two of you." Feng Nian reluctantly agreed. "Anyway, shouldn''t we aim for ss A too?"

    "What? My brain barely could pass B ss level with painstaking effort, and you want me to set a higher standard now??" Chen Run eximed in disbelief.

    "You just gotta try harder."

    "No, I''ll die! I''ll definitely die if I don''t watch at least one movie a day!"

    "Then you can stay in B ss alone. We will ascend together to ss A." Feng Nian smirked mischievously.

    "What?! Ya Ya, you will not abandon me, right?" Chen Run shifted her gaze to Zhou Ya pleadingly.

    Thetter put her fingers on her chin and thought about it seriously. "Now I wonder what I should do? ss A doesn''t sound too bad, actually."

    "You guys are meanie! Hmph, forget it. I will just bury myself watching my movies. They will never betray me as you guys do."

    Theyughed together at Chen Run''s antics. Li Caiyi really liked simple moments like this. This was a luxury she didn''t have in her previous life, and she wouldn''t want to trade it for anything.

    "Haha, it''s okay. I said I wanted to go to ss A, but that doesn''t mean you guys have to aim for the same, too. Of course, I will be d if we can go to the same ss, but even if we go to separate sses, we can still hang out together." Li Caiyi said.

    "You''re right. It actually doesn''t really matter," Zhou Ya agreed.

    "But it''s a huge deal for me! I don''t want to be alone!" Chen Run chimed in.

    "Then, study harder, you fool." Feng Nian mercilesslymented.

    "But time flies so fast. In a blink of an eye, the midterm will be held in three days." Zhou Ya said in a nostalgic tone.

    "Up to a few months ago, only the three of us were looking at the exam schedule on the announcement board. Even if I imagine we will have a new addition to our group, I would never expect it to be you, Caiyi."

    "Eh? Why?" Li Caiyi asked in confusion.

    "I mean, everyone thought of you as someone out of our reach. Senior Meng and Senior Li''s influence intimidate us, and we can''t get closer to you easily." Zhou Ya awkwardly scratched her cheek. "After knowing you, we know now that idea is a kind of stupid. You are nothing like what we imagined at all."

    "Is that so? I don''t mean to appear that way."

    Chen Run added, "It''s not your fault. Senior Meng is the most famous among many rich students here, and you are childhood friends of that super-famous person. Not to mention, he seems to pursue youtely. What do you think of it, Caiyi?"

    Li Caiyi''s smile stiffened at being asked directly about that.

    Zhou Ya shook her head helplessly before nudging Chen Run. "You should learn to read the mood."

    "Huh? What did I do now?"<sub> </sub>

    "She clearly doesn''t lookfortable talking about this. Don''t pester her."

    "Isn''t it normal for us girls to talk about our love life? I have always been curious, but you and Nian Nian always keep me from asking." Chen Run pouted.

    "You are seriouslyˇ­." Zhou Ya''s words trailed off when Li Caiyi patted her shoulder with a reassuring smile.

    "It''s okay. I don''t actually mind. I just don''t know how to answer. Honestly, this feels awkward andplicated to me."

    "Is it because Senior Meng is your childhood friend?" Zhou Ya inquired with a brimming curiosity in her eyes, which prompted a snort from Chen Run.

    "You switched gears so quickly after I paved the path for you."

    "Ssshh. Don''t interrupt now."

    Li Caiyi fell into deep thought as she recalled how Meng Renshu had helped her family yesterday. For some reason, his actions bothered her a lot. If she added on how he had recently note to bother her in ss, it increased her suspicion.

    "I think he has a terrible misunderstanding about his feelings. Since we were a child, we have been close, but I have always thought he likes Xiaohua more than me. In fact, you guys also think the same, right?"

    The three of them didn''t answer immediately and exchanged hesitant nces. In the end, it was Feng Nian who answered her question.

    "Not gonna lie, but everyone in the school thinks like that. Senior Meng is not necessarily trying to hide his interest after all."

    "Yeah. That''s why when he suddenly became interested in you, everyone was shocked." Chen Run added.

    Li Caiyi nodded. "En. It took me aback too. That''s why I don''t know what to think about this."

    "But how are you feeling towards him, Caiyi? Have you ever seen him as a man before? Did your heart ever beat so fast, or do you have butterflies in your stomach when he is around?"

    "Ya Ya is in her girlish mode now." Chen Run facepalmed.

    "Sshh, stopmenting about every little thing."

    Li Caiyi smiled bitterly. She used to have that kind of feeling whenever Meng Renshu was nearby. She was content as long as she could be by his side.

    However, that feeling of hers had long died along with her previous life. Currently, Li Caiyi had no other feeling but gratefulness toward him.

    "No. I don''t like him that way." Li Caiyi fiddled with his finger. She didn''t react that way anymore toward anymore, but thinking about that made the image of what happenedst night resurface in her mind. A soft smile crept up her lips.

    "But there is someone else who makes me feel like that."

    Feng Nian hummed meaningfully. "Is it the male friend you have talked about before?"

    Li Caiyi had the gentlest expression on her face as she confirmed, "Yes. I think I like him for real, guys."

    "Caiyi, you finally realized how you feel about that friend of yours. Thank goodness!" Zhou Ya eximed excitedly.

    "Why are you the one who gets excited about this?" Chen Run asked in bewilderment.

    "How can I not? Doesn''t this mean that this is a love triangle case? It happens a lot in girl''s manga, and I love it!" Zhou Ya pressed both her cheeks in exhration.

    Li Caiyi grimaced upon hearing that. Although Zhou Ya''s words had some truth in them, she secretly hoped the situation wouldn''t turn out like that.

 Chapter 268 A Big Feature

    "Be that as it may, we haven''t seen Senior Meng around our sstely. He usually appears around lunch break or when the school ends to find Caiyi." Feng Nian said.

    "You''re right. I wonder if he finally gives up?"

    "Lan Lan, you might be into something there," Zhou Yamented while looking deep in thought. "Caiyi, have you talked about this properly with him?"

    "Yeah. I told him I have someone I like, so I can''t answer his feelings."

    "Oh? Is that so?" Zhou Ya said, with a trace of disappointment in her voice.

    "Ya Ya, you just want to watch a good drama. Love triangles rarely exist in reality, you know?" Chen Run teased.

    "I have no idea what you are talking about." Zhou Ya harrumphed.

    The conversation made her think about how they parted ways yesterday. Meng Renshu said he went off to take care of some things, but in the end, he didn''te back even until Li Caiyi was about to go home. As Feng Nian said, Meng Renshu had also rarelye to bother her recently.

    She doubted he would give up so easily, though, considering his personality. It bothered her when she couldn''t tell what he was thinking.

    "...."

    Li Caiyi felt conflicted about this because the more she didn''t want to think about him, the more she thought about him. It was like a curse that couldn''t be exorcised.

    Li Caiyi was curious whether or not her suspicion was correct. After checking on her notebook, she noticed she had lost another memory of Shen Qiang. In her notebook, she wrote they went to an amusement park, but she couldn''t recall that at all.

    Strangely, the memories that would be erased is the one that revolved around Shen Qiang only. She always thought that this rebirth phenomenon happened because of her wish, but what if that wasn''t the case?

    "Caiyi!"

    Li Caiyi''s line of thought was interrupted when she heard someone calling her name. The four of them turned their head simultaneously to the voice source, only to find Shao Jingfei running towards them while waving his hand.

    "Jingfei? What happened?" Li Caiyi asked in wonder once he had stopped in front of her.

    "I want to talk about your book. Are you busy right now?"

    "No, not really," she answered while ncing at her three other friends. They nodded their heads and went ahead after telling her toe back to the ss soon.

    "Okay, you can tell me what happened now."

    "Phew, I have to say, you are really in luck right now." Shao Jingfei wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead.

    "Why?"

    "When we publish recent works, we usually have this period of a promotion, where your book can get featured on our main website if we deem it good enough to attract attention. Doing this would give a book more exposure, thus generating more profit." Shao Jingfei began exining, "Normally, an author who has received no recognition yet won''t be able to hope to get this feature, but guess what? ording to my source, they chose your book for that."

    Li Caiyi gasped in surprise. "What? But how can that be? Did you do something again, Jingfei?"

    Shao Jingfei shook his head. "Even if I''m amazing, I have no authority to decide or even rmend a book to get a beneficial feature like that. Your book has to be approved by the board of chief editors, and it''s safe to say that they must like your story very much."

    He grinned widely before giving her a thumb up with a grin. "As expected of the talent I found! You just never cease to surprise me."

    Li Caiyi still couldn''t believe the news she had just heard. It felt like a miracle. She didn''t think of sending her work to a publisher in her previous life because she never thought of it as something worthy enough to be read by other people. Only her online friend who knew about her hobby encouraged her.<sub> </sub>

    "Are you so happy you can''t say anything? Well, I can understand. Getting a feature is an enormous privilege because you can get a head start from any other book. It''s very rare for a newbie author to get this privilege, so you are fortunate."

    "Jingfei, that''s really wonderful news! Thank you so much!"

    "Wait until your book is officially published. It will take off with a bang!"

    "I hope so!"

    Li Caiyi was very excited because all her future ns would rely heavily on her soon-to-be-published book. Everything finally started to be better, and she was very hopeful about what was toe.

    "Oh yeah, and the publication date has been finalized. Your book willunch next week, so keep your eyes open all the time." Shao Jingfei said with a wink.

    "Thank you, Jingfei, as always. I feel like you are always supporting me. I''m d you are my editor and my friend." Li Caiyi said sincerely.

    "What''s with that suddenpliment?" He chuckled. "It''s my passion to help a hidden gem reach its true potential. Helping you like this brings me great joy, too, so no need to thank me for everything."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, you don''t know how much you have helped me. Not only with my book, but with Xiaohua''s matters, too."

    Shao Jingfei''s smile dimmed when he heard Li Chunhua''s name. After the call she made that night, they hadn''t talked to each other yet. He could sense that something must have happened, yet he couldn''t meet Li Chunhua yesterday.

    "Say, Caiyi. Did something happen with Chunhua these days?"

    Li Caiyi sighed. "Well, something happened in our house right now. It''s been a hard time for Xiaohua too. If she ever contacted you to vent, please hear her out. I think she genuinely considers you her friend and unconsciously relies on you a lot."

    Shao Jingfei didn''t know if he should tell Li Caiyi about how Li Chunhua called him and cried her problem out until she fell asleep. He had a feeling that what she had told him had a connection to Li Caiyi, so he wasn''t sure how to bring it up.

    "Anyway, this is good timing. I also want to ask you something, Jingfei."

    "What is it?"

    "Those fake nails you wear. Didn''t you mention thest time you wore it for therapy or something like that?" Li Caiyi said in wonder while staring at Shao Jingfei''s ck nails.

    "Ah, you mean these?" Shao Jingfei raised his hand. "Yes. I used to have a habit of biting my nails, so wearing these help to deter that impulse to bite."

    "I see. Does this method usually work with everyone?"

    "Hmm, I don''t think so? It works for me, but I can''t say it will work for other people. Why do you ask?"

    "I noticed Xiaohua seems to bite her nails a lot these days. I don''t know when she developed such a habit, but I guess she feels restless because of the recent happenings in our house. Thanks to that, her nails became chapped, and her fingers even bled." Li Caiyi exined with a sigh of exasperation.

    "Wow, that''s exactly the same as me years ago." Shao Jingfei hummed in acknowledgment. "I have a lot of spare fake nails in my ce. Should I give some to her?"

    "You meanˇ­ck nails?" Li Caiyi asked hesitantly.

    "Well, I like ck color, so it''s mostly ck. But I remember I have some with brighter colors if I remember correctly. I''ll check on them when we returnter."

    Hearing Shao Jingfei''s mentioned ''return'' reminded Li Caiyi of the topic of living independently.

    If there was someone to ask about that, then Shao Jingfei was probably the best person out of all the people she knew.

 Chapter 269 Flowers Of Memories (1)

    "Say, Jingfei, can I ask how long you have lived alone?"

    "Hmm, not that long. I think around our first year? So it has been a year since then." Shao Jingfei replied while rubbing his chin, looking deep in thought. His ck nails reflected the sunlight and looked sparkly.

    "How did youe across that cafe? Are you specifically searching for it, or did you just stumble upon it by coincidence?"

    "If I have to say, both are not quite right. That cafe used to be upied by my acquaintance. When she moved out, she rmended the ce to me."

    "I see." Li Caiyi nodded her head.

    Shao Jingfei''s brows were raised. "Why? Are you interested in living alone?"

    Li Caiyi was silent for a bit butter decided that it wouldn''t be bad to tell Shao Jingfei about it.

    "Yes. I want to try living independently. I have always wanted to do that but have no money and courage. Seeing you can do well even if you live alone gave me confidence."

    "So it''s like that. I don''t mind if you want to keep staying at my ce." Shao Jingfei chuckled.

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, I can''t possibly freeload at your ce forever."

    "If you feel bad, then you can just pay the rent. We can share the ce just like the past few days."

    "Jingfei, I appreciate it, but then it will defeat the purpose of living alone if I keep relying on you." Li Caiyi smiled warmly. "But it does sound wonderful, though."

    "Isn''t it? Well, the decision is yours to make."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head and shortly bade her goodbye with Shao Jingfei. When she returned to her ss, a crowd blocked the entrance. She tilted her head in confusion, wondering what had happened.

    Li Caiyi stood on her tiptoes, trying to see past the crowd, only to find the crowd had made way for her once they noticed her arrival.

    Li Caiyi: ??

    She was confused because everyone suddenly stared at her with various kinds of gazes. However, she instinctively felt something was wrong.

    "I''m so jealous!"

    "She is so damn lucky. Tsk."

    "Hold me. I think I''m going to faint."

    "I''m dying of jealousy right now."

    Li Caiyi could hear some of them whispering while looking at her. Her bad premonition elevated, but she couldn''t turn back anymore.

    When she stepped inside the ss, there was a blinding lightˇŞor rather, a very blinding smile shone before her. She needed to blink a few times to adjust.

    In front of her, Meng Renshu stood while smiling brightly at her, like a puppy who had just got his treat and was currently wagging his tail at his master. He was holding a pot of flowers in his hand for some reason.

    "Xiaoyi, I have been waiting for you toe!" He eximed cheerfully.

    "Brother Renshu? Why are you here?" Li Caiyi frowned in confusion.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m here because I want to show you this!" Meng Renshu raised the pot of flowers in her hand. It was a pot of pink lily, which had bloomed at its fullest, exuding an alluring and graceful charm.

    Of course, it was pretty, but Li Caiyi failed to understand how this would have anything to do with her. She didn''t like where this conversation was going, though.

    "They''re pretty flowers."

    "Right? I used a spot on the rooftop for gardening, and one of them finally bloomed beautifully. I''m so ecstatic because this was the first time!" Meng Renshu couldn''t contain his happiness. His cheeks looked like they could burst from over-smiling.

    "Oh!" Li Caiyi eximed when she finally remembered where this pot of flowers wasing from. It had been so long that she almost forgot about it.

    Despite how sophisticated his appearance was, Meng Renshu was fond of gardening. A very ''down-to-earth'' hobby, and he used to do an experiment on the secluded spot on the rooftop.

    He would try to create a new hybrid of flowers, which usually failed miserably, and then be depressed about it. When he did, he usually woulde to Li Caiyi to rant about how beautiful would it be if he seeded. Being love-stricken as she was, she listened to his rant patiently and sometimes even helped him take care of those nts, although sometimes it could be taxing.

    Li Caiyi looked down at the pot of flowers in his hand. They were standard pink lilies you can find anywhere. She guessed the experiment had failed again, but at least this one managed to bloom beautifully.

    Nevertheless, she didn''t recollect any of those flowers blooming in her previous life. Or perhaps some did, and he just didn''t inform her about it.

    After all, Meng Renshu in her previous life was head over heels for Li Chunhua. Why would he show such pretty flowers to Li Caiyi rather than the love of his life? She wouldn''t be surprised if he gifted the flowers to Li Chunhua then.

    "This is the first one that ever bloomed so beautifully. I have to say, I did such a great job with this," Meng Renshu said while showing a rare smug smile. He was just like a child who was showing off his new toy to his friends and wanted to be unted over.

    Li Caiyi felt conflicted once again. She wasn''t sure how to respond to this ''joyous'' news. With so many eyes watching them now, she was reluctant to show a positive attitude towards his ''unintentional'' advance.

    He looked genuinely pleased, so calling him out right now would make her look like the bad guy. Although Li Caiyi cared little about people''s opinions now, her conscience would feel hurt if she were tosh out unreasonably.

    ''Or maybe I''m just overthinking it? He spent so much effort on those nts, so no wonder he is excited now,'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    In the end, she still couldn''t bring herself to be mean and bit the bullet. "That''s amazing, Brother Renshu. Your hard work finally bore fruit. I''m happy for you."

    Meng Renshu smiled even wider. "Thanks, so here you go."

    It stumped Li Caiyi when he shoved the pot into her hand, prompting her to receive it unconsciously in confusion. "Huh?"

    "I''ll give this to you. This is the fruit of our hard workbined, after all. And I think this flower suits you very well."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t even react, but the crowd behind her whispered furiously, causing amotion.

    "I knew it! That flower was reserved for Li Caiyi!"

    "My heart is breaking. Why the hell are they disying their affection here?! They just want to make everyone go green with envy."

    "Shit, this is frustrating. I haven''t eaten anything yet, and they are forcing me to eat dog food."

    "Seriously, get a room, you two!"

    At this point, they didn''t even try to lower their voice anymore. And if Li Caiyi could hear whatever they said, then Meng Renshu must have heard them, too. Yet, he did not try to deny their im and only stood there with his refreshing smile, like usual.

    Li Caiyi groaned inwardly when she realized he was indeed doing this on purpose.

 Chapter 270 Flowers Of Memories (2)

    Li Caiyi never thought receiving a pot of nt as a gift would cause such a stir. It showed how popr Meng Renshu was and how the whole school now had their full attention on their rtionship.

    Now, Li Caiyi was in a bind, without knowing whether she should return the pot or not. Both of the choices would only lead to the same conclusion, in which she got paired with Meng Renshu for good. Rejecting it would probably be worse since she might incur the wrath of Meng Renshu''s admirer.

    She nced at her surroundings and found her three friends were looking at her. Chen Run and Feng Nian were looking over with curiosity, while Zhou Ya had a dreamy look on her face. Li Caiyi didn''t have to ask to know what she was thinking.

    "Xiaoyi, do you like it? I ran here as soon as I found out cause I wanted to surprise you."

    Meng Renshu stared at her innocently, "It was so hard, especially because I''m doing this alely. This one is the one you saved the other day, do you remember? It bloomed because of you, so I think it will be happier if you are the one who keeps it."

    Every word of his was trying to fish some reactions out of her. Li Caiyi didn''t know whether she shouldugh or cry now.

    "I see. Thank you, Brother Renshu."

    "Do you think you can put this on your study desk? It was near the window, so it should get plenty of sunlight if you put it there."

    Another wave of whispers was starting again. Now they were discussing how both of them were so close, to the point Meng Renshu could enter her room and remember its details.

    Li Caiyi narrowed her eyes, implicitly expressing her disapproval. However, either he didn''t notice it or deliberately ignored it; he continued, "Ah, I forgot you already have a separate room with Xiaohua. You can just put this anywhere the sunlight could reach then. I hope you can think about the time we spent together nurturing this flower when you look at it every day."

    Looking at him, the part where he could steer the public opinion with just his words and actions was simr to Li Chunhua. Li Caiyi was struck by a deja vu-type kind of feeling.

    "Brother Renshu, you don''t have to give this to me, but I think Mother will be happy to receive this. Thank you for the gift." Li Caiyi smiled politely before turning away from him, refusing to engage in further conversation with him.

    "Xiaoyi, are you unhappy? Is a pot of flower not good enough?" Meng Renshu asked in a wrong tone, causing a few unhappy hisses to be heard from the crowd.

    Under the watch of so many pairs of eyes, Li Caiyi felt suffocated talking with him. He seemed eager to make something out of nothing.

    "No, I''m happy, Brother Renshu. Why wouldn''t I?"

    "If you are happy, then why aren''t you smiling? I feel like you are just trying to be polite here."

    "I don''t have to smile to show my happiness," Li Caiyi forced herself to smile before continuing, "Here, I''m smiling. I will treat the flower well, don''t worry."

    "That''s not a sincere smile. I want the genuine one."

    Li Caiyi was getting irritated by how persistent he was. She walked over so he could hear her even when she spoke in a low voice. "Brother Renshu, can you please stop attracting unwanted attention to me? I don''t want to be attacked by your other fans anymore."

    "I already said you don''t have to worry about that, right? Don''t be burdened and just ept it, and if you can, please be nicer to me too."

    "How many times do I have to repeat before you understand? I don''t mind being nicer, but can you please not bother me like this?!"

    "Oh, that''s the usual you." Meng Renshu chuckled in amusement before softly flicking her forehead, catching him off guard. "I thought you''ll be depressed because of what happened yesterday, but it seems you are fine."

    Li Caiyi touched the ce where he flicked in confusion. What was he saying? So everything was just his attempt to rile her up? She couldn''t understand his way of thinking.<sub> </sub>

    However, before she could utter words of protest, Meng Renshu had gone ahead of her. "Alright, I won''t bother you anymore. I hope you will not throw the flower away, though. It can cheer you up a little if you keep it."

    "Huh? I never said I''m going to throw it away," Li Caiyi''s mouth answered automatically because she was dumbfounded by his im. No matter what bad blood she had with Meng Renshu, the flowers are innocent. Li Caiyi had always liked lilies too, so there was no way she would throw them away.

    Meng Renshu scratched the back of his head as if he was embarrassed. "Ah? Is that so? I thought you would hate it because I''m the one who gave it to you."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to think about that statement. They weren''t exactly enemies, but they weren''t friends either. Theplicated rtionship between them made this conversation turn awkward quickly.

    "I will not throw it away. I promise. But I''ll appreciate it if you can leave now, Brother Renshu. I''m ufortable with all this attention." Li Caiyi finally said, albeit a bit unsure.

    "Yes. Don''t frown too much. Everything is going to be alright." Meng Renshu raised his hand and was about to stroke her head, but he stopped midair, realizing that she wouldn''t appreciate that gesture. Then, he lowered his hand with a regretful smile on his face.

    "See youter, then."

    Then, Meng Renshu walked past her. The crowd made way for him easily as he waved at a few of them who greeted him, almost like a celebrity.

    Li Caiyi watched as he disappeared beyond the door before sitting on her chair. Her gaze fell on the flower in front of her.

    The petal was wide and smooth-looking, with water droplets still remaining on it. It looked fresh, and the color was vibrant; very charming, indeed. Meng Renshu didn''t lie when he said he came here immediately after discovering this was blooming.

    "Caiyi, are you okay?"

    Li Caiyi raised her head to find her three friends approaching her. Zhou Ya had a concerned expression; Chen Run stared at the flower curiously, while Feng Nian red at the onlookers to scram.

    "En, I''m fine." She replied.

    "I didn''t expect Senior Meng to be so daring. What kind of guy would give a gift to his crush in the middle of the day in front of many people to see?" Chen Run smirked meaningfully. "If you ask me, I''m sure he is earnest about this."

    "That flower is nice," Feng Nianplimented the flower before adding, "Caiyi, you must be confused now. I have never seen you looking at a person hostilely like that."

    "Oh yeah. When Li Caiyi switched to her serious mode, she was terrifying!" Chen Run made an exaggerated shivering gesture at the end.

    Meanwhile, Zhou Ya cast a disapproving look toward her two friends. "Guys, leave her alone. She is already ufortable enough just as it is, don''t add to her concern."

    Li Caiyi smiled weakly without any strength to exin, so she just let her friends talk among themselves without participating. Her gaze fell to the pot of flowers in front of her once again before touching the petal gingerly with her finger.

    ''It''s pretty,'' Li Caiyi thought. This pot would look good if she put it in her room, but doing that would remind her of Meng Renshu every time she saw it.

    ''Come to think of it, did I ever say to him that lily is my favorite flower?''

    Li Caiyi was curious but decided not to delve too deep into that train of thought. There was no need for that anymore.

 Chapter 271 He Missed The First Day

    Li Caiyi yawned when she walked down the stairs. She had spent a night studying fervently for today''s exam, so her neck was stiff, and her eyes were tired. Not a good way to start the exam, but she was pretty confident about it.

    While having breakfast with Shao Jingfei, Li Caiyi''s gaze fell to the pot of lilies that Meng Renshu had given her. In the end, she took it to Shao Jingfei''s ce and put them beside the kitchen windows, where it could get plenty of sunlight. It was pretty and gave the room a new color, making it fresher.

    After she finished her breakfast, she grabbed a ss of water before pouring and sprinkling it carefully into the pot. The water droplets lingered on the petals, reflecting the sunlight and causing it to shine.

    This became Li Caiyi''s new routine every morning. Although she couldn''tprehend the meaning of Meng Renshu giving this flower to her, she still liked it.

    It reminded her of the times when she used to take care of the nts in her previous life. Left alone in the house filled with servants with questionable motives didn''t leave many options for activities.

    "You take care of it a lot. Do you like flowers?" Shao Jingfei peeked curiously from behind her.

    "Yeah, I do. Especially lily flowers. I like them a lot." Li Caiyi giggled.

    "I heard Senior Meng gave it to you? He must have liked you a lot."

    Li Caiyi mped her mouth shut and decided not to give anyment. Shortly after, both of them went to school to have the first exam of the week.

    ***

    The exam was held for a few hours, and by the time it finished, Li Caiyi wiped the non-existent sweat on her forehead. Thankfully, today''s subject wasn''t math or science, which was her worst subject, so she managed to pull it through nicely.

    "Ugh, I''m going to die for real," Chen Run groaned whileying her head on top of the desk. Her face looked exhausted, and there was a visible dark circle under her eyes.

    "This is only the first day, and you are already like this?" Feng Nian shook her head helplessly before putting a bottle of cold tea in front of her. "Drink this first, and cool your head."

    Zhou Ya also leaned her back against the chair while massaging her shoulder. "But I can understand Lan Lan''s sentiment. The first day is always the toughest to ovee. I''m tired."

    While the three of them were talking, Li Caiyi was staring at her phone absentmindedly. When she checked on 2-A ss earlier, there was still no sign of Dai Zhiqiang anywhere. He said he would be there for the midterm exam, but he missed the first day.

    Li Caiyi was worried now. She texted her sister right after the exam ended, but it seemed no one was informed about where he was now.

    Unlike other students in this school, Dai Zhiqiang was a schrship student, so his enrollment relied heavily on his academic performance. It was unthinkable that he would deliberately miss this important day.

    ''Did something happen again to him?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly, feeling a bit apprehensive.

    "Caiyi, what are you dazing out for?"

    Chen Run''s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Sheughed awkwardly while scratching her cheeks. "Ah, I was just feeling sleepy. I studied all night, so I underslept."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi sighed, contemting whether she should check on the bar once again or not. For some reason, Dai Zhiqiang seemed to notice whenever she was around, so he would probablye out to meet her if she went there again.

    "Shall we go, then? I''m exhausted and sleepy. I can''t wait to hit the bed." Chen Run said whilezily rising from her seat.

    The other three immediately agreed and picked up their bags. Nobody tried to chat this time because they were exhausted. When they walked past the teacher''s office on the first floor, they heard amotion.

    "Hey, did you see just now? He is very good-looking!"

    "I wonder if he is a new transfer student. Did you hear which year he is from?"

    "But why do I feel like I have seen him somewhere before?"

    The quartet tacitly slowed down their pace to hear more about themotion. Based on the number of girls standing in front of the teacher''s office with dreamy expressions, it can be safely assumed it must be about a boy.

    "What? We have a new transfer student?" Chen Run stood on her tiptoe, trying her best to get a glimpse of this supposedly hot boy from behind the crowd, to no avail. "Agh, I can''t see a thing!"

    "But around this time? There must be some kind of unavoidable circumstances there," Zhou Ya said.

    "Well, I doubt we can see anything with all these people. With this poprity, we''ll be bound to see him sooner orter," Feng Nian shrugged indifferently.

    Li Caiyi was also intrigued by the crowd and couldn''t help but take a peek. She could barely see anything through the wall of people. Then, she almost got elbowed in the face when the girl in front of her suddenly took a step backward.

    The quartet unconsciously took a step back to when the crowd made way for someone¨Cor rather for some people to walk through. From where she stood, Li Caiyi noticed they were two people wearing a suit.

    The girls giggled and smiled bashfully when the two people walked out of the teacher''s office.

    Their ck suit was very eye-catching in the sea of the same uniform. One of the two was bald and wore ck sunsses. The first impression was that he was simr to a gangster, maybe because he also had a bulky and tall figure.

    The bald man paid no attention to the girls crowding over them and looked back at the person walking behind him.

    Li Caiyi almost choked on her saliva when she saw the second personing out of the teacher''s office.

    He had a different hairstyle than usual. It was shorter, revealing his usually covered forehead to the crowd. However, there was no way Li Caiyi would mistake him for someone else.

    "Zhiqiang!"

    Before she could stop herself, she eximed out loud.

 Chapter 272 It Made Her Feels Special

    "Zhiqiang!"

    Li Caiyi''s exmation of surprise notified everyone of her presence immediately. Zhou Ya, Feng Nian, and Chen Run were zoned out for a moment before they snapped their heads to look at the young man in the suit more clearly.

    "Oh my god, it''s really him!" Zhou Ya covered her mouth in disbelief.

    Although Dai Zhiqiang was pretty handsome, people barely knew him except that he was one of the top students in school because of his hard-to-approach nature and low-profile behavior. He rarely showed up at school events or socialized with other students, so he practically went out of everyone''s radar.

    Of course, this revtion brought a wave of uproar to the crowd. The girls who only had eyes on the handsome young man were bbergasted.

    "Zhiqiang? As in Dai Zhiqiang, the rank 1 student in our year?"

    "No way! He is so different when he wears a suit, and did he cut his hair? He is so cool!"

    "I know, right? Previously, I could only look at him as a nerd with a slightly better look than the rest, but the outfit really makes a man."

    "Howe I never notice that such a hottie is wandering below my nose? Ah, I missed the chance to discover the hidden gem!"

    Like they said, being cold and aloof had its own charm, but being cold and aloof in a suit had the otherworldly charm. Dai Zhiqiang''s new appearance hypnotized everyone to the point that they couldn''t take their eyes off him.

    However, Dai Zhiqiang paid no heed to those admiring stares and turned his head to the source of the voice. The corner of his lips raised slightly, making the girls swoon at how charming he was.

    Of course, Li Caiyi was not immune to his charm either. On the contrary, now that she realized she loved him for who he was, the effect of his subtle smile on her was tremendous.

    Her heart beat furiously in her chest, and there was a sense of achievement knowing that he only made that expression after seeing her. He barely nced at the other girls and only looked at her in the middle of this crowd. It made her feel special.

    When he strode over to her using his long legs, Li Caiyi''s body was tense because of nervousness.

    "Caiyi," Dai Zhiqiang called out to her in his deep voice, which strangely sounded huskier than usual. Added with how he donned himself in a suit today, he looked really sexy in her eyes.

    Li Caiyi shook her head to push away the unnecessary thought. She subconsciously tucked her hair behind her ear before smiling shyly, "Y-you''rete. The exam has already ended."

    Li Caiyi meant for that line to sound more reprimanding, but she was so overwhelmed by his manly charm that it sounded like a coquettishint instead. She felt embarrassed somehow, especially when she recalled the bold move he made on herst time.

    Contrary to her fluster state, it was almost unfair how unfazed Dai Zhiqiang was. After the subtle smile he showed the first time, his face reverted to his neutral expression. But it only made him look even cooler than before.

    The other girls couldn''t stop gawking at him, and Li Caiyi didn''t like that. She grumbled inwardly about why Dai Zhiqiang had to show up in a get-up like this? This wasn''t his workce but school, so he should havee in his uniform.

    ''And what''s with that new hairstyle? His previous one was already good, so why did he have to change it?''

    "Caiyi, are you listening to me?"

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi cried out in surprise. Especially when Dai Zhiqiang''s face suddenly blocked her line of vision from looking at those girls behind him.

    "Why are you zoning out? I was asking if the exam went well for you."

    "Oh, haha, I''m sorry. Yeah, it went well," Li Caiyiughed awkwardly while scratching her cheek.

    "Good."<sub> </sub>

    "But, why did youe sote? You missed the first day."

    He nodded. "Yeah, that''s why I came to report to the teacher to give me a make-up exam. I just finished it, actually."

    "Is that even possible?"

    "Yeah, because I have someone to testify for myteness." Dai Zhiqiang nced at the bald man who stood not far from them.

    Based on his outfit, Li Caiyi could only assume that the bald man was one of Dai Zhiqiang''s co-workers. She nodded to the man politely, which made the bald man flinch for a second, butter he nodded back, albeit stiffly.

    "He looked scary, but he must be a nice person if he went through the trouble to apany you here." Li Caiyi smiled.

    Dai Zhiqiang scoffed. "He is just doing his job. Don''t give him too many credits."

    "What do you mean it''s his job?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes shook for a moment before saying, "Nothing. More importantly, are you feeling better now?"

    "I think so? Why do you ask?"

    "Well, you act differently from usual that night. I want to know if everything is okay after that?"

    There was a hint of concern in his tone, and it warmed her heart, knowing that he cared so much about her.

    Li Caiyi nervously tucked her hair again before replying. "Yes, everything is fine after that. Um, how is your exam going?"

    "Do you even need to ask?" Dai Zhiqiang smirked smugly. He looked even more dashing when smiling like that. His handsomeness blinded Li Caiyi that she was at a loss for words.

    While they were immersed in their own little world, Chen Run nudged Feng Nian, who stood beside her before whispering, "Were the two of them always this close?"

    "No, but I think I have an idea," Feng Nian said with a knowing smirk on her face.

    "Do you think the same as me, Nian Nian?" Zhou Ya chimed in with sparkling eyes, more or less the same as the rest of the girls there, but clearly for different reasons. "The eyes Caiyi has right now it''s clearly the eyes of a girl in love. What an exciting development!"

    Chen Run''s jaw dropped when she heard that. "Seriously?"

    "I even have a hunch that the friend she keeps talking about all this time is actually Dai Zhiqiang all along," Feng Nian added.

    "What? Really?"

    "That will be wonderful, then. His expression visibly grew softer when he talked to our Caiyi, so I don''t think he ispletely uninterested in her."

    Chen Run pressed her temple with her palm. "Wait, my tired brain can''t keep up with all this information at once."

    Feng Nian chuckled. "Don''t worry, we will make Caiyi spill all the beanster."

 Chapter 273 Are You Going To Avoid Him Forever?

    Li Caiyi was ecstatic to meet Dai Zhiqiang again, that she had forgotten about everything. She couldn''t stop smiling even after Dai Zhiqiang bade him goodbye and left. She vaguely felt the hateful re from a few of the girls in the crowd, but she was toozy to bother with it.

    At least now she knew he was fine, and he would return to school starting tomorrow. Just from that, her earlier exhaustion caused by the exam disappeared without a trace.

    The barrage of questions she received from her friends after that was torturous, though. They demanded her to exin everything, from how to when they became closer. It was like an interrogation.

    Li Caiyi had no choice but to spend hours talking and only returned when the sky turned orange.

    To her surprise, the first sight she saw when she entered the room was that of Li Chunhua pacing back and forth in front of the store. She appeared undecided whether or not to enter because she repeatedly tried to reach out to the doorknob but retracted her hand in the end.

    "Xiaohua, what are you doing?"

    The younger twin jumped in surprise and even yelped a little. Li Caiyi''s sudden call must have shocked her so much. Slowly, she turned around with a grimace.

    "Nothing. I was just visiting like always."

    "Then why didn''t youe in?" Li Caiyi''s eyebrows were raised in suspicion.

    "I was waiting for you to return, of course!" Li Chunhua ran over and hugged her sister''s arm in a spoiled manner. "Where have you been? Why did you return sote?"

    "Oh, there is something I have to do," Li Caiyi averted her eyes, "More importantly, I know you weren''t waiting for me. If you were, my phone would be bombarded with calls and texts by now. Tell me the truth."

    "I was telling the truth!"

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath. "I see you have no intention of telling me. That''s up to you, but why don''t you do it inside? People will think you are suspicious if you loiter in front of the cafe like that."

    Li Chunhua pouted her lips sulkily. "What people? Since when are there people around this cafe?"

    "Don''t say that in front of Jingfei. That''s rude."

    Li Chunhua flinched again when Li Caiyi mentioned Shao Jingfei. Li Caiyi observed her sister and wondered why she was so fidgety today.

    "Anyway, let''s enter first." Li Caiyi said but got held back when Li Chunhua stayed rooted to her ce while still keeping her arm hostage. "Xiaohua?"

    "Okay, I lied. I can''t get inside the way I am now!" Li Chunhua eximed while covering her face.

    "What exactly happened? Why are you acting like this?"

    "I did something very embarrassing a while back, and now I didn''t know how I should face him!"

    "Him? You mean Jingfei?" Li Caiyi asked in confusion. "What about him?"

    "Yeah, what about me?"

    The twins jolted in surprise when Shao Jingfei suddenly appeared out of thin air while wearing his work apron and a bucket in his hand. He had a curiosity mixed with confusion on her face as he bore his gaze on Li Chunhua. Thetter was flustered and couldn''t help but look away when their gazes met.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi noticed a different atmosphere between them, so she thought it would be best to retreat and give them some space. But Li Chunhua had sped her hand before she could make any movement while staringˇŞring at her, indirectly pleading for her to stay.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but shudder at her sister''s terrifying insistence. "Eh, what''s going on here?"

    "That''s what I want to know. I heard some voices from the outside, but it was only you two. Why don''t you guyse in?" Shao Jingfei tilted his head.

    "I just arrived when XiaohuaˇŞ"

    "Who said we will not enter? We are just about to do that when you suddenly appear like a ghost and surprise us!" Li Chunhua hurriedly shouted.

    Before Li Caiyi could finish her sentence, Li Chunhua cut her words. Shao Jingfei appeared more confused now because Li Chunhua suddenlyshed out and nced at Li Caiyi for help. Thetter could only shrug her shoulders helplessly.

    "What are you waiting for, then? Hurry ande in." Shao Jingfei gestured for them to follow him before entering the building first. Meanwhile, Li Caiyi was still stuck in her ce because Li Chunhua gripped her hand tightly.

    "Xiaohua, that hurts," sheined.

    "Ah! Sorry." Li Chunhua immediately released her hold before heaving a deep sigh.

    "Did something happen between you and Shao Jingfei? It''s my first time seeing you getting nervous in front of someone."

    "What? I''m notˇŞ" Li Chunhua''s words trailed off when Li Caiyi stared at her skeptically. Her shoulders sunk as she admitted defeat. "Alright, I was indeed feeling nervous because of him. Don''t tell this to him, though."

    "So, what happened?"

    Li Chunhua bit her lips. "I was surprised when I eavesdropped on your and mother''s conversation the other day, so I called him to take my mind off things. Thinking back, I acted embarrassingly in front of him, so I don''t know how to face him now."

    "What kind of embarrassing action?"

    "Ugh! Don''t ask me that. I don''t want to remember!" Li Chunhua puffed out her cheeks before covering her face with her hands again. "Xiaoyi, what should I do?"

    "Well, I''m sure you are overthinking what happened then. Jingfei didn''t seem any different from usual, so you don''t have to feel self-conscious."

    "Hearing that doesn''t make me feel better. It makes me more ashamed now for being the one who feels self-conscious about this!"

    "What are you going to do, then? Are you going to avoid him forever?"

    Li Chunhua calmed down after she heard that. "No, that''s why I''m here. But I''m too nervous to talk with him, so promise that you will be there for me while I''m talking with him!"

    "Eh? But I want to take a shower first. I''m sweaty and tired," Li Caiyi groaned.

    "That can wait. This one is more urgent! Come on!" Li Chunhua refused to take no as an answer and dragged Li Caiyi by her hand.

 Chapter 274 First Friend (1)

    Li Chunhua couldn''t calm down. Even she found it ridiculous.

    ''Why would I have to feel nervous over that silly guy? I didn''t do anything wrong,'' She convinced herself inwardly while trying to steady her treacherous and uncontroble heartbeat.

    Li Chunhua felt that he hadmitted a lifetime of embarrassment by crying and even agreeing to be lulled to sleep by Shao Jingfei. Of course, she was grateful for him, but when the shame that came after what happened fully sank to her, she was overwhelmed with embarrassment.

    As a result, although she knew she should have thanked him first, she unconsciously tried to avoid him in school. Li Chunhua didn''t know what face she should make to talk to him.

    Should she act indifferently like nothing happened? Or should she thank him cheerfully like best friends? Li Chunhua never had a school friend as close as him, so she was at a loss on what to do.

    Shao Jingfei waved at them to sit with him when the twins entered. On the table in front of him, varieties of cakes lined up nicely.

    "Actually, you guys came at the right time. I just finished trying out a few new recipes. Help me test them out!"

    Li Chunhua''s head perked up at the mention of ''cakes''. Those who knew her must know that she was a sweet-tooth person with a deep love for cakes. Looking at the assortment of cakes on the table, she felt like drooling.

    "You made all of these, Jingfei? I don''t know you can bake so well." Li Caiyi was also pleasantly surprised. She wasn''t a fan of sweets that much, but she didn''t hate them either.

    "Well, I can''t cook, but I know a little about baking; I just thought it''s about time I add something to the menu. I doubt any customers wille anytime soon, but it won''t hurt to prepare."

    "But still, there are 6 slices of cake here. Are you a fan of sweets too?"

    "Not much, but my mother liked it. I used to bake something for her birthday every year, so the training is drilled into my body." Shao Jingfei chuckled while Li Chunhua stared at him.

    By mother, he wasn''t talking about his current stepmother, right? It was hard to think that way when she knew how much Shao Jingfei hated the Shao family. He must be talking about his biological mother, which cooled Li Chunhua''s mind.

    That was right. Shao Jingfei had lived a much more difficult life than hers, so he probably wouldn''t think anything about her outburst the other day. Out of all people, he must have understood how it felt to have no one to rely on during your bleakest time.

    Thinking that way made her feel better and that she was worried over nothing. Shao Jingfei was Li Chunhua''s advisor, so there was nothing to be embarrassed about, even if she revealed her weakest side in front of him. On the contrary, that might be better since now she could always go to him for advice without restraint.

    Li Chunhua''s mood had been restored. Troubling over the simple thing made her hungry, so these cakes looked especially delectable to her.

    "Well, what are we waiting for, then? Let''s dig in!" Li Chunhua chirped with sparkling eyes. She had her eyes on the strawberry cake for a while, and she couldn''t wait to taste it.

    Her hand reached out to the strawberry cake first, as though she was afraid someone else would take it from her. "The strawberry one is mine!"

    "Haha, so you like strawberries. You don''t even look at the others." Shao Jingfei chuckled.

    "I do. I like strawberries. Of course, I''ll take a bite of everythingter, too."

    "You should try the chocte one too. I guarantee the taste," Shao Jingfei puffed out his chest proudly.<sub> </sub>

    "Sure, sure! Let me finish this one first!"

    Li Caiyi watched their interactions and felt that the awkwardness between them had dissipated because of the cakes. She knew her sister''s love for sweet things, but to think it would be this easy to make her mood better, Li Caiyi shook her head helplessly.

    "I will take a shower first before eating," Li Caiyi announced, which was replied by a nod from both.

    Li Chunhua was currently busy stuffing her mouth with the cake that she forgot about how she had clung to Li Caiyi just a moment ago. The older twin shrugged her shoulders before walking upstairs.

    After Li Caiyi''s departure, Shao Jingfei pulled the chair in front of Li Chunhua and propped his chin with his hand.

    Li Chunhua munched the cake and smiled blissfully as the sweetness spread on her tongue. "Hmm, the cream is sweet and the sponge cake is so fluffy. This is so good."

    "Really? I''m d you like it."

    "I don''t mind bing a tester for every new menu you want to add now. Call me anytime!"

    "How can I? When you clearly avoided me in the past few days?"

    Li Chunhua choked on the cake she swallowed and coughed violently. She beat her chest hard when her airway was blocked, prompting Shao Jingfei to run to fetch a ss of water before giving it to Li Chunhua.

    "Eat slowly, will you? No one will take it from you." Shao Jingfei said, half-reprimanding and half-amused.

    Li Chunhua thought she would die. Shao Jingfei attacked her out of nowhere right when she lowered her guard.

    "Thanks, I''m fine now."

    "Why are you so surprised? Did I say something wrong?"

    Li Chunhua didn''t know how to respond, so she looked away awkwardly.

    Shao Jingfei sighed before putting his hands on his hips. "You are usually very upfront about your thoughts to me, so why the hesitation now? I''m not that dense to not notice you were deliberately avoiding me. I came to your ss a few times to look for you, and I even waited for you in the backyard garden, but you never came."

    "Well, I was busy. I can''t always spend my time with you, can I?" Li Chunhua retorted.

    Shao Jingfei frowned in irritation, looking at Li Chunhua''s jittery state. He held the reprimand on the tip of his tongue and crouched down beside her chair instead, so he had to look up if he wanted to talk with her.

    "I was very worried about you."

 Chapter 275 First Friend (2)

    Shao Jingfei wasn''t lying. He really was worried about Li Chunhua after the night she called him while crying. The first thing he did on the next day in school was looking for her. He tried to catch her during break time and even waited for her in the backyard garden, but he couldn''t meet her.

    At first, he thought nothing of it and only brushed it off as a coincidence. But because the same thing kept repeating, he started to grow suspicious. He realized that this girl had been avoiding him like the gue.

    It annoyed him that she didn''t want to meet him that much. After everything they had gone through, it hurt his pride knowing that she had so little trust in him. Even if he pretended to be cool with it and acted like nothing happened in front of the twins, he was still upset in the end.

    "Aren''t we friends? I feel bad when you shut me off like that. I was very worried about you after that night, you know?"

    Li Chunhua was stunned and could only look at him nkly for a few seconds. Looking at her from this angle, Shao Jingfei was aware once again of how beautiful Li Chunhua was.

    Her big and clear eyes widened, and the long eyshes framing her eyes trembled ever so slightly with every blinking. Her small and cherry-red lips were slightly agape, and her fair cheeks were tinted with a faint blush of embarrassment.

    He understood why she was so popr and even called her the school goddess. If you exclude her questionable actions sometimes, she was actually pretty cute when she was obedient.

    He added, "Don''t push me away like that. It upsets me."

    Li Chunhua forgot to breathe for a moment because this might be the first time Shao Jingfei called her a friend out loud. With how they interacted, it makes sense how they would be called that, but Shao Jingfei was special. He was the only one she honestly considered a friend in her whole life.

    She was delighted knowing he also had the same thought as her. Her first friend.

    "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to," Li Chunhua responded honestly. "After I realized how much I had inconvenienced you that night, it feels awkward to meet you face to face. Andˇ­it was because I have shown you my embarrassing side. I can''t help but want to crawl in a hole when I think we will have to talk about that eventually."

    "I see. I''m d it''s not because you hate me."

    "How can that be?" Li Chunhua muttered in a small voice. "I''m just not used to this. I never had any f-friends before."

    Shao Jingfei''s lips parted, and her eyes widened in surprise at her bashful expression. He brushed his eyes just to make sure his eyes didn''t y a trick on him.

    That proud and obnoxious Li Chunhua admitted their status as a friend with a shy face. It was something Shao Jingfei didn''t dare to imagine before.

    "Wh-why are you looking at me like that? Is it so strange that you are my first friend?" Li Chunhua pouted.

    Shao Jingfei touched his chest because he felt attacked just now.

    ''She is so cute!'' He screamed inwardly. His heart raced like it usually did whenever a kitten acted in a spoiled manner toward him.

    Who would have guessed that girl with a sisterplex was actually this pure? She was very simr to a cat, and Shao Jingfei had conflicted feelings. He couldn''t decide if he liked that idea or not.

    "Return to your usual self, please. Don''t scare me like that." Shao Jingfei blurted out what he had in mind in reflex, prompting an angry re from the girl.

    "Fine, forget I said anything then. You''ll be my advisor forever, and that''s it!"<sub> </sub>

    Realizing his mistake, Shao Jingfei tapped his forehead lightly before letting out a fawning smile. "That was a mistake, a mistake. Of course, I''m very happy."

    "Hmmph, I don''t believe you."

    "Aww, don''t be angry. Come on, eat this first and cheer up. After that, we can continue our conversation."

    Li Chunhua was still fuming, but her eyes couldn''t help but be attracted to the cake in his hand. Trying to tempt her with sweets, how sly!

    "I''ll make a whole strawberry cake for you, so let''s be friends, okay?"

    Li Chunhua folded her arms in front of his chest while maintaining her upset expression. But she was secretlyughing inside. It was fun to tease Shao Jingfei like this.

    Thanks to her act, she got a whole cake for free now. It wasn''t bad at all.

    "Fine, I''ll let you off the hook this time. Make sure the cake has a lot of cream and strawberries."

    Shao Jingfei snorted, butter, he cleared his throat before replying. "As you wish, my friend."

    "What are you guys doing? It looks very fun," Li Caiyi, who had finally finished showering, walked over with a fresh look on her face.

    "Nothing, we just talked about how Jingfei will make us a whole caketer. This will be fun!" Li Chunhua giggled happily.

    Shao Jingfei brushed his nose slightly, feeling relieved to see her smiling brightly again. He was worried she would be dejected or sad, but she seemed okay now. A whole strawberry cake was worth it if he could make her happy.

    "She''s right. What vor do you like, Caiyi? I''ll make some for you too."

    "Well, I''m not fond of sweet things that much. I can''t eat a whole cake."

    "That''s fine! I will take care of the leftovers, so justfortably order one for yourself!" Li Chunhua perked up.

    <o>,m "You just want two for yourself," Li Caiyi reprimanded her sister softly. "You can''t fool me."</o>

    "Tsk, you are no fun!"

    "Haha, rx,dies. No need to fight to win me over. I''m free for you two to take." Shao Jingfei smiled smugly, prompting a disgusted frown from the twins.

    "I''m just joking. You guys are killing me with your re."

    Li Chunhua burst out inughter, and her mood was as light as a feather.

 Chapter 276 Sudden Popularity

    Li Caiyi had expected this, but sure enough, she still couldn''t ept it.

    Her gaze fell to the figure who was currently reading something and sat on the bench in the teacher''s office. It was still early in the morning, yet his appearance was enough to distract almost every girl from the exam, which was supposed to be held any minute now.

    Dai Zhiqiang told her he woulde early to do some of his librarian jobs and submit all his dyed assignments simultaneously. Hence, she thought she coulde early and perhaps talk a bit with him. Her thought was too naive because the rumor about his return had spread to the entire school.

    "You are right. He is so cool and handsome! Kinda simr vibe with Senior Li, but this one is spicier!"

    "Right? Senior Li is neat and a perfectionist; Senior Meng is sunny and gentle, but Dai Zhiqiang has this mysterious and dark charm about him. I can''t get enough!"

    "I was nning to kill you if you force me to wake up early today only to find an ugly sitting there, but I think I won''t kill you, after all."

    Li Caiyi wanted to roll her eyes, listening to these crowds'' whispers. Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t an object to gawk at, but these girls were so eager to see him they couldn''t wait and came so early.

    ''Wait, isn''t that what I did too, though?'' Li Caiyi tilted her head, feeling a bit self-conscious at the idea of beingpared to these teenage girls.

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his eyes when a teacher came over and talked to him about something. He bowed his head slightly before walking towards the entrance.

    "He ising over here! Look at my hair. Is it fine?!"

    "I''m so nervous. His charm is just too much to bear."

    "What should I do? I think I''m going to be his fan!"

    Well, now that wasn''t good news at all. Li Caiyi was drained from dealing with Meng Renshu''s fans, but now if she had to face Dai Zhiqiang fans too, her body wouldn''t be able to take it.

    There was also a wave of murky and ufortable feelings in the pit of her stomach whenever she thought about how other girls began to pay attention to Dai Zhiqiang. It felt like something she had kept preciously hidden from other people, slowly getting discovered.

    The image of talking leisurely in the library alone in her mind shattered into pieces when Dai Zhiqiang was surrounded by a hoard of girls before he could even step outside the room.

    "Hey, you are Dai Zhiqiang from ss 2-A, right? Where have you been in the past few days?"

    "I actually have always wanted to be friends with you. Can we be friends now?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brows creased slightly when they blocked his way and even bombarded him with questions.

    Li Caiyi, who stood at the most behind, couldn''t get close to him, but she could tell he was annoyed from his facial expression.

    "Who are you guys? Do I even know you?" Dai Zhiqiang said in a chilly voice.

    "We are in the same year as you. You can''t tell?" replied one of the girls with shy makeup on her face.

    "No, I don''t know you and have no intention of getting acquainted with you."

    "Don''t be embarrassed. We weren''t trying to bother you. We just want to be friends with you. How about we exchange contacts first? We can talk moreter if you are busy."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang''s frown deepened before he spat out words he had held back. "Why would I do that with you guys? Get out of my way. You are blocking my way.

    His gaze and tone were so cold that the bright and flirty smiles on those girls'' faces gradually faded. The girls exchanged nces with each other. They wondered what they should do or urged each other to talk to him more.

    Eventually, the one with shy makeup was chosen as the lead. She tucked her hair behind her ear before shing a coquettish smile.

    "Zhiqiang, don''t be so cold. We really just want to be closer to you. We heard you are finally returning to school, and we are happy to hear that."

    Dai Zhiqiang shot her a dark re, and the smile on her face stiffened. "Why should I care? I already said I don''t intend to be friends with you. Get lost."

    "Are you embarrassed?"

    "You are delusional if you still think that way when I have already made my intention perfectly clear. Leave me alone."

    It was like the hallway was attacked by a snow blizzard because it suddenly felt cold after he said those merciless words. He didn''t give that girl any face and outrightly chased her away.

    Noticing that those girls only stayed rooted at their ce and did not intend to leave, he clicked his tongue in irritation.

    "What a bad way to start a day by talking to some pest. This is annoying."

    The spite and venom in his words were apparent to whoever listened to him.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to admit it, but even she felt intimidated by the overwhelming pressure exuded from him. Although she knew how gentle he could be, when she looked at him like this, it was like she saw a different person altogether.

    It made her happy that Dai Zhiqiang treated her sweetly, but she couldn''t help but pity those girls. Especially that girl with shy makeup. Her face was drained of all colors, and she had to be supported by her friends to stand up properly. His rejection must have shocked her to the bone.

    Dai Zhiqiang paid them no heed and walked on the opposite side he intended to. Judging from the direction, he most likely wanted to go to the library.

    Li Caiyi turned around and ran in the opposite direction so she could go there without alerting these girls. She could take a slight detour, and she would be able to talk with Dai Zhiqiang.

    When she arrived at the library, she found Dai Zhiqiang diligently sorting out some books on the return table, where the books returned were stacked. A small smile escaped her lips at the familiar sight.

    Dai Zhiqiang jerked his head at the sound of the door being opened. At first, he had a pissed look, but the hard line on his features softened when he noticed Li Caiyi standing at the door.

    "Caiyi, so it''s you," He said in his usual calm tone.

    After she heard how he spoke to those girls, his current tone sounded very kind now. It warmed her heart knowing that she was the one he used that tone with.

    "Zhiqiang, you are early today." Li Caiyi walked over and looked down at the stack of books in front of her. "Shall I help you with this?"

    She asionally helped out in the library, so it wouldn''t be hard for her to do it again. When she reached out and was about to take a book, a bigger hand covered her hand. The warmth emanating from his hand seeped through hers and spread throughout her body.

    "Rather than that, let''s do something else, instead."

 Chapter 277 Charging Time (1)

    Li Caiyi was so nervous now because he stood so close to her, almost pressing himself on her. A blush crept up her face as she kept her head on the stack of books.

    "W-what some other things?" Li Caiyi asked in a stutter.

    "I don''t know. What do you want to do? We can finally be alone, after all." Dai Zhiqiang replied with a hint of mischief in his voice.

    Li Caiyi gulped as her face heated up. Every time Dai Zhiqiang did this, she was the only one who got flustered while he was having fun teasing her.

    It was unfair, especially considering how she should be the one with more experience here.

    Thinking like that spurred a motivation to pay him back. Li Caiyi calmed down before she raised her head, so her gaze met his. Their faces were so close that Li Caiyi could see herself reflected in his widened eyes.

    Eliciting a response from him made her more confident. She put her hand on his chest before smiling evilly.

    "If it''s you, I don''t mind. You can do whatever you want."

    Dai Zhiqiang was shocked. Utterly shocked by how Li Caiyi changed from a bashful doe to a seductive fox instantly. She confidently brushed her hand on his chest like trying to tempt him. Her touch was as light as a feather, making him unconsciously want to lean his body closer to her for more contact.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know she had this alluring and mature side. He wasn''tining, though. Because whether it was the angel version or devil version of her, he liked them all.

    Li Caiyi smirked triumphantly, noticing that Dai Zhiqiang was dumbfounded by her advance.

    Actually, she was relieved because, honestly, she wouldn''t know what to do if he had no reaction, or worse, disgusted by her action.

    She already had her small revenge, and she was content with it for now. With a sense of victory, she tried to retract her hand andugh it away as a joke.

    But before she could do so, he had pulled her hand that was on his chest forward, prompting her body to fall on him.

    In a blink of eyes, she had wrapped tightly in his embrace. Her braingged as she couldn''tprehend the situation immediately.

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang?!"

    "I already said before, right? If you are too cute, then a guy will attack you. Did you forget that I''m also a guy? You brought this upon yourself."

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat, and it felt like her longing for him had finally been satiated. Only she knew how many times she had been thinking about Dai Zhiqiang in the past few days?

    She slowly raised her arms and wrapped them around him too. It felt warm and secure, afortable feeling she always had whenever he was with her.

    "I miss you. I''m d you have returned." Li Caiyi muttered.

    "Yeah, I''m happy now we can meet each other every day."

    Dai Zhiqiang buried his face in her shoulders and greedily inhaled the femininevender fragrance he liked so much from her. "What shampoo are you using? It smells so good."

    "Eh? Really? I just use regr shampoo from the department store."

    "I like this smell. Don''t change it."

    Li Caiyi''s face blushed even more now. He could feel he was too close to her neck to herfort. Her whole body tensed when she recalled thest time he gave her a kiss mark on the neck. Not that she hated it, but still, they were in the school now!

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang, we shouldn''t do this here. This is the school," Li Caiyi said while trying to squirm away from her hold, but he refused to let her go.<sub> </sub>

    "So it''s fine if we aren''t at the school? You like it when I hold you like this?"

    How was she supposed to answer that?

    Li Caiyi''s pride was hurt knowing she had been yed by a teenage boy like this. Even if shecked romantic rtionship experience in her previous life, the disparity was too much.

    "Don''t tease me. I''m being serious. We shouldn''t be doing this here."

    "Answer my question, or we can stay like this until the exam is finished."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see his face, but he could imagine he was smirking devilishly as she said that.

    "Serious, what are you thinking? Someone can enter any minute and see us." Li Caiyi resorted to smacking him on the back now.

    "Ugh!"

    Li Caiyi''s hand movement stopped when she heard a painful groan from him. She thought he was just ying with her, so she scoffed. "I didn''t even hit you that hard, don''t pretend. I won''t be fooled."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply for a few moments, and it confused Li Caiyi, "Zhiqiang?"

    "Yeah, you are right. That''s a lie. It''s because I need to charge myself before the exam. I want to stay like this longer."

    "Well, me too, but we can save this for after school."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "Oh? Are you inviting me to do anything I want to you after school? How bold and naughty, I like it."

    "Stop saying things like that! Are you a yboy?"

    "There''s no way I''m saying this to other people. It''s only for you. It''s because it''s you I can talk like this right now."

    He was really smooth with his words. Each of them never failed to tug on her heartstring.

    ''He is Shen Qiang indeed,'' Li Caiyi grumbled inwardly, feeling a mixture of happiness and vexation inside.

    Thinking about Shen Qiang made her remember something. Wasn''t he supposed to like someone around this time? Or was everything had been rewritten because she changed the past?

    "Zhiqiang, can I ask you something?"

    "Hm? What is it?"

    "Have you liked another person before? I mean before you meet me." Li Caiyi asked hesitantly.

    "I never had much interest in the opposite sex before. So the answer is no," Dai Zhiqiang replied immediately and decisively. There was no hesitation at all.

    His quick answer eased her mind, but it also brought up more questions in her mind. "Since when did you start paying attention to me? I don''t think we have interacted before Shenqiang''s ident."

    Dai Zhiqiangughed when he heard that. "As expected, you don''t remember at all."

 Chapter 278 Charging Time (2)

    Li Caiyi couldn''t ignore that statement. Was there something she had forgotten?

    "What do you mean? Have we met before Shenqiang''s ident? Where? When?"

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly released his hold on her before staring at her thoughtfully.

    "I expected you won''t remember, but knowing and epting it is different. But well, it just means you did that sincerely."

    "Oh, I''m sorry. I have a poor memory, you see?" Li Caiyi smiled awkwardly.

    No matter how much she tried to remember, she couldn''t seem to recall when she ever met Dai Zhiqiang before Shenqiang''s ident, except in the library a few times.

    It could only mean one thing. Dai Zhiqiang talked about the event that happened before the point when she got re-birthed.

    In her previous life, at some point, she had met Dai Zhiqiang!

    "It was the first day of school when we were just freshmen. Some seniors who tried to pick a fight blocked me, then you came and saved me, like a hero."

    Li Caiyi''s brows creased as she tried to dig into her memory.

    It happened so long ago, so it took a while for her to finally clear up the foggy memory in her mind. She seemed to recall something that happened on the first day of high school days.

    She gasped in disbelief. "So the boy at that time, it was you, Zhiqiang?"

    "Heh. You finally remember me," Dai Zhiqiang smiled helplessly. "For you, helping someone is your natural calling, so it''s not surprising if you don''t remember me. But now that I have reminded you, I won''t let you forget about it again. It was then I began to pay attention to you, after all."

    Li Caiyi was still drowned in her reverie as that day''s chain of events slowly returned to her. She had just returned from the bathroom when a boy ran past her with a grim face like he had heard a piece of bad news.

    Everyone was supposed to gather in their respective ssrooms, but that boy was carrying his backpack as he walked toward the school entrance.

    Maybe because the sight was out of the ce, it made her curious about what could have made him rush like that on the first day of school. Her eyes subconsciously followed his figure. Then, she heard amotion and found that the boy was in a pinch.

    She heard a few things about him wanting to check on his father''s condition. Based on his grim expression earlier, she could tell he was serious about that.

    At that time, Li Caiyi was intimidated by those seniors, but she couldn''t just leave the boy alone. So she mustered her courage and jumped in.

    After that, they parted ways and never met each other again, and Li Caiyi gradually forgot about that incident.

    To think the boy at that time was actually Dai Zhiqiang. Fate really had its own way of surprising you sometimes.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled at her nk expression. "You looked so surprised. I''m waiting for you to remember it by yourself, but since you have asked me nicely, then there''s no need for me to hide it any longer."<sub> </sub>

    "It''s justˇ­ I still couldn''t believe how coincidental it was."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled weakly. "I always have been grateful to you. That day was one of the hardest days in my life, but it was also the day I met you."

    Li Caiyi noticed the sadness in his eyes and tone. She reached out to grab his hand as she asked carefully, "What happened, then?"

    "I had a bad feeling ever since I left the house, and I felt restless throughout the opening ceremony. After it finally ended, I grabbed my bag and immediately went home. Thanks to your help, I could return without causing any trouble."

    He paused briefly before continuing with a gloomy face, "When I arrived home, I found my father copsed on the floor and wouldn''t wake up, no matter how much I called out to him."

    Li Caiyi''s heart ached when she heard the story of that day. She remembered Dai Bolin''s condition during herst visit to the hospital, and it broke her heart. She couldn''t even imagine how Dai Zhiqiang must have felt to find his father giving into his illness like that.

    "If it weren''t for your help, I might arrive muchter, and something worse might happen to my father. It was the same case with Shenqiang, too." Dai Zhiqiang clenched Li Caiyi''s hand tightly. "For me, you are my lifesaver. Because I can''t live without my father and brother by my side."

    Ah.

    A new piece of the puzzle fit into its ce again. Perhaps that was the reason Shen Qiang chose such a drastic measure. Because he had lost the two people he wanted to protect the most in this world.

    Dai Bolin and Dai Shenqiang had died even before Dai Zhiqiang reached his thirties.

    It was a saddening thought, and Li Caiyi couldn''t help but get teary. If even she felt heartbroken by just imagining those twos death, then what about Dai Zhiqiang, who had to suffer the grief all by himself?

    "You mean so much to me. I can''t even describe your importance to me. There is no other person for me besides you." Dai Zhiqiang said before resting his forehead on Li Caiyi''s shoulder, like a kid asking to beforted.

    Li Caiyi''s heart squeezed in pain, so she held him tight.

    Just like he was her anchor, she wanted to be that for him.

    "I''m here with you. Don''t be afraid." She said as she stroked his back gently.

    "En. Thank you." Dai Zhiqiang mumbled in a soft voice. "You don''t know how happy I am whenever I get a glimpse of you in the library."

    "Why didn''t you talk to me then? Since then, we should have bumped pretty often if we met in our first year."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer and only snuggled closer to her, enjoying the softness of her shoulder.

    "Because I''m afraid I will fall too deep into you. I can''t have myself getting distracted when I still have so much on my te. At least, that was my resolve before Shenqiang''s ident. The more I spent time with you, the greedier I became."

 Chapter 279 Invisible Barrier

    The library was quiet, with no one in sight. Surrounded by books and the silence, Dai Zhiqiang''s voice sounded louder than what was supposed to be a mere whisper.

    "When I''m with you, it feels like I can breathe easier. Even though I know I shouldn''t indulge myself in this feeling, I can''t help but wish that I could stay by your side. Even a minute more is fine."

    Li Caiyi had never witnessed Dai Zhiqiang so vulnerable like this before. His voicecked his usualposure and sounded fragile.

    "Zhiqiang, I''m sorry I didn''t notice it sooner. Now that I''m here, we can spend more time together."

    "Even when I did nothing but keep you by my side without confirming what our rtionship is, you are still patient with me. You are too good for someone like me."

    "What are you saying? Don''t forget you have helped me a lot too before. If you continue speaking that way again, I''ll get mad." Li Caiyi huffed.

    Dai Zhiqiang let out a self-deprecatingugh. "Really, I can''t win against you."

    There was a brief pause before he continued. "I should be the one saying sorry. I''m the cowardly one and have to rely on you to approach me first every time. You said you wanted to be as strong as me, but I think you sell yourself too short. You are much stronger and more courageous than I am."

    It was clearly apliment, but Li Caiyi felt pain in her chest when she heard that. "Don''t say that. You are also selling yourself too short."

    "No, I''m telling the truth. I might be kind to you, but I''m not a good person. If only you know how much I want to chain you by my side so you won''t leave me."

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang?"

    When he said thest sentence, the sudden drop in his tone took her aback. But before she could ask about it, Dai Zhiqiang had raised his head and separated his hand from hers.

    "I''m talking gibberish. Thank you, my charging isplete now. Shall we go back to our ssroom?"

    She could tell he was trying to avoid talking about this topic by saying that. Li Caiyi bit her lips while having a mixed feeling inside.

    "You are right. The exam will begin soon. How about I meet you again at the library after school?"

    Contrary to her expectation, Dai Zhiqiang shook his head. "No, you should go ahead because I will be busy sorting out everything here."

    "Even more reason for me toe, then. I can help you with it."

    "You should take a good rest after the exam. I think the charge will be enough to move me for a week, so let''s focus on the exam for now."

    An invisible barrier had been cast between them. Li Caiyi could sense the words left unsaid in the air. That was his way of telling her not toe searching for him.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips again. She was thrilled before because she thought she could spend more time with him from now on, but it seemed he was adamant about creating some distance between them.

    They were so close, yet he felt so far away from her. Just when she thought she had taken a step closer to him, he would take two steps away from her, ensuring she stayed at arm''s length.

    This situation was frighteningly simr to her past rtionship with Meng Renshu. She wasn''t fond of re-experiencing days of waiting anymore.

    "Zhiqiang, IˇŞ"

    Before she could finish her sentence, the bell signaling the start of the school rang.

    ''This rotten luck of mine!'' Li Caiyi screamed inwardly.<sub> </sub>

    "It''s time already. Let''s go," Dai Zhiqiang said with a faint smile on his lips.

    Li Caiyi had no choice but to swallow back all her words and wait for the next opportunity to talk about it again.

    ***

    That was what she thought.

    Li Caiyi thought she could talk to Dai Zhiqiang a bit after the exam had finished, but who would have thought that many people would be there in the library when she arrived? When she found out that most library visitors were female, she sighed helplessly.

    Beauty is a sin indeed.

    Li Caiyi followed those girls'' line of sight and found the person she had looked for was sitting in his usual spot. His eyes cast down on the book in his hand while his finger would flip the page asionally. Utterly unbothered by people''s stares, his skill in ignoring people could beparable to Li Junjie''s.

    She walked over to him, but someone got ahead of her. A girl with short hair and a cute face trudged toward the librarian''s desk while hugging a book in her arms.

    "I want to borrow this one first," the girl said while putting down the book. Her eyes glowed when she looked at Dai Zhiqiang. Her adoration toward the boy was apparent, but the said boy only moved his hand to check out the book without acknowledging the girl''s presence.

    "Please make sure to return the book within two weeks," Dai Zhiqiang said robotically while handing over the book and her student ID.

    The girl looked a bit disappointed by how quick it went.

    She reached out to receive her things, but doing so caused their hands to brush against each other slightly. She yelped softly with a blushed face while looking up at Dai Zhiqiang with a shy smile, making her look cuter.

    Li Caiyi almost wanted to roll her eyes looking at the scene. What was with that? If she kept doing that, it would cause a massive queue behind her and inconvenience others!

    Li Caiyi wanted Dai Zhiqiang to do something, although she wasn''t sure what she wanted him to do. Chasing away that girl while cursing? Or scold the girl for wasting his time? Both didn''t sound right.

    The girl deliberately stalled for more time to catch Dai Zhiqiang''s attention. Unfortunately for her, Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t care less about it.

    Noticing that the girl didn''t take her things, he simply put down the book on top of the desk before returning to his seat and continuing reading.

    "Uhm, excuse me. I have a question. Do you have some time?" The girl asked in a sweet voice.

    "No." Dai Zhiqiang replied curtly, without raising his head from his book.

    The girl''s face turned crimson at his cold and ruthless response. He didn''t even look at her, and it hurt her pride.

    "This is regarding the librarian''s job. Do you happen to know where I can apply for it?"

    Li Caiyi''s cheek twitched when she heard that. Unlike her innocent appearance, this girl was actually pretty bold and straightforward. She seemed to have no intention of hiding her attraction at all.

    Dai Zhiqiang finally looked up, and the girl''s smile bloomed like a fresh flower in the morning. She stared at him expectantly, but that smile immediately fell when she heard Dai Zhiqiang''s following sentence.

    "Take your book and ask the teacher instead of me. This will be thest time I will respond to you. Please don''t talk to me after this."

 Chapter 280 Is He Avoiding Me?

    The girl''s face blushed in a mixture of embarrassment and fury. Her sweet smile was gone as she snorted scornfully.

    "What are you getting conceited about? If it weren''t for your schrship, you wouldn''t be here, anyway. Forget it. I''m done talking with a plebeian." She spat out venomously before snatching her things and stormed her way out of the library, walking past the astounded Li Caiyi.

    Dai Zhiqiang noticed her standing, and a subtle smile crept out on his lips. "You are here."

    Li Caiyi could feel the prickling gaze of every girl in the perimeter as she walked over, but she paid it no heed.

    "Zhiqiang, are you okay? Don''t mind what she said," Li Caiyi said with concern.

    "Hm? Ah, you mean about her insult? I don''t care about it."

    "I can understand if she is angry, but she is being too much by saying that!" Li Caiyi puffed her cheeks in anger.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "If I care about what people say about my status as a schrship student in this school, then I won''t continue studying here."

    Li Caiyi''s jaw dropped in disbelief. "You mean that wasn''t the first time you heard such a thing?"

    "I don''t hear it often, but she is not the first to say that."

    "What''s with that? These people should learn how to spend their time for better use!"

    "I already said I don''t care about it," Dai Zhiqiang paused briefly before asking, "Why are you here? I thought I already said we should watch ourselves during the exam period?"

    Blinded by her anger, Li Caiyi almost forgot her real purpose. "I came to continue ourst conversation. As expected, I don''t feel right leaving it that way. Can we talk alone just for a bit?"

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed helplessly. "There is nothing to talk about. It is what it is."

    "But why do I feel you are trying to push me away?" Li Caiyi asked sadly. "Did I say something wrong? Or is it something you can''t tell me again?"

    "Caiyi, let''s not talk about this now. I have to do my duty as a librarian. And be more aware of your surroundings next time."

    At his stern reprimand, Li Caiyi looked around. As he said, pairs of eyes and ears looked this way with curiosity and jealousy. It was indeed not an ideal ce to talk about this. Her face burned in embarrassment.

    "If you understand, you can leave first. I will contact youter, okay? I''m sorry."

    She could tell he was trying to coax her, but she could also feel that the invisible wall between them kept getting thicker and higher.

    However, even if she forced him to talk to her, she bet he wouldn''t budge. Retreating was the only choice then.

    "Alright. Promise me we will talk after the exam ends, okay?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply and only gave her a faint smile. "Go on. You must be tired. Take a rest when you are at home."

    With a heavy feeling in her chest, Li Caiyi reluctantly left.

    ***<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang''s refusal to talk to her put her in a gloomy mood, but at least she could focus on her exam better. Every day she had to remind herself not to search for him and that she should wait for a good opportunity.

    Today, that chance finally came because it was thest day of the midterm exam.

    Li Caiyi packed her stuff at lightning speed before walking out of the ssroom. She wanted to wait outside Dai Zhiqiang''s ss and told him, ''good job on the exam''.

    After that, she would test the water again to see if they could continue theirst conversation.

    The distance between their sses was only a few steps, so she thought this n would work. However, when she heard from Li Chunhua that Dai Zhiqiang had left after finishing his exam in less than an hour, she realized she couldn''t use her regr strategy on geniuses.

    "Say, aren''t you going to ask me how I was doing on my exam?" Li Chunhua pouted. "You ran here as soon as the bell rang for that guy. Do you like him or something?"

    Li Caiyi had no time to answer Li Chunhua''s question. "There''s no need to ask because I know you''ll do well, anyway. I have a business with him, so I''ll leave first!"

    "Xiaoyi, wait!"

    Li Caiyi felt bad, but she pretended not to hear her sister''s call and ran toward the library.

    Unfortunately, Dai Zhiqiang was nowhere to be seen. Li Caiyi even peeked in the archive room, but he wasn''t there.

    Another guy was sitting behind the librarian''s desk, so he shouldn''t be on the shift today.

    "Didn''t I tell him we will have to talk after the exam? Don''t tell me he is avoiding me." Li Caiyi bit her lips in frustration.

    Looking around, there were only a few people in the room now, probably because Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t there. Li Caiyi walked out of the library only to bump into Li Junjie and Meng Renshu. They were about to enter the library.

    "Xiaoyi!" Meng Renshu eximed happily. "Are you here to return a book, too?"

    "Huh? No, I''m not, but I''m in a hurry now." Li Caiyi replied in a rushed tone.

    "Is it that urgent?" This time, it was Li Junjie who asked her a question. "Tell me when you have time, then. I need to talk about Father since you aren''t staying at our house right now."

    Li Caiyi''s steps halted when she heard that. Part of her wanted to stay and listen to Li Junjie''s exnation since she had been waiting for more news since her brother returned to the school.

    ''But then, what about Zhiqiang?'' She contemted inwardly.

    Her inner turmoil didn''tst long because her reason quickly won over her emotional need.

    Li Caiyi needed to know about the aftermath of her brother''s confrontation with their father that day. It was a shame she couldn''t split her body in two, but this was more important now.

    "On second thought, I think my business can wait. Please tell me what happened after that, Brother Jie."

    Meng Renshu observed the two carefully before saying, "Have a pleasant talk, you two. I''ll go first, so I won''t bother you."

    "Why?" Li Caiyi had blurted out that question before she could stop herself. Meng Renshu''s brows were raised, causing Li Caiyi to feel self-conscious.

 Chapter 281 Rejection =/= Indifferent

    She quickly added, "I mean, you are already involved in this too, so you have every right to know about it. But if you don''t want to, that''s a different story."

    "Xiaoyi''s right. You can stay, Renshu," Li Junjie said. "And there are things I would like to confirm with you."

    Meng Renshu nodded and smiled refreshingly. "If both of you don''t mind my presence, I''ll be d to hear more about this."

    Li Junjie snatched the book in Meng Renshu''s hand before shifting his gaze to Li Caiyi and saying, "Go first to the cafe we visitedst time. Just use Renshu''s car to go there."

    "Huh?" Meng Renshu and Li Caiyi were caught off guard by Li Junjie''s proposition.

    "You are just going to return those books, right? We''ll wait for you, Brother Jie."

    "No, I need to talk to the teacher first after this. You guys go first." Li Junjie didn''t give them a chance to rebut more because he had entered the library without looking back.

    "Brother, wait!" Li Caiyi tried to call for him, but it only fell on deaf ears.

    After the door was closed, Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu stood side by side in awkward silence. To be fair, only Li Caiyi felt awkward because Meng Renshu was acting like his usual self.

    "Well, shall we go now?" He invited her first.

    "Let''s just wait until Brother Jie finishes his business. The talk can''t start without him, after all."

    Meng Renshu shook his head. "Don''t tell me you are so dense that you can''t understand what Junjie is trying to do now?"

    Li Caiyi had an inkling, but she would rather not think about it. "I don''t know, and I don''t care either."

    "Ouch, so cold. After everything I have done, my merit doesn''t even amount to that much. It''s sad."

    "Ugh," Li Caiyi groaned when her conscience was pricked once again. "Didn''t you say that you won''t charge me for your help in settling the matter against our father?"

    "I won''t charge you for that, but don''t you forget something? I gave you a flower a few days ago, didn''t I?"

    Li Caiyi groaned. "Don''t tell me you will charge me for something I didn''t wish to receive as well now."

    Meng Renshu touched his chest dramatically as though someone had stabbed him in the heart.

    "Way too blunt. You hurt me deeply there, Xiaoyi. Even if you dislike me, how could you dislike innocent flowers?"

    "When did I say that? I was just saying I never asked you to give me flowers or any gift on that matter. I''ll appreciate it if you never give me anything in the future."

    "But you have epted my gift, and returning something that has been given to you is bad manners. Besides, shouldn''t you honor your brother''s wish? He even yed a matchmaker for us with a few romantic cells he had on his body. What tremendous growth!"

    "You are not making any sense here," Li Caiyi sighed, finding that arguing with Meng Renshu today felt more exhausting than usual.<sub> </sub>

    "Just give it up. You can never get rid of me, no matter how much you try," Meng Renshu smirked devilishly.

    "Who says that? Don''t be too full of yourself." Li Caiyi red.

    "You can deny it all you want, but the way you keep feeling conscious of my presence is proof that it''s affecting you somehow. If you aren''t conscious of me, why would you refuse to do as your brother said?"

    "What do you know about me? Because you are sly and cunning, I can''t help but always increase my guard against you. I couldn''t care less about you and what you do."

    "It doesn''t look like it, though? I bet you also think of me and unconsciously wonder about my whereabouts when I didn''te to pester you." Meng Renshu chuckled teasingly.

    As much as Li Caiyi wanted to deny his narcissistic im, his words contained some truth. No matter how much she tried not to think about it, she couldn''t help but feel bothered about Meng Renshu. If she was genuinely indifferent to his action, she wouldn''t feel this conflicted.

    That was the main reason she was reluctant to spend more time with him. She felt like she would easily be swept away by his pace if she did.

    "If you are confident that you won''t fall for me, there shouldn''t be any problem with us going ahead of Junjie alone, right? Are you afraid of falling for me so badly?"

    It was obviously a taunt. Meng Renshu knew her personality like the back of his hand and used it to his own advantage.

    "Brother Renshu, you seem to forget one thing as well. I like someone else right now, so there''s no way I will fall for you."

    "You only said you like someone, but you didn''t say you are in a rtionship with the said someone. Doesn''t that mean you are still avable to anyone? Unless you are worried you will fall for me, I can''t think of any other reason for your attitude now."

    It was obviously a taunt. Li Caiyi knew that well, but it was really infuriating to hear thating from him! Especially with that wicked smirk on his face.

    "I''m not afraid, but I know this is just your idea to rile me to agree with you. There''s no way I''m going to fall for it again."

    "Sounds like an excuse to me. Can I take this as a confirmation that I indeed still have a chance with you?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    They were arguing back and forth over a simple thing to the point they attracted some people''s attention.

    Come to think of it, it wasn''t like this meant anything because Li Junjie would follow them soon after. She was too caught up in the heat of the moment that she forgot about such an important point.

    Li Caiyi felt stupid for prolonging this useless banter and finally heaved a defeated sigh.

    "Fine, I only need to go with you, right? I will go, but seriously, stop having a weird idea about what I did. You can''t be more far-fetched from the truth."

    Li Caiyi didn''t wait for Meng Renshu to respond and walked away first towards the parking lot.

    Meng Renshu watched her small back slowly walk away from him. The mischievous smirk on his face gradually faded and was reced with a bitter smile.

 Chapter 282 Accidental Injury

    Li Caiyi walked briskly towards the parking lot while hoping her brother would catch up to them soon. She didn''t want to be seen walking side by side with Meng Renshu, so she deliberately walked ahead of him and even kept some distance from him.

    Meng Renshu didn''t try to chase her and only strolled behind her. At least Li Caiyi was relieved about that. Her previous experience with his fans was awful, so she preferred not to be seen with him.

    Li Caiyi was in so much of a hurry that she didn''t pay attention to where she was going.

    While walking toward the parking lot, she failed to notice a motorcycleing from her side. It was already toote to do anything by the time she detected the iing danger.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    A strong pull from behind moved her body from the motorcycle''s way. It made her fall backward, and she almost fell t on the ground if not for a soft flesh cushioning her fall. She could hear a panting sound behind her as the series of events hadn''t fully sunk in her yet.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t breathe for a moment, or perhaps she forgot to breathe due to shock.

    The motorcycle didn''t stop and drove at the maximum speed before leaving the school ground. Based on the rider''s outfit, no one could tell if that was a student or not.

    Meng Renshu thought his heart would fall to the ground at the thought of the girl in his arm right now getting hurt. In his whole life, never had he ever felt so scared. Neither did he ever move that fast before.

    They were sitting on the ground with Li Caiyi sitting on his thigh. She was so shocked that she couldn''t register what her position looked like right now and obediently let Meng Renshu check her body for any injury.

    "Xiaoyi, are you okay? Did it graze you somewhere?"

    Only when she felt his hand caressing her arms did she finally snap out of it. Her heart, which was beating so fast due to shock, was beating fast for another reason now.

    "I-I''m fine!" Li Caiyi quickly picked herself up and rose from his thigh. She knew that the position was out of their control, but that was still very embarrassing. "Brother Renshu, are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

    Meng Renshu smiled. "I''m also fine, thankfully. You should watch where you are going next time. It''s dangerous."

    Li Caiyi hung her head in regret and shame. "I''m sorry. This is all my fault."

    "Don''t be. I was just d I could reach you in timeˇŞugh!"

    A painful grunt escaped his mouth when he tried to stand up.

    Li Caiyi moved forward and caught his staggering body in reflex when she saw him about to fall. "Brother Renshu?! What happened?"

    Meng Renshu tried to smile reassuringly, but Li Caiyi could tell something was wrong from his temple, which let out a lot of sweat.

    "Spill it! Where did you get hurt?" Li Caiyi asked--almost yelling at him. Her tone wasced with impatience and worry.

    Meng Renshu grimaced before he admitted. "I think Inded wrongly and twisted my left foot."<sub> </sub>

    "Hold on," Li Caiyi wasted no time and crouched down to pull his pants upward so she could check his ankle, and sure enough, it was swollen on the ankle part. And the swelling was pretty big too. No wonder he sweated profusely.

    "This looks pretty bad," Li Caiyi said grimly. "I don''t think you can go anywhere with your leg like this."

    "It will be fine if I don''t overexert it," Meng Renshu smiled before pulling out his phone. "Let me call Mr. Mu to help. You can''t possibly help me walk with your current condition."

    Li Caiyi had a better idea. "No, call him and tell him to move the car near the infirmary. Let''s cool the swelling first in the infirmary."

    Thankfully, they were currently at the parking lot and not the backyard garden. The distance from the parking lot to the infirmary wasn''t that far. If she mustered her energy, she should be strong enough to help Meng Renshu go there.

    "No, Xiaoyi. You don''t have to feel bad for me. This is nothing."

    "Don''t be stubborn. This isn''t the time to be arguing. It must have hurt a lot, right?"

    "I can still handle this much. If we don''t go soon, we can''t talk about your father''s matter."

    "How can that be more important than your condition now? Brother Renshu, when you are in pain, you should have said so."

    No matter which timeline it was, Meng Renshu was still the same.

    Li Caiyi recalled a memory from her past life. That was about three months after they got married. Their marriage life was still harmonious at that time, albeit there was no romantic love between them.

    She had known him for a long time, but she never knew he had a severe allergic reaction to peaches. Without knowing that, she made him a peach pie one day.

    Li Caiyi spent a lot of effort making that one, and she was happy when it was beautifully finished. Meng Renshu couldn''t bear to refuse, so he agreed to take a bite. He praised her that the pie was delicious, and Li Caiyi thought she couldn''t be happier.

    Even now, Li Caiyi couldn''t understand how he could finish a slice of that without copsing on the spot.

    If she didn''t happen to check on him in his room after that, no one would know that Meng Renshu had copsed while wheezing, with rash spreading all over his body.

    It shocked Li Caiyi to the bone, and she med herself for it. Meng Renshu consoled her after that, but the guilt still followed her, to the point she didn''t dare to make any dessert anymore after that. Instead of baking, she deepened her cooking skill instead.

    Behind his refreshing smile andid-back attitude, Meng Renshu was actually the type of person who hid his weakness from even his wife. She doubted even Li Chunhua knew about that since Meng Renshu said that he didn''t want anyone to know his fault.

    Now, he also acted like that. He was trying to cover up his injury with a fake smile, and she hated to see that.

    Li Caiyi stubbornly said, "It''s okay if you disagree. I will drag you to the infirmary if I have to."

 Chapter 283 Blessing In Disguise

    "It''s okay if you disagree. I will drag you to the infirmary if I have to." Li Caiyi said, half-upset and half-reprimanding.

    Meng Renshu had a defeated expression mixed with pain on his face before he finally relented. "Alright, if you insist. But you really don''t need to bother yourself to help me walk. I can ask Mr. Mu toe here to help me."

    "No, please let me do this at least. I''m the one who caused this, after all."

    Meng Renshu couldn''t win when she stared at him so earnestly like that. In the end, he nodded his head and let her wrap his left arm around her shoulder.

    "Be careful. We don''t have to rush. Just make sure you don''t burden your leg too much." Li Caiyi instructed him gently.

    This wasn''t an ideal situation he had in mind, but for Meng Renshu, this ident was a blessing and disguise.

    If it weren''t for this injury, he wouldn''t dare to hope that Li Caiyi would willingly stick close to him like this. Although his heart almost stopped when that motorcycle almost hit her just now, he felt blissful now. Not that he would forgive that reckless rider, though.

    Meng Renshu was so happy that he deliberately walked slower so he could stay like this with her longer.

    "Brother Renshu, does it hurt a lot?" Li Caiyi turned her head to ask him because she felt their pace was too slow.

    However, she was shocked by how close his face was to her. Moreover, Meng Renshu looked at her intently, almost making her stagger and throwing them off bnce.

    "Why are you staring at me like that? You surprised me!"

    "Because you are beautiful." Meng Renshu replied immediately, and his face was dead serious.

    "Ugh, what are you ying now? Focus on your leg for now and look ahead when you walk."

    "I''m serious. It''s a rare chance to be able to stand so close to you like this. I have to etch everything in my mind."

    Li Caiyi would prefer if he said that yfully or teasingly like he usually did. But when he said it seriously, she felt awkward and weird.

    "Xiaoyi, thank you for caring about me. I''m happy."

    "Brother Renshu, I hate to break it on you, but I merely do this out of guilt and obligation. I''m still a human, and I have a conscience. No way I''m going to leave you while I was the one who technically caused this to happen."

    Meng Renshuughed mirthlessly. "Yeah, I know. I just want to tell you that. Sorry for saying something that makes you ufortable."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She was sometimes wondering if Meng Renshu purposely yed with her emotions. He was a pro at making her feel bad about him. Now she felt like a bully who kicked a person when he was at his weakest.

    "No, you don''t have to apologize," Li Caiyi said reluctantly. "I didn''t mean it to sound so harsh. I just don''t want to cause any misunderstanding."

    "I understand."

    "Brother Renshu, thank you so much for saving me. You are always there to help me, even if I act cold and mean towards you. I can''t thank you enough. That''s precisely why I don''t want you to keep holding on to unrequited feelings."

    Li Caiyi contemted a bit about whether or not she should say it. Still, she decided that honesty was the best policy in the end.<sub> </sub>

    "I don''t like to see you in pain. Especially because of me."

    She was embarrassed after saying that, so she kept her gaze forward.

    "That person you like, who is it?"

    "It''s just someone. You don''t need to know."

    "Is it Dai Zhiqiang?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t deny or confirm it. Meng Renshu took her silence as an affirmation andughed weakly.

    "Xiaoyi, I don''t think you particrly care about me. You just can''t bear the guilt for rejecting me. I already said it''s okay if you reject me, but please don''t push me away."

    "That''sˇ­" Li Caiyi''s voice trailed off, but no words came out of her mouth. Maybe because she, herself, wasn''t sure either.

    Her feelings for Meng Renshu were too deep andplicated, like a messy knot that couldn''t be untangled. However, it was true that she couldn''t seem to leave him alone.

    She knew too much about him, and putting a blind eye on him was difficult.

    "Brother Renshu, you probably don''t believe me, but I care about you more than you think. If you need my help, I''ll do whatever I can to help you. But that''s it. My care for you will remain tonic forever, so you might want to think about what you want to do about your feelings again. This is my way of showing my care for you."

    They kept repeating the same conversation over and over. It was impossible to reach a conclusion because they stubbornly refused to back down.

    Hence, Li Caiyi kept her mouth shut and only focused on holding Meng Renshu''s body steady. Thetter probably also had the same idea as her because he also fell into a deep silence.

    The silence was suffocating, and Li Caiyi couldn''t feel happier when the infirmary was finally in sight.

    "Brother Renshu, we are almost there. Please hang in there just a bit more." Li Caiyi encouraged him excitedly.

    "Yes, finally." Meng Renshu replied, but his voice sounded unenthusiastic.

    Li Caiyi wondered if his foot was in so much pain and thus tightened her hold on his waist and arm.

    "Hang in there. You''ll feel better after putting some ice on the swollen part."

    "What are you two doing?"

    Li Caiyi jumped in surprise upon hearing a familiar voice. She turned her head back, only to find Dai Zhiqiang standing there.

    Dai Zhiqiang gazed at Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu, who pressed against each other sharply. His eyebrows slightly frowned upon noticing her arm wrapped around Meng Renshu.

    "Zhiqiang, there you are!" Li Caiyi had been looking for him, so she couldn''t contain her happiness when she saw him.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu stared back at Dai Zhiqiang, and it was as if there was a spark flying between them.

 Chapter 284 Tension

    The hallway around that time was already empty, with no one in sight. It made the silence between the three people standing in it even more deafening.

    Li Caiyi noticed it toote, but there was a stifling atmosphere in the air. She gulped in nervousness.

    "Zhiqiang, why are you here?" Li Caiyi asked awkwardly to break the suffocating silence.

    "Why? Can''t I be here?"

    His response was sharp and almost cold. Besides, he also had this dark expression on his face, like he was unhappy about something. It took Li Caiyi aback, and she couldn''t form a coherent response right on the spot.

    "Oh? Uhm, no, it''s not that. I meanˇŞ"

    "Why are you here, then?" Dai Zhiqiang asked her again.

    "I was looking for you after school, and then various things happenedˇŞ"

    "What things? Exin."

    Li Caiyi also wanted to exin, but how could she when he kept interrupting her words impatiently? She couldn''t understand why he acted this way, but she understood that something must have pissed him off.

    "Can you tell just by looking at us?" Meng Renshu chimed with a light voice, straightening his back and using his arm around her shoulder to pull her closer to him. "What do you think?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face considerably darkened at Meng Renshu''s taunt. Li Caiyi found this situation silly and embarrassing, so she quickly opened her mouth to exin.

    "Hey, what''s with you guys? Zhiqiang, stop making a scary face, and Brother Renshu, please stop with that ambiguous way of talking!"

    "Caiyi, why are you with him?"

    "There was an ident before, and Brother Renshu twisted his ankle because he saved me. I was helping him to walk to the infirmary right now." Li Caiyi exined hurriedly, feeling that Dai Zhiqiang would explode if she dyed any second longer.

    To her dismay, Dai Zhiqiang''s expression didn''t ease at all. Just when she wondered if she had said something wrong, he walked over and took Meng Renshu''s arm wrapped around her shoulder and brought it around his instead.

    "I''ll take care of the rest from here."

    "Oh." There wasn''t even room for rebuttal because Dai Zhiqiang had taken over her job before she could agree. "Thank you, Zhiqiang."

    "Yeah, thank you so much." Meng Renshu also thanked him, but with a sarcastic tone.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply to them and helped Meng Renshu walk into the infirmary. Li Caiyi opened the door for them. The school nurse immediately sprung forward upon noticing Meng Renshu, who came in while being supported.

    Li Caiyi exined the gist of what had happened, and the school nurse worked quickly to patch Meng Renshu up. It didn''t take long for his leg to have bandages wrapped around his ankle.

    "I have applied the first treatment for him. Thankfully, there''s no broken bone, so he should be able to walk normally again after a few days," said the school nurse.

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

    "Didn''t I say you don''t have to worry?" Meng Renshu chuckled.

    "No, it''s because I can''t believe you. I have to force you to do this. Who knows when you will get it treated if I just let you be?"<sub> </sub>

    "Hey, am I a child to you?"

    "You act like one sometimes. Stop worrying people so much." Li Caiyi massaged her throbbing temple.

    "You are worried about me? I''m delighted to hear that. Thank you, Xiaoyi."

    "Well, you got that injury because of me. I should at least help you this much."

    "You don''t have to put it that way, and nobody will misunderstand. Isn''t that right, Zhiqiang?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned because Meng Renshu suddenly called out to him. Moreover, he called Dai Zhiqiang in a more familiar way, which was weird for her because both shouldn''t have any involvement besides that one time during Li Chunhua''s kidnapping incident.

    Dai Zhiqiang stared at Meng Renshu sharply before answering, "Of course, I won''t misunderstand anything, Senior Meng. After all, everyone in the school knows how close you are with the Li siblings as a childhood friend."

    Meng Renshu shed his refreshing smile upon hearing that. "I heard you have been absent from school for a few days? Then, you must haven''t heard about the most recent rumor, which particrly involves Xiaoyi and me."

    "I heard about that, but that changes nothing. I believe what I see more than hearsay. Of course, Senior Meng can guess what is that too."

    "Really? Then we must have different ways to see things because I see it differently than you."

    Li Caiyi watched how they went back and forth with their words, which sounded like amiable interaction at first, but felt stifling as time passed by. It was almost like they were throwing des and daggers at each other using their words.

    Contrary to her initial belief, they seemed to not get along that well. That would exin the dark look on Dai Zhiqiang''s face when he spotted them and Meng Renshu''s disy of mischief towards him.

    Come to think of it, Dai Zhiqiang once almost went against Meng Renshu because he was trying to defend her. However, she had never heard what actually happened to them after leaving the ce.

    Li Caiyi looked at her wristwatch and found they had wasted so much time. Her brother probably had been waiting for them.

    Looking down at Meng Renshu''s leg, Li Caiyi felt reluctant to ask him if he wanted toe with her or not. Knowing his personality, she was sure he would force himself.

    <o>,m "Is it time already? Shall we go now?" Meng Renshu asked her and put down his leg from the bed.</o>

    Li Caiyi hurriedly tried to stop him by his shoulder. "Don''t move yet. Today is just not good. I''ll contact Brother Jie to cancel today''s n. Let''s talk about it another day."

    "Caiyi, you know this matter of grave importance. There is no time to waste."

    "I know, but what can you do with your legs like that?"

    "It''s just a sprain, and we have Mr. Mu who can help meter. Xiaoyi, you are worried too much." Meng Renshu giggled.

    "Don''t treat your body lightly like that. Brother Jie will understand."

    "Speaking of him, he must have already arrived there and probably wondered why we weren''t there, despite us leaving first."

    "Let''s call Brother Jie toe here. We can talk in an empty ssroom instead. That way, it won''t give too much burden to your leg."

    Meng Renshu nodded, clearly happy receiving her care. "I''ll do as you say, Xiaoyi. Thanks for looking out for me."

 Chapter 285 Each Of Their Own Thoughts

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang was not amused by this spectacle at all. He felt irritated and almost exploded when he saw another guy being so close to Li Caiyi.

    Although both had made it clear about their attraction to each other, technically, they weren''t in any romantic rtionship. Dai Zhiqiang knew that which was why he couldn''tin.

    He was kind of regretting leaving their rtionship to an unclear status. Li Caiyi was just trying to make up with Meng Renshu for the injury she had indirectly caused. He knew that much.

    However, it didn''t make the sight of her fussing over some other guy more bearable for him to see.

    Dai Zhiqiang had to use every will to not shove the guy aside when Li Caiyi gently held his shoulder and advised him not to push himself too hard.

    If she was his girlfriend, she probably would be more self-aware of herself. How could she touch another guy casually like that in front of him? The guy could have the wrong idea about it!

    Dai Zhiqiang''s mind was full of negative and sinister thoughts, but he held himself back. He didn''t like Meng Renshu because he once treated her harshly, but now he hated him more for treating her too well. It wasplicated, and the fire of jealousy burned intensely inside him.

    Now, Li Caiyi was currently talking with her brother on the phone.

    <o>,m From what he heard, it seemed they had a promise to meet up with her brother somewhere, and it provoked another sense of threat against him. Compared to him, Meng Renshu had a longer and deeper rtionship with Li Caiyi. He also had a good rtionship with the other Li siblings.</o>

    Meng Renshu could be Li Caiyi''s pir support better than he could ever be. Even earlier, if it weren''t for him, Li Caiyi probably would be the one getting injured.

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang could barely have any time to spare for her and was spoiled by her infinite understanding.

    It made him feel worthless, and he hated that feeling. To the point, he couldn''t bear to look her in the eyes sometimes.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want to be a burden who held her back, but his abnormal need for her kept growing each time. He selfishly wanted her to only have eyes for him.

    "I really am a bad person," Dai Zhiqiangughed mirthlessly.

    Meng Renshu silently watched how Dai Zhiqiang stared at Li Caiyi''s figure with a hooded expression. He could tell by how Li Caiyi''s face brightened at the sight of him he was the one she liked.

    If it were the usual Meng Renshu, he would tread carefully by observing the weakness and strength of his opponent before making his attack, but his emotion got in the way. He really couldn''t control himself when it came to Li Caiyi''s matter.

    As envious as he could be, Meng Renshu knew that they probably still hadn''t gotten into a romantic rtionship yet. Not sure why Dai Zhiqiang stalled for the time when he was clearly yearned for Li Caiyi''s affection as much as he was, but this was his chance.

    He refused to believe that Li Caiyi was totally indifferent to him. At least, she wasn''t immune to his advance. She avoided him like a scared rabbit whenever he was near, meaning she was self-conscious about his presence. An adverse reaction was still a reaction to him, which fueled his desire to chase after her even more.

    Meng Renshu eyed Dai Zhiqiang from head to toe and couldn''t guess what Li Caiyi saw in this guy. If it was because Dai Zhiqiang had helped her save Li Chunhua before, then he could make it so Li Caiyi would remember his effort more.

    The more she felt guilty, the more she would think of him. And the more she thought of him, the more he thought that some other feeling would probably grow inside her.

    At least, that was what he hoped for.

    Oblivious to the two boys withplicated minds behind her, Li Caiyi finished her call with her brother and exhaled a deep breath. Thank goodness her brother was still around the school grounds, so there won''t be a problem even if they talked here.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother Renshu, he said he coulde back here." Li Caiyi announced.

    "Is that so? That''s great. Then we should find a quiet ce to talk. This isn''t a good ce."

    "Yes, let''s move to another ce." Li Caiyi nodded, butter her gaze fell on Dai Zhiqiang.

    There was nothing she could do but to let him leave first. After all, this wasn''t the kind of talk she wanted him to hear.

    "Zhiqiang, how about we go outside and talk a bit?"

    "Alright."

    "Xiaoyi? You will be back as soon as possible, right? Because I can''t walk on my own," Meng Renshu grimaced while holding his leg.

    Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly. "Yes, don''t worry. It won''t take long. I''ll return soon."

    Meng Renshu smiled in satisfaction while Dai Zhiqiang walked out of the room first. Li Caiyi had to run after him.

    "Zhiqiang, wait for me!"

    Dai Zhiqiang only stopped when they were pretty far away from the infirmary. Li Caiyi was tired after supporting Meng Renshu, so she panted when she finally caught up to him.

    "Zhiqiang, what''s wrong? Are you angry?" Li Caiyi asked after she finally steadied her breath.

    "I''m not angry."

    "Lies. You are angry, or at least upset, about something."

    Dai Zhiqiang scrunched up his face before averting his eyes from her. "It''s nothing. More importantly, what do you want to talk about?"

    "About what you talked about in the library before. Why do I feel you are trying to keep some distance from me? Did I do something wrong?"

    "You are not. I was just busy these days."

    "I went to your ss after the exam ended, but you weren''t there. You weren''t there when I searched for you in the library. I feel you are avoiding me because you think I''m too clingy."

    "How could I think that? Don''t read too much into it. I was just busy."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips, feeling frustrated now that the conversation faced a deadlock again. If it came to this, then he left her with no choice.

    She steeled herself before doing what she intended to do. This might be a reckless move from her, but she didn''t know what else she could do.

 Chapter 286 A Renewed Promise (1)

    Mustering her courage, Li Caiyi encircled her arms around his neck to pull him down andnded a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

    It was just a brief kiss and didn''t linger enough for one to be able to feel it enough, but Dai Zhiqiang felt like his head was about to explode.

    Li Caiyi was utterly embarrassed and disappointed in herself because she had failed that kiss. She intended to give him a peck on the lips, but she chickened out and changed her direction at thest moment, so her lipsnded on the corner of his lips instead.

    It was her first attempt at kissing someone. Previously, the other person always kissed her first, but she never took the initiative like this. And thatck of experience was shown in her action just now.

    Her face burned in embarrassment, and she felt like digging a hole and hiding in it. The shame escted further when Dai Zhiqiang didn''t give any reaction except for the bbergasted expression on his face.

    Li Caiyi covered her face with her hand before saying, "Say something! Anything. You are killing me here."

    Dai Zhiqiang still couldn''t retain his wit back. His mind kept reying the close-up scene of Li Caiyi''s face closing into him. Then, there was her lips'' brief but incredibly soft sensation on his skin. His brain malfunctioned, and his mind floated in the clouds.

    Li Caiyi stared at his gaping face, thinking that he was exaggerating. Sure, it must be surprising, but it shouldn''t be that shocking that he couldn''t even react, right? He already knew her feelings for him, after all.

    However, since his dumbfounded look was cute, Li Caiyi was willing to forgive him just this once.

    She awkwardly cleared her throat before saying, "Did you hate it so much that you can''t even react right now?"

    "Huh? No, of course not!" Dai Zhiqiang quickly snapped out of it, hearing the sulking tone in her voice. "It just happened so suddenly, that''s all."

    "So, do you like it or not?" Li Caiyi asked. She tried to put on a rxed face, but the red hue on her cheeks betrayed her. Dai Zhiqiang wanted tough seeing that.

    "I like it. Very much. But why on the corner of the lips? I won''t mind if you slide the direction more to the right."

    Li Caiyi''s face and neck turned beet red at his teasing. "Don''t say that. It took every ounce of my courage to do that! This is payback for what you did that night!"

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t contain hisughter anymore. He really liked it when she tried hard to keep up with him. No matter how much she yed it cool, she failed at it miserably. Her hard-working nature was what made her lovely and endearing in his eyes.

    "I''m sorry. It''s not my intention to make fun of you. You are just so cute. I can''t help it."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t handle the embarrassment after all. Her skin was so thin that she chickened out at thest moment, and beingughed at by him was like a soft hit to her pride as a mentally adult person.

    ''Pathetic. You are so pathetic, Li Caiyi,'' she berated herself inwardly.

    "Don''t hide your face." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled as he grabbed her hand and tried to pry it away from her face. "Let me see your cute face more."

    Li Caiyi reluctantly let him pry her hand. When she raised her head, she saw Dai Zhiqiang smiling warmly at her, making her heart skip a beat.

    "Don''t hide the face I like so much." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled before he dipped his head and imed Li Caiyi''s first kiss in this timeline.<sub> </sub>

    "Mm!" Li Caiyi was so surprised she yelped, but his kiss muffled the sound.

    <o>,m Her heart picked up its pace again as it drummed loudly in her chest. His lips were soft and slightly at a lower temperature than hers, but its intensity was enough to make her legs weaken.</o>

    Dai Zhiqiang held both of her hands, and it limited her movement. Li Caiyi found herself trapped in his sweet kiss. Her mind went nk like a sheet of paper, but her overwhelming feeling for him made her subconsciously raise her head for closer and more intimate contact.

    He changed the angle a few times before releasing her lips, which were now slightly red from the passionate kiss. Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes were hazy as he caressed her lips using his thumb.

    "Pretty, as expected. Next time, do it like this." He said in a husky voice, sending shivers down her spine.

    "Haaˇ­" Li Caiyi couldn''t utter a word since she was still in the middle of recovering from his suffocating and long kiss. His kiss was passionate and full of yearning, like a hero who finally could im his reward. It left her breathless, and her head was dizzy from theck of oxygen.

    "Heh. I also like it when you stare at me dreamily like that. It makes me think you are craving for more."

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang," Li Caiyi called out to him while desperately clinging to his hands, trying to steady herself.

    "Hm? Do you want more? If you ask, then that will be what you get. However, I prefer you to take the lead next time."

    Li Caiyi always knew he was handsome, but this level of handsomeness was just illegal. Hidden in the wall''s shadow, his eyes shone with mischief and affection. His lips curled up in a charming smile, and he looked like a devil who was here to tempt her, a mortal.

    If he was the devil, then she was his to take.

    Li Caiyi slowly regained her wits together, but her heart still couldn''t calm down. That kiss was nothing to the many deep and wet kisses she shared with Shen Qiang, yet the effect it brought to her was exactly the same.

    "W-why did you do that? What if someone sees us?" Li Caiyiined in a small voice that it sounded a bit coquettish.

    "Why would I let anyone see the cute expression you were making? It was only mine to see."

    "Stop saying such things. It''s embarrassing."

    "Get used to it because it will only be more embarrassing from now on." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled before dipping down to smooch her cheeks, making another wave of heat surge over her face.

    "You understand what I mean, right? Be prepared." He whispered in a low voice beside her ears.

    It instantly caused her whole body to tremble, and she had an urge to curl herself into a ball.

    "Hehe, you are really weak in the ears. Definitely never let others know about this."

 Chapter 287 A Renewed Promise (2)

    "You are so mean."

    That was the only thing she could say. Li Caiyi wanted to wave a white g now. Facing a natural flirt like him, she couldn''t stand a chance at all. It was foolish of her to try topete with him.

    "Haha, don''t make such a face. I''m pleased you are trying your best for me," Dai Zhiqiang gazed deeply into her eyes. "It makes me want to put more effort into this. I mean, in our rtionship. Although I know, I shouldn''t."

    "Zhiqiang?"

    "Caiyi, give me some more time. I will make sure to take care of everything first. When that timees, and if you still have the same feeling towards me, we canˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang''s words trailed off because he couldn''t finish his sentence.

    However, Li Caiyi understood what he was trying to say. She could feel his grip on her hand tighten, and her heart swelled with affection at this clumsy and awkward young man.

    "You want me to wait for you?" Li Caiyi asked.

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded his head slowly. His face was like a child that was afraid of getting scolded, and it took her all not to hug andfort him.

    "No."

    Li Caiyi''s decisive answer shocked Dai Zhiqiang. His eyes widened, and the light in it dimmed fast. He slowly released his hand from hers, looking extremely hurt and dejected.

    "I see. I understand it''s unfair of me to ask you that. Thank you for answering me honestly." He said with a slightly shaky voice, revealing his reluctance.

    "No, you don''t understand. What I mean is I won''t wait alone. You have to wait for me, too."

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his eyes and gazed at her with apparent hope in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

    Li Caiyi smiled gently. "While you are busy doing what you must do, I will do that as well. I also have a lot of things I want to do, like writing. I want to write a best-selling book one day. Before I do that, I won''t pester you for anything, but just don''t push me away because it makes me sad and lonely."

    "Caiyi, I''m sorry for making you feel that way. I won''t do that again, I promise."

    Li Caiyi giggled and walked past him, so she stood under the sunlight shining through the window.

    "As you should. Who knows? Maybe you havepleted what you need to do earlier than me in the future. At that time, you will be the one who has to wait for me. Serves you right."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t take his eyes off the brightly shining girl in front of her. She shone so beautifully that it was almost surreal. The light behind her made him see something akin to a halo on top of her head.

    He was confident he could never forget the sight of her smiling mockingly at him while being surrounded by light. It was breathtaking and almost ethereal.

    "I won''t forgive you if you back down on your promise and run with some other girl when the timees. Prepare yourself because I will probably be that famous sessful woman in the future, and my boyfriend can''t be any less than excellent. Hmph!"

    Li Caiyi stuck out her tongue jokingly before breaking out in a burst of crispughter.

    Dai Zhiqiang felt his heart squeezed in a bittersweet pain.

    Once again, she saved him from the shackle that was binding him. Herughter sounded like an angel''s singing in his ears, and he was the devil that could corrupt such an angel but desperately yearned for her light all the same.<sub> </sub>

    "Caiyi, I like you." Dai Zhiqiang blurted out. "That''s why I will wait for you. No matter how long it takes. Even if you don''t like me anymore, I will only like you in this lifetime."

    Li Caiyi was stunned by his words. It was almost like he was saying an oath.

    Again, she seemed to see the same man who held her close in thest moment of her life, ovepping with Dai Zhiqiang. It was like the continuation of the promise they exchanged on that fateful morning.

    Li Caiyi smiled softly. "En. Me too, Zhiqiang."

    ***

    Her cheeks hurt from smiling too much but recalling the sweet moment she had with Dai Zhiqiang just knew she just couldn''t stop the flutter in her heart.

    "Xiaoyi, what are you doing?"

    Li Caiyi almost jumped in shock.

    She quickly jerked her head and saw Li Junjie standing behind her while looking at her curiously. Seeing her brother''s face felt like cold water poured on her head because her steaming head instantly cooled down, and her heartbeat returned to its neutral pace.

    "Brother Jie, you have finallye!"

    "Why are you here instead of the infirmary, with a goofy smile on your face at that."

    Li Caiyi pressed her heated cheek with her palm. Thank god Dai Zhiqiang had left already. If her brother arrived even a few minutes faster, then he probably would see the scene of how they had made out in the shadow just now. Just thinking about the possibility was enough to make her temperature rise again.

    "Nothing. More importantly, shouldn''t we wait until Brother Renshu recovers before talking about this? I feel like we are troubling him again."

    "What ''we''? It was just you who had a problem with him. I don''t know what problem you have with him, but don''t be unreasonable."

    ? Suddenly, being called out like that was like a p on her face. "What? When did I ever act unreasonably?"

    "Good, if nothing happens so far. And don''t make a fuss over simple things. It''s his leg that is injured, not his mouth," Li Junjie cut the conversation short with that and turned away. "Let''s go get the injured person. He must be bored waiting for us now."

    Li Caiyi was dissatisfied with how Li Junjie called her out. Easy for him to say because he didn''t know how much trouble Meng Renshu had caused her. To be fair, he had saved her many times before, too. However, this and that were different.

    "Brother Jie, why do I feel you are siding with Brother Renshu more than me? I''m your sister," Li Caiyi pouted.

    "I don''t take any side. I also said the same thing to Renshu when he had gone overboard with you. You are the one who used to adore him more than your biological brother. Don''t turn white into ck now."

    "Ughˇ­"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t say anything back. Even now, she still had that lingering regret for being too attached to Meng Renshu, and Li Junjie just had to rub the salt on her wound.

    "It''s not like I adore him more than you. You are just scarier than him." Li Caiyi said that before hastening her steps, too afraid to hear her brother''s response.

 Chapter 288 Meng Renshus Life Advice (1)

    The three of them moved to an empty ssroom and sat together. Thankfully, Meng Renshu didn''t ask her about what she talked about with Dai Zhiqiang, despite her taking a pretty long time to return.

    "Phew, we should have just done this from the start." Meng Renshu chuckled. "This is all because of Junjie''s spontaneous decision."

    Li Junjie paid no heed to his friend''s teasing and spoke. "I guess we could start from what happened to Father after that incident."

    Li Caiyi nodded her head.

    "He dide back once after my birthday. That day, he got into an argument with Mother." Li Junjie folded his arms in front of his chest.

    "Mother did? What happened then?"

    "Long story short, it seemed Father was trying to convince Mother to rethink about their divorce."

    "Ah? But hasn''t the divorce paper already been submitted? What was he trying to do after everything that happened?" Li Caiyi asked in a tense voice

    "I also don''t know. He used the time when Xiaohua and I were still in school to approach Mother. Perhaps he thought that he could convince Mother because he couldn''t convince his children."

    "Well, you are right, but in the end, you are still the one who possessed the inheritance now, Brother. Wouldn''t that mean he would also have to convince you in the end?"

    "I have been wondering about that too." Li Junjie pinched his chin as he fell into deep thought.

    A burst of softughter broke the siblings from their thoughts. Meng Renshu, who had been silently listening to them talking, looked at them with an amused smile.

    "Aren''t you guys forgetting about something important?"

    Li Caiyi and Li Junjie exchanged nces of confusion, hearing Meng Renshu''s question.

    "What are you trying to say? Stop being cryptic and just say it directly," Li Junjie said.

    "Well, there is still a possibility that they were just having a married couple fight, right? UncleˇŞyour father might not want to divorce Auntie."

    "Impossible," Li Junjie and Li Caiyi replied simultaneously.

    "Brother Renshu, you can say that because you don''t know what kind of despicable things he did to our mother."

    "A greedy man like him would never miss an opportunity to create more benefit for himself. Your logic has too many ws in it."

    Meng Renshu raised both of his hands in defeat. "Hey, I''m just offering another possibility here. And honestly, you guys are underestimating human nature so much."

    "Are you going to give a philosophical talk about love and something along that line here?" Li Junjie sneered.

    "No, not necessarily love, but guilt. A person can fall out of love, but guilt is fair to everyone. It wasn''t a simple feeling to escape from. In fact, it is more usible to manipte someone using their sense of guilt rather than love."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to respond to Meng Renshu''s theory. Although she could see where he wasing from, the way he said it was devoid of any warmth and emotion, almost sinister. She felt cold just from listening to him.

    "Do you want to say that Father tried to manipte Mother using her sense of guilt?" Li Junjie asked again.<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu shook her head helplessly. "''It was the opposite. I assumed your father was guilty about what he did and came to your mother for another chance."

    "You are not making any sense," Li Junjie sighed exasperatedly.

    "Again, I''m just saying a possibility. It wasmon for a married couple to divorce and reunite."

    "Brother Renshu, you must have already known this, but our father cheated on our mother. To feel guilt, you have to love something to some extent first. But our father didn''t love our mother anymore. If he loved her, he wouldn''t be cheating on her."

    "How na?ve," Meng Renshu said in an indifferent tone. "Humans are much moreplicated than you think. You can love someone but still can''t keep your loyalty to the said someone. In the same way, how a couple without love can co-exist harmoniously. In the end, it was only a matter of integrity whether or not you will cheat on your partner."

    "Xiaoyi, don''t bother entertaining his theory. He is often like this. No need to pay attention to everything he said," Li Junjie discouraged her from rebutting.

    Meng Renshu only smiled mysteriously when he heard Li Junjie''s words. For some reason, that smile unsettled her, but better not to delve further.

    "Then, what happened to Mother? Did Father hurt Mother or threaten her?"

    "I only heard about this from Mother, so I don''t know if she was telling the truth or not, but it seemed Mother chased him out."

    "Mother did?!" Li Caiyi gasped in disbelief.

    Su Suyin, who used to be obedient to everything Li Jirong said, could do such a thing. It was a significant improvement, yet also concerning in a way. That means that the divorce affected her that much.

    "Apparently, she threatened she would convince Renshu to cancel his deal to give him job opportunities if he kept pestering her."

    Meng Renshu snorted. "Auntie did? She sure hit him in the sore spot."

    "Well, as long as he has that opportunity you gave him. Family or his current career, he could throw it all without worry."

    Meng Renshu seemed to pick something from Li Junjie''s words just now. "You don''t meanˇ­."

    Li Junjie nodded, but it confused Li Caiyi because she couldn''t keep up. "What is it? Tell me."

    "Father quit his current job. I don''t know what he is thinking, but he is pretty confident he can start a new life in a new ce. With the news of his divorce circting, he had been having a hard time, or so I heard. Not that I care enough to investigate further."

    "Do you want me to do it instead?" Meng Renshu pointed at himself.

    "No. Save your resource instead of wasting it on a human like that."

    "Wow, you are so harsh as always, Junjie," Meng Renshu chuckled.

    "Rather thanughing, you''d better tell us now."

    "Hmm, about what?"

    "About why would you go so far to offer something like that to our father? What are you nning, Renshu?"

 Chapter 289 Meng Renshus Life Advice (2)

    Li Caiyi also stared at Meng Renshu, eagerly waiting for his answer. She had a wild guess about why Meng Renshu offered such things, but there was no evidence to support it.

    She had to find out whether Meng Renshu regained another memory regarding their past life or not. Considering how some of her memories of Shen Qiang were gone again, she was almost sure about this.

    "Solving problems using the power of money and connection has always been my method of doing things. Didn''t you guys know about this too?"

    "No, you definitely came prepared then. As honorable of a young master as you are, you aren''t the boss yet. There''s no way you can decide such things arbitrarily without talking it out to your father first."

    Li Caiyi was amazed by how Li Junjie smoothly pointed out the suspicious point of Meng Renshu''s action. She didn''t get a turn to talk at all. But maybe that was for the best because Meng Renshu would feel suspicious if she asked too many questions.

    "Wow, you are underestimating me, Junjie. My influence has grown considerably in the past month, so there is no need to worry about it. Besides, it''s better to let your father in a ce where you can still monitor him rather than letting him roam free, isn''t it? You can rely on me for that."

    "No, thanks. I couldn''t care less about him, and this is too suspicious," Li Junjie said skeptically.

    "Come one, give me more credits. I said what I said, but emptying a spot at short notice wasn''t an easy task either, you know?"

    "So you admitted that you have been prepared for it beforehand?"

    "I didn''t say such a thing. Yes, the period is short, and it was difficult to arrange, but not impossible. I don''t have to know it beforehand to make this happen. In fact, I only thought about helping you back then, so I ignored how troublesome it was."

    Li Caiyi could tell he was trying to avoid the topic, so she asked, "Brother Renshu, why did you offer such a deal to our father? Is the situation that bad that you have to offer such an enormous deal to him?"

    "Because why not?" Meng Renshu shrugged his shoulders.

    "After hearing about your n, I can already guess it won''t work out well. You can''t win a negotiation by only giving a whip to your opponent because they''ll demand a carrot. Unless you are an excellent negotiator, of course. And we all know that both you or Junjie aren''t the best conversationalists here."

    The Li siblings couldn''t refute thest sentence because he was telling the truth.

    Meng Renshu nodded in satisfaction seeing the two people in front of him silently agree with him. "I was only doing what I thought was the best way out for everyone. To do that, losing some energy to find a spot for your father was worth the trouble."

    "I see," Li Junjie said. "Well, I admit I was kind of too rash then. My mind was busy thinking about how I could make him listen to me rather than resolve this by negotiation. I thought the option for that was non-existent."

    "You aren''t wrong, actually. It''s just you miscalcte a few things. Cornered animals are the most dangerous. You can pressure a person but never corner them without preparation. If you ignore this rule, then be prepared to be bitten."

    Li Caiyi only sat there and listened, but she felt like she had learned a lot.

    Meng Renshu barely showed her the other side of him except the gentle and ruthless side, so seeing him talking about this awed her. He had yet to turn 20, but he already had a mature look into things.

    This might be why he was the only one who could keep up with her brother. Her brother was a book genius, but Meng Renshu was a genius who also had a high EQ.

    However, she kept getting a weird feeling whenever he showed his cynical way of thinking.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother Renshu, are you okay?"

    Meng Renshu''s brows raised in confusion. "Are you talking about my leg?"

    "No, it''s just, I feel like asking that." Li Caiyi noticed that her question was strange, so she shook her head. "Nevermind. Forget I said anything."

    Meng Renshu stared at Li Caiyi deeply. A knowing smirk adorned his face for a second before it reverted to his original smile.

    "Now that I have exined how and why I did it, it should have answered your questions."

    "Wait, in the end, what kind of position did you offer to him?" Li Junjie asked him again.

    "Junjie, you really don''t know when to stop. Is this my interrogation session or something?"

    "What do you mean? Brother Jie, you didn''t know even if you were in the same room as them?"

    "I didn''t because Renshu only shoved a piece of paper to Father, and after that, he obediently signed it."

    Li Caiyi shifted her gaze to Meng Renshu again, demanding his exnation. Meng Renshu sighed.

    "Do you have to know that too? Fine, I assigned him as one of the researchers in our centralb. It was the most confidential and hid various kinds of information regarding new types of medicine. This is like a dream job for those who have dedicated themselves to the medical world, so I know he will agree if I prepare that position for him."

    "To even go so far, what if our father messed up in yourpany''sboratory?"

    Meng Renshu shrugged. "Then that''s his problem. I can promote him, but I can also demote him if I want to."

    Li Junjie squinted his eyes suspiciously, looking dissatisfied with his answer. Meng Renshu groaned in exasperation.

    "What now? I have told you everything truthfully."

    "Yeah, and that''s why it''s suspicious. Normally it isn''t so easy to force you to talk like this."

    "Junjie, you are really mean, you know that?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t pay attention to the rest of their bickering and thought deeply. Although Meng Renshu''s exnation was totally reasonable, there was indeed something about it that felt off. She just couldn''t point out what that was.

    However, the most obvious thing she learned from this conversation was that she couldn''t tell what kind of memory he had regained.

 Chapter 290 You Lost A Father Today

    Was it something even she wasn''t aware of? Meng Renshu lived longer than her, so what he remembered was probably something that happened after her death. If that was the case, then even if he told her about it, there was no guarantee he was telling the truth or not.

    Forget about confirming; Li Caiyi didn''t know where to begin now. She still wanted to keep her past life memory secret from anyone if she could help it, but Meng Renshu was the only exception.

    "Anyway, that''s that, guys. Let''s hope your father does his worst so he can get kicked out of theboratory immediately."

    "No, we don''t particrly care about him anymore. As long as he leaves our life for good, he can do anything as he pleases. Isn''t that right, Xiaoyi?"

    "Huh? Oh, yeah." Li Caiyi answered in a fluster.

    "What are you zoning out for?"

    "Haha, nothing." Li Caiyiughed awkwardly. "Then, when will the divorce finally be settled?"

    "Tomorrow, I guess?"

    "I see. So starting from tomorrow, Father will really have no rtion with us anymore."

    "Yeah. Although the blood rtionship can''t be severed, he is just another adult in our life. You can write as much as you like now without being restrained."

    Li Junjie''s words brought a smile to Li Caiyi''s lips. She knew it was his attempt tofort her, and as awkward as it sounded, she was happy to hear it.

    "I''m happy if that''s the case."

    Meng Renshu listened to the siblings'' conversation and chuckled. "In a way, this disaster has brought the two of you closer. All''s well that ends well, I guess?"

    "If you don''t speak, no one will think of you as a mute."

    ? "There he is, denying it again. Just admit it already."

    Li Caiyi agreed with Meng Renshu''s opinion. The years of suffering under their father''s tyranny couldn''t be forgotten quickly. Still, in the end, they needed to put it in the past and move on.

    Now that she had another chance to relive her life, she would live for herself. She would never repeat the same sad ending she had in her previous life.

    ***

    It was a roller coaster ride of emotion and hard work, but the day finally came. Early in the morning, she received a message from Li Chunhua, informing her that Su Suyin had left for the Bureau of Civil Affairs toplete their divorce settlement.

    Because both parties chose to divorce peacefully, the procedure was rtively fast and straightforward. By lunch break, Su Suyin sent the same message to all her children.

    [I''m sorry, you guys have lost a father today].

    For Li Caiyi, he had never experienced fatherly love from Li Jirong, so it wouldn''t make any difference if she lost it or not, but she still replied with a fewforting lines to her mother. After all, Su Suyin was the only person with fond memories of Li Jirong.

    [Mother, thank you for being strong for us. Everything will get better from now on.]

    Her rtionship with Su Suyin had yet to grow into a close mother-daughter rtionship. Or perhaps their rtionship would remain lukewarm forever. Li Caiyi couldn''t hate herpletely, nor could she like her as she used to in the past.

    "This is for the best," Li Caiyi mumbled before returning her phone to her pocket.<sub> </sub>

    Li Jirong finally left their life, and Li Caiyi most probably had already found Shen Qiang. She was pretty content with her current life, but the promise she said to Dai Zhiqiang yesterday held true.

    She wanted to reach another level of herself she had yet to explore. Her book should be published around this week, and she would see how far ahead was that dream for her.

    "Should I ask Shao Jingfei about it?"

    Li Caiyi thought about it for a moment butter dissuaded herself from doing so. If there was any recent news about her book, Shao Jingfei woulde running by himself.

    The only thing she could do now was work hard on her study and writing. She desperately wanted to improve herself and not be called useless again.

    "Let''se up with a new story!" Li Caiyi nodded enthusiastically before pulling out her notebook from her desk drawer and jotting down a few main ideas.

    While writing, she opened the page where she used to write about information she knew about Shen Qiang. With a longing smile on her face, she added a new point below everything:

    [Shen Qiang is probably Dai Zhiqiang. You love him so much, so never forget him].

    "Oh!"

    Li Caiyi eximed when a fresh new idea entered her head. Ignoring the teacher''s exnation of the historical event, Li Caiyi wrote a prologue for hertest story. She might need to show Shao Jingfei this and ask for his opinion.

    It just happened that she would have a meeting with himter, after all.

    ***

    Dai Shenqiang looked at his surroundings and his phone screen alternately before finally stopping in front of a building that looked pretty old.

    "Is it here?" He looked down at the map on his phone before concluding he was standing in front of the correct location.

    "But why is this ce so eerily quiet? There''s no way Caiyi will give me the wrong address unless she made a mistake?"

    He walked back and forth while trying to peek inside through the front ss. There was no one inside, so Dai Shenqiang felt even more skeptical about this ce now.

    "Well, at least it looks pretty tidy. Itcks human presence, though." Hemented. "It looks like a cafe or something?"

    Dai Shenqiang was about to call Li Caiyi''s number when he felt something rubbing his legs. He yelped in surprise before looking down to see what touched his leg.

    "What? It''s just a cat?" Dai Shenqiang breathed a sigh of relief before picking up the gray tabby cat beside his leg with a big smile. "Where did youe from? Are you this ce''s cat? Or are you a wildcat?"

    The cat meowed as a response, and Dai Shenqiang melted when it busily brushed its face. "Well, if you have nowhere to go, I don''t mind adopting you."

    Then a chuckle came from behind him. "Unfortunately, that one is already taken."

    Dai Shenqiang jerked his body around, and his gaze fell on a guy around his age, who wore an old apron and holding a bucket in one hand. He had piercings in his ears, and his nails were painted ck.

    "Wee to our cafe," Shao Jingfei smiled widely.

 Chapter 291 Evaluation Day (1)

    Shao Jingfei walked over after putting down his bucket and gave the cat a pat on the head. "How did youe out again? You really don''t know when to behave."

    The cat leaned his head more to his touch before struggling to get out of Dai Shenqiang''s hold.

    "Oops!" Dai Shenqiang eximed when the tabby cat jumped off his hand and walked off somewhere.

    "Is that your cat?" Dai Shenqiang asked Shao Jingfei. "Is it okay not to chase after it?"

    "It will be fine. That one is adventurous, so it will slip out once and twice a day, even if I have already locked every door and window. It''lle back when he is hungry."

    "Uhm, are you working here? I actually made a promise with my friend to meet up here, but it doesn''t seem the cafe is open yet?"

    "Haha, no, it''s already open," Shao Jingfei picked up his bucket, walked towards the door, and easily pulled it open. "We are open for business now. Come and check out our cafe."

    Dai Shenqiang felt more convinced now he saw the staff of this ce. He trudged inside and had to admit that it looked more decentpared to how it looked outside. Not only that, but he quickly noticed a few cats poking out their heads from behind furniture inside.

    "This is a cat cafe?"

    "Well, the sign outside pretty much had said it, but yes, it''s a cat cafe."

    Dai Shenqiang quickly covered his insolent mouth. "Sorry, I didn''t pay attention."

    Shao Jingfeiughed lightly, "No problem. We rarely have customers because we are on a secluded alley, so if you notice it right away, then you have good eyes."

    Dai Shenqiang didn''t know how to respond because this staff practically dissed the ce where he worked, so he gave him a polite nod. "I like cats, so I feelfortable here."

    "d you like it. Have a seat first. Let me fetch the menu for you."

    Dai Shenqiang took a seat while Shao Jingfei put down the menu in front of him. He quickly scanned it and ordered a ss of ice lemonade and a chocte cake. Shao Jingfei took his order and left to prepare it.

    Left with nothing to do, Dai Shenqiang felt restless as he waited alone. He carefully took out a file from his bag and examined the contents once again to calm his nerves.

    It was the first manhwa he drew. Although he felt satisfied with the result, he wasn''t sure if Li Caiyi''s editor would find it satisfying. The theme that he and Li Caiyi chose was a brief chapter about two cultivators who fought at the end of the world.

    Li Caiyi did an excellent job by adding a revenge theme to the plot to make it more gripping, but Dai Shenqiang didn''t know if his drawing could match her quality writing.

    So far, he didn''t hear anyint from Li Caiyi, but knowing her, she probably just held herself back for his sake.

    That was why Dai Shenqiang was very nervous right now.

    A bell chiming sound came from the door, and Li Caiyi entered the cafe with a bag of groceries in her arms. She noticed Dai Shenqiang immediately and smiled at him.

    "You are already here? You are very early."

    Dai Shenqiang''s shoulders loosened at seeing Li Caiyi. He was confused about why she came in with groceries in her arms. After all, this was supposed to be an important meeting with her editor. Yet, she dressed casually and was almost sloppy even.<sub> </sub>

    "Did you juste back from shopping?" Dai Shenqiang couldn''t help but ask.

    "Ah? Yes. We didn''t have many chances to do it these days because of mid-term exams, so now the shopping list is piling up."

    "Why don''t you ask your family member to do it for you?"

    Li Caiyi needed to stop for a second before the realization hit her. "Ah, yes. You haven''t heard about it yet. I''m living here temporarily, so I kind of take on the shopping chores for myself to help out."

    "What? You did?" Dai Shenqiang''s eyes widened in surprise. "Why would you live here instead of in your own house?"

    "Well, many things happened, so I need to take refuge here momentarily, but nothing so serious you have to be worried about."

    Dai Shenqiang narrowed his eyes suspiciously, but he didn''t press the issue further. "Is that why you rmended this ce as our meeting ce?"

    "Yup, it would be more convenient that way."

    "I knew it. Since you are chummy with the editor, I guess it doesn''t matter if you show up like this. But tell me, is he a strict person? What kind of person is he?"

    His question dumbfounded Li Caiyi. "Huh? Didn''t you meet him when you came into this cafe?"

    "No, I didn''t meet him."

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "Strange. He should be here already, or did he step out for a moment?"

    "I''m sorry to keep you waiting. Here is your order."

    Shao Jingfei carried a tray with Dai Shenqiang''s order on top of it. He carefully put them on top of the table before shifting his gaze to Li Caiyi. "That''s a lot of things you got there. I already told you we should have gone together."

    "It''s no problem at all. This is the least I can do to help you," Li Caiyi replied. Then she stared at Dai Shenqiang with an amused grin. "Trying to lie to me? Is this payback for the other day?"

    "Huh? What are you talking about? When did I lie?" Dai Shenqiang asked in confusion, prompting a confused look from Li Caiyi.

    "But how can you make an order if you didn''t meet him first?"

    Dai Shenqiang couldn''tprehend what Li Caiyi talked about for a few seconds. He quickly connected the dots and arrived at a conclusion.

    "Ah! Don''t tell me¨C" Dai Shenqiang looked at Shao Jingfei with mouth agape, promptingughter from Shao Jingfei''s mouth.

    "You are really mischievous. See how you confused him?" Li Caiyi said without reprimand in her tone because she also tried to hold back herughter.

    Dai Shenqiang always had an image that Li Caiyi''s editor would be someone mature wearing a suit or something. However, the reality couldn''t be more far-fetched, so it left him speechless.

    "Alright, I will stop ying around now." Shao Jingfei stoppedughing and offered his hand for a handshake to Dai Shenqiang. "My name is Shao Jingfei, an editor from Glorious Dayspany and Li Caiyi''s editor. Pleased to meet you."

 Chapter 292 Evaluation Day (2)

    After the awkward introduction, the three were finally seated, with Li Caiyi sitting beside Dai Shenqiang and Shao Jingfei sitting across from them. To be fair, Shao Jingfei was pretty carefree andid-back, and only Dai Shenqiang was the nervous wreck.

    "Don''t be so tense. I''m in the same year as Caiyi, so no need to be so stiff with me." Shao Jingfei said lightly. "You haven''t even touched the cake I made."

    "Oh! I''m sorry!" Out of reflex, Dai Shenqiang spoke formally, making Shao Jingfeiugh again.

    "When I heard from Caiyi, I didn''t believe it at first, but you are very different from your brother."

    "Y-you know my brother?"

    "Well, not personally, but he has been the unbeatable top-ranking student in our year for two consecutive years. It will be weird if I don''t know him."

    "Is that so? My brother is indeed amazing," Dai Shenqiang''s tone eased up a lot at the mention of his brother.

    "I might be young, but I''m very strict with my job. Professional is my middle name, so expect some criticism if I see something that can be improved."

    Dai Shenqiang straightened his back. "Y-yes! Looking forward to receiving your advice!"

    Shao Jingfei and Li Caiyi shared a dumbfounded look before they burst outughing.

    "Man, he is hrious!" Shao Jingfei said in the middle of hisughter.

    "Stop it. You will only make him even more nervous, pfft!"

    Dai Shenqiang''s face heated in embarrassment. He couldn''t calm down and identally made a fool out of himself.

    Shao Jingfei wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes after he had his fill ofughter.

    "Okay, putting the joking aside, can I see your work now? The one you made together with Caiyi?"

    Dai Shenqiang flinched before he swallowed his saliva nervously. "Yes, I have it here with me."

    "Show me?" Shao Jingfei opened his hand, and Dai Shenqiang put the file in his hand. He waited with bated breath as Shao Jingfei pulled a stack of paper from inside it and read it at fantastic speed.

    He finished reading everything within two minutes. Dai Shenqiang couldn''t help but admire him. His facial expression changed from a goofy guy into a professional working instantly.

    "I have read it. First of all, the story is interesting, and you also draw well."

    Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang smiled at each other at the positivement until they heard his following sentence.

    "But there is nothing extraordinary about this. It doesn''t grab my attention at all."

    Dai Shenqiang felt his blood turn cold at the sharpment. Shao Jingfei put down the manuscript in his hand before heaving a deep sigh.

    "I know this will happen somewhat. But I thought it''s not bad to give you guys a chance. It turns out the same as I expected, after all."<sub> </sub>

    "Can you tell us what''s wrong with it?"

    "Frankly speaking, it didn''t mesh together. There are a lot of instances where the perspective of your drawing is too monotone and doesn''t disy the sequence of events well. Your drawing style also isn''t suitable for this. It can''t keep up with the story Caiyi had written."

    Disappointed by the response he got, Dai Shenqiang tried his best not to let it show on his face before asking again, "Then, what should I do about it?"

    "Either you change your drawing style altogether, or you ask other people to make the story for you. I''ll be blunt here. At this rate, you''ll only drag Caiyi down."

    "Jingfeiˇ­" Li Caiyi called out to him with an unsure expression.

    "I told you, right? I''m a professional. When it is due, I will give apliment, but if not, it is what it is. Don''t take it personally to heart, but it will never make it big, even if you can gain some readers using this. I don''t see any reason to invest in something that has no chance of being popr."

    Faced with Shao Jingfei''s straightforward response, Li Caiyi could only bite her lips before looking to her side hesitantly. She knew Shao Jingfei would never evaluate their works unfairly, but she wondered if Dai Shenqiang could take the harsh criticism.

    ''What if it blew Shenqiang''s confidence? I wonder if I shouldfort him?'' Li Caiyi''s thoughts went awry inside.

    To her surprise, Dai Shenqiang took a deep breath before he raised his head. "I understand. Can you tell me anything you find unsatisfactory in this manuscript? I''m sure you still have a lot to say about it."

    Shao Jingfei''s brows raised slightly at his question. The corner of his lips curved up in amusement before saying, "Sure, but let me warn you, my critics can be harsh."

    "I get it just from your ''brief''ment earlier. I want to hear everything and carve it in my mind."

    "At least you got determination," Shao Jingfei smiled before pointing out a mistake in one of the panels.

    His exnation was clear, and there was no room left unexined. Dai Shenqiang even took out a note to jot down Shao Jingfei''s critics and advice.

    Li Caiyi was left to watch their conversation in silence. Since they were talking so seriously, she found it hard to intervene. Fortunately, Dai Shenqiang wasn''t poorly affected by the criticism and listened earnestly to Shao Jingfei''s words.

    She nced at Shao Jingfei and couldn''t help but admire him once again. It was amazing how he could point out everything and even suggest some advice to improve it. Although Li Caiyi was still skeptical about his family, at least she knew that the Shao family was wise to not let go of such a talent.

    They were so into it they didn''t notice Li Caiyi left her seat to refill their empty sses with more drinks.

    It took about an hour before Shao Jingfei finally emptied his ss again.

    "I think that''s all I can point out for now. My stand remains strong. Your drawing style is not suitable for a manhwa. It will better suit something else, rather than this. That is if you want to be popr as soon as you can."

    "I see. But changing my drawing style will take a lot of time and effort."

    "That''s why I said it will be better for you to start with something else. To make manhwa, you''ll need a simpler and creative point of view to depict the scene, which is something the current you don''t have."

    "What do you suggest me to do, then?"

    Shao Jingfei folded his hand in front of his chest while pondering thoughtfully. "If I can suggest something to you, I''d say your art style is more suitable for an illustration, like a fairy tale book illustration."

 Chapter 293 Another Offer

    "Aˇ­fairy tale book?" Dai Shenqiang echoed his words with a confused look. He had stopped reading those at kindergarten, so mentioning it left a taste of unfamiliarity on his tongue.

    "Yes, I know a person who has a simr art style. He drew children''s book illustrations asionally as a hobby. I think you will also have a greater chance of that rather than continuing with this."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes brightened at hearing that. "Jingfei, from your way of speaking, do you feel like Shenqiang''s art has some chance?"

    Shao Jingfei nodded. "The manuscript is mediocre at best, but I actually see some potential in his art. Both of you will fare much better if you work separately, at least for now. Learn more by writing and drawing more, then when your skill has improved, maybe you can start doing co-project again."

    Li Caiyi''s smile was brimming with happiness as she looked at Dai Shenqiang. "Isn''t that great? If Jingfei is the one who said it, then there''s no mistaking it! Shenqiang, why don''t you give it a chance?"

    Dai Shenqiang hummed unconfidently, so Shao Jingfei added some pieces. "If you are interested, I can refer your drawing to that acquaintance of mine and see his opinion on this. He is an experienced one, so I can vouch for the authenticity of his words."

    "No, it''s not like I don''t trust you or anything. It''s just this is too sudden, and I need time to think about it."

    "Ah, so you are the same type as Caiyi. I understand. Then take your time to think about it. If you are interested, then contact me." Shao Jingfei said before pulling out a business card from his apron''s front pocket.

    Li Caiyi wondered if he had prepared such things before this talk but decided not toment about it.

    Dai Shenqiang received the card with both hands, and his expression had eased a lot. "Thank you. I was really nervous before, so I can''t properly say it, but I think you are really amazing to be able to do a great job at such a young age."

    "Hm? No, I''m just apany ve. There''s nothing amazing about it." Shao Jingfei waved his hand lightly.

    "No, I respect you so much! If Iter be interested, is there a chance you can be my editor too?"

    Li Caiyi could see the invisible ears and tails moving around excitedly as Dai Shenqiang looked at Shao Jingfei, full of admiration. However, Shao Jingfei didn''t seem too pleased by it.

    "Eh, I appreciate it, but I would rather girls admire me, not guys."

    "Well, can you be my editor too?!"

    "I am technically working for a different department, so I can''t say for sure." Shao Jingfei said as he averted his gaze from Dai Shenqiang''s passionate one.

    Li Caiyi giggled at their interaction. "Isn''t that good? You found yourself a fan now?"

    "Like I said, I will respectfully decline a guy fan. I only ept a girl fan." Shao Jingfei replied.

    "Don''t say that. I think you are the third man I respect after my brother and father."

    "Too heavy," Shao Jingfei grimaced before clearing his throat awkwardly. "I think we can wrap up our meeting here if there''s no other question. Ah, of course, you don''t need any more words from me, Caiyi. Since you have heard it enough on a daily basis."

    ? "Yeah," Li Caiyi nodded weakly, recalling the times when Shao Jingfei would remind her to write a new book at least thrice a day.

    "Thank you so much for your input. I''ll contact you as soon as possible." Dai Shenqiang rose from his seat. "Thanks for you too, Caiyi. I''m sorry we can''t get through the evaluation because of my inadequate skill."<sub> </sub>

    "No. What are you talking about? It''s because I can''te up with a suitable story at our level, so it''s partially my fault, too."

    "Guys, if you apologize to each other like that, I''ll feel bad too for evaluating your works so lowly." Shao Jingfei said. "On second thought, I regret nothing. Just work hard and improve for now, and bring a better manuscript for me to see. Impress me."

    "Yes! Then I will take my leave now." Dai Shenqiang bowed slightly at Shao Jingfei.

    "Let me see you off." Li Caiyi also stood up before following him to the entrance.

    Outside of the cafe, Li Caiyi carefully asked him, "Shenqiang, are you really fine?"

    "Yes. On the contrary, it was refreshing to see a person''s genuine opinion for once. I have never shown anyone my art before, except you and my family. And it''s not like Brother Shao said that to be mean. He had a very reasonable exnation behind his critics, and I learned a lot of things just from talking with him."

    Li Caiyi observed Dai Shenqiang''s very bright expression, devoid of any dissatisfaction, and heaved a sigh of relief.

    "I''m d you think that way. It''s a shame, though. You must have spent a lot of time drawing that manuscript."

    "And I bet you must have spent a lot of time making the storyline, too."

    "That''s different. I only wrote a few lines, but drawing a panel can take a few hours."

    "Haha, you''re right, but don''t worry. It''s all worth the effort if I can listen to some good advice in exchange. My eyes are wide open now. Caiyi, as Brother Shao said, both of us need to learn a lot before we can start making our project work. Let''s do another project like this once we are more experienced if that''s okay with you."

    "Of course, I''m down for it!" Li Caiyi nodded enthusiastically.

    "Great! Don''t reject me when you be famouster!"

    Li Caiyi guffawed at his joke. "I should say the same to you."

    "Anyway, my brother looked delighted when he came home yesterday. Do you happen to know what happened to him?" Dai Shenqiang asked curiously.

    Li Caiyi blushed a little when she recalled their kiss yesterday. Looking at how expectant Dai Shenqiang was to listen to her answer, she coughed before answering.

    "I do not know what you are talking about. If your brother is happy, then ask him. Why are you asking me?"

    Dai Shenqiang smiled knowingly. "If we''re talking about my brother, I can count most things that could make him happy using one hand. I was just asking casually, but I guess my hunch is correct. Should I call you sister-inw from now on?"

    "Y¨Cyou kid!" Li Caiyi red at Dai Shenqiang in embarrassment, but thetter made his escape before she could do anything to him.

    "Haha, this is indeed good news! See youter, my soon-to-be-sister-inw!" Dai Shenqiang stuck his tongue out before running away.

    "Shenqiang! Get back here!"

 Chapter 294 The Exam Result

    "I''m doomed." Chen Run said gloomily as she pulled her long hair to cover her face.

    "No, you are doing fine, Lan Lan," Zhou Ya patted her back while looking up at the ranking list pasted on the announcement board in front of them.

    "I''m sorry, everyone. I think I will not make it, after all."

    Feng Nian clicked her tongue. "This is only a midterm result. You still have the end-term exam to make up for it."

    "Even so, I''m 98 out of 278 students. Forget about ss A; I might not be able to reach ss B at this rate. I will be the only one with a separate ss from you guys." Chen Run said weakly. "I hate this, waah."

    Zhou Ya sighed. "We still have three months before the next term starts. If we study together regrly from now on, you''ll make it."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "That''s a good idea!"

    "No! What about my movies, then? I have a lot of backlogs because I have been busy studying these days. I have to watch them!"

    "You are seriously troublesome." Feng Nian massaged her throbbing temple.

    "Easy for you to say. You three are in the top 50. A very different ss than a meremoner like me," Chen Run pouted before shifting her aggrieved gaze to Li Caiyi, "Especially Caiyi. She is the third in our ss and 28th in the overall ranking. Compared to her, I''m just a peasant!"

    "Calm down, you peasant. You can level up easily if you just shift your focus on movies to study instead." Feng Nian chided in half irritation and amusement.

    "This is where you are supposed to deny that I''m in a lower ss than you all. How mean."

    Zhou Ya sighed in exasperation before looking at the giggling Li Caiyi. "But seriously, I''m amazed you can improve so much in a short time. All that studying really paid off, I guess?"

    "Yeah, I''m surprised too. I have never reached this high, even in my previousˇŞI mean, in my whole life."

    "Unlike someone else, you have been diligently studying in your free time and even spent time in the library after school. You deserved it, Caiyi."

    "Uhm, Ya Ya? Can''t you praise me too? I''m dying here." Chen Run poked Zhou Ya''s shoulder, which thetter conveniently ignored.

    "Now, what should we do after this? Should we celebrate by going to the ice cream parlor again after a long time?"

    "Oh, I''m sorry, guys. I don''t think I can make it today." Li Caiyi scratched her cheek embarrassedly.

    "Why? Do you have any other ns already?"

    "Well, yes."

    Feng Nian leaned in to check on Li Caiyi''s expression, and a knowing smirk appeared on her face. "Let me guess, a date?"

    Zhou Ya and Chen Run immediately perked up and stared at Li Caiyi with brightened eyes, expecting a reply. Pressured by her friend''s hopeful gaze, Li Caiyi answered reluctantly.

    "Y-yes, I guess so?"<sub> </sub>

    "I knew it!"

    "A date with Dai Zhiqiang? That''s so romantic!"

    "When did the two of you get into that phase? Spill the tea!"

    Their reactions overwhelmed her, and she quickly raised both of her hands to calm them down. "No, I will only apany him to buy some presents for his family. After that, we will visit his sick father in the hospital."

    "What? He already reached the level where he would introduce you to his parents? Wow, I never knew that a guy could move so fast." Chen Run eximed in awe.

    "You guys looked like a cozy couple, but who knows how passionate you are?" Feng Nian said sarcastically.

    Only Zhou Ya, who rtively had a milder reaction. "Oh my god! That''s so cute! What kind of gift do you have in mind?"

    "Hm, I don''t know. Zhiqiang said he wanted to buy something nice for them, but I don''t know their preferences."

    "Is his dad very ill? If yes, then perhaps a gift that will help him pass the time will be a good idea," Feng Nian added after contemting.

    Li Caiyi also considered that option, but in the end, it was Dai Zhiqiang who knew his father best, so she would consult this idea with himter. "En, I''ll think about it."

    "But you two really went chummy with each other fast. I bet almost all girls in this school were burned with jealousy towards you." Chen Run folded her arms in front of her chest. "Even yesterday, some upper-ss girls went to ss 2-A to check on our school''s new star. I heard they were chased away ruthlessly, though."

    "And that new star is treating our friend gently. In fact, he talked more with Caiyi than anyone else in the school, so I''m pretty sure some will be very jealous," Zhou Ya nodded in agreement.

    "Even if Dai Zhiqiang is popr, he became popr only recently. Thankfully, he still didn''t have any fanatic fans yet. Compared to Senior Meng''s hardcore fans, he is a safer choice, I guess."

    Feng Nian snorted at Chen Run''s analysis. "Why are youparing them with their fanbase? In the end, our Caiyi chose Zhiqiang, and that''s that."

    "I''m d Caiyi can finally have her springtime of youth, but I wonder what you are going to do about Senior Meng? Despite the rumor circting, he seems very determined to chase after you." Zhou Ya asked carefully.

    "There''s nothing I can do," Li Caiyi sighed. "Even if I rejected him, he would stille back like a ghost. And he actually helped me a lot, so this makes me feel guilty too."

    "Just make sure you tell us if anyonees to harass you again. If only you told me about it, I would go and pick a fight with them." Chen Run cracked her knuckles like a gangster.

    "True. Those delusional girls won''t understand humannguage, so it''s better to teach their body directly," Feng Nian added with a dark smile.

    Meanwhile, Zhou Ya could only shake her head helplessly. "No, that''s a bad idea, you guys. Don''t add more trouble to Caiyi''s te."

    Although she agreed with Zhou Ya, Li Caiyi felt warm inside, knowing her friends cared so much about her.

    As strange as it sounds, Li Caiyi initially thought people wouldn''t take her closeness to Dai Zhiqiang kindly. After traumatic experiences with some of Meng Renshu''s fans, Li Caiyi was highly vignt about everything now.

    However, she might be worrying unnecessarily because nobody expressed their dissatisfaction with her except for giving her snarkyments once or twice. That alone was enough to give her more space to breathe.

 Chapter 295 First Date (1)

    The only thing she had in mind right now was regarding Meng Renshu. When he went to school relying on the crux to support his injured legs, everyone was shocked. Well, to be precise, his fans were the ones who got shocked.

    There weremotions in ss 3-A because everyone was curious about how he could get hurt. Li Caiyi didn''t want to invite more hostility by showing up there, considering her rumor with Meng Renshu. Apparently, Li Junjie chased all the noisy girls away.

    Of course, she kind of felt bad about it, so she would check on his condition from time to time via text or phone calls asionally.

    The contacts were out of obligation, but doing so made her feel weird because it felt like she was cheating behind Dai Zhiqiang''s back. Despite knowing that Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t officially her boyfriend yet. Hence, she tried to keep the contact as minimal as possible.

    It''s been three days since then, and Meng Renshu still used the crux every day. She was concerned, but at least she didn''t have to worry about him not having enough people to help him in his daily life.

    Li Caiyi was thinking of buying Su Suyin something nice too on this trip with Dai Zhiqiang. Hopefully, it would cheer her mother from officially bing a divorcee.

    <o>,m Feeling giddy about her ''date'' with Dai Zhiqiang today, she felt the school went significantly longer than usual. They promised each other to meet at the new cafe rmended on social media a lot. Li Caiyi found it with Zhou Ya''s help and told Dai Zhiqiang about it.</o>

    Li Caiyi jumped from her seat as soon as the bell rang and bade her goodbye to her friends. Then she went back to Shao Jingfei''s ce to prepare.

    It was still 3 hours before the promised time, but Li Caiyi wanted to take a bath and dolled herself prettily.

    This would be her first time outing with Dai Zhiqiang, after all. The first outing after they confessed their feelings to each other, and not a quick trip for grocery shopping like previously.

    Li Caiyi took a long shower, making sure to use a lot of shampoos with thevender fragrance he liked. She dried her hair and opened her wardrobe, only to find that most of the outing outfit she got was left behind in her room in the Li family''s house.

    "There''s no time to go back," Li Caiyi facepalmed and took out a few that looked somewhat decent.

    "Should I go in a skirt? Or go for a casual outfit with jeans?" Li Caiyi put the clothes in front of her body and stood in front of the mirror, feeling excited but also nervous at the same time.

    Come to think of it, she hadn''t asked Dai Zhiqiang yet about what kind of girl was his type. Would he prefer a feminine girl? Or would he rather like an outgoing and fun girl?

    "What should I do? I have got nothing to wear!" Li Caiyi scratched her hair and almost went panicky when she nced at the time and only an hour and a half left until the promised time.

    In the end, she snatched a feminine-looking cream-colored long skirt and sleeveless navy blue shirt.

    On her way back from school, she stopped by an essories vendor and bought a cheap but cute star-shaped ne, so she also put it on.

    Li Caiyi looked at her reflection in the mirror. The shirt was tucked inside her skirt, making her waist look smaller and her legs longer. Her fair arms looked glowing after she applied some lotions to them and contrasted with the sleeveless navy blue shirt. The ne and wristwatch gave her appearance a slight re.

    "Not bad," Li Caiyi muttered before opening her makeup bag and applying some to her face. "Only an hour left. I hope I won''t bete."

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi had mastered the art of quick makeup. Meng Renshu would asionally get invited to a party on short notice. Being his wife, Li Caiyi must always show her best self in a short minimum of time.

    By the time she checked on her wristwatch for the nth time, it was only thirty minutes left from the promised time.<sub> </sub>

    "Crap, I''m sote!" Li Caiyi eximed and didn''t bother to re-organize her messy room. She snatched her handbag and phone before storming out of the room in a rush.

    ***

    She arrived right on time. It was only three minutes before 3 PM when she checked the time.

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief when she didn''t glimpse Dai Zhiqiang anywhere around the perimeter. It seemed he had yet to arrive.

    "Phew, at least some time to take a breath." Li Caiyi was walking in front of the ss window of the cafe when she caught her reflection from the corner of her eyes.

    She just ran without thinking because she was in a rush, and now her perfectly organized hair was a tad messy. Li Caiyi quickly tried to neat it down again by using her hand.

    "Ugh, I shouldn''t have let down my hair today," Li Caiyi regretted her choice as shebed her hair with her fingers.

    "Why? You look pretty."

    "Eeek!"

    Li Caiyi''s soul almost left her body when she heard a familiar voice from behind her. Out of surprise, she let out a weird yelp, causing a few pedestrians to look at her weirdly.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "Did I surprise you? I''m sorry. I thought you could see my reflection in the ss window."

    Her heart skipped a beat when the person she had been waiting for finally stood in front of her.

    Li Caiyi was used to seeing him in uniform or in his work suit, but Dai Zhiqiang in the casual outfit was blinding, to say the least. He wore a white t-shirt with an unbuttoned ck shirt above it. The ck long pants and sneakers made him look like a cool teenage boy, and his subtle smirk added more to his charm.

    Li Caiyi was speechless and couldn''t utter a single word until Dai Zhiqiang approached her with a smile. "You don''t wear your sses today?"

    "Huh? Oh yeah. I took it off just for today," Li Caiyi tucked her hair behind her ears in fluster with this sudden proximity.

    "Are you going to be okay? I mean, don''t you need it to see?"

    "No, I''m okay. It''s actually a non-prescription sses."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled. "I see. You are cute when wearing sses, but your beauty stands out when you don''t wear them."

    He gripped her hand firmly in his, causing her heart to skip a beat.

    "I need to make sure this beauty will stick close to me."

 Chapter 296 First Date (2)

    The heat from his hand permeated through her skin and flowed to her whole body. He held her hand naturally like it was the most obvious thing to do.

    Dai Zhiqiang interlocked their fingers together, with his thumb lightly caressing the back of her hand. "Do you want to enter and eat something first? Or should we go shopping first?"

    "I-I''m not hungry, so we can shop first." Li Caiyi replied nervously.

    "Yeah, let''s shop first, then we can rx before heading to the hospital."

    "Y-yes."

    "Why are you so stiff? Just act like you usually do with me."

    The problem was that Li Caiyi couldn''t calm down. The more she tried not to think about it, the more nervous she became. And the more anxious she was, the more mmy her hand became. She wanted to retract her hand to wipe it, but he refused to loosen their intertwined hands.

    Li Caiyi just hoped he wouldn''t feel disgusted about her sweaty hand.

    "Are you even listening?"

    "Huh? Yes, I know, right?" Li Caiyiughed forcedly, causing a frown to form on the young man''s brows.

    "Did you feel ufortable? Your face is pale." Dai Zhiqiang pressed his palm to her forehead and felt it was slightly hot. "You are a bit warm. Do you want to sit for a while?"

    Li Caiyi fanned herself with her hand before replying. "No, I''m not feeling sick. It''s just that the weather is very hot today."

    "Do you want to drink something cold? I can buy it for you."

    "No, let''s just go shopping now."

    Dai Zhiqiang cast a skeptical look at her, "Tell me if you don''t feel well. You don''t have to force yourself."

    His concern made her happy, but how could she admit that walking beside him made her feel cold and warm inside?

    "Shall we take a look at things first? Unfortunately, I rarely go out like this, so I don''t know which ces are good to visit."

    Li Caiyi suppressed her urge to smile. Shen Qiang also said the same thing, so for that reason, she had prepared a few good ces to stop by beforehand. A date needed nning, especially on the first date!

    "There are a lot of interesting ces to check out in the mall. There is one that is pretty big near here. How about we look there first?"

    "Sure, I can go anywhere with you."

    Li Caiyi looked around to make sure no one heard that before ring at him. "Can you please not say embarrassing lines like that in the middle of the street? Are you a yboy?"

    Dumbfounded by her statement, Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised. "What makes you think that?"

    "You said you have never been interested in any woman, yet you seem very skillful in saying stuff like that."

    "Stuff like what?"

    "That''sˇ­" Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. It wasn''t so embarrassing when she was on the receiving end. But not when she was the one who had to say it.

    "You are really amazing. To be able to speak those lines, I respect you."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiangughed at how her impression changed one hundred and eighty degrees. "Nothing is amazing about it. I''m just saying what I thought and not feeling ashamed of it. For example, I noticed the fragrance on you is stronger than usual. Did you dress up for me?"

    "So what? There is nothing wrong with a girl dressing up for an outing."

    "Yes, but the fact that you did it for an outing with me put me in a good mood. I might say many embarrassing things today, so you''d better thicken your skin."

    Li Caiyi felt her cheeks heat up again. It was so easy for him to make her flustered.

    A word from him, and she would melt into a puddle of water. She hated how much she had fallen for him sometimes.

    "Let''s stop wasting time and start looking around instead."

    Li Caiyi hastened her steps but soon realized that she couldn''t move further because Dai Zhiqiang stayed rooted in his ce.

    "Are you embarrassed? How cute."

    "Zhiqiang, we need to hurry if we want to visit your father today," Li Caiyi said helplessly.

    "Before that, can you do something first? I''m actually pretty tired and need a charge of energy right now."

    Li Caiyi knew well what he meant by ''charging'', and she red at him with reddened cheeks. "Lies. We barely did anything. There''s no way you are feeling tired already."

    "But is it the truth? I can''t move a step if I don''t have any energy. If someone can give me a quick charge, then this will be a breeze for me."

    Currently, they were standing on the side of the street and surrounded by many people walking by. From his smirk, she knew he was teasing her again. He was so shameless and proud of it.

    "There are too many people here. Are you not ashamed at all?"

    "Why would I when I can brag that you are mine?"

    An invisible arrow strikes her heart again. Dai Zhiqiang''s straightforwardness would be the end of her sometimes.

    It wasn''t like she hated hearing romantic lines like that from him. Nevertheless, she wished he would say that when they were alone and not in the middle of a crowd.

    Observing her expression carefully, Dai Zhiqiang knew he was on the winning side again. A yful smirk crept up his lips as he opened his other arm wide. "Hurry up. The more you dilly dally, the more we will waste our time here."

    Li Caiyi looked at his tempting posture and almost couldn''t resist the urge to jump into his arms. She was very embarrassed, so she shut her eyes and mind before gingerly walking into his arms.

    Her heart beat furiously in her chest, especially when she could feel his elerated heartbeat when she put her hand on his chest.

    Before she could relish the moment to the fullest, Dai Zhiqiang had pushed her away gently, with a devilish smile on his lips. It took Li Caiyi aback, and she blinked her eyes dumbly.

    Lowering his head, he whispered into her ears.

    "I''ll save the rest forter. A bigger charge is needed, so it won''t end with just a hug. Are you happy?"

    Li Caiyi raised his hand and smacked him on the shoulder out of embarrassment. "You are the devil!"

    Dai Zhiqiang burst out inughter before tugging her hand to follow him. "Come, I want to be tired quickly so I can recharge fast."

 Chapter 297 First Date (3)

    Li Caiyi brought him to thergest hardware store in the mall. Dai Zhiqiang immediately darted his eyes around, browsing through the neat arrangements for products there.

    "Are you sure you want to buy him a shoulder massager?" Li Caiyi asked again.

    "Yeah. My father has to lie down for a long time in the hospital and can''t go outside for long. Heined that his shoulder often feels sore. I wonder if there is a massager for feet, too?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say. Of course, she thought that gift would be nice, but the question was, could Dai Zhiqiang afford it while he was still ridden by debt?

    Perhaps if they split the bill, then they could buy it somehow. Her savings would be gone instantly, but that was better than letting him spend all his money.

    It was just that she didn''t know how to talk about it to him. She would undoubtedly hurt his pride if she asked him that.

    A light flick on her forehead snapped her out of her thoughts. When she raised her head, Dai Zhiqiang looked down at her in confusion.

    "You are so easy to zone out like that. What''s in your mind? You are frowning."

    Li Caiyi rubbed the ce where he flicked. "Nothing. Just thinking if there are more interesting things here."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "You are a terrible liar. I bet you are concerned about how I can pay the massager, right?"

    Li Caiyi swallowed her saliva upon hearing his question. He hadpletely read her mind, so she hesitated no more and asked directly.

    "Are you sure you want to buy such an expensive gift? Don''t get me wrong, I''m just worried because of your family''s debt." Li Caiyi said in a small voice.

    "I understand what you mean. You don''t need to be so self-conscious about it." Dai Zhiqiang smiled. "And I have separate money to buy this gift. Believe it or not, my current job paid me very well. I can do at least this much."

    "Your job is to be a bodyguard, right?"

    "That''s right. A bodyguard."

    "How much did you get paid? Is it that high?" Li Caiyi asked again curiously.

    Dai Zhiqiang pressed his index finger to his lips. "That one is still a secret."

    Li Caiyi pouted in disappointment but knew better not to press further. "Do you have to even hide your ie from your work? Is your work that strict?"

    "Well, I technically got this job through connections, and it isn''t open for anybody. I don''t want to risk losing this well-paying job if I can help it."

    "Alright, then. I won''t pry anymore. But usually, a high-paying job also demands a lot from the worker. Are you really okay, Zhiqiang?"

    "Thanks for worrying, but it''s really fine. I got along fine with my colleague, and the job might be time-consuming and demanding, but not that difficult. Only need those with extra energy."

    Dai Zhiqiang could fight well. He was also strong and intelligent, so Li Caiyi doubted there was anything he couldn''t do once he put his mind to it.

    But that was also her primary concern. Because Dai Zhiqiang was so good in almost everything, she was worried he would go too far for his goal without caring about his own body. He was just that kind of person.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi clutched the end of his shirt, prompting him to look back at her. "What''s wrong?"

    "I-I will allow it."

    "What is?" Dai Zhiqiang tilted his head in confusion.

    "I mean the charging. You cane to me anytime when you feel tired and need charging. I''ll help you."

    The young man''s eyes slightly widened at her agreement. Usually, Li Caiyi would shrink in embarrassment after making an advance. However, this time she stared at him determinedly, like nothing could stop her from doing what she had decided. Not even him.

    "Even at midnight? Even when it rained outside?"

    Li Caiyi nodded decisively. "If you can''te to me, then I''lle to you."

    ''This is the only thing I can do for you, after all,'' Li Caiyi finished her sentence inwardly, feeling frustrated at her own powerlessness.

    "Why are you so eager to make me lose control of myself every time?" Dai Zhiqiang chuckled before he took some strands of her long hair and kissed it. "You are lucky we are in the public space right now. I''m not embarrassed, but I don''t want you to hate me for itter."

    "Wh-what are you trying to do?" Li Caiyi felt awkward having him ying with her hair like that.

    "Guess. What do you think I''m trying to do to you in my mind now?"

    A surge of heat crept up her face at his provocative words. He wasn''t smiling, and his eyes radiated some force that sent shivers down her spine.

    "W-we should start choosing which massager is good for your father," Li Caiyi quickly averted her eyes from him and raised her hand when she spotted a staff passing by.

    "Excuse me! We need your help, please!"

    Dai Zhiqiang almost couldn''t suppress herughter, seeing her flustered reaction. Teasing her would never get old.

    He liked to see her cheeks slowly turn crimson because of him. Today was especially hard for him to hold back, perhaps because he was so happy.

    There were times when he felt thankful for having a poker face. No one could tell what he was thinking, and it saved him from a lot of trouble.

    For example, when he first saw Li Caiyi in her feminine outfit today. She looked like a fairy with how her eyes sparkled and her skin glowed. The sses she always wore were cute, but seeing her without them made him fall for her again.

    If it weren''t for his self-control and his expressionless face, he would probably have made an embarrassment out of himself.

    He watched how Li Caiyi tried to distract her mind by talking to the staff, but the hue on her ears told him otherwise. It was easy to tell what she was thinking just from the subtle color and reaction from her.

    Or maybe it was because it''s her; he could guess it urately. Dai Zhiqiang looked at her fondly before finally walking over to her.

 Chapter 298 First Date (4)

    Around half an hourter, they left the store with their purchase. Li Caiyi bought a set of matching mugs for all members of her family, and Dai Zhiqiang bought a shoulder massager for Dai Bolin, just like he nned.

    "What about Shenqiang? Aren''t you going to buy something for him?"

    "Lately, he seems busy doing something. I will think about what I can give to himter. For now, this is enough."

    "I see. Then, shall we go to the hospital now?"

    "No, let''s eat first. I want to buy something delicious for my father as well."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Sure. I just happened to know a good ce."

    Dai Zhiqiang smoothly took the bag on Li Caiyi''s hand, then used his free hand to hold her hand. "I''ll go to any ce you rmended."

    His gentlemanly gesture moved her, and Li Caiyi interlocked their fingers together while smiling brightly, feeling extremely happy. "Yes, I assure you, you won''t regret it."

    They walked by chatting happily. It reminded Li Caiyi a lot of thest date she had in her previous life, and how fulfilling it waspared to anything else she had done with her life.

    Now she had the same man, just the younger version of him beside her. The warmth of his hand was proof that this moment was real, and Li Caiyi felt so full and content.

    "Oh yeah, just tell me if there is anything you don''t understand. Knowing you, you must have rarelye to ces like this."

    "Is that really obvious?" Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised in amazement.

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "You told me this before, did you forget about it?"

    "I am?" Dai Zhiqiang tilted his head unsurely. "Well, since you have said that, then it must be like that. I''ll take you up on your offer then. There are indeed a lot of interesting things here."

    The young man looked around curiously, and looked like a child who came to the toy store for the first time. It was cute of him, so Li Caiyi couldn''t help but sneakily took out her phone and snapped a picture. Thankfully, he didn''t seem to notice because he was too focused on the queue in front of a stall.

    She checked on the picture she just got and her smile deepened. Hopefully there would be a lot of moments where she could take pictures of him like this.

    "Caiyi, what is that thing being sold there? I smell something sweet." Dai Zhiqiang asked while pointing at a stall.

    "Yes, which one?" Li Caiyi quickly tapped the button on her screen, changing the wallpaper of her phone before she slipped it back into her bag.

    Around half an hourter, they left the store with their purchase. Li Caiyi bought a set of matching mugs for all family members, and Dai Zhiqiang bought a shoulder massager for Dai Bolin, just like he nned.

    "What about Shenqiang? Aren''t you going to buy something for him?"

    "Lately, he seems busy doing something. I will think about what I can give to himter. For now, this is enough."

    "I see. Then, shall we go to the hospital now?"

    "No, let''s eat first. I want to buy something delicious for my father as well."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Sure. I just happened to know a good ce."

    Dai Zhiqiang smoothly took the bag in Li Caiyi''s hand, then used his free hand to hold her hand. "I''ll go to any ce you rmend."

    His gentlemanly gesture moved her, and Li Caiyi interlocked their fingers together while smiling brightly, feeling extremely happy. "Yes, I assure you, you won''t regret it."

    They walked while chatting happily. It reminded Li Caiyi a lot of thest date she had in her previous life and how fulfilling it waspared to anything else she had done with her life.

    Now she had the same man, just the younger version beside her. The warmth of his hand was proof that this moment was real, and Li Caiyi felt so full and content.

    "Oh yeah, just tell me if there is anything you don''t understand. Knowing you, you must have rarelye to ces like this."

    "Is that really obvious?" Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised in amazement.

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "You told me this before. Did you forget about it?"

    "I am?" Dai Zhiqiang tilted his head unsurely. "Well, since you have said that, it must be like that. I''ll take you up on your offer then. There are indeed a lot of interesting things here."

    The young man looked around curiously and looked like a child who hade to the toy store for the first time. It was cute of him, so Li Caiyi sneakily took out her phone and snapped a picture. Thankfully, he didn''t seem to notice because he was too focused on the queue in front of a stall.

    She checked on the picture she had just got, and her smile deepened. Hopefully, there would be a lot of moments where she could take photos of him like this.<sub> </sub>

    "Caiyi, what is that thing being sold there? I smell something sweet." Dai Zhiqiang asked while pointing at a stall.

    "Yes, which one?"

    Li Caiyi quickly tapped the button on her screen, changing her phone''s wallpaper before she slipped it back into her bag.

    ***

    Li Caiyi took him to a rtively secluded hotpot restaurant with a thick chinese feeling. It wasn''t that famous, but Li Caiyi knew from her two life experiences that this restaurant would soon gain fame, just like the Zhou family''s Yueguang Noodle House.

    They took a seat at a table near the window and quickly made their order. After walking around to find a good present, both felt pretty hungry.

    "Zhiqiang, while waiting, let''s get to know each other better!" Li Caiyi said enthusiastically.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "Someone has a lot to ask, I see. Fine by me. What do you want to ask?"

    "I noticed you seem to have a peppermint smell on you. Is it because you are always with Shenqiang?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was astonished by her question. Out of all the questions he expected her to say, this one was definitely not one of them.

    "Did I smell like that?" Dai Zhiqiang tried to sniff himself from his hand. Still, the only thing he could smell was the lingering delicate and feminine smell of Li Caiyi''s hand, which distracted him for a few seconds.

    "Yes, you are."

    Li Caiyi wanted to hear if there was any reason behind it. "Peppermint smell" was noted in her notebook, but she hardly remembered anything about it.

    She wanted to test whether she could regain her memory if she learned the reason from the said person. Or would she forget it again when the timees?

    "Hmm, did you hate it?"

    "Ah? No, I didn''t hate it. It was just I''m curious."

    "As long as you don''t hate it, it''s good. I don''t really know about that since I can''t smell myself. But I did eat many mint candies and used mint-scented soap because of Shenqiang," Dai Zhiqiang put his finger on his chin as he contemted it.

    "I see. Shenqiang really likes his mints. Is there any particr reason why?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s expression turned serious and a tad gloomy hearing her question.

    "Do you want to hear the real reason?"

    Li Caiyi could sense that something serious must have happened, so she straightened her back before answering, "Yes, if you don''t mind telling me."

    "I''m pretty sure Shenqiang won''t mind if I tell you this, but still, keep it secret from him, okay?"

    Li Caiyi felt even more curious now, so she nodded.

    "It was actually our mother''s favorite smell." Dai Zhiqiang started with a calm tone, but various emotions lurked in his ck eyes.

    Li Caiyi clutched her skirt under the table before putting her hand on top of his. She wasn''t sure why she did that; she felt like doing it.

    Dai Zhiqiang felt much better when holding her hand, so he continued, "My mother has asthma, so peppermint essential oil helps a lot in decreasing the number of her episodes. I assume Shenqiang''s fondness for mint started from there."

    "I see," Li Caiyi said. "Did I make you remember something unpleasant? You don''t have to continue if you don''t want to."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled mirthlessly. "No, it''s okay. It''s just someone who is a part of our past. It happened long ago, and I''m over it already. However, I''m not sure about Shenqiang. That''s why I told you not to say this before him."

    "I understand. I will be careful."

    "From your face, I bet you are curious about what happened to our mother, right?"

    "Well, I would be lying if I said I''m not curious."

    "I will tell you about my family, so can you tell me more about your family? I have a feeling I barely know anything about you," Dai Zhiqiang caressed the back of her hand with his thumb, relishing the smooth surface of her skin.

    Li Caiyi smiled before nodding her head. "Yeah, let''s do that."

 Chapter 299 First Date (5)

    When Dai Zhiqiang was about to open his mouth, their order arrived. The staff arranged their order on the table before leaving. Li Caiyi helped him scoop some vegetables and meat from the hotpot into his bowl.

    They relished the savory and light taste of the broth and the softness of the meat. The vegetable was fresh and made a crunchy sound when chewed.

    Li Caiyi was pleasantly surprised to know that Dai Zhiqiang had a huge appetite. She was barely finished half of her bowl, but he had already asked for another rice bowl. It was worth it to find this restaurant branch on the inte beforehand.

    "And here I thought Yueguang made the best broth in the world," Dai Zhiqiang said before drinking the soup from his bowl.

    Li Caiyi giggled. "I also liked Yueguang''s noodle, particrly because of its rich soup, so I thought you must like it here too."

    "Yeah, thanks for showing me this ce. I might visit more often from now on because my father and Shenqiang probably will like it too."

    Seeing the wonderful smile on his face was enough to fill her hunger. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t notice it, but he smiled a lot whenever he talked about his family. It was cute, so she wouldn''t tell him about it, afraid that he would be self-conscious.

    "Yes, let''s pack some for them, too."

    "Why don''t you eat more? You are so small and thin; you need more meat in your body." Dai Zhiqiang said before transferring a lot of meat from the pot to her bowl.

    "Wait! I can''t eat that much!"

    "Just eat as much as you can. If you can''t finish it, I will finish itter."

    Li Caiyi pouted before saying jokingly. "I''m the type that will gain weight easily. And here I''m trying to restrain myself."

    "Why would you do that to your body? Don''t do that to the body I like so much."

    "Cough!"

    Li Caiyi choked on the soup she was drinking and coughed violently. She smacked her chest repeatedly with one hand and reached out for her ss of water with her other hand.

    Why did he have to say it like that? It was really unfair because she couldn''t take that line lightly. She had the memory of her previous life, which he hadn''t; that was why he could say that carelessly.

    ''Seriously. He didn''t even know other people''s feelings,'' Li Caiyi grumbled inwardly. Her cheeks felt hotter, and it definitely was not caused by the hotpot.

    "Are you okay? You should swallow slowly," Dai Zhiqiang said after her coughing fit subsided.

    "Whose fault do you think that is?" Li Caiyi red at him.

    "Are you thinking of something naughty? Hm, what are you thinking?" Dai Zhiqiang smirked provocatively.

    Li Caiyi''s mind automatically flew back to the steamy and sexy scenes of her and Shen Qiang and wanted to p her mouth for saying something unnecessary.

    She shook her head to chase away that thought before replying, "Nothing! Just finish your food. We don''t have much time left!"

    Dai Zhiqiangughed, seeing her flustered reaction prompting another re from her. He wiped the tears forming in the corner of his eyes and said, "There is never a boring moment when I''m with you."

    "I''m d my presence entertains you."<sub> </sub>

    "Hey, don''t sulk. What I said is the truth. I like you, so why wouldn''t I like your body? Don''t bully your body to please other people, including me."

    Li Caiyi sighed. "Zhiqiang, I was just joking earlier."

    "Is that so? Thank god if it was just a joke then. Treat your body with care."

    Li Caiyi harrumphed. "Says the person who kept working without taking care of his body."

    "We are built differently, and I eat a lot every day, so it doesn''t count."

    "Hmm, I assume your workce fed you many good things, then?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s corner of mouth twitched before answering, "It''s decent, but you can say that."

    After that, they continued eating while chatting, and they emptied the hotpot in no time at all. Dai Zhiqiang was really a boy in his growth. He ate a lot, leaving nothing to be left behind in the pot.

    He gulped a big mouthful of water before heaving a sigh of relief. "Oh yeah, our conversation before was interrupted because of the food. Shall we continue?"

    Li Caiyi, who was dabbing her mouth with a tissue, slowly lowered her hand. "Do you mean the conversation about your mother?"

    "Yeah, I thought it wasn''t appropriate to talk about that while eating, so I waited until we finished first."

    "Can you tell me now, then?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded with a serious expression on his face. "I wanted you to know, so I''ll tell you."

    He took a deep breath before exining. "My mother left us when I was in my third year of elementary school."

    Li Caiyi listened to his story silently and waited for him to continue his exnation. Dai Zhiqiang smiled before adding. "It was nothing unordinary. My mother couldn''t bear the harshness of living without having many things, so she left one day. I was the one who found the letter she left behind."

    "It was a day like any other. There was no sign that she would leave the house anytime soon because she was still smiling happily at us in the morning. But I guess we could never tell what a person truly feels inside. Behind that smile, who knows how much resentment she held for us?"

    Li Caiyi could hear the bitterness in his voice. Even if he said he was over it, some pain would still linger, and her heart ached for him.

    "Zhiqiang, it was all in the past now. You still have your father and Shenqiang. And me too, of course. We are real and will always stay by your side."

    Dai Zhiqiang let out a weak smile. "You''re right. I guess I wasn''t unaffected by it as I thought I would be. And it has been a few years since it happened. How pathetic."

    "No, that''s not true."

    "Caiyi, please don''tugh at me, even if I look pathetic."

    Li Caiyi frowned. "Why would you say that? There''s no way I would do that."

    "I don''t know anymore. Women always hide their true feelings deep inside. You won''t even know when they will get fed up with you and leave you behind. I''m scared that will happen again with you."

 Chapter 300 First Date (6)

    Listening to his story until now, Li Caiyi felt like she could finally see a glimpse of Dai Zhiqiang''s side he had been trying to hide until now. He looked like an imprable fortress, but he was actually insecure inside.

    What happened with his mother traumatized him so severely that he projected it on every woman he had met. He tried to keep his distance from them and created a safe space for himself. As long as he didn''t acknowledge their existence, they couldn''t hurt him.

    ''He is the same as me,'' Li Caiyimented inwardly.

    If it weren''t for her friends, who gave her confidence, and Shao Jingfei, who encouraged her to pursue her dream, she probably wouldn''t have the courage to go out of her bubble.

    "Zhiqiang, that''s not true. While there may be many things I can''t share with you, I''ll never leave you behind without words like that."

    Dai Zhiqiang let out a self-deprecatingugh. "I know that. I''m sorry, I don''t know what has gotten into me. Forget what I just said. I know you are not the same as my mother."

    Li Caiyi couldn''te up with any response. Sensing her difort, Dai Zhiqiang continued.

    "In her letter, it said that she found happiness in other ces, and she wanted to chase that happiness. My father refused to talk about it even now. I have a hunch of what kind of ''happiness'' she talked about." He snorted sinisterly.

    Even Li Caiyi had an idea of what was happening, let alone a clever child-like Dai Zhiqiang. From the bottom of her heart, she felt sympathetic for what he had been going through. It reminded her a lot of her family''s situation.

    "After my mother left the house, my father often came homete. Perhaps he med himself for her unhappiness and forced himself to work harder, which led to his current health. It pained me every time I looked at my father, who suffered a lot at the expense of my mother''s happiness."

    Li Caiyi reached out to cup his hand with hers, trying to transfer her energy to him that way. Dai Zhiqiang''s tone was considerably softened after that.

    "Thank you, Caiyi. I know ming someone won''t make my father regain his original health again, but it sometimes feels unfair."

    "I understand. You don''t have to reason with me, and just say anything you have in mind now."

    "My view of women plummeted to the bottom line. I can''t rte to them, and I don''t even want to bother. That is, until I met you, of course."

    Li Caiyi let out a small smile. "I''m d you think that way of me. Even now, I still don''t understand what you see in me."

    "You are weak but strong. Gentle, but firm. You can''t hide anything because your face will reveal it all. And I like to know your weak and strong sides. If I have to say it in one word, I love your genuineness towards everything."

    Never in her life did she ever hear suchpliments. There was nothing but sincerity and gratefulness in his tone, as though meeting him was one of the best things that ever happened in his life. It was ttering as much as it made her nose sour.

    If this was his genuine feeling, it probably wouldn''t be surprising if he still held some feelings for her even after years had passed.

    ? [I have someone I like].<sub> </sub>

    [My biggest regret is that I didn''t hold her hand properly at that time].

    Although she had forgotten a few things about Shen Qiang, these two lines remained in her mind. She did not know before, but looking at how fast he fell for her then, wouldn''t it be more reasonable if Li Caiyi was that person he liked?

    There was no way to know for sure, but she had a strong feeling that perhaps her encounter with Shen Qiang that day was really fateful.

    Dai Zhiqiang recognized her at first nce. He didn''t tell her his original name because he was worried she would recognize him.

    Everything made so much sense now. He kept pushing her away even when he was on the verge of letting go of everything. He was prepared to be remembered as someone else until the bitter end. It was a lonely and saddening thought.

    Li Caiyi swallowed many words she wanted to tell, restraining herself from giving him a tight hug to calm him down, and opted to squeeze his hand tighter instead.

    "Thank you for thinking that way about me. If only I could describe how much I like you, too. As a writer, I always fail to deliver the words that should be delivered. I''m more pathetic than you think."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at her intensely. "Did something happen to you, too? I think I often catch you looking depressed. I''m always watching you from the librarian''s desk, so I can tell when you are having a bad day."

    "Haha, you even notice such things? It''s embarrassing." Li Caiyi scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

    "But you are right, something happened to me too, in the past. Long, long past."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t guess the meaning behind her meaningful smile and quietly listened as she told him about her family and about the side of her he didn''t know of.

    Li Caiyi cut most of the exnation because it would take too long to exin. When she finished, Dai Zhiqiang heaved a sigh.

    "Is that why? You are wandering around at night, under the rain that day?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "I didn''t know what to do then, but I wanted to meet you."

    "It must have been hard. You have done well, Caiyi. Now you can live for yourself. Good for you."

    "En. That''s why I believe the same thing will happen to you." Li Caiyi smiled.

    She didn''t want to make the atmosphere awkward because of her sappy story, so she rose from her seat. "Shall we go now, then? To the hospital."

 Chapter 301 Mother (1)

    Thankfully, there was no awkwardness in their trip to the hospital. They acted like nothing happened as they made their way to Dai Bolin''s room.

    "Come to think of it, when you visited my fatherst time, didn''t youe with Senior Meng?"

    "Yeah. Brother Renshu helped me find out which room your father is in."

    "Hmm," Dai Zhiqiang made a hum of acknowledgment. "Senior Meng, what kind of person is he?"

    Li Caiyi stopped to think for a moment. "He is an enigma and hard to predict. He can act kind one time and cold the next time. However, he isn''t inherently a bad person. On the contrary, he always tries to help people around him as much as possible, as long as he knows the person pretty well."

    "You seem to be very close to him."

    Li Caiyi could sense a prickling sensation from his tone, so she stared at him before saying firmly. "We are because we are childhood friends. Nothing like those rumors in the school said."

    "Senior Meng clearly expressed his interest in you. What do you think of it?"

    "There is nothing to think about because I don''t see him that way. I believe Brother Renshu is misunderstanding his feeling of guilt towards me as liking someone."

    Li Caiyi stopped herself when she realized she might have spoken too much. "That''s just the feeling I get. It''s a bit hard to exin."

    "I see."

    "But why are you asking about Brother Renshu suddenly?"

    "I was curious about what you think of him. Senior Meng is very popr and well-liked by students and teachers in our school, so I wanted to know your opinion of him as a woman to man."

    Li Caiyi grimaced at how straightforward he was. Wouldn''t most people try to hide their intention, even if it was only a little?

    "It''s as I said before. I saw him as my childhood friend and nothing more."

    This time, Dai Zhiqiang stopped walking and stared at Li Caiyi instead. "Are you sure you felt nothing towards him?"

    There was something different in the way he looked at her that made her scoot away ufortably.

    "I''m telling the truth."

    Dai Zhiqiang was silent for a few moments. "Forget what I said, then."

    Li Caiyi almost sighed in relief when he dropped the topic. Dai Zhiqiang was scary when he was interrogating a person. That gaze of his was like a slicing de. It made people feel on edge.

    When they arrived in front of the door of Dai Bolin''s room, they could hear the sound of people talking inside. Li Caiyi''s brows raised when she vaguely registered the voice as a woman''s voice. Definitely wasn''t Dai Shenqiang''s voice.

    "Someone is visiting Uncle? Should we enter now orter?" Li Caiyi looked toward Dai Zhiqiang, waiting for his answer, but his ashen expression stunned her.

    "Zhiqiang?" She called out to him, but it didn''t seem like her voice reached him, despite their distance.

    Blood drained from his face as his hand hovered above the doorknob. His breath wasbored, and his eyes shook wildly. Li Caiyi was confused and rmed simultaneously by his abnormality.<sub> </sub>

    "Hey, Zhiqiang? What''s wrong with you?!"

    Li Caiyi shook his body, and Dai Zhiqiang flinched as though it had just snapped him out of his reverie. Now she became even more worried about him.

    "What''s wrong? Why do you look so shocked?"

    "Caiyiˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang said in a shaky voice.

    "Yes, I''m here. What is going on? Do you feel sick somewhere?"

    Dai Zhiqiang grabbed her hand tightly to the point it almost hurt her. She suppressed the urge to grimace in pain and stroked his back.

    "There, there. It''s okay, Zhiqiang. Tell me slowly about what happened."

    As her gentle tone and touch calmed his nerves, he took a deep breath. "I thinkˇ­my mother is inside."

    Li Caiyi gasped in surprise. Out of all times, they just had to encounter her here, after Dai Zhiqiang just opened up to her about his unhealed wound. She didn''t know if her rotten luck was finally influencing the people around her or not, but this was definitely bad news.

    "Zhiqiang, what do you want to do?" Li Caiyi asked unsurely.

    The boy could barely think, let alone give out a response. He was utterly shaken by the presence of a person he hadn''t met for years beyond this door.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t bear to see him like that, so she pulled his hand. Like an obedient chick, he followed her and went away from that ce.

    Li Caiyi brought him to the hospital''s garden and made him sit on the bench. Dai Zhiqiang covered his face with his hands.

    "I''m sorry for showing you thisme side of mine. I just didn''t expectˇ­."

    "No, don''t apologize. It''s a perfectly normal reaction from you. There''s no need to feel ashamed about it."

    "Caiyi, I need to charge myself."

    "Huh? Eek!"

    Before Li Caiyi could respond, Dai Zhiqiang had pulled her down and made her sit on hisp. He wrapped his hand around her and buried his head on her shoulders, inhaling the fragrance ofvender mixed with a sweet scent that only belonged to her.

    Li Caiyi was flustered and looked around in a panic. Thankfully, she chose a rtively secluded spot because she wanted to give Dai Zhiqiang some privacy. However still, this was a very embarrassing position to be seen. If people saw this, they would undoubtedly think they were doing something indecent.

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang, I don''t think this position isˇ­."

    "Stay," Dai Zhiqiang stubbornly held on to her like his life depended on it. "Please, just for a moment."

    His voice trembled ever so slightly, and it sounded so fragile, with winds blowing past them. Li Caiyi''s heart ached for him. So instead of pushing him back like she intended to, she wrapped them around his head, pulling him closer to her.

    "It''s alright, Zhiqiang. You''ll be fine. I''m here with you. I won''t leave you alone."

 Chapter 302 Mother (2)

    Dai Zhiqiang was the eldest son of the Dai family, an ordinary but happy family. He had loving parents and a cute little brother. Every day was full of happiness and joy as he spent it with them.

    He thought that happiness wouldst forever, but he was proven wrong. What he saw was merely an illusion. A bitter truth hidden in the veil of a smile.

    Even now, if he looked up and looked at the blue sky, sometimes a face would appear in his mind. A gentle face of a woman smiling down at him. She would give him the warmest and mostfortable hug whenever he stretched his arms.

    But she was gone, without even giving him thatst warmth.

    p ***</anda>

    "I''ll remember this, you wild kid!"

    "You monster!"

    "Don''t think you already win with this!"

    The group of boys shouted as they ran away from a certain battered figure standing proudly in front of a wailing boy. He snorted when he heard their empty threat, but it caused a slight sting on the corner of his mouth.

    "Ah." He grimaced as he touched his torn lips. It seemed he had overdone it once again. The boy dreaded what his mother would say if she saw this.

    "Sobˇ­sobˇ­"

    Then he heard a small whimper, prompting him to turn his body to the source of the voice. Crouching on the ground was another boy slightly younger than him. His clothes were dirty, but the boy only sat there while crying over his tattered sketchbook on the ground.

    "Those bunch of cowards really did it this time."

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed helplessly before collecting the pieces of torn paper and putting them on top of his little brother''s sketchbook.

    "I''m sorry about your book, Shenqiang."

    "Brother, why did they keep bullying me? I never do anything to them." Dai Shenqiang said while huping, with a wronged expression on his face. "Is it weird for a boy to draw?"

    "No." Dai Zhiqiang patted his brother''s head gently, trying tofort him. "It''s not your fault, so you shouldn''t stop drawing because some people don''t like it."

    "I''m scared, Brother. They said I''m like a girl because I don''t like to y ser as much as I enjoy drawing."

    "Well, I enjoy burying my head in books, too, rather than ying ser. Do you think I''m weird?"

    Dai Shenqiang automatically raised his tear-streaked face with swollen eyes. "Brother, you are not weird at all! There is no one as cool as my big brother in this world!"

    Dai Zhiqiang let out a small smile. "Yes. It doesn''t matter what unimportant people think of you. You only need to listen to people who care about you. Don''t cry anymore. I''ll see if I can fix your sketchbookter."

    Dai Shenqiang wiped the remaining tears from his eyes before shaking his head. "It''s okay. There is nothing to be done about it. I was just sad because they ruined the sketch of our family I made this afternoon. They said I''m a mommy boy, then wrecked it so I can man up."

    "Those people are reallyˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang muttered in a threateningly low voice. A dark aura emitted from him as he nned how he should deal with those bastards who bullied his younger brother.

    Dai Shenqiang sensed that his brother would reveal his scary side, so he quickly added, "No, it''s fine, Brother! No need to deal with those kids. I can just make a new sketch, and it will be as if nothing happened."

    "Shenqiang, you need to clearly tell those kids off. I can''t always be around to save you if anything like this happens again."<sub> </sub>

    "But those kids have a lot of upperssmen backing them up. If I offended one of them, I would get bullied for the rest of the year. Like that one kid in my ss," Dai Shenqiang said timidly while hugging his sketchbook.

    The older boy wiped the sweat mixed with blood dripping from his forehead before replying. "It''s okay, you have me with you. No need to be afraid of those upperssmen."

    Dai Shenqiang looked up at his brother sadly, then shook his head again. "I don''t want to involve my big brother in this anymore. You always get hurt whenever you try to help me. I don''t like to see it."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled. "Your brother is strong enough to handle it. Just do whatever you want and if someone bothers you, tell me. I will teach them a lesson for you."

    "No, Mom said violence is bad. I don''t want you to do bad things, Brother."

    "Alright, you can be very stubborn sometimes. Can you stand up? They thrashed you around pretty bad too, huh?"

    "No worries, I can stand up by myself." Dai Shenqiang said before clumsily trying to get up on his feet. Dai Zhiqiang patted the dust off his brother''s clothes before crouching down and showing his back to him.

    "Hop on. I''ll carry you."

    Dai Shenqiang frowned. "I said I''m fine. I''m already a first-year student and not a little kid anymore."

    Dai Zhiqiangughed at that. "You will forever be a little kid in my eyes. Besides, I''m in my third year, so you have to listen to me."

    "Brother, I will get called a spoiled kid again if you treat me like that. And they hurt you badly."

    "Don''t force yourself. I told you not to listen to what unimportant people said, right? Your leg is wobbling. I doubt you can walk like that."

    "I-It''s not wobbling." The younger boy stubbornly denied it.

    "It will be faster to reach home with my longer legs than wait for you to walk with your short legs. The sun is about to set, and Mom will be worried if wee homete."

    At the mention of his mother, Dai Shenqiang''s facial line visibly softened. Grumbling about how this will be thest time, he slowly climbed up to his brother''s back.

    The older boy felt a bit of pain when he lifted himself off from the ground, but he suppressed the painful groan so his brother wouldn''t hear him whining.

    "Brother, what do you think Mom will make for dinner today? Yesterday, she said she would make hamburg steak for us. You know, the one shown on TVst night?"

    "I remember that. Then all the more reason for us to hurry and go home."

    He could sense his brother nodding his head enthusiastically from his movement''s tremor to his body. "I''m looking forward to it. My mouth watered just by thinking about the taste."

    "Don''t drool on my clothes, or you''ll get a flick on the forehead."

    "No! Your flick really hurt! Anything but that!"

    Dai Zhiqiang burst outughing. His body was tired and in pain, but the image of having a pleasant dinner with his family urged his weak leg to take another step forward.

    If he could make his little brother happy, then this much pain was worth it. Because he was stronger, he had to protect him.

    Basking under the orange light of the dusk, the two brothers went home, only to find no dinner or Mother was waiting for them.

 Chapter 303 Mother (3)

    When they arrived home, no usual gentle voice greeted them. The only thing left was an eerie silence, as if foreshadowing the gloominess that soon would spread in the house.

    "Mom, we are home!" Dai Shenqiang jumped off of his brother''s back and ran excitedly inside. However, due to how small their house was, it wasn''t long for him to notice that the person he was looking for was nowhere to be found.

    "Mom? Where are you?" Dai Shenqiang checked on the bathroom and their parent''s room, but their mother was nowhere to be seen.

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang sat on the sofa while trying to check for injuries on his body. He got a few scratches and swelling here and there.

    The most apparent scratch was on his forehead and on his knees. He probably wouldn''t get scolded if he moved fast and treated it before his mother came home.

    Thinking like that, Dai Zhiqiang rose up and was about to fetch his towel from theundry hung on the back veranda. He walked past the kitchen, nced to the side, and noticed that the faucet wasn''t shut off properly and dripped water droplets.

    That was when he also glimpsed an envelope on top of the dining table. It was put in such an inconspicuous spot that one would easily miss it if they just passed by.

    However, for some reason, that envelope caught his attention almost immediately.

    Her mother''s absence and a mysterious letter with no name indicating its sender.

    Dai Zhiqiang already had an awful premonition then. Despite the nagging ufortable feeling in his gut, he still reached out to check on the content.

    The envelope was unsealed as if the sender did it deliberately so anyone who found it could read it. Inside, there was a letter containing a few lines describing a woman''s unhappiness and also her heartfelt apology for not being able to continue acting anymore.

    Because her happinessy elsewhere. Somewhere else, that wasn''t their small house.

    Dai Zhiqiang stared down at it with confusion and shock on his face. It didn''t take a minute for him to finish reading the letter, yet he somehow couldn''tprehend the meaning even after the fourth or fifth time reading it.

    A kind and gentle woman who always smiled at them was no longer here.

    As a kid familiar with letters and numbers, Dai Zhiqiang knew her mother''s handwriting very well.

    Everything written in that letter was his mother''s genuine feeling towards the Dai family.

    "What is this?" Dai Zhiqiang mumbled softly to no one, still having yet to ovee the shock that rendered his body frozen in ce.

    "Big brother, Mom isn''t here. Do you think she got too immersed in shopping again? She alwayses homete these days."

    His little brother''s voice sounded so distant, but he still could catch the crucial information.

    Come to think of it, their mother had indeed beening homete. Wouldn''t it mean that she had nned on doing this since a few days ago?

    The realization hit him like a truck. He couldn''t think of anything, but his body reacted first.

    "Huh? Big brother, where are you going?!"<sub> </sub>

    The older boy paid no heed to his brother''s call and barged out of the room in haste. If his hunch was correct, it shouldn''t be toote now.

    "Mom is clumsy, so she always forgets to shut off the faucetpletely. The area around the sink is still wet. She should still be around here!"

    Even he didn''t know why he could think of that when his heart pumping blood so fast to his head.

    He just desperately wanted to meet his mother and ask her to return. By the time he realized what he was doing, he had run so fast, shocking and bumping into a few other pedestrians. Some scolded him for being an unruly kid, but he only had his mind on one thing, which was to get his mother back.

    His childish heart still believed that there must be a mistake in all of this. If there was such a mistake, he would do anything he could to fix it.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s legs throbbed so hard. The injury on his knee and calves were still fresh, yet he couldn''t stop now. Each second was precious.

    Only then did he realize a genuine fear. The fear of being abandoned.

    He panted hard when he finally reached the subway station. Many people were there, and he wasn''t sure if he had evene to the right ce. He just knew that this was the ce where they used to wait for his father toe home.

    At that time, why didn''t he notice it? His mother''s demeanor changed whenever their father waved their hand and walked over from the station.

    She always asked them if they wanted to wait in front of the station for their father''s arrival with a bright face, yet that smile faded when his father actually came.

    When he thought about one suspicious behavior from his mother, the rest came into his head like a series of photos. It etched into his mind as something strange he couldn''t cast aside, yet he didn''t understand the meaning until today.

    The more he understood, the more scared he became.

    "Mom, you aren''t really leaving us, right?" Dai Zhiqiang muttered as he darted around to search for his mother''s figure.

    He searched for quite a while, even threatening to barge through the station gate without money and causing a bit ofmotion.

    "You brat! Where the hell did youe from? Where are your parents?" One of the station staff pulled him by the cor and yelled.

    p "Let go of me! My mother is inside!"</anda>

    "Kiddo, you shouldn''t barge in like that. It''s dangerous!"

    "I know! But if I''m not in a hurry, I will lose her!" Dai Zhiqiang yelled back in a slightly cracked voice, causing the two officers who held him back to exchange helpless nces.

    Themotion also attracted a lot of passerby''s attention. Most of them looked at the boy sympathetically, and it made the two staff feel conflicted about whether or not they should chase the boy away.

    In the end, one of them relented and said, "Fine, we''ll let you in and search for your mother, but you can''t run as you please!"

 Chapter 304 Mother (4)

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t care less about how the people looked at him. He was well aware he wasn''t in the best condition. With how messy, dirty, and battered he was, he was almost like a beggar who grew up in the street.

    "Momˇ­" He looked around anxiously as many people came in and out of the train.

    Searching for his mother in this crowd would be akin to searching for a needle in a haystack, but he refused to give up.

    "Kid, you have been searching for a while. If you just tell me your mother''s name, we can make an announcement for her to pick you up." The staff who had been apanying him since earlier said.

    Honestly, he felt bad for the kid, but letting a person without a ticket roaming free like this would make him scolded by his boss. The least he could do was to watch over the kid so he wouldn''t do anything unsavory, like pick-pocketing.

    "No, we can''t. If you announce it, she''ll know I''m here, then she will leave!" Dai Zhiqiang replied, almost in despair.

    "How can that be?" The staff asked in confusion before realizing something.

    As he slowly thought of a scenario, a sense of pity shed across his eyes. He saw a lot in the news about parents abandoning their kids in public ces.

    He sighed helplessly, thinking that the world could be ruthless for kids because of irresponsible adults.

    "Kid, I don''t want to discourage you, but there is a possibility that your mother isn''t here anymore."

    Dai Zhiqiang shook his head stubbornly. "I believe she is still here. She got to be here somewhere."

    The staff raised his hand, admitting his defeat. "Alright. Can you at least tell me your mom''s body features or what clothes she is wearing? I''ll help you search for her as well."

    "Really?"

    "Yes, we need to hurry and find her, right? Two pairs of eyes are better than one, then."

    Dai Zhiqiang agreed. "Thank you very much. My mother isˇ­."

    While Dai Zhiqiang was busy describing his mother''s features to the staff, a woman figure walked past them. The staff''s eyes widened when someone with a simr feature could miraculously appear so close beside them.

    The staff turned back and pointed at the woman. "Hey, kiddo. Look over there. Isn''t that woman simr to your mother?"

    Dai Zhiqiang stood facing the opposite direction as the staff, so he didn''t notice the woman until the adult man pointed it at him.

    He followed the direction where the staff pointed out, and his eyes widened, seeing familiar-looking back walking elegantly while pulling a small suitcase behind her.

    "Mom!" Dai Zhiqiang eximed before running towards the women.

    It wasn''t hard for him to maneuver his way through the crowd with his small stature. When his mother was already in reach, he stretched out his hand and tackled the adult woman with all his might.

    "Mom!" He called, almost shouting.

    "Huh? Hey kid, who are you? I''m not your mom!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s expression fell when he looked up, only to find that the woman he held right now wasn''t his mother. He took a few steps back with disappointment written all over his face.

    "My God, look at how dirty you are. You make my clothes stained!" The woman clicked her tongue in irritation, but she reluctantly swallowed her anger, looking at the child''s lonely and dejected expression.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m busy enough just as it is; I don''t have time to deal with you, kid."

    That was the woman''sst sentence before she stomped her way out of there, leaving Dai Zhiqiang who was still in shock behind.

    The staff who witnessed the whole spectacle scolded the cold-hearted woman in heart and walked over to Dai Zhiqiang to give him a pat on the shoulder.

    "My bad. I thought it was your mother. Sorry for causing a false rm."

    "No, I also thought that was my mother. It''s not your fault, Mister."

    Despite his messy appearance, the kid was actually pretty sensible. It made the staff feel more encouraged to help him. "Come on, you don''t have time to feel down. We still have to check many people in here, so save your energy for that instead."

    "You''re right, Mister." Dai Zhiqiang gained his energy once again. He and the staff looked for a while around the station, but just because there was another pair of eyes helping him, it didn''t make the search any less difficult.

    The sky turned dark in the blink of an eye. Dai Zhiqiang was dead tired, and he also worried about his little brother, who he had left behind in the house. He clenched his hand into a fist as tears welled up in his eyes.

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t a crybaby. He never cried even once, even when he was surrounded by kids much bigger than him or when scolded by the bad kids'' parents who med him for every damage he caused to their kids. Even though he wasn''t the one who started the fight first.

    But this time, he couldn''t suppress the fear and anxiety inside him. The thought of being abandoned by his mother was too much for him.

    "Kiddoˇ­" The staff that had been apanying him called out to him helplessly. "I would love to help you search longer, but I really have to go back to my job now. Don''t make trouble, and let me send you home, okay? I''ll pay for the fee, so don''t forget to treat those injuries on your knee."

    "Mister, am I abandoned? My mother suddenly disappeared and was nowhere to be found."

    The staff was at a loss seeing the kid before him on the verge of breaking down.

    "That''s not true! Who knows? Maybe your mother actually already came home and is waiting for you. I will help you go home, so don''t cry, okay?"

    Dai Zhiqiang had been running around for hours, and his energy was supposed to be drained long ago. He could still pull himself together merely because of the drive to see his mother.

    Now that he was slowly coaxed by the station staff, his body rxed, and all the umted stress and tiredness fell on him.

    "Hey, kiddo!" The staff eximed when Dai Zhiqiang''s small body fell forward. Thankfully, he managed to catch the kid before it was toote.

    The staff''s voice rmed a few people, and some stopped to see what happened. However, any kind of voice felt distant to the little kid. His body felt light, and his arms dangled around as the station staff picked up his body and carried him.

    Before his eyelids closed entirely and the exhaustion fully engulfed him, he saw a person identally. That woman was looking at him with an inexplicable gaze for quite some time before she turned her back on him.

    Just like that, she left his life without looking back even once.

    "Momˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang called out to her, but no voice came out. His vision slowly became blurry due to tears streaming down his cheek.

    It was thest straw before everything ckened in front of him.

    He felt freezing and lonely.

 Chapter 305 Drawing The Line

    Dai Zhiqiang opened his eyes again to see the source of his warmth, looking down at him worriedly. She had gentle eyes which conveyed thousands of stories and pretty lips which uttered words that resonated deep inside him.

    "Caiyiˇ­"

    Sometimes he felt that even mentioning her name would ruin this happy dream forever.

    He knew that indulging in this blissful feeling would hurt him even more when she finally left him. Still, he couldn''t stop himself from wanting to be by her side, like a moth attracted to fire.

    "Caiyi, don''t go."

    "I''m here. I''m with you." Li Caiyi gently said while stroking his smooth hair.

    "If you want to go somewhere, then take me with you."

    "Then you should take me with you too if you want to go somewhere." Li Caiyi said lightly.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply and only tightened his hold on the girl inside his arms. With her by his side, breathing became much easier, and his world turned into a colorful one just from seeing her smile. He had fallen so deeply into her without him noticing, with no way out.

    His body instinctively moved closer to the warmth of her neck, and the smoothness of her skin tempted him to take a bite of it. Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes swirled with darkness as he eyed her corbone possessively.

    ''Mine, mine,'' He thought inwardly. ''She likes me, so she is mine.''

    Dai Zhiqiang opened his mouth, and his hot and damp-breath tickled the girl, prompting a soft whimper toe out of her mouth.

    He loved to hear that. If he took a bite of her flesh, he wondered what kind of voice she would make? Would she look up at him with that alluring blushed face again, just like that night with rain?

    His heart beat excitedly just at the thought of it.

    "ZHIQIANG!!"

    A shout of his name knocked him out of his thoughts. The next thing he realized, somethingˇŞor someone had pped his head violently, causing his head to ring for a moment.

    While the momentary dizziness distracted him, Li Caiyi jumped out of his arm and took a few steps away from him. Her face was as red as a tomato, with one of her hands covering a spot on her neck.

    "Wh-what are you doing? Don''t scare me like that!"

    "I was just charging myself." Dai Zhiqiang said with a shrug.

    "Y-you shameless!" Li Caiyi looked around in panic and was relieved that the coast seemed clear. Then she red at the boy in front of him. "From now on, no excessive skinship until I allow it."

    Dai Zhiqiang was clearly astonished by her ultimatum. "What?"

    "The moment I let you have your way with me, you won''t stop doing whatever you want. You don''t even care about the time and ce anymore. That''s it!"

    A dejected look shed across his eyes at her adamant refusal. "You don''t like it when I''m showing my affection to you like this."

    "Not that. I just don''t like how you keep taking advantage of the situation to put your hands on me! You didn''t even stop when I called your name repeatedly."

    Dai Zhiqiang blinked his eyes obliviously at that. Did she call out to him? He was too immersed in his own world to hear anything.<sub> </sub>

    "W-why did you do that? You surprised me."

    "Do what?"

    Li Caiyi red at him like she couldn''t believe he had just asked her that. "The thing you did earlier!"

    "Ah, what''s wrong with that? It wasn''t the first time I did that."

    "No, this one is definitely different from thest one. You knew what I mean and only pretended to be innocent on purpose!" Li Caiyi pointed at him usingly with a funny-looking face. Because it was so red, like a boiled lobster.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s corner of mouth curved up at her flustered expression. It seemed he had gone overboard this time. Li Caiyi was thin-skinned, and doing this in broad daylight in a ce where people could pass anytime must have triggered her.

    "Alright, I''m sorry. Call it a moment of mistake, okay? You are just too alluring for me to resist sometimes."

    "And that too! Stop speaking in such an ambiguous way!" Li Caiyi pointed at him again.

    "Haha, yes, I will tone it down from now on, so forgive me, okay?" Dai Zhiqiang chuckled.

    The girl harrumphed as she tried to calm down her erratic heartbeat.

    This kid was too dangerous to be kept around. Although it was only for a moment, she could feel his teeth grazing across her neck, like he was searching for a good spot to bite. It sent a shiver down her spine, and the sensation almost lulled her rationality to sleep.

    Thank god she still had a sense of shame in her. However, she wasn''t sure if she could resist it if he did it in different circumstances.

    The depth of his love for her felt like it could drown her sometimes. As much as it tasted sweet to indulge in it, she had to maintain some control. Or else this kid would think he could do anything he pleased.

    "I''m serious. If you attempt to do this again without my permission, I won''t talk to you again."

    "Ouch, that would be bad, indeed," Dai Zhiqiangughed forcedly. "I''ll be careful from now on. So forgive me, okay?"

    Li Caiyi became slightly calmer now that Dai Zhiqiang finally looked more like his usual self. The shock of hearing his mother''s voice after a long time must have hit him badly.

    "Zhiqiang, how are you feeling right now?"

    "Much better, thanks to you. I didn''t know what I would do if I confronted my mother just like that. Thank you for dragging me out here, Caiyi. Now, I feel more ready to face it."

    "Are you going back inside?" Li Caiyi asked with a clenched fist.

    "I can''t let my sick father talk too long with that woman. If listening to her voice can disturb me to this extent, imagine how my father would feel."

    There was no rebuttal from her because she was also worried about Dai Bolin''s condition. "Then I will go with you, too. Just in case you need a third party to ease the situationter."

    "I actually would appreciate it more if you don''t see our family''s ugly scenes, but you''re right. At this point, I can''t predict what will happen next."

    Li Caiyi walked over to him and clenched his hand firmly. "You can do this. We can do this."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled weakly before giving her hand a squeeze, too.

 Chapter 306 Enemy (1)

    "Are you ready?" Li Caiyi asked Dai Zhiqiang, and thetter nodded his head before putting his hand on the doorknob.

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously, especially since she could still hear the same woman''s voice inside. However, the one who was really in a hard time right now must be the Dai family member. She wanted to help in any way she could.

    When Dai Zhiqiang finally pushed open the door, two pairs of eyes immediately gazed at them.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened slightly as she watched the woman sitting beside Dai Bolin''s bed. She didn''t expect someone toe since she immediately sprung from the chair with a hand covering her mouth.

    p The woman was wearing a branded dress with her short hair slightly curled inside. Although there were a few streaks of wrinkles on the corner of her eyes, her skin glowed healthily.</anda>

    Dai Zhiqiang said his mother left the family to pursue her own happiness. Li Caiyi could see now that she was indeed living happily somewhere.

    Looking at how the woman paid no heed to her presence and only nailed his gaze on Dai Zhiqiang at least meant that she hadn''t forgotten she had ever given birth to sons before.

    Li Caiyi nced at Dai Zhiqiang, and it was as if a frosty cold from the winter mountain had appeared on his face. His gaze was icy, and his lips pressed into a hard line. His expression screamed hostility all over, hardly the face of a child who looked at his parents.

    It was an expression of someone looking at their enemy.

    Considering their history, it wasn''t that surprising. What surprised her was that the woman could sit beside her ex-husband''s bed and chat with him. Due to paying more attention to Dai Zhiqiang''s condition, Li Caiyi didn''t hear what they were talking about.

    No one spoke for a few seconds, which felt like forever. Li Caiyi was the one who broke the ice first.

    "Uncle, I havee again to visit you."

    Dai Bolin smiled warmly at her. Was it just her, but she felt he had grown thinner than when she visited himst time?

    "Little Yi, you are here. Thank you for alwaysing here to keep this old manpany."

    Even his cheeks had sunken more. It pained Li Caiyi every time he looked at this kind man trying to put on a strong front in front of people when he should be the one receiving the most care from everyone.

    "What are you saying, Uncle? Don''t sound so distant, or you will hurt my feelings."

    "Come here. Let me see your face clearly." Dai Bolin waved at her, beckoning her toe closer.

    Li Caiyi subtly nced at Dai Zhiqiang. The way he slowly released her hand was the only confirmation she needed before she walked over to Dai Bolin''s other side of the bed.

    At first, she was hesitant about whether she should greet Dai Zhiqiang''s mother or not. But then again, Dai Zhiqiang probably wouldn''t like it if she did that, so she canceled that thought and focused on diverting Dai Bolin''s attention instead.

    "Uncle, Zhiqiang and I brought a few good things for you today."<sub> </sub>

    "Hoho, that brat is still insensitive, as always. Instead of using his money to buy his old man''s useless things, he should have spent it for himself and you instead."

    "If it weren''t for you, then who else would he spend his money on? Uncle, are you jesting again?"

    "Looking at how both of you entered the room while holding hands is enough of a present for this old man. I feel at ease knowing that you have a good ''grip'' on him now, Little Yi."

    While throwing jokes with Dai Bolin, Li Caiyi kept her ears open for any interaction between mother-son pairs. Still, both of them were just staring at each other without words. It felt like they weremunicating without talking, and no one could disturb it.

    Dai Bolin didn''t seem to be very bothered about it either, since now he was admiring the new electronic devices while exining how his shoulder would drive him crazy someday.

    Or perhaps he was the same as Li Caiyi, stealthily trying to wait for the two to talk.

    In the end, the woman couldn''t stand the silence anymore and spoke first in a hesitant voice. "You have grown, Zhiqiang. Long time no see."

    Li Caiyi furtively nced at Dai Zhiqiang, but thetter stayed motionless like a statue. She doubted he even forgot to breathe at how still he was.

    "I know this is surprising, but I came here after hearing the news about your father. Even after everything that happened, we were once very close to each otherˇŞ"

    Dai Zhiqiang scoffed at the older woman''s sentence, cutting her words short in the process. "After everything that happened? I''m sorry, but I seem to have a poor memory. Do you mind reminding me of what exactly happened between you and my family?"

    The mockery and spite in his words were crystal clear. Dai Bolin clenched the stic bag tightly, causing a rustling sound that sounded very loud in the silent room, weighed with heavy tension.

    The older woman bit her lips before trying to pull the corner of her mouth into a bitter smile.

    "I understand why you are angry, so I won''t hold you on for that. It''s just, can you let me visit your father asionally? If it makes you feel bad, I''lle whenever you are not around, so you will never see my face again."

    "You seem to misunderstand something. It doesn''t matter if I can see you or not. The problem is that I can''t understand how there can be such a shameless person like you in this world."

    Li Caiyi had never seen Dai Zhiqiang exude so much hostility towards a person before. To be fair, he was pretty hostile to everyone, especially women.

    Still, the hostility he had shown so far was always on the controlled side. Not a full-blown, tant hatred like this.

    Dai Zhiqiang continued, "If you knew I wouldn''t like to see your face around, why bothering here? I just can''t understand your logic; that''s the problem. My father, brother, and I don''t need you to care about us. Just think about your own happiness, like you did in the past."

    Dai Bolin suddenly fell into a coughing fit after hearing that, catching everyone in the room off guard.

 Chapter 307 Enemy (2)

    "Uncle!"

    "Father!"

    Li Caiyi quickly tried to straighten up his body, and Dai Zhiqiang promptly came up to help.

    Dai Bolin''s body shook violently as he coughed hard. Li Caiyi grabbed his trembling hands with fear and panic budding in her heart.

    "I-I''ll call for the doctor!"

    "No. I¨Ccough, I''m fine, Little Yi." Dai Bolin sped her hand, preventing her from going anywhere. "Sorry for rming you. I''m just surprised and choked on my saliva again."

    "Fatherˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang bit her lips in regret. He shouldn''t have confronted that woman in front of his father. Who knows if he still had some hope of reconciling with her? Dai Bolin was just that kind of soft-hearted man.

    "Zhi," Dai Bolin called out to him, and he brushed away that thought in his mind. "Don''t let your hatred dominate you. It will cause you to be stuck in your ce forever and never move forward. Don''t tire yourself with such feelings."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled helplessly. He really wanted to refute, but he couldn''t bear to do that when looking at his father''s pitiful state.

    "Father, I understand. I will bear that in mind, so please don''t force yourself."

    "Zhi, I''m not saying this not for her sake but because I''m worried about you. Cough." Dai Bolin said before he coughed again.

    "You don''t have to say anything, Father. I understand what you mean, so please calm down. The doctor said you can''t be agitated."

    "Yes, I will lie down for now." Dai Bolin smiled weakly. His eyelids threatened to close with how tired he was. "Little Yi, please look after my Zhi. He is a stubborn and grumpy kid; he will need you to help him."

    Li Caiyi felt there was an underlying meaning under his words, but she was far too concerned about the older man''s condition to think about that. "Of course, I will watch over him, Uncle. Please don''t worry and take a rest."

    Both of them carefully helped him toy down on the bed. Dai Bolin cast thest nce at his ex-wife before slowly closing his eyes.

    Li Caiyi''s heart was in pain. The older man looked thinner and wearier day by day. It was genuinely saddening that the only thing they could do was watch as he fought his disease back.

    "Zhiqiang, you should take the conversation outside. Let''s not disturb your father''s rest."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded. "It was short-sighted of me. I should have paid more attention to Father."

    Li Caiyi reached out to give him a pat on the back. "Don''t me yourself. I know this isn''t easy for you, either."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down at his father''s figure, who was peacefully sleeping. Dai Bolin was a good, respectable man, but those traits didn''t pass down to Dai Zhiqiang. He inherited more of his mother''s selfish genes; it was unimaginable for him to let the past go just like that.

    Although he wouldn''t necessarily take revenge, he wouldn''t act friendly towards her either.

    "Let''s take this outside and not bother the sick person." Dai Zhiqiang said sharply without bothering to look at the woman.

    "En, let''s talk outside," replied the woman, fully aware that the cold sentence was directed at her.

    "Zhiqiangˇ­" Li Caiyi held on to the edge of his sleeve. She looked like she wanted to say something but was reluctant to do it.

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled knowingly. "You stay here with my father. I will return soon."

    "No. Uncle specifically asked me to watch over you. I have to be there to make sure you will be fine." Li Caiyi retorted stubbornly, eliciting a weak chuckle from him.<sub> </sub>

    "Alright. Then you can watch from the sideline. I hope you won''t be there to witness myme side, though."

    "Lame or not, I will be the one to decide. I won''t let you go alone."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart felt warmer just from hearing that. He hated to be controlled, but he was like putty in her hand. And strangely, he didn''t hate that.

    Thus, the two went out of the room, followed by the older woman who kept staring at Dai Zhiqiang''s back with aplicated gaze.

    ***

    In the end, they returned to the secluded spot in the hospital''s yard, with one additional person awkwardly following them. Li Caiyi gave the mother-son pair some privacy by waiting from a distance, but not too far away, so she could still watch over them.

    None of them were in the mood to have a leisure chat while sitting on the bench, so they just stood there in silence.

    "Zhiqiang, how are you?" The woman, Yue Ling, hesitantly spoke first.

    Just listening to her voice was enough to make him re up again, but then his eyes glimpsed upon Li Caiyi''s figure standing beside the tree, and his heart calmed down. Or at least, he tried to sound calm by making his tone as civil as possible.

    "As you can see, I live pretty well. What makes youe here?"

    "I heard about your father''s condition from one of our friends from the same college, and I thought I should give him a visit."

    "Why? There is supposed to be nothing between us anymore."

    Yue Ling''s eyes turned misty as she clenched her bag tightly. While she was contemting on what to say, Dai Zhiqiang scanned her from up to down.

    No matter how you looked at her, she looked like a sessful middle-aged woman. There was hardly any trace of weariness she used to have on her face.

    ? The family bond between them had been severed forcefully by her. There was no point in showing a semnce of care now.

    Dai Zhiqiang could only see her action as an attempt to ease her sense of guilt, not because she actually cared about Dai Bolin.

    "If you feel bad about what happened in the past, I can do nothing about it. But do remember that your presence isn''t weed here."

    Yue Ling nodded. "Yes, I understand. Ie here fully aware of the consequences."

    "Good that you know. Please don''t show your face anywhere near my brother and me as you promised. Father is magnanimous and doesn''t seem to mind your presence, so I''ll let you see him from time to time."

    Yue Ling raised her head in disbelief. "Really? You''ll allow that?"

    Dai Zhiqiang almost clicked his tongue in irritation. He didn''t like this, but his father''s needs came first.

    "Don''t misunderstand. The second my father refuses to meet up with you, that''s when you should know your ce and retreat. I won''t do anything against my father''s wishes."

    Yue Ling''s corner of mouth curved up in a nostalgic smile. "I see you are still the same as ever inside."

    "Ah?"

    "You are still the same family-loving kid, just like I remembered you."

 Chapter 308 His Hatred

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist. "Stop that."

    "Yes?"

    "Stop talking like you actually give a damn about me. It''s revolting."

    Yue Ling hung her head in shame, hearing the evident disgust in his tone. Her pupils trembled, and she didn''t dare to look him in the eyes.

    Dai Zhiqiang observed Yue Ling''s reaction, and he didn''t feel remorse at all seeing her shrink in ce. He wasn''t his father who could let go of the past. He would never forgive anyone who hurt those he cherished, including his biological mother.

    Not that she could bear that title anymore. The moment she left the house, that was when she ceased to exist in his life. If he closed his eyes, he could still recall Yue Ling''s hardened expression as she turned her back on the nearly unconscious him.

    "If that''s all, then can you leave? Father needs to rest, and I don''t want to see you."

    "Oh. That''sˇ­."

    "What is it?" Dai Zhiqiang frowned impatiently.

    "I won''t see him, but can you at least tell me how''s your little brother doing?"

    "You are seriously thick-skinned." Dai Zhiqiang scoffed, but Yue Ling only pressed her lips into a hard line, epting his harsh words withoutining.

    He thought that she perhaps would never leave if he didn''t answer her question, and the more she stayed here, the chance of her bumping into Dai Shenqiang would rise. He absolutely wanted to avoid that.

    "He is fine," Dai Zhiqiang replied, but then he thought about something and added, "He is happy and healthy. Nothing for you to worry about."

    Yue Ling''s corner of mouth curved up in a small smile. "I see. That''s good."

    Dai Zhiqiang hated to see her smiling like that, so he averted his gaze away. "If you are done with your question, leave quickly."

    "Yes, I will leave now. Thank you, Zhiqiang." Yue Ling''s gaze lingered at her son for a while before he turned away and left.

    Only then did Dai Zhiqiang dare to look at her retreating back. A small and narrow back. Completely different than what he used to remember. He used to look up at her back, but now he had to look slightly down to see it clearly.

    "Time flies so fast," Dai Zhiqiang sighed before shifting his gaze to the girl who was currently walking over to him. He smiled softly when she stared at him worriedly.

    "How is your feeling?"

    "Terrible," Dai Zhiqiang said weakly. "But I guess it''s better than what I expected. This should be fine."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say. This was the matter of the Dai family''s house, and as much as she was concerned, she was just an outsider. The only thing she could do wasfort him.

    "You did the right thing. Your father will be proud of you, for sure." Li Caiyi patted him on the back.

    "I hope so," he smiled bitterly beforeughing self-deprecatingly. "He wanted me to forgive that woman, after all."

    "No, I don''t think that''s what your uncle means."

    "He didn''t want me to hate on her. If it isn''t telling me to forgive her, I don''t know what else he meant by that."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi bit her lips, recalling the emptiness she felt when she finally fulfilled her goal of kicking Li Jirong out of the house. She had spent so much time and emotion hating her father, so he understood why Dai Bolin didn''t want him to ''cultivate'' his hatred towards his mother.

    "Your father only wishes you not to be trapped by your negative emotions. He never asked you to forgive her. He wanted you to stop letting your hatred decide your actions."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply; perhaps he was so tired he couldn''t think of anything. Li Caiyi pulled him lightly to the bench and sat side by side with him.

    "It must be hard for you. Uncle is resting, so let''s just stay here for a while."

    "Yes, I''m exhausted right now."

    "Do you want me to buy you some drinks? What about cold tea?"

    "No, I don''t need that," Dai Zhiqiang shook his head before staring at her intensely. "Can I sleep on yourp?"

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi was stunned by his sudden request. She subconsciously pressed her thigh together before asking in embarrassment. "Are you serious?"

    "Yeah. I''m dead serious about this. You said I should ask for your permission before I make a move on you. Can''t you allow me this much?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s earnest gaze struck her in the heart. He looked like a child who was dejected after she refused to buy him a new toy.

    Technically, he didn''t ask for anything excessive. He was just asking for ap pillow, and that''s pretty mildpared with his other advances.

    ''Yes,p pillow ispletely safe. W-well, maybe I can let him have this one.''

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before smoothing down the crease on her skirt. "Only this time, okay?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes slightly widened, prompting a frown from Li Caiyi. "What? Aren''t you the one who asked for this?"

    "No, I just didn''t expect you to agree so readily. I thought you''d refuse or warn me with a long lecture first."

    "What kind of person do you think I am? I at least can tell you aren''t in the mood for any of those right now. Less talk and more rest."

    Li Caiyi scooted away from him towards the edge of the bench. She patted herp while smiling. "Come here. I''ll even stroke your head for you."

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly lowered his body and rested his body on herp. He knew he wouldn''t be able to sleep if he faced her way, so he had his right side pressed on her thigh, gazing at the yard.

    It felt softer than any pillow he had everid his head on. Not to mention, it had her sweet smell all over it. Now he was conflicted about whether he should give in to tiredness or stay awake to relish every second of this precious moment.

    Li Caiyi looked down at Dai Zhiqiang, who was currentlyid on his side with his gaze looking away from her. She giggled in amusement, not expecting him to feel embarrassed after directly asking for ap pillow.

    She gently buried her hand into his hair before stroking it slowly. "Sleep. I''ll wake you up after some time."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t resist her angelic voice. As much as he wanted to stay awake more, his body automatically followed her words as if it was a potent charm.

    "Good boy. Sleep well. Sweet dreams."

 Chapter 309 Dai Guang (1)

    Dai Zhiqiang opened his eyes, only to find darkness enveloping him. His body was floating, and he couldn''t tell which was up and down.

    ''Is this what they called lucid dream?''

    He thought to himself as he let himself hover in the space without direction. The feeling of being alone with nothing but darkness around him eased his mind a lot. There was no responsibility, regret, or guilt following in his footsteps.

    Everything was empty, even himself.

    ''If only Caiyi is here, I won''t ask for anything else anymore.''

    When he got ustomed to this new state of his, suddenly, a strong sucking force pulled his body in a specific direction. He didn''t resist and just let that force lead him somewhere else.

    ''After all, this is just another dream, right?''

    ***

    "Zhi? You are here."

    When he opened his eyes for the second time, he was standing in a white hospital room. In front of him, the weak-looking Dai Bolin looked up at him through his half-lidded eyes with his hand raised shakily.

    Dai Zhiqiang felt disoriented for a moment, as he couldn''t remember what he was doing before this. Still, his body reacted faster than his mind.

    Dai Zhiqiang moved forward to grab his father''s hand, which strangely seemed plumper than thest time he held it.

    ''Huh? Why did I remember Father''s hand as skinny? He has always been on the plump side.''

    "Zhi, I''m sorry for worrying you. I''m sure this is just because your old man is too tired. Don''t worry too much."

    Dai Bolin breathed heavily as if such activity were tough on him. "You should return to your school tomorrow. I''m sorry because of me, you have to leave early on your first day of school."

    Only when he heard that did the boy finally recall the series of incidents today.

    ''That''s right, I found Father copsed on the floor, so I called the ambnce immediately. How can I forget that? Something is wrong with me today.''

    "Father, why are you worrying about trivial things like this? Who cares about school? I will ask permission to be absent for a while to take care of you."

    p "You, stubborn kid. Listen to your old man." Dai Bolin said, but his voice was so weak and fragile that it sounded like a whimper instead of a scolding.</anda>

    "No, you are the stubborn one, Father. That''s why I said you shouldn''t force yourself to work. You are already old, so take care of your body more."

    "Cheeky brat." Dai Bolin''s corner of his mouth raised slightly, but the sweat on his forehead revealed how much pain he was in right now.

    Dai Zhiqiang became more anxious. But even more than that, he was frustrated and angry.

    "Father, how long will you mope over Mother''s disappearance?"

    "Zhiˇ­"

    "She will not return even if you work your ass off until half-dead like this. Your sry is enough to feed the three of us. And I can take a part-time job too, so please stop overworking yourself."

    Dai Bolin fell into deep silence, but it only agitated the boy further.

    "There is nothing we can do over spilled milk. Why would you work so hard for a person who won''t see it? That''s just stupid."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang covered his mouth when he realized he had said too much. Feeling ashamed and remorseful, he hung his head low. "I''m sorry, Father."

    "Zhi, I''m very worried about you. I don''t even think about her anymore, but do you think I did this for her? Your hatred will consume you someday."

    "Lies. I know you are still thinking about Mother. If not, why do you still keep her photo in your wallet? I saw you looking at it sometimes."

    Dai Bolin sighed helplessly. "All of this is my fault. I want you to live thinking only about joyous things, but I have failed to do that."

    The boy clenched his hand into a fist. He hated it more when his father med himself for something that wasn''t his fault.

    "Excuse me? Are you the family member of the patient?"

    A middle-aged doctor wearing a white coat walked over while holding a file in his hand. Dai Zhiqiang turned to him before nodding his head. "Yes, I''m his son."

    The doctor tilted his head slightly before carefully asking, "I''m sorry, but can I ask where your mother is? Or is there any adult family member you can contact?"

    "No. If you want to talk about my father''s condition, you can talk to me."

    The doctor smiled in understanding, with a trace of pity shed across his eyes for a moment. "Alright, let''s move to my office first, shall we?"

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang''s mind was in disarray. He had an awful premonition when the doctor wanted to talk to him in his office instead of revealing his father''s condition on the spot.

    However, he didn''t expect this horrible news at all.

    ''Father, will die?''

    The memory of finding his father unconscious in the house ovepped with the doctor''s exnation about cancer in his father''s body. It suffocated him and filled his mind, making him dizzy and want to retch.

    "Urgh..!"

    Dai Zhiqiang supported his body by pressing himself to the wall so he wouldn''t copse. His face was pale, with cold sweat emanating from his forehead.

    "Surgery. Father has to take it. But so much money, how will we get it?"

    Apparently, that was why the doctor preferred to talk with the adult family member of the patient. Because Dai Bolin''s condition had gotten worse, he needed to do surgery as soon as possible.

    Dai Zhiqiang needed to check on his father''s savings, but he was sure they didn''t have that much left right now. Then, the only option left was to borrow money for now because they needed it urgently.

    Then, he remembered his father''s little brother or his uncle. His name was Dai Guang.

    The boy remembered his uncle would asionally visit their house and seemed pretty close to his father. Unlike Dai Bolin, Dai Guang never expressed his interest in settling, so he was still leading a free and single life until now.

    From what he heard, his uncle had done rtively well in his trade business, and he would also sometimes bring back some new stuff to give to his brother and nephews.

    Honestly, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t like that man very much because he sometimes talked arrogantly and was snobbish.

    He always had a feeling that his uncle was only trying to show off by giving their family things, but Dai Bolin alwaysughed it off and said that it was only his imagination.

    "Uncle Guang, I have to contact him and see if he can help." Dai Zhiqiang nodded his head. He could put aside his personal feelings or even beg if he needed to just so he could save his father.

 Chapter 310 Dai Guang (2)

    When he returned to his father''s ce, Dai Shenqiang was already there, and he sat beside the bed with reddened eyes.

    Dai Bolin was fast asleep, and his little brother stood up upon noticing his arrival.

    "Big Brother, what happened to Father? You just had a talk with the doctor, right?" He asked worriedly.

    Dai Zhiqiang nced at his father, and as if reading his mind, Dai Shenqiang said, "Don''t worry. He is already sound asleep when I arrive."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded. "I think we need to contact Uncle Guang. Father needs to do surgery as soon as he can."

    Dai Shenqiang''s facial expression became tense once he heard that. "Why surgery? Is it really that bad?"

    "Unfortunately, yes," Dai Zhiqiang contemted a bit before finally telling his little brother what the doctor had told him. Dai Shenqiang gasped in shock when he finished his exnation.

    "I-I never expected Father to have such a disease." He said in a shaky voice. "Then, if Father received that surgery, would he regain his healthy self again?"

    "It''s too early to tell. However, one thing for sure is that he needs that surgery as soon as possible now. However, it will cost a lot."

    Dai Shenqiang gulped. "How much we will need?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t reply and only sighed deeply. "A lot. That''s why I n to contact Uncle Guang to see if he can help us."

    The younger boy scrunched his face, expressing his reluctance. Dai Zhiqiang knew his feeling, so he gave his brother a pat on the shoulder.

    "This is the only way I cane up with now. Bear with it for now. Uncle Guang is not the best person to ask for a favor, but he is the best option we have right now. There is no time to hesitate."

    "I understand. Then, should we go to Uncle''s ce and ask him if he can help us? I think that''s better than talking from the phone."

    "Do you know where he lives?"

    "No. I thought you know, Big Brother." Dai Shenqiang tilted his head in confusion. "He liked you more than me, after all."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "You mean it was because he liked to brag about his wealth in front of me more than you."

    "Heh, that''s true. Uncle Guang is an annoying one, but I''m sure he won''t leave our Father like this."

    ''I don''t know about that,'' Dai Zhiqiang thought.

    People could change because of money all the time. A familial bond could easily be severed with only a mention of this thing.

    Yes, just like his mother.

    ''Perhaps I have to start thinking of an alternative way if this n won''t work,'' Dai Zhiqiang carefully thought.

    "I will contact Uncle Guang first. You stay here and look over, Father. Remember, don''t tell him about this just yet. Let''s tell him together when we have already secured money to pay the surgery fee."

    "I know. Father will act stubborn and make a fuss to leave if we tell him everything immediately." Dai Shenqiang nodded. "Leave Father to me. Good luck, Big Brother."

    Dai Zhiqiang walked out of the room and took out his phone from his pocket. He searched through his contact list and was relieved when he found Uncle Guang''s contact among them. For a second, he was worried he had erased his contact.

    Waiting for the call to be picked up, Dai Zhiqiang leaned his back against the wall with one hand shoved into his jacket''s pocket. That was when his hand touched something warm.

    Dai Zhiqiang: "??"

    He pulled it, and his mind wandered to the timid girl who gave him that hand-warmer in school earlier.<sub> </sub>

    He probably would return home muchter if it weren''t for her. His father''s condition probably would be much worse by the time he arrived at the hospital.

    Dai Zhiqiang yed with the hand-warmer, but the temperature had gotten lower from when he received it. He remembered it felt much warmer when she shoved it into his hand.

    "I have to thank herter." Dai Zhiqiang mumbled to himself. "I wonder if she will remember me?"

    She wore a tie of the same color as him, so she must be a freshman too, just like him.

    His train of thought was interrupted when someone finally picked up the call. Any other thought was shoved away instantly.

    "Hello? Uncle Guang?"

    "Yes? That voice, is that you, Zhi?" Dai Guang replied with a severely hoarse and spiritless voice like he had just woken up.

    "That''s right, Uncle. I''m sorry for disturbing you, but there is something I have to tell you regarding Father."

    There was a yawning sound from the other end before he asked nonchntly, "My brother? What happened to him?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want to waste any time, so he told everything he heard from the doctor. He also added that he hadn''t told his father about this yet, because he wanted to seek his help first.

    "That''s the gist of everything. Uncle Guang, I''m very sorry, but can you lend us some money? I promise I will pay you back as soon as possible."

    "...."

    There was a long silence from the other end. Dai Zhiqiang even considered the line was disconnected somehow and checked on his phone screen. Fortunately, it was still on.

    "Uncle? Can you hear me?"

    "Huh? Oh yeah, I can," Dai Guangughed awkwardly. "I was just surprised by this sudden news. To think my brother will suffer such a disease. What bad luck."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t like how he put it, but this wasn''t the time toin about his uncle''s choice of words.

    "Uncle, my father needs to receive surgery as soon as possible. I know I shouldn''t burden you, but can you lend us some help? Any amount will do."

    "Of course! There''s no way I will sit back and watch my brother suffer. Just text me the amount, and I''ll see how far I can help."

    A sense of relief washed over the boy before he reverted back to his usualposed manner. "Thank you very much, Uncle Guang. We will never forget this debt we owe you."

    "Haha, why are you talking like we are strangers? As a family, it was only a matter of course to help each other when needed. Isn''t that right?"

    "Yes, you are right. Uncle is wise."

    "I''d love to visit as soon as possible, but I need to check on something first. Take care of your father. I will be there soon."

    "Of course, Uncle. Please don''t mind us and take care of your business first."

    "Then, I''ll see you in the hospital."

    Dai Zhiqiang exhaled a long breath when the call finally ended. It went much smoother than he thought it would be. No matter how brash and snobbish Dai Guang was, it seemed he still held some care towards his brother.

    Perhaps Dai Zhiqiang had judged his uncle wrongly all this time.

    "Thank goodness. Now Father should have more chances of receiving surgery. I should treat him better next time." Dai Zhiqiang smiled to himself before walking into the room again. He had to tell his little brother about this great news.

 Chapter 311 You Are The Decision Maker

    Dai Guang arrived at the hospital about 4 hourster. The first one Dai Zhiqiang noticed upon his arrival was his formal outfit. Considering how he said he needed to take care of his business first before visiting, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t think much of it.

    "Uncle Guang, you are here. How are you?" Dai Zhiqiang asked.

    "As you can see, I''m healthy and kicking. I see you are in good shape as well."

    "Yeah, thankfully. Is your business finished already?"

    Uncle Guang nodded. "I tried toe here as soon as possible, but it still took me a lot of time. More importantly, how''s my brother''s condition?" Dai Guang asked as he nced at Dai Bolin, who was sleeping soundly.

    "Father is resting and currently in a stable condition. However, he was very weak and needed surgery as soon as possible."

    "I see. My brother is such a stubborn mule, so I understand it must be hard to convince him not to overwork himself. I already said he should have just done business with me by investing, but he has to choose the difficult way." Dai Guang shrugged.

    "Father is just worried since he still has us to think about. There is a lot of shady dealing nowadays, and he wants to be careful."

    "You can''t hit big if you don''t take the risk. My big brother is too old-fashioned and uptight. That''s why he ended up in this condition. s, I have warned him."

    Dai Zhiqiang almost wanted to roll his eyes if he didn''t remember that they still needed this person''s help. He just had to endure his Uncle''s attitude.

    "Speaking of my father''s condition, how about the thing I talked about on the phone before, Uncle?" Dai Zhiqiang asked hesitantly.

    "Ah, about that? I already got it covered. You don''t have to worry about anything." Dai Guangughed merrily as if he had just remembered something funny. Then, he pulled out a piece of paper from his bag before giving it to Dai Zhiqiang.

    "But first, I''ll need you to sign this first."

    "What is this, Uncle?"

    "It''s just some kind of agreement paper. You see, I didn''t do my business alone. I have few friends involved in this, and although I''m sure they won''t mind helping, it doesn''t feel right to make some money without signing an agreement first. I already put mine, so you only need to put yours."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes scanned the whole document as he listened to his Uncle''s exnation.

    p The agreement basically contained the terms and conditions for loans. It was pretty fair, and Dai Zhiqiang didn''t see anything strange with it.</anda>

    The amount of money stated on the paper was enough to make his mind go nk. It was much more than the amount the doctor gave him. He gulped nervously because that was his first time looking at such a tremendous amount of money.

    The younger man knew his Uncle was pretty rich, but he didn''t realize his business earned this much.

    "Uncle, are you going to borrow thepany money for this?"

    Dai Guan sighed before smiling regretfully. "After talking to you, I immediately checked how much I had right now. It was such bad timing that I almost used all of my money for a vacation trip to Europe a week ago. So I talked to my friends about it, and they agreed to help us."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt conflicted after he heard that. He did say they needed a lot of money, but he was intimidated by the amount of money.

    "What are you hesitating for? Time is ticking, Zhi. Your father needs this money as soon as possible." Dai Guang urged him.

    "Maybe we should take a loan for a lesser amount first? I''m not confident we can return such an astronomical amount."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Guang wrapped his arm around Dai Zhiqiang''s neck before grinning. "Zhi, you are underestimating your Uncle. I will receive more money after our next project isunched. At that time, the profit will be enough to cover the loan. Of course, I will not let you or Shen shoulder the debt alone. As an uncle and a brother, I will not let my family do that."

    "But stillˇ­"

    "Zhi, this is the only way I cane up with. You will have to borrow money from the bank otherwise, and the interest will be huge."

    Dai Guang released his hold on his nephew before taking a few steps away. "However, you are the decision-maker here. I won''t force you if you don''t want to. You know what''s best for your father."

    Dai Zhiqiang nced at his father''s pale face and pressed his lips into a hard line.

    Based on the doctor''s exnation, the more the surgery was postponed, the more dangerous it would be for his father. There was no time to hesitate.

    Below everything was Dai Guang''s sign and handprint, so it eased him a little. The amount was pretty high, but he was sure additional money wouldn''t hurt. Their father would need follow-up treatment after his surgery, and it would cost a lot too.

    He clenched his hand into a fist tightly before asking Dai Guang.

    "Do I just have to sign it here?"

    "Yes. I have finished the troublesome procedure beforehand. After you sign this, the money will be transferred to me. We can even apply for that surgery today."

    "Alright."

    Dai Zhiqiang used the pen his Uncle gave him and put down his sign. He also left his fingerprint after that.

    "Nice. Now my brother will be alright. I''m proud of you, my nephew." Dai Guang patted his shoulder before he took the paper away from him. "Now, leave the rest to me."

    "Uncle, will you be here when Father is having his surgery?"

    "Of course. I can''t let my nephews wait anxiously by themselves, right? No matter how busy I am, I would never do such a thing."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know why, but he felt more relieved. His Uncle was the only adult they could depend on, and his presence brought a sense of security to him.

    "Thank you, Uncle Guang. I don''t know what we will do without you."

    "Haha, you are as serious as always. I already said that it''s natural for families to help each other, right?"

    Those were hisst words before he said goodbye to take out the loan.

    A few hourster, Dai Zhiqiang received a message from Dai Guang, telling him that he had paid the surgery fee and taken care of everything. The rest of the money had been sent to Dai Bolin''s bank ount.

    Dai Zhiqiang could only calm down when he confirmed it with the hospital staff.

    Unbeknownst to him, that was thest contact he would have with his Uncle before hepletely disappeared.

 Chapter 312 Two Suspicious People

    Thankfully, the surgery went well. The Dai brothers could only breathe at ease when their father was finally transferred to the regr patient room.

    Thest few days were like living using body memory for them. Everything was so hectic that they barely had time to eat. They didn''t remember how they could get through the anxious waiting outside the operation room.

    Dai Bolin had yet to regain consciousness, so the brothers plopped on the empty chair with exhaustion written all over their faces.

    "Big Brother, when will you return to school? Isn''t it bad if you don''t return soon?"

    "Don''t worry about it. I told my homeroom teacher about the situation. Even if I was absent, it wouldn''t affect my grade."

    "I''m not concerned about your grade. S International High School is the dream school for everyone, yet you don''t have a chance to see how everything looks on your first day of school." Dai Shenqiang sighed.

    "There is nothing to see but building there."

    "I heard that the school had a lot of girls from prestigious families? What do they look like, Brother? Is it like everyone in my ss said; they were very graceful and noble-like?" Dai Shenqiang''s eyes brimmed with curiosity.

    "Not every girl in this school is from a rich and prestigious family. Most of them are pretty normal, like us. If I have to say, those noble-like girls are the most troublesome."

    Dai Shenqiang grimaced. "I wouldn''t want to interact with those types. But anyway, did you manage to make friends with anyone on your first day of school?"

    Listening to his brother''s question made him recall that timid girl with sses again.

    ''Come to think of it, she seems to being from a well-off family too,'' Dai Zhiqiang thought inwardly, ''I don''t know about graceful and noble-like. She is leaning more on the cute side.''

    Dai Zhiqiang''s mouth slightly opened when he realized he had just thought about something strange. He med his exhaustion for making him think about something weird.

    <o>,m "I met a person. We weren''t friends because I didn''t even know her name. However, she helped me from getting into trouble with an upperssman before."</o>

    Dai Shenqiang automatically straightened his back before he looked at his brother incredulously.

    "Seriously? You said you will stop fighting once you get into a high school, but you are already on the verge of fighting some people on the first day of school?"

    The older boy drowned in disagreement. "They were the ones who started it first."

    "But still, you can''t act carelessly like before. One mistake, and your schrship will be revoked!"

    "Yeah, that''s why that girl really saved me. I could arrive home faster and find Father faster thanks to her."

    "Oh. Then, you must really thank that girl. Don''t frown and say rude things to her. Thank her sincerely."

    "What kind of person do you think I am? Of course, I know that."

    Dai Shenqiang shrugged. "You made many girls cry before, so I thought I should warn you beforehand."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want to talk about that topic anymore, so he diverted the conversation. "Uncle Guang didn''te as expected."

    "Yeah, but I kind of expected this, actually. Well, at least he wasn''t cold-hearted enough to abandon his sick brother. We shouldn''t hope for more things from him, considering his personality."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang pondered about it in silence. It would be nice if his uncle simply forgot or didn''t have time to visit.

    ''But what is this unsettling feeling I have inside?''

    He had been trying to reach his uncle for some time, but he couldn''t reach him at all.

    Dai Zhiqiang thought he was probably busy, so he would send him a message from time to time, informing news about his father. Yet, not a single response came.

    "I''m sure he wille when we least expect it again. For now, let''s just focus on Father''s condition first."

    Dai Zhiqiang had no choice but to agree with his little brother. "You''re right. Let''s do that."

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang had to swallow a bitter pill a weekter, knowing that Dai Guang had tricked him.

    The money in his father''s ount was nowhere near the amount written on the agreement his uncle made him sign back then.

    Added with the fact that his uncle practically disappeared after taking care of Dai Bolin''s surgery fee, it wasn''t hard for him to guess what had happened.

    Dai Zhiqiang covered his face with his hand, feeling like the world had fallen on him.

    How could he, out of all people, fall for such a scam? Was he so desperate to find quick money that he became muddle-headed?

    "It was stupid of me to even think that person can be reliable." Dai Zhiqiang let out a burst of self-mockingughter before punching the wall out of frustration.

    "That bastard. Where did he get that money from? Wait until I find him. I will make him disappear for real!" Dai Zhiqiang hissed in an abnormally low voice as his eyes swirled with darkness. His whole body emanated a murderous aura, and he had to restrain his urge to wreak havoc in a public ce.

    He felt like killing someone, so he walked around to cool his head first. He couldn''t let his family see him like this.

    As much as he felt wronged and angry, he knew drowning in such emotions would bring nothing.

    The only thing he regretted was that he noticed it toote. He was pretty sure Dai Guang had run far away with almost half of the loan he took by now.

    ''He must have made it, so our family had to pay for those debts. The question is, from where did he get that amount of money? I doubt the business he kept talking about is legal, either.''

    While Dai Zhiqiang was immersed in his thoughts, he saw two men approaching a lone kid standing near the traffic signs. The two men didn''t resemble the kid, and their clothes looked shabbypared to the kid''s expensive-looking uniform.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want to judge someone by their appearance alone, but those two men looked suspicious no matter what.

    The kid looked like he was only five or six years old. Dai Zhiqiang looked around, but there was no sign of the kid''s parents anywhere.

    His mind immediately thought of the worst-case scenario, and he couldn''t just sit back and watch anymore.

 Chapter 313 Saving A Young Master (1)

    Dai Zhiqiang picked up his pace when he noticed that one of them had grabbed the kid''s hand. There weren''t any other pedestrians, so no one but him could help that kid except for him.

    He put his hand on the kid''s shoulder with a grim expression.

    "Little kid, do you know these two uncles?"

    The kid raised his head, and his pair of big, clear eyes looked at him with confusion. "Big Brother, who are you?"

    "Yeah, who are you, bastard? Hands off and mind your own business." One of the men red at him.

    However, Dai Zhiqiang paid no heed to him and asked the kid again. "Hey kid, I will ask once again. If you don''t know them, you shouldn''t follow or talk to people carelessly. Didn''t your mother or father teach you that?"

    The kid''s face became crestfallen. "I-I don''t have one."

    His answer wasn''t one Dai Zhiqiang expected, but he persisted, "Then, listen to me from now on. You shouldn''t follow or receive things from strangers."

    Shifting his gaze to the two suspicious men, he continued, "They might be the bad guys trying to kidnap you."

    "What''s with that? Are you implying we are trying to do something funny here?!"

    "Don''t use people without thinking, you brat. Speaking of which, who are YOU anyway? The kid clearly said he didn''t know you. Scram, before you get hurt."

    They growled menacingly at him, but Dai Zhiqiang didn''t bat an eye at their threats. "I never asked the kid to follow me, though? If you guys are really innocent, should we take him to the nearest police station together? That way, I''ll believe your im."

    One of the men clicked his tongue irritatedly and put his hand inside his unbuttoned shirt. A glint of something shiny behind it quickly caught his eye, and Dai Zhiqiang moved swiftly like he was in an automatic mode.

    He wrapped his hand around the kid''s body and pulled his body backward swiftly. The sudden tug caused the man''s grip on the kid to be released, but he managed tond a graze on Dai Zhiqiang''s forearm, causing a cut on his sleeve.

    "Grr¨C!" The man growled angrily and directed his murderous gaze toward Dai Zhiqiang. The other man also pulled out a folding knife from his pocket before pointing it at the younger man.

    "We have warned you before. Don''t me us for anything that happenster."

    Dai Zhiqiang stepped before the kid to keep those two away from him. "Can you hide for a while? I''ll take care of them first."

    "Big brother? Are you going to fight with the bad guys? Are you the hero?" The kid said with admiration in his tone.

    "No, I''m not a hero, just a person walking by."

    "How cool! That''s what every hero always says on the TV!"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know how to respond, and those two men wouldn''t wait until he finished this conversation. "Yes, I''m a hero, so can you please go hide? I can''t fight them while protecting you."

    The kid nodded his head enthusiastically. "I will be watching from afar, then!"

    Finally, he moved elsewhere with his short legs. Dai Zhiqiang felt more at ease and faced the two men closing in on him. His eyes were dark and cold as if he was looking at animals.<sub> </sub>

    "You came just at the right time. I was in a foul mood and itching to vent it on someone. Come at me." Dai Zhiqiang taunted them with his finger, causing the two men to raise their weapons and sh or point them at him.

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang was unsatisfied. He looked disgustedly at the two men who he had beat senselessly. They were currently sprawled on the ground with bruises all over their faces.

    That could hardly be considered exercise. Despite having a weapon, those two were full of openings and weak overall. They couldn''t even take a few punches before he knocked them unconscious.

    Dai Zhiqiang still wanted to beat them to vent his anger and frustration, but he wasn''t a brute or gangster, so he canceled that thought.

    "You cane out now," He said to the tiny figure peeking out behind the small tree.

    Hearing his cue, the kid walked over with eyes sparkling in awe.

    "That is awesome! Big brother, you are so strong! You punched and kicked them, and they can''t get up anymore. As expected, you are the hero! A hero always wins against the bad guys!"

    Ignoring the kid''s enthusiasm, Dai Zhiqiang wiped the trace of blood on his knuckles on one of the man''s shirts. "Hey, did you wander around by yourself? Don''t you have an adult apanying you?"

    The kid''s smile was gone from his lips, and he pursed his lips sulkily. "I-I just want to check the ice cream truck that those kids said in school."

    "Ice creamˇ­.truck?"

    "Yeah. Other kids in my school said a car was selling very sweet and cool ice cream. The best in the world. I didn''t believe them, so they made fun of me."

    "That''s why you waited for the ice cream truck here?"

    The kid shyly nodded. "If I want, I can buy all the ice cream in the store, but they said ice cream from the truck is the best. It''s not because I want to eat the sweetest ice cream."

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed at the kid''s attempt to make excuses. He crouched down in front of him and checked him for any injuries.

    "At least you aren''t hurt. Next time, don''t talk to strangers, or better yet, don''t go out alone without a guardian. This world is dangerous for a child, especially a rich-looking one like you."

    The kid puffed his cheek, making it look like a pair of white dumplings.

    "I''m not your regr child. Usually, someone is always following me and protecting me from the shadow. However, because I sneaked out this time, that''s why they can''te in time."

    "Yes, precisely why you almost got taken away just now. What did they say to you?"

    "They said they knew where the ice cream truck was."

    "Next time, don''t trust what other people say easily. I doubt you will understand anything I say, though."

    "Big Brother, I don''t want to talk about this. How can you be so strong like that? Your punch is fast and strong, and you can jump very high!" The kid said as he mimicked some of Dai Zhiqiang''s moves earlier clumsily.

 Chapter 314 Saving A Young Master (2)

    Using the two men''s shoces, Dai Zhiqiang tied their wrists together in a tight knot before calling the police. They should have arrived before these two woke up.

    Dai Zhiqiang found this quite interesting. Most kids would cry if they witnessed acts of violence like that. But this kid seemed like he was enjoying it, even pestering him to tell him how to do all that.

    Dai Zhiqiang had to wait until his excitement subsided before he could coax the kid to return to his school with him. It was very tiring since he had to answer all of his questions.

    "Big Brother, did you train in the mountains for years before you could master your techniques?"

    "Big Brother, have you encountered a monster taller than you and defeated them?"

    "Big Brother, why don''t you have anyonee to back you up? Every hero has one."

    Answering them one by one became taxing at some point, and he couldn''t wait to take the kid back to his school so he could finally return to the hospital.

    They held hands to make sure they wouldn''t get separated. Walking side by side, they looked like close brothers.

    Then, out of nowhere, Dai Zhiqiang felt a presence creep up behind his back.

    He jerked his head immediately, but it was still toote. Knowing he would get attacked, he pushed the kid away so the kid wouldn''t get hurt. However, doing that scraped his time to defend himself.

    Before he knew it, someone had already flipped his body, mmed it hard to the ground, and used a locking technique to press him to the ground with one of his arms locked behind his back.

    "Agh!" He groaned in pain. His arm felt like it was going to get ripped from his shoulder.

    Whoever pinned him to the ground, he was a professional or at least a trained person with a healthy body. It was in apletely different league with those two rogues earlier, where their bnce could easily crumble.

    "Whoˇ­are you?" Dai Zhiqiang tried to look behind him, but it only made that person twist his arm even more, eliciting more groans from him. And that person was also very heavy, like a mountain bear!

    "You have no right to ask a question. From now on, you can only answer our questions. Failing to do that will cost more than your arm, kiddo."

    "Hey! You are not allowed to bully him. Let go of him this instant!"

    Dai Zhiqiang could hear the kid''s voice behind him, but he couldn''t see what had happened. "You kid, quickly get away from here!"

    He couldn''t imagine what would happen to that kid if he carelessly provoked this experienced man.

    "Young Master, this person is trying to take you somewhere else."

    "Who said that? This Big Brother is a nice person. He saved me from some bad guys! I said let go!"

    Despite his confusion, Dai Zhiqiang forced his brain to work. Did the person above him just call the kid ''Young Master''?

    "If you cherish your life, you''d better not try to do anything funny."

    The slightly hoarse voice sounded sharp and full of threats. Dai Zhiqiang knew those words were directed at him, so he quickly nodded. Only then did the grip on his arm loosen.

    Dai Zhiqiang grimaced as he held his shoulder. Any longer than that and his arm would probably dislocate from his shoulder.

    The younger man looked to the front, and he had a pair of shiny back shoes and ck pants. He looked up and saw a tall person with blonde hair looking suspiciously at him.<sub> </sub>

    The man looked like he was in his 20s, with a pair of mesmerizing blue eyes and fair skin. Although he clearly looked like a foreigner, he still had that Asian feature on his face.

    ''A half-blood?'' Dai Zhiqiang questioned inwardly.

    "Now that I have let you go answer my question. Who are you, and what are you trying to do to our Young Master?"

    "I didn''t try to do anything. I was just going to help him return to his school."

    The blonde-haired men scrutinized Dai Zhiqiang''s appearance from head to toe before he looked back where a couple of people had been standing on standby.

    "First, bring the Young Master to the car first. Let me take care of this kid."

    Dai Zhiqiang cursed inwardly. Why did this always happen when he only tried to help a person? He didn''t expect that kid not only toe from a wealthy family but a dangerous one at that.

    "No! I will not allow you to bully this Big Brother!"

    The ''Young Master'' stood bravely in front of the sitting Dai Zhiqiang with his arms outstretched. "You guys are the bad one here!"

    The blonde-haired man looked at the kid and Dai Zhiqiang alternately before he sighed in exasperation.

    "Fine, we won''t do anything to him. Young Master, your grandfather is very worried about you. How about you go and talk to him first? We will help thisˇ­.'' Big Brother'' to return home."

    The kid looked back at Dai Zhiqiang with a reluctant expression. "Big Brother, are you already going to go home? But I still want to y with youˇ­."

    Involving himself with this kid was like inviting more trouble for himself, so he picked himself up before saying. "Your people are here already, isn''t that good? I need to go now."

    The kid felt even more lonely hearing that, so his little brain tried hard toe up with an idea.

    "I know! How about youe with me to see Grandpa? I will ask him to take you home. We can y some more while in the car."

    "No need. I can go home by myselfˇŞ"

    The blonde-haired pped his hand as if he had just heard the most brilliant idea. "That''s a nice idea, Young Master. We should definitely let this young man meet with the Master."

    Dai Zhiqiang could sense the evil intent behind that smile. He bet there wouldn''t be anything good happening if he was to meet with the kid''s grandfather.

    "No, I''m fineˇŞ"

    "Now, don''t be shy and just ept this honor. We don''t want any unpleasant scene to happen in front of our Young Master, so let''s cooperate as much as possible, alright?"

    Contrary to his friendly appearance, the blond man spat threat and menace in his every word. The way he spoke was also very condescending, as though Dai Zhiqiang was a mere ant.

    The younger man thought about running away, but he wasn''t confident that he could get away from this blonde man. From his sudden attack earlier, it was clear that this man wasn''t someone to mess up with.

    Even with all of his power and seriousness, Dai Zhiqiang could probably still not win.

 Chapter 315 A Favor

    The blonde-haired man led him to an expensive-looking car parked not far from there, where dozens of ck-suited men lined up in front of it.

    One nce, and he could tell that those men were the same as the blond-haired man, subordinate to this so-called ''Master''.

    Just looking at how tight the security was, people would know whoever was sitting inside that car was an extremely important figure.

    Dai Zhiqiang had seen a fair amount of rich people, and he sensed that this kid''s family was probably the most dangerous one he had met so far.

    The blond-haired man stopped him from walking further and went first to talk to the person inside the car through the gap in the window. Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t see who it was from where he stood.

    Then he came back while bringing the news. "Master wants to talk with you. Alone."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyebrows twitched slightly. It was just one disaster after another for him. However, he had no other options as of now.

    "Alright."

    "Big Brother, I wille with you too!" The kid said while tugging his pants, unwilling to separate from him.

    "No, Young Master. The Master only wants to talk with him. He said you can wait in another car for the time being."

    The kid stomped his feet angrily. "Grandpa is bad! He wanted to hog Big Brother to himself!"

    "Young Master, please understandˇŞ"

    "No, I don''t want to hear!"

    Faced with the kid''s tantrum, the blonde-haired man could only sigh helplessly.

    Dai Zhiqiang still bore a grudge toward him for throwing him to the ground earlier, but the longer the kid clung to him, the longer he spent with these people.

    He decided to cooperate for now.

    "Kid, you should listen to your Grandfather. Those who aren''t listening to the elderly''s words are bad kids, and no bad kid would ever be a hero."

    The kid stopped stomping his feet and looked up at him. "Really? Are you a good kid too, Big Brother?"

    "Of course, because I always listen to what my grandfather says."

    ''Well, whether I followed his words or not was arguable, though.'' Dai Zhiqiang added inwardly.

    "Then, I''ll do as Big Brother said!"

    The blonde-haired man watched with a mouth slightly agape at how easy it was for the younger man to tame their young master. He barely did anything, and the willful young master listened to him so well, something that none of them had ever achieved. Even the Master himself.

    After ensuring the kid had left, Dai Zhiqiang shifted his gaze to the older man. "Where should I go?"

    The blonde-haired man pressed his lips into a thin line before shing his polite smile. Dai Zhiqiang seemed to see a bit more respect in his smile than previously, but it might be just his eyes ying tricks on him.

    "This way."

    The wall of bodyguards standing in front of the car easily allowed him to go through. As unsettling as it was, Dai Zhiqiang could only enter the car now.

    A big, tall, old man around his 60s was sitting inside the car with his hands resting on a cane. His hair was swept behind, revealing a stern face with sharp-looking eyes and frowning eyebrows.

    The suit he wore was a pin-striped gray one, with a white scarf draped on his shoulder. He also wore a gold watch and rings with big stones.

    The old man looked like the mafia boss you could find in action movies.

    Dai Zhiqiang could feel the heavy pressure in the air when he stepped in. However, he ignored it and sat on the other side of the chair, keeping his distance from the old man.

    If this man was the master of those people outside, it would make sense. Since even though he was old, Dai Zhiqiang could feel an authoritative presence in him. It could easily intimidate an ordinary person, but fortunately, Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t a person easily intimidated.

    "Do you want to talk to me?" Dai Zhiqiang didn''t beat around the bush.<sub> </sub>

    "Indeed." The old man replied while still looking straight to the front, not bothering to look at the younger man.

    The old man''s voice was heavier than he thought. It sounded like a bear growling for a moment.

    "Can you make it quick, please? I''m in a hurry right now."

    "Impolite, brazen, and cheeky. Qualities every youngster has nowadays, and you are no different from them."

    "If you don''t like to talk to the youngsters, you can do us a favor by cutting to the chase."

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t afraid of him. He was already in a bad mood from the beginning, and these people kept wasting his time when all he did was try to be a decent human being.

    The old man shifted his gaze for the first time, and Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes widened, looking at the horrendous burn mark on the left side of his head.

    It was his first time looking at something like that, so he couldn''t help but look at it for a few good seconds.

    "Are you scared, youngster? Do I look horrible to you?" The old man asked smugly.

    "I was surprised, yes. But it''s not that scary or horrible."

    "Trying to act tough, huh? Well, that''s fine. How much do you want?"

    Dai Zhiqiang expected to be interrogated, but it turned out the old man wanted topensate him. However, after being scammed once, Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t eager to take anything from these suspicious-looking people.

    "No need, just let me go, and we will not see each other anymore."

    "I don''t like owing a person anything. Just mention your price, and this will end. A new car? An apartment? I can give you anything you want. You just need to ask for it."

    The old man was looking down on him.

    That wasn''t an unusual sight for him, and it didn''t bother Dai Zhiqiang anymore. But then, he recalled his father''s condition for a split second, and a crooked smile emerged on his face.

    "Then cure my father for me. Return him to his healthy self, and we will be even. I saved your grandchildren''s life, so it should be reasonable to repay life with another life, right?"

    The old man didn''t respond and only stared at Dai Zhiqiang. It snapped the younger man from his stupor.

    ''Why did I say that? I must have gone crazy.'' Dai Zhiqiang berated himself for hisck of self-control.

    "Forget what I said. Just let me go."

    The old man still didn''t say anything and only put his hand into his zer. It rmed Dai Zhiqiang, and his whole body became tense, but it turned out the old man only wanted to take out a card from it.

    "This is my business card. ept it."

    "Why?"

    "Kid, there is something that can''t be controlled in this world. I''m not a miracle worker, no matter how much power I have." He fell into silence before continuing, "I will rephrase my words. Anything you want, as long as it''s something within my capabilities, you can give me a call, and I shall lend you a hand."

    Dai Zhiqiang held the business card in his hand.

    ''Ye Huizhong, a Chairman of Ye Group?''

    He wasn''t sure if he had ever heard that name before, but he still epted it gratefully. This might be useful in the future.

    "Thank you very much."

    Ye Huizhong''s corner of lips curved up slightly. "Oh? So you know how to speak politely. I don''t hate a kid with big guts. What is your name?"

    "Dai Zhiqiang."

    "I''ll try to remember that. I have a feeling we will see each other again soon." Ye Huizhong said with a mysterious smirk.

 Chapter 316 You Cant Meet Her

    Day by day passed, and Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t forget his encounter with Ye Huizhong. He searched for his name on the inte after that and found out that he had just dealt with a big fish.

    Despite that, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t have the intention to contact him unless it was very necessary.

    Ye Huizhong''s favor probably would be handy in the future, and he wanted to save it as much as he could.

    For now, he was content that his father''s surgery went well, and his life wasn''t in danger anymore.

    Although Dai Bolin would still need to be monitored and go through a series of other treatments, Dai Zhiqiang was optimistic that the rest of the money in Dai Bolin''s bank ount would be enough for everything.

