59. I am angry because you don’t trust me.

The meal was filled with unspoken thoughts from everyone.

Qin Zhaoyi’s ears twitched almost imperceptibly, having been warmed by Luo Yue’s breath as she spoke.

She pressed her lips together and remained silent, not answering Cheng Shiyu’s question, but instead picking up her chopsticks.

Seeing her displeased expression, Luo Yue quickly pulled back, “Let’s all eat first. Whatever needs to be said can wait until after the meal; the food will get cold.”

Zhong Ling, however, let out a light scoff, seemingly disdainful of Luo Yue’s actions.

Within just a few minutes, Luo Yue had soured the atmosphere with a few words and then played the peacemaker, taking on both the roles of the villain and the hero herself.

This was far more entertaining than any palace intrigue drama Zhong Ling had ever watched.

If Luo Yue were sent to the palace, she’d undoubtedly be the one laughing until the end.

With someone as straightforward as Cheng Shiyu around, she’d probably end up counting money for her even after being sold.

Too bad all of Luo Yue’s tricks were seen through by Zhong Ling.

Still, Zhong Ling didn’t expect Cheng Shiyu to be so sincere.

Cheng Shiyu was tall, strong, and honest—a person who usually appeared serious and easy to deceive.

She didn’t guard herself against Luo Yue at all.

It seemed like she was standing up for Zhong Ling, but she only succeeded in angering Qin Zhaoyi.

If Qin Zhaoyi’s alias had been exposed like this in public in the past, she would have flipped the table and left immediately.

But now, Qin Zhaoyi was much more patient. She didn’t flip the table, nor did she leave; she calmly picked up a piece of food and put it in her mouth.

However, the way she chewed made it look as if the piece she picked up was Zhong Ling’s flesh.

Zhong Ling shrank back for no reason and dared not act out any further.

Let alone provoke Luo Yue.

Instead, she adjusted her mindset and called out to everyone, “Let’s eat. I just whipped this up quickly, so don’t complain if it’s not to your taste.”

Once everyone had started eating, Yan Ci, trying to warm up the atmosphere, was the first to compliment, “The food is great; I never realized you were so talented.”

Zhong Ling, understanding the mood, winked at her, “Is it because I’m too pretty to seem like someone who can cook?”

Yan Ci nodded, then shook her head, “First, it’s because you’re pretty, and second, because you’re talented. I liked your remake of ‘The Fox Under the Moonlight’ even before I met you.”

Zhong Ling’s smile stiffened.

That book was written by Qin Zhaoyi.

The recently exposed Qin Zhaoyi glanced at Zhong Ling upon hearing this, and Zhong Ling suddenly felt a chill run down her back.

Zhong Ling immediately flattered, “It’s because the book was well written.”

Yan Ci smiled, “Both were great. It’s an honor to be eating with you two.”

With one sentence, she managed to praise both Zhong Ling and Qin Zhaoyi, but Qin Zhaoyi muttered, “Please don’t.”

“What’s wrong?” Yan Ci noticed Qin Zhaoyi’s expression was still sour, and teased, “Are you afraid that once we know you’re a bestselling author, we won’t want to hang out with you?”

Her tone was like she was coaxing a child.

Qin Zhaoyi shook her head, “No.”

She simply didn’t like hearing about her own matters from others.

Especially when it involved her private life.

But Qin Zhaoyi knew Cheng Shiyu hadn’t done it on purpose; she had probably known about the pen name “Sicily” since back when she and Zhong Ling were dating.

Back then, it was just that she didn’t recognize her.

Zhong Ling had even mentioned her and had planned to introduce Cheng Shiyu to her.

But Qin Zhaoyi was busy writing a new book and declined the invitation.

Who knew things would come together like this?

And Zhong Ling was caught in the crossfire.

Who could she blame?

Blame Luo Yue for stirring things up?

She wouldn’t dare.

Qin Zhaoyi didn’t want to talk, so she focused on her food.

The atmosphere, which had briefly warmed, quickly cooled again. Zhong Ling, bracing herself, raised her glass like a head of the household, “My friend and my sister have been causing trouble on Moon Island lately, thank you all for looking out for them.”