    Since they have fallen and gotten wet, they might as well swim in it.

    A few weeks after that, Dai Zhiqiang finally returned to school. He had missed so many days, so by the time he arrived, everyone had already made their own groups and had no time to pay attention to him.

    ''This is good too, I guess. I should just go along with the flow.''

    Thinking like that, he looked around to find an empty seat. He left as soon as the opening ceremony ended on the first day of school, so he still hadn''t a designated seat yet.

    Then, his eyes fell into a face he was familiar with. No, rather than calling it familiar, it was the only face he recognized out of all other faces in the room.

    The same pair of big and clear eyes with silky ck hair draped over her shoulder. Sheughed happily with her friends as though she had just a funny joke. Herugh was contagious, and it brought a smile to the others too.

    As much as he wanted to go there and talk to that girl, he couldn''t help but notice something different about that girl.

    ''She isˇ­the same girl I met on the first day of school, right?''

    Dai Zhiqiang remembered the girl as someone more timid and shy, not friendly and giving out popr vibes like that.

    Although Dai Zhiqiang was skeptical, he still had to thank her properly for her help the other day. With that thought, he walked over to the girl, surrounded by many people.

    His presence was like a rock disrupting the flow. The conversation suddenly halted when they realized his appearance.

    Not only because that might be their first time seeing him after the entrance ceremony but also because his gaze was fixed on one person only.

    It caught everyone off guard, including the girl who currently blinked at him in confusion. She didn''t understand why he only stood there staring at her and became self-conscious.

    "Eh, you are Dai Zhiqiang, right? Can we help you with something?" She asked awkwardly.

    The moment he heard her voice, he was almost sure that she was a different girl with the sses he had met before. That tone full of confidence couldn''t possiblye from the same girl from that time.

    But still, he should make sure, just in case.

    "Have we met before?"

    Dai Zhiqiang ignored themotion around him and only focused on her answer. The only thing that stopped him from feeling 100% certain was the fact that this girl had the exact same face as the timid girl.

    ''A twins?''

    That was the only reasonable exnation he coulde up with.<sub> </sub>

    "Hm, I don''t think we''ve ever met before? I think you mistook me for someone else."

    "I''m pretty sure I have met you before. In fact, you helped me once."

    "Hmm," The girl made a meaningful hum before continuing, "I think you are mistaking me for my twin. Did she wear sses and have ponytails?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded, and the girl''s smile deepened. "Nice to meet you. My name is Li Chunhua, and we will be ssmates from now on."

    "Nice to meet you. If you don''t mind, can you tell me which ss your sister is in? I want to thank her properly."

    "Guys, can I talk with him privately for a bit. Let''s continue our conversation a bit, okay?" Li Chunhua said to her friends, and they nodded without question.

    After they left, Li Chunhua shifted his gaze back at him. Although she was smiling, Dai Zhiqiang could feel the prickling stab in her eyes as she looked at him.

    "You said you want to talk with my sister? There is no need because I can send your regards to her."

    "But still, I want to thank her myself."

    "I said that''s not necessary. My sister is an extremely good person, and she helps people frequently. You are no different from others, so I doubt she will even remember you."

    There was a sense of hostility under her words, and Dai Zhiqing could tell he wasn''t weed. He was too familiar with that condescending and disapproving gaze given by people who looked down on him and his family background.

    Li Chunhua added, "On that note, I hope you won''t appear carelessly in front of my sister since she is timid and scared of people she doesn''t know. If you have something to say to her, just pass the message to me. That''s the least you can do to repay her help, isn''t that right?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know how to reply. That was probably his first time taking the initiative to talk to a girl first, yet he was shut off immediately.

    He wasn''t sure how to proceed from this. If he insisted, wouldn''t he be like a creep here?

    Dai Zhiqiang recalled the sses girl from the other day.

    There was a tingling sensation in his chest, knowing that the girl probably didn''t remember him. Even though she was the only reason he even had the slightest intention to go back to school faster.

    ''What is this unpleasant feeling?''

    "Hey, are you even listening? Answer me if you understand." Li Chunhua put both of her hands to her hips while pouting.

    It was supposed to be enough to make any guy melt at her cuteness, but unfortunately, Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t affected by such things.

    "Is there really no other way? I want to talk with her if I can." Dai Zhiqiang replied hesitantly.

    "I already said there is no need for that." Li Chunhua frowned slightly. "Why are you so persistent? Are you perhaps having some kind of ulterior motive towards her? And everything about her helping you is just an excuse?"

    Faced with Li Chunhua''s suspicious gaze, Dai Zhiqiang sighed helplessly. It seemed he was indeed acting like a creep here.

    Even he couldn''t understand himself. He should have felt thankful for Li Chunhua for making his job easier, but why didn''t he feel happy when he knew he wasn''t allowed to meet her?

 Chapter 317 Soul Crushing Guilt

    Dai Zhiqiang still felt that way even though days, weeks, and months passed. Thankfully, it took little to no effort to see her again.

    They were studying in the same school, so he was bound to see her eventually. He would asionally see her in the hallway, in shoe lockers on the first floor, in the library, or in the teacher''s office.

    Every time he glimpsed that girl''s figure, his eyes would unconsciously follow her until she disappeared from his sight. He wanted to walk over and say something to her, but that girl was rarely alone.

    If she wasn''t with Li Chunhua, she would always be around that popr senior who everyone admired and one of the most influential students in the school. From what he heard, it seemed they were childhood friends.

    However, aside from her family member and her childhood friend, he never saw her with anyone else.

    It made him even more hesitant to talk to her first because it reminded her of Li Chunhua''s warning. He didn''t want to scare her or make her ufortable.

    Another reason was that he couldn''t help but feel an invisible wall whenever he saw her with her group.

    A wall created by the difference in their family background. The distance between them made him feel inferior.

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t confident if he could act unbothered if that girl looked at him with the same condescending gaze. No, he probably couldn''t live with it.

    He didn''t care about the others, but he probably would feel devastated if it came from her.

    So Dai Zhiqiang restrained himself and felt content only looking at her from afar.

    The habit of finding her among the crowds was ingrained deeply in him. If he didn''t see her for a day, he would look around for her while worrying whether she was sick and couldn''te to school.

    Even Dai Zhiqiang thought his action was incredibly creepy because it felt like he was stalking her. As long as he knew she was okay, that was enough for him.

    He owed her, so he wanted to make sure she was alright all the time.

    Because Dai Zhiqiang was always watching her, he slowly knew things about her. Like her name or how she was very diligent and quietpared to her sister. She rarely smiled, but her smile seemed to illuminate the room once she did.

    Another thing he noticed was that her brightest smile was directed only at one person.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t understand at first what was the ufortable and stuffy feeling he had in his chest whenever he saw her smiling at Meng Renshu. Nevertheless, he kept his distance and only watched her from afar.

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang covered his face with his hand, feeling that everything crumbled beneath his feet. How could he be so careless?

    He med himself for creating this mess. He med his weakness for failing to protect his brother.

    An uncontroble amount of bitterness engulfed him, rendering him deaf to any sound around him. As if there were some water blocking his ears.

    "Excuse me, student?"

    Dai Zhiqiang jolted when a middle-aged doctor tapped him on the shoulder. He raised his head, and the doctor smiled sympathetically at this boy.

    "I''m sorry for startling you, but you didn''t react when I called you."

    "Yes, I''m sorry. How is my brother''s condition?" Dai Zhiqiang asked in an urgent tone.

    The downcast look on the doctor''s face unsettled him. An awful premonition rose inside him.

    "The surgery went well. Thankfully, the patient''s life isn''t in any danger now, but that one is a close call. The patient received too much damage to his body, causing several internal bleeding. We managed to stabilize his condition through surgery. There isn''t much damage to the head, butˇ­."<sub> </sub>

    "But what?" Dai Zhiqiang almost threw up from the suspense. He wanted to hear it but also didn''t want to listen to it at the same time.

    "I''m afraid your brother will have difficulty using his hand in the future."

    At that time, Dai Zhiqiang was confused about whether he should feel relieved or devastated.

    As much as he was d his brother made it through the surgery safely, he knew how much his brother loved to draw. Having a disabled hand was the same as cutting his life.

    "W-which one?" Dai Zhiqiang asked in a shaky voice, silently preparing himself for the more bad news.

    "Both hands." The doctor said regretfully.

    "I don''t understand, Doctor. My brother loves to draw; will it have any chance of recovery?"

    The doctor sighed. "I felt the patient was an artist when I saw the calluses on his hand. I''m sorry to say this, but the chance that his hand can fully recover is small, let alone drawing like he used to."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face turned pale. He dared not to imagine his brother''s reaction if he knew this.

    "Is there reallyˇ­ really no way out at all, doctor?"

    <o>,m "The patient''s hands can be fixed to the point he can do small tasks in his daily life, but if he wants to use it to draw, I''m afraid that will be difficult to do, given how bad the damage on his bone. If he seriously thinks of pursuing art as his career, he will have a very difficult road ahead."</o>

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t have to ask to know that was the doctor''s roundabout way to tell him that Dai Shenqiang should have just given up on drawing.

    There was nothing left to say, so the doctor bade him goodbye and gave Dai Zhiqiang time to let the news fully sink in.

    "This is all my fault." Dai Zhiqiang grabbed a handful of his hair and tugged it harshly. He felt so frustrated inside he didn''t know what to do. The guilt he felt inside was immense and crushing his soul.

    "If only I wasn''t tricked by that bastard, we wouldn''t have to deal with those barbaric people. Now Shenqiang had to pay for my mistake. Just why? Why am I alwayste?"

    Tears of regret welled up in the young man''s eyes. He was pretty optimistic initially. If he worked hard, everything would return to how it was supposed to be.

    [You are the decision-maker here.]

    Dai Guang''s words kept repeating in his head like a curse. The more he thought about it, the more bitter and exhausted he was.

    His choice had cost his little brother the thing he loved the most in his life. No amount of money or regret could everpensate for that.

    Inside the busy and noisy hallway, the young man sat with his face buried in his hand.

    He was alone, with no one to share his burden.

    A face appeared in his mind when he was staring down at the abyss of his mind. It reminded him of the warmth he received from her that day.

    How he hoped she would give the same warmth to him once again.

    Dai Zhiqiang yearned to hear her gentle voice and see her smile. He wanted her to be with him so badly right now.

    With that thought in his mind, Dai Zhiqiang closed his eyes and let a droplet of water fall from his eyes.

    It was cold and lonely.

 Chapter 318 Sweet Boyfriend

    "Zhi, you have such smooth hair. Mother really likes to touch it."

    "Hehe, I also like it when you caress my head, Mom. Your hand is very soft and warm."

    "Is it? Then Mother will pat your head more from now on."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt like he was floating, and old memories where everything was perfect resurfaced. If it was a dream, he wished to never wake up again.

    Yue Ling called his name repeatedly, and it was very soothing to his ears. However, that voice slowly changed into the voice of someone else. The way they called him began to change, too.

    Sensing that something was off, Dai Zhiqiang stirred in his sleep.

    "Zhiqiang?" Li Caiyi gently patted his cheek upon noticing his eyshes fluttered.

    "Mhm?"

    "You sleep so well, but it''s time to wake up." Li Caiyi giggled and yed with his smooth hair some more tenderly.

    Dai Zhiqiang pried his eyes open. The light immediately assaulted his eyes, making him unconsciously shut them again.

    Li Caiyi leaned forward to block the sunlight behind him before softly saying, "It''s okay to open your eyes now."

    The younger man slowly opened his eyes. Once his eyes were adjusted to the light, he was greeted by the sight of an angel smiling down at him.

    Li Caiyi stared at him fondly with a beautiful smile adorning her lips. Her long hair, which fell over her shoulder, fell on his chest, tickling his skin and his heart under it simultaneously.

    He could see a cute mole on her right earlobe from this proximity. The light behind her was like a halo of light, making her look holy and ethereal.

    After a few seconds, he finally could regain his wits and recognized who that angel was. No, it was neither an angel nor his mother''s face.

    It was the face he longed to see in his dream.

    "Caiyiˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang called out her name carefully.

    "Yes? Have you finally awakened? Sleepyhead." Li Caiyi giggled at his half-awake expression.

    He didn''t know he could miss her bright smile and gentle voice so severely when he only slept for a few hours. The dream he had just had was a terrible one, and he desperately wanted to feel her warmth now.

    "Ah!"

    The girl eximed when the young man suddenly sat up and gathered her in his arms. He wrapped his arm around her tightly, like he was trying to embed her body into him.

    Li Caiyi''s body was tense, but it gradually rxed as more time passed. She returned his embrace and patted his back to calm him down.

    "Are you having a nightmare? You frowned in your sleep earlier."

    "Yeah, it was a very terrible dream."

    "I see. It''s okay now. Everything is just a dream. You are safe now."

    "Yeah." Dai Zhiqiang felt lighter, and the suffocating feeling in his chest subsided a lot.

    That dream left an unpleasant taste in his mouth. Half of it was like a shback of what happened in his life, and he was very grateful thetter half was just a dream.

    Dai Shenqiang didn''t lose his hand, and Li Caiyi wasn''t a distant person to him anymore. What he had in his arms right now was the proof of it.

    After calming himself down, he slowly released his hold on her and pecked her forehead, causing a slight blush to creep up her cheeks.

    "I''m fortunate to meet you." Dai Zhiqiang said sincerely.<sub> </sub>

    "Me too." Li Caiyi smiled back at him with inexplicable emotion in her eyes.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "Like what?"

    "I don''t know. Caiyi, you sometimes look at me with an expression like you want to cry. Did something happen?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned before chuckling. "It''s nothing, actually. If anything, it was because every second I have with you is so precious to me. I''m so happy that I feel like crying."

    Dai Zhiqiang was speechless because he could see a trace of sadness in her eyes when she said that. However, it disappeared as soon as it surfaced, like it was covered in a thin veilyer.

    "I n to let you sleep more since you seem exhausted, but the sky will get dark soon. So I have no choice but to wake you up. Sorry for that." Li Caiyi said as she rose from her seat.

    ? "Shall we go back now? I think Uncle should have been awake by now."

    "Yeah, we should. And don''t worry about disturbing me. Seeing you first as I opened my eyes was the best wake-up method for me." Dai Zhiqiang said he smiled flirtatiously. "You should wake me up more often from now on."

    Li Caiyi scoffed. "Now you are teasing me again."

    "When I opened my eyes, I was astonished. I thought an angel had descended."

    "Stop that. You are bing more shameless now."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "Why? You look like an angel because you are one of me."

    "You are seriouslyˇ­." Li Caiyi feigned an angry expression, but she was secretly ted inside.

    Dai Zhiqiang reached out for her hand, which she held back almost immediately. They were slowly getting closer, and Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t be happier.

    In his dream, he was alone and lonely. Now he could see her smile if he looked to his side. Her existence grew bigger in his heart, and she became even more important to him now.

    ''I will never let this hand go.'' Dai Zhiqiang made a vow to himself inwardly, hoping that she would also hold on to his hand like this forever.

    ***

    Li Caiyi had been waiting for this day. When she woke up, the first thing she did was to check the calendar once again.

    "Today is finally the day," Li Caiyi muttered in disbelief. "This is the day where the first step towards my dream hase true."

    It took her one lifetime to get to where she was now. She finally arrived on the day when she could witness her books being sold in the bookstore.

    Her heart was filled with anticipation and nervousness. Thanks to that, she could barely sleep a winkst night.

    Despite that, she couldn''t feel any exhaustion in her bones. She couldn''t be more excited about starting her day.

    While she was immersed in her happiness, her phone rang. She took it, and an even wider smile appeared on her face.

    "Hello?"

    "Good morning. How is your sleep?" From the other side of the phone, Dai Zhiqiang''s voice sounded gentle.

    "I slept very well. How about you?"

    "Me too. Today is finally the day, right? How about we go check out the bookstore after school today?"

    Li Caiyi had actually nned to ask him out, too, so his invitation was very much weed. "En. That would be great!"

 Chapter 319 Congratulations (1)

    After their first date, Li Caiyi could feel that Dai Zhiqiang had be even sweeter to her. He would call her first thing in the morning and thest voice she heard before going to bed.

    Previously, he had already treated her well, but he changed into a perfect boyfriend in a short time.

    "Boyfriend has a nice ring to it." Li Caiyi giggled to herself, feeling ticklish inside. "I wonder if the day when I can openly call him my boyfriend wille soon. Aren''t we basically dating already?"

    They had confessed their feelings to each other and even kissed already. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t officially ask her out, but they did make a promise for their future together. It wouldn''t be unreasonable to think of him as her boyfriend, right?

    "Right, there is no need to fear. Unlike in my previous life, this time, my love is not one-sided anymore. No need to feel small or discouraged. Just enjoy your current life, Li Caiyi. You are on the right track so far!" Li Caiyi told herself as she looked at the mirror.

    Once, she really hated to look at her reflection in the mirror.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t love herself and didn''t want to see her own face. It reminded her of Li Chunhua and how she was only Li Chunhua''s substitute. The thought depressed her, and she would asionally break the mirror into pieces because of that.

    Li Caiyi cringed at the memory. She must have looked like a crazy person then. However, now there was only a smile adorned her face as she faced herself properly. She loved how she could love herself in this timeline.

    Bzzzt

    While reminiscing old memories, Li Caiyi''s phone vibrated once again.

    "Hehe, did Zhiqiang forget to say something to me?" Li Caiyi took her phone and epted the call in one swift moment.

    "What''s wrong? Did you have something more to say?" She asked coquettishly, one of the things she learned these days. Apparently, Dai Zhiqiang liked it when she used this tone toward him.

    "Interesting. I wonder who you are mistaking me for?"

    Li Caiyi almost dropped her phone due to surprise. She quickly looked at the caller ID and almost groaned when she realized she had just made a big mistake.

    Putting the phone back beside her ear, she said awkwardly, "I''m sorry, Brother Renshu. I thought it was someone else."

    "Yeah, I thought so too. You haven''t answered my question. Who are you mistaking me for?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''te up with a response in mind yet, but he had already continued.

    "Can''t you answer? Or do you just don''t want to answer? Should I take a guess myself then?"

    "M-more importantly! What do you call me for, Brother Renshu? It''s still so early in the morning."

    "Oh? So it''s okay if that person calls you so early in the morning, but would you feel troubled if it was me who did it? Is that what you are trying to say?"

    Meng Renshu''s tone was light and yful, as if they had just exchanged a joke, but there was a certain pressure in it that caught her tongue.

    "I wondered why Xiaoyi didn''t ask how my condition wastely. I thought she was just too busy, but I waspletely forgotten. Is all that talk about you being grateful for me saving you is just a lie too?"

    Those lines were like a stab in her conscience, and they rendered her speechless. Because she was busy preparing for her book publish day and distracted by her rtionship with Dai Zhiqiang, she had indeed forgotten about Meng Renshu''s injury.

    Li Caiyi had no obligation to take care of him. Still, because his injury was indirectly caused by her, she felt somehow responsible for it.

    "Brother Renshu, I wasn''t lying when I said I''m grateful to you. But you don''t need me to care for you when you already have many people ready to do things at your beckoning."

    "Why wouldn''t I need it? I don''t need some other people to care for me but you, Xiaoyi."

    Because he was always saying things like that, Li Caiyi felt reluctant to contact, much less care for him.<sub> </sub>

    Now that she already had Dai Zhiqiang in her heart, it wouldn''t be right for her to show extreme care for another guy.

    "If you keep pestering me like this, I will have no choice but to block you, Brother Renshu."

    "Do that, and I will appear in Shao Jingfei''s ce every day. Just so I can quench my longing for you."

    "Sure, I will just ignore you then. I''ll lock myself inside my room."

    "How can you say that? Don''t you feel the least bit of sorry for me?"

    "I owe you again, that''s true. But it doesn''t mean I will let you manipte me with it."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "You became more adept in arguing. Well, joking aside, I did have something I want to tell you."

    Li Caiyi felt like he deliberately changed the topic when the situation put him in a disadvantageous position. However, that might be better than listening to his whining and unreasonable demand.

    "Say it."

    "Today is D-Day, right? Congrattions on your new book. It''s the first step toward your dream. I''m very proud of you." Meng Renshu said sincerely.

    Li Caiyi was stunned because she didn''t expect him to know that. Did he hear that from her siblings again?

    Whoever he heard that from, Li Caiyi was still genuinely happy to hear that.

    "Thank you, Brother Renshu." Li Caiyi replied softly.

    "I want to be the first to tell you that, but I guess someone has beaten me to it." Meng Renshu chuckled. "But that doesn''t matter now since I can hear your cheerful voice early in the morning. It''s all worth it."

    "Did you call me so early because you wanted to say that?"

    "I have been counting down the days ever since I heard it from Jingfei. It would be easy for me to procure the book faster if I had used my connection, but I refrained from doing so. I want to read it on the first day it is published."

    "Why? There is clearly an easier way for you."

    "That way we can share our excitement. I''m not only your pursuer, but I''m also your fan, after all."

    Li Caiyi knew this might be one of his schemes to influence her again, so she tried to suppress it. However, her lips had curved up into a smile before she knew it.

    "You can look forward to it. I assure you this one will be better than thest one."

    "I like your confidence. Keep up a great job, Xiaoyi. I''ll let you know what I think about itter."

    "Sure."

    "I''ll see you at the schoolter then. I hope today will be an enjoyable day for you."

    The line was cut after he said that. Li Caiyi looked at her phone with wonderment. Maybe because they had known each other for a long time, it was easy to talk to him.

    Of course, that was only when he wasn''t trying to do anything funny.

 Chapter 320 Congratulations (2)

    As soon as she arrived at the school, she seemed to understand the meaning behind Meng Renshu''sst line.

    In front of the S International High School, there was a spot where banners for promotional purposes were usually hung.

    It was typically used to congratte students with exceptional achievements or to show collective support of the whole school for those who were about topete at the regional or national level.

    Li Caiyi had tried to make it as low profile as possible to not cause unnecessarymotion around herself. Still, Meng Renshu decided to take it to another level by creating a giant banner about it.

    [Congrattions to Little Bird for its very first published book. May the road toward your dream be blessed with joy and passion. As a fan, I will always support you].

    "What is that? A new banner?"

    "That''s a strange one. Who is the Little Bird, anyway?"

    "How should I know? Since someone requested to put it there, it should be someone from our school."

    Li Caiyi covered her mouth before a fly could enter because she was too shocked by it. Meng Renshu really knew how to celebrate by how big he made this.

    She was grateful that he still had some sense of not revealing her identity without her permission.

    Looking up at her author''s name being disyed like this somehow made her heart shake uncontrobly.

    "He is really too much, sometimes," Li Caiyi muttered to herself before chuckling. A gush of warmth flowed from her heart to her entire body, knowing there was someone who would go to such an extent for her.

    Even if it was Meng Renshu, she could tell he was being genuine about this.

    For a person who was used to being neglected and forgotten, this was already asking for too much. Even if she had changed for the better, there was always a part within her that would remain the same. And that sensitive part of her was touched by Meng Renshu''s disy of support.

    ''This is exactly why he always got you in his palm. Don''t think much of it, Li Caiyi.''

    "Caiyi, are you okay?"

    Li Caiyi looked up to find Dai Zhiqiang staring down at her worriedly. "You only stood there without moving. Are you looking at the banner?"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked up at the banner, utterly oblivious to her sad smile.

    p "I was, but it didn''t matter now. Because you are here already."</anda>

    "What? Are you waiting for me, by chance?" Dai Zhiqiang asked, looking pleasantly surprised by that.

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer and only smiled at him. "Shall we go in? The bell will ring soon."

    Then, they went into the building without looking back even once.

    ***

    It turned out the surprise hadn''t ended just like that. As usual, Li Caiyi prepared her things before the ss started. That was when she noticed a small, rectangle red box in her desk drawer.

    It was wrapped beautifully with a pink ribbon. Li Caiyi looked around to see if someone had put it there by mistake. After making sure no one was acting out of the ordinary, she carefully untied the ribbon.

    Inside, there was a gorgeous-looking bookmark with a little bird shape made from the leaf and yellow flower petals. Under it, there was an expensive-looking pen with jewels embedded in its cap.<sub> </sub>

    There was also a small card inside, which she took out and read inwardly.

    [Congrattions once again. This is a gift for you. Don''t think about it deeply, and just ept it. I''ll be d if it can be of some use to you].

    The sender put this card into the box without leaving their name as if they were confident she would know who gave her this without needing to do that.

    That confidence was well-deserved because Li Caiyi couldn''t possibly mistake Meng Renshu''s handwriting with someone else. The box felt heavy in her hand, but her eyes were glued to the two things he had just given to her.

    "It''s pretty." She muttered to herself as she caressed the bookmark and pen.

    These two gifts were better than a bunch of extravagant dresses or flowers Meng Renshu ever sent to her through his assistant.

    Thinking about it like that gave her a mixed feeling inside.

    ''It was the thought that counts. There is no harm in epting a gift from a fan.'' Li Caiyi reassured herself before shoving the box into her bag and didn''t take it out until the school was over.

    ***

    After school.

    Li Caiyi beamed when she spotted Dai Zhiqiang, who was waiting for her at the school entrance. They had promised to go to the bookstore today, but looking at him made her feel giddy.

    This would be the first date wearing their school uniform. Li Caiyi had always longed to go out somewhere with the person she loved while wearing their school uniform. Sadly, she couldn''t fulfill that simple dream in her previous life.

    "Look at that smile. Someone is eager to fly to the sky now." Feng Nian smirked teasingly.

    "Are you jealous, Nian Nian? Then you should find yourself a boyfriend too." Zhou Ya giggled from the side.

    "No way. That''s too troublesome."

    "When will the two of you be official already? You two are practically husband and wife by now!" Chen Run groaned. "Forget dating; just get married already!"

    Li Caiyi stuck out her tongue to her friends jokingly. "We will reach there in time. You guys can just wait for the wedding invitation. See you guys tomorrow!"

    "Oh my god, how our Caiyi had matured up so quickly. I''m very happy." Zhou Ya wiped the non-existent tears on the corner of her eyes, looking at Li Caiyi''s back.

    "Are you her mother?" Chen Run chuckled. "But I understand how you feel. It''s hard to believe she was the same girl who trembled and stuttered when speaking up until a few months ago."

    "In my opinion, Caiyi is the type that can do well when people are supporting her. She only needs the right push."

    "Yeah, you are right. I''m d everything will turn out better for her." Feng Nian smiled. "I am kind of envious of her sometimes."

    "What? Because she has a boyfriend?"

    Feng Nian red at Chen Run. "Of course not. I''m envious and admire her for her perseverance. Her book will be published today, and I''m sure she''ll reach another height soon."

    Zhou Ya nodded. "I agree. Looking at her, I feel like trying my best too."

    Oblivious to her friend''s thoughts, Li Caiyi smiled brightly at Dai Zhiqiang, "I''m sorry, did I make you wait for too long?"

 Chapter 321 An Eyesore

    Li Caiyi smiled brightly at Dai Zhiqiang, who was looking away in a daze, "I''m sorry, did I make you wait for too long?"

    "No, you didn''t. I have just arrived myself." Dai Zhiqiang shifted his gaze and smiled back at her.

    Li Caiyi followed his previous line of sight and found out he was looking at the banner hung on the wall. "Why are you looking at that?"

    "Nothing." Dai Zhiqiang shed a restrained smile. He couldn''t possibly tell her that he felt a sense of crisis whenever he saw the banner.

    Even if Li Caiyi didn''t say anything, he knew her heart was moved when he saw her standing while staring at the banner for a long time this morning. The sight was burned into his mind, and he felt a sense of crisis whenever he recalled it.

    It reminded him repeatedly how Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu had a history between them. And that Li Caiyi used to like that person so much.

    Dai Zhiqiang believed her feelings toward him were genuine. He could clearly feel it in the way she looked at him. However, he always felt threatened when he saw her making a forlorn expression as she thought about Meng Renshu as if she was reminiscing a bittersweet memory.

    He wanted her to think about him and him alone. He couldn''t bear the thought of her thinking about another guy but him.

    It was a very petty and selfish wish, so he dared not to tell her about this.

    He wished she would only look at him in a good light.

    "Shall we go now?" Dai Zhiqiang was about to hold her hand out of reflex. However, he remembered they were still in the school ground, so his hand halted midair before retracting it.

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi didn''t seem to notice it. She nodded her head with a beaming smile on her lips. "Yes! I have been looking forward to this."

    "Where are the two of you going? It seems like it''s going to be very fun. Can I join you too?"

    Li Caiyi twisted her body as soon as she heard that familiar voice. Behind them, Meng Renshu was smiling with his hand stuffed in his pocket.

    They didn''t know since when he had been standing there, overhearing their conversation, but hisplexion didn''t look well.

    "Brother Renshu? Why do you want to know?"

    "I can''t even ask now?" Meng Renshu walked over with a meaningful smile. "Well, it doesn''t matter. We can separate here and ''coincidentally'' meet at the same ce."

    "Why do you want to follow us? Stop doing that! Are you a stalker?"

    "That''s rude. I can show up anywhere under this sky since this world doesn''t belong to you," Meng Renshu retaliated jokingly.

    "Do it somewhere else!"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t look pleased with all looking at their interaction. Although they looked like they were bickering, something about it made him inexplicably irritated.

    It felt like they shared something more profound than he could ever share with Li Caiyi, and he felt a sense of crisis once again.<sub> </sub>

    He reached out to sp Li Caiyi''s hand before saying, "I''m sorry, Senior Meng. But we have been waiting for today toe, so it was kind of hard to squeeze one more person."

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes in astonishment as she looked up at Dai Zhiqiang. A slight blush escaped at his daringness.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu''s eyebrows twitched slightly as he looked down at their intertwined hands. His eyes narrowed down, looking at Li Caiyi''s bashful expression.

    A fire burning inside his gut. His face ckened, but his smile grew even wider. He didn''t expect Dai Zhiqiang to be so bold, iming his ownership of her right in front of his nose.

    No matter how one looked at it, this was clearly a deration of war.

    "You guys look extremely close. This makes me curious. Are you guys dating or something?"

    Meng Renshu''s question silenced Li Caiyi because she also wondered about this early this morning. She secretly nced at Dai Zhiqiang and thought he would feel ufortable, so she slowly pulled her hand out of his.

    Only to have him grab hold of her tighter. "That''s right. We are dating right now."

    Not only Meng Renshu but Li Caiyi was also shocked when she heard that. To be fair, with everything they had gone through, it would be weird if they weren''t dating at this point.

    Nevertheless, this might be Dai Zhiqiang''s first time admitting this fact aloud. Li Caiyi felt her heart soar to the highest level of heaven with this confirmation.

    Meng Renshu only stood there, stunned to silence by sight in front of him. A wave of displeasure crawled under his skin at Dai Zhiqiang''s calm and firm gaze directed at him. It felt like he was deliberately provoking him.

    Li Caiyi''s apparent joy also didn''t help him. She looked at the boy beside him as if she was in a trance, too engrossed in her own world to even notice him.

    Meng Renshu gritted his teeth even more, knowing that the girl had once again slipped out from his grasp.

    Two of the most popr boys in the school fighting over a girl must be an exciting spectacle you didn''te across every day. So it didn''t take long before their interaction garnered attention from the other students.

    Everyone nailed their gazes on them, looking ready to eat melon from the side.

    Li Caiyi noticed the attention and squirmed in her ce ufortably. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t look away from Meng Renshu even for a second, but he could sense her distress.

    "I''m sure you understand what I mean now, Senior Meng."

    "Ah? I''m sorry to disappoint you, but I really don''t understand. What are you implying by saying that? Why don''t you be direct and say it for everyone to hear?" Meng Renshu said lightly, but his eyes bore a deep hostility towards the underssman.

    "I want you to stop pestering her. There is currently a bad rumor circting, and no one will believe it even if she denies it. However, it will be different if you are the one who denies it. This is a great opportunity, so why don''t you clear up the misunderstanding here for everyone to hear?"

    Li Caiyi stared at Dai Zhiqiang with a worshiping gaze. She felt like he really was worthy of his genius title. With just a few sentences, he managed to corner that sly Meng Renshu.

    Her appreciation and affection towards her boyfriend kept multiplying, knowing he did this to protect her.

 Chapter 322 An Eyesore (2)

    Meng Renshu appeared calm on the outside, but he was actually on the verge of jumping forward and punching Dai Zhiqiang in the face. Those types of violent impulses rarely came to him, as people rarely could annoy him.

    However, he really found Dai Zhiqiang an eyesore right now. Every word he said just hit his nerve in the most displeasing way.

    Brimming with hostility, Meng Renshu couldn''t help but want to spite him.

    "I don''t see the need to deny anything because I don''t remember ever saying I have some kind of romantic rtionship with Xiaoyi. I indeed like her, though. We have been together since young, so some feelings will inevitably grow. We have a deeper rtionship which some people would never understand."

    He smiled smugly before shifting his gaze towards Li Caiyi. "Do you like the gift I gave you? You won''t throw my sincerity away just because your boyfriend doesn''t like it, right?"

    Everyone''s gaze, including Dai Zhiqiang, turned to Li Caiyi at once, demanding an exnation. She felt like shrinking and hiding from the pressure, but she stood her ground, feeling the warmth in her hand.

    "I appreciate it, but you don''t need to give me any in the future. Not because my boyfriend doesn''t allow me, but because I don''t want to make him feel wronged."

    Li Caiyi emphasized the word ''boyfriend'', making the smile on Meng Renshu disappear without a trace, and only coldness remained. She shuddered to be at the receiving end of his sharp and intense gaze, so she quickly added in a fluster.

    "Zhiqiang, shall we go now? We can''t waste time here."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded because he also didn''t feelfortable letting Meng Renshu interact with Li Caiyi more than this. "Yes, let''s go."

    They left the ce while still holding hands, and a groan of envy erupted among the crowds.

    "Grr, why did I even bother to look? I only seek trouble for myself!"

    "Gosh, Zhiqiang is so cool. Li Caiyi must be born under a lucky star! She got two school idol''s in her palm."

    "Since when did both of them are dating?! Hold me, I think I''m going to faint. My heart is breaking."

    Meng Renshu''splexion darkened even more, watching the two of them walking away side by side. It was such an unpleasant sight he didn''t want to stay and look at it anymore, but he couldn''t take his eyes off them.

    "It''s okay. You only need to wait for your chance. In the end, Xiaoyi will realize who she truly likes," Meng Renshu muttered to himself before leaving the ce,pletely ignoring the curious gaze on him.

    ***

    Li Caiyi was worried Dai Zhiqiang would feel upset about the gift Meng Renshu gave her. Hence, she carefully exined after they gained some distance from the school.

    "About the gift from himˇ­."

    "You don''t need to exin it to me. I understand." Before she could finish, he interrupted her words.

    "But I don''t want you to misunderstand."

    "There is nothing to misunderstand. I believe you, and you guys are childhood friends. It wasn''t strange for him to give you a celebratory gift."

    Li Caiyi mped her mouth shut, feeling conflicted about whether she should say anything or just let the matter go like this. She could sense he didn''t want to talk about this anymore from his tone.

    "Are you okay? You don''t look very well. If Brother Renshu upsets you, I''ll apologize on his behalf."

    Dai Zhiqiang stopped in his tracks before he stared at her with a deep frown on his face. "Why would you apologize for him? Who is he for you that you feel obligated to excuse his behavior in front of me?"

    Li Caiyi had misspoken. She meant that he shouldn''t mind Meng Renshu''s words because whatever offensive words he heard from him were partially her fault.<sub> </sub>

    The words didn''te out right and aggravated the situation.

    "I didn''t mean it that way. Brother Renshu is a sly and more sharp-mouthed than you thought, and you have to hear that because of meˇŞ"

    "Enough. Don''t exin anything." Dai Zhiqiang stopped her from exining.

    He didn''t want to hear the word ''Brother Renshu''e out of her lips anymore. It pierced his ears every time he heard it.

    Dai Zhiqiang noticed her troubled look and took a deep breath to calm himself down. Whatever gloomy feeling he felt right now resulted from his insecurity and had nothing to do with her. He had to sort out his thoughts without making her feel bad.

    "Sorry. I don''t mean to scold you or anything."

    "No, I understand. It''s because I made you misunderstand."

    "Let''s not talk about this anymore and go to the bookstore now."

    "Sure."

    Even if they had ended that conversation, their earlier excitement and good mood had disappeared entirely.

    They walked toward their destination in silence. One was too busy with his own thoughts, and the other was silent out of self-consciousness.

    Li Caiyi could sense that Dai Zhiqiang must have something in his mind again. When he did that, he tended to make an extreme conclusion, so she carefully said something else to divert his attention. Something that had been bugging her too since earlier.

    "Zhiqiang, do you mean what you said earlier?"

    "Huh?" Dai Zhiqiang eximed in confusion.

    "About you being my boyfriend." Li Caiyi said shyly.

    "Ah." Dai Zhiqiang actually didn''t mean to say that and only did that in the spur of the moment. Itpletely slipped his mind until she mentioned it again.

    "Of course, I mean everything I have said."

    Although feeling slightly disappointed with his brief pause, Li Caiyi still felt happy when she heard that.

    "I was very happy. But is it okay to let everyone know like that?"

    Dai Zhiqiang felt a pang of guilt, looking at her acting carefully towards him.

    "This is something I should have done from the beginning. I clearly asked you to be by my side, but I denied you the confirmation you needed. All because of my selfishness."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Even if we aren''t lovers, I''m content with what we have so far. There is no need for such a title when we are very open of our feelings toward each other."

    Dai Zhiqiang held her hand tighter before pulling her closer to him. His eyes looked down at her firmly.

    "No, I changed my mind. I can''t let people misunderstand. I want everyone to know you aren''t avable anymore, so they should keep their eyes and hands off you."

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat hearing the possessiveness in his words. To think he would feel jealousy to such an extent, she knew she shouldn''t, but it made her inexplicably happy inside.

 Chapter 323 Dai Zhiqiangs Dream

    "Say, are you jealous of Brother Renshu?"

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed helplessly. "Even if I did, it''s just my own problem. You guys have known each other for so long, so it''s understandable if there are many things I didn''t know about you, but Senior Meng knew about."

    Li Caiyi giggled. Dai Zhiqiang raised his brows in wonder, so she quickly exined. "It''s just you are usually so calm and collected about everything. I thought you weren''t the type to make a fuss over something like this.

    "I wouldn''t care if it''s any other person, but it''s different when ites to you. I can''t deny that I''m a very possessive person, and I want to monopolize you."

    Dai Zhiqiang squeezed her hand tightly. "If we weren''t in public right now, I might have already asked your permission for a kiss, but let''s stop talking about this before I lose control again."

    Li Caiyi blushed when she recalled thest time he acted like a hungry wolf and agreed with him.

    The bookstore was pretty empty when they arrived.

    Li Caiyi didn''t waste any time and immediately searched the corner for a new book. When she finally spotted what she was looking for, she almost couldn''t contain her excitement and jumped on the spot.

    "Zhiqiang, it''s there! My book is there!" Li Caiyi said as she rushed over and hugged one of her books from the stack. Her heart shook, and an indescribable emotion bubbled up inside her.

    "I can''t believe this day has finallye. I''m so happy." Li Caiyi''s eyes glistened with tears, and Dai Zhiqiang stroked her head fondly tofort her.

    "Yes, you have done well in the past few months. Congrattions, Caiyi."

    Everyone only knew she only began to write a few months ago, but only she knew how long she had kept her dream hidden from everyone. Seeing her book being published was already a miracle, but now there was a stack of her books disyed for everyone to see.

    Emotions overwhelmed her five senses that she couldn''t utter words for a few seconds.

    "You look so happy. This must mean a lot to you."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Yes, I have been waiting for so long. My father was really against it before, and no one in my family supported me either. Because they are used to listening to my father''s words above anything."

    Dai Zhiqiang had already heard about how Li Caiyi''s parents had divorced. He was worried about how she would cope with the aftermath, but it seemed that divorce was probably for the better.

    For Li Caiyi, writing was like drawing for his little brother. And he intended to help her in any way he could.

    Li Caiyi noticed she talked too much only about herself, so she took the initiative to ask, "Zhiqiang, do you have a dream?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer immediately and shed a restrained smile instead. "I used to have one."

    "Used to?"

    "Yeah, I used to admire police officers so much, and I dreamed of bing one when I got older."

    "That''s a very great dream! I think it''s very suitable for you." Li Caiyi brightly said.

    "But I have long given up on that dream. Now I just want to live happily with my family."

    Li Caiyi observed his expression, but she couldn''t tell if he was sad about it or not. Either he didn''t mind it that much, or he hid his emotions really well. She was more inclined to believe thetter, though.<sub> </sub>

    "Are you really going to give up on it? You have good grades, and I''m sure Shenqiang and Uncle will support you very much."

    "I n to work a job that earns a lot of money in the future. Since I have good grades, I don''t think it will be difficult for me to achieve that."

    Li Caiyi stared at him with a regretful expression. She knew that Dai Zhiqiang must have thought about it a lot before making that decision.

    It was a shame that he felt obligated to throw away his dream for the sake of his family. However, she could understand him.

    Li Caiyi was forced by her family to abandon her dream, and Dai Zhiqiang abandoned his dream for the sake of his family. She wondered which one of them was the more unfortunate one.

    At least she had a chance to do whatever she wanted to do now. But Dai Zhiqiang probably would have been stuck in the same shackle for a long time. The sad part about that was that this was none of anyone''s fault and couldn''t be controlled.

    If their position were reversed, Li Caiyi was sure she would do that without hesitation.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled, noticing her troubled look. He put his hand on top of her head before saying light-heartedly.

    "Don''t make that face. My dream just changed into something else. I didn''t force myself because as long as my loved ones are happy, that''s all I will ask for."

    "And you said you are a selfish person," Li Caiyi smiled bitterly, "I think you are still very selfless when ites to your needs."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s smile instantly changed into a more provocative one. His eyes glowed with a mischievous glint. "You talked as if you know what I need. I can be selfless about anything but one."

    He sneakily wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. He moved her, so she stood in front of him as he hugged her from behind.

    "This one is the only thing I will never share with anyone." He whispered seductively beside her ears.

    Li Caiyi''s body shivered all over, sensing the moist air on her earlobe. Her heart drummed loudly, and she identally dropped the book she had been holding since earlier out of surprise.

    Thud!

    The sound of the book made a few people look their way. Thankfully, Dai Zhiqiang''s tall and big body easily covered Li Caiyi''s body from sight. The onlookers immediately brushed it off as nothing and continued with what they were doing.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi had to hold back her voice because Dai Zhiqiang kept teasing her by caressing and tickling her side.

    "S-stop that. There are people around us!"

    "They wouldn''t notice anything. I worked in the library for more than a year, so trust me on this."

    "Even so, this posture is really inappropriate. Did you forget what we were talking about before?"

    "Hm? You said that but I don''t see you resisting my advance," Dai Zhiqiang said wickedly. It was like a devil whispering words of temptation to her.

    The voice was so pleasant and sinfully attractive. It drowned her reason and weakened her resolve. She just wanted to be wrapped in his firm hand forever.

 Chapter 324 Dangerous Man

    "Tell me, Caiyi. How far will you allow me to go this time?"

    Li Caiyi''s every sense only focused on his voice and the sound of their heartbeat mixing into one rhythm. His body felt feverish, and so was Li Caiyi''s as he pressed her even further to the bookcase, trapping her petite frame in between.

    The bookcase felt cold, while every ce where their bodies touched each other was burning. The distinct sensation sent her head spinning.

    "What are you doing now?" Li Caiyi whispered so people would notice them in this ambiguous posture. She was thankful that they were currently standing in the room''s corner, and thus there were fewer people around them.

    "This is your punishment for hiding things from me." Dai Zhiqiang said evilly.

    "W-what did I hide?"

    "The gift Senior Meng gave to you. Why didn''t you tell me about it? We are together during lunch break, so there should be plenty of time to tell me about it then. That banner too. I waited for you to tell me yourself, but you seem eager to pretend until the end."

    "Zhiqiang, I don''t understand what you are trying to sayˇŞah!" Li Caiyi''s breath hitched, and she unintentionally let out a low moan when she felt his hot lips on her nape.

    She quickly covered her mouth with her hand and wanted to push him away, but her strength disappeared somewhere along with her mind.

    Li Caiyi felt weak, and it already took all her energy to keep standing.

    "Since I''m a very selfish person, I will take it upon myself to punish you like this. You won''t me me for this, right? Don''t let out a sound or struggle. You don''t want anyone to see us like this."

    "You areˇ­ evilˇ­." Li Caiyi said hoarsely while looking back. Her eyes were moist, and her cheeks flushed with a beautiful shade of red. It was delicate and charming, like a flower blooming.

    Dai Zhiqiang gulped at how beautiful she looked right now. Did she even realize how alluring she was when she wore that expression? It was almost like she was inviting him to do a more wicked thing to her.

    What started as a mere prank to distract her from the topic of his dream quickly escted into something else. And his mental fortitude wasn''t strong enough to resist the temptation.

    Dai Zhiqiang wrapped his hand tighter around her waist and pressed more kisses to her exposed nape. He did it carefully to not cause obnoxious noise that might attract anyone''s attention, but Li Caiyi''s whimper and soft moan rendered his effort useless.

    "Letting out a noise like that, do you want to get caught so badly?" Dai Zhiqiangughed lowly.

    "That''s because of youˇ­."

    "Why? Did it feel good when I did this to you?"

    Li Caiyi felt her head and heart would explode soon. Dai Zhiqiang in his youth, was as sly as his older version. However, hecked that restraint he had when she first met him.

    The current him was still young, so he was more unrestrained and adventurous in his advance.

    Li Caiyi was so embarrassed she could die, but she strangely didn''t hate it either. She liked the mature version of him, but she also liked his wild side very much. He defeated her line of defense, and she was at his mercy instantly.

    "Can I take your silence as an affirmation? So it''s okay if I do more than this, right?"

    "No, you can''t." Li Caiyi tried to pry his arm from her body, but her trembling handcked the strength and felt like a kitten scratch instead.

    "Do you know that the more you try to resist like that, the crazier you make me?"

    Li Caiyi let go of his arm out of reflex. Dai Zhiqiang smirked before caressing her body more. From her side to the front. One hand hiked upward, and the other downward.

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

    Now she understood why old people kept saying that the younger generation was shameless. This situation was precisely a good example of that. Of course, Li Caiyi was a part of that older generation.<sub> </sub>

    She couldn''t take it anymore, so she raised her leg high, nning to stomp on his leg hard. Before she could finish it, Dai Zhiqiang quickly released her and took a few steps away from her. If she didn''t support her body with the bookcase, she probably would have slumped to the ground right now.

    Li Caiyi could hear him exhaling a long sigh behind her, followed by a mutter, "That was dangerousˇ­."

    His tone had a hint of relief and disappointment at the same time. Li Caiyi looked back as soon as she stabilized her footing and red at him.

    "You be more daring as days pass by." she hissed with a lingering blush on her face.

    "That was your punishment. From now on, don''t hide anything from me. You don''t need to act so considerately towards me. I believe your words more than anyone else''s, so juste clean to me next time. I feel bad if I have to hear it from another person."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled meaningfully. "And as far as I see it, you don''t seem to mind it that much."

    Li Caiyi was annoyed because she couldn''t refute hisst statement. Her heartbeat, which had returned to its neutral tempo, slowly picked up its pace again.

    "D-don''t do that anymore. My heart can''t take it if you keep doing that." Instead of getting angry, Li Caiyi opted for a softer approach; to plead.

    Dai Zhiqiangughed, looking at her reddened face. She puffed her cheek, so her face resembled a tomato in his eyes.

    "Don''t worry. As much as I''m curious about how you will react if I continue, I still know our limit. I''m not that much of a bully."

    "Lies. I don''t believe you."

    "Hm? Shall I show you my serious side so you can see how much I have held back just now, then?"

    Li Caiyi took a step back at his threat, and her back immediately pressed against the bookcase behind her. Sheughed dryly, trying not to provoke him any further.

    "Haha, I was just kidding. Of course, I believe you are not that kind of person."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s smile deepened as she casually strolled over to her. The more steps he took, the more panicked she became.

    "W-what are you trying to do?" Li Caiyi gulped nervously.

    Dai Zhiqiang paid no heed to her question and kept approaching her. Her heart drummed uncontrobly again. When he finally stood in front of her and raised his hand, she squeezed her eyes tightly.

    One second, two seconds, three seconds.

    Li Caiyi counted inwardly, but nothing happened. She slowly opened her eyes, only to find Dai Zhiqiang holding the book she had dropped earlier in his hand. His smile curved upward in a smug smile as he waved the book around.

    He mouthed something that she recognized as S-T-U-P-I-D before he flicked her forehead lightly.

    "I already have what I came to find in my hand, so I''ll go purchase this now."

    Just like that, the demon left her in a state of confusion. Li Caiyi frowned in annoyance as she looked at his back incredulously.

    She was annoyed with herself for expecting something and felt disappointed when nothing happened in the end. It gave her this unresolved feeling, and she didn''t like it.

    Moreover, she couldn''t tell if her heart raced because she was angry or embarrassed.

    Li Caiyi swore that Dai Zhiqiang''s influence was very dangerous for her heart health.

 Chapter 325 Mother-Daughter Talk (1)

    Li Caiyi was browsing through the web as her eyes read the information regarding empty rooms currently rented. She had been doing this since two weeks ago, but she couldn''t seem to find a suitable ce for her.

    At first, as long as it was cheap and decent enough for her to live, she wouldn''t ask for anything else. However, now her requirement increased to a ce near the school, making it difficult for her to find a ce.

    Of course, this didn''t mean she could move right away, but there was no harm in preparing. ording to the report of her book''s sale in the first week she heard from Shao Jingfei, her book seemed to be doing pretty well. At least for a newbie author with no fan base yet.

    He also said that the banner worked wonders in promoting her book and that the response and review so far were good.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t expecting her work to suddenly be booming or famous, so the news was enough to satisfy her. She nned to do this step by step and didn''t want to rush things. Unlike in her previous life, no one would obscure her way anymore.

    Half an hour passed since she started browsing, and she sighed in disappointment. "There is nothing to see either today."

    If her n worked well, she should have enough money to rent a ce for herself by the next month. She couldn''t possibly bother Shao Jingfei forever.

    Right when she thought like that, her phone rang. Li Caiyi reached out for it and checked on the caller ID. It was from Su Suyin.

    "Hello? What''s wrong, Mother?"

    "Xiaoyi, how are youtely?" Su Suyin''s soft voice from the other end sounded weak, confusing her.

    "I''m fine, Mother. Did something happen?"

    "Can''t I call my daughter even when there''s nothing?"

    "No, I didn''t mean that." Li Caiyi replied awkwardly. After her parents were divorced, Su Suyin turned reclusive and refused to leave her room for a few days. No matter how Li Junjie and Li Chunhua tried to coax her, Su Suyin only smiled weakly while chasing them away.

    The concerned Li Chunhua told her about it. That was why she took the initiative to visit while bringing a gift the other day. At first, Li Caiyi wasn''t confident her arrival would bring any change, but she thought she could at least try.

    To her surprise, not only did Su Suyin be much brighter, but she also came out from her ''seclusion'' on her own two feet. There was no need for any coaxing.

    "What did I say? Mother is missing you, Xiaoyi." Li Chunhua said to her at that time.

    Honestly, the current situation was still confusing for Li Caiyi. She was used to being forgotten and seconded by her mother. Now, the same Su Suyin was very clingy and dependent on her.

    After herst visit, Li Caiyi constantly texted her mother or called her almost every day, reminding her to eat and sleep well. Su Suyin would asionally ask her if she would visit again soon, but she never forced her either.

    Li Caiyi guessed that it was her mother''s effort to understand her. As much as it moved her heart, Li Caiyi still thought that was for the best.

    "It''s just your voice sounds weaker than usual. Have you eaten yet, Mother?"

    "Is it? Maybe it''s because I just woke up from a nap," Su Suyin cleared her throat before continuing, "Anyway, what are you doing right now?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi felt there was no need to hide anything from her mother, so she answered honestly. "I was looking through the website for a good ce to live. I can''t stay in my friend''s ce forever."

    "Then, why don''t you juste back here?" Su Suyin asked in excitement. Then in the next second, she seemed to snap out of it and said in a milder tone, "I mean, just for a while until you can find your own ce. Now that your father is not here, there is no need to live separately."

    That was her mother''s first time asking her toe back directly.

    Li Caiyi could sense the gloominess in her voice when she mentioned Li Jirong. The wound left behind by the person who once meant the world to you would never truly disappear. You could only learn to live with it.

    Among everyone within the Li family right now, Li Caiyi was probably the one who could rte to her mother the most.

    ''Is that why she keeps looking for me?''

    Li Jirong was gone, so she didn''t have any moral burden in leaving the Li family behind. She had no n to return to that house because she felt her resolve might weaken if she lingered around too much.

    "No, Mother. I will stay here until I find a new ce. But don''t worry because I will visit you again soon."

    "I see," Su Suyin sounded disappointed. "Do you hate to stay in this house so much?"

    Li Caiyi restrained the urge to sigh. "That house reminds me of many bad memories I don''t like to remember again."

    Su Suyin: "...."

    There was a long silence from the other end. Li Caiyi checked on her phone, but the line was still connected. She might have gone overboard by saying that to her mother, but that was just the extent of her reluctance to go back. Su Suyin had to know eventually, anyway.

    "I''m sorry, Mother. But my decision is firm on this one. You will find no difort now, so you should also live for yourself more. FathˇŞI mean, that person is not here anymore. I hope you can live more freely now."

    Thest sentence was her sincere thoughts. She had done everything she could do, but whether she wanted to break free from Li Jirong''s shadow or not was her choice.

    "Yes, thank you. Actually, I called you today because there is something I want to talk to you about. This is about Xiaohua''s condition."

    Li Caiyi''s body always felt rigid whenever someone mentioned her sister with that tone. It might be because she was self-conscious of her sister''s condition that any mention of that made her think of the worst automatically.

    "What''s wrong with her?"

    "She came to my roomst night, and she confided in me, mostly about what you have suggested to her."

    "Mother, do you meanˇ­."

    "Xiaohua said she wanted to receive psychological help. She said something was wrong with her, but it wasn''t about her body. Xiaoyi, is this your idea too?"

 Chapter 326 Mother-Daughter Talk (2)

    Unlike what she imagined, there was no reprimand or usation in her mother''s question. There was only confusion and worry. It put her mind at ease, knowing that her mother didn''t me her for this. At least for now.

    "I did. Mother, you might not know this, but Xiaohua is developing a twisted way of thinking because of external influence. Living in our toxic home influenced her way of thinking badly, and she needs help."

    Li Caiyi contemted a bit before continuing. "Mother, please don''t weirdly think about this, but if you feel ufortable and depressed or have a difficult time after the divorce, it''s probably better if you seek professional help."

    "Ah?" Su Suyin was taken aback before an amused chuckle escaped her. "I''m fine. I wasn''t holing up in my room because I was depressed about the divorce or anything. It did affect me a little, but I was more concerned about how I should face you three."

    "Mother, do you pity us?"

    "I can''t deny that. Li Jirong isn''t a good father for you three; it''s best if he disappears. But at the same time, I feel lost. Maybe I have be too dependent on other people, so I was confused when everything changed drastically like this.

    "You''ll get used to it soon, Mother. You are fine before you meet him, so you will be fine without him."

    "I''m also not confident I can do my job right. Even thinking like that makes me ashamed of myself. My children have suffered a lot before. As a mother, I have failed."

    "You can do better from now on. Unlike before, you don''t have to feel afraid or oppressed anymore. We are all grown up now, so don''t worry about it too much." Li Caiyi gentlyforted her.

    "Thank you, Xiaoyi. Sometimes, it doesn''t feel like I''m talking with a kid when I talk to you. You had matured so much when I didn''t pay attention." Su Suyin said in a sad tone. "It gives me a bittersweet feeling inside."

    Li Caiyi feltplicated but chose not to delve further into this topic.

    "So, what are you going to do with Xiaohua''s request?"

    "I will agree to it. After talking it to you, I feel more certain now. I''m ashamed to admit it, but you are the closest one to that child, so you''ll know better about her needs. My head was too muddled in the past, and I have wronged you so many times. I''m very sorry, Xiaoyi."

    "Mother, you have apologized to me enough, so please don''t do it again. I''m content with what I have now, so there''s nothing to regret."

    "I understand. Then, I will arrange a meeting with a psychiatrist soon. Xiaohua seemed to be adamant about it. I wonder what you say to her to make her so enthusiastic about it?"

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly as she looked outside the window. Shao Jingfei was currently watering the nt in front of the cafe.

    "I didn''t do anything. Xiaohua changes because she is surrounded by good people now. Mother, please support her just like how you support me too."

    "I will." Su Suyin''s voice was gentle and content, as though whatever bothered her mind had gone now. "Xiaoyi, please tell me when you are going to visit. Mother will make your favorite sweet and sour ribs."

    Li Caiyi was stunned for a moment before she closed her eyes while smiling. "I can''t wait. I will tell you when I have time, then."

    "En. Then I will hang up now. Take care of yourself. Call me whenever you need anything."

    "Thank you, Mother."

    Li Caiyi''s heart was light and filled with warmth. The sweet and sour rib was indeed her favorite dish.

    However, the table had always been filled with her father''s or siblings'' favorite foods for as long as she could remember. To the point she doubted if her mother even knew what her favorite was.

    It turned out Su Suyin actually knew about it. Li Caiyi felt silly that small things like this were enough to make her content.<sub> </sub>

    But it was still nice to have someone cooking for her for once.

    ***

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhua was sitting on the edge of her bed in the Li family''s house while looking thoughtfully at her phone.

    "Should I call him or not?" The girl muttered with a deep frown on her face. Her finger hovered above the screen, unsure of what to do.

    ''Why did I hesitate? He is my advisor so listening to my ranting is his job.'' Li Chunhuamented inwardly.

    She chased away her hesitation and finally tapped on the dial button. The call line was connected only in a few rings.

    "Hello? What is it this time?"

    From the other side, the first thing Shao Jingfei did was groanzily. A small smile crept up Li Chunhua''s lips at hisint.

    "What? Are you unhappy because I called you? You should feel honored instead."

    "I will feel honored if you only call me once a week or so, but you have been calling me at least once every day now."

    "Youined like that, but you still picked up my call in a matter of seconds. Just admit that you are actually waiting for me to call you." Li Chunhua giggled.

    "I can''t talk with you at all. Say it. What''s the matter this time?" Shao Jingfei said in a defeated tone.

    "I already told my mother I wanted to receive treatment."

    There was a brief silence from the other side, and only the sound of something being put down could be heard.

    "You did? Have you thought about this thoroughly?"

    Li Chunhua nodded, despite knowing he wouldn''t be able to see it. "I have made up my mind. I need to make my first step if I want to change, just like Xiaoyi and Brother Jie. I don''t want to be the only one left behind."

    "I see. You are doing the right thing. Good job, Chunhua." Shao Jingfei praised her sincerely, making her smile deepen.

    She ignored it before because she was used to hearing it, but it felt good to beplimented by him. It subconsciously made her want him topliment her more.

    ''I can''t help it. He is my first genuine friend, so his words hit differently from the other friends I have,'' Li Chunhua reasoned with herself.

    "Hehe, I know, right? I called you as soon as I could because I want to let you know about it."

    "Heh, you sound happy. If you are happy, then it''s all worth it to sacrifice my ear to hear you out."

    Li Chunhua felt the mood was suitable for telling him what she had wanted to say.

 Chapter 327 A Thoughtful Gift (1)

    Li Chunhua felt the mood was suitable for telling him what she had wanted to say.

    "Thank you, Jingfei." Li Chunhua spoke softly.

    When she recalled how many things he had done to help her and her sister, Li Chunhua was always grateful. However, she was too embarrassed to thank him outrightly and could only say it through a phone like this.

    After meeting him, she learned that a person could have a lot of courage and strength just from bonding with another person. She used to look down on people who pretended to act friendly because theyter talked bad about her in the back, but her view had changed a lot.

    Not everyone was wearing a mask. Some of them were genuinely trying to get close to you for who you are, like the nosy Shao Jingfei, who turned out to be the best confidant and ally she could have.

    "I finally can say it. Although I doubt there is anything I can do for you, please don''t hesitate to call me whenever you need my help. Because we are friends. Just like what you did for me."

    "Oh," Shao Jingfei eximed awkwardly before adding, "Why do people keep thanking me nowadays? I feel strange."

    "Huh? Someone thanked you before me? Was it Xiaoyi again?"

    "Just someone. More importantly, do you think I won''t know if you don''t tell me?" Shao Jingfei chuckled. "I''m the most awesome master, so I know you are thankful for my teaching without you needing to tell me."

    After spending time with Shao Jingfei, Li Chunhua learned about his habit a bit. One of them was that he always tried to crack a joke whenever he was feeling awkward or not knowing what to do.

    ? People could easily misunderstand him as someone who couldn''t act serious and pissed at him, but Li Chunhua knew better now. She didn''t feel irritated anymore listening to his silly jokes now. On the contrary, she found it interesting and funny.

    She giggled before answering, "I''ll give in to you just for today. I know I can be annoying and troublesome to deal with. You have been very patient with me. I''m d to hear you understand what I''m thinking."

    "What''s wrong with you today? You are very honest today, unlike the usual."

    "My heart feels light like a feather now. Maybe that''s why."

    "Talking with your mother about your request must be nerve-wracking. What did she say?"

    "She said she would think about it, but judging from her response, it doesn''t seem she ispletely against it. It was all thanks to Xiaoyi."

    "Why Caiyi?"

    "My mother called her as soon as I left the room. As expected. My sister must have convinced her."

    "You should really stop your eavesdropping habit. That''s creepy."

    Li Chunhua scoffed. "Don''t put it like I will eavesdrop on anyone''s conversation. Only those I''m curious about."

    Shao Jingfei burst intoughter. "You aren''t even ashamed of it. I like that side of yours."

    Li Chunhua''s heart stopped hearing the word ''like'' from him for a moment. However, she quickly brushed it aside and continued chatting with Shao Jingfei for another thirty minutes.

    Time passed quickly when she talked to him. Listening to his encouragement spurred her desire even more. She couldn''t wait to show Li Caiyi her improvement.

    At the end of their conversation, Shao Jingfei suddenly asked, "Can we meet at the backyard garden tomorrow?"

    "Sure," Li Chunhua replied nonchntly. "But why are you asking that?"<sub> </sub>

    "Just go there tomorrow. I have something I want to give you."

    "Hm, alright then. This better be about something important."

    "Heh, you''ll not regret it," Shao Jingfei replied confidently.

    ***

    The next day, Li Chunhua went to the backyard garden as soon as the bell of lunchbreak rang. She was curious why Shao Jingfei would call her out like this.

    As far as she could remember, it was always her who called him out, or they would coincidentally meet in the backyard garden. Because they liked to hang out there.

    ''He said he has something to give me; I wonder what that is?'' Li Chunhua thought with anticipation. ''Is it a present for doing a good job? Would he go to such an extent just for me?''

    Li Chunhua mostly doubted it, but there was a faint expectation in her heart. She hastened her pace, all while thinking about various things he could give her.

    When she arrived in the backyard garden, she quickly found Shao Jingfei''s figure sitting in his usual spot. Shao Jingfei also noticed her arrival and waved his hand at her.

    Li Chunhua waved back at him while waking over, "You are here already. That''s pretty fast."

    "No, I just arrived myself. Did you run here?" Shao Jingfei squinted his eyes upon noticing the sweat forming on her forehead. "You don''t have to rush, and I''ll still wait for you. What if you copse again?"

    Li Chunhua sat beside him before taking out a handkerchief from her pocket. She wiped the sweat on her face and neck with that.

    "Don''t worry, I know my limit," she said lightly, but she could feel her heart beat faster. It was unknown whether it was from running or her anticipation.

    "I''m fine. More importantly, what do you want to give me that you call me out here?"

    Shao Jingfei stared at her doubtfully but chose to relent for now. Then, he took a small paper bag from his side and gave it to Li Chunhua. "Here. For you."

    Li Chunhua took the paper bag and checked the content. There was a small box inside. "What is this?"

    "Just open it first."

    Brimming with curiosity, Li Chunhua took out the box from the bag and shook it to check. A sound came from the inside like a few small things bumped into the inner box.

    She slowly opened it, and her mouth slightly opened in surprise, looking at light pink fake nails with a floral pattern on them. The color was pretty and glossy, as it reflected the sunlight.

    "Jingfei, this is?"

    "Fake nails, as you can see."

    "I know that, but why are you giving these to me?"

    Shao Jingfei took one of her hands and pulled it towards him to inspect. The sudden movement made Li Chunhua''s breath hitch.

 Chapter 328 A Thoughtful Gift (2)

    "Hmm, looking at the biting mark on your nails, I reckon you still bite your nails up until today." Shao Jingfei said thoughtfully. He used his thumb to y with her fingers, and it caused a ticklish feeling in her.

    "So what?"

    "That''s a bad habit to have, of course. I know it because I used to have the same habit as you." Shao Jingfei grinned before raising his other hand to proudly show his ck nails to her.

    "Don''t you think this is the coolest idea ever? My brother is the one who taught me this method, and now I will pass down that teaching to you, my disciple!"

    Li Chunhua touched his fingers curiously with her other hand. She noticed that his nails were fake all along for the first time.

    "I thought these are your real nails, and you painted them ck."

    Shao Jingfei could feel her warm temperature from her feathery touch, which made him straighten his posture out of nervousness.

    Oblivious to his change, Li Chunhua kept looking at his nails seriously. Her eyshes fluttered as her eyes blinked in wonderment.

    ''How cute,'' Shao Jingfei thought inwardly until he realized how outrageous that thinking was.

    ''Snap out of it. She is Chunhua, that arrogant and conceited girl. Only her face is cute. That''s right, only her face.''

    Shao Jingfei cleared his throat before saying, "I will get scolded every day if I dare to paint my nails ck in this school."

    "Ah, so you take them off whenever there is a uniform inspection?"

    "Yep, yep. I did the same thing for my earrings. I would be punished for cleaning the storage room every day if I didn''t take them off."

    "Sounds like a pain. Why don''t you just take them off?"

    "Well, earrings are mostly for aesthetics, but these nails are important to deter my nail-biting habit. The feeling of biting the real nail and the fake ones are different, forcing me to feel self-conscious." Shao Jingfei looked down at his nails fondly, like he was reminiscing.

    "It was like these nails wereughing at me whenever I started to bite them."

    Li Chunhua quickly realized that he must have recalled his brother again. He was the only one who treated him kindly during his stay in the Shao family''s house.

    She tacitly chose not to ask further questions and said, "That''s pretty cool. I never thought about it that way."

    "If I use real paint and bite my nail, it feels like I was chewing a chemical product, and it was gross. With fake nails, it''s safe, and it will protect your nails too."

    Then, Shao Jingfei took the box from Li Chunhua and grabbed one of the nails. "It was very easy to attach and detach. Here, let me show you the example."

    Li Chunhua could feel the ticklish sensation again when Shao Jingfei busily tried to attach the fake pink nails to her fingers.

    He hummed while doing his work. Perhaps because he was used to it, it didn''t take long before Li Chunhua''s nailspletely transformed into a new ones. That was her first time wearing something like that, so the sight of them fascinated her.

    "Wow, so pretty." Li Chunhua uttered while raising her hands in the air.

    "I know this color will suit you." Shao Jingfei nodded in agreement while looking down at her nails in satisfaction.

    "Did you choose this personally for me?"

    "At first, I thought I could lend you some of mine. So you can see if you like to wear it or not. But all of my collections are not suitable for a girl. I bought this from the ce where I usually purchase mine, and I can vouch for its quality."

    "But, are these expensive?" Li Chunhua asked hesitantly.

    "Not really. It wasn''t that expensive from the beginning, and since I''m a regr, I got a discount from the store."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua looked down at her hands again. She wasn''t lying when she said these nails are pretty. The way it glistened under the sunlight made it look like jewels.

    These would definitely make her think twice before biting into her nails again. She wouldn''t want to ruin such pretty things.

    "I hope you like the color. The storekeeper said girls usually like pink and flowers, so that''s the design I chose," Shao Jingfei added while scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

    "It''s my first time choosing a gift for a girl, so I don''t know what to pick."

    "What? This is your first time?" Li Chunhua asked in surprise.

    "Yeah, why?"

    "No, I thought you were used to things like this. You have a lot of friends, after all."

    Shao Jingfei snorted in amusement. "Do I look like the kind of guy who will give any girl a gift?"

    "En, you did," Li Chunhua replied honestly.

    Shao Jingfei shrugged his shoulder. "Well, you are wrong then. I have a lot of girl friends, but I won''t just give them gifts randomly. Unless it''s their birthday or something."

    "But you said this is your first. You are contradicting yourself."

    "No, I''m not. You are the first girl whose gift I spent a lot of effort thinking about. Usually, I will just ask what is popr and buy them for my friends without much thought."

    Li Chunhua secretly felt warm and honored inside, knowing that she was his first friend whom he gave a gift thoughtfully. She stared at Shao Jingfei and noticed how the tip of his ears was slightly reddened.

    ''Is he embarrassed? Haha, he can be adorable too sometimes,'' Li Chunhuaughed inwardly.

    Excluding her family, people always fought to give her the best gift they could find. Most of them were expensive and from luxury-brand, and some were meticulously handmade, but none struck any impression on her.

    However, she really liked the small gift from Shao Jingfei, who was worried about her bad habit. To evene up with this gift, he must pay close attention to her condition.

    Li Chunhua wasn''t stupid, either. She knew he felt terrible for answering her phone callte that night when she got her episode.

    Now he always picked up her call within a few seconds. His mouth wasining, but he would always be avable to talk with her no matter what times she called in the day.

    Shao Jingfei''s little gesture never went unnoticeable, and he made her feel safe to confide in him.

    "Thank you for the gift. I like it very much." Li Chunhua beamed at him.

    "Oh, I''m d if you like it. You have to be careful around the teacher, though. Don''t forget to detach them if you don''t want to get scolded."

    Li Chunhua only scoffed while flipping her hair smugly. "Please don''t put me on the same level as you. I have never been scolded by the teachers and never will."

    The boy rolled his eyes at her antics, "On second thought, I hope you get found out at least once."

    "It will never happen because they like me very much, unlike you."

    "Now you finally acting more like yourself. Stop changing your character too much; it feels weird." Shao Jingfei cringed.

    "Huh? I always act like I usually do."

    Shao Jingfei shook his head helplessly, losing interest in continuing the conversation. "Forget what I said. I probably just imagining things because I was hungry."

 Chapter 329 What Is She Doing Here?

    Li Caiyi hummed delightfully as she packed her things, ready to go home. Today, she promised to take Dai Zhiqiang to the ice cream parlor, where she usually hangs out with her friends.

    Zhou Ya, Chen Run, and Feng Nian had always been curious about Dai Zhiqiang and wanted a chance to talk to him. But Li Caiyi was worried it would make him ufortable, so she was reluctant to ask.

    Last night, she carefully probed if she could introduce him to her friends, and thankfully he epted.

    "I was worried you would never ask."

    That was what he said to her, meaning that he had been expecting her to do so since the beginning. All that worrying was for naught.

    "Guys, are you ready?" Li Caiyi walked over to her friends cheerfully. Thinking that she would have fun with people she liked soon put a big grin on her face.

    "Yeah. How about Dai Zhiqiang? Should we wait for him, or we could just meet up with him at the ice cream parlor?" Feng Nian replied.

    Zhou Ya checked on her phone before adding, "There is a big promo going on right now, but it has a time limit. If we move fast enough, we can still make it in time."

    "Haha, no worries, guys. Let me treat you to ice cream today." Li Caiyi said jovially.

    The sight of her radiant smile and the happiness aura exuded from her forced Chen Run to cover her eyes with a hand. "Guh! People who are in love are too bright. Stop! I might get purified at this rate. But I shall ept your tribute gratefully."

    Li Caiyi giggled before sticking out her tongue. "I can''t help it. I''m just that happy."

    "Haha, you sure look delighted these days. I assume everything has been going very well with Dai Zhiqiang? Come on, tell us some of your stories."

    "Well, yeah. I think so?" Li Caiyi nodded with a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "We didn''t do much. We only have one date so far since he is busy and all."

    "Come on, brag a bit. I know you diligently visit the library every day after school to have more time with him. You can''t tell me that nothing is happening at all." Feng Nian nudged on Li Caiyi''s arm lightly while smirking yfully.

    "You make it sound like we are having a rendezvous or something." Li Caiyi pouted. "We didn''t do much except talking and asionally studying in the library. Oh, I help him with library work too sometimes."

    "What? So you guys still haven''t kissed yet? Even though you guys are so lovey-dovey?'' Chen Run asked in disbelief.

    A memory of their first kiss shed across her mind, and heat spread throughout her face. Zhou Ya and Feng Nian didn''t miss her reaction. They exchanged knowing nces before smirking at each other.

    "So you have done it. I''m sorry. For a moment, I thought you guys were one of those innocent and pure couples. I can see that Dai Zhiqiang is not as square as he looks outside." Feng Nian folded her arms in front of her chest while nodding in approval.

    <o>,m Meanwhile, Zhou Ya''s eyes glinted with curiosity as she put her hand on Li Caiyi''s shoulder. "What does your first kiss taste like? Did he initiates it first, or was it you? Spill the tea now."</o>

    Li Caiyi once again had dug a pit for herself by failing to conceal her emotion. Faced with a barrage of questions, she was flustered and confused about how to exin.

    Right when she was cornered, her phone rang like it was the salvation Heaven had sent for her. With a visibly relieved smile, she took some distance from her friends, using the phone call as an excuse.

    "Hello?"

    "Caiyi? It''s me."<sub> </sub>

    "Zhiqiang! What perfect timing. I was thinking about whether or not I should contact you just now."

    "Yeah, about our promiseˇ­ I''m sorry, Caiyi, but I don''t think I can make it." Dai Zhiqiang uttered regretfully. "I got an urgent call from work, and I have to go there earlier today."

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t hold her disappointment back when she heard that. She carefully looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear, before asking in a low voice, "even so, isn''t this still too early for a bar to open?"

    "I owed the bar owner a lot, so I always try to make time to help him as much as possible. Apparently, he needs my help right now." Dai Zhiqiang exined in a dispirited tone. "I''m sorry for ruining our n today. I promise I''ll make it up with you."

    Li Caiyi knew Dai Zhiqiang had no choice, so she curbed her disappointment and replied, "No, it''s okay. Work is important, and we can always go next time. Don''t worry about it."

    "Thank you. Please send my apology to your friends as well. I need to go now. Have fun with your friends today."

    "En. You too. Good luck with your work today."

    "I''ll call you again tonight. See youter."

    He hung up the call just like that. Li Caiyi didn''t even have time to say goodbye. He must be in so much of a hurry.

    She exhaled a deep breath, and the previous enthusiasm slowly escaped her body.

    Not that she had any qualms about going out with her friends only, but there should be some vor only sold for a limited time that day, and she wanted to share it with him.

    However, there was nothing Li Caiyi could do if it was about work, so she dejectedly returned to her friends and exined the situation. Same as her, they were all disappointed, but they understood him.

    "Don''t mind, we can always have fun sometimester. For now, shall we go? After all, those limited-time ice creams won''t be waiting for us forever." Zhou Ya patted Li Caiyi''s back encouragingly. And thetter nodded in agreement.

    "You are right. Besides, I can just order some for Zhiqiang and deliver it to himter." Li Caiyi knew where Dai Zhiqiang was working. Perhaps she could stop by before returning to Shao Jingfei''s ce.

    The four of them left the ssroom while chatting and joking around like usual. However, Li Caiyi''s step halted when her gaze fell on the familiar figure standing with her back leaned against the school gate.

    It was a woman with long ck hair cascaded through her back. She wore ck sunsses covering half of her eyes, but it couldn''t hide her imposing beauty.

    Most of the passerby were more attracted to the sight of her perky and full chest and slender leg wrapped in an ordinary officedy outfit, though.

    The sight of mature women standing motionless among passing students was very eye-catching and conspicuous, like a fresh blooming rose among leaves.

    However, that woman didn''t look bothered in the slightest by the attention. She lifted her chin almost haughtily, exuding a confident aura of a mature woman.

    There was no way Li Caiyi wouldn''t recognize who that woman was, which was very regrettable because she hoped she knew nothing about her.

    ''What is Gu Xue doing here?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly in puzzlement.

 Chapter 330 Dont Take Me For A Fool! (1)

    "Whoa, look at that woman. Whose big sister is that? She is he gorgeous." Chen Run eximed in awe.

    "Who knows? It''s not our business. Let''s just leave quickly." Feng Nian shrugged her shoulders indifferently.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what she was nning, but there was only one reason why that woman would suddenly show up in her school like this.

    To meet up with her. For a reason she probably wouldn''t want to hear.

    Zhou Ya noticed that Li Caiyi hadn''t moved a step from her spot and asked curiously. "Caiyi? What''s wrong?"

    "Sorry, but can you guys go on ahead? I just remember, I still have some things to take care of."

    Chen Run groaned in exasperation. "Ah? First, it''s Dai Zhiqiang. Now, it''s you, Caiyi. Did you guys n to ditch us from the beginning or something?"

    "Stupid. Do you think Caiyi is that kind of person?" Feng Nian gave her a light smack on her head before shifting her gaze to Li Caiyi. "We can wait for you if you want."

    "No, it''s okay." Li Caiyi shook her head before ncing at Gu Xue''s figure. "This might take a while after all. I''ll try to catch up as soon as possible."

    "Well, it can''t be helped, then. Let us know if there''s anything we can do to help. See youter, Caiyi. We''ll be going first."

    The three of them waved at her as they walked away. Li Caiyi waved back and put her hand down at the same time when Gu Xue coincidentally looked her way.

    The older woman slid her sunsses down slightly to take a closer look at Li Caiyi. Only when she was sure did she stride over to her proudly.

    Perhaps because there was no one she needed to kiss up here, Gu Xue didn''t bother to hide her arrogance and overbearingness this time.

    "Li Caiyi, right? You still remember who I am, right?" Gu Xue said as she took off her sunsses. Her sharp eyes, which looked down at her, left no room for rebuttal.

    "First of all, why are you here? We shouldn''t have any business with each other anymore now."

    Gu Xue scoffed before turning away. "Let''s move to another ce first. You don''t want to talk while all these kids are looking at you, right?"

    Before Li Caiyi could respond, Gu Xue had left her. Li Caiyi had no choice but to follow her for now. She wanted nothing to do with her, but she was curious about what she had to say.

    Gu Xue didn''t walk far and stopped when they reached a park near her school. There were fewer people there during the day; a perfect ce for a private conversation.

    Li Caiyi halted when Gu Xue stopped in her tracks.

    "Tell me honestly, what did you do with the information I gave you?" Gu Xue didn''t beat around the bush and asked straight to the point.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi frowned upon hearing that, "What makes you think I will tell you such a thing?"

    Gu Xue tapped her feet impatiently. She appeared to be very irritated. "Can you cut me some ck? I have separated from your father, and I will never get close to him again."

    "And why should I trust you?" Li Caiyi sneered, "Gu Xue, stop daydreaming and just say what you want to say. I don''t have time to waste on someone like you."

    Gu Xue gritted her teeth. She was about to re up but evidently restrained herself. "Listen, I''m not here to pick a fight, so you don''t have to be so hostile towards me."

    Li Caiyi didn''t let her guard down, which prompted a helpless sigh from the older woman. "Fine, I''m here because your father is saying something weird to me nowadays. It bothers me, and I thought I should let you know."

    "What did he say?"

    "Usually, he would act like I''m below him, but recently he contacted me quite often. He said something like ''You will regret it if I don''te to him soon because I will only grow bigger from here on'' or something stupid like that."

    "Ah, you probably didn''t know, but my parents have divorced." Li Caiyi replied nonchntly. There was no ripple in her expression as if she was talking about something mundane, like today''s weather.

    "What??! They have divorced? Really?" Gu Xue hung her jaw in disbelief and shock.

    "Why are you so surprised? Shouldn''t you be dancing with happiness right now? There is no one to obstruct the path of you two lovers now." Li Caiyi scoffed mockingly.

    "Kid, how often do I have to tell you I don''t feel any towards your fatˇŞ I mean, that man anymore? Just imagining going back to him is enough to give me goosebumps. Oh, it''s so creepy." Gu Xue hugged herself with disgust written all over her face.

    It didn''t look like she was pretending. She appeared to be genuinely hearing this for the first time.

    From what Gu Xue told him, Li Jirong believed he would finally soar to the sky with the job opportunity Meng Renshu gave to him.

    She wasn''t sure if his road to sess would be as smooth as he expected. After all, Meng Renshu would be there to monitor him.

    Gu Xue noticed the cold glint in Li Caiyi''s eyes and immediately added, "Hey, don''t look at me like that. Even without me, that man is still cheating on your mother with several women. I''m also one of his victims here."

    Li Caiyi was in no mood to continue the conversation. "If that''s all you want to say, I''ll leave now."

    Gu Xue quickly moved, so she stood before her and blocked her way. "Wait, let''s make a deal!"

    "What deal?" Li Caiyi scowled impatiently.

    "If you promise me you''ll return all the ck material you have about me, I''ll act as a double spy for you. Aren''t you curious about what that man is nning now? I''m ready to sacrifice myself!"

 Chapter 331 Dont Take Me For A Fool! (2)

    Li Caiyi wanted tough at hearing her ''selfless'' remark. Following the desire tough, there was disgust and scorn from the bottom of her heart.

    With a cold and dark gaze, she looked at Gu Xue.

    "Gu Xue, don''t you think it''s revolting to act like a good person in front of the person you had been antagonizing all this time? You seem to have a grave misunderstanding just because I tolerate your presence, but you are not qualified to negotiate with me. Know your ce."

    Gu Xue felt a chill run down her spine, sensing Li Caiyi''s hate towards her. As frustrating as it might be, this kid seemed to have a second personality when dealing with people she considered an enemy.

    Her gaze carried a deep sense of resentment, as though Gu Xue had wronged her an entire lifetime of sin and offended her ancestor.

    The younger girl looked at her like a human looking down at an ant. Insignificant and easy to trample if Gu Xue did so much as to provoke her.

    Li Caiyi was frightening when she was like this. Totally opposite of how harmless her appearance was.

    Gu Xue gulped and tried to hide her nervousness by making a defensive stance.

    "Calm down a little, will you? Stop ring at me. I was just trying to offer a win-win suggestion for both of us."

    "There is no negotiation unless I''m the one who proposes it. You should feel grateful that I didn''t make it difficult for you up to this point. Don''t take a mile after I gave you an inch if you still know what shame is."

    Gu Xue was scared and uneasy because this girl held her weakness, but at the same time, she was also aggrieved and furious by how Li Caiyi looked down on her. She couldn''t stand it.

    If only it weren''t for this girl, she could live a much easier and more extravagant life.

    "Hey, don''t forget that I''m the one who took the brunt of your little scheme before. If it weren''t for my quick thinking, Rong probably would have killed me when he found out the truth that I was colliding with you. Because of you, my life n is ruined! At least take responsibility by hearing me out a little."

    "Not only are you shameless, but I can also see your stupidity increase from thest time I saw you." Li Caiyi sneered.

    "I never forced you to ally with me. You are the one who betrayed your lover first. All because you want to save yourself. Why should I take responsibility for your choice?"

    "That''s because you are threatening me!"

    "Stop ying the victim. I wouldn''t be able to threaten you if you weren''t so cheap and sleeping around with many men at the same time. You brought this upon yourself."

    Gu Xue became even more furious when Li Caiyi mentioned that. The umted anger and grievances she had held back exploded.

    While shooting a re as sharp as a dagger, she yanked Li Caiyi''s cor roughly and hissed, "Stop yapping your mouth, or I''ll kill you, you bitch. You think you are a bigshot just because you came from the Li family?"<sub> </sub>

    Gu Xue snorted mockingly, "Ah, I guess you aren''t Li anymore after the divorce. Too bad, since your father seems to like me more because he asked me to be with him as soon as he was liberated from your so-called family."

    Pah! A broken family like yours should have been wrecked a long time ago. How does it feel? Having your father stolen by the woman you are looking down upon? What about your mother? Her husband has thrown her away like a pair of old shoes. I can''t even imagine how miserable she will be."

    Li Caiyi thought she would feel angry hearing her poisonous words, but strangely she felt calm, without a single ripple visible on her face.

    Perhaps because she knew everything had over, and what Gu Xue did was nothing but a loser bark.

    "You really are pathetic. If thinking like that can satisfy your sense of vanity, then be my guest. However, you are wrong about one thing." Li Caiyi dug her nails into the flesh of Gu Xue''s hand, which held her cor, prompting a painful shriek from the older woman.

    "Li Jirong didn''t throw my mother away. It was my mother who wanted to divorce first. And the Li family belongs to my brother now. Only those recognized by my brother can use the Li family''s name. Rather than worrying about us, you should be worried about your lover instead." Li Caiyi growled in a low voice.

    Gu Xue couldn''t stand the pain anymore, so she retracted her hand from Li Caiyi and took a few steps back. There were traces of blood oozing out from her wrist and on Li Caiyi''s nails.

    "Look at what you have done! Bitch, are you an animal or something? How could you be so violent?!" Gu Xue screamed in a panic, looking at her wounded wrist.

    Li Caiyi could only sneer inwardly. Compared to all the abuse and harassment she received from her and Li Jirong in her past life, that small wound was nothing.

    Seeing Gu Xue looking at her with horror gave her a sense of thrill and satisfaction. An evil smirk adorned her lips.

    "And don''t think I can''t see what you are nning. I bet you also said the same thing to that man; you will act as a double spy for him by gathering information about me. Do you think you can fool me just because I''m a kid? Don''t tter yourself!"

    "That''s not true! Don''t nder me. I seriously only want to erase the data about me you have in your hand!" Gu Xue''s pupils were clear, and it appeared like she was being genuine when she said that.

    However, Li Caiyi knew better than to trust this snake-like woman.

    "Hah! I will be a fool if I even believe any wordsing out of your mouth." Li Caiyi straightened her uniform.

    "I refuse to cooperate with you in any way. My family and I don''t care about what you and that man do, so there''s no need toe and report to me in the future. As long as you don''t cross your line or show your revolting face in front of me, you are the same as a dead person to me."

    "Don''t jinx me! Where are you going? I''m not finished talking with you yet!"

    Li Caiyi clicked her tongue irritatedly. She shouldn''t have bothered to listen to Gu Xue.

    Thanks to her, Li Caiyi just wasted the time she could use to have fun with her friends. What a waste. A total waste.

 Chapter 332 Please Use Me

    Li Caiyi refused to waste any more time talking with Gu Xue. She would never trust Gu Xue with anything. Honestly, Li Caiyi just wanted to cut the connection between them here.

    Although Li Caiyi was aggrieved and resented both of them deeply, they weren''t worthy of her time and emotion. She had spent enough of those in her previous life and was fed up with it.

    As long as they didn''t provoke her or didn''t show up their face in front of her, Li Caiyi wouldn''t seek trouble for herself, either.

    Not because she had forgotten what they did to her, but because she wanted to save that time and effort on herself this time. She still had a long road ahead of her, and she wouldn''t let one or two enemies hinder her from her objectives.

    Li Caiyi ignored Gu Xue''s scream behind her and strode towards the park entrance.

    Because of the emotion raging inside her, she didn''t pay attention at first. However, she soon noticed a familiar tall figure standing at the entrance, and her pupils dted in surprise.

    "Brother Renshu? Why are you here?" Li Caiyi stopped in her tracks.

    Meng Renshu didn''t answer as he approached her. With a hooded expression that made it difficult for her to discern his mood, he gently tugged on her cor like trying to take her shirt off. The sudden movement caught her off guard.

    "Wait, what do you think you are doing?" Li Caiyi eximed in surprise and pushed him away. But he was like an immovable mountain, as he barely budged at all.

    "You are hurt," Meng Renshu said in a raspy voice. His warm finger gently touched a spot on her neck, and the contact caused a slight sting, followed by a goosebump all over her body.

    Li Caiyi put her hand on the source of the sting out of reflex, and she could feel a few grazes, like the wound from someone wing at her. She assumed Gu Xue''s nails must have grazed on her neck when she roughly grabbed her.

    Having Meng Renshu notice it immediately made her uneasy, so she pried his hand away from her neck. "Don''t mind it. It''s just a little scratch."

    Meng Renshu didn''t insist and only stared at her in silence. Li Caiyi could feel something was off with him, but she didn''t want to linger here for long, or Gu Xue would catch up and cause more trouble for her.

    "I''m in a bit of a hurry, so goodbye."

    "Do you want me to do something to that woman?"

    Meng Renshu''s words made her stop in her tracks. She turned back with disbelief written all over her face. "What did you just say?"

    "That woman. You hate her, right?" Meng Renshu repeated his words, convincing Li Caiyi she didn''t imagine things when she heard the repressed anger in his voice.

    "Did you see?"

    He nodded, and Li Caiyi pressed her lips in a hard line. "I see. You don''t need to do anything. Everything is over already. I just hope she won''t appear in front of me anymore."

    "Even so, she has made you suffer for a long time. I can tell just from your conversation."

    "It doesn''t matter."

    "No, it does matter."

    Li Caiyi''s brows were raised at his stubbornness. He sounded agitated and bitter like he was the one who was wronged by it.

    "Brother Renshu, I appreciate your concern. But a woman like her is not worthy of your effort, and I can handle her myself. Please don''t think much of it."

    ''In short, please don''t concern yourself with me,'' Li Caiyi added in the heart. A person as quick as Meng Renshu surely would catch the drift.

    "Xiaoyi, I have never seen you act like that before. I can tell you are very upset, and you must resent her so much. Why don''t you just reveal everything about her to the media? If you don''t dare to do it, let me take care of it for you."

    If Li Caiyi found something was off with him before, now she felt creeped out by his ''kind'' intention. Whether she was aggrieved or not, that was none of his business.<sub> </sub>

    Why did he have to make it sound like whatever she was feeling was part of his responsibility? She really didn''t like to hear iting from him.

    "I don''t think you''ll understand any words I''m saying even if I exin more, so I''ll stop here. I have more important things to do, and I''m sure you are the same."

    "If it weren''t me but Dai Zhiqiang who said it, would you rely on him more?"

    "Ah? Why are you suddenly bringing him into this?"

    Meng Renshu bit her lips. He really didn''t intend to eavesdrop, but when he saw Li Caiyi walking out of the school grounds with a stranger, he was curious and concerned.

    Later, he noticed that the woman was actually the nurse Li Jirong introduced to them in the past, and he suddenly felt interested.

    What kind of business did that nurse have with Li Caiyi?

    Meng Renshu had already heard from Li Junjie that someone had been helping Li Caiyi gather evidence against Li Jirong. If the said person was that nurse, then everything would make sense. He just didn''t understand why that nurse would suddenly appear in their school.

    After he listened to some of their conversations, there was nothing he couldn''t understand. If Gu Xue''s malicious words could easily pierce his ears, he couldn''t imagine how Li Caiyi must have felt.

    He was ready to jump in when the situation escted. What he didn''t expect was that his childhood friend could retaliate so fiercely, like a ferocious tiger roaring at her enemy. However, behind that ferocity, he could faintly sense her vulnerability.

    That was probably his first time seeing the raw anger and hate from Li Caiyi. Although she was cold to him, Li Caiyi had never spoken so harshly towards him.

    It pained his heart to think how much she had to endure just so she could execute her n well.

    Meng Renshu''s admiration and fondness for her increased tenfold, filling his chest to the brim. His heart became so tender for her, and he wanted to hug her petite frame so badly.

    ''If only she relies on me more,'' Meng Renshumented his powerlessness. In front of Li Caiyi, he wasn''t Young Master Meng and not even a dependable big brother figure now.

    For her, Meng Renshu was just a person she would avoid like a gue. She was so close, yet he couldn''t touch her at all. It frustrated him so much.

    Even more so when he recalled how Li Caiyi had officially dated Dai Zhiqiang now. An immense amount of frustration overwhelmed him, to the point he couldn''t think clearly.

    "If it was Dai Zhiqiang who is currently standing here, would you be in so much of a hurry brushing him off?"

    ''Would you show your weak and vulnerable side to that bastard but not me?'' Meng Renshu gritted his teeth.

    He couldn''t stand it.

    He hated it.

    He was the one who was closest to her and knew her better.

    He could protect her better, so why?

    Why couldn''t it be him?

    "I''m saying you can use me to have your revenge. Just say a word, and I''ll fulfill it for you. Xiaoyi, please use my feelings for you however you like."

    If it meant that he could secure more space in her heart like this, he wouldn''t mind. He would do anything so she would look at him, even for a second longer.

 Chapter 333 A Man Can Dream

    Sometimes, his obsession with Li Caiyi frightened him. Imagining that girl went away with someone else to the ce he didn''t know about was enough to make him tremble like a leaf.

    Meng Renshu didn''t care if people called him crazy, but he couldn''t deny his needs for Li Caiyi only grew bigger as days passed by. Now, even medicine sometimes couldn''t get rid of his headachepletely.

    He felt at ease only when she was around him. Just having her by his side made him feel like he was finally returning home.

    "Brother Renshu." Li Caiyi called out his name, but he didn''t dare to look her in the eyes.

    Meng Renshu instinctively shut his eyes, calmly waiting for the harsh rejection from her again.

    However, there was no harsh berating even after waiting for a few seconds. Instead, Li Caiyi took a step closer to him and scrutinized his face closely. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her lips puckered as he gazed at him inquisitively.

    "Are you sick? Your face color didn''t look good at all." Li Caiyi asked him, catching him off guard.

    "Huh?"

    "I knew something was off from you the moment I saw you," Li Caiyi raised her hand and ced it on his forehead.

    Because of the difference in their height, she had to tip-toe a little. The sight of her seriously thinking in front of him was very adorable; it made his breath hitched.

    After a few seconds, which he wished went on forever, Li Caiyi retracted her hand with a wry expression mixed with worry on her face.

    "Your body is slightly feverish. What are you doing following me to this ce instead of going home and taking a rest?"

    "It is? I didn''t notice at all." Meng Renshu put his palm to his forehead, but he only felt the coldness.

    "Your breath is heavy, and your body is wobbling like that. How is it supposed to be fine?"

    "I''m worried about you because I know who that woman is. I just want to make sure you are safe."

    Li Caiyi sighed helplessly. "Next time, worry about yourself more than me. I can take care of my own affair."

    "My body moved on its own. I can''t help it. And I''m not sick, just feeling a bit under the weather today."

    Li Caiyi grimaced as though she had expected him to say that. "Don''t be stubborn and just return home now. If you copsed after stalking me, wouldn''t your family hold me responsible for it?"

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Haha, don''t worry, because I will allow no one to scold you."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips with a hesitant look on her face. Meng Renshu knew what she was thinking, but he made no attempt to call it out and only waited for what she had to say next.

    "Thatˇ­ why don''t you call Mr. Mu to pick you up here?"

    Meng Renshu was a little disappointed because Li Caiyi suggested he call his driver instead of offering to take him there. However, based on their rtionships in the past few months, I guessed this was already the best oue he could get.

    ''It will be a lie if I say I didn''t expect more, though,'' Meng Renshumented inwardly.

    But thankfully, his condition distracted her from what he had said before. Although it was true, he regretted saying his innermost thoughts out loud. Meng Renshu was the one who said that he was okay with him rejecting her, so it made little sense for him to act like that.

    Perhaps she was right; he needed to take a rest more.<sub> </sub>

    "You are right. I will call him first." Meng Renshu replied before taking out his phone and calling his driver. After he finished reporting his location, he pocketed his phone again.

    "Didn''t you say you were in a hurry? Go on ahead. I just want to make sure you are okay."

    Li Caiyi studied his face for a while before finally nodding her head. "You should take it easy. Sit down on the park''s bench so it will not tire you out."

    "En. Have a safe trip. See you tomorrow."

    Li Caiyi cast thest look on Meng Renshu before walking away. Only when her small figure disappeared beyond the intersection did he lean his back against the wall of the park entrance.

    "Did it get worse?" Meng Renshu muttered.

    He was indeed feeling a bit under the weather today, and running to chase after Li Caiyi under the zing sun pushed him beyond his limit.

    First, he moved to the spot covered in the shade. Then, he took off his zer because he felt extremely stuffy and hot. Meng Renshu hoped Mr. Mu would arrive soon.

    His throat was parched, but he didn''t have any water to drink. He subconsciously imagined the sight of Li Caiyi spending time with Dai Zhiqiang after this made his head spin.

    "I should stop thinking about it. There is still plenty of time to win her over."

    The street was empty around this time. The sun was probably still high, and people were toozy to wander around under this heat.

    The sound of cicadas was very loud, a sign that summer wasing.

    Among the noises of cicadas and the wind blowing, he faintly heard the sound of footsteps. The owner of that leg must have been in a hurry because the speed kept increasing.

    It seemed like they were getting closer to where he stood?

    Nevertheless, Meng Renshu was too weak to care about it. He kept his eyes shut, inwardly praying that his driver would pick him up soon.

    "I knew it!"

    A familiar voice made him open his eyes immediately. He raised his head and found Li Caiyi, who sweated all over her face, looking down at him with creased brows. Her face expressed disapproval, reprimand, and helplessness simultaneously.

    "I have a feeling you won''t listen to my advice. Stop tormenting your body like this."

    Li Caiyi scolded him, but it strangely sounded pleasant to his ears. His head, which was throbbing up to a moment ago, suddenly cleared up. He could see his reflection in her worried eyes, like looking at himself through the surface of a springke.

    ''Sheˇ­ return for me?''

    "You really are hopeless!" Li Caiyi nagged while opening the mineral water cap she bought from the nearest store.

    Li Caiyi seemed annoyed, but she was so beautiful in his eyes it suffocated him. Even after everything she said, she still couldn''t leave him behind.

    Meng Renshu knew she was just that kind, and he shouldn''t overthink it.

    However, a man can dream, and his biggest dream right then was to hold her tightly. He swore he would never let her go again when he got her in his arms.

 Chapter 334 Can You Stay?

    He was afraid she would disappear again.

    He didn''t want to imagine living without her again.

    If she was gone again, he would go crazy from the loss.

    Meng Renshu''s mind was in a mess, and his own thoughts confused him.

    ''Wait, again? When did that happen? Why did I think that?''

    For as long as he could remember, Li Caiyi had consistently grown side by side with him. She was always there within his sight, so why would he feel she could disappear without a trace when he wasn''t looking?

    Ting!

    Meng Renshu crouched down while holding his hand when a prickling pain hit his head. It was like his head was stabbed by a needle repeatedly in the same spot.

    "Hey!" Li Caiyi eximed in panic when she saw Meng Renshu lose his bnce.

    Out of reflex, she opened her arm to prop his wobbling body. Seeing Meng Renshu''s painful expression made her feel distressed. "See? This is what you get for forcing yourself."

    "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry," Meng Renshu said with much difficulty. He held her shoulders to stabilize himself, but the headache made it difficult for him to stand straight.

    ''This is even worse than usual,'' Meng Renshu groaned inwardly.

    Frequent headaches were almost a daily urrence to him. He predicted it started ever since he had that nightmare, but he didn''t expect it to grow worse.

    He had tried consulting this with a professional, following Li Caiyi''s advice. The doctor and therapist said there was nothing wrong with him, and the sleep deprivation came from the stress.

    The amount of medicine he took increased, but it barely helped his symptoms. At this point, Meng Renshu had given up trying and only resigned himself to fate.

    "If you are sorry, never do this kind of thing again! Stop making other people worry about you."

    "I''m sorry. Your n is ruined because of me."

    Li Caiyi had a nk face for a moment, as though she had forgotten about that.

    "Ah, no worries. What kind of person do you think I am? I can''t leave a sick person like you alone in the empty street like this."

    Meng Renshu smiled weakly. A sense of bitterness filled up his chest. "Are you sure you want to make Dai Zhiqiang wait?"

    "Ah? Why would he wait for me?" Li Caiyi tilted his head in confusion before realization struck her. "Is that why you keep saying nonsense earlier? I never said my appointment was with Zhiqiang, didn''t I?"

    "It''s not?"

    "No. I promised my friends I would treat them to ice creams today."

    Meng Renshu didn''t know whether or not he should feel relieved.

    At first, he was happy that Li Caiyi still cared enough about him that she didn''t mind making her boyfriend wait so she could look after him. But it turned out her appointment wasn''t with Dai Zhiqiang.

    ''If Dai Zhiqiang was the one waiting for her, would shepletely cast me aside and leave without looking back?''

    His mind was filled with negative thoughts, and the current Meng Renshu wasn''t strong enough to chase them away. Everything was jumbled up in his head, like boiling water spilled from the pot, causing steam toe out of his head.

    "Can youˇ­ not go? Please stay with me."<sub> </sub>

    "Ah? Hey!"

    Li Caiyi didn''t have time to respond because Meng Renshu had slumped forward and wholly relied on her body to support him. She whined at the sudden weight falling on her. She checked on his condition in panic.

    Meng Renshu''s eyes were closed. He was frowning with his brows wet from sweat. His breath was heavy, and his skin felt hot and sticky.

    "Sorry, I can''t hold my body steady. I swear I''m not trying to take advantage of you here." Meng Renshuughed weakly, but his voice was so hoarse it sounded scary instead.

    Li Caiyi didn''t bother reacting to the joke and put her hands all over him. The ticklish sensation caused ripples in his heart. His face felt even hotter now.

    "Uh, Xiaoyi? Not that I mind, but what are you doing?"

    "My phone is in my bag. Where did you put yours? I have to call Mr. Mu again." Li Caiyi replied immediately.

    ''Of course, it was because of that.'' Meng Renshu didn''t know what he had expected.

    "It''s in my pants pocket."

    "This one?"

    Li Caiyi sneaked his hand into his pocket, but doing so made their body glued together even closer than before.

    Thevender fragrance of her hair was so soothing. It made his headache get slightly better.

    Even when he knew she didn''t have any weird intention, butterflies still flew inside his stomach at this closeness.

    He wanted to get closer to her. However, if he put his weight onto her more than this, they probably would go down together, so he restrained his impulse.

    "Oh, never mind. There it is!" Li Caiyi cried in excitement upon spotting a familiar car slowlying out from the intersection. She raised one of her hands to wave at it, trying to get the driver''s attention.

    Meng Renshu shifted his gaze to his car, and he regretted that he had called his driver so soon.

    Previously, he desperately wished for his car to suddenly appear in front of him, but now he wished for it to drive past them instead.

    "Brother Renshu, hang in there for a little longer."

    ? She sounded so excited, making him feel conflicted. Good things would always end, and Meng Renshu had no choice but to ept it.

    Soon after that, the car stopped beside them, and Mr. Mu came out from the driver''s side in haste.

    "Miss Caiyi, what happened to the Young Master?" He asked her cautiously while helping Meng Renshu to lean his body on himself.

    "I think he had a mild fever, and the sun worsened his condition. Please take care of him." Li Caiyi quickly filled in the situation. She bit her lips when she looked at Meng Renshu''s weak appearance.

    "Mr. Mu, please make sure he has a bed rest. Since you are here already, I will take my leave now."

    Mr. Mu was about to nod his head when he felt Meng Renshu squeezing his arm.

    As Meng Renshu''s personal driver and caretaker since his childhood, he was susceptible to his young master''s needs. The habit of serving him had been ingrained in his bones to the point where he could understand Meng Renshu''s thoughts to some extent without needing to ask.

    "I''m sorry for asking this, Miss Caiyi, but can you stay with the Young Master for a while?"

 Chapter 335 Pleading For Him

    Mr. Mu''s request stumped Li Caiyi. The older man looked at her pleadingly, as though she was thest resort he had. Her heart softened because the middle-aged man had always treated her well since childhood.

    "These days, the Young Master''s health has deteriorated, and it''s because he had trouble sleeping. However, I heard from the Young Master before that he could be peaceful when Miss Caiyi was beside him."

    Li Caiyi shifted her nce to Meng Renshu. He appeared as if he could copse at any time. She bit her lips again before hesitatingly saying, "I think it will be better if you take Brother Renshu home as soon as possible. As for your request, I''m sorry, but I can''t do it."

    "I''m sorry if this is presumptuous of me to ask, but did Miss Caiyi and Young Master have a dispute before this?"

    "No, it''s not like that." Li Caiyi replied while averting her eyes. Technically, they weren''t fighting per se, but they weren''t getting along well, either.

    "Then, is it because Miss Caiyi has other urgent matters to do?"

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheek awkwardly. "Well, not exactly urgent, but I have prior appointments with others before this."

    Mr. Mu was dejected hearing that. However, he stubbornly asked again, "I''m sorry for asking for such a selfish thing, but Young Master barely slept a wink every night, and he worked very hard these past few days. If it''s not too much to ask, can you postpone your appointment for today? After all, for Miss Caiyi, Young Master hasˇ­."

    "Mr. Mu," Meng Renshu, who kept his mouth silent until a moment ago, slowly raised his head.

    Li Caiyi vaguely saw his face color had be even paler than before, despite standing under the sun. There was a kind of sickly charm exuded from his feeble smile as he spoke to his caretaker.

    "Please say no more. Xiaoyi has another matter to settle, and we shouldn''t force her."

    "But Young Master, you have been working so hard to helpˇŞ"

    "I said no more, Mr. Mu." Meng Renshu interrupted his sentence abruptly, this time with more pressure.

    The older man understood this was the tone where his young master wouldn''t ept ''No'' as an answer, so he reluctantly shut his mouth.

    Then, Meng Renshu shifted his gaze to Li Caiyi. His eyes and tone were gentle and amodating. "Don''t mind what he just said. I must have been holding you back for a long time; you should go now."

    Li Caiyi looked at Meng Renshu and Mr. Mu alternately, feeling ufortable and conflicted simultaneously. She had an inner turmoil for a few seconds, which felt like forever before her conscience finally won over her desire.

    "Uhm, is he like this because he was arranging a spot for my father? To help my family?" She asked carefully, with remorse written all over her face.

    Mr. Mu opened his mouth and was about to answer, but Meng Renshu beat him to it.

    "No, that''s not it. There are many things to do these days because I sometimes have to apany my father. Don''t mind it." Meng Renshu smiled, but the look of disagreement on Mr. Mu''s face was all the confirmation she needed.

    Li Caiyi felt terrible. She knew arranging such things wouldn''t be easy, even for the Young Master Meng himself, but she didn''t expect him to go so far. He even broke down like this now.

    It wasn''t an exaggeration to say that Meng Renshu was her family''s savior.

    From Mr. Mu''s aggrieved expression, she knew that Meng Renshu probably had done more than he imed to be. He only downyed it as a trivial matter because he didn''t want to burden her or Li Junjie.

    After knowing this, her conscience was no longer prickled but felt like getting drilled instead.<sub> </sub>

    "Let''s stop this conversation here. My head is hurt, so I''ll be leaving first." Meng Renshu''s smile faded as he stared reprimandingly at Mr. Mu. "Help me get into the car. Let''s go home now."

    Mr. Mu cast thest pleading look at Li Caiyi before supporting Meng Renshu''s weak body to enter the car. That was probably thest straw for Li Caiyi before she finally gave in to her remorse.

    "Wait, can Ie with you?!"

    Meng Renshu, who had sat inside the car, was surprised. He exchanged nces with Mr. Mu, who was still holding the car''s door in confusion, and Li Caiyi almost took back her sentence right there and then.

    ''No. I''m not doing this because of him, specifically. I was just repaying his favor. I''m not that much of an ungrateful person to let my family''s savior suffer like this. Don''t think too much of it. This is only gonna be a friendly visit to a friend''s house.'' Li Caiyi strengthened her resolve by repeating this line in her mind.

    Meng Renshu chuckled, seeing the conflicted look on her face. It was funny seeing her trying hard toply, even though it was clear she was unwilling and wanted to avoid him.

    "Xiaoyi, you don''t need to force yourself. If you feel guilty because of what Mr. Mu said, I don''t need it. I was sincere in helping you, so there is no need to feel burdened by it."

    ".... I''m not forcing myself. It''s okay."

    "Then what''s with that long pause?" Meng Renshuughed again.

    "Nothing. I just need to apany you, right?"

    She thought Meng Renshu would agree, but he shook his head instead, contrary to her expectation.

    "I appreciate your concern, but you can''t cancel your appointment with your friends like that. They are your first friends in high school, so they must be very important to you, right?"

    Li Caiyi remembered her three friends who must have been waiting for her. They were indeed very important to her, but she didn''t think Meng Renshu would recognize that out of all people. So his words caught her off guard.

    "Treasure them well. You don''t have to worry about me. As you said, I have a lot of servants who can take care of me in my house."

    ''But you never like it when those peoplee too close to you. Because you can''t trust anyone.''

    Li Caiyi wanted to say that so badly, but she knew it would be weird for her to know that. In the end, she was at a loss for words and could only look down in shame.

    Meng Renshu took her silence as confirmation. "Thank you for caring for me. See you tomorrow, Xiaoyi. Have fun with your friends."

    After that, he nodded at Mr. Mu, signaling for him to close the door. Although he felt regretful, Mr. Mu had no choice but to follow his young master''s order. He closed the door before bowing slightly to Li Caiyi.

    "Thank you again for looking after the Young Master. We shall go first, Miss Caiyi."

    Li Caiyi watched as Mr. Mu got into the driver''s seat and started the engine.

    The window on Meng Renshu''s side was tightly shut, meaning that he had nothing left to say. She could barely glimpse his silhouette because of the tinted ss window.

    Just like that, the car left, leaving her feeling unsettled.

 Chapter 336 Meng Renshus Strange Behaviour

    In the end, Li Caiyi went to the ice cream parlor in a daze. Even when sheughed and chatted with her friends, Meng Renshu''s pale face covered with sweat, kept reying in her head.

    Although she felt bad for him, a part inside her was relieved because she rejected her kind gesture. However, thinking like that made her feel like a bad person.

    ''When did I be such a cold person?'' Li Caiyi sighed inwardly. She always put her guard up around Meng Renshu unconsciously.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to give him the wrong idea, and she was also afraid of the repercussions.

    What if she lost other memories because of her involvement with him? As for now, there were too many unanswered questions regarding her rebirth phenomena, and she didn''t want to take a risk.

    It might be selfish, but she really wanted to live well this time. Nothing good woulde from involving herself with Meng Renshu or his family. She should take some distance away from them in this second life.

    Now that Li Jirong was gone from her family, the risk of her or Li Chunhua getting married to the Meng family''s house was almost non-existent. It eased her heart terribly. And she wanted to keep that stability.

    Meng Renshu had done her a lot of favor, and she felt guilty for turning a blind eye to his suffering while clearly knowing that he needed her help. However, she tried to console herself while telling herself she didn''t have any choice.

    She sincerely hoped Meng Renshu would get better soon.

    With that thought filling her mind, she spent the rest of her day with her friends.

    For some reason, the ice cream didn''t taste that delicious anymore on her tongue, making her feel dispirited.

    ***

    Her prayer didn''te true because Meng Renshu was absent from school the next day.

    Li Caiyi tried to reach him, but he didn''t reply to his text or answer her call. In the end, she opted to leave a message telling him to take care of himself.

    Forget about replying; he didn''t even see her message. Li Caiyi kept checking on her phone, but theck of his response made her uneasy. It couldn''t be that his sickness had gotten worse because he forced himself to follow her that day?

    ''But that''s not my fault. I never asked him to do that.''

    Her brain tried to reason with her heart, but she still felt suffocated inside. Nevertheless, she tried to calm down as she waited for the next day. Perhaps he would be back at school by then.

    Once again, God didn''t hear her prayer because Meng Renshu was still absent from school even after three days had passed. Li Caiyi''s guilt intensified multiple times, and she couldn''t stand the stuffy feeling in her chest anymore.

    "Ugh, it really isn''t easy to act indifferent." Li Caiyi whined to no one. If only she weren''t thest person Meng Renshu met that day, she probably wouldn''t feel distressed like this.

    This state of mind reminded her of what Meng Renshu had said before. About how guilt was moreplicated to ovee than heartbroken because of love.

    Li Caiyi wondered if Meng Renshu had ever felt so guilty before that he developed that mindset?

    Be that as it may, there was nothing she could do but send him messages day by day. They were all left unread, but at least it gave her a little peace of mind.

    Li Caiyi checked on her phone for the nth time that day with a heavy heart.

    Her eyes lit up when she received one unread message from Meng Renshu. She quickly opened it.

    There was only one sentence as the reply to all messages she had sent in the past few days.

    [Meng Renshu: I didn''t mean that, please believe me.]

    It confused Li Caiyi when she read that. Did he check on his phone in a delirious state of mind? Or was this message supposed to be sent to someone else?

    Whichever it was, she was relieved that she finally got some kind of response from him.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi quickly typed a reply, reminding him to eat well and take his medicine before resting. After sending it, she waited for a few minutes, but he left it unread again.

    "I guess he is already back to sleep."

    For some reason, there was a sense of emptiness inside her. She wondered what he meant by his previous message?

    "Xiaoyi! There you are!"

    Li Caiyi raised her head when hearing someone calling out her name. "Xiaohua? And Brother Jie?"

    It was rare to see her siblingse to her together like this in school. If it was only Li Chunhua, she wouldn''t be surprised, but Li Junjie also followed behind her.

    "We are looking for you, Xiaoyi." Like usual, Li Chunhua hugged her arm as soon as she saw her. Meanwhile, Li Junjie only gave her a brief nod.

    "Did something happen? Why did the two of youe here?"

    "Do you still need to ask? Of course, we will visit Brother Renshu in his house!"

    Li Chunhua''s response stumped her. Out of reflex, she blurted out, "Why?"

    Li Chunhua''s brows were raised with the same amount of confusion on her face. "Because why not? Isn''t this what we always do whenever one of us is sick?"

    Her sister was right. That was a stupid question to ask. Of course, it wouldn''t be strange to visit Meng Renshu because that was what they had promised each other since childhood.

    Li Junjie squinted his eyes at Li Caiyi. "Why? Did you already have some other n? Or are you unwilling?"

    His question was straightforward, stabbing her already bruised conscience. Moreover, she could also sense that Li Junjie was silently judging her behavior. From their perspective, Li Caiyi was indeed an unreasonable person who didn''t know how to be grateful.

    ''I can''t help it! What''s with this peer pressure?''

    "N-No, I didn''t have any other n," Li Caiyi replied hesitantly.

    "Thene visit Brother Renshu with us. It seems his fever this time is pretty harsh. It''s been days, but he still hasn''te to school yet. I''m worried about him." Li Chunhua sighed.

    "His voice sounds like a different person on the phone. Let''s stop by a store first to bring a gift for him. Preferably something to help with his dry throat." Li Junjie added.

    Li Caiyi was surprised when she heard that. Not because her brother suggested they stop by the store, but because of something else.

    "Wait. Brother Renshu answered your phone call, Brother Jie?"

    "He did." Li Junjie answered lightly with his brows raised.

    "What about messages?"

    "He always replies in an hour or so. Is there something wrong with that?"

    ''Yes, what is wrong with that? Why did I ask such a thing?''

    Li Caiyi couldn''t define what she felt right now. It was strange how the same Meng Renshu, who used to contact her a lot, now deliberately ignored her messages and calls.

    It made her uneasy because she didn''t know if that was good or bad news for her. She hoped it wasn''t because he remembered another memory from his previous life.

    One thing was for sure: Meng Renshu was clearly avoiding her.

 Chapter 337 Visiting Meng Renshu (1)

    Only a few months had passed since Meng Renshu''sing-of-age party, but Li Caiyi wasn''t ready to enter this house again. It was more like a mansion than a house due to how big it was.

    Li Caiyi looked up at the building in front of her with a distant gaze. Whenever she stood near this ce, a sense of mncholy hit her.

    Qin Xiangjun was a sophisticateddy with a packed schedule. Whenever she had something to say to Li Caiyi, she would ask her toe instead of visiting her.

    Being a filial daughter-inw, Li Caiyi had never questioned her actions before. After a while, she realized that her mother-inw didn''t visit her because she didn''t have time, but instead because Li Caiyi was not that important for her to seek her directly.

    "Why are you just standing there? Let''s go in."

    Li Junjie''s voice interrupted her line of thought. Li Caiyi brushed her thoughts aside before she walked over to her siblings. Before they could make their appearance known, the door was opened as if it was already expecting their arrival.

    "Wee. We have been waiting for you." A middle-aged woman wearing a maid outfit bowed her head slightly towards them. Her manner was immacte, but the devoid of warmth in her face made her look rigid and hard to approach.

    Behind her, there were a few other maids lined up neatly. They all had their heads looking at the floor.

    It was like a scene from a drama where the Young Masters and Young Miss were greeted by their servants.

    Even though the Li family''s house barely had any servantsˇŞexcept for those who asionally came to clean the houseˇŞsince they used to go to Meng''s house in the past, they were ustomed to this treatment.

    Li Caiyi recognized the older woman as the head maid of Meng''s household, Sun Yan. She had been working there for as long as she could remember.

    "Good afternoon, Mrs. Sun and everyone! We are here to visit Brother Renshu."

    As usual, Li Chunhua would be the first one to break the ice. Her bright and cheerful personality could always dispel the awkwardness in the air.

    "Yes, we have heard your business here from the security. The Young Master has just woken up, and we have informed him about this. He is probably waiting in his room right now."

    Li Junjie gave the medicinal tea and a basket of fruit they bought beforeing to Sun Yan before shifting his nce to Li Caiyi. "You go upstairs first and talk to him."

    Thetter blinked her eyes a few times in disbelief before she pointed her finger to herself, "You mean, by myself?"

    "Yeah, you go first, and we will follow shortly after."

    "But why?"

    "Yeah, why?" Li Chunhua chimed in. Disapproval was written all over her face.

    Li Junjie didn''t answer immediately. He grabbed Li Chunhua''s shoulder and pushed her to the opposite direction of the stairs heading towards Meng Renshu''s room.

    "Xiaohua and I will take a walk around the garden first. Don''t make Renshu wait, understand?"

    "Ah? Wait a minute, Brother Jie!" Li Caiyi was half-shouting while trying to chase after them, but Sun Yan blocked her way.<sub> </sub>

    "Miss Caiyi, the Young Master has been waiting. He still needs to rest, so I implore you to efficiently make use of the time."

    Her tone was cold and professional; Li Ciayi couldn''t say anything back against that.

    Li Chunhua struggled while protesting, but her effort was all for naught faced with Li Junjie''s expressionless face. She looked back helplessly toward Li Caiyi before reluctantly letting Li Junjie lead her outside.

    "Please, this way," Sun Yan wasted no time urging Li Caiyi to follow her.

    From how the timing was perfectly set, she couldn''t help but suspect that Li Junjie, Meng Renshu, and Sun Yan had nned this beforehand.

    ''But why would he avoid me if he wanted to meet me alone in the end? It makes no sense,'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    Although Sun Yan was walking in front of her, Li Caiyi knew well where his room was by heart. It was on the second floor on the right wing. The first room from the end of the hallway was Meng Renshu''s room.

    He once said he liked that room because it got plenty of sunlight and he could see the garden clearly from the window.

    ''They still use the old furniture and interior design. ording to this timeline, these are all still brand-new, though.''

    Sun Yan''s step halted in front of a familiar-looking door. "Young Master is inside. Please refrain from speaking too loudly inside since he is still pretty weak."

    "I understand."

    "Then, I shall take my leave first, Miss Caiyi. Take your time," Sun Yan bowed again respectfully before she left.

    Li Caiyi stared at the wooden door in front of her with aplicated gaze. She took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

    "Come in."

    There was a hoarse and weak voiceing from the inside. Li Caiyi steadied her heartbeat before resolutely pushing the door open.

    Meng Renshu''s room was spacious, with a king-sized bed in the middle of the room. There was a full-body mirror ced a few steps beside it. On the other side of the bed, there was a huge window which height was almost double of Li Caiyi, and it showed the view of the garden perfectly.

    The floor was covered with a soft-looking white rug. Across the door leading to the bathroom on the side, there was a long couch that could be used as the bed. A ss door on the other side of the room leading to the balcony was slightly open, letting the breeze sway the curtain.

    Li Caiyi felt a sense of deja vu, seeing familiar sights and furniture again after a long time. However, her marvel was cut short by the sound of coughing from the young man sitting on the bed.

    "Xiaoyi? You are here?"

    Meng Renshu was wearing white pajamas. His skin was almost the same shade of color as it; it was so pale it was practically translucent under the room''s light. He looked thin with dark circles under his eyes.

    However, those traits couldn''t cover the radiance in his eyes when their gazes met. He looked like a little boy who had just gotten candy.

 Chapter 338 Visiting Meng Renshu (2)

    "Brother Renshu, how is your condition?" Li Caiyi asked as she walked over slowly to his bedside.

    "It has gotten better now. But why are you alone? Didn''t Junjie and Xiaohua alsoe with you?" Meng Renshu replied as he looked towards the door.

    "Aren''t you the one who set this up?" Li Caiyi asked dubiously with eyes narrowed down.

    "Ah? Setting what?" Meng Renshu looked up at her in confusion. Based on his reaction, it didn''t seem he was lying. Did he really know nothing about it, and everything was just something her brother arbitrarily did again?

    Whichever it was, Li Caiyi knew better than to interrogate a sick person. "Nevermind that. You look terrible."

    Meng Renshu grimaced before pulling the nket which covered him closer to his body. "I guess so. When I heard Junjie wasing, I tried my best to make myself look as presentable as possible, but as expected, it made no difference."

    Then, he noticed how Li Caiyi still stood beside his bed and hastily added, "Sit down first, then we can talk."

    "No need. I onlye here to see if you are okay or not. You still don''t look very well, but I''m d you are taking proper rest."

    Meng Renshu''s shoulders visibly sunk when he heard that, and the light in his eyes dimmed. "Are you going to leave so soon?"

    Li Caiyi felt her heart constricted when looking at his crestfallen look. She didn''t expect him to be so disappointed like that. A pang of guilt hit her once again.

    ? Nevertheless, she couldn''t falter now. She was determined not to get involved with him anymore in this lifetime, so she should always keep her distance from him.

    "I''m sorry, Brother Renshu. Xiaohua and Brother Jie will apany you soon, so don''t worry because you won''t be alone." Li Caiyi tried to console him, but it only made his face darken instead.

    "Did youe here because the two of them dragged you?"

    His question hit right on the mark. He seemed to notice it too because heughed mirthlessly, with a slightly pained look shed across his eyes.

    "I see. No wonder." He said bitterly before lying down on the bed again. "Thank you for your concern. Next time, you don''t have to force yourself like this. I feel bad because it seems I have wasted your time."

    "No, it''s not that," Li Caiyi bit her lips, finding it difficult to exin. No, she didn''t understand why she felt the need to exin herself here.

    Meng Renshu turned his body, so his back was now facing her. It was clear as day that he was upset because of her.

    "It''s fine. I know you hate being around me. Now you have confirmed my condition, you can save yourself from the ordeal."

    He spoke like he was giving leeway to Li Caiyi, but from his sarcastic tone, it sounded like he was sulking instead. Perhaps it was because of his fever, but this childish act was something he usually wouldn''t do.

    Li Caiyi looked at his back, which seemed lonely, and once again facing an inner turmoil.

    In the end, she sighed defeatedly as she pulled a chair and sat on it. "I''m sorry, Brother Renshu. I will stay here."

    "I already said it''s okay, didn''t I?"

    "But you clearly sounded annoyed."

    "Why do you care? You never cared about it before, so what difference does it make now?"

    ''Okay, he is not just upset, but angry at me.'' Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation.<sub> </sub>

    "I have gone overboard this time and acted unreasonably. I''m sorry for hurting your feelings, Brother Renshu. But I really am worried about you. That''s not a lie."

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t guess what was on his mind, so she continued talking, "And aren''t you the one who kept avoiding me in thest few days?"

    "Why would I do that?"

    "Don''t lie. Brother Jie said you have been replying to his call and messages frequently since you were absent. But you didn''t reply to me even once."

    "Have you been waiting for my reply all this time? Now that is something I didn''t expect. I''m touched."

    Li Caiyi knew he would say that, so she scoffed. "Anyone would feel worried after seeing you almost copse like the other day."

    Meng Renshu turned his body, so he could face Li Caiyi while lying down.

    Despite his pallid look, he appeared exquisite as heid down on the white sheet with white pajamas. The sunlight shone through the window behind Li Caiyi and made his eyes glisten like ss. His slightly parted lips felt like they would spout the sweetest words at any moment.

    Most women probably wouldn''t be able to resist the urge to attack this fragile jade beauty with angelic charms.

    Even Li Caiyi felt her eyes had been blessed by this sight. Meng Renshu was so beautiful that she couldn''t take her eyes off him. She thought that if an angel fell to the earth, he probably would take a form like this.

    "Whatever your reason is, I''m happy you are here. Please stay with me a little longer."

    "Ah? Yes, yes," Li Caiyi replied in a daze, still not fully regaining her wits.

    "And I''m not avoiding you," Meng Renshu said somberly. "I was just afraid that I wouldn''t be able to restrain myself and pester you nonstop to talk to me more."

    ''Oh, so he''s not avoiding me because he hates me.''

    "You aren''t obligated to reply to them, anyway. As long as you are recuperating well, that''s already more than enough for me."

    Meng Renshuughed in a low voice. "Hearing that from you is all the encouragement I need."

    "Have you slept well? You have dark circles under your eyes."

    "I tried, but it didn''t work well. I only slept for a few hours in the past few days. Even when I close my eyes, I can''t seem to get proper sleep."

    Li Caiyi nced at the medicine ced on top of his bedside drawers. "Did you take them regrly?"

    "Yeah. It helped me sleep at first, but the effect slowly reduced, and the doctor had to increase my dosage."

    "I see; that must be tough," Li Caiyi said sincerely. She knew well how exhausting it was.

    Meng Renshu didn''t confirm or deny it. He looked like he was deep in thought.

    "Xiaoyi, do you think you can hold my hand until I fall asleep again?"

 Chapter 339 Guilt

    "Xiaoyi, do you think you can hold my hand until I fall asleep again?"

    Li Caiyi dreaded to hear that question. That was the reason she felt reluctant to stay for long.

    She had an inkling that he would ask her that, and she didn''t me him. Sleep deprivation was a terrible situation to be stuck into.

    However, as much as she sympathized with him, she couldn''t agree with it.

    "No, I can''t do that. I''m sorry."

    Meng Renshu didn''t show any reaction and only stared at her intensely. Li Caiyi couldn''t bear it, so she averted her eyes.

    "I see. That''s a shame."

    He agreed so quickly; it surprised her. His fever must have influenced him greatly.

    The usual him would at least try to pester her because he was used to having everything he wanted in his hand.

    "You know, I kind of regret it." Meng Renshu said, pulling her out of her thoughts.

    "What is it?"

    "If I were to realize my feelings sooner and pursue you earlier, would you still fall for Dai Zhiqiang? I have a feeling that you used to admire me. But before I know it, you have slipped out of my fingers like water. I still haven''t gotten used to it."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know why he suddenly brought out Dai Zhiqiang, but she felt the need to correct his misunderstanding.

    "You are wrong, Brother Renshu. Even if it was just like you said, I would still fall for Dai Zhiqiang."

    ''Because you don''t have the same memories as I have,'' Li Caiyi added in the heart. ''The second I return to the past, the string between us has been severed forever.''

    Meng Renshu had a painful look on his face before he chuckled mirthlessly. "You are so firm about it. At least hesitate a little. It hurts my heart and pride."

    "Brother Renshu, I still think you are confusing your feelings towards me as love. Rather than love, your feelings for me are more like aˇ­."

    [Guilt is harder to ovee than heartbroken love]

    Li Caiyi bit her lips as that line shed across her mind. "...Guilt. You are feeling guilty for me."

    "Guilt? Is that how you think?" Meng Renshu asked bitterly. "Tell me, am I not showing enough love for you? In which way did I fail to convey it to you?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Let''s not talk about this. You are sick right now and need rest."

    "Don''t evade the subject!" Meng Renshu bellowed sharply, surprising her and even himself.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to yell at you." He massaged the bridge of his nose before continuing, "Can you tell me why you think like that? I will have an even harder time sleeping with that guing my mind if you don''t answer."

    Li Caiyi clenched her skirt before saying, "At youring-of-age party, you said you have been having a nightmare, and they always end up the same way. I remember you said I was dead."<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu lowered his hand in silence, listening attentively to her every word. "And?"

    "Your view of me suddenly changed after that day. You are always anxious and don''t hesitate to go to any lengths to keep me by your side. Isn''t that because you subconsciously afraid that I will end up the same way in your dream?

    You aren''t aware of it, but you are ming yourself for what happened to me in your dream. At least that''s the feeling I get from you."

    Meng Renshu was silent hearing that. Li Caiyi studied his facial expression and found confusion and conflicted feelings on his fair face. The fact that he didn''t deny her im out of the bat was all the proof she needed.

    ''Thank goodness I didn''t go ahead of myself and think that he seriously feels anything towards me. Like a wise person said, a mistake really made a person.''

    Li Caiyi felt even more convinced to keep her distance from Meng Renshu. She never knew when he would change his behavior from very sweet to utter coldness.

    If that were to happen again in this life, she only had herself to me.

    Meng Renshu didn''t say anything, and an awkward silence soon descended. Li Caiyi looked around to relieve her boredom when she noticed the swat of curtains near the ss door.

    She happened to feel stuffy, so getting some fresh air was probably a good idea. She might be lucky and spot her siblings from there too.

    Li Caiyi rose from her seat and walked towards the sliding ss door. There were flowers nted near the railing, and a set of chairs and a small table too, where Meng Renshu could rx while looking at the view.

    The flowery fragrance carried by the wind hit her face gently. Li Caiyi stepped outside and felt like she could finally breathe. Having to put your guards up constantly was really stressing her out.

    She tucked the strands of her hair that tickled her face as she looked below to where the garden was. Li Caiyi immediately spotted two figures standing inside maze-like rose bushes before calling their names.

    However, it didn''t seem like they heard her. She moved closer to the railing with one hand holding the railing and the upper body slightly bending down, making her body as visible as possible.

    "Brother Jie! Xiaohua!"

    "STOP!"

    That was the only thing she heard before her body was yanked and fell backward hard. It happened so suddenly that she didn''t have any time to blink, much less to react.

    Thud!

    The next thing she knew, she had sprawled on the floor with a pair of arms enveloped her in their embrace. Her side of face pressed against a hot and hard surface, and she could hear the chaotic heartbeat through it.

    "Don''t go; where are you going? Please don''t go."

    Meng Renshu''s voice was so hoarse and fragile. The arms that kept her close to his body were tightened but shaking simultaneously.

    "It was all my fault. I''m sorry. Please don''t leave, I beg you."

    He murmured in a restrained voice as if begging her. Li Caiyi was pressed to his body by his arms, and it felt like she was wearing a very thick and heavy nket by how scorching his temperature was.

    The wind blew strongly after that, and a droplet of water hit her cheek as she raised her head. Her eyes widened in shock, looking at tears streamed down Meng Renshu''s eyes.

 Chapter 340 And Love

    "Hm?"

    Li Chunhua, who was crouching while admiring a bunch of colorful flowers, raised her head.

    "Brother Jie, did you hear something just now?"

    Contrary to her sister, Li Junjie just stood with his hand folded in front of his chest with a bored expression. He showed no interest whatsoever in the flowers or view.

    "No. You sure it wasn''t your imagination?"

    Li Chunhua wasn''t convinced, so she looked up to the building, particrly to one balcony on the second floor, where Meng Renshu''s room was supposed to be. It was empty with no one in sight.

    "Strange. I thought I heard Xiaoyi calling our name."

    Li Junjie didn''t respond, so Li Chunhua quickly brushed it off as nothing and continued taking a picture of the bed of flowers.

    ***

    Meng Renshu had never felt so pathetic before. Hearing Li Caiyi''s exnation was like receiving a p on the face.

    Now he understood why she never seemed to take him seriously. To be fair, she tried, but Meng Renshu subconsciously knew that she took his words with a pinch of salt every time.

    ''So that''s the reason,'' He thought inwardly.

    There was a period when he doubted his own feelings, but he thought he had long since settled down that doubt. Still, what Li Caiyi said hit him to the core and rendered him speechless.

    He couldn''t deny that there was some truth in Li Caiyi''s words. If someone said that was the only reason for his change, he wouldn''t be able to deny it. Because he indeed changed a lot after those series of dreams.

    Would he ever see Li Caiyi in a different light without those dreams? It made him doubt himself again.

    ''Did I really misunderstand everything from the beginning?''

    Thinking about this made his headache even more. Meng Renshu looked to the side and found her seat was empty.

    "Brother Jie! Xiaohua!"

    He snapped his head when she heard her voice, and his eyes widened when she saw her standing on the balcony. Since when was she there?

    Sting!

    A terrible headache stung him hard at that moment. If previously it felt like a needle prickling on his brain, this headache was like a giant hammer smashed on his head.

    "Argh!" Meng Renshu groaned as he held his head, fighting the pain.

    A sh of memory passed through his mind as he tried to do so.

    It was the sight from his dream, where he looked into the bag where Li Caiyi''s body was kept. Even now, that horrendous view was etched deeply in his mind, invoking the deepest trauma he wanted to forget.

    That despair and bone-crushing sadness came back to him like a tidal wave. His whole body shook, and cold sweat ran down his spine.

    "Brother Jie! Xiaohua!"

    Her voice once again snapped him out of his reverie. However, his eyes almost rolled down their sockets when he saw her in an extremely dangerous position.

    She was leaning out from the railing with her upper body bending downward like she was trying to reach something.

    [Your wifemitted suicide by jumping down from a high building]

    Meng Renshu didn''t know where that voice came from, but fear took over his body instantly. Everything seemed to move in a slow motion before him, or maybe his brain just worked in lightning speed.

    He couldn''t lose her again.

    He didn''t want to experience that despair anymore.<sub> </sub>

    He didn''t want to live a life like a dead person anymore.

    Meng Renshu kicked his nket and ran barefooted on the cold floor. He mustered every strength his currently weak body could muster and ran out of the balcony in horror.

    ''This time, it will be different. I can''t bete again this time!''

    "STOP!"

    He yelled on top of his lung as he gathered the girl''s body inside his arm and pulled her backward, so they toppled to the floor, with Li Caiyi half resting her body on top of him.

    Throughout his life, he never felt so scared. His whole body trembled. Only when he sensed the rapid heartbeat of the girl in his arm did he feel everything was real.

    ''She is alive. She is not dead. She is with me right now.''

    Meng Renshu was vaguely aware that he spoke something, but he was far too shocked and relieved to care. He clung to her like his life depended on it.

    Then, his vision also became blurry when she raised her head and stared in shock at him. Her clear eyes widened, and her tiny mouth slightly agape.

    It was her face and not the smashed version he saw in his dream.

    A bittersweet feeling gushed out of his heart, and tears unknowingly poured down from his eyes. Even he couldn''t remember when was thest time he had cried.

    "Brotherˇ­Renshu? Why are you crying?"

    Hearing her voice made him feel even more wrenched inside. It felt like centuries since he had listened to her voice, and he couldn''t stop his tears.

    "Ugh, don''t scare me like that. I thought you would leave me again without words."

    "What are you talking about?"

    "It was all my fault. I''m sorry, Xiaoyi. You can me all you want, but please don''t do that. Anything but that."

    "Why would you say that?"

    "I know I made a grave mistake, but I didn''t mean to corner you like that. Please believe me. I love you." He cried like a child as he cradled her deeper in his arm.

    Meng Renshu was so focused on letting his heart out that he missed the horror look on Li Caiyi''s face. Blood drained from her face as the meaning behind his every word finally sank into her.

    "L-let go!" Li Caiyi struggled vehemently, and the sudden movement made him loosen his hold on her.

    Using that chance, she slipped out of his embrace and crawled away to take some distance from him.

    Meng Renshu stared at her in puzzlement, but the fear in her eyes canceled any thought of approaching her. She was like a cornered herbivore in front of the beast.

    "Y-youˇ­what you said just nowˇ­what was that?"

    "What did I say?"

    "Don''t y dumb with me. You said you didn''t mean to corner me." Li Caiyi red at him. "Speak the truth. Did you say that because of your dream again, or is it because of something else?"

    "Xiaoyi, your face is paleˇŞ"

    "JUST SAY IT!"

    Meng Renshu''s pupils shook at her shout. Any trace of sadness slowly ebbed away from his face and was reced with a grim look instead. He sat up so they could face each other properly.

    "Just like you, I remember it. The so-called past life memories."

    Li Caiyi felt the ground beneath her disappear, swallowing her into deep darkness.

 Chapter 341 Shattered Reality

    The wind blew past the two people who sat on the ground while staring at each other.

    Li Caiyi could feel time ticking beside her ears, but she couldn''t think of anything to say. Except for an overwhelming sense of trepidation, she couldn''t feel anything else. Her face was as pale as snow as she witnessed the reality she believed in shattered.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu carefully studied her expression. Looking at the fear and sorrow on her face, his heart squeezed in pain. He began to question his decision to tell her about this.

    However, Li Caiyi wasn''t stupid. Even if he tried to evade her, she would still think something was off. Unsure of what to say, he didn''t speak a word and only stared at the girls in front of him.

    They didn''t know how much time had passed. In the end, it was Meng Renshu who broke the silence first.

    "Xiaoyi, are you okay?"

    Li Caiyi tried her best to force a smile before saying, "What you said before, you are joking around, right? Is this another one of your crazy theories again?"

    Meng Renshu''s eyes dimmed hearing her frail voice. Like the ss on the verge of breaking, she tried hard to deny his words. He cast a gloomy look her way before saying, "Do I look like I was kidding?"

    "But it doesn''t make sense. How can something like thatˇŞ"

    "In my previous lifeˇ­." Meng Renshu cut her words in the middle, and she flinched hearing his following sentence, "...I intended to give you that flower. After it bloomed fully, I nned to give it to you, but it was gone when I wasn''t looking. But I make sure everything is safe this time. I''m d I can give it to you in this timeline."

    Li Caiyi could feel the blood rushing from all over her body to her heart, pumping it several times faster than usual. She could hear what he said, but whether she understood it or not was arguable.

    ''Did I just hear it right? No, what is he talking about in the first ce?''

    Meng Renshu noticed that Li Caiyi was frozen in her ce. Her eyes widened without blinking, and she murmured something in a low voice. She looked shaken, and a pang of guilt hit Meng Renshu''s heart.

    He wanted to approach her, but he knew she wouldn''t like that, so he restrained himself. "Xiaoyi, you don''t have to pretend anymore. I know you are also like me. You have memories of our previous life."

    "Shut up."

    Li Caiyi said that unconsciously, but it was the only words she could think to describe what she felt right now. Even if she wanted him to stop exining, her brain had already thought about the worst possible scenario.

    Li Caiyi pped herself a few times with her hands, trying to chase away the anxiety she felt.

    ''Get a hold of yourself, Li Caiyi. Even if he remembers, so what? He has no control over your life anymore. There is nothing to fear!''

    "Xiaoyi!"

    Before she could stop herself, someone had already stopped her from abusing herself.

    When she opened her eyes, Meng Renshu crouched down in front of her, looking at her worriedly. His hands were holding her wrists firmly, holding them in ce.

    "Why are you pping yourself? Stop that!"

    Li Caiyi''s gaze fell on his hands which were on hers. If he did this before he said those things, she probably wouldn''t think much of it. But after she knew he had regained his memory, his touch made her skin crawl.<sub> </sub>

    She whisked her hand away from him roughly before rising to her feet and ring down at him vigntly. "Don''t touch me."

    Saying Meng Renshu was shocked was an understatement. He could only stare dumbly at Li Caiyi while she looked at him like he was an eyesore.

    "I guess this is good too. Now I don''t have to feel bad for treating you unjustly. Now that we both have regained our memories let''s stay away from each other. The reason for that, you should know it better than anyone else, right?" Li Caiyi''s eyes narrowed down dangerously.

    "Xiaoyi, what areˇŞ"

    "Please don''t talk to me anymore either. After everything that happened, I believe there is no reason for us to act like we are close childhood friends anymore."

    "Wait a minute!" Meng Renshu coughed a few times, making his body sway, and he fell on his butt again.

    If it was still the previous Meng Renshu, whom she believed was innocent and had no recollection of what happened in the past, she probably would still be willing to help him. But she couldn''t feel the slightest sympathy for him now.

    She felt her heart had turnedpletely cold when she looked at the teen Meng Renshu, whose visage ovepped with his adult version.

    The memories of his cold words and treatments returned to her all at once, chilling her body to the bone.

    "Don''t force yourself and just go back to your bed. I hope this will be thest time we will talk to each other again."

    Li Caiyi had no patience to deal with him anymore. She walked past Meng Renshu hastily and was about to leave the balcony when some figures appeared from beyond the door.

    "What is happening here?"

    Filled with bewilderment, Li Chunhua voiced out her confusion. Meanwhile, Li Junjie ran past Li Caiyi towards the sitting Meng Renshu.

    "Why are you sitting on the cold floor when you are sick? Get up, quickly." He said calmly, but even he was actually puzzled by this situation. From the corner of his eyes, he stole a nce at his sister.

    Li Caiyi''s face wasn''t good at all when they arrived. The fact that she intended to leave Meng Renshu, who was sick on the floor, was strange too. Although she and Meng Renshu didn''t have the best rtionship, he knew his sister wasn''t that heartless either.

    Aside from looking paler than usual, Meng Renshu''s condition seemed weird too. Li Junjie couldn''t guess what happened to make his friend look this lifeless.

    "You came at the right time. I suddenly remember I have something to do, so I''ll leave him in your care."

    "What happˇŞ Xiaoyi, wait!"

    Before Li Chunhua could finish her words, Li Caiyi had run past her and barged out of the room. She turned a deaf ear to her sister''s call and left the Meng family''s house.

    Her heart beat furiously, and it felt like the oxygen became thinner around her because she had difficulty breathing.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t wait to leave this suffocating ce. Anywhere near Meng Renshu was a ce she least wanted to be then.

 Chapter 342 Solace

    Li Caiyi went to school with terrible dark circles under her eyes. Shao Jingfei even teased her that she looked like a sleepy panda.

    She could not sleep well after Meng Renshu''s revtion yesterday. Thinking about how there was another person who remembered the past she wanted to forget made her feel on edge.

    ''Since when did he remember? If he remembered, then why didn''t he confront me directly? My death should be causing a major problem for him because it would cause a huge scandal.''

    [I didn''t mean to corner you like that. Please believe me. I love you]

    For some reason, those lines bothered her sincest night. Now she knew he meant every word when he sent her that weird message. He probably sent that in a daze due to his fever.

    Li Caiyi spent a whole night thinking about what she should do but decided that the old n was still the best move. She should be on guard more towards Meng Renshu. There was no need to hold back out of guilt anymore.

    "Xiaoyi? I think you have watered it enough."

    Li Caiyi shifted her gaze, hearing Shao Jingfei''s voice. She followed his line of vision and noticed that she had poured too much water on the flower pot.

    "Ah, I didn''t notice."

    "Something in your mind? You have a deep frown there."

    There was no way she could tell it to Shao Jingfei, so she shook her head lightly. "I''m fine, just lightheaded because I''mcking sleep."

    Shao Jingfei only nodded his head before continuing to wash the dishes. Li Caiyi looked down at the flower Meng Renshu gave her. Out of habit, she took care of the flower like nothing had happened.

    [I''m d I can finally give it to you in this timeline]

    Again, his voice bounced around in her mind. It was annoying how easily his words affected her mind.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to dwell on the what if''s story, so she cast away any other thoughts before putting the watering can down.

    "Jingfei, let''s go now."

    ***

    "How was your visit to Senior Meng''s house yesterday?"

    Li Caiyi''s movement halted for a moment when Dai Zhiqiang asked that. It was only a moment of hesitation from her, but the boy could tell something did happen yesterday.

    She was so silent, unlike her usual. Her hand kept moving, but her mind was elsewhere. Dai Zhiqiang was vaguely aware of Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu''splicated rtionship, so he couldn''t restrain himself from asking.

    "Nothing really. I went there with my siblings to check on him, then we went home after talking a bit."

    "Is that so? Then why are you so absent-minded today?"

    "I''m not, though?"

    Dai Zhiqiang pointed at the row of shelves that Li Caiyi had just organized. Some of the books were inverted or out of alphabetical order. She grimaced upon noticing her mistake.

    "Sorry. I didn''t sleep wellst night, so my mind can''t concentrate."

    Dai Zhiqiang walked over to Li Caiyi and leaned down to inspect her face closely. "No wonder you have panda eyes this morning."

    After he pointed it out, she became self-conscious and tried to cover her face with the book she held. "I know. My face is terrible today."

    He chuckled and lowered the book from her face so their gazes met each other. "No, you are still cute in my eyes, either way. But can you tell me what''s bothering you to the point you can''t sleep? Please?"<sub> </sub>

    ''Ugh, why does he have to look this handsome?'' Li Caiyi grumbled in her heart.

    She couldn''t bear to reject him when he gazed at her with a pleading look, but she also couldn''t tell him the truth. Faced with a dilemma, Li Caiyi''s brain quickly came up with an excuse.

    "I was just thinking about how I would go after this. My family''s condition is stable now, and my book is selling well too. Perhaps it''s about time I search for a new ce."

    Dai Zhiqiang stared at her, and she was worried if he had seen through her. But then, he replied in a concerned tone. "Would you be alright living by yourself?"

    "Oh, of course! I''m confident I can survive well." Li Caiyi puffed out her chest proudly.

    "But I''m still worried. It''s dangerous for a high-school girl to live alone."

    Li Caiyi was an adult inside, so she didn''t see anything strange in her decision. However, knowing that her boyfriend was concerned for her well-being warmed her heart.

    "Then, do you want to live with me? You can keep me safe that way."

    Thud!

    The book he held slipped from his hand, hearing Li Caiyi''s bold statement. Dai Zhiqiang blinked his eyes a few times in disbelief before a yful smirk appeared on his face.

    "Will you keep me in your house, then? If you take care of me well, I can scare away the bad guys for you."

    His hand snaked around her waist and pulled her closer as he said that.

    Li Caiyi was flustered when the situation escted so fast. What she thought was a harmless joke actually elicited an enthusiastic response from him. It made her heart race when she visualized them living together for real.

    "You are getting bolder with each day passed. I didn''t expect you to invite me first."

    She felt like her knees grew weak every time he whispered sweet words to her ear like that. He had both arms encircled her body now, and they were so close together she could smell the peppermint smelling from him.

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang."

    "What?"

    "Shouldn''t we finish this first? We still have a lot of things to do."

    "That can wait. Before taking care of books, I have to take care of myself first, don''t you agree? I demand a recharge."

    Li Caiyi was distracted all day because she was busy thinking about what happened yesterday, but when Dai Zhiqiang did this to her, everything felt mundane. It reminded her that not everything that happened in her past life was terrible.

    She could meet Shen Qiang or Dai Zhiqiang precisely because of everything she had gone through.

    Her life could be better, but she was content at the end of her life. Being with him gave her a sense of security that no one else could provide. In him, she found sce and a ce to respite.

    As long as he was here, she believed she could ovee anything.

    Li Caiyi raised her head to look at his face clearly. She smiled softly when she saw her image reflected in his eyes, full of tenderness and love towards her.

    They gazed at each other fondly until they felt a maic force pulling them together. Completely submerged in their feelings, they slowly leaned their faces toward each other.

    Ring!

    Until the sound of a phone ringing broke the silence of the library.

 Chapter 343 Longing

    Startled by the loud ringing, both took a step away from each other in panic. Li Caiyi awkwardly brushed her nape while Dai Zhiqiang took out his phone with a darkened face, clearly looking upset for getting interrupted.

    His facial expressions softened when he looked at the caller ID. He grimaced helplessly before staring at Li Caiyi.

    "I need to take this call. Can you wait here?"

    "Yes, of course!"

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled before walking out of the library in haste. That must be an important call.

    Li Caiyi could only breathe normally when he was finally out of sight. She fanned her face with her hand to cool down her face, but her heart still couldn''t calm down.

    Once again, she was taken over by the mood and almost did something scandalous in the school. Even though there was no one in the library around this time, she should exercise some self-restraint.

    Li Caiyi recalled his close-up face as he leaned closer. His warm breath and the flutter on his eyshes. The wless skin and red lips. A silly smile appeared on her face as she thought about it.

    "Hehe," she giggled softly before returning to her work to distract her mind.

    After a while, Dai Zhiqiang finally returned with a deep frown on his face. Li Caiyi smiled brightly at him.

    "Why such a long face? Did something happen?"

    "En. Thatˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I''m sorry, but I think I have to leave early again today."

    "Oh? But we promised to watch a movie todayˇ­."

    "I''m sorry," Dai Zhiqiang replied apologetically.

    Li Caiyi sighed inwardly. These have happened frequentlytely.

    She didn''t know much about his job, but it seemed very demanding. They would make a n to go out after school, but Dai Zhiqiang always had to cancel the n or leave in the middle of the date because of his work.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t angry because she couldn''t go on a date. She understood this job was very important for him. But looking at how often they called Dai Zhiqiang like this made her question if this was really a part-time or full-time job at this rate.

    "Zhiqiang, you said you owe the bar owner a big-time, right? I''m saying this because I''m worried about you. You almost have no time for yourself." Li Caiyi said carefully.

    Dai Zhiqiang put his hand on top of her hand and gently patted it. "It''s fine. The reward he gave me is worth the trouble."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t convinced, but there was nothing she could say. She leaned into his touch before asking again. "What did he make you do exactly? You are only a bodyguard. Did you know the owner personally?"

    "Well, you can say that."

    "Hmm, I see. Then you should go now if you don''t want to bete."

    "Yeah, after I finish this."

    Li Caiyi pushed him away gently while winking. "No, it''s okay. Let me finish this for you. Since you have a good rtionship with the owner, don''t forget to ask for a sry increase for your hard work."

    "But I feel bad letting you work and leaving you alone."

    "Did you forget how many times I have helped out in the library? I''m basically a part-timer too here, only without payment." She paused briefly before grinning. "Well, if you can count the time we spent here as a payment, then this is a suitable job for me."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "What I wouldn''t give to have a job where I can be beside you longer."<sub> </sub>

    "Precisely. So don''t feel bad and just go. Besides, you have done most of the work here, and only a few are left. I can handle this."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked around and contemted a bit before nodding. "Maybe you are right. Thank you for understanding. I''ll call you after I get off work."

    "Take care of yourself."

    "My girlfriend is too understanding. She is so cool that I can''t help but feel lonely." Dai Zhiqiang said jokingly.

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "I can''t deny that. But my boyfriend is a hard worker, so I need to support him. Hurry up and go, or your boss will scold youter."

    Dai Zhiqiang leaned down and pecked her cheek lovingly, "Then, I''ll go now. Be careful on your way home."

    "En, you too."

    He smiled warmly at her before taking his bag and going out of the library.

    Li Caiyi sighed when the door was closed. She hoped her disappointment wasn''t shown on her face.

    Although she wouldn''t me him for prioritizing work for the sake of his family over her, she would still feel disappointed every time.

    The time they could spend together was limited, and while she enjoyed every second of it, she couldn''t help but feel anxious.

    The current her didn''t feel so bothered by it, but she didn''t know if she could still think like that in the future.

    Separation brews longing. But Li Caiyi wasn''t confident if she could keep her longing at bay if this continued.

    After getting a little taste of happiness, she was afraid she would be greedy and demand unreasonable things from him.

    "It''s a good thing I send him away before I can second-guess my decision."

    She wondered if Dai Zhiqiang was reluctant to officially name their rtionship because he knew things like these would happen.

    Li Caiyi reached for another book and put it on the shelves. Better to move her body, or she would keep mulling over unnecessary things.

    It didn''t take very long before she finallypleted her task. Dai Zhiqiang had already finished most of it when she had her mind in the clouds. She smiled proudly, looking at the neat row of books before deciding to go home.

    Ring!

    "Oh? A phone call?" Li Caiyi muttered before checking on her phone. It was from Detective Tang.

    It had been quite a while since she heard any news from Detective Tang. After kicking Li Jirong away, their business was officially ended.

    However, he promised to contact her once he found new information regarding the medicine sample she sent him the other day.

    Sadly, there wasn''t any good news so far, and thest contact they had was two weeks ago. So Li Caiyi wasted no time in epting the phone.

    "Hello, Detective Tang?"

    "Hello, Young Miss. It''s been a while. How are you?"

 Chapter 344 How Close Are You To Him?

    "I''m fine, thankfully. But you surely didn''t call me just to ask how I am doing, right?"

    "Chill, Young Miss. I was just about to get into that. But before that, aren''t you going to ask how I am doing? You are as cold as always."

    "No, I didn''t mean that. How are you, Detective Tang?"

    "Busy and poor as always, but I''m still working on the case I told you about before."

    "I see," Li Caiyi nced around to make sure no one was around, which was stupid because she was the only one inside. Then, she asked in a low voice, "Is there any progress with my sister''s medicine research?"

    There was a tired sighing from the other side. "We did find something, but I''m afraid this isn''t very good news."

    "What? What is it?" Li Caiyi asked apprehensively.

    "So far, my friend has found out most of the ingredients used to make that. The result showed that it would be dangerous if your sister suddenly stopped consuming these drugspletely."

    "It was just like you predicted, then."

    "Yeah. We make a good call not stopping your sister from regrly taking it."

    Li Caiyi had no words to say. This news could be bad and good simultaneously, giving her conflicted feelings. More than that, she felt worried and uneasy for Li Chunhua.

    "Is there nothing we can do?"

    "It will be difficult. My friend and I are doing undercover work with little to no support. He is an excellent pharmacologist, but he is only one person. If only we have more information and research funds, then I don''t doubt he can develop a new drug to help your sister''s condition."

    Detective Tang said regretfully. Li Caiyi could feel his frustration even through a phone. It brought a smile to her face, just thinking that there was still someone out there who genuinely cared about Li Chunhua.

    "Speaking about information, did you find some other clues regarding that organization?"

    "Young Miss, I advise you not to speak about that carelessly in the future. We don''t know when those people lurked around us. Your sister is one of the test subjects, so it wouldn''t be weird if they also had information about your whole family."

    "Don''t worry, I''m not that stupid. I''m alone right now."

    "Yes, but still, it won''t hurt to be more careful. Besides, even if I found some new clues, I can''t disclose any information to you, a civilian."

    "Don''t I have the right to know that someone contributed to providing you with the sample?"

    "It''s not about that. The less you know, the less danger wille your way. This is all for your own good."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t refute that, so she switched the topic to something else.

    "What about my father? Are you still monitoring him?"

    "Yeah. I''m still doing that. Ever since he was kicked out of your house, it seemed his life wasn''t that good. I can tell you if you want to know."

    "No, I''m good." Li Caiyi refused immediately. Whatever happened to that man was none of her business. "Even after he was divorced, my father still sent the same medicine every month for my sister. Do you think I should be worried about this?"

    In fact, this was probably the reason why Li Caiyi suspected Gu Xue the other day. There was a chance that Li Jirong sent Gu Xue to her the other day so she could build a bridge between her and Li Jirong. This way, he could monitor Li Chunhua''s development through Li Caiyi and Gu Xue.

    Gu Xue and Li Chunhua weren''t acquainted, so it would be easier if she approached Li Caiyi first.<sub> </sub>

    ''Well, even without that, I would still disagree with Gu Xue''s proposal.''

    "I will send you the result of the research on our end via emailter. You''ll know which medicine is good and not for your sister."

    "I''d appreciate it very much. Thank you, Detective Tang."

    "No problem. It would be nice if your father could identally slip or show something regarding that organization in his daily life. But I don''t think it will be that easy."

    "My father''s weakness is women. You can try tricking him into talking by exploiting this weakness."

    "Good idea. I''ll try to think of something, then. By the way, did you know that your father had been epted to work in Meng Pharmaceutical?"

    "Yes, I know. "

    "I was shocked when I found out about it. This is practically pushing a robber into a golden vault. Does your family have a deep connection with the Meng family?"

    ? Talking about this made her thought of Meng Renshu again, including everything that happened. And after she finally forgot about it.

    "Yes. Both families had a long history back."

    "Among everything I have predicted, this one is out of my calction. Not to branch theboratory but the central one, no less. If he could get his hand on Meng''s pharmaceutical form, it could benefit the organization."

    "Yes, that''s what I''m worried about. But this is probably our chance as well."

    Detective Tang chuckled in amusement hearing that. "We have the same thinking. As expected from the smart Young Miss."

    "You are exaggerating it. I just thought that precisely because he was close to what he wanted to get his hand to, there was a big chance he would slip up. If we can catch him red-handed, we will get information and hopefully a lead to that group."

    "Yeah, I think so too. Thanks to you, I don''t have to waste too much energy exining. Young Miss, do you think you can help me again this time?"

    "What is it? If it is within my capabilities, I will do anything to help."

    "I heard Young Master Meng, and you are childhood friends. Is that right?"

    Li Caiyi flinched when he mentioned Meng Renshu. She already had a bad feeling about this.

    "Yeah, that''s right. What of it?"

    "How close are you to Young Master Meng? Let''s say you ask him for a favor; what is the percentage of him fulfilling it for you?"

    She was at a loss on what to say. After those words she said to him yesterday, she doubted if he still wanted to see her, much less do her a favor.

    In the end, she decided to reply diplomatically. "I can''t say for sure. But he and my brother are very close friends. If my brother asks him, he''ll help him as long as it''s something he can help."

    "Hmm. Ideally, I would prefer it if it was you who asked him for a favor. The less people know about this, the better. Can''t you do something about it?"

    "You haven''t told me what kind of favor you want to ask from him, though."

    "What, it''s nothing hard, really. I just want the Young Master Meng to deliberately bait him with fake information to lure Li Jirong into making a mistake."

 Chapter 345 Detective Tangs Deduction

    "You mean, by giving him a fake form or something?"

    "Well, it can be anything that probably will make your father think that ''I can use this data''. He will have to contact those who work behind the scenes then."

    Li Caiyi was unsure about this. "Then, wouldn''t it mean I have to tell Brother Renshu everything about this? Including Xiaohua''s condition?"

    "That''s why I said it would be better if you could be the one to convince him since it was better than having your brother and Young Master Meng about this."

    What he said made sense. But Li Caiyi felt reluctant. It wasn''t just because she didn''t want to owe him anything, but she wouldn''t be able to handle the moral burden if something happened to Meng Renshu because of this.

    Unlike her, Meng Renshu was the sole heir of Meng Pharmaceutical. The consequences would be enormous if that dangerous group ever targeted him rather than herself or Detective Tang.

    Li Caiyi wouldn''t leave unscathed if something happened to Meng Renshu because his family would crush hers like stepping on an ant.

    "Detective Tang, I''m sorry, but as I said before, I have no intention of getting involved in anything concerning my father or that group working with him."

    "I see. I understand. Sorry for asking something unreasonable. Actually, I can just wait for an opportunity to present itself. But I was too impatient and made you feel ufortable."

    "No, it''s okay. You are just genuinely trying to crack the case." Li Caiyi contemted a bit before adding, "I will warn Brother Renshu about my father. He will tell me if anything was amiss with my father''s behavior, and I''ll tell you after that."

    "I''d appreciate that. Thank you very much, Young Miss."

    Although she refused his request, there was something that bugged her mind ever since he asked her to rely on Meng Renshu.

    "Wouldn''t Meng Pharmaceutical be a great support for the research of the cure?"

    Detective Tang was silent for a while. "Young Miss, I know what you are trying to say, but we better not do that."

    "Why?"

    "From what we know, all those rted to this project were influential people with certain interests or backgrounds in the medical industry. There is no proof, but there is also no guarantee if your friend''s firm is ''clean'' or not. Do you understand what I''m saying?"

    "Yes, I do. I''m sorry for saying something weird."

    "Haha, I believe your friend is a good kid just like you. But we can''t do anything that can cause suspicion when we don''t know who our enemy is yet. There are many people in the Meng Pharmaceutical firm, and we couldn''t tell who is our ally and not."

    Li Caiyi believed in Detective Tang''s judgment. So far, he had yet to make a miscalction, and if he said this would probably be dangerous, then it must be true.

    "If you say that much, I have nothing to say anymore."

    "Be that as it may, there is one thing that bothers me all this time."

    "There is something else?" Li Caiyi was surprised. Detective Tang uncharacteristically spoke a lot about his job today.

    "Why only your twin sister? If Li Jirong wanted to do an experiment, then wouldn''t it be more natural if he did that to both of you? Since you said he is a patriarchal man, I believe he didn''t dare to do it to your brother because he couldn''t risk it if something wrong happened."

    Detective Tang paused briefly before continuing skeptically. "Are you sure there is nothing wrong with you? Do you have an instance where your body feels weird or something like that?"

    Li Caiyi was stumped by his exnation. She had never thought about this before. However, as Detective Tang said, it was indeed bizarre that Li Jirong only took Li Chunhua as the subject test, considering how little he thought of daughters.<sub> </sub>

    But then again, her father was also an opportunist, so it wasn''t that unbelievable either.

    "I believe my father wanted to leave one of us alone because he needs daughter to use as business chips. Trading your daughter for profit or connection isn''t unthinkable for a man like him."

    Li Jirong was adamant about pushing Li Caiyi into the Meng family in her previous life.

    No one could tell if he made the correct decision in turning Li Chunhua into a test subject rather than Li Caiyi. But as cunning as he was, he maneuvered his way through his blunder skillfully.

    If Li Chunhua couldn''t be Madam Meng, then Li Caiyi, as a spare, could do it.

    Chill ran down her spine, thinking that her fate and Li Chunhua could switch on Li Jirong''s whim.

    "Hmm, what you said makes sense. But did you really never experience any strange thing about your body? So far, this new drug is still underdeveloped, and we can''t say for sure if it has a simr effect on every test subject. The effect on you probably will not necessarily be the same as your sister."

    "Let me thinkˇ­." Li Caiyi''s words trailed off. She thought for a while before hesitantly speaking again, "I don''t know if this will answer your question, but unlike my sister, my body is healthy, almost abnormally so."

    "In what way?"

    "Well, I rarely get sick. Ever since I was a child, I think the number of times when I get sick can be counted with one hand."

    ''This is also why everyone thinks I have sipped away a lot of Li Chunuha''s life energy when we are still in the womb. Even myself think so.'' Li Caiyi thought bitterly.

    "Hmm, anything else?"

    Li Caiyi thought about her high alcohol tolerance. She could even beat veteran drinkers even though she didn''t have much drinking experience.

    Many people had high tolerance toward alcohol, so she never thought too much about it. But what if it was as Detective Tang said, that it wasn''t just a coincidence?

    "I also have an abnormally high tolerance towards alcohol."

    "Ah? Young Miss, you drank alcohol at your age?"

    ''Crap! I forgot I''m a teenager now!''

    Li Caiyi quickly made up an excuse on the spot. "Well, not voluntarily, but that''s a long story so let''s leave it at that for now. More importantly, do you think this is worth noting?"

    Detective Tang hummed. "I can''t judge by myself. I''ll let my friend know about this and listen to his opinion. This is more of his field, anyway. Thank you for your cooperation, Young Miss."

    "I''m d if I can help."

    "I''ll let you know if there is any news from my side. Sorry for taking your time. I''ll hang up now."

    Li Caiyi stared at her phone as her previous conversation with Detective Tang reyed in her head. If his deduction was correct, then how shocking it would be. She still couldn''t get into the idea of her sister bing a test subject, much less imagining herself in the same situation as Li Chunhua.

    "Come to think of it, what happened after I was dead? Did Xiaohua cope up alright with that body of hers?"

    A certain face shed across her mind for a second. If there was a person who could answer that question, then that man was the only one capable of doing it.

 Chapter 346 Bragging His Girlfriend

    Meanwhile, at Ye Wang.

    Inside a room that relies upon the sunlight piercing through the room as the source of light, two figures stared at each other in silence inside a small room with antique furniture.

    Behind the desk on the deeper side of the room, Ye Huizhong smoked on his pipe before releasing a waft of smoke from his mouth.

    After a few moments of silence that felt like forever, he spoke to a young man standing opposite him. "Did you notice any difference so far?"

    Raising his head slightly, Dai Zhiqiang replied, "Reporting to the boss, no strange things are urring around Young Master so far."

    "Good. The storm still had yet to pass, so I would rely on your strength to keep my grandson safe all the time, except for your school time."

    "Understood."

    "Do you feel wronged? By spending time to protect my family, you will have less and less time to spend with your family and your friends."

    Dai Zhiqiang chose his words carefully before saying firmly. "Boss, I believe we have an agreement which is important as a foundation of our rtionship. As much as you have helped my family in the past, I will also exert my utmost effort in helping your family as well. I didn''t feel wronged at all."

    "Really? But wouldn''t your girlfriend be upset if you neglect her too much?" Ye Huizhong smirked yfully, but there was a glint of judgment in his sharp eyes.

    His bear-like figure exuded a powerful force that could easily make a weak-hearted person cower in fear. The burn mark on his face made his expression darker and scarier.

    Dai Zhiqiang could sense the pressure in the air, but he had no intention of backing down. "I believe that is my private business and has nothing to do with our agreement, Boss."

    "Cheeky brat. I have received reports that you seem to be enjoying your youth recently." Ye Huizhong tapped his pipe to an ashtray, and a rumble of lowughter could be heard from his throat. Anyone would feel intimidated by how scary his menacing grin right now, but Dai Zhiqiang was already ustomed to it.

    "No need to worry. I will keep my promise and will not fail in my mission."

    "Is your girlfriend pretty? I only heard the story from Lin, but apparently, you couldn''t take your eyes off her once you two met." Ye Huizhong snickered darkly. "What a joke. I''m curious to know what kind of girl has terrible luck, fancied by a boring man like you."

    "Boss Yeˇ­"

    "Are you embarrassed? Or do you think this old man is not worthy for you to share your romance story with?"

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed inwardly. He really didn''t want to answer this question, but it didn''t seem like his boss would release him anytime soon if this went on.

    "She is a kind and gentle girl." He replied shortly, which made the smirk on Ye Huizhong''s smirk deepen.

    "Oho? Kind and gentle, huh? So you like the demure and feminine type of girl. Who knows your taste will be so traditional? I thought you would like a bold woman for sure. I assume she is beautiful enough to mesmerize you?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "..."

    "Come on. You can brag about your girlfriend a little. It''s not like this old man will fight against you over her. Hahaha!"<sub> </sub>

    The shrillughter of Ye Huizhong sounded thunderous, almost deafening Dai Zhiqiang''s ears. Faced with his boss'' troublesome act, Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t tell if he was testing him or simply being nosy.

    "She is beautiful. But I don''t like her just because of that." Dai Zhiqiang replied reluctantly in the end. He felt embarrassed saying this out loud. But as annoyed as he was, there was a sense of pride in his heart as he talked about it.

    Now, he could confidently say that Li Caiyi was his.

    "That girl helped me before and saved my little brother. She is a warm-hearted person who is diligent and hardworking. Even when the odds were stacked against her, she would find her own way to ovee her problem. She also has a wide heart and very understanding."

    Ye Huizhong stared with disdain as the young man in front of him suddenly became talkative with only a little push. He initially only wanted to tease and ridicule Dai Zhiqiang for a bit, but he didn''t expect the young man to answer so honestly. With a look of joy on his face, no less.

    How many years since Ye Huizhong was born? What kind of youth romance he had yet to witness? He was only interested in making Dai Zhiqiang flustered, not him bragging about his puppy love. Seeing Dai Zhiqiang''s bright face put him in a foul mood.

    "Forget that useless talk. Make sure there isn''t any inconvenience to my grandson. Remember, he shouldn''t be disturbed with any bad news. Protect him silently."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face quickly reverted to its previous calmness. "Yes, Boss."

    "You may leave."

    Dai Zhiqiang bowed to Ye Huizhong before turning away.

    "Wait a minute!"

    "Yes, is there anything else, Boss?" Dai Zhiqiang shifted his body, so he faced his boss once again, with both of his hands on his back.

    "Those people had recognized your face. You should be careful with whom you interact. Don''t let them know your weakness or who knows what will happen to them. I suggest you stay at Ye Wang for the time being. At least until the danger haspletely settled down."

    "Boss, but I can''t leave my little brother in the house alone."

    "The more you stick with him, the more danger will follow him. Don''t worry because I will assign some men to keep guard on your family. Come to think of it, it would probably be best if you prepare another name for yourself."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised as the matter escted. "Boss, I have no intention of staying here forever. I have to go back once I have paid all my debt to you."

    "As long as you keep my grandson safe, I will also keep your family safe. You should know how dangerous this line of work is before you decide to agree, right?"

    "Yes, I do."

    "Then I don''t want to hear anyints. Although you haven''t officially joined our group yet, you have long since be a part of us, and the threat that maye to you is no less dangerous than the rest. Better be careful than feeling sorryter."

    "Will using a second name will trick them, though?"

    Ye Huizhongughed boisterously. "Damn brat, it seems you have underestimated how our group works. Information selling is our expertise. Manipting the information itself is as easy as breathing for us.

 Chapter 347 Rejecting His Generosity

    "I''m aware of what Ye Group is capable of doing. I was just confused about why I needed to go to such an extent. Unlike the others, I''m not bound to the group in any way."

    "That''s what you think. You pretty much have already be one of us for them, the moment you stepped in and obstructed their way in harming us."

    Dai Zhiqiang mulled over it a bit. Once again, he was involved in something he didn''t wish to happen. He wondered if he should be thankful for Ye Huizhong''s generosity or grudgeful because he used this chance to trap him in his group.

    Ye Huizhong studied Dai Zhiqiang''s expression, and he could tell what he was thinking from the slight crease on his brows.

    "Don''t look at me like that. This is the best decision I cane up with so far. I''m a businessman, but I''m also a man with integrity. If you serve me well, I will do my utmost best to answer your sincerity."

    "I want toe back to my people once I have repaid all my debts to you. Because of our agreement, I haven''t been able to visit my family that much. I don''t know about others, but I don''t like this development. Please don''t make me grow distant from my family any further."

    Ye Huizhong hummed in a heavy voice. His skeptical gaze went up and down Dai Zhiqiang''s figure.

    "You are smart, but your way of thinking is still naive and inflexible. Brat, there is more than a way to protect someone."

    "I appreciate your advice, but I don''t need it." Dai Zhiqiang replied immediately. He stared back at Ye Huizhong with unwavering determination in his eyes, making the old man sigh in exasperation.

    "Fine, you are as stubborn as a mule. However, keep in mind that those people aren''t someone you should mess with. Tell me if you change your mind. You may leave now." Ye Huizhong turned his chair, showing disinterest in further conversation.

    Dai Zhiqiang knew this was his boss''st consideration for him. He was thankful for his gesture, but he dared not ept his generosity. He felt like his leg would be buried inside the mud if he received his offer.

    "Then, I''ll take my leave first."

    After leaving the room, Dai Zhiqiang returned to the ying room where Ye Zhong was smacking Lin Xiang''s back, telling him to crawl faster as he sat on top of his back.

    "This horse is so slow! I don''t like it."

    "Young Master, if I go too fast, I''m worried you will fall." Lin Xiang grimaced. His scalp, forehead, and neck were perspired with sweat.

    "What kind of horse is talking back to its owner? You are supposed to neigh, not talk!" Ye Zhong frowned in disapproval. His legs moved wantonly and hit Lin Xiang''s sides a few times. "If I told you to run, then you run. Hurry up!"

    p Lin Xiang looked like he was about to cry. Ye Zhong was the boss'' precious grandson, and there was no whim of his would be left unfulfilled. He didn''t have any choice but curse his bad luck and resign himself to fate.</anda>

    "Oh! Big Brother Zhi is here!"

    Ye Zhong''s shout of pure joy made Lin Xiang lift his head. Dai Zhiqiang stood in front of the door with an expressionless face, but he seemed like a Buddha in Lin Xiang''s eyes right then.<sub> </sub>

    "I want to y with Big Brother Zhi!" Ye Zhong eximed before jumping off of Li Xiang''s back, kicking him fiercely on the side for the nth time.

    The Young Master ignored the exhausted horse and ran up to Dai Zhiqiang. "I was so bored, so I yed with the bald horse, but he is not fun. Big Brother Zhi, y with me!"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down at the little boy before him, and mixed feelings rose inside his heart. Like it or not, spending time with this kid made him grow fonder of him.

    Ye Zhong reminded him a lot of Dai Shenqiang, thus making him unable to refuse whenever there was a possibility of a threating to harm the little boy.

    Dai Zhiqiang knew he shouldn''t get too attached to him or anyone from this group, but he couldn''t help it when Ye Zhong looked up to him with his big, sparkly eyes.

    "Why are you always talking with Grandpa for a long time? You promised to y with me first thing when youe today!" Ye Zhong pouted.

    Dai Zhiqiang stroked his head covered in smooth hair before replying. "It''s an adult business, a kid like you doesn''t need to know."

    Ye Zhong harrumphed. "I''m already 5 years old. I''m big enough already!"

    "We are still bigger than you. Unless you grow taller than your grandpa and me, you are not big enough to talk with us."

    Ye Zhong stared at him nkly. His little head recalled how big his grandpa was, and suddenly he got quiet. Lin Xiang, who witnessed this exchange, could only sigh in defeat.

    He admired Dai Zhiqiang for taming the willful Young Master. At first, it was weird seeing Ye Zhong obediently listen to someone''s words, so everyone suspected that he used the boss'' love for his grandson to act as he pleased in the group.

    However, that idea was erased soon after learning that Dai Zhiqiang still acted in his indifferent and cheeky self, even toward the fearsome Ye Huizhong. He dared to act rude and obnoxious to the big boss, but the boss weirdly took a liking to such a youngster.

    There was just no logic to describe the rtionship between the trio, so the rest of the group just gave up on trying to understand and slowly epted it. Nothing would change even if they disliked it anyway.

    Lin Xiang carefully sat up and groaned when his back made a questionable cracking noise. His side was sore from being kicked repeatedly too.

    Ye Zhong was still a child, but the damage would still be there if you get hit in the same spot for an hour. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from all over his face and bald head.

    "The ball is shining like a bowling ball," Ye Zhong pointed at him, making Dai Zhiqiang involuntarily let out a snort before averting his eyes away.

    Lin Xiang''s eyebrows twitched, but he couldn''t say anything with the Young Master in the room.

    ''What is the meaning of an adult here?'' Lin Xiangmented inwardly.

 Chapter 348 Building Trust

    Ye Zhong slept peacefully after ying for hours. He sprawled on the couch, clutching his favorite nket. Dai Zhiqiang and Lin Xiang sat on both sides of the little boy. They leaned their back against the backrest in exhaustion.

    "He finally fell asleep," Lin Xiang muttered between exhaustion and relief.

    "Yeah." Dai Zhiqiang replied. ying with kids really consumed a lot of energy.

    Lin Xiang stared down at Ye Zhong. After making sure the kid was fast asleep, he shifted his nce to Dai Zhiqiang. "Did you talk to the boss about creating a second name?"

    "Sure enough, it was your idea, Senior Lin."

    "Don''t get me wrong. The boss asked me if there was a chance that your close one would be harmed if you continued to be associated with us. I only gave him my input based on my personal experience."

    "Senior Lin, did something happen to your closed one in the past?"

    "You wouldn''t find anyone without a somewhat messy past here. I used to be a thug before Boss Ye decided to take me in. However, I wasn''t a decent human being then, so I kept making trouble, and it gained me a lot of enemies. It almost cost the life of the dearest person in my life."

    Dai Zhiqiang sensed his reluctance to tell more about this, so he didn''t pursue the topic. "I heard you were one of the original members when the group was established. What makes you decide to bind yourself to this group?"

    "My reason is simple. It''s because Boss Ye is someone worthy to devote myself to." Lin Xiang replied without a shred of hesitation.

    The members of Ye Group held Ye Huizhong in the highest regard, and it wasn''t Dai Zhiqiang first time hearing someone boldly dere their devotion to him. He couldn''t understand them.

    "Well, you''ll understand over time. First of all, how is the wound on your stomach?"

    Dai Zhiqiang caressed his belly through his clothes. "It''s getting better. I still feel difort if I move too much, but the pain is bearable."

    "Is that so? I''m d to hear that." Lin Xiang paused briefly before looking at the younger man curiously. "By the way, about that girlfriend of yours, is she doing well recently?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s posture became stiffer at the mention of Li Caiyi, and Lin Xiang almost couldn''t suppress hisughter.

    The cheeky young man barely batted an eye towards the threatening words or violent sight from people here, but he was flustered at the mere mention of his crush. He found it funny and ridiculous at the same time.

    "Why do you want to know?" Dai Zhiqiang asked with a scowl.

    "Woah, easy there, tiger. I''m not coveting her or anything; I''m just curious."

    "I never said that. Why do you people always think like that?"

    Lin Xiang smirked yfully at his remark. "It seems the boss also said something along that line. Well, it''s not our fault that you act like a protective husband who doesn''t want anyone to know how charming his wife is."

    "You are delusional. I''m just acting like the usual," Dai Zhiqiang denied.

    "Sure, whatever you say," Lin Xiang shrugged. "If what you said is true, then it shouldn''t be that big of a deal to tell me a little about her, right?

    I''m curious because she was very polite to me at our first meeting. Most girls would find me scary and not dare to meet my eyes. Forget about averting her eyes; she even smiled at me."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt conflicted. He felt happy and dissatisfied simultaneously hearing Lin Xiang praise Li Caiyi.<sub> </sub>

    He was happy because someone acknowledged her good points, but at the same time, he was pissed by the fact that Lin Xiang actually paid attention to her to that extent.

    Unbeknownst to him, Lin Xiang only asked this because he was interested in learning more about his life, not in Li Caiyi herself.

    "She is doing well." Dai Zhiqiang replied curtly.

    "Her name is Li Caiyi, right? She has a pretty name and face. She seems to be a good girl too. I can understand why you like her."

    Dai Zhiqiang straightened his back before narrowing his eyes dangerously towards Lin Xiang. "How do you know her name? Did you do a background check on her?"

    "Little brother, chill down for a bit, alright?" Lin Xiang groaned while caressing his chest because Dai Zhiqiang honestly looked scary right now. He was like a tiger ready to pounce on his target, and Lin Xiang understood best who would win in a brawl if a fight were to ensue.

    "I didn''t do any check on her. I''m not that deplorable to go to such an extent. When we first met, the girls crowded around us mentioned that name a few times, so I just assumed that was her name."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s shoulders visibly loosened hearing that. Lin Xiang shook his head helplessly.

    "After all this time we spent together, you still have this much distrust towards us. It''s disappointing."

    "We only know each other for a month at best. It''s not even enough to build a house, much less trust."

    Lin Xiang: "...."

    Dai Zhiqiang leaned his back against the backrest again. As long as this group didn''t mess with his beloved, he wouldn''t mind sticking with them longer. Maybe because he was relieved, he felt like talking more than usual.

    "Caiyi is my first love and my savior. I liked her very much and wanted to protect her at all costs."

    "I understand that feeling. But you know that our work line will make it difficult for you to have a romantic rtionship with anyone?"

    "I already told her about it, and she understood my position."

    Lin Xiang whistled lowly. "Not only she is well-mannered and pretty, but she also has a big heart."

    "Yes, that''s why I don''t want to disappoint her. I intend to return to her someday, so I can''t devote myself to the boss like you guys." Dai Zhiqiang muttered with a lowered head.

    "Hey, raise your head, kid! No one will me you for prioritizing your girlfriend or family. As long as you didn''t betray the boss, we wouldn''t ask for more from you. Almost everyone here is those who already lost the home which they could return to, but you are different. You still have a bright future, so live confidently!" Lin Xiang smacked Dai Zhiqiang''s back, making it tingle with burning pain.

    However, for the first time after a month of knowing his senior, he didn''t feel annoyed by it. He found itforting instead. A subtle smile escaped his lips before it quickly disappeared.

    Right when he was about to speak something to Senior Lin, the door mmed open in haste, startling both men. Even Ye Zhong stirred in his sleep ufortably.

    Lin Xiang''s facial expression darkened, and he scolded darkly in a restrained voice to not wake the Young Master.

    "What are you doing? Can''t you knock on the door like any other normal person?"

    "Senior Lin, I''m sorry for the disturbance, but we need you outside now," said the man standing at the door with a panicked expression, "We are under attack!"

 Chapter 349 Interrogation

    Both Dai Zhiqiang and Lin Xiang rose from their seats in rm. Lin Xiang clicked his tongue in annoyance as he red at the guy standing at the door.

    "Can''t you guys deal with one or two rats on your own? Why do you have to make such a fuss about it?"

    "Senior Lin, those people came in a group, and it caused a big fight. Pleasee and direct us!"

    Lin Xiang straightened his zer before walking out of the room with a grim face. "What are you waiting for? Let''s go!"

    "Senior Lin, I''ll stay here." Dai Zhiqiang called out to him in haste before ncing at the sleeping Ye Zhong on the couch.

    Lin Xiang nodded his head briefly. "Yeah, you stay here with Young Master. And you, lead the way. I''m curious to see who is so daring to seek their death early by provoking us!"

    The man who came for Lin Xiang gulped at the sheer killing aura he exuded. He dared not to stall for more time and quickly stepped forward. "This way, Senior Lin!"

    After they left the room, Dai Zhiqiang closed the door and turned the lock so nobody could barge in so suddenly again. He was sure Senior Lin and the other member could take care of the intruders without his help. He should focus more on protecting Ye Zhong.

    This kind of group fight happened asionally. However, today''s case seemed a bit special because it forced Lin Xiang to take the matter into his hand.

    Usually, this kind of matter was taken care of by lower-ranking members, not the senior ones like Lin Xiang.

    "I wonder what happened outside?" Dai Zhiqiang muttered to himself.

    "Hmm, I want to eat pancakesˇ­." Ye Zhong murmured softly. For a moment, Dai Zhiqiang stiffened, but he eventually rxed when he heard the kid''s even breath. It would be troublesome if Ye Zhong were awake now.

    Then, Dai Zhiqiang noticed how the kid kicked his nket, exposing his round stomach. He walked over and was about to cover him again with a nket when he heard the sound of footsteps.

    It didn''te from the hallway but from outside the window.

    Everyone should be busy calming down themotion outside. If a person was sneaking around outside the window, it could only mean one thing.

    ''The intruder is here?'' Dai Zhiqiang squinted his eyes while approaching the window slowly. The sound of approaching footsteps and grass rustling was getting louder.

    Dai Zhiqiang waited for his chance. When he was sure the intruder was standing outside the window, he sted the window open in one push.

    He thought he would find a face full of shock from the intruder, but thewn beyond the window was empty with no one in sight.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked around vigntly, spreading his gaze to every de of grass on thewn to catch any suspicious movement. But even after some time passed, he couldn''t see anyone.

    He was still skeptical and refused to lower his guard, but he slowly closed the window again.

    ''Is it just my imagination?''

    Dai Zhiqiang hadn''t finished thinking when a figure suddenly appeared from above before him and sent a kick his way. That figure was d in a ck outfit while wearing a ck mask.

    He moved fast and nimbly like a cat as he hung from the roof of the second floor, then used his hold and falling motion to swing his way into the ying room from the window.<sub> </sub>

    It happened in a split second; Dai Zhiqiang almost couldn''t react in time. He barely avoided it by moving his head to the side, but the kick still grazed his cheek.

    The intruder used the chance where Dai Zhiqiang stepped aside and barged into the room. He jumped andnded neatly on the floor, almost leaving no sound.

    Dai Zhiqiang, who finally regained his wit, red at him. "Who are you? What are you nning?"

    The intruder didn''t answer and ran towards the sleeping Ye Zhong, who was fast asleep in the middle of the room.

    His action spoke louder than his words. Dai Zhiqiang immediately knew his motive and chased after him. Unlike previously, this time, he could react adequately and move fast.

    Before the intruder''s hand could touch the sleeping Ye Zhong, Dai Zhiqiang had grabbed it and used his momentum to tackle the intruder aside. Both men fell unceremoniously to the floor.

    They wrestled while rolling around on the floor to gain an advantage over others by punching, pushing, or simply headbutting against each other. Rather than a fight, it was almost like a wild brawl instead.

    The intruder showed strong resistance, but Dai Zhiqiang slowly got the upper hand with his superior endurance. It didn''t take long before he managed to apprehend the intruder and pressed him to the floor with both of his hands locked behind his back.

    "Tell me, who are you, and what are you trying to achieve by kidnapping a kid?" Dai Zhiqiang growled.

    The intruder refused to speak, so Dai Zhiqiang had to hold him with one hand while using the other to take out his favorite swiss knife from his pocket. Without any mercy, he stabbed the tip of its knife into the intruder''s thigh.

    "Arrghh!" The intruder shrieked in pain, breaking the calm facade he had early on.

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t perturbed by his scream of pain as he coldly looked down at the intruder. "This knife will dig deeper if you don''t answer my question. Let me warn you that I''m not a patient person."

    "S-Stop it! I''ll talk, so please don''t hurt me anymore!" The intruder begged pitifully.

    After getting beaten, Dai Zhiqiang also stabbed him in the thigh. Judging from how hecked the hesitancy to do something brutal like that, the intruder truly feared for his life now.

    "Depends on your answer. Now talk."

    The intruder panted hard. He was exhausted after wrestling with his opponent, and the stab on his thigh was very painful; he couldn''te up with a coherent thought for a few seconds.

    "Would you believe me if I say I know nothing? I was paid to kidnap the little kid from Ye Wang, but no one told me that I would have to suffer like this. I was tricked."

    "Yeah, I don''t believe you," Dai Zhiqiang ruthlessly twisted his knife, and the intruder screamed in pain and agony again. "I''ll give you a second chance. Talk, or I''ll gouge your meat out."

    "Stop, please have mercy! I really don''t know anything. I just wanted to have quick cash; that''s why I took this job. Spare me, please! I know nothing!"

    The intruder changed his attitude from mysterious to a sobbing mess instantly. Dai Zhiqiang''s threat scared the wits out of him, and the pain in his thigh was unbearable.

    He dared not to imagine what horrible torture he would receive if he didn''t beg for his life now.

 Chapter 350 A Sadist

    Dai Zhiqiang''s frown deepened as he fell deep into thought.

    ''Is he speaking the truth? Or is this just a bluff?''

    This was his first experience interrogating someone. He wasn''t sure what to think when the intruder started begging him and kept saying he didn''t know anything.

    His train of thought was interrupted when he heard a small voice from behind him.

    "Hngg, why is it so noisy?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s body tensed. He looked back to find Ye Zhong, who sat on the couch while rubbing his eyes. "Is it morning already?"

    "Don''t speak a word, or you know the consequences, right?" Dai Zhiqiang hissed in a low voice to the intruder. His tone was full of threat and malice, so the intruder mped his mouth shut, lest he would provoke Dai Zhiqiang and get another hole in his body.

    "Little Zhong, it''s still the middle of the night. Go back to sleep, or you''ll never be taller."

    "But, I want to grow big to win against Big Brother Zhi and Grandpa," Ye Zhong murmured in a daze, seemingly couldn''t discern which was reality and dream. Dai Zhiqiang was grateful that the kid had his eyes shut, or he would see how the floor was drenched in a pool of red.

    "Yeah, that''s why you should sleep more. Now lie down and go back to sleep."

    "Yeah, I''ll do that. I will be strongˇ­and thenˇ­meˇ­." Ye Zhong spouted some indecipherable words before his body fell to the couch again.

    <o>,m Dai Zhiqiang heaved a sigh of relief when he heard the kid''s peaceful breath. After ensuring everything was fine, he red down at the person beneath him.</o>

    "Stop yelling and screaming, or you''ll disturb his sleep."

    The intruder couldn''t believe what he had just heard. Dai Zhiqiang stabbed him in the thigh, yet he told him not to yell or scream. What an absurd thought. He was convinced that the younger man was a sadist now.

    "I-I''ll try, but my answer will remain the same no matter how many times you ask. Not because I don''t want to tell you, of course! But it''s because I really don''t know anything. How can I tell you about something that even I don''t know myself?"

    "Then how did he give the task to you? Didn''t you meet him?"

    "No, I didn''t meet the person directly. Or at least, the person I met imed that he was also only a person ordered by the mastermind to ry the task''s details to me."

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned hard. The testimony was simr to the other troublemakers from the Rose Bar the other day. The person they luckily apprehended also said the same thing when he was interrogated.

    Then, the group who attacked their base today was the same as those who sent those troublemakers then.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know if this person would be helpful or not, but he had no intention to let this information slip away just like that. He chopped the nape of the intruder hard with his hand, making him sprawled motionlessly on the floor.

    Dai Zhiqiang checked on his facial expression. After ensuring the intruder had beenpletely knocked out, he slowly released his hold on him. He let the knife remain buried in his thigh to not cause too much blood to spill.

    Dai Zhiqiang tied the intruder''s hand and leg using his tie and curtain holder before leaving him lying down on the cold floor. He rose from his seat while trying to dial Lin Xiang''s phone.

    After some time, the call was connected, and he quickly reported the situation to his senior.

    Lin Xiang cursed out from the other side before saying he would send some men to Dai Zhiqiang''s way. And he also asked him to keep an eye on the intruder as he would need to ''talk'' with that intruderter.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang hung up after finishing what he intended to do. He locked the window and covered it with a curtain. He hoped no one would swing down from the roof and catch him off guard again.

    He didn''t notice that someone had been watching him from a certain spot on thewn all these times.

    That dark figure slowly slipped out after the curtain was closed and left with a cold glint in his eyes.

    ***

    The amount of profit from the sales of her books baffled Li Caiyi. She had to repeatedly rub her eyes to make sure he didn''t see it wrongly.

    It had been two weeks since her book was published, but the amount of her ie had reached 6000 yuan. She didn''t expect her first book to perform so well!

    "Ji-Jingfei, are you sure you aren''t mistaking my report ie for someone else?" Li Caiyi nced at the boy sitting beside her.

    Shao Jingfei nodded his head furiously. "I understand your feelings. My jaw also hung down in surprise when I first checked it. I''m your editor, and I''m confident with your writing skill, but still, this is really an amazing start."

    "I don''t have words to say. I''m happy and shocked at the same time."

    "Haha, why wouldn''t you be? You can be proud of this. Of course, the banner you got yed a big role in this significant start, but if your book is not interesting enough, then I doubt anyone will buy it in the first ce."

    Her heart warmed up to the brim. She was lost in her own thoughts. How many people were currently reading her book outside her little room or thought about buying her book? Just imagining that thrilled her.

    "Isn''t this good? With how strong your book performance is, I reckon you will be able to move into a new ce next month." Shao Jingfei grinned.

    "You are right. I have to look at more ces starting from now."

    "If you want, you can always ask Senior Meng for help. With his resources, you can find a new ce easily and possibly at a lower price."

    Li Caiyi''s light mood suddenly dampened at the mention of Meng Renshu. "No, I won''t do that."

    "Why? I think it''s faster that way." Shao Jingfei tilted his head in confusion.

    "Well, I mind! I don''t need his help with anything." Li Caiyi huffed angrily, catching the boy beside her off guard.

    "Okay, if you don''t want to ask for his help, but why are you angry?"

    "I''m not angry. I''m very calm right now."

    Shao Jingfei''s mouth curled down in doubt, but Li Caiyi only stood up in a hurry. "I just remember I still have homework to do. Thanks for the ie report. I will go back to my room first. Good night, Jingfei."

    "Oh, yeah. Good night." Shao Jingfei replied automatically while looking at her retreating back strangely.

    "Why did she always flinch whenever Senior Meng was mentioned? Poor Senior Meng. He will have a long and difficult road ahead."

 Chapter 351 Im Not Worthy

    The door to Li Caiyi''s room mped shut behind her.

    Shao Jingfei waited for a moment before taking out his phone from the top of the table and dialing a certain number.

    It didn''t take long before the line was connected, and a calm and refreshing voice could be heard from the other side.

    "Good evening, Jingfei." Meng Renshu greeted him politely. "This should be your first time contacting me first. I was surprised since I thought you didn''t like me that much."

    Shao Jingfei chuckled. "I don''t particrly hate or like you, Senior Meng. The other day, because Li Caiyi seemed to be on guard against you, that''s why I behaved that way."

    Meng Renshumented nothing about it. "So, what''s up? Did something happen to Xiaoyi?"

    "No. I wanted to ask you something." Shao Jingfei scratched his cheek, contemting whether he should ask or not before deciding to just give it a try. "It''s you, right? The one who asked the editorial board to push Li Caiyi''s work to be promoted externally?"

    "I''m not sure what you are talking about. What makes you think that?" Meng Renshu replied with a hint of amusement in his voice, making Shao Jingfei doubt if his guess was correct or not.

    "No matter how good Caiyi''s book is, even I can''t interfere that much about this stuff. Based on my knowledge, the books promoted on that tform have to reach a certain level of fame or poprity because they can go through the editorial board. The only way a new book from a rookie author like Caiyi could go through was if someone helped her from the inside."

    "I see. That''s a fair and reasonable guess, but I don''t think it answered my question. Why do you think it was me who did it?"

    "Among all the people around Li Caiyi right now, the only one capable of such a feat is me or you, Senior Meng. I wouldn''t be surprised if your family knew someone from the editorial department with your connection. I''m asking because I want to make sure of this fact."

    There was a brief silence from the other end before Meng Renshu burst out inughter. "Haha, and here I thought I covered my track well. I should have known that even if I could fool her, there''s no way I can fool you easily."

    Shao Jingfei paid no heed to hispliment and asked seriously, "I can predict why you are doing that, but why didn''t you tell her anything about it? As far as I know, it doesn''t look like Caiyi has a good feeling towards you, Senior Meng. No offense. You probably can score some points if you tell her."

    "No offense taken," Meng Renshu answered lightly. "Precisely because she hates me, she would be mad angry if she knew I interfered with her work. She wouldn''t appreciate my effort and definitely asked me to mind my own business."

    Considering Li Caiyi''s attitude towards Meng Renshu earlier, Shao Jingfei thought that what Meng Renshu said made sense. That girl didn''t even want to hear him mentioning her childhood friends, let alone knowing her book was pushed forward by the said person.

    "Senior Meng, can I ask why you have to go so far? I don''t have the right to judge you since what you did benefits the writer in the end, but why do you want to take a risk despite knowing how much she would hate it if she knew?"

    "Hm, why I wonder?" Meng Renshu said mysteriously. "Maybe because I knew that girl would reach that pinnacle eventually. If she can reach that height faster with little push from me, then I don''t see why not. Even if she hates me, if I can be by her side in her journey to reach that pinnacle, then I wouldn''t mind."

    "Well, I agree with you because she is such an excellent writer. But why does it sound like you know something I don''t?"

    There was a brief pause again before Meng Renshu spoke again. "Did I sound like that? That''s just the extent of my faith in her."

    Shao Jingfei''s brows creased in doubt. Meng Renshu was like a puzzle that was hard to crack. Sometimes he spoke like he knew something would happen.

    "I see. Well, I believe you will never try to harm Caiyi. However, if you can, please refrain from doing something like this again in the future. Although the boost in promotion is appreciated, if this goes on, Li Caiyi will receive a bacsh for receiving too much ''favor'' from inside. I believe you understand how much a person''s reputation is in this line of work."

    Shao Jingfei thought he would receive criticism for lecturing the Young Master Meng, but the response he got was totally unexpected.<sub> </sub>

    "As expected, you are a nice guy. I was worried at first, that''s why I came to meet you directly, but you are really a trustable person. I can see why Xiaoyi has such a good opinion of you. That kind of makes me jealous, though." Meng Renshuughed again as though he found the situation funny.

    His behavior was so strange sometimes that Shao Jingfei couldn''t decide if she should stay vignt or not. Meng Renshu seemed different from other wealthy''s family young masters he knew.

    As far as he watched, Meng Renshu didn''t seem to be that bad? He wondered why Li Caiyi couldn''t stand him so much.

    "But still, Senior Meng, I''m sure it wasn''t easy for you to pull the string behind the scene."

    Rather than agreeing or denying it, Meng Renshu diverted the topic to something else.

    "Jingfei, let me know if you need my help in the future. Since you have helped Xiaoyi and Xiaohua a lot, I will make sure to repay your kindness too."

    "Ah? No need to bother. I didn''t do anything special, really. I was just doing my job." Shao Jingfei answered, slightly flustered by the suddenpliment.

    "No, let me thank you. You probably don''t know, but your existence is a huge help for those two. What you think of as ''doing your job'' is probably just the right thing the twins need the most. It was something I failed to notice before. I''m grateful for you to show them the right way."

    His words bewildered Shao Jingfei even more. Once again, Meng Renshu said something that he couldn''tprehend. If he thought about it, Li Caiyi also thanked him immensely several times before, as though he had done a life-saving deed somehow.

    At first, he only took it lightly, but from the way they spoke, it seemed like a big thing was happening under the surface, which he wasn''t aware of.

    Then again, he doubted those two would ever tell him about it even if he asked. So he decided to ept their gratefulness humbly.

    "Senior Meng, you overpraised me. The twins are my friends, and I will hate it if something happens to them. I think you, who always did everything you can to help them from the dark, is even more amazing."

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    Unlike before, there was a long silence this time.

    "Senior Meng?" Shao Jingfei called out to him.

    "My deeds are not worthy of being proud of. I have gone through so many failures and made many mistakes in the past."

    "Sorry? I can''t hear you well."

    "Nothing. If that''s all you want to talk about, I will end the call here. I still have something to do, so let''s talk some other time, alright?"

    "Oh! Yes, sorry for taking so much of your time. Good evening, Senior Meng."

    After the line was cut off, Meng Renshu put his phone slowly on hisp before looking out the window, where a crescent moon shone so bright in the dark night sky. His room was shrouded inforting darkness, the thing he needed the most right then.

    "It''s true. I''m not worthy at all." Meng Renshu said bitterly to no one before closing his eyes.

 Chapter 352 Irreparable

    Meng Renshu woke up listlessly. His whole body was tired, and his facial expression screamed pain and agony for whoever watched him.

    Qin Xiangjun''s heart ached, looking at how thin and pale her son had be. He only ate a little, even when she had made the best chef in a five-star restaurant serve them breakfast.

    However, considering everything he had gone through, it was no wonder that he would reduce to this state.

    The most heartbreaking thing about this was that she also yed a part in her son''s current condition, although she hated to admit it.

    After her daughter-inw, Li Caiyi, passed away three months ago, her son gradually lost his smile and became lifeless. His eyes were devoid of any light and always appeared unfocused and hollow.

    Meng Renshu, who always exuded a confident and amiable ambiance, was reced with a cold and reticent guy who didn''t like to speak much. Qin Xiangjun couldn''t remember when was thest time he talked to her son.

    No matter how much she tried to convince him that what happened to Li Caiyi was just a big misunderstanding, he refused to listen. At first, Meng Renshu would still refute her, but after some time, he just gave up on giving a response.

    "Renshu, you should eat more," Qin Xiangjun said worriedly as she put the egg roll in his bowl.

    "Look at how thin you are. Do you intend to live the rest of your life like this? No matter how painful it is, the living has to continue their lives forward. You won''t achieve anything by torturing your body like this. Mother begs you, please return to your usual self. I can''t watch you like this."

    Qin Xiangjun poured all her emotion into those words, but it was as though Meng Renshu had turned deaf. He didn''t speak nor even react. It felt like she was talking to an empty casket sometimes.

    Qin Xiangjun tried to say a few more things but forgot about answering; Meng Renshu didn''t lift his spoon anymore. He only stood up from his seat and left without words like usual after eating.

    Even when his mind and health were messed up, Meng Renshu never took an absence from his work. On the contrary, he worked even harder to the point even his subordinate almost cried, begging him to go home and rest. Because they couldn''t go home if their boss was still at work.

    Everyone knew it was only his desperate attempt to forget his sadness of losing his wife early. The news came like a bolt of lightning in the middle of the day. It shook everyone, and Meng Renshu never recovered after that.

    His assistant also felt distressed about this. His boss was like a lifeless working machine, while the secretary stoppeding to work altogether.

    He was curious to know what happened to Li Chunhua after Li Caiyi''s death, but he felt it wasn''t right to ask. Because he was pretty sure that theplicated rtionship between the three of them was one of the reasons why Li Caiyi took such a drastic measure.

    "It must be hard living like that. Somehow, I can''t really me the Madam," The assistant sighed before taking the files he hadpiled to the President''s office.

    He felt terrible for pushing more work to the President, but it was also a fact that his work maniac state helped theirpany a lot.

    Although he secretly wished this person would find his inner peace soon. It was hard to look at him like this.

    ***

    Meanwhile, at S Health Hospital.<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua had another headache today. She would asionally have it a few times in a month, but its frequency urred more often now. There were also times when her episodes scared the life out of his family members.

    They didn''t need another member of the family to die tragically again.

    Li Junjie walked past the hallway wearing his white coat. His face was cold and rigid, but it softened slightly when he entered her sister''s ward.

    However, he felt a pang of heartache whenever he looked at Li Chunhua. Because her face always reminded him of his other sister, whom they had greatly disappointed. To the point, she took her own life.

    Pushing the stuffy and unbearable guilt to the pit of his stomach, he maintained his stiff face as he walked over.

    "Xiaohua, how are you feeling today?"

    Li Chunhua raised her head. The first things that caught his eyes were pale, almost transparent skin, a pair of wrinkled and tired eyes, and a yellow-ish tip of the hair. It brought another wave of heartache inside of him.

    No matter how much he tried, there was no way to help her sister''s condition. Her body was sickly in the first ce, but now he had a more severe heart disease that would never heal forever, engraved by the closest person to her.

    And the one who should be med for that was the entire Li family. Regret and guilt gnawed on his flesh, and only because of this sister of hers he still could continue.

    Li Chunhua''s gaze was empty. She looked at Li Junjie, but it didn''t feel like she ''saw'' him at all. Those eyes reminded him of a certain person''s eyes and how he had lived his life like a dead person ever since that dreadful day.

    "Brotherˇ­Jieˇ­"

    After some time, Li Chunhua finally recognized his existence in the room. She reached out with shaky hands, and Li Junjie gently took her hand in his.

    "You are here." Li Chunhua said softly, with a slight rise from the corner of her lips.

    After three months, her condition finally became better. Although better was still an understatement, considering how bad her body and mental health was right now, it was still an improvement from her previously corpse-like state.

    After Li Caiyi''s death, Li Chunhua wailed for three days before she finally stopped. As though she had wasted all of her emotions in those three days, she never spoke or looked at anyone after that.

    Li Chunhua would wake up every day only to look at the sky outside the window, without eating or sleeping. She only slept again when she fell unconscious because her body couldn''t take it or when he gave her an injection to help her sleep.

    Thanks to Li Junjie''s patience, she finally spoke a few words in a day again. But, the broken vase would never return to its previous state no matter how much effort he put into fixing it.

    With eyes brimming with hope, she quietly asked, "Is Xiaoyi here today?"

 Chapter 353 Lifetime Regrets

    Li Junjie''s tongue stiffened. No matter how much he had witnessed the same scene, he couldn''t seem to get used to it.

    Li Chunhua''s hand was so light and small. Compared to his wide one, hers seemed like it could perish anytime.

    "No, Xiaoyi isn''t here." Li Junjie answered grimly. He barely said a few words, but his throat felt blocked by a huge rock. It was so hard to let out those words.

    Li Chunhua''s bright eyes dimmed, and only a gloominess remained. She smiled weakly before saying, "Then, perhaps tomorrow."

    "No, she won''t being tomorrow too."

    "Then, perhaps the day after tomorrow?"

    "...No."

    "Then, perhaps the day after that?"

    Li Junjie took a deep breath before saying stiffly, "Xiaoyi is dead. She will not return any more. Xiaohua, stop asking the same question."

    Li Chunhua said nothing and only stared at her brother with an expressionless face before slipping her hand out of his grip. "I see."

    The same question, the same answer, and the same response every day.

    Li Chunhua would repeat the same question like a parrot. Despite Li Junjie telling her that Li Caiyi would nevere back anymore, she would nod her head but still ask the same question on the morrow.

    As if her memory was restarted after she woke up. Like she desperately convinced herself that everything was just a nightmare.

    Their mother couldn''t bear to see her like that, so Li Junjie told her to stoping for a while. An unstable person like Li Chunhua didn''t need another unstable person to care for her.

    Frankly speaking, the Li family fell apart after Li Caiyi''s death.

    ''No, there is another person who is on the verge of breaking,'' Li Junjie thought inwardly as his best friend''s face appeared in his mind.

    Li Chunhua sat silently while looking outside the window again. Usually, this was supposed to signify that she would speak no more.

    Li Junjie prepared to leave after checking on her, but today was different from any normal day.

    Because before he could walk away, Li Chunhua spoke without turning her head to him. "Xiaoyi is not dead. I can feel her nearby. Always."

    Li Junjie was surprised. For the first time after that heart-wrenching day, Li Chunhua argued with someone else about something. This should be a good progression if only she talked about something more reasonable.

    Li Caiyi is dead. He saw her corpse and confirmed her DNA himself. Only God knew how devastated he was then. He desperately wished the result would be negative, and that everything was just a false rm.

    Li Junjie hoped that he was wrong for once.

    s, he was forced to wake up from his daydreaming with a ruthless reality p.

    However, when he stared at Li Chunhua''s figure, whose hair swayed slightly by the breeze, he found himself lost for words. He knew no words of encouragement, nor did he understand what she was thinking right then, but he strangely didn''t want to refute her.

    In the end, he said nothing and walked out of the room. After the door was closed, tears trickled down Li Chunhua''s eyes uncontrobly.<sub> </sub>

    There was no sob or wail. Only silence apanied her as she waited for her sister to visit her again.

    ***

    Meng Renshu''s body was in tatters. He was painfully aware of his body''s condition, but that pain was nothingpared to the pain in his heart.

    Everything he saw or listened to reminded him of her. Everything he tasted and smelled made him long for her.

    She hovered around him, yet he couldn''t see or touch her. That feeling was enough to drive him crazy.

    Meng Renshu nced at the clock on the wall of his office. It was already 2.15 AM, yet he remained seated in his chair. He had long since lost the sense of time and only realized how much time had passed when he reached out but found no documents left to be examined.

    Meng Renshu leaned his back against the backrest as the buzzing in his head returned. When he was in work mode, those buzzing sounds got muffled. But now, there was nothing left to do; it assaulted him again.

    There was no reason for him to remain there any longer, so he took his bag and walked out of the office. His assistant, who seemed haggard, quickly stood up when he exited the room.

    "President, are you going to leave now?"

    Meng Renshu briefly nodded before he walked past him. His head was throbbing, and he didn''t want to waste his time talking leisurely. He wanted to go home and rest.

    As soon as he arrived at his house, the coldness hit him. This house used to be a ce where he could find respite, no matter how busy his life was. No matter howte he was to go home, his wife would always be there to greet him and prepare a warm meal for him.

    Now, there was no one to greet him. The ce was empty, especially when he had fired every servant. There was an eerie silence and weird mood surrounding the area, especially after the tragic death of the Madam of the house.

    The house was dark, but he made no move to turn on the light and walked straight to a room.

    Not his room, but his wife''s room.

    Meng Renshu threw his bag and let it fall on the floor as he tossed himself onto the bed. After the owner left the world three months ago, not even her trace of warmth or smell remained in this bed.

    Nevertheless, Meng Renshu would still return to this ce every night. He would imagine his wife sleeping face beside him before he fell asleep and her smiling face when he opened his eyes in the morning.

    People would call him crazy if he told anyone about this, but only by doing this, he could sleep at night.

    Meng Renshu was about to drift to dreand when he heard his stomach rumbling. He only ate a little during breakfast and skipped his lunch and dinner, so it was no wonder if his body rebelled against his wish now.

    Suppressing the irk inside him, he went to the kitchen to find something to eat. There was some frozen food and ready-made food packed into containers stuffed in the fridge. He bet his mother did this sneakily again. Even though he had told her repeatedly that she didn''t need to care for him.

    p Meng Renshu didn''t touch the food Qin Xiangjun prepared and cooked instant cup noodles instead. This one was something he bought from the supermarket.</anda>

    He had seen his wife asionally eat it in the middle of the night, so he was curious. Unexpectedly, it tasted better than he expected.

    After he finished eating, he was about to throw the cup into the trash bin when he recalled that his wife always cleaned the cup before throwing it. He once asked her why she did that; she grimaced and told him that the trash bin would attract fleas and insects if she didn''t do that.

    Unbeknownst to her, what Meng Renshu meant at that time was why did she have to do that when she could ask the servant to do her every whim? However, because he really couldn''t care less, he didn''t correct her and brushed the topic off quickly.

    He regretted it. So much it tore his heart apart.

 Chapter 354 It Was Him Who Betrayed Her First

    If only he paid attention to her more, he would know that the servants of this house walked around her head because he rarely came home. They would disobey her and even steal her things.

    But his wife could do nothing because those servants were sent by his mother, and he was too busy to notice or listen to herin.

    Meng Renshu bit his lips. The after-taste of the noodles felt bitter for some reason.

    He washed the cup before throwing it away. His body was tired, but the sight of his study room caught his attention.

    Meng Renshu went inside his study room to find an unkempt room with books, papers, and mugs left on top of the desk. Previously, his study room was always clean and neat, thanks to his wife, who organized the ce for him. He allowed no one to enter this ce except for Li Caiyi, because he couldn''t trust anyone but her.

    His wife was gone, and this ce now resembled an animal''s nest. He found nofort working in this ce anymore, so he always finished his work at the office.

    Among all the papers messily scattered on top of his desk, some ripped pieces of paper were all over the ce. Meng Renshu knew what that paper was, and a heavy feeling weighed again on him.

    One of the pieces of paper got the word "divorce" written on top of it. It reminded him of that day when he found out that Meng Shuchun had acted on her own again.

    He was enraged by his sister''s willfulness and spared no time in making her study abroad just so he wouldn''t need to see her face again for a while.

    When Meng Renshu learned that Li Caiyi had spent a night with someone else before her death, he felt angry and betrayed. However, after he found out what Meng Shuchun had done without asking for his permission, it was like someone pped him hard across the face.

    "It was all my fault." Meng Renshu fell on his knee as he clutched the piece of paper.

    Initially, he indeed had thought of divorcing Li Caiyi. However, the reason was far from what Meng Shuchun assumed.

    It was because Li Caiyi always held herself back for everyone. He knew Li Caiyi hated him after he forced himself on her. Living together after that became unbearable.

    No matter how much Meng Renshu tried to get closer to her, she always flinched and took some distance away from him, like he was a frightening monster that scared her. Her aversion hurt him a lot. Both on his pride and heart.

    "I thought if it''s her, we can spend the rest of our lives living in harmony." Meng Renshu muttered weakly. "Why didn''t she trust me?"

    They grew apart slowly, and Meng Renshu thought there was no point in continuing their marriage when all they did was hurting each other.

    It was painful whenever he saw the rejection in her eyes whenever he tried to take a step toward her. He couldn''t look at her the same way again as time went by.

    It was unfair that she refused to give him a chance. It was frustrating when she never talked about her genuine feelings to him. It was painful that she hated him so much that his touch repulsed her.

    In her eyes, Meng Renshu was never a man or a husband. He was just a childhood friend who had crossed the line. He felt like she med him with her serene gaze whenever their eyes met. It was an unbearable thought.

    Meng Renshu couldn''t stand that fact. He came to hate the version of himself reflected in her eyes. So he avoided looking her in the eyes.

    If he didn''t see, then nothing was there. No hate or condemnation.

    Meng Renshu would somehow find a reason to go homete, just to avoid her. He didn''t want to see the forced smile on her face whenever they went out together, so he purposefully went alone to a formal party, iming she was sick or busy.

    The distance and misunderstanding between them piled up, and he came to dislike her existence at some point.

    Blinded by that momentary feeling, he grabbed a divorce paper. He wanted to liberate both of them from the pain that came from this false marriage.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was a good friend, but she wasn''t a suitable wife for him. He had miscalcted.

    However, whenever he thought that Li Caiyi would probably find her happiness with some other man after this, he could not continue. He filled every column in the paper, but he couldn''t show it to her.

    Meng Renshu kept telling himself to give their marriage one more chance as he sealed the paper inside the deepest part of his bookshelves. In the end, hepletely forgot about that divorce agreement.

    Until Meng Shuchun found it and gave it to his wife herself.

    Meng Renshu wondered what Li Caiyi felt when she received that document during her darkest days. His wife never betrayed him. It was him who betrayed her first and disappointed her.

    "I''m sorry, Xiaoyi. If only I wasn''t such a coward." Meng Renshu''s eyes zed with tears. He leaned his back on his desk before hugging himself into a ball. "You should have gotten angry and killed me; why would you kill yourself?"

    Inside the empty and dark house, there was a sound of crying, which continued until dawn. Meng Renshu, who drowned in his self-me and self-hate, cried himself to sleep on the cold floor.

    ***

    A few days after that, Meng Renshu received a call from Li Junjie in the middle of his work. Meng Renshu''s eyebrows were raised in a pleasant surprise.

    After Li Caiyi''s funeral, Li Junjie had ceased to contact him. What happened at the funeral caused an irreparable crack between the two families'' ties, and they hadn''t kept in touch with each other for a while.

    ''How could I bear to face Junjie when her sister ended up miserably because of me?'' Meng Renshu bit his lips before he hesitantly epted his call.

    "Hello?"

    "Renshu, I have something I want to give you. Do you have time today?"

    Li Junjie didn''t beat around the bush as usual. Nevertheless, his tone sounded very urgent, and it bewildered him. Meng Renshu nced at the pile of documents on top of his desk before replying.

    "No, I''m not too busy right now. I can meet you anytime you want."

    "Good. Then can you meet me in the hospital right now? I''d love to meet you in other ces, but my legs are tied here."

    "No worries. I will head there now." Meng Renshu rose from his seat before walking out of the room, alerting his assistant.

    "President, where areˇŞ"

    "I have some urgent matters to do. Clear my schedule for today."

    Meng Renshu didn''t stop and went straight to the elevator. The assistant was surprised, butter a smile crept upon his face. It had been months since he saw the president smiling like that. Something good must have happened.

    "Alright, the least I can do to support him is to make sure he can rx as much as he wants!"

    The assistant pumped a fist and quickly returned to his seat to empty his boss'' schedule.

 Chapter 355 Do You Think Its Her?

    Meng Renshu arrived at the hospital in an hour. Not only because the traffic dyed him, but because this ce brought unpleasant memories to him.

    This was where he saw Li Caiyi for thest time.

    At that time, she was scolded and beaten severely by his mother-inw, yet he didn''t move forward to help her. All because he didn''t believe her words then. A decision he would regret for the rest of his life.

    However, he gritted his teeth and went inside eventually. He knew where Li Junjie''s office was, and the front desk allowed him to wait inside easily.

    Meng Renshu took a deep breath before entering his best friend''s ce after a while. Inside, there was a desk, a couch, and bookshelves arranged neatly.

    Li Junjie sat on the sofa with his eyes glued to the book in his hands. He didn''t even notice Meng Renshu''s presence.

    "Junjie, I''m here."

    The young doctor raised his head when he heard it. He put the book away and gestured for him to sit on the couch.

    "It''s been a while. How are you?" Meng Renshu smiled awkwardly while plopping himself on the couch.

    "I''m doing well. As for you, I can see you are not by your face color, so don''t bother telling me otherwise."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. The previous tension on his shoulders left him, and he felt a lot more rxed at his friend''s blunt way of speaking.

    "Alright, I won''t lie, then. I''m doing pretty bad these days. I can''t sleep and eat well, so I work myself so hard to increase the pain. Are you happy now?"

    Li Junjie sighed. "I want to tell you not to punish yourself that hard, but I doubt you will listen to me."

    "That''s right. I thought you would be more distraught after you punished Un¨C, I mean your father. But you seem to carry yourself as usual. As expected of you."

    "I don''t have time to deal with your sarcastic remark. And I didn''t punish him because of Xiaoyi''s matter. It was something he deserved to receive after mistreating all of us throughout the years."

    Li Junjie noticed how Meng Renshu''s countenance became rigid at the mention of Li Caiyi, so he chose to divert the topic.

    p "Anyway, I called you here today to show you this. Have you heard about it?"</anda>

    Meng Renshu stared at the book in Li Junjie''s hand in puzzlement. "Solitude and Happiness? No, I don''t think I ever heard about this book. What book is this?"

    "I happened to hear one of my colleagues mention it before. He said his wife liked it a lot, and it''s currently the most popr book right now. Out of curiosity, I bought it. I was shocked when I read it."

    Li Junjie''s expression was clearly disturbed and ufortable. That was a big reactioning from him, who rarely showed his expression at all.

    "Is there something particrly shocking from this book?"

    "Yeah, it''s shocking and painful to read. But I can''t tell you. Read this by yourself, and you''ll see what I mean." Li Junjie uttered before showing the book to Meng Renshu.

    "I still have some business I need to attend to. Take your time reading it. I''m sure you will have a lot to ask me afterward but try not to cause amotion."

    Meng Renshu didn''t have the chance to ask before Li Junjie had left the room in haste as if running away from something.<sub> </sub>

    "He is so strange today." Meng Renshumented before looking down at the book in his hand. One thing for sure, this book had seriously made him curious. There were only so many things in this world that could incur any reaction from Li Junjie.

    He hadpleted an entire month''s work, so nothing could stop him from reading. Brimming with expectation, he opened the first page.

    "There are times when you are still not good enough no matter how hard you try."

    Meng Renshu caressed the book''s first line as he read the rest of it.

    ***

    "Make sure to monitor this patient. He will have this surgery tomorrow. Pay attention even to the tiniest change." Li Junjie said as he gave the file to the nurse in front of him. The nurse nodded and left, carrying the file in her hand.

    Li Junjie massaged his tired shoulder as he checked the time on his phone. It had been 6 hours since he left Meng Renshu at his office. He meant to return after an hour or so, but the work dyed him.

    "I''d better check just in case." Li Junjie mumbled before walking to his office.

    When he opened the door, he was half-surprised to find Meng Renshu still sitting on the same spot when he left him, immersed in the book in his hand. Judging from how little the number of pages left unread, it seemed he had been reading that non-stop.

    Meng Renshu closed the book not long after that. He looked down in a daze, trying to digest everything he had just read.

    Li Junjie understood his confusion because he was also like that when he first read that book.

    If it were only one or two instances, then he would only think of it as coincidences, but almost everything written in the book was scarily urate to the reality he knew. It was more like a diary rather than a book of fiction.

    "Junjieˇ­ As you said, I have a lot of things I want to ask you right now." Meng Renshu said tensely.

    "Sure, ask me everything you want to ask."

    "Did sheˇ­write this book?" Meng Renshu''s voice trembled as he clenched his hand.

    "I don''t know. However, it wouldn''t be weird if it is. After all, many instances in that book were heavily simr to what we knew. The author could even describe the first gift you ever gave to her in such detail."

    "The keychainˇ­which she lost."

    Li Junjie nodded. "The one you chose for her because you think it resembled her. And the one you picked up after she lost it but forgot to give it to her."

    Meng Renshu remembered how Li Caiyi went into panic mode when she lost that keychain. Everyone helped her to find it but still couldn''t find it. In the end, she could only let the matter go.

    However, Meng Renshu couldn''t bear to see her sad, so he secretly asked someone to make the same identical one. When he was about to give it to her, he found that she had used another keychain in her bag, so he thought she didn''t need it anymore and kept it with him until today.

    "I thought the same as you. This book is surely something Xiaoyi made. If it is, then everything would make sense. Why did she disappear without words, and why did she choose such drastic measures?"

    Meng Renshu heard what Li Junjie said, but there was only so much his brain could process.

 Chapter 356 A Warning

    He didn''t know if he wanted this story to be Li Caiyi''s or not. If it was indeed her life story, then how bleak and depressing it was.

    He didn''t know if he wanted this story to be Li Caiyi''s or not. If it was indeed the story of her life, then how bleak and depressing it was. He was her closest friend but he almost had no idea that all that was happening under his nose.

    If he didn''t read this today, he would never know that she was still looking for that keychain even after months passed.

    And also the fact that Li Caiyi, his wife, was actually in love with him.

    Meng Renshu wasn''t sure if he wanted this story to be Li Caiyi''s or not. If it was indeed her life story, then how bleak and depressing it was. The wound in her heart was so deep, even before their marriage.

    Meng Renshu knew Li Caiyi didn''t have many friends, and he was her closest friend. Still, he almost had no idea all of this happened under his nose.

    If he didn''t read this today, he would never know she was still looking for that keychain even after months had passed.

    And also the fact that Li Caiyi, his wife, was actually in love with him.

    Meng Renshu''s chest constricted in pain, making it hard for him to breathe. Cold sweat ran down his spine when he recalled Li Caiyi''s hurt expression when he pushed her into the car, which was also thest time he saw her alive.

    Then, the memories were reced with Li Caiyi''s ghastly state, making his stomach churn ufortably.

    If only he didn''t push her away at that time. If only he listened and believed her words. She wouldn''t end up dead.

    Meng Renshu was the one who nailed the final nail to her coffin.

    "Ugh!"

    "Renshu! Are you okay?" Li Junjie quickly ran forward and checked on his condition.

    Meng Renshu pushed his friend''s hand away. "Leave it. I''m fine, just shaken up a bit."

    "Did you take your medicine properly?"

    "Junjie, I didn''te here for you to lecture me about my health. I said leave it," Meng Renshu replied in a low voice. There was a hint of warning in his words, which left Li Junjie helpless.

    "Renshu, I think you''d better talk with the editor of this book to make sure if this was indeed written by Xiaoyi or not."

    "Yeah, I should. Thanks for informing me about this." Meng Renshu smiled or at least tried to since his smile was feeble and awkward.

    "And I think each of us yed a role in Xiaoyi''s suicide. We have neglected her too much, thinking she would always be there with us. We took her for granted for too long."

    Meng Renshu didn''t want to respond. He didn''t want someone to tell him that it wasn''t his fault. He wanted someone to me him instead. Compared to what Li Caiyi had gone through, this much was nothing.

    "Xiaohuaˇ­ Did she know about this?"

    Li Junjie was surprised by the sudden change in topic. His face darkened when he heard that.

    "Why do you ask that? Do you still not give up on meeting her again?"

    Meng Renshu could sense his hostility from miles away. A bitter smile appeared on his face.

    "Junjie, I haven''t seen her since Xiaoyi''s funeral. Can''t I meet with her for a moment? I want to talk with her."<sub> </sub>

    "You already know my answer when you feel like you need to ask for my permission, why still bother asking?" Li Junjie''s eyes narrowed down dangerously. "Xiaoyi''s grave is still fresh, and you can''t wait to fly to Xiaohua''s side now?"

    Meng Renshu was appalled by his usation. "What are you saying? That''s not my intention! I only wanted to ask Xiaohua a few things!"

    Gone was the brief friendship, and it was reced with vignce and hostility. Meng Renshu never wished for their rtionship to turn out this way. He was happy when Li Junjie reached out to him first after months, but sure enough, it would end up this way eventually.

    "Renshu, I meant what I said about Xiaoyi. What happened to her was not entirely your fault, so you don''t need to be so harsh on yourself. But I still don''t want to have anything to do with you. I forbid you from going anywhere near my family. This is also what Xiaohua wants as well."

    "Junjie, listen to me first. I¨C"

    Li Junjie raised his hand, refusing to listen to any words from him.

    "I think I have said everything I wanted to tell you. You have no other business here with me, so you can leave. If you still treasure whatever bonds we have between us, I hope you listen to me and stay away from my family."

    Meng Renshu swallowed the words that almost came out of his throat before walking out of the room gloomily. He didn''t only lose his wife but also two of his best friends.

    ***

    Meng Renshu re-read the book several times after that. Reading it gave her a false belief that he actually understood Li Caiyi for once. Even her deepest and ugliest part.

    It tortured him when he read how much she had suffered by herself. But the thing that made him feel the worst was why Li Caiyi was so repulsed of him after their first night.

    At this point, he already felt numb to everything. He didn''t know what to feel when he first read it. He cried his eyes out during his next multiple reads. But now, he just silently let the agonizing pain in his heart slowly kill him.

    There was so much bitterness, pain, and regret in every word of this book. Li Caiyi ended it on a happy note, but that caused a huge debate among the fans.

    It seeded in gaining mass due to how rtable the story was to many aspects of real life. Many women felt sympathetic to the main character. They expressed their desire to meet the writer, but their words would never reach the writer''s ears.

    There was even a talk that the story would be adapted into a movie if it weren''t because the writer couldn''t be contacted for some reason.

    "President?"

    Meng Renshu jolted when someone tapped on his shoulder. His assistant stared at him with concern before carefully asking.

    "Are you feeling alright, President? Should I clear up the schedule for you today so you can rest?"

    "No. I was just zoning out a bit," Meng Renshu massaged the bridge of his nose.

    The assistant cast aplicated gaze on him before ncing at the opened book on top of the desk. He thought the President could finally regain some life after hisst impulsive decision to take a leave. But who would have thought he would return to the office the next day with an even more somber look than before?

    And the assistant noticed that the President always felt more depressed whenever he read that book. The President even asked him to find a way to arrange a meeting with the editor of the book.

    "More importantly, have you finished the important task I have told you before?"

    "Ah, yes. I was actually just about to report it to you, President."

    "Tell me."

    "I have arranged a meeting in a restaurant for you and Mr. Shao Jingfei, the editor of Solitude and Happiness."

 Chapter 357 Happiness (1)

    Meng Renshu studied the man in front of him calmly.

    The man had slightly long ck hair with a fairplexion. He wore a red suit with a ck turtleneck shirt inside. He seemed to like wearing essories, looking at how many piercings and rings he wore.

    The nails on both of his hands were painted ck, and the man carefully bled the tea on his cup before taking a sip.

    Meng Renshu assumed they were roughly around the same age from his appearance. He had met many people working in publishingpanies but never had he ever met someone who dressed in such a conspicuous way as this.

    "What kind of business does the President of the Pharmaceutical Company want from me?" Shao Jingfei smiled as he put down his back to its saucer.

    Meng Renshu didn''t mean to stare, so when Shao Jingfei smiled knowingly at him, he felt self-conscious.

    "Sorry for staring. First, thank you for sparing some time to meet me in the middle of your busy times. I will go straight to the point to avoid wasting time."

    Meng Renshu put down the book on top of the table. "The reason I call you here today is none other than to talk about this book."

    "Ah, Solitude and Happiness. Are you a fan of this book too?"

    "Yes, you can say that. I want you to tell me about ''Little Bird'' or the author of this book."

    Shao Jingfei made a face of trouble before answering. "President Meng, if you are a fan of Little Bird, you should know that this person never shows themselves in public. Thousands of people sent us emails to arrange a fan meeting with the author, but there is nothing we can do about it. I''m afraid there''s nothing I can do to help you."

    Meng Renshu had expected his response, so he quickly took a picture from his inner pocket.

    "Then, I''ll change my question. Have you ever met this woman before?"

    Shao Jingfei stared down at the picture intensely, while Meng Renshu studied the change in his expression. He was unsure if Shao Jingfei recognized Li Caiyi or not based on his look.

    "Hmm, I''m not sure. I don''t think I''ve ever met this person before, but her face does seem familiar. Is this your family or friends?"

    "She is my wife," Meng Renshu replied while clenching his hand tightly under the table.

    Shao Jingfei eximed in acknowledgment. "Ah, so this is your wife. No wonder I felt like I have seen her before."

    Meng Renshu and Li Caiyi used to appear on TV or in magazines during the first year of their marriage. It was no wonder if Shao Jingfei was familiar with Li Caiyi''s face.

    One thing for sure, it didn''t seem like Shao Jingfei ever had any contact with Li Caiyi at all.

    "Mr. Shao, I will be blunt and ask this. Have you ever met with the author Little Bird before this?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t miss how Meng Renshu''s smile stiffened for a moment before returning to its previous re. He put the picture back on the table before confidently staring back at Meng Renshu.

    "Why are you asking that? I wonder what kind of business the President has with our author?"<sub> </sub>

    If Meng Renshu couldn''t sense his tone''s vignce, he might as well retire from his job right then.

    "I strongly believe that this Little Bird who wrote this book is my wife, Li Caiyi."

    Shao Jingfei''s brows raised in astonishment. He straightened his posture while ying with the rings on his finger. "I''m very sorry to bring this up, but I heard that your wife passed away three months ago, is that right?"

    "That''s right. The one who rmended this book to me is my wife''s brother, and the same as me, he also thinks that his sister is the one who wrote this book."

    "Does your wife like writing? Or do you ever stumble across her writing before and find the simrities between the two texts?"

    "I believe I have never seen my wife showing any interest in writing before. Or at least, that''s what I thought. I want to confirm this fact with you as the book''s editor."

    Shao Jingfei''s brows furrowed. "Then how can you assume that? Shouldn''t you as the husband know about your wife better than me?"

    Meng Renshu felt a rock blocking his throat again, and his heart sank to his feet. Li Caiyi was his wife, but he barely knew anything about her. If he knew his wife liked to write so much, he wouldn''t be this confused about everything.

    He wondered just how many other things she kept hidden from him. There was no way to know the answer now.

    The only thing he could do to know more about Li Caiyi was by relying on the person sitting in front of him.

    "I''m ashamed to admit it, but my wife and I don''t have the best rtionship. There are a lot of things I don''t know about her. However, if this is really something my wife left behind before her death, I want to know more about it. Can you please tell me everything you know?"

    Shao Jingfei stared at Meng Renshu''s determined look and felt his heart soften. He felt sympathetic for this man who had just lost his wife. Although he still had his doubts and suspicion, he decided he should give the businessman the benefit of the doubt first.

    "Hmm, I understand where youe from. I don''t know if this can be helpful information, but I did receive the raw manuscript from Little Bird precisely three months ago."

    Meng Renshu''s face lit up. "Then, do you meanˇ­"

    "Yeah, there is a high possibility that your assumption might be correct. Your wife probably sent this to me before sheˇ­." Shao Jingfei couldn''t continue his sentence, so Meng Renshu quickly took over.

    "How did you and my wife get into contact with each other?"

    "Oh. We met each other on the inte. We happened to join the same book forum, and from there, we chatted a lot about our favorite books."

    Meng Renshu knew Li Caiyi''s hobby of reading books. That''s why he never forbade her from entering his study, where his books were stored.

    "Then, how did she give the manuscript to you if you haven''t met before?"

    "Under the assumption that Little Bird IS indeed your wife, it seems you really don''t know much about your wife."

 Chapter 358 Happiness (2)

    "Mr. Shao, I really appreciate your help, but I would like it if you refrain from givingments about our marriage life." Meng Renshu reprimanded him sternly.

    Shao Jingfei knew he had crossed the line, so hebed his hair back beforeughing dryly.

    "I apologize. I guess it''s not my ce to speak. You should have already read the book if you are a fan, correct?"

    Meng Renshu averted his eyes. "I did."

    Shao Jingfei shrugged his shoulders. "Although it was brief, I seriously consider your wife as a talented person. And she is also one of my friends. I will love it if everything written in this book has no rtion to her real life."

    Meng Renshu felt suffocated talking about this topic, so he quickly returned it to the original case.

    "Is there anything else you know about Little Bird?"

    "After talking with her for some time, I learned that she likes to write, aside from reading. Under my suggestion, Little Bird joined several writing contests and won. I read some of her works and was very impressed with them, so I offered her the chance to publish a book through ourpany. She always rejected me, though."

    "Why?"

    "She said she was unconfident, and she also didn''t want anyone to know." Shao Jingfei said meaningfully as he caressed the book with a mysterious expression.

    "It''s a shame that her first and biggest work turned out to be herst work. I thought it was weird that she stopped contacting me after sending the manuscript for this book to me, but I never expected that sheˇ­."

    Meng Renshu bit his lips bitterly. He knew Shao Jingfei didn''t say those words with malicious intention, but it stabbed him so hard in the heart.

    The reason why Li Caiyi never told anyone about it was clearly written inside her book. Because no one supported her and bothered to ask her what she wanted to be, including him.

    Shao Jingfei raised his head and saw Meng Renshu''s face scrunched up like he was trying to hold back tears. He sighed helplessly.

    "President, your wife sent the file to me via email. Do you want to see it?"

    ''Because it was probably thest message she wrote to anyone in her life.''

    Those words remained unspoken, but Meng Renshu could sense his meaning. He smiled gratefully.

    "Sure, I''d love to see it."

    Shao Jingfei fiddled with his phone before giving it to Meng Renshu. Their hands brushed against each other briefly. The cold radiating from Meng Renshu''s hand from that contact made Shao Jingfei shudder.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu took a deep breath before reading the line of text on the phone screen.

    [This is my original story, and I brooded over whether or not I should send it to you until the end. I want to give this novel to you as a gift. Please read it if you have time. I hope you''ll like it. Thank you for everything].

    Looking at this message, it seemed like Li Caiyi really intended to leave no matter what happened. Her message was filled with gratitude and the will to end everything, but strangely, he could sense some joy and pride in her words.

    She conveyed more emotions in that one text than in almost all their interactions in the past years.

    "President Meng, are you okay?" Shao Jingfei asked with concern stered all over his face.

    "Yeah, I''m fine. I was just shocked, that''s all."

    "No, I meanˇ­." Shao Jingfei looked troubled as he nced around. In the end, he took out his handkerchief before giving it to Meng Renshu.

    "I didn''t have a hobby lending my handkerchief to a man, but I''ll make an exception just for today. Please wipe your tears with this, President Meng."

    "Huh?"

    It took a while for Meng Renshu to register that he had cried.<sub> </sub>

    When he was aware of it, there was nothing to stop it anymore. He thought he couldn''t cry anymore after repeatedly reading Li Caiyi''s book. He wanted to ingrain how much sin he hadmitted in his bones. However, it turned out he still had some tears left within him.

    Just a simple text written by her could bring up the suppressed emotion deep inside him. Even though he knew he had no right to cry like a victim.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­ I''m sorryˇ­."

    Shao Jingfei was vaguely aware of pairs of eyes looking their way, and he felt confused and ufortable all over. He had never dealt with a crying man before, so he didn''t know if he should just let him be or offer a fewforting words.

    It would be better if the one sitting in front of him was a woman, but he was a widower who grieved over his wife''s death. This situation spelled awkwardness no matter what kind of role he took here.

    "Uh, President Meng, I understand your feeling. But your wife is already in a better ce."

    A second after those words left his mouth, he suddenly remembered the cause of Li Caiyi''s death, and he wanted to smack his head into the nearest wall. That was so insensitive of him!

    He quickly added in fluster to fix his mistake. "I don''t mean this ce isn''t good for her, but there is a probably better ce for everyoneˇ­so what I meanˇŞ"

    "It''s okay, Mr. Shao. I understand what you are trying to say." Meng Renshu said before wiping his tears with a handkerchief.

    "I''m sorry for losing myposure for a moment. I''m okay now."

    Shao Jingfei watched how Meng Renshu forced a smile with swollen and red eyes withplicated feelings. He felt pity for him and was frustrated simultaneously because of how beautiful his crying face was.

    "No, you shouldn''t feel apologetic for grieving over your lost wife. I was troubled, but it''s because I don''t know how to deal with crying people."

    "I think I understand why my wife trusted and looked up to you so much, even until herst moment," Meng Renshu smiled bitterly. Perhaps because he had just cried, he felt like confiding in someone about it.

    "I assumed this is her way of showing how much injustice she had suffered throughout the years. She has suffered a lot because of me in the past."

    "No, I don''t think that''s right." Shao Jingfei replied immediately.

    "Ah? What do you mean?"

    Shao Jingfei realized he had spoken out of line again and grimaced. "No, please don''t mind it. It was just my opinion."

    "I''d like to hear it, please. You probably understood something about her, which I didn''t." Meng Renshu smiled.

    ? "Well, this is just my thought, but I think your wife was happy during thest moment of her life."

    "She wasˇ­happy?"

    "I don''t know why, but it''s just how I feel. It''s just my stupid thought, so no need to mind it."

    Meng Renshu looked down at the book on top of the table, then at her smiling face in the picture. It was a picture of her wearing her white wedding dress.

    He always had it with him because people kept questioning him why he didn''t have his wife''s photo in his wallet.

    Among Li Caiyi''s photos, he thought his wife''s smile looked the best in that photo. She was pretty and radiant.

    How nice would it be if she was also smiling like that before her death.

    How nice would it be if he could see her smiling like that at him for thest time.

    It was toote to regret now.

 Chapter 359 Closure

    Meng Renshu wasn''t going to do this, but he couldn''t hold back as expected. He had to do it if he ever wanted to have closure.

    That was why he deliberately waited for the time when Li Junjie was exceptionally busy to visit Li Chunhua at the hospital.

    Meng Renshu knew his best friend would never allow him to meet his sister if he told him about it, so he secretly entered her ward one day.

    Meng Renshu stared at the figure sitting on the bed. He almost couldn''t believe that was the same woman who gave his life colors once.

    Her smile was enough to lift his mood, and herughter made butterflies fly in his stomach.

    However, that same girl now had dead-fish eyes with hollow cheeks. Her skin had an unhealthy color, and her hand was as thin as a twig.

    Li Chunhua''s condition was worse than thest time he saw her, and it was painful to see.

    "Xiaohua, I can finally see you." Meng Renshu said with reddened eyes.

    Li Chunhua didn''t respond, but her shoulder visibly flinched when she heard his voice. Meng Renshu walked over to her.

    "How are you these days? I''m sorry for noting to see you sooner. Junjie doesn''t like it when I get involved with you any longer." Meng Renshu smiled bitterly, "And I''m sure you also feel the same. But I have to talk to you no matter what. Please indulge my selfishness for thest time."

    Li Chunhua still had yet to say anything. She didn''t even want to turn her head his way.

    Meng Renshu had already heard about her condition. He knew she actually listened to his words, so he didn''t ask her to respond and continued to talk instead.

    "Xiaohua, the three months after Xiaoyi''s death were the hardest times in my life. Even more so than when I fought my way to gain recognition in thepany. I lost sense of what I had to do or which direction I should go. It was like drifting away in the vast sea with no ind in sight."

    Meng Renshu clenched his hands into fists. "I didn''t deserve to receive forgiveness, but I needed to talk to you no matter what. I felt like doing that will finally give me an idea of what I should do next. This will be thest time Ie to see you."

    He looked down at her thin and frail hand. He wanted to reach out and hold it, but he restrained the impulse to do that.

    "Xiaohua, during the times we had spent together, do you ever love me, even for once?"

    Meng Renshu finally said it, the question that kept disturbing his mind after he read Li Caiyi''s book. He knew it was written from his wife''s point of view, but there were still too many inconsistencies in what he remembered.

    One of the inconsistencies was that Li Chunhua probably wasn''t as innocent and pure as he thought her to be. Li Caiyi had no reason to lie, so everything she had written must be the truth.

    ''No, even if it''s false, I will not doubt her words. Not anymore.''

    Li Chunhua still didn''t show any sign of responding. Meng Renshu looked down in disappointment. He didn''t have much time because he came here without Li Junjie knowing. But he couldn''t force Li Chunhua to talk, either.

    "...once?"

    He immediately raised his head when he heard her voice and was dumbstruck when his gaze met her deep yet empty eyes. It was like he was gazing down on the bottomless darkness.

    For a moment, he thought that the woman in front of him was Li Caiyi, who had given up on everything and ultimately lost the light in her eyes. Words failed toe out of his mouth as he was drowned in that darkness.

    "Do you ever love her, even for once?" Li Chunhua asked in a hoarse voice.

    Love?

    Meng Renshu had always thought of Li Caiyi as his wife, his life partner. But did he ever stop to think if he loved her, for once?<sub> </sub>

    Even after mulling it over for minutes, no answer came up in his head.

    Meng Renshu was pretty sure he held some affection for Li Caiyi. She had a special and irreceable ce in his heart, and she was always there during his lowest times. Saying that he had no feelings towards her would be a total lie.

    When she rejected his advance, he was incredibly hurt and sad. It felt like she was pushing him away, and he was disappointed. If it weren''t because he was attracted to her, then there was no way he would feel that way.

    The signs have always been there, but he was too thick-headed to notice or acknowledge it.

    Meng Renshu didn''t know why he kept denying it, even though he knew deep down that he needed her in his life. Without her, he lost his sense of direction or purpose.

    ''Is that it? Do I love her, and not only because I feel obligated to think like that?''

    Meng Renshu felt that his feelings for Li Caiyi were far too deep andplicated to be defined with only the word ''love''.

    Li Chunhua looked at his conflicted face and felt her nose turn sour. "For the current you, Xiaoyi probably has be the most important person in your life. But for me, she has always been and will forever be the most important person in my life."

    "Xiaohua, youˇ­"

    "It was all a mistake. I used to be her most important person too, but everything changed when she fell in love with you. I always hated it. You took something I desire the most for granted." Li Chunhua clenched the nket covering her lower body.

    Meng Renshu was stunned. But a secondter, a weak smile appeared on his face. "I see. So that''s how it is, huh? I was too blinded by my own feelings and didn''t even realize it."

    Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua confessed to each other, and back then, he believed his feelings for her were genuine. Whenever they were together, he would envision their future together. He couldn''t wait to formally be someone who could protect her for the rest of her life.

    But then the woman in his future was reced with someone else; he couldn''t ept it.

    Li Caiyi was a virtuous wife, but she wasn''t Li Chunhua in the end. He was self-conscious of that fact, to the point he ignored the sign of changes in his feelings towards her.

    Meng Renshu chuckled dryly. "I didn''t understand when Li Junjie called me a fickle person, but I think I understand the reason now."

    "Are you disappointed after knowing the ''true love'' you believed has been false all along?" Li Chunhua asked coldly, but it strangely felt refreshing for Meng Renshu.

    Perhaps because he finally could hear directly from this woman about how she genuinely felt about him. Without deception or sweet words this time.

    "No, I wasn''t disappointed. On the contrary, I feel relieved now. Thank you, Xiaohua."

    Li Chunhua looked away in disdain. "You have a chance. But youpletely wasted it. What a fool. Poor Xiaoyi. That''s why I said only I understand and love her the most in the worldˇ­."

    Li Chunhua''s shoulder shook, and her voice trembled. She looked like she could be blown by the time anytime. Meng Renshu''s gaze softened, so he stood up and put his hand on top of her head gently.

    He didn''t say anyfort words like usual and only stroked her head several times.

    "Thank you for everything, Xiaohua. Take care of yourself. Goodbye."

    With thatst line, he cut hisst attachment to the woman in front of him and left the ward without looking back.

    Meng Renshu never went to see her anymore after that.

 Chapter 360 Announcement

    Meng Renshu opened his eyes, and his body felt heavy.

    The first thing he recognized was his room''s ceiling and the room''s darkness.

    "I dreamed about the past again," Meng Renshu muttered. At this point, he was already ustomed to it and didn''t panic anymore.

    This time he could dream about the past even without Li Caiyi by his side.

    ''Does it mean I can naturally regain my own memory from now on?''

    So far, the pieces of the dream he saw were fragmented and didn''t have a particr timeline to them.

    He could dream about one thing and continue in apletely different scene on the next one. It made him unsure as there were still a lot of missing pieces he couldn''t remember.

    One thing was for sure, he had wronged Li Caiyi in the past. And that was the reason she could never open up her heart to him anymore.

    "But what''s the point of remembering if it only makes Xiaoyi keep her distance from me?"

    Alone in his room, Meng Renshu''s mind unknowingly recalled the horror and disdain in Li Caiyi''s eyes as he looked at him. Her cold words were like a knife stabbing him in his chest.

    Everything was over. Li Caiyi knew now he was aware of what was happening, and she would never look at him the same way again.

    "I shouldn''t have told her. Although she probably won''t like me if I just pretended to know, she can''t hate me that much either." Meng Renshu pulled his hair in frustration.

    Nevertheless, what''s done couldn''t be reverted anymore. And honestly, Meng Renshu had no confidence he could keep it hidden forever from her.

    From what he knew, Li Caiyi was already suspicious of him. It was only a matter of time before everything came into the light of day.

    Not to mention, he had a feeling that he would never be able to get through to her if he pretended not to know forever. Before, there was a big wall separating them. An invisible wall which he didn''t know when and why it existed.

    Now that he remembered some part of his previous life, he began to see holes in that wall, which seemed imprable before. If he could talk to her properly and straighten the misunderstanding, would she forgive him for everything?

    "Xiaoyi even took her own life, so I bet this won''t be easy."

    But he was willing to try.

    Li Caiyi spent one lifetime chasing after him. It was his turn to chase after his wife now.

    ***

    Day passed by more peacefully than Li Caiyi thought. From Li Chunhua, she heard that Meng Renshu had returned to school, but he surprisingly behaved well. He didn''te looking for her, nor did he ever try to contact her after their visit that day.

    Li Caiyi thought that he would seek her to judge her for her rash decision in her previous life. Considering how much he hated her, it was obvious what she did could only be seen as an inconvenience for him.

    But forget about scolding her; she even had a feeling that Meng Renshu probably avoided her in thest few days. What an unexpected turn of events.

    ''Did he perhaps feel guilty for what happened to me in the past?'' Li Caiyi thought to herself as she bit on her rice.

    ''No, he is probably toozy to bother with me anymore. Now that he remembers everything, he should know that his feelings towards me are a big misunderstanding.''

    If Meng Renshu regained his memory, wouldn''t his love for Li Chunhua also awaken? She wouldn''t be surprised if he had already forgotten about her by now.<sub> </sub>

    "Come to think of it, I haven''t seen him around these days."

    Li Caiyi flinched when Feng Nian suddenly said that. "H-huh? Who are you talking about?"

    "What? Were you even listening to what we were talking about? I''m talking about her dog." Feng Nian replied while pointing at Chen Run.

    "O-oh. I see." Li Caiyi grinned sheepishly.

    "He had a bad stomach ache a few days ago and needed someone to properly look after him. He is an old dog, after all. So we let him stay with my grandparents in the meantime." Chen Run replied.

    "Hope he can get better soon." Feng Nian said sympathetically before turning her gaze to Li Caiyi. "And you, what are you getting flustered about?"

    "Nothing at all." Li Caiyi shook her head immediately.

    "Seriously, you are always spacing out. Are you perhaps thinking about what I''m thinking right now?"

    "W-what are you thinking?"

    Feng Nian smiled slyly before mming her hand onto the table. "About our school trip, of course!"

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief inwardly. For a moment, he thought Feng Nian could read her mind. "Uh, yes, of course!"

    "I know it. I wonder where we will go this year? I can''t wait for it to happen soon. Just for your information, I''m happy to go anywhere."

    Zhou Ya giggled. "Nian Nian likes traveling after all. It hasn''t been announced yet, but I bet you already packed your things."

    "Traveling is always fun when you do it with friends. This will be our first trip with Caiyi, so I''m looking forward to it even more."

    This was probably the first time Li Caiyi saw Feng Nian smile that brightly. She was the most nonchnt among them, so she rarely expressed so much interest in something like this.

    "Do you like traveling? I never know."

    "Haha, she always calls me a movie maniac, but I think it''s more strange for a person to like outdoor activity so much." Chen Run added.

    "Your obsession with movies is unhealthy. Don''t lump me in the same category as you," Feng Nian grumbled.

    "But I hope we can go somewhere cooler during this year''s school trip. Summer is already around the corner, and the weather is always zing hot outside." Zhou Ya groaned while trying to fan herself with a book.

    "You are right. Perhaps a trip to the sea or mountain will be good."

    "Stop, don''t jinx it! I''ll die if we go anywhere without an inte connection!" Chen Run nudged Li Caiyi''s side.

    ? "Anyway, if it went ordingly like thest time, the announcement should happen within this week. You should start packing your things starting now!" Feng Nian said.

    Li Caiyi chatted with her friends until lunchtime was over.

    Feng Nian''s prediction came true because an announcement about the school trip was posted on the school news board at the end of school time.

    Everyone was excited about it. Li Caiyi was no exception because this would be her first school trip with friends. Little did she know that this trip wouldn''t go as smoothly as expected.

 Chapter 361 Unsettling Feeling

    Meng Renshu opened his eyes, and his body felt heavy.

    The first thing he recognized was his room''s ceiling and the room''s darkness.

    "I dreamed about the past again," Meng Renshu muttered. At this point, he was already ustomed to it and didn''t panic anymore.

    This time he could dream about the past even without Li Caiyi by his side.

    ''Does it mean I can naturally regain my own memory from now on?''

    So far, the pieces of the dream he saw were fragmented and didn''t have a particr timeline to them.

    He could dream about one thing and continue in apletely different scene on the next one. It made him unsure as there were still a lot of missing pieces he couldn''t remember.

    One thing was for sure, he had wronged Li Caiyi in the past. And that was the reason she could never open up her heart to him anymore.

    "But what''s the point of remembering if it only makes Xiaoyi keep her distance from me?"

    Alone in his room, Meng Renshu''s mind unknowingly recalled the horror and disdain in Li Caiyi''s eyes as he looked at him. Her cold words were like a knife stabbing him in his chest.

    Everything was over. Li Caiyi knew now he was aware of what was happening, and she would never look at him the same way again.

    "I shouldn''t have told her. Although she probably won''t like me if I just pretended to know, she can''t hate me that much either." Meng Renshu pulled his hair in frustration.

    Nevertheless, what''s done couldn''t be reverted anymore. And honestly, Meng Renshu had no confidence he could keep it hidden forever from her.

    From what he knew, Li Caiyi was already suspicious of him. It was only a matter of time before everything came into the light of day.

    Not to mention, he had a feeling that he would never be able to get through to her if he pretended not to know forever. Before, there was a big wall separating them. An invisible wall which he didn''t know when and why it existed.

    Now that he remembered some part of his previous life, he began to see holes in that wall, which seemed imprable before. If he could talk to her properly and straighten the misunderstanding, would she forgive him for everything?

    "Xiaoyi even took her own life, so I bet this won''t be easy."

    But he was willing to try.

    Li Caiyi spent one lifetime chasing after him. It was his turn to chase after his wife now.

    ***

    Day passed by more peacefully than Li Caiyi thought. From Li Chunhua, she heard that Meng Renshu had returned to school, but he surprisingly behaved well. He didn''te looking for her, nor did he ever try to contact her after their visit that day.

    Li Caiyi thought that he would seek her to judge her for her rash decision in her previous life. Considering how much he hated her, it was obvious what she did could only be seen as an inconvenience for him.

    But forget about scolding her; she even had a feeling that Meng Renshu probably avoided her in thest few days. What an unexpected turn of events.

    ''Did he perhaps feel guilty for what happened to me in the past?'' Li Caiyi thought to herself as she bit on her rice.

    ''No, he is probably toozy to bother with me anymore. Now that he remembers everything, he should know that his feelings towards me are a big misunderstanding.''

    If Meng Renshu regained his memory, wouldn''t his love for Li Chunhua also awaken? She wouldn''t be surprised if he had already forgotten about her by now.<sub> </sub>

    "Come to think of it, I haven''t seen him around these days."

    Li Caiyi flinched when Feng Nian suddenly said that. "H-huh? Who are you talking about?"

    "What? Were you even listening to what we were talking about? I''m talking about her dog." Feng Nian replied while pointing at Chen Run.

    "O-oh. I see." Li Caiyi grinned sheepishly.

    "He had a bad stomach ache a few days ago and needed someone to properly look after him. He is an old dog, after all. So we let him stay with my grandparents in the meantime." Chen Run replied.

    "Hope he can get better soon." Feng Nian said sympathetically before turning her gaze to Li Caiyi. "And you, what are you getting flustered about?"

    "Nothing at all." Li Caiyi shook her head immediately.

    "Seriously, you are always spacing out. Are you perhaps thinking about what I''m thinking right now?"

    "W-what are you thinking?"

    Feng Nian smiled slyly before mming her hand onto the table. "About our field trip, of course!"

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief inwardly. For a moment, he thought Feng Nian could read her mind. "Uh, yes, of course!"

    "I know it. I wonder where we will go this year? I can''t wait for it to happen soon. Just for your information, I''m happy to go anywhere."

    Zhou Ya giggled. "Nian Nian likes traveling after all. It hasn''t been announced yet, but I bet you already packed your things."

    "Traveling is always fun when you do it with friends. This will be our first trip with Caiyi, so I''m looking forward to it even more."

    This was probably the first time Li Caiyi saw Feng Nian smile that brightly. She was the most nonchnt among them, so she rarely expressed so much interest in something like this.

    "Do you like traveling? I never know."

    "Haha, she always calls me a movie maniac, but I think it''s more strange for a person to like outdoor activity so much." Chen Run added.

    "Your obsession with movies is unhealthy. Don''t lump me in the same category as you," Feng Nian grumbled.

    "But I hope we can go somewhere cooler during this year''s field trip. Summer is already around the corner, and the weather is always zing hot outside." Zhou Ya groaned while trying to fan herself with a book.

    "You are right. Perhaps a trip to the sea or mountain will be good."

    "Stop, don''t jinx it! I''ll die if we go anywhere without an inte connection!" Chen Run nudged Li Caiyi''s side.

    <o>,m "Anyway, if it went ordingly like thest time, the announcement should happen within this week. You should start packing your things starting now!" Feng Nian said.</o>

    Li Caiyi chatted with her friends until lunchtime was over.

    Feng Nian''s prediction came true because an announcement about the school trip was posted on the school news board at the end of school time.

    Everyone was excited about it. Li Caiyi was no exception because this would be her first field trip with friends. Little did she know that this field trip wouldn''t go as smoothly as expected.

 Chapter 362 This Is My House

    The twins entered the Li family household while chatting happily. It had been a few weeks since Li Caiyi returned home.

    Their garden was filled with fresh flowers and looked unusually pleasing in her eyes. The curtain, table cloth, and sofa color were also changed from thest time she visited. The furniture arrangements were different too.

    This difference brought a sense of disorientation to her. She thought she had entered the wrong house at first.

    "What do you think? Mom and I thought about this forever. We felt that our house looked too boring in the past, so we made some changes. To give a different feeling."

    "This is wonderful." Li Caiyi said sincerely while admiring how the color theme perfectly matched the creamy-coloured wall. Not to mention, the new furniture arrangement made the room look more spacious too.

    "Hehe, I put a lot of thinking into this. I should say, the end result is not that bad." Li Chunhua puffed her chest proudly.

    "You did a good job, Xiaohua. I remember you are always good at stuff like this. Remember that dollhouse we had when we were children? Isn''t that decorated single-handedly by you?"

    "Oh yeah, I remember that! Well, I hate it when the room looks boring. A boring room will lower the motivation of people standing in it."

    Li Caiyi nced at her sister''s face sadly. She understood why Li Chunhua developed such a mindset. She was too used to staying in the hospital, which made her despise its white, dull color. Li Chunhua was a kid that loved bright and vibrant colors, so it made sense why their front entrance looked very lively now.

    Perhaps because Li Chunhua has opened up her heart to other people besides her family in this lifetime and became brighter, she didn''t have her episode that frequently anymore.

    Smiling as she stared at her sister''s back, Li Caiyi quickly followed behind her.

    But her steps paused when she saw a certain figure standing in the middle of the living room. From his widened eyes, it seemed he was equally shocked to see Li Caiyi around the house around this time.

    "Brother Renshu!" Li Chunhua eximed happily as she ran and gave him a hug.

    Meng Renshu quickly snapped out of his trance and smiled at Li Chunhua. "Come on, you are not a child anymore. This kind of greeting is outdated."

    "But this is the first time I have seen you since west visited your house. How many days since that day? 3 or 5 days? Anyway, I miss you so much!"

    "Haha, you are really adorable like always," Meng Renshu sneakily nced at Li Caiyi before carefully adding, like he was giving an excuse, "Junjie said Auntie wants to meet me, so I came here today."

    "That''s right! Mom always says she wants to thank you for all your help with matters regarding fatˇŞI mean that man-who-shall-not-be-named. But where is Mom and Big Brother?" Li Chunhua took a step away from him and looked around.

    "It seems Auntie is out shopping, and Junjie is changing in his room right now."

    Li Caiyi absentmindedly listened to their conversation. She could hear them, but it was like their voices went through her head just like that immediately.

    She felt a bit happy about being able to return home after some time, but after seeing Meng Renshu''s face, that mood dampened.

    Meng Renshu was also vaguely aware of Li Caiyi''s hostility towards him and gulped nervously. Actually, he nned to talk with her as soon as he could. But, whenever their eyes met, or he glimpsed her figure in the hallway, his body always avoided her faster than he could think.<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu couldn''t help but recall theirst conversation on his room''s balcony. Including her cold words and her gaze filled with hate, pain, and disappointment directed at him.

    It made him reluctant to call out to her first. But who would have guessed that the chance would present itself in front of him?

    Because of this, there was a heavy awkwardness in the air when they finally met again. The air felt cold and stifling around them. Not even Li Chunhua''s brightness could liven it up.

    Meng Renshu cleared away his throat before forcing an awkward smile toe out. "Xiaoyi, how are you?"

    Li Caiyi raised her chin and answered curtly. "I''m fine."

    "O-oh. Are you here to see Auntie too?"

    "This is my house," Li Caiyi replied with a ridiculing tone which clearly questioned his IQ.

    Meng Renshuughed dryly. "Yeah, you are right. That''s a stupid question. Sorry."

    Li Caiyi rolled her eyes and walked past them fast. "Xiaohua, I will go upstairs first. Come after you have finished talking."

    Before she could take the first step on the stairs, someone pulled her hand from behind. Li Chiayi jerked her head back to find Meng Renshu standing behind her with an unwilling expression.

    "Xiaoyi, please don''t go just yet." He said pleadingly.

    Li Caiyi looked down at his hand while covering hers, and a wave of nausea hit her. She tried to pull it out, but Meng Renshu''s grip was too firm. She red at him before hissing, "Let go of me. Who says you can touch me however you please?"

    "I have something I want to tell you, Xiaoyi. Can you please just give me some of your time?"

    "No, I don''t want to hear anythinging from you. Let go of my hand this instant!" Li Caiyi became even more furious now.

    Meng Renshu bit his lips. It was painful to see a deep grudge and hate in her eyes. Although he knew he deserved it, it didn''t make it any less hurt.

    "Eh, Brother Renshu? I think you should let go of Xiaoyi first. Why are you guys fighting again? If there is some misunderstanding, let''s talk about it calmly, okay?" Li Chunhua stepped forward and tried to mediate between the two. She was confused and torn between which to support, but the situation wouldn''t end well if this continued.

    Meng Renshu looked up, and Li Caiyi averted her gaze immediately, refusing to have eye contact with him. Dejected by her response, he eventually loosened his grip.

    Seeing her chance, Li Caiyi hastily pried off her hand from his and ran upstairs like she was chased by a monster.

    Meanwhile, Li Chunhua, who was left behind with Meng Renshu, could only look at the older boy sympathetically before chasing after her sister.

    Checking on Li Caiyi''s condition was always her first priority.

 Chapter 363 Reopening The Old Wound

    Li Chunhua tip-toed and pushed Li Caiyi''s room door slowly. She saw her sister currently throwing her stuff haphazardly into a medium-sized bag with a hooded expression. Anyone could tell she was in a bad mood from how she roughly treated her things.

    "Xiaoyi, do you need my help?" Li Chunhua asked hesitantly, but it fell on deaf ears.

    The air was heavy, and Li Chunhua felt scared to initiate the conversation first. She could tell that her sister was pissed off with Meng Renshu somehow, though she didn''t know what happened between them.

    At first, Li Chunhua was happy because it meant one lesspetition for her to be the closest person to Li Caiyi, but now everything was awkward.

    Moreover, Li Chunhua felt bad for Meng Renshu. He looked devastated when she left him earlier.

    "Hey, Xiaoyi. Did something happen between you and Brother Renshu again? It''s not like you tosh out like that."

    SLAM!

    Li Chunhua jumped when Li Caiyi mmed some stuff into her bag again. The older twin turned her head towards her, and Li Chunhua almost could see the horn growing on her sister''s head. Li Chunhua gulped, sensing the iing danger.

    "Spill it out. Is this your n or Brother Jie''s n again?"

    "Eh?"

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes dangerously. "Don''t y dumb with me. How can he coincidentally be here on the same day when Ie home?"

    The younger twin was pressured by her re and quickly raised both of his hands in front of her body in defense. "C-calm down, Xiaoyi. I swear I never n anything behind your back. I-If I lie, I will get struck by lightning now!"

    Li Caiyi scoffed skeptically, but at least she didn''t re at her anymore. "It''s hard for me to believe that this is just a mere coincidence, but I guess I can trust you. This is probably Brother Jie being meddlesome again. God, why can''t he just leave me alone?"

    Li Chunhua flinched again, sensing the pure anger emanating from her twin. Li Caiyi seemed to have some dissatisfaction with their brother for a reason she wasn''t aware of. After living in different ces, Li Caiyi felt even more distant from her, making her lonely.

    Gently so as not to provoke her, Li Chunhua reached out to squeeze her sister''s hand. "I understand. Brother Jie went overboard this time, so I will scold him for youter. Don''t frown anymore, okay?"

    Li Caiyi: "..."

    Li Caiyi''s facial expression considerably softened at her sister''s coaxing despite herck of response. Li Chunhua took the chance to give her a warm hug.

    "Xiaoyi is having a hard time just as it is. Big Brother really is too much this time!"

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer, but she slowly wrapped her arm around Li Chunhua. Thetter''s heart fluttered at this closeness. It had been a while since she had her sister for herself. There was no way she would miss this chance!

    "Xiaoyi, yourplexion doesn''t look well. Are you sure you are okay?"

    "I don''t know. Maybe I feel exhausted," Li Caiyi wiped the non-existent sweat on her forehead. "I have a lot of things to think abouttely."

    "Do you want to talk about it? You might feel better after letting it all out."

    "No, I''m fine. This is a problem I have to face by myself," Li Caiyi smiled before patting her sister''s head. "Thank you for worrying about me. Shall we pack our things now?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua still looked worried, but she chose not to say anything for now. "En. If you said so. I''ll help you pack yours first."

    Both girls began busying themselves with stuff they needed for the trip. Their destination this time was K City, with a lot of tourist attractions in it.

    Li Chunhua remembered where Li Caiyi put her stuff, so it didn''t take long before they finished with Li Caiyi''s stuff. Then, they moved to Li Chunhua''s room.

    While choosing the good pajamas to bring, Li Chunhua asked again. "Xiaoyi, you still haven''t made up with Brother Renshu yet?"

    Li Caiyi, who was responsible for sorting Li Chunhua''s medicine into small boxes, halted when she heard that. She smiled, but Li Chunhua could tell it was a forced one.

    "What are you talking about? We didn''t even fight in the first ce."

    "Xiaoyi, you can''t fool me. There is something wrong between the two of you. And I''m sure it''s not about something petty like bing his partner for party anymore."

    "Xiaohua, can we not talk about this?" Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation.

    "No. If something is bothering you, then I want to know. How can I help if I know nothing about it?"

    "There''s nothing you need to help me for. I''m fine, and this is my own problem." Li Caiyi smiled again. "Don''t worry, and let''s just finish packing up your things, alright?"

    Li Chunhua pursed her lips, clearly unwilling to give up. "You are so bad, Xiaoyi."

    "Ah? What is this so sudden?"

    "When ites to something important, you never tell me anything. I always have to know it from someone else first, while you know everything about me. It''s also like that about your rtionship with Dai Zhiqiang. I looked silly when I denied that rumor, because I believe you will tell me first when something important like that happens. This is so unfair; I hate it."

    Li Caiyi listened to her sister''sint and felt conflicted inside. She really didn''t want to deal with this right now.

    "I''m sorry for making you worry, Xiaohua. But I really can''t tell you anything right now. I promise when I finallye to terms with various things, you will be the first to know."

    "Promise?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "I promise."

    After listening to that, the younger twin wasn''t wholly convinced, but she didn''t feel as bad. With a restrained smile, she continued, "Don''t you think you should resolve your problem with Brother Renshu as quickly as possible? I feel bad looking at him so dejected every time. After you talk it out, he will note to pester you as often, so it''s a win-win solution."

    If it was that easy, Li Caiyi would do it without hesitation. The problem was that she couldn''t think straight whenever she saw Meng Renshu. Ugly feelings locked inside her threatened to spill, and once they leaked, there would be no stopping her anymore.

    She just wanted to forget about everything. She didn''t understand why Meng Renshu insisted on reopening the old wound when they could live happily on their own path this time.

    If he hated her, then he shouldn''t bother with her anymore.

 Chapter 364 Mesmerized By Her

    The twins spent the rest of the afternoon ying in Li Chunhua''s room. They yed mobile games and talked about various things. Although Li Chunhua seemed to be against talking about Dai Zhiqiang, she was calm when Li Caiyi spoke about her friends, unlike before.

    "So you will have your first session starting this week?"

    Li Chunhua hugged the pillow in her arms tighter. "En. I don''t know what to feel about this. Should I look forward to it, or should I feel worried about it?"

    Li Caiyi grabbed her hand with a warm smile on her face. "Neither. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine. You are on the right track, and I will support you just like promised."

    "Right! It''s my first time, so I got confused a little. There is nothing to do even if I mull over it."

    "That''s the spirit. I''m so proud of you."

    "If you are, will you pat me on the head?" Li Chunhua shoved her head in her sister''s way.

    Li Caiyiughed seeing her twin''s cuteness and stroked her head several times, making her purr in satisfaction.

    "What should I do with you? You are like a spoiled kitten." Li Caiyi said. Half helpless and half-amused.

    "Hehe, I feel better whenever you pat my head. Please pat my head more."

    Their giggle could be heard outside the room. Su Suyin, who stood behind the door, smiled before pushing the door open. "Girls, dinner is ready. Would you minding down now?"

    "Yes, Mom/Mother!"

    The three of them went to the dining room on the first floor. Li Caiyi thought she would only see her brother downstairs, but Meng Renshu was still there. After spending quality time with her sister, her mood had just turned better, but it was dampened again just looking at his face.

    Faced with displeasure in the girl''s eyes, Meng Renshu, who sat beside Li Junjie, grimaced.

    Li Caiyi''s disdain was so apparent that Li Junjie couldn''t help but intervene so as not to make the situation awkward.

    "What are you doing just standing there? Don''t you want to eat dinner? Mother has spent a lot of effort making these for you."

    Li Caiyi red at Li Junjie. She was tempted to refuse the dinner invitation and leave but stopped herself.

    She nced at the sumptuous meal on top of the table. Almost all of them were her favorite, showing Su Suyin''s effort in this.

    There was no way she could leave after seeing these. So she reluctantly sat down on the only seat left, which ironically was on the opposite side of the person she liked to avoid the most today.

    "It''s very rare to have everyone gather here. Thank you, Renshu, for epting my request toe today." Su Suyin was the first to break the ice.

    "Auntie, please don''t say that. Naturally, I will visit you like this. Isn''t it always like that?" Meng Renshu responded kindly. He didn''t look out of the ce sitting with the Li family, and she had aplex feeling inside.

    ''So it wasn''t Brother Jie who called him here?''

    Li Caiyi nced at Li Junjie, who showed no interest in partaking in any current conversation. He just sat there and waited for everyone to start eating.<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaoyi, how are you these days?"

    Everyone shifted their attention to her hearing Su Suyin''s question, including Meng Renshu.

    "I''m fine, and the school is fun too, Mother."

    "Your grade is improving, and your book is doing pretty well, I heard? Congrattions, Xiaoyi. Mother made a lot of your favorite dishes today. Eat a lot."

    Li Caiyi''s heart warmed. Su Suyin was against her decision to publish a book before, but now she wanted to celebrate it. It meant a lot for her, having her mother acknowledge her, so Li Caiyi was extremely ted.

    Meng Renshu, who sat across from Li Caiyi, felt his heart flutter seeing that soft smile on her lips. A slight blush colored her white skin, and the happiness that emanated from her made her face glow.

    It was so beautiful that Meng Renshu wanted to caress her face.

    He had never seen Li Caiyi this happy before. To think she would be that pleased hearing congrattory remarks from her mother, how much must she have craved for that in her previous life?

    Nobody knew she had published one of the best-selling books in the country. Not even herself. He wondered if she would be happier if she knew. Would she smile beautifully like that again if he told her about it?

    "Renshu, are you listening?"

    "Ah? Huh?"

    Meng Renshu snapped out of his reverie when he felt a nudge on his side. That was when he realized that Li Junjie was staring at him strangely.

    "We can start eating now. Stop staring, or you will melt her skin. Move your chopsticks instead."

    Thankfully, Li Junjie didn''t say that loudly, so only he could hear it. However, knowing that his friend caught him staring longingly at her sister still made the young man''s heart race in embarrassment.

    "Y-you didn''t see anything."

    "Sure, if you said so." Li Junjie replied with a light teasing in his tone. Meng Renshu wanted to smack him so bad.

    p Meng Renshu watched how Li Caiyi interacted with her family. He never paid too much attention before, but after Li Jirong left, the atmosphere got considerably lighter now. Even Li Junjie would speak from time to time.</anda>

    Meng Renshu used to eat alone, or in the rare chance he could eat with his family, he had to eat in a perfect manner. This sight was refreshing for him, especially how Li Caiyi wouldugh freely from time to time.

    His eyes and ears were mesmerized by the scene. He couldn''t take his eyes off her, and her smile was contagious. It brought a smile to his lips as well.

    ''So she canugh like that too. She is beautiful.''

    Meng Renshu thought he could watch her forever, but his imagination was cut short when the person he watched suddenly red menacingly at him and hissed.

    "Stop staring at me, or I''ll gouge your eyes out."

 Chapter 365 Forced Them To Talk

    "Stop staring at me, or I''ll gouge your eyes out."

    "Cough!"

    Right after those threatening words left Li Caiyi''s mouth uncontrobly, Su Suyin, who was choking on her soup, coughed violently.

    "Mom!" Li Chunhua quickly fetched a ss of water and gave it to her, and after a while, her cough subsided. Nevertheless, she gave Li Caiyi a reprimanding look.

    "Xiaoyi, what kind of attitude have you shown to Renshu? That''s really rude of you!"

    Li Caiyi grimaced. Honestly, she really didn''t mean to say that out loud. She just couldn''t stand his intense gaze on her anymore. It felt like he was appraising her, and it offended her.

    "I''m sorry, Mother. I meant it as a joke, but I guessed it came out differently."

    "Jokes or not, the one you should apologize to is Renshu, not me. Apologize to him this instant!"

    When Li Jirong was no longer here, Su Suyin feared no one and scolded her kids ordingly. Pressured by her urging re, Li Caiyi could only resign herself.

    "Brother Renshu, I''m sorry. I was just joking. Please don''t put it into the heart."

    "Xiaoyi, of course, I know you are only joking. Don''t worry about it." Meng Renshu smiled awkwardly and nced at Su Suyin and Li Caiyi alternately, as though he was conflicted about something.

    Li Caiyi''s brows furrowed at his strange action, while Su Suyin sensed something was amiss. In her eyes, Li Caiyi was a calm and reasonable kid, so she couldn''t believe that child would say something like that without reason.

    "Renshu, did you have a fight with Xiaoyi?" Su Suyin asked carefully.

    Before Li Caiyi could reply, Meng Renshu had gotten ahead of her.

    "Auntieˇ­ It''s really not a fight, but I''m afraidˇ­." Meng Renshu blinked his eyes a few times sadly, which made him look pitiful. He eyed Li Caiyi reluctantly before averting his eyes.

    No one would think nothing had happened when he acted like that. Li Caiyi was confident that Meng Renshu was up to something again when Su Suyin coaxed him gently.

    "You can tell Auntie everything, Renshu. I promised I would not scold her without listening to her side of the story too."

    Su Suyin squinted her eyes at Li Caiyi, and thetter knew her mother hadpletely misunderstood the whole situation.

    "Mother, there is nothing happenedˇŞ"

    "Xiaoyi, I''m asking Renshu right now. I will talk to you after this."

    There was nothing she could say when her mother put it like that. Seeing his chance, Meng Renshu spoke again in a dejected manner.

    "Auntie, please don''t me her. I also don''t know why Xiaoyi behaved like this to me in thest few days. We grew up together, and I thought we would always have a close rtionship. But I guess it''s impossible after all, considering our age. Our rtionship will be bound to estrange."

    Meng Renshu paused before sighing dramatically.

    "It''s just sad that she won''t look at me the same way she used to anymore. However, if there is a reason for that, I want to know."<sub> </sub>

    "Have you done talking?" Li Caiyi couldn''t believe what she had just heard. He clearly knew why she behaved this way, but the way he said it indirectly implied that Li Caiyi was the core of the problem.

    ''This man should just go into the entertainment industry and be an actor with his acting!''

    "Xiaoyi! Sit down!" Su Suyin reprimanded sternly this time. Her face expressed displeasure all over. "Renshu has done so much for you and our family. No matter what kind of problem transpired between you two, shouldn''t you at least consider that?"

    Li Caiyi groaned inwardly. She tried to speak, but Su Suyin raised her hand, signalling she didn''t want to hear her excuses.

    "No more of this. If there is a problem between you two, you should talk this out between yourself." Su Suyin shifted her gaze to Meng Renshu, and it was considerably softer than when she talked to Li Caiyi.

    "Renshu, please don''t mind it. You know Xiaoyi is not a willful child. I believe she must have a reason for this."

    Li Caiyi swore she could see the glint of victory in Meng Renshu''s eyes before he raised his head again.

    "Auntie, I believe so too. If only I could have some time to talk to her, I would know what kind of misunderstanding Xiaoyi has about me."

    "Of course, then how about we leave you two alone after the dinner. I''m sure both of you have a lot to talk about."

    "Mother!" Li Caiyi rose from her seat. She couldn''t be more unwilling to spend time alone with Meng Renshu in the same room.

    Su Suyin, who knew nothing about their circumstances, couldn''t understand her daughter''s fluster and looked at her sharply.

    "I will hear no rejection or excuses from you anymore, Xiaoyi. Remember what I said before; you shouldn''t take Renshu''s kindness for granted. He genuinely wants to make up with you, so at least hear him out before you start throwing a tantrum."

    Li Caiyi really wanted to scream in frustration, but looking at the ze in Su Suyin''s eyes, she knew there was no way out of this.

    That was how Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu ended up in the current situation. They moved to the study room while everyone left to continue their own activities.

    Li Chunhua nced worriedly at Li Caiyi, but she was helplessly dragged away under Li Junjie''s urging.

    Li Caiyi watched how the person in front of her calmly sat while sipping warm tea that Su Suyin prepared for them without any care for her difort.

    ''I knew it. He is really a cunning bastard deep inside. All those hesitation and gloominess I saw before from him were just an illusion. I must be a fool to think he feels slightly bad for whatever happened to me in the past,'' Li Caiyi thought.

    Her eyes were glued to his elegant form as he put the cup down and folded his legs in a rxed manner.

    "We finally have the space and time for ourselves."

    Li Caiyi flinched. A sense of nervousness hit her when she realized once again that the one sitting in front of him wasn''t the same teenager Meng Renshu she had faced a few times before this.

    She could feel the difference in how he stared sharply at her, like measuring her worth from up to down. It sent shivers all over her body.

    Nevertheless, Li Caiyi refused to show weakness in front of him. She wasn''t the same weak woman who could only weep andment her fate anymore.

    "It''s an honor that someone as capable as you will even resort to this kind of trick to have some time alone with me. What kind of wind brings this grace to me?" Li Caiyi said mockingly, without bothering to hide her hostility.

 Chapter 366 Never Wanted To Separate With You (1)

    Meng Renshu snickered darkly. "You finally showed your true color after finding out the truth. I''m amazed you can hide so much hate and anger from me all this time."

    "Why, of course. After all, I didn''t spend years by your side for nothing. Acting in the opposite of what you feel inside is your speciality. I should be thankful to you for showing me the way." Li Caiyi smiled coldly. Her tone was gentle, but her words wereced with poison everywhere.

    Meng Renshu almost couldn''t help but snort in amusement. The sight of Li Caiyi trying to dig her w and fang at him was interesting for him, who was used to her kindness and indulgence.

    Although he knew she was seriously hating him right now, he still found her retort lovely.

    "I''m ttered you think so. As a husband, I feel proud that my wife follows my steps closely."

    Li Caiyi''s countenance turned uglier at the mention of their past rtionship. She clenched her hands tightly under the table. A sickening feeling swam in her gut, seeing him mentioning those things lightly after how he abandoned her mercilessly.

    "Meng Renshu, are you resorting to this petty trick to reminisce about the past to me? If you have something to say, then say it out loud."

    Meng Renshu''s eyes twitched when Li Caiyi suddenly used his full name to address him. But a secondter, ayer of frost covered his usually warm gaze.

    "What if I said that''s exactly what I want to do? There are a lot of things that we have to speak about."

    "Seriously? What changes would it bring even if we talked about it? We both have our new lives and future ahead. So let''s just pretend we don''t know each other from now on and not cross each other anymore in this life."

    "I refuse."

    Li Caiyi could feel her blood pressure rising while talking with a thick-skinned person like him.

    "Is this your way of revenge? Because I ruined everything in our previous life, you want to get back at me by ruining my life this time?"

    Meng Renshu stared at her without words. His face was rigid and betrayed no emotion. Looking at him like this reminded her a lot of the adult Meng Renshu who used to stand by the side, watching her fend for herself as everyone pointed their fingers at her.

    She was so agitated and angry before, but now her heart was like a frozenke in the winter.

    "You might not know and care about it, but I also have my fair share of difficulties in my previous life. I will not hold you responsible for anything, so I hope you can let the past go too. Let''s just treat it as a horrible nightmare and move on. You don''t have to worry because I will never use my previous life knowledge to hinder your way."

    "Xiaoyi."

    A word from him was enough to stop her from bbering. Raising her head, she found Meng Renshu staring at her intensely. It was the same stare he gave her when he asked her to tell him everything he knew about Li Junjie''s n the other day.

    It was very distant, mixed with traces of regret and a sense of futility. Like he was looking past through her and saw something else.

    "I never had such a thought about you. And I never med you for everything that happened in the past. Don''t think too much."

    "If you aren''t ming me, what else do you want to talk to me about?"<sub> </sub>

    "Let me tell you this first. Although I said I remember the past, my memories are actually very fragmented, and I still haven''t regained every piece yet."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in surprise. "What? So you didn''t have aplete memory of it? How much did you remember?"

    Meng Renshu nodded. "That''s why, although I can''t understand theplete reason you want to avoid me like the gue, I at least know you have driven into the corner because of my distrust."

    Li Caiyi averted her eyes, refusing to have eye contact with Meng Renshu. "We should just forget itˇŞ"

    "I can''t, and I don''t want to forget."

    "Why are you so hung up about it?"

    Meng Renshu closed her eyes slowly. "It was a reminder of my sin that I should never forget. Xiaoyi, I know this iste, but I''m very sorry for everything."

    Li Caiyi jerked her head in surprise at his sudden apology, and her mouth gaped even wider when she saw him bowing his head to her. "What are you doing right now?"

    "I sincerely wanted to apologize to you. You don''t have to forgive me, but let me say this much. I''m sorry for doubting you and hurting you so much in the past."

    At a loss on what to say, Li Caiyi could only blink her eyes in disbelief. She never thought that cold and prideful Meng Renshu would ever bow his head to her like this.

    It was her first time seeing him bow his head to anyone in both of her lives.

    "Stop that. I don''t need you to apologize to me," Li Caiyi rubbed her forearm as a strange feeling filled her chest.

    Meng Renshu returned to his previous posture before leaning forward to look at her better. "You are still so soft, even though I have prepared myself to receive a few ps on my face or some hot tea spilt on me."

    She would be lying if she said she wasn''t tempted, but that wasn''t the issue now.

    At least with this, she knew that Meng Renshu wasn''t actually plotting anything against her. He looked calm, almost peaceful even, with no resentment or grudge toward her.

    This eliminated any thought of a horrendous revenge plot he coulde up for her. Li Caiyi refused to be his friend, but she certainly didn''t want to be on his bad side either. Only loss and suffering would await her if she challenged Meng Renshu straight on.

    Li Caiyi put her hands together and squeezed them tightly. "I didn''t want any apology or redemption, nor did I hope for reconciliation between us. I just want to live happily for myself this time. My father is not here anymore, so I doubt there will be any engagement between the two families now. Rest assured because there will be nothing that can tie the two of us together this time."

    "I see. You must be happy about that," Meng Renshu smiled mirthlessly. "But hearing you say thatst sentence makes me sad."

    "Ah?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion.

    "Xiaoyi, I never wanted to go separate ways with you."

 Chapter 367 Never Wanted To Separate With You (2)

    Stunned by his words, Li Caiyi''s heart almost stopped for a moment.

    In her opinion, all of Meng Renshu''s affection towards her stemmed from guilt and misunderstanding. Now that he had regained his memories, he should be clear of who was the one he loved the most in the world and snap out from his confusion.

    Yet he still said that. Li Caiyi couldn''t understand what was going on in his head.

    "Do you realize what you are saying right now? You know that is like a love confession to me, right?"

    "Of course. That''s why I said that."

    "Then why are you doing that?"

    "Why else? Because I like you." Meng Renshu said in a matter-of-fact tone, further confusing Li Caiyi.

    "Didn''t you say you remember some pieces of the past? Did you forget Xiaohua is the love of your life?"

    Meng Renshu''s face darkened, and it was almost like he was pissed when she said that. "You are still saying that? How often do I have to tell you before you understand that I have no romantic feelings toward Xiaohua anymore?"

    "I mean, how am I supposed to believe that after what I have been through?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t mean to be sarcastic when she said that, but Meng Renshu''s frown deepened as he gave her a warning look.

    "I admitted that I once held some feelings for her, but the moment we got married, I stopped entertaining that feeling. Although our marriage didn''t happen because of love, I have always respected you as my wife."

    Looking at how Meng Renshu said those things righteously made Li Caiyi snort. She didn''t want to care or think about past events, but hearing him saying that ignited various unpleasant emotions to build up inside her, to the point she couldn''t help but be spiteful about it.

    "If you were trying to tell a joke, congrattions, you seeded. I''m sorry, but I probably misremember you as someone else because the person I married was certainly different from what you said. Not even close!"

    "Xiaoyi, you might not believe me, but that''s the truth." Meng Renshu said weakly. Sadness and regret were prominent in his eyes. "I was too stubborn and prideful to reach out to you first, but what I wanted since the beginning has always been the same. I want to live happily with you until we grow old."

    When she heard his confession, Li Caiyi knew this conversation would end badly.

    She dug her nails into her palm, trying not to jump forward and attack that handsomely pretty face. After he abandoned her ruthlessly in the past, the nerve of him to talk like that!

    What she wanted wasn''t revenge or seeking redemption from him. She just wanted him to leave her alone. If only he didn''t say such things and forcefully opened the perfectly sealed box deep inside her heart, then she wouldn''t feel miserable like this.

    "Have you had enough?" Li Caiyi asked in a dangerously low voice. She forcefully suppressed the anger which threatened to make tears spill from her eyes and continued, "Meng Renshu, I have no interest in looking back to the past, so I''d appreciate it if you don''t bring it up carelessly in front of me."

    Meng Renshu studied her expression and said firmly, "No. I think you need to hear this. Xiaoyi, everything you think happened between Xiaohua and me was false. Although I did find herpanyfortable, I never crossed the line I shouldn''t."

    "So what? You wanted me to grovel and thank you for that?" Li Caiyi sneered. "It didn''t change the fact that you neglected me many times to apany her."

    ''I hate this so much. I should stop. Please don''t say anymore.''

    "Xiaoyi, I rarelye home because I can''t face you properly after our first night. Since you hated me so much you trembled at the sight of me, I thought I should keep my distance from you. I was drunk that night, but I genuinely believed our feelings were mutual, and we both enjoyed it."

    "Ha. What a joke. You don''t even know anything."<sub> </sub>

    "Yes. I was a fool for not remembering my mistake that night. Anything I said right now will sound like an excuse, but I never took you as Xiaohua''s substitute. That night, I touched you because it was you."

    Meng Renshu gazed at her earnestly, like he was trying to convey every bit of his sincerity. Li Caiyi was initially shocked, knowing he remembered what happened that night. But she soon let out self-mockingughter.

    "Even if what you said is true, there is no turning back to the past. Meng Renshu, there is no point bringing up that now, don''t you think?"

    "I know. But I don''t want you to keep misunderstanding my feelings towards you."

    ''I should really stop. There is no use talking about this. I don''t want to feel this horrible feeling again.''

    Li Caiyi repeated those lines in her head, trying to convince herself. If she let this continue, she would demand an exnation for every little thing in the end.

    She knew that, yet she couldn''t resist the urge to ask a question that had always been a thorn in her flesh.

    "Why did you abandon me in the end, then?"

    Meng Renshu had a painful expression on his face. He closed his eyes as he hung his head low. "That''s not it."

    "The handwriting in that divorce paper is undoubtedly yours. You said you want to live happily with me until we grow old, but the reality is you always have thought of divorcing me. Meng Renshu, do you take me for a fool?"

    <o>,m Meng Renshu had so much to say to her. So much feeling he wanted to convey. But at this moment, faced with Li Caiyi''s heartbroken face, he couldn''t utter any words.</o>

    The past Li Caiyi ovepped with her teenager self in front of him, and a piercing pain assaulted his heart.

    Even though the divorce was initiated by Meng Shuchun, if he didn''t keep that divorce paper with his signature inside his study room, that tragedy would never have happened. He should have ripped that paper or burned it while he had a chance.

    Why did everything have to end like that? Meng Renshu regretted it so much that he wanted to bang his head on the wall every time he recalled the worst choice in his life, which cost him the life of the most precious person.

    Li Caiyi swallowed the bitterness in her throat and took a deep breath. His silence was all confirmation she needed.

    "Now you understand why it''s useless to talk about this?"

    There was no anger or reprimand in her tone. Only exhaustion and resignation. Meng Renshu''s heart felt like it was ripped into pieces.

    "Meng Renshu, let''s just stop. Please let me live this time. I beg you." Li Caiyi implored softly before she rose from her seat and walked out of the room.

    Left without words, Meng Renshu put his head on the table with a hooded expression. That girl probably didn''t know how much damage she had brought upon him.

    Li Caiyi not only defeated him but crushed him to the ground.

    "She sure knows how to break a man''s heart in the most hurtful way. What a vicious woman."

    Meng Renshu let out a self-deprecatingugh in the still and silent room.

 Chapter 368 Where Is He (Again)?

    Day passed by, and it was already the school trip day in the blink of an eye. Unlike her friends, Li Caiyi could hardly think about which ce to visit because her head was upied by her conversations with Meng Renshu the other day.

    She was too distraught that day to think clearly, but after she calmed down, she realized how little she knew about Meng Renshu. Too afraid to hear the answer, Li Caiyi never faced him properly, which resulted in their estranged rtionship.

    [I want to live happily with you until we grow old.]

    [I don''t want you to keep misunderstanding my feeling toward you]

    [I never take you as Xiaohua''s substitute]

    Those words echoed in her head non-stop, making her doubtful. She was so busy trying to protect her heart that she didn''t bother to find out about Meng Renshu''s true feelings. And from his expression that day, it didn''t seem he was lying.

    Li Caiyi shook her head, trying to shake away those unnecessary thoughts. She pped her cheeks a few times to get her mind out of the gutter.

    ''No use thinking about that. Just focus on your current life. You have worked hard to reach this point, so don''t backtrack now.''

    "Caiyi, is he not here yet?"

    Li Caiyi turned her head to a familiar voice and saw Feng Nian standing beside her while spreading her gaze around.

    They were currently standing in the school yard where all students gathered, and everyone wore the student''s gym uniform, so it was hard to find someone among the crowd.

    "It''s about time to depart, but where is your boyfriend?"

    Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously. She wanted to know about that too.

    Dai Zhiqiang said he would participate in the school trip, but she couldn''t find him among all the students there. She tried to reach him and even waited for him at the school gate. But not even his shadow could be seen after waiting for half an hour.

    "Did he probably get the date or assembly time wrong?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, that can''t be. I made sure to call and remind himst night. I''m worried something happened to him on the road."

    After Meng Renshu''s interference, those debt collectors never showed up around the school anymore, but Li Caiyi was still worried. Dai Zhiqiang was strong, but he was still one person.

    What if those people came to bother him in numbers, just like what they did to Dai Shenqiang?

    "Maybe I should go check the area around here, after all," Li Caiyi, who couldn''t calm down, was about to take a step when Feng Nian held her back by the shoulder.

    "Where are you going? The bus wille to pick us up soon. Do you want to miss it?"

    "But what if something happened to Zhiqiang? He is nowhere to be seen, and I can''t reach him."

    "Calm down. He is probably just oversleeping or forgetting something in his home and has to go back. Anyway, there is no guarantee you will meet him even if you loiter around, so better stay put and wait for him."

    What Feng Nian said was reasonable, but after knowing Dai Zhiqiang''s real job, Li Caiyi was always anxious that something could happen to him. Those bruises and wounds on his body must be the result of his dangerous job, and it made her uneasy.

    Feng Nian waited with her, which calmed her down a little. Still, her anxiety perked up again when they heard the gathering announcement because the bus would depart soon.

    "It''s already this time? Damn, your boyfriend is so slow. You still can''t reach him?"

    Li Caiyi nodded weakly, and Feng Nian sighed in exasperation. "What are you nning to do? Are you still going to wait for him?"<sub> </sub>

    "Yes. I''m sorry, Nian. We nned to y and eat together on the bus, but I can''t leave Zhiqiang behind." Li Caiyi said apologetically.

    Feng Nian shook her head, but Li Caiyi knew she was pretty disappointed. Travelling with friends was something Feng Nian looked forward the most, after all.

    "It can''t be helped. Do you want us to stay behind with you too? We can take a train to reach K city togetherter."

    "No, I can''t possibly make you guys wait with me here. Don''t worry about me, and just go ahead. We will catch up to you guys soon."

    Feng Nian cast a doubtful look at her but relented in the end. "Fine. If he still doesn''te or inform you after an hour, just ditch him and have fun with us. It''s his fault foringte, anyway."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "Sure, I''ll do that. See youter, Nian."

    With that, Feng Nian waved her hand and left her alone. Li Caiyi waited for another hour restlessly, but there was no sign of Dai Zhiqiang anywhere. This wasn''t his first time suddenly going missing without words, but Li Caiyi still couldn''t get used to it.

    By now, her friends must be having fun on the bus. She couldn''t wait to spend some time with them, but first, she needed to find Dai Zhiqiang.

    "As expected, I should check on his house just in case."

    "I''ll take you there."

    Li Caiyi''s body stiffened all overhearing that familiar voice. She jerked her head and found Meng Renshu standing behind her with his hands stuffed in his pocket. He smiled refreshingly at her as if nothing had happened between them.

    "You wanted to check on Dai Zhiqiang, right? If we use my car, we can reach there in 20 minutes."

    "N-No, thanks. I will just use a taxi. More importantly, what are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be on the bus driving to K city right now?" Li Caiyi asked in an appaled tone.

    "I can''t find you anywhere, then I found you waiting for someone here. I don''t have to ask to know who it is. It''s not like I have to ride a bus to reach K city, so I thought, why not stay behind to wait with you?"

    "Then, you have been here the whole time?!"

    Meng Renshu scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I guess so?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe this person at all. How could he be so thick-headed after she made it clear to him that she didn''t want anything to do with him?

    Looking at her expression, Meng Renshu could immediately tell what was in her mind, so he added, "If you don''t want me to follow you, stop making me worry. Why would you wait for him when he didn''t even reply to your message or take your call?"

    Li Caiyi got annoyed hearing that, so she snapped back, "None of your business. And you, out of all people, have no right to say that."

    She left him without waiting for his response. Although she appeared calm from the outside, she was actually nervous inside.

    ''I hope nothing happened to you, Zhiqiang.''

    Behind her, Meng Renshu watched her back helplessly. It irked him to see her care so much about someone else, especially when the said person treated her feelings carelessly.

    However, Li Caiyi''s remarks rendered him speechless.

    For now, he chose to be more patient with her as he followed her silently.

 Chapter 369 Not A Simple Man (1)

    A small house with faded blue painted house looked very serene under the sunlight. Spurred by her worry, Li Caiyi opened the gate urgently and walked briskly to the front door.

    She knocked on the door several times, but no one answered. This situation reminded her about the previous times she came here to find Dai Zhiqiang.

    "As expected, he isn''t home," Li Caiyi muttered to herself. The time showed 8 AM, so Dai Shenqiang must have already left for school around this time.

    Once again, her search ended up with nothing. Confused and tired from experiencing anxiety, Li Caiyi crouched in front of the door facing the gate, thinking about what her following action should be.

    Judging by the situation, it was less likely that she would find Dai Zhiqiang soon. Should she leave behind a message and go to K city without him?

    "Even though we promised to go around togetherˇ­." Li Caiyi muttered dejectedly for a moment before she sprang up again. "Don''t be discouraged. This is because he is busy. He''ll surely contact me after he finishes his work."

    "Really? You are pretty optimistic for a person who has been ditched twice."

    Li Caiyi didn''t have to raise her head to know who that was.

    Ignoring how she ignored him, Meng Renshu walked overzily. "Didn''t I tell you it''s useless to check on him here?"

    ? Li Caiyi wanted nothing but to treat him like air, but with how he constantly followed behind her and talked a lot, it was hard to do so.

    ring at him, she retorted, "And didn''t I tell you this is none of your business? Why are you following me anyway?"

    "I can''t let you run around freely, or who knows what stupid thing you will do for that guy."

    Li Caiyi rolled her eyes. "Stop following me like a stalker. You creep me out."

    "I will if you stay within the range where I can monitor you." Meng Renshu smirked.

    Baffled with his shamelessness, Li Caiyi looked disdainfully at him before leaving her spot.

    "Where are you going?" Meng Renshu followed her like a little chick following its hen.

    "Stop following me!"

    "I can''t let you do that." Meng Renshu''s expression turned severe, but Li Caiyi, who walked in front of him, had no way to know that.

    She didn''t want to waste her time talking with Meng Renshu, and she couldn''t stay in the same spot for long.

    Meng Renshu didn''t utter a singleint and silently watched over her.

    A serene and nostalgic feeling filled him, sensing how familiar this scene was. The only difference was that their role was reversed this time. Previously, it was Li Caiyi who liked to follow him anywhere.

    He wondered if this was also what she felt when she looked at his back while keeping her unrequited feeling deep inside her?

    As he drowned in his thoughts, Li Caiyi stopped in her tracks and looked back at him hatefully.

    "You really are persistent. Even if you do this, nothing will change."

    "Yes, do as you please. But you can''t prevent me from doing as I please either."

    Li Caiyi stomped towards Meng Renshu, making thetter raise his brows in anticipation.

    "Spill it out. What are you hiding this time?"<sub> </sub>

    "I don''t know what you are talking about."

    "Don''t y dumb with me." Li Caiyi raised her chin, so her big clear eyes were right in front of his face. "How many years has it been since I''ve known you? Even if I can''t tell what''s in your mind, I can at least tell whenever you feel restless."

    Meng Renshu blinked his eyes in astonishment before bursting out inughter.

    Annoyed by his response, Li Caiyi snapped, "What''s so funny?"

    Meng Renshu held back hisughter when he noticed her displeasure. "Nothing. I was just happy you paid so much attention to me."

    "Don''t tter yourself. Unless I''m a masochist, I will be damned if I don''t learn a thing or two about you."

    Which meant her observation about him came from vignce, not care or affection. Considering their past record, Meng Renshu would still take that.

    "I already told you I''m here because I''m worried for you. How you can trust a guy, you barely know and even actively get involved with like that is beyond me."

    "Zhiqiang is not just any guy for me. He is myˇ­." Li Caiyi''s words trailed off when she noticed her voice was too loud. Feeling self-conscious, she lowered her voice before continuing, "He is my boyfriend."

    Meng Renshu shrugged. "So what? This isn''t the first time he went missing on you without news. I bet he also broke so many promises with you before this. Tell me, how can a guy like that be worthy of your trust? Are you sure he is not hiding something from you?"

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath to calm herself down. This person was really a professional in riling her up. But she would lose if she gave in to his provocation.

    Li Caiyi kept herposure as she answered firmly, "Yes, he is worthy of my trust. Being his girlfriend doesn''t mean he needs to report everything to me. I will never doubt his sincerity for me."

    Her gaze was full of conviction, making her look refined as she dered that. Her clear eyes had no doubt at all, and it vexed him so much.

    Deep down, he knew from where this unpleasant feeling emanated. This fuzzy and stuffy feeling was the same feeling he felt when he discovered that Li Caiyi had spent a night with another man.

    Meng Renshu tried his best to stay calm even though the seething anger inside him almost made him explode.

    "I wonder where you get so much confidence. As far as I remember, you shouldn''t have interacted with him before turning back in time. It''s only been months, yet you already have such a profound connection with him."

    Li Caiyi sneered. "Stop changing the topic and tell me what you are hiding. Walking with you without knowing your motive makes me uneasy."

    Meng Renshu''s brows twitched, and a disturbingly cold smile pasted on his lips.

    ''She has no qualms putting her trust in a guy she barely knows anything about rather than me, who has spent years with her? No matter how low her opinion of me, isn''t this just too much of a biased treatment?''

    "Fine, then. Since you seem to leave your brain behind when the time rewound, I''ll tell you. What do you know about the guy youmitted suicide with? Knowing you, I''m pretty sure you think that guy who died with you that day was Dai Zhiqiang, right?"

    Taken aback by his sudden question, Li Caiyi took a step back. "What are you trying to say?"

    "I don''t know what kind of sweet talk that guy did to win your heart. But that guy who jumped from the roof with you that day is not a simple man you think he is."

    Meng Renshu was stunned by how quickly Li Caiyi''s expression changed to an anxious one at the mention of that man. He unknowingly paused, contemting whether he should continue or not.

    But Li Caiyi suddenly went forward and grabbed him by his cor.

    "Don''t you dare hide anything from me. Continue what you are saying! What about him?"

 Chapter 370 Not A Simple Man (2)

    Meng Renshu looked down at her worried-stricken face, and the irritation he had been suppressed spilt out. Wasn''t this girl supposed to love him? And it didn''t start in a year or two but more than a decade.

    How could such love quickly fade at a random man''s appearance? Meng Renshu couldn''t ept it.

    Li Caiyi was supposed to be his. She was his wife up until her death!

    <o>,m Meng Renshu snickered sinisterly before pping her hand away. "That guy is a murderer. A fugitive who is searched all over the country. Why do you think he uses a fake name to fool you? Because he knows you''ll run if you find out his identity."</o>

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in shock. Her mouth was wide agape, and her whole body stiffened. A moment after, her body swayed as if she had lost her bnce.

    Meng Renshu quickly held her up by her shoulder and waist as he studied her face. Her pupils shook in trepidation, and her lips quivered ever so slightly.

    At that moment, Meng Renshu felt a strange sensation within him. Seeing her confused and flustered like this awoken a wicked and dark desire within him.

    ''Yes, just like this. Open your eyes and see how vile that man is. Then you cane to my arms.''

    Li Caiyi was so out of it she barely registered how Meng Renshu caressed her cheeks lovingly. Her skin was smooth and very pleasant to touch. He could also feel her warm breath, and it tickled his heart.

    "His pair of hands that you allowed to touch you that night belong to a cold-blooded killer. He took three people''s lives with the same hands." Meng Renshu whispered gently beside her ears. "Mercilessly."

    His voice was light and angelic, yet it hypnotized her like a devil''s whisper, preventing her from thinking of anything but his words.

    "Even after turning back in time, you are still that pure and naive Xiaoyi. You trust a murderer as your savior and believe you can have a happy life with the same person without knowing what he does right now. He can be out there doing something unsavory, and you''d never know."

    Meng Renshu''s stare travelled down from her face to her neck. Her white and slender neck.

    A person could easily break that neck if they exerted some force. Such a fragile and delicate body.

    Before he could stop himself, Meng Renshu, who was attracted by how tender her neck looked, slid his hand down and wrapped his hand around her neck.

    The cold touch of his skin against her sensitive neck startled Li Caiyi out of her daze. Only then did she notice how disturbingly close he was. They were practically pressed against each other.

    "Get off me!" Li Caiyi pushed his chest with all her might and took some distance from him. Her heart beat fiercely in its ribcage.

    She couldn''t believe her eyes. What did he just try to do to her? Did he want to kill her in the middle of the day?!

    Li Caiyi red at him vigntly, but Meng Renshu only smiled at her. "Your face doesn''t look well. Do you perhaps feel ill?"

    ''This psycho bastard!''

    Goosebumps rose all over her body at how quickly he could hide his dangerous thoughts behind an innocent mask. If it weren''t for her curiosity to hear more about Shen Qiang, she would most probably already run as fast as she could from there.<sub> </sub>

    "When I heard you spent a night with an unknown man with a questionable background, I thought you have no fear anymore. Is it because you already nned to take your life then? Now that you want to cherish your life well, you are afraid of me?"

    Meng Renshuughed in amusement, ignoring the terrified expression on Li Caiyi''s face.

    "You know I will never hurt you, Xiaoyi. You are precious to me. I can''t say the same with that boyfriend of yours, though. Who knows? He probably nned to do what I demonstrated just now to you in the future."

    "Crazy. Meng Renshu, you are crazy."

    "I believe I''m still sane until I remember our past memories. After spending the rest of my life like a dead person, it would be weird if I''m still perfectly sane now, isn''t it right?"

    Chill ran down her spine at his smile, which didn''t reach his eyes at all. He eyed Li Caiyi like a predator marking his target, without the intention of letting her go once he got his eyes onto her.

    "And how can you be so sure if Dai Zhiqiang is the one you are searching for, anyway? You are way too trusting with people, Xiaoyi. That''s why I can''t leave you alone. I don''t want something bad to happen to you."

    "I don''t believe you. Dai Zhiqiang isn''t a person like that. He is a righteous man who can''t let injustice happen before his eyes. He is also a good person who cares a lot about his family." Li Caiyi put her fist in front of her chest.

    "Sure, perhaps he is a good person, just like you said. For now, that is. However, who can guarantee he wouldn''t fall into the same path again? The fact that he is dangerous never changes. I''m here to ensure nothing happened to you because of him."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. She didn''t want to believe him, but Meng Renshu had lived longer than her before. He must have gone through an investigation regarding her sudden death, and it wouldn''t be surprising if he investigated Shen Qiang too, who happened to be with her.

    Li Caiyi remembered Shen Qiang said he wasn''t a good person like Li Caiyi thought him to be. At that time, she was so overwhelmed by her emotion that she thought little of it. What if what Meng Renshu said was true?

    ''No, even if it is. I believe Zhiqiang has his own reason for doing that. And Dai Zhiqiang in this life hasn''t done anything to warrant such suspicion yet,'' Li Caiyi thought stubbornly.

    She was the one who spent the most time with him, so she should be the one who knew best how kind he was. There must be some kind of exnation behind this.

    "Meng Renshu, save your time and energy because I don''t need your protection. I feel the safest when Zhiqiang is with me than when you hovered around me all the time, so leave me alone."

    Meng Renshu frowned at her response. Li Caiyi subconsciously braced herself just in case he tried to do something funny again.

    However, he just shrugged his shoulders. "Up to you. But you have no right to tell me what to do either. How about we go to K city now?"

    "What ''we''? You go by yourself, and I will go by myself too. I don''t want to be seen anywhere with you."

    "Xiaoyi, you are so slow in learning. You realize it''s useless no matter how much you try to chase me away, right?"

    Li Caiyi stomped her feet in frustration butter admitted her defeat. Trying to dissuade Meng Renshu only drained her energy faster.

 Chapter 371 Strange Reaction

    In the end, Li Caiyi reluctantly rode in Meng Renshu''s car instead of going by train.

    If he would end up following her anyway, she would rather choose a means of transportation which gave her the least time to be with him.

    It would also save the transportation cost, which benefitted her greatly. She just had to be patient for a few hours riding with him.

    Ignoring Meng Renshu''s triumphant smirk, Li Caiyi entered the car and saw Mr. Mu smiling amiably at her.

    "Good afternoon, Mr. Mu." Li Caiyi greeted him first politely.

    "Likewise, Miss Caiyi. I wanted to apologize for my brazenness the other day. I was too short-sighted and almost forced you to cancel your n with your friends." The older man said while slightly bowing his head.

    "No, it''s okay, Mr. Mu. In the end, I wasn''t of any help. You don''t have to apologize to me."

    "Thank you, Miss Caiyi. You are really kind."

    After a round of pleasantries ended, the car took off in silence.

    Li Caiyi was tense at first, but she gradually rxed when Meng Renshu didn''t seem to show any sign of initiating conversation. She was relieved and focused on looking at the view outside the window.

    Mr. Mu''s driving was very smooth, and this expensive car barely made any unnecessary bumps or noise. Hence, it was a veryfortable ride. Her body gradually became more rxed, and she began to doze off.

    Meng Renshu kept his mouth shut throughout the trip. Still, he paid close attention to Li Caiyi by watching her reflection in the window. He smiled faintly when he saw her head bobbing around, following the car''s movement.

    ''She makes it hard for me not to pay attention to her.''

    Then, the car suddenly made a turn, and Li Caiyi''s body fell to the side due to the inertia.

    Meng Renshu quickly held her head before it could hit the window. Surprisingly, none of this series of events woke her up.

    "She must be tired after running around all morning." Meng Renshu murmured in a low voice.

    This situation gave him a sense of deja vu. He recalled they also had a simr moment when both visited Li Chunhua in the hospital.

    At that time, he didn''t know anything about the so-called ''rebirth'' phenomena or his previous life''s memories. He only saw her as his childhood friend. Thus he felt nothing when he let her use his shoulder as a pillow.

    But now that he remembered he used to be her husband, his heart fluttered at their sudden closeness and her vulnerable state. Normally, she would snap at him if he touched her, but now that she was unconscious, Meng Renshu could finally stare at her up close.

    Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua had identical faces. Both had long eyshes framing their big, clear eyes. Skin as white as porcin and thin pink lips like flower petals.

    Growing up with them since childhood, Meng Renshu learned to differentiate them from how they talked or smiled. But when she slept like this, if it weren''t for the sses, Meng Renshu probably couldn''t distinguish her.

    Or at least that was what he thought until he regained his memory.

    A blush tinted his cheek when he remembered the memory of their first night. At that moment, he discovered that Li Caiyi had three moles in line behind her left ear. The moles were rtively faint in color and usually covered by her earlobe or hair, so he almost never noticed them.<sub> </sub>

    Encouraged by his curiosity, Meng Renshu moved her left earlobe slightly. He wanted to look at the moles again.

    Li Caiyi flinched and squirmed in her ce when his finger grazed on his earlobe. Another wave of memory shed across his head again.

    ''Come to think of it, she is weak on the ears. She liked it when I yed with her ears before.''

    Meng Renshu smirked mischievously before leaning down to blow on her ear. He originally wanted to see if she would wake up when he did that, but the tables were turned on him when a soft moan leaked from her pretty lips.

    Her head fell slightly to the side, letting him have a delicious view of her corbone peeking from her t-shirt cor. The seductive view was engraved in his mind, wiping away any other thought in his mind.

    Meng Renshu: "!!!"

    He leaned his body back and distanced himself from her immediately. His face flushed, and his heart drummed like crazy.

    Her voice was small and could barely pass as a whimper, but the effect on him was immense. Even Meng Renshu himself was flustered by his body''s strange reaction.

    ''It''s not like this is my first time dealing with women, but why am I reacting like a virgin teenager now?''

    It took Meng Renshu a few moments before he realized that he was still a virgin teenager at the moment. He ruffled his head in frustration before gently putting a pillow on the chair and letting Li Caiyi''s head rest on it.

    Meng Renshu didn''t know what he would do if he let her be so close to him, so he let her go.

    Trying hard to calm down his erratic heartbeat, he scooted away from her and turned his head sideways, focusing himself on the view outside.

    Aside from that, he would rather die than having Li Caiyi woke up and catch him red-handed when he was in this mortifying state.

    "Young Master, is there something wrong?" Mr. Mu, who had been watching from the rearview mirror, asked him carefully.

    "Nothing''s wrong. Why do you ask?"

    "Your face color doesn''t look well. Is your fevering back on you again?"

    Mr. Mu wasn''t lying because Meng Renshu''s face was red up to the tip of his ears.

    "Mr. Mu, just focus on the road."

    "Yes? ButˇŞ"

    "I''m fine. Just stop talking to me. I need a few moments to calm myself down ."

    Mr. Mu was confused, but he knew better not to pry further. "Understood."

    The trip to K city continued until it ended when they arrived at the hotel reserved by their school. Li Caiyi woke up in a very fresh state, while Meng Renshu looked exhausted.

 Chapter 372 Meeting A Fellow Enthusiast

    On the first day of their school trip, they attended the biggest museum in K city. Li Caiyi was fascinated with various historical things disyed there. One that piqued her interest was a painting made by a famous schr (which she forgot the name).

    It was a painting of an elegant hibiscus flower, but Feng Nian argued that the poem written on the bottom made it lose some of its charms. Because the schr painted it and made the poem to seduce someone''s wife.

    After the guide announced a break time, Li Caiyi and her friends went to sit together on an empty bench and took out some snacks.

    "In the end, it doesn''t seem Dai Zhiqiang wille." Chen Run said dejectedly.

    "Why are you the one who is dispirited?"

    "I was just worried because he seems to go MIA frequently. In movies, it usually brings conflict to a couple''s rtionship. Or worse, the boy will cheat on her, and that''s when everything ends."

    Zhou Ya shot her a fierce look while Feng Nian dragged Chen Run by her hood. "Come with me to the convenience store rather than spouting bullshit here."

    "Ah, stop pulling me! I''m choking!"

    Zhou Ya was relieved that Feng Nian brought the insensitive one away. She nced sideways and grimaced at Li Caiyi''s gloomy expression.

    "Lan Lan is just speaking nonsense like always. Dai Zhiqiang likes you so much, so I believe both of you will be fine."

    "Yeah, I believe in him too. But recently, it has be harder to spend time with him."

    "Is his job really that busy?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "It''s hard, but it pays well, he said."

    Rubbing her friend''s back, Zhou Ya tried to cheer her up. "How about you texted him once again? Tell him toe to a K tower on thest day of the trip!"

    "K tower? Why?"

    Zhou Ya''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Caiyi, don''t tell me you didn''t make a n to meet up at that tower? I thought every couple in school secretly made a n to do that!"

    "Well, I know K tower since it''s pretty famous. But why would we go there? Is there something about it?"

    Zhou Ya''s eyes glimmered with excitement. She cleared up her throat before exining with a dreamy expression.

    "Of course! There is an urban myth surrounding that tower. They said that if you kiss on top of that tower with your lover, on the night of a full moon, your love will be evesting."

    "There is something like that? It''s the first time I have ever heard about it," Li Caiyi said thoughtfully. In her mind, she visualized the scene of a bright night full of stars.

    She and Dai Zhiqiang stood watching the beautiful night view from there. They would look at each other lovingly while holding hands. He would caress her face, then kiss her lips tenderly.

    Her cheeks warmed up at the thought. She really liked that idea!

    Not only would itpensate for theck of time they had together, but it would also be an unforgettable memory for them.

    Li Caiyi sped Zhou Ya''s hand tightly. Her expression was dead serious as she said, "I shall follow your advice, my friend. Wish me luck."

    Zhou Ya grinned and sped her hand back. "I shall pray for your triumphant return. Don''t forget to give us all the juicy after that."

    ***

    Thanks to her friends, Li Caiyi had fun on the school trip. Li Chunhua would asionally join them. Although Feng Nian was still suspicious of her, they had a lot of fun together.

    It was the first time Li Caiyi had everughed so much in a day, and it healed her loneliness for not having Dai Zhiqiang with her.

    Time passed when you were having fun, and the first day ended just like that. Everyone returned to the hotel as soon as the activities werepleted. ording to the schedule, they would have some free time on the second and third day.

    Li Caiyi was dejected when the trip started, but now she was looking forward to the next day.

    The itinerary for the second day was that they would visit some bigpany in the city.

    Among all thepanies they would visit, Chen Run couldn''t wait to see Tianyue Entertainment Company. It was one of the biggest entertainment industries in the country, and it housed many talented artists and singers.

    It also sponsored one of Chen Run''s favorite movies, so she couldn''t sit still all day. Li Caiyi remembered she had met with the CEO of Tianyue Entertainment Company in her previous life, and she also liked a few movies made by thispany.

    Tianyue would be the bestpany in the entertainment industry after producing one of the best movies of all time. At the current time, although it had considerable power, Tianyue was still one of the many entertainmentpanies out there.<sub> </sub>

    Everyone was very hyped because they wanted to meet their favorite artists here. But Li Caiyi doubted anyone would spare their time to entertain a bunch of high-schoolers like them.

    Sure enough, even towards the end of their activities, they only met several people who worked in the PR department.

    "Ah, I want to meet Director Shen so badly, but it doesn''t seem like he is here." Chen Run eximed in disappointment.

    Li Caiyi patted her back encouragingly. "Don''t worry. You''ll meet him every day when you graduate and work here."

    "Can I really do that, though? With my grades, it seems impossible for me." Chen Run sighed. Li Caiyi was about to cheer her up when a figure suddenly bumped into her, making her stumble.

    "Ah, are you alright?"

    "Yes, I''m okay." Li Caiyi replied hurriedly. She raised her head and found a tall young man with a clean and warm face standing in front of her. Around his neck was a name tag with a big ''Intern'' written on it.

    "Are you guys a student from the school doing an excursion here today? The others have already gone to the lobby."

    Only then did Li Caiyi remember they had no time to chat leisurely like this. Zhou Ya and Feng Nian must be wondering what took them so long in the toilets.

    "Thank you for informing us. We will goˇŞ"

    "Excuse me! Do you happen to know where Director Shen is right now?"

    Before Li Caiyi could finish her sentence, Chen Run brushed past her and went forward to ask the intern man in a rather aggressive way. The intern was taken aback because she suddenly jumped in front of him.

    "Uhm, Director Shen?"

    "Yes! The director of ''The Moon in the Summer Night''! Is he here?"

    The intern looked troubled by Chen Run''s shameless eagerness. Li Caiyi had no choice but to pull her back by her hoodie and bowed profusely.

    "I''m sorry for my friend''s rudeness. She is very passionate about movies and wanted to meet Director Shen so much. She doesn''t mean anything bad."

    "Ah, is it like that? I understand where you areing from because I''m also a fan of Director Shen''s work. ''The Moon in the Summer Night'' is really a masterpiece isn''t it?" The man replied while looking at Chen Run with interest.

    Chen Run''s eyes shone like a puppy who had just received her treat.

    "Yes! I especially liked it when the heroine stood up and fought bravely for her husband''s sake in the war."

    "I''m d to find a fellow fan here. Many people don''t like that scene because it''s a bit out of the heroine''s character, but the story won''t be the same without it."

    "Big Brother, I understand what you mean!"

    Li Caiyi stared at how they went back and forth, praising a movie. The intern seemed like he was an avid fan of movies too, and he clicked so well with Chen Run. Not everyone could keep up with her passion.

    "Ah! This isn''t time to be chatting. If you are not quick, your friends will leave you behind!" The intern man suddenly eximed.

    "He is right! Run, it''s time for us to go."

    Chen Run bit her lips reluctantly. Unwillingness was written all over her face, making the intern man chuckle.

    "How about we exchange our contacts? We can talk more about it, then."

    The previously downcast Chen Run immediately perked up at the suggestion. "I''d be d to!"

    Li Caiyi, who watched them from the side, couldn''t help but be amazed by how fast it was for Chen Run to have a new friend. Subtlely, she studied the intern man more closely.

    He didn''t have an extraordinary handsomeness, but when he smiled, it felt like a spring wind blew past them. He was the type that made people feelfortable by talking to him.

    ''Hmm, but his face seemed familiar. Where did I ever see him before?''

    "Caiyi, what are you doing? Let''s go!"

    Li Caiyi quickly bade the man goodbye before running after Chen Run.

 Chapter 373 Li Chunhua And Feng Nian

    After the second day''s itinerary was done, every student had some free time, which they used to hang out with their friends. Like the first day, Li Chunhua stuck to Li Caiyi closely as they enjoyed the view of K city.

    Compared to the busy roads of S city, K city was rtively calmer and had less traffic, but the city square was rumored to be very beautiful. Statues of Greek Gods surrounded the big fountain in the center.

    If you walked past it, there was a vastwn with neatly trimmed bushes and trees with lush greens, making it a good spot for people to y or have a pic. No wonder there were so many people here.

    The statue''s design was elegant and gave a mystique feeling to the square. The carving was smooth yet intricate at the same time. Added to how majestic and extravagant the fountain was, it became one of the must-go tourist spots.

    Feng Nian wished to take a group picture there; she just didn''t expect Li Chunhua would be so thick-skinned to join them throughout the trip and act like nothing happened.

    Unlike the others, she still had yet to open up to this person. Still, she also couldn''t possibly ask her three friends to take a picture while excluding Li Caiyi''s twin sister.

    It would put Li Caiyi in a tough spot, but Feng Nian wasn''t that cold-hearted either.

    With this thought, she almost put away the camera before Li Chunhua snatched it from her grasp.

    "Ah, hey!"

    Nonchntly taking some distance from them, Li Chunhua directed the camera to the four people. "Alright, say cheese."

    The way she did it was so natural. Everyone automatically gathered close to each other while making a good pose and shing their better smile. Chen Run pulled Feng Nian, who was still in a daze, so she had no choice but to smile as well.

    After taking a few shots, Li Chunhua casually gave it back to the bewildered Feng Nian. Thetter was embarrassed for letting her thoughts be read easily by Li Chunhua. She was torn about whether she should apologize or thank her. Both or neither.

    Awkwardness hung in the air between the two until Li Chunhua shoved her phone, which was wrapped in a cute phone case, to her. "Your turn. I won''t forgive you if the result is bad because I made sure to make yours pretty."

    Li Chunhua had already run towards Li Caiyi and dragged her to pose with her, away from Chen Run and Zhou Ya.

    Feng Nian was dumbfounded but snapped out of it when the twins waited for her to take the picture. "Alright, smile, you two!"

    Click!

    Although feeling awkward and confused at first, after taking several shots, Feng Nian became ambitious about it and even made a direction from them.

    "Li Chunhua, don''t stick too close to her. You''ll block her face!"

    "No way! I like it this way!" Li Chunhua retorted while stubbornly clinging to Li Caiyi''s arms.

    "Then, you stick out your head more, Caiyi. And smile wider!"

    The person who received instruction could only resign herself to her order. Li Chunhua demanded a re-take a few times, and by the time she was satisfied, Li Caiyi was exhausted.

    Raising her head, she saw Li Chunhua bickered with Feng Nian about the angle of the picture, making her look short. Still, it wasn''t the kind of hostile bickering they used to have. They looked surprisinglyˇ­normal?

    Li Chunhua and Feng Nian.

    It was abination she would never dare to put together in the past. But thinking about it again, they shared many simrities, including how they were too prideful to approach the other first.

    Whichever it was, Li Caiyi felt ted to see her sister get along well with her friends. Her body became lighter, and she craved more of these moments with them. So she took out her phone from her bag and asked a kind-lookingdy for a favor.

    With a bright smile, she waved her hands to them. "Guys, let''s take another picture! Five of us in a frame this time!"<sub> </sub>

    On her previous school trip, she had no friends, and Li Chunhua wasn''t there to look around the city with her.

    Honestly, she didn''t care much about the city square because this wasn''t her first timeing here. But now, this ce looked more beautiful, and a simple moment brought immense joy to her.

    After the kinddy took several shots of them, Li Caiyi checked the result. She remembered she once took a picture by herself in the city square. She smiled in that picture, but the camera also captured her stiffness and loneliness.

    Now, she wasn''t alone. She had her sister beside her, and her friends crowded around her. Everyone was smiling brightly, and her heart filled with warm feelings.

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t believe that the person who smiled the brightest in that picture was the same person who wished the trip to end quickly.

    Hugging her phone to her chest, Li Caiyi let out a small giggle of happiness. From now on, she nned to take many pictures like this with people she cherished.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face popped into her mind thinking of a cherished person.

    Although they had been dating for weeks, they never took a picture together. Li Caiyi only had several images of him, which she took secretly.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t seem like the type that liked to take a picture nor actively suggested things like that, so it left him with no choice.

    ''I want to take a picture with him too. I wish he is here right now.''

    Even in the midst of having fun with her friends, she still missed him dearly.

    "Xiaoyi, there is an ice cream truck there. Come on!"

    Li Caiyi raised her head at Li Chunhua''s excited urging. "Coming!"

    Everyone bought a cup of ice cream for themselves. Zhou Ya pointed out a good spot among the three, and the five girls sat together to enjoy the treats.

    "Yummy, ice cream in this hot weather is the best!"

    "I thought the taste would be like any other ce, but this is pretty good." Zhou Ya hummed in agreement with Chen Run.

    Li Caiyi also took a spoon for herself and relished the cold and sweet taste on her tongue.

    "Xiaoyi, yours is orange-vored, right? Let me have a taste!"

    Before she could agree, Li Chunhua already scooped a spoonful from her cup and put it in her mouth. Li Caiyi shook her head with a weak smile.

    "But is it okay for you to be here?"

    Feng Nian asked while focusing on her ice cream, but everyone automatically knew to whom she talked. Four heads turned their gaze to Li Chunhua simultaneously.

    "Can''t I be here? I already promised Xiaoyi I won''t make trouble anymore, so don''t worry," she answered lightly. If she was offended, then she didn''t show it on her face.

    "No, it''s not like that. I mean, aren''t you very popr? I''m sure many people want to walk with you, but you spent most of your free time with us."

    "Ah, you mean that. True, there are a lot of people who want to walk with me." Li Chunhua said smugly, but only Li Caiyi noticed how distracted she was from how she crushed her ice cream with a spoon. "But I prefer to spend some time with my sister."

    Feng Nian stared at her intensely. It was unknown whether she suspected Li Chunhua was up to something again or not, but Li Caiyi decided to intervene.

 Chapter 374 Alone Li Chunhua

    "Don''t worry, guys. She won''t say it aloud, but Xiaohua has reflected on her mistakes. She is just too shy to apologize honestly."

    "What? Xiaoyi, it''s not like that!" Li Chunhua denied it vehemently. But her strong rejection looked like a confirmation instead.

    Feng Nian, Chen Run, and Zhou Ya exchanged nces and reached a consensus with their eyenguage. As usual, Zhou Ya was the one who got the job of exining the result.

    "We don''t mind having you with us, Chunhua. Nian Nian is just worried that you probably feel obligated to force yourself to keep up with us."

    "I''m not forcing myself. If I don''t like it, then you will know."

    "Says the girl who always maintains her good image by ying a sweet act," Feng Nian sneered.

    But instead of getting angry, Li Chunhua flipped her hair indifferently. "You think I''m that stupid to use the same trick on people who already saw through my act. And I stopped doing that some time ago. That''s why a lot of girls find me an eyesore now."

    Silence fell as soon as she said that. Li Caiyi was sure now that her sister was here not only because she wanted to spend time with her but also because she had some problems with her circle of friends.

    "Are you okay, Xiaohua? Did they perhaps exclude you?"

    "It''s not like that. I just told them they are not fun, then they got angry and left me alone."

    "Well, if you said that without reason, then, of course, they will get angry at you."

    "But I can''t help it," Li Chunhua whined while ying with the tip of her hair. "They always have rude tongues, but their discussion today was exceptionally ear-piercing. I don''t like to hear it, so I tell them that directly. Not my fault if they can''t ept it."

    "If I can ask, what did they talk about?" Zhou Ya asked carefully, which was only responded by a shrug from Li Chunhua.

    "Who knows? And it doesn''t matter anyway. With this, I don''t have to hear them talking nonsense again. Less annoying people around me. I think this is a win-win solution for all of us."

    Considering Li Chunhua''s personality, it was hard to think she would feel anything even if some people left her. Because in Li Caiyi''s memories, her sister never had a shortage of people who wanted to befriend her. Some people would probably even carry her shoes if she asked them sweetly.

    Li Chunhua said she didn''t care, then why did she have such a gloomy light in her eyes?

    Li Caiyi wanted to ask, but since Li Chunhua clearly didn''t want to talk about itˇŞat least for now, when they were still with her friendsˇŞ so she chose to pat her back gently instead.

    "You can stay here with us, then. Feng Nian has made a list of things we can do while in K city, so you are in good hands. Right?" Li Caiyi smiled at Feng Nian.

    "Yeah. Travelling feels more fun with more people, so you can follow us if you want."

    "What Nian Nian means is that she''ll be d to have you with us, Chunhua," Zhou Ya calmly corrected Feng Nian''s choice of words from the side.

    "The more, the merrier!" Chen Run added excitedly.

    Li Chunhua nodded her head. "I guess I will go with you guys in the meantime. Because Xiaoyi is here!"

    "Come to think of it, how about your brother? Is he noting on this trip?"<sub> </sub>

    "Big Brother Jie hated this type of activity, so he didn''t participate again this year. Nothing surprising about it.

    Zhou Ya didn''t ask anymore and returned her focus to her ice cream.

    ***

    The third day of the school trip is the day for activities in nature. Li Caiyi looked at the itinerary pamphlet distributed before their departure and prepared ordingly.

    There was a temple on top of a mountain rumored to be an excellent ce to pray for career and prosperity. The prosperity here not only included the life aspect but also romance luck.

    Li Caiyi was sure the school prepared this schedule so the third years could pray for their future, but she bet some students had another priority in mind. After all, for most teenagers who still liked to have fun, their love life was more important than studying.

    Some said that the temple sold some good luck charms, and those who gave the love charms to their significant others would have their love protected.

    Li Caiyi didn''t really believe things like that but admitted it was a good marketing strategy.

    However, she had no idea there were a lot of students who coveted those limited love charms. This was why the third day became the most awaited day, but also the feared day of their trip.

    The students wanted the charm, but they didn''t like the fact they had to climb a high mountain for that.

    Like they said, love is an ordeal. To attain it, you have to work hard first.

    After having breakfast and listening to a short lecture in the morning assembly, the students entered the bus and went to Xuejia Mountain. One of the tallest mountains in this prefecture and the most secluded too, due to the lush forests surrounding it.

    Again this wasn''t the first time Li Caiyi hade to this mountain, but she still couldn''t help but hang her jaw in awe, looking up at the tall mountain. She wondered how she could climb this mountain in her previous life.

    Then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning back, she saw Teacher Shi''s smiling face behind her.

    "Here you are. I have been looking for you."

    "Teacher Shi, did you need something from me?"

    "Yeah. Your sister is physically weak, so we can''t possibly allow her to climb the mountain. Unfortunately, she has to stay back during this activity. I thought she might feel dejected, so why don''t you go cheer her up?"

    Teacher Shi was really a caring and considerate teacher. Li Caiyi thanked her for her concern before going to find her sister.

    It didn''t take long for her to find her because Li Chunhua was sitting in one of them under the tree. She was alone with no one around her. What a rare sight.

    For some reason, her lone figure ovepped with her past self, who was alone during the school trip and could only sit alone while the others chatted with their friends.

    ''I should stop thinking about depressing thoughts.''

 Chapter 375 Li Chunhuas Wish

    "Xiaohua, how are you feeling?"

    Li Chunhua raised her head, and a sweet smile appeared on her face when she saw her sister.

    "Xiaoyi. Are you looking for me?"

    Li Caiyi sat down on the spot beside her. "En. I heard from Teacher Shi that you are not allowed to participate."

    "Well, this isn''t a new thing anymore. I will wait until youe back here."

    For as long as she could remember, Li Chunhua always sat on the sideline in every PE ss due to her poor health. This wouldn''t be her first time waiting alone while everyone having physical activities, but she looked exceptionally upset somewhat.

    "Should I wait with you here? I can ask Teacher Shi''s permission to apany you."

    Li Chunhua was surprised at first, butter she grinned widely. "You don''t have to do that. I''m not a child that needs to be looked after anymore. Just go and have fun."

    "Are you sure? Did you have your medicine with you? What about tissues and jackets? The weather in the mountains can change arbitrarily."

    "I have everything in my bag. Xiaoyi, you are such a worrywart sometimes."

    "Yourplexion doesn''t look well, so I thought you might be feeling under the weather." Li Caiyi squinted her eyes. "If you are sick, don''t hide it and tell me, alright? I will immediately go to where you are."

    Li Chunhuaughed happily. The previous gloominess she saw from her was gone.

    "I understand. Thank you for worrying about me."

    "It won''t take a long time. I wille down the mountain as soon as the activity ends. Until then, be patient and don''t make trouble for the teachers."

    "You are nagging like an old woman. Don''t forget to buy those limited edition charms for me."

    "Why? Do you want to give it to someone? Xiaoahua, do you like someone?"

    "Not really. But I want some keepsakes of this trip. Who knows when I can go on a trip like this again? Those limited charms will do. I won''t be able to climb with you physically, but I''ll be by your side in the heart. " Li Chunhua grinned, but it pained Li Caiyi''s heart.

    Li Chunhua noticed the troubled look on Li Caiyi''s face and quickly pushed her sister away. "Just go already! Don''t waste time here or you''ll get left behind."

    "But youˇ­"

    "I want one of those limited charms. You must buy it for me!" Li Chunhua said stubbornly, like a child demanding candies.

    Li Caiyi smiled helplessly and stroked her sister''s head.

    "I will make sure to bring you one. Wait for me."

    "En!"

    Then, Li Caiyi walked away with a wave and was determined to climb as fast as possible. If she got to the peak even a minutete, all charms would probably already be sold out. It was a popr item, and she couldn''t miss this chance.<sub> </sub>

    ***

    30 minutes after she started climbing, Li Caiyi realized she had made a big miscalction.

    Following her initial n, she walked fast to reach the peak more quickly, but it only burned her out faster. She hadn''t even finished half the journey when her legs gave up.

    Her legs were trembling, and her chest was suffocated from the climbing. How many years had it been since she did an arduous exercise?

    After graduating from college, she became Madam Meng immediately and had no time or interest in working out. She has always been an indoor type, so her body was rusty. Li Caiyi felt light-headed, and her muscle was burning.

    "I feel like dying," Li Caiyi whined amid her pants. She could only watch helplessly as more and more students walked past her. Although she was among the fastest people at first.

    "But I have to get that charm," Li Caiyi encouraged herself by recalling Li Chunhua''s sad face earlier. If she bought it, it would console her sister greatly.

    Aside from that, she was worried about Li Chunhua, so she''d better finish this soon and asked if she could climb down earlier than the rest.

    p Because she wanted to walk fast, she even left her friends behind, so she couldn''tin now.</anda>

    With that thought, she pushed herself to stand and climb again. Every time she stopped for a bit to rest, the cold air and the beautiful view from high up soothed her.

    She would asionally take pictures to show themter to Li Chunhua. If only it weren''t for the bad services up there, she would immediately send it to her. She could only wait patiently for now.

    "Li Caiyi! There you are!"

    Li Caiyi had just taken a mouthful of water from her tumbler when a boy ran over to her. She didn''t recognize his face, but from his panic-stricken beginning, he must have had something urgent to tell her.

    "Yes, who are you? Do you have some business with me?"

    "That''s not important right now. Your twin sister is having her episode again. You should go take a look!"

    Li Caiyi''s hand that was holding the tumbler trembled. She recalled Li Chunhua''splexion before climbing up was not so good, but she thought it would be fine if her sister didn''t force herself today.

    Anxiety and worry clouded her mind, and Li Caiyi could no longer think straight.

    "My sister is still on the bottom of the mountain, right?"

    "Yes, the teacher asked the students to ry the message to you because there is no service here. Your sister has been calling out for you. The teachers are panicking now, so I think it''s pretty bad."

    Li Caiyi didn''t waste any more time and ran past the boy. She wasn''t even aware that she had yet to close her tumbler, and the water spilt out everywhere as she forced her weak legs to move.

    ''I shouldn''t have left her behind. Stupid! You are stupid, Li Caiyi,'' Li Caiyi berated herself inwardly while biting her lips.

    Li Chunhua wasn''t supposed to participate in this school trip, so Li Caiyi had no idea her condition would deteriorate this fast. Was this the punishment for doing something different from her previous life?

    She ignored the confused stare of other students and kept going.

 Chapter 376 Taking A Shortcut

    Li Caiyi felt stuffy, but it wasn''t because she was exhausted anymore this time. Her heart beat erratically in fear of something happening to Li Chunhua.

    If only she could fly to where her sister was right now.

    "Please wait!"

    She stopped in her track when someone grabbed her wrist. Li Caiyi jerked her head and saw the boy from earlier standing behind her.

    "You run without listening to everything I have to say. I know a shortcut to get to the bottom faster. The teacher told me the way so I could reach you faster. Follow me!"

    Li Caiyi nodded her head before following the boy''s lead. Previously, the road was only a straight line towards the top, but the boy took her inside the forest where a small path was covered by high grass.

    The grass made it harder to run, so they had no choice but to slow down their movement, but it did seem like they were walking down the mountain faster. They walked deeper into the mountain, following through a path heavily covered by tall trees where sunlight barely came through.

    "Be careful. The road here is slippery and pretty steep." The boy warned her.

    "En, don''t worry about me."

    Li Caiyi walked behind him for some time before realizing she had yet to thank him for informing her and leading the way.

    "Uhm, I''m sorry. I was so distraught with the thought of my sister that I forgot to thank you for your help. What is your name, and which ss do youe from?"

    "Ah. I''m Hu Jian from 3-B."

    "Senior Hu, I''m very grateful for this. I''ll make sure to thank you properly with my sister next time."

    "Don''t worry about that. I was just rying messages as per the teacher''s instruction. You should worry about your sister instead."

    Li Caiyi sighed. "You are right. I hope we can reach the bottom soon. We have walked for quite some time. Is it still far away?"

    "No. It will not be that far anymore after passing through the big rock ahead."

    "Phew. Thank goodness. But it''s amazing how you can remember the path with only instruction from the teacher."

    "Yeah. Actually, my grandmother''s house is near this mountain. I climbed this mountain a lot when I was still a child, so I''m familiar with the terrain. Ah, we''re here."

    Li Caiyi peeked from behind her and saw a big rock. The path led to the opening with that big rock standing on the cliff''s edge and another track on her left leading to the bottom.

    Li Caiyi had to blink her eyes a few times so her eyes could adjust to the light after spending some time in a dark forest.

    "Are you okay? Your face is pale."

    Li Caiyi rubbed her eyes several times while replying. "No, I''m fine. It''s probably because I ran too hard earlier. Let''s continue."

    "Yes, let''s go."

    When Li Caiyi finally could see normally, she saw the cliff behind that rock seemed to be pretty steep. The ground was full of sand and seemed quite dangerous. No wonder the school didn''t pick this route for climbing despite being shorter than the previous one.

    She carefully nced to the bottom; the cliff was deeper than she expected. She couldn''t see the bottom from where she stood.

    "Li Caiyi, you should be careful around here, or you''ll fall. AckˇŞ!

    Hu Jian''s shout made her turn around, only to find him falling in her direction. Their bodies collided, and the unprepared Li Caiyi got pushed back to the cliff behind her.<sub> </sub>

    Everything happened so suddenly, and by the time she was aware of the situation, the gravity had pulled her hard. Her body floated for a moment before it met the ground in a harsh thud and rolled down following the sloping ground.

    Li Caiyi rolled down the cliff for some time before a tree stood in her way and stopped her.

    An immeasurable pain spread throughout her body, and it felt like she had swallowed some dirt. Her head was dizzy, and something warm trickled down her face. She could hear Hu Jian''s voice vaguely from on top of her head, but she couldn''t discern what he said.

    Her body felt more sluggish as time passed by. She knew she couldn''t pass out, but her body refused to follow hermand.

    ''I have to get up. Xiaohua needs me. I promised her I would run to her side if anything happens to her.''

    Li Caiyi''s eyelids slowly closed before they shutpletely.

    ***

    Meanwhile, at the bottom of Xuejia Mountain.

    "Oh? Why are you here?"

    Li Chunhua, who was busy ying games on her phone, eximed in puzzlement, seeing a familiar face. As far as she knew, he shouldn''t be here right now.

    "Li Chunhua. Is your sister with you?"

    "I asked you first, so answer my question. I thought you didn''t participate in the school trip? Why are you here?"

    "I never said I didn''t participate. I just had something to do, so I can onlye now."

    Li Chunhua clicked her tongue before muttering in a low voice. "You shouldn''t havee in the first ce. If you are busy, then don''te at all. What an eyesore."

    "So, where is Caiyi?"

    Li Chunhua always felt irritated whenever she saw them together, and hearing him asking about her was even more infuriating.

    "Are you stupid? She is diligently climbing the mountain, of course!"

    Dai Zhiqiang was puzzled as to why Li Chunhua got angry at him over a simple question, but he chose not to mind it that much.

    "She cared a lot about you, so I thought if you are here, she will be here as well."

    Li Chunhua didn''t expect to hear that from him. His expression was as deadpan as always, looking like a guy with no romance cell in him. But this guy could say something good for once.

    ''Snap out of it. This is Dai Zhiqiang, your biggest enemy. Don''t let him fool you! He is a wolf in sheep''s clothing!''

    When she raised her head again, Dai Zhiqiang had already gone. He just said what he had to say and then left without words. Li Chunhua stomped her feet in anger.

    In her eyes, he was very rude and ipatible with her sister. She would never acknowledge him!

    Oblivious to Li Chunhua''s thoughts, Dai Zhiqiang began to climb up the mountain with a heavy feeling. He felt terrible for Li Caiyi because he could onlye now when they promised to spend some of their free time together.

    He ditched her at thest minute without informing her because of urgency and felt incredibly guilty for it.

    "I should apologize to her the next time I see her. I wonder if she is angry at me."

 Chapter 377 Missing Li Caiyi

    "Senior Meng, are you thirsty? Here is a bottle of mineral water for you!"

    "Are you hungry? I happened to bring a lot of food from home. Do you want to eat lunch with us?"

    Meng Renshu smiled politely at the group of girls in front of him. "You guys are too kind. Thank you for your offer, but I already have my own lunch and drinks. Please don''t worry about me."

    It took fifteen minutes before Meng Renshu could shake those girls away and go elsewhere. To avoid the same situation, he joined his ssmates and chatted a bit with them.

    It was a shame that Li Junjie wasn''t here. If he was here, no girls would dare to approach him carelessly, as his best friend was blessed with the skill to scare people off without doing anything. Meng Renshu wouldn''t need to deal with those girls if he was here.

    More and more students arrived at the temple as time passed by. Most of them were half-dead by the time they reached the peak, but that wasn''t the case with Meng Renshu since he always had a trainer nning a training menu for him.

    He might not have a bulky body, but his body was well-proportioned with just the correct amount of muscles. Unlike most male students who only worked out during PE ss, he exercised regrly and gained a well-built body.

    It was no wonder that Meng Renshu still looked fresh and full of energy even after climbing a long distance.

    While resting, Meng Renshu asionally nced toward the temple gate, searching for someone. However, even after one hour passed, he still couldn''t see Li Caiyi anywhere.

    "Strange, she isn''t here yet?" he muttered but decided not to overthink it and waited a bit longer.

    Fifteen minutester, a group of familiar girls entered the temple yard. They were the girls who were often with Li Caiyi. But this time, they arrived without her anywhere.

    Meng Renshu suddenly had a bad feeling about it. He bade goodbye to his friends and walked over to the three girls, but someone had beaten him to it.

    "What? He is here?" Meng Renshu''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw Dai Zhiqiang talking with the three girls.

    He couldn''t hear their interaction from where he stood, so he wasted no time and approached them.

    "Hello there." Meng Renshu shed a friendly smile, catching the four of them off guard. "Sorry to disturb your conversation, but have you seen Xiaoyi anywhere?"

    "Senior Meng, Caiyi has not been with us since the beginning. She said she wanted to reach the peak quickly, so she went ahead of us." The girl with short hair exined with concern in her voice. If he recalled correctly, this girl''s name was Zhou Ya.

    "Both of you were here first. Have you tried searching for her?" Feng Nian added with a grim expression.

    "No. I was among the first ones who arrive here. I didn''t see her anywhere." Meng Renshu replied.

    Dai Zhiqiang added, "Same with me. I had already walked around the temple but couldn''t find her anywhere. I can''t reach her phone either."

    "Perhaps she is tired and is taking a rest on the way?" Chen Run said.

    "If she is, then we should have bumped into her on the way." Zhou Ya replied before adding worriedly. "I don''t believe she is lost because the road is only straight up ahead. Do you think she is currently in some kind of trouble?"

    No one responded to Zhou Ya''s spection, but they didn''t deny that possibility either. The atmosphere suddenly turned heavy.

    "I will go down and search for her again," Dai Zhiqiang was the first to break the ice.

    Meng Renshu grabbed him by the shoulder before he could walk away. "Wait, we should report this to the teacher first."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang only stared at him for a few moments before brushing off Meng Renshu''s hand. "You guys do that. I''ll search for her."

    "Hey!"

    Meng Renshu''s call fell on deaf ears because Dai Zhiqiang quickly ran outside the temple gate. The older student watched his back with a conflicted gaze before sighing in defeat.

    "Can I ask you to report to the teacher about this? I will go search for Caiyi too. She probably will be here, so you guys should wait here."

    "Understood, Senior Meng." Zhou Ya took the lead in answering.

    Meng Renshu didn''t waste any more time as he ran to search for Li Caiyi too.

    ''Xiaoyi, where are you? I hope you are fine.''

    ***

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi, who was still unconscious, dreamed about the distant past.

    In her dream, she stood in the corner of the room, watching a pair of men and women argue about something.

    It took her a moment to notice that the pair in front of her was Meng Renshu and her in their previous life.

    "Are you sure you want to do this? You know people will talk badly about you for this, right?" Meng Renshu stared sharply at Li Caiyi. Thetter hung her head low, but her voice was firm.

    "Yes. I don''t have anyone I can ask for help except for you."

    At that time, she was so focused on her own thoughts that she didn''t notice the painful look in his eyes. His voice was hoarse like he was choked on his own emotion.

    "Xiaoyi, do you really not feel anything, letting Xiaohua work as my secretary? Tell me honestly."

    ''Ah, I remember this.''

    Li Caiyi, who was just an observer until a moment ago, felt like she had be one with Li Caiyi in front of her once she remembered this scene.

    It was the time when she begged Meng Renshu to let Li Chunhua work as his secretary. Because that was everyone''s wish.

    As Li Chunhua''s sister, she had to understand that her sister''s physical condition would hinder her from getting a proper job.

    However, if she became Meng Renshu''s secretary, her workload would be shared with other secretaries, and there would be no risk of getting fired, as Meng Renshu understood her condition.

    It was an ideal workce for someone like Li Chunhua. Thus, everyone urged her to persuade Meng Renshu. She was put in a difficult position, but no one cared.

    All that mattered was Li Chunhua.

 Chapter 378 Waiting For Help (1)

    Li Caiyi remembered that to avoid misunderstanding, her parents wanted Li Caiyi to be the one who first suggested the idea to Meng Renshu.

    No matter how dull she was, Li Caiyi knew this wasn''t right, considering Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua''s past rtionship. If words got out that Meng Renshu let a woman who had a previous rtionship with him work so close to him, then various rumours would float around.

    So Li Caiyi refused initially, but her parents kept pressing the issue, convincing her that no such rumor would spread. Because Li Caiyi, the legal wife, would initiate it first.

    As long as Li Caiyi was aware and agreed to it, it wouldn''t be a problem.

    Under the pressure and urging of her parents and sister, Li Caiyi finally gave up.

    There was a part of her heart who was unwilling to let her sistere close to her husband, but then she remembered that she was only a substitute wife. The memory of their first night was still fresh in her mind. Even though almost a year had passed since then.

    Her heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand knives, but she got to know her ce. For Meng Renshu and her parents, she was nothingpared to Li Chunhua.

    With that thought in mind, she resigned herself and brought the matter up to her husband once he was finally home.

    At that time, she thought Meng Renshu would be delighted at the news. Because this meant that he could spend more time with Li Chunhua.

    But contrary to her thoughts, Meng Renshu was furious.

    It was shallow of her, but knowing that Meng Renshu felt even a bit reluctant to help her made her happy. Li Caiyi was relieved, knowing that her husband thought about her, even a little.

    "Even if you don''t care about your position, you should be more aware that any insult directed towards you will also ruin my reputation. Yet, you still insist that I ept Xiaohua as my secretary? I never knew your family was so selfish."

    The little bit of happiness in her heart faded away hearing those words. By that, Meng Renshu implied that he didn''t actually care about her but for his own reputation.

    Li Caiyi felt a sting in her heart but endured it. This was what she started, so she shouldn''t cry.

    "I''m sorry. I know this is a big request to ask, but Xiaohua will be very thankful for you if you ept it. Don''t worry. As long as I exin it to people, no one will think badly of you."

    "So what? Do you think everything will be settled just like that? Just how naive can you be? And that''s not even the core of the problem here!"

    Li Caiyi flinched when he raised his voice. She could sense his contempt even without raising her head.

    Meng Renshu''s fury was too much for her to bear, so she apologized in a small voice.

    Unbeknownst to her, it only made him even more furious.

    "You really will do anything for your family, huh? What a filial child you are. In the end, you are the same as everyone else. You disappointed me. I was the stupid one for expecting anything from you!"

    Meng Renshu clicked his tongue before stomping out of the house in anger.

    Li Caiyi watched his departing back with tears welled in her eyes, but no sound came out of her throat as if it was blocked by something.

    A few dayster, Li Chunhua was officially epted as Meng Renshu''s secretary. He spent more and more time at work and only came home a few times a month.

    Then the scene changed to that day when everything crumbled down, and this time, Meng Renshu didn''t bother to ask for her opinion anymore.

    Looking back, everything was the result of her bad choices. One thing led to another, and she had ultimately used up all of his trust in her.<sub> </sub>

    Even though she was angry for being abandoned. Deep down, she couldn''t really me Meng Renshu for that.

    But she couldn''t acknowledge that. If she did, she would me herself again, regret it, and beg for everyone''s forgiveness again. Like a pathetic person, she was.

    Li Caiyi was tired. Enough was enough.

    She would rather kill herself rather than wallow in that horrible feeling again.

    Then, someone came along and saved her from that vicious cycle of self-hate. A person who was subtly endearing with his awkward kindness.

    ''The person I love the most, but why can''t I remember his face? I clearly feel strongly towards him, but why can''t I remember what we did?''

    A gust of wind blew past her, and she felt a chill. Following the cold was the throbbing pain in every part of her body.

    "Ugh."

    Her body felt heavy like a lead, but the pain forced her to open her eyes. Once her eyes were adjusted to her surroundings, she found herself in the middle of the forest.

    "That''s right. I fell from the cliff." Li Caiyi muttered and coughed up some dirt from her mouth.

    ''How long has it been since I passed out?''

    Li Caiyi looked up to find the sky was tinted with the color red and orange, meaning that a few hours had passed since then. What about Hu Jian?

    "Agh!"

    A stinging pain came from her belly when she tried to sit up. It was so painful; tears welled up in her eyes, but she couldn''t just stay there forever. Who knows what kind of creature lurked in the forest at night? Lying down here was just asking for death.

    Despite the ache all over her body, Li Caiyi gritted her teeth and managed to pull herself up by relying on the tree trunk beside her.

    Even that little movement cost a lot of her energy. She wasn''t sure, but it felt like some of her ribs were broken, and she had a lot of scratches here and there. Her PE uniform was dirty and torn in a few ces.

    "Ah, this sucks. My luck is bad as usual. Even my forehead is bleeding." Li Caiyi mumbled absentmindedly when she tasted dirt and blood on her tongue. She spat out some saliva before examining the wound on her forehead.

    Thankfully, it didn''t seem to be that big of a wound. Thank goodness she didn''tnd on her head first. She remembered that the trees around her lessened the impact of her fall.

    The sun was about to set, and Li Caiyi felt slightly anxious. However, she tried to calm herself down and recalled what had happened one by one.

    "I was walking down a mountain to check on Xiaohua. Then Senior Hu slipped and identally pushed me toward the cliff. I shouldn''t have stood near the cliff."

    But still, Hu Jian must have informed the teacher by now, and help should havee soon. Li Caiyi cheered herself up that way.

    In the meantime, she should find a safe ce to wait first.

    The cold wind hit her skin and caused a stinging pain in her wounds, but she endured it and rose to her feet.

 Chapter 379 Waiting For Help (2)

    Li Caiyi looked above and gasped when she found out that she had fallen from such height. It was almost a miracle she could get through it without significant injuries. She had to thank the tree branches for cushioning her fall.

    Stabbing pain in her ankle almost made her scream out loud. She looked down at her foot and found the right one swollen. No wonder it was so painful.

    "Out of all ces, why must it be my feet?" Li Caiyi sighed before carefully taking a step while putting all her weight on her left leg. She managed to walk forward while leaning on the tree, even if she had to jump a bit to reach there.

    With painstaking effort, Li Caiyi managed to find her bag with her things scattered around it. Itnded not far from where she fell, and she was happy that the snack she prepared was among them too.

    She lost her tumbler, which made her concerned about having no water for a few hours ahead, but she calmed herself down.

    "I''m sure someone wille to get me soon. I just need to hold on until then."

    The orange sky began to darken, and the wind became chilly. Li Caiyi wore a shirt under her jersey but still shivered when the cold wind hit her.

    The summer was almost here, but it was still this cold on the mountain. She probably would freeze to death if she spent a night out there.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if she walked in the correct direction, but she was relieved when she found a small cave after walking for a while. The cave was covered by the vine, and it almost went unnoticeable if not for the wind.

    Carefully, so as not to alert any living being inside, Li Caiyi threw a small rock inside to test. Only after several tries and she heard no movement from inside did she dare to peek inside.

    "Thank goodness, it''s empty," Li Caiyi exhaled deeply.

    The cave was small, and she couldn''t move freely once inside. She had to slightly duck when she walked, and the width wasn''t enough for her to lie down. She assumed she had to rest while sitting. Thankfully the cave was pretty deep.

    Li Caiyi wished she didn''t have to spend a night here, but a beggar couldn''t be a chooser.

    Throwing her bag gently to the ground, Li Caiyi grimaced as she slowly lowered herself to sit down. Her side and swollen ankle throbbed painfully, but she gritted her teeth and endured it.

    There wasn''t enough space to lie down, so she leaned her back against the cave wall and sat with her legs folded. Her phone still showed no service, and her battery was almost dying, so she couldn''t kill time with it.

    Left with nothing to do, Li Caiyi ate her snacks to restore her energy. Doing so made her throat feel more parched, but at least her body felt warmer now.

    If only her condition wasn''t this poor, she would go out to find dry branches to make a fire.

    Staying alone in a secluded ce like this depressed her. Li Caiyi was worried about Li Chunhua''s condition and wanted nothing but to grow wings right now to descend the mountain. But forget about wings; she couldn''t even walk properly in her current state.

    "I''m sorry, Xiaohua. Just wait a little longer." Li Caiyi buried her head on her thigh while sighing deeply.

    Being in the cramped and dark ce suddenly reminded her of the past. Once, she also hid in a hole inside the tree with limited space, just like now.

    Li Caiyi remembered waiting for her family to pick her up, but no one came for her. She didn''te out or even make the slightest movement in fear that the big dog would find her.

    The young and helpless her believed that someone woulde if she just waited for a bit more.

    Just like now.

    Li Caiyi hugged herself tighter, trying to chase away the negative thought in her head.<sub> </sub>

    Senior Hu should have informed the teacher about this by now, but even if he didn''t, her friends must have noticed her missing after some time had passed. This time, everything would end differently.

    ''But are you sure? Maybe they even forget about you and are having fun on their own. Or everyone must be busy caring for the sick Xiaohua and have no time for you anymore. After all, how can someone like you bepared with her?''

    Li Caiyi shook her head vigorously to repel the voice inside her heart. "That''s not true. I''m sure my friends will remember me. I''m not alone anymore now."

    After she muttered that, the wind blew harshly, followed by roaring thunder. It startled Li Caiyi because it sounded so close to her. Perhaps that was natural when you were on the mountain, but she still couldn''t get used to it even after it happened twice and thrice more.

    As expected, rain soon fell down, and she felt relieved and disappointed simultaneously.

    She was relieved that she had found this ce before the rain fell. Yet the rain would cover her track, thus making it difficult for people to find her. The thought of being trapped here discouraged her.

    "I hope the rain will stop soon."

    She probably should try to move if the rain stopped and no one came to her after waiting for a few hours. There was no guarantee that anyone would bother to check below the cliff, and she was restless.

    Li Chunhua must be in pain, yet she couldn''t be beside her to be her moral support. She only hoped that Meng Renshu would be there by her sister''s side and apany her.

    The sky was dark, and the chilly wind easily prated the gap between the vines. Li Caiyi rubbed her palm together and curled herself more to generate more heat, but it barely made any difference.

    The sensation felt so different from when Dai Zhiqiang hugged her. He had a tall and big body.

    When he wrapped his arms around her, he was like a nket or shield that protected her from cold and threat.

    There was no safer ce for her than his embrace, yet he wasn''t here at the moment. Exhausted and weakened by her tattered body, Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to cry.

    "I miss him. Zhiqiang, I want to see you."

    Li Caiyi''s eyelids were heavy, but the chilling air made it impossible to fall asleep. She felt like she shouldn''t fall asleep here, or she probably wouldn''t wake up again.

    Then, she heard a rustling sound.

    It was different from the sound of vines rubbing against each other. It was more like the sound of something going past the bushes.

    Li Caiyi raised her head while feeling tense all over. Her eyes stared vigntly towards the entrance of the cave.

    ''Is that a person? Or perhaps a wild animal?'' She thought inwardly.

    The rustling sound kept getting louder, and encouraged by her curiosity, Li Caiyi scooted her body closer to the entrance, trying to take a peek at the view outside. She couldn''t move well, and this cave wouldn''t protect her if it turned out to be a wild mountain dog or bear.

    However, before she could take a peek, something big suddenly parted the vine, prompting a surprised shriek from her.

    "Aaah!"

 Chapter 380 Suspicion

    If it weren''t for her remembering that her feet were hurt right now, Li Caiyi probably would kick the big hairy things in front of her due to shock. Her heart felt like it was stopped for a moment before thumping wildly in her broken ribcage.

    Upon second look, the big hairy thing in front of her wasn''t a wild animal or anything. It was a person''s head!

    "Caiyi?"

    The tension in her slowly rxed when she saw the person standing in front of him. Li Caiyi stared at him in disbelief because he was thest person she expected to be there.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s relief gaze nailed on her as he hurriedly invaded the cave and reached out to her. She was embraced in a tight and wet hug before she could process the whole situation and form a coherent thought.

    "Thank goodness you are here."

    Li Caiyi doubted her vision at first because she had just prayed that Dai Zhiqiang would magically appear on this mountain to pick her up. But after sensing his familiar touch and hearing his deep and trembling voice, there was no doubt it was him.

    Dai Zhiqiang was here for her. Only God knew how relieved and happy she was right then.

    "Oh, sorry," Dai Zhiqiang quickly retreated when he noticed he was hugging her while wearing wet and dirty clothes. Still, due to the narrow space, he couldn''t move back that far before colliding with the cave wall.

    However, the surprise of having his head bumped onto the ceiling was palepared to what happened next. Without minding the space and his messy state, Li Caiyi ''tackled'' him and hugged him tightly, like she wouldn''t let him go again.

    "Zhiqiang, Zhiqiang, Zhiqiangˇ­"

    His name kepting out of her mouth like a chant. Her warm and small body was shivering. Looking down at her, she looked like she could break anytime. It tugged on the boy''s heartstring.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t care less about his dirty and wet state anymore and pulled her closer to her. He could hear her heartbeat resonating with his, and it soothed his tense nerves.

    After spending hours searching for her high and low, worrying about her safety, this sound was like heaven''s song for him.

    "Shush, you are fine now. Don''t cry." Dai Zhiqiang whispered slowly while caressing her head, which was full of dirt and some dry leaves stuck on the hair.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips and swallowed back her tears before saying, "Ugh, I thought no one woulde. Youˇ­why? How?"

    "I arrived at K city in the morning and went to this mountain immediately. I''m sorry it took so long for me to arrive."

    "No, but where have you been all this time? You didn''t reply to my message and call. Is it regarding your work again?"

    There was a brief pause before Dai Zhiqiang replied, "Yeah. I''m sorry."

    "Can''t you be crueller? We promised we would enjoy the trip together, but you ditched me without telling me anything. I was worried sick that those debt collectors came to bother you again."

    "No, those people won''te to bother me anymore."

    Li Caiyi raised her head, puzzled, "What do you mean? Have you paid all the debts you owe them?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was hesitant before replying, "My current boss took care of it for me. He also helped me with my father''s medical bill for now. I must work for him diligently to pay off all that."

    Li Caiyi gasped in surprise. However, she couldn''t help but feel uneasy about it. "He did all of that for you? At the cost of having you work for him? Even if that means using all of your time?"

    "Yeah. I owed a lot to him. He is the one who gave me a helping hand at the time when I needed it the most. So I want to be helpful to him."

    Li Caiyi stared at Dai Zhiqiang''s apologetic face and smiled wryly. Droplets of water dripped from his wet hair to his face, and Li Caiyi used her hand to wipe it gently.

    "I understand. But I hope you can inform me first when you suddenly need to leave. I''m worried about you."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang sped her hand before pressing it against her cheek. The way he nuzzled her hand was endearing; it warmed her heart.

    "Yeah. I thought I could take care of it fast, but it took longer than I expected. If only I was with you today, you probably wouldn''t have to suffer this too."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Not at all. This is all because of my carelessness."

    Speaking of the topic, it reminded Li Caiyi about something. "Oh yeah! Have you seen my sister on the way here? Is she okay?"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down at her in bewilderment. "You mean Li Chunhua? I met her before climbing the mountain, but she seems fine to me?"

    "What? That can''t be. I heard from someone that she had her episodes again. That''s why I climbed down the mountain in a hurry."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t say anything and only stared at her. Looking at his expression, Li Caiyi suddenly realized the core of the problem she had missed before.

    "Don''t tell meˇ­." Her words trailed off.

    "Who is this person who told you that?"

    "He said his name is Hu Jian from 3-B. He suddenly came to me and informed me that Xiaohua was sick, and she kept calling out to me. Then he suggested taking a shortcut, eventually leading us to a cliff."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes narrowed down dangerously. Hisplexion darkened as he grabbed her by the shoulder. "Did that bastard push you down?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t answer immediately because she wasn''t sure anymore.

    At first, she thought it was just an ident. Hu Jian slipped and unintentionally pushed her back. But when she thought about it again, all of his actions seemed suspicious.

    "I don''t know. It looked like it was just an ident, but now I wasn''t so sure anymore."

    Dai Zhiqiang grimaced before parting her bang slightly. "You are hurt here. The bleeding has stopped, but I hope it won''t leave a scar on you. Where did you get hurt? Show me."

    "Huh?!"

    Li Caiyi was flustered because Dai Zhiqiang suddenly unzipped her jersey and took it off in one swift movement, revealing her white shirt. Then, he examined her body closely by touching her arm, making her awkward.

    "Zhiqiang, you don''t have to search me like this. I will show you!" Li Caiyi said quickly before Dai Zhiqiang began to check on the other part of her body. Her face felt hot, and she scooted away from him just to be safe.

    This cave was too small for both of them. Li Caiyi couldn''t decide if it was good or bad news.

    "I think some ribcages are broken, and I twisted my right ankle." Li Caiyi said while pulling her pants, showing the swollen part on her feet. It had a dark red color before, but the color changed into bluish purple now.

    Dai Zhiqiang gently touched her right foot before giving it a light caress. "This isn''t just swollen; I think you fractured your leg. Does it hurt very much?"

    Li Caiyi was about to nod when she realized she didn''t need to put up a front in front of this person.

    "Yes, it hurts. Even when I only move slightly, it hurts."

    Dai Zhiqiang quickly opened his bag and took out a sports towel. He stretched his hand outside to let the rain drench the towel before wringing it up. Then he wrapped the towel around her leg gently.

    "It would be more effective if we had some ice, but please bear with this for a while. I will carry you down the mountain after the rain subsides."

 Chapter 381 Your Happiness Is My Happiness

    Li Caiyi hissed in pain when he identally touched her on the sore spot.

    "Sorry, did I grab you too hard?"

    "No, you didn''t. It can''t be helped."

    "I''ll be more careful. Just cry out if it hurts. Don''t hold it in."

    How could Li Caiyi cry out when he clearly treated her with extra gentleness like this? The feel of his warm skin and cold towel ovepped and created afortable sensation on her foot.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s hands were big, and they could almost easily envelop her whole feet in his grasp. Li Caiyi focused her attention on that hand, thinking about how much work he had done using these hands in thest few days.

    The more she heard about it, the more her suspicion grew. His job was definitely not just your regr bodyguard job. Although Dai Zhiqiang was skilled in fighting, Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel uneasy, knowing there was a ''generous'' person behind his back.

    What if his boss secretly ordered him to do something illegal?

    Dai Zhiqiang was much brighter than her, so she believed he must have thought this through before agreeing. That was what she tried to believe until Meng Renshu told her about him.

    [He is a murderer. With his hand, he killed three people mercilessly].

    Once again, Li Caiyi couldn''t take her eyes off his hands. She couldn''t imagine him killing someone using those gentle and warm hands in the future.

    Although Dai Zhiqiang was a bit rough when provoked, he was inherently a good person. He couldn''t avert his eyes from injustice and the amount of time he had helped her in the past was uncountable.

    Li Caiyi believed in him, but she couldn''t trust those he worked with. They could very well force him to do those things.

    Drowning in her thought, Li Caiyi reached out and sped Dai Zhiqiang''s hand in hers, prompting him to raise his head. "What''s wrong? Did I wrap the towel too tight?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Zhiqiang, will you tell me what kind of job you have been doing in the past few days? Did they ask you to do something you are unwilling to do?"

    Dai Zhiqiang studied her facial expression and straightened his back. "Caiyi, are you that worried about me?"

    "How can I not?" Li Caiyi bit her lips before adding hesitantly. "You know, please don''t think badly of me and listen until I finish first. Currently, my first book is selling well, and if this goes on, I can probably help you more. So, if your boss asks you to do something you don''t want to do, just quit. I will do my best to support you."

    Dai Zhiqiang stared nkly at her before breaking out in amusedughter. It dispelled the tension in the air.

    "You don''t have tough that hardˇ­."

    "Haha, sorry. Iughed because I''m too happy." Dai Zhiqiang snorted while wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes. He gently intertwined their fingers before replying, "Thank you, Caiyi. Your corner warmed my heart. And as much as I would like you to spoil me, this isn''t the way to do it. You worked hard for what you have right now, so it''s only right that I do the same."<sub> </sub>

    "But, you are clearly pushing yourself too hard. Don''t think I never noticed that you got injured several times after taking this job. You can try to y it cool, but you can never fool me."

    "Oh, you found me out? Then why didn''t you say anything?" Dai Zhiqiang smirked mischievously as he leaned closer to her sulking face.

    Li Caiyi looked away from his yful gaze. She could feel her cheek burning from how close he was to her. This cave was too narrow for both of them.

    "Even if I did, I know you won''t listen to me anyway. Seriously, you always make people worry about you."

    "Well, I could say the same to you. Mind telling me why you came to K city with Senior Meng instead of everyone else using the bus?"

    "How did you know that?" Li Caiyi raised her head in surprise and immediately regretted it because now she couldn''t take her eyes away from his ck, inky eyes, which seemed to prate her being.

    "You are underestimating people''s interest in you. If you arrive with a person like that guy, everyone will talk about it, whether you like it or not. I just happened to hear some of them talking about it. Care to exin?"

    Li Caiyi frowned. "Why do I feel like you are avoiding the topic? I''m the one who is asking you a question here. I''ll answer that if you answer my question first."

    "My answer is obviously no." Dai Zhiqiang replied firmly, without batting an eye. "If you have money to spare, you should save it yourself. You should learn to be more selfish and think about your needs first."

    "But using it for you means using it for myself too, because if you are happy, then I''ll feel happy too." Li Caiyi said dejectedly.

    "That''s now how it works. If you want to make me happy, you should put yourself above anything else. Even above me. For me, you are the most important thing."

    Her heart thumped loudly, hearing his genuine feelings towards her. Li Caiyi could tell he didn''t say that just to cate her, but that was what he sincerely felt.

    For someone like her, who never became anyone''s first priority, his words shook her to the core and slowly melted her from the inside.

    ''He always knows what I feel deep inside my heart. How can I be so lucky to meet someone like this? Even when we first met, he is always like this.''

    Sting!

    "Ugh!"

    Li Caiyi groaned in pain when a stinging pain suddenly hit her head. It felt like her scalp was stabbed by needles. Not a very good sensation.

    "Caiyi? Did you hurt your head too?" Dai Zhiqiang asked worriedly.

    "No, this happens to me sometimes. It will go away if I let it be, so no need to worry." Li Caiyi waved her hand lightly, but Dai Zhiqiang was unconvinced.

 Chapter 382 Warm Me Up

    "Don''t get used to that. Have you tried to get it checked by the doctor?"

    "No. See? The pain is gone now. But after it goes away, I always feel strange for some reason."

    "How so?"

    Li Caiyi put her hand in front of her chest, specifically on her heart. "I feel like something is taken from me. Like I lost something important. It was a weird feeling."

    "You do?"

    "Yeah, but never mind. I''m sure it''s just my imagination. What are we talking about again? I suddenly can''t remember."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised in doubt. "Are you sure you are fine? We are talking about how you shouldn''t spend your money carelessly."

    "Oh yeah. Geez, how can I forget that? I''m such an airhead sometimes."

    Dai Zhiqiang put his hand on her head and gently caressed it. "It''s fine. You are fine just the way you are."

    "Hehe, thanks. And about your question, it was nothing. I was worried about you when you didn''t show up, so I went to your house. He followed me there because he couldn''t let me go to K city alone. That''s all."

    Dai Zhiqiang made a faint disgruntled noise, even though he tried hard to look calm on the outside.

    "I see. I''m d to hear he was not bothering you. But you really should be careful around him."

    "En. I know. Thanks for worrying about me."

    "Let''s forget that, then. You should drink something first." Dai Zhiqiang reached out to his bag again, but doing so made his arm brush against Li Caiyi''s, and she could feel the coldness emanating from his wet clothes.

    "Zhiqiang, how about you take off your clothes? Your clothes are drenched because of the rain; you''ll get sick if you keep wearing them."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled yfully at her. "If I do that, will you warm me up directly with your body?"

    "What?!"

    His straightforward answer made her flinch in fluster. Li Caiyi never thought of it that way, but thinking about it again, he wasn''t wrong either.

    If he took off his clothes, he would have nothing to shield himself from the strong wind. That was as harmful as letting him stay in that wet clothes. Unless she did something to help him with itˇ­

    Li Caiyi''s cheek turned red as her temperature raised. As much as this was embarrassing, this was an urgent situation. As an adult, she couldn''t let her shame stop her from doing something she should do.

    "It''s okay. Let''s do it."

    The yful smile on Dai Zhiqiang''s face disappeared after hearing her response. His eyes widened in disbelief.

    Li Caiyi shut her eyes tight before making her point once again. "I-It''s not a weird thing or anything! We are just going to cuddle until your clothes are dry enough to wear again. I-if you keep wearing that wet clothes, you''ll get sick, and we won''t be able to get out of here!"

    "Will you really heat me up?"

    Li Caiyi was surprised when Dai Zhiqiang abruptly pulled her closer to him. His motion was gentle so as not to aggravate her injuries, but it was so smooth; that she didn''t have time to resist.

    No, it was more like she didn''t want to resist. Not when he stared at her with those passionate and dominating eyes. He looked ready to eat her whenever he saw a chance.

    The ce he touched her felt scorching hot, and the sound of the rain ovepped with her noisy heartbeat.<sub> </sub>

    Which one was louder? She couldn''t tell.

    "If you are sure, then make sure to not make unnecessary movements. You don''t want to provoke me any further than this."

    Li Caiyi forgot to breathe for a second. There was no usual teasing smirk or trace of mischievousness in his words. He was dead serious when he said that. Her heart felt like it could explode.

    Sensing that she probably had said something more than she should, she didn''t say anything and only tugged on the hem of his jersey. "Alright."

    "Alright," Dai Zhiqiang echoed her words before tenderly prying her hands off of her. He held her hand as if that was the most delicate thing in the world before reluctantly letting it go.

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly unzipped her jersey and took them off. Next, he pulled his wet t-shirt over his head, and Li Caiyi gulped nervously, seeing his robust and firm body beneath that t-shirt.

    This wasn''t her first time witnessing this, but the feeling she got couldn''t be more different. She couldn''t remember how she could stare at his body without blushing the first time.

    Unlike thest time, Li Caiyi could spot a few bruises and scars here and there, but none of them looked scary this time. The more she looked at him, the hotter her face became, so she had to avert her eyes first.

    "C-can you look away for a second? I-I''ll take off mine tooˇ­."

    There was a slight pause before he replied huskily. "En. Take your time."

    Li Caiyi made sure he had looked away before slowly pulling her t-shirt over her head too before she could second-guess her decision. She quickly covered her almost naked upper body with her jersey before slowly scooting closer to Dai Zhiqiang.

    "Y-you can look this way now," Li Caiyi said in a barely audible voice. Because of embarrassment, she had her back on him, letting him have a nice view of her back.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t describe his feelings except that the girl sitting in front of him was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Her pure-looking and bashful figure, with a hint of red on her white skin, was like a freshly blooming flower on the snow mountain.

    Touching the untainted her with his filthy hands felt like a sin; he was afraid she would break. However, along with that hesitance was the desire to paint her in his color and leave his mark on her. The contradictory feeling gave birth to a sense of thrill, making him shiver.

    Dai Zhiqiang had to use all his willpower to purge the improper thought in his mind.

    "Come here."

    Li Caiyi released a soft gasp when he pulled her closer, so her back pressed against his hard chest. She was trapped in his arms, with her sitting between his legs.

    They could save a lot of space and share their warmth in this position. Although this closeness was very bad for her heart!

    "Careful. Didn''t I say not to move around?" Dai Zhiqiang held her more tightly to keep her in ce. His voice sounded strained like he was trying hard to hold back something.

    "S-sorry."

    "If you don''te closer, then we wouldn''t feel warm. Be a good girl."

    Not only her heart but her whole body was ready to explode now. Thinking back, she was so bold for suggesting something like this!

    "You are very warm. This is a good idea, indeed. I want to keep you close to me like this forever."

    Dai Zhiqiang dipped and put his head on her shoulder, and his sweetness stole her breath away.

    The panic and restlessness Li Caiyi felt before slowly faded as she became morefortable. She even furtively leaned toward him more for a better position.

 Chapter 383 Im Your Girlfriend

    It was very warm and pleasant to be in skin-to-skin contact with him. Li Caiyi''s head got fuzzy from all the heat.

    "Caiyi, are you sleepy?"

    "En. I think I might fall asleep at this rate."

    Dai Zhiqiang closed her eyes with his hand before adding, "Just sleep then. I don''t think the rain will stop anytime soon. I''ll keep watch."

    Li Caiyi wanted to refuse initially. The times when they could leisurely spend time together like this had be so raretely. She wanted to talk more and relish the moment in a sober state, but her body betrayed her wish.

    Now that she wasn''t alone and didn''t need to be so alert anymore, all the tension left her body, and the weariness assaulted her.

    "Then, can I sleep for a bit? You can sleep too if you want."

    "Don''t worry about me. You have gone through a lot today. Rest."

    Li Caiyi hummedfortably when his big hand stroked her head repeatedly like he was trying to lull a child to sleep. It was actually a bit funny because she was supposed to be the adult one, but Li Caiyi was too tired to pay attention to that.

    She scooted closer to him in search of a morefortable position. That was when her hand identally brushed against his belly.

    "Hm?" Li Caiyi looked down in puzzlement, wondering what that bumpy texture was just now.

    Dai Zhiqiang let out a low growl when she began to fondle his firm belly. With a quick movement, he caught her hand in his.

    "Didn''t I tell you to behave yourself? By touching me like that, do you know what you sign yourself into?"

    Li Caiyi blushed at his suggestive question and quickly replied, "No, it''s not like that. I just felt something bumpy and wondered what it was! But why do you have a stitched wound on your belly?"

    "I wasn''t careful when dealing with troublemakers in the bar, so some ss fragments hurt me. That''s all."

    Li Caiyi''s facial muscles tightened hearing that. She looked down again to examine his wound once again. "But this wound seems to be pretty wide. Does it still hurt?"

    "Yes, it does. Stop touching me there."

    "Ah, sorry!" Li Caiyi retracted her hand almost immediately. "I didn''t mean to hurt you."

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed. "It hurts, but not that kind of hurt."

    "Huh?"

    "Nevermind. Just don''t touch me carelessly anymore." Dai Zhiqiang averted his eyes, and Li Caiyi''s eyes widened when she saw the redness on the tip of his ears.

    Usually, it was him who teased her, and she would get flustered. But currently, the role was reversed. Dai Zhiqiang looked cute, acting all embarrassed like that; it made her heart swell with affection.

    "Alright, I won''t touch you. But why didn''t you ever tell me about this before? All this time, I never knew you were secretly enduring the pain from a big wound like this." Li Caiyi said dejectedly.

    "I just don''t want you to worry about me."

    "Do you think I wouldn''t feel worried if I knew about itter? You are always keeping something from me and bear everything alone. Honestly, what do you take me for? Am I your girlfriend or not?"<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang could tell she was agitated. He shouldn''t have epted her offer to cuddle if he knew it would turn out like this. He didn''t like it when she looked so upset and lonely like that.

    "I know. It''s my fault for not confiding in you. I''m very sorry for upsetting you."

    "You said that. But I bet you will still do the same if things like this happen again."

    "I won''t. I promise I will tell you when I get hurt next time." Dai Zhiqiang pulled her into his embrace and kissed her on the forehead.

    "Why don''t you go to sleep? I bet you are exhausted now."

    "Don''t try to change the topic. I''m not done yet with you," Li Caiyi answered but made no attempt to shake him off. "I feel you don''t trust me enough to tell me about important stuff like this. Even though you are very important to me."

    "I''m sorry. I was too absorbed in my own matters and being inconsiderate towards you. You are so patient and understanding that I got too ahead of myself."

    <o>,m Li Caiyi said nothing, so Dai Zhiqiang continued. "This is why I don''t want you to spoil me too much. If you do that, I''ll be more greedy and selfish. It was my fault this time, so please forgive me."</o>

    All the hidden frustration she had been holding back all this time broke when she heard that. Thinking back, it wasn''t because she was generous that she had neverined about it before. It was more because she was afraid Dai Zhiqiang would hate her if she was too clingy.

    However, she wouldn''t let him pass easily this time. Even when he got hurt badly, he refused to tell her anything. That was just too much.

    "I know you are busy and have your own life, but I''m your girlfriend. Give me some credit and rely on me more, alright? Even if I can''t help you, at least I want to know when you are hurt or just having a bad day. If not, then what am I to you?"

    "Yeah. This is all my fault, so don''t cry, okay? I can''t see you cry. It will hurt me."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if it was because she was too exhausted or it was because she never openly talked about what she felt about their rtionship; she couldn''t rein her emotions well.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t lift her head, knowing that her expression must have looked like a mess. The welled-up frustration just exploded at once.

    Dai Zhiqiang only kept quiet when she heard a muffled sob from her. He pulled her closer to him, hoping it would give her a sense offort.

    After a while, the sobbing quieted down. Li Caiyi''s body was leaning limply on him, with her eyes closed tightly. Dai Zhiqiang smiled helplessly, looking at her sleeping face.

    "Sleep well. I hope you have a good dream."

    He dipped down and kissed her lips, relishing the warmth and softness of her lips before sighing in satisfaction. He felt a lot betterpared to before.

    Outside the cave, the rain was pouring heavily. Dai Zhiqiang silently nned the way to get out from there in his head.

    After some time, he slowly nodded off too. How long has it been since thest time he was held and held someone so dearly like this? Ever since his mother left, he never experienced it again.

    Only in front of this girl did he could lower his guard.

    The smell ofvender and her warm temperature soothed his nerves, making his eyelids grow heavier with each second.

    ''Let''s just take a shut-eye for a while.'' He thought inwardly as she cradled her to a morefortable position for both of them.

    The rain turned into a raging storm outside, but Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t feel any more peaceful ce beside her side right then.

 Chapter 384 Feasting On Her

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how long she had been asleep, but she woke up feeling refreshed.

    The first thing she saw when she opened her eyes was Dai Zhiqiang''s close-up sleeping face. It seemed he also fell asleep while waiting for the rain to subside. He cradled her in his arm carefully, so Li Caiyi could look at his side profile deliciously.

    Dai Zhiqiang had a sharp jawline and high nose. His lips, which were slightly parted, were a bit pale, perhaps because it was cold there. His hair had grown a bit since he cut it, with his wet bang cast a shadow on his broad forehead.

    Li Caiyi let out a breathless sigh as she stared at his handsome face. This wasn''t her first time watching his sleeping face, but she felt she could stare at him forever.

    "I love you," Li Caiyi whispered to no one, almost like in a trance. She wanted to touch his face, but he suddenly stirred in his sleep, making her retract her hand again in fluster.

    Thankfully, she didn''t wake him up. Feeling that she should let him sleep longer, Li Caiyi straightened her back and carefully pried his hands off her.

    It was pretty hard because he treated her like a living heater and refused to let her go. But eventually, she managed toe out of his embrace.

    Carefully so as not to make any noise, Li Caiyi dragged herself to the cave entrance and parted the vines. The bright sunlight soon passed the gap and blinded her eyes. She didn''t realize at all that she had slept all night.

    After the bad storm yesterday, the scene in the forest in the morning, with the smell of petrichor wafting to her nose, felt really special now. What happened yesterday was awful, but in the end, it changed into unforgettable sweet memories thanks to a certain someone.

    Li Caiyi looked back and saw that Dai Zhiqiang was still deeply asleep. A sweet smile appeared as the scene fromst night reyed in her mind.

    Thankfully, the weather was nice this morning, and the sunlight peeking from the gap of vines felt warm to the skin. Dai Zhiqiang''s clothes were still damp, but it was better than yesterday.

    There should be no need to cuddle with him anymore, but Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel regretful. It would be nice if she could stay with him longer.

    In the end, she put on her t-shirt back before returning to her previous position once again.

    ''I will just stay here until he wakes up. That much should be okay, right?''

    Li Caiyi nced at his face once again. Her desire won over her, so she leaned herself closer to kiss him on the cheek. It was just a brief contact, more like a peck than a kiss. But she didn''t expect that his eyes would be flicked open instantly.

    "I''m sure I have warned you to behave yourself a few times, haven''t I?" Dai Zhiqiang asked in a husky and sluggish voice as he locked her in his arms so she wouldn''t be able to escape.

    "What?! Y-you are awake?!"

    Li Caiyi was flushed because he caught her red-handed, trying to take advantage of him in his sleep. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. His stare was enough to make her melt in ce.

    "I was already awake when you struggled in my arms, trying to escape from my grasp."

    "Then why didn''t you just say so?"

    "Why? When you clearly look like you didn''t want me to awake so soon?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi''s breath hitched in her throat. That would mean that he saw through her from the very beginning.

    "If you want to kiss, you should at least do it on my lips." Dai Zhiqiang smirked at her.

    Li Caiyi was embarrassed beyond words, but now that the cat was out of the bag, there was no point in hiding it any longer. With a blushed face, she said softly, "I didn''t want to wake you up, but I wanted to stay with you longer. Then I unknowinglyˇ­."

    "Shit."

    "Ah?" Li Caiyi stared at his drooping head in puzzlement.

    Dai Zhiqiang raised her head, and the swirling darkness in his eyes sent shivers running down her spine.

    "I have been trying so hard to hold myself back. This is your fault for provoking me first. ept your punishment."

    With one swift moment, Dai Zhiqiang had locked her lips with hers. His kiss was passionate and urgent, like he couldn''t wait anymore. Li Caiyi, who was shocked, couldn''t keep up with his fervent kiss and soon found herself overwhelmed by his intensity.

    Dai Zhiqiang carefully cradled her body so he wouldn''t hurt her while slowly prying her mouth open with his tongue.

    "Ah-hngh!"

    Li Caiyi''s head was spinning from the heat of their kiss. Her mind became nk, and she couldn''t feel anything but his wet tongue in her mouth.

    This kind of suffocating and a forceful kiss was the first for her. Dai Zhiqiang had never kissed her with so much desire as this before. Even if she tried to keep up, he would squeeze her waist and force her to be on the submissive side again.

    Dai Zhiqiang would nibble, lick, and lightly bite her lips. Rather than kissing, it was more like he was feasting on her. He was like a beast who finally had his hand on his prey.

    It didn''t take long before Li Caiyi lost all power in her body and surrendered herself to himpletely.

    ''No, we had this kind of kiss before. This is the kind of kiss Shen Qiang showered me with that night.''

    Amid their fiery kiss, her hazy mind suddenly recalled the Shen Qiang of that night. Back then, he also held her close like this, with his gaze locked on her throughout the night. She could only see her, and he was the same.

    Her heart was filled with sweetness. She felt like she was floating in a cloud, so she subconsciously wrapped her hand around his neck to anchor her body.

    This seemed like an invitation to do more for the hungry and unsatiated boy. It thickened the ambiguity and lust in the air.

    Seconds felt like forever, but forever also felt so short. Dai Zhiqiang only let her go when she smacked him lightly on the back because she couldn''t breathe.

 Chapter 385 I Wont Apologize For Kissing You

    As soon as they parted, Li Caiyi saw Dai Zhiqiang licking his lips while gazing hungrily at her. She could have melted just from that fire in his eyes alone.

    "Zhiqiang?" Li Caiyi called out amid her pants.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t seem to lose his breath at all. He looked eager to continue, and for the first time since she met him, she felt intimidated by the swirling darkness in his eyes.

    If she didn''t do something, she knew they would cross a line they would regret in the future.

    Li Caiyi pushed him back with a flushed face as she tried to collect her scattered thoughts together.

    "Zhiqiang, we should stop here."

    "Why?" Dai Zhiqiang held on to her and grew tighter as he dipped his head again. Li Caiyi quickly prevented him by pushing his head.

    "Wait! The rain has stopped, and we really need to get going. Everyone is probably waiting for us!" She said, almost half-shouting in panic.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t say anything, but she knew he was unhappy from how the corner of his lips slightly drooped. That pout was so cute that it almost softened her resolve again.

    ''Get a hold of yourself, Li Caiyi! Enough is enough!''

    Li Caiyi berated herself inwardly before squirming her way out of his embrace. Dai Zhiqiang was clearly reluctant but couldn''t prevent her from leaving. She almost could see the dog ears on his head ttened in disappointment.

    He was like a big dog who was angry for getting robbed of his treat.

    "Zhiqiang, I''m sorry, but we should get going now."

    "I know," Dai Zhiqiang replied hoarsely. He cleared his throat and took his slightly damp clothes before wearing them again.

    Li Caiyi studied his expression closely. She couldn''t let him get his way every time, or he would be increasingly unruly. Nevertheless, looking at her sulky figure, she couldn''t help but want to spoil him again.

    "Uhm, thank you, Zhiqiang, foring here to save me. I realized I hadn''t said this yet yesterday. I was so shocked and relieved. I forgot about it."

    "You don''t have to thank me. When you were missing, I was always distraught, so I had to search for you myself. Or I will be driven crazy from worry."

    Li Caiyi''s heart warmed up hearing that. "You found me so quickly. What made you so sure that I would be below this cliff?"

    "I found something on the cliff''s edge, which I assumed was yours. And there was a weird crack on the tree branches near the cliff, like something had fallen through it." Dai Zhiqiang exined as he rummaged through his bag. "Is this yours?"

    Li Caiyi looked down at her tumbler in Dai Zhiqiang''s hand. Come to think of it, she was holding this thing all the time when she ran down the mountain. After falling, she felt it was thrown out somewhere, but she didn''t expect Dai Zhiqiang to find it.

    "Every sign was obvious, and I didn''t want to waste time by telling others about it. So I searched for a way to get to the bottom of the cliff. That was when the weather got worse, and I saw this cave."

    "I see. That is such a coincidence. I thought the rain hindered us, but it turned out to be the exact thing that made you find me," Li Caiyiughed sheepishly.

    "Yeah, maybe. But even without that rain, I don''t have any intention of leaving this ce before finding you. If I have to flip every leaf and stone in this mountain to find you, I''ll do just that."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang gazed at her deeply before reaching her hand. "Please don''t disappear like that again. It scared me to death. If something happens to you, then Iˇ­."

    His words trailed off. It seemed like he couldn''t bring herself to finish that sentence. Li Caiyi felt a sweet squeeze in her chest, hearing how much he had gone through to save her.

    "If you are not here, I will be worried sick too." Li Caiyi calmly replied. "That''s what I felt whenever you went MIA on me without words. Now that you have a taste of it, let''s stop making each other worry, alright?"

    "Yeah. I will not do that anymore. And alsoˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang looked away from her restlessly. "About what happened just now, I won''t apologize."

    "Ah?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "It was your fault for being so cute in front of me. I have warned you repeatedly not to test my patience. So even if you don''t like it, I won''t apologize for that."

    Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to burst out inughter. Especially when Dai Zhiqiang pouted after he said that.

    So even after saying all that, he was still unwilling to let that go? Li Caiyi thought she had sessfully diverted his attention, but he seemed more hung up about it than she imagined.

    Dai Zhiqiang used to be pretty reclusive, but as the wall around him began to crumble, he slowly revealed his different sides to her. It was like she was opening a box of gifts with manyyers. And she would be pleasantly surprised by what he showed her every time.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t hold back the urge to pat his head.

    "No, you are the cute one, you know that?"

    "What''s with that? Are you making fun of me?"

    "How can I make fun of you? And it''s not like I stopped you because I don''t like it."

    "Then, why? Did I scare you?"

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheek awkwardly, troubled over what she should say to exin this. Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang gazed at her eagerly, waiting for her answer. She had no choice but to admit it now.

    "I''m afraid we won''t be able to stop if we continue." Li Caiyi covered her mouth as she said this, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "What are you making me say this? This is so embarrassing!"

    "No, it''s not embarrassing at all," Dai Zhiqiang squeezed her hand. He didn''t look upset anymore and instead smiled brightly. "I''m d to hear it''s not only me who wants to go further. Thanks for being honest with me."

    "What?! Don''t tell me you already knew from the start, but you still make me say this?!"

    "I just want to make sure. And I honestly need to thank you for that. I wasn''t confident I could stop if we continued."

    Dai Zhiqiang leaned in closer and whispered seductively. "I will wait until you beg me to continue."

    Li Caiyi felt like her heart going to burst.

 Chapter 386 Their Return (1)

    They ate the light snacks Dai Zhiqiang brought as their breakfast before they were finally ready to walk down the mountain.

    Dai Zhiqiang wore both of their bags in front of her body. Then, he crouched in front of Li Caiyi, with his back facing her.

    "Hop on. I''ll carry you down the mountain."

    "What?! How can I make you do that? I''ll be fine if you lend me your shoulder for a bit."

    "Didn''t you say you want to meet your sister as soon as possible to ensure her condition? If I let you walk, then it will take a long time before we can reach the bottom. It will aggravate your injury too."

    "But, I''m pretty heavyˇ­."

    "You know I have a sturdy body, and I bet you aren''t as heavy as crates of alcohol I have to lift every day."

    Li Caiyi was hesitant, but she knew they couldn''t waste their time here. She carefully climbed on his back and wrapped her arm around his neck. "P-please tell me if you need to rest. Don''t force yourˇŞkya!!"

    Li Caiyi shrieked when Dai Zhiqiang suddenly rose to his feet, lifting her with him. This was the first time she was carried on the back like this by anyone, so her heart skipped a beat from nervousness.

    "Hold on tight. I''ll try to walk slowly and carefully. Let me know if the shaking hurts your injury."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t seem like he was struggling as he walked. Even though Li Caiyi must be pretty heavy, the way he carried her made her appear as light as a feather.

    He didn''t mention her weight at all, as though he knew she was self-conscious about it. If he said she was light, she wouldn''t be able to believe him anyway, so this silent kindness ttered her immensely.

    Being so close to him made her smell the faint peppermint smell from him. It was strange. After getting drenched by the rain, the smell should have disappeared, but some still remained on him.

    It was the scent she liked very much.

    Li Caiyi tightened her hold on him and leaned her head, cing her chin on her shoulder. Contrary to her thoughts, this might not be as bad as she thought.

    "Caiyi, you don''t have to hold me that tight, you know?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s remark snapped her out of her daze. She realized she almost choked him with how tight she wrapped her arms around her neck and quickly loosened her strength. "Sorry about that!"

    "Don''t be afraid. I have a grip on you. I will not let you fall down."

    "En, I trust you." Li Caiyi smiled happily.

    Dai Zhiqiang kept walking ahead without saying anything. Li Caiyi thought it was because he was too focused on finding the way down the mountain, but the boy actually tried to hide how flustered he was.

    With how she pressed her chest to his back like that, it would be weird if he could still focus. Dai Zhiqiang was grateful she didn''t hold him as tight as before, or he wouldn''t know what to think anymore.

    Oblivious to her boyfriend''s state of fluster, Li Caiyi took her time enjoying the view of the morning forest.

    They would asionally stop when she spotted a pretty flower or insisted that Dai Zhiqiang take a rest. The initial awkwardness was dispelled after they got used to it, and in no time at all, they found themselves chatting merrily throughout the journey.

    Then, after walking for almost an hour, they finally reached a small waterfall that flowed into a stream which divided the forest. Dai Zhiqiang perked up as soon as he saw it.

    "Caiyi, we are already close to the bottom of the mountain. I remember passing through here yesterday."

    "Really?! That''s great. I thought it would take longer." Li Caiyi eximed happily.

    "Yeah. Soon, you can go to the hospital to treat your wound and injury. I will apany you."<sub> </sub>

    "En. Thank you, Zhiqiang."

    Dai Zhiqiang walked across the stream using the stones in the middle of the stream. Li Caiyi was pretty nervous, so she clenched on his shoulders.

    "Don''t worry. I told you I would never let you fall, right?"

    "I know. I''m not afraid of falling. I''m afraid you will slip and get hurt."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled in amusement. "Your concern is appreciated, but you should worry about yourself now."

    When they finally managed to cross the stream safely, Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. After that, they walked a bit further until they finally saw the main road they used to climb yesterday. Li Caiyi almost couldn''t contain her excitement.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    However, her excitement was cut short when she heard a familiar voice calling her name. They turned their head toward the voice source simultaneously and found Meng Renshu standing not far from there.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in surprise. She had known him for a long time, but this was the first time she saw him look this haggard.

    His hair was messy, with reddened eyes and dark circles under his eyes. He was still wearing yesterday''s jersey, which he was unlikely to do since he was pretty strict about hygiene and cleanliness.

    Judging from his messy appearance and how there were leaves stuck on his hair, it wasn''t hard to guess that he must have spent a lot of time searching for her.

    "Zhiqiang, can you put me down first?"

    "Caiyi, you are still hurt." Dai Zhiqiang replied unwillingly. There was a hint of warning in his voice, making her hesitant to talk with Meng Renshu.

    "Xiaoyi, you are fine. Thank goodness."

    Meng Renshu said with relief painted all over his face. His eyes glistened under the sunlight, making her suspect he was on the verge of tears. But a minuteter, she scoffed at her own thoughts.

    "Brother Renshu, as you can see, I''m very fine. Thank you for worrying about me. I''m sorry, but I can''t get down due to circumstances."

    "Why? Are you hurt?" Meng Renshu''s expression changed from worry to anger to upset in seconds. Li Caiyi couldn''t gauge what he thought at all.

    "Yes, but it''s not severe. Zhiqiang helped me with first aid treatmentst night."

    Now Meng Renshu''s countenance turned ashen after he heard that. His brows furrow in the mixture of confusion and displeasure. "By that, you mean spent a night with him?"

    "That''s right. Last night the storm prevented us from going anywhere. Thank goodness we found a cave where we can take shelter from it."

    Meng Renshu appeared like he wanted to say something more, but Dai Zhiqiang beat him to it by saying, "Senior Meng, Caiyi needs treatment as soon as possible. I''ll be taking her down the mountain first."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t wait for Meng Renshu to respond and walked away.

    Li Caiyi subtly looked behind. She couldn''t see Meng Renshu''s face well because of the distance, but she felt that his figure seemed smaller than she remembered.

    ''Did he even sleep? He doesn''t look well. It can''t be that he is looking for me all night, right?'' Li Caiyi unconsciously thought but soon shook her head, denying her assumption.

    There was no need to find out the answer. Yes or no, Li Caiyi had no words to say to him anyway.

    With that thought, she faced forward again.

 Chapter 387 Their Return (2)

    Contrary to Li Caiyi''s thought, there were a lot of people gathered at the bottom of the mountain. There was no reason for all students to wait for her, so she expected the ce would be deserted by now.

    Meng Renshu''s appearance was shocking, but it was more surprising to see many people wearing the same orange uniform weing them when they arrived. Li Caiyi vaguely recognized them as a disaster rescue force whose task was to help disaster victims.

    <o>,m Why would such people be here? There was only one reason she could think of.</o>

    Li Caiyi was about to turn her head back, but one of the men with an orange uniform approached them with a semi-formal smile. From his demeanor, Li Caiyi assumed he was the leader of this group of people.

    "Thank goodness you guys are fine. Did you get hurt somewhere? We have paramedics ready to examine your condition."

    "I''m not hurt. She is." Dai Zhiqiang replied, representing her.

    "Young man, you are courageous to go out of your way to find your friend, but you shouldn''t have recklessly gone to the mountain on a stormy night." The man sighed helplessly. "If you are not careful, the number of missing people will increase to two."

    "Mister, where can I find the paramedics? She is injured pretty badly." Dai Zhiqiang asked, almost in an impatient tone.

    The man frowned a bit at his rude response, but his expression softened when his gaze met with Li Caiyi''s troubled and apologetic look.

    "Let me take you there. Do you want me to take over from here? You must be exhausted too." The man said while opening his arm, implying Dai Zhiqiang to hand Li Caiyi over to him.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s grip on her thigh tightened. "No, thanks. I can carry her myself. Please show us the way."

    The man stared at Dai Zhiqiang and Li Caiyi alternately with a knowing look. He didn''t suggest it again and only gestured to follow him.

    Dai Zhiqiang followed the man''s head to a small tent under a big tree. The leader talked to his colleague and asked Dai Zhiqiang to bring her inside the tent first.

    Dai Zhiqiang carefully put Li Caiyi down on the camping beds. After that, he crouched again and helped her take her shoes off. His movement was very tender, as though her legs were made from ss.

    Li Caiyi smiled softly as he let him spoil her. "Thank you."

    "Does it still hurt terribly?"

    "No. It doesn''t hurt that much anymore. Thanks to you."

    A pair of women entered the tent, and Dai Zhiqiang rose to make some space for them.

    "Zhiqiang, you should take a rest too for a while. I''ll see you again after they finish treating me."

    Dai Zhiqiang gave a brief nod and went outside the tent. While secretly watching the treatment process from outside, he heard footstepsing his way.

    "Dai Zhiqiang!"

    When he turned around, he found Li Chunhua was running toward him with desperation on her face. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead when she stopped in front of him, bending her upper body forward, trying to catch her breath.

    "Xiaoyi, where is she?!"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes were red and swollen like she had spent much time crying. She wore a jersey two sizes bigger on top of hers, and her shoes were muddy.

    To put it short, she was as messy as Meng Renshu, or probably worse. It was very different from her usual brilliant and idol-like image.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t say anything and only made way for her. Li Chunhua immediately took his hint and barged inside the tent. Not long after that, wailing sounds could be heard from the inside.

    Li Chunhua was crying so hard the paramedics needed to coax her to calm down. Dai Zhiqiang regretted letting her in easily and wanted to drag her out. Still, he cancelled that thought when she looked at Li Caiyi''s teary face.<sub> </sub>

    ''Well, let them have their family reunion.''

    After a while, another person ran over to where he stood. He had slightly curly hair with piercings and a ck hoodie. From his pants, he should be a student from their school too.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised when the boy stopped in front of him while trying to catch his breath.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, I heard you have found Caiyi, whereˇŞ"

    A loud sob could be heard from the inside again, interrupting his words. He leaned to the side to take a peek, and a sigh of relief left him watching the view inside.

    "Thank goodness, she seems fine."

    "Who are you?"

    "Hm? Ah, right. We don''t know each other. I''m Shao Jingfei, Li Caiyi''s friend."

    Dai Zhiqiang sped Shao Jingfei''s hand offered to him, and the nk nails caught his eyes immediately. His memory immediately recalled the scene when Li Chunhua was kidnapped.

    "I already heard from the safe force people. You are the one who finds her, right? Thank you for bringing her back."

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned. "Why would you thank me for that?"

    Shao Jingfei''s face nked for a moment because he didn''t expect Dai Zhiqiang to respond with a hostile attitude. Until he realized what he had done wrong.

    "No, that''s not what I mean! I genuinely worried for her because she is my friend and work colleague. Please don''t take it the wrong way."

    "Hmph. Did you wait all night here?"

    Shao Jingfei scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

    "Well, I can''t leave his sister alone here. Chunhua insisted she would stay until Caiyi was found. Actually, Caiyi''s friend also insisted. Teacher Shi had to scold them before they were willing to return to the hotel. It was a big mess because they cried a lot."

    Dai Zhiqiang barely reacted, and Shao Jingfei couldn''t guess what he was thinking. But since Dai Zhiqiang looked like he was listening attentively, Shao Jingfei continued.

    "Chunhua and Senior Meng were the only ones allowed to be here, but since Senior Meng went out to find Caiyi, Chunhua needed a person to look after her. You know she had a frail body."

    "And you are the one who got that task?"

    Shao Jingfei sighed. "Well, I basically became her punching bag all night. She kept crying and venting her anger on me. She ditched me and ran here by herself immediately after hearing the news about her sister. Not that I me her, but you know what I mean, right?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was still as silent and still as a rock. Hence, Shao Jingfei continued again.

    "To be honest, I was surprised when Senior Meng made a professional group from the rescue forcese here. He even participated in the search himself, even when knowing the risk. But in the end, it was you who brought Caiyi back. That''s why I was grateful."

    "You guys are amazing. Of course, I was worried about Caiyi too, and I would help you find her if I can, but Senior Meng wanted me to watch over Chunhua."

    Shao Jingfeiughed. "She is like a tigress, scolding the rescue force when they couldn''t get any news about Caiyi even after hours. It was tough to cate her. Thinking back, all of us had a rough nightˇ­."

    Shao Jingfei still talked, but Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t listening to him anymore. He stared coldly at Meng Renshu''s figure, who was talking to the leader man from afar, as various thoughts came to his mind.

 Chapter 388 Enraged Li Chunhua

    Li Caiyi was amazed by how fast and efficient the paramedics worked. In no time, she already had bandages around her chest area, and they wrapped her right foot in a splint.

    Paramedics from the rescue force must have trained their speed and uracy when giving treatments, but she was still awed by it.

    After the two paramedics left the tent, only Li Chunhua and Li Caiyi were left in the tent.

    "Who is it? Who is the bastard who made you this way?" Li Chunhua asked in a dangerously low voice. Her eyes were cold and full of murderous intent.

    "Ah? I already said I fell from the cliff identally."

    "That can''t be. Teacher Shi said they have secured a safe route for students to pass by, avoiding cliffs and other steep areas. There is no reason for you to walk out of the designated route if it weren''t for something or someone telling you something. Spill it out. What actually happened up there?"

    Li Caiyi''s body tensed in nervousness. She didn''t expect Li Chunhua to be very sharp about things like these.

    "Xiaoyi, I know you well. You are a good girl and not the type that would do something out of the ordinary. Something must have happened up there, and you are trying to hide it from me. I was worried sick about you all night, so I at least have the right to hear about this!"

    Li Chunhua leaned her body forward, shoving her face in front of her sister. Honestly, Li Caiyi didn''t want to tell her. Still, a half-assed lie like falling identally could never fool Li Chunhua.

    "Xiaohua, are you alright? Did your body feel ufortable somewhere?"

    "Why are you suddenly asking me that? I almost got a heart attack when I heard you were missing, but aside from that, I''m fine."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. So what Hu Jian said was really a lie. This confirmed Dai Zhiqiang''s suspicion.

    She almost couldn''t believe that someone would tell her a terrible lie like that and push her down the cliff.

    What kind of grudge did Hu Jian have against her? She spent all morning thinking about any possible motive, but nothing came to mind. Hu Jian never existed in her previous life, and she was sure she had never crossed him before this.

    "Xiaoyi? Tell me, please? I promise I won''t do anything reckless if that''s what you are worried about."

    Li Caiyi heaved a defeated sigh. "Do you know a boy from ss 3-B named Hu Jian?"

    "Hu Jian?" Li Chunhua thought deeply before shaking her head. "That name doesn''t ring a bell, but I can ask some people I know about it. Did this person bully you or something?"

    Li Caiyi began to exin the chains of events yesterday. From the point when Hu Jian told her a lie about Li Chunhua and then led her to the cliff until the part when Dai Zhiqiang finally found her.

    Li Chunhua trembled when she finally finished talking. Her face changed from pale to red to ck, and she gritted her teeth hard.

    "So let me summarize everything. This Hu Jian deliberately tricked you, led you to the cliff, and then pushed you? That son of aˇŞ I''m going to find this person and kill him!"

    Li Caiyi quickly held Li Chunhua back because she looked ready to run out of the tent and spit fire from her mouth at whoever blocked her way.

    "Xiaohua! Calm down first!"

    "How can I calm down?! If what you said is true, then what that guy did could be counted as attempted murder. He can be punished! No, he will be punished!"<sub> </sub>

    "I said calm down first! We need to find out if this ''Hu Jian'' person exists or not in the first ce."

    Li Chunhua''s rage immediately cooled down hearing that. She sat back on the bed with a wondering look. "Xiaoyi, do you think this Hu Jian guy lied about his identity?"

    "It''s just spection, but yes. If he really called me out intending to hurt or even kill me, then it''s hard to believe he would let me know his identity easily."

    "Makes sense. Alright, I will ask around. I know some people from ss 3-B."

    "Xiaohua. I won''t stop you, but please be mindful of your way of asking. Whoever that person is, this Hu Jian is really malicious and probably has a grudge toward me. There is no guarantee he won''t target you too if he knows you are snooping around about him."

    Li Chunhua winked at her. "Don''t worry, Xiaoyi. I will make sure to be careful when asking. You just need to sit and wait for my information. That has to wait until we get away from this mountain, though. There is no signal at all here; how frustrating."

    Li Caiyi nodded and felt a bit lighter now that she saw her sister was okay.

    "Oh yeah, Xiaoyi. Have you met with Brother Renshu on the way here?"

    The sudden change of topic caught her off guard. "Yes, I did. Why do you ask?"

    Li Chunhua fidgeted for a moment before finally saying, "I don''t know what problem the two of you have, but Brother Renshu was working hard all night to search for you. He didn''t sleep and only ate when I forced him to. I think he is very worried about you, despite the fallout between you two."

    Li Chunhua felt awkward because Li Caiyi didn''t answer her and only stared at the ground.

    "Xiaoyi, I have asked this before, but I will ask you once again. Do you still think Brother Renshu didn''t have any feelings towards you?"

    "Iˇ­ don''t know. And I honestly don''t want to know either. Xiaohua, I already have a boyfriend."

    "We don''t know what will happen in the future. Xiaoyi, you have been avoiding him a lot in the past few months. I feel sorry for Brother Renshu sometimes."

    There was no way her sister would understand herplicated feelings towards Meng Renshu.

    For Li Caiyi, Meng Renshu was like an old treasure. She had so many fond memories of him, but in the end, all she could do was watch as the treasure perished.

    This feeling only strengthened when she knew Meng Renshu had regained his memories. Something that should be forgotten and left behind began to chase after her again. If she stopped to look back even once, she was afraid it would consume her.

    "I understand your concern, Xiaohua, but I have my own way of taking care of this. You don''t need to worry about it." Li Caiyi forced a smile to appear on her face. "I''m aware that Brother Renshu has done a lot for us, but it doesn''t mean I shouldpromise my feelings towards him."

    "Can''t you two just be friends again? Don''t get me wrong, I love you the most and will forever be siding with you. But I don''t want the rtionship between the two of you to be awkward. Brother Renshu genuinely cares about you, to the point that he almost goes crazy when no one hasn''t found you after a night has passed."

    Li Caiyi listened to her sister''s words silently. She recalled how small Meng Renshu looked when she brushed him off earlier. If what Li Chunhua said was true, then she might have gone overboard.

    ''I should at least thank him the next time I meet him.''

    Right after she thought that, the tent door was parted, and the haggard-looking Meng Renshu entered.

 Chapter 389 Beware Of The Stalker (1)

    "Xiaoyi, I will wait outside if you need it, alright?"

    "But why? Just stay here" Li Caiyi stared at her sister pleadingly.

    Li Chunhua bit her lips hesitantly before shutting her eyes and looking away.

    "No, I will let you two have some time to talk. Please don''t get into a fight again and try to talk with him."

    After saying that, she took thest worried nce at Meng Renshu and Li Caiyi before walking out of the tent.

    Li Caiyi was speechless, while Meng Renshu stayed rooted in his ce, without knowing what to say.

    "Uhm, why don''t you sit down first?"

    In the end, Li Caiyi couldn''t stand the suffocating silence and broke the ice first. Meng Renshu nodded and dragged a stool so he could sit a few steps away from Li Caiyi.

    He really didn''t have to go that far, but she guessed that was his way of showing consideration to her. The atmosphere became more awkward with stifling silence.

    "How is your condition?"

    "The paramedics have already taken a look at my injury, and they said I should be fine in a few weeks."

    "I see. That''s good." Meng Renshu looked genuinely relieved. "Someone wille here to deliver some warm food for you in a bit. Make sure you finish them all."

    "Thank you."

    "I also told the paramedics to look at Dai Zhiqiang''s condition too. He is currently getting his treatment in the next tent."

    Li Caiyi had nothing else to say. Meng Renshu had taken care of everything without needing her to mention it.

    [Do you still think Brother Renshu has no feelings towards you at all?]

    Li Chunhua''s words from earlier rang inside her head, and the thought made her feel slightly bad about it. In retrospect, she did nothing but ignore him. Still, when he was being generous like this, that unspeakable guilt always came back to bite her.

    "Brother Renshu, you should take a rest as well. I heard from Xiaohua that you haven''t slept a wink sincest night."

    Meng Renshu noticed how Li Caiyi fiddled with her fingers and smiled faintly. "As long as you are fine, I''m also fine."

    "You don''t have to go so far for me like this." Li Caiyi found it difficult to articte what she had in mind, so she stopped after saying that.

    "How can I stand still when my childhood friend is missing? Forget about the problem between us; I''m sure you will also do the same for me."

    "That''sˇ­"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t deny it immediately and only stared at the ground with a distant expression.

    From how he spoke, it seemed he also hadplicated feelings towards her, the same as she was towards him. Li Chunhua perceived his feeling as affection towards her, but Li Caiyi was sure it wasn''t only that.

    "Xiaoyi, now that I have regained some of my memories, I found you even more amazing than before."

    "What do you mean?"

    "I have reflected on myself since thest conversation we had. You used to be very obedient towards everyone. You don''t want to hurt others, so you keep everything bottled up inside. But now, you worked hard to get everything you couldn''t in your previous life. I thought you were amazing, enough that it made me feel ashamed."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "I was ashamed to think that you are still that girl who needs me for you to be happy; because you clearly don''t. I have a hard time epting this fact, so I be more and more stubborn, but I think my head cleared up when I saw Dai Zhiqiange back with you today."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi raised her head, almost couldn''t believe what she had just heard. Meng Renshu was smiling, but his demeanor exuded bitterness and loneliness.

    "I have failed you in the past. That''s why I wanted to make it up to you. If I try hard, this time I will be able to make you happy. But, I guess you don''t need it anymore, huh?"

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand, and it felt like there was a lump in her throat.

    "That''s right. I don''t need anyone to make me happy now."

    Meng Renshu smiled even wider. "I see. You just rejected me, but it felt refreshing somehow."

    "Brother Renshu, do you like me? I mean, romantically."

    "I do. I love you."

    Bittersweet feelings grew inside her, looking at him smiling beautifully towards her under the bright morning light.

    It reminded her of the first time they met, of how she had fallen in love at first sight when she saw his smile. He looked like an angel who had just descended to earth.

    Ever since then, Meng Renshu has always be her beacon of light.

    But she didn''t need anyone''s light anymore. Because she was happy with what she had now.

    "I see. Thank you, Brother Renshu." Li Caiyi smiled back at him.

    There was a ripple in Meng Renshu''s chest. This was probably Li Caiyi''s first time to smile genuinely at him after everything re-started again.

    He thought he would do anything to make her smile at him again, just like she used to. The fact that she only smiled like that to him again after he started to let her go made this hard to bear.

    ''Is there really no way for us to return?''

    He didn''t want to give up, but he was beaten by that pretty smile.

    "I hope you can be happy too. Let''s not talk about our fallout in the past anymore and live in the present."

    "Xiaoyi, I will try to do that. Unlike you, there are still many things I can''t remember, but I''ll try my best."

    "En, that alone is more than enough for me."

    Li Caiyi''s body felt light. She didn''t know what kind of lightning struck Meng Renshu''s head, but he suddenly became an amiable person. She just hoped he wouldn''t backtrack, and this good change would remain like that until the end.

    "Don''t get me wrong, though. Although my judgment had mellowed down, I still haven''t trusted that guy yet."

    The sudden change in his tone surprised her. The warm and friendly atmosphere was gone.

    "Are you talking about Zhiqiang? Do you still think he is a bad person?"

    "Yeah. He is too suspicious and has too many secrets. I had always kept a tab on him since we worked together to find him when he was missing. But strangely, I can''t find out who he worked for. Something was hindering my path every time I tried to dig deeper."

    "What do you mean? Did you do a background check on him?!"

    "I have no choice. I need to make sure if he is dangerous or not and whether he is the same bastard who tempted you with sweet words in the past."

    Li Caiyi frowned in displeasure. "That doesn''t make this alright. Every time when I finally have a good opinion of you, why do you always have to destroy it with your hands?"

    "This time, I didn''t do it for myself, but for you. Among the fragments of memories I have, one of them contained the result of an investigation about him. Apparently, that guy had been stalking you for years."

 Chapter 390 Beware Of The Stalker (2)

    Li Caiyi didn''t know which was more surprising, the fact that Meng Renshu did a background check on Dai Zhiqiang or the shocking revtion she had just heard.

    Both were very shocking, to say the least. Li Caiyi was rendered speechless again.

    "After your funeral, I pulled some string and managed to gain some information from a person within the police. Dai Zhiqiang or Huang Zhen mentioned your name several times in his journal and had something you had lost for years among his possessions."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t form any thoughts because her brain couldn''t keep up with this information. Meng Renshu continued, "Not only that, he kept many of your photos hidden in hisptop. That bastard has been targeting you from the beginning."

    Veins popped out on Meng Renshu''s neck as he trembled violently.

    Even now, if he recalled how there was another man who had been eyeing his wife even before they got married, his blood boiled in anger and disgust.

    Moreover, that guy took advantage of Li Caiyi when she was in her weakest state to get his hand on her in the end. Utterly unforgivable!

    "Wait, wait just a minute!" Li Caiyi raised her hands in the air to stop Meng Renshu from spouting more information. At this rate, her head would explode.

    At least she understood that Huang Zhen was probably another fake name Dai Zhiqiang used, just like Shen Qiang. But she had no idea about the other thing Meng Renshu mentioned.

    "Please slow down a bit. Exin it to me one by one. What do you mean he has something I lost? What kind of thing?"

    "That keychain I gave you. The one we all thought you had lost. That guy kept it with him all the time."

    Li Caiyi felt a chill run down her spine when she heard that. She did think that their meeting was a bit too good to be a coincidence, but she didn''t think about it too much, because she liked him in the end.

    But what if everything was part of his n?

    A part of her head couldn''t help but think like that. Suddenly, she felt like she couldn''t recognize Dai Zhiqiang or Shen Qiang anymore.

    "No, that''s not right. It''s not like that keychain is the only kind in the world. It''s probably just a coincidence."

    "Xiaoyi, did you forget that there was craving in that wood keychain? We made it together. That should make your keychain the only one of its kind in the world."

    Li Caiyi "!!"

    Meng Renshu sighed. "Did you finally realize the severity of the situation? Do you still think I''m overreacting now? I don''t know what kind of story there is between the two of you, but that guy is dangerous."

    "Brother Renshu, what are you trying to say?"

    "That bastard is a lunatic psycho. He nned to drag you to death with him from the beginning."

    "No, you are wrong! He never forced me to do anything. In fact, he kept asking me a few times if I really wanted to do it."

    "The double suicide," Meng Renshu stifled a nauseous groan after saying that, as though he still couldn''t ept the idea. "Is that your idea or his?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned, and then a sh of memories ran past her.

    [Do you want to do it together?]

    [If we are going to do the same thing anyway, then should we do it together?]<sub> </sub>

    [It''s because you seem like you can use somepany]

    Shen Qiang''s words on that fateful day echoed in her head. It was undoubtedly his idea; she just rolled along with it because there would be no loss for her anyway.

    "What you thought of as the first meeting is definitely not the first time for him. And he doesn''t have pure intentions when approaching you. How can I stand still and let you be with him after knowing that?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say. Even if Dai Zhiqiang probably recognized her because they used to study in the same high school, that didn''t exin why he had her thing or photos.

    The only usible exnation was that he deliberately waited for her and approached her, just like Meng Renshu said.

    "But that''s impossible. Dai Zhiqiang is very kind and gentle towards me." Li Caiyi mumbled unconsciously.

    "Xiaoyiˇ­"

    "Even if he probably didn''t have the purest intention, I believed his feelings towards me were genuine. He never forced me to do anything I didn''t like!"

    "Or is it because he knew you wouldn''t refuse him, as long as he said some words you wanted to hear? He was your stalker, so he should know your situation well. Xiaoyi, he took advantage of your weakness."

    Meng Renshu''s words pricked her ears. She didn''t want to think badly about Shen Qiang or Dai Zhiqiang.

    However, she couldn''t find any words to refute him.

    Meng Renshu studied her reaction closely and somewhat felt pity for her. This might be too much information to digest, but she had to know so she could be more careful. Seeing her troubled look made him ufortable.

    Meng Renshu rose from his seat and slowly walked over to her. Still deep in her thoughts, Li Caiyi didn''t notice him until he gently patted her head.

    "I''m sorry for bringing up bad news when you are clearly not in your best condition. I just wanted you to be more on guard. Don''t trust him blindly just because you like him."

    "Brother Renshu, even if what you said is true, the current Dai Zhiqiang still hasn''t done anything wrong."

    "I know. But there is no harm in being careful. You have worked so hard to achieve your happiness. I don''t want to see you getting dragged into an unknown path because of him. Take this as advice from your big brother."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words once again, so she just nodded her head. If what Meng Renshu said was true, she had to keep her eyes on him, so he wouldn''t fall on the same path again.

    "I''m sorry for taking up your time. Have a rest for now. I''m leaving."

    Li Caiyi waved back at him until his figure disappeared beyond the door tent. She felt like everything around her turned drastically in a matter of seconds.

    Her head was full of Hu Jian and what Meng Renshu had told her. She scratched her head in frustration.

    "Excuse me, I''m here to deliver your food."

    The voice from outside returned her to reality. In times like this, she needed food to replenish her brain energy.

    Li Caiyi straightened her back and enthusiastically replied, "Come in, please!"

 Chapter 391 Even If You Forgive Then, I Will Never!

    The long and tiring three-day school trip finally ended.

    When Li Caiyi signed up for this event, she didn''t expect many things to happen. There were a lot of unresolved questions hanging in her head, but she had a lot of fun with her friends.

    Zhou Ya, Feng Nian, and Chen Run cried in relief when she finally returned to the hotel. From the dull light on their face, she expected that her friends didn''t have a good sleep at all. Their genuine concern touched her that she identally cried a bit too.

    Li Chunhuater came and calmed the situation (or it would be more urate to say that she chased Zhou Ya, Feng Nian, and Chen Run away) with the excuse that Li Caiyi needed more rest.

    Unfortunately, the three refused to leave and insisted on apanying Li Caiyi that night.

    In the end, everyone slept together in the hotel room, which was supposed to be only for two people and talked together throughout the morning. As a result, everyone was sleep-deprived when the next day came.

    Li Caiyi yawned as she took a sip of her hot tea. Everyone was still asleep, but Li Caiyi, who couldn''t get enough sleep, had gone to the dining hall earlier.

    She still wasn''t ustomed to walking with the crutches, but she managed to reach there independently.

    "Who would have guessed he would have this thing kept in his car trunk?" Li Caiyi poked the crutches beside her chair, thinking back on how Meng Renshu gave this to her as soon as they reached the hotel.

    Meng Renshu used this crutches when he got injured before, and coincidentally, it was still there in his trunk, so the timing couldn''t be more perfect. He said she could take this or borrow it until she got her own.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked unhappy with this, but he reluctantly agreed when Li Caiyi persuaded him.

    "Well, it will be inconvenient if I can''t move around well."

    The dining hall was still empty, but few staff had already begun to work. As expected of S International High School, they knew how to pick a good hotel to stay in.

    "Xiaoyi, so you are here."

    Li Caiyi raised her head and found Li Chunhua walking over to her while carrying a brown cardigan in her hand.

    "Thank god I followed you here. How can you go outside in that thin t-shirt? You''ll get a cold." Li Chunhua said while putting the cardigan over her shoulder.

    Li Caiyi smiled at her sister''s attentiveness. "Thanks. I was just bored and wanted to get some fresh air."

    "Well, I can see that." Li Chunhua pulled a chair in front of her and sat on it. "Are you still thinking about the matter with Hu Jian? You shouldn''t wander around alone. Don''t forget that someone is targeting you."

    "I know. That''s why I don''t go far and stay in the ce where other people can still see me."

    Li Chunhua looked around for a moment before leaning her body forward and talking in a small voice. "I have tried asking around, and sure enough, it was as you said, Xiaoyi."

    "There''s no one named Hu Jian in 3-B ss?"

    "Yes. I even described his characteristics like what you told me, but no one seemed to know about it."

    "I see."

    "Don''t you have any other clues about him? Something we can use to investigate further?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Unfortunately, I wasn''t paying attention because my head was full with the thought of you. But it''s okay. If his target is really me, then he''ll bound to show himself up again."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua frowned with displeasure. "Are you saying you will wait until hees to harm you again? Xiaoyi, that''s too risky!"

    "No, not like that. Of course, I will be careful not to let him or whoever behind him harm me again. I was just saying there is a high possibility they will n something again, knowing I have survived their first n."

    "I shouldn''t let you go alone anywhere from now on." Li Chunhua said with a worried expression. "They clearly aren''t picky with their method. They don''t care you can lose your life because of it. Or probably that is their aim."

    "Whoever is nning this must have a deep grudge against me."

    Li Chunhua fidgeted in her ce like she had something to say.

    "What''s wrong?" Li Caiyi asked her. "It''s okay. You can speak anything you want with me."

    "You know, this is just a wild guess. But what if its father''s doing?" Li Chunhua said with a lowered head. "I mean, I don''t want to think he is that ruthless either, but if we think about it, isn''t he supposed to be the one who holds a grudge against you and big brother the most?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "I thought about that option too, but I don''t think it''s him. Father doesn''t know that I also take part in collecting his ckmail material. He only knew it was all Big Brother''s doing. Besides, Brother Renshu monitors him closely, making it even less likely to happen."

    "Then who? You are a very quiet kid, so I doubt anyone bears a grudgeˇ­." Li Chunhua''s words trailed off as an idea hit her. In the next second, she smacked the table in a fury. "Don''t tell me it''s that girl?"

    "Who?"

    "I don''t know her name, but she is one of the girls who attacked youst time. Brother Renshu''s fangirl!"

    "Oh."

    Li Caiyi had forgotten entirely about them. They did have a motive to hate her, but would they go so far just to get rid of her?

    Moreover, almost everyone in the school knew now that she was dating Dai Zhiqiang, so there shouldn''t be any misunderstanding anymore.

    "They are indeed suspicious. But we can''t use them without proof."

    "Suspicious things are suspicious things. If they really are the real deal, we must report them to the police as soon as possible. Xiaoyi, I will never forgive them even if you did! They have to pay for what they did to you!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t bear to discourage her sister when she was clearly thinking of her.

    "I understand. But do be careful."

    "Don''t worry about this. Let me handle it. I know some people who were in the same ss as them. I''ll ask those people to monitor them for me." Li Chunhua grinned wickedly. "If they really are the culpritˇ­ Heh, all hell would break loose."

    "Xiaohua, don''t go overboard. If they really are the one, you might be one of their targets too."

    Li Chunhua waved her hand lightly. "Don''t worry. I''m not an amateur at this. Do you know I used to ask people to report your actions to me?"

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister in horror, but thetter quicklyughed it off. "In the past, yes. But I don''t do that anymore now. So no need to look at me like that."

    Suppressing the urge to grimace, Li Caiyi thought back to the past. No wonder Li Chunhua seemed to always know where and with whom she spent her time with. She was d that her sister had changed.

    Li Chunhua was thest person she wanted to be her enemy.

 Chapter 392 First Gift

    A week passed after the heart-throbbing school trip, and Li Caiyi felt like she could melt from how hot it was. The heat was getting worse each day now that summer was here.

    Every student had changed to their summer uniform, but it still felt scorching hot. Studying in this heat was nearly impossible.

    Thank god they didn''t have to suffer for long because the summer break was just around the corner.

    "How is your leg? Are you sure you want to go to school in your condition?"

    Beside her, Dai Zhiqiang looked at her worriedly. They were currently sitting on the stairs leading to the emergency exit. It was empty with no one in sight, so they could eat peacefully.

    "Yes. I''m getting better at using crutches, but as expected, walking without them is still the best."

    "Don''t force yourself too much. You should have stayed put in your house until you fully recovered."

    "No, it''s boring. I tried to behave for the first three days, didn''t I? But I can''t help but want to meet my friends and you."

    "I''m sorry. I should have visited you at least once."

    "No, don''t feel bad. You are busy with your work and always send me messages every day. That''s enough for me."

    Dai Zhiqiang took the rice ball wrapped in stic in her hand and unwrapped it. Then, he raised it near her mouth as if trying to feed her. "Here. Say ah."

    "Zhiqiang, my leg is injured, not my hand."

    "Can''t I do this even if your hand is not injured?" Dai Zhiqiang tilted his head innocently like she was asking something stupid. He pushed the rice ball to her mouth more, leaving her no choice but to open her mouth and take a bite.

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled satisfactorily. "Good girl."

    "Geez, why are you treating me like a little girl?" Li Caiyiined in embarrassment but was secretly ted inside.

    "No. I just wanted to do something more for you. Unlike other couples, we can''t go on dates often, and the only time we can spend together is in school."

    "We don''t have to go on a date every time. I am also busy writing my book and studying for the end-term exam. I hope we can be in the same ss the next semester. Do you not like it?"

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "You are working hard for me; how can I not like it? And also, I have something for you."

    Li Caiyi''s brows raised in curiosity when Dai Zhiqiang pulled out something from his pocket. It was a packet with cute yellow color. He carefully opened it and dropped the contents into his palm.

    "This is not an expensive thing, but I realized I haven''t done anything to celebrate your book getting published."

    Li Caiyi gasped in a mixture of awe and surprise. What Dai Zhiqiang had in his hand was a silver ne with a little bird pendant with a colourful wing.

    It was clear why he would choose this as the gift, and she was extremely ttered.

    "No way. That''s so pretty."

    "Really? Thank goodness. I wasn''t sure what to buy you then saw this pendant. It reminded me of you, so I bought it. I don''t know if you will like it, though."

    "Zhiqiang, this is beautiful. Is this really for me?"

    "Who else if it weren''t for you?" Dai Zhiqiangughed. "Come here, let me help you put this on."

    Li Caiyi enthusiastically turned around and slipped her ponytail over her shoulder so Dai Zhiqiang would have an easier time putting the ne on her.

    Then, his big hand went around her head towards the back, and a slightly cold sensation from the metal hit her skin.

    She could tell Dai Zhiqiang fumbled with the sp because it took him a while before he finally said, "Done."

    Li Caiyi put on her sweetest smile and turned around. "How do I look? Does this suit me?"<sub> </sub>

    "En. It suits you so much. You look beautiful."

    "Hehe, thanks. I will treasure this. Thank you, Zhiqiang."

    The boy smiled back at her before leaning down. Li Caiyi''s attention was sucked into the depth of his eyes as she slowly closed her eyes and lifted her chin slightly, waiting for the familiar sensation toe.

    "We should return to the ss now. The break time is almost over."

    Li Caiyi immediately opened her eyes and stared dumbly at Dai Zhiqiang, who was currently busy cleaning up their garbage.

    "What? You suddenly went quiet. What are you thinking?"

    A faint blush crept up her cheeks. Especially when Dai Zhiqiang asked that innocently as though he wasn''t trying to lead her on just now.

    "You did that on purpose." Li Caiyi grumbled.

    "What things?"

    She felt even more embarrassed now because it did seem like Dai Zhiqiang was just trying to take some garbage behind her. Feigned ignorance, she fanned her hot face with her hand, trying to y it cool.

    "It is so hot here. Let''s hurry up and go back to the ss."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to face Dai Zhiqiang, so she kept herself busy by cleaning and missed the mischievous smirk on his lips.

    ***

    "I can''t believe this! This is like dreamse true!" Li Caiyi jumped in her ce excitedly while staring at the row of numbers on her phone. "Jingfei, are you for real? All of this, for the first month?"

    Shao Jingfei grinned widely. "Yeah. That was all the fruit of your hard work. Congrattions on your first payment."

    "I think I''m going to cry. I didn''t expect many people to like my book." Li Caiyi''s hand trembled.

    She was already very touched by 6000 yuan in the first week. Who would have thought the amount would increase almost tenfold in just a month?

    "Well, I won''t deny that your book is good. You got a lot of good reviews, and it still has room for improvement. I can say that the prospect is outstanding."

    Your book got a good promotion, so it''s like God is helping you with your first book. Next month, you won''t have the same promotion again. Let''s see if your book can perform better even without it."

    Li Caiyi nodded while smiling brightly. "Of course, I''m aware of that. This is all thanks to the editorial department for giving my work a chance. If I have the chance to meet the person who rmended my book, I''d love to thank him in person."

    Shao Jingfei''s smile stiffened as he was perfectly aware that Li Caiyi would be unhappy if she knew the truth.

    "Unfortunately, unless it was very important or you are being rewarded with some kind of award, the chance for you to meet the editor-in-chief is small."

    "So it was the editor-in-chief who rmended me? No way, I''m so honored."

    "Well, yeahˇ­"

    "I understand. He must be a very busy person. Just let him know that I''m thankful for the opportunity he has given me. I promise I will make a better book next time."

    Li Caiyi said it with so much admiration and gratefulness in her eyes that Shao Jingfei felt a guilty p on his face for hiding the truth.

    "Haha, sure. What do you n to do with your first payment? Any idea yet?" Shao Jingfei quickly asked to divert her attention.

    "I do! This payment came at the right time, actually. With this amount, I should be able to get that ce I have been eyeing for so long!"

 Chapter 393 Moving In To The New Place

    Li Caiyi put the heavy box in her hand on the floor, causing a thumping sound. Around her, a few simr-looking boxes, along with a few essential necessities like a mattress, nket, and small table, were also stacked neatly in the corner of the room.

    "Caiyi, have I already said that your ce is awesome?"

    "Ya Ya, that''s all you have been saying for the past hour." Chen Run responded while texting something on her phone.

    Meanwhile, Feng Nian entered the room with another box in her hand. Just that it was much smallerpared to the others. She breathed a long sigh when she finally put it down.

    "I think this is thest one." Feng Nian cleaned the dust on her palm as she looked at Li Caiyi.

    "En. Thank you guys for helping me move in. I can handle the rest, so why don''t you guys sit down? I''ll prepare tea and snacks for you."

    "We can help you arrange your things too, you know?" Zhou Ya stood up and helped Li Caiyi unpack the mugs and tes from one of the boxes.

    "No, I can do it myself. I was already very grateful you guys would go so far toe here and help me move my things in your summer break."

    "That''s what friends are for. Don''t be shy and ask for our help anytime." Zhou Ya looked around the room again and sighed with envious light in her eyes. "Ah, I wish I could move out of my ce too. My brothers are annoying and always pick on me. I want to live alone too."

    "Why don''t you try asking your grandfather or parents, then?"

    Zhou Ya shook her head. "They need all the manpower they have to help in our store. There''s no way they would allow me that. Oh, this packet of snacks looks delicious."

    "Yeah. Xiaohua bought me many of these things, so let''s eat this together. And about your situation, I''m sure everything will be better once you graduate from high school and enter university."

    Zhou Ya''s eyes zed with determination. "You think so too, right? I''m going to study hard, then apply for university pretty far from here so I wouldn''t have to help in the store again. I feel like I will be an oily old woman if I spent all my youth there."

    "Well, your store has a lot of regrs, so I can only see it growing from here. You should be more proud of it." Feng Nian popped out from behind them and reached out to take some snacks from the te. "If you do your part well, then who knows? You might inherit the store someday."

    "Nian Nian, my brothers are still alive. When will it be my turn to have something to do with the store? I can only see my brothers forever working me to death in that ce."

    "Your brothers are rather mischievous, I agree."

    "Mischievous? That is an understatement. They are devils whose life goal is to ruin my every n!"

    Feng Nian and Li Caiyi exchanged nces and tacitly agreed to not continue this topic further. When Zhou Ya behaved like this, her brothers must have done something to her again.

    "I won''t hope for many things. I don''t even need to rent a 20 square meters ce like Caiyi''s. As long as the ce belongs to me and only me, I won''t mind even if it is small or cramped."

    Li Caiyi was very proud of the ce she found. It was pretty spacious, with a kitchen counter, sink, and indoor bathroom. The bed didn''t have a mattress, but it didn''t matter because she could just purchase it.

    The floor was made from wood, and the big sliding window on one side of the room gave plenty of sunlight in the room. If she opened it, there would be a small balcony outside where she could hang her clothes.

    The air cirction was excellent, enough for her not to bring her air purifier from home. She could get this ce at a lower price because she rented it yearly. Not that she wouldn''t rent it if it was a bit more expensive, because she fell in love with this ce at first sight.

    Everything was perfect, whether from its facilities or strategic location.<sub> </sub>

    Money was indeed the thing that moved one''s world. Li Caiyi felt proud of herself for being so lucky to live in a beautiful ce like this.

    "I''m sure you can do that. When that timees, I will help you move in too." Li Caiyi responded with a kind smile. "The tea is ready. Let''s sit down."

    Feng Nian put the small table in the middle of the room, while Zhou Ya and Li Caiyi arranged the food and beverages on top of it.

    Meanwhile, Chen Run was still so busy with her phone that Feng Nian couldn''t help but click her tongue in annoyance.

    "How long are you going to y? I will eat your portion if you don''t get your ass here."

    Chen Run switched ces quickly with a sheepish grin. "Hehe, sorry about that. I didn''t realize you guys had prepared everything."

    "You have been glued to your phely. Did you finally grow a phone addiction?"

    "Wellˇ­" Chen Run''s corner of her mouth curled up in a wide smirk, making Feng Nian cringe in her ce from how creepy it was. "Guys, I think I finally found my soulmate."

    Li Caiyi''s hand stopped moving, Zhou Ya almost spat her tea out, and Feng Nian was petrified by her sudden confession.

    It was an expected reaction, considering how much of a movie-freak Chen Run was. Aside from movies, Chen Run rarely talked about anything else so seriously like this.

    "Cough! What did you say?" Zhou Ya was the first one to ask her.

    "Like I said, I think I just met my fated one!"

    "Okay, putting aside how bizarre hearing something like this from you, who is it? A guy from our school?"

    Chen Run waved her hand femininely, making Feng Nian vomit from how weird that was.

    "No way! I have no interest in boys around our age. My taste is always someone who is mature and gentle. Don''tpare him with other monkeys from our school!" Chen Runughed smugly, but when her eyes fell on Li Caiyi, she quickly corrected herself.

    "Ah, I mean, that''s just my opinion. I never said Dai Zhiqiang is a monkey or something like that."

    Li Caiyi giggled. "Don''t mind that. More importantly, who is that lucky guy?"

    Chen Run smiled with a faint blush on her cheeks, evidently looking bashful. She was a very simple and somewhat tomboyish girl, so it almost never urred to them that Chen Run could act like this.

    Although she was shy, she didn''t hesitate to tell her friends. Or perhaps she couldn''t keep it to herself anymore.

    "You also knew the guy, Caiyi." She said softly.

    "I did?" Li Caiyi thought hard about it under Feng Nian and Zhou Ya''s curious look. But nothing came to her mind. "Run, I can''t guess who it is. Can you tell us?"

    Chen Run smiled. "He is that kind brother we met during our school trip. His name is Fu Hang."

 Chapter 394 Spying On Chen Ruolan (1)

    It took Li Caiyi a few seconds to dig into her memory and find that intern face from Tianyue entertainment. A momentter, she gasped in surprise and awe.

    "Wait, seriously? That man? You guys are still keeping in touch?!"

    p Chen Run pressed her warm cheek with both of her hands. "He is very knowledgeable about movies and other stuff, so we clicked well. Before we knew it, we texted each other all night. Then it gradually turned into a phone call, and recently we even did video call."</anda>

    "Whoa. That''s so amazing, Lan Lan!" Zhou Ya eximed excitedly. Her eyes beamed.

    "I know, right? He is very patient with me and even gives me guidance on what path I should take if I want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Not only is he smart, but he is also good with words. Even a stupid person like me can easily understand!"

    "He must be very patient and smart if he can get through to you." Feng Nian chided sarcastically from the side, but the happy Chen Run didn''t sense it and grinned even wider.

    "I know, right?! He is such a perfect man for me. At first, I didn''t think he was that handsome, but he is pretty cute when he smiles. Love is not only about appearance, so it doesn''t matter."

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect Chen Run, and that intern would hit it up so well. He appeared to be a good man, so although Li Caiyi was a bit sceptical about this, she wished for Chen Run''s happiness.

    This was her first time seeing Chen Run glow so much when talking about anything other than movies. It seemed she really liked him very much.

    "You know what? I think Fu Hang likes me too. Or at least he is interested in me. He asked me to meet up during my summer breakst night."

    Zhou Ya squealed at the news, Li Caiyi gasped, while Feng Nian frowned.

    "Wait a minute. Why is that guy getting all chummy with you so fast? Are you sure he isn''t nning something weird?"

    "Nian Nian, your distrust towards humanity ismendable, but Fu Hang is a good man. I can vouch for it!" Chen Run puffed up her chest proudly.

    "That doesn''t reassure me at all. You were easily fooled by Li Chunhua before. What makes you think you suddenly be an expert in analyzing someone''s character?"

    Chen Run pouted. "Do you have to put it like that? Caiyi was there when Fu Hand and I first met. She can be my witness. Caiyi, you also think Fu Hang is a good guy, right?!"

    The dagger suddenly pointed at her, and Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. Especially when Feng Nian''s sharp stare felt like it could pierce her skull.

    "I don''t know Fu Hang as well as Run, but he does seem to be a proper and kind man. Nian, don''t worry too much." Li Caiyi answered awkwardly.

    Feng Nian scoffed when Chen Run smiled smugly at her. "Do as you like. I''m not preventing you from meeting him or anything. Just be careful. There are a lot of bad guys targeting young girls like us. Never let your guard down."

    "Nian Nian, you watched too many crime movies."

    "I don''t want to hear that from a movie-freak like you, out of all people. It''s somewhat humiliating." Feng Nian grumbled.

    "So when are you going to meet up?" Zhou Ya eagerly asked. Among them, she seemed to be the only one other than Chen Run who was very enthusiastic about this.

    "Hmm, tomorrow?"

    "Tomorrow?!!"

    The three of them reacted, in the same way, this time. All could only stare at Chen Run''s blissful and dreamy expression with their mouth hanging open.

    ***

    And that was how it became like this.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi tugged on Feng Nian''s sleeve, who was currently bending forward in front of her.

    She peeked from behind the pir, trying to sneakily peek at Chen Run''s figure from a distance. With that gardener hat and dark sunsses, Feng Nian looked like a suspicious person.

    "Nian, are you sure we have to do this?" Li Caiyi had a hesitant and helpless look on her face.

    How could she not? They were clearly spying on someone in the middle of the day. Passerby cast a weird look on them, and some even pointed at them while whispering something.

    Feng Nian looked back and lowered her sunsses slightly. "Caiyi, you know Lan Lan is very gullible. We can''t let this Fu Hang deceive her."

    "But we don''t have to do it like this. We are unnecessarily standing out weirdly now."

    "Lan Lan will notice us if I don''t have this disguise. Speaking of which, why don''t you wear any?"

    Li Caiyi massaged her forehead. "In crowded restaurants like this, it would be more natural if we act as customers and sit at the table near theirs, rather than sneakily watching them from outside."

    Feng Nian made a disappointed pout. She looked dissatisfied. Li Caiyi suspected that her friend secretly enjoyed this kind of stuff.

    "But that Fu Hang guy met you before, right? What if he recognizes you?"

    ''Okay, she actually made a good point there.''

    Li Caiyi thought about it for a bit before an idea struck her. She tugged her hairband andbed her hair with her fingers. Then she took off her sses as well.

    In a matter of seconds, it was almost like she turned into someone else Feng Nian knew.

    "What do you think? I think he won''t recognize me if I enter with this appearance."

    "Huh? Oh! Sorry I spaced out. I knew you were twins, but I was amazed by how simr you guys are." Feng Nian said without being able to avert her eyes from Li Caiyi''s face. "I thought you were Li Chunhua for a second."

    Li Caiyi chuckled at her honestment. "Precisely why I have to tie my hair and use sses. If I don''t, people won''t be able to differentiate us."

    "Wait, that''s a non-prescription sses?"

    "Yes. My eyes are still quite healthy, so I actually don''t need to wear them every time. I wear this so people can tell both of us apart."

    Feng Nian was silent for a moment. "You even go so farˇ­ Do you not like it when people mistake you for your sister?"

    Li Caiyi pressed her bangs as she replied, "Rather than dislike, it was more like I was ufortable. Xiaohua was a very bright person. Meanwhile, I was dull and gloomy. Without my sses, I feel like everyone who stares at me has expectations of me. That I would be as charming and interesting as my sister."

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly. "But I''m not Xiaohua, and I would never be the same as her no matter how hard I try. So I would rather crush that expectation by making myself different."

    Feng Nian stared at her without saying anything, making Li Caiyi feel awkward. "Sorry, I was talking too much, didn''t I?"

    "No, it''s not that. Caiyi, I never knew you were actually having that kind of thought all this time. But believe me, although you probably aren''t shining brightly like your sister, that doesn''t mean you don''t have your own light. You are amazing, and I''m sure many people would agree with me."

    After saying it aloud, Feng Nian grinned and sped Li Caiyi''s wrist.

    "You look great now. It''s a shame Zhou Ya isn''t here to see it. Now, shall we enter?"

 Chapter 395 Spying On Chen Ruolan (2)

    The restaurant they entered was a regr cafe restaurant where youngsters usually went to hang out. At one of the tables near the window, Zhou Ya sat with a giddy expression on her face.

    Li Caiyi and Feng Nian chose the table behind her to watch how the situation unfolded, but the nervousness seemed contagious. The more restless Chen Run was, so were the two of them.

    "Look at her. She never cared much about her appearance, but now she checks her reflection almost every minute!" Feng Nian whispered to Li Caiyi.

    "Well, she is a girl in love. It''s not strange to want to present your best self in front of the person you like."

    "Is that also the same case for you towards Dai Zhiqiang?"

    "Ahem. Noment."

    They waited for another five minutes until a familiar figure entered the ce. The man had neatly trimmed ck hair, parted in a 7:3 ratio. His body wasn''t tall, but it looked proportionate with that white shirt and chino pants.

    Li Caiyi immediately noticed him as Fu Hang and told Feng Nian about it.

    "Okay, appearance-wise, he does look harmless, just like you said. Oh, he just smiled at Lan Lan. What a sales-like smile; I''m not buying this."

    For Li Caiyi, Fu Hang''s smile appeared genuine and soothing like the first spring breeze, but Feng Nian kept picking on him. Thank goodness Chen Run didn''t hear it.

    "Shh, don''t stare at him so much. He ising this way!"

    Li Caiyi and Feng Nian feigned an innocent look as they calmly sipped their drinks. The corner of their eyes never let Fu Hang out of their sight.

    The table didn''t have much distance, so they could hear their conversation quite well.

    "I''m sorry. Did you wait for long?" Fu Hang''s breezy voice could be heard first.

    "No. Not at all. I just arrived here myself. Why don''t you sit first?" Chen Run replied. Her tone was much sweeter than usual, and Feng Nian feigned a vomiting expression when she heard it.

    "Lan Lan, you looked beautiful today. That skirt suits you very much."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see Chen Run''s expression, but she could sense Chen Run''s bashful happiness from her following words.

    "Really? I''m d if you like it, then."

    "Then how about we eat before going out for a bit?" Fu Hang smiled while raising his hand to order.

    After that, the two of them conversed about various things. Most of them were about movies, and nothing seemed strange about them.

    Besides the politepliment at the beginning, Fu Hang didn''tment on Chen Run, nor did he try to dig for more information about her. It was an amicable conversation between good friends.

    Feng Nian frowned doubtfully. "Caiyi, what do you think of the guy?"

    "Hmm, he didn''t seem to be a bad person. Even if he is interested in our Run, I think he is more of the subtle type. He treated her like a good friend and didn''t make any reckless pass on her."

    "Hmph, so even you had been deceived by his charm. But I won''t fall that easily. Imagining a guy somehow attracted to movie-freaks like Lan Lan is already suspicious in itself."

    "Nian, Run will be sad if she hears that. Besides, what''s wrong with Lan Lan? She is an easy-going youngdy who can make people feel at ease. I think it''s natural that some guy will be interested in her."

    Feng Nian made aplicated expression. "Don''t get me wrong. Of course, I''m happy if she can get together with someone. That someone better treat her well, though, or I will never approve him."

    Li Caiyi studied Feng Nian closely. She had just gotten to know her friends briefly, but Feng Nian seemed to be very hung up about Chen Run, more than she did with Zhou Ya.

    At first, Li Caiyi thought it was because Chen Run was gullible and Feng Nian couldn''t leave her alone, but she wasn''t so sure anymore.<sub> </sub>

    "You must be curious why I acted like this, aren''t you?" Feng Nian grinned teasingly.

    Li Caiyi cleared her throat, feeling a bit awkward about being seen through. "If you don''t want to tell me, it''s okay."

    "No. It''s not anything special, really. It''s because I was bullied in the past."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in disbelief. "WHAT?!"

    "Ssh!" Feng Nian quickly lunged forward and mped Li Caiyi''s mouth shut.

    Li Caiyi immediately realized her mistake and furtively nced at the pair sitting at the next table. Chen Run didn''t seem to notice, but Fu Hang looked this way for a moment before talking to Chen Run again.

    He didn''t recognize Li Caiyi and must have thought they were just a pair of girls engrossed in their girl talk.

    Li Caiyi made a signal with her eyes, and only then did Feng Nian put down her hand. Then she scolded her in a suppressed voice. "Geez, don''t shriek like that. Do you want to blow our cover away?!"

    "Sorry. I was just shocked. You are very calm and straightforward. I thought you fear nothing and the type that won''t let herself be bullied."

    "Well, I have a firm head and thick skin, so many people found me an eyesore. I said I was bullied, but it wasn''t like they harmed me physically. I just got isted, the ssic public punishment for the misfit."

    "Is this the story of when you were in middle school?"

    "Yeah. At that time, Lan Lan was the first to talk to me. She didn''t know who I was and treated me like a normal ssmate. Even after she knew, she stayed by my side. Then, Zhou Ya from the next ss gradually became closer to me too. We have been friends ever since."

    Li Caiyi was stunned, looking at her mncholic smile as she told her story. That strong-willed Feng Nian seemed very vulnerable.

    She didn''t know much about her friends, but she felt jealous, knowing they had such a close and tight bond.

    "Nian, I''m so sorry it happened to you."

    "Why are you apologizing?" Feng Nian chuckled. "Don''t be like that, or you''ll make me feel ufortable. It was all in the past, and I have you guys with me. I''m in my best condition now."

    "Me too. I''m so d I can meet you guys."

    "Phew, now the air is heavy because of my boring talk. Let''s continue stalking two, alright?"

    Li Caiyi giggled. "Sure!"

    However, even after they followed them secretly to the cinemas and other ces, it didn''t seem like anything out of the ordinary would happen. They looked like a regr couple on a date you could find anywhere.

    "Nian, are we still going to follow them? I think it should be enough now. We should let them have their own privacy."

    "Butˇ­"

    "No. You have seen enough. I know your opinion of Fu Hang has changed too. Don''t be stubborn, and just let Run have her time."

    Feng Nian''s shoulders slumped dejectedly, but she didn''t refute. "Alright. I will let this one go. Do you want to y or go home?"

    "Hmmˇ­"

    Li Caiyi didn''t have many chances to hang out alone with Feng Nian. She wasn''t rushing to go home either, so it might be a good idea to y some more.

    Just when she was about to agree, Li Caiyi glimpsed a familiar figure among the crowd.

 Chapter 396 Witnessing A Murder Scene

    There''s no way Li Caiyi would ever forget that person. They only met once, but his first impression was so strong that it was almost impossible to ignore.

    Li Caiyi stretched her neck to look better, but that man moved nimbly among the crowd like his big body wasn''t a handicap at all.

    "Caiyi? What are you looking at?"

    "Huh? Oh, it''s nothing. Nian, I''m sorry, but I think I''m tired. Can we go home for today?"

    "Sure. I''m sorry for dragging you here with me."

    "It''s okay. I''m worried about Run too, so doing this puts me at ease now."

    Li Caiyi nced at that man again, and he was still there, on thest spot she saw him.

    Feng Nian nodded in agreement. "Right. Then we will have to go our separate ways now. See youter, Caiyi."

    "Yeah. See youter."

    Li Caiyi waited until Feng Nian couldn''t be seen anymore before she dashed towards thest spot she saw that bald man.

    He was Dai Zhiqiang''s colleague, so there was a chance she could meet Dai Zhiqiang if she followed him.

    It wasn''t easy to move around in the bustling street with many people. But Li Caiyi kept pushing forward while looking around wildly.

    "Where did he go? I''m sure I saw him walking past here just now."

    That bald man had a huge body, so it was unthinkable he could disappear so quickly like that.

    As she looked around, she noticed a dark alleyway between the two stores. An idea struck her, making her gulp nervously. This scene gave her a sense of deja vu.

    Thest time she had a conflict with those debt collectors aiming for Dai Shenqiang, it was in an alleyway like this too. But except for this ce, Li Caiyi couldn''t think of any other way how that bald man could escape her watch so quickly.

    She peeked inside hesitantly. Would Dai Zhiqiang really be in a suspicious ce like this?

    [That man is suspicious and has a lot of secrets. He is dangerous].

    Li Caiyi clenched the strap of her bag tightly. She didn''t want to believe Meng Renshu''s words and now was her chance to confirm it. But still, her legs rooted in their ce, sensing the possible danger ahead.

    Then, she heard some faint noises from inside. It was barely audible because of the crowd, but Li Caiyi undoubtedly heard someone shrieking.

    [You should be careful around him].

    Li Caiyi shook her head vehemently.

    Sure enough, she couldn''t feel settled if she didn''t see it with her own eyes. That bald man was Dai Zhiqiang''s colleague, so whatever he did must somehow be rted to her boyfriend. She had to find out!

    Steeling her resolve, Li Caiyi clutched the little bird pendant on her ne while threading forward carefully. It was still in the middle of the day, but this alleyway was dark. Or perhaps it just looked like that because of her current emotional state.

    Li Caiyi carefully walked toward the source of the voice and found that this alleyway headed straight to a medium-sized parking lot behind the building. It seemed it had been long abandoned and used as a dumpster.

    There, she saw that bald man cornering a haggard-looking man with shabby clothes with a few other men with huge bodies.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t hear what they said from where she stood, so she sneakily used the pile of garbage to hide her figure as she approached them. While holding her breath because of the dumpster''s horrible stench, she opened her ears widely to listen.

    "You know this won''t end just because you said you didn''t know, right?"

    "I swear to God, I really don''t know anything. I was just a hired man who knew nothing. Please spare me!"<sub> </sub>

    "Heh. A man like you swear to God? Do you know how many of our brothers got injured because of you? Even God won''t save you now."

    "Hiii! Mercy, please! I''m really sorry!"

    "How dare the likes of you try to defy the great Ye Wang? You are courting death!"

    Li Caiyi had to mp her mouth with her hand when one of the big men stomped the haggard man violently.

    The haggard man covered his head while pleading for his life. It was a violent scene she often saw in drama, making her ufortable.

    It was tough to watch the haggard men being abused like that. The bald man said nothing from the beginning. He only watched coldly as the other men beat him, making him more intimidating and ruthless.

    Li Caiyi dreaded to find out if Dai Zhiqiang was also like that. She could almost imagine her cold and indifferent boyfriend ovepping with that bald man.

    She didn''t know the situation well, but that haggard man would die if this continued.

    Li Caiyi was conflicted about whether or not she should call for help. From their conversation, that haggard man seemed to do something wrong, and these men were here to seek revenge.

    And she was there to find more information about Dai Zhiqiang''s job. If she did that, she would lose her only chance.

    Her desire to help fought with the reason inside her. It only stopped when the bald man suddenly raised his hand, prompting the other men to stop abusing the haggard man. She assumed that the bald man must be their superior or something.

    Li Caiyi thought the violent scene had ended, but she was quickly proven wrong when the bald man mercilessly lifted his head by the hair and mmed it to the ground.

    Splurt of red-colored liquid wet the ground littered with garbage, causing a ghastly view.

    "!!!"

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in shock, and a nauseous feeling rose inside her. Her whole body shook like a leaf looking at the horrendous view of the haggard man who fell limply to the ground with his head covered with blood.

    He sprawled motionlessly on the ground with fresh blood gushing out from his head.

    ''Is he dead? Did I just see a murder happen before my eyes?''

    Li Caiyi''s whole body trembled, and a chill ran down her spine.

    Instead of checking the man''s vital, the bald man only coldly nudged his body with the tip of his shoes.

    "This one is a failure too. Get rid of him."

    Li Caiyi watched how the other men lifted the unconscious man''s body roughly and brought him somewhere else, leaving only the bald man in the middle of this dumpster. She watched how he casually lit a cigarette like that was the most normal thing to do after killing someone.

    ''I have to get out of here. No matter what, this is too dangerous.''

    Careful to not make any noise, Li Caiyi turned away and walked to where she came from.

    "Aren''t you tired of hiding? It''s about time for the snoopy rat toe out. Will youe out by yourself, or should Ie to you?"

    The bald man''s low voice reverberated in the silence of a deserted dumpster.

    Li Caiyi''s heart sank to the ground as fear built up inside her, recalling the scene of violence earlier.

    She probably wouldn''te out alive from this ce.

 Chapter 397 Uncle, Are You Going To Kill Me? (1)

    "Will youe out by yourself, or should Ie to you?"

    Lin Xiang was in a bad mood. He had been working non-stop for the past three days but still had to chase after one insignificant rat.

    The restlessness inside the group spread because of thetest attack. Ye Huizhong scolded him for working half-assedly, but he was actually being judged unjustly. It was because all new recruits were all muscle and no brain!

    Even when dealing with something as easy as this, they couldn''t do it right. One really shouldn''t judge people based on their physique alone. Lin Xiang would rather get a fewpetent subordinates than a battalion of pig teammates.

    For example, Dai Zhiqiang.

    Ye Wang was terriblycking in manpower, but at least there was one who got a good head on his shoulders. Without him, Lin Xiang would probably retire early.

    Those new recruits didn''t even realize that someone had been eavesdropping on them. They spouted too much information in that person''s presence. Now Lin Xiang needed to be the one to wipe their ass.

    He was incredibly pissed.

    "My mood is really foul right now. I advise you not to test my patience or suffer the same fate as the previous man."

    Lin Xiang stared at the spot where he saw a glimpse of the person earlier. From how amateurish they hide, he assumed this person probably wouldn''t be much of a threat.

    However, Lin Xiang could use one or two people as punching bags to vent his stress. It was a shame he was in a hurry.

    Sensing that the person intended to y dead forever, Lin Xiang soon ran out of patience. He threw his cigarette to the ground before stomping it harshly.

    "Ready or not, I''ming to you. Since you refuse toe out, I''ll consider you my enemy and not show you any mercy."

    "Wait!!"

    Lin Xiang''s brows raised, hearing a young and feminine voiceing from behind the pile of garbage. It was a girl''s voice?

    Li Caiyi had both hands raised above her head as she slowly came out of her hiding with a pale face.

    "I-I didn''t mean to see it. I was just passing by."

    The man squinted his eyes as he took Li Caiyi''s figure up and down. He felt a strong familiarity with this girl, but where had he ever seen her before?

    "Nice try, youngdy. But who would have thought of passing by an isted dumpster like this? I don''t like to hit little girl, but I will not spare you if you tell me any lies." Lin Xiang replied coldly.

    She trembled harder at his hostility, enough to make Lin Xiang feel bad for scaring the little girl. But unlike his subordinates, he was a professional who wouldn''t let his guard down, even when his opponent was just a little girl.

    No, he shouldn''t lower his guard precisely because she was just a little girl. Their enemy could have deliberately put this girl here to cause unexpected trouble.

    "Who are you? Tell me honestly."

    She bit her lips before replying in a hesitant tone. "W-why would I tell you that? Uncle, you have to say your name first before asking others."

    "Wow, I didn''t expect you to have the gall to act cheeky on me. Unfortunately, you have no choice here. That is if you don''t want to end up like the previous man."

    Li Caiyi broke into a cold sweat, and Lin Xiang knew he had her in his palm. Only a bit more push before she revealed her identity.

    "Uncle, aren''t you Dai Zhiqiang''s colleague?"

    Lin Xiang''s open mouth stiffened when he heard her question. He red at the little girl even more. He had no idea where and how she knew the brat''s name, but no way he would reveal his brother''s identity to a stranger.<sub> </sub>

    "No, I never heard that name before. You''d better not pull something strange out of your tiny brain just to save yourself. This uncle has a bad temper."

    He expected her to burst into tears from his intimidation, but the girl rummaged through her bag instead.

    "Oi. What are you trying to pull here?" Lin Xiang asked in a dangerously low voice as he readied his hand beside his pocket, ready to take out his knife if necessary.

    In the next second, it surprised him when she didn''t take out any weapon or simr stuff but a pair of sses instead. Not understanding what she was up to, he watched dumbfoundedly as she put it on and gathered her hair together in a ponytail.

    "Uncle, don''t you remember me? We have met before, and Dai Zhiqiang was there too."

    3ˇ­2ˇ­1ˇ­Ting!

    A bulb lightened above Lin Xiang''s head as he finally realized the source of this girl''s familiarity. This girl had changed her style, so he couldn''t recognize her immediately. But now, the fog inside his brain cleared up.

    His hand that was ready slowly rxed, and the hard line on his face softened.

    If Dai Zhiqiang knew he had just threatened his precious one, he probably wouldn''t be able to get away with only one or two bruises like before.

    "Could it be, you are..?"

    "I''m Li Caiyi, and I''m Dai Zhiqiang''s friend. Uncle, have you remembered me already?"

    Lin Xiang let out an awkward chuckle. "Yes, I did. You looked different from thest time I saw you, so I didn''t recognize you. I didn''t expect our second meeting to be like this."

    Li Caiyi put down her hand, and her hair cascaded on her back again. Unlike before, she didn''t appear like a rabbit cornered by carnivores anymore. Her eyes burned with determination instead.

    "Uncle, it''s fate that brings us together this day. I need your help with something!"

    Out of all the responses he had in mind, this one was among the least expected ones.

    Lin Xiang almost couldn''t believe she was the same girl who trembled like a leaf earlier. Where did she get the sudden confidence to ask a dangerous man like him for a favor?

    But this might be interesting. Perhaps Lin Xiang could even get to know something he could use against the cheeky Dai Zhiqiang. As far as he was concerned, except for his family, this girl was his only weakness.

    "What can I do to help you, little girl?"

    "Please tell me if you also make Dai Zhiqiang do the thing you just did!"

    "Ah? The thing I just did?"

    "Didn''t you just murder someone? Uncle, don''t tell me you recruit Dai Zhiqiang to do criminal acts like this in exchange for a good sum of money?" Li Caiyi''s face turned ashen in horror. Her eyes were full of usation towards him.

    Lin Xiang could only me himself for giving such a misleading act.

    "Little girl, how about we calm down first? Let''s talk about this calmly."

    Li Caiyi hugged herself while scooting away from him. "No way. Are you going to kill me to shut me up, too?"

    Lin Xiang was a man who honored his bond with his brothers. No matter the cost, he couldn''t ruin his brother''s rtionship disparage because of his blunder. If Li Caiyi knew what Dai Zhiqiang did, there was a chance she woulde to hate him, after all.

    "No, no! This is a misunderstanding! Uncle might be a thug, but I''m not a criminal. That man from before isn''t dead!"

 Chapter 398 Uncle, Are You Going To Kill Me? (2)

    "That manˇ­ isn''t dead? Really?"

    Lin Xiang nodded vehemently. "That''s right! It''smon for the wound on the head to ooze a lot of blood, but that guy isn''t dead!"

    ''He is probably half-dying, though,'' Lin Xiang finished his own sentence in the heart.

    Li Caiyi looked unsure, so Lin Xiang hurriedly added, "Miss Li, I''m sorry for letting you see such an unpleasant scene, but trust me, Zhiqiang is a good man. He still has his family to think about, and a smart guy like him won''t dare to take extreme measures."

    The doubt on her face eased a bit thanks to his desperate attempt. His decision to bring up Dai Zhiqiang was a big sess. Sure enough, this little girl only stayed here to find out more about her boyfriend.

    "Then, what is Zhiqiang''s actual job? I always have my doubts, but after witnessing the earlier scene, I can''t hold back anymore. What did you guys make him do?"

    Lin Xiang didn''t know how to exin. First, he didn''t know just how much this little girl knew about their group.

    He believed Dai Zhiqiang wouldn''t reveal any crucial information, but he could still tell her a thing or two. Lin Xiang was probably the only one who knew how much that kid treasured this girl.

    "Uncle, why did you just stay silent?"

    "This is a tough question for me. I heard from Zhiqiang about you, and even if I know you mean a lot to him, I still can''t divulge any information without his permission. I''m sorry, littledy. But my hands are tied here."

    "As expected, it must be illegal if you can''t answer it directly."

    Li Caiyi became even more daring after Lin Xiang showed her an opening. He kind of regretted it. He should have just pushed her away by keeping a hostile facade.

    ''No, bad idea. If Zhiqiang finds out, he wille to settle the score with me!''

    Lin Xiang still remembered the first day Ye Huizhong introduced Dai Zhiqiang to the group. He was among the group who were against the boss'' decision and ended up paying the price for it.

    Even to the eyes of veteran thugs like him, Dai Zhiqiang was an unorthodox fighter. It was like he had no fear and moved based on instinct, like a wild animal growing up in a savagend.

    And that wild animal was a putty in the hand of this girl.

    Li Caiyi could wave her hand, and Dai Zhiqiang would beat him up mercilessly. It''s terrifying to imagine that this girl held his life in her palm.

    "Miss Li. If Zhiqiang still hasn''t told you anything, don''t you think that means he is still not ready to let you know about it? Please respect his decision. I''m asking you this as his colleague and brother as well."

    Li Caiyi: "..."

    Under her deep stare, Lin Xiang felt like a fish on thend.

    When they first met, he had a feeling that Li Caiyi was different from other girls her age. But now, he was confident that this girl probably wasn''t that scared of him.

    Mixed within the vignce in her eyes were deviance and tenacity, enough to make him think he shouldn''t take this girl lightly.

    Lin Xiang had learned his lesson after Dai Zhiqiang won against him in a fair fight; that was not to underestimate those younger than you. To be able to catch the attention of a peculiar kid, Li Caiyi must not be a regr girl either.

    "Then please take me with you!"

    "Yes,e again?" Lin Xiang stared at her with widened eyes.

    "Uncle, you don''t have to tell me anything. Just take me to where Dai Zhiqiang worked, and I''ll find out for myself. I don''t believe his job is only to be a bodyguard!"

    "Miss Li, that''s a bitˇ­."<sub> </sub>

    "If not, I will ask about what happened today to Zhiqiang. I can''t stay still when my boyfriend can be in danger anytime."

    ''Eh, your boyfriend is not the one who is in danger right now. It''s me!'' Lin Xiang screamed inwardly.

    "Please help me out just this once, Uncle. I promise I will do it as sneakily as possible. If I got found out, I would tell no one you are the one who brought me there."

    "That doesn''t matter. Zhiqiang will know immediately if you are around or not."

    "What? How would he know that if both of us keep quiet about it?"

    Lin Xiang had said too much. He quickly mped his mouth shut and curbed the urge to spill everything right there and then.

    "No, I misspoke. I mean, Uncle is not adept at lying, so he''ll know right away if I''m lying or not. I don''t think this is a good idea, Miss Li."

    Li Caiyi opened her mouth and wanted to say something again, but Lin Xiang had gotten ahead of her.

    "Now, if you''ll excuse me. I still have an important matter I should take care of. It''s nice to meet you today. Goodbye, Miss Li."

    "Ah! Uncle, wait for me!"

    Lin Xiang would be stupid if he stopped and got caught by her again. With all his might, he dashed out of the dumpster, leaving the flustered Li Caiyi behind without looking back.

    There was no way a girl like her could catch up with his trained leg, so it didn''t take long before Lin Xiang was out of Li Caiyi''s sight.

    "Huff," Li Caiyi sighed in relief after he was gone.

    That interaction took a few years out of her life. When Lin Xiang red at her, she seriously thought she would turn into a meat paste!

    At any rate, she just made the most dangerous bet she had ever made. If Lin Xiang didn''t remember who she was, she honestly wouldn''t have any idea what to do next.

    Dai Zhiqiang almost never talked about his job unless she asked him first, so she couldn''t gauge how deep his rtionship with this colleague was.

    Judging from how quickly he changed his attitude towards her, it seemed that the man thought highly of Dai Zhiqiang. At least good enough for him to cast away his suspicion of her.

    After she steadied her rapid heartbeat, Li Caiyi took out her cellphone and tapped the y button on the screen.

    Lin Xiang''s voice, who interrogated her, was yed from it. She prepared this just in case he killed her and left her corpse to rot in the middle of the dumpster. This record would be enough to be the evidence.

    "Thank goodness I wouldn''t need to use this."

    When she was about to leave, her eyes caught something sparkling on the ground. Li Caiyi''s steps halted before she crouched down to take that thing.

    "This is a ring?" Li Caiyi stared curiously at the small ring she found.

    It didn''t look like an expensive item but somethingmonly found in street vendors.

    Did this belong to one of the men from earlier?

    If yes, it would be strange because the ring size wouldn''t fit into any man''s finger. It was undoubtedly the size of a woman''s finger.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t say for sure, but her gut told her to keep this ring with her. So she put the ring into her pocket before leaving that ce for good.

 Chapter 399 The Story Of Lin Xiang (1)

    "Did you bring your patient card with you? Mhm, I''m on my way now. Let''s meet up in the hospital lobby soon. Be careful on your way." Li Caiyi smiled before hanging up the call.

    Today was the third session of Li Chunhua''s therapy. Su Suyin had made appointments with one of the best psychiatrists in the city, and everything went smoothly so far.

    As promised, Li Caiyi would always apany Li Chunhua as her support. She would wait outside while her sister went through her treatment.

    She still remembered the first therapy session when Li Chunhua refused to let Li Caiyi wait outside. Thank goodness the psychiatrist could convince her to rx.

    Now, Li Chunhua was the first to remind Li Caiyi about her treatment schedule. She was happy with her sister''s progress.

    After getting out of the building, Li Caiyi nned to walk for a bit until she arrived at the main street. There, she would ride a bus to the hospital, just like she routinely did in the past few days.

    Now that she was living alone, she needed to be careful about her expenses. Li Caiyi rarely used public vehicles like this in her previous life. Still, she thought riding the bus was morefortable than the train.

    Walking down the street, she would pass a daycare where children usually y. Even during summer break, the daycare was apparently open for kids whose parents needed to work in the summer. She often saw children ying happily, apanied by a few daycare staff.

    Li Caiyi loved to see it the most. She once swore that she would never mistreat them if she were about to be a mother. She would love and scold them equally. No one shall feel less valued than the others.

    But again, that was just a fleeting dream. For now, Li Caiyi was content watching children y from afar.

    While walking down the street, she saw one man whose appearance didn''t quite fit the heart-warming scene she expected to see. That man was tall and big, with a bald head shining under the fierce sunlight. He wore dark sunsses and looked like a viin in movies at a nce.

    He stood in front of the daycare garden as if waiting for someone.

    "Wait, isn''t that personˇ­."

    Li Caiyi didn''t get to finish her sentence because the same bald man who threatened her a few days ago suddenly turned his head her way and dashed towards her.

    "Miss Li. What a coincidence to meet you here!" The bald man greeted her with a broad smile, but anyone could tell by how much he sweated just how long he had stood under the sunlight. Coincidence? Fat chance.

    Li Caiyi nced around subtly, and after making sure few people would see if this man suddenly kidnapped her, she replied vigntly. "Uncle? What business do you have with me?"

    "Ah, I know this is sudden, but please don''t be rmed. I swear I have no bad intentions."

    "Then can you please make way for me? I''m actually in a hurry."

    Lin Xiang quickly blocked her way when she tried to walk around him. Then he took off his sunsses and stared pleadingly at her.

    "Miss Li, can you spare me some of your time? I need to ask you about something."

    "Uncle, you didn''t even listen to me when I asked you for a favor. Why should I listen to you?"

    Hereback flustered Lin Xiang, who was at a loss for words to say. He appeared so out of ce, like he wasn''t used to this, enough to make Li Caiyi feel pity for him.

    "What do you need me for? Please make it quick."

    The man''s eyes immediately brightened. "Thank you! I wanted to ask you whether or not you see my ring?"<sub> </sub>

    "A ring?"

    Lin Xiang made a gesture with his hand as he exined. "It was about this size, with a white gem on it. Silver-colored. I noticed I probably lost it at that dumpster, but when I returned to search, there was nothing."

    There was no mistake. The ring he talked about was the exact ring she found back then. After some time, shepletely forgot about it, but she should still keep it in the same bag she used today.

    Li Caiyi smiled inwardly, feeling that this must be the chance heaven granted for her.

    "Well, I might see it or not see it." Li Caiyi tested the water first by replying ambiguously.

    Lin Xiang''s corner of his mouth twitched before he took a deep breath. "Miss Li, I apologize for my bad manners the other day. I was in such a hurry that we couldn''t finish our conversation well."

    "Then how about we continue where we left off?"

    "Didn''t you say you are in a hurry?"

    Li Caiyi thought for a bit before deciding that Li Chunhua would be fine even if she got there a littlete. Her sister was alreadyfortable with the psychiatrist and the staff; she would be fine even if Li Caiyi wasn''t there.

    On the other hand, this rare chance wouldn''te twice.

    "That can wait. Uncle, you understand what I''m trying to talk about, right?"

    Lin Xiang averted his eyes, looking extremely conflicted. "Do you still want me to take you to Zhiqiang''s ce?"

    "Yes! I know you''ll understand quickly. If you agree to help me, I will help you find your ring. I might remember seeing something like that before."

    Honestly, Li Caiyi couldn''t understand what was so hard about her request. Whether Lin Xiang purposely made it difficult or was there something more they hid, she had to find out.

    "Uncle, you mentioned Dai Zhiqiang''s family the other day, so you should have known his circumstances pretty well. His father is sick, and his younger brother is one of my best friends. How can I face them while hiding that my boyfriend probably can be in danger anytime for them? And I''m already very pitiful for being neglected so much by my boyfriendˇ­."

    Lin Xiang grew more flustered because Li Caiyi''s eyes moistened with tears. He couldn''t let her cry, or who knows what Dai Zhiqiang would do to him!

    "Miss Li, please don''t cry! I understand your difficult position and will consider your offer in a positive light. I beg you, please don''t cry."

    Li Caiyi pretended to dab her tears with the corner of his sleeve while trying hard not to smirk.

    If there was a very important lesson she had learned from her past life, it was that girls needed to know how to make use of their tears.

    Burdened by her earnest gaze, Lin Xiang sighed in defeat. "I probably will get killed for this, but if that will refresh your memory about that ring, let''s make a deal."

    Li Caiyi almost wanted to jump in excitement, but she feigned a calm expression and nodded in agreement. "I''m d we can reach a mutual understanding on this. Thank you, Uncle."

    "You don''t need to thank me. But I hope you won''t me Zhiqiang that much. That ne you wore? I was there when he bought it for you. And I had never seen him looking that serious before, even when working. He thought about you that much."

 Chapter 400 The Story Of Lin Xiang (2)

    Her rtionship with Dai Zhiqiang was pretty good, but Lin Xiang fell for her acting hook, line, and sinker. Nevertheless, it felt pretty nice to hear this person say that.

    "But I also understand where you areing from. We, men, thought we could take on the world, but when it came to the most important things, we always realized it toote."

    There was a sense of mncholy in the way he said that. Li Caiyi couldn''t help but ask curiously. "Did the same thing happen to you too, Uncle?"

    Lin Xiang smiled bitterly. "The ring I asked you to find. I bought it for my girlfriend. She was a wonderful woman whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. It wasn''t expensive, but I poured all my love into that ring when nning my proposal."

    "What? Such an important item! Why didn''t you tell me sooner?"

    Li Caiyi felt terrible now. She treated a precious thing like that as her bargaining chip.

    "Because there is no hurry. My girlfriend passed away a few years ago. Before I could propose to her, she got into a car ident."

    "Oh."

    Li Caiyi had no other words to say. If she felt bad before, now she feels incredibly guilty. "I''m sorry to hear that."

    Lin Xiang smiled generously, but his movement was awkward like he was trying to feign an okay expression.

    "It''s not your fault, Miss Li. As I said before, my girlfriend was too kind. Even though I was the selfish one for postponing our wedding, she still supported and waited for me. You reminded me of her, although you are more on the deviant side."

    Lin Xiang''s attempt to crack a joke didn''t bring a smile to Li Caiyi''s face. It made her shoulders slump even further.

    The word ''waiting'' sounded simple, but it was actually the hardest thing to do. Especially when all that time spent waiting ended in naught in the end.

    "That''s right. Making other people wait for so long while hiding everything is just a selfish move."

    Those words slipped from her mouth, catching Lin Xiang off guard. A self-deprecatingugh came out of his mouth. "You are right."

    "But if she can spend a long time waiting for you, then it means she loves you that much." Li Caiyi added in a much softer voice. She thought for a bit before rummaging through her bag and taking out that ring.

    "I''m sorry, Uncle. I actually have it with me all this time. But I just want to know what your deal with Zhiqiang is. You can forget about our previous deal. This ring is important to you, so don''t lose it again."

    It surprised Lin Xiang for a moment before a faint smile spread over his face. He took the ring from her hand.

    "Thank you, Miss Li. Your words and actions mean a lot to me."

    <o>,m This turn of events slightly disappointed Li Caiyi, but pushing it after listening to his story was just overkill. She wasn''t that heartless to do that to a grieving man.</o>

    Perhaps she could only wait until Dai Zhiqiang told her honestly.

    "I guess that ends our business here. I will take my leave first, Uncle. My sister is waiting for me."

    "Wait, Miss Li. Do you have some free time tomorrow?"

    Li Caiyi tried to remember butter shook her head. "Yes, I do have free time tomorrow. Do you still need something from me?"

    "Didn''t you say you want to know what Zhiqiang is up to? Come with me tomorrow, and I''ll show you around."

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t believe what she had just heard. The bald man was initially intimidating, but now he shone with an angelic halo on top of his head. Or it was probably just the reflection of sunlight on his bald head.<sub> </sub>

    "Really? Are you really going to take me there?"

    "You saved me a lot of trouble by picking up this ring. I should at least do this much to thank you." Lin Xiang grinned with his thumbs up. "And I changed my mind, too. Zhiqiang is my brother, but I''m supporting you all the way. I''m sure you can get through his thick skull if it''s you."

    "Uncle! Thank you very much! I''d appreciate it."

    "No worries. Then I''ll see you in front of your apartment building tomorrow morning."

    "Yes. Wait, I still don''t know your name yet."

    "It''s Lin Xiang. You can call me Uncle Lin if you want."

    Li Caiyi nodded before waving her hand at him. "Then I''ll take my leave, Uncle Lin. See you tomorrow!"

    That was unexpected, but at least she got what she wanted. Li Caiyi skipped her way to the bus stop and couldn''t wait for tomorrow toe. Then a realization suddenly struck her.

    "Hang on. How did Uncle Lin know I was living in an apartment?"

    ***

    Li Caiyi stared intently at Lin Xiang, who was waiting for her in front of her apartment building.

    Of course, there was a possibility he knew her address from Dai Zhiqiang, but with her boyfriend''s possessive nature, it was unlikely Dai Zhiqiang would tell him anything.

    The only other usible exnation was Uncle Lin investigated her, which made her restless.

    Could she really trust this person? From how genuine he looked when he told her about histe girlfriend, he didn''t appear to be a bad person. Lin Xiang was also her only lead to find out more about Dai Zhiqiang, but just how much can she trust him?

    While Li Caiyi still mulled over the thought, Lin Xiang had spotted her and hurried over. The scene gave her a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.

    "Good morning, Miss Li. Are you ready?"

    "Yeah. But before that, can I ask you something?"

    "Hm? Ask away."

    "Uncle Lin, how do you know I live here? Did Zhiqiang tell you that?"

    If Lin Xiang was surprised, he didn''t show it to his face. "Didn''t I tell you I coincidentally saw youing out of the building yesterday? I had some business around here yesterday."

    Li Caiyi narrowed her eyes skeptically, but Lin Xiang only shrugged his shoulders casually. "There''s nothing I can do if you don''t believe me. But don''t we have a more important thing to do right now?"

    Whether he deliberately said that to divert her attention or not, he was right. Li Caiyi spent all night thinking about what she should say if she and Dai Zhiqiang were to meet?

    ''I wonder what kind of face he would make?''

    It would be a lie if she said she wasn''t nervous.

 Chapter 401 Sneaking Into Ye Wang (1)

    Li Caiyi took in the view in front of her with a gaping mouth.

    Written on the extravagant and heavily intricate te name was ''Ye Wang'', the name of this building. The main gate was made from a high wooden door, making it look like an imprable fortress.

    Standing in front of the gate were two men with bulky bodies. Their sharp gaze glued onto her like they were trying to appraise her. She felt a little ufortable.

    A tap on her shoulder prompted her to raise her head. Lin Xiang stood beside her with a reassuring smile. "Don''t feel intimidated. They can''t do anything to you as long as I''m here."

    "Uncle Lin, are you the big boss here?"

    Lin Xiangughed hard. "You''ll be surprised by how many monsters there are inside. I''m one of the bosses, but definitely not the big boss."

    "I see. Then would I meet Zhiqiang inside?"

    p "Yes. He should be inside around this time. But let me make this clear for you beforehand, Miss Li. There are rules to obey here, and you will be kicked out immediately if you make even one mistake. No one is exempted from this rule, so I hope you''ll keep this in mind."</anda>

    "Of course, Uncle. I promised you I won''t let anyone know I''m here, especially not Zhiqiang. I will go as soon as I see nothing wrong with what he is doing."

    Lin Xiang nodded. "Good. Another thing I want you to remember is that you must disguise yourself once inside. The rule said we can''t bring an outsider inside without permission from the boss. So, please help me out on this."

    "Will you get in trouble if I get found out, Uncle?"

    "You can say that."

    "Understood. I shall make myself as invisible as possible."

    "Excellent. Then, shall we enter now?"

    Li Caiyi nodded firmly, and both entered after Lin Xiang talked to the bodyguards waiting outside. Their gazes followed her even after she passed the gate, so she scooted closer to Lin Xiang for security.

    "Did they scare you? Well, this ce reeks of masculinity everywhere, so when they see a beautiful flower among hordes of muscled men, they can''t help but want to look at it longer." Lin Xiang grinned teasingly.

    "Uncle Lin, you must be joking."

    "I''m not. You are a lovely youngdy, and I expected this to happen. Don''t worry; I have prepared everything for you inside."

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion but chose not to pry for now.

    Lin Xiang led her to pass through a long corridor, and she hummed in awe whenever they went past an interesting item or relic on the wall. But what fascinated her the most was the wide lotus pond once they entered the inner yard.

    She had attended a lot of banquets and parties in high-ss society in her previous life. Each was more extravagant in one way or another than the others. However, this lotus pond exuded another kind of unspeakable extravagance she liked very much.

    It felt like a goddess could appear from the water at any time. The scene was ethereal and stole your heart at first sight.

    "We are here."

    Lin Xiang''s words shifted her attention back to her objective. This wasn''t the time for admiring the pond.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi clenched her hold on her bag strap before she walked inside.

    The room he led her into appeared to be a staff changing room or something. There were lines of the same outfit hung on one of the lockers, and Lin Xiang took one of them before swaying it in front of her.

    "This is the outfit of the servants here. You will still need to cover your face and disguise yourself as the cleaningdy if you don''t want anyone to notice your presence. Because this ce was filled with men, the big boss never allowed young women to work here. Make sure no one will ever find out your identity."

    Li Caiyi received the uniform hesitantly. "But what about the two bodyguards at the entrance? Wouldn''t they report to the boss about my whereabouts?"

    "I will take care of that thing. You just need to focus on your goal. I already said I will support you with what I can as my thanks, didn''t I?"

    A small smile spread on her face, listening to Lin Xiang''s nice words. Sure enough, although he appeared rough and scary on the outside, Li Caiyi couldn''t see him as a bad person.

    It would be nice if she really just overthink about this.

    "Then I will change my clothes first, Uncle."

    "Sure. Just use one of the chambers inside. I''ll be on guard outside."

    Li Caiyi walked to the deeper part of the room, where lines of small chambers were positioned. She entered one of them, locked the door, and changed her clothes.

    Contrary to her expectation, the simple mugwort-colored outfit consisted of a nk t-shirt and pants werefortable to wear. It was very easy to move in it too.

    After covering her face with a mask, she stepped out of the chamber and reunited with Lin Xiang. He told her to leave her clothes on one of the opened lockers before scrutinizing her appearance closely.

    "Almost perfect. There is still onest thing missing."

    Li Caiyi looked down on her outfit but found nothing out of ce. "Is there something wrong with my appearance?"

    "More urately, your disguise has one excessive thing."

    Lin Xiang pointed at her ne, which was the first gift she received from Dai Zhiqiang. She had never once taken it off except when she was bathing. So she was reluctant to part with it.

    "Do I have to take this off?" Li Caiyi held on to the pendant and asked in a pleading tone.

    "Sorry, Miss Li. But no cleaningdy would wear such a thing when on duty. If you are afraid you will lose it, I can keep it for you."

    Li Caiyi was troubled, but to increase this mission''s sess rate, she slowly took the ne off and gave it to Lin Xiang. "Uncle, this is a very important thing to me. Please take good care of it for me, alright?"

    The older man chuckled in amusement. "And here I thought my brother''s feeling is too heavy for a boy his age, but it turns out you are as passionate as him. How nice."

    Li Caiyi blushed in embarrassment at his teasing remark and quickly pointed to herself. "Anyway, how do I look now?"

    "You look like any other cleaningdy working here. No one will ever realize you are not a worker here at a nce." Lin Xiang gave a thumb up. "I will take you to where Zhiqiang is now."

 Chapter 402 Sneaking Into Ye Wang (2)

    The next ce Lin Xiang led her to was a room further into the inner yard. One had to cross the yard from the main building to reach it. Li Caiyi took her time admiring the ce until Lin Xiang stopped his track.

    "We''re here. This is the training room."

    Li Caiyi followed his line of sight and saw a room with a wooden door, just like any other room in this building. However, unlike the other room she saw, there was no name te for this ce.

    "Your boyfriend should be inside now. Did you have your tools? Are you ready?"

    Li Caiyi nodded while raising an empty bucket and mop in her hand. She took it with her as a double cover from the staff room earlier. This way, no one would find it suspicious if she had been there for a long time.

    "I will enter with you, but starting from this point, we are not acquaintances, but subordinate and superior, do you get me? I will be there to back you up if necessary, but try not to get yourself in trouble."

    "I hear you loud and clear!"

    Lin Xiang nodded, and a mischievous smirk appeared on his face. "I wonder if that boy will notice that his little girlfriend had sneaked into a wolf-den just for him?"

    Before Li Caiyi could question him, he had opened the door and caused pairs of eyes to shift at them. Li Caiyi shrunk her neck under the tant stare at them.

    "Have you guys worked hard today? Let me see how your progress is."

    Lin Xiang put both hands behind his back and stared at them sternly. Gone was the friendly uncle, and what Li Caiyis saw in front of her was the man of authority. His eyes narrowed down like he wouldn''t hesitate to beat up anyone who irked him.

    "Senior Lin, you havee!"

    "We have been waiting for you."

    "Please give us some guidance today, too."

    Contrary to her expectation, his subordinate didn''t look terrified of him but rather respected him? Lin Xiang subtly nced at her, and Li Caiyi immediately nodded her head, receiving his sign.

    "I''d better not see even one of you cking in my presence. I will observe each one of you. Those who don''t train seriously will be disciplined!"

    "Yes, Senior Lin!"

    While Lin Xiang distracted almost every attention of the people in the room, Li Caiyi sneaked into the room while keeping her head down. As expected, no one paid any attention to her.

    Looking around carefully, there were few other people with the same outfit as her, busily wiping the window, organizing the equipment, or simply mopping the floor. She was worried initially, but now she felt more confident this n would work well.

    This training room was really huge with a high ceiling. A few boxing rings lined up in the middle of the room, and some matches were currently on hold.

    Across the room, there was a lot of gym equipment where those men worked out to form those bulk bodies. On the other side of the room was a separate space with wooden dolls used as practice partners.

    Everything about these was straight out of martial arts movies, with many modern touches, of course.

    Li Caiyi found an inconspicuous spot on the corner and pretended to mop the floor while searching for Dai Zhiqiang. To her dismay, she couldn''t find him anywhere. This ce was full of men and reeked of sweats, but there was no sign of her boyfriend anywhere.

    "Strange, where did he go?" Li Caiyi muttered to herself.

    In the next second, she heard the sound of the door opening behind her. She flinched in surprise and subconsciously looked down again to hide her face.

    "You are in the way."<sub> </sub>

    Upon hearing the familiar voice, Li Caiyi could feel her heart skip a beat. She nced at the feet of the person in front of her, and there was no mistaking it.

    It was Dai Zhiqiang''s.

    "Next time, don''t stand right in front of the door. It''s dangerous."

    Dai Zhiqiang only said those words before walking around her and leaving. Li Caiyi counted to ten in her heart before she felt safe enough to raise her head.

    What she thought as an empty corner at first turned out to be the corner where the bathrooms were. She was too busy with her own thoughts and didn''t notice that.

    Li Caiyi nced at Dai Zhiqiang''s figure from a distance. Like almost every man in the room, he wore sports pants and shoes, with his upper body bare for everyone to see. Compared to other bulky men, he seemed pretty scrawny, although he also had some muscle in reality.

    "So cool," Li Caiyi sighed in a trance, looking at his boyfriend standing in the middle of the ring with an imposing demeanor, even to men older than him.

    Thank goodness she didn''t take a chance by raising her head earlier. If she found out immediately, she probably wouldn''t have a chance to see a delicious view like this.

    "Ahem, get a hold of yourself, Li Caiyi. You didn''te here to y."

    Scolding herself for getting distracted, she re-focused her attention elsewhere. From what she saw, it seemed like Dai Zhiqiang had considerable respect within this group of people.

    Usually, the youngster would ask for guidance from the older one, but with Dai Zhiqiang, it was the opposite. It didn''t look like there was any other person who was younger than him too.

    Based on how Lin Xiang thought highly of Dai Zhiqiang, she assumed that he had a particr position in this ce, making even a gangster-looking Lin Xiang look up to him. Still, she didn''t expect it to such an extent.

    Li Caiyi felt even more curious. She decided to take a step further by scooting closer to the ring where Dai Zhiqiang currently sparring with one person. Of course, by pretending to mop the floor.

    She was restless when a man who was older with a much bigger body than Dai Zhiqiang attacked him with a scary look on his face. However, Dai Zhiqiang looked indifferent and calmly evaded all the attacks. Then, with a sharp movement, he ducked and tripped the opponent''s leg when he showed an opening andnded a punch on his chin.

    His opponent fell to the ground while holding his bleeding nose. All while ring at Dai Zhiqiang.

    Li Caiyi dreaded imagining what would happen next, but unlike her assumption, the defeated man stood up and exchanged a firm handshake with Dai Zhiqiang before slowly going down the ring.

    "Who''s next?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s low voice reverberated in the silent room. Everyone who was eager to watch the match before averted their eyes and clearly didn''t want to get picked as his new opponent.

    "If there is no other volunteer, that was the end of today''s practice."

    Everyone dispersed one by one after he said that. Li Caiyi could sense that there was a slight difference in how these people treated Dai Zhiqiang and Lin Xiang, but she was more concerned about whether Dai Zhiqiang was hurt or not.

    Li Caiyi watched how he walked towards the corner of the bench where he put his stuff. He gulped a mouthful of water greedily; some spilt from the corner of his mouth down to his neck, passing through his bobbing Adam''s apple.

    Then, he wore his t-shirt before retrieving his bag and walking straight toward the door. The other was crowded in front of the shower room, but he left without looking back.

    "Wait, where is he going?"

    Li Caiyi was about to chase after him when someone stopped her by the shoulder.

 Chapter 403 Sneaking Into Ye Wang (3)

    "Hey, are you new here?"

    Li Caiyi''s heart almost stopped when a woman in her 40s leaned her face closer to examine her. "I have never seen you before. What''s your name?"

    "Y-yes, I''m new here. My name is Li Nian."

    Flustered by the sudden question, Li Caiyi just spouted the first name she could think of. The older woman squinted her eyes full of judgment.

    "Hm, if you are new, why didn''t youe and greet us. Not very polite of you, huh?"

    "Ah, I''m sorry for my rudeness. I was too upied with the cleaning."

    The older woman scoffed. "I saw you more preupied in gawking at the men instead of cleaning, though?"

    Li Caiyi got tongue-tied by the woman''s sharp words. She hadn''t been here for more than an hour, but it seemed she had incited someone''s displeasure. There was no time to deal with this person, yet she could only watch helplessly as Dai Zhiqiang walked out of the room.

    "What? Are you interested in that young man? Let me tell you, that one is no good. Other than frowning or scolding, he rarely said anything. He is grumpier than most of the grumpy old men here."

    "No, I''m not interested in him."

    The older woman waved her hand. "You don''t have to be ashamed. Almost every female staff here has one or two people they fancy. It was rare to meet someone like you who openly has their eyes on the youngster, but I respect people''s preferences."

    Li Caiyi grimaced, unsure whether she to deny or roll along with it.

    "But you look very young yourself. How old are you?"

    "Many people said that, but I''m actually 37."

    The older woman gasped in disbelief. "I can''t believe you are only 6 years younger than me. If I don''t know the rules of this ce, I must have already thought you are a teenager."

    She stared at Li Caiyi somewhat pitifully before saying, "You should go outside more and find yourself a man. Even a woman with a mediocre look like me can have a husband, so I''m sure you will too. Admiring is okay, but don''t spend too much time watching youngsters."

    ''Thisdy is pretty rude. I have to get away from her.''

    Li Caiyi maintained her facial expression to remain neutral. "I''m sorry, but I still have another task to do. If you''ll excuse me."

    "Hey, wait! Why are you in such a hurry? It''s almost time for lunch. I will need some help in the kitchen. You follow me too."

    The older woman sped her hand and forcefully pulled her along with her. Li Caiyi''s strength was no match for her at all.

    "Uhm, but I was instructed to clean the hallway after this."

    "Really? But lunchtime is always the busiest time in the day because we have so many people to feed. Who''s assigned you with that task?"<sub> </sub>

    Once again, Li Caiyi was tongue-tied, and the older woman''s eyes squinted even deeper. "I knew it. You are just making an excuse to chase after that young man, right?"

    "No! I was instructed by someone named Mr. Lin. That person!" Li Caiyi quickly added while pointing at Lin Xiang, who seemed busy talking with someone.

    The older woman threw her hand before shooting a sharp re at her. "How could you make up lies like that? Everyone knew that Mr. Lin had no interest in stuff like this. A newbie like you really needs to learn some discipline."

    "But I''m not lying. We can ask Mr. LinˇŞ"

    "No but! You will follow me to the kitchen whether you like it or not, and that''s final!"

    The older woman didn''t give her time to refute anymore and dragged her away. Li Caiyi tried to call Lin Xiang a few times, but the bald man seemed to have forgotten his promise to back her up.

    Ultimately, she could only admit defeat and followed the older woman to the kitchen.

    ***

    Three hourster, Li Caiyi couldn''t feel her arms anymore. Thedy from before wasn''t joking when she said lunchtime was the busiest time of the day. Thus they needed every extra hand avable.

    On this asion, Lin Caiyi was d she wasn''t brought up like apletely sheltered youngdy. But washing the dishes for dozens of men who kepting and going for three hours straight wasn''t an easy task. Not to mention these men''s appetite was as big as their body.

    "Good job. You looked dainty and weak, but you pulled it through well."

    The woman from before sat beside her and took off her mask. "You''ll get used to this after a few days, don''t worry. Here, drink this."

    Li Caiyi stared at the woman beside her and epted a ss of water from her. "Thank you."

    Around this time, the cafeteria was pretty much deserted, only leaving the staff behind to clean up the ce. Li Caiyi thought this might be a good time to probe some information.

    "Excuse me, Ma''am, but I didn''t see that youngster in the cafeteria today, or did I just miss him?"

    "Wow, you really have your eyes on him, huh? That''s not good. There must be at least a 20 years age gap between the two of you."

    Li Caiyi ignored the disdain in the woman''s eyes and stered an amused smile. "No, it''s just that the young man is kind of simr to my younger brother, so I can''t help but feel worried when I don''t see himing to eat."

    "What? So it''s like that? That youngster is a special case. Just like Mr. Lin, he never eats his lunch in the cafeteria with other people. They are the big boss'' most trustable men, so they usually eat in separate rooms. You can call it a privilege."

    "I see. But that youngster is still so young. How can he be more trustable than other men here?"

    Her question flipped the switch within the older woman as she leaned closer with a gossipy look on her face.

 Chapter 404 Sneaking Into Ye Wang (4)

    "That youngster came like a storm one day, and the big boss just unanimously decided that he would be a part of the group. Some said that the kid is the big boss'' rtive, but there are also rumors that the big boss was fascinated by his skill at first nce. Whichever it was, the fact that he is the most favored subordinate in this ce is unchangeable."

    "To such an extent? I wonder what he did to be able to win the big boss over like that?"

    "Well, the Young Master seemed to fancy him very much. And the fact that the big boss doted on his grandson has already be a public secret here."

    "The Young Master?" Li Caiyi asked curiously.

    "Oh, a newbie like you probably hadn''t had a chance to meet the Young Master. I have worked here for almost two years and only caught a glimpse of Young Master a few times. The big boss is very protective of him and never allowed him to y outside the main building without supervision."

    "So there is a chance that the youngster is with the Young Master right now?"

    "I suppose so? Since joining the group, I rarely saw him anywhere besides the main building and training room. The Young Master is young and willful. No one dares to offend the big boss, so they tend to let him do as he pleases. But that young man can tame the Young Master well."

    Li Caiyi quickly tried to put the two together. Was Dai Zhiqiang hired because he could fight well and was favored by the Young Master?

    "Hmm, I was hired at thest minute, so I don''t know much about this ce. Can you tell me what kind of business this group does?"

    The older woman shook her head helplessly. "You really came here without knowing anything. The Big Boss is the owner of many clubs and bars. I heard he even owned some gambling ces in other countries too. A lot of shady deals frequently happen in ces like these; that''s why the big boss rarely showed up in public and hired many capable men to fight for him."

    "Shady deals? Like what?"

    "Why are you asking so much? I don''t have time to answer everything. You''ll know eventually after working here for some time, anyway. Don''t bother me anymore and get back to your original task."

    Without sparing another nce to her, the woman left Li Caiyi, who was unsatisfied. She got a lot of information from that woman, but she couldn''t get the most crucial answer out of her.

    She wanted to know if this group would be dangerous for Dai Zhiqiang or not. As far as she was concerned, his involvement with this group could be the very reason he ended up that way in her previous life.

    ''No time to waste. I guess I just have to find out on my own.''

    ***

    Navigating her way through this gigantic ce proved to be more challenging than she initially thought. She wanted to contact Lin Xiang and asked if he could help her sneak into the main building but found outter that she didn''t have his contact information.

    Li Caiyi tried to return to the practice room, but the web-like hallways confused her. She ended up in the spacious lobby instead. Or at least, she thought it was some kind of a lobby, with wide and majestic stairs in the middle.

    Li Caiyi had no idea where she was or where she should go after this. If only she could find someone to ask for direction.

    Right when she thought about that, a door on the other side of the lobby opened, and a burly man with tan skin came out with a tray of food in his hand.

    Upon noticing Li Caiyi''s presence, he clicked his tongue impatiently. "Why are you only standing there? Aren''t you going to do your work?"

    Li Caiyi had to nce around before she pointed at herself. "You are talking to me?"<sub> </sub>

    "Who else would it be if it weren''t for you? Have you seen any other people in this ce? Don''t waste my time and just take this."

    Unlike Lin Xiang, this person clearly had a short temper and wasn''t a person to be provoked. Albeit confused and worried, Li Caiyi walked over before taking the tray from him. Seeing that the man was about to return to his room, she asked hurriedly.

    "Um, excuse me, but where should I bring this to?"

    "Ah? Why ask something so obvious? Of course, you will bring this to Young Master. We have tested it, and no poison was detected. Now just go." The man waved his hand impatiently before mming the door in front of her.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi stared at the tray in her hand with a dumbfounded stare. If what he said was true, wouldn''t it mean she had justnded on the most perfect excuse to sneak into the main building?

    ? "No, wait. Don''t tell me this ce is the main building itself? No wonder it''s so huge andplicated."

    Li Caiyi felt even more optimistic about this now. The only problem she had was to find out where she should bring these.

    The first idea that came to her mind was the second floor. After all, the most important people usually had their rooms on the upper floor, right?

    As the previous cleaningdy said, the main building was very empty and almost like an uninhabited ce.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t even see a single staff or those men she saw earlier. This ce''s big boss seemed to have a paranoid tendency regarding his grandson. Except for people he trusted, no one was allowed to enter this ce.

    Li Caiyi had no idea how she could have ended up in this ce unintentionally. But the goddess of fate seemed to be smiling at her now.

    She climbed up the stairs and chose to follow her instinct as she walked through the hallway. Looking out through the ss window, there was that beautiful lotus pond below.

    If the big boss truly doted on the grandson a lot, he probably would give his grandson a room where he could easily watch this amazing view whenever he wanted. At least, that was what she would do if she was in the big boss'' position.

    Li Caiyi had no idea if her assumption was correct or not, but following her instinct, she walked through the long hallway until it ended at a dead end.

    There was a big door on the edge, which somehow piqued her interest. Maybe because it was located so deep into the building.

    "Could it be, it''s here?"

    Li Caiyi carefully approached and pressed her ears to the door. She couldn''t hear anything from inside. Nevertheless, she tried knocking on the door several times.

    For the next few seconds, only silence awaited her. Just when she thought she had made the wrong call, the door suddenly opened, and a tiny hand pulled Li Caiyi inside.

    It took everything in her not to drop the tray in her hand. However, the door had been mmed shut before she could fully register what had just happened.

    "What takes you so long to deliver some food? Do you want to starve me to death?!"

 Chapter 405 Li Caiyi And Ye Zhong (1)

    "What takes you so long to deliver some food? Do you want to starve me to death?!"

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times, staring at the small boy who was currently ring at her. He wore a white shirt and pants, looking like an intelligent boy.

    ''But wait, didn''t he say that he had been waiting for his food toe? Then this kid is the Young Master?!"

    "Are you mute? Why don''t you say anything?" Ye Zhong folded his hand in dissatisfaction. "Why did Grandpa hire someone as slow as you? You look like an idiot."

    Li Caiyi''s brows twitched a bit at his arrogant attitude but convinced herself not to argue back against children. Especially a pampered young master like this kid.

    "Young Master, I''m sorry for taking too much time. I''m new here, so I still haven''t memorized the way yet."

    Ye Zhong snorted and sat on the avable couch in the middle of the room. Looking at it again, this room looked like a game room or something? There were various game machines in the room. There was a billiard table too.

    "I will excuse your mistake just this one time. Now, bring me the food. I''m hungry."

    Li Caiyi quickly put the tray on the table and let Ye Zhong take a sip of the soup first. However, the kid promptly frowned before throwing the bowl aside, sshing the content all over the floor.

    "Look at what you have done! Because you are so slow, my food has be cold now! You can''t even do one thing, right? What''s the use of you?!"

    Li Caiyi stared at the mess on the floor with widened eyes, seemingly not believing what she had just seen. Did she just get scolded by a mere kid? Pampered or not, that was no way to talk to someone older than him.

    Whoever that big boss of this ce, she felt likeing to him andining about his grandson''s attitude.

    Albeit irked inside, she tried hard not to give in to her annoyance.

    "Young Master, I''m sorry about the soup. How about if I fetch you a new one right now?"

    "No need! Are you nning to make me wait longer? Just clean up the mess and get out of my sight!"

    ''What a brat. I want to twist his ear so bad.''

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before crouching on the floor, nning to pick up the scattered vegetables first.

    "What are you doing? Who said you can use your hand? Pick it up using your mouth."

    Her hand halted midair as she raised her head. Ye Zhong, who sat on the couch, was almost taller than her, who crouched on the floor.

    The little Young Master smirked evilly with his legs folded together, exuding an imposing manner.

    "What''s with that look? You pissed me off twice, so take this punishment as a way to discipline you. If you refuse, I will tell Grandpa, and you''ll know how this would end, right?"

    Li Caiyi was dumbstruck. She never expected such words woulde out of a kid whose height could barely reach her waist.

    Previously, although she admitted that children could be mischievous sometimes, she believed they weren''t inherently bad. However, this kid in front of her seemed different. His eyes clearly had innocent malice deep inside. And he took pleasure looking down on the people below him.

    Meanwhile, Ye Zhong was a bit confused about her reaction. Most of the servants and bodyguards of this ce usually would cry in panic or begged him not to tell Ye Huizhong about this, but Li Caiyi didn''t panic at all.

    Ye Zhong wasn''t happy because it looked like Li Caiyi didn''t take him seriously. It spurred him to act more unreasonably.

    "Do you want to clean the floor, or should I make you? Are you so shocked you can''t even think now? Our Ye Wang doesn''t need a useless person like you."

    "...that."

    Ye Zhong''s corner of the mouth raised hearing her faint voice.<sub> </sub>

    Sure enough, she was too scared she couldn''t even form words. This woman was just like any other servant. With a bit of threat, they would obey him unconditionally. He could make them lick the floor like a dog, and they wouldn''tin.

    "Hm? Did you say something?"

    "I said that was no way of treating people older than you, you insufferable brat." Li Caiyi said with a big smile.

    Ye Zhong clearly didn''t expect her to say that, so he was momentarily at a loss on what to say.

    "You should treat other people like a human if you want to be treated as one too. Keep acting like that, and nobody will stay with you."

    "I-Impertinent! How dare a mere servant like you lecture me?!"

    Ye Zhong shouted at the top of his lungs while taking his spoon from the tray and was about to throw it at Li Caiyi. However, she was faster as she snatched the spoon from him and even took the tray away, worried he would grab that next.

    "If you don''t want to eat, then don''t eat. Why do you have to waste food like that? Did your parents never teach you to appreciate food at all? You don''t deserve to eat anything then!"

    Ye Zhong''s face turned red from anger, and he clenched his hand into a fist. "What do you know? They never teach me anything. Because they are never here!"

    Li Caiyi stopped in her tracks and stared at Ye Zhong, who seemed ready to cry anytime.

    Come to think of it, the cleaningdy only ever mentioned his grandfather as this ce''s big boss, but she never said anything about the Young Master''s parents.

    Li Caiyi immediately realized she had gone overboard by mentioning his parents.

    "Sorry. I shouldn''t have brought up your parents in this. I will give the food back to you, so don''t cry."

    "I''m not crying! And who needs that crappy food anyway?!"

    "Now, don''t say that. The food might have turned cold, but I bet it tasted delicious."

    "What does amoner like you know about good food? I bet you rarely have any chance to eat meat."

    Ye Zhong''s replies were still curt and sharp, but at least he didn''t look as angry as before.

    "But has anyone ever said you have a horrible attitude, Young Master?"

    "You really have no fear. Aren''t you afraid I''m going to tell Grandfather about this?"

    Li Caiyi shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "You can tell him I don''t care."

    "What? If he knows about this, he will fire you for sure!" Ye Zhong gave strong emphasis to the word ''fire''.

    "Sure, why not? I will only lose my job, while you will keep losing people''s trust and respect by behaving this way. I bet you are that type of kid who doesn''t have any friends in school."

    "How dare you!"

    "Why wouldn''t I? You will make your grandfather fire me anyway, so why should I fear you? Keep relying on your grandfather like that, and you''ll grow into a weak kid who can''t do anything."

    "That''s not true! Big Brother Zhi had been training me for months now. He said I have a chance to grow up into a strong guy like him someday!"

    Li Caiyi''s eyes brightened at the mention of Dai Zhiqiang. She was conflicted on how she could probe information from an annoying brat like him, but the goddess of fortune was really smiling at her a lot today.

 Chapter 406 Li Caiyi And Ye Zhong (2)

    "That person you just mentioned. What kind of person is he? Are you sure he didn''t just say that to make you happy?"

    "That''s not true! Big Brother Zhi once saved me from kidnappers. He is strong and apetent person. Even Grandfather can''t carelessly order him around. He has no reason to lie to me." Ye Zhong rebutted on the spot.

    "What do you mean he saved you?"

    "Big Brother Zhi is the only person whose strength I acknowledge in this world. He is stronger than anyone I ever see in this group!"

    For an annoying brat like him to speak so highly of Dai Zhiqiang, and even with sparkling eyes, it must mean that he was very fond of him.

    Li Caiyi assumed this must be why the big boss of this ce felt indebted and decided to help Dai Zhiqiang with his difficult situation.

    "But why can''t your Grandfather do anything to him? Isn''t he the big boss of this ce?"

    "How should I know that? Stop asking me questions! I''m not obligated to answer your question."

    "Aww, don''t say that, Young Master. It''s natural for a person to learn from someone more knowledgeable. Please tell me more about it." Li Caiyi smiled fawningly at him, but the little boy only snorted.

    "Even if you finally realized my greatness and talked sweetly, I''m not going to talk to you anymore. Tell me what''s your name so I can report you to Grandpa."

    "If I tell you, will you tell me more about this Big Brother Zhi person?"

    "No! You have no choice in this matter! Just tell me your name quickly, you wicked woman!"

    "I don''t want to. Why should I tell you that? There is a term called "give and take" in this world, little kid." Li Caiyi stuck out her tongue, and Ye Zhong was enraged once again.

    However, before he could shout at her again, they heard the sound of footsteps reverberating in the hallway outside.

    They were frozen on the spot for a moment until Ye Zhong quickly jumped from the couch.

    "Look, because you are too noisy, now he is going to find me!" Ye Zhong hissed while ring at Li Caiyi.

    "Ah? Come to think of it, what are you doing here by yourself, Young Master?"

    "I was ying hide and seek with Big Brother Zhi. I chose this old game room to hide, but you just have toe here and ruin everything! I will definitely ask Grandpa to fire youter. Hmmph!"

    But Li Caiyi couldn''t hear Ye Zhong''s voice anymore because her head turned nk instantly, hearing that Dai Zhiqiang would being soon.

    ''If Young Master told him about what I did, I would most definitely be taken for interrogation. And if that happens, they''ll find out I''m an outsider sneaking into this ce! I will be killed!''

    Not to mention, Lin Xiang would also get into a lot of trouble if they found out her identity. And after she promised she would be extra careful not to give herself away too!

    That couldn''t be happening. Li Caiyi had to find a way to stop that.

    Ye Zhong scoffed at her. "So you know how to panic? But it''s toote now. No matter what you say, your fate has been sealed. Who told you to act high and mighty towards me? You should pack your things now to save your time."

    Li Caiyi ignored the little boy''s taunt and grabbed his shoulders instead. "Young Master, how about I help you distract his attention?"

    "Don''t touch me with your filthy hand." Ye Zhong frowned and pped her hand away from him.

    "If Ie out now and tell him that you aren''t here, it will buy you some time to hide at another ce. You can y with your beloved Big Brother Zhi longer that way. Perhaps he will also praise you for doing such a good job in hiding."<sub> </sub>

    The footsteps were getting closer, so the restless Li Caiyi just blurted out whatever was in her mind. Her first priority was preventing this little boy and Dai Zhiqiang from meeting!

    Thankfully, Ye Zhong didn''t seem entirely against the idea either. He mulled it over for a bit before haughtily nodding her head.

    "What you said is reasonable. I will follow along with your n for now. Make sure to do your job right, or it''s firing time for you!"

    Li Caiyi nodded her head vehemently. "Yes, of course! I will do my utmost best for you, Young Master. Now, if you''ll excuse me."

    Without waiting for his response, Li Caiyi lifted the five-year-old boy by his armpit and shoved him behind one of the game machines. The boy struggled vehemently, but he wasn''t Li Caiyi''s match yet.

    Ye Zhong was obviously offended by this treatment, but Li Caiyi quickly pressed her index finger to his lips to seal his mouth.

    This might be thest time she saw this cheeky kid. She found the idea quite unfortunate.

    Although he was a mean and annoying kid, he probably was just lonely. It must be hard for a young boy like him to grow up without his parents.

    Besides, she had fun teasing and talking to him.

    "Be kinder to others, and I''m sure someday you won''t have to look down on others just so others won''t look down at you. This big sister is leaving now. Take care of yourself, Young Master."

    Li Caiyi covered his small figure with the curtain and dashed towards the door quickly. She took a deep breath before opening the door.

    Sure enough, it was the sound of Dai Zhiqiang''s footsteps. He stood a few steps away from the door when she opened it and was visibly surprised to see her. His eyes closely scanned her from up to down, making her feel self-conscious.

    Li Caiyi wanted to minimize any contact with him, so she just bowed her head slightly before walking past him in a hurry.

    "Wait."

    She turned her body to him at his call but lowered her head. Her heart thumped loudly in nervousness.

    "Have you seen the Young Master around here?"

    Li Caiyi was worried her voice would give herself away, so she just shook her head.

    "By the way, why did youe out of that room? And you are not staff assigned to the main building, aren''t you? Your face is unfamiliar."

    There was a hint of suspicion in his tone. Li Caiyi broke out in a cold sweat as she racked her brain, trying to find her answer.

    "I''m a new person here."

    She deliberately replied shortly and changed her voice tone, but Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes narrowed even more.

    ''He didn''t buy it. I knew it wouldn''t be easy to fool him!'' Li Caiyi groaned inwardly, fearing what he would say next.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s dark ck eyes seemed like he could see right through her. It was as if a sirene inside her body tried to alert her about the danger; she wanted to run away from his inquisitive stare.

    "Can you take off your mask for a bit? There is something I want to make sure of."

 Chapter 407 Someone She Could Trust (1)

    Li Caiyi''s body tensed all over. He wouldn''t have asked such a thing unless he suspected her of something.

    ''Don''t tell me. Does he think I''m a threat or something?''

    Her fear had be a reality, even after taking care of Ye Zhong. Li Caiyi could feel her palm dampen with sweat as Dai Zhiqiang took a few steps closer.

    "It will only take a second. I just want to confirm something."

    The teenage boy reached out to touch her mask, and Li Caiyi evaded instinctively. Once she did that, her gaze and Dai Zhiqiang shed, and that was when she knew she had messed up.

    "You seem very against the idea of showing your face. I wonder if there''s any special reason for it?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s voice got even colder when he said the following sentence, "If you keep refusing like this, I might be suspicious of you. Are you sure that''s what you want?"

    Chill ran down her spine. Li Caiyi couldn''t lift her face, let alone make a sound.

    The young man in front of her waspletely different from the gentle and considerate Dai Zhiqiang she knew. She could understand now why many people were reluctant to approach him.

    ''No, that''s not important right now! What should I do? I can''t run anywhere!'' Li Caiyi panicked inside, facing her biggest crisis today.

    Being stared at by Dai Zhiqiang like this was more frightening than when the tan burly man from earlier reprimanded her.

    Li Caiyi was petrified in her ce and shut her eyes tight when Dai Zhiqiang reached out again to grasp her mask.

    "There you are!"

    Both teenagers jerked their heads simultaneously. Standing a few steps away from them was Lin Xiang, who appeared out of nowhere.

    Li Caiyi was so relieved she could cry. His timing couldn''t be any more perfect than this.

    While Li Caiyi was basking in awe and gratefulness at Lin Xiang''s arrival, Dai Zhiqiang subtly nced between the two with a calctive gaze.

    "Senior Lin, why are you here? Aren''t you supposed to supervise the training today?"

    "I was bored and thought I could check on my rtives for a bit." Lin Xiang grinned before shifting his gaze to Li Caiyi. "I have been looking for you everywhere. This isn''t a ce where you should be. Quickly,e here."

    Even without being told, Li Caiyi had nned to run over to his side. But before she could take steps further, Dai Zhiqiang blocked her way. He had his back on her with his gaze still nailed on Lin Xiang.

    p "Senior Lin, didn''t you say before that you have no family and rtives left?"</anda>

    "Did I say that? Well, my family is pretty big, so I can''t possibly remember each of them. This one is my distant rtive, and she was in dire need of a new job, so I took her here."

    Dai Zhiqiang said nothing, and the silence after that felt pressuring.

    Li Caiyi nced at him and slowly walked past him towards Lin Xiang. This time her boyfriend didn''t try to block her way anymore.

    She breathed a sigh of relief once she had safely stood by Lin Xiang''s side. Even so, she stood behind the bald man and tried to keep her presence as minimal as possible. Dai Zhiqiang hadn''t said anything, but she knew he was still unconvinced.

    "Why didn''t you say so? If you told the boss about it, I''m sure he can prepare a much better job for your rtive."<sub> </sub>

    "How can I bother the boss with something trivial like this? Thisss is inexperienced and doesn''t have outstanding achievement, so I think the current job is morefortable for her to begin."

    "At least you can tell me. I have never seen her face around the main building before, so I thought she was an intruder at first."

    ''Sure enough, that''s what he thinks of me!'' Li Caiyi thanked heaven for sending Lin Xiang in time to save her.

    "Yeah, my bad. It''s her first day here, and I forgot to tell you about it. Then I will take her with me to show her around, so she won''t end up stranded here again."

    Lin Xiang put her arms around her shoulder and half-pulled her to follow him.

    Li Caiyi didn''t resist, allowing Lin Xiang to guide her, but then Dai Zhiqiang spoke again.

    "Senior Lin, aren''t you going to introduce your rtive to me?"

    There was a gulping sound, but she was unsure whether it was from her, Lin Xiang, or both of them.

    "Zhiqiang, I thought you disliked it when a woman approached you? Won''t you feel ufortable by it?"

    "I will feel like that if that woman is aplete stranger to me. But she is your rtive, so she isn''t a stranger but also someone I need to look out for too. Don''t you agree?"

    The way Dai Zhiqiang said it made the sentence ''look out for'' carry a double meaning. If even Li Caiyi could sense his tant suspicion of her, then Lin Xiang must have felt that too.

    In the end, Lin Xiang could only push her forward gently. "You heard him. Go introduce yourself. He is my colleague and my most trusted subordinate. His name is Dai Zhiqiang."

    "Hello, nice to meet you." Dai Zhiqiang reached out to her for a handshake.

    Li Caiyi found the situation bizarre, but she had no choice but to follow the flow. Gingerly, she took his hand in her as she mentioned her'' name''.

    "My name is Zhou Lin."

    Li Caiyi tried to retract her hand, but for some reason, Dai Zhiqiang refused to let it go. His deep, fathomless eyes never took her out of his sight. It fascinated her and made her restless at the same time.

    Then, her daydream was interrupted when he suddenly let her hand go. "I see. I hope you can cope well with the work here. Good luck."

    Then, without showing further interest in her anymore, he walked past her and nodded briefly to Lin Xiang before leaving them behind.

    "Haah," Lin Xiang heaved a deep breath when Dai Zhiqiang was nowhere in sight anymore. "I just lost ten years of my lifetime. That kid is way too sharp for his own good."

    "Uncle Lin, do you think he found out?"

    Lin Xiang grimaced. "It''s hard to tell with him. But to be honest, he is just letting this one go. Probably out of consideration for me."

    "I hope this won''t get you in troubleter," Li Caiyi said worriedly.

    "Nah, don''t think too much of it. Anyway, time''s out, youngdy. I think it''s about time you return to your original self."

 Chapter 408 Someone She Could Trust (2)

    In the end, Lin Xiang brought her back to the staff room and let her change back to her previous clothes. After she was done changing, Lin Xiang took out her ne from his pocket and gave it to her.

    "I have to apologize to you. Something happened in the way, and I dropped your ne to the ground. So it''s a bit dirty now. I hope you don''t mind."

    Li Caiyi inspected her ne closely, and although there was some dirt on it, nothing seemed to be broken.

    "It''s okay, Uncle Lin. I should be the one to say sorry to you. I was walking alone and didn''t realize I had entered the forbidden ground. If it weren''t for your help, Zhiqiang probably would have found me out."

    "That was a dangerous one for sure. Out of all the people, why do you have to encounter that one? Your luck is terrible, youngdy." Lin Xiang put his palm on his forehead with a tired expression.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. If she told him she had met the Young Master of this ce, she wondered if he would pass out on the spot. After some thought, she decided she shouldn''t tell anyone about that.

    "Where have you been? I looked away from you for a minute, and you weren''t there anymore."

    To be fair, Lin Xiang was the one who got so busy with his own matters that he didn''t notice her leaving. She called him out a few times in vain.

    Nevertheless, Li Caiyi felt it wasn''t right toin about that, so she just told him about how a cleaningdy dragged her into helping in the kitchen. She got lost and ended up in the main building somehow.

    "That was quite an adventure. Although it would be better if you didn''t meet Zhiqiang, I guess it could have turned worse."

    "But Uncle Lin, do you think Zhiqiang sees through my disguise?" Li Caiyi asked while fiddling with her fingers.

    "He is suspecting you for sure. But it was more like he suspected you as a potential threat, not because of you in person. He knew something was off with you, but I don''t think he saw through your disguise. His reaction was too t for that."

    "I hope so too." Li Caiyi sighed before wearing her ne again. It was dirty, but she felt empty without it.

    "Let''s just call this a blessing in disguise. I bet you have gathered a lot of information up until now, haven''t you?"

    "Well, rather than answers, I have a lot more questions now." Li Caiyi scratched her cheeks awkwardly.

    "Uncle Lin, I know now that this ce treated Dai Zhiqiang properly after what I saw today. No one seemed to force him to do something he didn''t want. And I think I understand why the big boss treated him very well. Even went as far as to pay for his father''s medical costs and his family debt."

    Lin Xiang nodded. "Zhiqiang has a lot of burdens to carry at a young age. He knew he could never get so much money even if he stopped going to school and working full-time. I won''t say his current job is easy, but this is the best he can do in his situation."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    When he put it like that, there was no way Li Caiyi could reason with that. She knew how important a family was to Dai Zhiqiang. Telling him to give up on this job was basically the same as killing him slowly.

    Li Caiyi felt powerless. She wished she had talked and got to know Shen Qiang better before ending her life. That way, at least, she would know what happened to him, so she could pick the best course of action to take right now.<sub> </sub>

    But the things she knew about him were minuscule, and some of her memories were also missing.

    Lin Xiang noticed her gloomy look and patted her on the shoulder.

    "I don''t know if it can serve as a constion, but I will make sure nothing would happen to that kid when I''m around. The big boss thought highly of him, so I doubted he would mistreat him, and you have seen how he fought against the men of this ce. Did he look like a person who is easy to bully and push around?"

    "No. Zhiqiang is the strongest and smartest man I have ever met."

    "Yeah, so don''t worry too much. Though, you shouldn''tpletely hold back on your feelings either. You can scold him or ask him to spoil you a lot when he is free. He''ll like that very much."

    Trying to walk toward the unknown future was scary, but walking while knowing one possibility of the future felt scarier. Every change that happened after she returned back in time, she wondered how much of it had affected Dai Zhiqiang''s life.

    Everything was uncertain, yet when she heard Lin Xiang''s words of encouragement, she felt lighter. Deep inside her, she had epted this person as someone she could trust. Knowing someone like that would be there beside Dai Zhiqiang gave her a sense offort.

    "En. Thank you, Uncle Lin. I feel much better now."

    "You are a good girl. I wish the best for you two. Then, shall I take you home now?"

    Li Caiyi nodded firmly. Her steps felt much lighter than when she first entered this ce.

    There were still a lot of unanswered questions, but she would observe the situation for now. And hopefully, she could be stronger and more capable of helping Dai Zhiqiang when pushes to shove.

    Li Caiyi wouldn''t stand still and let the same tragedy befell him again.

    ***

    "Hmm, don''t you think the character setting for the protagonist is too nd? I could barely feel any emotion from her at all."

    "Yeah, but considering what happened to her in the past, it would only make sense that she had lost some aspect which made her ''normal''."

    "Even so, this is just too much. How do you expect the readers to sympathize with her when you barely hinted at her emotion? And the description of her pastcks some depth. It feels like you are just throwing whatever tragic story you cane up there.

    Also, you must be careful about where you put punctuation and how you split the paragraph. Don''t just do it randomly; it will disrupt your flow."

    Li Caiyi pursed her lips while listening closely to Shao Jingfei''s critics about the rough draft of her new novel.

    It barely had three chapters, but the list she had to fix was already so long. She could only sit silently while Shao Jingfeiid down everything to her bluntly.

 Chapter 409 A Shocking Gift

    "Come to think of it, I haven''t heard anything from that guy." Shao Jingfeimented after they warped up the session.

    "Hm? Who?"

    "Dai Shenqiang. He hasn''t contacted me yet ever since ourst meeting. Do you think something happened?"

    Li Caiyi had been busy with school and writing the past few days. She hadn''t visited Dai Bolin nor contacted Dai Shenqiang in a while. Thest time he called her was that one time when he sent her his drawing again.

    "It seems he still needs time to think it over."

    "Hmm, is it really that tough decision for him? As far as I know, this might be a good chance for him."

    "He doesn''t have much time because he has to look after his sick father in the hospital."

    "Ah, so it''s like that? Sorry, I didn''t know that."

    "It''s okay. But you are right, this opportunity won''te twice. Do you think I should persuade him?"

    Shao Jingfei mulled over it for a moment before nodding his head. "Yeah, I think you should. I wasn''t joking when I said his drawing style would better suit something else."

    "Alright. I will try to talk to him after this and see if I can persuade him."

    "I''m counting on you. And I expect the revised version to be sent tomorrow. Don''t ck off just because you did pretty well on your first book," Shao Jingfei grinned.

    Li Caiyiughed at that. "No way. I will make sure this one will be better than thest one. Then, I''ll leave first. See youter, Jingfei."

    Shao Jingfei replied with a wave of his hand, and Li Caiyi walked out of the cafe and returned to her apartment. Compared tost time, she had gotten used tomuting by bus, so she reached her ce faster than expected.

    "It''s still so early. I wonder if I should do grocery shopping first?"

    Li Caiyi contemted her option when her eyes spotted a box in front of her door. It was tied by a rope to her apartment''s door.

    "Is this for me? But I didn''t order anything." Li Caiyi looked around but found no one in sight.

    Albeit unsure, she picked up the box first and entered her room. She put it on top of the small table as she hurriedly went to turn on the air conditioner.

    "This year''s summer is too hot! I don''t want to go shopping anymore!" Li Caiyi whined before taking her towel and going to take a shower.

    After 15 minutes, Li Caiyi was refreshed and came out of the bathroom with a towel around her neck. She sighed satisfactorily while throwing herself to the bed and rolling along on the cool sheets.

    Her decision to leave her house and live alone was the best decision she could make.

    Li Caiyi didn''t have to battleplicated feelings whenever she encountered her family members, and she was free to do anything she wanted.

    Even if she suddenly wanted to dance or jump around, no one would stop her, iming it was udylike and not befitting the daughter of a prestigious family.

    "Ah, your house is really your safe sanctuary."

    Then, Li Caiyi rose up and walked to the fridge, and took out a can of beer from the inside.

    "And this is the best part of living alone!" Li Caiyi squealed before gulping down almost all the content from the can. Then, she sighed in contentment.

    "Drinking after showering is really the best in summer."

    While basking in her glory, her gaze fell on the box on top of the table. She has almost forgotten about it.<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi put the can on the table and took the box instead. The package was light and made a slight noise when she shook it. There was no sender name anywhere, and it was wrapped by a rope which acted like a ribbon.

    "Should I open it?"

    Li Caiyi contemted for a moment before deciding to check it for now. If her assumption was false, and this package wasn''t meant for her, then she could just apologize to the actual owner.

    Carefully, she untied the rope around the box and slowly opened it.

    A nasty smell was the first thing that hit her nose.

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

    Ssh!

    What she saw inside made her eyes bulge in shock, and she recoiled back unknowingly. Because of that, her arm identally tipped her can of beer down from the table. The contents spilt to the floor, but Li Caiyi couldn''t care less about that. Her eyes were nailed to the object inside the box itself.

    It was a bunch of her photos, taken without her noticing. But those photos were in tattered and horrible shape, as the part where her face or limbs were supposed to be was made into a hole or slice until she couldn''t tell who was in the photo anymore.

    Words made from red ink were stered all over the surface, like ''Go die!'', ''Hypocrite!'', ''Liar''.

    However, the most shocking thing was a dead rat inside the box with its gut sttered. It must be the source of the horrible stench spread in the room now.

    "Ugh, what is this? Why?"

    Li Caiyi felt the urge to retch by looking and smelling the terrible smell. Still, she fought it back and carefully scooted closer to inspect the box again. She really hoped those red words on the photo weren''t written with rat blood or something.

    Aside from the photo and the animal remains, she vaguely noticed a protruding white paper buried between the images. Li Caiyi took it out and found it wasn''t a paper but a letter.

    Li Caiyi gulped hard as she stared down at the letter. She had a terrible premonition about this.

    Stealing her resolve, she opened the letter. Inside was a piece of paper with only a few sentences. It was written in the same style as those on the photos and with red ink.

    "I will never forgive you. You ruin my life. If you dare tell anyone about this, you might find a dead rat under your pillow next time. I know where and who you are, but you don''t." Li Caiyi read out the content out loud.

    A mixture of confusion and anxiety made her mind go nk. She couldn''t think of anyone she had ever offended, causing them to retaliate to this extent. Whoever sent this clearly had a deep grudge against her.

    "Is this the work of Hu Jian again?" Li Caiyi mumbled to herself.

    Aside from that person or whoever was behind that person, there was no other suspect. But Li Chunhua certainly said before the summer break that there was nothing wrong with those girls who ganged up on herst time. Aside from acting superior like they always did, they didn''t make any suspicious behavior or action.

    It rmed her greatly to think she would be harassed even in her house. This time it was only threatening letters and an animal''s corpse, but what about next time?

    Li Caiyi put out the letter and took a deep breath to calm herself down first.

    Her heart beat erratically. Because, to be honest, she couldn''t calm down knowing there was someone out there who was eager to see her hurt or even disappear from this world.

    First, she shoved the letter back into the box and took several pictures of it with her phone before sealing the box again tightly. Then, she put the package in a stic bag and went down her apartment building to throw the box.

    Li Caiyi went up again immediately after she finished discarding the box. Her legs were slightly wobbly from nervousness.

    What if that person was still around here?

 Chapter 410 Pathetic Little Brothers Thought

    Thankfully, nothing happened until he reached her room. She locked the door behind her and opened the window slightly to let the nauseating rotten smelle out. While doing all these, her mind couldn''t stop working.

    ''If it''s not those girls, then who else? Hu Jian again? But I really have no idea who he is.''

    Li Caiyi tried hard to recall her past life, but once again, she couldn''t find anything rted to Hu Jian.

    Her high school life used to be very uneventful, and she only went to school because she had to. She barely made any interaction with anyone in school except for her siblings and Meng Renshu, so something like this could never have happened in her previous life.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t decide which direction she should go, but for now, she assumed it would be best not to tell anyone about this.

    Whoever the culprit was, they knew where she lived, and those photos were primarily taken in the school, although there were also some photos of when she came out and entered the apartment building.

    "Are they stalking me? That''s creepy," Li Caiyi couldn''t help but shudder, thinking that someone probably monitored her movement even now.

    Retaking a deep breath, Li Caiyi decided to lessen the amount she went out of the house. At least until she could find out who the culprit was.

    For precaution, she sent the picture she took to Detective Tang and requested his service again. She needed him to crack the case for her.

    "I hope this can be resolved fast. I have a bad feeling about this."

    Left with nothing to do, Li Caiyi dragged herself to the sink to fetch a rag and wipe the wet floor. The sticky sensation did nothing to shift her attention from the turmoil inside her.

    ***

    Three days passed by uneventfully. There was only a week left for summer break, and she spent every day writing and doing her homework.

    Li Caiyi dared not toe out of the house recklessly and even went so far as to discuss the matter of her novel with Shao Jingfei via video call.

    It was cowardly, but when she recalled how she almost died in a ce no one saw, a sense of apprehension engulfed her.

    She would check her phone from time to time, expecting a call or text from Detective Tang, but she hadn''t received any reply yet.

    "Is he that busy?" Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously. She nned to resolve the matter as quietly as possible, but she probably would need to call the police instead if this went on.

    Ultimately, she decided to wait for one more day before deciding what she should do next.

    Then, her phone vibrated, snapping her out of her thoughts.

    "Shenqiang?" Li Caiyi''s brows raised slightly before she picked up the call. "Hello?"

    "Caiyi, are you free right now?" Dai Shenqiang replied with a somewhat solemn voice.

    "Yes, I am. What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing. I just want to talk for a bit. Can we meet up today?"

    Li Caiyi hesitated for a moment. "Did something happen? You don''t sound energetic like your usual self."

    "Nothing happened, really. If you are busy, then never mind."

    "No, wait. I''m not busy; it''s justˇ­." Li Caiyi contemted a bit on how to exin. "....not convenient for me to go outside right now, but I can''t tell you why. Can we talk through the phone instead?"

    "I see. Well, it''s not anything big per se. I was just discouraged by everything."<sub> </sub>

    "Is it about your school choice again?" Li Caiyi asked softly. Dai Shenqiang mentioned it a few times in passing about how he couldn''t decide which high school he wanted to enter after this.

    "En. My brother said I can go to any school I like, but you know I can''t possibly do that."

    This problem might seem trivial for Li Caiyi, who knew now that Dai Zhiqiang had a strong backer behind him. Still, it was probably frustrating for Dai Shenqiang, who knew nothing. The worst thing was she couldn''t tell him about Dai Zhiqiang''s job.

    "Shenqiang, I''m sure your brother will be happy if you pursue your dream rather than forcing yourself to do something you don''t like. If you are worried, why don''t you find an art school with a schrship program?"

    "Sadly, there is none around this area. I can''t go to faraway school because no one would care for our father, with Big Brother busy with his study and work."

    "How about Shao Jingfei''s offer? Have you thought about it yet?"

    "I did." There was a brief pause before he continued, "But honestly, I''m worried about it."

    "Why? I think it''s an excellent opportunity for you."

    "I''m afraid I won''t be able to let it go once I try my hand on it." Dai Shenqiang admitted with a sad tone.

    "Our family situation is not good, and I know this isn''t the time for me to act selfishly. But I know myself the best. I know I won''t be able to hold myself back once I take a step further.

    So I returned to my house and tried to fix the manhwa I had made before, following Big Brother Shao''s guidance. But it never worked out. No matter how many times I re-do it, it just didn''te out right. I felt even more terrible because of my failure.

    This feeling weighed me down, but I couldn''t talk to anyone about it. I''m sorry, Caiyi. Even if I sound pathetic, please don''tugh at me."

    "Why would you even think like that? There''s no way I would think of you as pathetic." Li Caiyi harrumphed, feigning an angry expression.

    Dai Shenqiang''s dilemma was understandable, and given that he was barely in his 14, those emotions must torture him greatly. He had to observe his steps carefully from such a young age. Anyone would feel stressed.

    Li Caiyi was frustrated. If only she could tell him everything and give him the peace of mind he deserved.

    "Please don''t tell Big Brother too about this. I don''t want him to burden him more with my unnecessary worry."

    "Don''t say sad things like that."

    Li Caiyi found it hard to say ''he won''t mind'', so she chose a different approach.

    "How about if I apany you, then? I will ask Jingfei if it''s possible or not. If he says yes, then I''lle with you."

    "Caiyi, you don''t need to do that. I''m alreadyme enough as it is. I don''t want to look even more pathetic in front of you."

    Li Caiyi found his words quite strange but decided not to pay too much attention. "We are just going to ept his invitation to look around. What''s the harm in it? Who knows? A new choice will probably appear when you do it."