They were drinking beverages, so they drank casually.

Yan Ci and Cheng Shijing both joined in for a drink.

Yan Ci said, “No trouble at all. Your sister is very well-behaved.”

Zhong Ling: “?”

Zhong Ling glanced at Zhong Yu, who was eating quietly, and her mouth twitched slightly, finding it a bit odd.

She thought to herself that only her appearance was well-behaved, but inside, she was a complete lunatic.

Her possessiveness was extreme and downright terrifying.

However, Zhong Ling didn’t want to embarrass Zhong Yu, so she smiled and said, “As long as you don’t mind.”

After all, she hadn’t caused any trouble.

After some polite small talk, the atmosphere lightened up a bit, but it was clear that the meal was not enjoyable for anyone, as their expressions revealed.

Other than the initial provocative comments, Luo Yue didn’t say much during the meal.

When Zhong Ling raised her glass, Luo Yue responded in kind.

After the meal, Cheng Shijing had to return to the clinic and took Cheng Shiyu with him.

Cheng Shiyu kept looking back as she left, but Zhong Ling was busy tidying up the mess with Zhong Yu, standing close to her and giving instructions. She didn’t even glance up.

Yan Ci also left to tend to the coffee shop.

Even though there weren’t any customers, he took his job seriously.

Luo Yue got up and said she was going to school, but Qin Zhaoyi didn’t offer to go with her.

In fact, she didn’t say much at all, only responding with an “oh.”

Luo Yue stared at her for a while, but seeing that she was busy with other things—though there wasn’t really much to do, she was just avoiding eye contact—Luo Yue didn’t say anything more and turned to leave.

Zhong Ling, in the midst of tidying up, let out a small sigh of relief. “Finally.”

“Huh?” Zhong Yu thought she was being called ^[1]Finally is zhong yu too. Just with different characters, “What’s up?”

“Not you,” Zhong Ling said. “I meant we finally escaped that hellish situation.”

“Okay.” Zhong Yu shrugged. “Usually, Luo Jie has a very good temper, she’s a gentle person. I don’t know why she has such a strong hostility toward you.”

Zhong Ling pursed her lips. “Why else? I hugged Yi Jie this morning, and she caught us in the act.”

Zhong Yu’s mouth dropped open, wide enough to fit an egg, and then she clicked her tongue, “No wonder you’re being targeted.”

Being targeted by Cheng Shijing was because you took away Shiyu Jie.

Being targeted by Luo Yue was because you hugged Yi Jie.

“That’s just her being petty,” Zhong Ling’s hands worked swiftly as she spoke nonstop. “I’ve been friends with Qin Zhaoyi since we were kids, okay? We were desk mates in elementary school, in the same class all through middle and high school. Isn’t it normal for me to hug her? Besides, I haven’t hugged her in ages. It’s just that I saw her this morning and…”

She abruptly stopped talking, not wanting to bring up Xi Ge in front of Zhong Yu.

If Qin Zhaoyi’s pseudonym was a private matter, then Xi Ge was like a forbidden topic for her.

Over the years, Zhong Ling had been very mindful of this.

It was only because of Zhong Ling’s later career as a director, and the mutual recognition with Sicily, that so many people came to know Qin Zhaoyi through her identity as Sicily.

“What about this morning?” Zhong Yu asked.

Zhong Ling shook her head. “Nothing, I just haven’t seen her in a long time.”

Zhong Yu accepted this and moved on. Zhong Ling continued her earlier complaint, “That sister of hers is just too possessive. Her face may look gentle, but she’s got a sharp edge to her personality.”

Zhong Yu, holding a tray of cleaned dishes, headed to the kitchen, “Didn’t notice that.”

“Well, your Sister Yi is totally under her control,” Zhong Ling laughed. “It’s a good thing, though. After all these years, I’ve finally seen someone who can keep Qin Zhaoyi in check…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she noticed a sharp gaze coming from behind the sofa.

It startled Zhong Ling so much that her hand trembled, nearly dropping the dish.

“Holy crap,” Zhong Ling adjusted her breathing after being startled. “You didn’t go to send off your girlfriend? Sitting there silently, trying to scare me to death?”

“Keep me in check?” Qin Zhaoyi looked at her coldly. “What heinous crimes have I committed that I need someone to keep me in check?”

“It was just a figure of speech,” Zhong Ling picked up the dish and casually called out to her, “If you have nothing else to do, why not come over and wash the dishes? Xiao Yu said she needs to go help out at the coffee shop later. Once you’re done, we can go out together. I haven’t had a chance to explore this area yet. I can also move my stuff over from the hotel.”

Qin Zhaoyi turned her head away, clearly displeased. “I don’t want to wash dishes.”

Zhong Ling stood in front of her, “Miss Qin, are you really upset? I honestly didn’t mean to reveal your pen name, and it’s not like you don’t know Cheng Shiyu. It just came up during the conversation.”

“I’ll apologize on her behalf,” Zhong Ling tugged at her arm. “Get up and wash the dishes for me; I’m too tired.”

Qin Zhaoyi gave her a sidelong glance, neither agreeing nor refusing.

She just kept a cold expression on her face, clearly indicating, “I don’t feel like talking right now!”

It was hard to tell what exactly she was upset about.

Zhong Ling noticed and didn’t head to the kitchen. Instead, she tried to comfort her, “Are you mad at Luo Yue? She’s only targeting me because you and I are close, that’s all. She’s just possessive.”

Qin Zhaoyi frowned. “You’re not angry?”

“Why would I be?” Zhong Ling smiled.

Qin Zhaoyi pursed her lips. “She embarrassed you in front of everyone.”

From what Qin Zhaoyi knew of Zhong Ling, she wasn’t someone who took things lying down.

After all, she had been in the entertainment industry for years, and it was her sharp tactics that allowed her to thrive with just a sweet face. She was young, but people still called her Teacher Zhong.

She was the typical case of a young person in a high position.

And today at lunch, Zhong Ling had been put in a tough spot.

Luo Yue’s persistent and pressing tone had made even Qin Zhaoyi uncomfortable to listen to from the sidelines.

She couldn’t say she disliked Luo Yue, but she did feel uneasy.

After all, Zhong Ling was a friend she’d known for many years.

She only had this one friend.

She really wished Luo Yue could get along well with Zhong Ling.

Besides, Zhong Ling had a great personality.

Even though they often bickered, Zhong Ling almost always let her win.

Qin Zhaoyi could be quite temperamental, but she could recognize when someone was being good to her.

Qin Zhaoyi had already explained the situation to Luo Yue.

She had explained it over and over again, thinking that Luo Yue had understood.

But in the end, Luo Yue still didn’t believe her.

With all these factors combined, Qin Zhaoyi felt so stifled all afternoon that she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

All the food she ate felt like it was just piling up in her stomach, even rising up to her throat.

“What does it matter?” Zhong Ling smiled. “I’ve been through more embarrassing situations than this. Besides, we’re all familiar here, and she didn’t say anything too out of line.”

“No matter whether she sides with you or with Cheng Shiyu, she has her reasons not to like me.”

Zhong Ling saw things clearly, as someone on the outside often does.

Qin Zhaoyi still remained silent.

She was a novice when it came to relationships and only felt that Luo Yue didn’t trust her and was making things difficult for her. If Zhong Ling hadn’t been there, she might have ended up embarrassing herself.

“She’s acting this way because she cares about you.” Zhong Ling nudged her with her elbow. “She’s jealous.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

“Jealous?” Qin Zhaoyi’s tone changed.

“Yes,” Zhong Ling said. “Because she likes you.”

But she refused to say any more. She would only give Qin Zhaoyi an explanation if she did the dishes.

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

Qin Zhaoyi might not have a talent for cooking, but she was definitely talented when it came to cleaning.

After all, for someone with OCD and a cleaning obsession, cleaning was a necessary life skill, something that came naturally.

As Qin Zhaoyi washed the dishes, Zhong Ling analyzed the situation for her.

The conclusion was that Luo Yue wasn’t as calm and indifferent as she appeared on the surface.

But Qin Zhaoyi still felt uneasy and was in low spirits the entire afternoon.

She took Zhong Ling around Moon Island, and before long, they had walked the entire area.