    There was a long silence from the other side. Li Caiyi was worried she probably had gone over the line, but she couldn''t help herself.

    Dai Shenqiang''s talents were too good to be left behind just like that.

    "If you don''te with me, then I''ll tell your brother about what you told me today."

    "Wait! That''s cheating!" Dai Shenqiang eximed in shock.

    "I don''t care. You wille with me whether you like it or not. Shenqiang, nothing will change if you stop in your ce. If you want to gain something, take a risk. Didn''t you say you want to change and help your brother?"

 Chapter 411 The Burden Of Secret

    A silence fell again. Li Caiyi felt bad for using a dirty trick like this, but she suppressed the urge to take back her words and persisted. In the end, she could hear a defeated sigh from the other side.

    "Fine. I only have to go there, right?"

    "Really? Do you mean it?"

    "Yeah. Let''s try this, just like you said. I don''t trust myself, but I trust you, Caiyi."

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief. "Shenqiang, I''m so d to hear that. Do you want me to tell Shao Jingfei about this?"

    Dai Shenqiang chuckled. "You don''t have to be extra considerate of me like that. I will tell him myself."

    "I see. Then I will tell Jingfei if I can tag along too." Li Caiyi smiled. "Shenqiang, everything will be fine. Don''t suffer alone in a ce where people can''t see you. Your family, and also me, will feel heartache."

    "Yeah, I feel much better now that I have talked to you. I don''t want to look uncool, but in the end, I depend on you again."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "I probably will depend on you too in the future. I was just making an opportunity for myself here."

    "Please depend on me anytime. I will do anything for you." Dai Shenqiang said in a serene tone as if a ton of burden had been lifted from his shoulder. "I will stop bothering you in your free time anymore then. Let''s talk againter."

    "En. See you, Shenqiang."

    After Li Caiyi hung up the call, the smile on her face faded and was reced by gloominess instead.

    Hiding a secret from people you cared about always brought a sour taste to one''s mouth. She wondered until when would Dai Zhiqiang keep silent about this?

    ***

    Unlike Detective Tang, Shao Jingfei responded quickly to texts and calls. Not to mention, he moved fast. It wasn''t long before he could secure a one-day visit for two people to Glorious Dayspany.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t say it out loud, butpared to the treatment of illegitimate children in other wealthy families, the Shao family seemed to treasure Shao Jingfei a lot. It probably had something to do with his talent. However, it would still require a good rtionship with the family member to arrange something like that on short notice.

    "What are you thinking? You zoned out."

    Li Caiyi shook her head and turned towards Dai Shenqiang, who stood beside her. "Nothing, this ce is huge, so I''m kind of nervous."

    "Me too. But Big Brother Shao said we don''t have to worry about anything because he had prepared everything for us."

    "Yeah. Shall we enter now?"

    Dai Shenqiang nodded, and both entered the building. Li Caiyi went to the receptionist''s desk while Dai Shenqiang followed behind her.

    "Mr. Shao has been waiting for you in the guest room on the 5th floor. Please use this visitor pass, and use the elevator there."

    "Thank you."

    The two teenagers went to the 5th floor and quickly found the guest room mentioned. Li Caiyi was about to open the door when she faintly heard a loud voice from inside.

    She raised her head and found Dai Shenqiang also staring at her with the same confused expression, indicating that he heard the same thing as her.

    The voice sounded like Shao Jingfei with one other person, so it was muffled and couldn''t be discerned clearly. But Li Caiyi was almost sure she heard Shao Jingfei shout ''I refuse'' in a rebellious tone.

    The argument seemed intense. Li Caiyi was conflicted about whether to knock on the door or wait until it passed.

    "Caiyi, I don''t think we should interrupt them for now." Dai Shenqiang whispered, making her flinch.<sub> </sub>

    "Yeah. I think so too. Wee at a bad time."

    Right then, the door suddenly opened from the inside, and a young man in histe 20s appeared right in front of them.

    The man wore an expensive-looking suit that perfectly hugged his tall and slender body. His eyes, covered with golden-rimmed sses, slightly widened in surprise, seeing them standing in front of the door. A momentter, a smile spread across his face.

    ''His smile reminded me of Jingfei,'' Li Caiyi thought spontaneously. ''And his face seems familiar.''

    "Wee. You guys must be Jingfei''s friends? He is inside."

    "That''s right. But we can wait until you finish your business with him." Li Caiyi replied with a slight awkwardness.

    What lousy timing to get caught standing in front of the door.

    "No, that''s okay. My business here is done. Have fun, you guys."

    Li Caiyi didn''t have the chance to ask who he was because the man had already walked past them and left. She had a vague guess regarding the man''s identity, though.

    "What are you guys doing? Just enter the room."

    Shao Jingfei was sitting on the sofa with a bucket of chicken on top of the table. He noticed them looking at him and quickly exined. "Ah, sorry about this, but I haven''t eaten anything since morning. Do you want some?"

    Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang shook their heads. They sat side by side on the opposite side of Shao Jingfei and watched him munch the chicken greedily like a starving man.

    "Big Brother Shao, it''s been a while." Dai Shenqiang was the first one to break the ice.

    "Yeah. I was wondering if you already forgot about me because you didn''t contact me even after a few weeks."

    "I''m sorry. I was preupied with other things."

    Shao Jingfei waved his oily hand lightly while grinning. "Don''t sweat it. Your timing is actually impable because ourpany happened to hold a workshop today. There is an artist I wanted to introduce you to."

    "Yes, with pleasure."

    "But why are youing with him, though?" This time, Shao Jingfei turned his head to Li Caiyi curiously. "It doesn''t matter if I bring one or two people more, but I haven''t heard the reason yet."

    "Nothing. I was just curious about thepany that sheltered and showed me so much support for my work. I hope I can meet the chief editor too and thank him properly."

    Shao Jingfei secretly smirked. He had a feeling that would be the case, so he deliberately made sure to take care of everything and make them visit today.

    "Oh, what bad timing. The chief editor is currently out on vacation. You probably won''t be able to meet him today." Shao Jingfei said regretfully.

    This way, Dai Shenqiang could participate in the workshop, and Li Caiyi wouldn''t bump into the chief editor. Shao Jingfei was very satisfied with this arrangement.

    Although the chief editor probably wouldn''t mention Meng Renshu''s name, it was better not to take any risk.

    "Is that so? What a shame." Li Caiyi said in disappointment. "Well, I will just apany Shenqiang for today."

    "What a kind sister-inw," Shao Jingfei grinned teasingly, which responded with a harrumph from her.

    "Anyway, we can go after I finish eating. Feel free to take some too if you want."

    Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang shook their head. They couldn''t say that they felt full just from watching how Shao Jingfei ate sloppily.

 Chapter 412 Non-Exclusive Contract

    "Oh."

    "Ah."

    For a while, both Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang couldn''t say anything but those two words. Shao Jingfei took them to look around thepany, and Li Caiyi must say that thispany was much bigger than she expected. Of course, not as big as Meng Pharmaceutical, but it was still huge.

    Then, Shao Jingfei took them to the 11th floor, where the workshop was held.

    Honestly, Li Caiyi kind of underestimated it at first. She thought it would be just like any regr workshop out there. But the workshop apparently included the direct practical course too.

    In the spacious hall, which was simr to a ssroom in college (only twice bigger), Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang followed Shao Jingfei''s lead. They sat on the back row seats while observing what happened.

    Standing behind the podium, in front of the ss, was a middle-aged woman with a gentle face, currently speaking about her life experience.

    Li Caiyi looked around and saw that the other people who came to participate in the workshop listened carefully to her speech. Each of them had a sketchbook with some rough drawings on it.

    It seemed the workshop had been going for quite some time.

    Shao Jingfei, who sat beside her, leaned in to speak in a small voice. "We are not here to participate in the workshop. Shenqiang, the woman on the podium, is the one I''d like you to meet."

    "I see," Dai Shenqiang replied while looking forward, visibly showing interest in her speech.

    "The workshop will end soon, then I''ll take you to her. In my opinion, you will learn many things from her."

    After saying that, the three went silent and let the workshop continue.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know much about art, but she couldn''t deny that the middle-aged woman was very inspiring. She spoke slowly and didn''t look imposing but still had that charm which pulled you in. Listening to her made you want to grab a pencil and try drawing too.

    Beside her, Shao Jingfei listened closely to her speech while Dai Shenqiang pulled out his note again. He diligently participated and sometimes asked some questions too.

    Thirty minutester, the workshop finally finished, and the woman bade the audience goodbye. Some went over to her to ask some questions or to take some pictures together. Hence, the trio needed to wait another 10 minutes before everyone dispersed.

    Shao Jingfei was the first to stand up among the three, and Dai Shenqiang followed robotically behind him. He looked very tense, and it even made Li Caiyi awkward too.

    Thankfully, they had the easy-going Shao Jingfei with them.

    "Mrs. Mei. That was a good speech. Thanks for your hard work."

    "Oh my, thank you. I noticed you came in earlier. It''s been a while since Ist saw you, Jingfei. How are you?"

    "You can find me easily around here every day. It''s you who is very difficult to meet," Shao Jingfei chuckled, which made the older woman smile as well.

    "But jokes aside, I''m doing pretty well too. Do you remember what I told you thest time? About someone I''d like to introduce to you?"

    "Oh yes, of course. Are those two behind youˇ­"

    "Yeah. It''s them. Well, specifically this guy," Shao Jingfei pulled Dai Shenqiang forward by the elbow.

    "This is Dai Shenqiang. He is my acquaintance, which I think has a good potential."

    "I see. Nice to meet you, young man. My name is Mei Ning, and I''m a contracted illustrator here."

    "Nice to meet you, Ma''am!" Dai Shenqiang quickly made a polite bow stiffly.

    Mei Ning chuckled in amusement. "You don''t have to be so rigid in front of me. I won''t bite or scold you."<sub> </sub>

    "She is right, Shenqiang. Loosen up a little. You are here to learn from her, so rx." Shao Jingfei patted him on the back.

    "And the youngdy here isˇ­."

    "She is one of the new writers I am responsible for."

    "How are you, Mrs. Mei? I''m a new contracted writer here. My name is Li Caiyi. Nice to meet you."

    Mei Ning looked pleasantly surprised. Her face brightened, and her smile grew wider. "Oh my, I didn''t expect to meet you this fast. I read your first work. You did such a great job with that."

    "Oh!" The surprised Li Caiyi blushed before quickly adding in a grateful tone, "I''m honored to hear that."

    She never thought she would meet one of her readers in a ce like this. Having a person as great as Mei Ning as one of her readers had made her day.

    "You deserve the praise. I have always been curious since I heard Jingfei speak highly of you. Sure enough, I can always trust Jingfei''s judgement."

    "Thank you very much!"

    "Haha, alright. Now, shall we talk about how I can help you?" Mei Ning''s gaze shifted to Shao Jingfei.

    "Yeah. It''s actually pretty simple. Mrs. Mei, do you think you can ept Dai Shenqiang as your apprentice? He is still young and inexperienced, but his talent is real. I can vouch for it. He might even be an illustrator of children''s books like you one day."

    Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang turned their heads simultaneously at Shao Jingfei. Both had confusion written all over the ce.

    Shao Jingfei noticed their bewilderment and cleared his throat before continuing.

    "This is what I mean when I said your drawing style would better suit something else. How about you try learning a bit or two from Mrs. Mei and see if you want to try drawing something else other than manhwa?"

    "Jingfei, what are you nning to do this time?" Mei Ning stared at him suspiciously, but there was also a hint of amusement and indulgence in her smile.

    "Mrs. Mei, I''m not nning anything. Just helping an unpolished gem to find his true calling. If it doesn''t work, I will no longer say anything."

    "And if it works? Are you nning to drag him to sign under ourpany too?"

    Dai Shenqiang''s eyes widened in disbelief before he turned at Shao Jingfei. There was a glimmer of hope and expectation in his eyes. "Big Brother Shao, is that true?"

    "Don''t feel happy just yet. We must first observe how you are doing while staying under Mrs. Mei Ning''s tutge. If she deemed you a good resource for ourpany to invest in, I don''t see any reason we can''t give you a contract."

    "But, are you really nning to make him an illustrator?" Li Caiyi chimed in after finally understanding where Shao Jingfei tried to lead them.

    "Like I said, he will have to pass our verdict first. But if he does pass it, we can offer a non-exclusive contract."

    "Non-exclusive contract?"

    "Yeah, unlike your exclusive contract, Dai Shenqiang will have more freedom to take on a job outside of what we will make him do. For an artist, this kind of contract is usually preferable. Isn''t that right, Mrs. Mei?"

    "Yes. I, myself, have been through this process before. So if you have the desire and drive to do it, I''d be delighted to help Jingfei''s acquaintance."

    "Mrs. Mei, I know you are the kindestdy in the world." Shao Jingfei blew up a kiss to the older woman, which was responded by a light wave from her.

    "Your family has helped me a lot, so this is the least I can do to thank you."

    There was aplicated feeling in Mei Ning''s gaze as she stared at Shao Jingfei, but whether he noticed it or not, he certainly didn''t show it on his face.

 Chapter 413 Paying Her Respect To Chief Editor

    "Hmm, having Mrs. Mei as our ally is the best. Please take good care of him," Shao Jingfei grinned from ear to ear.

    Li Caiyi wondered what rtionship he had with Mei Ning because he treated her with a bnced amount of respect and casualty.

    But, that was none of her business, so she kept her mouth shut and listened to them talk for a few more minutes before excusing herself to go to the bathroom.

    All talk about contracts was always tedious, and Li Caiyi wondered if Dai Shenqiang would eventually agree with that. Not to mention, Dai Shenqiang was still an underage boy.

    Li Caiyi made sure her outfit was still neat before leaving the bathroom. The bathroom was located in the opposite direction of the seminar room, which was used for Mei Ning''s workshop today. So, Li Caiyi had to walk past the main lobby of the 11th floor if she wanted to return to the room.

    However, as she walked past it, she noticed that the hall seemed more crowded. Curiously, she swept her gaze across the lobby and found a man in histe 40s standing in the middle of the crowd and talking with a few other people.

    They didn''t necessarily mind their volume when talking, so Li Caiyi could hear clearly what they were talking about. She hastened her pace while trying to keep her presence as minimal as possible, but her steps halted when she heard one of them speak.

    "Chief Editor, I know you will get that promotion sooner orter. Congrattions!"

    "It''s a shame you have to end your vacation early because of this good news, though."

    "What do you mean by shame? With this promotion, the Chief Editor can go on vacation anytime he wants."

    Li Caiyi looked back and immediately realised that the older man among that crowd was the Chief Editor. She wasn''t sure if he was the person to whom she was indebted but didn''t want to waste the opportunity either. Her body turned stiff with nervousness as she pondered whether she should walk over to thank him or not.

    While debating herself, the crowd slowly dispersed, leaving the man with a satisfied grin standing there with her back straightened. His protruding belly became more prominent as heughed to himself.

    Li Caiyi saw her chance and decided to step forward. The man noticed her approaching and looked at her curiously.

    "Can I help you with something?"

    "Yeah. Are you perhaps the Chief Editor here?"

    "Yes, but I might not be Chief Editor anymore soon," the man replied with a proud grin. His face radiated happiness.

    "Oh! Nice to meet you, Chief Editor. I''m Li Caiyi, one of the new contracted authors of thispany. I saw you just now and thought I shoulde over and greet you."

    The old man''s brows raised slightly. He had met and dealt with many contracted writers before, and not everyone had a pleasant attitude. As they said, people of creation could have peculiar minds, and he wasn''t a fan of those.

    Usually, he would just talk about one or two things with writers before leaving, but his mood was exceptionally good today. And the new writer in front of him looked harmless. He thought he could be generous and spare Li Caiyi some of his time.

    "A new writer? That''s nice. How is everything going?"

    "Everything is good. I wanted to thank you for all your helpst time."

    Li Caiyi bowed politely at him while shing her brightest smile. If it weren''t for him, her new book wouldn''t be able to be pushed forward for promotion, and she probably wouldn''t be able to live by herself even now.

    Contrary to the enthusiastic Li Caiyi, the Chief Editor was bewildered. He didn''t understand what she was talking about but was too embarrassed to ask. Hence, he pretended to let the conversation flow.

    "Oh yeah. A first book is essential to gauge the author''s capability and standing, so give your all for it."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi noticed something was off with his response but kept a polite smile on her face. "Yes. Uhm, if I may, can I ask you something?"

    "Sure. Ask away."

    Li Caiyi bashfully asked. "I want to hear your honest thoughts about my book. Is there any particr scene that strikes any impression on you?"

    The smile on the Chief Editor''s face dimmed hearing that.

    Throughout his career, he listened to the same question from numerous writers. Too many to count, and he was honestly sick of it. If it weren''t for this promotion, only God knew how long he had to bear answering the same question over and over again.

    "Oh well, a new book is a new book. There is no need to be so hopeful and just do your best. If it doesn''t work well, you just have to write more to umte more experience. Don''t fret about it and just keep going."

    This was his default answer whenever a newbie author with too much passion and clouds in their head asked him the same question. It was his roundabout way of saying that their writing was mediocre and they shouldn''t get too ahead of themselves.

    He couldn''t understand why people would be so optimistic and thought they could make something out of themselves on the first try? Even he had to work his ass off from the bottom, and only after 12 years did he finally get the promotion he wanted.

    His excellent mood immediately dampened with this talk, and he couldn''t wait to finish this conversation as soon as possible.

    "I have something to do after this, so let''s talk againter, alright? Good luck with your book."

    Li Caiyi had been listening to his words, but she couldn''t understand what was happening. He clearly didn''t notice or remember who she was from how he spoke.

    Of course, she understood that some readers probably couldn''t remember the author''s name even though they remembered the book title. But would a Chief Editor who rmended her work possibly make the same mistake?

    Spurred by this thought, Li Caiyi unintentionally took a step to the side, preventing the Chief Editor from leaving. The slight frown on his face made Li Caiyi hesitant, but she wanted to confirm something.

    "I''m sorry for taking your time, but I wanted to ask if you remember my book, perhaps?"

    The Chief Editor sighed in frustration. "Listen here, youngdy. I can''t possibly remember every book I saw before, wouldn''t I?"

    "But, didn''t you rmend my book to be promoted before?" Li Caiyi refused to give up and probe further.

    "What promotion? How can a new bookˇ­ Wait a minute."

    Only then did the Chief Editor''s facial expression changed slightly. He studied Li Caiyi up and down closely before a look of realisation struck him.

    "Youngdy, don''t tell me. You are the writer of that book."

    "Yes? Did you finally remember?" Li Caiyi''s smile bloomed again as she looked at him expectantly.

    The older man didn''t expect to meet her here. He couldn''t care less about this girl who appeared out of nowhere before but now, he couldn''t ignore her anymore. Not when this girl was akin to a bag of money or a golden stairway which would lead him to his sess.

    He immediately wanted to curse himself for acting impatiently before. If he offended this girl, who could guarantee he wouldn''t lose that promotion he had been aiming for in thest ten years?

 Chapter 414 Currying Favor

    "Of course! I just returned from vacation, so my head is muddled, but I remember you. Miss Li, right? What makes youe to thepany today? Did youe here to have a meeting with your editor?"

    "Not a meeting, but I do have a business with my editor here. I was very grateful for your help the other day. Thanks to your rmendation, my book could perform well in its first month."

    The Chief Editor quickly noticed that Li Caiyi didn''t seem to suspect anything and smiled widely, clearly in a better mood than before. "Your book is excellent, so of course, I will give it a chance it deserves."

    "Thank you very much! Can you tell me which part of it strikes the deepest impression in you?"

    At her sudden question, the Chief Editor flustered a bit. How could he have time to boost a newbie book if it weren''t for currying favor with those with power? He couldn''t care enough to read any book past the first page, much less remember the scene from the book.

    However, there was no way he could openly admit it, so he quickly covered his fluster with awkwardughter.

    "Ah, regarding that matter, you must forgive this old man''s memory. I had so much work to do that I didn''t read until the end, but I had faith in you and your editor''s skill. He is one of the rare talents of ourpany, so when he spoke so highly of your book, I immediately pushed it forward."

    Li Caiyi was familiar with that fawning smile on the older man''s face. She had seen it so many times in the past when she and Meng Renshu were still on good terms.

    Their marriage was sudden and mainly to fulfil the old promise between the two families. Still, no one would dare to offend her, with Meng Renshu steadily protecting her.

    At that time, many people thought they were a harmonious couple, and some would act kindly to curry favor with her.

    And the same smile was now stered all over the Chief Editor''s face. It chilled her heart, knowing that the idea of promoting her book probably wasn''t his idea.

    This man was clearly scheming something. This man must have been lying when heplimented her book. Her gaze, which previously looked up at the man in front of him, gradually turned cold.

    "I see. I understand." Li Caiyi had confirmed her suspicion, so she didn''t see any reason to stay there longer. Keeping her polite smile intact, she bowed slightly to him.

    "Then I will not bother you anymore. Thank you so much for sparing time for me."

    "Wait. Why don''t we talk some more? This is a rare chance to meet a young and talented author like you, after all."

    "But, didn''t you say you were busy earlier?"

    "Now that I think of it again, that matter can wait untilter. What do you say?"

    The older man was confident that Li Caiyi wouldn''t refuse his offer. In his eyes, Li Caiyi was still a young woman who brimmed with aspirations and optimism. Her mind was filled with passion and dreams, just like any other ambitious youth.

    Such a kid, she would never miss this opportunity to get a better connection in the editorial department. That was if she''s bright enough to catch his drift.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Chief Editor. But I''m afraid I have made my editor wait. If there is a next time, I''d love to discuss it with you again."

    Li Caiyi delivered a perfect answer while shing her polite smile. Facing a simr type of person made her old habit resurface. She used to reject people this way whenever they tried to act friendly with her, just because they eyed the benefit of having Madam Meng as their backer.

    Maybe that was why her voice sounded poise and distant when she talked.<sub> </sub>

    Seeing her attitude, the older man immediately realized that this girl wasn''t simple. He wasn''t that stupid not to notice her vignce, and it infuriated him. He had to urge back to re disdainfully at this brat who dared reject his generous offer.

    If it weren''t for the people from Meng Pharmaceutical who contacted him directly to promote her book, would she be able to act callously in front of him like this?

    "Then Miss Li, I wonder when that next time wille? Please don''t misunderstand, because I''m interested in your next work. I believe you can do even better with more guidance."

    Li Caiyi wanted tough at his pathetic excuse. Just a minute ago, he was impatient to get rid of her, but now he wanted to offer her some ''guidance''? Something was definitely off with this.

    "I appreciate your offer, but I need to go back now. Jingfei and Mrs. Mei Ning are probably looking for me. Now, if you''ll excuse me."

    The older man grabbed her elbow and prevented him from leaving. "It won''t take a long time. I will take responsibility for what happenedter. Coincidentally, I also have some questions to ask you."

    Li Caiyi frowned, feeling the man''s chubby hand on her elbow. No matter the reason, he clearly had stepped over the line by doing this, so she opened her mouth to tell him off.

    The words stuck on the edge of her throat because a hand suddenly came between them and pried the Chief Editor''s hand away from her. Li Caiyi was stunned.

    "No matter how eager you are, doing something like this in the office and in the middle of the day is rather unbing of you, isn''t it right?"

    The Chief Editor''s face, which was initially annoyed, instantly turned ashen when he saw the bastard who got in his way.

    "D-director! That''s not how it looks!"

    Li Caiyi was stunned as she looked up to see the man with golden-rimmed sses from before standing beside her, visibly dering his disapproval of the Chief Editor''s way.

    "This youngdy is my brother''s guest. I implore you not to do anything unsightly here that may cause ourpany to lose face."

    His voice was calm and controlled. If it weren''t for the slight frown on his brows and his stabbing words, no one would guess that this man was actually pissed.

    "I didn''t try to do anything. Thisdy is the one who approached me first because she is grateful to me. Then I asked her if she wanted to talk more about her books with me. Isn''t that right, Miss Li?"

    Both Chief Editor and Director shifted their gazes towards her. One with expectant eyes and another with unfathomable emotion.

    What else could she say in this situation? She preferred not to cross anyone from thispany because she still needed to survive. "He is telling the truth, Mr. Director."

    The Chief Editor didn''t even try to hide his triumphant smile. "See? Director, I didn''t do anything, so your usation made me ufortable. Please apologize to me."

    What a man. He was shaking like a leaf just a moment ago, but now that she had testified in favor of him, he immediately tried to walk over his opponent''s head. It was an ugly sight to see.

    However, there was no ripple in his opponent''s eyes as he casually corrected his sses'' position using his finger.

    "Is that so? Then, I will do it if you apologize to thisdy first for making her ufortable."

 Chapter 415 Shao Junfei And Party Invitation (1)

    "Director, Miss Li has already exined everything is just a misunderstanding. Aren''t you just deliberately trying to make this difficult for me?" The Chief Editor sneered. His disdain and hostility towards his opponent were palpable.

    "Or is this because of the news of my recent promotion? Now that I will be working in the same position as you, do you feel threatened by my presence?"

    Li Caiyi admired how the man beside her could stayposed under such provocation. If this man really was Shao Jingfei''s brother, then wouldn''t it mean he was really Shao Junfei, the future President of Glorious Days?

    His position in the current timeline appeared much lower than what she used to know. Even so, how could the Chief Editor be so daring to act high and mighty in front of the members of the Shao family?

    Either he was too arrogant or simply an idiot!

    "Chief Editor, I''m d to hear your concern, but my opinion about you won''t change even if you are still Chief Editor or Director. No matter what, you have frightened Miss Li by suddenly grabbing her. If she wants, she can actually sue you for sexual harassment."

    The Chief Editor snorted, clearly not taking his words seriously. "And I can sue you for defamation. Please don''t think that you can push me around as you please anymore."

    He straightened his back, making his round belly even more protruding. Shao Junfei sighed in exasperation. "If you insist that you are not doing anything wrong, then should we ask the opinion of the third parties about this? Look around you."

    The Chief Editor swept her gaze across the lobby, and as Shao Junfei said, some people had gathered due to themotion they caused. When their eyes met with the Chief Editor, few people averted their eyes from him, but some whispered and chuckled disdainfully among themselves, causing his oily face to burn in shame.

    Shao Junfei asked in a pretty loud voice. The fact that no one refuted him and only stared at the Chief Director with eyes full of judgement meant that they agreed the Chief Editor had acted unreasonably.

    The older man cared about his face very much. Now that he had finally acquired the desired promotion, he couldn''t afford to be degraded by Shao Junfei, who was much younger than him!

    "Hmph, why are you making a fuss about something simple like this? Forget it. You don''t have to apologize to me."

    After spouting those self-righteous remarks, he walked away with a stomp. Even when he retreated, he still wanted to look like he was the one who generously let Shao Junfei go.

    Li Caiyi felt even more convinced now that such a person most definitely wouldn''t put her book in his eyes even if he got his hand on it. It wasn''t her first time meeting with a cunning and opportunistic person like him, so she could tell immediately.

    "Are you okay?" Shao Junfei turned to her after the Chief Editor left. His face looked apologetic. "I''m sorry that you have to face such a thing on your first visit today."

    Li Caiyi hurriedly raised both of her hands. "No, please don''t apologize! It''s not your fault at all. And he didn''t do anything to me except grab me, so I''m okay."

    "Is that so? I''m d." Shao Junfei smiled slightly, and Li Caiyi couldn''t help but think how simr he was to Shao Jingfei.

    They shared almost the same face structure, but if she had to point out the difference, it was the eyes probably?

    Shao Jingfei''s eyes were more cat-like and nted upward. Whenever he smiled, his eyes would narrow with a glint of mischievousness. Meanwhile, Shao Junfei had puppy dog eyes, which were as pure as a mountainke.

    "But still, thank you very much for speaking for me, Director. I''m Li Caiyi, a new contracted writer in thispany." Li Caiyi politely bowed to him, to which he responded with equal respect.

    "My name is Shao Junfei. I''m the Director and Jingfei''s big brother. But I''m sure you already know that."<sub> </sub>

    "Director Shao, it''s a pleasure to meet you."

    "Likewise. And I actually already know your name. Jingfei told me a lot about you."

    This wasn''t the first time she had heard this sentence ever since she entered this ce. She wondered just how significant Shao Jingfei''s influence was in this ce and how many people he told about her.

    "One day, he came barging into my office, telling me that he found a rare gem, and he wanted to be the one to polish that gem. He had scouted a lot of talent before this, but that was the first time I ever saw him so enthusiastic about it."

    Li Caiyi stroked her nose awkwardly. "I-Is that so? Jingfei is exaggerating it."

    "No." Shao Junfei replied decisively. "Jingfei will never exaggerate about something like this. He doesn''t look like it, but he always takes his job seriously."

    Li Caiyi felt even more embarrassed. "That''s true. Jingfei is indeed very capable in what he is doing."

    The smile on Shao Junfei''s face deepened. He looked proud as if Li Caiyi''splement were meant to him.

    "And I actually can vouch for it myself. I have read every work you made so far, including your very first work, the one you submitted for a writing contest. In fact, I was one of the judges at that time."

    Li Caiyi needed a few moments before she remembered something. That writing contest was sponsored by Glorious Days, so it wouldn''t be strange if Shao Junfei probably had his hand on it once. But she didn''t expect this person to be one of the judges of that contest.

    "I have read a lot of works, but I''m very impressed with your work. I can see why Jingfei is so hung up to immediately take you under our wing. Well, I already thought of inviting you myself, even without his interference."

    Li Caiyi had no words to say. It was the biggestpliment she had heard so far, and she couldn''t be more ttered.

    "Director Shao, please say no more, or you''ll make me explode in embarrassment."

    Shao Junfei chuckled, seeing her flustered. "I understand. I won''t praise you anymore. Come to think of it, do you know that ourpany will celebrate our anniversary soon? On that day, we used to hold an annual party, where every employee, also contracted authors and artists, gathered. We will also invite several guests from ourpany partner. Are you interested?"

    "This is the first time I ever heard about that." Li Caiyi replied honestly. She was intrigued because this was probably her chance to show herself in front of many talented and influential people in the literary and art world. "I''m very interested!"

    If it were the past, the thought of mingling and socializing with many people would be enough to make her tremble in nervousness. But now, she was stronger and more confident.

    Not only that, she wanted to prepare for her future well. Luck and hard work alone wouldn''t be enough to survive in thispetitive world. She learned that hard way.

    Li Caiyi had decided she would live for herself this time, so she should take whatever opportunity she could get her hand into.

    "If you are interested, do you think you can persuade Jingfei to attend too? That kid is a bit of a troublemaker." Shao Junfei made a troubled look as he said that.

 Chapter 416 Shao Junfei And Party Invitation (2)

    Li Caiyi recalled themotion she heard when she first arrived. When she listened to both of them arguing inside, could they be arguing about this?

    "I''m sorry if this is too forward for me, but are you and Jingfei currently not on good terms?"

    Shao Junfei didn''t reply immediately and seemed conflicted. Li Caiyi waited for him to answer, but the silence was broken when another voice called out to her.

    "Caiyi! There you are!"

    Both of them jerked their head simultaneously to the source of the voice and found Shao Jingfei running over with a frown on his face.

    It wasn''t hard to tell that the frown was directed at Shao Junfei because he red at him vigntly before positioning himself beside Li Caiyi as if trying to defend her.

    "Big Brother, what are you doing here?"

    "What do you think? I was talking with Miss Li." Shao Junfei replied nonchntly, ignoring the doubt on his brother''s face.

    "Jingfei, what are you doing here?" This time, it was Li Caiyi who asked him the question.

    "You didn''te back even after so long. We thought something had happened to you." Shao Jingfei said with a hint of reprimand in his tone, making Li Caiyi grimace.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to take so long. There was an unforeseeable situation..."

    "What situation?" Shao Jingfei stared at Li Caiyi and Shao Junfei alternately dubiously before nailing his usatory eyes to thetter.

    "Big Brother, are you hitting on one of our talents? I can''t believe you are so bold to do that."

    Shao Junfei sighed in annoyance. He didn''t look annoyed even when the Chief Editor provoked him, but his patience towards Shao Jingfei seemed thin.

    "Don''t make trouble for Miss Li. You can ask for the details from herter."

    Then, he shifted his gaze towards Li Caiyi and spoke more politely.

    "It''s been nice talking to you, Miss Li. Please take your time and think about what I told you before. I''ll excuse myself first since I still have work to do."

    Shao Junfei left without saying anything to Shao Jingfei, so after he left, the young man immediately stared at Li Caiyi, demanding an exnation.

    " Okay, what was that just now? What did the two of you talk about?"

    "Why are you so agitated? And your brother really didn''t do anything you think about."

    "I''m not agitated." Shao Jingfei averted his eyes, but anyone could tell he was trying to hide something. Li Caiyi became even more curious about what happened between them.

    "Hey, did you have a fight with your brother or something?"

    "Where did thate from? Forget it. Let''s just return to the room first."

    Li Caiyi quickly stepped forward and walked beside him before she asked again, "Your brother helped me earlier. Because I met the Chief Editor."

    Shao Jingfei immediately halted in his tracks and jerked his head towards her. His eyes widened in surprise and anxiety.

    "What? He is here?! Did you talk to him?" Shao Jingfei asked while grabbing Li Caiyi''s shoulders, catching her off guard.

    "I thanked him for his help and asked him a few things. But why are you so flustered?" Li Caiyi asked in confusion.

    Shao Jingfei noticed that he had overreacted and immediately retracted his hand. "What did you ask him, and what was his response?"

    Li Caiyi felt that Shao Jingfei was behaving strangely, but she still answered his question. "I asked if he knew my novel. He didn''t seem to remember about it. I''m not sure if he really is the one who rmended my book to the board of editors."

    Shao Jingfei didn''t know whether he should feel worried or relieved hearing that.<sub> </sub>

    Judging from Li Caiyi''s reaction, it was safe to assume that she hadn''t suspected anything. But since she had met with that toad Chief Editor, he was sure it was only a matter of time before that toad would appear in front of her and pester her again.

    How could an opportunistic toad like him miss out on the chance to benefit from Li Caiyi''s rtionship with Meng Renshu?

    ''No, wait. Why am I so concerned about this anyway? This is not even my fault or my business!'' Shao Jingfei questioned himself inwardly.

    Because of what Meng Renshu said the other day about how he trusted Shao Jingfei to take care of Li Caiyi, he unconsciously felt the need to guard her. What kind of dark magic was that?

    Li Caiyi sensed Shao Jingfei''s restlessness and immediately thought of something. "Oh, if you are worried about me, then don''t be. That Chief Editor is difficult to handle, but Director Shao helped me and chased him away."

    "Ah, so it''s like that?"

    "Yeah, so don''t forget to apologize to your brotherter. You are using him unjustly."

    "What did I do? He didn''t even take me seriously," Shao Jingfei grumbled before adding, "But now that you met with the Chief Editor, you have an idea what kind of person he is, right? You should avoid him if you can. A lot of other employees here don''t want anything to do with him either."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Yeah, I''ll be more careful next time."

    "But what was that serious atmosphere between you and my big brother? What did you guys talk about?"

    "Oh. He invited me to thepany''s annual party."

    "Ah. Is that so? Good for you." Shao Jingfei replied nonchntly. He appeared indifferent about that event, unlike Shao Junfei, who seemed hopeful about his attendance.

    "Aren''t you going to join this party, Jingfei?"

    "No, I''m not interested. You can go if you want, though. I also wanted to tell you about thister, but since you have heard about it, just tell me if you decide to go, and I''ll prepare the invitation for you."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know if he seriously felt like that or just wanted to brush her off. However, Shao Junfei had helped her, so she naturally would exert some effort to help him too.

    "Come with me. I don''t want to be alone at that party."

    "Then, don''t go."

    "But I want to meet more people in this field. Who knows if this connection will help me in the future."

    "Then go by yourself."

    Shao Jingfei''s rejection was clear and firm, leaving her no space for persuasion. She knew he could be very stubborn, but Li Caiyi couldn''t back down easily either.

    "As my editor, shouldn''t you at least introduce me to the other talent you scouted? Why are you so adamant in refusing?"

    "I can''t tell you that," Shao Jingfei exhaled a long breath. "There is someone I don''t like to meet at that party. Sorry, but you are on your own this time."

    "Someone you don''t like to meet? Who is that?"

    Shao Jingfei flicked on Li Caiyi''s forehead lightly, making thetter pout in annoyance. "What was that for?"

    "Why are you so curious? Did my brother say something to you? If yes, then you don''t have to listen to him. Tell him I won''t go even if the police drag me there, let alone you."

    Shao Jingfei snorted. "Don''t say a word about this anymore, okay? Let''s go back to the room."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t say anything anymore when Shao Jingfei had already said that much. She was disappointed she couldn''t help Shao Junfei more, but Shao Jingfei was her friend. If even a person as easy-going as him refused to go, there must be a good reason behind that.

    "Wait for me!"

    In the end, she decided she should just let the matter go and entered the room with Shao Jingfei.

 Chapter 417 Encouragement

    Once they returned to the room, Li Caiyi noticed that Dai Shenqiang wasn''t tense anymore speaking with Mei Ning. On the contrary, he looked rxed and carefree, as if they had known each other for a long time.

    Judging from the lively atmosphere, Li Caiyi could tell that the discussion had gone smoothly.

    Upon noticing Shao Jingfei and Li Caiyi''s arrival,Dai Shenqiang raised his head and stared curiously at her. "What takes you so long?"

    "Shh. A guy shouldn''t ask why girls take so long in the bathroom. You don''t have any delicacy at all." Shao Jingfei had replied before Li Caiyi could say anything. He said it in an annoying tone which seemed to imply something else, so Li Caiyi red at him.

    "Stop talking ambiguously. You know exactly why I was held back."

    "Why are you angry? Even if you take a long dump, I''m sure Dai Shenqiang wouldn''t mind. Right?"

    Dai Shenqiang coughed awkwardly, while Li Caiyi was embarrassed by how crude Shao Jingfei was. Did he want to take revenge on her for being nosy earlier?

    "Come on, Jingfei. Don''t tease the youngdy like that. You are too unruly sometimes." Mei Ning sighed in exasperation before smiling apologetically at Li Caiyi. "Don''t mind him, dear. Sit down first."

    Ignoring Shao Jingfei, she smiled politely at Mei Ning before sitting beside Dai Shenqiang. "Thank you, Mrs. Mei. More importantly, what about your discussion?"

    "We actually had just warped everything up. Dai Shenqiang agreed to be taken under my wing for some time. If everything goes smoothly, he will also sign up under Glorious Days."

    Mei Niang''s words brought a broad smile to Li Caiyi''s face. "Isn''t that great? Shenqiang, I believe you can do it!"

    Dai Shenqiang bashfully scratched the back of his head. "Thanks, Caiyi. I have listened to their condition and thought I wanted to try it."

    "It''s a relief that you see this opportunity in a positive light, but as you know, we will still need your guardian''s permission for this." Shao Jingfei said lightly, but his words had a certain weight. "So make sure to talk aboutthis with your father and brother carefully."

    By this, he implied that they shouldn''t celebrate just yet. Dai Shenqiang''s smile instantly became stiffer. "I know. I will talk to them and let you know the result."

    Li Caiyi saw theplicated emotions in his eyes and sped her hand in his, causing the younger boy to flinch in surprise. "Don''t worry too much. I''m sure your brother and father will consider your wish and think about this. You just have to tell everything to them honestly."

    "Yeah, I''ll do as you said. Thanks." Dai Shenqiang replied hoarsely. While he contemted what he should do with Li Caiyi''s soft hand wrapped around his, she already let his hand go first.

    "That''s better. Now that everything is settled, we shouldn''t waste Mrs. Mei''s time anymore." Shao Jingfei stood up, which was a cue for the other two to stand up.

    After that, they bade their goodbye to Mei Ning. Shao Jingfei said he still had some business, so he wouldn''t go home with them but only see them off.

    "Shenqiang, I can tell you have a lot of doubt and low self-confidence, so I won''t force you to do anything you don''t want. But I hope everything will go well for you. Believe me, I know talent when I see one, and you should be more proud of it."

    Dai Shenqiang was stunned to hear that. Shao Jingfei was efficient and precise when talking about work. Dai Shenqiang admired him almost as much as he admired Dai Zhiqiang. So hearing his words of encouragement meant a lot to him.

    "Big Brother Shao, I really appreciate everything you have done for me. Even if I don''t pass the verdictter, I promise I will never forget all your help."

    "Now that''s heavy. I was just doing my job, and everything depended on you in the end." Shao Jingfei smiled encouragingly. "Good luck. I''ll root for you."<sub> </sub>

    "Yes, thank you very much!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel a sense of gratification seeing them so close, so she kept quiet and let them have their moment.

    Dai Shenqiang wasn''t used to people''s encouragement, and her words could only help him so much. If a person like Shao Jingfei was the one who said it, she believed it would help Dai Shenqiang to build some more self-confidence.

    After all, she had been through the same phase once, and Shao Jingfei was the one who gave her that final push.

    "Caiyi, let me know if you want to attend the annual partyter."

    "Jingfei, are you really not going toe?"

    p "No."</anda>

    "Really? Even if I beg you toe."

    "No."

    "Not even for helping a friend out?"

    "No."

    Li Caiyi sulked at how stubborn Shao Jingfei was. She wanted to continue the previous conversation by probing further, but it wouldn''t be appropriate with Dai Shenqiang here.

    "Nevermind, we will talk about this againter. See youter," Li Caiyi waved her hand before walking away with Dai Shenqiang.

    Shao Jingfei watched them leave before he heaved a sigh. "That brother of mine. He spoke too much sometimes. Why did he have to involve Caiyi in this?"

    Shao Jingfei couldn''t understand what was in his brother''s mind sometimes. But at this point, he was too tired to make a guess. So leaving that thought behind, he turned around and entered the building again.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang walked together to the bus stop. Dai Shenqiang was supposed to ride a train to go home, but he insisted on walking with Li Caiyi until the bus stop. She was helpless against his persuasive words and finally gave in.

    "So, how is it? Have your thoughts changed after everything you heard today?"

    Dai Shenqiang didn''t reply immediately but had a forlorn expression on his face.

    "I can''t hold a candle against you, Big Brother, or Big Brother Shao. After I listened to the whole talk, I realized how small my world is all this time, and it scared me a bit. I also have no idea how I will bring this up to my brother and fatherter."

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand why Dai Shenqiang went into a depressed mood again, but she could sense that he had a lot of thoughts in his mind. She decided not to ask him questions and talked casually to ease his mood.

 Chapter 418 So Beautiful It Hurts

    "You said it as if we are naturally born with a lot of confidence and courage. I was once like you too. Too afraid to make decisions on my own. Too afraid to know more about people around me. Too afraid to pursue something I truly like." Li Caiyi smiled bitterly, recalling the past.

    "But I still take that first step because I want to change. You don''t have to feel ashamed at all. I bet it''s not easy, but just know that your brother and I are always here to support you! I believe you can do this!"

    Li Caiyi could tell Dai Shenqiang was still in doubt, so she added. "You are scared because you knew they would agree if you talked about it with them, right?"

    Dai Shenqiang was stunned. "How do you know?"

    "Then, instead of feeling bad, you should do your best to answer their expectation of you. Do you think they will just agree without reason? You are underestimating them, and more importantly, you are underestimating yourself. If they agree, it''s because they see hope in you!"

    Dai Shenqiang listened closely to her and let her words sink into his heart. There was a ripple in his heart as he stared at his saviour''s resolute face. However, he didn''t dare to let that small ripple widen, so he quickly averted his eyes.

    "Sorry for talking about something depressing like that. I feel motivated now that I have listened to Mrs. Mei''s story. Big Brother Shao is very generous in offering me this opportunity. Moreover, my sister-inw has put so much belief in me. It will be a shame if I don''t meet your expectations. I have nothing to lose anyway!"

    "Hey, don''t do it because of that reason. Jingfei''s right. You should believe in yourself more."

    Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang never rified their rtionship with Dai Shenqiang. Still, unlike before, she never denied or acted embarrassed when he called her ''sister-inw'' anymore, as though she had epted it as the truth.

    "Caiyi, is your rtionship with my brother well?"

    "Huh? Why are you asking that?" Li Caiyi asked lightly, but that slight blush on her cheeks didn''t escape Dai Shenqiang''s eyes.

    "Nothing. I happened to notice that you and my brother seem closer these days. Have the two of you officially be a couple now?"

    Li Caiyi thought Dai Shenqiang should have already known about it, but it seemed she and Dai Zhiqiang never really dered their rtionship. This was an excellent chance to tell him.

    "Well, yes. We have been dating for two months now." Li Caiyi spoke softly. Her eyes glittered as though she kept stars inside, and the pink hue on her cheeks became more apparent.

    Li Caiyi was beautiful, and Dai Shenqiang acknowledged that. She was so lovely that it stung his heart.

    "I see. That''s good. I can finally call you sister-inw without getting beaten anymore!" Dai Shenqiang grinned, making her chuckle in amusement.

    "You''re right."

    Throughout the rest of their trip, they kept talking about various things. Unbeknownst to her, Dai Shenqiang couldn''t bear to speak while looking at her anymore.

    ***

    Li Caiyi stared vigntly at her apartment''s entrance. Thest time he received that ''surprise box'', she was too scared to leave her house. If it weren''t because she was worried about Dai Shenqiang, she probably wouldn''t go out for the rest of summer break.

    Only after she looked around and ensured the coast was clear did she finally enter her house and lock the door behind her.

    She heaved a sigh of relief once inside. However, she knew that she couldn''t becent just yet.

    "I can''t live like this forever. This is too tiring."<sub> </sub>

    She had the heart and mind to do whatever it took to find out who was the one behind this. Sadly, she knew too little about this person, and she couldn''t possibly catch them without any lead.

    Li Caiyi sat on the edge of the bed, thinking about what she should do next, when her phone buzzed inside her bag. She took it out and almost leapt when she saw the caller ID. Without hesitation, she picked up the call.

    "Hello, Detective Tang?!"

    "It''s been a while since we talked to each other, but it seems you have missed me terribly."

    Unfortunately, Li Caiyi had no time to respond to his joke like usual. "Have you seen my email?"

    Detective Tang quickly noticed the tension in his client''s voice and decided to cut the chase. "I saw it. I''m sorry for not responding to you for days. Are you alright? Did the culprit send you anything else after that?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head, even though she knew Detective Tang wouldn''t see her anyway. "Thankfully, they haven''t made any move yet after that one time. But still, I''m perturbed about this. The culprit is too aggressive."

    "That''s understandable. For now, you shouldy low and not wander around outside carelessly. Don''t go outside at night alone, and make sure some people are always around you."

    "En. I understand. Detective Tang, aside from that, is there anything else I can do?"

    "You can start by telling me everything. Was this their first harassment, and do you have any idea who the culprit may be?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t hold back and told Detective Tang everything, including her encounter with ''Hu Jian'' on the mountain during a school trip. She didn''t miss a single detail, and Detective Tang replied in a grim voice after she finished exining.

    "Young miss, you are clearly being targeted by one troublesome person. Even if I''m amazing, I will still need time to crack the case, and in the meantime, you are alone and helpless in your house. How about you go back to your family house in the meantime?"

    It wasn''t like Li Caiyi hadn''t thought about it, but she didn''t want that creep toy their eyes on her family members. This person was too sinister, and there was no guarantee they wouldn''t hurt her family member if she went to take refuge there.

    Besides, her decision to move out of the house was firm. She couldn''t go back every time something like this happened, or there was no point in moving out. She sought independent life, and that''s what she would do.

    "I''d appreciate the thought, but I won''t return to my family house. Not only is it risky, but I also have my own personal reason for that."

    ? Detective Tang sighed. "Then you should be careful. If you see any other boxes, don''t open them carelessly; call me instead. We don''t know what other dangerous things they will send you next time."

    "En. Got it."

    Then, Detective Tang also asked her a few things, like the security in her apartment and other stuff that might help him investigate the case. Li Caiyi cooperated well and told him everything.

    "Got it. I will start looking into this immediately."

    "Yes, thank you." Li Caiyi replied in a slightly lighter mood than before.

    There was a brief silence from the other side before Detective Tang spoke again hesitantly.

    "Actually, I''m calling you not only to talk about that. I know this is sudden and quite shameless of me, especially when I know what kind of situation you are in right now, but I need your help."

 Chapter 419 We Are Being Followed

    Li Caiyi thought she wouldn''te out of her apartment until school started again, but there she was, waiting for Detective Tang to contact her.

    After listening to his request yesterday, there was no way she could just sit there for fear of her own safety.

    Li Caiyi was already prepared to go out and waited for Detective Tang to pick her up. He also thought it would be dangerous for her to go out alone, so he decided to pick her up.

    Although she also went out alone from her apartment yesterday, she felt more reassured when Detective Tang volunteered himself to apany her. Telling him everything was a good call.

    Not long after that, she received a new message from Detective Tang, informing her that he had arrived downstairs.

    Li Caiyi walked out of her room and down the building vigntly until she saw Detective Tang standing beside a car in the parking lot.

    "Hello, Young Miss. It''s been a while since Ist saw you. Have you grown taller since then?" Detective Tang raised his hand to measure her height with a teasing smirk on his face.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi was surprised when she saw Detective Tang''s appearance. He usually looked messy and shabby, but today he actually looked decent for once.

    His hair was cut neatly, and he didn''t wear his old jacket, but a white shirt with pants. The stubble on his chin was gone, and it even seemed like he did some treatment on his face because his skin glowed under the morning sky.

    If his previous attire made him look like a homeless person, now he looked like an average adult who was on the way to his office.

    "Detective Tang, you look different today." Li Caiyimented after observing him for a moment.

    Detective Tang swiped his hair backwards smugly before throwing a flirty wink at her. "Young Miss, consider yourself lucky for having a chance to meet me in all glory. But don''t be too surprised, because this is my true self all along. Usually, I was just too busy to take care of myself."

    "I can see your inside is still brimming with self-love as usual. That''s good. For a second, I thought Detective Tang sent his twin to pick me up." Li Caiyi replied sarcastically, without bothering to hide the ridicule in her tone.

    "Ouch. That goes straight to my heart," Detective Tang said while pretending to look hurt, but Li Caiyi was toozy to follow along with his jokes.

    "Can we go now?" She asked impatiently.

    "Hehe. Yes, let''s not waste any more time. Have you eaten yet?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Yes, I have. What about you?"

    "I haven''t. We still have some time, so can you apany me to eat first?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t see anything wrong with it, so she nodded again. "Sure."

    After that, Detective Tang opened the passenger seat for Li Caiyi in an unusually gentleman-way. Even at times like this, he was still joking around. She didn''t know whether tough or cry as he shed her that yful smile.

    "After you, mydy."

    Li Caiyi rolled her eyes inwardly but chose not to nitpick his every action. She went inside the car and buckled herself up while Detective Tang entered and sat on the driver''s seat.

    "I don''t know if you have a car. This is a nice one." Li Caiyi struck a conversation first.

    "It is a nice car. Shame this is just a rental one."

    "Ah."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi didn''tment further, and the car drove away. Detective Tang drove in silence, seemingly having many thoughts in his mind. She didn''t want to bother him, so she sat in silence while enjoying the outside view.

    Detective Tang brought them to a family restaurant near her apartment building first.

    Li Caiyi didn''t eat, but Detective Tang finished two tes of steak, a bowl of noodles, and a te of dumplings by himself. He wasn''t kidding when he said he hadn''t eaten yet.

    One is busy with food, and one is amazed by how he swallowed all that food in minutes, so no one spoke a word. Thankfully, the bustling noise of the restaurant filled in the silence.

    He rubbed his belly in satisfaction after he finished, then stood up to take care of the bill. It didn''t take half an hour before they departed again.

    After driving for another ten minutes, Detective Tang finally broke the silence while speaking in a controlled manner.

    "We have been followed."

    "Ah?" Li Caiyi jerked her head to him before turning her head to the back. She wanted to confirm his statement.

    "The ck sedan behind us has been following us for a while. I thought it was only a coincidence at first, but they kept following us even when we stopped by at the family restaurant earlier."

    Li Caiyi''s whole body tensed up. If she went out alone, she would never have suspected that anyone would follow her. Thank goodness Detective Tang was here and noticed that.

    "I''m amazed you can even find them."

    "When you are in my line of work, watching everyone in the room will be a habit ingrained in your body. I can''t unsee a suspicious person when I see one."

    She had a newfound respect for him once again. He observed his surroundings well while acting naturally as if nothing had happened. Li Caiyi couldn''t ever hope to do that.

    "Then, what should we do? Wouldn''t it be bad if they followed us and found out what we were up to?"

    "Of course. Hold on tight, I''m going to increase the speed."

    As soon as he said that, he stepped on the gas, and the car sped up. The momentum made Li Caiyi''s body pull backwards, with her back pressed against the backrest.

    Detective Tang manoeuvred his car to avoid one car from another, throwing her body out of bnce. She felt like a sheet being washed inside the washing machine by how her body kept thrown left and right roughly. There was no time to breathe, so she swallowed herint and gripped the seat belt around her tightly until her knuckles turned white.

    Li Caiyi had experienced death once, but not even that could beat how scared she was right now. Her heart beat so fast that she was sure it would retire early if this went on.

    She lost count of how many times she thought they would crash into another car, so she shut her eyes, only to open them again in the next second. Not knowing when and how she would die made her even more frightened!

    Oblivious to Li Caiyi''s condition, Detective Tang''s sharp eyes watched over the road while asionally ncing at the rearview mirror.

    That ck sedan''s driver was persistent. He couldn''t shake them off on a straight road like this.

    He clicked his tongue in annoyance and abruptly turned the car to the right. It caused a loud squeaking noise from the friction of the tire and the street, followed by honking noise from other cars who almost got a heart attack by how sudden he changed direction.

    He had memorised all the roads around here and deliberately chose the narrow one with many turns.

    No one could beat the police in terms of chasing and being chased by criminals. Let''s see how those amateur drivers could deal with this!

 Chapter 420 Mad Scientists Lair

    Both cars raced at high speed and on equal footing on the straight, wide road. However, when they drove in entirely different terrain, the difference started to be apparent.

    The ck sedan gradually had difficulty maintaining speed while taking a turn, creating distance between them.

    ncing in the rearview, he saw the car behind couldn''t keep up with him. The distance between them gradually widened until he couldn''t see the sedan anymore.

    After making sure he hadpletely lost them, his shoulders rxed as he returned their speed to normal.

    "Phew, it''s been a while since I got a scare like that." Detective Tang chuckled before turning his head to his side. "Young miss, are you okay?"

    He couldn''t see her face clearly because she kept her head down, but she could hear her talk in a small voice. "...opˇ­.carˇ­"

    "Huh? Did you say something? Sorry, I can''t hear you."

    Li Caiyi said in a painful and pleading tone. She sounded like someone whose neck was choked. "Stop the carˇ­."

    Detective Tang was flustered and quickly stopped the car on the empty roadside. Before he could ask her what happened, she had unbuckled her seatbelt, pushed the car door open and rushed outside.

    "Blergh!"

    That noise was all the answer he needed. He sighed in relief. For an ordinary citizen like Li Caiyi, that ride must be an ordeal.

    Detective Tang also slowly came out of the car with a bottle of mineral water in hand. It was a good thing he bought this when they were in a family restaurant before.

    He approached Li Caiyi with a pitiful gaze before crouching beside her and helping her by rubbing her back.

    "Thank you for holding it until you get out of the car, or I will ask you to pay for dirtying the rental car."

    Li Caiyi red menacingly at him. He grimaced and quickly put down the bottle beside her before walking away, afraid of getting cursed to death by her.

    Fifteen minutester, her nausea finally subsided, so she stood up while wiping her mouth with a handkerchief.

    Never in her life had she had a ride as wild as that. Her whole life shed before her eyes a few times back there. She really thought she would die.

    "Are you feeling alright now?" Detective Tang let go of his cigarette and stepped on it when he saw Li Caiyi trudging slowly to him. He still had that annoying smile on his face, as though he found her sorry state funny, and it irked her.

    Fortunately for him, Li Caiyi was too drained to scold him, so she onlyined in a weak voice. "Detective Tang, must you go that far just to shake them off? That was very dangerous."

    Detective Tang was amused seeing the resentment in her eyes. "Sorry, but this has to be done whether you like it or not. I wouldn''t want a stranger to find out our destination. This is a top-secret, remember?"

    "You still haven''t told me where we are going, though. Does that mean you didn''t trust me too?"

    "You''ll eventually know, so I would rather save the exnation forter. Rather than that, are you ready for a drive again?"

    Li Caiyi''s face turned green once again when she recalled that horrible, sickening feeling she had. With a defeated look, she said, "Let me rest for a while."

    Detective Tang didn''t object and waited patiently until Li Caiyi was prepared to go. Out of pity and concern, he took his time driving this time. He tried not to shake the car too much and let her sleep for a few minutes until they reached their destination.

    <o>,m Only then did he dare to shake her awake. "Young miss, we are here."</o>

    Li Caiyi didn''t even realise when and how long she had fallen asleep. When she opened her eyes, she saw an old two-storey building.

    It looked abandoned from the outside, with faded paint and a sealed window, but this ce had a separate garage, where Detective Tang parked the car.<sub> </sub>

    "So this is the ce?"

    "Yeah, why?" Detective Tang asked as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

    "This doesn''t look like a ce you use for meetings, though."

    Detective Tang smiled mysteriously. "For a secret meeting, this ce is perfect."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t deny that. She got down from the car and followed Detective Tang''s lead.

    At first, she thought they would enter the building, so she was surprised when Detective Tang walked through the narrow path beside the building and straight to the backyard.

    There, they found another separate building which was probably used as a storehouse. Detective Tang opened the door using the key he had brought and entered.

    Inside, aside from a pile of board covered with tarpaulin, there was only grass as high as her waist.

    This ce was really abandoned, and thankfully they came here during the daytime or exploring this ce would feel spooky.

    Li Caiyi gazed at the older man inquisitively, but thetter ignored her and pushed the pile of boards and tarpaulin aside instead. She gasped in shock when she saw a steel door hidden beneath it.

    "Sorry, I know this ce leaves a bad taste, but my friend is very reticent and peculiar. He loves nothing more than a closed and hidden space. It was hard for me to persuade him to let youe here."

    Li Caiyi wanted toment that this level of peculiarity had reached the creepy level, but she would rather not offend any entity currently residing under the ground she stood on. She gulped and forced herself to smile.

    "I''m okay. We are the one who needs his help, so it''s only right that we are the one whoes to his ce."

    "Young miss, your hand is hurting me. Can you please let go of me?" Detective Tang grimaced as he looked down at her hand, which grabbed his arm tightly. She was practically digging her nails into his flesh.

    Although she said that, her body was very honest. She was scared, okay?!

    What kind of man could possibly choose a ce like this to live?

    If it weren''t a mad scientist, he must be a psychopath!

    "Detective Tang, be honest with me. He isˇ­safe, right?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t need to escape from one criminal and hop into another''s nest in one day. Her reaction made Detective Tang burst intoughter.

    "Haha, who knows? I''m sure no person with a normal mind would willingly stay in a ce like this."

    His words couldn''t be more discouraging. Li Caiyi took a deep breath to calm herself down.

    "Well, whatever he is, since you trust him, I''ll try to put my trust in him too. Let''s not waste any more time."

    Li Caiyi tugged on the corner of his shirt and stood behind him, ready to use him as a shield in case something happened. Heughed even more seeing that.

    "I was just joking. He is not normal per se, but I can assure you he bears no malice to anyone."

    "That''s a relief to hear."

    With such a rigid tone, Detective Tang couldn''t tell if she genuinely felt like that or was just being sarcastic. He shrugged his shoulders and pulled the steel door open, revealing deep darkness beyond it.

 Chapter 421 Chu Kong And Silence

    "Watch out for your step." Detective Tang said to her, and his voice echoed in the dark tunnel, which led downward.

    ording to Detective Tang, this ce was initially used as a basement butter used by his friend as hisboratory and living space.

    "En." Li Caiyi hummed obediently. She could barely see her own hand, which was holding the edge of his sleeve, so she had no choice but to trudge blindly.

    They went down the stairs in silence. The air was humid, and there was a weird smell, like a mixture of rusty iron and dust. One couldn''t help but feel suffocated when they were down here.

    The path was so narrow that it only allowed one person to go through. People had to walk in line to go in and out.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe someone could really live down there. Even if she was paid, she would never agree to spend a night here.

    Sensing her apprehension, Detective Tang lightly tapped her hand. "We are almost there. Hang in there."

    Li Caiyi nodded, too busy with her thoughts to remember that Detective Tang wouldn''t be able to see it. Thetter took her silence as confirmation and walked deeper.

    After what felt like forever, they finally stopped. Li Caiyi peeked from behind Detective Tang and saw there was a door at the end of the tunnel. Light leaked from the door''s gap, and she felt more at ease now that it wasn''t so dark.

    Detective Tang knocked on the door several times, forming some sound pattern. Was it a knocking signal? Some kind of password? She saw it often in TV dramas.

    Not long after that, there was a shadow of a person moving beyond the door. Li Caiyi could tell by how the light under the door was obstructed, and she gulped nervously. In the next second, the door opened wide.

    Her eyes began to get ustomed to the dark, so the light from beyond the door was extremely blinding to her. She had to blink her eyes a few times to re-adjust herself before seeing the man standing at the door. He stood with his back facing the light, so she couldn''t see his face clearly.

    "Kong, I''m here with that person I told youst time."

    The man named Kong leaned his body to the side slightly and gave a low hum of acknowledgement before he walked back inside.

    Detective Tang smiled at her before saying, "He is a reticent person, so don''t take it to heart if he is unresponsive sometimes."

    "I understand." Li Caiyi replied, feeling lighter than before.

    They entered the room, and Li Caiyi had to say that the ce was surprisingly bright and clean. The first room they entered was a small living room with a couch and a table. Stacks of documents were organised neatly on top of the table.

    On the other side of the room was a ss board with many unrecognisable scribbles written on it. A picture was attached to some part of it. Someone poured all his effort into research and summarised the result neatly into words and charts.

    There were also bookshelves almost as high as the ceiling lined up on nearly every side of the wall.

    Detective Tang went deeper, and she stepped into what seemed like a smallboratory.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to expect from the undergroundboratory, but she certainly thought it would be darker and more sinister than this.

    There was no dissecting table or row of questionable machines. There was only a wide table with many tools she often saw in the schoolboratory, like a microscope or a row of sks.

    A cupboard filled with many bottles used for experiments was ced on the wall above the table.

    It looked as normal as aboratory could. Perhaps she should stop watching too many movies.<sub> </sub>

    "Young Miss. Here." Detective Tang motioned her toe over, and she quickly stopped looking around.

    The basement was quite spacious, and Li Caiyi ended up in a room which seemed to be a multipurpose room. There was a sink with a lot of empty sks on it. There was also a desk with aputer, a bed, a wardrobe, and a small door, which she assumed led to a bathroom.

    Detective Tang pulled a chair for her and told her to sit down while he sat on the bed. Meanwhile, the man named Kong seemed busy washing the sk without caring about their presence.

    Now that they were in a bright room, Li Caiyi could finally see Kong clearly.

    He looked like he was in histe 20s or early 30s. He had thick and curly hair, which almost covered his eyes. His figure was thin and looked small at a nce. However, if you looked closely, his body was pretty tall. If it weren''t for his hunched back, he would probably be the same height as Detective Tang.

    Kong hadn''t said a word ever since they arrived here. It made Li Caiyi worried about whether they had intruded in his space and made him ufortable.

    "Uhm, nice to meet you. My name is Li Caiyi. What should I call you?" Li Caiyi asked politely, trying to make her voice as soft as possible so as not to scare him.

    However, instead of answering, Kong continued what he was doing. He meticulously cleaned the sk with frightening obsession. Even after a minute had passed, he still hadn''t finished brushing one sk.

    Li Caiyi nced at Detective Tang helplessly, asking for help.

    Thetter sighed. "Kong, you can stop what you are doing and talk to us first." Detective Tang said, knowing that the young man probably would keep ignoring them if he let him.

    "You have a guest. Rather than doing that, shouldn''t you at least serve her a cup of coffee?"

    "No, that''s unnecessary." Li Caiyi quickly interjected, but Kong had put down his sk and rushed to hisboratory.

    A few minutester, he returned with two cups of hot coffee. He gave one to Detective Tang and put the other on the desk near Li Caiyi''s chair. Then he sat beside Detective Tang and stayed as silent as a rock.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to think about this person. Well, at least he looked harmless, just like Detective Tang said.

    "Young miss, this is my friend Chu Kong. He is 5 years younger than me and the one who is an expert at researching medicine, just like I told youst time. You can call him Big Brother Chu if you want."

    Chu Kong clearly didn''t like the idea because he immediately raised his head, which was very still up to a moment ago.

    "How about if I call you Mr. Chu instead?" Li Caiyi asked carefully, and this time, Chu Kong returned to his previous posture, still refusing to say anything.

    Apparently, silence meant affirmation for him.

    Talking seemed not to be Chu Kong''s favourite activity. Li Caiyi could only guess what he was thinking from the small reaction or gesture he made. It was tedious to do one-waymunication like this, but at least Chu Kong was more tolerable than Li Junjie.

    "Then, Mr. Chu, can I ask you what kind of favour you want to ask from me?"

    Chu Kong: "...."

    Instead of answering, Chu Kong shifted his gaze from the floor to Detective Tang on his side. As though he could read his mind, Detective Tang smiled and answered for him like his avatar.

    "The reason we need you here is simple. We need you to spill some blood for us."

 Chapter 422 Please Use My Body As You Deem Fit!

    "The reason we need you here is simple. We need you to spill some blood for us."

    "Come again?" The sudden request dumbfounded Li Caiyi. She thought she had misheard him.

    "It''s just as I said. We need your blood sample to conduct further research. Actually, this is Kong''s idea."

    "But why?"

    "I have told you this before, but there is no guarantee that your sister is the only one who drinks that medicine. However, it was merely spection without proof, so we thought, why not invite you here so Kong can take some of your blood and prove us right or wrong."

    Li Caiyi recalled he ever said something like that. She didn''t expect him to bring her down here so he could take some of her blood.

    If she hadn''t known better, she probably would have freaked out because this situation was one of the ''mad scientist'' immoral acts she had in mind.

    "By ''little amount'', how little is that?"

    Detective Tang looked at Chu Kong. While thetter said nothing, the avatar seemed topletely understand his mind.

    "Just a small pack of blood will do. Don''t worry, Kong will handle it nicely for you. You only need to sit tight and slice your flesh to offer your blood to him."

    "The way you say it sounds ominous. Please stop that." Li Caiyi rebuked him, and Detective Tang smiled innocently, pretending not to understand what she was talking about.

    "But will that even help with our current situation? I mean, you may very well not find anything by researching my blood. What will you do then?"

    "Kong has his own thoughts regarding this matter. He said there are three possibilities for the test result." Detective Tang pointed out his three fingers to emphasize his point.

    "First, that you are as normal as other humans out there. Your father didn''t give the medicine to you, and you grow up properly as you should."

    Li Caiyi listened attentively.

    "Second, your father gave you the medicine, but it didn''t give the same effect as he expected. From this, either he thought that experimenting with your sister would show him more results, so he gave up on you, or the medicine probably had some effect on you, only in a way he hadn''t expected, so he didn''t notice it."

    That was a reasonable assumption. Li Caiyi pondered over both possibilities while waiting for Detective Tang to finish his exnation.

    "Thest one is actually the option we would like to bet our everything into."

    "What is that?" Li Caiyi asked curiously.

    "The third possibility is that your father gave you medicine, but your body naturally rejected it, making you immune to that medicine."

    Li Caiyi stared at him in astonishment. She quickly put the two together and formed a conclusion in her head.

    "Don''t tell me, you want to see if my blood can be used to nullify the effect of that medicine."

    Detective Tang nodded. "Not exactly using your blood itself. To be precise, Kong thinks we can probably analyze theponent in your blood and use that as the starting point for creating the counter-medicine."

    Li Caiyi abruptly stood up from her seat. Her eyes were brimming with excitement and determination. She walked up to Chu Kong and held both of his hands tightly, startling the quiet and reserved man.

    "Mr. Chu! You can take my blood as much as you want! Or better yet, please use my body as you see fit!"<sub> </sub>

    Chu Kong couldn''t react, while Detective Tang almost dropped her ss of coffee. No one knew what Chu Kong was thinking, but the other man was clearly dumbstruck by Li Caiyi''s deration.

    "Young miss, that is such a dangerous remark you made there." He said after he recovered from his shock.

    "I meant what I said! Please let me know if there''s anything else I can do to help. I''m ready to use my body as your test subject anytime!"

    Li Caiyi was overwhelmed with enthusiasm. After discovering that her bastard father had made her sister consume illegal medicine all this time, she was always shrouded with a sense of helplessness.

    There was nothing she could do but ry the information to Detective Tang and wait for any kind of good news. It was like waiting for the sky to rain in and that suffered from drought.

    But now, with Detective Tang''s deduction skills, Chu Kong''s medical skills, and her blood, they could probably reach something here. There was still a glimmer of hope, after all!

    "Hicˇ­"

    Li Caiyi could feel the hand in her grasp shake ever so slightly, and Chu Kong also started hupping. She stared at him in a mixture of astonishment and confusion, but before she could say anything, he had already pried his hands off of her and rushed toward hisboratory again.

    The stupefied Li Caiyi could only look at his back dumbly.

    "Haah, see what you have done now? Kong doesn''t like human interaction, much less human physical contact."

    Aware of her mistake, Li Caiyi let out a short gasp. "Oh no! I didn''t mean to offend him. I have to apologize!"

    Detective Tang chuckled. "There''s no need for that. Kong will be fine if you let him calm down for a while."

    "But stillˇ­"

    "If you go out there and approach him again, you will only scare him further. Next time, be careful not to touch him carelessly."

    There was nothing she could do to refute it. Although she felt apologetic, if it would only trouble Chu Kong more than this, she''d rather not do it.

    "Then when can I start giving you my blood? I don''t want to dy this matter."

    "Yep, so are we. Kong has prepared everything. Now we only need him to contact us."

    "Contact?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion, and right at that time, Detective Tang''s phone rang.

    "See? He is easy to scare but easy to recover if you just give him some time. Time for you to offer your blood."

    Li Caiyi stared at Detective Tang''s back and felt like he really was Chu Kong''s avatar. He knew precisely when he was upset and when he wasn''t, like they shared a mind or something.

    He said Chu Kong was his friend, but she wondered how the two of them met? Chu Kong''s personality should be tough to get used to. And even an ordinary person like Li Caiyi found Detective Tang hard to deal with, let alone Chu Kong, who had an aversion to human interaction.

    Although she was curious, she decided to put that thought to the back of her mind for now.

    Everything rted to Li Chunhua shoulde first!

 Chapter 423 A Calculative Request

    The transparent tubes slowly filled with red as a slight numbness crept up her arms. Li Caiyi watched nkly as the blood inside her vein flowed inside the tube and ended up in the small container prepared by Chu Kong.

    The process didn''t take a long time at all. Chu Kong worked without words, but he was meticulous. The way he pasted a band-aid on the ce where the needle stabbed her was gentle as if he was concerned for her.

    "Thank you," Li Caiyi said with a smile. He didn''t respond like usual, and she didn''t mind it as much as before. Chu Kong wasn''t a bad person; he just didn''t like to talk.

    "Young Miss, drink this next. It will help you replenish the blood you had just lost." Detective Tang gave her a capsule with a ss of water, and Li Caiyi happily epted it.

    She drank the capsule and then inquisitively stared at Chu Kong.

    "Mr. Chu, how long do you think it will take for you to be able to analyze my blood?"

    Chu Kong said nothing, so Li Caiyi had no choice but to look at Detective Tang for an exnation.

    "There are many things to do, so Kong can''t say for certain. Young Miss, I understand your feeling but rushing things wouldn''t make everything turn better."

    "I know that. I was just asking." Li Caiyi looked down at the empty ss in her hand, and her disappointed expression reflected on it.

    She knew that Chu Kong and Detective Tang got their hands full with their own matters, and she shouldn''t urge them. Their objectives were mainly to crack the case, and Li Caiyi needed them to find more information on how to fix her sister''s condition.

    They weren''t friends. Their interests just happened to align. So, she had to remember not to hinder them.

    She probably couldn''t think rationally if it weren''t for her past memories. The thought that Li Chunhua would persist up to the age of 27 was the only thing that kept her mind sane.

    Nevertheless, she didn''t know what happened after she died, and with how much things had changed since she woke up again, she couldn''t say for sure if the future would stay the same.

    ''I wonder if Brother Renshu remembers about that? Maybe I should ask what happened to Xiaohua after I died.''

    While she was busy mulling over the thought, she felt someone tap on her shoulder. She raised her head and saw Chu Kong fidgeted in his ce before dropping something in the ss she held.

    It was a piece of candy.

    "Don''t look so dejected. Although I say we shouldn''t rush things, we will do our best to improve the situation." Detective Tang chuckled. "I can vouch for Kong''s skill. He will not let you down."

    Chu Kong fidgeted in his ce, looking visibly ufortable about gettingpliments. Was he trying to cheer her up by giving her this? Li Caiyi was a teenager in physique, not a child.

    The corner of her mouth curled up, feeling touched by his awkward kindness. It reminded her a lot of a certain someone, and her heart grew warmer.

    "Thank you, Mr. Chu, Detective Tang. I wouldn''t know what to do if it weren''t for the two of you. We don''t know yet how the future will turn out, but let''s have hope."

    "Yeah. d to see you back to your usual self."

    "I''m sorry, I be sensitive when ites to this topic."

    Detective Tang sighed. "Well, your sister''s health is at stake. It will be weirder if you can stay calm about everything. Kong and I will do our best, but we are only two people in the end, and there is only so much we can do with our limited resources."<sub> </sub>

    "That''s right. Please feel free to ask for my help anytime. As long as it''s something I can do, I will do my best to help. What is the thing you need the most right now?"

    Detective Tang pondered for a bit before answering. "Of course, it would be intel and fund. My investigation has been stagnant for thest few weeks, and I need more intel if I want to track the mastermind. Meanwhile, Kong will need a lot of money if he wants to produce a cure for that drug. But we don''t have any of those right now, so this will be hard."

    Information and money had always been the forces that moved the world. No matter how much brain and heart they put into this, they could hardly do anything without those two things.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips hesitantly before saying, "I don''t know if this is enough, but I have some money in my bank ount. If this can be of any help, I want to be an investor for this project."

    Detective Tang and Chu Kong stared at her meaningfully after hearing that.

    "Young Miss, does your family perhaps own many properties and assets?"

    The Li family did have some, but it wasn''t much. Even more so after the divorce between her parents. Although the Li family could be said to have above-average wealth, Li Caiyi knew the research fund would require much more than that.

    As of now, the Li family depended solely on their savings and those assets they had. At least until Li Junjie graduated, there wouldn''t be any significant ie, aside from the measly amount she earned. In other words, even if they sacrificed all their wealth for the research, it wouldn''t be a long-term sustainable investment.

    "No. Our family is not that wealthy." Li Caiyi said in embarrassment.

    Detective Tang''s meaningful smile deepened. "You don''t have to feel embarrassed. We appreciate the thought, but unless youe from a super-rich family, one or two investors would hardly make any difference. No offence."

    "Is there nothing else we can do about it?"

    "Well, there is a wayˇ­." Detective Tang''s words trailed off, and he seemed unsure whether to continue or not, "But we will need your help again for that, Young Miss."

    Chu Kong tugged on Detective Tang''s sleeve without words. She didn''t know what meaning that gesture had, but it made thetter grimace.

    "Don''t look at me like that, Kong. There is no harm in trying. If she refuses, then there''s that. I won''t say anything about this anymore."

    Listening to that made her even more curious. "What is it? If you have something to say, then just say it directly."

    Detective Tang scratched her cheeks awkwardly. "Did you remember when I talked to you before about this? It''s about that childhood friend of yours."

    Li Caiyi quickly understood the meaning behind his words.

    The Li family couldn''t possibly be a strong backer for this project, but Meng Pharmaceutical would undoubtedly be a tremendous force.

    Everything he had been saying before was his roundabout way of asking Li Caiyi to persuade Meng Renshu to be the investor.

    Li Caiyi had to admit that although Detective Tang was calctive, his judgement wasn''t wrong. If she told Meng Renshu about Li Chunhua''s condition, she was confident that Meng Renshu would do anything he could to help. He probably would even mobilize every resource of the Meng family to find a cure and also find the mastermind behind all this.

    This gave Li Caiyiplicated feelings. She agreed that Meng Renshu would help them greatly, but how would she exin all this to him?

    Even now, she still felt so awkward whenever she met him, and now she had to ''plead'' for his help?

 Chapter 424 Unpredictable Girl

    Meng Renshu was a maniptive jerk. Theirst conversation gave her hope that they could live without looking back to the past anymore, but it seemed fate always had its way of forcing their path to intersect somehow.

    No matter how hard she tried to escape him, she would end up in the same ce again.

    Li Caiyi''s treatment of him after she returned to the past couldn''t be called pleasant, and she was reluctant to be on the side where she had to ask him for a favour. She was the one who kept telling him to mind his own business, but when push came to shove, she would always receive help from him, voluntarily or not.

    However, she knew that it was just her pride speaking. Li Caiyi didn''t want to be that helpless and insufferable woman she used to be in the past.

    Meng Renshu didn''t do anything and still could do many things she couldn''t ever hope to do. It vexed her so much she wanted to scream out loud.

    But this wasn''t about her anymore. Li Chunhua''s life was at stake, and they didn''t have a lot of options.

    "If I can persuade Brother Renshu to invest his wealth in this research, what about the other possibilities you told me about the other day? Didn''t you say it would be pretty dangerous?"

    "Yeah. At this point, Meng Pharmaceutical was like a double-edged sword for us. They have the money we need and probably the intel too.

    "Argepany like that will have good and rotten fish among them. There is a high possibility that some people from there have something to do with that organization."

    "By colluding with them, we may find some new intel, but we also expose ourselves simultaneously." Detective Tang said seriously.

    "But there are times when we have to take a risk to win. We can''t y safe forever. Do you understand what I''m trying to say here?"

    Li Caiyi let his words sink into her before nodding. "I agree with you."

    Detective Tang smiled cunningly. "Besides, Meng Pharmaceutical is one of the strong actors in the medical world. They have been in this industry for a long time and have produced a lot of medicines. Some information they have probably will be crucial to developing the cure. This is a high-risk but high-benefit gamble."

    ? Everything he said makes sense. It would be a waste to let such a good opportunity slip by. If only the person she had to persuade wasn''t Meng Renshu.

    ''No, that''s wrong. It''s precisely because he is Meng Renshu that I can persuade him. Detective Tang wants to use my rtionship with him as the branch.''

    Li Caiyi thought it was silly. The rtionship between her and Meng Renshu wasn''t that deep and reliable to put anyone''s hopes in. But then, she suddenly recalled theirst conversation.

    [I do love you].

    For the first time in two lifetimes, Meng Renshu confessed to her while looking her straight in the eyes. He looked at her sadly and somewhat hopeful, without daring to take a step toward her. His usual confidence was gone and reced with humility which looked odding from him.

    Even now, it still didn''t feel real. To think that Meng Renshu, who always seemed out of her reach, would finally have her in his eyes. She still couldn''t believe it even when she heard it from the person directly. It felt strange, to say the least.

    Li Caiyi shook her head, pushing that thought to the back of her mind.

    "Detective Tang, everything you said is right. I''m too narrow-minded and can''t see the bigger picture. I don''t know if I can persuade him or not, but I''ll try."

    "Do you mean it? You seem pretty reluctant when I bring it up the first time."<sub> </sub>

    "That was because I had no intention of involving myself or my family member in this dangerous case. But if having Brother Renshu on our side can increase the chance of finding the cure for Xiaohua, then I will take this risk." Li Caiyi replied resolutely.

    Detective Tang''s face broke out in a wide grin. "That''s the spirit! I know you are the coolest Young Miss I have ever known. I feel bad for making you do this for us, but I''m d you changed your mind."

    "That''s incorrect. I didn''t do it for you but for our mutual interest. We are in this for the same goal but apletely different purpose." Li Caiyi corrected his words, making him chuckle in amusement.

    "Yes, yes. It''s just like you said." Detective Tang shrugged his shoulders lightly. "But you don''t have to persuade him immediately. Let''s wait until Kong finishes analyzing your blood first. If there really is something in there we can use to produce the cure, then we''ll proceed to the next n."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Sounds like a good n. I hope we will find a way out soon."

    Chu Kong stared at Li Caiyi like he wanted to say something. His gaze lingered for a while before he looked down again.

    "Then I think our business here is done for today? Shall we go home now?"

    "Yes." Li Caiyi stood up and put the ss on the table. She took the candy and smiled politely at Chu Kong.

    "It''s really nice to meet you Mr. Chu. We have only known each other for an hour at best, but I trust you will bring us good news soon. Thank you for your hospitality, and I''m sorry if I offended you earlier."

    The only person who had ever stepped into his ce was Detective Tang, so having Li Caiyi here was a fresh and nerve-wracking experience for him. He had been troubled by her presence and wanted nothing but to end this matter as soon as possible, but it wasn''t like he hated her personally.

    Chu Kong wasn''t offended. He was only surprised by her sudden action. It was an unknown situation, so he fled to save himself.

    Or so he wanted to exin, but he was at a loss on how to say it.

    As usual, he turned to Detective Tang for help, only to find him already walking out of theboratory. He was left behind with Li Caiyi to speak for himself, and his whole body broke out in cold sweats.

    Li Caiyi suppressed the urge to giggle, seeing how flustered Chu Kong was.

    Detective Tang must have deliberately done this to force them to talk. Li Caiyi would be lying if she said she wasn''t curious about Chu Kong, but she couldn''t bear it when she saw him shrink in his ce.

    She knew the feeling of wanting to say something but didn''t know how to convey it, so she could empathize with him.

    "Then I will leave first. Let''s talk again next time. Goodbye, Mr. Chu."

    Li Caiyi bowed slightly before walking out of theboratory as well.

    Meanwhile, Chu Kong stared at her back in puzzlement. By ''next time'', does she mean she intends toe here again in the future?

    From beginning to the end, Chu Kong couldn''t predict this girl at all.

 Chapter 425 His Sudden Visit

    When she finally returned to the surface, Li Caiyi felt like she could breathe again.

    Anyone who had ustrophobic tendencies probably would have cried if they had to walk past that dark tunnel. No, even an average person would freak out if they had to go through there alone. Li Caiyi was d she had Detective Tang with her.

    <o>,m "You looked so relieved. Is Kong really that scary?" Detective Tang chuckled in amusement.</o>

    "No. Mr. Chu is a decent person. I just can''t stand that dark and cramped tunnel."

    "Well, you''ll get used to it if youe here often."

    Li Caiyi was silent for a moment before saying, "I have nothing against Mr. Chu, but I''d like it if I don''t have to visit his ce again."

    "Hahaha, I knew you''d say that. Don''t worry. I won''t ask you to go there again unless necessary."

    Detective Tang turned on the engine and took Li Caiyi home. Unlike the first time, there was no ''racing'' session, so they reached her apartment rtively fast.

    "Thanks for taking me home, Detective Tang."

    "I should be the one to thank you. You have been nothing but cooperative so far."

    "If there is any update regarding Mr. Chu''s research, please tell me immediately."

    "Of course. And I will also look into this stalker of yours. Don''t ignore your gut feeling. Once you notice something is amiss, you must call me at once." Detective Tang said in a grim tone.

    Li Caiyi nodded. "I''ll do that. Come to think of it, did you especially dress up because we will meet Mr. Chu today?"

    "Why would I dress up for him?" Detective Tang replied disdainfully. "I have an appointment after this, and that person is quite important. I can''t look shabby in front of him."

    Li Caiyi knew better not to ask further, so she kept her question to herself. "I see. Good luck with your appointment. I''ll go inside now."

    "Do you want me toe up with you? That stalker probably still roams around here."

    "No. Up to here is fine." Li Caiyi refused politely.

    "But I can''t calm down. How about this? I''ll wait here until you arrive in your room safely. Text me when you have entered your house and locked the door."

    Li Caiyi chuckled at his protectiveness. Whether it was because he didn''t want to lose his precious olive branch or not, his attentiveness still warmed her heart.

    "Alright. Then, be careful on your way, Detective Tang."

    "You too."

    Li Caiyi got out of the car and went into her apartment building. She didn''t let her guard down even after she arrived at the floor where her room was.

    Then she saw someone standing in front of her house, making her flinch.

    "Who is there?" She asked coldly while gripping her phone tightly, ready to call Detective Tang if necessary. Thank god she had put his number in her emergency call.

    That figure turned around, and all the tension suddenly left her when she saw his face.

    "Zhiqiangˇ­"

    "I kind of hope you will wee me warmly, but it seems you don''t like my presence here," Dai Zhiqiang chuckled.

    Excluding the fact that Li Caiyi had met him in Ye Wang a few days ago, they hadn''t officially met ever since the summer break started. Her longing for him had reached the maximum. So she couldn''t stop herself from running to him and leaping into his embrace.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang was unprepared, so he got pushed back a few steps. He stared at Li Caiyi in confusion.

    Usually, Li Caiyi would avoid any kind of PDA with him, so he was surprised. Not that heined, though.

    "Caiyi?"

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi had a hard time calming down her raging emotion. Thest few days she spent in worry and anxiety stressed her out. But those negative feelings disappeared as soon as she saw him.

    Dai Zhiqiang had no idea what happened, but he wrapped his arms around her and patted her back gently without saying anything. And that was all she needed from him.

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes and relished the warmth of his embrace. If only time could stop here.

    Unfortunately, that tranquil moment was interrupted by the sound of her phone.

    Li Caiyi checked on it and saw that Detective Tang had called her. She was so happy to see Dai Zhiqiang again after a while that she hadpletely forgotten about him.

    "Wait, Zhiqiang. Let me take this phone first." Li Caiyi pushed him away gently before taking some distance from him to pick up the call.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s gaze lingered at her for a few moments before he shifted it to the parking lot below. His expression darkened slightly as he tapped on the railing several times with his fingers.

    "Sorry to make you wait." Li Caiyi said behind her. He turned around, and his previous coldness had gone without a trace.

    "It''s okay. I bet it was an important call."

    "Yes." Li Caiyi thought he would ask who it was, but he didn''t. It puzzled her, but she soon forgot about it and invited him to her house.

    "Come to think of it, this is the first time you''ve evere to my house." Li Caiyi said in a mixture of excitement and bashfulness.

    Dai Zhiqiang swept his gaze across her room and nodded approvingly. "You choose a good ce. I felt bad because I wasn''t here to help you move in."

    "I had the moving service help me. And my friends were there to help me, so don''t worry." Li Caiyi took his hand and pulled him to sit in the middle of the room.

    "I wanted to put a couch, but then I thought it would take too much space."

    Dai Zhiqiang sat on the floor covered with a soft white rug. This was the first time he had ever entered a girl''s room. One nce, and he could see the vast difference it had with a boy''s room.

    Being inside the space where Li Caiyi spent most of her time made his heart race. This ce was filled with a feminine smell, and he liked it. If he closed his eyes, he would surely fall asleep within a minute.

    Li Caiyi hummed happily while making a drink for him. Having her boyfriende over made her nervous but also equally put her in a good mood. She furtively nced at him and found him staring at her bed. There was nothing special about her bed, though.

    "What are you thinking?" Li Caiyi said while carrying two sses of ice lemon tea.

    "Ah, nothing." Dai Zhiqiang smiled at her while epting the ss. "Come to think of it, where did you go today?"

    There was no way she could tell Dai Zhiqiang she had just visited an undergroundboratory of an entric researcher, so she quickly made up an excuse.

    "I had some business with a friend of mine."

    "Really? What kind?"

    "Hm, it''s hard to exin, but nothing for you to worry about." Li Caiyi scooted closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder.

    "Why did you suddenlye here, though? If you had told me beforehand, I could have returned faster."

 Chapter 426 My Imagination Is Not As Pure As Yours

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart swelled with affection at her coquettish gesture. He interlocked their fingers together gently before replying.

    "I was around here by chance, then I thought I should visit you for a while."

    "What? Then does it mean you will go again soon?" Li Caiyi couldn''t hide the disappointment in her voice.

    "En. I''m sorry."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. Happiness has always been short-lived. Still, even if it was brief, she was happy having him here.

    "Don''t be sorry. Are you okay working throughout the summer break, though? We can''t even go on a single date together. Do you visit your father regrly?"

    "Yes, I visit him every weekend, although I can''t stay for long too. I don''t think we can have a date either."

    "That''s a shame. But there is nothing we can do about it. I guess I''ll focus on my writing and homework."

    "You haven''t finished your homework yet? Do you need my help?" Dai Zhiqiang nced at the book on top of the table beside them. He reached out to check it, but Li Caiyi gripped his hand.

    "I haven''t finished it yet, but I don''t want to do my homework now. We rarely have time together like this. Can''t we just focus on ourselves?"

    Dai Zhiqiang could tell she was upset, and he immediately felt bad. "You''re right. Sorry."

    "Tell me, how many minutes do we still have?"

    "20 minutes, I guess?"

    Li Caiyi clenched his arm slightly. She felt 20 minutes would pass so quickly, so she wanted to make use of this time as much as possible.

    "Then, for the next 20 minutes, promise me you won''t move anywhere."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at Li Caiyi and felt there was indeed something different with her. She was being unusually clingy, and as much as he loved this, he''d hated it if something happened to her.

    "Caiyi, is something wrong? You are not as spirited as usual today." He probed carefully.

    Looking down at their intertwined hands, Li Caiyi almost blurted out all the pent-up stress inside her. But if she told her, Dai Zhiqiang surely would be very worried, right? He already had his hands full with his job and family; her problem would be an additional burden to him.

    Still, they had promised not to hide anything from each other.

    Before she could answer, Dai Zhiqiang spoke again.

    "Oh yeah. I also wanted to thank you for listening to my brother''s problem. He has been down for some time, but no matter how many times I ask, he never told me anything. I''m d he seems to be open towards you, though."

    "Shenqiang told you everything?"

    "Yeah. He told me how you created an opportunity for him and even encouraged him to take the first step. You should have heard what he told me afterwards." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled.

    "What is it?"

    "He said I''d better treasure you well, or he will beat me up. That was the first time he ever threatened me with something. I feel like he likes you more than me now." Dai Zhiqiangined, but there was no anger in his tone, only amusement.

    Li Caiyi imagined how Dai Shenqiang threatened his brother, and a giggle escaped her. "It''s a shame I can''t see it with my own two eyes. With how often you went MIA on him, I wouldn''t be surprised if he depends on me more than he depends on you."

    "Ouch. That hurts." Dai Zhiqiang feigned a hurt expression before continuing.

    "Thank you for being there with him when he needed it the most. I was anxious about him, but since he refused to tell me anything, I could do nothing even if I wanted to."

    "You''re wee. Didn''t I tell you to depend on me anytime?"

    "I couldn''t work properly whenever I thought of that kid, but now I can finally feel more at ease."

    Hisst sentence stunned her. Li Caiyi was already very hesitant before this, and after she heard that, it convinced her she shouldn''t tell him anything for now.

    ''That''s right. His situation and mine arepletely different. Besides, I already have Detective Tang investigating this matter, so it probably will be solved soon. I can tell him everythingter.''<sub> </sub>

    "Ah, sorry, I kept talking about myself. You haven''t answered my question yet."

    "You are imagining it. Nothing happened besides a lot of writing and homework to do. That''s the reason for my sleep deprivationtely." Li Caiyiughed at herself while inwardly praying for Dai Zhiqiang to not notice anything.

    "Is that true? You are not hiding anything from me?"

    "There is really nothing. Geez, you are really a worrywart."

    Dai Zhiqiang stared at her with a deep and unfathomable gaze. Then, his gaze fell to the ne he had given her. He touched it slightly before asking, "Did you always wear this?"

    "Oh? Yeah. I like this very much, so I rarely took it off."

    "Even when you are in a shower?" Dai Zhiqiang smirked.

    "So what?" Li Caiyi harrumphed.

    "Hehe, nothing. I''m happy. Always wear it so you will not miss me too much."

    Dai Zhiqiang wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. "This is good. I can feel my energy return to me."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "Youe all the way here to charge yourself? That''s kind of inefficient."

    "If only we live together, I can charge myself like this daily."

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat hearing that. This brat was barely 18 years old, yet he had already thought of moving in with her. As impossible as it was, she couldn''t help but imagine various scenarios that could happen if they lived together.

    She would wake up seeing his face for the first time in the morning.

    They would cook breakfast and eat together.

    They could sit and talk or watch a movie together when they were idle.

    At night, they would cuddle under the same nket, sharing warmth before falling asleep in each other''s embrace.

    How wonderful would that be!

    "I bet you are imagining it right now." Dai Zhiqiang smirked yfully. "Do you mind telling me what kind of things you are imagining just now?"

    "That''s a secret."

    It would be embarrassing if he knew she liked that idea very much.

    "Then, should I tell you how I imagine how we spend our time if we live together?"

    "Tell me!"

    Dai Zhiqiang let his hold go and cupped her cheeks with one hand. Then, he looked at her intensely as if he was deciding the best way to devour her.

    "I''m afraid my imagination is nowhere as pure as yours." Dai Zhiqiang slowly caressed her lips with his thumbs. "When we live together, I won''t be able to hold the urge to touch you all day. I want to know everything about you. Both inside and outside. Every nook and cranny."

    His deep and seductive voice sucked her soul away. Especially when his hand slowly went down and stopped on her nape. The cool touch on her skin made her body shiver, and his smile deepened seeing that.

    "You should see the face you are making right now."

    Li Caiyi''s heart pounded in her chest. "What kind of face did I make?"

    "Your face is like begging me to touch you, just like I did in my imagination."

    "No. You are wrong."

    "Wrong? Then shall we make a bet? Will you beg me for more or not after I finish having my way with you?"

 Chapter 427 Please Stay With Me Longer

    Li Caiyi felt hot inside the room even with the air conditioner turned on. She couldn''t pry her eyes off Dai Zhiqiang, and her whole body trembled under his touch.

    Dai Zhiqiang loved it when she gazed at him like this. There were no words, but he almost could hear her calling from him through those eyes filled with stars. Beckoning him to get closer and caressed her more.

    Li Caiyi''s eyshes fluttered above her zed eyes. Her porcin white skin was tinted with a pretty crimson color.

    He could hear her breathing sound from how close they were, and the way shetched onto him with his clothes always made his heart soar as if she was unwilling to get separated from him.

    Although he said those things, in reality, Dai Zhiqiang was very nervous. He thought Li Caiyi would push him away and scolded him for teasing her again with a blushing face like usual. However, she did not attempt that, and it flustered him instead. His n had backfired.

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted nothing but to push her down on the bed behind her. Even being close to her like this already made his head fuzzy. He probably couldn''t keep his rationality if he kissed her now.

    ''I really shouldn''t havee here, after all. This ce is too dangerous.'' Dai Zhiqiangmented inwardly.

    Suppressing the fire inside him, Dai Zhiqiang broke eye contact first by looking away. He stood up abruptly and pretended to be busy checking his phone.

    "I think it''s about time I return. I will call you again tonight."

    "You are leaving?" Li Caiyi asked in a daze as she stood up too. Her hand tugged on the hem of his clothes, like a child asking their parents to pay attention to them.

    Dai Zhiqiang gulped nervously. "Yeah. I should go now."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. 20 minutes were too short for her. She wanted to be with him longer and closer.

    "Do you really have to go now? Can''t you stay longer?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart skipped a beat. He had never seen Li Caiyi like this. She looked desperate and frustrated. This other side of her was so sweet and endearing that he wanted to pinch and bite her cheek.

    ''No, I shouldn''t stay here. I will get out of control if I entertain this greed of mine,'' Dai Zhiqiang berated himself inwardly.

    Li Caiyi saw his conflicted look and found her chance. She pulled Dai Zhiqiang towards her, catching both of them off guard. Thetter was surprised because he didn''t see thating. At the same time, the former was astonished because she exerted more force than she intended to. Now Dai Zhiqiang was falling on her.

    He reflexively tried to change the angle of his fall but doing that made both of them topple on the bed, with him pressing down on her. They couldn''t utter a word for a few seconds and only stared at each other with widened eyes.

    "S-sorry. I didn''t mean to pull you so strongly." Li Caiyi stammered in panic. Her heartbeat was so loud she was afraid he could hear it.

    Dai Zhiqiang had his hands on both sides of her head. He almost straddled her with one of his legs on the bed and the other still rooted on the floor.

    This position was so dangerous yet enabled him to have a delicious view of her. He didn''t want to move away.

    His eyes narrowed dangerously as he yed with her hair sprawled across the white sheet. The contrast between the ck hair and white sheet and the redness of his slightly gaping lips increased the visual impact, making her look alluring.

    "I hope that was the case." Dai Zhiqiang said hoarsely. "If it was an invitation for me, I''m not confident I have enough willpower to resist it."<sub> </sub>

    Of course, Li Caiyi understood well what he meant by ''invitation''. She blushed hard, even to the tip of her ears and neck. Her whole body trembled in nervousness, and she felt like she could die from embarrassment. Nevertheless, there was a part of her that secretly enjoyed this situation.

    ''That''s right. I don''t have to be so careful. This situation is normal for lovers. We are both in love, and wanting to get closer to our significant other is natural.''

    Li Caiyi steeled her resolve and warped his arms around his neck. His eyes immediately bulged out in surprise, which was a bit funny.

    "Now that I think about it again, I may not be as pure as you imagine me to be."

    Li Caiyi felt his body be rigid, and she liked how he couldn''t see or hear anything but her. His whole attention was on her, and it increased her confidence.

    "Please stay with me longer, Zhi. I miss you so much and want you to touch me more."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brain couldn''t keep up with what had just happened. He didn''t know that words could be so lethal.

    If Li Caiyi didn''t nudge him, he probably would die because he forgot to breathe for a while.

    "Are you okay?" She asked worriedly.

    "Caiyi, what did you say just now?"

    "I said I wanted you to stay with me longer."

    "No, after that."

    "I miss you and want you to touch me more." Li Caiyi blushed harder as she said it. She was in an adrenaline rush when she said it for the first time. Dering it twice made her realize how embarrassing that was.

    Dai Zhiqiang shook his head. "Not that. I mean the one before that."

    Li Caiyi looked at him in confusion. She didn''t seem to fake it, so he doubted if what he heard just now was just his wishful thinking.

    "You called me Zhi just now."

    "Oh!" Li Caiyi finally noticed what he meant and covered her face with her hands. "It just naturallyes out. Talking with your father made his habit rub on me. Sorry."

    "I never said I didn''t like it. Don''t hide. Show me your face." Dai Zhiqiang felt light-headed. He gently pried her hands, and the expression she made behind that cover was enough to make him fall for her again.

    She was so beautiful; it hurt his heart.

    "Yi Yi, can you call me Zhi again?"

 Chapter 428 A Renewed Oath

    It was as if a firework had exploded inside her.

    No one had ever called her with that nickname in her two lifetimes. Not her family members, let alone Meng Renshu.

    That was why, when Dai Zhiqiang suddenly called her that, her mind nked out. She couldn''t form coherent thoughts and could only look at him in a daze.

    "Yi Yi, can I call you that from now on?"

    Li Caiyi nodded her head in automatic response, making him chuckle. His entire face seemed to shine from the sheer joy.

    "I can''t believe this day wille. I''m so happy right now."

    His boyish smile never failed to tug on her heartstring. Overwhelmed with the feeling of love, Li Caiyi hugged his neck tighter. "Zhi, kiss me?"

    "I thought you would never ask." Dai Zhiqiang smirked evilly. "Didn''t I tell you I will make you beg someday?"

    Even in this situation, he still wanted to tease her. Li Caiyi didn''t know whether tough or cry.

    "You are right. I admit my defeat. Please kiss me now."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s smile deepened. "So impatient? But then again, I''m the same."

    He crashed his lips on her after he said that. Deep inside, he knew he shouldn''t do this, but how could he deny her when she begged for him obediently like that?

    It had been a while since they kissed, so all the pent-up desire and burning feeling for her exploded.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t stop kissing and tasting the red lips he always imagined during his sleepless night.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi was once again rendered breathless by his fervour kiss. It felt like she had awakened the sleeping beast inside him, and now that beast refused to let her go.

    He clung to her tightly andtched their mouth and tongue together like there was no tomorrow. His intensity turned her body into a puddle of water, which scared her a bit.

    But this time, she didn''t want to pull away from him. Hence, instead of pushing him like she always did, she took the initiative of pulling him closer by the neck and deepened their kiss.

    "Mmhˇ­ Haaˇ­.Ahnˇ­"

    The room was filled with sounds of their wet kiss and suggestive moans. Dai Zhiqiang would asionally pull away to let her breathe before dipping down again for more. Every time he did that, Li Caiyi would ept him with open arms.

    Both were drunk in the passionate moment and too engrossed to notice that their position kept climbing up the bed. Now, Dai Zhiqiangpletely had her beneath him, trapping her petite figure with his heavy body.

    Their outfit had be dishevelled too. Her skirt hiked up so high, revealing the milky white skin of his thigh, which was a sight to behold. He would caress and relish the smoothness of her skin, and she would gasp sexily into their kiss.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s head was fuzzy, and he couldn''t think of anything except that he wanted this girl so badly. His initially gentle movement and touch became rougher and more urgent as time passed by.

    It didn''t take long before he couldn''t feel satisfied with just a kiss alone, so he travelled down and sucked on her neck.

    Li Caiyi would squirm and writhe under him when he touched her, which further fanned his desire. He could feel the change in his body, and by the time he realized that his lust had taken over his mind, it was already toote to stop.<sub> </sub>

    The more he touched her, the more she felt hot inside and wanted an outlet to release it. She felt itchy and wanted him to touch her in various ces but held herself back using the little rationality left in her mind.

    "Zhiˇ­ It''s so hot." She mewled softly.

    "Yi Yi, you''re really going to be the death of me someday. Please don''t tempt me even more than this," Dai Zhiqiang said with a painful expression.

    Even Li Caiyi didn''t know she could be so bold and unrestrained like this. The bitter experience in her past taught her that being a good girl wouldn''t make her happy in the end. In this lifetime, she would be braver and grasp her own happiness.

    "Do you hate this side of me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang dipped down and kissed her corbone hard, making her moan and leaving a red mark on it.

    "I love everything about you. So much it hurts me. I want to keep you for myself so badly."

    His sincere words warmed her heart, and she pulled him closer to her. "Zhi, I love you very much, too."

    Dai Zhiqiang was hanging on one thin string of reasoning before, but listening to her confession just snapped thatst line. With a hazy mind, he unbuttoned her shirt one by one. He wanted to break thatst wall between them, so she wouldpletely be his and his alone.

    Li Caiyi noticed his intention, and although she was nervous inside, she made no attempt to stop him.

    "Yi Yi. I want you. Right here and now. I promise I will be responsible for you for the rest of your life, so can you please allow me to have this honor?"

    This might be a rash and stupid decision. Li Caiyi knew that well. However, she had enough of suppressing herself and made way for others. Just for this once, she wanted to be reckless.

    Dai Zhiqiang was stunned when he saw tears flowing down her eyes to the sheet. Despite crying like that, her smile was radiant, and her gaze on him was full of love.

    "Yes. I love you."

    Seeing her smile, the fire inside himpletely cooled down, like it was being washed down by the water. He was brimming with lust until a moment ago, but now he wanted nothing but to provide her with the warmth and love she deserved.

    Dai Zhiqiang leaned down and whispered softly beside her ears. "Yi Yi. I swear I will make you happy."

    After saying that, he embraced her tightly but also with so much tenderness, which made her want to cry even more.

    ''I never loved someone this deeply before. Even when he remembers nothing, he is still the same as before. I don''t want to let go of this person, ever.''

    Dai Zhiqiang had thoroughly untied the knot she always had in her heart all this time.

    She once thought that it would be best if Dai Zhiqiang could remember what happened in his previous life, but at that moment, she didn''t care anymore, even if she found out someday that her Shen Qiang wasn''t Dai Zhiqiang.

    Li Caiyi felt happiest when she was with him. That feeling was good enough for her.

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes, surrendering her mind to the pleasure he gave her as she fully entrusted her heart and body to this person.

 Chapter 429 Crazy For You (1)

    He stood there and watched the lone woman sitting on the bench.

    A few years had passed since thest time he saw her, but she was still as beautiful as before. No, her girlish aura had faded as time passed and was reced by the calm air of a matured woman. She became even more beautiful, and it made his heart race.

    Dai Zhiqiang hesitated whether he should approach her or not. Not that he was worried she would recognize him because they had never talked before. But he was already this nervous even when he was just watching from afar, much less if he actually stood near her.

    Then, from the corner of his eyes, he saw two men, which he assumed were also students from the same university. They nced at Li Caiyi with a smirk on their face. One nce and people could tell that those two were up to no good.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t like the way they leered at her. He wanted to go there and gouge their eyes if he could. But then, he remembered he couldn''t causemotion there.

    Meanwhile, the attention subject was utterly oblivious of her surrounding. She kept her head down, reading the book on herp, without noticing that several men were keeping their eyes on her.

    When he noticed the two men making their move, he took a step forward. With his long legs and superior speed, he reached the bench faster and plopped himself down on the space beside her.

    Feeling unsatisfied, he also spread his arm on top of the backrest, creating a notion of closeness with her.

    Sure enough, the two men stopped approaching and gazed at Dai Zhiqiang with annoyance and vignce.

    He sneered when he watched them refusing to leave, so he scooted closer to her possessively and red at them. This re was always sessful in making his enemies lose their morale and cower in fear, so how could two college guys have any guts to press further?

    It seemed they could sense the dangerous aura around Dai Zhiqiang because they quickly nudged each other and ran away from there with a pale faces.

    Cowards like them weren''t deserved to disturb Li Caiyi''s time.

    Dai Zhiqiang scoffed as he smiled triumphantly.

    However, he quickly became tense when he realized his position. If Li Caiyi turned around and saw it, she probably wondered why a random stranger would suddenly do this, right? As much as he enjoyed this rare chance, he didn''t want to scare her.

    Dai Zhiqiang subtly nced at her and was relieved she seemed to have no interest in anything other than the book on herp. He wanted to stay like this longer, so he kept quiet and tried not to make any noise. Both of them were so silent that he was worried the sound of his breathing would break the tranquillity.

    Unlike in high school, her hair became longer, and she didn''t tie her hair in a ponytail anymore. Although she still wore that sses, they couldn''t cover her beauty. She was calm and elegant, like a lily that grew in the middle of the garden.

    He watched how her hair sometimes fell on her book, and then she tucked it behind her ear, revealing her side profile to him.

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed inwardly. He was already content watching her from afar, but being able to sit side by side like this felt like a reward for him. He hoped the time would stop so he could watch her serene face forever.

    However, his happiness was short-lived when the sound of the phone ringing disturbed the calm and snapped the woman''s attention. Dai Zhiqiang quickly removed his hand and pretended to scratch his head awkwardly.

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi didn''t notice because her focus shifted elsewhere once she saw the caller ID. With a bright smile, she epted the call.<sub> </sub>

    "Hello? Brother Renshu? Where are you? I''m already here."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyebrows twitched when he heard that familiar name. Even when he was forced to go abroad, he asionally received a report about Li Caiyi, so he knew that this girl and her childhood friend went to the same university.

    He saw how her eyes and smile were brimming with love as she spoke with him. It stung his heart, knowing that only this part of her had never changed. Even when the person she loved was dating her twin sister, she still stubbornly held on to that unrequited love.

    That bastard didn''t even realize how lucky he was.

    Thinking back, it was all his fault for not trying to make any move while he still had a chance, so he could me no one but himself.

    Even by men''s standards, Meng Renshu was indeed an excellent man, but wouldn''t she be the one who would get hurt whenever she saw her beloved and sister together?

    Why couldn''t she just give up on him?

    "Ah, you can''te here because Xiaohua needs help on her assignment?"

    The light on her eyes immediately dimmed, and her smile stiffened. However, her tone when she replied to him was as bright as always.

    "It''s okay. We can go next time. The due date won''t be until next week, so don''t worry."

    "Xiaohua rarely has trouble when doing her assignment. You should help her, Brother Renshu."

    "En. Let''s talk againter."

    After the call ended, her hand slowly fell on herp, and the smile on her facepletely disappeared. Her previously bright face turned gloomy. Sure enough, she pretended to be okay while talking on the phone earlier.

    He thought she would cry for sure, but she silently put her book into her bag and stood up.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t gauge her emotional state from the deadpan expression on her face. He had no words to say to her, nor did he have any qualification to do so. His inability to call out to her made him feel powerless.

    Li Caiyi didn''t spare him a nce and left just like that.

    Even if he was saddened by that fact, he couldn''t me her for that. Dai Zhiqiang had never existed in her world, so why would she bother to pay attention to him?

    The thought depressed him and watching her small back go further away made him feel lonelier.

 Chapter 430 Crazy For You (2)

    Dai Zhiqiang had no reason to stay anymore, so he stood up and was about to leave when his eyes caught a glimpse of something on the ground.

    "What is this? A keychain?" Dai Zhiqiang mumbled as he crouched down and picked up the wood keychain from the ground.

    He inspected the thing closely and stopped when he found a carving on it. It was the first letter of her and Meng Renshu''s name, along with a date.

    His expression hardened, recalling how sad and dejected Li Caiyi was just now. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know what Meng Renshu was thinking by leading her on when he clearly already had a lover, but one thing was for sure, he hated that guy.

    Looking at this keychain only angered him further. It was proof that Li Caiyi still cherished and treasured this ''memory'' she made with him even after years had passed.

    Dai Zhiqiang was overcame with anger and jealousy. Rather than returning this to her, he just wanted to bury this thing so she would never see it again. He didn''t have to be directly involved to know that the current rtionship between Li Caiyi, Meng Renshu, and Li Chunhua was rather messy.

    Stealing her precious things was childish, but he couldn''t help it.

    Meng Renshu was foolish enough not to notice Li Caiyi''s feelings toward him. However, that silly woman who still held on to painful unrequited feelings was also a problem.

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched the keychain hard, wanting to crush it if he could, but in the end, he slipped the keychain into his pocket and left without turning back.

    .

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang opened his eyes to find an unfamiliar ceiling. It only took him a second before he remembered the series of events that happened a few hours ago.

    The weight he felt on his arm only further convinced him. Everything that just happened was real.

    He slowly turned to the side and found Li Caiyi''s sleeping face in front of him. Her expression was peaceful, and her lips curved up slightly like she had a lovely dream.

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly removed his numb arms from under her head and reced them with pillow. Then, he sat up and stared at Li Caiyi''s figure again.

    Her bare shoulder peeked from under the nket. It tempted him to pull the nket further down so he could see more of her naked body. But considering how ''strenuous'' their exercise was before, he decided not to disturb her for now.

    She stirred in her sleep, making some of her hair cover her face. Dai Zhiqiang reached out to tuck some of them behind her ears.

    For some reason, he felt weirdly fulfilled as he did that. It was like he had been waiting all this time to do that. He didn''t understand why he would feel that way, though.

    Perhaps because of his dream, he felt disoriented by the sight in front of him. The Li Caiyi he saw in his dream was a slightly older version than the one sleeping beside him right now, yet both of them couldn''t be more different.<sub> </sub>

    The Li Caiyi in his dream didn''t have him in her world, but the real Li Caiyi had him in her heart.

    His dream felt so real it made him anxious somewhat. Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t shake off the strange feeling he had, so he stood up to take a shower. His body felt sticky, and a cold shower would calm his mind.

    Dai Zhiqiang invited himself and used Li Caiyi''s shampoo and soap to wash himself clean. The pleasant smell he kept smelling from her mostly came from these products, but it stillcked that original smell of Li Caiyi he liked so much.

    His girlfriend was still fast asleep by the time he finished his shower.

    Dai Zhiqiang was worried if he had been too rough with her. He tried to be as gentle as possible, but a woman''s first time would always hurt. Or so what he heard from his colleagues in Ye Wang.

    He gently sat on the edge of the bed and stroked her cheek, and a warm feeling gushed out of his chest. His heart swelled with pride and happiness for finally having this womanpletely, both in heart and body.

    Then, his gaze fell on the ne around her neck. Dai Zhiqiang automatically recalled the view of her sweaty and flushed body, wearing nothing but that ne.

    He shook his head to chase away the perverted thoughts he had in mind. After taking a cold shower, he finally could calm down. Thinking about those things would only make him feel hot and bothered again.

    Dai Zhiqiang reached out to touch the little bird pendant on her ne, and a cold glint shed across his eyes for a moment.

    He picked up his phone from the floor and found many missed calls and texts from Lin Xiang.

    He wasn''t lying when he said he didn''t have much time. Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t supposed to stay over at her ce, but how could he deny her request when she tempted him like a little seductress?

    He closed down the notification without checking it. Instead, he tapped on a certain app.

    The phone screen showed the city map immediately, with a red dot in the middle. If he zoomed the screen, he would know the location of the red dot right now. Currently, the dot''s location was on the ce where he stood.

    "It''s still working properly. I guess it really was just a badwork the other day. False rm." Dai Zhiqiang muttered.

    Now that he had confirmed his suspicion, he felt lighter. He nced at the sleeping girl beside him and yed with her hair again.

    "I feel like I''m getting crazier the more I fall for you. I wonder what kind of secret are you hiding from me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s gaze turned colder as he continued, "Since you are mine now, I will monitor you more closely. I don''t want to lose you for the second time. You''ll understand me, right, Yi Yi?"

    Li Caiyi had no idea what had just happened and slept peacefully. Dai Zhiqiang left a note and kissed the top of her head before heading out of the room.

 Chapter 431 Malicious Harassment (1)

    Li Caiyi woke up feeling sore all over.

    She was so tired that she slept through the day and woke up the next morning.

    When she opened her eyes, Dai Zhiqiang was nowhere to see, and there was a note saying that he had to go and she shouldn''t push herself for today.

    "It really happened, didn''t it?"

    Li Caiyi still couldn''t believe it. She and Dai Zhiqiang finally crossed that line. The most embarrassing part was that she was actually the one who proposed it!

    She blushed hard and covered herself with a nket to calm herself down.

    In her previous life, he was very calm and collected when they did it. It was almost a bit frustrating because he was so patient with her. It felt like she was the only one who enjoyed and went crazy because of him.

    But the current Dai Zhiqiang was still young and naturally wasn''t asposed. His hands would tremble asionally, and he couldn''t control his strength very well.

    As a result, Li Caiyi had bruises due to his holding her too tight. It was slightly inconvenient, but it was proof that what happened a few hours ago wasn''t a dream, so she didn''t mind it.

    They were finally connected both in heart and body. Li Caaiyi couldn''t suppress her smile and the pure joy bubbling inside her. Her cheeks burned when she recalled their hot and passionate momentsst night.

    "Li Caiyi, you are really crazy. How could you seduce a kid like that?"

    All the adrenaline rush she feltst night was gone, so the shame returned to her like a tidal wave once she was sobered up. She didn''t even drink, but she acted like a drunken woman who preyed on the young, fresh meat.

    She kicked her nket away out of frustration and suddenly felt a stinging pain in her lower body.

    "Ouch!" Li Caiyi winced.

    Mentally, this wasn''t her first time having intercourse, but physically that was her first experience. Sometimes she forgot about that fact and was caught by surprise.

    In her previous life, her first time was taken by Meng Renshu, and she also felt sore like this when she woke up, but she still had to drag herself out of his room. It was a depressing thought.

    She didn''t have to force herself and take it easy this time. So shey down for another hour before getting up slowly to shower.

    ***

    Li Caiyi stretched her arm high to loosen her muscle. She nced at the time on herptop and found that she had been writing non-stop for the past 5 hours.

    After taking a shower, she felt refreshed and energized, so she continued writing. Usually, she couldn''t concentrate well because of the heat or because she was stressed out, so she was happy. This might be her most productive day out of all the days in summer break.

    "My homework really has no progress, though," Li Caiyi groaned when she looked at the pile of school textbooks. Being a student was a pain, but having to re-do your study was a double pain in the ass.

    Li Caiyi grumbled but still forced herself to pick the book. If she wanted to be in the same ss as Dai Zhiqiang and Li Chunhua, she shouldn''t becent.

    Right at that time, the bell of her apartment was ringing. Li Caiyi was initially excited, thinking it was Dai Zhiqiang, but she halted when she was about to open the door.

    But what if it wasn''t him?<sub> </sub>

    She recalled that box of ''surprise'' she received, and a chill ran down her spine. The malicious threat was the cause of all her stress, and Dai Zhiqiang''s visit yesterday eased her nerves a lot. But now that apprehension came back to her again.

    Detective Tang repeatedly said she shouldn''t go outside or open her door randomly. That stalker knew her address, and there was no telling what they could do next.

    Li Caiyi could open the door, and that person would stab her with a knife, leaving her in a puddle of warm blood.

    Goosebumps raised all over her body at the thought of that creep standing beyond her door, and she retreated a few steps for precaution.

    Meanwhile, the bell kept ringing. It grew more impatient as time passed by.

    ''Zhi is not the type that keeps ringing the bell when no one is answering. He would either wait or call me.''

    The person standing outside her room wasn''t Dai Zhiqiang. She was sure of that.

    Li Caiyi contemted what she should do next. Should she call Detective Tang? He indeed said that she should call him if something was amiss.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Li Caiyi flinched in shock when the bell ringing suddenly changed into banging on the door. Her heart sank, and her legs grew weak in seconds.

    The banging became more aggressive, and it sounded like whoever was outside wouldn''t hesitate to break down her door anytime.

    Left with no choice, Li Caiyi decided to call security first. Holding back the growing anxiety within her, she told the security to check on the person outside her room.

    "Calm down, it''s okay. The security will be here before they can do anything." Li Caiyi rubbed her chest and tried to calm herself down.

    But contrary to her expectation, the banging on the door suddenly stopped, leaving an ufortable silence behind.

    Li Caiyi was perturbed by this turn of events and hesitantly pressed her ears to the door to listen to themotion outside.

    Sure enough, it was dead silent. Did that person leave already?

    The timing was almost too good to be a mere coincidence. How could that person suddenly leave her alone when she had just called security?

    She made sure to lower her voice when making the call, so it was impossible they could hear it from the outside.

    Unless they nted some bugs in her room, there was no way they could tell.

    Li Caiyi was shocked by her own thoughts. Looking around anxiously, she felt like numerous eyes and ears had grown from the wall, watching her every movement closely. She was alone and knew nothing about her stalker, yet that person could monitor her every move.

    Her mind just kept thinking of the worst possible scenario. She couldn''t calm down and began to search around her room desperately.

    The banging had stopped, but Li Caiyi was even more frightened than before. Whoever did this really went all out to make her suffer.

 Chapter 432 Malicious Harassment (2)

    Li Caiyi wanted to make sure whether that person really had left or not, but her foot was rooted in its ce, refusing to move. She was too scared to find out.

    What if that person was still outside the room, waiting for their chance?

    Her heart almost leapt out of her ribcage when her phone rang, followed by a knocking on the door. Unlike thest time, the knocks weren''t aggressive, but they made her body tense with apprehension.

    "Excuse me? Is there anyone inside?"

    That familiar voice belonged to the security guard she had met a few times before. Li Caiyi was so relieved her legs almost gave up on her. She gingerly approached the door while answering the phone.

    "Yes? I''m inside, but I''m too scared to check outside."

    "Young miss, no one is outside except me, so you can rest assured."

    "That''s a relief. Can you please check on the CCTV for me after this?"

    "Yes, I will check it for you. Do you want me to call the police?" He asked worriedly.

    "No, it''s okay. Please tell me if you find anything."

    "Yes. Please call me when this happens again."

    Li Caiyi hung up the call and paced around her room, waiting for further reports from security. She wanted to make sure of something before contacting Detective Tang about this.

    After fifteen minutes, the security called her again.

    "Young Miss, I''m sorry, but we can''t find anything from the security footage."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath. She didn''t expect they would go this far. There was no further exnation needed. She had a faint idea of what the culprit was thinking from that bit of information.

    "I see. Sir, do you happen to remember what kind of person came in and out of the apartment today?"

    "I''m not sure. There were many people apart from the residents here. I can''t possibly remember each one of them."

    She was a tad disappointed but kind of expected that response, so she quickly cut the conversation short and hung up the call. Next, she called Detective Tang immediately.

    This time, he picked up the call after only a few rings. "Yes? Did something happen?"

    Li Caiyi hadn''t said anything yet, but he seemed to know what she wanted to say. His sharpness calmed her down a lot.

    "Detective Tang, that person was here just now."

    ***

    "I see," Detective Tang said in a grim tone after she finished exining everything. "The culprit prepared everything well this time."

    "Detective Tang, do you think they had predicted everything from the beginning?"<sub> </sub>

    "I think so. If you opened the door recklessly, there was no telling what they could do to you. They knew you had been on guard and used that to their advantage. They used you to lure the security to leave his seat for a while. Their purpose was to erase the security footage from the start."

    "But that''s strange. If they were so afraid of getting caught from the start, why only now did they do it?"

    "They must have other reasons to do that. Either way, there is one thing for sure. The culprit had an aplice."

    "I think so too. One person diverted our attention, and when we were distracted, their aplice went and erased the security footage."

    Li Caiyi''s mind couldn''t help but think about ''Hu Jian'' again. There was a possibility that person was the mastermind''s aplice all this time. He became their hands and did the dirty work while the real culprit waited from the safe ce and watched her suffer.

    Li Caiyi hated to admit it, but their n went well. She felt like her heart would retire early if this went on.

    "Detective Tang, have you found something about this matter? This situation began to get out of hand. I can''t even sleep peacefully at night like this."

    "Thest time I checked, the person who sent that box in front of your apartment room was only a regr person who got paid for doing his job. Nothing suspicious of him, which is good and bat at the same time, because we lost the only lead we have.

    I thought of checking the security footage, but my request was denied since I wasn''t a resident of your ce."

    Detective Tang sighed, "Sometimes, bing a policeman hinders your movement, but without it, there is only so much you can do."

    "Don''t bother. I have watched it, and I didn''t find anything that can be used to investigate."

    "If you said so, then it must be true. You have a keen judgement that I sometimes forget you are only a little girl sometimes. But still, this is really dangerous for you. Do you still want to live there?"

    "Yes. If I move, it''s like indirectly admitting that I''m scared of them, and I don''t want that." Li Caiyi clenched her hand into a fist before remembering something. "Oh yeah, is there a possibility that the culprit probably nted some kind of bug inside my room?"

    "Hmm, it''s not impossible, but less likely. You said that you barely left your house these past few days. Unless they were a professional or someone you invited yourself to, it was almost impossible to do that without leaving a trace. They knew you contacted the security because they had an aplice watching the situation."

    The only people who ever entered her room were Dai Zhiqiang and her friends. They couldn''t possibly be the culprit, so Li Caiyi''s shoulders loosened a little, knowing her apartment room was safe.

    "You are right. I got scared and became too paranoid, apparently." Li Caiyi rubbed her temple with a tired sigh.

    "I bet you are. It would be weird if you didn''t feel bothered about this. But still, today''s incident must have scared you a lot. How about you invite someone to stay over at your ce for tonight?"

    For some reason, Dai Zhiqiang''s face automatically appeared in her mind when thinking about someone she wished to apany her. How nice would it be if he could be with her all the time, but she knew it was impossible, so she scratched that idea.

    "That''s a good idea. I''ll think of someone to invite tonight. Please tell me if you find something else."

    "Yes. Please rest for today."

    Li Caiyi was so exhausted after the call. She wasn''t in the mood to do her homework anymore.

    "So, who should I call here?"

 Chapter 433 Pursuing Ones Dream (1)

    "I''m so d you finally let mee to your house. It''s a very nice ce you have here!"

    Sitting in the middle of the room was Li Chunhua, who was excited to be in her sister''s ce for the first time.

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly and put a ss of ice tea in front of Li Chunhua.

    "If you want toe, then you should have juste. You already know the address anyway."

    Li Chunhua pouted. "I wanted to. But Jingfei said that I should respect your boundaries from now on. If you didn''t mention it, it means you don''t want me toe."

    "Eh? Since when did you care so much about what other people think? It''s not like you at all," Li Caiyi replied in astonishment.

    Li Chunhua harrumphed. "What do you take me for? I can understand that much. And I don''t care about other people, but I care about what you will think of me."

    Even after time passed, Li Chunhua''s obsession with her hadn''t disappeared. She behaved well thest few months, partly thanks to her friendship with Shao Jingfei, but Li Caiyi was still on guard against her sometimes.

    After all, Li Chunhua''s tricks and maniption were one of the reasons for her misfortune in her previous life.

    Honestly, she preferred one of her friends to stay over, but she couldn''t find any reason to convince them without revealing anything. Only Li Chunhua woulde here and agree with her unconditionally among those she knew.

    "You never ask me toe, so I thought you''d hate it if Ie here uninvited. So I waited patiently, and you came to me in the end. You must have been lonely living alone but too shy to ask me to apany you, right?" Li Chunhua chirped happily, making Li Caiyi feel awkward for treating her like a second option.

    "It feels a bit empty, that''s for sure. I didn''t know you thought of it that way. Sorry for not inviting you herete."

    "Don''t apologize! I was a bit upset because I''m not the first one you asked toe, but I don''t feel like that anymore."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to respond, so she changed the topic. "How are mother and big brother? Is everything going well at home?''

    "Yeah. Mom recently took a yoga ss, and Big Brother has been in a hermit mode since the beginning of summer break. He is preparing for the college entrance exam."

    "I see. I''m d everything is peaceful at home."

    "En. I never thought our family would have these peaceful days when our father was gone. Thinking back, we should have done this a long time ago."

    "The situation is not that simple."

    "Why? With Brother Renshu helping us, I''m sure we can get rid of our father faster. Wasn''t the reason why he obediently divorced Mom because Brother Renshu pressured him?"

    Li Caiyi kept silent. If Meng Renshu hadn''t regained the memory of his past life, she doubted everything would go that smoothly.

    Using the knowledge from the future, he must have pulled some strings behind the stage. Otherwise, there was no way he could secure a spot for Li Jirong like that.<sub> </sub>

    She couldn''t tell Li Chunhua that, so she instead replied, "We shouldn''t put our hopes in other people too much. Brother Renshu is kind, but he won''t be able to help us every time."

    "Well, you are right. But I think he won''t mind since he likes you, Xiaoyi."

    "Why are you bringing that up again?" Li Caiyi groaned.

    "Xiaoyi, I don''t understand why you would pick Dai Zhiqiang instead of Brother Renshu. I was pretty sure you used to love him a while back, but now you have fallen for an ordinary guy."

    Li Caiyi frowned in displeasure. "What are you saying? Dai Zhiqiang is not ordinary by any means. He is smart, strong, and greatly cares about his family. He is a good guy."

    Li Chunhua stuck out her tongue. "Compared to Brother Renshu, he is too ordinary. And I know he has been neglecting you a lot. You have him in his heart, but he is not treasuring it at all. I''m pissed."

    "Where did you hear a rumor like that? It''s not true. Zhiqiang may look aloof on the outside, but he is very caring to me. Don''t you remember how he searched for me when I was missing in the mountains?"

    Li Chunhua clicked her tongue in annoyance. She was unwilling to admit it, but Dai Zhiqiang was indeed a bit dependable.

    Not that it was anything extraordinary. Having Li Caiyi as his girlfriend was already an honor for him, so it was natural that he should treasure her well!

    "If he didn''t do that, I probably would have confronted him. As your boyfriend, he should be able to do that much."

    Seeing her sister arguing stubbornly made Li Caiyi sigh in exasperation. For some reason, Li Chunhua was unhappy with Dai Zhiqiang but pushed Meng Renshu to her instead. She couldn''t guess what was in her head.

    "I bet he sauntered his way to your ce all the time. Just thinking about it already makes me so angry!" Li Chunhua growled. Her hands clenched into a fist. "Brother Renshu is a gentleman, so he''d know better not to barge into your room, but I couldn''t say the same for that rogue."

    "Xiaohua, stop badmouthing him. Zhiqiang never forced me to do anything I don''t like."

    In fact, it was Li Caiyi who was aggressivelying onto him, like a lustful old woman. Thinking about their first time in this room made her blush again.

    Li Chunhua noticed how her sister grew bashful, and a disdainful light appeared in her eyes. "He is a rogue! Definitely! I can''t stand that guy because I know he doesn''t have good intentions toward you! Don''t ask me how I can tell, though."

    It would be bad to continue agitating Li Chunhua, so Li Caiyi cleared her throat to recover from her mistake.

    "So, what are you doing throughout the summer break? You haven''t told me yet."

    The sudden change of topic seeded in distracting Li Chunhua. A satisfied smile spread all over her face as she replied.

    "Xiaoyi, I think I know what I want to do in the future!"

 Chapter 434 Pursuing Ones Dream (2)

    Li Chunhua was like a chameleon. She appeared like a person with a clear line of what she liked and disliked, but she was pretty realistic.

    In her previous life, Li Chunhua never really expressed what she wanted to do with the future. Every time she asked her, her sister deflected by saying, ''I want to do the same thing as you'', ''What do you think is good? I''ll trust Xiaoyi''s judgement.''

    That was why Li Caiyi was amazed when she heard that. "Xiaohua, do you mean it? You used to say you don''t have any dreams."

    Li Chunhua puffed her chest proudly. "Well, that was in the past. The current Li Chunhua is an upgraded version and is more mature now. I can''t possibly follow you around without making ns for myself, can I?"

    But that was precisely what Li Chunhua did in the past, following her around and bing increasingly obsessed with her. Would a counselling session really help a person this much? If she didn''t know better, she would have thought that Li Chunhua in front of her was a fake.

    "What is it?" Li Caiyi asked curiously.

    "I think I want to try interior designing. You know I have a talent for this." Li Chunhua winked at her.

    "That''s right. You have always hated it when the room is too dismal and boring."

    "Yep. A room needs to befortable if one wants to rest in it. A gloomy-looking room will only put you in a bad mood and dispirited. I tried making a change in Jingfei''s cafe the other day, and he said I have a knack for this. I agreed with him."

    "You did? That''s good, Xiaohua. You finally found something you are passionate about."

    Li Chunhua nodded with a slightly sad look on her face. "I was delighted after I found out what I wanted to do in the future, but then I remembered how I used to treat you. You were scolded by our father because I snitched on you. I know father will definitely stop you from pursuing your dream, and that''s what I did. I''m sorry, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister''s face deeply. Her feelings toward Li Chunhua would forever remainplicated. She hated her but also loved her dearly. She wanted to avoid her but also couldn''t leave her alone.

    It was a jumble of contradictory emotions, and Li Caiyi had given up on trying to define it.

    "Xiaohua, if it''s the current you, I believe you finally understand how important writing is for me. It''s not something I can exin with words, but it has be a part of me. I can''t cast it aside, and not even our parents can stop me from pursuing it."

    Li Chunhua nodded solemnly, with her eyes nailed on the table. "There are still many things I don''t understand, but I''m getting there. Slowly, step by step. And I realised how much I have wronged you in the past. I didn''t mean to hurt you. I really do. I was so ashamed of myself that I didn''t even dare to appear in front of you first."

    <o>,m "I''m d you have a better understanding of your surroundings now. What you did was wrong, but let''s not discuss it again and focus on the future instead. If you like interior designing, then, by all means, you should pursue it. No one will force us to do something we don''t like anymore."</o>

    "Xiaoyi, did you know it would end up like this? That''s why you keep rebelling and telling me ''you''ll understand someday'' to me?"

    Li Caiyi shed a mysterious smile. "I wonder? If I can predict that, then I might as well be a best-selling book in the future."<sub> </sub>

    "You will! If it''s you, I believe you will achieve that!"

    "Hehe, thank you." Li Caiyi stroked her sister''s head fondly. "And I''m the same as you. I believe you can achieve whatever you want to. Go for it."

    Li Chunhua was stunned, and in the next second, her eyes glistened with tears. She couldn''t help feeling touched and leapt to her sister''s embrace.

    "Xiaoyiii! I like you so so so much!"

    The room was filled withughter and crying simultaneously.

    Li Caiyi sincerely felt happy for her sister. Li Chunhua had gone through so much but kept going until she reached this far. It fueled her desire to find a cure for Li Chunhua as soon as possible.

    It took a while to calm her sister down. Li Caiyi had to pour another ss of tea for her before she finally stopped crying.

    "I have been wondering, but do you like Jingfei, by chance?"

    Li Chunhua choked on her tea and almost spat it out when she heard that. After a series of violent coughs, she said incredulously, "Xiaoyi, what kind of crazy idea is that? Why would I like a pipsqueak like him?"

    Li Caiyi shrugged. "You seem to be very dependent on him. You asked him for advice and listened to his words more than anyone. I can''t help but think that is it because you have feelings for him?"

    "Not everything in this world is about romantic feelings, Xiaoyi. I do look up to Jingfei because he is amazing. Although he is kind of stupid sometimes. But I don''t harbor any romantic feelings for him. He is my friend."

    "Hmm." Li Caiyi wasn''t wholly convinced, but since Li Chunhua had said that much, there was nothing she could say anymore. "I see. So you like him as a friend?"

    "Wellˇ­ yes." Li Chunhua answered reluctantly. "He is easy to speak to, and he gives solid advice. He grates on my nerves sometimes, but he''s willing to ept me, even though I know I''m very difficult to deal with. He is still young, yet he lives independently and can do almost everything, unlike me. I think he is a cool person."

    "Jingfei is a good friend, I agree. That''s why you shouldn''t take him for granted. Try not to act wilfully and listen to him if he has trouble."

    "I know that," Li Chunhus sighed dejectedly. "If I don''t care about him, I wouldn''t feel this bothered."

    "Why, what happened?"

    "You know how Jingfei loves to joke around, but it seems something is bothering him nowadays. He barely made any reaction when I teased him, and his responses were curt."

 Chapter 435 Lu Zheng And Lu Ruan (1)

    "Everyone will have a bad day like that. Let him have some space for now, and don''t bother him too much."

    "But he is also easily irritated. The other day, I saw him speak on the phone, and he exploded. After that, he told me to leave first because he wanted to close the cafe early. He never did that before!"

    Li Caiyi recalled when she heard him and Shao Junfei argue and pondered whether it was because of the annual party again?

    Shao Junfei seemed very adamant in making his brother go to this event, while the said brother refused with all his might.

    "Xiaoyi, do you know something about this? I think he is in trouble."

    "Why are you asking me? I never talked to Jingfei other than about work nowadays. You should try asking Jingfei instead."

    "If he told me, do you think I''d ask you? You seem to be thinking of something just now. Spill the tea!"

    Li Chunhua gazed at her sharply while folding her arms. "Let me tell you that I won''t stop pestering you until you tell me everything. We have nights to spend together, so you can tell me slowly."

    She must be really curious if she went so far as to threaten her like this. With her attitude like this, how could Li Caiyi not have any idea about her rtionship with Shao Jingfei?

    "Stop looking at me like that. You scared me. I''ll tell you, okay? This is just my guess so take it with a grain of salt."

    Li Chunhua smiled triumphantly before leaning her body forward. "I''m listening."

    "I think this has something to do with her brother. The other dayˇ­."

    Li Caiyi slowly filled Li Chunhua about the situation. She silently listened until the end before speaking thoughtfully.

    "Hm, so that''s the reason. I never knew his brother was working in the samepany. He never told me anything."

    "He doesn''t tell anyone. I just found it out by coincidence. His brother doesn''t seem to be a bad person, but we''ll never know the inside story."

    "Yeah. But running away like this won''t solve his problem. His brother won''t stop pestering him if he doesn''t go."

    Li Caiyi shrugged. "That''s his family''s internal problem. I don''t think we should get involved in it.

    Li Chunhua didn''t respond and looked deep in thought. After a few moments, she spoke again. "Say, do you think I can also attend that annual party?"

    "Huh? Why do you want to go?"

    "Just because. I''m curious why Jingfei wants to avoid it so much."

    "Don''t treat this matter lightly. Jingfei probably doesn''t like an outsider to meddle in his business."

    "I''m not meddling. I''m trying to help him here!"

    Li Caiyi shook her head helplessly. She stayed corrected; Li Chunhua still had a long way to go.

    "Putting aside the fact that Jingfei never actually asked for your help, you can''t attend that annual party because only employees and those contracted under thepany can go."

    "Tsk. No fun."<sub> </sub>

    Sure enough, she wanted to go there just for fun. Li Caiyi didn''t know whether tough or cry.

    ***

    Days went on peacefully after that. Li Chunhua had been staying over for almost a week. In that period, Li Caiyi didn''t receive any other harassment from her stalker.

    Those people were probably nning something again, but for now, she decided to enjoy the temporary peace she had. Living with Li Chunhua proved to be very beneficial because Li Caiyi could finally finish her homework with her help.

    Her sister would talk non-stop sometimes, and it was draining to keep up with her, but aside from that, there was no other inconvenience.

    "Xiaoyi, I need to go out after this, so you don''t have to wait for lunch with me."

    "Where are you going?" Li Caiyi stared at her sister''s outfit, which wasn''t as casual today. She looked like she was about to go on a date.

    "I just have something to do. I will be back before night so let''s eat dinner together, okay?"

    "Tell me if anything happens. Your condition is better, but you are still prone to copsing. Don''t force yourself."

    "En. I''ll be going then."

    Li Chunhua walked out of her sister''s apartment and sighed in relief when she finally was outside. Thank goodness her sister didn''t probe further.

    "Okay, time to search for more information." Li Chunhua clenched her hand into a fist determinedly.

    Using a taxi only took her 20 minutes before she arrived at the cinema. She had a promise with someone to meet up here.

    Li Chunhua looked around, and she immediately spotted a tall person in the middle of the crowd. That guy was her target today.

    Pulling the corner of her mouth to form her signature lovely smile, Li Chunhua approached him with a wave. "Sorry, I''mte. Did I make you wait for long?"

    The guy''s name was Lu Zheng, and he was one of Li Chunhua''s admirers.

    He was so nervous while waiting and even thought that she was probably joking when she said she wanted to go to a movie with him. But his heart soared once he saw here to their appointed ce with such a pretty get-up.

    "No. I have just arrived here myself. You look pretty today. No, I mean you usually are, but you look gorgeous today."

    Li Chunhua pretended to look bashful. "Why, thank you. I spent quite some time on my appearance today. I wanted to make some effort since I will go out with you."

    Lu Zheng''s eyes sparkled. "Can I call you Chunhua? I''m happy to hear you dress up for me. Oh, I already bought the tickets."

    "What? You shouldn''t have. I''m the one who invited you here, after all. Uh, wait. Let me pay for mine."

    Li Chunhua opened her bag and was about to take out her wallet, but Lu Zhen put his hand on top of hers to stop her. He deliberately let his hand linger longer than it should be, making her want to p his hand away.

    But she still needed to coax some information from him. As much as she wanted to stomp on his feet, she had to hold it in and pretend to be flustered.

 Chapter 436 Lu Zheng And Lu Ruan (2)

    "You don''t have to pay for it. We are on a date, so, naturally, the guy should pay," Lu Zheng said in a somewhat proud tone.

    Li Chunhua resisted the urge to roll her eyes and looked up at him while smiling sweetly. "Thank you, you are so kind. Then let me pay for the meal today."

    Lu Zheng''s countenance became even brighter when Li Chunhua took the initiative to invite him to eat after the movie. It saved him the effort of asking her out himself.

    "No, let me pay for that too. You just need to sit back and enjoy it."

    Feeling more courageous after receiving the green light from her, Lu Zheng sped her hand and pulled her closer. "Then, how about we go in now? The movie is about to start."

    Li Chunhua hated it when someone suddenly grabbed her, especially if it wasn''t someone she liked. However, to increase the sess rate of this mission, she had to swallow all her resentment and follow along with the flow.

    "You are right. Let''s go." She replied with a smile on her face, further convincing Lu Zheng that he was on the right track.

    Throughout the movie, Li Chunhua couldn''t concentrate at all. It was because Lu Zheng kept staring at her intensely, which was very burdening. She couldn''t wait until the movie finished.

    In the end, none of them remembered what happened in the movie. Next, Li Chunhua asked him to follow her to a high-end restaurant. She smirked inwardly, seeing the slightly flustered look on Lu Zheng''s face when they stared at the menu.

    Who told him to get too ahead of himself? Let this be a lesson for him.

    "What''s wrong? Do you not find anything you like? I have been here a few times, and the menu was great. I rmend this one if you don''t know what to order." Li Chunhua smiled while casually pointing at the most expensive dish on the menu.

    Lu Zheng tried to y it cool to not lose face, but she didn''t miss the slight twitch on the corner of his mouth.

    "If it''s something you rmended, I have to try it."

    "Yes, this one is very delicious. I want to eat it again, so let''s order two portions for us." Li Chunhua raised her hand to call for a waiter, giving no chance to Lu Zheng to change his mind.

    He had no choice but to bite the bullet rather than embarrass himself in front of the girl he was pursuing.

    "You said you came here often. Is it with your previous boyfriends?"

    Another thing she hated was when someone tried to pry her private matters when they didn''t know each other that well. Lu Zheng''s worth in her eyes increasingly decreased at an rming rate. But she had to continue this charade.

    "Ah, no. I have never had a boyfriend before." Li Chunhua replied awkwardly.

    "What? You are joking. There''s no way someone as pretty as you has never had a boyfriend."

    "No, that''s true. I may appear open and friendly to everyone, but it is actually hard for me to get along on a deeper level with someone. Of course, there will be an exception." Li Chunhua lingered her gaze on him like she was trying to imply something but quickly averted her eyes.<sub> </sub>

    Sure enough, Lu Zheng fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

    "Chunhua, I promise I will not do anything that makes you ufortable. I hope we can get to know each other more and probably be closer." He excitedly said.

    "En, I hope so too."

    "To be honest, you are the ideal type of many guys out there. I almost couldn''t believe it when you asked me out yesterday. Can I interpret this as you want to get to know me better too?"

    Lu Zheng looked at her expectantly, the kind of stare which undoubtedly had an ulterior motive behind it. She hid her disdain and replied, "I don''t know. I just thought that I wanted to spend some time with you. Is that bad?"

    By giving an ambiguous answer like that, she left it to his imagination to think as he liked. She would delete his contact as soon as she got what she wanted from him anyway.

    "No. It''s not. Sorry, I made you ufortable by being too hasty about this, didn''t I? I''ll stop talking about this, then."

    ''Men will always be men. How foolish,'' Li Chunhua sneered inwardly. ''Let''s get this over quickly.''

    "Lu Zheng, I actually have something to ask you. This is about your cousin."

    Lu Zheng''s brows raised in confusion. "You mean Lu Ruan? What''s wrong with her?"

    Lu Ruan was the name of the leader of the gang who bullied Li Caiyi before. After asking around, she discovered that an aggressive and hysterical girl had a nerdy cousin who didn''t stand out.

    Not many people knew about their rtionship, mainly because Lu Ruan refused to be associated with a nerd like Lu Zheng.

    For a guy who was desperate to have a girlfriend, it was easy for Li Chunhua to be his goddess. She just needed to make a ''chance'' meeting with him, say some nice words, and he would be putty in her hand.

    Her main objective had always been Lu Ruan.

    Li Chunhua couldn''t help but have a bad feeling about that girl. Even if there wasn''t any significant change in Lu Ruan, she still thought Lu Ruan must have something to do with this.

    No matter how she had to get her cousin to spill some information about her. Li Caiyi almost died in the mountain, and she would never forgive whoever that scheme against her sister!

    "I was shocked when I found out she is your cousin. She is popr, so I assume you will be well-known too."

    Li Chunhua smiled gently before faking a surprised look. "Ah, sorry, I didn''t mean it like that. I just thought it would be nice if we could meet faster.

 Chapter 437 Lu Zheng And Lu Ruan (3)

    Li Chunhua blinked her eyes a few times, and Lu Zheng was immediately enthralled by her beauty. He smiled widely, and a blush crept up his face.

    "Well, that''s a shame indeed. But I don''t want to get associated with that cousin of mine if I can help it."

    "Oh? Why? Aren''t you guys a family?" Li Chunhua began to probe carefully.

    Lu Zheng sighed. "Lu Ruan is a bully. Not only in school but also in the house. I mean, even if she is my cousin, I can''t speak any good words for her. She is the ck sheep of our family."

    Li Chunhua could tell that Lu Zheng didn''t like Lu Ruan. This made everything easier for her.

    "If I may ask, why is it like that? I don''t think anyone from your family will be that bad of a person."

    "Chunhua, you are really too precious for this world. You should save your kind words for those who truly deserve it. Lu Ruan is definitely not one of those people. She is just a bully and troublemaker. She has always liked to be on top of other people''s heads. Even her parents had given up on her."

    Li Chunhua gasped. "That bad?"

    Lu Zheng nodded. He leaned in closer while smiling mysteriously. "This is a secret, but I''ll let you know. Lu Ruan used to date a man much older than her. He was almost as old as her father. And it happened when she was still in middle school. Imagine how much embarrassment she brought to the family!"

    The news brought a genuine shock to Li Chunhua''s face. She was speechless and didn''t know what to think.

    "You didn''t expect it at all right? For a bad girl like her can get even lower than that. No one spoke about Lu Ruan in our family, or paid attention to her, so she became more unruly and hung out with delinquents. If it weren''t for her wealthy family, I bet she couldn''t go to school anymore."

    Lu Zheng clicked his tongue in annoyance. "She is the one who is bad, but my uncle and aunt have to pay the price for it. And the said person didn''t even feel apologetic at all. I can''t stand a person like that. I prefer to be a nobody rather than be associated with someone like her."

    Seeing the apparent hostility and disgust in Lu Zheng''s eyes, Li Chunhua was confident that he hated Lu Ruan to the core. She didn''t even have to do anything, and he already listed all of Lu Ruan''s wrongdoing to her, as though he had been waiting all this time to tell it to someone.

    "Chunhua, you shouldn''t trust people that easily. You should avoid Lu Ruan if you can. She not only has questionable morals but also is very barbaric. A pure person like her is her favorite target."

    Li Chunhua feigned a troubled expression before reluctantly agreeing. "If you said so, then I''ll listen. But do you know if there is someone named Hu Jian among her acquaintances?"

    "Hu Jian? I''m not sure. I would asionally be forced to talk to her, but I had never heard her mention that name. But why are you asking me that?"

    "I''m just curious. Lu Ruan is popr, and I heard recently that she had a friend with that name, but it seems I''m wrong."

    "Lu Ruan is good for nothing, and she knew a bunch of shady people. She didn''t even bother to try it anymore at this point."<sub> </sub>

    "Isn''t it dangerous? No matter what, your cousin is a girl. What if someone among those guys had any dangerous ideas about her?"

    "Even if there is, she deserves it. Who told her to hang out with those kinds of people? She reaped what she sowed."

    Li Chunhua couldn''t care less about what he thought, but when she heard those cold words, she pitied Lu Ruan a bit. But that feeling quickly disappeared, considering that the girl was probably the reason Li Chunhua almost lost her sister.

    "I see. But what if those people were the ones who influenced her to do bad things? Like that Hu Jian guy, for example."

    "Well, if the seed was bad from the beginning, it couldn''t be helped if she can only get along with those types of people. This Hu Jian guy is probably just one among her many bad acquaintances. Not that Lu Ruan is any better than them, though."

    "I''m kind of worried. Do you know who is the one hanging out with her the most? They are probably the source of all trouble."

    Lu Zheng fell into deep thought before he remembered something. "Come to think of it, she indeed said that she met with a good person recently. She said that person is the one who understands her the most. Not even Meng Renshu can''tpare. I didn''t understand what she talked about, though."

    Li Chunhua''s detective sense was tingling. It wasn''t a secret that Lu Ruan was a hardcore admirer of Meng Renshu, to the point she almost looked like a maniac.

    If someone like that suddenly spoke highly of another person, this might be worth investigating!

    "Perhaps it was that person! Do you know anything about that guy?"

    Lu Zheng shrugged in disinterest. With a sulking voice, he replied. "We are on a date right now. Why did we talk about an unrted person? Chunhua, she''s nothing for you to worry about."

    "But I''m curious. Lu Ruan is your cousin, after all. I want to know more about her."

    Lu Zheng was stunned, butter, he smiled flirtatiously. "If you want to know more about my life, you should ask more about me rather than Lu Ruan. Though, I can understand why you are so concerned about her. After all, we are in the same situation."

    "Ah? What do you mean?"

    "Because you are also bothered by the existence of your family members in school. Li Caiyi from ss B is your twin sister, right?"

    Li Chunhua didn''t like where this conversation was headed.

 Chapter 438 A Shallow Woman

    "That''s right. What of it?"

    Lu Zheng looked at her with pity. "Although I said we are the same, you have it harder than me. Unlike you, I can at least hide my familial rtionship with Lu Ruan because we are not closely rted. But Li Caiyi is your twin sister, and you have a simr appearance. Unfortunately, your level can''t be any more different."

    The air temperature around Li Chunhua quickly dropped after hearing his words. She almost couldn''t hold back the urge to stand and p this bastard for insulting her dear sister.

    Oblivious to her current mood, Lu Zheng took her silence as affirmation and continued.

    "It will be better if you guys aren''t twins, so people won''t be able to associate you two at all. You are almost perfect, but your twin is not on par. I understand how it feels when people make their own conclusions and underestimate you just because they think you are the same failure as your rtive. It''s frustrating, isn''t it?"

    Li Chunhua''s expression was as dark as the night sky. A raging storm swirled in her eyes as she tried hard not to flip the table and cursed this person out loud. But she still had to get information out of him.

    "Lu Zheng, what are you saying? I never thought of my sister like that."

    ''Don''t lump with the likes of you,'' Li Chunhua restrained herself from saying thatst part.

    "Everyone knew that Li Caiyi couldn''t bepared with you. I''m not insulting her, just stating the fact. You don''t have to feel bad for her, because you can say your opinion freely in front of me. Let''s get to know each other better," Lu Zheng winked and reached out to hold her hand, but she avoided him almost automatically.

    "Chunhua?"

    "Is that what you, and everyone else, think of Xiaoyi and me all this time?"

    This time, she couldn''t hide the scorn in her voice. Lu Zheng noticed the change and was flustered, without knowing what mistake he had made.

    "What happened? Are you surprised? But you should have already known what people think of you two, right? Li Caiyi benefitted greatly by having you as her sister. Senior Li and Senior Meng also have her back."

    Li Chunhua bit her lips hard, and her facial expression was covered by her bangs, creating a shadow on her face. She couldn''t believe the abomination she had just heard.

    "Let''s stop talking about this then. Our food is here." Lu Zheng smiled awkwardly while trying to lighten up the atmosphere.

    Unbeknownst to him, Li Chunhua grabbed her ss of orange juice as soon as the waiter left and poured the content on top of his head.

    Lu Zheng felt the sticky coldness drenched his head and body, causing him to leap from his seat. All eyes fell on them, turning him into a big joke. It caused him to lose his temper and furiously re at Li Chunhua.

    "What the hell are you doing?!"

    "I''m sorry, but I have lost my appetite. People like you disgust me so much." Li Chunhua didn''t bother to act politely anymore. There was no fake smile and ttery but only coldness and scorn in her eyes. "What makes you think you have the qualifications to judge my sister like that? You are courting death!"

    Lu Zheng was taken aback by Li Chunhua''s retaliation. The image of pure and fragile Li Chunhua he had in his mind was shattered, leaving him speechless in shock.<sub> </sub>

    "I tried to be nice and listened to you, but you kept yapping your foul mouth. You aren''t even worthy to carry my sister''s shoes, yet you insult her. Who are you to speak degradingly like that? How absurd!"

    The onlookers enjoyed this spectacle; some pulled out their phones to record it.

    Lu Zheng, who heard the camera snapping, looked around, and his expression darkened. He recovered from the shock and quickly held on to Li Chunhua''s wrist tightly. His face contorted so bad it made him look uglier.

    "Don''t mess around with me, you bitch. You are the one who approached me first, and now you want to act high and mighty with me. Stop acting pure and righteous. It''s disgusting."

    Li Chunhua sneered. "The feeling is mutual. Listening to your filthy words makes my ears bleed. Your breath pollutes the air in this room. Do everyone a favor and stop breathing, please."

    People snickered at Li Chunhua''s mercilesseback, which infuriated Lu Zheng further.

    "Haha, so you are only ying with me? I bet you also did this with many guys. I thought you were a pure and kind-hearted girl. Turns out you are also a slut like Lu Ruan. No wonder you are so curious about her. Birds of the same feather flock together."

    Li Chunhua couldn''t even be bothered to feel offended by his insult. She rolled her eyes and hollered, "Is there anyone in this world you didn''t look down upon? Rather than wasting your time with a mortal like us, how about you ascend to heaven and never return? A pig flying would be a sight to behold!"

    "Y-you!" Lu Zheng''s chest inted and deted as he grew angrier. Who would have thought that innocent-looking Li Chunhua could spout such poisonous words?

    He could feel the tide was flowing in her favor, and peopleughed at him for his pathetic disy.

    Lu Zheng was very prideful and couldn''t stand people looking down on him, so he hated Li Chunhua to death. She was the cause of this situation.

    "Have you done talking? Let''s bring this outside."

    Lu Zheng tugged her hand harshly, and Li Chunhua winced in pain from his tight grip. It felt like her arms could break. For a nerd, he had great strength.

    "Ouch! Where are you taking me? I ain''t going anywhere with a creep like you!" Li Chunhua shouted, and it provoked Lu Zheng even more.

    "Just shut up and follow me. Let''s finish this conversation outside!"

    Lu Zheng, who looked at her with adoration until a moment ago,pletely turned into a different person.

    His good opinion of her had reached rock bottom, and he wanted nothing but to beat this girl if not for the dozens of cameras directed at him.

    He thought she was different, but it turned out she was the same as other shallow women out there. Aside from the sense of betrayal, yed by Li Chunhua was the greatest humiliation for him.

    The more he thought about it, the more furious he became.

 Chapter 439 Relapse

    "Just hurry up and follow me!"

    Lu Zheng didn''t even bother to put on a front anymore and dragged her out. Li Chunhua tried to struggle her way out of his grip, but it was useless.

    She had miscalcted. Lu Zheng was just an unathletic nerd, so she underestimated his strength. Now she had to deal with this bastard on top of humiliating herself by letting herself get dragged like this.

    Lu Zheng was very rough when pulling her. It made her slightly dizzy, and she lost her bnce. She almost fell on the floor when a pair of hands caught her from behind, acting as her cushion.

    "Every time I meet you, why are you always in some kind of trouble?"

    Li Chunhua looked up and was astonished when her eyes met Shao Jingfei''s helpless one.

    "What? Why are you here?" She asked him almost in disbelief, but he only shook his head.

    "Now, that''s not the important thing here, right?" Shao Jingfei''s eyes narrowed down at Lu Zheng dangerously. "If you know what''s best for you, you''d better let go of her hand right now."

    Lu Zheng sneered. "Ha. What did I say? You really are a two-faced white lotus. Is he another guy who you seduced? I see you are willing to go out with any man if they ask you."

    Li Chunhua wanted to retort, but Shao Jingfei had gotten ahead of her. But he wasn''t angry or anything. Instead, heughed hard.

    "What''s so funny?" Lu Zheng growled.

    "Nothing. Just thinking that you really like to dig your own grave. You should watch your words from this one."

    "Or what? Are you going to teach me a lesson?"

    "Not me, of course. But you surely should not forget that Senior Li and Senior Meng wouldn''t just sit down and let you bully her, right? A lot of eyes are watching right now. I advised you to be careful," Shao Jingfei said with a threatening smile.

    Lu Zheng was ovee with anger that he had forgotten about that. His hold on her loosened when he thought how Meng Renshu would get even at him if he found out about this. Li Chunhua seized the chance and pried her hands off of him.

    She harrumphed while rubbing her sore arms. "Let''s just leave this pathetic person, Jingfei. He is not worthy of our time."

    Before leaving Lu Zheng, whose face was pale, Li Chunhua stomped on his feet harshly before she gnashed her teeth.

    "Listen well, if you think my sister is any less than awesome, you are just blind or too stupid to realize her worth. I''d better not see you talking bad about her or face the consequences yourself. Oh, and you are paying for all this food!"

    Thest sentence was more like an announcement rather than an order. After saying her piece, Li Chunhua pulled Shao Jingfei by his elbow and left Lu Zheng, who grimaced in pain while holding his feet which Li Chunhua stomped with her heels.

    They walked briskly and left the establishment. After some distance, Shao Jingfei stopped walking.

    "Why are you so reckless? If I wasn''t there to save you, how are you nning to get yourself out of that situation?"

    Li Chunhua''s steps also halted. Sensing the reprimand in his tone, she frowned in displeasure. "I can handle that situation just fine, even without you. Why are you even there anyway?"

    "None of your business. Think before you act next time. He is a guy. No matter how weak he seems, you will never be able to win against him once he starts attacking you physically."<sub> </sub>

    "I know. But he wouldn''t be able to do that because I nned to scream to scare him away."

    Shao Jingfei snickered mockingly. "So that''s your grand n? Chunhua, you are stupider than I thought."

    "He was talking bad about Xiaoyi. Am I supposed to just sit and let him say whatever he wants about my sister? Hell no!" Li Caiyi retorted stubbornly.

    "Even so, you should be more aware of your condition. You are a girl, one with poor health at that. Provoking him will only bring you more harm than good."

    Li Chunhua knew there was some truth in what he was saying, but the way he said it made her refuse to admit it somewhat.

    "What did I do wrong? I was just defending my family, that''s all! It doesn''t have anything to do with my gender and health. If I have to, I''ll fight whoever insults my family to death!"

    Shao Jingfei sighed in a defeated manner. "Don''t say inauspicious things like that. I didn''t mean to belittle you by saying that."

    "If you were in my shoes, would you just sit down and let a random person badmouth your brother?"

    His face twitched when he heard that. "Why do you bring up my brother in this?"

    "Then why are you lecturing me as if I''m the only one in the wrong here?"

    Shao Jingfei stared at Li Chunhua''s face, which was flushed with anger. She seemed to be quite offended by his words. He didn''t expect her to react so strongly, so he felt terrible.

    "Okay, my bad. I was wrong for scolding you like that. I was worried something bad would happen to you, but my words didn''te out right."

    "Stupid Jingfei. You don''t even know anything." Li Chunhua wanted to scold him, but she couldn''t muster enough energy to do that.

    On the contrary, she felt like the world was about to flip upside down.

    "Chunhua!" Shao Jingfei eximed in panic when she almost copsed on the spot. His body moved first before he could think and catch her weak body.

    "Hey! What''s wrong with you?!"

    "Don''t shout. This happens to me asionally. Can you help me to sit down first?" Li Chunhua replied weakly.

    Shao Jingfei spared no time and lifted her body in a princess carry. Li Chunhua was so scared that she automatically warped her hand around his neck in fear of falling.

    "What are you doing?! Put me down!"

    "Just bear with it. You can''t even stand properly in your current condition. It''ll be faster if I just carry you."

    p "But this is embarrassingˇ­." Li Chunhua could feel the gazes of passersby on them without needing to raise her head. Her cheeks heated up in embarrassment.</anda>

    "Since when did you care about what other people think? Hang in there. I''ll bring you to a more quiet ce first."

 Chapter 440 Its Not A Date!

    Li Chunhua was speechless and decided to keep her mouth shut, less she attracted more unwanted attention to her.

    Deep down, she was so embarrassed she could die. But looking up at Shao Jingfei''s panicked face, she couldn''t tell him to put her down anymore.

    In the end, she wrapped her arms around his neck while burying her face in his shoulder.

    ''Strange, are his shoulders always this wide?'' Li Chunhua thought inwardly.

    She could smell the faint scent of the sun from him, and his arms, which used to support her body, were strong, despite Shao Jingfei''s height, almost the same as her.

    It made her realize that Shao Jingfei was still a guy even if he looked scrawny. For some reason, she felt self-conscious now.

    "Hold on tighter, or you''ll fall."

    His whole body vibrated ever so slightly when he spoke, and hearing his voice so close tickled her ears.

    She tightened her arms around his neck and let him carry her obediently.

    Shao Jingfei couldn''t find any ce to rest except in a few cafes and restaurants. He thought Li Chunhua would be ufortable if he brought her there and caused a fuss, so he made her sit on the empty bench of the bus stop. Thankfully, not many people were there around this time.

    He crouched in front of her and noticed how pale her face was. Li Chunhua''s face ovepped with his sickly mother''s face, and it made him even more anxious.

    "How do you feel? Did you bring your medicine?"

    Li Chunhua''s breath was slightly heavy as she answered, "Yeah. It''s in my bag."

    She tried to open her bag, but her hands trembled hard. Shao Jingfei took it from her and rummaged through it until he found a pill container. He was shocked when he saw the number of her medicines.

    "Youˇ­ drink this many every day?"

    Li Chunhua shook her head weakly. "No. Not everything in there has to be consumed every day. Oh, I forgot to bring my water bottle."

    Shao Jingfei immediately stood up and shoved the pill case into her hand. "Wait here. I''ll run and buy it for you."

    Before Li Chunhua could say anything, Shao Jingfei had run to the nearest convenience store across the street. From how rushed and grim his face was, people would think he had just lost his family member.

    It didn''t take long for him to return with a bottle of mineral water and chocte bread.

    "You haven''t eaten anything from the restaurant before. Eat some before you take your medicine."

    Shao Jingfei didn''t wait for her to agree and had already opened the stic wrapper for her. Li Chunhua really wasn''t in the mood to eat anything, but she couldn''t refuse when Shao Jingfei brought the bread to her mouth.

    "I can eat it by myself."

    "Then you do that." Shao Jingfei gave the bread to her and opened the cap of a mineral water bottle for her.

    He stared while she nibbled on the bread. She initially thought she would only take a bite, but under his pressuring gaze, she forced herself to take two more bites before she put them down.<sub> </sub>

    "I can''t eat anymore."

    "You eat so little. No wonder you are so light. I thought you were only a skeleton when I picked you up."

    "Isn''t it good? That means you don''t have to use too much strength."

    "No way. You are too light. It''s concerning. Seriously, you never cease to worry me." Shao Jingfei sighed in exasperation before switching her bread in her hand with the water bottle. "Drink your medicine now. Don''t dy it anymore."

    This time, Li Chunhua didn''t argue and gingerly picked some medicine from the pill container and drank it. Shao Jingfei watched her with a somewhat pained expression.

    "Does this happen to you a lot?"

    "Not really. I have been taking my medication properly, and it hasn''t rpsed in a while. But it will sometimes happen when I am challenged mentally or physically."

    "So the incident with that guy earlier is the trigger. Then you shouldn''t go outside alone. What will you do if you copse and no one is beside you?"

    Li Chunhua chuckled. "Your words are exactly the same as Xiaoyi."

    "You still have the energy tough? My heart almost stopped working when I saw you almost fall down." Shao Jingfei took her hand and pressed her palm against his chest. "There. Can you feel how fast it beats?"

    Li Chunhua was shocked because he grabbed her so suddenly. Usually, she would hate it, but with Shao Jingfei, she strangely wasn''t against it. On the contrary, feeling his rapid heartbeat under her hand calmed her down.

    Shao Jingfei didn''t think much of it at first, but looking at her surprised face, he immediately realized what he was doing and released her hand.

    "Oh, sorry."

    "No. It''s okay. Sorry for making you worry. And thank you for helping me not only once but twice today."

    Shao Jingfei didn''t expect her to thank him honestly. "You''re wee. Does this mean you are not angry at me anymore?"

    "I''m not angry at you. I know what you mean. I just don''t like the way you phrase it."

    Shao Jingfei grimaced. "My bad. I couldn''t control my temper well back then. I understood you were doing it for Caiyi''s sake, but I''m sure your sister won''t like it if you put yourself in danger for her sake."

    Li Chunhua silently listened to his words. "Come to think of it, howe you are there?"

    "I just happened to eat in the same ce. It was a coincidence I met you there."

    "Why didn''t youe over and join us then? From how you spoke earlier, it sounded like you have been listening to our conversation for a while."

    Shao Jingfei scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Well, you two seemed like you were on a date, so I didn''t want to disturb you."

    "It''s not a date!" Li Chunhua eximed with a deep frown on her face. "Do I look like someone who will take an interest in a guy like that?!"

    "Why are you getting angry? I just told you what I saw. Isn''t it right, though? You guys even watched a movie together, looking all close."

 Chapter 441 Shao Jingfeis Past

    Li Chunhua was baffled. "You saw that too? Wait a minute, since when did you notice us? Moreover, why are you following us?"

    Shao Jingfei looked offended by her usation. "I didn''t follow you! I just happened to watch the same movie as you guys, then we happened to go to the same restaurant. That''s all!"

    She squinted her eyes dubiously while observing him up and down. "Really? Sounds too convenient for me."

    "Don''t get ahead of yourself. I''m not so idle to do that." Shao Jingfei scoffed.

    "No need to feel embarrassed. You are not the first guy who keeps pestering me to give you attention." Li Chunhua smugly grinned while flipping her hair.

    "I''m not embarrassed, but your words embarrassed me. You are too narcissistic for your own good."

    Li Chunhua enjoyed his unamused expression and wanted to tease him further. She smiled at him and winked flirtatiously. "What if I reward you with a kiss?"

    Shao Jingfei visibly shivered as if he had just heard something horrifying. "That''s disgusting. Don''t do that again, or I''ll leave you here."

    "Hahaha! Your reaction is so funny!" Li Chunhua pointed at his face. Sheughed so hard she had to press her stomach. "This is the first time someone looked terrified when I said I''m going to kiss him."

    "Seriously, I pity the guy who will be your boyfriend. You are too unrestrained; I''m worried he will be enved by you."

    "As he should! My future boyfriend is lucky to have me, so isn''t it obvious that he has to work hard for me." Li Chunhua raised her chin haughtily, making Shao Jingfei shake his head helplessly.

    "Well, at least you look more energetic than before. That''s a relief."

    "Didn''t I say I will be fine? This happens asionally. You are overreacting."

    "How can I not? What if something happens to you and your condition worsens because of myte handling? I''m afraid you will be gone once I take my eyes off you."

    Li Chunhua was stunned. He looked too agitated for someone who was worried about his friends.

    "Jingfei, I''m fine. I''m not going anywhere. I should be the one asking you, are you okay? Your face doesn''t look well, even though I''m sick."

    Shao Jingfei wanted to say something more butter closed his mouth again.

    "Nevermind. I will call a taxi to take you home."

    Li Chunhua didn''t want to go home yet. She didn''t wish Li Caiyi to know she had almost copsed again. Her sister would surely make a fuss about it and force her to go to the hospital.

    "Wait! Let''s sit here for a bit longer. I want to talk to you more!"

    "Ah? We can talk on the phone then."<sub> </sub>

    "No, I want to talk to you directly!" Li Chunhua saw Shao Jingfei''s unconvinced face and worked her brain to devise a good excuse. She definitely couldn''t let him tell her sister about this!

    "I want to hear more about your brother!"

    Li Chunhua realised her mistake as soon as she blurted that out. Her brain automatically recalled the conversation she had with Li Caiyi the other day and said that.

    As expected, Shao Jingfei frowned when he heard that. "Why do you want to know about my brother?"

    ? Now that it hade to this, Li Chunhua had no choice but to charge forward. "Can''t I ask about it? You know everything between my sister and me, so isn''t it unfair that I know nothing about your brother?"

    "That''s not how it works. Besides, I have no intention of telling anyone about it. Just mind your own business."

    His words were cold and decisive, like a wall of cold and hard ice. She couldn''t find any crack on it.

    Shao Jingfei had never told her about anything. Was it because he thought she couldn''t be trusted? Considering it that way made the girl''s shoulder slumped dejectedly.

    "Did you ask about it because Caiyi told you what happened in ourpany?"

    Bullseye. Shao Jingfei''s stare was like a heavy pressure on her. At times like this, he could be pretty scary because Li Chunhua couldn''t tell when he would explode. His tone carried a sense of warning and reprimand; it made her restless.

    "Don''t be mad. If you don''t want to talk about it, then don''t." Li Chunhua puffed her cheeks sulkily.

    "You twins should just think of yourself first. If Caiyi told you just so you could convince me to attend that party, I have to politely decline. I didn''t say this to be mean, but I''m ufortable with how you two keep asking me the same question."

    ''Ah, he really is mad indeed.'' Li Chunhua thought inwardly.

    This topic was andmine. Li Chunhua understood now why her sister said she shouldn''t meddle. Although she was curious, she decided to not press further. At least for now.

    "I just wanted to make a conversation. I didn''t want to go home and let Xiaoyi see me like this. She will be worried and me herself for being too lenient on me."

    Shao Jingfei couldn''t sense any tricks or mischievousness in her this time. The way she looked down apologetically softened his heart, making his anger evaporate instantly.

    "You should have just said so then." Shao Jingfei returned to his seat beside her and looked forward to the busy street. His gaze was distant with a hint of mncholy in it. "I can''t tell you about my brother, but do you want to hear about my mother instead?"

    "Your biological mother?" Li Chunhua echoed his words. Just a moment ago, he was like a tiger who was ready to fight to keep his territory, but now he willingly told her about that sensitive matter. She didn''t know what to think.

    "My mother used to be like you. She is weak physically and will get sick often, but she would cook for me sometimes. On the day of my 13th birthday, she was trying to cook for me, but her health suddenly dropped, and she copsed on the floor. Apparently, she still had the stove on then, and it almost burned our small house along with my mother in it."

    Li Chunhua covered her mouth in shock. She never knew Shao Jingfei had such a sad childhood story.

 Chapter 442 She Tamed Him Well

    "I wasn''t at home that time, but our neighbour who saw the fire immediately came over and helped us to put off the fire. When I returned and saw my house was on fire, my body moved automatically, and I didn''t remember much of it. What I knew was my mother was saved, at least temporarily."

    "Temporarily?"

    "Yeah. Thankfully she didn''t get burned, but she inhaled a lot of poisonous gas. Her health wasn''t that good in the first ce, and inhaling the gas just made her condition worsen."

    Shao Jingfei''s voice trembled ever so slightly when he spoke the following sentences.

    "She passed away the next day. On my birthday and Glorious Days anniversary."

    His words felt like a p to her face. Without knowing anything, she kept pestering him just to satisfy her curiosity. Her intention to help unknowingly became salt in his wound.

    Li Chunhua tried to visualize the little Shao Jingfei''s shocked expression when he found his house was engulfed in fire, and it caused a throbbing pain in her chest. He had to watch that terrifying scene of his mother almost dying.

    How hard must it be to tell her this? Did he tell her this because of what she told him before, that she knew nothing of it and it wasn''t fair?

    Li Chunhua just wanted to help him, the same way he was always there for her when she needed him. Not to make him have such a painful and bitter expression on his face. He looked like a child that was on the verge of crying.

    "Stop. You don''t have to tell me any more than this." Li Chunhua reached out and sped his hand in her. To her surprise, his hand was colder than her.

    "If it hurts you so much, you don''t have to tell me. I''m sorry for being too nosy. I will not ask you about it anymore."

    Shao Jingfei looked down at his hand, which was gripped tightly by hers, and a small smile escaped his lips.

    "Your hand is small and warm, just like my mother''s. But we never know when you will lose that warmth. That''s why, please always be careful, alright?"

    Li Chunhua''s heart felt like it had just been twisted. So he didn''t tell her that because of what she said, but solely because he wanted her to be more aware of her fragile health.

    Just to warn her, he had to scratch his heart wound again. She was speechless.

    ''Why is he so stupidly kind? He didn''t have to go that far.'' Li Chunhua grumbled inwardly, but her heart went against her brain and skipped a beat instead.

    "Chunhua, I appreciate your concern, but just staying by my side is enough. You don''t have to feel like you owe me something."

    Li Chunhua didn''t know what to say. She had never consoled a person before, at least sincerely, so she found this situation quite troubling.

    Her thought process was simple. If she couldn''t say it, she should just show it through action.

    Shao Jingfei''s eyes widened when Li Chunhua suddenly threw her weight on him and wrapped her arms around him, below his armpit. He could feel something soft and plump pressed against his chest and his face flushed in embarrassment.

    "Chunhua! What the heck are you doing?!"

    Instead of pulling away, she stroked her back instead. The motion was gentle and caring, unlike the usual Li Chunhua, which made the boy even more flustered. He wanted to push her away but was afraid he would identally hurt her.

    "Shh, don''t scream. Just be a good boy, and let me hug you in your mother''s stead. If she sees you now, I bet that must be what she will do. She will also tell you not to feel hurt and sad because she will always watch you from afar."

    Shao Jingfei''s body stiffened when he heard that. He could feel people''s gaze at them, so he used his arm to pull her closer to him, covering her from everyone''s stare.

    "What are you talking about, silly Chunhua." He said without anger in his tone.<sub> </sub>

    Her naivety baffled him, but her warmth soothed the wound in his heart. Her awkward attempt to console him made him feel like he was basking in warm spring water.

    Shao Jingfei was a man of reason, yet he wanted to believe her childish remarks earlier. For some reason, he felt like he could believe it if Li Chunhua was the one who said it.

    "Jingfei, from now on, I promise I won''t recklessly head into danger anymore. Next time, I will call you first if something like that happens again. At that time, you''lle to save me, right?" Li Chunhua said as she looked up at him.

    Shao Jingfei was astonished. He had always known that Li Chunhua was a jade beauty, which was coveted by a lot of guys, but her personality made it hard for him to take her beauty seriously.

    His ideal type of woman had always been the gentle and understanding type of woman; she was the opposite of that.

    Yet why did he feel like the world stopped moving when he looked into her eyes?

    No, he wished that the world and time stopped moving, so he could gaze at her beautiful pair of eyes longer.

    Shao Jingfei could sense something had changed between them at that moment, and he feared that.

    Averting his eyes from her, he replied, "I''m a busy person. I don''t have time to look after you 24/7."

    "So you won''te when I ask you toe?" Li Chunhua asked sadly.

    "I will. Who said I won''t go?" Shao Jingfei replied quickly, surprising even himself.

    He cleared his throat before continuing, "I mean, it will be bad if no one is there by your side when something happens to you. Make sure to put my number in your emergency call."

    Li Chunhua chuckled. "You already are. I put your number in number 9."

    "I bet you must have put Caiyi as your number 1."

    Li Chunhua shook her head. "I used to do that, but not anymore. I have you to take care of me now, so I won''t bother Xiaoyi anymore."

    Shao Jingfei was stunned. He realized that this girl hadpletely treated him as her servant, who naturally shoulde at her beckons.

    Yet a part of him felt ted when he heard that.

    Shao Jingfei became even more scared now. Throughout the 17 years of his life, he didn''t know he had such a masochistic tendency in him.

    This girl had wrecked his mind and tamed him without him realizing it!

    Trying to calm down his elerating heartbeat, he asked her again. "Then why number 9? An important person like me deserves the number 1 spot!"

    "Oh, you didn''t know? Number 9 is my favorite number, and it was the closest to my right thumb. This way, I can contact you one second faster whenever I want to meet you."

    Shao Jingfei was speechless. The more he asked something, the deeper he dug into his own grave.

    She usually frowned in annoyance and spoke rudely to him, but she looked cute when she whispered those sweet words at him. He suspected that Li Chunhua did this on purpose to y with him.

    How dare she!

 Chapter 443 Fluttering Heart

    "Jingfei! Are you trying to crush me? Stop it!" Li Chunhua''s angry voice was suppressed by his chest, as he buried her deeper into his embrace. She was baffled by his impudence.

    ''How could he do this to me when I was just trying to be nice?!''

    She was never the one to hold back, so she smacked his body, which was surprisingly sturdier than she thought, using both of her hands.

    Everything was alright up until a moment ago. She didn''t know what part of her words suddenly made him squeeze her painfully like this.

    Being so close to him like this, on top of being stared at by people made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Her heart drummed loudly in her chest, and she unknowingly raised her voice to hide her fluster.

    It was all Shao Jingfei''s fault she felt like this, so she kept bumping her small fists against his shoulder and back.

    Meanwhile, Shao Jingfei couldn''t help but smile in amusement. She wore a fierce expression on her face, yet her fists brought little to no damage to him. It felt like being smacked by a pillow.

    He wondered if she really had no energy in her or if was she trying to act coy by doing this.

    Nevertheless, Shao Jingfei still held both of her hands in his to stop her rampant attack. A helpless smile adorned his boyish face.

    "Come on. Why are you abusing me like this? I''m not a punching bag."

    "It''s your fault. What do you think you are doing? Who says you can hug me as you please?"

    "Wow, so you can put your hand all over my body, but I can''t do the same? That''s so unfair, don''t you think?"

    Li Chunhua''s jaw almost hit the ground. She was shocked by Shao Jingfei''s words which seemed to insinuate something. But then she remembered what she was doing and mes of embarrassment burned her face again.

    "I-I''m notˇ­ Youˇ­ How dare youˇ­ It''s not likeˇ­"

    She couldn''t utter any rebuttal, and the smug grin on his face clearly had a sense of victory in it. It was infuriating, and she wished for nothing but to punch it off of his face.

    Meanwhile, Shao Jingfei enjoyed the frustration on her face. Li Chunhua used to look down on him and push him around, so it was satisfying to see her speechless like this.

    "What''s up? Cat got your tongue? After you molested me like that, now you want to use me for returning the favor?"

    He snickered. "You are too much. I never knew you were this unscrupulous. I wonder if Caiyi knows about this."

    It was as if two red horns were growing on his head. His taunting face made her want to p him across the face. However, she knew better. Doing that would only amuse him even more, so she decided to teach him a lesson in another way.

    Li Chunhua would never admit that her heart fluttered, even for a second, for an annoying guy like this!

    "Huff.. you.. are insufferableˇ­" Li Chunhua breathed hard while clutching her chest, looking extremely pained.

    ''Let''s see how he''ll react to this. This trick''s never failed before!''

    Shao Jingfei was instantly rmed by the shift in her expression. He held her by the shoulder, his face riddled with worry and guilt.

    "Are you okay? Get yourself together!"

    "Huffˇ­ huffˇ­"

    "Li Chunhua, what is it? Where do you feel hurt?" Shao Jingfei frantically searched her body for the source of pain.

    Looking at his panicked face, Li Chunhua was very satisfied. That genuine worry on his face made her feel even more proud. He was 100 years too early if he thought he could wrap her around his hand.

    "Pfft. You act high and mighty, but in the end you are no match for me." Li Chunhuaughed even harder when Shao Jingfei raised his head and stared nkly at her.

    "What is this? That was an act? You are deceiving me?!"

    "Now, who is putting their hands all over another''s body? You are pretty bold to do this in a public ce. If I scream, that''ll be the end of you."

    Shao Jingfei immediately raised his hands high in the air and created some distance away from her. With a disgruntled groan, he scratched his hair awkwardly, "Okay, you got me. Sorry for teasing you like that."<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua harrumphed. "Now you understand how it feels? I have been thinking about this for a while, but you seriously have no delicacy at all."

    "That''s nder. I''ll have you know that I''m more gentlemanly than most guys out there."

    "Keep telling yourself that," Li Chunhua rolled her eyes.

    "I''m not joking! Do you think you can get away if you throw yourself at another guy like that? You are so lucky it was me. If it was any other guy, they would jump at you immediately when they see an opening!"

    Li Chunhua almost choked when she heard that. She didn''t know just how many times this guy had left her speechless in a day. But more than surprise, she was flustered by the underlying meaning in his words.

    She had to admit that she was getting too carried away earlier. Shao Jingfei looked so pitiful, so she wanted to do something to cheer him up. But thinking about it again, she might have gone overboard.

    ''What do you expect me to do? I never cheered for a person before, it has always been the other way around. And this guy really has the nerve to tell me I''m not charming in a roundabout way.''

    Come to think of it, Shao Jingfei was really weird. Even though she had stopped trying to act cute and nice like she used to do, she was confident that her charms still worked wonderfully towards the opposite sex. She only needed to look up at them with doe-like eyes, and they would be ying in her palms.

    But it didn''t seem like her charm worked on this guy in front of her. It was a relief, yet frustrated her at the same time.

    Shao Jingfei saw the difort in her expression, and an idea came to him. He quickly added, "Oh, don''t worry. I''m not interested in you at all, so you can stop frowning. Because what you are thinking will certainly NOT happen."

    Li Chunhua was baffled by his overconfidence. It wasn''t like she was interested in him!

    But the most baffling of all was the way her heart sank a little when she heard that.

    Li Chunhua felt ufortable in the pit of her stomach, but she couldn''t tell what it was.

    ''Could it be the side effect of the medicine? Strange, this never happened before.''

    Oblivious to the impact his words brought on her, Shao Jingfei got up from his seat. "Can we go now, if you are fine? I will take you home."

    Li Chunhua quickly brushed off the thought in her head. She didn''t like how her body felt, so she wanted to go home and rest.

    ***

    Li Caiyi was typing on her phone when Li Chunhua came in. She put her phone aside and stepped out of her bed to wee her.

    "Wee back. You areter than usual. Where have you been?"

    "Xiaoyi, I have something I need to tell you." Li Chunhua strode toward her sister with a big smile on her face, clearly excited to tell her about the new information she had just gotten.

    However, Li Caiyi frowned as soon as she took a closer look at her. She reached out and cupped Li Chunhua''s cheek in her hand.

    "What happened to you? Why are you so pale?" Li Caiyi asked with a tense voice. Her face looked grim as she stared at Li Chunhua, demanding an exnation.

    "W-What are you talking about? I''m as fine as I usually am."

    "Xiaohua, you know that kind of excuse will not work for me, right? Tell me the truth. What happened to you?"

    Li Chunhua grimaced inwardly. She was naive to think that she could hide something from her sister. All that time she took for resting before going home was an utter waste.

    It had always been like that. As dense as Li Caiyi could be, she was keenly perceptive to the change in her face color, or the shift in her physical condition. It was like she could feel her pain, even without her mentioning it.

    Normally, Li Chunhua would feel proud of this sisterly connection, but this time, she couldn''t help but feel defeated.

    "There is no escaping you, Xiaoyi," Li Chunhua slowly sat on the soft carpet as she sighed.

    Li Caiyi could tell that something big must have happened if it could affect her twin sister so much like this.

    "Wait, let me make a warm drink for you first. In the meantime, you can change to something morefortable first." Li Caiyi smiled gently before making her way to the kitchen.

 Chapter 444 I Dont Need Your Protection

    Li Chunhua was listless throughout the process of washing her face and changing. By the time she finished, Li Caiyi had waited for her with a cup of warm chocte milk on the table. There were some marshmallows in it, just like the way Li Chunhua liked it.

    Her nose soured, as the warmth spread inside her chest.

    Li Chunhua acted tough in front of Shao Jingfei, but truthfully, she was a bit scared.

    When Lu Zheng grabbed her with a terrifying expression on his face, she knew that she had screwed up. She imagined the scenario where he would beat her, and found herself shrinking in her ce. It was purely because of her pride, she hadn''t run away from that ce in panic.

    Now that Li Caiyi treated her with so much gentleness and warmth like this, the strong facade she put on crumbled down, leaving her vulnerable and having teary eyes.

    Li Caiyi was startled when she saw Li Chunhua trembling like that, but she quickly understood something.

    "Xiaohua,e here." She beckoned her sister toe closer, and Li Chunhua spared no time to enter her embrace.

    "Waaah, Xiaoyi! I''m so scared!" That was all she said before bawling her eyes out.

    Li Caiyi patted her back gently. She remembered how she used tofort her sister like this all the time. "There, there, It''s okay now. No one will hurt you here."

    Even that one time when Li Chunhua bravely fought the big man when they got separated in a festival during their childhood, she didn''t cry in front of anyone but her. That sense of dependence onceforted Li Caiyi greatly.

    Just as much as she couldn''t live without Li Chunhua, her sister was also the same. It gave her a purpose to keep going on, even when the despair took over her mind.

    They clung to each other for life, and ended up hurting each other. It was a good thing she put her distance from Li Chunhua in this life, but when she saw her like this, she really couldn''t help but wanted tofort her like she always did.

    They stayed like that for a while. Only when Li Chunhua finally calmed down did Li Caiyi asked her questions.

    "So what exactly happened? There aren''t many people that can faze you like this. Something terrible must have happened to you."

    Li Chunhua blew her nose before replying in a small voice. "It''s not that terrible. I was justˇ­"

    Li Chunhua exined slowly, from the beginning to the end, including how Shao Jingfei saved her from Lu Zheng. Throughout her story, Li Caiyi didn''t say a word, but when she finished, she red at her angrily.

    "How could you n something reckless like this without telling me anything?"

    Li Chunhua gulped. Her sister didn''t raise her voice, but the pressure and seething anger under her voice was palpable.

    "Uhm, I was just trying to help. There was no guarantee Lu Zheng had any good info, so I didn''t want to make a fuss."

    "Xiaohua, you are so smart, yet you are too clueless about how the world works! Do you think you could get away with it once he found out you are only using her? It was inevitable that something like this would happen, but did you ever stop to think that?!"

    Li Chunhua couldn''t refute it at all. She could still handle Shao Jingfei, but she couldn''t escape Li Caiyi''s wrath.

    This was why she didn''t want her sister to find out! She nned to tell her that she peacefully got new information from Lu Zheng, but her constitution just had to give her away.

    "B-but, I have new information about Hu Jian from him! We can probably use this in the futureˇ­"

    If look could kill, then Li Chunhua probably already died ten times by now. Li Caiyi''s eyes narrowed down even more, upon noticing that Li Chunhua had no intention to reflect her mistake at all.

    Shivers ran down Li Chunhua''s body at her sister''s sharp re. She dared not to say anything except one thing, "Sorry. I was wrong."

    Li Caiyi''s anger subsided a bit at her honest apology. She still had so many things to say, but considering how shaken Li Chunhua was after that experience, she held herself back with a sigh of exasperation.

    "You are lucky Jingfei happened to be around to save you. Can you imagine what will happen if he isn''t there?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua really wanted to rebuke, but recalling what happened earlier today mped her mouth shut.

    "As for Hu Jian matter, let''s not pursue it further."

    "What? Why?!" Li Chunhua raised her head in disbelief.

    "It''s no use. Even if what Lu Zheng said is the truth, and Lu Ruan had been in contact with Hu Jian to mess with me, we have no proof of that. And there is no guarantee the man she is in contact with is the same Hu Jian I met."

    "Well, yeah. But based on the circumstance, this is the only possibility we have. We can''t just give up!"

    "No! I will not hear any of this anymore. I want you to stop poking your finger around and put yourself in danger!"

    Li Caiyi felt distressed inside. If she knew Li Chunhua would go this far, she would never let her in from the beginning. How could she be so careless? She should have known Li Chunhua wouldn''t be able to calm down and go to any length to find the true culprit behind all this.

    What if Lu Zheng told Lu Ruan about how Li Chunhua tried to gather information about her? That girl was already very hostile to them even without all that. And if the man Lu Ruan got in contact with was really that dangerous Hu Jianˇ­

    Li Caiyi''s hair stood at the fearsome thought of what could happen to her sister. She had already experienced firsthand how malicious whoever targeted her. The attempt to steal her life, and the harassment she received, could be shifted to Li Chunhua in the future.

    "Alright, I admit it was wrong of me to do that without consulting with you first, but we can''t let that dangerous person roam around freely. What if they try to harm you again?"

    "Xiaohua. Make no further fuss about this because I have decided to put an end to this. If they are so dangerous, then all the more reason for us not to stick our finger into the tiger''s nose. Just pretend nothing happened and don''t do anything."

    "No! I don''t want that. I want to protect you. They have malicious intent towards you, and you want me to stay put? Heck no!"

    "LI CHUNHUA!"

    Li Chunhua was shocked when Li Caiyi suddenly shouted her full name. She was rendered speechless and could only stare at her in disbelief.

    "I don''t need your protection and I don''t feel like pursuing this matter anymore. That''s my final decision."

    Li Caiyi didn''t wait for Li Chunhua to respond. She stood up and cleared her cup in the sink. "Come to think of it, how long are you going to stay in my ce? I didn''t want to say it since I''m the one who invited you here, but you already stayed here for too long. I want you to go back home tomorrow."

    "Xi-Xiaoyi, what''s wrong? D-did I say something wrong?" Li Chunhua said in panic.

    Li Caiyi steeled herself and made her voice as cold as possible. "Just leave me alone. Don''t get involved in my business anymore. It''s bothersome."

    There was a heavy silence in the room after she said that. Li Chunhua was stubborn, so if she didn''t take extreme measures like this, she was afraid she wouldn''t stop going off on her own.

    Even so, her words were still too much. Li Caiyi felt guilty as soon as she let out those cruel words to Li Chunhua who had nothing but concern for her.

    "Xiaohua, I-,"

    "Stupid Xiaoyi. I don''t care about you anymore!"

    Li Chunhua shouted at her before diving into the bed and covered herself with the nket, refusing to talk or even look at her anymore.

    Li Caiyi sighed in defeat but also relieved at the same time. She almost retracted her words back there.

    Although she felt bad for her, this was the best decision. There was no need to drag Li Chunhua deeper into this. She had to solve this problem by herself.

 Chapter 445 Something You Need To Know (1)

    The first thing that greeted her eyes in the morning was the empty bed.

    The ce where Li Chunhua usually slept was already empty by the time she woke up. It took her a few seconds before she recalled their argumentst night. Li Caiyi sighed as she ruffled her messy hair.

    "No, this is for the best. If I don''t do this, that child will force her way forward just like she always does."

    Her brain knew what to do, but when she recalled Li Chunhua''s upset facest night, she felt immense guilt.

    Right at that time, her phone vibrated. It was a call from Shao Jingfei. Li Caiyi could already feel an iing headache her way.

    "Did something happen? Chunhua called me, and it seemed like she was in a terrible mood. Based on experience, this situation usually concerns you." Shao Jingfei said.

    "I''m sorry, did she say something rude to you? You''re right. She is like that because of me."

    "Well, on the contrary, she was very silent, unlike usual. It scares me. She hurled insults at me when I tried to poke fun at her."

    Strangely, Li Caiyi could easily picture the image clearly in her head. Their bickering wasn''t a new sight anymore.

    "You should probably leave her alone for now. I predict she will act like that for a long time."

    "Anyone can see that, but what happened between you guys? She appeared fine when we parted ways yesterday."

    "Don''t worry too much, Jingfei. She''ll be fine once she calms down."

    "If you say so. But let me get this straight. I''m not particrly worried or anything, okay? I''m just curious."

    "Sure. You just called me first thing in the morning because you are curious about other people''s problems."

    "Ack, when you put it like that, it sounds like I''m a very nosy person." He responded weakly.

    "I''ll leave that to your imagination."

    "Hmph. Since you have the energy to make a wittyeback like that, it seems you are doing better than I imagine. If it''s not a big deal, make up with her quickly, okay? Or I''ll be the victim of her abuse after this."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. He said it bothered him, but she knew Shao Jingfei was not the type to leave Li Chunhua alone. Thinking how a reliable person like him was beside her sister at times like this reassured Li Caiyi.

    "Thanks, Jingfei. I''ll leave Xiaohua to you."

    "Huh? Hey, why are you dumping her on me? WaitˇŞ!"

    Li Caiyi hung up before Shao Jingfei could say anything else. She got up and prepared to go out. There was somewhere she needed to be today.

    ***

    "How are you faring, Young Miss? From your face, it seems you just had a rough night." Detective Tang grinned teasingly as soon as they faced each other.

    Li Caiyi had no energy to respond to his everyment, so she sat across from him. "Forget about it. Let''s talk about our business."

    "Why are you so in a hurry? I may not look like it, but I''m pretty concerned about you."

    "Yeah, right. What I see is you are pretty enjoying this, though."

    Detective Tang shruggedzily. "Young Miss is so suspicious of me. There''s no way I''d think about my soon-to-be-benefactor that way."

    "Enough. I''m not in the best mood today, and having to talk about this makes my mood grow worse."

    Detective Tang studied Li Caiyi''s face closely and acknowledged that she wouldn''t like it if he kept ying around. Considering her situation, the older man didn''t me her for acting crabby like this.<sub> </sub>

    He put a picture on the table and slid it to her. "I found the car that tailed us the other day."

    Li Caiyi took the picture and examined it closely; sure enough, it was the same car chasing them. She couldn''t forget it even if she wanted to. She lost count of how many times she thought she would die that day.

    "And the driver?"

    "After investigating, I found out that this is a rental car. It''s possible that whoever drove this car that day was very meticulous and cautious. They didn''t leave their trace behind at all."

    Li Caiyi put her fingers on her chin, thinking hard. "To rent a car, one needs to use their ID card. Any clue from that?"

    "Sadly, no. That crazy driver used another person''s identity to rent the car. So, the ID card registered ultimately didn''t belong to them."

    "Are you sure? There is no lead to them at all?"

    "I found the person who rented the car, and apparently, he knew nothing about this. He said he was doing a favor for a mysterious person in exchange for money."

    Detective Tang slid another picture to her, showing a young man with a in-looking face.

    "What makes you so sure this person is not the same person who chased us that day? He could have just lied about the existence of this mysterious person."

    "Rest assured. I have cross-checked with the guy beforeing here. He can''t be the one because he is color-blind."

    "What?" Li Caiyi gasped in astonishment.

    "Yeah, it doesn''t seem like he can see anything but ck and white. He rented that car online. Although this doesn''tpletely erase the possibility of him being that crazy driver, the chance is pretty low if you ask me. One would be too scared to ride any vehicle with that condition."

    Li Caiyi was still skeptical but couldn''t argue against him. After waiting several days, she thought she could finally find something, but she returned to the starting line again.

    "Now, don''t make a face like that, Young Miss. I still have something to show you."

    Li Caiyi raised her head again and saw another picture. It was a ck-hooded figureing out of the car.

    The picture was taken from quite a distance, so the face couldn''t be seen clearly, but it was evident that the figure belonged to a man.

    "Detective Tang, where did you get this?"

    "I have my own way of doing things," he grinned proudly before tapping the picture using his index finger. "It took some effort even to have this single picture. How about it? Does it ring any bells?"

    "I''m not sure." Li Caiyi thought deeply. "If only I could see his face."

    "If you can''t identify him, do you at least recognize anything else from the picture?"

    Li Cayi took another good look, and this time, something hit her. "Wait a minute. This ceˇ­it can''t beˇ­."

    "What? Do you know something?" Detective Tang asked eagerly.

    "Although I''m not sure, this ce shown in the picture, don''t tell me it''s the park near my school?"

    "Oh, you figured it out? That''s right. But, what of it?"

    All at once, her conversation with Li Chunhua returned to her rapidly. If her hunch was correct, could this persone to the park to meet with someone? Was it to report his recent harassment of her?

    "Earth to Little Miss? Please don''t put me in suspense. I''m dying to know what you have to say."

    "Detective Tang, there is something you need to know."

 Chapter 446 Something You Need To Know (2)

    "So you suspected this Lu Ruan girl has something to do with this?" Detective Tang asked after Li Caiyi had told him everything.

    "My sister found out about this, and I think there is a chance that the man Lu Ruan has been hanging out with has something to do with it. It may be just a false rm, but there is no harm in checking."

    Detective Tang took a deep breath before saying, "Little Miss, are you sure you still don''t want to call the police? If that''s true, this malicious person is closer to you than you think. This is dangerous, and even though I''mpetent, I can''t watch you 24/7. Wouldn''t it be better if the police help you in this?"

    Li Caiyi rubbed her arm, looking conflicted. She avoided direct eye contact with Detective Tang before responding, "I don''t trust them. The police, I mean."

    After all, she was pushed into the corner in herst life because the police investigation concluded that she was the evil girl who poisoned her sister out of jealousy. She didn''t do anything, yet more evidence and witnesses against her kepting out, putting her in a difficult position.

    Li Caiyi would be lying if she said she didn''t suspect anything. Up to this point, she didn''t know who was behind Li Chunhua''s poisoning case. By some chance, if the person who plotted against her then rted to the one who harassed her this time, she wasn''t sure if contacting the police was a wise move.

    Li Caiyi didn''t even want to recall those times anymore. She only asked for a peaceful and happy life for herself this time, yet her past returned to haunt her.

    "You made a very dark face there, Little Miss."

    Snapping out of her daze, Li Caiyi retook a deep breath. "Detective Tang, I want to entrust this case to you. We can terminate our agreement here and now if you can''t do this."

    "Hey, now. I didn''t even say anything, but you want to dismiss me just like that? Little Miss, you have an unpredictable temper." Detective Tang chuckled while gazing at her meaningfully. "Though, I can understand where you areing from. There is a lot of bad police out there, indeed."

    It was like he could guess what she was thinking. Li Caiyi felt ufortable.

    "Little Miss, you are my employer. If you want me to investigate this girl named Lu Ruan, then I''m up to the task. Don''t worry about anything, and wait for further information from me."

    Li Caiyi was stunned when a big handnded on her head. A warm and strong hand. She slowly raised her eyes only to find Detective Tang with his usual confident smirk on his face.

    "Leave it all to me. I''ll make sure to find out whoever is behind this. One me is worth more than a hundred police. You are in good hands."

    "What''s with that? You are too confident in yourself."

    "Hahaha, but I''m not speaking nonsense. As you can see, my skills are the real deal."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    From an objective perspective, Detective Tang merelyforted a little child. It was a gesture of kindness and proof of his concern for her.

    However, in actuality, Li Caiyi was actually around the same age, or probably even older than him. She feltplicated being treated like this.

    ''But it''s still nice knowing that I''m not alone in this,''

    A small smile escaped Li Caiyi''s lips, and Detective Tang''s smile deepened. Ever since she asked for help with her father''s affair, he knew that this little girl wasn''t simple, but she looked very innocent at this moment. It softened his heart.

    "If there''s nothing, then this uncle will leave first. There are many things he has to investigate."

    "Yes. Please don''t mind me and go ahead."

    "Heh. You reverted to your usual self so fast. That''s a bit unfortunate."

    "Ah? Whatever do you mean?"

    "Nothing. I''ll see youter, Miss."

    Detective Tang winked at her before walking away. Li Caiyi looked down at the pictures in front of her before carefully slipping them into her bag.<sub> </sub>

    ***

    Li Caiyi sat on her bed with a towel draped over her shoulder. Beads of water fell from the edge of her hair to her pajama, but she didn''t care and was busy fiddling with her phone.

    [Li Caiyi: I understand. You can''t make it because of work, so don''t me yourself :)]

    [Dai Zhiqiang: I''m sorry. We promised to have a date at least once during summer break, but I broke it again. I''ll make it up to you somehow.]

    [Li Caiyi: No need. But it seems you have be busier. Is everything alright with your workce?]

    [Dai Zhiqiang: En. Everything is fine here. It''ste. You should go to sleep]

    [Li Caiyi: You too. Sleep well, Zhi.]

    There was no reply after that. Li Caiyi sighed and let her body fall back to thefy bed.

    At first, it was very awkward for her to contact him. After hisst visit, Li Caiyi felt embarrassed whenever she thought of him. Her response toward him became awkward, and she often didn''t know what to say to him.

    It wasn''t like that was her first time. And doing stuff like that between couples wasn''t weird at all. But Dai Zhiqiang was still a teenager, so she felt like she hadmitted a grave sin.

    ''Get yourself together, Li Caiyi. You are a teenager too right now, remember? It''s legal, and it''s not like you are the only one who enjoyed it. There is absolutely nothing for you to feel bad about!''

    Li Caiyi had to admit that they moved too fast. It didn''t matter how much she missed him and how lonely she was; it was her who seduced him first. If her past self saw her like this, she would probably feel mortified by how impatient she was.

    They were dating, yet the day they could spend together was limited. Dai Zhiqiang had made it clear to her that he couldn''t be by her side all the time, so she had no right toin, but still, she didn''t expect it to be this hard.

    "It feels like I''m back to the days when I can only wait for the person I love to look at me."

    Li Caiyi stared at her phone and saw her reflection on her phone screen.

    She had be one with the person she loved and loved her dearly. What else could she possibly ask for?

    This time it was different from those bleak days when she spent herself doubting her worth. Dai Zhiqiang unmistakably loved her very much. This was the sacrifice she had to make for their love. It wasn''t a pointless effort like before.

    "I know that, but what''s with this sadness inside me? Love is so difficult to understand."

    Li Caiyi shook her head to chase away her thoughts and clenched her hand into a fist.

    "Zhi is trying hard out there, so I can''t lose to him. I''m a busy person too. I even have a party to attend next week. This will be my debut in the writing circle, so I have to do my best!"

    She opened her wardrobe and pulled out some of her dresses. Except for a few that Meng Renshu had given her, she barely had any dress. Unlike Li Chunhua, social gatherings were never her forte, so she didn''t have many dresses.

    "No, I can''t wear these to such an important event in my life. It''s time to use the money I earned to treat myself."

    Li Caiyi grinned to herself while nning everything in her head. She had to make a reservation at the beauty salon and do some shopping this week. How long has it been since she had time for herself? This would be fun!

    "Oh, I know! I should ask my friends toe with me. Summer break is almost over. It will be fun to return with the same hairstyle."

    She had to cancel her n of treating them to the limited ice cream the other day. This could be the perfect chance to make it up to them.

    Giggling to herself, Li Caiyi had forgotten about her previous gloominess.

 Chapter 447 Happy Birthday (1)

    In the dining room of the Li household, Li Chunhua appeared absentminded. She kept stabbing her meal with the fork in her hand. Her eyes were on the steak in front of her, yet she made no attempt to put it in her mouth.

    Su Suyin noticed that and couldn''t help but look at Li Chunhua worriedly. "Xiaohua, what''s wrong? Is the food not to your liking?"

    Li Chunhua: "...."

    "If you don''t want to eat steak, then do you want to eat something else?"

    It didn''t seem like she could hear her mother''s voice. Su Suyin became even more worried and nced at Li Junjie, who was also curious about Li Chunhua''s silence. If it were the usual her, by now, the dining room should have already been filled with her chattering.

    Knowing her, Li Junjie bet this has something to do with Li Caiyi. It had been a while since hest saw his other sister, so he took the initiative to ask first.

    "Did Xiaoyi say something to you?"

    Li Chunhua''s movement abruptly halted. She stopped abusing her steak and pouted at him instead. "Big Brother, you won''t believe what Xiaoyi did to me. I can''t believe her!"

    "What happened? Care to exin to us?" Su Suyin responded with concern.

    Li Chunhua didn''t immediately answer. She recalled how Li Caiyi dismissed herst time and how she packed her bag in a hurry the following day out of anger.

    Since her sister invited her to stay with her, Li Chunhua naturally thought that she would stay with her for the rest of the summer break. It never urred to her that Li Caiyi was impatient to kick her out.

    Just thinking about it soured her mood. She didn''t feel like talking about it.

    "Forget it. We just had a little argument, that''s all." Li Chunhua said as she stood up from her seat. "I don''t have any appetite now. I will eatter."

    Without waiting for their response, Li Chunhua briskly walked away to her room.

    "Jie. Do you think she will be alright?" Su Suyin asked.

    "Who knows? It doesn''t look like she will talk, so just let her be for now, Mother."

    Su Suyin was reluctant. She fiddled with her fingers before finally asking. "Thatˇ­ Have you heard any news from Xiaoyi recently?"

    "Mother, Xiaoyi, and I aren''t that close. I''m afraid you choose the wrong person to ask."

    "But still, you are her brother. Have you ever contacted her even once?"

    "I don''t see the purpose of that. She will eventually call once she needs my help." Li Junjie said calmly before taking a sip from his ss. He wanted to end that conversation but couldn''t bear to look at Su Suyin''s sad face.

    "Mother, Xiaoyi doesn''t like me that much from the beginning. I don''t want to make her feel ufortable by pestering her. It''s enough to have one person in this house to do that."

    Su Suyin''s face brightened at his response. "I see. Despite everything, you are still concerned about your sister, after all. I don''t think you should worry that much, though. Xiaoyi may need some time to open up to you, but she will soon get used to it."

    Li Junjie didn''t know what to say, so he just nodded along with her. That made Su Suyin happier.

    "I was worried that my children''s rtionship had be estranged, but I''m d to hear you guys are faring fine." Su Suyin said weakly. "This is all mother and father''s fault. None of you should bear any harm from it."

    Li Junjie sighed. "You think too much, Mother."

    "You''re right. I''m sorry for making you listen to my rant. You must be troubled."

    "No, that''s not what I¨C"

    His words stopped midway as Su Suyin shoved a te of sd his way. "Don''t just eat the meat. Eat this too."

    ***

    "Haaa, am I stupid? I can''t believe I lost control of my mouth. Why do I have to say that in front of Mom?" Li Chunhua heaved a long sigh.

    Even now, Su Suyin was still very sensitive about Li Caiyi leaving the house. She med herself for not being able to protect and love her properly. Mentioning her name in front of Su Suyin was like scratching her wound.

    Li Chunhua didn''t want to stay put and think about her fight with her sister anymore, so she grabbed her phone and contacted Shao Jingfei.

    "Hello?"<sub> </sub>

    "Jingfei, you are in the cafe now, right? I will drop by after this, so have a strawberry cake ready for me by the time I arrive."

    "Excuse me? Our cafe doesn''t ept phone orders. We only receive orders on the spot."

    "I reject your rejection. Customers are the king, so just do as I say!"

    Shao Jingfei groaned from the other side. "Why are you doing this to me? This is harassment."

    "You make me sound like a bad guy. What''s the problem with it? I will pay sufficiently, and it''s not like you have anything better to do, aren''t you?"

    "Tsk tsk, that''s where you are wrong. I happen to be pretty busy at the moment, so I''d appreciate it if you don''t disturb me."

    "Huh? Today is not your meeting day with Xiaoyi, and the cafe will be empty anyway. What are you busy with?"

    "How do you know about our meeting day? Wait, forget I asked. I think I already know the answer." There was a brief pause before he continued, "And you are underestimating me. I have an important n, so don''te here today because I will not be present."

    "Huh? That''s rare. Is it work-rted?"

    "No, just a personal affair."

    "Don''t tell me you will go out on a date with someone?"

    "Yeah, how do you know?"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes slightly widened. She asked that jokingly, totally not expecting him to respond affirmatively.

    Shao Jingfei didn''t have any girlfriends as far as she knew, so where did this date ideae from?

    "Youˇ­ Since when did you have a girlfriend? This is the first time I ever heard about this."

    "She''s not my girlfriend, but she is still the most important woman to me nheless. There''s no difference, don''t you agree?"

    <o>,m "Ohˇ­"</o>

    Li Chunhua didn''t know how to respond. She had never thought that someone asid back and easygoing as Shao Jingfei could say something so serious like that.

    Moreover, to think he would ever consider a woman as someone the most important to her was shocking. Even though it was supposed to be expected for him to have someone he liked, Li Chunhua didn''t see iting at all.

    ''Huh? Why do I suddenly feel ufortable again?''

    There was a dull ache inside her chest. Li Chunhua put her hand in front of her chest and pondered whether she had forgotten to take her morning medicine.

    "Hello? Are you still there?"

    "Oh! Yesˇ­" Li Chunhua replied awkwardly. For some reason, she couldn''t think of what to say.

    "You already have my answer, so there''s that. Don''te here today. I will prepare a strawberry cake for you next time."

    "...Okay."

    "I''ll make sure to put a lot of strawberries in it, just the way you like it. Don''t sulk and let this one go, alright?"

    He spoke like an adult trying to coax a little girl by promising her a treat if she behaved well. It didn''t make her feel better at all.

    "I have to prepare to go out now. Talk to youter."

    Shao Jingfei quickly hung up after he said that. Li Chunhua couldn''t even ask where he nned to go or who was the girl so important to him.

    Slowly after regaining her wits together, she threw her phone to the bed and harrumphed.

    "Hmph, why should I care about him? Who needs him anyway? I can have plenty of fun by myself!"

 Chapter 448 Happy Birthday (2)

    ''I don''t care at all, but it will be bad if this girl distracts him too much from his work. Jingfei is Xiaoyi''s editor, after all. I can''t let their rtionship hinder my sister''s work!''

    Li Chunhua convinced herself repeatedly to prevent herself from chickening out and went home right that instant.

    She was currently standing in the alleyway near Shao Jingfei''s cafe, with her head poking out from behind the wall. The sun shone above her head, so she wore a broad hat and ck sunsses to cover her head and face.

    After ending her call with Shao Jingfei, she quickly changed and bolted out of the house as soon as possible. But when she arrived near the cafe, she finally realized how stupid her action was.

    "Even if we are friends, I don''t think this is right." Li Chunhua mumbled, trying to reason with herself. However, she couldn''t move a step from where she stood.

    Shao Jingfei''s words kept bouncing in her mind. He was supposed to go out with a woman who was very important to him. Suffice to say, this woman must be someone he loved dearly.

    Li Chunhua always had this impression that Shao Jingfei liked to work more than spend his time dating, so the news was very unexpected. She was very curious about the identity of this mysterious woman who stole his heart.

    ''But why do I care so much about this? Whatever he does with other people is not my business.''

    Li Chunhua thought about it and finally concluded that it was because she was worried this woman would give a bad influence on Shao Jingfei. If she was the type that demanded too much of his time, then wouldn''t it be very inconvenient for her sister?

    While busy with her thoughts, Shao Jingfei walked out of the cafe. His outfit usually leaned more toward a casual style, but today he looked very neat, with a white shirt and jeans. He even had his hairbed to the back, exposing his forehead.

    "Look at him. He is clearly trying to impress someone by going out like that. Hmph, it''s not like he looks any different than usual. What a waste of effort." Li Chunhua huffed in disapproval.

    Sneakily so he wouldn''t notice, Li Chunhua followed him closely from behind. He stopped a taxi, so she did the same.

    "Uncle, follow the taxi in front of you. Quickly! I won''t pay you if you lose sight of it!"

    "O-okay, Miss."

    Li Chunhua thought that he would go straight to the date spot, but apparently, he took his time and stopped by a flower shop first. She sneered inwardly.

    "Oho? Howe I never knew he was such a romantic person? That thick-headed, nosy guy with zero delicacy?"

    It would be bad if he found out she was following him, so Li Chunhua stayed in the car until he finally came out with a bouquet of sunflowers in his hand. She thenmented how he had no taste in flowers before telling the driver to follow him again.

    Li Chunhua didn''t feel good about this. That serious and calm-looking Shao Jingfei was very different from the one she knew.

    ''Is he only showing this side to that woman? Because she is his ''important'' one?''

    There was that dull ache in her chest again. By now, she could tell that this difort was probably not because of her medicine but something else. However, she hadn''t finished her thought when she realized where they were.

    "Uncle, isn''t this road heading away from the city''s center?"

    "Yeah, I suppose so. But I''m only following the taxi in front of us, just like you said."

    The city''s center was always bustling with life and had a lot of famous dating spots. Li Chunhua was sure he would head there today, but she was apparently wrong.

    "Strange. There aren''t many ces to go if he goes this way. Is this part of his date n or something? I wonder if he knows what he''s doing."

    Li Chunhua had no idea what he was thinking but was curious nheless.

    Fifteen minutester, the taxi finally stopped. Li Chunhua almost couldn''t believe what she saw.<sub> </sub>

    "Isn''t thisˇ­ a cemetery?"

    "That''s right, Miss. It seems your boyfriend is not having an affair, after all. Good for you."

    "Huh? What are you talking about, Uncle? He is not my boyfriend!"

    The driver wasn''t prepared for her outburst, so he scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Ah, really? I thought you were following him because you wanted to catch him red-handed."

    Li Chunhua had no time to deal with the driver, so she quickly paid him and left. All while considering what he had told her so far.

    [I have a date today.]

    [She is the most important woman in my life.]

    There was a sinking feeling inside her when she thought about a particr possibility, so she hastened her pace while looking around for Shao Jingfei.

    When she finally found him, she regretted following him here.

    Shao Jingfei stood in front of a grave with a bouquet of sunflowers in front of it. He had a profound and somber expression on his face. Li Chunhua need not ask to know what he felt at the moment.

    She quickly hid behind the nearby tree before he spotted her. Shao Jingfei probably wouldn''t like it if someone hade and interrupted him at the moment.

    It wasn''t her intention to eavesdrop, but since the tree position wasn''t too far from where he stood, she could hear what he said clearly.

    "Mom, how are you?"

    It was only a sentence, but Li Chunhua could hear the tremble in his voice. She felt like she shouldn''t be here, but he probably would find her if she came out of her hiding now.

    "I brought your favorite sunflower again this year. You have always liked sunflowers, haven''t you?"

    ''His words were akin to a p to Li Chunhua''s face. She felt terrible for talking badly about sunflowers and everyone who liked them before.

    "I''m sorry for noting here so often recently. There is so much work for me to do. But I will never forget our promise to celebrate my birthday together every year."

    Li Chunhua was surprised and almost exposed herself when she heard that.

    ''Today is his birthday? Then, today is also his mother''s death anniversary?''

    From behind the tree, she saw Shao Jingfei light the candle on top of the cake. It was small and decorated with cream in the shape of a sunflower.

    ''When did he prepare that? I didn''t notice the cake at all. Did he make that himself?'' Li Chunhua thought and felt her heart ache for him.

    She wondered what was in his mind when he made that cake. Today was supposed to be a happy day, but he celebrated it alone in front of his mother''s grave.

    No matter how you look at it, he was just too pitiful. Li Chunhua almost couldn''t bear to see it.

    Her questions were left unanswered, and she watched how he tried to keep a wide smile on his face as he said, "Then, shall we start our party?"

 Chapter 449 Happy Birthday (3)

    Under the fine blue sky, the boy sang the most solemn happy birthday song Li Chunhua had ever heard. Alone, with only graves around him. The sight of his lonely back was very much in contrast with the smile on his face.

    "Mom, the cake is delicious. I will leave a piece here so you can eat itter."

    Despite receiving no answer, Shao Jingfei kept talking about mundane things that had happened to him recently. He was smiling, yet it pained Li Chunhua to see the strain on the corner of his mouth.

    Li Chunhua felt ufortable. How she hoped she could unsee the sight in front of her, but something inside her urged her never to take her eyes off him.

    ''He really likes to make people worry about him. Now I can''t leave even when I want to!''

    From what she observed, it appeared that Shao Jingfei spent his birthday here every year. That would exin why he was adamant about refusing to attend the party Li Caiyi mentioned.

    "The most important woman in his life. His mother must have meant so much to him." Li Chunhua mumbled in a small voice.

    Watching Shao Jingfei like this, a spark of anger lit up inside her. He might be an illegitimate child, but wasn''t this just too much? No matter what, his biological father should have at least been by his side when he needed him the most. And that was today!

    He made him work for them but refused to apany him to his mother''s grave. What kind of messy rtionship was this?

    Li Chunhua clenched her hand into a fist as she tried to restrain herself. She felt like bolting out and screaming this injustice for the world to hear. Her blood was boiling thinking how much the Shao family had wronged Shao Jingfei.

    "Oh, I forgot to bring water. Sorry, Mom. I''ll run and buy it for you now."

    Li Chunhua perked up hearing that. Then, she saw Shao Jingfei stand up and run towards the cemetery''s entrance, leaving his cake half-eaten.

    Using this chance, she walked out of her hiding and inched closer to the grave. There was a photo of a beautiful middle-aged woman in front of it, inside a beautiful white frame. This woman must be Shao Jingfei''s mother.

    "They look alike. Except that he looked much more like a troublemaker."

    A smile crept up her face, recalling the first time she met Shao Jingfei. At that time, her impression of him was the worst. His words kept pushing the wrong button, and she always argued with him whenever they came across each other.

    ''Well, it''s not like we stop arguing altogether, but at least it''s a friendly argument now.''

    "So Auntie''s name is Cao Mei." Li Chunhua said as she read the name of the te.

    Standing where he previously stood, Li Chunhua could almost feel his deep grief and loneliness. If only his mother were still by his side, he wouldn''t be spending his birthday like this. Surely, his mother would prefer him to be happy too.

    Li Chunhua decided to stop thinking, as it only made her feel worse. Her thought didn''t matter because she had never gone through the painful times Shao Jingfei had.

    Even being here was already a mistake in itself. Li Chunhua felt like she had stepped into a sacred realm where no outsiders should trespass. She shouldn''t have followed him today.

    "I should leave now while Jingfei isn''t looking."

    Li Chunhua spotted some wildflowers growing near the tree she had hidden earlier, so she went back there and plucked some of them before offering them to Cao Mei''s grave.

    <o>,m "I''m sorry for the shabby flower, Auntie. I promise I will bring a better flower next time."</o>

    She prayed for her inwardly and paid her respect before leaving the perimeter. To avoid bumping into Shao Jingfei, she deliberately used another entrance to the cemetery.

    Although Li Chunhua was relieved about not getting caught, there was turmoil inside her.

    Was it alright to leave him on his own? Would it be betterˇ­if I go now?<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua was deep in thought and only snapped to her senses when someone pulled her and turned her around. She wasn''t prepared for it and almost lost her bnce if not for the other person who held her tightly by the shoulder.

    "Chunhua? What are you doing here?"

    Li Chunhua''s eyes widened when she saw Shao Jingfei standing in front of her, with an equally shocked expression on his face.

    She was facing the exact person who gued her mind until a moment ago, which made her mind go nk for a moment before she finally realized that he had caught her! She quickly pushed him away from her.

    "W-why should I exin to you? So you can be here, and I''m not?"

    Shao Jingfei stared at her in confusion. She was clearly flustered to meet him here, like someone with something to hide.

    "I didn''t say that. I just didn''t expect to bump into you here today. Did youe here to visit someone too?"

    Li Chunhua couldn''t see his straightforward eyes, so she looked at the ground as she spoke. "T-That''s right."

    "Hmm, when did youe here? I have been here for a while, and I didn''t see you enter at all."

    "I-I just arrived. You probably didn''t see me because I used another entrance."

    "Really? But you were on your way out of the cemetery when I saw you, though?"

    "!!"

    Li Chunhua''s face became even tenser upon realizing that she had made a slip of the tongue. She blurted without thinking and identally exposed herself. What a failure!

    While she was panicking and frantic to find an excuse for herself, Shao Jingfei calmly observed her up and down. He had a faint idea as to why Li Chunhua was here, but he quickly brushed off the possibility from his mind.

    ''Nah. There''s no way she''s here for that reason.''

    Shao Jingfei saw her by chance, but it was not an unpleasant coincidence.

    He felt alone in this world up until a few moments ago, but when he saw her back, it felt like a beacon of light suddenly illuminated the darkness inside him. And that light he yearned to have, led his feet to her.

    Now that he knew Li Chunhua was here, he felt reluctant to let her go just like that. Although he didn''t know the real reason she was here, that wasn''t important at all.

    Maybe the mood had gotten to him, but Shao Jingfei didn''t want to be alone. He wanted her to stay with him longer.

    Li Chunhua worked her brain to devise an excuse fast, but before she could think of anything, Shao Jingfei surprised her by saying, "Are you free right now?"

    "Huh? Oh, yes, kind of. Why do you ask?"

    "If you are free, do you want me to introduce you to ''my most important person''?" Shao Jingfei asked with a genuine smile on his face, very different from the forced one she saw earlier.

    His sudden invitation bewildered her, as she didn''t see thising. "Is thatˇ­okay with you?"

    He nodded with certainty. "Of course. Why wouldn''t it be? Come with me!"

 Chapter 450 Happy Birthday (4)

    "Oh!"

    Li Chunhua''s hat almost fell off as Shao Jingfei tugged her by the hand, prompting her to follow him. She wasn''t sure if this was a good idea, but she followed him nheless.

    As expected, Shao Jingfei brought her to his mother''s grave. He smiled widely as he turned to her.

    "This is my mother, the most important person in my life. Today is her death anniversary, so I want to visit her. That''s why I told you to drop by next time."

    Li Chunhua knew that, but she had to act so he wouldn''t suspect anything. "Oh, I see. So by date, you meant a date with your mother."

    "Yup! Did I surprise you? But I did go out to meet a woman, so it wasn''t aplete lie, don''t you agree?"

    "You''re right. Since I''m already here, I must pay your mother respect."

    Li Chunhua stepped forward to give the deceased her respect again. "Hello, Auntie. I''m Jingfei''s friend from school. It''s a pleasure to meet you here today."

    Honestly, Li Chunhua wasn''t prepared for this situation, so besides the introduction, she had no idea what else to say. Yet, the silence seemed to urge her to say more. But what else could she say?

    ''Oh, that''s right.''

    "Auntie, you don''t have to worry. After this, I will take Jingfei to a good restaurant in town. I will not let him spend his birthday alone today. Let me take care of him in your stead. Leave it to me!"

    Shao Jingfei was surprised. Not only did Li Chunhua remember his birthday, but she also boldly dered that she would take care of him.

    For some reason, that statement almost sounded like a proposal and made his heart skip a beat.

    Li Chunhua said something more to his mother, but he couldn''t hear anymore past thatst part.

    ''I never knew that knowing someone willingly offered to stay by my side could make me feel peaceful. This year''s birthday is not so bad, after all.'' Shao Jingfei thought while smiling.

    He watched how Li Chunhua kept chirping in front of his mother''s grave, and a sense of tenderness swelled inside him. That tender feeling spread to his eyes, and it surprised Li Chunhua when she looked back and saw him staring at her like that.

    Suddenly feeling self-conscious, she snarled, "W-what are you looking at? Did I say something funny?"

    Shao Jingfei shook his head. "No. I thought I was lucky to have you here with me now. You made my day."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes widened. The world seemed to move in slow motion as they stared at each other.

    The heat, the swaying of the leaves, and Shao Jingfei''s smile would forever etch in her mind from there on.

    It was a very gentle and beautiful smile, like he was staring at a person he cherished dearly.

    And it stirred her to the core, changing something inside her.

    "Thank you, Chunhua. I will never forget what you have done for me today. I''m sure my mother won''t be worried about me anymore with you here with me. You''ll stay by my side, right?"

    Li Chunhua was speechless and couldn''t take her eyes away from him.

    There was a twisting and dull throb inside her. Recently, she kept having this feeling whenever he was nearby. This was definitely not the side effect of the medicine.

    Then, everything came back to her at once. It all made sense for her now.

    The meaning behind these inexplicable diforts, the reason she followed him here, and the rapid heartbeat she felt now. It concluded one thing, and everything became crystal clear to her.

    ''It turns out I have romantic feelings for this person.''<sub> </sub>

    If there was a story about her life, this was probably one of the twists she didn''t seeing.

    ***

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before entering the Glorious Days anniversary party venue.

    She wore a semi-formal dress because this party was more like an event to ingratiate herself to the publishing circle. She wanted to look like a proper adult and promised herself she would gain something from this event. So she prepared her armor meticulously.

    Taking her friend''s advice in mind, Li Caiyi finally set her mind on a short, ivory-colored champagne dress that looked exquisite on her fair skin. Her silver heels made a noise on the marble floor when she walked, and the earrings of the same color swayed with her every movement.

    No one could deny that she looked stunning that night. More and more people began to pay attention to her and attempted to converse with her.

    For Li Caiyi, this was, of course, a wee advance. For this reason she was here in the first ce.

    Thanks to her mother-inw''s strict teaching, she had no difficulties maneuvering her way into the conversation. The guests almost couldn''t believe that Li Caiyi was still a high school student, with how refined her bearing was.

    "I can''t believe the author of that book is a pretty young woman like you. You are blessed with talents."

    "You are exaggerating. Everything is thanks to my capable editor. My skills can''t possibly bepared with veteran writers like you, Madam."

    "Not only pretty, but you are also very polite. By editor, do you mean Mr. Shao Jingfei?"

    "Yes, that''s right."

    "I have heard many times about howpetent he is, but I believe he isn''t going toe to today''s party again this year. Such a shame."

    Li Caiyi nced around, and as she said, Shao Jingfei was nowhere to be seen. It seemed he really wouldn''te tonight.

    Although she didn''t know his reason, she sure hoped everything was alright with him.

    "Oh, look! It''s the Chairman!"

    Li Caiyi turned her head to see where she pointed, and the ss in her hand almost slipped when she saw two people standing on the stage.

    She believed that the man on the right was the Chairman of Glorious Dayspany, which means he was Shao Jingfei''s biological father. He looked younger than thest time Li Caiyi saw her before regressing.

    However, the one who caught her attention was the person standing beside himˇŞa man who immediately awakened many bad memories in her.

    Li Caiyiughed dryly. "To think I will meet him again here out of all ces. Fate sure is a mysterious thing."

    "Miss Caiyi, is everything alright with you? Your face looks pale."

    "Ah, please don''t mind me. This is my first time being surrounded by many important people alone without my family, so I feel a bit nervous, that''s all."

    The woman chuckled. "My, you are doing very well so far, so it didn''t ur to me you would feel like that. But I understand that feeling. Will you feel better if I call your friend here to apany you?"

    "Sorry? My friend?"

    "Oh, pardon me. I thought you would feel better if you had someone you knew by your side.

    "Thank you for your consideration, Ma''am, but I''m afraid I don''t know anyone here except for a few people I talked with just now."

    "That''s strange. I''m pretty sure I saw Young Master Meng here earlier. Aren''t you two close friends?"

 Chapter 451 Anniversary Party (1)

    Li Caiyi wasn''t that surprised to hear that.

    Of course, Meng Renshu would be here if that man was here as well. But still, seeing a familiar face she abhorred to see greatly dampened her mood to socialise. She contemted whether she should just leave or not.

    "Oh, speaking of the devil. There he is! It''s hard not to notice an outstanding man like Young Master Meng. If only my son was half aspetent as him."

    The old woman sighed, while Li Caiyi furtively nced in the direction she looked at.

    Standing in the middle of the women was Meng Renshu, who looked dazzling in his navy blue suit. Even from afar, Li Caiyi could see how radiant his face was. Granted, he only shed his business smile like usual, but it was still effective in toppling women''s hearts like a domino.

    "Aren''t you going to walk over to him, Miss Caiyi?"

    There was no way she would willingly jump into a lion cage on her own. Ever since Meng Renshu''sing of age party, there was a restless rumor about their rtionship for a while. It only subsided when Li Caiyi stopped showing herself to any party for months after that.

    In her previous life, Li Chunhua sometimes apanied Meng Renshu to a few parties and it fueled the rumor about them. A lot of people gave their blessings, but the amount who resented them wasn''t few either.

    Getting involved with Meng Renshu was a big death g. Even when she was being extremely careful so as not to provoke anyone, there were still some people like Lu Ruan who thought that Li Caiyi was out to ruin their life. How they could reach their conclusions was a mystery.

    ''Such a ridiculous farce. I wish nothing more but to not get involved in it.''

    Li Caiyi smiled before politely shaking her head. "No, Ma''am. Brother Renshu had already a lot of people apanying them. I''d prefer to stay here and talk to you more, is that okay with you?"

    The woman was happy and ttered to hear that. She even blushed a little because Li Caiyi was a one-of-a-kind beauty. The woman had always yearned to have a daughter like her, so she felt a unique intimacy with this girl she had just met.

    "Oh my, of course you are very weed here. As you can see, I have nothing better to do, so how can I say no?"

    "Then, how about we find a seat first? That way you won''t feel tired talking while standing."

    "How considerate of you. Your mother must be proud to have a polite and virtuous daughter like you."

    If she lingered there longer, it was only a matter of time before Meng Renshu spotted her. Not that it would cause any problem, but she''d better not be seen around him during a big event like this.

    Anyway, she talked to a few people and got their business cards. Her goal was alreadypleted, although she couldn''t deny that she expected more.

    Li Caiyi reminded herself not to be hasty here. She didn''t calcte Meng Renshu and that man''s appearance, so this was an unforeseen situation. No choice but to improvise.

    Times flew by as Li Caiyi immersed herself in her conversation with the kind woman as she waited for the Chairman to finish his speech. She nned to go home after this before anyone noticed her.

    At that moment, Shao Yufei''s eyes and hers were inadvertently met, and she had a bad feeling about this.

    "On this joyous asion, I''d like to introduce a new, budding talent, who recently gained a name for herself through ourpany. It is my wish to see this young woman reach her dream with us. To reach the Glorious Days we have strived forward. Allow me to introduce you to Miss Li Caiyi."

    The spotlight was shifted to her immediately. She deliberately chose the farthest seat from the stage to hide her presence, but now it was useless when she got the whole audience''s attention. Everyone pped and cheered for her as if this was some kind of an award show.

    "Oh dear, what are you doing? Hurry and go to the stage!" The woman excitedly urged her. Li Caiyi gave her a faint smile before reluctantly standing up and walking to the stage.

    Speaking in front of these people was never a part of her n at all, but again a desperate situation called for desperate measures.

    Trying to keep a rxed smile, Li Caiyi received the mike and said a few words before she copsed from pressure.

    "Thank you, Chairman, for the opportunity. I believe I still have many things to learn. My path will be riddled with a lot of difficulties, as I''m young and inexperienced. But with everyone here, I trust that I will experience a lot of things which will further hone my skills, so please watch over me."

    Li Caiyi quickly returned the mike and bowed at Chairman, before making her way down the stage. As expected, public speaking was always nerve-wracking. She couldn''t get used to it even after a lot of time passed.

    The idea of home was never more intriguing. Li Caiyi hastened her pace, thinking that she could finally leave the venue. What she didn''t expect was Meng Renshu who waited beside the stairs of the stage with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

    He smiled gently at her, and his eyes were full of tenderness and pride for her. "Xiaoyi, congrattions once again on your first book. I''m happy for you."

    "Kyaa!! He is so dreamy!"<sub> </sub>

    "Who is that girl? What is her rtionship with him?"

    "Ugh, they are like a picture standing side by side like that! I can''t ept this!"

    Li Caiyi could hear themotion around her. After all that trouble to avoid this walking red g, Li Caiyi felt powerless now. Nothing went well for her today.

    "Brother Renshu, what are you doing?" Li Caiyi said with a small voice as she forced a smile on her face.

    "I heard that you will be attending the party tonight, so I especially prepared this bouquet for you. Will you ept it?"

    Meng Renshu was like a puppy who wagged his tail, waiting for his master to praise him for his good deed, blissfully unaware of the predicament he put her into. Li Caiyi wanted to smack him for his unnecessary actions.

    "Do you have to do it like this? Now everyone is staring at us!"

    Only then, did Meng Renshu realise they had be the centre of attention.

    "Oh, you are right. Did they make you feel ufortable?"

    "Haha, of course not. Why would they be?" Li Caiyi replied sarcastically. "Now, if you''ll excuse meˇ­"

    "Then, it''s fine if they talk in the ce where they couldn''t see, right?"

    "Huh? Hey!"

    Before she could utter any protest, Meng Renshu had sped her hand in his and dragged her away from the crowd, inviting a gasp from a few women who were heartbroken seeing this sight. Li Caiyi was baffled by his sudden action.

    "Wait, where are you taking me?!"

    "You don''t like it when they stare at us, so let''s continue in the ce where no one can see us."

    "That''s not what I mean!" Li Caiyi tried to pull her hand, but his grip on her was too firm.

    "Stop trying to get away. If you keep doing this, you''ll ruin the event and gather even more unwanted attention on you. Or is that what you want?"

    "Grr! Whose fault do you think that is?!"

    "Hahaha!"

    Meng Renshuughed while half-dragging her to a secluded balcony on the second stairs. Because everyone was focused on the event downstairs, there weren''t many people up here except for the waiters.

    He released his hold on her as soon as they stepped out. "Now, you can rx here. I guarantee no one will disturb you here."

    When the cool night breeze hit her face, Li Caiyi felt more refreshed. And there was no one there beside them, so she didn''t need to be so careful anymore. The night view from the balcony was also very pleasing to the eyes.

    ''Well, this isn''t as bad as I thought. I could use some breaks.'' Li Caiyi reluctantly admitted.

    "You did great up there. I''m sincerely happy for you."

    Li Caiyi turned around to him as he shoved the bouquet of flowers into her face. Meng Renshu leaned down so their faces were only parted with the flowers before he spoke earnestly.

    "You have gone a long way. Congrattions for your debut, Xiaoyi."

    "Oh."

    Their sudden proximity caught her off guard. She could faintly smell a waft of musk scent from him. However, he pulled back before it could linger in her memory.

 Chapter 452 Anniversary Party (2)

    "I can sense you quaking and trembling up there, though. Even after years passed, you still can''t speak in front of the crowd. But you are very brave for someone who thinks of her speech on the spot.. That''s so like you."

    "So you noticed that?"

    "Hm? Ah, don''t worry. I''m sure it''s only me who notices it, since we have known each other for a long time. If anyone else sees you, they will just think that you are a charming and admirable youngdy."

    For some reason, she felt relieved and slightly happy when she heard that. It was still a bit embarrassing, but it sure felt nice to have someone acknowledge her effort. "Thank you."

    "For what?"

    "For congratting me, and for the flowers too. They''re pretty."

    "Yeah? I''m d you like it."

    No one said anything after that. Li Caiyi initially wanted to scold him for dragging her here, but when she thought about it again, he probably did that because he knew her legs almost gave up on her in the middle there.

    It was quiet, but she didn''t feel awkward at all. This was a very rare asion, considering how ufortable she always was with him.

    Li Caiyi briefly nced at him who leaned his body on the railing. He was staring at the cityscape in front of them with a distant gaze on his face as if reminiscing something.

    The moonlight illuminated his beautiful face, entuating his prominent facial features. He looked serene and mysterious, like the Moon God.

    "This is the first time we met since summer break began, right?"

    "Huh? Oh, yes." Li Caiyi quickly looked at some other ces when he suddenly turned to her.

    "I heard you have moved out of your house and live alone now. How are you? I hope everything went well for you."

    Li Caiyi''s mind automatically did a shback to the series of harassment she received, and she unconsciously clutched her bouquet tighter.

    "Everything''s fine. Thank you for your concern."

    "I''m d to hear that. Please let me know if you need help from me."

    She wasn''t in the mood for an argument, so she nodded obediently.

    There was a silence between them again. However, this time Li Caiyi could feel his gaze on her. The intensity could almost bore a hole in her face.

    Right then, from the big window behind them, they could hear slow music flowing out. It seemed like it was already time for dance. Li Caiyi could faintly hear footsteps getting closer.

    "Did you find him?"

    "No. He isn''t on the first floor or second floor. We took our eyes from him for a second and he disappeared."

    "And here I''m, hoping I can dance with him."

    "Don''t give up! He can''t be that far. Search for him again."

    Li Caiyi was speechless. Meng Renshu stole women''s hearts like he was plucking cabbage from thewn. Those girls were chasing after him fervently. They probably would tear her apart if they saw her alone with him on the balcony like this.

    ''I should make a run for it.''

    Li Caiyi was about to leave the balcony when Meng Renshu wrapped his arm around her waist from behind. She was so surprised she couldn''t get a scream out. Especially when he pulled her behind the big curtain, hiding them from people''s gaze.

    Meng Renshu''s chest was pressed against her back. His breath was right behind her nape, and she could feel his warm temperature enveloping her like a nket.

    Li Caiyi''s heart drummed loudly in her chest, and her face felt like it was burning.

    Before she could struggle away from his embrace, two girls suddenly burst the window open and walked out.

    Li Caiyi unconsciously tensed up. If they saw them sticking to each other behind the curtain like this, it would be very bad! She couldn''t let that happen, so she mped her mouth with her hands, and even lowered her breathing sounds.

    "He is not here either. Seriously, where did he go?"

    "There''s no time to whine. Let''s search in other ces!"

    The two girls returned inside, and the sound of their footsteps got farther away. Li Caiyi stayed still for a good one minute before she could finally breathe again.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother Renshu, they are gone now. Can you let me go now?"

    Meng Renshu: "...."

    "Brother Renshu?"

    He squeezed her for a moment before letting her go. Li Caiyi vaguely noticed that something was wrong with him, but she couldn''t see his expression clearly because it was too dark.

    "Sorry for holding you back. I don''t want them to find me so fast, and they will bother you if you go out back then."

    Li Caiyi kind of guessed that was the case so she didn''t think much of it and nodded. "I know. It must be tiring to be popr guy,"

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "I just want some time alone here."

    "I see." Li Caiyi rubbed her arm stiffly. It was like she could still feel his warmth around her, and it made her feel weird inside.

    "Uhm, I have to go now. Thanks for helping me out. Take your time and have a good rest."

    "Xiaoyi!"

    "Yes?" Li Caiyi looked up at him in bewilderment. Meng Renshu hesitated for a while before finally reaching out his hand to her.

    "We can hear the music from here. So, what about a dance? Of course, it''s only a friendly dance."

    Meng Renshu said that, but Li Caiyi could see it. Hidden deep inside his gant attitude, was a hope, threatening to spill out.

    Perhaps she was just being too self-conscious, or she might get a little conceited after he confessed to her. But even if it was only a one-in-a-million chance, she didn''t want that hope to grow.

    Her heart sank for having to do this over and over again, but she kept a neutral face and replied, "You already know my answer, so why did you bother to ask?"

    Meng Renshu''s eyes widened for a moment before a bitter smile crept up his face. He retracted his hand andughed dryly.

    "You are right. Perhaps the mood of this ce had gotten to me. I didn''t understand why I did that either. Please just forget it."

    Li Caiyi saw that forced smile on his face, and it was like seeing her past self, who yearned for his affection and kept getting hurt in the process.

    ''This is really ufortable. I don''t like this.''

    "Xiaoyi, Iˇ­"

    "I''m sorry, but I think it''s time for me to leave. If you''ll excuse me."

    Li Caiyi didn''t give him time to prolong their conversation and dashed out of the balcony. Her emotions were in disarray.

    She did the right thing by rejecting him, but a part of her couldn''t forgive herself. To think she was swayed by old feelings, even for just a moment.

    Recalling how close they were to each other earlier, Li Caiyi felt anxious. She was practically running away from him, for fear of what might happen if she kept talking to him.

    Was it because he was so gentle to her tonight? Was it because the mood was just like he said? Was it because he looked like she wanted to hold her tightly, but he had to let her go?

    Li Caiyi shook her head frantically. It was no use trying to find out the answer because what she had to do was clear from the beginning.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face appeared inside her mind, and she really wanted to hear his voice right now. She felt like she could calm down if she could hear his voice, so she took out her phone from her bag and dialed his number.

    Li Caiyi waited nervously, but the call was directed to his mailbox, just like usual. She was very disappointed but could do nothing but leave him a message to contact her once he finished his work.

    "I should go home now," she said weakly, feeling extremely worn out.

    Thankfully, no one was trying to block her way, so she could get out of the venue unscathed. When she was about to leave the premises, she saw a familiar figure walking past her in a hurry.

    Li Caiyi was surprised to see that person here, but it didn''t seem like he noticed her, as he kept walking without stopping.

    "What? Why is Detective Tang here?"

 Chapter 453 Rendezvous Meeting

    It was only a glimpse, but Li Caiyi was sure that it was Detective Tang. But why would he be here?

    Not that he couldn''t be here or anything, but wasn''t the anniversary party supposed to be only for employees and affiliatedpanies? And it looked like he was in such a hurry too.

    Li Caiyi''s sense of curiosity was tingling. She wasn''t one to poke her nose into someone else''s business, but Detective Tang had done so much for her. She wouldn''t like it if something bad happened to him.

    Going against her initial n, Li Caiyi turned around and walked in the same direction Detective Tang went. She noticed him avoiding the front entrance and went to the side yard for what looked like a rendezvous meeting.

    It seemed like he was waiting for someone.

    Li Caiyi contemted whether she shoulde out and greet him, but Detective Tang''s behavior was pretty suspicious. He looked around as if he was worried someone would spot him trespassing.

    In the end, she decided to wait to see how things were going. If this was some kind of secret meeting with a woman or something, she would leave the premises immediately.

    Detective Tang had a sharp sense, so Li Caiyi made sure her body was hidden behind therge pir, a few meters away from him.

    After ten minutes, another figure appeared in the yard, and Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in surprise when she saw who it was.

    The man whom she desperately tried to avoid today.

    The current CEO of Meng Pharmaceutical, and also her ex-father-inw.

    <o>,m Meng Yaoshu.</o>

    Li Caiyi put her hand on her chest, in an attempt to calm down her erratic heartbeat. She was afraid someone would find her hiding, just from how loud it beat.

    Why? What rtion could Detective Tang have with Meng Yaoshu?

    Li Caiyi tried to recall whether she had ever met Detective Tang before she regressed. But she couldn''t remember ever meeting him before. He had a unique personality so Li Caiyi would certainly remember him if she ever met him.

    Beads of sweat rolled from her temple as she observed the two of them talking. The distance was too far for her to make out anything, but if she went closer, Detective Tang probably would find her out.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to talk to or even meet Meng Yaoshu ever again in her life if she could help it, so she decided not to risk it and waited in her ce.

    In people''s eyes, Meng Yaoshu might appear to be a gentleman and honest businessman, who cared a lot for people''s health and welfare.

    Under his leadership, Meng Pharmaceutical Support was first established, although the practice wasn''t fully well-known until Meng Renshu''s time. It was a charity program where he helped unfortunate families to get medical help.

    He was a kind, noble, and down-to-earth person who made one achievement after another. A lot of people respected him and looked up to him.

    No one would believe that behind that gentleman-like smile, hide a snake-like face that was ready to gobble up anyone who tried to stand in his way.

    Li Caiyi shuddered as she recalled his cold eyes as he looked down on her in her previous life. It felt like her life energy was being sucked out of her body, leaving her with an empty shell.

    Once, Li Caiyi also believed that Meng Yaoshu was the kind man he led everyone to believe. Only when she was on the verge of the abyss did she finally realize his true color.

    He wasn''t there during Meng Renshu''sing-of-age party because he was too busy to attend, and Li Caiyi was very relieved. However, seeing his face again awakened a lot of bad memories she wished to forget.

    Li Caiyi squeezed her upper arm tightly as she tried to maintain herbored breath. A wave of nausea hit her. If it weren''t for the pir in front of her, she probably would copse on the spot.<sub> </sub>

    ''Calm down. Look around you. This isn''t the Meng household where they push you around anymore. You are free now, and it will always be like that.''

    Li Caiyi repeatedly told herself that, and after a while, she finally could think straight again. She peeked out from behind the pir, and it looked like both of them were in the middle of a serious conversation.

    Detective Tang had a severe expression on him, unlike his usual self. She wondered what they could possibly be talking about?

    Detective Tang did say that he was more capable than he looked. If he could even make Meng Yaoshu buy his service, then that probably wasn''t just nonsense talk, after all.

    "Oh, it seems they have finished talking." Li Caiyi mumbled as she watched Meng Yaoshu walking away. "This is my chance to approach Detective Tang."

    "Oh, is that you Miss Li?"

    Li Caiyi jolted like someone had electrocuted her before she turned her head in surprise.

    It turned out to be Shao Junfei''s voice. He stood a few steps away from her with confusion clearly written on his face.

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. For a moment, she thought it was Meng Yaoshu. She probably lost a few years of her life from that scare.

    "I saw someone leaning on the pir and thought you needed some help. Do you feel unwell, Miss Li?"

    "Oh." Li Caiyi straightened her back and forced the most natural smile she could muster before replying, "Mr. Shao, I didn''t expect to run into you here. Please don''t worry, because I''m not feeling sick at all."

    Or at least not anymore. She was kinda light-headed when she saw Meng Yaoshu, but that shock just now really pulled her down to reality.

    "Is that so? Then, I''m d. You disappear as soon as you give your speech so I''m kind of worried. Were you here all this time?"

    "Yes. I was feeling a tad suffocated and went out for some fresh air." Li Caiyi felt sorry for lying, but she couldn''t tell him she was here trying to spy on someone else''s meeting.

    "This venue had a spacious garden with a lot of flowers, so it is a good ce to take a stroll."

    Li Caiyi didn''t even notice there were flowers around her because she was too focused on her own mission. "You are right. They are so pretty. But what brings you here Mr. Shao? Are you here to take a breather too?"

    "Oh." Shao Junfei looked hesitant for a moment, before he asked, "To be honest, no. I was actually searching for you. Someone said they saw you leaving the main venue earlier."

    "You were searching for me? Can I help you with something?"

    Shao Junfei stared at her straightly. "I want to ask you something. Have you heard anything from Jingfei about today?"

    Li Caiyi finally understood his intention. Shao Jingfei was very hostile to his brother, but for some reason. Li Caiyi didn''t know anything about their history, but she could feel that Shao Junfei genuinely cared for his brother.

    "I''m sorry, Mr. Shao, but I haven''t heard anything from him. I wasn''t able to persuade him, and he didn''t seem like he even wanted to talk about today''s event."

    There was a weird smile on Shao Junfei''s face like he was troubled and relieved at the same time.

    "I see. Thank you, Miss Li. I''m sorry for asking this from you. I should have known that Jingfei is not the type that can be easily persuaded."

 Chapter 454 A Raid (1)

    "No, that''s quite okay. It''s the least I could do for you after you helped me outst time."

    Li Caiyi furtively nced toward where Detective Tang previously was. And to her surprise, he wasn''t there anymore. She was too busy talking with Shao Junfei and forgot to keep a tab on him!

    Li Caiyi had to ask him what he was doing here, so she shouldn''t be wasting her time.

    "Mr. Shao, if that''s all you want to talk about, can I excuse myself first?"

    Shao Junfei looked like he was about to say something when Li Caiyi went ahead of him. He immediately swallowed the words that had already been on the tip of his tongue and shook his head instead.

    "Oh, yes, that''s all I want to talk about. I''m sorry for taking up your time."

    "No, it''s alright. It''s been nice talking with you Miss Li."

    "Then, I will take my leave first. Have a nice evening, Mr. Shao."

    Li Caiyi walked away brisklyˇŞalmost like half-running to the front yard again, hoping to get a glimpse of Detective Tang again. She even took a look around the main venue again just to make sure. However, he was nowhere to be seen.

    "Crap, I lost sight of him."

    Nothing went well for her tonight. It seemed she had no choice but to ask Detective Tang about itter.

    Although she believed Detective Tang would know better not to let his guard down in front of a big figure like her ex-father-inw, she still felt the obligation to warn him about Meng Yaoshu. That was just how dangerous that man was.

    CRASH!!

    Li Caiyi raised her head when she heard a loud shattering noise, followed by the shriek of surprise of the guests. She was even more surprised when a group of guests suddenly ran past her in the direction of the entrance.

    "Run! It''s a terrorist attack!"

    "They took the Chairman hostage. Call the police!"

    A man bumped into her and she staggered behind from the force. The vague words she heard were all she needed to know about the situation. This ce was under attack!

    BLAM!!

    "No one shall get out of this ce! Not if they valued their lives!"

    "Kyaaa! They blocked the exit! We can''t get out!"

    "They were armed! We are going to die!"

    Li Caiyi hadn''t fully recovered from her initial shock when things escted to the worst. It was as if all the surprise she experienced this evening wasn''t enough, the heaven saved the most shocking one as the grand finale.

    ''I can''t understand! What is going on here?!''

    "Xiaoyi!"

    Someone forcefully turned her body around as she tried to ingest all the new information inside her head. When she looked up, her nk expression was met with Meng Renshu''s terrified face.

    "Why are you still here? Didn''t you say you are going to leave?!"

    "Brother Renshuˇ­ The attack, what isˇ­"

    Meng Renshu''s concerned face contorted in pain as he looked at her. He pulled her into his embrace and he rubbed her back gently. "Xiaoyi, don''t be afraid. I promise I will protect you."

    Just earlier, Li Caiyi tried not to think about his warmth, but now she found herself enveloped in it again. Perhaps because she was too shocked, she couldn''t muster any energy to resist.

    "You must be shocked, but nothing to worry about. I have contacted the police and they should be here any time now. I won''t let anything happen to you."

    Meng Renshu kept whispering these words to her, even though he must be equally confused and scared as her. His heartbeat and warmth soothe her tense nerves, and soon she finally found herposure again.

    Li Caiyi slightly raised her head, and her gaze fell to his jaw, with his body covering her small frame.

    He looked ready to shield her from anything that mighte to harm her. His body''s warmth seeped through their clothes and slowly found its way into her heart, making it ache with a sweet yet painful sting.

    It was crazy how she could findfort in the arm of a person who had hurt terribly in the past. For someone who had experienced death once, this situation should be nothing. Wasn''t this a very pathetic scene to see?

    Li Caiyi bit her lips hard, before gently retreating from his embrace.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m sorry for showing you my unsightly side, Brother Renshu. I''m fine now."

    Meng Renshu felt a tad disappointed because she didn''t stop drawing lines even in the middle of this madness. He would totally understand if she burst into tears now, yet she insisted on keeping a strong front to create some distance between them.

    Nevertheless, it was still better than seeing her frightened like before.

    "Are you sure? Can you stand properly?"

    "En. Someone bumped into me just now so I lost my bnce. But I''m not hurt or anything."

    "Thank goodˇŞ"

    "Hey, you over there? Get into the line and don''t try to do anything funny!"

    Their conversation was short-lived when one of the terrorists d in ck pointed his gun at them.

    Meng Renshu immediately stood in front of Li Caiyi with both of his hands in the air. "I get it, so can you please put down that dangerous thing? You scared thedy?"

    "Do I look like I care? Just get your ass over there!" The man barked his order and left no room for rebuttal.

    Li Caiyi, who could tell that the situation didn''t work well in their favor, discreetly took a knife from the table. She waited until the man was distracted before slipping the knife into her skirt. Thank god she always wore short pants under her skirt.

    "Xiaoyi, are you alright? We just need to obey them until the police arrive, so don''t be scared."

    She was distraught at first, that was for sure, but now that her mind was clear, she found his concern rather silly and endearing.

    ''Sure enough. There was a reason why I fell so hard for this person previously.''

    "Brother Renshu, please worry about yourself more. Don''t talk back to them unless you want to get beaten. I was surprised before, but I''m calm now."

    "Tsk, you think you are so great to have your lover with you. Just go there like the other losers before I lose my patient!"

    The man had a short temper, so they tacitly agreed not to provoke him further. Carefully so as not to drop the knife she put inside her shorts, Li Caiyi went to the corner of the hall where all guests were forced to kneel.

    "Do you think you will get away with this?! My family will never let you go if you touch me even by a hair!"

    "That''s right! Everyone whoes here today are all influential people. If you hurt us, we will make sure to get back at you tenfold!"

    "Who hired you to do this? We can pay you twice what they gave you!"

    Li Caiyi watched how a few fearless people shouted their dissatisfaction, while silently lighting a candle inwardly.

    When people are in extreme fear, they tend to do unreasonable things, and these people were the perfect example of that. Do they really think those treats would work against these people? They wouldn''t raid this ce in the first ce if that was the case.

    BANG!

    "Kyaaaa!!!!"

    One bullet was all it took to shut those men''s mouths. The man in ck who shot the gun snickered with an arrogant smirk on his face.

    "What''s up? You look like you have a lot to say so I just added music to liven up the mood. Now, why don''t you finish your words so I can y some more music?"

    The man who protested before was ashen and petrified in his ce. He didn''t even dare to lift his head anymore.

    No one dared to say anything and desperately tried to minimize their sense of presence.

    "Haha, this is why elite people like you are all bark and no fight. You only know how to unt your wealth and ancestry to look down on people. I''d kill each one of you if you dare to say a word again."

    Everyone held their breath under his threat. These terrorists didn''t look sane by any means and only a fool would try to talk them out of this.

    Although she had experienced death once, this was actually her first time seeing the real gun being shot in real life. Trying to keep herposure, Li Caiyi kept her eyes lowered and tried not to do things that might catch their attention.

    A whileter, she noticed that Meng Renshu seemed restless. He nced around as if trying to find something or someone.

    Li Caiyi scooted closer and whispered without turning her head. "What''s wrong?"

    "I can''t find my father anywhere."

 Chapter ?455 A Raid (2)

    Everything happened so fast, and even Meng Renshu still couldn''t believe this was happening.

    Before his eyes, Shao Yufei was taken as a hostage. People d in ck with armed weapons barged in from the shattered window, and the venue descended into utter chaos.

    No matter how he tried to calm people down, everyone was too panicked to hear anything. The guards couldn''t do anything against them and were apprehended in no time.

    Confusion, shock, and fear mixed into one. Meng Renshu was not the exception, even though he tried to keep a calm facade.

    The only constion he had was the thought that Li Caiyi wasn''t here to witness this disturbing situation. He was a bit down when she left him after giving him cold shoulders, but now he couldn''t be more grateful for that.

    However, all blood drained from his face when he saw her standing with a table as her support amid themotion.

    When he saw her frightened expression, his heart sank. She looked dazed and couldn''t make out which was what anymore.

    It was the face of utter shock and helplessness.

    He hated to see that expression on her. He wanted to shield her from everything that could harm her.

    However, the things he could do right now were little to none. Although he had called the police, it would still take some time before they reached here. They had no choice but toply with their captor''s whim in the meantime.

    The sound of the gun was deafening, and it scared people of their wits. Meng Renshu was afraid Li Caiyi would also cry like few other girls around him, but she was surprisingly calm, with her eyes watching her surroundings cautiously.

    Meng Renshu froze in astonishment. She had be much tougher in the short time he didn''t see her. He knew she was awesome, but he found a newfound respect for her.

    That took one thing off his mind, now if only he could find his father among this crowd, he would feel reassured. He hadn''t seen him ever since Meng Yaoshu gave his speech.

    "What''s wrong?" Li Caiyi whispered beside him.

    "I can''t find my father anywhere." Meng Renshu replied in a hushed tone. "Have you seen him anywhere before the attack?"

    "No, I didn''t see him."

    Meng Renshu grew restless as he imagined the worst possible scenario. He feared that these people also took his father hostage, just like what they did to Shao Yufei. Both of them were the most prominent figures in this party after all.

    If something happened to Meng Yaoshu, how could he face his mother and sisterter?

    While he was stuck in his thoughts, a small and delicate hand fell on top of his. He looked down to find Li Caiyi''s hand covering his, and her warmth slowly seeped into his cold hand. His heart, which previously beat rapidly in anxiety, gradually regained its original pace.

    "You are the one who told me that everything will be fine once the police are here, so get yourself together. These people were clearly here for something, so I doubt they will harm Uncle carelessly."

    Meng Renshu wanted to act cool by saying that, so he felt a bit ashamed when she turned his words back at him. He took a deep breath before replying, "Yes, you are right. Sorry for getting flustered."

    "No need to apologize, it''s natural to feel that way in this situation."

    After that, Li Caiyi pulled her hand back. Meng Renshu was disappointed it had ended too fast, but quickly reminded himself this wasn''t the appropriate time to think about that.

    BLAM!<sub> </sub>

    The sound of the door being mmed open started them, and another man d in ck entered the main hall. Because they wore the same type of clothes, it was hard to make out who was which but based on how they acted, Meng Renshu could tell that something worse was bound to happen.

    His intuition was on point, as men in ck suddenly walked around to search the guest. There were shrieks of dissatisfaction everywhere, but under their threat, no one dared to defy them.

    Meng Renshu grimaced when one man roughly checked his body for any dangerous weapon. He swore the hands of the one who did a body check on him lingered longer than it was supposed to be on his body. To call it humiliating was an understatement, as disgust and anger welled up inside him.

    When one of them moved closer to Li Caiyi and tried to put their hands all over her body, the anger he had been trying to suppress burst open.

    His body reacted before he could think. Meng Renshu lunged toward the man andnded a punch on the man''s face, making the man in ck fall backward.

    "Just try touching a hair on her body and I''ll make sure you pay for this!"

    "Ha. This pretty boy seems to lose his mind due to stress. Who do you think you are giving orders to?" The other man said in a mixture of amusement and disbelief, as he pointed the gun at his head.

    "You look like a smart guy with a good brain. But what use is it if you can''t even understand your current position? Make one more false move and we''ll not hesitate to burst your head open."

    "Aaaaahhh!"

    Li Caiyi moved forward in an attempt to help him but was quickly detained by other men.

    The shriek of panic and fear echoed in the spacious hall. Everyone covered with some closed their eyes shut as they didn''t want to see any ghastly scene.

    Meng Renshu gave him a murderous re, and the man stiffened for a moment before he pressed the cold gun on his temple this time. "Whoa scary. So the pretty boy can look fierce too when he is cornered."

    "Stop!" Li Caiyi shouted as she tried to struggle from her captor''s hold.

    "Oops, if you want your boyfriend to be safe and sound, I advise you not to make unnecessary moves."

    "Xiaoyi, don''t move! I''m fine, so don''t do anything reckless!"

    "You are one to talk!" Li Caiyi red at Meng Renshu in disbelief.

    The situation had taken a turn for the worst. Li Caiyi was afraid that they would find the knife she hid under her skirt, but thanks to Meng Renshu''s intervention, she was saved for now. She didn''t expect him toe to her rescue like that.

    As grateful as she was, he really acted recklessly this time. Now, these men had their eyes on him. His wealth and family prestige meant nothing to them, so Meng Renshu was in a big pinch.

    Li Caiyi was actually broken in a cold sweat. She traced back her memories and vaguely recalled that something like this did happen in her previous life. A terrorist raid on a high-ss party attended by a lot of socialites and influential people.

    However, the difference with this time was that she and Meng Renshu weren''t supposed to be here during the attack. And it wasn''t supposed to happen until a few yearster!

    She only heard about it from the news and didn''t even know that the party mentioned at that time was the Glorious Days anniversary party.

    No, could she really be saying for certain that the raid this time wasn''t caused by her interference? Because she changed the course of history, the terrorist raid was advanced by a few years?

 Chapter 456 A Raid (3)

    If the raid happened faster, then there must be a reason why. Does it have something to do with Shao Yufei and Meng Yaoshu''s disappearance?

    Detective Tang was also here until an hour ago. Was his meeting with Meng Yaoshu here having something to do with these people''s attacks?

    "Argh!"

    Meng Renshu''s groan of pain snapped her to reality. Her pupils dted in horror when one of the men pressed his head to the marble floor, with the dangerous-looking gun pressed to the back of his head.

    "No, please! Don''t hurt him!" Li Caiyi involuntarily screamed out.

    "Xiaoyi, don''t struggle. It''s dangerous."

    Li Caiyi felt like crying. No matter how much she resented him or was indifferent to him, she had never wished to see him getting hurt or worse, dying. Her heart was in pain like something shed it apart.

    "Wh-what is your purpose? I assume it isn''t for money, so what is your true aim? If it''s something we can provide then say it and we can talk this out. Please don''t hurt anyone here!"

    Out of desperation, Li Caiyi blurted out what was in her mind. The man behind her snickered and caressed her jaw with his rough hand. The motion felt so frightening, that it sent shivers down her spine. He could easily break her neck with such a big hand.

    "As you say, our aim is not money, but it''s not something you need to know. If I were you, I''d probably want to watch my tongue, little missy. No one here has any qualification to propose negotiation with us. You are not worthy."

    The low voice beside her ears was full of warning and threat. Li Caiyi''s body trembled all over, and her hand unconsciously raised beside her thigh, ready to take out the knife if necessary. She kept it as an emergency weapon, but she wouldn''t hesitate to hurt these people if needed.

    "Hey, be careful with that one. The boss wants her alive and unhurt."

    "I know, but she is too cocky. I just want to scare her."

    Li Caiyi hadn''t registered the meaning of their words when she was suddenly pulled to stand roughly. "Ouch!"

    "Xiaoyi! Where are you going to take her?!" Meng Renshu struggled to stand but pressed down again immediately.

    "Sit down, pretty boy. Our boss wants your girlfriend and even heaven can''t defy that!"

    "This guy is starting to annoy me. Should we teach him a lesson? It can set examples for others too."

    "Nice idea."

    Those people in ck closed into Meng Renshu with violence written all over their faces. Li Caiyi knew Meng Renshu had learned a few self-defense techniques, but with all these people, he wouldn''t stand a chance.

    "Wait, don''t hurt him! If you do, then I won''t go anywhere with you!"

    "Little missy, you seem to be misunderstanding something. We will drag you by feet if we must, and we aren''t going to let the pretty boy that easily, even if it was just to spite you. Hahahaha!"

    "Guh!"

    Meng Renshu groaned in pain when one of the mennded a kick on his side, causing him to lie on his back while coughing hard. Li Caiyi gasped in shock, as the pained expression numbed her senses.

    She clenched her hand in a fist when another mannded another attack on Meng Renshu. His sophisticated suit was covered in dirt and blood stter in no time. Throughout all that, Li Caiyi begged them to stop, while the rest of the guests averted their eyes, pretending not to see.

    "Heh, watch it carefully and burn it in your mind. Your turn wille soon, don''t worry."

    Facing the burly man, Li Caiyi just couldn''t fight back when he dragged her away.

    Tears welled up in her eyes, and she kept screaming ''stop'' repeatedly. She couldn''t even hear Meng Renshu''s gasp of pain anymore.<sub> </sub>

    If this continued, he''d die!

    Li Caiyi clenched her fist. Anger surged inside her and it fueled her courage. If they thought they could take her just like that, then they got another thinging!

    She quickly pulled the knife inside her skirt and swung it with a ferocity she didn''t know she had.

    "Agh! This bitch is hiding a knife all this time!" The man shouted in pain as he held his bleeding arm. "Restrain her!"

    "NOBODY MOVES!"

    Anyone who saw her right now probably thought she had gone crazy. Her eyes were red from crying as she red at those who tried to get close to her. Her hair and dress were disheveled while she swung the knife around.

    The people in ck were taken aback by her desperate moves and dared not to get close to her. Only then did Li Caiyi stop shing.

    In all seriousness, if it weren''t for their boss who demanded her to be delivered to him unhurt, she probably would never have the guts to do it. But a desperate situation called for desperate measures. She couldn''t just sit down watching them beat Meng Renshu to death.

    ''Don''t falter now, Li Caiyi. You don''t have to win, just try to buy time as much as possible until the policee. This isn''t your first time doing this. You can do it!''

    That''s right, among all guests here, for some reason, she was valued highly by these people. She could use this as her bargaining chip.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before pointing the de at her neck decisively. "If you dare to harm anyone again, then I will hurt myself here. Let''s see if your boss will be delighted to hear that or not."

    "Don''t get too ahead of yourself bitch!"

    Li Caiyi pressed the de into her neck more, causing a slit to appear on her wless neck. Blood trickled from it, and for once, it caused panic among the people in ck.

    As expected, these people treated this boss of theirs like their god. If a small threat like this was enough to rattle them, then maybe she really could pull this off!

    "Get away from him. Now!" Li Caiyi red at the men who still pinned Meng Renshu to the ground. Under her threat, they had no choice but to reluctantly retreat.

    She crouched down to check on Meng Renshu''s condition while still holding her knife tightly. He was hurt and bruised all over, with blood dripping from his temple and mouth. Li Caiyi hoped he had no internal injuries from how much he got beaten.

    "Xiaoˇ­yi?" Meng Renshu called out in a barely audible voice.

    "Brother Renshu, are you alright? Can you hear me?!"

    "Xiaoyiˇ­.Don''t hurt herˇ­. Don''t take her awayˇ­"

    His voice was so low that nobody could possibly hear it beside her, but it stiffened her. Even when he was half-conscious, he was still thinking of her? That was ridiculous.

    Meng Renshu was indeed not acting like himself tonight. He was usually moreposed before taking action. Why would he risk getting hurt by shielding her? It wasn''t like he knew Li Caiyi was carrying a knife with her.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips as inexplicable emotions washed over her.

    Was she really not knowing the reason he did that? Shouldn''t she, out of all people, know just how much Meng Renshu treasured his beloved people and would fight to any length to defend them?

    ''You foolish man. Why do you keep confusing me like this? You only make me hate myself more and more.''

    As she drowned in self-me, the wounded man she shed earlier stepped forward, before saying in a coaxing tone, "Little Missy, we promise we will not harm anyone again, so can you go meet our boss now?"

 Chapter ?457 A Raid (4)

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath as she tried to calm herself down. She knew this wasn''t the time to be trapped in emotional turmoil. Rather thanmenting, she''d prefer to do everything she could do right now.

    "How would I know you will keep your promise?" Li Caiyi asked sharply, knife ready beside her neck again.

    "W-wait, don''t be hasty!" The wounded man panicked as he took a step backward. "We may look untrustworthy, but we are never the one who broke a deal with someone. Especially if this concerns the boss'' wish!"

    "Why should I trust you?"

    "Hey, it''s better if you don''t provoke our boss, Missy. If you go too far, he might just change his mind and have us drag you with hands and legs tied. Our boss is a moody one, you know!"

    "Our boss is scary when he is angry! He ordered us to beat these people one by one for every minute you wasted!"

    There was another wave of shriek among the guests. Everyone was already scared enough as it was, but after witnessing what happened to Meng Renshu, they almost couldn''t hold back tears.

    Li Caiyi pondered thoughtfully. She had to admit that although this might be risky, she wanted to hear what their boss had to say.

    Compared to Shao Yufei and Meng Yaoshu, she was nobody so she shouldn''t have any use to the boss. However, from how they behaved, it seemed like she had a sort of importance to them. If her existence was whatpelled them to move earlier than what she remembered, then she certainly wanted to know the reason.

    No matter how she thought about it, she had a feeling that everything that happened today had something to do with Meng Yaoshu. And whatever he nned was probably not something good. His meeting with Detective Tang, who was currently tracking a shadow organization that used living humans asb rats, was suspicious too.