When they passed by the elementary school, Zhong Ling mentioned the charity work she had done in the past.

Qin Zhaoyi pointed and said, “There, that’s the place.”

“Is it a coincidence?” Zhong Ling asked. “Did you know about it before you came here?”

“No,” Qin Zhaoyi shook her head.

All the money had been managed by Zhou Xi and distributed to various places that needed it.

It really was a coincidence.

“Does it give you a sense of accomplishment when you see this?” Zhong Ling asked.

Qin Zhaoyi nodded, “I do feel like, wow, I really did help some people.”

“You helped a lot of people.” Zhong Ling pointed to herself. “For example, me.”

Qin Zhaoyi knew she was starting to talk nonsense again and gave her a sidelong glance, “Yeah, sure, now hurry up and call me Grandpa.”

Zhong Ling: “…”

“I’ll kill you.” Zhong Ling punched her in the back, only to be caught by Qin Zhaoyi, “Want to die?”

Zhong Ling kicked her, but ended up getting kicked back.

It was a game they had played since elementary school, and even now, they never got tired of it.

Qin Zhaoyi scolded her for not having any creativity.

Zhong Ling scolded her for not having any childlike fun.

They each scolded the other, neither bothering the other in the slightest.

Qin Zhaoyi then drove Zhong Ling to town to pack up and check out of her hotel. She had very few belongings, just a single bag.

When Zhong Ling saw her car, she clicked her tongue and said, “Our Miss Qin has finally experienced the life of an ordinary person.”

She then added, “Are you pretending to be poor here? Like in those stories where someone pretends to be poor to gain sympathy?”

“No,” Qin Zhaoyi chuckled lightly, “Do I need to pretend?”

“So… are you actually poor?” Zhong Ling retorted.

Qin Zhaoyi: “I’m really not poor.”

Qin Zhaoyi explained, “When I first arrived, everyone already knew I had money.”

Zhong Ling: “Got it, got it. It was written all over your face: gullible and loaded.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “?”

Qin Zhaoyi nearly kicked her out of the car.

Zhong Ling continued teasing her, mimicking a high-pitched voice, “Sister, sister, I’m sitting in your front passenger seat. Your girlfriend won’t get mad, right?”

Zhong Ling’s exaggerated voice nearly made Qin Zhaoyi frown so hard she could crush a fly between her brows. She corrected her through gritted teeth, “Can you just speak normally?”

“Oh, come on.” Zhong Ling continued in the same voice, “Just tell me, will your girlfriend really not get mad?”

“She will.” Qin Zhaoyi opened the car door, “Now get out and crawl under the tire so I can run you over.”

The tone was so genuinely threatening that it scared Zhong Ling into quickly buckling her seatbelt.

Afraid that Qin Zhaoyi might actually do something that insane.

Finally, Zhong Ling returned to her normal self. When they passed by a phone store, Qin Zhaoyi asked if she wanted to buy a new phone.

Zhong Ling: “You’re buying it for me?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “Don’t you have your own money?”

Zhong Ling: “…Nope.”

She said it with such conviction.

Zhong Ling shrugged, “Did you forget I was just extorted for two million?”

Qin Zhaoyi tried to hold back but eventually gave in and scolded her, “Idiot.”

Zhong Ling: “Ha, can’t you maintain your persona?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

For some reason, whenever Qin Zhaoyi was around Zhong Ling, she found herself cursing more frequently.

Probably because Zhong Ling was just too annoying, begging to be scolded.

As she was paying, Qin Zhaoyi mentioned this, while Zhong Ling was setting up her phone. Her hands paused for a moment, even trembling slightly, “I say, Qin Zhaoyi, could you not be so genuine?”

Qin Zhaoyi was startled and looked up—what’s the matter?

She expected Zhong Ling to say something in response.

But instead, she simply put her phone away and grinned, “You’ve convinced me; I feel like cursing myself now.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

You really couldn’t use normal logic to understand Zhong Ling.

After leaving the phone store, they went back home to drop off their things and then headed to Yan Ci’s café, staying there until dusk.

The café had a great atmosphere, but not a single customer.

Qin Zhaoyi gave Zhong Ling a sidelong glance, “I am a person.”

Meaning, it didn’t bother her either way.

Zhong Ling shrugged, “I meant besides the two of us.”

“That’s normal.” Qin Zhaoyi explained, “There aren’t many young people on Moon Island, so not many people come here for coffee.”

“Can she make any money from this?” Zhong Ling asked.

Qin Zhaoyi shook her head, “I don’t know.”

But anyone who would open a café on the island probably didn’t care about making money.

“But she seems pretty wealthy,” Zhong Ling said. “The bag she was carrying at lunch was a new release from an independent designer, globally limited to just one piece.”

“Which one?” Qin Zhaoyi frowned.

She hadn’t noticed.

Her spending habits were quite different from Zhong Ling’s.

She habitually bought big brands, especially classic and minimalist styles; if she didn’t know how to match, she would just buy these, as they wouldn’t go wrong.

Zhong Ling, on the other hand, preferred to buy from niche designers, some of which were very expensive, some cheap, and some quite ugly.

But it was all personal preference.

“French designer Ryan.” Zhong Ling showed her the product page, “I liked it back then, so I followed it, but later I heard it was sold out.”

Qin Zhaoyi glanced at it; the price was 7,000 US dollars.

Converted to RMB, it was about thirty thousand.

For someone like her and Zhong Ling, that wasn’t much.

But for an average middle-class family, they probably wouldn’t spend that much on a bag, and they would have to appreciate the style of such niche designers.

“It could also be a knockoff.” Qin Zhaoyi said.

In the trade market on Moon Island, there were often knockoffs of Adidas and Nike, with a pair of shoes selling for fifty.

During clearance sales, three pairs for one hundred.

“No.” Zhong Ling shook her head, “I specifically checked; the side has a logo, and the bottom is genuine leather; it’s the real deal.”

Qin Zhaoyi paused, “If she can afford to open a café, she shouldn’t be short of two or three thousand to buy a bag.”

“No, no, no.” Zhong Ling immediately denied, “This designer is notoriously difficult to deal with; the prerequisite for buying this bag is that you have to purchase three million worth of goods from him to qualify to buy this bag.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “?”

“Who gave him the audacity?” Qin Zhaoyi was shocked, “It’s so ugly and still sells for such a high price?”

Finally, she accidentally spoke the truth, and Zhong Ling burst into laughter, “You have no taste and still call others ugly.”

Qin Zhaoyi scoffed at her lack of taste, yet loved to be a sheep to be slaughtered.

Zhong Ling called her crazy, always resorting to personal attacks for no reason.

But no one probed into Yan Ci’s background anymore.

After all, she was a peculiar person.

Every day, she brought in the best ingredients to make the freshest coffee.

Yet there were hardly any customers.

Opening a shop didn’t seem to be about making money; it felt more like a way to cultivate oneself, finding something to do.

After bickering with Qin Zhaoyi for a while, they went to have dinner.

Zhong Ling had treated for lunch, probably feeling a bit guilty, so for dinner, Yan Ci organized a gathering, inviting everyone to the café for hot pot.

This was quite unprecedented.

Qin Zhaoyi and Zhong Ling helped manage the café, pushing two tables together.

Yan Ci took Zhong Yu out to buy the base ingredients and vegetables.

Before long, people started arriving one after another.

Cheng Shijing and Cheng Shiyu were still together, but the atmosphere between them was not like before.

Qin Zhaoyi remembered that Cheng Shiyu used to love bickering with Cheng Shijing, full of energy.

But ever since Zhong Ling arrived, it was as if she had become a drained ghost, cautious in everything she did, always looking to Zhong Ling for cues.

Qin Zhaoyi had previously looked down on Cheng Shiyu, thinking she wasn’t worthy of Zhong Ling.

Now she only felt, what qualifications does Zhong Ling have?

Based on her tendency to ramble, she must have Cheng Shiyu wrapped around her finger.

After getting her new phone, Zhong Ling didn’t log into her old WeChat, finding the messages annoying.

Instead, she directly registered a new WeChat with a new card, and whenever someone entered, she would have them scan it, claiming they were already familiar, and they would be good neighbors in the future, making it easy to contact each other.

Qin Zhaoyi rolled her eyes behind her.