    Considering what Detective Tang mentioned to her before, about how this organization might have the backing from powerful people, she couldn''t help but wonder if the two Chairmans who went missing had something to do with it.

    Maybeˇ­ Just maybe, this was her chance to find out more about that organization. And if she was lucky, she might find new information about the cure for Li Chunhua''s condition.

    ''Still, all of this is just my assumption. I''m practically gambling with my life on the line right now.'' Li Caiyi thought as she gulped hard. Her hand while holding the knife was shaking.

    "Make up your mind already. Our boss is not a patient person."

    "....I''ll go with you. But you have to keep the end of your promise."

    "Miss Li, you must not go with them! It''s too dangerous!"

    Li Caiyi turned her back to the source of the voice and found Shao Junfei in the middle of the people. It turned out he kneeled not too far from where she was. He was looking at her tensely, with a hint of pleading in his eyes.

    They hadn''t talked much before this, so knowing he was concerned for her safety warmed her heart. Her hands were no longer shaking as much.

    Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly at him. "I will be fine. Please take care of Brother Renshu for me."

    Shao Junfei was about to say something else, but one of the men held him back by the shoulder. Li Caiyi stood up and walked toward the wounded man before she changed her mind.

    "Lead the way."

    ***<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi walked through the hallway and into the elevator. From the voice, the man who was given the task of escorting her was the one who forced her and Meng Renshu to kneel earlier. He kept giving her an ugly look and grumbling like he couldn''t stand the sight of her, but thankfully he said nothing to her.

    The elevator stopped on the third floor. The sound of their footsteps reverberating in the empty hallway made her uneasy. She couldn''t stop looking around vigntly, as though someone coulde out from one of the empty rooms and attack her.

    It seemed the whole building had been rented for the party tonight, so aside from the bad people, Li Caiyi didn''t see anyone else. Or the employee probably had also been taken captive in the main hall downstairs.

    The grumbling man led her to the big room at the end of the hall, where two men were guarding the door. He gave her onest contemptuous look before pushing her to the door roughly.

    Li Caiyi wanted to curse at him, but the next thing she knew, the door in front of her was opened and she was pushed inside. These people were really the example of ''actions speak louder than words.''

    When she raised her head, there was a tall figure wearing a white mask standing by the window. From the physique, he looked pretty slender, at leastpared to the burly men outside.

    He wore the same attire as the rest of them, but there was something about him that was something more distinct than the other. He was like the darkness that hid a danger deep within or like calm water before a storm.

    Li Caiyi straightened herself, trying her best not to let her trepidation show on her face. "Are you the one who wanted to see me?"

    She couldn''t see his face because of the mask, but she could tell he was watching her through the hollow of his mask closely.

    Li Caiyi didn''t n to lose, so she stared back at him just as hard. "After all the trouble to bring me here, are you not going to sayˇŞ"

    She hadn''t finished her words when he suddenly moved closer at an abnormal speed. In a blink of an eye, he towered over her as he stood too close to her for her liking.

    Li Caiyi''s pupils widened in disbelief. How could he move from one ce to another that fast? And with no sound at that. It couldn''t possibly be a human movement at all!

    Wait, was he even human? The face behind the mask, was it really a human''s face all along?

    Li Caiyi came here with a purpose and was prepared to get hurt in the process. But when this person loomed over her like this, using that mask that made him not look fully human, she found her legs trembling in fear.

    This was scarier than she expected. All words she prepared in her mind were overwritten easily with only one big word: Run.

    This person was far more dangerous than the other terrorists. And she came here willingly to such a person, expecting she could achieve something by doing that. She clearly had overestimated herself. She should have known that these people weren''t on the same level as the loan shark she previously tricked.

    The pressure he exuded was so strong that Li Caiyi couldn''t move even if she wanted to. She felt like her head would fly if she made even one wrong movement.

    He slowly raised his hand, and all the hair in her body stood when he slowly used that hand to caress her cheek.

    "Are you scared of me?" The man said with a dangerously low voice. It chilled her to the bone, yet his gesture was so sweet. Almost tantalizing.

    Li Caiyi''s tongue was too stiff to utter a word. She was stuck in this ce with this person, and no one woulde to save her.

    The image of Dai Zhiqiang''s face was thest thing in her mind before she was suddenly hauled and thrown to the bed.

 Chapter ?458 A Raid (5)

    It happened so fast. The world in front of her suddenly flipped upside down, then she felt a soft and bouncy texture below her, followed by a heavy weight on top of her.

    She looked up in horror as that creepy white mask leaned down on her like he was trying to kiss her. However, he stopped just a finger from her face, filling her view with the surface of a white mask.

    "S-Stopˇ­" Li Caiyi painstakingly squeezed that word from her throat. She meant it to be more threatening, but it sounded like a mouse whimper instead.

    "Are you scared of me?" The man asked the same question again.

    Li Caiyi instinctively felt that he would do something worse if she kept quiet like before, so she forced herself to speak. "No. Get off me this instant."

    "Really? Even when you are trembling all over like this?"

    The man caressed her upper arm gently, relishing the smoothness of her skin, and making her flinch. Her fear intensified, prompting her to raise her hand to attack him with her knife, only to realize that she had already lost it at some point.

    The man caught her hand by the wrist and held it down above her head. He used his weight to lock her in ce. This way, she really couldn''t move at all.

    "Let go! Let go of me!"

    "Do you want to escape? Strange, aren''t you the one who asked so many questions earlier? Where did all that drive go?"

    His tone was as deadpan as before, but Li Caiyi could tell he was mocking her. "You are the one who wants me here in the first ce!"

    "That''s right. Because I was curious. I''m curious about you."

    Li Caiyi stiffened even more when she heard that. "What? Do you know me before this?"

    "No."

    Li Caiyi waited for him to continue, but it didn''t seem like he would borate, so she continued, "First, how about you let me go first, so we can talk?"

    "I refuse."

    "But it''s too ufortable to talk like this."

    <o>,m "I don''t mind. You are soft, and smelled nice too." The man lowered his head even more to her neck, and Li Caiyi finally couldn''t hold it anymore.</o>

    She screamed and struggled with all her might. But he was so heavy like an immovable rock. Her resistance barely did anything to him.

    The man patiently waited until she was drained of her energy before pinning her other hand above her head. By now, Li Caiyi was already sobbing from frustration and helplessness.

    "Sshh, don''t cry." The man whispered beside her ear gently, but it only made her want to sob harder.

    "This is a warning. Don''t poke your nose where it didn''t belong, and no harm shalle your way."

    Li Caiyi stopped sobbing and turned her head at him. "What do you mean by that?"

    "Exactly as it sounds. I''m pretty sure you know what I''m talking about. The fact that you came here for me is the proof."

    Li Caiyi stared at him deeply. Perhaps her eyes were ying a trick on her, but she thought she saw a beautiful pair of blue eyes behind the nk white mask. And also the fathomless darkness in it.

    "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"

    "I don''t have an obligation to answer. But I guess I can give you another piece of warning."

    "A warning?"

    "Be careful with whom you are associating yourself with. You don''t know when they might pose a danger to you."

    Li Caiyi couldn''tprehend the meaning behind those words. By ''associating'' herself with, who could he have meant? Was it Detective Tang? Or Meng Renshu?

    The more she thought about it, the more she felt that this person knew something about her.<sub> </sub>

    "Uhmˇ­"

    "You are not a bad catch, but I have to admit that his taste is purer than I thought."

    "Ah? What are you talkingˇŞAgghh!"

    Li Caiyi gasped when he suddenly choked her with one hand. She felt like her neck would break. Under his cold stare, she struggled to break free while gasping for air.

    "W-why?"

    "I''d like to see you cry once more. As a reward for telling you a good piece of advice, will you cry for me?"

    "Y-you crazy!!"

    He wanted her to cry? Then of course she wouldn''t give it to him!

    Not that she had any room for that, with how busy she was trying to preserve the air in her lungs. This man went from 0 to 100 so fast, she didn''t see iting.

    His hold on her neck was getting tighter, and when she thought she was going to pass out, the door was suddenly kicked open.

    CRASH!!

    The loud crashing sound startled her and she automatically shut her eyes. At the same time, the hand on her neck disappeared, giving her room to breathe.

    When she opened it again, the man with the white mask had gone. The curtain of the window fluttered from the wind, and Li Caiyi just knew that the man had escaped through it.

    Then, she felt herself being pulled upwards and rammed into a wide chest. "I finally found you."

    Li Caiyi was stunned. She couldn''t possibly mistake that voice with another, for that voice was the one thing she urgently wanted to hear even before all this mess happened.

    "Zhi?" Li Caiyi called out to him with a shaky voice. Tears welled up in her eyes again.

    Dai Zhiqiang broke their embrace and cupped her face to take a better look at her. His pale face wasced with worry, and his eyes seemed hurt to see her in this state. "Caiyi, are you hurt? Did someone do something to you?"

    ''It''s really him. He really came to save me again.''

    Li Caiyi wrapped her hand around him and cried hard. All the fear, exhaustion, and confusion were released from her as she clutched him for life.

    "I-I was so scared. I thought I won''t be able to see you again!"

    Dai Zhiqiang had never seen Li Caiyi crying like this before. She was in a daze when he found her, with disheveled hair and dress. She didn''t seem to be hurt physically, but the incident must have left a scar in her mind.

    He pulled her closer while whispering words of constion to her ears. "It''s fine. I''m here now. Nobody will hurt you anymore. You are safe now."

    "Hngghˇ­sobˇ­sobˇ­"

    Her cries were so heart-wrenching. It broke his heart to pieces. If only he arrived earlierˇŞno, if only he answered her call and stayed by her side, something like this wouldn''t have happened to her.

    The more he heard her crying, the sadder and angrier he became.

    A dark pool swirled in his eyes as he stared at the opened window. He remembered seeing a shadowy figure leaped from that window the moment he barged in.

    He was too focused on securing Li Caiyi and letting the main culprit get away. Not that he regretted his choice, but the culprit ran too fast for him to take a glimpse of his figure. He couldn''t even tell if it was a man or a woman.

    The only one who had seen that person was Li Caiyi. However, he couldn''t bring himself to ask, as the bad memories probably traumatize her.

    Dai Zhiqiang had no idea what happened to her, but he certainly wouldn''t let whoever did this to her unscathed.

 Chapter 459 Burning Jealousy

    Li Caiyi felt like she was floating in the clouds. Everything about her felt light, even the air itself tasted different. Was she in a dream again?

    ''I feel so warm. I don''t want to wake up.''

    Yeah, it didn''t matter even if she skipped a day or two from school. She had graduated once, and no one would reprimand her if she didn''t have a perfect score anymore.

    Li Caiyi squirmed around to get into a morefortable position but somehow found her movement restricted.

    "Don''t move around or you''ll fall." A familiar voice said beside her.

    ''Huh? That''s strange. Aren''t I supposed to be in my apartment bedroom right now?"

    "Caiyi, are you awake?"

    Someone brushed the side of her hair gently, and she could smell the mint fragrance from it. It reminded her of a certain someone. But he couldn''t be there with her, becauseˇ­

    [I''d like to see you cry once more. As a reward for telling you a good piece of advice, will you cry for me?].

    A figure with a in white mask suddenly appeared in front of her and pushed her off the cloud. He coldly stared as she fell down, and the next thing she knew was that she couldn''t breathe.

    "Gasp! Ahˇ­haaaˇ­."

    p The first thing that greeted her when she opened her eyes was the white ceiling. Since when was she in the hospital?</anda>

    Her body trembled as she recalled her terrifying dream, and everything slowly came back to her. The raid on the anniversary party, the dangerous and mysterious terrorist boss with a white mask, and how she fainted not long after Dai Zhiqiang found her.

    "Caiyi, you finally awake."

    Li Caiyi turned her head sideways and found her boyfriend looking at her with pure relief. As soon as she saw her, it felt like her fear dissipated like a fog washed away by the rain. A small smile unknowingly crept up her face and he pulled her for a hug.

    Now that she finally calmed down, she noticed that Dai Zhiqiang was holding her hand tightly, and his hand was shaking. He must be very worried about her.

    "Zhi, thank you foring for me." Li Caiyi said in a hoarse voice.

    "It''s nothing to be thankful about. Of course I''de for you when you are in danger. I-I came toote, didn''t I? I''m sorry."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "You are here now, so everything''s fine. I''m not scared of anything when you are here with me."

    Just like when she was in her darkest time, he would reach out his hand to her and release her from all of her sufferings. Li Caiyi was afraid she had grown too dependent on him, but she didn''t want to think of that right now.

    Li Caiyi wanted to drown herself in this warmth.

    "Caiyi?"

    Dai Zhiqiang called out her name in surprise when she snaked her arm around his neck and pulled him down to kiss him. It was a gentle kiss full of longing, unlike the deep one they usually shared.

    She closed her eyes to relish their kiss. It filled her heart to the brim. She felt like she finally returned home, the ce where she felt the safest.

    They soon parted, and Dai Zhiqiang''s confused face made her chuckle. "Sorry. Did I startle you?"

    "Ah, no. It''s alright. I understand you must be still shaken up by that incident."<sub> </sub>

    "So what''s with that surprised look?"

    Dai Zhiqiang covered his mouth with his hands. With a slightly blushed face, he replied, "I just didn''t expect you to do that out in the open."

    Li Caiyi hadpletely forgotten about that. She looked around and found that all the people in the room were looking at them with a knowing smile, from patients to doctors.

    It was an undeniably embarrassing situation. Her previously pale face turned red from embarrassment. She was so caught up in her own emotion she didn''t notice they weren''t alone in this room.

    This time, it was Dai Zhiqiang''s turn to chuckle. He rubbed her head affectionately as she buried her face in her hand. "It''s okay. I don''t mind at all. It''s just a shame that we can''t do more than that. You have to wait until we return to your ce before I can return the favor."

    Li Caiyi pped his shoulder with a huff, making himugh even harder. Hisugh was infectious because she soon found herselfughing alongside him.

    "Are you hungry or thirsty? I can go to the store right now if you want."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "That''s okay. I''m more curious about what happened after I fainted. How did you find me there, Zhi?"

    Dai Zhiqiang made aplicated expression as he awkwardly scratched his hair. "I received your message in my mailbox, but you didn''t answer when I called you back. Then, I saw the news and immediately went there."

    "But, the room I was in was guarded by guards with big bodies. Did you beat them beforeing in?"

    "No. I didn''t see anyone when I broke into the room. They must have already run from that ce before we came."

    Li Caiyi was stunned. "You didn''t see anyone when you came into the room? Their boss was with me until you broke in."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face hardened when he heard that. He squeezed her hand tighter as he stared sharply at her. "Caiyi, I have heard the story from the other guests. They said you voluntarily let yourself be led to their boss. What are you thinking?"

    Li Caiyi had no excuse. This all happened because she was overestimating her ability. Just because their leader wanted to meet her unscathed, she thought she could gain an upper hand against him. In the end, she didn''t find out anything and was almost strangled to death.

    She shuddered. Even now, when she recalled that in white mask, without any line on it, a sense of dread ran down her spine.

    How should she exin this? Dai Zhiqiang knew nothing about Li Chunhua''s circumstances, and she couldn''t decide if it was okay to tell him.

    Dai Zhiqiang noticed her troubled expression and sighed in defeat. He was very upset when once again he let her face a dangerous situation by herself.

    ''Moreover, she did it to save that guy from their assault.'' Dai Zhiqiang felt even worse when he recalled what one of the guests told him.

    [It was like a scene from a drama. The guy fought for the girl and then got injured badly. The girl cried and let the bad guy capture her so they would let the guy go].

    Dai Zhiqiang thought the guest was exaggerating at first, but from Li Caiyi''s reaction, he could tell she was hesitant to tell him about it.

    Was it because she knew it would upset him? But there shouldn''t be any problem if she did that without a special feeling involved.

    The fact that she hesitated about it meant that there was probably more about them than what could be seen in the eyes.

    He knew that Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu shared a special bond that ran deeper than her rtionship with him. They were childhood friends, and that guy was someone she used to love deeply.

    Dai Zhiqiang never doubted her love for him, but he had always known that Meng Renshu held an important ce in her heart. He bet Li Caiyi would never turn a blind eye if she saw him in a precarious situation.

    Unlike Dai Zhiqiang who was always somewhere else, Meng Renshu was the one who actually stayed by her side and kept her safe this time. What if Li Caiyi prefers to be with someone like that, rather than him?

 Chapter 460 The Aftermath And Questioning Session

    Thinking about it like that made him depressed. He tried to ignore this ugly feeling, but the jealousy kept filling him like air filling in a balloon. He feared that someday those feelings would explode within him.

    "I heard a little about what happened," Dai Zhiqiang said, unable to stand her silence any longer. "You were trying to stop those people from harming Senior Meng."

    Li Caiyi almost forgot about that. Rather than exining Li Chunhua''s circumstances, this one was a far easier way to exin. It wasn''t a lie either.

    "Yes. Brother Renshu tried to stop them when they wanted to do a body search on me. They beat him up badly, so I have to threaten them."

    "You threatened them?"

    "Their leader wants to see me, unscathed. It means they can''t hurt me. So I told them I will hurt myself if they harm anyone in the hall."

    "And that''s how you got the wound on your neck?"

    Li Caiyi touched her neck and wasn''t surprised to feel the rough texture of the bandage on it. She dared not to look at Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes. Even from his voice alone, she could tell he was terribly upset.

    Dai Zhiqiang heaved a long sigh. "Judging from your silence, you must have already known how reckless you are, right? I want you to think hard about what happened and reflect on your actions today."

    "Yes, I''m sorry." Li Caiyi replied weakly.

    Dai Zhiqiang caressed her hair again. "What should I do with you? The part where you can bravely stand up for others is what I like about you, yet I hate to see you in danger because of that."

    "Zhiˇ­"

    "Please, don''t act recklessly when I''m not there. If something were to happen to you, I probably would go crazy."

    Li Caiyi held his hand to her cheeks and tenderly nudged it. "This isn''t your fault at all. On the contrary, you saved me again, Zhi. I promise I will be more careful next time, so please don''t be sad."

    Dai Zhiqiang almost lost her breath seeing Li Caiyi acting in a spoiled manner like this. She was like a shy kitten who tried to be affectionate with him for the first time. Her flushed face, and those moist eyes as she looked up at him pleadinglyˇ­would be the death of him someday.

    ''She really knows how to push my button, doesn''t she?''

    It was embarrassing, but he had to admit he was the weaker side of this rtionship. He could never win against her. Not that he ever tried to win either. It didn''t matter what she did to him, as long as she had him in her heart like this.

    "Ahem. I''m sorry to interrupt, but can we ask a few questions to you?"

    The sweet atmosphere between them was instantly ruined when a middle-aged man in a long coat stood behind Dai Zhiqiang.

    Li Caiyi released his hand in a hurry and cleared her throat to ease her fluster. "Yes, how may we help you?"

    The middle-aged man showed his police badge before he took out a note from his coat pocket. "I appreciate your cooperation, youngdy. There are few things we''d like to confirm with you."

    "Wait, she had just regained her consciousness. I know this is for investigation, but can it wait until she fully recovers?" Dai Zhiqiang interjected.

    The policeman was unfazed as he replied, "It would be nice if we have all the time in the world, but we need all the information we can gather about those dangerous people as soon as possible, before they make another move. I get that everyone was in shock, and thedy is not an exception, but this is urgent."

    The rough trantion of that was: "The criminals are still on the run and can hurt other people, yet you want us to wait? Everyone can answer the question just fine so you won''t get special treatment here."

    This policeman really didn''te here to y or offer words of constion. Li Caiyi quickly answered before Dai Zhiqiang got into an argument with the impatient policeman.

    "I get it. I will answer your questions, if it''s something I can answer."

    "The youngdy is very understanding. I thank you for making my job easier."

    <o>,m Thetter statement was dripping with sarcasm and obviously directed at Dai Zhiqiang. Li Caiyiughed dryly and held Dai Zhiqiang''s arm gently.</o>

    "Zhi, on second thought, I think I want to eat and drink, after all. Can I trouble you to buy some for me?"

    "Will you be okay if I leave now?"

    Li Caiyi preferred to have him outside rather than potentially argue with the policeman if he stayed here.

    "Yes. You should eat too. Take your time."

    Dai Zhiqiang cast a warning look at the policeman before he nodded. "Then wait for me here. I''ll be back."<sub> </sub>

    After he left, the policeman took the seat beside her bed and opened his notebook. "Now, if you can answer some of my questionsˇ­"

    ***

    Li Caiyi answered the question one by one. Having a policeman questioning her like this brought back bad memories, so she wanted to wrap it up as soon as possible. She replied just like she remembered and even gave him the details of the masked man she met.

    "So, are you certain he didn''t say anything about his purpose or something like that?"

    The masked man warned her about something, but she was pretty sure it wasn''t his main purpose, so she shook her head. "No. That man barely spoke anything before someone came to my rescue."

    The policeman looked skeptical, but he chose to ask something else instead. "The one who saved you, is the young man who was with you just now, right? Can you tell me a bit more detail about that?"

    Li Caiyi wasn''t sure what he was trying to find out, so she carefully chose her words before answering. "I''m sorry, but I was so frightened at that time that I didn''t really pay attention. The door suddenly broke open, then I faintedˇ­"

    He didn''t look satisfied by her answer but moved on to the next question nheless. "About the man who got injured badly, I heard he is someone close to you?"

    "Oh, yes. He is my childhood friend. Do you know what happened to him afterwards?" Li Caiyi asked worriedly.

    "He suffered a few broken bones, but his life is not in danger. His father was waiting by his side when I went to check up on him."

    Meng Yaoshu was by his son''s side? Does it mean those people didn''t kidnap him?

    Li Caiyi waspletely clueless about those people''s motives. The fact that they managed to get away unnoticed before the police surrounded the ce was baffling as well.

    "I see."

    The policeman wrote something on his note before he stood up from his seat. "I think that concludes my questioning session. Thank you very much for your time, youngdy. I''m sure you must be tired and shocked, so rest up. I wish you speedy recovery."

    Li Caiyi nodded politely, and the policeman took his leave. It went smoother than she thought.

    Not long after that, Dai Zhiqiang was back with a bag of food from the store. "It''s finished already?"

    "En. He only asked me a few questions."

    Dai Zhiqiang patted her head gently before showing her the things he bought. "Good job. Now you have to eat something first."

    Li Caiyi giggled when she saw the sheer amount of it. Aside from a variety of foods, there were a few drinks too so she could choose. The problem was everything here was her favorite.

    "Thank you, Zhi."

    "Don''t mention it," Dai Zhiqiang scratched his cheek awkwardly before asking, "Say, do you think we should tell your family about this? They''re probably worried about you."

    Aside from Li Chunhua, Li Caiyi didn''t tell anyone in her family about the anniversary party. However, after how she kicked her out of her apartmentst time, it would be awkward if they met now.

    "No. I''m not hurt too badly, and calling them now will only unnecessarily rm them. I''ll tell them myself when the time is right."

    "Are you sure? What about your sister?"

    "Well, we are sort of in a fight right now, so all more reason to hide it for now."

    "Really? You guys are usually so close. What happened?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect him to be so curious about it. "Well it''s the usual sibling fight. We didn''t agree about something and ended up fighting."

    "I see. If your sister knows about this, I bet she would make a big fuss here."

    "Ahaha, you have a point. She''d probablye at me while crying."

    "Xiaoyi!!"

    "Yes, just like that. Hm?"

    Before she could finish her words, someone tackled her while shouting out her name.

 Chapter 461 Hospital Drama (1)

    "Xiaoyi, I''m so worried about you. Are you alright? Those people didn''t hurt you, did they? Wait, what''s with that bandage on your neck?! What happened?!"

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times as Li Chunhua kept barraging her with so many questions. Speak of the devil. Did shee here as soon as she saw the news?

    "Xiaohua, what are you doing here?"

    Li Chunhua grabbed her shoulder while frowning as if saying what-kind-of-question-is-that,

    "Of course, I''m here to check on you. I know today is supposed to be the anniversary party of yourpany, so I was so afraid that something had happened to you. Now, your turn to answer my question. Is the wound on your neck the only wound you have? You''d better not hide anything from me!"

    "Xiaohua, you should calm yourself down first. You are bothering the other patients." Li Caiyi took her hand off her shoulder with a sigh. It didn''t seem like Li Chunhua remembered their fight, but her excessive worry was already problematic as it was.

    "As you can see, I only have minor injuries. I will ask the doctor to let me go home after resting for a bit."

    "What? You should stay here and let them examine you more. A person''s wound is more than what you can see in the eyes, you know? The incident must have shocked you badly."

    Li Chunhua wasn''t wrong, but Li Caiyi preferred not to stay in a ce where anyone coulde in. Not when the person who targeted her was still roaming around out there.

    "No. I think I''m fine. Staying here will only make me feel discouraged."

    Li Chunhua opened her mouth to say something more, but she was stopped by Dai Zhiqiang.

    "Li Chunhua, I don''t mean to interrupt, but you shouldn''t badger her like that. She is still exhausted."

    Li Chunhua slightly flinched, as if she had just registered his presence here. A secondter, she sneered at him.

    "So you are here. Great timing. I was wondering where you have been all this time. I thought you had dropped dead somewhere."

    "Xiaohua!" Li Caiyi pulled her sister''s arm lightly with a warning look in her eyes. "What are you saying to Zhiqiang?"

    Li Chunhua pried off her arm from her sister''s hold and pointed her finger at Dai Zhiqiang. "This guy has been neglecting you all summer break and you still want to defend him? Hey, why did you let something like this happen to her? Aren''t you supposed to be by her side and protect her?!"

    Dai Zhiqiang kept his silence and didn''t try to argue back. Li Caiyi was worried he would take what Li Chunhua said to heart, so she harshly rebuked her.

    "How can this be Dai Zhiqiang''s fault? He has his own life to take care of and I have mine. I was the one who decided to attend that party, and whatever happened to me afterward is my responsibility. Xiaohua, if you are here just to stir trouble, then I''d appreciate it if you leave now."

    Li Chunhua looked at her in disbelief. Her eyes shook wildly as traces of hurt filled her eyes. "Xiaoyi, are you kicking me out again? Do you hate me so much that you don''t want anything to do with me anymore?"

    Talking with Li Chunhua could be such a pain in the ass. Li Caiyi took a deep breath to control herself before talking in a milder tone.

    "I will not do this if only you know how to read the room and behave yourself. Zhiqiang was the one who saved me from those scary people. Once again, I owe him my life. So sister or not, I won''t let anyone talk bad about him!"

    Li Chunhua was aggrieved. She couldn''t ept that her sister scolded her in front of thest person she wished to see. However, under Li Caiyi''s urging gaze she had no choice but to give up.

    "I get it. I''m sorry. I won''t do it again."

    "The one you should be apologizing for is not me."

    Li Chunhua gritted her teeth. "Dai Zhiqiang, I apologize for my outburst."<sub> </sub>

    "....It''s fine," Dai Zhiqiang replied.

    Li Caiyi peered at his face to gauge his emotion, but he avoided it by looking elsewhere. He really took Li Chunhua''s words into heart, didn''t he?

    "Hey, so everyone is here. Did I miss something?"

    Except for Li Chunhua, they simultaneously turned their head toward the familiar voice. There, Shao Jingfei stood with his usual grin on his face.

    "Jingfei! You are here too?" Li Caiyi asked in a sort of automatic response.

    "Yeah. I came to check on my old man and brother. Since they seemed fine, I came here to check on you next."

    Oh yeah, Shao Yufei and Shao Junfei must have been brought here as well, considering how those people took Shao Yufei hostage. It was pretty stupid to ask why Shao Jingfei was here.

    "I see. How is your father and brother''s condition?"

    "My old man is out of cold, but he only suffered minor injuries. As for my brother, he ispletely uninjured, except for the mild trauma. How about you?" Shao Jingfei asked as he stared at her neck. "It looks like it hurts a lot."

    "No, it doesn''t hurt that much," Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly. "I will go home after I rest for a bit."

    "That might be for the best. I saw some reporters out there and they have been causing a ruckus for wanting to interview the victim of the incidents. If you stay here, we don''t know what kind of insensitive question they will ask you."

    "What, really? I didn''t see anyone like that at all," Li Chunhua looked surprised.

    "You don''t say? You ran like an unstoppable bull without any care for your surroundings as soon as we arrived here."

    Li Chunhua folded her arm in front of her chest defensively. "I don''t remember doing any of that. I was very calm throughout the journey."

    Shao Jingfei rolled his eyes, while Li Caiyi was very interested in this new information. "Both of you came here together? Were you two together before you came here?"

    She meant to ask that casually, but their reaction couldn''t be even more different. Li Chunhua jolted and awkwardly darted her eyes around, as though trying to hide something. Meanwhile, Shao Jingfei had a wide grin on his face, like someone in a very good mood.

    "Oh, we happened to meet outside today, so we hung out together. Isn''t that right, Chunhua?" Shao Jingfei looked at her while smiling, but Li Chunhua avoided his stare and yed with the end of her hair instead.

    "Y-yes. It''s just a coincidence we met. If not, why would Ie here with you?"

    <o>,m "Well, that''s a pretty cold response. Who is the one who said that she will apany me throughout the day?"</o>

    Li Chunhua''s face turned red from his teasing. "Shut up!"

    Witnessing their banter, Li Caiyi felt that there was a subtle difference in how they interacted before. Before this, their bickering was pretty much very childish, with each of them refusing to back down. But now, their interaction seemed more controlledˇŞalmost flirtatious even.

    And there was something fishy about Li Chunhua''s reaction too. Was she always this restless when facing Shao Jingfei before? Most of the time, she ordered him around like it was nothing.

    Li Caiyi could tell that something definitely happened between these two. She was so excited; she wanted to pull her sister to the side and forced her to spill the tea.

 Chapter 462 Hospital Drama (2)

    Li Chunhua felt her sister''s suspicious gaze on her. so she quickly stood up from her seat. "I-I''m going to the restroom!"

    After she left, Li Caiyi was left behind with Shao Jingfei and Dai Zhiqiang. None of them said a word for a good minute.

    If it was only Dai Zhiqiang, she wouldn''t be surprised, but Shao Jingfei was usually a chatterbox. He looked deep in thought. It was rare to see him so quiet.

    ''I guess what happened to his father got to him, despite him trying not to show any attachment to his family.''

    "Uhm, Jingfei? Are you sure you want to stay here?" Li Caiyi asked carefully after much consideration.

    Shao Jingfei chuckled. "Hm? Do you not like it when I''m here?"

    "Of course not! But your father is still unconscious. Don''t you want to wait on him with your brother?"

    And Li Caiyi had a feeling that Shao Junfei had something to say to Shao Jingfei too. Although she hadn''t the foggiest idea what that was.

    "No. I don''t think he needs me to look after him." Shao Jingfei simply replied before changing the topic. "But of course, you want to get rid of me with your boyfriend here. Sorry for failing to read the mood."

    "What kind of person do you think I am? I was just concerned." Li Caiyi pouted.

    "Oops, did my joke upset you? Sorry about that. Of course, I know you weren''t deliberately chasing me away."

    Even in this situation, he joked around as if nothing happened. Li Caiyi couldn''t me him for behaving like that, though. His position as an illegitimate child in the Shao house must be moreplicated than she thought.

    "Hey! Stop there! I won''t forgive you if you disturb her!"

    There were loud noises from outside the room. It sounded like two people fighting.

    "Isn''t that Chunhua''s voice? She really has a knack for getting into trouble." Shao Jingfei sighed. "Wait, let me check the situation."

    However, he didn''t have to do that, because, at the next moment, Meng Shuchun went inside the room with a furious expression. Her eyes met Li Caiyi, and she strode towards her immediately. The clicking noise of her high heels was like the footsteps of a warden who nned to drag their prisoners back to the cell.

    A lot of people came to visit her today. Since when did she be so popr?

    From Meng Shuchun''s hostility, Li Caiyi could already tell that this wouldn''t end well. It was her face when she came to seek trouble with her.

    Following behind her was Li Chunhua, who looked worried for her.

    Li Caiyi prepared herself before asking, "Shuchun, what are you doing here?"

    SLAP!

    Before anyone could react, Meng Shuchun swung her hand and gave Li Caiyi a fierce p. Everyone, especially Li Caiyi, was so shocked by that unexpected attack they couldn''t react.

    "I can''t believe this. How can you be fine and kicking while my brother is suffering? This is hrious," Meng Shuchun''s voice was shaking, but the seething anger lurking under it was so palpable. She red at Li Caiyi resentfully.

    "Meng Shuchun, have you gone crazy now?! Who are you to cause trouble here and p my sister like that?!" Li Chunhua was about to pounce on her but was stopped by Shao Jingfei.

    "Ah! Let go! Let me go, I said!"

    "Whoa, don''t vent your anger on me! Chunhua, I know your feelings but don''t make this situation worse!"

    Li Caiyi''s cheek felt hot. This reminded her a lot of the past when Meng Shuchun would p her whenever she tried to stop her from taking her things. The arrogance and that pompous attitude she had, were no different from that time.

    Thinking about those memories somehow calmed her down. Li Caiyi caressed her burning cheek before shooting a cold nce at Meng Shuchun, who looked ready tounch her second attack.<sub> </sub>

    "Apologize to me."

    "What?" Meng Shuchun seemed like she couldn''t believe what she had just said.

    "I said to apologize to me, and to everyone else who has to see this ugly scene you caused."

    "Ha! Did I hit you too hard? Is it strong enough to make your almost non-existent brain fly out the window? I see you finally lost it. Shouldn''t you be the one who apologizes for making my brother reduced into that state?!"

    "Why should I? I''m not the one who beat him to a pulp. And even if I want to apologize, I don''t see why I should apologize to you, and not your brother. Meng Shuchun, did you leave your brain somewhere before you came here?"

    "Y-You! How dare you talk back to me?!" Meng Shuchun raised her voice in a fit of anger.

    Li Caiyi had always been the easier one to deal with out of the twins. She would cower and give a way for her if she pushed her around a bit.

    Meng Shuchun did notice that Li Caiyi seemed to change from their short interaction at Meng Renshu''sing-of-age party, but she thought she could act like that only because Qing Xiangjun was there. Meng Shuchun couldn''t unleash her true authority when her mother was watching her.

    "I always know you are rude and arrogant, but you reached a new low today. Do you take this ce as a market where you can scold other people as you please? I can''t believe the only daughter of the prestigious Meng family could behave like this. How embarrassing."

    "Shut up! My brother got hurt because of you, and I can''t forgive you for that!"

    Li Caiyi scoffed. "You should at least get your facts straight before using someone, lest you invite embarrassment for yourself. Brother Renshu got hurt while trying to defend me, that''s why I put my life on the line to save him. Not that I''m proud of it, but I take that we are even with this. I didn''t owe your brother anything."

    This meant that Meng Shuchun''s action of demanding an apology was nothing more than an unreasonable act of a spoiled kid.

    "You are finally showing your true color. As expected, you are just a parasite trying to take advantage of my silly big brother. How can you say that when my brother is still unconscious? You ungrateful bitch!"

    Meng Shuchun raised her arm again, but this time, Li Caiyi caught her hand before itnded on her face.

    With an rmingly low voice, Li Caiyi said to her, "I''m getting bored hearing the same thing over and over. You always say that whenever you have run out of things you can say. Do you think people are as dumb as you to see how ridiculous you are right now? Stop embarrassing yourself, I can''t even pity you because you brought this upon yourself."

    Meng Shuchun''s face turned red in a mixture of anger and shame, especially after she noticed how people stared at her like they were staring at a monkey in a zoo. The atmosphere was unfavorable for her.

    While shooting daggers from her eyes, she roughly pried her hands off of her. "Don''t think this is the end."

    Then, she stormed out of the room with those noisy clicking sounds of her heels. Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief once the peace returned to the room.

    "Xiaoyi! Are you alright?" Li Chunhua pushed Shao Jingfei away and approached her sister. She scowled in anger when she saw how her cheek had badly swollen. "Meng Shuchun, that brute! Just how much strength did she put into making it look like this?!"

    Li Caiyiughed. "I''m fine. This is nothingpared to the usual."

    "What do you usually mean?! Has she ever pped you before this?!"

    "Ah no, I mean the usual wound I got. You know I''m clumsy and hurt myself a lot." Li Caiyi quickly corrected herself.

    Meng Shuchun was two years younger than the twins, but she liked to talk down to them.

    Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua didn''t have a good impression of her. They would always fight whenever they came across each other. Meng Shuchun loved to show off her superiority, and Li Chunhua refused to buy any of it. Li Caiyi would often find herself dragged involuntarily into their fight.

    However, Meng Shuchun''s anger was directed only at her. Considering what happened to Meng Renshu, she should have seen thising.

    While Li Chunhua made a fuss about how she would get back at Meng Shuchun for this, Li Caiyi nced at Dai Zhiqiang, who seemed awfully quiet since a while ago. He still had that brooding look on his face.

    ''Is he still ming himself?''

 Chapter 463 What If She Grew Tired Of Me Someday?

    ''Is he still ming himself?''

    Dai Zhiqiang was a person with a high sense of responsibility. To the point, that he would unknowingly torture himself for it. She wasn''t sure he would change his mind even if she told him this was none of his faults.

    "Zhiqiang, are you alright? Yourplexion doesn''t look good." Li Caiyi asked carefully. Even the other two stared at him, waiting for his response.

    But Dai Zhiqiang only shook his head with his usual deadpan eyes. "Nothing for you to worry about. I should be the one asking you."

    "Oh, you mean this?" Li Caiyi touched her cheek, "Yeah, this is nothing."

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    Shao Jingfei observed the two of them alternately, feeling that something was off between them. As far as he knew, both of them were very close and only had eyes for each other, but now the air around them felt stifling.

    "Hey, Chunhua. I think this is about time we leave," Shao Jingfei whispered, and Li Chunhua jumped in surprise.

    "S-Stop getting close to me like that without warning!" She hissed in a restrained voice. For some reason, she looked flustered.

    "What''s wrong with you? Can''t you see that they need some space to talk? Third and fourth parties like us should leave."

    "Why should I? If you want to leave then go by yourself. I''m not going anywhere without Xiaoyi!"

    When she acted like this, it meant no words would get through to her. Shao Jingfei sighed, before turning his head towards Li Caiyi, "Since you are fine, we''ll take our leave first, Caiyi."

    "Ah, yes. Thanks for visiting me here, Jingfei, Xiaohua. I''ll see you guys againter."

    "Hey, I''m notˇŞHmph!"

    Before Li Chunhua could protest, Shao Jingfei mped her mouth shut and dragged her out of the room with him. She struggled at first, butter became docile when he held her hand.

    Li Caiyi waved at them before shifting her gaze back at Dai Zhiqiang. "Are you going to stay? Will it be okay? I''m fine, you know."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart sank hearing that. He realized that Li Caiyi was trying to be considerate of him again. Because he was always so busy, she thought he would leave her once he made sure she was fine.

    p She surely did that out of kindness, yet why does it sting him so much?</anda>

    "I can stay longer. No, I want to stay longer with you." Dai Zhiqiang replied firmly, with both hands clenched beside his body.

    "Oh, I see."

    There was that awkward silence again. Towards his injured girlfriend, Dai Zhiqiang was as stoic as ever. Weren''t a couple supposed to get closer after they finally connected both physically and mentally? But why does it feel that wasn''t the case with them?

    "Ehm, I''m saying this just in case, but please don''t mind what Li Chunhua said. Please don''t me her too much. That child''s world is still very small, so she tends to overreact when something happens to me. I''m sure she was just saying that because she couldn''t control herself."

    "I understand. You don''t have to exin it to me. I''m not particrly concerned about that."

    "Oh, really? But you suddenly became quiet. Do you have something in your mind?"

    "I was just thinking about a few things. Don''t worry about it. More importantly," He strode closer and reached out to carefully cradle her head between his hands. "Your cheek is red, we need to cool it down as soon as possible."

    Li Caiyi studied his expression closely, but it was hard to make out anything of it.

    "If you are so concerned, then why didn''t you back me up when Meng Shuchun attacked me?" Li Caiyi said in feigned anger. She crossed her arms while pouting.<sub> </sub>

    "Oh, I didn''t realize you needed my help. Next time, I will properly defend you." Dai Zhiqiang replied seriously,pletely oblivious to her teasing.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi was amazed at how much faith he had in her. Even though Meng Shuchun looked like she wanted to tear her to pieces, he was confident she could take care of the situation by herself.

    His honest and simple answer somehow touched her. The fact that Dai Zhiqiang thought of her as capable made her proud of herself. It felt much better than having him step in to help her.

    "No, I was just joking. I wasn''t trying to make you help me or anything. If it''s only Meng Shuchun, I can handle her alone just fine!" Li Caiyi grinned from ear to ear.

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled back at her, his hand gently stroking her hair. "Yeah, you put her in her ce easily, I was amazed and fell for you all over again."

    "Gosh, you sure know how to talk!"

    "When are you nning to leave the hospital? I will take you home."

    "Hmm, let''s go back after my cheek is treated. I don''t like staying here."

    There are a lot of people she wanted to avoid here. She didn''t know when Meng Shuchun woulde to bother her again, so for her mental health, it would be better to leave as soon as possible.

    Thus, the long and eventful summer break came to an end.

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang waited until the light on Li Caiyi''s room was turned off before walking away from the parking lot of her apartment. He left her ce as soon as he made sure she ate and had been standing there for some time.

    He refused to step away until he made sure nothing happened to her.

    [This is not your fault, so don''t think much of it and rest up].

    Herst words before they parted ways bounced in his mind. Dai Zhiqiang thought it was so pathetic of him, for having herforting him when he was supposed to be the one who did that.

    Li Caiyi was so good to him. Too good, even. When he looked at her, he felt that he was taking advantage of her sometimes.

    When was thest time he listened to her problems? How her days were, and what are her ns for the day?

    Looking back, he indeed had been neglecting her a lot. Li Caiyi would still text and call him from time to time, but he would be too busy to answer.

    He had no idea she would be attending a party because he had no time to listen to her.

    If it weren''t for the tracker device he nted on her ne, he probably wouldn''t know where she had been or the danger she was in until it was toote.

    Li Caiyi''s frightened expression when he found her was something that would be forever etched in his mind. If he arrived even a secondter...

    He didn''t even want to entertain that notion.

    ''I couldn''t even take her out on a proper date for so long when she even took care of my brother and father for me. What if she grew tired of me someday?''

    No, he didn''t want that to happen. The current him couldn''t even remember how he lived his life without her before. Her existence grew bigger and bigger inside him, to the point it suffocated him.

    "I want to trap her somewhere where only I can see her. That way, she won''t be able to leave me. Ever."

 Chapter 464 That Person Is Back

    Dai Zhiqiang returned to Ye Wang in a hurry. Around this time, Ye Zhong must have already fallen asleep, so he should be working at the bar right now. But he had something to say to Ye Huizhong.

    ? On the way, he bumped into Lin Xiang, who approached him with a look of concern on his face. Especially when he saw the dark and ugly expression on Dai Zhiqiang''s face.

    "How is your girlfriend? Is she alright?"

    "She is fine. Why are you asking?"

    Lin Xiang heaved a sigh of relief. "Well, can''t I worry about her? She technically helped me out before."

    Dai Zhiqiang sneered. "That''s why you smuggled her into our hideoutst time? I let that one slide because I trust and respect you as my senior, but I''d appreciate it if you don''t have any ideas about her."

    "Hey! What kind of person do you think I am? I don''t have a hobby stealing myrade''s lover." Lin Xiang looked offended.

    "Hmph."

    "Wait for me. Tell me what happened!"

    Dai Zhiqiang paid no heed to Lin Xiang and walked briskly towards the library. Ye Huizhong liked to spend his time there around this time.

    He knocked on the door, and after his boss allowed him toe in, Dai Zhiqiang entered the library.

    "It''s you? What happened to make youe find me at this hour?" Ye Huizhong tapped his pipe to the ashtray as he gazed curiously at Dai Zhiqiang.

    Dai Zhiqiang bowed and stood in front of him with both of his hands behind his back. "There is something I want to report to you."

    "What is it?"

    "It was just a glimpse, but I think I saw him."

    "Him? Care to borate?"

    "Huang Zhen."

    Lin Xiang: "!!!"

    Ye Huizhong''s facial expression became tense upon hearing that name. It had been years since someone mentioned that name.

    "Are you sure?"

    "Based on the witness testimony, Huang Zhen certainly is the main culprit behind the attack on the Glorious Days anniversary party."

    "I have heard about it. But I didn''t expect him toe out again after this time. To think he has been moving under our nose all this time," Ye Huizhengughed, but his eyes weren''t amused in the least.

    Lin Xiang who stood by the side and listened to their conversation also couldn''t believe it. He couldn''t help but chime in as well.

    "Zhiqiang, that''s a big im you made there. Are you certain that this witness of yours is trustworthy?"

    "Yes, I''m sure." Dai Zhiqiang nodded firmly. After all, there was no reason for Li Caiyi to lie or hide anything from him. If her description of the gang''s leader was true, then there was only one person who could fit the bill.

    "Since when did he return to this country? Thest thing I heard was that he had died in a car ident."

    Ye Huizhong scoffed. "A sly snake like him won''t die that easily. The circumstances behind his death have always been fishy. To act so boldly within our territory, only he could do such a feat."

    Lin Xiang had to admit that Huang Zhen was probably the most peculiar he had known in his whole life. Even Dai Zhiqiang seemed normalpared to him. His peculiarity didn''t stop at his abnormalbat prowess, but also his dull sense of danger.

    If a person would jump to the side when a car is heading towards them, Huang Zhen would run towards it instead.

    That exined why his move was so unpredictable, and dangerous at the same time. Huang Zhen was once Ye Huizhong''s most trustworthy subordinate until he betrayed the group and disappeared.

    "Knowing Huang Zhen, he wouldn''t move until there''s a sufficient motive behind it. The fact that no life casualties during his attack are also suspicious." Ye Huizhong put his fingers on his chin before he gazed at Dai Zhiqiang thoughtfully. "What do you think is the reason?"

    "Informationˇ­is the most likely answer. ording to the witness, he seemed eager to confirm something."<sub> </sub>

    "And what is that?"

    "The answer remains obscure for now. However, I feel like his return probably has something to do with his unfinished business with Ye Wang, thus why I want to report this to you."

    Ye Huizhong studied Dai Zhiqiang''s behavior closely. His eyes narrowed down in suspicion. "You seem to be awfully proactive about this. Is there any reason why you want me to investigate this further?

    Dai Zhiqiang and Lin Xiang were taken aback by that question. Lin Xiang was the first to respond, "Boss, are you suspecting this boy has something to do with Huang Zhen?"

    "The possibility is not zero. After all, no one would imagine that Huang Zhen would betray us back then. What makes you think I will trust a brat who hasn''t officially entered our group yet?"

    Lin Xiang had no words to say against that. He stared at Dai Zhiqiang with a fervent gaze, as if urging him to say something. Thetter only calmly gazed back at Ye Huizhong in a challenging manner.

    "I have no proof and have no intention to prove it. You are free to believe it or not."

    "Oh? So you don''t care even if I found your action suspicious? I wonder where your confidencees from?"

    "I am simply stating that I won''t ask you to trust me. No, I''d rather for you not to trust me that much."

    "Hey, you brat! What did you say in front of the boss?" Lin Xiang couldn''t believe what he had just heard. He didn''t try to make an excuse and poured more oil on the fire instead. He nced at Ye Huizhong worriedly as he gulped hard.

    Contrary to his expectation, the boss didn''t re up like usual but nodded in approval. "It seems you are telling the truth. You are an impudent brat, but you are not one to scheme against someone else."

    "I''m honored you think so," Dai Zhiqiang bowed respectfully, while Lin Xiang was utterly confused.

    ''Did the boss have a soft spot for a cheeky and impudent brat? How could he let it slide just like that?''

    "I will look into this matter further. If there is nothing else, you are dismissed," Ye Huizhong waved his hand to shoo them away.

    Lin Xiang followed Dai Zhiqiang out of the library before stopping him in his tracks. "Wait, Zhiqiang. You still have an exnation to do."

    "But I already exined everything, though?"

    "Don''t y dumb with me. I know you are still hiding something. And I have a feeling I know what that is." Lin Xiang grinned smugly.

    "Senior Lin, please don''t y smart with me. It doesn''t suit you. If you have something to say, then say it out loud."

    "You impudentˇ­" Lin Xiang sighed in defeat. He knew it was useless to argue with Dai Zhiqiang so he didn''t beat around the bush anymore. "That witness you talked about, it was your girlfriend, right? That''s why you want the boss to investigate it, but you don''t want us to bother her."

    Dai Zhiqiang said nothing and walked past him instead. Lin Xiang smiled victoriously. "So I was right. But what''s with that mind game you did with the boss back there?"

    "The Boss was just ying with me. Honestly, if he wants to know about something, there is nothing he can''t find out. Including the reason why I want him to investigate this case further."

    "Oh? So then, whyˇ­?"

    "If I tried to convince him to trust me, he would use the opportunity to officially make me a member of the group. He was pressuring me."

    "Ah, so that''s why you said what you said back then. You refused to give in and oppose him instead. Well, that was so like you. I understand why the boss would feel relieved instead."

    Lin Xiang would never understand how their minds work. He wasn''t exactly the brightest bulb from the bunch, but even he knew that Huang Zhen''s return would cause a stir within the group.

    "Senior Lin, you seem rxed."

    Lin Xiang shrugged. "Nothing will change even if I freak out here. The news about Huang Zhen is certainly unexpected, but I can''t say it''s impossible either."

    "I will check on the Young Master before leaving."

    Dai Zhiqiang walked away before he could reply. After spending some time with him, Lin Xiang knew that he wasn''t exactly asking for permission when he said that, so he just let him go. His head was preupied with other things anyway.

    He had to make sure that the others wouldn''t get too agitated by this news.

 Chapter 465 Heartless Guy

    Li Caiyi woke up feeling sore. Considering how she had slept for a full day yesterday, she guessed this was unavoidable. In fact, she was still very reluctant to leave her bed.

    If it weren''t for the fact that she needed to prepare for school, she would love to sleep for another day.

    "Ugh, I want to skip school, but everyone will worry if I do." Li Caiyi groanedzily as she dragged her body out of bed and took a quick shower.

    After cleaning herself, she grabbed a turtleneck shirt and wore it under her uniform to cover the bandage on her neck. She didn''t want anyone to ask her about itter.

    Looking at the time, she still had some time, so she whipped some food together and ate her breakfast. While doing so, she checked the recent news regarding the incident that night.

    "There was still no news regarding those mysterious people. ording to one of the witnesses, they suddenly retreated and left the premises before the police arrived ...."

    A day had passed, but it seemed the police investigation was stuck. Or perhaps they did; the media was just not informed about it. Li Caiyi found no new discovery regarding the issue, so she turned off the news screen and opened her inbox instead.

    Aside from Dai Zhiqiang, who nagged him to eat and rest well, there were also some from Li Chunhua and Shao Jingfei asking about her conditions. Li Caiyi smiled while reading their messages.

    As she scrolled down her inbox, her eyes fell on Meng Renshu''s old message for her. The memories of that night when he fought hard to protect her resurfaced in her mind.

    "I wonder if he is alright now? He was beaten pretty badly."

    She could bluff in front of Meng Shuchun all she wanted, but Li Caiyi was actually terrified.

    Meng Renshu had transformed into someonepletely different after he began to regain his past life memories. He once said he was in love with Li Caiyi, too, although she took it with a grain of salt.

    After all this time, Li Caiyi felt no need to revisit past memories. As long as they lived separately from now on, she wouldn''t mind putting everything behind. But Meng Renshu didn''t seem to think so, despite saying he would respect her wish.

    Undoubtedly, their oue would be different this time since Li Jirong, who yed a significant role in their misfortune, was out of the picture now. Not only her, but Li Chunhua and Meng Renshu could avoid their future suffering and probably lead happier life.

    That was what Li Caiyi firmly believed until she saw the desperation in Meng Renshu''s eyes that night. It was like he couldn''t bear the idea of someone taking her away again.

    He had the same desperation when she visited him at his housest time. The day when he revealed that he actually remembered his past life.

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling about this. She could feel her mind swayed by the remnant of her past, which terrified her.

    If she met Meng Renshu, she couldn''t tell how deep she would fall into this rabbit hole again.

    "I''m grateful for what he did, but I''m not ready to face him yet. Once again, I try to run away from everything again. What a coward." Li Caiyi let out a self-deprecatingugh before dumping her te in the sink.

    She wasn''t in the mood for cleaning, so she left her house just like that.

    ***

    "Good morning, Caiyi! You came prettyte today."

    Zhou Ya approached her with a big smile once she entered the ssroom. Li Caiyi raised her head to smile back, but Zhou Ya gasped in shock once she saw her face.

    "What happened to your face? You looked exhausted! And that is a big eye bag you got there."<sub> </sub>

    "Oh, maybe because I stayed uptest night," Li Caiyiughed dryly.

    "Are you sure? You even wear a turtleneck shirt under your uniform, even though the weather is still pretty humid."

    Li Caiyi said she would attend an important party when they met and hung out togetherst time, but she didn''t give any details regarding the party as she didn''t want them to make a fuss about it. None of her friends should have known what had happened to her.

    If answering Zhou Ya''s question was already tricky, she couldn''t imagine what Feng Nian would say once she saw her like this. Chen Run was pretty simple to fool, though.

    Zhou Ya didn''t miss the troubled look on her face like she wanted to say something but couldn''t. Her brain worked fast, and then an idea struck her.

    "Oh! I know what happened to you. There is only one reason why you can look this distraught."

    Li Caiyi gulped, waiting for her to continue. Zhou Ya gazed sympathetically at her before patting her shoulder. "Did you have a fight with Dai Zhiqiang? Did he go MIA on you again? That''s why you were feeling down and couldn''t sleepst night?"

    Zhou Ya''s conclusion couldn''t be more off-mark, yet she looked excited about it. Li Caiyi was relieved Zhou Ya was a sucker for romance stories. She provided her with a good reason.

    ''Let''s go along with her for now. And it wasn''t like what she said waspletely baseless. After all, I hung out with them the other day because I felt lonely. Sorry, Zhi.''

    Li Caiyi heaved a long sigh, feigning a lonely look before replying, "Well, he is still answering my calls and messages from time to time, but it feels like we are growing further apart."

    "Aww, don''t think it like that. Anyone can see Dai Zhiqiang only has eyes for you. No one had ever seen him talk to other girls besides you, or to be precise, he didn''t talk to anyone but you!"

    "Eh, maybe you are right. But Zhou Ya, could you lower your voice a bit? Everyone is staringˇ­." Li Caiyi said dryly.

    "Ignore them. Come, let''s have a THOROUGH talk about this!" Zhou Ya eximed with sparkly eyes.

    In the end, she would still have to answer many questions. Li Caiyi sort of regretted using Dai Zhiqiang as her excuse now.

    ***

    "Xiaoyi, are you sure you don''t want to tell Mom about this?" Li Chunhua asked again for the nth time that day.

    "How many times do you want to ask that? In the end, nothing terrible happened to me. Telling Mother about it will only cause her to worry unnecessarily."

    "But stillˇ­" Li Chunhua kicked the pebble beside her feet while pouting. "At least tell Big Brother Jie about this. Even though you live separately from us now, aren''t we still a family? You act so distantly from us, and it hurts our feelings."

    "I seriously doubt Big Brother Jie will think the same as you. He even probably forgot that she had another sister all along."

    "No way, he surelyˇ­." Li Chunhua was about to say something butter found it usible for Li Junjie to think like that, "Nevermind."

    Li Caiyi nced at Li Chunhua. She didn''t know if her sister had forgotten about theirst fight, but this might be for the best. Li Chunhua never mentioned the matter of Hu Jian anymore after sheshed out at her the other day.

    "But still, that Dai Zhiqiang is really a heartless guy! How can he skip school and miss the chance to see you today? Did he not care about you at all?"

 Chapter 466 Tying The Loose Ends

    Li Chunhua''s words felt like a punch in her gut.

    Li Caiyi was very disappointed when she found out that Dai Zhiqiang was absent again from school, and he didn''t even inform her about it. Even though she had messaged her asking him if everything was fine, he only replied with a concise ''I''m fine.''

    He was very concerned about her before, but it didn''t feel like that today. Although she didn''t hope for him to stay by her side all the time just because of this, she was expecting him to be in school today. At least to spend some time with her.

    Her heart constricted when she thought about how aloof and distant he was.

    ''Did he not care about me anymore? He didn''t even ask me if I was okay in his message today.''

    Li Caiyi felt childish for nitpicking about his treatment of her. As an adult, she should be more amodating. Love is not about the time they spend together, after all.

    "I always ask you what you like about him, and I still don''t understand it. He is too cold and selfish. A guy like that will never fully dedicate his time to you. Xiaoyi, I stand my ground. He is not the right guy for you!"

    "Xiaohua, just because I keep quiet and listen to you doesn''t mean you can say whatever you want. Zhiqiang is not a person like that. He is a warm and earnest person."

    "Hmph. You let Dai Zhiqiang do whatever he wants butin when I do the same. You are too biased."

    Li Caiyi waved her hand. "Forget it. You wouldn''t understand because you have never experienced romantic love before. What would you know about it?"

    Li Chunhua flinched at that. "W-who said I know nothing about it?"

    "Oh? Are you saying you know how it feels? This is the first time I have ever heard about this?" Li Caiyi smirked. "Now tell me, who is this lucky guy who can steal the heart of our princess?"

    Li Chunhua slightly blushed. "What stealing? That''s so ridiculous! No one is stealing anything from me! You are just making fun of me, aren''t you?"

    "I did no such thing. You weren''t exactly being subtle about it. It was pretty obvious something had changed between you and Jingfei."

    This time, Li Chunhua literally jumped in shock. The blush on her cheek spread all over her neck and ears. "W-what? W-what kind of shitty conclusion is that? Wh-Who the heck would fall for that shortie?!"

    "You know that your reaction right now shows otherwise, right?"

    "No! You are wrong! I have no romantic feelings whatsoever for him. Definitely not!"

    Li Caiyi shrugged. "Then, let me ask you a question. What if Shao Jingfei said he likes you? What will you think of it?"

    "Did he say that to you? He likes me?" Li Chunhua''s eyes widened with a trace of expectation in them.

    She was being so obvious and still wanted to deny it. Li Caiyi found her sister very adorable like this.

    "No, he didn''t say that. It was just an "if" question. Would you hate it if someday he confessed to you?"

    Li Chunhua brooded over it for a few moments before she scoffed. "If he thinks he can win me over with only a confession, he''s got another thinging. I''m not that easy to get, you know? He has to show me his sincerity first."

    ''So you weren''t against the idea. Xiaohua, you must have got it pretty bad for him, huh?''

    "Really? Like what?" Li Caiyi decided to humor her sister.

    "Well, first, I have no intention of going out with someone shorter or just slightly taller than me. Before I can approve of him, his shoulder must be around the same height as my head."

    "But there is only so much you can do about your height. What if it''s naturally in his gene? You are asking too much here."

    "It''s not! Someone as perfect as me should at least get that much, don''t you think? Anyway, my ideal boyfriend is a tall person. That means Shao Jingfei is out of the question."

    "Wow. I don''t know if Jingfei would be happy to hear that."

    Li Caiyi shook her head helplessly. She just didn''t want to admit defeat.

    But then again, that was so like Li Chunhua. She was someone who always had a clear idea of what she wanted, regardless of the method she used to achieve it. That was why she could always charge forward without fear.<sub> </sub>

    ''As for me, do I really understand what I''m doing right now? I feel like I''m still stuck in the same ce. Is it because I refuse to face my past head-on?''

    After that, no one said another word. Theyter parted ways, each drowned in their own thoughts.

    ***

    Li Caiyi waited restlessly for Detective Tang to arrive. Everything changed so rapidly around her, and it made her feel the need to quickly tie the few loose ends first.

    She was unsure whether this had anything to do with her past life, but this might be the step she needed to take to get behind everything that happened in the past.

    ''Right. I have to be more like Xiaohua. Always ying safe will not get me anywhere. I have to use everything around me to better grasp the situation.''

    However, that drive would bring her nowhere if she didn''t have sufficient information. Li Caiyi hoped Detective Tang would get her some new information she could use.

    "Oh, here you are. Did I make you wait for too long?"

    Li Caiyi raised her head, and her gaze met Detective Tang. He pulled the chair across her, and she noticed his outfit seemed well-prepared this time. Did he juste back from another appointment again?

    "To ask for a meeting again after only a few days is the first time. Did something happen?"

    Something DID happen, and that was what she nned to ask him today.

    "Detective, do you happen to know about an anniversary party being attacked by a group of a terrorist?"

    "Of course, I know."

    Li Caiyi was slightly taken aback. He admitted it so readily. Did he already figure out what she was trying to ask him?

    "That attack was the most sensational news nowadays. I don''t think there is anyone who doesn''t know about that. Why do you ask?"

    On second thought, he probably had zero ideas about what she was trying to ask.

    "I didn''t mean it on a superficial level like that. I was asking if you have some kind of appointment with someone on that night of the party?"

    Detective Tang didn''t look surprised, but his face became more serious when he heard that.

    "Little Miss, I don''t understand what you are trying to say here. Care to borate?"

    "I was there that night. And I saw your secret meeting with the Chairman of Meng Pharmaceutical, Meng Yaoshu."

    He was still unfazed, but his gaze on her grew colder with each passing second. Li Caiyi clenched her hand under the table.

    This was probably the first time Detective Tang had ever looked at her like this, ever since their first meeting. He used to look at her with the same eyes full of suspicion as this in the past.

    "I don''t see any reason I have to tell you about that, Little Miss. We technically aren''t friendly enough to share our private matters with each other, are we? Or should I take this as a sign of you wanting to get to know me better?" He tilted his head while smirking.

    Li Caiyi had expected this reaction. His presence was intimidating, but she wouldn''t back down that easily!

    Straightening her back, Li Caiyi stared at him with an unyielding gaze. "Depending on your answer, I probably have to terminate our contract. Didn''t you say that trust is important between you and your client? Then, I''d like you to prove the sincerity behind those words."

    "I''m afraid I don''t followˇŞ"

    "Meng Yaoshu must have something to do with that organization, am I right?"

    It should be like that. The timing was just too perfect for everything to happen that night. Detective Tang''s rtion with Meng YaoshuˇŞa leading figure in the pharmaceutical world, the attack from an unknown group, and what that masked man told herˇ­

    If she tried to find a string that could tie everything together, there was only one usible conclusion.

 Chapter 467 Li Caiyis Persuasion

    Detective Tang seemed astonished by her im. His pupils dted, with his mouth slightly agape. "Little Miss, whatever makes you arrive at that conclusion?"

    There was no way she could exin that she had witnessed firsthand what kind of insidious man Meng Yaoshu was.

    "I don''t have any proof, but let''s just say that the same as you, I have my own way of knowing things."

    "Ha. I would never expect a high school girl to render me speechless like this," Detective Tang chuckled before leaning his upper body forward. "Alright. You got my interest here. Care to continue? I''d love to hear what you think I was hiding; it warrants your suspicion."

    Li Caiyi steeled herself. ''Okay, this is it. I can''t mess up here.''

    She didn''t have to prove her theory was correct. She just had to extort the information she needed out of him by any means.

    "Meng Yaoshu is one of the big figures in the pharmaceutical world. I witnessed you secretlye to the party venue to meet with him that night. At first, I thought you came to report something to him as you did with me. But then, I realized someone as caliber as Meng Yaoshu couldn''t possibly use a private detective to investigate something for him."

    "Ouch, your words are like a knife piercing my heart, Miss. After all those times we spent together, are you still doubting my ability?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Don''t misunderstand. I didn''t mean to insinuate you are ipetent or something along that line. I said that merely because I knew Meng Yaoshu''s character well. He is not a person who will trust an unrted third party to investigate something for him."

    p "Hmm, you and his son are childhood friends, so it makes sense you will know one thing or two about him. But don''t you think your spection is pretty subjective?" Detective Tang propped his chin with his hand, clearly enjoying this situation.</anda>

    "I''m aware of that. But it doesn''t matter whether my assumption is true or not. Becauseter, a certain someone warned me to not ''poke my nose into somewhere it doesn''t belong."

    "Did someone threaten you again?" Detective Tang asked, looking rmed.

    "I reckon it was just a ''friendly warning,'' at least for now. But that''s not the point. I can only think of one reason that person will say that to me. I''m sure you know what I mean, right?"

    Li Caiyi had to hold back the urge to feel her neck before continuing, "You are working secretly to uncover the secret behind a certain organization that produces a dubious drug. And for some reason, you met with Meng Yaoshu that night, who is deeply involved in the pharmaceutical industry. Is it far-fetched to think that your reason for meeting him was rted to that?"

    Detective Tang didn''t respond and only shrugged. "Who knows?"

    Li Caiyi mmed the table, startling Detective Tang and a few other restaurant guests.

    "Wh-What?"

    "Detective Tang, please tell me the truth. What were you talking about with Meng Yaoshu that night?" Li Caiyi put as much sincerity she could muster, so he wouldn''t think she was making these all up.

    "I don''t know, Miss. Do I have to tell you that? Knowing more doesn''t necessarily mean a good thing. It can very well endanger you as well."

    "You don''t have to tell me that. I''m aware of the consequences. Frankly speaking, I can''t trust Meng Yaoshu. Which subsequently means that I can''t continue working with you if there is a clue that you are colluding with that person!"<sub> </sub>

    Detective Tang stiffened. Hisid-back smile turned into that of a conflicted one. "Not only was I interrogated, but I was also threatened. Now, this is a twist I didn''t seeing."

    He could still joke around like that. Li Caiyi was frustrated because he didn''t take her seriously at all. At times like this, she missed her adult version so badly. Was everything just a big waste of time after all?

    ''No, that can''t be it. Detective Tang is clearly faltered. I just have to give him that one final push!''

    "Did you remember what we talked about? You imed that there is a possibility that the people within Meng Pharmaceutical may have something to do with that organization. That''s why you want me to approach Meng Renshu, a considerably safer target. But what are you trying to achieve by getting closer to Meng Yaoshu, the head of the said suspiciouspany? Are you trying to sabotage our n?"

    "Wait, wait, Little Miss." Detective Tang quickly raised his hand in fluster. "Why don''t you calm down first?"

    "I''m always calm, Detective. I have said everything I wanted to say, so now is your turn. What is your answer?"

    He sighed in defeat. "You didn''t hold back your punch at all. At least give room for a man to defend himself, will you? Don''t just decide I''m the bad guy here arbitrarily. Even I will feel hurt."

    "Go on. I''m listening." Li Caiyi returned his words back at him, making him chuckle in amusement.

    "Who would have thought you would be there watching me that night? Although I don''t know your deal with Meng Yaoshu, but I certainly can''t afford my important partner to bail on me at this point, or I will be troubled."

    Li Caiyi made a victory fist under the table but kept her face straight. "I want to trust you, so please tell me the truth. Is Meng Yaoshu somehow rted to that organization?"

    "Well, the details are confidential, but I swear to heaven I wasn''t trying to sabotage our n. In fact, I was in the middle of investigating that night."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Meng Yaoshu has always been on the top of the list of people I want to check into. But that person is just too clean. His public persona is impable, and aside from the general information about him, no one had ever heard bad rumors about him. Not to mention he is an affluent and influential person. It''s tough to find a crack in his airtight defense."

    Li Caiyi nodded. Undoubtedly, someone as meticulous as him wouldn''t let people get a hold of his weakness by leaving traces behind.

    Detective Tang continued, "Someone like me would never be able to make an audience with him. That''s why I made a gamble. Based on my source, I knew he would attend an anniversary party held by Glorious Days, thus why I went there."

    "So your meeting that night was your first meeting with him? I''m surprised he voluntarily came out at all. And alone, on top of that."

    "Yeah, because I pulled some string. Basically, I brought something he needed that night. Let me tell you, it wasn''t easy to acquire that information."

    Detective Tang heaved a long sigh as though he had just finished an ordeal. "But that''s beside the point. Using that bait, I managed to lure the big fish out of his tank. I tried to manipte him to talk, but sure enough, he is a tough nut to crack."

    His exnation was pretty vague, but Li Caiyi got the gist. Knowing that Detective Tang didn''t have any rtion whatsoever to Meng Yaoshu made her relieved.

 Chapter 468 Conclusive Evidence

    "I see. But can I ask you what is that ''thing'' you use as bait to lure him out?"

    "Hmm, as I said before, details are confidential, but let''s just say that it is of great significance to him. I told him I got what he wanted in my hand, and he came to get it on his two feet."

    Li Caiyi reckoned she wouldn''t get anything more out of him even if she asked, so she changed her question.

    "I heard you mentioned this ''reliable source'' a few times. Is it really that great?"

    "Oh, are you curious now?" Detective Tang smiled smugly.

    Li Caiyi would be lying if she said she wasn''t. It was never a bad thing to have more information.

    "I hate to rain on your parade, but unfortunately, the chance of you getting any information regarding your sister''s cure is close to zero. If it was that easy, then Kong and I wouldn''t be in this situation."

    He read her like a book. Li Caiyi slumped forward in disappointment. "I guess so. There''s no way the solution will be that simple. How is the research going?"

    "ording to Kong, we should be able to get the result soon. Let''s not lose hope just yet."

    "I didn''t lose my hope. Never."

    "Haha, sure. Our little Miss is very tough."

    Li Caiyi sat up straight again. "What about the matter of my stalker?"

    "You sure have a lot on your te. Are you sure you had never wronged anyone in your past life before? It seems trouble never ceases to revolve around you."

    ''Tell me about it. I was wronged in my past life, yet I still have to suffer in my current life,'' Li Caiyi couldn''t help but agree with him. She felt like she had used all of her luck just to go back in time.

    "Just tell me about the progress."

    Detective Tang cleared his throat. "Well, I figured you called me for that, so I have prepared beforehand."

    Like before, he whipped out some pictures on top of the table. In those pictures, Lu Ruan was captured with a mysterious person wearing a ck hat and hoodie. It appeared they met up frequently in various different ces alone.

    "Hmm, these are very suspicious-looking pictures, indeed." Li Caiyimented as she analyzed the ce where the picture took ce. Most of them were captured in the park near her school.

    That was also the ce where the car that chased after stopped. To say that these were just a mere coincidence was inconceivable. Li Chunhua''s hunch was correct, after all.

    ''Now I feel bad again for speaking harshly to her when she had nothing but my best interest in mind. I have to apologize and thank herter.''

    "Judging from your face, it looks like we are both in agreement that Lu Ruan is the most probable suspect. She might not be the one who did the dirty deeds, but it was almost 100% certain that she was the one who pulled the strings."

    Li Caiyi sighed. "Lu Ruan has always been hostile towards my sister and me. She found us in an eyesore. But I didn''t expect her to go this far. This is ratherˇ­unfortunate."

    Detective Tang studied Li Caiyi''s expression closely. "I found some interesting things while doing a background check on the girl. A girl''s heart is truly an unfathomable ce. You got the short end of the stick by having an obsessed girl as your enemy."

    "Just so we clear, I didn''t make her my enemy. Technically, it wasn''t me who broke her heart, but she just wanted to me me for everything."

    "Well, humans are fragile beings. When things are tough to ept, they can''t help wanting to point their finger at someone. That wasn''t a valid excuse for her actions, though. The heartbreak must be pretty bad if she even plotted to kill you."

    Li Caiyi nodded. Lu Ruan had to take responsibility for her actions. It was by pure luck that Li Caiyi survived the fall from the cliff during the school trip, but the malicious intent was there all the same. What she did was unpardonable.<sub> </sub>

    Lu Ruan had to be stopped before she hurt more people and crossed the final line she shouldn''t have crossed.

    The problem was how she should take care of the matter. She could confront Lu Ruan directly or report the matter to the police. She had to be extra careful and think this through first.

    "Detective Tang, I''d like to keep these."

    "Sure. While you are at it, keep these too."

    Li Caiyi stared at the other pictures he presented before her, and her eyes widened in surprise. "T-This is!"

    Detective Tang grinned. "If you want to call out a criminal for their action, you must bring conclusive evidence."

    ***

    "Hey, why do we have to meet in a dirty ce like this?!"

    Under the moonlight, Lu Ruan walked through the pile of trash without being able to hide the disgust on her face. Sure, this meeting was supposed to be secret, but it didn''t have to be in the middle of a dumpster like this!

    Her beautiful shoes were totally ruined, and there were a lot of bugs here!

    "I don''t want to stay here, so make this quick!" She shouted impatiently at the figure d in all ck standing a few steps away from her. In a dim-light ce like this, wearing an all-ck outfit like that made the person''s figure hard to distinguish.

    He was wearing a ck hat and mask. Only small parts of his face were exposed, adding to how his ringly white skin became paler under the moonlight; he looked like someone from another world. Lu Ruan even thought he was a ghost at first.

    ''Tsk. He is so creepy. I would never go anywhere near him if it''s not because he is the greatest ally I could have.''

    "Just tell me, what do you want?"

    He said nothing and only gave Lu Ruan an envelope. Her eyes lit up a bit, recalling how she managed to scare that white lotus bitch out by sending her that ''surprise box''st time. What kind of surprise should she send her this time?

    Lu Ruan snatched it from him and eagerly looked into the pictures inside. What she saw made her eyes brighten even more. Thinking about how Li Caiyi would cry once this fact was out, she felt pleased inside; she had forgotten entirely about her surroundings and the person standing before her.

    "I knew it. Li Caiyi really is a double-faced slut. To think Senior Meng rejected me for her, he must have beenpletely fooled by her innocent facade. I have to save him from that horrible girl!"

    "You have to be careful this time. That girl knows that someone is targeting her and actively searching for the culprit," he said for the first time that night.

    Lu Ruan harrumphed before slipping the envelope into her bag. "That''s not my problem! I hire you precisely for the troublesome details just like that. Keep giving me fun stuff, do your job properly, and you will be paid handsomely."

    The man shrugged. "Don''t say I didn''t warn you."

    Lu Ruan didn''t like this person, but to save Meng Renshu from Li Caiyi, she had to put up with him.

    With a click of her tongue, she turned and walked away from the dumpster. She didn''t even spare a look at the man again.

    Unbeknownst to her, the man watched her back until she disappeared from sight before pulling down his mask. The man smiled gleefully as though he couldn''t wait to see a good performance.

    "You''d better not disappoint me, silly girl."

 Chapter 469 Stop Looking At Me

    Li Caiyi had no intention of dragging the matter. One moment of dy meant more chances for Lu Ruan to harass her again.

    She was ready to go out to war. Lu Ruan probably would have her cronies with her all the time, so she needed to lure her out alone. Li Caiyi wanted to hear what she had to say before she reported to the police.

    That was her intention, yet when she arrived at the school, something unimaginable happened before she could take action.

    Ever since she stepped into the building, she could feel people staring at her back. At first, she thought she was only imagining things until she heard someone ''whispering'' something behind her back.

    "I can''t believe she can still walk shamelessly like that."

    "Well, what can we say? She had Senior Meng and Senior Li behind her back. Plebeians like us don''t stand a chance."

    "But doesn''t it mean she had been ying behind Dai Zhiqiang''s back? So the rumor about her and Senior Meng is true after all? I heard there is a third man too."

    "Whoa, she has such a pure face but three-timing them? Maybe I have a chance, too, then. Hahaha!"

    Li Caiyi felt her ears would bleed listening to their conversation. She turned to look at those people, but they dispersed immediately while snickering.

    ''What happened? What is this about three timing?''

    Li Caiyi hadn''t the foggiest idea of what happened. She tried to ignore the people talking about her, but their stares made her uneasy.

    "Caiyi!"

    As soon as she stepped into the ssroom, her friends sprang from their seats and approached her, with anxiety and distress written all over their faces.

    "Guys, what happened?" Li Caiyi asked them, her eyes unknowinglynding on what was behind them.

    She was shocked to find her desk had been scribbled all over with mean and cursing words. Among them was the word ''Leave!'', ''Slut!'', ''Die!'' written boldly.

    Li Caiyi covered her mouth, eyes widened in disbelief. It didn''t take a genius to guess who was the culprit behind this. She thought of confronting her today, but it seemed Lu Ruan had taken a step ahead of her.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips while peering at her friend''s worried expression. "Can one of you tell me what happened here?"

    They exchanged nces before Zhou Ya reluctantly opened her mouth. "Thisˇ­ We also don''t know what happened. When we arrived at school, your desk was already like that. And alsoˇ­"

    She trailed off, and the suspense put Li Caiyi on edge, "Zhou Ya, it''s okay. Just tell me everything."

    Zhou Ya nced at Chen Run, in which thetter slowly showed something she had behind her back all this time. "Weˇ­found this being stamped on the whiteboard this morning."

    Li Caiyi looked down and was stunned to see the collection of her pictures in Chen Run''s hand. She took them and flipped through them thoroughly. With each flip, the colors were drained from her face.

    The pictures captured her in various locations, seemingly taken in secret. However, the problem was she wasn''t captured alone in those pictures. Meng Renshu and Detective Tang were also included in it!

    Another baffling thing was that these pictures were taken in a way that insinuated an ambiguous rtionship with those men. There was a picture of Li Caiyi getting out of Detective Tang''s car at night when he stroked her head in the restaurant and many others.

    Other pictures with Meng Renshu showed them at the anniversary party''s venue the other day. It captured Meng Renshu, who affectionately offered the flower to her below the stage, and the scene where they were alone on the balcony.

    As the person in the picture, Li Caiyi could say in clear conscience that those were all just coincidences and meant nothing at all. But who would believe her? When the hard evidence was here for everyone to see? It didn''t help that these pictures looked extra convincing.

    "Th-This isˇ­"

    "Caiyi, I don''t want to doubt you. B-but you aren''t having a rtionship with three people at once, right? I-It was just a misunderstanding, right?" Chen Run stuttered.

    "You fool!" Feng Nian pped her back before shifting her gaze to Li Caiyi. Although she didn''t say anything, Li Caiyi could see the hint of uncertainty on her face. Zhou Ya also appeared to be very conflicted.

    There was no mistaking it. They doubted her.

    Li Caiyi looked around, and she could almost feel the sense of distrust in everyone''s gaze on her. A cold shiver ran down her spine as her tongue stiffened.<sub> </sub>

    ''This is the sameˇ­as back thenˇ­.''

    The sight of people''s cold stares, waiting for her exnation. The apparent usation and judging look on their faces as they pointed their fingers at her. It was like she was in the middle of a public trial.

    The loneliness and helplessness she felt back then, she still remembered well. Everything came back to her at once.

    "A-Ahˇ­ I-I.." Li Caiyi stuttered.

    She wanted to exin, but an immeasurable amount of fear blocked her throat like a rock. She couldn''t seem to get any words out.

    "W-why didn''t you say anything?" Chen Run asked again. "Please exin what actually happened to us. Weˇ­we will help you!"

    Zhou Ya reached out to grab Li Caiyi''s hand firmly. "Yes, you can tell us the truth. We will listen to everything you say!"

    Feng Nian: "...."

    Li Caiyi looked at her friends one by one. They were very close, so they surely would believe in her.

    ''But what if they don''t? After all, even my closest one didn''t believe me thenˇ­.''

    That thought went through her mind for a split second, but it was enough to erase any kind of exnation in her mind. It felt like her brain, and whole body had grown numb.

    Her heart beat rapidly; it felt like it could explode. Cold sweat ran down her temple, and it was hard to breathe.

    No matter how she told herself everything was fine, and those bad memories were already in the past, she couldn''t stop trembling. She could scream for her innocence all she wanted, but no one paid heed to her.

    No one bothered to listen to her.

    No one wanted to be by her side.

    In the end, everyone would leave her.

    Li Caiyi could almost see the world in front of crumble. The happiness she had painstakingly built dissolved like a sandcastle being washed by seawater.

    "A-Ah... Stopˇ­Just stop looking at meˇ­." Li Caiyi said weakly as she raised her hand to cover her face.

    "Caiyi? What''s wrong?" Zhou Ya held her shoulder in rm.

    Chen Run and Feng Nian were also startled. Li Caiyi''s reaction wasn''t normal by all means. They had never seen her this vulnerable and frightened. On top of that, she looked extremely unwell, like she could copse anytime!

    "Hey, calm down!"

    "Caiyi, snap out of it!"

    Li Caiyi could see them moving their lips, but no sound reached her ears. Soon, her visions became blurry as well. Scared to her core, she couldn''t help but mumble raspily.

    "It''s not me. I didn''t do it. I''m not the culprit. Believe me. Help me."

    Her voice was barely audible, but Zhou Ya could hear it clearly. "Caiyi, youˇ­"

    She hadn''t finished her sentence when Li Caiyi suddenly copsed onto her and almost made both topple to the floor.

    "She fainted! We have to bring her to the infirmary!"

    Zhou Ya''s shout was thest thing she remembered as everything turned ck before her.

 Chapter 470 Beginning Of An End

    "I didn''t do it, believe me!" Li Caiyi repeated the same sentence for the nth time, but the facial expression of people in front of her didn''t change even a bit.

    She stood on one side, while her family and inws were on the opposite side. Sprawled on the floor was Li Chunhua, who had just vomited blood from her mouth a few minutes ago. The blood stained the carpet and her white dress, making the scene even more horrendous.

    Meng Renshu, her legal husband, crouched on the floor, cradling the unconscious and pale-looking Li Chunhua with so much grief on his face. Beside him was her brother, Li Junjie, who was busy checking on her condition.

    "Xiaoyi! You heartless woman! How could you hurt your sister like this?! And in a family celebration like this, no less!" Li Jirong''s thunderous roar was full of rage. Beside him was the sobbing Su Suyin, who didn''t even bother to look at her.

    "Father, it''s not me! There is no way I will do anything to harm Xiaohua!"

    "Lies!" Meng Shuchun, who was gloating on her misery until a moment ago, pointed her finger at her. "I saw you giving that ss to your sister. And I''m sure I''m not the only one who saw it, isn''t that right, Brother?"

    Li Caiyi''s whole body stiffened. She shifted her gaze to Meng Renshu, and her heart felt like it was torn from the inside.

    Meng Renshu looked up at her with hostility and usation in his eyes. He seemed like he was on the verge of crying. His voice shook as he uttered, "Why? To think you will go this far. I have misjudged you all this time. How could youˇ­?"

    Li Caiyi felt like crying. Her heart aches so much, having her most beloved person acting like this to her.

    "Right! I have told you that she is not as innocent as she appears. She is a very sinister and scheming woman. I bet if we didn''t barge into the room, she would leave her sister half-dying here, and no one would suspect her of anything." Meng Shuchun added excitedly, pouring oil into the raging fire.

    Li Jirong''s face burned red in shame and anger. "Devil! I have raised a devil like a precious flower all this time. Xiaoyi, don''t think you will get away with this just because we are family!"

    "No! Please listen to me! I didn''t do anything!"

    But her scream fell on deaf ears. The more she forced herself to exin herself, the deeper the hole she sank into.

    Li Caiyi was acutely aware of how biased her family was toward Li Chunhua, so she knew her family wouldn''t buy anything she said. However, her mother-inw and father-inw probably could judge more objectively.

    She was still Meng Renshu''s wife, surely they would defend her a bit?

    Li Caiyi turned to Qing Xiangjun and Meng Yaoshu, who hadn''t said anything since earlier, with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

    However, that little hope shattered when Qing Xiangjun averted her eyes from her in disgust. At the same time, Meng Yaoshu only looked at her with indifference and a bored look, like he wanted nothing to do with this.

    "Where are you looking? Don''t even hope that the Meng family would back you up in this. We are a respectable part of society; no matter why we won''t side with a criminal!" Meng Shuchun howled.

    The reality slowly sank in on her. After spending a lot of time and effort, she had to painfully admit that there was no ce for her in the first ce. Looking at how they crowded around Li Chunhua, worrying and praying for her, she felt incredibly cold, lonely, and sad.

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand, trying hard not to let her tears spill. First, she had to calm down.

    Maybe everyone was still in shock. After some investigation, the truth woulde out. She knew better than anyone about her innocence. She just had to be patient, and everything would return to how it was supposed to be.

    The one who was most confused and shocked by this incident was her!

    "B-Big Brother, how is Xiaohua?" Li Caiyi asked while taking a step toward her sister.

    "Don''te near her!"

    Li Caiyi shrieked in pain when Li Jirong suddenly pushed her to the ground. The pain in her body was iparable to the pain in her heart then. Her mind drew nk as she stared dazedly at her father''s shoes.

    "What are you nning right now? Are you going to kill your sister in front of everyone now that you are caught red-handed and cornered?! You evil woman!"

    "Fatherˇ­"

    "You are a blemish to our good family. Not only that, but you even dragged the Meng family''s reputation into the mud with your unreasonable jealousy toward your sister. They have been very understanding and epting of someone useless like you, but this is how you repay them? I can''t even raise my head because I''m so ashamed; how can you be so shameless?!"

    The harsh admonish was nothing for Li Caiyi. She had received the same treatment many times. But this was the first time her inws saw how low her standing was in her own family.

    Li Jirong gave her no face. She was utterly humiliated and couldn''t raise her head.<sub> </sub>

    "Father, leave her. Xiaohua is in critical condition. We can''t wait for the ambnce to arrive." Li Junjie''s words were the only thing that broke the silence after that.

    Meng Renshu didn''t waste any more time. He quickly carried Li Chunhua in a princess-carry before briskly treading out of the room. His face was full of concern and fear for Li Chunhua. Not even once did he nce at his wife, who was left behind.

    "Xiaohua, my little darling. Please hang in there. You must not give up!" Su Suyin cried out while following behind Meng Renshu, followed by Li Jirong closely.

    Only Li Junjie stopped for a moment to look at her. Li Caiyi noticed how he was peering at the scrape wound on her elbow, but that was it. He didn''t even help her stand up and hastily walked out.

    "Dear, let us depart to the hospital as well. Renshu seems to be very agitated," Meng Yaoshu said mildly to his wife. His voice echoed in the silent room.

    "Yes. I''m worried about him. He must feel devastated right now," Qing Xiangjun replied before casting a chilling stare at her daughter-inw. "Go home first and pray nothing happens to your sister. You''d better behave yourself. That''s your only saving straw. Little Chun, do you want toe with us?"

    "Ah, I will stay behind with my sister-inw, Mom. You know, to keep an eye on her." Meng Shuchun chirped lightly.

    "As you wish."

    After spitting those words, the Meng couple also went out of the room, leaving Li Caiyi with Meng Shuchun, who hummed happily.

    "A~ah, even my brother left. He didn''t even look at his wife and only focused on his ex-lover. It seems he really loves her very much. Unlike certain someone."

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer her and only kept her head down. A giggle escaped Meng Shuchun''s mouth as she took in her pitiful state.

    "How fast the temporary queen has fallen. Though I must say, it was to be expected. No matter how much you put jewelry or brand into a thing, a fake is still a fake in the end. Especially when the fake product was actually harmful to the real one."

    Her words were like a sharp knife slicing through her ears and heart.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t stupid. Even she could tell that she hadpletely lost everything. Whatever little trust, affection, and bond she had with her husband and family were utterly destroyed.

    However, she refused to give up. Li Caiyi had endured so much up until now. She believed she could sail through this storm as well.

    "Shuchun, as of now, I''m still the suspect. It hasn''t been decided that I''m the culprit yet. Once the police investigate the case, everything will be revealed for everyone to see."

    "Ha. You are really something else. The extent you will go through just to satisfy your greed is baffling. Just how low will you stoop just to keep your empty status? Poor brother."

    Li Caiyi ignored her insult. "I have nothing to be ashamed of because I''m innocent."

    "Keep telling yourself that. I want to know just how long you can stay arrogant like that. Do you think your brother will protect you after you hurt the love of his life?"

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. She was right. The chance of Meng Renshu helping her out of this situation was slimmer than none. The distrust in his face earlier was sufficient proof for that.

    ''Don''t cry. It will only make you look more suspicious. Hold it in. Everything will be fine.''

    Those were the hardest times of her life. The police interrogated her many times, and some even threatened her to admit her crime, but Li Caiyi stood her ground. She believed in her innocence and that all would be revealed in time.

    However, time passed, but her position became more precarious. She didn''t understand how everything turned bad for her so fast like it had been predetermined from the beginning.

    The more she endured, the more painful it became. Her mind, body, and heart were in tatters.

    ''What''s the point of doing this? Why am I still persistently holding one? For what? For who? It''s not like there is anything left of me.''

    Li Caiyi wanted everything to stop, so she decided to stop thinking altogether.

    ''Yeah. Let''s just give them what they want. I just want this to end.''

    That was the beginning of her end.

 Chapter 471 The Crack In Her Wall (1)

    Li Chunhua worriedly peered at Li Caiyi''s pale face, which was almost identical to hers.

    When she found out that her sister had been brought to the infirmary, she wasted no time ditching her ss and rushed to her side.

    She had already heard about that rumor and thought it was all bullshit. No one knew better than her how hopelessly in love her sister was with that stoic, heartless guy. She was sure that someone must have set her sister up on purpose.

    "Lu Ruan, if this is also your doing, then be prepared to face the consequences." Li Chunhua grudgingly muttered.

    "Ughˇ­" Li Caiyi groaned as she tossed and turned on the bed. Her face scrunched like she was in pain, and she sweated a lot. But the school doctor said nothing was wrong with her.

    Li Chunhua couldn''t bear to see her like this. She wasn''t used to waiting on someone. Li Caiyi always had been by her side, waiting for her when she was sick. Now their role was reversed, and she realized how difficult it must have been for her all this time.

    Li Chunhua insisted on staying with her and refused to return to ss. The trio who brought her here had already returned to their ss, and the school doctor was currently out. So there were only the two of them inside.

    Carefully to avoid disturbing her sleep, Li Chunhua dabbed a towel on her sweaty forehead. She had been doing this for hours, and her hand was tired. But Li Caiyi never onceined about it when she had to take care of her, so Li Chunhua wouldn''t do that either.

    "Pleaseˇ­believe meˇ­."

    Her sister moaned some words again in her sleep. Li Chunhua''s body shook in rage.

    This was all because of that stupid rumor circting around the school! She swore she would get to the bottom of this and dragged the culprit who spread the nder about her sister for everyone to see.

    ''But Xiaoyi doesn''t like it when I get involved.''

    The thought of theirst fight emerged in her mind, and Li Chunhua slumped forward. She wanted to help, but what if her sister hated her for it?

    "Hmm, then, as long as it''s not me, it should be fine, right?"

    Li Chunhua hadn''t talked with that person for a while; she wondered if he had gotten better.

    With a hushed voice, so she wouldn''t wake her sister up, Li Chunhua made a phone call.

    ***

    Li Caiyi felt hot. And there was a blinding light falling upon her face, rousing her from her deep slumber.

    She squinted for a moment before faintly feeling that the light on her face had disappeared.

    "Xiaoyi?"

    Li Caiyi heard someone calling her name and forced herself to open her heavy eyelid. She needed a few moments before she could finally adjust.

    Once her drowsiness left her, she was astonished to find Meng Renshu sitting beside her, with a relieved expression and the light of dusk veiling his face like a halo. His hand was outstretched in front of her as though he was trying to block the light from hitting her face.

    "Why?" That was all she could utter from her dry throat. After her nightmare, his face was thest thing she wanted to see.

    Meng Renshu smiled softly. "I will exin. Drink something first."

    Li Caiyi forced herself to sit and reluctantly epted his offered ss of water. She was very thirsty and gulped everything in one go. After drinking, her head felt much lighter.

    "So, what are you doing here? Aren''t you supposed to be in the hospital right now?"<sub> </sub>

    "Xiaohua contacted me. She said you were in deep trouble. I couldn''t stop worrying, so I left the hospital and came here."

    Li Caiyi''s mouth gaped in surprise. "You left the hospital just because of that?"

    "What do you mean just ''because of that''? You don''t know how panicked I was when Xiaohua told me what happened."

    "She is just exaggerating. You still have yet to fully recover. Worry about yourself first." Li Caiyi sighed, entirely at a loss on what to say. She furtively nced at him and noticed how haggard he was. The bruise on his face didn''t make it look better, either.

    ''Anyone can see he is not in the right condition to help another. Why is he so stubborn?''

    "Xiaoyi, I have heard about the rumor about you. You were in so much shock that you copsed. If you want, I canˇŞ"

    "Don''t even think about it," Li Caiyi had a vague idea of what he wanted to bring up. Still, everything would just be messier if he got involved in this.

    "I appreciate you areing all the way here for me, but I think it''s about time you return to the hospital, no? You don''t have to care about my affair. As I have repeatedly said, I can take care of them alone."

    Meng Renshu clenched his fist. "But they spread a terrible nder about you. I want to help you."

    "Please don''t make me repeat myself again. I said I don''t need your help." Li Caiyi started to get annoyed by his pestering.

    "Xiaoyi, rest assured because I don''t mean anything by doing this. I just want to help my childhood friend. Is that wrong?"

    ''Ah, I hate this so much. You are the one who pushed me away first. Now you feel wronged when I do the same?''

    Li Caiyi had just had the most terrible nightmare. It was already bad that Meng Renshu''s face was the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes, but seeing him acting like this made her stomach crawl in disgust.

    "Do you feel bad for me now? Do you want to make up for when you gave me the cold shoulder when I needed you the most?" She sneered mockingly, making Meng Renshu flinch.

    He looked down, clearly flustered for getting seen through. His pupils dted everywhere but her face.

    "Please save the benevolent act for yourself because you made me sick, honestly."

    Meng Renshu''s expression dimmed, making him look even more haggard. His figure seemed so fragile, like a gust of wind could blow him away.

    Li Caiyi felt her conscience prickled a bit, considering how hard he defended herst time. She took a deep breath and held back the harsh words on the tip of her tongue.

    ''Let''s be patient here. I still need his help to uncover the mystery from the past and for Xiaohua''s cure too.''

    She awkwardly cleared away her throat before peering at him. It seemed her words caused massive damage to him because he silently epted her hurtful words like a sinner.

    "Sorry, I was out of line just now. But I stood my ground. We are not bound to each other anymore, so there is no reason for you to force yourself like this."

    "I''m not forcing myself. I sincerely want to help you." Heughed bitterly, "But you are right. This is only my selfishness speaking. Even if you hate me, I want to somehow be a part of your life. I don''t care if I look pathetic, as long as you don''tpletely cut me off from your world."

    Li Caiyi could feel a lump in her throat again. Talking about this made her extremely ufortable, like scratching on her old wound, but she couldn''t escape it forever.

    "I don''t understand. Weren''t you the one who cut me from your life first? Why are you talking like I''m the one at fault here? You are the one who left me behind and divorced me first."

 Chapter 472 The Crack In Her Wall (2)

    Meng Renshu stiffened when she heard the deep sadness in her tone. He slowly raised his head and was shocked to see her face''s anguish and agony.

    Before this, she always tried to avoid talking about their past. She had no interest in what was right or wrong and just wanted to forget all about it.

    The walls she built between them were too thick; he couldn''t touch her. The regret, pain, and anguish they both felt at that time were entirely obscured by that wall. But even if it was fleeting and small, there was a crack in that wall right then, allowing him to see past through her facade.

    How hurt she must have been? What happened in the past must have tortured her whole being so much. She recoiled even on the slightest idea of talking about it.

    And the one who drove her to the corner was him.

    Meng Renshu felt like crying, but he steeled himself. He was determined to hear what she wanted to say, even though he trembled in fear of what she would say.

    "You are right. It was me who betrayed you first. I don''t deserve to be forgiven."

    Li Caiyi''s corner lip curled down. She was overwhelmed with a surge of emotion she had withheld for so long. "I was so scared and lonely back then. My family had abandoned me, and even my husband wanted nothing to do with me. Why? Why didn''t you listen to me?"

    "I was wrong. It was all my fault."

    "Is it because I was only a fake? A substitute for Xiaohua?" Li Caiyi''s voice shook greatly. It carried so much bitterness and grievance. Meng Renshu could almost feel her sorrow.

    "No, of course not!" He unknowingly raised his voice. "I have never once thought of you as anyone''s substitute! Never!"

    "Lies. Then why did you keep meeting Xiaohua behind my back? You were always in a hurry to leave whenever you were with me. You rarelye home, and you always give me the cold shoulder. You are alsoˇ­."

    Meng Renshu silently listened to herin. He had never seen her talk so much like this in his lifetimes.

    Li Caiyi was either very reserved in the past or avoided him like the gue in the current lifetime. This sight fascinated him since this was the first time he saw this side of hers.

    She almost burst out in tears, and her cheeks flushed in a slight embarrassment. Her mouth puckered, and the way she red at him was oddly lovely.

    ''What should I do? I should have listened to her, but she was so cute that it distracted me. How can she be so endearing when she is angry? She will be pissed if she knows what I''m thinking.''

    Meng Renshu himself was surprised by this. If he could feel this strongly towards her, that was proof of how hard he had fallen for her. He took the long detour to reach this far, but he seemed to finally find his answer.

    He couldn''t give up on her, after all.

    When he saw how Dai Zhiqiang saved her on the mountain, he was crushed under the heavy sense of powerlessness. She looked so happy with him; seeing her leave with another man was excruciating.

    This was surely what Li Caiyi had felt in their previous life. Karma really bit him hard. He brought this upon himself.

    All he did was hurt her. He wasn''t worthy of her. So he tried to let her go. At least he could be by her side as a friend. He thought that was enough for him.

    But he clearly underestimated his need for her. The more he tried to distance himself, the more tortured he was.

    He had no reason to meet her during summer break. Still, he desperately wanted to see her, so he begged his father to let him tag along to the Glorious Days anniversary party. He even asked for a special favor from Shao Yufei to make a special event for her.

    Looking at her brilliant self from the audience seat, Meng Renshu was ovee with pride, love, and regret. He once had her by his side, but he wasted that chance.

    He wanted one more chance to be with her. It might be shameless for him to ask, but he couldn''t help wanting to reach her again. To have her in his arm.<sub> </sub>

    "What''s so funny? Why are youughing?"

    Li Caiyi''s snappy voice woke him up from his daydream. He reached up to feel his mouth. "Did I smile?"

    "Yeah, a weird one at that. Are you even listening to me?"

    Meng Renshu used to be so afraid to hear her deepest thoughts, but he strangely felt peaceful after seeing her bare her mind and hear before him. This bubbling and sweet feeling, he hoped, wouldst forever.

    "Xiaoyi, I know I''m a failure as your husband. I won''t try to make any excuse. But know this, I have always been sincere towards you." Meng Renshu gazed at her intensely. "From the beginning of our marriage until our bitter end, I decided only to keep one woman beside me, and that was you."

    "But you always leave to see Xiaohua." Li Caiyi harrumphed.

    "She is my secretary. I was bound to meet her in the office whether I liked it. This is why I was reluctant to ept her as my secretary, but you kept pushing her to my side. I conceded out of spite." Meng Renshu sighed in defeat.

    Li Caiyi didn''t buy it. "But you met with her even outside work. And don''t try to deny because there is proof of that."

    "We were just eating together and nothing else. And didn''t Xiaohua always ask for your permission before we go out?"

    "What''s that? I have never heard such a thing." Li Caiyi squinted her eyes.

    "Huh? But I thoughtˇ­." Meng Renshu was about to say something before an idea hit him. Then, heughed in a mixture of disbelief and awe. "So that''s where the problem lies."

    Li Caiyi said nothing, but looking at his reaction, she also seemed to have a vague idea. It must be one of her sister''s schemes.

    "What about the time when you brought her to the party instead of me?"

    "I knew my mother often dragged you to social activities without notice. You must have been overwhelmed, considering how reserved you are. I thought I should spare you some of those troublesome asions as much as possible. I didn''t want to burden you."

    "What? Then why didn''t you ever tell me that?"

    Meng Renshuughed again, this time mirthlessly. "Xiaohua said to leave the talk to her. I should have exined the circumstances to you againter. That was my bad."

    Li Caiyi almost couldn''t believe it. Just how far does her sister''s scheme extend? Both of them werepletely caught in her web and forced to y in the palm of her hand.

    Li Chunhua had changed but recalling how frightening she was sent cold shivers all over her body. It was a good thing she unmasked her early in this life.

    Meng Renshu could guess what was on Li Caiyi''s mind, so he tapped the nket covering her lower body. "I don''t know if you believe me, but Xiaohua probably never truly loved me. I once asked her that, but she didn''t give me an answer. I guessed it was only me who thought highly of our love back then."

    Was that the truth? Only Li Chunhua from that time knew the answer. However, seeing how Li Chunhua had changed, she knew one thing for sure.

    "I can''t say for sure if she loved you, but I didn''t think those sweet times she spent with you were aplete lie. Weˇ­were twins, after all. I could vaguely guess what was in her heart, the same as how she guessed mine. Both of you looked so happy together back then. Have faith in those times."

    There was a brooding silence for a few moments before Meng Renshu broke it, "Xiaoyi, I have the liberty of reading your book after you pass away."

    "My book? What are you talking about?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion.

    "So you really didn''t mean for your script to be published." Meng Renshu smiled faintly. "Very well, let me tell you everything I know about what happened after your passing."

 Chapter 473 The Crack In Her Wall (3)

    Li Caiyi was too shocked to form any reply. There were many things she liked to ask Meng Renshu, but who would have thought that the boring tale she wrote to fill in her loneliness would be such a big hit after her passing?

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "What''s with that face? Is that such an unbelievable story?"

    "It is very unexpected." Li Caiyi tucked her hair behind her ear nervously. "Even more so to hear that the person who made that happen was Shao Jingfei all along."

    "Yeah. I hate to admit it, but I think both of you were meant to meet and work together."

    "He was my only friend at that time. We never told each other about our personal stories, but I always had fun discussing books with him." Li Caiyi smiled softly, "I see. So that person was Shao Jingfei all along. Come to think of it, they were simr, indeed. The way they talk and cheer me on."

    Meng Renshu felt sour. Not because he was jealous, but instead because he med himself. For those years they spent together, he never knew what her hobby or dream was.

    Despite knowing nothing about her friend, Li Caiyi still met with Shao Jingfei in the end. The same with Dai Zhiqiang. Perhaps returning back in time really was a blessing for her. The only thing she didn''t need was for him to return too.

    "Brother Renshu, did you hear what I said?"

    "Oh! Sorry, I was thinking about something. What did you say?"

    "I was asking about Xiaohua''s condition after that? Did she manage to wake up?"

    Faced with Li Caiyi''s expectant look, Meng Renshu feltpelled to tell her the truth. She had the right to know, yet imagining the sad look she would have on her faceter stopped him from doing so.

    "Brother Renshu, you are making that face again?"

    Meng Renshu was bewildered. "Ah? What face?"

    "The face when you pretended everything was fine. Do you think you can hide it from me?" Li Caiyi sternly said, "You don''t have to hold back. I''m strong enough to ept everything now. So please, don''t leave me in the dark."

    Meng Renshu could tell she wouldn''t back down on this. For better or worse, Li Caiyi had changed. She wasn''t the same girl who used to hide and follow him anymore. Nothing made him prouder, but consequently, he also felt lonelier.

    "Jie did everything he could, and Xiaohua managed to regain her consciousness. However, the result left more to be desired...."

    "What do you mean by that?" Li Caiyi could feel her whole body tensed up.

    "After knowing what happened to you, Xiaohua lost her mind, quite literally. She often talked alone or gazed at an empty spot while calling out for you," Meng Renshu looked down with a pained expression on her face.

    "We provided her with the best treatment, using the most advanced technology and knowledge, but we couldn''t save her heart and mind from deprivation. There was nothing we could do...."

    Li Caiyi was silent. Like it or not, Li Chunhua was a person who yed a significant role in her misfortunes. She had no obligation to feel pity for her. Yet when she heard those words, she was still overwhelmed by inexplicable sadness.

    Her sister''s end was so unfortunate. The same as hers. Even in death, they were still twins who shared the same fate.

    Li Caiyi wondered, if only she noticed Li Chunhua''s abnormality faster, would she be able to stop the tragedy that happened afterward?

    Meng Renshu peered at Li Caiyi''s downcast look. She didn''t ask any more about her sister. As if she had understood without needing him to borate. There were no tears, only emptiness in that absentminded gaze of hers.

    He couldn''t resist reaching out to sp her cold hand. "Xiaoyi, this isn''t your fault. Everything was my fault. I failed to protect you. I can''t even begin to imagine your hardships; the guilt has been gnawing on me since then. You can me me, but don''t think you are responsible for what happened after your passing."

    Li Caiyi stared at his hand on top of hers and felt her heart run cold. Has he always been the kind of person who was easy to reach? The answer was no, but it wasn''t like Li Caiyi was any better. She didn''t try to understand and put a blind eye to everything.<sub> </sub>

    She pried her hand from his slowly. "I assumed the news of my suicide shocked everyone. And I wasn''t alone when I died. Yourpany must have taken a significant blow from the scandal."

    "I would be lying if I said it was nothing. And I resented you too, at first. I didn''t expect you to betray our marriage, and I didn''t want to believe it." Meng Renshuughed mirthlessly, "But after I read your book, I finally realized that I was the one who messed everything up."

    He was talking about their divorce and the beginning of their marriage downfall.

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand, recalling the humiliation and despair she felt on their first night. She didn''t n to delve that deep, but it seemed everything had been left bare by her own hands.

    Shao Jingfei publishing her life story was something she could never seeing.

    "Xiaoyi, I always wondered why you changed drastically after our first night. It had been a year since our marriage, and I thought I had given you plenty of time to prepare. My memories were fuzzy, but I knew our feelings were mutual that night. We both yearned for the same thing.

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "So when you pushed me away the next morning, I thought you had regretted it. My pride was hurt, but more than that, it broke my heart. Thinking back, it seemed I had already fallen for you back then."

    Meng Renshu looked up, but Li Caiyi was unfazed. He realized this wasn''t something easy for her to talk about, but he still wanted to hear it from her own mouth.

    "Tell me, Xiaoyi. If it weren''t for my mistake, for...." Meng Renshu swallowed his saliva, along with his tears, before continuing, "...mistakenly calling out for another woman''s name in my sleep. Would our ending be different?"

    "Who knows?" Li Caiyi closed her eyes solemnly. "We kept missing each other, and it ultimately ended with tragedy."

    It was hard to breathe, but Meng Renshu forced himself to continue, "And about the divorce, I was the one who filled it, but I didn''t mean to use it. I kept it deep inside my bookshelves until Shuchun found it."

    ''Shit, everything sounds like an excuse, even to my ears. I really am a scumbag.''

    There was an oppressive silence before Li Caiyi spoke slowly. She looked eerily calm, with a decisive glint in her eyes.

    "Quoting what you have said before. The crack in our marriage is not your fault. At least notpletely. We pushed each other away and hurt each other. We are both to me. It was a marriage that wasn''t meant to happen in the first ce."

    Meng Renshu wanted to smack himself so badly. He couldn''t stop his tears from forming. The finality in her tone was like a bucket of cold water spilled on his back. He instinctively knew what she truly wanted to say.

    [We both had our chance, but we failed. There is no turning back. We can''t go back to the way things were].

    "You know, when I opened my eyes and found myself returning to the past, I felt afraid from the bottom of my heart. I was afraid I would return to my old foolish self once I met you. If that was the case, I''d prefer my life to end on that abandoned building that day."

    Her words were like an ice saber. Cold and piercing him deeply in his heart. And when it melted, there would be nothing left of her. Not even a trace.

    "But when I met you again, I felt no love or resentment towards you. Although I admitted there were so many things I could do better in my previous life, I never intended to return to you. Because...someone saved me from that hellhole."

    "You love that person so much?" Meng Renshu smiled bitterly.

    "I do." A fond smile crept up her face, softening her whole appearance.

    "He saved me from that frightening darkness I was in. Brother Renshu, I think I haven''t changed that much. I''m still that girl who is hopelessly in love with someone. But for better or worse, that someone is not you anymore."

 Chapter 474 Whos There?!

    The sky outside the window was turning dark, casting a shadow inside the room. Almost simr to his heart.

    "I can finally say it directly. Meng Renshu, I want to thank you for every good memory in the past. My unrequited first love had ended, and quite miserably at that. But I will always remember the days when my heart shone brilliantly for you."

    "Xiaoyi, Iˇ­ I can''tˇ­ let you goˇ­just yet. Can''t you give me onest chance?" Meng Renshu stuttered while trying hard to keep his voice from cracking.

    It was ironic how a person he had hurt before could smile so radiantly as she let him go while he wailed and begged her not to go.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi thought how bizarre the scene in front of her was. Seeing Meng Renshu like this was disorienting.

    If it were previous Li Caiyi, she would probably forgive him for everything. Because she loved him that much. To hear the word love from Meng Renshu had always been her dream.

    But the past her had died at that abandoned building. And she hoped there would be no lingering feeling between them anymore.

    "No. I hope this will be thest day we discuss our rtionship in the past."

    "You want to make a clear line between us, huh? Because of that rumor?"

    "That''s right. If Zhiqiang were to hear about this, it would undoubtedly hurt him and make him worried. That''s why I will take care of this before he finds out about it. I want to make this clear with you first."

    "Ha." Meng Renshu sneered. "You have been making a cliff between us since we regressed. I can''t see how you can be any clearer."

    Li Caiyi could sense his spite from those words. That was the sign that she shouldn''t provoke him any more than this.

    Meng Renshu was a gentleman in normal circumstances, but he was, by no means, a saint. He was capable of doing something extreme if he wished to.

    ''Now is the perfect time to tell him about Xiaohua''s case.''

    "Brother Renshu, there is something I want to tell you about Xiaohua''s conditionˇŞ"

    It was just a coincidence her gaze fell on the door behind him. She didn''t notice it before, but the door was slightly open. From that gap, Li Caiyi could see a shadow of someone hiding behind it, rming her.

    "Who''s there behind the door?" Li Caiyi half-shouted towards the door.

    Meng Renshu followed her line of sight and immediately stood up, shielding her from whoever was lurking in the shadow. "Eavesdropping is not a good habit. Do you want toe out, or should I force you?"

    There was a brief silence before the door slowly pushed open, creating a creepy creaking sound.

    "Y-you areˇ­?!" Meng Renshu eximed in surprise. Li Caiyi had to stretch her neck to see past him.

    She was shocked when she saw Dai Zhiqiang enter the room. "Zhiqiang?! Why were you here?"

    Li Caiyi kicked her nket and was about to approach him when she heard him say, "Stay in the bed. I''lle to you."

    He walked past Meng Renshu and stopped beside her bed. Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat when he stared at her. His unexpected appearance made her somewhat nervous.

    "Why are you here? Don''t you have work today?"

    Dai Zhiqiang put his hand on her forehead to check on her temperature. "You don''t have a fever, thank goodness. And no, I don''t have any more work today."

    As inappropriate as it was, Li Caiyi''s smile bloomed when she heard that. Then, did hee here to pick her up? Were they going to spend some time together to make up for the lost time?

    Meng Renshu hated to see that, but he had to swallow his unhappiness. "Don''t just conveniently avoid the topic. Why are you here at this time, when school is long over? And since when have you been standing outside?"

    p Dai Zhiqiang cast a stern look at him. "What about you? Why did you keep her here when the school was long since over? Both of you seemed to talk seriously, so I waited, but if it weren''t for Caiyi noticing my presence, it didn''t look like you would stop bothering her."<sub> </sub></anda>

    "What?"

    Li Caiyi was taken aback. Dai Zhiqiang appeared normal from the outside, but she could tell vexation was lurking behind his calm face. Was he angry because she spent too much time talking?

    "Zhiqiang, sorry for making you wait. We have something important to talk about, but that''s already over. How about we go home now?"

    There was prickling friction in the air. She was afraid both of them would suddenly start fighting again. Better to retreat for now.

    However, Meng Renshu had a different idea. "Xiaoyi, you were in the middle of asking me something before. What was that about?"

    "Let''s talk about it some other time. I''m tired and want to go home now."

    "Then do you want toe to my ce? You can rest while telling me the rest of the story there," Meng Renshu shed his gentleman smile, causing Dai Zhiqiang to frown.

    "No need," He said before suddenly yanking her, causing her to lose bnce and fall onto him. Using that momentum, Dai Zhiqiang slipped his hand under her and carried her effortlessly in his arm.

    Li Caiyi''s face immediately turned red in embarrassment. "Zhiqiang! I can walk by myself just fine!"

    "No, you don''t. I will carry you home."

    "Seriously, there''s no needˇŞ"

    "No."

    He tly rejected her rejection. Although she felt like hiding in the hole of sheer embarrassment, she secretly felt happy. The previous gloominess she felt about him was cleared up just like that. She shyly wrapped her hand around his neck while leaning her head on his broad shoulder.

    Meng Renshu''s nose soured, seeing how happy she was. She could have told him if she liked to be held like that, and he would dly do it for her. He was upset at the discrepancy in her attitude. She had never behaved in a spoiled manner like that to him!

    "Do you still have something to say?" Dai Zhiqiang asked him, which roughly tranted to, ''why-are-you-still-here?''

    It irked Meng Renshu to no end. If it weren''t for this guy taking advantage of her when she was in her weakest time, he would never have lost her like this.

    The bubbling anger and jealousy inside him almost made him explode, but he painstakingly held it down. If he wanted to win her over again, he had to be patient.

    Based on their previous conversation, he was convinced that Li Caiyi needed to talk with him again. He would use that chance to foster their rtionship again.

    Thus he took a long breath before smiling. "Xiaoyi, you can talk to me about anything. You have my number. Contact me if you need something, alright?"

    "Oh. Yes. Thank you, Brother Renshu, for staying with me today." Li Caiyi answered stiffly.

    Meng Renshu bade them goodbye and left the infirmary first. Li Caiyi sighed in relief. She thought a fight would break out for a second because Dai Zhiqiang''s tone grew fiercer as time passed.

    ''I knew it. He must have had a wrong idea about this.''

    Li Caiyi bit her lips before hesitantly opening her mouth. "Zhiqiang, about earlierˇ­."

    "Let''s talk about itter. I will take you home first."

    He left her no room for refusal. Li Caiyi could tell from his brooding look that he was thinking about something unnecessary again.

    Her shoulder slumped as she let him take her away from school.

 Chapter 475 The Weaker Side

    Dai Zhiqiang was so quiet throughout the trip to her apartment. He would answer her questions asionally, but the conversation neversted. Li Caiyi had no idea what he was thinking in his mind.

    Even after entering her apartment room, the atmosphere was still stiff and awkward.

    "Are you hungry? Let me whip something for you real quick." Li Caiyi chirped energetically to dispel the silence.

    She was about to walk to the kitchen counter, but her steps halted as he suddenly wrapped his arms around her middle from the back. Her heart pounded loudly in her ribcage.

    "Zhi-Zhiqiang?!" She yelped in surprise.

    "I can finally hold you like this. I miss you so much."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s mumbling beside her ears almost gave her a heart attack, but she liked it when he behaved like this. It was nice seeing him feel the same way she did.

    Li Caiyi raised her hand and caressed his head lovingly.

    "I miss you too. I''m happy you came to pick me up. Thank you."

    There was that silence again before he hesitantly spoke, "I''m sorry. Whenever you are in trouble, I always show upte."

    "What? So that''s what''s bothering you all this time?"

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly nodded, making Li Caiyi chuckle. "And how could that be your fault? I admit I feel a bit lonely, but what happened to me is not your responsibility. I''m my own person."

    "But you always ended up with himˇ­." His voice trailed off. Then he suddenly let go of her. "Sorry, I shouldn''t have said that."

    "Wait!" Li Caiyi quickly clutched his jacket before he could retreat to his shell again. Dai Zhiqiang rarely spoke up his mind, and she certainly wanted to hear it.

    "By ''him'', you mean Brother Renshu, right? Are you upset because I was with him?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "..."

    She took his silence as affirmation. He was so restless he couldn''t face her properly, so she interlocked her fingers with his while smiling sweetly at him.

    "Zhi, I love you and only you. We talked because I needed to discuss something with him, that''s all."

    "Is it that important? Can''t you discuss it with me instead?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned by his question for a moment. She hated to disappoint the expectation on his face, but honesty was the best policy.

    "I''m sorry, I don''t think that would be convenient. Because this is rted to someone''s secret."

    "Iˇ­see."

    "Are you mad?"

    "No. I don''t have a right to question you when I didn''t tell you much about myself, either." Dai Zhiqiang traced a circle on her hand before pulling her closer again. "I was just tired. So let me lean on you for a bit."

    He abruptly picked her up again, making her let out a yelp while she involuntarily wrapped her arms around his neck. Then, he trudged to the bed and sat on the side while cradling her in hisp.

    Li Caiyi was surrounded by his warmth and smell. Her heart soared to heaven as she peered into his handsome face. His eyes were closed as if savoring the moment between them.

    Without words, she snuggled closer to him. Her weariness and fear slowly crumbled down, leaving only pure bliss and peacefulness behind. Staying together like this gave them the strength to move forward again.<sub> </sub>

    They stayed like that for a while. Li Caiyi couldn''t tell how much time had passed, but she didn''t mind.

    "Yi Yi, you will stay by my side, right?"

    "Is that even a question? Of course, I will," Li Caiyiughed.

    Dai Zhiqiang leaned down and pressed their forehead together. He gazed at her intensely, like trying to peer into her soul. "You once said you would wait for me, but how far are you willing to go for me? You are clearly too good for me."

    He was asking for confirmation, yet it sounded like a statement instead. One that was packed with aplicated feeling behind it.

    Li Caiyi cupped his face between her hands before pressing a chaste kiss on his forehead. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t see thating, so he only sat there looking stunned.

    "You are wrong. If only you rememberˇ­you will know that you are the one who is too good for me."

    She couldn''t bear to face him, so she cast her gaze down. How could she tell him that she felt powerless without him, how much his existence meant for her, without burdening him?

    "Zhi, please remember this. You are the reason I can find myself again. I was lost and convinced that I couldn''t achieve anything or be truly loved by anyone before. But you saved me from that dangerous thought. That''s whyˇ­."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips, trying to suppress the raging emotion inside her. "Don''t say something sad like that again. It feels like you are trying to push me away."

    "No!" Dai Zhiqiang quickly pulled her into his embrace. "Sorry, I won''t say something like that again. Please don''t cry."

    Li Caiyi hugged him back fervently, desperately clinging to him to chase away the dark thought inside her mind. His muscr body radiates warmth like no other. It was like an anchor that bound her to reality.

    ''I came back for this man. I don''t want to let him go.''

    "Yi Yi, are you hungry?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. Her heart was full, and she didn''t want to be separated from him. Not yet.

    The world spun before her, and Dai Zhiqiang hadid her down on the soft bed the next thing she knew. He had both of her arms on both sides of her body as he towered over her.

    It was like a shback of what happened the other day. Her body suddenly felt hot at the thought, and judging from his slightly blushed face, he seemed to have the same idea as her.

    ''Will he touch me again?'' Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel expectant. Her heart drummed fast, and she found her sense became keenly sensitive to his every movement.

    They gazed at each other, and Li Caiyi felt she could drown in his pitch-ck eyes like the moonless sky. His face slowly grew closer, and she involuntarily gripped the sheet beneath her as she closed her eyes.

    However, instead of her lips, his kissnded on her forehead. It was a long and gentle kiss, reminding her of thest kiss he gave her before they jumped off the building.

    The sound of his ragged breathing so close to her, the faint sound of their heartbeats, and the warmth from their interlocked hands made her sumb to drowsiness that suddenly assaulted her.

    Drowning in his pool of love, she wanted to bask in it forever and never get out again.

    Dai Zhiqiang was surprised to find her falling asleep butter smiled helplessly. He nudged her softly beforeying down beside her.

    He pulled her closer until their bodies were tangled and pressed together. "I''m the weaker side in this rtionship. You can do anything, and I will still want you. Can''t you see that?"

    He twirled her hair on his fingers before pressing a kiss on it.

    His eyes watched her sleeping face possessively until he also slowly gave in to sleepiness.

 Chapter 476 Not A Soft Persimmon

    Li Caiyi was awakened to the sound of something loud in the middle of the night. She thought the thief had snuck in.

    However, when she looked at the kitchen counter, she saw her man standing with a silly look as he frowned at something on his phone screen. In his hand was a knife, and her pink apron wrapped around his figure.

    Li Caiyi immediately knew what he was trying to do, and her lips curled up in a fond smile.

    "What are you doing?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was startled. He jerked his head while trying to hide the knife behind him.

    "Did I wake you?"

    "With all the noises you made, it''s impossible to stay asleep." Li Caiyi giggled, making him immediately look dejected, like a lost puppy.

    "I nned to wake you up after I prepare something."

    Li Caiyi rose from her seat and nced at the mess on the kitchen counter. It appeared he was trying to cut the vegetables, but the shapes were quite funny. There was some salt spilled, and the bowls were ced haphazardly.

    It was like a war had descended on her kitchen. She recalled how clumsy Dai Zhiqiang was and couldn''t stifle herughter.

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed in defeat. "I made a mess in your kitchen. My bad. I will clean it upter."

    Li Caiyi reached out and pinched him on the cheek, catching him off guard. Sheughed, even more, seeing the foolish look on his face.

    "You should have woken me up, then. How can you leave me out like that?"

    "But, you look tired. I don''t want to disturb you. Alsoˇ­"

    "Hm?" Li Caiyi tilted her head, waiting for him to finish.

    He avoided her eyes before adding in a low voice. "I wanted to surprise you. I have practiced a bit since you came to our housest time."

    Li Caiyi was overwhelmed by his cuteness, and she couldn''t speak a word. He looked so sweet, and she suddenly wanted to take a bite of him.

    How could he be so adorable? This should be a foul!

    ''Let''s calm down here, Li Caiyi. Are you that frustrated you want to pounce on him?''

    She tried to hide her fluster by clearing her throat. She just hoped she didn''t look foolish now.

    "Heh, I see. You deserve praise, then."

    He nodded firmly, this time with a proud expression like he was trying to fish for apliment. Her heart banged loudly in her chest. Li Caiyi couldn''t handle his cuteness.

    "B-But you still have some way to go! Let me teach you the proper way!"

    Dai Zhiqiang noticed how her face turned red while she tried to busy herself with the vegetables. He secretly smiled triumphantly to himself before wearing an innocent look again.

    ***

    "Thank you for the food." Li Caiyi sighed in satisfaction as she leaned back. She didn''t feel it before, but she realized how hungry she was after she finished her food.

    She stood up and gave her bowl and utensils to Dai Zhiqiang, who proceeded to wash them. It was cute how he was so careful with them. Since it was made from stic, she wasn''t afraid of him breaking them.

    ''Looking at his back, Li Caiyi couldn''t help imagining the future. If she were to marry in the future, it would be with him, right? Would he take care of her like this, too, in the future?

    The thought was so ttering and tempting that she basically swam in it. She only snapped out of it when he patted her shoulder.

    "Yi Yi, what are you thinking? You didn''t respond when I called you."<sub> </sub>

    "Huh? Ah, sorry! I was just lost in thought," Li Caiyi grimaced. She couldn''t possibly tell him she was imagining how many kids they would haveter, right?

    "What did you say just now?"

    "I was asking if something had happened to you in school." Dai Zhiqiang stared at her inquisitively.

    The inevitable question finally came out. Dai Zhiqiang was bound to know sooner orter once he returned to school. Thinking back, it was silly of her to try to hide it.

    ? It was just; that Li Caiyi wasn''t sure how he would react to this. He waited for her to continue earnestly, and it hurt her when she recalled his upset look earlier.

    "Is it something you can''t tell me either?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, I will tell you. But let me say this in advance, I have nothing but a clear conscience. So, please let me finish my story before you say something."

    "Sure. Tell me."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. She recounted the rumor circted in school and how almost everyone in the school looked at her weirdly now. She tried to make the situation as lightly as possible, but his face kept turning grimmer.

    "Who is it? The bastard who harasses you?" He asked in a dangerously chilling voice, looking ready to kill someone.

    "I don''t know yet. All I know is that someone probably hired someone to follow me around. All the pictures were taken from a hidden spot."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t divulge everything she knew, but this much should be alright. She hesitantly studied his reaction; sure enough, he was fuming with anger. She held his hand firmly, trying to appease him.

    "Zhi, I swear I have never done anything that warrants your suspicion. I would never betray you like that."

    Dai Zhiqiang put his hand on top of hers. "I know. You are not a good liar. I can tell you are speaking truthfully."

    For once, she was relieved that she was pretty easy to read.

    "Then, what are you nning to do? Do you want me to help you?"

    "Oh." Li Caiyi hadn''t thought that far ahead. Although she had an idea who was the culprit behind all this ridiculous nder, it wasn''t like she had any evidence to prove it.

    And honestly, now that she had told Dai Zhiqiang and he didn''t suspect her, she felt rxed. She couldn''t let people talk about her, but there was no hurry in making the rification.

    Having him misunderstand her was her greatest fear, but he just dissolved that fear for her. She was almost surprised at how easy it was.

    "I may have a n, but if I can, I want to handle this myself. Or that''s not good?" Li Caiyi looked up at him pleadingly.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer immediately. "Whoever did this clearly has some grudge against you. They might hurt you. Are you sure?"

    Li Caiyi nodded while smiling. "I might not be as strong as you, but I''m not a soft persimmon, either. Don''t worry, I won''t let anyone bully me anymore!"

    She looked firm and confident about this. It reassured him, so he smiled back before caressing her head. "Just do whatever you want. No matter what happens, I will be there to save you."

    "Haha, you are right. I don''t know how you do it, but you always manage to find me somehow."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s smile stiffened for a moment. "Of course, it''s because we are connected. I won''t let any harme your way as long as I''m still standing."

    "Aww, how sweet of you. My boyfriend is so dependable!"

    "Heh, how cute." Dai Zhiqiang''s smile grew wider.

    They giggled like a fool, but Li Caiyi was so overwhelmed with happiness she couldn''t be bothered to care.

 Chapter 477 The Proof Of Her Resolve

    Li Caiyi stood in front of the S International High School building with a determined look. She had plenty of rest and time to think about what she wanted to do, leading her to this decision.

    Clutching her hand in front of her chest, she took a deep breath before walking into the school.

    Her arrival didn''t go unnoticed by other students. Whispers and murmurs around her made Li Caiyi uneasy, but she steeled herself. She confidently told Dai Zhiqiang she could handle this alone, so she couldn''t back down.

    Ignoring people''s inquisitive gazes, Li Caiyi went to her ssroom. Her eyesnded on her three friends immediately. The surprise on their faces was apparent, and they immediately rushed toward her.

    "Caiyi, is that you?" Zhou Ya asked in a mixture of disbelief and shock. "What happened to you?"

    "Wh-Where are your sses? Can you see without them?" Chen Run added.

    Among them, only Feng Nian seemed calm. She stood there observing Li Caiyi from up to down before a smirk crept up her face. "Not bad. You look ready to dere war."

    Li Caiyi felt calmer upon hearing that.

    From now on, she won''t hide her face anymore. Although it was scary, she had no intention of showing that to her enemy. Taking off her sses was just her way of motivating herself.

    "Does it look weird?" Li Caiyi nervously tucked her hair behind her ear. Among people in school, she was very anxious about how her friends would react.

    "No, not at all!" Zhou Ya quickly replied, "On the contrary, you looked so radiant I almost couldn''t recognize you."

    "I thought you were Li Chunhua at first." Chen Run grinned. "But upon closer look, I know it was you."

    "We are worried because you suddenly passed out yesterday. We want to apologize for pressuring you yesterday." Feng Nian said apologetically. The other two also had remorseful looks on their faces.

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Nothing. I was just not in my best condition. Everything happened so suddenly, and it overwhelmed me. I should be the one to apologize for making you worry."

    They exchanged brief nces before breaking out in chuckles. Li Caiyi stared at her desk and found it was clean, unlike yesterday. Her friends must have helped her to clean it.

    A surge of warmth spread all over her body. Knowing how caring her friends were made her grateful for this second chance she had.

    "Guys, I don''t know if you will believe me or not, but actuallyˇŞ"

    Chen Run mped her mouth shut with her hand before she could finish her sentences. "You don''t have to exin anything. We believe in you. Yesterday, we were just in so much shock. Your pictures were disyed publicly, so we sort of panicked."

    "Yeah. We know better how much you like Dai Zhiqiang." Zhou Ya cleared her throat awkwardly before adding, "But we don''t mind if you want to give us the juicy details."

    "Geez, you and your maiden''s desire for a love story is so troublesome." Chen Run nudged Zhou Ya with a disapproving look.

    That was probably the first time Zhou Ya was rendered speechless by Chen Run. Feng Nian burst out inughter.

    Watching her friends act normal in front of her again made her smile in relief. "Thanks, guys. Truly."

    "We are friends. So this much is a given to do."

    The word'' ''friends'' had never sounded more beautiful. Even when she doubted herself, as long as some people believed in her, Li Caiyi wouldn''t regret her path.

    "Guys, let me make this clear, I''m innocent. And I intend to make whoever ndered me as this apologies."

    Li Caiyi deliberately made her voice louder for everyone in the ss. Her ssmates had stopped whatever they were doing when she entered the ssroom and opened their ears wide to listen to what they talked about. She would dly answer their curiosity.

    "Do you know who did this?" Feng Nian crossed her hand with a severe look on her face. "Too bad there was no one who saw the culprit."

    "I have an idea, but there was no conclusive evidence," Li Caiyi answered.

    "Is there anything we can do to help?" Chen Run smiled wildly as if ready to cause havoc. "Whoever that person is, I won''t let them scot-free after hurting my friend like that."

    "Now, let''s not get too ahead of yourself." Zhou Ya sat her down on the chair before she leaped out of the ssroom. Then, she shifted her gaze to Li Caiyi. "Though, I agree with the first half of what she said."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi smiled softly. She initially wanted to take care of this matter by herself. Still, the eagerness in her friend''s eyes tickled her mischievous side. It might be more fun to do this together.

    "Yes. I think I really can use a little help here." Li Caiyi said in a mysterious tone.

    Feng Nian smirked evilly. "It looks like you already have a n in mind. Tell us."

    Li Caiyi grinned before leaning closer to them. "I need you guys toˇ­."

    ***

    Li Junjie couldn''t concentrate at all. The final exam was just around the corner, and he needed every second to study. Now that he had be the head of the family, he had to work harder if he wanted to support his family.

    "Haa.."

    Yet, Meng Renshu kept sighing beside him, disturbing him from memorizing the English vocabry in his notes.

    Ultimately, he couldn''t ignore him anymore and sighed in defeat. "What is it now?"

    "Junjie, how can you be so calm? Haven''t you heard about Xiaoyi''s scandal?"

    Li Junjie''s hand stiffened for a moment. There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes, but it quickly settled down as he replied, "I did. But so long as we don''t know who did it, there''s nothing we can do."

    Meng Renshu''s shoulder slumped weakly at his indifferent response. "I offered my help, but Xiaoyi adamantly refused me. Can''t you convince your sister somehow?"

    "Do you think she''ll listen to me? She is guarded against me as much as she is to you."

    "I can''t deny that. But Xiaoyi must have a hard time. I''m very worried about her."

    Li Junjie stared at his best friend strangely. "If you are so concerned, why didn''t you just help her? You are not the type to back down just because you are told to."

    "Well, this is Xiaoyi we are talking about. I don''t want to make any more bad impression on her."

    "I''m sure her opinion of you can''t get any lower."

    Meng Renshu rolled his eyes. "Spare me your sarcasm. Stop studying and pay attention to your sister, for god''s sake!"

    Li Junjie: "...."

    The sound of music from the television suddenly stopped, and the chirpy voice of the broadcaster reverberated in the ssroom.

    Li Junjie never cared about school broadcasting before. Still, when he nced briefly at the television, he saw a familiar face sitting face to face with the broadcaster.

    "Renshu, I think your worry is unnecessary."

    Meng Renshu still had his head on the table as he replied indifferently. "If you don''t want to help, at least don''t lecture me."

    "No, I mean you don''t have to do anything. Xiaoyi already has her own n."

    "How do you know that?" This time, Meng Renshu actually raised his head with interest. Li Junjie said nothing but pointed at the television, showing Li Caiyi''s face appeared in it.

    "I should say, she had gotten bolder as time passed."

    ''Sure enough, she bounced back with vigor. She didn''t need my help in this.''

    "How interesting." Li Junjiemented with a subtle smirk on his face.

 Chapter 478 Li Caiyis Provocation

    "Wee back to our beloved Sunshine Broadcast, a ce where students can freely express their opinion. I, Yan Ran, your energetic mic speaking!"

    Li Caiyi tried to calm herself down while the lively MC gave her an opening greeting.

    If she wanted to make everyone hear her, she couldn''t think of anything better than using the lunch broadcasts, which always offered music and exclusive interviews during their break.

    "Now, time for the quiz. A lovely girl sitting in front of me, which one of the twins do you think she is? Are you curious? Then, why don''t we ask her to introduce herself first?"

    Yan Ran gave a cue using her finger, and Li Caiyi immediately straightened her back. She had a brief rehearsal before this, so she knew what to do.

    "Hello, everyone. My name is Li Caiyi from ss 2-B."

    "Thank you for introducing yourself. I see that you have undergone an image change. I almost mistook you for Li Chunhua at first."

    "Haha, you ttered me. I just took off my sses, but the rest is the same old me."

    "But you are so pretty without your sses on! You want to say you have been hiding this beautiful view from the world all this time?"

    Li Caiyi felt more rxed talking to Yan Ran. She brimmed with so much positive energy, which was infectious to those around her. "You are exaggerating it."

    "Haha, are you shy? Sorry, I will stop teasing you now. Didn''t you have something to announce?"

    "Yes, this is regarding the rumor about me, which was spread by someone yesterday."

    "Ooh, I heard about that. Everyone kept talking about it, so we wanted to have an interview with you, but I didn''t expect you toe here by yourself before we could ask you."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "At first, I was confused and shocked, so I couldn''t exin anything. But then, I realized how many people were concerned about me, so I thought I should make a rification before things get bigger."

    "I heard you even copsed yesterday due to shock. You must have been traumatized by this incident."

    Li Caiyi put her hand on the side of her face while sighing sadly. "It was embarrassing, but it was indeed a bit traumatic. But I''m sure not everyone in this school is stupid enough to trust baseless rumors like that. That''s why I took courage and showed up here."

    Yan Ranughed. "Some people can act stupidly sometimes. You came to the right ce because Sunshine Broadcast is where everyone''s voice would be heard. Please don''t worry and say whatever concern you have in mind."

    Yan Ran gave a cue again. This time, Li Caiyi shifted her position slightly, so she would face the camera directly. She looked at it firmly before speaking in a clear voice.

    "My boyfriend is the only one I love, so I found this incident disturbing and extremely irritating. I don''t want him to misunderstand, so I implore whoever is behind this toe out and face me directly if they have any misgiving about me. A cowardly move like this is so unbing of students of S International High School. That person should be ashamed of themselves. This is clearly bullying, and I have every right to report this to the school board."

    Li Caiyi felt so much better. All her frustration and distress were poured into her words. Her body felt lighter as soon as she let everything out.

    Across from her, Yan Ran pped her hand happily.

    "Well done! I agree that bullying shouldn''t be tolerated and supported you thoroughly in this. Since the victim hade out to challenge her bully, I wonder what their action will be? It couldn''t be that they were scared and refused toe out of their hiding?"

    Li Caiyi smiled gratefully at Yan Ran. Those provocative words would make the culprit seethe in anger. She had a knack for giving reactions and directing the conversation.

    "I''m sure they will respond KINDLY to my invitation. There was another thing I wanted to announce."

    "Let us hear you out, then!"

    "I was thankful for the ''surprise gift box'' they gave me, so I want to do something in return by preparing the same surprise for them. I might be holding something you don''t want other people to know. Please meet me personally if you are interested."

    Yan Ran looked confused since Li Caiyi said somethingpletely different from the script they discussed, but she wouldn''t be able to be a professional broadcaster if that was enough to faze her.

    "Is that a deration of war? Now that''s cool! I think you show us apletely new side of you today. Who would have guessed that quiet and feminine Li Caiyi could be so brave to call out her bullies? I salute you!"

    "Thanks. I want to be brave for myself and people who put their faith in me." Li Caiyi uttered with a sweet smile. "I took my sses off and gathered my courage for that. If that person thinks they can get away with this, they are mistaken."

    This much should be fine. Li Caiyi didn''t think that everyone''s opinion of her would change just because of this interview. Her sole purpose was only to provoke and lure Lu Ruan out. The only thing left was to wait for the fish to take the bait.<sub> </sub>

    Yan Ran received a signal from other members and pped her hands again. "We have heard and seen your determination. Thank you for your time, Li Caiyi. And that''s it for our lunch broadcast, guys. See you next time!"

    Yan Ran''s frantic wave to the camera ended the interview session.

    Li Caiyi thanked the members of Sunshine Broadcast before making her way to the door. Right then, her phone vibrated in her pocket.

    She took it out and checked on the new iing message. Her smile deepened when she read it.

    "Already? That was faster than I thought."

    ***

    Lu Ruan was furious. She was watching the lunch broadcast in the cafeteria, and Li Caiyi''s sudden announcement caused a big stir.

    "Is she really Li Caiyi? Not Li Chunhua acting as her twin sister? She looks so different from her usual self."

    "I never saw her without her sses. It turns out she is actually as beautiful as her twin sister. The air around her is usually so glum I didn''t notice it before."

    "No, but seriously, she barely had any sense of presence before, so seeing her speak so imposingly like that took me aback. Her face is literally glowing!"

    "This is so confusing. Do you think the rumor about her is true? If it is, she must have the heart of steel to boldly announce something like that."

    "Hmm, I don''t know. She and Senior Meng did have an ambiguous rtionship, but isn''t it natural for childhood friends to be close? Furthermore, she had already denied that rumor once before."

    "As for the older man, now that I think about it again, doesn''t he look more like a friendly uncle? What if it''s her rtive?"

    "I think so too. After seeing her speak for herself, I began to think that this might be just a huge misunderstanding."

    Lu Ruan was baffled when she heard those words. How could they change their opinion so easily?

    It hadn''t been a day, but people''s views of her had changed drastically just because she spouted some useless words.

    "That white lotus bitch. Once again, she used her innocent facade to fool people. Uneptable!" Lu Ruan cursed under her breath. Her re at Li Caiyi''s figure on the television was dark and hateful.

    Lu Ruan was thrilled when she heard Li Caiyi had copsed yesterday. She thought she could finally teach her a life lesson, but she didn''t expect her to strike back and even turn the table against her.

    Throughout her announcement, although Lu Ruan was seething in a fury, there was a sense of anxiety inside her when she heard her enemy mentioning a ''surprise gift box''.

    Li Caiyi''s gaze through the screen felt piercing as if she already knew who was targeting her.

    Lu Ruan bit her nails fretfully. She wasn''t afraid of that introverted girl, but what if she told Meng Renshu about it? If he knew she was the one who had been harassing Li Caiyi all this time, then she would be kicked out of school in no time.

    And if that happened, she would be separated from her one and only prince.

    "No, that can''t be. That girl is not that bright. Surely she is just bluffing," Lu Ruan mumbled to herself.

    Except for that shady man, there shouldn''t be anyone who could rte her involvement with Li Caiyi''s harassment. Although that man told her to be careful, Lu Ruan couldn''t believe someone like Li Caiyi could outsmart her.

    "That''s right, there''s nothing to be feared. What she did was just a pathetic attempt to buy people''s hearts. She couldn''t win against me, so she resorted to a dirty trick. Without Senior Meng, she is nothing."

    The more she thought about it, the more she felt it made sense. Lu Ruan was confident nobody would know she was the one behind everything.

    Chuckling to herself, Lu Ruan''sposure returned, and she continued her meal.

    Unbeknownst to her, a pair of eyes had been watching her intently from the other side of the room.

    After observing Lu Ruan for a while, that person pulled out their phone. After sending a message with it, they rose from their seats and walked out of the cafeteria as if nothing had happened.

 Chapter 479 Lu Ruans Obsessive Hate (1)

    After the bell signaling the end of the ss rang, Li Caiyi rose from her seat. She turned to look at her friends, and they nodded simultaneously.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know whether this would work, but she had to try anyway. She packed all her belongings before making her way out of the room.

    In front of the ssroom, Dai Zhiqiang had been waiting for her. A sweet smile bloomed on her face once she glimpsed his gant figure.

    "Zhiqiang, you are here."

    He straightened his back as he turned to her. Ignoring people''s gaze, he smoothed down her bang before asking, "How are you feeling?"

    "I''m feeling great, actually." Li Caiyi beamed. "It felt so refreshing to vent like that. Now I understand why people like to send their problems to radio stations."

    "I watched it, and I think you are very cool. Are you sure you don''t want me to help you?"

    "Don''t worry." Li Caiyi clutched his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Please watch over me instead."

    Dai Zhiqiang knew he couldn''t persuade her, so he smiled in defeat before interlocking their fingers together. "Then, at least let me escort you."

    "Hehe, dly!"

    Lu Ruan should have received her message by now. Li Caiyi silently prepared herself for what was toe.

    ***

    When she arrived at the park near their school, Li Caiyi suddenly had a deja vu. This was where she and Gu Xue talkedst time.

    In this life, she had taken proper measures against Gu Xue so that women wouldn''t be able to mess with her anymore. However, it seemed heaven wanted to test her once again by making Lu Ruan her enemy next.

    Li Caiyi wondered how did she attract so many psychos around her?

    ''Xiaohua alone was enough to drive me crazy, but these women never let me breathe.''

    Walking past the yground, Li Caiyi arrived at a small fountain in the middle of the park. From there, she went to a secluded ce covered by trees behind the public bathroom. No one should be able to see or hear what happened there.

    The sound of rustling from her movement startled the girl who had arrived there before her.

    "Li Caiyi! So it is really you!"

    Before she had a chance to announce her presence, Lu Ruan had already shouted at her vengefully. Her face twisted so bad that she looked like a crazed woman.

    "I have made you wait, didn''t I?" Li Caiyi smiled politely, but it only infuriated Lu Ruan further.

    "What are you nning by calling me out here?!"

    The temperature between them dropped significantly as the smile on Li Caiyi''s face slowly faded, revealing an icy expression. Shivers ran down Lu Ruan''s spine, being at the receiving end of her calm yet hostile eyes.

    But she refused to back down in front of her enemy. She clenched her jaw before shouting again, "Are you deaf? Say something, will you?!"

    "Even now, you don''t seem apologetic for your actions."

    "Why should I? I didn''t do anything wrong?" Lu Ruan retorted. A crooked smirk on her face made her face look even crazier than before. "Or perhaps you want to use me without proof? Just because we crossed each other once, you didn''t hesitate to point your finger at me. You are just too much."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi was baffled by her shamelessness. Hollowughter escaped her mouth. "You seem confident that no one will find out everything you did to me. Well, guess what? Like how you can hire someone to stalk me, do you think I can''t do the same?"

    Lu Ruan tried to maintain herposure, but the slight twitch on her finger betrayed her. Li Caiyi didn''t miss that subtle reaction of hers.

    "I should say, you have the wildest imagination in your mind. You are so eager to throw dirt on me that you gave yourself out."

    "What are you talking about?! Speak clearly!" Lu Ruan screamed. She appeared restless.

    Li Caiyi took out the pictures Detective Tang gave her the other day and threw it her way.

    "Hey, what''s your deal?! Throwing stuff to me like that is uncalled for?"

    "Ha. After all the harassment you did to me, you areining just because of this?" Li Caiyi sneered. "See for yourself."

    Lu Ruan frowned in displeasure, but she still crouched down to pick up some pictures. She couldn''t hide her surprise once she saw what was captured in those pictures. "T-This is!"

    "That''s right. I have proof that you are colluding with the mysterious person who has been harassing me all this time. And don''t even try to deny it because those pictures'' dates were the same day as when I was being harassed." Li Caiyi red at her.

    It took her a few seconds before she couldpose herself. Smiling haughtily, Lu Ruan responded condescendingly. "You think you can trick me with these things? Even though you have these pictures, nothing is incriminating about them. I can meet up with anyone I like. These pictures prove nothing!"

    "I''d predicted you would say that." Li Caiyi took out the final picture from her pocket before throwing it her way again.

    Lu Ruan nces skeptically at it before she picks it up. The picture showed her entering Li Caiyi''s apartment building with that man.

    Lu Ruan could be seen holding a familiar box. There was no way she''d forget when this was taken and what happened that day.

    She began to break out in cold sweat as her face gradually turned ashen. "H-How did you get this?"

    Li Caiyi smirked when Lu Ruan reacted precisely as she had predicted. When she saw her in fear like this, Li Caiyi felt a strange sense of satisfaction inside her.

    "You don''t have to know that. Based on your reaction, it seems you know what was inside the box without me needing to tell you. I can print this picture as many as I want and drown our school in it again if you want."

    "No!" Lu Ruan had shouted before she could stop herself. She seemed to realize she''d made a grave slip up a momentter. Li Caiyi smirked at that.

    "From your reaction, I take it that you finally understand the situation now. Tell me, how do you like my conclusive evidence? And what do you think I should do with you?"

    Lu Ruan panicked. She scrambled to recheck each picture, and her confidence suddenly plummeted.

    "What do you think will happen if I show these to the school board?" Her tone kept dropping as she spoke, "I''ll make sure that you will get expelled because I won''t let it be settled with a mere probation."

    Li Caiyi stepped forward, and Lu Ruan could feel the pressure she exuded.

    Before this, she never imagined that Li Caiyi would be the one to stand in front of her while she could only powerlessly look at the corner of her shoes as she sat on the filthy ground.

    Lu Ruan didn''t care about school, but it was the only ce she could see her prince. Looking up slowly at Li Caiyi''s dark face, she felt like she could finally see Li Caiyi truly as she was.

    Cold and ruthless. She was like a noble giving out her punishment on a lowlymoner.

 Chapter 480 Lu Ruans Obsessive Hate (2)

    All this time, Lu Ruan believed that Li Caiyi was the type that was easy to trample. She only dared to go against her because she had Meng Renshu behind her. That was why she wanted to teach that frail girl, raised like a precious flower inside the greenhouse, a bitter life lesson.

    But her n had somehow backfired on her at some point. Lu Ruan couldn''t think of anything but the fact that she had screwed up badly.

    "Lu Ruan, you conspired with someone to attempt to kill me. No matter how much you hate me, don''t you think you have gone too far?"

    "Wh-What?" Bewilderment shed across Lu Ruan''s eyes for a moment. "What are you talking about?"

    "Don''t y dumb with me. During our school trip, you secretly asked someone to push me off the cliff!"

    The bewilderment on her face slowly changed into that of disbelief. Lu Ruan stood up in anger. "Li Caiyi, don''t get too ahead of yourself. Yeah, I harassed you and did nasty things, but I''m not that low!"

    "Lu Ruan, we have reached this far. And you won''t get away unscathed. Just admit your wrongdoing!" Li Caiyi unknowingly raised her voice. A lot of emotions swirled inside her, and she didn''t know how to hold them back.

    "Ha." Lu Ruan snorted. "You can bark all you want, but I will never admit something I have never done."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Based on all the facts she had gathered, there should be no one but Lu Ruan who had a sinister idea about her. However, she didn''t seem to lie when she said she knew nothing about her murder attempt.

    "And this is all your fault from the beginning!" Lu Ruan shoved Li Caiyi by her shoulder, forcing her to be pushed back a few steps. "If it weren''t for your devious acts, I wouldn''t have to go this far!"

    "What do you mean by that?"

    "You said you are dating someone else, yet you kept fishing for attention from some other guys! Don''t you feel ashamed at all? That''s why I didn''t do anything wrong by telling everyone exactly what kind of a person you are!"

    Lu Ruan exploded. She screamed as she stomped her feet furiously to the ground. Her gaze on Li Caiyi was filled with hate.

    "Why do you keep wrapping Senior Meng around your fingers while dating another guy? I can''t ept it! I was the one who cared about him the most, yet he never paid attention to me. And you have the affection of such a person, but you treat it like nothing. How can you be so conceited?!"

    "Argh! What are you doing?!" Li Caiyi shrieked when Lu Ruan began to pull her hair harshly. Her scalp felt like it would tear up, bringing tears out of her eyes.

    "You are just good-for-nothing before! Don''t think that you can change anything just by changing your appearance. Someone like you doesn''t deserve Senior Meng''s affection. I swear I''ll expose you! I will tear your innocent mask and make him see the ugly person that you are."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t stand to hear it anymore. There was no way to speak reasonably with this crazy, obsessive girl!

    Li Caiyi stomped on her feet with all her might, making her opponent yelp in pain. The hold on her hair loosened, so she used that moment to push Lu Ruan away from her.

    Li Caiyi''s hair was disheveled, with few strands of her hair left on Lu Ruan''s grip, but at least she still had her scalp intact. She kept a safe distance from Lu Ruan and eyed her vigntly.

    "It seemed no amount of exnation could go through your thick and empty skull. If you don''t have the brain to understand, then at least use your eyes to see properly. When did I ever try to curry favor with Brother Renshu?"

    "If not, then howe he is so smitten with you? He knew you already had a boyfriend, so why would he insist on pursuing you?"

    "Lu Ruan, you are delusional and crazy. I have nothing to speak with you anymore."

    Lu Ruan rose to her feet again. Li Caiyi took a step back as she approached. Unlike before, she cast her gaze down, shadowing her face.

    "It''s really unfair. How can you achieve everything so easily? You were just a dull and dim-witted kid until a semester ago. Still, Senior Meng suddenly paid attention to you. You came from a wealthy family and were raised in a good family. Everyone praised your literacy talent, and you even got yourself a handsome boyfriend."

    Lu Ruan looked extremely aggrieved and indignant, "You are just Li Caiyi. How can you be so well off?"

    Her mumbling slightly tipped Li Caiyi off. She could sense that Lu Ruan''s grudge against her ran deeper than simple jealousy because of her idol.

    For Lu Ruan, who lived by looking down on other people, she must have thought that Li Caiyi tried to climb up her head, and it irked her.

    ''She really takes me as someone below her. Lu Ruan, you have never changed.''

    Lu Ruan didn''t harass her this badly in her previous life because Li Caiyi had never dared to go against her. So when she finally did, Lu Ruan threw all her hate onto her. She was using Li Caiyi as an outlet to project the injustices she felt.

    Howughable. Someone like Lu Ruan, who lived freely without any care for other people, was jealous of her life, which she finally achieved by dying once. She didn''t even know how much Li Caiyi had suffered.<sub> </sub>

    Who was the conceited one here?

    "Lu Ruan, I don''t know what makes you think like that, but you are not qualified to question me or anyone for the miserable state you put yourself into. If you have time to me someone else and y the hero of justice, I suggest you do it with someone else because I won''t humor you anymore."

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to stay there any longer. So she turned back and was about to leave when she suddenly felt a chill on her back.

    "SHUT UP! I WON''T FORGIVE YOU FOR MOCKING ME!!"

    As she turned her body to see Lu Ruan, she instinctively knew it was already toote to do anything. Lu Ruan raised her hand with a rock in her grip. Her re looked like she was ready to end her life right there and then.

    Li Caiyi''s whole body stiffened as Lu Ruan finally brought her hand down.

    She shut her eyes tightly, bracing herself for the inevitable impact. But the pain she expected never came.

    Li Caiyi slowly opened her eyes and found Dai Zhiqiang standing firmly before her. His hand gripped Lu Ruan''s wrist, preventing her from harming her. His broad back was all Li Caiyi could see, like it was telling her everything was safe now.

    The shaking of her hands immediately stopped as a sense of relief washed over her. Everything happened so suddenly, and for a moment, Li Caiyi could almost see her life sh before her.

    The sight of Lu Ruan''s scary visage and the rock being brought down upon her way almost made her leg give up on her.

    Thankfully, Dai Zhiqiang''s presence soothed her nerves. His timing couldn''t be more perfect.

    "Aagghh!! Let go of my hand! You are going to break my wrist!!"

    Lu Ruan''s shrill scream pulled her out of her daze. The girl was struggling with a painful look on her face. Dai Zhiqiang only stared at her with no sympathy, as if he was just stepping on an ant.

    "Li Caiyi, tell your boyfriend to stop holding my wrist. It hurts!" Lu Ruan red at her, but it only made Dai Zhiqiang''s face darken even more.

    He flung her wrist sideways with so much force that it sent Lu Ruan flying. Li Caiyi covered her mouth in shock.

    Dai Zhiqiang had his stare fixed on Lu Ruan, but something was frightening about how she looked at her.

    Lu Ruan could also feel his intense murderous aura because her face turned as white as a sheet. Her eyes shook wildly, and it was filled with pure terror.

    "H-Helpˇ­" She stuttered in fear.

    "I have been quiet and listening, but you couldn''t seem to understand humannguage." Dai Zhiqiang''s voice felt like it could even freeze the desert with how chilling it was.

    Then, he approached Lu Ruan, who seemed to freeze in her ce. Then, he suddenly reached out to grab her by the neck. Both girls gasped in shock at his cruel action.

    "You are a wild dog who tried to harm my precious person. An animal like you should naturally be treated like an animal, don''t you agree?" Dai Zhiqiang smiled, but that smile didn''t reach his eyes.

    The panicked Lu Ruan kicked her feet around, iling like a fish in his hand. She looked so miserable that even Li Caiyi felt pity for her.

    Dai Zhiqiang could be scary at times, but he never behaved in an extreme way like this. Frankly, this was her first time seeing her act radically like this. He wasn''t talking to her, yet she shuddered, feeling the menaceing out of him.

    Lu Ruan didn''t feel this frightened even when Meng Renshu threatened her. Looking at Dai Zhiqiang''s cold eyes, she instinctively knew that he wouldn''t hesitate to kill her if she made more mistakes.

    Her throat hurt from how hard he clenched on it. And he left some space for her to breathe, although she still had to try hard for it. In a way, this was more like slow torture, making Dai Zhiqiang look even more terrifying.

    ''Monster. He is definitely a monster. How could Li Caiyi like a monster like him?''

    Lu Ruan involuntarily shifted her gaze to Li Caiyi, who stood with an appalled look on her face, silently pleading for help.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before shouting sternly.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, stop this at once!"

 Chapter 481 The Unsolved Mystery (1)

    "Dai Zhiqiang, stop this at once!"

    Li Caiyi shouted as she rushed forward. She quickly tried to pull his hand away from Lu Ruan. "If you keep this on, she''ll die!"

    Her voice made him flinch. His foggy state of mind immediately cleared up when his gaze fell on Li Caiyi''s imploring face.

    But why would she defend the girl who schemed against her? Based on their conversation before, it seemed Lu Ruan also harassed her at her house. Dai Zhiqiang''s heart sank when he discovered how much she had suffered without him knowing.

    "Caiyi, this girl is evil. If I don''t do this, she''lle back someday and harass you again someday."

    "That doesn''t mean you can do this! Let go of her this instant! If you continue this, you''ll be med for what happened to her. It won''t be mere self-defense anymore!"

    Dai Zhiqiang honestly didn''t care whatever happened to him. As long as he could prevent her from getting hurt.

    However, his heart softened when he saw Li Caiyi on the verge of crying. What he did must have shocked her. He only showed her the tame side of him all this time. What if she bes afraid of him after this?

    He slowly lost the strength in his hand, leaving an opportunity for Li Caiyi to pry his hand off Lu Ruan. Thetter coughed violently once she could breathe again. She looked like a mess, with tears and drool dripping from her eyes and mouth.

    Li Caiyi had no obligation to care for or help her. Still, she wouldn''t like it if this incident implicated Dai Zhiqiang.

    Shifting her gaze to the young man, she found him looking at the ground, looking extremely dispirited.

    She was so engrossed in her conversation; that she forgot he could hear everything. He must have been upset and disappointed at her for not telling him the whole story.

    His interference was something Li Caiyi couldn''t predict. She had overestimated Lu Ruan''s ability to think clearly.

    But if he didn''t intervene, Li Caiyi probably would have been hurt badly by Lu Ruan.

    "Zhiqiang, IˇŞ"

    "Caiyi, there''s no time for that!"

    Suddenly, from behind the bushes, Feng Nian jumped out with an urgent look on her face. "I have called for some help. You should chase him away for now!"

    Li Caiyi quickly understood the situation, while Lu Ruan was surprised by Feng Nian''s appearance. In her daze, she muttered, "What is happening here?"

    Li Caiyi paid her no mind and forced Dai Zhiqiang to stand up. "Sorry, but you have to go first. I promise I will tell you everythingter. If you are here, things will get messier."

    Dai Zhiqiang gazed at Li Caiyi profoundly. He looked like he had something to say, but in the end, he only nodded and left. But not without leaving thest warning, look at Lu Ruan, making the girl tremble in fear.

    "WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING?!!"

    They turned their heads simultaneously at the voice source and found Teacher Shi running over, with Zhou Ya following closely behind.

    Li Caiyi nced in the direction Dai Zhiqiang had left and sighed in relief to find him gone.

    "I heard of someone reporting a fight here. Someone exin this situation to me!" Teacher Shimanded with a stern tone. She crouched beside Lu Ruan to check on her before looking up at Li Caiyi.

    "Uhm, Teacher Shi? It was me who asked Ya Ya to call you here." Feng Nian raised her hand as she stepped between Li Caiyi and Teacher Shi. "I can exin everything that happened here."

    "You areˇ­ Student Feng Nian? Alright, please exin it to me."

    As Feng Nian slowly filled Teacher Shi in on the situation, Zhou Ya moved closer to her with a worried look. "Are you okay?"

    Li Caiyi nodded while smiling. "Yeah, thanks."

    "I was worried Lu Ruan might do something to you, but Lu Ruan seems to fare much worse than you. Just what kind of move did you use to make her look like that?"<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi nced at Lu Ruan, and as Zhou Ya said, she seemed like she just had witnessed the worst nightmare she had ever had. Her whole body shook while she choked on her sob. She hadn''t said a word ever since Dai Zhiqiang left.

    Lu Ruan was the one who made the first move, so Li Caiyi had no sympathy for her. Though she understood why one would be traumatized after receiving Dai Zhiqiang''s wrath.

    ''Zhi, I hope he is alright. He had that brooding look on his face again when he left.''

    ***

    In the end, Li Caiyi and Lu Ruan were dragged into the teacher''s office.

    Teacher Shi made them drop by the infirmary before taking them there. The young teacher was relieved knowing the two students didn''t sustain any severe injury.

    However, Teacher Shi didn''t n to let them off the hook just like that. She had called their guardian beforehand and had them sit tightly on the teacher''s office''s lounge. Crossing her arms, she alternately looked at the state they were in.

    "Lu Ruan is a regr in making trouble, but I would never expect a quiet student like you to be involved in this Li Caiyi. Although I had heard the gist of it from Feng Nian. I haven''t heard the reason why you fought. Since we still have some time before your guardianes here, I want to hear both stories."

    Li Caiyi discreetly stoled a look at Lu Ruan. She still hadn''t uttered a word. She didn''t even react when Teacher Shi announced she would call their guardian to pick them up.

    "What''s wrong? Is it something you find difficult to say? Unfortunately, you guys don''t have a choice here."

    Li Caiyi returned her gaze to Teacher Shi. "I was the one who called her out first. I have received a series of harassment, and I have evidence to prove Lu Ruan is the one behind everything."

    Teacher Shi looked rmed. "Harassment? What do you mean?"

    "I don''t want to exin it twice, so would it be okay to wait until our guardian arrives?" Li Caiyi feigned a tired expression. "The past month hasn''t been easy on me."

    Teacher Shi was a popr teacher who cared about her students, so looking at Li Caiyi''s distressed look, she felt pity for her. The problem between them must be pretty serious if it could silence Lu Ruan like this.

    "I get it. Let''s wait for them to arrive."

    After waiting for half an hour, the door was barged open. A couple in their 40s who seemed to be Lu Ruan''s guardians entered with panicked faces.

    The furious-looking woman immediately strode towards Lu Ruan once she found her and smacked her head hard, causing a painful, loud sound.

    "How many times has it been? Didn''t we tell you to behave yourself?! What kind of mess did you make this time?!" The woman harshly berated Lu Ruan in front of everyone, making even Teacher Shi freeze in shock.

    Li Caiyi, who stood beside her, was astonished. This woman didn''t even bother to ask Lu Ruan what happened and immediately punished her. It didn''t take a genius to realize how she treated Lu Ruan.

    "Ma''am, I understand your feeling, but please calm down. We haven''t heard their stories yet," Teacher Shi said while giving Lu Ruan an unsure look.

    "Teacher, this kid is a troublemaker. I don''t need to listen to know she must have made trouble again. My husband and I have given up on her behavior."

    "But, don''t you think we should at least listen to what she had to say?"

    "No need. Everything thates out of her mouth is all lies, anyway. We are very busy, so let''s end this meeting quickly." The woman impatiently said.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t unfamiliar with that dismissive attitude.

    After meeting Lu Ruan''s guardian, Li Caiyi felt like she could finally understand a little how Lu Ruan became the person that she was. Who would have thought the school bullies and her victim had something inmon?

    "Xiaoyi!"

    They turned their head to the door again. This time, Su Suyin and Li Junjie entered the room together with pr opposite air around them. The former was particrly agitated, while the other was as calm as a winterke.

 Chapter 482 The Unsolved Mystery (2)

    "Xiaoyi, are you alright? Did you get hurt somewhere?!" Su Suyin rushed over to her and checked her body for any injuries.

    Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly at her before shaking her head. "I''m fine, Mother. Thank you foring here."

    "Of course, I will be here!" Su Suyin cupped her face and took a closer look at her daughter. "Oh no, you look extremely fatigued, and your uniform was all messy."

    Li Junjie tapped her shoulder from behind. "Mother, we should calm down first."

    Su Suyin reluctantly stopped her barrage of questions and sat down. She threw a displeased look at Lu Ruan before smiling at Teacher Shi, "Teacher, thank you for informing us about this. May I know what has happened here?"

    Teacher Shi was relieved. At least one of the guardians seemed reasonable. "Of course, Ma''am. I haven''t heard the details since they want everyone to gather before revealing it. How about we sit down and listen to them now?"

    Lu Ruan''s guardian looked unhappy, but they sat down regardless. After making sure everyone was seated, Teacher Shi signaled Li Caiyi to begin.

    As she exined the circumstances, Li Caiyi also backed her exnation up with the evidence she had gathered. She showed them everything, including the picture of Lu Ruan''s gift box she had snapped before.

    Peeking at the extent of Lu Ruan''s harassment, everyone''s face became pale. The box was clearly the same as the one Lu Ruan held in her hand in another picture, so there was no mistaking it. It was so grotesque that they couldn''t bear to see it.

    Unlike the shocked adults, Li Junjie looked deep in thought. "Xiaoyi, is the person who spread false rumors about you also her?"

    "False rumor? What rumor?" Su Suyin looked at her, demanding an exnation.

    Lu Ruan stayed silent while Li Caiyi recounted their conversation in the park. She even showed them the video Feng Nian took using her phone from a hidden spot. Thankfully, the video stopped briefly before Dai Zhiqiang jumped out to Li Caiyi''s rescue. Hence, she had no qualms in showing it to others.

    After the video stopped, Lu Ruan''s mother smacked her head again. "I knew it! You never cease making trouble everywhere you go. I''m too ashamed to even lift my head now. What mistakes did I make in the past to give birth to someone like you?!"

    Lu Ruan didn''t resist and silently epted the woman''s beating. Her husband and Teacher Shi had to step in to stop her rampaging.

    Su Suyin and Li Junjie only looked at the chaos that ensued before them coldly. They hadn''t said anything, yet the air around them was dark.

    "Student Lu Ruan, is it? Don''t you have anything to say?"

    If looks could kill, then Lu Ruan probably had already split in half by Su Suyin''s piercing gaze.

    Everyone''s attention focused on Lu Ruan. However, the said person kept her mouth shut.

    Li Caiyi observed her closely. Did her parents'' actions discourage her from talking? Or was it because she was still frightened by Dai Zhiqiang''s warning?

    Whichever it was, she had no chance to get away this time. Li Caiyi had solid proof, and Lu Ruan already had a bad reputation before this, so she had zero to no credibility in her exnation. If she brought up Dai Zhiqiang''s name, it''d be easy to argue back against her.

    It finally ended. After this, she would appeal to the school board to make Lu Ruan leave the school. Li Caiyi wouldn''t be able to live peacefully with Lu Ruan kept trying to trip her off.

    Teacher Shi sighed helplessly. "Lu Ruan, staying silent won''t solve anything. We can''t help you unless you tell us your side of the story."

    Lu Ruan snorted. "What would change even if I say something? You all have already decided I''m the bad guy here anyway."

    "You really don''t know how to repent! What are you saying when the evidence was clearly pointing at you?!" The woman pointed at her like she had gone crazy.

    "Hmph. Yes, I did harass her a bit, so what? Just give me my punishment already so I can go home."

    SLAP!

    Before everyone''s eyes, Su Suyin gave Lu Ruan a p, leaving a red mark on her face. Her whole body trembled like she was trying to hold back her anger.

    "Is that all you have to say after everything you made my daughter go through?"

    Lu Ruan scoffed. Instead of reflecting on her action, she smiled haughtily. "What? Do you expect me to apologize to her? Over my dead body!"

    Su Suyin was enraged. She raised her hand again but was stopped by Li Junjie. "Mother, calm down. A person like her won''t apologize even if you beat her."<sub> </sub>

    "Heh, listen to your son, Auntie. Senior Li is brilliant, unlike his sister."

    To say she was brazen was an understatement. Lu Ruan''s insolence rendered everyone speechless. Except for one person.

    "What a futile attempt to provoke others. I assume you are ready to face the consequences of doing this?" Li Junjie said in a dangerously low tone.

    "Do whatever you want. I don''t care anymore."

    "I will make sure to tell a certain someone about this. I suggest you tread carefully from now on."

    Those words had an underlying meaning, and Lu Ruan''s face was riddled with sadness upon hearing them. Then, she furtively nced at Li Caiyi but looked away again quickly.

    ''Did my eyes y a trick on me? Lu Ruan looked terrified for a moment there.'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    Teacher Shi couldn''t stand the stifling awkwardness in the air anymore, so she pped her hand once before stating, "If Lu Ruan had nothing more to say, then I guess that''ll conclude our meeting. The guardian of both parties, I will inform you about their punishment after discussing it with other teachers, so make sure your phone is always avable."

    No one objected, so the meeting ended with a sullen atmosphere. Li Caiyi gazed at Lu Ruan, who was dragged by her parents until she disappeared from her sight.

    In the end, Li Caiyi couldn''t reveal how Lu Ruan schemed to kill her in the mountain. Among all Lu Ruan''s nasty deeds, she had no evidence regarding that matter only. There was no witness either except for ''Hu Jian''.

    ''I was hoping she''d slip and reveal who he is during our fight, but she denied it until the end.''

    Lu Ruan wasn''t that bright, and given that she was still a teenager, it was easy to rile her up to make her confess. However, even when she was cornered, she had never admitted to ever trying to push her off the cliff.

    The mystery of ''Hu Jian'' hadn''t been solved, so Li Caiyi decided to give Lu Ruan the benefit of the doubt for now. At least until she waspletely sure.

    "But if it''s not Lu Ruan, then who?" Li Caiyi muttered while thinking hard.

    "Xiaoyi, are you okay?" Su Suyin gently tapped her on the shoulder. Her concern was inly written on her face.

    "Mother, I''m fine. I didn''t mean to cause amotion, but I had no choice. I''m sorry for making you worry."

    "As long as you are fine, that''s all that matters. You must have suffered a lot under her harassment. How about you stay with us for the time being?" Su Suyin suggested hesitantly.

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Everything has been solved well, so I''m not worried anymore. Thank you foring all the way here for me. I appreciate it so much."

    Su Suyin felt her heartache, listening to the distant tone in her daughter''s voice. Even during trouble, she refused to confide in her family and deal with it alone. It truly brought pain to a mother''s heart.

    ''It''s all my fault that she thinks she can''t rely on her family.'' Su Suyin bitterly thought.

    However, Su Suyin knew that she had no right to call herself her mother. As much as she wished to spend more time with her daughter and repent of her mistake, it would never erase the wound she inflicted on her daughter''s heart.

    Looking at her mother''s woeful expression, Li Caiyi felt ufortable inside.

    "Brother Jie, you should take Mother home. Today''s incident must have shocked her."

    "What about you?"

    "I will be fine. Thank you foring here, Brother."

    Li Caiyi bowed slightly to Su Suyin and Teacher Shi before walking out of the room. She was afraid that she would agree to her mother''s warm invitation if she stayed there any longer.

    Truthfully, she was very touched when her mother got angry and stood up for her earlier. It was the first time it had ever happened, so her emotions were all over the ce.

    Besides, she still had one unfinished business.

    "I have to hurry back. Zhiqiang must have waited for me."

 Chapter 483 A Sinful Angel

    Li Caiyi stood up in front of her apartment door, feeling nervous. She had to apologize to him. After making a promise not to hide each other''s pain, she was the one who broke it first.

    She was unsure how to exin everything, so she paced around in front of the door for a while.

    Then, her door suddenly opened, revealing Dai Zhiqiang, who didn''t seem surprised to see her standing awkwardly there.

    "Zhi, I''m here." Li Caiyi said stiffly. It was hard to gauge his emotion from his stoic expression.

    "First, you shoulde in. Don''t loiter in front of the door."

    Ack. He definitely saw her walking back and forth.

    Li Caiyi grimaced. "You''re right. Did I make you wait for long? How about your work? Is it okay if youete?"

    She didn''t know what she had said wrong, but his mood clearly became worse after she asked that.

    Dai Zhiqiang averted his eyes before gesturing to her toe in. Li Caiyi sighed inwardly. She kept making a mistake and didn''t like where this was going.

    He shut the door behind him, then sat beside Li Caiyi on the edge of the bed. No one spoke a word for a while. The pin drop silence felt awkward.

    "Has everything been settled yet?"

    Those were his first questions. Li Caiyi straightened her back before replying, "Yeah. Feng Nian called Teacher Shi, and she called our parents. I told them everything about Lu Ruan''s harassment there. It seems her punishment will soon be decided."

    "Your friends, did they know? That she had been harassing you all this time?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No. I didn''t speak a word about this to anyone."

    There was that silence again. Li Caiyi nced at Dai Zhiqiang and found the exhaustion in his eyes a bit unsettling. What if he finally got fed up with her? She felt fear shrouding her mind just by the thought of that.

    Li Caiyi gingerly reached out and tugged on his sleeve before saying, "I''m sorry. I have kept this from you all this time. You must have been very disappointed with me.

    Hisck of response made her even more anxious. She should have made an excuse; anything was fine. Yet, her tongue stiffened when she looked at his gloomy face.

    "No, that''s not it." Dai Zhiqiang grabbed her hand and intertwined it with his. "I''m not disappointed in you. I''m disappointed in myself."

    Li Caiyi looked up in bewilderment. He leaned over to peck her cheek before continuing, "I loathed myself for not noticing your hardship. You must feel reluctant to tell me because I''m rarely there for you when you need it. It was understandable if you felt like you couldn''t depend on me."

    "No, it''s not like that."

    Li Caiyi wanted to smack herself. She should have denied it vehemently, but when she looked back and always felt ill at ease, even in her own house, the strength left her words.

    Only then did she realize that Dai Zhiqiang was probably right. She didn''t want him to worry and was too used to doing everything alone. Even though she knew he would do anything to help her, she subconsciously wanted to brush his hand off.

    Li Caiyi was afraid to reach out her hand for help, only to find it rejected again. It was the same when she couldn''t bring herself to trust her friends.

    Tears welled up in her eyes. She was so stupid for thinking that her rtionship was normal and smooth sailing. It hadn''t been normal in the past months, and it gnawed on her little by little.

    All thoseforts she felt were only temporary. She had always felt lonely and anxious.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang was shocked when she saw her watery eyes. "Yi Yi, what''s wrong? Did you feel hurt somewhere?!"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. The suppressed feeling slowly came out, and she blurted, "Zhi, what happened to me? To us? Sometimes I wonder if this is really the right way to do things. I used to think that as long as our feelings are mutual, there''s nothing to fear, but why is this so hard?"

    In the next second, she found herself being pulled into his embrace. "None of this is your fault. It''s because I''m not good enough. I know you will feel unhappy, but I was greedy and still wanted you despite everything. I promised I would cherish you, yet I did nothing but make you wait for me."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips to stifle her sobs, but she was worn out. There was no time to rx at all. The harassment, the raid during the anniversary party, and today''s incident exhausted her beyond measure.

    "Do you hate me now? We promised to tell each other about our hardship, but I broke it...."

    "Yi Yi, you have done well by yourself all this time. I have always admired your inner strength and kindness. I was just whining because I didn''t want to look pathetic in front of my beloved woman. I''m the worst."

    His voice was trembling ever so slightly as he held her tighter. Li Caiyi liked being in his arms the most. It was the safest and the mostforting ce in the world.

    ''To maintain a rtionship, mutual love alone wasn''t enough.'' Li Caiyi thought somberly. She was deprived of love in her previous life, so she didn''t know what it meant to properly love someone.

    Dai Zhiqiang gave her his love, but she arrogantly thought that was all she needed. That was why she relentlessly med herself when she craved his attention and time.

    "No, Zhi. It was my fault. I have underestimated the meaning of ''romantic rtionship'' all this time. You understood it more than me and warned me about it. Yet I refused to listen and jumped into it anyway. This was all the result of my choice, so don''t be so harsh on yourself."

    "Yi Yi, is it hard being with me? I...never wanted you to suffer because of me."

    Li Caiyi''s heart sank when she noticed something was off with his tone. He sounded like he was preparing to give up on everything.

    ''No, I don''t want to break up. I don''t want to lose him.''

    Overwhelmed with fear, Li Caiyi hugged his neck before nting a kiss on his lips. It was a bit forceful and took Dai Zhiqiang off guard.

    They toppled together to the bed, but Li Caiyi didn''t stop. The kiss became more passionate with her on the attack. It was sloppy and clearly an inexperienced kiss, yet it made his heart soar.

    Dai Zhiqiang could feel her smoothness and warmth pressed against him, making his blood boil. They were alone on her bed, and his beloved aggressively shoved herself toward him.

    No man would be able to resist that.

    Dai Zhiqiang put one hand behind her neck to deepen the kiss, answering her advance with equal fervor. While rubbing her waist tenderly with his other hand.

    It wasn''t too strong to dominate her, as he wanted her to keep the lead, but it was certainly enough to make her head spin.

    When they finally parted, both were breathless with flushed cheeks. Li Caiyi had moved on top of her before he knew it, straddling him between her white, alluring thighs.

    When he looked up, she looked like an angel who graced him with her presence.

    As she looked at him in a daze, a string of saliva dripped from the corner of her mouth. Her eyes were watery, and her chest went up and down with her heavy breath.

    ''What a sinful angel she is,'' Dai Zhiqiang thought.

    The young man enjoyed this view very much. She was too beautiful that it rendered him speechless, with his mind on cloud nine.

 Chapter 484 Iâ€™m Yours To Take

    Li Caiyi wanted to crawl into a hole and spend the rest of her life there. She didn''t know what possessed her to make her do something so bold! All she knew was that she wanted to show him how much she loved and needed him by her side.

    But then she was drowned in the pleasure and heat between them. The ce where he touched her was tingling, and she found herself craving for more.

    When she snapped out of it, she found herself straddling him, with her skirt hiked so high, exposing her bare thigh. And also, her boyfriend flushed his face, looking at her with so much love and desire in his eyes. He looked at her like he worshiped her, begging more for her touch.

    Li Caiyi''s heart pounded so hard. Although the inside embarrassment was enough to kill her, his expression made her want to continue. She finally understood what he meant when he said he wanted to see her various reactions.

    It was the same as her. Li Caiyi wanted to see hime undone because of her. So much he would never think of leaving her.

    ''My thoughts are so vulgar. Zhi probably would feel disgusted if he knew what kind of a woman I am.''

    "Yi Yi, you are so beautiful." Dai Zhiqiang said in a husky voice. He kept his eyes on her all the time as his hand slowly rubbed her thigh, making her shiver.

    "You looked like you wanted me so much. Why did you stop? I''m yours to take any time."

    Dai Zhiqiang shifted his body slightly, identally brushing something poking against her rear. Li Caiyi''s face grew hotter; she had to cover her face. Dai Zhiqiang chuckled, seeing her cute reaction.

    "Let me look at your lovely face more. Don''t hide it."

    He reached out, pried her hands off her, and was satisfied to see her flustered. "Did you not expect this to happen? Did you not know how much your action aroused me? I became like this because of you. Take responsibility."

    Li Caiyi: "..."

    It felt like her heart was about to explode. Especially when he directed her hand to touch his desire for her. The pleasure on his face when she used her hand to rub it clumsily was breathtaking.

    "Zhi, does it feel good?"

    "Yes. Very good." Dai Zhiqiang said shakily with his eyes closed.

    He looked like he was in pain, yet his moan suggested otherwise. The sound was so sexy, and it spurred her to do better. It was always him who had done all the work before. She wanted to return the favor.

    "Yi Yi, that''s enough."

    Li Caiyi immediately halted. She had never done this before, so she was afraid she had hurt him. "S-Sorry, did I do something wrong?"

    Dai Zhiqiang quickly sat up and wrapped his hand around her. She could feel his heartbeat through theyers of their clothes, and it raced as fast as hers.

    "I''m on my limit, but I want to ask you something first."

    "What is it?"

    "I had the same feeling during our first time. But do you feel forced to do this in any way?"

    His question was so direct, and it made her twitch. "What makes you think that?"

    "It''s just a feeling. That day, I knew you had something in mind, but you refused to tell me anything. Then, you asked me to stay with you, almost desperately. What did you think about at that time?"

    Li Caiyi was surprised, but there was also a strange calmness inside her. "I couldn''t see you often during summer break, and it felt like we were growing apart. I was anxious, so I wanted to be closer to you."

    Dai Zhiqiang hummed as he rubbed her head gently. "I see. Then, do you regret it?"

    "No, I would never regret it! I''m happy that my first time is with you!"

    "Me too."

    "But you seem so distant after that. There''s a saying that men grow bored after they finally get intimate with their partner. I thought you might feel like that."

    "How could that be? It was actually the opposite."

    "What do you mean?"<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang let her go and stared at her intensely. "I need to keep my distance from you, or I''m afraid I will visit you again in the middle of the night to make love with you."

    He was as straightforward as usual. Li Caiyi couldn''t bear his intense stare and blushed heavily. Dai Zhiqing smiled and pressed their forehead together.

    "I don''t want you to think I was only after your body. Do you know how hard it was for me to keep my calm when I took you home yesterday? You were within my reach, but you fell asleep as soon as your head hit the bed. If Iid my hands on you, I''d be no different than a beast."

    "I-I see...." Li Caiyi didn''t know what else to say.

    "I don''t think you understand the effect you had on me. I''m greedier than you think, Yi Yi. Even now. I want you so badly I can''t stand it. But I don''t want to continue if you feel forced in any way."

    Dai Zhiqiang leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "You can feel it, right? It''s still hard."

    Li Caiyi''s heart couldn''t take it anymore. She wanted to be bolder, but Dai Zhiqiang was too strong to beat. And he did it so naturally!

    What a natural-borndy killer!

    Dai Zhiqiangughed hard, seeing her fluster. "That face is priceless. How can you be so cute?"

    "S-stop teasing me."

    "Sorry. I want you to take the lead, but I can''t resist when I see you all embarrassed like that."

    Dai Zhiqiang nted a chaste kiss on her lips before effortlesslyying her down on the bed. He wrapped his hands around her middle and pulled her closer, so her back would press against his chest.

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi was taken aback by the sudden change in position.

    "Hm, what''s wrong? Are you disappointed?" Dai Zhiqiang asked suavely. "Do you expect us to continue with our'' intimate session''?"

    "N-No, I''m not!"

    Li Caiyi was slightly disappointed, but cuddling like this was also nice. She would never tell him that, though.

    "Believe me, I want to get hot and heavy with you. But I think you need a rest for now. You are clearly tired after everything that happened today, and you were crying too."

    His concern warmed her heart. If it weren''t for that particr something still poking against her rear, Li Caiyi probably would dly sleep in his embrace.

    "But what about...that?" She shyly asked.

    "Don''t worry about it. After some time, it will return to its original state."

    Li Caiyi thought it was impossible to sleep like this, but she fell asleep quickly. In no time, the sound of her calm breathing was the only thing he could hear.

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly pulled his hand away and got up. He covered her sleeping figure with a nket with a helpless look on his face.

    "I''m the one who suggested it, but why do I feel so damn disappointed?" He muttered.

    A strand of hair fell on her face, so he gently tucked it behind her ear. He was frustrated because they stopped middle way, but looking at her peaceful face made everything worthwhile.

    He wanted to cherish her. A good person like her deserved all the love in the world, yet she settled with someone like him.

    "You kept indulging my selfishness, even when you were so lonely. How pathetic of me."

    Dai Zhiqiang checked his phone and found a lot of missed calls. His shoulders slumped, knowing his time with her today had ended.

    He still had so much to tell her and wanted to spend more time with her. But when he thought of his family, he found himself being chained to the ground.

    Dai Zhiqiang gave her girlfriend onest look before heading out of the room.

 Chapter 485 The Aftermath

    "Haaˇ­"

    Li Caiyi heaved a long sigh. Her body felt heavy, but she forced herself to enter the teacher''s office.

    "Teacher Shi, do you call for me?"

    The young teacher seemed to have a rough time too. Her face was riddled with fatigue, and she had heat patches pasted on her shoulder, peeking from her t-shirt.

    "Li Caiyi, I have talked with your mother and brother about your problem. And the school board agreed that we will have Lu Ruan drop out of the school."

    It was an expected result. Li Caiyi calmly nodded her head. "I see."

    Teacher Shi looked up at her inquisitively. Her disheveled hair slightly swayed as she moved closer. She scratched her cheeks with an awkward look on her face.

    "Listen, I didn''t mean to correct Lu Ruan''s behavior, but do you think you can re-think your decision? She isˇ­how should I say this? Lu Ruan isn''t exactly growing up in a ''good'' environment. You also saw how her parents treated her yesterday, right?"

    "Teacher Shi, do you wish me to appeal for Lu Ruan''s punishment reduction?"

    "I know this might be a bit unfair for you, but I''ll make sure Lu Ruan will receive a proper punishment, and she won''t get a second chance. Can you find it in you to forgive her?"

    Li Caiyi smiled. "To forgive is something you do when the other person apologizes to you. Lu Ruan clearly refused to reflect on her own mistake, so honestly, your request put me in a difficult position."

    Teacher Shi was flustered. "Caiyi, please don''t get me wrong. I was just trying to find a better solution to this problem. Do you think you can forgive her, suppose she apologizes to you?"

    "Teacher Shi," Li Caiyi spoke mildly, with no urgency in her tone. "I believe you are a good teacher, but I don''t think your judgment is fair in this. Lu Ruan didn''t hurt me physically, so I should be thankful and forgive her for that? Should I bleed first before I can finally get her to repent?"

    "No!" Teacher Shi said in fluster, "I never said that your pain is invalid. I was hoping that both of you could discuss this and reconcile. That''d be the best oue. I don''t want to neglect any of you."

    Li Caiyi recalled how she had constantly been belittled and neglected in her home. It was hard, but she would never vent her pain to an innocent person.

    Ultimately, the environment couldn''t be a valid reason to justify a person''s bad behavior. Lu Ruan didn''t even show slight remorse for what she had done, so there was no reason for Li Caiyi to go easy on her.

    "I''m sorry, but you are still naive, Teacher Shi. Please don''t let your personal emotion cloud your judgment, or you will lose the student''s respect and trust in you in the future."

    Teacher Shi was stunned. She probably never had a student lecture her like this before, but Li Caiyi was too tired to deal with this anymore.

    "If that is all, I''ll return to the ssroom first." Li Caiyi bowed before walking away, leaving Teacher Shi, who was still in a daze.

    ***

    Li Caiyi''s mood plummeted after that. She had gone through so much trouble to gain evidence so she could justly condemn Lu Ruan, but should she forgive her just because of Lu Ruan''s unfortunate situation?

    Li Caiyi disagreed, but it would be a lie if she said she wasn''t affected by it. Lu Ruan''s situation was pretty simr to hers, after all.

    "The verdict has been passed. I shouldn''t think about it anymore." Li Caiyi shook her head.

    "About what?"

    Li Caiyi jumped at the sudden voice behind her. She turned and found Meng Renshu standing there while gently smiling at her. "What''s with the long face? Did something happen again?"

    "Don''t sneak up behind me like that!" Li Caiyi snarled while rubbing her chest.

    "I called you a few times, but you didn''t hear me."

    "Oh? Do you have some business with me?"

    "I couldn''t talk to you if nothing happened?" Meng Renshu chuckled when he saw Li Caiyi get annoyed and raise his hands in defeat. "Okay, I will stop teasing you. I heard about the matter with Lu Ruan."

    "The news had already been spread? That was quick."<sub> </sub>

    "Yeah. Everyone was surprised, but it wasn''t like they didn''t expect this. In the end, you reallye through this trouble by yourself. You put me to shame."

    Li Caiyi scoffed. "I''m not that meek, easy to bully Li Caiyi anymore. I have had enough of ying nice in my previous life."

    Meng Renshu''s smile deepened. "You certainly are more decisive now. I thought you''d be content by just punishing her, but you go further than that."

    "It''s better this way. I can''t continue attending school, knowing there is a person who wants me to suffer."

    Meng Renshu didn''t respond and only peered at her face instead. "I''m sorry for all the trouble you have been through. The reason why she is so hostile towards you is because of me."

    "Good that you know," Li Caiyi wasn''t going to let him have it easy. "With this incident, I hope you finally understand that many people are watching us. Please be mindful and keep some distance from me from now on."

    The breeze from the hallway window blew his hair, making his feature look softer and fragile. He didn''t try to make an excuse and instead said in a forlorn tone, "Yes. I''ll be careful not to cause you any trouble."

    That should be the answer she wanted to hear, yet she felt odd upon hearing it. Meng Renshu wasn''t usually this obedient; it threw her off.

    "O-oh, thanks." Li Caiyi felt awkward, and she unknowingly thanked him. "Uhm, did you approach me to apologize to me?"

    "I should have done something to Lu Ruan once I knew she had her eyes on you. Because of me, you suffered again. I wanted to protect you, but that n backfired. Not to me, but to you. Apologizing is the least thing I could do."

    If he apologized so honestly like that, it felt weird instead. "Well, to be fair, not everything is your fault. Lu Ruan hates me, and that''s not only because she thinks we have something going on between us. So, uhmˇ­what I''m trying to say isˇ­."

    Looking at her, who tried hard to make him feel better, warmed his heart. "Thank you for saying that. Actually, that''s not the only reason why I approached you."

    "What is it?"

    "Ourst conversation was interrupted. Didn''t you have something to say to me? Something about Xiaohua?"

    "Ah," Li Caiyi eximed. She almost forgot about that. "That''s right. Do you think we can talk about it today?"

    "Sure. Just tell me the ce and time. But will your boyfriend be okay with that? Last time, he seemed to be pretty upset seeing us together."

    Li Caiyi hesitated for a moment. Li Chunhua''s circumstances weren''t something she could bring up that easily. She might put Dai Zhiqiang in danger if she acts carelessly.

    When she woke up in the middle of the night, Dai Zhiqiang was already nowhere to be seen. He didn''t attend school today, either.

    In the end, they couldn''t have a good talk yesterday. Worse yet, it ended with her venting her frustration and falling asleep again.

    Also, there was that embarrassing episode of her ''attacking'' him. Li Caiyi was ashamed of herck of self-control. Perhaps it was good that she didn''t have to meet him today.

    "Earth to Xiaoyi? What are you thinking now?"

    "Oh! My bad. Iˇ­will contact youter, is that okay?"

    Meng Renshu smiled reassuringly. "Of course. It must be very important if you seek me out personally for it."

    His words made it sound like she only came to him when it was convenient for her. Otherwise, she would chase him away like a fly.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t deny it and responded with dryughter.

    "Haha, don''t mind it. I''m happy if you still need me in any way. I''ll be waiting for good news from you, then. See youter."

    Meng Renshu left with a wave of his hand. That went smoother than she thought. Thankfully, she didn''t have to grovel and beg him to listen to her.

    "Well, let''s not think about it too deeply." She shrugged inwardly before making her way to the ssroom.

 Chapter 486 Theres No Such Thing As A Free Lunch

    "How many times do I have to tell you? I don''t want to go!"

    Shao Jingfei''s annoyed voice invited curious nces from his ssmates. He felt ufortable so he walked out with an awkward smile.

    "Brother, I only called you to ask how the old man is doing. I will hang up now."

    "Wait! Jingfei, can you just listen to the words of advice for once?" Shao Junfei''s troubled voice could be heard from the phone.

    Shao Jingfei scoffed. "All I could hear is you trying to tell me what to do with my life. Yeah, I owe the Shao family for raising me, but I pay it back with my service, don''t I? I even got out of the house to keep the peace within the household. I''m just an illegitimate child so stop pushing your family matter to me."

    "Jingfei, you are part of our family. You have our father''s blood run in your veins."

    "Yeah, and that''s the only reason why I''m in this mess right now." Shao Jingfei said in a ridiculing tone. "I won''t ask for anything so let''s not bother each other''s life, alright?"

    "Don''t be stubborn. This is all for your well-being too."

    "I can take care of myself just fine. I don''t need you to patronize me. And, you don''t have any right to say that to me, none of you do."

    "....Is there nothing I can do to change your mind? You just have to meet the person mother had arranged for you and everything would be settled."

    "Are we in ancient times or something? I''m still in high school for god''s sake! This matchmaking is ridiculous! Don''t you think so too?"

    "Jingfei, I also started to meet my current fiance around your age. It''s important to build trust from an early age. I have seen your prospect and I don''t think she is a bad choice. You will lose nothing by agreeing to meet her once."

    "What do you mean I''ll lose nothing? I feel like my sanity is being tested here!" Shao Jingfei retorted. "Anyway, I will not go through with Madam''s n, and that''s final. If you keep pestering me like this, I will cut contact with you too, just like I did with the old man!"

    "JingfeiˇŞ"

    Shao Jingfei hung up the call before Shao Junfei could say any word. He massaged his throbbing temple with a scrunched face. "I really can''t understand why that woman is very pushy about this. This is too suspicious."

    Being the living proof of her husband''s infidelity, there was no way Madam Shao would treat him nicely. Shao Jingfei didn''t me her, but that didn''t mean he would let her do anything she pleased. All that talk about everything for his well-being was an utter joke.

    "Ah, shit. This put me in a foul mood." Shao Jingfei grumbled with a dark face.

    There was no ce for him in that house, so he voluntarily left when he saw his chance, but these people were pushing it. It convinced him that Madam Shao must have another n for him. And from his experience, it spelled trouble.

    "As if I''ll fall for that."

    Shao Jingfei put his phone in airne mode, before returning to his ssroom.

    ***

    After school ended, Li Caiyi waited for Li Chunhua in front of her ssroom. She could feel people''s gaze on her, but she tried not to think much of it. It didn''t take long before Li Chunhua walked out of the ssroom. She looked pleasantly surprised to see Li Caiyi.

    "Xiaoyi! Why are you here? Dai Zhiqiang is absent today, you know."

    "I know. I came here to see you."

    Li Chunhua became happier when she heard that. She yfully hung around her sister''s arm. "I''m so d! It''s been a while since we went out together. What about when we go to the cafe? There is this newly-opened ce with a lot of good reviews near here."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "Unfortunately, I have something to do after this. I onlye here to say a few things to you."<sub> </sub>

    "Oh." Li Chunhua couldn''t hide her disappointment. Her sister was as distant as always. She wondered if they really couldn''t go back the way they were previously. "Do you need something from me?"

    "I want to thank you. It was all thanks to your information that I began to suspect Lu Ruan. Also, I apologize for my bad attitudest time. I shouldn''t have yelled at you like that."

    Li Chunhua was stunned. "Just for that?"

    "What do you mean just for that? When I couldn''t confide about this to anyone, you stuck by my side and even took a risk for me. I really appreciated everything you did for me."

    "Then, why did you get so angry with me? It hurts me, you know?" Li Chunhua pouted. "I thought you were angry because I''m too meddlesome."

    "Lu Ruan hated both of us. If she knew that you were going around trying to dig for information about her, she might have harassed you too. Although, that doesn''t excuse my behavior."

    Li Chunhua put her hand in front of her chest, "Xiaoyi, I''m so moved! Thank goodness you didn''t find me a nuisance. I was so bummed when you kicked me out, but it''s okay now."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "I will never think of you as a nuisance."

    Li Chunhua blushed slightly. "Hehe, then you should give me a reward!"

    "Sure, just tell me what you want."

    "I want us to celebrate our birthday together! Let''s have a party in our house!"

    "Aˇ­party?" Li Caiyi echoed her with an unsure look. "Xiaohua, it''s not like I don''t want to celebrate it with you, but I already have another n that day."

    "No! You are the one who said I can ask anything I want!"

    "I never said that."

    "Details, whatever." Li Chunhua waved her hand. "I''m sure Mom will support this idea, and you can invite your friends too."

    Li Caiyi gave the idea some thought. She seemed like she would refuse, so Li Chunhua quickly walked past her. "Then it''s settled! I will tell Mom about this!"

    "Xiaohua, wait! Don''t run like that!"

    "It''s fine!" Li Chunhuaughed as she waved her goodbye.

    It was an idea she thought on the spot, but she found herself excited for her birthday now. They had never celebrated it openly before.

    Li Caiyi was usually against the idea of having a party, and it wasn''t like Li Chunhua wanted to celebrate it with some random people. For her, her special day was supposed to be spent with her special people. She didn''t need an outsider to wish her a happy birthday.

    But now that she found a friend, she was thrilled to celebrate it with him. Li Caiyi would also be by her side, so this n was like killing two birds with one stone!

    Just imagining the happy scene brought a wide smile to her face.

    "That''s right! I should tell him about this. I''ll show Xiaoyi that there is a much more suitable person for her!"

    Brimming with enthusiasm, she sent a text to Meng Renshu.

    [We will hold a birthday party next week. Make sure to pick the best present for her. I will be rooting for you! ;))].

 Chapter 487 A Date (?) With Ex-Husband (1)

    A birthday party, huh?

    Li Caiyi wasn''t sure when Li Chunhua asked her. But she couldn''t bring herself to reject it when she was so enthusiastic about it.

    ''Well, it''s not a big request and I did promise to fulfill her wish. I should do at least this much for her,'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly.

    And it wasn''t the time to think about that, anyway.

    Li Caiyi took a sip of her lemonade while waiting for Meng Renshu to arrive. The reason she rejected Li Chunhua''s offer was that she had made ns with him beforehand. She had to talk to him as soon as possible.

    The matter with Lu Ruan had preupied her, but now that one problem was settled, it was time to talk to him. Li Caiyi was a bit nervous and unconfident.

    What should she say to convince him? He told her that Li Chunhua didn''t have a good end in their previous life, and he regretted it very much. Should she appeal to that to make him agree to help her?

    A momentter, Li Caiyi shook that thought. What was she even thinking? Using that underhanded trick would leave a bad taste in her mouth since she knew who was the most responsible for Li Chunhua''s circumstances.

    Her thought was interrupted when she saw him walking in. He looked around before finding her on the corner seat. She especially chose this spot so no one would bother them.

    Meng Renshu beamed as he strode over. Was it her imagination but his face looked extremely fresh? He looked like he had just stepped out of the bath, exuding a clean and cool charm.

    It was afternoon and there were quite some people in the cafe, and their eyes simultaneously fell on him, as if attracted by his other-worldly visuals.

    Li Caiyi was used to him garnering people''s attention, but his appearance looked exceptionally handsome today. Everyone''s eyes just naturally fell on him, like he was the only color in the monochrome room.

    "Xiaoyi, you arrived earlier than me. Did I make you wait for long?"

    "Huh? Oh, it''s fine." Li Caiyi almost stuttered. That face of his should be illegal. "Ahem. Please sit down first."

    Meng Renshu took the seat across from her and ordered a ck coffee for himself. The waitress'' faces were blushing throughout, a scene that often happened. After she left, he shifted his attention back to Li Caiyi. His smile never left his face, as if he was in a terrific mood.

    "I thought it will take longer for you to ask me out, so I was surprised to see your message."

    Li Caiyi would prefer him not to use ambiguous terms such as ''asking him out'', but as the person who needed his help, she would let it slide for once.

    "Sorry for asking you toe here on short notice. But this is a very important matter, and I''d like to settle it quickly."

    Meng Renshu propped his chin with his hand. His gaze carried inexplicable emotion behind them, and the intensity made her slightly ufortable. "What?"

    "Nothing. It''s just, you look better without your sses, as expected. I was always wondering why you have it on when you don''t have difficulty seeing."

    He just had to make her feel self-conscious. Li Caiyi unconsciously looked down to avoid his eyes.

    "It feels great to see your eyes directly. Now I can see your beautiful eyes directly. It''s such a waste to cover them."

    If he said those words to any other girls, they probably would swoon and fall for him instantly. But Li Caiyi only felt goosebumps all over her body.

    "Stop that. That sweet-talking doesn''t suit you at all."

    Heughed in amusement. "What a shame. But everything I said is the truth."

    "Alright, no more jokes from you. Let''s talk about business."<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu leaned his back on the backrest, with his arm crossed and a smug expression. He must have felt ted to see her ask for a favor. It was even more frustrating because he looked elegant while doing that.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath. "Before I started, I wanted to ask you if Brother Jie ever told you something about Xiaohua''s condition in the past?"

    Meng Renshu''s brows rose with interest. "I''ll take it that the favor you want to ask me is rted to our past life?"

    "That''s right. To continue this talk, I have to know first..." Li Caiyi trailed off, feeling disconcerted to continue.

    "Know what?"

    "...about how long did Xiaohua live previously? At what age did she die?"

    Meng Renshu''s whole body stiffened. His smile disappeared and his countenance became grim and serious.

    "I don''t know, actually."

    "What? Howe you didn''t know about that?" Li Caiyi asked in astonishment.

    Meng Renshu averted his eyes from hers. "Our family''s rtionship became estranged after your death. Junjie forbade me from making any contact with Xiaohua and isted her to make sure she had the full treatment. I never heard anything about her after that."

    "I-I see."

    Li Caiyi''s shoulder slumped. She didn''t see thising at all. She initially thought to have a timeframe decided first thing would be ideal, but it seemed her hope was tarnished. Aside from the fact that Li Chunhua was still alive up until 26, there was no other information regarding her death.

    "This also answers your first question. Junjie took it upon himself to make sure Xiaohua got the best treatment. He hid her from the world and I didn''t know what happened to her after that."

    If it was her brother who arranged everything, then she was certain that even Meng Renshu probably would have a hard time finding any information regarding Li Chunhua.

    "Then, you never met Xiaohua after that?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t answer immediately. His expression slowly became grimmer. "No, I met her once. That day, Junjie called me and I used the chance to sneak into her room to have a good talk with her."

    "He called you? Why?"

    "The one who told me about your book is Junjie. He realized the simrity between the main character''s story and yours, and summoned me to tell me."

    Hearing about the events that happened after her death made her feel odd. If other people overheard their conversation, they would most likely think of them as crazy, or perhaps rehearsing for a movie.

    "But how is any of this rted to what you want to talk about? Don''t keep me waiting anymore."

    Li Caiyi chose her words carefully. But no matter how much she tried, she couldn''t seem to find any subtle words to tell him everything.

    This would be the first time she had ever told anyone, except Detective Tang, about this. Her tongue felt bitter, realizing the weight of the secret she was about to tell him. However, if she wanted to help her sister, this was the best way to do it!

    It was just ironic that the only one she could depend on right now was her ex-husband, whom she wanted to avoid at all costs.

    "Xiaohua is an experimental subject for certain dubious drugs. She is...dying even as we spoke."

 Chapter 488 A Date (?) With Ex-Husband (2)

    The cheerful voices and the cutlery clinking inside the cafe sounded overwhelmingly loud. More and more people were walking in, and it became noisier, yet it couldn''t dispel the heavy silence on the corner seats where the two of them sat.

    Li Caiyi had told Meng Renshu everything, but it seemed Meng Renshu was so shocked he couldn''t say anything. She didn''t me him. After all, Li Caiyi cried hard when she first discovered the fact.

    Meng Renshu looked stiff all over, and colors drained from his face. He reached out to take the cup of coffee, but his hands shook terribly. In the end, he put it back onto its saucer.

    "Xiaoyi, I can''t understand. No, I can''t believe this."

    It was the exact same reaction as hers. Li Caiyi knew how much Meng Renshu adored and cherished Li Chunhua. Their love didn''t have a happy ending, but he must have had some lingering feelings for her. Even though it probably wasn''t romantic love anymore.

    Just like how Li Caiyi couldn''t bear to see him get hurt.

    Li Caiyi took her phone and slowly offered it to him. "Here. Perhaps you will feel more convinced if you see the hard evidence."

    Meng Renshu stared at her phone with a conflicted expression on his face. Li Caiyi didn''t urge him and waited until he finally took it.

    As the sole heir of a pharmaceuticalpany, Meng Renshu must have been more familiar with the terms in those documents than Li Caiyi. No exnation was needed as the despair slowly crept up on his face.

    "Are you alright?" Li Caiyi asked carefully.

    "Ha." Meng Renshu let out a twisted smile. "What kind of joke is this? This is just too cruel even for that person to do. Why?"

    "You know what kind of person he is." Li Caiyi felt anger bubbling up inside her whenever she remembered Li Jirong. "He never really thought of us as daughters. We are onlymodities for him."

    Meng Renshu suddenly mmed his fist onto the table, startling Li Caiyi and everyone else inside the cafe. She was flustered and quickly apologized to other people.

    "Brother Renshu, I know this is probably hard to ept, but please refrain from breaking public property."

    "Xiaoyi, how long have you known this? How many people have you told about this?"

    Li Caiyi was hesitant, but she still answered him. "I only found out about this after I regressed. That was before my parents divorced. I asked a private detective to dig for information about his affair but identally found this in the way. Except for that detective, I haven''t told anyone about this. You are the first."

    "Why did you keep something as important as this by yourself?!"

    Li Caiyi was taken aback. Meng Renshu suddenly raised his voice, and people started to look weirdly at her.

    "Hey, did you hear that? Did they have a fight?"

    "The guy looked very upset. Don''t tell me, is she cheating on him?!"

    "I think so too! The guy is so hot, but the girl is cheating on him? What a waste. He should have dated me instead."

    Those people didn''t even bother trying to lower their voices. Li Caiyi could feel people''s scornful eyes directed at her.

    "This won''t do." Li Caiyi stood up, but Meng Renshu swiftly held her by the wrist.

    "Where are you going? I''m not done with you."

    Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation. Could he be more oblivious of his surroundings? He was so shaken up he lost hisposure. Not that Li Caiyi couldn''t understand, but they wouldn''t be able to talk with so many eyes watching them.

    Choosing a cafe as the ce to talk about this matter was a great mistake.

    In the end, she grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. "Let''s move to some other ce first. I''ll tell you everything there."

    He gazed at her like a lost child with shaky and confused eyes. Li Caiyi felt pity for him.

    "It''s okay. We still have so much time. I won''t let my sister suffer a sad end like that anymore." She said gently before tugging his hand, "Let''s go."

    As if enchanted, he obediently followed behind her. His gaze fell on her hand, gripping his tightly as if telling him everything would be alright. Her small back looked so firm, and she led him with so much confidence it eased him a lot.

    Meng Renshu felt embarrassed for acting like this in front of her but also very happy.

    ***

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes, feeling the cozy wind on her cheeks. The scent of the sea made the tension leave her shoulder.<sub> </sub>

    After leaving the cafe, Li Caiyi realized she didn''t know where else they could have a serious private conversation. Then, she saw a familiar bus and spontaneously dragged him into it.

    She looked back and saw the brooding Meng Renshu sitting on the concrete stairs. She carefully approached him and sat some distance away from him.

    "Have you calmed down yet?"

    "Yeah. Sorry for freaking out back there." Meng Renshu replied as he covered his face.

    Li Caiyi picked up a pebble before throwing it into the sand, "I don''t me you. I was pretty much in a much worse state when I found out the truth."

    "It must be hard for you. And you have kept it to yourself for a long time."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She didn''t know how to reply, so she kept silent instead.

    Meng Renshu noticed the gloomy look on her face and shifted the topic. "So, what do you want me to do? You need my help with Xiaohua''s situation, right?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "As of now, through that detective I have told you about, I found a certain man capable of developing a cure for her condition. But he will need a lot of information and funds to do that."

    Meng Renshu gave her a knowing smile. "I understand. Who are this detective and the so-called ''capable'' person you talk about? Are you sure we can trust them?"

    "I can''t tell you the details since they asked me to keep it secret, but they have their own motive for doing this. So I doubt they will betray us."

    "Fair enough. When can I meet them?"

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi eximed in bewilderment.

    "I trusted you, Xiaoyi. But I don''t trust a promise without a contract. Will you let me meet them?" Meng Renshu smiled gently at her.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t find any reason to refuse. "Alright. Let me ask them when is the best time for that."

    "Thanks." Meng Renshu straightened his legs as he stared at the sky tinted with red above. He had a distant and gloomy look on his face. "I really don''t know anything. Now I feel silly and stupid for trying to protect you."

    "Well, I won''t say it was silly or stupid, but you were indeed pretty arrogant." Li Caiyi replied bluntly, and it made him burst intoughter.

    "You don''t mince your words at all. It was kind of refreshing."

    Li Caiyi recalled how Meng Renshu used to love it when Li Chunhua pushed him around. Was he a masochist deep inside?

    Her train of thought was interrupted when he suddenly stood up and cleaned the dust from his pants. He turned to her and offered his hand to her.

    "Now that we have the same goal, I hope we can work together on this."

    Li Caiyi stared at his hand when a thought sprang into her mind. "Are you sure about this? You won''t gain anything by doing this. Just because we have known each other since childhood, you aren''t obligated to do this."

    "What are you talking about? Xiaohua''s life is at risk. There''s no way I will just turn a blind eye to it."

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief. Any little doubt she had was blown away by his remarks.

    "Thank you. Let''s make sure she has a happy ending this time." She said as she put her hand in his, in a handshake.

    "You too. I''ll make you happy," Meng Renshu muttered under his breath.

    "Hm? Did you say something just now?"

    "Nothing." Meng Renshu smiled before pulling her along. Li Caiyi yelped in surprise.

    "Hey! Where are you taking me?!"

    With a boyish grin on his face, Meng Renshu looked back at her as the humid breeze brushed past them. "Now that we have that settled down, how about we have some fun?"

 Chapter 489 A Date (?) With Ex-Husband (3)

    "Xiaoyi, the water is cold!" Meng Renshu screamed in joy when the wave hit her feet. He looked like a boy ying on the beach for the first time. She wondered why he was so excited.

    Perhaps because he only partially regained his past life memories, so he still had some of his teenager self in him. Or was this actually his true self all along?

    The Meng Renshu she knew was aposed and maniptive man. She rarely saw him lose control before, but after she returned to the past, she slowly witnessed his other sides one by one.

    It made her think that she probably didn''t know him too well.

    "Aren''t you going toe here? It''s really refreshing!" Meng Renshu called out to her again.

    "No, I''m fine. I''ll stay here." Li Caiyi said. She was wearing a long skirt, so ying in the water was a little inconvenient.

    Suddenly, he stopped ying and walked over to her. Li Caiyi was surprised, so she quickly spoke to him, "It''s okay if you want to have some more fun, you know? I can wait."

    After all, he was still very upset just a few minutes ago. ying on the beach like that probably could lift his mood.

    He didn''t answer but instead hugged her thigh and lifted her. It happened so fast she didn''t have time to dodge.

    Li Caiyi let out a yelp in surprise. Even more so when Meng Renshu walked closer to the sea again. With him moving so much, she had no choice but to put her hands on his shoulders for bnce.

    "It''s no fun to y by myself. I will hold you so your skirt won''t get wet. y with me, will you?" Meng Renshu looked up at her as he asked mischievously.

    Li Caiyi could feel her cheeks heat up, causing a reddish hue to color her face. "You! You sly fox! Didn''t you say you would be mindful of our distance?! Put me down!"

    She repeatedly smacked his shoulder and trashed around. Meng Renshu''s hold abruptly loosened, and she shrieked again, looking at the water under them. Thankfully, Meng Renshu swiftly tightened his hold, and thanks to his height, she only slightly wet her legs.

    "That''s dangerous. But I don''t mind if you want to go down so badly." Meng Renshu said deviously.

    "Y-You!" Li Caiyi was so frustrated she was at a loss for words. "I can''t believe youa€ˇ°Kyaaa!"

    She was about to scold him when he suddenly shook her around like he was about to throw her into the sea. The idea of having to go on a bus dripping with seawater made her panic, so she clung to him for life.

    "Stop, stop! If you throw me here, I swear I won''t let you go!"

    "That''s kind of a romantic thing to say. I''d prefer it if you would hold me tight and never let me go forever." Meng Renshu replied in a sickeningly sweet tone, with a hint of teasing.

    Li Caiyi felt goosebumps all over her body. "Don''t joke---Aaaahh!!"

    "Hahaha!"

    Meng Renshuughed so hard while Li Caiyi was suffering. As they bickered (or, to be precise, it was only she who seemed ready to kill someone), he walked further, so the water level was already on his thigh in the blink of an eye.

    If Li Caiyi scolded him, Meng Renshu would trash her around again, so she reluctantly kept her mouth shut and firmly grabbed him. It was humiliating, but this guy got her at his pace again.

    Meng Renshu smiled victoriously when she became obedient. He enjoyed watching her as the dusk sunlight illuminated her face and her beautiful hair yed by the wind.

    He could feel the heaviness inside his chest slowly disappear. This was a pretty romantic setting, but the female lead didn''t seem interested. How nice would it be if she would look down on him while smiling prettily?

    Li Caiyi noticed Meng Renshu no longer moved, so she turned to him. She found him staring intensely at her, which made her heart skip a beat.

    ''Seriously, that face of his should be illegal,'' she grumbled inwardly.

    "Wh-what are you looking at? If you''re done ying, then quickly take me back to the shore."

    "Xiaoyi, I feel like I could breathe again now. Thanks to you."

    "....You shouldn''t me yourself for what happened to Xiaohua. It was all our father''s fault. There''s no way you can figure it out when none of us are aware of it. We are her family, but that man sessfully put wool in our eyes. I swore I''d never let that man do as he pleased anymore."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi''s grip on his shoulder tightened. Meng Renshu''s heart aches, thinking she has to endure so many things alone.

    "That''s why you orchestrated the n to kick him out of the family? You know he''ll take all the Li family fortune, or worse, take Xiaohua from you had you confronted him about it."

    "I was just one person. I couldn''t have done it without help from people around me." Li Caiyi gazed at him with so much sincerity in her eyes, "That''s why I need your help. I don''t care if you think of me as pathetic. I was the one who told you to leave me alone, but I still came to ask something from you."

    Meng Renshu smiled mirthlessly. "Then we both can be pathetic people together. I won''t let you fight alone now. Not anymore."

    Li Caiyi could feel a lot of emotions behind those words. Regret, sorrow, and guilt were mixed together. His gaze on her was unwavering, as if he had just made a lifetime vow to her.

    Inexplicable feelings surged inside her. She felt bitter yet weirdlyforted by his words. If only he had said that before everything became toote.

    None of them spoke a word. The sun slowly went into hiding behind them, but they stayed unmoving.

    Meng Renshu wanted to keep her close like this, but he was worried the night wind would affect her health, so he reluctantly brought her back to the shore. He slowly put her down and peered at her face, but it was getting darker, and he couldn''t see her clearly.

    "Thanks for ying with me. Shall we go home now?"

    "Yeah."

    They hadn''t taken two steps further when a funny sound came out from her.

    Meng Renshu stopped in his tracks and looked at her in amazement as she covered her belly with her hands. Silence fell between them again.

    He couldn''t see clearly, but he could feel how mortified she must have felt. He tried hard to stifle hisughter before saying, "On second thought, I think I''m feeling a bit hungry after moving around. It''s lonely to eat alone, so can you apany me?"

    How he wished he could see her expression right now. What kind of face did she make? Was it an embarrassment? Happiness? Relief? Anger?

    Meng Renshu had so much fun right now he didn''t know what to do about it. And she was the one who made him feel like this.

    "Ahem. I don''t mind having a meal before we go home."

    Li Caiyi tried to y it cool, but her hurried tone betrayed her. She was so cute, trying to hide her fluster like that. He wanted to whisk her away to the ce where no one could find them.

    "Sure. Then how about some seafood? Since we havee this far." Meng Renshu pointed to a stall not far from where they stood. "How about there?"

    "Sounds good."

    Meng Renshu smiled before walking ahead of her. If he stayed longer, he probably couldn''t hold back and tease her again.

    "Uhm, Brother Renshu?" Li Caiyi called out behind him.

    "Yeah? What''s wrong?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Meng Renshu waited for a while, but no words came out of her. "Xiaoyi?"

    "Nevermind. Let''s go and eat. I''m hungry.

    Li Caiyi ran past him after saying that, leaving him hanging and confused. Her steps left small tracks on the sand, bringing a smile to his lips.

    He slowly walked, deliberately leaving his trail beside hers, and oddly felt proud of it. He even took out his phone to take a picture of it.

    This date didn''t end as he expected, and the female lead surely would never think of it that way, but this small gift was already enough for him.

 Chapter 490 Going Mad With Jealousy (1)

    Li Caiyi felt exhausted. She barely did anything except be pushed around by Meng Renshu, but her whole body felt like a lead.

    She wanted nothing more than to take a warm shower and sleep.

    The sky had already turned dark when she arrived at her apartment. She walked out of the elevator and saw Dai Zhiqiang standing with his back leaning on the wall.

    "Zhi!" Li Caiyi was surprised. She hurriedly approached him with a big smile on her face. "What are you doing here? No, since when are you here?"

    "I had just arrived myself. What about you? Where did you go until thiste at night?"

    Li Caiyi''s mouth stiffened a bit. Was it just her, or did he sound pretty cold just now? Something seemed off about him.

    "Oh, I was out to meet someone," she awkwardly answered as conflicted feelings arose within her. Talking about Meng Renshu probably would make him misunderstand, but it felt weird to hide it as if she had done something wrong behind his back.

    "You met with someone? With Senior Meng? Or the older man in those pictures again?"

    Li Caiyi looked up at him in disbelief. When she saw his dark face, she realized everything wasn''t just her imagination. Dai Zhiqiang was indeed angry. He suspected her.

    "Tell me with your own mouth. Where and with whom did you go?

    Li Caiyi clutched the strap of her bag, trying hard to keep her calm. There was no way she could say she went out with Meng Renshu. It would aggravate the situation.

    She opened her mouth to exin, but all words in her mind were lost when her gaze met with his wounded and stormy eyes.

    "I...I was out with Brother Renshu up until a few minutes ago. There was something important I needed to talk to him about, so I asked him to meet me at a cafe. Then, something happened, and we couldn''t stay there anymore, so we took the bus to a beach where we could talk while rxing... And then, we...."

    Before Li Caiyi knew it, she had blurted everything out of her mouth. It was a strange feeling. She didn''t do anything wrong, so why did she have to exin herself like this?

    However, she didn''t want to see that look on his face, so she continued anyway. She felt like she had to do something, anything. She couldn''t stop her mouth.

    "Enough."

    One word for him was all it took for her to stop. His voice was chilling, even more so than the night wind. It seeps slowly into her bone.

    Li Caiyi carefully nced at him, and Dai Zhiqiang had an inexplicable emotion on his face. "Zhi, did something happen to you?"

    Li Caiyi reached out her hand to touch her, but he pped her hand away. They were both shocked by his action.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean--" Dai Zhiqiang grabbed her hand and frantically tried to exin, but in the end, he slowly put her hand down with a painful expression on his face. "Forget it. You should go inside."

    Then, he walked past her, cutting their conversation short. Li Caiyi couldn''t ept it and held him back by tugging on his zer.

    "Wait! Zhi, please talk to me! If you feel dissatisfied with something, I want us to talk about it. Don''t be like this. Please don''t push me away."

    Dai Zhiqiang remained motionless and mute. He was clearly standing before her, yet he felt so far. Li Caiyi could almost see the cliff between them.

    "This is just a misunderstanding. I have told you often that I need Brother Renshu''s help for something."

    "Then why did you nevere to me?"<sub> </sub>

    "Huh?"

    Dai Zhiqiang suddenly spun around and pushed her to the wall. Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in surprise, and her mind went nk.

    He stood so close to her that she could smell his mint scent. With his hands gripping her by the shoulder, he sessfully trapped her and rendered her immobile.

    "When you were in trouble, you never considered confiding it to me. I always had to hear it from another person or after it was toote. Do you know how that makes me feel? I tried to respect your wish and boundary, but I can''t just stand seeing you in the arms of another guy."

    Li Caiyi was speechless. Not only because of his sudden burst of emotion but also because he looked like he was on the verge of crying. She had never seen him looking like this, even when he encountered his mother in the hospital.

    His grip on her tightened, almost making her flinch in pain, but she managed to hold back the urge.

    "Zhi, calm down." Li Caiyi forced herself to utter those words.

    "I tried to. I have been trying to do that all this time! I wanted to understand you and support you. If that''s what you want, then I don''t care what happened to me. But if you were about to fall into another guy''s hand because of that, I''d rather be more forceful to you!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe this, but she was scared. Out of all the people, she should have known best how kind he was, but the Dai Zhiqiang in front of her looked nothing to the person she remembered. He was like...that frightening person who didn''t hesitate to torture a girl. The one she saw in the park the other day.

    Li Caiyi''s whole body trembled. Her throat felt dry, and she could say nothing.

    "You kept saying that you don''t have any feelings toward that person, but I can see your eyes falter from time to time. I can feel you and him sharing a world I didn''t know, which made me very anxious. Sure enough, I can''t be as magnanimous as you. I''m a greedy person who wants everything about you."

    "Ah!"

    A yelp of surprise escaped her mouth when he suddenly dipped down and bit her on the neck. It was just above the wound on her neck, which made it more sensitive.

    Like a wounded animal, he dug his teeth into her flesh, carving his mark on her. Li Caiyi''s heart pounded loudly in her chest, and she felt hot over her body.

    "Mmh... Ngh..." Li Caiyi involuntarily let out a moan when he used his tongue to lick on her skin. A shiver ran down her spine, feeling that familiar warm and wet sensation.

    As the temperature between them rose, Li Caiyi suddenly remembered that they were still in the hallway, very open for anyone to see! Her remaining rationality told her to stop this madness, so she started pushing him back.

    "Stop it, Zhi! Not here!"

    But he turned a deaf ear to her plea and began to feel her instead. His hands were as active as his mouth in terms of exploring her body, and Li Caiyi felt like she couldbust right there and then from mortification.

    As much as she liked it, this was not the right time and ce!

    "Zhi, I beg you. Stop! Stop, I said!"

    Dai Zhiqiang still showed no sign of moving away from her. His eyes glinted under the hallway light, looking like he was in a trance. Her voice didn''t reach him at all, and she was no match to his strength.

    Right when she was about to give in, she faintly heard the sound of footsteps approaching him. Dai Zhiqiang, with his beast-like reflex, barely avoided a kick that came out of nowhere and moved away while dragging her with him.

    "You bastard, why don''t you let her go?"

 Chapter 491 Going Mad With Jealousy (2)

    Li Caiyi felt dizzy after being dragged away so suddenly. However, she turned sober again when she heard a very familiar voice.

    When she looked up, she found Meng Renshu with a face red from anger and stood up in front of them. He red menacingly at Dai Zhiqiang, but thetter only stared at him nkly, unbothered by his abrupt arrival.

    "B-Brother Renshu, why are you here?" Li Caiyi stuttered, without knowing whether she should feel relieved or embarrassed at the moment.

    Meng Renshu must have seen that steamy scene. She felt mortified and wanted nothing but to leave both of them and lock herself inside her room.

    "That''s not important right now. Xiaoyi, you shouldn''t get close to him. He is dangerous."

    Meng Renshu reached out his hand with an urgent look on his face. He stood with a vignt stance, preparing for a sudden iing attack.

    The grip on her shoulders tightened again. Any more than this, and it would probably leave a bruise. Li Caiyi had to grit her teeth so she wouldn''t cringe in pain.

    "Brother Renshu, I''m sorry you have to see an ugly scene like that, but I''m fine. We are just arguing a bit, and we will settle it ourselves. Thank you very much."

    "No! Can''t you see what he had done to you? He was trying to force himself on you!"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t deny that, but she had to. "We will take care of this by ourselves. Please go ahead if you don''t have anything to say to me."

    Meng Renshu looked at her in bafflement. Li Caiyi avoided his eyes out of guilt while he red furiously at Dai Zhiqiang, who remained expressionless, with his arms encircling her slender body, like vines.

    "Bastard. You finally show your true color. I know you can''t be trusted from the beginning."

    If looks could kill, then Dai Zhiqiang probably had already torn to pieces by now. Meng Renshu hated him very much. If Li Caiyi''s theory was correct, then Dai Zhiqiang was thest person who saw her alive, and he didn''t even try to stop her.

    Who could guarantee he wouldn''t do the same this time? Li Caiyi clearly refused his advance just now, but he persisted. If he were to drag her to her death again, Meng Renshu wouldpletely lose it this time.

    "Senior Meng, you seem can''t understand the current situation. You are the unwanted third party, so can I ask you to kindly leave us alone?"

    Meng Renshu scoffed. "Ha. Trying to provoke me? Too bad, but you can''t stop me. Xiaoyi wille with me whether she likes it or not."

    "She already refused you. Are you that desperate you even want to force her to do something she doesn''t like?"

    "Look who''s speaking. A scoundrel who forced himself on a weak girl has no right to say that."

    Li Caiyi watched as they threw knives at each other. There was no space for her to interrupt at all.

    "But are we really the same? Yi Yi is just too shy, but she never said she didn''t like it." Dai Zhiqiang smirked before pressing his lips on her neck again.

    He kissed her on the ce where he bit her, and it was still sensitive from his assault before. Li Caiyi shuddered, and her face flushed instantly. Dai Zhiqiang smiled victoriously.

    "See? She would enjoy it more if it weren''t for a tactless person who didn''t know his ce broke the mood."

    Meng Renshu clenched his fist. He wanted nothing but to lunge forward and give him a fierce beating. But he wasn''t stupid enough to fall for his trick. Dai Zhiqiang must have wanted him to lose control, making her opinion of him plummet.

    "Stop that. You are making her ufortable. She can''t even lift her head anymore. And in case you didn''t notice, you almost made her cry. Venting your frustration on your innocent girlfriend, just how despicable can you be? I will not forgive you if you make her cry. You are unworthy!"

    Li Caiyi could feel him twitch a bit. This time, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t respond but only stared at Meng Renshu coldly. The air was thick with tension and full of friction, prickling her skin.

    Should a fight break out here, she would be the one getting scolded. Using Dai Zhiqiang''s momentary distraction, Li Caiyi wiggled his way out of his embrace.

    Both boys were taken aback when she stood between them while giving each of them a scowl.

    "Leave now, both of you. Why are you causing a stir at other people''s ces? If you don''t leave now, I''ll call security!"<sub> </sub>

    "XiaoyiˇŞ"

    "Yi YiˇŞ"

    "Shut up, just go away! I''m tired and have no energy to deal with you guys! You''d better leave when I ask you nicely, or I will have to ask security to escort you out!

    Li Caiyi didn''t spare them a look again as he entered her room and mmed the door in front of them.

    She felt so annoyed. What''s with them? Talking about her as if she was some kind of property.

    "Hmph, they can go fight all they want. I don''t care anymore."

    ***

    For the rest of the week, Li Caiyi refused to respond to Dai Zhiqiang. He would call and send a bunch of texts, but she felt no inclination to reply.

    Thinking back, he was the one who never had time for her. So why did he get so angry when he was left in the dark? It wasn''t like she did it on purpose. She had a reason why she couldn''t tell him, and wasn''t he the one who was filled with secrets here?

    Li Caiyi was in a grumpy mood, and it even scared her friends away. Thankfully they were considerate enough to give her some space, unlike a certain someone.

    Because of him, she had to wear a turtleneck under her uniform again.

    "Shit, I feel like crap. What is he, an animal? He can''t speak with words, so he bites me instead?"

    ? She hadn''t forgiven him for doing that to her without her consent, and he just made it worse by showing off in front of Meng Renshu. It was so humiliating.

    That was why she refused to talk to him until he reflected on his action. So far, it didn''t seem like he was aware of his fault. So far, his messages only asked her how she was doing or whether she had eaten yet.

    This was their first ''cold war'', and Li Caiyi wouldn''t surrender until he apologized.

    In contrast to her dark face, Li Chunhua beamed like the lightest bulb in the box. She had been pointing at a good birthday n for their birthday, but Li Caiyi was very unresponsive. Her sister only replied with vague ''Yes'', or ''Sounds good'', and it began to irk her.

    "Xiaoyi, can''t you be more serious about this?" Li Chunhua sulked.

    Li Caiyi felt bad for her, but she really wasn''t in the mood for this. "Sorry, but I have a lot of things on my mind right now. I''m sure everything you decided on is great, so can I leave it to you?"

    "Did something happen? We have kicked Lu Ruan out, so what else could you possibly have in mind?" Li Chunhua squints suspiciously at her, "Don''t tell me you are having a fight with that nerd loner?"

    As sharp as always. Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation. "I wouldn''t call it a fight, but I don''t want to talk to him for the time being."

    Li Chunhua beamed even brighter when she heard that. "Really?"

    "Why do you look so happy?"

    "Ah? Did I? Geez, there''s no way." Li Chunhua waved her hand, but her smile grew even wider. Her mood seemed better than when she chirped about their birthday n. "So what did he do? Did he finally unleash his true color and attack you like a beast?"

    Li Caiyi almost choked. What is she? A psychic?

    "He is always eyeing you with lustful eyes, so I won''t be surprised if he couldn''t take it anymore. He acted like a harmless puppy in front of you, but I know he is actually a wolf. No, all men are wolves! You can''t trust them! Ever!"

    Listening to her sister''s words made her head ache more, so Li Caiyi silently slipped away while she was too busy preaching.

 Chapter 492 A New Ally

    Meeting Meng Renshu after what happenedst time felt so burdening. They hadn''t really talked to each other after that. He was probably upset because she tried to chase him awayst time.

    Li Caiyi didn''t mind. In fact, this was very convenient for her. She still hadn''t gotten over the mortification of having been caught red-handed doing something indecent in the middle of the hallway.

    Her cheeks heated up again when she recalled those memories.

    "What''s wrong? Are you nervous?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head, refusing to look to her side where Meng Renshu was sitting. They were currently waiting for Detective Tang at the usual restaurant where they used to meet.

    "No. I was just lost in thought just now."

    Meng Renshu peered at her face, making her feel self-conscious. "Is there something on my face?"

    "It was just that you were acting strangely."

    "That''s not true. There is nothing unusual about me."

    "Hmm, if you say so." Meng Renshu returned his gaze to the front while asking, "Perhaps, if you are still thinking about what happenedst time, then don''t be. He is the one who is in the wrong. You did nothing to be ashamed of."

    Li Caiyi almost dropped her mango smoothie. It would be better if he had just forgotten about it and never mentioned it again.

    "Please just erase it from your memory."

    "Does it bother you that much?"

    "About what?"

    "The fact that I saw what you two were doing."

    "Of course," Li Caiyi answered firmly, butter, she noticed something and added, "I would feel mortified all the same if it were other people who saw us like that."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "I know. You don''t have to be so defensive. You''ll get wrinkles faster if you frown like that."

    Li Caiyi cast a doubtful look at him. He seemed pretty unbothered by it, but after seeing his reaction that night, she wasn''t that sure anymore.

    When Li Caiyi was about to say something again, she saw Detective Tang walking into the restaurant. She quickly waved her hand at him. "Here!"

    Detective Tang noticed them sitting together and quickly switched his yful grin to a business smile.

    "I''m sorry for beingte. There is a matter I need to take care of first."

    Meng Renshu smiled politely as he gestured to Detective Tang to sit down. After they finally sat down together, Meng Renshu spoke, "So you are the private detective Xiaoyi has been talking about?"

    "That''s right. I''m sure you already heard the gist from her, but we need your help."

    "Interesting. Care to exin to me in detail?"

    The conversation after that was tense, to say the least. Meng Renshu would asionally ask him a critical question or speak lines that would throw him off, but Detective Tang fared pretty well against him. Rather than business talk, this was more like an interrogation session, where one side tried to probe more information from the other party using maniptive means.

    It was like a realm she couldn''t step into. There was no gap for her to join in the conversation.

    Li Caiyi felt her throat drying just by listening to them, and her mango smoothie ran out before she knew it. Meng Renshu''s expression gradually turned darker as he listened to the whole story from Detective Tang.

    When they finally finished, none of them said a word. Li Caiyi carefully asked, "Ehm, so what''s the decision?"

    Meng Renshu sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. "These are all just too much information to digest. I need time to process this."

    "That''s understandable. But we hope to hear good news from you." Detective Tang said before shifting his gaze to her, "By the way, Kong said the analysis is done. Do you want toe with me to see the result?"

    Li Caiyi''s face brightened immediately. This was the news she had been waiting for!

    "Really?! Then yes, please take me there!"

    "What analysis?" Meng Renshu asked curiously.

    "We took a little miss'' blood as a sample. We want to know whether aponent in her blood made her resistant to the drug. As I said, there is no guarantee that Li Chunhua is the only victim. We took the gamble, and little Miss agreed to it."

    "And today, the result is finally out, huh? I understand. Please take me with you as well," Meng Renshu didn''t even stop to consider and immediately rose from his seat.

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi stared at him in confusion, even more so when Detective Tang readily agreed to him.

    "I had hoped you''d say that. Then if you don''t mind going by my car, I can take you there immediately."

    Meng Renshu''s brows raised a bit, but he nodded his head in the end. "I don''t mind at all. Lead the way."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe they left her just like that and walked out in a hurry. It was like they had a tacit understanding, and she couldn''t keep up with them. Even though it was her blood that was being analyzed!

    "H-hey, wait for me!" Li Caiyi shouted while hurriedly standing up and picking up her bag.

    ***

    Li Caiyi wanted to praise Meng Renshu''s ability to stay calm. She remembered freaking out when she first knew the entrance to Chu Kong''sboratory, yet he didn''t bat an eye when he saw it.

    "Are you scared? Do you want me to hold your hand?" Meng Renshu suddenly turned to her and asked. "This tunnel is pretty dark. I''m worried you''ll fall down."

    Was he trying to be considerate to her? There was no way she would agree to it, though.

    "No, I''m fine. This isn''t the first time for me."

    But then, Detective Tang suddenly chimed in, "Miss, you shouldn''t feel embarrassed just because I''m here. I remember you clung to me thest time we passed here."

    Li Caiyi was baffled and annoyed by his unnecessary information. No matter how much he wanted to kiss Meng Renshu''s feet, isn''t it too early to sell her out like this?!

    It was dark as usual on the tunnel leading to Chu Kong''s ce, but she just knew that the nosy detective was probably reaching his ears out to listen to their conversation with that ingratiating yful smirk on his face.

    She red at his back resentfully.

    "I don''t know what you are talking about." Li Caiyi coldly replied.

    "Aww, someone is shy here."

    "Detective Tang, please don''t speak nonsense--"

    Her words were interrupted when she felt something warm wrap itself around her hand. She jolted in surprise and fear.

    The next second, she could feel the humid air of breath closing in on her. "Even though you don''t need it, I''m still worried. Just let me make sure nothing''s happened to you, alright?"

    "Hey! I never give you permission!" Li Caiyi replied, unknowingly lowering her voice. She tried to pull her hands off him, but he firmly held her hand in ce.

    "I promise to let you go once we arrive." Meng Renshu said gently. "Or are you scared you''ll fall for me if I do this to you?"

    "What kind of nonsense is that?"

    He chuckled in amusement. "If not, then there''s nothing to worry about, right?"

    Ugh. Li Caiyi didn''t like how he kept doing this to her, but the fact that she secretly felt calmer feeling another human''s warmth on her skin, frustrated her even more.

    It seemed she wasn''t used to this tunnel like she imed herself to be. And Meng Renshu saw through that.

    It was embarrassing how he could read her like a book. But it''d be more embarrassing to make a big deal out of it, so she yed it cool by acting unbothered.

    Thankfully, it didn''t take long before they finally arrived at Chu Kong''s door. Detective Tang knocked on the door a few times just like before, and soon, the door was opened.

    Seeing Chu Kong after a while somehow lifted her mood up. He was a man with few words, but he seemed like a genuinely good person. She was so excited she approached him first as soon as she entered.

    "It has been a while, Dr. Chu. I heard you finally finished analyzing the blood. Thank you for your hard work."

    Chu Kong immediately became rmed by how she invaded his boundaries. He took a few steps back like a cornered cat.

    "Little Miss, don''t scare Kong like that."

    "Ah! Sorry! I didn''t mean to scare you!" Li Caiyi reached out to him, wanting to shake his hand, but it only made him jump away in panic before he ran into hisboratory.

    Detective Tang burst out inughter. "Haha, it''s because you had a scary expression on your face. This is hrious!"

    At least one of them seemed to be having so much fun. Meanwhile, Meng Renshu looked around with so much interest on his face. "This is a curious ce. How long since Mr. Chu Kong upied his ce?"

    That question was, of course, directed to Detective Tang. The detective shrugged before answering, "He has been here for as long as I can remember. I don''t know about that either."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Why wouldn''t I be? More importantly, let''s get inside and hear the results now."

    Li Caiyi watched as he entered theboratory. It was probably just her imagination, but she felt like he was trying to avoid the topic just now. Was it something he couldn''t talk about with them?

    "Xiaoyi? Let''s go." Meng Renshu gestured to her toe over.

    "Uh, yeah! Coming!"

 Chapter 493 Chu Kongs Countermeasure (1)

    Theboratory was filled with many things, but today it seemed messier than usual. Chemical substances with questionable color filled the sk, and many post-it notes were pasted on the wall. She couldn''t read what was written on it.

    Dirty rags and food wrapper paper were scattered around a stack of books ced haphazardly on the floor. It seemed Chu Kong had no time to clean before they came. Those chemical substances better not be dangerous.

    Chu Kong prepared some chairs for them to sit on, and Li Caiyi was curious about what he had to say.

    They were all waiting for him to speak, and Chu Kong looked inexplicably burdened by their stare. Yet no one could exin it better than him, so with shaky voices and his eyes on the floor, he began to speak, "Uhm, g-good afternoon."

    Li Caiyi tried not to let her surprise show on her face. This was her first time listening to Chu Kong''s voice, and she had to say, he had a pleasant voice. It wasn''t too loud or too mellow; it was just right.

    "U-um, w-where are my notes?" Chu Kong anxiously felt his clothes, seemingly searching for something. He looked extremely nervous with how much he was sweating.

    "Kong, calm down. I know you already remember everything, so there''s no need for notes, no?" Detective Tang said, but it only made the poor guy more flustered.

    Taking pity on his lost self, Li Caiyi stood up and smiled politely. "It must be an important note for you. Can you remember where thest time you put it? Let us help you search for it."

    Chu Kong was surprised. Unable to look at her, he cast his gaze on the floor again. "I-I had it in my pocket just a moment ago, but then, it''s gone."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "Then it must still be in thisboratory."

    He nodded hesitantly. Li Caiyi wasted no time and started scanning the ce.

    The first thing that caught her attention was the stack of books. She walked over and quickly noticed small-sized, ck leather notes. It had an antique feeling to it, with the edge of the strap looking like a stamp used in old times.

    Li Caiyi picked it up with a smile. "Is this what you are looking for?"

    Chu Kong perked up, immediately rushed over, and took the book from her. He hugged it to his chest, and suddenly he didn''t look so stiff anymore.

    "This must be an important item to you."

    "Yes. It''s very important."

    Meng Renshu, who watched the whole spectacle, felt a bit annoyed. No matter how harmless he appeared to be, wasn''t she acting too friendly with this researcher, whom she didn''t know very well?

    "If you have found your notebook, can we start talking now?"

    Chu Kong almost shrunk, hearing the domineering tone in his voice. Li Caiyi red at Meng Renshu in displeasure. He didn''t even try to help, so what''s his deal?

    However, Chu Kong didn''t seem offended and quickly returned to his original spot. Li Caiyi followed behind him and concentrated on the matter at hand.

    "Sorry for the dy. I will start exining now. First, I think it''s imperative for you to know the exact thing we are dealing with."

    Unlike before, Chu Kong no longer stuttered and tensely talked in front of them.

    "We are currently dealing with a mysterious drug created by a mysterious organization. There is not enough information on how and when this drug was produced. Still, the purpose is clear: It''s to create artificial geniuses."

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand tightly. Her eyes never left Chu Kong for a second.

    "After researching, I discovered that the most crucial factor that made these drugs dangerous is a particrponent. It still has no official name, so let''s call itponent X. At a nce, thisponent didn''t seem dangerous and had no difference from theponent used for painkillers. But it actually consisted of a modified virus.

    This is a littleplicated, so I will simplify the exnation. This modified virus has a significant function. If it was ingested and came in contact with the brain through blood, it would let out a certain effect that would confuse the brain, making it believe that the owner is in a life-and-death situation.<sub> </sub>

    The procedure isplicated, but in that situation, the brain temporarily improves its ability to deflect danger. The virus could even temporarily remove the limiter in the brain, giving an illusion of an extraordinary genius. The purpose of the project is to prove if the effect could be permanent if the drugs were taken regrly. Though, in my personal opinion, they are really stretching it."

    Meng Renshu raised his hand to stop Chu Kong from talking. He looked like he had a hard time believing everything. "Please wait. I get that the virus is of an unknown origin, but such a procedure will undoubtedly burden the brain. Xiaohua can still act normally even when she consumes those drugs regrly."

    "That''s because she took it with the smallest dosage. I have already heard that Li Chunhua shows brilliant results in her academics. Although the drugs may contribute to it, it also makes sense if you think it was just her natural ability. Meanwhile, the burden is still there, but it will not damage her that much. However, if she keeps taking it, there''s no guarantee what will happen."

    Li Caiyi dreaded to find out what would happen if she didn''t find out about this.

    Chu Kong nced at Meng Renshu, and when thetter didn''t show any sign of rebuttal anymore, he continued, "I get that this is very confusing and shocking to you, but humans are constantly challenging the limit of their imagination and logic by doing experiments. Rather than thinking how ''impossible'' it is, I believe you will have an easier time if you change your thinking to how ''it can be possible'' instead."

    The solution was simple, but it was hard to put it into practice. If they wanted to help Li Chunhua, there was no other way than to face reality head-on.

    p "We understand. Can you please continue? You haven''t exined about the damage it will bring." Meng Renshu said.</anda>

    "The extent of what the virus can and can not do is still uncertain, but this drug has a big downfall. Since it gave false signals, it forced the brain to work multiple times harder, pushing the limit of what the owner could withstand."

    Chu Kong trailed a bit to stare at Li Caiyi with inexplicable gaze before continuing, "In the long run, it could cause permanent brain damage, turning someone into a vegetative state. The owner will slowly lose control of their emotions, movements, and five senses. In extreme cases, it can even cause an immediate brain failure, which results in death."

    All blood was drained from Li Caiyi''s face. She already knew about this, but when she heard him exin it so thoroughly, it sent a chill down her spine.

    How could someone be so cruel as to do experiments on human beings like that? And out of all the people in the world, why did it have to be someone she knows? Someone very close and dear to her?

    "Xiaoyi!" Meng Renshu eximed in panic when he saw her about to fall to the floor. Her eyes lost their focus, and her whole body was trembling.

    It was hard to see her like this, so he put his arm around her to calm her down. "I''m here with you, don''t be afraid. It''s better this way. As long as we know the problem''s core, we still have a chance to solve it. We have to be strong for Xiaohua''s sake now."

    He tightened his hold on her and made a solemn vow. "I promise I will never let Xiaohua be harmed, and I will see to it that those people who put her into this won''t have a good end. Please have faith in me."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath and gathered herself together. As Meng Renshu said, she couldn''t break down just from this. Li Chunhua was still suffering, and she shouldn''t stop just because she was scared.

    "I''m sorry for losing control of myself. I''m fine now." Li Caiyi smiled as she slowly separated herself from him. Her expression turned serious as she turned at Chu Kong. "Please continue."

    Chu Kong slowly pulled out a small stic bag inside herb coat pocket. Inside the bag was a small red capsule.

    "After deliberating and researching for weeks, I finally found some new discoveries. An interesting one, if I could say so."

    "What is it?" Meng Renshu asked curiously.

    "I found this surprising myself. From Li Caiyi''s blood, I found a tiny amount of the virus residue. However, the curious thing about it was I found them in a frozen state."

    "Frozen?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion.

    "As for the cause, I couldn''t say for sure, but it seems you have natural immunity for it. It was almost like a miracle."

    "Wait, so you mean that if I give Xiaohua my blood, then there is a possibility that she will bepletely cured of it?" Li Caiyi asked with a hopeful gleam on her face.

    Chu Kong cleared his throat. "That would be the best ending, but I''m afraid I have to break it to you. Technically, your blood somehow developed a resistance to it, but I can''t say it''ll work the same when it faces a higher dosage. We can''t be too positive about it just yet."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t describe the disappointment she felt. "Then, are you saying there''s nothing we can do?"

 Chapter 494 Chu Kongs Countermeasure (2)

    "There is a way."

    Chu Kong''s words got her revived again. Then, he casually pointed at the red capsule inside the stic bag. "This isn''t much, but I tried to make a medicine that imitated your blood''s attributes. I used the sample you gave mest time. But even after that, I could only manage to make one."

    Meng Renshu also stared at the medicine curiously. "And this medicine is supposed to be able to help Xiaohua''s condition."

    "This is merely a prototype, so further research is necessary. Theoretically, although this medicine can''t cure her, it should be able to lessen the burden on her brain at least. I still need to monitor the reaction Li Chunhua will give after taking this."

    Meng Renshu frowned. "I''m sorry, but I won''t allow you to give Xiaohua that medicine with that kind of exnation. What if it made her condition worsen?"

    Chu Kong didn''t answer and only turned his head to Detective Tang, which had been silent since earlier. "Your suspicion is reasonable. Then, why don''t you take this medicine to be analyzed first? As long as it got the approval from your people, it shouldn''t be a problem for you, right?"

    Meng Renshu considered his proposal. A knowing smile crept up on his face. "You are very cunning, Detective."

    Li Caiyi, who couldn''t understand what happened, stared at them alternately in confusion. Meng Renshu opened his hand in front of Chu Kong, urging thetter to give the stic bag to him.

    "I''ll y along with you two for the time being. Don''t worry. I''m not that stupid to use Meng Pharmaceuticalpany to analyze this. I''ll ask an acquaintance of mine for this small favor instead."

    Detective Tang grinned widely. "Your intelligence saved a lot of time for us. I hope you won''t get offended by this, and we are looking forward to future cooperation from you."

    Meng Renshu nodded briefly as he shoved the stic bag into his pocket. "Is there anything else we need to know?"

    "After you finished analyzing the medicine, Kong needed to observe Li Chunhua''s reaction so he could improve the form. And to do that, we''ll need a sample of her blood and from the little miss as well."

    Meng Renshu pondered a bit before he shifted his gaze to Li Caiyi. "When was Xiaohua''sst check-up at the hospital?"

    "Oh! I remember it was a month ago. She''ll need to go to the hospital again within this week."

    Meng Renshu nodded. "Then I will ask the doctor in charge to give some of her blood samples when shees for a check-up."

    "Ah, that''s a really brilliant idea! Everything bes easier when we have a powerful person on our side." Detective Tang said tteringly.

    Li Caiyi was also dumbstruck. He had just been informed about everything today, and yet he quickly grasped the core problem and actively made a n to tackle it. He hadplete control of the situation, and he didn''t hesitate when he made his decision.

    Li Caiyi felt she could see a glimpse of his adult version in his teenage self. His experience as the CEO undoubtedly trained him to be able to develop a n even in the direst situation. Meng Renshu didn''t inherit thepany only because he was the son of the Chairman. He proved himself worthy of sitting in that position.

    Once again, she had a newfound respect for him.

    "Then Xiaoyi, sorry, but do you think you can donate some of your blood again? Will you be fine?" Meng Renshu asked guiltily. "I hope there is a way without having to burden you, but your blood is the key to solving this problem."

    "Don''t worry! You know I''m as healthy as a bull. Mr. Chu, please draw my blood as much as you please!"

    "As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, that''ll be bad, little miss. We''ll take just the right amount for his research."

    "Yes!"

    While Chu Kong drew the blood from her arm using the same method as before, Li Caiyi glimpsed Detective Tang and Meng Renshu. The conversation between them seemed very serious, considering the slight frown on their faces.

    Li Caiyi felt she had been left out of the loop. She wanted to listen to what they were saying but couldn''t move from her seat.<sub> </sub>

    "Hey, Mr. Chu. Will the cure for my sister''s condition take long before it is finallypleted?"

    "It won''t be easy. But I''ll make sure to do it as fast as possible."

    "Oh, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to pressure you or anything." Li Caiyi felt apologetic now.

    "You are impatient because your sister is very important to you. I understand, and I n to do everything I can to help her too."

    His voice sounded rather sad. Was he trying tofort her just now?

    Li Caiyi hadn''t talked much with him, but she always had a gut feeling that Chu Kong was a kind person. Now that she thought about it again, maybe it was because he somewhat resembled Dai Zhiqiang with the way he silently watched and cared for people around him.

    Li Caiyi sighed inwardly. It had been almost a week since she had been avoiding him. She was so upset that she became stubborn. Perhaps she should at least give him a chance to exin once again.

    "There, it''s done." Chu Kong said. "Make sure to eat food that contains irons after this."

    "Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chu."

    "Are you done?" Meng Renshu came over and checked on Li Caiyi''s condition. "Do you feel dizzy or ufortable anywhere?"

    "Brother Renshu. I''m fine. You worry too much."

    "I can''t help it. You have a bad habit of hiding your pain, after all."

    After that, they bid goodbye to Chu Kong and returned to the surface. To avoid a scene like before, Li Caiyi followed closely behind Detective Dang and gripped the edge of his sleeve before Meng Renshu could offer his hand again.

    Thankfully, Meng Renshu didn''t try to pursue the issue.

    "Ah, it feels great to see the sun again. So, what are your ns after this? I can give you guys a ride home if you want."

    Li Caiyi politely refused. Since the false rumor about her was spread, she promised not to randomly go inside another person''s car. She was thinking of taking a bus and probably visiting the hospital.

    She had been so busy that she didn''t have time to visit Dai Bolin. Maybe talking to the older man would give her a clue on how to deal with Dai Zhiqiang.

    "I also have to politely decline your offer too. My chauffeur will be here any moment to pick me up." Meng Renshu said politely.

    "Alright, if you say so." Detective Tang shrugged before waving his hand and entering his car. It drove off and quickly disappeared from sight.

    Suddenly being left along with Meng Renshu made her feel awkward. She carefully nced at him before asking, "You seem to be taking everything well."

    "Whatever do you mean?"

    "No. It''s just you seem to be pretty calm about this. Almost rmingly so."

    Meng Renshuughed dryly. "Did I look like I have my act together? I''m d, then. I can''t show weakness in front of people I can''t trust yet."

    That was so like him. Li Caiyi sometimes felt bad for him. He enjoyed abundant wealth and the best lifestyle anyone could ever wish for, yet he had to always walk on his toes. Being constantly watched and targeted, he couldn''t allow himself to rx at all.

 Chapter 495 Meng Renshus Wish

    "I see. I''m sure that was a lot for you to take. You should go home and rest for now. Please tell me if you have any new information regarding that medicine."

    "Wait, Xiaoyi!" His shout made her stop in her tracks. When she turned to him, he hesitated a bit before asking, "If you have time today, can you apany me?"

    Li Caiyi furrowed her brows. Thest time she met up with him, everything turned chaotic. Although it wasn''t necessarily his fault, she didn''t want to invite more trouble.

    "Sorry, but I have another ce to go after this."

    "Can''t you make an exception just for today?"

    What''s wrong with him? He was being unusually pushy; it was suspicious. "Just spit it out. What do you want from me?"

    Meng Renshu scratched the back of his head. "No, I felt depressed after finding out about Xiaohua''s situation. I want to spend some time away from it so I can calm myself down."

    Li Caiyi was stunned. That was a rather sentimental reason. Was he so shocked he would even use her to distract himself? Was she just ying with her again?

    "I''m asking just in case, but what are you nning to do?"

    "Not much. I will probably only ask you to shop with me, and we can visit an amusement park if you want to." Meng Renshu answered in excitement.

    "Shopping is still okay, but amusement parks are not." Li Caiyi answered decisively.

    ''Don''t joke around. I haven''t even visited that ce with Dai Zhiqiang just yet!''

    "Then, you agree toe with me?" Meng Renshu''s face beamed brightly.

    "Yeah. I can apany you tomorrow or the day after that."

    His smile faded when he heard that. "It''s not today?"

    "What can I do? I already have somewhere else I have to go after this."

    Meng Renshu was flustered. He thought hard before an idea struck him. "Xiaoyi, do you remember you still owe me a wish?"

    Li Caiyi stared at him nkly for a moment. But then she remembered that she might have promised him something like that.

    "Ugh, are you saying you want to use that wish now?" Li Caiyi groaned helplessly.

    Unlike her dispirited look, Meng Renshu was very energized. "I have been saving it for a long time. I think today is the right time to use it. Why? Are you going to take back your words? I didn''t know you were such an unfaithful person."

    Li Caiyi massaged her throbbing temple. How could she forget when Meng Renshu helped her find the missing Dai Zhiqiang? At that time, he promised to help her if she agreed to grant his wish. She wasn''t a person who broke her promise, but the timing was so wrong.

    Now that he had pulled the debt card on her, there was no way she could refuse. It seemed she had to postpone her n to visit the hospital another day.

    Li Caiyi sighed in defeat before saying weakly, "Alright, you win. But I will only apany you to shop and nothing more, alright?"

    "Sure! Then shall we go now?" Meng Renshu smirked.

    ***

    Meng Renshu brought her to a big mall where many stores from high-end brands were located. She wondered what kind of things he was searching for in this ce?

    He led her into a store from a famous and expensive brand. If she remembers correctly, this brand sold a lot of men''s and women''s clothing designed by renowned designers. A saleswoman immediately approached him with the brightest smile.

    "Wee, Mr. Meng. Thank you for revisiting our store. Can I ask how we may help you?"

    "Yeah. I need some clothes, but we will look around first."

    "Understood. Please call me in case you need any help."

    Even the employee recognized him. He must be a VIP member in this store too.

    Her thought was interrupted when Meng Renshu suddenly turned at her.

    "Xiaoyi, make sure to look around too."

    Li Caiyi sighed. Now he asked her to help him find something too. She really wasn''t in the mood for shopping.<sub> </sub>

    However, seeing Meng Renshu''s giddy face, Li Caiyi eventually gave in. To be fair, he didn''t ask much. It was still doable if she only needed to help him find some clothes.

    Walking through the nearest aisle, Li Caiyi began to trace her fingers on the line of shirts disyed there. As expected from luxury goods, even the fabric was pleasant to touch.

    Then her eyes fell onto a light blue-colored shirt. It immediately reminded her of Dai Zhiqiang.

    Her boyfriend rarely used any color other than ck, gray, or navy. Not that sheined since those colors suited him very much. Yet, she wondered how he would look if he wore a light-colored shirt like this for once.

    His well-built and proportional body would surely look good in this.

    ''Should I buy this? Hmm, but the price is pretty expensive. Will he feel burdened if I give this to him,'' Li Caiyi pondered seriously.

    "Oh, that one has a nice color in it."

    "Ack!"

    Li Caiyi involuntarily yelped when Meng Renshu suddenly appeared beside her. He seriously needed to stop that!

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Light blue is actually one of my favorite colors. I''m happy you still remember it."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t answer for a moment. Come to think of it, Meng Renshu often used this color. It was just that she wasn''t thinking of him when she saw this shirt.

    Looking at his pleasant smile, Li Caiyi suddenly felt guilty. Like it or not, Meng Renshu once helped her, and here she was, using the opportunity he had given to pick clothes for some other guy.

    "No. This one won''t look that good on you!" Li Caiyi eximed before putting it back. Her eyes darted around before they fell to an elegant-looking striped shirt.

    "Here! I think this one suits you more!"

    Meng Renshu looked down at the shirt she had just picked, and his brows furrowed. "A striped shirt? I don''t know, Xiaoyi. I don''t think I''ve ever worn one before."

    "All more reason for it. You always wear the same in shirt with different colors each time. This one will bring more life to you!"

    For an excuse she came up on the spot; it sounded pretty convincing. It was true that Meng Renshu favored simple shirts, though.

    "Do you think I will look good in this?"

    Li Caiyi nodded firmly. "Of course!"

    Meng Renshu smiled shyly before taking it from her hand. "Well, now that you say it, this one is not that bad."

    The saleswoman who had been observing from afar saw her chance. "Your girlfriend''s taste is truly exquisite. This one is part of our limited edition series. It came with a matching tie and pants. You have a nice body, so a striped shirt will look good on you."

    She clearly had a misunderstanding about their rtionship. Li Caiyi felt the need to correct her, but Meng Renshu''s following words blocked her from saying anything.

    "Really? Hmm, then I''ll take it."

    "Alright. Should I add the pants and tie too in your purchase?"

    "No need. She will help me pick it." Meng Renshu said while smiling at Li Caiyi. "I''ll trust you to pick good ones for me."

    Li Caiyiughed dryly. The shirt was a part of a collection, so why would he want her to pick the other pieces separately? It was a major waste of time. However, she had promised him, so she could only swallow herint and look around again.

    Not long after that, she again found herself distracted by a beautiful disy dress. The color reminded her of delicious cranberry.

    She went closer to take a better look. It was such a pleasing sight for her eyes.

    Li Caiyi reached out to check on the price, and the price almost made her choke. It was nearly twenty times more expensive than the light blue shirt she had held onto before.

    Ultimately, she returned her focus to finding clothes for Meng Renshu. It didn''t take long since it wasn''t that hard, to begin with. Meng Renshu could wear a rag and would still look fabulous in it.

    As people say, a person''s looksplete the fashion.

    When they finally finished choosing an outfit for him, Li Caiyi was relieved. She thought that her task was finally done, but it turned out that Meng Renshu had another n.

    "Let''s go to the watch store next."

 Chapter 496 The Reason For Distrust (1)

    They went from one store to another, and as time passed, Li Caiyi ended up choosing everything from him. After walking a lot, she was drained but couldn''tin. That was why when Meng Renshu finally said they should go home soon, she brightened up like a bulb.

    "Do you have to look so happy? It''s kind of hurting my feelings."

    "Brother Renshu, just how long do you want this to go? We have been doing this for hours!"

    "That''s strange. Aren''t girls usually very energetic when ites to shopping?"

    "If I buy things for myself, then yeah, perhaps." Li Caiyi rolled her eyes.

    "Then why didn''t you choose something for yourself? I won''t mind if you pick something for yourself."

    "Well, excuse me for not being as well-off as you."

    Meng Renshu''s brows raised in confusion. "What are you talking about? You can easily ask me to buy it for you."

    Li Caiyi scoffed, "So I can owe something to you again? No, thanks."

    "Haha, you got me there."

    "Anyway, with this, my job here should be done, right? It''s already sote." Li Caiyi said as she gazed outside the giant window. They were so busy shopping she didn''t notice it until just now.

    Meng Renshu was reluctant. While they were shopping, he realized he had never gone out to shop with her in his previous life. Per his order, every gift he gave her was purchased by his assistant.

    Before, he noticed her eyeing a few items during their ''hunt'', but she never once mentioned it to him. It''d be better if Li Caiyi was a greedier woman. She could ask him to buy her things, and he wouldn''tin. Unfortunately, she wasn''t that type of person.

    Was it really toote to do something for her? He wanted to be with her just a little longer.

    "Aren''t you hungry? Let me treat you to a meal as my thanks for today."

    "No, it''s really fine. I''m just fulfilling my promise."

    "I also have something I want to discuss with you. It''s about the circumstances around Xiaohua''s poisoning case."

    Li Caiyi''s body stiffened. She nervously tucked her hair behind her ears before answering, "Is there any need to talk about that anymore? I was found guilty, and that''s the end."

    Meng Renshu had expected that. That case was the final straw before she decided to end her life. It probably left a very wide and deep wound in her heart.

    "Do you prefer not to talk about it?"

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    As much as Meng Renshu didn''t want to see that distressed expression on her face, he had no choice.

    Everything about that case was suspicious from the beginning. Meng Renshu initially didn''t want to doubt her and nned to investigate it quietly. However, the news about the incident spread quickly, despite his effort to silence every possible witness.

    Li Caiyi was used, ridiculed, and harassed as an evil woman who didn''t hesitate to murder her sister because of petty jealousy. Meng Renshu tried his best to keep her safe by confining her to their house. He even went so far as to refuse her wish to visit Li Chunhua in the hospital.

    But all his effort went to a drain. In the end, he failed to protect her.

    The case ended with Li Caiyi being deemed the culprit of attempted murder. However, Meng Renshu actually still had so many suspicions about that case.

    And he felt that Li Caiyi probably held the final piece of that puzzle.

    "Fine. Let''s talk about it. It''s not a topic I find pleasant, but if it has something to do with the current situation, then we must talk about it."

    Meng Renshu raised his head in surprise. "Will it really be okay for you? I know it must not be easy to talk about that."

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes in resignation. "I have always been afraid to face it, but this might be a good chance toe clean with everything. It was all in the past, so you don''t have to worry about me."

    "I see." Meng Renshu smiled. There was a tinge of bitterness in his mouth.

    After that, they changed the ce to a renowned five-star restaurant located on the highest floor of that mall. Meng Renshu rented a VIP room where they would get a space for themselves. That way, they could talk undisturbed by anyone.<sub> </sub>

    "So, where do you want me to start?" Li Caiyi asked stiffly once the waiter who delivered their food had left.

    "I know I have no right to ask this, but I want to ask if there is a specific reason why you would give up? You denied the usation initially, so why did you suddenly confess to something you didn''t do?"

    Li Caiyi clenched her hands. She knew he would ask her this. "If I tell you, would you even believe me?"

    Meng Renshu''s heart stung. He had no right to feel hurt since he was the one who made her distrustful towards him, but it was still painful when he heard it directly from her mouth.

    Holding back the sour feeling inside him, he smiled. "I won''t be asking if I didn''t n to trust you in the first ce."

    Li Caiyi cast a dubious nce at him. "Alright. It''s up to you to believe me or not, but what I will say from now on is nothing but the truth I have seen and heard by myself."

    "Sounds fair enough for me."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath, calming herself down before she slowly started talking.

    "At that time, I wasˇ­."

    ***

    In the dark room with the moonlight as the sole light source, Li Caiyi curled herself into a ball on her bed.

    She was still wearing the dress she wore to the party. The ivory-colored dress was now stained with red wine and blood. It felt sticky to her skin, but she didn''t care about it.

    She still couldn''t believe what had happened.

    She remembered going to an empty room to clear her head with a ss of wine in her hand. Then, Li Chunhua entered the room, so they chatted a bit. Her sister asked if she could take a sip of wine since their mother didn''t let her drink too much.

    Li Caiyi gave her drink, but after a sip, Li Chunhua suddenly coughed up a lot of blood. Everything happened so suddenly, and soon the horrible sight of Li Chunhua sprawled on the floor with blood dripping from her mouth was the only thing she remembered.

    "Heck!"

    Her head was in so much pain whenever she tried to remember. Whenever she closed her eyes, the memory of Li Chunhua in her white dress, lying in the pool of blood, would resurface.

    The pain kept getting worse, but she was too afraid to sleep. She anxiously waited for someone to contact her, telling her that her sister was fine, but nothing came.

    How many hours have passed since then? Li Caiyi had no idea. She had been holding herself in her room as soon as she returned home.

    Then, there was a knocking sound on the door. Her body tensed up.

    Was it Meng Renshu? Did he finallye home?

    Li Caiyi didn''t know the floor felt so cold until she ran toward the door barefoot.

    "Husband, is that you?"

    "Madam, it''s me."

    Her shoulders slumped once she heard the familiar voice. "I don''t need anything, so don''t bother me."

    "I''m sorry to disturb your rest, but the Grand Master was waiting for you downstairs."

    The Grand Master was the title used by the servants to call Meng Yaoshu. These people were originally servants from the main house. Ever since Meng Renshu became their ''Master'', they began to call her father-inw ''Grand Master'', instead.

    Li Caiyi felt energy returning to her body, knowing that someone finally came to visit her. Although Qing Xiangjun and Meng Shuchun were mean to her, Meng Yaoshu has always treated her kindly.

    He never demanded her to be a perfect daughter-inw or forced her to do anything. He oftenforted her whenever Qing Xiangjun treated her unjustly. For Li Caiyi, he was the only ally she had except for her husband.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips, thinking about how Meng Renshu hadn''t tried to reach her after that. He must be busy worrying about Li Chunhua. A substitute like her shouldn''t hope for him to think about her, the prime suspect in this case.

    "Please prepare refreshments for my father-inw. I''ll soone down after I get changed."

 Chapter 497 The Reason For Distrust (2)

    Li Caiyi took a quick wipe on herself. Just enough so she wouldn''t smell like blood mixed with alcohol before changing into a morefortable outfit.

    Even after washing her face, she still looked tired, but she couldn''t keep her father-inw waiting forever, so she applied light makeup to make it brighter.

    After making sure her appearance was pretty decent, she went downstairs.

    Meng Yaoshu was sitting alone in the living room. Unlike Meng Renshu, who had a beautiful, almost fairy-like disposition, he had a square-shaped head with masculine facial features, like a warrior. His eyes were deep and calctive, and his skin was slightly tanner than the rest of his family.

    "Father, I''m sorry for making you wait." Li Caiyi politely bowed at him.

    "Take a seat, Xiaoyi. Today''s incident must have shocked you so much."

    "...Yes." Li Caiyi sat down on the sofa across from him. "Father, have you heard anything about my sister''s condition?"

    Meng Yaoshu sighed. "The operation was a sess. Thankfully, she was treated early, so the damage didn''t spread far. Howeverˇ­"

    "What is it, Father? Please speakfortably."

    "It''s hard for me to say this, but the doctor said there is only a small chance that she would regain consciousness. And if a miracle does happen, it''d be hard for her to live her life normally after this."

    Li Caiyi''s heart sank. She couldn''t think of anything but the horrible scene of her sister dying in front of her. She couldn''t even do anything at that time and only stared at her dumbly.

    It wasn''t until the Meng siblings barged into the room did she snap to her senses.

    "It can''t beˇ­." Li Caiyi hugged herself as tears welled up in her eyes.

    "Xiaoyi, don''t me yourself. I was in shock before, but I know you are not the kind of person to do such an evil thing. I have known you since you were little, and you are a kind child."

    "Father!" Li Caiyi couldn''t hold back her tears, so she covered her eyes with her hands as she sobbed until her whole body shook. "Thank you for believing in me. I didn''t do it. I really didn''t."

    "Yourplexion looked terrible. Have you eaten anything since you returned?"

    She shook her head, still too overwhelmed to answer. Meng Yaoshu sighed again. "This is the time when you should take care of your body the most. Although I believe in you, you''d still need to prove it to everyone so you will be free from all usations."

    "But I don''t know what I must do. Even I still couldn''t understand what was actually happening. I wasn''t allowed to take a step out of the house, so I have been sitting in my room, worrying about my sister''s fate."

    "Rx, child. Take a deep breath first. Renshu will not allow you to suffer any injustice. He was just too shocked earlier to make a rational judgment."

    Deep down, Li Caiyi couldn''t bring herself to believe that. The look of utter disgust and the usation he directed at her was real. He saw her standing in a daze when Li Chunhua was dying, so it wouldn''t be weird if he suspected her.

    However, she couldn''t possibly tell her father-inw that, so she noddedpliantly.

    "But why isn''t he here? Don''t tell me he''s still waiting in the hospital?"

    "Yes, it seems so."

    Meng Yaoshu massaged his temple. With an apologetic tone in his voice, he spoke again. "Child, I understand if you feel upset. But for Renshu, Xiaohua isˇ­very important. However, I believe he will not abandon you. He just needs time to cool his head now. Can you please let this one go? He will return as soon as he makes sure Xiaohua is safe."

    The more he tried to find an excuse for his son, the more Li Caiyi believed that Meng Renshu had no intention of returning home.

    She had hope before. It was a very tiny hope, but it is still a hope nheless. Li Caiyi believed that if she waited a bit, her husband would eventuallye home and help her. But she should have seen thising.<sub> </sub>

    The light in her eyes got dimmer, but she forced herself to put on a smile. "It''s fine, Father. I feel reassured knowing Brother Renshu will be by Xiaohua''s side."

    Meng Yaoshu smiled. "I know you are a reasonable and virtuous wife. My son sure is lucky to be married to you."