It was clearly a scheme to add Cheng Shiyu on WeChat.

However, she even added Luo Yue’s WeChat.

After adding her, she messaged Luo Yue in front of Qin Zhaoyi: [Hello, Luo Jie. ^-^]

Qin Zhaoyi: “I”

Qin Zhaoyi leaned in and scolded her, “Being cute is shameful.”

Zhong Ling smiled, “Isn’t it better than you not being able to be cute?”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

The heart of a schemer cannot be hidden.

She had already reached out, directly pushing her forward.

And right in front of her was Cheng Shiyu.

The scene replayed.

Qin Zhaoyi whispered from behind, “Tsk.”

Zhong Ling turned back, shaking her fist at her in threat.

Qin Zhaoyi smiled, “Not only can you be cute, but you can also throw yourself at someone~”

Zhong Ling: “I”

She also wanted to throw someone into the sea to feed the fish.

This little drama was witnessed by everyone; the playful banter that existed in their daily lives seemed to create a space just for the two of them, blocking out everyone else.

Especially Luo Yue, who sat in the corner but kept her gaze fixed on them.

Since she entered, Qin Zhaoyi had only exchanged a glance with her before turning away.

It felt like she was still angry, waiting for someone to coax her.

Luo Yue didn’t coax her, just stared at her.

And she didn’t look at Luo Yue at all, just played with Zhong Ling.

The two of them together were indeed quite childish, bickering like elementary school kids, fighting like primary school students.

Even if placed in her class, there would be no sense of incongruity.

It was clear that their relationship was indeed very good.

So good that it made others jealous.

When eating hot pot, the seating arrangement was the same as at lunch.

But by night, the sea water continuously crashed against the shore, the moon hung high in the sky, the streetlights lit up, and the entire island was enveloped in a quiet and warm atmosphere, with no one willing to argue and break the peace.

Thus, it was particularly harmonious.

It truly felt like a gathering of a small group of friends.

Especially with hot pot, a dining style that brings people closer together.

By the time they finished the hot pot, it was nearly ten o’clock, and Zhong Ling called Zhong Yu to stay at Qin Zhaoyi’s place.

Zhong Yu shook her head, “I’m very comfortable staying here.”

Zhong Ling urged Yan Ci to kick her out, but Yan Ci gently said, “Let her stay; it’s no trouble.”

Zhong Ling poked Zhong Yu’s forehead, “Are you staying because you think Jiejie is gentle?”

Zhong Yu’s face flushed instantly, turning away, “You’ve had too much to drink.”

Zhong Ling had been drinking casually that night, treating it as a place to rest.

After all, with Qin Zhaoyi around.

Miss Qin, though sharp-tongued and cold-faced, wouldn’t let her sleep on the streets.

Zhong Ling smiled at this, “It’s a bit true.”

After that, she fell silent, instead looking at Luo Yue.

Luo Yue met her gaze and smiled gently.

Zhong Ling rested her chin on her hand, gazing at her with a lovesick expression.

The tension from before lunch had completely dissipated.

Instead, there was a sense of appreciation.

It was getting late, and the gathering came to an end.

Qin Zhaoyi stood up and asked Zhong Ling, “Can you still crawl back?”

The disdain in her words was very obvious, but her concern was also evident.

Zhong Ling stood up, slightly unsteady, but still smiled, “Just kidding, I can crawl back even if I have another bottle.”

Qin Zhaoyi: “…………… Fine, you crawl.”

She didn’t know why she was still drinking.

They had already seen Cheng Shiyu; why continue drinking?

What issues couldn’t be clearly discussed?

The key was that Cheng Shiyu was even indulging her, pouring her drinks.

Drunken fool.

Qin Zhaoyi cursed Zhong Ling a hundred times in her heart but still had to take her home.

Just like those few times she had drunk heavily after a breakup.

But she hadn’t drunk to the point of losing consciousness, didn’t need anyone to support her, and even thoughtfully let Qin Zhaoyi and Luo Yue walk together while she strolled leisurely behind.

Cheng Shiyu kept watching her unsteady figure from behind.

Cheng Shijing called out to her, “Let’s go home.”