    Li Caiyi''s heart felt like it had been pricked by an ice pick whenever they talked about Meng Renshu, so she tried to avoid the topic. "Father, I will cooperate with any kind of investigation. I''m innocent and have nothing to hide. I will dly answer any questions about the incident."

    He nodded approvingly. "I''m d to hear that. The rumor had been spread and reflected badly on ourpany''s stock, so it''d be helpful if you could help us clear up the misunderstanding. I will vouch for your innocence, too, so don''t worry about anything and just testify truthfully."

    Li Caiyi felt warm inside. Even though her husband and her family didn''t care about her, she was grateful that she still had her father-inw. It gave her the strength to fight for herself.

    "Father, thank you very much. I was at a loss on what to do before, but now I know what I must do."

    "You are my proud daughter-inw. I have to protect you from scheming people who tried to set you up." Meng Yaoshu leaned his body forward. "But why did you go to that room?"

    She was startled by his sudden question. She cast her gaze down before hesitantly replying, "There''s no particr reason. I felt a bit stuffy and overwhelmed by the crowd. I wanted to rest in an empty ce and happened toe across that room."

    Meng Yaoshu rubbed his chin with a pondering expression. "Is that so? Then how did you get that ss of wine in your hand?"

    "A waiter asked me if I wanted to have some, so I took the ss from him."

    "Do you perhaps remember what that waiter looked like? He could be an important witness in this incident."

    Li Caiyi thought hard. However, her state of mind at that time was pretty chaotic, so she didn''t pay attention to a random waiter who appeared in front of her.

    "I''m not sure. I don''t remember his face clearly, but I think I can recognize him if I hear his voice once again."

    "I see. Then I will gather all the staff on duty tonight and bring them all to you. But in the meantime, please try to remember his face if you can."

    "Yes, I''ll try, Father." Li Caiyi smiled. Having a person beside her really felt reassuring.

    "Aside from those things, is there anything out of the ordinary that night? Or something you remember?"

    Li Caiyi pondered thoughtfully, but nothing came up in her mind. "No, I don''t think so."

    Meng Yaoshu seemed disappointed, but he didn''t ask her any more questions.

    "I''d love to stay and apany you some more, but this is already veryte. You should go upstairs and rest well, Xiaoyi."

    "Father, let me see you out first!"

    Meng Yaoshu chuckled. "There''s no need to do that. The air is cold outside."

    "No, I insist! This is the least I can do for Father."

    The father and daughter-inw pair broke out inughter as they walked to the entrance together. It was a beautiful picture of a peaceful and harmonious family.

    Unbeknownst to Li Caiyi, that would be thest time sheughed together with her father-inw.

 Chapter 498 Interlude: Sinister Shadow

    ? "My father came to meet you that night? Why wasn''t I informed about this?" Meng Renshu''s facial expression hardened.

    "There are many things the servants in our house didn''t tell you." Li Caiyi replied weakly.

    Meng Renshu remembered how no one even reported to him about her deteriorating health and became more suspicious. "Did they bully you?"

    Her silence was all answer he needed. "Say it, what did they do to you?"

    "Why do you want to know about that? We aren''t here to speak about the servants'' behavior."

    Meng Renshu didn''t need to hear it from her because he already had an idea. Sadly, he only came to know about this after her funeral.

    How could Meng Shuchun frequently visit her and take her things away without him knowing? Those servants must be in cahoots with his mother and sister.

    "Why didn''t you tell me then?"

    "When did you have time to listen to me?"

    That answer was like a punch to his face.

    Meng Renshu realized he had asked a stupid question. Then, he seemed to remember something. "Was that why you asked me to hire our own servants?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer immediately. "I realized the problem because I was always in the house, but you were different. Those people are there under your mother''s order. I knew it would put you in a difficult position if I suggested you send them back, so I proposed that idea. But you still refused the idea in the end."

    It felt like a sharp knife had found its way to his heart. Every word that came out of her mouth was very depressing. He thought he had done a good thing. His wife would be safe and not lonely if she had many people in the house.

    Those people were handpicked by his mother, so he never thought they''d bully her when he wasn''t looking.

    Even if Li Caiyi told him that those servants secretly scheme behind their back, he probably would choose to trust his mother more than her.

    No wonder she hated him so much. He was the one who allowed this to happen, all because of his pettiness after getting rejected by her.

    He clenched his jaw tightly. "When did you notice this?"

    "About a year after our wedding."

    That was when they started to grow apart. The small crack between them must have been reported to Qing Xiangjun, and that''s when his mother used this chance to frequently invited his wife to social events. He initially thought that perhaps his mother had begun to warm up to her, so he allowed it.

    The time they spent together became less and less. Sometimes they didn''t talk for months.

    Meng Renshu couldn''t believe that his family would try to sabotage his marriage. If they were so against having Li Caiyi as his wife, then why did they agree to it in the first ce? Was it really just to fulfill the old promise between the two families?

    He knew his father''s temperament best. Behind his generous persona, he was actually very calctive and shrewd. A sentimental reason such as family ties wouldn''t be enough to change his nature.

    Howe he never questioned it before? Why did it have to be someone from the Li family? Did he have another agenda by taking Li Caiyi as his daughter-inw?

    Thinking back, his parents urged him to remarry once the mourning period for Li Caiyi had ended. Did they n this to happen?

    After Li Caiyi''s death, the ties that bound the Meng family to the Li family had severed entirely. The Li family suffered a bacsh from the incident, and their reputation plummeted.

    A vicious woman tried to kill her own sister and then selfishly ended her life with her lover. That was how people remembered her.

    Having such a wife, Meng Renshu was pitied by the whole nation. No one would me him if he were to remarry so soon.

    He didn''t think much of it then because he thought there was nothing wrong with parents worrying over their son, but what if the public reaction was premeditated? The fact that the matter he tried very hard to cover was leaked easily was also a point to be considered.

    Meng Renshu could feel a ck shadow looming over him. An eerie and sinister shadow, which eventually gobbled his wife and took her away from him forever.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother Renshu!"

    He jolted from his thoughts when someone shook him awake. When he raised his face, he could see the face he longed to see. If he reached out his hand, he could feel her warmth.

    So close, yet so far.

    What did ever do to deserve someone like her? Why was he alwayste in noticing the most important thing?

    "What happened? Your face is very pale, and you sweat a lot!"

    She was still worrying over him, even after the hardships he put her into. His heart was filled with so many emotions, but only bitterness came out of his mouth.

    "I''m really sorry. For every pain I have caused you. I wish there was something I could say except for sorry, but no wordse to my mind."

    Li Caiyi stared at him before calmly returning to her seat. "Let''s calm down first. I haven''t even finished my story yet."

    "Xiaoyi, what are you thinking when you decide to jump from that building?"

    "...I thought that was the best decision. People will talk for some time, but they will eventually forget about me. Had I stayed alive, the stain would follow me everywhere I go, and it''d harm people around me. It was the best ending for everyone."

    Meng Renshu mmed the table furiously. His face contorted like he was in so much pain. "How could you say that?! Do you know how much I...."

    His words trailed off. However, Li Caiyi was unfazed. "And I don''t wish to continue that life anymore. I wanted to be selfish for once. Can you really me me for that?"

    He could feel a strong sense of alienation from her, and it tore him from the inside.

    ''So she wanted to tell me that I shouldn''t care, as she didn''t care about how I felt too?'' Meng Renshu thought as he let out self-deprecatingughter.

    Who was he kidding? The Li Caiyi in front of him wasn''t the same one he used to know. He was the one who changed her into the person who could utter such a cold line.

    "Meng Renshu, it seems you are the one who''s still not ready for this conversation."

    Heughed again, this time with more spite and sourness. "That''s right. I wasn''t ready to hear how much my family had wrecked our marriage behind my back. Only I didn''t know anything, and it made me feel stupid and pathetic. I can only have myself to me. Go ahead andugh if you want."

    "....I wasn''t going tough at you," Li Caiyi paused briefly to gather her thoughts. "We are not meant to be, but we were happy at some point. Those happy memories were already enough for me."

    The more he heard her, the more he drowned in a sea of guilt. For someone who could act so cold, she sure was a softie. She might be content just with memories, but not him. This conversation only fueled his desire to make her the happiest woman in the world.

    And to do that, he first had to gouge the rotten part that tormented his dear wife.

    "Forgive me for my outburst. I think I''m fine now. Can you please continue your story?"

    "Are you sure? You don''t look well, though. I don''t want to be responsible if something happens to you."

    "Don''t worry about that. It won''t be good if you keep meeting with me like this. Your boyfriend might feel jealous again. Of course, I won''t be against the idea of you wanting to meet me more often."

    Li Caiyi''s brows twitched. "You are right. Let''s end this conversation today so we both can save our time."

    "Sounds good for me," Meng Renshu smiled provocatively. "Sorry for the interruption. You can continue now."

    He switched his gear so fast, and it threw her off. Li Caiyi couldn''t predict what he''d do next, so she upped her vignce.

    "As you know, I was taken into interrogation soon after that. I answered truthfully every question given to me. But then I learned from the officer that they found my fingerprints on the poison bottle of poisonˇ­."

 Chapter 499 Li Caiyis Lie

    "No, that can''t beˇ­." Li Caiyi''s words trailed off as her eyes shook wildly in front of what looked like her bottle of medicine.

    "Madam, you seem to recognize this bottle?" The police officer in charge of interrogating her sneered, "Of course you do since your fingerprints were found all over this thing. We found this lying around near the crime scene. You must have tried to get rid of it after sessfully mixing the poison into the wine."

    That medicine bottle was Li Chunhua''s. Her sister always brought her medicine everywhere, and that one was one of them.

    "You could try toe up with an excuse with all you want, but we found the residue of the same poison found in the wine within this bottle. As her sister, it wouldn''t be weird if you helped the victim prepare her medicine, and even if you had her things with you, no one would suspect anything. That''s when you swapped the content, weren''t you?

    "That''s preposterous! I never did such a thing!" Li Caiyi fiercely denied it.

    "The only fingerprints found here are the victim and yours. Do you want to say that the victim poisoned herself?"

    "Iˇ­That isˇ­" Li Caiyi couldn''t find a word to use. Her mind went nk with this sudden turn of events. How could there be poison in Li Chunhua''s medicine bottle?

    The police officer was a fat man with dark skin and a beard. He looked impatient as he let out a sigh. "The evidence is here, so how about you juste out and admit it? I''m busy and have a lot more important things to do. So you want to say that this bottle came out of your bag on its own?"

    "Of course not! This is clearly a setup. Someone clearly wanted to frame me!" Li Caiyi tried to exin, but the officer raised his hand as if he couldn''t bear to hear her anymore.

    "Madam, do you take us as a fool? Of course, we also wouldn''t immediately jump to a conclusion just from that. So we did some more investigation. And that''s when we came across some interesting testimonies. Would you like to hear it?"

    The way he smiled made her feel unsettled. Li Caiyi probably could already feel it by then. A terrible premonition.

    "Based on your husband''s ount, he was with the victim on the balcony of the west wing that night just before the time of the incident. Now that''s a fascinating ount, wasn''t it? It''s really.... mind-inducing. It gave people ideas."

    Li Caiyi could feel all the energy left in her body. So they already knew about that too.

    "So here''s the theory. You had already nned to poison your sister that day, so you swapped the content in advance. Being her sister, no one would suspect you even if you rummaged through her things. But then, something unexpected happened.

    By coincidence, you witnessed your husband meet up with another woman sneakily behind your back. Blinded by your jealousy, you couldn''t wait until the victim drank her medicine and decided to take action yourself. You grabbed the poison you had prepared from the victim''s belongings and called her out to the empty room in the west wing, and that''s when the crime happened.

    However, you didn''t expect your husband and sister-inw to suddenly barge into the room. And that bes your downfall."

    "No, that''s not true! Please don''t make up a baseless theory on your own just because my fingerprints were found on the bottle!" Li Caiyi rebuked.

    The officer was unfazed and smirked yfully at her instead. "Oh, you have terribly underestimated us. We do have another base for our conjecture."

    "Youˇ­did?" Li Caiyi''s voice faltered.

    "Based on your testimony, you went into the crime scene of your own volition after getting a ss of wine from a waiter. Isn''t that right?"

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling about this, but it was toote to take back her words. "That''s right."<sub> </sub>

    "You said that you felt suffocated and went to get fresh air. However, the waiter''s testimony contradicted your statement. He said he saw you running out of the west wing with a dark expression. Now that''s the opposite of the crime scene, which is located in the east wing."

    An rm sound reverberated in her head, signaling danger. She broke out in a cold sweat, as she didn''t expect that waiter to see her that night.

    "Madam, you said you went to the empty resting room in the east wing straight from the main hall. Why did you lie? Isn''t that because you want to hide the fact that you have been in the west wing that night? To hide your husband''s affair?"

    "Watch your mouth! I won''t let you nder my husband like that!" Li Caiyi snarled fiercely, but her mind was ultimately in chaos.

    Whoever tried to set her up clearly had known about this beforehand. Everything she said to prove her innocence was used against her instead. The more she said something, the deeper she sunk.

    Li Caiyi could almost feel a sinister shadow lurking around her, ready to swallow her when it saw a chance.

    "Then, what were you doing in the west wing at the time? Don''t tell me you were lost because that reason is invalid."

    "That''sˇ­" Li Caiyi looked down. She vaguely knew that there was no getting out of this situation. These people surely still have something more up their sleeve and hungrily waited for her to lie again so they could be on the righteous side when they unravel her lies.

    "Iˇ­was in the west wing that night."

    In the end, she chose to admit it before everything became messier.

    The officer smiled victoriously. "Thank you. Finally, we can get somewhere. You havemitted such a terrible lie, and that''s really not good for everyone."

    "Officer, I just didn''t want the matter about my husband to leak everywhere. Please take this into consideration too."

    "I understand. You were just trying to cover for your husband and protect his name, right? That''s quite sad after what he did to you, actually."

    Li Caiyi didn''t like how he talked like he knew everything, but she had to hold it in for now.

    "I never touched any poison nor called my sister to that room. After witnessing that scene, I was in a bad mood, so I went to the east wing to calm my mind. Then Xiaohua came to my room and asked if she could have my drink, so I gave it to her. That''s all that happened. I was also shocked when blood suddenly dripped from her mouth."

    Li Caiyi felt nausea hit her again when she recalled that scene. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand. "Officer, your theory is very interesting, but you still don''t have enough evidence to pin me as the culprit. I think I have said enough about this."

    "Thank you for your cooperation. Usually, a suspect must stay in the detention center until proven innocent. Still, we have special permission for you to be monitored at home. You should thank the Meng family for this."

    He spoke as if Li Caiyi wasn''t a part of the Meng family. The officer was rude, but she wasn''t in the mood to correct his behavior. She quickly rose from her seat and walked out of the room.

    The situation didn''t turn up well for her. Li Caiyi thought she should speak to her father-inw about this.

 Chapter 500 Envy For The Meng Siblings

    The Meng Residence always looked splendid, no matter how often she looked at it. She remembered the first time she went there as a child and the first time she took a step into the house as Meng Renshu''s wife.

    Both times made her legs tremble because of the house''s majestic and extravagant atmosphere. It felt like a whole other world beyond the gate. So she was very nervous, but this time she went in a hurry.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to dy as he knew Meng Yaoshu was a busy person. She had already heard from thepany that her father-inw was taking a day off today to settle the current incident.

    The servants recognized her and led her to the study room where Meng Yaoshu was.

    Li Caiyi fixed her appearance for a moment before knocking on the door. "Father, it''s me, Caiyi."

    "Come in."

    She opened the door, and her gaze met Meng Yaoshu''s sharp one. He smiled faintly as he waved his hand, beckoning her toe closer. "Considering how you race here as soon as the interrogation has ended, I take it that it doesn''t go so well?"

    Li Caiyi shamefully hung her head. It pained her to admit her husband''s affair directly, especially to her father-inw, but the situation worsened.

    "Father, I''m sorry. I made a grave mistake."

    "My child, you seemed to be so distraught. I specifically asked them to treat you nicely. Did they perhaps bully you?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. The officer who handled her was rude, but if it weren''t for Meng Yaoshu''s influence, they could have roughed on her. They already decided that she was the criminal, after all.

    Her nose felt sour, knowing she would again be a burden for her sole supporter. "No, they treated me well."

    "Then what bothers you so much that you rushed here?"

    Li Caiyi shut her eyes tightly before hesitantly admitting. "Iˇ­I have lied to you, Father. What I told you the other day wasn''t theplete truth. I have been hiding something from you."

    Meng Yaoshu looked at her meaningfully. He stood up from his seat and gently held her hands in his. The warmth seeped from her skin to her heart.

    "Caiyi, if it''s you, I''m sure you have a good reason for that. Please do not worry and tell me the truth. I''ll help you in any way I can."

    The interrogation room was dark and cold. The officer''s usation and his hostile attitude stifled her, but she was powerless against all that. She promised him she would do her best to prove her innocence, but she made it worse instead.

    Li Caiyi had never felt so pathetic and worthless before. Yet, despite all that, her father-inw still warmly reached out to her. He didn''t disdain her and was willing to listen to what she had to say.

    She was so grateful that tears began to drip from her eyes. "Ughˇ­"

    Meng Yaoshu patted her shoulder sympathetically. "It must have been hard for you. People''s words could save someone, but it was also the sharpest weapon a human could hold. You don''t have to hold it back."

    "Father, Iˇ­ I''m sorry. I shouldn''t cry, but I was so frustrated and tired by all this."

    "I know. I''m not surprised if you see the whole world as your enemy now."

    "No. Not everyone is my enemy," Li Caiyi smiled gratefully. "Because I still have Father by my side. Someone still believed in me, giving me so much strength. So I won''t give up just yet!"

    Meng Yaoshuughed boisterously. "Haha, of course! Who would protect my daughter-inw except me? I''m relieved you seem to still have a fighting spirit in you. Now, can you tell me everything?"

    Wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes, Li Caiyi nodded. "Yes. Let me start from the beginning."

    ***

    "That''s bad news, indeed. They tricked youpletely and put you in the worst position possible." Meng Yaoshu sighed.

    "Father, about Renshu''s matterˇ­."<sub> </sub>

    "Ah, you don''t have to worry about that. I will make sure none of that would leak outside."

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief. "Thank you."

    "But is this the time to be worrying about someone else? You are in a much more difficult situation than before. Yet, that unreasonable son of mine is still nowhere to see. Does he really not care about you at all?!" Meng Yaoshu grumbled angrily.

    His words stung her heart. She was used to being neglected, but it didn''t make it any less painful.

    Truthfully, she felt ashamed talking about her marital problem with her father-inw. It was like admitting her failure as a wife. However, Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua would be implicated if she stayed silent.

    With Meng Yaoshu''s power, the rumor could have been suppressed earlier and minimized damage. Now, she could finally focus on herself.

    "Father, what do you think I should do now?"

    Meng Yaoshu pondered thoughtfully for a moment. "Hmm, I think it''s best toy low for now. If you must, answer their question, but don''t divulge too much information. Don''t be discouraged by what people say about you either."

    "I understand," Li Ciayi''s body felt much lighter after talking it out with Meng Yaoshu.

    "You became thinner in such a short amount of time. Please don''t worry too much and take care of your health. I will help you to the best of my ability. Remember, you are not alone in this."

    "Father, I appreciate your help very much."

    "Why don''t you stay for dinner? I know there are servants in your house, but I can''t rx until I see you eat well with my own eyes."

    Li Caiyi giggled. Compared to her spacious but empty house, it probably would be better to eat here with Meng Yaoshu. "Yes, I''ll do that, Father."

    "Great. Then how about you have a bit of rest first until dinnertime? I have already asked someone to prepare a room for you."

    He was so kind that she was at a loss for words. It was sad how Meng Yaoshu could treat her better than her biological father could ever do. She even envied Meng Renshu and Meng Shuchun a bit. They were really blessed to have someone as wonderful as him as their father.

    "Then, I''ll look forward to dining with you, Father. I will not disturb your rest time anymore."

    Li Caiyi politely bade him goodbye before walking out of the room. A young maid had been waiting for her outside and invited Li Caiyi to follow her.

    The guest room prepared for her was twice as spacier than her room in her house. Li Caiyi felt much more rxed after escaping that gloomy interrogation room, and talking with Meng Yaoshu lifted the burden off her shoulder.

    The young maid said Li Caiyi could take a bath to refresh herself if she wanted to because they had prepared spare clothes for her. Her father-inw was so considerate; she felt a little bad about it.

    However, the idea of taking a dip in a warm bath did sound appealing. Li Caiyi saw no reason to restrain herself after the master of the house had allowed her to, so he quickly went into the bathroom after the young maid had left.

    She took her time, and when she finally finished and changed intofortable-looking clothes, she finally felt alive again. As she dried her hair, she couldn''t help but think about her sister, who still hadn''t regained consciousness.

    "I should have asked Father about it. He is the only one willing to tell me anything," Li Caiyi regretted a bit.

    She wondered if it would be too much to go back and ask him again. Would she be a bother? Meng Yaoshu had to take care of the mess she made, and she didn''t want to disturb him further.

    Li Caiyi paced back and forth in the room before finally deciding to go and observe the situation first. If her father-inw was busy, then she wouldn''t bother him.

    With that in mind, Li Caiyi walked out of the room. She saw no servants around, but it was alright since she remembered the way to the study room.

    It didn''t take long before she arrived in the study room. Li Caiyi raised her hand and was about to knock on the door when a piercing and fierce shout could be heard from inside.

    "HAVE YOU FINALLY GONE SENILE?!!"

 Chapter 501 Meng Yaoshus Wicked Plan

    The familiar voice startled Li Caiyi. She didn''t notice it until now, but the door wasn''tpletely shut, so she could hear the conversation inside.

    There was no way she wouldn''t notice Qing Xiangjun''s voice when she was angered. Her mother-inw scolded her with the same tone over and over again in the past.

    Li Caiyi immediately realized that the Meng couple was probably having a fight, so she retreated and intended to return to her room. No matter how urgent she was, it wasn''t right to stay there and witness that.

    However, her steps halted when she heard Qing Xiangjun''s following words.

    "Why do you even try to help her and embarrass our family name? We should have just made Renshu divorce her, and everything should end!"

    Divorce?

    Li Caiyi''s blood ran cold when she heard that, but she tried to calm herself down by pressing her hand to her chest. Her heart pounded nervously, heating the word she always dreaded to hear.

    No. Li Caiyi didn''t want to divorce Meng Renshu. It was okay if he didn''t love or even hate her, but she still wanted to protect this marriage. Li Jirong would kill her if she was kicked out of the Meng family.

    Canceling her intention to return to her room, Li Caiyi pressed herself to the door to listen more. Eavesdropping was terrible, but her fate would be decided here. So far, being married to Meng Renshu was the only merit she had.

    Li Caiyi would bepletely useless if she lost her status as Madam Meng. Just thinking about what her father would do to her was enough to make her whole body tremble in fear.

    "Tone down your voice. You usually behave elegantly, but you act like a shrew from the market once we are alone." Meng Yaoshu''s helpless voice could be heard next.

    "It''s not the time for that! Don''t you realize you have been dragging this long enough? Just how much more should we suffer humiliation from this scandal? I can''t even raise my head because people keep talking nasty things about our family."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t the culprit, but she felt terrible for causing so much trouble. As Madam Meng, this incident undoubtedly hurt the Meng family''s good name and face.

    "Can''t you be more understanding? I need a little more time." Meng Yaoshu began to sound impatient.

    However, his attitude infuriated the prideful Qing Xiangjun even more. "So you want to say I''m causing a stir for nothing here? Can you put yourself in my shoes for once?! I have heard about the result. The police already have the evidence, and there is even a witness. You are the only one who stubbornly tried to prolong this matter uselessly!"

    Not only did she make a mistake and cause a lot of trouble, but now Meng Yaoshu had to endure his wife''s scolding. All her father-inw did was try to protect her, but it put him in a difficult situation.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. If this went on, then she wouldn''t be surprised if they really would force Meng Renshu to divorce her. Qing Xiangjun never had a reasonable opinion about her, which was the opportunity to get rid of her.

    The most frustrating part was that Li Caiyi could understand where she came from.

    Qing Xiangjun didn''t know the truth, and the investigation showed a disadvantageous result for her. If their position were reserved, Li Caiyi probably wouldn''t agree to let her son be with a useless and problematic daughter-inw like her.

    ''That''s right. I have inconvenienced a lot of people, but I''m still so shameless ande to beg for Father''s help. I really am a failure and good-for-nothing.''

    A gloomy mood surrounded her, and every word of ''divorce'' stabbed her heart deeply. She waited to hear more from Meng Yaoshu, but there was a long silence before she heard augh. It sounded a little bit off, like a peal of twistedughter.<sub> </sub>

    "My wife, you worry too much. You said she could hold on all this time because I protected her? That''s not right. It is supposed to be ''she has to hold on until the time I deem right to throw her away''."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe what she had just heard. But that was definitely Meng Yaoshu''s voice. The same kind and gentle men whoforted her just a while ago.

    So why did his voice sound so vile right now?

    "H-Husband, what do you mean?" Qing Xiangjun voiced her thoughts. She seemed as surprised as Li Caiyi with his sudden behavior change.

    "It''s just as you heard. We have to at least put on a show in trying to defend her, or our family will be considered a heartless family who kicked their daughter-inw when she was weak. Theunch of new medicine will be held soon, and we need people''s support as much as possible. We can use this incident to our advantage."

    Li Caiyi could feel the ground crumble beneath her. She mped her mouth with her hand while holding back her sob. Her tears flowed down uncontrobly before she knew it.

    The amount of agony she felt was immeasurable.

    Her father-inw, whom she had thought of as her own father, and looked up greatly, was hiding such a nefarious n all this time. She came to him for help without knowing that she had actually entered a lion cage of her own volition.

    "Besides, Renshu made a little mistake too. I have to ensure no bad rumors about him will spread after that, so would you mind waiting a little bit more?" Meng Yaoshu sighed. "I told him often that he should be more careful if he wanted to meet another woman behind his wife''s back."

    By this time, Li Caiyi''s eyes had utterly lost their light. To call what she felt as sadness would be an understatement.

    ''He always cheered me up whenever I looked lonely. But he is giving such advice to his son all this time. Everything was just a lie.''

    Li Caiyi felt likeughing now. How could he endure ying a caring and generous father-inw all this time? He must have felt sick and fed up with her, yet he persevered and managed to hide his disdain. What good acting, what dedication!

    Li Caiyi couldn''t imagine how much he hadughed and mocked her inwardly whenever she thanked him profusely. How pathetic she must have looked in his eyes at that time!

    ''I''m so stupid. Even my biological father didn''t want me. What makes me think that someone like my father-inw would be able to ept me? I''m just a useless and pathetic substitute.''

    "Husband, what is this? So you have been nning for this from the very beginning?" Qing Xiangjun sounded taken aback.

    "Yes, my silly wife. I had never made a failed investment before. It was unfortunate since she is obedient, but it''s time for her to move out from the picture."

    "I don''t understand you. I have always thought it was weird how you readily agreed to the marriage just because of an old promise. What is your true reason for doing this? It''s about time you tell me what you have been hiding all this time."

    Meng Yaoshuughed again, and it sent chills down her spine. "The Li family has been the thorn in our side for a long time. It''s about time we do something about them. After this, there will be no promise or rtion between us. The current Li family head is a greedy and incapable man, but his son is different. Even now, many people praise him for his achievement, which puts us in this predicament.

    I can''t let the public see our family see us as the white-eyed wolf. If we allow a genius like him to gain more merits, then he probably would threaten our son in the future."

 502 Chapter 502

    Just when Li Caiyi thought nothing could shock her, Meng Yaoshu''s revtion truly appalled her.

    The reason why he was so vignt toward their family was because of her brother? But he should have known that the rtionship between Meng Renshu and Li Junjie was good.

    "You are not making any sense. From the beginning, the Li family can''t bepared with us regarding wealth or status, so why do you want to pull them down so badly? So what if their son is a genius? There''s no way our Renshu can lose against that kid who only knows how to study." Qing Xiangjun rebutted.

    "You don''t understand. We can''t let the Li family regain their power. The reason our Meng family could climb up in the pharmaceutical industry is partially thanks to them. They have lost their previous glory, but people still talk highly about them. We can''t underestimate them. We must sever the ''rotten'' ties as soon as possible."

    "Stop beating around the bush and get to the point. What did the Li family ever do to warrant such wariness from you?"

    There was a brief silence before Meng Yaoshu spoke again, "Forget it. I have answered your question, so let''s stop talking about this. About Li Caiyi, she is destined to be our scapegoat. Once I put a guilty verdict on her head, you can do whatever you want."

    A very cold and ruthless decision. There wasn''t any trace of warmth Li Caiyi always felt from him. No, he never treated her sincerely in the first ce. All his kindness and consideration for her were fake.

    Her stomach churned wildly, and she felt like vomiting.

    "You know, I never liked you. Do you know why?" Qing Xiangjun didn''t even bother to hide her disdain as she sharply stated, "It''s because I could never tell what was going in your mind. I feel like if I let down my guard even a bit, you will stab me from the back."

    Meng Yaoshu chuckled. "That''s kind of harsh. After years of being husband and wife, you still can''t trust me?"

    Qing Xiangjun harrumphed. "Only a fool would trust someone like you. I can smell your rotten soul from miles away."

    "Haha, I can''t say I hate that part about you. Think whatever you want. I don''t care. You don''t have to trust me, as that''s not what I seek from you. As long as we fulfill our job and don''t interfere with each other''s life, we can continue living harmoniously."

    "That child... I mean, Caiyi, do you know how much she cares and looks up to you?" Qing Xiangjun asked hesitantly.

    It had been a while since her mother-inw called her by her name. She usually only used ''you'' or ''daughter-inw''. Every time she called her that, it reminded her of how insignificant her existence was.

    "What are you trying to say? Are you going to condemn me for being too cruel towards her? As if you can lecture me about that. Unlike a certain someone, at least I have been nothing but supportive of her before this."

    There was a brief silence again before Qing Xiangjun inhaled deeply. "You are right. I, out of all people, have no right to judge you. Just tell me one thing."

    "You sure have a lot of questions today. But sure, ask away."

    "That poisoning incident, was it actually done by you?"

    THUMP

    Li Caiyi felt like time had stopped. The events that happened in the past few days yed inside her head again, like a video.

    Come to think of it, this case was bizarre from the very beginning. She was clearly innocent, so how did the culprit know that Li Chunhua would enter the same room and drink the wine instead of her?

    Her mind nked out right after her sister copsed, then Meng Renshu and Meng Shuchun conveniently barged in and caught her at the wrong time and location. That''s when everything began to spiral down.

    And the most important thing was how did the culprit get ahold of Li Chunhua''s bottle of medicine, which had their fingerprints all over it?

    The police officer''s words held some truth in them. It should be someone who wouldn''t garner suspicion even if he was found carrying the victim''s belongings.

    It could be family members or friends. However, since her sister had no friends, it could only be the family members.<sub> </sub>

    More and more information flew inside her mind, making her head hurt. There were too many questions, but she had no idea the answer or how to prove them. Perhaps thinking about this was useless since the setup against her was perfect.

    Li Caiyi could hear the rumbling sound from outside. The gray cloud outside the window casts a gloomy and ominous atmosphere. It seemed like the rain was going to pour down soon.

    Li Caiyi hadn''t heard any sound from inside the room in a while. She took courage and peeked inside through the gap in the door.

    Sitting on the sofa was Meng Yaoshu, who yed with the ss of wine in his hand as he smiled at his wife. Li Caiyi shuddered just from the sheer pressure he exuded. It was so oppressive and frightening like he was calcting whether he should kill someone or not.

    "What makes you think like that, my dear wife?" Meng Yaoshu''s smile deepened, but that smile didn''t reach his eyes.

    Li Caiyi felt a bit of admiration for her mother-inw. Thetter refused to back down even under that unsettling pressure.

    "I saw you that night," she replied confidently, and the smile on her opponent faltered.

    "Oh? And what did you see?"

    "That waiter who was taken into interrogation along with Li Caiyi, he is one of your people, right? I saw you had a serious conversation with him that night. You are usually very wary of your surroundings. Still, the way you acted secretively with a mere waiter made me curious, so I observed you for some time. Then I saw the waiter walked out of the main hall with a tray of wine in his hand."

    "I didn''t expect my wife to care so much about me."

    "Save your uselessment to yourself. Answer me, are you the one who ordered him to mix the poison into the wine?" Qing Xiangjun became grimmer.

    "Ha!"

    Instead of answering, Meng Yaoshu burst intoughter. Qing Xiangjun was confused and a bit offended by that. "What''s so funny?"

    "No, I was just amused, that''s all. You saw how I was acting suspiciously. A woman as smart as you must have deeply noticed that I must have something to do with the incident. Yet, despite having that suspicion, you still urged me to pin the me on our innocent daughter-inw." Meng Yaoshu smiled mockingly, "Qing Xiangjun, this side of you is what I love from you. You are just the perfect fit for me."

    Qing Xiangjun''s whole body shook in a fury. She tried to endure humiliation by clenching her fist, but it only made her opponentugh harder.

    "You like to point out a person''s faults, but when someone does the same to you, you can''t say anything back? Ah, what a boring and ordinary woman you are."

    "Meng Yaoshu! Are you going to keep humiliating me like this? I have enough listening to your bullshit!" Qing Xiangjun shouted in rage. She grabbed him by the cor. Her expression twisted so badly that it looked nothing like her usual elegant self.

    "Don''t lump me together with you! I refuse to be put on the same level as disgusting human beings like you! Just answer the damn question. Are you involved in the case? No, are you the one who did everything?"

    CRACKLE!!

    The sound of thunder and the lightning that shed abruptly startled her. The light from outside the window briefly illuminated the dimly-lit study room.

    A cold shiver went through her body when she saw the sinister and vile smile on Meng Yaoshu''s usually sympathetic face. It was nothing like a phnthropist who has helped many people but more like a psychopath.

    It was a very harrowing scene. Something Li Caiyi would always remember whenever she looked at Meng Yaoshu''s face again. After that, she could never see him the same way again.

    Then from that mouth of that man was the confession of the devil.

    "My wife, if you know what''s best for our children, it would be best if you erase that from your memory. Would you do that for me?"

 503 Chapter 503

    Despite saying something wicked, his voice sounded dangerously peaceful, almost hypnotizing.

    Meng Yaoshu gently caressed his wife''s hair fondly, but thetter quickly removed herself from him with disgust written all over her face.

    "I knew it." Qing Xiangjun spat.

    "So what if you know it? Would you go out and tell everyone the truth, and ruin our family? I know the reason you stick with me even when you hate me. You can''t do anything."

    Qing Xiangjun: "...."

    "It''s not that hard. You just need to pretend you didn''t see anything, didn''t hear anything, and knew nothing about the incident. Then we will be freed from our ''obligation'' and reach a new level of greatness, with the annoying Li family finally out of the picture. Isn''t it your wish to marry your children to great people too? Not a mere nobody like Li Caiyi?"

    "...Alright. I''ll do as you say."

    Once again, Li Caiyi had to taste how bitter the reality was. Even if she went in and threw a tantrum, nothing would change. With her only supporter gone, she had no one to rely on.

    She could try using Meng Yaoshu, but with no proof, people would only treat her as a joke.

    It took all her time to move away from her spot and return to her room. There, she changed back to her original clothes before leaving the Meng residence.

    The rain poured even harder than before and felt heavy on her shoulder. She had just warmed her body up from the bath, but it quickly dissipated under the relentless rain.

    If only it could wash the anguish in her body away as well.

    Li Caiyi didn''t bother to stop the taxi and walked back to her house. It was the ce where she lived with Meng Renshu for three years, yet it didn''t quite feel like her home. However, that was the only ce she could return to.

    p People looked at her weirdly as they passed by, as she strolled leisurely without an umbre or raincoat as if she didn''t care about the rain.</anda>

    Li Caiyi had never felt reassured by having people look at her like that. At least it made her think she was there and not in some other ce.

    Honestly, she was confused by how she could still stand and walk, as she felt a part of her had died when she discovered the truth. Everything didn''t feel real.

    Everything she heard before put a heavy weight on her mind. If she wanted to prove her innocence, she had to face her father-inw, and that feat was nearly impossible for her.

    No one believed her or waited for her. Under this gloomy sky, she really was alone.

    "Now, what should I do?" Li Caiyi muttered to herself. She gazed emptily at the busy road and watched vehicles go back and forth. A disturbing thought came to her mind.

    If she jumped into the middle of the street, would she be able to end everything?

    However, a secondter, she flinched as if she had been snapped awake. Even though it was just a passing thought, it was still scary how she almost sumbed to her despair.

    "No, I can''t do that. I still have to correct this misunderstanding with Brother Renshu and my family. I also want to check on Xiaohua. I haven''t seen her since that night. I hope she recuperates well."

    Hugging herself to keep her warm, she stopped a taxi and told him to go to the hospital.

    ***

    [The number you are dialing is not active...]

    Li Caiyi''s shoulder dropped in disappointment.

    At first, she was relieved knowing her phone was still working even when her bag was drenched in the rain. She had tried to reach her husband many times, but apparently, he had turned his phone off. She needed to meet him and talk about what she had heard in Meng''s residence.

    Although she doubted he would believe her. It could even possibly make him despise her even more.

    But in this situation, she had no other choice. If there was someone who could go against Meng Yaoshu, it was his son. Li Caiyi had no idea why her father-inw was so adamant about stepping on the Li family, but whatever he nned must not be good.

    Even if Meng Renshu didn''t want to help her, there was no way he could turn his back on the love of his life and his best friend.

    By this point, Li Caiyi was practically gambling on Meng Renshu''s loyalty. She had no base for her trust, but she still had to do something.

    Every servant in her house worked for her mother-inw to monitor her movement. It felt ufortable being watched 24/7, so Li Caiyi mostly spent her time in her room.

    Undoubtedly, those servants would report to Qing Xiangjun if she acted suspiciously. Hence, she had to do this carefully but swiftly.

    Li Caiyi was drenched from hair to toe, inviting a displeased gaze from the driver when she created a puddle of water inside his taxi. But she couldn''t help it, so she paid him handsomely when they arrived at her destination. The driver finally smiled and drove off.<sub> </sub>

    The air conditioner inside the hospital building made her shiver from the cold. She gritted her teeth and went to find her sister''s room.

    When she finally found it, she was pleasantly surprised to see Meng Renshu standing outside the room. His face looked tired with an obvious eye bag under his eyes, but this was her first time seeing him again after almost a week, so she was happy.

    Meng Renshu probably felt her stare at him because he suddenly turned his head. His facial countenance immediately darkened when he saw her. He briskly walked over with a scary look on his face.

    Her happiness immediately died and was reced with anxiety. As expected, he didn''t like to see her there.

    "What are you doing here? Don''t you know the position you are currently in?" He asked her impatiently. His gaze seemed like it could pierce through her.

    Overwhelmed by his intense hostility, Li Caiyipletely forgot what she wanted to say and stuttered, "I-I...S-Sorry, I was...."

    "Whatever it is, I don''t want to hear. And you shouldn''t be here, either. Go home."

    Her body felt so cold after being soaked in the rain, but he didn''t even notice that. Moreover, the coldness on her body couldn''t bepared to how unkind his words were to her. He looked at her as if he was looking at a nasty bug.

    Li Caiyi felt like crying but realized it would only annoy him further. She already came this far, so she should at least finish what she wanted to do.

    "Brother Renshu, can you just spare me a bit of your time?"

    "I already said it wasn''t necessary. Just go home and stay put."

    "No, but this is very important. There is something you need to know about the case...."

    "Li Caiyi! Don''t make me repeat myself. This isn''t a good time and ce to talk about this." Meng Renshu scratched his head with an annoyed look. "Don''t forget you are a suspect in this case. I can''t let you loiter around Xiaohua, or who knows what will happen?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned to hear that. Did he think she came here to hurt her sister? What kind of monster did he think of her?

    His suspicion was like a de slicing through her, chopping her flesh from her body bit by bit. The pain was excruciating, even though she had prepared herself for this. All she could do was endure.

    In the end, the only one he cared about was Li Chunhua. He didn''t even try to listen to her.

    Holding back her tears, Li Caiyi moved her mouth and was about to speak again when the door of Li Chunhua''s room was opened. Su Suyin came out from the inside, and Li Caiyi was surprised by how pale she was.

    "Mother!" She unconsciously called out to her.

    The older woman raised her head, and their gazes met. At first, there was only surprise, but then her eyes were filled with contempt and disdain.

    "You still have the gall toe here? After you almost killed your sister off? HOW COULD YOU?!"

    Su Suyin moved fast, and before Li Caiyi could register what was happening, she had already been thrown to the ground harshly.

    Her body was wet from the rain, so it was easy for her to slip if someone were to push her. However, she didn''t expect her usually tame and gentle mother would shove her like that.

    The shocked Li Caiyi slowly looked up, and she saw her mother cry while looking down on her vengefully. "I can''t believe I gave birth to someone like you! A monster!"

    "Mother, please calm down. Don''t cause a scene here. Xiaohua will be disturbed!" Meng Renshu tried to pull her back from attacking Li Caiyi again, and she barely held herself together.

    But the damage had been appropriately delivered to Li Caiyi. Irreparable damage which etched deeply inside her heart.

    Ah.

    It seemed she had made the wrong choice.

    There was no ce for her anymore here. Why would anyone ept someone like her?

    She shouldn''t havee here, expecting someone would listen to her.

    [I''ll do my best to help you. Remember you are not alone in this].

    Li Caiyi suddenly remembered what Meng Yaoshu had said to her before. Everything that came out of his mouth was lies. She realized how he must have had a st ridiculing her then.

    ''No one will evere to help me. I''m alone.''

 Chapter 504 Ill Kill You, And Then Kill Myself

    Li Caiyi''s abdomen started hurting like crazy, and she felt like fainting. However, Su Suyin''s hateful gaze made her unable to look away.

    "M-Mother?"

    "All this time, your sister has been nothing but treating you sincerely, but is this how you repay her? Do you hate her so much you even tried to kill her?"

    "No, that''s not right! It wasn''t me!"

    "You were the only one with your sister at the time of the incident. You were also the one who brought that wine. Even though I repeatedly told Xiaohua not to drink, you gave it to her anyway! It was all your fault!"

    "Mother, please..." Li Caiyi''s voice cracked as tears began to well up. For Su Suyin, it didn''t matter if she was the culprit or not. The fact that she allowed this to happen was already a sin.

    "Poor Xiaohua. She already had so many things taken away from her. From YOU! Now you even want to rob the little life she had? How could you be so greedy and cruel?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t say anything. Even now, her mother still med her for having better health than her sister.

    She would let Li Chunhua choose the things she liked from the bunch first before giving the rest to Li Caiyi.

    She would ask Li Caiyi to give her things to her sister because she was the older one and should be more understanding.

    She would always hear her mother shower her sister with love and praise, while Li Caiyi had to be satisfied with the bit of attention she received.

    All because she was born healthy and Li Chunhua wasn''t. Because she was her older sister, it was inevitable for her to take care of her forever.

    "What happened here?"

    While Su Suyin was scolding her, Li Jirong and Li Junjie walked out of the room. Both were surprised to see her there, but none of them tried to help her.

    "What are you doing here? Is it not enough that you dragged our family name in the mud and made your sister like this?" Li Jirong coldly asked.

    "Father. I never hurt anyone. Xiaohua is my twin sister, who is very close to me. I would never do anything to harm her."

    Li Caiyi nced at Meng Renshu, but he only averted his eyes. As if she deserved to be poorly treated like this.

    Looking at them from below like this, Li Caiyi understood where she stands now.

    These people never genuinely cared for her. She only existed for Li Chunhua, and now that something had happened to the princess, the servant had to take the punishment for it.

    Li Caiyi clenched her fist before sheughed. She was so sad and heartbroken, knowing everything she had done up until now only amounted to nothing.

    She thought they would love her if she became the daughter they wanted her to be. But it was only her wishful thinking.

    No matter how much she tried, they would never consider her as something more than Li Chunhua''s plus one.

    Li Caiyi felt so stupid for hanging to the vain hope. Added with Meng Yaoshu''s betrayal, thest string that pieces her sanity together snapped just like that.

    Why? Why was she the only one who had to go through this? What wrong did she evermit?

    "Haha...Hahahaha...."

    The sheer absurdity made her let out a hollowugh. Everyone looked at her like a lunatic, but she didn''t care. Her tears felt hot, yet her voice sounded cold. It reverberated within the hallway.

    "You. Why are youughing?" Su Suyin couldn''t help but ask.

    Li Caiyi smiled crookedly. "You always told me to do everything I can for Xiaohua. I should be more understanding because I''m older. I should be more considerate because Xiaohua is pitiful. I should be more grateful because I''m healthier andck nothing.<sub> </sub>

    Why don''t you just be honest with me for once that you wish I was the one who drank the poison? Because I''m healthy and older, it''d be better if it was me who was dying?"

    "LI CAIYI! HAVE YOU DONE YET?!!" Li Jirong roared furiously while Su Suyin''s whole body trembled like a leaf.

    But Li Caiyi couldn''t be stopped anymore. The pain inside her was so excruciating, and she wanted to tell them how much she was hurt inside.

    Just once was okay; she wanted to be understood and not the one who had to understand.

    "Mother, I might be physically fine, but I''m also hurting from the false usation. Even breathing feels hard. Am I not your child? Am I not allowed to be hurt? If you are going to treat me like this, then why did you give birth to me? It''d be better if I was never born."

    SLAP!

    Li Caiyi was bounced on the floor. Her cheeks sting and burn from the impact of her mother''s p. However, it was nothingpared to the wound in her heart.

    "How dare you...say that to me?" Su Suyin''s voice shook terribly, holding back an enormous amount of fury inside her. "It''s already bad that you have no intention to repent. Now you attacked me with such words? Insolent girl!"

    "Aak!"

    Su Suyin didn''t care that their interaction was seen by the hospital staff who passed by. She grabbed a handful of her daughter''s head and tugged it harshly.

    "So you want to say that your life is more miserable than your sister''s? You enjoyed a luxurious life while your sister suffered a lot of injustice because of you! You still can''t be satisfied and want to y the victim here? If I can''t teach you a lesson today, I''ll kill you and kill myself after this!"

    "It hurts! Mother, please stop!"

    Everyone was so surprised they couldn''t react immediately. However, Meng Renshu quickly snapped out of it and ordered his bodyguard to separate them.

    "Haa...Haa..." The older woman panted hard. The bodyguards held each of them tightly so she could no longer move. She was drained after that outburst, but her sharp eyes never left Li Caiyi for once. "Ungrateful children like you are not my child. Perhaps your words held some truth to it. It was my fault for giving birth to someone like you. From now on, I will never let a wicked person like you hurt my ''only daughter'' again."

    Pain. Pain. Pain.

    It hurt. It hurt. It hurt so much.

    Li Caiyi wanted to die then. Her whole world turned darker and darker. She didn''t even remember why she was there in the first ce.

    Meng Renshu could tell both women were on the verge of copsing, so he quickly dragged Li Caiyi out of there. Her skin was as cold as a corpse, and her eyes were empty and unfocused. She didn''t resist or say anything, even when he forced her to enter the car.

    "Go home and cool your head. Remember not to behave recklessly next time. I will not tolerate your unreasonable actions from now on!" He spat those words before mming the door impatiently.

    If she didn''t retract her hand, it would probably be crushed by the door. After making sure to order the driver to watch her until she entered the house, Meng Renshu left hastily without turning back.

    Was he anxious about being apart from Li Chunhua even for a moment?

    How stupid of her. She foolishly still believed that someone would listen to her if she begged. She overestimated her value and even had the gall to talk back.

    Now herst chance was ruined, and she couldn''t even check on Li Chunhua''s condition.

    Inside the moving car, her tears flowed down without a sound.

    She felt so weak after everything that happened today. Her abdomen ached so much, with her whole body feeling hot and cold simultaneously.

    As miserable as she was, no one was willing to stand by her side.

    "I want to disappear," she whispered weakly.

 Chapter 505 Alliance

    Tick tock tick tock.

    Aside from the sound from the antique clock on the wall, there was no other sound inside the room. The food in front of them had turned cold. The two people who sat silently had already lost their appetite.

    "That''s the gist of what happenedˇ­." Li Caiyi let out a deep sigh. Telling Meng Renshu what happened back then put a lot of strain on her. She feltplicated.

    "That''s impossible. Iˇ­did thatˇ­to you?"

    Meng Renshu seemed shaken. Li Caiyi couldn''t me him, considering he only regained his memories partially.

    "Everything I said was the truth I saw and heard. It''s up to you to believe me or not."

    "Ha." Meng Renshu put her hand on his forehead. His eyes shook wildly.

    He only remembered a bit of what happened and never dreamed about the details of Li Chunhua''s poisoning case. To think that he would treat Li Caiyi like that in the past, he absolutely couldn''t understand himself.

    "Is this why you can''t ept me? No matter how much I try, you will never let yourself have the same feeling towards me anymore as back then."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She didn''t know what to say because he looked extremely tormented. Meng Renshu had disappointed her to the point of no return, but it was undeniable that she wouldn''t be able to reach this far without his help.

    "Brother Renshu, I''m sure that''s not the point of this conversation. We are here to discuss the case, not our past rtionship."

    "But still, how can I y ignorant when I know how much I have hurt you in the past?" Meng Renshu said bitterly, "I see. So that was the extent of the wound I inflicted on you. No wonder you avoided me like the gue whenever our eyes met."

    What he said was right, but it made her feel ufortable. "As I said before, it was all in the past now. I won''t ask you to take responsibility for what you have done back then because you are nothing more than a mere childhood friend for me now."

    Meng Renshu didn''t know whether tough or cry after hearing that. However, he had to admit that Li Caiyi must be a saint for putting up with him all this time, despite how deep her inner wound was.

    And it was all thanks to the thief who stole her from him, that viinous Dai Zhiqiang.

    Meng Renshu would prefer her to scold or hate him instead of letting her go into that guy''s arms.

    "Are we going to talk about your father or not?" Li Caiyi asked impatiently. "I don''t have all day, you know?"

    "Yes. You are right," Meng Renshu gathered himself together before saying, "I understand why you don''t feel like saying anything about this matter. You thought I wouldn''t believe you if you told me it was my father who pulled the string behind the scene, right?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "I''m d you are quick to understand. Your father was wary of my family for some reason. His worry should be gone now that my father is not here to pressure your family anymore, but even now, I still didn''t know why he was so hung up on ruining our family."

    "Hmm, my father is a calctive man. He wouldn''t make a move unless he was certain it would produce some profit. I''m afraid there is a deeper reason than just a mere ''old ties'' between two families." Meng Renshu tapped on the table with his finger.

    "I think so too. He deliberately set me up from the beginning for that purpose."

    Meng Renshu pondered deeply for a moment. "Xiaoyi, I have a proposition. Would you like to hear it?"

    "What is it?"

    "No matter how much we try to force our brain to think, nothing wille up. We are severelycking in information. You passed away early, and I only remembered a few pieces of my past life. But there is one thing we can do to fill in the void in information."

    At first, Li Caiyi didn''t understand where he was trying to go with this, but she got his point a momentter. She frowned in disapproval as she responded, "If you are trying to suggest that we sleep together to help you jog your memories, then forget it."

    "Xiaoyi, but this is important. The detective rified that he couldn''t trust my father, and I thought his doubt was reasonable. Your story further convinced me that my father probably had something to do with this. Why do you think we were given a second chance to re-do our life? Wasn''t it to prevent a past tragedy from happening again?"

    "The past has changed a lot, and my father is no longer there to pursue a rtionship with your family. What can possibly go wrong?"<sub> </sub>

    "Think about this. My father agreed to our marriage because of a certain reason. He could have refused if he wanted to sever our ties, but he didn''t. This means the Li family held a certain value for him. We must find out what it is, or there''s no guarantee that no harm wille to your family after this."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. She couldn''t deny that his argument held some weight in it. After discovering Meng Yaoshu''s sinister side, she knew he would do anything to achieve his goal, even if he had to sacrifice someone innocent.

    But this and that were two different things altogether.

    "I refuse," Li Caiyi replied firmly. "I don''t want to do something that can hurt my boyfriend''s feelings. There must be another way to find his motive without having to do this."

    Meng Renshu''s brows twitched a bit. "Why do you care so much about him when he doesn''t even have time for you?"

    "That''s none of your business. We can take care of the problem by ourselves."

    "It''s not like we will do anything indecent. We just need to sleep side by side. Why are you making such a big deal out of it? You will throw away such an efficient n just for that guy. Should I praise you for your loyalty?"

    "Save me your sarcasm. I don''t care what''s your opinion about this. My answer remains the same, and nothing you say will change my mind."

    They stared stubbornly at each other for a few moments, each refusing to back down. In the end, Meng Renshu averted his eyes first.

    "You don''t have to re at me like that. I will not force you if you truly don''t want to."

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect him to give up so quickly. She was relieved.

    Her reaction didn''t escape his eyes, and it annoyed him. Dai Zhiqiang was so lucky to have her heart, something he yearned for, but the said person treated it carelessly.

    But even so, Li Caiyi still chose him and decided to love him. It pained him when he thought how she used to look at him the same way, but he missed such a beautiful jewel under his nose to some other guy.

    Meng Renshu had to win her back at all costs. He would show her that he was the only one who could make her happy in the end.

    "Then, I will try asking my father and people close to him about it. If we couldn''t use our past life memories as a source of information, then we had to find it manually."

    "Oh." Li Caiyi didn''t think of that as she was too focused on Dai Zhiqiang. This method would take time, but it was better than sleeping with Meng Renshu.

    "Right. I will also try asking my mother and brother about the ''old promise''. There''s probably something deeper about that."

    "I will contact you once I find out something. Please do the same if you find something from your end."

    "Of course, you can count on me." Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly. She also felt secretly ted that their conversation ended on a good note. He believed in her, and that made everything so much easier.

    Perhaps she should thank him for that. "Uhm, thank you for believing in my story."

    "If you really are grateful, please don''t try to hide anything from me starting now. We needplete trust in each other if we want to continue this. It won''t help if you keep avoiding me whenever I try to talk to you."

    "Yes. I''ll do that."

    Meng Renshu smiled in satisfaction. For now, he would be content with more chances to spend some time with her in the future. He could n how to win her heart while he was at it.

    "Good. Then, I''m looking forward to our alliance."

    His eyes locked on her like a predator marking his prey.

    ''I absolutely won''t let you go this time.''

 Chapter 506 The Old Promise

    Today was just a rollercoaster of emotion and a flood of new information. Meng Renshu massaged his throbbing head. His vision spun a bit.

    It was a shame that Li Caiyi rejected his idea of sleeping together. Thest time they did it, it was like all burden was lifted from his body. He felt as weightless as the paper.

    But now that they haven''t done it again, the weariness refused to leave him, despite all his effort to rx. He thought this must be a punishment for him.

    Li Caiyi spent a lot of restless nights because of him, and now the karma wasing to bite him. And Meng Renshu dly weed it because he deserved it.

    "Young Master, we have arrived."

    Meng Renshu didn''t even notice that the car had stopped for a while until his driver notified him. He got out of the car, thinking he would rest early today. He still had to bring Chu Kong''s medicine to theb for a checkup, so he should have left earlier tomorrow.

    The servants greeted him at the door before informing him that the Master was currently resting in the living room. It made him stop in his tracks.

    It was rare for his father to be at home around this hour. Thinking back to his previous conversation with Li Caiyi, he changed direction toward the living room.

    When he arrived, Meng Yaoshu sat on the couch with a newspaper in his hand.

    "Father, you came home early today." Meng Renshu smiled before taking a seat across from him.

    "Yeah. The deal I made today went through faster than nned, so I got nothing to do until tomorrow." Meng Yaoshu responded without looking away from his newspaper. "What about you? It has gotten prettyte, and you just came back?"

    "Ah yeah, I went out to meet someone."

    "I don''t mind, but make sure you are not cking in your studies. You can''t let Junjie keep beating you all the time."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Father, I''m just a regr student and can''t bepared with Junjie. I don''t know if I can secure the first ce, but I''ll try."

    "Hmm."

    Li Caiyi mentioned that his father was pretty wary of Li Junjie. At first, he thought Meng Yaoshu was only trying to motivate him to study harder, but maybe there was a deeper reason for that?

    Meng Renshu didn''t expect his chance to probe further woulde this fast. He decided to test the water.

    "Father, I admit that Junjie is excellent, but aren''t I pretty good myself? Listening to youparing me to him made me upset sometimes."

    This time, Meng Yaoshu finally put his newspaper down. His sharp eyes examined his son closely. "What''s wrong with you today? You seem like you''re in the mood to whine."

    "Am I not allowed to do that? After Auntie and Uncle divorced, Junjie became the head of the family. He was already amazing before, but he became even more amazing now. Can you me me for feeling a bit inferior?"

    "You are the sole heir of the Meng family. The Meng family andpany will fall into your hands sooner orter. Feeling discouraged just because your friend got ahead faster than you proves that you still don''t have what it takes to inherit the family business. Your mindset is weak," Meng Yaoshu lectured him sternly.<sub> </sub>

    "But Father, you also can''t deny that it''s probably impossible to beat Junjie. He is born different from the rest. He is a natural genius. I can''t beat him just with hard work alone."

    "Enough!" Meng Yaoshu raised his voice as he mmed his newspaper onto the table. "You disappointed me. I don''t want to hear your excuses anymore. If you came here just to seekfort for your bruised ego, go find your mother. I will not tolerate your sillyint."

    Meng Yaoshu suddenly became more sensitive at the mention of Li Junjie bing the head of the family. Was there something bothering him about that?

    Meng Renshu feigned a gloomy look. "I''m sorry, Father. I must be tired and couldn''t think clearly just now."

    "It''s not like the usual you. Don''t forget you should never let others see your weakness. We don''t know when and how people will take advantage of that. You shouldn''t let your guards down even with the Li siblings."

    "I''ll remember that. But Father, now that Uncle Li is no longer part of the Li family, what will happen to the old promise between our family?"

    "You are talking about the marriage promise, right? We''ll need to discuss it with Junjie again, but the promise is still valid."

    "Is there any need to do that? It was just an old promise, and aside from Uncle Li, I have never seen you or mother being enthusiastic about it."

    "It''s better to maintain a good rtionship between the two families. Our family business wouldn''t have flourished if it weren''t for the Li family and everyone knew about that. If there is a party that disagrees with the agreement, it should be from the Li family side and not ours."

    "Come to think of it, I kept hearing about this old promise, but I didn''t know much about it. It was from my great grandfather''s generation, right?"

    "That''s right. At that time, my grandfather had just started the business but fell sick during the crucial time. And it was Junjie''s great grandfather who helped him. I was still a child then, but I remember that he was revered as a genius. I have no doubt that Junjie is following in his footsteps."

    "Aside from that, did they ever do something else for our family again? You said that he helped our family business to flourish after all."

    Meng Yaoshu eyed him suspiciously. "You seem awfully interested in this topic. You never paid any attention to the promise. What makes you suddenly change your attitude?"

    "Well, I was curious since you put so much emphasis on that. I know my father will not make hasty decisions without much consideration. So I thought the old promise must have a deeper meaning than a simple marriage agreement."

    Meng Yaoshu pondered for a bit before saying, "I guess there''s no harm telling you this since you are bound to know sooner orter. Aside from helping your great grandfather recover his health, he also worked for our family for some time."

    "Is that so?" Meng Renshu was quite surprised. Even in his previous life, his father had never mentioned anything about this.

    "During his time working with us, he developed a medicine which became ourpany''s breakthrough. His research became the foundation for developing various other drugs. It was even approved by many other doctors and researchers overseas. Around then, Meng Pharmaceutical became widely known as the best pharmaceuticalpany in this country."

    "Really? Then our family was very indebted to the Li family because of this?"

    Meng Yaoshu slightly frowned, but he didn''t outrightly deny it. "If it weren''t for your great grandfather''s help, an ordinary doctor like him wouldn''t even have a chance to do research, let alone gain a name for himself. I''d like to call it mutual benefit for each party."

    "But what kind of drugs did he develop at that time?" Meng Renshu probed further. He felt that he could finally see the thin string that pieces everything together more clearly now.

 Chapter 507 The Twins Birthday Party (1)

    "You don''t have to know that just yet. You''ll gradually learn about it as you be the head of the family. Don''t rush it." Meng Yaoshu leaned back on the couch as he picked up his newspaper again. In the next moment, he returned to his original position.

    That was the sign for Meng Renshu to stop asking. It was a good chance, but Meng Yaoshu wouldn''t reveal it as quickly as expected.

    "If you have time to think about useless thoughts, why don''t you think about your n after this?"

    "What do you mean, Father?"

    "I''m talking about marriage, of course. Between Caiyi and Chunhua, which one would you take as your wife?"

    Meng Renshu almost choked when he heard that. Although he had set his mind on Li Caiyi, he still had a high hurdle to ovee. "Father, don''t you think it''s too early to decide that? Besides, we must consider the twins'' opinion about this too."

    "You said that, but I think you already made your decision, no? I have already heard how you asked the Chairman of Glorious Days for a favor. Because you wanted to show off in front of the girl you like."

    Meng Renshu felt a bit embarrassed for being pointed out like that. He awkwardly cleared his throat before he spoke,

    "We are still young. Besides, she already has a boyfriend." Meng Renshu''s tone became gloomier when he mentioned thetter part.

    "If she rejects you for some ordinary guy, then she has no taste. And there''s still Li Chunhua. They are the same, so there shouldn''t be a problem."

    "No." Meng Renshu denied it sternly. "They may look simr, but they are different, Father. I will never use one of them as a recement for others."

    Meng Yaoshu was a bit surprised. "But why are you talking so seriously? It''s not even decided yet."

    "That''s because you are talking nonsense, Father."

    The older man shrugged. "I have to say you are quick to change, though. I''m pretty sure you like Chunhua more than Caiyi before. But now your feelings havepletely changed."

    Meng Renshu couldn''t answer immediately. Even now, he still feels awkward talking about his feelings for Li Chunhua. It made him wonder if he really did like her, or was it just an illusion?

    "It''s not like that. I was just a little confused before. I have never been close to any girls except those two, so I felt happy when they approached me first."

    "So you will go with whoeveres to you first. I didn''t know you were so fickle before."

    Meng Renshu felt a blow on his ego. Li Junjie also said that he didn''t know whether tough or cry in his previous life.

    "I was dumb and young then. Now, I''m fully aware of my feelings and who is the person I want the most."

    "Aren''t you still young, though? You still have a lot of time to think about it. For now, just focus on your study and don''t pressure yourself with unnecessary worry."

    Meng Yaoshu folded his newspaper and rose to his feet. "I''ll go upstairs first."

    Then, he left without saying anything else. Meng Renshu watched him until he disappeared with conflicted feelings. When he talked to his father like this, he seemed like a normal father, although he could be strict and demanding sometimes.

    However, not everything can be seen through the naked eye. He didn''t want to repeat the same mistake and lose her again.

    ***<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi had been feeling down since morning.

    With a troubled look, she rechecked her phone, but there was still no message from Dai Zhiqiang. She had been waiting since the clock turned 12 for his birthday wish, but so far, everyone had wished her happy birthday except for him.

    When the morning came, the first thing she did was checking on her phone but found nothing.

    Li Caiyi was upset and disappointed. To think she even prepared a gift for him. On her birthday!

    "Zhi, are you really busy with work? Howe you don''t even try to message me at all?" she muttered. She had just woken up, but her mood had already plummeted. "Is he that upset about how I have been ignoring him?"

    This was their first fight, and Li Caiyi didn''t like it. Ultimately, she had to go to school with a heavy heart. But he couldn''t stop thinking about him.

    When she felt a cold breeze on her arm, she finally felt that autumn was already close. Everyone started wearingyered clothes to warm themselves against the cold wind. Li Caiyi wondered whether Dai Zhiqiang dressed up warmly?

    She would think about how he missed her study session with him during ss. With so many things happening, Li Caiyi had been behind her studies, and she could use some teaching from him again.

    At lunchtime, she would eat while thinking about whether he had eaten or not. He was very practical, so she could imagine he would just grab whatever to satiate his hunger. Even though it was not nutritionally bnced. How she wished she could make something for him.

    Even when the birthday party was about to start, Li Caiyi''s mind was still in the cloud. She had informed him about the party this morning, but considering how he hadn''t responded to her yet, she doubted he woulde.

    Li Caiyi was sad but tried to keep her mind positive. The dress her mother prepared for her was pretty, and it was his loss not to be able to see it.

    "Xiaoyi? The guest is here. You shoulde down now," Li Chunhua peeked into the room and announced excitedly.

    Li Caiyi stared at her phone for a few more seconds before she put it into her handbag. "I''ming."

    ***

    For their birthday party, Li Caiyi actually didn''t do much. Except for notifying Li Chunhua about people she wanted to invite, she barely did anything else. That was why she was amazed when she first entered their house and saw how much it had changed for the asion.

    It was a small-scale outdoor party, with only a few close people invited. Still, Li Chunhua managed to turn their simple backyard into a dreamy ce in such a short time.

    Li Caiyi was mesmerized by those smallnterns and tables covered with a satin tablecloth. She even invited a band to liven up the atmosphere. Su Suyin''s flower garden looked like a ce from a fairy tale.

    "Xiaohua, you are really good at something like this," Li Caiyi smiled.

    "Hehe, this ce is perfect for a garden party. How about you greet your friends first? They came on time, and I asked them to wait on that table."

    Li Caiyi followed her line of sight and found her three friends were already sitting down. Zhou Ya looked visibly nervous, Chen Run couldn''t stop taking a video of the performing band, and Feng Nian had already stuffed her face.

    Their actions portrayed their personalities well, making herugh a bit.

    "I''ll go to them first, then. You should wait for Jingfei. He should be here anytime soon."

    Li Chunhua''s face blushed slightly, but she didn''t retort like usual. "Yeah, I should."

 Chapter 508 The Twins Birthday Party (2)

    "We have said it before, but once again, happy birthday, Caiyi." Zhou Ya gave her a warm hug. "I''m very nervous, but thanks for inviting us."

    "Haha, you are too tense, Ya Ya. But I''m also thankful for this opportunity. Not every day can I see a famous indie band perform so close. Do you mind if I go closer to record them?"

    Feng Nian dabbed her mouth with a napkin before pulling Chen Run back to her seat. "At least act like a civilized person for a day. Do you want to ruin Caiyi''s important day?"

    "What''s ruining? I only want to take selfies with them and ask for an autograph, alright?" Chen Run pouted, looking offended.

    Li Caiyi felt the tension leave her body. So what if Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t here? She could still have plenty of fun with her precious friends. Just wait until the next time they meet again; she will give him a piece of her mind!

    While the two were bickering, Zhou Ya seemed to think deeply about something.

    "What''s wrong?" Li Caiyi asked her.

    "Hmm, I don''t see Dai Zhiqiang anywhere." Zhou Ya looked around. "We have been here for a while but haven''t seen him yet."

    Li Caiyi sighed dejectedly. She hoped they wouldn''t ask her this, but it seemed this topic was unavoidable. "I texted and called him, but he didn''t give me any response. He probably forgot about my birthday."

    "What? That''s no way." Zhou Ya eximed, but seeing the dark cloud on Li Caiyi''s face, a guilty expression shed across her face. "Actually, there''s something I''ve been meaning to tell you, Caiyi."

    "Huh? What''s wrong? You sound so serious."

    "Do you remember thest time you copsed in school? We have to leave you with Senior Meng, but as expected, I don''t feel at ease leaving you like that. So I called Dai Zhiqiang toe over and take you home."

    Li Caiyi''s brows raised in astonishment. So the reason why Dai Zhiqiang knew about that was that Zhou Ya told him about it. Wait, since when did the two of them be close enough to exchange contact information?

    "Ah, please don''t misunderstand!" Zhou Ya quickly added upon noticing the frown on Li Caiyi''s face. "It wasn''t just me. He gave each of us his phone number so we could contact him in case something happened to you."

    Li Caiyi turned her head to Chen Run and Feng Nian, demanding an exnation. One of them grimaced while the other whistled awkwardly.

    "So it''s true?" Li Caiyi asked, almost in disbelief.

    "Well, yeah. But we never contacted him until thest incident." Feng Nian answered carefully. "Sorry for not telling you anything. The guy didn''t want you to know about this."

    Li Caiyi really couldn''t understand his mind. Shouldn''t he contact her directly if he was concerned about her well-being?

    "Caiyi, I can''t help but notice that your rtionship with Dai Zhiqiang has not been so goodtely. The two of you seem more distant after the incident with Lu Ruan. I was worried that it might be because of my unnecessary meddling." Zhou Ya said in a concerned tone. "I wasn''t thinking clearly that time because I was too worried about you. Dai Zhiqiang probably saw you alone with Senior Meng, and he misunderstood the situation and got jealous. That''s why he hasn''t been contacting you much."

    Half of Zhou Ya''s idea came from her wild fantasy, but it was surprisingly not entirely far-fetched like usual. Dai Zhiqiang did feel jealous, but she was pretty sure her outing with Meng Renshu the other day was the trigger for everything.

    Come to think of it, he looked uncharacteristically agitated that day. He seemed very anxious about her getting into the ''arm'' of other guys, although she had exined everything to him. Li Caiyi had never seen him act so emotionally before.

    "Caiyi, how about you contact him once again? Isn''t it lonely to spend your birthday without your beloved one besides you?"

    Li Caiyi was still upset and angry, but her heart wavered hearing Zhou Ya''s words. It was indeed, as she said. It was lonely and sad to have everyone but him celebrating her birthday. Because she wanted to hear him wishing her happy birthday the most.

    "I-I will be back." Li Caiyi stood up from her seat in a hurry. Her friends didn''t stop her and waved encouragingly at her.

    As she tried to enter the house for some private space, she identally bumped into Meng Renshu, who was on his way to join the party venue. He quickly caught her by the shoulder to steady her.

    "Oops. Why are you always in a hurry whenever we meet?" Meng Renshu chuckled.

    "I didn''t see you. Sorry about that. Now, if you''ll excuse me."

    "Wait, where are you going to go? I saw Xiaohua with Shao Jingfei in the front, and she said the party would start soon. We can''t start without the star of the event."

    "Oh, it will only take a minute. I have to fetch something from my room." Li Caiyi made an excuse on the spot, and for once, Meng Renshu seemed to actually buy it.

    "I see, so you are heading back to your room. Then bring this with you as well." Meng Renshu smiled as he pulled out a small box from his inside pocket. It was a silver rectangle-shaped box wrapped with a white ribbon.

    "Happy birthday, Xiaoyi. Thank you for being born in this world."

    For a moment, Li Caiyi couldn''t think of anything to respond. She didn''t expect him to give her a gift. This was her first birthday after a long time. When was thest time he personally gave her a birthday present?<sub> </sub>

    And hisst sentence also caught her off guard. He looked frank when he said that, as if that was the best thing to ever happen to him.

    "Oh, thank you, Brother Renshu." Li Caiyi stiffly replied as she received the gift. Since it felt awkward, she quickly added, "You should find somewhere to sit first. I''ll be back soon."

    "En. Then, I will search for Junjie outside. Come back soon."

    After saying that, he walked past her and over to the table where Li Junjie had been sitting with a bored expression. Li Caiyi gave them onest look before she returned to her room.

    Once inside, she put the present from Meng Renshu on top of the table and checked on her phone. The good news was that she received one missed call; the bad news was that it wasn''t from Dai Zhiqiang but from his brother.

    Li Caiyi''s whole body shrunk in disappointment. However, she soon became curious. She had invited the Dai brothers to her birthday party, but none of them showed up.

    If it were only Dai Zhiqiang, then she could consider it as him being busy like usual, but Dai Shenqiang was very excited when she told him about the party. The younger boy said he would never miss it, yet there was no sign of him up until now.

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling. She might be too paranoid about this, but hopefully, nothing bad happened. She clicked the redial button and waited anxiously for the call to connect.

    It rang for a few moments before it finally picked up. "Shenqiang? I''m sorry I didn''t hear your call just now. Where are you now? I haven''t seen you anywhere so far."

    "....."

    It was so silent; she had to look at her phone screen to ensure the call was still connected. "Shenqiang?"

    "Sob. Caiyi, what should I do?"

    Li Caiyi stood up in rm when she heard him crying. "Are you crying? What happened to you?!"

    It was hard to determine what he said with all his sobbing and huping. The anxiety level within her had almost reached its max level. "Shenqiang, calm down and exin to me slowly. It''s okay. I will be with you."

    He took a deep breath before speaking in a shaky voice. "I''m sorry, I''m really sorry. My brother said I shouldn''t call you because today is supposed to be a happy day. But, but, I just couldn''t resistˇ­Ughˇ­ I''m some."

    <o>,m "Wait, Zhi is currently with you right now?"</o>

    Li Caiyi felt even more anxious now. If there was a reason for Dai Shenqiang to cry like this, and Dai Zhiqiang refused to tell her about it to not make her sad, there could only be a reason.

    All blood drained from her face as she started thinking about the worst possible scenario. "Please tell me the truth. Did something happen to Zhi? Is he hurt?"

    "N-No, that''s not itˇ­."

    Li Caiyi almost breathed a sigh of relief, but his following sentence made her mind go nk.

    "It''s not my brother; it''s our father. Caiyi, what should I do? I''m afraid Father will not make it, and Brother hasn''t eaten anything since yesterday. You are the only one I can rely on now."

    After saying that, he cried again while Li Caiyi tried hard not to freak out. She took a deep breath before snatching her purse and quickly running out of the room.

    "Don''t cry. I will be there as soon as possible!"

    Li Caiyi didn''t stop even when she ran past Li Chunhua and Shao Jingfei at the front door.

    "Xiaoyi, wait! Where are you going?!"

    Li Caiyi could hear her sister calling her out from behind, and she felt terrible leaving like this. But there was no way she could continue having fun while knowing Dai Bolin was dying.

    Ultimately, she left her house while promising inwardly to make it up to Li Chunhuater.

    Her mind was busy thinking about the Dai brothers, especially her clumsy and awkward boyfriend.

    Just thinking how heartbroken he must be right now was enough to make tears well up in her eyes. Even so, he refused to tell her anything because he didn''t want to ruin her happy day.

    "That idiot! I''ll scold him to my heart''s contentter!"

 Chapter 509 Yue Lings Plea

    Li Caiyi was still wearing her dress when she rushed to the hospital, so her appearance caught people''s attention. The deep purple dress fluttered around her legs, making her look like a floating fairy.

    Oblivious to people staring at her, Li Caiyi kept walking with her head full of worrisome thoughts. She really hoped Dai Bolin would get through this safely.

    After asking around and finally arriving at Dai Bolin''s surgery chamber, she first saw Dai Shenqiang, who curled himself into a ball on the bench in front of the room. Dai Zhiqiang was nowhere in sight.

    "Shenqiang!"

    The boy was startled and slowly lifted his face. His eyes were swollen, and traces of dry tears littered his face. He couldn''t even force himself to smile anymore.

    "Caiyi. You are here."

    Li Caiyi quickly held him tightly. This boy was still very young to experience the loss of both parents. Faced with a vulnerable state, she found herself at a loss for what to say.

    His ice-like body snuggled closer to her instinctively, like searching for warmth. It felt like he was enveloped in a cocoon. Dai Shenqiang shut his eyes, thinking how nice it would be if she could keep embracing him like this.

    "Shenqiang, where is your brother?"

    The question was riddled with concern. It dispelled the illusion of having her to himself, even for a moment. Dai Shenqiang''s expression turned gloomy again as he finally regained his wits together.

    ''That''s right. Of course, Caiyi will ask about my brother because that''s why she''s here in the first ce,'' Dai Shenqiang thought darkly. Even though he knew he shouldn''t feel like this, he couldn''t help but envy his brother.

    He slowly removed himself from her embrace and hugged himself into a ball again. "He is here just now. But he left with that woman."

    "Thatˇ­woman?"

    "Our mother. Didn''t I mention it once before?"

    There was a heavy rm sound in Li Caiyi''s head. Dai Zhiqiang still couldn''t forgive his mother to this day, and seeing her today out of the other day must have devastated him so much. He could barely keep his calm thest time he met her.

    A shback of Dai Zhiqiang''s frightening side appeared in her mind. She could never forget how he quickly grabbed Lu Ruan''s neck and almost broke it.

    "You should go after him." Dai Shenqiang said weakly. "He probably didn''t want me to feel distressed, so he brought that woman away from here. He told me not to follow him and kept my eyes on Father."

    Li Caiyi felt a strong urge to do just that. She wanted nothing else but to fly to his side andfort him, but something kept her from doing so. "But if I do that, you''ll be alone here."

    Dai Shenqiang flinched before letting out self-deprecatingughter. "Are you stupid or what? Why are you caring about me when you are clearly making a painful expression like that?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t even notice that. She touched her face as the younger boy''s gaze softened. "Don''t worry about me, and just go. I''m worried about my brother. I''m sure he is also as afraid as me, but he never cried andforted me. Now he has to deal with that woman because I''m too weak to do anything."

    "Shenqiangˇ­" Li Caiyi bit her lips. "Will you really be okay?"

    "Yeah, so just go. Please take care of him."

    Li Caiyi rose from her seat and hugged him tightly. "I''ll be back soon with your brother, so please wait a bit longer, yeah? We will go through this together."

    Just when he was about to hug her back, she had already pulled out and rushed to find Dai Zhiqiang. Only her warmth lingered on his skin.

    Dai Shenqiang felt bittersweet inside.

    ***

    Li Caiyi looked around frantically. Knowing him, he must haven''t gone that far. He could never leave when his father and brother were currently in a miserable state like this.

    Her hair, tied in a bun, was all messy, and her dress was sticky with sweat. Li Caiyi regretted that she came here without changing her outfit first. This dress really made it hard for her to move around.

    Dai Shenqiang''s condition was much worse than she thought, making her uneasy about leaving him alone for too long. She had to find Dai Zhiqiang as soon as possible ande back.

    "Haaˇ­Haˇ­ Just where is he?" Li Caiyi wiped the beads of sweat on her neck while breathing heavily.

    She asked around, but no one saw Dai Zhiqiang and her mother. So she had no choice but to search cluelessly. Then, she remembered the hospital garden where she and Dai Zhiqiang spent time together.

    Li Caiyi''s hunch was correct this time. From afar, she could already see Dai Zhiqiang''s towering body. Then the tiny woman standing not far from him must be Yue Ling, the Dai brother''s biological mother.<sub> </sub>

    Feeling extremely relieved, she slowed down her steps. That was when she heard him shout.

    "Just leave! We don''t need you here!"

    "Zhiqiangˇ­"

    The chilly atmosphere most likely wasn''t caused by the cold night wind. Li Caiyi stepped closer while reducing her sense of presence. She felt heartbroken when she saw how worn Dai Zhiqiang was.

    "Can''t you just let me stay until your father''s surgery is done? I promise I will stay silent in the corner like a dead person. I won''t try to talk to you or your brother."

    "Stop acting as if you care after all this time! I have been pretty tolerant of you, so why did youe here and cause trouble? You promised you would never show yourself in front of Shenqiang again!"

    "Please, I wouldn''t be able to sleep if I left just like this."

    Dai Zhiqiang sneered. "Why? Did your new rich husband not treat you well, so you came here to seekfort for your lonely soul? Treating us like something you can use only when it is convenient. You disgust me."

    There was so much loathing in his voice, but Li Caiyi could also sense a slight sadness. It hurt seeing him suffer like that.

    "Youˇ­How did youˇ­." Yue Ling stuttered in disbelief.

    "Do you think I''m still the same clueless boy you can trick? Father believes you have the purest intention, but not me, so I did my investigation. You didn''t wear your ring every time you came to visit, why is that? Are you trying to trick yourself into thinking that you somehow still have a ce in my family like that?"

    "No, I didn''t mean it like that. I was justˇ­."

    "Whatever your reason is, I''m not interested. I don''t care whether you live well or not because you are nothing to us now. Stop concerning yourself with other family matters and just take care of your own, Madam."

    Li Caiyi watched Yue Ling''s body shake like a leaf as she cried. She was already small from the beginning and looked like she could be blown away by the wind anytime.

    What she did toward the Dai family was wrong. However, it still made her ufortable to see Dai Zhiqiang hurting himself just so he could inflict wounds on a person who once mattered so much to him.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t stand it, so she slowly came out of her hiding.

    "Who''s there?!" Dai Zhiqiang shouted as he jerked his head towards her. But his rigid face immediately softened when he saw her. "Caiyi, what are you doing here?"

    Li Caiyi smiled and held his cold hand gently. He was initially surprised, butter, he felt like melting on the spot because her gaze on him dripped with so much sweetness.

    "I came to pick you up. We shouldn''t leave Shenqiang alone for too long. It must be hard for him to wait alone."

    "Ah, you are right. But before thatˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang shifted his gaze to his mother again. "Since you broke our promise first, you are not allowed toe anywhere near my family after this. I''ll be watching you."

    "Wait!" Yue Ling suddenly came forward and grabbed Li Caiyi''s other hand. There was desperateness in her eyes like she was thest person she could depend on. "Miss Caiyi, right? I saw you the other day as well. Are you Zhiqiang''s girlfriend, by chance?"

    "What do you think you are doing?" Dai Zhiqiang pried her hand away from Li Caiyi while ring sharply. He had his other hand around her waist protectively.

    "I just want to talk with her."

    "Don''t think I don''t know what you have in mind. You can''t argue with me, and now you want to persuade her to change my mind? Just how much trouble are you nning to cause here?!"

    Yue Ling shed tears again, seeing how ruthless his son treated her. Her helpless gaze slowly darkened and changed into resentment.

    "Zhiqiang, why can''t you give me onest chance to repair everything? Do you know how much courage I built just toe here? Your father allowed me to nurse him, and even Shenqiang must be devastated now. Are you going to stop me just because you don''t like me? Stop being stubborn and selfish! What can a child like you do at a time like this?!"

    "How can you say that?!"

    This time, it wasn''t Dai Zhiqiang who yelled, but Li Caiyi. She tried to hold back since this wasn''t a ce for a third party like her to interfere, but she couldn''t bear listening to Yue Ling anymore.

    "You want to talk with me? Fine, I''ll let you have some of my time."

    "Caiyi, you don''t have toˇŞ"

    Li Caiyi interrupted Dai Zhiqiang''s protest by raising her hand. Her determined gaze locked on Yue Ling''s figure. "You can go back first and apany Shenqiang. Let me have a woman-to-woman talk with your mother."

 Chapter 510 The Story Of A Woman Named Yue Ling

    It took some time to persuade Dai Zhiqiang, but in the end, he agreed to let her talk to his mother. That was how Li Caiyi was stuck in this situation now.

    Both women stood face to face. Yue Ling appeared nervous, but Li Caiyi remained vignt.

    "So? What do you want to talk to me about?" Li Caiyi asked first.

    Yue Ling put her hands together before asking. "You seemed pretty close to the brothers and also my ex-husband. I was wondering whether you are aware...."

    "I have heard the story from Zhiqiang. About you and various other things."

    Yue Ling bit her lips. "I see. Then you must have the worst impression of me. But what you heard was nothing more than a one-sided exnation. None of you know the reason why I did that. No one tried to understand me."

    Li Caiyi felt this woman was very strange. Why did she leave without words if she wanted to be understood that much?

    Moreover, even if she had a good reason for that, it didn''t mean that what she had done could be easily pardoned. The wound she inflicted on the Dai family was deep and irreparable. It was arrogant for her to expect they would ept her readily after all this time.

    However, since this was a chance, Li Caiyi thought it wouldn''t hurt to listen to what the older woman had to say. She wanted to know what reason a woman could have to abandon her caring husband and two lovely kids like that.

    "Fine. Let''s hear about it. What is your reason?"

    "Will you tell Zhiqiang about it after I tell you? If yes, can you persuade him not to be too harsh on me? Yes, I admitted what I did was wrong, but I will try to atone for what I did."

    "Atonement?" Li Caiyi echoed her words. The word never sounded so ludicrous up until now.

    "Ma''am, I think you are mistaken. You are not the one to decide whether what you did is atonement or not. If forcing your way into the Dai family after abandoning them once is the way of your atonement, then you probably should learn the meaning behind that word once again."

    Her tone was neither overbearing nor servile, but the ridicule behind her words was apparent. Yue Ling immediately realized that the young girl in front of her wasn''t a simple one. She felt like she couldn''t underestimate her just because she was younger.

    "Maybe I''m too hasty to call it atonement. You are right. But can you at least hear me out first before judging me?"

    Li Caiyi smiled politely. "You misunderstood me. I simply reminded you that you shouldn''t use the term you are unfamiliar with so carelessly, lest you embarrass yourself."

    Although Li Caiyi couldn''t just stay silent and listen to her spouting nonsense, she never intended to fight with her. No matter what, this person was someone who gave birth to her most beloved person. She didn''t want to put Dai Zhiqiang in a difficult position.

    "I''m sorry for interrupting you. Can you continue what you talked about before?"

    Yue Ling didn''t like this girl who had a smart mouth, but she was the only one who could help her right now. Arguing with her would be counterproductive.

    "After giving birth to Shenqiang, I was depressed for a long time. What do you call it? Postpartum depression? At that time, my ex-husband and I didn''t n for another kid since we didn''t know whether we could afford it. Just having Zhiqiang is already hard enough, so when I knew I got pregnant with another child, that was when everything started."

    Li Caiyi never gave birth to a child before, but she knew how difficult it was to be depressed. Joy, fear, and anxiety seemed to always go hand in hand, and they could easily warp a person''s mind.

    "To be honest, I had a hard time when giving birth to my first child. It was a painful and frightening experience. The doctor said it was a miracle that the baby and mother could make it out safely. Ever since then, I promised myself not to have another kid. However, despite all my precautions, I got pregnant with my second child."

    Li Caiyi could almost predict what would happen next. She heard a lot of simr cases during her time as Madam Meng from other wives.

    "My ex-husband was foolishly thrilled by the news of my second pregnancy without knowing how fearful I was. He didn''t care about how I might lose my life! Or what will happen if the second child is born!

    We were barely making ends meet with just three people, and he still insisted for me to give birth to him. He kept saying we shouldn''t abort him, despite knowing the risk was high. He is a selfish and irresponsible man! I''m honestly sick and fed up with everything!"

    At this point, Yue Ling''s eyes shook wildly with resentment overflowing. She also kept rubbing her forearms, like she was trying to rub off something dirty on her. It was a sign of severe rejection and wasn''t a normal reaction.

    Li Caiyi could feel how much she loathed to remember that memory again.<sub> </sub>

    "Ma''am, please calm down. Everything was in the past now. You are alive, and so is Shenqiang."

    Yue Ling''s movement halted, and she soon put down her hands. "I''m sorry for showing you that embarrassing scene. My condition is better now, but I will asionally react strongly."

    "That''s fine. So you abandon everything because you can''t ovee your depression?"

    Yue Ling didn''t answer immediately. Her forlorn expression looked even frailer under the moonlight.

    "I was happy and afraid at the same time when Shenqiang was born. For me, that baby is like proof of my powerlessness and something that almost killed me. A few times, I wanted to hurt him without reason, and that scared me. I consulted with the doctor, and I found out that my heart is sick."

    To think depression could warp a person''s mind to that extent, Li Caiyi could only imagine how much she had suffered. She constantly feared her child and herself for wanting to harm that sinless child.

    "Your husband... I mean, Uncle, did he know about this?"

    "Our financial situation wasn''t that good. With an additional head to feed, he was always busy with work and often took overtime. I told him once, but he brushed it off by saying I should be stronger for our kids and not overthink useless things." Yue Ling sneered. "It made me feel unpleasant to hear him talking righteously like that, so I never talked to him about it again."

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect this conversation to turn dark this fast. She grimaced in difort as she listened to Yue Ling''s following words.

    "Thankfully, I have a friend whom I can confide in. Every time I felt that I started to lose my reason, I would call him, and he wouldfort me gently. His words gave me strength to face Shenqiang, something my husband couldn''t do."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "You are an intelligent girl, so you probably could already guess it. That''s right, that person is my childhood friend and my current husband. When I first consulted him about my problem, his wife was still around, so we never crossed the line and only helped each other as childhood friends should.

    But after a few years, his wife was involved in a car ident and lost her life. He was having a hard time, especially since he had to raise his children alone from that point on. So I visited him a few times, and that''s when I began to feel something else toward him."

    Yue Ling''s face was full of adoration when she talked about her current husband.

    As a person who was also abandoned, it hurt Li Caiyi to imagine how Dai Bolin must have felt when he knew his wife had been cheating on him.

    Thankfully, the Dai brothers weren''t here to hear this. It twisted her heart so much; how much hurt would it cause them if they were to know their biological mother chose another person''s children than them?

    "That''s the reason you left, right? Because you felt his family deserves your attention more than your own family?" Li Caiyi asked indignantly, but Yue Ling only calmly smiled.

    "You are still young, so I understand how you might find my decision off-putting, but adults have their own circumstances. You will understand when you are to make your own family someday."

    "Then why did youe back here? If you are so happy with your new family, why did youe here and stir up trouble?"

    Yue Ling sighed. "We finally arrive at the main point. After leaving the Dai family, my husband is generous enough to let me know about what happened to the brothers from time to time. That''s when I discovered that my ex-husband had fallen ill and didn''t have long to live.

    Even though I left them, they were still a part of my flesh, so I can''t leave them just like that. So I came here to persuade him to let me take care of the kids."

    Suddenly, everything seemed to make sense. Why Dai Bolin didn''t chase his ex-wife away, despite knowing how her existence was a thorn in his family''s flesh. Why he implored Dai Zhiqiang to let go of his resentment and look toward the future instead of the past.

    No matter how generous a person could be, there was no way he could forgive a wife who betrayed him that easily. It was strange how he could ept everything as if nothing had happened.

    ''Uncle, so you did everything for the brothers. You don''t want them to live without parents after your passing, so you cling to thest hope.'' Li Caiyi thought bitterly.

    The weight of the decision he had to take was too heavy.

 Chapter 511 Cruel Innocence

    It was almost frustrating how reasonable his decision was. Even though Li Caiyi knew the brothers would rather live in the street than with their mother''s family, if she were in Dai Bolin''s shoes, she probably would make the same decision.

    "Now, do you understand why I must stay by their side? They will live with me sooner orter, so I can''t have them keep pushing me away like this. My ex-husband also wished for that, so can''t you help me to talk some sense to them? Everything is for their own good."

    "....I understand."

    Yue Ling beamed when she heard that. "I know a smart girl like you will understand if you hear me out for a bit. Thank you for epting my request!"

    "I understand now that it was a waste of time listening to you."

    Yue Ling''s smile stiffened as she stared at the younger girl in bewilderment, "I beg your pardon?"

    "I have heard enough, so please leave the two of them alone. As for your request, I refuse."

    Li Caiyi knew she had overstepped her bound. She wasn''t a part of the Dai family, so she had no right to say anything regarding Dai Bolin''s decision. However, when she thought of the brother''s suffering all this time, she felt like she wanted to give Yue Ling a piece of her mind.

    "I don''t know what makes you so confident, but do you think the two of them would be happy if they followed you?"

    "We can cooperate to make it work together! My husband''s family is nice, and he is well-off, too, so they wouldn''t have to worry about anything. It might be awkward, but it''s better than living on the street!"

    "I found it hard to believe that your husband would allow this to happen. And his children couldn''t be happy to ept two strangers into their family so suddenly."

    "No! Everything will be fine if we give them some time. Those children are all nice kids, and even if they throw a tantrum at first, Zhiqiang and Shenqiang just need to listen to them, and everyone will get along in no time."

    "Ha. So you didn''t deny the fact that your husband''s children are actually opposed to this idea?"

    Li Caiyi was baffled beyond words. She really pitied the two brothers now. Their mother thought little of them, to the point that she found no problem in her biological children living under the mercy of other people. No, from the sound of it, it was almost like she already knew what her husband''s children would do to the Dai brothers if they entered the family.

    How could someone livefortably if they were oppressed like that? Either Yue Ling was too optimistic, or she was just too foolish.

    "Ma''am, have you ever asked Zhiqiang or Shenqiang what they thought about this? Do you ever stop considering how they would feel, having to live under the roof of the family who stole their mother from them?"

    "No! Please don''t put it like that. My husband and children did nothing wrong! It was all me, so if they wanted to me someone, they shoulde at me instead." Yue Ling eximed with a troubled look. "I know it won''t be easy for them, but Zhiqiang and Shenqiang are well-behaved children. I''m sure they will like their new family once they get to know them better! We won''t know until we try!"

    Li Caiyi''s head throbbed. The more she listened to her, the less sense her words seemed to make.

    "That''s easy for you to say because you are not the one who will go through the unpleasant experience. If you want them to understand you, why didn''t you talk directly to them and instead ask for me to help?"

    "Because I know they won''t listen to me. They are nice kids, so they will not agree to leave their father''s house after his death with me. They probably will think they will betray their father if they agree. That''s why I want to be by my husband''s side during hisst time, so they can see me as someone they can trust. Only after his death will everything finally fall into the right ce."

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in astonishment. Yue Ling didn''t seem like she was joking, and there was no hint of malice. She looked like she genuinely wished for the best for the Dai brothers.

    However, how she took her ex-husband''s dying wish so lightheartedly was astounding. They were divorced, but shouldn''t a person at least retain sympathy for a dying person?

    "Ma''am, how could you say that so easily? Don''t you feel anything for your ex-husband?"

    "Of course, I pity him, but people will die sooner orter. I actually thought that dying would probably be better for him. That way, both he and the children won''t suffer anymore. It was all for the best."

    Yue Ling said it with such a sweet smile that people could easily overlook how outrageous her words were.

    Li Caiyi felt a surge of nausea filling her as she gazed at her innocent face. She was really grateful Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t here to hear this.<sub> </sub>

    ''This person is clearly not normal. Her innocence is cruel, but the person didn''t even realize it herself.''

    Yue Ling was an abnormality she could neverprehend among all the people she had met in her life. Even though she showed various expressions like remorse and hurt, everything looked so fake, and it was sickening to see.

    "I''m sorry, but you should leave. I don''t think I can waste more time listening to you." Li Caiyi said coldly.

    "Wait! Are you really won''t help me with this?" Yue Ling grabbed her arm to hold her back.

    Li Caiyi could feel worms crawling under her skin, so she pried her hand off of her. "My answer remains no. And you should leave quietly while I''m still ying nice. I don''t think I can handle your insult more than this."

    "What? Did I offend you somehow with my words?"

    "No, you didn''t insult me, but you insulted people I cared about. Ma''am, the universe is not revolving around you, so I advise you to stop behaving outrageously and think twice before you say anything."

    Yue Ling stood up with an offended expression. "H-How rude! I was holding back because you are my Zhiqiang''s girlfriend, but your words are just crossing the line. It seems I have overestimated you. You may look mature, but you are still a kid in the end. You don''t even know how to respect older people."

    "Ma''am, you are the one who crossed the line first. You left the Dai family to pursue your own happiness, and now you want the two brothers to y a happy family drama with you?

    The joke is really not funny. I can''t even pretend tough."

    Yue Ling''s face became red in embarrassment, but Li Caiyi hadn''t finished yet. She felt so frustrated and aggrieved for the Dai family that she had to let it out.

    "So you want to say that the Dai family is the cause of your unhappiness, so they should understand why you left them? You have already inflicted a deep wound in their hearts, and you still want them to witness how happy you are living with your new family? What''s next? Do you want them to congratte you and wish you for your happiness?! Even arrogance should know its bounds."

    Li Caiyi''s words were riddled with mockery that Yue Ling couldn''t stay still. She raised her hand high to give the insolent girl a fierce p, but Li Caiyi quickly avoided to the side. It made Yue Ling lose her bnce and fall unceremoniously to the ground.

    "Agh! How can you avoid it like that? Come here so I can teach a rude girl like you a lesson!"

    Gone was the elegantdy with a refined attitude. Li Caiyi''s words must have triggered something to make the gentle Yue Ling re fiercely at her like she wanted to murder her.

    "Even a child like me knows there isn''t a perfect family in this world. So your idea sounds like nothing but a childish dream to me. It''s nothing but self-fulfillment to get rid of your guilt. Don''t delude yourself into thinking that you do this because you care about the brothers because you clearly only care about herself!"

    "Y-You..." Yue Ling''s whole body trembled, with a pale finger pointing at her. "H-How dare you....!"

    Li Caiyi sneered. "Did I offend you? Or perhaps hurting your feelings? This is nothingpared to what they have to go through. And don''t you dare jinx Uncle like that! He still has two wonderful sons waiting for him, so he will not die that easily! If you want the ''best ending'' so badly, why don''t you try dying yourself? That will save everyone''s time having to deal with you."

    She never knew talking with so many emotions could be this exhausting. Looking down at Yue Ling''s shocked expression, she felt there was no need for more words.

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath before smiling politely again like she hadn''t just cursed someone to die.

    "You look tired, so I''ll have to kindly ask you to go home now. My friend is a very influential person in this hospital, so it''s not hard for me to cklist a certain someone from entering this hospital for the rest of her life. You should understand what I mean by this, right? After all, you seem to be an intelligent woman, Ma''am."

    Yue Ling was rendered speechless. Li Caiyi felt oddly satisfied to see her stupidly stare at her with a gaping mouth. Of course, what she said was just a bluff, but Yue Ling seemed to buy it.

    If it could keep her away from the Dai family, then Li Caiyi didn''t mind even if she had to y the viin role here.

    "Now, if you''ll excuse me."

    Walking past Yue Ling, still sitting on the ground, Li Caiyi rushed toward Dai Bolin''s surgery chamber.

 Chapter 512 Source Of Strength

    As she rushed back, Li Caiyi saw people eating and thought that the brothers perhaps hadn''t eaten anything. So she stopped by the store and bought food and drinks before returning.

    In front of the surgery chamber, the Dai brothers sat with a dark and heavy mood around them. It couldn''t be helped since they must be worried sick about their father, but Li Caiyi wouldn''t allow them to starve themselves.

    "Uncle will be very sad if he sees you guys like this, you know?" Li Caiyi said as lightheartedly as she could. "I bought you guys some food and drinks. You guys probably don''t have any appetite, but you will still have to eat."

    Both of them raised their heads simultaneously. Dai Shenqiang looked visibly relieved, while Dai Zhiqiang had that brooding look on his face as if trying to analyze her.

    "Caiyi, I thought you already went back home because I didn''t see you with my brother."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "How could I leave you two here just like that? You guys should eat first to replenish your energy. Only with that can you wee Uncle back with a smile."

    There was a small gap between where they sat, so Li Caiyi shamelessly filled the gap by squeezing herself in between. It surprised them, but she paid it no heed. Her hand skilfully tore the wrapper of the bread, and she split the bread in half.

    "Here. Take it. I won''t ept no as an answer. It''s not that much food, so you must finish it all."

    The brothers exchanged nces before slowly following her order. They obediently ate when she told them to and felt a little better after filling their empty stomach. Li Caiyi smiled in satisfaction.

    "Caiyi, are you going to go home after this?" Dai Shenqiang asked hesitantly.

    "Why do you keep mentioning that? Do you want me to go home that badly?"

    "No, of course not! It''s just, isn''t tonight supposed to be your birthday party? You came here while still wearing your dress tooˇ­."

    Before Li Caiyi could answer, Dai Zhiqiang had gotten ahead of her. "You should go home now. Nothing would change even if the number of people waiting increased. You should return before your family is worried about you. Don''t worry. I will tell you about the resultter."

    Li Caiyi harrumphed. "I did a favor for you by chasing some disturbance away, and you wanted to kick me as soon as I have no use for you? How cold."

    "Of course, I''m grateful, but we don''t want to be a burden for you."

    "Oh? But your little brother certainly has a different opinion from you."

    Dai Zhiqiang stared sharply at Dai Shenqiang while thetter pretended to be busy drinking water as he avoided his eyes.

    "Stop ring at him. I''m actually happy he has enough sense to tell me about it. Seriously, how can you even think of hiding something so big from me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t answer and only looked down with a conflicted expression. "I don''t know what to do. Perhaps I don''t want you to see me look pathetic like this."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. "I''m really curious about how your mind works. This isn''t something you can control, so why are you so harsh on yourself?"

    "But Iˇ­hurt youst time, didn''t I?"

    She didn''t expect him to bring that up so suddenly. Dai Zhiqiang made a face that roughly said, ''I knew it'', while Dai Shenqiang stared at the two in confusion.

    "What happened? Did the two of you fight?" He asked.

    "It''s not a fight. And Zhiqiang, I''m not that heartless to pretend not to know when you are having a hard time. What kind of person do you think I am?"

    "I know you are a kind person. But that''s precisely what makes it harder for me to tell you." Dai Zhiqiang answered in a small voice, only enough for Li Caiyi to hear.

    She sighed helplessly. "Let''s not talk about that for now. Uncle is currently fighting inside, and I refuse to leave until I make sure he''s alright."

    No one answered her, so she would just take their silence as a form of agreement.

    An hour passed, but there was no sign of the surgery ending anytime soon. Dai Bolin''s condition must be terrible if it took so long for the surgery to finish. The situation wasn''t looking good, and the previously light atmosphere slowly became heavy with anxiety again.

    The two brothers were so tense it unknowingly affected Li Caiyi''s mood too. She came there to be their source of strength. What''s the point if she only added to their stress by freaking out too?

    Feeling like she should do something, Li Caiyi slowly took their hand in both of hers. She gripped them firmly enough to let them know they weren''t alone in this.

    "I''m sure it will be alright. Uncle will not leave you guys easily because he cares about you so much."

    The words felt bitter on her tongue as she knew Dai Bolin''s n to leave them in his ex-wife''s care after his death. She could only hope that Dai Bolin would survive this and stay with the boys longer. How miserable they would be if what Yue Ling said really happened.

    Just when she prayed for the nth time, the light on top of the surgery chamber was turned off, signaling that the surgery was finallypleted. Dai Zhiqiang was the first to leap from his seat when a doctor d in blue surgery outfit came out of the room.

    "Are you the patient''s family?"<sub> </sub>

    "Yes, that''s correct." Dai Zhiqiang nodded. His voice was stiff as he asked with a severe expression, "How is my father''s condition?"

    Behind him, Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang also stared at the doctor with hopeful and anxious faces.

    "The surgery was a sess. Thankfully, your father was treated in time, so we managed to stabilize his condition. His life is no longer in danger; however, he needs to be monitored as closely as possible."

    Their faces brightened instantly as a sigh of relief escaped them simultaneously. The doctor said a few more words before he bade his goodbye, leaving the three of them who cheered on the sessful surgery.

    Li Caiyi was so happy and relieved that tears came out of her eyes. She opened her arms wide and tightly pulled the brothers into a group hug. "I''m so happy for you guys. Thank goodness, Uncle is alright.

    "Caiyi, our family owes you a huge debt. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. My brother sure is lucky to have you as a girlfriend."

    While Dai Shenqiang was busy sayingforting words to her, Dai Zhiqiang said nothing and only patted her back gently.

    ***

    After surgery ended, Dai Bolin was moved to another room. Dai Shenqiang, aware that something had happened between them, tactfully gave them some time to talk as he followed the nurse to Dai Bolin''s room.

    Only Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang were left behind. They stood awkwardly for some time before thetter opened his mouth first.

    "It''s already toote. Let me take you home."

    "No, it''s alright. You must be worried about your father. Stay with him."

    Dai Zhiqiang gave it some thought before speaking, "Then, at least let me see you off."

    "En. Thank you."

    The walk toward the hospital''s entrance felt so long. This was their first meeting after a week or so, and she felt reluctant to end it just like that.

    ''But what should I say? He is exhausted, and the timing is just not right to talk about anything.'' Li Caiyi debated herself.

    She couldn''t decide even until they finally arrived at the side of the road, so she chose to let it go for now.

    "I''m fine up until here. You should go back inside." Li Caiyi smiled. "Don''t forget to eat and take care of yourself."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes shook around wildly. He seemed like he had a lot to say, so she waited patiently for him to continue.

    "Reallyˇ­ I don''t know where to start."

    "About what?"

    "Everything," Dai Zhiqiang reached his hand to gently caress her cheek. The street should be pretty dark, but Li Caiyi could see his conflicted expression clearly. "You are very precious to me. After I hurt you like that, I thought you finally came to hate me."

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat when he slowly put a chaste kiss on her lips. "I didn''t expect you to speak so daringly to my mother like that. I''m sorry for making you go through all that."

    Her eyes widened in astonishment. "Youˇ­. heard everything?"

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled faintly. "There''s no way I will leave you with her alone. I need to make sure she won''t do anything to you."

    Out of all things, he just had to hear his biological mother say all those hurtful things. Li Caiyi felt distressed and heartache for him. "Zhi, IˇŞ"

    He silenced her by kissing her again. This time it lingered long enough to warm her body all over.

    "Don''t feel bad. I never expected anything from that woman, so knowing her true motive behind all this made me feel at ease instead." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled, "And thank you for what you said back then, in our defense. Your words touched me deeply, and they saved me once again."

    Li Caiyi''s breath hitched in her throat when his hand slowly traveled down her back, tracing her spine. It made her legs grow weak.

    "I want everything about you. Even your thoughts and breaths, I want to have all of it. What you saw the other day was the true me. I tried to rein it in, but in the end, I scared and hurt you. I''m sorry for being greedy."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    "Yi Yi, I didn''t have a chance to say it before, but happy birthday. Thank you for loving me and everything I cared about."

 Chapter 513 Punishment For You

    "Thank you for loving me and everything I cared about." Dai Zhiqiang said in a sweet voice.

    "Oh? So you do know I have my birthday today. You are so unresponsive in your text and call that I thought you weren''t aware of it," Li Caiyi said with a pout.

    "About thatˇ­" Dai Zhiqiang briefly removed himself from her. Then, he took out his phone from his pocket. It was cracked as if something had smashed it. "I identally broke my phone yesterday, so I couldn''t get in touch with you. I''m sorry."

    "Thest time you went missing, something also happened to your phone. What exactly did you do to make your phone into this?" Li Caiyi gazed at his phone apprehensively.

    Considering what she witnessed in Ye Wang the other day, she was worried he would be involved in something shady.

    "Are you hurt anywhere?" She asked worriedly as she tried to search his body for any visible injury.

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled. His previously sullen and gloomy heart soared in happiness. "No, I''m fine. It was just my phone that got damaged."

    Li Caiyi''s chest tightened at his soft smile. His temperature under her hand felt like it could burn her. She was in a foul mood earlier today, but everything dissipated when she saw him again. Even she thought she had indulged him too much, but she couldn''t help when he looked at her so lovingly.

    "Zhi, you are misunderstanding somethingˇ­."

    "Hm? What is it?"

    Li Caiyi nced around, and after making sure the coast was clear, she tiptoed as she encircled her arms around his neck. His eyes dted in surprise when she moved closer to whisper in his ears.

    "I''m also a greedy person. Greedy enough to want everything about you, including the people you love. So we are even."

    Her melodious voice sounded like exquisite music in his ears. His face blushed to his ears, and he could only stare at her dumbly for a while like he couldn''t believe what he had just heard.

    Li Caiyi let go of him and took a step back. Seeing his embarrassed face somehow made her even more embarrassed. "Ahem. So that''s that. I''m upset because you did it without my consent and in a ce where anyone can see us, but it''s not like I hate it or anything."

    "So, is it okay if I do it when we are alone?" Dai Zhiqiang asked meaningfully. His brows arched in amusement.

    She already said this much, and he still wanted her to say more? Li Caiyi felt he became more and more unscrupulous as time passed by.

    "Well, I don''t know about that. More importantly, I have to go now!"

    "Yi Yi, do you want toe to my house tomorrow?"

    Li Caiyi automatically raised her head to stare at him in astonishment. A moment after that, a blush crept up her face.

    After their talk about excessive skinship, he asked her toe to his house. Was this some kind of a sign from him that he wanted to continue where they left off?

    Recalling how wild and masculine he was thest time, Li Caiyi felt her heart would explode.

    "Is that a no?" Dai Zhiqiang asked dejectedly, like a sad puppy. "Well, if you don''t want to, then we canˇŞ"

    "Let''s go! I want to go!" Li Caiyi answered quickly, almost embarrassingly too eager. But it would be her first visit to the Dai house after a long time, and they would spend their time together too. Could she be med for getting excited?

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled before nting a peck on her lips again. "You are so cute I want to take a bite of you again. But I will be patient until tomorrow."

    ***

    Li Caiyi''s mind was so full of sweet and fluffy clouds throughout the journey that shepletely forgot that she had run away from her birthday party. When the taxi she rode on stopped in front of the Li family house, her whole body tensed in anxiety.

    She was away for hours, so it wasn''t surprising to see that the garden had been cleaned and the decorations were already taken off.

    The party was over, but she didn''t make it as expected.

    Li Caiyi hesitated for some time before she finally entered the house. To her surprise, it wasn''t Li Chunhua or Su Suyin who waited for her but Li Junjie.

    He elegantly sat in the living room with her legs folded, with a book in his hand. He calmly raised his head when he heard her enter, but his face was as expressionless as ever. It made her even more nervous.

    "Brother, you aren''t sleeping yet?"<sub> </sub>

    "Mother and Xiaohua are worried sick of a certain someone who left without saying a word. Since they looked tired, I told them I''d wait for you in their stead."

    A pang of guilt hit her chest. To prepare for the party, Li Chunhua exerted so much effort, and the menu was prepared by Su Suyin, who only ordered the twins'' favorite food to be served. Li Caiyi didn''t help them with anything, and in the end, she disappointed them by ditching it like that.

    "...I see. I''m sorry for causing trouble for everyone." Li Caiyi said as she looked down, not daring to meet her brother''s piercing eyes.

    "Your friends are worried about you. They kept asking where you were when they didn''t see youing out of the house, even after the party started. Make sure you apologize to everyer for the inconvenience you caused."

    He didn''t hold back as usual. Li Caiyi thought she deserved this, so she nodded obediently. "I understand."

    "Where did you run off to? Xiaohua said you looked panicked as you rushed out earlier."

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheeks awkwardly, without knowing where she should begin. She wondered if her brother was even aware that she was going out with Dai Zhiqiang?

    "What''s wrong? Shouldn''t you at least exin the reason so I can decide what kind of punishment I should give you?"

    "What?" Li Caiyi looked up at him in confusion.

    "We didn''t invite many people, but some of them were Mother''s friends who were pretty influential, and your action made us lose face in front of those people. As the head of the family, I have the right to punish you." Li Junjie said tly, but the aura he exuded was overbearing.

    "That makes senseˇ­." Li Caiyi trailed off a bit before she exined what happened. He didn''t react, so there was no telling whether he was simply annoyed or furious.

    After she finished exining, Li Junjie put his book onto the table before speaking, "As a punishment, you shall live here for a month. Without question."

    "What? That''s it?" Li Caiyi asked in surprise. She kind of expected the punishment to be more dreadful, considering it was Li Junjie who brought it up.

    "Why? You want to be punished for doing house chores while you are at it?"

    "...No, Brother Jie. I''ll do as you say."

    Li Junjie stood up once the conversation was wrapped up like he couldn''t waste more time talking about this. "You must be tired, so just sleep here. I''ll be returning to my room."

    After he left, Li Caiyi sighed in exhaustion. Talking with her brother is always sessful in robbing a few years of her life.

    She looked around the house as she leaned back on the sofa''s backrest. Compared to the time when she lived here, there were a lot of changes made. The atmosphere around the house was different, too, not that the oppressive Li Jirong was no longer there.

    But it was still the same space where she didn''t belong. The discrepancy threw her off, and it made her mood heavier.

    Even if her family''s attitude towards her improved, this ce still didn''t feel like her home. There were just too many bad memories here.

    "I have to live with them again for a month. It was punishment indeed, in a way." Li Caiyi let out a peal of self-deprecatingughter before dragging her feet to her room.

    She would think about how to apologize to everyone tomorrow. For now, she needed to rest.

    ***

    "It can''t be helped if that''s the case. I hope your friend''s father is doing okay now," Su Suyin said with concern.

    The Li family sat together in the dining room to have breakfast. Among them, Su Suyin had the brightest face among them all. "But I''m so happy you will stay here for a month. This is your house, so what about you just move back here?"

    Li Caiyi smiled weakly, almost helpless. "Mother, I can''t do that, and you know why."

    "Yes, but there''s no harm in trying. Oh, try this one too. It''s delicious," Su Suyin cheerfully said as she ced more and more side dishes on her te. She was grateful for her mother''s care.

    It was a peaceful morning, saved for one person who ate with a dark face. Li Caiyi should have known about this, but the cold aura around Li Chunhua was biting her skin.

    Her sister usually liked to cling to her, but she deliberately looked away this morning when their gaze met. Apparently, Li Chunhua waspletely upset with her.

    ''Well, I promised to spend my birthday together with her. She also put a lot of effort into yesterday''s party. No wonder she is angry.'' Li Caiyi thought guiltily. The egg roll in her mouth felt nd for some reason.

 Chapter 514 Clumsy Approach

    After they finished their breakfast, Li Chunhua didn''t waste another second and left for school first. That never happened before unless something urgent came up.

    Li Caiyi sighed, thinking that this would be a problemter.

    Li Chunhua wasn''t someone to be provoked. No one could tell what she would do next if they crossed her.

    "Mother, thank you for the food. I''m also finished." Li Caiyi smiled gratefully before picking up her bag to follow Li Chunhua.

    "O-Oh yeah. Be careful on your way," Su Suyin nced at Li Junjie, who calmly sipped his morning coffee unhurriedly. He looked as disinterested as always, so Su Suyin could only sigh in worry. "I hope they can make up soon. This is disheartening, especially when we finally gathered together."

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi tried hard to catch up with her sister, who could actually walk fast despite her weak physique. "Xiaohua, wait for me!"

    Instead of stopping or answering, she hastened her steps, almost breaking into a run. Li Caiyi was worried something would happen, so she quickly added, "Wait, I get it! I won''t chase after you, so don''t run anymore!"

    Only then did Li Chunhua slow down. Li Caiyi could neither stop nor talk to her, so she only walked behind her sister, watching over her.

    "Xiaohua, I''m sorry for breaking my promise. If you give me another chance, I promise I will make it up to you."

    Li Chunhua: "...."

    Apologizing directly wouldn''t work. What else to say?

    Li Caiyi racked her brain before speaking up again, "I was really looking forward to it too, but there was no way I could have fun after hearing what happened to Dai Zhiqiang''s father. Though, I know you must have been very disappointed. The party was amazing, it was a shame I couldn''t spend it with you this year. Let''s have another party next year! This time, I''ll help you with the preparation too!"

    Li Chunhua''s steps halted, which automatically made Li Caiyi stop on her track. She could feel something was off with her.

    "Xiaohua?"

    "Next year? Are you sure we really have another opportunity for that?" Li Chunhua said without turning around. Perhaps it was because of the wind, but her voice sounded shaky. "We don''t even know if I can make it through another year."

    "What are you saying!" Li Caiyi rebutted in a hurry. "The doctor also said your condition has been stabletely. You will be fine, Xiaohua!"

    ''I''ll make sure we have another birthday party even if I have to risk my life for it!''

    Or so she wanted to say, but she swallowed them back again. Instead, she spoke gloomily, "Please don''t say sad things like that. I hate it."

    "Well, you did a good job making me feel like that! You always said you would stay by my side, but whenever I thought we could finally get closer again, you either pushed me away or left me behind!"

    Li Chunhua sniffed, "I understand that you find it difficult to ept me again after everything I did to you, so I tried to keep my distance. Am I asking too much for wanting to celebrate our birthday together?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say.

    What she heard must be the umtion of grievance that she suffered. Thinking back, no matter how much she tried to keep Li Chunhua away, she always bounced back to her like it was the most natural thing to do.

    But it seemed Li Caiyi really hurt her deeply this time. To the point her obsessive sister refused to look her in the eyes.

    "What are you two doing arguing in the middle of the street?"

    The twins didn''t have to turn back to recognize who was the owner of that t and disinterested voice. From behind them, Li Junjie approached with both hands in his pocket.

    "You guys are going to bete for school. Save this argument forter."

    "Brother Jie, I envy you sometimes," Li Chunhua said in a sarcastic tone. "Nothing could faze you, not even when you see your family members are in dispute."

    "I certainly am worthy of being an object of envy, but are you sure you want to act like this where people can see you?"

    As he said, their argument seemed to attract passerby''s attention. It wasn''t every day you could see twins with identical faces fighting, after all. Li Chunhua harrumphed before stomping her way to the school again, leaving her siblings behind.

    "What a bad temper she had," Li Junjie sighed before turning to Li Caiyi. "And I can see you are in a bad mood after failing to coax her."

    "Can you please not state the obvious?" Li Caiyi massaged her throbbing temple with a troubled expression on her face. "Brother Jie, I messed up a big time this time."

    "Let''s talk while walking. We can''t bete for school."

    At this point, Li Caiyi couldn''t care less about the school, but she still dragged her feet into following him. While walking, she gradually noticed something important. Her brother would deliberately slow down his steps to walk side by side. Usually, he wouldn''t care and followed his own pace.

    Li Junjie also intervened when the situation became unpleasant for both sisters. The past him wouldn''t bat an eye, or he would walk past them while pretending not to see.

    What kind of ghost was possessing him today? Was he trying to be considerate to her? Instead of feeling happy, Li Caiyi felt crept out instead. They said if a person did something out of their character, that person would die.

    "Ehm, Brother Jie? You can go ahead if you want."

    "I feel like taking my time to school today. Don''t worry about it."<sub> </sub>

    Wasn''t he who kept repeating that they couldn''t bete for school? She couldn''t even say she wanted to go on ahead because it would feel more awkward.

    Li Caiyi regretted not running after Li Chunhua earlier. Now she had to walk with her weird brother.

    "You should talk to Xiaohua again once her mood is better."

    "Ah? Oh," Li Caiyi fumbled with her words as she was caught off guard. Li Junjie actually took the initiative to give her advice? Would the sun rise from the west tomorrow?

    Oblivious to her shock, he continued, "Did you prepare anything for her?"

    "....I prepared a cute bracelet as her birthday present. But why did you ask?"

    "Bring it out the next time you talk to her. She''ll be easier to talk to after that."

    Putting aside her surprise, Li Caiyi thought what he said was reasonable. She was so busy thinking about how to make up with her sister that she forgot she hadn''t given her a present yet.

    "You are right. I will try to follow your adviceter. Thanks, Brother Jie." Li Caiyi thanked him sincerely with a bright face.

    Her reaction was too optimistic. It made him stiffen in ce. Li Junjie wasn''t used to a situation like this, so he only gave a vague nod before hastening his steps.

    Li Caiyi chuckled in amusement, seeing his confused back.

    ''What? So he can act like a decent human being. Well, at least he tried.''

    She probably had gone insane thinking her brother''s clumsy approach was cute. He used to have this unreachable aura around him. Still, he took the initiative to help her mend her rtionship with Li Chunhua. That thought alone made her feel warm inside.

    "Ah, wait for me, Brother!" She shouted as she rushed to his side again.

    ***

    "I''m so stupid! Why? Why did I have to act stubbornly like that?!"

    Shao Jingfei was at a loss for words. As soon as the bell for lunch break rang, Li Chunhua appeared out of nowhere and dragged him from his ss to the backyard. Then she forced him to sit down and listen to her rants.

    "Hey, not to break the mood or anything, but I haven''t eaten anything, you know?"

    "Ugh. You whine too much sometimes! Eat this," Li Chunhua threw him a stic bag with various pieces of bread inside. Shao Jingfei giggled and epted his ''tribute'' gratefully.

    "From your words, I take that your talk with Caiyi didn''t work out?"

    Li Chunhua frowned. "What''s with that bored tone? Aren''t you supposed to give me an idea on how to solve this mess?!"

    Shao Jingfei blocked his ears, so he didn''t have to hear her loud voice. He was tempted to just leave this troublesome princess behind, but she would yell again if he did that.

    "Well, not every problem needs aplicated solution, my friend. And this one is an example from it."

    "Butˇ­But I spoke so harshly to her earlier. I''m so bad with things like this. Now everything has turned very awkward between us!"

    Shao Jingfei stared at her weirdly. "Say, I have been wondering, but why do you like Caiyi so much?"

    "What kind of question is that? She is my sister, so of course, I like her!"

    "But, I never see you behave like this toward your older brother."

    Li Chunhua shook her head while saying in a mocking tone, "A human only likes fellow humans. How can I feel so strongly toward a machine?"

    "You are so rude. Senior Li would cry if he heard that."

    "Hahaha! If that happens, that will be a legendary moment worthy of being recorded in history."

    Shao Jingfei scratched his cheek, slightly feeling sorry for Li Junjie.

    "Well, putting that aside, I don''t think you should do anything this time. Although Caiyi had her own reason, she wasn''tpletely meless in this. You were working hard for that party, so you deserved an apology from her."

    Li Chunhua yed with her hair as she felt conflicted inside. "Do you think she will apologize again?"

    "Yeah. Caiyi is a responsible person. I''m sure she feels bad for you after leaving the party like that."

    "...If you said so, I''ll forgive her next time."

    Shao Jingfei chuckled. "You just want to use me as an excuse to let go of your silly pride. Just say you are upset that she chose to apany her boyfriend over you on your important day."

 Chapter 515 Changes Happened Around Her

    Li Chunhua was about to retort, but Shao Jingfei''s phone suddenly rang. The boy checked on his phone, and a scowl formed on his face. Without hesitation, he rejected the call.

    "Why didn''t you pick up the call?" Li Chunhua asked in wonder.

    "It''s not important anyway. My brother will probably call me to nag at me again."

    Li Chunhua hummed in understanding. "Come to think of it, you seem busier these days. Did something happen?"

    Shao Jingfei shrugged. "Nothing much. My family had grown restless after the raid at our anniversary party the other day. I wasn''t informed of the details too, but not that it concerned me."

    "Oh yeah. Is your father alright after that incident? If I remember correctly, he was kidnapped separately from the others, right?"

    "Yeah. But it seems those terrorists weren''t nning to harm him. The leader of the group only wanted to talk with him. He refused to divulge any information regarding that, though."

    "Hmm, that''s kind of suspicious." Li Chunhua blurted the first thing that came to her mind but realized she probably had misspokenter. "Oh! I didn''t imply anything when I said that. I''m sure your father has no rtion to those people."

    Shao Jingfeiughed. "You don''t have to be so careful around me. Anyone who knew about that would feel suspicious. That''s why the police have be frequent visitors to ourpany. Apparently, their investigation is stuck, but they can''t force my old man to talk."

    "Well, I can see why it will bother your family. But are you alright with that too?"

    "Huh, what do you mean?"

    Li Chunhua was about to ask whether he felt worried for his family, but perhaps that would be a stupid question, so she changed her question. "Wouldn''t it disturb your work if the police loitered around your workce?"

    "It''s fine. No unauthorized personnel can get through the first floor, so although their presence caused some uneasiness, they didn''t disturb our work."

    "Thank goodness. So it shouldn''t be bothering Xiaoyi, right?"

    "She didn''t even work in thepany; you are worrying too much."

    "I can''t help it. Xiaoyi is just that important to me. If I lose her, I think I will die too."

    "What''s with that? Even though the two of you are twins, you guys are still a separate entity."

    Li Chunhua twirled her hair even more with inexplicable emotion on her face. "No. My life would be meaningless without her. There is no point in living like a dead person. Dying is scary, but I''m more scared of dying after my sister."

    Shao Jingfei could tell she was serious when she said that. Was that her way of saying she would kill herself if something happened to Li Caiyi? The amount of devotion she had was mind-blowing.

    It was a bit scary but admirable at the same time. After his mother''s passing, Shao Jingfei refused to let anyone enter his heart too deeply. He felt like he would really break if he had to lose someone important to him again.

    Listening to Li Chunhua talk about how she didn''t mind throwing her life away like that made him ufortable and restless. Although he couldn''t tell the reason behind it.

    "Chunhua, promise me you won''t skip your therapy session."

    "Why are you suddenly bringing that up? Let me tell you, I''ve never skipped any session so far."

    The lunch break ended without Shao Jingfei being able to eat anything.

    ***

    The first thing Li Caiyi did after she returned was to grab her present for Li Chunhua. However, her sister seemed adamant about avoiding her because she left the school before Li Caiyi and hadn''t returned home until now.

    "Perhaps she is busy, don''t mind it too much." Su Suyinforted her as she pruned a tree branch. "She will return when it''s time for dinner. You can give her the present at that time."

    "Yes. But Mother, don''t you feel worried about letting Xiaohua outside without supervision?"

    Su Suyin still remembered how she would reprimand Li Caiyi harshly if she took her eyes off her sister even for a second. With an apologetic look, she said, "I only focused on her physical health, that I neglected her mental health. After you convinced me to let a psychologist check on her, I decided not to bind Xiaohua too strictly.

    Lately, she is always talking about how enjoyable the school has been. ording to the psychologist in charge of her, Xiaohua showed promising signs of recuperating, and I didn''t want to impede that growth."

    "I see. That must be a tough decision to make for you, Mother. You cherish her so much like a pearl in your hand."

    "Xiaoyi, I would do the same if it were you too!"

    Li Caiyi was stunned. She didn''t mean that her words had a double meaning, but her mother seemed to misunderstand her. "Mother, you don''t have to feel concerned about me. I didn''t mean anything by what I said."

    Su Suyin held her hand gently. "After you left the house, I have repeatedly reflected on my mistakes. I don''t deserve to say this after everything I put you through, but you are my child, and there''s no denying that. Please don''t think you are any less than your brother and sister just because ipetent parents like me."<sub> </sub>

    Her mother''s heartfelt words left a deep trace on her. Regret and sadness surged inside her, thinking about how happy she would have been if Su Suyin had said those words before everything got toote.

    There were so many changes that happened after she returned to the past. A dream-like scene in front of her was actually a reality.

    Unsure of what to say, Li Caiyi slowly retracted her hand from her mother''s grasp.

    "It was all in the past, Mother. I''m not the same child who used to think lowly of myself, and I bear no grudge against you."

    "Even if you did, I wouldn''t dare to hold it against you because you have every right to feel like that. I''m actually surprised you agreed to stay here for a month."

    Li Caiyiughed dryly before changing the topic. "Since Xiaohua isn''t home, I will go out too."

    "Where are you going?"

    "I want to visit my friend''s father in the hospital."

    Su Suyin smiled meaningfully. "Are you sure it''s only a ''friend''? Both of my daughters seem to be pretty close to boystely."

    There was no reason for her to hide it, but Li Caiyi felt now wasn''t the right time to tell her mother about her rtionship with Dai Zhiqiang.

    "You read too much into it, Mother. I need to go now!"

    Before Su Suyin could barrage her with questions, Li Caiyi quickly walked out of the house.

    ***

    "You''re here earlier than I thought," Dai Zhiqiang smiled at her right after he opened the door.

    "I''m so curious about this thing you want to show me that I can''t help bute quicker," Li Caiyi answered while entering the Dai family''s house.

    It had been a while since she came here, but everything was still the same as thest time she remembered.

    "Is Shenqiang not here?" Li Caiyi asked as she looked around.

    "No. He is still waiting for my father to regain consciousness," Dai Zhiqiang replied gloomily.

    "I see," Li Caiyi couldn''t help but think about Dai Bolin again. Although the doctor said his life was no longer in danger, there was no guarantee his sickness wouldn''t rpse again.

    She looked up at Dai Zhiqiang and gingerly yed with his fingers affectionately. "Are you okay? Did you have enough sleep?"

    "It wasn''t easy, but Shenqiang and I had been taking a turn watching over my father."

    "What about your work?"

    "My boss allowed me to stay by my father''s side for now. But I don''t know when he will ask me to return to work."

    "Can''t you ask for some days off? Your father is in a precarious condition now." Li Caiyi asked, annoyed that his boss didn''t give him much time.

    Dai Zhiqiang intertwined their hands as he smiled, "There''s no helping it. I owe the boss a big debt. I will visit my father whenever I''m free, so you don''t have to worry."

    "Seriously, what kind of work did you do to demand so much of your time? You rarelye to school and can''t stay by your father''s side for long. I don''t believe you are there simply to be a bodyguard."

    Thest time she went to Ye Wang, it looked like Dai Zhiqiang had some significant influence on the group. Wouldn''t typically someone like that has more leisure in taking days off?

    "Tell me the truth. Did something happen in your workce? I noticed how you have be more and more distant these days. What exactly did your boss do? And why did he need you, a mere high schooler, so much? I won''t let you get away without answering this time," Li Caiyi pulled out her hand and crossed her arms, expressing her defiance.

    "That''sˇ­I can''t tell youˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang answered hesitantly. It made her squint her eyes further in suspicion.

    "I knew it. You have been involved in something dangerous, aren''t you?"

    "Why would you think like that? Yi Yi, you don''t have to worry about it."

    The more he tried to hide it, the more annoyed Li Caiyi became. However, she was determined to hear the reason from his mouth today.

    "How about this? If you answer my question, then I will also answer one question from you. I''m sure you also still have something you want to ask me, correct?"

 Chapter 516 Information Trading Agency

    Dai Zhiqiang threw a skeptical gaze at her. Although hesitant, Li Caiyi could tell her offer piqued his interest.

    "You didn''t let me finish my exnation the other day. Aren''t you curious about it?"

    "Of course, I''m curious. But I don''t know if I can reveal anything to you. I have sworn to secrecy, after all."

    "Why are you so inflexible?! Do I look like someone who will spread the secret? I will pretend I didn''t know anything after hearing your story."

    Dai Zhiqiang still looked unsure. "And I''m afraid you will scold me a lot after you find out."

    "So you think I will scold you if I hear the real reason. All more reason for you to spill the beans now!" Li Caiyi grabbed him by the cor and pulled him closer as she gazed into his eyes firmly.

    "You have a lot of things on your te. That''s why I tried to be understanding and never forced you to tell me anything without realizing it only drove us apart. Zhi, are you really fine with this?"

    He averted his eyes from her. A troubled look shed across his face before a sigh escaped his lips. "Yi Yi, the less you know about me, the safer it will be for you."

    "And yet you were suspicious of me and refused to listen to my exnation because you are jealous. This is too much! Why am I the only one who always has to be understanding here?"

    "That''s different. You might be targeted after you know what kind of work I have been doing."

    "I knew it. You are involved in something dangerous, aren''t you?"

    Energy left her arms, loosening her hold on him. Dai Zhiqiang felt terrible making her upset like that. When he asked her toe to his ce, he didn''t n it to turn out like this. It had been a while, so he spoke too much, making her worry unnecessarily.

    "I won''t hide it from you. The boss indeed asked me to do something, and it took up much of my time. I could barely make some time to watch over Father, much less to spend some quality time with you. I''m sorry for being selfish."

    "Zhi, I''m so scared right now. I don''t want to be separated from you again."

    Although the way she said ''again'' made him confused and bewildered, her sad expression made him forget about it almost instantly.

    "I have a lot of people who are waiting for me to return. I''m not so stupid to risk my life over something like that."

    "But, you did say it will be dangerous."

    "Yes. But I''m not alone in this. There are a lot of people who will help me by my side, and we have each other''s back. So nothing will happen to me. Please believe in me."

    Li Caiyi automatically reminded Lin Xiang, who promised her he would do whatever it took to keep Dai Zhiqiang safe. As reliable as he looked, she still couldn''t get over the fact that Dai Zhiqiang once decided to end his life.

    ording to him, she probably would be in danger if he told her everything. Meng Renshu also mentioned once that Dai Zhiqiang, in her previous life, was a fugitive on the run. Putting the two together, it was highly likely that his involvement with Ye Wang was the root cause of his criminal life.

    As she couldn''t do anything, she decided to believe in Lin Xiang''s promise in the meantime. But with the mention of this ''dangerous mission'' from the boss, Li Caiyi felt apprehensive.

    "Zhi, what is this job you are talking about? I won''t ask for details, but can you at least tell me what kind of work you have done so far? I will not talk to you until you tell me what it is."

    Dai Zhiqiang made a conflicted expression, but he relented under her threat and insistence gaze.

    "The ce I worked at is simr to an information trading agency. We will give you the information you need in exchange for money, rare goods, or other valuable information. That''s the extent I can tell you."

    Li Caiyi wasn''tpletely unfamiliar with information trading. She recalled how some people in high society mentioned it a few times and how the information about this mysterious group yed a significant role in political and economic shifts.

    However, since you need to pay a high price to buy information, most people prefer to use their family power to investigate alone. Besides, information regarding this agency was only known to several privileged people, and not everyone could use their service.

    Was Ye Wang the information provider they talked about?

    "But if I''m not mistaken, Ye Group is a group moving in the food industry. They have several chains of restaurants and bars both within and outside the country."

    "Yi Yi, you actually know quite a bit. But did I ever mention the name of the group before?"

    Li Caiyi almost bit her tongue due to shock. She had done her research regarding Ye Group after she sneaked into Ye Wangst time but found nothing suspicious. However, Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t supposed to know about that!

    "Oh, uhm... After visiting you at the bar, I tried to find out who the owner was and everything rted to it. That''s how I found out!"<sub> </sub>

    "I see, that makes sense. Ye Group does a restaurant business on the surface, but their real upation is information trading. Using their chains of restaurants and bars where a lot of people came in and out, they have made a lot of connections and collected various kinds of information."

    Fortunately, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t suspect her of anything.

    That was to be expected. If she thought about it calmly, he could never guess that Li Caiyi had ever visited his workce once to spy on him.

    "And this mission of yours must be rted to their main upation? Does someone want information regarding something, and you are tasked to find out about it?"

    "...I can''t tell you that."

    Li Caiyi took a deep breath to calm herself down. She felt like she could finally see why Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t quickly tell anyone about it. The one who could win a war wasn''t the strongest, but those who held the most information, and he just couldn''t risk telling anyone about it.

    This development wasn''t looking good at all. If Dai Zhiqiang got deeply involved with Ye Wang more than this, the chance of his future being repeated would be higher.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously. Convincing Dai Zhiqiang to stop wouldn''t work. Was there anything she could do to prevent him from sinking further into that dark hole?

    Then, Dai Zhiqiang cleared his throat, which immediately caught her attention. He stared at her like he was expecting something.

    "I have answered your question. Now it''s your turn to answer my question."

    "Oh, yeah. I have promised you that. What is your question?"

    "What is exactly your rtionship with Meng Renshu?"

    Li Caiyi sighed. "How many times have I said this? We are merely childhood friends."

    "It doesn''t look like that to me. That guy is clearly interested in you and diligently approaching you, but you aren''t against it either." Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes squinted.

    "It''s not like I''m around him because I want to. I have a good reason for that."

    "Let me hear your reason, then."

    Li Caiyi pondered for a moment before finally saying, "Just like you, I have a secret of my own. I can''t tell you everything, but Brother Renshu and I are partners in this. There is someone I need to save, and to do that, I need his help."

    "Is that the truth?"

    Li Caiyi nodded firmly. She never looked away from him to show him she wasn''t ying around. "I swear to heaven that our rtionship is strictly business."

    "You were alone with him at school when you copsed that day, and you even went to the beach with him. I believe in you, but I can''t control my unpleasant feeling when I see that."

    "I can see where you areing from, but there is no need to read too much into it. I will never fall in love with Meng Renshu...."

    The word ''again'' almost slipped from her mouth, but she managed to hold it back.

    ? Despite her effort to exin everything, Dai Zhiqiang was still unconvinced. He looked down as he shifted in his ce ufortably.

    "Yi Yi, I know you used to like him so much. I have been watching you, so I find it hard to believe when you say you will never fall for him. I want to believe you, but there is something inside me. It keeps telling me that the two of you share a special bond, which isn''t something I can intrude on, no matter how hard I try. I''m afraid he will take you away from me, just like...."

    Li Caiyi was rendered speechless by his words. Putting aside the fact that Dai Zhiqiang sessfully saw through her made her, why did she feel like his words held a deeper meaning than simple jealousy? He almost looked like he was frightened.

    "Just like...what?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer immediately and only gazed at her with an inexplicable gaze. The suspense made her even more restless.

    "I.. don''t know... There was this strange dream I recently had, and it was not exactly a pleasant experience for me. I felt helpless whenever I saw you with him, like I naturally realized I could never win against him. I can''t exin it well, but something wedges inside me whenever I see him with you." He said as he clutched onto his chest with a painful expression.

    Unbeknownst to him, Li Caiyi''s face color had changed entirely. The word shock was an understatement to describe her current state of mind. She gulped hard as she tried to keep her voice from trembling. Whether it was shaking from excitement or fear, she couldn''t tell.

    "Dream? What kind of dream are you talking about?"

 Chapter 517 Rebirth And Reuniting

    All this time, Li Caiyi always thought how nice it would have been if Dai Zhiqiang was to remember his previous life. There were many things she wanted to ask him about. Most importantly, she tried to ascertain whether he was indeed the Shen Qiang she had been searching for.

    Li Caiyi found her heart beating furiously in the face of such a possibility. Many questions popped into her head, along with doubt and anxiety she thought she had let go.

    Does this mean Dai Zhiqiang really was Shen Qiang? Would she finally be able to get an answer out of him?

    The reason for their fate-like meeting. The reason that drove him to thread in the darkest path he could find. And why he wanted to end his life.

    Li Caiyi gulped hard, steeling her resolve. No matter what truth she heard from him, her feelings for him would never change. Shen Qiang was the man she loved. Although that was the original reason she became attracted to Dai Zhiqiang, she came to sincerely love him, despite all reasons.

    At least, that was what she thought, but now that resolve was shaken. She couldn''t decide whether she wanted to hear it or not.

    "Yi Yi, what''s wrong?" Dai Zhiqiang asked in concern before touching her forehead with his palm. "Your face is pale. Do you feel unwell?"

    "Ah," Li Caiyi eximed, snapping from her daydream. "I''m not sick or unwell. I''m justˇ­curious. What do you mean when you say you have a dream?"

    She finally asked him! Filled with fear and anticipation simultaneously, she looked up at him, waiting for his answer.

    "Hmm, I''m not sure, either. I can''t remember it well, but I always have this unpleasant feeling whenever I see you and Meng Renshu together," Dai Zhiqiang said with a brooding expression. "I didn''t feel this bad before, but it gradually worsened. My anxiety got the best of me the other day, and Ished out at you. I''m sorry."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, that''s okay. But what kind of dream did you have? Did you start feeling like that after having those dreams?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes narrowed down in the mixture of confusion and suspicion. She could feel her skin prickling under his intense gaze, but she didn''t want to back away. One step forward or none at all, she chose the former!

    "Zhi, please tell me more about your dream."

    "Although I don''t really understand why you are so curious about it, as I said, I can''t remember the details of my dream. I''m not sure if this fuzzy feeling of mine was started by those dreams or not."

    Li Caiyi''s shoulder slumped in disappointment. That was anticlimactic and vague. She expected a more concrete answer.

    "But I do remember somethingˇ­strangeˇ­."

    Li Caiyi perked up again, hearing his following words. "Strange? How so?"

    Dai Zhiqiang had aplicated expression on his face like he had mixed feelings and was unsure how to continue his exnation.

    "In one of my dreams, I remember standing on top of some old building. I don''t know why and how I ended up there, but it felt like I was waiting for someone. Although it''s strange because the weather is too stormy for me to wait for someone outside. I could only assume I must have been waiting for someone important."

    Over the window, the leaves had begun to fall. The first time she returned to the past, it was still in spring when flowers were blooming beautifully. Upon waking, she swore she would find Shen Qiang and start her new happy life with him.

    Li Caiyi had given up once when she realized she had fallen for Dai Zhiqiang too deeply for her to return. She thought she would never find Shen Qiang, no matter how hard she tried.

    But it turned out she wasn''t mistaken at all. All his words, gestures, and love for her. Everything felt familiar to her for a reason.

    Dai Zhiqiang really was her Shen Qiang. The only person who stood by her side when the whole world was against her.

    Thest leaf from the tree outside the window fell down. At the same time, droplets of tears also fell from her eyes, staining her pants.

    Relief, joy, and bittersweet feelings overwhelmed her. Deep inside her heart, she couldn''t stop saying thank you to heaven for allowing her to meet him again. It was almost like a miracle, like how he appeared out of nowhere to save her.

    "Yi Yi, what''s wrong?!" Dai Zhiqiang panicked when he saw her crying.

    It wasn''t his first time seeing her cry, but this one, by far, was the strongest reaction she ever showed him. She didn''t answer his questions and only sat there crying for a long time, with a child-like wail, causing heartache for whoever heard it.

    "Please don''t cry. I don''t know what to do whenever you cryˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang whispered almost inaudibly before pulling her gently into his embrace. He hugged her with care as if she was the most fragile and precious thing in the world.

    Li Caiyi cried harder because she remembered Shen Qiang used to hold her the same way. After all this time, she felt like her missing memories slowly resurfaced.

    Shen Qiang smelled like mint.

    Shen Qiang preferred simple style and monochrome colors.<sub> </sub>

    Shen Qiang was a frequent visitor to Zhou Ya''s noodle shop.

    They once had a date in the amusement park and bought each other things too.

    The night she surrendered herself to him was the first time someone looked at her properly and called her name so lovingly.

    Shen Qiang said she was the only one he needed, and that was the moment when she fell hopelessly in love with him.

    The same Shen Qiang was now hugging her. She could feel his warmth, smell his scent, and see his eyes again. It was a pair of ck eyes holding as many mysteries as the stars in the night sky. Yet they were always watching over her silently, like protecting her.

    How could she forget those things? These are all the good things that made her a beloved person.

    She thought she had lost him forever, but they found each other again in the end. Could she take this as a sign from heaven that she was allowed to finally live happily with him?

    "Ughˇ­Sobˇ­Aahhˇ­"

    Li Caiyi''s uncontroble wailing began to scare him. Even when they were in life-threatening danger, she had never cried like this before. However, just by the mention of his dreams, she looked like the world had copsed on her.

    He didn''t know anything about her, and as much as it frustrated him, he wanted to be the one to wipe her tears.

    Silently holding her like this made him forget about the passage of time. He almost could picture himself holding the wailing her like this long ago.

    It was a curious feeling when he remembered something he didn''t recognize. As if he was watching someone else''s memories.

    In that memory, the night was cold, and dark clouds hid the stars. Surrounded by soft light fromnterns, a weeping woman was in his arms. Her small body shook greatly as her tears dampened his shirt, but he didn''t mind.

    Suddenly, Dai Zhiqiang felt his head sting, and as soon as it happened, the image in his mind became blurry again, as if veiled behind the mist of his mind. He wondered what was that familiar yet unfamiliar sensation just now?

    They held each other like that, with only Li Caiyi''s cries filling in the silence. Both had no idea how much time had passed, but by the time she finally calmed down, her eyes were swollen red, and her face full of traces of tears.

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled fondly at her before using his thumb to wipe the remaining tears from her face. "Yi Yi, are you okay?"

    Her chest tightened as she looked up at him. She almost broke down in tears again, but she held it back. With a weak smile, she answered in a hoarse voice, "Zhi, I love you so much."

    Dai Zhiqiang was taken aback for a moment, as he didn''t expect her to answer his question by love confession. Nevertheless, it still seeded in making his heart soar.

    "Me too. I love you so much."

    "I should have trusted myself more. No, I felt this would be the case, but I never knew I would be this happy." Li Caiyi reached out to cup his cheeks with both of her hands. Her wet eyes sparkled beautifully under the afternoon light. "In this life, too, please never let me go. Ever."

    Dai Zhiqiang was hypnotized by her brilliant eyes and smiles. All kinds of thoughts left his mind, leaving only his primitive desire to im the girl in front of her.

    Their faces attracted to each other like a ma, and the soft sensation of her lips on his felt so exhrating it sent shivers down his spine.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi was also drunk in the blissful feeling of finally reuniting with her love. She deepened the kiss and pulled him closer to her. He dly answered her in advance and reacted by also pushing her down the sofa.

    They had forgotten their objectives entirely and were drowning in love and lust. Each never pulled away from the other as they impatiently cast aside anyyer that separated them from each other.

    For some time, there were only ambiguous moans and pants filling in the silence in the house.

    The heat within the room made her light-headed and dizzy, but she never wanted to be awakened by it. Every ce he touched sent her body aze, and it melted her into a puddle of water, free for him to shape to his heart''s content.

    Her body buckled under the stimtion. Unable to stop herself, she cried out, "Zhi, I can''t hold it anymore!"

    "Don''t be afraid. I''m here. Let''s go together?"

    With a grunt from him and a scream from her, they ascended together in a heavenly pleasure.

    Their hearts and bodies molded together as the soft dusk light shone upon them, casting a shadow of one entity on the wall.

 Chapter 518 Birthday Gift For You

    It was already night when they finished freshening up. Not counting her previous life, this was her first time taking a bath in someone else''s ce, so it made her nervous.

    A delicious smell wafted from the kitchen when she got out of the shower. Li Caiyi approached curiously and saw Dai Zhiqiang busied himself there. Recalling how he tried to cook in her apartmentst time, her lips curled up in a fond smile.

    "What are you making?"

    "Yi Yi, have you finished showering? You must be hungry, so I tried to make potato stew for us."

    He put a bowl on the dining table and gestured for her to sit down. "Come and tell me how it tastes. I have already checked it and think I did a good job."

    "Really? Then I will gratefully eat it." Li Caiyi sat down happily before scooping some stew into her mouth.

    It was a bit too salty, but the potato was really soft. It melted quickly in her mouth, meaning that it was cooked very well. Since this was her boyfriend''s homemade dish, it filled her belly and heart simultaneously.

    "Hmm, delicious!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s face brightened upon hearing that. "I''m d. Eat a lot."

    Li Caiyi ate slowly as she wanted to relish every bite. Thinking back to how clumsy he handled cooking before, he had leveled up his skill by a margin. It was like watching her disciple grow up, making her feel proud and sentimental.

    "Ah, that was great. Thank you for the food!" Li Caiyi sighed blissfully after finishing her food.

    "I feel a bit embarrassedˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang replied sheepishly.

    "What are you ashamed about? You did a great job with this stew. If I can eat more, I probably will ask you to make some more for me."

    "I''m happy you enjoyed it, but that''s not what I mean."

    "Huh? Then, what is it?"

    He stared at her deeply before replying, "I never knew that making something delicious for your loved ones could feel so fulfilling. And seeing you enjoy it so much made my day. I may get addicted to this feeling."

    His unexpected attack made her blush. Li Caiyi knew how smooth he was, but saying those lines was cheating! It was as ifˇ­.

    "I feel like we are a newlywed couple, so I be self-conscious about it." Dai Zhiqiang added shyly.

    Before she could finish her thought, he had already voiced it out loud. Li Caiyi''s chest tightened, knowing she wasn''t the only one who thought that. He was adorable when he expressed his whole body how much he liked her.

    "I really am a blessed girl if you were to cook for me every day. I was spoiled by you today. Is this your way of making up for the days we can''t spend together?" Li Caiyi asked in a teasing manner.

    "That''s part of the reason. I want you to try my cooking, so I have been practicing." Dai Zhiqiang yed with his hand, and her gaze naturally fell on his fingers, which were wrapped by band-aids.

    "Did you hurt yourself?!" Li Caiyi stood up in a panic as she grabbed his hand to check on his injuries.

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled, letting her inspect and touch his hand. "A small cut is nothing for me. Don''t worry."

    "Thank god you didn''t get burned. Please be more careful."

    "While cooking, I realize how much effort it takes to make a simple dish. I think you are very amazing."

    "Aww, you tter me too much." Li Caiyi giggled before sitting down again. "When you said you have something you want to show me, did you mean you want to show off your cooking skill to me?"

    "Partially yes," Dai Zhiqiang smiled before putting a small box on top of the table. "It was a bitte, but happy birthday, Yi Yi. Your existence made me grateful for being alive. I hope you will remember me whenever you use this."

    Li Caiyi opened the small box, and her eyes lit up when she saw a snow globe inside. Music was yed from it when she turned the small key on the back, and the snow on the globe started to float, raining down on the miniature of a boy and a girl dancing inside.

    What caught her eyes was how the boy and girl inside the globe looked simr to them.

    "Zhi, this is so beautiful." Li Caiyi said in awe. "Is this custom-made?"

    "My colleague introduced me to a capable craftsman. When I said this is a gift for someone special for me, he asked me to show him your picture, then he said he had a way to make it more special."

    "No way! No wonder it was so detailed!"

    "Yeah. I was also pleasantly surprised when I first saw it."

    "But why snow? Does it have something to do with it too?"

    "It was winter on the day we first met. I want you to always remember how you saved me that day. Your kindness that day warmed my cold body to the core and melted my heart. Don''t ever forget how precious you are to me."

    Dai Zhiqiang gazed at her lovingly, and once again, she was brimming with overwhelming emotions. She should be happy to hear it, but why did his words sound sad?<sub> </sub>

    If he decided to leave her after this, she probably wouldn''t be able to live anymore.

    As her mind was filled with various thoughts, the calm and sentimental music from the globe finally stopped.

    "Yi Yi, is everything okay?"

    "Thank you. This is the best present I ever had. I will cherish this forever," Li Caiyi smiled brightly at him, suppressing the nagging thought she had. "Even if you forget, I will never forget it for life."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt her choice of words was rather weird. Still, he brushed it off as Li Caiyi was too overwhelmed to respond appropriately. Seeing her clutching his gift in a good mood, he felt like this was an excellent chance to ask her about what had happened.

    "If you don''t mind me asking, why did you cry just now?" He asked hesitantly.

    "It''s nothing sad. On the contrary, those were happy tears."

    "What makes you so happy you cried so hard like that?"

    Li Caiyi''s lips curled up mysteriously. "You will eventually figure it out yourself."

    ***

    After cleaning the ce, they left the house and went to the hospital. However, since there was no change in Dai Bolin''s condition, Li Caiyi only hung around a bit before taking her to leave. Or, to be precise, Dai Zhiqiang forced her to go, as he didn''t want to hold her back untilte.

    By the time she returned to the Li family''s house, it was already dark outside.

    From her mother, Li Caiyi found out that her sister had also returned home. However, Li Chunhua didn''te out of her room even once after dinner. It was a bit concerning.

    Taking her brother''s advice in mind, Li Caiyi went to her room to pick up a present from her room and brought it to her sister''s room.

    "Xiaohua, are you inside?"

    There was no response. She tried again. "Can I enter?"

    Silence again. Li Caiyi was naturally reminded of how she found Li Chunhua unconscious in her roomst time. The anxiety prompted her to open the door.

    "Xiaohua!" She barged inside with a concerned expression, only to find Li Chunhua standing in the middle of the room, staring back in confusion at her.

    "Why are you entering my room without permission? If I didn''t answer, read the room and just go away already."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you are okay. I suddenly remembered thest time I found you copsed here, so I was worried."

    Li Chunhua''s stern expression softened upon hearing that. Still, she refused to admit it and snarled sarcastically, "I''m surprised you haven''t grown any wrinkles from worrying so much. Shouldn''t you worry more about your supposed friend''s family member?"

    "Oh,e on. It was an emergency situation. If it happened to Jingfei''s father, you probably would also feel concerned, right? You must have wanted to fly to his side and ease his pain at once, right?"

    "Don''t bring that guy into this!" Li Chunhua stomped her feet angrily, but she didn''t mention Dai Zhiqiang''s father anymore. Her gaze fell on the small paper bag in her hand instead. "What do you want from me?"

    Li Caiyi grinned before waving the paper bag at her. "Happy birthday, my dearest sister. Here is my birthday gift for you."

    Li Chunhua''s eyes lit up in interest, but she tried too hard to not show it; it looked funny. "Hmph, I don''t need it."

    "Really? But I spend a lot of time choosing this. I guess you don''t like having matching earrings with me," Li Caiyi sighed in defeat. "I understand; I will just give it to one of my friends."

    "What? No!" Li Chunhua hurriedly walked over and snatched the paper bag from her. "Why do you want to give something you buy for me to other people? Even if I don''t want it, that doesn''t mean you can do that! This is a present for me, so it''s MINE!"

    Li Caiyi smirked triumphantly before nodding in agreement. "That''s right. It''s yours. You can choose whether to keep it or discard it."

    "With your gloomy taste, I doubt it''s anything good, but I appreciate the thought."

    "I hope you like it."

    "Hmph. Your business here is done, right? Then hurry up and leave." Li Chunhua turned her back on her, refusing to talk more.

    Li Caiyi stared at her sister helplessly before making her way to the door. "You are right. It''ste, and I shouldn''t bother you anymore. Good night, Xiaohua."

    After hearing the door being closed, Li Chunhua grimaced hard as shemented her actions. She let a perfect chance slip away once again!

    "I did it again. Jingfei is right. I really am stupid!"

 Chapter 519 Becoming A Blood Supply

    As seasons changed, the period for college entrance exams had also begun. In the past few days, Li Caiyi rarely saw Li Junjie''s nose around the house. He only turned up asionally when it was time to eat.

    After giving a birthday gift to Li Chunhua, although she still couldn''t talk to her without bickering, at least her sister had stopped ignoring her. A small step but an improvement regardless.

    And it was thanks to Li Junjie''s advice. Li Caiyi wanted to thank him, but it was hard when he was so busy with his studies.

    Contrary to him, another third-year was veryid back and had a lot of time on his hand.

    "Xiaoyi, how is your preparation for the final exam? If you are stuck, do you want me to teach you again?" Meng Renshu smiled widely as he pointed at himself.

    "Brother Renshuˇ­." Li Caiyi uttered in exasperation. "I''m fine by myself. Even though I look like this, I have graduated once from high school before."

    "Really? Your words aren''t convincing when you are struggling to solve a simple problem like this," Meng Renshu teasingly responded. He looked down at her notebook with an amused smile on his face.

    Li Caiyi frowned in displeasure while trying to cover her book. "Stop looking at it!"

    "It''s pretty obvious you are expecting Dai Zhiqiang to help you. But unfortunately, he had to leave early today, so he couldn''te to the library."

    "How did you know that?" Li Caiyi''s eyes narrowed down in suspicion.

    "It would be weird if I didn''t know that. Xiaoyi, you aren''t a good liar." He smirked before sitting beside her. "Rather than racking your brain unnecessarily, isn''t it faster if I help you with it? We are partners, so you don''t need to be so reserved."

    "No, I''m not reserved or anything. And you are too close. Back off a bit."

    "If I don''t get this close, then I won''t be able to see the question."

    Meng Renshu would sometimes appear beside her, despite being a third-year who was supposed to be very busy with various exams in preparation for college.

    Even after studying alone, Li Caiyi was still slow in math and science subjects. Having someone to help her would be a big help. It was a shame that only Meng Renshu was avable to help her around this time.

    "Are you sure you can be here helping me? Don''t you have your own studying to do?"

    "Even though I look like this, I have graduated once from high school before. With the second-best grade in our year at that. Teaching you about one or two problems won''t make me fail."

    She couldn''t rebuke that. Meng Renshu was originally brilliant. Added with his past life experience, he should be able to top Li Junjie in the exam if he wanted to.

    Both had memories of their past, but what''s with this discrepancy? Li Caiyi still had to struggle while Meng Renshu breezed his way through.

    The world was unfair. They had the same amount of experience, yet their brains weren''t at the same level. It was vexing when she thought about it that way.

    "Ugh, if you don''t mind, please teach me."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Of course. By the way, have you opened my present for you?"

    "Ah? Oh yes, I have. I didn''t expect you to give me that, though."

    "Did you always bring it with you? It wouldn''t be much use if you didn''t."

    "Well, I did keep it with me all the time. It makes me a little nervous, yet assured at the same time. Thank you for your thoughtful gift.."

    "You should get used to it. We will never know when it''lle in handy, after all. And no need to thank me because we are on the same boat now." Meng Renshu smiled before shifting his attention back to the textbook in front of them. "Now, where are you stuck?"

    Li Caiyi listened to his exnation; as usual, it was very easy to understand. She made a lot of progress in half an hour studying with him rather than hours by herself. The study session went smoother than she thought, and it motivated her.<sub> </sub>

    "I did it! Will you check it for me?"

    "Let''s seeˇ­." Meng Renshu hummed. His eyes traveled down her handwriting before he smiled in approval. "En, it''s correct. It seems you finally grasp the trick behind it."

    Li Caiyi was exhrated. They had been studying for two hours, and her brain was short-circuited from all that studying.

    "Phew. Let''s call it a day. Brother Renshu, thank you for helping me."

    "You are wee. But you sure are pretty calm. I thought you''d ask me about Xiaohua''s medicine for sure. Aren''t you curious about it?"

    "Even if I do, getting agitated about it won''t help. Besides, I believe you will inform me as soon as you hear any news."

    Meng Renshu tilted his head to have a better look at her face. "What if I really have new news about it?"

    It sessfully stopped her hand from gathering up her things. Li Caiyi turned to him in disbelief. "What? Is that true?"

    "I was waiting for you to bring it up first, but I didn''t expect you to have so much faith in me," Meng Renshu shrugged helplessly.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes burned with excitement. If the medicine was really safe, just like Chu Kong said, she would be able to give it to Li Chunhua. "Then what are you waiting for? Just out with it already!"

    "Now, who was it that said getting agitated won''t help at all? Calm yourself. I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

    "Ugh, I should have known it won''t be that easy," Li Caiyi grumbled before weakly continuing, "Let me hear the good news first."

    "The medicine that Chu Kong developed is not dangerous. And from theb result, the analysis for its effect is more or less the same as what he told us the other day."

    Li Caiyi heaved a sigh of relief. Although she believed that Chu Kong and Detective Tang wouldn''t trick them, it sure felt reassuring to hear Meng Renshu confirming it. He would never mess around when Li Chunhua''s life was at stake.

    "That''s good news indeed. If it''s like that, then it shouldn''t be a problem if Xiaohua consumes it."

    The news exhrated Li Caiyi, but Meng Renshu wasn''tughing. His face was as serious as before. He gazed at her so intensely that it made her nervous.

    "Alright, tell me the bad news next. I''m ready to hear it."

    "ording to the analysis, it will take some time for Xiaohua''s body to adapt and react to the new medicine. That means until her body gets used to it, you must keep supplying your blood so we can produce the medicine."

    Meng Renshu''s tone was grim as he frowned in disapproval. "To save Xiaohua, we have no choice but to use you as a ''resource'', and there''s no telling when it will stop. It can take months or even years to finallyplete the cure."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t surprised when she heard that. She prepared herself the second she heard Chu Kong mention how crucial her blood was to develop a cure.

    No one knew what happened to Li Chunhua in her previous life, whether she survived. If Li Caiyi''s blood was all it took to ensure her sister lived longer, they could take as much as they liked.

    "This isn''t bad news at all. On the contrary, I''m grateful that my blood is all she needs. Imagine if she needs someone else''s blood or other hard-to-obtain ingredients; then we will truly be in a bind. Compared to other worst-case scenarios, this is a small price."

    Li Caiyi grinned confidently. "No problem at all. Use my blood as you deem fit!"

    "Xiaoyi, it will only be a temporary solution. After we figure out the ingredients that could work as a substitute for your blood, there''s no longer a need for you to be Xiaohua''s ''blood supply." Meng Renshu said with a troubled expression.

    "If we can find alternative ingredients, that will be the best. However, let''s focus on things we can do for now. What should I do next, Brother Renshu?"

    Meng Renshu bit his lips before reluctantly answering, "I have contacted Mr. Chu before this. He will tell you if he needs more blood from you."

 Chapter 520 Guardian Angel

    With a bouquet of flowers in her hand, Li Caiyi gently knocked on Dai Bolin''s room. Then, she could hear the sound of footsteps approaching.

    "Caiyi, you are here again." Dai Shenqiang eximed in joy.

    "Of course, didn''t I promise I would visit every day? Here is for Uncle." Li Caiyi gave the bouquet to him as he let here in.

    "You must be busy with your uing exam and your new book. There''s no need for you to drop by every day. I will tell you if father finally regains his consciousness."

    "It''s okay. I can spare some time to check on Uncle. Besides, you must be bored having to watch him over by yourself, right?"

    Dai Shenqiang shook his head in defeat, but his lips curled up in a smile. "Don''t me me if you fail your examter."

    "You are underestimating me. I may not be as smart as your brother, but I''m not pretty bad."

    Dai Shenqiang felt the air be fresher whenever Li Caiyi visited. At first, Dai Zhiqiang would be around and chat with them too, but he couldn''t leave his work forever. Although he didn''t want to admit it, he certainly felt lonely.

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi would stille and apany him for a few hours. They didn''t do much except talk, but it had be his most anticipated routine.

    Dai Shenqiang knew he shouldn''t have had this feeling toward his brother''s girlfriend, but he couldn''t lie to himself. After she came running andforted himst time, something changed inside him.

    His gaze would follow her to the slightest movement. Being close to her would make his heart skip a beat. He could even recognize her just by the sound of her footsteps now.

    Dai Shenqiang knew best how much Li Caiyi and his brother loved each other, so he had no intention of letting his feelings grow more than this.

    However, it would be fine if he enjoyed the time they had right now to the fullest right? After his father regained consciousness, she wouldn''te here every day anymore, so this momentary passion would die out soon. He was confused because she showered her with so much care and was the only girl he ever approved of.

    "Shenqiang, you look more tired than yesterday? Did you get enough sleep?" Li Caiyi asked worriedly.

    "Not really. I can''t sleep well these days," He grimaced sheepishly.

    "Well, there''s no helping it. You must have been worried sick about Uncle to get a good sleep."

    Dai Shenqiang smiled faintly as he put the flowers in the vase. "I just need some time to calm myself down. Many things happened, and I couldn''t keep up with everything."

    Li Caiyi felt sympathetic for him. He must be anxious because Dai Bolin still hadn''t woken up, despite the surgery ending sessfully. Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t be with him all the time, so he was left with no one by his side to care for him. He was just a middle school kid.

    "But that''s enough about me. How about you, Caiyi? Have you been doing well?"

    "Yeah. I mostly study for the final exam or write my new book."

    "Oh, you are in the middle of preparing a new book? I''m not much of a reader, but I remember my brother praised it so much."

    ? Li Caiyi giggled. "So you don''t like reading, huh? That''s the first time I heard about that."

    "Well, I can readic books, but a novel is a bitˇ­tedious for me." He scratched his cheeks awkwardly.

    "I see. That''s pretty interesting, considering how much Zhi likes to read."

    "Yeah. My brother used to be a nerd before he started fighting for my sake. Well, he is still a nerd even now, but at least he doesn''t bury his nose in books like he previously did anymore."<sub> </sub>

    "Haha, I see. Tell me more about your childhood."

    Dai Shenqiang loved this moment. Her attentiveness blew his tiredness away. Perhaps she was just a good listener, or he might feel toofortable with her. With her, he could talk about anything without restraint.

    When he felt tired to stay awake, softughter from her would be enough to energize him again. He felt a strange sense of aplishment when he managed to make her smile, so he kept doing it more and more.

    Sometimes he was afraid that he had been too obvious with his feelings. Thankfully, Li Caiyi was pretty dense when it came to herself, but his brother wouldn''t be fooled that easily.

    It wasn''t a sin to harbor feelings for someone, but he was scared Dai Zhiqiang would notice it, then resented him for it.

    "Oh yeah. How is your training with Mrs. Mei? Is everything alright?"

    "Brother Shao made sure the training won''t hinder me from caring for Father, and Mrs. Mei has been treating me very well. Thanks to her advice and guidance, I feel like my skill has improved sincest time," he replied with sparkly eyes.

    "You look like you are having fun."

    "I do. It was a miracle-like chance, and I have no intention of wasting it." Dai Shenqiang''s eyes filled with determination as he gazed at her, "I''m getting closer to fulfill my dream, and this chance came to me thanks to you, Caiyi."

    "Haha, I didn''t do anything. It was all thanks to Jingfei''s good eyes for talent and your innate ability."

    "We had a simr conversation before, but I''ll repeat it as much as I need. I will never forget everything you have done for us, Caiyi. Sometimes I thought you were an angel from heaven, sent to save my family. When my father was still in a surgery chamber, I had this ominous feeling that he probably wouldn''t make it."

    The atmosphere turned gloomy almost instantly. "As if it wasn''t bad enough, that woman just has to appear and stir trouble. Even my brother can''t do anything to her. I was at my wit''s end, and in desperation, I thought of you. Please don''tugh at me, but I thought everything would be alright if I called our guardian angel to help us."

    "Shenqiangˇ­" Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. It was embarrassing and ttering at the same time to be called an angel.

    "I already heard from my brother how you defended us and chased that woman away. Then the surgery also ended well. You are like a bag of luck." Dai Shenqiangughed, as even he found his words pretty silly. "Sorry for spouting nonsense. Just forget what I said just now."

    "No, it''s okay. I''m happy you think of me that way," Li Caiyi smiled brightly, almost blinding him.

    A ripple formed inside his chest. She was so beautiful she took his breath away. Dai Shenqiang was overwhelmed with emotions when he heard a faint groan.

    Both of them jerked their heads simultaneously toward the unconscious Dai Bolin.

    "Father?!"

    "Uncle!"

    Silence fell as they watched his eyes twitch before slowly opening. Dai Shenqiang immediately wrapped his arms around his father. His shoulders shook as he cried in relief and joy.

    Standing on the side, Li Caiyi also couldn''t contain her happiness and burst into tears. It was so touching and heartwarming. She quickly took out her phone to inform Dai Zhiqiang about this happy news.

    ncing at the father-son duo again, Li Caiyi realized how nice it was to have your family by your side. She sincerely felt happy for them.

    Up until yesterday, everything was just too bleak. Li Caiyi had to focus on her studies to distract herself. But good things always happen for those who persevere, and she began to feel optimistic about the future.

 Chapter 521 I Dont Have Any Expectation For You

    "You are already in the hospital? That''s good." Li Caiyi smiled gently.

    "Yeah. Father has just woken up again. He can already tell jokes, so I''m not so worried anymore."

    "Zhi, you sound delighted."

    "I am. Shame you can''t be here with us. What are you doing right now?"

    Li Caiyi fixed the position of her phone on her ear before replying, "I was just reading a book before you called me."

    "I see. Don''t read until toote, and have a good rest tonight."

    "You too. Use this chance to rest, and please tell Uncle I will visit him again tomorrow."

    "En. I''ll tell him that. Good night."

    The phone call ended sooner than she wished, but she didn''t want to interrupt the Dai family''s good time. The brothers must have a lot of things they wanted to tell their father.

    Li Caiyi looked down at her book, suddenly losing her mood to read. So she closed it and put it back on her shelves. Then, she took out her notebook from her study desk drawer. Opening the page where she had written her memories about Dai Zhiqiang, she still felt somewhat puzzled.''

    Before this, she barely could remember anything she had written here. However, since she had genuinely fallen for Dai Zhiqiang, she didn''t put that much importance on it anymore. For her, the present was more important, so this might be her first time looking at it again after weeks.

    "Right. Shen Qiang is such a person. These memories suddenly came and went away like the wind. It scared me a bit." Li Caiyi muttered to herself.

    <o>,m The first time Meng Renshu started having dreams about their previous life was after they slept beside each other. The more he remembered, the more Li Caiyi forgot about Shen Qiang.</o>

    Then, Dai Zhiqiang slowly remembered something that only she and Shen Qiang should know. Moreover, she slowly began to recognize the memories she had lost. Confirming that Dai Zhiqiang was indeed Shen Qiang, probably the best discovery she ever made. But even that caused more questions to appear.

    If there were simrities between Dai Zhiqiang and Meng Renshu''s situation, it was that they started regaining their memories through dreams.

    "Then, is sleeping with me the required condition for that?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help thinking that it was a very crude condition to make. There should be some rules behind it, and to figure out more, it seemed she had no choice but to sleep with Dai Zhiqiang more.

    Of course, it was so he could remember more about what happened in the past. She absolutely had no ulterior motive!

    Thinking about it made her thirsty, so she went downstairs to fetch a ss of water. There she met Li Junjie, who was making a ss of coffee. His brilliantly handsome face somehow looked duller, perhaps due to nights of insufficient sleep.

    "Brother Jie. Have you finished studying?"

    "Not yet. I''m currently taking a fifteen minutes break."

    "Are you okay? Yourplexion doesn''t look good."

    "There''s no need to worry. I''m not stupid enough to force myself, only to mess up on exam day."

    "O-oh. I see."

    The conversation was cut short. Li Caiyi couldn''t say anything more and decided to quickly return to the room after filling in her ss with water.

    "Have you made up with Xiaohua yet?"

    "Huh? Well, we haven''t really made up, but I feel like her attitude has softened than previously." Li Caiyi scratched her cheeks sheepishly.<sub> </sub>

    "I saw her wearing the same earring as you. Is that your present for her?"

    "Yeah. Xiaohua likes small things like that." Li Caiyi replied. A momentter, she suddenly remembered something she hadn''t had the chance to do before. "It was all thanks to your advice. Thanks, Brother Jie."

    "No need to thank me for every small thing. I merely give you the most reasonable solution for your problem."

    "Did you perhaps do that because you are worried about us?"

    Li Junjie''s finger twitched a bit as he took a moment before replying, "If I didn''t do that, then there''s no use in punishing you."

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times in confusion. Then, a realization struck her. "So you have been nning this from the beginning? You are not grounding me just on the whim?"

    "Why would I do something useless like that? Mother and Xiaoahua have been missing you a lot. I know there are still a lot of disagreements and ill feelings between you, but I thought it was a good opportunity for you guys to fix it." Li Junjie casually took a sip of his coffee before continuing, "But it seems I have been too optimistic. I guess it won''t be that easy to convince you toe back, after all."

    "Brother Jie, you have changed so much."

    Li Junjie''s brows raised in curiosity. "Oh? How so?"

    "You didn''t try to avoid the problem this time. I have always thought it was weird that you want me to stay here for a month. You wanted me to forgive Mother and Xiaohua, so they won''t be burdened with guilt anymore, right?"

    "I''m thest person who should be talking about this, but a family should stick together. I''m surprised you haven''t crawled back to this house even after being harassed by that delinquent girl."

    Li Caiyi looked away. A sense of difort crawled up on her. "I have decided to move out, so naturally, I should solve my problem alone."

    "You can say that again, but I remember you are inviting Xiaohua to stay over at your ce for a few days. Isn''t that because you are scared of being alone? I found it ridiculous that you would drag your sister to such danger instead of asking others to help. The thing that spurred you to do that, was it arrogance?"

    "No! You are wrong!" Li Caiyi shouted at the top of her lungs. His words were so unpleasant to hear they made her face scrunch indignantly. "What do you know about me? Yes, I asked her to stay with me for a while, but I always ensure she won''t be harmed. What right do you have to reprimand me like this when you did nothing to help, even when you know what happened?"

    Li Junjie seemed a bit surprised by her outburst. His eyes widened slightly. "Xiaoyi, calm down and listenˇ­."

    "It''s so touching to know you care so much about Xiaohua. Right, I may be a despicable person who drags her sister into great danger. But what about you? What have you done except me me for everything?

    You never asked me how I was doing after I went missing on the mountain. You knew how I copsed after the false rumor about me was spreading, but you acted like an unrted bystander. No, even before this, never once did you try to ask how I felt about everything. You concluded that I moved out of the house out of resentment on your own and expected me to agree with you. Who is the arrogant one here?"

    Li Junjie listened until she finished before heaving a deep sigh. "So you want me to care for you and always ask for your well-being? You should have said so from the beginning."

    "No, that''s wrong, Brother Jie. You don''t have to do those things because I never set any expectations for you from the beginning. If you are determined to be a bystander, don''t do anything out of character; just leave me alone. Just like what you always do."

    Li Caiyi blurted those words out of anger. She thought he would just dismiss it as something insignificant, as always, but Li Junjie seemed to be strangely bothered by it. His brows furrowed, and his mouth hung open without wordsing out.

    In the end, he couldn''t say anything and turned his back on her. "I understand. There''s nothing more I can say to you. You should return to your room if you already have your drink."

    He was the one who picked the fight first, but when she confronted him, he brushed it off like nothing? Li Caiyi was so baffled she was at a loss for words. She even began to think that his attentiveness from a few days ago was just a mere illusion created by her stressed-out brain.

    "You don''t have to tell me. I don''t want to spend even a minute with you."

    Spitting thosest words, Li Caiyi rushed out of the kitchen and returned to her room.

    Li Junjie sighed in frustration before dumping his half-made coffee into the sink. He didn''t think he could focus on studying after this and decided to sleep early for today.

 Chapter 522 Intruder (1)

    Li Caiyi still couldn''t calm down even after she abused her pillow out of irritation.

    "Seriously, who does he think he is? I can''t believe I share the same blood with that guy!"

    Even though his words had a valid point, that didn''t make it any less unpleasant to hear. Without knowing anything, he belittled her andbeled her a troublemaker who could inflict danger on Li Chunhua.

    Then again, why did it disappoint her so much? Shouldn''t she be the one who knew her brother''s personality best, as someone who lived her life twice?

    Perhaps because Li Junjie had been pretty supportive as ofte, she forgot that he was a cold bastard who didn''t give a damn about her. She would rather him ignore her like before if it meant she didn''t have to hear such offensive words from him.

    No one in this world cared for Li Chunhua more than her. Li Junjie hadn''t changed the slightest bit from his previous self.

    ''Yes, living alone after being harassed is scary, but that doesn''t mean I want anything bad to happen to Xiaohua. He basically wants me to get hurt alone without dragging anyone else into it. I know he''s biased towards Xiaohua, but isn''t this just too much?''

    Li Caiyi threw herself onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow. She thought this punishment would be easy peasy, but she didn''t feel like seeing Li Junjie''s face for a while. Too bad she couldn''t avoid meeting him for the rest of the month.

    "Whatever. He will be stuck in his room anyway."

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes in an attempt to sleep when she heard a rustling sound. She opened her eyes and automatically nced at the window, which was covered by a curtain. The window directly faced the big tree in their yard, so she naturally thought it was the sound of leaf rustling at first.

    But then, she remembered that the leaves on the tree were supposed to have fallen off by now.

    Her whole body instantly felt rmed. Cautiously standing up, her gaze fell onto the umbre hung on the wall beside her bed. It wasn''t reliable as a weapon, but still better than nothing. She hoped she could get a cutter or scissors, but those tools were on her study desk.

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes, trying to find a silhouette of anything outside her window, but she couldn''t see anything. A momentter, the rustling sound stopped.

    She was tempted to go over and check if any burr was trying to enter the house through the window, butter concluded it was too risky.

    What if she pretended not to hear anything and turned off the light? No, that would make it harder for her to see, as the yard should be pitch ck around this time.

    Feeling undecided, she decided to wait as she sharpened her ears to get any subtle noises from outside. After a minute with no other strange noises, she heaved a sigh of relief, thinking she was just being too paranoid.

    At least until she heard a clicking sound from her window, like something being unlocked.

    Li Caiyi''s blood rushed thrice faster as her heart kept pumping blood uncontrobly in her chest. Just from that sound alone, she could instinctively tell: someone was outside her window, and they were going to break in and attack her anytime soon.

    Was it a burr? A pervert?

    Adrenaline coursed through her, providing her with extra courage to take action. Li Caiyi had no time to hesitate and moved forward before she could think about the consequences. The only thing on her mind right now was she had to defend herself and this house.

    She leaped to the window, and as soon as she caught a glimpse of someone''s hand peeking from behind the curtain, she thrust her umbre forward with all her might. Thanks to the curtain, her attack was blocked from the intruder''s vision, and they had no chance to avoid or stop it.

    "Guarghh! What is this?!" A raspy voice of a middle-aged man could be heard from the outside.

    If he were to step into her room, everything would be over. Li Caiyi only had this chance to push him out of her window!

    Thus, Li Caiyi kept using her umbre to hit and push the intruder away from her window. It wasn''t easy, as the intruder was stronger than she thought.

    "Stop it! I''m going to fall!"

    Who in their right mind would stop attacking a suspicious person about to trespass into their house?<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi saw he was grabbing the edge of the window to keep himself steady, so she focused her attack there. With the pointy edge of her umbre, she stabbed his hand as hard as she could.

    "Argh!"

    That howl of pain was followed by the sound of something falling and dropping next. Li Caiyi''s chest moved up and down, following her tattered breath. It took more energy than she thought, but at least it seemed she managed to force the man to fall off her window.

    Mustering her courage, she carefully approached the window to check the situation. Although it was in self-defense, she would still feel bad if someone died because of her.

    Her room was located on the second floor. The man''s life shouldn''t be in danger if he didn''tnd with his head first.

    Li Caiyi''s shaky hand was about to touch the curtain when a hand stopped her from behind. She instantly raised her other hand to attack again but was immediately calmed down when she turned her head back.

    "B-Brother Jie?"

    "Shh. Get behind me and call the police." Li Junjie answered in a cold and collected voice.

    When did hee into her room? Did he learn the ninja''s stealth technique or something? Because she couldn''t hear him approaching until he got so close to her.

    Even though it was surprising, she was a little relieved to see him at this moment. It was utterly contradictory to her thoughts from a few minutes ago.

    Li Junjie moved silently and took a cutter from her study desk. Then, he opened the window curtain in one swift moment. He did it without warning, so she instinctively raised her umbre again. However, aside from the tree, which had already lost its leaves, there was nothing else.

    Li Caiyi felt a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulder. A sigh of relief escaped her mouth, but Li Junjie refused to lower his vignce as he examined the situation outside.

    "Did you get hurt?" He asked without looking her way.

    "No. The man fell before he could do anything to me, so I''m not injured."

    "It doesn''t look like he is dead, but he is unconscious and probably had several of his bones broken."

    After he fell from the second level, that much was expected. But at least he wasn''t dead.

    Li Caiyi must have looked worried as Li Junjie continued, "Even if he lost his life here, he deserved it. What you did was justifiable self-defense and not your fault."

    She had no time to react as Li Junjie had already moved toward the door briskly. "Let me take a look outside. Call the police in the meantime."

    "What? No! What if the man has friends outside? Don''t go outside! Let''s just stay inside until helpes." Li Caiyi strongly objected.

    If Li Junjie was attacked outside, he wouldn''t be able to defend himself. Although he was pretty decent in sports, he wasn''t proficient in fighting like Dai Zhiqiang or trained in martial arts like Meng Renshu. He would be beaten to a pulp, and no one in the house would be able to help him.

    Objectively speaking, it wasn''t a wise move at all, and making a blunder in a decision like this was unlike him.

    Seeing how Li Junjie almost behaved recklessly, he must have been pretty shaken up inside, more than he let on.

    "It''s too risky. There''s not much you can do if you go outside, so it''s better to stay put until helpes."

    Li Caiyi expected him to agree after she reminded him of the danger, but contrary to her belief, Li Junjie stared sternly at her. A suppressed anger zed inside his calm eyes as he answered in a cold voice.

    "While we wait inside, that man could wake up anytime and run away. I can''t let that bastard flee when he almost hurts you. I have to make sure he''s properly apprehended so he won''t be able to pull this stunt again."

 Chapter 523 Intruder (2)

    Li Caiyi had often seen Li Junjie with annoyed expressions, but this was probably the first time she witnessed him genuinely angry at someone/something. She was speechless and couldn''t find anything to say back.

    He didn''t wait for her approval and went downstairs first. This time, he grabbed a rope and golf stick before cautiously approaching the door. Even when she persuaded him to stay inside, he was adamant about going out.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t leave him alone, so she took something more reliable than a stic umbre before standing by the door vigntly. She would act as an observer and emergency aid if needed. While making sure nothing happened to her brother, she called the police and filled them in on their situation.

    She felt so much at ease after hanging up the call. Li Junjie was still busy tying the intruder with rope when her phone screen lit up again in her hand. Checking on the caller ID, she bit her lips in hesitation. She picked up the call in the end.

    "Hello?"

    "Why haven''t you gone to bed yet?" Dai Zhiqiang''s gentle voice could be heard from the other side.

    Should she tell him the truth? But if she did that, the chance of him rushing here was almost one hundred percent, and it would ruin the peaceful Dai family quality time. Besides, the intruder has been apprehended, so there shouldn''t be any problem if she didn''t tell him about it, right?

    "I''m still reading my book. I can''t wait until tomorrow to know what happened next."

    "Reading is good, but don''t sleep toote, or you''ll be dizzy the next day. Am I bothering you?"

    "Uhmˇ­" Li Caiyi trailed off as she nced at her brother. The coast was clear so far. "No, you aren''t bothering me."

    "Good. I was just about to sleep, but then I remembered you. I want to hear your voice."

    His words were as sweet as honey. Li Caiyi would be so much happier if he said that when her attention wasn''t divided with something else.

    "How are Uncle and Shenqiang?"

    "They had fallen asleep. So I''m alone and lonely here."

    Li Caiyi chuckled. "Is that so? Shall I sing a luby for you?"

    As soon as she said that, a loud noise came from inside the house. From the sound of it, it seemed like it wasing from the second floor. Aside from her currently empty room, there shouldn''t be anyone besides Li Chunhua on the second floor.

    Blood drained from her face as bad premonition hit her. Dai Zhiqiang seemed to call her name out repeatedly, but in panic, she identally turned off the call.

    "Brother Jie, quick! Xiaohua is in danger!" Li Caiyi shouted before running toward the stairs first. She faintly heard Li Junjie calling for her and Su Suyin''s flustered voice behind her, but her mind was too scattered to care.

    How could she be so stupid, leaving her fragile sister alone in a dangerous situation like this? Keeping Li Chunhua safe should be her priority when she realized a suspicious person was trying to sneak into their house!

    Li Caiyi ran as fast as her legs could to Li Chunhua''s room. Standing in front of it, she could hear the sound of struggle inside. Her heart sank, and anger slowly bubbled up inside her.

    "Xiaohua!" Li Caiyi shouted as she opened the door, which thankfully wasn''t locked.

    Her eyes widened in shock when she witnessed the current situation inside. Li Chunhua was pressed to the wall by a person d in ck. There really was another intruder in their house!

    Li Caiyi was shocked but also extremely worried simultaneously. The intruder got her pajama''s cor and yanked her upward, almost lifting her small body from the ground. Li Chunhua had to stand on her toe painstakingly just so she could make some airway to breathe from being held roughly like that.

    The room was pitch ck, with a lot of stuff scattered on the floor. Li Chunhua''s face was pale and contorted in pain like she could pass out anytime soon.

    "Stop! Release her this instant!" Li Caiyi screamed out in panic. She couldn''t even imagine how frightened Li Chunhua must be, being attacked by an unknown person in the middle of the night.<sub> </sub>

    Li Chunhua''s eyes were closed initially, but the pupil slowly peeked out of the slit as she gazed at Li Caiyi. She mouthed something, but there was no sounding out. The intruder''s grip on her must have made it harder for her to breathe, let alone speak.

    Li Caiyi wanted to cry in distress. But she forced herself to calm down. This intruder clearly came here with a specific goal, considering they tried to break in from the second floor. It was safe to assume they probably didn''te here to loot things.

    She took a deep breath before raising her hands in the air. "I give up. I will give you whatever you want, but please release my sister first. She is physically weak and can''t stand too much shock. You are hurting her."

    The intruder wore a mask, so Li Caiyi couldn''t see his face, but she could feel he was examining her from head to toe. "Then, I''d like you to enter the room and lock the door behind you first. Alone."

    He emphasized strongly on thest word, which meant that he had already noticed Li Junjie''s presence behind the wall. Her brother arrived closely after her but hid to wait for the right time to attack.

    This intruder seemed to be more quick-witted than the previous one. Li Junjie grabbed Li Caiyi''s shoulder and gently pushed her out of the way.

    "If you want to talk, you will have better luck with me. I''m the head of this house. You can name your price, and we can talk this out peacefully."

    "No. I prefer to talk to the little girl. Because you seem smarter than your sister."

    "Are you afraid of a mere high schooler like me?"

    "There''s no use trying to taunt me. I have a hostage in my hand. Bargaining with me is useless." The intruder snickered before pressing Li Chunhua harder to the wall.

    "Ugh!" The younger twin couldn''t even raise her hand to fight back anymore. She must have exhausted all her strength in her previous struggle.

    Li Caiyi was rmed seeing Li Chunhua''s condition. "Stop!"

    She turned to her brother and saw Li Junjie clenching his fist with a dark expression on his face. "We got your friend. If you are talking about hostages, then we have one too."

    "Ah, you mean my good-for-nothing colleague? You can do anything to him; I couldn''t care less."

    There was something in the way he talked that convinced them he was being serious and not just bluffing. He didn''t seem bothered when he knew hisrade was captured. Both parties had a hostage, but the values weren''t the same. They had no choice but to obey him for now, at least until the police came.

    "Brother Jie, can you get out of the room? Let me talk to this person." Li Caiyi finally decided. Li Chunhua''s body wouldn''t be able to handle his rough treatment any longer. She had to think quickly.

    "Xiaoyi, do you realize what you are talking about right now?"

    "I know. But our best bet is to follow his words in our current situation."

    Li Junjie couldn''t utter a word. Objectively speaking, he knew Li Caiyi''s choice was the best course of action, but his body refused to listen to his brain.

    He only stood there stiffly, unwilling to move a step from his spot. "I can''t let you do that. He is too dangerous."

    "Brother, this isn''t like the usual you. You know Xiaohua can''tst much longer. It will be better if he takes me instead of her, isn''t that right?"

    "You are still saying thatˇŞ!" Li Junjie looked ready to scold her but stopped himself halfway as he averted his eyes from her. "Do as you please. Be careful."

    Li Caiyi smiled faintly. Then, she shifted her gaze to the man in ck. "I''ll listen to what you have to say, so release her."

 Chapter 524 Intruder (3)

    As soon as the door was locked behind her, the man released his hold on Li Chunhua. She slumped limply to the floor like a marite whose strings had been snapped.

    "Xiaohua!" Li Caiyi eximed anxiously while rushing to her side. Li Chunhua looked like she was in pain. Her face was ashen, and her hand was as cold as ice.

    A look of horror stered on Li Caiyi''s face as she tried to shake her awake. "Xiaohua, get a hold of yourself! Don''t fall asleep!"

    "It''s no use. She made a valiant effort, but there was no way she could win against me. If only she allowed me to pass her room obediently, she wouldn''t have to go through such an experience."

    Li Caiyi red at the man fiercely. "What did you do to her?!"

    "She attacked me first. I was merely defending myself," the man shrugged as he answered mockingly. "But you guys are really simr. Identical twins, huh? Interesting."

    "What''s your purpose? I don''t have time to talk to you, so let''s make this brief."

    "Impatient one, aren''t you? Don''t you recognize who I am?"

    Li Caiyi was dumbstruck by his question. "How should I know? Have we met before?"

    "We met not too long ago, but you already forgot about me. I''m very disappointed in myself for leaving such a little impression on you."

    The intruder said yfully as he walked briskly to her. Li Caiyi automatically hugged her sister to protect her, but he yanked her away effortlessly before throwing her to the bed.

    Before she could recover from her shock, the man had pinned her to the bed. Li Caiyi was so surprised she couldn''t scream.

    The room was dark, with only moonlight from the opened window as the light source.

    Bathed under silver light, Li Caiyi could see a beautiful pair of blue eyes peeking from his mask. It looked down on her with a delightful glint, like he was thoroughly enjoying her flustered reaction.

    "You are that white-masked personˇ­." Li Caiyi''s unconsciously blurted those words out of her mouth.

    "I know you will remember me once we get into the right position. Do you like it that much?"

    His words pulled her out of her daze, so she began to struggle vehemently by thrashing around. The intruder covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her from screaming. "Ssshh, be quiet. You don''t want your brother to hear it ande in, right? If you do that, I have no choice but to immobilize him. It will be as easy as breaking a toothpick."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe she didn''t recognize him at all. Perhaps she secretly wanted to forget the unpleasant memories from back then. Still, the man acted very differently than thest time they met. He was almost like a different person altogether.

    After losing so much energy from struggling, Li Caiyi slowly came to terms with the fact that she wouldn''t be able to break free unless he let her. So she gradually ceased her fight and pointed at his hand instead, gesturing to him to let her talk.

    "You promised you won''t scream out loud if I let you go?"

    Li Caiyi nodded, and he retracted his hand. The stuffy feeling immediately went away. "Can you get off of me first? It''s hard to talk like this."

    "No can do. Cope with it."

    She took a deep breath, trying to dissuade herself from punching this person as it would be easily dodged by him anyway. At any rate, she had to identify his true purpose first.

    "Did youe here because you have a business with me?"

    "Hmm, that''s a part of it too. We haven''t got a chance to finish our previous conversation, and I missed you."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi didn''t bother to hide her disgust as she replied, "You almost killed me back then."

    "Ah, that? Sorry, you are so cute that I can''t help wanting to crush you so badly. If you don''t want to die, then I advise you not to cry in front of me," He chirped in joy, as though he was talking about the best memory he ever had. Li Caiyi shuddered.

    "What''s so important you want to talk with me about, for you to even track me down to my house?"

    "Don''t sell yourself short. Believe it or not, you are a pretty important existence to me."

    "What are you talking about? This is the second time I''ve ever met you."

    "That''s right," The intruder caressed the side of her face with the back of his gloved hand, making her body stiffen. "But you are that person''s most precious person. It makes you pretty important to me too."

    Li Caiyi vaguely remembered he said simr things when they met for the first time. From this, she was sure that this person wasn''t personally interested in her, but someone close to her. But who was that person?

    "How so?"

    "That person could be the biggest hindrance to my future n, so if I break you, I thought I could make him suffer. Last time was just a greeting, this time, I''m serious."

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling when his hand slowly trailed down to her neck. "S-Stop this."

    "Are you afraid? How cute. I''m holding back so much, so if you cry, I don''t know what I''ll do to you."

    Li Caiyi swallowed a mouthful of saliva before asking him again, "That person you want to break, was it Dai Zhiqiang?"

    His hand stopped moving. The amused glint in his eyes faded and was reced by unfathomable darkness as he coldly answered, "He is an eyesore. I have to get rid of him."

    Her guess was correct, after all. After finding out about Dai Zhiqiang''s real job, it wasn''t difficult for her to put the two together.

    Working under an information trading agency that handled ssified information meant that Dai Zhiqiang would encounter various people bearing a grudge for having their data leaked. And this person was probably one of them too.

    "Who are you? And why do you hate Dai Zhiqiang so much?"

    The blue-eyed man didn''t answer immediately. "You don''t have to know that. And that''s not the only reason I put my eyes on you."

    "What do you mean?"

    "I warned you before. Don''t poke your nose into something you don''t belong to. You can lose your life before I get my hands on it first."

    A cold sensation pressed onto her neck. Li Caiyi broke out in a cold sweat when he realized he had just pushed a small knife onto her neck. "Are you going to kill me?"

    "You are pretty interesting; I''d like to y with you some more. So if you can answer myst question, I will let you go again."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t focus well when she knew she could lose her life with one wrong answer. However, faced with a psycho like this, any attempt at rejection or negotiation would result in her instant death. She had no choice but to be patient. Only a little more, and the police should be here anytime soon.

    "What is your question?"

    His mesmerizing blue eyes sparkled in delight again. He was like a kid who enjoyed ying with his toy. "When was the first time we met?"

 Chapter 525 Intruder (4)

    It was a very unexpected question; Li Caiyi''s brain couldn''t keep up for a moment.

    Wasn''t the answer obvious? The day they first met was during the Glorious Days anniversary party. They had just talked about it, so why did he ask about it again?

    Then she saw his meaningful gaze, and an idea hit her. In this situation, it was hard to imagine he would ask her such a simple question. This must be a trick question.

    Li Caiyi took her time and tried to remember again. Aside from the school and a few ces she went to with her friends, Li Caiyi rarely ever went to other ces. Based on his speech, their first meeting should be something that would give a deep impression on her.

    Li Caiyi thought so hard she frowned her face. The man chuckled before giving her a hint. "Don''t think about it too hard. There shouldn''t be that many people in your life who would try to break you out there."

    Her frown deepened even more hearing that. Actually, she had been through a lot ever since she returned to the past. She barely did anything, but people kept hating her for no reason and trying to hinder her path.

    However, suppose she reduced the list of suspects by process of elimination. In that case, there should be only one other asion where she almost lost her life.

    This person always wore a mask; the only thing she could use to identify him was his blue eyes. But eye color could easily be covered by contact lenses, so the possibility of this intruder being ''that'' person was pretty high.

    Li Caiyi gulped hard. If her assumption was correct, then this person was aplete psychopath. He tried to kill her twice! Even went so far as to invade her house to press a knife into her neck.

    "From your expression, it seems you already have an idea. Let''s hear your answer. Remember, you only have one chance." He said in amusement while caressing her side face with the cold de of his knife. Li Caiyi was intimidated but forced herself to stay strong.

    "Ugh, fine." She couldn''t dy any longer and carefully replied, "Are youˇ­Hu Jian?"

    His eyes curved into a crescent shape as if he was entertained by her answer. "How interesting. I didn''t expect you to answer correctly. It makes me happy but also regretful at the same time."

    "So you really are the person who pushed me off of the cliff?"

    "One hundred points for you. That''s right!"

    A chill ran down her spine every time she remembered that incident. If Dai Zhiqiang didn''te to help her, she could have died there without anyone noticing, yet this person admitted it so flippantly.

    "You will go that far just to see Dai Zhiqiang suffer? What wrong did I ever do to you?"

    "There is no right and wrong in this. I''m simply trying to get rid of the biggest obstacle in the most efficient way. And that is by breaking you."

    The man or Hu Jianughed creepily before continuing, "Even now, I can still remember that disbelief and despair in your eyes as you fell down the cliff. It was so amusing. I thought you would die if I left you alone just like that, but who could have guessed that you persistently survive like a cockroach?"

    Li Caiyi''s face was filled with fear. She had never felt so much maliceing from a person ever since she found out about Meng Yaoshu''s true nature. Both of them were the same regarding their indifference toward people''s lives. They had no qualms about using other people if that meant they could achieve their goal.

    Hu Jian retracted his knife from her and sheathed it back on the pouch on his thigh before speaking again, "Come to think of it, you are pretty lucky. You have that pretty rich boy mobilizing a rescue team for you, and Dai Zhiqiang used his body to turn every stone in the mountain. Your existence must mean that much to them if they were willing to go that far. I think that''s the beginning of my interest in you. I want to know what makes you so special? What kind of face will they make once they see you broken in pieces?"

    This sick bastard. The way he took pleasure in her suffering infuriated her. But sadly, there was nothing she could do except re at him.

    "No need to get so angry. When I realized my n had failed, I wanted to finish the work as soon as possible. But as my interest in you grew, I thought it would be a waste if you died so fast. So it saved you, in a way."

    Heughed darkly again before continuing. "I want to y with you, so I purposefully got close to a certain school girl who seemed to have a deep grudge against you."

    Li Caiyi was surprised. She blinked her eyes a few times in disbelief as she slowly put the pieces together. "Don''t tell me, the ck hooded man who helped Lu Ruan, is you?"

    "Correct once again. I know you won''t disappoint me."

    "So the surprise gift box and those photos of meˇ­." Li Caiyi didn''t even want to finish her words. She wasn''t prepared to meet with the creep that had been stalking her all this time. Her skin crawled from sheer disgust.

    "All suggested by yours truly. That girlˇ­who was her name again? Well, whatever. She isn''t that bright, so it''s easy to use her. It doesn''t take much effort to make her cooperate with me. But she was too rash and got kicked out of school faster than I thought." He shook his head helplessly, "I have prepared a lot more fun things to do with you, but she ruined it. Next time, I will find someone more useful."<sub> </sub>

    "Youˇ­." Li Caiyi was speechless.

    "It was fun to see you run around trying to figure out who is the one behind everything. Thanks to you, I found more information about the matter I''m currently looking into. I especially crashed into the party just so I could meet you again officially, but my n didn''t work out as I wanted it to. It was unfortunate."

    "G-get off me." Li Caiyi tried to push him away, but as expected, he wouldn''t budge.

    "Are you scared of me? Don''t be like that. I still want to y with you a lot more."

    "Crazy bastard! Get away from me!"

    If she kept listening to him, she felt like she would vomit. She struggled with all her might, but Hu Jian seemed rxed, almost enjoying it. "Come on. Is that all you got?"

    At first, Li Caiyi didn''t want to use this method, but the desperate situation called for desperate measures. Slipping her hand into her pajama pocket, she was about to pull out the ''weapon'' she took from her room when there was a hard banging sound from the door.

    "Xiaoyi! Are you alright inside? Answer me!" Li Junjie''s slightly panicked voice could be heard from outside. From the sound of it, he probably tried to break the door down from the outside.

    Hu Jian clicked his tongue in annoyance. "He is so noisy. I should have taken care of him the first time. Well, no matter. My time is up anyway, so I guess that''s it for now."

    The heavy weight on top of her suddenly disappeared as Hu Jian stepped away from her with a yful glint in his eyes. "Let''s y some more next time, Xiaoyi. I will make sure no one will be around to disturb us when thattimees."

    "Wait! I still have a lot of things I need to ask!"

    "Haha, you can cease the act now. I know you are trying to hold me back until the policee. But unfortunately, even if they are here, there''s nothing they can do to me."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t see his face, but she could imagine his mysterious simile behind that mask.

    ? "This won''t be thest time you see me. Don''t look so sad and wait patiently for me, okay?" Hu Jian climbed the window and was about to jump when he seemed to remember something.

    "Oh, I forgot to ask. Did you get that ne from Dai Zhiqiang, by chance?"

    His questions bewildered her, but she instinctively clutched the pendant in her hand. "Why do you ask that?"

    "So, I''m right. You treasure it so much without knowing what that actually is. I feel sorry for you." Hu Jian shook his head. "You are smart, so you can figure it out by yourself. You cane crying to me anytime; my arm is always open for you. Goodbye for now."

    Then, he jumped off the window and disappeared like the night wind.

    Li Caiyi''s stiff body finally rxed. Her heart was still pounding so loudly from everything that had happened.

    If everything Hu Jian said was true, then the harassment Lu Ruan did to her was orchestrated by him to make her suffer. Lu Ruan wasn''t lying when she said she never asked someone to push her off the cliff.

    "Nghˇ­"

    A weak grunting from Li Chunhua snapped her back to reality. Ignoring the banging on the door, Li Caiyi quickly jumped to her side and checked her condition.

    Li Chunhua''s body was covered in sweat, and her breath wasbored. It must have gotten worse as she wasted her time with Hu Jian!

    Then, she could hear the sirensing from the police car. Meanwhile, Li Junjie was still trying to break in, so Li Caiyi had no choice but to rest her sister against the wall to open the door.

    As soon as she opened the door, Li Junjie grabbed her shoulders tightly. His bloodshot eyes scanned her from head to toe. "Are you hurt? Where is that man?!"

    "Brother Jie, calm down," Li Caiyi replied while slowly prying his hand off her. "That man left when he heard the policeing. More importantly, we must bring Xiaohua to the hospital as soon as possible!"

 Chapter 526 Seeds Of Doubt (1)

    To Li Caiyi''s surprise, the ambnce came earlier than she expected. Li Junjie must have called them as soon as he was kicked out of the room. The peaceful Li family house became crowded quickly, with police and nurses running around.

    No material things were lost, and no one lost their life, but the damage was still there. From the nurse''s diagnosis, Li Chunhua probably had to stay in the hospital again. Looking at her sister''s ashenplexion and her mother''s worried face, Li Caiyi felt guilty.

    Such a sight wouldn''t happen if she didn''t stay in her family''s house. No, from the beginning, if she weren''t involved in something she shouldn''t, Li Chunhua wouldn''t have to suffer like this.

    Li Caiyi and Li Junjie needed to stay behind to answer some of the police officers'' questions, so only Su Suyin boarded the ambnce to apany Li Chunhua. As soon as her questioning session ended, she wanted to go to the hospital but stopped in her tracks when she saw a familiar face in the crowd.

    "Caiyi! Are you alright?!"

    Dai Zhiqiang rushed to her once their gazes met and hugged her tightly. She was tense throughout the questioning but slowly melted in his warm arms.

    "Let me see your face. Are you hurt?" Dai Zhiqiang worriedly checked her body for any injuries but was stopped by her.

    "Zhi, shouldn''t you be in the hospital right now?"

    "Our phone call was suddenly cut after a loud noise, and I couldn''t reach you again, no matter how much I tried. I was worried and rushed here immediately."

    "...I see. You came here without stopping anywhere?"

    "Of course. When I arrived, I saw a police car parked outside the house and panicked. Thankfully, an officer filled me in regarding the situation."

    Li Caiyi was relieved to feel his presence near her, but she couldn''t bring herself to smile for some reason.

    Hu Jian''s parting words from before swirled inside her mind. The more she thought about it, the more she noticed the oddity in his words.

    No, that wasn''t right. This oddity had been there for a long time, but her mind subconsciously brushed it off as nothing. Because she wanted to believe in him.

    There was no way he knew about Hu Jian from the beginning, right?

    "Caiyi? What''s wrong? Your face color doesn''t look well. Do you feel ufortable somewhere?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head before staring at his face earnestly. His concern for her didn''t look like a mere facade from every angle.

    After everything they went through, there was no one she believed in more than Dai Zhiqiang in this world. The series of betrayals she suffered in her previous life made her unable to open up easily to anyone in this timeline. Li Caiyi was careful not to trust and depend on anyone too much. But he was the only exception.

    She felt ufortable because it looked like she believed a crazy bastard like Hu Jian more than her boyfriend. But the doubt he nted in her couldn''t be erased easily. Even more so when the sign was already there.

    If he were to hide something big rted to her, would she be able to trust him again?

    "Zhi, please tell me the truth. Do you know a person named Hu Jian?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was taken aback by her sudden question. "Isn''t that the person who pushed you down from the cliff? Why do you ask that?"

    "...He was here. Just a few minutes ago."

    "What?" Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes widened in surprise, with a trace of apprehension. "Did he do something to you?! That bastard was trying to kill you before!"

    Li Caiyi rubbed her forearms ufortably when she recalled the cold de of his knife. Then, she answered, "I''m fine. But heˇ­I mean Hu Jian, he mentioned something about you."

    Dai Zhiqiang visibly stiffened. He observed Li Caiyi''s strange expression before asking, "Is that the reason you are so guarded against me?"

    "....Zhi, put your hand on your chest and answer this: did you hide something from me? Something rted to me?" Li Caiyi grabbed him by his hem clothes as she stared at him with a hopeful glimmer in her eyes. "If you answer me with no, I promise I won''t say anything about it anymore. Because I believe in you!"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi waited for him to answer, but seconds passed without him trying to exin anything. Her doubt intensified, and she became scared of what she would hear from this point.

    Every person had one or two secrets they wanted to keep. She could understand that. But if what Hu Jian said was correct, then Dai Zhiqiang had been deceiving her all this time.

    "Is it hard for you to answer that question?" Li Caiyiughed dryly.

    "There is no point when you already decided to doubt me."

    "At least try to make an excuse!" Li Caiyi unknowingly raised her voice. It attracted people''s attention, so she had to calm herself down before speaking again, "And don''t even think of guilt-tripping me. The thing I hated the most in this world is to be controlled by someone else."

    Dai Zhiqiang bit his lips. "I never lied to you."

    "I guess not saying anything is the same as not lying to you." Li Caiyi replied sarcastically. "Since you don''t want to answer that question, let me ask you another. How do you know I''m here? I don''t think I ever told you I''m staying with my family for some time?"

    "Thatˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang trailed off. For the first time, he looked disturbed before saying, "I went to your apartment, but you weren''t there."

    "Didn''t you just say you came here without stopping anywhere?"

    Dai Zhiqiang made a face as if he had just been caught red-handed when doing something wrong. He gazed imploringly at her with a trace of regret and self-me, "I was wrong to say that. Please listen to me first."

    "You didn''t want to when I gave you a chance, so why are you begging me now?"

    "Yi Yiˇ­."

    "And this isn''t the only time you know something I haven''t told you before. Do you remember thest time I went to your house? You asked me why I must go to the beach with Brother Renshu? I never mentioned anything sort to anyone, even my friends."

    Dai Zhiqiang made a painful expression, but he stayed silent and looked down, like a sinner admitting his wrongdoing.

    Li Caiyi pulled out her ne''s pendant from the inside of her pajama and held it out for him to see. "As you told me to do, I never once took this off of me. I cherished it so much I can''t bear to part with it. "

    Truthfully, she was scared and unsure what to do if what Hu Jian said was right. Because it meant Dai Zhiqiang had been spying on her life all this time.

    It made her think back to when she visited Ye Wang and identally bumped into him. Did he already know it was her from the beginning?

    What about Lin Xiang? Come to think of it, the fact that he tried to keep her ne was already strange. It was an essory that could be easily hidden behind the clothes, so he had no reason to keep it. Were the two secretly nning this behind her back and ying with her?

    "I never knew you used this to keep a tab on me. Now I don''t know how I should feel about this. Should I be thankful that you care so much? Or should I feel offended you gave me something like this as your first gift?"

    "Yi Yi, I..."

    Li Caiyi waited for him to exin. Although he looked like he had a lot to say, the words failed him in reality. He affirmed the truth through his silence.

    Hu Jian: [You cherished it but didn''t even know what that was. I feel sorry for you].

    Meng Renshu: [He is a criminal and can''t be trusted. Don''t get too close to him].

    Li Chunhua: [Xiaoyi, why can''t you see that he is not the right guy for you?]

    At this point, Li Caiyi didn''t even know what to trust anymore. Her head was filled with so many things, making her light-headed.

    The next thing she knew, the world turned upside down in front of her.

 Chapter 527 Seeds Of Doubt (2)

    "Yi Yi!" Dai Zhiqiang went forward and caught her wobbling body before she could copse.

    Her vision was blurry, and her legs almost gave up on her. Then, Li Caiyi massaged her throbbing temple as she tried to stabilize herself.

    "I''m fine."

    "No, you clearly are not! Don''t push yourself too hard. You can hit me and scold me all you wantter, but you should take a rest for now." Dai Zhiqiang said with finality before scooping her body and carrying her in bridal style.

    He was aware that many people paid attention to them, so he cradled her in a way that made her unable to see her surroundings. It displeased him when other people tried to glimpse her weak state.

    Li Caiyi felt bittersweet inside. Was this her punishment for snooping in people''s lives so she could find something useful to ckmail them with? She never thought that the person she trusted the most would do that.

    "Why did you do that?" Li Caiyi asked in a barely audible voice.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer and instead asked her. "Where is your room?"

    After she pointed the way to him, he effortlessly brought her to the room on the second floor andid her down on her bed. He tried not to think how this room was filled with her scent and crouched beside her bed to examine her condition.

    "You didn''t have a fever, but your eyes are red. Maybe because you are too agitated and exhausted after everything that happened."

    When he put his hand on her forehead, which had a much lower temperature, she felt so soothed; she closed her hazy eyes. "Zhi, can I really trust you? I''m so confused and don''t know what to think anymore."

    "It''s my fault. I nned to tell you after things had calmed down, but I would be lying if I said I didn''t have any hidden agenda when I gave that ne to you. It''s like you said. Not saying anything doesn''t mean I''m not deceiving you. I''m sorry, Yi Yi."

    "It''s always like this. Whenever we meet, we keep thanking and apologizing to each other."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s body tensed up, feeling rmed by the distance in her words. "Yi Yi, your mind is in chaos due to shock and exhaustion. Don''t overthink it. We are doing fine. Didn''t we just have fun together a few days ago?"

    Li Caiyi felt suffocated. He was right. Her head was packed with so many things she couldn''t keep up with them anymore. She just wanted to throw everything away but couldn''t.

    If she left now, then what about Li Chunhua? And she wasn''t confident that she could live without Dai Zhiqiang too.

    She covered her hot eyes with her hand. Dai Zhiqiang watched over her while feeling distressed inside. "Get some sleep. Don''t worry about anything, and just rest for now. I will be by your side this time."

    "Lies. You will disappear again once I open my eyes. Because you are just a part of my good dreams. You aren''t real."

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned. "Why do you say that? I''m real, and so are my feelings for you."

    "I don''t know. The times I spent with you are the most wonderful times in my life, to the point I''m not sure if I''m still dreaming or not. You are my anchor, the only reason I can keep going on. Please don''t betray me too."

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t sure what she talked about, but her fragile voice wrenched his heart. When people are exhausted, they tend to be more vulnerable and less guarded, so this must be Li Caiyi''s true feelings she had been hiding from him.

    She must have been very unhappy before if she thought the little time they spent together was the most wonderful.<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang held her hand firmly without hurting her. "Didn''t I say before that it''s already toote even if you want to run away from me? I will never let you go. You are mine, and that''s final."

    A drop of tears trickled down her cheek before her lips curled up in a weak smile. "Thank you."

    After that, like a deted balloon, she immediately fell into a deep sleep.

    Considering all the shock she received, it was already good that she didn''t copse on the spot. Dai Zhiqiang knew Li Caiyi wasn''t a weak girl who needed his protection all the time, but he still med himself for letting her fend for herself every time.

    Carefully wiping the sweat on her forehead and brows, his mind wandered to various thoughts, including the words she had said to him earlier.

    Actually, he couldn''t answer her immediately because he was as confused as she was. Although it was true he was the one who put the tracking device inside her ne, the information he got through Ye Wang and from Li Caiyi''s ount was notpatible.

    Unless Huang Zhen gave her a false name, then there was no reason why this person called ''Hu Jian'' would mention anything about him at all.

    ''Shit. This is gettingplicated. Now I can''t exin anything without telling her everything,'' Dai Zhiqiang thought with a troubled expression.

    There were many things he couldn''t wrap his head around, but Li Caiyi would face more danger if he kept associating himself with her. He was naive for thinking that she should be safe if he kept some distance from her, even though he knew doing that would make her sad and lonely.

    What''s the use of putting the tracking device on her if he couldn''t be there to help when she needed it the most? He couldn''t monitor her 24/7 and failed to save her multiple times. Now she just had to find out about it in the worst possible way. It would be shameful if he still tried to make an excuse at this point.

    Looking at Li Caiyi''s peaceful sleeping face, Dai Zhiqiang felt terrible for her.

    "I did nothing but make you cry all the time. Even after that, do you still think highly of our time together? I''m nowhere near that wonderful person you are talking about." Dai Zhiqiang let out self-mockingughter. "Yi Yi, sometimes I think you see me as someone else. Just who do you mistake me for?"

    "So she''s here."

    Dai Zhiqiang turned back when he heard a voice and found Li Junjie standing by the opened door. "I brought her here because it looks like she needs some sleep."

    Li Junjie approached them. His gaze lingered on their interlocked hands, but hemented nothing about it. "Then let her sleep. You are her boyfriend; can I trust you to take care of her? I need to check on my other sister, who was brought to the hospital."

    "I intend to do so without you asking," Dai Zhiqiang replied curtly.

    "Then I believe you also know that you can''t be too close to her, especially when she was unguarded like this? Keep some distance away from her."

    From his minimal knowledge of Li Junjie, he knew that this senior of his was supposed to be cold and indifferent. But from that warning tone he gave him, it was clear he was worried about leaving Li Caiyi alone with him.

    "Don''t worry, I won''t do anything indecent to a sleeping person."

    Li Junjie frowned. Dai Zhiqiang''s words implied that he had no qualms about doing indecent things if the other person was wide awake. He didn''t like it.

    Then Li Junjie thoughtfully stared at her sister''s face before deciding. "She was attacked by two suspicious people in one night, so the more guard she had, the better for her. I will call someone I trust toe here shortly, so refrain from causing a ruckus and disturbing her."

 Chapter 528 Dont Get The Wrong Idea

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t surprised by the so-called ''trusted person'' Li Junjie called.

    After making a phone call, an expensive-looking car stopped in front of the house in fifteen minutes. A young man, who was still wearing a pair of slippers, came out of the vehicle with a panicked expression.

    "Xiaoyi! Junjie!" Meng Renshu called out once he entered the house. Li Junjie waved at him from the second floor, and he hurriedly climbed up the stairs.

    "Junjie, where is Xiaoyi?!"

    "Sshh, lower your voice. She is sleeping now." Li Junjie nced in Li Caiyi''s direction, and Meng Renshu quickly followed. However, his expression changed into annoyance once his gaze met with Dai Zhiqiang.

    "What are you doing here?" He asked with thick hostility.

    "Senior Meng as well. What are you doing here?" Dai Zhiqiang asked back in a deadpan tone.

    Meng Renshu shifted his gaze to Li Junjie, demanding an exnation, but thetter only shook his head while sighing. "He is here because he was worried about Xiaoyi. I can''t just chase him away after he went through such trouble. Besides, I know better than to leave him alone with her; that''s why I call you here."

    The young master wanted to retort but held himself back after seeing how tired his friend was. This really wasn''t the right time to bicker about trivial details. "How is Xiaohua and Auntie''s condition?"

    "I got a call from my mother after I called you. She said Xiaohua had been examined, and no physical injuries were found. However, her body has weakened severely, so she will need to stay in the hospital for the time being."

    Meng Renshu tapped his shoulders, feeling sympathetic for him. "I see. Don''t worry too much, and leave Xiaoyi to me. Tell me if there''s anything I can do to help."

    "Thanks." Li Junjie looked in Li Caiyi''s direction for a moment before continuing in a small voice, "She is probably the one who got it the hardest tonight. But this is the best I can do for her."

    "Sorry? Did you say something?"

    "Nothing. I have to go now. I will leave the rest to you then." Li Junjie closed his eyes before walking away.

    Meng Renshu stared at his friend''s back and thought that he seemed different than usual. Did something happen between him and Li Caiyi? He had to ask about itter when everything calmed down.

    But now, he had to do something about this awkward situation he was put into.

    Staring vigntly at Dai Zhiqiang''s figure, who didn''t pay him any attention, he approached closer to get a better look at Li Caiyi. He frowned in displeasure when he saw Dai Zhiqiang holding her hand but realized that Li Caiyi also held onto it tightly. His heart immediately turned ufortable.

    "Senior Meng, how about you sit down instead of staring like that?"

    "Don''t tell me what to do." Meng Renshu replied, but this time with less hostility. Then, he sat down on the only chair in the room. As much as he liked to sit by Li Caiyi''s side, he wasn''t that childish to fight over the spot with Dai Zhiqiang.

    There was an oppressive silence after that. Dai Zhiqiang preferred this better as he didn''t feel like talking to his love rival. However, Meng Renshu broke the silence first by asking, "I came here as soon as I got the call from Junjie, so I haven''t heard the full story yet. Care to exin?"

    "There is no need for me to exin everything. I believe you probably already used your connection to figure out what happened beforeing here."

    Meng Renshu was a bit surprised by his response. He smiled mockingly. "You seem to know a lot about how I do things. Is this a sign that I should be more careful of you?"

    "You overestimated me. I''m just a normal student."

    Yeah, right. Meng Renshu wanted to scoff at his ''humility''. Even if he wanted to ask about his criminal record in the past, he knew the current Dai Zhiqiang wouldn''t be able to provide an answer.

    His gaze fell on Li Caiyi''s face again. Knowing that something terrible almost happened to her making his heartache.

    "What I want to know is how did she cope after that? Did she cry?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was silent. Li Caiyi was indeed crying, but for apletely different reason than he thought.

    She cried because of him. Because she was disappointed in him.

    "Hey, are you listening to me?" Meng Renshu asked in annoyance when his underssman ignored him.

    "She tried not to, but she cried in the end."<sub> </sub>

    There was a brief silence before Meng Renshu gloomily responded, "I see. It must be a scary experience for her."

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his free hand into a fist. "Senior Meng, can I ask you something?"

    "What is it? If you have something to say, just say it."

    "What will you do if you see someone you like cry because of you?"

    Meng Renshu''s frown deepened. "Why are you asking me that? Did you do something to her?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    Meng Renshu wanted tough at Dai Zhiqiang''s pathetic back. However, when he thought back on how much Li Caiyi had to suffer and cry alone because of him in the past, he couldn''t say anything.

    No, he didn''t have any right to say anything.

    "I want to do anything I can to make her smile," Meng Renshu answered thoughtfully. Almost like talking to himself.

    "Even if she is probably happier with someone else?"

    Meng Renshu snickered. "So you are the type of guy who backed down in the name of love? Suit yourself. It will be better for me. Because I believe no one can make her happier than me."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at her face. It felt like she could open her eyes anytime and smile warmly at him again. With only a smile from her, his whole body would feel lighter.

    His heart ached when he thought about how her smile could disappear because of him. The possessive part of him didn''t want to let her go, but his rational side told him that he shouldn''t implicate her life more than this. She already gave a lot of happiness in his life just by being there, but he couldn''t do the same for her.

    No words could describe what her existence meant for him and his family. A person like her shouldn''t be begging for him to stay because he wasn''t worthy of her.

    Was letting her go the only thing he could do?

    Meng Renshu got impatient as he looked at Dai Zhiqiang''s solemn face. He didn''t even know how lucky he was, yet he had the gall to ask that to Meng Renshu, who spent all his time wishing he could be in his position instead.

    "Did you finally realize how unworthy you are of her? If yes, then just leave silently without words so you won''t burden her anymore. I will dly rece you and make her the happiest woman in the world."

    "Are you that confident? From where I stand, I don''t think you are qualified for that, Senior Meng."

    "What did you say?" Meng Renshu''s eyes narrowed down dangerously.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at him before answering, "You only realized how precious she was after you lost her. I can ept being called unworthy by anyone but you."

    Meng Renshu felt like he was being punched in the gut. His expression was ugly, but he couldn''t say anything back.

    "And you seem to misunderstand something. Unless Yi Yi is the one who asked me, I have no intention of giving her to anyone. So please don''t get the wrong idea."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t care less about him after that. Heid his head on the bed while staring at her sleeping face.

    He wondered what Li Caiyi thought about it. If she loved someone else and wanted to break up with him, could he willingly let her go? Just thinking about her being with someone else made him want to kill that person.

    ''Who am I kidding? I''m already falling too deep to return. Tomorrow, this silly hesitation should already be gone.''

    His words to Meng Renshu earlier were just bravado. In reality, he had no intention of giving her to anyone.

    Even if people called him shameless and unworthy, he was willing to be the devil who stole her from everyone if that meant he could be with her forever.

    Darkness swirled in his eyes as he envisioned the future with her. A happy future.

    Mine.

 Chapter 529 Spoil Me

    Sunlight pierced through the window and fell on her face. Li Caiyi, who was in a deep sleep until a few moments ago, stirred in her sleep before slowly opening her eyes. Her body still felt sluggish even after a night''s sleep, but her head was lighter than before.

    "Ughˇ­" she groaned ufortably before forcing herself to sit up.

    For a moment, she felt disoriented and couldn''t remember what had happened before she passed out. Then, she looked down at the warm sensation on her hand and saw Dai Zhiqiang sleeping beside her bed. The memories quickly caught up to her.

    Now that Li Caiyi''s head was cleared up, she recalled every word she said to Dai Zhiqiang. She didn''t know whether tough or cry. For all she knew, it could threaten their rtionship, but thankfully it didn''t escte further.

    Li Caiyi felt a bit regretful. She meant to do that more civilly, but her emotion got the best of her.

    Looking down at her boyfriend''s sleeping face, she smiled affectionately. "He really stays with me until I wake up this time."

    Li Caiyi fondly caressed his head, enjoying the morning tranquility before someone interrupted her.

    "Ahem. Sorry for disturbing you, but I''m here too, you know?"

    Li Caiyi automatically raised her head and saw Meng Renshu sitting on the chair beside her study desk. Her eyes widened in shock. "Y-you. Why are you here?"

    "Your brother called me here because he had to leave for the hospital. Apparently, he doesn''t trust a certain someone enough to leave you alone with him."

    She couldn''t remember what happenedst night, which meant it must have happened after she passed out. Li Junjie could be really nosy when he wanted to be. What was he thinking, making Meng Renshu and Dai Zhiqiang watch over her in the same room?

    As though he could read her mind, he added, "Junjie was worried that someone mighte and target you again. He said the more people by your side, the more secure he felt."

    Listening to the word ''Li Junjie'' in the same line as ''worrying for her'' felt somewhat awkward. Especially after their argumentst night. However, Li Caiyi acknowledged that her brother was indeed slightly concerned about her, based on her observation the previous night.

    "So, have you heard something from my brother about Xiaohua''s condition?"

    Meng Renshu ryed to her what Li Junjie told himst night, and her expression instantly turned grim. She nced at Dai Zhiqiang, who was still sleeping, before saying, "Brother Renshu, I think people who attacked our housest night probably have something to do with that organization, after all."

    Meng Renshu straightened his back. He pondered with a grave look on his face. "The timing was indeed too good to be a mere coincidence. As expected, they areing after you first."

    "We should inform Detective Tang about this immediately."

    "Did you hear anything that could help us identify who was the one who attacked youst night?"

    Li Caiyi rubbed her forearms and felt goosebumps all over her skin. Last night''s experience still left a chill down her spine when she recalled it.

    "I managed to hear some things from him, but I don''t know how much it would help us."

    "Did he tell you the reason he attacked you?"

    Hu Jian: [I want to y with you and break you so Dai Zhiqiang will suffer].

    She could almost hear his maniacalugh following those words. She shook her head before replying, "I''m not really sure about that."

    Meng Renshu saw the ufortable look on her face and decided not to press the matter for now. There would be plenty of time to talk after this.

    ''Besides, this should be enough to make him move,'' Meng Renshu thought as he stared at sleeping Dai Zhiqiang.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother Renshu, did you sleep while sitting the whole night?"

    "Hm? Yeah, there wasn''t any more space, and the floor is cold at night," Meng Renshu replied while wearing a pitiful expression.

    "Oh." Li Caiyi felt terrible for making a rich young master sleep in such an ufortable environment for her. He could have slept in another room, but she guessed her brother must have made him sleep here. "Sorry for the trouble. Your body must feel sore now."

    "No, it''s fine. This much is alright." Meng Renshu smiled gently before standing up to check on her. "More importantly, how are you feeling? Did you sleep well?"

    "Yes, I slept very well."

    "That''s good." Meng Renshu put his hand on her forehead to check her temperature before smiling, "En. You don''t have a fever or anything like that. But still, there''s no hurt in being careful. It would be best if youy down some more. I will ask Mr. Mu to buy a warm breakfast for you."

    "Oh, there''s no need to do that! If you give me some time, I can get ready in five minutes and make something for you."

    Li Caiyi blurted that without deep intention, but it seemed her words made him very happy. Meng Renshu''s beautiful face brightened up like a bulb immediately. "Really? You''ll make it for me?"

    "Sure. Since you have gone through trouble because of me. Or do you prefer to order takeout?"

    "No! How can takeout be better than your cooking? I don''t want you to force yourself, but if you insist, then I won''t refuse your kind gesture."

    Li Caiyi smiled awkwardly. She didn''t expect him to respond so enthusiastically. "Then give me some time to wash my face first. I will need to make some for Zhiqiang and Mr. Mu too."

    "Oh, don''t bother. Mr. Mu is a conscientious man. He will feel ufortable eating with me. And Dai Zhiqiang had his sleep after sunrise, so I assume he wouldn''t wake up until noon."

    "Is that so? Then I will whip something for us first."

    She was about to stand up when her hand was pulled down, making her body fall back to the bed again.

    "I''m awake too." Dai Zhiqiang said in a hoarse voice and with bloodshot eyes. He looked scary as he gave Meng Renshu a sharp look.

    "But Zhiqiang, you didn''t get enough sleepst night because of me. You should sleep some more. You can use my bed if you want." Li Caiyi said worriedly. Meng Renshu was taken aback by her invitation, while Dai Zhiqiang smirked.

    A mischievous idea crossed his mind, deepening his smile. Then, he wrapped his arms around Li Caiyi''s waist, making her blush in embarrassment, while Meng Renshu clearly looked displeased.

    "But I''m hungry too. Feed me?" He asked while looking up in a spoiled manner.

    Li Caiyi almost got a heart attack from his adorableness. What happened? Dai Zhiqiang had never acted like this in front of her before! Was this his wake-up habit or something?

    She became so nervous she stuttered, "O-of course! L-Let me see what we have in the fridge. S-So, can you let go of me first?"

    "No. Stay with me for another five minutes, and I''ll let you go." He rubbed his cheeks on her thighs, which burned her face even more.

    Meng Renshu, who stood by the side and silently watched the disgusting scene, couldn''t hold it back anymore. Using extra force, he grabbed Dai Zhiqiang by his jacket and pulled him apart from the frozen Li Caiyi.

    "Now, don''t act like a child, and let thedy wash her face in peace. In the meantime, let me help you watch your slimy face."

 Chapter 530 Unnecessary Rivalry (1)

    Li Caiyi finished washing up in 5 minutes. The cold water sobered her up and slowly calmed her rapid heartbeat from Dai Zhiqiang''s ''attack.'' She couldn''t believe she would get flustered this much just from seeing him acting cute.

    "What kind of face should I make?" she mumbled in distress while looking at her reflection in the mirror. Last night''s events repeatedly reyed in her mind, but now she couldn''t even act cold and aloof because of his attack.

    With apprehension, she went downstairs and saw the two boys sitting at the dining table with a considerable distance between them. It was like they couldn''t stand being side by side and deliberately chose the farthest seat from each other.

    Considering how they hated each other''s guts, Li Caiyi should be thankful they hadn''t turned her house into a battlefield. This was a crazy thought, but for once, she was grateful Meng Renshu was here. If it were only Dai Zhiqiang and her alone, she wasn''t confident whether she could act normally like this or not.

    "This is ate greeting, but good morning," Li Caiyi broke the silence.

    "Xiaoyi, have you finished freshening yourself? You look better than before," Meng Renshu smiled at her.

    "Yes, I feel much better now. You guys must be hungry. Let me whip something for you real quick."

    Dai Zhiqiang suddenly stood up and followed her to the kitchen, simultaneously making her confused and rmed. "W-what is it? Do you want to say something?"

    "I will help you make breakfast."

    Her shoulder visibly rxed, but her smile was still pretty stiff. "That''s okay. I can''t have guest trouble himself like that."

    "I''m not a guest; I''m your boyfriend. We can make breakfast for the ''guest'' together." Dai Zhiqiang replied nonchntly. He didn''t say it loudly, but it still reached Meng Renshu. Thetter''s brows twitched ufortably when he heard him emphasize the word ''guest''.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi felt like she was stuck in a troublesome situation. No one said anything, but the hostility in the air was palpable. Dai Zhiqiang was clearly trying to pick a fight.

    She had a jealous boyfriend eager to show off before her first love and technically ex-husband. This situation couldn''t get any weirder.

    Li Caiyiughed dryly before she evaded, "Both of you are tired from watching over mest night. Let me at least do this to make up for it. If not, I will feel bad."

    "You don''t have to feel bad for me. We are lovers, so doing this much is expected."

    "Zhiqiang, don''t be stubbornˇ­."

    "Don''t hesitate to depend on me. I''m your boyfriend."

    Did he have to repeat the word ''boyfriend'' every time he made his point? His wall of defense was imprable. He seemed adamant about showing off his skills after sheplimented himst time.

    Li Caiyi felt unsettled, but they would be stuck in this awkward situation forever if they kept going on like this. She sighed in defeat. "Alright. Then, can you help me fill the pot with water first?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded and happily went to do as she said. She could almost see an imaginary tail wagging behind him. For someone who couldn''t cook before, he sure was diligent.

    Li Caiyi smiled a little before she realized she had been dragged into his pace again. She told herself not to overthink and just get this over with, but Meng Renshu suddenly entered the kitchen with a big smile on his face. She immediately had a bad feeling.

    "Cooking together seems fun. Allow me to join you guys as well."

    "Eh?" Li Caiyi couldn''t hide her disapproval from being shown on her face.

    "What''s with that ''ugh'' look? You hurt my feelings, Xiaoyi. Don''t leave me out of the fun." Meng Renshu chuckled.

    "I mean, have you ever stepped into the kitchen? Do you know how to use the stove?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was one thing because at least she had done this with him before. But she didn''t know if she could cook while supervising one more amateur in the kitchen.

    Not to mention, Meng Renshu was a precious young master who had never had to use a knife before. If he got even the slightest scratch, Meng Shuchun woulde to her and throw a tantrum again.

    Li Caiyi just wanted to make breakfast for them as a token of her gratitude. Why do they have to make this difficult for her? How annoying.<sub> </sub>

    "Haha, Xiaoyi, you are so funny. I may not know much about cooking, but I know at least that much."

    "Really?" Li Caiyi''s eyes squinted skeptically.

    "Besides, I believe anything can turn out delicious if you are the one who made it. I still remember the food you often made for meˇŞHmph!"

    Li Caiyi quickly shoved her hand into his mouth to prevent him from saying anything. She red warningly at him before ncing at Dai Zhiqiang. But he seemed preupied with finding the pot.

    Li Caiyi sighed in relief before whispering in Meng Renshu''s ears. "What are you thinking?! What if he heard us?"

    "Xiaoyi, you are worried too much. Even if he did, he wouldn''t suspect anything. Making a meal for a childhood friend is not an unusual thing."

    "Easy for you to say!" Li Caiyi gritted her teeth impatiently. Even though Dai Zhiqiang wouldn''t know Meng Renshu was talking about the time when they were married, he would still feel bad hearing about it.

    "If you make a big deal out of it, you will only make us look suspicious. Or is that what you want?" Meng Renshu raised his brows provocatively.

    Li Caiyi wanted to wipe that annoying smirk on his face with a rag but admitted that he was correct. She was about to push him away when there was a loud noise behind her.

    "What''s that?" Li Caiyi turned back and found Dai Zhiqiang standing nkly with the big pot falling near his feet.

    Apparently, he identally dropped it while trying to pull it out of the cab.

    "Are you alright?" Li Caiyi rushed to him while examining him worriedly, leaving Meng Renshu, who looked at them with mixed feelings.

    "I''m fine. I hope I didn''t break the pot," Dai Zhiqiang replied remorsefully. Li Caiyi picked up the pot and checked it, but thankfully, it wasn''t broken.

    "The pot is fine. You should have asked me if you had any difficulty. In the kitchen, you can easily get hurt. Be careful, okay?"

    "En." Dai Zhiqiang smiled happily. "What should I do next?"

    "Yeah. What should I do, Xiaoyi?" Meng Renshu appeared by her side out of nowhere and looked at her expectantly. He seemed excited and raring to go.

    "You can leave the heavy task to me."

    "I can help you wash the vegetables and cut them."

    "Yi Yiˇ­"

    "Xiaoyiˇ­"

    A wave of headache hit her. It was just a simple matter of making breakfast; why did they have topete like this? In the end, it was she who had to do the brunt and watch over them!

    CLANG!

    Both boys were startled by the noise when she dropped the pot on top of the stove. She had a big smile that didn''t look like a smile on her face as she hissed slowly, "On second thought, sitting down obediently is the best way you can help. You can do that for me, AREN''T YOU?"

    Trantions: Shut up and leave me alone.

    Dai Zhiqiang and Meng Renshu immediately mped their mouths, knowing they had pissed her off.

    "Alright" was their only word before they walked out of the kitchen. They were too scared to argue with enraged Li Caiyi.

 Chapter 531 Unnecessary Rivalry (2)

    Without the two troublemakers distracting her, Li Caiyi could move easier and managed to make two simple dishes in fifteen minutes. It wasn''t much, but it should be enough to alleviate their hunger. She put them on the dining table as the boys stared at them with a glimmer in their eyes.

    "Go on. Help yourself," Li Caiyi said before putting a spoonful of soup into her mouth. It was warm and seasoned perfectly; she was very satisfied with it.

    "Wow. This is really delicious." Meng Renshu said in awe. "I''m usually picky with my food, but I think I can eat this forever."

    "Xiaoyi is just that capable. I''m fortunate to have a girlfriend like her," Dai Zhiqiang added, continuing with the boyfriend/girlfriend/lovers charade.

    Li Caiyi was pretty much fed up with them and hoped they would leave as soon as they finished their meals. "I''m d to hear you like it. Eat a lot. This is my thanks for looking after mest night."

    They behaved pretty well after that. Besides chomping down on the food, they barely utter a word. Li Caiyi was happy to see them eating well; it brightened her mood.

    After breakfast, Li Caiyi prepared a cup of warm tea for them as they sat together to digest their food.

    "Oh yeah, I forgot to mention before, but I''m surprised that the nts I gave you grew bountifully. It was twice bigger than thest time I saw it." Meng Renshu said.

    Li Caiyi flinched a bit. How could she forget about that?

    She was worried it would dry out if she left it in her apartment, so she brought it here. The kitchen got more sunlight than her room, so she put the flower pot from Meng Renshu beside the big window in the kitchen.

    Dai Zhiqiang, who knew nothing about this, furtively nced in the direction Meng Renshu looked at, and inexplicable emotion shed through his face before he calmly sipped on his tea again.

    This subtle reaction didn''t escape Meng Renshu''s eyes; he smirked in satisfaction seeing him trying to fake his cool. "You looked troubled when I gave it to you, so I thought the nts had dried out by now. But I''m d to see you taking care of it well."

    Li Caiyi could feel a prickling gaze from her other side, where Dai Zhiqiang sat, waiting for her to respond. She felt pressured.

    ? "The flower didn''t do anything wrong. I have epted it, so, naturally, I have to take care of it well." Li Caiyi answered casually. To begin with, this wasn''t something that required her exnation, but why did she feel the urge to do just that?

    "I remember the two of us often go to the rooftop and take care of the nts together. It was a happy time. Shame that I will graduate soon."

    Li Caiyi saw a chance to get out of the tricky topic and took her opportunity. "Come to think of it, what''s your n after graduating? Brother Jie is very busy nowadays preparing himself for the college entrance exam. How''s your study?"

    Meng Renshu took a sip of his tea elegantly before tracing the edge with his finger. "I will do everything like I used to, but I n to hasten the process."

    That reply would normally confuse people who heard it, but not Li Caiyi. She raised her head to gaze at him thoughtfully. "Are you sure? It will be harder than before."

    "Yes, but I''m more prepared this time." Meng Renshu smiled meaningfully. "I''m more worried about Junjie these days."

    "My brother? What''s wrong with him?"

    "He acts as if nothing happened, but I can tell he is confused about which path to take after this. You know, since Uncle is not here anymore, there''s no reason for him to pursue a medical path again. If it''s him, there''s no doubt he can fit in any field he wants."

    Li Caiyi didn''t notice at all. Li Junjie studied like there was no tomorrow, so she thought he had already decided to be a doctor like in her previous life. But that was a goal forced upon him by their father, not his true will.

    There was a reason why Meng Yaoshu was so wary of her brother. He acknowledged Li Junjie as a genius doctor, posing a threat to him.

    If Li Junjie stopped pursuing the medical path, she wondered if this was a piece of good or bad news instead? That must be what Meng Renshu wanted to ask her.

    "Then, I''ll try asking my brother about itter. Although, I believe you will have a better chance of finding that out than me."<sub> </sub>

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "I think the opposite. If I asked him, he would just tell me to mind my own business."

    Li Caiyi could imagine that, but she didn''t believe Li Junjie would tell her anything.

    "Oh yeah, how about the birthday present I gave you? Was it helpful?"

    Ah. Li Caiyi almost forgot about that. "It''s easy to bring it everywhere, but I haven''t had the chance to use it yet."

    "That''s fine. I really hope you wouldn''t have a chance to use it, but since you may be attacked again, keep it close to you every time."

    "What are you guys talking about?" Dai Zhiqiang uttered his first words after minutes of silence.

    Li Cayi realized he had no chance to speak due to the nature of the conversation. It wasn''t like she didn''t want to talk to him, but more like she didn''t know how to talk to him after their argumentst night.

    "Ah, I forgot you are still here. Sorry about that. We seem too immersed in our conversation and identally leave you out." Meng Renshu spoke regretfully, but his expression looked rather pleased.

    Dai Zhiqiang ignored him and stared at Li Caiyi instead. She didn''t know what to reveal, so she could only grimace. "I''m sorry. I will tell you about itter."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down in disappointment. That inferior feeling resurfaced again. After taunting Meng Renshust night, he felt pathetic for not being able to say anything now. They were like living in a separate world when they spoke about stuff he didn''t understand.

    "Zhi, don''t you think you should return to the hospital soon?" Li Caiyi asked carefully. She felt guilty because it looked like she was chasing him out, but she was already behaving selfishly by asking him to stay with her all night.

    Besides, she couldn''t face Dai Zhiqiang right now. She also wanted to talk more to Meng Renshu about what happenedst night. Hu Jian clearly wasn''t a normal person, and she dreaded thinking about what he might do next. She needed to consult with someone.

    However, for the dejected Dai Zhiqiang, those words were like a thorn in his heart. He wanted to bring her back to the room and lock her inside so she wouldn''t be able to see anyone else but him. But that crazy thought was interrupted by the phone ringing.

    It took a few seconds to realize it was his phone that rang. He picked up the call dispiritedly and hung up after a few "Yeah" and "I see".

    Next, he turned hesitantly at Li Caiyi. "Yi Yi, Iˇ­"

    "I know." Li Caiyi smiled reassuringly. She knew who had called him just now from the faint voice she heard. "You should return now. Your family needs you. I''m fine by myself."

    "No, you are not alone because I will be here with you." Meng Renshu added before shifting his gaze at Dai Zhiqiang. "Worry not. She will be fine as long as she is with me."

    Hearing him say that made Dai Zhiqiang not want to go, but he had no choice.

    He rose from his seat before staring pitifully at Li Caiyi. "Take care of yourself. Call me if anything happens, and I''ll run to you no matter what. Let''s talk more after everything settles down."

    Li Caiyi nodded, feeling a bit stuffy inside. Dai Zhiqiang smiled weakly before walking out of the house.

    It was a very stiff parting that left a bad taste in her mouth.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips while staring at his lonely back. He had just left, but she had already missed him.

    "Hey, I don''t want to pry, but if you want to talk about it, I''m ready to listen." Meng Renshu offered with a gentle smile, which responded with a roll of the eyes from Li Caiyi. She could tell he was enjoying himself.

    "You can stop provoking other people now. Let''s talk about our business."

 Chapter 532 A Very Important Person

    Meng Renshu''s expression was ugly. His sharp gaze felt like it could pierce Li Caiyi''s skull.

    For precaution, she told him everything except that Hu Jian had something to do with Dai Zhiqiang. Before revealing it to anyone, she wanted to hear thetter''s exnation.

    "So you want to say that this Hu Jian person has attempted to kill you not only once but twice. At that time in the mountain, you said you got lost on your own and fell off the cliff. Why did you hide such a big matter like this?"

    "I wasn''t sure who he was and wanted to settle the matter quietly so it wouldn''t rm the culprit. Besides, I figured out that Hu Jian probably wasn''t a student from our school, and it proved trueter."

    Meng Renshu smiled sarcastically. "Isn''t that amazing?"

    "Look, you are focusing on the wrong matter. Hu Jian repeatedly warned me that I shouldn''t involve myself in a ce where I don''t belong. He must be talking about Xiaohua''s circumstances and that organization. I''m sure of it!"

    "Xiaoyi, don''t you think you are being too nonchnt about yourself. That guy will most likelye after you again. Aren''t you afraid?"

    "Even if I am, I have no intention of entertaining such emotion. I''d rather use this chance to pull the evil from its root than hide in fear." Li Caiyi replied firmly while putting her hand on her chest. "Brother Renshu, I killed myself once, so something like this couldn''t stop me."

    Meng Renshu''s brows furrowed in displeasure. He really hated the sound of that. "All the more reason for you to stay back and treasure your life more. No miracle happened twice. Are you going to throw away your second chance in life that easily? You should just leave this to Detective Tang and me. Didn''t you say you want to live for yourself this time? Then be more selfish!"

    "I''m not nning on dying. I''m doing this precisely because I want to live. Someone as smart as you must have realized it too. There''s something more behind this than it looked like from the outside. None of us realized it until it became toote in our previous life, and that''s why we were granted another chance. Please have some faith in me!" Li Caiyi stubbornly argued.

    Faced with Li Caiyi''s determined and earnest gaze, Meng Renshu found it difficult to retort. "It''s not like I don''t have any faith in you. I just don''t want to see you get hurt. If something were to happen to you again, I think I would really go crazy."

    ? She understood Meng Renshu was just trying to protect her. Still, she believed there was a reason why she was the only one who regressed withplete memories from the beginning.

    "Brother Renshu, I''m going to be alright because I''m not alone this time. I have you, Detective Tang, and Mr. Chu with me," Li Caiyi smiled. "I know you will give me that push I need if I''m stuck, so I''m not worried."

    Her radiant smile pierced through the thickest fog in his mind. Meng Renshu wanted to cherish her like a pearl in his palm, but Li Caiyi wouldn''t like that. He didn''t know whether tough or cry at her bravery.

    "Alright. I have nothing to say if you have said that much," Meng Renshu chuckled helplessly. "Recently, I have had a hard time differentiating you from Xiaohua. That stubbornness of yours can exceed hers sometimes."

    Li Caiyiughed before staring at her own hand with a long gaze. Her mind reyed the scene when she barged into her sister''s roomst night.

    At that time, Li Chunhua painstakingly mouthed something to her. And Li Caiyi felt like she had an idea of what she tried to convey.

    [Run Xiaoyi!]

    "There are so many things I want to do and learn from Xiaohua. She is a very important person to me, so I can''t just be a backburner when her life is in danger." Li Caiyi clenched her hand into a fist before raising her head again. There was a fire inside her eyes, zing with passion. "We can''t lose to Hu Jian and whoever is behind him!"

    Meng Renshu''s eyes widened in surprise before he burst intoughter. Li Caiyi pouted. "Did I say something funny?"

    "Hahaha, no." He wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes before continuing, "I just thought it''s a relief that you are on my side. It''s very reassuring to have you as my partner."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t understand what was funny about that, but hisughter was contagious. Her lips curved up in amusement too. "I''m d we can talk like this."

    It was a remark implying a deeper meaning. Meng Renshu was pleased to hear that. At least he had leveled up from an ''enemy'' to ''someone she could trust''.

    "You must be worried about Xiaohua? How about we go visit her together?" He offered, but Li Caiyi refused.

    "Thanks for the offer, but I''m fine. You should go back and have some rest first, Brother Renshu. I know you haven''t slept a wink sincest night."

    Meng Renshu was stunned. "How do you know that?"

    "I just had a feeling." Li Caiyi smiled mysteriously. "Anyway, even if you think you can still move around, you still have to rest. Sitting on a chair for a whole night is surely ufortable for you. Besidesˇ­"

    Li Caiyi giggled before continuing, "I think you must change your slippers to a pair of shoes first."

    ***<sub> </sub>

    After sending Meng Renshu off, Li Caiyi prepared to go to the hospital. She also didn''t forget to pack some of Li Chunhua''s stuff before departing.

    When she arrived at the hospital, the sun was already high in the sky.

    As a frequent visitor to the hospital, she hadn''t any problem navigating through the ce anymore. She quickly found Li Chunhua''s room and bumped into Su Suyin, who just came out from inside.

    "Xiaoyi!" Su Suyin ran towards her and pulled her into a tight embrace before she could say anything.

    Li Caiyi patted her back gently. "Mother, it must be hard on you."

    The older woman shook her head before separating herself from her. "I should be the least of your concern here. My kids are all in danger, but I can''t do anything but stay in my room. I''m so ashamed of myself!"

    "Please don''t say that, Mother," Li Caiyi didn''t know what else to say. From what she knew, it seemed Li Junjie forced their mother to stay put in her room and even locked it from the outside. She was surprised when she heard about it from the police officerst night.

    That exined why Su Suyin was nowhere to be seen until everything was over. In Li Caiyi''s opinion, her brother made a good call. If their mother followed them and witnessed what Hu Jian did to Li Chunhua, she would be hysterical and make everything moreplicated.

    "Xiaoyi, I''m sorry for leaving you all alone again." Su Suyin caressed her face gently with concern written all over her face. "Oh my, look at your tired face. You must have been shocked. Did you get hurt anywhere?"

    The warmth from her mother''s palm slowly permeated through her skin and spread all over her body. She remembered her mother used to gently caress her face like this before getting fed up with her, which made her nose sour in nostalgia.

    Li Caiyi promised herself she wouldn''t waver, but she couldn''t help but feel happy.

    "I''m not hurt, Mother. Thank you for caring about me."

    "Isn''t it natural for a mother to be worried about her child? If only I could split myself in two, I would never let you sleep alone at home."

    Based on her words, Li Junjie didn''t tell her about Dai Zhiqiang and Meng Renshu staying overst night. That was understandable since it would indeed cause more harm than good for her mother''s mental health.

    "Mother, I''m a big girl, and I can take care of myself alone, so you don''t need to worry about me."

    Li Caiyi meant to appease her mother, but contrary to her expectation, Su Suyin''s face turned gloomier. She bit her lips while looking down sadly. Her hand fell from Li Caiyi''s shoulder and hung limply on her sides.

    "That''s right. It''s because I neglected you all the time. You can''t depend on anyone else but yourself."

    "Mother, that''s not what IˇŞ"

    "No, please don''t console me," Su Suyin interjected. "I''m well aware that I''m a failure as a mother. You probably can''t open your heart to me, but I hope you are not hiding your wound anymore. If you can''t talk to me, your siblings will surely help you."

    Li Caiyi was unsure how to respond. Her mother hadpletely missed her point, and now she looked despondent.

    "What are you doing here?"

    Right when the atmosphere turned awkward, Li Junjie showed up. Li Caiyi could never be more grateful.

    "Brother Jie! I''m here to visit Xiaohua."

    "I can see that." He replied curtly before shifting his gaze to Su Suyin. "Since Xiaoyi is here already, we will take a turn watching over Xiaohua. Mother, you should take this chance to go home and rest."

    "....Alright." Su Suyin agreed immediately. She left a few more words, reminding them not to skip their meals before walking away. Li Caiyi could feel something was amiss.

    "Did something happen to Mother? She seems more down than usual."

    "Mother has a lot of things on her mindtely. Just pretend you don''t know anything."

    Li Caiyi didn''t understand but decided to leave that matter for another time. Now, there are more pressing issues at hand. Following Li Junjie, they entered Li Chunhua''s room.

 Chapter 533 If You Need A Reason, Then Ill Give You One

    Li Caiyi was restless throughout the trip but felt lighter once she saw her sister''s face. Although Li Chunhua was still unconscious, and her sleeping facecked the usual vitality, at least it looked peaceful, unlikest night, where it twisted in pain.

    "Is there any new news regarding her condition?"

    "Nothing we can do but monitor her for now."

    Well, no news could be considered good news.

    Li Caiyi nced at her brother, who picked up a newspaper and leisurely read on the sofa before plopping herself beside him.

    24 hours hadn''t passed since theirst argument, and she was stuck with him again. Li Caiyi could already tell today would be a long day.

    "If you have something to say to me, out with it already."

    "A-ah? What are you talking about, Brother?" Li Caiyi flinched.

    "Why else are you sitting beside me voluntarily?"

    Ugh. He got a point, but didn''t it mean he noticed how ufortable she was being around him? Somehow it made her feel a little bad. But then, she remembered what he had said to herst night and calmed down.

    "Nothing went past you. I do have something I want to ask you."

    He didn''t respond, which meant he gave her time to talk. Li Caiyi chose her words carefully before asking, "Brother Jie, have you decided what you are going to do after graduating."

    That seemed to catch his attention. He raised his head from the newspaper and looked at her weirdly. "Why do you ask?"

    "Nothing. You are studying diligently to the point I rarely see you in the house. Father forced you to study hard, but I realized you have never talked about what you truly wanted to do."

    Li Junjie observed her sister carefully before folding his newspaper. "Did Renshu put some ideas into your head again?"

    Li Caiyi couldn''t hide her surprise. If he didn''t want to be a doctor, Li Junjie could very well be a detective or fortune teller. If only his emotional intelligence was as high as his intellectual one.

    She cleared her throat. "Well, there''s that, but I''m also curious about it. Is there anything wrong with a little sister worrying about her brother? So, have you thought about it yet?"

    "I don''t know why you are suddenly interested in that, but nothing was set in stone yet. Just like you guys assumed."

    "Are you having second thoughts about pursuing the medical path?"

    "...I don''t know. I despised everything rted to our father and Li family. Still, the teaching has been deeply ingrained in my bones since I was a child. It''s hard to part with it."

    "But, is that something you want to do?"

    "Aside from Mother, I don''t think anyone ever asked me what I want to do. My path has been decided from the beginning, so I never think much about it."

    He said it lightly, but it somehow sounded sad and lonely. Perhaps this was why Li Junjie cared for Su Suyin more than anyone.

    Li Junjie''s presence used to intimidate her a lot, and Li Chunhua was too obsessed with her to care about him. With a dominating father who kept putting pressure on him, little Li Junjie must have regarded their mother, the only one who listened to him, as his lighthouse.

    If she thought about it again, her brother''s life wasn''t any less pitiful than hers or Li Chunhua''s.

    "But after taking various tests, I found out that the path I despised the most turned out to be the best path for me. Logically speaking, the answer should have been clear. Wasting my potential over personal emotion is stupid. It''s justˇ­ I''m unsure whether that''s really the best.

    I studied hard so I could win against our father, but in the process, I became exactly what he wanted me to be. Talk about irony."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t understand the depth of his mind, but when talking about dreams, she felt like she had to say something.

    "Brother, truthfully, you just don''t want to let it go, right?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "The way I see it, you actually don''t hate it. You are always very passionate about learning human anatomy, diseases symptom and preventive measure, or other medical stuff. When Father is not home, you are in charge of everyone''s health and look proud of it."

    Li Junjie was dumbstruck. Among the small number of expressions she had ever seen from him, this one was the dumbest. This must mean that she got a bullseye!

    "If you need a reason to keep me going, how about I give you one?"

    "Reason? What are you talking about?" Li Junjie could finally gather his thoughts together and form a response. But he looked as lost as a straymb.<sub> </sub>

    "Brother, if you genuinely hate it, you won''t have a hard time parting from it. The fact that you are struggling proves that you actually don''t want to let it go.

    If it''s the usual you, you will cast the option away and go with the next best option. Since Father isn''t here anymore, you think there is no reason for you to continue."

    Li Caiyi could resonate with him as she used to make a lot of excuses for herself. She just didn''t expect the day her brother would need guidance about this woulde.

    "Well, guess what? I can give you the ''reason'' you like so much. From now on, you will continue the path you walk on because that''s what you want to do."

    "Whatˇ­I want to do?" Li Junjie echoed her words with a perplexed face as if those words tasted foreign on his tongue.

    "No one gives me any reason to continue writing, but if that''s the case, I will make one myself! The solution is actually pretty simple." Li Caiyi smiled before holding her brother''s big hand.

    "Forget aboutplicated things like family teaching, and be honest to yourself. If you have something you want to do, then do it. We will support you all the way."

    Li Junjie looked down at their hands. Then his eyes gradually softened, throwing her out of the loop. "How many years have passed since you held my hand like this? I think thest time we held hands together like this was when you were in kindergarten."

    Why would he mention something that happened a long time ago? It was a bit embarrassing.

    "You said it like it was my fault. You are the one who said that I shouldn''t cling to you anymore." Li Caiyi huffed.

    "Did I? I don''t remember."

    Li Caiyi rolled her eyes. "Of course. You only remember stuff that is convenient for you."

    Li Junjie chuckled. It was a genuine smile she hadn''t seen on his face for a long time. However, it didn''t make her cringe like she usually felt. On the contrary, Li Caiyi felt relieved and happy.

    But that happiness was short-lived since he pulled back his hand a secondter. "I think that''s enough hand-holding for now. We aren''t kids anymore, but I''ll make an exception just for today."

    "You are seriously a handful one, Brother Jie." Li Caiyi pouted.

    "I know. Thank you," he said while smiling faintly.

    "Huh? What did you say just now?"

    "Nothing. More importantly, tell Renshu to mind his own business next time."

    Li Caiyi grimaced. "How can you know the exact words he wants to avoid? He is just concerned about you. Don''t you think you are being too mean to him as his best friend?"

    Li Junjie''s brows raised interest. "Oh? Did I just hear you speaking up for him? Since when did you two get friendly again? You avoided him like the gue before."

    "Well, I have a reason for thatˇ­."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t say they were in a partnership, so she evaded the topic by asking again, "By the way, I have another thing I want to ask you."

    "What is it?"

    "The other day, I heard Brother Renshu mention how Uncle Meng kept praising you for bing the head of the family now. Is it such a big deal?"

    Li Junjie looked at her weirdly again, "You asked many strange questions today. Did Renshu ask you to do this too?"

    Li Caiyi facepalmed inwardly. "Can you not answer my question with another question? It''s not like I''m asking some kind of big secret here."

    He was still skeptical but answered anyway. "I don''t think so. The title is crap, anyway. If there is another person who can take it, I will dly give it to them."

    "No, not your personal opinion about it. I mean, objectively speaking, if you look at it from the general public''s eyes, is it some kind of big deal?"

    "I don''t know. It probably caused a sensation since our Father and Mother suddenly divorced, and I''m too young to be the head of the family. But this is our family''s internal problem in the end. It shouldn''t have any significance to other people."

    Li Caiyi knew it wouldn''t be easy since her question was vague. Heck, how could she ask about something she didn''t understand herself? Meng Yaoshu never mentioned tantly about the reason for his wariness towards Li Junjie, so even if she wanted to gain information, she had no idea what to ask.

    While she mulled over it, Li Junjie continued, "To be honest, I haven''t the slightest clue why you would ask me this. But since it''s Uncle Meng, I''m sure it was just a fleeting interest. Our families had known each other for a long time, so he might have heard one or two things about our family rules."

    "What rules?"

    "I''m talking about the right of inheritance. He probably found it fascinating that Father was usurped by the same rule he used against our grandfather."

 Chapter 534 The Li Familys Dark Nature

    Li Caiyi never thought of that. As a family with a long track history, the right of inheritance was something passed down in the Li family through generations. She only came to know about it when her Grandfather told her about it, but she didn''t know much about it.

    "Do you think Uncle Meng knew about that? Isn''t the rule only known to our family members?"

    "I''m not sure, but it shouldn''t be impossible for him to know about it. You know how our father had been trying to connect our family to the Meng, right? I wouldn''t be surprised if he told Uncle Meng one or two secrets about our family."

    Li Jirong was only arrogant in front of those weaker than him. He boasted about the Li family''s honor but had no problem bootlicking to the stronger one, including Meng Yaoshu. What Li Junjie said was actually usible.

    This topic of conversation intrigued Li Caiyi. Among all the ideas she had in mind, she had forgotten entirely about the right of inheritance.

    "Come to think of it, I know this rule can be used to take the inheritance of the family early, as long as there is only a sole sessor remaining in the house. Why did our father want to be the head of the family so badly?"

    "With his personality, he probably couldn''t stand that Uncle performed better than him."

    Li Quan was the name of their uncle. He was Li Jirong''s younger brother who lost his life in a car ident before he reached twenty. Grandfather Li was devastated by his eldest son''s passing, causing his health to slowly deteriorate. That was when their father took the chance to im the title of the head of the family.

    "I heard Grandpa mention Uncle a few times, but I don''t know much about him. Do you know, Brother?"

    "Our father disliked it when someone talked about Uncle. Perhaps because he developed an inferiorityplex toward him. From what I knew, Uncle seemed to be much more capable than our father since their youth, which made Grandfather more fond of him."

    Li Caiyi connected the dot and added, "Did Grandpa want to make Uncle his sessor? But our father is the eldest son."

    "It didn''t matter who was born first. The stronger will triumph over the weak. A prideful person like our father wouldn''t be able to take it."

    "But then, isn''t it strange?" Li Caiyi rubbed her chin in confusion. "Uncle lost his life in an unfortunate ident, so the inheritance should fall into Father''s hands sooner orter. There''s no need for him to use his right of inheritance. What makes him in so much of a hurry?"

    Li Junjie didn''t answer immediately and looked deep in thought. "Xiaoyi, this is just a hunch of mine. But I think Uncle''s car ident may have something to do with our father."

    The bulb on her head lightened up. She wasn''t that sure before, but now she felt she was on the right track.

    "If you are the one who said it, then I assume you have some exnation to back up that im?"

    "I have no solid proof. When I confronted Father about the right of inheritance and mentioned Uncle, he looked scared for some reason, like he was afraid I knew something. Grandfather told us about Uncle and the right of inheritance, but Father wasn''t aware of that fact. His natural reaction should be anger or shock, but he looked terrified instead."

    "That''s a bit strange indeed." Li Caiyi nodded thoughtfully. "Is that the reason why you be suspicious of Father?"

    "I am probably overthinking it, but Father is the type that will justify any means to achieve his goal. And the timing for everything is just too perfect for it to be a mere coincidence."

    "What do you mean?"

    "There was an old journal in Grandfather''s study room. I happened to find it by coincidence after he passed away. Based on the content, around the time of Uncle''s death, apparently, our Grandfather intended to use all his wealth to support Uncle''s research. There weren''t any details on what kind of research, but if Father somehow also knew about this, it gave him a reason to resent Uncle."

    "And that''s why he wanted to get rid of him?" Li Caiyi shuddered. This conversation turned dark very fast. She didn''t want to believe that a teenage boy could be that ruthless toward his siblings. Still, considering how Li Jirong had no qualms about using his daughter as a test subject, her heart grew colder.

    "Sadly, we know Father is capable of such an inhumane thing."

    Li Junjie nodded in agreement. "It would be toote if Grandfather knew about it and refused to inherit our family''s wealth."

    "But still, that is just way too underhanded of him. How could Grandfather allow that?!"

    "He probably didn''t know, or rather, he didn''t want to believe that his son could do such things. Your eldest son was schemed against and died by your younger son due to your partiality. The thought will be too much to bear."

    Li Junjie tapped his fingers on the sofa''s handrest. "And as far as I know, Uncle was favored not only by Grandfather but also our Great Grandfather. And Great Grandfather was a renowned doctor and pharmacologist. The ''research'' mentioned in the journal probably has something to do with it, considering Uncle''s age at that time."

    Li Caiyi had no idea how her brother could figure out so much just from a bit of information he found but decided to stay silent and listen for now.

    "I read in an old newspaper that our Great Grandfather used to work for Meng Pharmaceutical and yed a pivotal role in the new medicine discovery. However, he resigned in the middle of research due to a personal reason."<sub> </sub>

    Her head hurt from thinking so much, but she could conclude something from his points. "So you want to say that this ''research'' that Grandfather mentioned was about that? They wanted Uncle to continue that research in the future?"

    Li Junjie smiled faintly. "I thought you would need me to borate further. Good job for keeping up."

    "That was crazy. Why is our family soplicated? I feel sorry for Uncle." Li Caiyi groaned. When Li Quan passed away, he shouldn''t be older than 17 years old. To put such a big expectation on such a young boy, Li Caiyi could only imagine how burdened he must be.

    "Everything is for the honor of the Li family," Li Junjie snickered mockingly. "I hate that phrase with every cell in my body. A family like ours should have just gone extinct."

    Her words seemed to trigger Li Junjie. To make even her expressionless brother show a deep hatred, the Li family must have disgusted him to the core.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t me him. After all, Li Junjie grew up under the same pressure as Li Quan, and he went through a lot from their father''s abuse.

    "Brother, there is nothing that can bind you down anymore. You are free to choose whatever path you want now. Just know that I will be rooting for you no matter what."

    Li Junjie was troubled. Once again, he didn''t know how to respond to her sincerity. "I don''t understand you. Didn''t you hate me?"

    Li Caiyi pondered for a moment before replying, "I do hate you sometimes. You are insensitive and act like a know-it-all. I sometimes wonder why I have a cold jerk like you as my brother."

    Her straightforward response felt like a p on his face. He thought she had mellowed down since she seemed concerned about him, but he stood corrected.

    "Not only do you have a low EQ, but you also don''t have the patience to listen to other people. Is it because you think other people''s opinions are not worth hearing?"

    "Xiaoyi, calm downˇ­."

    "No, I will not calm down! I''m still furious about what you said to mest night!"

    Li Junjie sighed in exasperation. He didn''t expect her to scold him like this. "You misunderstand me, and don''t yell in the hospital."

    Li Caiyi folded her arms while throwing him a sharp re. "I''d love to hear what misunderstanding I have."

    He kind of regretted bringing up the topic aboutst night now. Personally, he didn''t mind the distance between them or if she hated him. But his curiosity got the better of him for a moment, and now he was stuck in this ufortable situation where he had to reveal his deepest thoughts.

    "If you have something to say, then out with it!" Li Caiyi urged him.

    "I was thoughtless. Sorry for offending you."

    It was a concise and t apology that came out of the blue. She thought he would exin in the most logical way, like usual, but he apologized instead. Li Caiyi had to blink her eyes a few times to ensure she wasn''t dreaming.

    "Come again?"

    "I apologize. It''s not my intention to make you feel like I put Xiaohua''s safety over yours. Both of you are important; that''s why I can''t understand why you choose to keep quiet until it bes too dangerous."

    Her brother apologizing to her was a plot twist she didn''t seeing. The cold and aloof Li Junjie actually apologizes to her. Rather than pleased by it, she felt crept out instead.

    "Seriously? Did you eat something wrong while you were in the hospital?"

    "No. I made sure Mother and I ate bnced food while we were here. It won''t help if we feel sick while Xiaohua is in this condition."

    Li Caiyi was relieved to hear his robotic response. She thought someone had kidnapped and impersonated her brother, but that didn''t seem to be the case.

    "I didn''t expect you to apologize to me. You never apologized before." Li Caiyi said awkwardly. Even in her previous life, she never saw him apologizing to anyone.

    "I was wrong, so, naturally, I should apologize. I realized I had hurt you when you told me to wait outside Xiaohua''s roomst night. You said it''s better if you are the one who got hurt than Xiaohua."

    Li Junjie sounded terribly upset. "Don''t you ever say that again. Because I don''t like it."

 Chapter 535 Brotherly Concern (?)

    Li Caiyi was confused. She suspected the shock fromst night might have done something to her brother''s brain.

    "But that''s the most rational action to take at that time," she argued. "Xiaohua was already unconscious and in a dangerous state, so following his whim was our only choice. Brother, isn''t that what you think as well?"

    "Even if that''s the case, there will not be any meaning if something happens to you in the process. No one should be hurt, although I admit that it will be hard to achieve in that situation. You did well for dying him until the police came."

    This was beyond her expectation. She wasn''t sure if he was trying to reprimand orpliment her. For Li Junjie to say so much, was he worried about her?

    "I couldn''t do anything back then, so I had no right to say anything to you, but I hope you will be more careful in the future. You thought too lightly of yourself."

    "Brother, what happened to you? You usually never care about me, so why are you suddenly acting like this?"

    Li Junjie shook his head. "I don''t know either. Everytime I see you, I get annoyed. It takes me some time before I realize the reason. Be it as it may, I have no qualification to say anything to you. It frustrated me, and in the end, Ished out at you. That was my bad."

    "What do you mean? What is the reason you are talking about?"

    "About the matter with Lu Ruan. It would be best if you returned once her harassment began to get out of hand. Does the idea of living with your family repulse you that much?"

    He said something simr to thatst night. So it wasn''t because he was angry at her for involving Xiaohua, but he was annoyed at her recklessness? That was so misleading! She felt stupid now for getting worked up all by herself.

    "Howe you also say the exact same thing as Xiaohua?" Li Caiyiughed dryly. "I have decided to live independently, so I thought I should solve my problem alone. Besides, aren''t you the one that says I can do anything I please after our parents'' divorce?"

    Li Junjie looked away with an ufortable expression on his face. "Yes. I remember saying that. Because you have suffered for a long time, I want you to live freely. But now, I''m not so sure anymore. Even after Lu Ruan was gone, I can''t seem to calm down."

    "Brother, I appreciate your concern, but please just return to the usual you. It feels weird."

    "I know, right?" Li Junjie chuckled. "I think so too. This isn''t like me at all. Just forget what I said before."

    "No, you don''t have to go so far. You talked a lot, but to summarize your point, you are worried about me and want me to rely on you more, right?"

    Li Junjie was stunned. "Where did you get that idea? I said no such things. If something happens to you, Mother will be sad, and I want to avoid that at all costs."

    "Oh, really?" Li Caiyi rolled her eyes, somewhat irked by his blunt response.

    "Anyway, just be careful. If it''s too much for you to bear, ask for help immediately. Don''t be stupid and suffer unnecessarily. You also...."

    Li Caiyi meant to question him about things, but in the end, he nagged her about various things. He continued talking as if relieved that he could throw up words that had been stored inside him. It was a bizarre sight for someone as quiet as him.

    ***

    "Something like that happened?" Detective Tang eximed while throwing a sympathetic gaze at Li Caiyi.

    "Yeah. Thanks to that, thest few days have been like a nightmare for me," Li Caiyi heaved a long sigh. The end-term exam was just around the corner, but she couldn''t even put her mind to her study with so many things happening.

    "Young Miss, you seem to get more wrinkles every time I see you. Don''t burden yourself with unnecessary thoughts; just focus on caring for yourself and your sister. I hope she will recover soon."

    Li Caiyi smiled a bit, hearing his words offort. "Thank you, Detective. However, the more we dilly dally, the bigger the risk we will face in the future."

    "Xiaoyi is right." Meng Renshu, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke.

    They were currently in the VIP room of a five-star restaurant, per Meng Renshu''s rmendation. It was the same room where he and Li Caiyi came to discuss Li Chunhua''s poisoning case the other day.

    "Detective, would it be too much for you to do an additional investigation on top of our current n? This Hu Jian is dangerous, and I want more information about him."

    "Young Master Meng, I already decided to investigate without you telling me. If what the Young Miss said was true, then there is a high possibility that this person might be the key we need to get closer to that organization," Detective Tang smirked.<sub> </sub>

    "As expected, you are quick on the uptake," Meng Renshu smiled in satisfaction. "We have two possible leads now. The first is my father, and the second is Hu Jian. I will monitor my father closely, and in the meantime, I want you to help Xiaoyi with this. I have arranged for some men to follow her to keep her safe. If Hu Jian makes his move, they will inform me immediately."

    Li Caiyi had a defeated expression on her face. "I know this is necessary, but it makes me self-conscious to have some unknown people following me."

    "Sorry for making you ufortable, but I can''t calm down knowing you can be in danger anytime. Don''t worry; I''m sure you''ll eventually get used to it," Meng Renshu said consolingly.

    Considering his position, it wouldn''t be weird if he had some people keeping an eye on him all the time. Li Caiyi only experienced it for a day and was already stressed; she couldn''t imagine how Meng Renshu could stand it.

    Talking about surveince also reminded him of Dai Zhiqiang. They hadn''t spoken since they parted ways in her house that day.

    Out of habit, she raised her hand to touch her ne, only to realize it wasn''t there.

    Li Caiyi still had mixed feelings about how Dai Zhiqiang secretly spied on her. She didn''t know what to think about it, so she took it off and kept it in her drawer instead.

    A part of her knew that he must have done that to protect her. He gave it to her as his first gift shortly after their school trip, so it must be heavily rted to how she almost went missing in the mountains. With a tracking device, it would be easier to locate her.

    Li Caiyi understood that in her brain, but her heart couldn''t ept it. Having him constantly watch over her without permission made her feel controlled. She had had enough of that in her previous life.

    The ne she used to cherish now felt like a cor, and she hated herself for thinking that way.

    In the end, she decided to keep it away for now. After she resolved the misunderstanding with Dai Zhiqiang, she probably would have an idea of what she wanted to do with it.

    "Xiaoyi? What are you thinking?"

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi jolted in surprise, hearing Meng Renshu''s voice so close to her ear. They looked at her worriedly, and she felt terrible for zoning out in the middle of an important conversation. "Sorry, I was thinking about something else just now. What did you say?"

    "We are talking about one more person that ys a significant role in this case. Your father, Xiaoyi. He hasn''t done anything out of the ordinary so far, but have you heard anything from your brother?" Meng Renshu repeated his question.

    "Ah." Li Caiyi recalled their conversation yesterday and pondered whether she should tell them or not. Everything Li Junjie said was just a mere theory with no solid evidence. However, the ''research'' mentioned in her grandfather''s journal did bother her a bit.

    "Based on your expression, you already have something in mind." Meng Renshumented, looking somewhat intrigued.

    "Well, I did hear something from my brother. He told me about his crazy and messed up theory, but I don''t know where to start."

    "How about we start with why his theory bothers you?" Detective Tang suggested.

    "Very well. Actuallyˇ­"

    Li Caiyi told them everything because three heads were better than just one. She had a nagging feeling that what Li Junjie said yesterday must have some significance to the current case; she just couldn''t pinpoint what it was.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu calmly listened to Li Caiyi''s exnation and had a pensive look on his face. His father mentioned Li Caiyi''s great-grandfather, but this was the first time he had heard about Li Quan. He agreed with Li Caiyi that this piece of information might get them somewhere.

    "Xiaoyi, based on what you said, then this supposed ''research'' was once what your great-grandfather did while he was still working for Meng Pharmaceutical?"

    "Yeah, that''s correct."

    "Then the answer for what kind of research is probably still somewhere in thepany." Meng Renshumented thoughtfully.

    "And not only that," Detective Tang added, "Young Miss'' father is probably aware of that too; that''s why he willingly quit his previous job and switched to Meng Pharmaceutical."

    Li Caiyi''s back was tense. She couldn''t help but nce at Meng Renshu.

    He was the one who offered that position to Li Jirong. Did he allow him to have that position because he knew this would happen?

 Chapter 536 Curse Him And His Brilliant Mind!

    Based on his reaction, he shouldn''t have known about this before Li Caiyi mentioned it. Meng Renshu exined before that he let Li Jironge to the centralboratory because it would be easier to monitor him that way. But was it really the only reason?

    Meng Renshu noticed her looking at him weirdly, so he tilted his head while smiling. "What''s wrong, Xiaoyi? Is there something on my face?"

    "No. It''s nothing."

    Li Caiyi wanted to ask, but she thought she should save it forter. They couldn''t talk about their previous life with Detective Tang here.

    "Although the matter has long passed, I still keep an eye on Li Jirong. But aside from his drinking and womanizing habit, he didn''t seem to do anything particrly worth noting."

    Li Caiyi shifted her attention to the discussion. "Detective, is my father still in a rtionship with Gu Xue?"

    It took him a few seconds to recognize the name before he responded, "Ah, you mean the nurse he was having an affair with. Yeah, he is. Although they rarely meet since your father is often seen with other women instead."

    Old habits die hard. Sure enough, Li Jirong never once reflected on his mistake. Li Caiyi didn''t care before, but hearing that sounded reassuring now.

    "Actually, Gu Xue once approached me before. She acted suspiciously, saying something like she wanted to keep cooperating with me, even after I let her go."

    "Young Miss, did you return the ckmail material I gave you to her?" Detective Tang''s eyes widened in astonishment.

    "Not everything, of course. I''m not that stupid. She will never stop bothering me if I don''t give her anything. Besides, I promised her."

    "But still, you are too generous to a woman who schemed against your family."

    "In the first ce, Gu Xue wouldn''t have the chance if only a certain someone didn''t give her the confidence."

    There was no need to exin further. They already knew who Li Caiyi talked about.

    Meng Renshu patted her shoulder gently. "You did well fighting against them. Now, please leave the rest to Detective Tang and me. We will keep an eye on them and inform you if they do something rted to our current case."

    Li Caiyi nodded gratefully. She didn''t know if she could keep calm if she saw those two again. "Thank you. However, if I can suggest, we should probably pay more attention to Gu Xue. Unlike Father, her position enables her to get close to anyone without rming someone. Thest time, she told me she wanted nothing to do with Father anymore, butter contradicted herself. She probably knows something."

    She stopped briefly before adding, "I don''t think Father will cast her aside that easily. She has been his favorite for so long, after all."

    Both males nodded in agreement. With Li Jirong in the centralboratory, there would be more watchful eyes around him, so Gu Xue was the more probable solution.

    After deciding their next move, Detective Tang bade his goodbye and went ahead first, leaving Li Caiyi alone with Meng Renshu.

    Seeing her chance, she finally asked him the question that bugged her.

    "Brother Renshu, tell me the truth. Did you already know Father''s involvement in this before? What is the real reason for you keeping him close to you?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t answer immediately as he calmly took a sip of his ck coffee. "I knew you would ask me something, but it''s about that again? I thought I had exined it to youst time."

    "No. I know you are hiding something." Li Caiyi insisted. Some of her memories were gone, so that must have meant that Meng Renshu remembered something that prompted him to do that.

    "At that time, I didn''t know you had slowly regained your memories, so there was no way for me to find out what you were hiding. But today, I''m certain you must have been keeping something from Brother Jie and me."

    Meng Renshu smiled approvingly. "You be more and more clever. I''ll give you that. However, what can you do if I refuse to tell you?"

    "What? Aren''t you supposed to be cooperating with me? We agreed to help each other!"

    "Yes. But that doesn''t mean I should give you the information I have for free." He smirked, secretly enjoying the flustered look on her face.

    "That''s unfair. By hiding an important piece of clues, you may hinder the progress of our case. Please stop acting selfishly like this."

    "I don''t want to hear it from someone who also keeps something from me for so long. If Hu Jian didn''t attack youst time, I doubt I would ever know how he almost killed you twice." Meng Renshu smiled coldly, and she winced.

    "But that''s because I thought it was not something you needed to know," Li Caiyi quickly tried to reason.<sub> </sub>

    "Precisely. Hence why I will not divulge anything to you. Because I''m not sure if I have to reveal anything or not."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. He really knew how to deliver his point. She didn''t expect him to use her action topletely shut her down. It frustrated her because she couldn''t say anything back to him.

    "Fine. You win. Is there any way I can change your mind?" She asked reluctantly.

    Meng Renshu''s smile deepened. "Now we are talking! Don''t think badly of me, but we are in a business rtionship, after all. Let''s trade our information."

    "Huh? But I have told you everything I know."

    "You still haven''t told me why you are fighting with Dai Zhiqiang."

    Li Caiyi frowned. Her whole body screamed vignce all over as she sharply stated, "I don''t think my personal matter is something you need to know."

    Instead of feeling offended, Meng Renshu calmly shook his head. "Wrong. Just like your hunch telling you that Gu Xue might have something to do with it, my hunch also told me that Dai Zhiqiang probably rted to this somewhat."

    Li Caiyi maintained her expression so her shock wouldn''t show on her face. "What makes you think that?"

    "Every time you are attacked, for some reason, Dai Zhiqiang is always there. As if he knew beforehand that you were targeted. Once or twice might be a coincidence, but a third time? I don''t think so. It makes me think that Hu Jian and Dai Zhiqiang probably have a connection. You are just the unfortunate soul that happened to get caught between them."

    Li Caiyi gulped silently. Her whole body was rigid as she tried hard to stay calm. Curse him and his brilliant mind! Now she was afraid of keeping a secret in front of him. It felt like he would always be able to see through her.

    While she was busy thinking about how to get around this crisis, Meng Renshu almost couldn''t restrain hisughter seeing her constipated face. He felt good knowing that his words and actions could still affect her like this.

    "Can I take your silence as an affirmation?"

    She wanted to ask Dai Zhiqiang first about it, but she didn''t think she could keep it from Meng Renshu for long. Because Hu Jian DID have something to do with Dai Zhiqiang and possibly the case in hand. If he really wanted to know, it would only be a matter of time before he found out.

    Li Caiyi heaved a long sigh before annoyedly admitting. "You leave me with no choice. If I tell you, will you tell me your reason for hiring my father?"

    Meng Renshu made a dramatic bow while smirking triumphantly, causing more ire from her. "You have my word."

    "It is as you said. Hu Jian did mention something about Dai Zhiqiang that night. It seems he has a considerable grudge against him. Still, when I confronted thetter about it, he refused to give me any details."

    "Which caused the crack in trust between you two. Hmm, very interesting indeed," Meng Renshumented jovially, without bothering to hide his good mood.

    Li Caiyi didn''t have the energy to deal with his mockery. She continued, "Hu Jian said he wanted to make Dai Zhiqiang suffer through me. I don''t know what conflict between them, but that person has an abnormal obsession with him. That''s all I know."

    "Just as I thought. You do have a knack for attracting oddballs around you, Xiaoyi."

    "Why, thank you. But don''t worry, you are still the oddest among them," Li Caiyi replied sarcastically while smiling. Meng Renshu chuckled in response.

    "Fair enough. I guess it''s my turn then."

    Li Caiyi straightened her back, preparing herself for the answer.

    "It''s nothing big, actually. I already told you about how I lost contact with your family after your passing, right? At that time, I wanted to know what happened to Junjie and Xiaohua so badly, but your brother hid his tracks cleverly. I couldn''t get any news of them even after years of searching. However, your father contacted me one day and asked me for a favor."

    "He did?" Li Caiyi was very intrigued; she leaned forward. "What did he ask you about?"

    "He asked me for a position in the centralboratory. He said since the fall of the Li family is partially my fault, I should take responsibility for it."

    "But why did he ask that?"

    Meng Renshu shrugged. "He sounded desperate. He alternately begged and threatened me for a position. Although it should be our first time talking after years. It was almost like he was being chased by someone."

 Chapter 537 Meng Renshus Atonement

    Now, this was big news. Li Caiyi has heard some bits about what happened after her death. Still, she never expected her father would ask Meng Renshu that bold request after everything that happened.

    "So, what was your answer?"

    "Of course, I can''t give such an important position to anybody. Not to mention, I never trusted your father from the beginning."

    "Well, he is that kind of person, so I guess that''s to be expected." Li Caiyi couldn''t help but agree.

    Meng Renshu closed his eyes regretfully before he continued, "I couldn''t forgive him for what he did to you three. I have always felt sorry for you guys. Even if I wanted to intervene, there was only so much I could do."

    "Brother Renshu, you don''t need to feel responsible. You have done plenty to help us." Li Caiyi said firmly. "We are indebted to you."

    Meng Renshu felt gloomy whenever he recalled the past. If only he had moved faster and helped his friend get rid of their father more quickly, then Li Caiyi and Li Chunhua wouldn''t have had to live miresably. Although he also yed a part in that, Li Jirong ruined everything with his two hands first.

    After turning everything into dust, he still had the gall toe to Meng Renshu to ask for a favor. Li Jirong really thought Meng Renshu was someone he could order around just because he used to be his son-inw. The audacity.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi could sense intense hostility from Meng Renshu. It looked like he was deep in thought, but she had no idea what he was thinking. She reckoned it might be something he didn''t wish to remember.

    She cleared away her tongue to shift his attention back to the topic at hand. "So you admitted my father into his current position because you wanted to see what he was nning?"

    Meng Renshu nodded. "When you told me that Junjie nned to confront your father, I knew that the past had changed because he is supposed to do that much further in the future. Coincidentally, I knew what your father wanted the most, so I prepared everything beforehand."

    "We asked you about this before, but how could you prepare something like that on such short notice?"

    This time, Meng Renshu chuckled darkly as if he was expecting her to ask that. "It just happened that I remember a little information I supposedly found out in the future. So I used that information to pull some strings."

    In other words, he used his future knowledge to ckmail someone. Li Caiyi shuddered while silently raising a candle in her heart for that unfortunate person who was unlucky enough to be remembered by Meng Renshu. He wouldn''t be able to escape now.

    "Previously, I didn''t really believe that my dreams were actually my past life memories. However, once I tried threatening someone using that knowledge, I couldn''t deny it any longer. It was real, and that means everything I achieved in my previous life, I could do better in this timeline."

    Meng Renshu also hinted at this previously when they talked in her house. Li Caiyi married Meng Renshu as soon as she graduated from college. She witnessed his struggle to climb up and earn his rightful position.

    He had a rough time getting past people who tried to drag him down. Even with his full ability, it still took him around two years before he could finally stabilize his position and power.

    "Are you sure you want to do this? It won''t be easy," Li Caiyi couldn''t help but feel concerned.

    People kept saying that Meng Renshu was lucky and gifted, but she was there by his side through thick and thin. Perhaps she was the only one who knew how much he worked hard to live up to people''s expectations, as Meng Renshu was the type that refused to reveal his weakness to anyone.

    "I''ll be fine, Xiaoyi. I won''t be as clueless as my first time since I already knew a few things that happened in the future beforehand. It should be easier this time. If I reach my previous position faster, I will be able to help you better."

    There was nothing wrong with what he said. Meng Renshu was the heir of Meng Pharmaceutical and was fated to stand above others since he was born. Having him rise to a greater position to help Li Chunhua would be the best help she could hope for. But a part of her heart couldn''t keep up with her mind.

    If it was him, she had no doubt he would be able to make it, but that meant he would even have less freedom than before. Involving himself in his family business earlier was equivalent to dedicating himself entirely to his role as the heir, and it would considerably cut into his time.

    Previously, Meng Renshu refused to study abroad because he wanted to experience college life with Li Chunhua, but now he didn''t even have a reason to stay back anymore.

    "Don''t push yourself. It''s okay even if you want to take a break asionally." Li Caiyi said while looking down. She couldn''t face him for some reason.

    "Yeah, thanks for worrying about me." Meng Renshu smiled fondly. Her thoughts were clearly shown on her face, even if she said nothing. He always found this side of hers endearing.<sub> </sub>

    Despite everything, Li Caiyi still cared for him deeply. She sometimes hurled cold and hurtful words, but she never wished for him to suffer. That was just the kind of person she was.

    "Xiaoyi, I will be okay. As long as I don''t have to experience regret as I did before, then I don''t mind even if I have to dive in the fire pit faster."

    Li Caiyi was still skeptical, but she knew she wouldn''t be able to stop him anyway. Not that she had any right to intervene in the first ce. "I understand. Just be careful."

    "I will be fine since I have you with me," Meng Renshu smiled brightly. "It''s like the old times. We are helping each other through thick and thin. How nostalgic."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know why, but her chest tightened looking at him smiled happily like that.

    "When I am tired, you will encourage me, giving me strength. When I am stuck, you will listen to me and give me the push I need. When I''m hurting, you willfort me through your gentle words and action," Meng Renshu was only reciting every little thing she did for him in their previous life, but his heart ached as he continued talking.

    Li Caiyi had done a lot for him, but what did he give her in the end? A cold betrayal. Even if he sacrificed himself for her this time, it still wouldn''t be enough to atone for his sin.

    Thick gloominess hung in the air as the room fell into deep silence. Meng Renshu wallowed in his self-me, while Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say.

    "At that time, I took everything you did for me for granted. You cared for me unconditionally, but I failed you when you needed it the most."

    "Stop it," Li Caiyi quickly rebuked him. Talking about this always brought an unpleasant mood. "Didn''t I say that we shouldn''t talk about the past except when necessary? It''s not like talking about it will make everything better."

    Meng Renshu smiled bitterly. "You are right. I promise I will do better this time."

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi raised her head in confusion, but Meng Renshu had already stood from his seat.

    "Sorry for taking so much of your time. I will take you home."

    Then, he walked out of the room first before Li Caiyi could ask what he meant by that.

    Li Caiyi sighed while rubbing her temple. She didn''t mean to make him feel like he had to do something for her to make up for what happened.

    His behavior was unpredictable, and he grated on her nerves sometimes, but Meng Renshu had done a lot to help her, and he nned to do even more after this. He didn''t owe her anything, but the other party certainly thought otherwise.

    "I only wish for you to live freely. Out of all things, why can''t you see through this one with your brilliant mind?" Li Caiyi muttered quietly to the emptiness of the room.

    ***

    After that day, things finally calmed down a bit. With the end-term exam around the corner, she didn''t do anything but study and asionally watched over Li Chunhua in the hospital.

    Unlike before, Li Chunhua hadn''t regained consciousness even after a few days had passed. It was concerning; Li Caiyi had to take her books to the hospital so she could study while watching over her. Because she was anxious.

    Days passed in the blink of an eye, but Li Caiyi still couldn''t bring herself to face Dai Zhiqiang just yet. He would text her from time to time to ask about her well-being, to which she replied sinctly before using a vague excuse to avoid further conversation.

    Their rtionship was very sweet after they spent some time together on her birthday, but now it has be lukewarm.

    A part of her repeatedly warned her that she couldn''t avoid him forever, so she was determined to talk to him after the end-term exam ended. She would have time to prepare herself before then.

    Filled with various thoughts in her mind, Li Caiyi failed to notice that the sinister shadow was looming over her faster than she expected.

 Chapter 538 Desperate Wish

    A long week of exams was finally over, but there was no sign of Li Chunhua waking up soon. Previously, she would be admitted to the hospital a few times and unconscious for a few weeks, but this time it took longer for her to wake. Li Caiyi was worried, but there was nothing she could do except wait.

    Opening the door to her sister''s room, she quickly spotted a young man sitting beside the bed. Li Caiyi smiled, seeing that.

    "Jingfei, you are here again," she greeted him softly, and the boy turned to her with his usual grin.

    "Well, I had nothing better to do today, so I thought, why not visit her."

    "But you are here almost every day," Li Caiyi''s eyes glinted with amusement.

    "... I''m not busy these days. And I thought you would need some help in watching over her."

    "Sure, whatever you say." Li Caiyi couldn''t understand why he even tried to hide it at this point.

    Shao Jingfei cleared his throat before asking again, "Are you going to stay in the hospital all day again today?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "No, I''m just dropping by to check on her. I have to go somewhere today. There is something I must do, so having you here is a lifesaver."

    "Really? Where are you going?"

    She pressed her index finger on her lips before replying, "It''s secret. I''ll leave Xiaoahua in your care then."

    ***

    Li Caiyi was worried she would bump into Dai Zhiqiang if she visited Dai Bolin every day, so she took extra precautions by ensuring he wasn''t around when she decided to pay a visit.

    Today was one of them. Even though Li Caiyi had resolved to not run from Dai Zhiqiang again, her heart was still not ready. She thought talking to Dai Bolin perhaps could make her feel better.

    Pushing the door slowly, she saw Dai Bolin sitting on the bed. There was an empty tray beside him, indicating he had just finished his meal.

    "Uncle, I''m here again today. How are you feeling?" Li Caiyi greeted him with a big smile as soon as she stepped inside.

    Unlike previous days, Dai Shenqiang wasn''t here, but it was better for her. With light steps, she approached the older man, who was delighted to see her.

    "I have a feeling that Little Yi will visit me soon. It turns out to be true."

    "Your face color looks better than yesterday. Thank goodness. I''m sorry for not being able toe here every day. The exam is kind of holding me back."

    Dai Bolin waved his hand. "Except for you, there will be no one to visit an old man like me. Having youe here to apany me from time to time is already more than I could ask for."

    Li Caiyi always felt better whenever she was around Dai Bolin. He was like a father figure she never had, and she felt closer to him than any other adults around her.

    She was contemting whether she should ask or not, but curiosity got the better of her. "Uncle, can I ask you something?"

    "What is it, Little Yi?" He looked at her attentively, waiting for her to continue.

    "It may not be my ce to ask about this, but I wonder if your wifeˇŞI mean, ex-wife everes here to visit you."

    Dai Bolin clearly didn''t see iting. He was flustered for a moment before breaking intoughter. "Haha, Little Yi, you got me good. To answer your question, she has nevere since I woke up."

    Li Caiyi had figured it would be that case. She expected Yue Ling to note here again after her ''threat'', but it still hurt to see the light in Dai Bolin''s eyes dim slightly as he admitted that.

    It might be insensitive, but she wanted to hear his reasoning no matter what. "Uncle, why are you letting your ex-wife be around you again?"<sub> </sub>

    "It''s a bitplicated, Little Yi. I''m a weak man, but I still want my kids to have a better life. Hating their mother won''t bring them any benefit at all."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. She sadly looked at the older man''s resigned expression before speaking, "Is it because you are afraid they will be left alone in this world?"

    His eyes curved up in the shape of a crescent, all while having a meaningful smile on his lips. "I''m ashamed to admit it, but there is nothing I can do for them anymore. The way I am now, I will only be a burden for them, so I don''t mind even if I die. My only regret is that I couldn''t do much for them. Yue Ling probably can do better than me."

    "No, that''s not true!" Li Caiyi rebuked strongly, almost raising her voice. "Zhiqiang and Shenqiang loved you dearly. They will never think like that!"

    So it was confirmed that Dai Bolin let Yue Ling visit him regrly. He wanted to create an opportunity for her to interact with her sons again and possibly rekindle the mother-son bond between them. s, his well-intended wish only made his son hate her even more.

    "Little Yi, I appreciate your concern, but that''s the truth. I can feel I don''t have much time left with them anymore. At this rate, I won''t be able to leave this world in peace, knowing my two sons would be left alone in this harsh world without their parents. I just couldn''t ept it, no matter what. Yue Ling has a lot of shorings, but I don''t have any choice."

    Li Caiyi''s nose soured hearing Dai Bolin''s desperate wish. Why did a good and caring father like Dai Bolin have to leave so early while her scummy father was still alive and kicking? It was unfair.

    Dai Bolin reached out to her, and she quickly held his hand in hers. He was already thin before, but she felt like he had grown lighter than thest time she grabbed his hand.

    "Little Yi, the only sce I have is knowing that you will be there beside Zhi and Shen. I was perturbed since they were very hostile towards their mother, but they seemed to listen to you well. Please, if you can, guide them to the correct path. I''m sorry for leaving a burdening request to you like this."

    "Uncle, please don''t say that. Your surgery is a sess, so all hope is not lost yet. You have to live for a long time. If not for yourself, at least for them." Li Caiyi said with a quivering voice.

    But Dai Bolin''s expression was very peaceful, like a man who had fulfilled his every task and was ready to call it quits. "Thank you, my dear. I''m very grateful to have someone like you near my son. Zhi can be stubborn and reckless sometimes, but he will never deliberately hurt someone. He didn''t look very happy these days, and I assumed it must have been rted to you."

    Li Caiyi was a bit embarrassed, but she dide here to talk about Dai Zhiqiang with him. "There is nothing to get past you, Uncle. You are right. Honestly, I''m very confused right now."

    "Did Zhi do something wrong? You can speak freely with me, and I will scold him for youter!"

    "No, it''s not anything big. I know Zhiqiang means well, but I can''t say I like the way he does it. It makes me feel like I was being controlled, and I don''t know how to face him after that." Li Caiyi exined forlornly.

    Dai Bolin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I can see there is a deep circumstance behind this, but I won''t ask for the details. Lately, Zhi often sighed from time to time while staring at nothing or jumping at the mere sound of his phone, like he was expecting someone to contact him. From that alone, I understand that he fully understands your concern right now. But he is inflexible, so he must find it hard to approach you first."

    "I made him wait too long," Li Caiyi responded dejectedly. "If I think about it again, rather than being scared of facing him, I think I''m more afraid of what I will find out after I confront him about it. Honestly, I''m at a loss."

    "My Zhi must have troubled you so much. He always tries to keep everything by himself, which makes people misunderstand him often. But one thing is for sure, he always has a good reason for it. Little Yi, I understand your worries, but are you fine leaving everything just the way it is?"

    "No. I hate it. I want to understand Zhiqiang better."

    Dai Bolin smiled. "Then, there is nothing to worry about. You already have the courage you need inside you."

    Li Caiyi took her time to let his words seep into her heart, and suddenly she felt so much lighter than before.

    "Uncle, I think I know what I want to do now. Thank you." She said with a relieved smile.

    "I''m d if my nosy advice can help you. There is nothing to worry about because you two clearly have each other in mind, even when you are apart. Isn''t that right, Zhi?"

    Li Caiyi was shocked and immediately turned her head, following Dai Bolin''s line of sight. The next moment, Dai Zhiqiang entered the room from the slightly opened door. She was speechless. She had a deja vu feeling since this situation was oddly simr to thest time in the school infirmary.

    "If you are here, why didn''t youe in?" Dai Bolin asked him, representing Li Caiyi, who was frozen in ce.

    "I didn''t mean to eavesdrop. I lost the timing toe in, alsoˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang nced at her briefly before continuing, "You two seemed to have a serious conversation, so I didn''t want to intrude."

 Chapter 539 Distance Between Them

    "It''s been a while since the two of you met. You must have a lot to talk about. As much as I want to give you two some space, my old bone doesn''t allow me to move around. How about you take a stroll outside while talking?"

    That was Dai Bolin''s subtle way of sending them off together with a big grin on his face. He gave a thumbs up to Li Caiyi discreetly to encourage her, but she could only smile stiffly at his ''consideration''.

    She sneakily nced beside her, but Dai Zhiqiang didn''t look any different than usual. Both of them didn''t talk but naturally walked in the direction of the hospital''s yard, where they usually spent time together.

    "How about we sit down first?" Dai Zhiqiang broke the silence first. He brushed off the dust on the bench before gesturing for her to sit.

    "Thank you," she responded in a small voice before plopping down beside him.

    For a good few minutes, none of them talk. They only sat there silently while enjoying the afternoon breeze. It was a very peaceful time.

    However, Li Caiyi didn''te here just to rx. At first, she felt awkward, but now she felt this chance might be something heaven created for her. She didn''t know when she could get another opportunity than this.

    "How are you, Zhi? It''s been a while since west talked face to face like this," Li Caiyi started off calmly.

    "I''m fine. How about you?"

    "Me too." Li Caiyi looked down nervously at the grass near her feet. "We haven''t talked much in the past few days. Do you miss me?"

    "I do. But I think you prefer it if I don''t talk to you for a while."

    Was she just imagining it, or did he just sulk? The tension on her shoulders loosened a lot, knowing that.

    "I''m sorry. I know it''s unfair, but I need time to think about everything calmly."

    "I know. And I don''t have any right to say anything after what I have done."

    Finally, that topic was brought up. This was the chance she had been waiting for.

    "Zhi, I''m ready to listen to your exnation now. I kind of have an idea as to why you would do that, but I want to hear it from you directly."

    Dai Zhiqiang took a deep breath. His handsome face looked sad as he spoke, "At first, it was nothing but a safety measure. Thest time you went missing, I thought how convenient it would be if I could always find you no matter where you were. That''s why I asked my colleague to prepare that gift for you."

    Sure enough, it all started after the incident on the mountain. But she still couldn''t understand one thing.

    "Then, why didn''t you just say so? I won''t be so surprised if I know about it from the beginning. You did it for my sake, after all."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked hesitant, but in the end, he gave up and confessed, "It''s because I''m too petty that I can''t tell you the truth."

    "What do you mean?"

    He turned his gaze on her. There were a lot of emotions battling inside those deep, dark eyes of his like he couldn''t make up his mind. Li Caiyi held her breath to prepare herself for his following words.

    "Yi Yi, whenever I see you smile, I feel happy. But at the same time, I also have this dark thought. Something I wish for you to never find out. Because it''s an ugly feeling."

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes in confusion. "Zhi, I won''t understand if you talk cryptically like that. It''s okay, you can talkfortably with me. I''ll listen to you."

    Dai Zhiqiang shut his eyes shut before turning his head elsewhere. "No, I can''t say it. You will hate me if you know."

    The conversation was at a stalemate. Dai Zhiqiang was very adamant about keeping this a secret. Although she was disappointed that he couldn''t trust her enough to confide in her, she knew she couldn''t force him into this.

    "Alright. Then at least, can you tell me what you know about Hu Jian? From how he talks, it seems like he has a deep grudge against you. Did you perhaps already know who he was when I told you how I fell from the cliff?"

    Dai Zhiqiang shook his head. "I know this may be hard to believe, but I didn''t know then. I knew someone was targeting you and had to do something about it. I''m not sure how this Hu Jian knew me, but I wasn''t trying to deceive or keep you in the dark."<sub> </sub>

    He smiled mirthlessly before continuing, "I can understand if you can''t trust me after I hide the fact about the tracking device from you. If you hate me, then that''s understandable too."

    Li Caiyi''s heart softened. He looked like a puppy who was afraid of being abandoned. How she acted in the past few days must have given him that impression. She felt terrible now.

    She put her hand on top of his gently. "Zhi, I would be lying if I said I wasn''t disappointed, but I will never hate you just because of this. I know you are doing it for my sake."

    Dai Zhiqiang was relieved. He was prepared for the worst, but this girl was once again willing topromise for him. "Thank you, Yi Yi."

    His previously gloomy face looked brighter now, and it made her happy. "So you didn''t know anything about Hu Jian during our school trip. I believe in you."

    "I will monitor your movements closely after that. Whenever I see you still in another ce besides your house and school, I will go there by myself to check," he hung his head shamefully. "I may seem like a creepy stalker, but I only want to ensure you are alright."

    Li Caiyi sighed in exasperation. After listening to that, some of his words that didn''t really make sense sounded usible now. "So that''s how you know about me and Brother Renshu going to the beach and what we did there. Also, where I was that night when Hu Jian intruded on our house."

    "Yes. I don''t want you to see me in a bad light. That''s why I kept it secret."

    "Zhi, we are dating, but it''s still a breach of privacy," Li Caiyi said weakly, without anger in her voice. "I understand you are worried, but I''d appreciate it if you could tell me about it beforehand next time. Being spied on like that makes me really ufortable."

    Dai Zhiqiang kept his head low like a sinner. He had nothing to say against that because Li Caiyi was right. "I''m sorry for making you feel bad like that."

    "As long as you understand," Li Caiyi was at a loss because he seemed sincerely apologetic. "Are you going to make me continue to wear that ne?"

    "No. You can throw it away if you want."

    "How could you say that?!" Li Caiyi rebuked him with a look of disbelief on her face. She was baffled by how easy it was for him to say that about something that was filled with their precious memories.

    "No matter what, it''s still your first gift to me. How could you ask me to do that?"

    "But you said you didn''t like it."

    "That''s not what I mean. We can pull out the tracking device, and everything will be fine!"

    Dai Zhiqiang was silent again, looking smaller than before after her scolding. "I thought you would throw it away for sure."

    Li Caiyi had been patiently coaxing him from the beginning, but what was with this negativity? He was almost like a different person than the usually stoic and stern Dai Zhiqiang.

    She was very disturbed by the flow of this conversation. It felt like all her effort were for nothing. Another hole appeared beside the hole she had buried; she felt hopeless. The anxiety that she kept suppressing inside was about to overwhelm her.

    "Zhi, did something happen to you? Seriously, why do you keep taking everything to the extreme? Is that how you viewed me all this time? An unreasonable and heartless woman?"

    Now it was his turn to be baffled by the sudden usation. "Of course not! You are the kindest person I have ever met. I would never think that way about you."

    "Then why do you keep saying things like ''You will hate me'' or ''You will leave me''?" Li Caiyi blurted out in frustration. "I was the one who had to wait for you and be patient, so why are you giving up so easily?"

    She felt like a fool for working too hard. Dai Zhiqiang was gentle and never intentionally wanted to hurt her or do something she didn''t like. But his passive attitude while they talked disheartened her.

    "That''s not my intention," Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know what else to say. Li Caiyi looked so upset, but he could only sit there withoutforting her. He felt pathetic whenever hepared the enduring expession on her face to her lively one when she talked with Meng Renshu the other day.

    Dai Zhiqiang was jealous and aggrieved, but he didn''t want her to know. What if she got tired of him more than she already was?

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi felt even worse, seeing how he didn''t even try to convince her. She was so troubled by this problem that she even took the first step to approach him, but he was still like this. It was so upsetting she could cry.

 Chapter 540 Hu Jians Origin (1)

    However, Li Caiyi painstakingly controlled her emotions. Dai Bolin had warned her that his son was extremely inflexible, so pushing it more than this would only leave a bad taste in her mouth.

    Even though they were sitting so close, there was an invisible gap between them, filled with doubt and weariness. Li Caiyi didn''t want to let the distance between them be even wider.

    Taking a deep breath, she spoke with a considerably colder tone than before. "Alright, forget about this. Let''s not get too agitated and finish our previous conversation first. When you suddenly appeared at the anniversary party, did you know Hu Jian would be there?"

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist. "No. If I knew, I would never have let you go to such a dangerous ce."

    "Then, you just happened to check on my whereabouts at that time and thought of picking me up or something?" Li Caiyi asked with a hint of sarcasm.

    "That''s not it either. You called me that night, remember? But I couldn''t seem to reach you no matter how many times I tried to call you back."

    She probably would have forgotten about it if he didn''t mention it. True, she was the one who called him first that night because she wanted to hear his voice so badly and couldn''t wait until she arrived home.

    "So, you got worried and immediately checked on me?"

    "Yes. After what happened to you on the mountain, I can''t seem to rx and always want to know where you are and what you are doing. And I feel guilty because I can''t always be by your side. That night was no exception. Even though you were in grave danger, I still camete, and you got hurt. I can''t forgive myself for letting that happen to you."

    This one was the longest and most heartfelt of all his confessions today. He looked so upset and guilty simultaneously that it twisted his face.

    "It was on that night that I noticed, who was the person after you all this time," He said somberly. "But he left as soon as I could do anything, so there was no chance to speak to him."

    "You recognized Hu Jian?" Li Caiyi was shocked by the revtion. "Then, why don''t you say anything? If we knew who he was early, then what happened to Xiaohua probably could have been prevented!"

    Dai Zhiqiang shook his head. "I do recognize him. But he is not my acquaintance or anything like that. He is someone that my boss has been searching for all this time."

    Li Caiyi''s heart thumped loudly in her chest. "The boss whom you are indebted to?"

    If that was the case, it could be assumed that Hu Jian was heavily rted to Ye Wang. It would exin why Dai Zhiqiang was not at liberty to divulge that information carelessly. Another thing was that Hu Jian must be dangerous for Dai Zhiqiang to keep it secret from her.

    Li Caiyi gulped hard. She felt that what she would find out after this would change her life for good. However, this was the answer she wanted to know. There was no turning back now.

    "Who is exactly this person called Hu Jian?" she asked nervously.

    "He is a former subordinate that goes by the name ''Huang Zhen.'' He was once my boss'' most trustworthy subordinate and my right-hand man."

    Li Caiyi had a feeling Hu Jian was probably someone rted to Dai Zhiqiang''s work. Still, she didn''t expect him to be deeply involved in Ye Wang before. Thisplicated things, as if the current situation wasn''t severe enough.

    "So he is your former colleague?"<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang shook his head, "No. He had already left the group when I joined in. However, I did meet him once before. He has a peculiar movement, so it''s not hard for me to figure out who he is. After he attacked the party you were in, our group went to an extensive length to track him down, but so far, we only got the small fries."

    Li Caiyi gulped again. "Is he really that dangerous?"

    "He is very dangerous. At first, I didn''t want to tell you about this because it would put you at greater risk, and I''d like to avoid it at all costs."

    "It''s already toote. He already had his eyes on me even before that."

    "Yeah. I nned to solve this problem without having to tell you all this, but it seemed I failed once again." Dai Zhiqiang''s face twisted in regret. "Although I feel sad that I couldn''t talk to you in the past few days, there was also part of me that felt relieved. Because I''m not confident if I''d be able to answer the questions you threw at me back then."

    Li Caiyi fell silent upon hearing that. An inexplicable emotion bubbled inside her, but she quickly suppressed it. As much as she liked to hear more about his thoughts, there were many more important things to discuss.

    "Why does your boss want to find him so desperately?"

    "I don''t know the details, but I once heard my boss and colleague talk about it. It seems Huang Zhen betrayed them and left the group while taking something important to the boss. And he wanted to retrieve it at all cost."

    "Didn''t you say that your workce is proficient in information trading? You still can''t find Huang Zhen after exerting the group''s full effort?"

    "It''s not as easy as it sounds. Aside from his martial arts, Huang Zhen is also very skilled in disguising and impersonating others. It makes it hard for us to track him down." Dai Zhiqiang frowned. He seemed to be very stressed.

    The first impression Li Caiyi got from Huang Zhen was pretty amiable, contrasted with the dangerous side heter showed her. The way he could always slip away from any situation without anyone noticing talked a lot about his skills.

    If even Dai Zhiqiang and the whole of Ye Wang had difficulty capturing him, what chances would Li Caiyi have? Even thinking about what Huang Zhen might do to her brought a chill that ran down her spine.

    She thought she was fortunate to be able to escape from him a few times so far.

    No, that wasn''t correct. Li Caiyi didn''t escape from him, but Hu Jian let her escape. He was a sadistic man and had fun watching her cry and suffer like a psycho.

    "From your story, I get that Hu JianˇŞI mean, Huang Zhen is someone that can''t be underestimated. But there''s still something I don''t understand. You said you only met him once before, so why is he so hung up on you?"

    "I''m not sure either. Even his former colleague in Ye Wang couldn''t guess what was on his mind sometimes. But if I have to guess, this probably has something to do with me being the Young Master''s bodyguard."

    A high and mighty kid''s face immediately popped into her mind. Li Caiyi still remembered how the young Ye Zhong talked condescendingly at her and threw tantrums when she refused to do as he said. She didn''t know what magic Dai Zhiqiang used to tame that boy.

    "What of him?" Li Caiyi blurted out unconsciously, and an amused smile appeared on his face. He flicked her forehead lightly, confusing her.

    "You didn''t sound surprised at all. Come to think of it, what were you thinking abouting to a shady ce like Ye Wang all alone?"

 Chapter 541 Hu Jians Origin (2)

    Li Caiyi''s whole body tensed up when she realized she had made a slip of the tongue.

    Dai Zhiqiang thought her flustered expression was funny andughed. "No need to get rmed. I''m not angry or anything. It sure shocked me to death when I saw you there, though. Don''t do it again next time. That ce is full of rough and muscle-brained men, so it''s not a safe ce for you."

    The cat was already out of the bag. She might as well admit it and use this chance well.

    "Since when did you find me out?"

    Dai Zhiqiang smirked meaningfully before catching her hand and pressing his lips on the back of it. It tickled her skin and heart simultaneously.

    "Do you really think I won''t notice if you give me a false name? The moment I held your hand, I knew it was you. It''s the hand I always imagine holding every day, after all."

    Her cheeks warmed up at his sweet words. Li Caiyi feltme for being won over so quickly by a few words from him. Her anger towards him earlier had reduced a lot just from that.

    "Then, why did you pretend not to know me?" She feigned an angry look to hide her embarrassment.

    "I thought of uncovering your disguise, but doing that would only make you even more curious. If I stayed silent, you wouldn''t be able to ask me anything because you didn''t want me to find out about your little ''adventure''."

    "You are as cunning as a fox sometimes." Li Caiyi groaned but then remembered something. She fidgeted in her ce as she hesitantly nced at him. "Does that mean you also know how I enter that ce?"

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled, but his smile didn''t reach his eyes and looked scary. "Of course. I made sure to teach Senior Lin a lesson after that. He should have known better not to tempt my girlfriend into making mischief and even let her wander alone in a dangerous ce like that."

    Li Caiyi shuddered. Lin Xiang was apprehensive about Dai Zhiqiang finding out, so they were being cautious. Still, it turned out thetter found them out anyway. She dreaded imagining what he did to poor Lin Xiang when he found out.

    "Don''t me him. He was just trying to help me. I met him by chance and half-threatened him to help me." Li Caiyi pleaded.

    "I know. I have heard the story from him. You never cease to surprise me. Just what did you do to make him listen to you? He never told me the details no matter how much I torturedˇŞahem, asked him."

    Li Caiyi pretended she didn''t hear the word ''torture'' and grimaced. It seemed she had put Lin Xiang in a problematic situation. She had to apologize if she met himter.

    "Hmm, I''m not sure. It''s kind of a personal issue for him. I don''t know if it''s alright to tell you that."

    His eyes narrowed down upon hearing that. "What''s this? Are you trying to defend him in front of me? Besides helping you enter Ye Wang, did he ever contact you again?"

    The ck aura around him prompted her to immediately shake her head. "This is a misunderstanding! I have never met or talked to him again after that!"

    "Really?"

    "Trust me. I inconvenienced him a lot by pestering himst time. I''m not that shameless to keep asking him for a favor."

    "Alright, I will trust you on this one. But that doesn''t mean I will let your recklessness slide. I really can''t take my eyes off you for a moment."

    "But why did we talk about this again? Weren''t we talking about the Young Master Ye just now?"

    "Now you are trying to change the subject," Dai Zhiqiang felt helpless, while Li Caiyi avoided his stare. "But you are right. We went out of track for a bit. I believe you must have heard many things about Ye Wang''s current situation from Senior Lin."<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Yeah. I heard that the Young Master liked you a lot. That''s why the Master trusted you to keep him safe all the time."

    "That''s right. Just a few weeks ago, Ye Wang was attacked by an unknown group. Their target was to kidnap Ye Zhong."

    "What?" Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Is he alright?!"

    "Yeah. Thankfully, we solved the crisis and eliminated the threat before they could reach Ye Zhong. However, some of them managed to escape as well. The boss assumed that this attack was probably master-nned by Huang Zhen. Only he could devise a bold strategy like that, like how he barged into the anniversary party the other day."

    Li Caiyi''s heart raced from nervousness. She witnessed firsthand how vicious Huang Zhen could be, and the same person attacked Dai Zhiqiang''s workce before. For a moment, her mind wandered, and she imagined a big fight between two powerful groups and her boyfriend, who got stuck in the middle of it.

    She shuddered in panic.

    "A-are you alright? Did you get hurt somewhere?"

    "I''m fine," Dai Zhiqiang smiled, feeling warm at her concern. "I got a minor injury, but it healed in a few days. However, the boss was panicking because it was the first time for someone to boldly attack them from the front door like that."

    Ye Wang was like an imprable fortress. It was huge and guarded by trained men. Even Li Caiyi thought the ce was like a pce once.

    Daring to intrude on a ce like that, it was no wonder the Master of Ye Wang freaked out when a psycho like Huang Zhen targeted his precious grandson.

    "I chased away and captured some men who came after Ye Zhong. I assumed that was probably why Huang Zhen was wary of me."

    "So he thinks you are a tough opponent; that''s why he resorts to this underhanded tactic?" Li Caiyi was baffled. What does their conflict have anything to do with her and Dai Zhiqiang? She was an innocent party, and Dai Zhiqiang was just doing his job. She felt so wronged.

    "Huang Zhen is very unpredictable. I doubt he sees me that highly. He has many other ways to bring me down if he wants, but he chooses the most inefficient way to get Ye Zhong. He probably just finds it amusing to mess with me."

    "That''s even worse! I almost died, and Xiaohua hasn''t regained consciousness until now. You want me to ept that he did all that purely because it''s amusing?"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down apologetically. "I''m sorry. This is all because of me that you and your family have to suffer. You have done a lot for me, but I bring nothing but pain for you."

    "If you are sorry, you must tell me everything you know about Huang Zhen! Don''t try to hide anything from me again. I have the right to know."

    "Yes, that''s my intention. I already told you everything I know, and it''s up to you to believe it or not."

    "Of course, I believe you. But what should we do against someone as slick as him?" Li Caiyi asked worriedly.

    <o>,m "We are still actively searching for him. And regarding that, I have a favor I want to ask you."</o>

    "What is it?"

    "If you can find it in you to forgive me, can you please keep wearing the ne I gave you? As expected, I don''t feel calm unless I see you wearing it," Dai Zhiqiang''s gaze fell on her bare neck.

    There was a trace of disappointment in him, knowing she had taken off the ne.

 Chapter 542 The Missing Father (1)

    Li Caiyi subconsciously tried to cover her neck by shifting her body. They were just talking about this previously, and honestly, she also wanted to keep the ne.

    She was so happy when Dai Zhiqiang gave it to her. If only she could ask him to remove the tracking device from it, everything would be alright. But she didn''t know what to say when he asked her to keep it, along with the tracking device in it directly.

    Dai Zhiqiang could tell what she was thinking by her silence. If their position was reversed, he probably would feelplicated, too, so he couldn''t me her.

    "Senior Meng assigned people to guard you, right? I can feel them around us."

    "Oh, yes." Li Caiyi didn''t expect him to figure it out. "Brother Renshu was worried about me, so he sent some people to guard my family and me."

    "Then it shouldn''t be a problem if you keep wearing that ne, right?"

    He felt extremely ufortable that Li Caiyi found Meng Renshu''s action eptable while his action wasn''t.

    The inferiority inside him rebelled against his will, threatening to spill out. If Meng Renshu was allowed, then there was no reason for her to reject his concern.

    "You are right, but Brother Renshu had promised he would never try to spy on my private life. The bodyguards are professionals and would only be there to keep me safe. They wouldn''t report anything except my safety to him."

    ''Unlike a certain someone'', were some words left unsaid but visibly hung in the air. Dai Zhiqiang felt even worse hearing her remarks.

    "Besides, weren''t you the one who told me to throw away the ne? Now you are contradicting yourself."

    There was an oppressive silence after she said that. Dai Zhiqiang wanted to exin that he said that in the moment of weakness, but lost the timing when she suddenly stood up.

    "Anyway. You don''t have to worry about that. Let''s return now. We have been out for a long, and Uncle is probably bored staying in the room alone."

    From her tone, she was clearly trying to draw the line between them. It meant she didn''t want to talk further about the ne, and that was final. Dai Zhiqiang was saddened, knowing he had made a mistake again.

    "Yi Yi, but we haven''t finished talking yet."

    "Is there anything else you want to say to me?"

    "Will you meet with that guy again from now on?"

    By that guy, it was obvious he was referring to Meng Renshu.

    "Yes," Li Caiyi answered immediately without blinking. She had no intention of hiding it from him. "As I said before, there is something we need to do together."

    "Don''t you think it''s about time you tell me about that too?"

    "If it''s something I can tell you, I would have done so from the beginning. Don''t you know having to exin myself every time is tiring?"

    That question felt like a punch in his gut.

    Dai Zhiqiang hung his head in shame. But Li Caiyi was too tired to console him.

    After knowing that Dai Zhiqiag also slowly remembered the events from their past life, she had a faint hope that something would change somehow. But his behavior indicated that he had no clear recollection of what happened.

    It was the same as what happened to Meng Renshu. Both of them couldn''t remember what exactly happened in their dreams.

    If Dai Zhiqiang''s experience was indeed the same as Meng Renshu, she thought he would have a clearer idea after they slept together. However, when she asked him whether he dreamed about something thest time they slept, it didn''t seem he had recalled something new.

    It made her wonder if these two had different requirements for their memories returning?

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to make you feel ufortable."

    Li Caiyi stared at the boy in front of her straightly. Even though he was the same person, he was still a teenager. He might seem more mature than kids his age, but at times like this, she felt the disparity in their age.

    What did she expect from him? She thought she had decided to see Dai Zhiqiang as himself and not ovep him with Shen Qiang again.

    Even she was confused by her own actions.<sub> </sub>

    "Zhi, do you want me to not have any contact with any men besides you? You know it''s impossible, right?"

    No, that wasn''t it. Dai Zhiqiang never felt threatened by Shao Jingfei''s presence, although their closeness sometimes annoyed him.

    However, Meng Renshu was different.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t calm down as long as that person was still hovering around her. He felt like she could be snatched away from him instantly. Just imagining it made him feel insecure.

    Every time he saw them together, something in him screamed to keep her away in a hidden ce and lock her up for good. If not, she would leave, and he could only stay while watching her smile lovingly for someone else.

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist before raising his head. "Yi Yi, can you give me a full charge? I''m not feeling well these days."

    "Why? Are you sick?"

    "No, but I feel sluggish." He opened his arms, waiting for her to snuggle closer to him, just like she always happily did.

    However, Li Caiyi wasn''t smiling this time. She looked reluctant before looking away. "I don''t think this is the right time for that. Let''s just return to Uncle''s room."

    Why? Why did she reject him? Was she so fed up with him she didn''t even want to touch him?

    Dai Zhiqiang''s arms fell limply beside his body. A dark and turbulent emotion raged inside him, concealed behind the veil of his misty eyes.

    Oblivious to the shift in his expression, Li Caiyi spoke again. "You can stay here if you want. I will return first."

    Truthfully, she wanted to escape because she didn''t know if she could resist the temptation of burying her face in his chest. She missed him so much and wanted to cuddle with him. But if she gave in now, she felt like he would casually brush the tension between them.

    Li Caiyi wanted him to understand that she wasn''t his possession that needed to be monitored every time. She used to expect him to naturally understand this, but his recent behavior clearly showed otherwise. As an adult, she had to teach him this early.

    It wouldn''t be funny if she suddenly changed her mind after he asked her for a hug.

    "Wait."

    Dai Zhiqiang grabbed her arm from behind, preventing her from taking further steps. Li Caiyi turned her head simultaneously when someone shouted at them from afar.

    "Big Brother! Caiyi!"

    Both looked at the voice source simultaneously to find Dai Shenqiang running their way. His face was red, and he breathed hard once he finally stopped in front of them.

    "There you are. I have been looking for you everywhere."

    "What happened, Shenqiang? Why are you in so much of a hurry?" Li Caiyi asked him first.

    Instead of answering her, he looked around like he was searching for something. Then, his face went pale. "Where is Father? Isn''t he with you guys?"

    They were startled by his question. A cold chill ran down her spine as she asked nervously. "W-What are you talking about? If it''s Uncle, then shouldn''t he be in his room right now?"

    "I just came from his room, but it''s empty. When I asked the nurse, they said my brother brought him somewhere to get some fresh air." Dai Shenqiang exined quickly. "I searched high and low, but there is no sign of Father anywhere in the hospital!"

    [Huang Zhen is very skillful in disguising and impersonating others].

    For some reason, Dai Zhiqiang''s words suddenly echoed in her mind as she began to think of the worst possible scenario.

    ''No, that can''t be. But Uncle is already very weak. If something dangerous happened to him, then he might be...''

    She didn''t even want to continue that train of thought. It was too scary.

    If even Li Caiyi could guess what happened, then there was no way such thoughts would escape Dai Zhiqiang. She couldn''t imagine what he felt right now.

    Wasting no moments of dy, Dai Zhiqiang dashed into the building, leaving the confused Dai Shenqiang and Li Caiyi, who frantically called his name behind him.

 Chapter 543 The Missing Father (2)

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart beat rapidly. How could he let this happen on his watch? He shouldn''t have wasted so much time outside.

    Huang Zhen was targeting people who were close to him. It couldn''t be that this was his main purpose all along. Was his attack on Li Caiyi a diversion for the actual attack?

    A lot of thoughts shed through his mind at once. When he finally arrived at Dai Bolin''s room, he was greeted by an empty room. There was no sign of struggling. Huang Zhen probably disguised himself as him and took Dai Bolin out of his room.

    To kidnap someone boldly in the daylight while he and other Ye Wang''s members were on watch, Huang Zhen truly knew no fear.

    "Shit!" Dai Zhiqiang cursed out loud before running out of the room. He took out his phone while running, intending to call the people responsible for watching over Dai Bolin while he was away, but he couldn''t get through to any of them.

    Did Huang Zhen get to them first? If not, there would be no exnation for why he wasn''t informed about this until everything was toote.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart sank, imagining what could happen to his father. Only by sheer willpower alone did he not freak out just yet. Rather than panicking, he quickly called Lin Xiang next.

    "Hello?"

    "My father is missing. I think Huang Zhen got him." Dai Zhiqiang didn''t miss a second and reported the gist of the situation. If he wanted to save his father, he needed information first.

    Lin Xiang lighthearted voice immediately turned grim. "The time and ce youst saw him?"

    "Around one hour ago. In my father''s hospital room."

    There wasmotion from the other side for a moment before Lin Xiang responded. "Got it. Hang on; we are checking on it. In the meantime, stay close to your brother. Who knows if he is targeted too?"

    "I''m on my way." Dai Zhiqiang hastened his pace.

    "There was no response from the surveince team. I already sent some people to check them and some others to gain ess to the surrounding CCTV. We should be able to send some intel to you soon."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt better when he heard that. He was perturbed but couldn''t act recklessly in a situation like this. Having more information at this crucial time would be very beneficial.

    He hung up the phone and returned to the yard. As Lin Xiang said, he had to secure those around him before thinking about his next move. Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang must be very shocked about this, but he left them just like that.

    When he finally arrived at his destination, he was confused when he only saw Dai Shenqiang pacing back and forth.

    "Shen, where is Caiyi?"

    Dai Shenqiang mirrored his confused expression and asked, "Huh? Isn''t she with you? She chased after you as soon as you bolted in a hurry. Didn''t you see him on the way back?"

    A horrible feeling engulfed Dai Zhiqiang''s whole body. One by one, people who were previous to him were nowhere to be seen.

    He grabbed Dai Shenqiang''s shoulder and roared, "Why didn''t you stay with her? Don''t you know it''s dangerous letting her go alone?!"

    Dai Shenqiang was startled and scared simultaneously at his brother''s outburst. "Wh-What happened, Big Brother? Did something happen to Caiyi?"

    Dai Zhiqiang gritted his teeth before releasing him. He desperately tried to force his brain to work.

    His brother knew nothing about how Li Caiyi had fallen prey to Huang Zhen''s evil scheme a few times. He was getting too agitated and knew he wouldn''t be able to search for them efficiently if he kept this on.

    Dai Shenqiang watched how his brother, who seemed scary a while ago, gradually regained hisposure. He took courage and asked carefully, "Big Brother, where is Father? And what do you mean by Caiyi is in danger? Did I do something wrong?"

    "No. This isn''t your fault. I panicked andshed out at you; sorry about that."

    "That''s not important right now. Brother, you are not acting like your usual self. Do you think something bad happened to the two of them?"<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang could sense his anxiety, so he smiled reassuringly before tapping his shoulders a few times. "Shen, I need you to do something for me. This is extremely important if we want to find Father and Caiyi."

    "What is it? What should I do?"

    "Soon, there will be some people whoe here for you. They are my friends and very trustworthy. I want you to stick close to them and wait for me to return."

    It wasn''t the first time Dai Zhiqiang told him to stay back while he went to beat people who bullied him. Dai Shenqiang wasn''t clueless to figure out that his brother was trying to involve himself in something dangerous again.

    "Wait, no. I''ll go with you, Brother."

    "You can''t. There must be at least one person who waits for them to return." Dai Zhiqiang''s smile deepened. "Shen, I want you to believe in me. Let''s y hide and seek like the old time, alright? You hide, and I will search for you. Don''t worry, I won''t overdo it."

    Dai Shenqiang bit his lips but couldn''t say anything except, "Make sure you don''t get hurt badly."

    "En. Leave it to your brother. I promise I will return with those two with me."

    ***

    For the nth time, Li Caiyi thought this might be the stupidest idea ever. However, there was no time to hesitate in an urgent situation like this.

    Based on what Dai Shenqiang said, she had an idea of who could take Dai Bolin from his room. And from Dai Zhiqiang''s reaction, he probably had the same thought as her. She would never forget his frantic and scared expression as he ran into the building.

    Li Caiyi was worried and chased after him immediately, but he was too fast. While she trudged in the hallway, her phone vibrated in her pocket. The content of the new message shocked her to the bone.

    [Let''s y another round of the game. Who will be the first to save the unknown viger from the boss monster?]

    It came from an unknown number. With this timing and that way of speaking, there was no mistaking it. This message was sent by Huang Zhen!

    Li Caiyi immediately tried to call him, but the line couldn''t connect. She was so angry she wanted to scream.

    After what he did to her sister, now he wanted to y with a sick man''s life at risk?

    Just what does this person think a human''s life is?!

    The next moment, a new message popped on her monitor screen. It was a picture of a building with some address below it.

    [I will leave this clue only for you since you are my favorite yer. That means no one should know about it. You know what happens if you disobey the rule, right?]

    [Someone will bear the punishment, and because I like you, I will punish someone beside you.]

    [The time limit is one hour. Good luck.]

    Li Caiyi gritted her teeth in frustration. The message just now disappeared before she could make up her mind. Thankfully, she still remembered the address and the building in the picture.

    Huang Zhen clearly wanted to lure her out alone. This was most likely a trap.

    She nced in the direction Dai Zhiqiang went hesitantly as she pondered for a moment. Dai Bolin''s life was at stake; she dared not to take a risk.

    In the end, she turned around and ran in the opposite direction towards the hospital entrance.

    Even if it was a trap, Li Caiyi still had no choice but to follow the rule and win this game!

 Chapter 544 Would She Really Die?

    The building shown in the picture was actually an abandoned factory located on the side of the city. It took some time before Li Caiyi arrived, but she finally arrived.

    The old factory was pretty huge, and Li Caiyi could already tell how troublesome it was to search for a person in such a vast area like this.

    The area was surrounded by an iron gate and barbed wire. An old sign warning the passerby to keep out hung highly on the fence. When she pushed the gate, it opened quickly with a slight creaking noise.

    Right when she stepped inside, it felt like she became a part of this empty and still ce. Looking up close, the building was covered by wild nts. The eerie silence engulfing this ce made someone think something might pop out anytime. She probably would stay away from this ce in a normal situation.

    However, thinking about Dai Bolin''s frail state, she couldn''t afford to be scared. She had to finish this as quickly as possible and let him return to the hospital.

    Li Caiyi checked her phone, but there was no new message from Huang Zhen. She suspected he must have a way to monitor her somehow. Thinking about how this empty ce might have eyes on its walls brought chills down her spine.

    "No. Don''t get intimidated. That''s what he wants from you." Li Caiyi muttered quietly while pping both of her cheeks a few times.

    Li Caiyi pushed the giant, rusty factory door open, and sure enough, it was unlocked. It was pretty hard to move, so she had to use both hands.

    The sight she saw in front of her reminded her of many scenes from horror movies.

    The smell of molds, dust, and rusty iron mixed together. Ruined floor tiles and cracks on the walls made her every step echo in the silent room.

    A few machines lined up, and she had no idea what was their functions. It created an illusion that someone or something was probably hiding behind them, watching her closely.

    <o>,m The only light source in this ce was the small window near the ceiling. Despite being indoors, her body shivered in the cold. Li Caiyi could faintly hear the sound of the wind slipping through the crack of the walls. She was grateful to be here during the daytime and not at night. This ce would be pitch ck during nighttime.</o>

    "Now, where should I go?" She wondered while squinted her eyes, trying to make out what was on the other side of the room. However, she couldn''t see clearly from where she stood.

    Li Caiyi hoped someone woulde out to greet her or something. Anything, as long as she didn''t need to do this alone. s, Huang Zhen probably could foresee this situation and most likelyughed at her frightened self now.

    Using the shlight on her phone, she hesitantly took a step forward. Her heart beat furiously in her chest, and the sound of broken tiles under her shoes was disturbing and made her feel exposed.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know where to go, so she walked aimlessly. The deeper she walked, the more vast this building seemed.

    She saw a few doors and even checked some of them. However, those rooms were mostly empty, with trash scattered around or had stacks of boxes covered with dusty tarpaulin.

    There was no sign of Huang Zhen at all. No, there wasn''t any human presence at all in this ce. She even second-guessed herself, thinking whether she hade to the wrong ce.

    Right when she thought of that, there was a loud creaking noise, followed by someone''s rapid footsteps. From the sound of it, someone seemed to be in the middle of running.

    Li Caiyi quickly pointed her shlight to the source while moving her feet to the source of the voice. Atst, she finally found someone!

    "Who''s there? Wait!" Li Caiyi shouted but heard no response. Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she had no choice but to continue her pursuit. Meanwhile, the other person''s steps were getting far away, prompting her to hasten her pace.

    "Ack!"

    Li Caiyi eximed loudly when something got to her feet and tripped her. She fell down with a loud thump, but she didn''t even have time to grimace in pain, as she couldn''t lose that person aftering this far.

    Forcing herself to stand up, she beat her thigh to stop shaking and ran ahead again. The broken tiles must have grazed her skin, as she felt a sting on her skin while running. She gritted her teeth and continued chasing.

    The other person took a turn in the hallway, and the space became significantly narrower than before. Then all of a sudden, it was gone, leaving a

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling. Why does it feel like this person is trying to lure her somewhere?

    This person had been running, but whenever she staggered due to pain, it felt like he deliberately slowed down to wait for her. Was this one of Huang Zhen''s sick games again?

    Now that the wall was closer to her, the air inside felt thinner and made it difficult to breathe. It was probably her imagination since her heart couldn''t stop beating so fast. A ustrophobic person would probably faint under these circumstances.

    Li Caiyi was contemting whether she should go back or continue when she heard a rustling sound. It sounded close, most likely a few meters ahead of her.

    Li Caiyi gulped hard before tip-toeing to the door where the sound came from. She tried to make a minimum of noise while moving. Lucky for her, the door wasn''t closed and was left slightly ajar. While she did all this, the rusty sound got louder, like someone was busy doing something inside.<sub> </sub>

    Huang Zhen and Dai Bolin were probably behind this door. Ready or not, she had to end this.

    Mustering her courage, she pushed the door open and barged inside. "Uncle!"

    However, there was nothing inside besides another stack of boxes covered with trape. Li Caiyi was utterly confused. She was very sure she had heard that sound from here!

    Then, she felt something moving and nudged her feet. Shocked to the bone, her heart almost gave out on her.

    "Eek!" Li Caiyi yelped before jumping to the side. She put her hand into her pocket, ready to attack anyone who tried to do something to her.

    "Meow."

    All the tension in her shoulders dropped to the ground when her gaze fell onto a small, feline creature looking up at her. Her surprised eyes gradually returned to their calm.

    "What? It''s just a cat?" She said in relief before crouching down, feeling the energy leave her legs. "I got scared for nothing. Come to think of it, that sound I heard could very welle from this cat too."

    Li Caiyi stared at the gray tabby cat in front of her, still sitting there while looking at her weirdly, as if saying, ''Human, what are you doing?''

    After spending so much time in Shao Jingfei cafe, Li Caiyi grew even fonder of cats and couldn''t help but stroke this cat''s head. It was rmed at first but slowly got used to it and snuggled closer to her hand. Her heart finally settled down when she felt the cat''s warmth.

    "Why are you alone here? How did youe inside?"

    Li Caiyi was so focused on the cat she didn''t notice a shadow moving behind her.

    THWACK!!

    The dull pain on the back of her head was the only thing she could feel before her body fell forward, causing the cat to jump and run out of the room.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi couldn''t ovee the shock and confusion she felt. What just happened?

    Then, she heard those familiar footsteps again. The owner moved around her and stood in front of her, disying their boots to her eyes.

    At that time, Li Caiyi seriously thought that was the end of her. She stupidly came here alone only to be a ything and be killed in this abandoned and lonely ce.

    No one woulde for her this time. Not even Dai Zhiqiang.

    If she had to die, then at least she wanted to see the face of the person who attacked her.

    However, forgot about tilting her head upward; she couldn''t even move a finger. Warm liquid trickled down her cheeks. Was it tears or blood? She couldn''t tell.

    The person with boots didn''t linger for long. After making sure she couldn''t move anymore, they walked away. From the clicking sound of the door, it was evident that Li Caiyi was trapped in this ce for good.

    The ground felt cold. She was tired and in pain. Would she really die here alone? Again, in this ce?

    Li Caiyi hadn''t properly made up with Xiaohua yet. Her second book was still in progress; Shao Jingfei would be mad if she left in the middle. Her mother would be worried sick again, and Li Junjie would scold her.

    She wondered what had happened to the bodyguards Meng Renshu sent. Why hadn''t theye to save her just yet?

    "Zhiqiang...." was the only word that escaped her stiff mouth.

    If she knew she would end up like this, she should have hugged him then.

    The ne, too; she should have never taken it off. If only she wasn''t acting so sensitive, then Dai Zhiqiang could figure out where she was now.

    She reaped what she sowed.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes slowly closed as strength left her body.

 Chapter 545 His Obsessive Love For Her

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t calm down.

    He confirmed that her brother was safe with Ye Wang''s people guarding him, so he went into Lin Xiang''s car to search for his father and Li Caiyi.

    While Lin Xiang drove, he opened aptop and watched the CCTV recording to find clues.

    His father was recorded leaving his room in a wheelchair, with someone pushing him from behind. The person wore a cap so his face couldn''t be seen, but he did wear the same outfit as Dai Zhiqiang. Looking at how Dai Bolin''s head drooped, he assumed that his father must have knocked him unconscious before they brought him out.

    That capped person must be Huang Zhen.

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist as murderous intent filled his eyes. Lin Xiang, who could feel it from the driver''s seat, broke into cold sweats.

    "Calm down first. We already have our people spread throughout the city to find them. We should hear from them soon."

    "I know. I''m calm."

    Lin Xiang held back the urge to point out that he clearly wasn''t calm before saying, "Miss Li was seen leaving the hospital on her own. Do you think she knows something about your father''s whereabouts?"

    "Huang Zhen must have called her out. She must have been threatened with something like, ''if you don''te alone, then I will do something to the hostage''. He knew Caiyi wouldn''t refuse if he used my father''s safety."

    Lin Xiang nodded. He hadn''t known Li Caiyi for long, but he knew she was a girl with high principles. Even if she knew she would be disadvantaged, she would still do it regardless.

    "Then, if we can track where she is now, we probably will find clues about your father''s whereabouts. Have you checked where she is right now?"

    Lin Xiang obviously talked about the ne. A gift that he spent a sleepless night preparing. His skills weren''t made to help two lovebirds bonded with each other, but for once, he felt grateful he made it.

    When Dai Zhiqiang first came to him and told him his idea, Lin Xiang was baffled. Who in their right mind would put a tracking device in the present for their beloved lovers? Unless he was an obsessed stalker.

    However, Li Caiyi was really targeted by someone. It turned out precisely as Dai Zhiqiang said. He could hardly believe it. Did this kid already foresee this would happen months prior?

    Lin Xiang''s enthusiasm was responded to by silence. Lin Xiang nced to his side to find Dai Zhiqiang''s grim expression. "Why aren''t you moving? Time is ticking. We have to move fast. Hurry up and track her down already."

    "Because we won''t be able to find her even if we track her down," Dai Zhiqiang sighed.

    "What''s with that? Are you doubting my skills?" Lin Xiang was a bit offended.

    "That''s not it. She found out about it."

    It took a few seconds for Lin Xiang''s mind to keep up with this sudden news. "What?! Miss Li knew there was a tracking device inside the ne? Just how?!"

    "It was Huang Zhen. He told her that, and she confronted me about itter."

    Lin Xiang was even more shocked now. Putting aside the question of how Huang Zhen could know about that, there was something more surprising about his previous statement.

    "And you honestly admit it like a good boy? Are you stupid? Of course, she wouldn''t want to wear it after that!"

    Dai Zhiqiang felt a stab in her heart hearing his senior''s remark. He looked at him in annoyance. "I don''t have a choice. She already had a vague idea because of my carelessness from the beginning. How can I continue to lie to her?"

    "That''s why I told you not to stalk her too much." Lin Xiang really couldn''t understand what was on the mind of teenagers nowadays. "Nobody would like it if someone stalked them every day, even if it''s their lovers."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang also knew that. He regretted his selfish motive for wanting to keep her for himself. He should havee clear to her from the beginning. But his inferiority just had to take over, making him obsess over her more and more.

    He was too careless, and now he couldn''t even help her even if he wanted to.

    Li Caiyi once said she was also very greedy, but her greediness couldn''t bepared to his. Aside from keeping her safe, he always wanted to know where she was, with whom, and what she was doing. To the point he thought he had gone crazy. Because he acted like a creepy stalker.

    This was thest thing he wanted her to find out. His deepest, darkest, and ugliest desire. If she were to look at him with disgust or loath, he probably wouldn''t be able to stand it.

    Like today, he almost whisked her away and kept her somewhere only his eyes could see.

    "Let''s not talk about this now," Dai Zhiqiang rubbed his forehead. "If we can''t find her by our usual means, then we just have to search manually."

    "It will take a long time. Your father is one thing, but I''m also very worried about Miss Li. Picking Huang Zhen''s interest is the worst news you could hear. I bet he only used your father to lure her out."

    Dai Zhiqiang was also concerned about this. Just thinking someone else probably put his hand on her, he felt like he would explode from fury. At the same time, he was also afraid that Dai Bolin''s body wouldn''t be able to endure this whole ordeal.

    He regretted everything. Every single choice he made only brought misfortune to those dear to him.

    Lin Xiang had never seen him so distraught before. He made a wry face before asking, "That''s why I told you to ept the boss'' offer. Working with us will alwayse with a risk. The boss is generous, but he isn''t a charity worker. He has no obligation to protect someone unrted to his subordinates."

    "Senior Lin, do you have to bring this up now?"

    "I''m saying this because I''m concerned about you. Miss Li wouldn''t have to suffer like this if only you agreed to join us from the beginning. Pledging your allegiance to the boss is the only way for you to have him protect her too."

    Dai Zhiqiang scoffed. "He is threatening me by saying that."

    "The Boss has his rough side, but he genuinely cared for you. Don''t think too badly of him; just look at the bright side. Now that you have stepped foot into a muddy path, it''s already toote for you to return anyway. Trust me, I was once there in your shoes."

    "I can''t. If I join for good, thenˇ­."

    Dai Zhiqiang could never hope for an ordinary and happy life again, which Li Caiyi always dreamed of. He wouldn''t be able to stand by her side anymore.

    "Huh?" Dai Zhiqiang eximed in wonder after that thought shed across his mind.

    Did Li Caiyi ever mention something like that before? How did he know what she wanted from him?

    "Hey, your phone is ringing."

    Lin Xiang''s voice pulled him back to reality. He checked on his phone, only to find an unknown number calling him. His eyes squinted in suspicion.

    "Hello?"

    "This is sudden, but do you know where Xiaoyi is?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s pupil dted for a split second before it returned to its previous tranquil state. For some reason, he had a feeling this person would contact him sooner orter.

    "You called me at the right time. Let''s call a truce for now and exchange what we know about the situation."

 Chapter 546 A Truce

    Meng Renshu''s wrath made the temperature drop significantly, making the others feel nervous around him.

    Mr. Mu looked at two men standing stiffly in front of the young master, anxious that they would say something to aggravate the situation. He knew how terrifying Meng Renshu could be if provoked.

    "You lost her? Did I hear that right?" Meng Renshu''s cold voice felt like it could freeze to hell. "I hired you due to your professionalism and good reputation. But you have utterly disappointed me. You''d better be prepared for the consequences."

    One of the men, who seemed older than the other, bowed profusely. His square face broke out in cold sweats. He couldn''t afford to let his yen years career be over here!

    "We are truly sorry for the inconvenience we caused. We promised that we would do everything in our power to figure out something to solve this matter."

    "All of this happened because of yourcency. I personally asked you to send your best men, did I not? Not some young and amateurish bodyguards," Meng Renshu spouted thest sentence as he looked down at the younger man of the two, causing thetter to shrink even more in his ce.

    "I paid you handsomely because I don''t want to hear any news from you. The moment you report something to me means that something has happened to her. Didn''t I clearly tell you that? Carelessness is not a valid excuse. I will ensure no one will ever hear anything from yourpany again."

    Meng Renshu was much younger than them, but his domineering aura was very oppressive. They felt like their lifespan was reduced just by being at the receiving end of his deadly stare.

    "Young Master Meng, we are terribly sorry for all the trouble we caused. We will provide you with a good exnation and countermeasures for this situation. Please believe in us one more time!"

    The younger man couldn''t stand the pressure and said out loud, almost shouting. "I will put my life on the line to ensure Miss Li is safe and sound!"

    Meng Renshu quickly calcted the pros and cons and delivered his verdict, "I give you one hour to update the situation to me. You''d better pray she is safe and sounds like you said, or face the consequences."

    "Yes, sir! Right away!" Both of them responded simultaneously before scurrying away.

    Once they were out of sight, Meng Renshu copsed to the chair behind him. He covered his face with his hands, looking incredibly exhausted.

    Mr. Mu carefully approached him. "Young Master, it''s a good thing they report as soon as things don''t go well. Now, the chance of saving Miss Li will be higher. Please don''t worry so much."

    "How can I not worry?!" Meng Renshu raised his head andshed out. "I don''t want her to get hurt. I can''t lose her. Not again."

    Mr. Mu was startled. Not only because Meng Renshupletely lost it but because of the fear and despair written all over his face.

    Before this, his young master had never behaved like a wretched person like this. He was aware that his employer harbored a feeling for Li Caiyi, but he always thought of it as a simple high school crush, not something as profound as this.

    "This is exactly likest time. She suddenly vanished without wordsˇ­." Meng Renshu mumbled in a small voice. Trepidation was apparent in his tone. "Will I lose her again?"

    "I''m sorry? I didn''t quite catch that."

    Meng Renshu waved his hand, signaling Mr. Mu to stop asking him questions. "Keep an eye on those men. One of them is probably a spy."

    "Yes, Young Master." Mr. Mu bowed before taking his leave.

    Once alone, Meng Renshu once again felt like crap. He was sure he would be able to keep her safe this time because he had mobilized the best security team he could find, but they lost her track in the end. It was like fate always tried its best to force them apart.

    There was no second to waste. He had to move fast if he wanted to save Li Caiyi. But those people just had to make him wait after making a big blunder.<sub> </sub>

    ? Meng Renshu sat impatiently with a dark look. He really had to sue them this time.

    An hourter, the two men from before returned with some new information. Seeing how Meng Renshu''s face grew much darker than before, they silently prayed they could live through this day safely.

    "Sir, we investigated and found that Miss Li wasn''t in the nearby area anymore. We assumed she had gone somewhere far from the city''s heart or probably outside the city."

    "Why? And did you find her location?" Meng Renshu asked coldly.

    The two men exchanged hesitant nces at each other before one of them said, "Unfortunately, we wouldn''t be able to find anything for nowˇŞ"

    Meng Renshu stood up from his seat and walked past the two. They called out to him, but he had no time to waste on them anymore. He went into the car and took a deep breath.

    Then he took out his phone before dialing a number. He didn''t save it in his contact, but he remembered it just in case.

    At first, he never expected himself to ask a favor from this person, but a desperate situation called for desperate measures.

    Li Caiyi''s safety was more important than his pride.

    The call was connected pretty quickly. Once Meng Renshu heard the other person''s deadpan tone, Meng Renshu got to the point immediately, "This is sudden, but do you know where Xiaoyi is?"

    There was a brief silence from the other side before Dai Zhiqiang replied, "You called me at the right time. Let''s call a truce for now and exchange what we know about the situation."

    Meng Renshu didn''t want to admit it, but Dai Zhiqiang sounded reliable just now. At least much more promising than the other useless two. "Right. That will be better for the two of us."

    "First, let me fill you in on the situation first."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s voice was calm, but from how fast he spoke, Meng Renshu could tell he was trying to hide his fluster and anxiety. Understandable because after he finally heard the whole situation from him, he could feel his bone wearing out.

    "So this ''Hu Jian'' person was the one who lured her out." Meng Renshu couldn''t even fathom his deep hatred for Dai Zhiqiang now.

    From the beginning, Dai Zhiqiang''s existence was like a thorn in his flesh, but even more so when he officially got into a rtionship with Li Caiyi.

    Meng Renshu knew it was ridiculous to me someone for a sin he hadn''tmitted. Still, whenever Dai Zhiqiang was involved, Li Caiyi would never hesitate to bare herself for him, including her life. In his eyes, Dai Zhiqiang''s life was too messy and eventually would drag her into that mess.

    ''And after I warned her repeatedly. She just won''t listen.'' Meng Renshu thought helplessly.

    And his bad suspicion was proven true right now. If it wasn''t for the fact that he still needed his cooperation, Meng Renshu would probably flip at him for putting her in such danger.

    "I could tell you omitted some bits in your exnation, but I''ll make do with it for now. Now, do you have any idea where Xiaoyi would be?"

    "No. I''m currently still searching for her too, but we got a lead just now. If she wasn''t in a nearby area, that narrowed down the list of ces she could visit. We just got a new lead, too, from the taxi driver who drove her."

 Chapter 547 You Tend To Speak Or Act Similarly To Those Around You, Right?

    "What is it? Tell me, and I can get some people there in a matter of minutes." Meng Renshu straightened his back.

    "Apparently, she went to a secluded area outside the city. Thatnd was once used for factory areas. A perfect ce to hide someone."

    Meng Renshu wasted no time and immediately told Mr. Mu to mobilize people to check on the area. "I got it. I will head there immediately. What about you?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    "Hello, are you still there?" Meng Renshu had to check the screen to ensure the line was still connected.

    "Senior Meng, please be careful. I''ll leave Yi Yi to you."

    Meng Renshu frowned. "Does this mean you aren''t going to pick her up?"

    "I have somewhere else I need to go. My father''s life is on the line."

    Having to choose between saving his beloved family members or his precious girl must be a tough choice to make. Meng Renshu wasn''t going to judge him for this, but he still felt unjust for Li Caiyi. The reason why she went missing was because she wanted to help him, after all.

    Why would she stay by Dai Zhiqiang''s side, knowing she would only get hurt? She was a loyal person to a fault. Too bad that loyalty wasn''t reserved for him.

    "I understand. But what will you do if she changes her feelings towards me because of this?" Meng Renshu smirked evilly.

    "I still won''t let her go. No, I can''t let her go. Even if she hates me, I will ask for forgiveness and make her like me again."

    Contrary to his expectation, Dai Zhiqiang''s answer was direct and firm, like he had never doubted it even once. It irked Meng Renshu to no end.

    "Is that so? We''ll seeter."

    Meng Renshu hung up the call and suddenly felt dizzy. In thest few days, he had been swamped with studying and meeting important people who helped him a lot in his past life. He wanted to foster a connection with them earlier to build his power faster.

    However, being tired didn''t always equal a good night''s sleep. He still had difficulty sleeping, although it wasn''t as bad as before.

    Mr. Mu, who watched him from the rearview mirror, was worried.

    The reason Young Master suddenly felt motivated to seed in the family business he had always tried to avoid before was unknown. But he saw how Meng Renshu had worked very hardtely, which must have taken a toll on his body.

    "Young Master, we still have some time before we reach the factory area. What about using this chance to take a quick nap?"

    "I''m fine. Just a bit dizzy."

    "I didn''t mean to eavesdrop, but I just heard your phone conversation."

    The sound was loud enough for Mr. Mu to hear it. Meng Renshu didn''t mind since Mr. Mu was one of his most trustworthy subordinates. Even though he technically served his parents, he had never told them anything Meng Renshu didn''t want them to know, and he patiently cared for him.

    "Yeah. I think it''s better if you hear about it too, so you will better grasp the situation."

    "I''m honored you think so highly of me. But that person you called just now, is he your friend?"

    "No. If I have to choose, he is an enemy," Meng Renshu replied curtly. "He has something which originally belonged to me, and I intend to take it back from him.

    "My apologies, Young Master. I have said something unnecessary."

    "Why? Do we sound close to you?" Meng Renshu scoffed, finding the idea ridiculous. He had no intention of befriending someone who stole his wife from him.

    Mr. Mu chose his words carefully before saying, "No. I just had this feeling that the other person seemed simr to you. They said you tend to speak or act simrly to those around you, right?"

    "How could he be simr to me?!" Meng Renshu''s reply came more aggressive than he intended. Mr. Mu was too scared to say anything else and returned his focus to the road.<sub> </sub>

    ***

    Li Caiyi woke up feeling like her body had been beaten by many people simultaneously. Her head was weighty, paining her neck when she tilted it.

    "Ugh," she groaned as her head throbbed in a dull pain when she tried to sit up.

    It was pitch ck inside. Li Caiyi had to blink her eyes a few times to ensure she had opened them properly.

    The situation couldn''t be any worse, but she guessed she should be grateful for still having her life. She thought her second life would really end back then.

    Li Caiyi carefully examined her head. She could feel a huge bump on the back of her head and a fresh wound on her forehead, but it didn''t seem serious.

    Whoever attacked her probably didn''t intend to kill her and only wanted to trap her.

    Was this what Huang Zhen nned as well?

    Li Caiyi trembled when a cold wind from the window ceiling blew past her. It was already autumn, and at night time, the cold could very well cause hypothermia if she stayed here any longer.

    Even if she screamed, she doubted anyone woulde to save her. This factory was already deserted, and hardly anyone came by. She would refrain from doing something that would put her in a more disadvantageous situation.

    Being alone in this dark and scary ce made her anxious, so she began to feel the ground, searching for her phone. It slipped from her hand when the attacker hit her. Hopefully, she could call for help using that.

    Although that was her intention, Li Caiyi didn''t expect much since there was no way her attacker left a very convenient item around her. Either they took it with them or had already disposed of it.

    Sure enough, after twenty minutes of searching, she still couldn''t find it anywhere.

    "Well, at least now I know that option is no longer avable," Li Caiyi tried tofort herself.

    Then, she looked upward toward the small window near the ceiling. If she couldn''t call for help, she could only find an exit by herself.

    The small window seemed to be barely enough for her body to slip through, but how could she reach it? It was around four to five meters higher than her.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes had slowly ustomed to the dark, so she began to search around again. She vaguely recalled that this room had that stack of boxes too. There might be something she could use inside.

    If Huang Zhen wanted to make her cry by doing this, then he was sorely mistaken. She wouldn''t give up just because of this.

    Her fingers began to get cold from rummaging through the ground for a long time, but finally, she found the edge of the tarp she had seen before.

    "I got it!" She eximed in happiness. Then used her sense of touch to find the boxes.

    To her disappointment, those boxes were too heavy to lift alone. Her idea to stack these boxes so she could reach the window was crushed just like that.

    "I wonder what''s in it?"

    She really could use a shlight or foldingdder at times like this.

    The box was tightly sealed with tape. Li Caiyi had an idea and took out the only thing she had brought from her pocket.

    It was Meng Renshu''s birthday present, and she always kept it with her.

    At first nce, it looked like some kind of expensive pen. However, it was actually a self-defense tool Meng Renshu prepared especially for her. It was small, light, and highly usable for anybody.

    If she took out the cap, there was a tiny cutter. Not big enough to cause fatal injury to someone, but it should be sharp enough to tear the tape.

    "Okay, here goes nothing!" Li Caiyi was pumped out to find something useful in the box.

 Chapter 548 Huang Zhen And Ye Huizhong

    Few hours prior to Li Caiyi''s awakening.

    Dai Zhiqiang held his phone tightly, feeling inexplicable emotions filling him inside. If he could, he wanted to dash to where Li Caiyi was and hug her tightly that instant. Only God knew how much he hated to rely on Meng Renshu at times like this.

    As much as it killed him to admit it, if there was someone he could trust to protect Li Caiyi right now, it was Meng Renshu. That guy was pretty crooked too, but Dai Zhiqiang knew he would do anything to save her.

    But knowing that alone wouldn''t make this any lessplicated for him. Even now, his inner turmoil still hadn''t subsided yet.

    He felt weak and powerless. Even when Li Caiyi was in a dangerous situation, the most he could do was to provide information for someone else to save her. What kind of pathetic man was he?

    "Hey, are you alright?"

    Lin Xiang, who could more and less guess what was on his mind, couldn''t help but ask. If one saw Dai Zhiqiang like this, one probably thought someone had just passed away.

    "Listen, kiddo. I know you are concerned for Miss Li''s safety, but isn''t the one you talked with just now a very powerful person? With him steering themand, I have no doubt that Miss Li will be in good hands."

    Lin Xiang only meant tofort him. Unbeknownst to him, those words were thest thing Dai Zhiqiang wanted to hear. His face twisted so severely, making him look like a wild beast.

    "Huang Zhen is always like this. He will y with his prey''s weakness until the prey surrenders himself. We don''t have the luxury of saving two people simultaneously. You made the right choice by leaving Miss Li in more capable hands."

    "Senior Lin, I don''t need your words offort. Just focus on your job." Dai Zhiqiang interjected as he couldn''t stand to hear him anymore. It felt like his ears would develop a rash if he continued.

    "You cheeky brat. How dare you use amanding tone with me? What do you think I am doing right now if not doing my job?" Lin Xiang sneered, but a momentter, his expression turned serious.

    "I''m not sure why Huang Zhen suddenly wanted you toe to the ce in the opposite direction of the factory area. Do you have any idea of what he was nning?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer immediately. His mind wandered to what happened a few minutes ago when Huang Zhen suddenly sent him a message while he was in the middle of a phone call with Meng Renshu.

    The content of the message was straightforward. An address leading to a ce in the city side, but opposite to the factory area. If he remembered correctly, not many people lived in that area, and it mainly consisted of barrennd.

    Just what was Huang Zhen up to this time? Was this his strategy to deliberately distance himself from Li Caiyi?

    "I once thought I knew Huang Zhen pretty well, but it seemed I had overestimated myself. I would never have thought he, out of all people, would stab the boss in the back."

    "Senior Lin, what is exactly this thing our boss wanted to retrieve from him?"

    Lin Xiang pondered for a bit before answering, "To be honest, I don''t know either. I think this is something that only the boss and Huang Zhen themselves knew about. But I could tell this probably has something to do with thete Master."

    "The previous Master is the boss''s only son, right?" Dai Zhiqiang recalled hearing some people in the group talking about him.

    Ye Huizhong''s only son, the sole heir for Ye Wang, died tragically with his wife in a big fire a few years ago. Apparently, the cause was still unknown up until now, but the chance that it was a premeditated arson was high.

    "Yeah. The boss was very aggrieved when he lost his only son and daughter-inw. Huang Zhen is someone whom thete Master picked up. It seemed thete Master liked him very much, which made the boss trust him as well.<sub> </sub>

    After he passed away, the boss put Huang Zhen beside him, as he wanted to cherish everything that thete Master had left behind.

    If there was something that could bind the two of them together, it should be their rtion to thete Master. But I didn''t know the whole story since I joined the group muchter than him."

    Dai Zhiqiang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Do you think Huang Zhen is a person sent by the enemy group?"

    "We have no proof, but that is the more likely possibility. That suspicion is also the reason why the boss still stubbornly chased after Huang Zhen until now. He suspected the fire that happened a few years ago might have something to do with him."

    Dai Zhiqiang only ever met Huang Zhen once, and that was when he saved Ye Zhong two years ago. He still remembered how Huang Zhen threw and pinned him to the ground. His blond hair and blue eyes struck a deep impression on him.

    If Huang Zhen really had something to do with thete Master''s passing, what made him stay in the Ye Wang all those years? Dai Zhiqiang was also skeptical about the reason Huang Zhen targeted Li Caiyi. Everything about this seemed off like he missed the final puzzle needed.

    "Hey, kiddo. We have arrived."

    Lin Xiang''s words pulled him back to reality. He looked outside the window to find an old building in front of him.

    The location of the building was very awkward, as it was surrounded by barrennd before people''s houses started to line up, so it appeared like the sole building in the area.

    "I never thought I woulde back to this ce. This brings back memories."

    "Senior Lin, do you know this ce?"

    "Yeah. This ce used to be one of our group''s bars, but since the business is quiet around this ce, we put a stop to it. You see that barrennd? The boss nned to make a spacious parking lot there. Unfortunately, the n was stopped."

    His exnation made Dai Zhiqiang recall something. "Now that you mention it, no wonder the address he sent seems familiar."

    Lin Xiang chuckled. "Yeah. We used this address to cover your real ''workce''. If someone is investigating your background, they will only find this ce and conclude that you worked for a failed business. Huang Zhen was once a part of us, so it''s not surprising for him to know this ce."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at the building again and felt like his attention was sucked by an invisible force. For some reason, this ce felt familiar, even though this was supposed to be his first time here. It was a strange thought.

    However, there was no time to entertain that thought. Dai Zhiqiang needed to take care of this fast before his father''s condition deteriorated. Then, he could fly to Li Caiyi''s ce as soon as possible.

    "Senior Lin, I will head inside now."

    "Are you sure you don''t want me to follow you?"

    "He specifically told me toe in alone, and he got my father as his shield. I don''t want to provoke him unless necessary."

    Lin Xiang was not unfamiliar with tricky situations like this, so he didn''t argue further. "Got it. You know how to contact me if you need my help. Once you give me the signal, I will back you up as fast as possible."

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded. "If you don''t hear anything from me after an hour, I''ll leave the rest to you."

 Chapter 549 Give Li Caiyi To Me

    The interior of the building reminded him of the Rose Bar.

    Although this ce was deserted, Dai Zhiqiang could see the empty bar in the deeper part of the room. Tables were aligned neatly with no sign of them ever being used, with thick dust coating their surface.

    The torn and dirty curtain covered the window, and the moonlight seeped through the curtain hole.

    However, despite looking old, this ce was more spacious than Rose Bar. There were stairs leading to the second floor beside the bar counter.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t sense any human presence from the first floor, so he had no choice but to check on the higher floor.

    He sharpened his senses so he wouldn''t miss any slight movement before he took out his favorite swiss knife, readying it beside his body.

    Trying to make his footsteps as silent as possible, he climbed the stairs. But the creaking sound under his feet made it impossible for him to walk without being noticed. Dai Zhiqiang cursed the old building inwardly.

    "I know you are there. Don''t be shy and show yourself."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s whole body tensed at the light-hearted voiceing from above. He tripled his vignce as he continued to go upstairs.

    Unlike the first floor, the second floor barely had anything in it, like they hadn''t had a chance to use this ce before it was closed forever.

    Standing in the middle of it was a man wearing a in white mask surrounded by a few other men d in ck outfits.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes widened in surprise, not because he was surprised some people had gathered there but because his father was sitting in the wheelchair near the white-mask man.

    From how Dai Bolin hung his head low, he assumed that Huang Zhen must have made him drink something that knocked him unconscious.

    Just thinking about it made Dai Zhiqiang''s blood boil in anger.

    ring fiercely at the masked man, Dai Zhiqiang growled, "What did you do to my father."

    "Nothing. Not yet, to be precise." His tone was light and rather cheerful like he was in a good mood, but Dai Zhiqiang felt the opposite. Brandishing his knife, he prepared his stance, ready to attack.

    In a way, he had to thank Huang Zhen for making Dai Bolin pass out. Dai Zhiqiang wouldn''t want his father to witness him massacring these people.

    "Huang Zhen, you have crossed the line. Don''t me me for whatever happens." Dai Zhiqiang raised his knife and was about to lunge forward to immobilize one of the men who stood so close to Dai Bolin.

    However, before he could move much, a round kick came out of nowhere and almost knocked him off by the chin. The kick was very powerful; it created a gust of wind as it passed him.

    Dai Zhiqiang was barely able to react ordingly by jumping a step behind. It seemed a sudden attack wouldn''t work with someone as skillful as Huang Zhen.

    "Not so fast, cheeky brat. Suddenly attacking us like that, you don''t have any manners." Huang Zhen said helplessly before nodding to his subordinates. The next moment, one of the men pushed the wheelchair into one of the rooms.

    "Wait! Where are you going to take him?!" Dai Zhiqiang shouted.

    "Boy, aren''t you a noisy one? I don''t have a hobby of harming a sick and unconscious old man. As long as you don''t do anything reckless, I will give your father back in one piece."

    Dai Zhiqiang gritted his teeth. He was incredibly anxious but forced himself to calm down and assess the situation.

    Except for Huang Zhen and the one who brought his father into the room, there were still four other men in this room. All looked bulky and strong.

    Of course, one''s body size wasn''t the only thing that mattered in a fight, but Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t confident that he could take them on while Huang Zhen was still here.

    Not even ten of these men couldpare with one Huang Zhen. His kick just now wasn''t a mere warning, but he seriously aimed for Dai Zhiqiang''s head. It wouldn''t end with a simple concussion if he got hit.

    It seemed listening to Huang Zhen would be the most efficient strategy for now. He would bid his time and wait for a good chance, then save his father from these people.<sub> </sub>

    Lowering his knife, Dai Zhiqiang rxed his body. "Fine, let''s hear what you have to say."

    "I know you will understand. As expected of someone who piqued Ye Huizhong''s interest."

    Then, Huang Zhen sat on the only chair in the room and folded his legs. "I''m pretty sure you are in a hurry right now, so I will make this short. I have watched you all this time, and I think we can get along well. What about if you join me in my cause? Whatever Ye Huizhong gave you, I will make it ten folds."

    Dai Zhiqiang sneered mockingly. "So all the drama you caused before was all just for this? Just how idle are you?"

    "Precisely. Humans will naturally try to do something fun when they are idle. ying with you and people around you like this is a good time for me."

    His yful tone made Dai Zhiqiang''s veins pop up in anger again. He had to restrain the urge to attack Huang Zhen right there and then.

    "Shut up." Dai Zhiqiang replied darkly. "What if I refuse?"

    Huang Zhen shrugged. "Then I guess we will y some more. You see, I''m very interested in you. When I see something I like, I can''t help but want to have them and y with them until they break."

    The fact that he could say something crazy like that cheerfully revealed a lot about his personality. Dai Zhiqiang wanted nothing to do with this person. He was about to negotiate with Huang Zhen when thetter surprised him with his following words.

    "Alright, then. I won''t force you to join."

    Dai Zhiqiang was dumbfounded. "What?"

    "Hahaha, what''s with that face? Do you think I will kneel and beg you to join me?"

    Of course not, but Dai Zhiqiang certainly didn''t expect him to give up so easily. His eyes narrowed down in suspicion. "Huang Zhen, what are you nning now?"

    "You are really quick on the uptake. If you don''t want to join me that badly, give Li Caiyi to me instead. If you agree to not get involved with her anymore, I''ll let you and your father return safely."

    Dai Zhiqiang was enraged when he heard that. To hell with the diplomatic approach; he wanted to kill Huang Zhen right now.

    "You bastard. What the hell are you smoking in the daylight? Do you think I will agree with your nonsensical chatter?" Dai Zhiqiang asked in a low voice. He raised his knife again and pointed the tip at Huang Zhen. "I shouldn''t have listened to you in the first ce. Fight with me."

    No one could tell what kind of face Huang Zhen made behind that mask, but he sounded amused by Dai Zhiqiang''s response.

    "It seems you still don''t understand your position right now. I have two of your people in my hands right now. You don''t have a choice in the first ce. You should be grateful that I am considering returning your father to you."

    "Shut up." Dai Zhiqiang said threateningly. "Do you think I wille here alone? Our group is surrounding this ce as we speak. None of you will escape if you hurt my father and me. You are bold enough to choose one of Ye Wang''s territories as our meeting spot, but you will soon regret your arrogance."

    Huang Zhen didn''t react, but Dai Zhiqiang''s words definitely affected the men behind him.

    He didn''t me them for being afraid since Ye Wang''s notorious reputation was already well-known in the underworld business. Not to mention, some of their colleague who was caught before was tortured ruthlessly and never returned.

    Ye Wang was more like a mafia group than a business group.

    Only a foolish person with no fear, like Huang Zhen, would be crazy enough to provoke them.

    No matter how skillful Huang Zhen was, the most he could do was save himself. Dai Zhiqiang doubted if he could even help each of the men here get out safely.

    ''Good. I just need to bluff a bit more to buy time and create more opportunities. Senior Lin will inform me as soon as he receives news from Meng Renshu about Li Caiyi.''

    Once Li Caiyi was safe, he could focus on saving his father.

 Chapter 550 Escape Plan

    "This is impossible!" Li Caiyi groaned in exhaustion as she plopped down to the ground.

    It seemed she was a bit too optimistic about her current situation. In fiction stories, this should be where the protagonist cleverly thinks of the most brilliant escape n. However, this was real life, not some kind of drama or scene from a book.

    Li Caiyi looked up hopelessly at the stacks of documents in front of her. She had been working for an hour so far, but the height was still nowhere near the window.

    After she opened the box, she was mildly disappointed when she found out the content of those boxes. The previous workers of this building must have packed their old documents in the boxes and forgotten about them.

    At this point, Li Caiyi was ready to wave a white g since there was no way some papers could help her get out of there. However, the stubborn part of her refused to give in.

    Then, she thought of stacking these papers so they could turn into her footing to reach the window like a substitutedder.

    Initially, Li Caiyi was pretty confident with this n. Still, after an hour, she had no choice but to admit that this n was stupid.

    The footing made by the paper was precarious. Since it was very dark, she would identally nudge some of it and make her effort crumble down in a matter of seconds.

    Instead of saving herself, Li Caiyi only tired herself by doing this. She was exhausted, cold, and hungry, with no way to get out. Could this situation get any worse?

    Li Caiyi leaned against the wall and curled herself into a ball.

    Even though she woreyers of clothes, the sweat on her made her body feel even colder on this harsh autumn night. Her fingers were already numb from being exposed to the cold air for so long.

    "Ah, I feel shitty. What should I do now?" Li Caiyi whispered to no one.

    Previously, she was so scared of staying in the darkness alone, so she refrained from making any big noises. But now, she was too tired to even care about that.

    How long did she have to stay in this ce? Would anyone notice she was gone ande looking for her?

    The bodyguards Meng Renshu assigned to watch over her didn''te in the end. Li Caiyi wondered if Huang Zhen did something to them. She hoped no one was injured.

    The Dai brothers must be very rmed because she suddenly went missing after their father''s disappearance.

    They probably were busy searching for their father now and had no time to look for her.

    Being in a dark, enclosed space alone like this made her think of the worst. She had to get a grip and stop moping around.

    Li Caiyi buried her head on her knee, trying to get some shut-eye. Perhaps after some rest, her head would be clearer, and she could think about another way to escape.

    "Meow."

    The faint sound of a cat meowing reached her ears. Li Caiyi automatically raised her head and looked around, but there was no sign of a cat nearby.

    "Little cat? Is that you?" Li Caiyi crawled as she concentrated on hearing better.

    "Meow. Meow."

    The meowing kepting closer and closer. If Li Caiyi wasn''t so desperate, she probably would consider this moment one of her life''s scariest moments.

    "Eek!"

    Li Caiyi yelped again when she felt a soft fur on her legs. She looked down and saw a silhouette of a small creaturezily nudging its furry head on her leg.

    "It''s you again." Li Caiyi smiled a bit and stroked the cat''s head fondly. "From where did youe in, little cat? The door was locked from the outside."

    Sure enough, the cat didn''t answer and busily rubbed its body on her. Li Caiyi felt much better having it here to apany her and regained some of her strength.

    "Did youe here tofort me? Thank you. I felt so alone and hopeless before, but I''m fine now, thanks to you."<sub> </sub>

    "Meow."

    Come to think of it, the cat from before was already in this room before her.

    If she were to assume that the cat didn''te inside through the door like her and through some other way, then there was probably a way out of this room.

    Li Caiyi just had to look harder.

    With that idea in mind, she slowly got up and traced the wall with her hands.

    The cat definitely didn''te from the window or door. Then the only possible answer was it entered through a hole in the wall.

    With new hope in her, Li Caiyi looked around tirelessly. She didn''t know how long she did that, but after some time, she finally found a small hole near the corner of the room.

    It was so small that only a liquid creature like a cat could go through, but it was still an exit, regardless. The wall was already damaged from the start. She probably could widen the hole and slip through it if she exerted some strength.

    Feeling ecstatic, Li Caiyi took the cat in her arms and hugged it tightly. "Thank you! This is all thanks to you!"

    "Mrawwrrr!"

    The cat was shocked and jumped out of her arm frantically before leaving through the hole in front of her.

    "Alright, now it''s up to me to erge this hole. You can do this, Li Caiyi! Fighting!"

    ***

    Meng Renshu was sure Dai Zhiqiang had no reason to lie to him, but the report he had received so far was very discouraging, to say the least.

    It had been two hours since he dispatched some people to search the factory area for Li Caiyi, but no news so far.

    It couldn''t be helped since this area was very spacious, with more than eight factories lined up near each other. This area was almost considered independent from S city due to its secluded location and was called the ''Industrial City'' once.

    To find a person in such arge area would be difficult, even if this ce was practically left to be demolished now.

    Meng Renshu knew that, but he couldn''t stop himself from asking, "Mr. Mu, is there no new news from them? Why does it take so long to find her?"

    "Young Master, there haven''t been any new reports. Let''s wait a bit more. Everyone is working hard to find Miss Caiyi as we speak."

    The old driver sh caretaker had answered the same question twenty times in the past two hours, but Meng Renshu still couldn''t calm down.

    "The more time we waste here, the higher the risk for Xiaoyi."

    "Yes, I understand your concern, but we must remain prudent. We should be able to hear something from them soon. Please be patient."

    Easy for him to say.

    Ever Li Caiyi was found dead in front of an abandoned building, Meng Renshu had developed an aversion for tall and empty buildings. He didn''t even dare to raise his head to see the top since he feared what he might see.

    Waiting like this felt like torture. Meng Renshu didn''t feel like sitting around and letting the fear consume him, so he abruptly stood up.

    "Young Master, where are you going?" Mr. Mu asked him in fluster.

    "I''m going to find Xiaoyi. The more people looking for her, the better the chance to find her."

    "Young Master, you can''t! The wind is getting stronger. A storm ising this way. Pleasee back!"

 Chapter 551 Is That A Dead Body?

    Meng Renshu didn''t look back and kept running.

    As Mr. Mu said, the sky was pretty dark tonight, and the wind blew strongly. However, the weather was the least of his concerns.

    What if Li Caiyi was unconscious somewhere and drenched by the rain? What if she was injured and couldn''t move? What if that Hu Jian bastard did something to her?

    Veiling his anxiety with a firm front was something he used to do in front of people, but Meng Renhu could no longer stand it. Taking a deep breath, he shouted for Li Caiyi''s name.

    "Xiaoyi, where are you?!"

    No one answered him. Meng Renshu didn''t miss even a single bush, and no stones were left unturned on his watch. He searched up and down, but there was no sign of Li Caiyi anywhere.

    While he was running around, rain began pouring down from the gloomy sky. The roaring thunder and the strong wind drowned his voice, but he kept calling for her name, clinging to a small hope that his voice would reach her somehow. He shouted until his throat felt hurt.

    His whole body was drenched, and the rain made it harder for him to look around. Still, he didn''t give up and kept searching.

    "Young Master! Please stop this!"

    "What are you doing?! Let me go this instant." Meng Renshu red at his caretaker, who suddenly appeared behind him and held him by the shoulder.

    Mr. Mu was holding an umbre in one hand, while his other hand refused to let Meng Renshu go. His wrinkled eyes narrowed down sternly. "Please cease your stubbornness at once. Forcing yourself like this wouldn''t help anyone. What do you think Miss Li would feel if you got sick while searching for her?"

    Meng Renshu roughly swatted Mr. Mu''s hand away and stared coldly at him, "Don''t tell me what to do. I''m perfectly aware of my limit, and I don''t need you to remind me. If you don''t want to help, then at least don''t get in my way."

    "Young Master, please don''t do this. What if your body condition became worse after this? Every day you consume medicine just so you can sleep and have the energy to get through the day. It really breaks this old man''s heart." Mr. Mu pleaded, and his sincere words softened Meng Renshu a little.

    "I don''t care what happened to me because I deserved it."

    ''She drank more medicines than me before, but I didn''t even notice her suffering.'' Meng Renshu bitterly thought.

    "Pardon?" Mr. Mu tilted his head in confusion. "I''m not sure if I''m following you, Young Master."

    But Meng Renshu only shook his head before slicking his wet hair back. "I will feel sicker if I remain in a safe ce while she is struggling somewhere."

    Mr. Mu was speechless. His Young Master really had it bad for Li Caiyi. He didn''t even listen to his advice anymore like usual.

    The fact that Li Caiyi didn''t know about this and happily dated some other guy made the older man''s heart ache for the boy in front of him.

    He watched Meng Renshu grow up and used to be confident that no one would be able to reject someone like him. That Meng Renshu would be chased over by thousand girls, and he only needed to choose one. But he begged to differ now.

    "Alright, I give up on persuading you."

    "Thank you, and I''m sorry for being stubborn, Mr. Mu. I promised you wouldn''t be held responsible for my choice today."

    "Young Master, please don''t treat me like a stranger. I may be working for you, but my concern for you has always been genuine. I have watched you grow up marvelously, and it broke my heart to see you hurting your own body like this."

    Meng Renshu felt his cold body getting warmer hearing that. "Yeah, I know. I definitely won''t mistreat you in the future."

    "Let''s save that talk forter. Now, we have to find Miss Li as soon as possible."

    Meng Renshu was astonished when Mr. Mu walked ahead of him and began to look around as well.

    "What are you doing? You should return and take shelter properly from the rain. Don''t make your old body cry in pain."

    Mr. Muughed jovially. "You are doing better than I thought if you can still joke around like that."

    Meng Renshu chuckled before rushing to his side. "I appreciate your thoughts. But please don''t force yourself."<sub> </sub>

    "Yes, Young Master."

    ***

    Another thirty minutes passed, but there was still no sign of Li Caiyi.

    At this point, Meng Renshu started to doubt whether Li Caiyi was really there. He took Dai Zhiqiang''s words seriously since he saw no reason for him to lie, but what if Dai Zhiqiang was misinformed too?

    "Mr. Mu, I don''t think she is here. Let''s try looking on anotherˇŞ"

    His words trailed off when his gaze identally fell on something moving.

    Mr. Mu, who stood beside him faithfully, looked up in confusion since Meng Renshu stopped talking midway. "What''s wrong, Young Master?"

    Instead of answering, Meng Renshu dashed to chase after that moving shadow he saw. His feet leaped as fast as his heartbeat.

    The thought that he might find Li Caiyi soon brought him an inexplicable amount of joy and relief.

    Meng Renshu took a sharp turn at the crossroads and looked around. He was sure he saw that shadow walking this way, but he couldn''t see Li Caiyi anywhere.

    "Strange, where did she go? Did I see her wrong?"

    Meng Renshu was about to return and slowly looked around again when he heard a rustling sound.

    He didn''t immediately jump to check and observed the bush where the sound came from suspiciously.

    "Who''s there?"

    There was no response, but the sound of leaf rustling could still be heard.

    "Whoever you are, juste out." Meng Renshu said coldly, and this time the rustle actually stopped.

    "Meow."

    Meng Renshu looked down and saw a skinny gray cat sitting in front of the bush and sitting a few meters away from him.

    His shoulders visibly drooped in disappointment seeing it. Was the moving shadow he witnessed earlier actually this cat, not Li Caiyi?

    He covered his eyes and wiped the water from his face, which was useless since it got wet again in no time. A gloomy feeling enveloped him.

    Just where did Li Caiyi go? It had been hours since she went missing, and Meng Renshu felt like he would go crazy from anxiety soon.

    "Meow!"

    The cat''s meowing snapped him out of his reverie.

    Meng Renshu raised his head and subconsciously nced in the cat''s direction. It kept meowing happily despite being under the rain.

    His eyes traveled downward and bulged in shock when he witnessed a disturbing sight in front of him.

    Under the bush, there was a pale white hand slipping out, lying motionlessly on the ground. The body couldn''t be seen since it was covered by the bushes.

    Anyone who saw this would immediately think that a dead body was hidden there.

    The cat was happily rubbing its head on it, oblivious to Meng Renshu''s horror expression.

 Chapter 552 Bringing Li Caiyi Home

    A shback of a skinny and pale arm bent in a very unnatural way appeared in his mind.

    The owner of that hand had her head crushed beyond recognition, and the only way for Meng Renshu to believe it belonged to his wife was only the tiny mole on the back of her hand.

    The same hand was buried under the bush now. The nightmare resurfaced, and he felt like something had sucked his life force away.

    Meng Renshu was petrified on the spot. He wanted to go forward and check, but his body refused to cooperate.

    A sense of nausea followed shortly after, making him almost vomit on the spot.

    The recurring nightmare he had was turning into reality again right in front of him. With that scene in mind, he was too afraid toe closer and check.

    "Xiaoyi, is that you? Please don''t joke around like this." Meng Renshu said jokingly, but his voice shook uncontrobly.

    "Meow."

    While Meng Renshu was ovee with trepidation, the cat was eyeing him as if urging him to do something.

    Meng Renshu felt the energy in him quickly seep out of him. He felt like fainting.

    Regardless of his fear, or whether that hand was Li Caiyi''s hand or not, he still had to check.

    Gulping hard, he slowly approached the bush. His heart was thumping even louder than the sound of thunder.

    He didn''t even realize he was holding his breath as his gaze was locked on that pale hand.

    Meng Renshu used his hand to open the bush, revealing a girl whoy unconscious on the ground with her back facing the sky.

    It really was Li Caiyi.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    He found her, yet he couldn''t celebrate it. Only fear controlled his movement as he cradled her limp body in his arms. The first thing he did was to check her breathing.

    Only God knew how relieved he was when he knew Li Caiyi was alive, albeit unconscious.

    The demon that tied him down to the groundpletely vanished.

    Next, he checked whether she was injured.

    Upon closer look, there was a small wound on Li Caiyi''s forehead. Her cold hand was dirty and had a lot of scratches on them. He couldn''t see any visible injuries on her besides those.

    "Young Master, where are you?!"

    Meng Renshu could hear Mr. Mu call his name from afar. He kind of left him behind, so no wonder if he got worried.

    Meng Renshu gently positioned Li Caiyi''s body, so her head was leaned onto his shoulder before carrying her in a bridal¨Cstyle.

    Their wet bodies easily stuck together, like how their clothes stuck to their skin. It made his heart skip a beat.

    ''What am I thinking? It''s not the time for that,'' Meng Renshu berated himself, feeling ashamed for having such indecent thoughts toward an injured and unconscious girl.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes were shut tightly, but her brows were frowning like she was in pain. She might have had an internal injury, so Meng Renshu wasted no time and left that ce immediately with Mr. Mu.

    ***

    Meng Renshu put Li Caiyi''s wet body on the seat while Mr. Mu tried to wipe his body with a towel.

    "Young Master, you need to dry your body quickly, or you will catch a cold."

    Meng Renshu received the towel, but instead of using it on himself, he gently wiped the water from Li Caiyi''s face.<sub> </sub>

    "I''m fine. Her condition is more serious than mine. After all, we don''t know how much she had been exposed to the night rain."

    "Yes, but you should prioritize yourself first. As for Miss Li, let meˇŞ"

    "No." Meng Renshu replied sternly. He didn''t even let Mr. Mu finish his sentence. "I will do it."

    Mr. Mu could only look helplessly from the side. He didn''t expect him to be so possessive of Li Caiyi.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu carefully wiped her exposed skin with a towel. He didn''t try to touch somewhere he shouldn''t and only focused on making her as dry as possible.

    Then, he fetched a nket from the backseat and draped it on her body. He doubted it would do anything since she was thoroughly drenched, but it was better than nothing.

    After he finished looking after her, only then did he feel relieved. Running around like that was exhausting, but it was all worth it.

    Meng Renshu stared at Li Caiyi''s sleeping face and smiled fondly before whispering. "Now you are safe. I will protect you even at the cost of my life."

    While rubbing his head with a towel, he ordered Mr. Mu to start the engine. "I''m tired. Let''s go back first."

    "Yes, Young Master. Should we go to the hospital next?"

    Meng Renshu pondered for a moment before decisively speaking, "No, it will probably be dangerous to leave her alone. Let''s bring her back to the Meng residence first. Call our family doctor, too, and let him take a look at her."

    Mr. Mu wasn''t sure about this n. "Are you sure? Wouldn''t the Madam and Master find out about it? I think we should return Miss Li to her family instead."

    However, Meng Renshu only waved his hand, all while still nailing his gaze on Li Caiyi. "It''s okay. I will exin to themter."

    "...Alright. I will do as you say," Mr. Mu couldn''t say anything more and began to drive. He just hoped that Meng Renshu wouldn''t get into trouble after this.

    ***

    Qin Xiangjun stared coldly when Meng Renshu came in with a plus one in his arms.

    She shifted her nce to Mr. Mu, who quickly understood her meaning. He desperately hoped she wouldn''t yell at him for this.

    "Madam, Miss Li is injured and unconscious. Young Master couldn''t leave her alone, so he brought her back here temporarily."

    "Is that supposed to answer my question?" Qin Xiangjun made an unhappy face before putting down her teacup, causing a loud clicking noise.

    The room was filled with heavy tension. Her beautiful phoenix eyes looked at Meng Renshu from up to down before she frowned in disgust.

    "It doesn''t exin why my son came home looking like a wet dog while bringing another dog with him."

    Meng Renshu sighed at her mother''s sharpment. "Mom, I can exin everything, but can you let me change first? And Xiaoyi is drenched too."

    "And here I was, waiting for my son to return anxiously since I heard from the head maid that you called our family doctor here. I thought my precious son was hurt, and I couldn''t even continue watching TV in peace. But you didn''t even put this mother of yours in your eyes."

    Mr. Mu wanted to leave this room but lost the right time to do that. Now he was stuck in this ufortable situation after the mother-son conveniently forgot about him.

    Meng Renshu held Li Caiyi closer to him before answering. "I''m sorry; I didn''t mean to make you worry. I will answer your questions, but can you please let the doctor examine Xiaoyi first? She is going to get sick if this goes on."

    Qin Xiangjun straightened her back. It was only a small move, but Mr. Mu couldn''t breathe for a moment.

    It wasn''t scary per se since Qin Xiangjun was the epitome of elegance. Still, the aura she exuded put pressure on everyone''s back. Her gaze was like a dagger directed at her opponent.

    Everyone seemed to hold their breath as they awaited her following words.

    "My son, you''d better have a good exnation for this. I won''t tolerate any nonsense from you."

    Then, she shifted her gaze to the head maid standing behind her all this time. "Prepare a room. Give the girl some new clothes and burn her current ones."

 Chapter 553 I Only Need The One I Love To Stay By My Side

    "I have patched up her injuries. They weren''t severe, and I saw no indication of internal injuries anywhere. She seemed to faint due to exhaustion and hunger. I also detected a sign of mild hypothermia, most likely because she was exposed to a cold and rainy night. I have given her first aid, so there shouldn''t be any problem, but I rmend bringing her to the hospital for a further check-up, just for sure."

    Meng Renshu listened carefully to the doctor who had just finished examining Li Caiyi''s condition.

    He nced at Li Caiyi''s figure, who was deeply asleep in bed with mixed feelings.

    Meng Renshu was d he found her before her condition worsened, but it also pained him when he thought about what kind of situation forced her to faint in the middle of the rain.

    "Thank you, Doctor. I''m sorry I can''t send you off." Meng Renshu smiled politely.

    "No problem. Don''t forget to give her something warm to eat when she awakens. That will help her a lot."

    "I will. Please be careful on your way home."

    The maid led the Doctor to leave the guest room while Meng Renshu sat on the chair beside the bed. His countenance was forlorn as he gently touched her cheek. It was still cold, but at least better than before.

    "Please fetch some more nkets for her," Meng Renshu signaled to the maid standing on the other side of the bed. Thetter bowed before leaving the room to execute his order.

    After everyone left, only Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu were in the room. Things finally became peaceful.

    He felt much better now that she was in a ce where he could see her. For a second, he didn''t know what would happen back then. Meng Renshu never wanted to experience this kind of feeling again.

    "I hope you wake up soon." Meng Renshu held her hand and kissed the back of it. "This time, I will always be by your side. I will never leave you again."

    "How nice."

    Meng Renshu jolted when he heard a sharp voiceing from behind him. Turning his head, he saw Qin Xiangjun leaning against the door with an inexplicable smile on her red lips.

    "Mother, you surprised me." Meng Renshu heaved a sigh of relief.

    "After treating me like an air before, now you want to treat your mother like a ghost?"

    There she went again. Meng Renshu loved her mother, but when she was in a bad mood, her words sometimes could really strike a nerve.

    "Mother, are you here to check on Xiaoyi''s condition?"

    "I already heard the gist of it from the Doctor directly. She seems pretty fine in my book. Have you contacted her family yet?"

    "No, I haven''t."

    Qin Xiangjun gave him a judging look as she walked into the room. "Are you nning to hide her from her family? Obsessive men have their own charm, but kidnappers are just a criminal."

    "Mother, how can you say that? I''m not going to keep her here forever." Meng Renshu looked down, thinking whether he should tell her about how Li Caiyi was attacked in her house, butter decided against it. "I n to tell Junjie and Auntie about thister. Do you think Xiaoyi can stay with us for a few days?"

    Qin Xiangjun''s eyes widened in shock. "Of course not. Does the rain also wash away some of your brain cells?"

    Meng Renshu sighed. "I knew you would say that. Well, staying here until she feels well enough to move is fine, right?"

    "If you know, why ask something so obvious? You understand that many people have their eyes on us. We can still exin if she stays here until she wakes up, but they will begin to spread a false rumor about you two if you give them a chance."<sub> </sub>

    Personally, Meng Renshu didn''t mind that. He even thought it would be more convenient for him if that really happened, but he was sure that Li Caiyi wouldn''t like it.

    "I know. I just wanted to try asking, just in case."

    Qin Xiangjun gave him a measured look, confused by her son''s behavior. "Renshu, are you serious about your feelings for this girl?"

    "Haha, now it''s you who asked something you already know, Mother."

    "I just can''t understand you. Just why? Why her?" Qin Xiangjun massaged her throbbing temple.

    "Mother, your words are too harsh. What''s wrong with Xiaoyi?"

    "There is nothing wrong with her, but there is nothing exceptionally good about her either."

    "I don''t need an exceptional woman. I only need the one I love to stay by my side. That would be more than enough for me," Meng Renshu responded stubbornly.

    "Renshu, let me make this clear in advance. I don''t mind if you date her, but I will not ept her as your life partner." Qin Xiangjun said firmly. "You need a strong and capable woman to support you. This girl is clearly not up for that task."

    Meng Renshu silently listened to her mother. Even in their previous life, Qin Xiangjun was against their marriage until the end.

    After they got married, Meng Renshu knew his wife and his mother didn''t exactly get along, but at least they tried to ept each other. He thought it was normal for a mother-inw to be strict with her daughter-inw.

    It wasn''t until everything became toote did he notice how much Li Caiyi had suffered because of Qin Xiangjun and Meng Shuchun.

    If Meng Renshu wanted to make Li Caiyi his wife again, he had to tackle this problem before she could get hurt.

    "Mother, I have been meaning to ask, but considering the old promise between the two families, isn''t Father going to match me with the Li family''s daughter sooner orter? Besides, wouldn''t it be better if my wife is someone who knows me better than anyone else?"

    Qin Xiangjun frowned in disapproval. "You know this isn''t about that. I have nothing personal against the Li twins, but you can''t hope for a sickly wife or dull-minded woman to apany you for life. You are destined to be a powerful man in the future. If your wife isn''t strong, the current will swallow her. It''s better to be with a willful woman rather than a pushover."

    Her words couldn''t be called pleasant, but Meng Renshu could tell she was concerned not only about him but also about the twins. After all, Qin Xiangjun had experienced the hardship of high society life.

    Qin Xiangjun then added in annoyance. "And also, about that stupid promise. Your father always talks about that recently, and now my son is also talking about that. I really can''t have a moment of peace in my own house."

    "Really? Father talked about it?" Meng Renshu straightened his back, intrigued by this flow of conversation.

    "Well, aren''t you eager to make my blood pressure rise again?" Qin Xiangjun replied sarcastically, clearly unhappy with him. "Oh yes, he did. Every day he asked me if you have someone you were interested in. Out of annoyance, I just mentioned Caiyi since you have recently seemed very close to her. I didn''t expect him to bug me even more after that."

    "But why is Father so curious about my love life?"

    "How should I know? You know your father never talks about what he truly thinks. I don''t even want to think about it."

    Based on his mother''s expression, Meng Renshu could tell she wasn''t lying. She didn''t know anything about his father''s n.

    However, this spurred him to discover what Meng Yaoshu hid even more. Meng Renshu also needed to ask him more about the ''research'' Li Caiyi mentioned before.

    While he was deep in thought, Qin Xiangjun added, "Make sure you didn''t tell Little Chun that you brought her here. It would be a pain if she caused amotion again."

 Chapter 554 I Thought I Had Lost You Again

    Li Caiyi couldn''t move her body freely. It felt like she was buried under the soil. She felt stuffy, hot, and heavy.

    What was this soft yet heavy sensation on top of her body?

    Li Caiyi forced her eyes to open and was blinded by the light for a moment. She blinked a few times to fight away her drowsiness before looking down.

    It turned out she was buried under dozens of nkets. Each of them was pretty thick. No wonder she felt heavy and hot.

    Mustering her strength, which was currently almost non-existent, she propped her body with her arms before sitting up. For the first time, she finally realized she was neither in the hospital nor her home.

    This room seemed familiar, but not in a good way.

    "It couldn''t be...." Li Caiyi muttered to herself, but it was like munching some sand because of how dry her mouth and throat were. She was very thirsty after working so hard before she passed out.

    Thankfully, Li Caiyi saw a jug of water on the table a few meters away from the bed. She quickly climbed down the bed and staggered towards it.

    After drinking some water, she finally felt alive again. The water jug was made from ceramic with elegant plum blossoms painted on it. One look and she could tell it was expensive.

    "Out of all ces, why do I end up here again?"

    Now that her body felt better, she was able to think again. This room was familiar because she used to stay there often.

    It was the guest room of Meng''s house.

    "But why am I here?" Li Caiyi muttered in confusion as she tried to remember what had happened before she fell unconscious.

    Li Caiyi recalled how she kicked and pulled the crumbling brick of the hole in the wall desperately.

    She used the pieces of brick to smash the broken wall, forcing it to open wider. However, the wall was sturdier than she thought, so she soon utilized her leg as well.

    After doing that for some time, she finally managed to erge the hole just enough for her body to slip through. Even though she still had to hold her breath to tten her stomach and crawl like a worm first.

    It wasn''t easy, and her energy was depleted a lot. Not to mention the rain was pouring so hard when she was finally free.

    Li Caiyi didn''t want her attacker to catch her again, so she ran through the rain. She didn''t have a clear sense of direction since it was her first time there, but she was sure she had finally reached the main street when her stomach started growling, and her legs gave up on her.

    She fell t on the muddy ground but had no strength to pick herself up. Then, her vision slowly became hazy, and she couldn''t remember anything after that.

    That was the gist of the series of events. In retrospect, Li Caiyi couldn''t me herself for passing out like that after what she went through.

    When she woke up, she was already there, exining what had happened after she passed out.

    "Why does it have to be him again?" Li Caiyi groaned in regret at first butter calmed down. "No, this is better than having that creepy person find me again."

    In her vulnerable state, Li Caiyi could only me her bad luck if she was caught by them.

    After sorting out her thoughts, she looked at herself and noticed that she was currently wearing a long nightgown. The fabric was so smooth and light on the skin.

    She assumed Meng Renshu must have ordered his servants to clean her up.

    Li Caiyi sat on the bedside again while thinking about her next move.

    She managed to escape, but so what? In the end, she only came there to suffer. She didn''t meet Huang Zhen or Dai Bolin anywhere.

    Does that mean she lost the game?<sub> </sub>

    Li Caiyi dreaded thinking of what might happen to Dai Bolin. She had to contact Dai Zhiqiang fast!

    "Where is my phone?" Li Caiyi looked everywhere. From the bedside table to the bed, even under the nket and pillows, but her phone was nowhere to be found.

    After some time, Li Caiyi finally remembered that her attacker had taken her phone with them. Her frustration intensified.

    "I really don''t want to do this, but I guess there''s no helping it."

    Li Caiyi had to ask for Meng Renshu''s help again. He might use this chance to ask something from her again, but a beggar can''t choose.

    Li Caiyi was about to get up and find Meng Renshu when the door was opened. To her surprise, the person in her mind appeared in front of her right after she thought of him.

    "Brother Renshu. You are here." She said while standing up.

    Meng Renshu''s surprised face was reced with a bright smile immediately. He practically ran over to her and enveloped her in his embrace.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t prepared for that and added with her weak condition, it didn''t take much for her to fall backward.

    They toppled together on the bed, with Meng Renshu on top of her. A sh of panic ran through her.

    "Brother Renshu! Please get off of me!"

    Unbothered by her rejection, Meng Renshu tightened his hold on her. "Thank goodness you are safe. I was so worried something would happen to you. When I heard you were missing, I thought I had lost you again."

    His voice was trembling. No, it wasn''t only his voice, but his whole body was shaking. He sounded like he was about to cry.

    Li Caiyi wanted to say something, but she doubted he would hear anything she said. And she was thankful to him for saving her too.

    She raised her hand and patted his back gently, like coaxing a crying child. "It''s okay. I''m still here, thanks to you."

    "Don''t go anywhere without words again. Thest time you went missing, I found you already...."

    Li Caiyi knew what he was trying to say without needing him to finish his words. It seemed she had left an unimaginable amount of trauma in him.

    "Shh. That''s only a nightmare. I''m still here with you, aren''t I?"

    Meng Renshu was a lot calmer after hearing that. He slowly loosened his hold and raised his head to stare at her face clearly.

    There was an inexplicable tension between them. His gaze on her was intense, and they were so close together. The two of them were alone in the closed room, on a bed.

    This situation spelled trouble no matter how you looked at it.

    Li Caiyi was the first to avert her eyes before awkwardly saying, "Ahem. If you have already calmed down, can you get off me first? There is something I need to talk about with you."

    Meng Renshu didn''t respond and instead used his fingers to tuck some of her hair which covered her face to the back of her ears.

    The subtle touch of his finger on her ears felt like an electric shock, making her jolt in ce.

    Li Caiyi opened her mouth, ready to scold him again, when Meng Renshu corrected his position.

    However, instead of raising himself, he plopped his body to her side so they were lying on the bed side-by-side.

    Meng Renshu heaved a long sigh before softly speaking, "I''d love to talk, but I feel pretty tired myself. Can we do it while lying down like this?"

 Chapter 555 There Is No Reason For You To Put Yourself In Danger

    They used to do it side-by-side like this often when they were children.

    At that time, Li Caiyi, a big crybaby, often cried herself to sleep. Meng Renshu, who sometimes dropped by her ce, would hold her hand and stay with her until she fell asleep.

    He was kind and gentle, and she always felt better after she woke up.

    It was one of the precious early memories she had of him.

    She remembered she would sometimes pretend to sleep, then when Meng Renshu fell asleep beside her, she would open her eyes and admire his beauty from up close.

    Meng Renshu didn''t like it when people called him pretty or gawked at him, but the young Li Caiyi couldn''t resist it. She could only do that when he was asleep.

    The gentleness in his eyes right now was the same as back then when he patiently coaxed her to sleep like a beautiful and pure angel.

    It happened so long ago that he probably forgot about it, but Li Caiyi remembered it as clear as day.

    Gazing back at him, she slowly raised herself. "I understand; you can keep lying down like that. Searching for me must have exhausted you. It would be best if youy down properly. I will sit in the chair instead."

    No response from him as he only watched her draw a clear line between them again.

    Meng Renshu felt gloomy, but he could do nothing about it. He should feel grateful that she didn''t scold him outrightly like she usually did after the stunt he pulled.

    Li Caiyi pulled a chair, so she didn''t need tomunicate loudly before sitting on it. "I want to thank you properly for saving me. But Brother Renshu, how did you find me?"

    After drawing a clear line, she used formal speech toward him next?

    The reason she didn''t push him back and pped him across the face was perhaps because of what she wanted to talk about too.

    Meng Renshu smiled wryly. "You fell unconscious on the side street when I found you. I didn''t want to risk your safety by bringing you to the hospital or your house since Hu Jian had left his mark there. So I brought you here."

    "Thank you for your consideration. However, I think I should return as soon as possible."

    "So soon? You couldn''t even walk properly in your current condition. What if something were to happen again? This ce would be the safest ce for you."

    "Yes. But I can''t stay here being protected by you while Dai Zhiqiang was still fighting alone out there. UncleˇŞI mean, his father''s whereabouts were also unknown."

    Meng Renshu''s face hardened slightly, seeing she was still putting Dai Zhiqiang above her safety after everything she had gone through. "Xiaoyi, even if something were to happen, that is his own matter to take care of. You don''t need to unnecessarily attract unwanted danger by getting involved in a shady matter like this."

    Huang Zhen once also mentioned the same thing. Was she really that much of a busybody? Her actions came naturally from her desire to help her beloved, so she didn''t see anything strange with it.

    Moreover, she seemed to realize something from his remark just now.

    "Brother Renshu, you didn''t seem surprised when I mentioned Dai Zhiqiang''s father. It couldn''t be that you were loitering around the Industrial City because you already knew what happened?"

    Meng Renshu shifted his position, so hey down on his side with his whole body turned her way. "The securitypany I hired to guard you informed me swiftly when they lost contact with the men charged with your safety. I searched for you everywhere but couldn''t find you. Then, I discovered that you were missing starting from your visit to Dai Zhiqiang''s father."

    Li Caiyi raised her brows in astonishment. If there was another person who could fill Meng Renshu in about the whole situation, only one person came to her mind.

    It just happened that this person was also in a terrible term with Meng Renshu, that it never crossed her mind that they would cooperate with each other.<sub> </sub>

    "Did you contact Zhiqiang?"

    Heughed dryly. "What other choices do I have? Thanks to the information I got from him, I could get to you faster."

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling about this. "So Zhiqiang already knew where I was even without that thing?"

    "That thing?" Meng Renshu looked at her curiously, and she quickly covered her mouth.

    "Nothing, I was just speaking nonsense. More importantly, I still found it surprising that he would tell you readily. Was he also around when you got to the Industrial City?"

    "No. He asked me to go save you in his stead. Because he had some other urgent issues to be settled. I''m pretty sure it concerns his father."

    Meng Renshu tried to put it in a way that wouldn''t hurt her feelings as much as possible. But it turned out he didn''t need to worry about her.

    Li Caiyi stood up abruptly and immediately staggered.

    "Xiaoyi!" Meng Renshu''s feet were already half touching the floor when she grabbed the chair to steady herself.

    "I''m fine. I just stumbled when I got dizzy."

    "See? What can you possibly do in your current situation? In the first ce, there is no reason for you to put yourself in danger like this since Hu Jiang is actually only after Dai Zhiqiang, right? I''m sure even he doesn''t want to see you get hurt like this."

    What Meng Renshu said was reasonable. Even if she put forward her best effort, in the end, the only thing she did was stupidly fall into Huang Zhen''s trap and possibly make Dai Zhiqiang''s position more difficult. Considering how he even had to rely on Meng Renshu to rescue her.

    The best thing she could do for him now was to stay put and not create more trouble for him.

    "You are right. I shouldn''t meddle in his business more than this. He must feel troubled because of my thoughtlessness."

    "I didn''t mean to invalidate your effort. You have the best intention in mind, but I don''t want you to risk yourself like that. As your boyfriend, shouldn''t he also think the same?" Meng Renshu quickly added when he noticed her dejected expression.

    "I understand. I wasn''t offended or anything. It just pained me when the only thing I could do was watch him shoulder everything by himself again."

    Meng Renshu felt precisely the same towards her. Sadly, she was too focused on Dai Zhiqiang to notice that, making him slightly unhappy and annoyed.

    "You shouldy down and rest if you want to recover faster. I already exined to Auntie and Junjie about this. Don''t worry; I didn''t tell them you were kidnapped."

    "So what did you tell them?"

    Meng Renshu seemed to avoid looking at her for the first time since they talked again. "Just a random excuse, nothing to be concerned about. I will leave and let you rest more."

    Meng Renshu stood up from the bed but was held back by Li Caiyi when she spoke. "Wait. I have a favor to ask you, Brother Renshu."

    "A favor?"

    Li Caiyi looked down hesitantly before continuing, "I have inconvenienced you a lot, but do you think I can borrow your phone? My phone is missing. I want to call Zhiqiang and tell him I''m safe and sound, so he need not worry about me."

 Chapter 556 Focus On The Present Life

    It wasn''t like Meng Renshu didn''t expect her to say this.

    However, he had a small expectation in him when she held him back, and it frustrated him, knowing that Dai Zhiqiang was the only one in her mind.

    Couldn''t she see him in her eyes at all?

    Meng Renshu frowned in disapproval before decisively replying, "He is the one who put you in danger, and he couldn''t evene to save you. Have you ever considered what would happen to you if I didn''t take the initiative to contact him? He probably would have left you to die alone in a deserted ce like that."

    "No, you are wrong." Li Caiyi spoke slowly without raising her voice, but it wasn''t any less determined than Meng Renshu''s words. Her gaze was unwavering as she stared at him.

    "If he was faced with the options of whether to save his father or me, Zhi would find another way to save me, all while still saving his father. He won''t choose one and abandon the other. He is that kind of person."

    It irked Meng Renshu to see her like this. She once used to give the same devotion and trust to him and him alone. But Dai Zhiqiang just had to intervene and take her away from him.

    If only he didn''t exist, he would have a better chance of rekindling their past rtionship. And the one who would be reflected in her eyes would be him and him alone.

    Meng Renshu was sure Li Caiyi still had some affection for him, albeit tonic. He was confident he could make her turn around for him again.

    But looking at her like this, speaking highly about Dai Zhiqiang as if to remind him that he stood no chance, made him want to trap her here and prove her wrong.

    "Of course, I''m indebted to you. I understand why you would find my request troubling, but I promise it won''t take long."

    Meng Renshu took a deep breath to calm his chaotic feelings and dark thoughts. "You think I''m reluctant because I don''t want to lend you my phone? You really don''t understand anything."

    Watching someone you love chasing another person like this hurt him even more than being rejected.

    "You are worried about me. I understand that much. So I promise I won''t do anything besides report to him. I will stay put and take care of myself."

    "You sure be obedient once the matter concerns Dai Zhiqiang," Meng Renshu sneered out of bitterness but refrained from exposing his pathetic self more than this.

    There would be a time when Li Caiyi would have him in his eyes again. He couldn''t make the same mistake of forcing his feelings onto her, or she would run away again.

    "Besides, there is no need for you to do that. I already let him know that you are safe with me."

    Li Caiyi perked up at his revtion before squinting her eyes dubiously. "Really? You are not just saying that so I won''t bother you anymore?"

    "What kind of person do you think I am? As much as I found this situation unjust to you, I also understand that the guy had no other choices. The other person is his father, after all. I can''t me him for wanting to prioritize his family over another."

    "But then, why did you get so angry...." Li Caiyi sulked, feeling like she had been scolded for nothing.

    "I''m angry because you don''t know when to stop. Think about how I feel too, for once, alright? I can''t even sleep peacefully because of you. Sigh."

    Only now did Li Caiyi notice how tired he looked. Out of curiosity, she asked him, "How long since I have fallen unconscious?"

    "It has been four hours since I found you, and it''s midnight now. I haven''t heard anything from Dai Zhiqiang since I told him about your condition if that''s what you want to ask."

    That wasn''t why she asked, but Li Caiyi felt terrible now.

    Meng Renshu really did everything for her. She must have appeared like a total ingrate to him for asking so much of him. "I''m sorry for troubling you so much."

    Seeing her apologizing obediently softened his heart a bit. He used a gentler tone when he said, "If you feel guilty, I beg you to stay put and rest."

    "Alright, I will do that. But have you waited for me to wake up all this time?"

    "I can''t sleep anyway, so I can do nothing about it. It''s not your fault."

    Right. Meng Renshu had difficulty sleeping.<sub> </sub>

    Mr. Mu even had to ask her to help once. His condition must be pretty severe if he still couldn''t sleep after what happened today.

    Li Caiyi was the cause of his trauma and nightmare, and she was the only one who could help him, yet she always refused to do so.

    Deep inside her heart, she felt he deserved it for all the pain he had caused her in the past, whether intentional or not. Even after everything Meng Renshu had done to help her, she still had such sinister thoughts that she felt ashamed of herself.

    However, she also didn''t want to ruin her rtionship with Dai Zhiqiang by getting entangled with him more than necessary. It would be unfair to him.

    Feeling sandwiched between two conflicted feelings, Li Caiyi couldn''t respond with anything but an apology.

    "I''m sorry I can''t help you much."

    "I respect your decision, and this is something I have to ovee by myself. Though, I won''t mind if you let me sleep beside you sometimes. I don''t know why, but my dream vision gets clearer when I sleep around you."

    And by helping him to regain his memories, she would lose hers in the process. Although it apparently returned when Dai Zhiqiang told her that he also dreamed about the actual event in their previous life.

    Everything about their regression was surrounded by a thick veil of mystery. At this juncture, Li Caiyi couldn''t say for sure what the purpose was anymore.

    More importantly, what was Dai Zhiqiang''s condition to remember? She had thought about it for a while but still couldn''t find an answer.

    Meng Renshu saw the frown on her brows and felt amused. Feeling a bit mischievous, he flicked on it and was entertained by the nk look on her face.

    "Alright, that''s enough thinking for today. I will let you know if Dai Zhiqiang updates me about his condition. For now, just rest as you promised."

    Li Caiyi pouted. He treated her like a child again. Even when he fully knew that she was mentally adult inside.

    Her thoughts were written all over her face, making Meng Renshu chuckle even more. "If you don''t want me to treat you like a child, then stop throwing tantrums and obediently tuck yourself in bed. Don''t think about anything, and just focus on yourself for now. Or what, are you waiting for me to tuck you in?"

    She could tell those words were filled with much consideration and care. Even his attempt to tease her.

    Li Caiyi felt more guilty about him now. Even though she was the one who said they should mind their own business.

    "You too, Brother Renshu. Try to sleep and don''t think about anything. Rather than thinking of it as a past you can''t erase, think of it as a future you can avoid. You are a good person, so focus more on the present time and don''t suffer anymore."

    Meng Renshu was dumbstruck. He didn''t see thating at all.

    Li Caiyi rose from her seat before pushing him towards the door. "Now, return to your room and get some shut-eye. Or I will do whatever I want and cause you more trouble."

    "Xiaoyi, you--"

    BLAM.

    Before he could say anything, the door was already closed, like she wouldn''t ept ''no'' as an answer.

    Meng Renshu touched the door that separated him from her and had a deep smile on his face. They only fought or discussed serious matters, but for once, he finally felt like he was getting closer to her.

    That must be her way of showing her sincere concern for him. His heart felt full just from thinking back about it again.

    Could he take this as a sign that she slowly opened her heart to him again? All of his efforts weren''t in vain, after all.

    "Focus on the present life, huh?" He muttered quietly in the empty hallway, letting those words sink into him before closing his eyes. "Right back at you, silly girl."

    Meng Renshu wasn''t sure if he could escape his regret for the rest of his life.

 Chapter 557 Reward For The Winner (1)

    At the same time, a war had been going on in another ce for some time.

    People nearby felt threatened by how many scary-looking people were fighting against each other on the empty street outside. They dared not to even peek outside to find out what had happened.

    Some called the police, but even after some time, no one came to calm the chaos.

    A gang fight like this wasmon around the city side, where thew was pretty loose.

    It was mainly because many small to big thug groups used the neighborhood as their base, and not even the police could calm down the situation without an armed force.

    Normally, no people would like to live there except those who were financially weak to afford a ce in the city or those from questionable backgrounds.

    The building where Dai Bolin was kept was in a huge mess. People from Ye Wang surrounded the old building and prevented outsiders froming close, lest they would be casualties.

    At first, it appeared that Ye Wang''s men got the upper hand, but the reinforcement from Huang Zhen''s group soon came and turned this from a mere gang fight into an all-out war.

    People were too scared to do anything and could only pray that this chaos would end soon.

    Amid those many men fighting and sprawling across the ground, Lin Xiang was restless.

    While supporting the unconscious Dai Bolin with one of his subordinates, he couldn''t help but stop when he heard a painful groan behind him.

    Turning around, he wondered whether Huang Zhen was really out of his mind. He hadn''t seen him for a year, but his insanity seemed to worsen. How could a mental patient like him roam around freely in this country?

    The man was currently sitting on top of Dai Zhiqiang, who was covered in blood and lying weakly on the floor.

    The room was a mess with fragments of ss and broken furniture scattered everywhere, but Lin Xiang''s eyes solely focused on Dai Zhiqiang, who looked like he was on the verge of passing out.

    "Huang Zhen, don''t push your luck!" He roared before tossing Dai Bolin to his subordinate. He was ready to interfere and let Huang Zhen taste his fist when Dai Zhiqiang shouted at him.

    "Don''te here! Just take my father and leave!"

    After he said that, he coughed up a mouthful of blood, further distressing Lin Xiang. "Hey kiddo, get a grip!"

    Despite his young age, Dai Zhiqiang was one of their most excellent fighters. Hence, he was appointed as one of the training instructors for other men in Ye Wang.

    However, Huang Zhen treated even the fierce Dai Zhiqiang like a baby.

    It wasn''t that Dai Zhiqiang was weaker, but their experience was far too different.

    Lin Xiang saw something glint beside his leg and found the swiss knife that Dai Zhiqiang used to bring everywhere.

    Dai Zhiqiang had been fighting Huang Zhen with bare hands, but he could barely buy Lin Xiang enough time to snatch Dai Bolin from Huang Zhen''s men and make his way to the exit.

    Huang Zhen raised his brows as if amused beforeughing. "Ahaha, look at your face. You are gaping and closing your mouth like a goldfish. It''s been a while since I saw you, but you haven''t changed, Lin."<sub> </sub>

    "Don''t call me that!" Lin Xiang growled at him again. "And stop acting like we are buddies. You are just a traitor that needs to be eradicated."

    "Hmm? I don''t understand what you are talking about. How can I be a traitor when I have never truly be one of you in the first ce?"

    Lin Xiang clenched his fist and was about to pounce at him. But Dai Zhiqiang suddenly grabbed Huang Zhen by the cor with his remaining strength and flipped their position, so it was Huang Zhen''s turn to eat dirt.

    However, the younger man knew it was only a matter of time before Huang Zhen got the upper hand again.

    Forcing back the nauseating taste of rusty iron in his mouth, he shouted at Lin Xiang again, "Why are you letting him provoke you? Just leave! The longer you stay here, the harder it will be to take my father out of here! He needs a doctor immediately!"

    "Tsk." Lin Xiang clicked his tongue in annoyance. He hesitantly looked at Dai Zhiqiang before encircling Dai Bolin''s arm around his shoulder again. "Don''t die before I return to save your ass, kiddo!"

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t reply as he had to concentrate on holding Huang Zhen down. So far, he didn''t disy any strong resistance, as if he was enjoying this moment of chaos.

    "Huang Zhen, even if you kill me here, dozens of Ye Wang''s men will still be waiting for you outside. Just give up!"

    "Sounds like a loser plea rather than a threat to me. Why are you in so much of a rush? Let''s sit back and talk a bit, shall we? Fighting with you started to bore me."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t give a single damn about his thoughts and pushed his forearms under his chin. "Shut up. If you wish to die so badly, then you leave me with no choice."

    "Haha, what a fiery youngster. It''s really a shame that you refuse to be on my side. My n is ruined now, so I''ll give you kudos for your effort. But you do know that you won''t win against me, right? I can end you here, and no one can stop me."

    Dai Zhiqiang knew he was right. He was basically on Huang Zhen''s mercy by letting Lin Xiang leave.

    Even now, it took all his energy just to sit upright. He didn''t have the power to stand up and run away from here.

    The moment he stepped into this building, he knew he probably wouldn''t get out of this unscathed. Yet he still entered anyway.

    Huang Zhenughed, seeing Dai Zhiqiang had no rebuttal. "Admit it. You are smart but reckless. You are the same as me on that note, so I''m interested in you. It''s a shame someone like you is staying to be a spoiled kid''s nanny. Joining me is much more fun."

    "Sorry, but we are not the same. Unlike someone, I''m actually a pacifist that hates violence."

    "Haha, I can''t tell if you are joking with that expressionless face of yours."

    "However, when someone dares to mess with those I care about, I don''t mind abandoning my principles to get back at them."

    "Now, that''s more like it. I admit it; I didn''t expect you to have connections with the Meng family. Well, not you, actually, but your girlfriend. Ye Wang won''t agree to help her, so you used another person to do it in your stead. Don''t you feel bitter that you can''te to rescue her yourself?"

    "That''s none of your business," Dai Zhiqiang said threateningly. He wanted nothing but to beat this person to a pulp, but his vision grew hazier as time passed.

    Blood dripped from his old wound, which identally reopened when he took a hit from Huang Zhen. It was so painful like someone dug a knife into him and twisted it around.

    If he kept losing blood like this, he could seriously die here.

 Chapter 558 Reward For The Winner (2)

    When he signed up to help Ye Huizhong in a mutual agreement, he didn''t expect it would turn his world upside down like this.

    Dai Zhiqiang never wanted to get involved in this stupid conflict, nor did he care which one woulde out victorious. But there was no turning back anymore.

    He shook the devil''s hand to save his family, and now he had to pay his price.

    Maybe if he gave up everything now, Ye Huizhong would pity his family and protect them even after he passed away.

    Li Caiyi''s face popped into his mind. If he knew his life would end today, he should have listened to her and done what she said. Then she would let him hug her.

    Thest time they met, it ended with them arguing again.

    Li Caiyi''s surprised face when he held her back was the only thing that remained in his mind. She looked like she was waiting for him to say something to her before they were interrupted by Dai Shenqiang.

    Would Huang Zhen stop harming her if he surrendered himself to the inevitable?

    "What''s wrong? Are you ready to drop dead right now? Your wound looks quite severe there. If you had told me, I wouldn''t have attacked you there. It''s a shame."

    Huang Zhen said that, yet there wasn''t even the slightest remorse in his voice. "You are dying too soon, and my other yer also managed to run away. This game is no longer fun."

    "Shut the fucking up!" Dai Zhiqiang hissed while grimacing in pain, feeling an immeasurable pain in his abdomen.

    "Since you are no fun anymore, I have no use for you." Huang Zhen spoke coldly beforending a direct hit on Dai Zhiqiang''s wound again.

    Thetter immediately coughed a mouthful of blood before crumbling to the ground. His whole body felt so much pain that he slowly became numb.

    "Ah, sorry. I thought you would dodge the attack. I forgot that you are severely wounded and can''t move anymore."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t even be bothered to answer him. He focused on staying conscious as long as he could. Lin Xiang probably had dropped his father in a safe ce by now.

    Huang Zhen stood up and nudged Dai Zhiqiang using the tip of his shoes. "I know what you are thinking, but you should know when to give up. Lin is probably busy with some other matter to care about you right now. I sent him a special gift. Do you want to bet whether he wille back to save you?"

    His words reeked with viciousness, and Dai Zhiqiang began to worry about his senior. He could enter this ce without worry because he trusted Lin Xiang could save his father if he gave him an opening.

    Dai Zhiqiang would never put his hope in someone he couldn''t trust. He didn''t trust Ye Huizhong, but he trusted Lin Xiang.

    Knowing that Huang Zhen was plotting to harm Lin Xiang too, Dai Zhiqiang wanted to help his senior, but his condition didn''t allow him to do anything but pray for the best for him.

    While he was deep in thought, Huang Zhen picked up a wooden chair from the floor before sitting on it as he looked down at Dai Zhiqiang.

    "I feel regretful that we can only y this far, but I''m sure Li Caiyi would be willing to apany me. With you being out of the picture now, she wouldn''t be able to escape next time. That girl has an extraordinary amount of luck. She managed to escape the trap I set for her a few times."

    His almost slipping-away consciousness immediately returned when he heard Li Caiyi was mentioned. Seething his teeth, he forced some words out of his mouth. "Don''t you dare!"

    "Oh? So you can still speak. How stubborn. But it''s pretty fun to see a dog trying his best to bark after his throat is crushed."

    "Youˇ­stay away from her! Why are youˇ­so hung up about her? She isˇ­unrted to this!"

    "Your love for your girlfriend is astounding, but what do you mean she is unrted to this? She has everything to do with this."<sub> </sub>

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t understand. What was he talking about now? Didn''t he target Li Caiyi solely because of him?

    Huang Zhen saw his confused look and immediatelyughed again. "Well, now this is hrious. You guys are supposed to be in love, but both of you don''t know much about the other."

    Then, he seemed to realize something and hummed thoughtfully.

    "Now that I think about it, every yer in this game is actually rted in one way or another. I guess you can call this fate. Interesting."

    Dai Zhiqiang had no idea what he was talking about now. But he seemed to imply that Li Caiyi hid something from her. Something that personally tied her in this conflict.

    "You are curious, too, right? Since I''m feeling generous today, I will give you a piece of good information. Please take this as your reward for winning the game. Feel free to use this reward as you please. If you can survive to see another day, that is."

    Huang Zhen carefully removed his mask so Dai Zhiqiang could see his face after a long time.

    He had blond hair and a pair of azure blue eyes, with a slight burn mark on his neck.

    Huang Zhen was still the same as thest time Dai Zhiqiang met him. His deep eyes gleamed with malevolent intent even in a dark room like this.

    Curling his mouth in a mocking smile, he continued, "The Li family knew something about Ye Wang''s ''treasure'' that your boss has been desperately searching for up until now. Have you ever wondered why Ye Huizhong was so frantic in capturing me alive? That''s because I gave his son''s memento to someone from that family."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s breath was heavy. As shocking as the news was, he couldn''t even react since his tongue was already stiffened.

    "If you can survive this, tell Li Caiyi not to continue digging deeper into her family''s secret. She had been involved with some dubious people, and you''d better stop her. If not, someone like me or others wille after her again. This matter should remain buried forever. Someˇ­.targetedˇ­researchˇ­.Ye Wangˇ­."

    Huang Zhen''s voice sounded more and more distant as time passed by. Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t even make up what he was talking about anymore.

    He had long since passed his limit, and the darkness was already around the corner to pick him up.

    Was this the end of him?

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyelids slowly closed before they shut tightly. Thest person he thought about when he resigned himself to fate was Li Caiyi''s smiling face.

    How nice would it be if he could see it for thest time?

    Huang Zhen stopped talking when he could no longer hear any sound from Dai Zhiqiang. Not even his breathing. He looked down regretfully.

    "Oops, did he already drop dead? You should have told me that you are going to sleep. Now I look like an idiot talking to myself."

    Silence.

    Another minute passed before Huang Zhen put on his mask again and stood up. "Well, it hasn''t been that long, but I have fun ying with you. Sadly, I don''t think you can use the information I gave you for anything."

    Leaving Dai Zhiqiang, whoy lifeless on the floor, he stepped over him and walked towards the entrance.

    "Shall I also kill everyone from Ye Wang as a souvenir for my beloved former boss? I will get busy after this, so I won''t be able to get much freedom after all."

 Chapter 559 A Deliberate Accident

    When Dai Zhiqiang opened his eyes again, he was in the middle of the street.

    There was a loudmotion around him, but it felt like he was in a separate space and time from everyone else.

    He couldn''t seem to remember why and where he was.

    "Big Brother! Are you alright!"

    Someone shook his body while screaming beside his ears. Dai Zhiqiang was woken up from his daydream and mechanically turned to his side.

    Kneeling beside him was Dai Shenqiang, with his chin bleeding a little and tears filling his eyes.

    What exactly happened?

    While Dai Zhiqiang was still trying to collect his wits, Dai Shenqiang hugged him tightly while sobbing.

    Dai Zhiqiang grimaced in pain at the contact. He didn''t realize it until now, but what had happened to him? Why did his body throb all over?

    "Thank goodness. Don''t scare me like that." Dai Shenqiang whined in the middle of his sobs. "I don''t know what to do if something happened to you too."

    "Young man, perhaps you shouldn''t cling to your brother like that. Don''t aggravate his injuries," said an unknown middle-aged man who kneeled by Dai Zhiqiang''s other side.

    Dai Shenqiang carefully let go of him before wiping the tears from his eyes. "Right. Big Brother, we will bring you to the hospital immediately. Hang on just a little bit more!"

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted to ask about what happened and why Dai Shenqiang was there.

    He wanted to tell his brother that this ce was dangerous, and he had to run as soon as possible.

    Huh? But what kind of danger?

    He clearly thought of something just now, but it slipped his mind fast, like sand slipping through his fingers.

    From a distance, he could hear the ambnceing this way and Dai Shenqiang''s exmation of relief.

    "Big Brother, you will be fine. Please don''t fall asleep again. You must hold on!"

    Soon, Dai Zhiqiang was moved to the stretcher and brought to the nearest hospital, where he received first-aid treatment. While his brother was busy moving back and forth, Dai Zhiqiang only stared nkly at his surroundings.

    It didn''t feel real. All of this didn''t feel real.

    "Student, how could you run towards an approaching car like that? That''s dangerous." The doctor who was examining him shook his head helplessly. "You should be more careful next time."

    Dai Zhiqiang suddenly remembered. On the way home, he saw his brother, who had just returned from the hospital.

    They came from opposite directions and waved at each other so Dai Shenqiang didn''t notice a car driving fast behind him.

    It was about to crash into him, and Dai Zhiqiang had run frantically before he could think about anything else.

    Dai Zhiqiang yelled at him to dodge, but it was already toote.

    Using his maximum speed, he jumped and tackled Dai Shenqiang, so both of them tumbled down the street.

    Since Dai Zhiqiang used his body as his brother''s shield, he took the brunt of the impact and passed out for some time.

    The middle-aged man with them earlier was a witness who happened to be around there. Apparently, he was the one who called the ambnce in ce of Dai Shenqiang, who was panicking.

    Dai Zhiqiang rubbed his forehead, which had bandages wrapped around it.

    After recalling everything, he finally felt grounded in reality. The shock after the crash must have influenced his brain a bit.<sub> </sub>

    When he looked to the side, there was Dai Shenqiang, who sat while having a nurse patch him up. Although Dai Zhiqiang cushioned their fall, his brother still suffered minor injuries.

    Dai Zhiqiang clenched his fist while anger bubbled up inside him.

    That wasn''t an ident. The car was clearly trying to run Dai Shenqiang over. He saw it with his own eyes.

    Someone had just tried to kill his brother, but who could that be? Was it those loan sharks again? But the debt shouldn''t be a problem anymore.

    "Big Brother, is your wound hurt that much? You are frowning hard."

    "Ah," Dai Zhiqiang was too immersed in his thoughts; he didn''t notice Dai Shenqiang had finished his treatment and moved beside him. "No, it''s not that hurt."

    And Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t lying. At first, it hurt like hell, but he gradually got ustomed to it.

    Dai Shenqiang cast his gaze on the ground, looking apologetic. "I''m sorry, this is because I don''t pay attention to my surroundings."

    "This is just an ident. If there is someone to me, then it should be that car driver who drove too fast in the narrow street."

    Dai Zhiqiang decided to keep quiet about how the crash was a deliberate attempt to hurt Dai Shenqiang, or his brother would me himself even more.

    "More importantly, why did you go home sote?" Dai Zhiqiang attempted to shift the topic.

    "Oh. Father''s condition suddenly dropped this afternoon. I was waiting beside him until he fell asleep."

    "He did?" Dai Zhiqiang straightened his back in rm. His brows creased in worry. "Why didn''t you tell me about it?"

    "It''s nothing big. Father was examined shortly by the doctor and got better immediately. I didn''t want to disturb you, so I didn''t tell you."

    "Shen, you should still inform me about things like this."

    "It''s really okay," Dai Shenqiang smiled reassuringly. "I should do at least this much, considering there aren''t many things I can do anymoreˇ­."

    There was a mist in his eyes, which made it difficult to decipher his mood. However, Dai Zhiqiang knew he must be talking about his hand again, which was permanently injured due to a loan sharks assault.

    Dai Shenqiang took a great hit and couldn''t smile for months after the news was revealed. He asionally gazed emptily at nothing and never picked up his pencil again.

    Dai Zhiqiang was worried about his brother, but he couldn''t stay by his side forever. Thus, he usually returned to work after saying some words offort.

    They agreed not to tell their father about this, and Dai Shenqiang slowly started to ept the harsh truth.

    Dai Zhiqiang was relieved at first, but looking at his face now, he should have known it wouldn''t be that easy.

    "Shen, about your hand. If you want, I can look for someone to fix it for you. I have an acquaintance who knows a lot about this. It''s too early to give up."

    Dai Zhiqiang also mentioned this before, but Dai Shenqiang refused. This time wasn''t an exception either.

    "We already talked about this. I don''t need any surgery. The doctor said the sess rate is slim, and I will probably need a few follow-up surgeries to see some results. How much do you think it will cost? We barely have enough to pay for Father''s medical expenses."

    He forced a smile on his face before continuing. "Besides, I have been thinking of quitting anyway. Drawing is just a hobby, and I can''t earn anything from it. It''s useless even if I continue."

    Dai Zhiqiang knew he said that just to ease his worries, but it was hard to see him trying so hard to let go of the things he loved doing the most.

    However, the reality was harsh, and what Dai Shenqiang said was correct. They didn''t have that luxury, and Dai Zhiqiang med himself for not being able to say anything to his brother.

    Because he felt like any kind of words wouldn''t be enough to make him feel better.

    If only he could trade his hand with his, Dai Zhiqiang would give it without a second thought.

 Chapter 560 Ye Huizhongs Proposal

    The next day, Dai Zhiqiang stood before Ye Huizhong with a grave look on his face. "What did you say? Someone is targeting my brother?"

    "That is the most likely possibility. I heard a disturbing rumor these days, and that may have been rted to the ident you faced yesterday."

    "What rumor?"

    "About the traitor. Apparently, he came back to this city. The kidnapping attempt of Ye Zhongst week was also master-nned by that traitor."

    Dai Zhiqiang had heard about this ''traitor'' Ye Huizhong talked about. In fact, all of Ye Wang''s men knew about it. It referred to the boss'' former right-hand man, who was probably the culprit of thete Master''s passing.

    "You are talking about Huang Zhen? But why would that person target my brother?"

    "I have no slightest clue. But since you are the one who chased away his men from touching Ye Zhongst time, don''t you think he can hold a grudge against you?"

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned. "So you want to say this is all because I protected Young Master?"

    Ye Huizhong shrugged before sarcastically adding, "I only give you a possibility. Huang Zhen was famous for his unpredictability. You''d better not think about the reason for his mind is too profound for regr people like us."

    "What are you going to do about it? Didn''t you promise to guarantee my family''s safety as long as I obeyed your order?"

    Simply put, Dai Zhiqiang demanded his responsibility as the leading cause of this. He only protected Ye Zhong because it was his job, but if it threatened his family in the process, then it wouldn''t be fair anymore.

    Ye Huizhong folded his fingers together as he leaned forward. "Regarding that matter, I have a proposition for you. Let me hear your thoughts."

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his brows curiously. "I''m listening."

    "Actually, I recently got news about your uncle''s whereabouts. We have been searching for him all over, and he was recently spotted in a small bar in downtown N country."

    Dai Guang was his uncle who scammed him and took half the loan money with him, leaving his family with a huge debt to pay. Consequently, the loan sharks assaulted his brother and injured him badly, to the point he had to give up on his dream and passion.

    When Dai Zhiqiang agreed to be Ye Zhong''s bodyguard, he gave two conditions.

    First, Ye Huizhong had to ensure his family''s safety and prosperity (which meant he would also cover Dai Bolin''s medical expenses). Second, he would help him to find Dai Guang.

    In exchange, Dai Zhiqiang was ready to put his life on the line to obey whatever he ordered.

    It was a very dangerous deal, considering how significant the influence of Ye Wang was in the underworld business.

    Dai Zhiqiang was ready to dirty his hand if necessary. He knew that to beat evil, he had no choice but to be a greater evil. However, the recent happening made him anxious.

    It wouldn''t have any meaning if his family were in danger because of this. The more he thought about it, the more furious he became. All this misfortune happened because of one person.

    Dai Guang would pay for causing his family so much suffering. He would make sure he wouldn''t have an easy death.

    "My proposition is: how about if you go abroad with Ye Zhong?"

    Dai Zhiqiang stared at his boss skeptically. "Is this another scheme of yours to make me join your group?"

    "At this point, do you still think you have a choice? Huang Zhen hadid his eyes on your brother. The same ''ident'' could happen again when you aren''t looking."

    "Remember, his main purposes are you and Ye Zhong. Once you go abroad, I will put Ye Wang''s honor in line to keep your family safe. Such urrence like yesterday will not happen again." Ye Huizhong said firmly.

    Dai Zhiqiang was silent, calmly weighing his options. Indeed, it would be better if he took some distance from his family.

    Once Ye Zhong moved abroad, Huang Zhen shouldn''t have any reason to stay behind anymore.<sub> </sub>

    "But, will that really work? What if he takes my family hostage? As the closest person to Ye Zhong, he probably wants to get rid of me first. He could threaten me using my family to give Ye Zhong to him. Are you ready to face such a high risk?"

    "Of course. I n to move your family to another country secretly as well. That way, no one should know their whereabouts. Huang Zhen wouldn''t have time to care about them since he had to track you and Ye Zhong too."

    This old man basically made a gamble using his and his grandson''s life. Coming up with such a bold n meant he had sufficient confidence that they could pull this off somehow.

    "Then what about you? Won''t you feel worried if Ye Zhong is in a ce far away from your sight?"

    Ye Huizhong closed his eyes solemnly before answering. "As the heir of Ye Wang, he is destined to live his life surrounded by danger. As much as it pained my heart, staying with me forever isn''t the correct answer to ensure that child''s safety. I can only put him away from harm as far as I can while clearing up the mess here."

    Considering how much he doted on his grandson, it must be difficult for him to decide this too. But just like him, Ye Huizhong also wished for the best for his family.

    Dai Zhiqiang was also concerned about leaving his family so far away from him. Still, this proposition was probably the best option he had now.

    Steeling his mind, he raised his head with a new resolve. He understood what he should do.

    "I understand. Let''s do this as you say, Boss."

    ***

    It had been a long time since Dai Zhiqiang came to school. Has it been 2 or 3 months? He couldn''t remember exactly.

    Ye Huizhong should have already sent the formal request for him to leave the school by now, but Dai Zhiqiang still wanted to visit this ce for onest time.

    There was someone he wanted to talk to before he left, no matter what.

    It was break time in school, and the students were either grouped together or busy doing something alone.

    Standing among them, Dai Zhiqiang felt out of ce.

    After doing so many things under Ye Wang, the ordinary life they had seemed like a distant past to him. No one seemed to pay attention to him, and he couldn''t be more grateful.

    Dai Zhiqiang walked around the school, searching for the only girl who showed him genuine kindness throughout his short high school life.

    He barely did anything in school except studying. Still, the ck-and-white memories became more colorful every time that girl came into the picture.

    Dai Zhiqiang checked on her ssroom, but she wasn''t there. He turned around to search some other ces when she heard that soft and feminine voice behind him.

    "Wait!"

    He turned around and finally saw her. She was still exactly the same as he remembered, with her cute sses and ponytail.

    She ran his way from the other end of the corridor while clutching a book in her arms. Her eyes sparkled in excitement as she looked straight at him.

    Everything seemed to move in slow motion as the distance between them gradually decreased.

    Thump.

    His heartbeat elerated while his body petrified in ce. He suddenly became nervous, with his face burning up.

    Even more so when she started smiling brightly at him. Dai Zhiqiang saw her hair flutter behind her, and the sight was so beautiful it took his breath away.

    What happened to him? It was the first time he had ever felt like this.

 Chapter 561 Want To See Her For The Last Time (1)

    Dai Zhiqiang waited with bated breath. He even raised his hand to wave at her when that girl walked past him,pletely ignoring him.

    His body stiffened. Even more so when he heard the girl''s cheerful voice behind him.

    "Brother Renshu, can I ask you to teach me again? There is a question I don''t understand."

    "Of course, Xiaoyi. You don''t have to run, and I''ll wait for you."

    Dai Zhiqiang could feel his face burn in embarrassment; he wished he could disappear.

    How could he be so delusional, thinking that Li Caiyi would know him, much less call him out? This was the biggest mistake he had ever made, and he wished Li Caiyi didn''t see him react stupidly just now.

    Before he could make a fool of himself again, he quickly leaned his back to the wall, pretending to wait for someone. While at it, he also took a sneak peek at the pair.

    "But won''t I be a bother? You also have to study for the exam."

    "No problem. Teaching you will be a good studying experience for me too. Speaking of which, where''s Xiaohua?" Meng Renshu asked while looking around.

    "Xiaohua said she has something to do after this, so she''ll join uster."

    "She didn''t tell me anything about it. Did she tell you where she was going? Why don''t we wait for her before starting our study session? It will be more fun like that rather than doing it with just the two of us."

    Dai Zhiqiang witnessed how her beaming smile slightly stiffened at his question. She hugged her book more tightly before answering, "I don''t know where she is going. But I don''t mind waiting for her first."

    "Xiaoyi really is kind," Meng Renshu stroked her head affectionately, causing a faint blush to appear on her face. Gloominess left her eyes as she looked up fondly at him.

    Dai Zhiqiang had known for a long time that Li Caiyi harbored some feelings for her childhood friends. The only time where she could smile sweetly like that was whenever she was around him. He knew because he had seen it many times, he lost count.

    It shouldn''t be nothing new anymore, but there was difort in his chest when he looked at them.

    His gaze was nailed on Meng Renshu''s hand on top of her head. Such affectionate gestures came naturally to them as though they had been doing that since forever.

    A throbbing and stuffy feeling washed over him, knowing he would never see Li Caiyi again after this.

    She didn''t even notice his presence and only had her eyes on Meng Renshu.

    It vexed him, even though he didn''t have any right to feel like that. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t even know why he was so upset.

    "Then, shall we go to the library now?" Meng Renshu smiled.

    "En. Let''s go."

    They left while chatting, but Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t relieved at all. He had missed his chance to talk to her.

    "What should I do? I don''t have much time," Dai Zhiqiang muttered as he thought hard.

    Dai Zhiqiang could go to the library and interrupt her n for a bit, but she probably would think weirdly of him since they didn''t know each other.<sub> </sub>

    Come to think of it, he came here without a n at all. Dai Zhiqiang only wanted to see her for thest time, but when he saw her, he became greedy and wanted to talk to her too.

    While he was deep in thought, a student passed by while jotting something on his note. Dai Zhiqiang suddenly had an idea and tapped his shoulder.

    "Sorry, but can you lend me a piece of paper and a pen?"

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang thought of this on impulse. At first, he thought it was a brilliant idea, butter, when he stood in front of her shoe locker, he noticed this might be the dumbest n ever.

    It would be ideal if he could wait until she finished her study in the library, but unfortunately, the time wasn''t on his side this time. He had to hurry.

    "What am I doing? I should be satisfied with just looking at her from afar like I always do."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know him, but he really wanted her to remember him somehow. Although the chance of a future encounter with her was slim, he still wanted to let her know of his presence. If not, this unsettling feeling would never go away.

    Perhaps the fact that he never had the chance to properly thank her bugged him more than he thought. That was why he couldn''t stop thinking about her like this.

    However, it didn''t feel like that was all to it. He kept feeling restless for no reason.

    If there was a way to find the reason, he only got this one chance.

    Chasing away his hesitation, Dai Zhiqiang put the paper in her shoe locker. He prayed inwardly that Li Caiyi would see this and answer his call.

    ***

    After Dai Zhiqiang left, a figure emerged from behind the locker, like they had been waiting for a chance toe out.

    Li Chunhua felt unpleasant and had a grim look on her face as she opened Li Caiyi''s locker. Immediately, she noticed a piece of paper being put conspicuously inside.

    She took it and opened it with a flick of his hand. As she read a few sentences written there, her frown deepened.

    ''What a persistent guy. I thought it was strange that he was loitering in front of Xiaoyi''s locker after being absent from school for a long time. It turns out he still hasn''t given up on my sister? Presumptuous!''

    Li Chunhua cursed him before tearing the paper into pieces. "You want my sister to meet you outside while she is on my watch? Dream on!"

    Li Chunhua tore the paper like she was venting her anger until she couldn''t tear it anymore. She dumped the trash into the bin before her lips curled up in a twisted smile.

    "What a pitiful guy. You can keep waiting for her forever, but she''ll nevere or know you."

    Dusting her hands together, Li Chunhua''s mood finally uplifted again. She was supposed to go somewhere after this but changed her mind.

    "I cleared another pest today. Now, I should return to my Xiaoyi as soon as possible."

 Chapter 562 Want To See Her For The Last Time (2)

    The night wind was pretty chilly tonight. Dai Zhiqiang shivered while tightening his jacket. He hoped she remembered to dress warmly beforeing here.

    Although it had passed two hours since the time he wrote on the paper, Dai Zhiqiang was still patiently waiting in the park near the school.

    Li Caiyi probably got dyed by some other thing and couldn''te immediately. He should have also written down his phone number so she couldmunicate with him. s, it was toote to regret.

    The season changed rapidly. Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t believe it was almost two years since he first met her.

    Even now, if he closed his eyes, he could still vividly recall Li Caiyi''s warm smile as he gave him a hand warmer. As if it was etched deeply in his mind.

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted to see her as soon as possible.

    He waited for another hour. Then another hour again.

    Only when the time finally reached 5 hours after their appointment time did Dai Zhiqiang have no choice but to ept the truth.

    Li Caiyi wouldn''te.

    Did she not get his message? Or she received it but decide not toe?

    Dai Zhiqiang called her here on such short notice, and it was understandable if she was confused and didn''t want toe. Although he wrote down his name on the paper, they almost never talked again after their first meeting.

    He doubted she would remember their small word exchange in the library whenever she borrowed some books. There was no reason for her to pay attention to a mere librarian like him.

    "I guess this really is a bad idea after all." Dai Zhiqiang chuckled before staring at the starless sky above. It was dark and fathomless, more or less simr to his current state of mind.

    There was no point staying in the park any longer, but Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want to get up just yet. A part of his heart kept telling him he should wait a bit longer. Ten minutes, no, five minutes more.

    Of course, no one came even after he waited for another half an hour. His fingers were already stiff and cold after staying out for so long. The time was up.

    With a heavy heart, he rose from his seat and walked past the quiet and empty street alone.

    Dai Zhiqiang nned to return home. However, his legs brought him to the Li family''s house before he realized it.

    Being in the same ss as Li Chunhua, it wasn''t hard for him to find their address, and the information was safely kept in his brain. He just didn''t expect he would evere here in this way.

    Looking up at the house in front of him, it was thrice bigger than his house, and the light was still on, meaning that the upant was still awake.

    Would it trouble her if he entered and told them he wanted to speak with Li Caiyi? He might have scared her too foring uninvited sote at night.

    Why did hee here? There was absolutely nothing he could do if Li Caiyi didn''t want to meet him. His creepy persistence would only rm her. His brain must malfunction due to the cold to even consider this idea.

    Dai Zhiqiang had done many ridiculous things today, and that was all because of her. Did he yearn to be remembered by her so badly? Had he fallen for her?

    He brooded over the question for a long time before realizing that both questions'' answers were yes. If not, then there was no way to exin his weird behavior.<sub> </sub>

    Just when he finally acknowledged his feelings, he had to go far away without knowing when he would return. It weighed his heart a lot.

    However, the die had been cast, and there was no turning back.

    Casting a longst look at the house, Dai Zhiqiang buried the sadness and loneliness deep inside him before turning around and leaving.

    ***

    Four yearster.

    Dai Zhiqiang was sitting in the small cafe, waiting for his brother to arrive. The atmosphere of F country was very different from N or S Country, and he wondered how his brother coped with it.

    Dai Zhiqiang was so excited to meet him again; he chose the table closest to the door, so he could immediately spot Dai Shenqiang once he arrived.

    It had been years since thest time they met. Dai Zhiqiang remembered his brother vehemently refused to go abroad before and how he had a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle here.

    Luckily, he seemed brighter in the past few months, and Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t be happier to hear him live well.

    The sad news was that Dai Bolin''s condition didn''t improve much. He fought his disease well, but even surgery could barely help him nowadays. It showed how the treatment effectiveness gradually declined, and Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t wait for his brother toe so they could check on him together.

    Dai Zhiqiang tirelessly followed the boss'' orders in the past few years and has been involved in many shady cases. He had officially joined Ye Wang and even made a name for himself.

    They called him Cerberus, the guard dog of the underworld. It was a very over-the-top name, but the boss liked it very much.

    Aspensation for his hard work, Ye Huizhong proposed an offer for his brother. Using his power, Dai Shenqiang could receive the best treatment for his hand, and he could pick any school he wished to enroll in.

    ording to Dai Shenqiang, the treatment was sessful, and his condition improved significantly.

    There were still a lot of up and down, but Dai Zhiqiang was pretty content with his current life.

    He couldn''t stay with his family, but at least they were all still alive.

    If he didn''t take Ye Huizhong''s hand back then, he probably would have dropped out of school and worked multiple jobs simultaneously by now.

    Dai Zhiqiang sipped on his coffee as the chime on the door rang, meaning a new customer just came in. He turned his head and saw Dai Shenqiang standing there.

    Compared to thest time he saw him, Dai Shenqiang had changed a lot.

    He became taller, with a much milder temperament. The pair of eyes, which used to contain various emotions, now had a subdued feeling to it, making his emotion unreadable.

    He wore a simple, neat shirt with jeans and white sneakers. His hair had grown longer and was tied to the back. At a nce, he looked like a calm aspiring artist.

    Their gazes met each other almost instantly, and Dai Shenqiang smiled faintly before speaking. "It''s been a while."

 Chapter 563 Signs (1)

    The two brothers quickly became the focus of female customers because of their attractiveness.

    One looked like a fine man from a noble household, with his cold and detached gazes, making them curious about what was in his mind. The other looked sharper, with a sense of wildness in his eyes, making him look sexy and irresistible.

    However, they paid no attention to their surroundings as they struggled to find the word to say.

    Dai Zhiqiang was restless, while Dai Shenqiang was unperturbed. In the past, the younger brother was always unsure about everything. He woulde to him to ask for advice every time.

    But that same boy had grown up. There was almost no trace of crybaby Dai Shenqiang in the man sitting across from him.

    It made Dai Zhiqiang feel unfamiliar, and he didn''t know how he should approach him.

    "Big brother, how are you?"

    Atst, Dai Shenqiang was the one who broke the silence first, as usual. Dai Zhiqiang raised his head and smiled. "As you can see, I''m fine. How about you?"

    "Me too. My life is exciting here with so many new things to learn," Dai Shenqiang smiled back at him, but there was something off about that smile. His tone was alsockluster as if he was tired.

    Dai Zhiqiang became concerned and asked carefully. "Did you have any difficulties? Just tell me if you need anything."

    "You are still the same worrywart. I''m not a child anymore; you don''t have to be so protective of me. Besides, it has been years already. What kind of difficulty would I have?"

    Dai Zhiqiang observed him, but it didn''t seem he was lying. His facial lines got more rxed.

    "I see. I''m d you are living well here. You were against the decision so much before, so I''m worried you are still angry at me. Thank you foring here today."

    Dai Shenqiang''s brows twitched a bit. A disturbed countenance shed across his face, but Dai Zhiqiang was too distracted to notice it.

    "I have heard about Father''s condition. I''m sorry for making you go through the difficult phase alone."

    "He is my father too. Of course, I will take care of him. You will do the same if you aren''t so busy."

    He had be a lot more sensible. It was a positive change, and Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t be prouder. If it was the old him, he probably would whine a lot and ask him to stay for good, but they finally could see eye to eye.

    "I can work without worry because you are there to support me from behind. Shen, I know it''s not easy for you. Thank you for being so patient with me."

    Dai Shenqiang cast his gaze down. "Stop it. I don''t want to hear it. It''s embarrassing."

    Dai Zhiqiangughed, and it was as if the earlier tension didn''t exist as they continued to chat about various things. The brothers had a lot of catching up to do.

    "How is your hand? Does it still feel ufortable?"

    Dai Shenqiang clenched and unclenched his hand a few times before calmly answering. "En, it''s doing better."

    "Good. How about friends or girlfriends?"

    The younger man chuckled. "I''m not interested in finding a girlfriend, but I made many good friends here."

    "Really? What kind of people are they?" Dai Zhiqiang leaned his body forward curiously.

    Unlike before, this time, Dai Shenqiang took his time to answer. "They are people who are willing to share joy and pain with me."

    "I see. They sound like a bunch of good people. Since I''m already here, you should introduce them to me sometimes."

    Dai Shenqiang curled up his mouth in a vague smile. "Maybe next time. They have been pretty busy recently."<sub> </sub>

    "That''s too bad, but as long as you are happy with them, it''s all that matters to me."

    Dai Shenqiang kept his gaze lowered, so Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t gauge his happiness. He seemed less energetic than usual, although he kept up with the conversation normally.

    Dai Zhiqiang wondered if he was troubled because he asked about his friends.

    However, before he could open his mouth to ask, Dai Shenqiang''s phone rang. He took it out, and inexplicable emotion swirled inside his eyes for a moment before he raised his head. "Sorry, I gotta take this one."

    "Sure, take your time."

    While waiting until his brother returned, Dai Zhiqiang also checked his phone. He had a lot of missed calls and messages from Lin Xiang, and his brows raised in confusion. He immediately called him back to make sure.

    "Senior Lin, didn''t I tell you not to bother me while I''m on vacation?"

    "You think I call you because I want to?! This is urgent! You have toe back immediately, kiddo!"

    Dai Zhiqiang frowned. "Stop trying to push your job onto me. I have already helped you a lot. Can''t you survive a week or two without me?"

    Lin Xiang''s tone became more impatient. "The boss is attacked! And he is in a critical condition!"

    The annoyance on Dai Zhiqiang''s face immediately faded and was reced with a huge shock and confusion. "What? But how can that be?"

    "I''ll exinter, but you muste back as soon as possible! Everyone was restless without the boss, and I could only do so much alone. The Young Master cried a lot and refused to eat. Anyway, it''s a big mess here!"

    Someone actually managed to harm Ye Huizhong. It was a feat that no one was able to achieve before. He was the pir of the group and a symbol of their strength. Without him reigning themand, the group would scatter and make it easier for their enemies to attack. No wonder the rest of the group was restless.

    Dai Zhiqiang understood the severity of the situation but couldn''t help but feel reluctant. He nced at his brother, who was still busy taking a call, and bit his lips.

    "Senior Lin, it''s been years since I met my family. Do you think I canˇŞ"

    "Kiddo, I know this may sound selfish, but don''t forget that your family''s happiness is in the boss'' hands. You are the one whom he trusted the most. Don''t betray him."

    Lin Xiang''s voice was cold, almost threatening. Dai Zhiqiang clenched his fist tightly.

    Like it or not, the one who protected his family for him all this time was indeed Ye Huizhong. He couldn''t have fun by himself when Ye Wang was in chaos like this.

    He swallowed a big lump of reluctance and responded, "I understand. I will return as soon as possible."

    Lin Xiang was audibly relieved to hear that. "You made the right decision. Sorry about my tone of speech just now. I was too agitated and vented it on you."

    "It''s fine. Tell the others to stay put and not cause trouble until I arrive."

    "Leave that to me. Be careful."

    Dai Zhiqiang hung up the call, looking extremely gloomy. He leaned against the back of the chair with his eyes closed and his fingers rubbing his aching temple.

    "Brother, what''s wrong? Your face doesn''t look good."

    Opening his eyes, Dai Shenqiang returned to his seat and looked at him worriedly.

    Dai Zhiqiang fidgeted nervously in his ce, without knowing how to break the news to him. How could he tell his brother he would leave as soon as he arrived here?

 Chapter 564 Signs (2)

    "Shen, there''s something I need to tell you."

    Dai Shenqiang silently waited for his brother to continue. His expression was t and with no expectation in his eyes. However, it held a silent pressure in it.

    "I''m really sorry, Shen. Something urgent came up, and I''m afraid I must leave now."

    "I see." Dai Shenqiang smiled faintly again. "Then you should be careful on the way back."

    Dai Zhiqiang felt more awkward since he didn''t even ask him why. Even though the reason should be pretty obvious, since this wasn''t his first time bailing out on their n for work, Dai Shenqiang usually would still ask him why and when he would return.

    He must be pretty angry if he didn''t say anything like this. Dai Zhiqiang bit his lips anxiously.

    "I...have no words to say. Sorry, Shen."

    "It''s okay, Brother. You have to work if you want to pay for our living expenses. I''m not a kid anymore, so I understand."

    Dai Zhiqiang visibly felt better when he heard that. He was afraid he would bear a grudge for this, but he had matured greatly.

    "Thanks. I will see you again as soon as possible. Please send my regards to Father and tell him I''m very sorry."

    "En. Take care, Brother."

    Dai Zhiqiang rose from his seat before he remembered something. He put a paper bag he had brought with him on the table. "This is a little present for you. I know nothing about painting, so I just bought what the shopkeeper rmended to me."

    Dai Shenqiang opened the bag, and his eyes dimmed when he saw various supplies from luxurious, high-quality brands. It confused the older man.

    He expected him to be more pleased than this, but it might have something to do again with how much he had grown.

    "Thank you, Brother. I''ll use it well," Dai Shenqiang said without looking up.

    "No problem. Then, I''ll leave first. I will call you once everything is settled down. Take care of yourself too."

    Dai Zhiqiang turned around and walked out of the shop in a hurry. His mind was preupied with the thought of Ye Wang matters that he failed to notice the deep loneliness in his brother''s eyes as he watched him leave.

    At that time, if only he had noticed Dai Shenqiang''s unusual mood, he probably could have stopped it.

    Whenever Dai Zhiqiang''s memory traced back to that point, he always regretted it.

    If he knew it would be hisst conversation with his brother, he would never leave him like that.

    ***

    The news struck him like a lightning bolt in the middle of a fine day.

    ? "W-What did you say just now?" Dai Zhiqiang''s voice quivered as he asked with widened eyes.

    Lin Xiang was unable to raise his head. He felt too ashamed and guilty to face Dai Zhiqiang. "I''m sorry."

    "I don''t need your shitty apology." Dai Zhiqiang''s voice was dangerously low. It was his tone when he was ready to unleash his wrath, letting the Cerberus run amok on the ground.

    However, Lin Xiang wasn''t scared of him. If he thought about how this news would break his junior''s heart to pieces, he would rather him go berserk instead.

    s, the truth was always bitter and harsh. Lin Xiang steeled himself before repeating, "Your brother has just passed away. I''m very sorry for your loss."

    THUD!!!

    Dai Zhiqiang mmed the table hard. His pupils and heart shook wildly as he had difficulty digesting the news. "What kind of nonsense is that? Shenqiang was fine thest time I saw him. He said he had many friends, and his hand''s condition had gotten better than before."

    "Kiddo..."

    "He should be living his fullest right now! Yet you want to tell me that he is gone now? Bullshit! Say another word, and I''ll ensure it will be yourst!"

    Lin Xiang couldn''t bear to see the grief on his face. They had known each other for a long time, and he considered Dai Zhiqiang one of his irreceable brothers.

    "Lies. Just why? No, it''s impossible!" Dai Zhiqiang screamed before standing up and about to run outside if Lin Xiang didn''t hold him back by the shoulder.

    "Wait, where are you going?!"

    Dai Zhiqiang swatted his hand roughly. "I''m going to see my brother with my own eyes!"<sub> </sub>

    "Even if you go now, you will only see his broken corpse!"

    Those words managed to stop Dai Zhiqiang in his tracks. He slowly turned around with disbelief written all over his face. "What did you just say?"

    Lin Xiang covered his face. He didn''t want to tell him this, but this was better than letting him go in such a messy state of mind and having him witness what was left of his brother.

    "Kiddo, there is something that we have been hiding from you. Your brother actually couldn''t adjust well to the new environment. He got involved with some bad kids and even did drugs. And his hand''s condition never got better. He just pretended in front of you."

    Dai Zhiqang''s mind was nk. He could hear what Lin Xiang said, but his brain refused to register the information.

    "That poor kid didn''t want you to know since he didn''t want to hinder you. He asked the doctor not to tell him this because he would eventually tell youter. As for his lifestyle..." Lin Xiang paused somberly before continuing, "We couldn''t tell you about it."

    Dai Zhiqiang staggered behind and could only stand straight when his back was pressed against the wall. "So, all of you already know about this? All of you are in this together?!"

    Lin Xiang''s face twisted like he was in pain before he fell to his knees. "I have no excuse. You can take my life if you want."

    "Oh, I will get to that part soon, don''t worry," Dai Zhiqiang sneered coldly. "I assumed the boss must also know about this? But he deliberately hid things so it wouldn''t distract me from my job, even forbade you to tell me about it?"

    Lin Xiang''s silence was all the answer he needed.

    Dai Zhiqiangughed so hard, almost like a crazy person. "Hah...hahhahaha! Ahahaha! I see now. So that''s how it is!"

    The shocking news must have hit him hard. Dai Zhiqiang was clearlyughing, but it sounded like the wailing of a helpless child in Lin Xiang''s ears. He continued to kneel silently while keeping his gaze lowered like a sinner.

    Then, theughter abruptly stopped. What followed was the sound of rapid footsteps leaving the room.

    When Lin Xiang looked up, Dai Zhiqiang was already nowhere in sight.

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang gazed emptily at thendscape below. Everything looked so small from here, making him feel insignificant.

    This was thest view his brother had seen before he decided to end his life.

    Dai Shenqiang loved high ces like this since the view always urged him to draw.

    Dai Zhiqiang wondered what was on his mind during hisst time?

    It had been a few months, but it still didn''t feel real. Even though he had witnessed and confirmed his brother''s body by himself, he still couldn''t believe it.

    No, he didn''t want to believe that his brother was no longer in this world. It felt like it was only yesterday that they had a good talk, sharing a story about their lives with each other. Did he already n to die when they met at that time?

    When he gave him his present, he looked kind of sad. Dai Zhiqiang knew that, yet he still left him anyway. Why did he do that?

    Because Dai Shenqiang said he was fine?

    Because Ye Wang''s matters distracted his mind?

    He thought about these questions for a long time after Dai Shenqiang''s passing. But it was only now he realized the answer, and thus he dared to climb up here.

    Dai Zhiqiang wished everything would be fine; that''s why he subconsciously brushed off the abnormality. So he wouldn''t feel as guilty when he left.

    He ran away because he couldn''t bear to face his brother like a coward.

    The wind blew strongly in this ce. It chilled him to the bone.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at the sky, tears slowly cascading down his cheeks. The overwhelming guilt and sadness bubbled inside him, slowly killing him.

    It was all his fault. His decisions cornered his brother and crushed his will to live.

    "Just wait for a little bit more. I promise I will see you again after everything is settled. I will follow you soon so you won''t feel lonely again."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes darkened as a murderous intent swirled inside them.

    "Before that, I need to make those who make you suffer pay first. "

 Chapter 565 Massacre

    A few dayster.

    A group of college students gathered in a VIP room in a bar downtown. Inside, young men and women mingled, exchanging flirting and asionally lewd jokes at each other.

    Some of them were bold enough to make out, but no one paid attention to them as they were too busy with their own things.

    Among them, there was one man who shone brighter than the rest. He wore expensive items from luxury brands from head to toe as he sat leisurely with two girls in both arms like he owned the ce.

    "Man, Xi Min owned the prettiest girls again! Why is his fortune so good? He was born rich and good-looking. No girls would pay attention to us when he is here." One of the guys who sat on the corner sulked to his friend.

    "His life is enviable indeed, but Xi Min is ruthless. Do you remember that kid who is always bullied?"

    "You mean that gloomy kid who always draws by himself in the corner? What of him?"

    "Haven''t you heard the rumor yet? Apparently, that kidmitted suicide by jumping from the tall building. Everyone said that it''s because Xi Min drove him to the corner!"

    "What?! That''s very messed up. The guy doesn''t look like he is remorseful, though. I pity that kid for bing his target."

    "Xi Min was born with a silver spoon, anyway. Why would he know what remorse is when everyone taught him that he never did any wrong before?"

    Amid the loud music and chattering, Xi Min could still hear their conversation clearly. He nned to unwind bying here, but these people just had to say something that worsened his mood.

    Xi Min coldly red at them before raising his hand. The room fell silent as though they recognized his order.

    "Both of you. Who are you again? Did I invite you toe here?"

    Both guys were flustered when Xi Min suddenly talked to them. They didn''t expect him to have such a good hearing. One of them nudged the other, prompting thetter to answer fawningly, "Xi Min, what are you talking about? Didn''t we get along just fine before this? If we offend you in a way, we are sorry."

    Xi Min sneered. "You seem very eager to talk badly about me just now. I kindly let you join my party, and you have the gall to spread wrong rumors in front of my face? Or what, do you want to be that next kid?"

    The two guys went pale at his threat. Xi Min was famous for his ruthlessness, but no one ever dared to talk back at him because he was rich and came from an influential family.

    Thinking about Dai Shenqiang''s end, one could already imagine just how cruel he was in bullying him.

    "Xi Min, we didn''t mean to say anything bad about you!"

    "Yeah! We know that the Dai Shenqiang guy is the one who is in the wrong for going against you!"

    Looking at their panicked faces made Xi Min smile in satisfaction. He liked it when people groveled before him for mercy.

    Xi Min was the type that liked to trample the weak to boost his ego. His mood has been terribletely because of Dai Shenqiang.

    Why did he have to die like that and give a bitter taste to everyone''s mouth? If he wanted to die badly, he should''ve done that quietly. By doing that, was he trying to announce his grievance to the world? As if anyone cares about nobody like him.

    But it didn''t matter much to him because many people could always rece him.

    "You''d better watch your mouth from now on, lest you end up like that guy. Who was his name again? I didn''t even remember him."

    Xi Minughed viciously, filling the silent room, which was soon followed by the others. For them, as long as they were on Xi Min''s side, they were invincible!

    "Come to think of it, that guy is veryme down to his end. I mean,e on! Man can''t even take jokes and decide to make everything personal. But I guess that''s understandable. How can a joke understand himself? Hahaha!"

    "I am actually sad that he died so soon. Even though he isme and dirt poor, his face is pretty nice."

    "That guy is your type? I don''t know you are into a ve-master y. Except for that, I can''t see what''s good in him!"

    "Xi Min is very generous to invite him to every party, but the guy didn''t even know how to thank you. The least he could do is entertain us!"

    "Ahaha! Do you remember when we forced him to entertain male guests? He is trembling like a sissy! That one is so hrious!"

    "I still have the recording. What about if we watch it together on his first death anniversary?"

    Xi Min felt much lighter, hearing that no one seemed to mind Dai Shenqiang''s death so much.

    That was right. Dai Shenqiang was the one that chose to die on his own ord. He didn''t do anything wrong. Who told him to be so weak? A guy like that was better off dead from the beginning.

    Xi Min kissed the cheek of the slender and sweet-scented girl beside him and wanted to indulge more when the door was banged open.

    CRASH!!!

    Yelps of surprise could be heard from every corner of the room. Their eyes bulged out in shock, watching how the door was now hanging pitifully from its hinge, ready to break anytime.

    No one dared to speak as their gazes were glued to a certain figure standing at the door.

    He was a tall man who wore a ck windbreaker with a hellish charm. When he walked in, it was as if the air froze, causing a chill to run down their spine.

    Even when he said nothing, his entrance was simply too overbearing. No one dared to open their mouth carelessly.

    This guy looked like he came here to kill someone, making them nervous. His sharp and cold eyes closely scrutinized the room, like he was trying to find someone among the crowd, causing them to hold their breath.

    They wished whoever offended this man could just stand forward and beg for an apology. The pressure he exuded was no joke!

    After drawing a nk for several moments, Xi Min finally woke up from his stupor. With a furious expression, he stood haughtily before pointing his finger at him. "Who are you? This is a VIP room, and only those I acknowledged can enter! I will call security to drag you out of here!"

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his brows before scanning the guy in front of him. One look and he could immediately tell that this one was the boss here, based on his high and mighty attitude.

    "Are you the one who bullied my brother?"

    "Ah?" Xi Min stared at him incredulously before shrugging. "So youe here to settle some grudge. If yes, then you should obediently stay in line. I was always chased by random family members of my ''toy,'' so you needed to wait for your turn. Just make this quick. How much do you want?"

    Influenced by Xi Min''s confidence, the others began to rx too. As long as they had Xi Min, they would always get away with anything, just like before. They got nothing to fear!

    These people liked to act like they were on a higher moral ground and asked for justice for their family members, but when money was pped to their faces, they would prostrate before Xi Min and beg for more.

    Some of the more daring ones even shouted. "Besides, whose brother are you? Xi Min has so many toys he couldn''t possibly spare a brain cell for a brother of the low ss like you!"

    "Xi Min, he just broke the door! You are too kind to even give some money to this brute."

    Xi Min raised his hand, and they immediately ceased their shouting. It was like he was a king giving amand to his soldiers.

    Then, he smiled condescendingly at Dai Zhiqiang.

    "You are here forpensation, right? Name your price, and I''ll give it to you. I''m in a pretty good mood tonight, so if you apologize while kneeling before me, I might even consider giving you a bonus."

 Chapter 566 Night Prayers

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t even bother to listen to his provocation. He was in the middle of restraining himself from turning this ce into dust. If he followed his wish, he wanted nothing but to massacre everyone in this room. Yet, hisst string of rationality prevented him from doing so.

    Seeing him frozen in ce, they thought he had finally realized his position and was tempted by Xi Min''s offer. A few guys stood up and surrounded Dai Zhiqiang.

    "Heh, you entered in such a shy way, so I thought you were some kind of bigshot, but it turned out you are weak for cash. I guess it''s normal for a poor bastard like you."

    "Wait a minute. Now that I take a closer look, your face seems familiar. Don''t tell me you are Dai Shenqiang''s brother?"

    The whole room stiffened at the mention of Dai Shenqiang''s name, including Xi Min. Didn''t he only have a sick father in his family? He had never heard of him having an older brother.

    But if yes, then so what? He just had to appease them with money, and they would yield.

    Compared to the trouble they could get by going against him for useless Dai Shenqiang, making peace with him was a much more profitable and reasonable choice.

    Xi Min wanted tough, imagining both Dai brothers bowing before him.

    "So you are that loser''s family member. At least he could do good for his family by dying. I''m really doing a big favor for him."

    Dai Zhiqiang could hear something snap inside him.

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t exactly remember what happened after that. Only that he went berserk, followed by their scream of horror.

    When he came to his senses, he held a tattered and beaten-up Xi Min in his hand, practically lifting him off the ground by his cor.

    There was no trace of his previous arrogance, as he was out of cold with tears and snot wetting his face or what was left of his face.

    Dai Zhiqiang had beaten him beyond recognition, so even his parents wouldn''t be able to recognize him. Since he had such a hateful face, Dai Zhiqiang did him a favor by reconstructing his face bones while he was at it. He should feel grateful.

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted nothing but to continue to beat him up so he could feel the pain Dai Shenqiang felt. But he would kill him if he did more than this.

    Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t afraid to dirty his hand, but he still had his father to worry about. He was thest family member Dai Bolin had now.

    Letting go of Xi Min''s cor, he fell tly right on his broken nose, but Dai Zhiqiang ignored it and sat down on the chair as he looked at the scattered bodies in front of him.

    Some were lying on the floor, and some leaned against the wall limply. Few of them have their limbs bent in unnatural directions. He did some fine artistic job, if he could say so himself.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t kill them, but he did break some of their bones.

    They should be grateful he let them get away with just that much. Beating scum like them couldn''t even be counted as exercise. If he wasn''t careful, he could have identally killed someone.

    He thought he would feel slightly better after taking revenge for his brother, but he only felt empty. Even if he killed them, his brother still wouldn''te back. The thought depressed him, making him lose all his energy.

    "This is ridiculous. Why would you even follow people like them? I thought you had matured, but you are still the same crybaby Shenqiang." Dai Zhiqiang spoke to no one as he leaned against the backrest and closed his eyes.

    "You should have told me, and I will run to save you like always."

    His words are filled with deep sorrow. However, his tears had dried up by this point.

    ***

    Dragging his heavy feet, Dai Zhiqiang stepped into Dai Bolin''s ward carefully. His father slept peacefully and seemed to have gotten older ten times faster than thest time he saw him. His heart ached to see him all skin and bone like this.

    Dai Zhiqiang sat beside his bed while staring nkly at him. Recently, Dai Bolin spent more of his time sleeping than waking up.

    The news of Dai Shenqiang''s death must have shocked him; to make it worse, Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t be around him that much.

    Toward his father, he told him that Dai Shenqiang had passed away due to an ident since he couldn''t bring himself to tell him the truth. Dai Bolin''s soul would be crushed to smithereens if he knew his son chose to end his life himself.

    "Father, what should I do now? I''m afraid I will make a wrong decision again and harm you. I don''t think I can stand it if you are gone too."

    Dai Bolin didn''t stir, much less open his eyes.

    "I have wronged Shen in the past few years. Father, you must have been very disappointed in me. In the end, I can''t do anything. I only make everything worse for you. Not only did I brush off Shen''s silent plea to help, but I also chose to work rather than visit you. Please don''t ever forgive an unfilial child like me."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s voice quivered. "I hope you can wake up soon, Father. There are a lot of things I want to tell you. We have a lot to catch up on, and I want to hear you scolding me again. Tell me where I did wrong."

    Just like before, Dai Bolin didn''t wake up even when he kept talking beside him.

    Then, there was a loud beeping noise from the equipment beside him.

    Dai Zhiqiang was immediately rmed before frantically pushing the button on top of the bed. Then, his terrified gaze shifted to Dai Bolin''s peaceful face.

    "Father?!" He held Dai Bolin''s shoulder as fear began to overwhelm him. "No. This can''t be. You can''t leave me too. Please, I beg you!"

    No matter how many times he called, his father didn''t budge. Dai Zhiqiang almost went crazy from anxiety and fear.

    Not long after that, a doctor came rushing in with some nurses. They immediately checked on Dai Bolin''s condition, but based on the doctor''s grave expression, he knew this couldn''t be good.

    "Doctor, my father will be fine, right? Please save him! He is the only family member I have left!"

    "We will try our best."

    After leaving vague words like that, they pushed Dai Bolin''s bed and rushed him to the operating room.

    Dai Zhiqiang spent a restless night without a wink of sleep, waiting for the surgery to end. The wait felt like forever, yet so brief at the same time. By the time the doctor emerged from the operating room, it was already dawn.

    Dai Zhiqiang was never one to pray, but he prayed desperately that night, wishing for god not to take his father away.

    "How is my father''s condition?" Dai Zhiqiang asked impatiently.

    The doctor made a regretful expression before breaking earth-shattering news to him. "We have tried our best, but I''m afraid there is not much left to do anymore. Your father''s chance to survive this is very small, and he didn''t have much time left. I''m sorry, but we should prepare for the worst."

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t hear anything more than that. That ominous beeping noise was forever etched in his brain and reyed non-stop in his head. The sound got louder, and it gradually became unbearable.

    The next thing he knew was that he had copsed on the ground, and there were many distant noises of people around him.

    Dai Zhiqiang was extremely tired, so he readily gave in to the darkness. He desperately hoped that everything was just a nightmare.

    He wished he would see his family smiling for him again when he woke up.

 Chapter 567 Goodbye, Li Caiyi (1)

    Dai Zhiqiang dreamed of having such a pleasant time with his family. He bought them a sumptuous meal, and they sat together at the table as theyughed and chatted.

    Dai Bolin was still plump, not all skin and bone. Dai Shenqiang was still that bright kid who wore his feelings on his sleeves. He grinned cheerfully before showing his recent drawing, which was a beautiful picture of a wedding.

    His and Li Caiyi''s wedding.

    Surprised by the borate and dreamy drawing, Dai Zhiqiang asked whether he was teasing him. Which was responded to by a look of confusion on his brother''s face.

    "What do you mean teasing you? Why would I do that when it''s the truth."

    The next moment, a pair of white and smooth arms encircled his neck from behind. A pleasant smell wafted to his nose, and he could feel someone''s warmth and softness against his back.

    Dai Zhiqiang was shocked to death to see Li Caiyi suddenly appear at the Dai family meals. When he asked her why she was there, she curled up her beautiful lips before pressing a kiss to his cheeks.

    Dai Zhiqiang thought his heart was about to stop.

    "Hubby, are you still in a daze after working so much? I''m your wife. Where would I be if not by your side?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart soared in the sky. Everything he always wished for was right here in front of him. If this was a dream, he wished he would never wake up again.

    "Father, Shen, Li Caiyi, I missed you. Please stay with me forever."

    ***

    Dai Zhiqiang woke up feeling lethargic.

    The white ceiling was so familiar, and looking at the grim expression of Lin Xiang, who sat beside his bed, he realized he had awakened to the harsh reality again.

    "What are you doing here?" Dai Zhiqiag asked curtly.

    Lin Xiang lowered his gaze before answering, "I heard you copsed in the hospital. About your father, IˇŞ"

    "I don''t need your fake concern or your pity. Mind your own business," Dai Zhiqiang interjected mercilessly.

    Lin Xiang pressed his lips into a hard line before answering, "I know we have wronged you a lot. But you should take care of yourself. I leave you alone because I know you mustn''t want to see me, but that''s not an excuse to live like this."

    Dai Zhiqiang sneered. "Why do you care anyway? Just return to your beloved boss and be a goodp dog like you always are. Don''t be hypocritical here and make me sick."

    Lin Xiang didn''t mind his cursing and finally raised his head to look at his eyes directly. "You almost killed those kids."

    "They deserved it. You should have heard what they talked about Shen. I thought my ears would rot. They aren''t kids but monsters."

    "I know, and I don''t intend to judge you for it. But some of those kids have powerful backing, and now they will do anything to track you down."

    Dai Zhiqiangughed. "Then bring it down. I can teach their parents some lessons, too, for failing to teach their kids how to be human while I''m at it."

    "You know that''s not what I mean."

    Dai Zhiqiang had had enough. His eyes narrowed dangerously before he grabbed Lin Xiang by the cor and pulled him, so his surprised face was right in front of him.

    Thetter flinched, seeing the defiance and loath slowly corrupting his reddened eyes.

    "Listen here. I am not obligated to report my personal matter to you or your shitty boss. You guys broke the promise first; I''ll remember this betrayal for the rest of my life.

    You owe me a big time, so don''t ever think you can control me. I won''t ask you to cover for me, so stop your bitching and just get the hell out of my way. Never show yourself in front of me again."

    After saying his piece, Dai Zhiqiang pushed him and got out of bed. Ignoring the nurse who had just entered the room in confusion, he went to check on Dai Bolin.

    ording to the doctor, his father didn''t have much time left, and not even surgery could prevent his eventual demise. There was no guarantee he would wake up too.

    Dai Zhiqiang realized that life and death were out of human control. Yet, he wasn''t ready to give up. That was why he would still continue to work with Ye Wang. No matter how slim the chances were, he intended to fight until the bitter end.

    "Father, take care. I will definitely not let you die. You have to survive."

    Dai Zhiqiang held his father''s hand before reluctantly letting it go. Both his mind, body, and heart were in tatters. It was only by sheer willpower he still had the energy to stand.

    He wanted nothing more than to have one or two days off to calm his mind, away from Ye Wang and the foul country that took his beloved one away from him.

    Then, he suddenly remembered the dream he had just had and felt the strong urge to see Li Caiyi. It was a fleeting dream that embodied his desire and longing for her.

    It had been 5 years since he left the S country. During that period, he returned several times to handle some matters and get a glimpse of Li Caiyi.

    Thest time he saw her was three years ago when he pettily brought back one of Li Caiyi''s things with him.

    "That''s right. I should give it back to her." Dai Zhiqiang muttered. Perhaps if he was lucky, they could even talk a bit more. It would definitely cheer him up.

    After making up his mind, Dai Zhiqiang wasted no time and booked the first flight back to the S country. He had her keychain in his bag and couldn''t wait to see her again.

    Throughout the flight, he was restless and thought about various scenarios that might happen once hended. He bet she had grown more mature and beautiful since then.

    Many men must have their eyes on her, but he knew too well that Li Caiyi only had her eyes for one person.

    Did she still harbor romantic feelings for Meng Renshu, like how he never stopped thinking about her in the past years?

    "What should I tell her? I identally found this and forgot to return it to her? But how should I answer if she asked how I knew it was hers?"

    Those thoughts upied his mind until hended safely.

    The first thing he did after arriving was to contact his subordinate stationed in S city. They were some people he made connections with while working here and were loyal to him, not Ye Wang.

    From them, Dai Zhiqiang found out that Li Caiyi was living well. Apparently, too well, since her marriage with Meng Renshu was just right around the corner.

    The news shocked him so much that his mind drew a nk.

    "Hello? Boss, are you listening to my report?"

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yeah! The news is already all over the city. They said it would be one of the biggest weddings of the century, considering the standard of the Meng family. While you are working overseas, your girl was stolen! What should we do? Should we kidnap the bride?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was too confused to respond to his subordinate''s suggestion. "But why? Shouldn''t Meng Renshu be married to Li Chunhua?"

    There was a brief silence from the other side before the other person hesitantly answered, "Uhm, about thatˇ­."

 Chapter 568 Goodbye, Li Caiyi (2)

    There was one thing to describe his thought about that wedding: Ridiculous.

    Dai Zhiqiang almost couldn''t believe what he heard.

    Actually, the whole nation was shocked when the news was released. As he and everyone else knew, Meng Renshu was supposed to be dating Li Chunhua before the news came out, and there were no words about them breaking up. So, where did this marriagee from?

    The rumor said Li Chunhua couldn''t produce an heir due to her sickly constitution, so they opted for her twin instead?

    What kind of joke was that?

    Did they take Li Caiyi as some kind of spare?

    He was enraged just by thinking about it again. What exactly happened between those two families to make everything so messed up?

    "I wonder what she thinks about this," Dai Zhiqiang muttered as he yed with the wooden keychain in his hand.

    He knew how Li Caiyi had always loved Meng Renshu. But was she really alright with this kind of arrangement?

    Knowing her, she must feel extremely ufortable and awkward right now, being put in a difficult position.

    The twins and Meng Renshu were childhood friends, so Li Caiyi must be riddled needlessly with guilt, thinking it was all her fault, and ming herself.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know what had happened, but one thing was for sure: he returned at the worst time.

    With the big wedding just around the corner and the sensational rumor between the three circting around, the public closely monitored the Li and Meng families'' movement.

    A lot of people looked forward to the reunion between families. Still, there were also a lot of people who thought negatively of it.

    A rumor said that the Young Master Meng had been ying with the sisters all this time.

    Some said that the engagement between Meng''s heir and Li''s eldest daughter had been decided long ago, but the youngest daughter ruined it.

    But the most malicious one was the one who said that Li Caiyi stole his sister''s boyfriend by getting pregnant with the Young Master Meng''s child.

    Although the Meng family nipped those rumors and suppressed the media quickly before they could spread, some trashy people still made it their job to spread the nder.

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t calm down. He had forgotten his initial idea to return the keychain to Li Caiyi and was concerned about her well-being now. She had such a soft heart, so these rumors must have distressed her.

    And he also felt angered by Meng Renshu''s ambiguity. Wasn''t he supposed to be head over heels in love with Li Chunhua? Why would he agree to this arrangement?!

    However, no matter how hard he racked his brain or cursed the people who talked bad about Li Caiyi, he could do nothing to help her.

    The best he could do was to drown and delete those maliciousments or posts ndering Li Caiyi, so she wouldn''t be able to see them.

    While working on it, he found a photo of the current Li Caiyi on the inte and thought she had be more beautiful. Caressing the screen of his monitor, he smiled weakly.

    "So you are getting married to your love of life. Good for you, Li Caiyi." Dai Zhiqiang muttered before continuing to work until morning.

    ***

    The wedding day finally came. It was as morous and big as people expected; it became the hot talk throughout the country.

    The event was recorded live on television and various streaming sites as if to announce to the world that the rumors were baseless. That the two shared a very harmonious rtionship befitting the grand wedding.

    If you searched on the trending list, Meng Renshu and Li Caiyi''s wedding would appear first, as if everyone wanted to celebrate the joyous asion.

    While the reception was ongoing, Dai Zhiqiang sneaked into the venue and managed to snatch a seat for himself. It was challenging to get an invitation to this exclusive event, but thankfully he knew his way around this stuff.

    Wearing a mask to cover his face, no one paid attention to him. Everyone was too focused on the main couple, who were about to exchange their sacred vow.

    Dai Zhiqiang watched the proceeding, and he couldn''t count the times when he wanted to withdraw his gaze and leave. He slowly wasn''t sure why he decided toe here and torture himself in the first ce.

    He wanted to see Li Caiyi, but he had no idea the girl he had loved for so long would be out of his reach from now on.

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted to feel happy for her, but it was difficult when his instinct kept telling him to snatch her away.

    Li Caiyi''s path in the future probably wouldn''t be smooth-sailing. She was a woman who appreciated a simple and peaceful life rather than morous life. Besides, her position was very awkward since she had to be sandwiched between the two precious people in her life.

    But so what?

    Even if that was the case, did he really think he could do anything for her? After he ruined Dai Shenqiang''s life, did he still have the gall to believe that he could treat her better than Meng Renshu?

    ''Stop thinking about her. Your obsession has gone long enough. She is someone else''s wife now. Not that you ever have a chance in the first ce.'' Dai Zhiqiang berated himself inwardly.

    There was an indescribable pain in his heart when he witnessed them exchange the sacred vow and marriage rings. Then, Meng Renshu opened her veil, revealing Li Caiyi''s beautiful and glimmering eyes; it was disyed through the big monitor for everyone to see. Her love for Meng Renshu seemed to overflow, stinging Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes and heart.

    He clenched his jaw but couldn''t help but close his eyes when the bride and groom shared their wedding kiss.

    Although he came here fully prepared to end his unrequited love once and for all, sure enough, he couldn''t bear to see it until the end.

    When the couple walked down the aisle, and everyone cheered to congratte him, Dai Zhiqiang was the only one who stood there motionlessly. His eyes never left Li Caiyi''s figure, even for a second.

    "Happy wedding, Li Caiyi. I hope your life is filled with nothing but happiness ahead."

    Dai Zhiqiang mumbled those words before turning away and leaving. He sure held on for long for someone who had no part in her life from the beginning.

    Dai Zhiqiang thought that would be thest time he would see her.

    Unbeknownst to him, fate had sealed their fate long before he realized it, tying them together.

 Chapter 569 Explosion And Trauma (1)

    After thest attack, Ye Huizhong was never the same person anymore. He couldn''t get up from the bed, and the white on his head grew as time passed.

    If one looked at him now, they wouldn''t be able to see any remains of the feared and imposing Ye Huizhong. He appeared no different than any other elderly who couldn''t get up from his bed.

    Ye Wang''s fame and power declined exponentially without him as their symbol of power. The situation became direr than ever.

    Amid the struggle, Dai Zhiqiang''s role became more prominent within the group.

    His quick thinking andbat skills had saved the group several times. However, ever since the death of his brother, he was never the same person again.

    He couldn''t trust anyone and only focused on eliminating his opponent, like a blood-thirsty man.

    The number of times when his decision almost risked the whole group couldn''t be counted on hands, but since he always somehow managed toe out as the victor, no one dared to say something against him.

    Not even Lin Xiang could stop his recklessness, and Ye Huizhong chose to turn a blind eye to this. In the end, those who were dissatisfied could only swallow their resentment.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t care if he was hated because he had no expectations for these people. He only cared about finishing his task as fast as possible.

    Dai Zhiqiang still needed Ye Huizhong to pay for his father''s hospital bill, but that was it. He couldn''t care less about the inner conflict within the group caused by some people who demanded him out. He even thought it would be better if they revolted more and caused a headache for Ye Huizhong.

    Rather than them, he had a more important concern.

    Ye Zhong was already ten years old and had grown more rebellious as ofte. Growing up without parents and a series of unfortunate incidents that forced him to live separately from his Grandfather had closed his heart. He trusted no one but Dai Zhiqiang, who had been by his side for a long time.

    Even during times when everyone was busy, he refused to eat and insisted for everyone call Dai Zhiqiang to apany him. He would throw the te at servants while yelling and causing amotion, making those who served him too scared to do their jobs.

    "Where is Brother Zhi? I want him here now! Or else I will starve myself and see what Grandpa will do to you guys!"

    "Young Master, please don''t be like this. Dai Zhiqiang is the Master''s most trusted man, and he has a lot of stuff to take care of, and it''s beyond our authority toˇŞ"

    Ye Zhong wasn''t having any of it. He grabbed the empty ss in front of him and pped it to the face of the butler, who tried to appease him furiously. Everyone gasped in shock, seeing the butler fall to the floor with a thump.

    "Shut up! When did I give you permission to talk? You can only answer me with one thing: '' Yes, Young Master!''. I don''t need a useless person like you here! Get out!"

    Even though he pped him using the strength of a ten-year-old, when he used a hard object like ss, it still hurt very much. However, no one dared to reprimand him for it. They were too scared of the consequences that might befall them if they disobeyed the grumpy Young Master.

    "Little Zhong, what are you doing now?"

    The deep and calm voice of a man echoed in the silent room. Everyone turned their head simultaneously to the door and almost cried in relief when they saw Dai Zhiqiang there.

    Their lifesaver had arrived. God hasn''t forsaken them just yet!

    As soon as Ye Zhong saw Dai Zhiqiang''s unamused face, he immediately withdrew his gaze. The boy''s attitude took aplete one hundred and eighty degrees when Dai Zhiqiang was around.

    The butler saw this chance and immediately stood up. There was a visible mark on his face after being hit, but he maintained a professional look. Clearing his throat, he reported the situation to Dai Zhiqiang, "The Young Master wished to have lunch with you. If you can apany him, it will help us a lot."

    Trantions: Please save our lives. We beg you.

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed inwardly as he stared at Ye Zhong. This kid had always had a terrible temper, but he had be increasingly unreasonable as ofte.

    However, Ye Zhong was his Master and the reason why Dai Zhiqiang was hired, so he couldn''t reprimand him directly. Besides being by Ye Zhong''s side for years, he had developed a soft spot for him. The kid reminded him a lot of Dai Shenqiang.

    Without needing further exnation, Dai Zhiqiang went to sit on Ye Zhong''s right side and signaled the servants. "The food is already cold. Prepare another meal for the Young Master."

    When Ye Huizhong wasn''t present, Lin Xiang and Dai Zhiqiang were the control tower of the group. Their orders were only second to the Young Master''s will, so they immediately scampered to do his bidding.

    "Are you really going to stay? Wouldn''t Grandpa and Old Man Lin search for you againter?" Ye Zhong asked in a small voice, like a kid who had just been scolded.

    "Yes. That''s why you should eat while I''m still here."

    Ye Zhong wasn''t satisfied with his answer, but Dai Zhiqiang''s presence was the only thing that brought sce to him in this cold ce. He couldn''t help but smile a little.

    "Then you should eat with me as well. Hey you, prepare some food for Brother Zhi, too."

    "Yes, right away, Young Master."

    Dai Zhiqiang checked on his watch. He was alreadyte for the day''s meeting, but they shouldn''t have anyints if he used Ye Zhong as the reason. He had a legitimate reason to ck off; he would be a fool if he didn''t fully use it.

    "Actually, it''s been a while since we yed together."

    Ye Zhong perked up hearing the word ''ying together'', even though he tried to feign indifference. "Hm, is that so? I didn''t notice at all. Are you perhaps feeling lonely? Do you want to y?"

    "Yes."

    The boy''s mouth curled up before he answered cheekily. "It can''t be helped. Then, I shall apany you to y after this."

    "Yeah. Finish your meal first so we can y."

    Ye Zhong''s mood had improved significantly, and the servants couldn''t be happier. At least they should be fine for the rest of the day since Dai Zhiqiang had solved their biggest concern for them. It really wasn''t easy to earn money!

    After finishing lunch, Ye Zhong pulled Dai Zhiqiang to their mansion''s private garden to y with a ball. However, just when they entered thewn, Dai Zhiqiang glimpsed something glinting from the corner of his eye.

    His instinct took over his body instantly. He had moved before his mind could catch up with him.

    Dai Zhiqiang took Ye Zhong''s small body in his arms and jumped to the side right when a knife was thrown their way. It stuck on the ground where Ye Zhong used to stand.

    The boy''s face immediately turned pale. He wasn''t unfamiliar with situations like this, so he immediately let go of his ball and clung to Dai Zhiqiang for life.

    "Who are you? Show yourself!" Dai Zhiqiang shouted in the direction where the knife came from, but there was no answer.

    His body was tense as he increased his vignce. He didn''t expect the enemy to infiltrate their new ce so soon. They might have to move again soon.

    If Dai Zhiqiang was alone, he would immediately chase the intruder right away, but he couldn''t act recklessly when Ye Zhong was trembling in fear in his arms.

    "Young Master, it''s okay. I''m with you. Everything will be alright." Dai Zhiqiang said as he patted the boy''s back to reassure him.

    "A-Are they gone yet? Did theye here to hurt Grandpa and me again?"

    "I''m afraid so." Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t one to lie, even to a child. "Young Master, I need to check on your Grandfather. He might be in danger, so you must hide in the meantime."

    Ye Zhong''s body was still shaking like a leaf, but he nodded regardless. "I''m fine. I already know what to do in a situation like this. But Grandpa can''t move, so you should protect him instead of me."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled upon hearing his answer. "How brave of you. Don''t worry. Nothing will harm you as long as I''m here."

    BOOM!!

    Dai Zhiqiang ducked immediately when the explosion happened.

 Chapter 570 Explosion And Trauma (2)

    Ye Zhong shrieked in horror as he slowly raised his teary face. He screamed out loud again when he saw the big, bright sea of me in front of him.

    "Aaaahhhh!!!!"

    His scream rmed Dai Zhiqiang. He checked on the boy''s body but found no injuries. However, Ye Zhong looked like he had lost his mind. Tears trickled down his face as he tried to cover his face on his chest.

    "It''s hot! Hot! I don''t like it here! I want to run away! Waaahhh!!"

    "Young Master? Please calm down." Dai Zhiqiang said in fluster. He was so calm just a moment ago. Did the explosion startle him that much?

    "I don''t like it, waahhh! Mother, Father, Grandpa!"

    Only then did Dai Zhiqiang realize. Ye Zhong wasn''t afraid of the explosion but of the fire caused by it.

    The trauma from the incident that took away his parents'' life years ago must have been etched deeply inside his mind. Even though he should still be very young to remember anything back then.

    There was no way Dai Zhiqiang could let him be by himself now. He had to bring Ye Zhong out of here first!

    ***

    The fire spread much quicker than he thought. Dai Zhiqiang had to cover Ye Zhong in his windbreaker so the boy wouldn''t inhale the smoke or identally get burned by the fire sparks.

    This mansion was designed to have an exclusive and separate garden inside for the authorized. Both of them were just there a moment ago.

    It was made so Ye Zhong could y happily without heavy supervision. However, it became a boomerang to them now because they couldn''t escape without going through the burning mansion.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t see anyone while he walked through the ze of fire. They must have escaped or fallen victim to the huge explosion just now.

    He moved as fast as he could, but the thick smoke made it hard to see clearly.

    While he nimbly avoided the rubble caused by the explosion, he saw a figure running toward them from ahead. Dai Zhiqiang pulled Ye Zhong closer to him with one hand while the other one pulled out his swiss-knife from his pocket.

    "There you are!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s shoulder visibly loosened when he saw Lin Xiang. "Senior Lin."

    "Do you know how worried I am? These people are really crazy. We''ll get them for real this time!" Lin Xiang cursed with a dark expression.

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded while continuing to move, followed by Lin Xiang. "We have to secure the Young Master and Boss first."

    "I know, the Boss is safe. Young Master was nowhere to be seen, so I got worried. But it reassured me when I heard he''s with you. Right, is Young Master alright?" Lin Xiang asked while looking at the bundle covered with a windbreaker in Dai Zhiqiang''s arm.

    "He was shocked by the explosion and had gone quiet since then. But he had no injuries so far."

    "Are you sure? Let me check first," Lin Xiang reached out his hand to check on Ye Zhong.

    Normally, Dai Zhiqiang wouldn''t see anything wrong with it, but he suddenly felt goosebumps all over his body.

    After experiencing so many life-threatening situations, he was susceptible to murderous intent, and he could feel it from Lin Xiang just now.

    Dai Zhiqiang immediately covered Ye Zhong as he deflected Lin Xiang''s hand. His knife almost grazed him if Lin Xiang wasn''t fast enough to avoid it.

    Their faces were like a mirror of each other''s surprise. Lin Xiang looked hurt as he yelled at him, "What was that for? Are you nning to kill me?!"

    "No, don''te closer." Dai Zhiqiang said sternly, albeit looking as confused as the bald man.

    Even he was surprised by himself. The person in front of him was definitely Lin Xiang, but there was no way he would mistake that murderous intent for anything else. Lin Xiang really nned to hurt Ye Zhong just now!

    "Kiddo, what''s the matter with you? I just want to check if the Young Master is alright or not. If you don''t like it, you should just have said it. Why pointing your knife at your senior?"

    Dai Zhiqiang looked at him dubiously. He didn''t trust anyone but himself, so he was inclined to believe in his trained instinct more than Lin Xiang''s words. "You are not Senior Lin. Who are you?"

    "After trying to harm me, you want to use me now? Just what did I do to make you hate me so much?"

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled upon hearing that. "Got you, impostor. Senior Lin should be the one who knows best why I can''t trust him. But you can''t possibly know that because you are not him!"

    Wasting no more time, Dai Zhiqiang swung his knife in a sweeping motion.

    Lin Xiang, or someone who disguised himself as him, stepped back to avoid the sh but got his back cornered on the wall behind him instead, distracting him for a second.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t hesitate and used the opportunity tounch his next attack. The space was too narrow, but he used his leg tond a fierce kick on his belly, causing the other person to cough and stagger.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t give him time to strike back. He brandished his knife and tried to pierce him right in the heart. However, the impostor evaded in thest second, so he stabbed his shoulder instead.

    "Argh!" The impostor eximed in pain before grabbing Dai Zhiqiang''s arm with his left hand to hold it in ce and used his other hand to palm-strike his arm from the opposite side.

    Dai Zhiqiang could feel his bone-cracking from that attack. The force he used was no joke. His bone would break if he wasn''t trained well.

    However, he gritted his teeth and used his knee to attack him on the belly again. If he let this momentum go, he would be the one at a disadvantage because he would have to fight while holding Ye Zhong. Dai Zhiqiang had to finish him as fast as possible!

    But the imposter was quicker. He caught his knee with his hand before using the wall behind him as leverage for his feet to push Dai Zhiqiang hard, ignoring the fact that it made the knife prate his shoulder even deeper.

    ''This man is crazy!'' Dai Zhiqiang thought as he stumbled backward from the push.

    The situation haspletely overturned. Dai Zhiqiang had his back pressed on the wall behind him while the man pointed the knife covered by his own blood at him.

    Blood spilled from his open wound to the floor, but the man didn''t even bat his eyes.

    Dai Zhiqiang cradled Ye Zhong in his hand protectively while watching how Lin Xiang''s face melted down, in the literal sense. The heat from the fire must have done that to the mask he used, whatever that was.

    The impostor chuckled before using his other hand to shred the mask. The sight was quite a horror as he looked like he had just skinned himself alive, but the real face behind that mask soon emerged.

    Dai Zhiqiang should''ve seen thising. Only one person could disguise himself so well while pushing him to the corner like this.

    "You are clever, as they said. But I''m afraid you have to give me that kid right now."

    With his blue eyes reflecting the hot me around them, Huang Zhen looked down at him coldly.

 Chapter 571 Bloody Exchange

    Behind him was a scorching wall, and in front of him was his enemy with a weapon. Moreover, he had Ye Zhong in his arms as a handicap.

    ''This isn''t good,'' Dai Zhiqiang thought and quickly worked his brain to find a way out.

    "Are you going to give me the Young Master, or do you want the three of us to die together here?"

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t devise a sound strategy in his mind, no matter what. Meanwhile, the building did not intend to wait as it began copsing around them. He really had no time to waste.

    If he couldn''t win, he had no choice but to resort to the second-best n.

    Dai Zhiqiang sneakily pressed himself more to the wall. The wall felt like it could burn his back, but he gritted his teeth. "Huang Zhen, for whom are you working? Why are you so hung up on kidnapping Little Zhong?"

    "That''s none of your business. Is this your trick to waste my time? Then I''d advise you not to move recklessly. My hand might slip and identally hurt someone else."

    Dai Zhiqiang gulped before speaking again, "Thete Master saved your life. Don''t you feel any remorse, harming his offspring like this?"

    Huang Zhen was unperturbed by his provocation. "Don''t you feel ashamed working for someone who kept taking advantage of you? And ultimately made you lose your brother?"

    The fire had spread throughout the area, making the previously luxurious mansion be a gigantic oven. However, even the heat on his skin couldn''tpare to the one in his heart.

    "Shut up," Dai Zhiqiang growled menacingly. "If it were not for you trying to harm my family first, then we would probably still live happily in peace."

    "Wrong. The second you choose to get involved with Ye Wang, your fate has been sealed to doom. If it''s not me, someone else will do it because Ye Huizhong nevercks enemies. Admit it. You are guilty of your brother''s death. How does it feel?"

    Dai Zhiqiang desperately tried to suppress his fury. He couldn''t fall for Huang Zhen''s provocation, or it would be his loss.

    He smiled twistedly before chuckling, "It sucks. I want to kill myself every day. But I can''t die before I get even with you."

    "We may be on the opposite side, but I always think we are pretty simr."

    "Don''t lump me together with the likes of you!"

    Huang Zhen stared at Dai Zhiqiang inexplicably before continuing, "If you must know, it''s because this is my role. Something that I have to do. Ye Wang knows too much and thus has to be eradicated. I will take Ye Zhong with me to ensure that Ye Huizhong won''t investigate the past again."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s brows raised. He wasn''t expecting him to tell him that. "What are youˇŞ"

    CRACK.

    The ceiling began to let out concerning noises as it could copse anytime. Huang Zhen subconsciously looked up to check which was the only opening Dai Zhiqiang needed.

    Using his feet, he stomped hard on the wooden floor, causing one side of the burning nk to sink while the other side went up and smacked Huang Zhen''s hand like a seesaw.

    "Ugh!" Huang Zhen groaned in a mixture of pain and surprise.

    The knife had slipped from his hand and bounced onto the floor. Then, Dai Zhiqiang used Huang Zhen''s momentary fluster tond a kick on his chest, forcing him to fly backward.

    Huang Zhen crashed into the burning lounge, and Dai Zhiqiang could hear him scream in pain, but he had no leisure time to check.

    He picked up his knife and bolted away at the fastest speed his feet could muster. It was a good thing he noticed the floor nk back then.

    "Young Master, please hang in there!"

    They had been exposed to the smoke for too long. Dai Zhiqiang was fine, but he was afraid Ye Zhong wouldn''t be able to take it. He hadn''t moved at all since earlier, and it bothered him.

    Once again, could he only watch while those he cared about died in front of him?

    "Hey, kiddo! There you are!"

    From up ahead, Dai Zhiqiang saw Lin XiangˇŞthe real one, who looked panicked as he ran towards him. "Hurry! The building wouldn''t hold up much longer!"

    Dai Zhiqiang hastened his step, but s, the floor beneath him crumbled, sinking one of his feet into the floor. He tried to pull his feet, but it was stuck.

    "Senior Lin, take Little Zhong and get out of here!" Dai Zhiqiang yelled.

    Lin Xiang, who saw what happened, could already tell this wasn''t looking good. He helped him pull his feet, but it stuck pretty deep and didn''t budge. The bald man cursed out in frustration.

    "Forget about me! There''s no time. Just get the Young Master out of here!"

    "And leave you behind? Could you give me a ck already? If you die like this, I won''t be able to sleep peacefully ever again."

    While they bickered, both suddenly heard a familiar ''ka-chink'' sound. It was like the sound of gun safety being unlocked. Then, everything seemed to move in slow motion before him.

    Dai Zhiqiang turned his head to look at the direction he came from. However, a wallˇŞor rather a body suddenly appeared in his line of vision and blocked his sight.

    Before everything turned red, he seemed to see Huang Zhen pointing his gun at him. But it was already toote when he realized what was about to happen.

    BANG!

    The sound of a gunshot was deafening. Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes widened in shock.

    Warm liquid seeped through his clothes from Lin Xiang''s body, which leaned limply onto him. A familiar smell of rusty iron mixed with the burning smell was nauseating, but he could only sit there with a nk look on his face.

    "Seniorˇ­Lin?" Dai Zhiqiang called out groggily. His head spun as his breath and heartbeat quickened.

    Looking down at his wet hands, Dai Zhiqiang could only see fresh blood dripping from them, and he almost screamed.

    "Haˇ­ That''s kinda cruel of you, shoving me into the fire like that." Huang Zhen closed in a while still pointing his gun at them. "Somebody could die, you know?"

    Dai Zhiqiang wanted to help Lin Xiang, but his leg was still stuck up to his thigh. Using his knife, he stabbed the area around the hole to make a wider space for his leg to slip through, but Huang Zhen was only a few steps away from them. He wouldn''t make it in time!

    "Kiddoˇ­"

    The raspy voice made Dai Zhiqiang look at Lin Xiang in a mixture of astonishment and relief.

    Thetter grinned before whispering something. It was barely audible like he used his every strength to utter those few words.

    Lin Xiang didn''t give him time to mull over the outrageous n he had just told him, "Ready or not. On the count of three. Threeˇ­Twoˇ­"

    "Wait! SeniorˇŞ"

    "...One!"

    At the same time as he said that, he pulled out a small pistol from his inner pocket and pointed it at Huang Zhen, who seemed equally surprised as Dai Zhiqiang. He must not be expecting Lin Xiang to survive that shot just now.

    "Huang Zheeen!" Lin Xiang roared before he pulled the trigger.

    Perhaps because his hand was shaky due to blood loss, Lin Xiang''s aim missed and hit his abdomen instead of his chest.

    Huang Zhen moaned in pain, but he wasn''t a pushover either. Before he copsed to the ground, he shot another bullet, hitting Lin Xiang straight in the middle of his chest.

    "Heuk!" Lin Xiang eximed before vomiting a mouthful of blood.

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang, who saw the bloody exchange, finally came to his senses. "Senior Lin!"

    "Just go and don''t look back! Or you will waste what I did for you today!"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s heart ached seeing Lin Xiang crouching in the puddle of blood. If his tears hadn''t dried up by now, if Lin Xiang didn''t conspire to hide Dai Shenqiang''s matter from him before, he probably would have shed tears for this.

    "With this, I don''t owe you anything anymore."

    That was thest thing he uttered before slumping forward and falling to the floor.

    Dai Zhiqiang bit his lips until they bled before furiously crushing the floorboard using his knife.

    After he finally got his leg out, the first thing he did was check on Lin Xiang''s vitality. Dai Zhiqiang had some hope but it quickly extinguished when he couldn''t feel his pulse.

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    He could only sit there for a few seconds while observing Lin Xiang''s peaceful expression. What was he so satisfied with? He had just died, so why was he look so contented?

    The sound of fire crackling and pirs copsing behind him soon prompted him to stand up. Suppressing his inner scream, he killed his weighing emotions and finished what Lin Xiang told him to do.

    Dai Zhiqiang corrected Ye Zhong''s position in his arm before he ran down the corridor without turning back.

 Chapter 572 Promise Of Retirement

    The next time he woke up, he looked again at the familiar white ceiling. His whole body felt hurt and heavy.

    "You''re finally awake."

    Dai Zhiqiang instinctively tried to turn his head but found himself unable to do so. Thankfully, he didn''t need to look to know who was beside him.

    "Boss, what about the Young Master?"

    "Little Zhong made it out unscathed, thanks to you. You covered him using your body to get past the fire. I couldn''t thank you enough for what you have done."

    Dai Zhiqiang paused briefly. He hesitated to ask, but curiosity got the best of him. "And Senior Lin?"

    "....Sadly, he couldn''t make it."

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    Lin Xiang was really gone for good. There would be no one to nag him and scold him from now on.

    Dai Zhiqiang thought he hated him as much as he hated Ye Wang and Ye Huizhong. Yet, when the news of his death was delivered to him by someone else, the sadness he felt was almost numbing.

    If it weren''t for Lin Xiang trying to save him, he probably wouldn''t have lost his life like that.

    "I''m saying this just in case. Don''t me yourself," Ye Huizhong spoke firmly as if he could read his mind. "Lin Xiang died honorably in the ce he chose, in a way he deemed worthy of sacrificing his life. Don''t insult him by thinking it''s your fault."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know if he was trying to reprimand or console him. What would something like honor matter? Either way, Lin Xiang died and would nevere back again.

    "What about Huang Zhen?"

    "There''s been no news from him since then. However, since we couldn''t find his body, it''s better to assume that he''s still alive somewhere."

    Dai Zhiqiang sneered. That man was really as slick as a snake. There was no way he could get out of that burning mansion safely after receiving a bullet to the abdomen. Someone must have helped him.

    "You got a severe burn mark all over your body. When our men found you, you were only a step away from facing hell. I can arrange a stic surgeon for you if you want."

    "No, there''s no need for that." Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t care less about how he looked. At this juncture, he could be a murderer or monster with a burn mark as long as he could make Huang Zhen pay for everything he did.

    "Those are some vengeful eyes you got there. Are you nning to kill Huang Zhen?"

    "Aren''t you d? Now we truly have the same goal in mind."

    Ye Huizhong chuckled. "I guess birds of the same feather flock together, after all. You should wait another few weeks before you can get out of bed. I bet you feel stuffy, being bandaged all over like that, but deal with it."

    So he couldn''t move his neck because he was tightly bandaged.

    "Will it be okay if I take sick leave like this? Now that Senior Lin isn''t here, I''m the only one who canmand the others."

    "It will be a problem if the enemy attacks us at their full strength when we severelyck in manpower. But since we also dealt a big blow to them, things should calm down for now. Lin Xiang bought us this time to prepare for our next move."

    "....Has the funeral already been held?"

    "We held it a day after the body was found. It was a week ago."

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know he had been unconscious for a week. No wonder his whole body felt sore. "I see."

    "Go back to rest. I will work you to death once you recover."

    "Work, huh?" Dai Zhiqiang stared emptily at the white ceiling. "Boss, I swear I will take revenge on Huang Zhen if it''s thest thing I do. I will even risk my life to do so."

    Ye Huizhong''s brows raised interest. "Are you making a pledge to me now? If I know you well, your words must have a deeper meaning. Tell me, what is it that you want?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t hesitate and answered, "I want to retire and take my father somece far away after this. Please permit me to do that."

    There was silence looming in the air after he said that. Dai Zhiqiang was curious about Ye Huizhong''s thoughts, but he couldn''t even turn his head to see his reaction.

    "Zhiqiang, your life has drastically changed after getting involved with me. I understand why you want to get away from everything. Honestly, in the short time we spent together, I havee to trust you more than I could do any other person.

    Little Zhong also had grown attached to you; he treated you like you were his real brother. That''s why I found it hard to let you go. If there''s any way I can hold you back, please do tell me."

    Dai Zhiqiang was surprised. Did the mighty and fearsome Ye Huizhong just plead to him? He had prepared for him to refuse, but not in a humble way like this.

    This might be the first time he had ever heard his boss bow down to someone except for his grandson.

    "I have always wondered, but why me? You didn''t even act this way towards Senior Lin."

    Ye Huizhong sighed. "Because you reminded me of myte son when he was young. Call this an old man sentiment or what you like, but that''s my honest thought. I have always regretted what happened to your brother. Due to my greed, I robbed you of the chance to save him. I apologize."

    After pleading, now he was apologizing? Dai Zhiqiang even suspected that the Ye Huizhong beside him was Huang Zhen in disguise again.

    Nevertheless, he felt the need to respond genuinely to his heartfelt confession.

    "Stop it. I don''t want to hear words of apology for you because I will never be able to forgive you," Dai Zhiqiang said in neither a cold nor warm tone.

    "You are free to think as you like, but I''m not your son and never will be one. My father''s name is Dai Bolin, and someday I will take him far away from you and the people who targeted you."

    Ye Huizhong smiled bitterly before bursting out in boisterousughter. "Hahaha, I knew you would say that! You didn''t give this old man a face at all. Merciless as always!"

    "I need to draw the line so you won''t get a wrong idea. If you are thinking of leaving Ye Wang in my care so you could drop dead, then forget it. I''m not a trash bin where you could dump your problems. Eliminate your enemies and live long for Little Zhong''s sake."

    Ye Huizhong was stunned for a moment. Even from their first meeting, Dai Zhiqiang never ceased to surprise him.

    Even though his soul was still as fierce as always, his body couldn''t win against the passage of time. If he must die, he wished to see someone beside Ye Zhong as his light beam. So at the end of his long journey, he could finally rest in peace.

    But Dai Zhiqiang brazenly rejected his offer and even told him to wipe his own ass by himself. Ye Huizhong felt ashamed now for acting weak.

    Giving up like that wasn''t like him at all.

    "Haha. Good. Very good! Let''s burn our life candles to the max and see who will be thest one standing! I ept your condition!"

 Chapter 573 Another Chance

    <<shback Ends>>

    Dai Zhiqiang was sure he had just talked with Ye Huizhong when a mysterious force suddenly sucked his consciousness. Before he knew it, everything became white in front of him.

    [You have made a terrible choice, my child. You and her].

    ''Who is that?'' Dai Zhiqiang tried to open his mouth but realized he had no mouth to speak and only wandered in the form of a spirit. Did he cross the river of death without realizing it?

    No, wait. That was incorrect. He voluntarily chose to cross that river by himself.

    With her, the one he had always longed for.

    ''Where is Li Caiyi?!'' Dai Zhiqiang looked around, but there was only him in this white space of nothingness. He couldn''t even differentiate which was up and down, left or right.

    ''Whoever you are, tell me why isn''t she here with me? We are supposed to leave the world together!''

    Dai Zhiqiang couldn''t speak, but he was confident that the being who talked just now could have heard his voice.

    He promised Li Caiyi they would never be separated, even in death.

    After a long and tiring journey, he could finally have revenge on Huang Zhen and free himself. However, that happiness was short-lived because his father passed away not long after that as if he had been waiting for Dai Zhiqiang to return before leaving.

    Dai Zhiqiang saw no purpose in his life when those he loved weren''t in this world anymore.

    In such a devastating situation and peculiar timing, he met Li Caiyi again, like it was already fated.

    He couldn''t have her in his life, but at least he could be with her in death. That was already too much of a blessing for someone like him, who had failed numerous times and dirtied his hand.

    Was it because Li Caiyi was a good person and he wasn''t, that was why he was transported here alone? Or was it because Li Caiyi somehow survived and only he had died?

    Thetter seemed impossible since they jumped from such a tall building. So he was more inclined to believe the former option.

    [I have watched you all this time and saw how you have led a miserable and lonely life. Even so, to throw your life away like that isn''t the way to do it. I have to say, I''m disappointed].

    ''Are you some kind of God?''

    [Who I am is not important. I regret how a noble and pure soul like you is now covered in sin, so I will give you a second chance to fix your mistake].

    ''A second chance?''

    [The child who came here with you, I have sent her first. Although she made the wrong choice, her soul is still clean and untainted, so I gave her a little present. However, you, on the other handˇ­]

    Dai Zhiqiang could almost feel God''s disdain in that brief pause.

    [Whatever your reason, you have sinned by giving yourself in the pursuit of revenge and eventually ending someone else''s life. I will give both of you an equal chance, but to im your ''present'', you must first feel the importance of life. Let this be a lesson for you too].

    The more he listened, the more confused he became. However, the entity that talked to him didn''t give him any chance to ask questions and continued.

    [This is the best I can do for you, my child. I hope you won''t disappoint me again this time. Cherish your life and live it to the fullest. I wish you good luck].

    A sphere of light suddenly appeared in front of him, and Dai Zhiqiang could feel his bodyˇŞor his soul was sucked again. The sensation of your body turning into smoke and scattered everywhere felt new and weird at the same time.

    ''Wait! I still have a lot of questions for you!''

    [It''s about time you stop asking and start moving toward your new future. I hope I will never see you again here. Farewell, my child].

    That was the entity''sst word before Dai Zhiqiangpletely lost himself. He didn''t know how much time had passed, but when he came to his senses, he saw a familiar white ceiling again.

    Dai Zhiqiang blinked his eyes a few times while feeling extremely disoriented.

    What kind of unrealistic dream was that? And why couldn''t his body move?

    Everything seemed to ovep in his mind, making his head ache.

    While Dai Zhiqiang gathered his thoughts, the door was opened, revealing a bald man with gips on one of his arms. Their gazes met, and both looked equally surprised to see each other.

    "Kiddo?"

    "Senior Lin?"

    Lin Xiang''s lips quivered as his eyes moistened. However, it would look uncool if he bawled here, so he held it back. "I know you will wake up. Man, why are you doing this to me?"

    However, oblivious to Lin Xiang''s touching atmosphere, Dai Zhiqiang dreaded as he had just seen something horrific. "Senior Lin, didn''t we just hold your funeral? Are you a ghost?"

    The sappy air immediately turned cold. Lin Xiang red at the younger man, looking offended. "What the fuck? And those words came from someone with one foot in the grave. You want me to die so much you even have a dream about it?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was confused. He just had a conversation with Ye Huizhong, and the boss clearly told him that Lin Xiang was already dead!

    But then, who was this person in front of him?

    Dai Zhiqiang felt a painful stab in his head and immediately grimaced in pain. Lin Xiang thought something was up with him and sprinted out of the room to call the doctor.

    After he left, Dai Zhiqiang slowly began to reorganize his thoughts. It was clear that the scene inside his mind just now was just a dream, but why did it feel so real?

    When he closed his eyes, Dai Zhiqiang could almost feel the dreadful sensation of Lin Xiang''s warmth slowly dissipating from his body. He could still imagine thest peaceful expression on his face as he left his body to burn in that mansion.

    "Urgh!"

    A sense of nausea hit him like an avnche, churning his stomach. Dai Zhiqiang hurled, but nothing came out from his empty stomach. It was the most terrible feeling ever.

    "Kiddo! Are you alright?!" Lin Xiang eximed worriedly and was about to approach him if it weren''t for the nurse to block him and usher him to stand back.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s mind scattered like a broken piece of a puzzle, so he grabbed the doctor''s arm with bloodshot eyes. "I''m sorry, but can I ask what today''s date is?"

    The doctor seemed confused but still answered him, anyway. "It''s September 10th, 20XX."

    The grip on the doctor''s arm loosened before his hand wentpletely limp.

    Lin Xiang was very concerned seeing him behave like that.

    Dai Zhiqiang was on the brink of death when he found him all bloodied.

    Huang Zhen didn''t finish him off, but the injuries he inflicted weren''t light by any means. They probably would lose him forever if he was even ten minuteste.

    Thinking about how such a promising young man almost lost his life while he only suffered a broken bone, Lin Xiang felt so ashamed of himself.

    After the doctor finished examining him, he only said that the patient was shocked and needed further rest before he could get emotional stability. He warned Lin Xiang not to agitate him before leaving the room with the nurse.

    Dai Zhiqiang hadn''t said a word since then. He only looked down with a brooding look on his face. His brows creased like he was in deep thought.

    Lin Xiang was unsure whether he wanted to talk or not, but he felt the need to share the current situation with him.

    "Ahem. You must be confused, so let me exin what happened slowly."

    Dai Zhiqiang still wasn''t responding. Lin Xiang took his silence as affirmation and continued, "Your father is safe, and so is Miss Caiyi. I have ensured that your brother and father received our best protection before leaving. And Miss Caiyi was currently in Young Master Meng''s residence and recuperating well."

    Only then did Dai Zhiqiang show a reaction. He raised his head and stared at Lin Xiang for a long time with an inexplicable gaze, making him feel awkward.

    "Why are you looking at me like that? Of course, I didn''t tell them about your grave injuries since I know you don''t want them to worry."

    Dai Zhiqiang withdrew his gaze before rxing himself on the bed. "I need to talk with the boss. Is he here?"

    "No. His hands are full since thest fight cost us a few men. That Huang Zhen is really like a slick little snake! He will pay for this!" Lin Xiang said in resentment.

    So he managed to escape again. Dai Zhiqiang had expected it, so he wasn''t that surprised.

    Meanwhile, Lin Xiang thought he seemed oddlyposed in taking all this. Usually, Dai Zhiqiang would badger him with questions about his family and girlfriend by now. But he only listened quietly without interrupting.

    "Uh, are you really okay? We can continue this conversationter when you get better."

    "Please tell the boss that I want to talk with him directly. Tell him toe to meet me when he is free."

    "Our boss is not yourckey, you know. Normally I will scold you for that, but I will make this one exception since you look like you have been hit in the head badly."

    Dai Zhiqiang closed his eyes and felt the fatiguee back to him. He wanted to meet his family and Li Caiyi so badly, but knowing them safe and sound was enough for now.

    The current him was too weak. He had to get stronger.

    His lips curled up in a vague smile before he surrendered himself again to the darkness.

 Chapter 574 Harbinger Of Disaster

    Meanwhile, in the Meng Residence.

    Li Caiyi groggily crawled out of bed and forced herself to the bathroom. After resting for a night, her pain and fatigue didn''t vanish and only doubled. The adrenaline must have finally subsided, making everythinge back at her at once.

    "Ugh."

    Even raising her arm was difficult. It was so sore she felt like detaching it from her shoulder.

    However, Li Caiyi persisted and washed herself up to make herself more presentable. She had to thank Meng Renshu and Qin Xiangjun and then go home as soon as possible.

    Staying in the Meng residence unsettled her. She tossed and turned in the bed for a long time before she could finally sleep at dawn.

    Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she still looked horrendous, with sunken cheeks and dark circles under her eyes. Still, at least it wasn''t as horrible as before.

    Opening the wardrobe, she saw a set of clean clothes and took them without hesitation. She knew it was prepared for every guest room in this house, thus seeing no qualms in using it herself.

    Right after she finished changing, there was a knock on the door.

    "Xiaoyi, it''s me." Meng Renshu''s gentle voice could be heard from the outside.

    "Yes. Pleasee in."

    Meng Renshu emerged from the door with a food tray in his hands. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Li Caiyi had already gotten up from bed and was wearing casual clothes. In the next moment, a trace of disappointment shed across his face.

    "Are you going to leave so soon?"

    "En. I feel bad if I stay here and inconvenience you any longer," Li Caiyi said as she rolled her sleeves. The shirt was too big, so she had to adjust it slightly. "Brother Renshu, is Auntie already awake?"

    "...Yes."

    "Good. Can you take me to her? I have to thank her for letting me stay here."

    Meng Renshu looked down at the tray and felt somewhat reluctant. "At least have breakfast before you go."

    Li Caiyi already noticed what he brought when he came in but thought it was kind of awkward. After all, she was only a guest, and Meng Renshu was the precious heir of the family.

    If Qin Xiangjun knew about this, Li Caiyi could imagine what kind of thought would run through her mind.

    And there was Meng Shuchun too. Just thinking about her loud voice so loud in the early morning gave her a headache.

    "Thank you, Brother Renshu. I''m not that hungry, so I will eat after returning home. Mother and Brother Jie must be worried about me."

    "I already exined everything, and they aren''t worried as long as you are with me."

    "That''s not the point." Li Caiyi rubbed her forehead before finally deciding to stop beating around the bush. "You know I can''t stay here. Please don''t make this difficult for me."

    Meng Renshu bit her lips, unwillingness written all over his face. He was so excited to spend the peaceful morning with her that he even got up early to prepare this. The servants dissuaded him from entering the kitchen, but he insisted.

    After several failures, he was finally able to make something decent, but Li Caiyi didn''t even bother to look at it. He felt aggrieved.

    Li Caiyi knew the meaning behind his frown. She sighed in defeat before taking one of the sandwiches in her mouth.

    The egg was half-cooked and very salty. Not to mention, she could taste some eggshells in it too. One bite and anyone could tell that this was made by an amateur.

    Did he make this by himself?

    Li Caiyi was stunned.

    "How is it?" Meng Renshu looked at her in anticipation.

    "... It''s delicious."

    He beamed up like a child who had just gotplimented before pulling Li Caiyi to sit on the chair. "Then, you can finish all of this. I can ask the chef to make it again for meter."

    Li Caiyi was dumbfounded and a bit helpless looking at him smiling foolishly in front of her, but she couldn''t bring herself to say no. He had been a great help to her yesterday, after all.

    She thought staying for a bit more wouldn''t hurt, so although the saltiness of the sandwiches almost made her tongue numb, she continued to eat.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu was on cloud nine. He never knew that watching someone eating what he made could be this fulfilling. It gave him a bittersweet feeling inside.

    Recalling how he often deliberately skipped his meal with her just to avoid her in the past, he regretted it once again. Even though he knew she spent a lot of time and effort cooking the dishes.

    "After I finish this, promise you''ll take me to Auntie''s ce."

    "Sure. Let''s talk to her together."

    Li Caiyi wanted to ask him if he had heard any news regarding Dai Zhiqiang when the door suddenly mmed open.

    Meng Shuchun furiously stepped into the room and got even angrier when she saw Li Caiyi leisurely eating while sitting with Meng Renshu standing beside her, watching.

    "Li Caiyi, do you take our house as a hotel?! How dare you even step into our house?!"

    Meng Renshu clearly told everyone not to breathe any words to his sister, but she still found out about it anyway. Meng Renshu stood in front of Li Caiyi protectively, thinking it was his responsibility.

    "Shuchun, let''s go out and talk about this. Don''t make a scene here."

    Meng Shuchun red at him incredulously. "Brother! Why are you so blind? This girl can stay a night in our house; what''s next? Will she use this as an excuse to tell everyone that she bes something for us?! If we allow her imagination to run wild, perhaps she will think she owns the house next!"

    Meng Renshu wanted to re up, but he knew Meng Shuchun was the type that was hard when coerced but soft when coaxed. He calmly let her finishining before speaking, "You think too much. No one will suspect anything if she only stays over for a night. This isn''t Xiaoyi''s first timeing here. If you make a big deal out of this, people will be suspicious instead."

    The younger girl realized there was some truth in her brother''s words. She became a lot calmer than before but still kept that stubborn attitude.

    "The Li often came here in the past, but they never stayed over. Besides, why are you delivering her breakfast to her room like you are her servant? Brother, don''t you have dignity at all? Can''t you see she is trying to seduce you?!"

    Meng Shuchun''s words were unpleasant to hear; he couldn''t help but re at her. "Don''t get overboard with your spection, Meng Shuchun. I thought you were smarter than this."

    "Am I wrong? You always run here and there for the Li family as you owe them a lifetime debt! Father is also like that. I don''t understand why you are so hung up about a bunch of leeches like them!"

    Meng Renshu opened his mouth to rebuke her but was held back by Li Caiyi, who had already stood up and looked at Meng Shuchun coldly.

    "I stay quiet and listen since I know my presence is unwanted. But your mouth is as uncouth as ever; I can''t bear to listen anymore."

    Meng Shuchun feigned an impressed look before haughtily lifting her chin. "So what if I''m uncouth? You can''t do anything to me because what I said is true!"

    "Even if I said nothing, do you think people are as stupid as you? I''m grateful to Brother Renshu for helping me, but that doesn''t mean I will stand still hearing you speak nonsense about my family."

    "See? So you DO receive help from him! You saw a benefit in staying with him, so you seduced my brother, hoping to be a phoenix rising from the ash. Well, dream on! I will never allow that to happen as long as I''m alive!"

    "How often do I have to tell you that I don''t have that feeling for Brother Renshu? Yesterday--"

    "I don''t want to hear your excuses! I can smell your ambition from far away, you shameless gold digger!"

    Talking with Meng Shuchun always made Li Caiyi feel like she was arguing with an elementary school kid. No matter what she said, she wouldn''t listen, and Li Caiyi ''s blood pressure rose every time.

    She didn''t want to waste more time arguing with Meng Shunchu anymore.

    "Forget it. You don''t like me here, so I''ll leave."

    Meng Renshu held her by the hand when he saw her leaving, "Let me take you home."

    The sight infuriated Meng Shuchun even more. For her, it felt degrading for his majestic and awesome brother to be fascinated with one of those hateful and scheming twins.

    Just why? What''s so good about them?

    "Li Caiyi, if you still have an ounce of shame, stop bothering my brother already! He was injured badlyst time because of you. If you want to die, then go to hell yourself. You are such a harbinger of disaster!"

    "What''s with thismotion?!"

    A loud voice interrupted Meng Shuchun''s aggressive yelling. The girl who seemed unrestrained and ready to chop Li Caiyi to death just now immediately shut her mouth and looked down in panic after seeing who had just entered the room.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi''s body was frozen in ce. Her palm got sweaty, and she felt goosebumps all over her body, thinking she was in the same room as the ruthless person who had schemed for her family''s demisest time.

    Beside her, Meng Renshu also tensed up. He maintained his expression but subtly scooted closer to Li Caiyi to keep her safe.

    With a rigid voice, he broke the silence. "Father, why are you here?"

 Chapter 575 Meeting Her In-Laws Again

    Standing by the door was Meng Yaoshu, who looked at them sternly. Qin Xiangjun stood behind him with an unreadable expression on her face.

    "How can I not when you guys disturbed everyone''s morning by causing a stir here? It was so loud I could hear you from the hallway."

    Li Caiyi turned her head, and her gaze met with the man who had utterly deceived her before.

    The same mouth which revealed the most sinister scheme before now curled up in a smile at her. There was no trace of hostility at all.

    "I have heard the story from my wife, but I''m d you are doing fine, Xiaoyi. How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?"

    Now that Li Caiyi already knew his true colors, it felt sickening to see him pretending to be amiable like this.

    Suppressing the urge to vomit, she replied politely, "Thanks to you, I slept very well, thank you very much. It''s been a while since Ist saw you."

    "What do you mean? Didn''t we meet during the anniversary party? We didn''t have a chance to exchange words due to circumstances, but I was there when you delivered your speech. You have grown into such a fine woman, Xiaoyi. Uncle is proud of you."

    "... I''m honored you think so."

    Meng Yaoshu''s smile faded as he shifted his gaze to Meng Shuchun. "What did you do this time? Why can''t you just stay still and not cause trouble for a day?"

    Meng Shuchun bit her lips, feeling aggrieved and ashamed. She was only protecting her brother, so why did he make it sound like she was being unreasonable? It was Li Caiyi who came here and provoked her first!

    "We heard everything you said from the hallway. Apologize to Xiaoyi this instant."

    "Father!" Meng Shuchun eximed in disbelief. She knew his father didn''t like her very much, but how could he ask her to apologize to a leech like Li Caiyi?"

    She had to endure the humiliation of getting reprimanded in front of her enemy, and now he wanted her to apologize? Meng Shuchun was very unwilling!

    "You will soon turn 17 but look at you, throwing tantrums immediately when things don''t go your way. Don''t you feel embarrassed?"

    "But it''s because she treats our family like a joke! Father, I''m your daughter, but you prefer to defend that white lotus?"

    Meng Yaoshu red at her, and Meng Shuchun mped her mouth shut. She dared not to disobey her father, as reluctant as she was.

    "Xiaoyi, how about you stay with us for breakfast?" Meng Yaoshu asked her again.

    Li Caiyi was quick to shake her head. "No. I have inconvenienced you enough, and I''m afraid my family will be worried."

    "Is that so? What a shame. Then, next time, let''s have a meal together with your mother and siblings."

    Meng Yaoshu didn''t insist and let her go quickly. Li Caiyi was relieved.

    "Renshu, you should take her home."

    "Father! There is no need to do that. Didn''t we already give her enough favor? Just let her go home by herself!"

    Meng Yaoshu looked at his daughter in displeasure, making thetter shut her mouth again. He opened his mouth to rebuke her again when Qin Xiangjun stopped him.

    "Husband, please don''t get angry. Little Chun is a bit wilful, but she doesn''t mean any harm. Renshu promised to apany her this morning, so she is upset that the n has been canceled because he needs to take care of Xiaoyi.

    I hope you won''t take her words to heart, too, Xiaoyi."

    "Auntie, it''s okay. I''m not offended, and there is no need to prepare a car for me. I can go home by myself."

    "Are you sure you will be fine?" Qin Xiangjun asked again worriedly.

    If Li Caiyi didn''t know any better, she probably would have already been tricked into thinking she genuinely cared for her. But her intention was pretty clear from her statements.

    Li Caiyi never asked for anyone to take her home, alright? It was her husband and son who kept proposing the idea.

    "Yes. It''s alright."

    "Xiaoyiˇ­" Meng Renshu was about to say something else, but Li Caiyi shot him a warning look. Only then did he finally relent. "I will send you off to the door."

    Li Caiyi quickly thanked them for their hospitality before hurriedly leaving the room with Meng Renshu following her.

    "Xiaoyi, those guys are probably still wandering around. I will send some people to guard you again. This time I will pick them up by myself. You don''t need to worry about anything."

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Brother Renshu, have you received any news about Dai Zhiqiang since then?"

    "Nothing. I tried to reach him several times, but the line wouldn''t connect."

    Li Caiyi became more anxious after hearing that. She was also concerned about Dai Shenqiang. Although she believed Dai Zhiqiang wouldn''t leave his defenseless brother alone, she was still worried.

    Sure enough, she couldn''t stay still. Li Caiyi parted ways with Meng Renshu, intending to pay Ye Wang a visit.

    ***

    It wasn''t her first time there, but this ce was as imposing as ever.

    Li Caiyi stood before Ye Wang''s gate and saw the guards who usually stood in front of it were nowhere to be seen. That wasn''t very careful, considering they had just been attacked recently.

    Unlike before, today she came here alone, so no one would give her a free pass to enter. Lin Xiang and Dai Zhiqiang warned her to note here by herself, but this was an urgent situation.

    Li Caiyi tried to push the big door in front of her, but it wouldn''t budge. It was locked.

    Left with no choice, she tried banging the door simply because she thought knocking wouldn''t be enough.

    "Excuse me! Is there anyone inside?!"

    Li Caiyi yelled at the top of her lungs, but no one answered. She tried several times, but the result was all the same. She was disappointed and couldn''t help slumping in defeat.

    Just when she was about to leave, she could faintly hear footsteps from inside. It awakened Li Caiyi''s spirit again, so she began to bang on the door again.

    "Excuse me? Can you hear me?! I need to speak with Mr. Lin Xiang!"

    "That voice, could it be Li Caiyi?"

    Li Caiyi gasped upon hearing that familiar voice. "Shenqiang, is that you?"

    "What are you doing here? Wait a minute; I will call someone to open the door for you!"

    It didn''t take a long time for him to return. There was a clicking noise from the other side, and the next moment, the door was pushed open, revealing Dai Shenqiang, who stood on the other side.

    Li Caiyi was so relieved to see him safe and sound, so she opened her arms and gave him a big hug. Dai Shenqiang was flustered, and all questions in his head immediately vanished.

    The hug didn''tst long as Li Caiyi quickly released him. "I''m so d you are alright! But why are you here?"

    "Ahem, That''s also my question, but you should enter first. It''s not safe outside."

    The Ye Wang''s men, who stood by Dai Shenqiang''s side, scrutinized her up and down warily but said nothing when she walked past them. They brought her to a room where she underwent a body check before those men finally rxed.

    Dai Shenqiang brought her to an empty living room before he finally bombarded her with questions. He asked her if she was okay, why she suddenly disappeared, or how she could find this ce.

    Li Caiyi patiently answered him. By the time she finished exining, Dai Shenqiang had looked like he had lost a few years of his life.

    "I see. I''m so d you can make it out safely. My brother told me I would be safe if I followed those shady-looking people. Still, I actually have no idea what''s happening. Nobody is willing to exin when I ask them."

    "Shenqiang, have you heard anything about your brother and father?"

    "Just a few hours ago, some people returned with Father, but they left again soon. As for my brother, I haven''t heard a word from him ever since he left." Dai Shenqiang said gloomily.

    Li Caiyi''s heart sank. Why hasn''t hee back yet if Dai Bolin was here? Did something happen to him?

    Dai Shenqiang noticed her apprehension and unconsciously held her hand to calm her down. "Caiyi, I understand your concern, but don''t worry too much. You know how strong my brother is. I''m sure he will be back soon."

    Li Caiyi felt a little better hearing that. Dai Shenqiang should have worried more about him, but he consoled her instead. "Thank you."

    Dai Shenqiang released her hand soon after. As much as he wanted to hold it longer, he knew it was inappropriate.

    "Then, where is Uncle now? Can I see him?"

    "My father was already examined by a doctor and is currently asleep. He had sleeping drugs in his system, but aside from that, he suffered no injuries. The old man who owned this ce said I shouldn''t bother him for some time."

    The old man who owned this ce must be Ye Huizhong. Li Caiyi didn''t know much about this group, but since Dai Zhiqiang trusted him, it should be okay to leave Dai Bolin with him.

    Her shoulder felt much more rxed now. If only she knew what happened to Dai Zhiqiang, she could finally sleep peacefully.

    "Ahem."

    Both of them turned their heads simultaneously at the sound and found a man standing a few steps away from them. He smiled politely and wore a neat suit like a modern butler.

    They didn''t notice he was there until he made his presence known.

    "The Master wants to meet Li Caiyi. I will take you there."

 Chapter 576 Ye Huizhongs Interrogation (1)

    Li Caiyi walked down the hallway behind the butler and couldn''t help but feel the tension. The big ce seemed emptier than before, making their steps echo in the quiet and spacious area.

    Throughout the trip, thetter said no words, making her feel even more awkward. He led her to a big door and raised his hand at her, signaling her to wait. Then, he knocked on the door several times.

    "Master, I brought Miss Li Caiyi with me."

    "Enter."

    "Miss Li, please this way," he said while politely opening the door for her.

    Li Caiyi gulped and steeled her nerves before stepping into the room. The spacious room had a strong tobo smell, making her frown slightly.

    When her gaze met with the big man''s sitting behind the big mahogany desk, she resisted the urge to look down and stepped forward.

    "Good morning, Sir. The butler said you have something to talk about with me?"

    Ye Huizhong exhaled a ring of smoke before putting his pipe down. There was a burn mark on the left side of his face, catching her by surprise.

    Li Caiyi could never find Ye Wang''s boss''s picture anywhere on the inte. She expected he would be one scary-looking person. She didn''t expect the person in front of her to be far more frightening than she thought.

    A nce from him was enough to intimidate people. It was nerve-wracking to stand there, but Li Caiyi persisted as she had something she''d like to ask him too.

    Meanwhile, Ye Huizhong scrutinized her with a deep and meaningful gaze. He had heard so many things about her, but it was his first time seeing her in reality.

    He had to admit that Dai Zhiqiang got himself a beautiful girl. He cleared his throat before asking, "I heard you were kidnapped by Huang Zhen. Can I ask you a few details about that?"

    "Sure, I don''t mind. Coincidentally, I also have something I need to ask you. Do you mind if I ask you some questions after this?"

    Ye Huizhong''s eyes slightly narrowed upon hearing that. She looked quiet and meek from the outside but turned out to be more assertive than he thought. His interest was piqued.

    "I assume you already heard one or two things about us from Zhiqiang?"

    "Yes. But it''s because I pester him to tell me. Please don''t me him for that."

    Ye Huizhong chuckled. "Why would I me him for that? Whether he wants to tell others or not is his freedom. However, the consequences thate after it will be his responsibility."

    They only exchanged a few words, but Li Caiyi seemed to have a better understanding of Ye Huizhong''s personality. Clearly, he was not someone anyone could mess around with. She chose her words carefully.

    "What is it that you want to know from me?"

    "Everything. Tell me what you know about him."

    Li Caiyi pondered for a moment. Since he was a leader of the information trading business, there was a high chance that he already knew many things. Lying to him probably wasn''t a good idea.

    With that idea in mind, Li Caiyi began recounting her past entanglement with Huang Zhen, including her first meeting with him, which eventually led to yesterday''s kidnapping. It was more or less the same exnation as the one she had told Dai Zhiqiang before.

    She told them everything, minus the probability of Huang Zhen''s involvement with the drugs she investigated.