Cheng Shiyu turned back with difficulty, tears welling in her eyes.

In the light, it was particularly noticeable, and Cheng Shijing frowned, “What’s wrong?”

Cheng Shiyu smiled, looking very sad, “She rarely drinks.”

“Are you going to say it’s because of you?” Cheng Shijing was about to advise her not to be overly sentimental when he heard Cheng Shiyu say, “Ge, I think… I really did something wrong.”

Cheng Shijing was puzzled, “What did you do wrong?”

Clearly, when she returned to Moon Island, she was so sad, it was obvious she was the one who had been let down.

Cheng Shiyu shook her head, “I shouldn’t have provoked her from the start.”

Knowing full well she wouldn’t gain approval, she still held onto a glimmer of hope.

Later, when the pressure came, she couldn’t hold onto anything.

And still awkwardly followed back to Moon Island.

“What do you mean?” Cheng Shijing asked.

Cheng Shiyu looked at him, wanting to say something but hesitating, yet she said, “Ge, sometimes I really envy you.”

“What do you envy me for?” Cheng Shijing frowned, “Why are you speaking so strangely? Have you drunk too much?”

I envy you for being able to grow freely.

Even if you return to Moon Island from Jiayi, giving up such a high education wouldn’t be criticized.

I envy you for being able to choose your life freely.

Saying you won’t marry Luo Yue means you won’t marry; you can like whoever you want.

I envy you for being able to live without fear, never having anyone put pressure on you.

There are too many things to envy, but in the end, she couldn’t say anything.

All the words were swallowed back, leaving only one sentence—

“Nothing.” Cheng Shiyu slowly shook her head, “Let’s go home.”

After bringing Zhong Ling back home, Qin Zhaoyi arranged a room for her, far from the master bedroom.

Zhong Ling went to wash up first, calling out to Qin Zhaoyi to be more casual here, treating it like her own home.

Qin Zhaoyi: “…”

She really wanted to punch her.

But after returning to her bedroom, she didn’t feel tired at all.

Instead, her chaotic thoughts piled up, almost making her head explode.

Just yesterday, she had confirmed her relationship with Luo Yue; today should have been a very sweet day.

But for some inexplicable reason, they both fell silent.

It felt a bit like a cold war.

Qin Zhaoyi wanted to talk to her but found it hard to muster the mood, feeling it shouldn’t be her who initiated the conversation.

So she just held onto her tension.

She sulked alone for a long time.

When Zhong Ling had fallen asleep, she had just finished showering and returned to her room, preparing to calm the fire in her heart before sleeping.

She saw that Luo Yue had sent her a message five minutes ago: [Do you want to come find me?]

Qin Zhaoyi looked at the message, hesitating on how to reply, typing a few words only to delete them. Luo Yue’s message popped up on the screen again: [Come find me.]

The tone was even more forceful than before.

Qin Zhaoyi grabbed her phone and stepped out.

The light in Luo Yue’s room was still on, but the curtains were drawn.

She knocked a few times, and the door opened slightly, revealing Luo Yue standing there, her gentle eyes carrying a coolness.

Qin Zhaoyi pressed her lips together, “You called me here…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Luo Yue pulled her in, closing the door behind her and pressing her against it.

The coolness of the wooden door seeped through her thin silk nightgown, lowering her body temperature.

And her words were completely blocked.

Luo Yue kissed her fiercely, one hand threading through her neck, pressing her head against the door.

After exchanging breaths for a few moments, just as Qin Zhaoyi felt she was about to suffocate, Luo Yue finally released her, their foreheads touching, breathing slightly ragged, her voice husky with texture, “Baby, what are you angry about? Are you mad that I bullied Zhong Ling?”

Qin Zhaoyi, still dazed from the kiss, hadn’t regained her senses when she heard Zhong Ling’s name, instantly feeling annoyed, “You only know Zhong Ling.”

“You only know Zhong Ling.” Luo Yue said softly, “You’re throwing a tantrum because of her and me.”

Qin Zhaoyi stared at her intently.

Luo Yue bit her lip.

Qin Zhaoyi’s eyes instantly misted over, her voice filled with grievance, “I’m angry because you don’t trust me.”