    Ye Huizhong rubbed his chin thoughtfully once she finished. His sharp and deep eyes stared at her dubiously. "Is that all you know?"

    "Yes. Unfortunately, I couldn''t see the face of my attacker, and I lost my phone. But the one who called me out there was definitely Huang Zhen."

    "No, I don''t mean that. I already know that much."

    Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "Then, what are you doubting?"

    "Hmm, I''m pretty sure you have yet to tell me everything. Is that really all?"

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat. Under Ye Huizhong''s inquisitive and intimidating stare, it was difficult to stay calm, and he seemed to notice her trepidation.

    "Miss Li Caiyi. Let me change my question. For your own good, I suggest that you rify something for me. Does Huang Zhen ever say anything to you? Let''s say something like: ''don''t get too involved, or I''ll not guarantee what happens to you.''"

    Li Caiyi''s heart jumped after hearing that. "He said something like that. He probably didn''t want me to get too involved with Dai Zhiqiang and Ye Wang."

    Ye Huizhong mmed the table hard, making her flinch in ce. His piercing re and domineering aura almost made her forget to breathe. Her heart beat rapidly as her legs trembled before his presence.

    He looked like a beast that could lunge forward anytime and attack her.

    Then, he spoke coldly, "It''s no use to y the fool in front of me. Speak the truth, or I will be forced to use extreme measures to make you talk."

    Li Caiyi clenched her fist. She was scared but stood her ground stubbornly. "I''m afraid I have nothing else to tell you."

    Ye Huizhing sneered. "Is that so? You seem confident and fearless, but will you still act the same knowing those two''s fates are in my hands now?"

    "...! What are you nning to do?!" Li Caiyi asked anxiously. She didn''t need to ask to figure out what he meant.

    A chill ran down her spine, thinking about what this person could do to Dai Bolin and Dai Shenqiang.

    But if he intended to hurt them, why did he arrange for a doctor to help Dai Bolin and keep Dai Shenqiang safe here? Or did he n to use them as hostages?

    "It depends on your cooperation, youngdy." Ye Huizhong smirked wickedly. "Usually, I will refrain from harming my subordinate''s family, but as they say, anything is fair in love and war. This is a war, and I intend to utilize any cards I can find to win."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips. Thest time she was here, she discovered that Dai Zhiqiang had significant value for the group, but could she say the same about his family? Could she risk keeping her secret while putting his precious family members at stake?

    The answer was obvious. She couldn''t.

    Not when she knew Dai Zhiqiang would be devastated if something happened to them.

    From Ye Huizhong''s words, she assumed that he had already seen through her and was waiting for her to confirm it.

    If that was the case, she had no choice but to admit it.

    "Actually, there is something in my mind. I don''t know if it''s true or not since I never confirmed it with Huang Zhen beforeˇ­."

    "Interesting. Go on."

    Li Caiyi nervously pursed her lips before continuing. "I assume that Huang Zhen might have something to do with a dangerous organization."

    "Huang Zhen always has something to do with dangerous people. You gotta be more specific than that, Young Lady. Don''t hold back anything." Ye Huizhong''s tone became more impatient.

    Upon noticing that, Li Caiyi dared not to speak vaguely anymore and reluctantly spoke, "I know this organization is working on a project to produce a drug that can create artificial geniuses."

 Chapter 577 Ye Huizhongs Interrogation (2)

    Ye Huizhong''s cold expression stiffened when he heard that. "And how did you know that? What makes you so sure?"

    "I''ve never said I''m sure about this. I don''t know much about it either," Li Caiyi rubbed her arms ufortably. She wished he would stop asking her because she wasn''t sure whether it was okay to let him know about this.

    "Tell me more about this organization then. Creating forced geniuses is a rather radical idea. What else do you know about this organization?"

    "The first time I confronted Huang Zhen directly, he said I shouldn''t poke my nose where it didn''t belong. It could mean my involvement with Ye Wang, but I have a feeling that''s not all."

    Ye Huizhong blew his pipe with a deep frown on his face. "You are more uncooperative than I thought. Miss Li Caiyi, I know you are wary of me, but you will gain nothing by talking in a roundabout way like this. Believe it or not, I know more about you than you think, including the little investigation you are carrying on."

    Li Caiyi: "!!!"

    She couldn''t hide her shock. "Did you investigate me?"

    "Oh, I sure did. I thoroughly checked on you the second I found out that Zhiqiang has a girlfriend."

    "But why did you do that?" Li Caiyi asked nervously. Her palm is mmy from sweat.

    "We aren''t talking about that right now. Please answer my question, and I will answer yours. It''s a deal."

    Li Caiyi still couldn''t move on from the shock but realized that she couldn''t hide anything from this person. He must have an extensive range of informationworks and very paranoid if he even investigated someone like her.

    Or perhaps he knew something more about this? Did he figure out beforehand that she would get involved somehow?

    Li Caiyi quickly brushed off the thought. No matter how influential and powerful he was, Ye Huizhong couldn''t possibly know about that. Unless he could see the future.

    "My familyˇ­is rted heavily to that organization."

    "How so? Do you mean as a victim or as a perpetrator?"

    She clenched the hem of her clothes. It felt like a rock was blocking her throat before opening her mouth again. "Both. My sister is one of their subjects'' experiments. She consumes the drug produced by that organization without knowingˇ­.And my biological father is the one who administered the drug."

    There was no change in Ye Huizhong''s expression. He calmly blew on his pipe again as the room fell into silence. Li Caiyi felt extremely ufortable.

    "If this matter is rted to him, the fact that Huang Zhen threatened you to stop means that you are already very close to the truth, or you identally found out about something he didn''t want you to know. Have you heard anything about this from your father?"

    "No. He didn''t know I already knew about his secret. No one in my family knew except me."

    Ye Huizhong looked deep in thought. He stayed silent like that for some time before he stood up. "Thank you for this valuable information. I''m afraid it''s time for me to leave."

    "What?" Li Caiyi looked up in surprise. "Wait! This is different from what you said before. You promised me you would answer my question once I answered yours."

    "I don''t intend to break my promise. It just happened that I''m pretty busy right now and don''t have time to chat." Ye Huizhong casually threw something at her, which she would have dropped if it weren''t for her good reflexes.

    "It''s a pocket watch?"

    "Keep it. My subordinates know it''s mine. You cane back and ask me your question anytime."

    Without waiting for her response, Ye Huizhong left the room briskly.

    Li Caiyi lifted the pocket watch in her hand and curiously pressed a small button on top. The lid automatically opens, revealing a crack on the watch''s surface. The hand clock was no longer moving too. But it was very clean, as if someone had taken good care of it.

    "Why did he leave an important item like this to me?" Li Caiyi muttered in wonder.

    ***

    "Caiyi, you are back!"

    Dai Shenqiang rose from his seat and approached her as soon as he saw her. "Are you alright? They didn''t do anything to you, right?"

    Except for scaring her to death with his threat, she was fine. But there was no way she could tell him that.

    Li Caiyi smiled weakly. "I''m fine. We only talk for a bit."

    Dai Shenqiang''s worried expression was quickly reced by relief. "Thank goodness."

    "I think it''s about time I leave. I haven''t returned home since yesterday, so my family is probably worried about me."

    Besides, Li Caiyi also had something else to do.

    Dai Shenqiang looked regretful, but he nodded in the end. "I understand. You should go now."

    "I will visit you againter. As you said, your brother will return safely, so don''t worry too much."

    "En, I know. Take care, Caiyi."

    He sent her off to the gate, and Li Caiyi quickly hailed a taxi to return home.

    Once she arrived at the Li family''s house, she unexpectedly ran into Li Junjie as he walked outside.

    Li Caiyi subconsciously pulled her sleeve down to cover her bandaged hands, but it was toote.

    Li Junjie quickly grabbed her arm and raised it to look closer. He frowned deeply once he saw her hand.

    "What happened to you? Did those guyse again to assault you?"

    Li Caiyi retracted her hand and hid it behind her back. "It''s nothing like that. I fell and injured my hand a bit."

    Li Junjie looked at her skeptically before opening the door behind him. "At any rate,e in first. Yourplexion doesn''t look good. Have you eaten breakfast yet?"

    She only ate a bit of Meng Renshu''s salty egg sandwich, so she indeed felt a bit hungry. However, she had no time to waste.

    "I did. How about you, Brother Jie? Are you going somewhere?"

    Li Junjie pursed his lips before answering. "Since you are here, then never mind."

    Li Caiyi blinked her eyes a few times, a little surprised to see him withdraw his gaze awkwardly.

    What did he mean by that? It couldn''t be that he was concerned and about to check on her at Meng Renshu''s house?

    If yes, then Li Caiyi wouldn''t know what to say. She wasn''t used to receiving Li Junjie''s care and kindness. Perhaps it''d be better if she pretended not to know.

    "Brother, I still need to go out after this. I only came back to fetch something."

    "Where are you going with your hand like that?"

    "Just somewhere. I will go straight to the hospital after that to check on Xiaohua, so don''t worry."

    Li Junjie stared at her, retreating back skeptically. He had a feeling that Li Caiyi tried to hide something from him, and Meng Renshu helped her to cover for it.

    If not, then there was no exnation for why she would stay at his ce. And there was Meng Renshu''s vague reason for that too. Everything about this was just suspicious.

    Thinking back, Li Caiyi did act strangely sometimes. Previously, he let it go because he felt it wasn''t his business, but after thest attack on their housest night, he dared not to becent again. He was convinced that Li Caiyi and Meng Renshu knew something he wasn''t aware of.

    Li Chunhua was already in that condition; he couldn''t let Li Caiyi end up in a simr situation.

    Oblivious to hisplicated thoughts, Li Caiyi entered her room and quickly opened her desk drawer. Inside was a small box where she kept the ne Dai Zhiqiang gave her.

    Li Caiyi felt conflicted as she put it on again.

    Last time, she acted stubbornly and refused to wear it. After getting captive in that abandoned factory, she decided to bring it with her as a precaution.

    She fiddled with the pendant as she sighed. "Sure enough, it doesn''t feel right, but I should bring it with me, just in case Zhiqiang searches for me."

    Walking down the stairs again, Li Caiyi saw her brother standing near the door. "I will go now. See youter, Brother."

    "Wait."

    Li Caiyi stopped in her tracks when he called out to her. "What''s wrong?"

    "I''ming with you."

 Chapter 578 I Will Go With You

    Li Caiyi looked at her brother incredulously. "Why?"

    "Mother is worried about you. I will follow you to ensure you are not up to anything weird." Li Junjie exined in a deadpan tone.

    "There''s no need to follow me around like that. Besides, it''s not like you to be so concerned about my business like this. Aren''t you usually the one who wants to avoid other people''s problems?"

    "Last time, we only apprehended one guy, and the other managed to get away. It''s better if we go together."

    "No." Li Caiyi rejected it vehemently. "That would be embarrassing. Brother Renshu has assigned some people to watch over us. There shouldn''t be any problem."

    Li Junjie''s gaze deepened before he thoughtfully asked her, "Did something happen yesterday? Those people who came yesterday, they are after you, right?"

    Li Caiyi withdrew her gaze and pulled out the best act she could muster. "Brother Jie, are you trying to use me of causing trouble again?"

    "That''s not it. I just found your behavior strange as ofte. Usually, you are the one who will feel most concerned if something were to happen to Xiaohua, but you haven''t asked me about her condition ever since you got here."

    "That''s because I already heard about it from Brother Renshu."

    "Thest time Renshu visited her was a few days ago, though?" Li Junjie took a step forward and stared curiously at her. "He said you stay over at his ce because you missed him and feel anxious to stay at our house. Is this true?"

    Li Caiyi was baffled upon hearing that. That excuse probably could fool Su Suyin, but definitely not Li Junjie.

    She grumbled inwardly. Meng Renshu must be out of his mind if he could fool her brother with that vague excuse. No wonder Li Junjie was suspicious of her.

    "Since when did the two of you get along so well again? I think you two even got along better than in the past. Previously, you would never ask to stay over at his ce."

    "Brother Renshu is exaggerating. Well, I do feel anxious because those people attacked us so suddenly, but not to the extent of missing him." Li Caiyi nervously gave an excuse.

    "You said so, but why are you so eager to go out if you are anxious?"

    "Because I have something to do, of course!"

    "Then I will go with you so you won''t feel anxious anymore."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She couldn''t argue with this person. Li Junjie clearly waited for her here, fully prepared to follow her regardless of her answer. She felt he would still follow her if she ran away from there.

    What to do? Li Caiyi nned to contact Detective Tang after this, but she couldn''t do that with Li Junjie beside her.

    As if he had seen through her mind, he added, "Don''t worry, I won''t meddle in your business. I will simply stand with you and not do anything. I''ll give you some space to talk if you want to meet someone."

    Li Caiyi was conflicted. She just came here to fetch her ne; how did it end up like this? And the time kept ticking as they spoke.

    In the end, Li Caiyi said reluctantly, "Alright. But promise me you won''t try to eavesdrop or ask me anything unnecessary."

    "You have my words. So where are we going?"

    He didn''t even look surprised, as though he had seen thising. Li Caiyi felt worried for some reason.

    "I need to meet up with someone."

    ***

    Li Junjiie never let his sister out from his watch throughout their journey. At first, he was confused since she had brought them to an electronic store. Heter discovered that she had broken her phone and wanted to buy a new one.

    Li Junjie didn''t ask why her phone was broken and patiently waited as she used her new phone to contact someone. They talked for some time before she finally hung up and shifted her gaze to him.

    "I need to speak about something important about this person. We will go to a restaurant to talk, but you can''t sit at the same table as us." She said in a halfmanding manner.

    It seemed she didn''t want him to know her business with this person. Li Junjie became even more curious but refrained himself from asking.

    "I understand."

    After that, they went to a rtively well-known restaurant. Li Caiyi sat at the table in the corner while Li Junjie took a seat on the table next to her.

    She gave Li Junjie a troubled look, seemingly distressed by his presence, but he pretended not to see.

    "Brother Jie, can''t you find some other seats?"

    "Can you see any other avable seats? I can''t sit too far from you because I have to watch over you."

    Coincidentally, the restaurant was pretty crowded that noon, leaving only two empty tables left.

    Li Caiyi bit her lips in reluctance, but she didn''t say anything else.

    After waiting twenty minutes, a tall man wearing a trench coat entered the restaurant. He looked around until his gaze stopped at Li Caiyi, then walked over to her.

    Was that the man she wanted to meet? Li Junjie subtly nced at him and immediately noticed that this man was the same man captured in the picture during Li Caiyi''s scandal back then.

    Thinking back, her sister never came clear about this man''s identity. The way she tried to keep their meeting secret was suspicious too.

    Li Junjie calmly sipped on his ck coffee and kept his gaze forward.

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi, who sat across Detective Tang, eyeing her brother vigntly. From where she sat, she could only see his back, which made it impossible for her to see what he was doing. However, it looked like he was minding his own business, as he promised her.

    "So, what urgent matter makes you call me out in the middle of the day?"

    Detective Tang''s voice pulled her back to reality. Li Caiyi cleared away her throat before shifting her focus back. "Detective Tang, have you ever heard of Ye Wang before?"

    The older man''s smile stiffened upon hearing that. "What''s with the sudden question? Did you get involved in another problem again?"

    "Technically, yes, but that''s not the point. It''s a long story, but I recently found out that our movement is being watched by them."

    Detective Tang''s expression was grim as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Is that so? That''s unexpected."

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes. "You don''t look that surprised."

    "Huh? No, I''m surprised, but not because we are being watched," he chuckled, "I''m more surprised that you have any rtion to Ye Wang. They are pretty big fish; how do you know them?"

    Li Caiyi meant to surprise him, but it was she who got surprised instead. "What do you mean? So you already know that someone is watching over us? Oh! Then were they the ones who chased after us by car the other day?!"

    Detective Tang was perplexed as if he had no idea where to start. "No, it wasn''t them. There is no need for them to do it sneakily because Ye Wang does have some rtion to us in a way."

    "How so?"

    Detective Tang looked at her guiltily before saying, "I feel bad for you, but I guess there''s no need to hide it any longer."

 Chapter 579 Chu Kongs Secret

    Li Caiyi was bewildered, but she was shocked by Detective Tang''s revtion the next moment.

    "Kong used to be one of Ye Wang''s as well."

    "What?!" Li Caiyi almost yelled out due to how surprised she was. She quickly covered her mouth and nced at Li Junjie. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice her outburst.

    "Shocking, right?" Detective Tang chuckled. "However, even if I said he was one of them, that was technically incorrect since he never pledged to be one of them. We coincidentally met during one of my cases in the past. But that''s a story from when I was still working for the public investigator."

    Li Caiyi massaged her throbbing forehead. The sudden influx of information overloaded her brain, and she had difficulty ingesting them. "Wait, slow down. Then how could he be rted to them?

    "Kong had an older sister. She was the fiancee of a high-ranking person in Ye Wang. Kong really loved and cherished her a lot. He often used his skill to help the group per her sister''s request. He isn''t one of them, but he has done a lot of stuff for them."

    Li Caiyi''s jaw dropped. To think there was such a significant and vital backstory behind this all.

    As she was filled with disbelief, another thought hit her.

    Chu Kong''s older sister was the fiancee of a high-ranking man in Ye Wang, and she died in a car ident. Why did that story sound familiar?

    It took a few seconds before she could finally see the string connecting the facts she already knew in her mind.

    "Wait a minute. This fianceˇŞI mean, Mr. Chu''ste sister''s fiance, could he be Mr. Lin Xiang?"

    Detective Tang''s brows raised in a mixture of surprise and awe. "I didn''t expect you to know some important people from that group too. That''s right. If it weren''t for that unfortunate ident, Lin Xiang would be Kong''s brother-inw by now."

    So she was correct. Li Caiyi was at a loss for words and could only stare nkly at him.

    "The police concluded that the car crash was just an ident, but Kong firmly believed it was a premeditated murdermitted by one of Ye Wang''s enemies. Their parents had long passed away, so those two only had each other. That''s why her sister''s death hit him hard. Ever since then, Kong isted himself from the world and refused to meet anyone."

    "I see," Li Caiyi felt bad for Chu Kong. To lose the only family member he had must be devastating for him.

    "Kong med Lin Xiang for her sister''s death, but thetter never stopped to watch over him in his fiance''s stead. And it''s not out of personal feeling either, but because Ye Wang''s boss also valued Kong''s skill a lot. It wouldn''t be hard for them to find out your rtion to us after some time."

    Li Caiyi was stunned. From his exnation, it was fair to assume Lin Xiang must also know about her involvement with Chu Kong, but what about Dai Zhiqiang?

    It didn''t seem like he knew anything about her secret because he was desperate to find out what she was hiding. He wouldn''t act like that if he already knew.

    "You said you felt bad for me earlier; what do you mean by that?"

    "Ah." Detective Tang put both hands on top of his knee before lowering his head before her. "Miss Li, I''m terribly sorry for not telling you the truth."

    Taken aback by his sudden apology, Li Caiyi had a bad feeling about this. "Exin to me in a way I can understand."

    "Actually, Ye Wang is one of the contributors to our research. They helped us with the funding and also information. However, even with Ye Wang''s power, it was difficult to crack those shady conglomerates easily."

    "There is nock of funding on our side, but we need to have the Young Master Meng on our side, so we tricked you. We used the excuse of being unable to produce medicine for your sister to manipte you."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Detective Tang raised his head to gauge her reaction, but Li Caiyi only sat there silently with inexplicable emotion written on her face. He apologetically lowered his gaze again.

    "We''re really sorry. No, actually, Kong tried to stop me before. He felt it wasn''t right to convince you using your sister''s life like that, but I convinced him. Because I know you won''t refuse our offer if we say this is the only way to save your sister. If you want to me someone, please me me."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say. Certainly, it was unpleasant to be tricked like that, especially when she was always worried about Li Chunhua''s health.

    It was after Li Caiyi agreed with their conditions she went to Meng Renshu for help. She could imagine how she would refuse if he asked for her favor without using Li Chunhua''s medicine as the condition.

    Detective Tang was probably aware of that too.

    Li Caiyi sighed in defeat. "Please raise your head. I won''t bear a grudge or get mad over this matter."

    Detective Tang slowly straightened his back again. "Really? But I used an underhanded tactic on you."

    "In the end, it turned out to be for the better. We probably wouldn''t get this far if you didn''t do that."

    He smiled widely, feeling like a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulder. "I''m the one who keeps saying that we should trust each other, but here I am, using every trick on my sleeve to achieve my goal. I feel bad."

    "Stop apologizing. My sister and I aren''t harmed by your lie, and that''s enough for me. But does Brother Renshu know about this?"

    Detective Tangughed dryly as he wiped the sweat on his temple. "Rather than knowing about it, he saw through me from the beginning. Kids these days are very sharp."

    "He did?"

    "Yeah. He said since he had already agreed to help, he wanted us to stop using you as a pawn. That was a terrible way to put it, but in a way, he was right. So I couldn''t say anything back to him."

    Li Caiyi recalled when Meng Renshu and Detective Tang seemed to engage in a serious conversation in theboratory. Were they talking about this?

    A wave of inexplicable emotion washed over her, knowing that Meng Renshu silently cared for her like that. She shook her head to chase away the thought.

    "I came here to ask you a few things about Ye Wang, but I didn''t expect to hear so much. Especially about Mr. Chu''s entanglement with them."

    "I haven''t known him for long, but I know Lin Xiang. That guy helped me to gather information a few times."

    Li Caiyi pondered for a bit before asking again. "If you know Ye Wang, then do you also know about Huang Zhen?"

    "Yeah. We have heard of him. Lin Xiang suspected that he is also the main cause behind his fiance''s car crash, but so far, there isn''t enough supporting evidence for that."

    "I heard he used to be one of Ye Wang''s as well, but who is that person exactly?"

    "One thing I can say for sure is that he must be rted, or at least know something rted to that organization. Perhaps finding out more about him is the key to unlocking these mysteries."

 Chapter 580 Hatching A Plan

    Li Caiyi nodded. "Huang Zhen seems to have issues with Ye Wang too. Do you think that issue is rted to this organization we are currently searching for?"

    "There is a high chance for that. To summarize this matter, there are 3 important actors in this case. It''s Ye Wang, Huang Zhen, and the Li family."

    "The Li family?"

    Detective Tang nodded, "If I think back about our previous conversation, I be more convinced that your father is probably hiding something. Suppose Huang Zhen really rted to that organization. It means the only string that connects you and him is your father. In that case, it''s strange that he keeps showing himself in front of you, despite knowing that your father is not part of your family anymore."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips before admitting. "Actually, there is another reason. Huang Zhen, also after Ye Wang''s sole heir, Ye Zhong. And my boyfriend''s task is to guard that kid."

    Detective Tang smirked yfully, hearing that. "I see. No wonder Young Miss is so cold towards men. But then, what about Young Master Meng? He clearly has a thing for you."

    Li Caiyi coughed awkwardly, feeling a little embarrassed by this topic. "Anyway, I want to say that Huang Zhen is probably targeting me because he knows I will be Zhiqiang''s weakness."

    "Hmm, I can see your point, but that reasoning has many ws. I''m more inclined to believe that he targeted you specifically for a definite reason."

    "But then, why didn''t he target you or Mr. Chu? If Ye Wang is not the one who chased after us before, then it could only be Huang Zhen."

    Detective Tang mulled over the possibility while frowning deeply. "If I have to make a wild guess, then it must be because you have a higher chance of discovering the truth. I said it before, right? The Li family probably held another secret, and as a part of that family, you will eventually figure it out after some time."

    Li Caiyi was astonished by his reasoning. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she was. "Detective, how is your surveince on my fathering?"

    "So far, I haven''t found any clues from him. He behaves cautiously like he knows he''s being watched."

    "He is probably wary since Brother Renshu offered the position so easily to him. How about his house?"

    "It''s no good, either. The security in his house is pretty tight. I can probably do something about it, but it will take time. However, I found something suspicious regarding Gu Xue."

    Li Caiyi leaned her body forward in anticipation. "What is it?"

    "Gu Xue and your father only met once a week, and every time they did, Gu Xue always went to the same ce the next day. It''s a high-end club where rich and influential people gather.

    Gu Xue is not the type of person who can go there, so I looked into it a bit more. Sadly, that ce is heavily guarded, and one couldn''t enter without membership, so I couldn''t find out who she was meeting up with."

    "Is there nothing we can do? Should I check on that ce?"

    "That will be very helpful, but that ce is highly exclusive even among high society people. It''s a ce where people can discuss their shady business without worry. I doubt a child like you will be allowed to enter, no matter how rich you are."

    That means even Meng Renshu probably wouldn''t be allowed to enter as well. Li Caiyi''s shoulder slumped in disappointment. They were already so close but were left to grasp the air in the end.

    How to find out who Gu Xue was meeting up with? If only she knew a powerful and influential adult to help her.

    As that thought shed across her mind, she was suddenly reminded of the pocket watch in her bag.

    ''That''s right. There is one person who can help me with this.'' Li Caiyi perked up.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "No, I''m okay," Li Caiyi collected herself before asking again, "Say, do you think we can trust Ye Huizhong?"

    "He is a shady and ruthless man with many enemies, which causes misfortune for many people. I advise you to refrain from involving yourself too much with him. Even Kong said we shouldn''t rely on him too much."

    "I know. But what if he is the only one who can help us with this?"

    Detective Tang looked at her stubborn face and smiled helplessly. "Young Miss, whatever you are thinking about, I hope you remember that you are currently facing a big organization with dark secrets. You should thread more carefullyˇŞ"

    "It''s toote. I already have one of my feet stuck in this mess. I might as well use my other leg to help me escape."

    "If you must know, Ye Huizhong is unscrupulous, but he is a man of his word. Especially regarding business, if you catch my drift."

    By ''business'' he must refer to information trading.

    Ye Huizhong still owed her some information after she revealed many things to him. She was also curious about how much he knew about everything.

    If their interests aligned, they probably could work together.

    ***

    Detective Tang left as soon as they finished talking. Li Junjie rose from his seat and approached her.

    "Have you finished talking?"

    Li Caiyi looked at him wryly. "Until when are you going to follow me around like this?"

    "Until I''mpletely sure that you will be fine."

    "Did you hear what I was talking about with that person before?"

    "No. I promised you I won''t interfere or eavesdrop on your conversation."

    Li Caiyi squinted her eyes skeptically. But Li Junjie hadn''t asked her anything since they went out together. Perhaps he really was only here to keep her safe.

    Nevertheless, it would still be a problem if he kept following her like this. She couldn''t visit Ye Wang like this, even though she had to talk with Ye Huizhing. She needed to think of a way to shake him off somehow.

    "Where are you going next?" Li Junjie asked her.

    Li Caiyi thought about it for a moment before deciding she''d better call it quits for today. "My business is done, so let''s go to the hospital after this."

    He nodded and waited for her to walk away before he began following her. It was like a chick following its mother hen.

    What a weird feeling to see him act like this. Li Caiyi could never get used to this.

 Chapter 581 Three People Can Play This Game

    Three days passed after that, and Li Chunhua was still not showing any sign of waking up. She had never slept so long like this before, so everyone became increasingly worried.

    Moreover, Li Caiyi hadn''t heard a single thing about Dai Zhiqiang. She was always on the edge of her seat and couldn''t stop checking on her phone.

    Meng Renshuforted her and said that she should take no news as good news, but thinking about how fierce Huang Zhen could be, Li Caiyi couldn''t calm down.

    There was no news from Dai Shenqiang''s side too, which meant that no one in Ye Wang knew his whereabouts and current condition.

    Li Caiyi felt it was only a matter of time before she went crazy from worry.

    What if she couldn''t meet him anymore?

    She quickly pped herself when that thought passed her mind. There was no way it would be like that. She still had a lot of things she wanted to do with him and many words she wanted to tell him.

    Like gratitude for always thinking about her. Or an apology for being too sensitive and difficult.

    Li Caiyi calmed herself down. Panicking wouldn''t help her. Instead of regretting, she should do whatever she could first.

    She felt like if there was anyone who probably knew about Dai Zhiqiang''s condition, that would be Ye Huizhong.

    Coincidentally, Li Caiyi also had a favor to ask of him, so she nned to visit Ye Wang as soon as possible.

    She should have done this a few days ago, but Li Junjie always appeared beside her and insisted on following her. Even when she deliberately ran out of the ssroom right as the bell rang, Li Junjie would wait for her at the gate. In the end, she was always caught by him.

    Li Caiyi failed to shake him off in thest few days, but she must seed today. She was confident since she had already formted a good n.

    Thinking about the mouse alley that she and Dai Zhiqiang used to escape from the loan sharks, Li Caiyi was sure her brother wouldn''t be able to find her if she went that way. She had already memorized the road too.

    Her mind wandered, and she was reminded of Dai Zhiqiang again. At that time, they hadn''t been in a rtionship yet, but he held her hand tightly as he led her.

    Li Caiyi remembered she was so nervous and self-conscious back then, but she felt so reassured with him.

    So much she wanted him to hold her hand longer.

    Li Caiyi touched her ne''s pendant and wondered if she had already fallen for him at that time?

    She missed him so much.

    ***

    Unlike the day before, Li Caiyi didn''t immediately run out of the ssroom when the bell rang. She waited a few minutes before walking out of the school building towards the back gate.

    She was a bit nervous as Li Junjie was like a ghost who kept appearing beside her. But when she finally reached the gate, she sighed in relief, noticing no one was there.

    Li Caiyi hastened her steps and almost took a breath of freedom when she was suddenly yanked from behind by the arm.

    She gasped in surprise. "Wait, Brother Jie! I can exin!"

    A chuckle escaped Meng Renshu''s mouth as he looked down at Li Caiyi''s shocked face. "You are like a cat whose tail has been stepped on. Did Junjie scare you so much?"

    ? "Brother Renshu! It''s you." Li Caiyi''s shoulder visibly rxed. She almost got a mini heart attack just now.

    "Where are you going? Why are you sneaking around like a thief?"

    "It''s a long story, but I can''t let Brother Jie know I''m here. Can you keep this a secret from him?" Li Caiyi put her index finger in front of her lips, and Meng Renshu found that gesture adorable.

    "But I''m here on your brother''s request. He said to stand by the back gate, and if I see you walking past, I should stop you and contact him immediately."

    Li Caiyi staggered backward. She thought she had found her ally, but it turned out she ran into Li Junjie''s aplice here.

    Meng Renshuughed, seeing her worried expression. "Rx, I won''t snitch on you if you tell me where are you going? What are you up to this time?"

    "Do I have to tell you that?"

    "Should I call Junjie then?" Meng Renshu raised his phone in front of her while smirking mischievously.

    "Wait, no, please don''t." Li Caiyi pulled his hand before heaving a long sigh.

    At least the one who caught her was Meng Renshu, who knew her secret. But it was probably better not to tell him it was Dai Zhiqiang''s workce.

    "That''s more like it. I''m listening." Meng Renshu''s smile deepened.

    "It''s nothing very important. Have you heard about Gu Xue''s suspicious movement from Detective Tang?"

    "Yeah. Is this rted to that matter?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "I know someone who can help us, and I n to visit him today."

    "Really? But that person must have considerable influence to enter a ce like that."

    "Don''t worry. That person fits the criteria just okay. And I also know how to convince him to help me. So if you could just shut your eyes and pretend you didn''t see me today, our problem will be solved."

    Meng Renshu smiled. He felt good inside seeing her act fawningly in front of him.

    "I''m not sure. But you seem to be very confident about this. What kind of rtionship do you have with this person?"

    Li Caiyi pouted. "Are you deliberately questioning me like this because you already secretly call my brother here? Is this another of your tricks?"

    "There''s no such thing. I want to ensure this guy won''t take advantage of you."

    "He won''t. At least, I believe so because he owes me something. I have to collect the debt from him."

    "You make me even more curious. Who is that person?"

    This was the crucial part. Meng Renshu was very sharp, so she couldn''t slip here.

    Li Caiyi chose her words carefully before answering. "It''s just someone I know in the passing. He is a low-profile man, so he doesn''t like it when people spread the news about him. He is also an introvert who dislikes people. Brother Renshu, this is all for the sess of our n. If you keep holding me here, my brother will soone to check on us."

    Her tone was urgent, but Meng Renshu wasn''t in a hurry at all. He calmly thought it through before smiling widely. "Sounds like an excellent man to me. Can we visit him together?"

    "No!" Li Caiyi rejected him immediately.

    What''s with people these days? Why do they keep trying to tail her everywhere?

    "I already said he doesn''t like meeting people."

    Meng Renshu only gave her a meaningful smile. "Xiaoyi, it''s either me or Junjie. Take your pick slowly. I''m not in a hurry. Even if you refuse, three people can still y this game."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words facing his subtle threat.

    Previously, Meng Renshu warned her that Dai Zhiqiang was involved with some dangerous group. He was right, but he didn''t know about it yet.

    That was the reason she didn''t mention anything about Ye Wang being Dai Zhiqiang''s workce. If Meng Renshu knew, he probably would have prevented her from going there.

    If she let him follow her, the cat would quickly be out of the bag, and no one could tell how he would react. What to do?

    "Xiaoyi, what''s your answer?"

 Chapter 582 Striking An Agreement With The Boss

    In the end, Li Caiyi decided to tackle whatever problems that mighte in the future.

    She nced wearily at Meng Renshu beside her and heaved a long sigh, wondering whether this was a good idea.

    Thetter didn''t notice her staring and focused on the Ye Wang gate in front of him. "So this is where the person you talked about lives? It doesn''t look really low-profile if you ask me."

    Li Caiyi ignored his sarcasticment and walked forward. Unlikest time, some guards were standing in front of the gate this time. They scrutinized them from behind their dark sunsses before raising their hands.

    "Stop. State your name and business." One of the guards said.

    "I''m Li Caiyi, and I have business with Mr. Ye Huizhong. He said you will let me go through if I show you this," Li Caiyi responded as she raised the pocket watch in her hand.

    "That isˇ­!"

    The guard took the watch from her and examined it closely. After exchanging a few words with his partner, he returned the watch to her. "Alright, you may pass."

    Then, they opened the gate for them. Li Caiyi was relieved because apparently Ye Huizhong really wasn''t tricking her. Detective Tang''s assessment of him was spot on.

    Once inside, Li Caiyi immediately went toward Ye Huizhong''s work room. There seemed to be more people than before. She wondered whether one of them knew what had happened to Dai Zhiqiang.

    Meng Renshu hadn''t said anything since they entered. She thought he would ask her a bunch of questions, but he silently followed her as he observed his surroundings.

    They smoothly arrived at Ye Huizhong''s office not long after that. Surprisingly, no one was trying to stop them. She wondered if he was already aware of her visit.

    Li Caiyi turned to Meng Renshu before speaking in a stern tone. "I''m going to have a serious talk. You wait here."

    "I can''t do that. How can I leave you alone with an unknown man? What if something happens to you? Besides, I want to know how you will convince him to help us."

    "Not this againˇ­." Li Caiyi groaned.

    "Just give up, Xiaoyi. You know you can''t stop me."

    Li Caiyi grumbled in annoyance before knocking on the door several times.

    "Enter."

    She could hear Ye Huizhong''s heavy voice from inside almost immediately, almost like he was waiting for her toe.

    When Li Caiyi opened the door and entered, Ye Huizhong was sitting in the same exact spot as before. "It''s been a while, Mr. Ye Huizhong."

    Ye Huizhong stared at them closely. He didn''t seem surprised to see hering with an additional one. "Yeah. I predicted you woulde. Now, what do you want to ask me?"

    He went right to the point. Li Caiyi straightened her back. "Please tell me where Dai Zhiqiang is now."

    She could feel Meng Renshu''s gaze on her, but she kept her gaze on Ye Huizhong.

    "I can''t tell you that. Not because I don''t want to, but because he doesn''t want me to tell anyone about it."

    "Why?" Li Caiyi frowned.

    "How should I know? Why don''t you ask him yourself?"

    "But you said you would answer my question!"

    "You asked me after I promised him not to tell anyone about his whereabouts. As a man with honor, I won''t break my promise."

    Li Caiyi gritted her teeth. He was just saying whatever he pleased. If it weren''t for him suddenly having to leave in the middle of their conversation the other day, wouldn''t she already have asked him about it?

    Li Caiyi calmed herself down. She couldn''t get agitated here and offend this person. There were still a lot of things she wanted to ask him.

    "I understand. But can you at least tell me whether he is safe or not?"

    "He is injured but recovering well."

    Her heart sank a bit upon hearing it. "What kind of injury? Is it severe?"

    "I can''t answer that."

    Talking with this old man was frustrating. What made this even more infuriating was that Li Caiyi couldn''t force him to talk when he could threaten her anytime.

    "Is that all you want to ask me?" Ye Huizhong rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "I''m sure you didn''te here just to ask about your boyfriend''s condition."

    "That''s right. I have a favor I want to ask from you as well."

    Ye Huizhong snickered. "I allow you to ask me some questions, but I never said you could ask for a favor from me."

    "Of course, I never intended to get help for free. I assure you will get something beneficial out of this as well."

    Ye Huizhong didn''t react, so Li Caiyi took this as a cue to continue. "Don''t you want to capture Huang Zhen? I heard he stole something very important from you before."

    Only then did Ye Huizhong show some reaction. He looked at her sharply, with darkness creeping inside his eyes. "Young Miss, it''s better if you don''t push your luck with me. As you can see, I''m not very patient."

    Li Caiyi resisted the urge to recoil from the pressure. Chill ran down her spine, imagining what this person could do to her if she provoked him.

    Meng Renshu, who saw her getting intimidated, immediately stepped between them, leaving her to stare at his back wide-eyed.

    "Pardon her rudeness. Xiaoyi is a little agitated because she has been concerned about many thingstely. I have heard many things about you, but I believe this is the first time we have met?"

    Ye Huizhongughed in amusement. "Hoho, at least there is one sensible guy here. I know who you are, but what makes the Young Master Menge to visit our humble abode?"

    "Please, this is a great ce. As for me, I came here to apany my childhood friends since she said she has something to talk about with you." Meng Renshu spoke amiably, with no trace of fear in his voice.

    Li Caiyi grabbed him by the arm, but thetter only looked back with a reassuring smile. "It''s okay. Let me do this."

    He looked forward again, this time with a worried expression. "As you have probably heard, we are currently in the middle of investigating something important. After a long time, we finally found something, but we need that final push to crack a hole in the enemy''s defense. Thus, we need your help."

    "Alright, I will hear you out. What kind of benefit will I get from this?"

    "I believe Xiaoyi can exin that."

    Then, he looked back again and patted her shoulder. He leaned closer and whispered, "Be more subtle this time. Don''t lose this opportunity."

    Li Caiyi nodded. Meng Renshu had helped her once again. She was against bringing him along before, but it seemed it wasn''t a useless decision.

    "We suspected that Huang Zhen and my father had something to do with that organization. If you help us, we can determine whether that theory is correct. If yes, you might find more clues about where he hid your item."

    "We have checked on your father before, but we found no rtion between him and Huang Zhen."

    As expected, Ye Wang did a thorough background check on the Li family. Detective Tang was right.

    "There might be no rtion between him and my father personally, but what if they are connected through one proxy? There is a possibility that a third party is involved in this."

    Ye Huizhong fell silent for a moment. It wasn''t like he had never thought of it before, but it was almost impossible to figure out Huang Zhen''s movement. And he didn''t want to provoke the Meng needlessly by checking on their employee. It would be too risky.

    "I assume you have an idea who this third party is?"

    "Yes. But their meeting ce is somewhere hard for us to enter."

    "And that''s where Ie in," Ye Huizhong tapped the table with his finger while looking deep in thought. His emotion was unfathomable.

    "That''s right. If we find something else in the future, I promise you will be the first one to find out." Li Caiyi put her hand on her chest, trying to convey her sincerity as much as possible.

    "Very well. Let''s talk more about this mission of yours. You''d better not forget your promise today, Miss Li Caiyi. I don''t treat traitors well."

 Chapter 583 My Brother Is Working Here

    "That''ll settle it then. We will meet again in a week." Ye Huizhong leaned his back against the backrest while leisurely blowing his pipe.

    "Yes. I''m looking forward to our cooperation." Li Caiyi put out her hand for a handshake.

    Ye Huizhongughed before taking her hand. "You are as cheeky as the other kid. Don''t you have any fear at all?"

    "I have a lot of fear, but I can''t afford to lose to it now."

    "d to hear that. I don''t need a coward as my business partner. My butler will soone to you with a contract. I believe you will not have any problem with that?"

    "Depends on the content of the contract."

    Ye Huizhongughed boisterously. "Smart answer. You may leave if there''s nothing you want to discuss anymore."

    Li Caiyi wanted to ask him again about Dai Zhiqiang, but she restrained herself. If Dai Zhiqiang didn''t want her to find out, he must have had a reason for that. She just had to believe in him.

    "Uhm, what should I do with this?" Li Caiyi showed him the pocket watch, but he waved his hand casually.

    "Keep it. Take it as the token of our agreement."

    Hearing him saying that didn''t sound reassuring for some reason. She felt that he would search for her should anything happen to it. Better to keep it with her all the time.

    "I understand. Then we will be taking our leave."

    Li Caiyi felt relieved and was about to leave the room when she noticed Meng Renshu hadn''t moved an inch from his spot. "Brother Renshu?"

    Ignoring her call, Meng Renshu shot Ye Huizhong a polite yet bold gaze. "Pardon me if I sound rude, but Xiaoyi is very dear to me. If something happens to her, I won''t stay still."

    Li Caiyi was stunned. Just when everything finally ended on a good note, why did he have to say that and aggravate the situation again?

    She nervously nced at Ye Huizhong, but strangely, the older man didn''t look offended but confused. "I know Meng and Li families have a long history together, but threatening me won''t give you anything."

    "It counts as a win as long as Xiaoyi is safe." Meng Renshu was smiling, but that smile didn''t reach his eyes and was very cold.

    Ye Huizhong didn''tment but withdrew his gaze from him. "There is no need for Young Master Meng to worry. I have no hobby of bullying little girls."

    "d to hear that. I believe the Chairman of Ye Group is a trustworthy person. We will stop bothering you now. Please excuse us."

    Li Caiyi could only stare at Meng Renshu inexplicably while he pushed her gently out of the room.

    ***

    "This ce is really great. Especially that lotus pond. Don''t you think something sacred coulde out of that water anytime?"

    Li Caiyi was in no mood to talk about the scenery, so she quickly shot him a questioning look. "Why did you do what you did earlier? You are the one who told me to speak carefully."

    "Because you need to speak carefully, but I don''t necessarily have to do that."

    In other words, he was trying to say that there was no need for a noble person like him to bow his head to Ye Huizhong, while a peasant like her should be careful if she didn''t want to lose her head.

    Li Caiyi felt unpleasant but had no words to counter that. Eventually, she gave up on arguing and asked something else. "Did you know Ye Huizhong before this?"

    "Not personally, but I heard a lot of rumors about him. My father even said that we should be careful around him."

    "Yet you speak so boldly towards him."

    "It works both ways. I can''t carelessly offend him, but he also can''t push me around as he pleases. Simply put, we are checking out each other''s powers."

    "Did you know about Ye Wang since our previous life?"

    "Yes. Apparently, many people are using their services, and some rmended them to me. However, I was very skeptical and thus never thought of trying it myself. Besides, I don''t trust them. If I need to know something, I just have to use the Meng family''s connection."

    "No wonder you don''t look surprised at all."

    Li Caiyi hadn''t heard of Ye Huizhong even in her past life. But perhaps that was just proof of how powerful he was.

    "As a matter of fact, I was surprised, not because of Ye Huizhong, but some other things."

    "What is it?"

    Meng Renshu looked deep in thought, and she wondered if he was bothered by something.

    They were walking by the side of the pond when they heard footsteps. The sound got louder and closer, making them simultaneously turn their heads.

    "Caiyi! So it''s really you!"

    "Shenqiang!" Li Caiyi eximed in a mixture of delight and anxiety.

    Meng Renshu''s meaningful gaze deepened upon seeing Dai Shenqiang here.

    "Oh? You are not alone today." Dai Shenqiang looked pleasantly surprised to see Meng Renshu. "Brother Meng, it''s been a while. We met once before."

    "Yeah, I remember you are Dai Zhiqiang''s little brother."

    "That''s correct. I''m d you remember me. Thank you very much for your helpst time."

    Li Caiyi watched their interaction nervously. There was nothing unusual about Meng Renshu, but she had a bad feeling.

    "But why are you here, Shenqiang?"

    "Oh? You haven''t heard from Caiyi yet?" Dai Shenqiang nced briefly at her and wondered why she grimaced like that.

    "Is this something I need to hear? What about you tell me first?"

    "Apparently, my brother is working here. I''m currently waiting for him toe back."

    "I see. So Dai Zhiqiang is also a part of this group." Meng Renshu shifted his gaze to Li Caiyi. His voice was icy, and he had those unsmiling eyes again. "No wonder Ye Huizhong seemed very familiar with him."

    "Yeah. He is my brother''s boss. I heard my brother is his right-hand man or something."

    Li Caiyi gulped. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles as Meng Renshu''s gaze became more intense.

    "But why didn''t you tell me you wereing?" Dai Shenqiang pouted. "If I didn''t see you just now, were you nning to leave just like that?"

    "No, that''s not it." Li Caiyiughed dryly. "I just wanted to go sightseeing for a bit beforeing to check on you."

    "Really? I''m so d. This ce is too dreary, but I feel better when you are here."

    "How is your father''s condition?" Li Caiyi attempted to shift the topic.

    "He is still unconscious. The doctor said his condition is stable, but I''m still worried." He answered gloomily.

    "That must be hard on you."

    Meng Renshu suddenly interrupted by clearing his throat. "She is right. But unfortunately, we can''t stay for long, because we have a LOT of things to talk about after this. Isn''t that right, Xiaoyi?"

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously again. "Y-Yes. I guess so?"

    "What? You guys are leaving already? Aww, that''s too bad."

    "Sorry, Shenqiang. We will let you know if we hear something about your brother," Meng Renshu hugged Li Caiyi''s shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Now, shall we go, Xiaoyi?"

    From up close, his smile looked even scarier. "Y-Yes."

 Chapter 584 A Bet

    After leaving Ye Wang, they returned using Meng Renshu''s car, but a suffocating silence hung in the air. Like the calm before the storm, he was eerily quiet, making Li Caiyi anxious.

    "Brother Renshu? I realized I hadn''t thanked you for helping me out back then. Thank you."

    Meng Renshu turned his gaze from the window and stared sharply at her. "Do you understand what you have done?"

    "Huh?"

    "The current Dai Zhiqiang is already threading on the same path as he previously was. Even knowing that, are you still going to stick with him?"

    It seemed this topic was unavoidable no matter what. Li Caiyi had seen thising, but it still feltplicated inside.

    "I won''t let the same tragedy happen to him again."

    Meng Renshu sneered. "What can you do against a big group such as Ye Wang? You are just a regr girl. You are lucky this time foring out safely after being kidnapped. Still, eventually, you will get dragged into the bigger mess."

    "Whether you like it or not, I am already involved in this anyway. It''s toote to go back now."

    "I don''t understand where your confidencees from. If it wasn''t for me, you would not be sitting here talking back to me like this. Junjie is right. I shouldn''t have helped you."

    Li Caiyi pursed her lips. "I know I have been nothing but a nuisance for you, but Zhiqiang is definitely not a bad person. There must be a reason why he did that."

    Meng Renshu''s eyes darkened as he grew more impatient. "I know that love can blind a person, but you are the worst case. Can you still say that when he deliberately tries to avoid you?"

    "No matter what you say, I will believe in Zhiqiang that I know." Li Caiyi argued stubbornly, and it made him feel more ufortable.

    Meng Renshu scoffed. "You are still a romanticist even now. I thought you had improved from your stupidly loyal self, but you are still the same deep inside. Chasing after a man must be your biggest hobby. How pathetic."

    Li Caiyi felt anger bubbling up inside her. She clenched her hand into a fist as her gaze turned colder.

    "Call me whatever you want, but I at least know Dai Zhiqiang would never abandon me."

    Meng Renshu''s frown deepened. He could tell she was trying to mock him by saying that, which made him furious. He wanted to push her down and make her retract that statement, but he quickly drowned that dark thought.

    Instead, he chuckled sinisterly. "Silly Xiaoyi, you don''t even realize you are making the same mistake twice. Then, how about we make a bet?"

    "A bet?" Li Caiyi looked at him warily.

    "Yes. Let''s see which one of our assessments of Dai Zhiqiang is correct. If you win, I will never doubt him again. However, if I win, I want you to stop thinking about me that way."

    "In what way, you mean?"

    "Like I will abandon you again." Meng Renshu red at her, but his eyes showed a hint of sadness. "I wouldn''t deny that I have mistreated you in the past, but it will never happen again."

    Meng Renshu yanked her by the arm and pulled her closer. Her pupils widened slightly in surprise.

    Their faces were so close together, and she instinctively wanted to pull away. However, Meng Renshu''s other hand held her back, locking her in ce.

    "I will make you look at me again, so watch me closely."

    Li Caiyi gulped. She was worried he would do something to her, so she dared not to provoke him further.

    Meng Renshu stared at her deeply. He could feel the warmth and softness of her body under his palm. Yet, before her frightened eyes, he couldn''t bring himself to do anything.

    Eventually, he released her from his hold. Li Caiyi immediately scooted back and created some distance between them. The scene made him amused and lonely at the same time.

    "You don''t need to be so rmed. I won''t do anything to you here."

    After that, he returned his gaze to the view outside the window. The heavy silence permeated the air again.

    He acted as if nothing had happened, throwing her off the loop.

    Li Caiyi was still offended and angry, but looking at him like that, she suddenly lost the mood to continue the conversation.

    After their regression, Meng Renshu showed her a lot of sides of him she never knew before. However, he had never tantly insulted her like this. It proved that he must be extremely disturbed.

    Li Caiyi brushed off that thought as soon as it emerged. She wouldn''t sympathize with a person that mocked her and Dai Zhiqiang.

    Meng Renshu was thest person she wanted to hear that from.

    While both were deep in their thoughts, Mr. Mu, who watched and listened to their conversation, stepped on the gas pedal harder. He couldn''t stand to be in that suffocating silence any longer.

    ***

    Another week had passed since then, and third-year students'' graduation was already around the corner. However, Li Chunhua still had yet to show any sign of waking up, and Dai Zhiqiang still had not contacted her.

    Everyone was in a festive mood since they were preparing a graduation event for the third year as per school tradition, but Li Caiyi felt none of that. She absentmindedly arranged the chair until she felt a tap on her shoulder.

    "What''s wrong with you? You are spacing out more often these days."

    Feng Nian stood beside her with a concerned look. "Are you still worrying about your sister?"

    "Well, there''s that, too," Li Caiyi replied gloomily. "But there are a lot of other things going on too."

    "Come to think of it, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t even attend the final exam this time, and he still hasn''t returned to school. Did something happen to him?"

    "I think he is busy, but he won''t talk to me."

    Feng Nian patted her back a few times tofort her. "He''lle around. You can give him a punch or two for ghosting you like that when that timees. You''ll feel better after that."

    "Haha, you are right. I should teach him a lesson next time."

    "That''s my friend!" Feng Nian gave her a thumbs up before spreading her gaze to the big auditorium, where the graduation event would be held. "A year passed by so fast. We will be in our third year in less than a month. I hope Li Chunhua and Dai Zhiqiang will be with us, too, when that timees."

    "Yeah, I hope so too."

    "And I know you are worried about them, but you can''t neglect yourself. Remember, you still have your body and dream to take care of. Have you been writing recently?"

    Li Caiyi shrunk in ce. "I haven''t written anything for a few days now. I can''t seem to think of anything."

    "Actually, it makes sense, considering all kinds of stuff you are going through. Don''t give up, though."

    "I know. I''ll try my best. Thanks for reminding me."

    "Anyway, your brother will deliver the parting speech at the graduation ceremony, right? You must be proud of him."

    "I guess so," Li Caiyi replied half-heartedly. When she thought of Li Junjie these days, she could only think of how troublesome he was. If it weren''t for preparing for his college entrance examination, he probably would still follow her around until now.

    "A lot of girls are crying because two of their school idols will be graduating. Shouldn''t they feel happy? Or do they prefer them to be held back a year or something? I really can''t understand."

    "Brother Jie and Brother Renshu are too popr. Those fangirls will calm down after some time."

    "Oh yeah, have you prepared anything for them? Like a graduation present or something?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t even think of that. "No, I didn''t prepare anything."

    "Is that so? All girls keep talking about preparing a gift for them or something like that, so I thought you were preparing something too."

    These days, Li Caiyi kept moving back and forth between the hospital, school, and Ye Wang. She had no space to think about graduation, much less prepare a gift.

    Feng Nian''s words stuck in her mind, making her seriously consider picking some gift. After all, graduation was an asion worthy of celebrating.

    But then, her mind wandered to thest time she ''argued'' with Meng Renshu, and it dampened her spirit.

    ''Well, he offends me first, and it''s not like hecks anything, so it''s okay if I only prepare one for my brother, right?''

    Li Caiyi felt her thought was reasonable and continued to arrange the chair while thinking of a suitable gift for Li Junjie.

 Chapter 585 The Big Fish Is Coming Up To The Surface

    Li Caiyi groaned. Writing when her mind was on other things was easier said than done. She couldn''t seem to get a decent idea. She had been stuck behind her desk for some time and had not progressed in her writing.

    "So this is what they call writer''s block. Jingfei will get angry if I dy it further. I have to get some words done today, no matter what."

    Shao Jingfei used to give her advice once. When stuck, she should go back to the basics. Don''t overthink things; try to write down whatever you like first. It would help to rx your mind and let the creative juices flow.

    Li Caiyi tried to apply his advice and jotted down everything in her mind. When she checked on what she wrote, she was surprised to find that almost everything was about Dai Zhiqiang.

    The advice clearly backfired on her because she couldn''t focus anymore.

    She had sent numerous texts in the past week, but none was replied.

    Ye Huizhong refused to tell her anything, so there was no news about him.

    "Is he finally fed up with me because I keep causing trouble for him?"

    Just the thought of that dampened her mood. She became restless, but there was nothing she could do about it.

    Then, her phone rang. Thinking it was probably Dai Zhiqiang, she quickly checked the caller ID. The call came from an unknown number. Her heart skipped a beat in anticipation.

    "Hello?"

    "I got the information you want. Come to Ye Wang and fetch it now."

    Beep.

    The call was hung up just like that. Li Caiyi''s shoulder slumped in disappointment.

    She thought it was Dai Zhiqiang, but it was Ye Huizhong. At this point, she wasn''t surprised how he knew her number.

    However, he clearly said he finally got some new information about what she asked himst time. He moved fast and efficiently, so she dared not to waste time.

    Fetching her jacket, Li Caiyi ran out of the house and hailed a taxi.

    ***

    Ye Huizhong gave her a brown envelope as soon as she entered his office. As usual, he wasn''t the type to beat around the bush.

    "This is the information you want. I have to say, things have be interesting." Ye Huizhong said with a wide grin, but it made his face look scarier.

    Li Caiyi opened the envelope immediately. Inside were a couple of pictures. The first one captured Gu Xue entering a fancy room with an arrogant smile, while the other one was Gu Xueing out of that room with a man she was very familiar with.

    Li Caiyi: "!!"

    "I already told you this will be interesting. What did the boy tell me the other day? He said he won''t forgive me if I do something to you. I wonder if he can say the same to his father?" Ye Huizhong smirked delightfully.

    There was no mistaking it. Although the man''s face was slightly hidden by the wall, Li Caiyi would never fail to recognize Meng Yaoshu with someone else. Her hand, which was holding the picture, shook as the dark memories of the past slowly returned to her.

    "Do you think this person is really rted to Huang Zhen and that organization?"

    "What are you talking about? Are you having second thoughts because he is your friend''s father?"

    "No, it''s just Gu Xue is famous for having ''rtionships'' with many powerful men. I won''t be surprised if she is entangled with Meng Yaoshu too."

    Ye Huizhong frowned. "Aren''t you the one who said that whoever she met probably has something to do with Huang Zhen? That''s why you pulled me into this?"

    "Yes, but just this picture alone won''t exin anything."

    "Then you should bring this picture to that friend of yours. Surely, Young Master Meng will know more about his father than us."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips in hesitation. "But still, this is his father we are talking aboutˇ­."

    "That boy has enough guts to warn me. If this matter is enough to shake him, I must re-think my opinion of that boy."

    Based on what Meng Renshu said to herst time, Ye Huizhong wouldn''t carelessly act against the Meng family, or it would be the same as shooting his own foot.

    Li Caiyi calmly thought about her options once again.

    "Did Gu Xue and Meng Yaoshu ever meet again after that?"

    "I don''t think so. I have my men tailed her. She met a bunch of men but didn''t meet Meng Yaoshu again after that day."

    Then it was safe to assume that the reason Gu Xue could even enter that ce was due to Meng Yaoshu''s consent.

    The timestamp on the pictures indicated that Gu Xue was in the room for 15 minutes. The period was too short for them tomit an affair.

    Finding out the reason for their meeting would be next on the list. As Ye Huizhong said, it would be faster if she asked Meng Renshu''s opinion about this.

    "Is there anything else?" Li Caiyi asked.

    "Honestly, I wouldn''t be surprised if Meng Yaoshu has something to do with that organization. He spent a lot of money and effort to build up his public persona, but if we talk about medicinal research, there was no ce more advanced in this country than Meng Pharmaceutical."

    "Meng Yaoshu has the means and motive to be one of them. Besides, there is another interesting point."

    "What is that?" Li Caiyi asked.

    "The first time Huang Zhen showed himself in public after a long time was during the Glorious Days anniversary party. Think about it again. Two people were taken hostage that night; who were they?"

    Li Caiyi could feel her heart race as the puzzle pieces began to fit in their ces. "Meng Yaoshu and Shao Yufei."

    "Correct. After thatmotion, a lot of people voiced theirints to Glorious Days. Even the police came to thepany to talk with Shao Yufei. However, they didn''t bother to pester the other hostage."

    Ye Huizhong grinned wickedly. "No matter how much one tries to cover their tracks, it''s impossible topletely hide their trace. If you ask me, I think we have hit the jackpot this time. The big fish is finallying up to the surface."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. Not because she couldn''t believe it but because she knew Meng Yaoshu was capable of such things. She experienced it firsthand, in the hardest and most bitter way.

    She unknowingly clenched the picture in her hand, causing creases to form on it.

    Meng Yaoshu was the mastermind behind Li Chunhua''s poisoning case. He almost killed her sister and framed her for it. If he was also somehow rted to that organization, then Li Caiyi had no reason to avoid him anymore.

    Meng Yaoshu had to be stopped before another tragedy happened again.

    "Mr. Ye. There is another thing I''d like you to investigate for me. However, it might be pretty difficult."

    "Are you doubting my Ye Wang''s ability to gather intelligence? Just out with it."

    "I need your help to investigate my uncle Li Quan''s ident around 25 years ago."

 Chapter 586 Why Would He Choose An Ugly Girl Like You?

    "Oh? Why do you want to know about this?" Ye Huizhong raised his brows in interest.

    "I suspected that his death was rted to my father, and the motive is closely rted to Meng Pharmaceutical. There is no proof, but I think it is worth investigating."

    "Hm. It seems your family holds a profound secret. I have been dealing with many people''s secrets throughout my life, so I can tell you this. Sometimes, there is a secret that is better to be buried forever. Are you sure you want to do this?"

    Li Caiyi nodded. Aside from curiosity, she also wanted to know whether this case had something to do with what happened in her previous life.

    Ye Huizhong looked at her thoughtfully. "Well, I will look into it some more. You are lucky that I found this case rather intriguing. Normally, I will charge you a high price for asking me to dig such old stuff."

    "Thank you, Mr. Ye. I''m forever indebted to you."

    "Take this as a form ofpensation from me. I hate owing someone a debt."

    "Yes?" Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion, but Ye Huizhong had already stood up.

    "Also, Dai Zhiqiang''s father regained consciousness yesterday. You are free to visit him if you want."

    Li Caiyi felt ted hearing that. "Really? Then, I will visit him right away."

    After leaving the office, Li Caiyi quickly walked towards the building where Dai Bolin rested. She had visited Ye Wang so often that she had already memorized the way. It was spacious, but it wasn''t hard to get your way around once you remembered thendmark for everything.

    This would be her first time stepping into this section, but Dai Shenqiang once showed her around the ce.

    While Li Caiyi thought about what to say to Dai Bolinter, she suddenly heard a loud crashing sound, like a te being smashed to the floor. Startled by the sound, she stopped in her tracks.

    "I don''t like this, and this one too. Bring me something else!"

    Li Caiyi peeked from behind the wall and witnessed a small boy stomping his feet while puffing his cheeks in anger. She immediately recognized him as Ye Zhong from his fancy outfit.

    "Young Master, but these are your usual favorite snacks," the maid who stood near him shakily said.

    Ye Zhong was pissed because this servant had just talked back to him and kicked her leg angrily, causing thetter to fall. Her face was pale, knowing that she had offended the little boy.

    "Young Master! Please forgive me! I have overstepped my bounds."

    "If I don''t discipline you now, who knows what you will say to me in the future. Do you consider me easy just because I''m still a child? How dare you!"

    He raised his hand again, intending to hit her, but Li Caiyi quickly held his hand before he could swing it down.

    Both Ye Zhong and the maid were shocked upon seeing her unexpected entrance. However, his shock was clearly reced by rage as his gaze fell on the hand that she held.

    "Who are you? I never see a servant like you who dares to touch their Master carelessly. Unhand me this instant!"

    Li Caiyi ignored him and ushered the maid to go instead. The maid anxiously nced at Ye Zhong, but the boy seemed to have forgotten about her and focused on Li Caiyi. She couldn''t be more grateful and politely bowed at Li Caiyi before scampering away.

    "Did I tell you to dismiss her? Your audacity knows no bounds. Tell me your name and I will ask my Grandpa to fire you this instant."

    Li Caiyi frowned in displeasure. Except for his immacte appearance, there was absolutely nothingmendable about this boy. She wondered how Dai Zhiqiang could handle this snotty brat every day?<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "You can tattle if you want. I''m not afraid."

    "What?" Ye Zhong raised his head, clearly not expecting her to talk back at him, instead groveling for mercy. "Are you really a servant from this ce? Why didn''t you wear the same uniform as everyone?"

    "Isn''t that obvious? Because I''m not your servant, duh." Li Caiyi rolled her eyes.

    "So you are a guest here? I have never seen a guest as impolite as you before. Who said you can touch me as you please? Still not going to let me go?"

    "I have never seen a house owner as rude as you. Your Grandpa kindly invited me here, but I can see his hospitality and generous personality don''t extend to you."

    Ye Zhong''s face was red from a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "Y-YouˇŞ!"

    "Are you going to report me to your Grandpa? Go ahead. If he can''t fire me, then there is nothing you can do to me." Li Caiyi smirked in satisfaction. "I really don''t understand how Zhiqiang can tame a kid like you."

    Li Caiyi muttered thatst sentence softly, but Ye Zhong perked up at the mention of Dai Zhiqiang''s name. "You know Big Brother Zhi?"

    "Yeah. I''m his girlfriend."

    "Girlfriend?" Ye Zhong tilted his head.

    Does he not understand the concept of ''couple'' yet? Now he actually looked like a kid.

    Li Caiyi crouched a bit so she could see him at eye-to-eye level. "Girlfriend means that I''m the girl he loved. When two people in love confess their love to each other, they will be a couple."

    Ye Zhong''s frown deepened. "Why would Big Brother Zhi choose an ugly girl like you? You must be lying!"

    Li Caiyi was usually very patient with children, but Ye Zhong''s words really grated her nerves. She had to take a deep breath so she wouldn''t re up.

    "Don''t you know that Zhi is practically head over heels for me? This ne is a gift from him." Li Caiyi proudly showed him her ne.

    Ye Zhong''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Th-That is Big Brother Zhi''s! He didn''t even let me touch it before. Did you steal it from him?"

    "Of course not. Zhi gave it to me. He even personally put it on me," Li Caiyi smirked triumphantly. Part of her questioned why she even triedpeting with a little kid. But when she looked at Ye Zhong''s aggrieved face, she felt delighted.

    "So it''s true. You are Big Brother Zhi''s girlfriend." Ye Zhong sighed. "Brother is strong, but his taste in girls is weird."

    Li Caiyi felt offended, but Ye Zhong''s shoulder slumped in dejection before she could retort. "But why is his girlfriend here when Brother Zhi is nowhere to be seen? Do you know where he is right now? Why didn''t hee to visit me anymore?"

    Li Caiyi was a bit stunned, seeing him change his character so fast. Based on his expression, Ye Huizhong must haven''t told him anything about Dai Zhiqiang.

    Not that he could tell Ye Zhong about it. Li Caiyi pondered deeply before shing a friendly smile.

    "He is currently busy with work. But he will soone back. We need to wait until that time."

    Ye Zhong''s face fell. "So even you don''t know where he is right now. I wonder if he already forgot about me."

 Chapter 587 A Sign Of Mole

    He was throwing a big tantrum until a moment ago, but now he looked no different than a lost kid. Li Caiyi''s heart softened a bit.

    "Even though he is not here, I''m sure he is thinking about you. He cares for you a lot."

    "How did you know that?"

    "I just know about it. He is the type of person who can''t turn his back on a child like you." Li Caiyi smiled as she thought fondly of Dai Zhiqiang.

    "He is a kind and strong person. After defeating the bad guys out there, he will surelye back to y with you again."

    Ye Zhong listened thoughtfully, and his gloomy face slightly brightened after that. "That''s right. Big Brother Zhi is the strongest man I have ever seen. He won''t lose to the bad guys!"

    Li Caiyi nodded. "That''s why stop worrying and don''t vent your anger on innocent people. It''s very unbing of a hero. No good kid will behave like you."

    Ye Zhong scoffed. "Grandpa always says that only the strongest deserve to be called a hero. I don''t need to be kind; I just have to be strong."

    Listening to him, Li Caiyi felt like she could understand how this kid''s personality could be so warped. The fact that Ye Huizhong treasured and cajoled him so much must be another prominent factor.

    Li Caiyi sighed. Adults really should watch what they say. They shouldn''t arbitrarily say some words in front of kids because they would absorb everything, regardless of good and evil.

    Ye Zhong pouted. "But that maid started it first. I asked her to bring my favorite snacks, but the smell was different than what I usually eat. I don''t like it!"

    "Oh? How so?" Li Caiyi nced at the scattered mess on the floor in interest.

    "Hmm, I can''t really exin. But it smelled like herbal medicine Grandpa often forced me to eat. It''s so sickening!"

    Li Caiyi crouched down and gathered what was left of the cake from the floor using the spoon. After sniffing it for a bit, it was indeed, as the kid said. There was some weird smell mixed with the sweet scent of chocte cake.

    "Are you going to eat that?" Ye Zhong asked in disgust.

    "Did you eat this cake?"

    "Huh? No, I didn''t. It smelled weird, so I didn''t take a bite."

    Li Caiyi didn''t want to assume things, but she had a bad feeling about this. "Say, do you think you can do me a favor?"

    ***

    "What did you just say?"

    Ye Huizhong''s piercing re felt like it could sh her to pieces. Li Caiyi staggered a step from the sheer pressure of his roar. He looked like a ferocious bear rather than a human like this.

    "I''m not sure, but I assume you can''t be toocent if it concerns the Young Master''s safety."

    Ye Huizhong''s veins bulged out as he held his forehead in disbelief. "Just who is it? Who dares to target my grandson right inside my turf."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t sure what to say. She wondered if that maid had something to do with this, but she shouldn''t judge too soon. If she falsely used her, her life would be jeopardized forever, as Ye Huizhong wouldn''t show mercy to his opponents.

    "I will get to the bottom of this. Miss Li Caiyi, I appreciate you for reporting this to me."

    "Uhm, pardon me for asking, but what will happen to the Young Master?"

    Ye Huizhong sighed as he seemed to age a few more years. "The best course of action is to lock him somewhere safe, but I don''t know if it''s the best thing to do."

    She wanted to argue that locking him up would be detrimental to the kid''s mental health, but as an outsider, she felt she had no right to say anything here.

    "As he said, there is a mole inside my Ye Wangˇ­ I have to find that despicable being fastˇ­."

    Ye Huizhong was busy muttering some things under his breath. He didn''t even notice that Li Caiyi bade her goodbye and silently left the room. Considering his precious grandson almost got hurt, it was natural for him to be anxious.

    Even a person as domineering and ruthless as him could make such a vulnerable expression when it concerned his family. And then there was Li Jirong, who seemed approachable from the outside, but wouldn''t hesitate to sacrifice his brother, wife, and children to achieve his goal.

    The difference was like heaven and earth.

    When Li Caiyi stepped outside, she found Ye Zhong leaning on the wall near the office''s door. She smiled before approaching him.

    "Thanks for helping me to exin things. Your Grandpa probably won''t believe me if I''m the only one who says it."

    He yed with the dirt using his shoes and kept his gaze lowered. "Did Grandpa say I have to stay in the room again?"<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "Again?" Li Caiyi unknowingly eximed.

    Ye Zhong sighed, seeing her reaction. "So it''s true. Well, it''s not my first time anyway, so I don''t care."

    But he clearly looked dejected by Ye Huizhong''s decision.

    "Did this happen often?"

    "I guess so? Many people kept trying to feed me stuff, so I learned to check the food before putting it in my mouth. It''s the first time it happened inside Ye Wang, though."

    "What? You must be scared."

    "No, I''m not scared. A hero can''t be scared by just this. I have to be strong."

    Li Caiyi looked at the child beside her thoughtfully. His train of thought was straightforward. For a child like him, that might be his blessing. Still, she felt terrible for him, having to endure such things at his tender age.

    "Are you going to leave now?" Ye Zhong asked.

    "No. I wanted to visit someone in the building we were previously in.

    "Hmm. Before I get locked in my room, I can apany you for a bit. I know the way."

    Li Caiyi smiled. She actually knew the way but thought that a little lie wouldn''t hurt anyone.

    "Yes, I don''t know where to go, so I''m in a bind. Please show me the way."

    "Not only ugly, but you are also slow-witted. Be grateful I''m here."

    If Ye Zhong learned to filter his words, he probably would be much more adorable.

    Li Caiyi walked beside him as she tried to match her step with his short leg.

    ***

    Li Caiyi wasn''t surprised when she saw Dai Shenqiang inside Dai Bolin''s room. It seemed he spent a night in his father''s room again, looking at his bed hair.

    "Caiyi? When did youe here?" He asked in fluster.

    "I just arrived here, actually. I heard Uncle has already regained consciousness, so I''m here to visit."

    Dai Shenqiang smiled brightly. "Yeah. My father woke up for a few minutesst night but quickly returned to sleep again. The doctor said that his condition was stable, though."

    "I''m so d to hear that. Good for you, Shenqiang."

    "Hey, aren''t you going to let us in? Until when are you going to let us stand outside?"

    Ye Zhong voiced his dissatisfaction as he red at Dai Shenqiang. He was confused to see the little kid and nced at Li Caiyi for an exnation.

    "He is Young Master Ye Zhong, and he is the grandchild of Ye Huizhong."

    "You are staying at my ce, but you don''t even know me?" Ye Zhong crossed his arms, seemingly offended by the fact.

    "Is that so? I''m sorry I spent too much time in my father''s room, so I don''t know much about this ce. Oh, pleasee in first, you two."

    Ye Zhong and Li Caiyi walked in together. The kid stared at the sleeping old man before sitting on the sofa. Meanwhile, Dai Shenqiang scooted closer to Li Caiyi and whispered something to her. "Hey, what''s the deal with this kid?"

    "It''s a long story, but he greatly admires your brother. So, I think he must be curious about you and Uncle."

    "What are you two whispering to each other there?"

    "Err, nothing."

    "What is that?" Ye Zhong pointed at the sketchbook on top of the table.

    "Oh, that? That''s my drawing. Do you want to see it?" Dai Shenqiang took it before giving it to Ye Zhong, which thetter received hesitantly.

    His eyes glimmered once he flipped the page and looked at the drawing. "Wow! What is this? This is so cool!"

 Chapter 588 He Wont Make It

    While Dai Shenqiang and Ye Zhong were immersed in the ''hero drawings'', Li Caiyi trudged to the bedside and observed Dai Bolin''s sunken face.

    It felt like he had lost more vitality since thest time she saw him. Her heart aches thinking about the ordeal that Huang Zhen had made him go through.

    Li Caiyi wanted to prevent Dai Zhiqiang from further involvement with Ye Wang. Still, at this juncture, she felt like it was impossible. Not when Dai Zhiqiang refused to meet her, and Huang Zhen was still out there and could threaten his family anytime.

    However, although Li Caiyi couldn''t prevent him from walking on this path, she still wished to stop him from making a drastic choice like in his previous life. If Huang Zhen was one of the reasons for that, Li Caiyi would cooperate with Ye Huizhong to get rid of him.

    Even if she had to put herself at risk by doing so.

    "Ugh."

    Li Caiyi was surprised to hear Dai Bolin groan. When she looked up, she saw Dai Bolin opening his eyes slowly.

    "Uncle!"

    Li Caiyi''s exmation made Dai Shenqiang spring from his seat and hurriedly walk over to the bed. "Father!"

    From his half-lidded eyes, Dai Bolin stared at Li Caiyi and Dai Shenqiang. In a barely inaudible voice, he uttered, "Where is Zhi?"

    The voice was weak like it could disappear anytime soon. Dai Shenqiang looked pained to see his father in such a vulnerable state, so Li Caiyi took it upon herself to answer.

    "Zhi is currently out. But he is fine and wille back soon, Uncle." Li Caiyi smiled.

    Dai Bolin looked visibly relieved. "Thank goodness. I have a dream. Zhi is badly injured, and no one can help him."

    Li Caiyi suppressed the sourness in her heart and gently held his hand in hers. "It''s only a dream, Uncle. He is okay, so you have to hold on and see him again."

    "Little Yi, can you call him here? I will try my best, but I feel like I don''t have much time anymore."

    "What are you talking about? Please don''t say ominous things like that!" Dai Shenqiang retorted in a choked voice.

    "Shen, you must help your brother and protect Little Yi well. Go to your Mother''s ce if there''s no choice left."

    "Please stop. Don''t speak as if this is going to be yourst!"

    Li Caiyi could feel Dai Bolin''s energy depleted from his body the more words he spoke. The hand which she held shook terribly and was as light as a leaf.

    "Uncle, it will take time before Zhi can return here. Don''t you want to ensure that he is alright with your own eyes? Until then, you can''t give up. Please, I''m begging you." Li Caiyi''s voice became smaller towards the end as if a lump blocked her throat.

    "That''s right, Father. You still have a long way ahead of you. We will be here by your side the next time you open your eyes again. And I will drag Brother with me next time!"

    Dai Bolin chuckled. "I''d feel happyˇ­.if that''s the case."

    The strength was leaving his hand, and soon the hand slipped from Li Caiyi''s grasp and fell to the bed. Both of them were stunned as if they had just been struck by lightning.

    "Father!" Dai Shenqiang called out when he finally snapped to his senses. He leaned forward and grabbed Dai Bolin by the shoulder. His bulging eyes were reddened, and his body trembled hard. "Don''t scare me like this!"

    Li Caiyi was calmerpared to him. Instead of panicking, she immediately ran towards the door. "I''ll call the doctor to check on him!"

    Soon, she returned with the doctor rushing behind her.

    Li Caiyiforted Dai Shenqiang as they waited for the doctor to finish his job. When the doctor stepped out of the room, Dai Shenqiang quickly rushed to him.

    "Doctor, how is his condition?" He asked him in an urgent tone.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    The doctor gave him a regretful look before saying, "His condition deteriorated so quickly. I''m sorry, but at this rate, I''m afraid there''s not much to be done. He will be lucky if he can safely make it through this autumn."

    Dai Shenqiang staggered back while Li Caiyi covered her mouth in disbelief.

    "That can''t beˇ­."

    The doctor bowed respectfully before giving them some privacy.

    Li Caiyi was as shocked as Dai Shenqiang but tried her best not to cry. At this moment, she needed to support this boy first.

    She gently put her hand on his shoulder before offering someforting words. However, it didn''t seem like he could hear her at all.

    "Father is going to die, and my brother isn''t here. What should I do?"

    "Shenqiangˇ­."

    She bit her lips in frustration. Ye Huizhong said Dai Zhiqiang was okay but was he really going to distance himself from his family at crucial times like this? Was he really okay for not seeing his father for the remainder of his lifetime?

    Ye Zhong, who had been watching from the beginning, didn''t know what to say. He could tell the situation was terrible since both had grave and mournful facial expressions.

    Ye Zhong had never had any parents for as long as he could remember, so he couldn''t rte to their sadness. However, he realized they both needed Dai Zhiqiang, so he slipped out and quickly ran to Ye Huizhong''s office.

    "Brother Zhi''s father is in danger. I have to tell Grandpa and make hime back so he can save him!"

    ***

    Li Caiyi had a gloomy mood for the rest of the week until graduation.

    The news about Dai Bolin shook her to the core, and she couldn''t concentrate on anything. She would return to Ye Wang several times, but Dai Bolin never opened his eyes.

    Dai Shenqiang didn''t fare any better. Every day, he would stick to his father''s side. Sometimes he even forgot to eat or sleep.

    Surprisingly, he got along pretty well with Ye Zhong. The little boy would make sure he ate on time or talked to him from time to time. Li Caiyi was somewhat surprised when she heard about it.

    At least she was relieved that Dai Shenqiang wouldn''t be alone, although she was concerned Ye Zhong would throw some tantrums again.

    The hallway was filled with students running back and forth. Some had delighted faces, and some were in tears.

    The graduation event of S International High School would begin shortly, but Li Caiyi wasn''t in a hurry.

    Unlike the other students, she didn''t know any third-year students besides Meng Renshu and Li Junjie. They would often meet in the future, so she had no reason to feel sad.

    Rather than this event, her mind was preupied with many other things. Like Dai Bolin''s health, the investigation of Li Quan, Huang Zhen, and Dai Zhiqiang.

    In the end, Li Chunhua couldn''t make it to the graduation. It has been almost a month since she copsed. The doctor had examined her and found no abnormality in her body. They assumed that the reason she didn''t wake up yet was highly psychological and decided to watch over her longer.

    Everyone was already gone to the auditorium, including her friends. She was the only one left behind.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t guess what would happen in the future anymore. Everything has changed significantly, and there was no telling where her fate would lead her.

    She didn''t feel like joining the graduation event and wandered aimlessly on the school grounds.

 Chapter 589 Graduation And Parting Words (1)

    The school felt different when no one was in it. She could hear what happened in the auditorium since the speaker delivered the speech through the school ground.

    Li Caiyi was sure her friends were probably looking for her. She would apologize to themter.

    "In my previous life, I never skipped a graduation event before. So this is how it feels to be outside at times like this."

    Li Caiyi stopped when she passed the stairs leading to the rooftop.

    Once, she used toe up so she could spend time with Meng Renshu by helping him take care of the nts. After she regressed, she didn''t think she ever took a step in there anymore.

    Curiosity got the best of her, so she began to climb up. Fortunately, the door was unlocked, and she effortlessly pushed it open.

    The wind up there was strong. It blew past her and messed up her hair. She had to hold it down with her hands.

    When it finally subsided, she raised her head and saw an unbelievable sight in front of her.

    Someone was standing on the rooftop''s railing with his back on her, gazing at the view below fearlessly. He was wearing a ck windbreaker, and inexplicable loneliness could be sensed from his back.

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat. Out of all ces, she didn''t think she would meet him again here. This scene reminded her a lot of the first time he met her.

    The detached air around him made her restless, like he was going far away from her.

    "Zhiqiang?"

    She called out to him in a soft voice. And he slowly turned her head at her. There was no surprise or confusion on his face, only tranquility.

    Unlike in her previous life, where she met him in bad weather, he basked under the blinding sunlight this time.

    Li Caiyi had so much she wanted to ask him.

    Where has he been in the past few weeks?

    Why didn''t he return to Ye Wang?

    Why did he refuse to meet her?

    What was he doing here all alone?

    He stood on the railing with minimum footing. Added to how the wind blew intensely, he could fall to his demise if he lost his bnce even for a second.

    It couldn''t be that he wanted to end his life again?

    No, she couldn''t let that happen. Even though she had tried so hard to prevent it from happening.

    "Zhiqiang, it''s dangerous there. How about youe down?" Li Caiyi asked in a shaky voice. She reached out her hand while walking over to him cautiously. "Here. Grab my hand, and let''s talk. I miss you so much."

    However, Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer and only looked down at her coldly. It was very different from his usual self, and she began to doubt if something had happened to him.

    "Are you still angry with me? Because I''m too stubborn and leave on my own like that?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    His expression was unchanged as he kept staring at her with those frosty eyes. Li Caiyi felt unsettled but steadily took a step forward. One step at times.

    "If you are dissatisfied with me, I will listen to yourints. But can you juste down from there first? You are making me nervousˇ­."

    Li Caiyi stood below him, but he didn''t intend to move. When she was close enough, she grabbed her chance and pulled him down by his hand. He didn''t struggle and fell on her easily as if he had been waiting for it.

    His heavy body fell on her smaller frame. Unable to withstand the weight, Li Caiyi gasped when they toppled down to the ground together.

    She braced herself for the impact butter realized that her fall was cushioned by him.

    "Ughˇ­" He groaned in pain, and Li Caiyi looked up in a panic.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to pull you hardˇŞ"

    Her words were stopped when she noticed his face was so close to her.

    When was thest time she had a chance to carefully admire his perfectly sculpted face? He had always been handsome, but ever since he joined Ye Wang, he had this kind of dangerous and mysterious charm that made him irresistible.

    Li Caiyi''s heart raced, feeling his warm arms wrapping around her waist.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Dai Zhiqiang said nothing as his deep eyes locked on her lips. She held her breath and blushed slightly under his scorching gaze.

    She didn''t expect her little adventure around the school would lead her to him. Charmed by him, she slowly raised her hand and caressed his jawline, enjoying the roughness of it.

    "Don''t you have anything to say to me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang tightened his hold on her and pulled her closer so their bodies were practically glued together. His hand moved tantalizingly slow and felt her back, causing shivers to run down her spine.

    "Zhiˇ­" she let out an involuntary whine, wanting him to stop teasing her.

    His silence made her anxious. She took some courage and kissed his underjaw. The position made it easier for her to do so.

    The kiss was light and didn''tst long, but she could see his adam''s apple bob up at the contact. Li Caiyi smiled and ced a gentle kiss there too.

    They had shared more intimate gestures than this before. Yet the fact that he was still affected by this somehow made her happy.

    Her hands, which were pressed against his chest, slowly wrapped around his waist as she nuzzled her head deeper into his embrace. "Please talk to me. Do you know how much I''m worried about you?"

    "....If you are with me, you will only get hurt."

    Li Caiyi snapped her head upwards. He finally talked to her!

    "Zhi, everything is all Huang Zhen''s fault. And I''m responsible for my choice back then. I got kidnapped because I fell for his trap. It wasn''t your fault!"

    "....Yi Yi, are you really happy being with me?"

    "Of course!" Li Caiyi answered immediately, without hesitation.

    However, Dai Zhiqiang''s face became gloomier instead. "If only I can ignore your pain and keep you by my side like this forever. Is letting you go the only way?"

    Li Caiyi became scared after hearing that. Her lips quivered as she spoke her following words.

    "Why are you suddenly talking about this? I knew it; you are still angry with me, right?"

    He pressed his lips into a hard line, and Li Caiyi became more frantic.

    "I''m sorry for putting you in a difficult position because of my recklessness. Everything is all Huang Zhen''s fault. I never once med you for it."

    Li Caiyi quickly took out her ne from behind her uniform cor. "I''m sorry for everything, Zhi. Look, I''ll wear it from now on, so let''s not talk about this again. Alright?"

    Dai Zhiqiang put his hand on top of her hand before pushing it down. "I''m not angry because of that. In fact, I''d rather you forget about this gift I gave you."

    "W-why?"

    "It reminds me how ugly I am whenever I look at it. I ruined everything for you, even your effort to fix your life. Now it was all in a mess again because of me."

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "I-I don''t understand. Zhi, I need you in my life. You are scaring me now."

    Dai Zhiqiang used his thumb to wipe the tears that threatened to spill from the corner of her eyes. The gesture was gentle, but his eyes were cold. It froze her heart.

    It wasn''t supposed to be like this. They finally met again, but why did they be like this? What did she do wrong?

    "Don''t cry. You''ll make this moreplicated than it already is." Dai Zhiqiang took a deep breath before finally delivering the final blow to her. "Li Caiyi, let''s stop seeing each other."

    For a moment, Li Caiyi couldn''t remember what she was doing. Everything around her seemed to stop moving at once.

    There was no way Dai Zhiqiang would say those words.

    He promised to always be by her side.

    They promised to wait for each other until they could finally be together in the truest sense.

    So what she just heard must be an illusion her paranoid mind produces.

    However, Dai Zhiqiang crushed her hope by repeating his words. His eyes were cold, with no trace of warmth in it.

    "I''m sorry, but I can''t continue this anymore."

 Chapter 590 Graduation And Parting Words (2)

    Li Caiyi sat up in ce. Disbelief was written on her face as she looked down at Dai Zhiqiang. "This joke is not funny."

    "I''m not joking." He replied calmly before picking himself up too. "I just started to think we should stop wasting our time waiting for each other."

    "Wasting...our time?"

    Li Caiyi''s heart felt constricted ufortably hearing those words. "For you, is everything we have done so far just a waste of time?"

    There was no ripple in his expression as if he was talking to a stranger. Li Caiyi felt a strong sense of unfamiliarity with the person before her.

    "What happened to you? The Zhiqiang I know won''t say something like that."

    "Nothing particrly big happened to me. I just slept and woke up, feeling we shouldn''t meet anymore. I can''t move freely with you by my side."

    Li Caiyi let out a self-deprecatingugh. "I''ve be a big burden to you, is that what you are trying to say?"

    "....We will not see each other anymore, but it doesn''t change the fact that I am indebted to you big time. Someday, if you need my help, I will do my best to help you."

    That wasn''t what she wanted to hear.

    Li Caiyi clenched her hand so hard; her nails dug into her flesh. Her voice cracked as she painfully squeezed some words out of her throat. "Don''t you love me anymore?"

    "Hard to say." Dai Zhiqiang averted his eyes from her. "I don''t like you or dislike you. I''m just tired of everything at this point. Caring for my family is already hard enough; I don''t need you to add to my te."

    Every word he uttered served like a de that sliced her heart. The person in front of her was unmistakable, Dai Zhiqiang, yet a part of her still refused to admit this was real.

    Li Caiyi thought she knew him well, but she didn''t expect him to fall out of love quickly. She still remembered his promise like it was yesterday. But why did it turn out like this?

    "What if I refuse?" Li Caiyi''s lips quivered as tears pooled in her eyes. "Zhiqiang, I told you before, but I like you much more than you think. If there is something you don''t like about me, then you can tell me. I will try to fix it."

    Dai Zhiqiang looked slightly troubled. "Li Caiyi, you shouldn''t care about someone like me anymore. I don''t deserve you, nor that I have leisure time to enjoy being a couple with you. The way we are now will only hinder each other''s path."

    "But we could get through this together. I will also try my best to help you--"

    "I thought so too before, but don''t tell me you haven''t realized that we have been doing nothing but argue in the past few weeks? I don''t need you to change because I won''t change my mind. Save your energy to pursue your dream instead of chasing me."

    Li Caiyi was at a loss for words. Dai Zhiqiang seemed decisive in ending their rtionship. However, she was extremely unwilling.

    For her, Dai Zhiqiang was no longer her life savior but also someone she loved so deeply. They met earlier, but everything ended in just a few months.

    The more she tried to chase after him, the more he got further away from her. Li Caiyi was so frustrated she wanted to cry.

    Why does it always end up like this whenever she falls in love with someone? Even though Dai Zhiqiang said he wasn''t angry at her, she couldn''t help but think she had made a mistake somewhere.

    Was she going to be dumped once again by someone she loved wholeheartedly? Or did she have been severely overestimating herself so far?

    With a lot of thoughts swirling in her head, she questioned her self-worth many times.

    For some reason, it felt much more painful than when Meng Renshu dumped her.

    "Is there really no other way for us to salvage our rtionship?" Li Caiyi couldn''t hold back her tears anymore at this point.

    Usually, Dai Zhiqiang would panic when he saw her cry, but he was unmoved this time. It made her realize once again that his heart truly had changed.

    Bitterness filled up her lung, and she found it difficult to breathe.

    "Do you really not have any feelings left for me?"<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    He didn''t answer and kept his mouth shut.

    Li Caiyi wanted to hope his silence meant he still had some remaining affection for her. However, she suddenly lost confidence when she looked at his frowning face. It was more like he chose not to say anything because he knew the truth would hurt her.

    A part of her heart died then.

    She thought that if Dai Zhiqiang showed just a little regret or guilt, she wouldn''t care about her pride. She would beg him to stay. But he seemed disgusted when she tried to cling to him earlier, so she wouldn''t do that anymore.

    Li Caiyi would save her remaining pride and magnanimously let him go. Since it was painful for him to be with her, she wouldn''t hold him back.

    "I understand."

    Dai Zhiqiang was surprised when he heard that. "Really?"

    Li Caiyi wiped her tears with the back of her hand before staring back at him emptily. "You won''t change your mind even if I beg you anyway; why look so surprised?"

    He lowered his gaze, unable to meet her reddened eyes. "I''m sorry."

    "It''s nothing for you to apologize for. You are just being honest with your feelings. I didn''t think straight and showed you an embarrassing side of me. If there''s someone who should feel sorry, that''s me."

    Dai Zhiqiang had no response to that. He closed his eyes before continuing, "Now that we don''t have any rtion to each other. You don''t have to care about my family anymore. It''s not appropriate."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t believe he even prevented her from meeting Dai Bolin and Dai Shenqiang.

    "You are being excessive. I genuinely care about Uncle, and you know that Shenqiang is contracted in the samepany as me, right?"

    "I don''t mind if it''s work-rted. However, it would be best if you didn''t hover around my family matters anymore. Let''s draw a clear line here before it bes tooplicated."

    Li Caiyi sneered. "It''s strange. The way you say it is like you are afraid that someone will misunderstand. Are you cheating on me with someone else?"

    Of course, Li Caiyi didn''t actually mean what she said. She was just upset because Dai Zhiqiang would go so far as to create a barrier between them. Did he hate her so much that he found her existence an eyesore now?

    Under her usatory gaze, Dai Zhiqiang calmly replied, "If that''s what you want to think, then you can think about it that way."

    "What?" Li Caiyi was taken aback.

    "Either way, our rtionship ends today, so I don''t mind even if you think that way. I have already said everything I need to say. Now, I should go back."

    Dai Zhiqiang stood up, and Li Caiyi panicked, so she unconsciously reached out to grab his hand. They looked at each other in surprise.

    ''Quick, beg him to stay! Do your best to hold him back!''

    Li Caiyi''s heart screamed those words inside, but in reality, she slowly removed her hand.

    "I did it out of reflex."

    He looked at her meaningfully. "After this, we probably won''t meet each other in the future. This will be our goodbye."

    "Huh? What are you talking about? We will eventually meet if we are studying in the same school."

    "You don''t have to worry about that. I already finished the transferring procedure today."

 Chapter 591 Graduation And Parting Words (3)

    Once again, Li Caiyi was rendered speechless. She thought she had misheard him.

    "Did you just say, transfer school? But why?!"

    "No reason. I just found a better school, that''s all."

    "Lies." Li Caiyi frowned deeply. "Be honest with me. Are you doing all this because of Huang Zhen? Because you don''t want to put me in danger, you distanced yourself from me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "Perhaps. But everything I said before is not a lie either. You should know better that I''m not the type to lie to someone."

    His words stung her heart, but she quickly suppressed them so he wouldn''t notice. "You treated me like some kind of gue or something. Do you have to go as far as transferring schools?"

    "Stop making this all about you. I never said such a thing. Anyway, now that I have told you everything, I will take my leave first." Dai Zhiqiang paused briefly before continuing. "Goodbye, Li Caiyi. Take care of yourself."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t answer because her tongue got stiffened. She stayed rooted in her ce even when Dai Zhiqiang left the rooftop.

    ''Is he really leaving for good? Not only did he want to break up, but he also wanted to disappear from her life?''

    No, she extremely hated that.

    When she finally regained her senses, she quickly ran inside, but Dai Zhiqiang was already nowhere to be seen.

    The panicked Li Caiyi searched every floor, but he was already gone. After searching the whole school ground in vain, she returned to Dai Zhiqiang''s ssroom, which was empty, as expected.

    Dai Zhiqiang waspletely serious about this. He didn''t hesitate even for a second.

    Her strong facade immediately crumbled as tears slowly cascaded through her cheeks again.

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how to control herself and broke down in tears right there and then.

    ***

    The ceremony went boringly, as expected. Meng Renshu held back the urge to yawn several times throughout everything and could finally sigh in relief when it was finally done.

    However, his relief was short-lived, as he was immediately ''attacked'' by dozens of girls wanting to say congrattory words to him. Meng Renshu could only smile awkwardly while dealing with them one by one.

    Besides him, Li Junjie didn''t fare much better. He was surrounded by people too.

    While talking with those girls, he couldn''t help but notice that he hadn''t seen Li Caiyi since he came to school. She was probably still angry at him, but he thought she woulde to see Li Junjie at least once.

    Meng Renshu and Li Junjie quickly bade goodbye once they noticed the number of girls had increased over time. They retreated to their ss, where everyone was too busy to bug them.

    "This is why I don''t want toe," Li Junjie grumbled as he loosened his necktie. His frown deepened when he checked on his desk drawer to see a bunch of gifts stuffed there.

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "But you are the representative of our batch. This is thest day, so hold on a bit longer. More importantly, I haven''t seen Xiaoyi since earlier. Did shee to school today?"

    "She was leaving the house wearing the school uniform for sure. But I don''t know if she used this chance to sneak off somewhere again." Li Junjie shrugged before casting him a side nce. "Thanks to someone who encouraged her."

    "Come on. You can''t me me for everything. Who told you to have a scary face? She got scared and wanted to run away because you did unusual things."

    "But what else can I do? I can''t be with her every time, so I should at least watch over her while I can."

    "ording to the bodyguard I sent to watch over her, it''s been very calmtely, so I don''t think you need to worry that much. Besides, I got information from a reliable source that the man from back then won''te back to disturb. At least for a few years."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "How can you be so sure?" Li Junjie looked at him skeptically. "Ipromise because I trust you, but I can''t trust this so-called ''reliable source''. Why don''t you just tell me the truth?"

    "Nope. That''s ssified information." Meng Renshu grinned. "Xiaoyi is an important person to me. You can rest assured that I won''t risk her safety."

    Li Junjie stared at him with an inexplicable expression before withdrawing his gaze. "If you are curious about her, why don''t you just look for her instead of asking me daily?"

    "It''s not that simple...." Meng Renshu replied in a defeated tone.

    After theirst argument, Meng Renshu and Li Caiyi never talked to each other again. Not even for their current investigation. He had a feeling that she was probablypletely fed up with him, and it made him regret his action.

    However, he suddenly lost the intention of apologizing when he thought of how she perceived him. He couldn''t bring himself to give in first because it would feel like he was admitting that she was right.

    Meng Renshu had done so much for her, but why did she keep thinking negatively about him? He was very disappointed because Li Caiyi couldn''t see his sincerity and still perceived him as the bad guy even now.

    Moreover, looking at the current Li Caiyi was honestly very painful for him. She was so scared of being abandoned that she didn''t mind risking herself for Dai Zhiqiang.

    It drove him crazy whenever she defended that guy in front of him!

    He involuntarily blurted out some harsh words due to anger, and now they were at this stalemate.

    Li Junjie could see the conflicting emotion in Meng Renshu''s eyes and sigh, "Why don''t you just go and find her? I feel tired just looking at you guys. She is probably still on the school grounds."

    "....Yeah, you are right. Sorry, can you look after my things?"

    Meng Renshu didn''t wait for him to respond as he ran out of the ssroom.

    The first ce he visited was, of course, her ssroom. Several people were surprised to find him there, but he had no time to pay attention to them.

    Meng Renshu saw Li Caiyi''s friends and walked over to them. "Hello, have you seen Xiaoyi anywhere?"

    Zhou Ya was startled because he suddenly talked to her but immediatelyposed herself.

    "Actually, that''s what we are wondering too. Caiyi didn''t attend the ceremony and wasn''t in the ssroom when we returned. But her bag is still here, so she must be in school somewhere. We thought she went to Senior Li''s ssroom."

    Meng Renshu frowned inwardly, but on the outside, he smiled and bade them goodbye. Where could she run off to?

    He was walking down the hallway when an idea hit him. He made a U-turn before hastening his steps toward the library.

    If she wasn''t in the ssroom, then she was probably in the library, considering how much time she spent there.

    Meng Renshu arrived at the library in no time and slowly pushed open the door. It was unlocked, but there was no one inside.

    He was a little disappointed and was about to leave the room when he glimpsed a shadow from the corner of her eyes. If he listened closely, he could also faintly hear the sound of crying.

    Meng Renshu''s heart tightened as his feet brought him closer to the voice. It came from the archive room in the back.

    The closer he was to the door, the more he was convinced that the one inside was Li Caiyi.

    "Xiaoyi?" he called out softly, and the cry immediately paused.

    He opened the door, and his gaze was immediately met with her reddened and tear-stricken eyes.

 Chapter 592 No Intention Of Going Back

    Li Caiyi was taken aback when she saw Meng Renshu standing at the door. Since when was he there? She was too drowned in her emotion to notice someone approaching.

    He was thest person she wanted to see now. She still remembered how he said he was already on the path of abandonment.

    In the end, everything he said was true. Li Caiyi was dumped once again by someone she loved the most. And Meng Renshu just had to witness it when she was in her most vulnerable state; it was humiliating.

    Li Caiyi quickly wiped her tears and withdrew her gaze. "Why are you here, Brother Renshu?"

    "Xiaoyi, what happened to you?" He asked in a concerned tone. "Why are you crying here alone?"

    "Nothing."

    It didn''t look like it was nothing. Meng Renshu bit his lips before guessing, " Does it have something to do with Dai Zhiqiang?"

    "No. Why would you think like that?"

    "I just know because I have been watching you all this time. Only he could elicit such a strong reaction from you," Meng Renshu said bitterly before approaching her. "Look at you. Your eyes are all swollen. How do you n to get out with that kind of face?"

    Li Caiyi hugged herself tighter when she saw him reaching out his hand to her. "Don''t touch me, please. I''m not in the mood for another fight with you. Can you pretend you don''t see anything and leave now?"

    Meng Renshu retracted his hand but refused to move from his spot. It was painful to see her like this. There was no way he could leave her alone.

    Then he sat beside her while saying nothing. He didn''t say a word and only silently apanied her.

    Li Caiyi had stopped crying, but her mind was still a mess. Having Meng Renshu beside her like this didn''t help her.

    "Brother Renshu, I''d like to be alone right now."

    "With your current condition, I can''t pretend to not see anything and leave you to suffer alone."

    "I will be alright after some timeˇ­."

    "Then it doesn''t matter if I''m here or not, right? I want to stay by your side."

    Li Caiyi was toozy to argue more, so she left the conversation like that. She buried her head in her folded legs as her mind reyed what Dai Zhiqiang had told her today. Her heart felt like it would be torn into pieces.

    The thought of being unable to see him again was horrifying.

    "Xiaoyi, I know this isn''t the right time, but I''m sorry for speaking harshly to you the other day. I didn''t mean to belittle you." Meng Renshu said regretfully.

    They were the only ones in the room, and his words sounded remorseful and sincere.

    Li Caiyi didn''t raise her head, but she was listening.

    Meng Renshu also seemed to understand that as he continued talking, "I still don''t trust Dai Zhiqiang, but if you believe him so much, then I will try to understand and respect your opinion. It makes me sad that we haven''t talked much in the past few days."

    She twitched at the mention of Dai Zhiqiang and felt like she wanted to cry again.

    In the moment of vulnerability, she blurted out, "Did youe here to mock me again?"

    "Huh?" Meng Renshu was surprised by her sudden hostility. He didn''t know what he had said wrong this time.

    "You are right. I''m just that pathetic woman who had her head in the clouds. Someone like me who disregards herself and tries her best to please the man is just pitiful. There, I admit it. Are you happy now?"

    Meng Renshu frowned deeply. "Did he say that to you?"

    Li Caiyi was so frustrated she raised her head and red at him. "You two said the same thing! Is ying with my feeling really that fun? Now that I have been dumped twice, are you satisfied now? You canugh at me, so just leave me alone!"

    Then, she broke down in tears again. It was so embarrassing to be seen crying after she snapped out for no reason, but she couldn''t help it.

    Li Caiyi was just so angry, upset, and sad. She didn''t want anyone to see her pathetic self, so she hid there, but Meng Renshu kept pushing her button.

    Meanwhile, Meng Renshu was dumbstruck. Hysterical Li Caiyi was a sight she had never seen.

    The shock onlysted for a while until the severity of her words fully sank into him. "What did you just say? Dai Zhiqiang dumped you?"

    She didn''t answer and continued to choke back on her sob. It was all the answer he needed.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Meng Renshu felt conflicted inside. A part of him was in pain seeing her cry so much, then there was anger towards Dai Zhiqiang for hurting her like this. However, the most prominent was an expectation he had for the future.

    He hated himself for feeling like that when she was crying her eyes out, but it came naturally to him. With Dai Zhiqiang out of the equation, Li Caiyi would be safe, and he could slowly help her stand on her feet again.

    His heart beat fast in his chest as he carefully patted her back. "Now I understand why you look so sad. It''s okay to cry it all out. And I wasn''t serious about what I said that day. You are not pathetic at all."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to think anymore. It was like she had lost her footing and fallen into endless darkness again. Without Dai Zhiqiang to hold her down, she could feel the old Li Caiyi she had locked deep inside her fight back to the surface.

    She didn''t know how long she cried, but by the time she finally calmed down, her head was heavy, and her throat was parched from crying too much.

    Meng Renshu was still there with her. Even though she had repeatedly told him to get lost, he still waited by her side.

    "You should go, Brother Renshu. This is thest day of your high school life. There must be a lot of people waiting for you outside."

    "I already graduated once anyway, so I don''t care. I used to neglect and leave you by yourself in the past. Now I want to use my time for you and you alone."

    Li Caiyi raised her head in confusion. By that, did he mean when they were still a married couple? She couldn''t understand why he wanted to bring that matter up again, but having someone by her side during her darkest timeforted her a bit.

    It would be better if that person wasn''t Meng Renshu, though, so she wouldn''t have mixed feelings about this. She recalled a lot of unpleasant memories just by looking at him.

    Before this situation became awkward, Li Caiyi slowly stood up and said, "I think I will leave now. I''m sorry, Brother Renshu but let''s talk next time."

    She had just taken a step when dizziness warped her vision and made her slip.

    Meng Renshu quickly caught her before she fell onto the floor. His arms wrapped around her waist tightly as his eyes widened in shock. "Careful! Are you alright?"

    No, she wasn''t alright. Her head hurt like crazy, and she felt sluggish somehow.

    When she noticed their intimate position, Li Caiyi felt bitterness rise inside her again. Dai Zhiqiang also helped her in this room once before.

    But now he was gone. They won''t be able to meet anymore.

    She quickly pushed Meng Renshu back before steadying herself. "I''m okay. Thanks for helping me, but I can walk by myself."

    "Are you sure? Your body is staggering." Meng Renshu pressed her palm on her forehead and felt a scalding heat under his palm. "Xiaoyi, you got a fever!"

    A fever? Thest time she was sick was on the first day of her regression. She remembered it was because she was too shocked to see Meng Renshu and Li Chunhua kissing and felt heartbroken.

    Now that Dai Zhiqiang had broken her heart, she had a fever again. Even though she was usually very healthy. No wonder her body felt heavy and sluggish.

    "Let me take you home, alright?" Meng Renshu offered.

    "No. I want to go back alone."

    "Don''t be stubborn. You are not in good condition to do that."

    Li Caiyi wasn''t trying to be stubborn for no reason.

    Being around Meng Renshu made her restless as she didn''t know what would happen if she copsed in front of him. The prerequisite was that they had to sleep together, but with how things turned out now, who could guess what would happen next?

    What if she forgot about Dai Zhiqiang again when she opened her eyes next?

    Just thinking about it was scary.

    "Brother Renshu, I will say this just in case. I have no intention of going back to you even if Dai Zhiqiang and I aren''t lovers. We both had a chance in the past, and we kept missing each other. We have the same chance now, but my feelings for you are not the same anymore."

    Meng Renshu''s face hardened upon hearing that. "Do you have to say that now? I didn''t even mention anything about that."

    Li Caiyi rubbed her throbbing forehead. "It''s better to clear the air before a misunderstanding happens."

    Meng Renshu''s jaw tightened as he looked at the girl in front of her darkly. Her eyes were red and moist after crying. He could hear her breathing heavily, and the sweat rolling from her temple to her flushed neck had an alluring charm to it.

    Meng Renshu quickly looked away as his body grew hot. It was unfair of her to show him such a delectable view. Now he couldn''t even get angry even if he wanted to.

    "....I will call Junjie so he can pick you up."

 Chapter 593 Sickly Thoughts

    Li Caiyi was bedridden for two days, but her fever still hadn''t shown any sign of cooling down soon.

    Whenever Li Caiyi wanted to sleep, she was afraid she would forget about Dai Zhiqiang. Worse, she would realize that everything up until now was just her dream, that she was already long dead.

    A part of her knew that the fever made her think about the most ridiculous stuff, but she couldn''t help herself.

    Dai Zhiqiang was just that important to her. She was so devastated she felt like she had died twice.

    Li Junjie woulde to her room to check on her from time to time. Su Suyin would stay by her side and take care of her as much as she could before she returned to the hospital.

    So many people cared for her, yet her mind reyed his farewell nonstop. It made her doubt her self-worth all over again.

    Was she never deserved to be loved, after all?

    She tried her best. She had done everything she could, but why did he leave her too?

    Even Dai Zhiqiang left her in the end. It shook her to the core.

    She was just no good for anyone, after all.

    Li Caiyi coughed violently. Her head throbbed so much as her body convulsed. Her vision was hazy and slightly warped in front of her.

    It was painful for her both inside and outside. Has she always been this weak before?

    She wanted to drink some water, so she reached out her hand to the ss of water on her bedside table. Then, she lost her bnce and slipped, causing the ss to fall onto the floor.

    *CRASH*

    Li Caiyi groaned and slowly climbed down the floor to clear the mess but identally injured her finger when the ss fragment grazed her finger.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    She raised her head and found Li Junjie walking briskly from the door. He caught her injured hand in his and frowned hard. "What are you doing? I told you to stay put on the bed."

    "I want to drink some waterˇ­."

    Li Junjie took a deep breath before helpingˇŞhalf-forcing her to return to the bed. "A sick person shouldn''t concern herself with something like this. Just rest and let me take care of this."

    Then he wrapped her body with a nket before crouching down to gather the ss fragment. Looking at his back, Li Caiyi felt that her brother seemed exceptionally caring towards her.

    "Thank you, Brother Jie. I''m sorry."

    "If you are sorry, then get better soon."

    Li Caiyi faintly smiled before burying her head into the nket. There was no sound other than clinking ss on the floor for a while, but then Li Junjie asked her.

    "Did something happen between you and Dai Zhiqiang?"

    "Huh?" Li Caiyi returned her gaze toward him again.

    "You called out for his name several times in your sleep."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    She had been seeing nothing but a nightmaretely, so it was very likely to happen. Even when she didn''t say anything, she involuntarily gave herself out. How pathetic.

    Li Junjie watched how her expression turned gloomier at the mention of Dai Zhiqiang''s name. He fumbled inwardly to find good words to say.

    "I don''t know what happened, but don''t let it get to you too much. It''s not worthy enough to make your body sick for that."

    Li Caiyi let out a weakugh. "It must be unpleasant for you to look at me now. Sorry for that."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "Why do you always think negatively about everything? I''m just saying that your body won''t get better if you keep wallowing in negative feelings."

    "But I don''t know what else I can do. Everything is so messed up now. I don''t know where to start."

    "You are a patient. What about focusing on your recovery first? After that, you can start writing again. Didn''t you say you would pursue your dream seriously?"

    Dai Zhiqiang said they were hindering each other''s path. She initially had a wishful thought about how he asked her to break up because he wanted her to focus on her dream.

    However, then there wouldn''t be any exnation for why he suddenly looked at her like a stranger? He didn''t even bother to ask her thoughts and decided that he would transfer schools and disappear from her life after that.

    That was what she couldn''t ept the most. Li Caiyi couldn''t move on from the fact that Dai Zhiqiang could leave without looking back, leaving her behind. As though she had no space in his heart anymore.

    "I''m not even sure anymore if that''s what I want. Brother Jie, I''m so lostˇ­ Just for what did I return to?"

    Li Junjie raised his brows in confusion. "Return? What do you mean by that?"

    Ah. Li Caiyi wanted to smack her head. No matter how delirious she was, how could she ask Li Junjie, who knew nothing about her regression about that?

    "Nothing. Sorry, I''m talking gibberish because I''m not in the right mind. I think I will rest for now."

    Li Caiyi turned her back on him and tightened her nket, refusing to talk further.

    Meanwhile, Li Junjie was still puzzled but decided not to think much about it. A patient tends to speak nonsensical things, after all.

    "Then I will let you rest. Just call me if you need anything."

    Li Caiyi only pretended to sleep initially, but she quickly drifted off once she closed her eyes.

    ***

    Shao Jingfei walked out of the meeting room while fuming. His expression was dark, and people who saw him dared not approach him first.

    After all, it had be a public secret that Shao Jingfei was favored by the Chairman of Glorious Days. One wrong word and they probably would lose their job.

    They subtly nced at Shao Jingfei, who walked while huffing towards the pantry and silently pretended they didn''t see him.

    Meanwhile, the said person gulped a ss of cold water in one gulp and immediately felt better afterward.

    Having your family working in the samepany was a pain. He couldn''t even work in peace!

    "Just how long will they continue to pester me about this matchmaking thing. For god sake, I''m still in high school!" He hissed in a low voice. He wouldn''t want anyone to identally hear him.

    Shao Jingfei knew he shouldn''t havee to thepany for a while. He thought Shao Junfei wouldn''t be around, yet he ran into him identally. What bad luck.

    He was still grumbling when his phone vibrated. It was a message from Shao Junfei. The content was an address, name, and picture of a girl approximately the same age as him.

    Below that information was another message from his half-brother:

    [Just try to meet her once and give me a proof shot. I will try to exin it to Motherter].

    What pissed Shao Jingfei the most was being forced to do something he didn''t like. He honestly didn''t understand why they were so persistent about this.

    However, Shao Junfei gave him an ultimatum today. If he didn''tply, then he would take back the ownership of the cafe from him.

    Shao Jingfei had to admit that he made a big mistake by asking his brother to help him procure that ce. Now he used it as a weapon against him.

    "Who cares about this stupid matchmaking. If he wants to take back the cafe from me, then he could try his worst!"

 Chapter 594 Matchmaking Meeting

    Shao Jingfei wanted to curse at his brother so bad. Who would agree to an appointment without approval from the rted party?

    He was chilling on a fine Sunday morning when Shao Junfei suddenly sent him a message, saying that the girl would wait at the coffee shop in a few hours.

    That was why he had been in a terrible mood since morning. He didn''t have any hard feelings against the girl, but he honestly thought that everything was just troublesome at this point.

    Eventually, he gave in to his brother''s demand and told him this would be thest time he did this.

    A few hourster, he finally arrived at the said coffee shop.

    The ce gave out a pleasant mood, and the smell of coffee could faintly be discerned in the air. Shao Jingfei thought if he wasn''t here for a troublesome appointment, he probably would take his time to observe the ce.

    He hadn''t gotten many customers as ofte and wanted to do something about it.

    When he entered the ce, he ced an order and immediately sat on the seat by the window where he could watch the view outside. His order arrived not long after, then he spotted a girl in a blue dress walking into the shop.

    For some reason, he couldn''t tear his eyes off that girl. He silently watched as she entered the ce and looked around. A momentter, their gazes met, and she walked over to him nervously.

    "Excuse me. Sorry if I''m bothering you, but by chance, are you Shao Jingfei?"

    She had long hair which cascaded over her back. A pair of big and pure-looking eyes and milky white skin. Her voice was soft and feminine. It brought a soothing feeling to those who listened to it.

    "Yes, I am. Are you Xia Rouyue?"

    The girl smiled. "Yes, that''s right. I recognize you from the picture I received, but I just want to make sure."

    His first impression of her was that she was polite and even prettier than the one in the picture. However, thinking about the circumstance behind their arrangement, he couldn''t help but feel wary towards her.

    "Take a seat first."

    Xia Rouyue sat down on the chair across from him. The way she moved was elegant, like an embodiment of a true wealthy youngdy.

    Shao Jingfei''s suspicion grew. There was no way his stepmother would choose a fine girl like her to be engaged to him, even for the sake of saving face. She hated him too much to do that.

    There must be a catch somewhere, and he intended to find out today.

    At first, they talked about casual topics like each other''s hobbies and school-rted stuff. However, the more he spoke to her, the more confused he became.

    From what he observed, Xia Rouyue seemed a bit sheltered, but otherwise, she was an ordinary girl who didn''t bear any malice toward him. There was absolutely nothing he could pick on about her.

    It was to the point he began to doubt himself. Was he being too paranoid all this time?

    No, he couldn''t trust her that easily.

    Shao Jingfei secretly mulled over it before he decided to just go with it. After all, if she really was the one destined with him, then she was bound to find out about this sooner orter.

    "By the way, do you know I''m an illegitimate child?" He asked with a smile.

    Xia Rouyue was just about to take a sip of her coffee and was stunned when she heard it. Her movement went to aplete halt, and she looked at him in bewilderment. From her expression, it looked like she really knew nothing before he mentioned it.

    She wasposed throughout their conversation, but she looked distraught when Shao Jingfei didn''tugh or tell her it was just one of his jokes. She put down her cup before answering nervously.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "It''s the first time I heard about it. I''m sorry, but why are you asking me about that?"

    "Nothing. Since we are here purely by the arrangements of our parents, I was wondering just how much you know about me, that''s all." Shao Jingfei smiled, but Xia Rouyue felt unsettled instead.

    She bit her lips in flusters. "Did I do something wrong? It was as if you were suspecting me of something."

    Shao Jingfei realized that this girl wasn''t as naive as she looked. Since she had found out his intention, there was no need to beat around the bush anymore.

    "Don''t get me wrong. I genuinely enjoy our conversation. However, I''m afraid this ''rtionship'' won''t go anywhere. You are a precious daughter from a wealthy Xia family. I thought I should make it clear first that it''s useless to waste your time with an illegitimate child like me."

    Xia Rouyue''s face fell upon hearing that. A trace of hurt shed across her eyes, making Shao Jingfei feel bad. He didn''t mean to sound so hostile, but there was really no other way to say it. Everything he said was the in truth.

    However, Xia Rouyue''s following wordspletely took him off guard.

    "Why would that be a problem?"

    "Huh?"

    "Like it or not, we can''t disobey our parents, right? Since you seemed like a good person, I was initially relieved to think you would think so negatively about me." Xia Rouyueughed dryly. "Do I look that shallow in your eyes? I know we barely know anything about each other. Still, I''m offended that you regarded me as such from our first meeting."

    Shao Jingfei expected her to get angry, but for a whole different reason. He wasn''t prepared and could only stare back at her dumbly.

    However, Xia Rouyue didn''t feel like continuing the conversation anymore and stood up. "I admired you for living so independently despite your young age, but it seems I have to correct my impression about you from now on. If you''ll excuse me, I need to go now."

    Even after Xia Rouyue left, Shao Jingfei still couldn''t ovee his shock. He gulped down his remaining coffee before he could finally clear his mind.

    ? A pang of guilt hit him when he recalled Xia Rouyue''s hurt and offended expression, but he really couldn''t trust whoever his stepmother chose for him. Thanks to his cautious nature, he could survive all this time, and Xia Rouyue wouldn''t be an exception.

    He just regretted it a bit. They could probably be good friends if he had met her under different circumstances. She was a nice girl, and he genuinely enjoyed talking to her.

    There was no chance of that after what he did, though.

    "Sigh. I should report to my brother and just go home."

    Walking out of the coffee shop, Shao Jingfei was about to leave when he spotted someone in the crowd.

    "Isn''t that Xia Rouyue?"

    Didn''t she already leave a while ago? Why did she still loiter around the ce?

    Curiosity got the best of him, so he followed after her. The crowd helped him to camouge himself, and it didn''t seem like she noticed him.

    Xia Rouyue entered a cafe not far from their appointment ce.

    Shao Jingfei followed her discreetly into the cafe and found her immediately. However, his eyes bulged in surprise when he found out who she was meeting with.

    "Isn''t that Dai Zhiqiang?"

 Chapter 595 Spotting An Affair?!

    Shao Jingfei''s curiosity was tingling. He knew spying on people was wrong, but he wanted to know what rtionship the two of them had.

    Dai Zhiqiang had been absent from school for a long time. He didn''t even attend the final exam, so Shao Jingfei wondered where he had gone. It was unexpected to run into him like this.

    Shao Jingfei stealthily moved closer and chose to sit at the closest table to them. It was a shame that he couldn''t get a table beside them. Like this, he couldn''t hear what they were talking about.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked paler than usual, and Xia Rouyue had a severe expression on her face. Whatever they talked about must be pretty important.

    Shao Jingfei was observing them from a safe distance when a waitress suddenly blocked his sight. She asked him what he wanted to order, and Shao Jingfei only randomly pointed his finger at the menu while keeping his eyes on them.

    "Thank you for your order. Please wait while we prepare your order."

    The waitress distracted him for a moment, and when he shifted his gaze back at them, he witnessed Dai Zhiqiang caressing Xia Rouyue''s face affectionately.

    His jaw almost dropped to the ground. That kind of intimate gesture could only imply one thing. Either they were family or lovers!

    Shao Jingfei was dumbstruck when he thought about how he had just witnessed an affair with his own two eyes. Not to mention, the rted parties were his matchmaking partner and his friend''s boyfriend!

    The coincidence was just too much for him to bear. He felt ufortable when he thought about Li Caiyi, who would be saddened by this fact.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked like an honest, straightced guy who would nevermit adultery. Still, Shao Jingfei personally wasn''t that close to him topletely erase the possibility.

    He wanted to go there and confront them directly but decided toy low for now. Even if he suspected them, he should at least give Dai Zhiqiang the benefit of the doubt. The guy probably just helped her to pick some fallen eyshes or something.

    Yeah, that could be it.

    Thinking about it like that, Shao Jingfei became calmer and observed them again. But in the next moment, Xia Rouyue suddenly went forward and grabbed Dai Zhiqiang''s hand in hers!

    Shao Jingfei almost choked back on his own saliva. Xia Rouyue seemed to be a conservative girl, but who would have guessed she was so daring? And Dai Zhiqiang didn''t seem to be against it either, as he didn''t push her hand away.

    ''This is crazy! I think they are the real deal!'' Shao Jingfei shrieked inwardly.

    Before he could second guess himself, he took out his phone and recorded the scene. The camera captured everything when suddenly a body blocked his sight again. When he looked up, the waitress from before had already returned with a huge parfait.

    "Here is the Pink Lovers Parfait Tic for you. I hope you enjoy it!"

    Shao Jingfei wasn''t the only one shocked by the sheer size of the parfait. Few other customers also stared at him pitifully or weirdly. Why would he order something that should be a couple menu for himself? He must be heartbroken.

    Shao Jingfei felt burdened by the stare, but looking at the parfait before him was enough to make his stomach burn. It had a portion for four people at least, with all kinds of cream and sweet toppings stuffed into one giant ss.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    He enjoyed baking sweets, but even he couldn''t eat this many sweets either.

    "This is why one should look at the menu carefully when orderingˇ­." Shao Jingfei muttered before putting the parfait aside for now.

    He was about to continue where he had left off when he finally noticed that both Dai Zhiqiang and Xia Rouyue had left their seats.

    "Where did they go?!" Shao Jingfei stood up while looking around and found them walking toward the exit.

    He was ready to chase them when he saw a waiter walk past them and bump into Xia Rouyue.

    The food and drinks on the waiter''s tray almost fell on her. She closed her eyes tightly, bracing for the impact. However, Dai Zhiqiang swiftly pulled her into his embrace and covered her like a protective boyfriend.

    *CRASH*

    The sound of tes crashing to the floor reverberated through the room and caught everyone''s attention.

    The waiter apologized to them profusely while Dai Zhiqiang was busy making sure that Xia Rouyue was alright. He even took off his jacket to cover her dress which got stained from the drink.

    "Oh my gosh, look at them. Aren''t they just the cutest couple?"

    "I know, right? The boyfriend is so romantic. I wish my boyfriend could be at least half as considerate."

    "Poor girl. The cafe manager better makes it up to them for ruining their date."

    It took Shao Jingfei a few seconds before he realized the camera on his phone was still running. He just captured that ''romantic'' moment perfectly. Looking around, he noticed that other people recorded what happened on their phones.

    He had a headache thinking about what his stepmother and brother would say if this circted on the inte, but that wasn''t the most important thing. Dai Zhiqiang and Xia Ruoyue were about to leave the cafe!

    Shao Jingfei put some money on the table before running out of the ce. But those two were already nowhere to be seen.

    What should he do? He wasn''t sure whether he should let Li Caiyi know about this. Thinking about how she might get hurt after finding out about this made him hesitate.

    He just happened to see them. There was a chance that this could be a huge misunderstanding too.

    But whether it was a misunderstanding or not, wouldn''t Li Caiyi still have the right to know? The vibes between Dai Zhiqiang and Xia Rouyue were highly suspicious too. Even the other customers thought they were a couple after witnessing how affectionate they were.

    Shao Jingfei was torn into two and scratched his head in frustration. "Agh, this is too troublesome! I don''t know what to do!"

 Chapter 596 Healing Breakfast

    Another day passed, and her fever finally went down. Li Caiyi didn''t have a headache as much as before, but she didn''t want to stay in bed all the time. She tightened her cardigan before walking out of her room.

    Su Suyin was preparing breakfast in the kitchen when she noticed her eldest daughtere out of her room. She put down whatever she was holding and approached her. "Xiaoyi, how are you feeling? You should stay in bed more."

    Li Caiyi smiled. "I''m fine, Mother. Brother Jie took care of me well. I felt much better than before."

    "Good if that''s the case. But you shouldn''t move around too much, or you will get dizzy again."

    "En. I''ll be careful."

    Su Suyin stroked her head gently before saying, "Are you hungry? I have prepared some chicken porridge for you. I was about to bring it to your room, actually."

    No wonder the smell was so good. "Yes, I think I''m hungry."

    Su Suyin was exhrated. After a long time, she finally could do something for Li Caiyi again. She ushered her to sit down while scooping some chicken porridge into the bowl. Then, she brought it to her.

    "Make sure to blow them first before you eat so you won''t get burned."

    "En. Thank you, Mother." Li Caiyi answered as she scooped some porridge into her mouth. The savory taste revived her numb taste bud, and the warmth spread from her mouth to all over her body.

    Su Suyin saw her eating happily and felt her nose sour. Li Caiyi looked so happy and content with just a bowl of porridge. To think she failed to even provide her with such simple things before.

    Su Suyin averted her eyes and dabbed her wet eyes with her apron. "Do you want to eat something sweet and refreshing after that? I have some pudding in the fridge."

    "I''d love that, Mother."

    Li Caiyi felt sofortable. After crying her eyes out until no tears could go out anymore, it felt so soothing to eat a warm meal like this.

    Li Junjie and Su Suyin have changed a lot from the past. She could tell they tried their best to care for her, and it healed her wounded heart a bit.

    Thinking about Dai Zhiqiang still brought pain to her chest, but it turned out nothing happened after that day. She didn''t lose her memory, nor did she be someone else. She was still the same Li Caiyi, with or without Dai Zhiqiang.

    Not long after that, Li Junjie came out of the room and was surprised to find Li Caiyi sitting in the dining room.

    "How is your body?" He asked while sitting across from her.

    "Much better, thanks to you." Li Caiyi smiled. "As expected, bing a doctor is the most suitable path for you, Brother."

    Li Junjie cleared his throat awkwardly. "Still, you should not let your guard down just yet. You need to rest more after this."

    "En. I''ll do as you say, Brother Jie!"

    Su Suyin chuckled, seeing them getting along. It felt like they had never separated before. If only Li Chunhua was here, then their family would beplete.

    "Brother, how is Xiaohua''s condition? Still no news yet?"

    "Yeah. There is nothing we can do except wait for her."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Li Caiyi''s expression turned sullen. Before this, Li Chunhua would copse and get admitted to the hospital from time to time. But it was the first time it took her so long to regain consciousness.

    Li Caiyi wondered if she should ask Chu Kong about this?

    "I''m sorry for not being able to stay with you for long, Xiaoyi. I''m worried something might suddenly happen to Xiaohua," Su Suyin felt guilty for having to leave Li Caiyi again.

    "Don''t worry, Mother. Brother Jie is still here with me. I''ll be fine."

    Su Suyin was reluctant to leave Li Caiyi, who was still sick, but she couldn''t stay calm either, leaving Li Chunhua alone. So she kept her mouth shut and prepared to go to the hospital.

    After Su Suyin left, Li Junjie shot her a questioning look.

    "So? Did something happen between you and Renshu again?"

    "Why are you asking me so many questions?" Li Caiyi groaned.

    "Well, he has bombarded me with many texts since graduation, asking how you are doing. I already told him to juste if he''s worried, but he said you wouldn''t be able to rest with him around."

    "It''s nothing serious." Li Caiyi avoided his gaze. "Tell him if he wants toe; he can visit now since I have gotten better already."

    Besides, there was something Li Caiyi needed to tell him as well. After spending a few days bedridden, she wanted to do something so she wouldn''t be able to think about painful memories.

    She had yet to have a chance to tell Meng Renshu about Gu Xue''s meeting with Meng Yaoshu. She thought this would be an excellent chance to tell him that.

    "By the way, Brother Jie, did Father ever tell you anything about research written in Grandpa''s journal?"

    His brows creased in confusion upon hearing that. "Why do you want to know?"

    "Nothing. I was just curious about it. The Li family has a long history in the medical field. Don''t you think among the research conducted before, there is a possibility that some of it will help Xiaohua''s condition?"

    "Who knows? But if something like that really exists, don''t you think Father or Grandpa would already do something about it?"

    Li Jirong was the main culprit, so there was no way he would do that. Li Caiyi couldn''t say for sure about her grandfather, though. He passed away when the twins were still five years old.

    Besides, that wasn''t the point of it anyway. Li Caiyi just wanted to know if Li Jirong ever mentioned it to her brother. He was their father''s pride, after all.

    Li Junjie pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Hmm, no, I don''t think he ever mentioned something like that. Although, he did say something about how he would reveal our family''s secret to me eventually."

    "He said he would pave the road for me or something like that. At first, I thought he was just babbling nonsense like always, but do you think he is being serious? I don''t know the details about that, though."

    Li Caiyi was immediately intrigued. The Li family''s secret? What if it has something to do with Meng Yaoshu or the organization?

    She had to consult Meng Renshu and Detective Tang about this.

    "Say, do you think I can take a look at Grandpa''s journal too?"

 Chapter 597 Visitors (1)

    Li Junjie pondered for a moment. "Well, the journal was inside Grandpa''s room in his house before, but Father took it with him after I finished reading it. I don''t know if he still keeps it or not."

    Li Caiyi felt hopeful until a moment ago but immediately deted in disappointment. If Li Jirong kept it, chances were high that he brought it with him when he left the house.

    "Even if you have it, I don''t think you will find anything useful there. Aside from briefly mentioning the research, Grandpa didn''t write it in detail."

    "Brother Jie, did you read everything beforehand?"

    "Honestly, not everything. But as I said before, the book is in Father''s hand. If there is a way to save Xiaohua written in that journal, then wouldn''t Father already do it by now?"

    Li Junjie knew nothing about Li Jirong''s involvement with that organization so it made sense why he would think that way. For him, Li Jirong was a horrible father but not that ruthless in letting his daughter suffer from illness.

    There must be a reason why Li Jirong took it. He didn''t want Li Junjie to find out about it, so he kept the book hidden.

    If that was the case, he probably had already disposed of the book. No one would deliberately keep something that would give their criminal act away.

    Li Caiyi thought so hard until a deep frown formed on her face. Li Junjie flicked her on the forehead before she fell deeper into this topic.

    "You aren''t fully recovered yet. If you must think about it, at least do it after you heal."

    "En. Thanks, Brother Jie. I will return to my room now."

    Entering her room, Li Caiyi''s mind was still filled with various thoughts. Then, her phone on the bed suddenly rang. It was from Shao Jingfei.

    "Hello?"

    "Caiyi, where are you right now?"

    "I''m at my house right now? What''s wrong?"

    There was a brief silence from the other side before Shao Jingfei hesitantly said, "This is a random question, but have you heard something from Dai Zhiqiang as ofte?"

    Li Caiyi''s heart skipped a beat for a moment. A gloominess crept up her eyes again. "It''s rare for you to ask about him. Why?"

    "Nothing. He hasn''te to school for so long. I was wondering if something happened to him and if you know about it."

    As far as she could remember, Shao Jingfei and Dai Zhiqiang never interacted much. Although Dai Zhiqiang seemed very wary about Shao Jingfei, they were an acquaintance at best.

    Except for Meng Renshu, no one knew that she had already broken up with Dai Zhiqiang. Honestly, she would rather not talk about it. Because her heart was still in so much pain whenever she recalled him.

    "His father is sick, so he''s busy working. I haven''t heard much from him except that he is busy."

    "Caiyi, are you sure about that?"

    Li Caiyi could feel there was something off about Shao Jingfei today. "Jingfei, if you have something to say, then just say it directly. Don''t beat around the bush."

    "Huh? Oh no, I didn''t mean that!" Shao Jingfei sounded flustered. "Sorry if I sound like I''m implying something. But I really am just curious, that''s all."

    "Really?" Li Caiyi asked dubiously.

    "Yes! When did I ever lie to you? Oh yeah, I remember I have to do something after this. Let''s talk about your book next time. Bye!"<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Shao Jingfei hung up the phone right after that. Li Caiyi looked at her phone weirdly when it suddenly rang again in her hand. This time, it was Meng Renshu. What great timing he had.

    "Hello?"

    "Xiaoyi, can I really visit you right now?"

    Li Caiyiy down on the bed. "Sure, why not? There is something I need to tell you too."

    "Okay!" Meng Renshu said happily. "Is there something you want to eat? I will bring it with me."

    "No need. I have mostly recovered anyway. When are youing?"

    "Anytime you want me toe, I''ll immediately fly to your side."

    Li Caiyi twitched because he suddenly became flirtatious with her. This person really didn''t know when to give up. Even though she was already forthright with himst time about how her feelings wouldn''t change.

    But then again, could she really judge him? She was no better because she also stubbornly held on to her feelings for him for years before.

    "Then, you cane once you are free. I want to rest some more, so I''ll hang up now." Li Caiyi said hurriedly before hanging up.

    Li Caiyi wasn''t ready to think about anything unrted to Li Chunhua''s condition.

    ***

    Meng Renshu moved fast. It hadn''t been one hour since they finished their phone call, but he had already arrived at the Li family''s house.

    He bought a lot of premium quality fruits and healthy tonics for her. The amount was enough to fill their fridge to the brim.

    "This is overboard. Do you know that?" Li Junjie grumbled as he stared at the pile of boxes at the entrance. How much time would it take to sort out all of them?

    Meng Renshuughed crisply. "I don''t know which one is better since everything seems good, so I just bought everything."

    Li Junjie was aware of his best friend''s bad spending habits and decided not toment. Beside him was Li Caiyi, who was bbergasted by Meng Renshu''s antics.

    "Brother Renshu, I already said you don''t have to bring me anything."

    "Yeah, but it would be rude of me to visit a sick person without bringing anything. I heard they only picked the freshest and ripest of their fruits. Do you want me to peel it for you?"

    "No, I''m fine," Li Caiyi replied wryly, feeling extremely burdened by his sticky pampering.

    Meng Renshu didn''t insist while still maintaining his wide smile as if he was in a good mood. "Why did you get out of bed while you were still sick? Let''s return to your room and talk."

    Li Junjie thought her sister would refuse, but unexpectedly she calmly epted it.

    "Brother Jie, we would be upstairs. Please take care of the gift for me."

    "Thanks, Junjie!" Meng Renshu grinned before following Li Caiyi upstairs.

    Li Junjie was left alone with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

 Chapter 598 Visitors (2)

    Thest time he entered her room was when Huang Zhen trespassed at the Li family''s house. It was an emergency situation, so he didn''t pay attention to the room that much. Now he entered it again, his heart raced in excitement.

    "Xiaoyi, you should lie down on the bed. We can talk while you are lying down."

    "No, I won''t be so rude to do that in front of my guest."

    Meng Renshu''s mood was too good; he didn''t even mind the distant tone in her words. "But I will feel bad if I make a sick person sit for a long time to entertain the guest. Don''t mind me, and just lie down."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t get used to this Meng Renshu. Previously, he also cared for her a lot, but the pampering meter seemed to reach the max now.

    "...I will sit on the bed." In the end, Li Caiyi chose a diplomatic answer.

    Meng Renshu grabbed a seat and sat beside her bed. "So, what do you want to talk to me about?"

    "I know who Gu Xue met in that clubhouse."

    "Oh yeah, who is it?"

    "It''s your father. Uncle Meng Yaoshu."

    The smile on Meng Renshu''s face stiffened upon hearing that. "Are you sure about that?"

    "I have evidence too. Do you want to take a look?"

    Meng Renshu lowered his gaze before shaking his head. "No. If you are the one who says it, then it must be true."

    He believed her quite easily. Li Caiyi was prepared to hear some rebuttal, but he acted differently than she had imagined.

    Looking at his crestfallen face, Li Caiyi assumed he also understood the implication of this and felt sorry for him.

    It would be better if she could console him by saying this was probably a misunderstanding. However, she knew best what Meng Yaoshu was capable of. Aiding illegal research using living humans as test subjects was possible for him.

    "Brother Renshu, I hope I was wrong too, but that person was Uncle Meng. If our suspicion is correct, you probably have to fight against him in the future. And every action we took against him would probably implicate you and your family too."

    Meng Pharmaceutical was a family business. It was inherited from a father to his son since it was first established. Making an attack on Meng Yaoshu was basically attacking the whole Meng family and their business. It meant that Meng Renshu wouldn''t leave unscratched either.

    "I know. I don''t want to believe it, either. Suppose my father was really behind all this. In that case, there is a possibility that I have unknowingly helped him in our previous life too. Then, didn''t it make me his aplice too? I helped him and cornered your family."

    "That''sˇ­" Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say.

    "Don''t worry. I have no intention of letting a criminal roam free. Even if that person is my own father."

    Meng Renshu said that, but Li Caiyi could tell he was forcing himself. Meng Yaoshu was ruthless, but he was a good father figure for Meng Renshu. Li Caiyi knew how much he looked up to him.

    "Brother Renshu, it pains me to say this, but I won''t back down no matter who my opponent is. I want to save Xiaohua from having the same fate in her previous life."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Li Caiyi felt terrible for him, but business was business. She and Meng Renshu were partners, so she needed to rify her intention.

    Meng Renshu didn''t answer immediately. He could sense her determination from her words. It was her way of telling him that she wouldn''t hesitate to make him her enemy if he decided to side with his father.

    He feltplicated inside. A part of him felt depressed, but at the same time, he was also very proud of her.

    "I understand. I will be on your side throughout this. If my father really is guilty, then I want to be the one to stop him. Besides, this is the least I can do to atone for what my family had done to you in our previous life."

    "Will you really be fine with that?" Li Caiyi asked hesitantly.

    "Fine or not. This is something I must do." Meng Renshu smiled. "If you suspect me of leaking the progress of our investigation to my father secretly, should we do this separately then?"

    Li Caiyi wouldn''t lie. She did have that kind of thought.

    However, she knew Meng Yaoshu wasn''t someone they could beat half-assedly. They needed a proper n after gathering a lot of information beforehand. And the one who had the most ess to their opponent was Meng Renshu.

    If they moved separately, she would be the one at a disadvantage.

    "No need. Let''s keep doing this the way we are. I believe you also don''t want anything to happen to Xiaohua."

    "Thanks for believing in me. You are right. I don''t want Xiaohua to suffer," Meng Renshu paused briefly and stared at her deeply. "But I also can''t leave you alone. You are too reckless, and I must stop you from doing something you will regretter."

    Li Caiyi could tell he was sincere through his words. It was touching to know that Meng Renshu still decided to help her, despite knowing how detrimental it was for himself and his family.

    She felt so much lighter, like a rock had just been lifted from her back. At least she had one problem solved at hand.

    shing a relieved and grateful smile, Li Caiyi spoke softly, "Thank you, Brother Renshu. It means a lot to know I can trust you like this."

    Meng Renshu was taken by that beautiful smile. Honestly, he didn''t know whether his decision was correct or not.

    He should be defending his family right now, but when he thought it would make him stand on a different side with Li Caiyi, and he probably had to hurt her again in this life, unbearable distress weighed down his heart.

    Meng Renshu couldn''t bear to do that.

    Besides, his conscience wouldn''t allow him to help in a criminal act as well, so there was that.

    The matter was resolved, yet both were suddenly at a loss for words. They seemed to have a lot of thoughts running through their minds.

    A knock on the door snapped them from their daze.

    Li Junjie opened the door. Feeling the weird atmosphere in the air, he eyed them for a moment before saying, "Xiaoyi, you have another guest."

 Chapter 599 Visitors (3)

    "A guest?" Li Caiyi echoed his words in confusion. She didn''t remember inviting anyone over beside Meng Renshu.

    "He said his name is Shao Jingfei."

    Li Caiyi was astonished to hear that name. Why would Shao Jingfeie to visit her so suddenly? He had never visited her before, even for their brainstorming session. They always met up in his cafe or school.

    Then, she recalled his weird phone call earlier. A sense of foreboding grew within her. It couldn''t be that his visit was rted somehow to Dai Zhiqiang, right?

    Li Caiyi shook her head to brush off the thought.

    Ever since she fell sick, she became too paranoid and tended to overthink. Perhaps Shao Jingfei just had some urgent business with her regarding their work.

    "Alright, Brother. Please tell him to wait. I''m going down in a bit."

    Li Junjie simply nodded before leaving the room.

    Meng Renshu looked at her worriedly. "Did you not tell him you are sick and can''t work for some time? It would be best if you told him to give you a few days off. You need to rest some more."

    "No, it''s fine." Li Caiyi grabbed her cardigan and wore it. "This is the first time he hase personally to my house. This is probably an urgent matter."

    Meng Renshu couldn''t say anything else. "Shall I wait for you here, then?"

    Li Caiyi mulled over it for a moment. "Brother Renshu, you shoulde back another day. I have already said what I wanted to tell you. I bet you need time to digest everything too."

    "Are you chasing me out after you don''t have any use for me anymore?" He smiled teasingly.

    "No, it''s not like that. I could tell you have a lot of things in mind. Even though you already agreed to help me, I know you care for your family a lot. You probably still have mixed feelings about it. Take your time to think about it more carefully. This is a big decision to make."

    Meng Renshu''s smile faded. He tried not to show his hesitation, but he should have known Li Caiyi wouldn''t miss it. They knew each other too well.

    "Alright. I doubt my answer will change, but you are right. I do need some time for myself for now."

    Li Caiyi nodded while giving him a sympathetic look. "I understand. Even if you change your mind, I won''t me you for it."

    "Thank you," Meng Renshu smiled.

    ***

    They both went downstairs together. Li Caiyi saw Shao Jingfei waiting in the living room. For some reason, he looked nervous and restless. She called out to him.

    "It''s rare to see youe to my house like this, Jingfei."

    "Caiyi, there you are." Shao Jingfei stood up from his seat. His eyes widened slightly when he saw Meng Renshu following behind her. "Senior Meng, you are here too."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Meng Renshu shed his polite smile before answering. "I just came here to visit Xiaoyi, since she has been feeling under the weathertely. But I was about to go home now. Don''t let me bother you two."

    "Caiyi, are you sick?" Shao Jingfei shifted his gaze to her in surprise.

    "Yes, but I''m mostly okay now."

    "But still, you need to be careful. Don''t forget to eat the fruits and tonics I brought earlier, alright?" Meng Renshu said attentively. "Make sure to stay warm too, and don''t overwork yourself."

    "En. Thank you very much for today, Brother Renshu." Li Caiyi smiled gratefully at him.

    Shao Jingfei, who witnessed this view, looked even more surprised. He knew he shouldn''t butt in other people''s business, but he was curious about what happened to Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang.

    The former was sick and tended to by her childhood friend. Meanwhile, the boyfriend clearly lied about being busy with work and went out with another girl.

    His gossip sense was tingling. Just what happened between this couple?!

    "Then, I will leave now. Have fun, you two," Meng Renshu waved at them before walking out of the house.

    "Jingfei, please sit down. Is something urgent happening? You even go so far as to visit me personally. Don''t tell me something has happened in thepany regarding my book?"

    "Oh no. I didn''te here to talk about work, actually," Shao Jingfei scratched his cheeks awkwardly. He didn''t know where to start with this, but his conscience felt hurt if he just sat around and pretended to know nothing.

    "Thank goodness," Li Caiyi sighed in relief. Her book sale was her only source of ie and her lifeline. It would be tough for her to live alone if something happened to it. "Then, did you have something else to tell me?"

    "Noˇ­I mean, yes! Eh, maybe?" Shao Jingfei was so flustered he couldn''t answer coherently.

    Li Caiyi''s brows raised in confusion. "It seems you do have something to tell me. Well, just say it then."

    Shao Jingfei broke out in sweats to the point his nape felt cold. Li Caiyi gazes at him unsuspectingly, waiting for him to answer. It made him genuinely feel bad for her.

    "You know, Caiyi. There is something I think you need to know. But please take this with grains of salt, okay? I probably just have a terrible misunderstanding about this."

    "Jingfei, it''s not like you to be so hesitant. Now you make me curious. What is this that I need to know?"

    Shao Jingfei took a deep breath before saying, "I saw Dai Zhiqiang the other day. You said he is busy with work and can''t get in touch with you. But he didn''t look busy when I saw him. And alsoˇ­."

    Li Caiyi''s heart sank the moment he mentioned Dai Zhiqiang. And the way he trailed off his words just heightened the suspense. Her heart beat so fast. "Also, what?"

    "I saw him with another girl. They looked so close to each other too. Does he have female siblings or rtives?"

    Li Caiyi felt like the ground was cracked open beneath her and swallowed her whole. The news was so shocking she forgot to breathe momentarily.

 Chapter 600 Hating Yourself So Much

    Shao Jingfei saw her face be as pale as a ghost. There could be two reasons for that: either the situation was bad or really bad.

    "Caiyi, I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to shock you when you have just recovered. I''m sure this is a misunderstanding because everyone knew how much Dai Zhiqiang liked you! Yeah, that''s right. I''m the stupid one for bringing it up. Please just forget about it, okay?" Shao Jingfei panicked and blurted out everything he could think of.

    However, Li Caiyi''s expression didn''t look better. On the contrary, tears started filling up her eyes.

    "A-are you crying?" Shao Jingfei felt like punching himself now.

    Of course, she would cry if she heard that her boyfriend was cheating on her. And it happened when she was sick and lost touch with him too. Anyone would be devastated if they found out about it at this time.

    He really picked the wrong possible time to break the news to her. s, he couldn''t take back his words anymore.

    Oblivious to Shao Jingfei''s dramatic thought, Li Caiyi was extremely hurt and sad. She couldn''t even hold herself from crying in front of Shao Jingfei.

    [I don''t like you or dislike you].

    [If that''s what you want to think, then so be it].

    [We won''t meet each other in the future anymore. Goodbye, Li Caiyi].

    Dai Zhiqiang''s words from graduation day kept buzzing in her mind.

    Was this the reason he suddenly fell out of love with her?

    It happened so suddenly without warning, and he didn''t even try to deny it when she used him of having someone else in his heart.

    Was Dai Zhiqiang actually cheating on her all along? Did he have other feelings for another girl while he was still with her? But how could that be? Because his gaze, words, touch, and everything seemed to scream that he loved her so much. She refused to believe that everything was just a facade.

    She painstakingly swallowed her cry and asked him in a quivered voice. "Jingfei, you probably saw something wrong. Perhaps they just looked like they were close but actually weren''t. Zhiqiang tends to avoid the opposite sex, so I found it hard to believe."

    Shao Jingfei said nothing. He pondered for a moment before showing her a video on his phone.

    Since he had broken her heart anyway, there was no need to hide this from her too.

    "See it for yourself. Please do tell me that I was just overthinking. I will be d if that''s the case."

    Li Caiyi looked down at his phone, and that foreboding feeling returned to her. She was scared of what she might find out, but she also wanted to find out simultaneously.

    With trembling hands, she took it and yed the video. What she saw in that short videopletely shattered her belief and perspective of Dai Zhiqiang.

    That smile and considerate gesture, there was no mistaking it.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t do that out of politeness, but he genuinely cared for that girl.

    The cold and harsh truth fell on her head, threatening to split her brain into two. A part of her still stubbornly denied it, but honestly, she didn''t know what to think anymore.

    What she knew was that the constricting pain in her heart was too much to bear at this point. Looking at him treating another girl specially like that, her heart torn into pieces.

    Everything jumbled up together in her head like messy knots, and Li Caiyi had no idea how to unravel it. She wanted to scream out of frustration but held herself back.

    Shao Jingfei was grateful Li Chunnhua wasn''t there, or she would beat him up if she had seen this scene.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "Caiyi, did something happen between the two of you? Is everything really alright between you two? I''m worried about you."

    Li Caiyi still had tears cascading down her cheeks, but she didn''t utter a single sound. Not even a sob. She was tired from all the crying she had done in the past week.

    She was eerily silent, and it made Shao Jingfei restless. "Do you want me to confront Dai Zhiqiang and ask him why he did that?"

    Li Caiyi shook her head. "There is no need for that. We have already broken up anyway."

    "What?" Shao Jingfei eximed in shock. "When did that happen? You two got along so wellˇŞah!"

    He was halfway saying that Dai Zhiqiang and Li Caiyi were the most famous couple in school when he realized that would be very insensitive. "Sorry. What happened between you two?"

    "I don''t know. We fought a lot, and sometimes we couldn''t understand each other. I guess he is just tired of me."

    "I see. I''m sorry to hear that."

    "Jingfei, I didn''t doubt you. I''m sure you showed this to me with good intentions. But I just can''t believe it, no matter what. Even if he got closer to that girl after we broke up, I still want to believe his feelings for me were sincere."

    Even Li Caiyi felt very naive for thinking like that. It was like she became her previous self again, blindly believing and following after the one she loved. She put a blind eye to everything that might hurt her and mmed herself shut in her shell.

    As long as she could be with him, then she was okay.

    Li Caiyi looked at her reflection on the phone screen. It was like she was seeing the past helpless and depressed Li Caiyi, who knew nothing but to obey others. She covered her face as she didn''t want to look at it anymore.

    "Jingfei, what should I do? I really hate myself like this. I must appear very pathetic right now. I thought I have changed; I''m pretty sure I am."

    Shao Jingfei looked at how Li Caiyi broke down in front of him, and it felt like he was seeing someone else entirely. Was Li Caiyi always this vulnerable and unsure about herself?

    "Caiyi, you are not pathetic. There is nothing pathetic about getting hurt from loving someone." Shao Jingfei said in a coaxing manner.

    "Don''t be so harsh on yourself. You are just too shocked and hurt right now. Give yourself some time to heal, then you can slowly think about what you want to do next."

    "I don''t know. I''m scared of myself. I don''t want to return to the way I was."

    "Why would you hate the past you so much? What did Li Caiyi do wrong in the past that you are terrified of it?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned to hear that. "She was a foolish woman who made a lot of terrible mistakes."

    "And what kind of human didn''t make a mistake? Do you want to say that Dai Zhiqiang is a mistake in your life too?"

    His words were like a p to her face. Li Caiyi was at a loss for words and could only stare at Shao Jingfei nkly.

    Shao Jingfei sighed. He couldn''t stand seeing her like this. "Caiyi, I don''t know what happened to you, but give yourself some credit. You don''t need to be right all the time to prove that you have changed. No, in the first ce, you don''t have to prove anything. As long as you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear."

    Li Caiyi listened to his words carefully. Itforted her a lot knowing she now had such a good friend who said such genuine words to her. Even her anxiety seemed to subside a lot.

    Unlike in her previous life, where she could only weep with no one she could turn to. How she wished she had someone like Shao Jingfei then. Perhaps she wouldn''t make a drastic decision tomit suicide too.

 Chapter 601 Awakening

    Shao Jingfei could tell that she was calming down and felt relieved. "Come on. You are the biggest gem I have ever found. If you are pathetic, then what does that make me?"

    "....Jingfei, I''m sorry forshing out like that. My emotions have been vtiletely. You saw such an embarrassing sight of me."

    "It''s okay. I''m used to it by now. Anyway, don''t overthink it. Peoplee and go; that''s normal. There are times when you must let it go before you ruin yourself."

    "You are right." Li Caiyi smiled bitterly. In the end, letting Dai Zhiqiang go was her only option. "I will slowly try to get used to it."

    "That''s good. I heard that some people can create a masterpiece after facing hardships in life. If you must cry, then at least make something out of it."

    Li Caiyi had been having a severe major block for weeks now. She hadn''t tried to write again after thest time Feng Nian suggested she do it. Perhaps she would feel better after writing down her mixed feelings in words now.

    "En. I''ll do as you say."

    "Alright. Then you sure rest more. I won''t disturb you anymore."

    "Thank you, Jingfei. For everything today." Li Caiyi smiled sincerely at him, which was replied with his usual boyish grin.

    "No problem. That''s what friends are for. I''ll see youter."

    Watching as he left the house, Li Caiyi feltplicated once again. She leaned her back against the backrest and covered her eyes with her hand.

    "It''s really not good trying to prolong good things. I must stop regretting what happened if I want to move on."

    Second life, second chance, and second heartbreak. Li Caiyi snorted in a self-deprecatingugh at that.

    She should end her excessive attachment to Dai Zhiqiang. He saved her before, and she helped him a lot in this lifetime. They didn''t owe each other anything.

    It would not be easy, but she had to try.

    Li Caiyi closed her eyes slowly, feeling weariness seeping into her bones.

    She felt so alone for the first time in a long time.

    ***

    The next day, Li Caiyi felt her body had recovered. Not aplete recovery, but she felt 80% alright. She went to the hospital to check on Li Chunhua.

    As usual, Su Suyin was there, and she looked happy to see her. "Xiaoyi, are you sure you are fine already?"

    "Yes, Mother. I feel like I will get sicker if I stay in bed longer. How is Xiaohua?"

    Su Suyin sighed gloomily. "There is no change from her previous condition. I should have been grateful that her condition doesn''t get worse, but I''m anxious to see her sleep like this for a long time."

    Li Caiyi patted her back tofort her. "It''s okay, Mother. Despite her weak physique, Xiaohua is very stubborn and strong inside. She will wake up soon."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "I hope so too," Su Suyin patted her hand gently before saying, "Can you look after your sister for a while? I remember there was a store selling delicious braised pork near the hospital. Mother will buy some for you."

    "You don''t have toˇŞ"

    However, Su Suyin didn''t want to hear ''no'' as an answer, so Li Caiyi could only oblige. When her mother left the room, Li Caiyi sat beside her sister''s bed with a mncholic expression. She missed Li Chunhua so much.

    "Hey, how are you? Sorry for not being able to visit. I got sick a few days ago."

    "It''s strange, right? I usually don''t get sick easily," she grinned sheepishly and continued talking, "Do you want to know the reason? You probably wouldugh at me if you heard it."

    As expected, there was no answer. Li Caiyi smiled bitterly before saying, "Xiaohua, it turns out you are right. It seems like Dai Zhiqiang and I wasn''t a perfect match for each other. We broke up a few days ago, just like you predicted."

    Li Caiyiughed dryly. "I got dumped by him. He even went so far as to transfer schools so we won''t see each other in the future again. It seems I have inconvenienced him so much that he couldn''t stand me anymore."

    Thinking about how Dai Zhiqiang treated another girl with the same gentleness crushed her heart. Still, at least she didn''t cry anymore whenever she remembered it.

    "Xiaohua, I think I am not suited to this kind of thing. I''m not confident I can love someone else again after this."

    "There are many more things I want to tell you, so just wake up already."

    Li Caiyi sped Li Chunhua''s cold hand in hers as if trying to share some of her warmth with her.

    To her surprise, Li Chunhua''s fingers, which were very still before, twitched a bit.

    Li Caiyi turned her head to check on Li Chunhua, and she saw her eyshes fluttering slightly. She rose from her seat and stared at her expectantly. Her hand was still clutching Li Chunhua''s hand tightly. "Xiaohua? Are you awake? Can you hear my voice?"

    A second felt like forever. Li Caiyi almost forgot to breathe when Li Chunhua''s eyelid slowly opened.

    Tears formed in her eyes to see Li Chunhua regain her consciousness. She felt like dancing in happiness and crying in relief simultaneously. "Xiaohua!"

    "Xiaoyi?" Li Chunhua''s unfocused eyes began to take in her surroundings. The light in her eyes dimmed as she asked, "How many days this time?"

    "A month. You have been unconscious for almost a month."

    "What?" Li Chunhua eximed in shock. "Did I really pass out for that long?"

    Li Caiyi nodded with teary eyes. "Yes. You slept for so long. We are so worried about you."

    She couldn''t contain her happiness anymore and threw her arms around Li Chunhua. "Thank goodness you are okay. I''m so scared you won''t wake up again!"

    "Ugh, Xiaoyi, you held me too tight." Li Chunhua almost choked from her bear hug, but she was happy inside to be warmly weed. If only she wasn''t so weak, she would raise her hand and stroke her twin''s head. But like this, she could only stay still while Li Caiyi hugged her tightly.

    "Did someone bully you again while I''m not here? You are really helpless without me. I can''t take my eyes off you even for a bit."

 Chapter 602 Meng Renshus Decision

    Su Suyin was thrilled when she returned to see Li Chunhua had woken up. She immediately called Li Junjie, who arrived soon after. With him, the Li family finally reunited again.

    Li Caiyi looked at the scene before her and thought her family was never perfect, but they seemed much happier now than before. She smiled faintly.

    A few hourster, Meng Renshu also arrived. He looked genuinely happy to see Li Chunhua was alright and gave her a brotherly hug.

    Out of habit, Li Caiyi took out her phone and wanted to tell someone about this good news. But then she remembered that Dai Zhiqiang and her were no longer in a rtionship and lowered her phone.

    "Oh yeah, this is good timing. There is something I want to tell you." Meng Renshu spread his gaze to everyone in the room before dering, "I will go abroad to study tomorrow. The preparation has already been done, and the only thing left is to wait for the departure day."

    Everyone seemed shocked by his decision, including Li Junjie. Li Caiyi was the only one who wasn''t surprised by this sudden news. She kind of expected this to happen.

    "But why so suddenly?" Su Suyin asked him worriedly. "Will you be alright staying by yourself abroad?"

    "Auntie, I will be fine. If I want to inherit the family business soon, I must learn from the best. Well, I don''t really have to, but I want to." He nced at Li Caiyi for a moment before continuing, "I can''t be the only one working hard because there is something I have to do."

    The rest just naturally thought that Meng Renshu was simply being dedicated to his future position as the sole heir of Meng Pharmaceutical, but Li Caiyi knew he implied something else by saying that.

    He was right. If she wanted to be stronger, she had to put aside her feelings and work hard to improve herself. She couldn''t use writer''s block as an excuse to avoid writing all the time.

    "I see. We will not often meet anymore, but I''ll root for you, Brother Renshu. I know you can do this!" Li Chunhua gave him a thumbs-up, and Meng Renshu smiled fondly at her.

    "Don''t worry. I won''t let anyone get hurt this time."

    "Huh?" Li Chunhua was confused by his weird response, but Li Junjie''s words interrupted her thoughts.

    "I thought you wanted to enjoy more freedom before getting serious into the family business. But apparently, you have changed your mind."

    "Heh, I can''t let you get ahead of me every time. You also have decided which path you want to take, right?"

    "Yes. Thanks to someone."

    Meng Renshu chuckled. "Then will we see each other again in the future? At that time, we should have a drinking party with Xiaoyi and Xiaohua too."

    "That''s nice! I''m in!"

    "Xiaohua, you can''t drink alcohol, or your health will deteriorate again."

    "Aww, Mom. It should be fine if I only drink a little, right?"

    They were busy conversing and didn''t notice that Li Caiyi had slipped away from the room. She wanted to get some fresh air to clear her mind.

    Li Caiyi went for a walk in the garden but ended up in the spot where she and Dai Zhiqiang had theirst fight. She sat down on their usual bench and began to think back about various things that had happened so far.

    There were good and bad times, but everything gave her a meaningful time. Perhaps, as Shao Jingfei said, she didn''t have to me her past self too much. The past Li Caiyi worked hard and failed, but the current her still has yet to fail.

    And even if Dai Zhiqiang didn''t like her anymore, but he would forever have a special ce in her heart. She would never forget how he pulled her out of that suffocating loneliness and gave her the strength to continue.

    Li Caiyi yed with her pendant and stared absentmindedly at the night sky above. It was full of stars and pretty.

    "Xiaoyi."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Li Caiyi turned around to find Meng Renshu standing behind her. He held a stic bag in his hand and silently sat beside her.

    "Someone seemed to have a lot of things on her mind, so I got worried and checked on her."

    Li Caiyi: "...."

    Meng Renshu opened his stic bag and took out a can of beer. Li Caiyi eyed it down weirdly. "You will get into trouble if you make a minor like me drink."

    He chuckled. "No one is around, and more importantly, you are not minor inside."

    Fair enough. And Li Caiyi could really use some alcohol to distract herself now.

    She epted it, and they drank together in silence. The night wind was chilly, but the alcohol kept her body warm.

    "Are you really going tomorrow?"

    "Yeah. I have decided that the faster I take care of everything, the less dangerous it will be for you and Xiaohua."

    "I see. You are so decisive that I can''t help but feel jealous of you."

    Meng Renshu smiled vaguely. "If it weren''t for you, I probably won''t be able to make this decision either."

    "...Sorry, it was insensitive of me to speak like that."

    Meng Renshu shook his head. "No, it''s fine. Are you thinking about Dai Zhiqiang again?"

    Li Caiyi didn''t answer and heaved a long sigh. "I have to learn to let him go. He is under this sky, somewhere out there. It''s not the end of the world, but my heart felt heavy."

    Meng Renshu yed with his can before hesitantly saying, "Can you really let him go?"

    ''Just like how you let me go?''

    Those were words left hanging in the air. Meng Renshu dared not to ask her that.

    Li Caiyi''s hand stiffened. Would she really be able to treat Dai Zhiqiang casually, just like she did with Meng Renshu?

    She doubted that.

    Because Li Caiyi knew she would falter. Dai Zhiqiang was the first person who epted her just the way she was. His existence was just that big and unerasable.

    Meng Renshu realized she wouldn''t answer and shot her another question, "Will you see me off to the airport tomorrow? Will you pick me up when I return someday?"

    Li Caiyi shifted her gaze to him as she felt the expectant tone in his voice. Meng Renshu was looking at her thoughtfully.

    It was a simple question that implied a lot of deeper meaning. She felt like something would change between them depending on her answer.

    "Iˇ­"

 Chapter 603 Past And Present

    6 Years Later.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    Li Caiyi tucked her hair behind her ears before turning around. From a distance, she could see Li Chunhua running over with a bright smile on her face.

    "Why are you in so much of a hurry?" Xiaoyi smiled when her sister finally stopped in front of her.

    "Hehe, it''s been a while since we hung out together, after all!" Li Chunhua hugged her arms intimately as they began to walk together. The older twin chuckled.

    "We often meet on weekends; what are you talking about?"

    Li Chunhua puffed out her cheeks in disagreement. "You only stayed for dinner, then you will immediately return to your ce. We don''t have much time to catch up at all! Mom is worried because you keep getting busy too."

    "Haha, sorry about that. I''m indeed pretty busy thesest few weeks."

    "Even Brother Jie is around the house more often than you. Seriously, you two. Think about how lonely Mom must have felt!"

    "Is Brother Jie doing fine with his internship?"

    "Yeah. I heard his seniors and colleagues praise him a lot for hispetency. Still, apparently, they kind of avoided him when they had no work-rted topics to talk about."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t me those people. Dealing with Li Junjie most definitely wasn''t easy.

    "What about you, Xiaohua? How is work going for you?"

    Li Chunhua sighed. "It''s moreplicated than I thought, but I''ll manage. There is this construction project for a residential area on the outskirts of the city soon, and ourpany is trusted to manage the design of the house. We have been so busy since then."

    A project for a residential area, huh? Li Caiyi vaguely remembered that something like that did happen in her previous life. The idea was to use the barrennd and reform the house around it into a suburbanmunity.

    However, that project should be relocated elsewhere due to the sudden transfer ofnd ownership. Later, thatnd was used for another project. Even the media didn''t cover how and why that happened.

    The abandoned building that Li Caiyi jumped off from was supposed to be one building that was included in that new project. Then, a terrible ident happened during construction, and that project was stopped middleway.

    Since then, rumors circted that misfortune would happen to those who wanted to use thend or thatnd was protected by a mysterious energy. Eventually, people abandoned it.

    Li Caiyi didn''t expect this matter would be mentioned by Li Chunhua. "Are you going to be included in that new project?"

    "Hmm, I''m not sure yet. The manager said that perhaps I would be chosen for the project and encouraged me to join. But my senior invited me to join her on another project first. That project is smaller but not bad either, so I''m conflicted now."

    "I only know a little about your work, but I think thetter sounds good. Isn''t that colleague the one you told me aboutst time? The one who helped you when you were still a newbie?"

    "En. She is a cool senior. To be honest, I''m interested in joining because of her. Do you think I should just ept her offer?"

    "Why not? You''ll have an easier time at work when surrounded by people you can trust."

    Li Chunhua felt some truth in Li Caiyi''s words and nodded. "Alright! Then I will tell my senior I will take her up on her offer!"

    Li Caiyi only smiled faintly. She knew the residential area project would be doomed, so Li Chunhua would be better off taking thetter one.

    "But still, I think the vitamin you gave me is working! I don''t get headaches as often or get tired easily anymore."

    After Li Chunhua woke up from her extended unconscious state four years ago, Li Caiyi wasted no time and gave her the medicine Chu Kong developed. The effect wasn''t instantaneous, but Li Chunhua''s episode had significantly lessened.

    Aside from that, Li Chunhua also diligently went to her psychologist for treatment. And it seemed to work because her mental state was stable in the past 4 years.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Even though she would copse again if she overworked too much, her condition wasn''t as fragile as it used to be.

    ? Li Caiyi unconsciously held her arm, which still had the mark of blood transfusion under the sleeve, and felt that she couldn''t be more grateful than that.

    "Thank goodness. You have to take them regrly, alright?"

    "Yes! I feel like I''m getting stronger day by day. It makes me think that the past me is so silly for being stubborn for nothing. I should have listened to you earlier."

    "All that matters is you are actively taking care of yourself." Li Caiyi stroked her head. "You still have a long life ahead of you, so never forget this blissful feeling, alright?"

    "Haha, what''s wrong with you today? You know, you talked like an olddy sometimes, Xiaoyi."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t tell her that she was much older than her inwardly, so she only gave her a mysterious smile. "Let''s stop talking and walk more walking. The others must have waited for us already."

    "That''s why I told you we should have hailed a taxi. Why do we have to walk on such a cold afternoon?" Li Chunhua whined as she tightened her trenchcoat.

    "I didn''t expect the weather to be this cold. This year''s autumn is colder thanst year."

    "Yeah, the wind is strong too. Do you think there will be a storm tonight?"

    "Hopefully not, or we have to ask Ya Ya to let us stay in her house."

    ***

    When the twins stepped into the Yueguang Noodle House, they sighed, feeling the warmth of the room slowly melting their stiffened hands.

    Li Caiyi walked up to one of the waiters to say something, and the waiter kindly led them upstairs, where reserved rooms were lined up. The twins followed him and entered the room he was pointed at.

    They didn''t expect that they would be weed by loud confetti.

    POP!

    "Congrattions!"

    Zhou Ya, Feng Nian, and Chen Run stood side by side with wide grins on their flushed faces. It seemed they had started the party without waiting for them.

    "Come on, you guys startled us!" Li Chunhua scolded them, but Chen Run only waved her hand casually.

    "Now, now, don''t be so angry. Today is a happy day for us!"

    Li Caiyi was intrigued because Chen Run seemed more hyper than usual. She nced at Zhou Ya and asked, "Did something happen today? Howe I haven''t heard about it?"

    Zhou Yaughed in amusement. "It''s actually good news about Lan Lan. She said she had kept it from us so she could make an announcement today. You will be surprised by the news!"

    "Guys, I know you are excited, but how about letting the two of them sit first?"

    Under Feng Nian''s reminder, everyone calmed down and returned to their seats. Li Caiyi sat beside Zhou Ya, while Li Chunhua chose to sit beside Chen Run across from them.

    "So, what is this all about?"

    Everyone looked at Chen Run expectantly. The said person couldn''t stop grinning and finally dered proudly.

    "Praise me. After a year of ving around under that sadistic Director, I finally got promoted to assistant Director today!"

 Chapter 604 Debut As Scriptwriter

    "You are what??!"

    "That entric Director you admired so much? How did it turn out like that?!"

    This time Chen Run blushed in embarrassment. "It seems my darling helps me to put out some good words to the Director. I''m so happy."

    Yes, among them, Chen Run was the only one currently in a rtionship. After the fateful meeting with Fu Hang during their school trips, they got along well and formed a harmonious rtionship.

    Feng Nian initially doubted him, but since Fu Hang was considerate enough to not ask Chen Run out until they graduated, she finally ceased her suspicion. In the past few years, they had always been very close, and Chen Run was determined to join the samepany as him.

    She failed the interview a few times but didn''t give up. After her third try, she finally got epted. Li Caiyi remembered how happy Chen Run was then.

    However, they were assigned to different departments. Chen Run was pushed to do menial tasks for a year. The most prominent source of her stress was the Director she admired, who also happened to be one of the biggest entrics in the industry.

    Like Chen Run always said, "I will be a cool Director like him one day, but I will never be a petty adult like him."

    Finally, her hard work paid off in the form of a promotion.

    "I cried when I heard the news. I could finally get away from the status of a lowly ve into a prideful ve." Chen Run got teary-eyed and wiped it dramatically. "Don''t worry, if I be a famous Director one day, I shall never forget you guys."

    "You are exaggerating again," Feng Nian sighed. While Zhou Ya softly reprimanded her.

    "Just let her be. She is too happy to listen to you anyway."

    "Congrattions, Lan Lan!" Li Chunhua and Li Caiyi said simultaneously. The room instantly filled with boisterousughter.

    They cheered and drank while listening to Chen Run''s story. Li Caiyi looked at her surroundings and felt blessed to be there with them.

    A lot had happened in the past few years, but they would eventually gather andugh together again. Everyone had their own job, so it wasn''t easy for them to meet up like this.

    Zhou Ya, who used to be against working on their family business, finally resigned herself to her fate when the Old Zhang passed away. Everyone stayed with her to apany her during her hard times. They were surprised when on the next day, she firmly decided that she would inherit her grandfather''s legacy. Because she couldn''t trust her brothers to manage it.

    At that time, Zhou Ya had already finished the procedure to take on a Chinese literature major, but she switched her desired major to the business eventually. As soon as she graduated from college, she returned to Yueguang to work, and the business has been prospering since then. It became popr and would open a new franchise in another town soon.

    Li Caiyi already knew that Yueguang would flourish more in the uing years, and it was all thanks to Zhou Ya''s effort. She respected her a lot for that.

    Feng Nian''s decision wasn''t any less shocking, as she decided to be a teacher. She said she wanted to help students who had a hard time like her in the past, and she enjoyed teaching because she did that for her siblings all the time.

    Feng Nian recently became a temporary teacher in the middle school she used to attend. If all went well, then she would be a permanent teacher soon.

    From what Li Caiyi heard, Feng Nian was pretty popr among her students because she was cool and easy to talk to. Li Caiyi couldn''t agree more with those students.

    "Well, let''s stop talking about me for now. I actually have some good news!"

    Chen Run shifted her gaze to Li Caiyi, and she had a teasing smirk on her face. "This has something to do with Yi Yi."

    "Me?" Li Caiyi pointed at herself in a puzzled manner.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "Stop putting us in suspense and just tell us!" Li Chunhua was getting impatient as usual when it concerned Li Caiyi.

    "Due to my privilege as an assistant director now," Chen Run paused while smiling smugly before continuing, "I have ess to insider information now. I no longer need to wait for my darling to tell me the gossip because gossip naturallyes my way now."

    "So this new gossip you heard has something to do with Yi Yi?"

    "Yes. Actually, it''s a pretty big gossip. I heard that the Director and some other important figures in thepany are talking about making Yi Yi write the script for our next movie!"

    "WHAT?!"

    Everyone eximed in shock before they simultaneously bombarded Li Caiyi with hugs and congrattory words.

    "Our famous writer is finally stepping into the filming industry. I''m so proud of you."

    "Xiaoyi will get busier because of this, but I will reluctantly approve this major step in your career."

    "To think your works even got the attention of that difficult Director, you are amazing. Give me your autograph after this so I can boast it to my students!"

    Meanwhile, Li Caiyi, who was at the center of attention, still couldn''t catch up with the news she had just heard.

    Sheˇ­became a scriptwriter? It was something she hadn''t thought about before. But hearing what her friends said, a burning me ignited in her chest.

    It would be her first time, but Li Caiyi was willing to try!

    "Lan Lan, are you sure this news is reliable?"

    "Do you think I would carelessly open my mouth if I wasn''t sure? If things go ording to the n, you should be able to hear from ourpany soon."

    Li Caiyi was so excited she couldn''t sit still. Her hand itched to write or produce something.

    After oveing a severe writer''s block she had a few years ago, her days were filled with writing and more writing. She produced several other works after that, and her poprity steadily grew as her fanbase got bigger.

    "If Yi Yi got even more famous than she already is, then wouldn''t it be harder for us to meet in the future? This time too, if we didn''t catch the interval between her fan signing event, we probably couldn''t meet up either."

    Zhou Ya''s concern mirrored hers. Li Caiyi admitted that she had been too busytely.

    Thest time she had fun with her friends like this was three months ago. She had to attend fan signing tour events, a lot of talk shows and recently shared her experiences in seminars too. Even if she did have some free time, she mostly used it to write.

    "I think so too. Xiaoyi, don''t you think Jingfei is being too much by pushing these ridiculous schedules onto you? I will goin to him!"

    Li Caiyi scratched her cheeks awkwardly. "The one who decided my schedule isn''t him, though."

    Honestly, Li Caiyi didn''t mind working. In fact, she enjoyed meeting her fans, who recognized her writing skill andplimented her.

    Besides, she felt like she would think about unnecessary stuff if she didn''t make herself busy.

 Chapter 605 Shao Jingfeis Invitation

    It had been six years, but she remembered everything as if it were only yesterday. Thinking about him made her feel gloomy, and she quickly brushed away the thought.

    "What can we do? Yi Yi is at the peak of her career. There will be plenty of time to catch up once everything settles down. Stop whining." Feng Nianmented. "Let''s not waste this precious moment with moping. How about we begin the feast?"

    The rest reluctantly agreed with her and said nothing more. In the end, they ate and drank until they felt full. After drinking a few bottles, their friends dropped one by one, leaving only Li Chunhua and Li Caiyi.

    Li Caiyi had an abnormally high alcohol tolerance. At the same time, Li Chunhua only drank a bit before switching to non-alcoholic beverages. She followed what the doctor told her diligently.

    "What should we do with them? Putting Zhou Ya aside since she lived nearby, what about these two?" Li Chunhua yed with her ss of orange juice as she stared at them.

    "We can call Fu Hang to pick Chen Run up. But Feng Nian would be a bit problematic since her house was pretty far. Let me call Fu Hang first."

    Li Chunhua watched as her sister took out her phone and conversed through the phone when an idea hit her. Smiling mischievously, she secretly sent a text to someone.

    "Fu Hang said he would be here soon. Do you think Feng Nian would be alright to stay in Zhou Ya''s house tonight? I don''t think we can take her home like this. Let me call a taxi."

    Li Chunhua waved her hand. "Ah, no need to worry. I had just called someone reliable to help us. He should be here anytime soon."

    ***

    "I''m not an idle person, you know." Shao Jingfei groaned when he saw what was left after their party and the sleeping duo on the table.

    Fu Hang was there until five minutes ago, and he took Chen Run home with him. Initially, he offered to give them a ride as well, but Li Chunhua refused and ushered him to go.

    "You are idle if you cane here in fifteen minutes," Li Chunhua grinned. "You came here with a car, right? Help us bring them to the car."

    "When you said ''life and death'' situation, I didn''t think it would be this situation. Can you please not scare me like that?"

    "Less talking and more action. Come on!" Li Chunhua insisted with a tone that wouldn''t receive refusal as an answer. Eventually, Shao Jingfei had no choice but toply.

    It took some time, but everyone finally seated inside Shao Jingfei''s car. Li Chunhua immediately hopped into the front seat, while Li Caiyi chose to sit with her friends in the passenger seat. It was a bit cramped, but thankfully they were all pretty slim.

    "That''s not it, kids. The answer to that question is...."

    While he drove, Feng Nian suddenly talked in her sleep, making Shao Jingfei wonder what had happened. "You guys seem to have a wonderful time together."

    "I told you toe, but you refused," Li Chunhua pouted while crossing her arms.

    "Why do I want to join a reunion between girls? It will be extremely awkward for me."

    "Hmph, you are usually happily surrounded by girls; why are you pretending to be innocent."

    "Where did thate from? And how did you know that?"

    Li Caiyi listened to their exchange while watching the view outside. The night sky was dark without stars, and she could hear a slight rumbling sound of thunder. Just looking at it made people feel gloomy.

    "Xiaoyi? You have been quiet for some time. Are you asleep?"

    "No, I''m not. You guys got along so well that I felt bad to interrupt," she replied teasingly.

    "That''s not true!" Both eximed at the same time.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Almost everyone was aware of their feelings toward each other, except for the two in question, who seemed oblivious or pretended to be clueless about it. Li Caiyi wasn''t very sure about Shao Jingfei, but she knew Li Chunhua had deeper feelings for him.

    She thought they would be together after 6 years, but nope, they still bickered from time to time and acted like children sometimes.

    It didn''t take long before they arrived at Zhou Ya''s house. The Zhou Mother apologized for causing trouble and dly let Feng Nian stay at their ce. The twins and Shao Jingfei bade goodbye soon after.

    "Say, are you guys busy this weekend?" Shao Jingfei suddenly asked as he drove them home.

    "I''m usually free on weekends, but I don''t know about Xiaoyi."

    "There shouldn''t be any schedule for me on that date either. What of it?"

    Shao Jingfei rubbed his slightly reddened nose before answering, "My brother will have his birthday soon, and he asked me to invite my friends. Do you want toe?"

    "If it''s Mr. Shao''s party, then there is no reason for me to refuse."

    "I''m good with it too. I have always wanted to meet your brother anyway."

    "Why do you even want to meet my brother?"

    Li Chunhua shrugged. "Just curious. I heard he helped Xiaoyi a lot too. I have to pay him respect."

    "I''m the one who did most of the helping, though? I never saw you paying me the slightest bit of respect."

    "Why are you even trying topete with your boss? So childish."

    Right. After six years, Shao Junfei was promoted to CEO from his previous position. He was officially the head of Glorious Dayspany after Shao Yufei retired.

    Li Caiyi met him several times in thepany, but he didn''t act or treat her differently just because he was the CEO now.

    Li Caiyi heard that Shao Junfei wanted to put Shao Jingfei in a higher position, but thetter refused the offer. Because he wasn''t interested in the family''s share and preferred to work as an editor than any other position.

    She suspected that Shao Jingfei also wanted to avoid a possible conflict with his family.

    "But I think this is the first time you voluntarily decided to follow a family event like this? If it''s the usual you, you will use many reasons to refuse, so why change your mind now?"

    Shao Jingfei heaved a long sigh. Exhaustion was written all over his face. "My brother forced me toe. He rarely threatened me using my weakness, but this time he wouldn''t take a no as an answer."

    "He held your weakness? Now I feel more inclined to talk to him and ask him what your weaknesses are."

    "Don''t you dare," Shao Jingfei hissed before looking at Li Caiyi through the rearview mirror.

    "Oh yeah, Caiyi. I tried to ask around about the scriptwriting offer you asked me about before, and it seemed the rumor was true. Your manager should have epted the proposal about now. Congrattions. You will be making your scriptwriting debut. Take your time thinking about it because thepany wouldn''t force you to ept the offer if you don''t want to. You earned us enough money just from releasing your original works."

    Li Caiyi was delighted to hear that. After Chen Run told her the good news, she couldn''t wait and asked Shao Jingfei through text. This was even more than she ever dared to imagine.

    "Jingfei, let''s ept that offer! I want to try it!"

 Chapter 606 Hard To Please Director Shen

    A day after Li Caiyi epted the invitation to write the script, her manager told her that she would be meeting the investors and the Director. She was nervous but excited regardless.

    She had taken her time to learn scriptwriting in the meantime, and it wasn''t easy, as expected. The theme would be revealed today, so Li Caiyi couldn''t wait to find out what kind of movie this would be.

    At 1 o''clock sharp, she arrived in front of the Tianyue Entertainment building. Chen Run should be working around that time; she was considering visiting her on a shooting set after her meeting.

    Li Caiyi was led into an empty meeting room after telling the receptionist her identity. It didn''t take 15 minutes before two men entered the room. One wore a neat and clean suit, while the other seemed ''unkempt'' with how he wore an unbuttoned shirt, showing the in t-shirt under it, with jeans and a pair of sneakers.

    It felt like Li Caiyi could tell immediately which one was the Director. She smiled before greeting him professionally, "Director Shen, it''s an honor to finally meet you in person. I''m an aspiring writer, Li Caiyi. I have watched and enjoyed almost all of your works so far. ''The Moon in the Summer Night'' is my favorite among them."

    Director Shen studied her before replying curtly, "Yeah. Nice to meet you too."

    After that, he walked past her and sat on one of the chairs. Li Caiyi had often heard about his problematic attitude from Chen Run, so she wasn''t surprised or offended. Instead, he turned to the other person while maintaining her business smile.

    "Good afternoon, Sir. My name is Li Caiyi, and I will be in charge of script writing this time. Pleased to meet you."

    "Good afternoon, Miss Li. I''m here to apany Director Shen, but I don''t know much about the film. I look forward to working together with you. Ah, my name is Ma Heng."

    This person must be one of the investors. He seemed to want to appear low profile, so Li Caiyi didn''t press the issue. "Yes. I''ll try my best."

    They sat down with Ma Heng beside Director Shen and Li Caiyi across from them. "Can you exin what kind of movie you will make this time?"

    Director Shen leaned his body forward. "Before that, are you really the writer of the book ''The Lost Memories''?"

    The Lost Memories are her second book. Her first book did a good job, but Li Caiyi''s name wasn''t well known before her second book. She wrote it after oveing writer''s block, which was one of her best works.

    "Yes, that''s right." Li Caiyi replied calmly.

    "Hm, I didn''t expect the writer to be so young, but whatever. The theme of my next movie will be ''the second chance''. The idea of the book The Lost Memories intrigued me. However, I want something more historical, based on a simr plot. I have sent some films and videos for you to research beforehand. Have you received it?"

    "Yes. I have received and studied it closely."

    "Regarding that, I want to make some adjustments, especially about the ending. The Lost Memories ended on a happy note. After regaining her memories, the female lead finally found her purpose in life besides her beloved. I''m not too fond of the ending because you yed it too safe. None of those self-fulfillment endings should happen with my movie. It''s either do or die. We will go 100% from the beginning to the end."

    Director Shen''s gaze was sharp as he looked at Li Caiyi, but she didn''t bat an eye under the pressure and calmly took a note. "Understood. So I need to add more drama and make the ending as realistic as possible. Preferably more impactful than just happily ever after, isn''t that right?"<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    Based on her knowledge, although Director Shen already had several masterpieces in his belt, he was a person who was hard to please regarding script writing. The fact that he suddenly chose her and not his usual scriptwriter probably meant that he saw some potential in her, or he reluctantly had to choose her due to various unexinable reasons.

    Li Caiyi nced at Ma Heng, who had been silently watching their exchange from the beginning, and felt doubt rise inside her.

    "And I wanted you to be one of the judges during the audition. As the scriptwriter, you''ll know more about the depth of the character needed to pull out the act."

    "Yes?" Li Caiyi was taken aback for the first time.

    She hadn''t heard anything like this from her manager before. Wasn''t Director Shen supposed to be very strict in selecting the actor and actress? Why did he suddenly ask her to participate in the judging?

    "Is that a yes or no?" Director Shen asked impatiently, seemingly in a foul mood.

    "No. I was just surprised since usually only the Director, senior actors, or investors would be in charge of judging. But I understand Director Shen''s intention. I haven''t tried casting actors or actresses before, but I''ll try my best."

    "Good. Then I''ll send the materials and details to your managerter. This meeting is over."

    Director Shen stood up from his seat and left the room before Li Caiyi could bid him goodbye. He clearly didn''t want to waste more time with her, and she could understand why Chen Run dered she disliked Director Shen as a person.

    "I''m very sorry about Director Shen. He is a bit entric, but you''ll know once you start working with him that he is the best at making movies. He will be a great ally for you, so please be patient with him."

    "Mr. Ma, you are too kind. Thank you for worrying about me, but I didn''t feel offended and only grateful for this opportunity."

    Ma Heng smiled in approval. "You seem to be a steadfast and diligent woman, so I''m sure you can answer Director Shen''s expectations. I have high hope for you too."

    "Yes. Thank you for the thought!"

    "Then be careful on your way home. I''ll have to excuse myself first."

    After Ma Heng left the room, Li Caiyi threw herself back onto the chair and groaned. "It''s only the first meeting, but Director Shen is more difficult to deal with than I thought. I think he doesn''t like me very much, so I have to do a good job this time."

    Li Caiyi jotted down several things on her organizer and nned to discuss them with Shao Jingfei soon. Then she noticed the mark on her calendar.

    It would be Shao Junfei''s birthday soon, and since she was invited to the party, she had to prepare for it too.

 Chapter 607 Supportive Sister

    Li Caiyi had a hard time writing the script, but she felt like she would be able to wrap it up soon. When you were busy, the weekend came in a sh, and it was finally the night of Shao Junfei''s birthday.

    At first, Li Chunhua insisted that they go together, but since Li Caiyi had a meeting before the event, she told Li Chunhua to go ahead first. After finishing her work, Li Caiyi quickly returned and prepared herself for the party.

    This time, she wore a vintage burgundy dress that exposed her shoulder. Once she arrived at the venue, many people were already gathered. The party felt ssy and extravagant, with ssical music ying in the background.

    "Xiaoyi!"

    Li Chunhua ran over to her. She looked charming and pure with her strapless white dress fluttering around her. The other guests stared at them curiously since the twins looked like two peas in a pod but had different kinds of beauty.

    "You arete. The party started a while ago. But I''ll forgive you since you are so pretty in this dress!"

    "Really? Thanks," Li Caiyi was ttered by herpliment. "You are also looking terrific yourself."

    She twirled once before striking a cute pose. "Of course I am. I can''t look shabby in front of my best friend''s family."

    "You mean your soon-to-be-boyfriend''s family," Li Caiyi smirked teasingly. Li Chunhua immediately looked left and right in fluster. She sighed in relief when no one seemed to hear that.

    "Xiaoyi, there is nothing between Jingfei and me. Why do you keep saying things that make everything awkward?"

    "Did you really think you could hide it from me? I probably know more about you than yourself. Just admit it and confess already. Shao Jingfei is pretty popr. He is fun, witty, and earnest when doing his job. On top of it, he seems to care about you a lot. You won''t find someone as good as him easily."

    Li Chunhua grumbled, but she didn''t deny it. "I think he only cares for me as a friend."

    "Jingfei is good at concealing his thoughts. But I know he cares more about you than he does with anyone. When you were unconscious for a month during our high school times, he was very concerned and woulde almost every day to check on you. If it weren''t for his job, he would probablye every day."

    "Do you think so? Because whenever I try to test the water, it''s like he deliberately avoids the topic." Li Chunhua rubbed her forearms unsurely. "I''m not confident when ites to him. Sometimes, I feel like we have the same feelings, but the next moment, he pushes me away. I can''t guess what''s in his mind."

    Li Caiyi was stunned to see Li Chunhua hesitate so much. Thetter had always been a girl with a clear goal in her mind.

    As long as she knew what she wanted, she would run forward recklessly, regardless of the method. That one-track-minded girl turned timid when confronting Shao Jingfei directly.

    Li Caiyi realized that Li Chunhua''s feelings for Shao Jingfei were probably deeper than she thought. As her sister, she somehow felt the obligation to help her. No, she wanted to help her!

    "Xiaohua, why don''t you try inviting him to dance? I think you haven''t danced with him yet, right?"

    "What? Butˇ­" Li Chunhua was about to refute, but Li Caiyi interjected.

    "This isn''t like you at all. You are usually very steadfast and stubborn; nobody can stop you once you have made up your mind. Don''t you want to know what he feels towards you?"

    Li Chunhua bit her lips. "....I do."

    "Do you wish for him to have the same feeling as you?"<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "Ugh, it''s embarrassing when you asked me directly like that!" Li Chunhuained with a reddened face. "Okay, I admit it, alright? I do like him as a man. Are you satisfied now?!"

    Li Caiyi chuckled in amusement, seeing her flustered reaction. "Then you should charge straight ahead like a bull like you usually do. There is no such thing as an imprable wall. You just haven''t found the right crack yet."

    Li Chunhua took a deep breath before determination filled up her eyes. "Okay, I''ll try asking him. I''m not a coward. I''ll tie him up and force him to talk if I have to!"

    "Ehm, you don''t have toˇŞ"

    "Thanks, Xiaoyi! Wish me luck!"

    Li Chunhua didn''t even bother to listen to her anymore and walked away somewhere. She assumed she would approach Shao Jingfei and probably used all sorts of means to make him talk.

    Li Caiyi suddenly felt like she had done something she shouldn''t have done.

    Looking around, there was hardly anyone she knew among them. Li Caiyi was too tired to socialize after the meeting today. She thought she''d better congratte Shao Junfei quickly and rest somewhere while eating.

    It was easy to find Shao Junfei. As the star of the party, he would undoubtedly be in the middle of the crowd. Li Caiyi moved swiftly and greeted Shao Junfei before giving him a few well wishes.

    "Thank you, Miss Li. Ah, I suppose I should call you Miss Caiyi since your twin is here today."

    "Yes. Jingfei has been our friend since high school, so he kindly sent us an invitation for us. I hope my sister didn''t inconvenience you in any way."

    "No, no. Far from it. She is a warm and well-mannered person. I''m shocked since she looked so much alike to you."

    "I heard that often. Speaking of which, I have to find my sister. I''ll take my leave now."

    "Please. I hope you enjoy the party."

    Li Caiyi breathed a sigh of relief once she finallypleted her main task. Now that she had fulfilled her goal tonight, she only needed to rx until the party was over.

    She was about to check the food when the music in the room changed. The upbeat ssical note suddenly turned into a more mellow one. The venue''s light was dimmed down, too, creating a sultry and romantic atmosphere.

    Li Caiyi wondered what happened when some people suddenly entered the main floor with their partners.

    "Oh, it''s already time to dance? I guess I arrivedter than I expected."

    Then she saw Shao Jingfei and Li Chunhua also enter the main floor. Li Chunhua looked like a confident peacock, while Shao Jingfei moved robotically and looked tense all over. The pair wrapped their arms around each other before gliding through the dance floor.

    It was pretty dark, but Li Caiyi could tell that her sister was having the fun time of her life. She smiled as she noticed how those two bickered from time to time while dancing. She had fun just by watching them.

    Suddenly, someone came over beside her and asked, "Don''t you think it''s boring to just stand still and watch? How about we dance too?"

 Chapter 608 Mens Promises Are All Unreliable

    Li Caiyi looked up and saw an unknown man standing beside her with his hand outstretched. There was a smell of alcoholing from him, and she had to resist the urge to grimace.

    "Thanks for the offer, but I''m fine with just watching. I can''t dance anyway." She politely refused him, but the guy mistook her rejection as some kind of ying-hard-to-get attitude.

    He smirked before grabbing her hand. "Don''t say that. It makes me sad to see a beauty like you only stand by and watch as everyone is having fun. I saw you when you came in earlier. You don''t have a partner with you and feel lonely, right? Let me ease that worry from you."

    Li Caiyi shuddered to hear those cringe-worthy lines. The sensation of his hand over hers was unpleasant; she wanted nothing but to fling his hand away. But she suppressed herself from ring up and said coldly, "Sir, I think you have drunk too much. It''s impolite for you to touch me like this when I have clearly refused your invitation. Please let me go."

    The drunk man was taken aback when she scolded him politely like that. But that surprise was quickly reced by anger.

    "I kindly offered to apany you, but you want to refuse? Don''t you know who I am? You think you are great just because you have a pretty face. My father is the chairman of Ding Enterprise, and a nobody like you dared to act high and mighty in front of me?!"

    His voice gathered some of the guests'' attention. Some guests even took out their phones to record this despite the dim lighting.

    Thankfully, it didn''t seem like Li Chunhua noticed anything. Li Caiyi was relieved because everything would escte if her sister got involved.

    Ding Enterprise was a start-up techpany up until 3 years ago. Still, their business had been doing well in recent years, gaining a significant amount of name and wealth. Of course, their influence couldn''t bepared to Meng Pharmaceutical or Glorious Days, but they weren''t to be underestimated either.

    But why should Li Caiyi care about that? Unlike him, she didn''t need her father to protect her reputation.

    Li Caiyi flung his hand away harshly, all while shooting him a warning look. "I will pretend I didn''t see you tonight. When you sobered up, I wish you remembered how you offended me tonight and reflected on yourself."

    The Young Master Ding got even more furious when she talked down to him like he was an ant. "Y-you arrogant woman! I want to see if you can still act high and mighty after I finish having my way with you!"

    He raised his hand and swung it down to p her, but someone had grabbed the man''s arm from behind before she could avoid it.

    "What? Who areˇŞAAAGGHHH!!!"

    Not only Li Caiyi but almost everyone in the vicinity was startled by the sound of bone cracking, followed by his ugly scream. The music came to aplete hall due to disturbance, while the guests became more and more uneasy.

    A loud scream was suddenly heard in the dark room; anyone would feel too unsettled to continue what they were doing.

    Young Master Ding crumbled to the ground while clutching his poor hand. Li Caiyi could see someone wearing a waiter outfit standing behind him. However, she couldn''t see his face because he lowered his head.

    Before she could thank him, the waiter suddenly turned around and mingled in the crowd.

    "Wait! Just a moment, please!" Li Caiyi shouted while trying to catch up with him, but this darkness made it hard for her to maneuver her way. That waiter didn''t seem to have any problem with it, though.

    Just as she was about to give up, the venue was illuminated by light once again.

    The organizer turned on the light while trying to calm the guest down. Later some people entered to take the Young Master Ding out of the venue, but Li Caiyi was more concerned about finding the waiter who had just helped her.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    She looked around and glimpsed upon his back as he tried to slip outside. Li Caiyi dashed to chase after that person. Her chest tightened as a wild thought shed in her mind.

    No, there was no way.

    What would he be doing in a ce like this?

    He was the one who said they wouldn''t meet each other anymore in the future. He dumped her and broke her heart, even mercilessly disappearing from her life after that.

    But then, why would he run away like that? She had to know if this waiter was trying to run from her or something else.

    Li Caiyi knew this was probably just wishful thinking on her part. There was a one million chance that she would meet him again like this, but she wanted to bet on that one chance!

    Li Caiyi panted hard after running around the garden. The stiletto she wore made this chasing super difficult, so she casually tossed it aside and held it in her hands. If someone saw her like this, they would probably think she had gone crazy.

    Bare-footed, Li Caiyi kept looking for that waiter. But it was like he had disappeared along with the night wind because she couldn''t find him. Did he already leave the venue? If yes, then he probably had long gone by now. She wasted too much time searching for him in the garden.

    Feeling frustrated, Li Caiyi threw her shoes and plopped down on the ground. Hugging herself into a ball, she didn''t care if her new dress got dirtied. She felt inexplicably upset.

    "It''s been six years, Li Caiyi. Why can''t you just move on? You foolish woman." She weakly scolded herself.

    It was upsetting because she wouldn''t know if her guess was correct or not. She felt like she wouldn''t be this disappointed even if that waiter wasn''t him.

    Li Caiyi hated to admit it, but in the past 6 years, there was never a day passed when she didn''t miss him.

    He would appear in her mind at random times. When she was studying for her final year in high school, during theunching of her second book, or on Sunday morning when she finally had time to cook for herself.

    The more she tried to forget, the more she missed him. It made her angry that she was probably the only one who felt this way.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, you liar. Men''s promises are all unreliable. So hateful."

    Li Caiyi stayed still for some time before she finally calmed down. Sighing deeply, she raised her head, nning to return to the venue. However, she was stunned when she saw a man standing a few meters away.

    Her breath hitched when she realized who he was. His hair was slightly longer than in the past. The aura around him got sharper, but his deep ck eyes were the same as always. His expression was stoic, devoid of any longing or attachment.

    d in waiter uniform, Dai Zhiqiang looked exquisite yet down-to-earth as he stepped towards her.

    "It''s been a long time, Li Caiyi."

 Chapter 609 Reunion (1)

    It was really him!

    The person who appeared to save her was really Dai Zhiqiang!

    Li Caiyi felt her chest tighten. She wanted to say something but felt like her throat was blocked by a rock.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked down on her as the night wind made his long bang flutter. His eyes seemed to tell many stories, yet nothing at the same time. Li Caiyi was mesmerized by this person she hadn''t met for 6 years.

    "How long are you going to sit on the ground? Aren''t you cold?"

    "Dai Zhiqiang, is that really you? I''m not just imagining things now, right?"

    Instead of answering, she blurted out that question. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer and approached her. Crouching in front of her, he grabbed her hand and put her palm on his cheek.

    "Do you believe me now?" He whispered, and the melodious voice made her heart itch.

    Li Caiyi should be taking back her hand from him. After dumping her like that, and even having the gall to go out with another girl not long after they broke up, she should have hated him enough to do that.

    That was the same hand he used to grab another woman''s hand. Li Caiyi should have felt repulsed, yet she felt weak under his piercing stare.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes narrowed down sexily as he nted a kiss on her palm. That action was enough to make her jolt in ce.

    "If you keep staring at me like that, I will misunderstand and think you are inviting me to kiss you."

    Li Caiyi''s cheeks burnt to hear those lines. The ce where he kissed her felt so hot she unconsciously tried to avoid his touch. But Dai Zhiqiang refused to let her go and leaned into her touch more.

    "You have be prettier in thest few years. I missed you so much."

    All this stimtion sessfully sobered her up. Frowning deeply, she said coldly, "What''s the point of saying empty words like that? After everything that happened?"

    "Are you still angry at me?"

    Li Caiyi scoffed in disbelief. "If you were me, do you think you would feel ted to see your ex-girlfriend who dumped you before?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer and slowly lowered her hand. He stood up, and a sense of fear assaulted her for a moment.

    ''No way. Is he going to leave again just like that?'' Li Caiyi thought inwardly. Even she felt like she wasn''t making any sense right now. Her brain and her heart weren''t in sync at all.

    Seeing Dai Zhiqiang acting like nothing happened hurt her but thinking about how he might leave her again made her feel suffocated.

    To her surprise, Dai Zhiqiang picked up her stiletto, which she had thrown before, and crouched in front of her again. "Why did you even use shoes that will hurt your foot?"

    Li Caiyi gasped when he suddenly lifted her skirt and pulled her leg his way. His callused hands carefully traced her feet as if he was appraising a precious treasure. "Look, you got scratches here and there. You must be sore after running around in such ufortable shoes too."

    Only then did Li Caiyi realize that her feet were filthy from when she ran around bare-footed. She was embarrassed, but Dai Zhiqiang didn''t look disgusted at all. He even used his hand to gently massage her feet, making her heart skip a beat.<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    "Y-you! What are you doing?"

    "Can''t you tell just by looking? I''m massaging your feet."

    While saying that, he pulled her leg towards him more, making her lose her bnce and slightly fall backward. Her skirt was hiked up, exposing her white and smooth thigh for him to see.

    Li Caiyi was so ashamed when he kept staring at her legs and immediately pushed her skirt down again to cover it.

    "I mean, why are you even doing this right now? Are you ying with me?!"

    "I''m not. You are chasing after me without regard for your safety. I can''t help but feel heartache for you."

    Li Caiyi let out self-depecratingughter at his hypocrisy. "Dai Zhiqiang, I didn''t know you still have a heart for me to feel heartache. I thought you had lost them long ago. Even when I cried and begged you not to go, you didn''t even want to look at me. Now that you see me chasing after you again after several years have passed, did you finally feel sorry for me? Enough that you even care for me like this?"

    The more Li Caiyi talked, the more bitter her tongue felt. She couldn''t deny that her heart still yearned for him, even after all this time. But she refused to ept his pity.

    Dai Zhiqiang said nothing and silently massaged her foot. His action was gentle, but she couldn''t tell what he was thinking from his stoic expression.

    "Why did youe here today? And as a waiter?"

    "That''s none of your business."

    A clear and cold answer. Li Caiyi was almost fooled by his action, but her heart finally cooled down with his response.

    "Then whatever happened to me shouldn''t be any of your business too. Why did you help me back there? I could have taken care of him by myself."

    Li Caiyi was talking about when Young Master Ding tried to hit her. They had already broken up, so Dai Zhiqiang had no obligation to interfere. No one would me him even if he put a blind eye to her. She wouldn''t chase after him and ruin whatever n he had tonight, either.

    Dai Zhiqiang showed a reaction for the first time. His hand halted for a moment, and inexplicable emotion shed through his calm eyes.

    "Are you going to me me for trying to help another person? Back then, it was dark inside, and I didn''t have a clear look at who was arguing at first. I only knew it was you after I immobilized him."

    So it was like that. Dai Zhiqiang wasn''t trying to help Li Caiyi, but a random woman troubled by a drunkard at the party.

    "I see. It seems I have overestimated myself. I apologize for that.''

    Dai Zhiqiang sighed in helplessness. "You don''t have to be sarcastic like that. I didn''t mean any harm when I was doing this."

    "You have a point. Sorry for troubling you once again."

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

 Chapter 610 Reunion (2)

    Li Caiyi had always been sweet and gentle in front of her. Even when she was angry, her eyes would still overflow with love for him. But the current her felt so distant and unfamiliar.

    Not that he could me her. After what he did, Dai Zhiqiang deserved this passive-aggressive treatment.

    "Until when are you going to touch my leg like this? I don''t remember ever giving you permission to touch me, and we aren''t in any kind of rtionship anymore. I can sue you for sexual harassment, you know?"

    "Alright. I will let you go. Make sure to disinfect the scratches and put bandaids on them properly."

    Li Caiyi bit her lips anxiously. "Is that all you want to say to me?"

    "...Yes, that''s all."

    Li Caiyi''s heart stung a bit hearing that. She should have known there was no chance for them to return like they used to.

    Dai Zhiqiang was only here because of his good conscience and not because he had some feelings remained for her whatsoever.

    Li Caiyi should be grateful and know her ce by not pestering him more than this.

    "I see. Then I guess our conversation ends here. I''m sorry for holding you here. I will be going back to the venue then."

    She didn''t care about her hurting foot and put on her stiletto again. At least, like this, she could pretend that his gentle touch just now was just a fleeting dream.

    Li Caiyi was about to leave when Dai Zhiqiang suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind.

    Her heart leaped when she felt his warmth envelop her like a nket. The wind carried the familiar peppermint scent, and Dai Zhiqiang''s breath was so close to her that it sent shivers running down her spine.

    "I know you are still hurt because of me. I don''t want to fight, so I keep talking lightly, but it seems I only pissed you off even more. I''m sorry."

    So he knew.

    Li Caiyi''s heart wavered again.

    It was so hard for her up until now. She thought she was doing okay, but seeing how easy it was for her to get teary-eyed just from his affectionate gestures and gentle words, perhaps she was an easy woman.

    Why was she so weak against him? She should have given him at least one p for all those painful times she had to endure, but she found it hard to even meet his eyes.

    Li Caiyi still loved him very much.

    It was hard to describe in words, but she could feel that her every being wanted him to keep hugging her like this.

    If only time could just stop and let her bask in this happiness.

    "I lied. I knew from the beginning that it was you who was arguing. How could I not know when my gaze couldn''t stop following you the moment you entered the venue?"

    "You are so pretty tonight, and those men couldn''t stop watching you. Don''t you realize they are waiting for you to be alone so they can flirt with you?"

    Li Caiyi''s legs trembled. He still remembered her weak spot very well. If he kept whispering beside her ears like that, she wouldn''t be able to stand straight.

    "When I saw that guy put his hand on you, I wanted to sever his limbs so badly. I wanted to gouge out his eyes, who looked lecherously at you. I wanted to obliterate him so he would never appear in front of you again."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    His passionate words tickled her ears. At this juncture, she was practically relying on his strength to keep herself steady.

    "D-Dai Zhiqiang, let''s talk after you let me go first."

    "I will do it if you truly hate it. Say you don''t like it, and I will let you go."

    It was like he knew she wouldn''t be able to do that. Or did he hope she wouldn''t say that? Li Caiyi couldn''t tell anymore.

    She was tired of putting on pretense or guessing what was in his mind. She wasn''t okay without him, and that was a fact.

    "No, please don''t let go. Not yet." She softly pleaded.

    Dai Zhiqiang pulled her even deeper into his embrace. "Li Caiyi, in the past six years, you are not the only one suffering. It was hard for me too. Extremely so."

    "Lies," Li Caiyi blurted out before she could stop herself. "You are doing just fine after breaking up with me. You even go out with another girl soon after."

    Dai Zhiqiang was startled when he heard that. "What are you talking about? I haven''t dated anyone ever since we broke up."

    "You are. With a girl named Xia Rouyue. Jingfei saw you two having a fun date together."

    Only then did everything finally form into one big picture in his mind. Stifling hisughter, he looked at her, only to be greeted by the sight of Li Caiyi puffing out her cheeks.

    Li Caiyi was upset because she thought he had a change of heart so quickly. As much as he felt sorry for her, he also felt thrilled, knowing she was jealous.

    He couldn''t stop himself from pinching it gently. "This is just a misunderstanding. I admitted that I met up with Xia Rouyue a few times, but it was strictly for business. We didn''t have any rtionship like you think of."

    Li Caiyi could hear him well, but it was like there was a gate that prevented her from digesting his words. The video she looked at back then didn''t look like it was strictly business at all.

    Dai Zhiqiang had an aversion towards the opposite sex because of his trauma with his mother. Li Caiyi once thought she was the only exception, but she could tell Dai Zhiqiang also treated Xia Rouyue differently. And it was like a thorn inside her flesh.

    However, Li Caiyi didn''t want to fight with him. She would just save the rest of her questions to herself and let this sweet momentst forever.

    "You probably can''t see me, but believe me, I''m always watching you. I have all the books you have written so far and enjoyed them. You are doing well, and I''m very proud of you."

    Li Caiyi felt warm inside. "Thank you."

    "Say, have you missed me in the past 6 years? You are doing so well, to the point I thought you had long forgotten about me. Although I understand if you want to erase me from your memory forever."

    Li Caiyi''s lips quivered when she recalled those difficult times. "I tried to forget you. It was painful whenever I recalled our times together. I wanted to erase you from my mind, but doing that felt even more painful. You are really evil for making me feel like this."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s hold on her tightened. "I''m d. I know it''s shameless of me, but I''m happy to hear that. I don''t know what to do if you really don''t care about me anymore. It''d be better if you hated me instead, then."

    "Li Caiyi, I--"

    "Xiaoyi! Where are you?!"

    They were startled to hear Li Chunhua''s voice calling out for her. Dai Zhiqiang immediately released his hold on her.

 Chapter 611 Ugly Thoughts

    Li Caiyi was surprised because he suddenly took some distance away from her. "Where are you going?"

    "Li Caiyi, let''s talk againter. I''m afraid your sister will kill me if she sees me here."

    Since when did Dai Zhiqiang care about what other people think of him? Nevertheless, she knew that their sweet moments had to end eventually and felt saddened. There were so many things she wanted to ask him.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, do you still love me?"

    At least, she wanted to hear him answer this one.

    Dai Zhiqiang seemed troubled by her question and withdrew his gaze. "There''s no point talking about this now. You know what will happen if we force ourselves to be together."

    Li Caiyi''s heart stung upon hearing it. "If so, why did you say those things to me and confuse me? You should have just let me leave, and I wouldn''t overthink about our meeting tonight."

    The sound of footsteps was getting near. Dai Zhiqiang felt helpless seeing the gloomy look on Li Caiyi''s face, but he couldn''t be seen in this ce tonight.

    "I''m sorry."

    That was all he could utter before he ran off, leaving the aggrieved Li Caiyi behind without answers. She bit her lips as she stared in the direction where he had disappeared to.

    "Appearing and disappearing whenever you want, did you think I would wait forever for you?"

    A momentter, sheughed dryly. Who was she trying to fool here?

    Li Caiyi hated to admit it, but he was right. She couldn''t move on from him, and her heart stirred just from hearing his voice. Six years had passed, and she was still walking in the same spot.

    If Dai Zhiqiang answered her question positively, she would probably burst into tears of happiness and dly wait for him again. Like a fool.

    "Stop giving me hope if you have no intention to stay. Why are you like this to me? And just when I finally started liking myself againˇ­." Li Caiyi felt bitter inside as she muttered to herself.

    "Xiaoyi! There you are!"

    However, Li Chunhua''s voice quickly snapped her out of her negative thoughts. Raising her head, she saw Li Chunhua, Shao Jingfei, and another girl she didn''t know walking toward her.

    Li Caiyi couldn''t help but narrow her gaze at the girl. She felt like she had seen her somewhere before.

    Li Chunhua hugged her tightly and checked on her for any injuries. "Where have you been?! Do you know how scared I am when the light is on, but I can''t find you anywhere? I thought someone had kidnapped you!"

    "Sorry for making you worried. I was suffocated and wanted to have some fresh air."

    "But why did your dress get so dirty?" Li Chunhua tried to dust away the dirt on the skirt, but the stain had already dried and was hard to remove. "How are you nning to go back inside like this?"

    "It''s fine. I already said my well-wish to Mr. Shao. I will just go home and take a rest. The meeting today seemed to tire me out more than I expected," Li Caiyi smiled weakly, and thankfully they bought her excuse.

    But before that, she wanted to know who was that girl who came with them.

    "Say, who is that?"

    Li Chunhua''s lip curled down in displeasure at that question. It looked like she was in a bad mood. "Ask Shao Jingfei. I''m sure he will dly introduce her to you."

    The prickly reaction made Li Caiyi even more curious. Shao Jingfei cleared away his throat before introducing the girl. His expression was slightly ufortable as he exined, "This is Xia Rouyue. She isˇ­uh, my friend."<novelnext>  </novelnext>

    In a normal situation, Li Caiyi would feel suspicious of his brief pause, but she was shocked by the name she heard, so she didn''t register the following words.

    "Xia Rouyue, you said?"

    "...Yes." Shao Jingfei scratched his cheeks awkwardly.

    Among four of them, only Xia Rouyue, who was oblivious to their little thoughts, could smile widely as she offered her hand for a handshake. "My name is Xia Rouyue. I''m Shao Jingfei''s friend and soon-to-be fiance."

    Her voice was light and soft. A pair of big and pure eyes with thin lips that expressed nothing but good intentions.

    How could Li Caiyi forget this girl?

    It had been six years since thest time she saw her in the video Shao Jingfei showed her briefly. She had matured into a delicate and pretty woman during that time.

    Li Caiyi felt her chest tighten, especially when she recalled how Dai Zhiqiang adamantly refused to tell her why he came there.

    Was he here because of Xia Rouyue? It took six years before they could meet again. Did this coincidence happen because of Xia Rouyue''s presence?

    Li Caiyi would feel very unpleasant if that were the case.

    But what was that about Shao Jingfei''s fiance? Why did the girl she suspected of having an affair with her ex-boyfriend suddenly be a fiance for her sister''s crush? The rtionship maps had turnedplicated.

    Li Caiyi nced at Li Chunhua, but thetter refused to meet her eyes. So this was why she was in a foul mood.

    "I already heard about you from Jingfei, but you twins are very simr. I guess identical twins are really different. Nice to meet you, Li Caiyi. I hope we can get along."

    Li Caiyi''s heart felt heavy. She didn''t want to take her hand, but it would be unreasonable for her to do so. Xia Rouyue had never actually done anything wrong against her. It was just her who had problems with her.

    Eventually, she reluctantly took her hand. Even her hand was smooth, unlike Li Caiyi, whose hand had formed calluses from writing too much.

    "Yes, I know about you. I read all your works, and I''m a big fan of your works!"

    "I-Is that so?" She smiled stiffly.

    "Yes! You are more famous than you think you are. I especially like ''The Lost Memories''! Even now, I will re-read it from time to time, but I still feel overwhelmed by the strong feelings between the two leads!"

    Li Caiyi smiled dryly. She came up with the idea for that book after her break up with Dai Zhiqiang. It contained her deep and chaotic emotions at that time. It was ironic Xia Rouyue was attracted to that one, instead of her other works.

    It was like she found pleasure in her suffering.

    Li Caiyi was surprised when she realized what she had just been thinking. She was ashamed for harboring such an ugly thought, even for a moment.

    How pathetic and deplorable. Now she was just trying to make an excuse to hate Xia Rouyue out of jealousy. What was wrong with her? Was she always this petty?

    "If only I wasn''t so busy, I would attend one of your fan signs. The schedule always crashes for some reason," Xia Rouyue pouted. "But I think all that bad luck was worth it if I could meet you privately like this. I''m d I returned to the country early to attend today''s party."

    "What? So you have been abroad all this time?"

    "Yes. I was studying pharmacy in N country up until a year ago. But something kept me from returning, so I only recently returned."

 Chapter 612 Audition Day

    [Yes. I was studying pharmacy in N country up until a year ago. But something kept me from returning, so I only recently returned].

    A lot of thought passed through her mind as she recalled what Xia Rouyue told herst night.

    The more she thought about it, the more she felt like Dai Zhiqiang and Xia Rouyue hade back together from abroad.

    In the past six years, Li Caiyi didn''t meet the Dai family at all. Not because she didn''t want to but because she couldn''t.

    Dai Shenqiang seemed to mysteriously disappear, despite having a contract with Glorious Days. When Li Caiyi asked Shao Jingfei about it, he said he couldn''t tell her because of employee privacy, so she didn''t pry again.

    Dai Zhiqiang told her not to care about his family again, but Li Caiyi still visited Ye Wang from time to time. She thought she could at least check on Dai Bolin, but she was surprised when Ye Huizhong told herter that Dai Zhiqiang and his family had gone abroad.

    That was the reason Dai Zhiqiang transferred schools and also why he said they wouldn''t meet again. Li Caiyi still remembered she was so depressed after that. It was thanks to her family and friends she could slowly pick herself up again.

    Now that Dai Zhiqiang had returned, everything went awry again. He suddenly appeared in front of her and saved her.

    As if his presence wasn''t disturbing enough, Xia Rouyue came along with him and caused a storm in her heart.

    She wanted to believe Dai Zhiqiang''s words that they had no romantic rtionship with each other. But the timing was just too perfect for everything to be a coincidence.

    Come to think of it, Dai Zhiqiang also seemed panicked when Li Chunhua and others interrupted themst night. As if he knew Xia Rouyue would be there too, and he didn''t want her to see him together with Li Caiyi, his ex-girlfriend.

    These thoughts were guing her mind all night, making her unable to sleep until dawn. The more she tried to think, the more warped her conclusion became. Her suspicion kept growing, and she couldn''t find peace inside her. It felt very unhealthy.

    Li Caiyi woke up feeling groggy and heavy. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, sheughed mockingly at herself.

    "Look at you, getting so distraught because of them. Just stop thinking about them. It has nothing to do with you anymore."

    After berating herself, Li Caiyi pped her cheeks a few times before she finally felt better. "Yes. So what if there really is something going on between them? Dai Zhiqiang had no intention of rekindling our rtionship, so there''s no use in thinking about this."

    She should focus on her work instead of this.

    ***

    After several more meetings with Director Shen, Li Caiyi felt she had a better understanding of this person''s character.

    As long as she didn''t try to provoke him, the most he could do was nitpick her script. However, even that seemed to be significantly lower after she made some revisions to the script.

    Li Caiyi spent a few sleepless nights perfecting the script so he couldn''t nitpick anymore. It was so satisfying to see Director Shen''s scrunched face when he couldn''t find anything toin about.

    A few days ago, she finally got his approval and felt like dancing with joy. Even Chen Run was proud of her for not losing her temper against Director Shen.

    The script was finally finalized, and it was time to cast the performers.

    Li Caiyi was pretty excited because some famous actors and actresses would join the audition.

    Director Shen''s fame alone was enough to make this movie one of the most anticipated movies this year.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Li Caiyi could feel the pressure, but she also had so much fun working together with these amazing people. She felt very motivated to do her job well.

    She was so excited she came earlier than the appointed time. But even then, so many people were already gathered in the audition venue.

    Li Caiyi recognized some of the faces. Probably because she saw them before on television.

    They were either busy chatting, rehearsing some lines, or simply ying with their phones. It wasn''t every day she saw celebrities, so she stood out by staring at them like that.

    "Look at her. Is she one of the auditioners too?"

    "No way. Didn''t you see what she was wearing? She is probably an employee or part-timer."

    "Ah, she must be one of those newbie employees who would gawk at every actor she sees. That''s some."

    Li Caiyi was unaware of what they were talking about and observed her surroundings carefully. This was a rare opportunity to make a first assessment. There would probably be a hidden gem among them.

    Some actresses were annoyed. Not only because she disturbed them but also because she was actually beautiful enough to bepared with the rest of them. They would probably have thought she was a celebrity if it weren''t for her formal outfit.

    What if the judges found her more appealing than them? After all, face value was a crucial factor in this industry.

    "Hey, you!"

    Li Caiyi turned around and saw a group of people walking over to her. Their facial expressions didn''t seem friendly as they scanned her from head to toe.

    "Who are you? Are you a reporter trying to get some scoop? It''s illegal to trespass without permission. We feel bothered when you stand and gawk at us. Can you get lost if you aren''t here to audition?"

    "Ah, no, I''m not a reporter. Sorry if I''m bothering you. I didn''t meanˇŞ"

    "Just go, then. We feel ufortable with you here. We don''t want some nasty reporter to take pictures of us!"

    Li Caiyi frowned upon hearing that. These girls were young, yet they were so rude. Of course, she was in the wrong for making them ufortable initially, but they didn''t even bother to listen to her and treated her like some kind of criminal.

    "Listen here, you guysˇŞ"

    Li Caiyi was about to argue when a cheerful voice interrupted her.

    "Everyone! The audition will start shortly. Please make sure you already have your entry number. We will start calling you one by one."

    "Crap! I got distracted because of her. I need to retouch my makeup!"

    Those girls dispersed simultaneously, and no one paid attention to her anymore after that. Li Caiyi sighed and left the room to prepare for the audition.

    She didn''t find a hidden gem, but at least she found some fish eyes. One that definitely shouldn''t get chosen. With their problematic attitude, she had no doubt that the shooting wouldn''t go well.

 Chapter 613 What Is He Doing Here?!

    Li Caiyi entered the audition hall and found the other judges had gathered in the room. There was Director Shen, Ma Heng, and one middle-aged woman she didn''t recognize. She thought she hade early, but it seemed she spoke too soon.

    "Good morning, everyone." Li Caiyi greeted.

    "Miss Li, you came early today." Ma Heng was the first one to greet her.

    "I still cameter than everyone. But isn''t the audition suppose to start in another hour?"

    "Yeah, about that. There is ast-minute adjustment. I guess you haven''t been informed yet. We are worried you will miss it."

    Li Caiyi had to suppress the urge to give Director Shen a side nce. It couldn''t be that he was that petty; he even deliberately did this, right? He was the one who told her to, so he''d better not be the one behind this.

    "Oh my, yes, I haven''t been informed yet. But why did the schedule suddenly change? What if the auditionee is confused?"

    "About that, there is no need to worry because the PR team had contacted them beforehand. So no confusion should happen. As for the reason, I heard a big-time investor will attend the audition as a judge too."

    "What? So suddenly?"

    "Yes. That''s why we are all surprised. I heard it was ast-minute change. But the said investor hasn''t arrived yet."

    Li Caiyi knew a little about the deep business talk, so she didn''t pay too much attention to it and only nodded. The judges each took a seat, and she deliberately took the farthest seat from Director Shen just for peace of mind.

    Soon, the staff called the first group toe in. Li Caiyi straightened her back and began to work.

    Two hours passed, and Li Caiyi was told there were still many people left. She groaned inwardly. She didn''t think this job would be this hard.

    There were a lot of talented and experienced actors, but none of them were able to bring out her character to life. It seemed Director Shen was also in the same opinion as her because his frown deepened as time passed.

    Li Caiyi sighed and surreptitiously nced at the empty seat beside her. But where was that investor who said they wereing? It had long past the appointed time, and it kind of defeated the purpose of advancing the audition.

    She was confused but decided not to think much about it. It was none of her business. As long as she could finish her job well, she didn''t care which bigshot woulde.

    After a small break, the staff announced that the investor was finally here, and everyone''s face became more serious. Even Director Shen smoothed down his hair to make it more presentable.

    Li Caiyi was wondering what kind of person when the said person entered the room. Her smile slowly faded, and her eyes widened in shock. "Y-You!"

    Entering leisurely in his suit was Dai Zhiqiang, whose stoic face revealed no guilt whatsoever.

    He quickly swept his nce over Li Caiyi before approaching her. Without waiting for anyone to ask him, he sat on the remaining chair beside her with an impassive look on his face.

    "Sorry for arrivingte. There is an urgent matter I need to take care of." He said without sounding very apologetic at all. Li Caiyi was baffled by his sudden appearance, but how he acted like he owned the ce was also surprising.

    Was he really that prominent investor that could make even Director Shen feel self-conscious? Since when did he be so powerful? And in the first ce, what was he doing here out of all ces?!

    "Miss Li. You can sit down now."

    "Oh."

    Li Caiyi was startled when Ma Heng, who sat on her other side, urged her to sit down. The other had already seated, but she only stood there nkly. She quickly followed suit before shooting Dai Zhiqiang a questioning look.

    Thetter smiled faintly at her, but it made her feel more unsettled than before.

    They didn''t have time to talk because the staff had already announced the next group to enter.

    This time, the girl who talked rudely to her was included in the group that just came in. She entered with a lot of confidence, but once she noticed Li Caiyi sitting among the judges, her face turned pale.

    Li Caiyi had expected that reaction. That''s why you should still keep your manners even when talking to a stranger. You wouldn''t know when you would meet them again.

    However, Li Caiyi had no intention of judging her based only on her attitude. If her performance was good, she didn''t mind giving her a chance. Although her personal opinion of her would still be low.

    "Then, you can start acting the part where Si Yan breaks down after finding out that Yang Chen is his true love. Starting from the right."

    "My name is Ye Bing. Entry number 68."

    It started with that rude girl, and Li Caiyi''s expectant stare seemed to burden her as she kept fumbling with her words at first. However, as time passed by, she began to rx and pour out more and more tears from her eyes.

    Li Caiyi was quite astonished because her acting wasn''t actually that bad. She was amazed by how she kept producing tears from her eyes like that.<novelnext></novelnext>

    However, that was it. Technically, she did well, but she couldn''t bring out the emotion of her character well. It felt empty.

    Director Shen said nothing but nodded in approval. Ma Heng and the middle-aged woman, who seemed to be a veteran actress, also praised her for her acting. Only Li Caiyi and Dai Zhiqiang remained silent.

    Li Caiyi nced at him and found that he was also staring at her. He didn''t even bother to look at the auditionee and only kept his eyes on her.

    His intense gaze made her heart skip a beat. She quickly returned her focus to the other auditionee.

    The next one is a small girl with short hair. Compared to other girls who were very fashionable, she looked in with her white dress and shoes. She kept her gaze lowered and jittery, making her look like a small animal.

    "N-Nice to meet you, I''m entry number 96ˇŞah wrong, I mean 69! My name is Ning Shan!"

    The other auditionee chuckled at how she messed up, making her shrink her neck.

    "You may begin."

    Ning Shan closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was clearly very nervous, but once she opened her eyes again, she looked entirely like a different person.

    "It can''t be, so I was mistaken all this time?"

    Ning Shan grabbed both of her heads with a crazed look on her face. She looked like she had difficulty breathing and slowly fell to the ground.

    When everyone thought she would cry tragically, she raised her head defiantly.

    "No, calm down first. I should think about how to make up for Yang Chen. I have wronged him in thest few years!"

    The frustration was apparent, but unlike the other auditionee who cried, Ning Shan didn''t go for that route. She used the dread and anxiety of finding the truth she sought as her primary emotion.

    "But I was the one who pushed him away in the first ce. He wouldn''t want to ept me again."

    "No, if that''s the case, then I will be the one chasing after him this time! I can''t let him go. He is too precious for me!"

    Even those who didn''t know the character well could feel her regret and distress. Her delivery could use some work, but the raw emotion behind her expression and every word was spot on.

    As if she had turned into Si Yan herself. The tenacious girl who kept pursuing what she wanted despite adversity.

    Right. Si Yan wasn''t a character that would break down in tears easily.

    It was a simple act, yet Li Caiyi couldn''t take her eyes off Ning Shan.

    Si Yan was a character she created at her weakest. Her subconsciousness wanted her to be someone like Si Yan, and that was how she was made.

    Li Caiyi felt so emotional. Seeing the character she wrotee to life gave her a bizarre yet satisfying feeling. Her heart was filled to the brim.

    Then, she felt a warm touch on her hand under the table. Li Caiyi was jolted before looking down.

    Dai Zhiqiang was putting his hand on top of her. He caressed the back of her hand with his thumb before slowly intertwining their fingers together.

    Li Caiyi''s nose felt even sourer. What was he trying to do now? He really liked to barge in and leave whenever he pleased, without even knowing the mess he caused for her heart.

    Thinking about Xia Rouyue, she wanted to fling his hand away. But a part of her heart shamelessly wished for him to keep holding on to her like this longer.

    If Dai Zhiqiang regained his full memory, would he chase after her too? Like Si Yan in her book, he would realize that he had broken his promise to her by leaving her side, then he would regret it and return to her.

    Li Caiyi truly hoped that was the case.

    As expected, every judge scored highly for Ning Shan''s acting. She was one of the strongest candidates for the female lead. Li Caiyi couldn''t wait to see her act in costume.

    The audition continued after that, but Dai Zhiqiang refused to let her go. She asionally caught him looking at her meaningfully, making her wonder what he even came here for when he didn''t pay attention to the audition.

    It couldn''t be that he came here for her, right?

    Li Caiyi quickly brushed the thought away. Wishful thinking like that would only hurt her more.

 Chapter 614 The Reason For His Return

    The audition finally ended, and among more than one hundred participants, they could count down the candidates into two people. It was Ning Shan and Ye Bing.

    Li Caiyi could understand Ning Shan, but why Ye Bing? Many other actresses performed better than her.

    "Ning Shan is excellent, but she is still far too inexperienced for the lead role. Looking at her past record, she usually only got a small role. Although her interpretation of Si Yan is fresh, Ye Bing''s acting is much closer to what the audience had in mind."

    "I disagree. Except for her crying act, Ye Bing basically couldn''t express the confusion of anxiety of Si Yan any better than the other contestants. It showed that she actually didn''t understand her assignment in depth. Ning Shan showed a wide variety of emotions in a minute, giving a whole other dimension to the character. Besides, if you only look at her crying skill alone, there were many other contestants who did it better than her."

    Li Caiyi watched how Ma Heng and Director Shen argued. She couldn''t believe there would be a day when she would agree with the Director on something.

    "Director Shen, let me be frank with you, but we can''t afford to fail this movie. There are a lot of expectations, and choosing Ye Bing would give us safer choices, "The middle-aged woman interjected. "She is a rising actress with many fans looking forward to her appearance in this movie. Having her as the female lead will bring goodmercial value to our side. Besides, Ye Bing is much more good-looking than Ning Shan. This is probably a shallow reason, but you know the audience attracted more to pretty people."

    Director Shen''s face turned darker the more they talked. "If all you care about ismercial value, why bother creating an audition then? You should have made it a private casting, or better yet, just decided on the cast by yourself from the beginning. Why waste everyone''s time?"

    He sneered before continuing, "Why? Because you also know it doesn''t make any sense, right? Are you even hearing yourself right now?"

    Ma Heng looked offended as he rebutted. "Director Shen, I appreciate your skill as a Director, but I don''t think you understand very well what the investors wanted. We never said that Ning Shan is unskilled. We can let her have other roles other than the female lead. That should be enough for her, right?"

    Director Shen was so angry he couldn''t say anything back. Swallowing his anger, he shifted his gaze to Li Caiyi.

    "What do you think about this, Miss Li Caiyi? As the scriptwriter, who is the more suitable to take on Si Yan''s role?"

    All eyes were on her immediately, making her feel like she was sitting on the pin and needles. However, her answer was already decided from the beginning.

    "I''m just a scriptwriter. I know little of the filming industry and am judged solely by their acting skill. And I have to agree with Director Shen here."

    Director Shen grinned in satisfaction before saying provocatively, "Did you hear that? She is the one who has a deeper knowledge of the character than anyone. Even if you wanted to ignore my opinion, you should at least listen to her."

    Ma Heng and the middle-aged woman''s faces scrunched in displeasure. Director Shen really knew how to pissed people off.

    The heated atmosphere fell into a stalemate with the addition of Li Caiyi''s vote. They had no choice but to turn to Dai Zhiqiang as theirst hope.

    "Mr. Dai Zhiqiang, right? What do you think of this matter?" Ma Heng asked him. "Who do you think is more suitable for the female lead''s role?"

    Li Caiyi also turned her attention to him; she was curious about what he thought about this.

    Dai Zhiqiang looked up after hearing his name being mentioned. Previously, he couldn''t care less about what they decided.

    "First, please pardon my ignorance because I know nothing about how the filming industry works as well. I joined this project because I believed in the Director and scriptwriter''s skills. This should be enough to tell you which opinion I''d rather support, right?"<novelnext></novelnext>

    Director Shenughed boisterously, while Ma Heng seemed like he had been forced to eat socks. The former''s following words were akin to pouring oil on fire too.

    "Please don''t say that. Your keen judgment will be the savior of this project. An unbiased perspective is the best. Hahaha!"

    That concluded the first audition for the female lead, Si Yan. There would be another audition for the male lead the next day, but Li Caiyi had enough drama in the meantime. She intended to go home quickly and rest when she noticed Dai Zhiqiang talking with Director Shen in the hallway.

    They stood near the window while she was hidden behind the wall in the corner. She was conflicted about whether she should greet them goodbye or not when she suddenly heard them mention her name.

    "I should say I was skeptical at first. But what happened today proved that choosing Miss Li Caiyi as the scriptwriter is the correct choice. It was all thanks to your suggestion." Director Shen said gratefully to Dai Zhiqiang.

    Li Caiyi''s eyes widened in shock upon hearing that. Was it Dai Zhiqiang who rmended her to Director Shen?

    At first, she had this conceited assumption that Dai Zhiqiang probably decided to get involved in this project because of her, but this proved her wrong. It was THANKS to him that Director Shen reached out to her to write the script for the movie.

    "No, it''s nothing. I merely suggest to you a good writer that I know. She attained your recognition by her own ability after that."

    Director Shen nodded. "She is a promising young talent. I probably have to look out for her more in the future."

    What exactly happened here? Since when did Dai Zhiqiang have such power? In the six years when they couldn''t meet, what exactly happened to him in that span of time?

    Various thoughts swirled in her mind. She didn''t know if this was good news or bad news.

    Li Caiyi remembered Dai Zhiqiang''s tragic end, and an unsettled feeling grew in her gut.

    Did it finally start? The road to his destruction.

    Six years ago, Li Caiyi failed to prevent him from leaving. After that, he disappeared without a trace, with no way for her to contact him. She spent a lot of sleepless nights before she could finally return to her normal lifestyle.

    Now that he had returned, she got sidetracked by her feelings and forgot that there were still many unsolved things, like preventing him from going down the same path.

    A lot of things had changed from their previous life, and Li Caiyi hoped it did something to change Dai Zhiqiang''s life. However, if it wasn''t enough, then Li Caiyi had to do something.

    Come to think of it, why did Dai Zhiqiang decide to return to S country? Could the reason be rted to Xia Rouyue, or something else entirely?

    Whether he liked it or not, Li Caiyi had to talk with him after this.

 Chapter 615 Sharing The Pain Together

    After talking to Director Shen, Dai Zhiqiang returned to the meeting room used for the audition and found that the inside was already empty. He was a bit disappointed.

    It probably was a bit too much to expect Li Caiyi would wait for her. Even if she didn''t refuse him outrightly, he could tell she was still displeased with him.

    The thought made him feel gloomy. However, those thoughts disappeared when there was a sound of the door closing behind him. He turned his head behind and found Li Caiyi standing with her back against the door, looking at him with a sharp gaze.

    "It''s about time we talk properly. I won''t let you escape this time." Li Caiyi dered in an unfriendly tone.

    Dai Zhiqiang''s eyes widened in surprise at first, butter, he burst intoughter. This, of course, confused Li Caiyi.

    "What''s so funny?"

    "Ah, nothing." Dai Zhiqiang replied as he smiled at her. "I just found it funny how I keep feeling surprised whenever I''m around you. I''m happy you aren''t trying to avoid me."

    Li Caiyi could feel her heart waver again just from seeing him smile. Ugh, he and his handsome face should be illegal.

    "I''m not here to talk about ''us'' now. I identally heard what you were talking about with Director Shen. What do you mean that you ''rmended'' me to him? What happened in the past six years that gave you such power now?"

    "Li Caiyi, calm down. I have meant to tell you, even if you don''t rush like that."

    "Really?" Li Caiyi was skeptical, as he always tried to hide something from her. "Then, why don''t you tell me now?"

    "Can we talk while sitting down first?"

    "No." Li Caiyi replied immediately. "I can''t tell what you will do next, so let''s just talk like this."

    Dai Zhiqiang shrugged. "If that''s what you want, then fine. Li Caiyi, Director Shen, and I simply made an ''agreement''. In exchange for giving him the information he wanted, I told him to reach out to you. Coincidentally, he was searching for someone to write a script for him, so I told him to go to you. That''s all."

    "But why? What''s in it for you to rmend me like that?"

    "Do I have a reason not to? I believe you will be able to satisfy Director Shen''s difficult demands one way or another. I simply rmended you to him, but he chose to proceed using your script because he sees potential in you."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know whether she should feel ttered to hear that. She felt veryplicated inside. "Dai Zhiqiang, why did you show yourself in front of me again after all this time? Did something happen to you?"

    Dai Zhiqiang tilted his head. "Why did you think like that? Do you not want to see me?"

    "Stop answering my question with another question. You said you would answer my question."

    Dai Zhiqiang slipped his hands into his pocket, and Li Caiyi kept reminding herself not to get distracted by his coolness.

    "If I tell you I came back because I missed you, will you believe me?" He asked with a serious look on his face.

    "You are right. I can''t believe you. You left without looking back even once six years ago." Li Caiyi clenched her hand into a fist. "Besides, I already knew you came back around the same time as Xia Rouyue. How can you expect me to believe what you said?"

    Dai Zhiqiang flinched upon hearing that, but he didn''t deny her words.

    A tinge of pain struck her heart, but Li Caiyi managed to maintain herposure this time. "Anyway, you are living well abroad, so why did you decide toe back?"

    "I don''t live well at all." Dai Zhiqiang replied bitterly. "In the past years, I really am not well, Li Caiyi."

    He had such a sad expression on his face that she couldn''t help but feel concerned. "Why? What happened?"

    Dai Zhiqiang forced himself to smile, making her feel more restless. "Do you have time after this? Rather than exining, it''s better to show you directly."<novelnext></novelnext>

    ***

    Li Caiyi had a bad feeling when she saw him looking so sad. However, she wasn''t prepared for this answer.

    They were standing in front of the Dai family''s tombstone, and there was Dai Bolin''s picture, along with freshly brought flowers, in front of it.

    Li Caiyi''s whole body shook as the realization hit her hard. she covered her mouth with her hand in disbelief. Tears had already poured down from her eyes. "It can''t beˇ­.Uncleˇ­."

    "My father, he missed you until hisst breath," Dai Zhiqiang exined. His voice quivered as he continued. "He said he wanted to return to S country and meet you again no matter what. But his body couldn''tst that long."

    Li Caiyi couldn''t contain her emotion anymore as she angrily grabbed him by thepel of his suit. Her wet eyes red at him fiercely.

    "Then you should have told me! I would throw away whatever I was doing and run to his ce immediately. Do you think I won''t care about him anymore because we have broken up? You don''t even know how worried I was for Uncle!"

    "I trusted youˇ­ Even if we broke up, I trusted you would tell me if something happened to him because you understood how much he meant to me. All this time, I consider no news as good news, and now you are telling me Uncle is gone?"

    Li Caiyi''s voice cracked by the end of her sentence. Her heart constricted so much that she had a hard time breathing.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t try to avoid or excuse himself. He focused solely on her crying face and used his thumb to wipe her tears. "I''m sorry, Li Caiyi."

    Li Caiyi hit his chest with her fist weakly. She was just too frustrated and sad to say anything.

    Everything just felt so useless. Her getting angry at him like this, and his apology to her. No matter what they did, time couldn''t be rewound. The miracle wouldn''t happen twice.

    Dai Bolin would nevere back, even if she argued with him like this. His disease was something that none of them could solve. It wasn''t something she could prevent even if she wanted to.

    That was why she kind of prepared herself for the worst. However, she wouldn''t get a chance to see him off properly.

    Losing all energy in her body, Li Caiyi slumped to the ground. Dai Zhiqiang held her shoulder firmly as if trying to send her some of his strength. "Li Caiyi, I''m sorry. I know you care about my father so much."

    Li Caiyi shook her head as tears kept streaming down her cheeks. She raised her head and looked at him sadly.

    "It must be hard for you and Shenqiang. Just thinking how you two must have felt, my heart was ripped into pieces."

    In the next moment, Li Caiyi threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close, burying his head in her embrace. "I''m sorry for not being there with you guys when it happened. You don''t have to hold back, for my sake. Just cry with me if you want."

    Dai Zhiqiang brought her here,pletely prepared to get scolded or tofort her in case she broke down. But he didn''t expect she would react like this.

    Li Caiyi didn''t try tofort him. She cried as she shared the pain with him. It deeply resonated with him and tugged something he had kept hidden all this time.

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t care anymore and desperately clung to her for life. He didn''t even dare to cry in front of Dai Shenqiang, but it happened so easily with her.

    He felt it was okay for him to cry with her. He was allowed to let his guard down in front of her.

    Li Caiyi''s heart ached so much his body trembled as his tears wetted her clothes. He didn''t utter much sound, but it somehow felt even sadder. How long must he hide his sadness?

    She tightened her hold on him, silently confirming that she wouldn''t leave him alone.

    The pair sat together on the dirty ground of a public graveyard, pouring all their sadness for losing the man who meant so much to them.

 Chapter 616 Do You Want To Go On A Date With Me?

    Li Caiyi didn''t know how long they cried like that. Thankfully, no one was around them, or they probably would cause a scene.

    Dai Zhiqiang still clung onto her, and her chest tightened seeing him so fragile like this. She caressed his head tenderly, wanting to ease his pain as much as possible.

    Feeling her warm touch, Dai Zhiqiang felt like he was going to melt. The past six years without her were difficult for him, but now, he thought he could close his eyes and let himself be spoiled by her.

    He wanted to be closer to her, so he snuggled into her embrace even more.

    Li Caiyi smiled, seeing him act like a child. She was happy he didn''t push her away, but then again, he was probably just desperate for someone tofort him like this.

    Dai Zhiqiang was the type that would bury his feelings just to make someone feel better. She assumed he probably couldn''t cry in front of his brother.

    What now?

    Dai Zhiqiang had lost one of his family members, and the possibility of him walking the same dying path as he used to be bigger. She had lost the starting line before she could even begin.

    "Zhiqiang, did youe back to your previous house?"

    "....I didn''t, but the house is still under my father''s name."

    "Did you live with Shenqiang now?"

    "No. He didn''t return with me to the S country. He was busy studying and said he wanted to show you what an amazing man he became, so I didn''t persuade him to follow me."

    Li Caiyi was ttered to hear that, but at the same time, she was worried. "Will it be okay to leave him alone? What if something happens to him?"

    If something were to happen to Dai Shenqiang as well, then Dai Zhiqiang would really fall into a dark path of no return.

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled before replying, "He will be fine. Shenqiang has changed, so this time everything will be alright."

    "Really? Are you really sure? What about if Huang Zhen threatened him this time while you were away?"

    Dai Zhiqiang''s expression frosted upon hearing that name. He tightened his hold on her as he answered, "It''s alright. He wouldn''t be able to move for some time."

    "What do you mean?" Li Caiyi looked down at him in confusion. "Did something happen to Huang Zhen?"

    Or rather, did Dai Zhiqiang do something to him?

    Li Caiyi felt anxious. If Dai Zhiqiang killed him, he would be subjected to the same crime he did in his previous life. Being a wanted man meant he would lose his chance to continue a peaceful life with his brother, which could result in his demise too.

    That couldn''t happen!

    ? "He is probably treating his injuries right now. The reason why I can peacefully return here is also because of that."

    "Were you the one who inflicted those injuries on him?"

    "He deserved it." Dai Zhiqiang''s voice was full of resentment as he continued, "After everything he did, it''s already a good thing that I didn''t finish him off."

    Li Caiyi became more and more confused. "Wait. Can you slow down a bit? So you almost killed him, and that''s why he can''t do anything to us now?"

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded before looking up at her. Their faces were so close together that if he stretched his neck or if she leaned down a bit more, their lips would ovep.<novelnext></novelnext>

    From this proximity, Li Caiyi could clearly see everysh on his eyelid. She subconsciously held back her breath. Her heartbeat sped up, especially when his gaze slowly traveled down from her eyes to her lips. Thick emotions swirled in his eyes, and it felt like she was pulled into him like a ma.

    It couldn''t be that he would kiss her?

    Li Caiyi was contemting whether she should close her eyes or not, but that expectation was reduced to dust when Dai Zhiqiang suddenly released her.

    "Anyway, you don''t have to worry about Shenqiang. I personally made sure there would be no threating to him. And Huang Zhen wouldn''te after us again for now."

    "Ah, ohˇ­" Li Caiyi responded awkwardly while embarrassment slowly colored her cheeks. She got too into the moment that became conceited again. She hoped Dai Zhiqiang didn''t notice that.

    "Li Caiyi, do you have time after this?"

    "Aside from the audition, I don''t have anything scheduled today. What''s wrong?"

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled. "Then, do you want to go on a date with me?"

    ***

    When he asked her to go on a date with him, she thought she had misheard at first. But it turned out to be real.

    A lot of things happened today. It was like a neverending rollercoaster of surprises for her.

    First, Dai Zhiqiang appeared in the audition as one of the most prominent investors in the project, then the sad revtion of Dai Bolin''s passing ended with him asking her out.

    Li Caiyi didn''t refuse since she also had so many things she wanted to ask him. Especially regarding Huang Zhen. She didn''t think much of it since it wouldn''t be their first date anyway. The most they would do was probably go to a restaurant and eat together.

    However, she was soon proven wrong because Dai Zhiqiang came more prepared than she thought.

    "Li Caiyi, which one do you want to ride first?"

    Dai Zhiqiang spread the amusement park''s pamphlet in front of her, sounding more excited than usual. Li Caiyi looked down at the attraction listed on the pamphlet, still in a daze.

    Out of all ces, an amusement park would be thest thing she imagined Dai Zhiqiang would bring her to. It wasn''t an ideal ce to talk and was too crowded.

    Even counting their every dates six years ago, this was the first time they had gone to an amusement park.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, are you sure you want to go here? Don''t you usually like a much quieter ce?"

    "Hm? When did I ever say that? As long as I''m with you, anywhere is fine." Dai Zhiqiang grabbed her hand before smiling at her, "Since you don''t know which attraction to ride, I will decide on the first one. You are okay with that, right?"

    "Huh? Hey, wait a minute!"

    Li Caiyi was startled because he suddenly pulled her with him, but seeing him smile happily stopped her fromining.

    "Geez, it can''t be helped."

    It was rare for him to take the initiative, too, so she decided to go along with him.

 Chapter 617 Slowly Mending Their Relationship

    The attractions Dai Zhiqiang chose for them were all surprisingly in line with her taste. Li Caiyi only went along with him at first. But soon, she found herself smiling andughing as she enjoyed the rides.

    Beside her, Dai Zhiqiang gazed at her fondly while asionally putting his hand in front of her protectively. The ride could be wild sometimes, and he was worried she would get hurt.

    Li Caiyi noticed his attentiveness and felt the warmth spreading inside her. She was also aware that their hands kept naturally searching for each other throughout their date.

    It felt like they had returned to the past, making her extremely happy.

    The time passed by quickly when you were having fun. The sky had turned dark before she knew it, and she had lost count of how many times they made a trip around the park.

    After walking down from the rollercoaster, they sat on the bench nearby, and Dai Zhiqiang offered to buy them a drink. Li Caiyi agreed, and he immediately went to get it. Stretching out her arms leisurely, she felt so free and rxed.

    It had been so long since Li Caiyi went to an amusement park. Perhaps this might be the first time she came here after her regression. That must be why it felt so nostalgic, and she found this ce more endearing than before.

    Thinking back, she and Dai Zhiqiang also went to the amusement park on their first andst date in their previous life. At that time, she was the one who pulled him all over the ce, so it was funny that the opposite happened now.

    However, Li Caiyi didn''t dislike proactive Dai Zhiqiang. On the contrary, she liked it so much that she hoped this happy time wouldst forever.

    Not long after that, Dai Zhiqiang came back with two cups of drink in his hand. He gave one of them to her before sitting down beside her.

    "Ah. This is so fresh!" Li Caiyi eximed in bliss. Dai Zhiqiang noticed she emptied half of her cup in one sip. She must be very thirsty.

    "If you want, you can drink mine too. I''m not too thirsty."

    "Eh, it''s okay. You finish it. Besides, it''s about time we returned after all. I had such a st today, and it''s all thanks to you. Do you have fun too?"

    "En. I have fun for the first time in a long time," Dai Zhiqiang said softly while looking at her intensely. "Li Caiyi, you are prettier when you smile. I hope you keep smiling like you do today."

    That line almost made her choke on her drink. It came out of nowhere and caught her off guard.

    "W-What?"

    "I meant what I said. I always hope you will forever have a smile on your face, and only happiness wille your way. That''s why I want you to stay far away from me if being with me is painful for you."

    "I don''t understand. Why are you suddenly talking about this?"

    A sense of mncholy tinted his eyes before he smiled vaguely. "I don''t know either. Maybe I''m just too tired, so I''m speaking nonsense."

    Li Caiyi was somehow at a loss for words to say. What did he mean by that? It was like he was deliberately implying that she shouldn''t expect too much from him because she would be unhappy when she was with him.

    When he said it like that, Li Caiyi suddenly felt upset.

    "Are you going to leave far away again? Because you thought it''s the best for us? For me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang: "...."

    "No wonder you acted differently today. Is it like a parting gift for me or something?"

    "You are wrong. I justˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang''s words trailed off. "I don''t know how to make it up for all the pain I caused you in thest six years."<novelnext></novelnext>

    "Dai Zhiqiang, we have already broken up. Do you want to know why I didn''t push you away even after the wound you inflicted on me?"

    Dai Zhiqiang didn''t answer, so Li Caiyi continued after taking a deep breath, "Because I feel unhappier when you aren''t with me. I know I''m being stupid, and I should bury my feelings for you, but this isn''t something I can control. That''s why can you stop saying things like you will disappear on me again? Why must you hurt me like this?"

    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean like that."

    "If you are sorry, stop saying things you didn''t mean and start acting on what you truly mean!" Li Caiyi turned away from him in frustration.

    However, Dai Zhiqiang firmly grabbed her chin and forced her to look his way.

    "En. I will show you what I mean then."

    A secondter, a warm kiss descended on her lips. It was a gentle kiss filled with longing thatsted only briefly before he pulled away, but it was enough to elevate her soul to the sky.

    Dai Zhiqiang seemed embarrassed as well because people were watching them. He usually looked calm and indifferent, so the blush on his face tugged on her heartstring.

    "Why?" Li Caiyi asked in the middle of her daze.

    "You said I should show you what I mean, and that''s what I did. I have always wanted to kiss you since the first time we met again."

    Oblivious to how his words almost made her heart burst, Dai Zhiqiang shifted his gaze to her again. This time he held her hand gently. "Li Caiyi, I also feel unhappy when I can''t see you. I shouldn''t have met you at that party. If it weren''t for that, my yearning for you wouldn''t have be this bad."

    Li Caiyi gulped nervously. Does that mean he wanted to get back together with her?

    She almost got conceited ideas again, but then Xia Rouyue''s face came into her mind, popping all her fantasy bubbles.

    "But what about Xia Rouyue? You said you have no romantic rtionship with her, but why did you twoe back together?"

    "It''s not like you think," Dai Zhiqiang''s hold on her tightened. "Iˇ­owed Xia Rouyue a big time. And I need her help with something. Just like me, Xia Rouyue doesn''t think of me as anything but a friend. You don''t have to worry about that."

    "Owe her something? Can I ask what that is?"

    Dai Zhiqiang was reluctant as he replied, "She saved me once in the past. And because of that, she had to lose something precious to her. I want to do anything I can to help her this time."

    Li Caiyi silently listened to his exnation. Was there really nothing between them other than that? Dai Zhiqiang was probably telling the truth about how he felt nothing but gratitude for her, but what about Xia Rouyue?

    Li Caiyi had some doubts, but she didn''t want to oveplicate things anymore. If she intended to prevent Dai Zhiqiang''s road of destruction, she had to stick by his side from now on.

    Suppressing the difort in her, she smiled, "Thank you for exining to me. I believe in you."

    Dai Zhiqiang brightened up hearing that. He pulled her to him and hugged her gently.

    "Thank you. I know it must be hard for you to trust me again, so I won''t ask for us to get back together for now. Let''s slowly mend up our rtionships, alright?"

    Li Caiyi only nodded her head, prompting him to release her. "Are you hungry? How about if we have dinner next?"

 Chapter 618 The Same Date Course

    The restaurant Dai Zhiqiang brought Li Caiyi next was Yueguang Noodle House. She was somewhat surprised when he said he wanted to eat there because it was coincidentally the same as their date in a previous life.

    First, they went to the amusement park and then ate in Yueguang. It was precisely the same spot and order.

    "It''s been a while since I came here. I wonder if the taste of this ce has changed or not."

    Dai Zhiqiang''s words made her smile. "Ie here frequently, and I can assure you that their original taste hasn''t changed at all, but the quality has improved a lot since thest time you eat here, for sure."

    "Really? Then, I can''t wait to try it."

    Li Caiyi had a crazy thought just now. What if Dai Zhiqiang remembered what happened in their previous life and deliberately took her to ces where they made memories together?

    She immediately brushed off that wishful thinking. It was silly of her to even think like that. If Dai Zhiqiang truly regained the memory of his past life, why didn''t he say anything to her? There was no reason why he would hide it from her because Li Caiyi wasn''t exactly being subtle when she inquired him about his dreams.

    They entered the ce together and sat on the table in one of the corners. Li Caiyi rmended an excellent menu to him, and soon their order came.

    "Hmm, you are right. The noodles in this ce only be better and better."

    Li Caiyi puffed out her chest, somehow feeling proud of Zhou Ya''s effort and achievement. "Right? You should introduce this ce to your friends or colleagues."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled. "I''ll do that next time. Did you alwayse here alone to eat?"

    "No. I usually came here with Xiaohua or sometimes with Feng Nian, Chen Run, or Zhou Ya. Just whoever is avable for me to drag." Li Caiyi answered before raising her bowl to drink the noodle soup.

    "What about Meng Renshu?"

    Li Caiyi choked on the noodle soup this time. Again, this man should stop asking things randomly like that while she had something in her mouth.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to startle you with that question. I''m just wondering if youˇ­." Dai Zhiqiang hesitated a bit before continuing, "Are you still in contact with Meng Renshu until now?"

    Li Caiyi wiped her mouth with a tissue before replying. "Since you work in an intelligence trading business, I see no meaning in hiding from you. Yes, I''m still contacting Brother Renshu regrly."

    "I see," Dai Zhiqiang replied dejectedly.

    "But we haven''t met each other for a long time. Thest time we met wasst year when he returned to celebrate my and Xiaohua''s birthday. Come to think of it, I wonder how he is doing there?"

    "Are you going to call him after this?" Dai Zhiqiang''s tone was a little anxious.

    Li Caiyi put down the tissue she used before calmly replying. "Yes, but what is it for you? We have broken up, and you are the one who said we should slowly ''mend'' our rtionship. I can contact whoever I want, right? Just like how you will still keep in touch with Xia Rouyue."

    Dai Zhiqiang had no words to refute that, so he changed his question. "When will hee back for good?"

    "I don''t know. After getting his bachelor degree, he immediately pursued a master degree because he didn''t want to waste time. I guess he will return once he haspleted his master study?"

    Dai Zhiqiang felt unsettled hearing that. Even now, Meng Renshu was still the biggest thorn in his flesh. If he could, he wanted to make thetter unable to return forever.

    However, he knew he couldn''t do that because Li Caiyi needed him.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Thinking like that only made him more upset, so he stopped talking.

    "While we are here, how about we continue our unfinished talk earlier?" Li Caiyi looked at him seriously to convey that she meant business from then on.

    "Right. What do you want to know?"

    "About Huang Zhen and you. What happened between the two of you in the past years?"

    "Nothing. We would sh from time to time whenever I did my job. Ye Huizhong still hasn''t reimed what Huang Zhen stole from him, so we have been actively tracking her down." Dai Zhiqiang crossed his arms. "Li Caiyi, I also found out about this ''investigation'' you have been doing all this time."

    Li Caiyi knew she wouldn''t be able to hide it forever, especially when she had told Ye Huizhong, his direct superior, about it. But when he directly pointed it out like that, it still made her heart almost fall to the ground. It felt like she had been caught doing something terrible.

    "Isn''t that why you need his help? You always told me there was something you needed to do. But I never expected it would be about something as big as this. Do you realize what kind of danger you are walking yourself into?"

    "Of course, I know what I''m doing. I won''t continue doing this for six years if I''m not serious," Li Caiyi put her hand on her chest, staring at Dai Zhiqiang straight. "Now that you already know about it, will you tell me to stop? Well, I''m sorry to disappoint you, but I won''t stop."

    "I understand this concerns Li Chunhua''s longevity, so let me do it in your stead."

    "Why? Why should I let you do it for me? We are not in that kind of rtionship, right?"

    Dai Zhiqiang gritted his teeth in frustration. "This had nothing to do with that."

    "But it is. It means you have no right to tell me what to do here." Li Caiyi argued stubbornly, making him sigh helplessly.

    "Li Caiyi, are we going to fight again?"

    "If you keep insisting on telling me what to do, then yes. Isn''t it enough that you keep barging and disappearing from my life all you want? I won''t tolerate your selfishness more than this."

    "Alright, then, at least let me help you." Dai Zhiqiang finally relented.

    Li Caiyi stopped herself for a moment to think. "What are you going to help me with?"

    "You n to investigate using Meng Yaoshu as your lead. Then I will support you and help you check for others who might be involved with this organization. Meng Yaoshu couldn''t possibly be the only big fish involved in this. However, he is undoubtedly one of the most powerful ones."

    His offer was so tempting she almost agreed on the spot. With Ye Wang''s connection, it would be easier to gain the information she needed.

    "Hmm, let me ask this, just in case. But just how big is your influence on Ye Wang currently? Even if you want to help me, without Ye Huizhong''s permission, you won''t be able to use Ye Wang''s resources."

    "Ye Huizhong is still technically my boss, but for now, I hold considerable authority within the group. Since this is a secret, I won''t divulge more than this. Just know I will be a better ally for you than Meng Renshu."

    Was that a sense ofpetitiveness she just sensed? Dai Zhiqiang and Meng Renshu never liked each other, so it was hard to imagine they would work together in this. But Li Caiyi couldn''t deny that she didn''t feel like she would lose to anyone with both of them on her side.

    Of course, she would also do her best to help in any way possible.

    "Alright. So what n do you have in mind?" Li Caiyi asked as she leaned her body forwards.

 Chapter 619 Bite Me

    Leaving the Yueguang, Li Caiyi felt her brain had been fried from so much thinking she did inside. She was surprised by how much Dai Zhiqiang knew about her situation, but it was very convenient because that way, she wouldn''t have to exin everything from scratch.

    "Thanks for today," Li Caiyi said sincerely to Dai Zhiqiang before she added gloomily, "And about Uncle, I''m sorry forshing out at you earlier. Thinking back, if it''s something you can help with, then you would definitely do so. I was too sad and couldn''t think straight then."

    "No, you have every right to be angry. I know you treat my father very well as if he is your own father. But I''m disappointed in you."

    Li Caiyi was indeed disappointed. Even now, she felt like something was blocking her throat if she thought about how she couldn''t meet Dai Bolin for thest time. But she had to let it go, or that kind man wouldn''t be able to rest peacefully.

    "...Will you be alright, Dai Zhiqiang?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "You came back because you wanted to bury your father''s ashes in his homnd, right? And you seemed to be pretty emotional back then. I''m worried about you."

    Dai Zhiqiang smiled before taking a step forward toward her. Li Caiyi was wondering what he was up to when he suddenly leaned his head on her shoulder.

    He was much taller than her, so he had to hunch his back to rest his head on her like that, making him look smaller and more fragile than ever.

    "I''m still not okay, to be honest. Six years ago, when I heard that my father wouldn''t hold on much longer, I had no choice but to make a swift decision. I know a good surgeon that can help my father, but the after-treatment would require him to stay there for a long time."

    "That''s why you took your family and moved abroad?" Li Caiyi asked softly.

    Dai Zhiqiang nodded, causing his hair to brush against her jaw, making her feel ticklish. "But I feel like I won''t be able to leave you if I don''t end it decisively. It was hard for me to see you break down like that."

    Li Caiyi recalled how devastated she was then, and her nose felt sour. "Why didn''t you just be honest with me? I would have understood if it was for your father''s sake."

    "We don''t know how long the treatment will continue. As much as I wanted to beg you to wait for me, I feel too ashamed to face you. You have been so patient with me. I feel like I have taken advantage of you numerous times."

    "But, that''sˇŞ"

    "Ssshh," Dai Zhiqiang suddenly pinched her waist lightly. The intimate touch sent a shiver down her spine.

    "Let me finish first. That''s not the only reason. Before, I selfishly thought that as long as you weren''t fed up with me, I could turn into the most shameless person in the world and keep you by my side. I became more possessive and paranoid, hurting the trust between us. While you always had this anxious look whenever we fought. Then you would give in to me after some time like you were tolerating me."

    Li Caiyi silently listened to his long rant. This was all the umted thought he had all this time.

    "I''m sure you also notice it. Something went wrong between us along the way. We were dating, but it didn''t feel like that as time passed. I always make you cry, even though I want to be the one who puts a smile on your face. My inability to do so hits me hard. I suddenly woke up one day and thought I should give you a chance."

    "A chance?" Li Caiyi echoed in confusion.

    "A chance to run away from a messed up person like me. If I finish our rtionship decisively and make you hate me, it will restart everything. Or so I hope."

    Li Caiyi didn''t know what to say. His train of thought was too deep for her toprehend. After listening to his exnation, everything did sound reasonable.<novelnext></novelnext>

    But what about her? Dai Zhiqiang imed it was all for ''her sake'', but all she got was nothing but painful heartbreak. He did whatever he wanted, but she had been suffering for thest six years.

    "How selfish of you," Li Caiyi reprimanded him in a quivering voice. A mixture of anger, sadness, injustice, and pain swirled inside her like a storm.

    Dai Zhiqiang bit his lips before continuing, "I know. But even if the time rewound again, I will probably do the same."

    "What will you do if I meet someone new in the span of those six years? Someone is better than capable of making me happy than you are?" Li Caiyi asked bitterly.

    "I honestly don''t know. At first, I thought I would ept it as my punishment for hurting you. No matter how painful it will be, I''m ready to bear it. Even during that party, I never intended to show myself up before you."

    "But you did. In a quite shy way at that."

    Dai Zhiqiang chuckled mirthlessly. "Yeah. When I saw that guy trying toy his hand on you, I got furious and couldn''t control myself. I didn''t expect you would notice me and even chase after me persistently after that."

    "I didn''t know it was you. Perhaps I had a hunch, but I wasn''tpletely sure."

    Dai Zhiqiang slowly raised his head so he stood face to face with her. He raised his hand to caress her cold cheeks.

    "Then I saw you hurt your leg. It was already toote for me to stop myself then. I can''t stop caring about you."

    Li Caiyi hated how he could easily make her heart race. Even though he was clearly the one in the wrong here.

    "I hate you, Dai Zhiqiang. I really, really hate you for making me hate myself."

    Li Caiyi felt like she would cry if she continued talking, so she bit her lips. To her surprise, Dai Zhiqiang gently stopped her by tracing her lips with his thumb. His fingers felt cold on her lips, but the contrast in temperature made them crave each other''s touch even more.

    "En. You can hate me as much as you want but don''t bite your lips like that. You''ll hurt yourself. Bite my finger instead; that way, you can vent your anger."

    Li Caiyi felt challenged when she heard that. Did he think she wouldn''t dare to do it?

    If he wanted her to vent, she would dly take on his offer.

    Opening her mouth, Li Caiyi fiercely bit on his thumb.

    Dai Zhiqiang: "!!!"

    Although this pain couldn''t bepared to what she went through, she wanted to at least inflict some pain on him, too, letting him know how aggrieved she was.

    Meanwhile, Dai Zhiqiang grimaced in pain but endured it. Even when the blood trickled from the bite mark she made, he didn''tin or utter any sound.

    She was the only one he allowed to hurt him like this. It was better like this than seeing her hurt herself.

 Chapter 620 I Can Make Your Imagination Into Reality

    Li Caiyi released him upon noticing that people began to stare. She took a step away and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

    "How''s that? Painful, right?"

    "Not at all. You can keep biting if you want." Dai Zhiqiang answered nonchntly.

    Li Caiyi spat the taste of blood from her mouth before continuing. "You are so sly. You know I can''t continue to do that in public like this."

    "Then should we move to a more private ce first? Do you want toe over to my ce?"

    Li Caiyi was stunned. He casually shifted the topic and asked her toe to his ce. She squinted her eyes suspiciously. "What are you nning now?"

    Dai Zhiqiang took out a handkerchief from his pocket before wiping the blood on his finger. "I didn''t n anything. I really just wanted to resolve any hard feelings between us. How about it? You can bite me in other ces if you want; no one will disturb us there."

    Li Caiyi blushed after hearing his ambiguous remark. It made her think of various sexy situations, and she quickly shook her head to chase away those thoughts.

    "My grudge won''t settle just from biting you. It''s not that simple!"

    "Then, should I let you tie me up and beat me too? I never knew you liked that kind of y." Dai Zhiqiang smirked yfully.

    She blushed even more when her mind automatically thought of Dai Zhiqiang in a topless state, all tied up on the bed. The most embarrassing part was that she actually wanted to see it happen.

    "Agh, stop making me imagine things! You are missing the point here!"

    Dai Zhiqiang had fun teasing her like this. He stared meaningfully at her as his smirk deepened, "What did you imagine just now? You know you can make your imagination into reality anytime. I would dly offer myself to you whenever you want."

    "Dai Zhiqiang, can''t you be serious for once? You have been gotten increasingly unscrupulous in the years I didn''t meet you."

    "Unscrupulous? We are adults now, and I have already seen everything about you. I know about how you like to have xxxx and xxxx."

    "Waah! Waah!" Li Caiyi eximed in panic as she quickly mped his naughty mouth using her hand. Her face was as red as a tomato as she nced around; she hoped nobody had heard that just now.

    Dai Zhiqiang was surprised at first, butter his gaze softened. He held her hand and pressed his lips against her palm more, relishing the sweet feminine smell that only belonged to her.

    His action made Li Caiyi even more flustered. She tried to retract her hand from him, but he held it firmly in ce.

    Li Caiyi could feel his lips moving on her palm, and the ticklish feeling sent shivers all over her body.

    "H-Hey! Can''t you see people staring? Stop this!" Li Caiyi scolded her in a low voice.

    Dai Zhiqiang opened his eyes slightly. Desire brewed in his eyes as he looked at her eyes. It was like he wanted to devour her right there and then.

    Li Caiyi''s chest tightened, seeing his expression. She remembered well the meaning behind those hot stares. Her heart thumped so loudly she was afraid he would hear it.

    "Li Caiyi," Dai Zhiqiang called out to her in a husky voice, making him look more seductive than before.

    She gulped nervously, without knowing what to say. Her mind drew nk with how intensely Dai Zhiqiang looked at her.

    "It''s fine if you don''t want to bite me, but can you stay over at my ce tonight?" His voice was urgent, almost pleading.

    "I-I don''t think that''s a good idea." Li Caiyi looked away because her heart couldn''t take it anymore.<novelnext></novelnext>

    Dai Zhiqiang always had this rough edge charm in him before, but now he has matured into a fine adult. The roughness had been subdued a lot, leaving a devilish mysterious charm.

    Aside from his proactiveness, the current Dai Zhiqiand slowly turned into the same man who held her tight in the night when she gave up everything. Li Caiyi knew following him was probably not a good idea, yet she still did it anyway.

    The same temptation now served before her, but their feelings were much more profound than before. It was easy to get swept up in that river of emotion and lust.

    There was a heavy tension in the air as he waited for her answer.

    "Dai Zhiqiang, I think we should part here." Li Caiyi said in the end. She didn''t think it would be alright to continue while she still hadplicated feelings about him.

    A trace of disappointment shed through his eyes before he slowly lowered her hand. "Alright. I won''t force you to do things you don''t want to."

    "T-Thanks," Li Caiyi tucked her hair behind her ears nervously before quickly adding, "Then, I''ll take my leave first. Let''s talk about the matter we discussedter."

    Li Caiyi felt like she would change her mind if she didn''t leave, so she dared not to stall time.

    "I''ll walk you home," Dai Zhiqiang offered.

    "No, it''s fine. My apartment is not far from here."

    "Then I will follow behind you. I won''t do anything. I just want to make sure you arrive home safely."

    Li Caiyi groaned. "Don''t do that. It''s creepy. Are you a stalker?"

    "It''s not stalking if I already notified you beforehand. Don''t feel burdened and just walk home like usual. I''ll keep you safe." Dai Zhiqiang argued with a deadpan expression as though he found nothing wrong with his logic, rendering her speechless by his shamelessness.

    But then again, he wasn''t exactly wrong either. It was probably better than him insisting on walking side by side with her. The tension from before hadn''t subsided yet, so she was worried she would get swept up in his pace.

    "Do as you please. But you must leave as soon as you see me entering my house."

    "I will keep that in mind."

    Eventually, they walked down the street separately. Dai Zhiqiang strode several meters behind her, but their minds were one.

    Li Caiyi kept resisting the urge to look back, while Dai Zhiqiang kept hoping for her to look back at him even once.

    The distance between them right now was like the distance between their hearts. Li Caiyi didn''t let him get close to her easily, so if she looked back at him even once, Dai Zhiqiang would be content with that.

    One stepˇ­two stepsˇ­.

    As she said, her apartment was just a short distance from Yueguang. It didn''t take long before they finally arrived at her house.

    Throughout the trip, Li Caiyi hadn''t looked back even once. Dai Zhiqiang didn''t know what to do with the mncholy he felt inside.

    He stood by the apartment entrance, contemting whether he should escort her to her room or not when Li Caiyi suddenly called out to him. "Dai Zhiqiang."

    Dai Zhiqiang raised his head expectantly and found her fidgeting in her ce nervously.

    "Uhm, do you want to go upstairs? I have some band-aids in my room for your finger."

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